bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Determinants of Residential Property Values in South London
Authors: May Daniel , Corbin Adam , Hollins Philip
Published: April 2011

Identifying Determinants of Residential Property Values in South London

This paper advances the academic work conducted on identifying some of the determinants of residential property values in different countries. Such determinants might include positive factors such as access to amenities, or negative factors such as high voltage overhead transmission lines (HVOTL). The objective explored here is to extend this research in the UK by considering the particular case of residential property values in South London. A number of determinants is considered, grouped and a model which explains the effect of the determinants on value is produced. The elasticities between property values and the distances from different determinants were also analysed to help highlight relationships between the determinants and residential property values. The results showed a relationship between residential property values and the determinants, and a relationship between the determinants themselves.
The Political-Budget Cycle in Countries of the European Union
Authors: Doležalová Jitka
Published: April 2011

The Political-Budget Cycle in Countries of the European Union

We empirically estimate the political-budget cycle in the member countries of the European Union in period of 1988-2008. We indirectly analyze the potential of these countries to deal with increasing public debts which were augmented by the global economic crisis. The selection of the EU countries depends on three characteristics of democracy - shared power, openness and adaptability. The openness of democracy is the most important characteristics in relation to effective behavior of governments. We suppose that governments are motivated to make electoral manipulation in countries which have lower level of openness. We choose Finland, the Netherlands, Austria, Estonia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Greece to include into our sample of countries. The research of political-budget cycle confirmed our assumption. We did not find the political-budget cycle in Finland, the Netherlands and Estonia. On the other hand, we identified that Austrian, Czech and Greece governments had a tendency to manipulate fiscal policy before elections. The regression coefficients of Poland electoral dummies were very statistically significant but they had a wrong sign. We could not estimate political-budget cycle in Romania due to the short time series.
Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Realization of Lambda Transition Temperature of 4He
Authors: Yin L. , Lin P. , Zhao J. , Qi X.
Published: April 2011

Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Realization of Lambda Transition Temperature of 4He

Owing to the dramatic change in the thermal conductivity of 4He when its temperature crosses the transition of superfluid (HeI) and normalfluid (HeII), a sealed-cell with a capillary is used to realize the lambda transition temperature, Tλ. A small heat flow is controlled through the capillary of the sealed-cell so as to realize the coexistence of HeI and HeII and maintain the stay of HeI/HeII interface in the capillary. A stable and flat lambda transition temperature "plateau" is obtained. Because there is a depression effect of Tλ caused by the heat flow through the capillary, a series of heat flows and several temperature plateaus are made and an extrapolation is applied to determine Tλ with zero heat flow. A rhodium-iron resistance thermometer with series number A34 (RIRT A34) has been used in 24 Tλ -realization experiments to derive Tλ with a standard deviation of 0.022mK, which proves the stability and reproducibility of Tλ.
Measuring the Stray Capacitance of Solenoids with a Transmitting and a Receiving Coil
Authors: Mariscotti A.
Published: April 2011

Measuring the Stray Capacitance of Solenoids with a Transmitting and a Receiving Coil

Air core solenoids, possibly single layer and with significant spacing between turns, are often used to ensure low stray capacitance, as they are used as part of many sensors and instruments. The problem of the correct estimation of the stray capacitance is relevant both during design and to validate measurement results; the expected value is so low to be influenced by any stray capacitance of the external measurement instrument. A simplified method is proposed that does not perturb the stray capacitance of the solenoid under test; the method is based on resonance with an external capacitor and on the use of a linear regression technique.
‘A’isha Abdel Rahman: An Unlikely Heroine A Post-Colonial Reading of Her Life and Some of Her Biographies of Women in the Prophetic Household
Authors: Hatem Mervat F.
Published: April 2011

This paper examines the work of Egyptian ‘A’isha Abdel Rahman (who acquired the pen name of Bint al-Shati’ in the 1930s) on the tarajim (biographies) of women of the prophetic households published in the 1950s and the 1960s. It begins by shedding light on personal and intellectual histories of the biographer that have not received their due attention. It argues that Abdel Rahman’s independent views regarding the role of religion and modernity in colonial and postcolonial societies made her the unlikely heroine of the post-1952 republican regime. These views also shaped her constructions of the biographies of the Prophet’s mother, Amena bint Wahb, wife, ‘A’isha bint Abi Bakr, and granddaughter, Zaynab bint ‘Ali. A critical discussion of these works poses interesting questions for the postcolonial Islamic feminist enterprise.
Pozzolanic Activity of Fly Ash
Authors: Farooque KN , Yeasmin Z , Alam S , Alam AMS , Zaman M
Published: April 2011

Various physico-chemical properties such as particle size distribution, specific gravity, specific surface area, chemical composition, solubility of Fly Ash (FA) in NaOH and pozzolanic activity of fly ash towards lime have been investigated. Chemical analysis of FAreveals that the FA used in this present investigation belongs to class F type of fly ash. XRD investigation of FA depicts the presence of crystalline mullite and quartz phases. Pozzolanic activity of fly ash was investigated by pH and electrical conductivity measurement, by determining the amount of calcium reacted with fly ash and by the amount of Insoluble Residue (IR) observed in FA-lime paste. XRD investigation of ash-lime paste identified the Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H) phase. The results obtained from these studies suggested that fly ash possesses pozzolanic activity. Key words: Pozzolanic activity; Fly ash (FA); Rice husk ash; Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC); Insoluble residue (IR); Calcium hydroxide (CH); Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H); Kinetics; XRD. DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i4.7326 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(4), 303-308, 2010
Growth Performance of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Barbodes gonionotus Fingerlings by Feeding Microalgae Cultured on Fertilizer Factory Effluent
Authors: Toyub MA , Miah MI , Habib MAB
Published: April 2011

