bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teachers’ Mathematical Knowledge, Cognitive Activation in the Classroom, and Student Progress
Authors: Baumert Jürgen , Kunter Mareike , Blum Werner , Brunner Martin , Voss Thamar , Jordan Alexander , Klusmann Uta , Krauss Stefan , Neubrand Michael , Tsai Yi-Miau
Published: October 2009

In both the United States and Europe, concerns have been raised about whether preservice and in-service training succeeds in equipping teachers with the professional knowledge they need to deliver consistently high-quality instruction. This article investigates the significance of teachers’ content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge for high-quality instruction and student progress in secondary-level mathematics. It reports findings from a 1-year study conducted in Germany with a representative sample of Grade 10 classes and their mathematics teachers. Teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge was theoretically and empirically distinguishable from their content knowledge. Multilevel structural equation models revealed a substantial positive effect of pedagogical content knowledge on students’ learning gains that was mediated by the provision of cognitive activation and individual learning support.
Bioactivity guided cytotoxic activity of Clitoria ternatea utilizing brine shrimp lethality bioassay
Authors: Rahman AKM Shahidur , Arslan Oqna; , Saha Rama , Talukder Nirupama , Khaleque SMA , Ali Husne Ara
Published: October 2009

The crude methanol extract of leaves, seeds and stem-bark of Clitoria ternatea demonstrated a significant cytotoxic activity in a brine shrimp lethality bioassay test. The LC50 values of the crude methanol extract of leaves, seeds and stem-bark were found to be 25.82, 110.92, 179.89 μgm/ml respectively Among them crude methanol extract of leaves (25.82 μgm/ml) and methanol fraction of leaves (22.28 μgm/ml) showed a very promising cytotoxic activity. Further studies have been suggested to discover a novel bioactive compound from methanol fraction of leaves of Clitoria ternatea.   DOI: 10.3329/bjpp.v22i1.3564Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2006; 22(1/2) : 18-21
Study of antibacterial activities of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa Linn on animal model
Authors: Ara Nazma , Khaleque MA , Choudhury SAR , Amin Ruhul
Published: October 2009

In-vivo antibacterial activity of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa linn was carried out in mice. Mice were infected by inoculation of staph. Aureus and result shows successful iradication of bacterial colony. DOI: 10.3329/bjpp.v22i1.3565 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2006; 22(1/2) : 22-24
Health and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Hagan Ronald , Jones Andrew  M. , Rice Nigel
Published: October 2009

We use discrete-time hazard models with internationally comparable data from the full eight waves of the European Community Household Panel (ECHP) to study the relationship between retirement and health in nine European countries. Our results provide new evidence of the relationship of health shocks to early retirement. The pattern of results across countries reflects international differences in the incentives created by social security systems.
Rhodanineacetic Acid Derivatives as Potential Drugs: Preparation, Hydrophobic Properties and Antifungal Activity of (5-Arylalkylidene-4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl)acetic Acids
Authors: Dolezel Jan , Hirsova Petra , Opletalova Veronika , Dohnal Jiri , Marcela Vejsova , Kunes Jiri , Jampilek Josef
Published: October 2009

Some [(5Z)-(5-arylalkylidene-4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl)]acetic acids were prepared as potential antifungal compounds. The general synthetic approach to all synthesized compounds is presented. Lipophilicity of all the discussed rhodanine-3-acetic acid derivatives was analyzed using a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method. The procedure was performed under isocratic conditions with methanol as an organic modifier in the mobile phase using an end-capped non-polar C18 stationary RP column. The RP-HPLC retention parameter log k (the logarithm of the capacity factor k) is compared with log P values calculated in silico. All compounds were evaluated for antifungal effects against selected fungal species. Most compounds exhibited no interesting activity, and only {(5Z)-[4-oxo-5-(pyridin-2- ylmethylidene)-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl]}acetic acid strongly inhibited the growth of Candida tropicalis 156, Candida krusei E 28, Candida glabrata 20/I and Trichosporon asahii 1188.
Chemical Composition and in Vitro Antimicrobial and Mutagenic Activities of Seven Lamiaceae Essential Oils
Authors: De Martino Laura , De Feo Vincenzo , Nazzaro Filomena
Published: October 2009

Deeper knowledge of the potentiality of aromatic plants can provide results of economic importance for food and pharmacological industry. The essential oils of seven Lamiaceae species were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and assayed for their antibacterial, antifungal and mutagenic activities. Monoterpenes in the oils ranged between 82.47% (hyssop oil) and 97.48% (thyme oil), being mainly represented by oxygenated compounds. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against six pathogenic and five non-pathogenic bacterial strains. Oregano and thyme oils showed the strongest antibacterial activity against the pathogenic ones. The antifungal activity was evaluated against six fungal strains of agrifood interest: the oils tested exhibited variable degrees of activity. Two Salmonella typhimurium strains were used to assess the possible mutagenic activity. No oil showed mutagenic activity. Data obtained let us hypothesise that the use of essential oils could be a viable and safe way to decrease the utilisation of synthetic food preservatives. Further research is needed to obtain information regarding the practical effectiveness of essential oils to prevent the growth of food borne and spoiling microbes under specific application conditions.
Simultaneous Detection of CDC Category "A" DNA and RNA Bioterrorism Agents by Use of Multiplex PCR & RT-PCR Enzyme Hybridization Assays
Authors: He Jie , Kraft Andrea J. , Fan Jiang , Van Dyke Meredith , Wang Lihua , Bose Michael E. , Khanna Marilyn , Metallo Jacob A. , Henrickson Kelly J.
Published: October 2009

