bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara Immunization Protects against Lethal Challenge with Recombinant Vaccinia Virus Expressing Murine Interleukin-4
Authors: McCurdy Lewis H. , Rutigliano John A. , Johnson Teresa R. , Chen Man , Graham Barney S.
Published: October 2004

Recent events have raised concern over the use of pathogens, including variola virus, as biological weapons. Vaccination with Dryvax is associated with serious side effects and is contraindicated for many people, and the development of a safer effective smallpox vaccine is necessary. We evaluated an attenuated vaccinia virus, modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), by use of a murine model to determine its efficacy against an intradermal (i.d.) or intranasal (i.n.) challenge with vaccinia virus (vSC8) or a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing murine interleukin-4 that exhibits enhanced virulence (vSC8-mIL4). After an i.d. challenge, 15 of 16 mice who were inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline developed lesions, one dose of intramuscularly administered MVA was partially protective (3 of 16 mice developed lesions), and the administration of two or three doses of MVA was completely protective (0 of 16 mice developed lesions). In unimmunized mice, an i.n. challenge with vSC8 caused a significant but self-limited illness, while vSC8-mIL4 resulted in lethal infections. Immunization with one or two doses of MVA prevented illness and reduced virus titers in mice who were challenged with either vSC8 or vSC8-mIL4. MVA induced a dose-related neutralizing antibody and vaccinia virus-specific CD8
+
-T-cell response. Mice immunized with MVA were fully protected from a low-dose vSC8-mIL4 challenge despite a depletion of CD4
+
cells, CD8
+
cells, or both T-cell subsets or an antibody deficiency. CD4
+
- or CD8
+
-T-cell depletion reduced the protection against a high-dose vSC8-mIL4 challenge, and the depletion of both T-cell subsets was associated with severe illness and higher vaccinia virus titers. Thus, MVA induces broad humoral and cellular immune responses that can independently protect against a molecularly modified lethal poxvirus challenge in mice. These data support the continued development of MVA as an alternative candidate vaccine for smallpox.
The VP6 Protein of Rotavirus Interacts with a Large Fraction of Human Naive B Cells via Surface Immunoglobulins
Authors: Parez Nathalie , Garbarg-Chenon Antoine , Fourgeux Cynthia , Le Deist Françoise , Servant-Delmas Annabelle , Charpilienne Annie , Cohen Jean , Schwartz-Cornil Isabelle
Published: October 2004

Immunity to human group A rotavirus (RV), a major cause of viral gastroenteritis in infants, involves B lymphocytes that provide RV-specific antibodies. Additionally, some arguments suggest that naive B cells could be implicated in the first steps of the immune response against RV. The aim of our study was to analyze the interaction of VP6 and VP7 RV capsid proteins with human B cells depending on the immune status of the individual, i.e., naive or RV experienced. For this purpose, a two-color virus-like particle flow cytometry assay was devised to evaluate the blood B-lymphocyte reactivity to VP6 and VP7 proteins from healthy RV-exposed adults, recently infected infants, and neonates at birth. Both VP6 and VP7 interactions with B cells were mediated by surface immunoglobulins and probably by their Fab portions. VP7-reactive B lymphocytes were mainly detected from RV-experienced patients and almost exclusively in the CD27-positive memory cell fraction. Conversely, VP6-reactive B lymphocytes were detected at similar and high frequencies in adult, infant, and neonate samples. In adult samples, VP6 reacted with about 2% of the CD27-negative (CD27neg) naive B cells. These results demonstrated that the VP6 RV protein interacted with a large fraction of naive B lymphocytes from both adults and neonates. We propose that naive B cell-VP6 interaction might influence the strength and quality of the acquired immune response and should be considered for elaborating RV vaccine strategies.
Generation of Synthetic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Pseudoparticles: Implications for Assembly and Vaccine Production
Authors: Huang Yue , Yang Zhi-yong , Kong Wing-pui , Nabel Gary J.
Published: October 2004

The recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) contains four structural genes, two replicase-transcriptase open reading frames, and more than five potential genes of unknown function. Despite this relative simplicity, the molecular regulation of SARS-CoV replication and assembly is not understood. Here, we report that two viral genes, encoding the SARS-CoV membrane (M) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, are necessary and sufficient for formation of virus-like particles. Expression vectors encoding these two proteins were synthesized by using preferred human codons. When M and N expression plasmids were cotransfected into human 293 renal epithelial cells, pseudoparticles formed readily. The addition of a third gene, encoding the spike (S) glycoprotein, facilitated budding of particles that contained a corona-like halo resembling SARS-CoV when examined by transmission electron microscopy, with a buoyant density characteristic of coronaviruses. Specific biochemical interactions of these proteins were also shown in vitro. The S, M, and N proteins of the SARS-CoV are, therefore, necessary and sufficient for pseudovirus assembly. These findings advance the understanding of the morphogenesis of SARS-CoV and enable the generation of safe, conformational mimetics of the SARS virus that may facilitate the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs.
ORC, MCM, and Histone Hyperacetylation at the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Latent Replication Origin
Authors: Stedman William , Deng Zhong , Lu Fang , Lieberman Paul M.
Published: October 2004

