bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The potential prognostic value of connexin 26 and 46 expression in neoadjuvant-treated breast cancer
Authors: Teleki Ivett , Krenacs Tibor , Szasz Marcell A , Kulka Janina , Wichmann Barna , Leo Cornelia , Papassotiropoulos Barbel , Riemenschnitter Cosima , Moch Holger , Varga Zsuzsanna
Published: February 2013

Background

Several classification systems are available to assess pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer, but reliable biomarkers to predict the efficiency of primary systemic therapy (PST) are still missing. Deregulation of gap junction channel forming connexins (Cx) has been implicated in carcinogenesis and tumour progression through loss of cell cycle control. In this study we correlated Cx expression and cell proliferation with disease survival and pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancers using existing classification systems.

Methods

The expression of Cx26, Cx32, Cx43, Cx46 and Ki67 was evaluated in 96 breast cancer patients prior to and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy using duplicate cores in tissue microarrays (TMA). Cx plaques of <1μm were detected with multilayer, multichannel fluorescence digital microscopy. Current classifications to assess residual tumour burden after primary systemic therapy included the EWGBSP, CPS-EG, Miller-Payne, Sataloff and NSABP systems.

Results

In our cohort dominated by hormone receptor (ER/PR) positive and HER2 negative cases, only the CPS-EG classification showed prognostic relevance: cases with scores 1–2 had significantly better overall survival (p=0.015) than cases with scores 3–5. Pre-chemotherapy Cx43 expression correlated positively with hormone receptor status both before and after chemotherapy and had a negative correlation with HER2 expression pre-chemotherapy. There was a positive correlation between Cx32 and HER2 expression pre-chemotherapy and between Cx32 and Ki67 expression post-chemotherapy. A negative correlation was found between post-chemotherapy Cx46 and Ki67 expression. Decreased post-chemotherapy Cx26 expression (<5%) statistically correlated with better overall survival (p=0.011). Moderate or higher Cx46 expression (>20%) pre- and post-chemotherapy correlated with significantly better survival in the intermediate prognostic subgroups of EWGBSP TR2b (ppre-chemo=0.006; Sataloff TB (ppre-chemo=0.005; ppost-chemo=0.029) and in Miller-Payne G3 (ppre-chemo=0.002; ppost-chemo=0.012) classifications. Pre-chemotherapy, Cx46 expression was the only marker that correlated with overall survival within these subgroups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that Cx46 and Cx26 expression in breast cancer may improve the assessment of pathological response and refine intermediate prognostic subgroups of residual tumour classifications used after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
HIV testing practices among black primary care physicians in the United States
Authors: Wong Eric Y , Jordan Wilbert C , Malebranche David J , DeLaitsch Lori L , Abravanel Rebecca , Bermudez Alisha , Baugh Bryan P
Published: February 2013

Background

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine HIV testing in all healthcare settings, but it is unclear how consistently physicians adopt the recommendation. Making the most of each interaction between black physicians and their patients is extremely important to address the HIV health disparities that disproportionately afflict the black community. The goal of this survey-based study was to evaluate the perceptions and practices of black, primary care physicians regarding HIV testing.

Methods

A physician survey was administered at the 2010 National Medical Association Annual Convention, via online physician panels, and by email. Physician eligibility criteria: black race; practicing at least 1 year in the US; practice comprised of at least 60% adults and 20% black patients. Contingency tables and ordinary least squares regression were used for comparisons and statistical analyses. A Chi-square test compared percentages of physicians who gave a particular response and a t-test compared the means of values provided by physicians.

Results

Physicians over-estimated HIV prevalence and believed that HIV is a crisis in the black community, yet reported that only 34% of patients were HIV tested in the past year. Physicians reported that 67% of those patients tested did so due to a physician recommendation. Physicians who were younger, female, obstetricians/gynecologists, and had a higher proportion of black, low-socioeconomic status, and Medicaid patients reported higher testing rates. Most testing was risk-based rather than routine, and three of the five most commonly reported barriers to testing were related to disease stigma and perceived value judgments. Physicians reported that in-office patient informational materials, increased media attention, additional education and training on HIV testing, government mandates requiring routine testing, and accurate pre-packed tests would most help them test more frequently for HIV.

Conclusions

In this sample of black, primary care physicians, HIV testing practices differed according to physician characteristics and practice demographics, and overall reported testing rates were low. More physician education and training around testing guidelines is needed to enable more routine testing, treatment, and long-term management of patients with HIV.
Retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy with a gel-sealed hand-assist access device
Authors: Arai Kei , Nishiyama Tsutomu , Hara Noboru , Kasahara Takashi , Saito Kazuhide , Takahashi Kota
Published: February 2013

Background

The hand-assisted technique enables the rapid extraction of the graft, shortening the warm ischemia time (WIT), and the retroperitoneoscopic approach is potentially associated with a less incidence of postoperative ileus in donor nephrectomy for living kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy with a gel-sealed hand-assist access device (GelPort), which is a wound sealing device that permits the access of the hand to the surgical field, free trocar site choice within it, and rapid conversion to open surgery if necessary, while preserving the pneumoperitoneum/pneumoretroperitoneum.

Methods

Seventy-five consecutive donors receiving this procedure were retrospectively studied. A 2-cm skin incision was made at the midpoint between the tip of the 12th rib and superior border of the iliac bone in the midaxillary line, through which retroperitoneal space was made. Preperitoneal wound with a 6 – 7-cm pararectal incision in the upper abdominal region was connected to the retroperitoneal space. A GelPort was put inside the pararectal surgical wound. The principle was pure retroperitoneoscopic surgery; hand-assist was applied for retraction of the kidney in the renal vessel control and graft extraction.

