bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Botanicals on Infestation Intensity of Aceria Guererronis Keifer in Coconut
Authors: Patnaik Susmita , Rout Kadambini , Pal Sasmita , Mukherjee Partha , Panda Prasanna , Sahoo Satyabrata
Published: July 2010

Effect of Botanicals on Infestation Intensity of Aceria Guererronis Keifer in Coconut

The withdrawal of chemical pesticides opens up a new perspective to control pests through botanical extracts. The essential oils derived from various medicinal and aromatic plants proved to have antifungal, antibacterial and insecticidal properties. The present study is directed towards management of a dreaded pest of coconut i.e. eriophyid mite through exploitation of those properties of the plants. The efficacy of a botanical biocide formulated by using seven different aromatic and medicinal herbs against the infestation intensity of eriophyid mite was tested in the experiment at five different coconut farms in different coconut growing states of India. Four application of the formulated product resulted up to 72.17% damage reduction.
Toxicity of Essential Oil of Agastache Foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze to Oryzaephilus Surinamensis L. and Lasioderma Serricorne F.
Authors: Ebadollahi Asgar , Safaralizadeh Mohammad , Pourmirza Ali , Gheibi Seyyed
Published: July 2010

Toxicity of Essential Oil ofAgastache Foeniculum(Pursh) Kuntze toOryzaephilus SurinamensisL. andLasioderma SerricorneF.

The essential oil of aerial parts ofAgastache foeniculum(Lamiaceae) was isolated by hydrodistillation method and constituents of oil were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Methyl chavicol, 1,8-cineole, 1-octen-3-ol, 3-octanone and germacrene D the predominant components of oil. Methyl chavicol (94.003%) was identified as a major component in the oil. Essential oil was tested for toxicity against adults ofOryzaephilus surinamensisL. andLasioderma serricorneF. The influence of different concentrations of the essential oil vapours on adult mortality was significant. Data of probit analysis showed that a lethal concentration of the essential oil to kill 50% of the population (LC50) for adults ofO. surinamensisandL. serricornewere 18.781 and 21.565 μl/l respectively.O. surinamensiswas more susceptible thanL. serricorneat the exposure time 24 h. The results demonstrated that mortality increased with the increase in concentration and exposure time. These results showed that the essential oil fromA. foeniculumcould be applicable the management of population of stored-product beetle pest.
Monitoring of Codling Moth (Cydia Pomonella L.) in Apple Orchards Using Two Methods
Authors: Kot Izabela
Published: July 2010

Monitoring of Codling Moth (Cydia Pomonella L.) in Apple Orchards Using Two Methods

The present studies were conducted in 1999-2001 in three apple orchards differing from each other by the system of cultivation, the type of agricultural treatments and chemical control of pests. Their purpose was to monitor codling moth (Cydia pomonellaL.) in different types of apple orchards using pheromone traps, finding out the relation between the occurrence of moths and the sum of effective temperatures as well as determining the number of wintering caterpillars of this species with the use of bands of corrugated paper. The analysis of male flight of codling moth on the basis of pheromone traps makes it possible to state the occurrence of two generations in each studied year. The maximum population of the first generation was observed in the second or third ten days of June, while that of the second generation in the first ten days of August. The moths flight began when the sum of effective temperatures was 109.2-145.2°C, and the mean diurnal temperature was 12.3-17.2°C.
First Notice of Phytophthora Aerial Blight and Crown Rot on Pansies in Poland
Authors: Orlikowski Leszek , Pļaszek Magdalena , Wojdyļa Adam , Skrzypczak Czesļaw
Published: July 2010

First Notice ofPhytophthoraAerial Blight and Crown Rot on Pansies in Poland

Phytophthora cactorumwas detected on &9/10; of pansies showing yellowing of leaves and crown rot symptoms and constituted about 90% of isolates obtained.Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium avenaceum, F. solaniandPythium ultimumwere also isolated from diseased tissues. Using rhododendron leaves as the bait,P. cactorumwas detected in pansy substratum as well as from soil under the mata. Isolates obtained from diseased plants, substratum and soil under mata colonized leaves, stem parts and roots of pansy. Necroses spread faster on organs inoculated with cultures from plants and substratum. Among 25 cultivars inoculated withP. cactorum, disease symptoms did not occur on 3 of them, whereas the fastest spread of necrotic spots (3.8 mm/24 hrs) was noticed on 3 cultivars. Isolates ofP. cactorumfromBegonia semperflorensandMalus domesticacolonized leaf petioles of pansy with significantly faster spread when isolates from begonia and pansy were used for inoculation.
Biodiversité en forêt: n'oublions pas les insectes (essai) | Biodiversity in the forest: let's not forget the insects (essay)
Authors: Barbalat Sylvie
Published: July 2010

In Europe, insects represent approximately ¾ of the forest animal species. Thanks to their appreciable numbers and their varied diets, they render numerous services to the forest. By accelerating the recycling of organic material they contribute to the fertility of the soil. A rich and diversified entomological fauna reduces the risk of a proliferation of pests, thanks to predation and competition. Last but not least, many forest insects are in addition active pollinators. Many very specialized forest insects lacking a great mobility have become exceedingly rare and survive only in a few isolated reservoirs. The forest entomological biodiversity must be preserved, quite as much for ethical reasons as for the services which it provides. In order to do this, it is necessary to conserve a structurally diversified forest with many old trees, hollow trunks and snags, clearings and multi-storeyed forest edges.
Biodiversité en forêt: les propriétaires perplexes (essai) | Biodiversity in the forest: perplexed forest owners (essay)
Authors: Borboën Didier
Published: July 2010

