bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Mechanics and Information-Theoretic Perspectives on Complexity in the Earth System
Authors: Balasis Georgios , Donner Reik , Potirakis Stelios , Runge Jakob , Papadimitriou Constantinos , Daglis Ioannis , Eftaxias Konstantinos , Kurths Jürgen
Published: November 2013

This review provides a summary of methods originated in (non-equilibrium) statistical mechanics and information theory, which have recently found successful applications to quantitatively studying complexity in various components of the complex system Earth. Specifically, we discuss two classes of methods: (i) entropies of different kinds (e.g., on the one hand classical Shannon and R´enyi entropies, as well as non-extensive Tsallis entropy based on symbolic dynamics techniques and, on the other hand, approximate entropy, sample entropy and fuzzy entropy); and (ii) measures of statistical interdependence and causality (e.g., mutual information and generalizations thereof, transfer entropy, momentary information transfer). We review a number of applications and case studies utilizing the above-mentioned methodological approaches for studying contemporary problems in some exemplary fields of the Earth sciences, highlighting the potentials of different techniques.
Exogenous Measurements from Basic Meteorological Stations for Wind Speed Forecasting
Authors: Palomares-Salas José , Agüera-Pérez Agustín , Rosa Juan , Sierra-Fernández José , Moreno-Muñoz Antonio
Published: November 2013

This research presents a comparative analysis of wind speed forecasting methods applied to perform 1 h-ahead forecasting. The main significant development has been the introduction of low-quality measurements as exogenous information to improve these predictions. Eight prediction models have been assessed; three of these models [persistence, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and multiple linear regression] are used as references, and the remaining five, based on neural networks, are evaluated on the basis of two procedures. Firstly, four quality indices are assessed (the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, the index of agreement, the mean absolute error and the mean squared error). Secondly, an analysis of variance test and multiple comparison procedure are conducted. The findings indicate that a backpropagation network with five neurons in the hidden layer is the best model obtained with respect to the reference models. The pair of improvements (mean absolute-mean squared error) obtained are 29.10%–56.54%, 28.15%–53.99% and 4.93%–14.38%, for the persistence, ARIMA and multiple linear regression models, respectively. The experimental results reported in this paper show that traditional agricultural measurements enhance the predictions.
Gene Silencing in Crustaceans: From Basic Research to Biotechnologies
Authors: Sagi Amir , Manor Rivka , Ventura Tomer
Published: November 2013

Gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi) is gaining momentum for crustaceans, both in basic research and for commercial development. RNAi has proven instrumental in a growing number of crustacean species, revealing the functionality of novel crustacean genes essential among others to development, growth, metabolism and reproduction. Extensive studies have also been done on silencing of viral transcripts in crustaceans, contributing to the understanding of the defense mechanisms of crustaceans and strategies employed by viruses to overcome these. The first practical use of gene silencing in aquaculture industry has been recently achieved, through manipulation of a crustacean insulin-like androgenic gland hormone. This review summarizes the advancements in the use of RNAi in crustaceans, and assesses the advantages of this method, as well as the current hurdles that hinder its large-scale practice.
Defective Generation and Maturation of Dendritic Cells from Monocytes in Colorectal Cancer Patients during the Course of Disease
Authors: Orsini Giulia , Legitimo Annalisa , Failli Alessandra , Ferrari Paola , Nicolini Andrea , Spisni Roberto , Miccoli Paolo , Consolini Rita
Published: November 2013

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Western countries. Today, the role of the host’s immune system in controlling the progression and spread of solid tumors is broadly established. Tumor immunosurveillance escape mechanisms, such as those involving dendritic cells (DCs), the most important antigen-presenting cells, are likewise recognized processes involved in cancer. The present study evaluates the ability of CRC patients to generate DCs in vitro from circulating monocytes at both pre- and post-operative timepoints; the results are correlated with the stage of disease to shed light on the systemic immune statuses of CRC patients. Our data showed that patients’ DCs had lower co-stimulatory molecule expression and were less able to present antigens to allogeneic T cells compared to healthy controls’ (HC) DCs. Furthermore altered cytokine secretion, such as increased IL-10 and reduced IL-12 and TNF-α, was observed. At the post-operative timepoints we observed a recovery of the patients’ ability to generate immature DCs, compared to HCs, but the maturational capacity remained affected. Our study conclusively highlights the persistently impaired in vitro generation of fully mature and functional DCs, which appears to be more altered during advanced stages. This work sheds light on a dendritic cell-based tumor immune escape mechanism that could be useful for the development of more effective immunotherapeutic strategies.
Environmental Pollution: A Tangible Risk for NAFLD Pathogenesis
Authors: Arciello Mario , Gori Manuele , Maggio Roberta , Barbaro Barbara , Tarocchi Mirko , Galli Andrea , Balsano Clara
Published: November 2013

