bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prey Density Dependent Life Table of Aphidoletes Aphidomyza Rondani (Dip., Cecidomyiidae) Feeding on Aphis Craccivora Koch (Hem., Aphididae) under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Madahi Khadijeh , Sahragard Ahad , Hossieni Reza
Published: September 2013

The life table provides an integrated and comprehensive description of development times, survivorship, and reproduction of a population. Life table parameters of aphidophagous midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza Rondani (Dip., Cecidomyiidae) on different densities (5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80) of third instar nymphs of Aphis craccivora Koch as prey, were studiedat (25±1°C, 70±5% relative humidity (RH) and a photoperiod of 16L : 8D h). There were no significant differences among the adult pre-ovipositional periods (APOP) at different prey densities. The total pre-ovipositional period (TPOP) of female A. aphidimyza was reduced significantly as prey density increased. The oviposition period was significantly different at varying prey densities. It was 4.333±0.211 and 5.625±0.324 days at the lowest and highest prey densities, respectively. Female longevity was also significantly different at varying prey densities. Fecundity was directly dependent on prey density (R2 = 0.990). The lowest fecundity was obtained at a density of 5 prey (52.5±1.544 eggs) and the highest was at a density of 80 prey, per day (121.375±4.301 eggs). The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was prey density dependent (R2 = 0.958), and ranged from 0.122±0.017 to 0.193±0.014 d-1 as prey density increased. The net reproductive rate (R0) was significantly increased as prey density increased. The peak reproductive values showed that female aphidophagous midges at the age of 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 days made the highest contribution to the population at different prey densities. It was concluded that the increase in the densitits of third instar nymphs of A. craccivora had significant effects on demographic parameters of A. aphidimyza
Abamectin Induced Biochemical and Histopathological Changes in the Albino Rat, Rattus Norvegicus
Authors: Abd-Elhady Hany Kamal , Abou-Elghar Gamal Elsayed
Published: September 2013

Abamectin (Avermectin B1a), is a natural fermentation product derived from the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. Abamectin (Avermectin B1a) is widely used as an insecticide, acaricide, and anthelmintic. The present study assessed the effects of repeated subacute and subchronic exposure to the commercial formulation of abamectin (Vertemic, 1.8% EC) in albino male rats. The toxic effects of abamectin were studied. The various biochemical parameters and histopathological changes were noted. A stomach tube was used to orally administer sublethal doses of abamectin suspended in corn oil to the rats. The animals were divided into four groups. Rats of the group T1 were orally administered a sublethal dose of 30 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) (1/10 LD50) three times a week for 30 days and the animals in group T2 were exposed to 10 mg/kg b.wt. (1/30 LD50) for 210 days, once a week. Two control groups (C1 and C2) were used in parallel studies, where animals were administered a corn oil vehicle. At the end of the study period, blood samples were collected from all groups to measure plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and the levels of creatinine and urea. Also, total protein and RNA contents were determined in the liver and kidney tissues. Changes in biochemical parameters were more intense in male rats from group T2 than those reported in group T1. The levels of ALT, AST, urea and creatinine were significantly elevated in rats from group T2 when compared to the control. In group T2, a significant decrease in the levels of total protein and RNA in both the liver and kidneys was observed. Fertility was also significantly reduced in male rats ingesting abamectin in group T2. The number of offspring was significantly reduced. Histopathological changes were more intense in male rats from group T2 than those from group T1. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that subchronic oral administration of abamectin altered some biochemical parameters which correlated with histopathological changes
Comparative Efficacy of Garlic Clove and Castor Seed Aqueous Extracts Against the Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne Incognita Infecting Tomato Plants
Authors: El-Nagdi Wafaa Mohamed Abd-Elhameed , Youssef Mahmoud Mohamed Ahmed
Published: September 2013

A greenhouse experiment using aqueous extracts of garlic (Allium sativum) cloves and castor bean (Ricinus communis) seeds, to control root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on tomato cv. Super strain B, was conducted. The plant materials were diluted with distilled water; the concentration was 10 g/100 ml. Four-week old tomato seedlings were planted in pots and arranged in a completely randomized block design for a treatment of five replicates. Approximately 2,000 juveniles of root knot nematode were pipetted around each plant. The botanical extracts were either soil drenched or foliar sprayed, for each pot. Cadusafos 10G (Rugby) as a nematicide, and non-treated pots served as the control. Results showed that tomato is susceptible to M. incognita infection. Botanical extracts were more effective and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced nematode criteria including number of galls and egg masses on roots of tomato and number of juveniles in roots and soil, compared to nematicide and non-treated plants. In general, a high dilution of the tested materials caused higher increases in lengths and weights of shoots and numbers and weights of fruits than those occurred by a low dilution
Eastern borderlands as ‘cordon sanitaire’: Romanian and Polish frontiers in interwar geopolitics
Authors: Anghel Florin
Published: September 2013

