bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobiliser pour l'environnement en Europe et aux États-Unis
Authors: Mathis Charles-François
Published: January 2012

Résumé Quel est l’apport du 19 e  siècle en termes de mobilisation environnementale ? Il met d’abord en place un discours sur la nature, qui en révèle la valeur, détecte les dangers qui la menacent, et définit finalement les rapports complexes que l’humanité entretient avec elle (conservation/préservation, réformisme/utopisme). C’est également au cours de ce siècle qu’émergent des acteurs « environnementaux » et des procédures de légitimation de leurs discours ou actions. Enfin, s’y définissent des pratiques de mobilisation, par le recours à l’opinion publique, aux associations ou à la puissance publique. À l’orée du 20 e  siècle, une rhétorique, des acteurs et des modes d’action sont donc en place pour permettre l’essor des mobilisations environnementales à venir.
Les nazis et la « nature »
Authors: Chapoutot Johann
Published: January 2012

Résumé On crédite les nazis d’avoir su légiférer pour protéger la nature : le lien qu’ils établissaient entre le sang et le sol, le culte romantique de la nature et l’hygiénisme raciste qu’ils défendaient les auraient prédisposé à mettre en pratique une sensibilité écologiste précoce parmi les États contemporains. Un examen de la législation écologique nazie montre que les projets de loi dataient de la république de Weimar, et qu’ils ne furent guère appliqués : marais, forêts et montagnes furent soumis aux impératifs de la politique de production et de défense nazie. Un examen plus attentif du sort dévolu à ces zones protégées fait apparaître qu’elles furent, à l’instar des autres territoires et des hommes qui l’occupaient, totalement réifiées, et considérées comme des fonds d’énergie et de matière mobilisables pour l’effort de guerre du Troisième Reich.
L'européanisation de la politique environnementale dans les années 1970
Authors: Meyer Jan-Henrik , Poncharal Bruno
Published: January 2012

Résumé L’article analyse l’émergence d’une politique environnementale de la Communauté européenne dans les années 1970 en termes d’européanisation de l’environnement. En s’appuyant sur la littérature produite relative à l’européanisation, elle peut être conçue de trois façons différentes : un processus compris comme l’établissement d’institutions et de politiques à l’échelle de la CEE, l’impact de la CEE sur un État membre et une européanisation sociale, conçue comme un processus d’établissement d’une coopération transnationale entre des acteurs sociaux à travers la CEE. L’article démêle l’écheveau du processus d’européanisation de l’environnement en mettant l’accent sur sa préséance dans le contexte du Conseil de l’Europe et sur la reprise d’idées politiques et de principes circulant à un échelon international. En outre, il s’intéresse à l’émergence rapide d’une européanisation sociétale, notamment dans l’anticipation de l’impact de l’Europe sur la législation d’un État membre.
Le tournant environnemental de la société industrielle au prisme d'une histoire des débordements et de leurs conflits
Authors: Letté Michel
Published: January 2012

Résumé Catastrophes et pollutions massives ont-elles favorisé le tournant environnemental de la société industrielle au 20 e  siècle ? L’opposition croissante des publics confrontés aux débordements de l’industrie suggère en tout cas une nette évolution des sensibilités. Partant de cas récents, cet article invite à explorer plusieurs registres du conflit environnemental provoqué par ces débordements durant plus de deux siècles d’industrialisation. Leur histoire porte sur la nature des transactions dont l’enjeu est la délimitation des territoires et de leurs fonctions. Elle s’attache aux négociations entre parties prenantes pour qualifier ce qui déborde, oppose leurs intérêts contradictoires, et propose de redéfinir le problème environnemental lui-même. Elle commande finalement une histoire des dispositifs de régulation des conflits environnementaux par la mise en perspective sur le temps long des débordements industriels.
L'invention syndicale de l'environnement dans la France des années 1960
Authors: Bécot Renaud
Published: January 2012

Résumé Le mouvement syndical français a longtemps été présenté comme indifférent aux enjeux environnementaux. Or, dès l’après-guerre, les archives syndicales attestent d’une préoccupation, qui se manifeste au travers de sujets aussi divers que la gestion des « ressources naturelles », la santé au travail ou l’aménagement urbain. Ces préoccupations diffuses se précisent au cours des décennies 1950 et 1960, lorsque les syndicalistes sont confrontés à différentes situations de dégradation de l’environnement, notamment en contexte colonial. Les confédérations approfondissent alors leurs projets de planification économique, en intégrant progressivement les enjeux environnementaux. Dans le même temps, des actions syndicales de lutte contre les pollutions se déroulent sur les lieux de vie et de travail des salariés. Ancrée dans ce contexte, une réflexion sur la notion de cadre de vie émerge peu à peu. Cette notion devient la contrepartie syndicale de « l’invention technocratique de l’environnement ».
L'extrême gauche française et l'écologie
Authors: Buton Philippe
Published: January 2012

