bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Mining Techniques for Communities’ Detection in Dynamic Social Networks
Authors: Robardet Céline
Published: December 2012

Social network analysis studies relationships between individuals and aims at identifying interesting substructures such as communities. This type of network structure is intuitively defined as a subset of nodes more densely linked, when compared with the rest of the network. Such dense subgraphs gather individuals sharing similar property depending on the type of relation encoded in the graph. In this chapter we tackle the problem of identifying communities in dynamic networks where relationships among entities evolve over time. Meaningful patterns in such structured data must capture the strong interactions between individuals but also their temporal relationships. We propose a pattern discovery method to identify evolving patterns defined by constraints. In this paradigm, constraints are parameterized by the user to drive the discovery process towards potentially interesting patterns, with the positive side effect of achieving a more efficient computation. In the proposed approach, dense and isolated subgraphs, defined by two user-parameterized constraints, are first computed in the dynamic network restricted at a given time stamp. Second, the temporal evolution of such patterns is captured by associating a temporal event types to each subgraph. We consider five basic temporal events: the formation, dissolution, growth, diminution and stability of subgraphs from one time stamp to the next one. We propose an algorithm that finds such subgraphs in a time series of graphs processed incrementally. The extraction is feasible thanks to efficient pruning patterns strategies. Experimental results on real-world data confirm the practical feasibility of our approach. We evaluate the added-value of the method, both in terms of the relevancy of the extracted evolving patterns and in terms of scalability, on two dynamic sensor networks and on a dynamic mobility network.
Automated Diagnostics of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kukar Matjaž , Kononenko Igor , Grošelj Ciril
Published: December 2012

The authors present results and the latest advancement in their long-term study on using image processing and data mining methods in medical image analysis in general, and in clinical diagnostics of coronary artery disease in particular. Since the evaluation of modern medical images is often difficult and time-consuming, authors integrate advanced analytical and decision support tools in diagnostic process. Partial diagnostic results, frequently obtained from tests with substantial imperfections, can be thus integrated in ultimate diagnostic conclusion about the probability of disease for a given patient. Authors study various topics, such as improving the predictive power of clinical tests by utilizing pre-test and post-test probabilities, texture representation, multi-resolution feature extraction, feature construction and data mining algorithms that significantly outperform the medical practice. During their long-term study (1995-2011) authors achieved, among other minor results, two really significant milestones. The first was achieved by using machine learning to significantly increase post-test diagnostic probabilities with respect to expert physicians. The second, even more significant result utilizes various advanced data analysis techniques, such as automatic multi-resolution image parameterization combined with feature extraction and machine learning methods to significantly improve on all aspects of diagnostic performance. With the proposed approach clinical results are significantly as well as fully automatically, improved throughout the study. Overall, the most significant result of the work is an improvement in the diagnostic power of the whole diagnostic process. The approach supports, but does not replace, physicians’ diagnostic process, and can assist in decisions on the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic tests.
Mass Media Strategies
Authors: Ortiz Zezzatti Carlos Alberto Ochoa , Young Darwin , Chira Camelia , Azpeitia Daniel , Calvillo Alán
Published: December 2012

Evolve computing is a generic name given to the resolution of computational problems with base in models of an evolutionary process. Most of the evolutionary algorithms propose biological paradigms, and concepts of natural selection, mutation, and reproduction. Nevertheless other paradigms exist and can be adopted in the creation of evolutionary algorithms. Many problems involve environments not structured which can be solved from the perspective of cultural paradigms, which offer plenty of category models, where one does which do not know the possible solutions at problem, a common situation in the real life. The intention of this research is analyze the Crowdfunding Model, supporting to a social networking to an Indie Pop Band. Sociological research shows that Crowdfunding tends to reveal a bias toward social similarity. Therefore, in order to model this Project supported with Crowdfunding developing an Agent-Based Model that already manages the social interaction, together with featuring information of MySpace Music evolutionary belief spaces. To introduce these theoretical concepts the authors decided use Cultural Algorithms in our approach, explaining the process in detail.
Association Rule Mining in Developmental Psychology
Authors: Nembhard D. A. , Yip K. K. , Stifter C. A.
Published: December 2012

Developmental psychology is the scientific study of progressive psychological changes that occur in human beings as they age. Some of the current methodologies used in this field to study developmental processes include Yule’s Q, state space grids, time series analysis, and lag analysis. The data collected in this field are often time-series-type data. Applying association rule mining in developmental psychology is a new concept that may have a number of potential benefits. In this paper, two sets of infant-mother interaction data sets are examined using association rule mining. Previous analyses of these data used conventional statistical techniques. However, they failed to capture the dynamic interactions between the infant-mother pair as well as other issues relating to the temporal characteristic of the data. Three approaches are proposed in this paper as candidate means of addressing some of the questions that remain from previous studies. The approaches used can be applied to association rule mining to extend its application to data sets in related fields.
Approaches for Pattern Discovery Using Sequential Data Mining
Authors: Gupta Manish , Han Jiawei
Published: December 2012

