bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of JAKs in Macrophages Increases Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cytokine Production by Blocking IL-10–Mediated Feedback
Authors: Pattison Michael J. , MacKenzie Kirsty F. , Arthur J. Simon C.
Published: August 2012

Macrophages are an important source of cytokines following infection. Stimulation of macrophages with TLR agonists results in the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12, and the production of these cytokines is controlled by multiple feedback pathways. Macrophages also produce IL-10, which acts to inhibit proinflammatory cytokine production by macrophages via a JAK/STAT3-dependent pathway. We show in this paper that, Ruxolitinib, a recently described selective inhibitor of JAKs, increases TNF, IL-6, and IL-12 secretion in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated with LPS. This effect is largely due to its ability to block IL-10–mediated feedback inhibition on cytokine transcription in macrophages. Similar results were also obtained with a second structurally unrelated Jak inhibitor, Tofacitinib. In addition, LPS induced the production of IFN-β, which was then able to activate JAKs in macrophages, resulting in the stimulation of STAT1 phosphorylation. The initial induction of IL-10 was independent of JAK signaling; however, inhibition of JAKs did reduce IL-10 secretion at later time points. This reflected a requirement for the IFN-β feedback loop to sustain IL-10 transcription following LPS stimulation. In addition to IL-10, IFN-β also helped sustain IL-6 and IL-12 transcription. Overall, these results suggest that inhibition of JAKs may increase the inflammatory potential of macrophages stimulated with TLR4 agonists.
Molecular and Immunological Characterization of Tri a 36, a Low Molecular Weight Glutenin, as a Novel Major Wheat Food Allergen
Authors: Baar Alexandra , Pahr Sandra , Constantin Claudia , Scheiblhofer Sandra , Thalhamer Josef , Giavi Stavroula , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Ebner Christof , Mari Adriano , Vrtala Susanne , Valenta Rudolf
Published: August 2012

Wheat is an essential element in our nutrition but one of the most important food allergen sources. Wheat allergic patients often suffer from severe gastrointestinal and systemic allergic reactions after wheat ingestion. In this study, we report the molecular and immunological characterization of a new major wheat food allergen, Tri a 36. The cDNA coding for a C-terminal fragment of Tri a 36 was isolated by screening a wheat seed cDNA expression library with serum IgE from wheat food-allergic patients. Tri a 36 is a 369-aa protein with a hydrophobic 25-aa N-terminal leader peptide. According to sequence comparison it belongs to the low m.w. glutenin subunits, which can be found in a variety of cereals. The mature allergen contains an N-terminal domain, a repetitive domain that is rich in glutamine and proline residues, and three C-terminal domains with eight cysteine residues contributing to intra- and intermolecular disulfide bonds. Recombinant Tri a 36 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified as soluble protein. It reacted with IgE Abs of ∼80% of wheat food-allergic patients, showed IgE cross-reactivity with related allergens in rye, barley, oat, spelt, and rice, and induced specific and dose-dependent basophil activation. Even after extensive in vitro gastric and duodenal digestion, Tri a 36 released distinct IgE-reactive fragments and was highly resistant against boiling. Thus, recombinant Tri a 36 is a major wheat food allergen that can be used for the molecular diagnosis of, and for the development of specific immunotherapy strategies against, wheat food allergy.
Early Secreted Antigenic Target of 6-kDa Protein ofMycobacterium tuberculosisPrimes Dendritic Cells To Stimulate Th17 and Inhibit Th1 Immune Responses
Authors: Wang Xisheng , Barnes Peter F. , Huang Fangfang , Alvarez Ivana B. , Neuenschwander Pierre F. , Sherman David R. , Samten Buka
Published: August 2012

Early secreted antigenic target of 6 kDa (ESAT-6) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a T cell Ag that is a potential vaccine candidate, but it is also a virulence factor that mediates pathogenicity. To better understand the effects of ESAT-6 on the immune response, we studied the effect of ESAT-6 on human dendritic cells (DCs). Peripheral blood monocytes were treated with GM-CSF and IL-4 to yield immature DCs, which were matured by addition of LPS and CD40 ligand (CD40L), with or without ESAT-6. ESAT-6 inhibited LPS/CD40L-induced DC expression of costimulatory molecules, reduced DC-stimulated allogeneic T cell proliferation and IL-2 and IFN-γ production, and enhanced IL-17 production. ESAT-6–treated DCs also increased IL-17 and reduced IFN-γ production by M. tuberculosis-specific autologous T cells. ESAT-6 inhibited LPS/CD40L-induced DC production of IL-12 and enhanced that of IL-23 and IL-1β, without affecting secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, or IL-8 through specific interaction with immature DCs. The effects of ESAT-6 were not mediated through cAMP or p38 MAPK. Medium from ESAT-6–conditioned DCs increased IL-17 and reduced IFN-γ production by T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28, and ESAT-6–induced IL-17 production was blocked by neutralizing both IL-23 and IL-1β. ESAT-6 reduced LPS/CD40L-stimulated transcription of IL-12p35 and enhanced that of IL-23p19 through inhibition of IFN regulatory factor-1 and upregulation of activating transcription factor-2 and c-Jun, transcriptional regulators of IL-12p35 and IL-23p19, respectively. We conclude that ESAT-6 increases DC production of IL-23 and IL-1β while inhibiting that of IL-12, thus enhancing Th17 at the expense of protective Th1 responses.
Cutting Edge: TLR13 Is a Receptor for Bacterial RNA
Authors: Hidmark Asa , von Saint Paul Antonia , Dalpke Alexander H.
Published: August 2012

