bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Misfolded Truncated Protein τ Induces Innate Immune Response via MAPK Pathway
Authors: Kovac Andrej , Zilka Norbert , Kazmerova Zuzana , Cente Martin , Zilkova Monika , Novak Michal
Published: August 2011

Neuroinflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies. We have previously shown that expression of nonmutated human truncated τ (151-391, 4R), derived from sporadic Alzheimer's disease, induced neurofibrillary degeneration accompanied by microglial and astroglial activation in the brain of transgenic rats. The aim of the current study was to determine the molecular mechanism underlying innate immune response induced by misfolded truncated τ. We found that purified recombinant truncated τ induced morphological transformation of microglia from resting into the reactive phenotype. Simultaneously, truncated τ caused the release of NO, proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 from the mixed glial cultures. Notably, when the pure microglial culture was activated with truncated τ, it displayed significantly higher levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting a key role of microglia in the τ-mediated inflammatory response. Molecular analysis showed that truncated τ increased the mRNA levels of three MAPKs (JNK, ERK1, p38β) and transcription factors AP-1 and NF-κB that ultimately resulted in enhanced mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NO. Our results showed for the first time, to our knowledge, that misfolded truncated protein τ is able to induce innate immune response via a MAPK pathway. Consequently, we suggest that misfolded truncated protein τ represents a viable target for immunotherapy of Alzheimer’s disease.
IFN-Induced TPR Protein IFIT3 Potentiates Antiviral Signaling by Bridging MAVS and TBK1
Authors: Liu Xin-Yi , Chen Wei , Wei Bo , Shan Yu-Fei , Wang Chen
Published: August 2011

Intracellular RNA viruses are sensed by receptors retinoic acid-inducible gene I/MDA5, which trigger formation of the mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) complex on mitochondria. Consequently, this leads to the activation of TNFR-associated factor family member-associated NF-κB activator-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and phosphorylation of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). It remains to be elucidated how MAVS activates TBK1/IRF3. In this study, we report that IFN-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3 (IFIT3) is significantly induced upon RNA virus infection. Ectopic expression or knockdown of IFIT3 could, respectively, enhance or impair IRF3-mediated gene expression. Mechanistically, the tetratrico-peptide repeat motif (E164/E165) of IFIT3 interacts with the N terminus (K38) of TBK1, thus bridging TBK1 to MAVS on the mitochondrion. Disruption of this interaction markedly attenuates the activation of TBK1 and IRF3. Furthermore, host antiviral responses are significantly boosted or crippled in the presence or absence of IFIT3. Collectively, our study characterizes IFIT3 as an important modulator in innate immunity, revealing a new function of the IFIT family proteins (IFN-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats).
TLR6-Driven Lipid Droplets in Mycobacterium leprae-Infected Schwann Cells: Immunoinflammatory Platforms Associated with Bacterial Persistence
Authors: Mattos Katherine A. , Oliveira Viviane G. C. , D’Avila Heloisa , Rodrigues Luciana S. , Pinheiro Roberta O. , Sarno Euzenir N. , Pessolani Maria Cristina V. , Bozza Patricia T.
Published: August 2011

The mechanisms responsible for nerve injury in leprosy need further elucidation. We recently demonstrated that the foamy phenotype of Mycobacterium leprae-infected Schwann cells (SCs) observed in nerves of multibacillary patients results from the capacity of M. leprae to induce and recruit lipid droplets (LDs; also known as lipid bodies) to bacterial-containing phagosomes. In this study, we analyzed the parameters that govern LD biogenesis by M. leprae in SCs and how this contributes to the innate immune response elicited by M. leprae. Our observations indicated that LD formation requires the uptake of live bacteria and depends on host cell cytoskeleton rearrangement and vesicular trafficking. TLR6 deletion, but not TLR2, completely abolished the induction of LDs by M. leprae, as well as inhibited the bacterial uptake in SCs. M. leprae-induced LD biogenesis correlated with increased PGE2 and IL-10 secretion, as well as reduced IL-12 and NO production in M. leprae-infected SCs. Analysis of nerves from lepromatous leprosy patients showed colocalization of M. leprae, LDs, and cyclooxygenase-2 in SCs, indicating that LDs are sites for PGE2 synthesis in vivo. LD biogenesis Inhibition by the fatty acid synthase inhibitor C-75 abolished the effect of M. leprae on SC production of immunoinflammatory mediators and enhanced the mycobacterial-killing ability of SCs. Altogether, our data indicated a critical role for TLR6-dependent signaling in M. leprae–SC interactions, favoring phagocytosis and subsequent signaling for induction of LD biogenesis in infected cells. Moreover, our observations reinforced the role of LDs favoring mycobacterial survival and persistence in the nerve. These findings give further support to a critical role for LDs in M. leprae pathogenesis in the nerve.
Transfer of Fourier Multipliers into Schur Multipliers and Sumsets in a Discrete Group
Authors: Neuwirth Stefan , Éric Ricard
Published: August 2011

