bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redirected tumor-specific allogeneic T cells for universal treatment of cancer
Authors: Marcus Assaf , Waks Tova , Eshhar Zelig
Published: June 2011

Adoptive cell transfer of allogeneic tumor-specific T cells could potentially be used as a universal treatment for cancer. We present a novel approach for adoptive immunotherapy using fully MHC-mismatched allogeneic T cells redirected with tumor-specific, non-MHC–restricted antibody-based chimeric antigen receptor (T-bodies) in the absence of GVHD. Mice bearing systemic metastatic disease were lymphodepleted by irradiation and treated with Her2/neu re-directed T cells. Lymphodepletion created a ‘therapeutic window’, which allowed the allo–T-bodies to attack the tumor before their rejection. A single split dose administration of allogeneic T-bodies extended the survival of tumor-bearing mice similarly to syngeneic T-bodies, and to a significantly greater extent than nonspecific allogeneic T cells. Blocking egress of lymphocytes from lymphoid organs using the sphingosine-1-phosphate agonist, FTY720, extended the persistence of allogeneic T cells such that allogeneic T-bodies provided superior therapeutic benefit relative to syngeneic ones, and dramatically extended the median survival time of the treated mice for more than a year. Therefore, we suggest that ex-vivo generated MHC-mismatched T-bodies can be used universally for off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy and that their graft-versus-host reactivity can be safely harnessed to potentiate adoptive cell therapy.
Esgotamento das reservas na semente de Euterpe edulis Mart. e efeito da nutrição mineral nas plântulas
Authors: Venturi Silvia , Paulilo Maria Terezinha Silveira
Published: June 2011

As reservas da semente de Euterpe edulis, crescendo em substrato composto de argila, areia e adubo orgânico, na proporção de 2:1:2, esgotaram-se quando a plântula apresentou as duas primeiras folhas fotossintetizantcs expandidas, podendo ser esta a causa da grande mortalidade no campo de plântulas que já desenvolveram a terceira folha. Aumento na adubação não refletiu em aumento de massa seca ou área foliar de plantas nos primeiros cinco meses de crescimento. Plantas mais velhas, entretanto, apresentaram aumento de massa seca da parte aérea com a adição de solução nutritiva ao substrato.
Nickel translocation from seed during germination and growth of young maize plants
Authors: Doroghazi Oto , Kastori Rudolf , Maksimovic Ivana
Published: June 2011

Effect of different concentrations of nickel (0, 10-5, 10-4, 10-3 and 10-2
mol Ni/dm3) present at the time of maize seed imbibition, on concentration,
distribution and nickel accumulation coefficient in the root and the shoot,
biological value of the seed and growth of young plants was investigated. It
was found that during germination the nickel from the seed is intensively
translocated to the root and shoot of young plants. With increase of
applied concentrations of nickel, its concentration in the root and shoot
increased as well. Nickel concentration and accumulation coefficient were
higher in the root than in the shoot except at the highest applied
concentration when the result was opposite. The highest applied concentration
of nickel increased percentage of atypical seedlings and non-germinated seeds
and decreased percentage of typical seedlings, germination energy and seed
germination ability. Nickel implementation did not affect the growth and mass
of the shoot. Root mass and length of the primary root decreased at the
highest concentration of nickel, which led to change in shoot and root mass
ratio. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that only the
highest applied nickel concentration affected the biological value of the
seed and the growth of young maize plants, regardless of its intensive
accumulation in the root and the shoot, which indicates a significant
tolerance of maize in initial phases of growth to presence of high nickel
concentration. Intensive translocation of nickel during germination into
newly formed organs points to its good mobility and potential possibility to
enter the food chain from a contaminated seed.
Significant biophysical and genetic properties of maize inbred lines and hybrids with erect top leaves
Authors: Radenovic Cedomir , Filipovic Milomir , Secanski Mile , Radosavljevic Milica , Camdzija Zoran , Pavlov Jovan , Crevar Milos
Published: June 2011

This study confirms the hypothesis that there are elite maize inbred lines
and hybrids with erect top leaves, which have a dominant property of an
efficient photosynthetic and fluorescent model that is successfully used in
modern breeding programmes and the production hybrid seed and commercial
maize. This statement is supported by the displayed results on the erect top
leaves, the dynamics of grain dry-down during the maturation period and
photosynthetic and florescence parameters: the temperature dependence of the
delayed chlorophyll fluorescence intensity, the Arrhenius criterion for the
determination of critical temperatures (phase transition temperatures) and
the activation energies. The presented results show that properties of
observed maize inbreds and their hybrids are based on the nature of
conformational and functional changes that occur in their thylakoid membranes
and other chemical tissues structures of grain and intact leaves, as well as,
on positive effects in maize breeding. Moreover, other relevant significant
breeding and seed production properties (commercial maize quality over grain
structure, physical and chemical parameters) of maize inbred lines and their
hybrids were analyzed in the present study.
Benefits of inoculation with azotobacter in the growth and production of tomato and peppers
Authors: Jarak Mirjana , Djuric Simonida , Djordjevic Biljana
Published: June 2011

