bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition from thermal to turbulent equilibrium with a resulting electromagnetic spectrum
Authors: Ziebell L. F. , Yoon P. H. , Gaelzer R. , Pavan J.
Published: January 2014

A recent paper [Ziebell et al., Phys. Plasmas 21, 010701 (2014)] discusses a new type of radiation emission process for plasmas in a state of quasi-equilibrium between the particles and enhanced Langmuir turbulence. Such a system may be an example of the so-called “turbulent quasi-equilibrium.” In the present paper, it is shown on the basis of electromagnetic weak turbulence theory that an initial thermal equilibrium state (i.e., only electrostatic fluctuations and Maxwellian particle distributions) transitions toward the turbulent quasi-equilibrium state with enhanced electromagnetic radiation spectrum, thus demonstrating that the turbulent quasi-equilibrium discussed in the above paper correctly describes the weakly turbulent plasma dynamically interacting with electromagnetic fluctuations, while maintaining a dynamical steady-state in the average sense.
Role of caspase-1 in nuclear translocation of IL-37, release of the cytokine, and IL-37 inhibition of innate immune responses
Authors: Bulau Ana-Maria , Nold Marcel F. , Li Suzhao , Nold-Petry Claudia A. , Fink Michaela , Mansell Ashley , Schwerd Tobias , Hong Jaewoo , Rubartelli Anna , Dinarello Charles A. , Bufler Philip
Published: January 2014

Significance

IL-37 exerts broad inhibitory properties on the innate inflammatory and acquired immune responses. We mutated the caspase-1 site in IL-37 and show that caspase-1 processing is required for maturation of the intracellular IL-37 precursor for its translocation to the nucleus. Because nuclear translocation of IL-37 is required for the suppression of LPS-induced IL-6, the data define a unique consequence for caspase-1 inhibition, that is, reversal of the anti-inflammatory activities of endogenous IL-37. In addition, neutralizing antibodies reverse the suppression of LPS-induced IL-6 in IL-37 transgenic mice, supporting a role for extracellular signaling by IL-37. Thus, similar to IL-1α and IL-33, IL-37 now emerges as a dual-function cytokine with both intra- and extracellular mechanisms of action.
Effects of establishing an artificial grassland on vegetation characteristics and soil quality in a degraded meadow
Authors: Wang Chang Ting , Wang Gen Xu , Liu Wei , Wang Yong , Hu Lei , Ma Li
Published: January 2014

Grassland restoration, which utilizes agricultural practices (e.g., ploughing, harrowing, and fertilization), can not only change ecosystem processes to support the survival of native plants but can also affect soil microbial biomass and activity. In an artificial grassland established to restore a degraded meadow, parameters including coverage, species richness, diversity, and biomass (including above- and below-ground biomass) generally increased after four years of restoration. Likewise, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (N), available N, total phosphorus (P), and available P exhibited the same trend. The activities of selected enzymes decreased with soil depth (P < 0.05) and increased during the successional process associated with restoration. Soil enzyme activities were related to the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil and plant primary production. After four years of restoration, the plants and soils were resilient to the grassland restoration process. The results of the present study suggest a significant positive impact of artificial grassland establishment on soil quality. Artificial grassland establishment was an effective measure for restoring heavily degraded alpine meadows in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau region. The rapid establishment of vegetative cover and plant functional group composition after artificial grassland construction are fundamental for limiting soil erosion and restoring the initial ecosystem function. As soil is a fundamental component of every terrestrial ecosystem, soil restoration is a vital process during ecological restoration. Thus, an increase in the nutrient status of the soil is important for the sustainable development of alpine meadows. The long-term accumulation of SOM, the retention of nutrients, and the buildup of microbial biomass are ultimately attributed to labile carbon input from plant primary production.
The Truth Within
Authors: Flood Gavin
Published: January 2014

This book argues that the idea that there is a truth within the person discovered through introspection is found in the histories of Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism. The book examines this metaphor and the methods developed in those religions to realize it, particularly prayer and meditation. In Christianity and some forms of Hinduism the truth within is linked to the idea of God within. These premodern views of inwardness can be contrasted with a modern understanding of the person. In examining the truth within in Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism the book offers a hermeneutical phenomenology of inwardness and a defence of comparative religion.
Between Perception and Action
Authors: Nanay Bence
Published: January 2014

What mediates between sensory input and motor output? This is probably the most basic question one can ask about the mind. There is stimulation on your retina, something happens in your skull, and then your hand reaches out to grab the apple in front of you. What is it that happens in between? What representations make it possible for you to grab this apple? The representations that make this possible could be labelled “pragmatic representations”. The aim of the book is to argue that pragmatic representations whose function is to mediate between sensory input and motor output play an immensely important role in our mental life. And they help us to explain why the vast majority of what goes on in our mind is very similar to the simple mental processes of animals.The human mind, like the minds of non-human animals, has been selected for allowing us to perform actions successfully. The vast majority of our actions, like the actions of non-human animals, could not be performed without perceptual guidance, and what provides the perceptual guidance for performing actions are pragmatic representations. If we accept this framework, many classic questions in philosophy of perception and of action will look very different. The aim of this book is to trace the various consequences of this way of thinking about the mind in a number of branches of philosophy as well as in psychology and cognitive science.
Faith on the Avenue
Authors: Day Katie
Published: January 2014