In this chapter we first introduce sequence data. We then discuss different approaches for mining of patterns from sequence data, studied in literature. Apriori based methods and the pattern growth methods are the earliest and the most influential methods for sequential pattern mining. There is also a vertical format based method which works on a dual representation of the sequence database. Work has also been done for mining patterns with constraints, mining closed patterns, mining patterns from multi-dimensional databases, mining closed repetitive gapped subsequences, and other forms of sequential pattern mining. Some works also focus on mining incremental patterns and mining from stream data. We present at least one method of each of these types and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. We conclude with a summary of the work.
Developing Angles of Integration
Authors: Thun Jörn-Henrik
Published: December 2012

This chapter discusses the relationship between the focus and degree of internet-based Information Technology (IT) applications and the scope and orientation of process-oriented integration in supply chains. In particular, the degree of supplier and customer integration and its match with the implemented IT instruments supporting inter-organizational collaboration are investigated. Different types of integration are differentiated from each other. For the measurement of the focus and degree of IT integration and supply chain integration, an approach is introduced which allows the analysis of the alignment of both aspects. This approach is referred to as the angles of integration. With respect to supply chain integration and IT implementation, the analysis of different integration strategies are possible. The chapter helps companies to evaluate the alignment of their use of IT techniques with their supply chain management emphases. Furthermore, it refines an existing framework for the comparison of different supply chain integration strategies and applies it with IT. Based on the angles of integration, the match of supply chain integration and IT can be investigated.
Integration Strategies for Electronic Device Supply Chains
Authors: Wagner Claudia-Maria , Ryan Colm
Published: December 2012

The growth in the manufacture and distribution of electronic devices is one of the most significant sources of continuing innovation of the last half-century. These products are notable in that they integrate physical elements (i.e. hardware) and virtual elements (e.g. software) to deliver value to customers. This chapter examines the role of innovation in electronic product supply chains by exploring the commonalities and differences between the distribution models of digital and physical elements and examining alternative frameworks from which digital and physical distribution methods can be merged. A number of contemporary case studies are presented that highlight how the different elements can work together to deliver continuously innovative value to customers.
Inventory Management, a Decision Support Framework to Improve Operational Performance
Authors: van den Berg Jan , van Heck Guido , Davarynejad Mohsen , van Duin Ron
Published: December 2012

Enterprise Resource Planning systems have been introduced to support the efficient and effective execution of business processes. In practice, this may not fully succeed. This also holds in particular for inventory management (IM), which forms a part of supply chain management. Within this research, by analyzing the IM business process theoretically, eleven potential benefits are indicated. Next, by using a Business Intelligence approach, key performance indicators (KPIs) are selected to measure the performance of IM sub-processes. Integration of these approaches yields an IM performance decision support framework that can be used to obtain a generic, coherent picture of the fundamental IM processes in an organization. In addition, by tracking and analyzing KPI measurements, adequate decisions can be prepared towards the improvement of the operational IM performance. The proposed framework is validated using experts’ opinions and a comparative case study. The experts’ comments yielded a list of top-10 KPIs, based on the measurements of which a set of quick wins can be determined. The case study results show that some of the identified potential benefits are also observed in practice. Future research may reveal that comparable performance improvements are possible in other IM environments (and even in other supply chain domains) based on similar decision support frameworks.
Basics of Graph Theory
Authors: Biukaghazadeh Payman
Published: December 2012

This chapter introduces preliminary definitions required in the rest of this book. It is recommended to read this chapter before starting the rest of the book. At the first section of this chapter the history of graph theory is described. Well-known problems, such as Hamilton’s game and Euler’s paths and cycles, are introduced. Finally, terminologies and notations are described.
Connectivity
Authors: Hosseininia Mahtab , Dadgostari Faraz
Published: December 2012

In this chapter, the concept of graph connectivity is introduced. In the first section, some concepts such as walk, path, component and connected graph are defined, and connectedness of a graph from the viewpoint of vertex connectivity, and also, edge connectivity are discussed. Then, blocks and block tree of graphs are illustrated. In addition, connectivity in directed graphs is introduced. Furthermore, in the last section, two graph traversal algorithms, depth first search and breadth first search, are described to investigate the connectedness of directed and undirected graphs.
Matching Theory
Authors: Barah Masoud , Mazaheri Ehsan
Published: December 2012

Matching theory has a fundamental role in graph theory and combinatorial optimization. The authors introduce the concepts of covering and matching, which have a close relationship. The chapter aims to introduce the matching theory from an industrial engineer’s point of view. To clarify the application of matching theory, two major maximum matching algorithms are described and implemented in two well-known industrial engineering problems.
Recovering Drawing Trajectory
Authors: Iranpoor Mehdi
Published: December 2012

