bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Multiphase Reactive Transport in a Waste Rock Pile with Convective Oxygen Supply
Authors: da Silva Júlio César , do Amaral Vargas Eurípedes , Sracek Ondra
Published: November 2009

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a cause of many environmental problems worldwide. To address these problems, THERMOX, a two‐dimensional (2‐D) finite element program, was developed. THERMOX simulates physical and geochemical processes in waste rock with variable sulfide content and water saturation. The program includes pyrite oxidation kinetics, equilibrium precipitation and dissolution reactions, heat transfer by conduction and convection, and oxygen transport by diffusion and convection. The program was applied to data from a waste rock pile at the Doyon Mine site in Québec, Canada. Simulations were performed for two end‐member scenarios: a nonconvective mode with diffusion as the only oxygen transport process, and a convective mode with both diffusion and convection as oxygen transport processes. Simulations confirmed previous findings from the Doyon Mine site about the development of high temperatures and high pore‐water concentrations close to the slope of a highly permeable waste rock pile with high pyrite content, linked to rapid oxygen convection. When only diffusion of oxygen was considered, the rate of pyrite oxidation was lower and the oxidation front was relatively continuous, with lower maximum dissolved species concentrations close to the slope. Calculated temperatures compared well with the Doyon Mine field data. The match for pH was reasonable, while calculated sulfate concentrations were lower. This can be explained by the high friability of the sericite schist rock at the site, which accelerates the pyrite oxidation rate, and temporal changes in recharge (most recharge occurs during spring snow melt). The program can be used for predicting various remediation scenarios (e.g., change in the slope of a rock pile or the use of an impermeable cover). Kinetically constrained dissolution of silicates should be included to simulate conditions during late stages of neutralization.
Simulating Dynamic Water Supply Systems in a Fully Integrated Surface–Subsurface Flow and Transport Model
Authors: Panday Sorab , Brown Nathan , Foreman Terry , Bedekar Vivek , Kaur Jagjit , Huyakorn Peter S.
Published: November 2009

Groundwater pumping is a boundary condition in groundwater models, and surface application, reuse, diversions, and water reclamation plant discharges are boundary conditions in hydrologic or hydraulic (i.e., surface) models. These processes can be simulated, however, as internal flow and solute transport components within a fully integrated groundwater–surface water model. A methodology has been developed and incorporated into the MODHMS fully integrated surface–subsurface modeling framework to enable evaluation of water distribution and application and impacts to water quality on surface and subsurface domains. This methodology allows the supply and delivery of water and associated water quality to be a part of the model solution rather than being predetermined boundary conditions to the system. Furthermore, this methodology handles temporal and spatial changes to land use and water quality and associated effects on outdoor water distribution, infiltration, runoff, and evapotranspiration properties that are related to surface cover or land use classifications. This new methodology was applied to a portion of the Upper Santa Clara River system and underlying groundwater basins of southern California to aid in the evaluation of a Cl− total maximum daily load (TMDL) study. The outcome of this modeling evaluation has led to an enhanced understanding of how Cl− is transported throughout the surface–subsurface model domain and improved collaboration among stakeholders. The model serves as a powerful tool with which to develop and evaluate various approaches for the Cl− TMDL implementation for the Upper Santa Clara River system.
Degradation of malachite green solution using combined microwave and ZnFe2O4 powder
Authors: Zhang Lei , Su Mingming , Liu Na , Zhou Xinyu , Kang Pingli
Published: November 2009

Dyestuff malachite green MG in aqueous solution can be degraded rapidly assisted by microwave irradiation (MW) in the presence of ZnFe2O4 powder. ZnFe2O4 acted as a MW as well as the catalyst for MG degradation, and could be used repeatedly. The effects of MW time, initial concentration of MG, addition amount, pH value and used times of ZnFe2O4 powder were discussed in details using UV-Vis spectra, FT-IR spectra, ion chromatography and TOC analysis technologies. The results showed that the degradation percentage of MG was nearly 100%, corresponding to 92% of TOC removal, when the mass fraction of ZnFe2O4 was 1.2%, MW 500 W and the irradiation time 2 min. Additionally, the above method using ZnFe2O4 powder as catalyst combined with MW has high degradation ratios, short reaction time, low costs, no intermediates and no secondary pollution. Therefore, it may be available for the treatment of various dyestuff wastewaters on a large scale.
Factors influencing catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of maleic acid in aqueous phase over copper/micelle templated silica-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane catalyst
Authors: Daniel Lilian , Katima Jamidu H. Y.
Published: November 2009

Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of initial maleic acid feed concentration (0.005 to 0.03 M) was carried out in a temperature range of 20–50°C, on micelle templated silica-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (MTS-AMP) supported copper catalyst. The influence of various operating parameters such as initial feed concentration of maleic acid, temperature, catalyst loading and the stability of the catalyst were investigated. CWPO reactions were performed in a stirred batch reactor at an atmospheric pressure in the presence of H2O2 as an oxidant. Total conversion of maleic acid into acetic acid was obtained under mild conditions (i.e. atmospheric pressure and 40°C). Blank experiments showed no measurable maleic acid conversion (i.e. only ∼0.5% conversion of initial maleic acid), indicating that a significant oxidation reaction of maleic acid is enhanced by the presence of a catalyst. Copper on micelle templated silica-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane catalyst therefore was found to be suitable for aqueous phase oxidation of maleic acid with 100% of maleic acid conversion.
Innovative water treatment system coupled with energy production using photo-Fenton reaction
Authors: Tokumura M. , Morito R. , Shimizu A. , Kawase Y.
Published: November 2009

