bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor-Derived γδ Regulatory T Cells Suppress Innate and Adaptive Immunity through the Induction of Immunosenescence
Authors: Ye Jian , Ma Chunling , Hsueh Eddy C. , Eickhoff Christopher S. , Zhang Yanping , Varvares Mark A. , Hoft Daniel F. , Peng Guangyong
Published: January 2013

Fundamentally understanding the suppressive mechanisms used by different subsets of tumor-infiltrating regulatory T (Treg) cells is critical for the development of effective strategies for antitumor immunotherapy. γδ Treg cells have recently been identified in human diseases including cancer. However, the suppressive mechanisms and functional regulations of this new subset of unconventional Treg cells are largely unknown. In the current studies, we explored the suppressive mechanism(s) used by breast tumor-derived γδ Treg cells on innate and adaptive immunity. We found that γδ Treg cells induced immunosenescence in the targeted naive and effector T cells, as well as dendritic cells (DCs). Furthermore, senescent T cells and DCs induced by γδ Treg cells had altered phenotypes and impaired functions and developed potent suppressive activities, further amplifying the immunosuppression mediated by γδ Treg cells. In addition, we demonstrated that manipulation of TLR8 signaling in γδ Treg cells can block γδ Treg–induced conversion of T cells and DCs into senescent cells in vitro and in vivo. Our studies identify the novel suppressive mechanism mediated by tumor-derived γδ Treg cells on innate and adaptive immunity, which should be critical for the development of strong and innovative approaches to reverse the tumor-suppressive microenvironment and improve effects of immunotherapy.
Sustained and Incomplete Recovery of Naive CD8+ T Cell Precursors after Sepsis Contributes to Impaired CD8+ T Cell Responses to Infection
Authors: Condotta Stephanie A. , Rai Deepa , James Britnie R. , Griffith Thomas S. , Badovinac Vladimir P.
Published: January 2013

Patients who survive severe sepsis often display compromised immune function with impairment in innate and adaptive immune responses. These septic patients are highly susceptible to “secondary” infections with intracellular pathogens that are usually controlled by CD8+ T cells. It is not known when and if this observed immunoparalysis of CD8+ T cell immunity recovers, and the long-term consequences of sepsis on the ability of naive CD8+ T cells to respond to subsequent infections are poorly understood. In this study, using the cecal-ligation and puncture mouse model of sepsis, we show that sepsis induces a rapid loss of naive CD8+ T cells. However, IL-15–dependent numerical recovery is observed a month after initial septic insult. Numerical recovery is accompanied by IL-15–dependent phenotypic changes where a substantial proportion of naive (Ag-inexperienced) CD8+ T cells display a “memory-like” phenotype (CD44hi/CD11ahi). Importantly, the impairment of naive CD8+ T cells to respond to viral and bacterial infection was sustained for month(s) after sepsis induction. Incomplete recovery of naive CD8+ T cell precursors was observed in septic mice, suggesting that the availability of naive precursors contributes to the sustained impairment in primary CD8+ T cell responses. Thus, sepsis can result in substantial and long-lasting changes in the available CD8+ T cell repertoire affecting the capacity of the host to respond to new infections.
Cigarette Smoke Exposure Inhibits Contact Hypersensitivity via the Generation of Platelet-Activating Factor Agonists
Authors: Sahu Ravi P. , Petrache Irina , Van Demark Mary J. , Rashid Badri M. , Ocana Jesus A. , Tang Yuxuan , Yi Qiaofang , Turner Matthew J. , Konger Raymond L. , Travers Jeffrey B.
Published: January 2013

Previous studies have established that pro-oxidative stressors suppress host immunity because of their ability to generate oxidized lipids with platelet-activating factor receptor (PAF-R) agonist activity. Although exposure to the pro-oxidative stressor cigarette smoke (CS) is known to exert immunomodulatory effects, little is known regarding the role of PAF in these events. The current studies sought to determine the role of PAF-R signaling in CS-mediated immunomodulatory effects. We demonstrate that CS exposure induces the generation of a transient PAF-R agonistic activity in the blood of mice. CS exposure inhibits contact hypersensitivity in a PAF-R–dependent manner as PAF-R–deficient mice were resistant to these effects. Blocking PAF-R agonist production either by systemic antioxidants or treatment with serum PAF-acetyl hydrolase enzyme blocked both the CS-mediated generation of PAF-R agonists and PAF-R–dependent inhibition of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) reactions, indicating a role for oxidized glycerophosphocholines with PAF-R agonistic activity in this process. In addition, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition did not block PAF-R agonist production but prevented CS-induced inhibition of CHS. This suggests that cyclooxygenase-2 acts downstream of the PAF-R in mediating CS-induced systemic immunosuppression. Moreover, CS exposure induced a significant increase in the expression of the regulatory T cell reporter gene in Foxp3EGFP mice but not in Foxp3EGFP mice on a PAF-R–deficient background. Finally, regulatory T cell depletion via anti-CD25 Abs blocked CS-mediated inhibition of CHS, indicating the potential involvement of regulatory T cells in CS-mediated systemic immunosuppression. These studies provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that the pro-oxidative stressor CS can modulate cutaneous immunity via the generation of PAF-R agonists produced through lipid oxidation.
Crystal Structure of IL-17 Receptor B SEFIR Domain
Authors: Zhang Bing , Liu Caini , Qian Wen , Han Yue , Li Xiaoxia , Deng Junpeng
Published: January 2013