The liver is crucial for human life, and the health of this organ often mirrors the health of the individual. The liver can be the target of several diseases, the most prevalent of which, as a consequence of development and changes in human lifestyles, is the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is a multifactorial disease that embraces many histo-pathologic conditions and is highly linked to metabolic derangements. Technological progress and industrialization have also had the consequence of releasing pollutants in the environment, for instance pesticides or solvents, as well as by-products of discharge, such as the particulate matter. In the last decade, a growing body of evidence has emerged, shedding light on the potential impact of environmental pollutants on liver health and, in particular, on NAFLD occurrence. These contaminants have a great steatogenic potential and need to be considered as tangible NAFLD risk factors. There is an urgent need for a deeper comprehension of their molecular mechanisms of action, as well as for new lines of intervention to reduce their worldwide diffusion. This review wishes to sensitize the community to the effects of several environmental pollutants on liver health.
SEPT12-Microtubule Complexes Are Required for Sperm Head and Tail Formation
Authors: Kuo Pao-Lin , Chiang Han-Sun , Wang Ya-Yun , Kuo Yung-Che , Chen Mei-Feng , Yu I-Shing , Teng Yen-Ni , Lin Shu-Wha , Lin Ying-Hung
Published: November 2013

The septin gene belongs to a highly conserved family of polymerizing GTP-binding cytoskeletal proteins. SEPTs perform cytoskeletal remodeling, cell polarity, mitosis, and vesicle trafficking by interacting with various cytoskeletons. Our previous studies have indicated that SEPTIN12+/+/+/− chimeras with a SEPTIN12 mutant allele were infertile. Spermatozoa from the vas deferens of chimeric mice indicated an abnormal sperm morphology, decreased sperm count, and immotile sperm. Mutations and genetic variants of SEPTIN12 in infertility cases also caused oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia. We suggest that a loss of SEPT12 affects the biological function of microtublin functions and causes spermiogenesis defects. In the cell model, SEPT12 interacts with α- and β-tubulins by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP). To determine the precise localization and interactions between SEPT12 and α- and β-tubulins in vivo, we created SEPTIN12-transgene mice. We demonstrate how SEPT12 interacts and co-localizes with α- and β-tubulins during spermiogenesis in these mice. By using shRNA, the loss of SEPT12 transcripts disrupts α- and β-tubulin organization. In addition, losing or decreasing SEPT12 disturbs the morphogenesis of sperm heads and the elongation of sperm tails, the steps of which are coordinated and constructed by α- and β-tubulins, in SEPTIN12+/+/+/− chimeras. In this study, we discovered that the SEPTIN12-microtubule complexes are critical for sperm formation during spermiogenesis.
Influence of Curing on the Strength Development of Calcium-Containing Geopolymer Mortar
Authors: Li Xueying , Wang Zheng , Jiao Zhenzhen
Published: November 2013

This paper investigated the curing effects on the mechanical properties of calcium-containing geopolymer mortar. Three precursors are used: Class C fly ash, Class F fly ash plus calcium hydroxide and Class F fly ash plus slag. Curing conditions included: (1) standard curing at 20 ± 3 °C and RH 95% (C); (2) steam curing at 60 °C for 24 h (S); (3) steam curing at 60 °C for 6 h (S6); and (4) oven curing at 60 °C for 24 h (O), then the latter three followed by the standard curing. Under the standard conditions, the flexural strength and compressive strength of Class C fly ash geopolymer mortars developed quickly until the age of 7 days, followed by a gradual increase. Specimens with Class F fly ash plus Ca(OH)2 showed slow increase till the age of 28 days. Under these non-standard conditions (2–4), all specimens showed higher 3-day strength, while later strengths were either higher or lower than those in standard conditions, depending on the type of the precursor.
Vitamin K Status in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: McCabe Kristin , Adams Michael , Holden Rachel
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this review is to summarize the research to date on vitamin K status in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review includes a summary of the data available on vitamin K status in patients across the spectrum of CKD as well as the link between vitamin K deficiency in CKD and bone dynamics, including mineralization and demineralization, as well as ectopic mineralization. It also describes two current clinical trials that are underway evaluating vitamin K treatment in CKD patients. These data may inform future clinical practice in this population.
The Influence of Vitamin A Supplementation on Iron Status
Authors: Michelazzo Fernanda , Oliveira Julicristie , Stefanello Juliana , Luzia Liania , Rondó Patricia
Published: November 2013

Vitamin A (VA) and iron deficiencies are important nutritional problems, affecting particularly preschool children, as well as pregnant and lactating women. A PubMed (National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA) literature review was carried out to search for clinical trials published from 1992 to 2013 that assessed the influence of vitamin A supplementation on iron status. Simultaneous use of iron and vitamin A supplements seemed to be more effective to prevent iron deficiency anemia than the use of these micronutrients alone. Some studies did not include a placebo group and only a few of them assessed vitamin A status of the individuals at baseline. Moreover, the studies did not consider any inflammatory marker and a reasonable number of iron parameters. Another important limitation was the lack of assessment of hemoglobin variants, especially in regions with a high prevalence of anemia. Assessment of hemoglobin variants, inflammatory markers and anemia of chronic inflammation would be important to the studies investigated. Studies involving different populations are necessary to elucidate the interaction between the two micronutrients, especially regarding iron absorption and modulation of erythropoiesis.
Wild Food, Prices, Diets and Development: Sustainability and Food Security in Urban Cameroon
Authors: Sneyd Lauren
Published: November 2013

