Identification of PLXDC1 and PLXDC2 as the transmembrane receptors for the multifunctional factor PEDF.

Pigment Epithelium Derived Factor (PEDF) is a secreted factor that has broad biological activities. It was first identified as a neurotrophic factor and later as the most potent natural antiangiogenic factor, a stem cell niche factor, and an inhibitor of cancer cell growth. Numerous animal models demonstrated its therapeutic value in treating blinding diseases and diverse cancer types. A long-standing challenge is to reveal how PEDF acts on its target cells and the identities of the cell-surface receptors responsible for its activities. Here we report the identification of transmembrane proteins PLXDC1 and PLXDC2 as cell-surface receptors for PEDF. Using distinct cellular models, we demonstrate their cell type-specific receptor activities through loss of function and gain of function studies. Our experiments suggest that PEDF receptors form homooligomers under basal conditions, and PEDF dissociates the homooligomer to activate the receptors. Mutations in the intracellular domain can have profound effects on receptor activities

Characteristics of Energy Consumption by building type of a U.S. Navy Installation in Hot and Humid Climate

In fiscal year 2014, the facility energy consumption of the Department of Defense (DOD) amounted to 214,164 billion British thermal units (Btus), which was about 1.2 percent of the total U.S. commercial sector’s energy consumption. DOD spent $4.2 billion on facility energy, which included$4 billion to power, heat, and cool buildings. Several research works have been conducted to save energy and study the energy consumption of military installations in a general view. However, few research works discussed the characteristics of energy consumption by building type in a high temperature and high relative humidity climate. This paper will investigate the characteristics of energy consumption by building type under the specific hot and humid climate at a selected U.S. Navy installation. The building types comprise of office building, residential building, supermarket, data center, warehouse and supermarket. Utility bills of electricity and natural gas for each building will be analyzed to show the actual energy consumption status. Field tests on HVAC system operations and building envelope properties will be conducted to identify the characteristics of energy consumption for each building type. Weakness of current building operation in the selected military installation will be discussed. Based on measured data and walk-through inspection, energy conservation measures will be proposed