IL-17 cytokines play a crucial role in a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. They signal through heterodimeric receptor complexes consisting of members of IL-17R family. A unique intracellular signaling domain was identified within all IL-17Rs, termed similar expression to fibroblast growth factor genes and IL-17R (SEFIR). SEFIR is also found in NF-κB activator 1 (Act1), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and mediates its recruitment to IL-17Rs. In this study, to our knowledge, we report the structure of the first SEFIR domain from IL-17RB at 1.8Å resolution. SEFIR displays a five-stranded parallel β-sheet that is wrapped by six helices. Site-directed mutagenesis on IL-17RB identified helix αC as being critical for its interaction with Act1 and IL-25 (IL-17E) signaling. Using the current SEFIR structure as a template, the key functional residues in Act1 are also mapped as part of helix αC, which is conserved in IL-17RA and RC, suggesting this helix as a common structural signature for heterotypic SEFIR–SEFIR association. In contrast, helix αB′ is important for homodimerization of Act1, implicating a dual ligand-binding model for SEFIR domain, with distinct structural motifs participating in either homotypic or heterotypic interactions. Furthermore, although the IL-17RB-SEFIR structure resembles closest to the Toll/IL-1R domain of TLR10 with low sequence homology, substantial differences were observed at helices αC, αD, and DD′ loop. To our knowledge, this study provides the first structural view of the IL-17R intracellular signaling, unraveling the mechanism for the specificity of SEFIR versus Toll/IL-1R domain in their respective signaling pathways.
Cutting Edge: An Inactive Chromatin Configuration at the IL-10 Locus in Human Neutrophils
Authors: Tamassia Nicola , Zimmermann Maili , Castellucci Monica , Ostuni Renato , Bruderek Kirsten , Schilling Bastian , Brandau Sven , Bazzoni Flavia , Natoli Gioacchino , Cassatella Marco A.
Published: January 2013

To identify the molecular basis of IL-10 expression in human phagocytes, we evaluated the chromatin modification status at their IL-10 genomic locus. We analyzed posttranslational modifications of histones associated with genes that are active, repressed, or poised for transcriptional activation, including H3K4me3, H4Ac, H3K27Ac, and H3K4me1 marks. Differently from autologous IL-10–producing monocytes, none of the marks under evaluation was detected at the IL-10 locus of resting or activated neutrophils from healthy subjects or melanoma patients. By contrast, increased H3K4me3, H4Ac, H3K4me1, and H3K27Ac levels were detected at syntenic regions of the IL-10 locus in mouse neutrophils. Altogether, data demonstrate that human neutrophils, differently from either monocytes or mouse neutrophils, cannot switch on the IL-10 gene because its locus is in an inactive state, likely reflecting a neutrophil-specific developmental outcome. Implicitly, data also definitively settle a currently unsolved issue on the capacity of human neutrophils to produce IL-10.
CD8α+ Dendritic CellTransPresentation of IL-15 to Naive CD8+ T Cells Produces Antigen-Inexperienced T Cells in the Periphery with Memory Phenotype and Function
Authors: Sosinowski Tomasz , White Jason T. , Cross Eric W. , Haluszczak Catherine , Marrack Philippa , Gapin Laurent , Kedl Ross M.
Published: January 2013

Various populations of memory phenotype CD8+ T cells have been described over the last 15–20 y, all of which possess elevated effector functions relative to naive phenotype cells. Using a technique for isolating Ag-specific cells from unprimed hosts, we recently identified a new subset of cells, specific for nominal Ag, but phenotypically and functionally similar to memory cells arising as a result of homeostatic proliferation. We show in this study that these virtual memory (VM) cells are independent of previously identified innate memory cells, arising as a result of their response to IL-15 trans presentation by lymphoid tissue-resident CD8α+ dendritic cells in the periphery. The absence of IL-15, CD8+ T cell expression of either CD122 or eomesodermin or of CD8a+ dendritic cells all lead to the loss of VM cells in the host. Our results show that CD8+ T cell homeostatic expansion is an active process within the nonlymphopenic environment, is mediated by IL-15, and produces Ag-inexperienced memory cells that retain the capacity to respond to nominal Ag with memory-like function. Preferential engagement of these VM T cells into a vaccine response could dramatically enhance the rate by which immune protection develops.
A nested variational time discretization for parametric Willmore flow
Authors: Balzani Nadine , Rumpf Martin
Published: January 2013

A novel variational time discretization of isotropic and anisotropic Willmore flow combined with a spatial parametric finite element discretization is applied to the evolution of polygonal curves and triangulated surfaces. In the underlying natural approach for the discretization of gradient flows a nested optimization problem has to be solved at each time step. Thereby, an outer variational problem reflects the time discretization of the actual Willmore flow and involves an approximate