We inspect the relationship between relative Fourier multipliers on noncommutative Lebesgue– Orlicz spaces of a discrete group and relative Toeplitz-Schur multipliers on Schatten–von- Neumann–Orlicz classes. Four applications are given: lacunary sets, unconditional Schauder bases for the subspace of a Lebesgue space determined by a given spectrum , the norm of the Hilbert transformand the Riesz projection on Schatten–von-Neumann classes with exponent a power of 2, and the norm of Toeplitz Schur multipliers on Schatten–von-Neumann classes with exponent less than 1.
In vitro Anti-Malarial Drug Susceptibility of Temperate Plasmodium vivax from Central China
Authors: Lu Feng , Gao Qi , Chotivanich Kesinee , Xia Hui , Cao Jun , Udomsangpetch Rachanee , Cui Liwang , Sattabongkot Jetsumon
Published: August 2011

In the face of recent increase of Plasmodium vivax malaria in central China, we conducted a study to evaluate in vitro susceptibility of temperate-zone P. vivax parasites to antimalarial drugs. During 2005–2006, in vitro drug susceptibility was measured for 42 clinical P. vivax isolates by using a schizont maturation inhibition technique. Geometric means of 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 10.87 (4.50–26.26) ng/mL for chloroquine, 4.21 (1.88–9.42–8) ng/mL for mefloquine, 11.82 (6.20–22.56) ng/mL for quinine, 0.13 (0.09–0.20) ng/mL for artesunate, 18.32 (8.08–41.50) ng/mL for pyrimethamine, and 17.73 (10.29–30.57) ng/mL for piperaquine. The IC50 for chloroquine was lower than those obtained from isolates from Thailand and South Korea, suggesting that chloroquine remained effective against P. vivax malaria in central China. The results further indicated that temperate-zone P. vivax isolates from China were more susceptible to chloroquine, quinine, and mefloquine than isolates from Thailand.
An Experimental Model of Meningoencephalomyelitis by Rocio Flavivirus in Balb/C Mice: Inflammatory Response, Cytokine Production, and Histopathology
Authors: de Barros Veridiana Ester Dias , Saggioro Fabiano P. , Neder Luciano , de Oliveira França Rafael Freitas , Mariguela Viviane , Chávez Juliana Helena , Penharvel Sandra , Forjaz Jorge , da Fonseca Benedito Antônio Lopes , Figueiredo Luiz Tadeu Moraes
Published: August 2011

Rocio virus (ROCV) is a flavivirus, probably transmitted by Culex mosquitoes and maintained in nature as a zoonosis of wild birds. Rocio virus caused a human epidemic of severe encephalitis that lasted from 1973 to 1980 in the Ribeira valley, in the southeastern coast of Brazil. After this outbreak, serologic evidence of ROCV circulation has been reported and public health authorities are concerned about a return of ROCV outbreaks in Brazil. We show here a study on the pathogenesis and the physiopathology of ROCV disease in the central nervous system of a Balb/C young adult mice experimental model. The animals were intraperitoneally infected by ROCV and followed from 0 to 9 days after infection, when all of them died. Nervous tissue samples were collected from infected animals for immunohistochemistry and molecular biology analysis. We observed the virus in the central nervous system, the inflammatory changes induced by Th1 and Th2 cytokines, and the final irreversible damage of nervous tissues by neuronal degeneration and apoptosis. These findings can help to better understand the pathogenesis and physiopathology of the human meningoencephalomyelitis by ROCV and other flaviviruses.
Safety and Immunogenicity of a Tetravalent Live-Attenuated Dengue Vaccine in Flavivirus-Naive Infants
Authors: Watanaveeradej Veerachai , Simasathien Sriluck , Nisalak Ananda , Endy Timothy P. , Jarman Richard G. , Innis Bruce L. , Thomas Stephen J. , Gibbons Robert V. , Hengprasert Sumetha , Samakoses Rudiwilai , Kerdpanich Angkool , Vaughn David W. , Putnak J. Robert , Eckels Kenneth H. , Barrera Rafael De La , Mammen Mammen P.
Published: August 2011

A Phase I/II observer-blind, randomized, controlled trial evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a dengue virus (DENV) vaccine candidate in healthy Thai infants (aged 12–15 months) without measurable pre-vaccination neutralizing antibodies to DENV and Japanese encephalitis virus. Fifty-one subjects received two doses of either DENV (N = 34; four received 1/10th dose) or control vaccine (N = 17; dose 1, live varicella; dose 2, Haemophilus influenzae type b). After each vaccine dose, adverse events (AEs) were solicited for 21 days, and non-serious AEs were solicited for 30 days; serious AEs (SAEs) were recorded throughout the study. Laboratory safety assessments were performed at 10 and 30 days; neutralizing antibodies were measured at 30 days. The DENV vaccine was well-tolerated without any related SAEs. After the second dose, 85.7% of full-dose DENV vaccinees developed at least trivalent and 53.6% developed tetravalent neutralizing antibodies ≥ 1:10 to DENV (control group = 0%). This vaccine candidate, therefore, warrants continued development in this age group (NCT00322049; clinicaltrials.gov).
Parameterization and Sensitivity Analysis of a Complex Simulation Model for Mosquito Population Dynamics, Dengue Transmission, and Their Control
Authors: Ellis Alicia M. , Garcia Andres J. , Focks Dana A. , Morrison Amy C. , Scott Thomas W.
Published: August 2011

