bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eosinophil Chemotactic Lymphokine Produced by Spleen Cells of Schistosoma japonicum-lnfected Mice
Authors: Owhashi Makoto , Nawa Yukifumi
Published: August 2009

Eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF) was detected in the cell-free supernatant of the culture of spleen cells obtained from Schistosoma japonicum-infected mice. ECF production by spleen cells was dependent on both the amount of soluble egg antigen (SEA) added and the number of cells in the culture. When sufficient amount of SEA was added to the culture, ECF production was detectable by 6 h after incubation, reached a plateau by 24 h and then rapidly decreased. ECF was produced by nonadherent, Thy 1.2-positive cells, indicating that it is a lymphokine. After Sephadex G-75 gel chromatography, estimated molecular weight of this ECF was 15,000–20,000 daltons. When eosinophils were preincubated with this ECF lymphokine, their chemotactic reactivity to S.japonicum egg-derived ECF was significantly enhanced, although this pretreatment caused neither the deactivation of chemotactic reactivity to homologous ECF nor the enhancement of the random migration of eosinophils. Thus, this ECF lymphokine seems to be important not only as a chemoattractant but also as an activator of eosinophilotaxis around deposited eggs in schistosomiasis japonica.
Mechanism of Antianaphylactic Action of β-Agonists in Allergic Inflammation of Air Pouch Type in Rats
Authors: Ohuchi Kazuo , Hirasawa Noriyasu , Takeda Hiroko , Asano Kaori , Watanabe Masako , Tsurufuji Susumu
Published: August 2009

Using an experimental model of allergic inflammation of air pouch type in rats, the mechanism of antiallergic action of β-agonists was examined. In this model an immediate increase in vascular permeability and histamine level in the pouch fluid was observed after injecting the antigen (azobenzene arsonate-conjugated acetyl bovine serum albumin) solution into the preformed air pouch on the back of the sensitized rats. The same type of reaction was inducible by injecting anti-rat IgE into the preformed air pouch, but not IgG2a. This fact indicates that the immediate increase in vascular permeability and histamine level is an IgE-mediated anaphylactic reaction. When β-agonists such as isoproterenol, procaterol and salbutamol were injected into the air pouch together with the antigen, the anaphylactic increase in vascular permeability was suppressed dose-dependently without concomitant decrease in histamine level in the pouch fluid. In contrast, disodium cromoglycate, an inhibitor of degranulation of mast cells, the anaphylactic vascular permeability increase was suppressed in parallel with a decrease of the histamine level. Propranolol, a β-antagonist, counteracted the effect of β-agonists. Serotonin-induced vascular permeability was also suppressed dose-dependently by treatment with β-agonists. Furthermore, vascular permeability in the postanaphylactic phase of the present experimental model was also suppressed by isoproterenol. These results indicate that β-agonists exert their antiallergic effect by inhibiting the reactivity of local vasculature to chemical mediators released from mast cells.
Modulatory Effects of Streptococcus mutans on Human Neutrophil Adherence and Deoxyglucose Uptake
Authors: Seow Kim , Seymour G.J. , Thong Y.H.
Published: August 2009

Suppression of human neutrophil adherence and deoxyglucose uptake was observed after direct interaction between neutrophils and serotype c of Streptococcus mutans, but not other serotypes. Since neutrophils comprise more than 95% of leukocytes in gingival crevicular fluid and constitute one of the first lines of defense in the oral cavity, the capacity of S.mutans serotype c to suppress neutrophil activation may explain its predominance over other serotypes, and its greater propensity for colonization of the oral cavity.
Detection of Mouse IgE by CELISA
Authors: Gavériaux Claire , Renard Pascale , Loor Francis
Published: August 2009

The detection and quantitation of mouse IgE is usually impaired by the difficulty to obtain reliable antibody reagents which are fully specific for the ε chain – and reactive enough – to be used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An ELISA on cells (CELISA) was developed for the detection of mouse IgE, using rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells. It is based on the high affinity of the receptors for the Fc of IgE (FcεR) displayed on the surface of the RBL cells. Since the ε chain specific recognition is achieved by the biological receptor of IgE, the detection of cell-bound IgE does not need the use of ε chain specific antibodies. Instead, one can use any enzyme-coupled antibody capable to recognize the IgE through its light-chain epitopes. Interestingly, when the IgE bound to the RBL cells has a known specificity, it can be detected through its paratopes using the cognate antigen coupled to an enzyme.
Mechanism of Action of an Antiallergic Agent, Amlexanox (AA-673), in Inhibiting Histamine Release from Mast Cells
Authors: Makino H. , Saijo T. , Ashida Y. , Kuriki H. , Maki Y.
Published: August 2009

