bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Une éthique pour les êtres hybrides
Authors: Larrère Raphaël
Published: August 2009

Résumé Dans cet article, Raphaël Larrère compare l’ Agrostis , un OGM végétal, et Lucifer , un clone de taureau. À partir de ces deux exemples, il réfléchit sur les conséquences sociologiques et philosophiques de l’introduction d’artifices dans notre environnement. Il existe des similitudes entre ces deux exemples : la croyance dans le pouvoir prométhéen du génie génétique. La frontière entre nature et artifice s’estompe mais il reste une différence radicale : la création d’un végétal pose la question du risque de prolifération et d’interaction inopportune avec les écosystèmes et celle, liée, du principe de précaution alors que la création d’un animal, être sensible, relève de l’éthique et de la morale, décider de la mort ou de la vie d’un être vivant. Nier ces questions d’éthique laisserait libres les projets de monopole de la production agroalimentaire mondiale ou les rhétoriques prométhéennes du Pentagone de la « fabrication » du soldat.
Tracer là ce qui nous échappe
Authors: Petrescu Doina
Published: August 2009

Résumé La contribution de Deligny à la pensée contemporaine du commun est de cartographier le topos (impossible) d’une communauté qui peut difficilement être décrite par des mots (comme beaucoup de penseurs contemporains en ont eu l’intuition) mais doit être tracée par des lignes. L’usage des lignes par Deligny diffère de toute autre forme de cartographie précisément parce qu’elles ne représentent rien que notre propre ignorance de ce qui est cartographié. Plus que de pensée négative, il s’agit d’une forme de cartographie négative de ce qui est commun entre les membres d’une « communauté impossible ».
Banlieues, sexes et le boomerang colonial
Authors: Iveković Rada
Published: August 2009

Résumé La décolonisation de la France n’est pas terminée. N’ayant rien vu (re)venir, elle se prend aujourd’hui le boomerang de plein fouet. Isolement linguistique, postcolonial studies en jachère, surdité envers les garçons comme les filles de banlieue (émeutes, voile) : les mots font défaut aux institutions. Prises de court, elles surenchérissent en matière de distorsions médiatiques et de répression / sélection aux frontières.
Insectes et inceste
Authors: Kerslake Christian
Published: August 2009

Résumé Christian Kerslake présente une enquête en tout point inaugurale concernant les premiers rapports de Deleuze au concept d’inconscient et à la psychanalyse tels que ceux-ci se nouent, depuis Instincts et institutions (1953), sur la voie conduisant de Bergson à Jung, que le philosophe « pervertit » en faisant du masochiste l’agent de la réconciliation entre instinct et intelligence.
L'art du décalage
Authors: Augé Marc
Published: August 2009

Résumé Comment réintroduire de la distance dans l’art contemporain ? Comment s’extirper, ne serait-ce qu’un instant, de la représentation, de la consommation, de la technologie qui nous environnent ?
Les Yes Men
Authors: Lecœur Erwan , Pessar Alexandre
Published: August 2009

Résumé Les actions des Yes Men mêlent stratégie d’usurpation et happening. À partir de sites Web, ils poursuivent le hoax jusqu’à son débouché dans le réel : plateau télé ou salle de conférence filmée. Une entreprise comme Dow Chemicals y a laissé quelques plumes...
Retenue capitaliste et speculation anti-capitaliste
Authors: Berns Thomas
Published: August 2009

Résumé À la suite de La Sorcellerie capitaliste de Stengers et Pignarre, cet article cherche à cerner l’anéantissement de toute prise que signifie le capitalisme, en particulier par le fait de renvoyer tout discours rival dans le registre spéculatif, et de pouvoir ainsi devenir la seule réponse suivante.
Les implications des altérités épistémiques dans la redefinition du capitalisme global
Authors: Grosfoguel Ramón
Published: August 2009

Résumé Malgré la décolonisation formelle, une colonialité globale perdure sous des formes multiples et imbriquées : les dominations fondées sur le genre, la race, les pratiques sexuelles, la langue, la spiritualité, etc. La décolonisation du monde appelle une politique nouvelle, qui, au-delà des affirmations identitaires ( cultural studies ) et des relations de travail (marxisme), donne toute leur place aux savoirs situés, ouvre une géopolitique de la connaissance. Il s’agit moins alors de prendre le pouvoir que d’inventer des institutions collectives, locales et globales.
Race, classe, genre et sexualité : entre puissance d'agir et ambivalence coloniale
Authors: McClintock Anne
Published: August 2009

Résumé Sans rejeter tout à fait la perspective de Bhabha (qui voit dans l’imitation des colonisés et l’ambivalence du discours colonial le lieu d’une faille structurelle du colonialisme, lequel travaillerait ainsi à sa propre subversion), l’auteure refuse de considérer que le repérage de telles failles structurelles suffise à déterminer les sources de la puissance d’agir politique des dominés ; en conséquence, elle en appelle à une analyse historique serrée des situations politiques et historiques, qui notamment mette en relief l’articulation concrète et les dynamiques indissociables du genre, des sexualités, de la race et des appartenances de classe. Elle montre 1) que la colonisation n’était pas, du point de vue des métropoles coloniales, une affaire extérieure ou un accident historique, étranger à leur essence historique, et 2) que la colonisation et les processus de transformation socio-politique en métropole étaient fondamentalement imbriqués (et qu’en eux se trouvaient aussi imbriqués les transformations des rapports de classe, de genre, de race, etc.).
La démocratie sexuelle et le conflit des civilisations
Authors: Fassin Éric
Published: August 2009

