bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ag and IL‐2 immune complexes efficiently expand Ag‐specific Treg cells that migrate in response to chemokines and reduce localized immune responses
Authors: Hamano Ryoko , Baba Tomohisa , Sasaki Soichiro , Tomaru Utano , Ishizu Akihiro , Kawano Mitsuhiro , Yamagishi Masakazu , Mukaida Naofumi
Published: December 2013

An intravenous administration of a high‐dose antigen (Ag) can induce immune tolerance and suppress the immune response, but the mechanism remains unclear. We recently proved that a combined i.v. administration of OVA and IL‐2‐anti‐IL‐2 Ab immune complexes (IL‐2 ICs) efficiently expands OVA‐specific Treg cells in the thymus and induces their migration into peripheral blood, by using OVA‐specific TCR Tg‐expressing DO11.10 mice. Here, we demonstrate that the expanded OVA‐specific Treg cells rapidly move into the air pouch after OVA injection in DO11.10 mice. The migration was inhibited by blocking the axis of a chemokine receptor, CCR2. Moreover, prior treatment with OVA and IL‐2 ICs enhanced OVA‐specific Treg‐cell migration and inhibited OVA‐induced delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions in the skin of BM chimeric mice with 15% of T cells expressing OVA‐specific TCR. Blocking the CCR2 axis reversed this suppression of DTH in these mice. Furthermore, prior treatment with OVA and IL‐2 ICs effectively reduced DTH reactions even in WT mice possessing only a very small population of OVA‐specific T cells. Thus, the treatment with Ag and IL‐2 ICs can efficiently expand Ag‐specific Treg cells with the capacity to migrate and reduce localized immune responses.
Exosomes derived from human macrophages suppress endothelial cell migration by controlling integrin trafficking
Authors: Lee Hee Doo , Kim Yeon Hyang , Kim Doo‐Sik
Published: December 2013

Integrin trafficking, including internalization, recycling, and lysosomal degradation, is crucial for the regulation of cellular functions. Exosomes, nano‐sized extracellular vesicles, are believed to play important roles in intercellular communications. This study demonstrates that exosomes released from human macrophages negatively regulate endothelial cell migration through control of integrin trafficking. Macrophage‐derived exosomes promote internalization of integrin β1 in primary HUVECs. The internalized integrin β1 persistently accumulates in the perinuclear region and is not recycled back to the plasma membrane. Experimental results indicate that macrophage‐derived exosomes stimulate trafficking of internalized integrin β1 to lysosomal compartments with a corresponding decrease in the integrin destined for recycling endosomes, resulting in proteolytic degradation of the integrin. Moreover, ubiquitination of HUVEC integrin β1 is enhanced by the exosomes, and exosome‐mediated integrin degradation is blocked by bafilomycin A, a lysosomal degradation inhibitor. Macrophage‐derived exosomes were also shown to effectively suppress collagen‐induced activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathway and HUVEC migration, which are both dependent on integrin β1. These observations provide new insight into the functional significance of exosomes in the regulation of integrin trafficking.
Serological proteome analysis of dogs with breast cancer unveils common serum biomarkers with human counterparts
Authors: Zamani‐Ahmadmahmudi Mohamad , Nassiri Seyed Mahdi , Rahbarghazi Reza
Published: December 2013

Canine mammary tumor is being touted as a model for investigating the human breast cancer. Breast cancer of the both species has similar biological behavior, histopathologic characteristics, and metastatic pattern. In this study, we used the serological proteome analysis to detect autoantigens that elicit a humoral response in dogs with mammary tumor in order to identify serum biomarkers with potential usefulness as diagnostic markers and to better understand molecular mechanisms underlying canine breast cancer development. Protein extract from a cell line was subject to 2DE followed by Western blotting using sera from 15 dogs with mammary tumor and sera from 15 healthy control dogs. Immunoreactive autoantigens were subsequently identified by the MALDI‐TOF MS. Four autoantigens, including manganese‐superoxide dismutase, triose phosphate isomerase, alpha‐enolase, and phosphoglycerate mutase1, with significantly higher immunoreactivity in the tumor samples than in the normal samples were identified as biomarker candidates. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting revealed higher expression of these biomarkers in the malignant tumors than in the normal or benign tumors. The autoantigens found in this study have been reported to elicit autoantibody response in the human breast cancer, indicating the similarity of breast cancer proteome profile in dogs with that in human beings.
Prognostic factors for squamous cell cancer of the parotid gland: An analysis of 2104 patients
Authors: Chen Michelle M. , Roman Sanziana A. , Sosa Julie A. , Judson Benjamin L.
Published: December 2013

Background

Parotid gland squamous cell cancer (SCC) occurs as metastasis from cutaneous SCC or primary malignancy. There is limited data on incidence, prognosis, and treatment outcomes.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1988–2009) identified 2104 adult patients with parotid SCC.

