bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoantibodies to the Rpp25 Component of the Th/To Complex are the Most Common Antibodies in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis without Antibodies Detectable by Widely Available Commercial Tests
Authors: Mahler Michael , Satoh Minoru , Hudson Marie , Baron Murray , Chan Jason Y.F. , Chan Edward K.L. , Wick James , Fritzler Marvin J. ,   and the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: June 2014

Objective.

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) occur in up to 95% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In most, SSc-associated antibodies are detected (i.e., centromere, topoisomerase I, RNA polymerase III, PM/Scl, Ro52/TRIM21, and U1RNP). Ribonuclease P protein subunit p25, (Rpp25) is an autoantigenic component of the Th/To complex. The contribution of anti-Th/To and anti-Rpp25 antibodies to ANA positivity in patients with SSc remains unknown.

Methods.

Sera from 873 patients with SSc were tested for ANA, and SSc-associated antibodies were measured. Samples without antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENA; n = 53, ANA+/ENA−), were analyzed by immunoprecipitation (IP) and metabolically labeled proteins and for anti-Rpp25 antibodies (n = 50) by a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) and Rpp25 ELISA.

Results.

Anti-Th/To antibodies occurred in 19/53 (36%), as determined by IP, and were the most common autoantibody in ANA+/ENA− SSc. Of those samples, 50/53 were available for additional testing by CLIA and ELISA. Anti-Rpp25 antibodies were detected in 12 (24% CLIA) or 10 (20% ELISA) of 50 patients. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed similar discrimination between Th/To IP-positive (n = 19) and -negative samples (n = 31) by CLIA and ELISA (area under the curve 0.90 vs 0.87; p = 0.6691). The positive percent agreement between IP and CLIA or ELISA was 12/19 (63.2%, 95% CI 38.4–83.7%) or 10/19 (52.6%, 95% CI 73.3–94.2%), respectively. Negative percent agreement was 100% for both assays.

Conclusion.

Autoantibodies to the Th/To autoantigen are important in patients with SSc who have been considered negative for SSc-specific or SSc-associated antibodies by widely available commercial assays. Rpp25 can be considered a major target of anti-Th/To antibodies. Assays detecting anti-Th/To and anti-Rpp25 antibodies may be important in SSc.
The Association of Socioeconomic Status and Symptom Severity in Persons with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Fitzcharles Mary-Ann , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Ste-Marie Peter A. , Sampalis John S. , Shir Yoram
Published: June 2014

Objective.

Although persons with lower socioeconomic status (SES) generally have poorer health status for many medical conditions, the association of SES with symptom severity in fibromyalgia (FM) is unknown. The subjective symptoms of FM may be influenced by personal perceptions, and environmental and psychosocial factors. Therefore SES may influence symptom expression and severity.

Methods.

Data for this cross-sectional analysis were obtained from a real-life prospective cohort of 246 patients with FM categorized according to level of education: high school graduates or less (Group 1; n = 99), college graduates (Group 2; n = 84), and university graduates (Group 3; n = 63). The association between level of education, a well-validated measure of SES, and disease severity, functional status, and quality of life were examined.

Results.

Lower education was significantly associated with older age (p = 0.039), current unemployment (p < 0.001), and more severe disease, as measured by patient global assessment disease activity (p = 0.019), McGill Pain Questionnaire (p = 0.026), Pain Disability Index (p = 0.031), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (p = 0.015), Health Assessment Questionnaire (p = 0.001), and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (p = 0.002), but not pain level, anxiety, or depression. These associations remained significant even upon adjusting for age and sex differences.

Conclusion.

Patients with FM and lower SES, as assessed by education level, reported greater symptom severity and functional impairment, despite reporting similar levels of pain, depression, and anxiety. Although FM spans all socioeconomic groups, factors other than specific disease characteristics or mental status, appear to play an important role in patients’ perception of illness.
"Anime's media mix: Franchising toys and characters in Japan," by Marc Steinberg
Authors: Monk-Payton Brandeise
Published: June 2014

Review of Marc Steinberg.  Anime's media mix: Franchising toys and characters in Japan. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2012. Paperback $25.00 (304p) ISBN 978-0-8166-7550-0, hardcover $75.00 (304p) ISBN 978-0-8166-7549-4.
Materiality and object-oriented fandom
Authors: Rehak Bob
Published: June 2014

Editorial overview of TWC No. 16, special issue, "Materiality and Object-Oriented Fandom."
Slovenian Recordings on 78 RPM Records
Authors: Kunej Drago
Published: June 2014

