bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell‐extrinsic CTLA4‐mediated regulation of dendritic cell maturation depends on STAT3
Authors: Kowalczyk Aleksandra , D'Souza Cheryl A. , Zhang Li
Published: December 2013

Regulatory T (Treg) cells suppress immune responses by downregulating the expression of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on dendritic cells (DCs) through cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4). However, it is unclear whether inducible Treg (iTreg) cells can hamper immune responses via the same mechanism. Moreover, whether a reverse signal sent by CTLA4 alone is sufficient to prevent maturation of DCs has never been evaluated. Here, we demonstrate that stimulation of DCs with CTLA4, either expressed by inducible Treg cells or by cross‐linking with CTLA4Fc fusion protein, can significantly inhibit LPS‐induced CD80 and CD86 mRNA and protein expression in both mouse and human DCs. Importantly, CTLA4Fc‐treated DCs had reduced ability to stimulate CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell proliferation and cytokine production in both syngeneic and allogeneic settings. We also investigated the molecular mechanism involved in the induction of tolerogenic DCs by CTLA4. We determined that the interaction of CTLA4 with its high affinity ligand CD80 on DCs induces STAT3 phosphorylation followed by reduction of NF‐κB activity, leading to suppression of CD80 and CD86 gene transcription and protein production. Our work opens new windows for the generation of tolerogenic DCs that could ultimately be used for treating autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection.
Transcription factor ELF4 promotes development and function of memory CD8+T cells in Listeria monocytogenes infection
Authors: Mamonkin Maksim , Puppi Monica , Lacorazza H. Daniel
Published: December 2013

Most differentiated CD8+ T cells die off at the end of an infection, revealing two main subsets of memory T cells — central and effector memory — which can be found in lymphoid tissues or circulating through nonlymphoid organs, respectively. The cell intrinsic regulation of the differentiation of CD8+ T cells to effector and central memory remains poorly studied. Herein, we describe a novel role of the ETS transcription factor ELF4 in the development and function of memory CD8+ T cells following infection with Listeria monocytogenes. Adoptively transferred Elf4−/− naïve CD8+ T cells produced lower numbers of effector memory CD8+ T cells despite a normal pool of central memory. This was caused by suboptimal priming and decreased survival of CD8+ T cells at the peak of response while enhanced Notch1 signaling and upregulation of eomesodermin correlated with “normal” development of Elf4−/− central memory. Finally, loss of ELF4 impaired the expansion of both central and effector memory CD8+ T cells in a recall response by also activating Notch1 signaling. Altogether, ELF4 emerges as a novel transcriptional regulator of CD8+ T‐cell differentiation in response to infection.
Geoarchaeological and Bioarchaeological Studies at Mira, an Early Upper Paleolithic Site in the Lower Dnepr Valley, Ukraine
Authors: Hoffecker John F. , Holliday Vance T. , Stepanchuk Vadim N. , Brugère Alexis , Forman Steven L. , Goldberg Paul , Tubolzev Oleg , Pisarev Igor
Published: December 2013

New geoarchaeological and bioarcheological research was undertaken at the open‐air site of Mira, which is buried in deposits of the Second Terrace of the Dnepr River, roughly 15 km downstream from the city of Zaporozhye in Ukraine. Previous excavation of the site revealed two occupation layers dating to ∼32,000 cal BP. The lower layer (II/2) yielded bladelets similar to those of the early Gravettian, while the upper layer (I) contained traces of an artificial shelter and hundreds of bones and teeth of horse (Equus latipes). Mira represents the only firmly dated early Upper Paleolithic (EUP) site in the Dnepr Basin, and occupies a unique topographic setting for the EUP near the center of the broad floodplain of the Dnepr River. The site was visited during a period of floodplain stability, characterized by overbank deposition and weak soil formation under cool climate conditions. Mira was used as a long‐term camp, but also was the locus of large‐mammal carcass processing associated with a nearby kill of a group of horses (Layer I).
Systemic inflammatory markers as independent prognosticators of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Rassouli Alipasha , Saliba Joe , Castano Roberto , Hier Michael , Zeitouni Anthony G.
Published: December 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the pretreatment inflammatory markers platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with HNSCC at McGill University Health Center from 2000 to 2011 (273 patients were retained). Hematologic parameters were recorded within 4 weeks of diagnosis. Mortality and recurrence rates were compared according to various PLR and NLR thresholds.

Results

Of the total patients, 20.5% died and 11.0% had disease recurrence. PLR >170 was associated with higher mortality (p = .008). The subgroup with a combination of PLR >170 and NLR ≤3.0 was associated with higher T classification and highest mortality (43%). NLR above 4.2 predicted higher rates of recurrence (p < .0001). The NLR/PLR combination was at least as good as TNM staging in predicting survival.