Results

SCC is the second most common parotid malignancy, and its incidence is increasing (annual percentage change 1.7%; ptrend = .004). Age ≥85 years, tumor size ≥4 cm, extraparenchymal extension, cervical metastases, and distant metastases were independently associated with disease‐specific mortality. Compared to no surgery, surgery was associated with improved 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS; 44.4% vs 71.0%; p < .001), whereas radiation alone was similar to no treatment (47.0% vs 41.6%; p = .28).

Conclusion

Surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) are associated with improved survival compared to radiation alone and no treatment. Patients ≥85 years of age account for nearly 20% of all patients and have a poor prognosis independent of treatment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1–7, 2015
CXCR2 inhibition enhances sulindac‐mediated suppression of colon cancer development
Authors: Lee Yong Suk , Choi Dongwon , Kim Nam Yoon , Yang Sara , Jung Eunson , Hong Mingu , Yang Dongyun , Lenz Heinz‐Josef , Hong Young‐Kwon
Published: December 2013

Small chemical compound sulindac has been approved as a preventive approach against colon cancer for its effectiveness in treatment of precancerous adenoma. Due to its severe toxicities in the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and renal systems, however, a combination of low‐dose sulindac with other chemopreventive agents has been sought after as an alternative therapeutic strategy that could increase its effectiveness, while minimizing its adverse effects. To identify the promising alternative approach, we investigated the therapeutic potential of targeting the interleukin (IL)−8/CXCR2 pathway in colon cancer treatment using both loss‐of‐function (CXCR2 knockout) and gain‐of‐function (IL‐8 overexpression) mouse models, as the IL‐8/CXCR2 pathway has been shown to be activated in intestinal tumors of both human and experimental animals. We found that deletion of CXCR2 gene and ectopic expression of IL‐8 suppresses and enhances, respectively, intestinal tumor development caused by a mutation in the APC gene. Moreover, a single copy deletion of CXCR2 gene resulted in abrogation of COX‐2 and Gro‐α upregulation in intestinal tumors caused by the APC mutation. Moreover, a single copy (heterozygote) deletion of CXCR2 gene was sufficient to synergize with a low‐dose sulindac treatment in suppressing APCmin‐induced intestinal polyposis. Together, our study provides a therapeutic justification of combined inhibition of CXCR2 and sulindac treatment in colon cancer prevention.
On the Facial Thue Choice Index via Entropy Compression
Authors: Przybyło Jakub
Published: December 2013

A sequence is nonrepetitive if it contains no identical consecutive subsequences. An edge coloring of a path is nonrepetitive if the sequence of colors of its consecutive edges is nonrepetitive. By the celebrated construction of Thue, it is possible to generate nonrepetitive edge colorings for arbitrarily long paths using only three colors. A recent generalization of this concept implies that we may obtain such colorings even if we are forced to choose edge colors from any sequence of lists of size 4 (while sufficiency of lists of size 3 remains an open problem). As an extension of these basic ideas, Havet, Jendrol', Soták, and Škrabul'áková proved that for each plane graph, eight colors are sufficient to provide an edge coloring so that every facial path is nonrepetitively colored. In this article, we prove that the same is possible from lists, provided that these have size at least 12. We thus improve the previous bound of 291 (proved by means of the Lovász Local Lemma). Our approach is based on the Moser–Tardos entropy‐compression method and its recent extensions by Grytczuk, Kozik, and Micek, and by Dujmović, Joret, Kozik, and Wood.
Morphological diversity and evolution of the spermatozoon in the mouse‐related clade of rodents
Authors: Breed William G. , Leigh Chris M. , Aplin Ken P. , Shahin Adel A.B. , Avenant Nico L.
Published: December 2013

Most species in the three highly speciose families of the mouse‐related clade of rodents, the Muridae, Cricetidae, and Nesomyidae (superfamily Muroidea), have a highly complex sperm head in which there is an apical hook but there are few data available for the other related families of these rodents. In the current study, using light and electron microscopies, we investigated the structure of the spermatozoon in representative species of four other families within the mouse‐related clade, the Dipodidae, Spalacidae, Pedetidae, and Heteromyidae, that diverged at or near the base of the muroid lineage. Our results indicate that a diverse array of sperm head shapes and tail lengths occurs but none of the species in the families Spalacidae, Dipodidae, or Pedetidae has a sperm head with an apical hook. By contrast, a rostrally extending apical hook is present in spermatozoa of members of the Family Heteromyidae which also invariably have comparatively long sperm tails. These findings suggest that the hook‐shaped sperm head in the murid, cricetid, and nesomyid rodents evolved after divergence of this lineage from its common ancestor with the other families of the mouse‐related clade, and that separate, and independent, convergent evolution of a similar sperm head form, and long sperm tail, occurred in the Heteromyidae. J. Morphol. 275:540–547, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proton Conducting Copolymer Electrolytes Based on Vinyl Phosphonic Acid and 5‐(Methacrylamido)tetrazole
Authors: Sinirlioglu Deniz , Celik Sevim Unugur , Muftuoglu Ali Ekrem , Bozkurt Ayhan
Published: December 2013