STRESZCZENIE

Autor wskazuje, iż ogłoszenie 16 lutego 1918 r. w Tarybie niepodległości Litwy nie wywarło większego wrażenia na kołach dyplomatycznych Rumunii. Trwała jeszcze wojna, a król, parlament oraz rząd rumuński znajdowali się w Jassach. Stąd zarówno król, jak i premier Marghiloman dostrzegali rozwój rewolucji bolszewickiej, ale też w marcu tego roku żołnierze rumuńscy weszli do Besarabii, która złożyła deklarację połączenia się z Rumunią. Na przełomie lat 1918 i 1919 elity polityczne Bukaresztu podjęły próbę budowy „kordonu sanitarnego” pomiędzy Bałtykiem a Morzem Czarnym. Realizując ten plan, mimo pewnego oporu Polski, Rumunia 24 sierpnia 1924 r. uznała oficjalnie Litwę. W czasie polsko-rumuńskich rozmów dyplomatycznych strona rumuńska twierdziła, że Litwa właśnie powinna być wspólnym sojusznikiem Polski i Rumunii w konstruowaniu owego kordonu, zamykającego drogę ekspansji Rosji Radzieckiej. Wynikało to m.in. z faktu, iż nie znaleziono perspektyw do nawiązania stosunków pomiędzy Bukaresztem a Kownem. Dyplomaci, politycy, elity kulturalne jakby obawiały się przełamania barier pomiędzy obydwoma krajami i narodami.
Tuberculosis & Diabetes: need to be addressed
Authors: Editor The
Published: September 2013

SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(1) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i1.8642
Gender Difference on Case Detection of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Among the Suspected Cases Attending in Jutpani Primary Health Centre of Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Amgain K , Paudel Dillee Prasad , Paneru DP , Dhital M , Amgain G
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Pulmonary tuberculosis is one of the World’s public health problems particularly in developing countries including Nepal. Every year, thousands of people suffered from active tuberculosis in Nepal; of whom 50 percent have infectious pulmonary tuberculosis. It is more common among men than women, and affects mostly adults of economically productive age. There is scantiness of such information in Nepal. Hence the study was carried out to identify the gender difference on case identifi cation of pulmonary tuberculosis in Chitwan district of Nepal. Methodology: Descriptive cross sectional study was carried out from July to December 2012 in Jutpani Village Development Committee of Chitwan, Nepal. All symptomatic cases attending in Jutpani Primary Health Center with the clinical history pulmonary tuberculosis were included. Microscopic examination of sputum samples of three consecutive days was done for AFB. Results were disseminated in tabular, graphical and narrative form using appropriate statistics. Results: Total 200 suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were included in this study; among them 18 (9%) were found to be AFB positive. Sex ratio of diagnosed patients was 5:4 (male; 55.56% and female; 44.44%). Highest prevalence of TB infection (36.89%) was found in 30-40 years age. Highest number of cases 5 (27.78%) were reported in the ward number four (male female ratio; 3:2). One-third of cases were in July followed by 22.22% in each of the month; August and September. Conclusion: Males were found to be more likely to have pulmonary tuberculosis than females. Gender specifi c case identifi cation and preventive measure targeting to the most productive age group population will eventually supports to reduce the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(1); 7-12 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i1.8644
Prevalence Of Tuberculosis Among Hiv Positive Patients Attending Ictc In A Tertiary Care Institute In Ahmadabad, A Western City Of India
Authors: Nayak Sunil , Karia J , Patel P , Modi B , Desai K , Patel B
Published: September 2013

Introduction: In India, tuberculosis is the most common opportunistic infection among HIV positive patients. This study estimates the prevalence of tuberculosis amongst HIV patients in Ahmadabad, Gujarat. Methodology: The present study was conducted at Integrated Counseling and Testing Center for HIV at Sola civil hospital, a public sector tertiary care hospital in Ahmadabad for a twenty month period from January, 2009 to August, 2010. All the patients visiting the center during the study period were screened for HIV. All the patients who were diagnosed HIV positive were subjected for active search of tuberculosis; clinically, radiological as well as by histopathology and laboratory tests. Results: Total 6846 patients were screened for HIV, out of which 167(2.44%) patients were tested HIV positive. Out of 167 HIV positive patients, 22 (13.17%) were diagnosed as cases of tuberculosis. Out of these 22 patients, 18(81.82%) had pulmonary tuberculosis while 4(18.18%) were extra-pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Amongst the four extra-pulmonary tuberculosis cases, one (25.00%) case was of tuberculous meningitis, one (25.00%) was of abdominal tuberculosis and two (50.00%) had tuberculous lymphatic swelling. Conclusion: The prevalence of tuberculosis in HIV positive patients found in this study was 13.17%, which is substantially lower than that reported in previous studies. Appropriate management of these patients requires a strengthened mechanism of cross reference and inter sectoral co-ordination between the two diseases at all levels. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(1); 13-18 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i1.8672
Treatment Effects and Design Guidance for High- to Low-Speed Transition Zones for Rural Highways
Authors: Gilmore David K. , Bauer Karin M. , Torbic Darren J. , Kinzel Christopher S. , Frazier Robert J.
Published: September 2013