Conclusion

PLR is an independent predictor of mortality; NLR is an independent predictor of recurrence in HNSCC. These parameters might be used to identify advanced stages rapidly and economically. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 103–110, 2015
Evaluation of patients with head and neck cancer performing standard treatment in relation to body composition, resting metabolic rate, and inflammatory cytokines
Authors: de Carvalho Thalyta Morandi Ridolfi , Miguel Marin Daniela , da Silva Conceição Aparecida , de Souza Aglécio Luiz , Talamoni Maristela , Lima Carmen Silvia Passos , Monte Alegre Sarah
Published: December 2013

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) usually emerges as a set of signs and symptoms that, either alone or in combination with standard treatment, may lead to malnutrition and weight loss.

Methods

This study evaluated patients with SCCHN before day 0 and 30 days after the end of treatment, with/without tumor resection. Each individual patient underwent analyses of body composition and resting metabolic rate, as well as assessment of serum glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), IL‐1β, and insulin sensitivity.

Results

There was body mass loss during treatment and significant reduction in body fat and free fat mass. Early nutritional monitoring and tumor resection before treatment led to a better nutritional status and reduced inflammatory state.

Conclusion

Early nutritional monitoring and resection of the tumor by surgery may be important factors for patients to better tolerate treatment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 97–102, 2015
Vital staining of the stick insect digestive system identifies appendices of the midgut as novel system of excretion
Authors: Shelomi Matan , Kimsey Lynn S.
Published: December 2013

The stick insects or phasmids (Phamsatodea) have a series of pyriform ampulles with long, thin filaments on the posterior end of their midgut referred to as the “appendices of the midgut.” Found only in phasmids, their function had never been determined until now. Their similarity to the Malpighian tubules, which are ubiquitous insect organs of excretion, suggested a similar function. To differentiate between the appendices and the Malpighian tubules and compare functional differences between the two tissue types, vital staining (the injection of histological stains into living organisms) was done in conjunction with light and scanning electron microscopy in multiple phasmid species. The results showed that the appendices originated in the basal phasmids (Timematidae) and grew more numerous in derived species. The appendices stain selectively, notably failing to pick up the indicators of the two known systems of invertebrate excretory function, indigo carmine and ammonium carmine. Appendices sequester stains in the ampule portion before eliminating the compounds into the midgut. We conclude by confirming that the appendices do have an excretory function, but one unlike any other known in invertebrates. Their function is likely cation excretion, playing a role in calcium regulation and/or organic alkaloid sequestration. The appendices must thus be considered distinct organs from the Malpighian tubules. J. Morphol. 275:623–633, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phytostabilization of moderate copper contaminated soils using co‐inoculation of Vicia faba with plant growth promoting bacteria
Authors: Fatnassi Imen Challougui , Chiboub Manel , Saadani Omar , Jebara Moez , Jebara Salwa Harzalli
Published: December 2013

There is a need to conduct research on the selection of microbial isolates from rhizosphere of plants growing on heavy metal contaminated soils for specific restoration programs. This article suggest a consortium of bacteria combining Rhizobium sp. CCNWSX0481, Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae, Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas sp. 2(2010) that was examined for the ability to promote Vicia faba.L. growth when cultivated on the vineyard of soil moderately contaminated with copper. Data showed that inoculation was significant in nodulation; it increases the number and the weight of nodules of 50%. Co‐inoculation was also found to positively influence growth and seed yield, through increasing fresh shoot and fresh root weights by 33 and 26%, respectively, and through rising numbers of seed per pod and pods per plant. In contrast, co‐inoculation produced a significant reduction of accumulated copper in roots attending 35%, however, the treatment revealed no significant effects on the copper contents in pods and seeds. The tested inoculum could be an option to promote V. faba growth and to enhance soil fertilization in moderate copper contaminated soils. Further studies on the influence of co‐inoculation practices on copper migration in soil‐plant systems are recommended to acquire more information for evaluation of this legume safety.
Determination of sulfonamides in milk samples by HPLC with amperometric detection using a glassy carbon electrode modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Bueno Ana María , Contento Ana María , Ríos Ángel
Published: December 2013

A sensitive and accurate method for determining five sulfonamides based on HPLC with amperometric detection and using a glassy carbon electrode modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes is proposed. Optimal conditions for the quantitative separation of selected sulfonamides were studied, and glassy carbon electrodes with and without modification with carbon nanotubes were systematically investigated as electrodic materials. Statistical analysis of the obtained results demonstrated that these modified electrodes achieved considerably better stability and sensitivity than the conventional unmodified ones. Detection limits were in the 1.2–6.0 ng/mL range. The usefulness of the method was demonstrated by the analysis of milk samples, taking into account the European legislation on residues in food products, following both a screening method to classify the samples and a confirmation method to provide more detailed information in the case of positive samples.
Effect of competing binding modes on retention in chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. A theoretical consideration
Authors: Asnin Leonid D. , Nikitina Yuliya
Published: December 2013

