bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Rate Limits on Property Tax Revenues and School Expenditures: Evidence from Texas
Authors: Plummer Elizabeth , Pavur Robert J.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: In 1993, Texas established a maximum 1.5 percent property tax rate that school districts could impose for purposes of funding their maintenance and operations (M&O). Tax limits are intended to contain government growth and increase the efficiency of government services. Almost all states use property tax limits, and their use continues to increase as states consider ways to decrease the growth in property taxes. This study examines whether the 1.5 percent rate limit lowered the growth of M&O tax revenues and school expenditures, whether these effects differed in the short-run versus long-run, and whether school districts increased other tax and nontax revenue sources to help compensate for lower M&O tax revenues. This study also examines whether the rate limit affected student performance. We use a sample of 1,033 Texas school districts during the period 1994 through 2004, and the Heckman maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) approach to help control for selection bias. We find that the 1.5 percent rate limit decreased the growth of M&O tax revenues and school expenditures, and that expenditures were affected less than M&O tax revenues. Our results suggest that districts helped cushion the rate limit’s effect on expenditures by increasing their debt-related tax revenues. We find only limited evidence that the rate limit’s effects differed in the short-run versus long-run. Finally, we find that student test scores are lower for districts at the 1.5 percent rate limit, and that the decrease in test scores is larger for economically disadvantaged students relative to other students. This suggests that the rate limit is associated with decreases in education quality.
Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria of Cotton Affecting the Developmental Stages of Helicoverpa Armigera
Authors: Vijayasamundeeswari Ayyathurai , Ladhalakshmi Duraisamy , Sankaralingam Ambalavanan , Samiyappan Ramasamy
Published: October 2009

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria of Cotton Affecting the Developmental Stages ofHelicoverpa Armigera

Rhizobacteria isolated from cotton roots exhibiting antagonism towards seedling blight and leaf blight of cotton were tested for their efficiency against the insect pest American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). The bioformulation developed usingBacillus subtilis(isolate DGL9) + chitin was found to be detrimental to the developmental stages ofH. armigera(larva, pupa and adult) by causing larval mortality, pupal and adult malformation with reduced adult emergence. Generally, the larvae exhibited antifeeding behaviour when fed on bolls collected from rhizobacterial treatments. Hence, the developmental stages were altered leading to early pupation. Further, the efficacy of the isolate DGL9 was confirmed by culturing the bacteria in a suitable medium and incorporating the cell suspension and supernatant obtained form the broth culture in larval diet. The larvae fed to the diet exhibited defective developmental stages which was more significant in case of diet incorporated with supernatant. The percentage of pupal malformation, adult emergence and adult malformation was high at 96 h of incubation with the supernatant.
Measuring and Modeling Crop Loss of Wheat Caused by Septoria Leaf Blotch in Seven Cultivars and Lines in Iran
Authors: Mojerlou Shideh , Safaie Naser , Alizadeh Azizollah , Khelghatibana Fatemeh
Published: October 2009

Measuring and Modeling Crop Loss of Wheat Caused by Septoria Leaf Blotch in Seven Cultivars and Lines in Iran

Septoria leaf blotch caused bySeptoria tritici, is one of the most important diseases of wheat worldwide including Iran. To determine yield reduction caused by this disease in Golestan province, field experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design with four replications and five wheat cvs. Tajan, Zagros, Shiroodi, Koohdasht, Shanghai and two lines N-80-6 and N-80-19 at Gorgan Research Station. Artificial inoculation was performed using spore suspension at three growth stages (Zadoks scale) including tillering (GS 37), stem elongation (GS 45) and flag leaf opening (GS 53). Control plots were sprayed with water. In this study, the 1 000 kernel weight (TKW), grain yield and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) during growth season were measured. Statistical analysis showed that the levels of yield reduction was different in various studied wheat cultivars and lines and was reduced by 30 to 50%. The highest losses were observed for cvs. Zagros and Tajan with 48.86% and 47.41% of grain yield reduction, respectively. There was a positive correlation between grain yield reduction and AUDPC. The results of crop loss modelling using integral and multiple point regression models showed that the integral model (L = 1230.91+1.37AUDPC) in which AUDPC and crop loss percentages were independent and dependent variables, respectively, could explain more than 95% of AUDPC variations in relation to crop loss in all cultivars in two years. In the study of integral model for each cultivar, cv. Shiroodi showed the highest fitness. In multiple point models, disease severity at various dates was considered as independent variables and crop loss percentage as dependent variable. This model with the highest coefficient of determination had the best fitness for crop loss estimation. Besides, the results showed that the disease severity at GS37, GS53 and GS91 stages (Zadok's scale) was more important for crop loss prediction than that in other phenological stages.
Effect of Gamma Radiation on Growth and Development of Rust Red Flour Beetle Tribolium Castaneum (Herbst.)
Authors: Tandon Shishir , Singh Anuradha , Kanaujia Sudha
Published: October 2009

Effect of Gamma Radiation on Growth and Development of Rust Red Flour BeetleTribolium Castaneum(Herbst.)