Faith on the Avenue looks at just one street in one city—Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia—and the 80-90 communities of faith that are present on it. Sociologist Katie Day draws from her findings of a seven year study to argue that these religious communities are active agents in their local urban contexts, both shaping and being shaped by it. Far from being a benign presence, these congregations are engaging, and contributing to, the urban ecology in myriad ways and to varying degrees. Their agency, analyzed by this study, is captured in vivid images by photographer Edd Conboy. Through both quantitative and ethnographic research, Day analyzes the religious presence of historic churches, small independent Latino and African American congregations, mosques, mega churches and syncretized religious groups within the urban context with a critical clarity, insight and appreciation. For over 300 years, communities of faith along Germantown Avenue have provided spatial and cultural anchors to their neighborhoods, formal and informal human services, subtle contributions to safety and quality of life, bases of social boundary transcendence, and acted as vehicles for establishing identity for new arrivals to the city. This book can change the way faith communities in urban areas are seen by policy makers, students and researchers of cities, and religious institutions themselves.
Constraining the variation in the fine-structure constant using SDSS DR7 quasi-stellar object spectra
Authors: Rahmani H. , Maheshwari N. , Srianand R.
Published: January 2014

We report on a robust constraint on the possible variation of the fine-structure constant, α ≡ e2/ℏc, obtained using O iii λλ 4959,5007 nebular emission lines from quasi-stellar objects (QSOs). We find Δα/α = −(2.1 ± 1.6) × 10−5, based on a well-selected sample of 2347 QSOs from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 with 0.02 <z < 0.74. Our result is consistent with a non-varying α at a level of 2 × 10−5 over approximately 7 Gyr. This is the largest sample of extragalactic objects yet used to constrain the variation of α. While this constraint is not as stringent as those determined using the many-multiplet method, it is free from various systematic effects. A factor of ∼4 improvement in Δα/α achieved here compared to a previous study is consistent with what is expected based on the sample used here, which is a factor of 14 times larger. This suggests that errors are mainly dominated by statistical uncertainty. We also find that the ratio of transition probabilities corresponding to the O iii λ5007 and λ4959 lines is 2.933 ± 0.002, in good agreement with the measurements of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The polluted atmospheres of cool white dwarfs and the magnetic field connection
Authors: Kawka Adéla , Vennes Stéphane
Published: January 2014

We present an analysis of X-Shooter spectra of the polluted hydrogen-rich white dwarfs (DAZ) NLTT 888 and NLTT 53908. The spectra of NLTT 53908 show strong, Zeeman-split calcium lines (Ca ii H&K and Ca i λ4226) and the star appears to be a close relative of the polluted magnetic white dwarf (DAZH) NLTT 10480, while the spectra of NLTT 888 show narrow lines of calcium and iron. A comparison of the DAZ NLTT 888 and the DAZH NLTT 53908 with other class members illustrates the diversity of environment and formation circumstances surrounding these objects. In particular, we find that the incidence of magnetism in old, polluted white dwarfs significantly exceeds that found in the general white dwarf population which suggests a hypothetical link between a crowded planetary system and magnetic field generation.
Hunting complex differential gene interaction patterns across molecular contexts
Authors: Song Mingzhou , Zhang Yang , Katzaroff Alexia J. , Edgar Bruce A. , Buttitta Laura
Published: January 2014

Heterogeneity in genetic networks across different signaling molecular contexts can suggest molecular regulatory mechanisms. Here we describe a comparative chi-square analysis (CPχ2) method, considerably more flexible and effective than other alternatives, to screen large gene expression data sets for conserved and differential interactions. CPχ2 decomposes interactions across conditions to assess homogeneity and heterogeneity. Theoretically, we prove an asymptotic chi-square null distribution for the interaction heterogeneity statistic. Empirically, on synthetic yeast cell cycle data, CPχ2 achieved much higher statistical power in detecting differential networks than alternative approaches. We applied CPχ2 to Drosophila melanogaster wing gene expression arrays collected under normal conditions, and conditions with overexpressed E2F and Cabut, two transcription factor complexes that promote ectopic cell cycling. The resulting differential networks suggest a mechanism by which E2F and Cabut regulate distinct gene interactions, while still sharing a small core network. Thus, CPχ2 is sensitive in detecting network rewiring, useful in comparing related biological systems.
Separating the Wheat from the Chaff: Applications of Automated Document Classification Using Support Vector Machines
Authors: D'Orazio Vito , Landis Steven T. , Palmer Glenn , Schrodt Philip
Published: January 2014