A mathematical formalism has been developed to describe equilibrium in a system involving a single selector and a selectand molecule capable of binding to this selector by different modes. The generalization of this model to a multiselector system has also been considered. Applications of the developed equations in chromatography and CE are discussed.
Comparison of four cholesterol‐based stationary phases for the separation of steroid hormones
Authors: Soukup Jan , Bocian Szymon , Jandera Pavel , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: December 2013

The chromatographic behavior of steroid hormones on four cholesterol‐bonded stationary phases with different structures in binary methanol/water mobile phases was studied. Of the stationary phases tested, the commercially available stationary phases Cogent UDC cholesterol™ and COSMOSIL cholester™ provided better separations of steroid hormones in comparison to homemade aminocholesterol and diaminocholesterol stationary phases. The results show that the temperature has a significant influence on the retention and selectivity for steroid hormones separation. The temperature increase may cause changes in the elution order. From the dependences of the retention (ln k) on temperature (1/T), the standard partial molar enthalpy and standard partial molar entropy were calculated and their enthalpic and entropic contributions to the retention were compared. The enthalpic effects principally control the retention mechanism.
Enantiomeric distribution of major chiral volatile organic compounds in juniper‐flavored distillates
Authors: Pažitná Alexandra , Špánik Ivan
Published: December 2013

The enantiomeric ratios of chiral volatile organic compounds in juniper‐flavored spirits produced by various processing technologies in different EU countries were determined by multidimensional GC using solid‐phase microextraction and liquid–liquid extraction as a sample pretreatment procedure. In total, more than 260 compounds were detected in studied spirits from which linalool, α‐terpineol, 4‐terpineol, linalool oxides, α‐pinene, and verbenone were selected for enantiomeric separation. The significant differences in enantiomeric ratio of linalool and cis‐linalool oxide allowed us to distinguish between samples produced in Slovakia and the United Kingdom from those produced in Germany, Czech Republic, and Belgium. The pure enantiomer of trans‐linalool oxide was found only in samples from Germany. It was shown that the enantiomeric ratio is independent of the sample treatment procedure, and only small differences up to 1% were observed.
Double‐blind study of the actively transported levodopa prodrug XP21279 in Parkinson's disease
Authors: LeWitt Peter A. , Huff F. Jacob , Hauser Robert A. , Chen Dan , Lissin Dmitri , Zomorodi Katie , Cundy Kenneth C.
Published: December 2013

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of XP21279‐carbidopa in patients with Parkinson's disease who experience motor fluctuations compared with immediate‐release carbidopa‐levodopa tablets. XP21279 is a levodopa prodrug that is actively absorbed by high‐capacity nutrient transporters expressed throughout the gastrointestinal tract and then rapidly converted to levodopa by carboxylesterases. XP21279‐carbidopa sustained‐release bilayer tablets were developed to overcome pharmacokinetic limitations of levodopa by providing more continuous exposure. Patients with motor fluctuations who required carbidopa‐levodopa four or five times daily were optimized for 2 weeks each on carbidopa‐levodopa four or five times daily and XP21279‐carbidopa three times daily in a randomized sequence. Next, they received each optimized treatment for 2 weeks in a double‐blind/double‐dummy, randomized sequence. The primary outcome measure was change from baseline in daily off time at the end of each double‐blind treatment period. All patients at 2 sites underwent pharmacokinetic analyses. Twenty‐eight of 35 enrolled patients completed both double‐blind treatments. The mean total daily off time was reduced from baseline by a mean (± standard error) of 2.7 hours (± 0.48 hours) for immediate‐release carbidopa‐levodopa and 3.0 hours (± 0.57 hours) for XP21279‐carbidopa (P = 0.49). Among 11 patients who completed pharmacokinetic sampling on each optimized treatment, the percentage deviation from the mean levodopa concentration was lower (P < 0.05) for XP21279‐carbidopa than carbidopa‐levodopa. Both treatments had a similar incidence of new or worsening dyskinesias. XP21279‐carbidopa administered three times daily produced a reduction in off time similar to that of carbidopa‐levodopa administered four or five times daily, and the difference was not statistically significant. XP21279‐carbidopa significantly reduced variability in levodopa concentrations compared with carbidopa‐levodopa. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Lack of platelet‐activating factor receptor protects mice against diet‐induced adipose inflammation and insulin‐resistance despite fat pad expansion
Authors: Menezes‐Garcia Zélia , Oliveira Marina C. , Lima Renata L. , Soriani Frederico M. , Cisalpino Daniel , Botion Leida M. , Teixeira Mauro M. , Souza Danielle G. , Ferreira Adaliene V.M.
Published: December 2013

Objective

The role of platelet‐activating factor (PAF) on diet‐induced inflammatory and metabolic dysfunction is unknown. The effects of diet‐induced metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction in mice with deletion of the PAF receptor (PAFR−/−) were evaluated in this study.