The treatment of colored effluent coupled with energy production using a modified photo-Fenton process has been examined. Fe and carbon plates were employed as an anode and cathode, respectively. In acidic solution, Fe plates would corrode, which leads to elute ferrous ion from Fe plates into the solution and to yield hydrogen gas at the cathode and to generate an electric energy. The eluted ferrous ion could be used for the photo-Fenton reaction. As a result, decolorization of colored effluent and production of electricity and hydrogen could be carried out simultaneously and effectively. It was found that the Orange II concentration in the colored effluent flow decreased up to 84.2% of inlet concentration at 0.8 of relative position in the liquid flow path of continuous photo-reactor. In our proposed system, the energy production, such as an electric power and a hydrogen gas, can be generated at the same time as the decolorization of colored effluent. The produced electric power was 16.5 Wh kg−1-Fereacted. The produced hydrogen gas was estimated as 13 g-H2 kg−1-Fereacted.
Microcalorimetric and manometric tests to assess anammox activity
Authors: Scaglione D. , Buttiglieri G. , Ficara E. , Caffaz S. , Lubello C. , Malpei F.
Published: November 2009

The present study compares two experimental methods to evaluate Anammox activity based on the assessment of (1) the N2 production rate by a manometric device, as previously proposed, and (2) the heat production rate by a microcalorimeter. Two samples of Anammox suspended biomass were taken from a pilot-plant, and their specific Anammox activity measured by both techniques. Both methods were successfully applied. As for calorimetric tests, they were performed for the first time on Anammox enriched sludge samples. Comparisons between the specific Anammox activities estimated by manometry and calorimetry and between expected (from the reaction enthalpy) and measured heat productions were performed. Promising results were obtained.
Nitrogen compounds in drain sewage after constructed wetlands
Authors: Pawęska K. , Malczewska B.
Published: November 2009

Constructed wetlands, commonly known as ground filters, are well suited mostly for wastewater treatment in areas with no central sewage system. The basic difficulty with exploitation of constructed wetlands is connected with irregular hydraulic overload of its surface. However, irregular wastewater inflow can be reduced by cyclical irrigation which increases efficiency. The unquestionable advantage of the constructed wetlands is inexpensive construction and exploitation as well as low energy consumption. The constructed wetlands also fit very well in surrounding area. The investigation concerned the analysis of two constructed wetlands which are composed of mechanical separation (septic tank) and a filter bed with subsurface flow. The research has been undertaken in a period from July to December 2008, with regard to concentration distribution of nitrogen compounds in municipal sewage after constructed wetlands. The preliminary investigation on constructed wetland which has been exploited for 10 years showed variable removal efficiency of nitrogen compounds. The continuation of the research can indicate the efficiency of wastewater treatment in summer and winter season.
Identifying weak points of urban drainage systems by means of VulNetUD
Authors: Möderl M. , Kleidorfer M. , Sitzenfrei R. , Rauch W.
Published: November 2009

This article presents the development and application of the software tool VulNetUD. VulNetUD is a tool for GIS-based identification of vulnerable sites of urban drainage systems (UDS) using hydrodynamic simulations undertaken using EPA SWMM. The benefit of the tool is the output of different vulnerability maps rating sewer surcharging, sewer flooding, combined sewer overflow (CSO) efficiency and CSO emissions. For this, seven predefined performance indicators are used to evaluate urban drainage systems under abnormal, critical and future conditions. The application on a case study highlights the capability of the tool to identify weak points of the urban drainage systems. Thereby it is possible to identify urban drainage system components which cause the highest performance decrease across the entire system. The application of the method on a real world case study shows for instance that a reduction of catchment areas which are located upstream of CSOs with relatively less capacity in the downstream sewers achieves the highest increases efficiency of the system. Finally, the application of VulNetUD is seen as a valuable tool for managers and operators of waste water utilities to improve the efficiency of their systems. Additionally vulnerability maps generated by VulNetUD support risk management e.g. decision making in urban development planning or the development of rehabilitation strategies.
Evaluation of organic matter concentration in winery wastewater: a case study from Australia
Authors: Quayle Wendy C. , Fattore Alison , Zandona Roy , Christen Evan W. , Arienzo Michele
Published: November 2009