Due in large part to the proliferation of digitized text, much of it available for little or no cost from the Internet, political science research has experienced a substantial increase in the number of data sets and large-nresearch initiatives. As the ability to collect detailed information on events of interest expands, so does the need to efficiently sort through the volumes of available information. Automated document classification presents a particularly attractive methodology for accomplishing this task. It is efficient, widely applicable to a variety of data collection efforts, and considerably flexible in tailoring its application for specific research needs. This article offers a holistic review of the application of automated document classification for data collection in political science research by discussing the process in its entirety. We argue that the application of a two-stage support vector machine (SVM) classification process offers advantages over other well-known alternatives, due to the nature of SVMs being a discriminative classifier and having the ability to effectively address two primary attributes of textual data: high dimensionality and extreme sparseness. Evidence for this claim is presented through a discussion of the efficiency gains derived from using automated document classification on the Militarized Interstate Dispute 4 (MID4) data collection project.
Precursors and outbursts of A 0535+26 in 2009–2011 observed by the MAXI/GSC and the Swift/BAT
Authors: Nakajima Motoki , Mihara Tatehiro , Sugizaki Mutsumi , Serino Motoko , Matsuoka Masaru , Kawai Nobuyuki , Makishima Kazuo
Published: January 2014

Over the three-year active period from 2008 September to 2011 November, the outburst behavior of the Be/X-ray binary A 0535+26 was continuously monitored with the MAXI/GSC and the Swift/BAT. The source exhibited nine outbursts, every binary revolution, of which two are categorized into the giant (type-II) outbursts. The recurrence period of these outbursts is found to be ∼ 115 d, significantly longer than the orbital period of 111.1 d. With the MAXI/GSC, a low-level active period, or a “precursor,” was detected prior to at least four giant outbursts. The precursor recurrence period agrees with that of the giant outbursts. The period difference of the giant outbursts from the orbital period is possibly related to some structures in the circumstellar disc formed around the Be companion. Two scenarios, one based on a one-armed disc structure and the other a Be-disc precession, are discussed.
A Powerful Approach for Identification of Differentially Transcribed mRNA Isoforms
Authors: Tan Yuan-De , Neilson Joel. R.
Published: January 2014

Next generation sequencing is being increasingly used for transcriptome-wide analysis of differential gene expression. The primary goal in profiling expression is to identify genes or RNA isoforms differentially expressed between specific conditions. Yet, the next generation sequence-based count data are essentially different from the microarray data that are continuous type, therefore, the statistical methods developed well over the last decades cannot be applicable. For this reason, a variety of new statistical methods based on count data of transcript reads has been correspondingly developed. But currently the transcriptomic count data coming only from a few replicate libraries have high technical noise and small sample size bias, performances of these new methods are not desirable. We here developed a new statistical method specifically applicable to small sample count data called mBeta t-test for identifying differentially expressed gene or isoforms on the basis of the Beta t-test. The results obtained from simulated and real data showed that the mBeta t-test method significantly outperformed the existing statistical methods in all given scenarios. Findings of our method were validated by qRT-PCR experiments. The mBeta t-test method significantly reduced true false discoveries in differentially expressed genes or isoforms so that it had high work efficiencies in all given scenarios. In addition, the mBeta t-test method showed high stability in performance of statistical analysis and in estimation of FDR. These strongly suggests that our mBeta t-test method would offer us a creditable and reliable result of statistical analysis in practice.
The structures of the kinase domain and UBA domain of MPK38 suggest the activation mechanism for kinase activity
Authors: Cho Yong-Soon , Yoo Jiho , Park Soomin , Cho Hyun-Soo
Published: January 2014

Murine protein serine/threonine kinase 38 (MPK38) is the murine orthologue of human maternal embryonic leucine-zipper kinase (MELK), which belongs to the SNF1/AMPK family. MELK is considered to be a promising drug target for anticancer therapy because overexpression and hyperactivation of MELK is correlated with several human cancers. Activation of MPK38 requires the extended sequence (ExS) containing the ubiquitin-associated (UBA) linker and UBA domain and phosphorylation of the activation loop. However, the activation mechanism of MPK38 is unknown. This paper reports the crystal structure of MPK38 (T167E), which mimics a phosphorylated state of the activation loop, in complex with AMP-PNP. In the MPK38 structure, the UBA linker forces an inward movement of the αC helix. Phosphorylation of the activation loop then induces movement of the activation loop towards the C-lobe and results in interlobar cleft closure. These processes generate a fully active state of MPK38. This structure suggests that MPK38 has a similar molecular mechanism regulating activation as in other kinases of the SNF1/AMPK family.
Adherence to Bürgi–Dunitz stereochemical principles requires significant structural rearrangements in Schiff-base formation: insights from transaldolase complexes
Authors: Light Samuel H. , Minasov George , Duban Mark-Eugene , Anderson Wayne F.
Published: January 2014

The Bürgi–Dunitz angle (αBD) describes the trajectory of approach of a nucleophile to an electrophile. The adoption of a stereoelectronically favorable αBDcan necessitate significant reactive-group repositioning over the course of bond formation. In the context of enzyme catalysis, interactions with the protein constrain substrate rotation, which could necessitate structural transformations during bond formation. To probe this theoretical framework vis-à-vis biocatalysis, Schiff-base formation was analysed inFrancisella tularensistransaldolase (TAL). Crystal structures of wild-type and Lys→Met mutant TAL in covalent and noncovalent complexes with fructose 6-phosphate and sedoheptulose 7-phosphate clarify the mechanism of catalysis and reveal that substrate keto moieties undergo significant conformational changes during Schiff-base formation. Structural changes compelled by the trajectory considerations discussed here bear relevance to bond formation in a variety of constrained enzymic/engineered systems and can inform the design of covalent therapeutics.
Nitrate in the active site of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B is a putative mimetic of the transition state
Authors: Kenny Peter W. , Newman Janet , Peat Thomas S.
Published: January 2014

