bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antigen Aggregation Decides the Fate of the Allergic Immune Response
Authors: Zaborsky Nadja , Brunner Marietta , Wallner Michael , Himly Martin , Karl Tanja , Schwarzenbacher Robert , Ferreira Fatima , Achatz Gernot
Published: December 2009

Previously, defined naturally occurring isoforms of allergenic proteins were classified as hypoallergens and therefore suggested as an agent for immunotherapy in the future. In this paper, we report for the first time the molecular background of hypoallergenicity by comparing the immunological behavior of hyperallergenic Betula verrucosa major Ag 1a (Bet v 1a) and hypoallergenic Bet v 1d, two isoforms of the major birch pollen allergen Betula verrucosa 1. Despite their cross-reactivity, Bet v 1a and Bet v 1d differ in their capacity to induce protective Ab responses in BALB/c mice. Both isoforms induced similar specific IgE levels, but only Bet v 1d expressed relevant titers of serum IgGs and IgAs. Interestingly, hypoallergenic Bet v 1d activated dendritic cells more efficiently, followed by the production of increased amounts of Th1- as well as Th2-type cytokines. Surprisingly, compared with Bet v 1a, Bet v 1d-immunized mice showed a decreased proliferation of regulatory T cells. Crystallographic studies and dynamic light scattering revealed that Bet v 1d demonstrated a high tendency to form disulfide-linked aggregates due to a serine to cysteine exchange at residue 113. We conclude that aggregation of Bet v 1d triggers the establishment of a protective Ab titer and supports a rationale for Bet v 1d being a promising candidate for specific immunotherapy of birch pollen allergy.
STAT3 Signaling in CD4+ T Cells Is Critical for the Pathogenesis of Chronic Sclerodermatous Graft-Versus-Host Disease in a Murine Model
Authors: Radojcic Vedran , Pletneva Maria A. , Yen Hung-Rong , Ivcevic Sanja , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Gilliam Anita C. , Drake Charles G. , Blazar Bruce R. , Luznik Leo
Published: December 2009

Donor CD4+ T cells are thought to be essential for inducing delayed host tissue injury in chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). However, the relative contributions of distinct effector CD4+ T cell subpopulations and the molecular pathways influencing their generation are not known. We investigated the role of the STAT3 pathway in a murine model of chronic sclerodermatous GVHD. This pathway integrates multiple signaling events during the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells and impacts their homeostasis. We report that chimeras receiving an allograft containing STAT3-ablated donor CD4+ T cells do not develop classic clinical and pathological manifestations of alloimmune tissue injury. Analysis of chimeras showed that abrogation of STAT3 signaling reduced the in vivo expansion of donor-derived CD4+ T cells and their accumulation in GVHD target tissues without abolishing antihost alloreactivity. STAT3 ablation did not significantly affect Th1 differentiation while enhancing CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cell reconstitution through thymus-dependent and -independent pathways. Transient depletion of CD25+ T cells in chimeras receiving STAT3-deficient T cells resulted in delayed development of alloimmune gut and liver injury. This delayed de novo GVHD was associated with the emergence of donor hematopoietic stem cell-derived Th1 and Th17 cells. These results suggest that STAT3 signaling in graft CD4+ T cells links the alloimmune tissue injury of donor graft T cells and the emergence of donor hematopoietic stem cell-derived pathogenic effector cells and that both populations contribute, albeit in different ways, to the genesis of chronic GVHD after allogenic bone marrow transplantation in a murine model.
Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in Rural Ecuador and Clustering of Seropositivity within Households
Authors: Black Carla L. , Ocaña-Mayorga Sofía , Riner Diana K. , Costales Jaime A. , Lascano Mauricio S. , Arcos-Terán Laura , Preisser John S. , Seed J. Richard , Grijalva Mario J.
Published: December 2009

We performed a cross-sectional study of Trypanosoma cruzi seroprevalence in 14 communities in three provinces of Ecuador and estimated the magnitude of the association of seropositive individuals within households. A total of 3,286 subjects from 997 households were included. Seroprevalence was 5.7%, 1.0%, and 3.6% in subjects in the Manabí, Guayas, and Loja provinces, respectively. Seroprevalence increased with increasing age in Manabí and Guayas, whereas in Loja, the highest prevalence occurred in children ≤ 10 years of age. In the coastal provinces, clustering of seropositives within households was not observed after adjustment for other household factors. However, in the Andean province of Loja, the odds of seropositivity were more than two times greater for an individual living in a household with another seropositive person. Our results indicate that transmission of T. cruzi is ongoing in Ecuador, although intensity of transmission and mechanisms of interaction between humans and the insect vectors of disease vary between geographic regions.
Factors Associated with Delayed Tuberculosis Test-seeking Behavior in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Ford Carolyn M. , Bayer Angela M. , Gilman Robert H. , Onifade Dami , Acosta Colleen , Cabrera Lilia , Vidal Carlos , Evans Carlton A.
Published: December 2009