Models can be useful tools for understanding the dynamics and control of mosquito-borne disease. More detailed models may be more realistic and better suited for understanding local disease dynamics; however, evaluating model suitability, accuracy, and performance becomes increasingly difficult with greater model complexity. Sensitivity analysis is a technique that permits exploration of complex models by evaluating the sensitivity of the model to changes in parameters. Here, we present results of sensitivity analyses of two interrelated complex simulation models of mosquito population dynamics and dengue transmission. We found that dengue transmission may be influenced most by survival in each life stage of the mosquito, mosquito biting behavior, and duration of the infectious period in humans. The importance of these biological processes for vector-borne disease models and the overwhelming lack of knowledge about them make acquisition of relevant field data on these biological processes a top research priority.
Effect of Sex, Age, and Race on the Clinical Presentation of Tuberculosis: A 15-Year Population-Based Study
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Andersen Aase B. , Lillebaek Troels , Kamper-Jørgensen Zaza , Thomsen Vibeke Østergaard , Ladefoged Karin , Marrs Carl F. , Zhang Lixin , Yang Zhenhua
Published: August 2011

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is an important health problem that may cause serious morbidity and diagnostic challenges. We conducted a case–control study involving 5,684, approximately 99% of bacteriologically confirmed TB patients (including 1,925 EPTB cases) diagnosed in Denmark and Greenland during 1992–2007 to gain insight to the role of host factors in EPTB pathogenesis. Among patients from Somalia and Asia, persons 25–44 and 45–64 years of age were more likely to have EPTB than persons 15–24 years of age. In contrast, among persons from Greenland, the two oldest age groups were significantly less likely to have EPTB than the youngest age group. For all the age groups, the odds for having EPTB was significantly higher among patients from Somalia and Asia and significantly lower among the patients from Greenland than among patients from Denmark. Furthermore, the occurrence of specific types of EPTB significantly varied among different age groups or origins.
Toxoplasmosis-Serological Evidence and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women in Southern Thailand
Authors: Nissapatorn Veeranoot , Suwanrath Chitkasaem , Sawangjaroen Nongyao , Ling Lau Yee , Chandeying Verapol
Published: August 2011

Toxoplasma gondii is an important parasite in pregnant women. This case-controlled study assessed the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in 640 pregnant women in southern Thailand and identified their associated risk factors. The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 181 (28.3%). Of this, 138 (21.6%) were positive for only anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, 43 (6.7%) were positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies, and none were positive for IgM antibody. Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–2.67), living outside Songkhla province (adjusted OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.08–2.24), parity (adjusted OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.01–2.68), contact with cats (adjusted OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.20–2.43), and drinking of unclean water (adjusted OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.08–2.68) were factors associated with Toxoplasma seroprevalence. On the basis of the results obtained, a health surveillance program should be initiated as a primary preventive measure for congenital toxoplasmosis and focus on educating women of the child-bearing age group to avoid contact with cats and to strictly practice personal hygiene.
Cryptosporidium meleagridis: Infectivity in Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Chappell Cynthia L. , Okhuysen Pablo C. , Langer-Curry Rebecca C. , Akiyoshi Donna E. , Widmer Giovanni , Tzipori Saul
Published: August 2011

Most Cryptosporidium infections in humans are caused by C. parvum or C. hominis. However, genotyping techniques have identified infections caused by unusual Cryptosporidium species. Cryptosporidium meleagridis has been identified in ≤ 1% of persons with diarrhea, although prevalence is higher in developing nations. We examined the infectivity of C. meleagridis in healthy adults. Five volunteers were challenged with 105 C. meleagridis oocysts and monitored six weeks for fecal oocysts and clinical manifestations. Four volunteers had diarrhea; three had detectable fecal oocysts; and one infected volunteer remained asymptomatic. Fecal DNA from two volunteers was amplified by using a polymerase chain reaction specific for the Cryptosporidium small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Nucleotide sequence of these amplicons was diagnostic for C. meleagridis. All infections were self-limited; oocysts were cleared within ≤ 12 days of challenge. These studies establish that healthy adults can be infected and become ill from ingestion of C. meleagridis oocysts.
Competitive Reduction by Satyrization? Evidence for Interspecific Mating in Nature and Asymmetric Reproductive Competition between Invasive Mosquito Vectors
Authors: Tripet Frederic , Lounibos L. Philip , Robbins Dannielle , Moran Jenny , Nishimura Naoya , Blosser Erik M.
Published: August 2011

Upon mating, male mosquitoes transfer accessory gland proteins (Acps) that induce refractoriness to further mating in females. This can also occur because of cross-insemination by males of related species, a process known as mating interference (satyrization). This mechanism could explain the competitive displacement of resident Aedes aegypti by the invasive Aedes albopictus where they co-occur. We tested this hypothesis in mosquito populations in Florida. A new polymerase chain reaction species diagnostic applied to sperm dissected from 304 field-collected females revealed bidirectional cross-mating in five (1.6%) individuals. Cross-injections of females with Acps showed that Ae. albopictus males induced monogamy in heterospecific females but not Ae. aegypti males. Despite its low frequency in the areas under study, the first evidence of cross-mating in nature and the asymmetric effect of Acps on mating suggest that satyrization may have initially contributed to the observed competitive reduction of Ae. aegypti by invasive Ae. albopictus in many areas.
Toll-Like Receptor 4 Polymorphisms in Dengue Virus–Infected Children
Authors: Djamiatun Kis , Ferwerda Bart , Netea Mihai G. , van der Ven André J. A. M. , Dolmans Wil M. V. , Faradz Sultana M. H.
Published: August 2011

