bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the preferential segregation of droplets on evaporation and turbulent mixing
Authors: REVEILLON JULIEN , DEMOULIN FRANCOIS-XAVIER
Published: July 2007

Droplet segregation in isotropic homogeneous turbulence is analysed using a spectral direct numerical simulation solver to describe the evolution of the turbulent carrier phase, whose characteristic properties remain statistically stationary due to a semi-deterministic forcing scheme. Lagrangian dilute spray modelling is employed to describe the discrete-phase evolution. The liquid density is distributed on an Eulerian mesh to analyse the evolution of the spray and its spatial distribution. This gives results in accordance with classical methods for droplet segregation. It also allows a deeper analysis of the spray evolution. In particular, droplet segregation and vapour mass fraction may be analysed jointly. First, droplet segregation phenomena are studied through the analysis of the formation and the geometry of the droplet clusters. Then, the effects of segregation on spray evaporation are investigated from both the dispersed and carrier phase points of view. At equilibrium, droplet dynamics leads to different segregation levels that are associated with characteristic Stokes numbers. It appears that the evaporation process evolves in three different stages in time: single-droplet mode in the early stage, cluster mode in the intermediate stage and a gaseous mode in the late stage. Segregation levels strongly affect the evolution of the mean vapour mixture fraction during the second stage, while the corresponding standard deviation is affected for longer, up to the third stage in our simulations. However, from the evolution of the integral scale and the shape of the energy spectrum, it appears that turbulent mixing eliminates the segregation effects, apart from the first evaporation stage when the droplet segregation determines the vapour distribution.
Linear stability of a two-fluid interface for electrohydrodynamic mixing in a channel
Authors: LI F. , OZEN O. , AUBRY N. , PAPAGEORGIOU D. T. , PETROPOULOS P. G.
Published: July 2007

We study the electrohydrodynamic stability of the interface between two superposed viscous fluids in a channel subjected to a normal electric field. The two fluids can have different densities, viscosities, permittivities and conductivities. The interface allows surface charges, and there exists an electrical tangential shear stress at the interface owing to the finite conductivities of the two fluids. The long-wave linear stability analysis is performed within the generic Orr–Sommerfeld framework for both perfect and leaky dielectrics. In the framework of the long-wave linear stability analysis, the wave speed is expressed in terms of the ratio of viscosities, densities, permittivities and conductivities of the two fluids. For perfect dielectrics, the electric field always has a destabilizing effect, whereas for leaky dielectrics, the electric field can have either a destabilizing or a stabilizing effect depending on the ratios of permittivities and conductivities of the two fluids. In addition, the linear stability analysis for all wavenumbers is carried out numerically using the Chebyshev spectral method, and the various types of neutral stability curves (NSC) obtained are discussed.
Structure of a stratified tilted vortex
Authors: BOULANGER NICOLAS , MEUNIER PATRICE , LE DIZÈS STÉPHANE
Published: July 2007

The structure of a columnar vortex in a stably stratified fluid is studied experimentally and theoretically when the vortex axis is slightly tilted with respect to the direction of stratification. When the Froude number of the vortex is larger than 1, we show that tilting induces strong density variations and an intense axial flow in a rim around the vortex. We demonstrate that these characteristics can be associated with a critical-point singularity of the correction of azimuthal wavenumber m = 1 generated by tilting where the angular velocity of the vortex equals the Brunt–Väisälä frequency of the stratified fluid. The theoretical structure obtained by smoothing this singularity using viscous effects (in a viscous critical-layer analysis) is compared to particle image velocimetry measurements of the axial velocity field and visualizations of the density field and a good agreement is demonstrated.
The motion of a prolate ellipsoid in a rotating Stokes flow
Authors: SEDDON J. R. T. , MULLIN T.
Published: July 2007

Results are presented from experimental investigations into the motion of a heavy ellipsoid in a horizontal rotating cylinder, which has been completely filled with highly viscous fluid. The motion can be conveniently classified using the ratio between the maximum radius of curvature of the ellipsoid κmaxand the radius of the drumRd. If κmax<Rdthe ellipsoid adopts a fixed position adjacent to the rising wall for a given cylinder rotation rate. The dependence of this position on wall speed is, surprisingly, independent of the ellipsoid's length, and a Stokes flow model has been developed which predicts both this independence and the speed for the limiting case of an ellipsoid adjacent to a vertical wall. If κmax<Rdthe ellipsoid must tilt in order to maintain the maximum surface area in close proximity to the wall. Once tilted, a component of the viscous drag acts to laterally translate the ellipsoid from end to end of the drum. The ellipsoid with κmax=Rdadopts a series of fixed positions for most drum rotational rates but, between two regions of fixed-point behaviour, it undergoes a transition to oscillatory motion.
A NEW SUCCULENT EUPHORBIA (EUPHORBIACEAE) SPECIES FROM THE RED SEA COAST AND ISLANDS
Authors: Al-Zahrani D. A. , El-Karemy Z. A. R.
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe shrubby, spiny, succulent species Euphorbia collenetteae D.Al-Zahrani & El-Karemy (Euphorbiaceae) from the southern Red Sea coast and islands is described and illustrated as new. Diagnostic characters, a description and taxonomic comments on the species are given. It is compared with the closely related Euphorbia fractiflexa S.Carter & J.R.I.Wood. The geographical distribution of the new species is shown.
PHYTOGEOGRAPHY AND ECOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE FLORA AND VEGETATION OF MT PARNITHA (ATTICA, GREECE)
Authors: Aplada E. , Tiniakou A. , Theocharopoulos M.
Published: July 2007