Assays to simultaneously detect multiple potential agents of bioterrorism are limited. Two multiplex PCR and RT-PCR enzyme hybridization assays (mPCR-EHA, mRT-PCR-EHA) were developed to simultaneously detect many of the CDC category “A” bioterrorism agents. The “Bio T” DNA assay was developed to detect: Variola major (VM), Bacillus anthracis (BA), Yersinia pestis (YP), Francisella tularensis (FT) and Varicella zoster virus (VZV). The “Bio T” RNA assay (mRT-PCR-EHA) was developed to detect: Ebola virus (Ebola), Lassa fever virus (Lassa), Rift Valley fever (RVF), Hantavirus Sin Nombre species (HSN) and dengue virus (serotypes 1-4). Sensitivity and specificity of the 2 assays were tested by using genomic DNA, recombinant plasmid positive controls, RNA transcripts controls, surrogate (spiked) clinical samples and common respiratory pathogens. The analytical sensitivity (limit of detection (LOD)) of the DNA asssay for genomic DNA was 1×100~1×102 copies/mL for BA, FT and YP. The LOD for VZV whole organism was 1×10-2 TCID50/mL. The LOD for recombinant controls ranged from 1×102~1×103copies/mL for BA, FT, YP and VM. The RNA assay demonstrated LOD for RNA transcript controls of 1×104~1×106 copies/mL without extraction and 1×105~1×106 copies/mL with extraction for Ebola, RVF, Lassa and HSN. The LOD for dengue whole organisms was ~1×10-4 dilution for dengue 1 and 2, 1×104 LD50/mL and 1×102 LD50/mL for dengue 3 and 4. The LOD without extraction for recombinant plasmid DNA controls was ~1×103 copies/mL (1.5 input copies/reaction) for Ebola, RVF, Lassa and HSN. No cross-reactivity of primers and probes used in both assays was detected with common respiratory pathogens or between targeted analytes. Clinical sensitivity was estimated using 264 surrogate clinical samples tested with the BioT DNA assay and 549 samples tested with the BioT RNA assay. The clinical specificity is 99.6% and 99.8% for BioT DNA assay and BioT RNA assay, respectively. The surrogate sensitivities of these two assays were 100% (95%CI 83-100) for FT, BA (pX02), YP, VM, VZV, dengue 2,3,4 and 95% (95%CI 75-100) for BA (pX01) and dengue 1 using spiked clinical specimens. The specificity of both BioT multiplex assays on spiked specimens was 100% (95% CI 99-100). Compared to other available assays (culture, serology, PCR, etc.) both the BioT DNA mPCR-EHA and BioT RNA mRT-PCR-EHA are rapid, sensitive and specific assays for detecting many category “A” Bioterrorism agents using a standard thermocycler.
Assessing Site Selection Criteria for Taiwan Lantern Festival by Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Yu , Ho Ping-Tsan
Published: October 2009

Lantern Festival is the most important cultural event in Chinese ethnic society. With a tremendous economic and tourism value brought by the event activities, Taiwan cities are actively participating the bidding to host Taiwan Lantern Festival. Event site selection is arguably a complex
issue because of a multitude of variables that are needed to be taken into consideration. Therefore, Delphi method and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) are used to develop an evaluation hierarchy for Taiwan Lantern Festival site selection. The proposed model not only provides the site selection
criteria but also determines their relative importance of different criteria in influencing site selection decisions. Results show that tourism attraction and visitors' needs are the most important factors for selecting Taiwan Lantern Festival site and other important factors
according to the rank of their weights are site environment, accessibility, and local support. The factors identified have implications for management practice, for site decision making by Taiwan Visitor Bureau and event organizers.
Oaxaca's Indigenous Guelaguetza Festival: Not all that Glistens is Gold
Authors: Whitford Michelle
Published: October 2009

Guelaguetza is one of Mexico's premiere celebrations of indigenous dance and music. The festival occurs every July in Oaxaca City where it is a premier tourist attraction providing opportunities for socioeconomic growth and development. Yet the festival also creates negative impacts such as commodification and commercialization of the festival, which may lead to the bastardization of culture, including loss of indigenous authenticity and exploitation of local resources. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to critically analyze the positive and negative impacts of the 2007 Guelaguetza in order to determine the extent to which the festival focuses on becoming a tourist attraction at the expense of community celebration. A qualitative research design utilizing the case study approach was employed to analyze positive and negative impacts emerging from the real-world context of the 2007 Guelaguetza. The results of the study revealed that not all that glistens is gold at the festival. Behind the façade of this visually spectacular festival, the Guelaguetza is at real risk of becoming a colorful, attractive, yet meaningless, commercialized tourist venture if tourist and commercial needs are favored at the expense of the people and their traditions. Consequently, now is the time to revisit and redefine the purpose of the Guelaguetza to ensure it remains a sociocultural and economically viable annual festival for everyone to enjoy, long into the future.
Saddle-shaped tetraphenylenes with peripheral gallic esters displaying columnar mesophases
Authors: Wuckert Eugen , Hägele Constanze , Giesselmann Frank , Baro Angelika , Laschat Sabine
Published: October 2009

Tetraphenylenes 2 with eight peripheral gallic esters were prepared in two steps from octamethoxytetraphenylene 1 in 19–72% yield. Investigation of the mesomorphic properties of 2 by DSC, POM and X-ray diffraction revealed that derivatives 2a–d with short alkoxy chain lengths (C5–C8) did not show any mesomorphic properties, whereas compounds 2e–i with C9–C13 chains displayed rectangular columnar mesophases and compounds 2j–l with C14–C16 chains displayed hexagonal columnar mesophases. Furthermore an anomalous odd-even effect of the clearing points of compounds 2e–l versus chain length was detected.
CD153 in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Detection of a Soluble Form in Serum and Synovial Fluid, and Expression by Mast Cells in the Rheumatic Synovium
Authors: CARVALHO RICARDO F.S. , ULFGREN ANN-KRISTIN , ENGSTRÖM MARIANNE , KLINT ERIK af , NILSSON GUNNAR
Published: October 2009

Objective.