When confronted with biodiversity projects which concern them, forest owners are somewhat perplexed. They already make great efforts to conform to a particularly rigorous forest law and, what is more, a good many of them are certified and conform to even stricter norms. A number of as yet unanswered questions and several predictable pitfalls will without doubt retard the realization of projected measures. The financing, which leaves 30% of the costs to their charge, often without any compensation, is not acceptable in the case of services in the general interest.
Wald – schützen durch Nutzung (Essay) | The forest – preservation through utilization (essay)
Authors: Lüscher Felix
Published: July 2010

The forest worldwide is already under great pressure and this will increase in the future. On the one hand the forest will continue to be cleared in order to use the ground for other purposes. On the other hand the demand for wood as a raw material will increase and the ecosystem services of the forest will gain in importance. The aim of sustainable development is hardly disputed nowadays. However, those expecting ecosystem services of the forest often forget that for forest owners the economical aspects must concur with the other components of sustainability in order for them to be able to fulfill the expected ecological and social aims. In accordance with the basic principle “think globally, act locally” the aim in Switzerland is again to more greatly encourage wood production. With at least 10% of priority areas for nature conservation, and a high-quality silvicultural practice in the rest of the forest, biological diversity should also be ensured. These services must be appropriately compensated.
CONVERSION OF ABBANDONED MILITARY AREAS
Authors: Marcinkevičiūtė Daiva , Ambrasas Gintautas
Published: July 2010

The article analyses the situation of abandoned military sites, their value and significance of their conservation. It also reviews their impact on their environment and their potential in tourism, environmental, economic and social spheres. Further the positive experiences in military sites' conversion are studied. The importance of society's involvement in the conversions is discussed.
The situation of XIX-XX age's military object's, the significance of their conservation and their potential in tourism market is separately analysed.
The results of two researches are introduced, one of which inquires about the Lithuanian military objects' potential in tourism sphere, another one explores the possibilities of conversion.
ANALYSIS OF STUDENT KNOWLEDGE EVALUATION APPLYING SELF-ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY: CRITERIA, PROBLEMS AND RESULTS
Authors: Matuliauskaitė Agnė , Žvirblis Edmundas
Published: July 2010

The article analyses research done by a number of authors on problems related to knowledge evaluation based on self-assessment. Self-assessment problems, self-assessment criteria, self-assessment methods, and integration of self-assessment data into the final results are considered in the article. This analysis of the researches is an attempt to reveal whether self-assessment corresponds to traditional knowledge evaluation and what kind of problems occur during such evaluation.
THE TENDENCIES OF HARMONISED INDEX OF CONSUMER PRICES IN LITHUANIA AND EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Urbaitė Ūla
Published: July 2010

This article analyses the criterion of price stability, which plays an important role for Lithuanian ability to adopt the Euro. This work concentrates on analyses of price stability more deeply, presenting the methodologies of determination of inflation rate. The research is based on forecast of short and long-term tendencies of inflation rate in Lithuania and European Union in order to determine the future opportunities to meet price stability criterion and to adopt the Euro. Lithuanian Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices is forecasted for short and long-term, taking into account the present economical crises period and compared with predictions of other institutions such as Ministry of Finances, EC and SEB Bank.
STATE-OF-THE-ART CONCEPTION OF THE PERI-URBAN AREA
Authors: Cirtautas Matas
Published: July 2010

This article discusses the state-of-the-art conception of the peri-urban area and aims at making the clarification of the term. While exploring the historical origins and features of suburban development, it appears that the extensive urban development processes and resulting formation of an intermediate space between the city and countryside is not a conceptually new phenomenon typical of the developed countries. The current interest in this spatial phenomenon (suburbs) is determined by the consistently growing importance of this territorial-organizational unit: recently increased suburban population, greatly expanded areas etc. If the previously used concept of the peri-urban area was closely linked to the city as a central analytical discourse, most recently, in the context of radical decentralization processes, there has been a tendency to defining this urban peripheral area as unique functional and territorial space – the peri-urban landscape. Although scientific and popular literature on suburbs and peri-urban areas is extensive, yet the subject always seems to be elusive. The peri-urban areas are still described as the integral parts of the regular suburban transformation processes taking place in the context of changing social, economic and ecological conditions. The latter holistic approach is a fundamental attribute of a contemporary knowledge of peri-urban space and the key element of the current debate on sustainable urban and regional development.
ESSENTIAL FORMS AND TENDENCIES WITH RESPECT TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REPRESENTATIONAL STRIVINGS AT ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITIONS
Authors: Linartas Darius
Published: July 2010