The 5-day biological oxygen demand (BOD5) remains a key indicator for proof of compliance with environmental regulators in the monitoring and management of winery effluent. Inter-conversion factors from alternative tests that are more rapid, accurate and simpler to perform have been determined that allow prediction of BOD5 in winery wastewaters, generally, and at different stages of production and treatment. Mean values obtained from this dataset offer rule of thumb inter-conversion factors: BOD5 = 0.7 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), BOD5 = 2.3 Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and BOD5 = 2.7 Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC). Specific predictive linear relationships are also provided. Out of the relationships between BOD5vs COD, TOC and DOC, in winery wastewater, irrespective of vintage or non-vintage production periods and stage of treatment, TOC offered the most reliable prediction of BOD5. Ethanol, glucose and fructose were evaluated in untreated wastewater as predictors of BOD5 due to their high specificity in winery effluent. A significant relationship was determined between BOD5 and (ethanol + glucose + fructose; R2 = 0.64, n = 19; p < 0.05), but relationships between BOD5 and ethanol and BOD5vs (glucose + fructose) were weak (R2 = 0.45 and 0.34; n = 19; p < 0.05 respectively,). There was a very strong linear correlation (y = 0.9767x + 52.8; R2 = 0.97; n = 23; p < 0.05) in COD data in winery effluents when using a commercially available mercury free test kit compared with using a traditional COD test kit that contained mercury. This suggests that mercury free COD test kits could be used by the wine industry for organic pollution assessment with associated reductions to user and environmental risk, as well as reducing the costs of kit waste disposal.
Evaluation of bioaugmentation efficiency for the treatment of run-off water under tropical conditions: applications to the Derby-Tacaruna canal (Recife/Brazil)
Authors: da Silva M. C. L. , Nascimento A. M. , da Silva V. L. , Pons M. N. , da Motta M.
Published: November 2009

An evaluation of the efficiency of bacterial biomass augmentation was performed at lab-scale for the pollution treatment of the Derby-Tacaruna canal. The canal is located at the central area of Great Recife, alongside an important urban corridor. The characterization of the canal water in different tidal conditions showed that the actual pollution is organic and inorganic (heavy metals). Degradation experiments of water from the canal and rain-off system polluted by synthetic wastewater were performed, using activated sludge and an industrial bioadditive. Continuous reactors under two different conditions were evaluated: with diffuse aeration and without aeration. The channel reactor was operated under steady state conditions at a flow rate of 2.5 L h−1 and with an average residence time of 22 h without aeration and 17 h with aeration. The organic matter removal was in the range of 60% for the system inoculated with the bioadditive and 85% with activated sludge. It was concluded that the water of the Derby-Tacaruna canal may be treated by activated sludge without being affected by its salt content, while the bioaugmentation technique was not satisfactory due to inhibition by inorganics.
Copper: Quest for a Cure
Authors: Walshe John
Published: November 2009

This is the story of how Wilson's disease, a previously rare and fatal inherited disease, was conquered by a series of individual discoveries, leading to highly effective treatments. It also describes the difficulties which had to be overcome to achieve this in the face of government and institutional bureaucracy. It should be of interest to those involved in medical research, to doctors interested in rare diseases and to the lay public who want to know how medical advances are made. Technical details are kept to a minimum so that an understanding of medical and technical terms is not needed. The Ebook should prove to be a very useful resource for researchers studying Wilson's disease and its history in medicine.
Progress
Authors: Walshe John
Published: November 2009

On returning to University College Hospital in London I needed to find patients with this rare disease and supplies of penicillamine to assess its ability to mobilise copper from their abnormal body stores. Three patients were found by my father, Sir Francis Walshe, a distinguished neurologist, and with the small amount of penicillamine available to me I was able to show that in each case penicillamine promoted the excretion of more copper than did BAL. Two patients were returned to their referring physicians but the third stayed with me for over 50 years and made an excellent recovery eventually having three children of her own.

Supplies of penicillamine were secured when I was able to convince the medical director of the Distillers Company, the principal makers of penicillin at the time, to make penicillamine for me.

By the early 1960s reports from my own work and from other centres appeared showing that patients treated with penicillin showed a remarkable improvement in all symptoms.

However Propfessor Denny Brown and Dr Uzman in Boston still believed that Wilson's disease was not due to copper deposition but due to abnormal protein metabolism with abnormal peptides being excreted in the urine. Working with Professor Milne and Dr Asatoor at the Hammersmith Hospital, it was possible to disprove this theory using newer techniques to analyse urine.

In 1957, after failing to get appointed to two different appointments in Oxford I was accepted to a post in the Department of Experimental Medicine in Cambridge.
A New Beginning
Authors: Walshe John
Published: November 2009

Having been appointed Assistant Director of Research to Professor McCance in Cambridge I needed to find somewhere to live and to decide upon a line of research in keeping with the facilities available.. Shortly after taking up this new post I was invited, by the British Council, to undertake a lecture tour in South America. On returning from this I succeeded in establishing the methods I needed to estimate abnormalities of copper metabolism and to recruit patients for my studies. I also continued my work with Sydney Osborn, a medical physicist, and we improved our methods of determining the movement of copper in the body using a short half life radioactive isotope of copper.

