bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surveiller et punir à l'âge actuariel
Authors: Harcourt Bernard E.
Published: June 2011

Dans cette seconde partie de l’article de Bernard Harcourt Profiling and Policing in an Actuarial Age (Profiler et punir à l’ère actuarielle), Bernard Harcourt s’attache à démontrer à l’aide d’outils mathématiques et d’exemples, que l’application des méthodes actuarielles et des modèles économiques telle que la discrimination statistique, n’est pas efficace dans le domaine pénal et peut être contre productive. L’introduction des méthodes statistiques dans la prédiction des comportements ne fonctionne pas, au contraire, elle augmente la criminalité globale de la société car les différents groupes ne réagissent pas de la même façon, ils n’ont pas la même élasticité, face aux changements du comportement de la police. De plus, le coût social de ces méthodes, caractérisé par la stigmatisation d’un groupe, est négligé. Alors pourquoi avoir adopté l’actuariat ? Dompter le hasard, rendre scientifique l’étude du comportement humain, peut être l’une des raisons.
Faits et conspirations : les limites du scandale financier
Authors: Jarvis Juliette , Morselli Carlo
Published: June 2011

L’organisation de systèmes d’opérations financières suspectes diffèrerait souvent de l’image présentée par les scandales qu’ils suscitent. Des formes de criminalité sont confondues avec des schèmes de nature douteuse (finance grise) accessibles à une minorité. De plus, la ferveur du scandale tend à cibler certains acteurs comme dirigeant un groupe centralisé ou intermédiaires entre les milieux d’affaires, politique et criminel. Les transactions sont reconstruites en un complot d’ensemble tandis qu’elles constitueraient diverses collaborations visant des intérêts privés dans le petit monde de réseaux d’élites. L’étude de cas des scandales liés à Michele Sindona et Roberto Calvi par analyse documentaire et de réseaux illustre de telles disparités concernant la représentation de la criminalité financière.
Deux justices au banc d'essai
Authors: Mouhanna Christian , Bastard Benoit
Published: June 2011

À partir de deux recherches empiriques, l’une sur les parquets, et l’autre sur les juges des enfants, cet article propose une comparaison entre deux « modèles » de justice opposés. Bien que tous deux confrontés à une montée en puissance des impératifs gestionnaires et d’efficacité sur le court terme, ces deux systèmes y ont apporté des réponses différentes, l’un privilégiant un investissement dans une logique productiviste, qui fragilise les idéaux judiciaires que sont l’individualisation de la peine, le temps consacré à la réflexion, l’attention portée à la parole, alors que le second cherche à préserver ces principes. Au delà d’une simple opposition entre justice des mineurs et justice des majeurs, on peut mesurer l’impact des transformations qui ont touché l’ensemble du système judiciaire ces dernières années.
De l’hystérie à la révolte
Authors: Niget David
Published: June 2011

La violence féminine a longtemps été occultée dans les discours par les usages et les mésusages masculins de la force, associés à la virilité. Ces représentations s'avèrent particulièrement prégnantes s’agissant des jeunes : alors que la brutalité paraît être constitutive d’une masculinité en construction (et par là même normalisée), la violence des jeunes filles reste impensable, secrète, ou symptomatique de leur état pathologique. Jusqu’à l'irruption des sciences du psychisme dans le champ judiciaire, les jeunes filles n’étaient que très rarement stigmatisées pour leur violence, ce qui atteste de leur difficile accès à l’espace public. L’entrée en scène des institutions d’ « observation médico-pédagogique » suscite une nouvelle perception de la violence féminine, qui s’incarne désormais dans la catégorie des « troubles du comportement ». Le caractère très normatif de ces institutions stigmatisant le genre, l’âge et la classe sociale des jeunes placées sous la toise des experts de la personnalité laisse néanmoins s'échapper la voix des jeunes filles scrutées dans ces institutions, et ceci tant dans le registre de l’intime qu’à travers des stratégies de présentation de soi témoignant d'une volonté de reconnaissance sociale. Ces jeunes filles dont on pointe et suscite en même temps la violence au sein des institutions totales que sont les établissements d’observation, apparaissent comme des métaphores du changement social, signalant l’émancipation de la jeunesse dans les sociétés occidentales des années d’après-guerre.
A Requirement for the p85 PI3K Adapter Protein BCAP in the Protection of Macrophages from Apoptosis Induced by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Song SungWon , Chew Claude , Dale Benjamin M. , Traum Daniel , Peacock James , Yamazaki Tetsuo , Clynes Raphael , Kurosaki Tomohiro , Greenberg Steven
Published: June 2011