Prispevek obravnava slovensko gradivo na gramofonskih ploščah z 78 o/min, ki je nastalo v obdobju od najzgodnejših posnetkov do začetka 2. svetovne vojne. Pri tem poskuša odgovoriti na vprašanja, ali imajo ti posnetki, ki so nastali iz komercialnih razlogov, dovolj pomembno kulturno, etnomuzikološko, folkloristično in etnokoreološko vrednost, da bi bili primerni kot vir za etnomuzikološke in folkloristične raziskave; koliko zvočnega gradiva, povezanega z ljudsko glasbo, imamo Slovenci posnetega na starih gramofonskih ploščah; kako to gradivo na podlagi skromnih spremnih podatkov na ploščah ustrezno interpretirati.
***
The article introduces Slovenian material on 78 rpm gramophone discs recorded in the period from the earliest recordings to the beginning of the Second World War. The author addresses whether these recordings, which were made for commercial reasons, have sufficiently important cultural, ethnomusicological, folklore, and ethnochoreological value to serve as a good source for ethnomusicology and folklore research. He also discusses how many Slovenian sound recordings associated with folk music are recorded on old gramophone records and how this material can be properly interpreted on the basis of scant written information accompanying the discs.
Chemical Energy Sources Transformations by Remote Experiment
Authors: Tkáč Lukáš , Schauer Franz , Gerhátová Žaneta
Published: June 2014

The paper describes the first experience with the set up, functioning and data evaluation of the remote experiment “Energy transformation” accessible via Internet (http://remotelab10.truni.sk) as a part of the e-laboratory at the Department of Physics, Faculty of Education, Trnava University in Trnava, Slovakia. The remote experiment control and data acquisition is based on the system ISES (Internet School Experimental System) and its control program and www page are built using the environment Easy Remote ISES. The main goal of the experiment is the elucidation of the energy transformations of three types of well known energy sources – photovoltaic cell (solar energy to electrical energy), electrolyser (electrical to chemical energy of hydrogen) and fuel cell (chemical energy of hydrogen to electrical energy) and finding optimal regimes for their maximum efficiencies. The perspective of the improvement of the experiment and its exploitation is given
A Web-Based Remote Lab Platform with Reusability for Electronic Experiments in Engineering Education
Authors: Odeh Salaheddin
Published: June 2014

This contribution shows the concept and the steps of how we can create a Web-based remote lab platform with reusability capability that can be mainly used in engineering and science education for teaching electronics. Reusability is achieved in such a way that the platform not only allows the implementation of a variety of electronic experiments, but also it disburdens the experiment designers in their task of building the lab experiments as well. Moreover, the remote lab platform doesn't necessitate the creation of any kind of software including the user-interface.
Building a CPS as an Educational Challenge
Authors: Gonzalez-Nalda Pablo , Calvo Isidro , Etxeberria-Agiriano Ismael , García-Ruíz A. , Martínez-Lesta S. , Caballero-Martín D.
Published: June 2014

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are highly multidisciplinary systems that involve disciplines such as embedded computing, control theory and communication technology. Even though building this kind of systems is a challenging task, its introduction during the last courses of computer science and engineering university degrees has proven very valuable to teach students to deal with complexity. This paper presents an educational experience in the field of Computer Science at the University College of Engineering of Vitoria-Gasteiz (UPV/EHU). As part of an elective course, students had to design and develop an Android-based remote control system for teleoperating an educative mobile robot controlled by means of a Raspberry Pi. They had to apply and combine concepts learnt in previous disciplines (such as programming, operating systems or communication networks), reinforcing already acquired skills, as well as gaining other generic skills demanded in their future professional career, such as: (1) effectively working in groups, (2) integrating different technologies, (3) proactive problem solving, or (4) coping with system complexity.
IMPLEMENTATION OF RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION DEVICES IN 0.3 TESLA MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Periyasamy M. , Dhanasekaran R.
Published: June 2014

The aim of this work was to assess two issues concerning magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including device functionality and image artifacts for the presence of ultra high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) devices in connection with 0.3 Tesla at 12.7 MHz MRI and computed tomography (CT) scanning. A total of 15 samples of RFID tags with two dissimilar sizes (wristband and ID card types) were tested. The tags were exposed to a several numbers of MR-imaging conditions during MRI examination and X-rays of CT scan. During the test, the tags were oriented in three different directions (axial, coronal and sagittal) pertaining to MRI system in order to encompass all possible situations with respect to the patient undergoing MRI and CT scanning, wearing a RFID tag on wrist. In addition to the device functionality test and imaging artifacts, we also analyzed the reading performance of the RFID reader considering significant factors in MRI scan area. We observed that the tags did not experience physical damage with its functionality remained unchanged even after MRI and CT scanning, and there was no modification in previously stored data as well. In addition, no evidence of artifact was observed in the acquired MR and CT images. Therefore, we can conclude that the use of passive UHF RFID tag is safe for a patient undergoing MRI at 0.3 T/12.7 MHz and CT scanning. However, the reading performance of the RFID reader got affected depending on whether the MRI machine was on or off and also by the angle of the reader antenna.
A Holistic Framework for the Evaluation of Internet Voting Systems
Authors: Neumann Stephan , Volkamer Melanie
Published: June 2014

