bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion of sludge. Energy integration study
Authors: Pérez-Elvira S. I. , Fdz-Polanco F.
Published: May 2012

Experimental data obtained from the operation in a pilot plant are used to perform mass and energy balances to a global process combining units of thermal hydrolysis (TH) of secondary sludge, anaerobic digestion (AD) of hydrolysed secondary sludge together with fresh primary sludge, and cogeneration from biogas by using a gas engine in which the biogas produces electricity and heat from the exhaust gases. Three scenarios were compared, corresponding to the three digesters operated: C (conventional AD, 17 days residence time), B (combined TH + AD, same time), and A (TH + AD at half residence time). The biogas production of digesters B and A was 33 and 24% better, respectively when compared with C. In the case of the combined TH + AD process (scenarios A and B), the key factors in the energy balance were the recovery of heat from hot streams, and the concentration of sludge. The results of the balances showed that for 8% DS concentration of the secondary sludge tested in the pilot plant, the process can be energetically self-sufficient, but a fraction of the biogas must by-pass the gas engine to be directly burned. From an economic point of view, scenario B is more profitable in terms of green energy and higher waste removal, while scenario A reduces the digester volume required by a half. Considering a population of 100,000 inhabitants, the economic benefit is 87,600 €/yr for scenario A and 132,373 €/yr for B. This value can be increased to 223,867 €/yr by increasing the sludge concentration of the feeding to the TH unit to a minimum value that allows use of all the biogas to produce green energy. This concentration is 13% DS, which is still possible from a practical point of view. Additional benefits gained with the combined TH + AD process are the enhancement of the digesters rheology and the possibility of getting Class A biosolids. The integration study presented here set the basis for the scale-up to a demonstration plant.
Toxicity and treatability of leachate: application of UASB reactor for leachate treatment from Okhla landfill, New Delhi
Authors: Singh V. , Mittal A. K.
Published: May 2012

This study reports applicability of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) process to treat the leachate from a municipal landfill located in Delhi. A laboratory scale reactor was operated at an organic loading rate of 3.00 kg chemical oxygen demand (COD)/m3 d corresponding to a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 12 h for over 8 months. The effect of toxicity of leachate, and feed composition on the treatability of leachate was evaluated. Average COD of the leachate, during the study period varied between 8,880 and 66,420 mg/l. Toxicity of the leachate used during a period of 8 months varied from LC50 1.22 to 12.35 for 96 h. The removal efficiency of soluble COD ranged between 91 and 67% for fresh leachate and decreased drastically from 90 to 35% for old leachate having high toxicity. The efficiency varied from 81 to 65%. The reactor performed more efficiently for the treatment of fresh leachate (less toxic, LC50 11.64, 12.35, and 12.15 for 96 h) as compared with old leachate (more toxic, LC50 1.22 for 96 h). Toxicity of the leachate affected its treatment potential by the UASB.
Sorption of benzoic acid from aqueous solution by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide modified birnessite
Authors: Wang Nan-Hui , Lo Shang-Lien
Published: May 2012

Layered manganese oxide (birnessite) has been studied for its use as catalytic materials. The research presented in this study investigates the sorption of benzoic acid from water on synthesized cetyltrimethylammonium bromide modified birnessite (CTAB-birnessite). The synthesized CTAB-birnessite was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The experimental results of sorption kinetic were well fitted to the pseudo-second-order equation. The sorption isotherms were linear at different pH values, and it indicates a partition mechanism. Up to about 53% of the dissolved benzoic acid was sorbed by CTAB-birnessite; in contrast, only 16% of the dissolved benzoic acid was sorbed by birnessite. These results indicate that CTAB-birnessite can be a potential sorbent for benzoic acid removal.
Bacterial diversity on different surfaces in urban freshwater
Authors: Reuben S. , Chua C. L. N. , Fam K. D. , Thian Z. Y. A. , Kang M. K. , Swarup S.
Published: May 2012

Microbial loads in freshwater systems have important implications in biogeochemical cycling in urban environments. Immersed surfaces in freshwaters provide surfaces for bacterial attachment and growth. Microorganisms that adhere initially to these surfaces play a critical role in biofilm formation and sustenance. Currently, there is little understanding on the type of organisms that initially adhere to different surfaces in urban canals. In this study, water from an urban stormwater canal was employed to allow bacteria to attach to different surfaces in a flowcell apparatus and understand the differences and changes in bacterial community structure. Bacterial communities were highly diverse on different surfaces as indicated by Jaccard's indices of 0.14–0.56. Bacteria on aluminium were the most diverse and on Plexiglas the least. Bacterial communities were highly dynamic in the early attachment phase and it changed by 59% between 3 and 6 h on aluminium. Specificity of attachment to surfaces was observed for some bacteria. Judicious use of materials in urban aquatic environment would help mitigate microbial load in urban waters.
Identifying Multimedia Production Competencies and Skills of Instructional Design and Technology Professionals: An Analysis of Recent Job Postings
Authors: Sugar William , Hoard Brent , Brown Abbie , Daniels Lee
Published: May 2012