Due to its exclusive nature, representational architecture is often perceived as the most important, outstanding and suggestive part of the image of one or another era. In the general architectural spectrum, such edifices make up only a small part, whereas creative competitions offer an opposite situation, i.e. representational strivings designate a frequent, usual and reasoned form of the course. By acknowledging the importance of representational architecture, the same meaning shall be assigned to the competitions designed for architecture and analysis thereof. The article focuses on essential issues with respect to the traditions and substantial features of representational strivings at creative competitions. Referring to the particular examples of foreign and Lithuanian architectural competitions, the fundamental typological groups of representational edifices as well as tendencies towards development are defined. On the basis of the carried-out survey and comparison with foreign competitions, efforts are made to delineate the distinguishing qualities of Lithuanian representational architecture within the recent century determining the problems.
ISTANBUL AND THE HERITAGE OF THE EUROPEAN CITY
Authors: Sucker Katharina
Published: July 2010

“The society, which has produced form and shape of the traditional European city does not exist any more.” (Siebel 2004) Raising our conscience on this circumstance as it as been pointed to by Walter Siebel does make planning issues re-appear in the light of knowledge that problems tackled on the basis of realities no longer there, are not going to be solved. In spite of this knowledge however the discourse around the European city seems to narrow a perspective to fully grasp reasons for the stagnation of its spatial form in the backdrop of socio-cultural change.
For this reason I want to include another city into the discussion, which by Siebel’s definition is a typical European city and therefore fit for a comparison with postfeudal European Cities around which Siebel´s theory is oriented. At the same time however Istanbul lifts itself from an euro-centred context by never having fully internalized culturally the mechanisms of spatial production based on western capitalism. In this contribution I will look at the role of this cultural heritage for the prevalence of spatial specificities.
Without the cultural backbone of civic management and social redistribution Istanbul is now, in the late stage of capitalism, a city that has integrated the global tendencies of neo-liberalism directly into the production of urban space. It demonstrates therefore clearly the realities of society through the characteristics of the built environment.
Possibly the image that prevails with its new more explicit forms of urban segregation and the rise of gated communities is a glimpse upon social realities which have gained validity also for the European City.
THE CONCEPTION OF NATIONAL IDENTITY IN CONTEMPORARY LITHUANIAN ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Reklaitė Julija
Published: July 2010

The article suggests the conception of national identity in interdisciplinary content to deduce parallels in architectural theory. Identity is analyzed from the perspectives of time (retrospective and perspective points of view) and personality (inner and outer) as well as from a local-global point of view. It is a part of extensive research on national identity discourses upon contemporary Lithuanian architecture. Though the problem of identity is a pressing issue, the forms of expressing it in architecture still remain facile. Therefore, the article explores the reasons of the current situation.
Neutrophil Functions and Autoimmune Arthritis in the Absence of p190RhoGAP: Generation and Analysis of a Novel Null Mutation in Mice
Authors: Németh Tamás , Futosi Krisztina , Hably Csilla , Brouns Madeleine R. , Jakob Sascha M. , Kovács Miklós , Kertész Zsuzsanna , Walzog Barbara , Settleman Jeffrey , Mócsai Attila
Published: July 2010

β2 integrins of neutrophils play a critical role in innate immune defense, but they also participate in tissue destruction during autoimmune inflammation. p190RhoGAP (ArhGAP35), a regulator of Rho family small GTPases, is required for integrin signal transduction in fibroblasts. Prior studies have also suggested a role for p190RhoGAP in β2 integrin signaling in neutrophils. To directly test that possibility, we have generated a novel targeted mutation completely disrupting the p190RhoGAP-encoding gene in mice. p190RhoGAP deficiency led to perinatal lethality and defective neural development, precluding the analysis of neutrophil functions in adult p190RhoGAP−/− animals. This was overcome by transplantation of fetal liver cells from p190RhoGAP−/− fetuses into lethally irradiated wild-type recipients. Neutrophils from such p190RhoGAP−/− bone marrow chimeras developed normally and expressed normal levels of various cell surface receptors. Although p190RhoGAP−/− neutrophils showed moderate reduction of β2 integrin-mediated adherent activation, they showed mostly normal migration in β2 integrin-dependent in vitro and in vivo assays and normal β2 integrin-mediated killing of serum-opsonized Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. A neutrophil- and β2 integrin-dependent transgenic model of the effector phase of autoimmune arthritis also proceeded normally in p190RhoGAP−/− bone marrow chimeras. In contrast, all the above responses were completely blocked in CD18−/− neutrophils or CD18−/− bone marrow chimeras. These results suggest that p190RhoGAP likely does not play a major indispensable role in β2 integrin-mediated in vitro and in vivo neutrophil functions or the effector phase of experimental autoimmune arthritis.
Mast Cells Contribute to the Mucosal Adjuvant Effect of CTA1–DD after IgG-Complex Formation
Authors: Fang Yu , Larsson Lisa , Mattsson Johan , Lycke Nils , Xiang Zou
Published: July 2010

