bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incidence and prevalence of Huntington's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pringsheim Tamara , Wiltshire Katie , Day Lundy , Dykeman Jonathan , Steeves Thomas , Jette Nathalie
Published: June 2012

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by chorea, behavioral manifestations, and dementia. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of HD through a systematic review of the literature. Medline and Embase databases were searched using terms specific to HD as well as studies of incidence, prevalence, and epidemiology. All studies reporting the incidence and/or prevalence of HD were included. Twenty original research articles were included. Eight studies examined incidence, and 17 studies examined prevalence. Meta‐analysis of data from four incidence studies revealed an incidence of 0.38 per 100,000 per year (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16, 0.94). Lower incidence was reported in the Asian studies (n = 2), compared to the studies performed in Europe, North America, and Australia (n = 6). The worldwide service‐based prevalence of HD, based on a meta‐analysis (n = 13 studies), was 2.71 per 100,000 (95% CI: 1.55–4.72). Eleven studies were conducted in Europe, North American, and Australia, with an overall prevalence of 5.70 per 100,000 (95% CI: 4.42–7.35). Three studies were conducted in Asia, with an overall prevalence of 0.40 per 100,000 (95% CI: 0.26–0.61). Metaregression revealed a significantly lower prevalence of HD in Asia, compared to European, North American, and Australian populations. HD is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder with a higher prevalence in Europe, North America, and Australia than in Asia. The difference in prevalence of this genetic disorder can be largely explained by huntingtin gene haplotypes. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Relationship between expression of β3‐adrenoceptor mRNA in bladder mucosa and urodynamic findings in men with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Kurizaki Yoshiki , Ishizuka Osamu , Imamura Tetsuya , Ishikawa Masakuni , Ichino Midori , Ogawa Teruyuki , Nishizawa Osamu , Andersson Karl‐Erik
Published: June 2012

Aims

To investigate the relationship between urinary bladder mucosal expression of β3‐adrenoceptor (AR) mRNA and urodynamic findings in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic obstruction (BPO).

Methods

During surgical prostate resection of 32 BPO patients, mucosal biopsies were collected and analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to determine the expression level of β3‐AR mRNA. First desire to void (FDV) and strong desire to void (SDV), detrusor overactivity (DO), and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) were measured pre‐operatively. Patients with FDVs < 200 ml or SDVs < 300 ml were assigned to the small capacity group (n = 19). Patients with FDVs > 201 ml and SDVs > 301 ml were assigned to the large capacity group (n = 13). The same patients with positive DO were also assigned to the DO+ group (n = 11), and those with negative DO were assigned to the DO− group (n = 21). Finally, patients whose position on the Schäfer nomogram was greater than degree V were assigned to the severe BOO group (n = 17), while those with less than degree IV were assigned to the mild BOO group (n = 15).

Results

The expression level of β3‐AR mRNA was similar in both bladder capacity groups and both DO groups. However, the expression level in the severe BOO group was significantly less than in the mild BOO group (P = 0.043).

Conclusions

The expression of bladder mucosal β3‐AR mRNA was significantly decreased in patients with severe BOO, suggesting that β3‐ARs might be affected by the degree of BOO. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 88–91, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct provider feedback to decrease chemotherapy ordering errors: The “gray envelope” initiative
Authors: Bruce Katie , Hall Laura , Castelo Sarah , Evans Misty , Frangoul Haydar
Published: June 2012

Chemotherapy errors are the second leading cause of mortality related to medication errors. Most medication errors occur in the provider ordering process. We evaluated the rate of chemotherapy ordering errors in our center and designed an intervention to decrease the rate of ordering errors. The intervention focused on direct confidential written feedback to the providers. Our intervention resulted in a significant decrease in ordering errors from 7% pre‐intervention to 3.9% post intervention (P < 0.001). We conclude that direct written provider feedback can result in a significant decrease in chemotherapy ordering errors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1330–1331. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A facile route to develop electrical conductivity with minimum possible multi‐wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) loading in poly(methyl methacrylate)/MWCNT nanocomposites
Authors: Shrivastava Nilesh K , Kar Prativa , Maiti Sandip , Khatua Bhanu B
Published: June 2012

Today, we stand at the threshold of exploring carbon nanotube (CNT) based conducting polymer nanocomposites as a new paradigm for the next generation multifunctional materials. However, irrespective of the reported methods of composite preparation, the use of CNTs in most polymer matrices to date has been limited by challenges in processing and insufficient dispersability of CNTs without chemical functionalization. Thus, development of an industrially feasible process for preparation of polymer/CNT conducting nanocomposites at very low CNT loading is essential prior to the commercialization of polymer/CNT nanocomposites. Here, we demonstrate a process technology that involves in situ bulk polymerization of methyl methacrylate monomer in the presence of multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and commercial poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) beads, for the preparation of PMMA/MWCNT conducting nanocomposites with significantly lower (0.12 wt% MWCNT) percolation threshold than ever reported with unmodified commercial CNTs of similar qualities. Thus, a conductivity of 4.71 × 10−5 and 2.04 × 10−3 S cm−1 was achieved in the PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposites through a homogeneous dispersion of 0.2 and 0.4 wt% CNT, respectively, selectively in the in situ polymerized PMMA region by using 70 wt% PMMA beads during the polymerization. At a constant CNT loading, the conductivity of the composites was increased with increasing weight percentage of PMMA beads, indicating the formation of a more continuous network structure of the CNTs in the PMMA matrix. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed the dispersion of MWCNTs selectively in the in situ polymerized PMMA phase of the nanocomposites. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Modification of cellulose/chitin mix fibers with N‐isopropylacrylamide and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) under cold plasma conditions
Authors: Sdrobiş Anamaria , Ioanid Ghiocel E , Stevanovic Tatjana , Vasile Cornelia
Published: June 2012