Whilst the results of treatment with penicillamine were very encouraging I encountered the problem of a patient developing a severe toxic reaction to the drug. A University biochemist, Dr Hal Dixon, suggested I use triethylenetetramine, a known copper binding compound and this proved safe and effective. For several years we produced this in my laboratory to treat a small number of penicillamine intolerant patients. We also found that an impurity in this compound could induced a disastrous fall in blood pressure. During the course of these studies we moved premises twice, first temporary war time huts in Canhams yard and then the old Low Temperature Research building in the Downing Street site. During this time I also had trouble with the Ministry of Health over the question of prescription charges for my patients.
The Department of Experimental Medicine
Authors: Walshe John
Published: November 2009

The story resumes with yet another move, the third in all, to new laboratories in the University wing at the New Addenbrooke's Hospital. This had the advantage of being near my ward, the service departments, biochemistry, haematology, radiology and audiovisual aids. It had the disadvantage of removing me from the basic science departments of the University with whom I had had such successful cooperation. In addition my new quarters were much smaller than before and there was no convenient place to see patients. The major problem was the roof. Every time it rained heavily the roof leaked and I had to take unusual action to get this remedied.

However the main problem was the realisation that the impurity in our trientine preparation was not only potentially toxic but, perhaps actually so. This lead to a search for and, eventually thanks again to Hal Dixon, the finding of a solution to the problem. Other activities were a search for a common ancestor to a cluster of Wilson patients centred around the Wash; the search through church records was fascinating but, unfortunately, non productive; the cluster must have been coincidental There was also some work for an ice cream firm who allowed a batch of iced lollies with excess copper onto the market. Finally there was continued work on basic brain chemistry with Sir Rudolph Peters in the University Department of Biochemistry in which we showed how copper might damage the transport of ions through the neuronal membrane........
The End of a Strained Relationship
Authors: Walshe John
Published: November 2009

September in the year 1987 heralded my retirement both as a reader in the University and also that of my honorary appointment as a consultant physician to Addenbrooke's Hospital. At that time I had been unable to make any satisfactory arrangements for the continued specialist care of my patients. A solution was offered in the following summer when Dr Gerald Stern invited me to set up a Wilson's disease clinic at University College Hospital (UCH) in London. One problem had to be solved as to who would do the specialist studies of copper metabolism The UCH laboratory was not able to undertake the preferred method of caeruloplasmin estimation but Scheinberg agreed to do this for me if I mailed him suitable samples to New York. My clinic ran in conjunction with Dr Stern's out patient clinic until we transferred to the Middlesex Hospital and Dr Lees took over from Dr Stern on his retirement. My expenses for the travel to London were met by Aldrich Chemicals, who had taken over the production of Trientine. There were problems over the account of an overseas patient and also a major problem when two Cambridge doctors published results culled from my case notes.. Eventually I tendered my resignation on reaching the age of 80 years and handed over the clinic to Dr. Godfrey Gillett who had joined me some years before. There is also an account of my somewhat unhappy relationship with the University of Cambridge.
ARMs, Not Subprimes, Caused the Mortgage Crisis
Authors: Liebowitz Stan J
Published: November 2009

Stan Liebowitz of UT Dallas argues that the conventional wisdom on the crisis is not fact based.
Can Weblogs and Microblogs Change Traditional Scientific Writing?
Authors: Ebner Martin , Maurer Hermann
Published: November 2009

This paper describes a follow-up Web 2.0 approach to a technology enhanced master course for students of Graz University of Technology. The lecture “Social Aspects of Information Technology” has a long tradition for using new didactical scenarios as well as modern e-Learning technologies. After using a blogosphere one year ago, this year microblog channels helped to expand the traditional lecture. Students choose (on a voluntary basis) whether they want to participate in a blogging/microblogging group instead of using conventional methods called Scientific Writer/Scientific Reviewer. This study addresses the question whether this method can change the learning outcome into a more reflective one. Furthermore, peer-reviewing groups judge the quality of essays and blog contributions. In this paper we examine if microblogging can be an appropriate technology for assisting the process. This publication comes to the conclusion that an amazing potential and a new way to work with information is opened when using microblogging. Students seem to be more engaged, reflective and critical in as much as they presented much more personal statements and opinions than years before.
Indoor Air Pollution: An Old Problem with New Challenges
Authors: Spengler John , Adamkiewicz Gary
Published: November 2009

Hazards in our indoor environments have been recognized since biblical times. The advice in Leviticus 14:33–48 for treating mold infested houses has contemporary meaning in the recent World Health Organization (WHO) document on damp and moldy indoor spaces [1]. In the developed world, faulty combustion, carbon monoxide from coal gas, lead paint, poor ventilation of tenement housing and hospitals have been recognized for decades as unhealthy. Indoor air quality, however, was not appreciated as an important component of public health until the proliferation of sealed buildings, energy conservation programs (urea formaldehyde foam insulation), new products, and the recognition of the health effects of radon, asbestos and latex. [...]
Omran, O.-A. The Reaction of Diethyl Bromomalonate with p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene: An Approach to Asymmetrical Derivatives Molecules 2009, 14, 1755-1761
Authors: Omran Omran Abdellah
Published: November 2009

We found following errors in our paper published in Molecules recently [1]. [...]
Njaoaminiums A, B, and C: Cyclic 3-Alkylpyridinium Salts from the Marine Sponge Reniera sp.
Authors: Laville Remi , Genta-Jouve Grégory , Urda Carlos , Fernández Rogelio , Thomas Olivier P. , Reyes Fernando , Amade Philippe
Published: November 2009