The foundations of democratic societies are elections. Due to their central importance to society, elections are bound to high legal standards, which are usually specified as election principles in national constitutions. To date, technological advance has reached elections, and Internet voting is a buzzword in the field of information technology. Many Internet voting systems and schemes have been proposed in research and some have even been used in legally binding elections. However, their underlying requirements are on the one hand often too closely linked to the specific technology and on the other hand mostly tailored to the scheme/system under investigation and therefore not connectable with election principles. This makes it difficult to compare different schemes/systems with each other, and correspondingly, it is difficult for election officials to select one of the proposed Internet voting schemes/systems for their own election setting. This chapter counters this artifact with two contributions, which are captured within an evaluation framework. First, based on the interdisciplinary method KORA, the authors derive constitutionally founded technical requirements. Second, they propose metrics to estimate the fulfillment of these requirements within concrete Internet voting systems. Given these contributions, the framework developed within this chapter supports election officials in making justified decisions about the selection and deployment of a specific Internet voting scheme/system.
Modeling Threats of a Voting Method
Authors: Heiberg Sven , Willemson Jan
Published: June 2014

In Estonian Parliamentary elections held in 2011, the percentage of Internet voters among all the voters was as high as 24.3%. At the same time a student implemented a proof-of-concept malware which demonstrated the effective disenfranchisement of the voter from the right to vote. The chapter gives an overview of risk assessment and threat modeling of Estonian Internet voting after the events of 2011. The chapter presents a classification of attacks against the voting method, distinguishing between manipulation attacks, revocation attacks and attacks towards public confidence.
Writing to Learn
Authors: McGrail Ewa , McGrail J. Patrick
Published: June 2014

Research has shown that writing to learn can support discipline-specific learning and thought development. Traditional writing strategies such as essays and journaling have been found to have a positive impact on recall of information, concept analysis and application. However, interaction with readers is not immediate with these methods. An environment where writers can immediately adapt to their readers' feedback and become conversation partners for one another is the blogosphere. The purpose of this chapter is to describe how fifth-grade writers engaged in blog conversations with an audience beyond the classroom walls about their learning in language arts (LA) and social studies (SS) classes. The chapter also analyzes the ways in which feedback from the audience facilitated the fledgling writers' “learning to write and writing to learn.”
Examining Middle-School Students' Uses of Diigo Annotations to Engage in Collaborative Argumentative Writing
Authors: Castek Jill , Beach Richard , Cotanch Heather , Scott John
Published: June 2014

This chapter explores the ways sixth grade students from a linguistically and culturally diverse classroom used Diigo, an online social bookmarking site, to engage in annotation writing focused on the discussion of science ideas within a text. While the use of apps has rapidly increased in schools, there remains little research on the ways annotation writing can be used to support scientific argumentation. Findings from this study indicate that students used the annotation app to pose questions, formulate claims, and request evidence from peers to answer questions or support claims. These results suggest that the process of collaborative annotation encourages students' documentation, critique, and refinement of ideas, which can aid learners in close reading of science texts.
Virtual Vacations
Authors: Baynum Lynn , Keyes Christopher S.
Published: June 2014

This chapter suggests a social constructivist model for engaging students in digital texts and composition. Partial results are shared from a three-year project, Virtual Vacations, which focused on creating digital texts from virtual experiences exploring different geographic settings in a mixed age elementary group. Three participants in this case study provide evidence of students' strategic knowledge pertaining to the use of digital tools for literacy tasks. The authors provide suggestions for teachers of digital natives such as this one: teachers need to scaffold instruction to balance the duality between digital tasks and literacy skills.
Preparing Teachers to Immerse Students in Multimodal Digital Writing Opportunities
Authors: Karchmer-Klein Rachel , Shinas Valerie Harlow , Park Sohee
Published: June 2014

Writing instruction in the 21st century must attend to ways that the multimodal nature of digital texts transforms consumption and production of text. With that in mind, the purpose of this chapter is to forward a framework for multimodal writing instruction that informs teacher education. In this chapter, the authors provide an overview of multimodality and suggest pedagogical approaches to prepare educators to teach digital writing skills. Second, they discuss a graduate course on multimodality, illustrating a pedagogical framework for teaching educators to recognize and apply multimodality in their teaching. Understanding gleaned from this chapter will illuminate the ways that teachers and teacher educators can approach writing instruction for the 21st century classroom that takes into account the literacy demands of the workplace and the world in which we live.
Professional Development for Teaching Writing in a Digital Age
Authors: Gillis Victoria , Marshall Megan
Published: June 2014

This chapter addresses the issue of professional development as it relates to teaching writing in a digital environment. The goals of this chapter include describing the genres of digital writing tools currently in use, along with their affordances and constraints and the means by which teachers use these tools professionally. The authors explore leveraging affordances of digital writing tools to communicate with stakeholders and reflect on practice, and also describe effective professional development linked to the teaching of writing using digital tools. Finally, the authors address recommendations for future research.
Professional Development 1.5
Authors: Taylor D. Bruce , Vintinner Jean P. , Wood Karen D.
Published: June 2014