A two‐step grafting procedure was applied to cellulose/chitin (CC) mix fibers, namely: activation under the action of cold plasma discharges, followed by reaction with N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) to obtain fibers with responsiveness to external stimuli. The graft samples were characterized using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray microanalysis and antimicrobial testing. All obtained results confirm the morphological and structural changes after plasma treatment which determine the modification of cellulose fiber properties. It was estimated from XPS data that the degrees of modification/grafting were about 23% for CC/NIPAAm and 13% for CC/PNIPAAm. Such treatment could be transferred to practical technologies, particularly in textile applications and special applications in the medical field. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effective graph classification based on topological and label attributes
Authors: Li Geng , Semerci Murat , Yener Bülent , Zaki Mohammed J.
Published: June 2012

Graph classification is an important data mining task, and various graph kernel methods have been proposed recently for this task. These methods have proven to be effective, but they tend to have high computational overhead. In this paper, we propose an alternative approach to graph classification that is based on feature vectors constructed from different global topological attributes, as well as global label features. The main idea is that the graphs from the same class should have similar topological and label attributes. Our method is simple and easy to implement, and via a detailed comparison on real benchmark datasets, we show that our topological and label feature‐based approach delivers competitive classification accuracy, with significantly better results on those datasets that have large unlabeled graph instances. Our method is also substantially faster than most other graph kernels. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2012
Seeding evolutionary thinking by engaging children in modeling its foundations
Authors: Lehrer Richard , Schauble Leona
Published: June 2012

Although the core work of science is oriented toward constructing, revising, applying, and defending models of the natural world, models appear only rarely in school science, and usually only as illustrations, rather than theory building tools. We describe the rationale and structure for a learning progression to understand the development of modeling under supportive forms of instruction. In this case, elementary and middle school students are modeling “big ideas” in the life sciences that hold the promise of serving as a conceptual foundation for reasoning about the theory of evolution later in their education. In this conceptual paper, we sketch changes from grades K through 6 in representational and modeling practices across three interlocking constructs that, considered collectively, comprise the aforementioned conceptual foundation: Change (in individuals and populations), Variation, and Ecosystems. The paper closes by delineating pedagogical principles for supporting the development of modeling across grades of instruction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96:701–724, 2012
Lessons learned from transformational professional development
Authors: Miranda Twyla T.
Published: June 2012

This chapter describes a model program for transformative professional development, which may contribute to greater trust, beneficial self‐reflection, and community transformation for educators.
Measuring the impact of the Circle of Trust® approach
Authors: Smith Janet
Published: June 2012

This chapter reports the findings of an evaluation that explored the impact of Circle of Trust retreats and the learning and personal and professional applications in the lives of retreat participants. The Center for Courage & Renewal began offering Circle of Trust cross‐professional retreats in 2005 to provide people from any profession with an opportunity to experience a “circle of trust” as described by Parker J. Palmer in his 2004 book, A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life.
Ontogeny and the effects of in utero brain ischemia on interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6 protein expression in ovine cerebral cortex and white matter
Authors: Sadowska Grazyna B. , Threlkeld Steven W. , Flangini Alexia , Sharma Surendra , Stonestreet Barbara S.
Published: June 2012

Interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6 have been implicated in brain development, injury progression, and fetal/maternal immune interactions. We examined IL‐1β and IL‐6 protein expression in cerebral cortex (CC) and white matter (WM) from non‐ischemic ovine fetuses at 87–90, 122–127, and 135–137 days of gestation, pregnant ewes at 87–90 and 135–137 days of gestation, and fetuses exposed to 48 or 72 h of reperfusion after ischemia. Protein expression was determined by Western immunoblot. In non‐ischemic CC, IL‐1β was higher (P < 0.05) in adult sheep and fetuses at 135–137 than 87–90 and 122–127 days, and IL‐6 higher at 122–127 than 87–90 days, and in adults than fetuses at 87–90, 122–127, and 135–137 days of gestation. In non‐ischemic fetal WM, IL‐6 was higher at 135–137 than 87–90 days, but IL‐1β did not differ. In CC, IL‐1β was higher in ewes at 135–137 than 87–90 days and IL‐6 at 135–137 days and in non‐pregnant adults than ewes at 87–90 days of gestation. In WM, IL‐1β was higher in ewes at 135–137 than 87–90 days of gestation, but IL‐6 did not differ. Forty‐eight and 72 h after ischemia, CC IL‐1β was higher than in non‐ischemic fetuses. Seventy‐two hours after ischemia, IL‐1β and IL‐6 were higher in WM than CC. In conclusion, IL‐1β and IL‐6 exhibit developmental regulation in fetal brain, change during gestation in brains of pregnant ewes, show regional differences in normal brains of fetuses and ewes, demonstrate differential responses after ischemia in CC and WM, and IL‐1β but not IL‐6 increases after ischemia in CC.
Single‐Session Approaches to Therapy: Time to Review
Authors: Campbell Alistair
Published: June 2012