Results

The mean operation time including waiting time for recipient preparation was 242.2±37.0 (range: 214.0–409.0) min, and the mean amount of blood loss was 164.3±146.6 (range: 10.0–1020.0) ml. The mean WIT was 2.8±1.0 (range: 1.0–6.0) min. The shortage of renal vessels or ureter was observed in none of the grafts. No donor experienced blood transfusion, open conversion, or injury of other organs. Blood loss was greater in patients with body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or higher than in those with BMI of <25 kg/m2 (218.4±98.8 vs. 154.8±152.1 ml, P=0.031). No donor had postoperative ileus or reported wound pain leading to decreased activity of daily life or wound cosmetic problem.

Conclusions

Retroperitoneoscopic hand-assisted donor nephrectomy with the mentioned approach was suggested to be a feasible option without compromising safety, although further improvement in surgical techniques is warranted.
Association of Khat and alcohol use with HIV infection and age at first sexual initiation among youths visiting HIV testing and counseling centers in Gamo-Gofa Zone, South West Ethiopia
Authors: Malaju Marelign Tilahun , Asale Gistane Ayele
Published: February 2013

Background

HIV/AIDS is the major problem and an obstacle to both the health and development of people in Ethiopia today. It is also indicated that the use of substances have dramatically increased despite the serious concern about HIV infection.

Methods

Unmatched case control study was conducted in South West Ethiopia using a sample of 105 cases and 305 controls. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the degree of association between dependent and independent variables.

Result

HIV infection was positively associated with being in the age of 20 – 24 years [OR & (95% CI) = 2.892 (1.266, 6.607)], being female [OR & (95% CI) = 2.013 (1.061, 3.822)], alcohol use [OR & (95% CI) = 5.883 (3.034, 11.408)], having no education [OR & (95% CI) = 3.193 (1.523, 6.695)] and primary education level [OR & (95% CI) = 3.160 (1.351, 7.388)]. Early sexual initiation was also positively associated with being not employed Adj. HR & (95% CI) = 7.372 (1.455, 37.357)], not having comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS [Adj. HR & (95% CI) = 8.247 (2.121, 32.067)], alcohol use [Adj. HR & (95% CI) = 3.815 (1.315, 11.070)] and khat use [Adj. HR & (95% CI) = 7.241 (1.871, 28.016)].

Conclusion

Strategies should be designed to control the use of alcohol and khat which were found to be predictors of HIV infection and early sexual initiation in this study.
Foregut duplication of the stomach diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound guidedfine-needle aspiration cytology: case report and literature review
Authors: Napolitano Vincenzo , Pezzullo Angelo M , Zeppa Pio , Schettino Pietro , D’Armiento Maria , Palazzo Antonietta , Pietra Cristina Della , Napolitano Salvatore , Conzo Giovanni
Published: February 2013

Gastric duplication cyst (GDC) with a pseudostratified columnar ciliatedepithelium is an uncommon malformation supposed to originate from a respiratorydiverticulum arising from the ventral foregut. Morphologic appearance of GDCs isvariable, depending on the density of their contents. GDCs are oftenmisdiagnosed as solid masses by imaging techniques, and as a consequence theymay be wrongly overtreated. We report our case of a 56-year-old man with a 5 cmhypoechoic mass of the gastroesophageal junction, incidentally detected bytransabdominal ultrasonography. Neither transabdominal ultrasonography normagnetic resonance clearly outlined the features of the lesion. The patientunderwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which showed a hypoechoic mass arisingfrom the fourth layer of the anterior gastric wall, just below thegastroesophageal junction. According to EUS features, a diagnosis ofgastrointestinal stromal tumor was suggested. EUS-guided fine-needle aspirationcytology revealed a diagnosis of GDC with pseudostratified columnar ciliatedepithelium. We therefore performed an endoscopically-assisted laparoscopicexcision of the cyst.

In conclusion, whenever a subepithelial gastric mass is found in the upper partof the gastric wall, a duplication cyst, although rare, should be considered. Inthis case, EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology could provide acytological diagnosis useful to arrange in advance the more adequate surgicaltreatment.
The PB2, PA, HA, NP, and NS genes of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A/whooper swan/Mongolia/3/2005 (H5N1) are responsible for pathogenicity in ducks
Authors: Kajihara Masahiro , Sakoda Yoshihiro , Soda Kosuke , Minari Kenji , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Takada Ayato , Kida Hiroshi
Published: February 2013

Background

Wild ducks are the natural hosts of influenza A viruses. Duck influenza, therefore, has been believed inapparent infection with influenza A viruses, including highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) in chickens. In fact, ducks experimentally infected with an HPAIV strain, A/Hong Kong/483/1997 (H5N1) (HK483), did not show any clinical signs. Another HPAIV strain, A/whooper swan/Mongolia/3/2005 (H5N1) (MON3) isolated from a dead swan, however, caused neurological dysfunction and death in ducks.

Method

To understand the mechanism whereby MON3 shows high pathogenicity in ducks, HK483, MON3, and twenty-four reassortants generated between these two H5N1 viruses were compared for their pathogenicity in domestic ducks.