Methods

Wild‐type and PAFR−/− mice were fed chow (WT‐C and PAFR−/−‐C) or high‐refined carbohydrate‐containing diet (WT‐HC and PAFR−/−‐HC). PAFR−/−‐

Results

HC mice gained more weight and adiposity than PAFR−/−‐C and WT‐HC mice. Lipogenesis increased and hormone‐sensitive lipase expression decreased in PAFR−/−‐HC compared to WT‐HC mice. WT‐HC mice had impaired glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity compared to WT‐C mice. In contrast, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in PAFR−/−‐HC mice were similar to that of lean littermates. PAFR−/−‐HC mice expressed significantly more peroxisome proliferator‐activator receptor gamma (PPARγ) than PAFR−/−‐C and WT‐C mice. Resistin increased in WT‐HC mice compared to WT‐C mice. However, the levels of resistin were 35% lower in PAFR−/−‐HC mice than WT‐HC mice. PAFR−/− presented with less HC diet‐induced adipose tissue inflammation than WT mice. Adipocytes isolated from PAFR−/− mice incubated in media containing normal or high levels of glucose secreted less interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha and presented lower rate of lipolysis than WT mice.

Conclusion

PAFR deficiency resulted in less inflammation in adipose tissue and improvement in glucose homeostasis when fed the HC diet. The higher adiposity observed in PAFR−/− mice fed HC diet could be owing to the maintenance of insulin sensitivity, decreased adipocyte lipolysis rate, high lipogenesis and PPARγ expression, and lower inflammatory milieu in adipose tissue.
Effect of steam on the structural and morphological stability of renewable poly(ether‐block‐amide)s
Authors: Todros Silvia , Natali Arturo N. , Pace Giuseppe , Di Noto Vito
Published: December 2013

The effect of steam on chemical structure and mechanical properties of renewable poly(ether‐block‐amide)s (PEBAs) is investigated by different characterization techniques, i.e. FT‐IR, TGA, DSC, DMA, and BES. Steam sterilization is a mandatory process for materials used in medical applications. This process, employed during clinical practice and replicated in this study, affects polymer structure and morphology. Steam induces an increase of polyamide (PA) crystallinity in PEBAs with a majority of PA domains, due to the conformational transition from α‐helix to parallel and anti‐parallel β‐sheet, with stronger hydrogen bonding. In PEBAs with longer polyether (PE) blocks, steam induces an increase of random PA domains and the formation of a more extended hydrogen bonding network between ether and amide moieties of the two segments. As a consequence of these microdomain conformational variations, relevant changes occur in molecular relaxations as demonstrated by DMA and BES results. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 409–418
Unfolding of beta‐lactoglobulin on the surface of polystyrene nanoparticles: Experimental and computational approaches
Authors: Miriani Matteo , Eberini Ivano , Iametti Stefania , Ferranti Pasquale , Sensi Cristina , Bonomi Francesco
Published: December 2013

Structural changes ensuing from the non‐covalent absorption of bovine beta‐lactoglobulin (BLG) on the surface of polystyrene nanoparticles were investigated by using spectroscopic approaches, by assessing the reactivity of specific residues, and by limited proteolysis/mass spectrometry. Also, the immunoreactivity of absorbed and free BLG was compared. All these approaches indicated substantial rearrangements of the protein structure in the absorbed state, in spite of the reported structural rigidity of BLG. Changes made evident by experimental measurements were confirmed by computational approaches. These indicate that adsorption‐related changes are most marked in the area between the main C‐terminal alpha helix and the beta‐barrel, and lead to full exposure of the thiol on Cys121, consistent with experimental measurements. In the computational model of bound BLG, both Trp61 and Trp19 also move away from their neighboring quenchers and become solvent‐exposed, as indicated by fluorescence measurement. Upon binding, the beta‐barrel also loosens, with a substantial increase in immunoreactivity and with noticeable changes in the trypsinolytic pattern. The possible general significance of the structural changes reported here for non‐covalently adsorbed BLG is discussed with respect to recognition events involving surface‐bound proteins, as are aspects related to the carrier function(s) of BLG, and to its use as a common ingredient in many food systems. Proteins 2014; 82:1272–1282. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discovery of multiple interacting partners of gankyrin, a proteasomal chaperone and an oncoprotein—Evidence for a common hot spot site at the interface and its functional relevance
Authors: Nanaware Padma P. , Ramteke Manoj P. , Somavarapu Arun K. , Venkatraman Prasanna
Published: December 2013