Résumé Dans le monde postcolonial, et plus particulièrement depuis le 11 septembre 2001, une norme libérale occidentale renouvelée ajoute aux droits de l’homme la « démocratie sexuelle » (une conception lisse de la féminité à laquelle tend à s’adjoindre une conception lisse de l’homosexualité). Imbriquée à la norme antiraciste, cette « démocratie sexuelle » tend un piège redoutable aux sujets postcoloniaux qui auraient le malheur d’y déroger : accusés de faire le jeu du racisme, ils se trouvent renvoyés à la barbarie et sortis du jeu. Zacarias Moussaoui le sait et il le surjoue ; les jeunes filles françaises issues de l’immigration maghrébine le savent et elles négocient au jour le jour (voile, choix des partenaires sexuels).
Émeutes : chronique d'une politique-spectacle
Authors: Kyrou Ariel
Published: August 2009

Résumé Les émeutes en banlieue de novembre 2005 apparaissent avec le recul comme une urgence à s’exprimer mais sans mots. Les blogs ou les doléances d’une association comme AC le feu n’y changent pas grand-chose : la révolte était aphone, dans une société tout entière affectée par la crise du langage. L’opposition ne tient pas, entre des institutions qui parlent et des jeunes des cités qui ne parlent pas. S’il y a bien une panne, c’est celle de la transmission et non de la parole.
Periodic Behavior of the Bubble Jet (Geyser) in the Taketomi Submarine Hot Springs of the Southern Part of Yaeyama Archipelago, Japan
Authors: Furushima Yasuo , Nagao Masayuki , Suzuki Atsushi , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Maruyama Tadashi
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe periodicity of the bubble jet that spouts intermittently from the Taketomi submarine hot spring in Yaeyama archipelago, Japan, was measured for the first time using an acoustic current meter. The time series analysis of the upward velocity for the data, without
a spiky signal, indicates that the cycle fluctuates between 38 and 85 s. Focusing on the period of high and low tide, the dominant time cycles were 66 and 41 s, respectively. These results show that the fluctuation of pressure with tide affected the eruption period of the bubble jet. In accordance
with the vertical tube theory, estimations of thermal source and recharge water temperatures were carried out by taking into account the boiling point change due to the tidal variation in hydrostatic pressure. The result indicated that if the heat source temperature was higher than 200.0 °C
and recharge water temperature was preheated to 117.96 °C, the observed eruption time cycles at high and low tide were stable.
Insights into Habitat Utilization by Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) During the Inter-Nesting Period Using Animal-Borne Digital Cameras
Authors: Fuller W.J. , Broderick A.C. , Hooker S.K. , Witt M.J. , Godley B.J.
Published: August 2009

AbstractMany marine turtle habitat utilization studies have historically relied on inferences from logged data or direct visual observation. Here we remotely investigate aspects of the habitat utilization of inter-nesting female green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nesting
on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Using an animal-borne digital video camera set to take only still images, with an integrated time-depth recorder, we recorded a total of 2,375 images and 2,899 dives for two nesting female green turtles. Both turtles spent over 80% of their time at depths
of 5 m or less. Photographic evidence allowed us to categorize sub-surface behaviors from 66 of the deeper dives (turtle A with 40 dives and turtle B with 26 dives) containing more than 900 images into three categories: swimming, probable foraging and resting. Methodologically, our study highlights
future utility in using camera technologies to clarify at-sea behavior of marine organisms, with a view to generating reliable time budgets.
Experimental Research on Horizontal Rotation of Remotely Operated Vehicles Induced by External Forces Near the Surface of the Ocean
Authors: Inoue Tomoya , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Nakajima Kengo , Shioji Genki
Published: August 2009

AbstractWhen a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is lowered from its support vessel by a cable, it rotates horizontally because of external forces as it nears the surface of the ocean. This causes the cable to twist. This paper describes experiments using a model of the ROV
ABISMO in a water tank to improve safety by examining the waves and the wake flow of propellers as possible causes of the external twisting forces. These experiments on wave effects evaluated the effect of wave height, wavelength, and submerged depth of the model. In addition, the model was
varied to include different configurations of fins and outer covers. The experiments on the effect of propeller wake flow evaluated the effect of the horizontal propeller offset and the submerged model depth. The horizontal rotation of the ROV induced by the waves and the wake flow was observed
in some cases. The results showed that the wave characteristics, offset, and submerged depth all influenced the generation of horizontal rotation. It was also found that the addition of a horizontal fin and extended vertical fins reduced the horizontal rotation.
Experiments with Broadband Sonar for the Detection and Identification of Endangered Shortnose Sturgeon
Authors: Brundage Harold M. , Jung Jae-Byung
Published: August 2009