This paper presents the results of a study to develop improved design guidance for high- to low-speed transition zones on rural highways. The primary steps of the research included a literature review and state-of-practice review on speed reduction treatments used in transition zones and observational field studies of several transition zone treatments in the United States. The principal findings from the observation field studies are that roundabouts and transverse pavement markings increase the rate of compliance of vehicles traveling at or below the speed limit at the end of a transition zone by 15% and 20%, respectively, as compared with no treatment. Roundabouts increase the rate of compliance of vehicles traveling within 5 mph (8 km/h) of the speed limit at the end of a transition zone by 11%, compared with no treatment. The findings support previous research that indicates the need to provide additional measures through the community to maintain speed reduction downstream of the transition zone through the community. This paper also addresses several issues to be considered in the design of high- to low-speed transition zones, including definitions and site characteristics of the geographical limits or boundaries of the transition zone study area; a methodology for assessing whether a high- to low-speed transition zone has speed limit compliance or safety issues to support the need for, and the selection of, an appropriate treatment to address the issues; and guiding principles and design concepts to be considered in the design of a transition zone.
Production of Fungal Glucoamylase for Glucose Production from Food Waste
Authors: Lam Wan , Pleissner Daniel , Lin Carol
Published: September 2013

The feasibility of using pastry waste as resource for glucoamylase (GA) production via solid state fermentation (SSF) was studied. The crude GA extract obtained was used for glucose production from mixed food waste. Our results showed that pastry waste could be used as a sole substrate for GA production. A maximal GA activity of 76.1 ± 6.1 U/mL was obtained at Day 10. The optimal pH and reaction temperature for the crude GA extract for hydrolysis were pH 5.5 and 55 °C, respectively. Under this condition, the half-life of the GA extract was 315.0 minutes with a deactivation constant (kd) 2.20 × 10−3minutes−1. The application of the crude GA extract for mixed food waste hydrolysis and glucose production was successfully demonstrated. Approximately 53 g glucose was recovered from 100 g of mixed food waste in 1 h under the optimal digestion conditions, highlighting the potential of this approach as an alternative strategy for waste management and sustainable production of glucose applicable as carbon source in many biotechnological processes.
Fray Toribio Motolinía denunciado ante la Inquisición por Fray Bernardino de Sahagún en 1572
Authors: Baudot Georges
Published: September 2013

Un documento inédito del A.G.N. de México en que Sahagún denuncia ante la Inquisición a su hermano de Orden, Motolinía, por haber apreciado demasiado el calendario adivinatorio de los Mexicah.
Conquérants et missionnaires face au « péché abominable », essai sur l'homosexualité en Mésoamérique au moment de la conquête espagnole
Authors: Olivier Guilhem
Published: September 2013

Les pratiques et attitudes indigènes face à ce que les conquistadores ont appelé le « péché abominable » sont analysés en tenant compte des enjeux idéologiques et moraux qui suscitèrent la création du matériel ethnohistorique réuni. L'étude sociologique de l'homosexualité précolombienne, l'examen des phénomènes de travestissement, la mise en évidence de la dimension magico-religieuse de ces pratiques et la description de l'appareil répressif indigène permettent de dresser un tableau détaillé d'un aspect méconnu de la civilisation mésoaméricaine à la veille de la conquête espagnole.
Hernández y la botánica mexicana
Authors: de Durand-Forest Jacqueline
Published: September 2013

Aperçu synthétique détaillé de l'œuvre de Francisco Hernández, médecin de Philippe II, et de ses travaux de botanique au Mexique dans le dernier quart du XVIe siècle. La disparition des livres originaux et les avatars des brouillons et dessins subsistants ont beaucoup retardé l'exacte connaissance de cette contribution scientifique cruciale. Son importance se faisait encore sentir au XVIIIe siècle puisqu'elle servait d'inspiration en quelque sorte à la mise en place du Jardin des Plantes de Madrid en 1755.
Foires et panégyries dans le monde grec classique et hellénistique
Authors: Chandezon Christophe
Published: September 2013

Some inscriptions and litterary sources reveal that from the classical period the religious festivals (panegyris) were not only the period for religious activities, but also for commercial exchanges whose sole goal was not only to provide the bare minimum for pilgrims. This part of the festival is designated by the word agora. Its periodicity makes it a true fair. The cities try to insure the respect of regulations by the election of magistrates such as agoranomoi, a task already undertaken in the late hellenistic period by panegyriarchai. These exchanges are also the occasion to raise taxes, but the inscriptions show us rather the case where the organizing State (city, koinon, monarchy) prefers to renounce to the raising of taxes, and instead grants ateleia to the festival. The type of exchanges which took place during the fair is difficult to determine because of the official nature of the sources. Slaves, cattle and luxury goods were involved. The common point seems the absence of a permanent circulation of goods in the fair's zone of influence. The trapezitai were also attracted to the fairs : they certainly practised money changing there and perhaps credit.
Un nom rare du boulanger : ἀρτοκολλητής
Authors: Fournet Jean-Luc
Published: September 2013

