bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential Positive Effects of Fire on Juvenile Amphibians in a Southern USA Pine Forest
Authors: Brown Donald J. , Baccus John T. , Means D. Bruce , Forstner Michael R.J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPrescribed fire is a common tool used to conserve and manage the integrity of forest ecosystems. We investigated short-term juvenile amphibian capture and body condition changes subsequent to fire (i.e., one prescribed burn and two wildfires) in a southern United States pine forest. We surveyed amphibians and predatory invertebrates before and after fires occurring during summer 2010. We tested for treatment (i.e., control, wildfire, or prescribed burn) and status (i.e., preburn or postburn) differences in 1) genus-level captures, 2) amphibian health (inferred through a body condition index), and 3) predatory invertebrate captures. Bufo and Scaphiopus captures increased in the prescribed burn treatment; whereas, no differences in Gastrophryne captures were observed. We did not detect a burn status effect on amphibian body condition. Predatory invertebrate captures were higher postburn in the control and wildfire treatments. Neither a low-intensity prescribed burn nor high-intensity wildfires negatively impacted short-term juvenile amphibian captures. Further, we speculate that Bufo and Scaphiopus survivorship may have been higher after the prescribed burn.
Impaired B Cell Development and Function in the Absence of IκBNS
Authors: Touma Maki , Keskin Derin B. , Shiroki Fumiko , Saito Ibuki , Koyasu Shigeo , Reinherz Ellis L. , Clayton Linda K. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
IκBNS has been identified as a member of the IκB family of NF-κB inhibitors, which undergoes induction upon TCR signaling. Mice carrying a targeted gene disruption of IκBNS demonstrate dysregulation of cytokines in T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. IκBNS mediates both positive and negative gene regulation, depending on individual cell type and/or cytokine. In this study, we demonstrate an additional role for IκBNS in the B cell lineage. B cells from IκBNS knockout (KO) mice were impaired in proliferative responses to LPS and anti-CD40. IgM and IgG3 Igs were drastically reduced in the serum of IκBNS KO mice, although IκBNS KO B cells exhibited a higher level of surface IgM than that found in wild-type mice. Switching to IgG3 was significantly reduced in IκBNS KO B cells. The in vitro induction of plasma cell development demonstrated that progression to Ab-secreting cells was impaired in IκBNS KO B cells. In agreement with this finding, the number of Ab-secreting cells in the spleens of IκBNS KO mice was reduced and production of Ag-specific Igs was lower in IκBNS KO mice after influenza infection as compared with wild-type mice. Additionally, IκBNS KO mice lacked B1 B cells and exhibited a reduction in marginal zone B cells. Thus, IκBNS significantly impacts the development and functions of B cells and plasma cells.
Primary Vascularization of the Graft Determines the Immunodominance of Murine Minor H Antigens during Organ Transplantation
Authors: Kwun Jean , Malarkannan Subramaniam , Burlingham William J. , Knechtle Stuart J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractGrafts can be rejected even when matched for MHC because of differences in the minor histocompatibility Ags (mH-Ags). H4- and H60-derived epitopes are known as immunodominant mH-Ags in H2b-compatible BALB.B to C57BL/6 transplantation settings. Although multiple explanations have been provided to explain immunodominance of Ags, the role of vascularization of the graft is yet to be determined. In this study, we used heart (vascularized) and skin (nonvascularized) transplantations to determine the role of primary vascularization of the graft. A higher IFN-γ response toward H60 peptide occurs in heart recipients. In contrast, a higher IFN-γ response was generated against H4 peptide in skin transplant recipients. Peptide-loaded tetramer staining revealed a distinct antigenic hierarchy between heart and skin transplantation: H60-specific CD8+ T cells were the most abundant after heart transplantation, whereas H4-specific CD8+ T cells were more abundant after skin graft. Neither the tissue-specific distribution of mH-Ags nor the draining lymph node-derived dendritic cells correlated with the observed immunodominance. Interestingly, non-primarily vascularized cardiac allografts mimicked skin grafts in the observed immunodominance, and H60 immunodominance was observed in primarily vascularized skin grafts. However, T cell depletion from the BALB.B donor prior to cardiac allograft induces H4 immunodominance in vascularized cardiac allograft. Collectively, our data suggest that immediate transmigration of donor T cells via primary vascularization is responsible for the immunodominance of H60 mH-Ag in organ and tissue transplantation.
