bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Middle Miocene Bryozoa from Gârbova de Sus (Romania) and their relationship to the sedimentary environment
Authors: Zágoršek Kamil , Filipescu Sorin , Holcová Katarína
Published: December 2010

New Middle Miocene Bryozoa from Gârbova de Sus (Romania) and their relationship to the sedimentary environment

The section of Gârbova de Sus contains diverse fossil groups and rich bryozoan assemblages, with 77 species altogether. Several taxa have been recognized as very important in the assemblage and two new taxa are described in detail:Poricella garbovensissp. nov. andTherenia transylvanicasp. nov. Foraminifera and calcareous nannofossil assemblages were used for biostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental interpretations. On the basis of sedimentological features and micropaleontological data, the sequence of paleoenvironments can be subdivided into two intervals indicating slightly different climatic conditions.
Paleofloristic and paleofaunistic analysis of Dudváh River oxbow and implication for Late Holocene paleoenvironmental development of the Žitný ostrov Island (SW Slovakia)
Authors: Pišút Peter , Břízová Eva , Čejka Tomáš , Pipík Radovan
Published: December 2010

Paleofloristic and paleofaunistic analysis of Dudváh River oxbow and implication for Late Holocene paleoenvironmental development of the Žitný ostrov Island (SW Slovakia)

Žitný ostrov, the largest island of the Danube River (SW Slovakia) gained its present shape in the Neoholocene period. As a result of increased flood and geomorphological Danube river activity dated to 1378-1528 AD, the Lower Dudváh River was abandoned and its alluvium became a part of the Žitný ostrov. Study of a Dudváh terrestrialized paleomeander by means of pollen and macrofossil analysis provides new information about the paleoenvironments of the Danubian Plain. The meander under study was cut-off during the Sub-Boreal period when the land was mostly covered by oak-dominated mixed forest with a notable high frequency ofFagusandAbies.In low-lying depressions,Alnus glutinosaformed typical alder carrs. The largest decline of the mixed forest occurred during the Sub-Atlantic period. Until the mid-19thcentury the region was strongly influenced by shallow groundwater and periodical floods, as reflected by pollen of aquatics and marsh species. Amongst non-arboreal taxa, pollen of Cyperaceae, Brassicaceae/Cuscuta, Poaceae and Apiaceae prevailed. Local successional changes started with i) stage of abandoned oxbow still with influx of moving water, poor in both macrophytes and molluscs, ii) shallow eutrophic oxbow lake with slowly flowing or stagnant water overgrown with aquatics (Ranunculussubgen.Batrachium, Potamogetonsp.,Ceratophyllum demersumetc.) and abundant molluscs, iii) an open marsh dominated by Cyperaceae (mainlyCarex riparia) withAtriplex prostrata, supporting diverse molluscan and Ostracod fauna. Present-day habitat is a result of landscape changes, which have been associated with draining, intensified agriculture, ruderalisation and spread of invasive species.
CorporAl: a Method and Tool for Handling Overlapping Parallel Corpora
Authors: Fishel Mark , Kaalep Heiki-Jaan
Published: December 2010

CorporAl: a Method and Tool for Handling Overlapping Parallel Corpora

This work introduces a method and tool for handling overlapping parallel corpora — i.e. corpora that are based on the same source material. The method is insensitive to minor changes in the text, different segmentation levels of the corpora and omitted material from either corpora. The aim is to detect matching sentence pairs and either produce combinations of the overlapping corpora or compare them and assess their quality in comparison to each other. The introduced tool enables the user to define the desired behavior when combining corpora pairs, resulting in pure comparison, maximum-size or maximum-quality versions of the combinations. We test the tool on two cases of overlapping parallel corpora and five language pairs. We also evaluate the impact of using the method on two translation systems — a phrase-based and a parsing-based one.
Slow sand filters for plant protection in nurseries
Authors: Kubiak Katarzyna , Oszako Tomasz
Published: December 2010

Filtry piaskowe w ochronie roślin przed chorobami w szkółkach
Revisiting a hilltop spruce stand in the Madohora Reserve in Beskid Mały reveals major changes in species composition, structure and succession after 50 years
Authors: Karczmarski Jan , Bąk Michał
Published: December 2010

Skład gatunkowy, budowa i struktura oraz kierunki przemian drzewostanu z udziałem świerka w przygrzbietowej części rezerwatu Madohora w Beskidzie Małym
Interactions among three genotypes of Abies alba callus and fungi with different ecological status
Authors: Nawrot-Chorabik Katarzyna , Jankowiak Robert
Published: December 2010

Interakcje pomiędzy kalusem trzech genotypówAbies albaa grzybami o różnym statusie ekologicznym
Bodily Democracy and Development through Sport - towards Intercultural Recognition
Authors: Eichberg Henning
Published: December 2010

Bodily Democracy and Development through Sport - towards Intercultural Recognition

The theory of ‘development’, when applied to sports, remains an ambiguous and unclear reference. ‘Development’, like ‘modernization’, can be interpreted as Western sports exported to the Third World, as a neo-colonial ‘brawn drain’ of African athletes to the West, as evolutionism and ‘individualization’, none of which considers cultural diversity. This article analyses functionalist developmental theory, currently mainstream in countries like Germany. Developmental theory has a tendency to overlook diversity in sports and, more specifically, dynamics in popular sports and movement culture within different social contexts. There is nothing like ‘the one sport’, nor does ‘the soccer game’ exist alone in the rich world of football. Diversity in sports inspires differentiated views of democracy. How are different forms of democracy, especially in today's ‘competitive state’, implicated in sports? There is no reason to cultivate an attitude of better-knowing when facing the development of ‘the others’. This limitation launches a humble start for sports development as a means of mutual exchange and enrichment.
Equality, Equity and Inclusion: Transgender Athletes' Participation in Competitive Sports - a New Era
Authors: Singh Bal , Singh Kanwaljeet , Sharma Narinder
Published: December 2010

