bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inside the root microbiome: Bacterial root endophytes and plant growth promotion
Authors: Gaiero Jonathan R. , McCall Crystal A. , Thompson Karen A. , Day Nicola J. , Best Anna S. , Dunfield Kari E.
Published: August 2013

Bacterial root endophytes reside in a vast number of plant species as part of their root microbiome, with some being shown to positively influence plant growth. Endophyte community structure (species diversity: richness and relative abundances) within the plant is dynamic and is influenced by abiotic and biotic factors such as soil conditions, biogeography, plant species, microbe–microbe interactions and plant–microbe interactions, both at local and larger scales. Plant‐growth‐promoting bacterial endophytes (PGPBEs) have been identified, but the predictive success at positively influencing plant growth in field conditions has been limited. Concurrent to the development of modern molecular techniques, the goal of predicting an organism's ability to promote plant growth can perhaps be realized by more thorough examination of endophyte community dynamics. This paper reviews the drivers of endophyte community structure relating to plant growth promotion, the mechanisms of plant growth promotion, and the current and future use of molecular techniques to study these communities.
Bacterial endophytes enhance competition by invasive plants
Authors: Rout Marnie E. , Chrzanowski Thomas H. , Westlie Tara K. , DeLuca Thomas H. , Callaway Ragan M. , Holben William E.
Published: August 2013

• Premise of the study: Invasive plants can alter soil microbial communities and profoundly alter ecosystem processes. In the invasive grass Sorghum halepense, these disruptions are consequences of rhizome‐associated bacterial endophytes. We describe the effects of N2‐fixing bacterial strains from S. halepense (Rout and Chrzanowski, 2009) on plant growth and show that bacteria interact with the plant to alter soil nutrient cycles, enabling persistence of the invasive.

• Methods: We assessed fluxes in soil nutrients for ∼4 yr across a site invaded by S. halepense. We assayed the N2‐fixing bacteria in vitro for phosphate solubilization, iron chelation, and production of the plant‐growth hormone indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA). We assessed the plant's ability to recruit bacterial partners from substrates and vertically transmit endophytes to seeds and used an antibiotic approach to inhibit bacterial activity in planta and assess microbial contributions to plant growth.

• Key results: We found persistent alterations to eight biogeochemical cycles (including nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron) in soils invaded by S. halepense. In this context, three bacterial isolates solubilized phosphate, and all produced iron siderophores and IAA in vitro. In growth chamber experiments, bacteria were transmitted vertically, and molecular analysis of bacterial community fingerprints from rhizomes indicated that endophytes are also horizontally recruited. Inhibiting bacterial activity with antibiotics resulted in significant declines in plant growth rate and biomass, with pronounced rhizome reductions.

• Conclusions: This work suggests a major role of endophytes on growth and resource allocation of an invasive plant. Indeed, bacterial isolate physiology is correlated with invader effects on biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen, phosphate, and iron.
Genetic and morphological structure of a spruce hybrid (Picea sitchensis×P. glauca) zone along a climatic gradient
Authors: Hamilton Jill A. , Aitken Sally N.
Published: August 2013

•Premise of the study:Historic colonization and contemporary evolutionary processes contribute to patterns of genetic variation and differentiation among populations. However, separating the respective influences of these processes remains a challenge, particularly for natural hybrid zones, where standing genetic variation may result from evolutionary processes both preceding and following contact, influencing the evolutionary trajectory of hybrid populations. Where adaptation to novel environments may be facilitated by interspecific hybridization, teasing apart these processes will have practical implications for forest management in changing environments.

•Methods:We evaluated the neutral genetic architecture of thePicea sitchensis(Sitka spruce) ×P. glauca(white spruce) hybrid zone along the Nass and Skeena river valleys in northwestern British Columbia using chloroplast, mitochondrial, and nuclear microsatellite markers, in combination with cone morphological traits.

•Key results:Sitka spruce mitotype “capture”, evidenced by this species dominating the maternal lineage, is consistent with earlier colonization of the region by Sitka spruce. This “capture” differs from the spatial distribution of chloroplast haplotypes, indicating pollen dispersal and its contribution to geographic structure. Genetic ancestry, based on nuclear markers, was strongly influenced by climate and geography. Highly parallel results for replicate transects along environmental gradients provide support for the bounded hybrid superiority model of hybrid zone maintenance.

•Conclusions:This broad‐scale analysis of neutral genetic structure indicates the importance of historic and contemporary gene flow, environmental selection, and their interaction in shaping neutral genetic variation within this hybrid zone, informative to seed transfer development and reforestation for future climates.
Processing of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics for Hostile Environments
Authors: Rangaraj Lingappa , Divakar Canchi , Jayaram Vikram
Published: August 2013