Pathogenic Nematodes Suppress Humoral Responses to Third-Party Antigens In Vivo by IL-10–Mediated Interference with Th Cell Function
Authors: Hartmann Wiebke , Haben Irma , Fleischer Bernhard , Breloer Minka 
Published: September 2011

AbstractOne third of the human population is infected with helminth parasites. To promote their longevity and to limit pathology, helminths have developed several strategies to suppress the immune response of their host. As this immune suppression also acts on unrelated third-party Ags, a preexisting helminth infection may interfere with vaccination efficacy. In this study, we show that natural infection with Litomosoides sigmodontis suppressed the humoral response to thymus-dependent but not to thymus-independent model Ags in C57BL/6 mice. Thereby, we provide evidence that reduced humoral responses were mediated by interference with Th cell function rather than by direct suppression of B cells in L. sigmodontis-infected mice. We directly demonstrate suppression of Ag-specific proliferation in OVA-specific Th cells after adoptive transfer into L. sigmodontis-infected mice that led to equally reduced production of OVA-specific IgG. Transferred Th cells displayed increased frequencies of Foxp3+ after in vivo stimulation within infected but not within naive mice. Helminth-mediated suppression was induced by established L. sigmodontis infections but was completely independent of the individual worm burden. Using DEREG mice, we rule out a central role for host-derived regulatory T cells in the suppression of transferred Th cell proliferation. In contrast, we show that L. sigmodontis-induced, host-derived IL-10 mediated Foxp3 induction in transferred Th cells and significantly contributed to the observed Th cell hypoproliferation within infected mice.
A Live Imaging Cell Motility Screen Identifies Prostaglandin E2 as a T Cell Stop Signal Antagonist
Authors: Wiemer Andrew J. , Hegde Subramanya , Gumperz Jenny E. , Huttenlocher Anna 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The T cell migration stop signal is a central step in T cell activation and inflammation; however, its regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. Using a live-cell, imaging-based, high-throughput screen, we identified the PG, PGE2, as a T cell stop signal antagonist. Src kinase inhibitors, microtubule inhibitors, and PGE2 prevented the T cell stop signal, and impaired T cell–APC conjugation and T cell proliferation induced by primary human allogeneic dendritic cells. However, Src inhibition, but not PGE2 or microtubule inhibition, impaired TCR-induced ZAP-70 signaling, demonstrating that T cell stop signal antagonists can function either upstream or downstream of proximal TCR signaling. Moreover, we found that PGE2 abrogated TCR-induced activation of the small GTPase Rap1, suggesting that PGE2 may modulate T cell adhesion and stopping through Rap1. These results identify a novel role for PGs in preventing T cell stop signals and limiting T cell activation induced by dendritic cells.
Intestinal Epithelial Cells Modulate CD4 T Cell Responses via the Thymus Leukemia Antigen
Authors: Olivares-Villagómez Danyvid , Algood Holly M. Scott , Singh Kshipra , Parekh Vrajesh V. , Ryan Kaitlyn E. , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Wilson Keith T. , Van Kaer Luc 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The intestinal epithelium is comprised of a monolayer of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), which provide, among other functions, a physical barrier between the high Ag content of the intestinal lumen and the sterile environment beyond the epithelium. IEC express a nonclassical MHC class I molecule known as the thymus leukemia (TL) Ag. TL is known to interact with CD8αα-expressing cells, which are abundant in the intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte compartment. In this report, we provide evidence indicating that expression of TL by IEC modulates the cytokine profile of CD4+ T cells favoring IL-17 production. We show in an adoptive transfer model of colitis that donor-derived cells become more pathogenic when TL is expressed on IEC in recipient animals. Moreover, TL+IEC promote development of IL-17–mediated responses capable of protecting mice from Citrobacter rodentium infection. We also show that modulation of IL-17–mediated responses by TL+IEC is controlled by the expression of CD8α on CD4+ T cells. Overall, our results provide evidence for an important interaction between IEC and CD4+ T cells via TL, which modulates mucosal immune responses.