Equality, Equity and Inclusion: Transgender Athletes' Participation in Competitive Sports - a New Era

This review manifests an attempt towards the conceptual study of gender identity issues in competitive sports, foregrounding the genesis of policy matters in relation to transgender athletes. The study explores the motif of inter-relational dynamics between participation in sports of transgender athletes and medico-legal information related to transgender athletes, as the inclusion of transgender athletes is one of the latest and prominent equality challenges across the globe. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken up the issue with regard to participation of sex-reassigned transsexuals and it has resulted in a heated debate for which a changing notion of gender verification came out. The issue under consideration has multi-faceted dimensions of interpretations centering on a desire to ‘deconstruct’ the present structuration of acceptance of sex and gender terminology. The resultant aim is to create a world-view of equality, respect for the ‘other’, and competitive fairness. The latent attempt of the paper is to deconstruct the binary of inequality in the field of sports with a view to give vibrational impetus for attaining the ideals of equality in sports which constitutes the basis of "authentic living", to quote Jean Paul Sartre.
The Particular Law of The Romanian Church United with Rome And the CCEO With Reference to Divine Cult And the Sacraments. Theological And Historical Premises (XVIIth-XVIIIth Centuries)
Authors: Dirle Cornel
Published: December 2010

The Particular Law of The Romanian Church United with Rome And the CCEO With Reference to Divine Cult And the Sacraments. Theological And Historical Premises (XVIIth-XVIIIth Centuries)

This study is meant to contribute to the understanding of the theological and the historical premises that stood at the basis of the codification activity carried on by our regional synods at the end of the nineteenth century, premises that, though relatively remote from a historical point of view, are sufficiently actual when regarded from the perspective of theological conceptualisation. The issue remains open to a more thorough study of immediate premises, such as the analysis of the theological formation of a forerunner of the above-mentioned synods, the canonist Iosif Papp Szylagy, the specific formation of each member of the theological commissions of those regional church reunions, or the eventual synod debates. The discussion can also be circumscribed to an ampler discourse, for example that referring to the confessional or the ritual identity. Since the studies on inter-confessional relations (religious life, for instance), and those concerning the inter-religious relationships in Transylvania, produced in the last 15 years, have focused almost exclusively on the national-social-cultural-historical relevance of those relationships, we find it crucial to start completing the already existing corpus with the consideration of theological-historical aspects.
The Process of Appointing Arnošt Konstantin Růžička a Bishop in České Budějovice During 1815 - 1816, Based on the Sources from Archivio Segreto Vaticano
Authors: Svoboda Rudolf
Published: December 2010

The Process of Appointing Arnošt Konstantin Růžička a Bishop in České Budějovice During 1815 - 1816, Based on the Sources from Archivio Segreto Vaticano

Based on the sources saved in Archivio Segreto Vaticano, this study elaborates on the Episcopal designation of Arnošt Konstantin Růžička, becoming the second bishop in České Budějovice. In essence, it represents the process itself and documents demonstrating Růžička's life, his activities that became necessary in order the process to be successfully terminated and, ultimately, the situation in South Bohemian diocese (bishop's settlement). It captures a period of almost 9-month-long designation process, starting by emperor's nomination in June 1815 and ending by pope's confirmation in March 1816.
Legalization of Greek Catholic Church in Czechoslovakia in 1968
Authors: Coranič Jaroslav
Published: December 2010

Legalization of Greek Catholic Church in Czechoslovakia in 1968

This study deals with the fate (history) of the Greek Catholic Church in Czechoslovakia in 1968. Catholic Church in Czechoslovakia was liquidated by communist state power in the period of 1950 - 1968. The Church did not legally existed, its priests and believers were incorporated violently into the Orthodox Church. Improving this situation occurred in 1968, when so Prague Spring took place in Czechoslovakia. The legalization of the Greek Catholic Church was one of its result. This process was stopped by invasion of Warsaw Pact to the Czechoslovakia in August 1968. Full restoration of the Greek Catholic Church in Czechoslovakia thus was occurred after the November revolution in 1989.
Tre approcci alla riforma liturgica nella Chiesa greco-cattolica ucraina nel XXˆ secolo: C. Korolevskij, A. Šeptytskyj, P. Galadza
Authors: Mojzeš Marcel
Published: December 2010

Tre approcci alla riforma liturgica nella Chiesa greco-cattolica ucraina nel XXˆ secolo: C. Korolevskij, A. Šeptytskyj, P. Galadza