The viral genome of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) persists as an extrachromosomal plasmid in latently infected cells. The KSHV latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) stimulates plasmid maintenance and DNA replication by binding to an ∼150-bp region within the viral terminal repeats (TR). We have used chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to demonstrate that LANA binds specifically to the replication origin sequence within the KSHV TR in latently infected cells. The latent replication origin within the TR was also bound by LANA-associated proteins CBP, double-bromodomain-containing protein 2 (BRD2), and the origin recognition complex 2 protein (ORC2) and was enriched in hyperacetylated histones H3 and H4 relative to other regions of the latent genome. Cell cycle analysis indicated that the minichromosome maintenance complex protein, MCM3, bound TR in late-G
1
/S-arrested cells, which coincided with the loss of histone H3 K4 methylation. Micrococcal nuclease studies revealed that TRs are embedded in a highly ordered nucleosome array that becomes disorganized in late G
1
/S phase. ORC binding to TR was LANA dependent when reconstituted in transfected plasmids. DNA affinity purification confirmed that LANA, CBP, BRD2, and ORC2 bound TR specifically and identified the histone acetyltransferase HBO1 (histone acetyltransferase binding to ORC1) as a potential TR binding protein. Disruption of ORC2, MCM5, and HBO1 expression by small interfering RNA reduced LANA-dependent DNA replication of TR-containing plasmids. These findings are the first demonstration that cellular replication and origin licensing factors are required for KSHV latent cycle replication. These results also suggest that the KSHV latent origin of replication is a unique chromatin environment containing histone H3 hyperacetylation within heterochromatic tandem repeats.
The Transmembrane Domains of the prM and E Proteins of Yellow Fever Virus Are Endoplasmic Reticulum Localization Signals
Authors: Op De Beeck Anne , Rouillé Yves , Caron Mélanie , Duvet Sandrine , Dubuisson Jean
Published: October 2004

The immature flavivirus particle contains two envelope proteins, prM and E, that are associated as a heterodimer. Virion morphogenesis of the flaviviruses occurs in association with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes, suggesting that there should be accumulation of the virion components in this compartment. This also implies that ER localization signals must be present in the flavivirus envelope proteins. In this work, we looked for potential subcellular localization signals in the yellow fever virus envelope proteins. Confocal immunofluorescence analysis of the subcellular localization of the E protein in yellow fever virus-infected cells indicated that this protein accumulates in the ER. Similar results were obtained with cells expressing only prM and E. Chimeric proteins containing the ectodomain of CD4 or CD8 fused to the transmembrane domains of prM or E were constructed, and their subcellular localization was studied by confocal immunofluorescence and by analyzing the maturation of their associated glycans. Although a small fraction was detected in the ER-to-Golgi intermediate and Golgi compartments, these chimeric proteins were located mainly in the ER. The C termini of prM and E form two antiparallel transmembrane α-helices. Interestingly, the first transmembrane passage contains enough information for ER localization. Taken altogether, these data indicate that, besides their role as membrane anchors, the transmembrane domains of yellow fever virus envelope proteins are ER retention signals. In addition, our data show that the mechanisms of ER retention of the flavivirus and hepacivirus envelope proteins are different.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1)-Specific CD4
+
T Cells That Proliferate In Vitro Detected in Samples from Most Viremic Subjects and Inversely Associated with Plasma HIV-1 Levels
Authors: Boritz Eli , Palmer Brent E. , Wilson Cara C.
Published: October 2004

Diminished in vitro proliferation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific CD4
+
T cells has been associated with HIV-1 viremia and declining CD4
+
T-cell counts during chronic infection. To better understand this phenomenon, we examined whether HIV-1 Gag p24 antigen-induced CD4
+
T-cell proliferation might recover in vitro in a group of subjects with chronic HIV-1 viremia and no history of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We found that depletion of CD8
+
cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) before antigen stimulation was associated with a 6.5-fold increase in the median p24-induced CD4
+
T-cell proliferative response and a 57% increase in the number of subjects with positive responses. These p24-induced CD4
+
T-cell proliferative responses from CD8-depleted PBMC were associated with expansion of the numbers of p24-specific, gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing CD4
+
T cells. Among the 20 viremic, treatment-naïve subjects studied, the only 5 subjects lacking proliferation-competent, p24-specific CD4
+
T-cell responses from CD8-depleted PBMC showed plasma HIV-1 RNA levels > 100,000 copies/ml. Furthermore, both the magnitude of p24-induced CD4
+
T-cell proliferative responses from CD8-depleted PBMC and the frequency of p24-specific, IFN-γ-producing CD4
+
T cells expanded from CD8-depleted PBMC were associated inversely with plasma HIV-1 RNA levels. Therefore, proliferation-competent, HIV-1-specific CD4
+
T cells that might help control HIV-1 disease may persist during chronic, progressive HIV-1 disease except at very high levels of in vivo HIV-1 replication.
Structure and Polymorphism of the UL6 Portal Protein of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
Authors: Trus Benes L. , Cheng Naiqian , Newcomb William W. , Homa Fred L. , Brown Jay C. , Steven Alasdair C.
Published: October 2004

By electron microscopy and image analysis, we find that baculovirus-expressed UL6 is polymorphic, consisting of rings of 11-, 12-, 13-, and 14-fold symmetry. The 12-mer is likely to be the oligomer incorporated into procapsids: at a resolution of 16 Å, it has an axial channel, peripheral flanges, and fits snugly into a vacant vertex site. Its architecture resembles those of bacteriophage portal/connector proteins.
Vpr and Vpu Are Important for Efficient Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication and CD4
+
T-Cell Depletion in Human Lymphoid Tissue Ex Vivo
Authors: Rücker Elke , Grivel Jean-Charles , Münch Jan , Kirchhoff Frank , Margolis Leonid
Published: October 2004