Growth performance of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Silver carp) and Barbodes gonionotus (Sar puti) fingerlings were studied separately in aquaria by feeding cultured microalgae (Chlorella ellipsoidea, Scenedesmus obliquus and Spirulina platensis) in different combinations for a period of 21 days. Fertilizer factory effluent was used to grow these microalgae. Significantly (p<0.05) higher weight gain of H. molitrix (81.16%), was in the treatment T2 (Rearing by feeding 100% S. platensis) and the minimum percentage (- 4.29%) was obtained in the control (fed on fishmeal and mustered oil cake). Specific growth rate (SGR, %/day) of H. molitrix were determined - 0.21 to 2.84 for all the treatments which was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2. Survival rate of H. molitrix was 25.90 to 77.80%. In the case of B. gonionotus, significantly (p<0.05) higher weight gain (149.10%) was observed in t2 (Rearing by feeding 100% S. platensis). The SGR (%/day) of B. gonionotus were ranged from 2.25 to 4.33 which was significantly (p<0.05) higher in t2 than all other treatment except control. Survival rate of B. gonionotus was ranged from 97.78% to 100%. The reared fingerlings were found nutritionally rich. Key words: Fingerlings; Microalgae; Growth performance; Specific growth rate. DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i4.7328 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(4), 315-322, 2010
Screening of Phytochemical and Biological Potential of Clerodendron viscosum Leaves Extracts
Authors: Zahurul M , Rouf MA , Jalil MA , Islam M Badrul , Islam M Ruhul
Published: April 2011

Attempts were made to investigate different phytochemicals (secondary metabolites) of Clerodendron viscosum leaves extracts with different solvents e.g. petroleum ether (40-60° C), ethyl acetate and chloroform. The extracts were found to contain alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and steroids. The extracts were then subjected to bioactivity against some stored grain insect such as Tribolium castaneus, Sitophiulus oryzae, Rhizopertha dominica using the method of residual film technique. Among the extracts, the petroleum ether extract showed higher toxicity against Sitophiulus oryzae and Rhizopertha dominica but moderate toxicity against Tribolium castaneus. The ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts showed moderate toxicity against Sitophiulus oryzae. The effectiveness of the order of toxicity of the extracts was found to vary with different intervals of treatments (24, 48 and 72 hours). Key words: Clerodendron viscosum; Phyto-chemical; Bioactivity; Stored grain insect; Probit mortality DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i4.7385 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(4), 381-386, 2010
Studies on the Peel Oil from Two Varieties of Banana
Authors: Hassan Z , Jahan IA , Saha GC , Begum F , Nada K , Choudhury J
Published: April 2011

Composition of fatty oil in two different varieties of banana peels Mausa Cavendis (sagar kola) and Mausa Sapientum (savrie kola) was determined. Percent fatty oil content was found as 7.5 in savrie and 10 in Sagar peels. Unsaponifiable matter, Iodine value, free fatty acid contents and Saponification value were also determined for both the samples. It was observed that the linoleate content (2.74) in sagar variety is slightly higher than savrie variety (2.41), but the palmitate contents were found as 12.55 and 13.86, stearate contents 2.62 and 4.57 in Sagar and Savrie variety respectively. Key words: Oil; Saponification value; Iodine value; Banana; Peel DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i4.7387 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(4), 393-396, 2010
A Four-Step Method for Optimising the Normal Water Level of Reservoirs Based on a Mathematical Programming Model—A Case Study for the Songyuan Backwater Dam in Jilin Province, China
Authors: Sun Shijun , Yan Xiaofei , Cui Peng , Feng Jiang
Published: April 2011

Determination of the optimal normal water level of reservoirs (RNWL) was investigated, incorporating environmental ecology as a primary consideration. RNWL constitutes a relatively significant eigenvalue of any water conservancy project. In the present study, a four-step method based on a mathematical programming model and suitable for RNWL decision making was developed and applied to the water conservancy project of the Songyuan backwater dam in China. System analysis, correlation analysis, significance testing, principal component analysis, sensitivity analysis, and system optimisation theory are used in the solution process. In this study, various factors that impact the economic viability, engineering characteristics, environmental and urban ecology are considered for holistic optimisation. The study shows that the proposed four-step method may provide a feasible quantitative form of support for RNWL decision making.
Efficacy and Durability in Direct Labeling of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Organosilica, Dextran, and PEG Coatings
Authors: Wang Yi-Xiang J. , Quercy-Jouvet Thibault , Wang Hao-Hao , Li Ak-Wai , Chak Chun-Pong , Xuan Shouhu , Shi Lin , Wang De-Feng , Lee Siu-Fung , Leung Ping-Chung , Lau Clara B. S. , Fung Kwok-Pui , Leung Ken Cham-Fai
Published: April 2011