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of Azotobacter
chroococcum in tomato and pepper growth and production by using two types of
inoculation - seed inoculation and seedling inoculation. The effect of
inoculation was observed thirty days after sowing, thirty days after
transplanting, and in the phase of technological maturity. The following were
measured: height of the plants, dry matter of the plants and number and the
weight of the fruits. Inoculation had a positive effect on these in both
plants. With tomato, better results were achieved when seedlings were
inoculated. With pepper, the length of the plant and the dry matter were
greater with seedling inoculation, whereas the number and the weight of the
fruits were greater with seed inoculation.
Particularities in physical characteristics of molecular crystalline nanofilms
Authors: Setrajcic Jovan , Dzambas Ljubisa , Armakovic Stevan
Published: June 2011

In this paper, the alterations and changes in dielectrical properties of
different nanofilm molecular crystals, caused by the presence of boundaries
were theoretically investigated and analyzed. By combined analytical and
numerical calculations, allowed exciton states were found, and their spatial
distribution along the axis limit (by layers of film) and the surface
localization was examined. The relative permittivity of the observed
ultrathin film was determined, and the impact of (five) boundary parameters
on resonant absorption phenomenon: discrete (by frequencies) and selective
(by layers of film) was examined. The conditions for the emergence of
single-resonant absorption lines were found.
An Evolutionary Programming Based Tabu Search Method for Unit Commitment Problem with Cooling-Banking Constraints
Authors: Christober C. , Rajan Asir
Published: June 2011

An Evolutionary Programming Based Tabu Search Method for Unit Commitment Problem with Cooling-Banking Constraints

This paper presents a new approach to solve the short-term unit commitment problem using An Evolutionary Programming Based tabu search method with cooling and banking constraints. Numerical results are shown comparing the cost solutions and computation time obtained by using the evolutionary programming method and other conventional methods like dynamic programming, lagrangian relaxation.
Power Line Cable Transfer Function for Modelling of Power Line Communication System
Authors: Mlýnek Petr , Mišurec Jiří , Koutný Martin , Orgoň Miloš
Published: June 2011

Power Line Cable Transfer Function for Modelling of Power Line Communication System

This paper presents the design of a power line communication model. Primarily, it is focused on a realization of a communication model with a power line channel. The model is composed of a PLC communication model, a model of power lines and a noise model. Power lines are modelled through a chain parameter describing the relation between the input and output voltage and current of the two-port network.
Radiation Pattern Optimization by Loaded Impedance in the Base of Passive Element
Authors: Dvorský Marek
Published: June 2011

Radiation Pattern Optimization by Loaded Impedance in the Base of Passive Element

This article deals with optimizing the radiation pattern by using two vertical middle wave antenna arrays. Optimization is achieved by adding an appropriate impedance into the base of the passive antenna radiator. The proposed solution deals with finding the best value of the loaded impedance. The final result is to achieve the most effective shape of the radiation pattern. The proposed method was finally approved by measurement on a real middle wave antenna array.
Consumer Impacts of BC's Harmonized Sales Tax: Tax Grab or Pass-Through?
Authors: Kesselman Jonathan R.
Published: June 2011

Introduction of the harmonized sales tax has upset much of the BC public, particularly for its perceived impact on the cost of living. This study examines misconceptions over the coverage, operation, and consumer impacts of the HST relative to the retail sales tax that it replaced; the study explains their structural and operational differences. Previous forecasts of the consumer impacts are reviewed and tested by the first quantitative analysis for British Columbia based on data since the HST was implemented. The key finding is that the HST has raised BC's cost of living by 0.5 to 0.6 percent, which is consistent with businesses having passed through to consumers all of their tax savings related to in-province sales. The study offers policy options for offsetting even the small consumer impact of the HST and improving its public acceptance.
Angiographic Profile and Prevalence of Risk Factors in Patients who Underwent Croronary Angiogram in ICHRI
Authors: Chowdhury Mashhud Zia , Haq M Maksumul , Ahmed Tamzeed , Karim Md Rezaul , Rashid MA , Mansur Mahbub , Khan Saidur Rahman , Nasreen Shahela , Amin Md Nurul
Published: June 2011

Ibrahim Card Med J 2011; 1(1):9-13
Le développement comme laboratoire de l'anthropologie
Authors: Vidal Laurent
Published: June 2011

Résumé À partir du récit et de l’analyse d’une séquence emblématique d’un projet de recherche (impliquant notamment des anthropologues) couplé à une intervention dans le domaine de la santé maternelle au Sénégal, cet article souligne la nécessité d’entrecroiser trois niveaux d’analyse, mettant en jeu le regard de l’anthropologue : une anthropologie du projet lui-même dans son ensemble permettant de comprendre les logiques qui président à ses orientations, voulues ou subies, fonction de ses caractéristiques ou d’événements extérieurs ; le décryptage plus spécifique de la fabrique de l’anthropologie dans ce projet ; enfin, les enseignements de cette double posture pour repenser des questions fondatrices de l’anthropologie en général (le rapport au terrain ; la construction de l’objet ; la contribution au changement).
Vérité de l'autodidaxie. Ethnographie de la transmission guitariste
Authors: Caron Florian
Published: June 2011