This study aimed to determine the psychosocial factors associated with delayed test-seeking among tuberculosis patients. The duration of symptoms before seeking medical care was assessed by interview for 108 newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the city of Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon, which has high tuberculosis incidence. Beliefs associated with test-seeking behavior and delay was assessed in these patients. The median delay from symptom onset to seeking diagnostic testing was 61 days (inter-quartile range 30–91 days). The belief that tuberculosis is curable was associated with a 100% longer test-seeking delay; the perception that tuberculosis was common was associated with a 57% longer delay; male gender was associated with a 48% longer delay; and education less than complete secondary schooling was associated with a 44% longer delay. In conclusion, current health promotion activities that emphasize tuberculosis curability and high prevalence may paradoxically increase test-seeking delay and therefore require prospective evaluation.
A Temporal-Spatial Analysis of Malaria Transmission in Adama, Ethiopia
Authors: Peterson Ingrid , Borrell Luisa N. , El-Sadr Wafaa , Teklehaimanot Awash
Published: December 2009

Urban malaria is a growing problem in Africa. Small-scale spatial studies are useful in identifying foci of malaria transmission in urban communities. A population-based cohort study comprising 8,088 individuals was conducted in Adama, Ethiopia. During a single malaria season, the Kulldorff scan statistic identified one temporally stable spatial malaria cluster within 350 m of a major Anopheles breeding site. Factors associated with malaria incidence were residential proximity to vector breeding site, poor house condition (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4, 2.9), and a high level of vegetation (IRR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.0, 3.3). Maximum (IRR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.9) and minimum daily temperatures (°C; IRR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.2, 1.5) were positively associated with malaria incidence after a 1-month delay. Rainfall was positively associated with malaria incidence after a 10-day delay. Findings support the use of small scale mapping and targeted vector control in urban malaria control programs in Africa.
Schistosomiasis PCR in Vaginal Lavage as an Indicator of Genital Schistosoma haematobium Infection in Rural Zimbabwean Women
Authors: Kjetland Eyrun Floerecke , Hove Robert Jan Ten , Gomo Exenevia , Midzi Nicholas , Gwanzura Lovemore , Mason Peter , Friis Henrik , Verweij Jaco J. , Gundersen Svein Gunnar , Ndhlovu Patricia D. , Mduluza Takafira , Van Lieshout Lisette
Published: December 2009

Schistosoma real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is sensitive and specific in urine and stool. We sought to explore the relationship between genital schistosomiasis and the Schistosoma PCR in women. PCR was run on 83 vaginal lavage samples from a rural Zimbabwean population. Women underwent clinical and colposcopic investigations, analyses for sexually transmitted infections, and genital schistosomiasis. Thirty samples were positive for Schistosoma PCR: 12 were strong and 18 were weak positive. Sensitivity (67%) and specificity (83%) were best in women below the age of 25 years. A positive schistosome PCR result was associated with S. haematobium ova in genital tissue, so-called sandy patches, and bleeding. Prevalence determined by PCR were lower and real-time PCR values were weaker in older women. The presence of Schistosoma DNA may be greater in the recent lesions (e.g., in younger women). For diagnosis in rural areas and in large studies, Schistosoma PCR could become a supplement to gynecologic examinations.
Early Helminth Infections Are Inversely Related to Anemia, Malnutrition, and Malaria and Are Not Associated with Inflammation in 6- to 23-Month-Old Zanzibari Children
Authors: Kung’u Jacqueline K. , Goodman David , Haji Hamad J. , Ramsan Mahdi , Wright Victoria J. , Bickle Quentin D. , Tielsch James M. , Raynes John G. , Stoltzfus Rebecca J.
Published: December 2009

Helminths aggravate anemia and malnutrition among school children. We studied this association in a cross-sectional study of 6- to 23-month-old Zanzibari children (N = 2322) and a sub-sample of 690 children matched on age and helminth infection status. Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris infections were diagnosed along with recent fever, malaria infection, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and hemoglobin concentration (Hb). Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), C-reactive protein (CRP), height, and weight were measured in the sub-sample. Infected children had higher Hb (β = 5.44 g/L, P < 0.001) and MUAC-for-age Z score (β = 0.30 Z, P < 0.001) compared with uninfected children after adjusting for covariates. Although helminths were not associated with inflammation, their association with Hb or MUAC-for-age Z score was modified by inflammation. Malaria-infected children were less likely to be infected with helminths (adjusted odds ratios 0.63 [95% confidence interval: 0.49, 0.81]). Non-anemic, better nourished, or non-malaria-infected children may be more exploratory of their environments and therefore increase their exposure to soil-transmitted helminths.
Prevalence of West Nile Virus in Migratory Birds during Spring and Fall Migration
Authors: Dusek Robert J. , McLean Robert G. , Kramer Laura D. , Ubico Sonya R. , Dupuis Alan P. , Ebel Gregory D. , Guptill Stephen C.
Published: December 2009

To investigate the role of migratory birds in the dissemination of West Nile virus (WNV), we measured the prevalence of infectious WNV and specific WNV neutralizing antibodies in birds, principally Passeriformes, during spring and fall migrations in the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways from 2001–2003. Blood samples were obtained from 13,403 birds, representing 133 species. Specific WNV neutralizing antibody was detected in 254 resident and migratory birds, representing 39 species, and was most commonly detected in northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) (9.8%, N = 762) and gray catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) (3.2%, N = 3188). West Nile virus viremias were detected in 19 birds, including 8 gray catbirds, and only during the fall migratory period. These results provide additional evidence that migratory birds may have been a principal agent for the spread of WNV in North America and provide data on the occurrence of WNV in a variety of bird species.
Dry Season Production of Filariasis and Dengue Vectors in American Samoa and Comparison with Wet Season Production
Authors: Lambdin Barrot H. , Schmaedick Mark A. , McClintock Shannon , Roberts Jacqueline , Gurr Neil E. , Marcos Kenneth , Waller Lance , Burkot Thomas R.
Published: December 2009