Bacterial RNA (bRNA) can induce cytokine production in macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) through a previously unidentified receptor. Gene expression analysis of murine DCs showed that bRNA induced gene regulation similar to that induced by stimulation of TLR7 with R848. Although TLR7 was dispensable for cytokine induction by bRNA, TLR-associated proteins MyD88 and UNC93B were required. TLR13 is an endosomal murine TLR that has been described to interact with UNC93B with, so far, no characterized ligand. Small interfering RNA against TLR13 reduced cytokine induction by bRNA in DCs. Moreover, Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with TLR13, but not with TLR7 or 8, could activate NF-κB in response to bRNA or Streptococcus pyogenes in an RNA-specific manner. TLR7 antagonist IRS661 could, in addition, inhibit TLR13 signaling and reduced recognition of whole Gram-positive bacteria by DCs, also in the absence of TLR7. The results identify TLR13 as a receptor for bRNA.
Leptin-Induced mTOR Activation Defines a Specific Molecular and Transcriptional Signature Controlling CD4+ Effector T Cell Responses
Authors: Procaccini Claudio , De Rosa Veronica , Galgani Mario , Carbone Fortunata , Cassano Silvana , Greco Dario , Qian Kui , Auvinen Petri , Calì Gaetano , Stallone Giovanni , Formisano Luigi , La Cava Antonio , Matarese Giuseppe
Published: August 2012

The sensing by T cells of metabolic and energetic changes in the microenvironment can determine the differentiation, maturation, and activation of these cells. Although it is known that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) gauges nutritonal and energetic signals in the extracellular milieu, it is not known how mTOR and metabolism influence CD4+CD25−FOXP3− effector T cell (Teff) responses. In this article, we show that leptin-induced activation of mTOR, which, in turn, controls leptin production and signaling, causes a defined cellular, biochemical, and transcriptional signature that determine the outcome of Teff responses, both in vitro and in vivo. The blockade of leptin/leptin receptor signaling, induced by genetic means or by starvation, leads to impaired mTOR activity that inhibits the proliferation of Teffs in vivo. Notably, the transcriptional signature of Teffs in the presence of leptin blockade appears similar to that observed in rapamycin-treated Teffs. These results identify a novel link between nutritional status and Teff responses through the leptin–mTOR axis and define a potential target for Teff modulation in normal and pathologic conditions.
Semaphorin 7A Contributes to West Nile Virus Pathogenesis through TGF-β1/Smad6 Signaling
Authors: Sultana Hameeda , Neelakanta Girish , Foellmer Harald G. , Montgomery Ruth R. , Anderson John F. , Koski Raymond A. , Medzhitov Ruslan M. , Fikrig Erol
Published: August 2012

Semaphorin 7A (Sema7A) is a membrane-associated/secreted protein that plays an essential role in connecting the vertebrate neuronal and immune systems. However, the role of Sema7A has not been elucidated in viral pathogenesis. In this study, we show that abrogation of Sema7A protects mice from lethal West Nile virus (WNV) infection. Mice lacking Sema7A showed increased survival, reduced viral burden, and less blood–brain barrier permeability upon WNV infection. Increased Sema7A levels were evident in murine tissues, as well as in murine cortical neurons and primary human macrophages upon WNV infection. Treatment with Sema7A Ab blocked WNV infection in both of these cell types. Furthermore, Sema7A positively regulates the production of TGF-β1 and Smad6 to facilitate WNV pathogenesis in mice. Collectively, these data elucidate the role of Sema7A in shared signaling pathways used by the immune and nervous systems during viral pathogenesis that may lead to the development of Sema7A-blocking therapies for WNV and possibly other flaviviral infections.
Retention of Anergy and Inhibition of Antibody Responses during Acute Gammaherpesvirus 68 Infection
Authors: Getahun Andrew , Smith Mia J. , Kogut Igor , van Dyk Linda F. , Cambier John C.
Published: August 2012