Results

None of the ducks infected with MON3-based single-gene reassortants bearing the PB2, NP, or NS gene segment of HK483 died, and HK483-based single-gene reassortants bearing PB2, NP, or NS genes of MON3 were not pathogenic in ducks, suggesting that multiple gene segments contribute to the pathogenicity of MON3 in ducks. All the ducks infected with the reassortant bearing PB2, PA, HA, NP, and NS gene segments of MON3 died within five days post-inoculation, as did those infected with MON3. Each of the viruses was assessed for replication in ducks three days post-inoculation. MON3 and multi-gene reassortants pathogenic in ducks were recovered from all of the tissues examined and replicated with high titers in the brains and lungs.

Conclusion

The present results indicate that multigenic factors are responsible for efficient replication of MON3 in ducks. In particular, virus growth in the brain might correlate with neurological dysfunction and the disease severity.
Standardized treatment planning methodology for passively scattered proton craniospinal irradiation
Authors: Giebeler Annelise , Newhauser Wayne D , Amos Richard A , Mahajan Anita , Homann Kenneth , Howell Rebecca M
Published: February 2013

Background

As the number of proton therapy centers increases, so does the need for studies which compare proton treatments between institutions and with photon therapy. However, results of such studies are highly dependent on target volume definition and treatment planning techniques. Thus, standardized methods of treatment planning are needed, particularly for proton treatment planning, in which special consideration is paid to the depth and sharp distal fall-off of the proton distribution. This study presents and evaluates a standardized method of proton treatment planning for craniospinal irradiation (CSI).

Methods

We applied our institution’s planning methodology for proton CSI, at the time of the study, to an anatomically diverse population of 18 pediatric patients. We evaluated our dosimetric results for the population as a whole and for the two subgroups having two different age-specific target volumes using the minimum, maximum, and mean dose values in 10 organs (i.e., the spinal cord, brain, eyes, lenses, esophagus, lungs, kidneys, thyroid, heart, and liver). We also report isodose distributions and dose-volume histograms (DVH) for 2 representative patients. Additionally we report population-averaged DVHs for various organs.

Results

The planning methodology here describes various techniques used to achieve normal tissue sparing. In particular, we found pronounced dose reductions in three radiosensitive organs (i.e., eyes, esophagus, and thyroid) which were identified for optimization. Mean doses to the thyroid, eyes, and esophagus were 0.2%, 69% and 0.2%, respectively, of the prescribed dose. In four organs not specifically identified for optimization (i.e., lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart) we found that organs lateral to the treatment field (lungs and kidneys) received relatively low mean doses (less than 8% of the prescribed dose), whereas the heart and liver, organs distal to the treatment field, received less than 1% of the prescribed dose.

Conclusions

This study described and evaluated a standardized method for proton treatment planning for CSI. Overall, the standardized planning methodology yielded consistently high quality treatment plans and perhaps most importantly, it did so for an anatomically diverse patient population.
Immunomodulatory effects of total intravenous and balanced inhalation anesthesia in patients with bladder cancer undergoing elective radical Cystectomy: preliminary results
Authors: Sofra Maria , Fei Paola Cordiali , Fabrizi Luana , Marcelli Maria Elena , Claroni Claudia , Gallucci Michele , Ensoli Fabrizio , Forastiere Ester
Published: February 2013

Background

Although surgery and anesthesia induce immunesuppression, remains largely unknown whether various anesthetic techniques have different immunosuppressive effects on cancer patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of total intravenous anesthesia with target-controlled infusion (TIVA-TCI) and balanced inhalation anesthesia (BAL) on the peri-operative levels of inflammatory cytokines and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in patients with bladder cancer undergoing surgery.

Methods

Twenty eight consecutive patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy were prospectively randomized into two groups to receive TIVA-TCI (n = 14) or BAL (n = 14). Before the induction of anesthesia (T0), 6–8 hours (T1) post-surgery, and 5 days post-surgery (T2), Tregs and serum levels of interleukin -1beta (IL-1β), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin −2 (IL-2), interleukin −6 (IL-6), and interleukin −10 (IL-10) were measured.

Results

In the peri-operative period all cancer patients showed a marked and significant increase in IL-6. Moreover, TIVA-TCI patients also showed a higher increase in IFN-γ, whereas in BAL patients Tregs were reduced by approximately 30% during surgery. The incidence of infections, metastases, and death was similar in both groups.

Conclusions

The increase in the Th1 response in the TIVA-TCI group and the reduction in Tregs in the BAL group seem to balance the immunosuppressive effect induced by IL-6. Therefore TIVA-TCI and BAL can be both used in major surgery in patients with bladder cancer without worsening the outcome.
Effective RNAi-mediated β2-microglobulin loss of function by transgenesis inXenopus laevis
Authors: Nedelkovska Hristina , Edholm Eva-Stina , Haynes Nikesha , Robert Jacques
Published: February 2013

To impair MHC class I (class I) function in vivo in the amphibian Xenopus, we developed an effective reverse genetic loss of function approach by combining I-SceI meganuclease-mediated transgenesis with RNAi technology. We generated transgenic outbred X. laevis and isogenetic laevis/gilli cloned lines with stably silenced expression of β2-microglobulin (b2m) critical for class I function. Transgenic F1 frogs exhibited decreased surface class I expression on erythrocytes and lymphocytes, decreased frequency of peripheral CD8 T cells and impaired CD8 T cell-mediated skin allograft rejection. Additionally, b2m knockdown increased susceptibility to viral infection of F0 transgenic larvae. This loss of function strategy offers new avenues for studying ontogeny of immunity and other developmental processes in Xenopus.
Thermal acclimation in rainbow smelt, Osmerus mordax, leads to faster myotomal muscle contractile properties and improved swimming performance
Authors: Woytanowski John R. , Coughlin David J.
Published: February 2013

Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) display an impressive ability to acclimate to very cold water temperatures. These fish express both anti-freeze proteins and glycerol in their plasma, liver, muscle and other tissues to avoid freezing at sub-zero temperatures. Maintenance of glycerol levels requires active feeding in very cold water. To understand how these fish can maintain activity at cold temperatures, we explored thermal acclimation by the myotomal muscle of smelt exposed to cold water. We hypothesized that cold-acclimated fish would show enhanced swimming ability due to shifts in muscle contractile properties. We also predicted that shifts in swimming performance would be associated with changes in the expression patterns of muscle proteins such as parvalbumin (PV) and myosin heavy chain (MyHC). Swimming studies show significantly faster swimming by smelt acclimated to 5°C compared to fish acclimated to 20°C when tested at a common test temperature of 10°C. The cold-acclimated fish also had faster muscle contractile properties, such as a maximum shortening velocity (Vmax) almost double that of warm-acclimated fish at the same test temperature. Cold-acclimation is associated with a modest increase in PV levels in the swimming muscle. Fluorescence microscopy using anti-MyHC antibodies suggests that MyHC expression in the myotomal muscle may shift in response to exposure to cold water. The complex set of physiological responses that comprise cold-acclimation in smelt includes modifications in muscle function to permit active locomotion in cold water.
Differential phosphorylation of the phosphoinositide 3-phosphatase MTMR2 regulates its association with early endosomal subtypes
Authors: Franklin Norah E. , Bonham Christopher A. , Xhabija Besa , Vacratsis Panayiotis O.
Published: February 2013

Myotubularin-related 2 (MTMR2) is a 3-phosphoinositide lipid phosphatase with specificity towards the D-3 position of phosphoinositol 3-phosphate (PI(3)P) and phosphoinositol 3,5-bisphosphate lipids enriched on endosomal structures. Recently we have shown that phosphorylation of MTMR2 on Ser58 is responsible for its cytoplasmic sequestration while a phosphorylation deficient variant (S58A) targets MTMR2 to Rab5-positive endosomes resulting in PI(3)P depletion and an increase in endosomal signaling, including a significant increase in ERK1/2 activation. Using in vitro kinase assays, cellular MAPK inhibitors, siRNA knockdown, and a phosphospecific-Ser58 antibody, we now provide evidence that ERK1/2 is the kinase responsible for phosphorylating MTMR2 at position Ser58 suggesting that the endosomal targeting of MTMR2 is regulated through an ERK1/2 negative feedback mechanism. Surprisingly, treatment with multiple MAPK inhibitors resulted in a MTMR2 localization shift from Rab5-positive endosomes to the more proximal APPL1-positive endosomes. This MTMR2 localization shift was recapitulated when a double phosphorylation-deficient mutant (MTMR2 S58A/S631A) was characterized. Moreover, expression of this double phosphorylation-deficient MTMR2 variant led to a more sustained and pronounced increase in ERK1/2 activation compared to MTMR2 S58A. Further analysis of combinatorial phospho-mimetic mutants demonstrated it is the phosphorylation status of Ser58 that regulates general endosomal binding, while the phosphorylation status of Ser631 mediates the endosomal shuttling between Rab5 and APPL1 subtypes. Taken together these results reveal that MTMR2 compartmentalization and potential subsequent effects on endosome maturation and endosome signaling is dynamically regulated through MAPK-mediated differential phosphorylation events.
ERdj3 Regulates BiP Occupancy in Living Cells
Authors: Guo Feng , Snapp Erik L.
Published: February 2013

Co-chaperones regulate chaperone activities and are likely to impact a protein folding environment as much as the chaperone, itself. As co-chaperones are expressed substoichiometrically, the ability of co-chaperones to encounter a chaperone represents a critical parameter for chaperone activity. ERdj3, an abundant soluble endoplasmic reticulum (ER) co-chaperone of the Hsp70 BiP, stimulates BiP's ATPase to increase BiP's affinity for client (or substrate) proteins. We investigated ERdj3 availability, how ERdj3 levels impact BiP availability, and the significance of J proteins for regulating BiP binding of clients in living cells. FRAP analysis revealed overexpressed ERdj3-sfGFP dramatically decreases BiP-GFP mobility in a client-dependent manner. In contrast, ERdj3-GFP mobility remains low regardless of client protein levels. Native gels and co-immunoprecipitations established ERdj3 associates with a large complex including Sec61α. Translocon binding likely ensures rapid encounters between emerging nascent peptides and stimulates BiP activity in critical early stages of secretory protein folding. Importantly, mutant BiP exhibited significantly increased mobility when it could not interact with any ERdjs. Thus, ERdjs appear to play dual roles of increasing BiP affinity for clients and regulating delivery of clients to BiP. Our data suggest BiP engagement of clients will be enhanced in ER subdomains enriched in ERdj proteins.
The COG complex interacts with multiple Golgi SNAREs and enhances fusogenic SNARE complexes assembly
Authors: Laufman Orly , Hong WanJin , Lev Sima
Published: February 2013

