bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of New Visnagen and Khellin Furochromone Pyrimidine Derivatives and Their Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activity
Authors: Abu-Hashem Ameen Ali , Youssef Mohamed M.
Published: February 2011

6-[(4-Methoxy/4,9-dimethoxy)-7-methylfurochromen-5-ylideneamino]-2-thioxo-2,3-dihydropyrimidin-4-ones 1a,b were prepared by reaction of 6-amino-2-thiouracil with visnagen or khellin, respectively. Reaction of 1a,b with methyl iodide afforded furochromenylideneaminomethylsulfanylpyrimidin-4-ones 2a,b. Compounds 2a,b were reacted with secondary aliphatic amines to give the corresponding furochromen-ylideneamino-2-substituted pyrimidin-4-ones 3a–d. Reaction of 3a–d with phosphorus oxychloride yielded 6-chlorofurochromenylidenepyrimidinamines 4a–d, which were reacted with secondary amines to afford furochromenylideneamino-2,6-disubstituted pyrimidin-4-ones 5a–d. In addition, reaction of 5a–d with 3-chloropentane-2,4-dione gave 3-chloro-furochromenylpyrimidopyrimidines 6a–d. The latter were reacted with piperazine and morpholine to give 1-(furochromenyl)-pyrimidopyrimidine-3,6,8-triylpiperazines or -3,6,8-triylmorpholines 7a–d. The chemical structures of the newly synthesized compound ware characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectral analysis. These compounds were also screened for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Some of them, particularly 3–7, exhibited promising activities.
New Finger Biometric Method Using Near Infrared Imaging
Authors: Lee Eui Chul , Jung Hyunwoo , Kim Daeyeoul
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we propose a new finger biometric method. Infrared finger images are first captured, and then feature extraction is performed using a modified Gaussian high-pass filter through binarization, local binary pattern (LBP), and local derivative pattern (LDP) methods. Infrared finger images include the multimodal features of finger veins and finger geometries. Instead of extracting each feature using different methods, the modified Gaussian high-pass filter is fully convolved. Therefore, the extracted binary patterns of finger images include the multimodal features of veins and finger geometries. Experimental results show that the proposed method has an error rate of 0.13%.
Advancing Integrated Systems Modelling Framework for Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment
Authors: Halog Anthony , Manik Yosef
Published: February 2011

The need for integrated methodological framework for sustainability assessment has been widely discussed and is urgent due to increasingly complex environmental system problems. These problems have impacts on ecosystems and human well-being which represent a threat to economic performance of countries and corporations. Integrated assessment crosses issues; spans spatial and temporal scales; looks forward and backward; and incorporates multi-stakeholder inputs. This study aims to develop an integrated methodology by capitalizing the complementary strengths of different methods used by industrial ecologists and biophysical economists. The computational methodology proposed here is systems perspective, integrative, and holistic approach for sustainability assessment which attempts to link basic science and technology to policy formulation. The framework adopts life cycle thinking methods—LCA, LCC, and SLCA; stakeholders analysis supported by multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA); and dynamic system modelling. Following Pareto principle, the critical sustainability criteria, indicators and metrics (i.e., hotspots) can be identified and further modelled using system dynamics or agent based modelling and improved by data envelopment analysis (DEA) and sustainability network theory (SNT). The framework is being applied to development of biofuel supply chain networks. The framework can provide new ways of integrating knowledge across the divides between social and natural sciences as well as between critical and problem-solving research.
La ressource des organisations de l'économie sociale et solidaire face à la crise du lien social
Authors: Lavoué Jean , Jézéquel Michel , Janvier Roland
Published: February 2011

Cette contribution vise à interroger les dynamiques à l’œuvre dans le champ de l’économie sociale et solidaire dans un contexte, d’une part, de relativisation de ses modèles fondateurs et, d’autre part, d’accentuation des logiques publiques entrepreneuriales mettant à l’épreuve ses valeurs instituantes. Elle porte sur les contextes institutionnels à partir desquels se déploient les logiques d’intervention sociale. Elle est le fruit d’un travail collectif réalisé par trois directeurs d’organisations de l’économie sociale et solidaire en Bretagne. Ils tentent de poser là les bases d’une réflexion touchant aux enjeux culturels, politiques et institutionnels concernant ces organisations intermédiaires sur lesquelles s’est développée toute une conception de l’action sociale et médicosociale dans notre pays. À partir d’une lecture inspirée par les travaux du psychanalyste Jean-Pierre Lebrun au sujet de la mutation anthropologique caractérisant notre modernité, en particulier le passage d’une modalité du lien social entièrement structurée sur un mode hétéronome et vertical, en référence à la culture patriarcale dominante, à une modalité davantage dominée par la figure de l’horizontalité et du réseau, ils s’efforcent de repenser, dans ce contexte, le rôle d’institution intermédiaire de ces organisations de l’économie sociale et solidaire.
Le désert des barbares.
Authors: Diet Emmanuel
Published: February 2011