The X-ray crystal structure of the complex of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B with nitrate anion has been determined and modelled quantum-mechanically. Two protomers were present in the structure, one with the mechanistically important WPD loop closed and the other with this loop open. Nitrate was observed bound to each protomer, making close contacts with the S atom of the catalytic cysteine and a tyrosine residue from a crystallographically related protomer.
Normalising or Equalising Party Competition? Assessing the Impact of the Web on Election Campaigning
Authors: Gibson Rachel K. , McAllister Ian
Published: January 2014

A core question addressed by parties and internet scholars is whether the medium is equalising or normalising levels of inter-party competition, Are minor parties better placed to compete for voters' attention online (equalisation), or do major parties continue to dominate (normalisation)? To date, most research has supported the latter scenario through ‘supply-side’ comparisons of website content in a single election. This article re-examines the debate using Australian surveys of election candidates conducted between 2001 and 2010. As well as providing the first longitudinal study of this question, we link the supply side with voter responses and compare how well the parties recruit support through their web campaigns. Our results confirm that major parties dominate in the adoption of personal websites, although minor parties are stronger users of social media. Both strategies are effective in gaining votes, suggesting that the web may be rebalancing if not equalising party competition.
Serum concentrations of cytokines in infants with retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Yu Honghua , Yuan Ling , Zou Yuping , Peng Lianghong , Wang Yong , Li Tao , Tang Shibo
Published: January 2014

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the leading cause of blindness in preterm infants. In this study, we investigated the cytokine levels in cord blood of normal preterm neonates and preterm infants developed ROP. Serum levels of 10 cytokines in umbilical cord blood were measured by multiplex protein arrays from 62 healthy preterm neonates and 30 preterm neonate cases who developed ROP at later stage. Results showed that serum levels of cytokines including interleukin 7 (IL‐7), monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP‐1α), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 beta (MIP‐1β) were significantly increased in cases who developed ROP than in healthy preterm neonates (3.5‐fold, 3.2‐fold, 3.4‐fold, and 2.1‐fold, respectively), whereas levels of these four cytokines did not reveal any significant differences between healthy preterm infants and normal infants. When comparing the expression of cytokines in ROP patients with different clinical parameters, ROP cases whose gestational age at delivery earlier than 29.0 weeks demonstrated increased levels of MCP‐1 and MIP‐1β than those later than 29.0 weeks (p < 0.05). Also, ROP cases with birth weight less than 1.28 kg revealed significantly higher level of MIP‐1β than those who were heavier than 1.28 kg (p < 0.05). These data indicated that levels of IL‐7, MCP‐1, MIP‐1α, and MIP‐1β were associated with increased risk of ROP, in which MIP‐1β may be further correlated with the severity of ROP.
Virtual reality and learning: Where is the pedagogy?
Authors: Fowler Chris
Published: January 2014

The aim of this paper was to build upon Dalgarno and Lee's model or framework of learning in three‐dimensional (3‐D) virtual learning environments (VLEs) and to extend their road map for further research in this area. The enhanced model shares the common goal with Dalgarno and Lee of identifying the learning benefits from using 3‐D VLEs. The approach adopted here is to attempt a more pedagogical description using the concept of pedagogical immersion as derived from Mayes and Fowler's framework for mapping stages of learning onto types of learning environment. The paper adopts a “design for learning” perspective and in doing so hopes the combined framework will prove useful to those designing learning activities in 3‐D VLEs.
iPads in higher education—Hype and hope
Authors: Nguyen Lemai , Barton Siew Mee , Nguyen Linh Thuy
Published: January 2014

This paper systematically reviews current research on using iPads in the higher education sector. Since the release of iPads by Apple in 2010, this new technology has been quickly adopted everywhere, especially by the younger generation and professionals. We were motivated to find out how iPads have been adopted for use in the higher education sector. We searched for and collected all the peer‐reviewed publications in conference proceedings and scholarly journals in EBSCOhost, Scopus, Informit A+ Education, ProQuest Academic Research Library and Google Scholar, and conducted a content analysis of the full‐text papers collected. The results show that the reported studies are at an early exploratory stage from both the student and staff perspectives. From the student perspective, the iPad was found to enhance the learning experience but not necessarily lead to better learning outcomes. From the staff perspective, the iPad was found to offer benefits associated with electronic information dissemination, academic administration and professional development support. A finding common to both perspectives is that while the iPad has the potential to offer benefits to the academics and students who were found to be eager adopters of this technology, it is not clear how best to align and integrate it within the academic programmes and workflows, and how best to manage it as a resource within a university's organisational setting.
Exploring the redundancy effect in print‐based instruction containing representations
Authors: Morrison Jennifer , Watson Ginger S. , Morrison Gary R.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of redundancy when learning from realistic science materials. Participants received instruction where redundancy was manipulated between text and diagrams with captions, text and diagrams, and text only. Participants reported levels of cognitive load, responded to questionnaire items and completed an achievement test. Findings indicated there were no significant differences in perceived mental effort between groups, though there were differences in experienced material difficulty. In contrast with the redundancy effect described by cognitive load theory, the manipulation of redundancy in lengthier text materials paired with diagrams did not affect performance on the achievement test.
Myocardial iron overload in thalassaemia major. How early to check?
Authors: Borgna‐Pignatti Caterina , Meloni Antonella , Guerrini Giulia , Gulino Letizia , Filosa Aldo , Ruffo Giovan B. , Casini Tommaso , Chiodi Elisabetta , Lombardi Massimo , Pepe Alessia
Published: January 2014