Résumé Lors de la décennie qui a suivi Mai 68, l’attitude des organisations de l’extrême gauche française envers l’écologie permet de distinguer trois groupes. En premier lieu, ceux qui s’ouvrent précocement à la préoccupation écologiste. Ces pionniers sont le parti socialiste unifié, la sensibilité maoïste dite spontanéiste (Vive la Révolution et la Gauche prolétarienne), et un petit groupe trotskyste (l’Alliance marxiste révolutionnaire). À ce premier groupe s’oppose le deuxième, celui des suivistes, essentiellement composé des principales organisations trotskystes (Ligue communiste, Lutte ouvrière) et anarchistes. Le troisième groupe, celui des réfractaires, rassemble la quasi-totalité des maoïstes et quelques organisations trotskystes (Organisation communiste internationaliste) ou anarchistes (Guerre de classes). Le croisement de trois paramètres permet de comprendre cette typologie : le rapport à la notion de modernité, la relation au marxisme et la notion d’optimisme révolutionnaire.
In Vitro Analysis of Nd:YAG Laser Damage to Hydrophilic Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Saffra Norman , Agarwal Swati , Enin Josh , Werner Liliana , Mamalis Nick
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Damaged optics of an intraocular lens (IOL) can impair visual functioning. Damage can occur during the manufacturing process, during implantation, or during post-implantation Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. An in vitro experiment was performed to identify the potential IOL damage patterns associated with the use of the Nd:YAG laser for posterior capsulotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A review of the literature regarding Nd:YAG laser damage to IOLs was performed. The objectives were to describe the damage patterns to a sample IOL by performing virtual posterior capsulotomies.

RESULTS:

Patterns of damage were demonstrated and described.

CONCLUSION:

Although optic damage can occur with use of the Nd:YAG laser, it is infrequent and usually the result of improper depth of focus.
A Novel C3 Mutation Causing Increased Formation of the C3 Convertase in Familial Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Sartz Lisa , Olin Anders I , Kristoffersson Ann-Charlotte , Ståhl Anne-lie , Johansson Martin E. , Westman Kerstin , Fremeaux-Bacchi Veronique , Nilsson-Ekdahl Kristina , Karpman Diana
Published: January 2012

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome has been associated with dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. In this study, a novel heterozygous C3 mutation was identified in a factor B-binding region in exon 41, V1636A (4973 T > C). The mutation was found in three family members affected with late-onset atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and symptoms of glomerulonephritis. All three patients exhibited increased complement activation detected by decreased C3 levels and glomerular C3 deposits. Platelets from two of the patients had C3 and C9 deposits on the cell surface. Patient sera exhibited more C3 cleavage and higher levels of C3a. The C3 mutation resulted in increased C3 binding to factor B and increased net formation of the C3 convertase, even after decay induced by decay-accelerating factor and factor H, as assayed by surface plasmon resonance. Patient sera incubated with washed human platelets induced more C3 and C9 deposition on the cell surface in comparison with normal sera. More C3a was released into serum over time when washed platelets were exposed to patient sera. Results regarding C3 and C9 deposition on washed platelets were confirmed using purified patient C3 in C3-depleted serum. The results indicated enhanced convertase formation leading to increased complement activation on cell surfaces. Previously described C3 mutations showed loss of function with regard to C3 binding to complement regulators. To our knowledge, this study presents the first known C3 mutation inducing increased formation of the C3 convertase, thus explaining enhanced activation of the alternative pathway of complement.
CD69 Regulates Type I IFN-Induced Tolerogenic Signals to Mucosal CD4 T Cells That Attenuate Their Colitogenic Potential
Authors: Radulovic Katarina , Manta Calin , Rossini Valerio , Holzmann Karlheinz , Kestler Hans A. , Wegenka Ursula Maria , Nakayama Toshinori , Niess Jan Hendrik
Published: January 2012

CD69 is highly expressed by lymphocytes at mucosal surfaces. We aimed to investigate the role of CD69 in mucosal immune responses. The expression of CD69 by CD4 T cells isolated from the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, small intestinal lamina propria, and colonic lamina propria was determined in specific pathogen-free B6 and TCR transgenic animals, as well as in germ-free B6 mice. Transfer colitis was induced by transplanting RAG−/− mice with B6 or CD69−/−CD45RBhigh CD4 T cells. CD69 expression by CD4 T cells is induced by the intestinal microflora, oral delivery of specific Ag, and type I IFN (IFN-I) signals. CD4 T cells from CD69−/− animals produce higher amounts of the proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-21, whereas the production of TGF-β1 is decreased. CD69-deficient CD4 T cells showed reduced potential to differentiate into Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in vivo and in vitro. The transfer of CD69−/−CD45RBhigh CD4 T cells into RAG−/− hosts induced an accelerated colitis. Oral tolerance was impaired in CD69−/− and IFN-I receptor 1-deficient mice when compared with B6 and OT-II × RAG−/− animals. Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid treatment of RAG−/− mice transplanted with B6 but not CD69−/− or IFN-I receptor 1-deficient CD45RBhigh CD4 T cells attenuated transfer colitis. CD69 deficiency led to the increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, reduced Foxp3+ regulatory T cell induction, impaired oral tolerance, and more severe colitis. Hence, the activation Ag CD69 plays an important role in regulating mucosal immune responses.
Membrane-Tethered MUC1 Mucin Is Phosphorylated by Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Airway Epithelial Cells and Associates with TLR5 To Inhibit Recruitment of MyD88
Authors: Kato Kosuke , Lillehoj Erik P. , Park Yong Sung , Umehara Tsuyoshi , Hoffman Nicholas E. , Madesh Muniswamy , Kim K. Chul
Published: January 2012