Multisubunit tethering complexes (MTCs) positively regulate vesicular fusion by as yet unclear mechanism. In this study we provide evidence that the MTC COG enhances the assembly of fusogenic Golgi SNARE complexes and concomitantly prevents nonfusogenic tSNARE interactions. This capability is possibly mediated by multiple direct interactions of COG subunits and specific Golgi SNAREs and SM (Sec1/Munc18) proteins. By using a systematic co-immunoprecipitation analysis, we identified seven new interactions between the COG subunits and components of the Golgi fusion machinery in mammalian cells. Our studies suggest that these multivalent interactions are critical for the assembly of fusogenic SNARE complexes on the Golgi apparatus and consequently for facilitating endosome-to-TGN and intra-Golgi retrograde transport, and also for coordinating these transport routs.
Application of Graphene as a Sorbent for Preconcentration and Determination of Trace Amounts of Cadmium
Authors: Wang Yunkun , Dong Yanli , Zhang Jingwen , Li Chao , Li Jingci , Ma Jingjun
Published: February 2013

A new method using a column packed with graphene as sorbent was developed for the preconcentration of trace amounts of cadmium (Cd) prior to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration graph was linear in the concentration range of 10.0–150.0 µg L−1 with a detection limit of 0.60 µg L−1. The relative standard deviation for ten replicate measurements of 100.0 µg L−1 of Cd was 3.25%.
Extraordinary Microwave Effect on atropo-Enantioselective Catalytic Reduction of Biaryl Lactones
Authors: Nushiro Kazuya , Kikuchi Satoshi , Yamada Tohru
Published: February 2013

It was found that microwave irradiation under strictly controlled temperature conditions drastically enhanced the catalytic atropo-enantioselective Corey–Bakshi–Shibata (CBS) reduction of biaryl lactones. Since the high enantioselectivity was maintained completely compared with conventional heating conditions, the present enhancement is not caused by simple microwave heating. It was also revealed that the microwave irradiation could accelerate the racemization of the atropo-enantiomers of optically active biaryl lactone. It could be concluded that the drastic enhancement with retention of the high enantioselectivity was caused not by simple heating, but by some direct microwave effect on the substrate molecule.
Drawing Effect of Poly(vinyl alcohol) on Crystal Growth of Calcium Carbonate
Authors: Kubo Naoyuki , Yamato Masafumi
Published: February 2013

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) thin films are formed on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films produced from a solution containing poly(acrylic acid). The crystal form, morphology, orientation, and nucleation frequency of the thin films are changed by the drawing of PVA.
Primary β-Amino Acid Salt-catalyzed Asymmetric Michael Addition of Benzoylacetates to Cyclic Enones and Its Application for the Synthesis of Enantioenriched 1,5-Diketones
Authors: Yoshida Masanori , Kubara Ami , Hara Shoji
Published: February 2013

The asymmetric Michael addition of benzoylacetates to cyclic enones was successfully carried out by using a primary β-amino acid salt catalyst. The reactions proceeded under mild reaction conditions to produce Michael adducts in high yields and with high enantioselectivities. The obtained Michael adducts were converted into β-benzoylmethylated cyclic ketones by decarboxylation without a significant loss of enantiomeric excess.
Colorimetric Chemosensor for Barium Metal Ions Using Tris(bipyridinium–crown ether) Conjugate
Authors: Guo Haocheng , Kuwabara Tetsuo
Published: February 2013

A new guest-responsive color-change host, 1, in which three benzocrown ethers modified with bipyridinium are connected through the mesitylene unit, was synthesized to investigate its ion-recognition ability. 1 exhibited a yellow color associated with an intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) absorption, which faded upon the addition of alkali and alkaline earth metal ions. Ba2+ was detected by 1 with high sensitivity.
Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide with Crosslinked Shell Showing Enhanced Environmental Stability Using Thiol-grafted Pluronic
Authors: Jeong Geumbi , Kim Hyun Gu , Nam Jeong A , Park Sung Young , In Insik
Published: February 2013

Soluble RGO/Plu–S–S assembly with crosslinked Pluronic shell structure was formulated through noncovalent interaction between Plu–SH and RGO plates and simultaneous crosslinking of Plu–SH on RGO plates. While other RGO/aliphatic polymer assemblies show limited solubility only in aqueous media, RGO/Plu–S–S assembly showed enhanced environmental stability and organic solubility with the help of crosslinked shell structure.
A Game-Theoretic Model of International Influenza Vaccination Coordination
Authors: Mamani Hamed , Chick Stephen E. , Simchi-Levi David
Published: February 2013

Influenza vaccination decisions in one country can influence the size of an outbreak in other countries due to interdependent risks from infectious disease transmission. This paper examines the inefficiency in the allocation of influenza vaccines that is due to interdependent risk of infection across borders and proposes a contractual mechanism to reduce such inefficiencies. The proposed contract is based on an epidemic model that accounts for intranational transmission and that from a source country where the dominant strain emerges. The contract reduces the overall financial burden of infection globally and improves the total number infected by seasonal influenza outbreaks. This is consistent with recent recommendations to improve pandemic preparedness. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the benefits of the contract can prevent millions of influenza cases and save tens of millions of dollars, and that the benefits are even greater when cross-border transmission is higher, even if cross-border transmission parameters have moderate estimation errors.