Aedes polynesiensis and Ae. aegypti breeding site productivity in two American Samoa villages were analyzed during a dry season survey and compared with a wet season survey. Both surveys identified similar container types producing greater numbers of pupae, with buckets, drums, and tires responsible for > 50% of Aedes pupae during the dry season. The prevalence of containers with Ae. polynesiensis and the density of Ae. polynesiensis in discarded appliances, drums, and discarded plastic ice cream containers were significantly greater during the dry season. Aedes aegypti pupal densities were significantly greater in the dry season in ice cream containers and tires. Significant clustering of the most productive container types by household was only found for appliances. The high productivity for Ae. polynesiensis and Ae. aegypti pupae during the wet and dry seasons suggests that dengue and lymphatic filariasis transmission can occur throughout the year, consistent with the reporting of dengue cases.
Experimental Infection of Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) with Varying Doses of West Nile Virus
Authors: Oesterle Paul T. , Nemeth Nicole M. , VanDalen Kaci , Sullivan Heather , Bentler Kevin T. , Young Ginger R. , McLean Robert G. , Clark Larry , Smeraski Cynthia , Hall Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2009

Cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) were inoculated with differing doses of West Nile virus (WNV) to evaluate their potential role as reservoir hosts in nature. Swallows often nest in large colonies in habitats and months associated with high mosquito abundance and early WNV transmission in North America. Additionally, cliff swallow diet consists of insects, including mosquitoes, leading to an additional potential route of WNV infection. The average peak viremia titer among infected cliff swallows was 106.3 plaque-forming units (PFU)/mL serum and the reservoir competence index was 0.34. There was no correlation between dose and probability of becoming infected or viremia peak and duration. Oral shedding was detected from 2 to 14 days post-inoculation with an average peak titer of 104.4 PFU/swab. These results suggest that cliff swallows are competent reservoir hosts of WNV and therefore, they may play a role in early seasonal amplification and maintenance of WNV.
Comparative Intradermal Tuberculin Test in Dairy Cattle in the North of Ecuador and Risk Factors Associated with Bovine Tuberculosis
Authors: Proaño-Perez Freddy , Benitez-Ortiz Washington , Celi-Erazo Maritza , Ron-Garrido Lenin , Benitez-Capistros Ricardo , Portaels Françoise , Rigouts Leen , Linden Annick
Published: December 2009

We studied the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in Mejia canton, the major dairy cattle production area in northern Ecuador. Twenty dairy herds comprising 2,022 cattle were selected. In 2007, each animal was tested using the comparative intradermal tuberculin test (CITT). In 2008, a follow-up test was performed in the same herds. The true annual incidence was 1.70%, and the true prevalence was 7.41% and 7.13% in 2007 and 2008, respectively. The prevalence was 0.27% and 0.57% in medium-sized herds in 2007 and 2008, respectively, compared with 8.63% and 8.43% in large herds (P < 0.01). The number of skin test–positive cases also increased significantly with age (P = 0.03), contacts with other species of animals (P < 0.01), and introduction of new cattle (P = 0.04). Herd prevalence was 55% in 2007 and 65% in 2008. This study shows the lack of knowledge in cattle farmers about this zoonosis and the necessity for a national BTB control program in Ecuador.
Rapid Malaria Tests: Where Do We Go After 20 Years?
Authors: Makler Michael T. , Piper Robert C.
Published: December 2009

Great advances have been made in developing rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for diagnosing malaria. To date, RDTs present an exceedingly practical format for malaria diagnosis that outperforms traditional microscopy and more experimental next generation devices in the development pipeline. However, although use of such tests is accepted in principle, their actual use has lagged. Furthermore, study of how these tests perform, what their limitations are, and how to work with these limitations to still use them effectively has stagnated. We propose that the study and implementation of such RDTs should be aggressively advanced and propose a series of questions that can guide efforts.
Emergence of Tick-Borne Granulocytic Anaplasmosis Associated with Habitat Type and Forest Change in Northern California
Authors: Foley Janet E. , Nieto Nathan C. , Foley Patrick
Published: December 2009

An important ecosystem service of intact forests is protection from some emerging infectious diseases. Tick-transmitted disease granulocytic anaplasmosis increasingly occupies second-growth forest. We hypothesized that areas of second growth would have increases in tick and rodent abundance, facilitating emergence of anaplasmosis. We predicted Anaplasma phagocytophilum presence as a function of biocomplexity and forest structure, including vegetation, ticks, and rodents in four sites in California. Significant risk factors for exposure included host species (woodrats with 13% seroprevalence, odds ratio [OR] = 8.3 and chipmunks with 27% seroprevalence, OR = 20.7), and park location (northern parks, OR 25.5–27.7). Exposure to A. phagocytophilum was more likely among chipmunks in redwood sites at one park, but with woodrats and oaks at another. Overall, transects on which small mammals showed greatest A. phagocytophilum exposure had high biodiversity in ticks, rodents, and vegetation, as well as intermediate-sized trees with a high mean and variance in diameter at breast height, findings which suggest that a dilution effect, where increased biodiversity reduces disease risk, does not necessarily apply in this system. Thus, enzootic and potentially emerging anaplasmosis were linked to high biodiversity and mature second-growth forest.
Changing Patterns of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases in Zanzibar in the Context of National Helminth Control Programs
Authors: Knopp Stefanie , Mohammed Khalfan A. , Rollinson David , Stothard J. Russell , Khamis I. Simba , Utzinger Jürg , Marti Hanspeter
Published: December 2009