Gankyrin, a non‐ATPase component of the proteasome and a chaperone of proteasome assembly, is also an oncoprotein. Gankyrin regulates a variety of oncogenic signaling pathways in cancer cells and accelerates degradation of tumor suppressor proteins p53 and Rb. Therefore gankyrin may be a unique hub integrating signaling networks with the degradation pathway. To identify new interactions that may be crucial in consolidating its role as an oncogenic hub, crystal structure of gankyrin‐proteasome ATPase complex was used to predict novel interacting partners. EEVD, a four amino acid linear sequence seems a hot spot site at this interface. By searching for EEVD in exposed regions of human proteins in PDB database, we predicted 34 novel interactions. Eight proteins were tested and seven of them were found to interact with gankyrin. Affinity of four interactions is high enough for endogenous detection. Others require gankyrin overexpression in HEK 293 cells or occur endogenously in breast cancer cell line‐ MDA‐MB‐435, reflecting lower affinity or presence of a deregulated network. Mutagenesis and peptide inhibition confirm that EEVD is the common hot spot site at these interfaces and therefore a potential polypharmacological drug target. In MDA‐MB‐231 cells in which the endogenous CLIC1 is silenced, trans‐expression of Wt protein (CLIC1_EEVD) and not the hot spot site mutant (CLIC1_AAVA) resulted in significant rescue of the migratory potential. Our approach can be extended to identify novel functionally relevant protein‐protein interactions, in expansion of oncogenic networks and in identifying potential therapeutic targets. Proteins 2014; 82:1283–1300. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of ligand binding site predictions in CASP10
Authors: Gallo Cassarino Tiziano , Bordoli Lorenza , Schwede Torsten
Published: December 2013

The identification of amino acid residues in proteins involved in binding small molecule ligands is an important step for their functional characterization, as the function of a protein often depends on specific interactions with other molecules. The accuracy of computational methods aiming to predict such binding residues was evaluated within the “function prediction (prediction of binding sites, FN)” category of the critical assessment of protein structure prediction (CASP) experiment. In the last edition of the experiment (CASP10), 17 research groups participated in this category, and their predictions were evaluated on 13 prediction targets containing biologically relevant ligands. The results of this experiment indicate that several methods achieved an overall good performance, showing the usefulness of such methods in predicting ligand binding residues. As in previous years, methods based on a homology transfer approach were dominating. In comparison to CASP9, a larger fraction of the top predictors are automated servers. However, due to the small number of targets and the characteristics of the prediction format, the differences observed among the first ten methods were not statistically significant and it was also not possible to analyze differences in accuracy for different ligand types or overall structure, difficulty. To overcome these limitations and to allow for a more detailed evaluation, in future editions of CASP, methods in the FN category will no longer be evaluated on the “normal” CASP targets, but assessed continuously by CAMEO (continuous automated model evaluation) based on weekly prereleased sequences from the PDB. Proteins 2014; 82(Suppl 2):154–163. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resistance to AHAS inhibitor herbicides: current understanding
Authors: Yu Qin , Powles Stephen B
Published: December 2013

Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) inhibitor herbicides currently comprise the largest site‐of‐action group (with 54 active ingredients across five chemical groups) and have been widely used in world agriculture since they were first introduced in 1982. Resistance evolution in weeds to AHAS inhibitors has been rapid and identified in populations of many weed species. Often, evolved resistance is associated with point mutations in the target AHAS gene; however non‐target‐site enhanced herbicide metabolism occurs as well. Many AHAS gene resistance mutations can occur and be rapidly enriched owing to a high initial resistance gene frequency, simple and dominant genetic inheritance and lack of major fitness cost of the resistance alleles. Major advances in the elucidation of the crystal structure of the AHAS (Arabidopsis thaliana) catalytic subunit in complex with various AHAS inhibitor herbicides have greatly improved current understanding of the detailed molecular interactions between AHAS, cofactors and herbicides. Compared with target‐site resistance, non‐target‐site resistance to AHAS inhibitor herbicides is less studied and hence less understood. In a few well‐studied cases, non‐target‐site resistance is due to enhanced rates of herbicide metabolism (metabolic resistance), mimicking that occurring in tolerant crop species and often involving cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. However, the specific herbicide‐metabolising, resistance‐endowing genes are yet to be identified in resistant weed species. The current state of mechanistic understanding of AHAS inhibitor herbicide resistance is reviewed, and outstanding research issues are outlined. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Suppressed ferroelectric relaxor behavior of Mn‐modified Ba(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 relaxor ceramics
Authors: Zhang Qiwei , Zhai Jiwei , Li Hongqiang , Yue Zhenxing , Kong Ling Bing
Published: December 2013

MnCO3‐modified Ba(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 relaxor ferroelectric ceramics were fabricated by using the solid‐state reaction method. The temperature dependences of electrical and dielectric properties of the ceramics were systematically investigated over the range −140 to 400 °C. The typical ferroelectric relaxor behavior of the Ba(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 ceramics was greatly suppressed by adding a proper amount of MnCO3. The suppressed relaxor behavior can be restored by annealing the samples in air, which is attributed to the presence of oxygen vacancies in the samples. In the paraelectric phase region, the low‐frequency dielectric relaxations associated with oxygen vacancies are observed above room temperature, and increase with increasing of Mn content. Compared to the undoped Ba(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 ceramic, Mn‐doped samples display excellent temperature stability in a wide temperature. The critical composition of x = 0.05 (MnCO3) not only exhibits a lower degree of ferroelectric relaxor behavior (ΔTm = 5.6 K), but also maintains a relatively higher tunability (66.9%@30 kV cm−1) than that of pure Ba(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 (ΔTm = 16.5 K, 49.6%@30 kV cm−1).
Theoretical investigation of sensitivity enhancement in dielectric multilayer surface plasmon sensor
Authors: Benkabou F. , Chikhi M.
Published: December 2013