This paper was accepted by Martin Lariviere, operations management.
Smooth transfer of Kloosterman integrals (the Archimedean case)
Authors: Aizenbud Avraham , Gourevitch Dmitry
Published: February 2013

We establish the existence of a transfer, which is compatible with Kloosterman
integrals, between Schwartz functions on ${\rm GL}_n(\Bbb{R})$ and Schwartz functions on
the variety of non-degenerate Hermitian forms. Namely, we consider an integral
of a Schwartz function on ${\rm GL}_n(\Bbb{R})$ along the orbits of the two sided action
of the groups of upper and lower unipotent matrices twisted by a non-degenerate
character. This gives a smooth function on the torus. We prove that the space of
all functions obtained in such a way coincides with the space that is constructed
analogously when ${\rm GL}_n(\Bbb{R})$ is replaced with the variety of non-degenerate hermitian
forms. We also obtain similar results for $\frak{gl}_n(\Bbb{R})$. The non-Archimedean case was
done by H. Jacquet ({\it Duke Math. J.}, 2003) and our proof is based on the ideas
of this work. However we have to face additional difficulties that appear only in the
Archimedean case. Those results are crucial for the comparison of the Kuznetsov trace
formula and the relative trace formula of ${\rm GL}_n$ with respect to the maximal unipotent
subgroup and the unitary group, as done by H. Jacquet, and by B. Feigon, E. Lapid, and O. Offen.
Quasiconformal distortion of Riesz capacities and Hausdorff measures in the plane
Authors: Astala K. , Clop A. , Tolsa X. , Uriarte-Tuero I. , Verdera J.
Published: February 2013

In this paper we prove the sharp distortion estimates for the quasiconformal mappings
in the plane, both in terms of the Riesz capacities from nonlinear potential theory
and in terms of the Hausdorff measures.
Endoscopic lifts to the Siegel modular threefold related to Klein’s cubic threefold
Authors: Okazaki Takeo , Yamauchi Takuya
Published: February 2013

Let ${\cal{A}}^{lev}_{11}$ be the moduli space of $(1,11)$-polarized
abelian surfaces with a canonical level structure. Let $\chi$ be a
primitive character of order 5 with conductor 11. In this paper we
construct five endoscopic lifts $\Pi_i$, $0\le i\le 4$ from two elliptic
modular forms $f\otimes\chi^i$ of weight 2 and $g\otimes\chi^i$ of weight
4 with complex multiplication by ${\Bbb{Q}} (\sqrt{-11})$ such that
${\Pi_i}_\infty$ gives a non-holomorphic differential form on
${\cal{A}}^{lev}_{11}$ for each $i$, $0\le i\le 4$. Then their spinor
$L$-functions are of form $L(s-1,f\otimes\chi^i)L(s,g\otimes\chi^i)$ such
that $L(s,g\otimes\chi^i)$ does not appear in the $L$-function of
${\cal{A}}^{lev}_{11}$ for any $i$, $0\le i\le 4$. The existence of such
lifts is motivated by the computation of the $L$-function of Klein's cubic
threefold which is a birational smooth model of ${\cal{A}}^{lev}_{11}$.
On the first Steenrod square for Chow groups
Authors: Haution Olivier
Published: February 2013

We construct a weak version of the homological first Steenrod square, a natural transformation
from the modulo two Chow group to the Chow group modulo two and two-torsion. No assumption is
made on the characteristic of the base field. As an application, we generalize a theorem of Nikita
Karpenko on the parity of the first Witt index of quadratic forms to the case of a base field of
characteristic two.
On Burkholder function for orthogonal martingales and zeros of Legendre polynomials
Authors: Borichev Alexander , Janakiraman Prabhu , Volberg Alexander
Published: February 2013

Burkholder obtained a sharp estimate of ${\bf E}|W|^p$ via ${\bf E}|Z|^p$, for martingales $W$
differentially subordinated to martingales $Z$. His result is that ${\bf E}|W|^p\le (p^*-1)^p{\bf E}|Z|^p$,
where $p^* =\max \big(p, {p\over p-1}\big)$. What happens if the martingales have an extra
property of being orthogonal martingales? This property is an analog (for martingales)
of the Cauchy-Riemann equation for functions, and it naturally appears in a problem on
singular integrals (see the references at the end of Section~1). We establish here that
in this case the constant is quite different. Actually, ${\bf E}|W|^p\le \big({1+z_p\over 1-z_p}\big)^p{\bf E}|Z|^p$, $p\ge 2$, where $z_p$ is a specific zero of a certain solution of the Legendre ODE. We
also prove the sharpness of this estimate. Asymptotically, $(1+z_p)/(1-z_p)=(4j^{-2}_0
+o(1))p$, $p\to\infty$, where $j_0$ is the first positive zero of the Bessel function
of zero order. This connection with zeros of special functions (and orthogonal
polynomials for $p=n(n+1)$) is rather unexpected.
On the Voronoĭ formula for GL( n )
Authors: Ichino Atsushi , Templier Nicolas
Published: February 2013

We prove a general Vorono\u{\i} formula for cuspidal automorphic representations of ${\rm GL}(n)$ over number
fields. This generalizes recent work by Miller-Schmid and Goldfeld-Li on Maass forms. Our method follows
closely the adelic framework of integral representations of $L$-functions. The proof is flexible enough
to allow ramification and we propose possible variants. For example the assumption that the additive twist
is trivial at places where the representation is ramified is sufficient to obtain an explicit final statement
with hyper-Kloosterman sums.
Satake-Furstenberg compactifications, the moment map and λ 1
Authors: Biliotti Leonardo , Ghigi Alessandro
Published: February 2013