Three novel cyclic 3-alkylpyridinium salts, named njaoaminiums A, B, and C (1-3), were isolated from the marine sponge Reniera sp., collected off the coasts of Pemba Island, Tanzania. The structural determination of the compounds was based on 1D and 2D NMR studies and mass spectral determinations. Njaoaminiums B (2) and C (3) are the first examples of cyclic 3-alkylpyridinium salts bearing a methyl substituent on the alkyl chains. These compounds are assumed to be biosynthetic precursors of the njaoamines, previously isolated from the same sponge. The absolute configurations of the methyls of 2 and 3 were assigned by comparison between experimental and TDDFT calculated circular dichroism spectra on the most stable conformer. Compound 2 showed weak cytotoxicity against the three human tumor cell lines MDA-MB-231, A549, and HT29.
Preparation of Superhydrophobic Polymeric Film on Aluminum Plates by Electrochemical Polymerization
Authors: Wang Fang , Luo Heyi , Wang Qian , Wang Jinggang , Xu Juan
Published: November 2009

6-(N-Allyl-1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperfluorododecyl)amino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium (ATP) was used to prepare polymeric thin films on pure aluminum plates to achieve a superhydrophobic surface. The electrochemical polymerization process of ATP on aluminum plates in NaNO2 aqueous solution and the formation of poly(6-(N-allyl-1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperfluorododecyl)amino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol) (PATP) thin film were studied by means of optical ellipsometry and film weight. The chemical structure of the polymeric film is investigated using FT-IR spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Contact angle goniometry was applied to measure the contact angles with distilled water drops at ambient temperature. The experimental results indicate that the polymeric film formed on pure aluminum plates exhibits superhydrophobic properties with a distilled water contact angle of 153°. The electrochemical polymerization process is time-saving, inexpensive, environmentally friendly and fairly convenient to carry out. It is expected that this technique will advance the production of superhydrophobic materials with new applications on a large scale. Moreover, this kind of polymeric thin film can be used as a dielectric material due to its insulating features.
Enhanced Early Tissue Regeneration after Matrix-Assisted Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Full Thickness Chondral Defects in a Minipig Model
Authors: Jung Martin , Kaszap Balazs , Redöhl Anna , Steck Eric , Breusch Steffen , Richter Wiltrud , Gotterbarm Tobias
Published: November 2009

Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive cell source for new treatment strategies in regenerative medicine. This study investigated the potential effect of matrix assisted MSC transplantation for articular cartilage regeneration in a large-animal model 8 weeks postoperatively. MSCs from bone marrow aspirates of eight Goettingen minipigs were isolated and expanded prior to surgery. Articular cartilage defects of 5.4 mm were created bilaterally in the medial patellar groove without penetrating the subchondral bone plate. Defects were either left empty ( n = 4), covered with a collagen type I/III membrane ( n = 6) or additionally treated with autologous MSC transplantation (2 × 106; n = 6). After 8 weeks animals were euthanized and the defect area was assessed for its gross appearance. Histomorphological analysis of the repair tissue included semiquantitative scoring (O'Driscoll score) and quantitative histomorphometric analysis for its glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen type II content. All membranes were found to cover the defect area 8 weeks postoperatively. Median defect filling was 115.8% (membrane), 117.8% (empty), and 100.4% (MSC), respectively (not significant). Histomorphological scoring revealed significantly higher values in MSC-treated defects (median 16.5) when compared to membrane treatment (median 9.5) or empty defects (median 11.5; p = 0.015 and p = 0.038). Histomorphometric analysis showed larger GAG/collagen type II-positive areas in the MSC-treated group (median 24.6%/29.5% of regeneration tissue) compared to 13.6%/33.1% (empty defects) and 1.7%/6.2% (membrane group; p = 0.066). Cell distribution was more homogeneous in MSC compared to membrane-only group, where cells were found mainly near the subchondral zone. In conclusion, autologous matrix-assisted MSC transplantation significantly increased the histomorphological repair tissue quality during early articular cartilage defect repair and resulted in higher GAG/collagen type II-positive cross-sectional areas of the regenerated tissue.
An Early Cretaceous fruit with affinities to Ceratophyllaceae
Authors: Dilcher David L. , Wang Hongshan
Published: November 2009

A new genus and species with affinities to Ceratophyllaceae from the Lower Cretaceous of Kansas, USA is reported. The fruits of Donlesia dakotensis gen. et sp. nov. are smooth achenes with two winged lateral spines, two winged facial spines, one stylar spine, and a long peduncle with a distinctive groove. The facial spines are arranged perpendicular to the lateral spines. The seed contains two cotyledons and a central plumule. Dichotomous leaves associated with Donlesia dakotensis fruits are whorled, petiolate, and lack denticles. The fruit morphology of D. dakotensis differs from extant and fossil members of Ceratophyllaceae in its tetra‐radial symmetry, the presence of two winged facial spines, a long peduncle, and the lack of other appendages on the fruit surface. It seems to be more closely related to section Ceratophyllum of extant Ceratophyllum. This relationship suggests that section Ceratophyllum of extant Ceratophyllum may represent the ancestral members of the ancient Ceratophyllum lineage. The presence of this species in the Dakota Formation further confirms that there were diverse aquatic plants living in freshwater lakes along the eastern margin of the Western Interior Seaway during the Early Cretaceous.
Two independent C4 origins in Aristidoideae (Poaceae) revealed by the recruitment of distinct phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase genes
Authors: Christin Pascal‐Antoine , Besnard Guillaume
Published: November 2009