In an effort to document necessary multimedia production competencies of Instructional Design and Technology graduates, a recent analysis of over 7 months' worth of Instructional Design and Technology job advertisements ( n = 615) were conducted. Specific job skills from these postings were categorized and analyzed. The data set includes three job settings (corporate, higher education, and combination). We describe pertinent results, as well as compare and contrast these results with earlier studies. Differences between corporate and higher education job postings also are examined. Implications on revising courses and related curricula that teach multimedia production skills also are explored.
A Proposed Framework for Educational Innovation Dissemination
Authors: Hazen Benjamin T. , Wu Yun , Sankar Chetan S. , Jones-Farmer L. Allison
Published: May 2012

Although the need for new educational technologies is increasing, the process for disseminating these innovations remains a challenge. A literature review shows that few studies have thoroughly investigated this area. Furthermore, there is no comprehensive framework or coordinated research agenda that may be used to guide such investigation. This study draws on diffusion of innovation, technology acceptance, and related literatures as a basis to examine the process by which educational innovations are disseminated. In this article, we develop a framework for educational innovation dissemination and illustrate the process described by the framework using online education as an example. The stages of the dissemination process are discussed and it is shown how characteristics of the innovation, adopter, and environment may affect how well an innovation progresses through these stages. This leads to the development of a series of propositions that can be used as the basis for future investigation.
Editorial: The Great First National Primary Debate
Authors: Cernada George
Published: May 2012

This first issue of Volume 32 provides this editorial, an In Memoriam piece, five articles, and a book review. The articles cover evaluation of health education problems and programs in five countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and the United States. The In Memoriam is for Al Winder, our Journal's longtime Book Review Editor, who passed away in 2011 and who will be missed. The editorial that follows tries a personal approach to putting the primary election debates in the context of the American mass media and healthcare.
Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Two Types of Snack Food Consumption among Midwestern Upper Elementary Children: Implications for Practice
Authors: Branscum Paul , Sharma Manoj
Published: May 2012

This study examined the extent to which constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) can predict the consumption of two types of snack foods among elementary school children. A 15-item instrument tested for validity and reliability measuring TPB constructs was developed and administered to 167 children. Snack foods were evaluated using a modified 24-hour recall method. On average, children consumed 302 calories from snack foods per day. Stepwise multiple regression found that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control accounted for 44.7% of the variance for intentions. Concurrently, intentions accounted for 11.3% of the variance for caloricallydense snack food consumption and 8.9% of the variance for fruit and vegetable snack consumption. Results suggest that the theory of planned behavior is an efficacious theory for these two behaviors. Future interventions should consider using this theoretical framework and aim to enhance children's attitudes, perceived control, and subjective norms towards snack food consumption.
Assessing Public-Private Reproductive Health Efforts to Reach Young Married Couples in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Khatun Mahmuda , Mahboob-E-Alam Mahmuda , Nazneen Quamrun Nahar
Published: May 2012

Young married couples (YMC) in Bangladesh receive insufficient attention from service providers for reproductive health and family planning needs. The ACQUIRE Project, undertaken by EngenderHealth, Bangladesh, provides intervention for service providers, social and local leaders, and mothers-in-law as effective agents of channeling information to YMCs. EngenderHealth, in collaboration with the public sector, examined the extent to which an intervention program enhances overall quality of services, respondents' knowledge and attitude, and service-seeking behavior related to reproductive health issues. A quasi-experimental design with two matching groups, one watching the intervention, was used. The endline survey was carried out 10 months after the Baseline survey. Key informants interviews and FGDs were conducted. The findings were mixed. Importantly, young married men and women need friendly services and service providers with positive attitudes.
The Effects of Sentence Writing on Second Language French and Korean Lexical Retention
Authors: Wong Wynne , Pyun Danielle O.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:

This study investigates the effects of sentence writing (SW) on second language (L2) lexical retention by comparing two word-learning conditions: writing new words in sentences and repeated word-picture viewing. L2 learners of French and Korean attempted to learn 24 new words: 12 words with one condition and 12 words with another condition. Dependent measures were one immediate and two delayed posttests that required participants to produce target word forms. Results for both language groups revealed negative effects for SW, suggesting that SW can impede word-form learning during the initial stages of L2 vocabulary learning. Furthermore, the finding that the Korean learners' scores were much lower than the French learners' scores under the SW condition suggests that SW may result in even less retention when the L2 script is far more distant from one's first language (L1), thereby supporting the impact of L1–L2 orthographic distance on L2 word learning and retention.
Potential mechanisms for anisotropy in ice-penetrating radar data
Authors: Drews R. , Eisen O. , Steinhage D. , Weikusat I. , Kipfstuhl S. , Wilhelms F.
Published: May 2012

Radar data (center frequency 150 MHz) collected on the Antarctic plateau near the EPICA deep-drilling site in Dronning Maud Land vary systematically in backscattered power, depending on the azimuth antenna orientation. Backscatter extrema are aligned with the principal directions of surface strain rates and change with depth. In the upper 900m, backscatter is strongest when the antenna polarization is aligned in the direction of maximal compression, while below 900 m the maxima shift by 90° pointing towards the lateral flow dilatation. We investigate the backscatter from elongated air bubbles and a vertically varying crystal-orientation fabric (COF) using different scattering models in combination with ice-core data. We hypothesize that short-scale variations in COF are the primary mechanism for the observed anisotropy, and the 900 m boundary between the two regimes is caused by ice with varying impurity content. Observations of this kind allow the deduction of COF variations with depth and are potentially also suited to map the transition between Holocene and glacial ice.
Protein and Starch Content of 20 Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes Exposed to High Temperature Under Late Sowing Conditions
Authors: Hakim M. A. , Hossain A. , Silva Jaime A. Teixeira da , Zvolinsky V. P. , Khan M. M.
Published: May 2012