The majority of the human population becomes infected early in life by the gammaherpesvirus EBV. Some findings suggest that there is an association between EBV infection and the appearance of pathogenic Abs found in lupus. Gammaherpesvirus 68 infection of adult mice (an EBV model) was shown to induce polyclonal B cell activation and hypergammaglobulinemia, as well as increased production of autoantibodies. In this study, we explored the possibility that this breach of tolerance reflects loss of B cell anergy. Our findings show that, although anergic B cells transiently acquire an activated phenotype early during infection, they do not become responsive to autoantigen, as measured by the ability to mobilize Ca2+ following AgR cross-linking or mount Ab responses following immunization. Indeed, naive B cells also acquire an activated phenotype during acute infection but are unable to mount Ab responses to either T cell-dependent or T cell-independent Ags. In acutely infected animals, Ag stimulation leads to upregulation of costimulatory molecules and relocalization of Ag-specific B cells to the B–T cell border; however, these cells do not proliferate or differentiate into Ab-secreting cells. Adoptive-transfer experiments show that the suppressed state is reversible and is dictated by the environment in the infected host. Finally, B cells in infected mice deficient of CD4+ T cells are not suppressed, suggesting a role for CD4+ T cells in enforcing unresponsiveness. Thus, rather than promoting loss of tolerance, gammaherpesvirus 68 infection induces an immunosuppressed state, reminiscent of compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome.
Chemical Chaperones Curcumin and 4-Phenylbutyric Acid Improve Secretion of Mutant Factor H R127H by Fibroblasts from a Factor H-Deficient Patient
Authors: Albuquerque José Antonio T. , Lamers Marcelo L. , Castiblanco-Valencia Mónica M. , dos Santos Marinilce , Isaac Lourdes
Published: August 2012

Factor H (FH) is one of the most important regulatory proteins of the alternative pathway of the complement system. Patients with FH deficiency have a higher risk for development of infections and kidney diseases because of the uncontrolled activation and subsequent depletion of the central regulatory component C3 of the complement system. In this study, we investigated the consequences of the Arg127His mutation in FH (FHR127H) previously described in an FH-deficient patient, on the secretion of this protein by skin fibroblasts in vitro. We observed that, although the patient cells stimulated with IFN-γ were able to synthesize FHR127H, the mutant protein was largely retained within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), whereas normal human fibroblasts stimulated with IFN-γ secrete FH without retention in the ER. Moreover, the retention of FHR127H provoked enlargement of ER cisterns after treatment with IFN-γ. A similar ER retention was observed in Cos-7 cells expressing the mutant FHR127H protein. Despite this deficiency in secretion, we show that the FHR127H mutant is capable of functioning as a cofactor in the Factor I-mediated cleavage of C3. We then evaluated whether a treatment could increase the secretion of FH, and observed that the patient’s fibroblasts treated with the chemical chaperones 4-phenylbutiric acid or curcumin increased the secretion rate of FH. We propose that these chemical chaperones could be used as alternative therapeutic agents to increase FH plasma levels in FH-deficient patients caused by secretion delay of this regulatory protein.
Gcn5 Is Required for PU.1-Dependent IL-9 Induction in Th9 Cells
Authors: Goswami Ritobrata , Kaplan Mark H.
Published: August 2012

Naive CD4+ T cells differentiate into various effector Th subsets depending on the Ags and cytokine microenvironment they encounter. IL-9–secreting Th9 cells are the most recent Th subset to be described. PU.1, one of the transcription factors required for the development of Th9 cells, binds to the Il9 gene. In this study, we show that PU.1 increases histone acetylation at the Il9 locus through direct interactions with histone acetyltransferases. In the absence of PU.1, there is decreased association of Gcn5 and p300/CBP associated factor and increased association of histone deacetylases at the Il9 locus in Th9 cells. Inhibition of histone deacetylase activity augments PU.1-dependent IL-9 production. PU.1 forms a complex with Gcn5, and inhibition of the expression of Gcn5 results in reduced IL-9 production. Moreover, the effects of Gcn5 on IL-9 production are specific as the production of IL-10 and IL-21, two additional cytokines produced by Th9 cells, is not altered after decreased Gcn5 expression. Together, these data define a PU.1-dependent mechanism for altered histone acetylation and expression of the Il9 locus in Th9 cells.
The Akt1 Isoform Is Required for Optimal IFN-β Transcription through Direct Phosphorylation of β-Catenin
Authors: Gantner Benjamin N. , Jin Huali , Qian Feng , Hay Nissim , He Bin , Ye Richard D.
Published: August 2012

IFN-β is a critical antiviral cytokine that is capable of modulating the systemic immune response. The transcriptional induction of IFN-β is a highly regulated process, involving the activation of pattern recognition receptors and their downstream signaling pathways. The Akt family of serine/threonine kinases includes three isoforms. The specific role for the individual Akt isoforms in pattern recognition and signaling remains unclear. In this article, we report that the TLR3-mediated expression of IFN-β is blunted in cells that lack Akt1. The expression of IFN-β–inducible genes such as CCL5 and CXCL10 was also reduced in Akt1-deficient cells; the induction of TNF-α and CXCL2, whose expression does not rely on IFN-β, was not reduced in the absence of Akt1. Macrophages from Akt1−/− mice displayed deficient clearance of HSV-1 along with reduced IFN-β expression. Our results demonstrate that Akt1 signals through β-catenin by phosphorylation on Ser552, a site that differs from the glycogen synthase kinase 3 β phosphorylation site. Stimulation of a chemically activated version of Akt1, in the absence of other TLR3-dependent signaling, was sufficient for accumulation and phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser552. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the Akt1 isoform is required for β-catenin–mediated promotion of IFN-β transcription downstream of TLR3 activation.
Cutting Edge: Intravascular Staining Redefines Lung CD8 T Cell Responses
Authors: Anderson Kristin G. , Sung Heungsup , Skon Cara N. , Lefrancois Leo , Deisinger Angela , Vezys Vaiva , Masopust David
Published: August 2012