This article analyses wild food consumption in urban areas of Cameroon. Building upon findings from Cameroon’s Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis (CFSVA) this case study presents empirical data collected from 371 household and market surveys in Cameroonian cities. It employs the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food’s framework for understanding challenges related to the availability, accessibility, and adequacy of food. The survey data suggest that many wild/traditional foods are physically available in Cameroonian cities most of the time, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and insects. Cameroonians spend considerable sums of their food budget on wild foods. However, low wages and the high cost of city living constrain the social and economic access most people have to these foods. The data also suggest that imports of non-traditional staple foods, such as low cost rice, have increasingly priced potentially more nutritious or safe traditional local foods out of markets after the 2008 food price crisis. As a result, diets are changing in Cameroon as the resource-constrained population continues to resort to the coping strategy of eating cheaper imported foods such as refined rice or to eating less frequently. Cameroon’s nutrition transition continues to be driven by need and not necessarily by the preferences of Cameroonian consumers. The implications of this reality for sustainability are troubling.
Antibacterial and Antidiarrheal Activities of Plant Products against Enterotoxinogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Dubreuil J.
Published: November 2013

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) produces two types of enterotoxins: heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable (STa and STb). These molecules are involved in the induction of secretory diarrhea in animals including humans. This condition is currently treated using a fluid replacement therapy and antibiotics. This treatment is often not available to people in developing countries, and several die from the condition provoke by ETEC. Over the years, plants and plant extracts have been use as traditional medicine to treat various gastrointestinal ailments including diarrhea. Many of these plant products have been claimed to be active against diarrhea, however few have been extensively studied. The main objective of this review was to gather the scattered information on the antidiarrheal activities reported for various plant products on ETEC. This includes two major effects: (1) The inhibitory effect on bacterial growth or viability and (2) The interference with ETEC enterotoxins activity upon the intestinal epithelium. We will focus on plant products and extracts for which we have major indications of their biological activity against ETEC and their enterotoxins. Because Vibrio cholerae toxin (CT) is structurally, antigenically and mechanistically related to LT, it will also be discussed in this review.
Residents' Perceptions of the Inaugural Youth Olympic Games 2010: A Cluster Analysis
Authors: Chiam Michael , Cheng Elaine
Published: November 2013

The inaugural Youth Olympic Games 2010 was one of the major sporting events held in Singapore. It brought together 3,600 young athletes from 295 countries to compete in 26 sport events. Conducted during the Games, this study sought to evaluate the impact of the Games on local residents
by using a total of 34 impact statement items. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to categorize the impact statements under a smaller number of meaningful factors. Specifically, the impact statement items related to the positive impact were categorized under the following three factors:
Long-Term Social Benefits to Singapore, Tourism Benefits, and Economic Benefits. The impact statements pertaining to the negative impact were placed under the following three factors: Quality of Life, Social Behavior, and Preparation for the Games. A cluster analysis was also performed: there
were three clusters of residents—Enthusiasts, Enthusiasts With Reservations, and Skeptics. In general, residents were supportive of the Games and perceived the Games to have a positive impact on the country. But there are negative perceptions of the Games too, such as its negative impact
on the environment, the inconveniences created, and the disruptiveness to their lives.
Using Scenarios to Investigate Stakeholders' views on the Future of a Sporting Event
Authors: Moital Iguel , Jackson Caroline , Le Couillard Jenna
Published: November 2013

The aim of this research was to identify if the continuation of a sporting event was supported by its stakeholders and what their objectives were for its future. Using a methodology adapted from scenario planning, the research investigated if the stakeholders desired the event to grow,
and if so, in which areas and to what level. The finding was that the stakeholders supported its growth. They viewed the sporting event as being a small-scale to medium-scale event and saw it growing to become a medium- to large-scale event. A key finding was that the stakeholders had conflicting
views about its future features, and this was due to their varying backgrounds and objectives set for the event. The results of this research emphasize the need for both researchers and practitioners to be more fully aware of the similarities and differences in stakeholder objectives in a
dynamic, rather than static, environment.
Chalcone synthase family genes have redundant roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis and in response to blue/UV‐A light in turnip (Brassica rapa; Brassicaceae)
Authors: Zhou Bo , Wang Yu , Zhan Yaguang , Li Yuhua , Kawabata Saneyuki
Published: November 2013

• Premise of the study: The epidermis of Brassica rapa (turnip) cv. Tsuda contains light‐induced anthocyanins, visible signs of activity of chalcone synthase (CHS), a key anthocyanin biosynthetic enzyme, which is encoded by the CHS gene family. To elucidate the regulation of this light‐induced pigmentation, we isolated Brassica rapa CHS1–CHS6 (BrCHS1–CHS6) and characterized their cis‐elements and expression patterns.

• Methods: Epidermises of light‐exposed swollen hypocotyls (ESHS) were harvested to analyze transcription levels of BrCHS genes by real‐time PCR. Different promoters for the genes were inserted into tobacco to examine pCHS‐GUS activity by histochemistry. Yeast‐one‐hybridization was used to detect binding activity of BrCHS motifs to transcription factors.