Let $G$ be a complex semisimple Lie group, $K$ a maximal compact subgroup
and $\tau$ an irreducible representation of $K$ on $V$. Denote by $M$ the
unique closed orbit of $G$ in $\Bbb{P}(V)$ and by $\cal{O}$ its image via
the moment map. For any measure $\gamma$ on $M$ we construct a map
$\Psi_\gamma$ from the Satake compactification of $G/K$ (associated to
$V$) to the Lie algebra of $K$. If $\gamma$ is the $K$-invariant measure,
then $\Psi_\gamma$ is a homeomorphism of the Satake compactification onto
the convex envelope of $\cal{O}$. For a large class of measures the image
of $\Psi_\gamma$ is the convex envelope. As an application we get sharp
upper bounds for the first eigenvalue of the Laplacian on functions for an
arbitrary K\"ahler metric on a Hermitian symmetric space.
On the essential dimension of infinitesimal group schemes
Authors: Tossici Dajano , Vistoli Angelo
Published: February 2013

We discuss essential dimension of group schemes, with particular attention to infinitesimal group schemes.
We prove that the essential dimension of a group scheme of finite type over a field $k$ is greater than or
equal to the difference between the dimension of its Lie algebra and its dimension. Furthermore, we show
that the essential dimension of a trigonalizable group scheme of length $p^{n}$ over a field of
characteristic~$p>0$ is at most~$n$. We give several examples.
Second variation of Zhang’s λ-invariant on the moduli space of curves
Authors: de Jong Robin
Published: February 2013

We compute the second variation of the $\lambda$-invariant, recently
introduced by S. Zhang, on the complex moduli space ${\cal M}_g$ of curves
of genus $g \geq 2$, using work of N. Kawazumi. As a result we prove that
$(8g+4)\lambda$ is equal, up to a constant, to the $\beta$-invariant
introduced some time ago by R. Hain and D. Reed. We deduce some
consequences; for example we calculate the $\lambda$-invariant for each
hyperelliptic curve, expressing it in terms of the Petersson norm of the
discriminant modular form.
On the abundance theorem in the case of numerical Kodaira dimension zero
Authors: Kawamata Yujiro
Published: February 2013

We present a shorter proof of the abundance theorem in the case of
numerical Kodaira dimension $0$ proved by Nakayama and its log generalization.
Geometric Auslander criterion for flatness
Authors: Adamus Janusz , Bierstone Edward , Milman Pierre D.
Published: February 2013

Our aim is to understand the algebraic notion of flatness in explicit
geometric terms. Let $\varphi: X \to Y$ be a morphism of complex-analytic
spaces, where $Y$ is smooth. We prove that nonflatness of $\varphi$ is
equivalent to a severe discontinuity of the fibres---the existence of a
{\it vertical component} (a local irreducible component at a point of the
source whose image is nowhere-dense in $Y$)---after passage to the
$n$-fold fibred power of $\varphi$, where $n = \dim Y$. Our main theorem
is a more general criterion for flatness over $Y$ of a coherent sheaf of
modules $\cal{F}$ on $X$. In the case that $\varphi$ is a morphism of
complex algebraic varieties, the result implies that the stalk
$\cal{F}_\xi$ of $\cal{F}$ at a point $\xi \in X$ is flat over $R :=
\cal{O}_{Y,\varphi(\xi)}$ if and only if its $n$-fold tensor power is a
torsion-free $R$-module (conjecture of Vasconcelos in the case of
$\Bbb{C}$-algebras).
Isotropy of orthogonal involutions
Authors: Karpenko Nikita A. , Tignol Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2013

An orthogonal involution on a central simple algebra becoming isotropic over any splitting field of the
algebra, becomes isotropic over a finite odd degree extension of the base field (provided that the
characteristic of the base field is not $2$). The proof makes use of a structure theorem for Chow motives
with finite coefficients of projective homogeneous varieties, of incompressibility of certain generalized
Severi-Brauer varieties, and of Steenrod operations.
Aristotle, Actors, and Tragic Endings: A Counter-Response to Johanna Hanink
Authors: Wise Jennifer
Published: February 2013

In "Tragedy as 'An Augury of a Happy Life'" ( Arethusa 41), I hypothesized that Aristotle's preference for sad over happy endings in tragedy might tell us more about the performance practices of fourth-century actors than about the tenor of fifth-century tragedy. In Arethusa 44, Johanna Hanink, while accepting the main thrust of the argument, disputed four of its "single points." This article addresses each of her concerns and offers additional evidence for the likelihood that Aristotle was misled about the nature of fifth-century tragedy by the universalizing emotionality of the professional actors of his time.
The Eyes Have It: Female Desire on Attic Greek Vases
Authors: Toscano Margaret M.
Published: February 2013

This paper challenges the simple dichotomy that sees women either as degraded sex objects (on everyday symposium cups) or as powerful threats to males (in mythological scenes) on Athenian vases of the classical period. A continuity of female desire connects these two categories of vase paintings when attention is drawn to the eye-to-eye contact between men and women. Structural as well as thematic aspects of Attic pots are emphasized to show how triangular spaces move the figures away from a simple polarity to a dynamic interplay among desire's subjects and objects. Erotic paintings on symposium vases demonstrate that Athenian males took pleasure in the gaze and touch of women, while depictions of the goddesses Eos and Aphrodite pursuing their love for mortal men highlight the way these stories acted as cultural signifiers for the larger philosophical concerns of the ancient Greeks.
Dialectic in Plato's Sophist : Division and the Communion of Kinds
Authors: Ionescu Cristina
Published: February 2013