The relevance of the accessory
vpr
,
vpu
, and
nef
genes for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication in human lymphoid tissue (HLT), the major site of viral replication in vivo, is largely unknown. Here, we show that an individual deletion of
nef
,
vpr
, or
vpu
significantly decreases HIV-1 replication and prevents CD4
+
T-cell depletion in ex vivo HLT. However, only combined defects in all three accessory genes entirely disrupt the replicative capacity of HIV-1. Our results demonstrate that
nef
,
vpr
, and
vpu
are all essential for efficient viral spread in HLT, suggesting an important role in AIDS pathogenesis.
EBNA2 Is Required for Protection of Latently Epstein-Barr Virus-Infected B Cells against Specific Apoptotic Stimuli
Authors: Lee Jae Myun , Lee Kyoung-Ho , Farrell Christopher J. , Ling Paul D. , Kempkes Bettina , Park Jeon Han , Hayward S. Diane
Published: October 2004

In addition to functioning as a transcriptional transactivator, Epstein-Barr virus EBNA2 interacts with Nur77 to protect against Nur77-mediated apoptosis. Estrogen-regulated EBNA2 in EREB2-5 cells was replaced by either EBNA2 or EBNA2 with a deletion of conserved region 4 (EBNA2ΔCR4). Both EBNA2-converted and EBNA2ΔCR4-converted EREB2-5 cells grew in the absence of estrogen and expressed LMP1. Treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha did not induce apoptosis of EBNA2- or EBNA2ΔCR4-expressing cells, but EBNA2ΔCR4 cells were susceptible to etoposide and 5-fluorouracil, Nur77-mediated inducers of apoptosis. Thus, EBNA2 protects B cells against specific apoptotic agents against which LMP1 is not effective.
Host Range Factor 1 from
Lymantria dispar
Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) Is an Essential Viral Factor Required for Productive Infection of NPVs in IPLB-Ld652Y Cells Derived from
L. dispar
Authors: Ishikawa Hiroki , Ikeda Motoko , Alves Cristiano A. Felipe , Thiem Suzanne M. , Kobayashi Michihiro
Published: October 2004

Host range factor 1 (HRF-1) of
Lymantria dispar
multinucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus promotes
Autographa californica
MNPV replication in nonpermissive Ld652Y cells derived from
L. dispar
. Here we demonstrate that restricted
Hyphantria cunea
NPV replication in Ld652Y cells was not due to apoptosis but was likely due to global protein synthesis arrest that could be restored by HRF-1. Our data also showed that HRF-1 promoted the production of progeny virions for two other baculoviruses,
Bombyx mori
NPV and
Spodoptera exigua
MNPV, whose replication in Ld652Y cells is limited to replication of viral DNA without successful production of infectious progeny virions. Thus, HRF-1 is an essential viral factor required for productive infection of NPVs in Ld652Y cells.
Seminal Fluid Enhances Replication of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1: Implications for Sexual Transmission
Authors: Moriuchi Masako , Moriuchi Hiroyuki
Published: October 2004

Seminal fluid enhanced human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection by transactivating the HTLV-1 long terminal repeat promoter, which is chromosomally integrated in a cell-type-dependent manner. Our data may indicate a potential role for seminal fluid in the sexual transmission of HTLV-1 and imply complex features of regulation of HTLV-1 expression.
EFFECT OF INHIBITORS ON ROW-INTERCROPPING SYSTEM
Authors: CHATTOPADHYAY J. , TAPASWI P.K. , BANIK P. , BAGCHI D.K.
Published: October 2004

In this paper we have studied the effect of inhibitors on row-intercropping system by considering a two component species competition model proposed by Lotka (1920). We have verified our results by our experimental data. It has been observed that the inhibitors play an important role to shape the dynamical behaviour of the system.
WAVELET ANALYSIS OF AORTIC PULSATIONS IN ANESTHETIZED DOGS: EFFECTS OF SPONTANEOUS AND POSITIVE-PRESSURE RESPIRATION
Authors: GÜNTHER BRUNO , JIMÉNEZ RAÚL F.
Published: October 2004

The wavelet transform (WT) analysis was applied to pressure and blood velocity pulsations in the aorta of anesthetized dogs. Each recording was submitted to Mallat’s algorithm and a multiresolution decomposition was obtained. Beside the different resolutions of the original recording (20 to 2–4), we obtained the corresponding details [Formula: see text]. The main purpose of the present study was to analyze the influence of normal respiration, positive-pressure respiration, double vagotomy, and of hyperventilation with the subsequent apneic period. At resolution 2–3 we observed regularly a low frequency amplitude modulation phenomenon with the exception of the apneic period after a prolonged hyperventilation. The applicability of the WT analysis in cardiovascular physiology is discussed.
THE INFLUENCE OF DISPERSAL BEHAVIOUR ON METAPOPULATION VIABILITY
Authors: TYUTYUNOV YURI , DOMBROVSKY YURI , ARDITI ROGER , SURKOV FEODOR
Published: October 2004

The dynamics of the metapopulation is described by a Markov chain with three possible states of each subpopulation: 0 (extinct), 1 (lower size), and 2 (carrying capacity). Migrations between subpopulations can depend both on the state of the source subpopulation (e.g., inversely) and the state of the target habitat. The strategies of conspecific attraction, when occupied patches receive a larger fraction of migrants, and conspecific repulsion, i.e., the preference for empty patches, are modelled. Emigration events affect the density of the source habitat. Immigration causes either a recolonisation of an empty patch or the transition from state 1 to state 2 of the target habitat. Application of queuing theory methods made it possible to obtain analytical formulas for extinction probability and persistence time.