A detailed review of the processing of zirconium, hafnium, and tantalum based boride-carbide-nitride composites is presented. The processing methodology and important steps involved in producing a pore-free microstructure are reported. The effect of addition of secondary and ternary compounds on densification is highlighted as is the reactive processing of ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) based on zirconium carbide through the formation of a transient non-stoichiometric carbide and transient liquid phase, which enable densification at much lower temperatures. The reactive processing method is promising in that it readily leads to variation in the composition of secondary/ternary non-oxide phases in the composites as well as the incorporation of fibres which may otherwise degrade. Since the processing temperatures are lower, the grain size obtained after densification is finer and may lead to better mechanical properties (hardness, fracture toughness, and strength). Processing of fibre based composites with boride particulates and silicon carbide through the ceramic precursor route are also discussed.
Local Search with P Systems
Authors: Gutiérrez-Naranjo Miguel A. , Pérez-Jiménez Mario J.
Published: August 2013

Local search is currently one of the most used methods for finding solutions in real-life problems. It is usually considered when the research is interested in the final solution of the problem instead of the how the solution is reached. In this paper, the authors present an implementation of local search with Membrane Computing techniques applied to the N-queens problem as a case study. A CLIPS program inspired in the Membrane Computing design has been implemented and several experiments have been performed. The obtained results show better average times than those obtained with other Membrane Computing implementations that solve the N-queens problem.
Trans-Canada Slimeways
Authors: Adamatzky Andrew , Akl Selim G.
Published: August 2013

Slime mould Physarum polycephalum builds up sophisticated networks to transport nutrients between distant parts of its extended body. The slime mould’s protoplasmic network is optimised for maximum coverage of nutrients yet minimum energy spent on transportation of the intra-cellular material. In laboratory experiments with P. polycephalum we represent Canadian major urban areas with rolled oats and inoculated slime mould in the Toronto area. The plasmodium spans the urban areas with its network of protoplasmic tubes. The authors uncover similarities and differences between the protoplasmic network and the Canadian national highway network, analyse the networks in terms of proximity graphs and evaluate slime mould’s network response to contamination.
Building a Supportive Culture for Sustained Organisational Learning in Public Sectors
Authors: Senaratne Sepani , Victoria Michele Florencia
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an approach to build a supportive organisational culture for sustained organisational learning in public sectors. Changing culture is not an easy task. It involves an in-depth understanding about culture and its relationship with organisational learning. First, this chapter provides a brief introduction to organisational learning, organisational culture, and their relationship. Then, characteristics and attributes of a learning culture are identified. Finally, using case study research findings of a public sector construction organisation operating in Sri Lanka, an approach is presented in this chapter on how to identify present culture of the organisation and change it to a learning culture.
Developing Organizational Renewal Capability in the Municipal (City) Organization
Authors: Nisula Anna-Maija
Published: August 2013

The objective of this chapter is to increase understanding and management of knowledge management in public sector organizations. In this chapter the knowledge management-based assessment and development process of organizational renewal capability is presented, and it is demonstrated in one large municipal (city) organization. The chapter thereby contributes to the discussion of the importance of organizational renewal capability and knowledge management for public organization renewal and for the performance excellence of public sector organizations in general. The development process of organizational renewal capability provides an approach and methods on how organizations can identify the current state of their renewal enabling factors and the related knowledge processes in order to initiate sustained renewal. Thereby, they can learn to utilize and manage their key knowledge processes by viewing their organization as a developing knowledge system.
Lessons from the Private Sector
Authors: O’Brien Jamie
Published: August 2013

The primary aim of this chapter is to operationalize a Knowledge Assessment Framework (KAF) using two exploratory case studies. The development of a KAF is important for the public sector for three reasons. Firstly, the use of knowledge assessment allows firms to pinpoint knowledge gaps. Secondly, it allows firms to manage knowledge more effectively. Thirdly, it gives public sector organizations a diagnostic tool with which to gauge their knowledge base. The effective management of knowledge can be considered a competency that enables a greater level of service to be extracted from other resources within the organization.
Europe 2020
Authors: Storey Valerie A. , Richard Brendan M.
Published: August 2013

This chapter seeks to enhance academic and policy-maker understanding of the European Union’s (EU) evolving higher education system by providing context and an overview of some of the major higher education initiatives currently being implemented as EU higher education adapts to turbulent economies, unstable political systems, and rapidly changing social structures. The recognition that higher education is the driver of a country’s knowledge-based economy has impacted higher education policies at a national and supranational level. Divergence among the EU member states in their organization of higher education, and the emergence of challenges which go beyond national frontiers, has proved the catalyst for developing a cohesive policy and strategy for EU higher education delivery. Initial efforts to increase European influence in national higher education policy began with the Sorbonne Declaration (1998) and continued with the Bologna Declaration (1999), the Lisbon Strategy (2000), and finally the EU 2020 strategy (2010).
Critical Teaching and Learning Issues in International Education
Authors: Ellington Linda
Published: August 2013

This chapter focuses on a limited compilation of literature with attention to the issues in critical teaching and learning within the international education milieu. The approach taken in this chapter is that of a conversation with particular interest directed to the question of what might constitute an appropriate teacherly and learner response to challenges they may face in the international educational schema. The chapter not only illustrates the tasks of internationalized education but also contributes to a collective exchange of the complexity of this phenomenon and its threats to teaching and therefore learning in the now. The exponential expansion of new technologies, the inception of an increasingly mobile society, and the marketization of knowledge in Thomas Friedman’s (2007) Flat, the globalized world has fanned the already fiery demands for teaching and learning on the international stage (as cited in Tubbah & Williams, 2010).
Implications for Recruiting International Students to the University of North Carolina System
Authors: McFadden Cheryl , Maahs-Fladung Cathy , Mallett William , Zhao Liyao
Published: August 2013