Technology is shaping and reshaping K-12 teaching and learning across grade levels and subject areas. The emergence of Information Communications Technologies have changed the nature of literacy including what it means to read and write. Despite these transformations, schools have been slow to integrate technology in meaningful ways. New curricula like the Common Core have attempted to bridge the gap between teaching and learning and the use of technology; however, teacher professional development has yet to catch up with these changes. The focus of this chapter is on two models of teacher professional development used to engage and prepare inservice teachers for using digital technologies and Web 2.0 tools in their writing instruction. The authors explore the challenges and benefits of both models and discuss what they have learned about teacher professional development around technology and writing. They argue that while neither model is a “best way” of approaching teacher professional development, elements of both are beneficial in meeting the needs of teachers.
The Integration of Digital Tools during Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction
Authors: Kilpatrick Jennifer Renėe , Saulsburry Rachel , Dostal Hannah M. , Wolbers Kimberly A. , Graham Steve
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this chapter is to gain insight from the ways a group of elementary teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing chose to integrate digital tools into evidence-based writing instruction and the ways these technologies were used to support student learning. After professional development that exposed these teachers to twelve new digital tools, they were observed incorporating several new tools into their instruction; however, most of the tools were not the ones targeted during professional development. There are factors related to both teacher perspectives and professional development design that seem to play a role in what digital tools are used, how they are used, and who uses them. Based on these factors, suggestions are made for the design of future professional development that more effectively introduces technologies to teachers and supports their efforts to integrate these tools into classroom instruction.
Energy and Maritime Clusters in the Eastern Baltic Sea Region
Authors: Mäkinen Hanna , Laaksonen Eini , Liuhto Kari
Published: June 2014

This chapter analyses the preconditions for increasing cross-border inter-cluster cooperation in the maritime and energy sectors in the Eastern Baltic Sea region (i.e. Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and North-West Russia). The chapter describes the recent developments and cooperative connections in both sectors, after which it is concluded that room for increased cooperation exists, particularly in terms of green solutions. Such international cooperation still remains modest due to detrimental factors, national state interests being the most evident in both the sectors. Therefore, political support is of great importance in increasing inter-cluster cooperation, which can result in innovative discoveries, new business networks, and increased competitiveness to the region's key industries.
New Media in the Process of Shaping Local Democracy
Authors: Biernacka-Ligieza Ilona
Published: June 2014

This chapter is an analysis of the voting campaigns in Poland before the local elections in 2002, 2006, and 2010. The 2002 election was chosen as the starting point of the analysis because of the following facts: 1) those were the first direct local elections for mayors/municipality heads, and 2) the number of council members was reduced by law, all of which heralded an interesting competition. The high turnover rate of candidates for councillors across different regions of Poland in 2002, 2006, and 2010 local government elections has been attributed in part to the volatility caused by greater media and public interest in council issues. Many see the media as the most effective way to get voters' attention. Voters also treat media information about candidates as a very important source of knowledge about the candidate, which helps them to vote. However, it is important to check: 1) which medium is the most popular and effective source of information for local public debate; 2) what is the quality of information being published before and after the local elections; and 3) if the “politician activity” and “society response” is only clearly visible during the elections time or maybe “local debate” develops after the election time. The chapter is based on the qualitative and quantitative research. Surveys were carried out in 2002, 2006, and 2010.
Microblogging and the News
Authors: Wallsten Kevin
Published: June 2014

A particularly important question that has yet to be addressed about microblogging is the extent to which tweeting from politicians influences the traditional media's news coverage. This chapter seeks to address this oversight by tracking print, broadcast, and online news mentions of tweets from political elites during the five-and-a-half years since microblogging started. Consistent with previous research into “new media” effects and journalistic sourcing patterns, the authors find that although reporters, pundits, and bloggers are increasingly incorporating tweets into their news discussions, the group of Twitterers who are consistently quoted is small and drawn almost exclusively from the ranks of nationally recognizable political leaders. In addition to contributing to the emerging literature on Twitter, the analysis presented here suggests a new way of conceptualizing influence on the site. Rather than focusing strictly on Twitter-centric measures of message diffusion, the findings of this chapter suggest that researchers should begin to consider the ways that tweets can shape political discourse by spreading beyond the fairly narrow world of microblogging.
Do Web Campaigns by Party Leaders Enhance the Images of Party Leaders Held by Voters?
Authors: Carlson Tom , Djupsund Göran , Strandberg Kim
Published: June 2014

This chapter examines whether exposure to the personal Websites and blogs of party leaders during an election campaign affects the perceptions held by voters regarding the traits of party leaders. Additionally, the effects of Website exposure and blog exposure are compared. The chapter presents two experiments conducted during the 2007 Finnish general elections, where the leaders of the major parties had to deal with personal image concerns in their campaigns. The experiments used authentic Websites and blogs of party leaders as stimuli and young voters as participants. In both experiments, the impressions of the traits of party leaders were measured by a semantic differential consisting of bipolar adjectives. Limited effects were found. The perceptions of two of the three leaders were not affected either by exposure to their Websites or their blogs. However, the impressions of one leader were enhanced by exposure to his Website as well as his blog. The types of traits affected by blog reading and Website exposure differed respectively. In explaining the findings, Website features, blogging approaches, and participant expectancies are considered.
Use of the Fuzzy AHP Method to Evaluate Key Factors Influencing New Cross-Strait Shuttle Shipping Routes
Authors: Ding Ji-Feng , Jhong Chiu-Hua , Huang Wen-Chih , Taleizadeh Ata Allah
Published: June 2014