Nonlymphoid T cell populations control local infections and contribute to inflammatory diseases, thus driving efforts to understand the regulation of their migration, differentiation, and maintenance. Numerous observations indicate that T cell trafficking and differentiation within the lung are starkly different from what has been described in most nonlymphoid tissues, including intestine and skin. After systemic infection, we found that >95% of memory CD8 T cells isolated from mouse lung via standard methods were actually confined to the pulmonary vasculature, despite perfusion. A respiratory route of challenge increased virus-specific T cell localization within lung tissue, although only transiently. Removing blood-borne cells from analysis by the simple technique of intravascular staining revealed distinct phenotypic signatures and chemokine-dependent trafficking restricted to Ag-experienced T cells. These results precipitate a revised model for pulmonary T cell trafficking and differentiation and a re-evaluation of studies examining the contributions of pulmonary T cells to protection and disease.
A simple high performance liquid chromatography method for the measurement of nucleobases and the RNA and DNA content of cellular material
Authors: Huang Qinghui , Kaiser Karl , Benner Ronald
Published: August 2012

Current methods are not generally suitable for the quantitative analysis of nucleobases in cellular material and more complex matrices that are often encountered with environmental samples. Simple and reliable quantitative methods for nucleobase analysis in purified ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), microorganisms, and environmental samples are presented. Novel microwave‐assisted vapor phase and liquid phase hydrolyses with HCl (6 mol L−1) were developed for the analysis of nucleobases in soluble and particulate samples, respectively. Optimal conditions for the release of purines (130°C, 10 min) and pyrimidines (160°C, 40 min) from DNA and RNA were applicable to both the vapor phase and liquid phase hydrolysis. Residual hydrochloric acid in hydrolysate can be removed easily by drying under a stream of nitrogen gas. Nucleobases were separated and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC‐DAD). The limit of detection for primary nucleobases ranged from 20 to 32 nmol L−1. Total hydrolysable nucleobases were analyzed in salmon testes DNA, yeast RNA, cultures of marine microalgae and cyanobacteria, and suspended particles from an estuary. The RNA and DNA contents and RNA/DNA ratios in cellular material were estimated from analyses of hydrolysable nucleobases.
Seasonal changes in gaseous elemental mercury in relation to monsoon cycling over the northern South China Sea
Authors: Tseng C. M. , Liu C. S. , Lamborg C.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The distribution of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) was determined in the surface atmosphere of the northern South China Sea (SCS) during 12 SEATS cruises between May 2003 and December 2005. The sampling and analysis of GEM were performed on board ship by using an on-line mercury analyzer (GEMA). Distinct annual patterns were observed for the GEM with a winter maximum of 5.7 ± 0.2 ng m−3 (n = 3) and minimum in summer (2.8 ± 0.2; n = 3), with concentrations elevated 2–3 times global background values. Source tracking through backward air trajectory analysis demonstrated that during the northeast monsoon (winter), air masses came from Eurasia, bringing continental- and industrial-derived GEM to the SCS. In contrast, during summer southwest monsoon and inter-monsoon, air masses were from the Indochina Peninsula and Indian Ocean and west Pacific Ocean. This demonstrates the impact that long-range transport, as controlled by seasonal monsoons, has on the Hg atmospheric distribution and cycling in the SCS.
Analysis of IASI tropospheric O3 data over the Arctic during POLARCAT campaigns in 2008
Authors: Pommier M. , Clerbaux C. , Law K. S. , Ancellet G. , Bernath P. , Coheur P.-F. , Hadji-Lazaro J. , Hurtmans D. , Nédélec P. , Paris J.-D. , Ravetta F. , Ryerson T. B. , Schlager H. , Weinheimer A. J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Ozone data retrieved in the Arctic region from infrared radiance spectra recorded by the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) on board the MetOp-A European satellite are presented. They are compared with in situ and lidar observations obtained during a series of aircraft measurement campaigns as part of the International Polar Year POLARCAT activities in spring and summer 2008. Different air masses were sampled during the campaigns including clean air, polluted plumes originating from anthropogenic sources, forest fire plumes from the three northern continents, and stratospheric-influenced air masses. The comparison between IASI O3 [0–8 km], [0–12 km] partial columns and profiles with collocated aircraft observations is achieved by taking into account the different sensitivity and geometry of the sounding instruments. A detailed analysis is provided and the agreement is discussed in terms of vertical sensitivity and surface properties at the location of the observations. Overall, IASI O3 profiles are found to be in relatively good agreement with smoothed in situ and lidar profiles in the free troposphere with differences of less than 40% (25% over sea for both seasons) and 10%, respectively. The correlation between IASI O3 retrieved partial columns and the smoothed aircraft partial columns is good with DC-8 in situ data in spring over North America (r = 0.68), and over Greenland with ATR-42 lidar measurements in summer (r = 0.67). Correlations with other data are less significant highlighting the difficulty of IASI to capture precisely the O3 variability in the Arctic upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). This is particularly noted in comparison with the [0–12 km] partial columns. The IASI [0–8 km] partial columns display a low negative bias (by less than 26% over snow) compared to columns derived from in situ measurements. Despite the relatively high biases of the IASI retrievals in the Arctic UTLS, our analysis shows that IASI can be used to identify, using O3 / CO ratios, stratospheric intrusions.
α-pinene photooxidation under controlled chemical conditions – Part 2: SOA yield and composition in low- and high-NOx environments
Authors: Eddingsaas N. C. , Loza C. L. , Yee L. D. , Chan M. , Schilling K. A. , Chhabra P. S. , Seinfeld J. H. , Wennberg P. O.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The gas-phase oxidation of α-pinene produces a large amount of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in the atmosphere. A number of carboxylic acids, organosulfates and nitrooxy organosulfates associated with α-pinene have been found in field samples and some are used as tracers of α-pinene oxidation. α-pinene reacts readily with OH and O3 in the atmosphere followed by reactions with both HO2 and NO. Due to the large number of potential reaction pathways, it can be difficult to determine what conditions lead to SOA. To better understand the SOA yield and chemical composition from low- and high-NOx OH oxidation of α-pinene, studies were conducted in the Caltech atmospheric chamber under controlled chemical conditions. Experiments used low O3 concentrations to ensure that OH was the main oxidant and low α-pinene concentrations such that the peroxy radical (RO2) reacted primarily with either HO2 under low-NOx conditions or NO under high-NOx conditions. SOA yield was suppressed under conditions of high-NOx. SOA yield under high-NOx conditions was greater when ammonium sulfate/sulfuric acid seed particles (highly acidic) were present prior to the onset of growth than when ammonium sulfate seed particles (mildly acidic) were present; this dependence was not observed under low-NOx conditions. When aerosol seed particles were introduced after OH oxidation, allowing for later generation species to be exposed to fresh inorganic seed particles, a number of low-NOx products partitioned to the highly acidic aerosol. This indicates that the effect of seed acidity and SOA yield might be under-estimated in traditional experiments where aerosol seed particles are introduced prior to oxidation. We also identify the presence of a number of carboxylic acids that are used as tracer compounds of α-pinene oxidation in the field as well as the formation of organosulfates and nitrooxy organosulfates. A number of the carboxylic acids were observed under all conditions, however, pinic and pinonic acid were only observed under low-NOx conditions. Evidence is provided for particle-phase sulfate esterification of multi-functional alcohols.