Helminth control programs have been implemented in Zanzibar for over a decade. In June/July 2007, ~6 months after the last school-based anthelmintic treatment, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in two schools, and results were compared with data obtained in the same schools in 1994. Multiple stool samples collected from 368 school children were subjected to the Kato-Katz, Koga agar plate, and Baermann methods. The prevalence of Trichuris trichiura, hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Strongyloides stercoralis was 46.6%, 21.6%, 16.9%, and 10.2%, respectively. Infection intensities were generally low. Compared with 1994, the prevalence of S. stercoralis, hookworm, A. lumbricoides, and T. trichiura decreased by 81.0%, 80.5%, 70.6%, and 48.6%, respectively. Infection intensities decreased by > 95% for all helminth species studied. Our study confirms that preventive chemotherapy successfully reduces the level and intensity of helminth infections. To consolidate achievements made, additional control measures such as health education and environmental sanitation are needed.
Hydrophilic Sparse Ionic Monolayer‐Protected Metal Nanoparticles: Highly Concentrated Nano‐Au and Nano‐Ag “Inks” that can be Sintered to Near‐Bulk Conductivity at 150 °C
Authors: Anto Bibin T. , Sivaramakrishnan Sankaran , Chua Lay‐Lay , Ho Peter K. H.
Published: December 2009

Here, monolayer‐protected gold and silver nanoparticles with extremely high solvent dispersibility (over 200 mg mL−1 in water and glycols) and low coalescence temperature (approximately 150 °C, measured by the percolation transition temperature Tp) are developed, to reach conductivities better than 1 × 105 S cm−1. These materials are suitable for inkjet and other forms of printing on substrates that may be solvent‐ and/or temperature‐sensitive, such as for plastic electronics, and as bus lines for solar and lighting panels. This is achieved using a new concept of the sparse ionic protection monolayer. The metal nanoparticles are initially protected by a two‐component mixed ligand shell comprising an ω‐functionalized ionic ligand and a labile ligand. These are selectively desorbed to give a sparse shell of the ω‐ionic ligands of ca. 25% coverage. Through a systematic study of different monolayer‐protected Au nanoparticles using FTIR spectroscopy, supported by XPS and DSC, it is shown that Tp is not determined by thermodynamic size melting or by surface area effects, as previously thought, but by the temperature when ca. 80% of the dense monolayer is eliminated. Therefore, Tp depends on the thermal stability and packing density of the shell, rather than the size of the metal core, while the solubility characteristics depend strongly on the exposed terminal group.
Highly Enantioselective Friedel–Crafts Reaction of Indole with Alkylidenemalonates Catalyzed by Heteroarylidene Malonate‐Derived Bis(oxazoline) Copper(II) Complexes
Authors: Sun Yan‐Jin , Li Nan , Zheng Zhong‐Bo , Liu Lei , Yu Yan‐Bo , Qin Zhao‐Hai , Fu Bin
Published: December 2009

A series of cheap and easily accessible heteroarylidenemalonate‐derived bis(oxazoline) ligands 1 and 2 were synthesized and their copper(II) complexes were applied to the catalytic Friedel–Crafts reaction between indoles and diethyl alkylidenemalonates, Excellent asymmetric enantioselectivities were afforded for the S‐enantiomer (up to >99% ee) in isobutyl alcohol, and the R‐enantiomer (up to 96.5% ee) in dichloromethane.
Highly Active and Selective Semihydrogenation of Alkynes with the Palladium Nanoparticles‐Tetrabutylammonium Borohydride Catalyst System
Authors: Hori Junichi , Murata Kunihiko , Sugai Toshiki , Shinohara Hisanori , Noyori Ryoji , Arai Noriyoshi , Kurono Nobuhito , Ohkuma Takeshi
Published: December 2009

Palladium nanoparticles are prepared from palladium(II) acetate and 2 equivalents of potassium tert‐butoxide in the presence of 4‐octyne. The palladium nanoparticles‐tetrabutylammonium borohydride system shows excellent catalytic activity and selectivity in the semihydrogenation of alkynes to the [(Z)‐]alkenes. The hydrogenation of 4‐octyne is conducted with the catalyst system at a substrate‐to‐palladium molar ratio of 10,000–200,000 under 8 atm of hydrogen to give (Z)‐4‐octene in>99% yield. Isomerization and over‐reduction of the Z‐alkene are very slow even after consumption of the alkyne.
L‐type calcium channel blockers and Parkinson disease in Denmark
Authors: Ritz Beate , Rhodes Shannon L. , Qian Lei , Schernhammer Eva , Olsen Jørgen H. , Friis Søren
Published: December 2009

Objective

This study was undertaken to investigate L‐type calcium channel blockers of the dihydropyridine class for association with Parkinson disease (PD), because some of these drugs traverse the blood–brain barrier, are potentially neuroprotective, and have previously been evaluated for impact on PD risk.