Amlexanox markedly inhibits histamine release from rat mast cells. To clarify the mechanism of this inhibition, we investigated the effect of amlexanox on cAMP content, which, when increased, inhibits histamine release in rat peritoneal mast cells. At concentrations of 10––8––10––6M, amlexanox or isoproterenol increased the cAMP content of mast cells over that of control cells about 2-fold. When the mast cells were incubated with 10––8, 10––7 and 10––6M of amlexanox combined with 10––7M isoproterenol, the cAMP contents were synergistically increased 15-, 60- and 88-fold, respectively. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) at 10––6––10––4M increased the cAMP content 1.7––3.8-fold, and a combination of 10––4M IBMX and 10––7M isoproterenol synergistically increased the cAMP content 41-fold. A combination of amlexanox and IBMX synergistically increased the cAMP content 19-fold. The increase in cAMP content, when amlexanox and isoproterenol were combined, was transient; it peaked at 0.5 min after the drugs were administered, then decreased to 20–30% of the peak value about 2 min later. Pretreatment of mast cells with amlexanox reduced the effect of the combination of amlexanox and isoproterenol, indicating tachyphylaxis; pretreatment with IBMX had no such effect. The cAMP content of macrophages was also increased by amlexanox, but when combined with isoproterenol or PGE2, the effect was additive. Amlexanox inhibited cAMP phosphodiesterase in rat mast cells; its IC50 value was 1.4 × 10––5M, and its inhibitory activity was half that of IBMX. These results suggest that amlexanox inhibits histamine release by augmenting the cAMP content in mast cells, and that this augmentation is caused by enhancing the cAMP generation and, additively, by inhibiting cAMP phosphodiesterase.
Antigenic Stimulation with Proteins of Cow’s Milk via the Oral Route in Guinea Pigs and Rats 1.
Authors: Koritz T.N. , Suzuki S. , Coombs R.R.A.
Published: August 2009

Guinea pigs and rats drinking cow’s milk ad libitum have had the contents of their stomach, duodenum, jejunum and ileum examined for antigenically native, undigested β-lactoglobulin and casein. The whey protein was present, in every case, in higher concentration and could be found, although in decreasing amounts, right down to the ileum. In the rat, casein could not be shown at any level of the small intestine and in the guinea pig only at the level of the duodenum.
Glycoprotein Allergens in Pollen of Timothy IV.
Authors: Haavik Svein , Paulsen Berit Smestad , Wold Jens K.
Published: August 2009

Heat treatment of the glycoprotein allergen with alkaline tritiated borohydride released carbohydrate material in the molecular weight (MW) range 500–2,000 daltons. The radioactivity of the highest MW carbohydrate fraction was low, indicating the presence of alkali-stable hydroxyproline-arabinose linkages. N-acetylglucosaminitol containing 3H was detected in the hydrolysate of the low-MW carbohydrate, indicating that some of the carbohydrate is bound to the protein chain through a N-glycosidic linkage between N-acetylglucosamine and asparagine. The presence of this linkage was also suggested by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry of pronase-digested allergen. The glycoprotein seems to contain only a few carbohydrate chains made up of a total of 25 monosaccharide units. Methylation analysis indicated that the carbohydrate moiety consists of (1) galactopyranosyl units as branching points linked through 1,3,6-positions or as terminal galactopyranosyl residues, (2) mannopyranosyl groups as part of the chain either as 1,3- or 1,4-linked units, and (3) arabinofuranosyl groups as branching points linked through 1,3,5-positions or as part of the chain, either as 1,3- or 1,5-linked units or as terminal arabinofuranosyl residues.
Soy- and Shrimp-Specific IgE Responses in Orally and Intraperitoneally Immunized Mice
Authors: Bozelka Brian E. , Carrow Emily , Pahud Jean-Jacque , Lehrer Samuel B.
Published: August 2009

Female C3H/HeJ mice were immunized parenterally and/or intragastrically with two important food allergens, soy and shrimp. Although both preparations elicited specific IgE production when administered intraperitoneally, anti-shrimp titers were consistently higher. Soy or shrimp administration, i.g. with Pertussis adjuvant (intraperitoneally or intragastrically) did not induce detectable reaginic antibody. Animals treated with soy intragastrically were unable to produce a soy-specific IgE response upon intraperitoneal immunization. The combination of soy and Pertussis (intragastric) did, however, abrogate this tolerizing effect on IgE synthesis. In contrast to soy, the shrimp antigens (intragastric) did not act as tolerogens and were found to enhance subsequent reaginic responses produced by intraperitoneal immunization. These results are considered with respect to mechanisms operative in food allergy.
A Factor Potentiating Antibody Formation Spontaneously Produced by Splenic T Cells of MRL/MP-lpr/lpr Mice
Authors: Ashiba Takashi , Hishinuma Atushi , Imai Yasuyuki , Osawa Toshiaki
Published: August 2009

Splenocytes of MRL/l mice, one of the murine lupus strains, were found to produce a factor(s) which potentiates antibody formation. This factor was produced by splenocytes of young MRL/l mice and cell-sorting experiments by flow cytometry indicated that Thy 1.2+ cells were producing the factor. The approximate molecular weight of the factor was found to be 35,000–45,000 daltons and its pi value was between 3.3 and 3.8. It was also demonstrated that this factor is distinct from interferons, interleukins (IL-1, IL-2, IL-3) and B cell differentiation factors.
Is the Surface Charge on Granulocytes Really Decreased following Their Exposure to Chemotactic Factors?
Authors: McCarthy D.
Published: August 2009