L^2

-distance between two consecutive time steps and a fully implicit approximation of the Willmore energy. The mean curvature needed to evaluate the integrant of the latter energy is replaced by the time discrete, approximate speed from an inner, fully implicit variational scheme for mean curvature motion. To solve the resulting PDE constrained optimization problem at every time step duality techniques from PDE optimization are applied. Computational results underline the robustness of the new scheme, in particular with respect to large time steps, and show applications to surface restoration and blending.
Shape flows for spectral optimization problems
Authors: Bucur Dorin , Buttazzo Giuseppe , Stefanelli Ulisse
Published: January 2013

We consider a general formulation of gradient flow evolution for problems whose natural framework is the one of metric spaces. The applications we deal with are concerned with the evolution of
capacitary measures
with respect to the

\gamma

-convergence dissipation distance and with the evolution of domains in spectral optimization problems.
Scattering zippers and their spectral theory
Authors: Marin Laurent , Schulz-Baldes Hermann
Published: January 2013

A scattering zipper is a system obtained by concatenation of scattering events with equal even number of incoming and out going channels. The associated scattering zipper operator is the unitary equivalent of Jacobi matrices with matrix entries and generalizes Blatter–Browne and Chalker–Coddington models and CMV matrices. Weyl discs are analyzed and used to prove a bijection between the set of semi-infinite scattering zipper operators and matrix valued probability measures on the unit circle. Sturm–Liouville oscillation theory is developed as a tool to calculate the spectra of finite and periodic scattering zipper operators.
Spectral analysis of tridiagonal Fibonacci Hamiltonians
Authors: Yessen William
Published: January 2013

We consider a family of discrete Jacobi operators on the one-dimensional integer lattice, with the diagonal and the off-diagonal entries given by two sequences generated by the Fibonacci substitution on two letters. We show that the spectrum is a Cantor set of zero Lebesgue measure, and discuss its fractal structure and Hausdorff dimension. We also extend some known results on the diagonal and the off-diagonal Fibonacci Hamiltonians.
Distribution, floristic structure and habitat requirements of the riparian forest community Populetum talassicae ass. nova in the Central Pamir-Alai Mts (Tajikistan, Middle Asia)
Authors: Nowak Arkadiusz S. , Nobis Marcin
Published: January 2013

This paper discusses the floristic structure, distribution and habitat requirements of a new forest syntaxon, Populetum talassicae ass. nova. The potential range of the Populetum talassicae association comprises the central Pamir-Alai and Tian-Shan Mountains in Middle Asia. The biotope of this community comprises high mountain river valleys and shore zones of mountain lakes situ- ated at elevations between 2200 and 2750 m. Phytocoenoses of the Populetum talassicae association are characterized by a clear predominance in the tree layer of a characteristic species of the association ‒ Populus talassica. Shrubs are not so abundant; how- ever, the undergrowth layer of the community could reach up to 60% of the total cover, consisting mainly of Salix spp., Hipophaë rhamnoides, Lonicera stenantha, Juniperus semiglobosa and J. seravschanica. The herbaceous layer is quite rich and has about 20 species on average. Among associated species mainly meadow, rush and marsh taxa have been noted. Regarding the considerable cover of the meadow species, the association of Populetum talassicae has been classified as the Populetea laurifolio-suaveolentis syntaxon. A new plant alliance was proposed ‒ Populion talassicae all. nova with Pedicularis dolichorhiza and Astragalus tibetanus as diagnostic species. The described forest association is one of the rarest and most rapidly disappearing wood communities in Tajikistan, which means that special conservation attention is called for.
Robust Adaptive Terminal Sliding Mode Synchronized Control for a Class of Non‐Autonomous Chaotic Systems
Authors: Yang Chi‐Ching
Published: January 2013

For a general class of non‐autonomous chaotic systems, the purpose of this study is to introduce a robust adaptive terminal sliding mode controller for achieving synchronization between two of the same kind of systems in the presence of system uncertainties and external disturbances. The proposed controller, associated with adaptive feedback gains, can compensate nonlinear dynamics of the synchronous error system without active elimination. Meanwhile, these feedback gains are not to be determined in advance but updated by the adaptive rules without known bounds of system uncertainties and external disturbances. In the sense of the Lyapunov stability theorem, sufficient conditions to guarantee the stable synchronization are given. Numerical case studies are performed to verify the effectiveness of presented scheme.
Trust‐based workflow refactoring for concurrent scheduling in service‐oriented environment
Authors: Wang Mingzhong , Zhang Xuyun , Zhu Liehuang , Liao Lejian
Published: January 2013

Workflow scheduling has been extensively studied to improve the system performance. However, existing approaches are usually built on predefined workflow graph structure, neglecting the possibility that a workflow graph itself may be changeable when certain conditions are satisfied. Therefore, in this paper, we propose the concept of graph refactoring that transforms certain types of sequential tasks to run in parallel without changing system's functionality. We first provide a classification for task dependencies in workflows and identify that previously sequential task ordering in loose control dependency can be scheduled to run in parallel as long as supporting services are trustworthy. With this concept, we present a refactoring algorithm to traverse, restructure, and parallelize loose control dependencies in the graph when the reputations of related executing services are above certain threshold. In addition, refactoring effects on common sub‐graph structures are analyzed and discussed. In practice, our algorithm can be integrated into existing workflow management systems as a preprocessor to generate a new functionally equivalent working graph with more concurrent branches for further scheduling. Experiments and analysis show that graph refactoring can improve the system performance scalably because of concurrent execution of previously sequential tasks. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Connecting the dots: Mobilizing theory to reveal the big picture in social psychology (and why we should do this)
Authors: Ellemers Naomi
Published: January 2013