AbstractExperiments were conducted in the tidal Delaware River to evaluate the use of broadband sonar to remotely detect and identify shortnose sturgeon, a federally listed endangered species. The objectives of this study were to determine if shortnose sturgeon could be detected
by broadband sonar and, if so, to develop classifiers that could differentiate shortnose sturgeon from co-occurring fish species. Broadband acoustic echoes were collected from shortnose sturgeon, three non-sturgeon fish species, and the river bottom. Classifiers were developed using neural
network analysis of the normalized frequency response spectra from each target class. Two independent classifiers were developed, one that distinguished “sturgeon” from the river “bottom” and a second that classified targets as “sturgeon,” “non-sturgeon
fish,” and the “bottom.” The training performance of the classifiers was 100% for each class. Testing of the two-class sturgeon vs. the bottom classifier resulted in correct classification of 96.6% of the shortnose sturgeon detections and incorrect classification of 3.4%
of actual sturgeon echoes as bottom. None of the bottom detections were misclassified as sturgeon. Testing of the three-class classifier resulted in the correct classification of 89.0% of the actual sturgeon detections, and incorrect classification of 8.5% of actual sturgeon detections as
non-sturgeon fish and 2.5% of actual sturgeon detections as bottom. Some 27.1% of the actual non-sturgeon fish echoes and 5.9% of actual bottom echoes were incorrectly identified as sturgeon, yielding a false-positive rate of 16.5%. Given that the “non-sturgeon fish” in this study
typically occur in much higher abundance than shortnose sturgeon, incorrect classification of echoes from these fish would lead to overestimation of the abundance of shortnose sturgeon. Notwithstanding this potential problem, the results of this preliminary study were promising, and further
investigations to improve classifier performance are warranted.
ROV Viking SPEAR
Authors: Jasper Ian , Casaine Ricardo , Cook Stuart , Grefe Nathan , Hutchinson Baxter , Ramsey Adam , Unlu Ferruh , Walsh Andy , Williams Harleigh , Fraser Scott
Published: August 2009

AbstractLong Beach City College returns for our sixth year to enter the 2009 Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) remotely operated vehicle (ROV) competition with our latest ROV, the Viking SPEAR (Submarine Personnel Emergency Assistance ROV). The purpose of
this ROV is to perform an underwater submarine rescue by inspecting it for damage, replenishing onboard air supplies, and delivering emergency materials to stranded crew members. This year’s ROV, designed in SolidWorks, is cut out of buoyant PVC, has a mass of 21 kg and is built to allow
maximum water flow. The ROV is 38 cm high × 87 cm wide and 95 cm long. The major design focus was on redundancy and design functionality. The ROV has two, multi-functional pneumatic grippers, one at each end of the ROV, eight thrusters, and eight cameras covering all angles of viewing.
A mating skirt is built into the existing frame design for easy docking on the submarine. These features allow the pilot to execute several tasks set forth by MATE in a timely fashion while providing the redundancy needed for a submarine rescue mission. In accomplishing the design and build
of this ROV, the team created over 250 SolidWorks files, invested over 5,000 student hours, and corresponded daily utilizing the team’s online design forum. The entire project was heavily invested in computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). The only system not designed by this
team was the Fiber-Optic Video Link.
A CD26-Controlled Cell Surface Cascade for Regulation of T Cell Motility and Chemokine Signals
Authors: Liu Zhiwen , Christensson Marta , Forslöw Anna , De Meester Ingrid , Sundqvist Karl-Gösta
Published: August 2009

Chemokines are key regulators of cell trafficking, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV/CD26 (CD26) inactivates chemokines. Here we show that the CD26-processed chemokines SDF1α/CXCL12 and RANTES/CCL5, in contrast to a control chemokine not processed by CD26, are potent inducers of cell surface expression of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in T lymphocytes through a CD26-controlled mechanism and that TSP-1 stimulates expression of lipoprotein receptor related protein/CD91. Accordingly, intact TSP-1 and a peptide mimetic of a sequence in TSP-1 were sufficient to stimulate CD91 expression. The chemokine-induced expression of TSP-1 and CD91 was mimicked by inhibitors of CD26 and CXCL12 and CCL5 as well as inhibitors of CD26 stimulated polarized cytoplasmic spreading and migration through TSP-1. Silencing of CD26 using small interfering RNA or Ab-induced modulation of CD26 also increased TSP-1 expression and enhanced cytoplasmic spreading and T cell migration markedly. These results indicate that CD26 is an endogenous inhibitor of T cell motility through inhibition of TSP-1 expression and that chemokines stimulate cell polarity and migration through abrogation of the CD26-dependent inhibition. This suggests that T cell motility is regulated by a cascade of interacting cell surface molecules.
IFN-γ, as Secreted during an Alloresponse, Induces Differentiation of Monocytes into Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells, Resulting in FoxP3+ Regulatory T Cell Promotion
Authors: Eljaafari Assia , Li Yin-Ping , Miossec Pierre
Published: August 2009

IFN-γ has been shown to inhibit monocyte (Mo) differentiation into mature dendritic cells (DC). Because IFN-γ also plays a role in tolerance induction, we asked whether this could be related to generation of tolerogenic DC (Tol-DC). Toward this aim, we cultured Mo with GM-CSF plus IL-4 in the presence or absence of IFN-γ for 6 days and induced their maturation with TNF-α for 2 additional days. We showed that IFN-γ deviated Mo differentiation from mature DC toward Tol-DC. Indeed, IFN-γ-generated DC 1) expressed moderate levels of costimulatory molecules, but high levels of Langerin and CD123 molecules, 2) were maturation resistant, and 3) were unable to efficiently present alloantigen to T cells. More interestingly, naive CD4+ T cells primed with IFN-γ-generated DC expressed FoxP3 mRNA at high levels and exerted regulatory functions upon secondary stimulation with alloantigen. To address whether endogenously secreted IFN-γ mediates a similar effect, we used the alloreaction as a model. We showed that cell-free supernatant harvested from an HLA-mismatched, but not HLA-identical, alloresponse induced differentiation of Mo into Tol-DC able to promote regulatory T cell generation. Moreover, when supplemented with GM-CSF plus IL-4, HLA-mismatched cell-free supernatant inhibited differentiation of Mo into mature DC. Finally, by adding Abs directed against inflammatory cytokines, we demonstrated that IFN-γ plays a preponderant role in this inhibition. In conclusion, our results clearly demonstrate that exogenous or endogenous IFN-γ, as well, induces differentiation of Mo toward Tol-DC, which results in FoxP3+ regulatory T cell promotion.
Resident Dendritic Cells Prevent Postischemic Acute Renal Failure by Help of Single Ig IL-1 Receptor-Related Protein
Authors: Lech Maciej , Avila-Ferrufino Alejandro , Allam Ramanjaneyulu , Segerer Stephan , Khandoga Alexander , Krombach Fritz , Garlanda Cecilia , Mantovani Alberto , Anders Hans-Joachim
Published: August 2009