A CD30-CD153 mast cell axis has been described in skin inflammations and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We investigated if a soluble form of CD153 is present in the serum and synovial fluid (SF) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and determined whether mast cells express CD153 in the synovium of these patients.

Methods.

Soluble forms of CD30 and CD153 were quantified in serum and SF of patients with RA by ELISA. Consecutive sections of synovial biopsies from 12 patients were stained against tryptase (mast-cell marker), CD30, and CD153.

Results.

Elevated concentrations of the soluble form of CD153 were found in serum from 14/15 RA patients. In the SF, 11/20 patients had detectable levels of soluble CD153. CD30 and CD153 were expressed in all biopsies that were studied. Mast cells were present in all the synovial biopsies, and expressed CD153 in one-third of the cases.

Conclusion.

We observed that CD153 was expressed in the synovium of patients with RA and we were able to correlate the serum levels of soluble CD153 with SF levels in the same patients. Because CD30 can activate mast cells to release chemokines without degranulation, our finding that mast cells express CD153 in RA synovium raises the possibility that a CD30-CD153 axis may contribute to the activation of synovial mast cells in the absence of degranulation.
Influence of an Educational Seminar on Use of Disease Activity Measurements by Rheumatologists in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: HAMBURGER MAX I. , HAMBURGER FRAN H. , BERGMAN J. MARTIN , EPSTEIN ALAN , BROWN ALAN
Published: October 2009

Objective.

To determine the variables underlying clinical decisions made by rheumatologists when treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to determine the effect of an educational seminar on the use of quantitative disease activity measurements in clinical practice in this population of physicians.

Methods.

Practicing rheumatologists were surveyed on the variables affecting their clinical management of patients with RA by questionnaire. Physicians were divided into 2 groups: the first comprised attenders (Group A) to an educational seminar in the use of the quantitative disease activity measurements in patient management, while the second group comprised nonattenders (Group NA). Both groups were surveyed on their practice behavior before (Survey 1) and 2 to 3 months after (Survey 2) the seminar.

Results.

Fifty-two rheumatologists in clinical practice from across the US completed and returned 364 surveys. A significantly greater number of rheumatologists in Group A reported use of disease activity measures following the training seminar (Survey 2), compared to their use pre-meeting and compared to Group NA (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion.

Our results support employment of an educational seminar on the use of disease activity measurements to increase the use of these quantitative measures in rheumatologic practice.
Poor Outcomes After Acute Myocardial Infarction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: SHAH MANSI A. , SHAH AMBER M. , KRISHNAN ESWAR
Published: October 2009

Objective.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with higher risk for acute myocardial infarction (MI); but the post-infarction outcomes among these patients are unknown. Our objective was to compare post-acute MI outcomes in patients with SLE to those with diabetes mellitus (DM) and those with neither condition.

Methods.

We analyzed the risk for prolonged hospitalization and in-hospital mortality following acute MI in the 1993–2002 US Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) for prolonged hospitalization and Cox proportional hazards regression to calculate hazard ratios (HR) for in-hospital mortality with and without adjustments for age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and presence of congestive heart failure.

Results.

For the SLE (n = 2192), DM (n = 236,016), SLE/DM (n = 474), and control (n = 667,956) groups, the in-hospital mortality rates were 8.3%, 6.2%, 5.7%, and 4.7%, respectively. In multivariable regression models, all 3 disease groups had higher adverse outcome risk compared to control. The OR for prolonged hospitalization was higher for those with SLE (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.32–1.79) compared to those with DM (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.28–1.32). A similar pattern was observed for hazard ratios for in-hospital mortality as well (SLE, HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.33–2.04; DM, HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.07–1.14).

Conclusion.

SLE, like DM, increases risk of poor outcomes after acute MI. These patients need to be triaged appropriately for aggressive care.
The Natural History of Disability and Its Determinants in Adults with Lower Limb Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: AYIS SALMA , DIEPPE PAUL
Published: October 2009

Objective.

To investigate determinants of deterioration or improvement in disability in people with chronic hip and knee pain.

Methods.

We analyzed data from the Somerset and Avon Survey of Health, a longitudinal, community-based cohort study containing data collected in 1994–95 and again in 2002–03. The Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 was completed by subjects at both timepoints, and used to categorize people as disabled or not. Baseline data were used to explore possible determinants of change in functional status over the 8-year time period. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were derived from a multivariate, multinomial logistic model.

Results.

Data were available on 1072 subjects, all of whom reported chronic hip and/or knee pain at baseline. At baseline, 56.8% of women and 42.0% of men were disabled. Of 545 people with disabilities at baseline, 107 (19.6%) reported no disability at followup; of 527 with no disability at baseline, 177 (33.6%) became disabled. The development of disability was significantly associated with older age (OR 2.1), living in the most deprived areas (2.4), the presence of 3 or more comorbidities (3.6), more problems with physical function at baseline (2.0), and more severe pain (2.4). The determinants of improvement mirrored those of deterioration. The data suggest a “threshold effect” at which recovery becomes unlikely.

