bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROFITABILITY AND DIVERSITY AMONG KNITWEAR‐PRODUCING FIRMS IN BANGLADESH: THE PROSPECTS OF A LABOR‐INTENSIVE INDUSTRY IN A LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRY
Authors: BAKHT Zaid , YAMAGATA Tatsufumi , YUNUS Mohammad
Published: September 2009

This paper assesses the profitability and productivity of the knitwear industry in Bangladesh taking into account the sector's role in poverty reduction. Using firm‐level data collected in 2001, rate of return and total factor productivity were used to gauge the extent and determinants of the profitability of the industry. In addition, stochastic frontier analysis was used to assess variability in productivity. The estimation results indicate high profitability of the knitwear firms on average. In Bangladesh, the dynamic development of the industry has entailed great diversity in efficiency in comparison with the garment industries of other developing countries. Although there is a significant scale effect in profitability and productivity, no supporting evidence was found for the positive impact on competitiveness of industrial upgrading in terms of usage of expensive machinery, vertical integration, and industrial agglomeration.
The Use of the Hebrew Bible in Early Jewish Magic
Authors: Angel Joseph
Published: September 2009

This study seeks to enumerate the extensive and variegated use of the Hebrew Bible in early Jewish magic. The survey focuses mainly on the key Jewish magical corpora from late antiquity and the early Middle Ages – Palestinian Amulets, Babylonian magic bowls, assorted magical texts from the Cairo Geniza, and several magical handbooks deriving from Babylonia and other indeterminate locations. The article is divided into three substantive sections. The first treats numerous methodological pitfalls tied to the use of the terms ‘magic,’‘Jewish magic,’ and ‘Hebrew Bible.’ The second and third sections are devoted, respectively, to the two broad formal categories into which magical use of the Hebrew Bible may be divided, citations of biblical verses and biblical historiolae.
From Tracking Statistics to Learning words: Statistical Learning and Lexical Acquisition
Authors: Estes Katharine Graf
Published: September 2009

By age 1, infants display remarkable sensitivity to the sound structure of their native language. Statistical learning, the process of detecting structure in the environment by tracking patterns in the input, is hypothesized to contribute to infants’ early learning about sound. The present paper explores how infants’ ability to track distributional information in the speech signal contributes to a fundamental aspect of language development, linking sounds with meanings in word learning. Previous research has demonstrated that infants detect several cues that mark where words begin and end in the fluent stream of speech (e.g., transitional probability, phonotactic regularities). Tracking such patterns may allow infants to isolate individual words, making them available to be associated with referents. Even very early in vocabulary development, statistical learning about which sound sequences are likely or unlikely to occur within words in the native language may also shape word learning. We propose that early experience with sound sequence regularities provides infants with a foundation for lexical acquisition.
Genomic events underlying the changes in adamantane resistance among influenza A(H3N2) viruses during 2006–2008
Authors: Deyde Varough , Garten Rebecca , Sheu Tiffany , Smith Catherine , Myrick Allison , Barnes John , Xu Xiyan , Shaw Michael , Klimov Alexander , Gubareva Larisa
Published: September 2009

Background  Adamantanes resistance in H3N2 viruses has been increasing since 2000, and in 2005–2006 reached nearly 100% in most countries, with the circulation of the N‐lineage. In 2006–2007, however, a significant decrease in resistance was observed in many regions.

Objectives  To explore potential links between adamantane resistance and the A(H3N2) viruses that circulated between 2006 and 2008.

Methods  A total of 1451 Influenza A (H3N2) viruses collected globally in 2001–2008 were screened for the presence of adamantane resistance markers. A subset of 100 viruses representing the broad genetic and geographic spectrum of these viruses was selected for complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses.

Results  Full genome sequence analysis of 2006–2007 viruses revealed co‐circulation of four distinct genotypes, designated A–D. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated reassortment between viruses from the N‐lineage and other viruses that had circulated in prior seasons, including those bearing an adamantane sensitive marker. Genotype D viruses became dominant in late 2006–2007 and continued to be the main H3N2 genotype in 2007–2008. Viruses of this genotype retained all N‐lineage genome segments except PB2 and NP, which were acquired through reassortment.

Conclusions  The decrease in adamantane resistance at that time was due to transient co‐circulation of genotypes that emerged through reassortment. Our findings emphasize the importance of complete genome sequencing in understanding the complex nature of the relationship between influenza virus evolution and antiviral resistance. The recent emergence of the pandemic multi‐reassortant H1N1 virus underscores the importance of whole genome sequence monitoring for rapid detection of such unusual and novel strains.
Immunotherapy of Diffuse Gliomas: Biological Background, Current Status and Future Developments
Authors: Grauer Oliver M. , Wesseling Pieter , Adema Gosse J.
Published: September 2009