• Key results: Transcript levels of BrCHS1, ‐4, and ‐5 and anthocyanin‐biosynthesis‐related genes F3H, DFR, and ANS were high, while those of BrCHS2, ‐3, and ‐6 were almost undetectable in pigmented ESHS. However, in leaves, CHS5, F3H, and ANS expression was higher than in nonpigmented ESHS, but transcription of DFR was not detected. In the analysis of BrCHS1 and BrCHS3 promoter activity, GUS activity was strong in pigmented flowers of BrPCHS1‐GUS‐transformed tobacco plants, but nearly absent in BrPCHS3‐GUS‐transformed plants. Transcript levels of regulators, BrMYB75 and BrTT8, were strongly associated with the anthocyanin content and were light‐induced. Coregulated cis‐elements were found in promoters of BrCHS1,‐4, and ‐5, and BrMYB75 and BrTT8 had high binding activities to the BrCHS Unit 1 motif.

• Conclusions: The chalcone synthase gene family encodes a redundant set of light‐responsive, tissue‐specific genes that are expressed at different levels and are involved in flavonoid biosynthesis in Tsuda turnip.
Development and evaluation of microsatellite markers for a native prairie perennial, Echinacea angustifolia (Asteraceae)
Authors: Ison Jennifer L. , Wagenius Stuart , Reitz Diedre , Ashley Mary V.
Published: November 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci for the native prairie perennial Echinacea angustifolia were developed and evaluated for future use in population structure and paternity studies.

• Methods and Results: A total of 50 trinucleotide microsatellite regions were identified though an enrichment protocol that prescreens for microsatellite repeats before ligating into a vector. Of these, 11 loci were polymorphic and in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in three populations with varying numbers of plants. The loci had between three and 14 alleles and collectively provided high paternity exclusion probabilities.

• Conclusions: These sets of microsatellite primers will provide researchers and land managers with valuable information on the population genetic structure and gene flow between fragmented prairie populations.
L'expérience de la domination : le cas des femmes victimes de violences conjugales en France
Authors: Baleato Valentine
Published: November 2013

En dépit des efforts publics et de la mobilisation sur le terrain de professionnels du travail social, force est de constater que beaucoup de femmes victimes de violences conjugales ne s’adressent à aucun dispositif destiné à leur venir en aide. Cet article se propose d’interroger les conditions sociales de possibilités pour ces femmes de dénoncer les violences subies de la part de leur conjoint, les conditions sociales d’émergence d’un discours étant intimement liées d’une part à la légitimité et à la compétence sociale du locuteur, et d’autre part aux conditions de réception du discours, alors même que les violences conjugales peuvent s’analyser comme une manifestation de rapports sociaux de domination consubstantiels.
Mariage forcé, violence physique, violence morale..., une réflexion à partir de jugements de nullité de mariage
Authors: Rude-Antoine Edwige
Published: November 2013

Nous examinons le consentement du mariage et la liberté des époux. À partir d’une étude des jugements de nullité de mariage, nous tentons de comprendre l’interprétation des juges de la notion de contrainte physique et morale. Nous analysons les conséquences des unions forcées : sentiment de honte, atteinte de la subjectivité mais aussi le traumatisme et les possibilités de résilience.
Violence conjugale : un modèle d'intervention sur le terrain
Authors: Giberti Eva
Published: November 2013

Le programme argentin « Les victimes “contre” la violence » propose un dispositif pluridisciplinaire d’intervention sur le terrain unique en son genre. Chaque unité « mobile » se compose d’une équipe constituée de psychologues et d’assistantes sociales d’orientation psychanalytique, ainsi que d’agents de police et d’avocates. L’auteure, responsable et créatrice du dispositif, présente dans cet article quelques réflexions cliniques sur la situation des victimes qui appellent le service mobile. Elle s’intéresse en particulier à celles qui demandent une intervention extérieure mais ne souhaitent ni porter plainte, ni quitter définitivement le domicile conjugal.
De l'intime et des intimités chez l'enfant
Authors: Jacob Alby Virginie
Published: November 2013

À l’heure du tout voir et du tout savoir, la place accordée à l’intime prend, paradoxalement, d’autant plus d’importance qu’elle désigne un espace fermé au regard ­de l’Autre et à celui du sujet sur lui-même. Or l’acte intime est celui par lequel le devenant humain se soutient de ce qui n’est pas encore l’inconscient mais qui le précède et détermine les conditions de son avènement. À ce stade, l’ infans doit prendre la parole, porté dans cet acte par ce que Pascal Quignard qualifie de « sonate maternelle ». Cette sonate maternelle, qui déterminerait la puissance de la pulsion invocante, se définit comme une amplitude narcissique originelle qui déplacerait l’avènement du trauma princeps du champ de la vue au champ de la voix. Selon notre hypothèse, c’est précisément dans cette souche originelle que se situe l’inscription primordiale du symbolique dans le réel, ceci selon les trois registres proposés par Jacques Lacan pour situer l’expérience humaine, soit le réel, le symbolique et l’imaginaire. C’est un temps où le sujet inscrit un rapport originel, intime et archaïque au signifiant.
ARTICLE RETIRÉ : « L'aller-vers » : entre érogénéité nécessaire et scénario pervers Mouvements et fantasmes de séduction dans la relation transférentielle avec les sans domicile fixe
Authors: Mathieu Franck , Moissinac Sandrine
Published: November 2013