In 2001 Bloom produced a comprehensive review of single‐session approaches to therapy (SST). In his paper he outlined the concept of single session therapy and considered the evidence that could be used to support implementation of single session approaches. At the time, Bloom's was probably the most comprehensive review of research on single session therapy available: he considered papers that provided overviews of approaches to developing and delivering single‐session treatment, as well as papers that used controlled and uncontrolled methods to evaluate outcomes. What I will do in this paper is to informally review the literature on single session therapy that has been published since Bloom's 2001 paper. The paper is not intended as a formal review or meta‐analysis of research data, partly because the field still does not have such methodological rigour.
Nasal polyposis in patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis
Authors: Ahmadiafshar A , Farjd H R , Moezzi F , Mousavinasab N
Published: June 2012

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nasal polyps in patients with allergic rhinitis and with asthma, and also to assess the impact of this condition on these disorders.

Study design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

The presence of nasal polyps was assessed by rhinoscopy and endoscopic examination.

Results:

Nasal polyps were detected in 60 out of 250 patients (24 per cent) with documented asthma or allergic rhinitis. There was a statistically significant correlation between asthma severity and nasal polyposis prevalence (p = 0.007), but not between allergic rhinitis severity and nasal polyposis prevalence (p = 0.081). The prevalence of nasal polyps increased significantly with increasing patient age and rhinitis or asthma duration.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of nasal polyps in patients with allergic rhinitis or asthma was higher than previously reported. Given this high prevalence of nasal polyposis, nasal examination and concomitant treatment of this disorder are recommended.
Stereo-Image Matching Using a Speeded Up Robust Feature Algorithm in an Integrated Vision Navigation System
Authors: Liu Chun , Zhou Fagen , Sun Yiwei , Di Kaichang , Liu Zhaoqin
Published: June 2012

Visual navigation is comparatively advanced without a Global Positioning System (GPS). It obtains environmental information via real-time processing of the data gained through visual sensors. Compared with other methods, visual navigation is a passive method that does not launch light or other radiation applications, thus making it easier to hide. The novel navigation system described in this paper uses stereo-matching combined with Inertial Measurement Units (IMU). This system applies photogrammetric theory and a matching algorithm to identify the matching points of two images of the same scene taken from different views and obtains their 3D coordinates. Integrated with the orientation information output by the IMU, the system reduces model-accumulated errors and improves the point accuracy.
Rupture process and energy budget of the 29 July 2008 Mw 5.4 Chino Hills, California, earthquake
Authors: Shao Guangfu , Ji Chen , Hauksson Egill
Published: June 2012

The source model of the 2008 Mw 5.4 Chino Hills, California, earthquake is constrained using near‐field seismic body waves recorded by the California Integrated Seismic Network (CISN). Finite fault inversions are preformed for the two fault models based on the nodal planes derived from the CISN moment tensor solution. The northeast dipping plane (strike = 289°; dip = 62°), which has a similar strike as the nearby Whittier fault, is chosen as the causative fault because it fits the data significantly better. Our inversion result indicates that the majority of the Chino Hills earthquake rupture occurred in a compact area. In particular, 48% of the total seismic moment (1.6 × 1017 Nm) was released by the failure of a 1.8 km2 asperity located east of the hypocenter in a short time window from 0.4 to 0.8 s after the rupture initiation. The average slip is approximately 0.5 m but the maximum slip is 1.8 m. The average rupture velocity is 1.9 km/s. The static stress drop calculated using the slip model is up to 80 MPa and the average stress drop changes from 19 to 38 MPa, depending on the average schemes. The weighted average slip velocity is 6.5 m/s for entire rupture and is 11 m/s for the east asperity. The inferred available energy and radiated energy are 8 × 1013 J and 2.5 × 1013 J, respectively. Radiation efficiency is then 0.31, which is moderately low compared with previous earthquakes but consistent with the inferred high average fracture energy density, ranging from 6.5 to 14.8 MJ/m2.
GeoFlow: A novel model simulator for prediction of the 3‐D channeling flow in a rock fracture network
Authors: Ishibashi Takuya , Watanabe Noriaki , Hirano Nobuo , Okamoto Atsushi , Tsuchiya Noriyoshi
Published: June 2012

A fluid flow experiment was conducted on a granite sample containing two intersecting fractures. At constant confining pressure, water was supplied to the sample via a single inlet port, and the effluent was collected using four isolated outlet ports. The flow rate varied widely among these ports, indicating the formation of 3‐D preferential flow paths (channeling flow), which likely occur in fractured rocks but have been considerably difficult to identify by existing methods. The novel concept of GeoFlow, a discrete fracture network model simulator in which fractures have a heterogeneous aperture distribution, has been developed to analyze such complex fluid flow. A fluid flow simulation was conducted using GeoFlow with aperture distributions within the two fractures, as determined using fracture surface topography data. Despite the simplicity of the simulation, GeoFlow revealed a 3‐D channeling flow within the sample, which explains the general trend of the uneven outflows in the experiment.
Multidecadal sea level anomalies and trends in the western tropical Pacific
Authors: Merrifield Mark A. , Thompson Philip R. , Lander Mark
Published: June 2012