MUC1 is a membrane-tethered mucin glycoprotein expressed on the apical surface of mucosal epithelial cells. Previous in vivo and in vitro studies established that MUC1 counterregulates airway inflammation by suppressing TLR signaling. In this article, we elucidate the mechanism by which MUC1 inhibits TLR5 signaling. Overexpression of MUC1 in HEK293 cells dramatically reduced Pseudomonas aeruginosa-stimulated IL-8 expression and decreased the activation of NF-κB and MAPK compared with cells not expressing MUC1. However, overexpression of MUC1 in HEK293 cells did not affect NF-κB or MAPK activation in response to TNF-α. Overexpression of MyD88 abrogated the ability of MUC1 to inhibit NF-κB activation, and MUC1 overexpression inhibited flagellin-induced association of TLR5/MyD88 compared with controls. The MUC1 cytoplasmic tail associated with TLR5 in all cells tested, including HEK293T cells, human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 cells, and human and mouse primary airway epithelial cells. Activation of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase with TGF-α induced phosphorylation of the MUC1 cytoplasmic tail at the Y46EKV sequence and increased association of MUC1/TLR5. Finally, in vivo experiments demonstrated increased immunofluorescence colocalization of Muc1/TLR5 and Muc1/phosphotyrosine staining patterns in mouse airway epithelium and increased Muc1 tyrosine phosphorylation in mouse lung homogenates following P. aeruginosa infection. In conclusion, epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine phosphorylates MUC1, leading to an increase in its association with TLR5, thereby competitively and reversibly inhibiting recruitment of MyD88 to TLR5 and downstream signaling events. This unique ability of MUC1 to control TLR5 signaling suggests its potential role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory lung diseases.
Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome by Group B Streptococci
Authors: Costa Alessandro , Gupta Rahul , Signorino Giacomo , Malara Antonio , Cardile Francesco , Biondo Carmelo , Midiri Angelina , Galbo Roberta , Trieu-Cuot Patrick , Papasergi Salvatore , Teti Giuseppe , Henneke Philipp , Mancuso Giuseppe , Golenbock Douglas T. , Beninati Concetta
Published: January 2012

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a frequent agent of life-threatening sepsis and meningitis in neonates and adults with predisposing conditions. We tested the hypothesis that activation of the inflammasome, an inflammatory signaling complex, is involved in host defenses against this pathogen. We show in this study that murine bone marrow-derived conventional dendritic cells responded to GBS by secreting IL-1β and IL-18. IL-1β release required both pro–IL-1β transcription and caspase-1–dependent proteolytic cleavage of intracellular pro–IL-1β. Dendritic cells lacking the TLR adaptor MyD88, but not those lacking TLR2, were unable to produce pro–IL-1β mRNA in response to GBS. Pro–IL-1β cleavage and secretion of the mature IL-1β form depended on the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) sensor and the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain adaptor. Moreover, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome required GBS expression of β-hemolysin, an important virulence factor. We further found that mice lacking NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, or caspase-1 were considerably more susceptible to infection than wild-type mice. Our data link the production of a major virulence factor by GBS with the activation of a highly effective anti-GBS response triggered by the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Cutting Edge: IL-21 Derived from Human Follicular Helper T Cells Acts as a Survival Factor for Secondary Lymphoid Organ, but Not for Bone Marrow, Plasma Cells
Authors: Rodríguez-Bayona Beatriz , Ramos-Amaya Ana , Bernal Jesús , Campos-Caro Antonio , Brieva José A.
Published: January 2012

IL-21 induces the differentiation of activated B lymphocytes into plasma cells (PC), but its direct effect on PC remains uncertain. This study analyzes the role of IL-21 on human in vivo-generated PC. IL-21R was clearly expressed on PC from the human tonsil, the lymph node, and the spleen (secondary lymphoid organs [SLO]) but barely on terminally mature bone marrow PC. IL-21 enhanced Ig secretion by isolated SLO PC but not bone marrow PC. Tonsillar T follicular helper (Tfh) lymphocytes are known to secrete IL-21. Purified Tfh cells induced a marked increase of Ig production by tonsillar PC, and this effect was impaired when endogenous IL-21 production was blocked. IL-21 provoked a rapid and transient phosphorylation of STAT3 in tonsillar PC. Tfh cells or exogenous IL-21 reduce tonsillar PC apoptosis and increases PC recovery but does not modify their nonproliferating status. These results suggest that IL-21 derived from Tfh cells acts as a survival factor for SLO PC in vivo.
PSGL-1 Regulates the Migration and Proliferation of CD8+ T Cells under Homeostatic Conditions
Authors: Veerman Krystle M. , Carlow Douglas A. , Shanina Iryna , Priatel John J. , Horwitz Marc S. , Ziltener Hermann J.
Published: January 2012