Macrophages are innate immune cells that play key roles in regulation of the immune response and in tissue injury and repair. In response to specific innate immune stimuli, macrophages may exhibit signs of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and progress to apoptosis. Factors that regulate macrophage survival under these conditions are poorly understood. In this study, we identified B cell adapter protein (BCAP), a p85 PI3K-binding adapter protein, in promoting survival in response to the combined challenge of LPS and ER stress. BCAP was unique among nine PI3K adapter proteins in being induced >10-fold in response to LPS. LPS-stimulated macrophages incubated with thapsigargin, a sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase inhibitor that induces ER stress, underwent caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. Macrophages from BCAP−/− mice exhibited increased apoptosis in response to these stimuli. BCAP-deficient macrophages demonstrated decreased activation of Akt, but not ERK, and, unlike BCAP-deficient B cells, expressed normal amounts of the NF-κB subunits, c-Rel and RelA. Retroviral transduction of BCAP-deficient macrophages with wild-type BCAP, but not a Y4F BCAP mutant defective in binding the SH2 domain of p85 PI3K, reversed the proapoptotic phenotype observed in BCAP-deficient macrophages. We conclude that BCAP is a nonredundant PI3K adapter protein in macrophages that is required for maximal cell survival in response to ER stress. We suggest that as macrophages engage their pathogenic targets, innate immune receptors trigger increased expression of BCAP, which endows them with the capacity to withstand further challenges from ongoing cellular insults, such as ER stress.
Induction of Mucin and MUC5AC Expression by the Protease Activity of Aspergillus fumigatus in Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Oguma Tsuyoshi , Asano Koichiro , Tomomatsu Katsuyoshi , Kodama Motohiro , Fukunaga Koichi , Shiomi Tetsuya , Ohmori Nao , Ueda Soichiro , Takihara Takahisa , Shiraishi Yoshiki , Sayama Koichi , Kagawa Shizuko , Natori Yukikazu , Lilly Craig M. , Satoh Kazuo , Makimura Koichi , Ishizaka Akitoshi
Published: June 2011

Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis, characterized by excessive mucus secretion, airflow limitation, bronchiectasis, and peripheral blood eosinophilia, is predominantly caused by a fungal pathogen, Aspergillus fumigatus. Using DNA microarray analysis of NCI-H292 cells, a human bronchial epithelial cell line, stimulated with fungal extracts from A. fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, or Penicillium notatum, we identified a mucin-related MUC5AC as one of the genes, the expression of which was selectively induced by A. fumigatus. Quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, and histochemical analyses confirmed an induction of mucin and MUC5AC expression by A. fumigatus extracts or the culture supernatant of live microorganisms in NCI-H292 cells and primary cultures of airway epithelial cells. The expression of MUC5AC induced by A. fumigatus extracts diminished in the presence of neutralizing Abs or of inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor or its ligand, TGF-α. We also found that A. fumigatus extracts activated the TNF-α–converting enzyme (TACE), critical for the cleavage of membrane-bound pro–TGF-α, and its inhibition with low-molecular weight inhibitors or small interfering RNA suppressed the expression of MUC5AC. The protease activity of A. fumigatus extracts was greater than that of other fungal extracts, and treatment with a serine protease inhibitor, but not with a cysteine protease inhibitor, eliminated its ability to activate TACE or induce the expression of MUC5AC mRNA in NCI-H292. In conclusion, the prominent serine protease activity of A. fumigatus, which caused the overproduction of mucus by the bronchial epithelium via the activation of the TACE/TGF-α/epidermal growth factor receptor pathway, may be a pathogenetic mechanism of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis.
Lenalidomide Enhances Antigen-Specific Activity and Decreases CD45RA Expression of T Cells from Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Neuber Brigitte , Herth Isabelle , Tolliver Claudia , Schoenland Stefan , Hegenbart Ute , Hose Dirk , Witzens-Harig Mathias , Ho Anthony D. , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Klein Bernard , Hundemer Michael
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the specific T cell response against the multiple myeloma Ag HM1.24 is enhanced by the immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide (Revlimid). Ag-specific CD3+CD8+ T cells against the HM1.24 Ag were expanded in vitro by dendritic cells in 29 healthy donors and 26 patients with plasma cell dyscrasias. Ag-specific activation was analyzed by IFN-γ, granzyme B, and perforin secretion using ELISA, ELISPOT assay, and intracellular staining, and generation of Ag-specific T cells was analyzed by tetramer staining. Expression of T cell maturation markers (CD45RA, CD45R0, CCR7, and CD28) was investigated by flow cytometry. We found that activation of HM1.24-specific T cells from healthy donors and patients with plasma cell dyscrasias was enhanced significantly by lenalidomide and furthermore that the impact of lenalidomide on T cells depends on the duration of the exposure. Notably, lenalidomide supports the downregulation of CD45RA on T cells upon activation, observed in healthy donors and in patients in vitro and also in patients during lenalidomide therapy in vivo. We showed for the first time, to our knowledge, that lenalidomide enhances the Ag-specific activation of T cells and the subsequent downregulation of CD45RA expression of T cells in vitro and in vivo.
Regulation of the Estrous Cycle by Neutrophils via Opioid Peptides
Authors: Sasaki Soichiro , Tamaki Yutaka , Nagata Kisaburo , Kobayashi Yoshiro
Published: June 2011