We herein report a comparative study of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) labeling using spherical superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles containing different coatings, namely, organosilica, dextran, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). These nanomaterials possess a similar SPIO core size of 6–7 nm. Together with their coatings, the overall sizes are 10–15 nm for all SPIO@SiO2, SPIO@dextran, and SPIO@PEG nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were investigated for their efficacies to be uptaken by rabbit bone marrow-derived MSCs without any transfecting agent. Experimentally, both SPIO@SiO2 and SPIO@PEG nanoparticles could be successfully uptaken by MSCs while the SPIO@dextran nanoparticles demonstrated limited labeling efficiency. The labeling durability of SPIO@SiO2 and SPIO@PEG nanoparticles in MSCs after three weeks of culture were compared by Prussian blue staining tests. SPIO@SiO2 nanoparticles demonstrated more blue staining than SPIO@PEG nanoparticles, rendering them better materials for MSCs labeling by direct uptake when durable intracellullar retention of SPIO is desired.
Alkaloidal Variation in Cissampelos Capensis (Menispermaceae)
Authors: De Wet Helene , Van Heerden Fanie R. , Van Wyk Ben-Erik
Published: April 2011

Cissampelos capensis, commonly known by the Afrikaans name “dawidjies” or “dawidjieswortel”, is the most important and best known medicinal plant of the family Menispermaceae used by the Khoisan and other rural people in the western region of South Africa. The main alkaloids in the leaves, stems and rhizomes were isolated and identified. Several of the main compounds were previously found in species of the related genus Antizoma and this similarity indicates that the two genera are closely related if not congeneric. Bulbocapnine (an aporphine alkaloid), dicentrine (an aporphine alkaloid) and salutaridine (a morphinane alkaloid) were the main alkaloids in the leaves, while bulbocapnine, cissacapine, cycleanine and insularine (the last three are bisbenzyltetrahydro-isoquinoline alkaloids) are the major compounds in the stems. The rhizome contains mostly bisbenzyltetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids, with 12-O-methylcurine, cissacapine and cycleanine as the main ones. Alkaloids appear to be quite variable within different plant parts and different provenances, as confirmed by the difference in alkaloid patterns between coastal and inland forms of Cissampelos capensis (the morphinane alkaloid salutaridine, for example, is the major leaf alkaloid along the coast but is practically absent from the inland form of the species). The variety of alkaloids identified may contribute to the medicinal value of this species. The data on alkaloidal variation in the species has potential value and practical applications in chemotaxonomy, toxicology and pharmacognosy.
Bioinspired Principles for Large-Scale Networked Sensor Systems: An Overview
Authors: Hylsberg Jacobsen Rune , Zhang Qi , Skjødeberg Toftegaard Thomas
Published: April 2011

Biology has often been used as a source of inspiration in computer science and engineering. Bioinspired principles have found their way into network node design and research due to the appealing analogies between biological systems and large networks of small sensors. This paper provides an overview of bioinspired principles and methods such as swarm intelligence, natural time synchronization, artificial immune system and intercellular information exchange applicable for sensor network design. Bioinspired principles and methods are discussed in the context of routing, clustering, time synchronization, optimal node deployment, localization and security and privacy.
Géographie comparative des héritages cuirassés sur les terres cristallines de l'Inde du Sud et d'Afrique de l'Ouest
Authors: Gunnell Yanni
Published: April 2011

Les vastes topographies d'aplanissement de la province archéenne du Karnataka, en Inde du Sud, sont localisées au sein d'un champ pluviométrique qui se singularise par un gradient climatique très abrupt entre le Ghat occidental humide à l'ouest, qui reçoit de plein fouet les pluies saisonnières de mousson, et l'intérieur semi-aride du Deccan. Ainsi structuré, ce gradient pluviométrique est comparable à celui qui relie le golfe de Guinée au Sahel en Afrique de l'Ouest, et organise une succession de trois ceintures morpho-pédologiques au sein desquelles les formations superficielles héritées de type cuirasse, de même que les bowé, sont d'une discrétion qui étonne l'observateur plus familier des paysages africains par le poids de la littérature existante. L'étude s'attache donc à présenter la nature, l'origine et la répartition des héritages cuirassés à la surface des hautes terres du Karnataka, et propose de mettre la meilleure préservation des héritages en Afrique occidentale, pour des conditions climatiques actuelles comparables, au compte du régime tectonique qui a, dans le cas indien, érigé un bourrelet montagneux de marge passive (le Ghat occidental) qui sert de barrière climatique à la mousson.
L'algoculture dans le monde et ses contraintes
Authors: Bodiguel Clotilde
Published: April 2011

The commercial cultivation of seeweeds has allowed substantial increases in annual production, still essentially Asiatic. Howewer, alongside the traditionnal producers (China, Japan and Korea), new nations are emerging (Chili, Indonesia and Philippines). Human consumption remains the principal use but processing industries are diversifying. Primary transformation is carried out in Western nations. Algae production is thereby increasingly subject to external constraints at global scale (supply markets and demand) as well at the national and regional scales (ecological, social, cultural, juridical).
Rh(I)-catalyzed intramolecular [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition of allenenes: Construction of bicyclo[4.3.0]nonenones with an angular methyl group and tricyclo[6.4.0.01,5]dodecenone
Authors: Inagaki Fuyuhiko , Itoh Naoya , Hayashi Yujiro , Matsui Yumi , Mukai Chisato
Published: April 2011