A total of 20 spring wheat genotypes were evaluated under three growing conditions (optimum, late and very late) at the research farm of the Wheat Research Center, Bangladesh to assess the variation in grain yield, protein and starch content under heat stress. All genotypes were significantly affected by high temperature stress in late and very late sowing conditions, resulting in a decrease in days to heading and maturity, ultimately affecting yield, protein and starch content. Considering yield performance, genotype E-8 was best under optimum (6245 kg ha-1), late (5220 kg ha-1) and very late sowing (4657 kg ha-1) conditions while E-40 was the worst. With respect to yield reduction, genotype E-72 was heat-tolerant (13% yield reduction) while Prodip (49% yield reduction) was heat-susceptible. On the other hand, it was found that the percentage protein increased as heat stress increased. Under heat stress, genotype E-65 and E-60 had the highest and lowest protein content (15.5% and 12%), respectively. With respect to starch content, Prodip and E-37 had the highest while E-14 and E-72 had the lowest content (64.8% vs. 62.9%), respectively in all sowing conditions. Keywords: Yield; Protein; Starch; Wheat. © 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i2.8679 J. Sci. Res. 4 (2), 477-489 (2012)
Theoretical Ab initio and Density Functional Study of the Hydrogen Bonding Nature Between the Pyridine-nitrogenic Base Pairs
Authors: Al-anber M. J.
Published: May 2012

The pyridine interact with two nitrogenic bases (adenine and uracil) so that they may cause a significant point mutation. The results of theoretical ab initio study on the hydrogen bonding energies of pyridine with the adenine and uracil are reported. The geometries of the local minima for all suggested cases  were optimized with Restricted Hartree-Fock RHF/cc-pVDZ and then density functional B3LYP/cc-pVDZ. The geometrical parameters, relative stability, interaction energies and nature of hydrogen bonding energy are reported. Also, focus on the range of the hydrogen bonding energy and the flexibility of the rotation angle in the P:A¹ base pair have been investigated. Additionally, the influence of the hydrogen bonding energy with the dihedral angle between the two planes of the adenine and the pyridine in the P:A¹  pair are studied. The pyridine with the adenine and uracil may be classified as multi-point mutation. In general, enzymes may have three mechanisms to recorrect the errors in the DNA and the RNA. Keywords:   Ab initio; Density funtional theory; Mutating; Pyridine ; DNA. © 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i2.8721 J. Sci. Res. 4 (2), 419-425 (2012)
Inextensible Flows of Tangent Developable Surfaces of Biharmonic Curves in SL2?(R)
Authors: Körp?nar T. , Turhan E.
Published: May 2012

We present some results on the inextensible flows of tangent developable surfaces of biharmonic curves in the . Finally, we find out explicit parametric equations tangent developable surfaces of biharmonic curves in the . Keywords: Biharmonic curve;Inextensible flows. © 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i2.8987 J. Sci. Res. 4 (2), 365-371 (2012)
Nanoencapsulation of Nisin and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid in Niosomes and Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Kopermsub P. , Mayen V. , Warin C.
Published: May 2012

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or EDTA was used complementarily with nisin to give a synergistic antibacterial effect against Gram positive and negative bacteria. Nisin and EDTA were encapsulated in nonionic surfactant vesicles or niosomes. Sorbitan monooleate and polyethylene glycol were precursors in preparation of niosomes. Size reduction of niosomes was conducted via extrusion through polycarbonate membrane with pore size of 200 nm. Diameters of prepared blank niosomes and nisin-EDTA-encapsulated niosomes were approximately 130 nm and 270 nm, respectively. Bilayer structure of niosomes was observed from negative staining-transmission electron microscopic images. Long-termed investigation of antimicrobial activity of nisin-EDTA-encapsulated niosomes and free nisin/EDTA were conducted against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Bacterial counts denoted a slow release of nisin-EDTA-encapsulated niosomes overtime whilst free nisin/EDTA gave a sudden bactericidal activity. Due to that free nisin/EDTA was immediately exploited at the beginning, bacterial counts then tended towards higher during the latter time of antimicrobial activity test.  Keywords: antibacterial; EDTA; Escherichia coli; niosomes; nisin; Staphylococcus aureus. © 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i2.9407 J. Sci. Res. 4 (2), 457-465 (2012)
La constitutionnalisation de la procédure pénale en France et aux États-Unis
Authors: Cédras Jean
Published: May 2012

Résumé Le processus de constitutionnalisation des garanties de l’accusé dans la procédure pénale, né aux Etats-Unis, s’étend à de nombreux pays, notamment à la France. Deux traits sont marquants : la légitimité sujette à caution des organes finaux du contrôle (Cour suprême fédérale et Conseil constitutionnel), nommés par le pouvoir politique et le caractère largement prétorien du contrôle (décisions Marbury v. Madison 1803 ; Liberté d’association, 1971 ). Avec beaucoup de retard sur le modèle américain, la France s’est engagée à son tour dans un processus qui bride la souveraineté du législateur (élargissement de la saisine du Conseil et réserves d’interprétation prétoriens et récemment, loi constitutionnelle sur la question prioritaire de constitutionnalité).
The public prosecutor, its role, duties and powers in the pre-trial stage of the criminal justice process – a comparative study of the french and the swedish legal systems –
Authors: Taleb Akila , Ahlstrand Thomas
Published: May 2012