Copolymer electrolytes based on 5‐(methacrylamido)tetrazole (MTet) and vinyl phosphonic acid (VPA) are prepared. The obtained copolymers are analyzed by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 31P NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differantial scanning calorimetry (DSC), energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EDS), elemental analysis (EA), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and impedance spectroscopy. The morphology of the copolymers is characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The highest proton conductivity is obtained as 0.01 S/cm at 150 °C and in anhydrous conditions.

image
Alpha‐synuclein in the appendiceal mucosa of neurologically intact subjects
Authors: Gray Madison T. , Munoz David G. , Gray Douglas A. , Schlossmacher Michael G. , Woulfe John M.
Published: December 2013

Parkinson's disease is characterized by the pathological aggregation of Alpha‐synuclein. The dual‐hit hypothesis proposed by Braak implicates the enteric nervous system as an initial site of α‐synuclein aggregation with subsequent spread to the central nervous system. Regional variations in the spatial pattern or levels of α‐synuclein along the enteric nervous system could have implications for identifying sites of onset of this pathogenic cascade. We performed immunohistochemical staining for α‐synuclein on gastrointestinal tissue from patients with no history of neurological disease using the established LB509 antibody and a new clone, MJFR1, characterized for immunohistochemistry here. We demonstrate that the vermiform appendix is particularly enriched in α‐synuclein–containing axonal varicosities, concentrated in its mucosal plexus rather than the classical submucosal and myenteric plexuses. Unexpectedly, intralysosomal accumulations of α‐synuclein were detected within mucosal macrophages of the appendix. The abundance and accumulation of α‐synuclein in the vermiform appendix implicate it as a candidate anatomical locus for the initiation of enteric α‐synuclein aggregation and permits the generation of testable hypotheses for Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A C0 interior penalty method for a singularly‐perturbed fourth‐order elliptic problem on a layer‐adapted mesh
Authors: Franz Sebastian , Roos Hans‐Görg , Wachtel Andreas
Published: December 2013

We analyze the convergence of a continuous interior penalty (CIP) method for a singularly perturbed fourth‐order elliptic problem on a layer‐adapted mesh. On this anisotropic mesh, we prove under reasonable assumptions uniform convergence of almost order k − 1 for finite elements of degree k ≥ 2. This result is of better order than the known robust result on standard meshes. A by‐product of our analysis is an analytic lower bound for the penalty of the symmetric CIP method. Finally, our convergence result is verified numerically. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 838–861, 2014
Only minor additional metabolic health benefits of high as opposed to moderate dose physical exercise in young, moderately overweight men
Authors: Reichkendler M.H. , Rosenkilde M. , Auerbach P.L. , Agerschou J. , Nielsen M.B. , Kjaer A. , Hoejgaard L. , Sjödin A. , Ploug T. , Stallknecht B.
Published: December 2013

Objective

The dose–response effects of exercise training on insulin sensitivity, metabolic risk, and quality of life were examined.

Methods

Sixty‐one healthy, sedentary (VO2max: 35 ± 5 ml/kg/min), moderately overweight (BMI: 27.9 ± 1.8), young (age: 29 ± 6 years) men were randomized to sedentary living (sedentary control group; n = 18), moderate (moderate dose training group [MOD]: 300 kcal/day, n = 21), or high (high dose training group [HIGH]: 600 kcal/day, n = 22) dose physical exercise for 11 weeks.

Results

The return rate for post‐intervention testing was 82‐94% across groups. Weekly exercise amounted to 2,004 ± 24 and 3,774 ± 68 kcal, respectively, in MOD and HIGH. Cardiorespiratory fitness increased (P < 0.001) 18 ± 3% in MOD and 17 ± 3% in HIGH, and fat percentage decreased (P < 0.001) similarly in both exercise groups (MOD: 32 ± 1 to 29 ± 1%; HIGH: 30 ± 1 to 27 ± 1%). Peripheral insulin sensitivity increased (P < 0.01) (MOD: 28 ± 7%; HIGH: 36 ± 8%) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance decreased (P < 0.05) (MOD: ‐17 ± 7%; HIGH: ‐18 ± 10%). The number of subjects meeting the criteria of the metabolic syndrome decreased by 78% in MOD (P < 0.01) and by 80% in HIGH (P < 0.05). General health assessed by questionnaire increased similarly in MOD (P < 0.05) and HIGH (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Only minor additional health benefits were found when exercising ∼3,800 as opposed to ∼2,000 kcal/week in young moderately overweight men. This finding may have important public health implications.
Frequent somatic mutations of the telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter in ovarian clear cell carcinoma but not in other major types of gynaecological malignancy
Authors: Wu Ren‐Chin , Ayhan Ayse , Maeda Daichi , Kim Kyu‐Rae , Clarke Blaise A , Shaw Patricia , Chui Michael Herman , Rosen Barry , Shih Ie‐Ming , Wang Tian‐Li
Published: December 2013