The [RhCl(CO)dppp]2-catalyzed intramolecular carbonylative [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition of allenenes was developed to prepare bicyclo[4.3.0]nonenones possessing a methyl group at the ring junction, which is difficult to achieve by the Pauson–Khand reaction of the corresponding enynes. This method also provided a new procedure for the construction of the tricyclo[6.4.0.01,5]dodecenone framework in a satisfactory yield.
Représentation du territoire national et circulation des grains : le Système de distribution publique indien
Authors: Landy Frédéric
Published: April 2011

En Inde, la pesante machine du Système de distribution publique (PDS) qui redistribue à prix subventionnés le grain ou le sucre achetés dans les zones de surproduction connaît de nombreux dysfonctionnements. Impératifs sociaux, soucis productivistes, intérêts illicites, nombreux sont les facteurs expliquant son maintien dans une Inde qui pourtant connaît de profondes réformes libérales. Il en est un autre : dans son idéal, le PDS correspond en effet à deux représentations du territoire national qui se superposent en grande partie. La territorialité hindoue et son interprétation par la droite nationaliste, fondées sur les points cardinaux et sur leurs liaisons, tout comme la territorialité moderniste nehruvienne, fondée sur le souci d’intégration par des flux économiques, correspondent toutes à une conception de l’espace national basée sur la circulation, et qui concordent donc pour maintenir l’existence du PDS.
La corrida… et en deçà
Authors: de M’Uzan Michel
Published: April 2011

Résumé Une corrida, tenue à Barcelone en 1962, engage des réflexions sévères la concernant. Le déploiement de la pompe qui s’y affirme est entendu dans son rapport avec les cérémonies qui prenaient place en Allemagne, à partir des années 1930 et jusqu’à la fin de la dernière guerre.
Symbolisme de l'animal dans la psychothérapie d'enfant
Authors: Tassin Karin
Published: April 2011

Résumé Les analogies physiques entre l’homme qui parle et l’animal qui ne parle pas font de ce dernier un support de projection et d’identification idéal chez l’enfant. Il est donc normal que l’on retrouve des animaux dans les psychothérapies. C’est sans doute par ses caractéristiques physiques et parce qu’il vivait à l’état sauvage que le loup est devenu l’archétype des animaux des contes le rendant ainsi fréquemment cité au cours des traitements cliniques. Cet article montre que, depuis quelques années, les dinosaures et les monstres ont remplacé le loup dans les cures, suggérant une évolution non seulement culturelle et psychique mais aussi sociétale.
Être là
Authors: Lasvergnas Isabelle
Published: April 2011

Résumé Ce texte vise à illustrer un enjeu théorico-clinique précis dans l’écoute de l’analyste, concernant l’écart entre l’écriture du fantasme et la résonance d’un avant les mots de la langue dans la psyché. Partant de deux vignettes cliniques, et plus précisément de formulations langagières utilisées par deux patients à un moment crucial de leur cure, le texte témoigne de quelques mouvements de perlaboration contre-transférentielle. En homologie avec les peintures rupestres du néolithique et avec les images du rêve, on proposera de reconnaître, dans certains signifiants langagiers, une écriture de nature hiéroglyphique. Soit, dans un effet d’après-coup de la trace première et de son refoulement, une inscription mnésique condensée, à la fois transport d’éprouvés corporels déliés, et traduction iconique d’un corps maternel primaire : le contre-transfert de l’analyste appréhendé dans sa polarité d’un entendu distinct de l’écoute , constituant alors le levier privilégié de la méthode.
Une dix-neuvième rédaction de l'épigramme Uirgo parens
Authors: Brasseur Annette
Published: April 2011

A nineteenth edition of the epigram Uirgo parens In our book devoted to the annotated edition of eighteen drafts of the epigram Uirgo parens, we did not concern ourselves, due to difficulties in consulting it, with the latest known version of this text, attributed, like fourteen others, to Gregory the Great. At J. Dalarun’s request, we now present the first edition of all twenty verses of the text, with comments on their written form and clarifications on several somewhat obscure doctrinal points. Preceding this is a detailed study of the Cambridge manuscript containing this epigram, which is catalogued as belonging to the works of Hildebert de Lavardin, a major medieval Mariologist. This raised the question of why these verses attributed to Gregory the Great were inserted among those written by Bishop Lavardin. We believe that we have given a satisfactory, if prudent, answer to this question. From now on, it would be advisable to classify this nineteenth edition, known as De sancta Maria Gregorius, as belonging to the first part of the book published by Droz: Textes en rapport avec le pape Grégoire: Rédactions de dix distiques .
Le contexte de rédaction des Annales de Flodoard de Reims (919-966) Partie 2 : présentation des résultats de la relecture critique du début des Annales
Authors: Lecouteux Stéphane
Published: April 2011