Trends in Probable PTSD in Firefighters Exposed to the World Trade Center Disaster, 2001–2010
Authors: Soo Jackie , Webber Mayris P. , Gustave Jackson , Lee Roy , Hall Charles B. , Cohen Hillel W. , Kelly Kerry J. , Prezant David J. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTObjective: We present the longest follow-up, to date, of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City firefighters who participated in the rescue/recovery effort.Methods: We examined data from 11 006 WTC-exposed firefighters who completed 40 672 questionnaires and reported estimates of probable PTSD by year from serial cross-sectional analyses. In longitudinal analyses, we used separate Cox models with data beginning from October 2, 2001, to identify variables associated with recovery from or delayed onset of probable PTSD.Results: The prevalence of probable PTSD was 7.4% by September 11, 2010, and continued to be associated with early arrival at the WTC towers during every year of analysis. An increasing number of aerodigestive symptoms (hazard ratio [HR] 0.89 per symptom, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-.93) and reporting a decrease in exercise, whether the result of health (HR 0.56 vs no change in exercise, 95% CI 0.41-.78) or other reasons (HR 0.76 vs no change in exercise, 95% CI 0.63-.92), were associated with a lower likelihood of recovery from probable PTSD. Arriving early at the WTC (HR 1.38 vs later WTC arrival, 95% CI 1.12-1.70), an increasing number of aerodigestive symptoms (HR 1.45 per symptom, 95% CI 1.40–1.51), and reporting an increase in alcohol intake since September 11, 2001 (HR 3.43 vs no increase in alcohol intake, 95% CI 2.67-4.43) were associated with delayed onset of probable PTSD.Conclusions: Probable PTSD continues to be associated with early WTC arrival even 9 years after the terrorist attacks. Concurrent conditions and behaviors, such as respiratory symptoms, exercise, and alcohol use also play important roles in contributing to PTSD symptoms.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:S197-S203)
Behavioral Measures of Pain Thresholds
Authors: Minett Michael S. , Quick Kathryn , Wood John N. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPain afflicts a fifth of the population, and animal models have proven useful in target validation and analgesic drug development. Thresholds to pain are tested by applying a sensory stimulus, such as heat or pressure, and observing the resulting withdrawal behavior. Sensitized pain models involve provoking an inflammatory response or damaging the nerves themselves, and testing the changes in pain threshold. In this article, mouse models of acute mechanical and thermal pain and inflammatory, visceral, and neuropathic pain are discussed. These behavioral measures can be used to phenotype transgenic mice for target validation and mechanistic studies, as well as to screen potential analgesic compounds. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 1:383‐412 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Transient analysis of diffusion least‐mean squares adaptive networks with noisy channels
Authors: Khalili Azam , Tinati Mohammad Ali , Rastegarnia Amir , Chambers Jonathon A. 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYIn this paper, we study the effect of noisy channels on the transient performance of diffusion adaptive network with least‐mean squares (LMS) learning rule. We first drive the update equation of diffusion LMS which incorporates the effects of noisy channels. Then, using the framework of fundamental weighted energy conservation relation, we derive closed‐form expressions for learning curves in terms of mean‐square deviation and excess mean‐square error. We also find the mean and mean‐square stability bounds of step‐size for diffusion LMS with noisy channels. We show that although noisy channels affect the performance of the diffusion LMS network, the stability bounds of the step‐size are the same form as in the ideal channels case. The derived closed‐form expressions are shown to provide a good match with values found by simulation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Ultraviolet Photodetector Based on Individual Nb2O5 Nanobelts
Authors: Fang Xiaosheng , Hu Linfeng , Huo Kaifu , Gao Biao , Zhao Lijuan , Liao Meiyong , Chu Paul K. , Bando Yoshio , Golberg Dmitri 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAlthough human eyes are quite insensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, most of the longer wavelength UV light (the UV‐A band between 320 and 400 nm) does reach the earth surface and after prolonged exposure, the radiation can cause health concerns especially skin cancer. Therefore, it is extremely important to explore ways to effectively monitor the radiation. Herein we report for the first time a new high‐performance UV photodetector made of an individual Nb2O5 nanobelt. Quasi‐aligned Nb2O5 nanobelts 100–500 nm wide and 2–10 μm long were synthesized using a hydrothermal treatment of a niobium foil in a KOH solution followed by proton exchange and calcination treatment. A nanostructured photodetector was constructed from an individual Nb2O5 nanobelt and its optoelectronic properties were evaluated. The detector exhibited linear photocurrent characteristics, excellent light selectivity, and high external quantum‐efficiency (EQE) of 6070%. Long‐term stability of the photocurrent over a period of 2500 s at an applied voltage of 1.0 V was achieved. The photodetector performance was further enhanced by improving the crystallinity and eliminating the defects in the Nb2O5 nanobelt crystals. These excellent optoelectronic properties demonstrate that Nb2O5 nanobelts are suitable for visible‐blind UV‐light sensors and optoelectronic circuits, especially those operating in the UV‐A range.