The mean axial ratio of polarised granulocytes has been determined and interpolated with plots relating settling factors (the inverse of relative frictional coefficients) to the axial ratios of simple isotropic solids. The estimate for the relative frictional coefficient of polarised granulocytes obtained by this procedure (f/fo = 1.11) suggests that a change in cell shape can account largely for the previously observed decreases in granulocyte electrophoretic mobility that occur following exposure to chemotaxins. In consequence, the widely held view that chemotaxins induce an alteration in cell surface charge is open to re-appraisal.
Lymphokine Production by T Cells Generated during Infection with Trichinella spiralis
Authors: Grencis R.K. , Riedlinger J. , Wakelin D.
Published: August 2009

Lymphokine production by mesenteric lymph node cells (MLNC) taken from mice during infection with the intestinal nematode parasite Trichinella spiralis was investigated. Upon stimulation in vitro with a protective crude antigen preparation of the infective L1 larvae, MLNC proliferated in a specific manner, and were observed to release the T-cell lymphokines IL-2, IL-3 and interferon. IL-2 and IL-3 release by MLNC was greatest when taken during the early intestinal phases of infection. Interferon was also released by cells taken from infected mice, with highest levels observed shortly after expulsion of the parasite from the gut. MLNC taken during the early intestinal phases of infection were also able to respond and proliferate to an exogenous source of IL-2, suggesting clonal expansion of T cells within the node. Lymphokine release from T. spiralis specific T-cell lines was also examined.
Presence of Ia-Positive Cells in the Central Nervous System of the Rat during Various Pathological Conditions
Authors: Polman C.H. , Dijkstra C.D. , de Groot C.J.A. , Koetsier J.C. , Sminia T.
Published: August 2009

The rat central nervous system (CNS) was analyzed immunohistochemically during various pathological conditions by using monoclonal antibodies specific for rat T lymphocytes, rat macrophages and la antigen. It was found that in immunologically mediated disease infiltrating macrophages do express the la antigen, whereas in nonimmunologically mediated disease they do not. The results suggest that based on the composition of the mononuclear phagocyte infiltrate a clear distinction can be made between different inflammatory reaction types within the CNS.
Protection against Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis with Complete Freund’s Adjuvant Is Unaffected by Ionizing Irradiation
Authors: Weber Frank , Hempel Klaus
Published: August 2009

Long-lasting resistance to experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was obtained in Lewis rats either by an immunization with complete Freund’s adjuvant blended with aluminum hydroxide (ALU-CFA) or by convalescence from EAE. Total body irradiation at a dose of 500 R given both 1 day after ALU-CFA (or disease induction) and EAE challenge did not abrogate the protection. No antibodies against myelin basic protein could be detected in irradiated animals. In contrast high antibody titers were measured in non-irradiated controls recovered from EAE and subsequently resistant to the disease. Therefore it is unlikely that antibodies against myelin basic proteins are of any importance in protection from EAE. The studies suggest that unspecific radioresistant suppressor cells play a role in resistance to EAE.
Survivor Treatment Selection Bias and Outcomes Research
Authors: Sy Raymond W. , Bannon Paul G. , Bayfield Matthew S. , Brown Chris , Kritharides Leonard
Published: August 2009

Background—

Recent studies in infective endocarditis have suggested an association between surgery and reduced mortality. However, these studies did not account for survivor treatment selection bias, which is an underrecognized source of error in observational studies. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the effects of survivor bias on surgical outcomes in infective endocarditis.

Methods and Results—

We studied 223 patients admitted with left-sided infective endocarditis between 1996 and 2006 and compared all-cause mortality between surgically treated and medically treated patients using Cox regression analysis. Propensity scores were used to account for selection bias, and time-dependent analyses were performed to account for survivor bias. Compared with medical patients (n=161), surgical patients (n=62) had lower mortality during a median follow-up of 5.2 years (32% versus 51%;
P
=0.02) with an unadjusted hazard ratio of 0.54 (95% CI, 0.33 to 0.88,
P
=0.01). After adjustment for baseline differences in propensity for surgery and risk of mortality, there remained a significant benefit for surgery (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.88;
P
=0.02). However, this was diminished after time-dependent analysis (hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.40;
P
=0.39). Conditional Kaplan–Meier analyses confirmed the effect of survivor bias because the apparent benefit of surgery was primarily attributable to excess mortality in the medical group during early hospitalization when surgery was not frequently performed.

