Approximation properties for multiplier algebras of reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces

In this note, it is proved that multiplier algebras of analytic reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces which are compatible with the action of the torus group possess Kraus’ completely contractive approximation property (CCAP) and, consequently, have the Property S_{\sigma}. Our results apply in particular to the usual reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces on bounded symmetric domains

A characterization of multiplication operators on reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces

In this note, we prove that an operator between reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces is a multiplication operator if and only if it leaves invariant zero sets. To be more precise, it is shown that an operator T between reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces is a multiplication operator if and only if (Tf)(z)=0 holds for all f and z satisfying f(z)=0. As possible applications, we deduce a general reflexivity result for multiplier algebras, and furthermore prove fully vector-valued generalizations of mulitplier lifting results of Beatrous and Burbea

Neutralization Properties of Simian Immunodeficiency Viruses Infecting Chimpanzees and Gorillas

Broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies (bNabs) represent powerful tools to combat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Here, we examined whether HIV-1-specific bNabs are capable of cross-neutralizing distantly related simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) infecting central (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) (SIVcpzPtt) and eastern (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) (SIVcpzPts) chimpanzees (n = 11) as well as western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) (SIVgor) (n = 1). We found that bNabs directed against the CD4 binding site (n = 10), peptidoglycans at the base of variable loop 3 (V3) (n = 5), and epitopes at the interface of surface (gp120) and membrane-bound (gp41) envelope glycoproteins (n = 5) failed to neutralize SIVcpz and SIVgor strains. In addition, apex V2-directed bNabs (n = 3) as well as llama-derived (heavy chain only) antibodies (n = 6) recognizing both the CD4 binding site and gp41 epitopes were either completely inactive or neutralized only a fraction of SIVcpzPtt strains. In contrast, one antibody targeting the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of gp41 (10E8), functional CD4 and CCR5 receptor mimetics (eCD4-Ig, eCD4-Ig^(mim2), CD4-218.3-E51, and CD4-218.3-E51-mim2), as well as mono- and bispecific anti-human CD4 (iMab and LM52) and CCR5 (PRO140, PRO140-10E8) receptor antibodies neutralized >90% of SIVcpz and SIVgor strains with low-nanomolar (0.13 to 8.4 nM) potency. Importantly, the latter antibodies blocked virus entry not only in TZM-bl cells but also in Cf2Th cells expressing chimpanzee CD4 and CCR5 and neutralized SIVcpz in chimpanzee CD4^+ T cells, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC_(50)s) ranging from 3.6 to 40.5 nM. These findings provide new insight into the protective capacity of anti-HIV-1 bNabs and identify candidates for further development to combat SIVcpz infection

An insight into the sialotranscriptome of the West Nile mosquito vector, <it>Culex tarsalis</it>

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Saliva of adult female mosquitoes help sugar and blood feeding by providing enzymes and polypeptides that help sugar digestion, control microbial growth and counteract their vertebrate host hemostasis and inflammation. Mosquito saliva also potentiates the transmission of vector borne pathogens, including arboviruses. <it>Culex tarsalis </it>is a bird feeding mosquito vector of West Nile Virus closely related to <it>C. quinquefasciatus</it>, a mosquito relatively recently adapted to feed on humans, and the only mosquito of the genus <it>Culex </it>to have its sialotranscriptome so far described.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 1,753 clones randomly selected from an adult female <it>C. tarsalis </it>salivary glands (SG) cDNA library were sequenced and used to assemble a database that yielded 809 clusters of related sequences, 675 of which were singletons. Primer extension experiments were performed in selected clones to further extend sequence coverage, allowing for the identification of 283 protein sequences, 80 of which code for putative secreted proteins.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Comparison of the <it>C. tarsalis </it>sialotranscriptome with that of <it>C. quinquefasciatus </it>reveals accelerated evolution of salivary proteins as compared to housekeeping proteins. The average amino acid identity among salivary proteins is 70.1%, while that for housekeeping proteins is 91.2% (P < 0.05), and the codon volatility of secreted proteins is significantly higher than those of housekeeping proteins. Several protein families previously found exclusive of mosquitoes, including only in the <it>Aedes </it>genus have been identified in <it>C. tarsalis</it>. Interestingly, a protein family so far unique to <it>C. quinquefasciatus</it>, with 30 genes, is also found in <it>C. tarsalis</it>, indicating it was not a specific <it>C. quinquefasciatus </it>acquisition in its evolution to optimize mammal blood feeding.</p