Mast cell activation is one of the most dramatic immune-mediated responses the body can encounter. In the worst scenario (i.e., anaphylaxis), this response is fatal. However, the importance of mast cells as initiators and effectors of both innate and adaptive immunity in healthy individuals has recently been appreciated. It was reported that mast cell activation can be used as an adjuvant to promote Ag-specific humoral immune responses upon vaccination. In this study, we have used a clinically relevant mucosal adjuvant, cholera toxin A1 subunit (CTA1)–DD, which is a fusion protein composed of CTA1, the ADP-ribosylating part of cholera toxin, and DD, two Ig-binding domains derived from Staphylococcus aureus protein A. CTA1–DD in combination with polyclonal IgG induced degranulation and production of TNF-α from mouse mast cells. Furthermore, CTA1–DD and polyclonal IgG complex induced mast cell degranulation in mouse skin tissue and nasal mucosa. We also found that intranasal immunization with hapten (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl) acetyl (NP) coupled to chicken gammaglobulin admixed with CTA1–DD complexed with polyclonal IgG greatly enhanced serum IgG anti-NP Ab responses and stimulated higher numbers of NP-specific plasma cells in the bone marrow as compared with that observed in mice immunized with NP-chicken gammaglobulin with CTA1–DD alone. This CTA1–DD/IgG complex-mediated enhancement was mast cell dependent because it was absent in mast cell-deficient KitW-sh/W-sh mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that a clinically relevant adjuvant, CTA1–DD, exerts additional augmenting effects through activation of mucosal mast cells, clearly demonstrating that mast cells could be further exploited for improving the efficacy of mucosal vaccines.
Tethering of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule on Target Cells Is Required for LFA-1–Dependent NK Cell Adhesion and Granule Polarization
Authors: Gross Catharina C. , Brzostowski Joseph A. , Liu Dongfang , Long Eric O.
Published: July 2010

αLβ2 integrin (LFA-1) has an important role in the formation of T cell and NK cell cytotoxic immunological synapses and in target cell killing. Binding of LFA-1 to ICAM on target cells promotes not only adhesion but also polarization of cytolytic granules in NK cells. In this study, we tested whether LFA-1–dependent NK cell responses are regulated by the distribution and mobility of ICAM at the surface of target cells. We show that depolymerization of F-actin in NK-sensitive target cells abrogated LFA-1–dependent conjugate formation and granule polarization in primary NK cells. Degranulation, which is not controlled by LFA-1, was not impaired. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments and particle tracking by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy revealed that ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 were distributed in largely immobile clusters. ICAM clusters were maintained and became highly mobile after actin depolymerization. Moreover, reducing ICAM-2 mobility on an NK-resistant target cell through expression of ezrin, an adaptor molecule that tethers proteins to the actin cytoskeleton, enhanced LFA-1–dependent adhesion and granule polarization. Finally, although NK cells kept moving over freely diffusible ICAM-1 on a lipid bilayer, they bound and spread over solid-phase ICAM-1. We conclude that tethering, rather than clustering of ICAM, promotes proper signaling by LFA-1 in NK cells. Our findings suggest that the lateral diffusion of integrin ligands on cells may be an important determinant of susceptibility to lysis by cytotoxic lymphocytes.
B1 Cells Promote Pancreas Infiltration by Autoreactive T Cells
Authors: Ryan Gemma A. , Wang Chun Jing , Chamberlain Jayne L. , Attridge Kesley , Schmidt Emily M. , Kenefeck Rupert , Clough Louise E. , Dunussi-Joannopoulos Kyri , Toellner Kai-Michael , Walker Lucy S. K.
Published: July 2010

The entry of autoreactive T cells into the pancreas is a critical checkpoint in the development of autoimmune diabetes. In this study, we identify a role for B1 cells in this process using the DO11 × RIP-mOVA mouse model. In transgenic mice with islet-specific T cells, but no B cells, T cells are primed in the pancreatic lymph node but fail to enter the pancreas. Reconstitution of the B1 cell population by adoptive transfer permits extensive T cell pancreas infiltration. Reconstituted B1 cells traffic to the pancreas and modify expression of adhesion molecules on pancreatic vasculature, notably VCAM-1. Despite substantial pancreas infiltration, islet destruction is minimal unless regulatory T cells are depleted. These data identify a role for B1 cells in permitting circulating islet-specific T cells to access their Ag-bearing tissue and emphasize the existence of multiple checkpoints to regulate autoimmune disease.
ERK Is Integral to the IFN-γ–Mediated Activation of STAT1, the Expression of Key Genes Implicated in Atherosclerosis, and the Uptake of Modified Lipoproteins by Human Macrophages
Authors: Li Na , McLaren James E. , Michael Daryn R. , Clement Mathew , Fielding Ceri A. , Ramji Dipak P.
Published: July 2010

The proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ is a master regulator of atherosclerosis and mediates its cellular actions mainly through STAT1. Unfortunately, the impact of other IFN-γ inducible pathways on STAT1 activation and the regulation of downstream responses associated with atherosclerosis in human macrophages are poorly understood and were therefore investigated. In this study, we demonstrate that the IFN-γ–mediated phosphorylation of STAT1 on Ser727, crucial for its maximal activity, was attenuated in human macrophages by pharmacological inhibition of ERK. In these cells, IFN-γ induced changes in the expression of several key genes implicated in atherosclerosis, such as MCP-1, through an ERK-dependent mechanism. Additionally, the IFN-γ–induced activity of STAT1-responsive promoters was attenuated by transfection of dominant-negative forms of ERK and other key components of this pathway. Furthermore, the IFN-γ–induced uptake of acetylated and oxidized low-density lipoprotein by human macrophages was attenuated by pharmacological inhibition or RNA interference–mediated knockdown of ERK. These studies suggest a critical role for ERK signaling in the IFN-γ–mediated changes in macrophage cholesterol homeostasis and gene expression during atherosclerosis.
Intralesional Delivery of Dendritic Cells Engineered to Express T-bet Promotes Protective Type 1 Immunity and the Normalization of the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Qu Yanyan , Chen Lu , Pardee Angela D. , Taylor Jennifer L. , Wesa Amy K. , Storkus Walter J.
Published: July 2010