Conclusions—

Survivor bias significantly affects the evaluation of surgical outcomes in infective endocarditis, and it should be considered in other areas of outcomes research where randomized controlled trials are not feasible. Survivor bias is not corrected by propensity analysis alone but may be reduced by time-dependent survival analysis.
Paul's Reversal of Jews Calling Gentiles 'Dogs' (Philippians 3:2): 1600 Years of an Ideological Tale Wagging an Exegetical Dog?
Authors: Nanos Mark
Published: August 2009

The commentary tradition on Philippians 3:2 (and on Matt. 15 and Mark 7 too) has been claiming at least since Chrysostom that Jews commonly called Gentiles dogs, thereby legitimating a pattern of calling Jews dogs. Contemporary commentaries indicate no awareness of the harmful legacy or the continued implications of the polemic to which it contributes when perpetuating this invective. Moreover, evidence of this supposed common prejudice is often not provided, and when it is, usually consists of sayings attributed to Jesus and the Syro-Phoenician or Canaanite woman—thus available to us only in documents that post-date Paul, representing early "Christian" polemic. In addition to being anachronistic and not likely known to Paul's audience in Philippi, upon examination, it is also not clear that these Gospel sayings provide the proof supposed. Sometimes an appeal is made to Psalm 22 and other Jewish texts, but under examination, none of these substantiate the claim. Likewise, the many supposed cases in rabbinic literature—which could only provide anachronistic evidence at best—do not in fact substantiate that Jews ever called Gentiles dogs, much less that Jews commonly did so, even long after Christians habitually called Jews dogs. This essay examines the texts and challenges the interpretive tradition's claims, as well as its failure to exhibit hermeneutical distance when repeating this supposed invective against Jews and Judaism. Having exposed this ideological tale, several exegetical options worth exploring are noted.
The Sweet Scent of the Gospel in the Didache and in Second Corinthians: Some Comments on Two Recent Interpretations of the Stinoufi Prayer in the Coptic Did. 10.8
Authors: Kurek-Chomycz Dominika
Published: August 2009

The Coptic Didache excerpt, and the so called stinoufi prayer in particular, remain a contentious issue. In this essay two of the interpretations that have been proposed, by Joseph Ysebaert and Alistair Stewart-Sykes, respectively, are reassessed. I argue that not only the stinoufi prayer, but also 2 Cor 2:14-16 is best understood against the sapiential tradition of associating Wisdom with fragrance. In Did. 10.8, like in the Pauline passage, the notion of the aroma most likely refers to the gospel. Thus even though it may not be possible to establish a direct dependence, some relationship between the Pauline metaphor and the stinoufi prayer cannot be excluded.
The Latin Patristic Reception of the Book of Canticles in the Hexapla
Authors: Ceulemans Reinhart
Published: August 2009

Although Hexaplaric studies tend to limit themselves to Greek exegesis only, the Latin Fathers, too, are quite valuable for our understanding of Origen's Hexapla. This article discusses two examples, both concerning the book of Canticles, which illustrate the contribution of Latin patristic exegesis to one's understanding of each of the Hexapla's two main features. Firstly, Jerome adds to our knowledge of the Hexaplaric recension of the LXX text, since he revised the Old Latin text on the basis of that recension. Secondly, the readings of α′ and σ′, which Ambrose provides throughout his exegesis, are of direct relevance for the establishment of a new edition of the Hexaplaric fragments, since they were unnoticed by previous editors. An appendix opens new perspectives by asking the question (and providing some steps towards answering it) of the provenance of these variants provided by Ambrose.
The Organization of Augustine's Psalmus contra Partem Donati
Authors: Nodes Daniel
Published: August 2009

Augustine of Hippo writes in the Retractations that he composed his Psalmus contra Partem Donati (393) as a retort to the rhymed "psalms" which Donatist congregations chanted, and that he had intended his own Psalm for chanting in his congregation. Instead of a lyrical hymn, however, Augustine composed a brilliant defense of the catholic understanding of the nature and mission of the Christian community in the world. The piece was meant for his congregation to sing according to individual capacity but was structured and delivered as a homily rather than a hymn. To produce his didactic, polemical sung sermon, Augustine employed not only the standard rhetorical elements like repetition, anaphora, and even prosopopoeia, which readers have recognized, he also used the organizational pattern of forensic oratory: exordium, narratio, refutatio, confirmatio, and peroratio, which has not been commented on. The form of the Psalmus also has no sources in Latin but it reflects the pattern of other verse sermons of the era, such as those abundantly represented in the Greek East.
Distribution of Helicity, CAPE, and Shear in Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Molinari John , Vollaro David
Published: August 2009

The previous study of helicity, CAPE, and shear in Hurricane Bonnie (1998) was extended to all eight tropical cyclones sampled by NASA during the Convection and Moisture Experiments (CAMEX). Storms were categorized as having large or small ambient vertical wind shear, with 10 m s−1 as the dividing line. In strongly sheared storms, the downshear mean helicity exceeded the upshear mean by a factor of 4. As in the previous study, the helicity differences resulted directly from the tropical cyclone response to ambient shear, with enhanced in-up-out flow and veering of the wind with height present downshear. CAPE in strongly sheared storms was 60% larger downshear. Mean inflow near the surface and the depth of the inflow layer each were 4 times larger downshear. At more than 30% of observation points outside the 100-km radius in the downshear right quadrant, midlatitude empirical parameters indicated a strong likelihood of supercells. No such points existed upshear in highly sheared storms. Much smaller upshear–downshear differences and little likelihood of severe cells occurred in storms with ambient wind shear below 10 m s−1. In addition to these azimuthal asymmetries, highly sheared storms produced 30% larger area-averaged CAPE and double the area-averaged helicity versus relatively unsheared storms. The vortex-scale increase in these quantities lessens the negative impact of large vertical wind shear.
Cold Events over Southern Australia: Synoptic Climatology and Hemispheric Structure
Authors: Ashcroft Linden Claire , Pezza Alexandre Bernardes , Simmonds Ian
Published: August 2009