The age at which it is necessary to start Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) T2* screening in thalassaemia major (TM) is still uncertain. To clarify this point, we evaluated the prevalence of myocardial iron overload (MIO), function and fibrosis by CMR in TM patients younger than 10 years. We retrospectively selected 35 TM patients enrolled in the Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassaemia network. MIO was measured by T2* multislice multiecho technique. Biventricular function parameters were evaluated by cine images. To detect myocardial fibrosis, late gadolinium enhancement images were acquired. Patients’ age ranged from 4·2 to 9·7 years. All scans were performed without sedation. Nine patients showed no MIO, 22 patients had heterogeneous MIO with a T2* global value ≥20 ms; two patients had heterogeneous MIO with a T2* global value <20 ms and two patients showed homogeneous MIO. No patient showed myocardial fibrosis. Among the patients with heart T2*<20 ms, the youngest was 6 years old, none showed heart dysfunction and the iron transfused was <35 g in all cases. Cardiac iron loading can occur much earlier than previously described. The first cardiac T2* assessment should be performed as early as feasible without sedation, especially if chelation is started late or if poor compliance is suspected.
Regional versus Multilateral Trade Liberalization, Environmental Taxation, and Welfare
Authors: Baksi Soham
Published: January 2014

The paper considers trade between identical countries with imperfectly competitive markets, and compares the impacts of regional and multilateral tariff reduction on strategic environmental taxation and welfare. While both forms of trade liberalization increase production and consumption in tariff‐reducing countries, regionalism also reduces production in a non‐participating country and may decrease its consumption. Consequently, regionalism and multilateralism change pollution tax and welfare in the tariff‐reducing countries in similar ways when pollution is local, but in dissimilar ways for global pollution. When pollution is global, regionalism is likely to be preferred to multilateralism for the establishment of free trade among countries.
ECT2 amplification and overexpression as a new prognostic biomarker for early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Murata Yoshihiko , Minami Yuko , Iwakawa Reika , Yokota Jun , Usui Shingo , Tsuta Koji , Shiraishi Kouya , Sakashita Shingo , Satomi Kaishi , Iijima Tatsuo , Noguchi Masayuki
Published: January 2014

Genetic abnormality in early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma was examined to search for new prognostic biomarkers. Six in situ lung adenocarcinomas and nine small but invasive adenocarcinomas were examined by array‐comparative genomic hybridization, and candidate genes of interest were screened. To examine gene abnormalities, 83 cases of various types of lung carcinoma were examined by quantitative real‐time genomic PCR and immunohistochemistry. The results were then verified using another set of early‐stage adenocarcinomas. Array‐comparative genomic hybridization indicated frequent amplification at chromosome 3q26. Of the seven genes located in this region, we focused on the epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 (ECT2) oncogene, as ECT2 amplification was detected only in invasive adenocarcinoma, and not in in situ carcinoma. Quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry analyses also detected overexpression of ECT2 in invasive adenocarcinoma, and this was correlated with both the Ki‐67 labeling index and mitotic index. In addition, it was associated with disease‐free survival and overall survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. These results were verified using another set of early‐stage adenocarcinomas resected at another hospital. Abnormality of the ECT2 gene occurs at a relatively early stage of lung adenocarcinogenesis and would be applicable as a new biomarker for prognostication of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
IL‐33 stimulates CXCL8/IL‐8 secretion in goblet cells but not normally differentiated airway cells
Authors: Tanabe T. , Shimokawaji T. , Kanoh S. , Rubin B. K.
Published: January 2014

Background

IL‐13, a helper T cell type 2 (Th2) cytokine, transforms cultured airway epithelial cells to goblet cells, and this is not inhibited by corticosteroids. IL‐33 stimulates Th2 cytokines and is highly expressed in airways of persons with asthma. The effect of IL‐33 on goblet cell differentiation and cytokine secretion has not been described.

Objective

We examined the effect of IL‐33 on CXCL8/IL‐8 secretion from goblet or normally differentiated human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells and signalling pathways associated with IL‐33 activation in these cells.

Methods

Normal human bronchial epithelial cells were grown to goblet or normally differentiated ciliated cell phenotype at air–liquid interface in the presence or absence of IL‐13. After 14 days, differentiated cells were exposed to IL‐33 for 24 h.

