Rate-equation calculations of the current flow through two-site molecular device and DNA-based junction

Here we present the calculations of incoherent current flowing through the two-site molecular device as well as the DNA-based junction within the rate-equation approach. Few interesting phenomena are discussed in detail. Structural asymmetry of two-site molecule results in rectification effect, which can be neutralized by asymmetric voltage drop at the molecule-metal contacts due to coupling asymmetry. The results received for poly(dG)-poly(dC) DNA molecule reveal the coupling- and temperature-independent saturation effect of the current at high voltages, where for short chains we establish the inverse square distance dependence. Besides, we document the shift of the conductance peak in the direction to higher voltages due to the temperature decrease.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figure

Loss of decay-accelerating factor triggers podocyte injury and glomerulosclerosis

Kidney glomerulosclerosis commonly progresses to end-stage kidney failure, but pathogenic mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we show that podocyte expression of decay-accelerating factor (DAF/CD55), a complement C3 convertase regulator, crucially controls disease in murine models of adriamycin (ADR)-induced focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic glomerulosclerosis. ADR induces enzymatic cleavage of DAF from podocyte surfaces, leading to complement activation. C3 deficiency or prevention of C3a receptor (C3aR) signaling abrogates disease despite DAF deficiency, confirming complement dependence. Mechanistic studies show that C3a/C3aR ligations on podocytes initiate an autocrine IL-1\u3b2/IL-1R1 signaling loop that reduces nephrin expression, causing actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. Uncoupling IL-1\u3b2/IL-1R1 signaling prevents disease, providing a causal link. Glomeruli of patients with FSGS lack DAF and stain positive for C3d, and urinary C3a positively correlates with the degree of proteinuria. Together, our data indicate that the development and progression of glomerulosclerosis involve loss of podocyte DAF, triggering local, complement-dependent, IL-1\u3b2-induced podocyte injury, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets

IPO underpricing, signaling, and property returns

Initial public offering, Underpricing, Signaling, Direct property returns, G24, D82,

Corporate governance mechanisms and financial performance in China: panel data evidence on listed non financial companies

The objective of this paper is to provide empirical evidence on the influence of corporate governance characteristics and corporate ownership concentrations on the financial performance of Chinese companies. This is based on analysis of a panel data set covering the years 2001 to 2005. The characteristics considered are the ratios of independent directors and professional supervisors on the companies' two boards, and the level of concentration in and type of ownership of the companies. Our chosen performance metric is Tobin's Q. We find that ownership concentration in general is a significant factor in determining firm performance. The degree of board independence is significant, but it only appears to have a positive impact on performance in larger companies. The expertise of the supervisory board is not a significant determinant of corporate financial performance in China. Our findings support a continued focus on making improvements to the operation and effectiveness of China's institutions of corporate governance.Yuan George Shan and Ron P. McIve