T-bet (Tbx21), a T-box transcription factor, has been previously identified as a master regulator of type 1 T cell polarization. We have also recently shown that the genetic engineering of human dendritic cells (DCs) to express human T-bet cDNA yields type 1-polarizing APCs in vitro (1). In the present study, murine CD11c+ DCs were transduced with a recombinant adenovirus encoding full-length murine T-bets (DC.mTbets) and analyzed for their immunomodulatory functions in vitro and in vivo. Within the range of markers analyzed, DC.mTbets exhibited a control DC phenotype and were indistinguishable from control DCs in their ability to promote allogenic T cell proliferation in MLR in vitro. However, DC.mTbets were superior to control DCs in promoting Th1 and Tc1 responses in vitro via a mechanism requiring DC–T cell interaction or the close proximity of these two cell types and that can only partially be explained by the action of DC-elaborated IL-12p70. When injected into day 7 s.c. CMS4 sarcoma lesions growing in syngenic BALB/c mice, DC.mTbets dramatically slowed tumor progression (versus control DCs) and extended overall survival via a mechanism dependent on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and, to a lesser extent, asialoGM1+ NK cells. DC.mTbet-based therapy also promoted superior tumor-specific Tc1 responses in the spleens and tumor-draining lymph nodes of treated animals, and within the tumor microenvironment it inhibited the accumulation of CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells and normalized CD31+ vascular structures. These findings support the potential translational utility of DC.Tbets as a therapeutic modality in the cancer setting.
Escherichia coli K1 Promotes the Ligation of CD47 with Thrombospondin-1 To Prevent the Maturation of Dendritic Cells in the Pathogenesis of Neonatal Meningitis
Authors: Mittal Rahul , Gonzalez-Gomez Ignacio , Prasadarao Nemani V.
Published: July 2010

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional APCs providing a critical link between adaptive and innate immune responses. Our previous studies have shown that Escherichia coli K1 internalization of myeloid DCs suppressed the maturation of the cells for which outer membrane protein A (OmpA) expression is essential. In this study, we demonstrate that infection of DCs with OmpA+ E. coli significantly upregulates the expression of CD47, an integrin-associated protein, and its natural ligand thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1). Pretreatment of DCs with anti-CD47 blocking Ab or knocking down the expression of CD47 or TSP-1, but not signal regulatory protein α by small interfering RNA, abrogated the suppressive effect of E. coli K1. Ligation of CD47 with a mAb prevented the maturation and cytokine production by DCs upon stimulation with LPS similar to the inhibitory effect induced by OmpA+ E. coli. In agreement with the in vitro studies, suppression of CD47 or TSP-1 expression in newborn mice by a novel in vivo small interfering RNA technique protected the animals against E. coli K1 meningitis. Reconstitution of CD47 knockdown mice with CD47+ DCs renders the animals susceptible to meningitis by E. coli K1, substantiating the role of CD47 expression in DCs for the occurrence of meningitis. Our results demonstrate a role for CD47 for the first time in bacterial pathogenesis and may be a novel target for designing preventive approaches for E. coli K1 meningitis.
TLR and B Cell Receptor Signals to B Cells Differentially Program Primary and Memory Th1 Responses toSalmonella enterica
Authors: Barr Tom A. , Brown Sheila , Mastroeni Pietro , Gray David
Published: July 2010

Protective Th1 responses to Salmonella enterica do not develop in the absence of B cells. Using chimeric mice, we dissect the early (innate) and late (cognate) contributions of B cells to Th programming. B cell-intrinsic MyD88 signaling is required for primary effector Th1 development, whereas Ag-specific BCR-mediated Ag presentation is necessary for the development of memory Th1 populations. Programming of the primary T cell response is BCR/B cell MHC II independent, but requires MyD88-dependent secretion of cytokines by B cells. Chimeras in which B cells lack IFN-γ or IL-6 genes make impaired Th1 or Th17 responses to Salmonella.
Detecting Defectors When They Have Incentives to Manipulate Their Impressions
Authors: Kiyonari Toko
Published: July 2010

We examined if naive observers can distinguish defectors from cooperators even when defectors may be motivated to present themselves positively. In Study 1, 150 participants played a “semi-sequential” Prisoner’s Dilemma Game (PDG) with real monetary incentives, half as first players and half as second players. First players decided to cooperate or defect, and second players made the same decision without knowing the first player’s choice. The first player was given a chance to present a video message to the second player before the latter made their decision. After the PDG, players played a separate one-shot, semi-sequential Stag Hunt Game (SHG), a coordination game where cooperation is the best choice insofar as the other also cooperates. In this game, the first player was not given a chance to send a video message. When the players had incentives to hide intentions or manipulate impressions of themselves, even motivated judges (whose monetary gain depended on the accuracy of cheater/cooperator detection) could not distinguish defectors from cooperators in either the PDG or SHG. However, they were able to discriminate “hard-core defectors” who defected in both games. In Study 2, however, in which judges had no monetary incentives to detect targets’ choices, participants were unable to discern even hard-core defectors. The contents of the messages did not provide help discerning defectors.
Monitoring of Machining Processes Using Sensor Equipped Tools
Authors: Brinksmeier Ekkard , Heinzel Carsten , Wilkens Antje , Lang Walter , Seedorf Thomas
Published: July 2010