Despite aggressive multimodal treatment approaches, the prognosis for patients with diffuse gliomas remains disappointing. Glioma cells often extensively infiltrate in the surrounding brain parenchyma, a phenomenon that helps them to escape surgical removal, radiation exposure and chemotherapy. Moreover, conventional therapy is often associated with considerable local and systemic side effects. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic approaches is essential to improve the outcome of these patients. Immunotherapy offers the opportunity to specifically target residual radio—and chemoresistant tumor cells without damaging healthy neighboring brain tissue. Significant progress has been made in recent years both in understanding the mechanisms of immune regulation in the central nervous system (CNS) as well as tumor‐induced and host‐mediated immunosuppression elicited by gliomas. In this review, after discussing the special requirements needed for the initiation and control of immune responses in the CNS, we focus on immunological phenomena observed in glioma patients, discuss different immunological approaches to attack glioma‐associated target structures and touch on further strategies to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy of gliomas.
A New Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Method to Identify Irradiated Soybean
Authors: Sanyal Bhaskar , Sharma Arun
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  Low‐dose gamma irradiation causes minimal changes in food matrix making identification of radiation‐processed foods a challenging task. In the present study, soybean samples were irradiated with commercially permitted gamma radiation dose in the 0.25 to 1.0 kGy range for insect disinfestations of food. Immediately after irradiation electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of the skin part of soybean showed a triplet signal (g = 2.0046, hyperfine coupling constant hfcc = 3.0 mT) superimposed on naturally present singlet. These signals were characterized as cellulose and phenoxyl radicals using EPR spectrum simulation technique. Kernel part of the samples exhibited a short‐lived, radiation‐induced singlet of carbon‐centered radical superimposed on naturally present sextet signal of Mn2+. A detailed study on relaxation and thermal behavior of induced radicals in skin part was carried out using EPR spectroscopy. These findings revealed that progressive saturation and thermal characteristics of the induced radicals may be the most suitable parameters to distinguish soybean subjected to radiation dose as low as 0.25 kGy from thermally treated and nonirradiated samples, even after a prolonged period of storage.
Changes on Enological Parameters of White Wine Packaged in Bag‐in‐Box during Secondary Shelf Life
Authors: Fu Y. , Lim L.‐T. , McNicholas P.D.
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  This study investigated the effects of temperature (22, 35, and 45 °C), storage time (48, 30, and 15 d), and packaging type on the quality of white wine in bag‐in‐box (BIB) during the secondary shelf life. Several enological parameters (color and contents of free and total SO2, total aldehyde, and total phenol) were monitored and correlated with oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral data. Time and temperature had significant effects on color development and SO2 depletion during storage. The increased absorbance at 420 nm was correlated with decreases of free SO2 and total SO2. Overall, total phenol content correlated negatively with total aldehyde content. The variance of the enological parameters can be correlated with the OTR data, indicating the barrier properties for the tested packages were different. FTIR–ATR spectra of the wine were analyzed chemometrically using PLS algorithm. The resulting models were able to predict the A420, free SO2, total SO2, total phenol, total aldehyde, and storage time of the wines. This technique can potentially be used as an efficient tool to evaluate the quality of wine.
Biased Assimilation: Effects of Assumptions and Expectations on the Interpretation of New Evidence
Authors: Lord Charles G. , Taylor Cheryl A.
Published: September 2009

People so readily generalize that they often ‘know’ in advance what they are going to like and what they are going to dislike. They develop assumptions and expectations, which in part determine their future evaluative responses. Biased assimilation occurs when perceptions of new evidence are interpreted in such a way as to be assimilated into preexisting assumptions and expectations. Because this bias may not be deliberate, people suspect the motives of others who do not share their evaluations, and the bias is difficult to overcome. Biased assimilation most likely occurs, however, because acting as though one’s assumptions and expectations are correct is generally more adaptive than acting as though one’s assumptions and expectations might be wrong. Therefore, overcoming a general tendency toward biased assimilation is not necessarily desirable.
Cryo‐assisted anterior approach for surgery of retroocular orbital tumours avoids the need for lateral or transcranial orbitotomy in most cases
Authors: Rosen Nachum , Priel Ayelet , Simon Guy J. Ben , Rosner Mordechai
Published: September 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 675–680

Purpose:  To describe and evaluate a cryo‐assisted, minimally invasive, anterior approach for orbital tumour surgery.

Methods:  Retrospective, non‐comparative, consecutive, interventional case series of 103 patients who were operated on by the same surgeon for retroocular orbital tumours over the last 16 years.

Results:  A cryo‐assisted, minimally invasive, anterior approach was employed in 63 out of the 103 patients (61.2%). In 37 patients (35.9%), anterior orbitotomy without the use of cryoprobe was employed for biopsy or excision of small, anteriorly located lesions. Lateral orbitotomy was used in three patients (2.9%). In a subgroup of 61 patients with circumscribed lesions (mainly cavernous haemangiomas and schwannomas), cryoextraction was used in 51 (83.6%). None of the procedures required conversion to lateral orbitotomy and there were no intraoperative complications.