The Barbarian desert: Note on the destructiveness of neoconservative hypermodernity L’hypermodernité libérale, avatar ultime du social-historique occidental, détruit l’ensemble des valeurs fondatrices de la culture humaniste et de la subjectivation et installe les logiques de la perversion comme paradigme sociétal. L’historicité, le doute, le savoir et le conflit, constitutifs de la pensée critique et de l’action réfléchie, sont disqualifiés au profit d’une positivité sans faille et d’une volonté de maîtrise absolue. Les organisateurs psychiques et culturels et l’ensemble des conteneurs symboliques instituants du collectif sont mis à mal par les logiques gestionnaires et l’emprise de la raison instrumentale qui imposent l’opératoire comme norme et comme idéal. Les attaques sur les liens, le sens et la transmission se trouvent légitimées par l’invocation d’une prétendue nécessité de réformes et de transformations présentées comme inéluctables et réalistes. Les logiques de la marchandisation redoublées par l’emprise des nouvelles technologies détruisent les conditions du dialogue intersubjectif et du lien social dont l’idéal républicain, malgré ses ambiguïtés, était historiquement porteur Le constat de la destructivité à l’œuvre, telle qu’elle se révèle dans l’analyse des situations institutionnelles, implique que les cliniciens interrogent le sens de leur prétendue neutralité et travaillent à élaborer les dispositifs susceptibles de préserver le sens et l’efficacité de leurs interventions.
Us et abus de la névrose libérale dans les institutions
Authors: Liaudet Jean-Claude
Published: February 2011

Use and abuse of conservative neurosis in institutions. Dans leurs interventions, les consultants ont aujourd’hui affaire à une économie psychique que l’on qualifie ici de névrose collective libérale. Ses quatre trait principaux sont : l’individualisme compris comme mégalomanie (absence d’idéaux transcendants) ; la liberté comme toute puissance perverse (au-dessus des lois) ; l’utilitarisme comme valeur des valeurs ; la richesse économique comme souverain bien. Ces traits renvoient à une logique sadique-anale caractéristique de la perversité. Les défenses perverses que le consultant doit entendre se manifestent par le clivage de la pensée, le besoin de maîtrise, la passion de faire de son désir un semblant de loi à imposer à autrui, la haine de l’autorité ; lesquelles défenses se traduisent notamment par des jeux de langage qu’il doit savoir décoder. L’évaluation et les systèmes qualité sont un parfait exemple de symptôme pervers : ils se présentent comme un processus méthodique et rationnel permettant d’ajuster les moyens aux fins en toute impersonnalité et sans rapport apparent d’autorité. Afin de ne pas faire écho au registre pervers, le consultant doit définir un cadre d’intervention précis, mettre en relief la structure interne de l’institution, restituer des idéaux et du sens, favoriser l’intersubjectivité.
Le néolibéralisme au mépris du collectif.
Authors: Charazac Vincent
Published: February 2011

Neoconservatism disregarding the social collective: Suffering at work, management by objectives, and the disintegration of the group Le néolibéralisme économique a trouvé dans le « management par objectifs » un levier de changement radical et accéléré des organisations. Comment cette nouvelle pratique de direction des hommes au travail s’applique-t-elle à la configuration groupale ? En quoi ses modalités de mise en œuvre au quotidien pourraient-elles contribuer à expliquer certains aspects de la souffrance professionnelle ? L’auteur distingue quatre logiques spécifiques au management par objectifs et incompatibles avec l’œuvre collective : individualisation, mobilité/flexibilité, rejet et combat ; il analyse l’émergence simultanée de personnalités narcissiques.
Intervenir auprès d'une équipe soignante en crise dans un dispensaire en Nouvelle-Calédonie
Authors: Thibouville Grégoire
Published: February 2011

Crisis intervention with a caretaking team in a New Caledonian clinic Cet article parle de l’expérience d’un jeune praticien de groupe qui, poussé par son désir de « prendre soin » d’une équipe en plein trauma, rend compte des difficultés, du questionnement et du cheminement parcouru pour aménager, créer et mettre en place un dispositif de travail collectif. Est donc partagée la co-construction de la demande, de son analyse ainsi que la mise en place progressive du dispositif et de sa dynamique. Les répercussions psychiques individuelles, intersubjectives et groupales de cette crise du collectif créent une véritable paralysie de penser [panser] ensemble. C’est ainsi que, confronté à un écueil dans la mise en place de son action, pour le contourner, il a fallu imaginer un moyen, un « sas transitionnel » pour aider au mieux cette équipe soignante. C’est donc dans le contexte singulier de ce dispensaire de brousse qu’est interrogée l’importance d’une réflexion en amont indispensable avant toute intervention groupale afin d’éviter, si possible, la mise en péril d’un espace d’analyse et d’élaboration pour les professionnels.
Tendances de l'emploi dans le spectacle
Authors: Gouyon Marie , Patureau Frédérique
Published: February 2011