Questo articolo analizza i tre approcci alla riforma liturgica nella Chiesa greco-cattolica ucraina nel XXˆ secolo: quello di C. Korolevskij, di A. Šeptytskyj e quello di P. Galadza. Il primo ed il secondo approccio, realizzato dalle edizioni romane della recensione rutena dei libri liturgici slavi, si limitava soltanto al rito ruteno. Il motivo principale di questa riforma era rimuovere la latinizzazione per avvicinarsi meglio alle Chiese ortodosse, e per aiutare così l'unione delle Chiese dissidenti alla Chiesa di Roma. Questo approccio si basava sulla visione ecumenica pre-conciliare, prima del Vaticano IIˆ. Invece P. Galadza invita a rivallorizzare il problema della latinizzazione alla luce di un cambiamento del paradigma nell'ecclesiologia. Dall'altra parte il suo approccio alla riforma liturgica si allarga a tutto il rito bizantino. Per Galadza il processo della riforma liturgica è simile a quello del restauro di un'icona. Similmente, come l'icona non si restaura soltanto per ritrovare l'armonia dell'immagine restaurata, ma per poter riconoscere meglio il prototipo di cui l'icona è l'immagine, così anche lo scopo della riforma liturgica è di ritrovare le forme più adatte per rivelare la realtà cristiana che è la salvezza in Gesù Cristo.
Primäre Ziele der Erziehung Personalisation und Sozialisation in derheutigen Pädagogik
Authors: Koprivňáková Jana
Published: December 2010

Primäre Ziele der Erziehung Personalisation und Sozialisation in derheutigen Pädagogik

Die Edukation disponiert über einen Komplex von Zielen in der einzelnen Stufen des Erziehungs- und Bildungsprozesses. Das fundamentale und allgemein formulierte Ziel ist allerdings die Persönlichkeitsformierung. Im Rahmen des Beitrags wird dieses Ziel aus der Perspektive der in der slowakischen Pädagogik bevorzugten Konzeption der kreativ-humanistischen Bildung und Erziehung betrachtet. In der Mitte der gesamten Edukation steht eine Person in ihrer Einmaligkeit - die Persönlichkeit. Sie ist durch zwei partielle Ziele formiert: durch die Personalisation, d. h. der Mensch soll eine einzigartige Persönlichkeit werden, und durch die Sozialisation, d. h. im Verhältnis zu einer Sozietät. Ohne diese zwei Komponenten der Edukation würde es unmöglich, über eine Persönlichkeitsformierung zu sprechen.
A Numerical Study of the Analytical Downward Continuation Error in Geoid Computation by EGM08
Authors: Sjöberg L. , Bagherbandi M.
Published: December 2010

A Numerical Study of the Analytical Downward Continuation Error in Geoid Computation by EGM08

Today the geoid can be conveniently determined by a set of high-degree spherical harmonics, such as EGM08 with a resolution of about 5'. However, such a series will be biased when applied to the continental geoid inside the topographic masses. This error we call the analytical downward continuation (DWC) error, which is closely related with the so-called topographic potential bias. However, while the former error is the result of both analytical continuation of the potential inside the topographic masses and truncation of a series, the latter is only the effect of analytical continuation.

This study compares the two errors for EGM08, complete to degree 2160. The result shows that the topographic bias ranges from 0 at sea level to 5.15 m in the Himalayas region, while the DWC error ranges from -0.08 m in the Pacific to 5.30 m in the Himalayas. The zero-degree effects of the two are the same (5.3 cm), while the rms of the first degree errors are both 0.3 cm. For higher degrees the power of the topographic bias is slightly larger than that for the DWC error, and the corresponding global rms values reaches 25.6 and 25.3 cm, respectively, at nmax=2160. The largest difference (20.5 cm) was found in the Himalayas. In most cases the DWC error agrees fairly well with the topographic bias, but there is a significant difference in high mountains. The global rms difference of the two errors clearly indicates that the two series diverge, a problem most likely related with the DWC error.
N-dimensional B-spline surface estimated by lofting for locally improving IRI
Authors: Koch K. , Schmidt M.
Published: December 2010

N-dimensional B-spline surface estimated by lofting for locally improving IRI

N-dimensional surfaces are defined by the tensor product of B-spline basis functions. To estimate the unknown control points of these B-spline surfaces, the lofting method also called skinning method by cross-sectional curve fits is applied. It is shown by an analytical proof and numerically confirmed by the example of a four-dimensional surface that the results of the lofting method agree with the ones of the simultaneous estimation of the unknown control points. The numerical complexity for estimating vn control points by the lofting method is O(vn+1) while it results in O(v3n) for the simultaneous estimation. It is also shown that a B-spline surface estimated by a simultaneous estimation can be extended to higher dimensions by the lofting method, thus saving computer time.

An application of this method is the local improvement of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI), e.g. by the slant total electron content (STEC) obtained by dual-frequency observations of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Three-dimensional B-spline surfaces at different time epochs have to be determined by the simultaneous estimation of the control points for this improvement. A four-dimensional representation in space and time of the electron density of the ionosphere is desirable. It can be obtained by the lofting method. This takes less computer time than determining the four-dimensional surface solely by a simultaneous estimation.
AIDS = Purgatory: Prior Walter's Prophecy and Angels in America
Authors: Barnett Claudia
Published: December 2010

Ghosts come from Purgatory, “the middle space of the realm of the dead.” In Angels in America, the two characters who see ghosts are victims of AIDS, themselves occupying a kind of middle space. While their visions can be seen as fever-, medication-, or stress-induced, both Prior Walter and Roy Cohn are, in fact, sanctified by their proximity to death, and the liminal “space” of AIDS functions as a metaphor for Purgatory throughout the play. In this magical world, Prior Walter is a pilgrim. AIDS is not only death but a precondition for life, as Prior learns on his prophetic journey. He sees because he has AIDS; he survives because he sees; and in the end, he shares his vision with humanity.
The Gray Zone of Victims and Perpetrators in Peter Weiss'sThe Investigation
Authors: Thomas Tammis
Published: December 2010