Conclusion:  In contrast to other reports on the treatment of orbital lesions, in the current case series surgery of most solid tumours and many other cystic or infiltrative lesions was achieved here via an anterior, cryo‐assisted approach, and thus with minimal trauma to the orbit. This approach warrants more favourable consideration because the combination of the anterior approach with the use of cryoprobe and surgical microscope can yield successful results, even in patients with large or deeply located tumours – obviating in most of them the need for lateral or transcranial orbitotomies with bone flaps.
Training in minimally invasive surgery: An Asian perspective
Authors: Lomanto D , Lawenko MM , Lopez‐Gutierrez J
Published: September 2009

Minimally invasive surgery, which requires a different approach than used in the past, has created a revolution not only in surgical practice but also in surgical education. To overcome the challenges and difficulties of minimally invasive surgery, training needs to be done outside the operating room and away from the patient. New educational tools have emerged in the form of surgical simulators, including trainer boxes, virtual reality simulators and hybrid simulators. Many studies have confirmed the effectiveness of both box trainers and virtual reality simulators for surgical education. The integration of simulators into a structured laparoscopic skills curriculum creates an ideal training ground for acquiring the necessary skills for minimally invasive surgery. It has also been proven that this training model is effective for transferring acquired skills into the clinical setting.
INFLATION PERSISTENCE AND CORE INFLATION: THE CASE OF SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Rangasamy Logan
Published: September 2009

This paper analyses the persistence of inflation in South Africa since 1981. A measure of the persistence of inflation provides important information about the impact of shocks on the economy over time. This information can be extremely useful for the purpose of setting monetary policy, especially in a small, open economy like South Africa. In addition, an estimate of persistence at the disaggregate level helps in the identification of the main drivers of aggregate inflation. This information is useful in deriving a core measure of South African inflation, which outperforms some of the more readily available core measures in identifying the underlying inflationary pressures in the economy.
Diagnosis and classification of periodontal disease
Authors: Highfield J
Published: September 2009

Periodontal diseases have been recognized and treated for at least 5000 years. Clinicians have recognized for many years that there are apparent differences in the presentation of periodontal diseases and have attempted to classify these diseases. Systems of classifications of disease have arisen allowing clinicians to develop structures which can be used to identify diseases in relation to aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment. It allows us to organize effective treatment of our patients’ diseases. Once a disease has been diagnosed and classified, the aetiology of the condition and appropriate evidence‐based treatment is suggested to the clinician. Common systems of classification also allow effective communication between health care professionals using a common language. Early attempts at classification were made on the basis of the clinical characteristics of the diseases or on theories of their aetiology. These attempts were unsupported by any evidence base. As scientific knowledge expanded, conventional pathology formed the basis of classification. More recently, this has been followed by systems of classification based upon our knowledge of the various periodontal infections and the host response to them. Classification of periodontal diseases has, however, proved problematic. Over much of the last century clinicians and researchers have grappled with the problem and have assembled periodically to review or develop the classification of the various forms of periodontal disease as research has expanded our knowledge of these diseases. This has resulted in frequent revisions and changes. A classification, however, should not be regarded as a permanent structure. It must be adaptable to change and evolve with the development of new knowledge. It is expected that systems of classification will change over time. This review examines the past and present classifications of the periodontal diseases.
Radiographs in periodontal disease diagnosis and management
Authors: Corbet EF , Ho DKL , Lai SML
Published: September 2009

Radiographs are an integral component of a periodontal assessment for those with clinical evidence of periodontal destruction. A close consideration of the current approach to periodontal diagnosis compatible with the current classification of periodontal diseases reveals that radiographs only inform with respect to diagnosis for a small proportion of conditions. The area in periodontal assessment in which radiographs play a pivotal role is in treatment planning. A variety of radiographic exposure types assist in the development of periodontal treatment plans. This “therapeutic yield” can be achieved by panoramic oral radiographs supplemented by selective intra‐oral views. Digital panoramic oral radiographs viewed on screen appear to offer advantages over printouts or films. Newer imaging approaches, such as cone‐beam computed (digital volume) tomography, may come to show some usefulness but experience has shown that digital subtraction radiography will probably remain a research tool without much clinical application.
Numerical criteria for divisors on to be ample
Authors: Gibney Angela
Published: September 2009

The moduli space $\M _{g,n}$ of n-pointed stable curves of genus g is stratified by the topological type of the curves being parameterized: the closure of the locus of curves with k nodes has codimension k. The one-dimensional components of this stratification are smooth rational curves called F-curves. These are believed to determine all ample divisors.

F-conjecture 

A divisor on $\M _{g,n}$ is ample if and only if it positively intersects theF-curves.