Determining the number of evolutions of an adaptive novelty is primordial to understand its evolutionary significance. C4 photosynthesis, an adaptation to low CO2 atmospheric concentration and high temperature, evolved multiple times, but the number of convergent evolutions is still debated. In Poaceae phylogeny, numerous C4 groups are separated by C3 taxa, but whether these correspond to independent C4 origins or a few C4 evolutions followed by reversals is controversial. The Aristidoideae subfamily is formed by two C4 genera, Aristida and Stipagrostis, separated by the C3 genus Sartidia. In the current study, we investigated the evolutionary history of genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylases (PEPC) to shed light on the photosynthetic transitions that occurred in Aristidoideae. We identified six distinct PEPC gene lineages that appeared through several rounds of gene duplications before or early during grass diversification. The gene lineage encoding the C4 PEPC of Stipagrostis differs from those of the other C4 grasses, including Aristida. These distinct origins of C4 PEPC genes from these two Aristidoideae genera unequivocally indicate that they integrated the C4 pathway independently. This highlights the importance of candidate‐gene studies when inferring the evolutionary history of a character such as C4 photosynthesis, one of the greatest evolutionary successes in plant history.
El teorema de posibilidad
Authors: Giner Salvador
Published: November 2009

La explicación sociológica del altruismo presenta serias dificultades. El presente ensayo propone resolver el enigma del altruismo mediante la presentación de una explicación alternativa al Teorema de Imposibilidad de Arrow así como a las objeciones de Berlin al cálculo racional en política. La atribución de carisma o sacralidad a ciertos valores genera, frecuentemente, la solución. Tal atribución suministra un criterio racional de acción que supera y descarta otros cálculos. El Teorema de Posibilidad que aquí se postula resuelve el problema de la racionalidad de lo supuestamente irrracional en las trías o elecciones racionales de conducta. El Teorema propuesto es una aportación a la cuestión de la racionalidad del carisma y, por ende, a la explicación analítica del altruismo.
Integration of Distinct Intracellular Signaling Pathways at Distal Regulatory Elements Directs T-bet Expression in Human CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Placek Katarzyna , Gasparian Sona , Coffre Maryaline , Maiella Sylvie , Sechet Emmanuel , Bianchi Elisabetta , Rogge Lars
Published: November 2009

T-bet is a key regulator controlling Th1 cell development. This factor is not expressed in naive CD4+ T cells, and the mechanisms controlling expression of T-bet are incompletely understood. In this study, we defined regulatory elements at the human T-bet locus and determined how signals originating at the TCR and at cytokine receptors are integrated to induce chromatin modifications and expression of this gene during human Th1 cell differentiation. We found that T cell activation induced two strong DNase I-hypersensitive sites (HS) and rapid histone acetylation at these elements in CD4+ T cells. Histone acetylation and T-bet expression were strongly inhibited by cyclosporine A, and we detected binding of NF-AT to a HS in vivo. IL-12 and IFN-γ signaling alone were not sufficient to induce T-bet expression in naive CD4+ T cells, but enhanced T-bet expression in TCR/CD28-stimulated cells. We detected a third HS 12 kb upstream of the mRNA start site only in developing Th1 cells, which was bound by IL-12-induced STAT4. Our data suggest that T-bet locus remodeling and gene expression are initiated by TCR-induced NF-AT recruitment and amplified by IL-12-mediated STAT4 binding to distinct distal regulatory elements during human Th1 cell differentiation.
Autoimmune Regulator Deficiency Results in Decreased Expression of CCR4 and CCR7 Ligands and in Delayed Migration of CD4+ Thymocytes
Authors: Laan Martti , Kisand Kai , Kont Vivian , Möll Kaidi , Tserel Liina , Scott Hamish S. , Peterson Pärt
Published: November 2009

Autoimmune regulator (Aire) has been viewed as a central player in the induction of tolerance. This study examines whether Aire can modulate the production of the thymic chemokines involved in corticomedullary migration and thus play a role in intrathymic thymocyte migration and maturation. Aire deficiency resulted in reduced gene expression and protein levels of the CCR4 and CCR7 ligands in whole thymi of mice, as determined by quantitative PCR analysis and ELISA. The expression of the CCR4 ligands coincided with Aire expression in the CD80high medullary thymic epithelial cells, whereas the expression of the CCR7 ligands was detected in other cell populations. Also, the expression pattern of the CCR4 and CCR7 ligands follows that of Aire during postnatal but not during embryonic development. In vitro, overexpression of Aire resulted in an up-regulation of selected CCR4 and CCR7 ligands, which induced selective migration of double-positive and single-positive CD4+ cells. In vivo, Aire deficiency resulted in a diminished emigration of mature CD4+ T cells from the thymi of 5-day-old mice. In conclusion, Aire regulates the production of CCR4 and CCR7 ligands in medullary thymic epithelial cells and alters the coordinated maturation and migration of thymocytes. These results suggest a novel mechanism behind the Aire-dependent induction of central tolerance.
Cutting Edge: Depletion of Foxp3+ Cells Leads to Induction of Autoimmunity by Specific Ablation of Regulatory T Cells in Genetically Targeted Mice
Authors: Kim Jeong , Lahl Katharina , Hori Shohei , Loddenkemper Christoph , Chaudhry Ashutosh , deRoos Paul , Rudensky Alexander , Sparwasser Tim
Published: November 2009