Résumé L’autodidaxie est devenue un fait incontournable des transmissions musiciennes contemporaines. Pourtant, elle offre peu de prises aux sciences sociales, puisque sa définition suppose une absence d’altérité. À partir de l’apprentissage chez les guitaristes français, on prendra au sérieux la revendication autodidacte en en faisant le point nodal d’un dispositif de transmission. La comparaison entre des cours de classique et de musique populaire montrera que le deuxième dispositif n’empêche pas la référence à l’autodidaxie mais contribue au contraire à en comprendre la structure.
Kinematic design of a finger abduction mechanism for an anthropomorphic robotic hand
Authors: Demers L.-A. A. , Gosselin C.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. This paper presents the kinematic design of an abduction mechanism for the fingers of an underactuated anthropomorphic robotic hand. This mechanism will enhance the range of feasible grasps of the underactuated hand without significantly increasing its complexity. The analysis of the link between the index finger and the third finger is first assessed, where the parameters are studied in order to follow the amplitude constraint and to minimize the coordination error. Then, the study of the mechanism joining the third finger and the little finger is summarized. Finally, a prototype of the finger's abduction system is presented. This paper was presented at the IFToMM/ASME International Workshop on Underactuated Grasping (UG2010), 19 August 2010, Montréal, Canada.
Quasi-static modelling of compliant mechanisms: application to a 2-DOF underactuated finger
Authors: Quennouelle C. , Gosselin C.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. In this paper, the kinematostatic and the quasi-static models of parallel mechanisms are applied to underactuated mechanisms. Both models are extended to the cases for which the actuated joints are not kinematically independent, and for which the external loads are function of the configuration of the mechanism, the grasped object being considered as not perfectly rigid. An application to a 2-DOF underactuated compliant finger is then presented with details about the implementation of the kinematostatic and the quasi-static models. Finally, some numerical results are given that illustrate possible contributions of these models for the analysis and the control of underactuated mechanisms. This paper was presented at the IFToMM/ASME International Workshop on Underactuated Grasping (UG2010), 19 August 2010, Montréal, Canada.
Spatial scale effect on seasonal streamflows in permafrost catchments on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Wang Genxu , Liu Guangsheng , Liu Lin'an
Published: June 2011

The scale issue is of central concern in hydrological processes to understand the potential upscaling or downscaling methodologies, and to develop models for scaling the dominant processes at different scales and in different environments. In this study, a typical permafrost watershed in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau was selected. Its hydrological processes were monitored for 4 years from 2004 to 2008, measuring the effects of freezing and thawing depth of active soil layers on runoff processes. To identify the nature and cause of variation in the runoff response in different size catchments, catchments ranging from 1·07 to 112 km2 were identified in the watershed. The results indicated that the variation of runoff coefficients showed a ‘V’ shape with increasing catchment size during the spring and autumn seasons, when the active soil was subjected to thawing or freezing processes. A two‐stage method was proposed to create runoff scaling models to indicate the effects of scale on runoff processes. In summer, the scaling transition model followed an exponential function for mean daily discharge, whereas the scaling model for flood flow exhibited a linear function. In autumn, the runoff process transition across multiple scales followed an exponential function with air temperature as the driving factor. These scaling models demonstrate relatively high simulation efficiency and precision, and provide a practical way for upscaling or downscaling runoff processes in a medium‐size permafrost watershed. For permafrost catchments of this scale, the results show that the synergistic effect of scale and vegetation cover is an important driving factor in the runoff response. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why different regions of the retina have different spectral sensitivities: A review of mechanisms and functional significance of intraretinal variability in spectral sensitivity in vertebrates
Authors: TEMPLE S. E.
Published: June 2011

Vision is used in nearly all aspects of animal behavior, from prey and predator detection to mate selection and parental care. However, the light environment typically is not uniform in every direction, and visual tasks may be specific to particular parts of an animal’s field of view. These spatial differences may explain the presence of several adaptations in the eyes of vertebrates that alter spectral sensitivity of the eye in different directions. Mechanisms that alter spectral sensitivity across the retina include (but are not limited to) variations in: corneal filters, oil droplets, macula lutea, tapeta, chromophore ratios, photoreceptor classes, and opsin expression. The resultant variations in spectral sensitivity across the retina are referred to as intraretinal variability in spectral sensitivity (IVSS). At first considered an obscure and rare phenomenon, it is becoming clear that IVSS is widespread among all vertebrates, and examples have been found from every major group. This review will describe the mechanisms mediating differences in spectral sensitivity, which are in general well understood, as well as explore the functional significance of intraretinal variability, which for the most part is unclear at best.
The APSA Teaching & Learning Conference: Two
Perspectives
Authors: Deardorff Michelle D.
Published: June 2011

When I arrived in Washington, D.C. to attend the first APSA
Conference on Teaching and Learning, I did not know what to expect.
Although I have been a regular participant in the APSA Annual
Meeting and attended many workshops on teaching and curricular
development, this didn't seem to be the same. All of my contacts
with the program committee and APSA had seemed more informal,
specific, and intense. They had clear expectations of this small
group of 40. Unlike the Annual Meeting, we would not be presenting
our research for 15 minutes, answering questions from the audience,
responding to the discussants' comments, and then spend the
remainder of the conference as a passive observer. At the plenary
session the expectations were made more explicit. We would spend
more time in our groups of 10 or 15 throughout the weekend—but we
would still only have approximately 15 minutes to formally present
our work. Our curiosity was palpable, how would a group of academics
spend the remainder of our time?
Refuting Tullock's Claim
Authors: Saltman Roy G.
Published: June 2011