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) triggers tissue injury by activating innate immunity, for example, via TLR2 and TLR4. Surprisingly, TLR signaling in intrinsic renal cells predominates in comparison to intrarenal myeloid cells in the postischemic kidney. We hypothesized that immune cell activation is specifically suppressed in the postischemic kidney, for example, by single Ig IL-1-related receptor (SIGIRR). SIGIRR deficiency aggravated postischemic acute renal failure in association with increased renal CXCL2/MIP2, CCL2/MCP-1, and IL-6 mRNA expression 24 h after IR. Consistent with this finding interstitial neutrophil and macrophage counts were increased and tubular cell necrosis was aggravated in Sigirr-deficient vs wild-type IR kidneys. In vivo microscopy revealed increased leukocyte transmigration in the postischemic microvasculature of Sigirr-deficient mice. IL-6 and CXCL2/MIP2 release was much higher in Sigirr-deficient renal myeloid cells but not in Sigirr-deficient tubular epithelial cells after transient hypoxic culture conditions. Renal IR studies with chimeric mice confirmed this finding, as lack of SIGIRR in myeloid cells largely reproduced the phenotype of renal IR injury seen in Sigirr−/− mice. Additionally, clodronate depletion of dendritic cells prevented the aggravated renal failure in Sigirr−/− mice. Thus, loss of function mutations in the SIGIRR gene predispose to acute renal failure because SIGIRR prevents overshooting tissue injury by suppressing the postischemic activation of intrarenal myeloid cells.
CD4+ T Cell Help Has an Epitope-Dependent Impact on CD8+ T Cell Memory Inflation during Murine Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Snyder Christopher M. , Loewendorf Andrea , Bonnett Elizabeth L. , Croft Michael , Benedict Chris A. , Hill Ann B.
Published: August 2009

Murine CMV (MCMV) establishes a systemic, low-level persistent infection resulting in the accumulation of CD8+ T cells specific for a subset of viral epitopes, a process called memory inflation. Although replicating virus is rarely detected in chronically infected C57BL/6 mice, these inflationary cells display a phenotype suggestive of repeated Ag stimulation, and they remain functional. CD4+ T cells have been implicated in maintaining the function and/or number of CD8+ T cells in other chronic infections. Moreover, CD4+ T cells are essential for complete control of MCMV. Thus, we wondered whether CD4+ T cell deficiency would result in impaired MCMV-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Here we show that CD4+ T cell deficiency had an epitope-specific impact on CD8+ T cell memory inflation. Of the three codominant T cell responses during chronic infection, only accumulation of the late-appearing IE3-specific CD8+ T cells was substantially impaired in CD4+ T cell-deficient mice. Moreover, the increased viral activity did not drive increased CD8+ T cell division or substantial dysfunction in any MCMV-specific population that we studied. These data show that CD4+ T cell help is needed for inflation of a response that develops only during chronic infection but is otherwise dispensable for the steady state maintenance and function of MCMV-specific CD8+ T cells.
NADPH Oxidase NOX2 Mediates Rapid Cellular Oxidation following ATP Stimulation of Endotoxin-Primed Macrophages
Authors: Moore Samantha F. , MacKenzie Amanda B.
Published: August 2009

The phagocytic NADPH oxidase (NOX2) plays a fundamental role in host defense and innate immunity. Here we demonstrate that external ATP triggers rapid cellular oxidation inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium in endotoxin-primed J774 macrophages and primary murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. To identify the source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we compared responses between wild-type and NOX2-deficient macrophages. ATP-mediated ROS production was strongly attenuated in NOX2-deficient macrophages where responses were comparable to inhibition with diphenyleneiodonium. Notably, spatial differences in superoxide anion formation were observed where ROS formation was partially antagonized by extracellular superoxide dismutase in primary bone marrow-derived macrophages but unaffected in J774 macrophages. Loss of NOX2 was not observed to affect ATP-induced cell death. However, ATP-evoked cell death was found to be partially dependent on caspase-1 and cathepsin B activation. In conclusion, NOX2 plays a fundamental role in conferring macrophages with the ability to respond to extracellular ATP stimulation with robust changes in cellular oxidation.
Selective Expansion of HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein-Specific B Cell Subsets Recognizing Distinct Structural Elements Following Immunization
Authors: Dosenovic Pia , Chakrabarti Bimal , Soldemo Martina , Douagi Iyadh , Forsell Mattias N. E. , Li Yuxing , Phogat Adhuna , Paulie Staffan , Hoxie James , Wyatt Richard T. , Karlsson Hedestam Gunilla B.
Published: August 2009