Study on the sterilizing and lethal effects of Cobalt-60 gamma radiation on the larval and adult stages of rust red flour beetleTribolium castaneum(Herbst.) was done at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, 100, 150, 300 and 500 gray (Gy). Irradiation severely affected pupal period, pupal formation and survivability of larvae and adults. The developmental period of the pest was found to increase along with the increase in the radiation doses. The irradiation at 70 Gy was found to cause complete sterility in the insect.
Toxicity of Imidacloprid and Diafenthiuron to Chrysoperla Carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in the Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Preetha Gnanadhas , Stanley Johnson , Chandrasekaran Thiagarajan , Kuttalam Sasthakutty
Published: October 2009

Toxicity of Imidacloprid and Diafenthiuron toChrysoperla Carnea(Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in the Laboratory Conditions

Insecticides are unavoidable in pest management programs especially when the pest crosses Econimic Threshold Level (ETL). Nevertheless, often the plant protection products kill the natural enemy population making the pest to resurge and thus demanding more sprays. Therefore, insecticides used in IPM programs should be selective enough to spare the beneficials. Laboratory studies were conducted to find out the toxicity of imidacloprid and diafenthiuron to the eggs, larvae and adults ofChrysoperla carnea.Imidacloprid at the recommended dose of 0.28 ml/l caused 15.38% egg mortality, 26.67 and 33.33% larval mortality by ingestion and contact, respectively and 50.00% adult mortality. The egg mortality was about 15.38% and larval mortality of 23.33% and adult mortality of 26.67% was caused by diafenthiuron. Based on the classification given by IOBC/WPRS working group on Pesticides and non-target invertebrates, both the insecticides were classified as harmless toC. carnea, since the recommended dose caused less than 50% mortality in the laboratory conditions.
The Instruments of Place Branding: How is it Done?
Authors: Ashworth Gregory J.
Published: October 2009

Place branding is the idea of discovering or creating some uniqueness, which differentiates one place from others in order to gain a competitive brand value. This article is not about the concepts or justifications but about how it is actually done at the local level, especially as part of broader conventional place management policies. Three main local planning instruments are widely used throughout the world in various combination in diverse places, each of which is described and exemplified here. These are first, personality association, where places associate themselves with a named individual, from history, literature, the arts, politics, entertainment, sport or even mythology, in the hope that the necessarily unique qualities of the individual are transferred by association to the place. Secondly, the visual qualities of buildings and urban design is an instrument of place-branding available to local planners. This could include flagship building, signature urban design and even signature districts. Thirdly, event hallmarking is where places organise events, usually cultural or sporting, in order to obtain a wider recognition that they exist but also to establish specific brand associations. Lessons are drawn from practice about the importance of combining these instruments and integrating them into wider planning and management strategies.
Regional Marketing to Change Regional Images: The Example of the Groningen Province Campaign
Authors: Pellenbarg Pieter H. , Meester Wilhelm J.
Published: October 2009

An important element in the urban and regional development strategy of many local and regional governments is geographical marketing. The process of geographical marketing combines promotional, spatial and organisational activities, and can be aimed at various groups.

From 1989 onwards, the province of Groningen, in the northern part of the Netherlands, has pursued such a geographical marketing campaign. This campaign, which is still being carried on, has used various means of communication: advertisements in newspapers and magazines, and radio and television commercials. It has been aimed at entrepreneurs and at the general public as well.

An ex ante study of the public image of Groningen was carried out in 1988, before the start of the campaign. For this purpose, a random sample of the Dutch population was inquired by telephone. Since then, similar inquiries were carried out every 2 years, in order to measure the ‘effects’ of the campaign. In these inquiries, the image of the provinces of Friesland and Noord- Brabant (considered as ‘competitors’ in the place marketing arena) was measured along with that of Groningen, and used for reference. The data set now reaches up to the year 2005. The availability of this kind of data for a period of 17 years, measured at regular intervals, provides a unique opportunity to study the development of regional images through time, and to find suggestions for the best possible way to continue the marketing campaign.

In this paper, the data of the inquiries will be analysed. The first question to be answered in the paper relates to the pace and the nature of the changes in image, observed in all three provinces. The second research question specifically deals with the influence of the marketing campaign on the image of Groningen.
China's Regional Policy and the Influence of the EU Assistance
Authors: Kamiński Tomasz
Published: October 2009

The EU has an interest in determining the form of internal reforms in China, as well as a lot of experience and know-how to share. Due to this fact it tries to support the process of Chinese transformation, in the form of various sectoral dialogues with China as well as by implementation of many projects financed by the EU. The aim of this paper is to analyse the EU policy towards China in the context of Chinese regional policy that struggles with growing inequalities between provinces. It examines the EU assistance programmes for China as well as sectoral dialogue concerning regional policy to answer the question whether the EU regional policy, with its 20 years of experience, could possibly be the pattern form China. Firstly, a short outlook has been given on regional inequalities in China. Secondly, the EU assistance programmes and sectoral dialogue have been analysed. Finally, the major research problem - what are the limitations of the EU's assistance influence on China - has been investigated.
Evaluating the Extent and Nature of ‘Envelope Wages’ in the European Union: A Geographical Analysis
Authors: Williams Colin C.
Published: October 2009

