bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Important Role of Blood and Lymphatic Vessels in Inflammation and Allergy
Authors: Zgraggen Silvana , Ochsenbein Alexandra M. , Detmar Michael
Published: January 2013

Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, the growth of new vessels from preexisting ones, have received increasing interest due to their role in tumor growth and metastatic spread. However, vascular remodeling, associated with vascular hyperpermeability, is also a key feature of many chronic inflammatory diseases including asthma, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The major drivers of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are vascular endothelial growth factor- (VEGF-)A and VEGF-C, activating specific VEGF receptors on the lymphatic and blood vascular endothelium. Recent experimental studies found potent anti-inflammatory responses after targeted inhibition of activated blood vessels in models of chronic inflammatory diseases. Importantly, our recent results indicate that specific activation of lymphatic vessels reduces both acute and chronic skin inflammation. Thus, antiangiogenic and prolymphangiogenic therapies might represent a new approach to treat chronic inflammatory disorders, including those due to chronic allergic inflammation.
A Rendezvous Protocol with the Heterogeneous Spectrum Availability Analysis for Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Romaszko Sylwia
Published: January 2013

In cognitive radio ad hoc networks, a frequently changing environment, varying channel occupancy statistics, and heterogeneous spectrum availability result in a need to meet on a common channel and to initiate a communication. This process of two or more CRs, meeting each other in the same channel, is called a rendezvous (RDV). RDV is essential for establishment of a communication link. Hence, methods guaranteeing that all nodes meet periodically in reasonable periods of time should be developed. In this study, we evaluate a torus Quorum System (QS) and Difference Set (DS) based rendezvous protocol in an asymmetric channel view case (heterogeneous channel availability). Regardless of the diversity of channels of CRs the protocol guarantees RDV on either all channels or almost all channels. Furthermore, the nodes meet multiple times on different channels in a period, which increases the chance of successful establishment of a communication link.
Kinematic Analysis of Gait in the Second and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy
Authors: Branco Marco , Santos-Rocha Rita , Aguiar Liliana , Vieira Filomena , Veloso António
Published: January 2013

The kinematic analysis of gait during pregnancy provides more information about the anatomical changes and contributes to exercise and rehabilitation prescription. The purposes were to quantify the lower limb kinematics of gait and to compare it between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and with a control group. A three-dimensional analysis was performed in twenty-two pregnant women and twelve nonpregnant. Repeated Measures and Manova tests were performed for comparisons between trimesters and between pregnant and controls. The walking speed, stride width, right-/left-step time, cycle time and time of support, and flight phases remain unchanged between trimesters and between pregnant and controls. Stride and right-/left-step lengths decreased between trimesters. Double limb support time increased between trimesters, and it increased when compared with controls. Joint kinematics showed a significant decrease of right-hip extension and adduction during stance phase between trimesters and when compared with controls. Also, an increase in left-knee flexion and a decrease in right-ankle plantarflexion were found between trimesters. The results suggested that pregnant women need to maintain greater stability of body and to become more efficient in locomotion. Further data from the beginning of pregnancy anthropometric data may contribute to the analysis.
Different Impacts of Metabolic Syndrome Components on Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hsu Chung-Hua
Published: January 2013

Objective.To examine the different impacts of MS components on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.Methods.A number of subjects (144) who met the criteria of (1) age between 30 and 75 years, (2) had type 2 diabetes for more than one year, and (3) taking gliclazide and metformin for more than 6 months were enrolled. All subjects were assigned to one of the four HOMA index categories. The HOMA index quartile 4 denotes the highest insulin resistance. The main outcome evaluated is the odds ratios (ORs) of different MS components on HOMA index quartile 4. The characteristics in HOMA index quartiles and groups of nonmetabolic syndrome (NMS; number of components < 2), metabolic syndrome A (MSA; number of components = 2), and metabolic syndrome B (MSB; number of components > 2) were also evaluated.Results.The results showed that both MSA and MSB groups had higher ORs (5.9 and 13.8 times, resp.) than the NMS group; and that subjects with large waist circumference (LWC) and high triglyceride (HTG) level have higher ORs (6.1 and 2.6 times, resp.) in developing higher insulin resistance than normal control subjects.Conclusion.Type 2 diabetic patients with greater number of MS components have higher ORs in developing increased insulin resistance.
Gynostemma pentaphyllumTea Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Huyen V. T. T. , Phan D. V. , Thang P. , Hoa N. K. , Östenson C. G.
Published: January 2013

Aims. To evaluate the effect of the traditional Vietnamese herbGynostemma pentaphyllumtea on insulin sensitivity in drug-naïve type 2 diabetic patients.Methods. Patients received GP or placebo tea 6 g daily for four weeks and vice versa with a 2-week wash-out period. At the end of each period, a somatostatin-insulin-glucose infusion test (SIGIT) was performed to evaluate the insulin sensitivity. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG),HbA1C, and oral glucose tolerance tests and insulin levels were measured before, during, and after the treatment.Results. FPG and steady-state plasma glucose (SIGIT mean) were lower after GP treatment compared to placebo treatment (P<0.001). The levels of FPG in the control group were slightly reduced to0.2±1.5versus1.9±1.0 mmol/L in GP group (P<0.001), and the effect on FPG was reversed after exchanging treatments. The glycometabolic improvements were achieved without any major change of circulating insulin levels. There were no changes in lipids, body measurements, blood pressure, and no reported hypoglycemias or acute adverse effects regarding kidney and liver parameters.Conclusion. The results of this study suggested that the GP tea exerted antidiabetic effect by improving insulin sensitivity.
On the Variability of Neural Network Classification Measures in the Protein Secondary Structure Prediction Problem
Authors: Sakk Eric , Alexander Ayanna
Published: January 2013