Utilizing the writings of Primo Levi, Wolfgang Sofsky, and Giorgio Agamben, this article analyses the representation of physical and moral mutilation in relation to the gray zone of forced complicity in Peter Weiss's The Investigation: Oratorio in 11 Cantos (1965). I begin by discussing the play's graphic descriptions of physical mutilation in relation to Agamben's description of the concentration camp as a site for the production of “bare life,” with an emphasis on his theorization of the Muselmann. After outlining the system of graduated power as a force of moral collapse that sought to erase the boundary between victims and perpetrators, I examine the extreme gray zone occupied by the Sonderkommando and the locus of testimony that bears witness to the physical and moral abjection that occurred in the camp.
Methodology to Evaluate Oxidation Degradation of High-Density Polyethylene Corrugated Pipe Resin
Authors: Hsuan Y. Grace , Wong Wai-Kuen
Published: December 2010

A methodology is presented to evaluate the oxidative degradation of compression-molded samples made from high-density polyethylene corrugated pipe resin. The test samples contained 2.5 wt% of carbon black and an antioxidant (AO) package that consisted of 0.05% Irganox 1010 and 0.1% Irgafox 168. Samples were incubated in forced-air ovens at temperatures of 65°C, 75°C, and 85°C (149°F, 167°F, and 185°F) and in a water bath at 85°C (185°F). The amount of AOs in the incubated samples was measured by using both the oxidative induction time (OIT) test and the induction temperature (IT) test. It was found that the OIT test was much more sensitive than the IT test in assessing the AO depletion of incubated samples. For the evaluation of oxidation degradation, both melt index (MI) and tensile break elongation were used to detect changes in molecular weight and mechanical property, respectively. For air incubation, AO depletion rates obeyed a first-order reaction at all three temperatures, and the AOs underwent two simultaneous reactions according to the second-order reaction at the 85°C water incubation. At 85°C (185°F) air incubation, oxidation degradation was detected as reflected by a decrease in MI and tensile break elongation. The decrease of MI indicated an increase in the molecular weight due to the cross-linking of the polymer. According to the Arrhenius equation, the predicted lifetime of this particular AO package under continuous flow of air is 117 years at 23°C (73.4°F).
Comparing Methods for Measuring Excess Commuting and Jobs-Housing Balance
Authors: Layman Charles C. , Horner Mark W.
Published: December 2010

Recently, several interrelated methodologies have emerged as part of research aimed at quantifying concepts of excess commuting and jobs- housing balance. These efforts are motivated by the search for connections between land use and transportation, including understanding the role of urban form in shaping commuting patterns as well as modeling the jobs-housing balance of a region. The validity of these approaches has been debated in the literature, particularly with respect to their appropriateness for addressing various substantive questions regarding land use and transport issues. This paper examines some of the debate surrounding these jobs-housing metrics, particularly in the context of how they are used in comparative urban analyses that seek to explore urban structural changes over time or space. To explore this issue, a series of hypothetical urban growth scenarios was designed; the scenarios are used to compare the metrics’ performance in a single city over a hypothetical time horizon. Results suggest that each measure may not wholly address each piece of the commuting and jobs-housing puzzle, indicating that researchers may wish to use a combination of metrics to garner the most insights into land use-transportation changes.
Policy Implications of Airline Performance Indicators
Authors: Homsombat Winai , Fu Xiaowen , Sumalee Agachai
Published: December 2010

This research measured and compared the productivity and cost competitiveness of nine major North American carriers during the period 1990 to 2007. The research resulted in several key findings. First, the airlines' productivity levels, measured either by total factor productivity or residual total factor productivity (RTFP), significantly improved over the study period, especially after 2003. Second, airlines' productivity levels were correlated with the overall economic cycle. The Gulf War and the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks clearly affected airlines' productivity levels in the early 1990s and in 2001 and 2002, respectively. However, neither level made a significant impact on the overall trend of productivity change. Third, no evidence suggested that the airlines' productivity levels were converging, although they served significantly overlapping markets. Fourth, labor costs were the most important determinant of airlines' cost competitiveness during the study period. Restructuring efforts by these airlines are necessary and helpful, but good control of labor costs will still be important. Fifth, airlines with more aggressive fleet expansion levels than the industry average suffered a decrease in productivity. The airlines should, therefore, consider growth strategy more carefully. Sixth, significant efficiency gains in recent years have largely been offset by the sharp increase in fuel prices. This limits the airlines' ability to stimulate traffic growth via a substantial price reduction. Last, preliminary evidence showed that bankruptcy protection during the sample period allowed the filing airlines to improve their RTFPs more than the industry average.
« Avec une famille pareille... »
Authors: Curonici Chiara , McCulloch Patricia
Published: December 2010

Les problèmes familiaux sont souvent considérés dans nos milieux professionnels comme la cause des difficultés scolaires des enfants et des adolescents. Cette causalité linéaire constitue une hypothèse d’impuissance pour les enseignants. En se référant rigoureusement au modèle systémique, comment se dégager de la logique linéaire et collaborer de façon dynamique avec les enseignants pour soutenir la santé de l’école et ses bienfaits sur l’évolution des enfants et des adolescents ?
Quelle image de la famille chez le parent porteur d'une maladie psychiatrique à transmission génétique ?
Authors: Duret Isabelle
Published: December 2010

