bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast-charging compact seed source for magnetic flux compression generators
Authors: Elsayed M. , Kristiansen M. , Neuber A.
Published: December 2008

Flux compression generators (FCGs) are some of the most attractive sources of single-use compact pulsed power available today due to their high energy density output and mobility. Driving FCGs requires some seed energy, which is typically provided by applying a high seed current, usually in the kiloampere range for midsized helical FCGs. This initial current is supplied by a high-current seed source that is capable of driving an inductive load. High-current seed sources have typically been comprised of discharging large capacitors using spark gaps and overvoltage triggering mechanisms to provide the prime power for FCGs. This paper will discuss a recent design of a self-contained (battery powered with full charge time less than 40 s), single-use compact seed source (CSS) using solid-state components for the switching scheme. The CSS developed is a system (0.005 m3 volume and weighing 3.9 kg) capable of delivering over 360 J (∼12 kA) into a 5.20 μH load with a trigger energy of microjoules at the TTL triggering level. The newly designed solid-state switching scheme of the CSS incorporates off-the-shelf high-voltage semiconductor components that minimize system cost and size as necessary for a single-use application. A detailed evaluation of the CSS is presented primarily focusing on the switching mechanics and experimental characterization of the solid-state components used in the system.
Compact cryogenic Kerr microscope for time-resolved studies of electron spin transport in microstructures
Authors: Rizo P. J. , Pugžlys A. , Liu J. , Reuter D. , Wieck A. D. , van der Wal C. H. , van Loosdrecht P. H. M.
Published: December 2008

A compact cryogenic Kerr microscope for operation in the small volume of high-field magnets is described. It is suited for measurements both in Voigt and Faraday configurations. Coupled with a pulsed laser source, the microscope is used to measure the time-resolved Kerr rotation response of semiconductor microstructures with ∼1 μm spatial resolution. The microscope was designed to study spin transport, a critical issue in the field of spintronics. It is thus possible to generate spin polarization at a given location on a microstructure and probe it at a different location. The operation of the microscope is demonstrated by time-resolved measurements of micrometer distance diffusion of spin polarized electrons in a GaAs/AlGaAs heterojunction quantum well at 4.2 K and 7 T.
The Parallel Claims of Gated Communities and Land Invasions in a Southern City: Polarised State Responses
Authors: Lemanski Charlotte , Oldfield Sophie
Published: December 2008

We identify and explore the parallels and differences between gated communities and land invasions as forms of residential territory in cities of the South. Using the case of Cape Town, South Africa, the parallel narratives regarding the reasons for invading or gating land are analysed and placed in contrast with an inconsistent state response. For while both ‘gaters' and ‘invaders' are driven by similar desires for a secure home and private autonomy, the state responds very differently, regulating the former as rational residents, and disparaging the latter as unreasonable criminals. Thus, we explore the legitimacy of the two territories, challenging traditional responses to gated communities and land invasions, and arguing for an understanding of both as reflective of citizens' desires for secure homes. Although gated communities and land invasions represent diverse housing types, we suggest that it is useful to analyse them in direct empirical relation. In doing so, we do not narrowly conceptualise Southern cities as slum nuclei or divided postcolonial citadels (Robinson, 2003), but as complex and contradictory sites in which diverse residents and urban processes function in the context of state (dis)engagement.
A Particular Place? Laos and its Incorporation into the Development Mainstream
Authors: Rigg Jonathan
Published: December 2008

Laos is a poor country in the world's most economically vibrant region. I provide a historically embedded interpretation of Laos' contemporary economic geography through three lenses: dualism, spatiality, and scale. I propose that, while the patterns of change in the country are familiar, the meaning of those patterns is linked to a series of spatial associations, scalar disjunctures, historical contingencies, and cultural incongruities which are place based and country or region specific. I draw a distinction between national and transnational governmentalities on the one hand, and ‘village governmentalities' on the other hand, offering these as alternative, but not mutually exclusive, ways of viewing and interpreting Laos' economic geography.
Cosmopolitan Militarism? Spaces of NATO Expansion
Authors: Kuus Merje
Published: December 2008

This paper investigates the normalization of military institutions through narratives of global cooperation—a phenomenon that I call cosmopolitan militarism. Empirically, I analyze how the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) uses globalist spatial imaginaries to frame military approaches to political problems as enlightened and good (as well as necessary). In particular, I examine how this framing is effected by nonstate actors in the civil society—for example, through educational and entertainment events organized for young people by nongovernmental organizations. Theoretically, I illuminate the multiple scales, sites, and agents of militarization in Western liberal democracies. I foreground the production of a particular kind of normative space for Western military force. This is an expansive and open space in which the outsiders are gradually pulled into NATO's networks of cooperation. To understand how it operates, we need to examine not only institutions of the nation-state but also transnational networks of cooperation.
Partnership and Role Perception, Three Case Studies on the Meaning of Being a Representative in Rural Partnerships
Authors: Derkzen Petra , Bock Bettina
Published: December 2008