We revisit the protein secondary structure prediction problem using linear and backpropagation neural network architectures commonly applied in the literature. In this context, neural network mappings are constructed between protein training set sequences and their assigned structure classes in order to analyze the class membership of test data and associated measures of significance. We present numerical results demonstrating that classifier performance measures can vary significantly depending upon the classifier architecture and the structure class encoding technique. Furthermore, an analytic formulation is introduced in order to substantiate the observed numerical data. Finally, we analyze and discuss the ability of the neural network to accurately model fundamental attributes of protein secondary structure.
Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of a Super-High-Speed Circumferential-Flux Hysteresis Motor
Authors: Halvaei Niasar A. , Zare M. , Moghbelli H.
Published: January 2013

There is an interest in super-high-speed motors in industry applications such as gyroscope, micro gas turbines, centrifuge, machine tool spindle drives, and information storage disk drives. This paper presents the dynamic performance characteristics of hysteresis motors using a Matlab/Simulink software. A nonlinear mathematical model based on ad-qaxis theory in the rotor reference frame is applied to study the starting and synchronization processes of a hysteresis machine with a circumferential-flux-type rotor. The steady-state and transient responses of the motor to different changes such as the variation in the load torque are provided. The calculation method of the motor parameters in dynamic modeling based on a steady-state model of the motor is presented. The simulation results such as the current,the input power, and power factor are compared with some experimental results in steady-state condition.
CUL3andNRF2Mutations Confer an NRF2 Activation Phenotype in a Sporadic Form of Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ooi Aikseng , Dykema Karl , Ansari Asif , Petillo David , Snider John , Kahnoski Richard , Anema John , Craig David , Carpten John , Teh Bin-Tean , Furge Kyle A.
Published: January 2013

Sustained activation of the stress-regulated transcription factor NRF2 (NFE2L2) is a prominent feature of many types of cancer, implying that mutations driving NRF2 may be important to tumor progression. In hereditary type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC2, also known as hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer), NRF2 activation is a direct consequence of the accumulation of intracellular fumarate, a result of fumarate hydratase (FH) inactivation, but it is not clear how NRF2 may be activated in sporadic forms of PRCC2. Here we show that somatic mutations in NRF2, CUL3, and SIRT1 are responsible for driving the NRF2 activation phenotype in sporadic PRCC2. Transcriptome sequencing revealed the expression pattern of mutant alleles of NRF2, CUL3, and SIRT1 and also confirmed NRF2 activation in clinical specimens. Our results show a convergence in somatic mutations in sporadic PRCC2 with FH mutation in hereditary PRCC2. Cancer Res; 73(7); 2044–51. ©2013 AACR.
Anti-CD20 Antibody Promotes Cancer Escape via Enrichment of Tumor-Evoked Regulatory B Cells Expressing Low Levels of CD20 and CD137L
Authors: Bodogai Monica , Lee Chang Catalina , Wejksza Katarzyna , Lai Jinping , Merino Maria , Wersto Robert P. , Gress Ronald E. , Chan Andrew C. , Hesdorffer Charles , Biragyn Arya
Published: January 2013

The possible therapeutic benefits of B-cell depletion in combating tumoral immune escape have been debated. In support of this concept, metastasis of highly aggressive 4T1 breast cancer cells in mice can be abrogated by inactivation of tumor-evoked regulatory B cells (tBreg). Here, we report the unexpected finding that B-cell depletion by CD20 antibody will greatly enhance cancer progression and metastasis. Both murine and human tBregs express low levels of CD20 and, as such, anti-CD20 mostly enriches for these cells. In the 4T1 model of murine breast cancer, this effect of enriching for tBregs suggests that B-cell depletion by anti-CD20 may not be beneficial at all in some cancers. In contrast, we show that in vivo–targeted stimulation of B cells with CXCL13-coupled CpG oligonucleotides (CpG-ODN) can block cancer metastasis by inhibiting CD20Low tBregs. Mechanistic investigations suggested that CpG-ODN upregulates low surface levels of 4-1BBL on tBregs to elicit granzyme B–expressing cytolytic CD8+ T cells, offering some explanative power for the effect. These findings underscore the immunotherapeutic importance of tBreg inactivation as a strategy to enhance cancer therapy by targeting both the regulatory and activating arms of the immune system in vivo. Cancer Res; 73(7); 2127–38. ©2013 AACR.
A Phase I/II Trial of Pazopanib in Combination with Lapatinib in Adult Patients with Relapsed Malignant Glioma
Authors: Reardon David A. , Groves Morris D. , Wen Patrick Y. , Nabors Louis , Mikkelsen Tom , Rosenfeld Steve , Raizer Jeffrey , Barriuso Jorge , McLendon Roger E. , Suttle A. Benjamin , Ma Bo , Curtis C. Martin , Dar Mohammed M. , de Bono Johann
Published: January 2013

Purpose: Increased mitogenic signaling and angiogenesis, frequently facilitated by somatic activation of EGF receptor (EGFR; ErbB1) and/or loss of PTEN, and VEGF overexpression, respectively, drive malignant glioma growth. We hypothesized that patients with recurrent glioblastoma would exhibit differential antitumor benefit based on tumor PTEN/EGFRvIII status when treated with the antiangiogenic agent pazopanib and the ErbB inhibitor lapatinib.