In 2011-2012, international students and their families contributed almost 22 billion dollars to the U.S. economy and to higher education. Although there were a record number of international students (764,495), they represent only 4% of the 20.6 million students enrolled in higher education. Are institutions capitalizing on this market and how specifically does it benefit the institution and state economy as well? In order to answer this question, the financial implications of recruiting international students to North Carolina, particularly the University of North Carolina (UNC) System were explored. In North Carolina, the net contribution of foreign students and their families was USD$338,418 million and specifically within the UNC System, USD$174,326.9 million (51.51%). Of the 14 institutions examined, six relatively smaller institutions had the most significant overall increase in enrollment during 2009-2011, and masters’ institutions in particular reported a 23.10% positive change, followed by doctoral/research institutions with a 21.93% change.
Working-Walking Alone and With Others: Working-Walking Fast and Far
Authors: Mejiuni Olutoyin
Published: August 2013

In this chapter, the author shall argue, with materials sourced through desk work, that although formal educational institutions, business and industries, multi-lateral agencies, religious institutions, and a handful of educational non-profits provide and support education and training for the workforce of the future in Nigeria, the tension created by the conflicting frameworks that undergird the provision of, and support for, education by the parties depresses funding for tertiary education, especially in times of economic crises. Inadequate funding of public education in general, and tertiary education in particular, is not, therefore, just a fall out of economic crises; it is also a result of the tension between stakeholders who hold the view that education is a social service, those who hold the view that education is an investment in human capital, and those who believe that education straddles the two frameworks. The author makes the point that the problems associated with inadequate funding of university education are aggravated by the overbearing influence of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in the administration of universities, resulting in low synergy of the output of the formal education system with the needs of business and industries and the requirements of community transformation.
CCR7 Plays No Appreciable Role in Trafficking of Central Memory CD4 T Cells to Lymph Nodes
Authors: Vander Lugt Bryan , Tubo Noah J. , Nizza Suzanne T. , Boes Marianne , Malissen Bernard , Fuhlbrigge Robert C. , Kupper Thomas S. , Campbell James J.
Published: August 2013

CCR7−/− mice exhibit profound anomalies in lymph node and spleen architecture, which complicates the study of CCR7-mediated T cell trafficking in vivo. To circumvent this problem, we established in vivo models in which wild-type and CCR7−/− populations coexist within mice possessing normal lymphoid organs and must compete for developmental niches within the tissues of these mice. Under the conditions we have created in vivo, we find the entry of memory CD4 T cells into lymph nodes from the blood to be independent of CCR7. Thus, the central memory CD4 T cells that traffic though lymph nodes, which are often defined by their expression of CCR7, do not appear to gain any competitive homing advantage by expressing this receptor. Furthermore, in contrast to cutaneous dendritic cell populations, we found that CCR7 deficiency had no appreciable effect on the exit of CD4 T cells from inflamed skin. Finally, we found that wild-type and CCR7−/− precursors were equally represented within the major thymic subpopulations, despite previous findings that CCR7 plays a role in seeding the thymus from bone marrow–derived T cell precursors.
CD8+ T Cells Produce the Chemokine CXCL10 in Response to CD27/CD70 Costimulation To Promote Generation of the CD8+ Effector T Cell Pool
Authors: Peperzak Victor , Veraar Elise A. M. , Xiao Yanling , Bąbała Nikolina , Thiadens Klaske , Brugmans Marieke , Borst Jannie
Published: August 2013

Various cell types can produce the chemokine CXCL10 in response to IFN-γ stimulation. CXCL10 is generally viewed as a proinflammatory chemokine that promotes recruitment of CD8+ and Th1-type CD4+ effector T cells to infected or inflamed nonlymphoid tissues. We show that CXCL10 plays a role during CD8+ T cell priming in the mouse. Genome-wide expression profiling revealed the Cxcl10 gene as a target of CD27/CD70 costimulation in newly activated CD8+ T cells. CD27/CD70 costimulation is known to promote activated T cell survival, but CXCL10 did not affect survival or proliferation of primed CD8+ T cells in vitro. Accordingly, CXCL10 could not fully rescue CD27 deficiency in mice infected with influenza virus. Rather, CXCL10 acted as chemoattractant for other activated CD8+ T cells. It signaled downstream of CD27 in a paracrine fashion to promote generation of the CD8+ effector T cell pool in the Ag-draining lymph nodes. Consistently, CD8+ T cells required expression of the CXCL10 receptor CXCR3 for their clonal expansion in a CD27/CD70-dependent peptide-immunization model. Our findings indicate that CXCL10, produced by primed CD8+ T cells in response to CD27/CD70 costimulation, signals to other primed CD8+ T cells in the lymph node microenvironment to facilitate their participation in the CD8+ effector T cell pool.
Death Receptor–Independent Activation-Induced Cell Death in Human Melanoma Antigen–Specific MHC Class I–Restricted TCR-Engineered CD4 T Cells
Authors: Chhabra Arvind , Mukherji Bijay
Published: August 2013