Differential viral recognition by cells bearing Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) polymorphisms Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile may influence susceptibility and severity of dengue virus infection. In central Java, Indonesia, we investigated 201 children with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and 179 healthy controls. Patients and controls were mostly ethnic Javanese. A nearly complete cosegregation of the two mutations was observed. The TLR4 299/399 genotype was found in five patients and four controls. Prevalence of the TLR4 299/399 genotype did not differ significantly between controls and DHF patients or between patients with different severities of DHF. Also, vascular leakage in patients with different TLR4 genotypes did not differ. Thus, the 299/399 TLR4 haplotype has only minor influence on susceptibility and severity of complicated dengue virus infection.
Multiplex Bead Assay for Serum Samples from Children in Haiti Enrolled in a Drug Study for the Treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis
Authors: Moss Delynn M. , Priest Jeffrey W. , Boyd Alexis , Weinkopff Tiffany , Kucerova Zuzana , Beach Michael J. , Lammie Patrick J.
Published: August 2011

A multiplex bead assay (MBA) was used to analyze serum samples collected longitudinally from children enrolled in a drug trial for treatment of filariasis in Leogane, Haiti. Recombinant antigens Bm14 and Bm33 from Brugia malayi, third polar tube protein (PTP3) from Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and merozoite surface protein-119 (MSP-119) from Plasmodium falciparum were coupled to carboxylated polystyrene microspheres. IgG responses to PTP3 and MSP-119 were not affected by albendazole (ALB), diethylcarbamazine (DEC), or combination of diethylcarbamazine and albendazole (DEC/ALB). However, IgG and IgG4 responses to Bm14 and Bm33 were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) by DEC and DEC/ALB treatment. Antibody responses to Bm14 and Bm33 decreased after DEC treatment (but not placebo) among children who were negative for microfilaremia and antigenemia at baseline, suggesting that these children harbored early stages of infection. The MBA is an excellent serologic technique for multiple antigens that offers substantial advantages over single-antigen based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in mass drug administration studies for monitoring changes in antibody levels.
Adverse Events after Mass Azithromycin Treatments for Trachoma in Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Berhan , Gebre Teshome , House Jenafir I. , Zhou Zhaoxia , McCulloch Charles E. , Porco Travis C. , Gaynor Bruce D. , Emerson Paul M. , Lietman Thomas M. , Keenan Jeremy D.
Published: August 2011

During a cluster-randomized clinical trial for trachoma in Ethiopia, two rounds of adverse event surveillance were performed in a random sample of communities after community-wide mass azithromycin treatment. The prevalence of any reported adverse event ranged from 4.9% to 7.0% in children 1–9 years of age and from 17.0% to 18.7% in persons ≥ 10 years of age. Adverse events appeared to cluster by household and perhaps by village. Mass azithromycin distributions were well tolerated in this setting.
Influence of the Timing of Malaria Infection during Pregnancy on Birth Weight and on Maternal Anemia in Benin
Authors: Huynh Bich-Tram , Fievet Nadine , Gbaguidi Gildas , Dechavanne Sébastien , Borgella Sophie , Guézo-Mévo Blaise , Massougbodji Achille , Ndam Nicaise Tuikue , Deloron Philippe , Cot Michel
Published: August 2011

Although consequences of malaria in pregnancy are well known, the period of pregnancy in which infection has the highest impact is still unclear. In Benin, we followed up a cohort of 1,037 women through pregnancy until delivery. The objective was to evaluate the relationship between the timing of infection and birth weight, and maternal anemia at delivery. At the beginning of pregnancy, peripheral infections were associated with a decrease in mean birth weight (−98.5 g; P = 0.03) and an increase in the risk of anemia at delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.6; P = 0.03). Infections in late pregnancy were related to a higher risk of maternal anemia at delivery (aOR = 1.7; P = 0.001). To fully protect the women during the whole pregnancy, already implemented measures (insecticide-treated nets and intermittent preventive treatment) should be reinforced. In the future, a vaccine against pregnancy-associated malaria parasites could protect the women in early pregnancy, which seems to be a high-risk period.
Drinking Water Quality, Feeding Practices, and Diarrhea among Children under 2 Years of HIV-Positive Mothers in Peri-Urban Zambia
Authors: Peletz Rachel , Simuyandi Michelo , Sarenje Kelvin , Baisley Kathy , Kelly Paul , Filteau Suzanne , Clasen Thomas
Published: August 2011

In low-income settings, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive mothers must choose between breastfeeding their infants and risking transmission of HIV or replacement feeding their infants and risking diarrheal disease from contaminated water. We conducted a cross-sectional study of children < 2 years of age of 254 HIV-positive mothers in peri-urban Zambia to assess their exposure to waterborne fecal contamination. Fecal indicators were found in 70% of household drinking water samples. In a multivariable analysis, factors associated with diarrhea prevalence in children < 2 years were mother having diarrhea (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.65–16.28), child given water in the past 2 days (aOR = 4.08, 95% CI = 1.07–15.52), child never being breastfed (aOR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.06–6.72), and rainy (versus dry) season (aOR = 4.60, 95% CI = 1.29–16.42). Children born to HIV-positive mothers were exposed to contaminated water through direct intake of drinking water, indicating the need for interventions to ensure microbiological water quality.
Leptospirosis among Hospitalized Febrile Patients in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Biggs Holly M. , Bui Duy M. , Galloway Renee L. , Stoddard Robyn A. , Shadomy Sean V. , Morrissey Anne B. , Bartlett John A. , Onyango Jecinta J. , Maro Venance P. , Kinabo Grace D. , Saganda Wilbrod , Crump John A.
Published: August 2011