Conclusion.

Of people presenting with hip or knee pain, healthcare professionals should be most concerned about those who are older, of lower socioeconomic status, with comorbidities, and who have more severe pain. Much longstanding disability might be preventable.
Abnormalities in the Regulators of Angiogenesis in Patients with Scleroderma
Authors: HUMMERS LAURA K. , HALL AMY , WIGLEY FREDRICK M. , SIMONS MICHAEL
Published: October 2009

Objective.

To determine plasma levels of regulators of angiogenesis in patients with scleroderma and to correlate those levels with manifestations of scleroderma-related vascular disease.

Methods.

Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), endostatin, pro-MMP-1, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), and FGF-4 were examined by ELISA in a cross-sectional study of 113 patients with scleroderma and 27 healthy controls. Simple and multivariate regression models were used to look for associations between factor levels and clinical disease characteristics.

Results.

There were marked differences in the levels of pro-angiogenic growth factors between patients with scleroderma and controls, with significant elevations of VEGF, PDGF, FGF-2, and PlGF among patients with scleroderma (p < 0.0001). Levels of MMP were also higher in scleroderma patients compared to controls (MMP-9 and pro-MMP-1) (p < 0.0001). Levels of the pro-angiogenic and anti-fibrotic factor, HGF, were noted to be lower in patients with scleroderma, but had a positive correlation with right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) as measured by echocardiogram (p < 0.0001) and the Raynaud Severity Score (p = 0.05). Endostatin (an anti-angiogenic factor) was notably higher in patients with scleroderma (p < 0.0001) and also correlated positively with RVSP (p = 0.023).

Conclusion.

These results demonstrate striking abnormalities in the circulating regulators of angiogenesis in patients with scleroderma. The levels of some factors correlate with measures of vascular disease among patients with scleroderma. Dysregulated angiogenesis may play a role in the development of scleroderma vascular disease.
Use of the T-SPOT.TB Assay to Detect Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Rheumatic Disease Patients on Immunosuppressive Therapy
Authors: BEHAR SAMUEL M. , SHIN DANIEL S. , MAIER AGNES , COBLYN JONATHAN , HELFGOTT SIMON , WEINBLATT MICHAEL E.
Published: October 2009

Objective.

We evaluated the T-SPOT.TB assay to identify latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with rheumatic disease receiving immunosuppressive medication including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists.

Methods.

A total of 200 patients seen in the Arthritis Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital were enrolled for study. Most patients were US-born women with rheumatoid arthritis. A medical history was obtained using a questionnaire, whole blood was drawn for the T-SPOT.TB assay, and tuberculin skin testing (TST) was performed.

Results.

Both tests were performed on 179 subjects, who had no history of a positive TST. All subjects had a strong response to the T-SPOT.TB test positive control, and there were no indeterminate results. Among these 179 subjects, 2 had a positive TST and 10 had a positive T-SPOT.TB test. No subject was positive for both tests. Patients with a positive T-SPOT.TB test did not have typical risk factors for LTBI based on clinical evaluation.

Conclusion.

The lack of concordance between the TST and the T-SPOT.TB assay may indicate that the immunoassay is more sensitive, particularly in a patient population taking immunosuppressive medications. It is equally likely that the low prevalence of LTBI in this low-risk population led to an increase in the false-positive rate despite the high sensitivity and specificity of the T-SPOT.TB assay. In the context of our patient population, the T-SPOT.TB assay is likely to be most useful in evaluation of patients with a positive TST, since these patients have a higher pretest probability of having LTBI.
A Patient with Bipolar-II Disorder
Authors: Baig Mirza , Kommor Martin , Bhanot Veena
Published: October 2009

Aman in his 30s with a history of bipolar-II disorder presented with severe anxiety and suicidal ideations. Symptoms at admission included decreased sleep, concentration, and libido, increased energy, rapid speech, racing thoughts, and feelings of irritability, frustration, hopelessness, and helplessness. The patient also described panic attack symptoms progressing in frequency and severity, with symptoms of substernal chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, palpitations, dyspnea, and lightheadedness.
Feature: The Narcissistic-Masochistic Character
Authors: Cooper Arnold M.
Published: October 2009

In the past 20 years, the psychology of narcissism has been explored in great depth. A major thrust of psychoanalytic theoretical and clinical effort during this period has been the investigation and clarification of our understanding of the concept of narcissism and the development of techniques for the treatment of pathologic narcissism. Although various explanatory descriptions of both the “normal” development of narcissism as an integral part of the individual personality and its multiple pathological versions continue to differ significantly among varying analytic schools, there is little doubt among psychoanalysts that narcissistic development is a core feature of mental development as a whole and the pathologies of narcissism have been explored in detail. I will, therefore, omit any attempt to recapitulate a detailed description of newer knowledge of narcissism.
This Issue: Bipolar Disorder, with a Focus on Childhood-Onset Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Post Robert M.
Published: October 2009