AbstractMt Parnitha is located in Sterea Ellas (Central Greece) and is the highest mountain in the vicinity of Athens. Its wild vascular flora comprises 1096 taxa belonging to 90 families, of which 122 taxa and four families are reported here for the first time. The endemic element comprises 92 Greek, 42 Balkan and 18 Italian–Balkan–Anatolian taxa. Four Greek and three Balkan endemics are new records for the mountain. The predominance of the Mediterranean element (63.6%) and the therophytes (37.6%) underlines the Mediterranean character of the mountain's flora. The endemic elements of Mt Parnitha are presented, their protection status is mentioned and the phytogeographical affinity with neighbouring mountains is examined. Three vegetation zones and 17 habitat types within them have been identified, and those facing threats are indicated. Although the mountain is a National Park, several factors influence its flora and vegetation, the most important being its proximity to Athens.
ADDITIONS TO THE FLORA OF THE KAIJENDE HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA: OCCURRENCE RECORDS, SYNONYMIES, AND DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW TAXA
Authors: Takeuchi W.
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe new taxa Cypholophus treubii var. aciculata (Urticaceae), Polyosma rampae (Polyosmaceae) and Psychotria apiculata var. altigena (Rubiaceae) are described from montane environments in the Kaijende Highlands of Papua New Guinea. A supplementary description is provided for Solanum nolense (Solanaceae), previously known only from a fruiting collection. Synonymies are suggested for species in Cypholophus, Psychotria, and Rubus (Rosaceae).
A NEW SPECIES OF GENTIANA (GENTIANACEAE) FROM LAOS
Authors: Hul S.
Published: July 2007

AbstractA new species of Gentiana (Gentianaceae), G. khammouanensis Hul, is described and illustrated.
NEW RECORDS OF ANGIOSPERMS AND PTERIDOPHYTES IN THE FLORA OF LAOS
Authors: Thomas P. , Lanorsavanh Soulivanh , Ketphanh Sounthone , Svengsuksa Bouakhaykhone , Lamxay Vichith
Published: July 2007

AbstractNew records in the Flora of Laos are presented, along with a short history of botanical collection in the country. The records are given in two lists, one relating to the Flore du Cambodge, du Laos et du Viêtnam and the other relating to the older Flore générale de l'Indochine.
A REVISION OF GENTIANELLA, COMASTOMA AND GENTIANOPSIS (GENTIANACEAE) IN NEPAL
Authors: Aitken E.
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe genus Gentianella in Nepal is revised and five species are recognized: G. angustiflora Harry Sm., G. azurea (Bunge) Holub, G. glanduligera Airy Shaw, G. lowndesii Harry Sm. and G. moorcroftiana (Wall. ex G.Don) Airy Shaw. Gentianella maddenii (C.B.Clarke) Airy Shaw, usually treated as a distinct species, is placed in synonymy of G. moorcroftiana. The genus Comastoma in Nepal is revised, four species are recognized and one new combination is made: C. falcatum (Turcz. ex Kar. & Kir.) Toyok., C. pedunculatum (D.Don) Holub, C. stellariifolium (Franch.) Holub and C. urnigerum (E.Aitken & D.G.Long) E.Aitken comb. nov. The genus Gentianopsis in Nepal is revised and three species are recognized: G. contorta (Royle) Ma, G. paludosa (Hook.) Ma and G. vvedenskyi (Grossh.) Pissjauk.
Electroacoustic music studies: some thoughts and possibilities
Authors: Abdul Wahid Hasnizam
Published: July 2007

Electroacoustic music is relatively new and something of an experiment in Malaysia. Involvement in various technology- and art-related performing and composing activities has nurtured my interest, particularly with reference to electroacoustic music.

Unlike visual art, it is not known exactly where and when our historical perspectives in sound art originate, and I would suggest that no electroacoustic music or pieces are known to have been performed or presented in Malaysia since the art form was first pioneered in the West more than fifty years ago.

This paper introduces some thoughts and possibilities relating to electroacoustic music from the Malaysian perspective.
Morphological notation for interactive electroacoustic music
Authors: Patton Kevin
Published: July 2007

Interactive electroacoustic music that alters or extends instrumental timbre, samples it, or generates sound based upon data generated in real time by the performer presents a new set of challenges for the performing musician. Unlike tape music, interactive music can continuously vary its response and, frequently, performers are unable are to predict how the computer will react. Many, if not most, scores include no visual representation of how the computer may affect the sound of the instrument.

Providing performers with a readily accessible visual representation of the sonic possibilities of interactive computer music will provide a conceptual framework within which performers can understand a piece of music. Interpretation of this type of notation by the performer will provide a perspective on how his or her acoustic instrument relates to the digital instrument. This can be especially useful when improvised or aleatoric methods are called for.