Engaging CD4 T cells in antitumor immunity has been quite challenging, especially in an Ag-specific manner, because most human solid tumors usually do not express MHC class II molecules. We have recently shown that human CD4 T cells engineered to express a human melanoma–associated antigenic epitope, MART-127–35, specific MHC class I–restricted transgenic TCR function as polyfunctional effectors that can exhibit a helper as well as cytolytic effector function, in an epitope-specific and MHC class I–restricted manner (Chhabra et al. 2008. J. Immunol. 181: 1063–1070; Ray et al. 2010. Clin. Immunol. 136: 338–347). TCR-engineered (TCReng) CD4 T cells therefore have translational potential, and clinical trials with MHC class I TCReng CD4 T cells are under way. In this study, we show that although TCReng CD4 T cells could be useful in cancer immunotherapy, they are also susceptible to epitope-specific activation-induced cell death (AICD). We also show that the AICD in TCReng CD4 T cells is a death receptor–independent process and that JNK and p53 play critical roles in this process as pharmacological inhibitors targeting JNK activation and p-53–mediated transcription-independent mitochondria-centric death cascade rescued a significant fraction of TCReng CD4 T cells from undergoing AICD without affecting their effector function. Our data offer novel insights toward AICD in TCReng CD4 T cells and identify several potential targets to interfere with this process.
Type I IFNs Downregulate Myeloid Cell IFN-γ Receptor by Inducing Recruitment of an Early Growth Response 3/NGFI-A Binding Protein 1 Complex That Silences ifngr1 Transcription
Authors: Kearney Staci J. , Delgado Christine , Eshleman Emily M. , Hill Krista K. , O’Connor Brian P. , Lenz Laurel L.
Published: August 2013

The ability of type I IFNs to increase susceptibility to certain bacterial infections correlates with downregulation of myeloid cell surface IFNGR, the receptor for the type II IFN (IFN-γ), and reduced myeloid cell responsiveness to IFN-γ. In this study, we show that the rapid reductions in mouse and human myeloid cell surface IFNGR1 expression that occur in response to type I IFN treatment reflect a rapid silencing of new ifngr1 transcription by repressive transcriptional regulators. Treatment of macrophages with IFN-β reduced cellular abundance of ifngr1 transcripts as rapidly and effectively as actinomycin D treatment. IFN-β treatment also significantly reduced the amounts of activated RNA polymerase II (pol II) and acetylated histones H3 and H4 at the ifngr1 promoter and the activity of an IFNGR1-luc reporter construct in macrophages. The suppression of IFNGR1-luc activity required an intact early growth response factor (Egr) binding site in the proximal ifngr1 promoter. Three Egr proteins and two Egr/NGFI-A binding (Nab) proteins were found to be expressed in bone macrophages, but only Egr3 and Nab1 were recruited to the ifngr1 promoter upon IFN-β stimulation. Knockdown of Nab1 in a macrophage cell line prevented downregulation of IFNGR1 and prevented the loss of acetylated histones from the ifngr1 promoter. These data suggest that type I IFN stimulation induces a rapid recruitment of a repressive Egr3/Nab1 complex that silences transcription from the ifngr1 promoter. This mechanism of gene silencing may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of type I IFNs.
Alendronate Attenuates Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation Associated with Suppression of Th2 Cytokines, Th17 Cytokines, and Eotaxin-2
Authors: Sasaki Oh , Imamura Mitsuru , Yamazumi Yusuke , Harada Hiroaki , Matsumoto Taku , Okunishi Katsuhide , Nakagome Kazuyuki , Tanaka Ryoichi , Akiyama Tetsu , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Dohi Makoto
Published: August 2013

Bisphosphonates (BPs) have been widely used to treat osteoporosis. They act by inhibiting farnesyl diphosphate synthase in the mevalonate pathway. This resembles the action of statins, whose immune-modulating effect has recently been highlighted. In contrast, the effect of BPs on immune responses has not been elucidated well. In this study, we examined the effect of alendronate (ALN), a nitrogen-containing BP, on allergic airway inflammation in a mouse model. BALB/c mice were sensitized twice with OVA and challenged three times with nebulized OVA to induce eosinophilic airway inflammation. ALN was administered by an intragastric tube before each inhalation. ALN strongly suppressed airway eosinophilia and Th2, as well as Th17 cytokine production in the lung. ALN also attenuated eotaxin-2 production in the lung. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the major cell source of eotaxin-2 was peribronchial/perivascular macrophages, and flow cytometrical studies confirmed that ALN decreased eotaxin-2 expression in these macrophages. Furthermore, ALN attenuated eotaxin-2 production from mouse pleural macrophages and human monocyte/macrophage-like THP-1 cells in vitro. These results suggest that ALN suppressed Ag-induced airway responses in the mouse model. The suppression of eotaxin-2 production from macrophages appears to be one of ALN’s immunomodulatory effects, whereas the mechanism by which ALN suppressed Th2 and Th17 responses could not be fully elucidated in this study. Although a clinical study should be conducted, ALN could be a novel therapeutic option for asthma.
Induction of Functional Human Macrophages from Bone Marrow Promonocytes by M-CSF in Humanized Mice
Authors: Li Yan , Chen Qingfeng , Zheng Dahai , Yin Lu , Chionh Yok Hian , Wong Lan Hiong , Tan Shu Qi , Tan Thiam Chye , Chan Jerry K. Y. , Alonso Sylvie , Dedon Peter C. , Lim Bing , Chen Jianzhu
Published: August 2013