Cold events (CEs) are an important feature of southern Australian weather. Unseasonably cold conditions can have a significant impact on Australia’s agricultural industry and other aspects of society. In this study the bottom 0.4% of maximum temperatures in Melbourne and Perth from the 1958–2006 period are defined as CEs, representing the large-scale patterns affecting most of extratropical Australia. Compiling 6-hourly progressions of the tracks of the cyclones and anticyclones that are geostrophically associated with CEs gives for the first time a detailed synoptic climatology over the area.

The anticyclone tracks display a “cloud” of high density across the Indian Ocean, which is linked, in the mean, to weak but significant negative SST anomalies in the region. The cyclone tracks display much variability, with system origins ranging from subpolar to tropical. Several CEs are found to involve tropical and extratropical interaction or extratropical transition of originally tropical cyclones (hurricanes). CE-associated systems travel farther and exhibit longer life spans than similar, non-CE systems. Upper-level analyses indicate the presence of a wave train originating more than 120° west of the CE. This pattern greatly intensifies over the affected area in conjunction with a merging of the subpolar and subtropical jets. The upper-level wave train is present up to five days before the CE. The absence of large orographic features in Australia highlights the importance of wave amplification in CE occurrence. No consistent trend in CE intensity over the period is found, but a significant negative trend in event frequency is identified for both Melbourne and Perth.
An Object-Oriented Multiscale Verification Scheme
Authors: Lack Steven A. , Limpert George L. , Fox Neil I.
Published: August 2009

Object-oriented verification methodology is becoming more and more common in the evaluation of model performance on high-resolution grids. The research herein describes an advanced version of an object-oriented approach that involves a combination of object identification on multiple scales with Procrustes shape analysis techniques. The multiscale object identification technique relies heavily on a novel Fourier transform approach to associate the signals within convection to different spatial scales. Other features of this new verification scheme include using a weighted cost function that can be user defined for object matching using different criteria, delineating objects that are more linear in character from those that are more cellular, and tagging object matches as hits, misses, or false alarms. Although the scheme contains a multiscale approach for identifying convective objects, standard minimum intensity and minimum size thresholds can be set when desirable. The method was tested as part of a spatial verification intercomparison experiment utilizing a combination of synthetic data and real cases from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC)/NSSL Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model Spring Program 2005. The resulting metrics, including error measures from differences in matched objects due to displacement, dilation, rotation, and intensity, from these cases run through this new, robust verification scheme are shown.
Ensemble-Based Sensitivity Analysis Applied to African Easterly Waves
Authors: Torn Ryan D.
Published: August 2009

An ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) coupled to the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to generate ensemble analyses and forecasts of a strong African easterly wave (AEW) during the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis field campaign. Ensemble sensitivity analysis is then used to evaluate the impacts of initial condition errors on AEW amplitude and position forecasts at two different initialization times.

WRF forecasts initialized at 0000 UTC 8 September 2006, prior to the amplification of the AEW, are characterized by large variability in evolution as compared to forecasts initialized 48 h later when the AEW is within a denser observation network. Short-lead-time amplitude forecasts are most sensitive to the midtropospheric meridional winds, while at longer lead times, midtropospheric θe errors have equal or larger impacts. For AEW longitude forecasts, the largest sensitivities are associated with the θe downstream of the AEW and, to a lesser extent, the meridional winds. Ensemble predictions of how initial condition errors impact the AEW amplitude and position compare qualitatively well with perturbed integrations of the WRF model.

Much of the precipitation associated with the AEW is generated by the Kain–Fritsch cumulus parameterization, thus the initial-condition sensitivities are also computed for ensemble forecasts that employ the Betts–Miller–Janjić and Grell cumulus parameterization schemes, and for a high-resolution nested domain with explicit convection, but with the same initial conditions. While the 12-h AEW amplitude forecast is characterized by consistent initial-condition sensitivity among the different schemes, there is greater variability among methods beyond 24 h. In contrast, the AEW longitude forecast is sensitive to the downstream thermodynamic profile with all cumulus schemes.
Application-level Simulation for Network Security
Authors: Schmidt Stephan , Bye Rainer , Chinnow Joël , Bsufka Karsten , Camtepe Ahmet , Albayrak Sahin
Published: August 2009