Distributions and climate effects of atmospheric aerosols from the preindustrial era to 2100 along Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) simulated using a global aerosol model SPRINTARS
Authors: Takemura T.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Global distributions and associated climate effects of atmospheric aerosols were simulated using a global aerosol climate model, SPRINTARS, from 1850 to the present day and projected forward to 2100. Aerosol emission inventories used by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) were applied to this study. Scenarios based on the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) were used for the future projection. Aerosol loading in the atmosphere has already peaked and is now reducing in Europe and North America. However, in Asia where rapid economic growth is ongoing, aerosol loading is estimated to reach a maximum in the first half of this century. Atmospheric aerosols originating from the burning of biomass have maintained high loadings throughout the 21st century in Africa, according to the RCPs. Evolution of the adjusted forcing by direct and indirect aerosol effects over time generally correspond to the aerosol loading. The probable future pathways of global mean forcing differ based on the aerosol direct effect for different RCPs. Because aerosol forcing will be close to the preindustrial level by the end of the 21st century for all RCPs despite the continuous increases in greenhouse gases, global warming will be accelerated with reduced aerosol negative forcing.
A penetrator for making thermal measurements in a gas-filled planetary regolith
Authors: Paton M. D. , Harri A.-M. , Mäkinen T. , Green S. F.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. We introduce a general purpose penetrator, fitted with a heater, for measuring temperature and thermal diffusivity. Due to its simplicity of deployment and operation the thermal penetrator is well suited for remote deployment by spacecraft into a planetary regolith. Thermal measurements in planetary regoliths are required to determine the surface energy balance and to measure their thermal properties. If the regolith is on a planet with an atmosphere a good understanding of the role of convection is required to properly interpret the measurements. This could also help to identify the significant heat and mass exchange mechanisms between the regolith and the atmosphere. To understand the role of convection in our regolith analogues we use a network of temperature sensors placed in the target. In practical applications a penetrator will push material out of the way as it enters a target possible changing its thermal properties. To investigate this effect a custom built test rig, that precisely controls and monitors the motion of the penetrator, is used. The thermal diffusivity of limestone powder and sand is derived by fitting a numerical thermal model to the temperature measurements. Convection seems to play an important role in the transfer of heat in this case. Firstly a diffusion-convection model fits the laboratory data better than a diffusivity-only model. Also the diffusivity derived from a diffusivity-convection model was found to be in good agreement with diffusivity derived using other methods published in the literature. Thermal diffusivity measurements, inspection of the horizontal temperature profiles and visual observations suggests that limestone powder is compacted more readily than sand during entry of the penetrator into the target. For both regolith analogues the disturbance of material around the penetrator was determined to have an insignificant effect on the diffusivity measurements in this case.
Air shower simulation for background estimation in muon tomography of volcanoes
Authors: Béné S.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. One of the main sources of background for the radiography of volcanoes with atmospheric muons comes from the accidental coincidences produced in the muon telescopes by the air showers. In order to quantify this background, Monte-Carlo simulations of the showers and of the detector are developed by the Tomuvol collaboration. As a first step, the atmospheric showers were simulated and investigated using two Monte-Carlo packages, CORSIKA and GEANT4. We compared the results provided by the two programs for the muonic component of vertical proton-induced showers at three energies: 1, 10 and 100 TeV. We found that the spatial distribution and energy spectrum of the muons were in good agreement for the two codes, while significant differences were observed for the arrival time of the muons.
An ecohydrological model of malaria outbreaks
Authors: Montosi E. , Manzoni S. , Porporato A. , Montanari A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Malaria is a geographically widespread infectious disease that is well known to be affected by climate variability at both seasonal and interannual timescales. In an effort to identify climatic factors that impact malaria dynamics, there has been considerable research focused on the development of appropriate disease models for malaria transmission driven by climatic time series. These analyses have focused largely on variation in temperature and rainfall as direct climatic drivers of malaria dynamics. Here, we further these efforts by considering additionally the role that soil water content may play in driving malaria incidence. Specifically, we hypothesize that hydro-climatic variability should be an important factor in controlling the availability of mosquito habitats, thereby governing mosquito growth rates. To test this hypothesis, we reduce a nonlinear ecohydrological model to a simple linear model through a series of consecutive assumptions and apply this model to malaria incidence data from three South African provinces. Despite the assumptions made in the reduction of the model, we show that soil water content can account for a significant portion of malaria's case variability beyond its seasonal patterns, whereas neither temperature nor rainfall alone can do so. Future work should therefore consider soil water content as a simple and computable variable for incorporation into climate-driven disease models of malaria and other vector-borne infectious diseases.
Adaptive correction of deterministic models to produce probabilistic forecasts
Authors: Smith P. J. , Beven K. J. , Weerts A. H. , Leedal D.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. This paper considers the correction of deterministic forecasts given by a flood forecasting model. A stochastic correction based on the evolution of an adaptive, multiplicative, gain is presented. A number of models for the evolution of the gain are considered and the quality of the resulting probabilistic forecasts assessed. The techniques presented offer a computationally efficient method for providing probabilistic forecasts based on existing flood forecasting system output.
Differences in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi among Three Coffee Cultivars in Puerto Rico
Authors: Lebrón Ligia , Lodge D. Jean , Bayman Paul
Published: August 2012