Results

CXCL8/IL‐8 secretion into the apical (air) side of the goblet cells was greater than from normally differentiated cells (P < 0.01), and IL‐33 stimulated apical CXCL8/IL‐8 release from goblet cells, but not from normally differentiated cells (P < 0.01). IL‐33 increased ERK 1/2 phosphorylation in goblet cells (P < 0.05), and PD98059, a MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor, attenuated IL‐33‐stimulated CXCL8/IL‐8 secretion from goblet cells (P < 0.001). IL‐13 induced ST2 mRNA (P < 0.02) and membrane‐bound ST2 protein expression on the apical side surface of goblet cells compared with normally differentiated cells, and neutralization with anti‐ST2R antibody attenuated IL‐33‐induced apical CXCL8/IL‐8 secretion from goblet cells (P < 0.02).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Goblet cells secrete CXCL8/IL‐8, and this is increased by IL‐33 through ST2R‐ERK pathway, suggesting a mechanism for enhanced airway inflammation in the asthmatic airway with goblet cell metaplasia.
Positive reactions to placebo in children undergoing double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge
Authors: Ahrens B. , Niggemann B. , Wahn U. , Beyer K.
Published: January 2014

Background

The gold standard in the diagnosis of food allergy is the double‐blind, placebo‐controlled oral food challenge (DBPCFC). During this challenge, patients receive the allergenic food and placebo on separate randomized days, while being monitored for clinical reactions. Interestingly, some reactions are assessed as positive although the patients had received placebo. The aim of our study was to analyze incidence and characteristics of positive placebo reactions during DBPCFCs.

Methods

In food‐allergic children, we retrospectively analyzed positive placebo reactions in DBPCFCs in 740 placebo challenges in our department. Individual characteristics were compared, such as age or IgE levels, as well as clinical symptoms.

Results

Of all placebo challenges, 2.8% (21 of 740) were assessed as positive. Young children (age ≤ 1.5 years) had more (P = 0.047) positive placebo challenges (4.0%) compared to older children (age > 1.5 years; 1.5%). Children with positive placebo challenges had higher levels of total IgE (median 201 kU/L) compared to negatively classified children (median 110 kU/L). In children with positive placebo reactions, skin symptoms were observed significantly more often, with a worsening of atopic eczema (AE) as the most reported symptom.

Conclusion

Placebo reactions in DBPCFC are not common. Worsening of AE is the most frequent clinical reaction associated with positive placebo challenges, and young children (age ≤ 1.5 years) seem to be affected more often. Therefore – contrary to current recommendations – DBPCFC tests should be considered in infants and young children, especially those with a history of AE.
Trap colour, size, and borders alter catches of Bactericera cockerelli in a potato crop
Authors: Taylor N.M. , Butler R.C. , Vereijssen J. , Davidson M.M.
Published: January 2014

Visual cues play a key role in host finding in many phytophagous insects, including the tomato potato psyllid (TPP), Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), a serious pest of solanaceous crops. This study evaluated the response of TPP to sticky traps of one of three colours, up to four sizes, and with or without green borders in an organic potato crop in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. On average, large traps caught a higher density of TPP than small traps (with or without border; 25 and 14 TPP per 100 cm2, respectively). Tomato potato psyllid density on the green border was affected by the colour of the centre trap; a blue centre resulted in substantially fewer TPP on the green border than a yellow centre (9.0 vs. 69.6 TPP per 100 cm2). Trap catches in early summer were male biased, whereas catches of male and female TPP in late summer were approximately equal.
Effective salvage therapy for high‐risk relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia with cisplatin in combination with high‐dose cytarabine and etoposide
Authors: Lee Yun‐Gyoo , Kwon Ji‐hyun , Kim Inho , Yoon Sung Soo , Lee Jong‐Seok , Park Seongyang
Published: January 2014

Objectives

This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of the combination regimen of high‐dose cytarabine, etoposide and cisplatin (HAEP) in adult patients with high‐risk relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Methods

From January 2001 to December 2012, 49 relapsed or refractory AML patients [36 men; 13 women; median age, 42 (range, 18–71) yr; patients aged >60 yr, 8] were treated with HAEP [high‐dose cytarabine (2 g/m2), etoposide (100 mg/m2) and cisplatin (20 mg/m2) for five alternative days] as salvage therapy. Patients who had the first relapse at <6 months after an initial complete remission (CR), had a second or subsequent relapse, were primary refractory to ≥2 courses of front‐line conventional induction chemotherapy or were refractory to re‐induction chemotherapy after any relapse was eligible for HAEP treatments.

