University of Victoria

About: University of Victoria is a education organization based out in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Galaxy. The organization has 14994 authors who have published 41051 publications receiving 1447972 citations. The organization is also known as: Victoria College.

Averages of B-Hadron, C-Hadron, and tau-lepton properties as of early 2012

Abstract: This article reports world averages of measurements of b-hadron, c-hadron, and tau-lepton properties obtained by the Heavy Flavor Averaging Group (HFAG) using results available through the end of 2011. In some cases results available in the early part of 2012 are included. For the averaging, common input parameters used in the various analyses are adjusted (rescaled) to common values, and known correlations are taken into account. The averages include branching fractions, lifetimes, neutral meson mixing parameters, CP violation parameters, parameters of semileptonic decays and CKM matrix elements.

Traditional ecological knowledge and wisdom of aboriginal peoples in british columbia

Abstract: This paper discusses the characteristics and application of Traditional Eco- logical Knowledge and Wisdom (TEKW) of aboriginal peoples in British Columbia, Canada. Examples are provided from various groups, most notably, the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Interior Salish and Kwakwaka'wakw and Nuu-Chah-Nulth peoples of the Northwest Coast, covering a range of features comprising TEKW: knowledge of ecological principles, such as succession and interrelatedness of all components of the environment; use of ecological indicators; adaptive strategies for monitoring, enhancing, and sustainably harvesting re- sources; effective systems of knowledge acquisition and transfer; respectful and interactive attitudes and philosophies; close identification with ancestral lands; and beliefs that rec- ognize the power and spirituality of nature. These characteristics, taken in totality, have enabled many groups of aboriginal peoples to live sustainably within their local environ- ments for many thousands of years. In order for TEKW to be incorporated appropriately into current ecosystem-based management strategies, the complete context of TEKW, in- cluding its philosophical bases, must be recognized and respected. A case study of ecological and cultural knowledge of the traditional root vegetables yellow avalanche lily (Erythronium grandiflorum) and balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) illustrates ways in which these components can be integrated.

Neo-antigens predicted by tumor genome meta-analysis correlate with increased patient survival

Abstract: Somatic missense mutations can initiate tumorogenesis and, conversely, anti-tumor cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses. Tumor genome analysis has revealed extreme heterogeneity among tumor missense mutation profiles, but their relevance to tumor immunology and patient outcomes has awaited comprehensive evaluation. Here, for 515 patients from six tumor sites, we used RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas to identify mutations that are predicted to be immunogenic in that they yielded mutational epitopes presented by the MHC proteins encoded by each patient’s autologous HLA-A alleles. Mutational epitopes were associated with increased patient survival. Moreover, the corresponding tumors had higher CTL content, inferred from CD8A gene expression, and elevated expression of the CTL exhaustion markers PDCD1 and CTLA4. Mutational epitopes were very scarce in tumors without evidence of CTL infiltration. These findings suggest that the abundance of predicted immunogenic mutations may be useful for identifying patients likely to benefit from checkpoint blockade and related immunotherapies.

Carbohydrates in fish nutrition: digestion and absorption in postlarval stages

Abstract: This review summarizes information regarding digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in cultivated fish Relevant results of studies of digestive enzymes, eg amylase, chitinase, cellulase and brush border disaccharidases are presented Fish amylases appear to be molecularly closely related and to have characteristics comparable to mammalian amylases Whether chitinases and cellulases are endogenous enzymes of some fish species is still a matter of speculation, although recent molecular evidence, at least for chitinase seems to settle the issue in favour of endogenous sources Feed and intestinal microbes may be the source of polysaccharidases in fish feeding on nutrients-containing non-starch polysaccharides Knowledge regarding monosaccharide transport in fish intestine as interpreted from studies of brush border membrane vesicles, everted sleeves of fish intestinal sections and molecular biology is discussed Glucose transporters of the intestinal brush border show characteristics similar to those found in mammals A tabulatory presentation of experimental details and results reported in the literature regarding starch digestibility is included as a basis for discussion Although numerous investigations on digestion of starch and other carbohydrates in fish have been published, the existing information is highly fragmentary As yet, it is impossible to derive a cohesive picture on the integrated process of carbohydrate hydrolysis and absorption and interaction with diet composition for any of the fish species under cultivation The physiological mechanisms behind the species differences are not known