Gordon Tullock (PS: Political Science and Politics,
January 2004, 2) states (about the 1960 presidential election)
that:

“Illinois went for Kennedy by a margin smaller than the usual number
of votes produced by the Chicago machine from graveyards and empty
lots. Texas went to Kennedy by fewer votes than are normally cast by
cattle in South Texas.”
The Women's Health Initiative: The Food Environment, Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status, BMI, and Blood Pressure
Authors: Dubowitz Tamara , Ghosh‐Dastidar Madhumita , Eibner Christine , Slaughter Mary E. , Fernandes Meenakshi , Whitsel Eric A. , Bird Chloe E. , Jewell Adria , Margolis Karen L. , Li Wenjun , Michael Yvonne L. , Shih Regina A. , Manson JoAnn E. , Escarce José J.
Published: June 2011

Using data (n = 60,775 women) from the Women's Health Initiative Clinical Trial (WHI CT)—a national study of postmenopausal women aged 50–79 years—we analyzed cross‐sectional associations between the availability of different types of food outlets in the 1.5 miles surrounding a woman's residence, census tract neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES), BMI, and blood pressure (BP). We simultaneously modeled NSES and food outlets using linear and logistic regression models, adjusting for multiple sociodemographic factors, population density and random effects at the tract and metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level. We found significant associations between NSES, availability of food outlets and individual‐level measurements of BMI and BP. As grocery store/supermarket availability increased from the 10th to the 90th percentile of its distribution, controlling for confounders, BMI was lower by 0.30 kg/m2. Conversely, as fast‐food outlet availability increased from the 10th to the 90th percentile, BMI was higher by 0.28 kg/m2. When NSES increased from the 10th to the 90th percentile of its distribution, BMI was lower by 1.26 kg/m2. As NSES increased from the 10th to the 90th percentile, systolic and diastolic BP were lower by 1.11 mm Hg and 0.40 mm Hg, respectively. As grocery store/supermarket outlet availability increased from the 10th and 90th percentiles, diastolic BP was lower by 0.31 mm Hg. In this national sample of postmenopausal women, we found important independent associations between the food and socioeconomic environments and BMI and BP. These findings suggest that changes in the neighborhood environment may contribute to efforts to control obesity and hypertension.
Hyperthermal organic thin film growth on surfaces terminated with self-assembled monolayers. I. The dynamics of trapping
Authors: Desai T. V. , Hong S. , Woll A. R. , Hughes K. J. , Kaushik A. P. , Clancy P. , Engstrom J. R.
Published: June 2011

We have examined the initial stages of growth of a crystalline small molecule organic thin film, diindenoperylene (DIP), on SiO2 surfaces terminated with a series of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). In this study we make use of supersonic molecular beam techniques to vary the incident kinetic energy of the DIP molecules, and we use in situ, real time synchrotron x-ray scattering to monitor the buildup of each molecular layer in the growing thin film. We find that the effects of the SAMs are most apparent concerning growth in the sub-monolayer regime, before the substrate is entirely covered by the DIP thin film. In this coverage regime on bare SiO2, and SiO2 terminated with either hexamethyldisilazane or perflurooctyltrichlorosilane the adsorption dynamics are consistent with trapping-mediated adsorption as observed in more simple systems, where the probability of adsorption decreases significantly with increasing kinetic energy. Once these surfaces are covered with DIP, however, the adsorption probability increases, particularly at the highest incident kinetic energy, and the probability of adsorption exhibits only a weak dependence on the incident kinetic energy. In contrast, on surfaces terminated by octyl- (OTS) and octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODTS) the trapping probability is high and exhibits little dependence on the incident kinetic energy, essentially the same as what is observed on these same surfaces covered by DIP. We postulate, which is backed by the results of molecular dynamics simulations, that direct molecular insertion into the OTS and ODTS layers is a primary explanation for efficient trapping on these surfaces.
An approximate continuum theory for interaction between dislocation and inhomogeneity of any shape and properties
Authors: Li Z. , Li Y. , Sun J. , Feng X. Q.
Published: June 2011

An approximate continuum theory is developed to effectively handle the problem of interaction between dislocations and inhomogeneity of any shape and properties. The inhomogeneity is, based on the Eshelby equivalent inclusion theory, equivalent to a homogenous one with a transformation strain. The interaction force between dislocation and the inhomogeneity can then be evaluated from the work done by the dislocation stress field during the transformation. The proposed continuum theory is applicable to a variety of inhomogeneities, such as pore, gas bubble, shear band and plastically deformed zone. It can be reduced to the classical continuum theory for some special cases.
Half-metallic interface with stronger ferromagnetism in (110)-oriented LaxSr1−xMnO3/SrTiO3 ultrathin superlattices
Authors: Zhu Y. , Shi D. N. , Du C. L. , Shi Y. G. , Ma C. L. , Gong S. J. , Zhang K. C. , Yang Z. Q.
Published: June 2011

