bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parkin Mutations Reduce the Complexity of Neuronal Processes in iPSC-Derived Human Neurons
Authors: Ren Yong , Jiang Houbo , Hu Zhixing , Fan Kevin , Wang Jun , Janoschka Stephen , Wang Xiaomin , Ge Shaoyu , Feng Jian 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the degeneration of nigral dopaminergic (DA) neurons and non-DA neurons in many parts of the brain. Mutations of parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that strongly binds to microtubules, are the most frequent cause of recessively inherited PD. The lack of robust PD phenotype in parkin knockout mice suggests a unique vulnerability of human neurons to parkin mutations. Here, we show that the complexity of neuronal processes as measured by total neurite length, number of terminals, number of branch points, and Sholl analysis was greatly reduced in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived TH+ or TH− neurons from PD patients with parkin mutations. Consistent with these, microtubule stability was significantly decreased by parkin mutations in iPSC-derived neurons. Overexpression of parkin, but not its PD-linked mutant nor green fluorescent protein, restored the complexity of neuronal processes and the stability of microtubules. Consistent with these, the microtubule-depolymerizing agent colchicine mimicked the effect of parkin mutations by decreasing neurite length and complexity in control neurons while the microtubule-stabilizing drug taxol mimicked the effect of parkin overexpression by enhancing the morphology of parkin-deficient neurons. The results suggest that parkin maintains the morphological complexity of human neurons by stabilizing microtubules. Stem Cells 2015;33:68–78
Collapse‐resistant performance of RC beam–column sub‐assemblages with varied section depth and stirrup spacing
Authors: Tsai Meng‐Hao , Chang Yu‐Ting 
Published: October 2014

SummaryFour reinforced concrete (RC) beam–column sub‐assemblages designed with different span‐to‐depth ratios and two with varied stirrup spacing were tested, and associated pseudo‐static analyses were conducted to investigate their collapse resistance under gravitational loading. The span‐to‐depth ratio was varied from 4.57 to 8.0, and the stirrup spacing was increased from 10 cm to 20 cm. The experimental results indicated that the resistance enhancement decreased with increasing span‐to‐depth ratio in the arch phase and the opposite was true in the catenary resistance. The specimen failed to recover its peak arch resistance in the catenary phase as the span‐to‐depth ratio was reduced to 4.5. Significant shear failure was observed when the stirrup spacing was increased, and it induced premature catenary action under the gravitational loading. The pseudo‐static analysis results suggested that the catenary action was effective only if the peak arch resistance could be recovered. Hence, the peak arch resistance should be regarded as the collapse resistance for RC members with lower span‐to‐depth ratios. Also, the dynamic increase factor increased with plastic deformation and span‐to‐depth ratio in the catenary phase. This indicated that the empirical formulae recommended in current available guidelines are only suitable for alternate load path analysis without considering the catenary action. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A gradient‐based multiple‐path routing protocol for low duty‐cycled wireless sensor networks
Authors: Hao Jie , Yao Zheng , Huang Kui , Zhang Baoxian , Li Cheng 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTRouting in a low duty‐cycled wireless sensor network (WSN) has attracted much attention recently because of the challenge that low duty‐cycled sleep scheduling brings to the design of efficient distributed routing protocols for such networks. In a low duty‐cycled WSN, a big problem is how to design an efficient distributed routing protocol, which uses only local network state information while achieving low end‐to‐end (E2E) packet delivery delay and also high packet delivery efficiency. In this paper, we study low duty‐cycled WSNs wherein sensor nodes adopt pseudorandom sleep scheduling for energy saving. The objective of this paper is to design an efficient distributed routing protocol with low overhead. For this purpose, we design a simple but efficient hop‐by‐hop routing protocol, which integrates the ideas of multipath routing and gradient‐based routing for improved routing performance. We conduct extensive simulations, and the results demonstrate the high performance of the proposed protocol in terms of E2E packet delivery latency and packet delivery efficiency as compared with existing protocols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray fluorescence analysis on a group of coins from the ancient roman city of Tridentum (Trento, Italy)