This paper outlines a system of interactive computer-music descriptive notation that links pictographic representations to the system of spectromorphologies suggested by Dennis Smalley. The morphological notation (MN) uses these morphologies and adds a z-plane to the well-established time-vs-pitch schema. Ideally, MN will not only represent the sound data of the moment, but also will be an intuitive picture of the musical possibilities of a composition's electronic component.
Neurocognitive approaches to bilingualism: Asian languages
Authors: LI PING , GREEN DAVID W.
Published: July 2007

In the last decade there has been a surge of interest in the use of neuroimaging tools such as event-related potentials (ERP) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine critical issues in the representation and processing of multiple languages in the brain. In 2001, David Green edited a special issue for Bilingualism: Language and Cognition on the cognitive neuroscience of bilingualism that involved studies of bilingual populations in English, German, Italian, and Japanese. According to a review by Vaid and Hull (2002), by 2001, there were at least 25 fMRI studies and 13 PET (positron emission tomography) studies of bilingual language processing in healthy individuals. This number has grown more rapidly since 2001. Many of these neuroscience studies of bilingualism have also appeared in top science journals and attracted widespread attention.
The universality of symbolic representation for reading in Asian and alphabetic languages
Authors: BIALYSTOK ELLEN , LUK GIGI
Published: July 2007

Neuroimaging studies of reading have identified unique patterns of activation for individuals reading in alphabetic and Asian languages, suggesting the involvement of different processes in each. The present study investigates the extent to which a cognitive prerequisite for reading, the understanding of the symbolic function of print, is common to children learning to read in these two different systems. Four-year-old children in Hong Kong learning to read in Cantonese and children in Canada learning to read in English are compared for their understanding of this concept by means of the moving word task. Children in both settings performed the same on the task, indicating similar levels of progress in spite of experience with very different writing systems. In addition, the children in Hong Kong benefited from the structural similarity between certain iconic characters and their referents, making these items easier than arbitrary characters. These results point to an important cognitive universal in the development of literacy for all children that is the foundation for skilled reading that later becomes diverse and specialized.
Oral reading in bilingual aphasia: Evidence from Mongolian and Chinese
Authors: WEEKES BRENDAN STUART , SU I FAN , YIN WENGANG , ZHANG XIHONG
Published: July 2007

Cognitive neuropsychological studies of bilingual patients with aphasia have contributed to our understanding of how the brain processes different languages. The question we asked is whether differences in script have any impact on language processing in bilingual aphasic patients who speak languages with different writing systems: Chinese and Mongolian. We observed a pattern of greater impairment to written word comprehension and oral reading in L2 (Chinese) than in L1 (Mongolian) for two patients. We argue that differences in script have only a minimal effect on written word processing in bilingual aphasia when the age of acquisition, word frequency and imageability of lexical items is controlled. Our conclusion is that reading of familiar words in Mongolian and Chinese might not require independent cognitive systems or brain regions.
Assessment of genetic diversity in the USDA and CIP-FAO international nursery collections of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) using microsatellite markers
Authors: Christensen S. A. , Pratt D. B. , Pratt C. , Nelson P. T. , Stevens M. R. , Jellen E. N. , Coleman C. E. , Fairbanks D. J. , Bonifacio A. , Maughan P. J.
Published: July 2007

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoaWilld.) is a staple food crop for millions of impoverished rural inhabitants of Andean South America where it has been cultivated for millennia. Interest in quinoa, due largely to its superior nutritional characteristics, is fuelling a growing export market and has led to an increased focus on genetic research and the development of quinoa breeding programmes throughout South America. The success of these breeding programmes will rely heavily on the development of core germplasm collections and germplasm conservation. We report the development of a set of fluorescence-tagged microsatellite molecular markers that can be used to characterize genetic diversity within quinoa germplasm and we use this set of 36 microsatellites markers to genetically characterize the diversity of 121 accessions ofC. quinoaheld in the USDA germplasm bank, 22 accessions from the CIP-FAO international nursery collection and eight accessions representing parents from genetic mapping populations. A total of 420 alleles were detected among the quinoa accessions with an average of 11 alleles detected per microsatellite locus. Genetic heterogeneity was observed in 32% of the quinoa accessions at a given locus and suggests that many of these accessions represent heterogeneous seed lots or landraces. Both unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) and principle components analysis (PCA) analyses partitioned the quinoa accessions into two main clusters. The first major cluster consisted of accessions from the Andean highlands of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina and extreme northeastern Chile. The other main cluster contained accessions from both the lowlands of Chile and a set of USDA accessions with no known passport data, collected by Emigdio Ballón. Using the patterns of genetic diversity detected within theC. quinoaaccessions we discuss hypotheses regarding quinoa's centre of diversity, including highland and lowland ecotype clustering patterns, origin of lowland varieties, origin of domestication, and diversity levels in the USDA and CIP-FAO collections.
Organic and conventional Washington State farmers' opinions on GM crops and marketing strategies
Authors: Glenna Leland L. , Jussaume Raymond A.
Published: July 2007

A 1999 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy on organic certification excluded the use of genetically modified (GM) crops. The decision remains controversial because it provokes debate over the fundamental meaning of organic agriculture. Some scholars, farmers and activists claim that organic agriculture represents a value orientation that is opposed to trends in industrial agriculture, of which GM crops are the latest product. Because organic farmers are a significant constituency in this debate, we examined their values and practices related to marketing, environment and GM crops. From a survey of 1181 Washington State farmers, we created a sub-sample of 598 crop farmers (fruits, vegetables and grains), of which 109 described themselves as organic (certified organic, moving towards organic certification and non-certified organic), and we analyzed organic and conventional farmer responses to a number of issues to discern comparative commitment to self-seeking economic interests. Results reveal differences among conventional and organic farmers on GM crops and several marketing and environmental values and practices, suggesting that there is some validity to portraying organic agriculture as an alternative vision to industrial agriculture.
Feasibility of mulching technology as an alternative to slash-and-burn farming in eastern Amazon: A cost–benefit analysis
Authors: Mburu John , Börner Jan , Hedden-Dunkhorst Bettina , Mendoza-Escalante Arisbe , Frohberg Klaus
Published: July 2007