A partir d’une situation clinique abordée en tant que thérapeute de famille, nous pointerons les difficultés qui peuvent se poser à un parent en grande souffrance psychique alors qu’apparaît un symptôme chez son enfant. L’atelier propose de réfléchir à la rencontre des représentations des patients et des thérapeutes et à leur impact sur le fonctionnement d’une famille. Plusieurs questions seront envisagées au départ d’une demande diagnostique : Comment faire la part entre héritage psychique et hérédité génétique ? Qu’en est-il de l’héritage familial ? Comment s’y prendre pour soutenir l’enfant et sa famille sans minimiser les difficultés ? Comment soutenir le développement de l’enfant et les compétences parentales tout en évitant de renforcer la prophétie autoréalisatrice (« la transmission s’est produite ») et sans inhiber les capacités créatrices de l’ensemble des acteurs concernés (autre parent, fratrie, soignants, ...) ?
L'histoire du bouton n'est pas cousue de fil blanc
Authors: Schon Marie-Jeanne
Published: December 2010

L’article décrit le développement d’un outil thérapeutique innovateur et son utilisation clinique sur une période de dix ans dans ma consultation de psychologue, thérapeute familiale en pédopsychiatrie. Cette psychothérapie créative, utilisant les boutons de couture pour figurer des sculptures constructivistes familiales, s’inscrit dans le concept des « objets flottants » défini par P. Caillé et Y. Rey. Au travers des métaphores créées par le choix des boutons variés et leur disposition sur une planche définissant l’espace familial, une métacommunication sur les relations interpersonnelles est favorisée. Les sculptures personnelles permettent de travailler les histoires individuelles et familiales, la proximité et la distance ainsi que la temporalité, avec les sculptures du passé, du présent et du futur. La famille découvre ainsi un terrain d’échange, d’élaboration psychique et d’expérimentation ouvrant à de nouvelles perspectives et à des changements éventuels. L’outil thérapeutique peut être utilisé avec des familles avec enfants à partir de 5 ans, des adultes en couple ou en individuel. C’est également une technique intéressante au niveau diagnostique ainsi que pour les supervisions cliniques ou institutionnelles.
Duane Retraction Syndrome Type I, Marcus Gunn Jaw-winking and Crocodile Tears in the Same Eye
Authors: Oltmanns Matthew , Khuddus Nausheen
Published: December 2010

Duane retraction syndrome type I, Marcus Gunn jaw-winking and crocodile tears are all syndromes of congenital aberrant innervation. The authors describe a 17-month-old boy with Duane retraction syndrome type I, Marcus Gunn Jaw-winking, and crocodile tears in the same eye and discuss the proposed mechanisms of these conditions.
[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2010;47:e1–e3.]
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Counterregulates Dexamethasone-Mediated Suppression of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Function and Differentially Influences Human CD4+ T Cell Proliferation under Hypoxia
Authors: Gaber Timo , Schellmann Saskia , Erekul Kerem B. , Fangradt Monique , Tykwinska Karolina , Hahne Martin , Maschmeyer Patrick , Wagegg Markus , Stahn Cindy , Kolar Paula , Dziurla René , Löhning Max , Burmester Gerd-Rüdiger , Buttgereit Frank
Published: December 2010

Hypoxia, a feature of inflammation and tumors, is a potent inducer of the proinflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In transformed cells, MIF was shown to modulate and to be modulated via the oxygen-sensitive transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids (GCs) were described to regulate MIF action. However, in-depth studies of the interaction between MIF and HIF-1 and GC action in nontransformed primary human CD4+ T cells under hypoxia are missing. Therefore, we investigated the functional relationship between MIF and HIF and the impact of the GC dexamethasone (DEX) on these key players of inflammation in human CD4+ T cells. In this article, we show that hypoxia, and specifically HIF-1, is a potent and rapid inducer of MIF expression in primary human CD4+ T cells, as well as in Jurkat T cells. MIF signaling via CD74, in turn, is essential for hypoxia-mediated HIF-1α expression and HIF-1 target gene induction involving ERK/mammalian target of rapamycin activity complemented by PI3K activation upon mitogen stimulation. Furthermore, MIF signaling enhances T cell proliferation under normoxia but not hypoxia. MIF also counterregulates DEX-mediated suppression of MIF and HIF-1α expression. Based on these data, we suggest that hypoxia significantly affects the expression of HIF-1α in a MIF-dependent manner leading to a positive-feedback loop in primary human CD4+ T cells, thus influencing the lymphoproliferative response and DEX action via the GC receptor. Therefore, we suggest that HIF and/or MIF could be useful targets to optimize GC therapy when treating inflammation.
Oxidized Cellulose Binding to Allergens with a Carbohydrate-Binding Module Attenuates Allergic Reactions
Authors: Shani Nir , Shani Ziv , Shoseyov Oded , Mruwat Rufayda , Shoseyov David
Published: December 2010