We focus on the governance instrument of partnerships for rural areas, because these have become important for the implementation of rural development policy in Britain. Emergent forms of governance are often assumed to enhance participatory democracy as they facilitate the involvement of nongovernmental actors and citizens. However, governmental policies about partnerships often use ‘representation’ to democratically legitimise these new forms. Partnership members themselves also use these concepts in their everyday language—they too say that they represent and participate. We explore the different meanings of both being a representative and being a participant, based on a qualitative study of three local rural partnerships in Wales. Our analysis reveals important nuances in how four types of representatives (from the public, private, community, and voluntary sectors) differ in their perceived duties and attitudes towards their constituencies. But, above all, most partnership members see themselves rather as participants than as representatives. However, partnership members can also hide behind being participants in two ways. First, they can downplay their organisational membership and their organisation's self-interest. Partnership members who most actively participate in ‘driving the partnership forward’ are also those who have the most self-interest in doing so. And, second, they do not have to worry about accountability mechanisms because their individualised participation has been decoupled from responsiveness to ‘others’. The neoliberal notions of participation obscure the political nature of working in partnership where decisions over rural development have to be made among members with different and possibly conflicting interests.
Vibrotactile Pattern Recognition on the Arm and Back
Authors: Jones Lynette A , Kunkel Jacquelyn , Piateski Erin
Published: December 2008

A series of experiments was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness with which a tactile display mounted on either the forearm or the back can be used to communicate simple instructions and commands. In the first two sets of experiments, participants identified a vibrotactile pattern using a visual template that represented the pattern of activation. For the patterns displayed on the forearm, accuracy depended on the specific set of patterns presented and ranged from 30% to 96% correct for the individual patterns. In a second series of experiments, seven hand-and-arm signals that are used to communicate in military contexts were converted into tactile representations that were displayed on the back. These were identified accurately (98% correct) and, when only the picture of the hand signal was available, participants achieved a recognition rate of 75% correct. A further study with these seven patterns indicated that participants were still able to identify the patterns accurately (92% correct) when they were engaged in a concurrent physical or cognitive task. The results indicate the importance of evaluating tactile communication in the context of the specific patterns or messages that will be conveyed, and that with the judicious selection of tactile patterns both the arm and back provide a functional substrate for tactile communication.
An exploration of primary school teachers' understanding of art and the place of art in the primary school curriculum
Authors: Hallam Jenny , Das Gupta Mani , Lee Helen
Published: December 2008

Some research within developmental psychology shows a slow period of development in children's expressive drawings during the primary school years. Developmental researchers suggest that ‘educational factors’ could contribute to this dip in development but have not explored these factors. This study explores links between educational policy – in terms of the English National Curriculum – and the development of expression in child art. A Foucauldian style analysis of interviews is presented which investigates how ten primary school teachers working in two Staffordshire schools approach art. A specific concern is to explore how different understandings of art and teaching practices are shaped and managed by the curriculum. This allows links between the demands of the curriculum and the observed dip in expressive drawing development to be investigated.
Plasma behaviour at high β and high density in the Madison Symmetric Torus RFP
Authors: Wyman M.D. , Chapman B.E. , Ahn J.W. , Almagri A.F. , Anderson J.K. , Bonomo F. , Brower D.L. , Combs S.K. , Craig D. , Den Hartog D.J. , Deng B.H. , Ding W.X. , Ebrahimi F. , Ennis D.A. , Fiksel G. , Foust C.R. , Franz P. , Gangadhara S. , Goetz J.A. , O'Connell R. , Oliva S.P. , Prager S.C. , Reusch J.A. , Sarff J.S. , Stephens H.D. , Yates T.
Published: December 2008

Pellet fuelling of improved confinement Madison Symmetric Torus (MST) plasmas has resulted in high density and high plasma beta. The density in improved confinement discharges has been increased fourfold, and a record plasma beta (βtot = 26%) for the improved confinement reversed-field pinch (RFP) has been achieved. At higher β, a new regime for instabilities is accessed in which local interchange and global tearing instabilities are calculated to be linearly unstable, but experimentally, no severe effect, e.g., a disruption, is observed. The tearing instability, normally driven by the current gradient, is driven by the pressure gradient in this case, and there are indications of increased energy transport (as compared with low-density improved confinement). Pellet fuelling is also compared with enhanced edge fuelling of standard confinement RFP discharges for the purpose of searching for a density limit in MST. In standard-confinement discharges, pellet fuelling peaks the density profile where edge fuelling cannot, but transport appears unchanged. For a limited range of plasma current, MST discharges with edge fuelling are constrained to a maximum density corresponding to the Greenwald limit. This limit is surpassed in pellet-fuelled improved confinement discharges.
Characters of Speh representations and Lewis Caroll identity
Authors: Chenevier Gaëtan , Renard David
Published: December 2008

We give a new and elementary proof of Tadić formula for characters of Speh representations of

G
L

(
n
,
A
)

\mathrm {GL}(n,A)

,

A
A

a central division algebra over a non-Archimedean local field, based on Lewis Caroll determinantal identity.
Effect of Tempering Conditions on Milling Performance and Flour Functionality
Authors: Kweon Meera , Martin Ron , Souza Edward
Published: December 2008