Results

The overall CR + CR without platelet recovery (CRp) rates among 49 evaluable patients were 31% [95% confidence interval (CI), 17–44%]. Of the eight patients aged ≥60 yr, none showed any response to HAEP treatment. The CR + CRp rate was 54% in patients with second or greater relapse and 25% in patients refractory to re‐induction therapy after relapse. In multivariate analysis, younger age, favourable cytogenetics and no prior salvage chemotherapy were independent predictors for better responses.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that HAEP is an effective salvage chemotherapy for patients aged <60 yr with high‐risk relapsed or refractory AML.
External validation and clinical evaluation of the International Prognostic Score of Thrombosis for Essential Thrombocythemia (IPSET‐thrombosis) in a large cohort of Chinese patients
Authors: Fu Rongfeng , Xuan Min , Lv Cuicui , Zhang Liyan , Li Huiyuan , Zhang Xian , Zhang Donglei , Sun Tiantian , Xue Feng , Liu Xiaofan , Liang Haoyue , Zhang Lei , Yang Renchi
Published: January 2014

Objectives

In patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), vascular complications contribute to both morbidity and mortality. To better predict the occurrence of thrombotic events, an International Prognostic Score of thrombosis for ET (IPSET‐thrombosis) was recently developed. We hereby presented an external validation and analysis of this model in a large Cohort of Chinese Patients.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the characteristics and risk factors for thrombosis in 970 Chinese patients with ET and estimated the clinical implications of the IPSET‐thrombosis model.

Results

The median follow‐up was 49 months (range, 0–360). Chinese ET patients had similar clinical characteristics as Caucasian patients. Similar to the IPSET‐thrombosis study, our multivariate analysis revealed age >60 (HR = 1.949), previous thrombosis (HR = 2.484), JAK2V617F mutation (HR = 1.719), and cardiovascular risk factors (HR = 1.877) as independent risk factors for thrombosis. We confirmed that the above risk factors in IPSET‐thrombosis, when compared with traditional risk factors (e.g., age ≥60 and previous thrombotic events), were more predictive of thrombotic events (C‐index 0.714 vs. 0.647). Classification by IPSET‐thrombosis risk groups revealed different cumulative thrombosis‐free survival (P < 0.001). For treatment, patients in the intermediate‐ and high‐risk group derived clinical benefit from cytoreductive agents (P < 0.05), but those in the low‐risk group did not (P = 0.446). The lower risk of thrombosis on cytoreductive therapy was related to decrease in leukocyte count during the disease course.

Conclusions

We validate the reproducibility of IPSET‐thrombosis in Chinese ET patients and provide key clinical implications.
Coparenting Experiences in African American Families: An Examination of Single Mothers and their Nonmarital Coparents
Authors: Gonzalez Michelle , Jones Deborah , Parent Justin
Published: January 2014

African American youth from single‐mother homes continue to be overrepresented in statistics on risk behavior and delinquency, a trend that many be attributed to father‐absence, socioeconomic disadvantage, and compromises in parenting more typical of single than two‐parent families. Yet, this risk‐focused perspective ignores a long‐standing strength of the African American community, the involvement and potential protective impact of extended family members in childrearing. This study describes the experiences of 95 African American single mothers and their nonmarital coparents who participated in a study of African American single‐mother families with an 11–16‐year‐old child. Specifically, the study examines: (a) the extent to which nonmarital coparents are involved in childrearing; (b) the relative levels of risk (i.e., depression, mother–coparent conflict) and protective (i.e., parenting) associated with maternal and coparent involvement; and (c) how similarly and/or differently coparent and mother variables operate with regard to youth externalizing problems. Findings reveal that a range of family members and other adults actively participate in childrearing in African American single‐mother families, coparents do not differ from mothers on certain study variables (i.e., depression and mother–coparent conflict) but do for others (parenting), and coparent involvement is associated with youth adjustment in ways that are similar to our more established understanding of maternal involvement. The potential clinical implications of the findings are discussed and future research directions are highlighted.
Suppression of LUBAC‐mediated linear ubiquitination by a specific interaction between LUBAC and the deubiquitinases CYLD and OTULIN
Authors: Takiuchi Tsuyoshi , Nakagawa Tomoko , Tamiya Hironari , Fujita Hiroaki , Sasaki Yoshiteru , Saeki Yasushi , Takeda Hiroyuki , Sawasaki Tatsuya , Buchberger Alexander , Kimura Tadashi , Iwai Kazuhiro
Published: January 2014

Linear ubiquitin chains generated by the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) play an important role in NF‐κB activation. However, the regulation of linear ubiquitin chain generation by LUBAC is not well characterized. Here, we identified two deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), ovarian tumor DUB with linear linkage specificity (OTULIN/Gumby/FAM105B) and cylindromatosis (CYLD) that can cleave linear polyubiquitin chains and interact with LUBAC via the N‐terminal PNGase/UBA or UBX (PUB) domain of HOIP, a catalytic subunit of LUBAC. HOIP interacts with both CYLD and OTULIN even in unstimulated cells. The interaction of CYLD and OTULIN with HOIP synergistically suppresses LUBAC‐mediated linear polyubiquitination and NF‐κB activation. Moreover, introduction of a HOIP mutant unable to bind either deubiquitinase into HOIP‐null cells augments the activation of NF‐κB by TNF‐α stimulation. Thus, the interactions between these two deubiquitinases and the LUBAC ubiquitin ligase are involved in controlling the extent of TNF‐α‐induced NF‐κB activation in cells by fine‐tuning the generation of linear ubiquitin chains by LUBAC. The interaction of HOIP with OTULIN is also involved in OTULIN suppressing the canonical Wnt signaling pathway activation by LUBAC. Our observations provide molecular insights into the roles of ligase–deubiquitinase interactions in regulating molecular events resulting from linear ubiquitin conjugation.
Adipose tissue‐resident regulatory T cells: phenotypic specialization, functions and therapeutic potential
Authors: Cipolletta Daniela
Published: January 2014