AbstractSince the volume of trade between second- and third-line cities and ports in China and Taiwan is growing steadily, ensuring the availability of shuttle shipping service within the current hub-and-spoke system has become the shared goal of government, carriers, and cargo owners. In the form of an increasingly competitive cross-strait shipping market, what key factors should carriers consider when developing a new shuttle shipping route? Hence, the main purpose of this paper was to apply the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) approach to evaluate key factors influencing new cross-strait shuttle shipping routes. Based on the literature and experts’ opinions, a hierarchical structure with 4 assessment aspects and 15 assessment factors was first constructed, and a FAHP algorithm model was then proposed. Finally, based on the AHP experts’ questionnaires, we used the FAHP approach to evaluate the key factors. The results showed that (1) competitive port features is the most important aspect influencing new cross-strait shuttle shipping routes for ocean carriers and (2) in order of relative importance, the top five key factors influencing new cross-strait shuttle shipping routes for ocean carriers are wharf service facilities, convenient customs clearance and administrative procedures, superior natural geographical location, computer software and hardware facilities, and adequate hinterland and cargo sources, respectively. Furthermore, some discussions and recommendations are provided in this article.
Failure Analysis of Fiber Optic Communication System in Deep-Water Remotely Operated Vehicle ROSUB 6000
Authors: Ramesh Raju , Sathianarayanan Dharmaraj , Prakash Vittal Doss , Vadivelan Arumugam , Ramesh Sethuraman , Ramadass Gidugu Ananda , Atmanand Malayath Aravindakshan
Published: June 2014

AbstractSingle-mode fiber optic systems can play vital roles in cabled deep-water vehicle operations at greater depths (>3,000 m). One kind of single-mode fiber optic system, the ROSUB 6000, is used in a deep-water work-class remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Fiber
optic link failure of ROV telemetry and sound navigation and ranging were noticed at a water depth of 3,050 m during the ROSUB 6000 system sea trials. A failure analysis of the fiber optic communication system was carried out with the link data logged during different phases of the
deep-sea trials. The results from the failure analysis carried out during deep-sea trials showed an increase in the fiber optic link loss from a depth of 900 m onwards. Further analysis of the fiber optic link loss in the laboratory involved pressure and low-temperature testing of all the
subsea components in the ROV telemetry link. From the laboratory pressure test results, it was concluded that pressure was not the root cause of the fiber optic link failure. On further analysis, a complete fiber optic link failure was noticed during the low-temperature testing of the subsea
components. Furthermore, the low-temperature testing of the individual subsea components revealed that the fiber optic rotary joint (FORJ) insertion loss increased rapidly at low temperatures. This FORJ insertion loss led to complete failure of the fiber optic links in the ROV. The degradation
of index-matching fluid in the FORJ was identified to be the root cause of fiber link failure.
Innate PLZF+CD4+ αβ T Cells Develop and Expand in the Absence of Itk
Authors: Prince Amanda L. , Watkin Levi B. , Yin Catherine C. , Selin Liisa K. , Kang Joonsoo , Schwartzberg Pamela L. , Berg Leslie J.
Published: June 2014

T cell development in the thymus produces multiple lineages of cells, including innate T cells. Studies in mice harboring alterations in TCR signaling proteins or transcriptional regulators have revealed an expanded population of CD4+ innate T cells in the thymus that produce IL-4 and express the transcription factor promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF). In these mice, IL-4 produced by the CD4+PLZF+ T cell population leads to the conversion of conventional CD8+ thymocytes into innate CD8+ T cells resembling memory T cells expressing eomesodermin. The expression of PLZF, the signature invariant NKT cell transcription factor, in these innate CD4+ T cells suggests that they might be a subset of αβ or γδ TCR+ NKT cells or mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. To address these possibilities, we characterized the CD4+PLZF+ innate T cells in itk−/− mice. We show that itk−/− innate PLZF+CD4+ T cells are not CD1d-dependent NKT cells, MR1-dependent MAIT cells, or γδ T cells. Furthermore, although the itk−/− innate PLZF+CD4+ T cells express αβ TCRs, neither β2-microglobulin–dependent MHC class I nor any MHC class II molecules are required for their development. In contrast to invariant NKT cells and MAIT cells, this population has a highly diverse TCRα-chain repertoire. Analysis of peripheral tissues indicates that itk−/− innate PLZF+CD4+ T cells preferentially home to spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes owing to increased expression of gut-homing receptors, and that their expansion is regulated by commensal gut flora. These data support the conclusion that itk−/− innate PLZF+CD4+ T cells are a novel subset of innate T cells.
ERAP1–ERAP2 Dimerization Increases Peptide-Trimming Efficiency
Authors: Evnouchidou Irini , Weimershaus Mirjana , Saveanu Loredana , van Endert Peter
Published: June 2014

The endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidases (ERAP)1 and ERAP2 play a critical role in the production of final epitopes presented by MHC class I molecules. Formation of heterodimers by ERAP1 and ERAP2 has been proposed to facilitate trimming of epitope precursor peptides, but the effects of dimerization on ERAP function remain unknown. In this study, we produced stabilized ERAP1–ERAP2 heterodimers and found that they produced several mature epitopes more efficiently than a mix of the two enzymes unable to dimerize. Physical interaction with ERAP2 changes basic enzymatic parameters of ERAP1 and improves its substrate-binding affinity. Thus, by bringing the two enzymes in proximity and by producing allosteric effects on ERAP1, dimerization of ERAP1/2 creates complexes with superior peptide-trimming efficacy. Such complexes are likely to enhance Ag presentation by cells displaying coordinated expression of the two enzymes.
A Balance between B Cell Receptor and Inhibitory Receptor Signaling Controls Plasma Cell Differentiation by Maintaining Optimal Ets1 Levels
Authors: Luo Wei , Mayeux Jessica , Gutierrez Toni , Russell Lisa , Getahun Andrew , Müller Jennifer , Tedder Thomas , Parnes Jane , Rickert Robert , Nitschke Lars , Cambier John , Satterthwaite Anne B. , Garrett-Sinha Lee Ann
Published: June 2014

Signaling through the BCR can drive B cell activation and contribute to B cell differentiation into Ab-secreting plasma cells. The positive BCR signal is counterbalanced by a number of membrane-localized inhibitory receptors that limit B cell activation and plasma cell differentiation. Deficiencies in these negative signaling pathways may cause autoantibody generation and autoimmune disease in both animal models and human patients. We have previously shown that the transcription factor Ets1 can restrain B cell differentiation into plasma cells. In this study, we tested the roles of the BCR and inhibitory receptors in controlling the expression of Ets1 in mouse B cells. We found that Ets1 is downregulated in B cells by BCR or TLR signaling through a pathway dependent on PI3K, Btk, IKK2, and JNK. Deficiencies in inhibitory pathways, such as a loss of the tyrosine kinase Lyn, the phosphatase Src homology region 2 domain–containing phosphatase 1 (SHP1) or membrane receptors CD22 and/or Siglec-G, result in enhanced BCR signaling and decreased Ets1 expression. Restoring Ets1 expression in Lyn- or SHP1-deficient B cells inhibits their enhanced plasma cell differentiation. Our findings indicate that downregulation of Ets1 occurs in response to B cell activation via either BCR or TLR signaling, thereby allowing B cell differentiation and that the maintenance of Ets1 expression is an important function of the inhibitory Lyn → CD22/SiglecG → SHP1 pathway in B cells.
Site-Specific Chemokine Expression Regulates Central Nervous System Inflammation and Determines Clinical Phenotype in Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Stoolman Joshua S. , Duncker Patrick C. , Huber Amanda K. , Segal Benjamin M.
Published: June 2014

The adoptive transfer of myelin-reactive T cells into wild-type hosts results in spinal cord inflammation and ascending paralysis, referred to as conventional experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), as opposed to brainstem inflammation and ataxia, which characterize disease in IFN-γRKO hosts (atypical EAE). In this article, we show that atypical EAE correlates with preferential upregulation of CXCL2 in the brainstem, and is driven by CXCR2-dependent recruitment of neutrophils. In contrast, conventional EAE is associated with upregulation of CCL2 in the spinal cord, and is driven by recruitment of monocytes via a partially CCR2-dependent pathway. This study illustrates how regional differences in chemokine expression within a target organ shape the spatial pattern and composition of autoimmune infiltrates, leading to disparate clinical outcomes.
Cohort Study Design: An Underutilized Approach for Advancement of Evidence-Based and Patient-Centered Practice in Athletic Training
Authors: Wilkerson Gary B. , Denegar Craig R.
Published: June 2014

Objective:

Providing patient-centered care requires consideration of numerous factors when making decisions that will influence a patient's health status.

Background:

Clinical decisions should be informed by relevant research evidence, but the literature often lacks pertinent information for problems encountered in routine clinical practice. Although a randomized clinical trial provides the best research design to ensure the internal validity of study findings, ethical considerations and the competitive culture of sport often preclude random assignment of patients or participants to a control condition.

Clinical Advantages:

A cohort study design and Bayesian approach to data analysis can provide valuable evidence to support clinical decisions. Dichotomous classification of both an outcome and 1 or more predictive factors permits quantification of the likelihood of occurrence of a specified outcome.

Conclusions:

Multifactorial prediction models can reduce uncertainty in clinical decision making and facilitate the individualization of treatment, thereby supporting delivery of clinical services that are both evidence based and patient centered.
The formation of Christian theology in Alexandria
Authors: Oliver Willem H. , Madise Mokhele J.S.
Published: June 2014