This paper addresses the question as to whether it is profitable to apply a mechanical mulching technology (MT) in the Bragantina region of Brazil and assesses the technology's feasibility as an alternative to the slash-and-burn practices of the Amazon. Using empirical data collected from a prototype assessment and a few secondary sources, the paper employs a cost–benefit analysis of ‘with’ and ‘without’ technology cropping systems (plots that applied the technology are compared with those that did not) to assess the financial and economic feasibility of investing in the MT. The analysis showed that the technology is profitable, both financially and socially, mainly because it is able to produce yields that are high enough to offset the costs, including the hiring of the mulching equipment. However, it may not be a feasible alternative to slash-and-burn farming unless certain conditions are fulfilled by farmers. Most of these conditions relate to farmers' adherence to a set of rules for the successful application of the technology. These rules include the abandonment of a single cropping cycle, typical for the traditional slash-and-burn system, and the adoption of two cycles of crop cultivation. In addition, farmers have to choose profitable crop combinations, such as cassava and beans for both cycles. Since most of the trial farmers did not meet these conditions, the technology received a notably low acceptability (8%). Further analysis indicated that the main reason for this trend was the increase of total labor requirement (by 32%), though the technology reduced labor demand during land preparation to almost zero. Similarly, there was a 22% increase in requirement for inorganic fertilizers. Thus, compared with the slash-and-burn practices of the Amazon, the MT can be regarded as a more intensive method of farming which gives higher crop yields but demands higher quantities of inputs such as labor and inorganic fertilizers. The paper concludes by deriving policy implications for the feasibility of the MT as an alternative to slash-and-burn agriculture in the Amazon. Among these is the importance of creating incentives to extend the cropping period from one to two consecutive cycles. Moreover, the necessity to conduct further studies after the technology has been adopted by the farmers is underscored.
Organic agriculture and the global food supply
Authors: Badgley Catherine , Moghtader Jeremy , Quintero Eileen , Zakem Emily , Chappell M. Jahi , Avilés-Vázquez Katia , Samulon Andrea , Perfecto Ivette
Published: July 2007

The principal objections to the proposition that organic agriculture can contribute significantly to the global food supply are low yields and insufficient quantities of organically acceptable fertilizers. We evaluated the universality of both claims. For the first claim, we compared yields of organic versus conventional or low-intensive food production for a global dataset of 293 examples and estimated the average yield ratio (organic:non-organic) of different food categories for the developed and the developing world. For most food categories, the average yield ratio was slightly <1.0 for studies in the developed world and >1.0 for studies in the developing world. With the average yield ratios, we modeled the global food supply that could be grown organically on the current agricultural land base. Model estimates indicate that organic methods could produce enough food on a globalper capitabasis to sustain the current human population, and potentially an even larger population, without increasing the agricultural land base. We also evaluated the amount of nitrogen potentially available from fixation by leguminous cover crops used as fertilizer. Data from temperate and tropical agroecosystems suggest that leguminous cover crops could fix enough nitrogen to replace the amount of synthetic fertilizer currently in use. These results indicate that organic agriculture has the potential to contribute quite substantially to the global food supply, while reducing the detrimental environmental impacts of conventional agriculture. Evaluation and review of this paper have raised important issues about crop rotations under organic versus conventional agriculture and the reliability of grey-literature sources. An ongoing dialogue on these subjects can be found in the Forum editorial of this issue.
Ecological agriculture: Principles, practices, and constraints
Authors: Magdoff Fred
Published: July 2007

The practice of ecological agriculture involves building the strengths of natural ecosystems into agroecosystems, purposely disturbed to produce food and fiber. The overall strategies include using practices that (a) grow healthy plants with good defense capabilities, (b) stressing pests, and (c) enhancing populations of beneficial organisms. These are accomplished by enhanced habitat management both above ground and in the soil. Many of the practices that contribute to the overall strategies are well known—such as intensive use of cover crops or reduced tillage. Reasons for why they have not been more widely used are discussed. The special challenges facing ecological agriculture in the poor countries of the Third World are also discussed. Re-engaging national governments in the active support of their agriculture and addressing the structural inequalities (including access to land) are essential to overcome the many problems facing farmers in the poor countries.
Ein 12-Stunden-Indoor-Cycling-Marathon führt zu einem messbaren Abbau des subkutanen Fettgewebes
Authors: Knechtle  , Früh  , Knechtle  , Schück  , Kohler
Published: July 2007

Bei einem 12-Stunden-Indoor-Cycling-Marathon hat ein Athlet je nach Zeitpunkt der Messung 0.4 kg bis 1.2 kg Körpermasse verloren. Die Fettmasse nahm – unabhängig vom Zeitpunkt – um rund 0.9 kg ab. Die errechnete Muskelmasse nahm – in Abhängigkeit vom Zeitpunkt der Messungen – um 0.27 kg bis 0.67 kg zu. Anhand des spezifischen Gewichts des Urins konnte eine allenfalls minimale Dehydratation objektiviert werden, wobei das spezifische Gewicht unmittelbar nach Abbruch der Belastung und 24 h nach Ende der Belastung gleich hoch war. Wir gehen davon aus, dass der Verlust an Fettmasse substantiell ist, denn die wiederholten Messungen nach der Belastung zeigten ein zunehmend tieferes Körpergewicht und eine konstant tiefere Fettmasse nach der Belastung – unabhängig vom Zeitpunkt der Messung. Die Zunahme der errechneten Muskelmasse führen wir auf ein intramuskuläres Ödem zurück. Um die in einer Fallstudie erhaltenen Resultate zu bestätigen, müsste ein grösseres Kollektiv an Sportlern untersucht werden. Eine allfällige Wassereinlagerung aufgrund eines möglichen Muskelödems müsste mit weiterführenden apparativen Untersuchungen wie Bioimpedanzanalyse objektiviert werden.
Hohe Sicherheit der Tumeszenz-Liposuktion
Authors: Böni
Published: July 2007