Foxp3+ CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, recognized to be one of the most important defences of the human body against an inappropriate immune response, have recently gained attention from those outside immunology thanks to the compelling evidence for their capability to exert non‐canonical immune functions in a variety of tissues in health and disease. The recent discovery of the differences between tissue‐resident Treg cells and those derived from lymphoid organs is affecting the mindset of many investigators now questioning the broad applicability of observations originally based on peripheral blood/lymphoid organ cells. So far, the best characterized ‘Treg flavour’ comes from studies focused on their role in suppressing adipose tissue inflammation and obesity‐driven insulin resistance. Adipose tissue derived Treg cells are distinct from their counterparts in lymphoid organs based on their transcriptional profile, T‐cell receptor repertoire, and cytokine and chemokine receptor expression pattern. These cells are abundant in visceral adipose tissue of lean mice but their number is greatly reduced in insulin‐resistant animal models of obesity. Interestingly, peroxisome‐proliferator‐activated receptor γ expression by visceral adipose tissue Treg cells is crucial for their accumulation, phenotype and function in the fat and surprisingly necessary for complete restoration of insulin sensitivity in obese mice by the anti‐diabetic drug Pioglitazone. This review surveys recent findings relating to the unique phenotype and function of adipose tissue‐resident Treg cells, speculates on the nature of their dynamics in lean and obese mouse models, and analyses their potential therapeutic application in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Spatial ecology of large herbivore populations
Authors: Owen‐Smith Norman
Published: January 2014

Models of the dynamics of large herbivore populations represent density feedbacks on the population growth rate either directly or indirectly through interactions with vegetation resources. Neither approach incorporates the spatial heterogeneity that is an essential feature of most natural environments, and modifies the population dynamics generated. This is especially true for large herbivores exploiting food resources that are rooted in space but temporally variable in quantity and quality both seasonally and annually. In this review I explore how environmental variation at different spatiotemporal scales influences the abundance of herbivore populations controlled via resources, predators or social mechanisms. Changes in abundance can be spatially disparate and dependent on different resource components at different stages of the seasonal cycle, including buffer resources restricting population crashes in extremely adverse years. GPS telemetry enables movement responses generating spatial patterns to be documented in fine spatiotemporal detail, including migration and dispersal. Models incorporating spatial heterogeneity either implicitly or explicitly are outlined, exemplifying how herbivores cope with temporal variability by exploiting spatial variability in resources and conditions. Global human dominance is generating widened climatic variation while opportunities for herbivore movements are becoming constricted. Theoretical population ecologists need to shift their focus from the workings of demographic structure towards effects of changing environmental contexts, in order to project the likely trajectories of large herbivore populations through the Anthropocene.
1. Life in the midst of death
Authors: Haddad Frieda
Published: January 2014

The main presentations on the Sixth Assembly theme and its sub‐themes were accompanied by a number of brief presentations testifying to the way in which Jesus Christ is present and alive in concrete situations in different parts of the world. The following are abbreviated versions of some of those testimonies.
Theologies from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Black Theology: a Bibliography
Authors: Gasser Sylvie , Beffa Pierre
Published: January 2014

During the last few years the library of the Ecumenical Centre, in line with its worldwide acquisition policy, has added to its collection many works by theologians from Africa, Asia and Latin America. A consultation of several such theologians took place recently in Geneva. Prominent at the Vancouver Assembly were theologians speaking out of their own context. This is therefore an appropriate moment for rendering a service to theological professors and students in the realm of contextual theology. All the titles indicated in the bibliography are available in the library and can be borrowed.
Book Review
Authors: Gros Jeffrey
Published: January 2014

Book reviewed in this article:

Faith and Ferment, an Interdisciplinary Study of Christian Beliefs and Practices, Joan D. Chittister, OSB and Martin E. Marty, Robert S. Bilheimer, ed.
Improved Dielectric and Nonlinear Electrical Properties of Fine‐Grained CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramics Prepared by a Glycine‐Nitrate Process
Authors: Thongbai Prasit , Yamwong Teerapon , Maensiri Santi , Amornkitbamrung Vittaya , Chindaprasirt Prinya
Published: January 2014

Pure CaCu3Ti4O12 was successfully prepared by a glycine‐nitrate process using a relatively low calcination temperature and short reaction time of 760°C for 4 h. Fine‐grained CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics with dense microstructure and small grain size were obtained after sintering for 1 h. The nonlinear coefficient of a fine‐grained CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramic calculated in the range 1–10 mA/cm2 was found to be very high of ~16.39 with high breakdown electric field strength of 1.46 × 104 V/cm. This fine‐grained CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramic also exhibited a very low loss tangent of 0.017 at 20°C with temperature stability over the range −55°C to 85°C. The grain growth rate of the CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics was found to be very fast after increasing the sintering time from 1.5 to 3 h, leading to formation of a coarse‐grained CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramic with grain size of about 100–200 μm. The dielectric permittivity of this coarse‐grained ceramic was found to be as high as 1.03 × 105 with a low loss tangent of 0.054.