Experimental Design: A phase II study evaluated the antitumor activity of pazopanib 400 mg/d plus lapatinib 1,000 mg/d in patients with grade 4 malignant glioma and known PTEN/EGFRvIII status not receiving enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants (EIAC). The phase II study used a two-stage Green–Dahlberg design for futility. An independent, parallel phase I component determined the maximum-tolerated regimen (MTR) of pazopanib and lapatinib in patients with grade 3/4 glioma receiving EIACs.

Results: The six-month progression-free survival (PFS) rates in phase II (n = 41) were 0% and 15% in the PTEN/EGFRvIII-positive and PTEN/EGFRvIII-negative cohorts, respectively, leading to early termination. Two patients (5%) had a partial response and 14 patients (34%) had stable disease lasting 8 or more weeks. In phase I (n = 34), the MTR was not reached. On the basis of pharmacokinetic and safety review, a regimen of pazopanib 600 mg plus lapatinib 1,000 mg, each twice daily, was considered safe. Concomitant EIACs reduced exposure to pazopanib and lapatinib.

Conclusions: The antitumor activity of this combination at the phase II dose tested was limited. Pharmacokinetic data indicated that exposure to lapatinib was subtherapeutic in the phase II evaluation. Evaluation of intratumoral drug delivery and activity may be essential for hypothesis-testing trials with targeted agents in malignant glioma. Clin Cancer Res; 19(4); 900–8. ©2012 AACR.
Expansion of CCR8+ Inflammatory Myeloid Cells in Cancer Patients with Urothelial and Renal Carcinomas
Authors: Eruslanov Evgeniy , Stoffs Taryn , Kim Wan-Ju , Daurkin Irina , Gilbert Scott M. , Su Li-Ming , Vieweg Johannes , Daaka Yehia , Kusmartsev Sergei
Published: January 2013

Purpose: Chemokines are involved in cancer-related inflammation and malignant progression. In this study, we evaluated expression of CCR8 and its natural cognate ligand CCL1 in patients with urothelial carcinomas of bladder and renal cell carcinomas.

Experimental Design: We examined CCR8 expression in peripheral blood and tumor tissues from patients with bladder and renal carcinomas. CCR8-positive myeloid cells were isolated from cancer tissues with magnetic beads and tested in vitro for cytokine production and ability to modulate T-cell function.

Results: We show that monocytic and granulocytic myeloid cell subsets in peripheral blood of patients with cancer with urothelial and renal carcinomas display increased expression of chemokine receptor CCR8. Upregulated expression of CCR8 is also detected within human cancer tissues and primarily limited to tumor-associated macrophages. When isolated, CD11b+CCR8+ cell subset produces the highest levels of proinflammatory and proangiogenic factors among intratumoral CD11b myeloid cells. Tumor-infiltrating CD11b+CCR8+ cells selectively display activated Stat3 and are capable of inducing FoxP3 expression in autologous T lymphocytes. Primary human tumors produce substantial amounts of the natural CCR8 ligand CCL1.

Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence that CCR8+ myeloid cell subset is expanded in patients with cancer. Elevated secretion of CCL1 by tumors and increased presence of CCR8+ myeloid cells in peripheral blood and cancer tissues indicate that CCL1/CCR8 axis is a component of cancer-related inflammation and may contribute to immune evasion. Obtained results also implicate that blockade of CCR8 signals may provide an attractive strategy for therapeutic intervention in human urothelial and renal cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 19(7); 1670–80. ©2013 AACR.
Effective Anti-Neu–Initiated Antitumor Responses Require the Complex Role of CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Mortenson Eric D. , Park SaeGwang , Jiang Zhujun , Wang Shengdian , Fu Yang-Xin
Published: January 2013

Purpose: Targeting oncogenic receptors with antibodies has been thought to suppress tumor growth mainly by interrupting oncogenic signals. Recently, the essential role for adaptive immunity, and CD8+ T cells in particular, has been established as a major factor for anti-HER2/neu–mediated tumor regression. However, the role of CD4+ T cells is still being defined. The purpose of this study was to explore whether and to what extent CD4+ T cells are involved in mediating the effects of anti-HER2/neu therapy.

Experimental Design: The role of CD4+ T cells was examined using a transplant model of the rat HER2/neu–overexpressing cell line TUBO. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with anti-neu therapy in conjunction with CD4 depletion or CD40L blockade. The effects of CD4 depletion on the antitumor response were examined by tumor growth analysis and enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT).