A different to conventional monitoring systems sensor equipped tools give the possibility to gain information about the process status directly from the contact zone between tool and component to be machined. For example this can be realized by the integration of small temperature sensors into grinding wheels. The transmitting of the process data is performed by a telemetric unit attached to the grinding wheel's core. In this paper, the development of a new thin film thermocouple sensor concept is described. The unique feature of this sensor is the continuous contacting of the thermocouple through the grinding process inherent wear which leads to smearing of the thermoelectric layers and thus forming the measuring junction of a thermocouple. The system was used in OD grinding processes aiming to detect grinding burn and process instabilities. By reducing the volume of the sensors a fast response and high time resolution can be obtained. By this way, observance of the key parameters of the practical operation as closely as possible to the cutting area is enabled and so observance of process efficiency and tool status independent from workpiece machining conditions can be realized. All sensors used are thermocouples of type K, a combination of Chromel (NiCr) and Alumel (NiAlMnSi) material. The maximum temperature to be measured by this sensor is about 1350 °C, which ensures the applicability in the grinding process. Telemetry components to amplify and send the thermovoltage signals are adjusted to this type of thermocouple. The ability of the set‐up to detect thermal influences was demonstrated in grinding processes with a continuously increasing specific material removal rate. The approach serves to measure temperatures between fast sliding surfaces in harsh environments (fluids, high pressure, heat), similar to the grinding process. Therefore their application is not limited to tools but also applicable for other rotating components such as bearings, gears and shafts in powertrains.
Developments in Failure and Damage Modeling for UD, 2D, and 3D Composite Materials
Authors: Raimondo Lucio , Iannucci Lorenzo , Robinson Paul
Published: July 2010

This paper outlines three examples of original solutions for the modeling of three classes of composite materials, which have increasing fiber architectural complexity. Results are presented from application of a novel approach for dynamic elastic and failure modeling of UD composites, and novel failure and damage modeling approaches for 2D and 3D composites, respectively. A comparison between numerical and experimental results shows that the newly proposed strategies have excellent predictive capabilities.
Short‐Range Structure of Yttrium Alumino‐Silicate Glass for Cancer Radiotherapy: Car–Parrinello Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Christie Jamieson K. , Tilocca Antonio
Published: July 2010

We present Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) simulations of yttrium alumino‐silicate (YAS) glass. Alumino‐silicate glass microspheres are used as vectors of yttrium radioisotopes in cancer radiotherapy; understanding in detail how yttrium is bound within the glass network is important to control the unwanted release of radioactive yttrium in the bloodstream. Our simulations, focused on a specific composition relevant to practical applications, show that silicon and aluminum form a disordered glass network, where Si is mainly four‐coordinated, whereas, Al is mainly four‐ and five‐coordinated. Yttrium cations have a network‐modifying role, disrupting the alumino‐silicate network by breaking Si(Al)O bonds and coordinating the resulting non‐bridging oxygens (NBO). The local environment of yttrium in the glass turns out to be rather flexible: between five and eight oxygen atoms, with a marked predominance of NBO, are found coordinated to a central Y cation, leading to a corresponding broad and multimodal distribution of OYO angles.
Medical Potentialities of Biomimetic Apatites through Adsorption, Ionic Substitution, and Mineral/Organic Associations: Three Illustrative Examples
Authors: Al‐Kattan Ahmed , Errassifi Farid , Sautereau Anne‐Marie , Sarda Stephanie , Dufour Pascal , Barroug Allal , Dos Santos Isabelle , Combes Christele , Grossin David , Rey Christian , Drouet Christophe
Published: July 2010

Biomimetic calcium phosphate apatites are particularly adapted to bio‐medical applications due to their biocompatibility and high surface reactivity. In this contribution we report three selected examples dealing with mineral/organic interactions devoted to convey new functionalities to apatite materials, either in the form of dry bioceramics or of aqueous colloids. We first studied the adsorption of risedronate (bisphosphonate) molecules, which present potential therapeutic properties for the treatment of osteoporosis. We then addressed the preparation of luminescent Eu‐doped apatites for exploring apatite/collagen interfaces through the FRET technique, in view of preparing “advanced” biocomposites exhibiting close spatial interaction between apatite crystals and collagen fibers. Finally, we showed the possibility to obtain nanometer‐scaled apatite‐based colloids, with particle size tailorable in the range 30–100 nm by controlling the agglomeration state of apatite nanocrystals by way of surface functionalization with a phospholipid moiety. This paper is aimed at illustrating some of the numerous potentialities of calcium phosphate apatites in the bio‐medical field, allowing one to foresee perspectives lying well beyond bone‐related applications.
Natural Aging in Al‐Mg‐Si Alloys – A Process of Unexpected Complexity
Authors: Banhart John , Chang Cynthia Sin Ting , Liang Zeqin , Wanderka Nelia , Lay Matthew D. H. , Hill Anita J.
Published: July 2010