Résumé Observé sur une période de près de vingt ans, l’emploi dans le champ du spectacle (audiovisuel et spectacle vivant) se caractérise par une progression continue du nombre de professionnels, infléchie depuis 2004. Le nombre d’entreprises et leur offre d’emploi en revanche n’ont cessé de croître, en particulier dans le spectacle vivant.Après s’être nettement et durablement dégradée en termes de temps de travail et de rémunération, du fait de la disjonction des rythmes de croissance entre effectifs et volume d’emploi, la situation moyenne des intermittents se stabilise au cours des années 2000. De fortes différences catégorielles subsistent, le volume moyen d’emploi et de rémunération des artistes étant deux fois moindre que celui des techniciens.
Les pratiques culturelles des Français à l'ère numérique
Authors: Donnat Olivier
Published: February 2011

Résumé Depuis 1970, l’enquête Pratiques culturelles du ministère de la Culture et de la Communication constitue le principal baromètre des comportements des Français dans le domaine de la culture et des médias. Les résultats de 2008 révèlent, plus de dix ans après ceux de 1997, l’ampleur des effets d’une décennie de mutations induites par l’essor de la culture numérique et de l’internet : montée en puissance de la culture d’écran, recul de la télévision et de la radio dans les jeunes générations, déclin persistant de la lecture de quotidiens et de livres et développement de la production de contenus.
Un autre regard sur la classe de français
Authors: Jurado Monique
Published: February 2011

L’inspecteur observe le travail de la classe avec celui qui y travaille. Car l’évaluation n’est pas univoque, mais partagée entre l’évaluateur et l’évalué qui, souvent, présente une performance conforme à ce qu’il croit attendu. Les inspections permettent d’observer les représentations des enseignants comme celles des élèves au sein d’une classe qui apparait comme un lieu de tensions entre les réalités professionnelles et une doxa implicite, un imaginaire du métier. Il serait peut-être nécessaire, pour faire évoluer les pratiques et pour motiver à innover, de penser l’évaluation dans une autre temporalité que celle de l’inspection au sens traditionnel de la visite de classe, c’est-à-dire de varier les formes d’accompagnement et d’animation, au sein de groupes de réflexion.
L'artisanat, figure anticipatrice d'un nouvel entrepreneuriat
Authors: Cognie Florence , Aballéa François
Published: February 2011

Résumé L’entrepreneur est la figure positive du capitalisme contemporain. En revanche, en dépit des efforts des Institutions des Métiers qui mettent l’accent sur la dimension entrepreneuriale du chef de l’entreprise artisanale, l’artisan même s’il bénéficie d’une image positive dans le grand public, n’est pas perçu comme innovant et n’est pas appréhendé comme s’inscrivant dans la tradition schumpétérienne de l’entrepreneur. Son ancrage local et social est fréquemment considéré comme passéiste et inadapté à la globalisation, symbole de repli sur soi, d’enfermement. Pourtant, retravaillant le concept de proximité sous ses diverses dimensions, nous montrerons comment cette relation à la proximité inscrit l’artisan dans « le nouvel esprit du capitalisme » (Boltanski et Chiapello, 1999) et fait de l’entreprise artisanale, de son mode d’organisation et de gestion une figure singulière et anticipatrice des nouvelles structures productives et de leur management. En même temps que ces dernières, lui imposent de se transformer.
Protection et valorisation de la créativité artisanale
Authors: Loup Stéphanie , Rakotovahiny Marie-Andrée
Published: February 2011

Résumé La créativité artisanale apparait comme un élément central de l’entreprise artisanale au regard de son système de gestion et des stratégies mobilisées. Si la créativité artisanale apparait essentielle pour le gestionnaire, sa valorisation et de sa protection posent de nombreuses questions au regard des outils proposés aux artisans. Des éléments de réponse sont apportés par la pluridisciplinarité de l’analyse, croisant les aspects de gestion et juridique.
Vers la mise en œuvre d'une démarche d'intelligence économique pour l'artisanat en Région PACA
Authors: Paturel Robert , Richomme-Huet Katia
Published: February 2011

Résumé Le rapprochement entre Intelligence Economique (IE) et entreprises artisanales est perçu comme contre-nature, voire dénaturant. Pourtant, il s’agit d’un défi pertinent nécessitant la collaboration d’experts et de dirigeants impliqués dans une même démarche. Après avoir brièvement défini les concepts employés, nous présentons la méthodologie co-construite et les premiers résultats du Club de Dirigeants Artisans de la Région PACA.
Auto-régulation des RH : des pistes d'action pour la GRH ? Le cas de dispositifs d'action sociale
Authors: Rascol-Boutard Sylvie
Published: February 2011

Résumé Alors que de lourdes contraintes pèsent sur les dispositifs de l’action sociale, et malgré un accompagnement GRH limité, les RH, parce qu’elles y disposent de marges d’autonomie importantes, développent des compétences indispensables à la performance. La lecture des modalités utilisées par les RH offrent des pistes de réflexion et d’action pour la GRH.
Dynamiques associatives et transformations des territoires
Authors: Fourdrignier Marc
Published: February 2011

Résumé Un travail d’observation d’une dizaine d’années dans un pays des Ardennes sert de base à l’analyse des interactions entre les transformations institutionnelles, liées au développement de l’intercommunalité et de la démarche de pays, et les dynamiques associatives. Sont mises en évidence les trois types de stratégies qui en résultent : l’adaptation, la substitution et la collaboration.
« La réformation est l'événement majeur de cette époque » : Chateaubriand et les trois vérités de la réforme
Authors: Maira Daniel
Published: February 2011