Grass and mite allergens are of the main causes of allergy and asthma. A carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) represents a common motif to groups I (β-expansin) and II/III (expansin-like) grass allergens and is suggested to mediate allergen-IgE binding. House dust mite group II allergen (Der p 2 and Der f 2) structures bear strong similarity to expansin's CBM, suggesting their ability to bind carbohydrates. Thus, this study proposes the design of a carbohydrate-based treatment in which allergen binding to carbohydrate particles will promote allergen airway clearance and prevent allergic reactions. The aim of the study was to identify a polysaccharide with high allergen-binding capacities and to explore its ability to prevent allergy. Oxidized cellulose (OC) demonstrated allergen-binding capacities toward grass and mite allergens that surpassed those of any other polysaccharide examined in this study. Furthermore, inhalant preparations of OC microparticles attenuated allergic lung inflammation in rye grass-sensitized Brown Norway rats and OVA-sensitized BALB/c mice. Fluorescently labeled OC efficiently cleared from the mouse airways and body organs. Moreover, long-term administration of OC inhalant to Wistar rats did not result in toxicity. In conclusion, many allergens, such as grass and dust mite, contain a common CBM motif. OC demonstrates a strong and relatively specific allergen-binding capacity to CBM-containing allergens. OC's ability to attenuate allergic inflammation, together with its documented safety record, forms a firm basis for its application as an alternative treatment for prevention and relief of allergy and asthma.
CD8 T Cells Mediate Direct Biliary Ductule Damage in Nonobese Diabetic Autoimmune Biliary Disease
Authors: Yang Guo-Xiang , Wu Yuehong , Tsukamoto Hiroki , Leung Patrick S. , Lian Zhe-Xiong , Rainbow Daniel B. , Hunter Kara M. , Morris Gerard A. , Lyons Paul A. , Peterson Laurence B. , Wicker Linda S. , Gershwin M. Eric , Ridgway William M.
Published: December 2010

We previously described the NOD.c3c4 mouse, which is protected from type 1 diabetes (T1D) because of protective alleles at multiple insulin-dependent diabetes (Idd) genes, but develops autoimmune biliary disease (ABD) resembling primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). In this paper, we characterize the NOD.ABD strain, which is genetically related to the NOD.c3c4 strain but develops both ABD and T1D. Histologically, NOD.ABD biliary disease is indistinguishable from that in NOD.c3c4 mice. The frequency of effector memory (CD44+CD62L−) and central memory (CD44+CD62L+) CD8 T cells is significantly increased in the intrahepatic lymphocyte fraction of NOD.ABD mice, and NOD.ABD CD8 T cells produce more IFN-γ and TNF-α, compared with controls. NOD.ABD splenocytes can transfer ABD and T1D to NOD.c3c4 scid mice, but only T1D to NOD scid mice, suggesting that the genetic origin of the target organ and/or its innate immune cells is critical to disease pathogenesis. The disease transfer model, importantly, shows that biliary duct damage (characteristic of PBC) and inflammation precede biliary epithelial cell proliferation. Unlike T1D where both CD4 and CD8 T cells are required for disease transfer, purified NOD.ABD CD8 T cells can transfer liver inflammation into NOD.c3c4 scid recipients, and disease transfer is ameliorated by cotransferring T regulatory cells. Unlike NOD.c3c4 mice, NOD.ABD mice do not develop anti-nuclear or anti-Smith autoantibodies; however, NOD.ABD mice do develop the antipyruvate dehydrogenase Abs typical of human PBC. The NOD.ABD strain is a model of immune dysregulation affecting two organ systems, most likely by mechanisms that do not completely coincide.
Bacterial Lipoprotein TLR2 Agonists Broadly Modulate Endothelial Function and Coagulation Pathways In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Shin Hae-Sook , Xu Fengyun , Bagchi Aranya , Herrup Elizabeth , Prakash Arun , Valentine Catherine , Kulkarni Hrishikesh , Wilhelmsen Kevin , Warren Shaw , Hellman Judith
Published: December 2010

TLR2 activation induces cellular and organ inflammation and affects lung function. Because deranged endothelial function and coagulation pathways contribute to sepsis-induced organ failure, we studied the effects of bacterial lipoprotein TLR2 agonists, including peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein, Pam3Cys, and murein lipoprotein, on endothelial function and coagulation pathways in vitro and in vivo. TLR2 agonist treatment induced diverse human endothelial cells to produce IL-6 and IL-8 and to express E-selectin on their surface, including HUVEC, human lung microvascular endothelial cells, and human coronary artery endothelial cells. Treatment of HUVEC with TLR2 agonists caused increased monolayer permeability and had multiple coagulation effects, including increased production of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue factor, as well as decreased production of tissue plasminogen activator and tissue factor pathway inhibitor. TLR2 agonist treatment also increased HUVEC expression of TLR2 itself. Peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein induced IL-6 production by endothelial cells from wild-type mice but not from TLR2 knockout mice, indicating TLR2 specificity. Mice were challenged with TLR2 agonists, and lungs and plasmas were assessed for markers of leukocyte trafficking and coagulopathy. Wild-type mice, but not TLR2 mice, that were challenged i.v. with TLR2 agonists had increased lung levels of myeloperoxidase and mRNAs for E-selectin, P-selectin, and MCP-1, and they had increased plasma PAI-1 and E-selectin levels. Intratracheally administered TLR2 agonist caused increased lung fibrin levels. These studies show that TLR2 activation by bacterial lipoproteins broadly affects endothelial function and coagulation pathways, suggesting that TLR2 activation contributes in multiple ways to endothelial activation, coagulopathy, and vascular leakage in sepsis.
Lactobacillus-Mediated Priming of the Respiratory Mucosa Protects against Lethal Pneumovirus Infection
Authors: Gabryszewski Stanislaw J. , Bachar Ofir , Dyer Kimberly D. , Percopo Caroline M. , Killoran Kristin E. , Domachowske Joseph B. , Rosenberg Helene F.
Published: December 2010