La plus grande partie du travail d’accompagnement des sujets sans domicile fixe consiste à créer un lien suffisamment solide et durable avec ce public. En effet, la dynamique relationnelle des sujets SDF s’est désorganisée en réaction à un vide central dans la personnalité résultant des failles du lien primaire réactualisées par la violence de la scène sociale. La démarche dite de « l’aller-vers », qui imprègne les pratiques sociales, éducatives et cliniques centrées sur cette population, s’inscrit dans cette perspective en tentant de franchir les processus d’évitement qui caractérisent la relation. Cependant ce dispositif implique une part de « séduction » nécessaire à l’accroche du lien vers la construction progressive d’une demande, mais également susceptible d’affoler les désirs du sujet et de conduire à des situations d’impasse subjectives. À travers l’étude de la notion de séduction en psychanalyse, les auteurs se proposent d’éclairer cette face inconsciente de la relation d’accompagnement avec les sujets SDF .
Effet d'énonce Apocalypse et révélation
Authors: Reniers Dominique , Cousin Anne-Lise , Verclytte Pauline , Pinel Carole
Published: November 2013

Au-delà des représentations communes, l’apocalypse ne renvoie pas restrictivement à l’idée d’une fin du monde. Elle est avant tout « révélation » au sens d’un dévoilement de ce qui fondamentalement se réclame d’un voile pour prendre consistance. Se présente donc une proximité étonnante entre cette impression de fin du monde souvent entendue de la part de patients à qui un diagnostic létal est annoncé, et l’annonce même de ce diagnostic. On tente de montrer ici qu’au-delà d’un informatif se réclamant d’un savoir plein, qui exclut ce qui peut se dire du sujet, la vérité garde son plein droit de séance. Elle est d’ailleurs d’autant plus bruyamment exigée qu’elle se confond avec le savoir, par le patient autant que par le médecin. C’est en cela qu’elle trouve sa seule place au niveau du sujet dans une parole qu’il revient au clinicien d’entendre au-delà de son simple énoncé.
« La guerre, toujours » Rêver le réel
Authors: Benvenuto Sergio
Published: November 2013

Dans cet essai l’auteur part d’un rêve de Primo Levi, concernant son expérience à Auschwitz, pour s’interroger sur la théorie freudienne du rêve ; une théorie que, à la différence de Popper, il considère réfutable. Il pense que la théorie de Freud dans son ensemble est basée sur un présupposé fondamental : que l’être humain trouve dans die Lust (à la fois désir et jouissance) son essence, et que donc tout dans sa vie – y compris les rêves – expriment cette essence. L’auteur, en se référant à des écrits de Freud et à des exemples artistiques et littéraires (les tableaux « Et in Arcadia Ego », La métamorphose de Kafka), cherche à montrer dans quel sens la recherche apparente de souffrance lie l’être humain au souci du réel, et donc à la reconnaissance de sa propre mort. Ce qui implique que l’inconscient n’est pas simplement l’effet d’une machine à jouir, mais qu’il exprime aussi le tropisme humain pour le réel.
Van Gogh, le sans nom
Authors: Prieto Graciela
Published: November 2013

Dès 1958, Lacan soutient que le défaut du Nom-du-Père peut être suppléé dans sa fonction de capitonnage. À la fin de son enseignement, l’introduction du nœud borroméen comme écriture d’une logique ternaire permet de cerner au plus près la question de la construction d’un Sinthome dans la psychose. Le cas de Van Gogh nous permettra d’aborder un des aspects de cette question, celui des conditions nécessaires à sa construction et à sa subsistance.
An Alanine-to-Proline Mutation in the BB-Loop of TLR3 Toll/IL-1R Domain Switches Signalling Adaptor Specificity from TRIF to MyD88
Authors: Verstak Brett , Arnot Christopher J. , Gay Nicholas J.
Published: November 2013

A functionally important proline residue is highly conserved in the cytosolic Toll/IL-1R signaling domains of human TLRs. The antiviral Toll, TLR3, is unusual because it has alanine instead of proline at this position and is the only human TLR that associates directly with the adaptor molecule TIR domain–containing adaptor inducing IFN-β (TRIF) rather than MyD88. In this article, we report that a mutant TLR3 that substitutes the BB-loop alanine for proline (A795P) enhances NF-κB activation but is incapable of mediating TRIF-dependent IFN response factor 3 responses. Wild-type and A795P TLR3 associate constitutively with both TRIF and MyD88, and activation induces additional binding of TRIF to the wild-type and of MyD88 to the A795P mutant receptors, respectively. In addition, activation of A795P, but not wild-type TLR3, leads to the recruitment of TRAF6, a downstream signal transducer of the MyD88-dependent pathway. These results show that adaptor specificity can be conferred by minimal determinants of the Toll/IL-1R domain.
CD55 Costimulation Induces Differentiation of a Discrete T Regulatory Type 1 Cell Population with a Stable Phenotype
Authors: Sutavani Ruhcha V. , Bradley Richard G. , Ramage Judith M. , Jackson Andrew M. , Durrant Lindy G. , Spendlove Ian
Published: November 2013