The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) functional spike has evolved multiple immune evasion strategies, and only a few broadly neutralizing determinants on the assembled spike are accessible to Abs. Serological studies, based upon Ab binding and neutralization activity in vitro, suggest that vaccination with current Env-based immunogens predominantly elicits Abs that bind nonneutralizing or strain-restricted neutralizing epitopes. However, the fractional specificities of the polyclonal mixture of Abs present in serum, especially those directed to conformational Env epitopes, are often difficult to determine. Furthermore, serological analyses do not provide information regarding how repeated Ag inoculation impacts the expansion and maintenance of Env-specific B cell subpopulations. Therefore, we developed a highly sensitive Env-specific B cell ELISPOT system, which allows the enumeration of Ab-secreting cells (ASC) from diverse anatomical compartments directed against different structural determinants of Env. In this study, we use this system to examine the evolution of B cell responses in mice immunized with engineered Env trimers in adjuvant. We demonstrate that the relative proportion of ASC specific for defined structural elements of Env is altered significantly by homologous booster immunizations. This results in the selective expansion of ASC directed against the variable regions of Env. We suggest that the B cell specificity and compartment analysis described in this study are important complements to serological mapping studies for the examination of B cell responses against subspecificities of a variety of immunogens.
Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) Is Processed during Secretion
Authors: Woschnagg Charlotte , Rubin Jenny , Venge Per
Published: August 2009

The eosinophil granulocyte is an inflammatory cell involved in allergic diseases such as asthma and rhinitis. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a basic and potentially cytotoxic granule protein that is released from the eosinophil upon activation. The aim was to study secretion of molecular variants of ECP from blood eosinophils with the hypothesis that the stored noncytotoxic ECP is altered into cytotoxic species upon release from the cell. Eosinophil granulocytes were purified to >95% from venous blood from birch pollen allergic subjects, with symptoms of rhinitis, and from healthy control subjects during the birch pollen season. The cells were stimulated with IL-5, GM-CSF, or serum-opsonized Sephadex particles. Concentration of ECP in cells or supernatants was measured by means of a fluoroenzyme immunoassay, and ECP heterogeneity was studied using an affinity capture assay with the surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry technique. Extracts of unstimulated eosinophils contained 10 major ECP variants, with molecular masses ranging from 16.1 to 17.7 kDa. Stimulation with particles mainly induced the secretion of two molecular variants at 16.1 and 16.3 kDa, while cytokine stimulation gave rise to a different secretion profile. ECP variants in the pellet extracts remained unaffected by cell activation. The modifications of secreted ECP were partly explained by differences in N-linked glycosylations. Secretion of ECP from eosinophils involves protein modification. The molecular masses of released ECP have acquired the masses of the cytotoxic species.
Disruption of Th2 Immunity Results in a Gender-Specific Expansion of IL-13 Producing Accessory NK Cells during Helminth Infection
Authors: Hepworth Matthew R. , Grencis Richard K.
Published: August 2009

Host gender has previously been identified as a determining factor in the resolution of Trichuris muris infection in mice lacking IL-4 (IL-4KO BALB/c). Worm expulsion in these mice is delayed, but occurs in females. In this study we were able to demonstrate delayed expulsion occurs at day 26 post infection and is associated with the production of the key Th2-associated cytokine IL-13 by both CD4+ T cells and an auxiliary DX5+ NK cell source, as well as a concurrent reduction in proinflammatory cytokines. NK cell number was comparably increased in both sexes, but NK cells from male mice were found to express higher levels of the chemokine receptor CXCR3. Depletion of CD4+ T cells completely prevented parasite expulsion, whereas loss of NK cells resulted in a mild, but significant delay. Furthermore, IL-18 is a cytokine with the capacity to enhance both Th1 and Th2 responses found to be dispensable for worm expulsion in female mice but was a key factor for the suppression of the Th2 response in male IL-4KO mice. In contrast neutralization of IFN-γ resulted in a complete restoration of typical wild-type BALB/c expulsion kinetics. This study sheds further light on the role of accessory NK cells in supplementing the IL-13-driven immune response when normal Th2 immunity is disrupted, and further identifies host gender as a key factor in determining the generation of “NK cell help”.
A Cell-Intrinsic Role for Mst1 in Regulating Thymocyte Egress
Authors: Dong Yongli , Du Xingrong , Ye Jian , Han Min , Xu Tian , Zhuang Yuan , Tao Wufan
Published: August 2009

The MST1 kinase was recently identified as playing an essential role in the promotion of lymphocyte polarization and adhesion stimulated by chemokines and TCR signaling. However, the physiological relevance of the Mst1 pathway in thymocyte development is not completely understood. In this study, we analyzed the effect of Mst1 disruption on thymocyte development and migration. Mst1-deficient (Mst1−/−) mice displayed an accumulation of mature thymocytes in the thymus, a dramatic reduction of lymphocytes in blood and peripheral lymphoid tissues, and a decrease of homing ability to peripheral lymph nodes. Mst1−/− thymocytes were impaired in chemotactic response to chemokines, such as CCL19, but not to sphingosine-1-phosphate. Further analyses of Mst1−/− mice revealed a severe impairment in the egress of mature T cells from the thymus. T lineage-specific knockout of the Mst1 gene demonstrates a cell-intrinsic role for Mst1 in regulating T cell development. Our study indicates that Mst1 is crucial in controlling lymphocyte chemotaxis and thymocyte emigration.
Secretion and Biological Activity of Short Signal Peptide IL-15 Is Chaperoned by IL-15 Receptor Alpha In Vivo
Authors: Bergamaschi Cristina , Jalah Rashmi , Kulkarni Viraj , Rosati Margherita , Zhang Gen-Mu , Alicea Candido , Zolotukhin Andrei S. , Felber Barbara K. , Pavlakis George N.
Published: August 2009