A l’instar de plusieurs historiens contemporains, Chateaubriand soutient que la Réforme est « l’événement majeur » des temps modernes, mais la valeur qu’il affecte à la Réforme dans sa construction et périodisation du XVI e siècle reste à définir. Dans les Etudes historiques (1831), les libertés modernes procèdent de l’ajustement organique et permanent de trois vérités, à savoir les vérités religieuse (le catholicisme), philosophique (l’indépendance de l’esprit de l’homme) et politique (la liberté du droit naturel). Il faudra alors étudier comment ces trois vérités se définissent par rapport à la Réforme, et comment Chateaubriand explique l’influence et les conséquences que la religion protestante a pu avoir « pour l’esprit humain, pour les lettres, les arts et les gouvernements » : la Réforme sera perçue alors comme un « contre-génie » du christianisme.
A change navigation-based, scenario planning process within a developing world context from an Afro-centric leadership perspective
Authors: Geldenhuys Chris A. , Veldsman Theo H.
Published: February 2011

Orientation: In the hyper turbulent context faced currently by organisations, more flexible strategic planning approaches, such as scenario planning which take into account a more comprehensive range of possible futures for an organisation, will position organisations better than conventional forecast and estimates that depend only on a single, linearly extrapolated, strategic response.Research purpose: This study aimed to investigate how scenario-based planning (a strictly cognitive management tool) can be combined with organisational change navigation (a practice addressing the emotionality of change) and how this integrated process should be aligned with the prerequisites imposed by a developing country context and an Afro-centric leadership perspective in order to make the process more context relevant and aligned.Motivation for the study: The integration of organisational change navigation with conventional scenario based planning, as well as the incorporation of the perquisites of a developing countries and an Afro-centric leadership perspective, will give organisations a more robust, holistic strategic management tool that will add significantly more value within a rapidly, radically and unpredictably changing world.Research design, approach and method: The adopted research approach comprised a combination of the sourcing of the latest thinking in the literature (the ‘theory’) as well as the views of seasoned practitioners of scenario planning (the ‘practice’) through an iterative research process, moving between theory and practice, back to practice and finally returning to theory in order to arrive at a validated expanded and enhanced scenario-based planning process which is both theory and practice ‘proof’.Main findings: A management tool incorporating the change navigation and the unique features of developing countries and Afro-centric leadership was formulated and empirically validated. This management tool is referred to as a change navigation based, scenario planning process (CNBSPP).Practical/managerial implications: CNBSPP is available for use by organisations wishing to apply a strategic planning tool that fits within a developing country context and an Afro-centric leadership approach.Contribution/value add: The research makes a unique contribution to the current level of knowledge by integrating two disciplines usually practised independently of one another, namely scenario-based planning and organisational change navigation. It also embedded the process into a different context of application, that is, the developed world as viewed from an Afro-centric leadership perspective.
Article Commentary: Contributions in the First 21st Century Decade to Environmental Health Vector Borne Disease Research
Authors: Anderson Alice L.
Published: February 2011

A selective review of recent concepts, events and major recent research methodologies, and educational approaches in the field of vector-borne disease are drawn together in this article. Since vector borne disease is a major contributor to world disease burdens, and also comprises list of neglected diseases, recent research in the field elucidates the uncertain and far-reaching consequences of these diseases to human health and well-being. Some of the specific findings included in this review are the following: Chickungunya virus disease range is changing as a result of global climate change; Tick-borne disease vaccinations are being pursued with the help of PCR techniques; the wide availability of remote sensing and ecology are providing habitat surveillance tools to improve predictability of risk areas; environmental health education approaches are incorporating community and cultural aspects to improve success and reduce risk.
Metabolic Implications of Hepatitis C Virus Infection and it's Correlation to Steatohepatitis in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mansour Howaida Elsayed , Farouk Hanan Mohamed , Abdurrahman Maryam Ahmad , Mostafa Afaf Abdelaleem , Hassan Iman M. Aly , Zarouk Waheba A.
Published: February 2011

Background

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is not a simple viral infection; it has many metabolic and autoimmune complications.

Objective

To investigate the impacts of chronic HCV infection on glucose and lipid metabolism and its correlation-if any-with body mass index (BMI) and hepatosteatosis in chronic HCV patients.

Patients and Methods

One hundred and three (103) chronic HCV patients were involved in this study. After blood sugar testing patients were classified into three groups; Group I: 68 chronic HCV patients with type 2 diabetes. Group II: 35 chronic HCV patients without Type 2 Diabetes and Group III: 25 patients with Type 2 Diabetes as a control group. With informed written consents and approval from Ain Shams medical ethics committee, all groups were subjected to the following: full history taking, thorough clinical examination, calculation of BMI, and measurement of the waist/hip ratio were done. Assessment of fasting plasma insulin level was done by the immune-enzymatic method. Assessment of the insulin resistance state was done by Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR). Detection of anti-HCV was done by the 3rd generation ELISA test and confirmed by qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Diabetic and non diabetic chronic HCV patients were found to have significantly higher fasting plasma insulin levels and insulin resistance states than the control group. This insulin resistance was not due to increased body mass index as there was a non significant difference in BMI between all the studied groups. Positive correlations were found between plasma insulin level, liver enzymes and steatohepatitis in HCV patients whether they were diabetic or not. No correlation was found between BMI and plasma insulin level in group II patients (HCV only).