Engraftment of human CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells into immunodeficient mice leads to robust reconstitution of human T and B cells but not monocytes and macrophages. To identify the cause underlying the poor monocyte and macrophage reconstitution, we analyzed human myeloid cell development in humanized mice and found that it was blocked at the promonocyte stage in the bone marrow. Expression of human M-CSF or GM-CSF by hydrodynamic injection of cytokine-encoding plasmid completely abolished the accumulation of promonocytes in the bone marrow. M-CSF promoted the development of mature monocytes and tissue-resident macrophages whereas GM-CSF did not. Moreover, correlating with an increased human macrophages at the sites of infection, M-CSF–treated humanized mice exhibited an enhanced protection against influenza virus and Mycobacterium infection. Our study identifies the precise stage at which human monocyte/macrophage development is blocked in humanized mice and reveals overlapping and distinct functions of M-CSF and GM-CSF in human monocyte and macrophage development. The improved reconstitution and functionality of monocytes/macrophages in the humanized mice following M-CSF expression provide a superior in vivo system to investigate the role of macrophages in physiological and pathological processes.
Parental Dietary Fat Intake Alters Offspring Microbiome and Immunity
Authors: Myles Ian A. , Fontecilla Natalia M. , Janelsins Brian M. , Vithayathil Paul J. , Segre Julia A. , Datta Sandip K.
Published: August 2013

Mechanisms underlying modern increases in prevalence of human inflammatory diseases remain unclear. The hygiene hypothesis postulates that decreased microbial exposure has, in part, driven this immune dysregulation. However, dietary fatty acids also influence immunity, partially through modulation of responses to microbes. Prior reports have described the direct effects of high-fat diets on the gut microbiome and inflammation, and some have additionally shown metabolic consequences for offspring. Our study sought to expand on these previous observations to identify the effects of parental diet on offspring immunity using mouse models to provide insights into challenging aspects of human health. To test the hypothesis that parental dietary fat consumption during gestation and lactation influences offspring immunity, we compared pups of mice fed either a Western diet (WD) fatty acid profile or a standard low-fat diet. All pups were weaned onto the control diet to specifically test the effects of early developmental fat exposure on immune development. Pups from WD breeders were not obese or diabetic, but still had worse outcomes in models of infection, autoimmunity, and allergic sensitization. They had heightened colonic inflammatory responses, with increased circulating bacterial LPS and muted systemic LPS responsiveness. These deleterious impacts of the WD were associated with alterations of the offspring gut microbiome. These results indicate that parental fat consumption can leave a “lard legacy” impacting offspring immunity and suggest inheritable microbiota may contribute to the modern patterns of human health and disease.
Plasma Cell Homeostasis: The Effects of Chronic Antigen Stimulation and Inflammation
Authors: Slocombe Tom , Brown Sheila , Miles Katherine , Gray Mohini , Barr Tom A. , Gray David
Published: August 2013

Long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) that maintain humoral immunity to previously encountered Ags occupy a compartment in the bone marrow (BM). The rules and mechanisms by which cells enter (and leave) this compartment are poorly understood. We looked at what happens to the LLPC compartment and to plasma cell lifespan in general, in situations in which Ag stimulation and/or inflammation persist. We find that chronic Ag supply causes the generation of short-lived plasma cells in the local lymphoid organ, at the expense of any LLPC production. Furthermore, we find that inflammation caused by infection (mediated via TNF-α) causes a dramatic mobilization of LLPCs from the BM, with a concomitant reduction in circulating Ab levels against previously immunized Ags. These data are discussed in the context of the capacity of the BM LLPC compartment and competition for entry to it.
B Cells from Knock-in Mice Expressing Broadly Neutralizing HIV Antibody b12 Carry an Innocuous B Cell Receptor Responsive to HIV Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Ota Takayuki , Doyle-Cooper Colleen , Cooper Anthony B. , Doores Katherine J. , Aoki-Ota Miyo , Le Khoa , Schief William R. , Wyatt Richard T. , Burton Dennis R. , Nemazee David
Published: August 2013