Unlike other helper T cells, the costimulatory ligands responsible for T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cell differentiation remain undefined. Understanding the molecular interactions driving peripheral Tr1 differentiation is important because Tr1s potently regulate immune responses by IL-10 production. In this study, we show that costimulation of human naive CD4+ cells through CD97/CD55 interaction drives Tr1 activation, expansion, and function. T cell activation and expansion was equipotent with CD55 or CD28 costimulation; however, CD55 costimulation resulted in two IL-10–secreting populations. Most IL-10 was secreted by the minor Tr1 population (IL-10highIFN-γ−IL-4-, <5% cells) that expresses Tr1 markers CD49b, LAG-3, and CD226. This Tr1 phenotype was not restimulated by CD28. However, on CD55 restimulation, Tr1s proliferated and maintained their differentiated IL-10high phenotype. The Tr1s significantly suppressed effector T cell function in an IL-10–dependent manner. The remaining (>95%) cells adopted a Th1-like IFN-γ+ phenotype. However, in contrast to CD28-derived Th1s, CD55-derived Th1s demonstrated increased plasticity with the ability to coexpress IL-10 when restimulated through CD55 or CD28. These data identify CD55 as a novel costimulator of human Tr1s and support a role for alternative costimulatory pathways in determining the fate of the growing number of T helper populations. This study demonstrates that CD55 acts as a potent costimulator and activator of human naive CD4+ cells, resulting in the differentiation of a discrete Tr1 population that inhibits T cell function in an IL-10–dependent manner and maintains the Tr1 phenotype upon restimulation.
GANP Interacts with APOBEC3G and Facilitates Its Encapsidation into the Virions To Reduce HIV-1 Infectivity
Authors: Maeda Kazuhiko , Almofty Sarah Ameen , Singh Shailendra Kumar , Eid Mohammed Mansour Abbas , Shimoda Mayuko , Ikeda Terumasa , Koito Atsushi , Pham Phuong , Goodman Myron F. , Sakaguchi Nobuo
Published: November 2013

The ssDNA-dependent deoxycytidine deaminase apolipoprotein B mRNA–editing, enzyme-catalytic, polypeptide-like 3G (A3G) is a potent restrictive factor against HIV-1 virus lacking viral-encoded infectivity factor (Vif) in CD4+ T cells. A3G antiretroviral activity requires its encapsulation into HIV-1 virions. In this study, we show that germinal center–associated nuclear protein (GANP) is induced in activated CD4+ T cells and physically interacts with A3G. Overexpression of GANP augments the A3G encapsidation into the virion-like particles and ΔVif HIV-1 virions. GANP is encapsidated in HIV-1 virion and modulates A3G packaging into the cores together with cellular RNAs, including 7SL RNA, and with unspliced HIV-1 genomic RNA. GANP upregulation leads to a significant increase in A3G-catalyzed G→A hypermutation in the viral genome and suppression of HIV-1 infectivity in a single-round viral infection assay. Conversely, GANP knockdown caused a marked increase in HIV-1 infectivity in a multiple-round infection assay. The data suggest that GANP is a cellular factor that facilitates A3G encapsidation into HIV-1 virions to inhibit viral infectivity.
Thymic Development of Autoreactive T Cells in NOD Mice Is Regulated in an Age-Dependent Manner
Authors: He Qiuming , Morillon Y. Maurice , Spidale Nicholas A. , Kroger Charles J. , Liu Bo , Sartor R. Balfour , Wang Bo , Tisch Roland
Published: November 2013

Inefficient thymic negative selection of self-specific T cells is associated with several autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes. The factors that influence the efficacy of thymic negative selection, as well as the kinetics of thymic output of autoreactive T cells remain ill-defined. We investigated thymic production of β cell–specific T cells using a thymus-transplantation model. Thymi from different aged NOD mice, representing distinct stages of type 1 diabetes, were implanted into NOD.scid recipients, and the diabetogenicity of the resulting T cell pool was examined. Strikingly, the development of diabetes-inducing β cell–specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was regulated in an age-dependent manner. NOD.scid recipients of newborn NOD thymi developed diabetes. However, recipients of thymi from 7- and 10-d-old NOD donor mice remained diabetes-free and exhibited a progressive decline in islet infiltration and β cell–specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. A similar temporal decrease in autoimmune infiltration was detected in some, but not all, tissues of recipient mice implanted with thymi from NOD mice lacking expression of the autoimmune regulator transcription factor, which develop multiorgan T cell–mediated autoimmunity. In contrast, recipients of 10 d or older thymi lacked diabetogenic T cells but developed severe colitis marked by increased effector T cells reactive to intestinal microbiota. These results demonstrate that thymic development of autoreactive T cells is limited to a narrow time window and occurs in a reciprocal manner compared with colonic microbiota–responsive T cells in NOD mice.
Bilateral Tubulocystic Renal Cell Carcinomas in Diabetic End-Stage Renal Disease: First Case Report with Cytogenetic and Ultrastructural Studies
Authors: Kong Max Xiangtian , Hale Christopher , Subietas-Mayol Antonio , Lee Peng , Cassai Nicholas D. , McRae Gerald , Goldfarb David S. , Zhou Ming , Wieczorek Rosemary
Published: November 2013

Tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma (TC-RCC) is a rare renal tumor composed of well-differentiated tubules and cysts lined by neoplastic cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and prominent nucleoli. The origin of the tumor cells is still controversial. TC-RCC typically arises unilaterally. Involvement of both kidneys by multifocal TC-RCC has not been reported. In this study we report the first case of bilateral and multifocal TC-RCC. Immunohistochemical, cytogenetic and ultrastructural studies suggest TC-RCC is closely related to papillary RCC.
Unexpected benefits and potential therapeutic opportunities of tension free vaginal tape for stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Madhu Chendrimada , Harber Penelope , Holmes David
Published: November 2013

Urinary incontinence is a debilitating problem in women with significant effects on quality of life. The tension free vaginal tape (TVT) improves urinary symptoms and achieves a high rate of patient satisfaction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of TVT on vaginal symptoms, pelvic floor function and in turn quality of life. We hypothesize that the TVT is associated with an improvement in pelvic floor function. A prospective questionnaire- based analysis was conducted over a period of ten months in patients undergoing the TVT procedure. The International Consul - tation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire - Vaginal Symptoms questionnaire was used to evaluate the vaginal symptoms pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively. The results were compared to assess for any significant differences. A total of 31 patients were recruited for the study. There was a statistically significant improvement in vaginal symptoms score at 6 months in women undergoing TVT along with an improvement in urinary symptoms. This study suggests a positive impact of TVT insertion on vaginal symptomatology, which is an exciting prospect influencing patient counseling for treatment options of urinary stress incontinence. This finding may have an impact on performing concomitant surgeries for stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. There is a need for further large–scale research to explore this aspect of unexpected benefit from the TVT.
Cyprus Crustal Study Project: Initial Report, Holes Cy - 1 and 1a
Authors: Gibson I L , Mapas J , Robinson P T , Xenophontos C
Published: November 2013

A 2 km-deep research borehole (CY-1) was planned as part of the Cyprus Crustal Study Project (CCSP) to sample the lavas and upper sheeted dykes of the Troodos ophiolite. This hole was spudded at the top of the lava pile in the Akaki Canyon, about 1 km north of
the village of Malounda. Specific questions to be addressed included: (1) What is the structure of the extrusive section and how does it vary with depth? (2) What geochemical variations exist in the Troodos lavas? (3) How does alteration of the lavas and dykes vary with depth? (4) What is the nature
of the lava-dyke transition? and (5) How do the physical and magnetic properties of the lavas and dykes vary with depth? Hole CY-1, drilled in the summer of 1982, penetrated 485 m into the lavas before being terminated due to poor hole conditions. Subsequently, an offset hole (CY-1 A), was drilled
in 1984 and 1985 to sample the lower part of the lavas and upper sheeted dykes. This hole penetrated 700m before being terminated due to high water pressure. These two holes, coupled with associated field studies, provided a three-dimensional picture of the upper part of the ophiolite. Studies of
the core material and field samples are detailed in the accompanying papers.
The 1996 summer Charlevoix field experiment: data acquisition and processing
Authors: Lamontagne M , Wetmiller R J , Asudeh I
Published: November 2013

From mid-June to mid-November 1996, an extended micro-earthquake field survey was conducted in the Charlevoix Seismic Zone, the most seismically active area of eastern Canada. The region is permanently monitored by a local network of 7 digital three-component
seismograph stations. Eight additional stations were deployed during the field survey. A total of 6 three-component PRS-4 digital stations (running in trigger mode and recording at 200 samples/sec) and 2 MEQ-800 stations (2-day records) were deployed at sites on the north shore of the St. Lawrence
River. With some remote supervision, a local resident successfully accomplished the required servicing of the PRS-4s using the seismicity mode of the LithoSEIS software. Based on experience gained in previous field experiments, triggering was set to occur on enhanced ground vibrations in the 40 to
50 Hz frequency band. On average between 20 and 30 events were recorded each month, the largest one magnitude mblg 3.3. Events of magnitude mblg 2.0 or greater triggered all portable seismographs whereas smaller events caused fewer triggers, generally as a function of epicentral distance or local
background noise. The diskettes of field data were sent to Ottawa by courier where they were converted to a standard GSC format completely compatible with routine analysis of eastern Canadian seismicity. This report describes the field operations and data handling and should prove useful to for
future users of the data and planners of similar field surveys.
Investigating temperature breaks in the summer fruit export cold chain: A case study
Authors: Freiboth Heinri W. , Goedhals-Gerber Leila , Van Dyk F. Esbeth , Dodd Malcolm C.
Published: November 2013

There is concern in the South African fruit industry that a large amount of fruit and money is lost every season due to breaks in the fruit export cold chain. The possibility of a large percentage of losses in a significant sector of the economy warranted further investigation. This article attempted to highlight some of the possible problem areas in the cold chain, from the cold store to the port, by analysing historic temperature data from different fruit export supply chains of apples, pears and grapes. In addition, a trial shipment of apples was used to investigate temperature variation between different pallets in the same container. This research has added value to the South African fruit industry by identifying the need to improve operational procedures in the cold chain.
Objectively Measured Sleep Patterns in Young Adult Women and the Relationship to Adiposity
Authors: Bailey Bruce W. , Allen Matthew D. , LeCheminant James D. , Tucker Larry A. , Errico William K. , Christensen William F. , Hill Marshall D.
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep patterns and adiposity in young adult women.