Jesus was born in Palestine. He was the main determinant for the foundation of a religious movement or sect later called Christianity. This movement, founded in Palestine after the ascension of Jesus, with Jerusalem as its main centre of worship, was merely a Judaeo-Christian sect. In Jerusalem, the adherents to this movement were not really distinctive from the Jewish religion, as they worshipped the same God, Yahweh, went to the same Temple and/or synagogues and kept the same Jewish Laws. After the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, many Jews, including the �believers in Christ�s teachings� (the earliest Christians) fled Jerusalem for different parts of the Roman Empire such as Transjordan, Syria and Africa. Different �Christianities� developed in the main cities of the Roman Empire � Rome, Antioch and Alexandria. In each of these cities, the believers in Christ�s teachings developed their own religion alongside Judaism. This article argued that it was in Alexandria, a world famous city during the time of the Roman Empire, especially renowned for its academic excellence, that the new religion best found and made its own stand. The Catechetical School, with scholarly heads and writers, such as Clement and Origen, started to develop a theology that set the standard for Christian theology in the Empire.Intradisciplinary�and/or�interdisciplinary implications: The general assumption is that Jerusalem, as the origin of Christianity, was the place where it had its formation. This article proposed that it was actually Alexandria where Christianity was best found and became distinctive from Judaism. However, a lack of original sources on this subject area limited the research.
Automatic scan triggering software "confused": Computed tomography angiography in foot arteriovenous malformation!
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Sinha Anindita , Khandelwal Niranjan
Published: June 2014

Multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) has become a well-established modality for limb angiography for a variety of indications. The technique of MDCTA depends on the scanner features including the number of detector rows, rotation speeds and single or dual source energy. Integral to a diagnostic quality CTA is the acquisition timing. Various techniques are available for determining the appropriate timing of scan acquisition which includes fixed delay, test bolus and the bolus tracking technique. The transit times of contrast from the aorta to the peripheral arteries shows a wide variability and is dependent upon the inter individual hemodynamic states. The bolus tracking technique is the most preferred one which allows reliable scan timing with acceptable contrast volume and radiation dose. Pitfalls with all these techniques are well described and we report one such technical pitfall in a case of left foot arteriovenous malformation (AVM) where the bolus tracking technique employed for scan triggering failed to initiate acquisition.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of pelvic peritoneal adhesions: What radiologists need to know?
Authors: Ghonge Nitin P , Ghonge Sanchita Dube
Published: June 2014

Pelvic peritoneal adhesions constitute an important cause of concern which affects the life of millions of people worldwide due to complications like abdominal pain, bowel obstruction and infertility along with challenges in surgical exploration. Precise pre-operative diagnosis of the presence and extent of peritoneal adhesions is of great clinical and surgical importance. Diagnostic laparoscopy to detect peritoneal adhesions may itself lead to formation of adhesions. Routine CT and MRI studies are therefore useful non-invasive modalities to achieve this objective. This review article provides a brief background about the causation and patho-physiology of peritoneal adhesions. The article also addresses the range of clinical presentations in these patients, mainly from the gynecologic perspective. This article provides an illustrative review of CT and MRI findings with laparoscopic correlation. A new ′imaging-based grading system′ for pre-operative quantification of the burden of peritoneal adhesions is also proposed. Despite practical challenges in accurate pre-operative diagnosis of peritoneal adhesions on imaging, detection of peritoneal adhesions is certainly feasible on routine CT and MRI scans and should be an integral part of image interpretation.
CDC Raezer green field pea
Authors: Warkentin T. D. , Vandenberg A. , Tar'an B. , Banniza S. , Arganosa G. , Barlow B. , Ife S. , Horner J. , de Silva D. , Thompson M. , Parada M. , Wagenhoffer S. , Prado T.
Published: June 2014

Warkentin, T. D., Vandenberg, A., Tar'an, B., Banniza, S., Arganosa, G., Barlow, B., Ife, S., Horner, J., de Silva, D., Thompson, M., Parada, M., Wagenhoffer, S. and Prado, T. 2014. CDC Raezer green field pea. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 1535–1537. CDC Raezer, a green cotyledon field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivar, was released in 2011 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, for distribution to Select seed growers in Saskatchewan and Alberta through the Variety Release Committee of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. CDC Raezer has good lodging resistance, powdery mildew resistance, medium-sized seeds with round shape, good cotyledon bleaching resistance and good yielding ability. CDC Raezer is adapted to the field-pea-growing regions of western Canada.
Exact and Approximate Operator Parallelism
Authors: Zamani Ali , Sal Moslehian Mohammad
Published: June 2014

Extending the notion of parallelism we introduce the concept of approximate parallelism in normed spaces and then substantially restrict ourselves to the setting of Hilbert space operators endowed with the operator norm. We present several characterizations of the exact and approximate operator parallelism in the algebra B(ℋ) of bounded linear operators acting on a Hilbert space H . Among other things, we investigate the relationship between the approximate parallelism and norm of inner derivations on B(ℋ). We also characterize the parallel elements of a C*-algebra by using states. Finally we utilize the linking algebra to give some equivalent assertions regarding parallel elements in a Hilbert C*-module.
Geometric Perspective on Piecewise Polynomiality of Double Hurwitz Numbers
Authors: Cavalieri Renzo , Marcus Steffen
Published: June 2014