We have recently described two independent mouse models in which the administration of diphtheria toxin (DT) leads to specific depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) due to expression of DT receptor-enhanced GFP under the control of the Foxp3 promoter. Both mouse models develop severe autoimmune disorders when Foxp3+ Tregs are depleted. Those findings were challenged in a recent study published in this journal suggesting the expression of Foxp3 in epithelial cells as the cause for disease development. By using genetic, cellular, and immunohistochemical approaches, we do not find evidence for Foxp3-expression in nonhematopoietic cells. DT injection does not lead to a loss of epithelial integrity in our Foxp3-DTR models. Instead, Foxp3 expression is Treg-specific and ablation of Foxp3+ Tregs leads to the induction of fatal autoimmune disorders. Autoimmunity can be reversed by the adoptive transfer of Tregs into depleted hosts, and the transfer of Foxp3-deficient bone marrow into T cell-deficient irradiated recipients leads to full-blown disease development.
Soluble B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator Possesses Antitumor Effects and Facilitates Heat Shock Protein 70 Vaccine-Triggered Antitumor Immunity against a Murine TC-1 Cervical Cancer Model In Vivo
Authors: Han Lingfei , Wang Wei , Fang Yong , Feng Zuohua , Liao Shujie , Li Wei , Li Yan , Li Chunxiao , Maitituoheti Mayinuer , Dong Hong , Lai Zhiwen , Gao Qinglei , Xi Ling , Wu Mingfu , Wang Daowen , Zhou Jianfeng , Meng Li , Wang Shixuan , Ma Ding
Published: November 2009

B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA)-herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) signaling coinhibitory pathway is believed to impair antitumor immune competences. An intriguing unresolved question is whether blockade of BTLA-HVEM guides an effective therapeutic tool against established tumors. To address this issue, we constructed a eukaryotic expression plasmid (psBTLA) that expressed the extracellular domain of murine BTLA (soluble form of BTLA), which could bind HVEM, the ligand of BTLA, and block BTLA-HVEM interactions. The data in this study showed that treatment by injection of psBTLA resulted in down-regulation of IL-10 and TGF-β and promotion of dendritic cell function by increasing the expression of B7-1 and IL-12, but the adaptive antitumor immune responses achieved by psBTLA administration alone were limited and could not eradicate the tumor effectively. Next, we evaluated the immunotherapeutic efficacy and mechanism of combination therapy of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) vaccine/psBTLA by using murine TC-1 cervical cancer mice as an ectopic tumor model. Our in vivo studies revealed that treatment with HSP70 vaccine alone did not lead to satisfactory tumor growth inhibition, whereas cotreatment with psBTLA significantly improved antitumor immunity and compensated the deficiency of HSP70 vaccine by increasing the expression of Th1 cytokines, IL-2, and IFN-γ and decreasing transcription levels of IL-10, TGF-β, and Foxp3 in the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, our findings indicate that blocking the BTLA-HVEM interaction with sBTLA enhances antitumor efficacy and results in a significant synergistic effect against existent tumor cells in vivo when combined with the HSP70 vaccine.
CD69 Controls the Pathogenesis of Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Miki-Hosokawa Takako , Hasegawa Akihiro , Iwamura Chiaki , Shinoda Kenta , Tofukuji Soichi , Watanabe Yukiko , Hosokawa Hiroyuki , Motohashi Shinichiro , Hashimoto Kahoko , Shirai Mutsunori , Yamashita Masakatsu , Nakayama Toshinori
Published: November 2009

Airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness are central issues in the pathogenesis of asthma. CD69 is a membrane molecule transiently expressed on activated lymphocytes, and its selective expression in inflammatory infiltrates suggests that it plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. In CD69-deficient mice, OVA-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation, mucus hyperproduction, and airway hyperresponsiveness were attenuated. Cell transfer of Ag-primed wild-type but not CD69-deficient CD4 T cells restored the induction of allergic inflammation in CD69-deficient mice, indicating a critical role of CD69 expressed on CD4 T cells. Th2 responses induced by CD69-deficient CD4 T cells in the lung were attenuated, and the migration of CD4 T cells into the asthmatic lung was severely compromised. The expression of VCAM-1 was also substantially altered, suggesting the involvement of VCAM-1 in the CD69-dependent migration of Th2 cells into the asthmatic lung. Interestingly, the administration of anti-CD69 Ab inhibited the induction of the OVA-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. This inhibitory effect induced by the CD69 mAb was observed even after the airway challenge with OVA. These results indicate that CD69 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of allergen-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness and that CD69 could be a possible therapeutic target for asthmatic patients.
IL-7 Enhances Thymic Human T Cell Development in “Human Immune System” Rag2−/−IL-2Rγc−/− Mice without Affecting Peripheral T Cell Homeostasis
Authors: van Lent Anja U. , Dontje Wendy , Nagasawa Maho , Siamari Rachida , Bakker Arjen Q. , Pouw Stephan M. , Maijoor Kelly A. , Weijer Kees , Cornelissen Jan J. , Blom Bianca , Di Santo James P. , Spits Hergen , Legrand Nicolas
Published: November 2009