Conclusion

Chronic HCV infection may be regarded as an independent risk factor for the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. HCV induces insulin resistance; the key step for glucose intolerance, and virus C induced steatohepatitis therefore leading to faster progression to cirrhosis. The impacts of chronic HCV infection on glucose and lipid metabolism should be recognized in clinical care centers and addressed in future studies.
Effect of X-ray Irradiation on the Male Moths of Two Tropical Races of the Silkworm Bombyx mori and Inheritance of Induced Sterility in the Progenies
Authors: Subramanya G.
Published: February 2011

Newly emerged male moths of silkworm Bombyx mori were treated with in 24 h of eclosion irradiated with two independent doses of 50 Gy and 100 Gy X-rays. The effects of X-rays in the parental generation have indicated significant increase of unfertilized and unhatched eggs followed by significant reduction in the hatchability in the treated batches compared to control. The inheritance of induced sterility was examined in the succeeding generations by rearing the F1, F2 and F3 silkworm progenies and by crossing the progenies of treated males with untreated female moths. It is evident from the results that the number of hatched eggs gradually increased from F1–F3 generations. Thus, the results showed that the egg hatchability do not remain constant at every generation and hatching tendency of eggs increase in the progenies of treated batches. The mechanism of inherited sterility was discussed.
Mechanical vs. Beetle-mediated Self-pollination in Gossypium Tomentosum (Malvaceae), an Endangered Shrub
Authors: Krakos Kyra N. , Booth Gary M. , Bernhardt Peter
Published: February 2011

Experimental hand pollinations of the endangered, Hawaiian, endemic, Gossypium tomentosum Nutt. Ex. (Malvaceae) showed that it was self-compatible, but self-pollination resulted in reduced reproductive output. Field observations and pollen tube analyses using fluorescence microscopy showed that mechanical self-pollination in this species included a mechanism known as bending stigmas. A receptive stigma bent backwards and contacted dehiscent anthers in 7% of flowers found on 17 G. tomentosum plants. The yellow flowers were nectarless and were not visited by most anthophilous insects in situ except for the introduced, nitidulid beetle, Aethina concolor Macleay. Collections and insect GI-tract dissections showed that A. concolor carried and ate the pollen of the host flower. Field observations recorded regular contact between beetles and stigma lobes as these insects exited the flowers effecting self-pollination. Behavioral experiments showed that the beetles responded positively to a yellow visual cue. Under some circumstances, an introduced pollen vector may help maintain a low level of reproductive success in an insular endemic.
Proteasomal Degradation of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase in CD8+ Dendritic Cells is Mediated by Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3)
Authors: Pallotta Maria T. , Orabona Ciriana , Volpi Claudia , Grohmann Ursula , Puccetti Paolo , Fallarino Francesca
Published: February 2011

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) catalyzes the initial and rate-limiting step of tryptophan catabolism in a specific pathway, resulting in a series of extracellular messengers collectively known as kynurenines. IDO has been recognized as an authentic regulator of immunity not only in mammalian pregnancy, but also in infection, autoimmunity, inflammation, allergy, transplantation, and neoplasia. Its suppressive effects are mostly mediated by dendritic cells (DCs) and involve tryptophan deprivation and/or production of kynurenines, which act on IDO-negative DCs as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We have found that mouse IDO contains two tyrosine residues within two distinct putative immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs, VPY115CEL and LLY253EGV. We have also found that Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3)—known to interact with phosphotyrosine-containing peptides and be selectively induced by interleukin 6 (IL-6)—binds mouse IDO, recruits the ECS (Elongin-Cullin-SOCS) E3 ligase, and targets the IDO/SOCS3 complex for proteasomal degradation. This event underlies the ability of IL-6 to convert otherwise tolerogenic, IDO-competent DCs into immunogenic cells. Thus onset of immunity in response to antigen within an early inflammatory context demands that IDO be degraded in tolerogenic DCs. These studies support the finding that IDO is regulated by proteasomal degradation in response to immunogenic and inflammatory stimuli.
Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase in Human Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Jürgens Birgit , Raberger Julia , Fuchs Dietmar , Heitger Andreas
Published: February 2011