Up‐regulated expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and subsequent maintenance of telomere length are essential in tumour development. Recent studies have implicated somatic gain‐of‐function mutations at the TERT promoter as one of the mechanisms that promote transcriptional activation of TERT; however, it remains unclear whether this genetic abnormality is prevalent in gynaecological neoplasms. We performed mutational analysis in a total of 525 gynaecological cancers, and correlated TERT promoter mutations with clinicopathological features. With the exception of ovarian clear cell carcinomas, in which mutations were found in 37 (15.9%) of 233 cases, the majority of gynaecological malignancies were wild‐type. TERT promoter mutation does not appear to be an early event during oncogenesis, as it was not detected in the contiguous endometriosis associated with ovarian clear cell carcinoma. Ovarian clear cell carcinoma cell lines with TERT promoter mutations exhibited higher TERT mRNA expression than those with wild‐type sequences (p = 0.0238). TERT promoter mutation tended to be mutually exclusive with loss of ARID1A protein expression (p = 4.4 × 10–9) and PIK3CA mutation (p = 0.0019) in ovarian clear cell carcinomas. No associations with disease‐specific survival were observed for ovarian clear cell carcinoma. The above results, in conjunction with our previous report showing longer telomeres in ovarian clear cell carcinomas relative to other types of ovarian cancer, suggests that aberrations in telomere biology may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ovarian clear cell carcinoma. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial factors associated with quality of life in allogeneic stem cell transplant patients prior to transplant
Authors: Pillay Brindha , Lee Stuart J. , Katona Lynda , Burney Sue , Avery Sharon
Published: December 2013

Objectives

The primary aim of this retrospective study was to determine levels of psychological distress and quality of life (QoL) immediately prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The secondary aim was to examine the demographic, medical and psychosocial factors that were correlated with various QoL domains at this stage of treatment.

Methods

A series of measures was completed by 122 allograft patients as part of routine psychological assessment at the treating hospital prior to undergoing the transplant. These included the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18 and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life‐BREF. Demographic and medical data were also extracted.

Results

In this study, 12% and 14% of the sample experienced significant levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Half of the sample reported impaired physical QoL, whereas approximately 40% reported poor psychological and social QoL. Besides relationship status, the limited number of demographic (age and gender) and medical factors (disease status) tested did not contribute significantly to reported QoL. After controlling for medical and demographic factors, weaker Fighting Spirit and higher levels of depression (trend towards significance) were associated with poorer physical and social QoL.

Conclusions

The association among psychological distress, coping responses and QoL indicates that poor psychosocial functioning pre‐transplant renders an increased likelihood of experiencing impaired QoL across various dimensions. It thus seems important that psychologically vulnerable patients are identified early in the treatment process. If psychosocial adjustment were improved, patients may experience better QoL pre‐transplant with a potential subsequent influence on post‐transplant outcomes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural surfactant combined with superoxide dismutase and catalase decreases oxidative lung injury in the preterm lamb
Authors: Dani Carlo , Corsini Iuri , Longini Mariangela , Burchielli Silvia , Dichiara Giulia , Cantile Carlo , Buonocore Giuseppe
Published: December 2013

We performed a randomized study in preterm lambs to assess the hypothesis that treatment with a natural surfactant combined with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) might decrease pulmonary oxidative stress in an animal model of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Animals received 200 mg/kg of porcine natural surfactant or 200 mg/kg of natural surfactant combined with 2 mg/ml of SOD and 3,000 U/ml of CAT. Lung tissue oxidation was studied by measuring total hydroperoxide (TH), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and non‐protein bound iron (NPBI) in bronchial aspirate samples. In addition, the animal's lung mechanics were evaluated. TH, AOPP, and NPBI were lower in the groups treated with surfactant plus SOD and CAT than in the surfactant group, while lung mechanics did not vary. We concluded that natural surfactant combined with SOD and CAT is effective in reducing the oxidative lung stress in an animal model of RDS. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:898–904. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bemisia tabaci nomenclature: lessons learned
Authors: Boykin Laura M
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

The nomenclature used within the whitefly research community for different putative species within Bemisia tabaci (sensu Russell) remains highly variable and confused. This was evident by the many different naming schemes researchers were using in their presentations at the 1st International Whitefly Symposium in Kolymbari, Crete, Greece (20–24 May 2013). I wanted to try to document how we, as a community, have arrived at such a state of confused nomenclature. This also included an investigation of the nomenclature used in the literature (from 2002 to 2012) by means of two online search tools (Web of Science and Scirus).

RESULTS

Nomenclatural data were collected at the 1st International Whitefly Symposium, based on oral presentations and posters. There were 17 different names used for the MED species and 12 different names used for the MEAM1 species of the B. tabaci species complex. Investigation of the literature revealed limited uptake of the intermediate names.

CONCLUSION

The intermediate names for the various species in the B. tabaci species complex – MED, MEAM1, New World, etc. – are not being used by the wider whitefly community. To move forwarrd as a community, we must work towards a formal revision of the B. tabaci complex. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Occurrence of fungicide resistance in populations of Botryotinia fuckeliana (Botrytis cinerea) on table grape and strawberry in southern Italy
Authors: De Miccolis Angelini Rita Milvia , Rotolo Caterina , Masiello Mario , Gerin Donato , Pollastro Stefania , Faretra Francesco
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Botryotinia fuckeliana (Botrytis cinerea) is a pathogen with a high risk of development of resistance to fungicides. Fungicide resistance was monitored during 2008–2011 in B. fuckeliana populations from both table‐grape vineyards and greenhouse‐grown strawberries in southern Italy.