The inflammatory response to respiratory virus infection can be complex and refractory to standard therapy. Lactobacilli, when targeted to the respiratory epithelium, are highly effective at suppressing virus-induced inflammation and protecting against lethal disease. Specifically, wild-type mice primed via intranasal inoculation with live or heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus reuteri were completely protected against lethal infection with the virulent rodent pathogen, pneumonia virus of mice; significant protection (60% survival) persisted for at least 13 wk. Protection was not unique to Lactobacillus species, and it was also observed in response to priming with nonpathogenic Gram-positive Listeria innocua. Priming with live lactobacilli resulted in diminished granulocyte recruitment, diminished expression of multiple proinflammatory cytokines (CXCL10, CXCL1, CCL2, and TNF), and reduced virus recovery, although we have demonstrated clearly that absolute virus titer does not predict clinical outcome. Lactobacillus priming also resulted in prolonged survival and protection against the lethal sequelae of pneumonia virus of mice infection in MyD88 gene-deleted (MyD88−/−) mice, suggesting that the protective mechanisms may be TLR-independent. Most intriguing, virus recovery and cytokine expression patterns in Lactobacillus-primed MyD88−/− mice were indistinguishable from those observed in control-primed MyD88−/− counterparts. In summary, we have identified and characterized an effective Lactobacillus-mediated innate immune shield, which may ultimately serve as critical and long-term protection against infection in the absence of specific antiviral vaccines.
Genome-Based In Silico Identification of New Mycobacterium tuberculosis Antigens Activating Polyfunctional CD8+ T Cells in Human Tuberculosis
Authors: Tang Sheila T. , van Meijgaarden Krista E. , Caccamo Nadia , Guggino Giuliana , Klein Michèl R. , van Weeren Pascale , Kazi Fatima , Stryhn Anette , Zaigler Alexander , Sahin Ugur , Buus Søren , Dieli Francesco , Lund Ole , Ottenhoff Tom H. M.
Published: December 2010

Although CD8+ T cells help control Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, their M. tuberculosis Ag repertoire, in vivo frequency, and functionality in human tuberculosis (TB) remains largely undefined. We have performed genome-based bioinformatics searches to identify new M. tuberculosis epitopes presented by major HLA class I supertypes A2, A3, and B7 (covering 80% of the human population). A total of 432 M. tuberculosis peptides predicted to bind to HLA-A*0201, HLA-A*0301, and HLA-B*0702 (representing the above supertypes) were synthesized and HLA-binding affinities determined. Peptide-specific CD8+ T cell proliferation assays (CFSE dilution) in 41 M. tuberculosis-responsive donors identified 70 new M. tuberculosis epitopes. Using HLA/peptide tetramers for the 18 most prominently recognized HLA-A*0201-binding M. tuberculosis peptides, recognition by cured TB patients’ CD8+ T cells was validated for all 18 epitopes. Intracellular cytokine staining for IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α revealed mono-, dual-, as well as triple-positive CD8+ T cells, indicating these M. tuberculosis peptide-specific CD8+ T cells were (poly)functional. Moreover, these T cells were primed during natural infection, because they were absent from M. tuberculosis-noninfected individuals. Control CMV peptide/HLA-A*0201 tetramers stained CD8+ T cells in M. tuberculosis-infected and noninfected individuals equally, whereas Ebola peptide/HLA-A*0201 tetramers were negative. In conclusion, the M. tuberculosis-epitope/Ag repertoire for human CD8+ T cells is much broader than hitherto suspected, and the newly identified M. tuberculosis Ags are recognized by (poly)functional CD8+ T cells during control of infection. These results impact on TB-vaccine design and biomarker identification.
Elevated Proinflammatory Cytokine Production by a Skewed T Cell Compartment Requires Monocytes and Promotes Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Jagannathan-Bogdan Madhumita , McDonnell Marie E. , Shin Hyunjin , Rehman Qasim , Hasturk Hatice , Apovian Caroline M. , Nikolajczyk Barbara S.
Published: December 2010

An appropriate balance between proinflammatory (Th17 and Th1) and anti-inflammatory (regulatory T cells [Tregs] and Th2) subsets of T cells is critical to maintain homeostasis and avoid inflammatory disease. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic inflammatory disease promoted by changes in immune cell function. Recent work indicates T cells are important mediators of inflammation in a mouse model of T2D. These studies identified an elevation in the Th17 and Th1 subsets with a decrease in the Treg subset, which culminates in inflammation and insulin resistance. Based on these data, we tested the hypothesis that T cells in T2D patients are skewed toward proinflammatory subsets. Our data show that blood from T2D patients has increased circulating Th17 cells and elevated activation of Th17 signature genes. Importantly, T cells required culture with monocytes to maintain Th17 signatures, and fresh ex vivo T cells from T2D patients appeared to be poised for IL-17 production. T cells from T2D patients also have increased production of IFN-γ, but produce healthy levels of IL-4. In contrast, T2D patients had decreased percentages of CD4+ Tregs. These data indicate that T cells in T2D patients are naturally skewed toward proinflammatory subsets that likely promote chronic inflammation in T2D through elevated cytokine production. Potential therapies targeted toward resetting this balance need to be approached with caution due to the reciprocal relationship between Th17 cells and Tregs. Understanding the unique aspects of T2D T cells is essential to predict outcomes of such treatments.
Systemic Immunological Tolerance to Ocular Antigens Is Mediated by TRAIL-Expressing CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Griffith Thomas S. , Brincks Erik L. , Gurung Prajwal , Kucaba Tamara A. , Ferguson Thomas A.
Published: December 2010