In recent years tryptophan metabolism and its rate limiting enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) have attracted increasing attention for their potential to modulate immune responses including the regulation of transplantation tolerance. The focus of this review is to discuss some features of IDO activity which particularly relate to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT invariably involves the establishment of some degree of a donor-derived immune system in the recipient. Thus, the outstanding feature of tolerance in HSCT is that in this type of transplantation it is not rejection, which causes the most severe problems to HSCT recipients, but the reverse, graft-versus-host (GvH) directed immune responses. We will discuss the peculiar role of IDO activity and accelerated tryptophan metabolism at the interface between immune activation and immune suppression and delineate from theoretical and experimental evidence the potential significance of IDO in mediating tolerance in HSCT. Finally, we will examine therapeutic options for exploitation of IDO activity in the generation of allo-antigen-specific tolerance, i.e. avoiding allo-reactivity while maintaining immunocompetence, in HSCT.
Specificity of the Acute Tryptophan and Tyrosine plus Phenylalanine Depletion and Loading Tests I. Review of Biochemical Aspects and Poor Specificity of Current Amino Acid Formulations
Authors: Badawy Abdulla A.-B. , Dougherty Donald M. , Richard Dawn M.
Published: February 2011

The acute tryptophan or tyrosine plus phenylalanine depletion and loading tests are powerful tools for studying the roles of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline in normal subjects and those with behavioural disorders. The current amino acid formulations for these tests, however, are associated with undesirable decreases in ratios of tryptophan or tyrosine plus phenylalanine to competing amino acids resulting in loss of specificity. This could confound biochemical and behavioural findings. Compositions of current formulations are reviewed, the biochemical principles underpinning the tests are revisited and examples of unintended changes in the above ratios and their impact on monoamine function and behaviour will be demonstrated from data in the literature. The presence of excessive amounts of the 3 branched-chain amino acids Leu, Ile and Val is responsible for these unintended decreases and the consequent loss of specificity. Strategies for enhancing the specificity of the different formulations are proposed.
Mechanisms of Biliary Damage
Authors: Yang Fuquan , Gaudio Eugenio , Onori Paolo , Wise Candace , Alpini Gianfranco , Glaser Shannon S.
Published: February 2011

Bile duct damage is present in virtually all cholangiopathies, which share the biliary epithelial cells (i.e. cholangiocytes) as a common pathogenic target. Cholangiocyte cell death largely occurs through the process of apoptosis. In this review, we will summarize the mechanisms through which biliary damage occurs in a variety of animal and in vitro models, such as extrahepatic cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL), cytotoxin- and hepatotoxin-induced liver injury, and biliary atresia. Although we have increased our knowledge of the factors that regulate cholangiocyte cell death mechanisms during cholangiopathies, especially in experimental models, there is still a lack of effective treatment modalities for these biliary disorders. However, future studies will hopefully provide for new therapeutic modalities for the prevention or restoration of biliary mass and function lost during the progression of cholangiopathies.
Decreased Serum Cu/Zn SOD Associated with High Copper in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Russo A.J.
Published: February 2011

Aim

To assess serum Cu/Zn SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) concentration in children with ADHD and evaluate its possible relationship to Cu and Zn levels.

Subjects and methods

Serum from 22 children with ADHD and 20 healthy control children without ADHD and 19 autistic children without ADHD were tested for Cu/Zn SOD using ELISAs and levels of serum Cu and Zn using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

Results

Serum Cu/Zn SOD levels of ADHD children were significantly lower than age and gender matched healthy non-ADHD controls ( P < 0.001). Serum Cu/Zn SOD of ADHD children was significantly lower in individuals with high serum copper ( P = 0.024). There was no significant correlation between Cu/Zn SOD levels and Zinc or Cu/Zn in ADHD individuals.

Discussion

These results suggest an association between Cu/Zn SOD serum levels and ADHD, particularly ADHD children with high serum copper.
Is Persistent Visual Neglect Associated with Poor Survival?
Authors: Jehkonen M. , Laihosalo M. , Saunamäki T. , Koivisto A-M. , Dastidar P. , Ahonen J-P.
Published: February 2011

Background

The association of visual neglect with survival after right hemisphere (RH) stroke has received only limited attention.

Objective

This study explores the relationship of visual neglect and its spontaneous recovery to survival in a homogenous patient group with first-ever RH stroke.

Methods

Fifty-one RH stroke patients who suffered an infarct between 1994 and 1997 were retrospectively followed for survival until August 31, 2009. Acute-phase neurological, neuropsychological and neuroradiological data were studied to identify predictors of survival.

Results

Twenty-eight patients died during the follow-up. Age, education, and poor recovery of visual neglect emerged as significant single predictors of death. The best set of predictors for poor survival in the multivariate model was poor recovery of visual neglect and low education.

Conclusions

Poor recovery of visual neglect is associated with long-term mortality in RH infarct patients. The follow-up of RH patients’ neuropsychological performance gives additional information about the prognosis.
Pedometer for Running Activity Using Accelerometer Sensors on the Wrist
Authors: Ahola Tom Mikael
Published: February 2011

The Nokia Wrist–Attached Sensor Platform (NWSP) was developed at the Nokia Research Center during the NUADU project to facilitate research and demonstrations of use cases of wearable wireless sensors. A wrist–worn pedometer application was implemented as one of the demonstrations of the capabilities of the platform. In this paper the step counting algorithm is described and the performance is evaluated. The application is targeted for running exercise. However, the detection of steps during walking is also discussed.
Single Center Experience with Short-term Circulatory Support: A Comparison of Demography, Indication and Clinical Outcome over the past Decade
Authors: Linneweber J. , Swojanowsky P. , Dohmen P. , Grubitzsch H. , Dushe S. , Holinski S. , Konertz W.
Published: February 2011

Objective

Aim of the study was to analyze changes over a ten years observation period regarding demography, indication for support and clinical outcome in patients treated with short-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for cardiogenic failure.