Methods

We identified 1,931 patients with a first‐time diagnosis for PD between 2001 and 2006 as reported in the Danish national hospital/outpatient database and density matched them by birth year and sex to 9,651 controls from the population register. The index date for cases and their corresponding controls was advanced to the date of first recorded prescription for anti‐Parkinson drugs, if prior to first PD diagnosis in the hospital records. Prescriptions were determined from the national pharmacy database. In our primary analyses, we excluded all calcium channel blocker prescriptions 2 years before index date/PD diagnosis.

Results

Employing logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, diagnosis of chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder, and Charlson comorbidity score, we found that subjects prescribed dihydropyridines (excludes amlodipine) between 1995 and 2 years prior to the index date were less likely to develop PD (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.54–0.97); this 27% risk reduction did not differ with length or intensity of use. Risk estimates were close to null for the peripherally acting drug amlodipine and for other antihypertensive medications.

Interpretation

Our data suggest a potential neuroprotective role for centrally acting L‐type calcium channel blockers of the dihydropyridine class in PD that should be further investigated in studies that can distinguish between types of L‐type channel blockers. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:600–606
Abnormal B‐cell cytokine responses a trigger of T‐cell–mediated disease in MS?
Authors: Bar‐Or Amit , Fawaz Lama , Fan Boli , Darlington Peter J. , Rieger Aja , Ghorayeb Christine , Calabresi Peter A. , Waubant Emmanuelle , Hauser Stephen L. , Zhang Jiameng , Smith Craig H.
Published: December 2009

Objective

To study antibody‐independent contributions of B cells to inflammatory disease activity, and the immune consequences of B‐cell depletion with rituximab, in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

B‐Cell effector‐cytokine responses were compared between MS patients and matched controls using a 3‐signal model of activation. The effects of B‐cell depletion on Th1/Th17 CD4 and CD8 T‐cell responses in MS patients were assessed both ex vivo and in vivo, together with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies as part of 2 rituximab clinical trials in relapsing–remitting MS.

Results

B Cells of MS patients exhibited aberrant proinflammatory cytokine responses, including increased lymphotoxin (LT):interleukin‐10 ratios and exaggerated LT and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α secretion, when activated in the context of the pathogen‐associated TLR9‐ligand CpG‐DNA, or the Th1 cytokine interferon‐γ, respectively. B‐Cell depletion, both ex vivo and in vivo, resulted in significantly diminished proinflammatory (Th1 and Th17) responses of both CD4 and CD8 T cells. Soluble products from activated B cells of untreated MS patients reconstituted the diminished T‐cell responses observed following in vivo B‐cell depletion in the same patients, and this effect appeared to be largely mediated by B‐cell LT and TNFα.

Interpretation

We propose that episodic triggering of abnormal B‐cell cytokine responses mediates ‘bystander activation’ of disease‐relevant proinflammatory T cells, resulting in new relapsing MS disease activity. Our findings point to a plausible mechanism for the long‐recognized association between infections and new MS relapses, and provide novel insights into B‐cell roles in both health and disease, and into mechanisms contributing to therapeutic effects of B‐cell depletion in human autoimmune diseases, including MS. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:452–461
Übergangsmetallkatalysierte direkte Arylierungen von (Hetero)Arenen durch C‐H‐Bindungsbruch
Authors: Ackermann Lutz , Vicente Rubén , Kapdi Anant R.
Published: December 2009

Das Gebiet der übergangsmetallkatalysierten direkten Arylierung unter C‐H‐Bindungsbruch hat in den letzten Jahren eine rasante Entwicklung erfahren, was dazu führte, dass sich solche Methoden immer mehr als Alternativen zu den herkömmlichen Kreuzkupplungen mit metallorganischen Reagentien etabliert haben. Insbesondere wurden zahlreiche Palladium‐ und Rutheniumkatalysatoren beschrieben, welche die direkte Arylierung von (Hetero)arenen mit anspruchsvollen Reaktionspartnern ermöglichen; hierzu gehören elektrophile Arylchloride und ‐tosylate oder auch einfache Arene in gekreuzten dehydrierenden Arylierungen.
Assessing the effectiveness of conservation management decisions: likely effects of new protection measures for Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori)
Authors: Slooten Elisabeth , Dawson Stephen M.
Published: December 2009

Fisheries bycatch affects many species of marine mammals, seabirds, turtles and other marine animals.

New Zealand's endemic Hector's dolphins overlap with gillnet and trawl fisheries throughout their geographic range. The species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. In addition, the North Island subspecies has been listed as Critically Endangered.

Estimates of catch rates in commercial gillnets from an observer programme (there are no quantitative estimates of bycatch by amateur gillnetters or in trawl fisheries) were used in a simple population viability analysis to predict the impact of this fishery under three scenarios: Option (A) status‐quo management, (B) new regulations announced by the Minister of Fisheries in 2008 and (C) total protection.

Uncertainty in estimates of population size and growth rate, number of dolphins caught and other model inputs are explicitly included in the analysis. Sensitivity analyses are carried out to examine the effect of variation in catch rate and the extent to which fishing effort is removed from protected areas but displaced to unprotected areas.

These methods are applicable to many other situations in which animals are removed from populations, whether deliberately (e.g. fishing) or not (e.g. bycatch).

The current Hector's dolphin population is clearly depleted, at an estimated 27% of the 1970 population. Population projections to 2050 under Options A and B predict that the total population is likely to continue declining. In the case of Option B this is driven mainly by continuing bycatch due to the much weaker protection measures on the South Island west coast.