The effect of dispersal behaviour was investigated. The influence of random dispersal and of directional dispersal depends on population parameters. It is demonstrated that, while at high growth and mortality rates, conspecific repulsion provides better metapopulation viability, there exists a threshold value for the growth rate below which aggregation becomes favourable. Biological interpretation of these results is discussed and a classification of species is suggested associating population kinetic rates and dispersal strategy.
TRANSIENT BEHAVIOR OF BIOLOGICAL MODELS AS A TOOL OF QUALITATIVE VALIDATION—APPLICATION TO THE DROOP MODEL AND TO A N-P-Z MODEL
Authors: BERNARD OLIVIER , GOUZÉ JEAN-LUC
Published: October 2004

In this paper we focus on the transient behavior of a class of nonlinear differential systems. We describe the succession with respect to time of the state variables extrema. This analysis is mainly independent of the analytical formulation of the model. The possible theoretical sequences of extrema are represented on a graph. They can be compared with experimental sequences of extrema, in order to validate the model qualitatively. An application to the Droop model and to a N-P-Z model with experimental data illustrates the method.
ON THE COMBINED HARVESTING OF A PREY-PREDATOR SYSTEM
Authors: CHAUDHURI K.S. , RAY SUMITA SAHA
Published: October 2004

The authors consider the combined harvesting of a prey-predator system in which both the prey and the predator species obey the law of logistic growth and some preys avoid predation by hiding. The dynamical behaviour of both the exploited and unexploited systems is examined. The possibility of existence of bionomic equilibria is discussed. The optimal harvest policy is studied and the solution is derived in the equilibrium case by using Pontryagin’s maximal principle. The biological as well as economic aspects of the optimal equilibrium solution are discussed. Finally, the model is recast into an S-system and its numerical solutions are derived in several cases using the ESSYNS algorithm.
FUZZY MEALY MACHINES: HOMOMORPHISMS, ADMISSIBLE RELATIONS AND MINIMAL MACHINES
Authors: MORDESON J.N. , NAIR P.S.
Published: October 2004

Homomorphisms and admissible relations of fuzzy Mealy machines are studied. Admissible relations play a role similar to normal subgroups in group theory. The kernel of a homomorphism is shown to be an admissible relation. Conversely, corresponding to an admissible relation, there exists a homomorphism. The fundamental theorem on homomorphisms; and the existence and uniqueness of minimal machines are also presented.
AN EXTENSION OF FUNG-FU’S THEOREM
Authors: FODOR JÁNOS C.
Published: October 2004

We give the general form of an idempotent, associative, nondecreasing and continuous binary aggregation operation in a connected order topological space. The particular case of the unit interval is studied and the choice of weights is also analized. Possible generalizations for more than two arguments are also proposed.
APPLICATION OF FUZZY CONTROL THEORY IN ACTIVE CONTROL OF STRUCTURES
Authors: YEH KEN , CHIANG WEILING , JUANG DERSHIN
Published: October 2004

The purpose of this paper is to apply fuzzy control theory in active structural control. A single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structure is used to develop the basic approach. The approach is then extended to multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) structures with the usage of weighted displacement and weighted velocity. A band-pass white noise or large amount of earthquake records are used as excitations to the structures to calculate the normalized displacements and velocities for obtaining the range of weighted displacements and velocities. Several examples are utilized to demonstrate the feasibility of fuzzy control methodology. It is shown that the fuzzy controller can achieve satisfactory results in the application of active control of structures and the feasibility is verified.
NONSTANDARD APPROACH TO POSSIBILITY MEASURES
Authors: KRAMOSIL IVAN
Published: October 2004

Possibility measures have been conceived by Zadeh [1], and developed by, e. g., Dubois, Prade and others, as very simple, if compared with, e.g., probability theory, but still nontrivial and reasonable uncertainty measures. The relatively poor descriptional and operational abilities of possibility measures seem to be closely related to the standard linear ordering relation and the corresponding supremum and infimum operations defined over the unit interval of real numbers. Having discussed, very briefly, the possibilities how to overcome these limitations, we propose and investigate possibility measures taking their values in the well-known Cantor subset of the unit interval but defined with respect to a nonstandard operation of supremum resulting from a nonstandard partial ordering of real numbers from the Cantor set. Such a nonstandard possibility measure is proved to be a sufficient tool to define an infinite sequence of probability measures defined over countable sets, consequently, the distribution of each continuous real-valued random variable defined over a general abstract probability space can be defined by an appropriate nonstandard possibility measure.
NORMAL FORMS FOR FUZZY LOGIC — AN APPLICATION OF KOLMOGOROV’S THEOREM
Authors: KREINOVICH VLADIK , NGUYEN HUNG T. , SPRECHER DAVID A.
Published: October 2004

This paper addresses mathematical aspects of fuzzy logic. The main results obtained in this paper are:

1. the introduction of a concept of normal form in fuzzy logic using hedges;

2. using Kolmogorov’s theorem, we prove that all logical operations in fuzzy logic have normal forms;