The two known isoforms of IL-15 contain either a long signal peptide (LSP) or a short signal peptide (SSP), and are produced by alternatively spliced transcripts. It has been proposed that SSP IL-15 remains exclusively intracellular, and its function is unclear. In this study, we show that, similar to LSP IL-15, the SSP IL-15 is stabilized and secreted efficiently upon coexpression of IL-15Rα. Coinjection of SSP IL-15- and IL-15Rα-expressing plasmids into mice resulted in increased plasma levels of bioactive heterodimeric IL-15 and mobilization and expansion of NK and T cells. Therefore, SSP IL-15 is secreted and bioactive when produced as a heterodimer with IL-15Rα in the same cell. The apparent t1/2 of this heterodimer is lower compared with LSP IL-15/IL-15Rα, due to different intracellular processing. Coexpression of both LSP IL-15 and SSP IL-15 in the presence of IL-15Rα results in lower levels of bioactive IL-15, indicating that LSP and SSP IL-15 compete for the binding to IL-15Rα when expressed in the same cell. Because the SSP IL-15 interaction to IL-15Rα leads to a complex with lower apparent stability, SSP IL-15 functions as competitive inhibitor of LSP IL-15. The data suggest that usage of alternative splicing is an additional level of control of IL-15 activity. Expression of both SSP and LSP forms of IL-15 appears to be conserved in many mammals, suggesting that SSP may be important for expressing a form of IL-15 with lower magnitude or duration of biological effects.
Chronic Human Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi Drives CD4+ T Cells to Immune Senescence
Authors: Albareda María Cecilia , Olivera Gabriela Carina , Laucella Susana A. , Alvarez María Gabriela , Fernandez Esteban Rodrigo , Lococo Bruno , Viotti Rodolfo , Tarleton Rick L. , Postan Miriam
Published: August 2009

Previously we found that the frequency of IFN-γ-producing CD8+ T cells specific for Trypanosoma cruzi inversely correlates with disease severity in chronic human Chagas disease along with low levels of IL-2-secreting CD8+ T cells in all clinical stages. This impairment of the parasite-specific T cell responses was associated with phenotypic features of immune senescence of the CD8+ T cell compartment. These data prompted us to address the question of whether the CD4+ T cell compartment also experiences signs of exhaustion. Thus, we performed a functional and phenotypical characterization of T. cruzi-specific and overall CD4+ T cells in chronically infected subjects with different degrees of cardiac dysfunction. The results show an inverse association between disease severity and the frequency of T. cruzi-specific IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cells. The high expression of CD27 and CD28 with a relative low expression of CD57 found on CD4+IFN-γ+ T cells suggests that the effector T cell pool in chronic T. cruzi infection includes a high proportion of newly recruited T cells, but a low frequency of long-term memory cells. The total CD4+ T cell compartment shows signs of senescence and later stages of differentiation associated with more severe stages of the disease. These findings support the hypothesis that long-term T. cruzi infection in humans might exhaust long-lived memory T cells.
Helicobacter pylori Hp(2–20) Promotes Migration and Proliferation of Gastric Epithelial Cells by Interacting with Formyl Peptide Receptors In Vitro and Accelerates Gastric Mucosal Healing In Vivo
Authors: de Paulis Amato , Prevete Nella , Rossi Francesca W. , Rivellese Felice , Salerno Fiamma , Delfino Gabriele , Liccardo Bianca , Avilla Elvira , Montuori Nunzia , Mascolo Massimo , Staibano Stefania , Melillo Rosa Marina , D'Argenio Giuseppe , Ricci Vittorio , Romano Marco , Marone Gianni
Published: August 2009

Helicobacter pylori-derived peptide RpL1 aa 2–20 (Hp(2–20)) in addition to its antimicrobial action exerts several immunomodulatory effects in eukaryotic cells by interacting with formyl peptide receptors (FPRs). It has recently been shown that activation of FPRs facilitates intestinal epithelial cell restitution. We investigated whether Hp(2–20) induces healing of injured gastric mucosa and assessed the mechanisms underlying any such effect. We investigated the expression of FPRs in two gastric epithelial cell lines (MKN-28 and AGS) at mRNA and protein level. To determine whether FPRs were functional we performed chemotaxis experiments and proliferation assays and studied the Hp(2–20)-activated downstream signaling pathway. The effect of Hp(2–20) on mucosal healing was evaluated in rats after indomethacin-induced injury. Here we show that: (1) FPRs were expressed in both cell lines; (2) Hp(2–20) stimulated migration and proliferation of gastric epithelial cells; (3) this effect was specifically mediated by formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1) and FPRL2 and was associated with activation of FPR-related downstream signaling pathways; (4) Hp(2–20) up-regulated the expression and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor; and (5) Hp(2–20) accelerated healing of rat gastric mucosa after injury brought about by indomethacin at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels. In conclusion, by interacting with FRPL1 and FPRL2, H. pylori-derived Hp(2–20) induces cell migration and proliferation, as well as the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, thereby promoting gastric mucosal healing. This study provides further evidence of the complexity of the relationship between H. pylori and human gastric mucosa, and it suggests that a bacterial product may be used to heal gastric mucosal injury.
Kinin Danger Signals Proteolytically Released by Gingipain Induce Fimbriae-Specific IFN-γ- and IL-17-Producing T Cells in Mice Infected Intramucosally with Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Monteiro Ana Carolina , Scovino Aline , Raposo Susane , Gaze Vinicius Mussa , Cruz Catia , Svensjö Erik , Narciso Marcelo Sampaio , Colombo Ana Paula , Pesquero João B. , Feres-Filho Eduardo , Nguyen Ky-Anh , Sroka Aneta , Potempa Jan , Scharfstein Julio
Published: August 2009