In this paper, proving the F-conjecture on $\M _{g,n}$ is reduced to showing that certain divisors on $\M _{0,N}$ for N⩽g+n are equivalent to the sum of the canonical divisor plus an effective divisor supported on the boundary. Numerical criteria and an algorithm are given to check whether a divisor is ample. By using a computer program called the Nef Wizard, written by Daniel Krashen, one can verify the conjecture for low genus. This is done on $\M _g$ for g⩽24, more than doubling the number of cases for which the conjecture is known to hold and showing that it is true for the first genera such that $\M _g$ is known to be of general type.
Stress Analysis of Composite Pipe Joints Under Combined Torsional and Tensile Loading
Authors: Yang Chihdar , Guan Zhidong
Published: September 2009

An analytical model was developed using the first-order laminated shell theory to determine stress and strain distributions within a composite pipe joint under combined torsional and tensile loading. Due to the axisymmetric nature of torsional and tensile loads about the pipe’s central axis, a one-dimensional model was sufficient to simulate the system response. In this developed model, a three-component joint system consisting of coupling, adhesive, and pipe was used to model different types of composite pipe joints, such as adhesive-bonded socket joints, butt-and-strap joints, and heat-activated coupling joints. Good correlations were found when comparing results from both the developed model and the finite element model, including adhesive peel stress and shear stress distributions.
Coordinated Planar Mechanisms to Approximate the Three Dimensional Motion of the Knee
Authors: Nielsen Daniel , Blocker Loren , Pardo Nick
Published: September 2009

The motion of the human knee during flexion and extension generates spatial movement. The current designs of many knee braces and prostheses fail to incorporate this complex motion. This paper presents a method for developing mechanisms with which to more accurately approximate the true movement of the human knee joint with an orthosis comprised of single degree of freedom (DoF) mechanisms. Digitized measurements of the relative motion of the tibia and femur were used to determine the design positions of the mechanisms. Analytical strategies were employed to synthesize suitable Stephenson six-bar linkages for the task of motion generation. The more desirable solutions were selected based on their ability to match the measured movement of the knee as well as the size of their operational envelope. Distinct, single DoF linkages were synthesized for the medial and lateral sides of the knee. Coordination, via attachment to the tibial portion of the orthosis, of these linkages provides a single DoF mechanism to approximate the complex motion of the tibia relative to the femur during flexion and extension.
Dampace: Design of an Exoskeleton for Force-Coordination Training in Upper-Extremity Rehabilitation
Authors: Stienen Arno H. A. , Hekman Edsko E. G. , Prange Gerdienke B. , Jannink Michiel J. A. , Aalsma Arthur M. M. , van der Helm Frans C. T. , van der Kooij Herman
Published: September 2009

The Dampace exoskeleton combines functional exercises resembling activities of daily living with impairment-targeted force-coordination training. The goal of this paper is to evaluate the performance of the Dampace. In the design, the joint rotations are decoupled from the joint translations; the robot axes align themselves to the anatomical axes, overcoming some of the traditional difficulties of exoskeletons. Setup times are reduced to mere minutes and static reaction forces are kept to a minimum. The Dampace uses hydraulic disk brakes, which can resist rotations with up to 50 N m and have a torque bandwidth of 10 Hz for multisine torques of 20 N m. The brakes provide passive control over the movement; the patients’ movements can be selectively resisted, but active movement assistance is impossible and virtual environments are restricted. However, passive actuators are inherently safe and force active patient participation. In conclusion, the Dampace is well suited to offer force-coordination training with functional exercises.
Manufacture of Energy Storage and Return Prosthetic Feet Using Selective Laser Sintering
Authors: South Brian J. , Fey Nicholas P. , Bosker Gordon , Neptune Richard R.
Published: September 2009

Proper selection of prosthetic foot-ankle components with appropriate design characteristics is critical for successful amputee rehabilitation. Elastic energy storage and return (ESAR) feet have been developed in an effort to improve amputee gait. However, the clinical efficacy of ESAR feet has been inconsistent, which could be due to inappropriate stiffness levels prescribed for a given amputee. Although a number of studies have analyzed the effect of ESAR feet on gait performance, the relationships between the stiffness characteristics and gait performance are not well understood. A challenge to understanding these relationships is the inability of current manufacturing techniques to easily generate feet with varying stiffness levels. The objective of this study was to develop a rapid prototyping framework using selective laser sintering (SLS) for the creation of prosthetic feet that can be used as a means to quantify the influence of varying foot stiffness on transtibial amputee walking. The framework successfully duplicated the stiffness characteristics of a commercial carbon fiber ESAR foot. The feet were mechanically tested and an experimental case study was performed to verify that the locomotor characteristics of the amputee’s gait were the same when walking with the carbon fiber ESAR and SLS designs. Three-dimensional ground reaction force, kinematic, and kinetic quantities were measured while the subject walked at 1.2 m/s. The SLS foot was able to replicate the mechanical loading response and locomotor patterns of the ESAR foot within ±2 standard deviations. This validated the current framework as a means to fabricate SLS-based ESAR prosthetic feet. Future work will be directed at creating feet with a range of stiffness levels to investigate appropriate prescription criteria.
Deep-Sea Temperature and Ice Volume Changes Across the Pliocene-Pleistocene Climate Transitions
Authors: Sosdian Sindia , Rosenthal Yair
Published: September 2009