NeSSi (network security simulator) is a novel network simulation tool which incorporates a variety of features relevant to network security distinguishing it from general-purpose network simulators. Its capabilities such as profile-based automated attack generation, traffic analysis and support for detection algorithm plug-ins allow it to be used for security research and evaluation purposes. NeSSi has been successfully used for testing intrusion detection algorithms, conducting network security analysis and developing overlay security frameworks. NeSSi is built upon the agent framework JIAC, resulting in a distributed and extensible architecture. In this paper, we provide an overview of the NeSSi architecture as well as its distinguishing features and briefly demonstrate its application to current security research projects.
Formal Specification and Analysis of Domain Specific Models Using Maude
Authors: Rivera José E. , Durán Francisco , Vallecillo Antonio
Published: August 2009

Modeling languages play a cornerstone role in model-driven software development for representing models and metamodels. Modeling languages are usually defined in terms of their abstract and concrete syntax. This allows the rapid development of languages and some associated tools (e.g. editors), but does not allow the representation of their behavioral semantics, something especially important in certain industrial environments in which simulation and verification are critical issues. In this paper we explore the use of Maude as a formal notation for describing models, metamodels, and their dynamic behavior, making models amenable to formal analysis, reasoning, and simulation.
Rape and Respectability: Ideas about Sexual Violence and Social Class
Authors: Phipps Alison
Published: August 2009

Women on low incomes are disproportionately represented among sexual violence survivors, yet feminist research on this topic has paid very little attention to social class.This article blends recent research on class, gender and sexuality with what we know about sexual violence. It is argued that there is a need to engage with classed distinctions between women in terms of contexts for and experiences of sexual violence, and to look at interactions between pejorative constructions of working-class sexualities and how complainants and defendants are perceived and treated. The classed division between the sexual and the feminine, drawn via the notion of respectability, is applied to these issues. This piece is intended to catalyse further research and debate, and raises a number of questions for future work on sexual violence and social class.
New Avenues for Sociological Inquiry
Authors: Robinson Laura , Schulz Jeremy
Published: August 2009

This work examines evolving forms of ethnographic practice generated in response to advances in mediated communication. It chronicles phases in the transformation of offline ethnography, beginning with pioneering virtual ethnographies concerned with identity work and deception. Subsequently, analysis illuminates cyberethnographic redefinitions of traditional methodological concerns including fieldwork, participant observation, and text as data. It concludes with an examination of current cyberethnographic practice.The work closes with the argument that the methodological adaptations made by ethnographers indicate the increasing salience of mediated communication in the social world. The research sheds light not only on issues connected to methodology but invites larger methodological and ethical questions that will grow ever more pressing as the information revolution continues to unfold. We suggest that just as ethnographic practice continues to benefit from its encounter with mediated communication, so will other forms of sociological practice be enriched from engagement with new media.
Some Further Reflections on the Coming Crisis of Empirical Sociology
Authors: Savage Mike , Burrows Roger
Published: August 2009

We respond to the two comments on our article `The Coming Crisis of Empirical Sociology' from Rosemary Crompton (2008) and Richard Webber (2009) which have been published in Sociology , as well as issues arising from the wider debate generated by our article. We urge sociologists to recognize the gravity of the challenges posed by the proliferation of social data and to become more vociferous in contributing to political debates over method and data.
Campesino and Indigenous Social Organizations Facing Democratic Transition in Mexico, 1938—2006
Authors: de Grammont Hubert C. , Mackinlay Horacio
Published: August 2009

The relations between Mexican campesino and indigenous organizations, on the one hand, and political parties and the state, on the other, have been characterized by a shift associated with the crisis of corporatist representation and the transition to democracy from a “political” to a “social-political” or a “social” approach. In the political framework, organizations are subordinated to political parties, whereas in the social-political framework both organizations and political parties enjoy autonomy of action and in the social framework only the action of organized civil society is the bearer of change. During the period of transition to democracy, organizations of the first two frameworks chose to formulate their demands and activities within the representative democratic system, while those of the third framework pursued the design of a new society and disavowed the existing political system. While the latter do not lack for arguments in support of their rejection of party politics, they fail to take into account that their survival depends on the existence of a democratic system, and their dismissal of opportunities to create institutions within the system brings them into conflict with other progressive forces.
Agrarian Reform and Social Movements in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Teubal Miguel
Published: August 2009

Although the implementation of neoliberalism would appear to have ended agrarian reform in Latin America, the problem of land distribution remains as serious as ever. New agrarian and peasant social movements are emerging that involve not just the landless but the excluded, the marginalized, and the unemployed, whether rural or urban. While they focus on resistance to the industrial agrarian model promoted by the trans-national corporations, their concerns extend to a number of democratic issues. They are more autonomous than those of the past, and they do not necessarily see power as a prerequisite for social transformation. They tend to ally themselves with antiglobalization and environmentalist movements in calling for food security and food sovereignty on a global scale.
Regional Science and State Rural Policy Research
Authors: Schaeffer Peter V. , Loveridge Scott
Published: August 2009