Tunable Ferrites as Environmentally Friendly Materials for Energy‐Efficient Processes
Authors: Álvarez‐Serrano Inmaculada , Arillo Maria Angeles , López Maria Luisa , Veiga Maria Luisa , Pico Carlos 
Published: September 2011

AbstractNovel materials and methods of synthesis in the field of energy conversion and economy are reported. The main goal is to prepare and characterize Li(4 − x)Mn(5 − 2x)Fe3xO12 compounds. These compounds crystallize in a spinel‐type structure, AB2O4, in which the cationic location in the A and B sublattices drives the potential application of these materials in two current prominent research fields: magnetic refrigeration and lithium batteries. This solid solution is revealed as a tunable system that nicely permits a specific response to be highlighted, depending on the composition and particle size: the magnetocaloric effect or active electrochemical behavior.
Recent Advances in Clay/Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Bitinis N. , Hernandez M. , Verdejo R. , Kenny J. M. , Lopez‐Manchado M. A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSmectite clays (e.g. montmorillonite), belonging to the structural family called 2:1 phyllosilicates, are the main choice for designing polymer nanocomposites due to their low cost and rich intercalation chemistry allowing them to be chemically modified (organoclays) and to improve the compatibility with the polymer matrix. These hybrid materials, normally called polymeric nanocomposites (PNC), represent a radical alternative to conventional polymer composites and have focused the attention of both academia and industry because of their unexpected properties, and their straightforward synthesis and processing. Such materials on the nanoscale level show significant improvements in mechanical properties, heat distortion temperatures, thermal stability, flame retardancy and enhanced barrier properties. The combination of enhanced properties, weight reduction, and low cost has led to interesting commercial applications such as automotive and packaging, among others. All this justifies the growing interest of both academia and industry in the development of these hybrid materials. In this paper we describe the most significant findings in the clay/polymer nanocomposites field considering three polymer families: elastomers, thermosets and polymers from natural resources or biopolymers.