Graph theory has many applications in solving real-life problems. However, the application of Eulerian graphs and Eulerian tours/trails seems to be comparatively limited. In this chapter, an application of graph theory in handwriting recognition is presented. There are a lot of studies regarding handwriting recognition. Most of these methods deal with either offline or online handwriting recognition. However, the discussed approaches in this chapter are distinct in the manner that they aim to extract the trajectory of writing so as to equip the offline handwritten image with temporal information. When the trajectory of writing is known, it can be possible to utilize online recognition methods which are more reliable. These trajectory extracting methods are based on Eulerian trails in semi-Eulerian graphs. Semi-Eulerian graphs are graphs with at most two odd vertices. Eulerian trail is a trail in which every edge is traversed exactly once. The methods can be helpful in recognition of single-stroke handwritten images. Relying on the minimum energy law, the methods try to find the smoothest trajectory of writing which contribute to the recognition process.
Higher Education Management
Authors: Biukaghazadeh Payman
Published: December 2012

The optimal arrangement of the curriculum is an important part of every educational program. During the decision making about this arrangement, one should consider many factors which have impact on the curriculum. In this chapter, a struggle to the design of the curriculum through graph theory is made.
Visual Detection in Linked Multi-Component Robotic Systems
Authors: Lopez-Guede Jose Manuel , Fernandez-Gauna Borja , Moreno Ramon , Graña Manuel
Published: December 2012

In this chapter, a system to identify the different elements of a Linked Multi-Component Robotic System (L-MCRS) is specified, designed, and implemented. A L-MCRS is composed of several independent robots and a linking element between them which provide a greater complexity to these systems. The identification system is used to model each component of the L-MCRS using very basic information about each of the individual components. So, different state models that have been used in several works of the literature that have been reviewed can be covered. The chapter explains the design of the system and shows its frontend. This work is the first step towards a realistic implementation of L-MCRS.
Methodologies for Evaluating Disparity Estimation Algorithms
Authors: Cabezas Ivan , Trujillo Maria
Published: December 2012

The use of disparity estimation algorithms is required in the 3D recovery process from stereo images. These algorithms tackle the correspondence problem by computing a disparity map. The accuracy assessment of a disparity estimation process has multiple applications such as comparing among different algorithms’ performance, tuning algorithm’s parameters within a particular context, and determining the impact of components, among others. Disparity estimation algorithms can be assessed by following an evaluation methodology. This chapter is dedicated to present and discuss methodologies for evaluating disparity estimation algorithms. The discussion begins with a review of the state-of-the-art. The constitutive components of a methodology are analysed. Finally, advantages and drawbacks of existing methodologies are presented.
Perception is Reality
Authors: Eatmon Thomas D. , Piso Zachary A. , Schmitt Elyse
Published: December 2012

Despite the cold weather climate conditions of the Great Lakes region, an increasing number of organizations are growing local food on a year round basis. The utilization of commercial aquaponics has allowed these organizations to grow both fish and produce indoors while creating new jobs and community development opportunities. Research has shown that there are significant challenges to maintaining profitable commercial aquaponics ventures in temperate climates; however, the popularity of the technology in urban agriculture seems to be increasing. In this chapter, the authors use diffusion of innovation theory to explain the adoption of this sustainable development innovation in the face of financial challenges. They find that the perception of relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability may be explanatory factors in the adoption of commercial aquaponics in the face of financial challenge.
Industrial Pollution and People’s Movement
Authors: Charuvilayil Rasheed A.
Published: December 2012

Industrial pollution is one of the largest environmental and livelihood issues faced by developing societies. It has led to the mobilization of people to protest against it, in various forms, in accordance with their socio-political landscape. The case of Kerala State in India is no different. A number of studies related to environmental issues, dams and displacement, deforestation, et cetera have appeared in the recent past. However, regarding environmental movements against industrial pollution in India, studies are limited. The social problems related to industries had generally led to mobilization of affected people in various parts of the country. One such mobilization of the people affected by industrial pollution is the focus of this chapter. Even though Kerala is a less industrialized state in India, the industrialization model adopted by the government of Kerala was not sustainable and subsequently it has failed on many fronts. In this chapter the researcher has explored work on the issues related to the contemporary development practices of industrialization. This study is an attempt to underline the problems of unsustainable development and people’s protest against it.
Association between Magnitude of the Virus-Specific Plasmablast Response and Disease Severity in Dengue Patients
Authors: Garcia-Bates Tatiana M. , Cordeiro Marli T. , Nascimento Eduardo J. M. , Smith Amanda P. , Soares de Melo Klécia M. , McBurney Sean P. , Evans Jared D. , Marques Ernesto T. A. , Barratt-Boyes Simon M.
Published: December 2012

Dengue is a globally expanding disease caused by infection with dengue virus (DENV) that ranges from febrile illness to acute disease with serious complications. Secondary infection predisposes individuals to more severe disease, and B lymphocytes may play a role in this phenomenon through production of Ab that enhance infection. To better define the acute B cell response during dengue, we analyzed peripheral B cells from an adult Brazilian hospital cohort with primary and secondary DENV infections of varying clinical severity. Circulating B cells in dengue patients were proliferating, activated, and apoptotic relative to individuals with other febrile illnesses. Severe secondary DENV infection was associated with extraordinary peak plasmablast frequencies between 4 and 7 d of illness, averaging 46% and reaching 87% of B cells, significantly greater than those seen in mild illness or primary infections. On average >70% of IgG-secreting cells in individuals with severe secondary DENV infection were DENV specific. Plasmablasts produced Ab that cross-reacted with heterotypic DENV serotypes, but with a 3-fold greater reactivity to DENV-3, the infecting serotype. Plasmablast frequency did not correlate with acute serum-neutralizing Ab titers to any DENV serotype regardless of severity of disease. These findings indicate that massive expansion of DENV-specific and serotype cross-reactive plasmablasts occurs in acute secondary DENV infection of adults in Brazil, which is associated with increasing disease severity.
Blocking A2B Adenosine Receptor Alleviates Pathogenesis of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis via Inhibition of IL-6 Production and Th17 Differentiation
Authors: Wei Wei , Du Changsheng , Lv Jie , Zhao Guixian , Li Zhenxin , Wu Zhiying , Haskó György , Xie Xin
Published: December 2012