Résumé Dans tout Etat de droit, l’objectif premier de la procédure pénale est de résorber le phénomène criminel sans toutefois porter atteinte aux libertés fondamentales des citoyens. Malgré leurs spécificités, la France et la Suède sont profondément concernées par la poursuite de cet objectif dont l’intérêt est aujourd’hui considéré comme une priorité européenne. Le procureur, à qui il incombe de déterminer si une affaire doit ou non, faire l’objet d’un traitement judiciaire, constitue le pivot du processus pénal. Cette étude a donc pour objet l’examen des pouvoirs et devoirs des procureurs français et suédois au sein de modèles de justice pénale à dominante respectivement inquisitoire et accusatoire. Dans ce contexte, la question de l’étendue de la convergence des systèmes pénaux européens demeure entière.
Le jeu trilogique de Lausanne et son application dans des situations de consultance
Authors: Corboz-Warnery Antoinette
Published: May 2012

Résumé Pour honorer Edith Tilmans-Ostyn, j’ai choisi de parler de « consultance », selon sa définition, avec différentes utilisations du jeu trilogique de Lausanne, dit LTP (Lausanne Trilogue Play). Elaboré au Centre d’Etude de la Famille à Lausanne avec Elisabeth Fivaz-Depeursinge, cette situation se prête aussi bien à l’évaluation des interactions familiales à des fins de recherche que comme outil clinique pour des interventions thérapeutiques, objectif de la consultance. Etant aussi à l’aube de ma retraite professionnelle, j’ai retracé dans cet article des situations où j’étais impliquée personnellement comme consultante-thérapeute avec différents aménagements possibles du jeu (jeu père-mère-bébé, jeu prénatal avec une poupée, jeu thérapeute-mère-bébé). Ces descriptions cliniques s’accompagnent de réflexions sur les propriétés de la consultance, les spécificités des interventions thérapeutiques sur les relations familiales précoces et l’usage de la vidéo : en quelque sorte un passage de témoin, une transmission d’un certain savoir-faire.
Association of Partner Status and Disposition With Rehospitalization in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Howie-Esquivel Jill , Spicer Joan Gygax
Published: May 2012

Background

Sociodemographic variables that are predictors of rehospitalization for heart failure may better inform hospital discharge strategies.

Objectives

(1) To determine whether sociodemographic variables are predictors of hospital readmission, (2) to determine whether sociodemographic or laboratory variables differ by age group as predictors of readmission, and (3) to compare whether patients’ discharge disposition differs by age group in predicting readmission.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of hospitalized patients with heart failure admitted in 2007.

Results

Mean age was 68 (SD, 17) years for the 809 patients, with slightly more than one-third (n = 311, 38%) reporting a legal partner. Fewer than half (n = 359, 44%) were white. Almost one-third (n = 261, 32%) were rehospitalized within 90 days. Multivariable analysis revealed that patients younger than 65 years old and not partnered were at 1.8 times greater risk for being readmitted 90 days after discharge (P = .02; 95% CI, 0.33–0.92). Patients who were 65 years and older and not partnered were at 2.2 times greater risk for readmission (P = .01; 95% CI, 0.25–0.85) after creatinine level and discharge disposition were controlled for. For older patients discharged to home or to home with home services, the risk of readmission was 2.6 times greater than that for patients discharged to a skilled nursing facility (P = .02; 95% CI, 1.20–5.56).

Conclusions

The absence of a partner was predictive of readmission in all patients. Older patients with heart failure who were discharged to a skilled nursing facility had lower readmission rates. The effect of partner and disposition status may suggest a proxy for social support. Strategies to provide social support during discharge planning may have an effect on hospital readmission rates.
Cutis Aplasia: Perioperative Management and Case Report
Authors: Levine Steven M. , Reformat Derek D. , Thorne Charles H.
Published: May 2012

Aplasia cutis congenita, a rare congenital disorder involving defects of some or all of the layers of the cranium, is associated with potential life-threatening complications. Although treatment involves both nonsurgical and surgical techniques, the importance of perioperative management cannot be overstressed. A multidisciplinary team, including personnel from nursing, neonatology, pediatrics, radiology, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery services, diagnosed aplasia cutis congenita and planned local wound care, surgical correction, and prevention of potentially life-threatening complications in a 1-day-old boy with a 6×5-cm full-thickness scalp defect.
The Size of the Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Compartment Is a Multigenic Trait Dominated by a Locus on Mouse Chromosome 7
Authors: Pelletier Adam-Nicolas , Guimont-Desrochers Fanny , Ashton Michelle P. , Brodnicki Thomas C. , Lesage Sylvie
Published: May 2012