For more than 3 decades, there has been a paucity of treatment-related studies for adults with bipolar illness, despite consistent calls nationally and internationally for more research and funding. In this issue of Psychiatric Annals, I decided to focus on some of the issues influencing a new and even greater problem: the lack of systematic treatment information for the increasingly recognized disorder of childhood-onset bipolar illness. Because multiple factors appear to be converging to cause and continue this shortfall, I have labeled it “The Perfect Storm,” after the book by Sebastian Junger, which describes a hypothetical catastrophic storm caused by the convergence of two hurricanes and a low pressure system in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Newfoundland.
Hypercalcemia, Cinacalcet, and Bipolar Schizoaffective Disorder
Authors: Moukharskaya Julia , Marino Anna , Miller Christopher , Pandian Shantha G. , Rodriguez Juan F. , Peiris Alan N.
Published: October 2009

A 51-year-old woman with bipolar-type schizoaffective disorder was referred to the endocrinology clinic for evaluation of hypercalcemia. The patient had auditory hallucinations, suicidal ideations, and impulsive behavior. A lengthy stay in the monitored psychiatric ward was anticipated, based on prior admissions (her average inpatient stay was 17.5 days). Medications included diazepam and olanzapine. Patient also had several somatic symptoms, including fatigue, dull pain in her arms and legs, mild nausea, and abdominal discomfort. No significant abnormalities were found on physical exam.
Prospective Randomized Trial of Limbal Relaxing Incisions Combined with Microincision Cataract Surgery
Authors: Ouchi Masayuki , Kinoshita Shigeru
Published: October 2009

Purpose:

To evaluate clinical outcomes of limbal relaxing incision (LRI) combined with bimanual phacoemulsification and insertion of an intraocular lens (IOL) developed for bimanual microincision cataract surgery (MICS).

Methods:

In a prospective, single-center study, eyes with ≥0.75 diopters (D) of keratometric astigmatism were randomly assigned to two surgical techniques: 1) bimanual MICS (non-LRI group) or 2) LRI combined with bimanual MICS (LRI group). Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), postoperative refractive error, corneal topography, and vector analysis of keratometric change between pre- and postoperative eyes were compared.

Results:

In all cases of astigmatism in the LRI group, incisions for phacoemulsification and IOL insertion did not overlap or affect the LRIs. Uncorrected distance visual acuity was significantly higher in the LRI group (mean: 0.94) than in the non-LRI group (mean: 0.71,
P
=.009), although no difference was seen in CDVA in either group. Postoperative cylindrical error was significantly lower in the LRI group than in the non-LRI group (0.56 D and 1.51 D, respectively,
P
=.0004). Cravy analysis showed that the vector change in cylinder was 1.44 D in the LRI group and 0.18 D in the non-LRI group (
P
=.0007).

Conclusions:

Limbal relaxing incision with bimanual MICS is an easy-to-follow combined surgery to correct preexisting astigmatism with predictable accuracy.
Functional Expression of Formyl Peptide Receptor Family in Human NK Cells
Authors: Kim Sang Doo , Kim Jung Mo , Jo Seong Ho , Lee Ha Young , Lee Sun Young , Shim Jae Woong , Seo Su-Kil , Yun Jeanho , Bae Yoe-Sik
Published: October 2009

We determined the expression of the formyl peptide receptor (FPR) family and the functional roles of the FPR family in NK cells. All tested human NK cells express two members of the FPR family (FPR1 and FPR2). The expression of FPR3 was noted to occur in a donor-specific manner. The stimulation of NK cells with FPR family-selective agonists (fMLF (N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe), MMK-1, F2L, and WKYMVm (Trp-Lys-Tyr-Met-Val-d-Met)) elicited cytolytic activity in resting NK cells, but not in IL-2-activated NK cells; the cytolytic activity was not inhibited by pertussis toxin. The FPR family agonists also stimulated chemotactic migration of IL-2-activated NK cells, but not resting NK cells; the chemotactic migration was completely inhibited by pertussis toxin. WKYMVm stimulates ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK activities in both resting and IL-2-activated NK cells. WKYMVm-induced chemotactic migration was partially inhibited by PD98059 (2′-amino-3′-methoxyflavone); however, the inhibition of JNK by its selective inhibitor (SP600125, anthra[1,9-cd]pyrazol-6(2H)-one) dramatically inhibited the WKYMVm-induced cytolytic activity. Furthermore, WKYMVm-induced chemotactic migration and cytolytic activity were partly inhibited by FPR family-selective antagonists (cyclosporin H and WRWWWW). Taken together, our findings indicate that human NK cells express functional members of the FPR family, and in turn the activation of the three members of the FPR receptor family elicit cytolytic activity in NK cells, thus suggesting that the receptors are potentially important therapeutic targets for the modulation of NK cell-mediated immune responses.
Anergic T Cells Are Metabolically Anergic
Authors: Zheng Yan , Delgoffe Greg M. , Meyer Christian F. , Chan Waipan , Powell Jonathan D.
Published: October 2009

Full T cell activation requires TCR engagement (signal 1) in the context of costimulation (signal 2). Costimulation is required for maximal expression of effector cytokines and prevention of T cell anergy. It has become increasingly clear that another major function of costimulation is to up-regulate the metabolic machinery necessary for T cell function. In this report we demonstrate that anergic T cells are metabolically anergic, in that upon full stimulation (signals 1 plus 2) they fail to up-regulate the machinery necessary to support increased metabolism. These findings suggest that one mechanism responsible for the maintenance of T cell anergy is failure to up-regulate the metabolic machinery. Furthermore, we demonstrate that by blocking leucine, glucose, and energy metabolism, T cell activation is mitigated. Additionally, inhibition of these metabolic pathways during T cell activation leads to anergy in Th1-differentiated cells. Overall, our findings extend the role of T cell metabolism in regulating T cell function.
Lymph Node Stromal Cells Support Dendritic Cell-Induced Gut-Homing of T Cells
Authors: Molenaar Rosalie , Greuter Mascha , van der Marel Arnold P. J. , Roozendaal Ramon , Martin Stefan F. , Edele Fanny , Huehn Jochen , Förster Reinhold , O'Toole Tom , Jansen Wendy , Eestermans Inge L. , Kraal Georg , Mebius Reina E.
Published: October 2009