We enrolled consecutive febrile admissions to two hospitals in Moshi, Tanzania. Confirmed leptospirosis was defined as a ≥ 4-fold increase in microscopic agglutination test (MAT) titer; probable leptospirosis as reciprocal MAT titer ≥ 800; and exposure to pathogenic leptospires as titer ≥ 100. Among 870 patients enrolled in the study, 453 (52.1%) had paired sera available, and 40 (8.8%) of these met the definition for confirmed leptospirosis. Of 832 patients with ≥ 1 serum sample available, 30 (3.6%) had probable leptospirosis and an additional 277 (33.3%) had evidence of exposure to pathogenic leptospires. Among those with leptospirosis the most common clinical diagnoses were malaria in 31 (44.3%) and pneumonia in 18 (25.7%). Leptospirosis was associated with living in a rural area (odds ratio [OR] 3.4, P < 0.001). Among those with confirmed leptospirosis, the predominant reactive serogroups were Mini and Australis. Leptospirosis is a major yet underdiagnosed cause of febrile illness in northern Tanzania, where it appears to be endemic.
Melioidosis Imported from West Africa to Europe
Authors: Cuadros Juan , Gil Horacio , Miguel Julio De , Marabé Graciela , Gómez-Herruz Teresa Arroyo Peña , Lobo Bruno , Marcos Ruth , Anda Pedro
Published: August 2011

We report the first case of imported melioidosis in Spain from a diabetic immigrant who visited West Africa during the rainy season. Because of the unusual presentation of this disease in Africa, clinical and microbiological diagnosis of imported melioidosis from this continent can be very elusive.
Thyroglossal Duct Carcinoma: A Case Series and Approach to Management
Authors: Paul MJ , Michael Rajiv C , Manipadam John Mathew , Manipadam Marie Therese , Thomas Elsa Mary , Abraham Deepak Thomas
Published: August 2011