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) compose one of the many distinct dendritic cell subsets. The primary function of pDC is to potently produce type 1 IFNs upon stimulation, which is highly relevant in antiviral responses. Consequently, the ability to manipulate the size of the pDC compartment in vivo may increase the capacity to clear viral infections. In an attempt to identify genetic loci affecting the size of the pDC compartment, defined by both the proportion and absolute number of pDC, we undertook an unbiased genetic approach. Linkage analysis using inbred mouse strains identified a locus on chromosome 7 (Pdcc1) significantly linked to both the proportion and the absolute number of pDC in the spleen. Moreover, loci on either chromosome 11 (Pdcc2) or 9 (Pdcc3) modified the effect of Pdcc1 on chromosome 7 for the proportion and absolute number of pDC, respectively. Further analysis using mice congenic for chromosome 7 confirmed Pdcc1, demonstrating that variation within this genetic interval can regulate the size of the pDC compartment. Finally, mixed bone marrow chimera experiments showed that both the proportion and the absolute number of pDC are regulated by cell-intrinsic hematopoietic factors. Our findings highlight the multigenic regulation of the size of the pDC compartment and will facilitate the identification of genes linked to this trait.
TRPV1 Deletion Enhances Local Inflammation and Accelerates the Onset of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: Fernandes Elizabeth S. , Liang Lihuan , Smillie Sarah-Jane , Kaiser Frank , Purcell Robert , Rivett Damian W. , Alam Saydul , Howat Sarah , Collins Helen , Thompson Stephen J. , Keeble Julie E. , Riffo-Vasquez Yanira , Bruce Kenneth D. , Brain Susan D.
Published: May 2012

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is primarily localized to sensory nerve fibers and is associated with the stimulation of pain and inflammation. TRPV1 knockout (TRPV1KO) mice show enhanced LPS-induced sepsis compared with wild type (WT). This implies that TRPV1 may have a key modulatory role in increasing the beneficial and reducing the harmful components in sepsis. We investigated immune and inflammatory mechanisms in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis over 24 h. CLP TRPV1KO mice exhibited significant hypothermia, hypotension, and organ dysfunction compared with CLP WT mice. Analysis of the inflammatory responses at the site of initial infection (peritoneal cavity) revealed that CLP TRPV1KO mice exhibited: 1) decreased mononuclear cell integrity associated with apoptosis, 2) decreased macrophage tachykinin NK1-dependent phagocytosis, 3) substantially decreased levels of nitrite (indicative of NO) and reactive oxygen species, 4) increased cytokine levels, and 5) decreased bacteria clearance when compared with CLP WT mice. Therefore, TRPV1 deletion is associated with impaired macrophage-associated defense mechanisms. Thus, TRPV1 acts to protect against the damaging impact of sepsis and may influence the transition from local to a systemic inflammatory state.
Essential Role of IL-4 and IL-4Rα Interaction in Adaptive Immunity of Zebrafish: Insight into the Origin of Th2-like Regulatory Mechanism in Ancient Vertebrates
Authors: Zhu Lv-yun , Pan Ping-ping , Fang Wei , Shao Jian-zhong , Xiang Li-xin
Published: May 2012

The roles of IL-4 and IL-4Rα in Th2-mediated immunity have been well characterized in humans and other mammals. In contrast, few reports have been documented in ancient vertebrates. Several putative IL-4– and IL-4Rα–like molecules were identified recently from a few fish species, providing preliminary insight into the occurrence of Th2-type immunity in teleosts. However, functional determination still is required to address this hypothesis. To this end, these two molecules were characterized functionally in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Besides the identification of a full-length IL-4Rα molecule and an isoform lacking most of the cytoplasmic region as predicted previously, two novel alternatively spliced soluble variants with the extracellular domain only also were identified. Zebrafish IL-4Rα (DrIL-4Rα) shared overall conserved structural features of the IL-4Rα family. Immunofluorescence staining showed that DrIL-4Rα distributed on B cells. In vitro binding assays demonstrated that zebrafish IL-4 (DrIL-4) can bind specifically to DrIL-4Rα. In vivo administration of DrIL-4 significantly upregulated B cell proliferation and Ab production. These DrIL-4–elicited immune responses were downregulated by the administration of zebrafish soluble IL-4Rα or by DrIL-4Rα blockade using anti–DrIL-4Rα Abs. In addition, Th2-related cytokines or transcription factors were upregulated by DrIL-4. The DrIL-4–DrIL-4Rα interaction promoted CD40 expression on B cells and enhanced the CD154–CD40 costimulatory response, both of which are crucial for the initiation of Th2-type immunity. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that a possible Th2-mediated regulatory mechanism may have appeared before the divergence of teleosts and mammals. These results add greater insight into the evolutionary history of adaptive immunity.
Altered Ig Hypermutation Pattern and Frequency in Complementary Mouse Models of DNA Polymerase ζ Activity
Authors: Daly Janssen , Bebenek Katarzyna , Watt Danielle L. , Richter Kathleen , Jiang Chuancang , Zhao Ming-Lang , Ray Madhumita , McGregor W. Glenn , Kunkel Thomas A. , Diaz Marilyn
Published: May 2012