Authors: Scuotto Marilena , Bassi Cristina , Lezzerini Marco , Grifoni Emanuela , Legnaioli Stefano , Lorenzetti Giulia , Pagnotta Stefano , Palleschi Vincenzo 
Published: October 2014

A group of 83 coins, found in the archeological excavations of the ancient Roman city of Tridentum (Trento, Italy), was studied for the determination of their composition, finalized to their classification and cataloging.The coins, mainly made of copper‐based alloys, were minted between the republican period (II century BC) and the last decades of the western empire (V century AD).The X‐Ray Fluorescence archaeometric analysis has allowed a revision of the typological classification of the coins through the identification of six broad groups, each one characterized by a peculiar composition of the coins in the group. A tentative assignation of all the unreadable coins to one of the groups identified was proposed, in a way that could suggest also a possible dating of these coins. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local Structure of Sodium‐ and Iron‐deintercalated NaFeAs
Authors: Cassidy Simon J. , Ramos Silvia , Clarke Simon J. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe local structures around Fe and As were probed using X‐ray absorption spectroscopy in metastable derivatives of NaFeAs obtained by deintercalation of the metals with iodine in THF at room temperature. The deintercalated product with a defective ThCr2Si2 structure is unattainable through conventional high temperature routes due to the size‐mismatch between the eight‐coordinate site and the Na+ radius in the ThCr2Si2 structure type, and is poorly crystalline. X‐ray absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) measurements show a shift of the Fe K‐edge consistent with oxidation of iron to the +3 oxidation state. Changes to the features in the XANES at the As K‐edge and analysis of the Extended X‐ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) data from both Fe and As K‐edges show that the local structures of Fe and As may only be modelled adequately using a highly defective ThCr2Si2 structural model. This shows that deintercalation of both Na and Fe from NaFeAs occurs to produce NaFe1.7As2, which shares local structural features with the related iron selenides K0.8Fe1.6Se2.
Synthesis, Structure, and Chemical Bonding in CaCoSi
Authors: Hoffmann Andrea V. , Hlukhyy Viktor , Fässler Thomas F. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe intermetallic compound CaCoSi was synthesized by solid state synthesis and investigated by means of X‐ray diffraction (both powder and single crystal method): PbClF type structure, P4/nmm (No.129): a = 3.977(1) Å, c = 7.089(5) Å, R1 = 0.0303, 121 F2, 9 variable parameters. CaCoSi contains isolated [CoSi]2– 2D layers in the ab plane, which are separated by Ca2+ cations along the c direction. The crystal chemistry and chemical bonding of CaCoSi are discussed in terms of LMTO band structure calculation and analyzed using the Electron Localization Function (ELF).
Prospective Cohort Study of Symptom Resolution outside of the Ulnar Nerve Distribution following Cubital Tunnel Release
Authors: Chimenti Peter C. , McIntyre Allison W. , Childs Sean M. , Hammert Warren C. , Elfar John C. 
Published: October 2014

Background Resolution of symptoms including pain, numbness, and tingling outside of the median nerve distribution has been shown to occur following carpal tunnel release. We hypothesized that a similar effect would be found after release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Methods Twenty patients with isolated cubital tunnel syndrome were prospectively enrolled. The upper extremity was divided into six zones, and the location of pain, numbness, tingling, or strange sensations was recorded pre-operatively. Two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, and validated questionnaires were collected. The same data were collected at 6-week follow-up. Paired t tests or non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests were used where appropriate to examine for significant ( p≤0.05) changes between pre- and post-operative scores. Results Probability of resolution was greater outside of the ulnar nerve distribution than within at early follow-up. There was a decrease in pain, numbness, and tingling symptoms both within and outside the ulnar distribution after cubital tunnel release. There was a decrease in pain as measured by several validated questionnaires. Conclusion This study documents resolution of symptoms in an extra-ulnar distribution after cubital tunnel release. Improvement in pain and function after cubital tunnel release may be associated with an improvement in symptoms both within and outside the ulnar nerve distribution. Future studies could be directed at correlating pre-operative disease severity with probability of extra-territorial symptom resolution using a larger sample population.