Thyroglossal duct carcinoma (TGDC) is a rare disease with few reported series. No clear consensus exists regarding further management after adequate excision of the cyst, especially the role of total thyroidectomy and postoperative radioiodine therapy. We review our experience of nine cases and the literature to clarify the management of this rare condition. A retrospective study over a period of 10 years was performed using the clinical records from Christian Medical College, Vellore to identify patients with TGDC and to assess the frequency of cases with concomitant papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. The clinical presentation, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), imaging, treatment and follow-up were analyzed. There were a total of nine cases of TGDC with five males. Imaging available in six patients detected a suspicious lesion in four cysts and three thyroid glands. Preoperative FNAC detected atypical cells in two of five cases. Thyroid carcinoma was seen in four (44.4%) after histopathological evaluation. Ultrasound of the neck and image-guided FNAC of the cyst may be adequate initial investigation for thyroglossal cysts. FNAC by itself is not a good investigation to diagnose TGDC as rate of false-negatives and inadequate specimens were high. Solid components and calcification on imaging were predictive of carcinoma within a thyroglossal cyst in 100% cases. All patients with TGDC may be offered total thyroidectomy as a simultaneous or staged procedure to address the high incidence of concomitant thyroid foci of cancer. The role of adjuvant therapy is still debatable.
Forest-atmosphere exchange of ozone: sensitivity to very reactive biogenic VOC emissions and implications for in-canopy photochemistry
Authors: Wolfe G. M. , Thornton J. A. , McKay M. , Goldstein A. H.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Understanding the fate of ozone within and above forested environments is vital to assessing the anthropogenic impact on ecosystems and air quality at the urban-rural interface. Observed forest-atmosphere exchange of ozone is often much faster than explicable by stomatal uptake alone, suggesting the presence of additional ozone sinks within the canopy. Using the Chemistry of Atmosphere-Forest Exchange (CAFE) model in conjunction with summer noontime observations from the 2007 Biosphere Effects on Aerosols and Photochemistry Experiment (BEARPEX-2007), we explore the viability and implications of the hypothesis that ozonolysis of very reactive but yet unidentified biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) can influence the forest-atmosphere exchange of ozone. Non-stomatal processes typically generate 67 % of the observed ozone flux, but reactions of ozone with measured BVOC, including monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, can account for only 2 % of this flux during the selected timeframe. By incorporating additional emissions and chemistry of a proxy for very reactive VOC (VRVOC) that undergo rapid ozonolysis, we demonstrate that an in-canopy chemical ozone sink of ~2 × 108 molec cm−3 s−1 can close the ozone flux budget. Even in such a case, the 65 min chemical lifetime of ozone is much longer than the canopy residence time of ~2 min, highlighting that chemistry can influence reactive trace gas exchange even when it is "slow" relative to vertical mixing. This level of VRVOC ozonolysis could enhance OH and RO2 production by as much as 1 pptv s−1 and substantially alter their respective vertical profiles depending on the actual product yields. Reaction products would also contribute significantly to the oxidized VOC budget and, by extension, secondary organic aerosol mass. Given the potentially significant ramifications of a chemical ozone flux for both in-canopy chemistry and estimates of ozone deposition, future efforts should focus on quantifying both ozone reactivity and non-stomatal (e.g. cuticular) deposition within the forest.
Dust deposition: iron source or sink? A case study
Authors: Ye Y. , Wagener T. , Völker C. , Guieu C. , Wolf-Gladrow D. A.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. A significant decrease of dissolved iron (DFe) concentration has been observed after dust addition into mesocosms during the DUst experiment in a low Nutrient low chlorophyll Ecosystem (DUNE), carried out in the summer of 2008. Due to low biological productivity at the experiment site, biological consumption of iron can not explain the magnitude of DFe decrease. To understand processes regulating the observed DFe variation, we simulated the experiment using a one-dimensional model of the Fe biogeochemical cycle, coupled with a simple ecosystem model. Different size classes of particles and particle aggregation are taken into account to describe the particle dynamics. DFe concentration is regulated in the model by dissolution from dust particles and adsorption onto particle surfaces, biological uptake, and photochemical mobilisation of particulate iron. The model reproduces the observed DFe decrease after dust addition well. This is essentially explained by particle adsorption and particle aggregation that produces a high export within the first 24 h. The estimated particle adsorption rates range between the measured adsorption rates of soluble iron and those of colloidal iron, indicating both processes controlling the DFe removal during the experiment. A dissolution timescale of 3 days is used in the model, instead of an instantaneous dissolution, underlining the importance of dissolution kinetics on the short-term impact of dust deposition on seawater DFe. Sensitivity studies reveal that initial DFe concentration before dust addition was crucial for the net impact of dust addition on DFe during the DUNE experiment. Based on the balance between abiotic sinks and sources of DFe, a critical DFe concentration has been defined, above which dust deposition acts as a net sink of DFe, rather than a source. Taking into account the role of excess iron binding ligands and biotic processes, the critical DFe concentration might be applied to explain the short-term variability of DFe after natural dust deposition in various different ocean regions.
Assessment of urban vulnerability towards floods using an indicator-based approach – a case study for Santiago de Chile
Authors: Müller A. , Reiter J. , Weiland U.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Regularly occurring flood events do have a history in Santiago de Chile, the capital city of Chile and study area for this research. The analysis of flood events, the resulting damage and its causes are crucial prerequisites for the development of risk prevention measures. The goal of this research is to empirically investigate the vulnerability towards floods in Santiago de Chile as one component of flood risk. The analysis and assessment of vulnerability is based on the application of a multi-scale (individual, household, municipal level) set of indicators and the use of a broad range of data. The case-specific set of indicators developed in this study shows the relevant variables and their interrelations influencing the flood vulnerability in the study area. It provides a decision support tool for stakeholders and allows for monitoring and evaluating changes over time. The paper outlines how GIS, census, and remote sensing data as well as household surveys and expert interviews are used as an information base for the derivation of a vulnerability map for two municipalities located in the eastern part of Santiago de Chile. The generation of vulnerability maps representing the two different perspectives of local decision makers (experts) and affected households is exemplified and discussed using the developed methodology.
Hazard assessment investigations due to recent changes in Triftgletscher, Bernese Alps, Switzerland
Authors: Dalban Canassy P. , Bauder A. , Dost M. , Fäh R. , Funk M. , Margreth S. , Müller B. , Sugiyama S.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The details and the consequences of the recent retreat of Triftgletscher (Gadmertal, Bernese Alps, Switzerland) have been investigated. Geodetic volume changes indicate a strong decrease since 1929 while the position of the terminus remained practically unchanged until 1990. The role played by calving in the tongue retreat running from 2000 to 2006 is confirmed by means of a mass balance model including a calving criterion. Results show that without calving, it would have taken two years longer for the lake to form than has been observed. The consequences of the ensuing tongue destabilization are surveyed, first with an ice avalanche model and second with a hydraulic study of the potential impulse wave triggered by the impact of the falling ice mass in the lake. Results point out that ice avalanches with volumes greater that 1 × 106 m3 will flow into the lake and that in the worst scenario, a discharge of 400 m3 s−1 is expected to reach the endangered area in Gadmertal 11 min after the break-off. In order to detect surface motion precursors to such ice avalanches, a photographic monitoring system was installed. The results indicate seasonal variations with peak velocity in summer and no significant change during the other months. Spectacular velocity increases were not observed so far.
A Recyclable Polystyrene‐Supported Gold(I) Catalyst
Authors: Cao Wenjie , Yu Biao
Published: August 2011

A polystyrene‐(benzotriazole)(triphenylphosphine)gold(I) [Btz⋅Au(I)PPh3] resin, representing the first polystyrene‐immobilized homogeneous gold(I) complex, was conveniently prepared, and showed remarkable catalytic activities and recyclability in three model transformations, including the tandem 3,3‐rearrangement and Nazarov reaction of an enynyl acetate, the cyclization of a 1,6‐enyne, and the rearrangement of an alkyne‐furan.
Categorical semiparametric varying‐coefficient models
Authors: Li QI , Ouyang Desheng , Racine Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2011