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a Gram-negative bacterium that causes periodontitis, activates the kinin system via the cysteine protease R-gingipain. Using a model of buccal infection based on P. gingivalis inoculation in the anterior mandibular vestibule, we studied whether kinins released by gingipain may link mucosal inflammation to T cell-dependent immunity through the activation of bradykinin B2 receptors (B2R). Our data show that P. gingivalis W83 (wild type), but not gingipain-deficient mutant or wild-type bacteria pretreated with gingipain inhibitors, elicited buccal edema and gingivitis in BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice. Studies in TLR2−/−, B2R−/−, and neutrophil-depleted C57BL/6 mice revealed that P. gingivalis induced edema through the sequential activation of TLR2/neutrophils, with the initial plasma leakage being amplified by gingipain-dependent release of vasoactive kinins from plasma-borne kininogens. We then used fimbriae (Fim) Ag as a readout to verify whether activation of the TLR2→PMN→B2R axis (where PMN is polymorphonuclear neutrophil) at early stages of mucosal infection had impact on adaptive immunity. Analyzes of T cell recall responses indicated that gingipain drives B2R-dependent generation of IFN-γ-producing Fim T cells in submandibular draining lymph nodes of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, whereas IL-17-producing Fim T cells were generated only in BALB/c mice. In summary, our studies suggest that two virulence factors, LPS (an atypical TLR2 ligand) and gingipain, forge a trans-cellular cross-talk between TLR2 and B2R, thus forming an innate axis that guides the development of Fim-specific T cells in mice challenged intrabuccally by P. gingivalis. Ongoing research may clarify whether kinin-driven modulation of T cell responses may also influence the severity of chronic periodontitis.
Tumor-Derived Microvesicles Promote Regulatory T Cell Expansion and Induce Apoptosis in Tumor-Reactive Activated CD8+ T Lymphocytes
Authors: Wieckowski Eva U. , Visus Carmen , Szajnik Marta , Szczepanski Miroslaw J. , Storkus Walter J. , Whiteside Theresa L.
Published: August 2009

Sera of patients with cancer contain membraneous microvesicles (MV) able to induce apoptosis of activated T cells by activating the Fas/Fas ligand pathway. However, the cellular origin of MV found in cancer patients’ sera varies as do their molecular and cellular profiles. To distinguish tumor-derived MV in cancer patients’ sera, we used MAGE 3/6+ present in tumors and MV. Molecular profiles of MAGE 3/6+ MV were compared in Western blots or by flow cytometry with those of MV secreted by dendritic cells or activated T cells. These profiles were found to be distinct for each cell type. Only tumor-derived MV were MAGE 3/6+ and were variably enriched in 42-kDa Fas ligand and MHC class I but not class II molecules. Effects of MV on signaling via the TCR and IL-2R and proliferation or apoptosis of activated primary T cells and T cell subsets were also assessed. Functions of activated CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes were differentially modulated by tumor-derived MV. These MV inhibited signaling and proliferation of activated CD8+ but not CD4+ T cells and induced apoptosis of CD8+ T cells, including tumor-reactive, tetramer+CD8+ T cells as detected by flow cytometry for caspase activation and annexin V binding or by DNA fragmentation. Tumor-derived but not dendritic cell-derived MV induced the in vitro expansion of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T regulatory cells and enhanced their suppressor activity. The data suggest that tumor-derived MV induce immune suppression by promoting T regulatory cell expansion and the demise of antitumor CD8+ effector T cells, thus contributing to tumor escape.
Akute trauma, en Rudolf Otto se godsdiens-psigologiese teorie as middel tot heling
Authors: Endres Annelize , Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2009

Acute trauma, and Rudolf Otto’s psychology of religion theory as means for healingEmpirical studies confirm that quantitative research is limited as far as the analysis, description and explanation of traumatic experiences are concerned. It is after all virtually impossible to quantify emotions. This article aims to overcome this obstacle by applying Rudolf Otto’s theory of psychology of religion, and more specifically his theory on the transformation of fear (tremens) into awe (fascinans), to pastoral care with traumatised persons. Trauma is the internal experience of an external event, and causes fear and alienation. In psychology of religion, fear pertains to alienation from God and fellow believers, whereas awe refers to the emotionally laden response to transcendence. Moving from fear to awe leads to wholeness within a person, and peace in human interactions. Wholeness overcomes alienation, and facilitates respect for God and fellow human beings. Both fear and awe belong to what Otto calls the ‘numinous’, which is conceptualised in terms of pastoral care in this article.
Least‐squares parameter estimation for systems with irregularly missing data
Authors: Ding Feng , Ding Jie
Published: August 2009

This paper considers the problems of parameter identification and output estimation with possibly irregularly missing output data, using output error models. By means of an auxiliary model (or reference model) approach, we present a recursive least‐squares algorithm to estimate the parameters of missing data systems, and establish convergence properties for the parameter and missing output estimation in the stochastic framework. The basic idea is to replace the unmeasurable inner variables with the output of an auxiliary model. Finally, we test the effectiveness of the algorithm with an example system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal–Organic Frameworks: Opportunities for Catalysis
Authors: Farrusseng David , Aguado Sonia , Pinel Catherine
Published: August 2009