Liposuktionen werden mit zunehmender Häufigkeit durchgeführt und gehören heute zu den häufigsten kosmetischen Eingriffen. Regelmässig wird in der Laienpresse auf die Gefahren der Liposuktion aufmerksam gemacht, das Anästhesieverfahren jedoch nicht berücksichtigt.Tumeszenz-Liposuktionen müssen klar von Liposuktionen mit systemischer Sedierung abgegrenzt werden. Bei der Tumeszenz-Liposuktion wird eine Lösung bestehend aus Kochsalz, Lidocain, und Adrenalin direkt in das unerwünschte Fettgewebe eingebracht und der Schmerz wird lokal kontrolliert. Im Gegensatz dazu findet bei Liposuktionen mit intravenöser Sedierung oder unter Allgemeinnarkose eine systemische Analgesie statt. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, die Sicherheit dieser Verfahren zu überprüfen und die bisherigen Todesfälle zu analysieren.Die Sicherheit von Tumeszenz-Liposuktionen lässt sich in der Literatur mit 396457 komplikationslosen Eingriffen (eigene,unpublizierte Zahlen miteingerechnet) belegen, wobei die Zahl der nicht publizierten komplikationslosen Liposuktionen bedeutend höher sind. Bis heute gab es mit der Tumeszenz-Liposuktion keine Todesfälle. Hingegen ist das Risiko bei Liposuktionen, welche mit intravenöser Sedierung oder unter Allgemeinnarkose durchgeführt wurden, mit einer Mortalitätsrate von 2.6–19.1 auf 100000 Eingriffe, deutlich erhöht. Liposuktionen sollten deshalb wann immer möglich in Tumeszenz-Lokalanästhesie durchgeführt werden. Intravenöse Sedierung und Durchführung von Liposuktionen unter Allgemeinnarkose sollten vorsichtiger erwogen werden.
Livides Gesichtserythem: Markerläsion einer Systemkrankheit mit vielen Facetten
Authors: Sawatzki  , Daikeler  , Häusermann
Published: July 2007

Wir berichten über eine 53-jährige Patientin, die seit sechs Monaten ein livides Erythem im Gesicht, im Dekolleté, am Nacken, an den Flanken und Rücken zeigt. Klinisch wurde die Verdachtsdiagnose einer Dermatomyositis (DM) gestellt. Anamnestisch, klinisch und laborchemisch fanden sich keine Hinweise für einen Muskelbefall, so dass klinisch eine amyopathische Verlaufsform diagnostiziert wurde. Histologisch zeigten die lividen Erytheme eine pauciinflammatorische vakuoläre Interfacedermatitis. Bei der adulten Dermatomyositis inklusive der amyopathischen Variante ist das Risiko einer Neoplasie im Vergleich zur Allgemeinbevölkerung deutlich erhöht. Daher sind entsprechende Abklärungen in aller Regel angezeigt.
Conversion of the human blood group H antigen to A antigen in vitro
Authors: YANG NAN , BOETTCHER BARRY
Published: July 2007

A‐transferase (N‐acetylgalactosaminyl transferase) was purified from human group A plasma using Sepharose 4B affinity ehromatography. Human anti‐A antibodies were purified from human serum by adsorption to an immunosorbent column and heat elution in order to detect the A antigen. Conditions appropriate for the development of the A antigen on O red cells were examined and several buffer systems were found to be equally effective. Expression of the developed A antigen was found to be similar to that on group A red cells, indicating that the system in vitro has similar activity to the system in vivo. The H antigen from human saliva was coupled to Sepharose 4B or adsorbed to a nitrocellulose membrane. The A antigen was able to be developed on these materials by the action of group A‐transferase.

The procedures enabled the identification in vitro of sugar‐transferase activities which can be useful in studies within the A,B,H antigen system or other carbohydrate antigen system.
Monoclonal antibodies to secreted antigens of Brugia malayi define a cross‐reactive non‐phosphocholine determinant on helminth parasites
Authors: LAL RENU B.
Published: July 2007

The excretory‐secretory (ES) antigens of the filarial parasite Brugia malayi adult (BmA) and microfilariae (MF) were analysed for differences in their protein composition by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Both BmA and MF biosynthetically labelled with [3H]‐leucine released a 200 kD molecule with pi (isoelectric point) ranging from 5.1 to 6.8. A monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to phosphocholine (PC) immunoprecipitated the 200 kD molecule with a PI of 5.1–5.3 from both BmA and MF.