To evaluate the spatialities of the illegal wage practice where employers pay their declared employees both an official declared wage and an undeclared ‘envelope’ wage so as to avoid tax liabilities, a 2007 survey conducted in 27 European Union (EU) member states is reported. The finding is that 5% of employees received envelope wages which amount on average to some two-fifths of their wage packet. Revealing how, although heavily concentrated in a small group of East-Central European nations, this wage practice is nonetheless ubiquitous, the paper concludes by discussing how this practice might be tackled.
Naïve Cartography: How Intuitions about Display Configuration Can Hurt Performance
Authors: Hegarty Mary , Smallman Harvey S. , Stull Andrew T. , Canham Matt S.
Published: October 2009

Map-making has traditionally been the domain of professional cartographers, but with the advent of interactive display systems, users now have the flexibility to create and configure their own digital maps and other visual displays. This flexibility can be beneficial only if users have good intuitions about which display configurations are effective or ineffective for different tasks. Here we examine people's intuitions about display effectiveness and whether these intuitions match the actual effectiveness of different displays. Surveys of undergraduate students and post-graduate meteorology students reveal that they consistently prefer enhanced displays, especially those that add animation and realism. These naïve intuitions contrast with the principles of cartography, which emphasize the importance of abstracting from the real world to create simple displays that make task-relevant information salient. Both a review of objective studies and a new study presented here support traditional principles of cartography and are inconsistent with naïve intuitions. We interpret these studies in relation to new theoretical notions of users’ folk fallacies about how perception works, and derive implications for the design of interactive display systems and education.
Colour-Enhanced Star Plot Glyphs: Can Salient Shape Characteristics Be Overcome?
Authors: Klippel Alexander , Hardisty Frank , Li Rui , Weaver Chris
Published: October 2009

This article reports two experiments addressing the question of how the shape characteristics of star plot glyphs influence classification tasks and whether additional graphic features such as colour can be used to counterbalance the effects of shape characteristics. In a previous study we found that salient shapes of star plot glyphs, such as “has one spike,” influence the classification of the data represented by the glyphs. The shape differences in star plot glyphs are induced by assigning variables to rays in different ways. The first two experiments showed shape influences; we then conducted two follow-up studies to shed more light on the influence of shape. First, to address the question of how the classification of star plot glyphs would be affected if they were stripped of their meaning, participants were asked to group star plot glyphs as shapes. The second study colour-coded the rays of star plot glyphs to focus attention on differences in salient shapes; for example, the general shape characteristic “has one spike” cannot be applied so easily if each spike is a different colour. The results show that colour-enhancing star plot glyphs improves processing speed and reduces the influence of salient shape characteristics.
Bilateral deep brain stimulation for treatment of medically refractory paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia
Authors: Kaufman Christian B. , Mink Jonathan W. , Schwalb Jason M.
Published: October 2009

The authors present the case of a 26-year-old man with a 10–15-year history of worsening bilateral dystonia and baseline chorea occurring up to 20 times per day that was exacerbated by stress and anxiety and was refractory to medical management. Paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia was diagnosed, which is a rare, hyperkinetic movement disorder that is episodic and does not respond to nonbenzodiazepine antiepileptics. The patient was significantly debilitated by his disease, lived in a group home, and suffered from frequent falls, necessitating the wearing of a protective helmet and face mask at all times.

The patient underwent implantation of bilateral deep brain stimulation quadripolar electrodes in the globus pallidus internus with the aid of image-guided stereotactic neurosurgery and microelectrode recording without complication.

At his 1-month postoperative follow-up, the patient reported a subjective 90% improvement in his symptoms; the only notable side effect was a slight increased slurring in his baseline dysarthria. Objective reporting and recording forms maintained by the patient's caretakers over the following 18 months suggested a significant and sustained improvement in his overall balance, ambulation, and gross motor function with a substantial decrease in the incidence of reported falls.