During the past 20 years, practices in social psychology have drifted toward the publication of brief research reports as the main outlet for empirical findings, resulting in an exponential increase of the number of publications in our field. Recent developments questioning the reliability of these findings have increased the focus on (methodological) details and have prompted efforts to establish the robustness of isolated phenomena. Both types of developments carry the danger of impeding rather than promoting progress in the field. We can only build a cumulative knowledge base when we succeed in connecting these dots. Developing and examining broader theories about psychological processes and their implications can help connect different insights and elucidate their further implications in a way that can be used and understood within and beyond the boundaries of our discipline. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrorotation of titanium microspheres
Authors: Arcenegui Juan J. , Ramos Antonio , García‐Sánchez Pablo , Morgan Hywel
Published: January 2013

Electrorotation (ROT) data for solid titanium micrometer‐sized spheres in an electrolyte are presented for three different ionic conductivities, over the frequency range of 10 Hz to 100 kHz. The direction of rotation was found to be opposite to the direction of rotation of the electric field vector (counterfield electrorotation), with a single rotation peak. The maximum rotation rate occurs at a frequency of the order of the reciprocal RC time constant for charging the particle double layer capacitance through the resistor of the electrolyte bulk. A model for the electrical torque acting on a metallic sphere is presented, using a constant phase element impedance to describe the metal/electrolyte interface. The titanium spheres are much denser than the electrolyte and rest on the bottom substrate. Therefore, the electrical and viscous torques near a wall are considered in the analysis. Good agreement is found between the predicted and measured rotational speed as a function of frequency. Theory shows that there is no effect of induced charge electroosmotic flow on the ROT, as observed experimentally.
A separability parameter for dielectrophoretic cell separation
Authors: Sabuncu Ahmet C. , Beskok Ali
Published: January 2013

In this study, a separability parameter is introduced to determine the selection of optimum operating parameters for DEP separation of a cell pair. The separability parameter is defined as a function of cells’ Clausius–Mossotti (CM) factors. T‐cell leukemia Jurkat and mouse melanoma B16 cells are tested to validate the separability parameter. CM factors of cells are measured using a recently developed microfluidic impedance spectroscopy device. Separability maps are generated for varying values of field frequency and buffer conductivity. Cell separation is tested using a planar interdigitated electrode array at different buffer conductivities. Impedance measurements of the DEP device are performed at various buffer conductivities. Electrode polarization effects and energy allocation for dielectrophoretic manipulation of cells are computed from the impedance data utilizing an equivalent circuit model. Cell separation results are explained in the light of the impedance measurements.
Seismic performance of highway bridges with fusing bearing components for quasi‐isolation
Authors: Filipov Evgueni T. , Revell Jessica R. , Fahnestock Larry A. , LaFave James M. , Hajjar Jerome F. , Foutch Douglas A. , Steelman Joshua S.
Published: January 2013

Modern highway bridges in Illinois are often installed with economical elastomeric bearings that allow for thermal movement of the superstructure, and steel fixed bearings and transverse retainers that prevent excessive movement from service‐level loadings. In the event of an earthquake, the bearing system has the potential to provide a quasi‐isolated response where failure of sacrificial elements and sliding of the bearings can cause a period elongation and reduce or cap the force demands on the substructure. A computational model that has been calibrated for the expected nonlinear behaviors is used to carry out a parametric study to evaluate quasi‐isolated bridge behavior. The study investigates different superstructure types, substructure types, substructure heights, foundation types, and elastomeric bearing types. Overall, only a few bridge variants were noted to unseat for design‐level seismic input in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, indicating that most structures in Illinois would not experience severe damage during their typical design life. However, Type II bearing systems, which consist of an elastomeric bearing and a flat PTFE slider, would in some cases result in critical damage from unseating at moderate and high seismic input. The sequence of damage for many bridge cases indicates yielding of piers at low‐level seismic input. This is caused by the high strength of the fixed bearing element, which justifies further calibration of the quasi‐isolation design approach. Finally, the type of ground motion, pier height, and bearing type were noted to have significant influence on the global bridge response. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unintentional Role Models: Links Between Maternal Eating Psychopathology and the Modelling of Eating Behaviours
Authors: Palfreyman Zoe , Haycraft Emma , Meyer Caroline
Published: January 2013