Mycorrhizal symbiosis is important for growth of coffee (Coffea arabica), but differences among coffee cultivars in response to mycorrhizal interactions have not been studied. We compared arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) extraradical hyphae in the soil and diversity of AM fungi among three coffee cultivars, Caturra, Pacas, and Borbón, at three farms in Puerto Rico. Caturra had significantly lower total extraradical AM hyphal length than Pacas and Borbón at all locations. P content did not differ among cultivars. Extraradical hyphal lengths differed significantly among locations. Although the same morphotypes of mycorrhizal fungal spores were present in the rhizosphere of the three cultivars and total spore density did not differ significantly, frequencies of spore morphotypes differed significantly among cultivars. Spore morphotypes were typical of Glomus and Sclerocystis. Levels of soil nutrients did not explain differences in AM colonzation among cultivars. The cultivar Caturra is a mutant of Borbón and has apparently lost Borbón’s capacity to support and benefit from an extensive network of AM hyphae in the soil. Widespread planting of Caturra, which matures earlier and has higher yield if fertilized, may increase dependence on fertilizers.
Oral Metformin Treatment Prevents Enhanced Insulin Demand and Placental Dysfunction in the Pregnant Rat Fed a Fructose-Rich Diet
Authors: Alzamendi Ana , Del Zotto Hector , Castrogiovanni Daniel , Romero Jose , Giovambattista Andres , Spinedi Eduardo
Published: August 2012

The intake of a fructose-rich diet (FRD) in the normal female rat induces features similar to those observed in the human metabolic syndrome phenotype. We studied the impact of FRD administration to mothers on pregnancy outcome. On gestational day (Gd) zero rats were assigned to either group:ad libitumdrinking tap water alone (normal diet, ND) or containing fructose (10% w/vol; FRD) through pregnancy; all rats were fed a Purina chow dietad libitumND and FRD rats were daily cotreated or not with metformin (60 mg/Kg/day oral; ND + MF and FRD + MF) and submitted to a high glucose load test on Gd 14. Additionally, placentas from different groups were studied on Gd 20. Data indicated that: (1) although FRD rats well tolerated glucose overload, their circulating levels of insulin were significantly higher than in ND rats; (2) the mesometrial triangle blood vessel area was significantly lower in placentas from FRD than ND dams; (3) the detrimental effects of FRD administration to mothers were ameliorated by metformin cotreatment. Our study suggests that excessive intake of fructose during pregnancy enhanced the risk for developing gestational diabetes and subsequent preeclampsia, and that metformin prevented the poor pregnancy outcome induced by FRD.
Study of J-E Curve with Hysteresis of Carbon Nanotubes Field Emitters
Authors: Parveen Shama , Husain Samina , Kumar Avshish , Ali Javid , Harsh  , Husain Mushahid
Published: August 2012