Tide gauge data are used to relate low frequency sea level changes over the past 60 years in the western tropical Pacific, including a significant positive trend over the past two decades, to Pacific climate indices. Five‐year averages of western tropical Pacific sea level are well explained by global sea‐level rise and a combination of slowly varying trade wind fluctuations captured by dominant climate indices for the tropical Pacific. Implications for multidecadal sea level variations in the region are considered using reconstructions based on the climate indices.
Quantifying the relevance of atmospheric blocking for co‐located temperature extremes in the Northern Hemisphere on (sub‐)daily time scales
Authors: Pfahl S. , Wernli H.
Published: June 2012

Atmospheric blocking can influence near‐surface temperature via circulation and radiative forcing. This study investigates the relevance of blocking for co‐located (sub‐)daily temperature extremes and the spatial variability of this relationship in the Northern Hemisphere. It is shown that over large parts of the high‐latitude continents warm temperature extremes often occur simultaneously with atmospheric blocking at the same location. Taking also weak blocks into account, more than 80% of the six‐hourly warm extremes are associated with blocking, e.g., in eastern Canada, Scandinavia and parts of Siberia. On the contrary, cold extremes typically are not related to co‐located atmospheric blocking. This difference between warm and cold extremes points to differences also in the physical driving mechanisms of the extremes. The strong linkage of warm temperature extremes and blocking should be considered when investigating changes of temperature extremes with global warming.
Trends in Austral jet position in ensembles of high‐ and low‐top CMIP5 models
Authors: Wilcox L. J. , Charlton‐Perez A. J. , Gray L. J.
Published: June 2012

Trends in the position of the DJF Austral jet have been analyzed for multimodel ensemble simulations of a subset of high‐ and low‐top models for the periods 1960–2000, 2000–2050, and 2050–2098 under the CMIP5 historical, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 scenarios. Comparison with ERA‐Interim, CFSR and the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis shows that the DJF and annual mean jet positions in CMIP5 models are equatorward of reanalyses for the 1979–2006 mean. Under the RCP8.5 scenario, the mean jet position in the high‐top models moves 3 degrees poleward of its 1860–1900 position by 2098, compared to just over 2 degrees for the low‐top models. Changes in jet position are linked to changes in the meridional temperature gradient. Compared to low‐top models, the high‐top models predict greater warming in the tropical upper troposphere due to increased greenhouse gases for all periods considered: up to 0.28 K/decade more in the period 2050–2098 under the RCP8.5 scenario. Larger polar lower‐stratospheric cooling is seen in high‐top models: −1.64 K/decade compared to −1.40 K/decade in the period 1960–2000, mainly in response to ozone depletion, and −0.41 K/decade compared to −0.12 K/decade in the period 2050–2098, mainly in response to increases in greenhouse gases. Analysis suggests that there may be a linear relationship between the trend in jet position and meridional temperature gradient, even under strong forcing. There were no clear indications of an approach to a geometric limit on the absolute magnitude of the poleward shift by 2100.
Independent regulation of tumor cell migration by matrix stiffness and confinement
Authors: Pathak Amit , Kumar Sanjay
Published: June 2012

Tumor invasion and metastasis are strongly regulated by biophysical interactions between tumor cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). While the influence of ECM stiffness on cell migration, adhesion, and contractility has been extensively studied in 2D culture, extension of this concept to 3D cultures that more closely resemble tissue has proven challenging, because perturbations that change matrix stiffness often concurrently change cellular confinement. This coupling is particularly problematic given that matrix-imposed steric barriers can regulate invasion speed independent of mechanics. Here we introduce a matrix platform based on microfabrication of channels of defined wall stiffness and geometry that allows independent variation of ECM stiffness and channel width. For a given ECM stiffness, cells confined to narrow channels surprisingly migrate faster than cells in wide channels or on unconstrained 2D surfaces, which we attribute to increased polarization of cell-ECM traction forces. Confinement also enables cells to migrate increasingly rapidly as ECM stiffness rises, in contrast with the biphasic relationship observed on unconfined ECMs. Inhibition of nonmuscle myosin II dissipates this traction polarization and renders the relationship between migration speed and ECM stiffness comparatively insensitive to matrix confinement. We test these hypotheses in silico

by devising a multiscale mathematical model that relates cellular force generation to ECM stiffness and geometry, which we show is capable of recapitulating key experimental trends. These studies represent a paradigm for investigating matrix regulation of invasion and demonstrate that matrix confinement alters the relationship between cell migration speed and ECM stiffness.
Anomalous front broadening during spontaneous imbibition in a matrix with elongated pores
Authors: Gruener Simon , Sadjadi Zeinab , Hermes Helen E. , Kityk Andriy V. , Knorr Klaus , Egelhaaf Stefan U. , Rieger Heiko , Huber Patrick
Published: June 2012