This study explored the relationships between maternal modelling of eating behaviours with reported symptoms of maternal eating psychopathology, anxiety and depression. Mothers (N = 264) with a child aged 1.5 to 8 years completed three self‐report measures designed to assess modelling of eating behaviours, eating psychopathology and levels of anxiety and depression. The study found that higher levels of maternal eating psychopathology were positively associated with eating behaviours that were unintentionally modelled by mothers but that maternal eating psychopathology was not associated with more overt/intentional forms of parental modelling. In addition, higher levels of maternal depression were associated with lower levels of both unintentional and intentional forms of maternal modelling, whereas maternal anxiety was not found to correlate with modelling behaviours. This study highlights the possible detrimental influences of maternal mental health in relation to mothers providing their child with a positive parental role model around eating and feeding. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
WAITING TIMES AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS. EVIDENCE FROM NORWAY
Authors: Kaarboe Oddvar , Carlsen Fredrik
Published: January 2013

We investigate whether socioeconomic status, measured by income and education, affects waiting time when controls for severity and hospital‐specific conditions are included. We also examine which aspects of the hospital supply (attachment to local hospital, traveling time, or choice of hospital) matter most for unequal treatment of different socioeconomic groups. The study uses administrative data from all elective inpatient and outpatient stays in somatic hospitals in Norway. The main results are that we find very little indication of discrimination with regard to income and education when both severity and aspects of hospital supply are controlled for. This result holds for both men and women. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor targeting of the IL‐15 superagonist RLI by an anti‐GD2 antibody strongly enhances its antitumor potency
Authors: Vincent Marie , Bessard Anne , Cochonneau Denis , Teppaz Géraldine , Solé Véronique , Maillasson Mike , Birklé Stéphane , Garrigue‐Antar Laure , Quéméner Agnès , Jacques Yannick
Published: January 2013

Immunocytokines (ICKs) targeting cytokines to the tumor environment using antibodies directed against a tumor‐associated antigen often have a higher therapeutic index than the corresponding unconjugated cytokines. Various ICKs displaying significant antitumoral effects in several murine tumor models have already been developed, and some of them, in particular interleukin (IL)‐2‐based ICKs, are in Phase II clinical trials. Although sharing common biological activities with IL‐2 in vitro, IL‐15 is now considered as having a better potential in antitumor immunotherapeutical strategies and has been shown to be less toxic than IL‐2 in preclinical studies. We previously developed the fusion protein RLI, linking a soluble form of human IL‐15Rα‐sushi+ domain to human IL‐15. RLI showed better biological activities than IL‐15 in vitro as well as higher antitumoral effects in vivo in murine and human cancer models. Here, we investigated, in the context of an ICK, the effect of associating RLI with an antibody targeting the GD2 ganglioside, a validated tumoral target expressed on many neurectodermal tumors. Anti‐GD2‐RLI fully retained the cytokine potential of RLI and the antibody effector functions (antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity). It displayed strong antitumor activities in two syngeneic cancer models in immunocompetent mice (subcutaneous EL4 and metastatic NXS2). Its therapeutic potency was higher than those of RLI and anti‐GD2 alone or in combination. We suggest that this is related to its bifunctional (cytokine and antibody) nature.
The presence of Merkel cell polyomavirus is associated with deregulated expression of BRAF and Bcl‐2 genes in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lasithiotaki I. , Antoniou K.M. , Derdas S.P. , Sarchianaki E. , Symvoulakis E.K. , Psaraki A. , Spandidos D.A. , Stathopoulos E.N. , Siafakas N.M. , Sourvinos G.
Published: January 2013

Polyomaviruses such as BK virus (BKV), JC virus (JCV) and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) are typically nononcogenic, although they have been detected in a variety of human neoplasms. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of the most common polyomaviruses MCPyV, BKV and JCV as well as the gene expression profile of genes involved in oncogenesis including K‐ras, BRAF, RKIP, Bax, Bcl‐2, p53 and RB1 in a cohort of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Real‐time and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to assess the presence of polyomaviruses DNA in tissue biopsies from 110 patients with primary NSCLC and 14 tissue specimens from macroscopically healthy sites of their lung. Real‐time PCR was also used to determine the mRNA expression of K‐ras, BRAF, RKIP, Bax, Bcl‐2, p53 and RB1 in selected samples. Results showed that ten NSCLC specimens were positive for the presence of MCPyV DNA (10/110, 9.1%), whereas no control sample was tested positive for the virus. The MCPyV‐positive samples were predominantly obtained from male smokers (9/10). BKV and JCV DNA were not detected either in lung tissues biopsies or the control specimens. Interestingly, gene expression analysis revealed increased mRNA and protein expression of BRAF gene in association with BRAF phosphorylation in the MCPyV‐positive samples, whereas Bcl‐2 gene expression was downregulated in the same type of samples. The detected MCPyV prevalence in NSCLC in combination with the deregulated expression of BRAF and Bcl‐2 genes suggests that these events are likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of NSCLC.
Augmenting Outerplanar Graphs to Meet Diameter Requirements
Authors: Ishii Toshimasa
Published: January 2013