The writing context of the Annales of Flodoard of Reims (919-966), Part 1: A critical re-reading of the opening of the Annales in light of recent work In his Annales , Flodoard records year by year the events of his lifetime from 919 to 966. Yet a careful analysis of the opening – yearly – paragraphs reveals that the author, who both witnessed and participated in a significant number of the events he recorded, in all likelihood only began writing in 922 and 923. Indeed, the fact that he may have begun writing at this time is probably not accidental: when he witnessed the deposition and imprisonment of King Charles the Simple as well as the royal coronations of Counts Robert and Raoul, Flodoard clearly realized that he was living through extraordinary and historic events. These exceptional circumstances may have awakened his curiosity and driven him to undertake the writing of his opus. Thus it is possible to examine the context of Flodoard’s writing and the state of mind of the Rheims cleric at the moment when he first takes up his quill.
Fête et renouveau de la vie sociale à Orléans après 1429
Authors: Thibault Jean
Published: April 2011

Feast and Revival of Social Life in Orleans after 1429 In historiography, Orleans first appears as the town of the siege, as Joan of Arc’s town. It then becomes the symbol of resistance and of triumph in face of the enemy from Across the Channel. This image is true but also reductionist. The episode, however grandiose, in fact only lasted a very short time. At its peak in the 14 th and 15 th centuries, the capital of the Loire played a decisive political and military role as Paris’ true protective lock. The misfortunes the population underwent were equally opportunities for it to exploit advantageously and to inscribe long term remembrance of the city. The shock wave of the war transformed its relationship with time. From then on, the period of the feast (in the form of a commemorative procession, first held in 1430), however customary it had become, was charged with a new meaning, that of a profound civic union, which could finally express itself every year with new-found freedom, renewed pride and restored prosperity, the fruits of a fidelity to the King never belied during its period of misfortune. The festivities perpetuated the memory of these memorable events of 1429. But to what extent did they become integrated with ancient customs and traditions? That is the purpose of this study.
TGF-βi Promotes Islet β-Cell Function and Regeneration
Authors: Han Bing , Qi Shijie , Hu Bing , Luo Hongyu , Wu Jiangping
Published: April 2011

TGF-βi is a secreted protein and is capable of binding to both extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells. It thus acts as a bifunctional molecule enhancing ECM and cell interactions, a lack of which results in dysfunction of many cell types. In this study, we investigated the role of TGF-βi in the function and survival of islets. Based on DNA microarray followed by quantitative PCR confirmation, TGFβi gene showed drastic increase in expression in islets after culture. We demonstrated that recombinant TGF-βi could preserve the integrity and enhance the function of cultured islets. Such a beneficial effect was mediated via signaling through FAK. Exogenous TGF-βi was capable of sustaining high-level FAK phosphorylation in isolated islets, and FAK knockdown by small interfering RNA in islets resulted in compromised islet function. TGF-βi transgenic (Tg) islets showed better integrity and insulin release after in vitro culture. In vivo, β-cell proliferation was detectable in Tg but not wild-type pancreata. At age above 12 mo, Tg pancreata contained giant islets. Tg mice displayed better glucose tolerance than that of the controls. Tg islets were more potent in lowering blood glucose when transplanted into syngeneic mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and these transplanted islets also underwent regeneration. Our results indicate that TGF-βi is a vital trophic factor promoting islet survival, function, and regeneration. At least some of its beneficial effect was mediated by signaling through FAK.
CXCR5 Expressing Human Central Memory CD4 T Cells and Their Relevance for Humoral Immune Responses
Authors: Chevalier Nina , Jarrossay David , Ho Edwin , Avery Danielle T. , Ma Cindy S. , Yu Di , Sallusto Federica , Tangye Stuart G. , Mackay Charles R.
Published: April 2011

High expression of CXCR5 is one of the defining hallmarks of T follicular helper cells (TFH), a CD4 Th cell subset that promotes germinal center reactions and the selection and affinity maturation of B cells. CXCR5 is also expressed on 20–25% of peripheral blood human central memory CD4 T cells (TCM), although the definitive function of these cells is not fully understood. The constitutive expression of CXCR5 on TFH cells and a fraction of circulating TCM suggests that CXCR5+ TCM may represent a specialized subset of memory-type TFH cells programmed for homing to follicles and providing B cell help. To verify this assumption, we analyzed this cell population and show its specialized function in supporting humoral immune responses. Compared with their CXCR5− TCM counterparts, CXCR5+ TCM expressed high levels of the chemokine CXCL13 and efficiently induced plasma cell differentiation and Ig secretion. We found that the distinct B cell helper qualities of CXCR5+ TCM were mainly due to high ICOS expression and pronounced responsiveness to ICOS ligand costimulation together with large IL-10 secretion. Furthermore, B cell helper attributes of CXCR5+ TCM were almost exclusively acquired on cognate interaction with B cells, but not with dendritic cells. This implies that a preferential recruitment of circulating CXCR5+ TCM to CXCL13-rich B cell follicles is required for the promotion of a quick and efficient protective secondary humoral immune response. Taken together, we propose that CXCR5+ TCM represent a distinct memory cell subset specialized in supporting Ab-mediated immune responses.
Human Type 1 Diabetes Is Associated with T Cell Autoimmunity to Zinc Transporter 8
Authors: Dang MyLinh , Rockell Jennifer , Wagner Rebecca , Wenzlau Janet M. , Yu Liping , Hutton John C. , Gottlieb Peter A. , Davidson Howard W.
Published: April 2011