Adenosine is a key endogenous signaling molecule that regulates immune responses. A2B adenosine receptor (AR) is a relatively low-affinity receptor for adenosine, and the activation of A2BAR is believed to require pathological level of adenosine that is associated with ischemia, inflammation, trauma, or other types of stress. The role of A2BAR in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unclear. In this study, we discovered that A2BAR was upregulated both in the peripheral blood leukocytes of MS patients and the peripheral lymphoid tissues of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice. A2BAR-specific antagonists, CVT-6883 and MRS-1754, alleviated the clinical symptoms of EAE and protected the CNS from immune damage. A2BAR-knockout mice also developed less severe EAE. Further study indicated that blocking or deleting A2BAR inhibited Th17 cell differentiation by blocking IL-6 production from APCs such as dendritic cells. In dendritic cells, A2BAR was also upregulated during the development of EAE. CVT-6883 and genetic deletion of A2BAR significantly reduced adenosine-mediated IL-6 production. The phospholipase Cβ–protein kinase C and p38 MAPK pathways were found to be involved in the A2BAR-mediated IL-6 production. Our findings not only revealed the pathological role of A2BAR in EAE, but also suggested that this receptor might be a new therapeutic target for the development of anti-MS drugs.
Effective Cooperation of Monoclonal Antibody and Peptide Vaccine for the Treatment of Mouse Melanoma
Authors: Ly Long V. , Sluijter Marjolein , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Jager Martine J. , van Hall Thorbald
Published: December 2012

mAbs binding to tumor-associated surface Ags are therapeutically applied in a range of malignancies. Therapeutic vaccination only recently met with clinical success, and the first cancer vaccine received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval last year. To improve current protocols, we combined peptide vaccines with mAb to the tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1 surface Ag for the treatment of B16F10 skin melanoma. Vaccine formulations with synthetic long peptides failed to elicit strong CD8 T cell responses to self-differentiation Ags gp100 and TRP-2, whereas altered peptide sequences recruited gp100-specific CD8 T cells from the endogenous repertoire with frequencies of 40%. However, these high frequencies were reached too late; large, progressively growing melanomas had already emerged. Addition of the TRP-1–directed mAb TA99 to the treatment protocol mediated eradication of s.c. lesions. The mode of action of the Ab did not depend on complement factor C3 and did not lead to improved Ag presentation and CD8 T cell immunity; rather, it recruited FcγR-bearing innate immune cells during early tumor control, thereby creating a window of time for the generation of protective cellular immunity. These data support the concept of combination therapy, in which passive transfer of mAbs is supplemented with cancer peptide vaccines. Moreover, we advocate that tumor Ag–specific T cell immunity directed against self-proteins can be exploited from the endogenous repertoire.
Early Growth Response Gene-2 Controls IL-17 Expression and Th17 Differentiation by Negatively Regulating Batf
Authors: Miao Tizong , Raymond Meera , Bhullar Punamdip , Ghaffari Emma , Symonds Alistair L. J. , Meier Ute C. , Giovannoni Gavin , Li Suling , Wang Ping
Published: December 2012

Early growth response gene (Egr)-2 is important for the maintenance of T cell homeostasis and controls the development of autoimmune disease. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We have now discovered that Egr-2, which is induced by TGF-β and IL-6, negatively regulates the expression of IL-17, but not IL-2 or IFN-γ, in effector T cells. In the absence of Egr-2, CD4 T cells produce high levels of Th17 cytokines, which renders mice susceptible to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induction. T cells lacking Egr-2 show increased propensity for Th17, but not Th1 or Th2, differentiation. Control of IL-17 expression and Th17 differentiation by Egr-2 is due to inhibition of Batf, a transcription factor that regulates IL-17 expression and Th17 differentiation. Egr-2 interacts with Batf in CD4 T cells and suppresses its interaction with DNA sequences derived from the IL-17 promoter, whereas the activation of STAT3 and expression of retinoic acid–related orphan receptor γt are unchanged in Th17 cells in the absence of Egr-2. Thus, Egr-2 plays an important role to intrinsically control Th17 differentiation. We also found that CD4 T cells from multiple sclerosis patients have reduced expression of Egr-2 and increased expression of IL-17 following stimulation with anti-CD3 in vitro. Collectively, our results demonstrate that Egr-2 is an intrinsic regulator that controls Th17 differentiation by inhibiting Batf activation, which may be important for the control of multiple sclerosis development.
Reduced Surface Expression of TLR4 by a V254I Point Mutation Accounts for the Low Lipopolysaccharide Responder Phenotype of BALB/c B Cells
Authors: Tsukamoto Hiroki , Fukudome Kenji , Takao Shoko , Tsuneyoshi Naoko , Ohta Shoichiro , Nagai Yoshinori , Ihara Hideyuki , Miyake Kensuke , Ikeda Yoshitaka , Kimoto Masao
Published: December 2012