RESULTS

Isolates showing different levels of resistance to anilinopyrimidines (APs) were detected at high frequency (up to 98%) in fields treated intensively with APs (4–7 sprays season−1). A slight decrease in sensitivity to fludioxonil, always combined with AP resistance, was generally found at lower frequencies. The repeated use of fenhexamid on grapevine (3–8 sprays season−1) led to a strong selection of highly resistant isolates (up to 100%). Boscalid‐resistant mutants were detected at very variable frequencies (0–73%). Occurrence of resistance to quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs) was also ascertained. Multiple fungicide resistance to 2–6 different modes of action were frequently recovered. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the target genes Erg27, SdhB and cytb were associated with resistance to fenehexamid, boscalid and QoIs respectively.

CONCLUSION

Resistance to the fungicides commonly used against grey mould on table grape and strawberry is quite common in southern Italy. This is an outcome of the incorrect use of fungicides, often because of the maximum number of detectable residues of plant protection products imposed by big international retailers, and underlines the crucial role of antiresistance strategies in integrated pest management. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Correlation‐induced magnetic order and magnetic phenomena in transition‐metal δ‐doped cubic ZnO
Authors: Galanakis Iosif
Published: December 2013

The properties of transition‐metal (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) δ‐doped ZnO are reported based on ab‐initio electronic structure calculations where the on‐site electronic correlations are included using the Hubbard parameters. The calculated electronic and magnetic properties are considerably altered with respect to usual band‐structure calculations. Most of the studied systems are found to be either half‐metals or ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic semiconductors and thus can be employed in a variety of spintronic applications as spin‐filter materials.

magnified image

Schematic representation of the structural and magnetic order of an impurity (001) monolayer in cubic ZnO structures. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Correlated signals and causal transport in ocean circulation
Authors: Jeffress S. A. , Haine T. W. N.
Published: December 2013

This article presents a framework for interpreting the time‐lagged correlation of oceanographic data in terms of physical transport mechanisms. Previous studies have inferred aspects of ocean circulation by correlating fluctuations in temperature and salinity measurements at distant stations. Typically, the time lag of greatest correlation is interpreted as an advective transit time and hence the advective speed of the current. In this article, we relate correlation functions directly to the underlying equations of fluid transport. This is accomplished by expressing the correlation functions in terms of the Green's function of the transport equation. Two types of correlation function are distinguished: field–forcing correlation and field–field correlation. Their unique relationships to the Green's function are illustrated in two idealized models of geophysical transport: a leaky pipe model and an advective–diffusive model. Both models show that the field–forcing correlation function converges to the Green's function as the characteristic (time‐ or length‐) scale of forcing autocorrelation decreases. The leaky pipe model provides an explanation for why advective speeds inferred from time‐lagged correlations are often less than the speed of the main current. The advective–diffusive model reveals a structural bias in the field–field correlation function when used to estimate transit times.
On some aspects of the impact of GPSRO observations in global numerical weather prediction
Authors: Bonavita Massimo
Published: December 2013

The impact of Radio Occultation observations from Global Positioning System satellites (GPSRO) on global Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) has been analysed with a recent version of the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) Integrated Forecasting System. As in previous studies, the use of GPSRO was found to improve the NWP forecast skill and to drastically decrease model‐induced temperature biases in the analysis. The maximum forecast impact is in the lower and middle stratosphere, where the GPSRO observations have the smallest errors, but it is also visible in the troposphere. The tropospheric impact of GPSRO comes in part from direct tropospheric measurements and in part from stratosphere–troposphere interactions: this second mechanism is found to be particularly important during the Northern Hemisphere winter.

The forecast impact of GPSRO observations is compared with that of conventional and hyperspectral satellite nadir sounders. It is found that although GPSRO data have a smaller impact than those of either class of nadir sounders, they are still able to account for a considerable fraction (30–70%) of the global forecast error reduction afforded by the use of the full observing system over a system that uses only conventional observations. When forecast verification is performed against radiosonde observations, GPSRO is found to be the most valuable satellite observing system in the lower stratosphere. This is remarkable in view of the relative sparseness of the GPSRO spatial and temporal coverage and an indication of the potential improvements that a denser GPSRO observing network would be able to provide. The forecast impact of GPSRO observations is also evaluated in the context of a data denial assimilation experiment with respect to the full observing system. Results are found to be consistent with those from the reduced baseline observational network and also indicate a statistically significant positive impact on tropospheric synoptic skill scores.
On computing the stabilizing solution of a class of discrete‐time periodic Riccati equations
Authors: Dragan Vasile , Aberkane Samir , Ivanov Ivan G.
Published: December 2013