Broadly neutralizing Abs against HIV protect from infection, but their routine elicitation by vaccination has not been achieved. To generate small animal models to test vaccine candidates, we have generated targeted transgenic (“knock-in”) mice expressing, in the physiological Ig H and L chain loci, two well-studied broadly neutralizing Abs: 4E10, which interacts with the membrane proximal external region of gp41, and b12, which binds to the CD4 binding site on gp120. 4E10HL mice are described in the companion article (Doyle-Cooper et al., J. Immunol. 191: 3186–3191). In this article, we describe b12 mice. B cells in b12HL mice, in contrast to the case in 4E10 mice, were abundant and essentially monoclonal, retaining the b12 specificity. In cell culture, b12HL B cells responded avidly to HIV envelope gp140 trimers and to BCR ligands. Upon transfer to wild-type recipients, b12HL B cells responded robustly to vaccination with gp140 trimers. Vaccinated b12H mice, although generating abundant precursors and Abs with affinity for Env, were unable to rapidly generate neutralizing Abs, highlighting the importance of developing Ag forms that better focus responses to neutralizing epitopes. The b12HL and b12H mice should be useful in optimizing HIV vaccine candidates to elicit a neutralizing response while avoiding nonprotective specificities.
Decrease in white blood cell counts after thiopentone barbiturate therapy for refractory intracranial hypertension: A common complication
Authors: Ng Shin Yi , Chin Ki Jinn , Kwek Tong Kiat
Published: August 2013

Background: Leucopenia has been reported after induction of thiopentone barbiturate therapy for refractory intracranial hypertension. However, the incidence and characterisitics are not well described. Aims: We performed a retrospective review to describe the incidence and characteristics of leucopenia after induction of thiopentone barbiturate therapy. Setting and Design: Our centre is a national referral centre for neurotrauma and surgery in a tertiary medical institution.Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who received thiopentone barbiturate therapy for refractory intracranial hypertension during an 18 month period from January 2004 to June 2005 in our neurosurgical intensive care unit. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 15.0. All data are reported as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range). The Chi square test was used to analyze categorical data and student t test done for comparison of means. For paired data, the paired t?test was used.-test was used. Results: Thirty eight (80.9%) out of 47 patients developed a decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count after induction of thiopentone barbiturate coma. The mean decrease in WBC from baseline to the nadir was 6.4 × 10 9 /L (P <lt; 0.001) and occurred 57 (3-147) h after induction. The mean nadir WBC was 8.6 < 3.6 × 10 9 /L. Three (6.4%) patients were leucopenic, with a WBC count of 2.8, 3.1, and 3.6 < 10 9 /L. None of them were neutropenic. We did not find an association between decrease in WBC count and clinical diagnosis of infection. We did not find any association between possible risk factors such as admission GCS, maximum ICP prior to induction of barbiturate coma, APACHE II score, total duration and dose of thiopentone given, and decrease in WBC count. Conclusions: Decrease in WBC count is common, while development of leucopenia is rare after thiopentone barbiturate coma. Regular monitoring of WBC counts is recommended.
Elementary school enrolment and its determinants among children with cerebral palsy in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India
Authors: Nair Anish Thekkumkara Surendran , Ramachandran Reshmi , Sivaram P , Mohandas Seetha , Sasidharan Archana , Nair Sreelakshmi Pallipurathu Reghunathan
Published: August 2013

Context: There is enough documented evidence to prove the benefits of early and appropriate initiation of education among children with cerebral palsy (CP). Aim: To find out the proportion of children with CP who are enrolled for some kind of formal education and to study the determinants of the same. Setting and Design: This cross sectional study was done among children, attending the special clinics at government medical college, Thiruvananthapuram. Materials and Methods: Children between 3 and 12 years of age diagnosed with CP were subjects for the study. Statistical Analysis Used: Enrollment for any form of formal education was the major outcome variable. The factors associated with initiation of formal education were tested using Chi-square test or Fischer′s exact test. Independent association of each factor was evaluated through binary logistic Regression analysis. Results and Conclusions: The mean (SD) age of the children (n = 86) was 5.7 (2.3) years with forty-six (53.5%) of them being girls. Diplegia was the commonest limb abnormality found. Fifty-two (60.5%) children were undergoing some kind of schooling. Those children who were less dependent physically and those who had achieved better language development were regular school goers. After binary logistic regression the ability of a child to speak in sentences (P = 0.008) and ambulatory level of the child (P = 0.019) were factors which favored, whereas delay in attaining the adaptive developmental milestone of transferring objects from one hand to another (P = 0.014) was found to be detrimental for school enrollment.
Brain abscess: Current management
Authors: Miranda Hernando Alvis , Castellar Leones Sandra Milena , Elzain Mohammed Awad , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: August 2013

Brain abscess (BA) is defined as a focal infection within the brain parenchyma, which starts as a localized area of cerebritis, which is subsequently converted into a collection of pus within a well?vascularized capsule. BA must be differentiated from parameningeal infections, including epidural abscess and subdural empyema. The BA is a challenge for the neurosurgeon because it is needed good clinical, pharmacological, and surgical skills for providing good clinical outcomes and prognosis to BA patients. Considered an infrequent brain infection, BA could be a devastator entity that easily left the patient into dead. The aim of this work is to review the current concepts regarding epidemiology, pathophysiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of BA.
Conventional Simulation of Biological Sequences Leads to a Biased Assessment of Multi-Loci Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Aguiar Barbara O. , Schrago Carlos G.
Published: August 2013