Methods

39 patients treated with MCS between 2006–2008 (2008 group) were analyzed, assessing demography, complication rates and survival. Results were compared with 36 consecutive patients that had received centrifugal MCS between 1996–1998 (1998 group) at our institution.

Results

Mean age was 59.9 ± 12.9 (1998 group) and 60.9 ± 13.9 years ( P = 0.74). Mean logEuroScores rose from 12.0% ± 14.6% (1998 group) to 26.9% ± 20.5% (2008 group); P < 0.001. Postcardiotomy low output syndrome was the main cause for MCS. However the percentage of patients in cardiogenic shock prior to surgery increased from 19.4% (1998 group) to 33.3% (2008 group); P = 0.17. Complexity and urgency of the primary surgical procedure increased significantly. 16.7% (1998 group) vs. 41.0% (2008 group); P = 0.02 of interventions were classified “salvage/emergent”. Mean duration of support was 2.9 ± 1.9 days (1998 group) and 3.8 ± 3.1 days (2008 group); P = 0.14. Significantly more biventricular support was implemented in the 2008 group (23.1% vs. 5.6% in the 1998 group); P = 0.03. The incidence of complications, including device failure, thromboembolism and infection remained the same in both groups. 63.9% (1998 group) and 61.5% (2008 group) of the patients were successfully weaned from the device ( P = 0.83), 12% (1998 group) and 3% (2008 group) of the VAD patients were bridged to long-term VAD ( P = 0.12). Overall 30-day survival rates were similar (22.2% 1998 group vs. 28.2%; 2008 group); P = 0.55, however, survival rate in BVAD supported patients improved significantly.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate the beneficial effect of MCS to salvage patients with cardiac failure. Taking into consideration that the severity of illness, the complexity and urgency of the primary surgical procedure have steadily increased a comparable improvement in MCS outcome over the past decade was observed. Nevertheless, in-hospital mortality and VAD related complication rates such as bleeding remain high.
Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Nucleate Pool Boiling in Saturated Liquid
Authors: Tanaka Yoshito , Yoshino Masato , Hirata Tetsuo
Published: February 2011