Hydroxyoctadecadienoic Acids Regulate Apoptosis in Human THP‐1 Cells in a PPARγ‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Vangaveti Venkat N. , Shashidhar Venkatesh M. , Rush Catherine , Malabu Usman H. , Rasalam Roy R. , Collier Fiona , Baune Bernhard T. , Kennedy Richard L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMacrophage apoptosis, a key process in atherogenesis, is regulated by oxidation products, including hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (HODEs). These stable oxidation products of linoleic acid (LA) are abundant in atherosclerotic plaque and activate PPARγ and GPR132. We investigated the mechanisms through which HODEs regulate apoptosis. The effect of HODEs on THP‐1 monocytes and adherent THP‐1 cells were compared with other C18 fatty acids, LA and α‐linolenic acid (ALA). The number of cells was reduced within 24 hours following treatment with 9‐HODE (p < 0.01, 30 μM) and 13 HODE (p < 0.01, 30 μM), and the equivalent cell viability was also decreased (p < 0.001). Both 9‐HODE and 13‐HODE (but not LA or ALA) markedly increased caspase‐3/7 activity (p < 0.001) in both monocytes and adherent THP‐1 cells, with 9‐HODE the more potent. In addition, 9‐HODE and 13‐HODE both increased Annexin‐V labelling of cells (p < 0.001). There was no effect of LA, ALA, or the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone (1μM), but the effect of HODEs was replicated with apoptosis‐inducer camptothecin (10μM). Only 9‐HODE increased DNA fragmentation. The pro‐apoptotic effect of HODEs was blocked by the caspase inhibitor DEVD‐CHO. The PPARγ antagonist T0070907 further increased apoptosis, suggestive of the PPARγ‐regulated apoptotic effects induced by 9‐HODE. The use of siRNA for GPR132 showed no evidence that the effect of HODEs was mediated through this receptor. 9‐HODE and 13‐HODE are potent—and specific—regulators of apoptosis in THP‐1 cells. Their action is PPARγ‐dependent and independent of GPR132. Further studies to identify the signalling pathways through which HODEs increase apoptosis in macrophages may reveal novel therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.
Autophagic activity as an indicator for selecting good quality embryos
Authors: Tsukamoto Satoshi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIs it possible to predict the quality of embryos that appear to be morphologically identical when viewed under a microscope? Thirty‐five years have passed since the world's first human birth from in vitro fertilization. While the dissemination of assisted reproduction technologies during this time has been remarkable, the evaluation of embryo quality in both humans and mice currently relies entirely on morphological observation. More efficient infertility treatments will likely be possible if high‐quality embryos can be selected by screening. To develop a novel quality evaluation method that does not rely on morphology, we focused on autophagy, one of the molecular mechanisms essential for the early embryonic development. Autophagy is a massive cytoplasmic degradation pathway mediated by the lysosome. Our previous studies have demonstrated that fertilization‐induced autophagy is essential for preimplantation embryonic development. This autophagy is thought to supply the nutrients and amino acids necessary for maintaining subsequent embryo development, through the bulk degradation of maternal cytoplasmic factors that are accumulated during oogenesis. Here, we briefly summarize autophagy and its physiological function, and describe a recently developed method for using autophagic activity as an indicator to predict embryo quality.