Given an undirected graph and an integer , we consider the problem of augmenting G by a minimum set of new edges so that the diameter becomes at most D. It is known that no constant factor approximation algorithms to this problem with an arbitrary graph G can be obtained unless , while the problem with only a few graph classes such as forests is approximable within a constant factor. In this article, we give the first constant factor approximation algorithm to the problem with an outerplanar graph G. We also show that if the target diameter D is even, then the case where G is a partial 2‐tree is also approximable within a constant.
Recent Transformations in China's Economic, Social, and Education Policies for Promoting Innovation and Creativity
Authors: Pang Weiguo , Plucker Jonathan A.
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this study is to review major Chinese policies related to creativity education. We first identify and describe the role of innovation and creativity in economic and social development policies over the past 20 years, then analyze how the call for enhanced Chinese innovation and creativity was actualized in corresponding education policies. The article concludes with an analysis of issues surrounding Chinese education policy toward creativity and several directions for future research in this area.
1H NMR spectra. Part 30: 1H chemical shifts in amides and the magnetic anisotropy, electric field and steric effects of the amide group
Authors: Abraham Raymond J. , Griffiths Lee , Perez Manuel
Published: January 2013

The 1H spectra of 37 amides in CDCl3 solvent were analysed and the chemical shifts obtained. The molecular geometries and conformational analysis of these amides were considered in detail. The NMR spectral assignments are of interest, e.g. the assignments of the formamide NH2 protons reverse in going from CDCl3 to more polar solvents. The substituent chemical shifts of the amide group in both aliphatic and aromatic amides were analysed using an approach based on neural network data for near (≤3 bonds removed) protons and the electric field, magnetic anisotropy, steric and for aromatic systems π effects of the amide group for more distant protons. The electric field is calculated from the partial atomic charges on the N.C═O atoms of the amide group. The magnetic anisotropy of the carbonyl group was reproduced with the asymmetric magnetic anisotropy acting at the midpoint of the carbonyl bond. The values of the anisotropies Δχparl and Δχperp were for the aliphatic amides 10.53 and −23.67 (×10−6 Å3/molecule) and for the aromatic amides 2.12 and −10.43 (×10−6 Å3/molecule). The nitrogen anisotropy was 7.62 (×10−6 Å3/molecule). These values are compared with previous literature values. The 1H chemical shifts were calculated from the semi‐empirical approach and also by gauge‐independent atomic orbital calculations with the density functional theory method and B3LYP/6–31G++ (d,p) basis set. The semi‐empirical approach gave good agreement with root mean square error of 0.081 ppm for the data set of 280 entries. The gauge‐independent atomic orbital approach was generally acceptable, but significant errors (ca. 1 ppm) were found for the NH and CHO protons and also for some other protons. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable Isotopic Evidence of Ancient Maya Diet at Caledonia, Cayo District, Belize
Authors: Rand A. J. , Healy P. F. , Awe J. J.
Published: January 2013

The skeletal remains of 18 individuals interred at the ancient Maya site of Caledonia (100 to 1000 C.E.), located in the Cayo District of Belize, w ere sampled for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis in order to reconstruct their diet. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in 18 bone collagen samples and stable carbon isotope ratios in bioapatite from 15 bone and 6 tooth enamel samples were assessed. Small sample sizes precluded the assessment of dietary variation with respect to age, sex, social status or time period among the Caledonia Maya. However, the sampled individuals consumed a varied diet consisting of maize, supplemented with some C3plants, terrestrial herbivores and/or lower order freshwater resources such as snails and molluscs and possibly maize‐fed animals. This dietary variability with an emphasis on maize is unsurprising given the biological diversity surrounding the site and the known importance of this crop to the ancient Maya. As expected, the isotopic values from Caledonia are similar to those from nearby sites from similar time periods. However, four individuals exhibit a marine dietary signature, possibly indicating inland trade of marine resources from coastal sites, or the migration of coastal people to Caledonia. This study demonstrates the validity of sampling small, fragmented collections from minor Maya centres in order to gain valuable insight into ancient Maya dietary practices. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solvatochromism of 2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)‐7‐nitrofluorene and the natural dye β‐carotene: application for the determination of solvent dipolarity and polarizability
Authors: Pires Paulo A. R. , Imran Muhammad , Loffredo Carina , Donate Paulo M. , Previdi Daniel , El Seoud Omar A.
Published: January 2013

The effects of solvents on chemical phenomena (rate and equilibrium constants, spectroscopic transitions, etc.) are conveniently described by solvation free‐energy relationships that take into account solvent acidity, basicity and dipolarity/polarizability. The latter can be separated into its components by manipulating the UV–vis spectra of two solvatochromic probes, 2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)‐7‐nitrofluorene (DMANF) and a di‐(tert‐butyl)‐tetramethyl docosanonaen probe (ttbP9) whose synthesis is laborious and expensive. Recently, we have shown that the natural dye β‐carotene can be conveniently employed instead of ttbP9 for the determination of solvent polarizability (SP) of 76 molecular solvents and four ionic liquids. In the present work, we report the polarizabilities of further 24 solvents. Based on the solvatochromism of β‐carotene and DMANF, we have calculated solvent dipolarity (SD) for 103 protic and aprotic molecular solvents, and ionic liquids. The dependence of SD and SP on the number of carbon atoms in the acyl‐ or alkyl group of several homologous series (alcohols; 2‐alkoxyethanols; carboxylic acid‐ anhydrides, and esters, ionic liquids) is calculated and briefly discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulating Public Health Capacity to Measure Performance: E. coli O157 at the North Carolina State Fair
Authors: Winter Sharolyn A. , Ivy Julie S. , Horney Jennifer A.
Published: January 2013