LPS is recognized by TLR4 and radioprotective 105 kDa in B cells. Susceptibility to LPS in murine B cells is most closely linked to the locus containing the TLR4 gene. However, the molecular mechanism underlying genetic control of LPS sensitivity by this locus has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we revealed that C57BL/6 (B6) B cells respond to mAb-induced, TLR4-specific signals stronger than BALB/c (BALB) B cells, as assessed by proliferation and upregulation of CD69 and CD86. In contrast, BALB B cells were not hyporesponsive to agonistic anti–radioprotective 105 kDa mAb or the TLR9 agonist CpG. Although the level of TLR4 mRNA in BALB B cells was comparable with that in B6 B cells, surface TLR4 expression in BALB B cells was lower than that in B6 B cells. This lower surface expression of BALB TLR4 was also observed when HEK293 and Ba/F3 cells were transfected with a BALB TLR4 expression construct. We identified a V254I mutation as the responsible single nucleotide polymorphism for lower surface expression of BALB TLR4. Furthermore, cotransfection of myeloid differentiation factor-2 increased BALB TLR4 expression, although it was still lower than B6 TLR4 expression. In concordance with reduced expression, Ba/F3 cells transfected with BALB TLR4 and myeloid differentiation factor-2 were hyporesponsive compared with those with B6 TLR4, as assessed by LPS-induced NF-κB activation. In conclusion, we revealed that LPS sensitivity is genetically controlled by the level of surface TLR4 expression on B cells. A V254I mutation accounts for the LPS hyporesponsive phenotype of BALB B cells.
Cleavage of Anti-Apoptotic Bcl-2 Family Members after TCR Stimulation Contributes to the Decision between T Cell Activation and Apoptosis
Authors: Guerrero Alan D. , Welschhans Robert L. , Chen Min , Wang Jin
Published: December 2012

Engagement of the TCR induces activation-induced cell death (AICD) of T cells that have been previously stimulated. However, a portion of these T cells can survive and undergo further activation. The molecular mechanism that decides whether a T cell will live or die after TCR re-engagement is unclear. We found that cross-linking of TCR in preactivated primary mouse T cells led to the cleavage of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL in dying cells. Cleavage-resistant Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL were more efficient than their wild-type counterparts in the inhibition of apoptosis in primary mouse T cells and in the H9 T cell line after TCR cross-linking. In contrast, the surviving T cells after TCR re-engagement displayed upregulation of Bcl-xL, and knockdown of Bcl-xL promoted AICD. This indicates that caspase-mediated cleavage of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL facilitates AICD in T cells, whereas upregulation of Bcl-xL promotes T cell survival and allows further T cell activation. Our data suggest that cleavage of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL contributes to the decision between T cell activation and apoptosis after TCR re-engagement.
Unraveling Graft-versus-Host Disease and Graft-versus-Leukemia Responses Using TCR Vβ Spectratype Analysis in a Murine Bone Marrow Transplantation Model
Authors: Fanning Stacey L. , Zilberberg Jenny , Stein Johann , Vazzana Kristin , Berger Stephanie A. , Korngold Robert , Friedman Thea M.
Published: December 2012

The optimum use of allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) as a curative therapy for hematological malignancies lies in the successful separation of mature donor T cells that are host reactive and induce graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) from those that are tumor reactive and mediate graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects. To study whether this separation was possible in an MHC-matched murine BMT model (B10.BR→CBA) with a CBA-derived myeloid leukemia line, MMC6, we used TCR Vβ CDR3-size spectratype analysis to first show that the Vβ13 family was highly skewed in the B10.BR anti-MMC6 CD8+ T cell response but not in the alloresponse against recipient cells alone. Transplantation of CD8+Vβ13+ T cells at the dose equivalent of their constituency in 1 × 107 CD8+ T cells, a dose that had been shown to mediate lethal GVHD in recipient mice, induced a slight GVL response with no concomitant GVHD. Increasing doses of CD8+Vβ13+ T cells led to more significant GVL responses but also increased GVHD symptoms and associated mortality. Subsequent spectratype analysis of GVHD target tissues revealed involvement of gut-infiltrating CD8+Vβ13+ T cells accounting for the observed in vivo effects. When BMT recipients were given MMC6-presensitized CD8+Vβ13+ T cells, they displayed a significant GVL response with minimal GVHD. Spectratype analysis of tumor-presensitized, gut-infiltrating CD8+Vβ13+ T cells showed preferential usage of tumor-reactive CDR3-size lengths, and these cells expressed increased effector memory phenotype (CD44+CD62L−/lo). Thus, Vβ spectratyping can identify T cells involved in antihost and antitumor reactivity and tumor presensitization can aid in the separation of GVHD and GVL responses.
FcγRIIb on Myeloid Cells and Intrinsic Renal Cells Rather than B Cells Protects from Nephrotoxic Nephritis
Authors: Sharp Phoebe E. H. , Martin-Ramirez Javier , Mangsbo Sara M. , Boross Peter , Pusey Charles D. , Touw Ivo P. , Cook H. Terence , Verbeek J. Sjef , Tarzi Ruth M.
Published: December 2012