3. for min-max operators, we obtain an approximation result similar to the universal approximation property of neural networks.
ON DISTRIBUTIVITY AND MODULARITY IN DE MORGAN TRIPLETS
Authors: CARBONELL M. , MAS M. , SUÑER J. , TORRENS J.
Published: October 2004

We study some properties of De Morgan triplets. Firstly, we introduce submodular De Morgan triplets and we study its relationships with subdistributive ones. Moreover, we characterize them both in the strict and non strict archimedean cases. Secondly, we introduce the concepts of modularity, distributivity and (S, T)-distributivity degrees and we give some general results. Afterwards we apply these concepts to two particular cases, Lukasiewicz triplets and a kind of strict De Morgan triplets (Product triplets). For the Lukasiewicz ones we prove that all three degrees range over (0, 1/2]. For Product triplets, a recipe to calculate these degrees is given. In particular we present examples with distributivity degree r for all r ∈ (0, 1) and examples with (S, T)-distributivity and modularity degrees taking all values in (0, 3/4].
FUZZY CATEGORICAL IDEALS IN BCK-ALGEBRAS
Authors: HONG SUNG M. , JUN YOUNG B. , KIM SEON J. , SONG SEOK Z.
Published: October 2004

We consider the fuzzification of categorical ideals in BCK-algebras, and study their properties. We also state normal fuzzy categorical ideals in BCK-algebras, and construct an extension of a fuzzy categorical ideal.
RANKING FUZZY NUMBERS THROUGH THE COMPARISON OF ITS EXPECTED INTERVALS
Authors: JIMÉNEZ MARIANO
Published: October 2004

This paper presents a method for ranking fuzzy numbers based on the comparison of expected intervals of these numbers. This relation is fuzzy and it verifies the distinguishability, rationality and robustness qualities. The term expected interval is extended to no normal fuzzy numbers, and this method then it allows to compare these type sets.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE PREDICTION TECHNIQUE BY FUZZY INFERENCING ON THE CHAOTIC NATURE OF TIME SERIES DATA
Authors: GHOSHRAY SABYASACHI
Published: October 2004

Predicting foreign exchange rates and stock market indices have been a well researched topic in the field of financial engineering. However, most methods suffer from serious drawback due to the inherent uncertainty in the data acquisition process. Here, we have analyzed the very nature of the time series data from a pure dynamic system point of view and explored the deterministic chaotic characteristic in it. In this research, the concept of chaos has been analyzed thoroughly and the relationships among chaos, stability and order have been explained with respect to the concept of time. A method of predicting time series data based on deterministic dynamically system has been presented in this monograph. The present research revolves around the concepts of embedding and fuzzy reconstruction. In this regard, the necessary and sufficient condition for this reconstruction of the state space of the dynamic system in a multi-dimensional Euclidean space has been substantiated in accordance to Theory of embedding. Finally, a fuzzy reconstruction method based on fuzzy multiple regression analysis method has been used to predict the foreign exchange rates with accuracy.
FUZZY PROJECT SCHEDULING MODELS UNDER INFLATION CONDITION
Authors: WANG HSIAO-FAN , FU CHING-CHUN
Published: October 2004

The paper defines four fuzzy project scheduling models under inflation condition without or with budget limit. The activity time is described by fuzzy relation or fuzzy variables. The models can be solved in the forms of crisp LP or NLP after using the concept of α-cut.
INTERVAL METHODS IN KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION
Authors: Kreinovich Vladik
Published: October 2004

With this issue, we start a new section: short abstract of papers and books on interval methods in knowledge representation.

The experience of several conferences on interval computations and fuzzy systems, including the 1995 International Workshop on Applications of Interval Computations (February 1995, El Paso, TX, USA), has shown that there are many areas of knowledge representation where interval methods are applied, and many interesting results of these applications, areas and results that are often not widely known to the knowledge representation community.

These papers are published in different journals and conference proceedings, and it is difficult to trace them all. In view of this difficulty, we decided to provide the readers of IJUFKS with short abstract of these papers (something like an ongoing annotated bibliography). We strongly believe that the information about the current applications of interval methods is of interest to this community.

For the reasons expressed above, we are currently, more probably, not covering all relevant papers. To increase the coverage, we need your help. If you know of any recent papers devoted to the applications of interval methods to knowledge representation, please send reference to Vladik Kreinovich at vladik@cs.utep.edu, or by regular mail to: Vladik Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.

If you have writtend your own reviews of such papers, or if you would like to write such reviews, please contact Vladik as well. Authors, please send information and/or copies of your own applications papers (papers in French, Russian, and German are also welcome). Abstracts should ideally in LATEX or TEX, but ASCII is also acceptable

This is a new section, and we want the readers' input about how to make it better. Any suggestions and recommendations will be highly welcome.
TNF-α mediates obstruction-induced renal tubular cell apoptosis and proapoptotic signaling
Authors: Misseri R. , Meldrum D. R. , Dinarello C. A. , Dagher P. , Hile K. L. , Rink R. C. , Meldrum K. K.
Published: October 2004