The role of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in the field of catalysis is discussed, and special focus is placed on their assets and limits in light of current challenges in catalysis and green chemistry. Their structural and dynamic features are presented in terms of catalytic functions along with how MOFs can be designed to bridge the gap between zeolites and enzymes. The contributions of MOFs to the field of catalysis are comprehensively reviewed and a list of catalytic candidates is given. The subject is presented from a multidisciplinary point of view covering solid‐state chemistry, materials science, and catalysis.
Rapid, highly efficient and chemoselective trimethylsilylation of alcohols and phenols with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) catalyzed by reusable electron‐deficient tin(IV)porphyrin
Authors: Moghadam Majid , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Mirkhani Valiollah , Mohammadpoor‐Baltork Iraj , Gharaati Shadab
Published: August 2009

In this paper, rapid and highly efficient trimethylsilylation of alcohols and phenols with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) in the presence of catalytic amounts of high‐valent [SnIV(TPP)(OTf)2] is reported. This catalytic system catalyzes trimethylsilylation of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols as well as phenols, and the corresponding TMS‐ethers were obtained in high yields and short reaction times at room temperature. It is noteworthy that this method can be used for chemoselective silylation of primary alcohols in the presence of secondary and tertiary alcohols and phenols. The catalyst was reused several times without loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of a novel epoxy resin containing both binaphthyl and biphenyl moieties
Authors: Zuo Chuanwei , Han Jianglong , Si Zhihuai , Xue Gi
Published: August 2009

A new epoxy resin containing both binaphthyl and biphenyl moieties in the skeleton (BLBPE) was synthesized and confirmed by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. To evaluate the combined influence of two moieties, one epoxy resin containing binaphthyl moiety and another containing biphenyl moiety were also synthesized, and a commercial biphenyl‐type epoxy resin (CER3000L) was introduced. Thermal properties of their cured polymers with phenol p‐xylene resins were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical, and thermogravimetric analyses. The cured polymer obtained from BLBPE showed remarkably higher glass transition temperature and lower moisture absorption, as well as comprehensively excellent thermal stability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Time trends in oral clefts in Chinese newborns: Data from the Chinese National Birth Defects Monitoring Network
Authors: Dai Li , Zhu Jun , Mao Meng , Li Yanhua , Deng Ying , Wang Yanping , Liang Juan , Tang Liu , Wang He , Kilfoy Briseis A. , Zheng Tongzhang , Zhang Yawei
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Although the prevalence of oral clefts in China is among the highest in countries worldwide, little is known about its descriptive epidemiology. METHODS: Data used in this study were collected from 1996 to 2005 using the nationwide hospital‐based registry, the Chinese Birth Defects Monitoring Network. A total of 4,891,472 newborns (live or still births with 28 weeks of gestation or more) delivered in member hospitals were assessed for birth defects within 7 days following birth. RESULTS: The prevalence of nonsyndromic, syndromic, and overall clefts was 14.23, 2.40, and 16.63 per 10,000, respectively. An upward time trend in the prevalence of nonsyndromic cleft palate and nonsyndromic cleft lip was detected. Cleft lip with or without cleft palate showed a different pattern by gender, urban‐rural classification, and geographic location when compared to cleft palate, particularly for nonsyndromic cases. Maternal age was associated with prevalence of all oral clefts. Neonates with oral clefts had increased rates of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The observed complex patterns of prevalence of oral clefts from the Chinese national birth defects registry indicate that oral cleft subtypes by either cleft location or syndromic status should be considered in the development of intervention measures and in future analytical studies. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors cardiac teratogens? Echocardiographic screening of newborns with persistent heart murmur
Authors: Merlob Paul , Birk Einat , Sirota Lea , Linder Nehama , Berant Michael , Stahl Bracha , Klinger Gil
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been suspected of cardiac teratogenicity, but reports have been inconsistent. Our aim was to investigate the rate of nonsyndromic congenital heart defects in newborns exposed in utero to SSRIs compared with unexposed controls. METHODS: This prospective study of women who gave birth at our tertiary center from 2000 to 2007 yielded 235 women who reported first‐trimester SSRI use during pregnancy. All newborns born during the study period and found to have a persistent cardiac murmur on day 2 or 3 of life were referred for examination by a pediatric cardiologist and by echocardiography. The findings were compared between the newborns who were exposed to SSRIs and those who were not. RESULTS: Nonsyndromic congenital heart defects were identified by echocardiography in 8 of 235 (3.40%) newborns exposed in utero to SSRIs and in 1083 of 67,636 (1.60%) non‐exposed newborns. The difference in prevalence between the two groups was significant (relative risk, 2.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–4.39). The prevalence rates for paroxetine and fluoxetine exposure were 4.3% and 3.0%, respectively. All cardiac defects in the study group were mild: ventricular septal defect (6), bicuspid aortic valve (1) and right superior vena cava to coronary sinus (1). CONCLUSIONS: Newborns exposed in utero to SSRIs, have a twofold higher risk of mild nonsyndromic heart defects than unexposed infants. The data suggest that women who require SSRI treatment during pregnancy can be reassured that the fetal risk is low and possible cardiac malformations will probably be mild. Late‐targeted ultrasound and fetal echocardiography at 22 to 23 weeks' gestation are recommended in this patient group. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.