T cells are imprinted to express tissue-specific homing receptors upon activation in tissue-draining lymph nodes, resulting in their migration to the site of Ag entry. Expression of gut-homing molecules α4β7 and CCR9 is induced by retinoic acid, a vitamin A metabolite produced by retinal dehydrogenases, which are specifically expressed in dendritic cells as well as stromal cells in mucosa-draining lymph nodes. In this study, we demonstrate that mesenteric lymph node stromal cell-derived retinoic acid can directly induce the expression of gut-homing molecules on proliferating T cells, a process strongly enhanced by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in vitro. Therefore, cooperation of sessile lymph node stromal cells with mobile dendritic cells warrants the imprinting of tissue specific homing receptors on activated T cells.
Reduced Diabetes in btk-Deficient Nonobese Diabetic Mice and Restoration of Diabetes with Provision of an Anti-Insulin IgH Chain Transgene
Authors: Kendall Peggy L. , Moore Daniel J. , Hulbert Chrys , Hoek Kristen L. , Khan Wasif N. , Thomas James W.
Published: October 2009

Type 1 diabetes results from T cell-mediated destruction of insulin-producing β cells. Although elimination of B lymphocytes has proven successful at preventing disease, modulation of B cell function as a means to prevent type 1 diabetes has not been investigated. The development, fate, and function of B lymphocytes depend upon BCR signaling, which is mediated in part by Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). When introduced into NOD mice, btk deficiency only modestly reduces B cell numbers, but dramatically protects against diabetes. In NOD, btk deficiency mirrors changes in B cell subsets seen in other strains, but also improves B cell-related tolerance, as indicated by failure to generate insulin autoantibodies. Introduction of an anti-insulin BCR H chain transgene restores diabetes in btk-deficient NOD mice, indicating that btk-deficient B cells are functionally capable of promoting autoimmune diabetes if they have a critical autoimmune specificity. This suggests that the disease-protective effect of btk deficiency may reflect a lack of autoreactive specificities in the B cell repertoire. Thus, signaling via BTK can be modulated to improve B cell tolerance, and prevent T cell-mediated autoimmune diabetes.
Localization of Kv1.3 Channels in the Immunological Synapse Modulates the Calcium Response to Antigen Stimulation in T Lymphocytes
Authors: Nicolaou Stella A. , Neumeier Lisa , Steckly Ashleigh , Kucher Vladimir , Takimoto Koichi , Conforti Laura
Published: October 2009

The immunological synapse (IS), a highly organized structure that forms at the point of contact between a T cell and an APC, is essential for the proper development of signaling events, including the Ca2+ response. Kv1.3 channels control Ca2+ homeostasis in human T cells and move into the IS upon Ag presentation. However, the process involved in channel accumulation in the IS and the functional implications of this localization are not yet known. Here we define the movement of Kv1.3 into the IS and study whether Kv1.3 localization into the IS influences Ca2+ signaling in Jurkat T cells. Crosslinking of the channel protein with an extracellular Ab limits Kv1.3 mobility and accumulation at the IS. Moreover, Kv1.3 recruitment to the IS does not involve the transport of newly synthesized channels and it does not occur through recycling of membrane channels. Kv1.3 localization in the IS modulates the Ca2+ response. Blockade of Kv1.3 movement into the IS by crosslinking significantly increases the amplitude of the Ca2+ response triggered by anti-CD3/anti-CD28-coated beads, which induce the formation of the IS. On the contrary, the Ca2+ response induced by TCR stimulation without the formation of the IS with soluble anti-CD3/anti-CD28 Abs is unaltered. The results presented herein indicate that, upon Ag presentation, membrane-incorporated Kv1.3 channels move along the plasma membrane to localize in the IS. This localization is important to control the amplitude of the Ca2+ response, and disruption of this process can account for alterations of downstream Ca2+-dependent signaling events.
Ligand Binding but Undetected Functional Response of FcR after Their Capture by T Cells via Trogocytosis
Authors: Hudrisier Denis , Clemenceau Béatrice , Balor Stéphanie , Daubeuf Sandrine , Magdeleine Eddy , Daëron Marc , Bruhns Pierre , Vié Henri
Published: October 2009

Intercellular transfer of cell surface proteins by trogocytosis is common and could affect T cell responses. Yet, the role of trogocytosis in T cell function is still elusive, and it is unknown whether a molecule, once captured by T cells, harbors the same biological properties as in donor APC. In this study, we showed that FcγR as well as the associated FcRγ subunit could be detected at high levels on murine and human T cells after their intercellular transfer from FcγR-expressing APC. Capture of FcγR occurred during coculture of T cells with FcγR-expressing APC upon Ab- or Ag-mediated T cell stimulation. Once captured by T cells, FcγR were expressed in a conformation compatible with physiological function and conferred upon T cells the ability to bind immune complexes and to provision B cells with this source of Ag. However, we were unable to detect downstream signal or signaling-dependent function following the stimulation of FcγR captured by T cells, and biochemical studies suggested the improper integration of FcγR in the recipient T cell membrane. Thus, our study demonstrates that T cells capture FcγR that can efficiently exert ligand-binding activity, which, per se, could have functional consequences in T cell-B cell cooperation.
Absence of Mature Peripheral B Cell Populations in Mice with Concomitant Defects in B Cell Receptor and BAFF-R Signaling
Authors: Hoek Kristen L. , Carlesso Gianluca , Clark Emily S. , Khan Wasif N.
Published: October 2009