Mature Minor Doctrine

This brief will explore the legal topic of the mature minor doctrine, and developmental differences in decision making between adolescents and adults. In the state of Connecticut minor children under the age of 18 are unable to make their own medical decisions, such as consenting to lifesaving treatment or preventative care. In the case of the Supreme court of Connecticut versus 17-year-old Cassandra C., Cassandra was found medically incompetent to decide on her cancer treatment plan. To better inform the court, this brief will cover several research articles discussing the maturity and competence of adolescents in the medical decision-making process. The current literature suggests that adolescents have less developed decision-making processes compared to adults. Many states require parental consent for the medical treatment of mature minors, including Connecticut. While the mature minor doctrine is a legal agreement accepted by other U.S. states, stating matured unemancipated minors may make their own medical decisions without the consent of their parents. The current literature does support that there is a decision-making difference between adults and adolescents, yet through medical competency testing, a mature minor can come to a reasonable decision on his or her own treatment plan. In the case of Connecticut versus Cassandra C., a medical competency test could be used to determine her ability to decide upon her own treatment

Perfectionism and the Eating Disorder: Harnessing One’s Desire for High Achievement While Quieting Their Inner Critic

Often with eating disorders, an underlying aspect of perfectionism is seen. While there are benefits of being a high achiever, it can be detrimental. This session will build upon the basic understanding of eating disorders and specific treatment strategies focused on the multidimensional constructs seen with perfectionism and disordered eating

Effects of dialogue and journaling on reading comprehension

Developing readers with independent comprehension skills is no easy task. Nor is it a one size- fits-all approach. While working with students, especially those who have reading disabilities, it is important that teachers are aware of the multi-faceted process in which children learn. This process can be through traditional education, however quality instruction encompasses more than just the traditional methods. It is crucial that teachers adjust their instruction and tailor it to the needs of all students. The purpose of this chapter is to define a theoretical perspective of the deep understanding that teachers must have of reading instruction and the environment in which it is delivered. First, there is an explanation of how to best address the needs of students in the classroom. Second, the findings of several research articles that support those beliefs are reviewed. The final segment covers how this information guided this intervention plan

Siv Infected Chimpanzees: Consequences Of Long-Term Infection And Potential Intervention Strategies

Simian immunodeficiency virus of chimpanzees (SIVcpz) is widespread in wild-living chimpanzees and can cause mortality and AIDS-like immunopathology. However, due to limited access to naturally infected chimpanzees, little is known about SIVcpz pathogenesis and potential intervention strategies that might be effective in captivity or in the wild. Given the central role of the intestinal microbiome in mammalian health, I asked whether gut microbial constituents could reveal any insights into SIVcpz-associated pathogenicity. I characterized the gut microbiome and virome of SIVcpz infected and uninfected chimpanzees in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. I found that SIVcpz infected chimpanzees retain a stable gut microbiome throughout much of their natural infection course, with a significant destabilization of bacterial communities observed only in individuals with known immunodeficiency within the last several months before their death. I also explored potential interventions that could be effective in both wild-living and captive chimpanzees. Broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies (bNabs) represent powerful new tools to combat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. I found that some antibodies and antibody-like inhibitors developed to combat HIV-1 infection are capable of neutralizing genetically diverse SIVcpz and SIVgor strains with considerable breadth and potency, including in primary chimpanzee CD4+ T cells. Identification of these reagents provides an important first step toward translating potential intervention strategies currently developed to treat and prevent AIDS in humans to SIV infected apes. I also report a first case of clinical immunodeficiency in an experimentally SIVcpz infected captive chimpanzee, which improved markedly following antiretroviral treatment. These findings provide new insight into SIVcpz pathogenicity and identify promising new approaches to combat SIVcpz infection