FcγRIIb is the sole inhibitory FcR for IgG in humans and mice, where it is involved in the negative regulation of Ab production and cellular activation. FcγRIIb-deficient mice show exacerbated disease following the induction of nephrotoxic nephritis (NTN). In this study, we determined the cellular origin of the FcγRIIb-knockout phenotype by inducing NTN in mice with a deficiency of FcγRIIb on either B cells alone (FcγRIIBfl/fl/CD19Cre+) or myeloid cells (FcγRIIBfl/fl/CEBPαCre+). Deletion of FcγRIIb from B cells did not increase susceptibility to NTN, compared with wild-type (WT) mice, despite higher Ab titers in the FcγRIIBfl/fl/CD19Cre+ mice compared with the WT littermate controls. In contrast, mice lacking FcγRIIb on myeloid cells had exacerbated disease as measured by increased glomerular thrombosis, glomerular crescents, albuminuria, serum urea, and glomerular neutrophil infiltration when compared with WT littermate controls. The role for FcγRIIb expression on radioresistant intrinsic renal cells in the protection from NTN was then investigated using bone marrow chimeric mice. FcγRIIb−/− mice transplanted with FcγRIIb−/− bone marrow were more susceptible to NTN than WT mice transplanted with FcγRIIb−/− bone marrow, indicating that the presence of WT intrinsic renal cells protects from NTN. These results demonstrate that FcγRIIb on myeloid cells plays a major role in protection from NTN, and therefore, augmentation of FcγRIIb on these cells could be a therapeutic target in human Ab-mediated glomerulonephritis. Where there was a lack of FcγRIIb on circulating myeloid cells, expression of FcγRIIb on intrinsic renal cells provided an additional level of protection from Ab-mediated glomerulonephritis.
Tracking the evolution of the disaster management cycle: A general system theory approach
Authors: Coetzee Christo , Van Niekerk Dewald
Published: December 2012

Officials and scholars have used the disaster management cycle for the past 30 years to explain and manage impacts. Although very little understanding and agreement exist in terms of where the concept originated it is the purpose of this article to address the origins of the disaster management cycle. To achieve this, general system theory concepts of isomorphisms, equifinality, open systems and feedback arrangements were applied to linear disaster phase research (which emerged in the 1920s) and disaster management cycles. This was done in order to determine whether they are related concepts with procedures such as emergency, relief, recovery and rehabilitation.
Etienne de Villiers as etikus van verantwoordelikheid
Authors: Smit Dirkie
Published: December 2012

Etienne de Villiers as ethicist of responsibility. The paper considered six ways to describe Etienne de Villiers as ethicist of responsibility. They broadly corresponded with chronological phases in his academic career. The first was the way in which he initially took responsibility to teach theological ethics in a methodologically reflective way. The second was the way in which he increasingly found answers to these methodological concerns in responsibility ethics as an approach. The third was the way in which he spent much time analysing the work of responsibility ethicists. This critical engagement led to a fourth phase, still ongoing, developing his own approach. Against this background, the paper argued that he had always been an ethicist of responsibility in the fifth sense that he addressed urgent moral challenges. Developing this, a final section claims that he was an ethicist of responsibility according to Weber�s description of science as vocation. The paper was read as key note presentation at the University of Pretoria on 09 November 2011, when D.E. (Etienne) de Villiers was honoured on the occasion of his retirement. On the specific request of the organisers, the speech was held in Afrikaans and the original oral form was retained here, including the personal rethorical style of the introduction and conclusion.
The global carbon budget 1959–2011
Authors: Le Quéré C. , Andres R. J. , Boden T. , Conway T. , Houghton R. A. , House J. I. , Marland G. , Peters G. P. , van der Werf G. , Ahlström A. , Andrew R. M. , Bopp L. , Canadell J. G. , Ciais P. , Doney S. C. , Enright C. , Friedlingstein P. , Huntingford C. , Jain A. K. , Jourdain C. , Kato E. , Keeling R. F. , Klein Goldewijk K. , Levis S. , Levy P. , Lomas M. , Poulter B. , Raupach M. R. , Schwinger J. , Sitch S. , Stocker B. D. , Viovy N. , Zaehle S. , Zeng N.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Accurate assessment of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and their redistribution among the atmosphere, ocean, and terrestrial biosphere is important to better understand the global carbon cycle, support the climate policy process, and project future climate change. Present-day analysis requires the combination of a range of data, algorithms, statistics and model estimates and their interpretation by a broad scientific community. Here we describe datasets and a methodology developed by the global carbon cycle science community to quantify all major components of the global carbon budget, including their uncertainties. We discuss changes compared to previous estimates, consistency within and among components, and methodology and data limitations. Based on energy statistics, we estimate that the global emissions of CO2 from fossil fuel combustion and cement production were 9.5 ± 0.5 PgC yr−1 in 2011, 3.0 percent above 2010 levels. We project these emissions will increase by 2.6% (1.9–3.5%) in 2012 based on projections of Gross World Product and recent changes in the carbon intensity of the economy. Global net CO2 emissions from Land-Use Change, including deforestation, are more difficult to update annually because of data availability, but combined evidence from land cover change data, fire activity in regions undergoing deforestation and models suggests those net emissions were 0.9 ± 0.5 PgC yr−1 in 2011. The global atmospheric CO2 concentration is measured directly and reached 391.38 ± 0.13 ppm at the end of year 2011, increasing 1.70 ± 0.09 ppm yr−1 or 3.6 ± 0.2 PgC yr−1 in 2011. Estimates from four ocean models suggest that the ocean CO2 sink was 2.6 ± 0.5 PgC yr−1 in 2011, implying a global residual terrestrial CO2 sink of 4.1 ± 0.9 PgC yr−1. All uncertainties are reported as ±1 sigma (68% confidence assuming Gaussian error distributions that the real value lies within the given interval), reflecting the current capacity to characterise the annual estimates of each component of the global carbon budget. This paper is intended to provide a baseline to keep track of annual carbon budgets in the future. All carbon data presented here can be downloaded from the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (doi:10.3334/CDIAC/GCP_V2012).
The Assessment of Hydrogen Energy Systems for Fuel Cell Vehicles Using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis
Authors: Ren Jing-Zheng , Tan Shi-yu , Dong Li-chun
Published: December 2012