We observe hysteresis in J-E plot during field emission measurement of CNTs grown by LPCVD technique. CNTs are synthesized on Fe-coated Si substrate at 650°C. SEM and Raman study confirm that CNTs are successfully grown on Si substrate by LPCVD technique. In this study, we find that ramp-down curve has higher value of current density than ramp-up curve which indicates that CNTs show positive hysteresis. Our results show that a high current density at low turn-on voltage is obtained in ramp-down step of J-E plot which may be since not all CNTs contribute in ramp-up step process. But in ramp-down step all CNTs contribute as field emitters due to high electric field treatment. We also performed stability analysis of CNTs with current at constant applied voltage for 5 hrs and find that the sample shows long-term stability due to increase in emitting site density since a large number of CNTs participate in field emission.
A Century of Imagery Research: Reflections on Cheves Perky’s Contribution to Our Understanding of Mental Imagery
Authors: Waller David , Schweitzer Jeffrey R. , Brunton J. Ryan , Knudson Roger M.
Published: August 2012

We review contemporary scientific research on the relationship between visual perception and visual mental imagery in the context of Cheves Perky’s (1910) landmark article on imagery and imagination. This body of research has firmly established a strong connection between the psychology of imagery and perception and has contributed a strong voice to the imagery debate. We then use the concept of embodiment to discuss additional avenues of inquiry at which Perky’s work hinted. These include a more thorough examination of the relationship between imagery and emotion, the creative, active aspects of imagery and imagination, and the methods we can bring to bear on understanding imagery and imagination as a human experience.
Speech Perception and Reading: Two Parallel Modes of Understanding Language and Implications for Acquiring Literacy Naturally
Authors: Massaro Dominic W.
Published: August 2012

I review 2 seminal research reports published in this journal during its second decade more than a century ago. Given psychology’s subdisciplines, they would not normally be reviewed together because one involves reading and the other speech perception. The small amount of interaction between these domains might have limited research and theoretical progress. In fact, the 2 early research reports revealed common processes involved in these 2 forms of language processing. Their illustration of the role of Wundt’s apperceptive process in reading and speech perception anticipated descriptions of contemporary theories of pattern recognition, such as the fuzzy logical model of perception. Based on the commonalities between reading and listening, one can question why they have been viewed so differently. It is commonly believed that learning to read requires formal instruction and schooling, whereas spoken language is acquired from birth onward through natural interactions with people who talk. Most researchers and educators believe that spoken language is acquired naturally from birth onward and even prenatally. Learning to read, on the other hand, is not possible until the child has acquired spoken language, reaches school age, and receives formal instruction. If an appropriate form of written text is made available early in a child’s life, however, the current hypothesis is that reading will also be learned inductively and emerge naturally, with no significant negative consequences. If this proposal is true, it should soon be possible to create an interactive system, Technology Assisted Reading Acquisition, to allow children to acquire literacy naturally.
Effect of Prior Practice on the Stimulus-Response Compatibility Effect in a Mixed Mapping Environment
Authors: Creekmur Beth , Vu Kim-Phuong L.
Published: August 2012

A stimulus-response compatibility (SRC) effect is obtained when performance is better with compatible mappings than with incompatible mappings. When mappings are mixed within a task, the SRC effect is often eliminated or reversed. The present study examines how 1,600 trials with different practice tasks can affect the response selection process in these mixed mapping environments. Participants were assigned to one of three practice groups: mixed mapping, pure compatible mapping, and pure incompatible mapping. Subsequently, all participants performed an experimental session in which compatible and incompatible trials were mixed. The SRC effect was eliminated in the experimental mixed mapping session, regardless of practice condition. The results suggest that practice does not change the need to suppress the direct response selection route in a mixed mapping task. However, reaction time distributions and sequential analyses were modulated by practice condition, which indicates that the new associations acquired during practice may activate new routes that interact with preexisting ones.
Syntheses, Structures and Characterization of Two Ni(II) and Pb(II) Coordination Polymers Constructed by 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1Himidazo[ 4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline and Flexible 4,4’-Oxybis(benzoate) Ligands
Authors: Li Dan , Wang Shu-Jiang , Wang Yuan-Rui , Qiao Qian
Published: August 2012