We found previously that neutrophil-depleted mice exhibited significant blockading of both the regular estrous cycle and cyclic changes of steroid hormone levels. In this study, we aimed at elucidation of the underlying mechanism. To examine the possibility that an increase in bacteria in the vaginal vault of neutrophil-depleted mice causes blockading of the estrous cycle, we treated neutrophil-depleted mice with antibiotics but failed to restore the estrous cycle. We then examined another possibility that neutrophils regulate the estrous cycle via opioid peptides, because opioid peptides regulate steroidogenesis in theca and granulosa cells in the ovaries, and because neutrophils contain opioid peptides. In support of this possibility, naloxone, an opioid antagonist, blocked the estrous cycle and a μ opioid receptor agonist restored the estrous cycle in neutrophil-depleted mice. Pro-opiomelanocortin was immunohistochemically detected in peripheral blood neutrophils but not in ones that had infiltrated into the ovaries. i.v. injection of anti–MIP-2 polyclonal Ab caused blockading of the estrous cycle, whereas MIP-2 was detected in the ovaries, suggesting a role of MIP-2 in the regulation of the estrous cycle. Moreover, i.v. injection of MIP-2 decreased the pro-opiomelanocortin signal in peripheral blood neutrophils and caused blockading of the estrous cycle. Together, these results suggest that neutrophils maintain the estrous cycle via opioid peptides.
Cutting Edge: JAM-C Controls Homeostatic Chemokine Secretion in Lymph Node Fibroblastic Reticular Cells Expressing Thrombomodulin
Authors: Frontera Vincent , Arcangeli Marie-Laure , Zimmerli Claudia , Bardin Florence , Obrados Elodie , Audebert Stéphane , Bajenoff Marc , Borg Jean-Paul , Aurrand-Lions Michel
Published: June 2011

The development and maintenance of secondary lymphoid organs, such as lymph nodes, occur in a highly coordinated manner involving lymphoid chemokine production by stromal cells. Although developmental pathways inducing lymphoid chemokine production during organogenesis are known, signals maintaining cytokine production in adults are still elusive. In this study, we show that thrombomodulin and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α identify a population of fibroblastic reticular cells in which chemokine secretion is controlled by JAM-C. We demonstrate that Jam-C–deficient mice and mice treated with Ab against JAM-C present significant decreases in stromal cell-derived factor 1α (CXCL12), CCL21, and CCL19 intranodal content. This effect is correlated with reduced naive T cell egress from lymph nodes of anti–JAM-C–treated mice.
Early and Transient Release of Leukocyte Pentraxin 3 during Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Maugeri Norma , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Slavich Massimo , Coppi Giovanni , Doni Andrea , Bottazzi Barbara , Garlanda Cecilia , Cianflone Domenico , Maseri Attilio , Mantovani Alberto , Manfredi Angelo A.
Published: June 2011

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) plays cardioprotective and anti-atherogenic roles in murine models. PTX3 blood levels raise during early acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Neutrophils from healthy subjects physiologically contain PTX3 in secondary (also called specific) granules. In this study, we report that circulating neutrophils release preformed PTX3 in the early phase of AMI (within 6 h from the onset of clinical symptoms). Depletion of intracellular PTX3 correlates with increased plasma levels and with platelet–neutrophil heterotypic aggregates. Neutrophil PTX3 returns to normal values 48 h after the onset of symptoms; concentration does not vary in matched healthy controls or in patients with chronic stable angina. In vitro, recognition of activated P-selectin+ platelets causes the formation of neutrophil–platelet heteroaggregates and the release of neutrophil PTX3. Purified or membrane-bound P-selectin triggers PTX3 release from resting neutrophils. Released PTX3 binds to activated platelets in vitro. Moreover, PTX3 binds to a substantial fraction of platelets from patients in the circulating blood. PTX3-bound activated platelets have a reduced ability to 1) form heterotypic aggregates with neutrophils and monocytes; 2) activate neutrophils, as evaluated assessing the upregulation of leukocyte β2 integrins; 3) aggregate with other platelets; and 4) bind to fibrinogen. Our results suggest that neutrophils early release prestored PTX3 in patients undergoing AMI. PTX3 binds to activated circulating platelets and dampens their proinflammatory and prothrombotic action, thus possibly contributing to its cardioprotective effects.
Nod1 Activation by Bacterial iE-DAP Induces Maternal–Fetal Inflammation and Preterm Labor
Authors: Cardenas Ingrid , Mulla Melissa J. , Myrtolli Kledia , Sfakianaki Anna K. , Norwitz Errol R. , Tadesse Serkalem , Guller Seth , Abrahams Vikki M.
Published: June 2011