Without fishing mortality (Option C) all populations are projected to increase, with the total population approximately doubling by 2050 and reaching half of its 1970 population size in just under 40 years. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic pricing model and algorithm for perishable products with fuzzy demand
Authors: Xiong Yu , Li Gendao , Fernandes Kiran Jude
Published: December 2009

This paper studies the dynamic pricing problem of selling fixed stock of perishable items over a finite horizon, where the decision maker does not have the necessary historic data to estimate the distribution of uncertain demand, but has imprecise information about the quantity demand. We model this uncertainty using fuzzy variables. The dynamic pricing problem based on credibility theory is formulated using three fuzzy programming models, viz.: the fuzzy expected revenue maximization model, α‐optimistic revenue maximization model, and credibility maximization model. Fuzzy simulations for functions with fuzzy parameters are given and embedded into a genetic algorithm to design a hybrid intelligent algorithm to solve these three models. Finally, a real‐world example is presented to highlight the effectiveness of the developed model and algorithm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptation of object descriptions to a partner under increasing communicative demands: a comparison of children with and without autism
Authors: Nadig Aparna , Vivanti Giacomo , Ozonoff Sally
Published: December 2009

This study compared the object descriptions of school‐age children with high‐functioning autism (HFA) with those of a matched group of typically developing children. Descriptions were elicited in a referential communication task where shared information was manipulated, and in a guessing game where clues had to be provided about the identity of an object that was hidden from the addressee. Across these tasks, increasingly complex levels of audience design were assessed: (1) the ability to give adequate descriptions from one's own perspective, (2) the ability to adjust descriptions to an addressee's perspective when this differs from one's own, and (3) the ability to provide indirect yet identifying descriptions in a situation where explicit labeling is inappropriate. Results showed that there were group differences in all three cases, with the HFA group giving less efficient descriptions with respect to the relevant context than the comparison group. More revealing was the identification of distinct adaptation profiles among the HFA participants: those who had difficulty with all three levels, those who displayed Level 1 audience design but poor Level 2 and Level 3 design, and those demonstrated all three levels of audience design, like the majority of the comparison group. Higher structural language ability, rather than symptom severity or social skills, differentiated those HFA participants with typical adaptation profiles from those who displayed deficient audience design, consistent with previous reports of language use in autism.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms moderate cognition and behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Yerys Benjamin E. , Wallace Gregory L. , Sokoloff Jennifer L. , Shook Devon A. , James Joette D. , Kenworthy Lauren
Published: December 2009

Recent estimates suggest that 31% of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) meet diagnostic criteria for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and another 24% of children with ASD exhibit subthreshold clinical ADHD symptoms. Presence of ADHD symptoms in the context of ASD could have a variety of effects on cognition, autistic traits, and adaptive/maladaptive behaviors including: exacerbating core ASD impairments; adding unique impairments specific to ADHD; producing new problems unreported in ASD or ADHD; having no clear impact; or producing some combination of these scenarios. Children with ASD and co‐morbid ADHD symptoms (ASD+ADHD; n=21), children with ASD without ADHD (ASD; n=28), and a typically developing control group (n=21) were included in the study; all groups were matched on age, gender‐ratio, IQ, and socioeconomic status. Data were collected on verbal and spatial working memory, response inhibition, global executive control (EC), autistic traits, adaptive functioning, and maladaptive behavior problems. In this sample, the presence of ADHD symptoms in ASD exacerbated impairments in EC and adaptive behavior and resulted in higher autistic trait, and externalizing behavior ratings. ADHD symptoms were also associated with greater impairments on a lab measure of verbal working memory. These findings suggest that children with ASD+ADHD symptoms present with exacerbated impairments in some but not all domains of functioning relative to children with ASD, most notably in adaptive behavior and working memory. Therefore, ADHD may moderate the expression of components of the ASD cognitive and behavioral phenotype, but ASD+ADHD may not represent an etiologically distinct phenotype from ASD alone.
Biohydrogen production from wheat straw hydrolysate by dark fermentation using extreme thermophilic mixed culture
Authors: Kongjan Prawit , O‐Thong Sompong , Kotay Meher , Min Booki , Angelidaki Irini
Published: December 2009

Hydrolysate was tested as substrate for hydrogen production by extreme thermophilic mixed culture (70°C) in both batch and continuously fed reactors. Hydrogen was produced at hydrolysate concentrations up to 25% (v/v), while no hydrogen was produced at hydrolysate concentration of 30% (v/v), indicating that hydrolysate at high concentrations was inhibiting the hydrogen fermentation process. In addition, the lag phase for hydrogen production was strongly influenced by the hydrolysate concentration, and was prolonged from approximately 11 h at the hydrolysate concentrations below 20% (v/v) to 38 h at the hydrolysate concentration of 25% (v/v). The maximum hydrogen yield as determined in batch assays was 318.4 ± 5.2 mL‐H2/g‐sugars (14.2 ± 0.2 mmol‐H2/g‐sugars) at the hydrolysate concentration of 5% (v/v). Continuously fed, and the continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR), operating at 3 day hydraulic retention time (HRT) and fed with 20% (v/v) hydrolysate could successfully produce hydrogen. The hydrogen yield and production rate were 178.0 ±  10.1 mL‐H2/g‐sugars (7.9 ± 0.4 mmol H2/g‐sugars) and 184.0 ± 10.7 mL‐H2/day Lreactor (8.2 ± 0.5 mmol‐H2/day Lreactor), respectively, corresponding to 12% of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) from sugars. Additionally, it was found that toxic compounds, furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), contained in the hydrolysate were effectively degraded in the CSTR, and their concentrations were reduced from 50 and 28 mg/L, respectively, to undetectable concentrations in the effluent. Phylogenetic analysis of the mixed culture revealed that members involved hydrogen producers in both batch and CSTR reactors were phylogenetically related to the Caldanaerobacter subteraneus, Thermoanaerobacter subteraneus, and Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;105: 899–908. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micro‐Raman spectroscopy of algae: Composition analysis and fluorescence background behavior
Authors: Huang Y.Y. , Beal C.M. , Cai W.W. , Ruoff R.S. , Terentjev E.M.
Published: December 2009