During spontaneous imbibition, a wetting liquid is drawn into a porous medium by capillary forces. In systems with comparable pore length and diameter, such as paper and sand, the front of the propagating liquid forms a continuous interface. Sections of this interface advance in a highly correlated manner due to an effective surface tension, which restricts front broadening. Here we investigate water imbibition in a nanoporous glass (Vycor) in which the pores are much longer than they are wide. In this case, no continuous liquid–vapor interface with coalesced menisci can form. Anomalously fast imbibition front roughening is experimentally observed by neutron imaging. We propose a theoretical pore-network model, whose structural details are adapted to the microscopic pore structure of Vycor glass and show that it displays the same large-scale roughening characteristics as observed in the experiment. The model predicts that menisci movements are uncorrelated, indicating that despite the connectivity of the network the smoothening effect of surface tension on the imbibition front roughening is negligible. These results suggest a new universality class of imbibition behavior, which is expected to occur in any matrix with elongated, interconnected pores of random radii.
CD45-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency caused by uniparental disomy
Authors: Roberts Joseph L. , Buckley Rebecca H. , Luo Biao , Pei Jianming , Lapidus Alla , Peri Suraj , Wei Qiong , Shin Jinwook , Parrott Roberta E. , Dunbrack Roland L. , Testa Joseph R. , Zhong Xiao-Ping , Wiest David L.
Published: June 2012

Analysis of the molecular etiologies of SCID has led to important insights into the control of immune cell development. Most cases of SCID result from either X-linked or autosomal recessive inheritance of mutations in a known causative gene. However, in some cases, the molecular etiology remains unclear. To identify the cause of SCID in a patient known to lack the protein-tyrosine phosphatase CD45, we used SNP arrays and whole-exome sequencing. The patient’s mother was heterozygous for an inactivating mutation inCD45but the paternal alleles exhibited no detectable mutations. The patient exhibited a singleCD45mutation identical to the maternal allele. Patient SNP array analysis revealed no change in copy number but loss of heterozygosity for the entire length of chromosome 1 (Chr1), indicating that disease was caused by uniparental disomy (UPD) with isodisomy of the entire maternal Chr1 bearing the mutantCD45allele. Nonlymphoid blood cells and other mesoderm- and ectoderm-derived tissues retained UPD of the entire maternal Chr1 in this patient, who had undergone successful bone marrow transplantation. Exome sequencing revealed mutations in seven additional genes bearing nonsynonymous SNPs predicted to have deleterious effects. These findings are unique in representing a reported case of SCID caused by UPD and suggest UPD should be considered in SCID and other recessive disorders, especially when the patient appears homozygous for an abnormal gene found in only one parent. Evaluation for alterations in other genes affected by UPD should also be considered in such cases.
A discrete population of squamocolumnar junction cells implicated in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer
Authors: Herfs Michael , Yamamoto Yusuke , Laury Anna , Wang Xia , Nucci Marisa R. , McLaughlin-Drubin Margaret E. , Münger Karl , Feldman Sarah , McKeon Frank D. , Xian Wa , Crum Christopher P.
Published: June 2012

Infection by carcinogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) results in precancers [cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)] and cancers near the ectoendocervical squamocolumnar (SC) junction of the cervix. However, the specific cells targeted by HPV have not been identified and the cellular origin of cervical cancer remains elusive. In this study, we uncovered a discrete population of SC junctional cells with unique morphology and gene-expression profile. We also demonstrated that the selected junctional biomarkers were expressed by a high percentage of high-grade CIN and cervical cancers associated with carcinogenic HPVs but rarely in ectocervical/transformation zone CINs or those associated with noncarcinogenic HPVs. That the original SC junction immunophenotype was not regenerated at new SC junctions following excision, not induced by expression of viral oncoproteins in foreskin keratinocytes, and not seen in HPV-related precursors of the vagina, vulva, and penis further support the notion that junctional cells are the source of cervical cancer. Taken together, our findings suggest that carcinogenic HPV-related CINs and cervical cancers are linked to a small, discrete cell population that localizes to the SC junction of the cervix, expresses a unique gene expression signature, and is not regenerated after excision. The findings in this study uncover a potential target for cervical cancer prevention, provide insight into the risk assessment of cervical lesions, and establish a model for elucidating the pathway to cervical cancer following carcinogenic HPV infection.
Expression of
MALT1
oncogene in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells recapitulates the pathogenesis of human lymphoma in mice
Authors: Vicente-Dueñas Carolina , Fontán Lorena , Gonzalez-Herrero Ines , Romero-Camarero Isabel , Segura Victor , Aznar M. Angela , Alonso-Escudero Esther , Campos-Sanchez Elena , Ruiz-Roca Lucía , Barajas-Diego Marcos , Sagardoy Ainara , Martinez-Ferrandis Jose I. , Abollo-Jimenez Fernando , Bertolo Cristina , Peñuelas Ivan , Garcia-Criado Francisco J. , García-Cenador María B. , Tousseyn Thomas , Agirre Xabier , Prosper Felipe , Garcia-Bragado Federico , McPhail Ellen D. , Lossos Izidore S. , Du Ming-Qing , Flores Teresa , Hernandez-Rivas Jesus M. , Gonzalez Marcos , Salar Antonio , Bellosillo Beatriz , Conde Eulogio , Siebert Reiner , Sagaert Xavier , Cobaleda Cesar , Sanchez-Garcia Isidro , Martinez-Climent Jose A.
Published: June 2012