Tempering conditions of wheat grain change the quality of the flour, yet most experimental milling systems use a standard tempering without optimization. The effect of tempering condition on milling performance and flour functionality for soft red winter (SRW) wheat grain was tested by measuring flour yield, ash, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and solvent retention capacity (SRC) in grain samples from three SRW cultivars (Roane, Cyrus, and Severn). Tempering was conducted with a full factorial design of initial wheat moisture, tempered wheat moisture, tempering temperature, and tempering time at two levels. Tempered wheat moisture had the largest effect on milling performance and flour functionality. Flour yield was more reduced for all samples tempered at 15% moisture than for samples tempered to 12% moisture. Flour quality of the 15% tempered sample was better than the 12% tempered samples due to less bran contamination as measured by flour ash and PPO. Increasing the tempering moisture increased flour sucrose SRC and lactic acid SRC but reduced sodium carbonate SRC for samples. Changing tempered wheat moisture changed flour yield and quality much more than did changing the length of time for tempering, the temperature at wheat is tempered, or differences in the initial moisture of the wheat before tempering. The last three effects could be used to improve flour yield in both the 12 and 15% tempered wheat treatment but the detrimental effects of these treatments on flour quality were minimal when combined with the 15% tempered wheat moisture treatment.
A Novel Pair of HMW Glutenin Subunits from Aegilops searsii Improves Quality of Hexaploid Wheat
Authors: Garg Monika , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Ishikawa Naoyuki , Takata Kanenori , Yanaka Mikiko , Tsujimoto Hisashi
Published: December 2008

This study involved screening of wild species of wheat in search of functionally useful seed storage proteins for improvement of breadmaking quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum). After screening of 177 disomic addition lines (DALs) of wheat belonging to different wild species, Aegilops searsii DALs were selected and studied in detail. These DALs of Ae. searsii were from chromosome 1Ss to 7Ss in the background of cultivated wheat cv. Chinese Spring (CS). By analyzing these addition lines, genetic loci of actively expressed genes for the high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GS) and gliadin were found on the chromosome 1Ss for the first time and have been designated as Glu‐Ss1 and Gli‐Ss1, respectively. Disomic addition line of chromosome 1Ss (DAL1Ss) showed improved dough strength in different generations compared with CS. SDS sedimentation value and specific sedimentation of DAL1Ss were higher than CS. Mixograph peak height and band width were higher, with no difference in mixing peak time from CS. All these factors indicate a positive effect of quantity as well as quality of gluten proteins of Ae. searsii. This was further supported by increased polymer formation in DAL1Ss because the ratio of unextractable polymeric protein to total polymeric protein (UPP/TPP%) of DAL1Ss was significantly higher than CS. Genes for HMW‐GS (major determinant of end‐product quality in wheat) of Ae. searsii were cloned and sequenced from the DAL1Ss. Phylogenetic analysis of deduced amino acid sequences showed that both x and y HMW‐GS were more similar to that of D genome rather than B genome of wheat. Although S genome is structurally more similar to B genome of wheat, functionally it is more similar to the D genome of wheat and possesses good quality HMW‐GS required for improvement of breadmaking quality of wheat.
Evolution of Titan and implications for its hydrocarbon cycle
Authors: Tobie G , Choukroun M , Grasset O , Le Mouélic S , Lunine J.I , Sotin C , Bourgeois O , Gautier D , Hirtzig M , Lebonnois S , Le Corre L
Published: December 2008

Measurements of the carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios as well as the detection of
40
Ar and
36
Ar by the gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS) instrument on board the Huygens probe have provided key constraints on the origin and evolution of Titan's atmosphere, and indirectly on the evolution of its interior. Those data combined with models of Titan's interior can be used to determine the story of volatile outgassing since Titan's formation. In the absence of an internal source, methane, which is irreversibly photodissociated in Titan's stratosphere, should be removed entirely from the atmosphere in a time-span of a few tens of millions of years. The episodic destabilization of methane clathrate reservoir stored within Titan's crust and subsequent methane outgassing could explain the present atmospheric abundance of methane, as well as the presence of argon in the atmosphere. The idea that methane is released from the interior through eruptive processes is also supported by the observations of several cryovolcanic-like features on Titan's surface by the mapping spectrometer (VIMS) and the radar on board Cassini. Thermal instabilities within the icy crust, possibly favoured by the presence of ammonia, may explain the observed features and provide the conditions for eruption of methane and other volatiles. Episodic resurfacing events associated with thermal and compositional instabilities in the icy crust can have major consequences on the hydrocarbon budget on Titan's surface and atmosphere.
Molecular detection of all 34 distinct O-antigen forms of Shigella
Authors: Li Yayue , Cao Boyang , Liu Bin , Liu Dan , Gao Qili , Peng Xia , Wu Junli , Bastin David A. , Feng Lu , Wang Lei
Published: December 2008

Shigella is the cause of shigellosis or bacillary dysentery, the occurrence of which is estimated to be 165 million cases per year worldwide, resulting in 1.1 million deaths. Rapid and reliable assays for detecting and identifying Shigella in food, environmental and clinical samples are therefore necessary. Shigella species are traditionally identified by their O antigens. This study developed a DNA microarray targeting O-serotype-specific genes to detect all 34 distinct O-antigen forms of Shigella, including Shigella boydii types 1–18, Shigella dysenteriae types 1–13, Shigella flexneri types 1–5 and 6, and Shigella sonnei. A total of 282 strains were used to test the specificity of the microarray, including 186 Shigella and Escherichia coli representative strains, 86 Shigella clinical isolates and ten strains of other bacterial species that are commonly isolated from food or clinical stool specimens. The oligonucleotide probes were printed on the microarray in concentrations from 1 to 100 μM, and 10 μM proved to be the optimal probe concentration. The detection sensitivity for each serotype was 50 ng genomic DNA or 1 c.f.u. in 25 g milk powder sample following a 6 h enrichment in broth. The microarray is specific, sensitive and reproducible, and, to our knowledge, is the first report of a microarray for serotyping all O-antigen forms of Shigella.
Adult invasive pneumococcal disease pre- and peri-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction in a tertiary hospital in Singapore
Authors: Hsu Li-Yang , Lui See Weng , Lee Jia Ling , Hedzlyn Hazwany Md Mahrom , Kong Debra Han-Lin , Shameen Suku , Siti Nur Puteri Mohammad , Tan Wei Yu , Toh Xin Yi , Koh Tse-Yuen , Koh Tse-Hsien
Published: December 2008

Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates causing invasive disease at a large tertiary institute in Singapore from 2000 to 2007 were serotyped, with 84 (43.8 %) and 159 (82.8 %) isolates belonging to serotypes covered by the pneumococcal heptavalent conjugate and polysaccharide vaccines, respectively. All non-meningitis isolates were susceptible to penicillin, and the attributable mortality was 21.4 %. Patients who fulfilled the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices criteria for vaccination with the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine comprised 74.0 % of the study cohort and had a significantly higher mortality risk.
A mixture containing galactooligosaccharide, produced by the enzymic activity of Bifidobacterium bifidum, reduces Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection in mice
Authors: Searle Laura E. J. , Best Angus , Nunez Alejandro , Salguero Francisco J. , Johnson Linda , Weyer Ute , Dugdale Alexandra H. , Cooley William A. , Carter Ben , Jones Gareth , Tzortzis George , Woodward Martin J. , La Ragione Roberto M.
Published: December 2008

The prebiotic Bimuno® is a mixture containing galactooligosaccharide, produced by the galactosyltransferase activity of Bifidobacterium bifidum NCIMB 41171 in the presence of lactose. Previous studies have implicated prebiotics in reducing infections by enteric pathogens, thus it was hypothesized that Bimuno® may confer some protection in the murine host from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) infection. In this study, infection caused by S. Typhimurium SL1344nalr in the presence or absence of Bimuno® was assessed using tissue culture assays, a murine ligated ileal gut loop model and a murine oral challenge model. In tissue culture adherence and invasion assays with HT-29-16E cells, the presence of ∼2 mM Bimuno® significantly reduced the invasion of S. Typhimurium SL1344nalr (P<0.0001). In the murine ligated ileal gut loops, the presence of Bimuno® prevented colonization and the associated pathology of S. Typhimurium. In the BALB/c mouse model, the oral delivery of Bimuno® prior to challenge with S. Typhimurium resulted in significant reductions in colonization in the five organs sampled, with highly significant reductions being observed in the spleen at 72 and 96 h post-challenge (P=0.0002, <0.0001, respectively). Collectively, the results indicate that Bimuno® significantly reduced the colonization and pathology associated with S. Typhimurium infection in a murine model system, possibly by reducing the invasion of the pathogen into host cells.
Associations between enterotoxin gene cluster types egc1, egc2 and egc3, agr types, enterotoxin and enterotoxin-like gene profiles, and molecular typing characteristics of human nasal carriage and animal isolates of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Collery Mark M. , Smyth Davida S. , Tumilty John J. G. , Twohig Jane M. , Smyth Cyril J.
Published: December 2008

Twenty genes encoding enterotoxin and enterotoxin-like proteins have been described inStaphylococcus aureusstrains. Five of these occur commonly in the enterotoxin gene cluster (egc:selo,selm,sei,selnandseg). In thesei–selnintergenic region, two pseudogenes,ψent1andψent2, can be present or an additional gene designatedseluor a variantseluv. Whilst frequencies of loci bearing pseudogenes (egc1) or theselugene (egc2) have been reported, the distinction betweenselu-bearing andseluv-bearing (egc3) loci has rarely been made. A PCR-RFLP procedure involving cleavage of thesei–selnintergenic region by restriction endonucleaseBbvI orTseI was developed that allowed differentiation ofselu+andseluv+loci. In addition, PCR primers were designed to yield a 203 bp amplimer for sequencing of aseluorseluvintragenic region, which encompassed ten signature nucleotide differences. A total of 43egc+human nasal isolates and 53egc+bovine, ovine, caprine, leporine and gallinaceous isolates wereegctyped andagrtyped. None of the animal isolates was ofagrtype III. A total of 12 out of 17egc3+human nasal isolates were ofagrtype III, the other 5 beingagrtype I. On the basis of representative multilocus sequence typing,agrtype III/egc3+strains belonged to CC30. Human nasal isolates bearing anegc1locus were distributed evenly acrossagrtypes I, II and III. Only two nasal isolates had anegc2locus. All 14agrtype IV isolates, only 1 of which was of human origin, possessed anegc2locus. TheagrIV nasal isolate was fusidic acid sensitive and was found to be ST123 (CC121). There were strong associations between bovine, leporine and gallinaceousS. aureusclonal types andegclocus types. The PCR-RFLP procedure was used to screen an additional 45S. aureusisolates from dogs, cats, rats, pigs and horses foregclocus types. Of these, 33 wereegc−. Six equine isolates wereselu+. One canine and three porcine isolates possessed pseudogenesψent1andψent2. One porcine and one canine isolate each had theseluvgene. Putative relationships between disease-causing propensity and egc type need (re-)evaluation.
Molecular diagnosis of Kingella kingae osteoarticular infections by specific real-time PCR assay
Authors: Cherkaoui Abdessalam , Ceroni Dimitri , Emonet Stéphane , Lefevre Yan , Schrenzel Jacques
Published: December 2008