IL‐1β increases necrotic neuronal cell death in the developing rat hippocampus after status epilepticus by activating type I IL‐1 receptor (IL‐1RI)
Authors: Medel‐Matus Jesús‐Servando , Álvarez‐Croda Dulce‐Mariely , Martínez‐Quiroz Joel , Beltrán‐Parrazal Luis , Morgado‐Valle Consuelo , López‐Meraz María‐Leonor 
Published: October 2014

AbstractInterleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) is associated with seizure‐induced neuronal cell death in the adult brain. The contribution of IL‐1β to neuronal injury induced by status epilepticus (SE) in the immature brain remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of IL‐1β administration on hippocampal neuronal cell death associated with SE in the immature brain, and the role of the type I receptor of IL‐1β (IL‐1RI). SE was induced with lithium–pilocarpine in 14‐days‐old (P14) rat pups. Six hours after SE onset, pups were i.c.v. injected in the right ventricle with IL‐1β (0, 0.3, 3, 30, or 300 ng), 30 ng of IL‐1RI antagonist (IL‐1Ra) alone, or 30 ng of IL‐1Ra plus 3 ng of IL‐1β. As control groups, pups without seizures were injected with 3 ng of IL‐1β or vehicle. Twenty‐four hours after SE onset, neuronal cell death in the CA1 field of dorsal hippocampus was assessed by hematoxylin–eosin, Fluoro‐Jade B and in vivo propidium iodide (PI) staining; expression of active caspase‐3 (aCas‐3) was also determined, using immunohistochemistry. The concentration–response curve of IL‐1β showed a bell‐shape. Only pups injected with 3 ng of IL‐1β after SE showed a significant increase in the number of cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei, as well as F‐JB positive cells with respect to the vehicle group. This effect was prevented when IL‐1β was injected with IL‐1Ra. Injection of 3 ng of IL‐1β increased the number of PI‐positive cells in CA1 area after SE. Injection of 3 ng of IL‐1β did not produce hippocampal cell death in rats without seizures. Active caspase‐3 expression was not observed after treatments in hippocampus. The activation of the IL‐1β/IL‐1RI system increases necrotic neuronal cell death caused by SE in rat pups.
Measuring living standards of older people using Sen's Capability Approach: development and validation of the LSCAPE-24 (Living Standards Capabilities for Elders) and LSCAPE-6
Authors: BREHENY MARY , STEPHENS CHRISTINE , HENRICKSEN ANNETTE , STEVENSON BRENDAN , CARTER KRISTIE , ALPASS FIONA 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTThe impact of disparities in socio-economic status on the health of older people is an important issue for policy makers in the context of population ageing. As older people live in different types of economic circumstances and because, as people age, their desires and needs are different to those of younger generations, measures of living standards need to be appropriate for older people. This paper reports on the validation of a measure of living standards for older people based on Sen's Capability Approach. Using this approach, living standards are conceptualised as varying from constraint to freedom rather than from hardship to comfort. Using the New Zealand Longitudinal Study of Ageing omnibus survey of 3,923 adults aged 50–87 years, the validity of the measure was assessed. The results indicate that this measure assesses what older people are able to achieve. In addition, this measure discriminates better at the higher end of the living standards spectrum than an existing measure that assesses living standards from hardship to comfort in terms of what people possess. From this, a short form of the measure has been developed which offers a conceptually based and valid measure useful for survey research with older people. This measure of living standards provides future avenues for improved understandings of socio-economic position in later life.
Powder diffraction data of the PrAlFeNi3 quaternary compound
Authors: He Bing , Qin Ming , Li Degui , Liang Liuqing , Zeng Lingmin 
Published: October 2014

A new quaternary compound PrAlFeNi3 was synthesized and studied by means of X-ray powder diffraction technique. The powder pattern of PrAlFeNi3 was indexed and refined, giving a hexagonal structure, space group P6/mmm (No. 191) with the CaCu5 structure type, a = 5.1132(2) Å, c = 4.0737(1) Å, V = 92.19 Å3, Z = 1, ρx = 7.20 g cm−3, F30 = 173.61 (0.0054, 32) and RIR = 0.77.
Characterizing the genetic basis of innate immune response in TLR4-activated human monocytes
Authors: Kim Sarah , Becker Jessica , Bechheim Matthias , Kaiser Vera , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Fricker Nadine , Beier Esther , Klaschik Sven , Boor Peter , Hess Timo , Hofmann Andrea , Holdenrieder Stefan , Wendland Jens R. , Fröhlich Holger , Hartmann Gunther , Nöthen Markus M. , Müller-Myhsok Bertram , Pütz Benno , Hornung Veit , Schumacher Johannes 
Published: October 2014

AbstractToll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in innate immunity. Apart from their function in host defense, dysregulation in TLR signalling can confer risk to autoimmune diseases, septic shock or cancer. Here we report genetic variants and transcripts that are active only during TLR signalling and contribute to interindividual differences in immune response. Comparing unstimulated versus TLR4-stimulated monocytes reveals 1,471 expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) that are unique to TLR4 stimulation. Among these we find functional SNPs for the expression of NEU4, CCL14, CBX3 and IRF5 on TLR4 activation. Furthermore, we show that SNPs conferring risk to primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease are immune response eQTLs for PDGFB and IL18R1. Thus, PDGFB and IL18R1 represent plausible candidates for studying the pathophysiology of these disorders in the context of TLR4 activation. In summary, this study presents novel insights into the genetic basis of the innate immune response and exemplifies the value of eQTL studies in the context of exogenous cell stimulation.