To test the hypothesis that DNA polymerase ζ participates in Ig hypermutation, we generated two mouse models of Pol ζ function: a B cell-specific conditional knockout and a knock-in strain with a Pol ζ mutagenesis-enhancing mutation. Pol ζ-deficient B cells had a reduction in mutation frequency at Ig loci in the spleen and in Peyer’s patches, whereas knock-in mice with a mutagenic Pol ζ displayed a marked increase in mutation frequency in Peyer’s patches, revealing a pattern that was similar to mutations in yeast strains with a homologous mutation in the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of Pol ζ. Combined, these data are best explained by a direct role for DNA polymerase ζ in Ig hypermutation.
IL-10+CTLA-4+ Th2 Inhibitory Cells Form in a Foxp3-Independent, IL-2–Dependent Manner from Th2 Effectors during Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Altin John A. , Goodnow Chris C. , Cook Matthew C.
Published: May 2012

Activated Th cells influence other T cells via positive feedback circuits that expand and polarize particular types of response, but little is known about how they may also initiate negative feedback against immunopathological reactions. In this study, we demonstrate the emergence, during chronic inflammation, of GATA-3+ Th2 inhibitory (Th2i) cells that express high levels of inhibitory proteins including IL-10, CTLA-4, and granzyme B, but do so independently of Foxp3. Whereas other Th2 effectors promote proliferation and IL-4 production by naive T cells, Th2i cells suppress proliferation and IL-4 production. We show that Th2i cells develop directly from Th2 effectors, in a manner that can be promoted by effector cytokines including IL-2, IL-10, and IL-21 ex vivo and that requires T cell activation through CD28, Card11, and IL-2 in vivo. Formation of Th2i cells may act as an inbuilt activation-induced feedback inhibition mechanism against excessive or chronic Th2 responses.
Dectin-1 Stimulation Induces Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1, Thereby Modulating TLR Signaling and T Cell Responses
Authors: Eberle Mariel E. , Dalpke Alexander H.
Published: May 2012

Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins serve as negative regulators of cytokine receptor signaling. However, SOCS proteins are not only induced via the JAK/STAT pathway, but are also transcribed on triggering of pattern recognition receptors such as TLRs. We now show that SOCS1 can also be induced by the non-TLR pattern recognition receptor Dectin-1 in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and macrophages (BMMs). The C-type lectin Dectin-1 binds to yeasts and signals either in an autonomous manner or can be triggered in combination with TLRs. In our study, SOCS1 was expressed independently of any TLR engagement as a direct target gene of the Dectin-1 ligand Zymosan. Induction of SOCS1 was mediated by a novel pathway encompassing the tyrosine kinases Src and Syk that activated the downstream kinase proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2. Proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2, in turn, caused activation of the MAPK ERK, thereby triggering SOCS1 induction. SOCS1 did not modulate Dectin-1 signaling but affected TLR signaling, leading to decreased and abbreviated NF-κB activation in BMMs triggered by TLR9. Furthermore, IL-12 and IL-10 secretion were inhibited by SOCS1. We additionally observed that IL-17–producing Th cells were clearly increased by SOCS1 in BMMs. Our results show that SOCS1 is expressed via a new, NF-κB–independent pathway in Dectin-1–triggered murine BMMs and influences TLR cross talk and T cell priming.
Cyr61 Induces IL-6 Production by Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes Promoting Th17 Differentiation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lin Jinpiao , Zhou Zhou , Huo Rongfen , Xiao Lianbo , Ouyang Guilin , Wang Li , Sun Yue , Shen Baihua , Li Dangsheng , Li Ningli
Published: May 2012

Cysteine-rich protein 61 (Cyr61)/CCN1 is a product of an immediate early gene and functions in mediating cell adhesion and inducing cell migration. We previously showed that increased production of Cyr61 by fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) promotes FLS proliferation and participates in RA pathogenesis with the IL-17–dependent pathway. However, whether Cyr61 in turn regulates Th17 cell differentiation and further enhances inflammation of RA remained unknown. In the current study, we explored the potential role of Cyr61 as a proinflammatory factor in RA pathogenesis. We found that Cyr61 treatment dramatically induced IL-6 production in FLS isolated from RA patients. Moreover, IL-6 production was attenuated by Cyr61 knockdown in FLS. Mechanistically, we showed that Cyr61 activated IL-6 production via the αvβ5/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Further, using a coculture system consisting of purified CD4+ T cells and RA FLS, we found that RA FLS stimulated Th17 differentiation, and the pro-Th17 differentiation effect of RA FLS can be attenuated or stimulated by Cyr61 RNA interference or addition of exogenous Cyr61, respectively. Finally, using the collagen-induced arthritis animal model, we showed that treatment with the anti-Cyr61 mAb led to reduction of IL-6 levels, decrease of Th17 response, and attenuation of inflammation and disease progression in vivo. Taken together, our results reveal a novel role of Cyr61 in promoting Th17 development in RA via upregulation of IL-6 production by FLS, thus adding a new layer into the functional interplay between FLS and Th17 in RA pathogenesis. Our study also suggests that targeting of Cyr61 may represent a novel strategy in RA treatment.
Wnt5a Induces a Tolerogenic Phenotype of Macrophages in Sepsis and Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Bergenfelz Caroline , Medrek Catharina , Ekström Elin , Jirström Karin , Janols Helena , Wullt Marlene , Bredberg Anders , Leandersson Karin
Published: May 2012