Kingella kingae is an emerging pathogen that is recognized as a causative agent of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis, primarily in infants and children. The bacterium is best detected by rapid inoculation in blood culture systems or by real-time PCR assays. Pathogenesis of the agent was linked recently to the production of a potent cytotoxin, known as RTX, which is toxic to a variety of human cell types. The locus encoding the RTX toxin is thought to be a putative virulence factor, and is, apparently, essential for inducing cytotoxic effects on respiratory epithelial, synovial and macrophage-like cells. Herein, we describe a novel real-time PCR assay that targets the RTX toxin gene and illustrate its use in two clinical cases. The assay exhibited a sensitivity of 30 c.f.u., which is 10-fold more sensitive than a previously published semi-nested broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR, and showed no cross-reactivity with several related species and common osteoarticular pathogens.
Supporting the Participation of Disabled Children and Young People in Decision‐making
Authors: Franklin Anita , Sloper Patricia
Published: December 2008

Increasing children's and young people's participation in decisions, about their own care and about service development, is a policy priority. Although in general participation is increasing, disabled children are less likely to be involved than non‐disabled children and it is unclear to what extent children with complex needs or communication impairments are being included in participation activities. This article presents research exploring factors to support good practice in participation and discusses policy and practice implications.
New onsets of substance use disorders in borderline personality disorder over 7 years of follow‐ups: findings from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study
Authors: Walter Marc , Gunderson John G. , Zanarini Mary C. , Sanislow Charles A. , Grilo Carlos M. , McGlashan Thomas H. , Morey Leslie C. , Yen Shirley , Stout Robert L. , Skodol Andrew E.
Published: December 2008

Aims  The purpose of this study was to examine whether patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have a higher rate of new onsets of substance use disorders (SUD) than do patients with other personality disorders (OPD).

Design  This study uses data from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorder Study (CLPS), a prospective naturalistic study with reliable repeated measures over 7 years of follow‐up.

Setting  Multiple clinical sites in four northeastern US cities.

Participants  A total of 175 patients with BPD and 396 patients with OPD (mean age 32.5 years) were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 months.

Measurements  The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I Disorders and the Diagnostic Interview for DSM‐IV Personality Disorders were used at baseline, the Follow‐Along version of the DIPD‐IV and the Longitudinal Interval Follow‐up Evaluation at the follow‐up evaluations. Kaplan–Meier analyses were calculated to generate the time to new onsets.

Findings  BPD patients showed a shorter time to new onsets of SUD. Thirteen per cent of BPD patients developed a new alcohol use disorder and 11% developed a new drug use disorder, compared to rates of 6% and 4%, respectively, for OPD. Non‐remitted BPD and remitted BPD patients did not differ significantly in rates of new onsets of SUD.

Conclusions  BPD patients have a high vulnerability for new onsets of SUDs even when their psychopathology improves. These findings indicate some shared etiological factors between BPD and SUD and underscore the clinical significance of treating SUD when it co‐occurs in BPD patients.
Involvement of the cylindrical inclusion (CI) protein in the overcoming of an eIF4E‐mediated resistance against Lettuce mosaic potyvirus
Authors: ABDUL‐RAZZAK ANAS , GUIRAUD THOMAS , PEYPELUT MARTINE , WALTER JOCELYNE , HOUVENAGHEL MARIE‐CHRISTINE , CANDRESSE THIERRY , LE GALL OLIVIER , GERMAN‐RETANA SYLVIE
Published: December 2008

The capacity of Lettuce mosaic virus to overcome the lettuce resistance conferred by the mo11 and mo12 alleles of the gene for eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) was analysed using reverse genetics. Mutations in the virus genome‐linked protein (VPg) allowed mo11 only to be overcome, but mutations in the C‐terminal portion of the cylindrical inclusion (CI) protein allowed both alleles to be overcome. Site‐directed mutagenesis pinpointed a key role of the amino acid at position 621 in the virulence. This is the first example of the involvement of a potyviral CI protein in the breaking of an eIF4E‐mediated resistance.
Long‐term outcome of initially homogenously treated and relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Austria – A population‐based report of the Austrian Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Münster (BFM) Study Group
Authors: Reismüller Bettina , Attarbaschi Andishe , Peters Christina , Dworzak Michael N. , Pötschger Ulrike , Urban Christian , Fink Franz‐Martin , Meister Bernhard , Schmitt Klaus , Dieckmann Karin , Henze Günter , Haas Oskar A. , Gadner Helmut , Mann Georg ,   on behalf of the Austrian Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Münster (BFM) Study Group
Published: December 2008

Relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common cause for a fatal outcome in paediatric oncology. Although initial ALL cure rates have improved up to 80%, the prognosis of recurrent ALL remains dismal with event‐free‐survival (EFS) rates about 35%. In order to analyse a population‐based cohort with uniform treatment of initial disease, we examined the outcome of children suffering from relapsed ALL in Austria for the past 20 years and the validity of the currently used prognostic factors (e.g. time to and site of relapse, immunophenotype). Furthermore, we compared survival rates after chemotherapy alone with those after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). All 896 patients who suffered from ALL in Austria between 1981 and 1999 were registered in a prospectively designed database and treated according to trials ALL‐Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Münster (BFM)‐Austria (A) 81, ALL‐A 84 and ALL‐BFM‐A 86, 90 and 95. Of these, 203 (23%) suffered from recurrent disease. One‐hundred‐and‐seventy‐two patients (85%) achieved second complete remission. The probability of 10‐year EFS for the total group was 34 ± 3%. Clinical prognostic markers that independently influenced survival were time to relapse, site of relapse and the immunophenotype. Additionally, a Cox regression model demonstrated that allogeneic SCT after first relapse was associated with a superior EFS compared with chemo/radiotherapy only (hazard ratio = 0·254; P = 0·0017).
Interleukin 18 and interleukin 18 binding protein in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Shan Ning‐ning , Zhu Xiao‐juan , Peng Jun , Qin Ping , Zhuang Xue‐wei , Wang Hong‐chun , Hou Ming
Published: December 2008

To evaluate the balance of interleukin IL18 and its endogenous antagonist IL18 binding protein (IL18BP) in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), plasma IL18, IL18BP, interferon gamma (IFNG) and IL4 levels, as well as platelet counts were measured in patients with active ITP (n = 23), ITP in remission (n = 21) and in healthy subjects (n = 24) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the mRNA expression of IL18, IL18BP, IFNG, IL4, T‐box (TBX21) and GATA‐binding protein 3(GATA3) were studied in all subjects. The results showed that IL18 and IFNG protein and mRNA levels were significantly increased in patients with active ITP than in control subjects, but that IL18BP were not significantly elevated in ITP patients, which resulted in an elevated ratio of IL18/IL18BP in patients with active disease. During remission stages, the levels of these cytokines were comparable to those of healthy controls. The elevated levels of IL18/IL18BP in plasma during active stages of disease suggest a possible role in the pathogenesis and course of ITP.
Immunomodulatory activity of a methionine aminopeptidase-2 inhibitor on B cell differentiation
Authors: Priest R C , Spaull J , Buckton J , Grimley R L , Sims M , Binks M , Malhotra R
Published: December 2008

Methionine aminopeptidase-2 (MetAP-2) inhibitors have potent anti-angiogenesis activity and are being developed for the treatment of solid tumours. The recently observed specific expression of MetAP-2 in germinal centre B cells suggests that it has a role in regulating B cell function. We have demonstrated a potent MetAP-2-dependent inhibitory effect on the antibody secretion from B cell receptor and CD40 co-stimulated primary human B cells in the presence of interleukin-21. The effect of MetAP-2 inhibition on antibody secretion was due to a block in differentiation of B cells into plasma cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of germinal centres from human, mouse and marmoset spleen showed a similar expression pattern of MetAP-2 in the marmoset and man, whereas mouse spleen showed no detectable expression. In a marmoset, T dependent immunization model, the MetAP-2 inhibitor suppressed an antigen-specific antibody response. Furthermore, histological analysis showed loss of B cells in the spleen and disrupted germinal centre formation. These results provide experimental evidence to support a novel role for MetAP-2 in immunomodulation. These effects of MetAP-2 are mediated by disruption of the germinal centre reaction and a block in the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells.
Night stocking facilitates nocturnal migration of hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, smolts
Authors: ROBERTS L. J. , TAYLOR J. , GOUGH P. J. , FORMAN D. W. , De LEANIZ C. GARCIA
Published: December 2008

Abstract  Hatchery‐reared salmon, Salmo salar L., smolts are generally stocked during daylight hours, but the natural migration of smolts tends to occur at night. Recapture rates and timing of migration were compared between Atlantic salmon smolts stocked during the day and during the evening. Timing of release had no significant effect on the number of smolts recaptured, but had a strong effect on nocturnal behaviour. When stocked in the evening (but not during the day) hatchery‐reared smolts moved almost exclusively during the night. This study suggests that timing the release to coincide with the natural time of smolt migration may provide valuable acclimatisation and facilitate nocturnal smolt passage.
Role of ornithine decarboxylase antizyme inhibitor in vivo
Authors: Tang Hua , Ariki Kimi , Ohkido Makiko , Murakami Yasuko , Matsufuji Senya , Li Zhenghua , Yamamura Ken‐ichi
Published: December 2008

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) antizyme inhibitor (AZI) has been shown to regulate ODC activity in cell cultures. However, its biological functions in an organism remain unknown. An embryonic stem (ES) cell clone was established, in which the Azin1 gene was disrupted by the gene trap technique. To identify the function of Azin1 gene in vivo, a mutant mouse line was generated using these trapped ES cells. Homozygous mutant mice died at P0 with abnormal liver morphology. Further analysis indicated that the deletion of Azin1 in homozygous mice resulted in the degradation of ODC, and reduced the biosynthesis of putrescine and spermidine. Our results thus show that AZI plays an important role in regulating the levels of ODC, putrescine and spermidine in mice, and is essential for the survival of mice.
Long‐term patterns of mass loss during the decomposition of leaf and fine root litter: an intersite comparison
Authors: HARMON MARK E. , SILVER WHENDEE L. , FASTH BECKY , CHEN HUA , BURKE INGRID C. , PARTON WILLIAM J. , HART STEPHEN C. , CURRIE WILLIAM S. ,   LIDET
Published: December 2008