The authors conclude that pallidal deep brain stimulation may be successfully applied to patients suffering from refractory paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia with promising results. This treatment strategy deserves further prospective investigation, clinical consideration, and refinement.
The molecular epidemiology of Salmonella Typhi across Indonesia reveals bacterial migration
Authors: Moehario Lucky H.
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Typhoid fever remains a worldwide problem, but it is particularly common in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. The causative agent Salmonella Typhi is known to have significant genome plasticity.
METHODOLOGY: This study describes genetic fingerprints using restriction fragment length polymorphism with SpeI of chromosomal DNA and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of S. Typhi isolated from different geographic areas spreading from west to east across Indonesia.
RESULTS: A total of 33 SpeI digested S. Typhi chromosomal DNA gave 22 schizotypes, 20 pulsotypes, and 12 subtypes indicating genomic diversity and the presence of more than one clone of S. Typhi. Cluster analysis at a degree of similarity of ≥80% showed four clusters, three of which were associated with geographic area. One cluster (Dice coefficient 0.727-1.000) contained isolates from three different geographic areas (Jakarta, Makasar, Jayapura), spread across Indonesia.
CONCLUSIONS: Genetic fingerprinting of S. Typhi in Indonesia showed the presence of endemic strains in localized geographic areas, as well as the movement of one strain type throughout the archipelago.
Genotypic and demographic characterization of invasive isolates of Salmonella Typhimurium in HIV co-infected patients in South Africa
Authors: Keddy Karen H. , Dwarika Sarika , Crowther Penny , Perovic Olga , Wadula Jeanette , Hoosen Anwar , Sooka Arvinda , Crewe-Brown Heather H. , Smith Anthony M.
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Non-typhoidal Salmonella are frequently food-borne zoonotic pathogens that may cause invasive disease in HIV-positive individuals.
METHODOLOGY: Invasive isolates (n = 652) of Salmonella Typhimurium from human patients in Gauteng Province of South Africa were investigated for the years 2006 and 2007. Bacteria were identified using standard microbiological techniques and serotyping was performed using commercially available antisera. Susceptibility testing to antimicrobial agents was determined by the E-test. Genotypic relatedness of isolates was investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of digested genomic DNA.
RESULTS: Forty-five clusters of isolates were identified, of which four (clusters 3, 5, 6 and 11) were major clusters. Most isolates originated from hospital H2 and most were isolated from patients in the age range of 15 to 64 years. Ninety-three percent (213/230) of patients with a known HIV status were HIV-positive. Most isolates showed resistance to multiple antibiotics. The most commonly expressed antibiotic resistance profiles were ACSSuNa (14%; 75/555) and ACSSuTNa (13%; 72/555). Some evidence was found for nosocomial acquisition of isolates. Of the isolates from the major clusters 3, 5, 6, and 11, 33% (8/24), 6% (7/117), 4% (1/26) and 6% (3/52) were of nosocomial origin, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: In South Africa, Salmonella Typhimurium remains a major opportunistic infection of predominantly HIV-positive patients. Clonally diverse strains that are resistant to multiple antibiotics may circulate in patients aged between 15 and 64 years over prolonged periods within the hospital environment, adding to the health care burden.
Comparison of beta-lactamase genes in clinical and food bacterial isolates in India
Authors: Shahid Mohd. , Malik Abida , Adil Mohd. , Jahan Noor , Malik Ritu
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of human disease-causing enteric bacteria on raw vegetables, fruits, meats, and milk products sold in Indian markets. The study further aimed to analyze antibiotic resistance rates and the presence of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaAmpC.
METHODOLOGY: Twenty-three food-borne and 23 clinical isolates were compared for antibiotic resistance rates and the presence of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaAmpC. Swabs were taken from unwashed and washed food items, as well as from some chopped food specimens, and inoculated on appropriate culture medium. Bacterial isolates were identified, antibiotic susceptibility was performed, and bla genes were detected by PCR.
RESULTS: Thirty-eight bacterial isolates were obtained from the food specimens, of which 36 (94.7%) were Gram-negative and two (5.3%) were Gram-positive bacterial species. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most prevalent (52.6%; 20/38) bacterial species isolated, followed by Citrobacter koseri (18.4%; 7/38). In food isolates, the majority of the isolates were resistant to gentamicin (33.3%) followed by amikacin (11.1%). Resistance to a third-generation cephalosporin was noticed in only 5.6% isolates. However, in clinical isolates, maximal resistance was noticed against third-generation cephalosporins followed by ofloxacin in 91.3% and 86.9% isolates, respectively, and resistance to gentamicin and amikacin was noticed in 78.3% and 52.2% isolates, respectively. The presence of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaAmpC in clinical isolates was noticed in 52.2%, 60.9%, 21.7%, and 43.5%, respectively. None of the isolates from food showed the presence of any of the above-cited genes.
CONCLUSIONS: Probably bla genes have not yet disseminated to raw-food vegetation in India.
Characterıstıcs of cutaneous anthrax ın Turkey
Authors: Baykam Nurcan , Ergonul Onder , Ulu Aysegul , Eren Sebnem , Celıkbas Aysel , Eroglu Mustafa , Dokuzoguz Basak
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Incidence of anthrax is diminishing in developed countries; however, it remains a public health problem in developing countries, especially those whose main source of income is farming.
METHODOLOGY: Charts of patients hospitalized between 1992 and 2008 in the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Department of Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital were reviewed.
RESULTS: Fifty-eight cases with cutaneous anthrax were reviewed. The mean age was 49.8, and 36.2% were female. The most common professions were farmers (62%), butchers (19%), and housewives (15%). The mean incubation period was eight days. Most cases (62%) were exposed to bacteria when butchering sick animals. Eighteen patients used an antibiotic before admission to hospital (31%). The predominantly affected sites were hands (39%) and fingers (29%), followed by forearms (12%), eyelids (7%) and necks (3%). All cases initially had painless ulcers with vesicles; dissemination of the lesion was seen in 27.5% of patients. Gram stain was positive in 11 cases; culture was positive in 7 cases for Bacillus anthracis. All patients except one were discharged and treated with penicillin and/or ciprofloxacin or imipenem. One patient with a disseminated lesion on the neck died even though a steroid was used with the antibiotic.
CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous anthrax should be considered as a possible diagnosis in cases with a painless ulcer with vesicles, edema, and a history of exposure to animals or animal products. Despite previous antibiotic use, taking smears and cultures should be encouraged. Treatment with penicillin G or penicillin procain alone is effective for cases with cutaneous anthrax without severe edema and superinfection.
Knowledge, attitude and practice assessment of construction workers for HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kanda Koji , Obayashi Yoshi , Ditangco Rossana A. , Matibag Gino C. , Yamashina Hiroko , Okumura Shoko , Silva K. Tudor , Tamashiro Hiko
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence is relatively lower in Sri Lanka than in other Asian countries; however, the number of HIV-infected persons has rapidly increased in recent years.
METHODOLOGY: A baseline study on HIV, acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS), and sexually transmitted infections (STI) knowledge, attitude, and practice was conducted at two construction sites in Sri Lanka from January to February 2007 to design an effective intervention strategy for the construction workers.
RESULTS: Among 611 respondents (mostly males, mean age 32.8 years), nearly two-thirds lived away from home. Knowledge was fairly good on AIDS prevention but poorer on STI than on HIV. Some misconceptions were also observed. A high percentage did not consider HIV/AIDS as their own personal issue, and over 50% respondents expressed discriminatory attitudes towards HIV positives. Condom access was limited due to social and cultural norms. Mobility was not significantly associated with practice of prevention of HIV and STI.
CONCLUSION: This study showed that the construction workers were not specially at higher risk of HIV at that time. In order to minimize the potential risk of infection, however, it would be effective to reduce stigma and discrimination among them through the prevention program, working together with community or religious leaders in the areas. More comprehensive assessment among other population groups would also be beneficial to identify their risk of infection
Antibody response to the epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens following vaccination of Lama glama crias
Authors: Bentancor Adriana B. , Halperin Pablo , Flores Myriam , Iribarren Fabián
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Enterotoxaemia produced by Clostridium perfringens A, C and D is an important cause of mortality in young llamas. There is no data on antibody responses following vaccination with epsilon toxin.
METHODOLOGY: Twenty-six L. glama crias were divided into four groups which were vaccinated with a commercial vaccine (Mancha Gangrena Enterotoxemia, Instituto Rosembusch Sociedad Anónima, Argentina) on days 0, 21 and 42 or left as unvaccinated controls. An indirect ELISA was compared with the mouse neutralization test (MNT) for measuring titers to C. perfringens type D epsilon toxin and used to determine titers in sera taken before vaccination and 16, 28, 49, 59, and 93 days later.
RESULTS: The ELISA gave comparable results to the MNT and showed animals vaccinated once failed to develop raised titers. A week following a second vaccination, mean antibody titers rose significantly (P < 0.05) and 7/12 animals developed high titers which were present in only one animal at the end of the study (day 93). A third vaccination resulted in a decrease in mean antibody titers a week later.
CONCLUSIONS: Llamas develop antibodies to Clostridium perfringens type D epsilon toxin after two vaccinations at a 21-day interval. Further studies are indicated to determine if these inoculations protect against enterotoxemia and the most appropriate vaccination schedule.
The potential role of mobile phones in the spread of bacterial infections
Authors: Akinyemi Kabir O. , Atapu Audu D. , Adetona Olabisi O. , Coker Akitoye O.
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Mobile phones are indispensable accessories both professionally and socially but they are frequently used in environments of high bacteria presence. This study determined the potential role of mobile phones in the dissemination of diseases.
METHODOLOGY: Specifically, 400 swab samples from mobile phones were collected and divided into groups categorized by the owners of the phones as follows: Group A was comprised of 100 food vendors; Group B, 104 lecturers/students; Group C, 106 public servants; and Group D, 90 health workers. Samples were cultured and the resulting isolates were identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests by standard procedures.
RESULTS: The results revealed a high percentage (62.0%) of bacterial contamination. Mobile phones in Group A had the highest rate of contamination (92; 37%), followed by Group B (76; 30.6%), Group C (42; 16.9%), and Group D (38; 15.3%). Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CNS) was the most prevalent bacterial agent from mobile phones in Group A (50.1%) and least from phones in Group D (26.3), followed by S. aureus. Other bacterial agents identified were Enterococcus feacalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella spp. There was no statistical significance difference (P < 0.05) in the occurrence of S. aureus, the most frequently identified pathogenic bacterial agent isolated from the mobile phones in the study groups. Fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporin were found to be effective against most isolates.
CONCLUSION: Mobile phones may serve as vehicles of transmission of both hospital and community-acquired bacterial diseases. Strict adherence to infection control, such as hand washing, is advocated.
Neonatal sepsis due to Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi A
Authors: Mohanty Srujana , Gaind Rajni , Sehgal Rachna , Chellani Harish , Deb Monorama
Published: October 2009