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), a heavily glycosylated sialomucin expressed on most leukocytes, has dual function as a selectin ligand for leukocyte rolling on vascular selectins expressed in inflammation and as a facilitator of resting T cell homing into lymphoid organs. In this article, we document disturbances in T cell homeostasis present in PSGL-1null mice. Naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cell frequencies were profoundly reduced in blood, whereas T cell numbers in lymph nodes and spleen were at or near normal levels. Although PSGL-1null T cells were less efficient at entering lymph nodes, they also remained in lymph nodes longer than PSGL-1+/+ T cells, suggesting that PSGL-1 supports T cell egress. In addition, PSGL-1null CD8+ T cell proliferation was observed under steady-state conditions and PSGL-1null CD8+ T cells were found to be hyperresponsive to homeostatic cytokines IL-2, IL-4, and IL-15. Despite these disturbances in T cell homeostasis, PSGL-1null mice exhibited a normal acute response (day 8) to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection but generated an increased frequency of memory T cells (day 40). Our observations demonstrate a novel pleiotropic influence of PSGL-1 deficiency on several aspects of T cell homeostasis that would not have been anticipated based on the mild phenotype of PSGL-1null mice. These potentially offsetting effects presumably account for the near-normal cellularity seen in lymph nodes of PSGL-1null mice.
Role of nitrosative and oxidative stress in neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Al-Nimer Marwan S , Al-Ani Fakhir S , Ali Fatima S
Published: January 2012

Objectives : Evidences of oxidative and/or nitrosative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus were demonstrated in experimental and human studies. This study is aimed to assess the serum peroxynitrite and oxidized lipoproteins in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with clinical and laboratory evidences of peripheral neuropathy. Materials and Methods : Eighty four patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (51 of them had neuropathy) and 31 apparent healthy subjects were studied in the unit of neurophysiology at the University Hospital of Medical College, Al-Nahrin University in Baghdad, Iraq. Neuropathy total symptom score (NTSS), neuropathy impairment score in the lower leg (NIS-LL), and nerve conduction velocity of sensory (ulnar and sural) and motor (ulnar and common peroneal) nerves were used to assess the neuropathy. Fasting venous blood was obtained from each participant for the determination of serum glucose and oxidized lipoproteins. Results: The electrophysiology study revealed significant decrease in conduction velocity of ulnar (sensory and motor components), sural, and common peroneal nerves in diabetic neuropathy compared to diabetics without neuropathy and healthy subjects. Significant high level of serum peroxynitrite was found in diabetic patients with or without neuropathy compared with non-diabetics. The changes in serum-oxidized lipoproteins in patients with diabetics with or without neuropathy were non-significantly differed from healthy subjects. Neither nitrosative stress nor oxidative stress indices correlated with the variables that are related to the neuropathy. Conclusion: It concludes that evidence of nitrosative and to less extent the oxidative stress is associated with neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus and their indices not correlated with variables related to neuropathy.
Regulatory Mechanisms in Bone following Mechanical Loading
Authors: Roosa Sara M. Mantila , Turner Charles H. , Liu Yunlong
Published: January 2012

Bone responds with increased bone formation to mechanical loading, and the time course of bone formation after initiating mechanical loading is well characterized. However, the regulatory activities governing the loading-dependent changes in gene expression are not well understood. The goal of this study was to identify the time-dependent regulatory mechanisms that governed mechanical loading-induced gene expression in bone using a predictive bioinformatics algorithm. A standard model for bone loading in rodents was employed in which the right forelimb was loaded axially for three minutes per day, while the left forearm served as a non-loaded, contralateral control. Animals were subjected to loading sessions every day, with 24 hours between sessions. Ulnas were sampled at 11 time points, from 4 hours to 32 days after beginning loading. Using a predictive bioinformatics algorithm, we created a linear model of gene expression and identified 44 transcription factor binding motifs and 29 microRNA binding sites that were predicted to regulate gene expression across the time course. Known and novel transcription factor binding motifs were identified throughout the time course, as were several novel microRNA binding sites. These time-dependent regulatory mechanisms may be important in controlling the loading-induced bone formation process.
Lieb–Thirring inequalities on some manifolds
Authors: Ilyin Alexei A.
Published: January 2012

We prove Lieb–Thirring inequalities with improved constants on the two-dimensional

\mathbb S^2

sphere and the two-dimensional torus

\mathbb T^2

. In the one-dimensional periodic case we obtain a simultaneous bound for the negative trace and the number of negative eigenvalues.
More Precise Diagnosis of Access Stenosis: Ultrasonography versus Angiography
Authors: Kudlicka Jaroslav , Kavan Jan , Tuka Vladimir , Malik Jan
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Patency of mature vascular access for hemodialysis is mostly limited by the growing stenoses leading to acute access thrombosis. The therapy of choice is usually percutaneous balloon angioplasty (PTA). However, PTA injures the vessel wall and subsequent re-stenosis develops faster than de novo stenosis. Therefore, the key is in appropriate timing of PTA procedures – as late as possible but before access thrombosis develops. Ultrasonography combines the morphologic and functional access assessment, but the former is less precise than angiography. The aim of this study was to compare ultrasonographic and angiographic measuring of residual diameter as the additional criterion of significant stenoses used in our center.

Methods

Residual diameter of significant stenoses was measured by B-mode ultrasonography three times in 20 patients. All the patients were indicated for angiography and the residual diameter of the stenoses was re-analyzed by this method. The repeatability of ultrasonographic residual diameter measurements and reproducibility in comparison to angiography were expressed by coefficients of variation (CV).