A well-orchestrated inflammatory reaction involves the induction of effector functions and, at a later stage, an active downregulation of this potentially harmful process. In this study we show that under proinflammatory conditions the noncanonical Wnt protein, Wnt5a, induces immunosuppressive macrophages. The suppressive phenotype induced by Wnt5a is associated with induction of IL-10 and inhibition of the classical TLR4-NF-κB signaling. Interestingly, this phenotype closely resembles that observed in reprogrammed monocytes in sepsis patients. The Wnt5a-induced feedback inhibition is active both during in vitro LPS stimulation of macrophages and in patients with sepsis caused by LPS-containing, Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, using breast cancer patient tissue microarrays, we find a strong correlation between the expression of Wnt5a in malignant epithelial cells and the frequency of CD163+ anti-inflammatory tumor-associated macrophages. In conclusion, our data point out Wnt5a as a potential target for an efficient therapeutic modality in severe human diseases as diverse as sepsis and malignancy.
Defining GM-CSF– and Macrophage-CSF–Dependent Macrophage Responses by In Vitro Models
Authors: Lacey Derek C. , Achuthan Adrian , Fleetwood Andrew J. , Dinh Hang , Roiniotis John , Scholz Glen M. , Chang Melody W. , Beckman Sandra K. , Cook Andrew D. , Hamilton John A.
Published: May 2012

GM-CSF and M-CSF (CSF-1) induce different phenotypic changes in macrophage lineage populations. The nature, extent, and generality of these differences were assessed by comparing the responses to these CSFs, either alone or in combination, in various human and murine macrophage lineage populations. The differences between the respective global gene expression profiles of macrophages, derived from human monocytes by GM-CSF or M-CSF, were compared with the differences between the respective profiles for macrophages, derived from murine bone marrow cells by each CSF. Only 17% of genes regulated differently by these CSFs were common across the species. Whether a particular change in relative gene expression is by direct action of a CSF can be confounded by endogenous mediators, such as type I IFN, IL-10, and activin A. Time-dependent differences in cytokine gene expression were noted in human monocytes treated with the CSFs; in this system, GM-CSF induced a more dramatic expression of IFN-regulated factor 4 (IRF4) than of IRF5, whereas M-CSF induced IRF5 but not IRF4. In the presence of both CSFs, some evidence of “competition” at the level of gene expression was observed. Care needs to be exercised when drawing definitive conclusions from a particular in vitro system about the roles of GM-CSF and M-CSF in macrophage lineage biology.
CD40 Stimulates a “Feed-Forward” NF-κB–Driven Molecular Pathway That Regulates IFN-β Expression in Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Moschonas Aristides , Ioannou Marina , Eliopoulos Aristides G.
Published: May 2012

IFN-β and the CD40L (CD154) share important roles in the antiviral and antitumor immune responses. In this study, we show that CD40 receptor occupancy results in IFN-β upregulation through an unconventional “feed-forward” mechanism, which is orchestrated by canonical NF-κB and involves the sequential de novo synthesis of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)1 and Viperin (RSAD2), an IRF1 target. RelA (p65) NF-κB, IRF1, and Viperin-dependent IRF7 binding to the IFN-β promoter largely controls its activity. However, full activation of IFN-β also requires the parallel engagement of noncanonical NF-κB2 signaling leading to p52 recruitment to the IFN-β promoter. These data define a novel link between CD40 signaling and IFN-β expression and provide a telling example of how signal propagation can be exploited to ensure efficient regulation of gene expression.
NLRC4 Inflammasome-Mediated Production of IL-1β Modulates Mucosal Immunity in the Lung against Gram-Negative Bacterial Infection
Authors: Cai Shanshan , Batra Sanjay , Wakamatsu Nobuko , Pacher Pal , Jeyaseelan Samithamby
Published: May 2012

Bacterial flagellin is critical to mediate NLRC4 inflammasome-dependent caspase-1 activation. However, Shigella flexneri, a nonflagellated bacterium, and a flagellin (fliC) knockout strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are known to activate NLRC4 in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Furthermore, the flagellin-deficient fliC strain of P. aeruginosa was used in a mouse model of peritonitis to show the requirement of NLRC4. In a model of pulmonary P. aeruginosa infection, flagellin was shown to be essential for the induction of NLRC4-dependent caspase-1 activation. Moreover, in all P. aeruginosa studies, IL-1β production was attenuated in NLRC4−/− mice; however, the role of IL-1β in NLRC4-mediated innate immunity in the lungs against a nonflagellated bacterium was not explored. In this article, we report that NLRC4 is important for host survival and bacterial clearance, as well as neutrophil-mediated inflammation in the lungs following Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. NLRC4 is essential for K. pneumoniae-induced production of IL-1β, IL-17A, and neutrophil chemoattractants (keratinocyte cell-derived chemokines, MIP-2, and LPS-induced CXC chemokines) in the lungs. NLRC4 signaling in hematopoietic cells contributes to K. pneumoniae-induced lung inflammation. Furthermore, exogenous IL-1β, but not IL-18 or IL-17A, partially rescued survival, neutrophil accumulation, and cytokine/chemokine expression in the lungs of NLRC4−/− mice following infectious challenge. Furthermore, IL-1R1−/− mice displayed a decrease in neutrophilic inflammation in the lungs postinfection. Taken together, these findings provide novel insights into the role of NLRC4 in host defense against K. pneumoniae infection.
Urban Environment and Children's Active Lifestyle: SoftGIS Revealing Children's Behavioral Patterns and Meaningful Places
Authors: Kyttä A. Marketta , Broberg Anna K. , Kahila Maarit H.
Published: May 2012

Purpose.