Hydrogen energy which has been recognized as an alternative instead of fossil fuel has been developed rapidly in fuel cell vehicles. Different hydrogen energy systems have different performances on environmental, economic, and energy aspects. A methodology for the quantitative evaluation and analysis of the hydrogen systems is meaningful for decision makers to select the best scenario. principal component analysis (PCA) has been used to evaluate the integrated performance of different hydrogen energy systems and select the best scenario, and hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) has been used to verify the correctness and accuracy of the principal components (PCs) determined by PCA in this paper. A case including 11 different hydrogen energy systems for fuel cell vehicles has been studied in this paper, and the system using steam reforming of natural gas for hydrogen production, pipeline for transportation of hydrogen, hydrogen gas tank for the storage of hydrogen at refueling stations, and gaseous hydrogen as power energy for fuel cell vehicles has been recognized as the best scenario. Also, the clustering results calculated by CA are consistent with those determined by PCA, denoting that the results calculated by PCA are scientific and accurate.
Geographic Patterns and Stand Variables Influencing Growth and Vigor of Populus tremuloides in the Sierra Nevada (USA)
Authors: Berrill John-Pascal , Dagley Christa M.
Published: December 2012

Awareness of geographic patterns and stand variables that influence tree growth will help forest managers plan appropriate management and monitoring strategies. We quantified influences of stand location, species composition, stand density, and tree size on aspen tree growth and vigor around the Lake Tahoe Basin in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and Nevada, USA. Radial growth data were taken from increment cores. Aspen trees on the south and west sides of the lake grew 20–25% faster than aspen in north and east side stands. Diameter growth at 2,400 m elevation was 58% of growth at 1,900 m near lake level. Aspen grew faster with less competition from neighbor trees. At any level of competition, aspen growth was slower beside conifer neighbors and correlated with crown ratio (CR: length of live crown relative to total tree height, a proxy for tree vigor). Analysis of independent CR data for 707 aspen trees in nine additional stands indicated that aspen had smaller crowns in the presence of greater competition, and that composition of neighbor trees also affected CR: aspen trees had shorter crowns in the presence of conifer at higher stand densities. Taken collectively, our analyses point towards a cascading decline in aspen growth and vigor incited by succession of aspen stands to conifers. Our findings suggest that conifer removal and stand density control in aspen-conifer stands at Lake Tahoe will enhance aspen growth and vigor.
Organ-Based Response to Exercise in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Stehno-Bittel Lisa
Published: December 2012

While significant research has clearly identified sedentary behavior as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and its subsequent complications, the concept that inactivity could be linked to the complications associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains underappreciated. This paper summarizes the known effects of exercise on T1D at the tissue level and focuses on the pancreas, bone, the cardiovascular system, the kidneys, skeletal muscle, and nerves. When possible, the molecular mechanisms underlying the benefits of exercise for T1D are elucidated. The general benefits of increased activity on health and the barriers to increased exercise specific to people with T1D are discussed.
Mitigation of Mild Steel Corrosion in Acid by Green Inhibitors: Yeast, Pepper, Garlic, and Coffee
Authors: Paul Subir , Kar Bikash
Published: December 2012