Results

The residual diameter was 1.69 ± 0.05 mm by ultrasound and 1.65 ± 0.59 mm measured by angiography. In the ultrasound repeatability study, CV was 3.17 ± 2.76% and in the reproducibility study CV was 18.0 ± 15.6%. All the stenoses found to be significant by ultrasound were above 65% by angiography and PTA was performed.

Conclusions

Ultrasonographic measurement of the residual diameter is stable in experienced hands and is well comparable to angiography results. These findings advocate residual diameter of 2.0 mm as the strong additional criterion of the significant stenoses, which can also be used in ultrasound surveillance of arteriovenous grafts.
La imagen electrónica de la energía. Estudio estético y funcional de las páginas webs de las compañías del sector energético
Authors: Álvarez Ruiz Antón , Reyes Moreno María Isabel
Published: January 2012

Este artículo analiza las páginas webs de las principales compañías operantes en el sector de la energía (electricidad y gas) de los países más desarrollados. La situación actual del mercado es muy significativa. Por primera vez en la historia, las administraciones centrales de estos países han consentido liberalizar el mercado energético. Y, aunque este proceso avanza con gran lentitud, comienzan a notarse cambios que anticipan un proceso de concentración, a través de compras, fusiones y acuerdos operativos. En este panorama, juega un importante papel la imagen de las compañías y la comunicación con sus usuarios, y esto sucede también en los medios digitales. En este artículo estudiamos cómo las diferentes compañías utilizan su página web para reforzar su posicionamiento e imagen de cara a los consumidores y también para comenzar a incorporar servicios, buscando una mayor interactividad entre compañía y usuarios. Para realizar este artículo los autores han estudiado a fondo todas las páginas webs de las principales compañías del sector, en el curso de una investigación modalidad Artículo 83 LOU realizada recientemente por los autores en la Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
Un bien imprescindible
Authors: López Jaraba José
Published: January 2012

Artículo para la sección Tribuna de adComunica.
Los media: analistas o actores secundarios de las crisis políticas
Authors: Tárrega Moltó Mariola
Published: January 2012

Reseña:Casero Ripollés, Andreu (2009).La construcción mediática de las crisis políticas.Madrid: Editorial Fragua.
The Importance of Bridging Points for Charge Transport in Webs of Conjugated Polymer Nanofibers
Authors: Bolsée Jean‐Christophe , Oosterbaan Wibren D. , Lutsen Laurence , Vanderzande Dirk , Manca Jean
Published: January 2012

Electrical characterizations on webs of highly ordered semiconducting polymer nanofibers (NFs) are often performed with large electrodes devices (millimeter scale) for which the carrier transport is an average between transport within isolated NFs and transport at the intersection of two or more NFs. In order to assess the nanoscale electrical properties of the NFs, a field‐effect transistor based on conductive atomic force microscopy is introduced that allows the visualization of the current distribution at the nanometer scale within a web of poly(3‐butylthiophene) NFs. The contact resistance is evaluated to be ≈4 kΩ cm, which does not limit the charge transport process, and the mobility in one single NF is μNF = 0.07 ± 0.03 cm2 V−1 s−1. One NF can carry a current density of 20 kA cm−2 without being destroyed. Moreover, by observing the current maps in detail, it is found that the electrical resistance associated with the bridging of two or more individual NFs does not reduce the charge transport inside the web of NFs. Finally, different kinds of bridging geometries are shown and the role of tie molecules is discussed.
The role of immune tolerance induction in restoration of the efficacy of ERT in Pompe disease
Authors: Lacaná Emanuela , Yao Lynne P. , Pariser Anne R. , Rosenberg Amy S.
Published: January 2012

Pompe disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency in the enzyme acid α‐glucosidase (GAA). Pompe disease is characterized by the accumulation of glycogen, predominantly in muscle tissue, leading to progressive muscle weakness, loss of motor, respiratory, and, in the infantile‐onset form, cardiac function. Disease progression is highly variable depending on phenotype, but premature death due to respiratory complications occurs in most patients. Beginning in 2006, approved alglucosidase alfa enzyme replacement therapies [recombinant human (rh) GAA] have been available to treat Pompe patients. Treatment of classic infantile‐onset patients, who manifest the severest form of the disease, with alglucosidase alfa (Myozyme®) has led to extended survival and an evolving understanding of the pathophysiology and course of the disease. Moreover, such treatment has brought to light the role of the immune response in abrogating the efficacy of rhGAA in classic infantile‐onset patients with severe genetic mutations. Thus, optimization of treatment for such patients includes development and utilization of strategies to prevent or eliminate immune responses, including modulating the immune system (prophylactic and therapeutic immune tolerance induction regimens) and engineering the enzyme to be less immunogenic and more effective. Future research is also critical for evaluating and mitigating novel disease‐associated pathologies uncovered by prolonged survival of infantile‐onset patients including development of novel therapeutics, and for protein design strategies to increase delivery of enzyme replacement therapy to critical target tissues. Such efforts would be greatly bolstered by further development of predictive animal models and biomarkers to facilitate clinical trials and patient management. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Cognitive and adaptive functioning of children with infantile Pompe disease treated with enzyme replacement therapy: Long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Spiridigliozzi Gail A. , Heller James H. , Kishnani Priya S.
Published: January 2012