Improving the sensitivity of surface plasmon resonance using a multilayer system within the Kretschmann configuration is investigated. In the present study, an alternative approach is proposed to improve the sensitivity of the conventional SPR based on a silver layer, by an additional dielectric nanolayer of SiO2, MgO, and TiO2 over the silver/silicon layer.
A hierarchical conditional autoregressive model for colorectal cancer survival data
Authors: Liu Yajun , Sun Dongchu , He Chong Z.
Published: December 2013

In this article, we propose a Bayesian hierarchical linear mixed model to cancer data with geographical characteristics. The spatial effects are captured via a conditional autoregressive (CAR) model. The survival model is introduced to analyze the survival pattern of colorectal cancer based on geographical factors and patients' disease conditions. We propose a special case of the classic Cox model with Weibull hazard as well as a cure rate model. ACARprior is used to capture the spatial effects, which are determined based on counties the survival subjects belong to. The computation is done via Gibbs sampling. The ratio‐of‐uniforms method is used to sample from a nonstandard conditional posterior density, and the adaptive rejection method is used to sample from log‐concave densities. The model is applied to the Colon & Rectum Cancer incidences in Iowa from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Computation is implemented in Intel Fortran on Linux platform.WIREs Comput Stat2014, 6:37–44. doi: 10.1002/wics.1283

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Reliability, Survivability, and Quality Control
Growth environment determines light sensitivity of shoot hydraulic conductance
Authors: Aasamaa Krõõt , Kõivik Kristi , Kupper Priit , Sõber Anu
Published: December 2013

Acclimation of light sensitivity of hydraulic conductance of shoots of silver birch (Betula pendula) and hybrid aspen (Populus × wettsteinii) to growth environments with three different air humidities was studied. Hydraulic conductance of shoots kept for 1–2 h in darkness (D) or in light (L) was measured by the pressure chamber method, and light sensitivity was defined as a significant difference between D and L shoots. Light sensitivity of shoots grown in three different air humidities was found to vary. Amongst shoots grown in current natural air, only the hydraulic conductance of the whole shoot and that of the leaf blades of birch upper foliage were significantly light sensitive. Amongst shoots grown in decreased air humidity, hydraulic conductance of the whole shoot, the leaf blades, and the stem and petioles of birch upper foliage, the conductance of the whole shoot and the leaf blades of birch lower foliage, and the conductance of the whole shoot of aspen upper foliage were light sensitive. None of the shoots grown in increased air humidity were significantly light sensitive. We predict that light sensitivity will become more widespread among species in regions where air humidity decreases as a result of global climate change, and vice versa. Low white light always caused the same increase in hydraulic conductance as high white light, and blue and white light always caused an increase in conductance about two times greater than red light, indicating that growth environment did not markedly modify the mechanism of light sensitivity.
Plasma Levels of 14:0, 16:0, 16:1n‐7, and 20:3n‐6 are Positively Associated, but 18:0 and 18:2n‐6 are Inversely Associated with Markers of Inflammation in Young Healthy Adults
Authors: Perreault Maude , Roke Kaitlin , Badawi Alaa , Nielsen Daiva E. , Abdelmagid Salma A. , El‐Sohemy Ahmed , Ma David W. L. , Mutch David M.
Published: December 2013

Inflammation is a recognized risk factor for the development of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. Evidence suggests that individual fatty acids (FA) may have distinct influences on inflammatory processes. The goal of this study was to conduct a cross‐sectional analysis to examine the associations between circulating FA and markers of inflammation in a population of young healthy Canadian adults. FA, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), and cytokines were measured in fasted plasma samples from 965 young adults (22.6 ± 0.1 years). Gas chromatography was used to measure FA. The following cytokines were analyzed with a multiplex assay: regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES/CCL5), interleukin 1‐receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interferon‐γ inducible protein 10 (IP‐10), and platelet‐derived growth factor β (PDGF‐ββ). Numerous statistically significant associations (p < 0.05, corrected for multiple testing) were identified between individual FA and markers of inflammation using linear regression. Myristic (14:0), palmitic (16:0), palmitoleic (16:1n‐7), and dihomo‐γ‐linolenic (20:3n‐6) acids were positively associated with all markers of inflammation. In contrast, stearic acid (18:0) was inversely associated with hsCRP and RANTES, and linoleic acid (18:2n‐6) was inversely associated with hsCRP, RANTES and PDGF‐ββ. In conclusion, our results indicate that specific FA are distinctly correlated with various markers of inflammation. Moreover, the findings of this study suggest that FA profiles in young adults may serve as an early indicator for the development of future complications comprising an inflammatory component.
Gypenosides pre‐treatment protects the brain against cerebral ischemia and increases neural stem cells/progenitors in the subventricular zone
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Jing , Sun Tao , Kong Liang , Shang Zhen‐Hua , Yang Kun‐Qi , Zhang Qing‐Yu , Jing Fang‐Miao , Dong Lun , Xu Xu‐Feng , Liu Jia‐xin , Xin Hua , Chen Zhe‐Yu
Published: December 2013