Sepsis due to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Paratyphi A is rare in neonates. Though described as a mild and unrecognized illness in infants, life-threatening complications and even deaths have been reported. We present five cases of neonatal septicaemia due to S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A. The cases were presented because of their interesting clinical presentations and possible modes of transmission. Salmonella infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sepsis neonatorum, especially in endemic areas.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Brasilia periphery: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Modesto dos Santos Vitorino , Rocha de Sá Diana Aristótelis , Turra Thiago Zavascki , Ferreira Borges Nancy Mendonça , Nascimento Ulisses Mariano , Damasceno Emanuel Adelino Medeiros
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an emerging rodent-borne disease in the American continent, characterized by acute respiratory distress and a high case-fatality ratio. The present work describes a case of HPS, with favorable outcome, whose initial features were mistaken for leptospirosis or other less severe acute infections.
METHODOLOGY: The case of a 32-year-old male with an uneventful course of HPS is reported. He was inadvertently infected at work by exposure to a rodent-contaminated environment in Brasília, Federal District vicinity, during May 2008.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Fever, headache and myalgia after exposure to a rodent-contaminated environment raised clinical suspicion. Non-cardiac pulmonary edema, hydrothorax, neutrophilia with band forms 26%, high hematocrit, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes were observed. Leptospirosis and dengue were the main differential diagnoses because both pathogens are endemic in the area. Hantavirus IgM antibody-capture ELISA was positive, while tests for dengue, leptospirosis and yellow fever were negative.
The prognosis for HPS is ominous and misdiagnoses may increase mortality. Better chances of survival depend on prompt intensive care support. Reports of moderate or less typical cases can raise the suspicion index among primary care and hospital-based physicians about this uncommon but severe condition that often affects previously healthy young individuals from developing countries, and subjects who interact with rodent-infested environments in North America.
High awareness of HPS allowed successful management of the patient, even before establishing the diagnosis, by serological tests at the reference laboratory of the Ministry of Health. Clinical suspicion favored warning local health authorities about a new case of HPS.
Antibiotic resistance among Shigella serogroups isolated in Tehran, Iran (2002-2004)
Authors: Ranjbar Reza , Soltan-Dallal Mohammad Mahdi , Pourshafie Mohammad Reza , Mammina Caterina
Published: October 2009