This paper explores the Eleatic Stranger's use of the method of division in the Sophist and attempts to reveal it to be a dialectical method of discovery, not of demonstration, that proceeds tentatively while it ultimately aims to ground its discoveries in the communion of the very great kinds. To illuminate this view, I argue for three main theses: first, that the method of division is a method of discovery, not of demonstration; secondly, that the much discussed passage at Sophist 253d-e is about both the method of division and the communion of kinds; and thirdly, that the method cannot succeed to discover natural articulations of reality as long as it ignores considerations of value.
Political Bedfellows: Tullia, Dolabella, and Caelius
Authors: Jeppesen-Wigelsworth Alison
Published: February 2013

Cicero's letters from 51-50 B.C.E. show that Tullia was not swept off her feet by P. Cornelius Dolabella (Tatum 1999.242) but chose her third husband rationally as political insurance in uncertain times. By analyzing the chronological pattern of the letters, Tullia's awareness of past political events, including the uncertain status of her mother during her father's exile, and the involvement of M. Caelius Rufus as a friend of Dolabella and of Cicero's family, the political background of this engagement is highlighted. This assessment challenges the traditional view of Tullia's motivation in her last marriage.
The Be(a)st of the Achaeans: Turning Tables / Overturning Tables in Ovid's Centauromachy ( Metamorphoses 12.210-535)
Authors: Mader Gottfried
Published: February 2013

Ovid's Centauromachy is a sustained engagement with epic poetics: Nestor, figured as a Homeric narrator in a Homeric setting, entertains an internal audience of banqueters with a tale of another banquet that degenerated into a spectacular brawl. His representation there of epic masculinity ironically critiques the traditional epic uirtus model of his audience: it is argued that transgressive violence, loss of integrity, and the signature rhetoric of mutilation, disfigurement, and dismantling (of bodies, fixtures, landscapes, and generic boundaries) double as tropes for the super-narrator's metaliterary operation of dismantling and parodying the uirtus ideology of his epic pre-text.
Balancing Rivals: India's Tightrope between Iran and the United States
Authors: Pant Harsh V. , Super Julie M.
Published: February 2013

This article examines India's bilateral relations with the U.S. and Iran and argues that Indian interests, rather than increased pressure from the U.S., will continue to shape New Delhi's policies toward Iran.
China's Participation in Global Governance from a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Wang Hongying , French Erik
Published: February 2013

This article examines comparative data on countries' participation in global governance and explains China's relatively low involvement in global governance.
Toward a Universal Japan: Taking a Harder Look at Japanese Soft Power
Authors: Smith Hanscom
Published: February 2013

This essay argues that Japan can make better strategic use of economic policy, humanitarian aid, and domestic civil society to play a more effective role within the U.S. alliance and globally.
“She flings her elfin dreams of mystery”: The Child-Poet Gwen Cope in the Land of “Australian Faery,” 1931–1939
Authors: Anae Nicole
Published: February 2013

Gwen Cope enjoyed a significant reputation as a gifted Australian child-poet throughout the 1930s. Nevertheless, her two collections remain unacknowledged in the history of Australian literature despite their popularity. This article situates Cope’s fairy-poetry against the ideological backdrop defined by adult fairy-poets of the 1930s to reveal fundamental discords between the child-poet writing her vision of fairy-folklore and the canonical writers who aimed to re-conceptualize “ faery-lore” in the interests of Australian national literature.
The Mountain and the Devil: Fake Lore or Folklore?: A Wonder of the World in South African Children’s Literature
Authors: Barben Tanya
Published: February 2013

Table Mountain, beneath which nestles South Africa’s “Mother City,” Cape Town, whose history is given briefly, has not featured much in South African children’s literature, although it is mentioned in the epic poem by Portugal’s national poet, Camões, and the adventures of Baron Munchausen. A much-loved exception has been the story of how Table Mountain got its cloud and why its companion, Devil’s Peak, was so named. This article discusses two older versions of this tale alongside more recent books written for children, in which Table Mountain and/or Devil’s Peak play a role.
Paranoid Prizing : Mapping Australia’s Eve Pownall Award for Information Books, 2001–2010
Authors: Hateley Erica
Published: February 2013

Each year, the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) administers a number of Book of the Year Awards, including the Eve Pownall Award for Information Books. The books chosen by the CBCA constitute a contemporary canon of Australian children’s literature, and serve to both shape and reflect current educational policies and practices as well as young Australians’ sense of themselves and their nation. This paper reads a selection of award-winning Australian non-fiction children’s literature in the context of colonialism, curriculum, military myths, and Aboriginal perspectives on national history and identity.
The Power of Caribbean Poetry: Word and Sound
Authors: Styles Morag
Published: February 2013

If anything can be said to define West Indian poetry it is that sense of an engagement with the diverse and often hidden sources of Caribbean history and culture and the determination to refashion those materials into poetry which speaks of and into the present in voices that the peoples of the region would recognise as their own. (Brown 155)
Our Common Earth: The Local and Global Flow of Narrative in A River of Stories
Authors: Curry Alice
Published: February 2013

Globalization is rapidly changing the ways in which communities engage with their local landscapes; it is also changing the ways in which such landscapes are represented in literature for children. This article explores the tension exhibited by the Commonwealth Education Trust’s recent publication, A River of Stories (2011), between local and global understandings of human identity. The collection’s focus on environmental crises invites an ecocritical reading. This article questions whether the collection’s “common earth” motif masks social and environmental inequalities, or whether this motif prompts a collective understanding of environmental crises and a commonality of human response.