This paper addresses the problem of solving a class of periodic discrete‐time Riccati equation with an indefinite sign of its quadratic term. Such an equation is closely related to the so‐called full‐information H ∞  control of discrete‐time periodic systems. A globally convergent iterative algorithm with a local quadratic convergence rate is proposed for this purpose. An application to the problem of H ∞  filtering of discrete‐time periodic systems is also developed and illustrated via a numerical example. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of anomalous couplings on the associated production of a single top quark and a Higgs boson at the LHC
Authors: Agrawal Pankaj , Mitra Subhadip , Shivaji Ambresh
Published: December 2013

Abstract

We consider the production of a single top quark in association with a Higgs boson at the LHC. In particular, we compute the cross sections for the processes pp → thj, thb, thW , thjj, thjb, thW j, thW b in the presence of the anomalous W tb, W W h and tth couplings. We find that the anomalous W tb and tth couplings can enhance the cross sections significantly. We also analyze a few signatures and show that, if these couplings are indeed anomalous, then with enough data, one should be able to observe the production of the Higgs boson in association with single top quark.
Refinement-based verification of implementations of Stateflow charts
Authors: Miyazawa Alvaro , Cavalcanti Ana
Published: December 2013

Simulink’s Stateflow is a graphical notation widely adopted in industry. Since it is frequently used to model safety-critical systems, correctness of implementations of Stateflow charts is a major concern. In previous work, we have shown how we can generate formal models for refinement of Stateflow charts automatically. Here, we define a refinement strategy that supports the automated verification of implementations with respect to these models. We consider the verification of implementations that follow architectural patterns used in the Stateflow code generator. We present a detailed procedure for application of refinement laws. If the implementation is correct, the procedure succeeds. If a law application fails, the implementation is either incorrect or does not use the expected architectural pattern. The very low proof burden associated with the refinement verification makes a high level of automation possible.
Identifying Emergent Social Networks at a Federally Qualified Health Center‐Based Farmers’ Market
Authors: Alia Kassandra A. , Freedman Darcy A. , Brandt Heather M. , Browne Teri
Published: December 2013

Identifying potential mechanisms connecting farmers’ market interventions with health, economic, and community outcomes could inform strategies for addressing health disparities. The present study used social network theory to guide the in‐depth examination of naturally occurring social interactions at a farmers’ market located at a federally qualified health center located in a rural, low‐income community. Trained observers recorded 61 observation logs at the market over 18 weeks. Thematic analysis revealed a range of actors and nonhuman facilitators instrumental to the farmers’ market context. These actors connected with one another for communication and relationship development, economic and financial exchange, education, resource sharing, community ownership of the farmers’ market, and conflict resolution. These interactions provided opportunities for social networks to develop among attendees, which may have facilitated the acquisition of social supports related to improved health, economic and community outcomes. Results provide insight into the role social networks may play in mediating the relationship between a farmers’ market intervention and individual benefits. Findings also contribute to defining the typology of social networks, which may further disentangle the complex relationships between social networks and health outcomes. Future research should identify strategies for purposefully targeting social networks as a way to reduce diet‐related health disparities.
Phase 1 study of efatutazone, a novel oral peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist, in combination with FOLFIRI as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Komatsu Yoshito , Yoshino Takayuki , Yamazaki Kentaro , Yuki Satoshi , Machida Nozomu , Sasaki Takahide , Hyodo Ichinosuke , Yachi Yutaka , Onuma Hiroshi , Ohtsu Atsushi
Published: December 2013

Background Efatutazone, a novel oral highly-selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist, has demonstrated some inhibitory effects on disease stabilization in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) enrolled in previous phase I studies. Here, we evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of efatutazone combined with FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil, levo-leucovorin, and irinotecan) as second-line chemotherapy in Japanese patients with mCRC. Methods Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were evaluated at 2 efatutazone dose levels of 0.25 and 0.50 mg (the recommended dose [RD] of efatutazone monotherapy) twice daily in combination with FOLFIRI in a 3–9 patient cohort. Furthermore, tolerability at the RD level was assessed in additional patients, up to 12 in total. Blood samples for pharmacokinetics and biomarkers and tumor samples for archival tissues were collected from all patients. Results Fifteen patients (0.25 mg, 3; 0.5 mg, 12) were enrolled. No DLTs were observed. Most patients experienced weight increase (100 %) and edema (80.0 %), which were manageable with diuretics. Common grade 3/4 toxicities were neutropenia (93.3 %), leukopenia (46.7 %), and anemia (33.3 %). Stable disease was observed in 8 of the 14 patients evaluable for tumor response. The plasma adiponectin levels increased over time and increased dose. No clear relationship was detected between treatment efficacies and plasma levels of adiponectin as well as the expression levels of PPARγ and the retinoid X receptor in tumor tissues. Conclusions Efatutazone combined with FOLFIRI demonstrates an acceptable safety profile and evidence of disease stabilization in Japanese patients with mCRC. The RD for efatutazone monotherapy can be used in combination with FOLFIRI.
Aversion to Happiness Across Cultures: A Review of Where and Why People are Averse to Happiness
Authors: Joshanloo Mohsen , Weijers Dan
Published: December 2013