Systemic immunological tolerance to Ag encountered in the eye restricts the formation of potentially damaging immune responses that would otherwise be initiated at other anatomical locations. We previously demonstrated that tolerance to Ag administered via the anterior chamber (AC) of the eye required Fas ligand-mediated apoptotic death of inflammatory cells that enter the eye in response to the antigenic challenge. Moreover, the systemic tolerance induced after AC injection of Ag was mediated by CD8+ regulatory T cells. This study examined the mechanism by which these CD8+ regulatory T cells mediate tolerance after AC injection of Ag. AC injection of Ag did not prime CD4+ T cells and led to increased TRAIL expression by splenic CD8+ T cells. Unlike wild-type mice, Trail−/− or Dr5−/− mice did not develop tolerance to Ag injected into the eye, even though responding lymphocytes underwent apoptosis in the AC of the eyes of these mice. CD8+ T cells from Trail−/− mice that were first injected via the AC with Ag were unable to transfer tolerance to naive recipient wild-type mice, but CD8+ T cells from AC-injected wild-type or Dr5−/− mice could transfer tolerance. Importantly, the transferred wild-type (Trail+/+) CD8+ T cells were also able to decrease the number of infiltrating inflammatory cells into the eye; however, Trail−/− CD8+ T cells were unable to limit the inflammatory cell ingress. Together, our data suggest that “helpless” CD8+ regulatory T cells generated after AC injection of Ag enforce systemic tolerance in a TRAIL-dependent manner to inhibit inflammation in the eye.
Cutting Edge: Crucial Role of IL-1 and IL-23 in the Innate IL-17 Response of Peripheral Lymph Node NK1.1− Invariant NKT Cells to Bacteria
Authors: Doisne Jean-Marc , Soulard Valérie , Bécourt Chantal , Amniai Latiffa , Henrot Pauline , Havenar-Daughton Colin , Blanchet Charlène , Zitvogel Laurence , Ryffel Bernhard , Cavaillon Jean-Marc , Marie Julien C. , Couillin Isabelle , Benlagha Kamel
Published: December 2010

We have shown previously that peripheral lymph node-resident retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt+ NK1.1− invariant NKT (iNKT) cells produce IL-17A independently of IL-6. In this study, we show that the concomitant presence of IL-1 and IL-23 is crucial to induce a rapid and sustained IL-17A/F and IL-22 response by these cells that requires TCR–CD1d interaction and partly relies on IL-23–mediated upregulation of IL-23R and IL-1R1 expression. We further show that IL-1 and IL-23 produced by pathogen-associated molecular pattern-stimulated dendritic cells induce this response from NK1.1− iNKT cells in vitro, involving mainly TLR2/4-signaling pathways. Finally, we found that IL-17A production by these cells occurs very early and transiently in vivo in response to heat-killed bacteria. Overall, our study indicates that peripheral lymph node NK1.1− iNKT cells could be a source of innate Th17-related cytokines during bacterial infections and supports the hypothesis that they are able to provide an efficient first line of defense against bacterial invasion.
Facile synthesis of electroactive polypyrrole–chitosan composite nanospheres with controllable diameters
Authors: Li Yingmei , Li Guicun , Peng Hongrui , Chen Kezheng
Published: December 2010

Polypyrrole–chitosan composite (PCC) nanospheres with uniform diameters have been synthesized by in situ chemical oxidation polymerization of pyrrole in chitosan aqueous solution. The influences of synthetic parameters, such as the concentrations of chitosan and pyrrole, and types of oxidants on the diameters and molecular structures of the PCC nanospheres have been investigated. It is found that the diameters of the PCC nanospheres can be controlled by adjusting the concentrations of chitosan and pyrrole. Chitosan is absorbed on/in polypyrrole nanospheres to form the PCC nanospheres. The resulting PCC nanospheres preserve both the electroactivity of polypyrrole and the biocompatibility and bioactivity of chitosan, and may have potential biomedical applications such as in biosensors and in the controlled release of drugs. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Safety and Efficacy of Attempts to Reduce Shoulder Dislocations by Non-medical Personnel in the Wilderness Setting
Authors: Ditty Jack , Chisholm Dugald , Davis Stephen M. , Estelle-Schmidt Mary
Published: December 2010

Objective

The objectives of this study were to explore the success rate and the complication rate for shoulder reduction attempts by non-medical personnel in the wilderness setting, and to compare the average time to reduction for those done on scene versus those that waited for reduction at a medical facility.

Methods

In this study we solicited online survey responses from users of wilderness sports forums between October 2008 and April 2009. These surveys asked respondents to describe previous wilderness sports injuries they experienced. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare average reduction times, with an alpha of .05 selected as the significance threshold.

Results

Overall, there were 112 responses with 56 describing shoulder dislocations that were reduced either on scene or at a medical facility. Reduction on scene, in the absence of a medically trained person, was attempted in 39 of these 56 cases with a success rate of 71.8% (28/39). The median time to reduction on scene was 5 minutes, compared to 135 minutes from the time of injury for those that were reduced at a medical facility ( P <.001). Other than pain during the reduction, there were no reports of serious complications associated with the reduction attempts.

Conclusions

These data suggest that reduction of dislocations in the wilderness setting by non-medical personnel may be safe and effective, and significantly decreases the time to reduction. These findings may help guide future instruction of participants in high-risk wilderness sports.