Les dictionnaires enregistrent un nom rare du boulanger uniquement livré par les papyrus, ἀρτοκόλλυτος. Cette étude montrera, par un examen des occurrences de la documentation papyrologique non seulement grecque, mais aussi copte, que cette forme est une reconstruction moderne erronée, que la bonne forme est ἀρτοκολλητής, presque toujours orthographiée à époque ancienne et par analogie ἀρτοκολλυτής, et que son emploi est limité à une aire géographique très restreinte de la Moyenne- Egypte. Le mot se rattache à la famille de κολλάω, dont on montrera, grâce à un ostracon inédit d'Egypte et l'étude des trois mots grecs κόλλιξ, κόλλαβος et κολλ(ο)ύρα, qu'il a été utilisé dans le lexique de la boulangerie.
Histoire du mot αἱμάλωψ d'Hippocrate à Galien et à la médecine tardive : contribution à l'étude des dérivés en -αλ- de la famille de αἷμα et des termes techniques en -ωψ
Authors: Jouanna Jacques
Published: September 2013

Étude de la formation et du sens du mot rare de la famille de αίμα appartenant au vocabulaire médical αίμάλωψ, fondée sur un examen de tous les témoignages (avec les variantes manuscrites) où le mot αίμάλωψ et ses dérivés (αίμαλωπιάω et αίμαλωπώδης) sont attestés depuis Hippocrate (Ve/IVe avant J.-C), en passant par Arétée de Cappadoce, Dioscoride et le P.Oxy. 1088 col. I, 3 (Ier après J.-C), jusqu'à Galien (IIe après J.-C.) et aux médecins de l'époque tardive (du ive au vne s.), Oribase, Aétios d'Amida et Paul d'Égine. Le mot est formé à partir de αίμα sur le thème en liquide αίμαλ- (alternance n/l) qui a été fortement concurrencé dans l'histoire de la transmission des textes par le thème en dentale αίματ-. On constate la disparition chez Hippocrate non seulement de αίμάλωψ dans une partie de la tradition manuscrite et imprimée au profit de αίμα, mais aussi, dans la totalité de la tradition directe, de l'adjectif αίμαλώδης (conservé dans le Glossaire d'Érotien) et du substantif αϊμαλος (conservé dans une partie de la tradition manuscrite du Glossaire de Galien et omis par les éditions et les dictionnaires). Le sens ancien « sang noir et grumeleux » n'a pas plus de rapport avec le vocabulaire de la vision que le sens de l'autre terme médical en -ωψ dérivé d'une humeur, ϋδρωψ. Mais le mot a été inséré par la suite dans un groupe de termes terminés par -ωψ désignant la pathologie de l'œil (notamment αίγίλωψ et άγχίλωψ) et a pris le sens de « hématome à l'œil » (POxy. 1088 col. I, 3 ; Archigène cité par Galien ; Galien). Le sens ancien n'a pas disparu pour autant. Il est encore attesté chez Paul d'Égine au VIIe siècle.
Denys le Périégète dans l'Italie normande. Un nouveau témoin de la glose latine du corpus poétique de Paris, Suppl. gr. 388.
Authors: Marcotte Didier
Published: September 2013

The Parisinus Suppl. gr. 388 (A, s. x) throws a new light on the revival of Greek culture in southern Italy and Sicily during the Norman times (1071-1194). Three of the poets it contains, Theognis, 'Phocyli- des' and Dionysius the Periegete, have been glossed in latin by an anonymous twelfth-century translator, who collated for this purpose other manuscripts. One of those, the Gudianus gr. 46 (W, s. XI) offers fragments of the Parisinus' gloss between the lines of his Dionysius'text. This article points out that the version of Dionysius, the oldest ever tempted in the West of a whole Greek poem, depends on the paraphrase found in the margins of the Gudianus. It appears that a real edition of the Periegesis, based on both manuscripts, has been established at that time by the translator and that this edition had a deep influence afterwards on the Byzantine tradition of the poem from the 13th to the 15th century.
Feature-Based Affine Motion Estimation for Superresolution of a Region of Interest
Authors: Kim Sung Hyun , Park Rae-Hong , Yang Seungjoon , Kim Hwa-Young
Published: September 2013

This chapter presents an interpolation method of low-computation for a Region Of Interest (ROI) using multiple low-resolution images of the same scene. Interpolation methods using multiple images require the accurate motion information between the reference image of interpolation and the other images. Sometimes complex local motions applied to the entire images are estimated incorrectly, yielding seriously degraded interpolation results. The authors apply the proposed Superresolution (SR) method, which employs a simple global motion model, only to the ROI that contains important information of the scene. The ROIs extracted from multiple images are assumed to have simple global motions. At first, using a mean absolute difference measure, they extract the regions from the multiple images that are similar to the selected ROI in the reference image of interpolation and use feature points to estimate the affine motion parameters. The authors apply the Projection Onto Convex Sets (POCS)-based method to the ROI using the estimated motion, simplify the iterative computation of the whole system, and use an edge-preserving smoothing filter to reduce the distortion caused by additive noise. In experiments, they acquire test image sets with a hand-held digital camera and use a Gaussian noise model. Experimental results show that the feature-based Motion Estimation (ME) is accurate and reducing the computational load of the ME step is efficient in terms of the computational complexity. It is also shown that the SR results using the proposed method are remarkable even when input images contain complex motions and a large amount of noise. The proposed POCS-based SR algorithm can be applied to digital cameras, portable camcorders, and so on.
Pneumococcal Components Induce Regulatory T Cells That Attenuate the Development of Allergic Airways Disease by Deviating and Suppressing the Immune Response to Allergen
Authors: Thorburn Alison N. , Brown Alexandra C. , Nair Prema M. , Chevalier Nina , Foster Paul S. , Gibson Peter G. , Hansbro Philip M.
Published: September 2013

The induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to suppress aberrant inflammation and immunity has potential as a therapeutic strategy for asthma. Recently, we identified key immunoregulatory components of Streptococcus pneumoniae, type 3 polysaccharide and pneumolysoid (T+P), which suppress allergic airways disease (AAD) in mouse models of asthma. To elucidate the mechanisms of suppression, we have now performed a thorough examination of the role of Tregs. BALB/c mice were sensitized to OVA (day 0) i.p. and challenged intranasal (12–15 d later) to induce AAD. T+P was administered intratracheally at the time of sensitization in three doses (0, 12, and 24 h). T+P treatment induced an early (36 h–4 d) expansion of Tregs in the mediastinal lymph nodes, and later (12–16 d) increases in these cells in the lungs, compared with untreated allergic controls. Anti-CD25 treatment showed that Treg-priming events involving CD25, CCR7, IL-2, and TGF-β were required for the suppression of AAD. During AAD, T+P-induced Tregs in the lungs displayed a highly suppressive phenotype and had an increased functional capacity. T+P also blocked the induction of IL-6 to prevent the Th17 response, attenuated the expression of the costimulatory molecule CD86 on myeloid dendritic cells (DCs), and reduced the number of DCs carrying OVA in the lung and mediastinal lymph nodes. Therefore, bacterial components (T+P) drive the differentiation of highly suppressive Tregs, which suppress the Th2 response, prevent the Th17 response and disable the DC response resulting in the effective suppression of AAD.
Increased Susceptibility to Pulmonary Pseudomonas Infection in Splunc1 Knockout Mice
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Di Marissa E. , Chu Hong Wei , Liu Xinyu , Wang Ling , Wenzel Sally , Di Y. Peter
Published: September 2013

The airway epithelium is the first line of host defense against pathogens. The short palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (SPLUNC)1 protein is secreted in respiratory tracts and is a member of the bacterial/permeability increasing (BPI) fold–containing protein family, which shares structural similarities with BPI-like proteins. On the basis of its homology with BPIs and restricted expression of SPLUNC1 in serous cells of submucosal glands and surface epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract, SPLUNC1 is thought to possess antimicrobial activity in host defense. SPLUNC1 is also reported to have surfactant properties, which may contribute to anti-biofilm defenses. The objective of this study was to determine the in vivo functions of SPLUNC1 following Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and to elucidate the underlying mechanism by using a knockout (KO) mouse model with a genetic ablation of Splunc1. Splunc1 KO mice showed accelerated mortality and increased susceptibility to P. aeruginosa infection with significantly decreased survival rates, increased bacterial burdens, exaggerated tissue injuries, and elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels as compared with those of their wild-type littermates. Increased neutrophil infiltration in Splunc1 KO mice was accompanied by elevated chemokine levels, including Cxcl1, Cxcl2, and Ccl20. Furthermore, the expression of several epithelial secretory proteins and antimicrobial molecules was considerably suppressed in the lungs of Splunc1 KO mice. The deficiency of Splunc1 in mouse airway epithelium also results in increased biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. Taken together, our results support that the ablation of Splunc1 in mouse airways affects the mucociliary clearance, resulting in decreased innate immune response during Pseudomonas-induced respiratory infection.
Ablation of Peroxiredoxin II Attenuates Experimental Colitis by Increasing FoxO1-Induced Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Won Hee Yeon , Jang Eun Jung , Lee Kihyun , Oh Sera , Kim Hyo Kyung , Woo Hyun Ae , Kang Sang Won , Yu Dae-Yeul , Rhee Sue-Goo , Hwang Eun Sook
Published: September 2013

Peroxiredoxin (Prx) II is an intracellular antioxidant molecule that eliminates hydrogen peroxide, employing a high substrate-binding affinity. PrxII deficiency increases the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species in many types of cells, which may increase reactive oxygen species–mediated inflammation. In this study, we investigated the susceptibility of PrxII knockout (KO) mice to experimentally induced colitis and the effects of PrxII on the immune system. Wild-type mice displayed pronounced weight loss, high mortality, and colon shortening after dextran sulfate sodium administration, whereas colonic inflammation was significantly attenuated in PrxII KO mice. Although macrophages were hyperactivated in PrxII KO mice, the amount of IFN-γ and IL-17 produced by CD4+ T cells was substantially reduced. Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells were elevated, and Foxp3 protein expression was increased in the absence of PrxII in vitro and in vivo. Restoration of PrxII into KO cells suppressed the increased Foxp3 expression. Interestingly, endogenous PrxII was inactivated through hyperoxidation during Treg cell development. Furthermore, PrxII deficiency stabilized FoxO1 expression by reducing mouse double minute 2 homolog expression and subsequently activated FoxO1-mediated Foxp3 gene transcription. PrxII overexpression, in contrast, reduced FoxO1 and Foxp3 expression. More interestingly, adoptive transfer of naive CD4+ T cells from PrxII KO mice into immune-deficient mice attenuated T cell–induced colitis, with a reduction in mouse double minute 2 homolog expression and an increase in FoxO1 and Foxp3 expression. These results suggest that inactivation of PrxII is important for the stability of FoxO1 protein, which subsequently mediates Foxp3+ Treg cell development, thereby attenuating colonic inflammation.
Identifying the Initiating Events of Anti-ListeriaResponses Using Mice with Conditional Loss of IFN-γ Receptor Subunit 1 (IFNGR1)
Authors: Lee Sang Hun , Carrero Javier A. , Uppaluri Ravindra , White J. Michael , Archambault Jessica M. , Lai Koon Siew , Chan Szeman Ruby , Sheehan Kathleen C. F. , Unanue Emil R. , Schreiber Robert D.
Published: September 2013