Recently we demonstrated that zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) is a major target of autoantibodies in human type 1 diabetes (T1D). Because the molecules recognized by T1D autoantibodies are typically also targets of autoreactive T cells, we reasoned that this would likely be the case for ZnT8. To test this hypothesis, IFN-γ–producing T cells specific for ZnT8 in the peripheral blood of 35 patients with T1D (<6 mo after onset at blood draw) and 41 age-matched controls were assayed by ELISPOT using a library of 23 overlapping dipeptide pools covering the entire 369 aa primary sequence. Consistent with our hypothesis, patients showed significantly higher T cell reactivity than the matched controls, manifest in terms of the breadth of the overall response and the magnitude of responses to individual pools. Therefore, the median number of pools giving positive responses (stimulation index ≥ 3) in the control group was 1.0 (range, 0–7) compared with 6.0 (range, 1–20; p < 0.0001) for the patients. Similarly, the median stimulation index of positive responses in controls was 3.1 versus 5.0 in the patients (p < 0.0001). Individually, 7 of 23 pools showed significant disease association (p < 0.001), with several of the component peptides binding the disease associated HLA-DR3 (0301) and -DR4 (0401) molecules in vitro. We conclude that ZnT8 is also a major target of disease-associated autoreactive T cells in human T1D, and we suggest that reagents that target ZnT8-specific T cells could have therapeutic potential in preventing or arresting the progression of this disease.
CD40-Modulated Dual-Specificity Phosphatases MAPK Phosphatase (MKP)-1 and MKP-3 Reciprocally Regulate Leishmania major Infection
Authors: Srivastava Neetu , Sudan Raki , Saha Bhaskar
Published: April 2011

The macrophage-expressed CD40 regulates immune responses to Leishmania major infection by reciprocal signaling through p38 MAPK and ERK1/2. CD40-induced IL-10 or IL-12 plays crucial roles in the promotion or protection from L. major infection, respectively. Because p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 are dephosphorylated by dual-specificity MAPK phosphatases (MKPs), we tested the role of CD40 in the regulation of MKPs in L. major infection. MKP-1 expression and activity increased whereas MKP-3 expression and activity decreased in virulent L. major-infected macrophages. CD40 differentially regulated the expression and activity of MKP-1 and MKP-3, which, in turn, reciprocally regulated CD40-induced p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and effector functions in macrophages. Triptolide, an inhibitor of MKP-1 expression, and lentivirally expressed MKP-1 short hairpin RNA enhanced CD40-induced anti-leishmanial functions and significantly protected susceptible BALB/c mice from L. major infection. Similarly, lentivirally overexpressed MKP-3 significantly reduced disease progression and parasite burden in susceptible BALB/c mice. Thus, to our knowledge, our data show for the first time that CD40 reciprocally regulates MKP-1 and MKP-3 expression and activity while the MKPs contribute to the reciprocal CD40 signaling-regulated anti-leishmanial functions. The findings reveal a novel parasite-devised immune evasion strategy and an effective target to redirect CD40-regulated immune responses.
HPV Reflex Testing in Menopausal Women
Authors: Ko Emily M. , Tambouret Rosemary , Wilbur David , Goodman Annekathryn
Published: April 2011

Objective. To determine the frequency of high risk (HR) HPV and intraepithelial neoplasia following ASCUS pap cytology screens in menopausal women.Study Design. Following IRB approval, we performed a retrospective review of all cases of ASCUS pap tests, HPV results, and relevant clinical-pathologic data in women age 50 or over from November 2005 to January 2007 within a tertiary care center. Statistical analyses were performed in EXCEL.Results. 344 patients were analyzed for a total of 367 screening pap tests. 25.29% (87/344) patients were HR HPV positive, with greater percentages of HR HPV cases occurring in women age 65–74. Within HR HPV cases, 79.3% (69/87) underwent colposcopy. 27.5% (19/69) biopsy proven lesions were discovered, including cervical, vulvar or vaginal (intraepithelial neoplasia). Within the negative HR HPV group 3.1% (8/257) patients were diagnosed with dysplasia or carcinoma. Within both HR HPV positive and negative groups, patients with no prior history of lower genital tract lesions or cancer were identified.Conclusion. Reflex HPV testing plays an important role in ASCUS triage in menopausal women. Pap test screening and HPV testing should not be limited to women of reproductive age as they may aid in the diagnosis of intraepithelial neoplasia in women of older age.
MiR-146a in Immunity and Disease
Authors: Rusca Nicole , Monticelli Silvia
Published: April 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory molecules able to influence all aspects of the biology of a cell. They have been associated with diseases such as cancer, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases, and in recent years, they also emerged as important regulators of immune responses. MiR-146a in particular is rapidly gaining importance as a modulator of differentiation and function of cells of the innate as well as adaptive immunity. Given its importance in regulating key cellular functions, it is not surprising that miR-146a expression was also found dysregulated in different types of tumors. In this paper, we summarize recent progress in understanding the role of miR-146a in innate and adaptive immune responses, as well as in disease.
Nerve Conduit Enhancement with Vomeronasal Organ Improves Rat Sciatic Functional Index in a Segmental Nerve Defect Model
Authors: Eward William C , Lipton Carter , Barnwell Jonathan , Smith Thomas L , Crowe Matthew , Koman L Andrew
Published: April 2011

Background

Segmental nerve loss presents a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. The best regenerative results are obtained by using autologous interpositional nerve grafts. While this method can be successful, it necessitates a second surgical step, sacrifices donor nerve function and depends upon a finite supply of potential donor nerves. Collagen nerve conduits are commercially available for reconstruction of segmental nerve defects. However, no conduit-based reconstructive strategy has been as successful as autograft reconstruction. We hypothesized that collagen nerve conduits used to bridge a sciatic nerve defect may be enhanced by grafting with vomeronasal organ (VNO), owing to the unique capacity for regeneration of this mammalian olfactory tissue.