Phylogenetic analysis based on multi-loci data sets is performed by means of supermatrix (SM) or supertree (ST) approaches. Recently, methods that rely on species tree (SppT) inference by the multi-species coalescence have also been implemented to tackle this problem. Generally, the relative performance of these three major strategies has been calculated using simulation of biological sequences. However, sequence simulation may not entirely replicate the complexity of the evolutionary process. Thus, issues regarding the usefulness of in silico sequences in studying the performance of phylogenetic methods have been raised. Here, we used both classical simulation and empirical data to investigate the relative performance of ST, SM, and the SppT methods. SM analyses performed better than the ST and SppTs in simulations, but not in empirical analyses where some ST methods significantly outperformed the others. Additionally, SM was the only method that was robust under evolutionary model violations in simulations. These results show that conventional biological sequence simulation cannot adequately resolve which method is most efficient to recover the SppT. In such simulations, the SM approach recovers the established phylogeny in most instances, whereas the performance of the ST and SppT methods is downgraded in simpler cases. When compared, the analyses based on empirical and simulated sequences yielded largely inconsistent results, with the latter showing a bias towards a seemingly superiority of SM approaches.
A splitting for $K_1$ of completed group rings
Authors: Schneider Peter , Venjakob Otmar
Published: August 2013

For

p\neq 2

and a uniform pro-

p

group

G

and its Iwasawa algebras

\Lambda (G) := \mathbb{Z}_{p}[\hskip-.7pt[G]\hskip-.7pt]

and

\Omega[\hskip-.7pt[G]\hskip-.7pt] := \mathbb{F}_p[\hskip-.7pt[G]\hskip-.7pt]

we show that the natural map

K_1(\Lambda(G)) \to K_1(\Omega(G))

has a splitting provided that

SK_1(\Lambda(G))

vanishes. The image of this splitting is described in terms of a generalised norm operator. This result generalises classical work of Coleman for the case

G=\mathbb{Z}_p

. We verify the vanishing condition for certain unipotent compact

p

-adic Lie groups.
Separatrices for $\mathbb{C}^2$ actions on 3-manifolds
Authors: Rebelo Julio C. , Reis Helena
Published: August 2013

We prove the existence of a separatrix for the codimension 1 singular foliation spanned by two commuting holomorphic vector fields on a neighborhood of the origin in

\mathbb{C}^3

.
Climate and Leishmaniasis in French Guiana
Authors: Roger Amaury , Nacher Mathieu , Hanf Matthieu , Drogoul Anne Sophie , Adenis Antoine , Basurko Celia , Dufour Julie , Sainte Marie Dominique , Blanchet Denis , Simon Stephane , Carme Bernard , Couppié Pierre
Published: August 2013

To study the link between climatic variables and the incidence of leishmaniasis a study was conducted in Cayenne, French Guiana. Patients infected between January 1994 and December 2010. Meteorological data were studied in relation to the incidence of leishmaniasis using an ARIMA model. In the final model, the infections were negatively correlated with rainfall (with a 2-month lag) and with the number of days with rainfall > 50 mm (lags of 4 and 7 months). The variables that were positively correlated were temperature and the Multivariate El Niño Southern Oscillation Index with lags of 8 and 4 months, respectively. Significantly greater correlations were observed in March for rainfall and in November for the Multivariate El Niño/Southern Oscillation Index. Climate thus seems to be a non-negligible explanatory variable for the fluctuations of leishmaniasis. A decrease in rainfall is linked to increased cases 2 months later. This easily perceptible point could lead to an interesting prevention message.
Associations between Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors and Academic Performance in U.S. Undergraduates: A Secondary Analysis of the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment II
Authors: Wald Adrienne , Muennig Peter A. , O'Connell Kathleen A. , Garber Carol Ewing
Published: August 2013

Purpose.

To examine associations between academic performance and moderate-vigorous physical activity, strength training, fruit and vegetable intake, and sleep.

Design.

Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting.

Forty U.S. colleges and universities participating in the Fall 2008 National College Health Assessment-II (NCHA-II) (median response, 27%).

Subjects.

A total of 16,095 undergraduate students (18–24 years; 703% female).

Measures.

Self-reported lifestyle variables from the NCHA-II questions were dichotomized as meeting or not meeting public health recommendations. Grade average ranged from 1.00 to 4.00 points.

Analysis.

Linear regression, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related variables.

Results.

The prevalence of meeting public health recommendations was as follows: moderate-vigorous physical activity, 41.9%; strength training, 32.4%; fruit and vegetable intake, 4.6%; and sleep, 23.6%. Grade average was higher in students meeting moderate-vigorous physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and sleep recommendations (p ≤ .019). If moderate-vigorous physical activity was met, grade average was higher by .03 points, .15 points higher when meetingfruit and vegetable intake recommendations, and .06 points higher for sleep. There was no significant change in grade average in those meeting strength-training recommendations.

Conclusion.

College students who adhere to public health recommendations for lifestyle behaviors have modestly higher grade averages after adjusting for sociodemographic and negative health behaviors.
Three-dimensional Static Ultrasound and 3D Power Doppler in Gynecologic Pelvic Tumors
Authors: Alcázar Juan Luis
Published: August 2013

Gynecological tumors are a frequent clinical problem. Accurate diagnosis is essential for an adequate clinical management. Currently, 2D ultrasound is considered as a first line imaging technique for diagnosis and for discriminating benign from malignant lesions. However, some limitations of this technique exist. Three-dimensional is a relatively new technique that allows some unique ways for assessing gynecological tumors by ultrasound. In this article, I shall review current evidence about the use of three-dimensional ultrasound for assessing gynecological tumors.