This report documents the long‐term cognitive and adaptive outcome of children with infantile Pompe disease. Specifically, we describe the cognitive and adaptive functioning of seven children with classic infantile Pompe disease and two children with atypical infantile Pompe disease who have received enzyme replacement therapy (Myozyme®) for an average of 6 years, 8 months and 4 years, 1. 5 months, respectively. Multiple assessments of cognitive functioning were completed over time by means of individualized intelligence (IQ) testing. Adaptive functioning was measured by means of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales‐Second Edition (VABS‐II). Consistent with our earlier findings regarding infants treated with ERT, children with classic infantile Pompe disease (ages 4 years, 11 months to 8 years, 11 months) were functioning at the lower end of the average range in comparison to their typical peers on their most recent IQ test. There was no evidence of a decline in their cognitive abilities over time. In contrast, the two children with atypical infantile Pompe disease (ages 5 years, 4 months and 5 years, 11 months) obtained above average IQ scores and demonstrated significant gains in IQ over time. For all children where adaptive functioning was assessed, their overall level of adaptive functioning on the VABS‐II was lower than their Full Scale IQ scores on cognitive testing. Motor function appears to be an important factor impacting on reduced adaptive behavior. The implication of these findings on our understanding of a possible relationship between CNS status in children with Pompe and their adaptive and cognitive function is discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intranasal drug‐induced fungal rhinopharyngitis
Authors: Houlton Jeffrey J. , Donaldson Angela M. , Zimmer Lee , Seiden Allen
Published: January 2012

Background:

Intranasal drug abuse has long been recognized as an etiology of sinonasal pathology. However, the intranasal use of prescription and nonprescription drugs has surpassed the use of illicit drugs, and the pattern of presentation and required therapeutic intervention appears to be different. We report on our experience with these patients, along with a successful treatment algorithm for this disease process.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of 9 consecutive patients who presented with rhinopharyngitis and a history of intranasal opioid and/or acetaminophen abuse, from 2007 to 2010, at a tertiary referral center.

Results:

Nine patients were found to have abused intranasal hydrocodone/acetaminophen, oxycodone/aceta‐minophen, or acetaminophen and were diagnosed with rhinopharyngitis. Sinonasal pain and odynophagia were the most common chief complaints and 8 of 9 patients reported previous antibiotic failures. On endoscopy, all patients exhibited a thick, white, exudative process involving the nasal septum and lateral nasal mucosa. Five of 9 exhibited large septal perforations. Seven of 9 exhibited white, exudative pharyngitis. Seven of 9 patients had identifiable fungal organisms on culture, including 5 with species of Candida and 3 with Aspergillus. Two patients grew Staphylococcus aureus. Five patients were compliant with follow up. All 5 showed significant improvement in symptoms and examination, following treatment with oral and topical antifungal therapy and nasal irrigations.

Conclusion:

Intranasal opioid and acetaminophen abuse is often associated with the development of fungal rhinopharyngitis. Recognizing that this process is primarily fungal in origin is paramount to successful treatment, as most patients respond well to antifungal therapy when compliant with treatment. © 2012 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of poly(ethylene oxide)‐based polyaniline electrolyte complex
Authors: H. Kunteppa , Roy Aashis S. , H. Devendrappa , Ambika Prasad M. V. N.
Published: January 2012

The polymer electrolyte based poly(ethylene oxide) complexed with conducting polyaniline (PANI) has been prepared in different weight percentages. The complexation is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).The change in morphology is studied by using scanning electron microscopy. The DC conductivity measurements are carried out using Keithley digital multimeter. It is seen that DC conductivity shows exponential behavior for all PEO : PANI complexes. It is observed that among all the PEO : PANI complexes, 50 wt % of PEO in PANI shows highest conductivity. Electrochemical cell parameters for battery applications at room temperature also have been determined. The samples are fabricated for battery application in the configuration of Na:(PEO : PANI):(I2 + C + sample), and their experimental data are measured using Wagner polarization technique. The cell parameters results in an open‐circuit voltage of 0.4 V and a short‐circuit current of 902 μA for PEO : PANI (50 : 50) composite. Hence, these composites can be better candidates for the polymer electrolyte studies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Molecular simulations of the conformational properties of atactic poly(2‐ethylbutyl methacrylate)
Authors: Karyappa Rahul B. , Natarajan Upendra
Published: January 2012

RIS Metropolis Monte Carlo (RMMC) simulations were used to determine the unperturbed theta‐state chain dimensions of atactic stereoconfigurations of poly (2‐ethylbutyl methacrylate) [PEBMA]. Root mean‐squared end‐to‐end distance (〈r2〉o/M)1/2 and characteristic ratio (Cn) were calculated along with the backbone torsion angle distribution. The simulated properties are in very good agreement with experimental results. The values of the PEBMA chain dimensions are in‐between those corresponding ones for poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) and poly (n‐hexyl methacrylate) thereby showing the effect of branching in the side‐chain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Compatibility, morphology, and crystallization behavior of compatibilized β‐nucleated polypropylene/poly(trimethylene terephthalate) blends
Authors: Lin Zhidan , Chen Chao , Li Baicheng , Guan Zixian , Huang Zhuoyao , Zhang Meng , Li Xue , Zhang Xiuju
Published: January 2012