Preliminary feasibility studies were performed using Stokes Raman scattering for compositional analysis of algae. Two algal species, Chlorella sorokiniana (UTEX #1230) and Neochloris oleoabundans (UTEX #1185), were chosen for this study. Both species were considered to be candidates for biofuel production. Raman signals due to storage lipids (specifically triglycerides) were clearly identified in the nitrogen‐starved C. sorokiniana and N. oleoabundans, but not in their healthy counterparts. On the other hand, signals resulting from the carotenoids were found to be present in all of the samples. Composition mapping was conducted in which Raman spectra were acquired from a dense sequence of locations over a small region of interest. The spectra obtained for the mapping images were filtered for the wavelengths of characteristic peaks that correspond to components of interest (i.e., triglyceride or carotenoid). The locations of the components of interest could be identified by the high intensity areas in the composition maps. Finally, the time evolution of fluorescence background was observed while acquiring Raman signals from the algae. The time dependence of fluorescence background is characterized by a general power law decay interrupted by sudden high intensity fluorescence events. The decreasing trend is likely a result of photo‐bleaching of cell pigments due to prolonged intense laser exposure, while the sudden high intensity fluorescence events are not understood. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;105: 889–898. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aerated Shewanella oneidensis in continuously fed bioelectrochemical systems for power and hydrogen production
Authors: Rosenbaum Miriam , Cotta Michael A. , Angenent Largus T.
Published: December 2009

We studied the effects of aeration of Shewanella oneidensis on potentiostatic current production, hydrogen production in a microbial electrolysis cell, and electric power generation in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). The potentiostatic performance of aerated S. oneidensis was considerably enhanced to a maximum current density of 0.45 A/m2 or 80.3 A/m3 (mean: 0.34 A/m2, 57.2 A/m3) compared to anaerobically grown cultures. Biocatalyzed hydrogen production rates with aerated S. oneidensis were studied within the applied potential range of 0.3–0.9 V and were highest at 0.9 V with 0.3 m3 H2/m3 day, which has been reported for mixed cultures, but is ∼10 times higher than reported for an anaerobic culture of S. oneidensis. Aerated MFC experiments produced a maximum power density of 3.56 W/m3 at a 200‐Ω external resistor. The main reasons for enhanced electrochemical performance are higher levels of active biomass and more efficient substrate utilization under aerobic conditions. Coulombic efficiencies, however, were greatly reduced due to losses of reducing equivalents to aerobic respiration in the anode chamber. The next challenge will be to optimize the aeration rate of the bacterial culture to balance between maximization of bacterial activation and minimization of aerobic respiration in the culture. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;105: 880–888. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling predation processes in activated sludge
Authors: Ni Bing‐Jie , Rittmann Bruce E. , Yu Han‐Qing
Published: December 2009

Predation by protozoa plays an important role in activated sludge. In this work, the kinetics for protozoan predation of active bacteria (XH), extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and intracellular storage products (XSTO) are added into a previously expanded unified model that describes the dynamics of EPS, XSTO, and soluble microbial products (SMP). The new biomass growth–decay–predation model describes the biomass fractions, soluble organic components, and oxygen‐uptake rates considering EPS, XSTO, and predators during dynamic operating conditions in activated sludge. Model calibration using batch experimental data provides the new parameter values for predation processes and insights into mechanisms involving predators. The calibrated value of the maximum specific growth rate for the predators is much slower than for the bacteria, confirming that predators are relatively slow growers. However, the predators and bacteria have similar decay rates and dissolved oxygen affinities. Model testing with results independent of the calibration data shows two things. First, the model and calibrated parameters accurately simulate the independent results when predators are present. Second, eliminating predation by high salinity significantly lowers the OUR, and this is captured by the model. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;105: 1021–1030. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variations of the piriformis and sciatic nerve with clinical consequence: A review
Authors: Smoll Nicolas Roydon
Published: December 2009