Chip-integrated optical power limiter based on an all-passive micro-ring resonator
Authors: Yan Siqi , Dong Jianji , Zheng Aoling , Zhang Xinliang 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRecent progress in silicon nanophotonics has dramatically advanced the possible realization of large-scale on-chip optical interconnects integration. Adopting photons as information carriers can break the performance bottleneck of electronic integrated circuit such as serious thermal losses and poor process rates. However, in integrated photonics circuits, few reported work can impose an upper limit of optical power therefore prevent the optical device from harm caused by high power. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate a feasible integrated scheme based on a single all-passive micro-ring resonator to realize the optical power limitation which has a similar function of current limiting circuit in electronics. Besides, we analyze the performance of optical power limiter at various signal bit rates. The results show that the proposed device can limit the signal power effectively at a bit rate up to 20 Gbit/s without deteriorating the signal. Meanwhile, this ultra-compact silicon device can be completely compatible with the electronic technology (typically complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology), which may pave the way of very large scale integrated photonic circuits for all-optical information processors and artificial intelligence systems.
Differences in the Patterns of in-work Poverty in Germany and the UK
Authors: Giesselmann Marco 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
This study analyses differences in individual-level working poverty determinants between Germany and the UK. These differences are linked to institutional patterns at the country level. Here, we observe that the two countries differ especially in bargaining centralisation, employment protection legislation and family policy. At the same time, the levels of decommodification and labour market regulation are no longer core differences in the institutional settings of Germany and the UK, which is interpreted as a consequence of Germany's departure from a traditional conservative regime since the mid-1990s. Adopting economic and sociological approaches, we explain how Germany's closed employment system channels the effects of deregulation policies to the periphery of the labour market. Additionally, we argue that open employment relationships that dominate in the UK put specifically older employees at risk. Finally, we identify country-specific differences in the economic dependency of women, resulting from a stronger male breadwinner orientation of family policy in Germany. Accordingly, multivariate analyses based on harmonised versions of the British Household Panel Study (2002–2005) and the Socio-Economic Panel Study (2003–2006) reveal that entrants and re-entrants to the labour market, women and – unexpectedly – low-educated persons are particularly affected by in-work poverty in Germany; whereas older workers are more likely to face precarious economic conditions in the UK.
Individualisation and Poverty Over Time: The Italian Case (1985–2011)
Authors: Biolcati-Rinaldi Ferruccio , Sarti Simone 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
In the last few years, much sociological debate has focused on individualisation theory, especially on Beck's risk society version. According to this theory, contemporary social change can be interpreted as the progressive weakening of the influence of social structures on individual behaviour. Individualisation theory has been adopted in many fields of study (voting behaviour, consumption behaviour, etc.). Although much of the debate has a theoretical character, there have been some attempts to empirically assess individualisation theory. As far as poverty is concerned, scholars supporting individualisation theory, as well as scholars opposing it, have adopted one of the following methodological strategies: highlighting the role played by individual variables (especially by life course variables) rather than structural variables; controlling for individual rather than structural variables. Both these approaches focus on short observation windows; however, it is necessary to consider long periods in order to assess the core of individualisation theory, i.e. the decreasing influence of social structures. Our approach assesses the change (rather than the stability) of the individual-level relationship between structures (occupational classes, education, etc.) and poverty over a long time period. This changing-parameter model is implemented through multilevel modelling with families at level one and years at level two. The analysis focuses on the Italian case and it is based on data from the Family Expenditure Survey (Indagine sui Consumi delle Famiglie) that was collected by the Italian Statistical Institute (ISTAT). It covers the period from 1985 to 2011. The results seem to indicate that there is stability in the relationship between structures and poverty.