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Elevated Levels of Select Gangliosides in T Cells from Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Is Associated with T Cell Dysfunction
Authors: Biswas Soumika , Biswas Kaushik , Richmond Amy , Ko Jennifer , Ghosh Sankar , Simmons Matthew , Rayman Patricia , Rini Brian , Gill Inderbir , Tannenbaum Charles S. , Finke James H.
Published: October 2009

Increased expression of gangliosides by different tumor types including renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is thought to contribute to the immune suppression observed in cancer patients. In this study, we report an increase in apoptotic T cells from RCC patients compared with T cells from normal donors that coincided with the detection of T cells staining positive for GM2 and that the apoptosis was predominantly observed in the GM2+ but not the GM2− T cell population. Ganglioside shedding from tumor rather than endogenous production accounts for GM2+ T cells since there was no detectable level of mRNA for GM2 synthase in RCC patient T cells and in T cells from normal healthy donors after incubation with either purified GM2 or supernatant from RCC cell lines despite their staining positive for GM2. Moreover, reactive oxygen species as well as activated caspase 3, 8, and 9 were predominantly elevated in GM2+ but not GM2− T cells. Similarly, increased staining for GD2 and GD3 but not GD1a was detected with patient T cells with elevated levels of apoptosis in the GD2+ and GD3+ cells. These findings suggest that GM2, GD2, and GD3 play a significant role in immune dysfunction observed in RCC patient T cells.
PU.1 Regulates TCR Expression by Modulating GATA-3 Activity
Authors: Chang Hua-Chen , Han Ling , Jabeen Rukhsana , Carotta Sebastian , Nutt Stephen L. , Kaplan Mark H.
Published: October 2009

The Ets transcription factor PU.1 is a master regulator for the development of multiple lineages during hematopoiesis. The expression pattern of PU.1 is dynamically regulated during early T lineage development in the thymus. We previously revealed that PU.1 delineates heterogeneity of effector Th2 populations. In this study, we further define the function of PU.1 on the Th2 phenotype using mice that specifically lack PU.1 in T cells using an lck-Cre transgene with a conditional Sfpi1 allele (Sfpi1lck−/−). Although deletion of PU.1 by the lck-Cre transgene does not affect T cell development, Sfpi1lck−/− T cells have a lower activation threshold than wild-type T cells. When TCR engagement is limiting, Sfpi1lck−/− T cells cultured in Th2 polarizing conditions secrete higher levels of Th2 cytokines and have greater cytokine homogeneity than wild-type cells. We show that PU.1 modulates the levels of TCR expression in CD4+ T cells by regulating the DNA-binding activity of GATA-3 and limiting GATA-3 regulation of TCR gene expression. GATA-3-dependent regulation of TCR expression is also observed in Th1 and Th2 cells. In CD4+ T cells, PU.1 expression segregates into subpopulations of cells that have lower levels of surface TCR, suggesting that PU.1 contributes to the heterogeneity of TCR expression. Thus, we have identified a mechanism whereby increased GATA-3 function in the absence of the antagonizing activity of PU.1 leads to increased TCR expression, a reduced activation threshold, and increased homogeneity in Th2 populations.
Functionally Mature CD4 and CD8 TCRαβ Cells Are Generated in OP9-DL1 Cultures from Human CD34+ Hematopoietic Cells
Authors: Van Coppernolle Stefanie , Verstichel Greet , Timmermans Frank , Velghe Imke , Vermijlen David , De Smedt Magda , Leclercq Georges , Plum Jean , Taghon Tom , Vandekerckhove Bart , Kerre Tessa
Published: October 2009