Obstruction of the upper urinary tract induces a progressive loss in renal mass through apoptotic renal cell death. Although TNF-α has been implicated in ischemia-reperfusion-induced apoptotic renal cell death, its role in obstructive renal cell apoptosis remains unknown. To study this, male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to left unilateral ureteral obstruction vs. sham operation. Twenty-four hours before surgery and every 84 h thereafter, rats received either vehicle or a pegylated form of soluble TNF receptor type 1 (PEG-sTNFR1). The kidneys were harvested 1, 3, or 7 days postoperatively, and tissue samples were subsequently analyzed for TNF-α (ELISA, RT-PCR), Fas ligand (RT-PCR), apoptosis (TUNEL, ELISA), and caspase 8 and 3 activity (Western blot). Renal obstruction induced increased tissue TNF-α and Fas ligand mRNA levels, TNF-α protein production, apoptotic renal tubular cell death, and elevated caspase 8 and 3 activity, whereas treatment with PEG-sTNFR1 significantly reduced obstruction-induced TNF-α production, renal tubular cell apoptosis, and caspase activity. PEG-sTNFR1 did not significantly alter Fas ligand expression. These results demonstrate that TNF-α mediates obstruction-induced renal tubular cell apoptosis and proapoptotic signaling and identify TNF-α neutralization as a potential therapeutic option for the amelioration of obstruction-induced renal injury.
Altered specificity of Hint-W123Q supports a role for Hint inhibition by ASW in avian sex determination
Authors: Parks Kristen P. , Seidle Heather , Wright Nathan , Sperry Jeffrey B. , Bieganowski Pawel , Howitz Konrad , Wright Dennis L. , Brenner Charles
Published: October 2004

Hint is a universally conserved, dimeric AMP-lysine hydrolase encoded on the avian Z chromosome. Tandemly repeated on the female-specific W chromosome, Asw encodes a potentially sex-determining, dominant-negative Hint dimerization partner whose substrate-interacting residues were specifically altered in evolution. To test the hypothesis that Gln127 of Asw is responsible for depression and/or alteration of Hint enzyme activity, a corresponding mutant was created in the chicken Hint homodimer, and a novel substrate was developed that links reversal of AMP-lysine modification to aminomethylcoumarin release. Strikingly, the Hint-W123Q substitution reduced kcat/ Km for AMP-lysine hydrolysis 17-fold, while it increased specificity for AMP- para-nitroaniline hydrolysis by 160-fold. The resulting 2,700-fold switch in enzyme specificity suggests that Gln127 could be the dominant component of Asw dominant negativity in avian feminization.
Hypophosphatemia and Calcium Nephrolithiasis
Authors: Prié Dominique , Beck Laurent , Silve Caroline , Friedlander Gérard
Published: October 2004

Our knowledge of phosphate balance under physiological and pathological situations has increased substantially during the last decade thanks to the molecular identification of three dissimilar families of sodium-phosphate cotransport systems, two of them almost exclusively expressed in epithelia whereas the third one has a ubiquitous expression. Intracellular proteins such as NHERF1 (sodium-proton exchanger regulatory factor 1) can interact with phosphate transporters through PDZ domains thus regulating the expression of the transporters at the membrane. Moreover, newly acknowledged paracrine/endocrine peptides, such as fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), also affect the activity of phosphate transporters. Renal phosphate leak, related to invalidation (in the mouse) or to mutations (in humans) of the renal phosphate transporter NPT2a, leads to hypophosphatemia on the one hand, and to nephrolithiasis or bone demineralization on the other hand. Similar features are observed during invalidation of NHERF or in case of overproduction of FGF23. These observations highlight the importance of phosphate homeostasis in common diseases such as renal stones or bone loss.
Intracellular Events in the Initiation of Calcium Oxalate Stones
Authors: Jonassen Julie A. , Cao Lu-Cheng , Honeyman Thomas , Scheid Cheryl R.
Published: October 2004

This review summarizes our current understanding of intracellular events in the initiation of kidney stone formation, focusing on results from studies using renal epithelial cells in vitro. Such studies have shown that oxalate – either in crystalline or in soluble form – triggers a spectrum of responses in renal cells that favor stone formation, including alterations in membrane surface properties that promote crystal attachment and alterations in cell viability that provide debris for crystal nucleation. Activation of cytosolic PLA2 appears to play an important role in oxalate actions, triggering a signaling cascade that generates several lipid mediators (arachidonic acid, AA; lysophosphatidylcholine, Lyso-PC; ceramide) that act on key intracellular targets (mitochondria, nucleus). The net effect is increased production of reactive oxygen molecules (that in turn affect other cellular processes), an increase in cell death and an induction of a number of genes in surviving cells, some of which may promote proliferation for replacement of damaged cells, or may promote secretion of urinary macromolecules that serve to modulate crystal formation. A scheme is provided that explains how such oxalate-induced alterations could initiate stone formation in vivo.
Macromolecules and Urolithiasis: Parallels and Paradoxes
Authors: Ryall Rosemary Lyons
Published: October 2004

Long-standing interest in the possible role of macromolecules in urolithiasis stems from the observation that all human kidney stones consist of a complex amalgam of mineral and organic material. This review summarises what is currently known or is hypothesised about the influences of urinary macromolecules, especially proteins, on the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, their attachment to renal epithelial cells, and their subsequent destruction within those cells. Although a list is provided of proteins that have either been detected in stones or have been implicated by virtue of their effects on crystallization, only a select handful, which have been intensively studied, have been singled out for individual discussion. The review ends with a speculative discussion of the applicability of current knowledge to the investigation and treatment of urolithiasis.
A Fetal Risk Factor for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Barlow Brian K. , Richfield Eric K. , Cory-Slechta Deborah A. , Thiruchelvam Mona
Published: October 2004