How to cite this article

Alcázar JL. Three-dimensional Static Ultrasound and 3D Power Doppler in Gynecologic Pelvic Tumors. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013; 7(2):187-199.
US Food Security and Climate Change: Agricultural Futures
Authors: Takle Eugene S. , Gustafson David , Beachy Roger , Nelson Gerald C. , Mason-D’Croz Daniel , Palazzo Amanda
Published: August 2013

Agreement is developing among agricultural scientists on the emerging inability of agriculture to meet growing global food demands. Changes in trends of weather conditions projected by global climate models will challenge physiological limits of crops and exacerbate the global food challenge by 2050. These climate- and constraint-driven crop production challenges are interconnected within a complex global economy, where diverse factors add to price volatility and food scarcity. Our scenarios of the impact of climate change on food security through 2050 for internationally traded crops show that climate change does not threaten near-term US food security due to the availability of adaptation strategies. However, as climate continues to change beyond 2050 current adaptation measures will not be sufficient to meet growing food demand. Climate scenarios for higher-level carbon emissions exacerbate the food shortfall, although uncertainty in projections of future precipitation is a limitation to impact studies.
Biomass burning contribution to Beijing aerosol
Authors: Cheng Y. , Engling G. , He K.-B. , Duan F.-K. , Ma Y.-L. , Du Z.-Y. , Liu J.-M. , Zheng M. , Weber R. J.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Biomass burning, the largest global source of elemental carbon (EC) and primary organic carbon (OC), is strongly associated with many subjects of great scientific concern, such as secondary organic aerosol and brown carbon which exert important effects on the environment and on climate in particular. This study investigated the relationships between levoglucosan and other biomass burning tracers (i.e., water soluble potassium and mannosan) based on both ambient samples collected in Beijing and source samples. Compared with North America and Europe, Beijing was characterized by high ambient levoglucosan concentrations and low winter to summer ratios of levoglucosan, indicating significant impact of biomass burning activities throughout the year in Beijing. Comparison of levoglucosan and water soluble potassium (K+) levels suggested that it was acceptable to use K+ as a biomass burning tracer during summer in Beijing, while the contribution of fireworks to K+ could be significant during winter. Moreover, the levoglucosan to K+ ratio was found to be lower during the typical summer period (0.21 ± 0.16) compared with the typical winter period (0.51 ± 0.15). Levoglucosan correlated strongly with mannosan (R2 = 0.97) throughout the winter and the levoglucosan to mannosan ratio averaged 9.49 ± 1.63, whereas levoglucosan and mannosan exhibited relatively weak correlation (R2 = 0.73) during the typical summer period when the levoglucosan to mannosan ratio averaged 12.65 ± 3.38. Results from positive matrix factorization (PMF) model analysis showed that about 50% of the OC and EC in Beijing were associated with biomass burning processes. In addition, a new source identification method was developed based on the comparison of the levoglucosan to K+ ratio and the levoglucosan to mannosan ratio among different types of biomass. Using this method, the major source of biomass burning aerosol in Beijing was suggested to be the combustion of crop residuals, while the contribution from softwood burning was also non-negligible, especially in winter.
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) emissions in East Asia determined by inverse modeling
Authors: Fang X. , Thompson R. L. , Saito T. , Yokouchi Y. , Kim J. , Li S. , Kim K. R. , Park S. , Graziosi F. , Stohl A.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) has a global warming potential of around 22 800 over a 100 yr time horizon and is one of the greenhouse gases regulated under the Kyoto Protocol. Around circa 2000 there was a reversal in the global SF6 emission trend, from a decreasing to an increasing trend, which was likely caused by increasing emissions in countries that are not obligated to report their annual emissions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In this study, SF6 emissions during the period 2006–2012 for all East Asian countries, including Mongolia, China, the Taiwan region, North Korea, South Korea and Japan, were determined by using inverse modeling and in-situ atmospheric measurements. We found that the most important sources of uncertainty associated with these inversions are related to the choice of a priori emissions and their assumed uncertainty, the station network as well as the meteorological input data. Much lower uncertainties are due to seasonal variability in the emissions, inversion geometry and resolution, and the measurement calibration scale. Based on the results of these sensitivity tests, we estimate that the total SF6 emission in East Asia increased rapidly from 2437 ± 329 Mg yr−1 in 2006 to 3787 ± 512 Mg yr−1 in 2009 and stabilized thereafter. China contributed 58–72 % to the total East Asian emission for the different years, followed by South Korea (9–19%), Japan (5–16%) and the Taiwan region (4–7%), while the contributions from North Korea and Mongolia together were less than 3% of the total. The per-capita SF6 emissions are highest in South Korea and the Taiwan region, while the per-capita emissions for China, North Korea and Japan are close to global average. During the period 2006–2012, emissions from China increased rapidly and emissions from South Korea increased slightly, while emissions from the Taiwan region and Japan decreased overall.