A common view in contemporary Western culture is that personal happiness is one of the most important values in life. For example, in American culture it is believed that failing to appear happy is cause for concern. These cultural notions are also echoed in contemporary Western psychology (including positive psychology and much of the research on subjective well-being). However, some important (often culturally-based) facts about happiness have tended to be overlooked in the psychological research on the topic. One of these cultural phenomena is that, for some individuals, happiness is not a supreme value. In fact, some individuals across cultures are averse to various kinds of happiness for several different reasons. This article presents the first review of the concept of aversion to happiness. Implications of the outcomes are discussed, as are directions for further research.
Periodicity of leaf growth and leaf dry mass changes in the evergreen and deciduous species of Southern Assam, India
Authors: Athokpam Florida Devi , Garkoti S. C. , Borah N.
Published: December 2013

The study described patterns of leaf dry mass change, leaf mass per area (LMA), relative growth rate and leaf life span (LL) for 14 evergreen and 7 deciduous species of a tropical forest of Southern Assam, India. Leaf expansion in both the groups was, in general, completed before June (i.e. well before the onset of monsoon rains). Although leaf dry mass during leaf initiation phase was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in evergreen species than in deciduous species, at the time of full leaf expansion, average leaf dry mass relative to the peak leaf dry mass, realised by the evergreen species was lower (66 %) than for deciduous species (76 %). Leaf dry mass increase in both groups continued after leaf full expansion. Evergreen species had a longer leaf dry mass steady phase than deciduous species (2–6 vs 2–3 months). Average LMA of mature leaves for evergreen species (77.43 g m−2) was significantly greater than that of deciduous species (48.43 g m−2). LL ranged from 165 days in Gmelina arborea (deciduous) to 509 days in Dipterocarpus turbinatus (evergreen). LMA was correlated positively with LL, indicating that evergreen species with higher leaf construction cost retain leaves for longer period to pay back. The average leaf dry mass loss before leaf shedding was greater (P < 0.01) for deciduous species (30.29 %) than for evergreen species (18.31 %). Although the cost of leaf construction in deciduous species was lower than for evergreen species, they replace leaves at a faster rate. Deciduous species perhaps compensate the cost involved in faster leaf replacement through higher reabsorption of dry mass during senescence, which they remobilise to initiate growth in the following spring when soil resources remain limiting.
A clinical review of maternal bacteremia
Authors: O'Higgins Amy C. , Egan Aileen F. , Murphy Olivia C. , Fitzpatrick Christopher , Sheehan Sharon R. , Turner Michael J.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To carry out a 4‐year review of cases of bacteremia among obstetric patients.

Methods

In a retrospective review, all cases of maternal bacteremia between 2009 and 2012 were identified from the laboratory database of Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. The clinical records of each case were assessed.

Results

During the study period, 37 584 obstetric patients attended the hospital. There were 58 cases of bacteremia: 19 were diagnosed prepartum, 20 intrapartum, and 19 postpartum. There were no maternal deaths. Two cases resulted in septic shock. Four cases were associated with early pregnancy loss, and 2 with stillbirth. Fifty‐four cases occurred among 34 956 women who delivered a neonate weighing 500 g or more (0.15%). Escherichia coli most frequently caused prepartum and postpartum bacteremia, whereas Streptococcus agalactiae (β‐hemolytic, Lancefield group B) most frequently caused intrapartum bacteremia. There was no association between the development of bacteremia and maternal risk factors including employment status, obesity, parity, smoking status, and maternal age. Most organisms cultured were sensitive to first‐line antibiotics; there were no cases of bacteremia caused by multi‐drug resistant organisms.

Conclusion

The incidence of maternal bacteremia in the study population was low and was usually associated with good maternal and fetal outcomes.
A 5‐year follow‐up study comparing Burch colposuspension and transobturator tape for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Asıcıoglu Osman , Gungorduk Kemal , Besımoglu Berhan , Ertas Ibrahim E. , Yıldırım Gokhan , Celebı Ibrahim , Ark Cemal , Boran Birtan
Published: December 2013

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of transobturator tape (TOT) and Burch colposuspension in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

The present retrospective study included 770 patients who underwent SUI surgery with Burch colposuspension (n = 498) or TOT (n = 272). Clinical follow‐up occurred at 2 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter. Objective and subjective cure rates and intra‐ and postoperative complications were assessed.

Results

Among patients who had SUI surgery without another concomitant procedure, the Burch group had a significantly longer mean operation time (41.48 ± 10.61 minutes versus 23.77 ± 10.49 minutes; P < 0.001) and a significantly longer length of hospital stay (3.11 ± 0.49 days versus 1.98 ± 0.40 days; P < 0.001), compared with the TOT group. The rates of unintended functional outcomes were lower among women undergoing TOT than among those undergoing the Burch procedure (long‐term voiding dysfunction 0.7% versus 4.2%, P = 0.007; urinary retention 10.7% versus 26.9%, P < 0.001). The 5‐year cure rates were similar in the 2 groups (objective cure rate, 73.9% versus 77.5%, P = 0.574; subjective cure rate, 76.8% versus 81.7%, P = 0.416).