Although IFN-γ is required for resolution of Listeria monocytogenes infection, the identities of the IFN-γ–responsive cells that initiate the process remain unclear. We addressed this question using novel mice with conditional loss of IFN-γR (IFNGR1). Itgax-cre+Ifngr1f/f mice with selective IFN-γ unresponsiveness in CD8α+ dendritic cells displayed increased susceptibility to infection. This phenotype was due to the inability of IFN-γ–unresponsive CD8α+ dendritic cells to produce the initial burst of IL-12 induced by IFN-γ from TNF-α–activated NK/NKT cells. The defect in early IL-12 production resulted in increased IL-4 production that established a myeloid cell environment favoring Listeria growth. Neutralization of IL-4 restored Listeria resistance in Itgax-cre+Ifngr1f/f mice. We also found that Itgax-cre+Ifngr1f/f mice survived infection with low-dose Listeria as the result of a second wave of IL-12 produced by Ly6Chi monocytes. Thus, an IFN-γ–driven cascade involving CD8α+ dendritic cells and NK/NKT cells induces the rapid production of IL-12 that initiates the anti-Listeria response.
Major discrepancies between clinical and postmortem diagnoses in critically ill cancer patients: Is autopsy still useful?
Authors: Khawaja Owais , Khalil Mohammad , Zmeili Omar , Soubani Ayman O
Published: September 2013

Objective: Describe the major discrepancies between the clinical and postmortem findings in critically ill cancer patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU). Materials and Methods: Retrospectively review of the medical records of all cancer patients who were admitted to the MICU and underwent postmortem examination over 6 year period. The records were reviewed for demographics, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, clinical cause of death, and postmortem findings. Results: There were 70 patients who had complete medical records. Mean age was 54.7 years (standard deviation (SD) ±14.8 years). Twenty-six patients had hematopoeitic stem cell transplantation (group I), 21 patients had hematological malignancies (group II), and 23 patients had solid malignancies (group III). The APACHE II score on admission to the MICU was 24.2 ± 8.0. Sixty-seven patients were mechanically ventilated, and the MICU stay was (mean ± SD) 9.0 ± 11.6 days. Major discrepancies between the clinical and postmortem diagnoses (Goldman classes I and II) were detected in 15 patients (21%). The most common missed diagnoses were aspergillosis, pulmonary embolism, and cancer recurrence. There were no differences between groups regarding the rate of major discrepancies. Conclusion: Despite the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of critically ill cancer patients, autopsies continue to show major discrepancies between the clinical and postmortem diagnoses. Autopsy is still useful in this patient population.
Combination of inflammatory and amlodipine induced gingival overgrowth in a patient with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Pasupuleti Mohan Kumar , Musalaiah S. V. V. S. , Nagasree M , Kumar P Aravind
Published: September 2013

Gingival overgrowth (GO) is among one of the most important clinical features of gingival pathology frequently seen in periodontal clinic. Amlodipine is a comparatively new calcium channel blocker and is being used with increasing frequency in the management of hypertension and angina. A 48-year-old Indian woman who was on amlodipine for 3 years for hypertension reported to the department of periodontics with the complaint of swollen, un esthetic gums. The patient developed GO 6 months before her first visit to dental hospital. She developed GO very rapidly due to the increase in amlodipine dose due to the severe angina attack 6 months before and due to the use of cholesterol (CHO) lowering drug. The main aim of the case report is to study the severity of amlodipine induced GO in a patient with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to identify the role of subgingival microorganisms on inflammatory gingival enlargement in the same patient. The severity and rapidity of gingival enlargement in this report could have been triggered by doubling the dose of amlodipine and concomitant use of CHO lowering drug.
Supratentorial neurenteric cyst mimicking hydatid cyst: A case report and literature review
Authors: Arabi Mohammad , Ibrahim Mohannad , Camelo-Piragua Sandra , Shah Gaurang
Published: September 2013