Chromosomal translocations involving the
MALT1
gene are hallmarks of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. To date, targeting these translocations to mouse B cells has failed to reproduce human disease. Here, we induced
MALT1
expression in mouse Sca1
+
Lin
−
hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, which showed NF-κB activation and early lymphoid priming, being selectively skewed toward B-cell differentiation. These cells accumulated in extranodal tissues and gave rise to clonal tumors recapitulating the principal clinical, biological, and molecular genetic features of MALT lymphoma. Deletion of
p53
gene accelerated tumor onset and induced transformation of MALT lymphoma to activated B-cell diffuse large-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL). Treatment of MALT1-induced lymphomas with a specific inhibitor of MALT1 proteolytic activity decreased cell viability, indicating that endogenous Malt1 signaling was required for tumor cell survival. Our study shows that human-like lymphomas can be modeled in mice by targeting MALT1 expression to hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, demonstrating the oncogenic role of
MALT1
in lymphomagenesis. Furthermore, this work establishes a molecular link between MALT lymphoma and ABC-DLBCL, and provides mouse models to test MALT1 inhibitors. Finally, our results suggest that hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of human mature B-cell lymphomas.
Reversible switching between superhydrophobic states on a hierarchically structured surface
Authors: Verho Tuukka , Korhonen Juuso T. , Sainiemi Lauri , Jokinen Ville , Bower Chris , Franze Kristian , Franssila Sami , Andrew Piers , Ikkala Olli , Ras Robin H. A.
Published: June 2012

Nature offers exciting examples for functional wetting properties based on superhydrophobicity, such as the self-cleaning surfaces on plant leaves and trapped air on immersed insect surfaces allowing underwater breathing. They inspire biomimetic approaches in science and technology. Superhydrophobicity relies on the Cassie wetting state where air is trapped within the surface topography. Pressure can trigger an irreversible transition from the Cassie state to the Wenzel state with no trapped air—this transition is usually detrimental for nonwetting functionality and is to be avoided. Here we present a new type of reversible, localized and instantaneous transition between two Cassie wetting states, enabled by two-level (dual-scale) topography of a superhydrophobic surface, that allows writing, erasing, rewriting and storing of optically displayed information in plastrons related to different length scales.
Aboriginal hunting buffers climate-driven fire-size variability in Australia’s spinifex grasslands
Authors: Bliege Bird Rebecca , Codding Brian F. , Kauhanen Peter G. , Bird Douglas W.
Published: June 2012

Across diverse ecosystems, greater climatic variability tends to increase wildfire size, particularly in Australia, where alternating wet–dry cycles increase vegetation growth, only to leave a dry overgrown landscape highly susceptible to fire spread. Aboriginal Australian hunting fires have been hypothesized to buffer such variability, mitigating mortality on small-mammal populations, which have suffered declines and extinctions in the arid zone coincident with Aboriginal depopulation. We test the hypothesis that the relationship between climate and fire size is buffered through the maintenance of an anthropogenic, fine-grained fire regime by comparing the effect of climatic variability on landscapes dominated by Martu Aboriginal hunting fires with those dominated by lightning fires. We show that Aboriginal fires are smaller, more tightly clustered, and remain small even when climate variation causes huge fires in the lightning region. As these effects likely benefit threatened small-mammal species, Aboriginal hunters should be considered trophic facilitators, and policies aimed at reducing the risk of large fires should promote land-management strategies consistent with Aboriginal burning regimes.
Mechanisms of white matter changes induced by meditation
Authors: Tang Yi-Yuan , Lu Qilin , Fan Ming , Yang Yihong , Posner Michael I.
Published: June 2012

Using diffusion tensor imaging, several recent studies have shown that training results in changes in white matter efficiency as measured by fractional anisotropy (FA). In our work, we found that a form of mindfulness meditation, integrative body–mind training (IBMT), improved FA in areas surrounding the anterior cingulate cortex after 4-wk training more than controls given relaxation training. Reductions in radial diffusivity (RD) have been interpreted as improved myelin but reductions in axial diffusivity (AD) involve other mechanisms, such as axonal density. We now report that after 4-wk training with IBMT, both RD and AD decrease accompanied by increased FA, indicating improved efficiency of white matter involves increased myelin as well as other axonal changes. However, 2-wk IBMT reduced AD, but not RD or FA, and improved moods. Our results demonstrate the time-course of white matter neuroplasticity in short-term meditation. This dynamic pattern of white matter change involving the anterior cingulate cortex, a part of the brain network related to self-regulation, could provide a means for intervention to improve or prevent mental disorders.
Biodiversity impacts ecosystem productivity as much as resources, disturbance, or herbivory
Authors: Tilman David , Reich Peter B. , Isbell Forest
Published: June 2012

Although the impacts of the loss of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning are well established, the importance of the loss of biodiversity relative to other human-caused drivers of environmental change remains uncertain. Results of 11 experiments show that ecologically relevant decreases in grassland plant diversity influenced productivity at least as much as ecologically relevant changes in nitrogen, water, CO
2
, herbivores, drought, or fire. Moreover, biodiversity became an increasingly dominant driver of ecosystem productivity through time, whereas effects of other factors either declined (nitrogen addition) or remained unchanged (all others). In particular, a change in plant diversity from four to 16 species caused as large an increase in productivity as addition of 54 kg⋅ha
−1
⋅y
−1
of fertilizer N, and was as influential as removing a dominant herbivore, a major natural drought, water addition, and fire suppression. A change in diversity from one to 16 species caused a greater biomass increase than 95 kg⋅ha
−1
⋅y
−1
of N or any other treatment. Our conclusions are based on >7,000 productivity measurements from 11 long-term experiments (mean length, ∼ 13 y) conducted at a single site with species from a single regional species pool, thus controlling for many potentially confounding factors. Our results suggest that the loss of biodiversity may have at least as great an impact on ecosystem functioning as other anthropogenic drivers of environmental change, and that use of diverse mixtures of species may be as effective in increasing productivity of some biomass crops as fertilization and may better provide ecosystem services.
CLASS AND SOCIAL CAPITAL IN EUROPE
Authors: Carmo Renato Miguel , Nunes Nuno
Published: June 2012