Results: In addition to CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells are also essential for anti-neu antibody-mediated tumor regression, but B cells are not required. The role for CD4+ cells is necessary throughout anti-neu therapy and not limited to helping CD8+ T cells. Expression of IFN-γ is necessary for anti-neu therapy and IFN-γ induces MHC-II expression in TUBO cells promoting direct recognition by CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, intratumoral depletion of CD4+ T cells or blockade of the activating cell-surface protein CD40L inhibits the antitumor response.

Conclusions: This study reveals the essential role of CD4+ T cell for anti-neu–mediated tumor regression. Clin Cancer Res; 19(6); 1476–86. ©2013 AACR.
Significance of Divergent Expression of Prostaglandin EP4 and EP3 Receptors in Human Prostate Cancer
Authors: Huang Hosea F. S. , Shu Ping , Murphy Thomas F. , Aisner Seena , Fitzhugh Valerie A. , Jordan Mark L.
Published: January 2013

PGE2 has been implicated in prostate cancer tumorigenesis. We hypothesized that abnormal prostaglandin receptor (EPR) expression may contribute to prostate cancer growth. Twenty-six archived radical prostatectomy specimens were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting for the expression of EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4. As a corollary, EPR expression in one normal (PZ-HPV7) and four prostate cancer cell lines (CA-HPV10, LNCaP, PC3, and Du145) were assessed by Western blotting. Prostate cancer and normal cell growth were compared in vitro after EPR blockade, siRNA EPR knockdown, or overexpression. EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 receptors were detected by IHC in all areas of benign tissue within the clinical prostate cancer specimens. In areas of prostate cancer, EP4 and EP2 were overexpressed in 85% (22 of 26) and 75% (18 of 24) and EP3 expression was reduced in all (26 of 26, 100%) specimens (P < 0.05 vs. benign tissue). EP1 showed no specific differential expression pattern. Increased EP4 and reduced EP3 was confirmed by Western blotting in fresh clinical specimens and in prostate cancer cell lines (CA-HPV10, LNCaP, PC3, and Du145) compared with the normal prostate cell line (PZ-HPV7). EP2 and EP4 siRNA knockdown resulted in reduced in vitro growth and metastasis-related gene expression (MMP9 and Runx2) of prostate cancer lines, and in vitro migration was inhibited by EP4 antagonists. As a corollary, EP3-overexpressing PC3 cells displayed impaired growth in vitro. Human prostate cancer is associated with EP4 and EP2 overexpression and reduced EP3 expression. These data suggest that targeting specific EPR may represent a novel therapeutic approach for prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 11(4); 427–39. ©2013 AACR.
Survey of laboratory tests used in the diagnosis and evaluation of haemophilia A
Authors: Chitlur Meera , Gomez Keith ,   the GEHEP panel
Published: January 2013

Although the incidence of haemophilia A is reportedly uniform across ethnic groups, the prevalence varies in different countries. This suggests variability in the effectiveness of diagnostic strategies which is of particular importance in the recognition of milder forms of the disease. To assess the different laboratory tests that are used in the diagnosis and subsequent management of haemophilia A we carried out a web-based survey of established haemophilia centres. This was sent to 13 haemophilia physicians from haemophilia-treatment centres in Germany, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Taiwan, Norway, Canada, UK and the USA. The survey asked for details of clotting tests, the use of genetic analysis and the use of global haemostatic assays in haemophilia A cases. The results show considerable variation in the laboratory methods used for the screening, diagnosis and monitoring of haemophilia A. There is variability in the techniques used even for longstanding, standardised assays such as the one-stage factor assay. There is marked regional variability in the use of molecular diagnosis. Assessment of haemophilia A requires accurate and sensitive assays. Some laboratories continue to rely on a single-factor assay in the diagnosis of non-severe disease, although cases with assay discrepancy may be missed by this strategy. Global assays are becoming important in the evaluation and management of patients. However, standardisation and the correlation with clinical outcomes require further study. Genetic diagnosis in patients with haemophilia remains underutilised in USA, possibly because of a lack of funding.
Venous thromboembolism in adults treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: Effect of fresh frozen plasma supplementation
Authors: van der Holt Bronno , Middeldorp Saskia , Meijers Joost C. M. , Cornelissen Jan J. , Bajetta Mariateresa , Biemond Bart J. , Lauw Mandy N.
Published: January 2013

Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is frequently complicated by venous thromboembolism (VTE). The efficacy and optimal approach of VTE prevention are unclear, particularly in adult patients. We assessed the effect of thromboprophylaxis on symptomatic VTE incidence in cycle 1 of ALL treatment in adult patients. Secondly, we explored potential etiologic factors for VTE and the clinical impact of VTE on ALL outcome. We retrospectively assessed symptomatic VTE incidence and use of thromboprophylaxis in 240 adults treated for newly diagnosed ALL in the Dutch-Belgian HOVON-37 multicentre study (1999–2005). Potential etiologic factors were explored by analysis of patient and disease characteristics, impact of VTE on ALL outcome by analysis of complete remission and overall survival rates. Symptomatic VTE was observed in 24 of 240 patients (10%). Thromboprophylaxis differed by centre (prophylactic fresh frozen plasma (FFP) supplementation or no thromboprophylaxis) and was applied only during L-asparaginase in cycle 1. VTE incidence was significantly lower with FFP supplementation than without FFP (6% vs. 19%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10–0.73). FFP did not influence antithrombin or fibrinogen plasma levels. Patients with VTE in cycle 1 had a significantly poorer complete remission rate (adjusted OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.07–0.50), particularly patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (adjusted OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.04–0.65). Our study suggests that prophylactic FFP supplementation effectively reduces symptomatic VTE incidence during ALL treatment in adults. This should be confirmed in a randomised controlled trial.
Progress in the Reprogramming of Somatic Cells
Authors: Ma Tianhua , Xie Min , Laurent Timothy , Ding Sheng
Published: January 2013

Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into nearly all types of cells in the body. This unique potential provides significant promise for cell-based therapies to restore tissues or organs destroyed by injuries, degenerative diseases, aging, or cancer. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology offers a possible strategy to generate patient-specific pluripotent stem cells. However, because of concerns about the specificity, efficiency, kinetics, and safety of iPSC reprogramming, improvements or fundamental changes in this process are required before their effective clinical use. A chemical approach is regarded as a promising strategy to improve and change the iPSC process. Dozens of small molecules have been identified that can functionally replace reprogramming factors and significantly improve iPSC reprogramming. In addition to the prospect of deriving patient-specific tissues and organs from iPSCs, another attractive strategy for regenerative medicine is transdifferentiation—the direct conversion of one somatic cell type to another. Recent studies revealed a new paradigm of transdifferentiation: using transcription factors used in iPSC generation to induce transdifferentiation or called iPSC transcription factor–based transdifferentiation. This type of transdifferentiation not only reveals and uses the developmentally plastic intermediates generated during iPSC reprogramming but also produces a wide range of cells, including expandable tissue-specific precursor cells. Here, we review recent progress of small molecule approaches in the generation of iPSCs. In addition, we summarize the new concept of iPSC transcription factor–based transdifferentiation and discuss its application in generating various lineage-specific cells, especially cardiovascular cells.
Immunogenicity of Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Derivatives
Authors: de Almeida Patricia E. , Ransohoff Julia D. , Nahid Abu , Wu Joseph C.
Published: January 2013

The ability of pluripotent stem cells to self-renew and differentiate into all somatic cell types brings great prospects to regenerative medicine and human health. However, before clinical applications, much translational research is necessary to ensure that their therapeutic progenies are functional and nontumorigenic, that they are stable and do not dedifferentiate, and that they do not elicit immune responses that could threaten their survival in vivo. For this, an in-depth understanding of their biology, genetic, and epigenetic make-up and of their antigenic repertoire is critical for predicting their immunogenicity and for developing strategies needed to assure successful long-term engraftment. Recently, the expectation that reprogrammed somatic cells would provide an autologous cell therapy for personalized medicine has been questioned. Induced pluripotent stem cells display several genetic and epigenetic abnormalities that could promote tumorigenicity and immunogenicity in vivo. Understanding the persistence and effects of these abnormalities in induced pluripotent stem cell derivatives is critical to allow clinicians to predict graft fate after transplantation, and to take requisite measures to prevent immune rejection. With clinical trials of pluripotent stem cell therapy on the horizon, the importance of understanding immunologic barriers and devising safe, effective strategies to bypass them is further underscored. This approach to overcome immunologic barriers to stem cell therapy can take advantage of the validated knowledge acquired from decades of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Thymosin β4 Is Not Required for Embryonic Viability or Vascular Development
Authors: Banerjee Indroneal , Morris Thomas Moore , Evans Sylvia M. , Chen Ju
Published: January 2013

Rationale:

Rossdeutsch et al describe a requirement for thymosin β4 (Tβ4) in vascular development. Impaired mural cell migration, differentiation, partial embryonic lethality, and hemorrhaging were observed after analysis of 2 lines of mice, one of which was germline null for Tβ4 and another in which Tβ4 was knocked down by endothelial-specific expression of Tβ4 short hairpin RNA. These data are in direct contrast to our published global and cardiac-specific Tβ4-knockout lines. Thus, the role of Tβ4 needs to be clarified to understand its importance in cardiovascular development.

Objective:

To investigate and clarify the role of Tβ4 in vascular smooth muscle cell development and vessel stability.

Methods and Results:

Examination of Tβ4 global knockouts did not demonstrate embryonic hemorrhaging, altered mural cell development, or lethality. Endothelial-specific knockouts also did not exhibit any embryonic lethality and were viable to adulthood.

Conclusions:

Analysis of our Tβ4 global and cardiac- and endothelial-specific knockout models demonstrated that Tβ4 is dispensable for embryonic viability and vascular development.
Epac2 Mediates Cardiac β1-Adrenergic–Dependent Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca
2+
Leak and Arrhythmia
Authors: Pereira Laëtitia , Cheng Hongqiang , Lao Dieu Hung , Na Li , van Oort Ralph J. , Brown Joan Heller , Wehrens Xander H.T. , Chen Ju , Bers Donald M.
Published: January 2013

Background—

β-Adrenergic receptor (β-AR) activation can provoke cardiac arrhythmias mediated by cAMP-dependent alterations of Ca
2+
signaling. However, cAMP can activate both protein kinase A and an exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac), but their functional interaction is unclear. In heart, selective Epac activation can induce potentially arrhythmogenic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca
2+
release that involves Ca
2+
/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) effects on the ryanodine receptor (RyR).