Design.

Cross-sectional.

Setting.

The study took place at two Mountain West region universities and surrounding communities.

Subjects.

Subjects were 330 young adult women (20.2 ± 1.5 years).

Measures.

Sleep and physical activity were monitored for 7 consecutive days and nights using actigraphy. Height and weight were measured directly. Adiposity was assessed using the BOD POD.

Analysis.

Regression analysis, between subjects analysis of variance, and structural equation modeling were used.

Results.

Bivariate regression analysis demonstrated that sleep efficiency was negatively related to adiposity and that the 7-day standard deviations of bedtime, wake time, and sleep duration were positively related to adiposity (p < .05). Controlling for objectively measured physical activity strengthened the relationship between sleep duration and adiposity by 84% but had a statistically negligible impact on all other relationships that were analyzed. However, multivariate structural equation modeling indicated that a model including sleep efficiency, sleep pattern inconsistency (latent variable consisting of the 7-day standard deviations of bedtime, wake time, and sleep duration), and physical activity was the best for predicting percent body fat.

Conclusion.

Inconsistent sleep patterns and poor sleep efficiency are related to adiposity. Consistent sleep patterns that include sufficient sleep may be important in modifying risk of excess body fat in young adult women.
A Multilevel Model of Organizational Health Culture and the Effectiveness of Health Promotion
Authors: Lin Yea-Wen , Lin Yueh-Ysen
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

Organizational health culture is a health-oriented core characteristic of the organization that is shared by all members. It is effective in regulating health-related behavior for employees and could therefore influence the effectiveness of health promotion efforts among organizations and employees. This study applied a multilevel analysis to verify the effects of organizational health culture on the organizational and individual effectiveness of health promotion.

Design.

At the organizational level, we investigated the effect of organizational health culture on the organizational effectiveness of health promotion. At the individual level, we adopted a cross-level analysis to determine if organizational health culture affects employee effectiveness through the mediating effect of employee health behavior.

Setting.

The study setting consisted of the workplaces of various enterprises.

Subjects.

We selected 54 enterprises in Taiwan and surveyed 20 full-time employees from each organization, for a total sample of 1011 employees.

Measures.

We developed the Organizational Health Culture Scale to measure employee perceptions and aggregated the individual data to formulate organization-level data. Organizational effectiveness of health promotion included four dimensions: planning effectiveness, production, outcome, and quality, which were measured by scale or objective indicators. The Health Promotion Lifestyle Scale was adopted for the measurement of health behavior. Employee effectiveness was measured subjectively in three dimensions: self-evaluated performance, altruism, and happiness.

Analysis.

Following the calculation of descriptive statistics, hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to test the multilevel hypotheses.

Results.

Organizational health culture had a significant effect on the planning effectiveness (β = .356, p < .05) and production (β = .359, p < .05) of health promotion. In addition, results of cross-level moderating effect analysis by HLM demonstrated that the effects of organizational health culture on three dimensions of employee effectiveness were completely mediated by health behavior.

Conclusion.

The construct connections established in this multilevel model will help in the construction of health promotion theories. The findings remind business executives that organizational health culture and employee health behavior help improve employee effectiveness.
PACES: A Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports Audit on University Campuses
Authors: Horacek Tanya M. , White Adrienne A. , Byrd-Bredbenner Carol , Reznar Melissa M. , Olfert Melissa D. , Morrell Jesse S. , Koenings Mallory M. , Brown Onikia N. , Shelnutt Karla P. , Kattelmann Kendra K. , Greene Geoffrey W. , Colby Sarah E. , Thompson-Snyder Carrie A.
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

This study evaluated the policy and built and recreation environmental supports for physical activity on 13 university campuses.

Design.

Environmental audit survey.

Setting.

Thirteen U.S. universities, 2009.

Subjects.

University policies, recreation programs and facilities, and at least five additional buildings per campus.

Measures.

The Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports Audit was developed for this study.

Analysis.

Analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey's B and χ2 assessed differences by institution and building type.

Results.

The mean obesogenic policy score was significantly lower than the desired score, ≥ 7 (p = .002), with only one campus scoring 10. The mean built environment audit score (5.4 ± 1.7) was low, with significant differences between institutions (p < .001) and only three campuses scoring above the desired score, ≥ 7. Although generally stairwells were clean and well lighted, there was a lack of signage to encourage stair use (p < .001). Overall, recreation programs (7.1 ± .7) and facilities (7.1 ± 1.2) scored well, but amenities scores were lower for satellite (2.8 ± 1.6) versus main (4.1 ± 1.8) recreation facilities (p = .04).

Conclusion.

On these 13 university campuses, recreation programs and facilities were supportive of healthful lifestyles for obesity prevention, but policies and the built environment were not. This physical activity environmental audit survey requires testing in a wider sample of postsecondary institutions to corroborate its utility and provide evidence to support initiatives to improve campus environments for physical activity.