Regional scientists, with their experience investigating social and economic phenomena at different levels of aggregation, awareness of the importance of the role public and private institutions in society, and interdisciplinary tool box, are particularly well suited to provide rural policy advice to state and local governments. In spite of this, there are those who argue that faculty neglect state rural policy (SRP) research. This article explores this question and ties answers and recommendations to incentives faced by faculty and their institutions.
Pseudo-observations in survival analysis
Authors: Andersen Per Kragh , Pohar Perme Maja
Published: August 2009

We review recent work on the application of pseudo-observations in survival and event history analysis. This includes regression models for parameters like the survival function in a single point, the restricted mean survival time and transition or state occupation probabilities in multi-state models, e.g. the competing risks cumulative incidence function. Graphical and numerical methods for assessing goodness-of-fit for hazard regression models and for the Fine—Gray model in competing risks studies based on pseudo-observations are also reviewed. Sensitivity to covariate-dependent censoring is studied. The methods are illustrated using a data set from bone marrow transplantation.
Interval censoring
Authors: Zhigang Zhang  , Jianguo Sun
Published: August 2009

Interval-censored failure time data occur in many medical investigations as well as other studies such as demographical and sociological studies. They include the usual right-censored failure time data as a special case but provide much more complex structure and less relevant information than the right-censored data. This article reviews some basic concepts, issues and the corresponding statistical approaches related to the analysis of interval-censored data as well as recent advances. In particular, we discuss estimation of a survival function, comparison of several treatments and regression analysis as well as competing risks analysis and truncation in the presence of interval censoring. A well-known example of interval-censored data is described and analysed to illustrate some of the statistical procedures discussed.
Survival analysis with high-dimensional covariates
Authors: Witten Daniela M , Tibshirani Robert
Published: August 2009

In recent years, breakthroughs in biomedical technology have led to a wealth of data in which the number of features (for instance, genes on which expression measurements are available) exceeds the number of observations (e.g. patients). Sometimes survival outcomes are also available for those same observations. In this case, one might be interested in (a) identifying features that are associated with survival (in a univariate sense), and (b) developing a multivariate model for the relationship between the features and survival that can be used to predict survival in a new observation. Due to the high dimensionality of this data, most classical statistical methods for survival analysis cannot be applied directly. Here, we review a number of methods from the literature that address these two problems.
Analyzing the Assumptions of a Policy Program
Authors: Janssens Frans J. G. , de Wolf Inge F.
Published: August 2009

This article demonstrates the value of theoretical ex-ante evaluation of policy programs. We show how a specific policy might not achieve its objectives and illustrate the elements of the policy, which need improvement. These conclusions are based on a reconstruction and evaluation of the theory behind a policy program that aims to increase productivity of schools in the Netherlands, the policy of ‘‘educational governance.’’ We chose this program for its interesting combination of measures on internal quality assurances as well as accountability and supervision. The evaluation clearly shows a flaw in the theory underlying the policy program, which threatens its potential effectiveness. Furthermore, we show that there is a risk of contrary and incompatible interests among actors, as well as some practical reasons why the program might not work. Adjustment of the program is recommended before implementation.
Working in the Public Sector
Authors: Coffey Margaret , Dugdill Lindsey , Tattersall Andy
Published: August 2009

• Summary: This article explores working conditions and quality of life in social services. The article focuses on the qualitative findings generated throughout a phased study comprising: in-depth interviews ( n = 8) used to develop an original questionnaire; a large survey ( n = 1237) of staff in two social service departments in the UK; and focus groups ( n = 4) used in Children and Families Division to develop a better understanding of the difficulties experienced and develop context-specific interventions aimed at reducing or eliminating these stressors. It also reports quantitative findings in respect stress (measured using the General Health Questionnaire — GHQ-12).

• Findings: The survey findings indicated that 36 percent ( n = 392) of the respondents were considered to be suffering from mental distress. Children and Families Division was worst affected, reporting the highest levels of absenteeism and poorest well-being. The qualitative findings were summarized into five broad themes: organizational culture and function; control; lack of resources; responsibility for people; and the rate and pace of change, which were incorporated into a model.

• Application: The article suggests that during times of change a thorough understanding of working conditions in the public sector are a fundamental prerequisite to developing interventions aimed at improving them. Additionally, the model clearly identifies a number of factors that are ‘organizational’, rather than being intrinsic to working in social services.
Psychophysiological, performance and subjective correlates of different lighting conditions
Authors: Izsó L. , Láng E. , Laufer L. , Suplicz S. , Horváth Á.
Published: August 2009

The objective of these studies was to provide sound empirical data for an intelligent, adaptive home lighting system to be created for the elderly. To meet these objectives involved measuring the psychophysiological reactions/states of the elderly during selected every-day situations and testing the psychophysiological effects of different lighting conditions. The results are that (1) the best psychophysiological measures for the intelligent learning loop are the skin conductance response and the heart period, (2) significant performance differences were found under different lighting conditions and (3) the subjective opinions generally were in accordance with the ideas of the designer of the lighting system.
Psychophysiological effects of coloured lighting on older adults
Authors: Laufer L. , Láng E. , Izsó L. , Németh E.
Published: August 2009