The use of selective immunosuppressive therapy on myelodysplastic syndromes in targeted populations results in good response rates and avoids treatment‐related disease progression
Authors: Xiao Li , Qi Zhu , Qiusheng Chen , Li Xu , Luxi Song , Lingyun Wu 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTo determine the treatment response and disease progression in strictly selected patients with myelodysplastic syndrome undergoing immunosuppressive therapy (IST), patients were required to have an international prostate symptom score (IPSS) score ≤ 1.0 and at least one of the following conditions: (1) expression of the HLA‐DR15 allele, (2) bone marrow (BM) cellularity of less than 30%, and (3) abnormal immune index of BM T‐lymphocytes.The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) ≥ 5% marrow myeloblasts, (2) poor karyotype, and (3) diagnosis of concurrent nonhematological malignancy. Patients received antithymocyte globulin followed by cyclosporine A (CsA) or CsA alone for at least 3 months. Seventy‐one cases were analyzed. The total response rate was 77.5% (55/71 cases) with 11 complete responses. The response rate was positively correlated with the number of recruitment criteria met. Patients with an abnormal CD8, an abnormal CD4, or both had similar response rates. Patients who responded to treatment had significantly lower Th1 and Tc1 levels after treatment (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively), and six of eight patients with abnormal chromosomes did not show obviously abnormal clonal expansion when reassessed after IST. During the median observation period of 24 months, only two cases exhibited disease progression. At the median observation of 24 months, 35 of 55 responders (63.6%) maintained a hematological response, and 60 of 71 patients (84.5%) were still alive. The strictly selective use of IST may yield high response rates and can avoid treatment‐related acute myeloid leukemia transformation. IST significantly reduces Th1 and Tc1 levels without causing malignant clonal expansion. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Affiliative relationships and reciprocity among adult male bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) at Arunachala Hill, India
Authors: Adiseshan Athman , Adiseshan Tara , Isbell Lynne A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn captivity, male bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) frequently express “friendship” toward one another, including affiliative behavior such as huddling, grooming, coalitionary support, and sitting in close proximity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether wild adult male bonnet macaques also express “friendship” by investigating whether or not (1) adult male bonnet macaques have affiliative social relationships with other males, (2) the strength of social relationships varies among dyads, (3) there is time‐matched reciprocity in allogrooming among dyads, and if so, whether the level of reciprocity occurs within a bout of grooming, a day, or over 2 months (the limit of this study), and (4) a correlation exists between the strength of social relationships and dominance ranks among adult males. Focal samples totaling 150 hr on all seven adult males in one study group were conducted to record both agonistic and affiliative interactions. Agonistic interactions were used to construct a dominance hierarchy, whereas affiliative interactions (sitting in proximity to within 1 m with and without grooming) were used to quantify the existence and strength of social bonds within dyads. Results show that adult male bonnet macaques had differentiated affiliative relationships with other males in their group. There was little reciprocity of grooming within a bout of grooming or within a day, but greater reciprocity over the study period of 2 months. There was no correlation between dominance ranking distance and the strength of affiliative relationship within dyads; however, within dyads lower‐ranking males groomed higher‐ranking males more than vice versa. This study suggests that friendships in male bonnet macaques are characterized not by immediate tit‐for‐tat reciprocal altruism, but by reciprocity over a longer time span, and that affiliative social relationships may be less constrained by agonistic relationships than is the case in more despotic species of macaques. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1107–1113, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wraparound Hosts for Fullerenes: Tailored Macrocycles and Cages
Authors: Canevet David , Pérez Emilio M. , Martín Nazario 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCustom‐made macrocyclic receptors for fullerenes are proving a valuable alternative to achieve the affinity and selectivity required to meet challenges such as the selective extraction of higher fullerenes, their chiral resolution, or the self‐assembly of functional molecular materials. In this Minireview, we highlight some of the important breakthroughs that this class of fullerene hosts has already produced.
Sexual Differentiation and the Neuroendocrine Hypothesis of Autism
Authors: Aiello Timothy P. , Whitaker‐Azmitia Patricia M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe phenotypic expression of autism spectrum disorders varies widely in severity and characteristics and it is, therefore, likely that a number of etiological factors are involved. However, one finding which has been found consistently is that there is a greater incidence of autism in boys than girls. Recently, attention has been given to the extreme male hypothesis—that is that autism behaviors are an extreme form of typical male behaviors, including lack of empathy and language deficits but an increase in so‐called systemizing behaviors, such as attention to detail and collecting. This points to the possibility that an alteration during sexual differentiation of the brain may occur in autism. During sexual differentiation of the brain, two brain regions are highly sexually dimorphic—the amygdala and the hypothalamus. Both of these regions are also implicated in the neuroendocrine hypothesis of autism, wherein a balance between oxytocin and cortisol may contribute to the disorder. We are thus proposing that the extreme male hypothesis and the neuroendocrine hypothesis are in fact compatible in that sexual differentiation of the brain towards an extreme male phenotype would result in the neuroendocrine changes proposed in autism. We have preliminary data, treating developing rat pups with the differentiating hormone 17‐β estradiol during a critical time and showing changes in social behaviors and oxytocin, to support this hypothesis. Further studies should be undertaken to confirm the role of extremes of normal sexual differentiation in producing the neuroendocrine changes associated with autism. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.