Decomposition is a critical process in global carbon cycling. During decomposition, leaf and fine root litter may undergo a later, relatively slow phase; past long‐term experiments indicate this phase occurs, but whether it is a general phenomenon has not been examined. Data from Long‐term Intersite Decomposition Experiment Team, representing 27 sites and nine litter types (for a total of 234 cases) was used to test the frequency of this later, slow phase of decomposition. Litter mass remaining after up to 10 years of decomposition was fit to models that included (dual exponential and asymptotic) or excluded (single exponential) a slow phase. The resultant regression equations were evaluated for goodness of fit as well as biological realism. Regression analysis indicated that while the dual exponential and asymptotic models statistically and biologically fit more of the litter type–site combinations than the single exponential model, the latter was biologically reasonable for 27–65% of the cases depending on the test used. This implies that a slow phase is common, but not universal. Moreover, estimates of the decomposition rate of the slowly decomposing component averaged 0.139–0.221 year−1(depending on method), higher than generally observed for mineral soil organic matter, but one‐third of the faster phase of litter decomposition. Thus, this material may be slower than the earlier phases of litter decomposition, but not as slow as mineral soil organic matter. Comparison of the long‐term integrated decomposition rate (which included all phases of decomposition) to that for the first year of decomposition indicated the former was on average 75% that of the latter, consistent with the presence of a slow phase of decomposition. These results indicate that the global store of litter estimated using short‐term decomposition rates would be underestimated by at least one‐third.
GDSL lipase‐like 1 regulates systemic resistance associated with ethylene signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kwon Sun Jae , Jin Hak Chul , Lee Soohyun , Nam Myung Hee , Chung Joo Hee , Kwon Soon Il , Ryu Choong‐Min , Park Ohkmae K.
Published: December 2008

Systemic resistance is induced by necrotizing pathogenic microbes and non‐pathogenic rhizobacteria and confers protection against a broad range of pathogens. Here we show that Arabidopsis GDSL LIPASE‐LIKE 1 (GLIP1) plays an important role in plant immunity, eliciting both local and systemic resistance in plants. GLIP1 functions independently of salicylic acid but requires ethylene signaling. Enhancement of GLIP1 expression in plants increases resistance to pathogens including Alternaria brassicicola, Erwinia carotovora and Pseudomonas syringae, and limits their growth at the infection site. Furthermore, local treatment with GLIP1 proteins is sufficient for the activation of systemic resistance, inducing both resistance gene expression and pathogen resistance in systemic leaves. The PDF1.2‐inducing activity accumulates in petiole exudates in a GLIP1‐dependent manner and is fractionated in the size range of less than 10 kDa as determined by size exclusion chromatography. Our results demonstrate that GLIP1‐elicited systemic resistance is dependent on ethylene signaling and provide evidence that GLIP1 may mediate the production of a systemic signaling molecule(s).
Clara cell 10‐kDa protein expression in chronic rhinosinusitis and its cytokine‐driven regulation in sinonasal mucosa
Authors: Liu Z. , Lu X. , Zhang X. H. , Bochner B. S. , Long X. B. , Zhang F. , Wang H. , Cui Y. H.
Published: December 2008

Background:  Clara cell 10‐kDa protein (CC10) is a multifunction protein with anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects; hence we compared the CC10 expression between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with and without nasal polyps (NPs), analyzed its association with disease severity and response to surgery, and explored its regulation via cytokines.

Methods:  The plasma and tissue CC10 levels were compared between controls and CRS patients with and without NPs by means of quantitative RT‐PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. Computed tomography (CT) scan and endoscopy findings and symptoms were scored. Nasal explant culture was used to explore the effect of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐4, INF‐γ, and IL‐10 on CC10 gene regulation.

Results:  Compared with controls, the CC10 expression in sinonasal mucosa was significantly inhibited in both CRS patients with and without NPs. There was a significant further decrease of CC10 expression in patients with NPs and asthma. No difference in CC10 plasma levels was found between controls and patients. CC10 levels inversely correlated with preoperative CT scores, and postoperative endoscopy and symptom scores. TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐4 inhibited, whereas INF‐γ and IL‐10 promoted CC10 production in nasal mucosa. A significantly faster decay of CC10 transcripts was seen after IL‐1β treatment. IL‐1β and IL‐10 induced thyroid transcription factor‐1 expression. INF‐γ increased, whereas IL‐4 inhibited hepatocyte nuclear factor‐3α expression.