Methods and Results—

We tested whether physiological β-AR activation causes Epac-mediated SR Ca
2+
leak and arrhythmias and whether it requires Epac1 versus Epac2, β
1
-AR versus β
2
-AR, and CaMKIIδ-dependent phosphorylation of RyR2-S2814. We used knockout (KO) mice for Epac1, Epac2, or both. All KOs exhibited unaltered basal cardiac function, Ca
2+
handling, and hypertrophy in response to pressure overload. However, SR Ca
2+
leak induced by the specific Epac activator 8-CPT in wild-type mice was abolished in Epac2-KO and double-KO mice but was unaltered in Epac1-KO mice. β-AR–induced arrhythmias were also less inducible in Epac2-KO versus wild-type mice. β-AR activation with protein kinase A inhibition mimicked 8-CPT effects on SR Ca
2+
leak and was prevented by blockade of β
1
-AR but not β
2
-AR. CaMKII inhibition (KN93) and genetic ablation of either CaMKIIδ or CaMKII phosphorylation on RyR2-S2814 prevented 8-CPT–induced SR Ca
2+
leak.

Conclusions—

β
1
-AR activates Epac2 to induce SR Ca
2+
leak via CaMKIIδ-dependent phosphorylation of RyR2-S2814. This pathway contributes to β-AR–induced arrhythmias and reduced cardiac function.
Phonological Naturalness and Phonotactic Learning
Authors: Hayes Bruce , White James
Published: January 2013

We investigate whether the patterns of phonotactic well-formedness internalized by language learners are direct reflections of the phonological patterns they encounter, or reflect in addition principles of phonological naturalness. We employed the phonotactic learning system of Hayes and Wilson (2008) to search the English lexicon for phonotactic generalizations and found that it learned many constraints that are evidently unnatural, having no typological or phonetic basis. We tested 10 such constraints by obtaining native-speaker ratings of 40 nonce words: 10 violated our unnatural constraints, 10 violated natural constraints assigned comparable weights by the learner, and 20 were control forms. Violations of the natural constraints had a powerful effect on ratings, violations of the unnatural constraints at best a weak one. We assess various hypotheses intended to explain this disparity, and conclude in favor of a learning bias account.
Voice and Ellipsis
Authors: Merchant Jason
Published: January 2013

Elided VPs and their antecedent VPs can mismatch in voice, with passive VPs being elided under apparent identity with active antecedent VPs, and vice versa. Such voice mismatches are not allowed in any other kind of ellipsis, such as sluicing and other clausal ellipses. These latter facts appear to indicate that the identity relation in ellipsis is sensitive to syntactic form, not merely to semantic form. The VPellipsis facts fall into place if the head that determines voice is external to the phrase being elided, here argued to be vP; such an account can only be framed in approaches that allow syntactic features to be separated from the heads on which they are morphologically realized. Alternatives to this syntactic, articulated view of ellipsis and voice either undergenerate or overgenerate.
A second species of Psyllototus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)
Authors: BUKEJS ANDRIS , NADEIN KONSTANTIN
Published: January 2013

Psyllototus doeberli sp. nov., a second species of the paleoendemic genus is described. This is the first named species of Alticini from the Upper Eocene Baltic amber of Yantarny, Kaliningrad region, Russia. A checklist of known Alticini from fossil resins is provided.
Three new species of Eutheiini (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: January 2013

Three new species of the ant-like stone beetle tribe Eutheiini are described from the People's Republic of China: Eutheia laolongiana sp. n. (Gansu), Veraphis gansuanus sp. n. (Gansu) and V. assingi sp. n. (Sichuan). Key morphological char-acters of the new taxa are illustrated and a distinctly sub-Himalayan distribution of all Eutheiini hitherto known to occur in China is summarized.
The Protohermes latus species group (Megaloptera: Corydalidae), with description of two new species from India and Myanmar
Authors: LIU XINGYUE , HAYASHI FUMIO , YANG DING
Published: January 2013

The Protohermes latus species group is recognized by the sexual dimorphism of the adult pronotum and the male genitalia which possess a bilobed ectoproct. Protohermes sonus sp. nov. from northwestern Myanmar and Protohermes sublunatus sp. nov. from northeastern India are herein described as new species placed in the P. latus group. The potential for peculiar behaviour during courtship of the species in the P. latus group is also discussed based on some remarkable morphological features.
Sea Ice Identification and Derivation of Its Velocity Field by X-Band Doppler Radar
Authors: Fujiyoshi Yasushi , Osumi Koji , Ohi Masayuki , Yamada Yoshinori
Published: January 2013