Stepping Down

Earth's environment changed markedly over the past 5.2 million years, when a permanent ice sheet has developed in the Northern Hemisphere and the glacial cycle has changed its period from roughly every 40,000 years to the dominantly 100,000-year duration of the past half-million years. One of the biggest questions about these changes is whether they were “threshold” responses to a gradual, uniform cooling trend or whether they represent reactions to discrete episodes of cooling.
Sosdian and Rosenthal
(p.
306
) present deep-ocean temperature records from the North Atlantic that show that the cooling happened in distinct steps, at 3 to 2.5 million years ago and at 1.2 to 0.85 million years ago. Combining their record with that of deep ocean water oxygen isotopes allowed the distinction between effects due to global cooling and ice-sheet dynamics.
Activation of the PI3K Pathway in Cancer Through Inhibition of PTEN by Exchange Factor P-REX2a
Authors: Fine Barry , Hodakoski Cindy , Koujak Susan , Su Tao , Saal Lao H. , Maurer Matthew , Hopkins Benjamin , Keniry Megan , Sulis Maria Luisa , Mense Sarah , Hibshoosh Hanina , Parsons Ramon
Published: September 2009

Reigning In Tumor Suppression

Mitogenic signaling through phosphoinositide-3 kinase generates the lipid second messenger phosphatidyl inositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). The tumor suppressor gene product and lipid phosphatase PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome 10) opposes such mitogenic signaling by dephosphorylating PIP3. In a screen for proteins that interact with PTEN,

Fine
et al.

(p.
1261
) identified P-REX2a, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the RAC small guanosine triphosphatase. Endogenous P-REX2a and PTEN interacted in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, and P-REX2a inhibited catalytic activity of PTEN. Thus, like that of many protein phosphatases, the activity of PTEN is kept in check by an interacting protein inhibitor. P-REX2a thus provides a mechanism through which tumor cells may inactivate PTEN.
Perineuronal Nets Protect Fear Memories from Erasure
Authors: Gogolla Nadine , Caroni Pico , Lüthi Andreas , Herry Cyril
Published: September 2009

Adult Fears

Why are fear memories almost impossible to get rid of—even with extensive extinction training? Animal studies have shown that the efficacy of extinction learning depends on age. Fear memories in young animals can be permanently erased, but in adults they can be easily recovered after extinction training. Perineuronal nets, the highly organized form of extracellular matrix around inhibitory neurons, mediate the shift from juvenile to adult forms of learning in sensory systems.

Gogolla
et al.

(p.
1258
; see the Perspective by

Pizzorusso

) have discovered that the formation of perineuronal nets in the amygdala coincides with the developmental shift in the ability to erase fear memories by extinction. Removal of perineuronal nets in adult animals re-enabled the erasure of fear memories. Thus, in adults it appears that fear memories are actively protected from erasure by the perineuronal nets.
Unbiased Reconstruction of a Mammalian Transcriptional Network Mediating Pathogen Responses
Authors: Amit Ido , Garber Manuel , Chevrier Nicolas , Leite Ana Paula , Donner Yoni , Eisenhaure Thomas , Guttman Mitchell , Grenier Jennifer K. , Li Weibo , Zuk Or , Schubert Lisa A. , Birditt Brian , Shay Tal , Goren Alon , Zhang Xiaolan , Smith Zachary , Deering Raquel , McDonald Rebecca C. , Cabili Moran , Bernstein Bradley E. , Rinn John L. , Meissner Alex , Root David E. , Hacohen Nir , Regev Aviv
Published: September 2009

Peeking at Pathogen Response Networks

Networks controlling gene expression serve as key decision-making circuits in cells, but the regulatory networks that control dynamic and specific gene expression responses to stimuli are often not well understood. This is particularly true for immune dendritic cells (DCs), which respond to pathogens by mounting elaborate transcriptional responses, and are centrally involved in infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and vaccines.

Amit
et al.

(p.
257
, published online 3 September) explored the transcriptional response of dendritic cells to specific classes of pathogens. The transcriptional subnetworks responsible for mammalian dendritic cell responses to different pathogens were identified, and the function of 100 regulators clarified.
Genetic Constraints on Adaptation?
Authors: Merilä Juha
Published: September 2009

A lack of genetic variation in ecologically important traits may limit the ability of tropical species to respond to climate change.
Like Infant, Like Dog
Authors: Tomasello Michael , Kaminski Juliane
Published: September 2009

The domestic dog possesses social-cognitive skills that parallel those of human children.
Comparative Evaluation of Two Vaccine Candidates against Experimental Leishmaniasis Due toLeishmania majorInfection in Four Inbred Mouse Strains
Authors: Benhnini Fouad , Chenik Mehdi , Laouini Dhafer , Louzir Hechmi , Cazenave Pierre André , Dellagi Koussay
Published: September 2009