Conclusion:  CC10 may take part in the pathogenesis of CRS and correlates with disease severity and response to surgery. Different cytokines can regulate CC10 expression in nasal mucosa differentially through modulating mRNA stability and certain transcriptional factors expression.
Pharmacotherapy of allergic rhinitis: a pharmaco‐economic approach
Authors: Simoens S. , Laekeman G.
Published: December 2008

This article reports on a systematic literature review of the costs of allergic rhinitis (AR), the economic value of pharmacotherapy of AR, and the factors affecting costs and economic value of pharmacotherapy. Included studies had carried out a cost‐of‐illness analysis, cost analysis, cost‐effectiveness, cost‐utility or cost‐benefit analysis. Allergic rhinitis imposes a substantial economic burden on society, with indirect costs of productivity loss being larger than the direct healthcare costs. Cost estimates were biased because of difficulties of diagnosis; exclusion of patients who do not seek healthcare; exclusion of over‐the‐counter medication; difficulties in estimating productivity loss. There is limited evidence on costs of seasonal/perennial and intermittent/persistent AR. Little is known of the economic value of pharmacotherapy of AR, although levocetirizine appears to be cost‐effective as compared with placebo. Economic evaluations suffered limitations from small sample sizes, short trial duration, lack of standardized effectiveness measure, restricted scope of costs. Finally, the economic value of pharmacotherapy of AR is influenced by the perspective of the economic evaluation, relative effectiveness and costs of available drugs, patient compliance with treatment.
HL—A Antigen Frequencies in Myeloma
Authors: MASON D. Y. , CULLEN PHILIPPA
Published: December 2008

The frequency of HL—A antigens was determined in 63 myeloma patients and in 83 normal subjects. HL—A5 was more frequent among patients (15.9 %) than among controls (3.6 %). This association was significant at the 0.05 level, but the significance did not survive multiplication by the number of antigens under study.

The relationship of these findings to previous work on myeloma is discussed, together with. the problems of defining components of the 4c antigenic group.
Bw21 Partition and Crossreactivity of the Components
Authors: Grumet F. C. , Colombe B. W. , Goodfellow P.
Published: December 2008

Available lymphocytotoxic antisera permitted the clear partition of the Bw21 antigen into two distinct components, Bw21.1 and Bw21.2. Bw21.1 is associated with W4 and is approximately twofold more frequent than the W6‐associated Bw21.2. Cells of either Bw21 subtype were capable of absorbing specific anti‐Bw21.1, anti‐Bw21,2, and anti‐Bw21 (21.1 + 21.2) antibodies. Further, an F(ab')2 fragment prepared from an anti‐Bw21.1 serum blocked cytotoxicity of anti‐Bw21.1, anti‐Bw21.2 and anti‐Bw21 (21.1+21.2) sera. Based on the crossreactivity (by absorption) and blocking data, a model is proposed relating the Bw21 subtypes and the W4 and W6 antigens.
The Genetic Control of HLA‐A and B Antigens in Somatic Cell Hybrids: Requirement for β2 Microglobulin
Authors: Arce‐Gomez Bento , Jones Elizabeth A. , Barnstable Colin J. , Solomon Ellen , Bodmer Walter F.
Published: December 2008

The lymphoblastoid cell line Daudi lacks both HLA—A and B antigens and β2 microglobulin. Somatic cell hybrids derived from a fusion between this line and D98/AH‐2 were shown to express four HLA antigens not detectable on either parent cell, A1, A10(Aw26), Bw16(Bw38, Bw17. The initial definition by direct cytotoxicity assay was confirmed by absorption of reactions against target T lymphocytes, thus avoiding problems due to contaminating Ia antibodies, and by blocking the reactions by pretreatment with a chicken anti‐human β2 microglobulin serum. That the new specificities were due to the Daudi HLA region was confirmed by the finding that interspecific hybrids between Daudi and A9L, containing a single human chromosome 6, expressed A10 and Bw17. This also defined the haplotypes of Daudi as A10(Aw26), Bw17 and A1, Bw16(Bw38).

The re‐expression of the Daudi HLA—A and B antigens in two independent sets of hybrids indicates that it does not carry a mutation in the HLA region. It has previously been reported that somatic cell hybrids with Daudi, which contain chromosome 15, do not express human β2 microglobulin. These results suggest that the reason for the lack of HLA—A and B antigens on Daudi is a secondary effect due to the mutation(s) in the β2 microglobulin gene.
HL‐A Antigens of Patients with Wegener's Granulomatosis
Authors: Strimlan C. Vaughn , Taswell Howard F. , Kueppers Friedrich , DeRemee Richard A. , McDonald Thomas J.
Published: December 2008

The frequency of HL‐A antigens was determined in 31 patients with biopsy‐confirmed Wegener's granulomatosis and compared with their frequency in healthy Caucasian control population. There was no significant difference between the two groups for any of the 24 HL‐A antigens tested.
HL‐A Markers in the Vietnamese Population
Authors: Tran M. H. , Hors J. , Busson M. , Degos L.
Published: December 2008

A total of 126 normal, unrelated individuals from northern central and southern Vietnam have been typed for 32 alleles of the A and B loci, including B HS. The gene, haplotype frequencies and A values obtained are compared with those of four other Mongoloid populations. The gene frequencies were similar to those found in a Chinese (Cantonese) population.
HLA‐Dw2 as a Marker of Resistance Against Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ilonen J. , Herva E. , Tiilikainen A. , Åkerblom H.K. , Koivukangas T. , Kouvalainen K.
Published: December 2008

Juvenile‐onset diabetes mellitus (JDM) is one of the human diseases shown to be associated with histocompatibility antigens. The occurrence of serologically defined HLA antigens B8, Bw15, B18 and Cw3 is increased among these patients (Singal & Blajchman 1973, Nerup et al. 1974, Cudworth & Woodrow 1975). However, lymphocyte defined HLA‐D antigens Dw3 and Dw4 (LD 8a and LD w15a), positively associated with these serologically defined antigens, seem to be even stronger markers of susceptibility to this disease (Thomsen et al. 1975).