We describe doubleHurwitz numbers as intersection numbers on the moduli space of curves Using a result on the polynomiality of intersection numbers of psi classes with the Double Ramification Cycle, our formula explains the polynomiality in chambers of double Hurwitz numbers and the wall-crossing phenomenon in terms of a variation of correction terms to the ψ classes. We interpret this as suggestive evidence for polynomiality of the Double Ramification Cycle (which is only known in genera 0 and 1).
On the Monodromy of Milnor Fibers of Hyperplane Arrangements
Authors: Bailet Pauline
Published: June 2014

We describe a general setting where the monodromy action on the first cohomology group of the Milnor fiber of a hyperplane arrangement is the identity.
Neolithisation in Mongolia: the Mesolithic-Neolithic site of Tamsagbulag (Dornod district)
Authors: Séfériadès Michel Louis
Published: June 2014

The article outlines the first results of the French Archaeological Mission to Mongolia centered on the Neolithic. The topics discussed include general aspects of the initial Neolithisation in Eurasia, and the use of state-of-the art archaeological techniques in studies of Prehistory, with special reference to the Mesolithic/Neolithic interface, as exemplified by a survey and excavations in the area of Tamsagbulag site (Eastern Mongolia, aimak/district of Dornod) originally investigated by a Soviet-Mongolian mission directed by Professor A. P. Okladnikov, a renowned Russian archaeologist.
Cueva de El Toro (Antequera, Malaga-Spain): a Neolithic stockbreeding community in the Andalusian region, between the 6th and 3th millennia BC
Authors: Cámalich María Dolores , Buxó R. , Chávez E. , Echallier J. C. , Gonzáles Pedro , Goñi Antonio , Mañosa M. , Orozco T. , Paz M. A. , Rodríguez M. O. , Rodríguez A. , Tusell M. , Watson J. P. N.
Published: June 2014

The occupation evidence shown by the cave El Toro, is that of a unique stockbreeding community in the Andalusian region. The calibrated dates for this occupation period go from the second quarter of the sixth millennium up to the second millennium BP. There is also evidence of occasional occupation throughout later millennia up to the Hispano-Muslim period. The nature of thisoccupation is determined by the close link between the cave and the community which occupied it, both continuously and periodically. Throughout the occupation levels, the community's skillful control of technical processesand its remarkable knowledge on how to transform local primary resources, have shown that this community reached a high level of technological development. However, its main economic activity was related to agricultural and farming exploitation, particularly to stockbreeding.
Expected palaeoanthropological and archaeological signal from a Neolithic demographic transition on a worldwide scale
Authors: Bocquet-Appel Jean-Pierre , Dubouloz Jérôme
Published: June 2014

A s signal of major demographic change was detected from a palaeoanthropologicaldatabase of 68 Meso-Neolithic cemeteries in Europe (reduced to 36 due to a sampling bias). The signal is characteriyed by a relatively abrupt change in the proportion of immature skeletons (aged 5-19 years), relative to all buried skeletons (5 years +). From the Meso to the Neolithic, the proportion rose from approximately 20% to 30%. This change reflects a noticeable increase in the birth rate over a duration of about 500-700 years, and is referred to as the Neolithic Demographic Transition (NDT). Another category of independent archaeological data, on enclosures (N =694), which are interpreted as a response to population growth within the social area, reveals a similar signal at the same tempo. If this is a true signal, we should expect it to be detected also in all the independent centresof agricultural invention worldwide. The NDT is at the historical root of the pre-industrial populations that would gradually spread across the Earthand which are now rapidly disappearing.
The nature of early farming in Central and South-east Europe
Authors: Bogaard Amy
Published: June 2014

This paper summarises models of crop and animal husbandry in Neolithic Europe and reviews the relevant evidence from three regions: the western loess belt and Alpine Foreland; the Great Hungarian Plain; and the southern Balkans and Greece. Intensive mixed farming (small-scale, labour-intensive cultivation integrated with small-scale herding) emerges as the most plausible model across these regions. Such continuity is in some ways counter-intuitive given climatic variability across Europe and archaeological diversity in settlement and house forms etc. It is argued that variability in the form of Neolithic settlements (nucleated versus dispersed, 'tell' versus 'flat' sites) should be understood not as a reflection of radically different farming practices but rather as different social permutations of the same basic farming and herding pattern.
The challenge of the abstract mind: symbols, signs and notational systems in European prehistory
Authors: Haarmann Harald
Published: June 2014

Since the earliest manifestations of symbolic activity in modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens) in the Upper Palaeolithic, there is evidence for two independent cognitive procedures, for the production of representational images (naturalistic pictures or sculptures) and of abstract signs. The use of signs and symbols is attested for archaic humans (Homo neanderthalensis) and for Homo erectus while art in naturalistic style is an innovation among modern humans. The symbiotic interaction of the two symbolic capacities is illustrated for the visual heritage of Palaeolithic cave paintings in Southwestern Europe, for rock engravings in the Italian Alps (Val Camonica) and for the vivid use of signs and symbols in Southeastern Europe during the Neolithic. Around 5500 BC, sign use in Southeastern Europe reached a sophisticated stage of organization as to produce the earliest writing system of mankind. Since abstractness is the main theme in the visual heritage of the region, this script, not surprisingly, is composed of predominantly abstract signs.