Semiparametric varying‐coefficient models have become a common fixture in applied data analysis. Existing approaches, however, presume that those variables affecting the coefficients are continuous in nature (or that there exists at least one such continuous variable) which is often not the case. Furthermore, when all variables affecting the coefficients are categorical/discrete, theoretical underpinnings cannot be obtained as a special case of existing approaches and, as such, requires a separate treatment. In this paper we use kernel‐based methods that place minimal structure on the underlying mechanism governing parameter variation across categorical variables while providing a consistent and efficient approach that may be of interest to practitioners. One area where such models could be particularly useful is in settings where interactions among the categorical and real‐valued predictors consume many (or even exhaust) degrees of freedom for fully parametric models (which is frequently the case in applied settings). Furthermore, we demonstrate that our approach behaves optimally when in fact there is no variation in a model's coefficients across one or more of the categorical variables (i.e. the approach pools over such variables with a high probability). An illustrative application demonstrates potential benefits for applied researchers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radioactivity and heavy metal concentrations in food samples from Rize, Turkey
Authors: Görür Filiz Korkmaz , Keser Recep , Akçay Nilay , Dizman Serdar , As Nilüfer , Okumuşoğlu Nazmi Turan
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Rize in Turkey was contaminated by the Chernobyl accident in 1986. A comprehensive study was planned and carried out to determine the radioactivity levels and heavy metal concentrations in four food categories collected in Rize in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

RESULTS: Tomato showed the highest concentration of 238U, at 9.43 ± 0.128 Bq kg−1, whereas the lowest concentration of 0.20 ± 0.02 Bq kg−1 was measured in aubergine samples. The highest concentration of 232Th was measured at 3.22 ± 0.29 Bq kg−1 in grape samples. 40K was found to contribute the highest activity in all the food samples. The highest activity concentration of 137Cs was 10.20 ± 4.19 Bq kg−1, for parsley. The average contribution range of each of the heavy metals to the dietary intake was 0.13–9.14, 0.27–34.63, 0.05–3.62, 0.11–14.97, 0.78–8.51 and 0.01–1.57 mg, respectively, for Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni and As.

CONCLUSION: The range of radioactivity levels in food samples of the present study is of no risk to public health. Heavy metal concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni and As obtained were far below the established values by FAO/WHO limits. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Phytoavailability, human risk assessment and transfer characteristics of cadmium and zinc contamination from urban gardens in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Abdu Nafiu , Agbenin John O , Buerkert Andreas
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Quantitative data about phytoavailability and transfer into consumed plant parts for heavy metals in intensively managed urban vegetable production areas of sub‐Saharan Africa are scarce. We therefore studied the transfer of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) from soil to the root and subsequent translocation to edible portions of four vegetables in six urban gardens.

RESULTS: While respective diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)‐available Zn and Cd concentrations ranged from 18 to 66 mg kg−1 and from 0.19 to 0.35 mg kg−1, respectively, in soils, total Zn and Cd were 8.4–256 mg kg−1 and 0.04–1.7 mg kg−1 in shoot parts. Metal transfer factor (MTF) ratios were higher in Zn (0.2–0.9) than in Cd (0.1–0.6). Our data suggest that total Zn concentration in soil is a reliable indicator to assess its transfer from soil to crop in lettuce, carrot and parsley, while for Cd DTPA‐extractable concentration may be used to estimate soil–crop transfer of Cd in amaranthus and carrot. Overall, Cd was more easily translocated to the aerial plant parts than Zn.

CONCLUSION: Zinc and Cd accumulation by vegetables in our soils is mainly a metabolically controlled process. Such accumulation can contaminate the ecosystem but under our conditions intake and ingestion of these metals will likely have to occur over a prolonged period to experience health hazard. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Site occupancy and cavity use by the northern flying squirrel in the boreal forest
Authors: Trudeau Caroline , Imbeau Louis , Drapeau Pierre , Mazerolle Marc J.
Published: August 2011

Tree cavities are used as shelter and breeding nests by numerous avian and mammalian species. In cold environments, tree cavities are often proposed as the best winter nest choice because of the superior protection they offer from precipitation, wind, cold temperatures, and predators. As such, they represent a critical resource, which has the potential to limit population size of non‐excavating species. We assessed factors affecting site occupancy in the boreal forest by northern flying squirrels, a secondary user of tree cavities, and to identify which nest type is preferred during the colder days of the autumn–winter period. We trapped flying squirrels twice in 59 aspen‐dominated stands in the autumn period using low‐ (1.5 m above ground‐level) and high‐mounted (4 m) traps to determine site occupancy. A total of 85 individuals were captured on 2,880 trap‐nights. During the winter period, we radio‐tracked 26 individuals to 87 diurnal nests in 220 locations. None of the habitat variables considered (cavity availability, woody debris, and lateral cover) explained site occupancy. Detectability decreased with precipitation, and was lower using high traps than low traps. Both females and males used tree cavities (26%), external nests (39%), and ground nests (35%). In cold weather, females preferred ground nests, whereas males preferred external nests. Our results do not support the hypothesis that tree cavities represent a limiting factor to northern flying squirrels in cold environments. Instead, this species seems to be a generalist and is opportunistic, using a variety of nest types. Nevertheless, practices ensuring the persistence of large diameter live cavity trees, providing better insulative properties, are likely to increase the relative use of tree cavities as nest sites by northern flying squirrels. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
The roles of polyacrylate in poly(vinyl chloride)‐lignin composites
Authors: Liu Feiyue , Xu Kai , Chen Mingcai , Cao Derong
Published: August 2011