Using the density functional calculations, we elucidate the nature of (110)- and (001)-oriented LaxSr1−xMnO3/SrTiO3 ultrathin superlattices with different La concentrations. In comparison to the (001)-oriented superlattice, the (110)-oriented one keeps ferromagnetic and half-metallic in a wider x range and has much greater exchange energy at the same La concentration, verifying previous experimental results. The significant advantages of the (110) superlattice is the result of the uniform distribution of the eg states in the 110 superlattice. We also find that the exchange energy is not sensitive to the strain between the layers.
Er3+ and Si luminescence of atomic layer deposited Er-doped Al2O3 thin films on Si(100)
Authors: Dingemans G. , Clark A. , van Delft J. A. , van de Sanden M. C. M. , Kessels W. M. M.
Published: June 2011

Atomic layer deposition was used to deposit amorphous Er-doped Al2O3 films (0.9–6.2 at. % Er) on Si(100). The Er3+ photoluminescence (PL), Er3+ upconversion luminescence, as well as the Si PL and associated surface passivation properties of the films were studied and related to the structural change of the material during annealing. The PL signals from Er3+ and Si were strongly dependent on the annealing temperature (T = 450–1000 °C), but not directly influenced by the transition from an amorphous to a crystalline phase at T > 900 °C. For T > 650 °C, broad Er3+ PL centered at 1.54 μm (4I13/2) with a full width at half maximum of 55 nm was observed under excitation of 532 nm light. The PL signal reached a maximum for Er concentrations in the range of 2–3 at. %. Multiple photon upconversion luminescence was detected at 660 nm (4F9/2), 810 nm (4I9/2), and 980 nm (4I11/2), under excitation of 1480 nm light. The optical activation of Er3+ was related to the removal of quenching impurities, such as OH (3 at. % H present initially) as also indicated by thermal effusion experiments. In contrast to the Er3+ PL signal, the Si luminescence, and consequently the Si surface passivation, decreased for increasing annealing temperatures. This trade-off between surface passivation quality and Er3+ PL can be attributed to an opposite correlation with the decreasing hydrogen content in the films during thermal treatment.
Stacking faults created by the combined deflection of threading dislocations of Burgers vector c and c+a during the physical vapor transport growth of 4H–SiC
Authors: Dudley M. , Wu F. , Wang H. , Byrappa S. , Raghothamachar B. , Choi G. , Sun S. , Sanchez E. K. , Hansen D. , Drachev R. , Mueller S. G. , Loboda M. J.
Published: June 2011

Observations have been made, using synchrotron white beam x-ray topography, of stacking faults in 4H–SiC with fault vectors of kind 1/6⟨202¯3⟩. A mechanism has been postulated for their formation which involves overgrowth by a macrostep of the surface outcrop of a c-axis threading screw dislocation, with two c/2-height surface spiral steps, which has several threading dislocations of Burgers vector c+a, with c-height spiral steps, which protrude onto the terrace in between the c/2-risers. Such overgrowth processes deflect the threading dislocations onto the basal plane, enabling them to exit the crystal and thereby providing a mechanism to lower their densities.
Photothermolysis of immobilized bacteria on gold nanograil arrays
Authors: Kim Soo Kyung , Heo Chul-Joon , Choi Jong Young , Lee Su Yeon , Jang Se Gyu , Won Shim Jae , Seo Tae Seok , Yang Seung-Man
Published: June 2011

Photothermolysis technique via array of gold nanograils had been developed by illuminating near infrared laser light onto captured bacteria in metal nanostructure. The strong electromagnetic field enhancement at the sharp edges of the gold nanograils produced local heating that was sufficient to break the thick cell walls of the gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus cells within a short time. Individual cells in the nanograil array can be selectively lysed by adjusting the laser scanning area to the micrometer scale.
VEGF binding to NRP1 is essential for VEGF stimulation of endothelial cell migration, complex formation between NRP1 and VEGFR2, and signaling via FAK Tyr407 phosphorylation
Authors: Herzog Birger , Pellet-Many Caroline , Britton Gary , Hartzoulakis Basil , Zachary Ian C.
Published: June 2011

In endothelial cells, neuropilin-1 (NRP1) binds vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and is thought to act as a coreceptor for kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) by associating with KDR and enhancing VEGF signaling. Here we report mutations in the NRP1 b1 domain (Y297A and D320A), which result in complete loss of VEGF binding. Overexpression of Y297A and D320A NRP1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells reduced high-affinity VEGF binding and migration toward a VEGF gradient, and markedly inhibited VEGF-induced angiogenesis in a coculture cell model. The Y297A NRP1 mutant also disrupted complexation between NRP1 and KDR and decreased VEGF-dependent phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase at Tyr407, but had little effect on other signaling pathways. Y297A NRP1, however, heterodimerized with wild-type NRP1 and NRP2 indicating that nonbinding NRP1 mutants can act in a dominant-negative manner through formation of NRP1 dimers with reduced binding affinity for VEGF. These findings indicate that VEGF binding to NRP1 has specific effects on endothelial cell signaling and is important for endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis mediated via complex formation between NRP1 and KDR and increased signaling to focal adhesions. Identification of key residues essential for VEGF binding and biological functions provides the basis for a rational design of antagonists of VEGF binding to NRP1.
Interaction of the human prostacyclin receptor with the PDZ adapter protein PDZK1: role in endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis
Authors: Turner Elizebeth C. , Mulvaney Eamon P. , Reid Helen M. , Kinsella B. Therese
Published: June 2011