Human CD34+ hematopoietic precursor cells cultured on delta-like ligand 1 expressing OP9 (OP9-DL1) stromal cells differentiate to T lineage cells. The nature of the T cells generated in these cultures has not been studied in detail. Since these cultures do not contain thymic epithelial cells which are the main cell type mediating positive selection in vivo, generation of conventional helper CD4+ and cytotoxic CD8+ TCRαβ cells is not expected. Phenotypically mature CD27+CD1− TCRγδ as well as TCRαβ cells were generated in OP9-DL1 cultures. CD8 and few mature CD4 single-positive TCRαβ cells were observed. Mature CD8 single-positive cells consisted of two subpopulations: one expressing mainly CD8αβ and one expressing CD8αα dimers. TCRαβ CD8αα and TCRγδ cells both expressed the IL2Rβ receptor constitutively and proliferated on IL-15, a characteristic of unconventional T cells. CD8αβ+ and CD4+ TCRαβ cells were unresponsive to IL-15, but could be expanded upon TCR stimulation as mature CD8αβ+ and CD4+ T cells. These T cells had the characteristics of conventional T cells: CD4+ cells expressed ThPOK, CD40L, and high levels of IL-2 and IL-4; CD8+ cells expressed Eomes, Runx3, and high levels of granzyme, perforin, and IFN-γ. Induction of murine or human MHC class I expression on OP9-DL1 cells had no influence on the differentiation of mature CD8+ cells. Similarly, the presence of dendritic cells was not required for the generation of mature CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. These data suggest that positive selection of these cells is induced by interaction between T precursor cells.
Cutting Edge: Tumor-Specific CD8+ T Cells Infiltrating Prostatic Tumors Are Induced to Become Suppressor Cells
Authors: Shafer-Weaver Kimberly A. , Anderson Michael J. , Stagliano Katherine , Malyguine Anatoli , Greenberg Norman M. , Hurwitz Arthur A.
Published: October 2009

We previously reported that naive, tumor-specific CD8+ (TcR-I) T cells transferred into prostate tumor-bearing mice traffic to the prostate where they become tolerized. We now report that TcR-I cells suppress the proliferation of naive T cells. This suppression is mediated at least in part by secreted factors, and the suppressive activity can be blocked by Abs directed against TGF-β. We further report that TcR-I cells must infiltrate the prostate to acquire suppressive activity. Delivery of tumor-specific CD4+ T cells prevents the conversion of TcR-I cells into suppressor cells. Taken together, our findings may have critical implications for sustaining T cell responsiveness during immunotherapy, as the development of suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment may eliminate the potency of T cells primed in the periphery or delivered during adoptive immunotherapy.
Autoimmunity during Thymectomy-Induced Lymphopenia: Role of Thymus Ablation and Initial Effector T Cell Activation Timing in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Gagnerault Marie-Claude , Lanvin Olivia , Pasquier Virginie , Garcia Corinne , Damotte Diane , Lucas Bruno , Lepault Françoise
Published: October 2009

Autoimmune diseases develop in selected normal mouse strains when thymectomy (Tx) is performed at 3 days of age (d3-Tx). Insufficient T cell regulation after Tx may result from a defect in regulatory T (Treg) cells or from an augmented effector T (Teff) cell number/pathogenicity. We have previously shown that Tx at 3 wk (wk3-Tx), the age of massive islet Ag release, accelerates diabetes onset. We now have determined diabetes incidence in d3-Tx nonobese diabetic mice and compared the frequency and function of their Teff and Treg cells with those of wk3-Tx mice. We found that d3-Tx had no effect on diabetes incidence, but induced gastritis. After day 3 and week 3 Tx, Treg cells were fully competent and their frequency increased. The number of diabetogenic T cells was greatly amplified after wk3-Tx and likely overcame Treg cell control, leading to an early tolerance breakdown. By contrast, in d3-Tx mice, activation concerned few cells and Teff cell amplification remained controlled. This suggests that Tx enhances autoimmunity when it coincides with the first encounter of autoreactive T cells with their cognate Ag. The relationship between Tx-induced lymphopenia, tissue remodeling, and autoimmunity is discussed.
The birth of an African journal: PHCFM
Authors: Ogunbanjo Gboyega A.
Published: October 2009

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Azeotropic Binary Solvent Mixtures for Preparation of Organic Single Crystals
Authors: Li Xiaoran , Kjellander B. K. Charlotte , Anthony John E. , Bastiaansen Cornelis W. M. , Broer Dirk J. , Gelinck Gerwin H.
Published: October 2009

Here, a new approach is introduced to prepare large single crystals of
π‐conjugated organic molecules from solution. Utilizing the concept of azeotropism, single crystals of tri‐isopropylsilylethynyl pentacene (TIPS‐PEN) with dimensions up to millimeters are facilely self‐assembled from homogeneous solutions comprising two solvents with opposing polarities and a positive azeotropic point. At solvent compositions close to the azeotropic point, an abrupt transition of morphology from polycrystalline thin‐films to large single crystals is found. How to adjust the initial ratio of the binary solvents so that the change in solvent composition during evaporation favors the specific H‐aggregation and promotes an efficient self‐assembly of TIPS‐PEN is explained. The charge‐carrier (hole) mobilities are substantially enhanced by a factor of 4 from the morphology of thin‐films to large single crystals used as active layer in field‐effect transistors. Additionally, this approach is extended to other π–π stacked organic molecules to elucidate its broad applicability.
Reduced amygdala activity during aversive conditioning in human narcolepsy
Authors: Ponz Aurélie , Khatami Ramin , Poryazova Rositsa , Werth Esther , Boesiger Peter , Schwartz Sophie , Bassetti Claudio L.
Published: October 2009