In this study a 3D scanning X-band Doppler radar (XDR) was deployed near the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, Hokkaido, Japan, in November 2005 to simultaneously observe sea ice and snow clouds. Doppler radars are commonly used to detect wind fields within precipitating clouds. However, thus far, there have been no reports of observing sea ice with Doppler radar. Making use of the radar reflectivity, Doppler velocity, and spectrum width, sea ice floes were identified under various weather conditions. Also presented is a new method that combines Doppler radar data and sea ice velocity—extracted using the cross-correlation method—to derive a high-spatial-resolution horizontal distribution of the velocity of sea ice floes. These methods will contribute to short-term forecasting of sea ice conditions and navigation through ice-covered seas and the development and verification of high-resolution dynamic sea ice models.
The Number of Required Observations in Data Assimilation for a Shallow-Water Flow
Authors: Whartenby William G. , Quinn John C. , Abarbanel Henry D. I.
Published: January 2013

The authors consider statistical ensemble data assimilation for a one-layer shallow-water equation in a twin experiment: data are generated by an N × N enstrophy-conserving grid integration scheme along with an Ekman vertical velocity at the bottom of an Ekman layer driving the flow and Rayleigh and eddy viscosity dissipation damping the flow. Data are generated for N = 16 and the chaotic flow that results is analyzed. This analysis is performed in a path-integral formulation of the data assimilation problem. These path integrals are estimated by a Monte Carlo method using a Metropolis Hastings algorithm. The authors' concentration is on the number of measurements Lc that must be assimilated by the model to allow accurate estimation of the full state of the model at the end of an observation window. It is found that for this shallow-water flow approximately 70% of the full set of state variables must be observed to accomplish either goal. The number of required observations is determined by examining the number needed to synchronize the observed data Lc and the model output when L data streams are assimilated by the model. Synchronization occurs when and the correct selection of which data are observed is made. If the number of observations is too small, so synchronization does not occur, or the selection of observations does not lead to synchronization of the data with the model output, state estimates during and at the end of the observation window and predictions beyond the observation window are inaccurate.
Mesoscale Influences of Wind Farms throughout a Diurnal Cycle
Authors: Fitch Anna C. , Lundquist Julie K. , Olson Joseph B.
Published: January 2013

Large wind farms are expected to influence local and regional atmospheric circulations. Using a mesoscale parameterization of the effects of wind farms that includes a momentum sink and a wind speed–dependent source of turbulent kinetic energy, simulations were carried out to quantify the impact of a wind farm on an atmospheric boundary layer throughout a diurnal cycle. The presence of a wind farm covering 10 km × 10 km is found to have a significant impact on the local atmospheric flow and on regions up to 60 km downwind at night. Daytime convective conditions show little impact of the wind farm on wind speeds, as the momentum deficits generated by the wind farm rapidly mix through the depth of the boundary layer. At night, the stable layer within the rotor area inhibits turbulent mixing of the momentum deficit, leading to a shallower wake and a greater reduction in the wind speed within the wake. Although a low-level jet forms at altitudes within the rotor area in the hours before dawn, it is completely eliminated within the wind farm. At night, a maximum warming of 1 K is seen at the bottom of the rotor area. Near the surface, there is less warming (0.5 K). Downwind, the surface temperature perturbation is small, with a cooling of up to 0.3 K. Over the simulation period, the mean temperature change over the wind farm area at 2 m is a very slight warming (0.2 K). Mean temperature changes downwind are negligible. Other influences on turbulent kinetic energy, surface heat fluxes, and boundary layer height, are discussed.
Subseasonal Prediction of Wintertime North American Surface Air Temperature during Strong MJO Events
Authors: Rodney Marcel , Lin Hai , Derome Jacques
Published: January 2013

A multivariable linear regression model is constructed based on the status of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and persistence in order to forecast wintertime surface air temperature anomalies over North America out to 4 pentads (20 days). The current and previous states of the MJO are utilized as predictors, based on the Real-time Multivariate (RMM) indices of Wheeler and Hendon. Beyond the persistence-driven first pentad, potentially useful skill is mainly observed during strong MJO events in phases 3, 4, 7, and 8, which correspond to a dipole diabatic heating anomaly in the tropical Indian Ocean and western Pacific. This skill is largely centered over the eastern United States and the Great Lakes region during pentads 2 and 3.
Evaluation of airflow pattern in wind-driven naturally ventilated atrium buildings: measurement and simulation
Authors: Li ZR , Ai ZT , Wang WJ , Xu ZR , Gao XZ , Wang HS
Published: January 2013

This article presents a study of airflow pattern inside a five-story wind-driven naturally ventilated atrium building. Firstly, field measurement conducted in the atrium building reveals the existence of reversed flows from the atrium to windows, which could cause air cross-contamination between floors during the period of an infectious disease outbreak. The computational fluid dynamics technique was then employed to further investigate the airflow pattern inside the building, under different wind directions and opening ratios. It is found that the airflow pattern inside a wind-driven naturally ventilated atrium building is very sensitive to the oncoming wind direction. Under parallel and perpendicular incident wind directions, the existence of adversely reversed flows in a certain floor and the re-entry of used air from an upper floor into its adjacent lower floors through the atrium results in the decrease of indoor air quality and the effective air exchange through windows. Nevertheless, the building has good natural ventilation performance under oblique incident wind direction, although the expected role of the atrium is still not fully achieved. In addition, the improvement of airflow pattern inside wind-driven naturally ventilated buildings cannot be achieved by simply modifying the opening ratios.