Prostacyclin is increasingly implicated in re-endothelialization and angiogenesis but through largely unknown mechanisms. Herein the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) scavenger receptor class B, type 1 (SR-B1) adapter protein PDZ domain-containing protein 1 (PDZK1) was identified as an interactant of the human prostacyclin receptor (hIP) involving a Class I PDZ ligand at its carboxyl terminus and PDZ domains 1, 3, and 4 of PDZK1. Although the interaction is constitutive, it may be dynamically regulated following cicaprost activation of the hIP through a mechanism involving cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PK)A-phosphorylation of PDZK1 at Ser-505. Although PDZK1 did not increase overall levels of the hIP, it increased its functional expression at the cell surface, enhancing ligand binding and cicaprost-induced cAMP generation. Consistent with its role in re-endothelialization and angiogenesis, cicaprost activation of the hIP increased endothelial cell migration and tube formation/in vitro angiogenesis, effects completely abrogated by the specific IP antagonist RO1138452. Furthermore, similar to HDL/SR-B1, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-targeted disruption of PDZK1 abolished cicaprost-mediated endothelial responses but did not affect VEGF responses. Considering the essential role played by prostacyclin throughout the cardiovascular system, identification of PDZK1 as a functional interactant of the hIP sheds significant mechanistic insights into the protective roles of these key players, and potentially HDL/SR-B1, within the vascular endothelium.
Deubiquitination activity associated with hepatitis E virus putative papain-like cysteine protease
Authors: Karpe Yogesh A. , Lole Kavita S.
Published: June 2011

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) ORF1 protein (pORF1) contains methyltransferase (MetT), papain-like cysteine protease (PCP), RNA helicase (Hel) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domains. ORF1 sequence analysis showed two consensus LXGG cleavage sites at 664 and 1205. LXGG sequence is recognized by viral and cellular deubiquitinating enzymes. The protein encompassing the predicted MetT-PCP domains of HEV ORF1 was tested for deubiquitinating activity using fluorogenic substrates – ubiquitin-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC), IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15)-AMC, Nedd8-AMC and SUMO-AMC. MetT-PCP cleaved all four substrates but processing of ISG15-AMC was more robust. There was no processing of the Hel and RdRp domains having the conserved (1205) LXGG site by the protein. MetT-PCP carried out deISGylation of the ISG15-conjugated cellular proteins, suggesting a possible role in combating cellular antiviral pathways.
Mapping the stem cell state: eight novel human embryonic stem and embryonal carcinoma cell antibodies
Authors: Wright A. , Andrews N. , Bardsley K. , Nielsen J. E. , Avery K. , Pewsey E. , Jones M. , Harley D. , Nielsen A. R. , Moore H. , Gokhale P. , Rajpert‐De Meyts E. , Andrews P. W. , Walsh J. , Harrison N. J.
Published: June 2011

The antigenic profile of human embryonic stem (ES) and embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells has served as a key element of their characterization, with a common panel of surface and intracellular markers now widely used. Such markers have been used to identify cells within the ‘undifferentiated state’, yet it appears that this categorization may be an oversimplification, because a number of sub‐states appear to exist within this state. To increase the resolution of the undifferentiated state, we have generated eight novel monoclonal antibodies, all capable of recognizing undifferentiated human ES and EC cells, and herein describe their characterization. The reactivity of these antibodies against a range of cell lines is reported, as well as their developmental regulation, basic biochemistry and reactivity in immunohistochemistry of testicular germ cell tumours. Our data reveal a range of reactivity for all antibodies against both ES and EC cells, suggesting that these markers will afford recognition of unique sub‐states within the undifferentiated stem cell compartment.
Kinetics of fructose on the Maillard brown colour development, pH change and antioxidative activity development in model fructose/glycine systems
Authors: Liu Shih‐Chuan , Yang Deng‐Jye , Chen Hsin‐Yi , Chen Su‐Lin , Chen Mei‐Ling
Published: June 2011

Model fructose/glycine systems with fructose concentration between 0.035 and 0.28 m were incubated at temperature 45–90 °C for investigating the effects of fructose and temperature on the brown colour development, pH change and the antioxidative activity developments of Maillard reaction. The result showed that effects of fructose followed logarithm‐order kinetics on brown colour and DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (SDPPH) development, and first‐order kinetics on system pH decrease. However, the effect of fructose on ABTS·+ (2,2′‐azino‐bis[3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid]) radical scavenging activity (SABTS) development was first order at 60–90 °C and logarithm order at 45 °C, which revealed the mutual synergistic interaction of concentration with temperature on SABTS development. Activation energy for SDPPH development was lower than that for SABTS development, revealing that DPPH radical was more vulnerable than ABTS·+ radical to fructose/glycine MRPs at low temperature. But the relative vulnerability would invert at high temperature, as the Q10 value for SDPPH development was lower than that for SABTS development.
Iodine content of cooked and processed fish in Turkey
Authors: Erkan Nuray
Published: June 2011