Immunization of CBA/N mice with ES antigens resulted in MoAb that reacted with PC, as well as some that did not (ES‐1, ES‐2 and ES‐3). The epitopes recognized by these non‐PC MoAb varied greatly in their molecular weight, heat‐resistance, TCA‐solubility and metaperiodate‐sensitivity. which suggests a proteoglycan nature of the epitope. An antigen capture assay using ES‐l and ES‐3 detected a circulating filarial antigen not only in patients infected with Wuchereria bancrofti (77–83% of those with asymptomatic microfilaraemia and 52–60% of those with chronic lymphatic obstruction) but also in serum from patients infected with other helminth parasites 12–100%). Indeed, the epitope recognized by these MoAb was also present on other helminth parasites, which suggests conservation of a carbohydrate‐like prosthetic group(s) on diverse helminth species.
Distinctive molecular markers and biological activities in two tumour‐specific murine T suppressor factors
Authors: GREER J. M. , HALLIDAY W. J.
Published: July 2007

Murine suppressor factors (SF) in tumour‐bearer serum (TBS) and tumour‐bearer spleen cell culture supernatants (SCCS) were compared with regard to their molecular markers, cellular requirements and suppressive activities. Suppressor factors in SCCS bear the idiotype I‐J, and markers recognized by B16G and anti‐lipomodulin antibodies require Ly2+ I‐J+ cells for their production and cells of the same phenotypes, for suppression to be manifested in leucocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) assays, are not immunoglobulin (Igh)‐restricted and are active in both the afferent and efferent phases of the immune response. Suppressor factors from TBS resemble those from SCCS with regard to idiotype, I‐J and lipomodulin‐like markers, but in contrast, do not bind to B16G antibody, require Ly2+ but not I‐J+ cells for suppression to be manifested in LAI assays, are Igh‐restricted, and suppress delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions only when injected in the afferent phase. These results show that the SF from the different sources in tumour‐bearing mice are not identical; they may be different parts of a suppressor cascade, or they may belong to entirely separate suppressor cascades.
Detection of Class I MHC antigens on glycosidase‐treated cells
Authors: O'NEILL HELEN C.
Published: July 2007

Several Class I molecules encoded by the murine H‐2K gene have been found to express epitopes with different sensitivities to glycosidases. This result was found to be variably represented by different assays used to measure the binding of monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) specific for Class I H‐2Kk molecules.
Spontaneous and cytokine‐inducible ‘natural’ immunoglobulin secreting cells in organized lymphoid tissues of mice
Authors: KERLIN ROY L. , PIKE BEVERLEY L.
Published: July 2007

The number and frequency of spontaneous and cytokine‐inducible ‘natural’ immunoglobulin‐secreting cells (ISC) were determined in bone marrow (BM). spleen and Peyer's patch (PP), in vitro. Cells were cultured at limiting dilution in the presence or absence of exogenous recombinant cytokines and supernatants then assayed for total immunoglobulin (Ig) and Ig isotype using an ELISA. Most spontaneous ISC were found in the spleen and BM, with fewer in PP. The addition of recombinant interleukin 5 (rIL‐5) promoted a marked increase in both the ISC frequency and the amount of Ig secreted/lSC whereas recombinant IL‐6 (rlL‐6) promoted only a marginal increase. Recombinant IL‐4 (rIL‐4) promoted a marginal increase in ISC frequency only. The isotype profile of ISC was in the order IgM lgG2 > lgA > IgG3IgG1.The exposure of cells to 1200 rad of γ‐radiation resulted in decreased numbers of spontaneous ISC in all tissues, but the addition of rlL‐5 or rIL‐6 to the irradiated cells increased both the ISC frequency and Ig secreted. The Ig isotype profile was similar to that of non‐irradiated ISC with a few minor exceptions. This large population of potential cytokine‐inducible ISC could contribute to ‘natural’ Ig secretion in vivo.
A human colon cancer cell line established from collagen matrix cultures transplanted into nude mice
Authors: AGREZ M. V. , CHUA F. K. , FAGAN K. , HEATH J. W. , FERGUSON N. W.
Published: July 2007

A new human colon cancer cell line (020588) has been derived by means of a combined in vitro matrix‐in vivo xenograft technique. The tumour cell line is carcino‐embryonic antigen positive, displays a marker chromosome and proliferates in chemically‐defined scrum‐free culture medium. The chemosensitivity pattern for the tumour cell line was similar to that observed for the parent tumour cells. The novel method used to establish this continuous human tumour cell line may have several advantages over standard techniques.
In vitro activation of rGM‐CSF derived bone marrow macrophages by cisplatin and lipopolysaccharide
Authors: SODHI AJIT , SURESH ALAPARTHY , SINGH SUKH MAHENDRA
Published: July 2007

Treatment of fresh non‐adherent bone marrow cells (NABMC) with cisplatin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) did not render them tumoricidal. NABMC incubated in medium alone or medium containing recombinant granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (rGM‐CSF) for 4 days matured to macrophages that were positive for non‐specific esterase staining. Bone marrow‐derived macrophages cultured with medium alone did not respond to cisplatin or LPS by the induction of tumoricidal activity, whereas rGM‐CSF derived bone macrophages showed significantly enhanced cytotoxicity after treatment with cisplatin or LPS. Culturing of NABMC with rGM‐CSF enhanced cell survival compared to the cells incubated in medium alone. These results suggest that bone marrow cells not only mature in rGM‐CSF, but are also primed by rGM‐CSF for induction of tumoricidal activity.
CD‐13 (‘gp150’; aminopeptidase‐N): Co‐expression on endothelial and haemopoietic cells with conservation of functional activity
Authors: FAVALORO EMMANUEL J.
Published: July 2007