Generation of mature B lymphocytes from early (T1) and late transitional (T2) precursors requires cooperative signaling through BCR and B cell-activating factor receptor 3 (BR3). Recent studies have shown that BCR signaling positively regulates NF-κB2, suggesting BCR regulation of BR3 signaling. To investigate the significance of signal integration from BCR and BR3 in B cell development and function, we crossed Btk-deficient mice (btk−/−), which are developmentally blocked between the T2 and the mature follicular B cell stage as a result of a partial defect in BCR signaling, and A/WySnJ mice, which possess a mutant BR3 defective in propagating intracellular signals that results in a severely reduced peripheral B cell compartment, although all B cell subsets are present in relatively normal ratios. A/WySnJ × btk−/− mice display a B cell-autonomous defect, resulting in a developmental block at an earlier stage (T1) than either mutation alone, leading to the loss of mature splenic follicular and marginal zone B cells, as well as the loss of peritoneal B1 and B2 cell populations. The competence of the double mutant T1 B cells to respond to TLR4 and CD40 survival and activation signals is further attenuated compared with single mutations as evidenced by severely reduced humoral immune responses in vivo and proliferation in response to anti-IgM, LPS, and anti-CD40 stimulation in vitro. Thus, BCR and BR3 independently and in concert regulate the survival, differentiation, and function of all B cell populations at and beyond T1, earliest transitional stage.
Potent High-Affinity Antibodies for Treatment and Prophylaxis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Derived from B Cells of Infected Patients
Authors: Collarini Ellen J. , Lee F. Eun-Hyung , Foord Orit , Park Minha , Sperinde Gizette , Wu Hai , Harriman William D. , Carroll Stephen F. , Ellsworth Stote L. , Anderson Larry J. , Tripp Ralph A. , Walsh Edward E. , Keyt Bruce A. , Kauvar Lawrence M.
Published: October 2009

Native human Abs represent attractive drug candidates; however, the low frequency of B cells expressing high-quality Abs has posed a barrier to discovery. Using a novel single-cell phenotyping technology, we have overcome this barrier to discover human Abs targeting the conserved but poorly immunogenic central motif of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) G protein. For the entire cohort of 24 subjects with recent RSV infection, B cells producing Abs meeting these stringent specificity criteria were rare, <10 per million. Several of the newly cloned Abs bind to the RSV G protein central conserved motif with very high affinity (Kd 1–24 pM). Two of the Abs were characterized in detail and compared with palivizumab, a humanized mAb against the RSV F protein. Relative to palivizumab, the anti-G Abs showed improved viral neutralization potency in vitro and enhanced reduction of infectious virus in a prophylaxis mouse model. Furthermore, in a mouse model for postinfection treatment, both anti-G Abs were significantly more effective than palivizumab at reducing viral load. The combination of activity in mouse models for both prophylaxis and treatment makes these high-affinity human-derived Abs promising candidates for human clinical testing.
IL-33 Amplifies the Polarization of Alternatively Activated Macrophages That Contribute to Airway Inflammation
Authors: Kurowska-Stolarska Mariola , Stolarski Bartosz , Kewin Peter , Murphy Grace , Corrigan Christopher J. , Ying Sun , Pitman Nick , Mirchandani Ananda , Rana Batika , van Rooijen Nico , Shepherd Malcolm , McSharry Charlie , McInnes Iain B. , Xu Damo , Liew Foo Y.
Published: October 2009

Alternatively activated macrophages (AAM) play a crucial role in type 2 immunity. Mice deficient in ST2, a receptor for the latest member of the IL-1 family, IL-33, have impaired type 2 immune responses. We therefore reasoned that IL-33/ST2 signaling may be involved in the differentiation and activation of AAM during airway inflammation. We report here that IL-33 changed the quiescent phenotype of alveolar macrophages toward an AAM phenotype that expressed mannose receptor, IL-4Rα, and produced high levels of CCL24 and CCL17 in an IL-13-dependent manner during IL-33-induced airway inflammation. Neutralization of AAM-derived CCL24 led to an amelioration of IL-33-induced eosinophilia in the lungs. Moreover, depletion of alveolar macrophages reduced IL-33-induced airway inflammation. Additionally, the attenuated OVA-induced airway inflammation in ST2−/− mice was associated with a decrease in AAM differentiation. In vitro, IL-33 amplified IL-13-induced polarization of alveolar- and bone marrow-derived macrophage toward an AAM phenotype by increasing the expression of arginase I, Ym1, as well as the production of CCL24 and CCL17. IL-13/IL-4Rα signaling was crucial for IL-33-driven AAM amplification by inducing the expression of ST2L. Finally, we showed that IL-33 was more abundantly expressed in the lung epithelial cells of asthma patients than those from healthy controls, suggesting that IL-33 may be involved in lung macrophage activation in clinical asthma. Taken together, we demonstrate here that IL-33/ST2 plays a significant role in the amplification of AAM polarization and chemokine production which contribute to innate and Ag-induced airway inflammation.
The Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib Enhances the Susceptibility to Viral Infection
Authors: Basler Michael , Lauer Christoph , Beck Ulrike , Groettrup Marcus
Published: October 2009