The natural aging behavior of pure ternary Al‐Mg‐Si alloys is investigated by measuring hardness, electrical resistivity and positron lifetime, as well as carrying out thermal analysis and atom probe microscopy. It is found that several distinct temporal stages of natural aging can be distinguished in which one of these quantities shows a characteristic behavior and that these times coincide for many of these measurements. The rate of change in the measured data is correlated with proposed solute dynamics during natural aging for both aging that takes place prior to artificial aging (natural pre‐aging) and after artificial underaging (natural secondary aging) heat treatments. Controlling factors for solute dynamics are discussed.
Aptamer‐Conjugated Nanoparticles Efficiently Control the Activity of Thrombin
Authors: Shiang Yen‐Chun , Huang Chih‐Ching , Wang Tze‐Hsiang , Chien Chun‐Wei , Chang Huan‐Tsung
Published: July 2010

Thrombin‐binding aptamer‐conjugated gold nanoparticles (TBA‐Au NPs) for highly effective control of thrombin activity towards fibrinogen are demonstrated. While a 29‐base long oligonucleotide (TBA29) has known no enzymatic inhibitory functions for thrombin‐mediated coagulation, the ultrahigh anticoagulant potency of TBA29‐Au NPs can be demonstrated via the steric blocking effect, at two orders of magnitude higher than that of free TBA29. The surface aptamer density on the Au NPs is important in determining their enzymatic inhibition of thrombin and their stability in the presence of nuclease. The practicality of 100TBA29‐Au NPs (100 TBA29 molecules per Au NP) for controlling thrombin‐mediated coagulation in plasma is found, and the 100TBA29‐Au NPs has an ultra binding affinity towards thrombin (Kd = 2.7 × 10−11M) due to their high ligand density. The anticoagulant activity of TBA29‐Au NPs is found to be suppressed by TBA29 complementary sequence (cTBA29) modified Au NPs (cTBA29‐Au NPs), with a suppression rate 4.6‐fold higher than that of cTBA29. The easily prepared and low‐cost TBA29‐Au NPs and cTBA29‐Au NPs show their potential in biomedical applications for treating various diseases related to blood clotting disorders. In principle, this study opens the possibility of regulation of molecule binding, protein recognizing, and enzyme activity by using aptamer‐functionalized nanomaterials.
Electrodeposition on Nanofibrous Polymer Scaffolds: Rapid Mineralization, Tunable Calcium Phosphate Composition and Topography
Authors: He Chuanglong , Xiao Guiyong , Jin Xiaobing , Sun Chenghui , Ma Peter X.
Published: July 2010

A straightforward, fast and versatile technique to fabricate mineralized nanofibrous polymer scaffolds for bone regeneration is developed. Nanofibrous poly(L‐lactic acid) scaffolds are fabricated using both electrospinning and phase separation techniques. An electrodeposition process is designed to deposit calcium phosphate on the nanofibrous scaffolds. Such scaffolds contain a high quality mineral coating on the fiber surface and have surface topography and chemical composition that are tunable by varying the processing parameters. These scaffolds can mimic the composition and structure of the natural bone extracellular matrix and provide a more biocompatible interface for bone regeneration.
InI3‐ or ZnI2‐Catalyzed Reaction of Hydroxylated 1,5‐Allenynes with Thiols: A New Access to 3,5‐Disubstituted Toluene Derivatives
Authors: Ma Jie , Peng Lingling , Zhang Xiu , Zhang Zhe , Campbell Melody , Wang Jianbo
Published: July 2010

Transition‐metal‐activated alkynes or allenes can accept nucleophilic attack and undergo direct addition of the nucleophiles to the unsaturated bonds or trigger subsequent rearrangement reactions. This chemistry has witnessed increasing development in recent years. In this report, we have focused on the metal‐catalyzed reactions of a variety of substituted propargyl allenic alcohols and thiophenols using indium(III) and zinc(II) catalysts, which can activate both the alcohol and alkyne. In this reaction, thio groups play the role of a nucleophile and trigger subsequent rearrangements to give benzene derivatives. The products can be further transformed into various 1,3,5‐trisubstituted aromatic compounds by nickel‐catalyzed coupling reactions through the cleavage of the CS bonds.
Peptide‐based leptin receptor antagonists for cancer treatment and appetite regulation
Authors: Otvos Laszlo , Kovalszky Ilona , Scolaro Laura , Sztodola Andras , Olah Julia , Cassone Marco , Knappe Daniel , Hoffmann Ralf , Lovas Sandor , Hatfield Marcus P. D. , Beko Gabriella , Zhang Suode , Wade John D. , Surmacz Eva
Published: July 2010