Neurenteric (NE) cysts are uncommon congenital cysts of endodermal origin. These cysts are commonly encountered in the posterior fossa surrounding the brain stem structures. We present a case of pathologically proven supratentorial NE cyst that mimicked a hydatid cyst in its clinical presentation and imaging appearance. Including this pathology in the differential diagnosis of supratentorial cystic lesions is important due to the differences in medical and surgical management.
Uterine leiomyoma with spontaneous intraleiomyoma hemorrhage, perforation, and hemoperitoneum in postmenopausal woman: Computed tomography diagnosis
Authors: Alharbi Sultan R
Published: September 2013

Spontaneous intraleiomyoma hemorrhage, perforation, and hemoperitoneum are very rare complications of uterine leiomyoma. We report a case of postmenopausal woman who presented with acute abdomen found to have intraleiomyoma hemorrhage, perforation, and hemoperitoneum. Our case also illustrates the computed tomography findings of such complications of uterine leiomyoma.
Monstrous Theories:
Authors: Willem de Blécourt
Published: September 2013

The amount of popular, “scientific” werewolf theories is inversely proportional to serious investigations into the history of the werewolf. A critical approach of these theories leaves them all wanting. Although they pretend to offer valid insights, the little that is known about (primarily European) werewolf lore contradicts their basic assumptions. Because of their visual emphasis, popular werewolf theories relate more to the depiction of werewolves in twentieth-century films, in which the werewolf image was reinvented, than to werewolves as they are, or are not, described in archival sources. There is little hope that the criticized theories will wither in the future, but they need to be exposed at least once. And they do show how popular werewolf films are among werewolf exegetes.
Competition in Germany’s Minute Reserve Power Market: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Haucap Justus , Heimeshoff Ulrich , Jovanovic Dragan
Published: September 2013

The German reserve power market has been subject to important regulatory changes in recent years. A new market design has been introduced by synchronizing and interconnecting the four regional German control areas. We analyze whether the reforms have led to lower prices for minute reserve power (MRP). In contrast to existing papers, we use a unique panel dataset to account for unobserved heterogeneity between the four German regional markets. Moreover, we control for endogeneity by using weather data as instruments for electricity spot market prices. We find that the reforms were jointly successful in decreasing MRP prices leading to substantial cost savings for the transmission system operators.
Optimal Vaccination of an Endemic Model with Variable Infectivity and Infinite Delay
Authors: Zaman Gul , Saito Yasuhisa , Khan Madad
Published: September 2013

In this work, we consider a nonlinear SEIR (susceptible, exposed, infectious, and removed) endemic model, which describes the dynamics of the interaction between susceptible and infected individuals in a population. The model represents the disease evolution through a system of nonlinear differential equations with variable infectivity which determines that the infectivity of an infected individual may not be constant during the time after infection. To control the spread of infection and to find a vaccination schedule for an endemic situation, we use optimal control strategies which reduce the susceptible, exposed, and infected individuals and increase the total number of recovered individuals. In order to do this, we introduce the optimal control problem with a suitable control function using an objective functional. We first show the existence of an optimal control for the control problem and then derive the optimality system. Finally the numerical simulations of the model is identified to fit realistic measurement which shows the effectiveness of the model.
Two Approximate Analytic Eigensolutions of the Hellmann Potential with any Arbitrary Angular Momentum
Authors: Ikhdair Sameer M. , Falaye Babatunde J.
Published: September 2013

The parametric Nikiforov-Uvarov (pNU) and asymptotic iteration method (AIM) are applied to

study the approximate analytic bound state eigensolutions (energy levels and wave functions) of the

radial Schr¨odinger equation (SE) for the Hellmann potential which represents the superposition of

the attractive Coulomb potential (-a/r) and the Yukawa potential bexp(-δ/r)/r of arbitrary strength

b and screening parameter d in closed form. The analytical expressions to the energy eigenvalues Enl

yield quite accurate results for a wide range of n; l in the limit of very weak screening but the results

become gradually worse as the strength b and the screening coefficient d increase. The calculated

bound state energies have been compared with available numerical data. Special cases of our solution

like pure Coulomb and Yukawa potentials are also investigated.
Influence of Electron Exchange and Quantum Shielding on the Elastic Collisions in Quantum Plasmas
Authors: Lee Gyeong Won , Jung Young-Dae
Published: September 2013

The influence of electron exchange and quantum shielding on the elastic electron-ion collision is investigated in degenerate quantum plasmas. The second-order eikonal method and effective screened potential are employed to obtain the scattering phase shift and collision cross section as functions of the impact parameter, collision energy, electron-exchange parameter, Fermi energy, and plasmon energy. It is found that the electron-exchange effect enhances the eikonal scattering phase shift as well as the eikonal collision cross section in quantum plasmas. The maximum position of the differential eikonal collision cross section is found to be receded from the collision center with an increase of the electron-exchange effect. It is interesting to note that the influence of the electron exchange on the eikonal collision cross section decreases with increasing collision energy. It is also found that the eikonal collision cross section decreases with an increase of the plasmon energy and, however, increases with increasing Fermi energy.
Le trilemme anarchiste1
Authors: Cassegrain Bertrand
Published: September 2013