A lack of strong evidence for genetic heritability of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) has focused attention on environmental toxicants in the disease etiology, particularly agrichemicals. PD is associated with advanced age, but it is unclear whether specific neuronal damage could result from insults during development. This study hypothesized that prenatal exposure to pesticides would disrupt the development of the nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) system and enhance its vulnerability to dopaminergic neurotoxicant exposures later in life. Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were treated on gestational days 10–17 with saline or the pesticides maneb (MB, 1 mg/kg) or paraquat (PQ, 0.3 mg/kg). When offspring were evaluated in adulthood, there were no significant effects of prenatal MB or PQ exposure on locomotor activity. Subsequently, offspring were treated for 8 consecutive days with saline, MB (30 mg/kg), or PQ (5 mg/kg). One week after the last exposure, only males exposed to prenatal MB and adulthood PQ showed significant reductions in locomotor activity (95%) and changes in striatal neurochemistry. Stereological assessment of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and ventral tegmental area correspondingly confirmed selective dopaminergic-neuron loss in SNpc. The lack of changes in other exposure groups suggests a specificity to the sequence of exposures as well as gender specificity. These results suggest that prenatal exposure to MB produces selective, permanent alterations of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system and enhances adult susceptibility to PQ exposure. This study implicates a role for developmental neurotoxicant exposure in the induction of neurodegenerative disorders such as PD.
Maternal Hypoxia during Pregnancy Delays the Development of Motor Reflexes in Newborn Mice
Authors: Golan Hava , Kashtutsky Irena , Hallak Mordechai , Sorokin Yoram , Huleihel Mahmoud
Published: October 2004

Prenatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is believed to cause permanent neurological deficits in newborns. We investigated the possibility that maternal hypoxia during pregnancy leads to offspring brain damage and its prevention by i.p. administration of MgSO4. Pregnant mice at gestation day 17 were exposed to hypoxia or air following pretreatment with saline or Mg. Newborn mice to mothers exposed to hypoxia demonstrated faster development of morphogenic parameters such as eyelid opening, hair growth and teeth eruption. In addition, hypoxia delayed the development of motor reflexes. Pretreatment with Mg compensates for hypoxia-induced impairment and in some cases accelerates the development of these functions. In conclusion, maternal hypoxia significantly modifies the developmental process of newborn mice. In our study, pretreatment with Mg showed significant prophylactic action against motor impairments.
Prenatal Cannabinoid Exposure Down- Regulates Glutamate Transporter Expressions (GLAST and EAAC1) in the Rat Cerebellum
Authors: Suárez I. , Bodega G. , Rubio M. , Fernández-Ruiz J.J. , Ramos J.A. , Fernández B.
Published: October 2004

Efficient reuptake of synaptically released glutamate is essential for preventing glutamate receptor overstimulation and neuronal death. Glutamate transporters play a vital role in removing extracellular glutamate from the synaptic cleft. This study analyzed the expression of the glial (GLAST) and neuronal (EAAC1) subtypes of glutamate transporter in the cerebellum of male and female offspring exposed pre- and postnatally to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the main component of marijuana). Pregnant rats were administered saline or THC from gestational day 5 to postnatal day 20 (PD20). The expression of glutamate transporters was examined at PD20, PD30 and PD70 (10 and 50 days after THC withdrawal) to analyze the short- and long-term effects of prenatal THC exposure. The expression of the glutamate transporter GLAST in astroglial cells and EAAC1 in Purkinje neurons decreased in THC-exposed offspring compared to controls. This reduction was observed at all ages but mainly in males. Moreover, the glial glutamate transporter level in THC-exposed rats (quantified by Western blot) was lower than in control rats. These results suggest that THC exposure during cerebellar development may alter the glutamatergic system not only during the period of drug exposure but in the postnatal stage following withdrawal. The down-regulation reported here might reflect an abnormal maturation of the glutamatergic neuron-glia circuitry.
Perinatal Androgenization Prevents Age-Related Neuron Loss in the Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus of the Preoptic Area in Female Rats
Authors: Yang Shaw-Lang , Chen Yu-Yang , Hsieh Ya-Lun , Jin Su-Hwa , Hsu Hseng-Kuang , Hsu Chin
Published: October 2004

To investigate the effect of perinatal testosterone exposure, which simulates the endogenous testosterone peak, on neuron loss during aging, nuclear morphology was evaluated in male and female rats as well as in female rats treated with testosterone perinatally followed by ovariectomy (TE/Ovx). Additionally, neuronal apoptosis, which occurred primarily at postnatal day 8 (PND8), was identified by in situ TUNEL staining. Neuronal density, nuclear volume, total neuronal number and pyknotic ratio were estimated after HE stain at PND8, middle age and old age. The results showed that age-related decrease in neuronal nuclear volume and total neuron number in the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN-POA) of female rats was significantly diminished by TE/Ovx. The pyknotic ratio in the SDN-POA of female rats at PND8 was significantly higher than that of males, and neuronal death was reversed by testosterone exposure, while no significant difference of pyknotic ratios was observed among male, female and TE/Ovx female rats at both middle and old age. Moreover, the high apoptotic incidence of female rats at PND8 was significantly diminished by testosterone exposure. These results suggest that neuron loss in the SDN-POA during aging may be predominantly determined by perinatal testosterone through modulation of postnatal neuronal apoptosis.
Two Brothers with Non-Classical 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency: To Treat or Not to Treat?
Authors: Oberender F. , Rumsby G. , Perry L.A. , Savage M.O.
Published: October 2004