This paper seeks to understand the way in which social capital resources are incorporated, appropriated and distributed by different social classes in Europe. Its main goal is to produce a conceptual framework by linking the concepts of social capital with the different theoretical assessments made by the sociology of social classes. We use multivariate analysis to work a set of quantitative indicators from the European Social Survey 2008 in order to assess the relationship between these concepts. Our methodological approach combines transnational levels, i.e., it is not an international comparison between European countries but an analysis of individual people and their belonging to social classes.
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATION BETWEEN POLITICAL TRUST AND FORMS OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN EUROPE
Authors: Hooghe Marc , Marien Sofie
Published: June 2012

In the literature, two competing claims can be found on the relationship between political trust and political participation. While some authors argue that trust is a prerequisite for any form of participation to occur, others claim that distrust can be a motivating factor for participation in non-institutionalised forms of participation. The social movement literature suggests that political trust will only have these behavioural consequences if it is associated with sufficiently high levels of political efficacy. In this article, we rely on the results of the 2006 European Social Survey for an in-depth analysis of the relationship between political trust and participation in 25 countries. The multilevel regression shows that while political trust is positively associated with institutionalised participation, it is negatively associated with non-institutionalised participation. Moreover, the effect of political trust on institutionalised participation is dependent on self-confidence about one's capability to understand politics.
VEGFR2 induces c-Src signaling and vascular permeability in vivo via the adaptor protein TSAd
Authors: Sun Zuyue , Li Xiujuan , Massena Sara , Kutschera Simone , Padhan Narendra , Gualandi Laura , Sundvold-Gjerstad Vibeke , Gustafsson Karin , Choy Wing Wen , Zang Guangxiang , Quach My , Jansson Leif , Phillipson Mia , Abid Md Ruhul , Spurkland Anne , Claesson-Welsh Lena
Published: June 2012

Regulation of vascular endothelial (VE) growth factor (VEGF)–induced permeability is critical in physiological and pathological processes. We show that tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) at Y951 facilitates binding of VEGFR2 to the Rous sarcoma (Src) homology 2-domain of T cell–specific adaptor (TSAd), which in turn regulates VEGF-induced activation of the c-Src tyrosine kinase and vascular permeability. c-Src was activated in vivo and in vitro in a VEGF/TSAd-dependent manner, and was regulated via increased phosphorylation at pY418 and reduced phosphorylation at pY527. Tsad silencing blocked VEGF-induced c-Src activation, but did not affect pathways involving phospholipase Cγ, extracellular regulated kinase, and endothelial nitric oxide. VEGF-induced rearrangement of VE–cadherin–positive junctions in endothelial cells isolated from mouse lungs, or in mouse cremaster vessels, was dependent on TSAd expression, and TSAd formed a complex with VE-cadherin, VEGFR2, and c-Src at endothelial junctions. Vessels in tsad−/− mice showed undisturbed flow and pressure, but impaired VEGF-induced permeability, as measured by extravasation of Evans blue, dextran, and microspheres in the skin and the trachea. Histamine-induced extravasation was not affected by TSAd deficiency. We conclude that TSAd is required for VEGF-induced, c-Src-mediated regulation of endothelial cell junctions and for vascular permeability.
Serum from patients with SLE instructs monocytes to promote IgG and IgA plasmablast differentiation
Authors: Joo HyeMee , Coquery Christine , Xue Yaming , Gayet Ingrid , Dillon Stacey R. , Punaro Marilynn , Zurawski Gerard , Banchereau Jacques , Pascual Virginia , Oh SangKon
Published: June 2012

The development of autoantibodies is a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE serum can induce monocyte differentiation into dendritic cells (DCs) in a type I IFN–dependent manner. Such SLE-DCs activate T cells, but whether they promote B cell responses is not known. In this study, we demonstrate that SLE-DCs can efficiently stimulate naive and memory B cells to differentiate into IgG- and IgA-plasmablasts (PBs) resembling those found in the blood of SLE patients. SLE-DC–mediated IgG-PB differentiation is dependent on B cell–activating factor (BAFF) and IL-10, whereas IgA-PB differentiation is dependent on a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). Importantly, SLE-DCs express CD138 and trans-present CD138-bound APRIL to B cells, leading to the induction of IgA switching and PB differentiation in an IFN-α–independent manner. We further found that this mechanism of providing B cell help is relevant in vivo, as CD138-bound APRIL is expressed on blood monocytes from active SLE patients. Collectively, our study suggests that a direct myeloid DC–B cell interplay might contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE.
Degeneracy loci of families of Dirac operators
Authors: Leness Thomas
Published: June 2012