Two coordination polymers, [Ni(H2O)(L)(OBA)] (1) and [Pb(L)2(OBA)]·3H2O (2) [L=2- (4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5- f ][1,10]phenanthroline and OBA=4,4’-oxybis(benzoate)], have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions, and characterized by elemental analysis, and IR and UV=Vis spectra. Crystal data for 1: C33H21FN4NiO6, triclinic, space group P1̅, a=13.8490(10), b=14.932(2), c=14.993(3) Å, α =107.534(4), β =94.670(4), γ =103.836(5)°, V =2830.9(7) Å3, Z =4. Crystal data for 2: C52H36F2N8O8Pb, orthorhombic, space group Pna21, a=16.256(4), b=16.085(5), c=17.810(3) Å, V =4657 (2) Å3, Z =4. In 1, OBA dianions bridge Ni(II) atoms to form two crystallographically distinct chains. These chains are further extended into a 2D supramolecular architecure through p-p interactions. In 2, each OBA dianion links neighboring Pb(II) atoms to yield a helical chain. Further, π-π interactions among adjacent chains give rise to a 3D supramolecular architecture
Nitroimidazoles Part 7. Synthesis and Anti-HIV Activity of New 4-Nitroimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Masoudi Najim A. , Pfleiderer Wolfgang , Pannecouque Christophe
Published: August 2012

Reverse transcriptase enzyme (RT) is an attractive target for the development of new drugs useful in AIDS therapy and HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), and offers the possibility of generating structures of increased potency. On this basis, a series of 4-oxo-3-phenyl-2- (phenylimino)thiazolidin-5-ylidene, 3-hydroxypropyl, 3-azidopropyl, and 3-aminopropyl derivatives of 1-benzyl-2-ethyl-4-nitroimidazoles 6-8, as well as the substituted 1,2,3-triazolo analogs 12-14, the diazepam 15 and carboxamide derivatives 16 and 17 were synthesized. All compounds have been evaluated for their anti-HIV activity
Boèce, Porphyre et les variétés de l’abstractionnisme
Authors: Marenbon John
Published: August 2012

Selon Alain de Libera, Boèce donne au célèbre questionnaire de Porphyre sur les universaux une réponse abstractionniste : ce n’est que dans la pensée que peuvent exister les universaux, quoiqu’ils dérivent, par le processus d’abstraction, de ce qui est commun dans les choses. Je mets en contraste cet « abstractionnisme neutre » et un « abstractionnisme réaliste » selon lequel ce n’est qu’en concevant les universaux que la pensée humaine saisit proprement la forme — ou similitude — par laquelle les particuliers appartiennent à telle espèce ou à tel genre. J’essaie de démontrer que, dans son second commentaire sur l’Isagoge, Boèce hésite entre les deux sortes d’abstractionnisme, tandis que, dans la Consolation, il opte pour l’abstractionnisme réaliste.
The Epistemological Dilemma of Translating Otherness
Authors: Lee Tong King
Published: August 2012

This article interrogates the interpretive difficulties arising from the encounter with the Other in translation, specifically in the case where the subjectivity of the target text reader is implicated in the discursive constitution of identity in the source text. In contemplating how Anglophone Chinese Singaporean readers could interpret identities in Chinese literary works that invoke a strong sense of Chinese consciousness, I adopt Berman’s binary ethical framework in analysing the negotiation of Self and Other in translation. I posit that a positive ethics will be achieved if Anglophone Chinese readers position themselves as Other in their own language. On the contrary, a negative ethics ensues if the same group of readers embrace their identity as English-speaking Chinese as Self in the process of reading the Sinophone Other in the texts. The two conflicting positions create an epistemological dilemma on the part of the target text reader, thus raising the question of how identities can or should be negotiated in translation in the Singapore context, given that the cultural disposition of Anglophone Chinese readers is brought to bear on their reception of the cultural Other in translation.
Dealing with Paratextual Elements in Dubbing: A Pioneering Perspective from Catalonia
Authors: Matamala Anna
Published: August 2012

This article focuses on paratextuality in the realm of dubbing drawing on the author’s professional experience as an audiovisual translator in Catalonia. After a brief discussion of the theoretical approach to paratextuality and the notion of audiovisual text, the article lists the main paratextual components in dubbing and describes how they are dealt with by audiovisual translators. The article focuses on fiction films, cartoons and television series, be they for cinema, television, Internet or DVD, and considers paratexts at two levels: in the audiovisual text itself and in the written synchronised translation.
The Status of Professional Business Translators on the Danish Market: A Comparative Study of Company, Agency and Freelance Translators
Authors: Dam Helle V. , Zethsen Karen Korning
Published: August 2012

This article reports on an investigation which forms part of a comprehensive empirical project aimed at investigating the status of professional translators and interpreters in a variety of contexts. The purpose of the research reported on here was to investigate the differences in terms of occupational status between the three groups of professional business translators which we were able to identify in relatively large numbers on the Danish translation market: company, agency and freelance translators. The method involves data from questionnaires completed by a total of 244 translators belonging to one of the three groups. The translators’ perceptions of their occupational status were examined and compared through their responses to questions evolving around four parameters of occupational prestige: (1) salary/income, (2) education/expertise, (3) visibility, and (4) power/influence. Our hypothesis was that company translators would come out at the top of the translator hierarchy, closely followed by agency translators, whereas freelancers would position themselves at the bottom. Although our findings largely confirm the hypothesis and lead to the identification of a number of differences between the three groups of translators in terms of occupational status, the analyses did in fact allow us to identify more similarities than differences. The analyses and results are discussed in detail, and avenues for further research are suggested.