This report details experimental results which show the presence of enzymic aminopeptidase‐N‐like activity on endothelial cells, concomitant with cell surface expression previously detected by both ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence. This activity, detected using selected chromogenic substrates in functional assays, is shown to be due (at least in part) to a molecule previously termed'gp 150’and recognized by MoAb belonging to CD‐13, since such antibodies can he shown to inhibit this activity. Activity, as detected on endothelial cells, is similar to that observed on various haemopoietic cells. These assays not only provide a functional basis to cell Surface gp 150 (CD‐13) co‐expression on haemopoietic and endothelial cells but have also been used to help define structural epitopes present on aminopeptidase‐N/gpl 50, previously analysed using radiolabelled antibodies in competitive binding assays. Appraisal of these new data suggests that the number of distinct antibody binding sites on this molecule is greater than that previously demonstrated. This study is therefore an important first step in investigating the potential involvement of this selective peptidase molecule in the control of haemopoietic cell growth and differentiation and in haemostatic mechanisms.
Modulation of the immune response by tachykinins
Authors: EGLEZOS ANTHONY , ANDREWS PAUL V. , BOYD RICHARD L. , HELME ROBERT D.
Published: July 2007

Neuro‐immunology is becoming an increasingly important discipline of immunology. This review has examined the immunomodulatory function of one group of neuropeptides, the TK, particularly SP and NKA. These peptides are localized in primary afferent nerves which have been shown to innervate several immune organs. In addition, binding sites for the TK have been demonstrated in thymus, spleen and lymph node. Several immune cell types also express neurokinin receptors including human circulating lymphocytes with binding to the Th/i class predominating, murine T and B cells, a human T lymphoblastoid cell line, human monocytes, rabbit polymorphonuclear leucocytes and guinea‐pig macrophages. The apposition of nerves with immune cells and receptors for neuropeptides thus produces an environment for interaction between the nervous and immune systems.

Studies in vitro and, more recently, in vivo have examined how the TK regulate immune cell responses. The TK stimulate proliferation of T cells, enhance mitogen‐induced release of cytokines including IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐1 and IL‐6 from mononuclear cells and macrophages, enhance immunoglobulin secretion and affect cellular chemotaxis and phagocytosis. Studies in vivo have shown a role for TK in lymphocyte recirculation of sheep lymph nodes, reversal of stress‐induced thymic involution and Ig production in both rat and mouse. Many of these effects appear to be mediated via NK‐2 type receptors.

To date, most of the work has involved studies in vitro, but the results from these are now being validated by studies in vivo where both the immune system and neuropeptides are able to interact at many anatomical sites. The complexities of the immune and the nervous systems mean that only a small number of potential interactions has been examined. Future studies can be expected to amplify these observations, especially with respect to the understanding of inflammatory and immune diseases in humans.
Serum factors affecting the specificity of anticardiolipin antibodies
Authors: LAYTON GUY T. , JOHNSTON SHANE C. , BERTWISTLE NEVILLE G.
Published: July 2007

The effects were investigated of two pretreatments of human serum and plasma test samples on their subsequent reactivity in the anticardiolipin antibody enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ACA‐ELISA).

The first treatment involved heat inactivation of test samples at 56°C for 30 min, a process sometimes used to inactivate samples from suspected human immunodeficiency virus positive individuals. Such treatment significantly increased the IgG ACA unit/mL values of normal sera, but when this effect was examined further, it was found that the increase in binding occurred on both cardiolipin‐coated and uncoated wells and was therefore non‐specific. Heat inactivation of sera prior to ACA testing should therefore be avoided.

The second treatment involved diluting immunoglobulin (ig)G and IgM ACA‐positive sera in normal human serum (NHS) or newborn calf serum (NCS); sera diluted in NHS showed a significant increase in titre, particularly IgM ACA‐positive sera. This phenomenon was found to be due to a serum cardiolipin‐binding cofactor which enhances antibody recognition. The cofactor is heat stable and is present in normal sera (male and female) and also in IgG ACA‐positive sera. The binding of a human IgM monoclonal antibody to cardiolipin was not affected by the cofactor. The cardiolipin/cofactor complex may represent the optimal autoantigen/autoimmunogen and are‐appraisal, therefore, of the clinical relevance of antibodies to cardiolipin and other negatively charged molecules is warranted.
Effect of high ligand concentration on West Nile virus‐specific T cell proliferation
Authors: KULKARNI A. B. , MULLBACHER A. , BLANDEN R. V.
Published: July 2007

In this paper the phenomenon of suppression of proliferation in vitro of 14 day primed, West Nile Virus (WNV)‐specific, murine CD4+ T cells by large numbers of antigen‐presenting macrophages and B cells has been investigated. Suppression was apparently not mediated by prostaglandins, as the use of indomethacin in cultures at four times the usual concentration did not reverse suppression.

Experiments were designed to evaluate the contribution of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class II and nominal WNV antigens in causing suppression of T cell proliferation. Listeria‐ or thioglycollate‐induced macrophages from CBA/H (H‐2k) mice, when treated with heat‐killed Listeria in vitro for 1 h to maintain or increase, respectively, MHC Class II levels before the addition of alloreactive Iak‐specific T cells caused inverse dose‐responses; the highest T cell proliferation occurred at a stimulator to responder (S:R) ratio of 0.25 and profound suppression at a S: R ratio of 1 or 2. In contrast, untreated thioglycollate‐induced macrophages, which express low MHC Class II levels, gave a direct dose‐response with increasing T cell proliferation as antigen‐presenting cell (APC) numbers increased.