Generalizing some results from R. Leung’s thesis, we compute, in rational cohomology, the Poincaré dual of the degeneracy locus of the family of Dirac operators parameterized by the moduli space of projectively anti-self-dualSO⁡(3)\operatorname {SO}(3)connections on a closed four-manifold. This should be a useful tool in comparing gauge theoretic invariants of smooth four-manifolds.
Functional Differentiation in the Leucine-Rich Repeat Domains of Closely Related Plant Virus-Resistance Proteins That Recognize Common Avr Proteins
Authors: Sekine Ken-Taro , Tomita Reiko , Takeuchi Shigeharu , Atsumi Go , Saitoh Hiromasa , Mizumoto Hiroyuki , Kiba Akinori , Yamaoka Naoto , Nishiguchi Masamichi , Hikichi Yasufumi , Kobayashi Kappei
Published: June 2012

The N′ gene of Nicotiana sylvestris and L genes of Capsicum plants confer the resistance response accompanying the hypersensitive response (HR) elicited by tobamovirus coat proteins (CP) but with different viral specificities. Here, we report the identification of the N′ gene. We amplified and cloned an N′ candidate using polymerase chain reaction primers designed from L gene sequences. The N′ candidate gene was a single 4143 base pairs fragment encoding a coiled-coil nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-type resistance protein of 1,380 amino acids. The candidate gene induced the HR in response to the coexpression of tobamovirus CP with the identical specificity as reported for N′. Analysis of N′-containing and tobamovirus-susceptible N. tabacum accessions supported the hypothesis that the candidate is the N′ gene itself. Chimera analysis between N′ and L3 revealed that their LRR domains determine the spectrum of their tobamovirus CP recognition. Deletion and mutation analyses of N′ and L3 revealed that the conserved sequences in their C-terminal regions have important roles but contribute differentially to the recognition of common avirulence proteins. The results collectively suggest that Nicotiana N′ and Capsicum L genes, which most likely evolved from a common ancestor, differentiated in their recognition specificity through changes in the structural requirements for LRR function.
Pb5In3Bi5S17[Pb4.94(3)In3.05(3)Bi4.99(3)S17] and its structural relationship with Pb4In3Bi7S18
Authors: Winkler H. P. , Topa D. , Keller E.
Published: June 2012

The title phase (pentalead triindium pentabismuth heptadecasulfide) has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Its structure contains mixed Bi/In, In/Bi and Pb/In positions; all atoms lie on crystallographic mirror planes. The structural relationship between Pb5In3Bi5S17and a phase known by the formula Pb4In3Bi7S18is discussed. A comparatively large and complex structural `seed' is defined which is common to both phases. The structural changes within this seed when moving from one phase to the other are described by graphical means.
A new two-dimensional cadmium coordination polymer with 1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate and oxalate
Authors: Yin Xia , Cai Song-Liang , Zheng Sheng-Run , Fan Jun , Zhang Wei-Guang
Published: June 2012

The title compound, poly[aqua(μ2-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylato-κ3N3,O:O′)hemi(μ2-oxalato-κ4O1,O2:O1′,O2′)cadmium(II)], [Cd(C4H3N2O2)(C2O4)0.5(H2O)]n, exhibits a two-dimensional network. The CdIIcation is coordinated to one N atom and two carboxylate O atoms from two 1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate (Himc) ligands, two carboxylate O atoms from the bridging oxalate anion and one ligated water molecule; these six donor atoms form a distorted octahedral configuration. The oxalate anion lies on a centre of inversion. The Himc ligands connect the CdIIcations to form –Cd–Himc–Cd–Himc–Cd– zigzag chains, with a Cd...Cd separation of 5.8206 (6) Å along thebdirection, which are further linked by tetradentate oxalate anions to generate a two-dimensional herringbone architecture in theabplane. These layers are extended to form a three-dimensional supramolecular frameworkviaO—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. The solid-state photoluminscent behaviour of the title compound has been investigated at room temperature.
XRD and VCD: a marriage of love or convenience? Honeymoon around a cyclic urea derivative
Authors: Gherase Dragos , Naubron Jean-Valère , Roussel Christian , Giorgi Michel
Published: June 2012

The structures and absolute configurations of the enantiomers (3aR,8aR)-2,2-dimethyl-4,4,8,8-tetraphenyl-4,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3aH-1,3-dioxolo[4,5-e][1,3]diazepin-6-one 0.33-hydrate, C32H30N2O3·0.33H2O, (Ia), and (3aS,8aS)-2,2-dimethyl-4,4,8,8-tetraphenyl-4,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3aH-1,3-dioxolo[4,5-e][1,3]diazepin-6-one 0.39-hydrate, C32H30N2O3·0.39H2O, (Ib), have been elucidated unambiguously using the complementary power of single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). The enantiomers crystallize in the Sohncke space groupP21212 and pack as dimers stabilized by two symmetric hydrogen bonds involving one amide group each of the cyclic urea moiety. This double interaction is capped by a water molecule that partially occupies a site lying on the twofold axis and forms an uncommon hydrogen bond between the two monomers. A comparison between the solid-state VCD characterizations and the Bayesian statistics on Bijvoet differences determined from the XRD measurements reveals a tendency towards the correct determination of the absolute configuration by this latter method.