Conclusion

In terms of efficacy, TOT appears equal to Burch colposuspension; however, TOT has fewer unintended functional outcomes than Burch colposuspension.
Glacial and periglacial buzzsaws: fitting mechanisms to metaphors
Authors: Hall Adrian M. , Kleman Johan
Published: December 2013

The buzzsaw hypothesis refers to the potential for glacial and periglacial processes to rapidly denude mountains at and above glacier Equilibrium Line Altitudes (ELAs), irrespective of uplift rates, rock type or pre-existing topography. Here the appropriateness of the buzzsaw metaphor is examined alongside questions of the links between glacial erosion and ELAs, and whether the glacial system can produce low-relief surfaces or limit summit heights. Plateau fragments in mountains on both active orogens and passive margins that have been cited as products of glacial and periglacial buzzsaw erosion instead generally represent dissected remnants of largely inherited, pre-glacial relief. Summit heights may correlate with ELAs but no causal link need be implied as summit erosion rates are low, cirque headwalls may not directly abut summits and on passive margins, cirques are cut into pre-existing mountain topography. Any simple links between ELAs and glacial erosion break down on passive margins due to topographic forcing of ice-sheet growth, and to the km-scale vertical swaths through which ELAs have shifted through the Quaternary. Glaciers destroy rather than create low-relief rock surfaces through the innate tendency for ice flow to be faster, thicker and warmer along valleys. The glacial buzzsaw cuts down.
Assessing soil erosion and control factors by radiometric technique in the source region of the Yellow River, Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Yibo , Niu Fujun , Wu Qingbai , Gao Zeyong
Published: December 2013

Measurements of 137Cs concentration in soils were made in a representative catchment to quantify erosion rates and identify the main factors involved in the erosion in the source region of the Yellow River in the Tibetan Plateau. In order to estimate erosion rates in terms of the main factors affecting soil loss, samples were collected taking into account the slope and vegetation cover along six selected transects within the Dari County catchment. The reference inventory for the area was established at a stable, well-preserved, site of small thickness (value of 2324 Bq·m− 2). All the sampling sites had been eroded and 137Cs inventories varied widely in the topsoil (14.87–25.56 Bq·kg− 1). The effective soil loss values were also highly variable (11.03–28.35 t·km− 1·yr− 1) in line with the vegetation cover change. The radiometric approach was useful in quantifying soil erosion rates and examining patterns of soil movement.
Diffusion of Democracy
Authors: Wejnert Barbara
Published: December 2013

This book explores the course and causes of the worldwide diffusion of democracy through an assessment of the political and economic development of individual countries from the year 1800 to 2005. Using this extended range of data and examining multiple variables Barbara Wejnert creates a conceptual model for the diffusion of democracy and to measure national democratization. The author characterizes each nation's political system, its networking with other countries, level of development, and media advancement, in order to pinpoint what leads to national and regional progress to or regress from democratization. Her innovative findings challenge established thinking and reveal that the growth of literacy does not lead to democratization but is instead an outcome of democracy. She also finds that networks between non-democratic and democratic states are more important to a nation's democratization than financial aid given to non-democratic regimes or the level of national development.
Analytical Modeling of Heterogeneous Cellular Networks
Authors: Mukherjee Sayandev
Published: December 2013

This self-contained introduction shows how stochastic geometry techniques can be used for studying the behaviour of heterogeneous cellular networks (HCNs). The unified treatment of analytic results and approaches, collected for the first time in a single volume, includes the mathematical tools and techniques used to derive them. A single canonical problem formulation encompassing the analytic derivation of Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) distribution in the most widely-used deployment scenarios is presented, together with applications to systems based on the 3GPP-LTE standard, and with implications of these analyses on the design of HCNs. An outline of the different releases of the LTE standard and the features relevant to HCNs is also provided. A valuable reference for industry practitioners looking to improve the speed and efficiency of their network design and optimization workflow, and for graduate students and researchers seeking tractable analytical results for performance metrics in wireless HCNs.
The Humanist World of Renaissance Florence
Authors: Maxson Brian Jeffrey
Published: December 2013

This book offers a major contribution for understanding the spread of the humanist movement in Renaissance Florence. Investigating the connections between individuals who were part of the humanist movement, Maxson reconstructs the networks that bound them together. Overturning the problematic categorization of humanists as either professional or amateurs, a distinction based on economics and the production of original works in Latin, he offers a new way of understanding how the humanist movement could incorporate so many who were illiterate in Latin, but who nonetheless were responsible for an intellectual and cultural paradigm shift. The book demonstrates the massive appeal of the humanist movement across socio-economic and political groups and argues that the movement became so successful and widespread because by the 1420s–30s the demands of common rituals began requiring humanist speeches. Over time, humanist learning became more valuable as social capital, which raised the status of the most learned humanists and helped disseminate humanist ideas beyond Florence.