β‐Nucleated polypropylene (PP), uncompatibilized β‐nucleated PP/poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), β‐nucleated PP/PTT blends compatibilized with maleic anhydride (MA)‐grafted PP (PP‐g‐MA), and styrene–ethylene–propylene copolymer were prepared with a twin‐screw extruder. The morphology, compatibility, crystallization characteristic, melting behavior, and crystallization kinetics were investigated. The result shows that β‐nucleated PP was incompatible with PTT, and the addition of the two compatibilizers decreased the interfacial tension between β‐nucleated PP and PTT; this led to improved dispersion and strengthened interfacial bonding in the blends. PP‐g‐MA had a better compatibilization effect. All of the researched β‐nucleated PP/PTT blends contained β crystals of PP, and the compatibilizers exhibited synergistic effects with the β‐nucleating agent to further increase the content of β crystals. Nonisothermal kinetic analysis indicated that Mo's method described the nonisothermal crystallization behavior of the β‐nucleated PP/PTT blends satisfactorily, and the Avrami approach could only describe the early stage of the crystallization appropriately, whereas the Ozawa method failed to have the same effect. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Application of chitosan‐coated quartz sand for Congo red adsorption from aqueous solution
Authors: Feng Tao , Zhang Fan , Wang Jie , Wang Li
Published: January 2012

The preparation, characterization, and environmental application of chitosan‐coated quartz sand for Congo red adsorption have been investigated. The absorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experiments were carried out in a batch system to optimize operation variables: contact time, Congo red concentration, absorbent dosage, temperature, and pH. The optimum conditions for Congo red adsorption were pH 5, 45°C and contact time of 4 h. An amount of 1 g of chitosan‐coated quartz sand could successfully remove 96% of the dye form 50 mg/L Congo red solution. The adsorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms showed that the sorption processes were better fitted by pseudo‐second order equation and Langmuir equation, respectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Investigation on effects of aluminum and magnesium hypophosphites on flame retardancy and thermal degradation of polyamide 6
Authors: Li Qifei , Li Bin , Zhang Shengqiang , Lin Mo
Published: January 2012

Two hypophosphites, aluminum hypophosphite (AlHP) and magnesium hypophosphite (MgHP), were applied to obtain flame retardant polyamide 6 (FR‐PA6) composites. UL‐94 and limiting oxygen index results indicated that AlHP contributed both good flame retardance and antidripping ability for PA6, while MgHP did not. Based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), AlHP and MgHP presented the different thermal degradation behavior. That is, the quick decomposition of AlHP took place at lower temperature than that of MgHP. AlHP promoted the early thermal degradation of PA6 and formed more char residue. The thermal decomposition mechanisms of AlHP and MgHP in nitrogen or air were suggested. Scanning electron microscope and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that in the existence of AlHP, the morphological structures of char residue were more homogenous, and compact, and more char residue was formed. These results well illustrated the difference of the flame retardancy between AlHP and MgHP. Mechanical properties of PA6/AlHP and PA6/MgHP were also obtained. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Covalent immobilization of β‐galactosidase onto amino‐functionalized PVC microspheres
Authors: Mohy Eldin M. S. , Elaassar M. R. , Elzatahry A. A. , Al‐Sabah M. M. B. , Hassan E. A.
Published: January 2012

β‐Galactosidase enzyme, from Aspergillus oryzae, was covalently immobilized onto amino‐functionalized PVC microspheres after activation with gultaraldehyde. PVC microspheres were functionalized by introducing terminal amine groups via amination process with ethylene diamine (EDA). Furthermore, verifications of amination process were obtained using TGA, FT‐IR, and SEM analysis. Different factors affecting the amination process were investigated and their impact on the activity and the retention of immobilized enzyme's activity was monitored. Concentration of ethylene diamine, amination temperature, and time were found for a determined effect. Reaction with EDA (0.025%) at 30°C for 40 minutes was found for optimum conditions. Variation of PVC : EDA mass ratio over 1 : 1 was found with neglectable effect. Thermal stability of immobilized enzyme was recognized where the immobilized form kept 80% of its original activity compared with 20% for the free form. Denaturation tolerance against pH was observed where immobilized form kept 60% of its original activity after 300 minutes incubation at pH 7.0 in the absence of substrate while the free form kept only 15% of its activity under the same conditions. Moreover, immobilized form show storage stabilities where immobilized form kept 40% of its original activity after four weeks while the free form kept only 25% of its initial activity. Under optimum conditions for enzyme immobilization, 1 kg of immobilized enzyme retains 87% of its native activity and has 11,000 activity units. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Thermal characterization of SBR/NBR blends reinforced with a mesoporous silica
Authors: Perez Leon D. , Lopez Betty L.
Published: January 2012

In this article, blends of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) filled with a mesoporous silica are characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. According to the variation of the glass transition temperature with the composition of the blends, it is deduced that the compatibility of SBR and NBR is reduced in the presence of mesoporous silica. Analysis of the morphology of the composites by SEM shows that the dispersion of the filler is improved in the presence of NBR which is an indicative that this elastomer interacts stronger with silica than SBR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Changes in the diet of a recovering Eurasian otter population between the 1970s and 2010
Authors: Almeida David , Copp Gordon H. , Masson Laurence , Miranda Rafael , Murai Mizuki , Sayer Carl D.
Published: January 2012

Diet is an essential element for understanding how the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is re‐colonizing its former range in England following a population decline observed in the 1950s to 1970s.