Synthesized organic chemicals, used as inhibitors in mitigating the corrosion of huge quantities of steel articles, pose a major threat to the global environmental problems and health hazards. Naturally occurring products which had been used for natural medication purposes, since the human civilization, are found to inhibit corrosion of steel. Electrochemical studies of the effects of black pepper, garlic, yeast, and coffee on acid corrosion of steel have shown that the corrosion current decreases by manyfold with increase in concentration of the inhibitors. These green inhibitors have been found to get adsorbed maximum up to 70–90%. The polarizing effect is more on cathodic reactions than on anodic reactions, acting as cathodic inhibitor, while a few behaves as anodic to mixed inhibitor. Mechanisms of adsorption are investigated by Frumkin, Temkin, and Langmuir isotherms. The free energy of adsorption is found to be between −15 and −40 kJ/m for most inhibitors, indicating the phenomena of physical adsorption.
A Comparison Principle for Some Types of Elliptic Equations
Authors: Amendola Maria Emilia
Published: December 2012

In this paper a comparison principle between a continuous viscosity supersolution and a continuous viscosity subsolution is presented. The operator of interest is a fully nonlinear uniformly elliptic one with a gradient term which could be noncontinuous and grow like some BMO functions, as shown in the last section.
A New Species of GenusAnelpistinaand the Second Described Nicoletiid (Zygentoma: Insecta) Species from the Mayan Ruins of Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Espinasa Luis , Collins Emily , Socci Kimberly
Published: December 2012

Recent studies on the American nicoletiid insects (“silverfish”) of the subfamily Cubacubaninae have shown that the group is more species rich than previously recognized. It has become common to find that a single locality is inhabited by more than one species of nicoletiid. In previous studies, a species from genusSquamigerahad been described from the rainforest surrounding the Mayan ruins of Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico. We report here the presence of two more species of nicoletiids in the same locality and we describe here a new species of genusAnelpistina. DNA sequence data and morphology are provided to differentiate these species.
Nonextensive Dynamics of Drifting Sea Ice
Authors: Chmel Alexandre , Smirnov Victor
Published: December 2012

Cycles of ice pack fragmentation in the Arctic Ocean are caused by the irregular drift dynamics. In February 2004, the Russian ice-research camp North Pole 32 established on a floe in the Arctic Ocean ceased its working activity and was abandoned after a catastrophic icequake. In this communication, the data collected during the last month of the field observations were used for calculating the changes in the kinetic energy of the ice floe. The energy distribution functions corresponding to periods of different drift intensity were analyzed using the Tsallis statistics, which allow one to assess a degree of deviation of an open dynamic system, such as the drifting ice, from its equilibrium state. The obtained results evidenced that the above-mentioned critical fragmentation has occurred in the period of substantially nonequilibrium dynamics of the system of ice floes. The determination of the state of the pack (in the sense of its equilibrium/nonequilibrium) could provide some useful information on forthcoming icequakes.
The Effect of Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 on the Arterial Reactivity of Hypertensive Patients during Cold Pressor Test
Authors: Keramida K. , Karpanou E. , Vyssoulis G. , Olympios C. D. , Stefanadis C. , Cokkinos D. V.
Published: December 2012

Background: Arterial hypertension (AH), metabolic syndrome (MS) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) are interrelated metabolic disorders. The aim of our study was to evaluate how the coexistence of MS or DM2 with AH influences arterial reactivity during cold pressor test (CPT). Methods: We studied 102 patients, 32 with AH (Group A), 38 with AH and MS (Group B) and 32 with AH and DM2 (Group C). All patients underwent full laboratory evaluation and measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), heart rate (HR) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWVc-f) before and during CPT. Results: During CPT PWVc-f, SBP, DBP and HR were increased significantly in all studied groups, but the change of PWVc-f and HR during CPT was significantly greater in group A compared to group C. On the contrary, the coexistence of MS or DM2 with AH does not alter the response of BP to CPT. Conclusion: The increase of CV risk resulting from the coexistence of MS or DM2 with AH, is best expressed by PWVc-f, while the change of the former and HR during CPT possibly reflects dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.
Effect of Green Tea Mouthwash on Oral Malodor
Authors: Rassameemasmaung Supanee , Phusudsawang Pakkarada , Sangalungkarn Vanida
Published: December 2012

This study aimed to determine the effect of green tea mouthwash on oral malodor, plaque, and gingival inflammation. Gingivitis subjects who had over 80 parts per billion of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in the morning breath were randomly assigned into green tea or placebo mouthwash group. At baseline, VSC, Plaque Index (PI) and Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI) were recorded. Participants were rinsed with the assigned mouthwash, and VSC level was remeasured at 30 minutes and 3 hours postrinsing. For the following 4 weeks, participants were asked to rinse with the assigned mouthwash twice daily. VSC, PI and PBI were remeasured at day 28. It was found that, at 30 minutes and 3 hours postrinsing, VSC was reduced by 36.76% and 33.18% in the green tea group and 19.83% and 9.17% in the placebo group, respectively. At day 28, VSC was reduced by 38.61% in the green tea group and 10.86% in the placebo group. VSC level in the green tea group was significantly different when compared to the placebo. PI and PBI were significantly reduced in both groups. However, no significant difference was found between groups. In conclusion, green tea mouthwash could significantly reduce VSC level in gingivitis subjects after rinsing for 4 weeks.