ABSATRCT

Experimental leishmaniasis in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice are the most investigated murine models that were used for the preclinical evaluation ofLeishmaniavaccine candidates. We have previously described two new inbred mouse strains named PWK and MAI issued from feral founders that also support the development of experimental leishmaniasis due toL. major. In this study, we sought to determine whether different mouse inbred strains generate concordant or discordant results when used to evaluate the potential ofLeishmaniaproteins to protect against experimental leishmaniasis. To this end, twoLeishmaniaproteins, namely, LACK (forLeishmaniahomolog of receptor for activated C kinase) andLmPDI (forL. majorprotein disulfide isomerase) were compared for their capacity to protect against experimental leishmaniasis in PWK, MAI, BALB/c, and C57BL/6 inbred mouse strains. Our data show that the capacity ofLeishmaniaproteins to confer protection depends on the mouse strain used, stressing the important role played by the genetic background in shaping the immune response against the pathogen. These results may have important implications for the preclinical evaluation of candidateLeishmaniavaccines: rather than using a single mouse strain, a panel of different inbred strains of various genetic backgrounds should be tested in parallel. The antigen that confers protection in the larger range of inbred strains may have better chances to be also protective in outbred human populations and should be selected for clinical trials.
Antibodies Induced by Dengue Virus Type 1 and 2 Envelope Domain III Recombinant Proteins in Monkeys Neutralize Strains with Different Genotypes
Authors: Bernardo Lidice , Fleitas Osmel , Pavón Alequis , Hermida Lisset , Guillén Gerardo , Guzman Maria G.
Published: September 2009

In the present work, we evaluated the neutralizing capacity of the antibodies induced by dengue virus type 1 and 2 envelope domain III recombinant proteins in monkeys against strains of different dengue virus type 1 and 2 genotypes. Here we demonstrated that dengue virus type 1 and 2 recombinant proteins induced high titers of neutralizing antibodies against different genotype strains.
Cryopreservation Decreases Receptor PD-1 and Ligand PD-L1 Coinhibitory Expression on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell-Derived T Cells and Monocytes
Authors: Campbell D. E. , Tustin N. B. , Riedel E. , Tustin R. , Taylor J. , Murray J. , Douglas S. D.
Published: September 2009

The B7-CD28 immunoglobulin superfamily of costimulatory and coinhibitory ligands and their cell receptors play a critical role in modulating immune responses. Imbalances in these immune regulatory signals occur in pathological conditions characterized by chronic antigenic stimulation. Clinical studies often rely on the use of cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to evaluate cellular immune responses. The impact of cryopreservation on these coinhibitory ligands and their cell receptors is unknown. In our studies, cryopreservation significantly reduced the expression of both PD-1 and PD-L1 on PBMC-derived CD3
+
/CD8
+
T cells and CD45
+
/CD14
+
monocytes obtained from adult control subjects. Blockade of PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2 using both freshly isolated and cryopreserved PBMC led to higher levels of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and
Candida
-induced gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) with no effect on IL-10 production. Coinhibitory signaling blockade of freshly isolated, PHA-stimulated PBMC from normal adult controls and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects led to increased production of IL-4 and IL-5.
Candida
-stimulated PBMC preferentially induced IFN-γ and TNF-α production, with reduced production of IL-2 and IL-10. This is in contrast to high levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α production with PHA-stimulated cells. The effects of coinhibitory blockade on PHA and
Candida
-induced lymphoproliferation were varied, with freshly isolated PBMC from adult control subjects and HIV-infected patients yielding higher levels of lymphoproliferation in response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Immune function studies employing cryopreserved cells may lead to increased T-cell effector cytolytic and regulatory immune responses.
Increased Immunoglobulin G Anti-
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Serum Antibody Avidity as a Predictor of Favorable Posttherapeutic Evolution in Paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: Yoshida Márcia , Arroyo Sanchez Maria Carmen , Shikanai-Yasuda Maria Aparecida
Published: September 2009

Paracoccidioidomycosis is endemic in Latin America, and ca. 80% of all cases occur in Brazil. Little is known about antibody avidity or the evolution of such avidity in the posttherapeutic period for the different clinical presentations of the disease. In the present study, we evaluated 53 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis and calculated the avidity index. Medium- and high-avidity antibodies were found in 79.5% of patients with chronic presentation (
n
= 39). Among patients with the acute form (
n
= 14), 57.1% of the antibodies presented low avidity. In the posttherapeutic period, there was a significant increase in antibody avidity in patients presenting with the chronic multifocal form. In our preliminary study, which needs to be confirmed using a larger number of samples, the optimized method for studying antibody avidity detected differences among the clinical presentations of the mycosis and indicated the value of the avidity index as a marker of posttherapeutic evolution of patients with a multifocal chronic form of the disease.
Multiplex Real-Time PCR for Rapid Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome
mec
Typing
Authors: Chen Liang , Mediavilla José R. , Oliveira Duarte C. , Willey Barbara M. , de Lencastre Herminia , Kreiswirth Barry N.
Published: September 2009