This paper examines the psychological and psychophysiological effects of blue light exposure — as compared to red light exposure — on older adults during the day. The blue lighting was found to be significantly more activating and more unpleasant than the red lighting. The mid-frequency high-frequency ratio of the heart period variability slightly decreased under blue lighting indicating an increase of parasympathetic modulation in this lighting condition compared to red lighting.
Elastic properties and structure of the radial artery in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Catalano M. , Scandale G. , Minola M. , Carzaniga G. , Carotta M. , Perilli E. , Dimitrov G. , Cortellazzo A. , Cinquini M.
Published: August 2009

Alterations of elastic properties may contribute to the accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with T2D. Little is known, however, about radial artery distensibility in this patient group. A total of 19 patients with T2D and 19 controls were investigated.An echotracking system coupled to a plethysmograph was used to assess the morphologic and elastic properties of radial artery. Distensibility and compliance were evaluated using Langewouters’ equations. Distensibility and compliance did not differ significantly in patients with diabetes compared with controls. In contrast, radial IMT and WCSA were significantly higher in patients with T2D than in controls. Multiple regression analyses revealed a significant association between SBP and IMT ( r2 = 0.40, p<0.001) as well as WCSA ( r = 0.54; r2 = 0.30; p<0.001 ) in individuals with diabetes. In conclusion, distensibility and compliance of the radial artery are not reduced in patients with T2D. In contrast, radial IMT and WCSA are significantly higher in patients with T2D than in controls.These modifications are chiefly and positively related to SBP.
Sex-based differences in the association between duration of type 2 diabetes and heart rate variability
Authors: Nolan Robert P. , Barry-Bianchi Susan M. , Mechetiuc Adriana E. , Chen Maggie H.
Published: August 2009

We examined the association between heart rate variability (HRV) and duration of type 2 diabetes among 155 female and 106 male subjects: mean±SD for duration=49.6±65.6 and 57.3±77.1 months, respectively, p=0.38. Among males, duration of diabetes was independently and inversely associated with vagal-heart rate modulation (high frequency (HF) power, 0.15—0.40 Hz, standardised ß = -0.32, p=0.001; root mean square of successive differences between R-R intervals, ß = -0.26, p=0.006) and total R-R variability (standard deviation of normal R-R intervals, ß = -0.36, p=0.001); but not among females (p≥0.80 for each HRV index). In contrast, HF was inversely associated with age of diabetes diagnosis (ß = -0.16, p=0.04) and 10-year absolute risk for coronary heart disease (ß = -0.16, p=0.04) among female subjects. Longitudinal research is needed to establish whether risk factors for early cardiac autonomic impairment differ among men and women with type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular disease markers in type 2 diabetes: the effects of a moderate home-based exercise training programme
Authors: Scheede-Bergdahl Celena , Benee Olsen David , Reving Danny , Boushel Robert , Dela Flemming
Published: August 2009

Patients with T2DM have an increased risk of CVD. Prevention of CVD represents the major goal of all treatment of T2DM, and early intervention in those patients at particularly high risk is important.We measured the insulin sensitivity and plasma biomarkers of CVD to determine whether a home-based exercise training program improves biomarker levels and insulin sensitivity. Patients with T2DM (n=12), IGT (n=4) and healthy control subjects (n=9) were studied before and after eight weeks of exercise training by rowing ergometry at 65—70% of peak oxygen uptake. Conclusions: 1) patients with T2DM have elevated plasma concentrations of CVD biomarkers compared to the matched control and IGT groups; 2) a moderate to vigorous intensity home-based training program did not reduce plasma concentrations of these CVD markers; 3) insulin sensitivity improved as a result of exercise training in the control group, but not in the T2DM group.
Regulation of myelopoiesis through syntenin-mediated modulation of IL-5 receptor output
Authors: Beekman Jeffrey M. , Verhagen Liesbeth P. , Geijsen Niels , Coffer Paul J.
Published: August 2009

The granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)/interleukin (IL)–3/IL-5 receptor family regulates the production and function of myeloid cells. These cytokines signal through receptor complexes that consist of unique ligand-binding α-chains and common signaling β-chains. IL-5 is distinct from IL-3 and GM-CSF in its capacity to induce eosinophil development, however, the molecular mechanisms that generate functional diversity within this receptor family are mostly unknown. Here, we characterized the selective IL-5Rα–binding adapter protein syntenin in IL-5R function. Syntenin and IL-5Rα colocalize at the plasma membrane and in early endosomal compartments. Manipulation of syntenin expression by ectopic expression or knockdown selectively modulated IL-5R but not GM-CSF receptor signaling, and severely affected IL-5–induced eosinophil differentiation from primary human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. We found syntenin up-regulated during eosinophilopoiesis but down-regulated during neutropoiesis. Syntenin forms complexes with multiple IL-5Rα chains, suggesting that syntenin-enhanced IL-5R output may result from stabilization of an IL-5–induced oligomeric receptor complex. These data demonstrate that cytokine-specific functions can be transduced by unique receptor α-chain–associating adapter proteins.