Kinase-independent function of RIP1, critical for mature T-cell survival and proliferation.

The death receptor, Fas, triggers apoptotic death and is essential for maintaining homeostasis in the peripheral lymphoid organs. RIP1 was originally cloned when searching for Fas-binding proteins and was later shown to associate also with the signaling complex of TNFR1. Although Fas exclusively induces apoptosis, TNFR1 primarily activates the pro-survival/pro-inflammatory NF-κB pathway. Mutations in Fas lead to lymphoproliferative (lpr) diseases, and deletion of TNFR1 results in defective innate immune responses. However, the function of RIP1 in the adult lymphoid system has not been well understood, primarily owing to perinatal lethality in mice lacking the entire RIP1 protein in germ cells. This current study investigated the requirement for RIP1 in the T lineage using viable RIP1 mutant mice containing a conditional and kinase-dead RIP1 allele. Disabling the kinase activity of RIP1 had no obvious impact on the T-cell compartment. However, T-cell-specific deletion of RIP1 led to a severe T-lymphopenic condition, owing to a dramatically reduced mature T-cell pool in the periphery. Interestingly, the immature T-cell compartment in the thymus appeared intact. Further analysis showed that mature RIP1(-/-) T cells were severely defective in antigen receptor-induced proliferative responses. Moreover, the RIP1(-/-) T cells displayed greatly increased death and contained elevated caspase activities, an indication of apoptosis. In total, these results revealed a novel, kinase-independent function of RIP1, which is essential for not only promoting TCR-induced proliferative responses but also in blocking apoptosis in mature T cells

Single and Biphoton Imaging and High Dimensional Quantum Communication

Here, we present recent developments in the field of quantum imaging focusing on the high dimensionality aspects of single and biphoton imaging. We discuss some systems that have a “quantum advantage” over classical counterparts. We highlight some recent experiments in single-photon image discrimination, large alphabet quantum key distribution and image buffering

Parents' perspectives on the value of assistance dogs for children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study

Objective While there is an emerging literature on the usefulness of assistance dogs for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there is a dearth of quantitative data on the value of assistance dog interventions for the family unit and family functioning. Using previously validated scales and scales developed specifically for this study, we measured parents’/guardians’ perceptions of how having an assistance dog affects: (1) child safety from environmental dangers, (2) public reception of ASD and (3) levels of caregiver strain and sense of competence. We also obtained open-ended response data from parents/guardians on benefits and constraints of having an assistance dog. Setting This study was based in the primary care setting, within the context of a specific accredited assistance dog centre in Ireland. Participants A total of 134 parents/guardians with an assistance dog, and 87 parents of children on the waiting list were surveyed. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome measures were scores on environmental hazards and public reception scales. The secondary outcome measures were scores on caregiver strain and competence scales. Results Parents/guardians of children who have ASD and an assistance dog rate their child as significantly safer from environmental dangers (p<0.001), perceive that the public act more respectfully and responsibly towards their child (p<0.001) and feel more competent about managing their child (p=0.023) compared with parents on the waiting list. There was a concentration of positive feeling towards assistance dog interventions with particular focus on safety and comfort for children, and a sense of freedom from family restrictions associated with ASD. The amount of dedication and commitment required to care for a dog were viewed as the primary constraints. Conclusions Our findings indicate that parents perceive that assistance dog interventions can be a valuable intervention for families with children who have ASD

Emission Spectrum of a Dipole in a Semi-infinite Periodic Dielectric Structure: Effect of the Boundary

The emission spectrum of a dipole embedded in a semi-infinite photonic crystal is calculated. For simplicity we study the case in which the dielectric function is sinusoidally modulated only along the direction perpendicular to the boundary surface plane. In addition to oscillations of the emission rate with the distance of the dipole from the interface we also observed that the shape of the emission spectrum srongly depends on the \em initial \em phase of the dielectric modulation. When the direction of light propagation inside the periodic structure is not normal to the boundary surface plane we observed aditional singularities in the emission spectrum, which arise due to different angle-dependence of the Bragg stop-band for $TE$ and $TM$ polarizations.Comment: 14 pages, 6 figures, to appear in Phys Rev

Distinct Clinical and Pathological Features Are Associated with the BRAFT1799A(V600E) Mutation in Primary Melanoma

The BRAFT1799A mutation encodes BRAFV600E that leads to activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. This study aimed to assess the clinico-pathological features of primary invasive melanomas containing the BRAFT1799A mutation. Patients (n=251) with invasive primary melanomas from Australia were interviewed and examined with respect to their melanoma characteristics and risk factors. Independent review of pathology, allele-specific PCR for the BRAFT1799A mutation, immunohistochemical staining with Ki67, and phospho-histone-H3 (PH3) were performed. The BRAFT1799A mutation was found in 112 (45%) of the primary melanomas. Associations with the BRAFT1799A mutation (P<0.05) were as follows: low tumor thickness (odds ratio (OR)=3.3); low mitotic rate (OR=2.0); low Ki67 score (OR=5.0); low PH3 score (OR=3.3); superficial spreading melanoma (OR=10.0); pigmented melanoma (OR=3.7); a lack of history of solar keratoses (OR=2.7); a location on the trunk (OR=3.4) or extremity (OR=2.0); a high level of self-reported childhood sun exposure (OR=2.0); ≤50 years of age (OR=2.5); and fewer freckles (OR=2.5). We conclude that the BRAFT1799A mutation has associations with host phenotype, tumor location, and pigmentation. Although implicated in the control of the cell cycle, the BRAFT1799A mutation is associated with a lower rate of tumor proliferation

Photonic band structure of highly deformable, self-assembling systems

We calculate the photonic band structure at normal incidence of highly deformable, self-assembling systems - cholesteric elastomers subjected to external stress. Cholesterics display brilliant reflection and lasing owing to gaps in their photonic band structure. The band structure of cholesteric elastomers varies sensitively with strain, showing new gaps opening up and shifting in frequency. A novel prediction of a total band gap is made, and is expected to occur in the vicinity of the previously observed de Vries bandgap, which is only for one polarisation