Otter spraints from the River Glaven catchment (north Norfolk, eastern England) were collected seasonally between 2009 and 2010 from three habitat types (ponds, ‘retenus’ (small in‐stream reservoirs), and stream stretches). Feeding tactics of the otter were compared between habitat types and, using previously published data, with regard to seasonal changes since the 1970s when the species was in decline.

Otter diet composition varied greatly, with predation on aquatic invertebrates, crayfish, fish, and tetrapods. Fruit seeds were also found in the spraints. Diet generally reflected habitat, with northern pike (Esox lucius) remains found in spraints from ponds and retenus, whereas European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and gudgeon (Gobio gobio) were prominent in spraints from stream sections. Trophic diversity was particularly high in spraints collected next to ponds. Between the 1970s and the present, crayfish, brown trout (Salmo trutta), cyprinids, Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), birds and mammals increased in prominence, whereas eel and threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) decreased, with notable seasonal variations between the study periods.

Otter spraints revealed few prey preferences, with only that for gudgeon being ecologically relevant. The consumption of popular sport fishes, in particular common carp (Cyprinus carpio), has given rise to conflicts between recreational anglers and otter conservationists, but no demonstrated preference for carp was observed in the present study.

Overall, otters have increased their consumption of ‘less preferred’ (i.e. lower energetic value) food types, and because the species normally preys on the most abundant species available, this suggests declines in ‘preferred’ prey types. These dietary shifts could contribute to otter dispersal and re‐colonization of parts of its original European range where food availability may be higher.

© 2012 Crown copyright.
Combined in silico modeling and metabolomics analysis to characterize fed‐batch CHO cell culture
Authors: Selvarasu Suresh , Ho Ying Swan , Chong William P. K. , Wong Niki S. C. , Yusufi Faraaz N. K. , Lee Yih Yean , Yap Miranda G. S. , Lee Dong‐Yup
Published: January 2012

The increasing demand for recombinant therapeutic proteins highlights the need to constantly improve the efficiency and yield of these biopharmaceutical products from mammalian cells, which is fully achievable only through proper understanding of cellular functioning. Towards this end, the current study exploited a combined metabolomics and in silico modeling approach to gain a deeper insight into the cellular mechanisms of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) fed‐batch cultures. Initially, extracellular and intracellular metabolite profiling analysis shortlisted key metabolites associated with cell growth limitation within the energy, glutathione, and glycerophospholipid pathways that have distinct changes at the exponential‐stationary transition phase of the cultures. In addition, biomass compositional analysis newly revealed different amino acid content in the CHO cells from other mammalian cells, indicating the significance of accurate protein composition data in metabolite balancing across required nutrient assimilation, metabolic utilization, and cell growth. Subsequent in silico modeling of CHO cells characterized internal metabolic behaviors attaining physiological changes during growth and non‐growth phases, thereby allowing us to explore relevant pathways to growth limitation and identify major growth‐limiting factors including the oxidative stress and depletion of lipid metabolites. Such key information on growth‐related mechanisms derived from the current approach can potentially guide the development of new strategies to enhance CHO culture performance. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1415–1429. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metabolic profiling reveals growth related FAME productivity and quality of Chlorella sorokiniana with different inoculum sizes
Authors: Lu Shuhuan , Wang Jiangxin , Niu Yanhong , Yang Jie , Zhou Jian , Yuan Yingjin
Published: January 2012

Inoculum size strongly affects cell growth and lipid accumulation of microalgae, one of the most potential biodiesel feedstock, however, the metabolic mechanism(s) of the lipid biosynthesis upon inoculum size has not been fully explored yet. The effects of inoculum size on cell growth, lipid accumulation, and metabolic changes of a green microalga Chlorella sorokiniana were investigated. In our experimental range of inoculum size, the productivity and the cetane number (CN) of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) increased with increasing initial cell density, and the inoculum of 1 × 107 cells mL−1 processed much higher productivity (up to 2.02‐fold) and CN (up to 1.19‐fold) of the FAME than the others. A significant correlation between the metabolic profile and quantity and quality of lipid production was revealed by partial least‐squares to latent structures (PLS) analysis, and 15 key metabolites were identified. Most of those metabolites were involved in the photosynthetically fixed carbon metabolism. Furthermore, light intensity as one of the vital limitation factors for the high inoculum size cultivation was evaluated by illumination assay and the results revealed that increasing light intensity could improve the polyunsaturated fatty acids composition and lipid accumulation of C. sorokiniana. The lipid productivity of the culture was improved by 71.21% with the light intensity of 110 µmol m−2 s−1, compared to that under the irradiance of 65 µmol m−2 s−1. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1651–1662. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.