Despite the investment of billions of dollars in federal funding for emergency preparedness and response initiatives, broadly accepted performance measures for determining the efficacy of these systems have yet to be established. The inability to accurately capture this information hinders the ability to measure the true degree of preparedness. The North Carolina Public Health Information Network (NC PHIN), a key component of North Carolina's public health system, has promise as a means to measure emergency preparedness and response. In this paper, we look at how NC PHIN has increased emergency preparedness and response capacity by presenting a simulation of the 2004 State Fair Escherichia coli outbreak. We found that although the capacity exists within NC PHIN to increase emergency preparedness and response, some factors limit NC PHIN's effectiveness. Our findings suggest that proper resource allocation will be necessary in order to realize the potential of NC PHIN.
MODELLING CHANGES IN SALMON HABITAT ASSOCIATED WITH RIVER CHANNEL RESTORATION AND FLOW‐INDUCED CHANNEL ALTERATIONS
Authors: Gard M.
Published: January 2013

The River2D two‐dimensional hydraulic and habitat model was used to simulate fall‐run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) spawning and fry and juvenile rearing habitat of the first phase of a stream channel restoration project on Clear Creek, California. Habitat was simulated for a range of stream flows: (1) before restoration; (2) based on the restoration design; (3) immediately after restoration; and (4) after one and two large flow events. Hydraulic and structural data were collected for three sites before restoration, and prerestoration habitat was simulated. Habitat simulated for these sites was extrapolated to the prerestoration area based on habitat mapping. The topographical plan for the restoration was used to simulate the anticipated habitat after restoration. Although the restoration increased spawning habitat, it was less successful for rearing habitat. Channel changes associated with high‐flow events did not entirely negate the benefits of the restoration project. The results of this study point out the need for models that can simulate the changes in channel topography associated with high‐flow events, which could then be used to simulate habitat over time. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
The PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Controls the Quiescence of the Low-Rhodamine123-Retention Cell Compartment Enriched for Melanoma Stem Cell Activity
Authors: Touil Yasmine , Zuliani Thomas , Wolowczuk Isabelle , Kuranda Klaudia , Prochazkova Jirina , Andrieux Joris , Le Roy Helene , Mortier Laurent , Vandomme Jerome , Jouy Nathalie , Masselot Bernadette , Ségard Pascaline , Quesnel Bruno , Formstecher Pierre , Polakowska Renata
Published: January 2013

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and extremely resistant to conventional therapies neoplasms. Recently, cellular resistance was linked to the cancer stem cell phenotype, still controversial and not well-defined. In this study, we used a Rhodamine 123 (Rh123) exclusion assay to functionally identify stem-like cells in metastatic human melanomas and melanoma cell lines. We demonstrate that a small subset of Rh123-low-retention (Rh123low) cells is enriched for stem cell-like activities, including the ability to self-renew and produce nonstem Rh123high progeny and to form melanospheres, recapitulating the phenotypic profile of the parental tumor. Rh123low cells are relatively quiescent and chemoresistant. At the molecular level, we show that melanoma Rh123low cells overexpress HIF1α, pluripotency factor OCT4, and the ABCB5 marker of melanoma stem cells and downregulate the expression of Cyclin D1 and CDK4. Interestingly, a short treatment with LY294002, an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT pathway, specifically reverts a subset of Rh123high cells to the Rh123low phenotype, whereas treatment with inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin, phosphatase and tensin homolog or mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling does not. This phenotypic switching was associated with reduced levels of the HIF1α transcript and an increase in the level of phosphorylated nuclear FOXO3a preferentially in Rh123low cells. Moreover, the Rh123low cells became less quiescent and displayed a significant increase in their melanosphere-forming ability. All the above indicates that the Rh123low melanoma stem cell pool is composed of cycling and quiescent cells and that the PI3K/AKT signaling while maintaining the quiescence of Rh123low G0 cells promotes the exit of cycling cells from the stem cell compartment.
Understanding Sheng Nu (“Leftover Women”): the Phenomenon of Late Marriage among Chinese Professional Women
Authors: To Sandy
Published: January 2013

In the past few decades, there has been a rise in the number of single, unmarried Chinese professional women, which is known as the sheng nu or “leftover women” phenomenon. Through an interactionist grounded theory method, this study has located the interactional constraints faced by 50 single Chinese professional women that were issued by their male romantic partners and parents, respectively. “Discriminatory” and “controlling” gendered constraints issued by the women's male suitors and partners reflected the persistence of the Chinese patriarchal structure, and this was found to be the leading cause of the women being “leftover” in the marriage market. Parents' traditional views continued to exert strong influences on the women's marital choices, but this was seen to conflict with their more “modern” views toward advocating and supporting the women's strong economic achievements. The four different types of Chinese professional women that were constructed based on their different partner choice strategies not only gave rise to an in‐depth and nuanced understanding of the sheng nu phenomenon in China, but could also be generalized toward understanding the marital choices of single professional women in other patriarchal societies who faced similar dilemmas in reconciling interactional constraints imposed by men and parents alike.
Statistical Model of Shape Moments with Active Contour Evolution for Shape Detection and Segmentation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Matuszewski Bogdan J. , Histace Aymeric , Precioso Frédéric
Published: January 2013