The proteasome, a multicatalytic protease, is responsible for the generation of most MHC class I ligands. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, is clinically approved for treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell myeloma. In the present study, we investigated the effect of bortezomib on viral infection. Infection of bortezomib-treated mice with the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) led to a decreased cytotoxic T cell response to several LCMV-derived CD8+ T cell epitopes. Bortezomib treatment caused a reduced expansion of CD8+ T lymphocytes and increased viral titers in LCMV-infected mice. Administration of bortezomib during expansion of CD8+ T cells had no influence on the cytotoxic T cell response, suggesting that bortezomib interferes with priming of naive T cells. Indeed, determination of Ag load in spleen 4 days post infection, revealed a reduced presentation of LCMV-derived cytotoxic T cell epitopes on MHC class I molecules. In summary, we show that proteasome inhibition with bortezomib led to an increased susceptibility to viral infection, and demonstrate for the first time, that proteasome inhibitors can alter Ag processing in vivo.
Human γδ T Cells: A Lymphoid Lineage Cell Capable of Professional Phagocytosis
Authors: Wu Yin , Wu Wutian , Wong Wai Man , Ward Eliot , Thrasher Adrian J. , Goldblatt David , Osman Mohamed , Digard Paul , Canaday David H. , Gustafsson Kenth
Published: October 2009

Professional phagocytosis in mammals is considered to be performed exclusively by myeloid cell types. In this study, we demonstrate, for the first time, that a mammalian lymphocyte subset can operate as a professional phagocyte. By using confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and functional Ag presentation assays, we find that freshly isolated human peripheral blood γδ T cells can phagocytose Escherichia coli and 1 μm synthetic beads via Ab opsonization and CD16 (FcγRIII), leading to Ag processing and presentation on MHC class II. In contrast, other CD16+ lymphocytes, i.e., CD16+/CD56+ NK cells, were not capable of such functions. These findings of distinct myeloid characteristics in γδ T cells strongly support the suggestion that γδ T cells are evolutionarily ancient lymphocytes and have implications for our understanding of their role in transitional immunity and the control of infectious diseases and cancer.
Operator Integrals, Spectral Shift, and Spectral Flow
Authors: Azamov N. A. , Carey A. L. , Dodds P. G. , Sukochev F. A.
Published: October 2009

Abstract. We present a new and simple approach to the theory of multiple operator integrals that applies to unbounded operators affiliated with general von Neumann algebras. For semifinite von Neumann algebras we give applications to the Fréchet differentiation of operator functions that sharpen existing results, and establish the Birman–Solomyak representation of the spectral shift function of M.G. Krein in terms of an average of spectral measures in the type II setting. We also exhibit a surprising connection between the spectral shift function and spectral flow.
The Large Sieve Inequality for the Exponential Sequence λ[O(n15/14+o(1))] Modulo Primes
Authors: Garaev M. Z.
Published: October 2009

Abstract. Let ƛ be a fixed integer exceeding 1 and sn any strictly increasing sequence of positive integers satisfying sn ≤ n15/14+o(1). In this paper we give a version of the large sieve inequality for the sequence ƛsn. In particular, we obtain nontrivial estimates of the associated trigonometric sums “on average” and establish equidistribution properties of the numbers ƛsn, n ≤ p(log p)2+ϵ, modulo p for most primes p.
Multiplication of Polynomials on Hermitian Symmetric spaces and Littlewood–Richardson Coefficients
Authors: Graham William , Hunziker Markus
Published: October 2009

Abstract.LetKbe a complex reductive algebraic group andVa representation ofK. LetSdenote the ring of polynomials onV. Assume that the action ofKonSis multiplicity-free. If ƛ denotes the isomorphism class of an irreducible representation ofK, let ρƛ :K→GL(Vƛ) denote the corresponding irreducible representation andSƛthe ƛ-isotypic component ofS. WriteSƛ・Sμfor the subspace ofSspanned by products ofSƛandSμ. IfVνoccurs as an irreducible constituent ofVƛ⊗Vμ, is it true thatSν⊆Sƛ・Sμ? In this paper, the authors investigate this question for representations arising in the context of Hermitian symmetric pairs. It is shown that the answer is yes in some cases and, using an earlier result of Ruitenburg, that in the remaining classical cases, the answer is yes provided that a conjecture of Stanley on the multiplication of Jack polynomials is true. It is also shown how the conjecture connects multiplication in the ringSto the usual Littlewood–Richardson rule.
An Infinite Order Whittaker Function
Authors: McKee Mark
Published: October 2009

Abstract. In this paper we construct a flat smooth section of an induced space I(s, η) of SL2(ℝ) so that the attached Whittaker function is not of finite order. An asymptotic method of classical analysis is used.
L-Functions for GSp(2) × GL(2): Archimedean Theory and Applications
Authors: Moriyama Tomonori
Published: October 2009

Abstract. Let Π be a generic cuspidal automorphic representation of GSp(2) defined over a totally real algebraic number field k whose archimedean type is either a (limit of) large discrete series representation or a certain principal series representation. Through explicit computation of archimedean local zeta integrals, we prove the functional equation of tensor product L-functions L(s,Π × σ) for an arbitrary cuspidal automorphic representation σ of GL(2). We also give an application to the spinor L-function of Π.