Addition of anti‐Ia antibodies (or their Fab fragments) to cultures caused a significant reversal of suppresion of anti‐WNV T cells imposed by high numbers of Listeria‐induced macrophages or 14 day WNV‐primed B cell APC. Suppression was also reversed by reducing the concentration of WNV antigen. These observations support the notion that the suppression of T cell proliferation observed at high S: R ratios was due to high concentrations of ligand (WNV‐derived peptide complexed with Class II MHC) on APC.
The effects of a leukaemia‐controlling dose of acivicin on murine splenic lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo
Authors: GRIFFITHS M. , KEAST D.
Published: July 2007

The development of successful chemotherapy for cancers, including leukaemia, is based on the exploitation of significant toxic differentials of the agents, between the cancer cells and their normal countilerparts. A concentration of 0.1 μmol/L of the amino acid analogue acivicin (L‐(α S.5S)‐α‐amino‐.Vchloro‐4,5‐dihydro‐5‐isoxazoleacetie acid) was sufficient to inhibit [3H]‐DNA synthesis in mitogen stimulated murine splenic lymphocytes and WEHI 7.1 murine loukaemic cells in vitro. at glutamine concentrations up to 0.5 μmol/L. However, al concentrations of glutamine of 1.0 μmol/Land above, more actvicin was required to inhibit WEHI 7.1 cells than to inhibit the splenic lymphovytes. At 1.0 mmol/L glutamine 18 h of exposure to an optimal inhibitory concentration of actvicin (0.5 μmol/L) in vitro was sufficient to inhibit [3H]‐DNA synthesis in the mitogen stimulated lymphocytes. whereas 24 h of exposure to an optimal inhibitory aciviein eoneeniration of 2.0 μmol/L was required for inhibition of [3H]‐DNA synthesis in the WEHI 7.1 leukaemic cells. When an actvicin inoeuhition regime that was sufficient to eontrol the growth of intraperitoneally (i.p. implanted WEHI 7.1 leukaemic cells was administered to Balb/c mice, the primary immune response was significantly inhibited loan anligen given either during orafler the actvicin treatment. These results indicale that lymphocytes replicating in vivo a specific primary immune response eould be as sensitive to actviein as leukaemic cells.
Interleukin‐2 activates the γ‐interferon gene in newborn mice
Authors: LIPOLDOVÁ MARIE , HOLÁŇ VLADIMÍR
Published: July 2007

Spleen cells from newborn mice are immunologically nonreactive and do not respond by proliferation upon stimulation with the T cell mitogen concanavalin‐A (Con‐A) or with recombinant interleukin‐2 (IL‐2). We have found that, in spite of the observed non‐reactivity in the proliferative tests, cells from newborn mice were able to synthesize a significant level of mRNA for γ‐interferon (γ‐IFN) after stimulation with IL‐2, but did not synthesize γIFN upon stimulation with Con‐A. Since γ‐IFN is of prime importance for antiviral and fungicidal activities and had complex regulatory functions for the cells of the immune system, we suggest that it could play an important role in the survival of newborns.
Down‐regulation of E1a expression by E3 gene products in group C adenoviruses
Authors: ZHANG XIAOLIU , MÜLLBACHER ARNO , BRAITHWAITE ANTONY W.
Published: July 2007

Mutant group C adenoviruses defective in expression of the E3 transcription unit were found to overexpress E1a proteins relative to wild‐type adenoviruses. This result suggests that one or more proteins encoded in the E3 region (present in wild‐type viruses) down‐regulate E1a expression. This interpretation was confirmed by transfection experiments in which a plasmid expressing the E3 region reduced expression of E1a in 293 cells. Experiments to examine the molecular basis of this down‐regulation of E1a suggest that E3 protein products interfere with the translation of viral mRNA molecules.
Expression of the high responder/non‐responder human FcγRII. Analysis by PCR and transfection into FcR COS cells
Authors: TATE BRUCE J. , WITORT EWA , McKENZIE IAN F. C. , HOGARTH P. M.
Published: July 2007

Distinct differences in the capacity of monocyte FcγRII of different individuals to bin or not bind mouse IgG1 defines a polymorphism of FcγRIIa and has previously been defined as the high responder (HR) or low responder (LR) polymorphism of FcγRII. The precise definition of the molecular basis of the human HR/LR polymorphism of FcγRIIa from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of normal individuals has been determined by anti‐CD3 induction of T cell proliferation, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nucleotide sequencing, transfection and IgG binding. Amplification of first strand cDNA from mRNA isolated from mononuclear cells was performed by PCR using primers specific for the sequences encoding the leader and cytoplasm sequences of FcγRIIa, which is normally expressed in monocytes. Sequencing of the PCR products and transfection of these to FcγR cells indicated that in FcγRIIa of HR or LR individuals; (i) three nucleotide substitutions (CA to TG and G to A) resulted in the change of glutamine to tryptophan at position 27 (first extracellular domain) and arginine to histidine at position 131 (second extracellular domain); (ii) expression of cDNA encoding the various combinations of these indicated that arginine at position 131 was essential for IgG1 binding whereas the amino acid changes at position 27 had no effect; and (iii) IgGf at high concentration bound to all allomorphic forms of FcγRIIa. These results indicate that position 131 in the second extracellular domain of FcγRIIa is intimately involved in immunoglobulin binding. Furthermore, the apparent inability of IgG1 to bind to FcγRIIa of non‐responder individuals is not absolute in that immune complexes sensitized with a high concentration of MIgG1 will bind to non‐responder‐type FcγRIIa.