Gypenosides (GPs) have been reported to have neuroprotective effects in addition to other bioactivities. The protective activity of GPs during stroke and their effects on neural stem cells (NSCs) in the ischemic brain have not been fully elucidated. Here, we test the effects of GPs during stroke and on the NSCs within the subventricular zone (SVZ) of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats. Our results show that pre‐treatment with GPs can reduce infarct volume and improve motor function following MCAO. Pre‐treatment with GPs significantly increased the number of BrdU‐positive cells in the ipsilateral and contralateral SVZ of MCAO rats. The proliferating cells in both sides of the SVZ were glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)/nestin‐positive type B cells and doublecortin (DCX)/nestin‐positive type A cells. Our data indicate that GPs have neuroprotective effects during stroke which might be mediated through the enhancement of neurogenesis within the SVZ. These findings provide new evidence for a potential therapy involving GPs for the treatment of stroke.
The Second World War's Impact on the Progressive Educational Movement: Assessing Its Role
Authors: Conner Caroline J. , Bohan Chara H.
Published: December 2013

Evidence found in The New York Times from 1939 to 1945 and corroborating sources are used to demonstrate the impact of the Second World War on the progressive educational movement. We posit that December 7, 1941 initiated the waning of the progressive education movement in the secondary social studies curriculum. Progressive education emphasized a child-centered, experiential curriculum, an issues-centered approach to learning, and a critical analysis of society. Our findings indicate that the educational climate during the Second World War initiated a shift from questioning American institutions to celebrating them. Education became more centralized and many educational organizations were mobilized to support the war effort. Specifically, the secondary social studies curriculum became one of several propaganda vehicles in support of the war. In addition, colleges and universities became training grounds for teachers, defense workers, and soldiers. A war on the home front ensued. The progressive secondary social studies curriculum itself was viewed as placing the nation at risk. While other factors such as the Back-to-Basics movement and the Cold War contributed to the waning of the secondary progressive educational movement, World War Two (WWII) set the decline in motion.
Abduction and Relocation – Links and Messages
Authors: Freeman Marilyn
Published: December 2013

This article considers the links between international child abduction and relocation. It draws on research evidence and anecdotal evidence to explore the conventional wisdom that a restrictive relocation jurisdiction will result in increased abductions by the parent wishing to relocate, usually the mother, while a liberal relocation jurisdiction will result in increased abductions by the prospective left-behind parent, usually the father. The article concludes by considering whether specialist mediation can help to prevent what are truly relocation disputes from becoming abductions.
Children and Contact in the Context of Parental Separation and Family Violence: A Practice Perspective
Authors: Barker Karen
Published: December 2013

Over the past seven years, in my role with Anglicare WA, I have had the privilege of listening to many separated parents share their concerns about their children's safety when spending time with the other parent who has been violent towards them. These concerns include, but are not limited to, trying to prove to the court that their children have been victims of family violence and that this risk will continue and possibly escalate during contact visits. The protective parent often reports that the children continue to be sent on contact visits even when the children experience a significant degree of trauma over their time in the care of the offending parent. In some cases the offending parent has a new partner who is also a victim of family violence and the children are exposed to this violence while on contact visits. Despite disclosures from the children, and efforts to keep them safe by reporting to the statutory agencies, I find that many of these children continue to be sent on contact visits. I am frequently told by the protective parent that when they are in court they are informed that a) there is insufficient evidence to warrant the court preventing the child from spending time with the other (violent) parent; and b) the father has the right to a meaningful relationship with his child and therefore contact will be ordered. It seems that priority is given to the parent's right to spend time with the child at the expense of the child's need, and right, to be safe.
Post-secondary Education Responses to Forced Marriage and Gendered Abuse Against Students
Authors: Klein Renate
Published: December 2013

This article examines post-secondary education responses to intimate partner violence and forced marriage. Harmful practices that disproportionately affect women and girls, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and forced marriage, are particularly prevalent for women aged 16 to 25. This is also the age bracket during which attendance at college or university peaks. Post-secondary education therefore constitutes a potentially significant institutional context for intervention. To what extent universities are prepared or willing to take on this responsibility is a topic that is receiving increasing international attention. This article reports on recent findings from the UK and discusses them in an international and cultural framework. Cultural stereotyping in relation to gendered violence has rightly been criticised. However, as this article will argue, there are aspects of culture that are often glossed over in research and policy, yet are important for an understanding of how people and institutions think about and react to gendered abuse. The case of university responses to intimate partner violence and forced marriage illuminates these issues.
Factors Influencing Smoking Cessation Counselling: A Qualitative Study of Medical Residents
Authors: Lubansky Stasi , Jurgens Corrine Y. , Boutin-Foster Carla
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Physicians in training must be able to counsel their patients on smoking cessation, however, little is known about the barriers that they face to counselling their patients.