The deep gluteal region is often encountered when performing injections, when performing surgery such as total hip replacements, or diagnosing problems of this region or lower limbs using clinical or imaging techniques. Previously, the prevalence figures of piriformis and sciatic nerve anomalies have ranged from 1.5 to 35.8% in dissected specimens. This study systematically reviews and meta‐analyses the prevalence of piriformis and sciatic nerve anomalies in humans using previously published literature. A further review is conducted regarding the anatomical abnormalities present in surgical case series of procedures for patients suffering from piriformis syndrome. After pooling the results of 18 studies and 6,062 cadavers, the prevalence of the anomaly in cadavers was 16.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 16.0–17.9%. The prevalence of the piriformis and sciatic nerve anomaly in the surgical case series was 16.2%, 95% CI: 10.7–23.5%. The difference between the two groups was not found to be significant 0.74%; 95% CI: −5.66 to 7.13; P = 0.824. Because of the high likelihood of an anomaly being present in a patient, clinicians and surgeons should be aware of the potential complications this anomaly may have on medical or surgical interventions. Furthermore, because the prevalence of the anomaly in piriformis syndrome patients is not significantly different from what is thought to be a normal population, it indicates that this anomaly may not be as important in the pathogenesis of piriformis syndrome as previously thought. Clin. Anat. 23:8–17, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The dialogical self in a cultural contact zone: Exploring the perceived ‘cultural correction’ function of schooling
Authors: O'Sullivan‐Lago Ria , de Abreu Guida
Published: December 2009

This paper discusses a qualitative study that explores the impact the development of a cultural contact zone has upon identity processes in the Dialogical Self. The analysis draws upon interviews with Irish nationals, immigrants and asylum seekers in a new cultural contact zone. The findings illustrate uncertainty experienced as a result of immigration, suggesting that the development of the contact zone caused cultural discontinuity. The individuals' uncertainty for their cultural identities' future viability demanded the development of identity strategies to maintain continuity with their perceived cultural future, where they were faced with cultural others. Identity repositionings and a strategy to maintain continuity will be explored in the current paper. The Irish and asylum seeker participants' unprompted focus on schooling will be explored as a continuity strategy. The participants constructed schooling as a tool for the ‘cultural correction’ of migrant children and a means for the assimilation of migrants into the Irish community. The paper discusses the function of this strategy for the two groups, and the theoretical integration of cultural level processes in the theory of the Dialogical Self. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Heavy Atoms on Photoinduced Electron Injection from Nonthermalized and Thermalized Donor States of MII–Polypyridyl (M=Ru/Os) Complexes to Nanoparticulate TiO2 Surfaces: An Ultrafast Time‐Resolved Absorption Study
Authors: Verma Sandeep , Kar Prasenjit , Das Amitava , Palit Dipak K. , Ghosh Hirendra N.
Published: December 2009

We have synthesized ruthenium(II)– and osmium(II)–polypyridyl complexes ([M(bpy)2L]2+, in which M=OsII or RuII, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridyl, and L=4‐(2,2′‐bipyridinyl‐4‐yl)benzene‐1,2‐diol) and studied the interfacial electron‐transfer process on a TiO2 nanoparticle surface using femtosecond transient‐absorption spectroscopy. Ruthenium(II)‐ and osmium(II)‐based dyes have a similar molecular structure; nevertheless, we have observed quite different interfacial electron‐transfer dynamics (both forward and backward). In the case of the RuII/TiO2 system, single‐exponential electron injection takes place from photoexcited nonthermalized metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) states. However, in the case of the OsII/TiO2 system, electron injection takes place biexponentially from both nonthermalized and thermalized MLCT states (mainly 3MLCT states). Larger spin–orbit coupling for the heavier transition‐metal osmium, relative to that of ruthenium, accounts for the more efficient population of the 3MLCT states in the OsII‐based dye during the electron‐injection process that yields biexponential dynamics. Our results tend to suggest that appropriately designed OsII–polypyridyl dye can be a better sensitizer molecule relative to its RuII analogue not only due to much broader absorption in the visible region of the solar‐emission spectrum, but also on account of slower charge recombination.
Structural Diversity in the Self‐Assembly of Pseudopeptidic Macrocycles
Authors: Alfonso Ignacio , Bru Miriam , Burguete M. Isabel , García‐Verdugo Eduardo , Luis Santiago V.
Published: December 2009

The self‐assembling abilities of several pseudopeptidic macrocycles have been thoroughly studied both in the solid (SEM, TEM, FTIR) and in solution (NMR, UV, CD, FTIR) states. Detailed microscopy revealed large differences in the morphology of the self‐assembling micro/nanostructures depending on the macrocyclic chemical structures. Self‐assembly was triggered by the presence of additional methylene groups or by changing from para to meta geometry of the aromatic phenylene backbone moiety. More interestingly, the nature of the side chain also plays a fundamental role in some of the obtained nanostructures, thus producing structures from long fibers to hollow spheres. These nanostructures were obtained in different solvents and on different surfaces, thus implying that the chemical information for the self‐assembly is contained in the molecular structure. Dilution NMR studies (chemical shift and self‐diffusion rates) suggest the formation of incipient aggregates in solution by a combination of hydrogen‐bonding and π–π interactions, thus implicating amide and aryl groups, respectively. Electronic spectroscopy further supports the π–π interactions because the compounds that lead to fibers show large hypochromic shifts in the UV spectra. Moreover, the fiber‐forming macrocycles also showed a more intense CD signature. The hydrogen‐bonding interactions within the nanostructures were also characterized by attenuated total‐reflectance FTIR spectroscopy, which allowed us to monitor the complete transition from the solution to the dried nanostructure. Overall, we concluded that the self‐assembly of this family of pseudopeptidic macrocycles is dictated by a synergic action of hydrogen‐bonding and π–π interactions. The feasibility and geometrical disposition of these interactions finally render a hierarchical organization, which has been rationalized with a proposal of a model. The understanding of the process at the molecular level has allowed us to prepare hybrid soft materials.