Variations in phenotype in 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) have cautioned against initiating treatment in the absence of abnormal clinical features. We report 2 Caucasian brothers with compound heterozygous mutations of the CYP21 gene and mild clinical and biochemical features of late-presenting 21OHD. The index case presented aged 8.5 years with mild genital virilization and bone age advanced by 5 years. Elevated basal and synacthen-stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP; 22.4 and 246 nmol/l) and androstenedione (10.9 and 19.9 nmol/l) levels confirmed 21OHD. His younger brother was investigated at age 7.3 years, and although examination showed normal pre-pubertal genitalia, basal and synacthen-stimulated 17OHP (32.4 and 281 nmol/l) and androstenedione (6.2 and 9.0 nmol/l) were abnormal, and bone age was advanced by 1.5 years. Because of actual or incipient virilization, both patients were treated with glucocorticoid replacement 8–12 mg/m2/day. This decision is discussed in the context of published guidelines for the management of 21OHD.
Multivariate Analysis on Factors Affecting Suppression of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone in Treated Congenital Hypothyroidism
Authors: Ng S.M. , Wong S.C. , Isherwood D.M. , Smith C.S. , Didi M.
Published: October 2004

Aims: To determine the factors which influence the suppression of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in infants with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) following treatment. Methods: We examined retrospectively the patterns of thyroid function tests from diagnosis to 3 years of age in 140 infants diagnosed with CH from screening. Patients were classified into 3 groups: athyreosis, ectopia and presumed dyshormonogenesis on the basis of thyroid scans. Adequate TSH suppression was defined as plasma TSH concentration <6 mU/l. The factors affecting the suppression of TSH at 6 months and 1 year of age which were evaluated were: initial confirmatory plasma TSH, initial plasma thyroxine (T4), mean age of starting treatment with L-T4, dose of L-T4 at diagnosis, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, and aetiology of the congenital hypothyroidism. Variables were then entered in a stepwise logistic regression model for TSH suppression at 6 months and 1 year of age. Results: All infants had radionuclide scans prior to treatment: athyreosis (n = 39), ectopia (n = 78) and dyshormonogenesis (n = 23). 58% of patients had persistently raised TSH at 6 months of age while 31% of patients had a persistently raised TSH at 1 year of age. There was a significant delay in the normalisation of plasma TSH in athyreosis and ectopia groups compared with dyshormonogenesis. Multiple regression analysis for TSH suppression at 6 months of age found plasma T4 levels and aetiology of CH as independent factors affecting the timing of TSH suppression. Aetiology of CH was the only independent factor affecting TSH suppression at 1 year of age. Conclusion: At 6 months of age, plasma T4 levels at 6 weeks and 3 months, and aetiology of CH were independent factors affecting timing of TSH suppression. However, by 1 year of age, the aetiology of CH was the only independent factor affecting suppression of TSH.
Ileo-Neorectal Anastomosis: Medium- and Long-Term Follow-Up of 37 Patients
Authors: van Laarhoven C.J.H.M. , Hueting W.E. , Schipper M.E.I. , Oostvogel H.J.M. , Akkermans L.M.A. , van Vroonhoven T.J.M.V. , Gooszen H.G.
Published: October 2004

Background: Ileo-neorectal anastomosis (INRA), an alternative restorative procedure, was developed to reduce the pouch-related complication rate with an (at least) equal functional result. Methods: For this surgical outcome, data of all INRA patients, including bowel function and complications, were prospectively recorded. The reservoir capacity was determined repeatedly by physiologic tests. The anal sphincter complex was assessed by manometry and ultrasound examination. Evaluation of the neorectal mucosa was performed by endoscopy. Results: An INRA procedure was carried out in 39/53 selected patients (47 ulcerative colitis and 6 familial adenomatous polyposis). Fourteen UC cases were converted to ileal pouch anal anastomosis or proctectomy only, because of impossibility to completely remove the rectal mucosa or short of length of the rectal stump. The median operation time for INRA was 323 min (range 240–518), with 1,400 ml blood loss (400–4,500). The reservoirs were permanently defunctioned in 2 patients – one because of reclassification into Crohn’s disease, and one with pouchitis refractory to medical treatment. In 18 out of 37 cases, web-like stenoses occurred at the mucosa-anal level, which were treated by single (9) or repeated (5) dilatation or surgical stenoplasty (2). No pouch-related complications like pelvic sepsis, fistula or sexual dysfunction occurred. Thirteen patients had episodes of ‘pouchitis’, successfully treated with antibiotics, and 7 other cases, with functioning reservoirs, also had proximal ‘non-specific’ (i.e. no histological criteria of Crohn’s disease found) small bowel inflammation. The median bowel frequency decreased from 15×/24 h initially to 7×/24 h at 2 years. Continence was perfect in 24/37 cases. Twelve out of 37 cases had occasional nocturnal soiling and passive nocturnal fecal incontinence was reported by 2/37 patients. The neorectal compliance volume recovered from 12.5 ml kPa after subtotal colectomy and 11 ml/kPa at 6 months after INRA to a neorectal compliance of 24 ml/kPa at 2 years’ follow-up (p < 0.002; Wilcoxon signed rank test). Conclusion: The INRA procedure shows a low complication rate and reasonable functional results, there was however a considerable conversion rate in these first 53 cases and a high incidence of reclassification to CD.