Practical application: Considering the indoor airflow pattern could substantially influence the elimination efficiency of pollutants and overheated air, this study is expected to help designers and engineers who are considering the use of an atrium at the design stage to have a better understanding of the airflow pattern inside a wind-driven naturally ventilated atrium building.
User acceptance of Internet banking in Indonesia: initial trust formation
Authors: Susanto Aries , Lee Hwansoo , Zo Hangjung , Ciganek Andrew P.
Published: January 2013

Most research on Internet banking adoption has focused on a limited set of determinants that influence users’ initial trust. This study takes the uncommon approach of separating the constructs of trust, perceived security, and perceived privacy to reveal the impact that each of these distinct factors has on initial trust formation. A large-scale survey of prospective Internet banking service customers in Indonesia was conducted and the results analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach. Perceived security, perceived privacy, relative benefits, company reputation, website usability, and government support are all factors that influence consumers’ initial trust of Internet banking. Banking firms interested in the expansion of online financial services in developing countries should enhance existing strategies or develop new approaches that account for these factors. Perceived privacy and government support had no impact on the intention to use Internet banking services in Indonesia.
Preliminary insights into the influence of mobile phones in micro-trading activities of market women in Nigeria
Authors: Boateng Richard , Hinson Robert , Galadima Rakiya , Olumide Longe
Published: January 2013

This paper explores the influence of mobile phones on the micro-trading activities of women traders in Nigeria. This exploratory study adopts a qualitative research approach. A theoretical model based on the Technology Acceptance Model is used to analyse two case studies of the micro-trading activities of Nigerian market women. The findings suggest that, first, the benefits obtained by market women tend to be partly influenced by the extent of mobile access and usage by trading partners in their value chain. Second, the knowledge of the trader plays a critical role in determining the type of mobile functionality used. Market women who innovatively integrate mobile services, like mobile banking, stand to reform their market structural processes and become more economically empowered. In micro-trading activities, enhancing communication and trading processes through mobile phones improves revenue acquisition and enhances decision making and control. The research concludes with an emphasis for research and practice to increase the mobile capabilities of those at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ to beyond voice calls and text messaging. Research propositions and lessons for future research are also outlined. This paper generates new insights about the usage of mobile telephony for the enhancement of economic effectiveness of micro-traders.
Management of atmospheric pollutants from waste incineration processes: the case of Bozen
Authors: Ragazzi Marco , Tirler Werner , Angelucci Giulio , Zardi Dino , Rada Elena Cristina
Published: January 2013

This article presents the case study of a waste incinerator located in a region rich in natural and environmental resources, and close to the city of Bozen, where there are about 100,000 inhabitants. Local authorities paid special attention to the effect of the plant on human health and the surrounding environment. Indeed, among the measures adopted to control the emissions, in 2003 an automatic sampling system was installed specifically to monitor polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) emissions during the complete operation time of the plant. The continuous sampling system was coupled directly to aerosol spectrometers for the determination of fine and ultra-fine particles in the emissions of the plant. The measurement results suggest that the waste incineration plant of Bozen is not a significant source of PCDD/F, or fine and ultra-fine particles. Immission measurements from other monitoring systems confirmed these results.
Cone calorimetric analysis of flame-retarded polyurea for coating applications
Authors: Mariappan Thirumal , Wilkie Charles A.
Published: January 2013

A two-component polyurea elastomer is evaluated for fire retardancy using the cone calorimeter and thermal analysis. The content of the fire retardant, aluminum diethylphosphinate, the thickness, and heat flux were varied. Thicker samples (12 mm) containing about 3% phosphorus (~15% aluminum diethylphosphinate) seem to be the best.
Purification and characterization of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver and investigation of the effects of some metal ions on enzyme activity
Authors: Comakli Veysel , Akkemik Ebru , Ciftci Mehmet , Kufrevioglu Omer Irfan
Published: January 2013

Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (d-glucose 6-phosphate: NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.49; G6PD) is a key enzyme that is localized in all mammal tissues, especially in cytoplasmic sections and that catalyzes the first step of pentose phosphate metabolic pathway. In this study, G6PD enzyme was purified 1444-fold with a yield of 77% from rainbow trout liver using 2′,5′-ADP-sepharose-4B affinity chromatography. Moreover, a purity check of the enzyme was performed with sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Some characteristic features like optimal pH, stable pH, optimal temperature and optimal ionic strength were determined for the purified enzyme. In addition to this, in vitro effects of ions like silver nitrate (Ag+), thallium sulphate (TI+), cobalt (II) nitrate (Co2+) and arsenic (V) oxide (As5+) on enzyme activity were researched. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of Ag+, Co2+ and As5+ metal ions, which showed an inhibitory effect, were found to be 0.0044, 0.084 and 4.058 mM, respectively; and their inhibition constants ( Ki) were found to be 0.0052 ± 0.00042, 0.087 ± 0.015700 and 4.833 ± 1.753207 mM, respectively. Tl+ not exhibited inhibitory effect on the enzyme activity.