A thermal lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for two-phase fluid flows in nucleate pool boiling process is proposed. In the present method, a new function for heat transfer is introduced to the isothermal LBM for two-phase immiscible fluids with large density differences. The calculated temperature is substituted into the pressure tensor, which is used for the calculation of an order parameter representing two phases so that bubbles can be formed by nucleate boiling. By using this method, two-dimensional simulations of nucleate pool boiling by a heat source on a solid wall are carried out with the boundary condition for a constant heat flux. The flow characteristics and temperature distribution in the nucleate pool boiling process are obtained. It is seen that a bubble nucleation is formed at first and then the bubble grows and leaves the wall, finally going up with deformation by the buoyant effect. In addition, the effects of the gravity and the surface wettability on the bubble diameter at departure are numerically investigated. The calculated results are in qualitative agreement with other theoretical predictions with available experimental data.
Operational, regional-scale, chemical weather forecasting models in Europe
Authors: Kukkonen J. , Balk T. , Schultz D. M. , Baklanov A. , Klein T. , Miranda A. I. , Monteiro A. , Hirtl M. , Tarvainen V. , Boy M. , Peuch V.-H. , Poupkou A. , Kioutsioukis I. , Finardi S. , Sofiev M. , Sokhi R. , Lehtinen K. , Karatzas K. , San José R. , Astitha M. , Kallos G. , Schaap M. , Reimer E. , Jakobs H. , Eben K.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. Numerical models that combine weather forecasting and atmospheric chemistry are here referred to as chemical weather forecasting models. Eighteen operational chemical weather forecasting models on regional and continental scales in Europe are described and compared in this article. Topics discussed in this article include how weather forecasting and atmospheric chemistry models are integrated into chemical weather forecasting systems, how physical processes are incorporated into the models through parameterization schemes, how the model architecture affect the predicted variables, and how air chemistry and aerosol processes are formulated. In addition, we discuss sensitivity analysis and evaluation of the models, user operational requirements, such as model availability and documentation, and output availability and dissemination. In this manner, this article allows for the evaluation of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the various modelling systems and modelling approaches. Finally, this article highlights the most prominent gaps of knowledge for chemical weather forecasting models and suggests potential priorities for future research directions, for the following selected focus areas: emission inventories, the integration of numerical weather prediction and atmospheric chemical transport models, boundary conditions and nesting of models, data assimilation of the various chemical species, improved understanding and parameterization of physical processes, better evaluation of models against data and the construction of model ensembles.
Microphysical, macrophysical and radiative signatures of volcanic aerosols in trade wind cumulus observed by the A-Train
Authors: Yuan T. , Remer L. A. , Yu H.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. Increased aerosol concentrations can raise planetary albedo not only by reflecting sunlight and increasing cloud albedo, but also by changing cloud amount. However, detecting aerosol effect on cloud amount has been elusive to both observations and modeling due to potential buffering mechanisms and convolution of meteorology. Here through a natural experiment provided by long-term degassing of a low-lying volcano and use of A-Train satellite observations, we show aerosols are associated strongly with modification of trade cumulus cloud fields including decreased droplet size, decreased precipitation efficiency and increased cloud amount. We also demonstrate that the observed microphysical and macrophysical changes cannot be explained by synoptic meteorology or the orographic effect of the Hawaiian Islands. The "total shortwave aerosol forcing", resulting from direct and indirect forcings including both cloud albedo and cloud amount, is almost an order of magnitude higher than aerosol direct forcing alone. The precipitation reduction associated with enhanced aerosol leads to large changes in the energetics of air-sea exchange. Our results represent the first observational evidence of large-scale increase of cloud amount due to aerosols in a trade cumulus regime, which can be used to constrain the representation of aerosol-cloud interactions in climate models. The findings also have implications for volcano-climate interactions and climate mitigation research.
Yields of hydrogen peroxide from the reaction of hydroxyl radical with organic compounds in solution and ice
Authors: Hullar T. , Anastasio C.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. Hydrogen peroxide (HOOH) is a significant oxidant in atmospheric condensed phases (e.g., cloud and fog drops, aqueous particles, and snow) that photolyzes to form hydroxyl radical (·OH). ·OH can react with organics in aqueous phases to form organic peroxyl radicals and ultimately reform HOOH, but the efficiency of this process in atmospheric aqueous phases, as well as snow and ice, is not well understood. We investigate HOOH formation from ·OH radical attack of 10 environmentally relevant organic compounds: formaldehyde, formate, glycine, phenylalanine, benzoic acid, octanol, octanal, octanoic acid, octanedioic acid, and 2-butoxyethanol. Liquid and ice samples with and without nitrate (as an ·OH source) were illuminated using simulated solar light, and HOOH formation rates were measured as a function of pH and temperature. For most compounds, the formation rate of HOOH without nitrate were the same as the background formation rate in blank water (i.e., illumination of the organic species does not produce HOOH directly), while formation rates with nitrate were greater than the water control (i.e., reactions of OH with the organic species forms HOOH). Yields of HOOH, defined as the rate of HOOH production divided by the rate of ·OH production, ranged from essentially zero (glycine) to 0.24 (octanal), with an average of 0.12 ± 0.05 (95% CI). HOOH production rates and yields were higher at lower pH values. There was no temperature dependence of the HOOH yield for formaldehyde or octanedioic acid between −5 to 20 °C and ice samples had approximately the same HOOH yield as the aqueous solutions. In contrast, HOOH yields in formate solutions were higher at 5 and 10 °C compared to −5 and 20 °C. Yields of HOOH in ice for solutions containing nitrate and either phenylalanine, benzoate, octanal, or octanoic acid were indistinguishable from zero. Our HOOH yields were approximately half that found in previous studies conducted using γ-radiolysis, but this difference might be due to the much lower (and more environmentally relevant) ·OH formation rates in our experiments.
Chemical ozone loss in Arctic and Antarctic polar winter/spring season derived from SCIAMACHY limb measurements 2002–2009
Authors: Sonkaew T. , von Savigny C. , Eichmann K.-U. , Weber M. , Rozanov A. , Bovensmann H. , Burrows J. P.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. Stratospheric ozone profiles are retrieved for the period 2002–2009 from SCIAMACHY measurements of limb-scattered solar radiation in the Hartley and Chappuis absorption bands of ozone. This data set is used to determine the chemical ozone loss in both the Arctic and Antarctic polar vortices using the vortex average method. The chemical ozone loss at isentropic levels between 450 K and 600 K is derived from the difference between observed ozone abundances and the ozone modelled considering diabatic cooling, but no chemical ozone loss. The results show chemical ozone losses of up to 20–40% between the beginning of January and the end of March inside the Arctic polar vortex. Strong inter-annual variability of the Arctic ozone loss is observed, with the cold winters 2004/2005 and 2006/2007 showing the largest chemical ozone losses. The ozone mass loss inside the polar vortex is also estimated. In the coldest Arctic winter 2004/2005 the total ozone mass loss is about 30 million tons inside the polar vortex between the 450 K and 600 K isentropic levels from the beginning of January until the end of March. The Antarctic vortex averaged ozone loss as well as the size of the polar vortex do not vary much from year to year. At the 475 K isentropic level ozone losses of 70–80% between mid-August and mid-November are observed every year inside the vortex, also in the anomalous year 2002. The total ozone mass loss inside the Antarctic polar vortex between the 450 K and 600 K isentropic levels is about 55–75 million tons for the period between mid-August and mid-November. Comparisons of the vertical variation of ozone loss derived from SCIAMACHY observations with several independent techniques for the Arctic winter 2004/2005 show very good agreement.