A novel method was adopted to improve the adhesion between lignin particles and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix in PVC‐lignin composites. Lignin was treated with a polyacrylate, poly(ethyl acrylate‐co‐acrylic acid), and the composites was prepared with PVC and the treated lignin. The mechanical properties and morphology of the composites were investigated, and the roles of polyacrylate in the composites were discussed. The results show that both the tensile and impact strengths of the composites are improved when both the content of carboxyl in polyacrylate and its dosage are low, and the optimum is: yield strength, 24.17 MPa, higher than that of PVC control (21.88 MPa); breaking strength, 33.59 MPa, close to that of PVC control (35.62 MPa); and impact strength, 8.0 kJ m−2, 31% higher than that of PVC control (6.1 kJ m−2). Microscopic morphology analysis suggests that polyacrylate improved the adhesion between lignin particles and PVC matrix. The roles of polyacrylate are as the following: polyacrylate is combined with lignin by hydrogen bond and ester bond, and most of its chains spread into PVC matrix due to its good compatibility with PVC, thereby lignin particles can be well bound with PVC matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Carbohydrate‐Modified Silicone Surfactants
Authors: Han Fu , Deng Yun‐yun , Zhou Ya‐wen , Xu Bao‐cai
Published: August 2011

Silicone surfactants have been widely used in our daily life and many industrial fields on the basis of their unusual properties. Only in the past decades has the use of silicone as a hydrophobic building block for the preparation of surfactants become common. The recent trend to combine silicone, polyoxyalkylene and carbohydrate moieties in the same molecule has resulted in a plethora of new compounds with new properties. The generic structure and surface activity of silicone surfactants are reviewed in this article. Especially, the preparation, properties and application of carbohydrate‐modified silicone surfactants such as glucosamide‐containing and glycoside‐containing silicone surfactants are described in detail. In addition, the future development of silicone surfactants is discussed.
Phonotactics and morphophonology in early child language: Evidence from Dutch
Authors: ZAMUNER TANIA S. , KERKHOFF ANNEMARIE , FIKKERT PAULA
Published: August 2011

This research investigates children's knowledge of how surface pronunciations of lexical items vary according to their phonological and morphological context. Dutch-learning children aged 2.5 and 3.5 years were tested on voicing neutralization and morphophonological alternations. For instance, voicing does not alternate between the pair [pɛt]~[pɛtən] (cap~caps) but does in [bɛt]~[bɛdən] (bed~beds). Data from the first experiment showed that children at a younger age were less accurate at imitating words with /d/ than /t/, regardless of morphological context. In a second study, children between 2 and 4 years were asked to produce singulars from novel plurals (e.g., [kɛtən]~[kɛt] and [kɛdən]~[kɛt]). Results indicated that children's performance was better in contexts that did not require surface variation. Dutch-learning children are not able to robustly generalize their knowledge of phonotactics and morphophonological alternations. Rather, it appears that their knowledge is more concrete, in line with recent usage-based theories of acquisition.
The grass is greener: Farmers' experiences with pastured poultry
Authors: Hilimire Kathleen
Published: August 2011

Rearing poultry outdoors on pasture for egg and meat production is a growing industry in the USA. However, little has been written on farmers' experiences with this practice. This paper presents the results of in-depth interviews and surveys with 18 California pastured poultry producers (62% response rate). Although the sample size of growers is small in absolute numbers, it represents 62% of nearly all pastured poultry growers in California, a state known for the pioneering work of growers who specialize in alternative agricultural practices. Such alternative systems merit critical analysis in order to refine their implementation and contribution to sustainable food production. This research aims to provide such critical analysis of pastured poultry production, a highly innovative and emergent practice. Growers were queried concerning the values that brought them to participate in alternative animal production, the benefits and challenges of integrating pastured poultry into farming operations, the use of heritage and industrial breeds, and management practices. Results showed that the influence of Joel Salatin, farmer and author of Pastured Poultry Profits, tied with farmer desire to sustainably produce meat and/or eggs as the main drivers respondents gave for raising pastured poultry (39% each). Farmers reported the primary benefit of pastured poultry was soil fertility (61%), followed by marketing appeal (44%). The most commonly cited challenge to pastured poultry growers was predation of birds (44%) followed by cost of feed (22%). Pastured poultry were directly profitable to 50% of farmers, although 78% of respondents cited indirect profits through savings on items such as fertilizer and pest management. This paper places these results in the context of value-laden farmer decision-making.
Broadband and low‐beam squint leaky wave radiation from a uniaxially anisotropic grounded slab
Authors: Shahvarpour A. , Caloz C. , Alvarez‐Melcon A.
Published: August 2011

The behavior of leaky and surface modes in uniaxially anisotropic grounded slabs is investigated. First, a transverse magnetic and transverse electric modal parametric analysis of the structure is performed, based on dispersion relations, comparing the nondispersive and Drude/Lorentz dispersive anisotropic slabs with an isotropic nondispersive slab. This analysis reveals that in the case of the isotropic slab, the leaky wave pointing angle is restricted to the end‐fire region. In contrast, it is shown, for the first time, that the proposed anisotropic dispersive grounded slab structure provides efficient (in particular highly directive) leaky wave radiation with a high design flexibility. Toward its lower frequencies, the dominant leaky mode provides full‐space conical‐beam scanning. At higher frequencies, it provides fixed‐beam radiation (at a designable angle) with very low beam squint. A vertical dipole source is placed inside the slab to excite the relevant leaky wave mode. The radiation characteristics obtained for this structure confirms the novel low‐beam squint and high‐directivity operation of the dominant leaky mode. Further validation is included using the commercial software tool CST. The structure could be used to conceive antennas either for conical beam scanning (lower‐frequency range) or for point‐to‐point communication and radar systems (higher‐frequency range).