Methods

21 rats underwent resection of a 1.0 cm segment of sciatic nerve. Seven rats underwent repair of the resultant nerve defect using a commercially available collagen nerve conduit (NeuraGen, Integra Life Sciences, Plainsboro NJ, USA). Seven rats underwent immediate repair of the nerve defect using the conduit filled with freshly harvested VNO allograft. An additional Seven rats underwent resection of a 4 mm segment of sciatic nerve and direct epineural repair. At 14 weeks postoperatively, all animals underwent walking track analysis. Toe prints were analyzed morphometrically to permit calculation of sciatic functional index (SFI). At 16 weeks postoperatively, rats were sacrificed and tissues were processed for histomorphometric analysis. This analysis included quantification of the number and diameter of myelinated axons as well as calculation of the axon density.

Results

All animals survived treatment without any serious surgical complications. All sciatic nerves were in continuity at sacrifice. All animals showed signs of sciatic denervation (decubitus ulcers, muscle atrophy) postoperatively. At 14 weeks, the mean sciatic functional index (SFI) was significantly higher in the VNO-enhanced group (p = 0.006) and the epineural repair (ER) groups (p = 0.004) than the conduit-only (CO) group. SFI was equivalent between VNO and ER groups (p = 0.338). Axon density was greater in the VNO (p = 0.013) and ER groups (p = 0.048) than in the CO group. Axon density was equivalent between the VNO and ER groups (p = 0.306).

Conclusions

In a rat sciatic nerve segmental defect model, modification of collagen nerve conduits to contain the pluripotent neuroepitheilial tissue vomeronasal organ (VNO) improves functional recovery and offers increased axon density relative to reconstruction with an empty conduit (CO).
The Cost-Effectiveness of the TriMed Sidewinder Plate for the Treatment of Weber B Ankle Fractures
Authors: Hewitt John D , Haytmanek Craig T , Tennant Joshua N , May Ryan C , Parekh Selene G
Published: April 2011

Background

Ankle fractures are common injuries and many have indications for operative treatment. Newer plate designs have recently been introduced and have the potential to simplify and shorten the operative procedure. This study compares the cost of operative treatment of a lateral malleolar fracture between a novel plate design and a neutralization plate and lag screw approach.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed with institutional review board approval. All patients operatively treated for a Weber B lateral malleolar fracture were divided into two cohorts: an experimental group treated with a novel plate and a control group treated with a lag screw and neutralization plate. Cost of implants, operating room costs, and time to healing were compared between the two cohorts.

Results

The average implant cost for the novel plate design ($1,141) was significantly higher than that of the plate and lag screw construct ($208) (p < 0.0001). The average operating room costs were significantly lower for the experimental group ($4,410) compared to the control group ($6,037) (p < 0.01). The average time to union was significantly less in the experimental group (75 days) than in the control group (97 days) (p < 0.04).

Conclusions

Use of a novel plate design in this study was associated with decreased operating room costs and a quicker time to union compared to the use of a traditional construct. This may result from reduced amounts of dissection required to apply the novel plate and a more favorable biological environment for bone healing. The additional cost of new implant designs may be justified by quicker, simpler operative techniques, and enhanced healing.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic Level III.
Tibial Plateau Cysts at the Meniscal Root Insertions: Incidence and Association
Authors: Didolkar Manjiri M , Vinson Emily N
Published: April 2011

Background

The purpose of this study is to identify a possible relationship between high T2-signal cyst-like foci in the tibial plateau at the meniscal root insertions and meniscal pathology.

Methods

Institutional review board approval was obtained for this retrospective study. HIPAA compliance was maintained throughout this study. Two radiologists reviewed 200 knee MRI examinations for tibial plateau cysts at the meniscal root insertion sites; meniscal tears and intrameniscal cysts were also noted. The knee MRI examinations were also evaluated for articular cartilage abnormalities of the medial and lateral tibial plateaus.

Results

Of the 200 knee examinations, 83(41.5%) demonstrated medial meniscal pathology and 47(23.5%) demonstrated lateral meniscal pathology. Twenty (10%) demonstrated cysts in at least one of the described locations; two knees had cysts in two separate locations. four (2%) examinations had cysts at the anterior horn medial meniscal insertion, and all four (100%) had medial meniscal pathology (p = 0.028). Eleven (5.5%) examinations demonstrated cysts at the posterior horn medial meniscal insertion, and eight (72.7%) had medial meniscal pathology (p = 0.031). five (2.5%) examinations demonstrated cysts at the anterior horn lateral meniscal insertion, and one (20%) had lateral meniscal pathology (p = 0.374). Two (1%) examinations demonstrated cysts at the posterior horn lateral meniscal insertion, and one (50%) had lateral meniscal pathology (p = 0.852).

Conclusions

Cysts at the meniscal insertions are often seen on knee MRI. Cysts located at the insertions of the medial meniscus have a statistically significant association with meniscal pathology.