This study evaluates the effects of different cooking (grilling, frying and steaming) and processing (smoking, salting, marinating and drying) methods on iodine contents of valuable marine and freshwater fish species commonly consumed in Turkey. The highest mean iodine content of cooked fish was determined to be 3.760 mg kg−1, 2.788 mg kg−1, 5.831 mg kg−1 and 6.161 mg kg−1 in grilled anchovy, horse mackerel, Atlantic Bonito and whiting, 0.914 mg kg−1, 1.452 mg kg−1, 3.106 mg kg−1 in steamed bluefish, red mullet. The highest mean iodine content of processed fish was determined to be 2.149 mg kg−1 in smoked mackerel, 0.701 mg kg−1 in salted Bonito, 1.128 mg kg−1 in dried horse mackerel and 7.283 mg kg−1 in marinated anchovy. This iodine values are also above the Upper Tolerable Nutrient Level of 100–150 μg day−1 iodine.
An angel on my shoulder: a study of relationships between women with anorexia and healthcare professionals
Authors: WRIGHT K. M. , HACKING S.
Published: June 2011

Accessible summary

This study explored the therapeutic relationship among adults who access day care services for anorexia and their healthcare professionals.

There were six important themes that emerged from interviews with healthcare professionals and patients: the authenticity of the relationship, safety, the externalization of the eating disorder, recovery measured in kilos, the power of hope and optimism and maternalism.

Women attending day care for anorexia felt safer and more optimistic and therefore more supported when the healthcare professional had a nurturing and maternalistic approach.

Adults with anorexia are an under‐researched group because the usual focus is on adolescents. The relationships that occur between healthcare professionals and adults with anorexia are often challenging, because they do not necessarily agree on the goals of treatment. The therapeutic relationship is widely recognized as crucial to care, even healing and restorative in its own right but problematic in this setting. This is a phenomenological study of how therapeutic relationships are negotiated and maintained in a day care service. Six women with anorexia nervosa and seven of their healthcare professionals were interviewed in the care setting to explore their lived experience of their relationships. Six important themes emerged from the interviews: the authenticity of the relationship, safety, the externalization of the eating disorder, recovery measured in kilos, the power of hope and optimism and the use and acceptance of maternalism in the care setting. Findings suggest that patients appreciated the safety and security of care, but some were using the service as respite rather than recovery. Patients saw goals and tasks related directly to weight gain as irrelevant to their main concerns, but engagement with people who provided a secure, nurturing and maternalistic context for safety and optimism was seen as supportive.
Typecasting, Legitimation, and Form Emergence: A Formal Theory
Authors: Hsu Greta , Hannan Michael T. , Pólos László
Published: June 2011

We propose a formal theory of multiple category memberships. This theory has the potential to unify two seemingly unconnected theories: typecasting and identity-based form emergence. Typecasting, a producer-level theory, considers the consequences of specializing versus spanning across category boundaries. Identity-based form emergence considers the evolution of categories and how the attributes of producers entering a category shape its likelihood of gaining legitimacy among relevant audiences. Both theory fragments treat the processes by which audience members assign category memberships to producers. This article develops this common foundation and outlines the arguments that lead to central implications of each theory. The arguments are formalized using modal expressions to represent key categorization processes according to the theory-building framework developed by Hannan et al. (2007).
Disturbed Homeostasis and Multiple Signaling Defects in the Peripheral Blood B-Cell Compartment of Patients with Severe Chronic Sarcoidosis
Authors: Lee Nam-Sihk , Barber Laura , Akula Shaw M. , Sigounas George , Kataria Yash P. , Arce Sergio
Published: June 2011

The presence of hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibodies, and circulating immune complexes suggests that humoral immunity may contribute to the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. However, little is known about the role played by B cells in the development of this disease. Here we investigated the subpopulation distribution, response to stimulation, and levels of the nuclear transcription factor NF-κB/p65 in peripheral blood B cells from patients with severe chronic sarcoidosis. Patients with severe chronic sarcoidosis had absolute B-cell lymphopenia and exhibited significantly decreased frequencies and total numbers of memory (CD19+CD27+) B cells. The reduced numbers of memory B cells in these patients reflected a decrease in the total numbers of class-switched (CD19+CD27+IgD−) and unswitched (CD19+CD27+IgD+) memory B cells and coincided with an increased frequency of circulating (CD19+/−CD20−CD27++) plasmablasts. Polyclonal stimulation of sarcoid B cells resulted in reduced expression of activation markers (i.e., CD25, CD69, and CD86), decreased proliferation, and impaired plasma cell differentiation. Baseline expression of p65 in B cells was reduced in 65% of the patients. These results suggest disturbed homeostasis, intrinsic signaling defects, and anergy within the peripheral B-cell compartments of patients with severe chronic sarcoidosis.
Antifungal Susceptibilities of Sporothrix albicans, S. brasiliensis, and S. luriei of the S. schenckii Complex Identified in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Daniele C. , Lopes Paulo G. Markus , Spader Tatiana B. , Mahl Camila D. , Tronco-Alves Giordano R. , Lara Valeria M. , Santurio Janio M. , Alves Sydney Hartz
Published: June 2011