To determine the relationship between (1) urban structure characteristics, (2) children's environmental experiences and active behavioral patterns, and (3) perceived health and body mass index (BMI).

Design.

Cross-sectional study.

Setting.

City of Turku, western coast of Finland, 175,000 inhabitants. Average residential density of the studied settings was 17 housing units per hectare, proportion of green structure 43%, and proportion of population under 15 years old 17%.

Subjects.

One thousand eight hundred thirty seven fifth (10–12 years old) and seventh (13–15 years old) graders from 54 schools in Turku.

Measures.

Self-reported behavioral patterns (activity of school travel mode, territorial range, mobility licenses, and distance to meaningful places) and environmental experiences (localized meaningful places, likability index, environmental fears) were gathered on the basis of locality with an Internet-based softGIS method. Self-reported BMI, perceived health, and daily symptoms were also queried. Geographic information system–based measures of urban structure (residential density, proportion of green structure, proportion of children), calculated within a 500-m buffer of each respondent's home, were used as independent variables.

Analysis.

Mainly logistic regression analysis.

Results.

After controlling for gender, age, and neighborhood socioeconomic status (proportion of academically educated), residential density was significantly associated with active travel mode to school and short distances to the meaningful places of children. The proportions of green structure and children had an association with nonactive transport, long distance to meaningful places, and small territorial range. We also found significant associations between active school travel mode and reduced risk of being overweight when controlled for gender and age but not when the proportion of academically educated was also controlled. The negative association between likability index and daily symptoms and positive association with perceived health remained significant after controlling for all three background variables. The only urban structure variable directly associated with good perceived health was the proportion of green structure around the child's home.

Conclusion.

Moderate urban density seems to have child-friendly characteristics such as an ability to promote active school journeys and to guarantee a short distance to meaningful places. The studied Finnish children expressed very few environmental fears, and the possibilities for them to independently use the opportunities of the urban environment were very high. The limitation of the study was that the socioeconomic background variables were extracted from register-based geographic grid data rather than from respondents. More refined measures of urban structure are also needed in future studies.
Unwillingness to Participate in Colorectal Cancer Screening: Examining Fears, Attitudes, and Medical Mistrust in an Ethnically Diverse Sample of Adults 50 Years and Older
Authors: Bynum Shalanda A. , Davis Jenna L. , Green B. Lee , Katz Ralph V.
Published: May 2012

Purpose.

Identify the influence of medical mistrust, fears, attitudes, and sociodemographic characteristics on unwillingness to participate in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.

Design.

Cross-sectional, disproportionally allocated, stratified, random-digit-dial telephone questionnaire of noninstitutionalized households.

Setting.

New York City, New York; Baltimore, Maryland; San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Subjects.

Ethnically diverse sample of 454 adults ≥50 years of age.

Measures.

Health status, cancer screening effectiveness, psychosocial factors (e.g., perceptions of pain, fear, trust), and CRC screening intentions using the Cancer Screening Questionnaire, which addresses a range of issues related to willingness of minorities to participate in cancer screening.

Analysis.

Multivariate logistic regression was used to model the probability of reporting unwillingness to participate in CRC screening.

Results.

Fear of embarrassment during screening (odds ratio [OR] = 10.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.15–53.39), fear of getting AIDS (OR = 8.75; 95% CI, 2.48–30.86), fear that exam might be painful (OR = 3.43; 95% CI, 1.03–11.35), and older age (OR = 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.17) were positively associated with unwillingness to participate in CRC screening. Fear of developing cancer (OR = .12; 95% CI, .03–.57) and medical mistrust (OR = .19; 95% CI, .06–.60) were negatively associated with unwillingness to screen.

Conclusions.

Findings suggest that CRC health initiatives should focus on increasing knowledge, addressing fears and mistrust, and normalizing CRC screening as a beneficial preventive practice, and should increase focus on older adults.
Association Lecture—The Economic Roots of Political Underdevelopment in the Middle East: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Kuran Timur
Published: May 2012

Key institutions of the pre‐modern Middle Eastern economy, all grounded in Islamic law, blocked the development of democratic institutions. This talk identifies three mechanisms that played critical roles. Islam's original tax system failed to produce lasting and credible constraints on governance. The waqfs (Islamic trusts) founded to provide social services to designated constituencies were politically powerless. Profit‐making private enterprises remained small and ephemeral, hindering the formation of stable coalitions capable of bargaining with the state. The last two mechanisms jointly delayed the rise of a civil society able to provide the checks and balances essential to democratic rule.
How Does Social Trust Affect Economic Growth?
Authors: Bjørnskov Christian
Published: May 2012

This article connects two strands of the literature on social trust by directly estimating the effects of trust on growth through a set of potential transmission mechanisms. It does so by modeling the process using a 3SLS estimator on a sample of 85 countries for which a full data set is available. The results indicate that trust affects schooling and the rule of law directly, thereby raising economic growth rates. The article closes with a short discussion of the relevance of the findings.