Dans son article « L’anarchie en philosophie politique », Francis Dupuis-Déri (2007) tente de réhabiliter l’anarchisme face au silence dont il est victime en philosophie politique. Dans cet article, j’entends accepter l’invitation de Dupuis-Déri à prendre au sérieux l’anarchisme et, plus particulièrement, le modèle général d’organisation politique qu’il propose en tentant de répondre à cette question : l’anarchisme est-il un régime politique moralement défendable ? Je réponds par la négative en montrant que l’anarchisme fait face à un trilemme qu’il ne peut, par définition, résoudre. Ainsi, (1) soit l’anarchisme n’est pas moralement souhaitable, (2) soit il se confronte aux mêmes problèmes que rencontrent (selon les anarchistes) la démocratie ainsi que les autres régimes politiques concernant l’autorité et la coercition, (3) soit son application, dans sa version « pragmatique », se réduit à des communautés, ce qui permet en quelque sorte d’évacuer les problèmes soulevés dans les deux autres branches du trilemme, mais ne les résout pas pour autant.
“The Animal” After Derrida: Interrogating the Bioethics of Geno-Cide
Authors: Swazo Norman
Published: September 2013

Bioethics tends to be dominated by discourses concerned with the ethical dimension of medical practice, the organization of medical care, and the integrity of biomedical research involving human subjects and animal testing. Jacques Derrida has explored the fundamental question of the “limit” that identifies and differentiates the human animal from the nonhuman animal. However, to date his work has not received any reception in the field of biomedical ethics. In this paper, I examine what Derrida’s thought about this limit might mean for the use/misuse/abuse of animals in contemporary biomedical research. For this, I review Derrida’s analysis and examine what it implies for scientific responsibility, introducing what I have coined the “Incompleteness Theorem of Bioethics.”
Implantable Sensors for Cardiac Function Monitoring
Authors: Marcelli Emanuela , Cercenelli Laura
Published: September 2013

As heart diseases represent the leading causes of death in the world and the rapidly aging population tends to increase the prevalence of these pathologies, implantable sensors for the continuous monitoring of cardiac function are receiving considerable interest and investment. This article provides an overview of important aspects and challenges dealing with implantable sensor systems for cardiac function monitoring, and it discusses past and recent developments in this area. Part one is a general introduction on design principles for the development of implantable systems, including considerations about the human body's interaction with the implanted device; the appropriate choice of materials, coatings, and packaging techniques (biocompatibility/biostability); and concerns about miniaturization and low‐power consumption requirements. Subsequent sections discuss various applications of implantable sensors for cardiac function monitoring, starting from the initial experience of rate‐responsive sensors for cardiac pacing up to focus on sensors, most intensely investigated in the last decade, for monitoring cardiac function alterations secondary to heart failure. A final section is provided about future directions and emerging technologies on implantable sensors for cardiovascular applications. The major challenge for the fulfillment of a successful implantable sensor for cardiac function monitoring deals with demonstrating its clinical effectiveness, along with ensuring its long‐term stability and reliability. To date, many sensors have been investigated, but few of them truly meet these goals and demonstrate their appropriate clinical roles.
Immune System
Authors: Davies D Huw
Published: September 2013

The immune system comprises an interacting assemblage of cells and soluble molecules, whose primary function is to kill the invading microorganisms that may cause damage to the body. Two interdependent kinds of immune systems are present in most vertebrates, which together trigger one or more different killing mechanisms according to whether the microbes live within or outside the cells of the body. An innate system, mediated by receptors that recognise uniquely microbial structures, responds rapidly to the threat of invading organisms. This underlies an adaptive system, mediated by antigen receptors on lymphocytes, which produces a more sustained and comprehensive response. Only the adaptive system, found exclusively in vertebrates, retains a memory of exposure to each microbe and ensures that the system is mobilised more rapidly on a subsequent infection by the same pathogen.

Key Concepts:

A rapidly mobilisable form of defence (the immune system) is required to kill microbes that breach the skin and other passive defences of the body.

Physical injury to tissues triggers inflammation, which serves to mobilise the immune system and to repair tissue damage.

The innate immune system is mobilised first in response to microbes and is triggered by receptors for microbial components that are not found in the body.

The innate system comprises cells such as phagocytes (macrophages and neutrophils) and natural killer cells and soluble antimicrobial components such as complement.

The adaptive immune system is mediated by T and B lymphocytes, which are activated through the recognition of microbial components using antigen receptors.

The genes for antigen receptors are produced by a unique process of gene rearrangement that results in a vast repertoire of antigen receptors, each with a unique antigen specificity.

The repertoire of antigen receptors present in the body ensures that any invading microbe missed by the innate system can be recognised by the adaptive system.

The adaptive system uses many of the same killing (effector) mechanisms as the innate system, and is likely to have evolved only in vertebrates.

Antibodies are soluble forms of the B lymphocyte antigen receptor that are produced in large quantities during an adaptive immune response; one function of antibodies is to bind to microbes and render them more susceptible to phagocytosis.

Because each lymphocyte has a different receptor, the adaptive system is mobilised more gradually than the innate system; however, the response is more sustained, less easily evaded by microbes and unlike the innate system, it retains a memory of exposure to a particular microbe to ensure a more rapid response to the same microbe on subsequent exposure.