We studied 40 strains of the species complex formerly classified as the single species
Sporothrix schenckii
to identify new species within this complex and evaluate their antifungal susceptibility profiles. Based on phenotypic tests (ability to grow at 37°C, colony diameters, and pigmentation of the colonies, as well as assimilation of sucrose and raffinose) and molecular assays (amplification of a fragment of the calmodulin gene), here we report the identification of
S. albicans
,
S. brasiliensis
,
S. luriei
, and
S. schenckii
; two isolates of these species were detected as itraconazole-resistant strains.
MASS AND SPIN MEASUREMENT IN SQUARK CASCADE DECAY $\tilde q_L \rightarrow q\tilde\chi_2^0\rightarrow q Z\tilde\chi_1^0\rightarrow q l l \tilde\chi_1^0$
Authors: KIM YEONG GYUN
Published: June 2011

We investigate a squark cascade decay, i.e. [Formula: see text]. It is shown that some information on the mass and spin of the supersymmetric particles might be obtained from the cascade decay chain at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
SOME ESTIMATES OF A MULTI-SCALE FINITE ELEMENT ALGORITHM FOR ELLIPTIC PROBLEMS WITH RAPIDLY OSCILLATING COEFFICIENTS
Authors: HE WEN-MING , FENG YONG-PING , GUAN XIAOFEI
Published: June 2011

For second order elliptic equations with rapidly oscillating coefficients, we make some theoretical analysis for a multi-scale finite element algorithm on condition that rapidly oscillating coefficients aij belong to Sobolev spaces W1, p(Q)(1≤p<2). Finally, we employ some numerical experiments to demonstrate those theoretical results.
The organization of the human cerebral cortex estimated by intrinsic functional connectivity
Authors: Thomas Yeo B. T. , Krienen Fenna M. , Sepulcre Jorge , Sabuncu Mert R. , Lashkari Danial , Hollinshead Marisa , Roffman Joshua L. , Smoller Jordan W. , Zöllei Lilla , Polimeni Jonathan R. , Fischl Bruce , Liu Hesheng , Buckner Randy L.
Published: June 2011

Information processing in the cerebral cortex involves interactions among distributed areas. Anatomical connectivity suggests that certain areas form local hierarchical relations such as within the visual system. Other connectivity patterns, particularly among association areas, suggest the presence of large-scale circuits without clear hierarchical relations. In this study the organization of networks in the human cerebrum was explored using resting-state functional connectivity MRI. Data from 1,000 subjects were registered using surface-based alignment. A clustering approach was employed to identify and replicate networks of functionally coupled regions across the cerebral cortex. The results revealed local networks confined to sensory and motor cortices as well as distributed networks of association regions. Within the sensory and motor cortices, functional connectivity followed topographic representations across adjacent areas. In association cortex, the connectivity patterns often showed abrupt transitions between network boundaries. Focused analyses were performed to better understand properties of network connectivity. A canonical sensory-motor pathway involving primary visual area, putative middle temporal area complex (MT+), lateral intraparietal area, and frontal eye field was analyzed to explore how interactions might arise within and between networks. Results showed that adjacent regions of the MT+ complex demonstrate differential connectivity consistent with a hierarchical pathway that spans networks. The functional connectivity of parietal and prefrontal association cortices was next explored. Distinct connectivity profiles of neighboring regions suggest they participate in distributed networks that, while showing evidence for interactions, are embedded within largely parallel, interdigitated circuits. We conclude by discussing the organization of these large-scale cerebral networks in relation to monkey anatomy and their potential evolutionary expansion in humans to support cognition.
Evaluating Research Methods on Travel Blogs
Authors: Banyai Maria , Glover Troy D.
Published: June 2011

The increase of online diaries, or blogs, has not only affected communication channels, but also the way tourism destinations are being promoted and consumed. To date, few studies have focused on the content of travel blogs as a rich source of destination marketing information. A review of the current research on travel blogs revealed that the two most popular research methods used to analyze the content of online diaries are content analysis and narrative analysis. This paper provides a discussion of the strengths, weaknesses and implications of using content analysis and narrative analysis on travel blogs. After a presentation of alternative research methods on travel blogs, the authors present industry and methodological implications related to the nature of online diaries.
Acute intoxication with the adjuvant itself for Gramoxone INTEON
Authors: Moon JM , Chun BJ
Published: June 2011

The adjuvant for Gramoxone INTEON is composed of 20% methanol, 20% sodium lingo sulphonate, 10% alkylaryl polyoxyethylene ether, and 50% water. Although the adjuvant is a potential source of intoxication due to the widespread use of Gramoxone INTEON, there has been no prior report characterizing the acute toxicity of this adjuvant. This study evaluated the acute toxicity of adjuvant ingestion. Seven patients presenting with acute adjuvant intoxication at Chonnam National University Hospital were enrolled in this retrospective study. The patients had intentionally or accidentally ingested 20–150 mL of adjuvant. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting were most common, and no ocular symptoms were reported. Cardiovascular symptoms were limited to electrocardiogram changes such as corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation (71.4%) and sinus tachycardia (28.6%). All patients had an elevated serum osmolar gap and lactate levels. One patient had metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap that required administration of sodium bicarbonate. These clinical symptoms were resolved within 3 days with supportive treatment without any sequelae. There were no life-threatening symptoms and no deaths. However, the physician should keep in mind the possibility of methanol intoxication in patients poisoned with this adjuvant.