Leptin, a multifunctional hormone, controls various processes in both the central nervous system and in peripheral tissues. Because of the presence of multiple leptin/receptor (ObR) interaction sites and diverse leptin activities, the literature lacks truly monofunctional leptin protein derivatives or fragments. To date, selective ObR antagonists have not been reported. We developed short, pharmacologically advantageous peptide analogs of ObR‐binding site III of leptin that acted as selective ObR inhibitors without any partial agonistic activity. These reduced leptin‐dependent growth and signaling in cancer cell lines at picomolar and low nanomolar concentrations. In immunocompromised mice the peptides suppressed the growth of rapidly proliferating orthotopic human breast cancer xenografts by 50% when administered either intraperitoneally (i.p.) or subcutaneously (s.c.) for 38 days at a 0.1 mg/kg/day dose. The peptides were distributed to the brain, and when added to growing C57BL/6 normal mice i.p., s.c., or orally, the lead antagonist accelerated normal weight increase without producing any toxic effects. Weight gain increases could not be observed after 10–12 days of treatment indicating that the mice became resistant to the central nervous system activity of leptin antagonists. However, in normal growing rats the intranasal administration at 0.1 mg/kg/day for 20 days resulted in a 2% net total body weight gain without signs of resistance induction. In addition to the potential of these peptides in drug development against primary and metastatic tumors and cachexia, our data confirm that resistance to leptin resides at the blood‐brain barrier. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 96: 117–125, 2011.
A comparative study of activity and apparent inhibition of fungal β‐glucosidases
Authors: Bohlin Christina , Olsen Søren Nymand , Morant Marc Dominique , Patkar Shamkant , Borch Kim , Westh Peter
Published: July 2010

β‐Glucosidases (BGs) from Aspergillus fumigates, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Chaetomium globosum, Emericella nidulans, Magnaporthe grisea, Neurospora crassa, and Penicillium brasilianum were purified to homogeneity, and analyzed by isothermal titration calorimetry with respect to their hydrolytic activity and its sensitivity to glucose (product) using cellobiose as substrate. Global non‐linear regression of several reactions, with or without added glucose, to a product inhibition equation enabled the concurrent derivation of the kinetic parameters kcat, Km, and the apparent product inhibition constant appKi for each of the enzymes. A more simple fit is not advisable to use as the determined appKi are in the same range as their Km for some of the tested BGs and produced glucose would in these cases interfere. The highest value for kcat was determined for A. fumigatus (768 s−1) and the lowest was a factor 9 less. Km varied by a factor of 3 with the lowest value determined for C. globosum (0.95 mM). The measured appKi varied a factor of 15; the hydrolytic activity of N. crassa being the most resistant to glucose with an apparent product inhibition constant of 10.1 mM. Determination of appKi using cellobiose as substrate is important as it reflects to what extent the different BGs are hydrolytically active under industrial conditions where natural substrates are hydrolyzed and the final glucose concentrations are high. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;107: 943–952. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immunomodulation property of hexane fraction of leaves of Cinnamomum tamala Linn. in rats
Authors: Chaurasia Jitendra K , Mishra Anshulika , Tripathi Yamini B
Published: July 2010

The leaves of Cinnamomum tamala Linn. (CT) (Lauraceae) clinically used in Ayurveda as antidiabetic and diuretic, but no reports are available towards immunomodulating property. Its hexane fraction (CTH) was orally given to rats for 10 days and delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH), antibody producton against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs), mitotic index in bone marrow cells and concanavalin A (Con A) mediated proliferation of lymphocytes were assessed. Further on 30 days treatment, change in body weight (BW), spleen weight, thymus weight, bone marrow cellularity and hematological changes were observed. It inhibited significantly the DTH response (IC50 1475 ± 57.19 mg kg−1 BW), antibody production, suppressed mitotic index in bone marrow cells along with the suppression of lymphocyte proliferation against Con A (IC50 63.33 ± 1.95 µg mL−1). In all experiments, cyclophasphamide and dexamethasone had been used as reference drug for in vivo and in vitro studies, respectively. On 30 days treatment, the CTH (800 mg kg−1 BW and above) significantly suppressed growth rate, increase of spleen and thymus weight and low bone marrow cellularity. In hematological examination, it inhibited total white blood cell and lymphocytes count and increased per cent of polymorphs. Thus, it could be suggested that the fraction possesses immunosuppressive property at doses, higher than 800 mg kg−1 BW in rats. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantifying Prefibrillar Amyloids in vitro by Using a “Thioflavin‐Like” Spectroscopic Method
Authors: Reinke Ashley A. , Abulwerdi Gelareh A. , Gestwicki Jason E.
Published: July 2010

In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders, proteins accumulate into ordered aggregates, called amyloids. Recent evidence suggests that these structures include both large, insoluble fibrils and smaller, prefibrillar structures, such as dimers, oligomers, and protofibrils. Recently, focus has shifted to the prefibrillar aggregates because they are highly neurotoxic and their levels appear to correlate with cognitive impairment. Thus, there is interest in finding methods for specifically quantifying these structures. One of the classic ways of detecting amyloid formation is through the fluorescence of the benzothiazole dye, thioflavin T (ThT). This reagent has been a “workhorse” of the amyloid field because it is robust and inexpensive. However, one of its limitations is that it does not distinguish between prefibrillar and fibrillar aggregates. We screened a library of 37 indoles for those that selectively change fluorescence in the presence of prefibrillar amyloid‐β (Aβ). From this process, we selected the most promising example, tryptophanol (TROL), to use in a quantitative “thioflavin‐like” assay. Using this probe in combination with electron microscopy, we found that prefibrils are largely depleted during Aβ aggregation in vitro but that they remain present after the apparent saturation of the ThT signal. These results suggest that a combination of TROL and ThT provides greater insight into the process of amyloid formation by Aβ. In addition, we found that TROL also recognizes other amyloid‐prone proteins, including ataxin‐3, amylin, and CsgA. Thus, this assay might be an inexpensive spectroscopic method for quantifying amyloid prefibrils in vitro.