Narcolepsy with cataplexy is a sleep‐wake disorder caused by a loss of hypothalamic hypocretins. Here we assessed the time course of amygdala activation during aversive conditioning in unmedicated patients with narcolepsy. Unlike healthy matched control subjects, narcolepsy patients had no enhancement of amygdala response to conditioned stimuli and no increase in functional coupling between the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that human narcolepsy is accompanied by abnormal emotional learning, and that, in line with animal data, the hypocretin system and the amygdala are involved in this process. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:394–398
Inhibitory effect of molt‐inhibiting hormone on phantom expression in the Y‐organ of the kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus
Authors: Asazuma Hideaki , Nagata Shinji , Nagasawa Hiromichi
Published: October 2009

Molting in crustaceans is induced by ecdysteroids as in insects. The ecdysteroid titre in hemolymph is negatively regulated by molt‐inhibiting hormone (MIH) that inhibits the secretion of ecdysteroids from the Y‐organ, an ecdysteroid‐producing gland of crustaceans, whereas little is known about the molecular mechanism of inhibition by MIH. Recently, the Halloween genes encoding cytochrome P450 monooxygenases were characterized as the steroidogenic enzymes in insects. To elucidate whether the ecdysteroidogenesis in the Y‐organ is regulated by molt‐inhibiting hormone (MIH), we analyzed the expression level of an orthologue of a member of the Halloween genes, phantom (Cyp306a1, phm), in the Y‐organ of a decapod crustacean, Marsupenaeus japonicus. A cDNA encoding phm (Mj‐phm) was cloned by degenerate PCR and 5′‐ and 3′‐RACEs. The deduced amino acid sequence of Mj‐phm showed about 40% identity to those of insect phm. The six motif sequences and the four substrate recognition sites were well conserved between Mj‐PHM and other PHM. RT‐PCR showed the specific expression of Mj‐phm mRNA in the Y‐organ. In addition, quantitative real‐time PCR verified that the expression level of Mj‐phm was significantly increased at the pre‐molt stage and decreased after ecdysis. Furthermore, exposure of the Y‐organ to MIH significantly decreased the Mj‐phm expression level in vitro. These results indicate that the transcription of Mj‐phm in the Y‐organ may be regulated by the inhibitory mechanism of MIH of M. japonicus, which involves the consequent negative regulation of ecdysteroidogenesis at the transcriptional level. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the relationship between interdisciplinarity and scientific impact
Authors: Larivière Vincent , Gingras Yves
Published: October 2009

This article analyzes the effect of interdisciplinarity on the scientific impact of individual articles. Using all the articles published in Web of Science in 2000, we define the degree of interdisciplinarity of a given article as the percentage of its cited references made to journals of other disciplines. We show that although for all disciplines combined there is no clear correlation between the level of interdisciplinarity of articles and their citation rates, there are nonetheless some disciplines in which a higher level of interdisciplinarity is related to a higher citation rates. For other disciplines, citations decline as interdisciplinarity grows. One characteristic is visible in all disciplines: Highly disciplinary and highly interdisciplinary articles have a low scientific impact. This suggests that there might be an optimum of interdisciplinarity beyond which the research is too dispersed to find its niche and under which it is too mainstream to have high impact. Finally, the relationship between interdisciplinarity and scientific impact is highly determined by the citation characteristics of the disciplines involved: Articles citing citation‐intensive disciplines are more likely to be cited by those disciplines and, hence, obtain higher citation scores than would articles citing non‐citation‐intensive disciplines.
Isomerization in the CDR2 of a monoclonal antibody: Binding analysis and factors that influence the isomerization rate
Authors: Dick Lawrence W. , Qiu Difei , Wong Rosie B. , Cheng Kuang‐Chuan
Published: October 2009

Isomerization of a monoclonal antibody is one of the common routes of protein degradation. An isomerization in the complementarity‐determining region (CDR) was found previously and is investigated in depth in this work. Affinity analysis proves that the antibody with one isomerized heavy chain has lower binding. Binding constants were determined, and exhibited a slower on‐rate in conjunction with a faster off‐rate for this isomerization. To determine the role of the buffer on the rate of isomerization, this antibody was incubated in various matrices and the amount of isomerized antibody was determined by hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC). The rate was found to be dependent on the pH as well as the net negative charge of the buffer components that can act as proton acceptors. An Arrhenius plot was performed to predict the levels of isomerization and a comparison of real samples proved the model was correct. This work affirms that isomerization in the CDR of a therapeutic antibody is important to monitor and the formulation buffer plays a significant role in the rate of the isomerization. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010; 105: 515–523. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.