Aims: The study sought to identify barriers to smoking cessation counselling specific to physicians in training.

Methods: Qualitative interviews in the form of focus groups were conducted with 30 medical residents. Focus groups were audio taped, transcribed verbatim and coded by two independent reviewers. Similar codes were grouped to form categories and then aggregated to form themes.

Results: Seven themes emerged describing resident barriers to provision of smoking cessation counselling : (1) Lack of self-efficacy for providing counselling; (2) their perception that patients are not willing to change; (3) a lack of available resources/information for providers and patients; (4) differences in supervising physician's recommendations; (5) perceived lack of time; (6) a perception of lack of continuous care; and (7) a lack of practical skills in counselling.

Conclusions: This study highlighted residents’ perceived barriers to providing smoking cessation counselling. These barriers are similar to those encountered by other providers. Additional barriers specific to residency exist and more training is necessary.

Practice Implications: The barriers that physicians encounter to smoking cessation counselling must be addressed early on in residency training.
Molecular markers reveal narrow genetic base and culturing-associated genetic drift inTeretrius nigrescensLewis populations released for the biological control of the larger grain borer in Africa
Authors: Omondi B.A. , van den Berg J. , Masiga D. , Schulthess F.
Published: December 2013

In biological control, successful establishment of a natural enemy species depends on its adaptability in the introduced range including its ability to re-establish desired ecological interactions with the pest. These are affected by genetic parameters hitherto largely unresolved in biological control. The larger grain borer (LGB),Prostephanus truncatus, an invasive species from meso-America, is the most important post-harvest pest of maize in Africa. We studied the genetic structure ofTeretrius nigrescens, a predatory beetle previously released for the control of the pest in Africa, to test the hypothesis that establishment patterns were a result of ecotype–environment mismatch and to follow up on our earlier reports of distinct lineages of the predator. We studied 13 populations ofT. nigrescens, using 16 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Five genetic populations with a hierarchical structure and significant isolation by distance were detected. The most diverse population was found in southern Mexico, consistent with earlier lineage coexistence observations. Populations introduced to Africa maintained genetic similarity to local geographic populations of their area of origin. The more successful Benin releases were also more genetically diverse. Loss of rare alleles and a higher frequency of existing private alleles in some populations indicated population expansions following bottleneck events. Sustainable biological control should accommodate pest and natural enemy species, and monitor genetic changes associated with introduction and release.
The Culture War and Issue Salience: An Analysis of American Sentiment on Traditional Moral Issues
Authors: WROE ANDREW , ASHBEE EDWARD , GOSLING AMANDA
Published: December 2013

Despite much talk of a culture war, scholars continue to argue over whether the American public is divided on cultural and social issues. Some of the most prominent work in this area, such as Fiorina's Culture War?, has rejected the idea. However, this work has in turn been criticized for focussing only on the distribution of attitudes within the American public and ignoring the possibility that the culture war may also be driven by the increasing strength with which sections of the population hold their opinions. This paper tests the strength, or saliency, hypothesis using individual-level over-time data and nonlinear regression. It finds (1) that there was a steady and significant increase in concern about traditional moral issues between the early 1980s and 2000, but (2) that the over-time increase was driven by an upward and equal shift in the importance attached to traditional moral issues by Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals, evangelicals and non-evangelicals, and frequent and infrequent worshippers alike. While the first finding offers support for the saliency hypothesis and the culture war thesis, the second challenges the idea that Americans are engaged in a war over culture. Both findings enhance but also complicate our theoretical understanding of the culture war, and have important real-world consequences for American politics.
Application of multipole moments and magnetic techniques for determination of tokamak plasma shift
Authors: Salar Elahi A. , Ghoranneviss M.
Published: December 2013

In this contribution, we presented approaches for the determination of tokamak plasma column shift based on multipole moments and magnetic techniques. First, we presented analytical details for using this technique. Then, the principle of different models based on this technique for the design and fabrication of six coils will be presented: four modified Rogowski coils (two cosine coils and two sine coils) and two saddle coils (saddle sine coil and saddle cosine coil). Also, to compare the results, the flux loops technique is used. Because of continuous measurements of magnetic field distribution around the tokamak plasma using multipole coils, this technique gives us more reliable information about the plasma current displacement. Moreover, we deduced the plasma current and plasma boundary centers shift using the two semi-empirical techniques in the IR-T1 tokamak. First, the plasma current center is calculated from the vertical field coil characteristics. The calculation is made focusing on the vertical field coil current and voltage changes due to a horizontal displacement of the plasma column. Also, the plasma boundary center shift was measured from the external magnetic coils. The results from these two techniques are compared and discussed.