Rapid identification and typing of methicillin (meticillin)-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is important for understanding the molecular epidemiology and evolution of MRSA and offers many advantages for controlling transmission in both health care and community settings. We developed a rapid molecular beacon real-time PCR (MB-PCR) assay for staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
) typing. The design of this system is based on the established definition of SCC
mec
types, namely, the combination of the
mec
class complex with the
ccr
allotype. The assay consists of two multiplex panels, the combination of which results in two targets (
mec
class
, ccr
) for each SCC
mec
type. MB-PCR panel I targets
mecA
,
ccrB2
,
mecI
, and the Δ
mecR1-
IS
1272
junction (
mec
class B); it can definitively identify SCC
mec
types II and IV. MB-PCR panel II detects
ccrC
,
ccrB1
,
ccrB3
,
ccrB4
, and the Δ
mecR1-
IS
431
junction (
mec
class C2) and is therefore capable of identifying SCC
mec
types I, III, V, and VI in combination with panel I. The method can also detect the recently described novel SCC
mec
type VIII (
ccrAB4
with
mec
class A). Our assay demonstrated 100% concordance when applied to 162 MRSA strains previously characterized by traditional SCC
mec
typing schemes. Four geographically and temporally diverse
S. aureus
collections were also successfully classified by our assay, along with 1,683 clinical isolates comprising both hospital- and community-associated MRSA and methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
strains. As many as 96 isolates can be classified easily within 3 to 4 h, including DNA isolation, PCR cycling, and analysis. The assay is rapid, robust, sensitive, and cost-effective, allowing for high-throughput SCC
mec
typing of MRSA isolates.
Cervid Herpesvirus 2, the Primary Agent in an Outbreak of Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis in Semidomesticated Reindeer
Authors: Tryland Morten , Das Neves Carlos G. , Sunde Marianne , Mørk Torill
Published: September 2009

An outbreak of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) occurred in semidomesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Troms County, Norway, in February 2009. Twenty-eight animals with clinical symptoms and 12 apparently healthy animals were investigated. They ranged in age from calves of the year to 4-year-old animals (mean, 1.9 years; standard deviation, ±0.9). The seroprevalence of antibodies against cervid herpesvirus 2 (CvHV2) was 86% in animals with IKC and 42% in unaffected animals. For the 28 clinically affected animals, CvHV2 was detected by PCR in swabs obtained from the eye (82%), nose (64%), and vagina (24%), and CvHV2 was isolated from eye swabs from 8 animals. Virus was not isolated from clinically unaffected animals but was detected by PCR in eye swab samples from five of them. The viral activity, assessed by the ability to cause a cytopathic effect in cell culture, increased with the severity of clinical symptoms, but in severe clinical cases, virus was absent and secondary bacterial infections were dominant.Moraxellasp. isolates were obtained from seven animals, and those from two animals were identified asMoraxella bovoculi. Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcussp., andArcanobacterium pyogeneswere also isolated. It is concluded that CvHV2, which is endemic in reindeer, can cause IKC, probably most commonly as a primary infection of calves. This can be a very painful and devastating disease of economic importance for reindeer herders. This is the first report of CvHV2 as the primary agent of IKC in reindeer. This is also the first isolation of this virus in reindeer under natural herding conditions.
Distribution of Kakugo Virus and Its Effects on the Gene Expression Profile in the Brain of the Worker Honeybee
Apis mellifera
L
Authors: Fujiyuki Tomoko , Matsuzaka Emiko , Nakaoka Takayoshi , Takeuchi Hideaki , Wakamoto Akiko , Ohka Seii , Sekimizu Kazuhisa , Nomoto Akio , Kubo Takeo
Published: September 2009

We previously identified a novel insect picorna-like virus, termed Kakugo virus (KV), obtained from the brains of aggressive honeybee worker bees that had counterattacked giant hornets. Here we examined the tissue distribution of KV and alterations of gene expression profiles in the brains of KV-infected worker bees to analyze possible effects of KV infection on honeybee neural and physiological states. By use of in situ hybridization, KV was broadly detected in the brains of the naturally KV-infected worker bees. When inoculated experimentally into bees, KV was detected in restricted parts of the brain at the early infectious stage and was later detected in various brain regions, including the mushroom bodies, optic lobes, and ocellar nerve. KV was detected not only in the brain but also in the hypopharyngeal glands and fat bodies, indicating systemic KV infection. Next, we compared the gene expression profiles in the brains of KV-inoculated and noninoculated bees. The expression of 11 genes examined was not significantly affected in KV-infected worker bees. cDNA microarray analysis, however, identified a novel gene whose expression was induced in the periphery of the brains of KV-infected bees, which was commonly observed in naturally infected and experimentally inoculated bees. The gene encoded a novel hypothetical protein with a leucine zipper motif. A gene encoding a similar protein was found in the parasitic wasp
Nasonia
genome but not in other insect genomes. These findings suggest that KV infection may affect brain functions and/or physiological states in honeybees.
Nucleosome Assembly Proteins Bind to Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen 1 and Affect Its Functions in DNA Replication and Transcriptional Activation
Authors: Wang Shan , Frappier Lori
Published: September 2009