IL-7 is a central cytokine in the development of hematopoietic cells, although interspecies discrepancies have been reported. By coculturing human postnatal thymus hematopoietic progenitors and OP9-huDL1 stromal cells, we found that murine IL-7 is ∼100-fold less potent than human IL-7 for supporting human T cell development in vitro. We investigated the role of human IL-7 in newborn BALB/c Rag2−/−γc−/− mice transplanted with human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) as an in vivo model of human hematopoiesis using three approaches to improve IL-7 signaling: administration of human IL-7, ectopic expression of human IL-7 by the transplanted human HSC, or enforced expression of a murine/human chimeric IL-7 receptor binding murine IL-7. We show that premature IL-7 signaling at the HSC stage, before entrance in the thymus, impeded T cell development, whereas increased intrathymic IL-7 signaling significantly enhanced the maintenance of immature thymocytes. Increased thymopoiesis was also observed when we transplanted BCL-2- or BCL-xL-transduced human HSC. Homeostasis of peripheral mature T cells in this humanized mouse model was not improved by any of these strategies. Overall, our results provide evidence for an important role of IL-7 in human T cell development in vivo and highlight the notion that IL-7 availability is but one of many signals that condition peripheral T cell homeostasis.
An Innate Response to Allogeneic Nonself Mediated by Monocytes
Authors: Zecher Daniel , van Rooijen Nico , Rothstein David M. , Shlomchik Warren D. , Lakkis Fadi G.
Published: November 2009

The mammalian innate immune system has evolved diverse strategies to distinguish self from microbial nonself. How the innate immune system distinguishes self-tissues from those of other members of the same species (allogeneic nonself) is less clear. To address this question, we studied the cutaneous hypersensitivity response of lymphocyte-deficient RAG−/− mice to spleen cells transplanted from either allogeneic or syngeneic RAG−/− donors. We found that RAG−/− mice mount a specific response to allogeneic cells characterized by swelling and infiltration of the skin with host monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. The response required prior priming with allogeneic splenocytes or skin grafts and exhibited features of memory as it could be elicited at least 4 wk after immunization. Neither depletion of host NK cells nor rechallenging immunized mice with F1 hybrid splenocytes inhibited the response, indicating that the response is not mediated by NK cells. Depletion of host monocytes/macrophages or neutrophils at the time of rechallenge significantly diminished the response and, importantly, the adoptive transfer of monocytes from alloimmunized RAG−/− mice conferred alloimmunity to naive RAG−/− hosts. Unlike NK- and T cell-dependent alloresponses, monocyte-mediated alloimmunity could be elicited only when donor and responder mice differed at non-MHC loci. These observations indicate that monocytes mount a response to allogeneic nonself, a function not previously attributed to them, and suggest the existence of mammalian innate allorecognition strategies distinct from detection of missing self-MHC molecules by NK cells.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human Gingiva Are Capable of Immunomodulatory Functions and Ameliorate Inflammation-Related Tissue Destruction in Experimental Colitis
Authors: Zhang Qunzhou , Shi Shihong , Liu Yi , Uyanne Jettie , Shi Yufang , Shi Songtao , Le Anh D.
Published: November 2009

Aside from the well-established self-renewal and multipotent differentiation properties, mesenchymal stem cells exhibit both immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory roles in several experimental autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we isolated a new population of stem cells from human gingiva, a tissue source easily accessible from the oral cavity, namely, gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs), which exhibited clonogenicity, self-renewal, and multipotent differentiation capacities. Most importantly, GMSCs were capable of immunomodulatory functions, specifically suppressed peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation, induced expression of a wide panel of immunosuppressive factors including IL-10, IDO, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in response to the inflammatory cytokine, IFN-γ. Cell-based therapy using systemic infusion of GMSCs in experimental colitis significantly ameliorated both clinical and histopathological severity of the colonic inflammation, restored the injured gastrointestinal mucosal tissues, reversed diarrhea and weight loss, and suppressed the overall disease activity in mice. The therapeutic effect of GMSCs was mediated, in part, by the suppression of inflammatory infiltrates and inflammatory cytokines/mediators and the increased infiltration of regulatory T cells and the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 at the colonic sites. Taken together, GMSCs can function as an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory component of the immune system in vivo and is a promising cell source for cell-based treatment in experimental inflammatory diseases.