This paper describes a novel method for shape representation and robust image segmentation. The proposed method combines two well known methodologies, namely, statistical shape models and active contours implemented in level set framework. The shape detection is achieved by maximizing a posterior function that consists of a prior shape probability model and image likelihood function conditioned on shapes. The statistical shape model is built as a result of a learning process based on nonparametric probability estimation in a PCA reduced feature space formed by the Legendre moments of training silhouette images. A greedy strategy is applied to optimize the proposed cost function by iteratively evolving an implicit active contour in the image space and subsequent constrained optimization of the evolved shape in the reduced shape feature space. Experimental results presented in the paper demonstrate that the proposed method, contrary to many other active contour segmentation methods, is highly resilient to severe random and structural noise that could be present in the data.
Non‐syndromic Sensorineural Prelingual Deafness: The Importance of Genetic Counseling in Demystifying Parents’ Beliefs About the Cause of Their Children's Deafness
Authors: Rodrigues Fidjy , Paneque Milena , Reis Cláudia , Venâncio Margarida , Sequeiros Jorge , Saraiva Jorge
Published: January 2013

Recent advances in molecular genetics have allowed the determination of the genetic cause of some childhood non‐syndromic deafness. In Portugal only a small proportion of families are referred to a clinical genetics service in order to clarify the etiology of the deafness and to provide genetic counseling. Consequently, there are no published studies of the prior beliefs of parents about the causes of hereditary deafness of their children and their genetic knowledge after receipt of genetic counseling. In order to evaluate the impact of genetic counseling, 44 parents of 24 children with the diagnosis of non‐syndromic sensorineural prelingual deafness due to mutations in theGJB2(connexin 26), completed surveys before and after genetic counseling. Before counseling 13.6 % of the parents knew the cause of deafness; at a post‐counseling setting this percentage was significantly higher, with 84.1 % of the parents accurately identifying the etiology. No significant differences were found between the answers of mothers and fathers either before or after genetic counseling. Parents’ level of education was a significant factor in pre‐test knowledge. After genetic counseling 95.5 % of the parents stated that the consultation had met their expectations, 70.5 % remembered correctly the inheritance pattern, and 93.2 % correctly recalled the chance of risk of deafness. These results underline the importance of genetic counseling in demystifying parents’ beliefs about the etiology of their children's deafness.
Destabilization of Yellow Mustard Emulsion Using Organic Solvents
Authors: Tabtabaei Solmaz , Ataya Pulido Veronica M. , Diosady Levente L.
Published: January 2013

An aqueous extraction process was developed consisting of aqueous contact with dehulled yellow mustard flour to recover protein followed by dissolution of the released emulsion in dimethylformamide (DMF) or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to recover the released oil in the form of single‐phase oil–solvent miscellae suitable for industrial applications. Only some 38 ± 3 % of the oil in the yellow mustard emulsion was extracted using DMF even at high weight ratios since DMF is widely miscible with water, preventing separation of the oil from the emulsion. A ternary phase diagram of DMF/oil/water was prepared and confirmed the limited solubility of the oil in DMF in the presence of water. The use of 31:1 IPA:oil weight ratio could effectively recover over 94 % of the oil in the emulsion; however, multiple‐stage treatment of the emulsion was proven to be more efficient with lower volumes of IPA required to achieve high oil extraction yields. The results suggest that the optimal conditions for multiple‐stage process were four stages using 2:1 IPA:oil weight ratio, with 96 ± 1 % oil recovery from the emulsion.
The Letters and Works of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu
Authors: Montagu Mary Wortley
Published: January 2013

Self-taught in her father's library, the writer, satirist and poet Lady Mary Wortley Montagu had an inexhaustible appetite for travel and society. This third edition of her Letters and Works (1866) offers insight into the ambitions and frustrations of one of the most unconventional women of the eighteenth century. Volume 2 continues the collection of her humorous, sometimes acerbic writings with correspondence from her travels in Italy. Her letters from abroad during the heyday of the Grand Tour reveal a sociable woman enjoying the sights and society of Florence, Bologna, Venice, Naples and Rome, while hosting salons, and courting controversy. Enhanced by an engraved portrait of her husband, Edward Wortley Montagu, this volume completes an entertaining and informative collection of correspondence. For more information on this author, see http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=montma
Effect of viscosity on propagation of MHD waves in astrophysical plasma
Authors: MENGESHA ALEMAYEHU , TESSEMA S. B.
Published: January 2013

We determine the general dispersion relation for the propagation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves in an astrophysical plasma by considering the effect of viscosity with an anisotropic pressure tensor. Basic MHD equations have been derived and linearized by the method of perturbation to develop the general form of the dispersion relation equation. Our result indicates that an astrophysical plasma with an anisotropic pressure tensor is stable in the presence of viscosity and a strong magnetic field at considerable wavelength.