Level of evidence

Level II, retrospective study with development of diagnostic criteria on the basis of consecutive patients.
Black carbon emissions from biomass and fossil fuels in rural India
Authors: Rehman I. H. , Ahmed T. , Praveen P. S. , Kar A. , Ramanathan V.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) emissions from biofuel cooking in South Asia and its radiative forcing is a significant source of uncertainty for health and climate impact studies. Quantification of BC emissions in the published literature is either based on laboratory or remote field observations far away from the source. For the first time under Project Surya, we use field measurements taken simultaneously inside rural households, ambient air and vehicular emissions from highways in a rural area in the Indo-Gangetic-Plains region of India to establish the role of both solid biomass based cooking in traditional stoves and diesel vehicles in contributing to high BC and organic carbon (OC), and solar absorption. The major finding of this study is that BC concentrations, both indoors and outdoors, have anomalously large twice-daily peak concentrations reaching 60 μg m−3 (median 15-min average value) during the early morning (05:00 to 08:00) and early evening (17:00 to 19:00) hours coinciding with the morning and evening cooking hours. The BC during the non-cooking hours were also large, in the range of 2 to 30 μg m−3. The peak BC concentrations reached as high as 1000 μg m−3. The large diurnal peaks seen in this study lead to the conclusion that satellite based aerosol studies that rely on once- daily daytime measurements may severely underestimate the BC loading of the atmosphere. The concentration of OC was a factor of 5 larger than BC and furthermore optical data show that absorbing brown carbon was a major component of the OC. The imprint of the cooking hour peaks were seen in the outdoor BC both in the village as well as in the highway. The results have significant implications for climate and epidemiological studies.
From the shape of the vertical profile of in vivo fluorescence to Chlorophyll-a concentration
Authors: Mignot A. , Claustre H. , D'Ortenzio F. , Xing X. , Poteau A. , Ras J.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. In vivo fluorescence of Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) is a potentially useful property to study the vertical distribution of phytoplankton biomass. However the technique is presently not fully exploited as it should be, essentially because of the difficulties in converting the fluorescence signal into an accurate Chl-a concentration. These difficulties arise noticeably from natural variations in the Chl-a fluorescence relationship, which is under the control of community composition as well as of their nutrient and light status. As a consequence although vertical profiles of fluorescence are likely the most recorded biological property in the open ocean, the corresponding large databases are underexploited. Here with the aim to convert a fluorescence profile into a Chl-a concentration profile, we test the hypothesis that the Chl-a concentration can be gathered from the sole knowledge of the shape of the fluorescence profile. We analyze a large dataset from 18 oceanographic cruises conducted in case-1 waters from the highly stratified hyperoligotrophic waters (surface Chl-a = 0.02 mg m−3) of the South Pacific Gyre to the eutrophic waters of the Benguela upwelling (surface Chl-a = 32 mg m−3) and including the very deep mixed waters in the North Atlantic (Mixed Layer Depth = 690 m). This dataset encompasses more than 700 vertical profiles of Chl-a fluorescence as well as accurate estimations of Chl-a by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Two typical fluorescence profiles are identified, the uniform profile, characterized by a homogeneous layer roughly corresponding to the mixed layer, and the non-uniform profile, characterized by the presence of a Deep Chlorophyll Maximum. Using appropriate mathematical parameterizations, a fluorescence profile is subsequently represented by 3 or 5 shape parameters for uniform or non-uniform profiles, respectively. For both situations, an empirical model is developed to predict the "true" Chl-a concentration from these shape parameters. This model is then used to calibrate a fluorescence profile in Chl-a units. The validation of the approach provides satisfactory results with a median absolute percent deviation of 33% when comparing the HPLC Chl-a profiles to the Chl-a-calibrated fluorescence. The proposed approach thus opens the possibility to produce Chl-a climatologies from uncalibrated fluorescence profile databases that have been acquired in the past and to which numerous new profiles will be added, thanks to the recent availability of autonomous platforms (profiling floats, gliders and animals) instrumented with miniature fluorometers.
Tidal generation of large sub-mesoscale eddy dipoles
Authors: Callendar W. , Klymak J. M. , Foreman M. G. G.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Numerical simulations of tidal flow past Cape St. James on the south tip of Haida Gwai (Queen Charlotte Islands) are presented that indicate mesoscale dipoles are formed from coalescing tidal eddies. Observations in this region demonstrate robust eddy generation at the Cape, with the primary process being flow separation of buoyant or wind driven outflows forming large anti-cyclonic, negative potential vorticity, Haida Eddies. However, there are other times where dipoles are observed in satellites, indicating a source of positive potential vorticity must also be present. The simulations here build on previous work that implicates oscillating tidal flow past the cape in creating the positive vorticity. Small headland eddies of alternating vorticity are created each tide. During certain tidal cycles, the headland eddies coalesce and self organize in such a way as to create large >20-km diameter eddies that then self-advect into deep water. The self advection speed is faster than the beta drift of anti-cyclones, and the propagation direction appears to be more southerly than typical Haida Eddies, though the model contains no mean wind-driven flows. These eddies are smaller than Haida Eddies, but given their tidal origin, may represent a more consistent source of coastal water that is injected into to the interior of the subpolar gyre.