The EBNA1 protein of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays several important roles in EBV latent infection, including activating DNA replication from the latent origin of replication (
oriP
) and activating the transcription of other latency genes within the EBV chromatin. These functions require EBNA1 binding to the DS and FR elements within
oriP
, respectively, although how these interactions activate these processes is not clear. We previously identified interactions of EBNA1 with the related nucleosome assembly proteins NAP1 and TAF-I, known to affect the replication and transcription of other chromatinized templates. We have further investigated these interactions, showing that EBNA1 binds directly to NAP1 and to the β isoform of TAF-I (also called SET) and that these interactions greatly increase the solubility of EBNA1 in vitro. These interactions were confirmed in EBV-infected cells, and chromatin immunoprecipitation with these cells showed that NAP1 and TAF-I both localized with EBNA1 to the FR element, while only TAF-I was detected with EBNA1 at the DS element. In keeping with these observations, alteration of the NAP1 or TAF-Iβ level by RNA interference and overexpression inhibited transcriptional activation by EBNA1 in FR reporter assays. In addition, EBNA1-mediated DNA replication was stimulated when TAF-I (but not NAP1) was downregulated and was inhibited by TAF-Iβ overexpression. The results indicate that the interaction of EBNA1 with NAP1 and TAF-I is important for transcriptional activation and that EBNA1 recruits TAF-I to the DS element, where it negatively regulates DNA replication.
Insertional Mutations in Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 gL Identify Functional Domains for Association with gH and for Membrane Fusion
Authors: Fan Qing , Lin Erick , Spear Patricia G.
Published: September 2009

Glycoprotein L (gL) is one of four glycoproteins required for the entry of herpes simplex virus (HSV) into cells and for virus-induced cell fusion. This glycoprotein oligomerizes with gH to form a membrane-bound heterodimer but can be secreted when expressed without gH. Twelve unique gL linker-insertion mutants were generated to identify regions critical for gH binding and gH/gL processing and regions essential for cell fusion and viral entry. All gL mutants were detected on the cell surface in the absence of gH, suggesting incomplete cleavage of the signal peptide or the presence of a cell surface receptor for secreted gL. Coexpression with gH enhanced the levels of cell surface gL detected by antibodies for all gL mutants except those that were defective in their interactions with gH. Two insertions into a conserved region of gL abrogated the binding of gL to gH and prevented gH expression on the cell surface. Three other insertions reduced the cell surface expression of gH and/or altered the properties of gH/gL heterodimers. Altered or absent interaction of gL with gH was correlated with reduced or absent cell fusion activity and impaired complementation of virion infectivity. These results identify a conserved domain of gL that is critical for its binding to gH and two noncontiguous regions of gL, one of which contains the conserved domain, that are critical for the gH/gL complex to perform its role in membrane fusion.
Diffusion experiments as a new approach to the evaluation of copper transport in humics-containing systems
Authors: Sedláček Petr , Klučáková Martina
Published: September 2009

Diffusion measurements seem to provide a valuable approach to mapping studies on heavy metal transport in systems containing humic substances. The paper deals with the diffusion of cupric ions in a humic hydrogel. The diffusion coefficients of Cu2+ in this medium were determined using in-diffusion from the constant source, diffusion couple and instantaneous planar source. The applicability of the experimental arrangements and mathematical description of metal ion transport are discussed in terms of the influence of complexation of Cu2+ with humic acids. All determined diffusion coefficients of Cu2+ in humic gel were lower but of the same order of magnitude compared with that obtained in water.
Synthesis and spectroscopic investigation of (acetylamino)pyridines
Authors: Chapkanov Atanas G. , Zareva Sonya Y. , Nikolova Rositsa , Trendafilova Elena
Published: September 2009

The self-association of 2- and 3-(acetylamino)pyridines in a condensed phase was investigated by conventional and linear-polarized IR spectroscopy. Interpretation of spectra of the monomer and associated forms was carried out by the reducing-difference procedure. Theoretical quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP level of theory and with 6-31±G** basis set were performed in order to obtain the electronic structure and vibrational characteristics of both compounds.
The Acupuncture Treatment for Postmenopausal Hot Flushes (Acuflash) Study: Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnoses and Acupuncture Points Used, and Their Relation to the Treatment Response
Authors: Borud Einar Kristian , Alræk Terje , White Adrian , Grimsgaard Sameline
Published: September 2009

Introduction

The multicentre, pragmatic, randomised controlled Acuflash study evaluated the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupuncture on postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms and health-related quality of life. It concluded that use of acupuncture in addition to self-care can contribute to a clinically relevant reduction of hot flushes and increased health-related quality of life. This article reports on the TCM syndrome diagnoses and acupuncture points used and their relation to the treatment response, and on treatment reactions and adverse events.

Methods

The acupuncture group (n = 134) received 10 acupuncture treatment sessions and advice on self-care; the control group (n = 133) received advice on self-care only. The study acupuncturists met the current membership criteria of the Norwegian Acupuncture Society, and had at least 3 years’ experience of practising TCM acupuncture. They were free to diagnose and select acupuncture points for each participant, after initial discussion.

Results

Fifty per cent of the participants in the acupuncture group were diagnosed with Kidney Yin Xu as their primary TCM syndrome diagnosis. No statistically significant differences were demonstrated between the syndrome groups regarding the distribution of responders and non-responders, nor regarding the change in health-related quality of life scores. A core of common acupuncture points (SP6, HT6, KI7, KI6, CV4, LU7, LI4, and LR3) were used in all the syndromes, and in addition multiple idiosyncratic points. Core point selection and frequency of use did not differ between responders and non-responders. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Factors other than the TCM syndrome diagnoses and the point selection may be of importance regarding the outcome of the treatment.