There is a strong association between infection and prematurity; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Nod1 and Nod2 are intracellular pattern recognition receptors that are activated by bacterial peptides and mediate innate immunity. We previously demonstrated that human first-trimester trophoblasts express Nod1 and Nod2, which trigger inflammation upon stimulation. This study sought to determine the expression and function of Nod1 and Nod2 in third-trimester trophoblasts, and to characterize the in vivo effects of Nod1 activation on pregnancy outcome. Human term placental tissues and isolated term trophoblast expressed Nod1, but not Nod2. Activation of Nod1 by its agonist, bacterial γ-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP), in term trophoblast cultures induced a proinflammatory cytokine profile, characterized by elevated levels of secreted IL-6, GRO-α, and MCP-1, when compared with the control. However, these cytokines were not upregulated in response to Nod2 stimulation with bacterial MDP. Administration of high-dose bacterial iE-DAP to pregnant C57BL/6J mice on embryonic day 14.5 triggered preterm delivery within 24 h. iE-DAP at a lower dose that did not induce prematurity, reduced fetal weight, altered the cytokine profile at the maternal–fetal interface, and induced fetal inflammation. Thus, functional Nod1 is expressed by trophoblast cells across gestation and may have a role in mediating infection-associated inflammation and prematurity. This study demonstrates that pattern recognition receptors, other than the TLRs, may be implicated or involved in infection-associated preterm labor.
Cutting Edge: Reactive Oxygen Species Inhibitors Block Priming, but Not Activation, of the NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Bauernfeind Franz , Bartok Eva , Rieger Anna , Franchi Luigi , Núñez Gabriel , Hornung Veit
Published: June 2011

A common denominator among the multiple damage-inducing agents that ultimately lead to activation of NLRP3 has not yet been identified. Recently, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been suggested to act as a common event upstream of the NLRP3 inflammasome machinery. Because de novo translation of NLRP3 is an essential step in the activation of NLRP3, we investigated the role of substances that inhibit either ROS production or its oxidative activity. Although we observe that NLRP3 inflammasome activation is unique among other known inflammasomes in its sensitivity to ROS inhibition, we have found that this phenomenon is attributable to the fact that NLRP3 strictly requires priming by a proinflammatory signal, a step that is blocked by ROS inhibitors. Although these data do not exclude a general role for ROS production in the process of NLRP3-triggered inflammation, they would put ROS upstream of NLRP3 induction, but not activation.
How to read the length of a braid from its curve diagram
Authors: Wiest Bert
Published: June 2011

We prove that the Garside length of a braid is equal to a winding-number type invariant of the curve diagram of the braid.
Homological and homotopical higher-order filling functions
Authors: Young Robert
Published: June 2011

We construct groups in which

FV^3(n)\nsim \delta^2(n)

. This construction also leads to groups

G_k

,

k\ge 3

, for which

\delta^{k}(n)

is not subrecursive.
Movimentos multitons de uma roda
Authors: Fardin Silva Tatiana , Felix Bertuani Katiuscia , Nunes Gorza Anelise
Published: June 2011

The study tooks place year of 2009, in the Basic Health Unit of Campo Verde’s neighborhood, Cariacica, ES, with team’s partner from the Family Health Strategy (FHS). It aimed at promoting a space for listening and reflection that was intended to work the SUS ́s guidelines and the difficulties found in the wok field to enlarge the possibility of intervention in sicken situations. It was composed of two phases: The first phase: It was configured as a collective space, which interpersonal conflicts of day by day were rendering problematic and reconfigured. The second phase: to affect the Wheel in Permanent Education as part of the National Humanization Policy (NPH), it was developed by professional demands, an update course to the Community Health Agents (CHA), in order to increase knowledge/permute SUS ́s politicians. We used Wheel method that aimed at respecting the technical and popular knowledge, consider the subject interest and desire, rendering public health worker problematic. It considered the necessity to give effect to all SUS projects and guidelines under continue educational practice and constant searching for partner co-answerable, co-managers and co-authors of this system.
O Design de moda e a arte moderna
Authors: Gonçalves de Souza Rui , Cipiniuk Alberto
Published: June 2011

This article deals with the relationship between modern art and fashion and textile design, considering the social context that will favor this approach. The stady performs a particular reading of a special mo-ment in fashion design, characterized by active role of the designers-artists linked to the avant-garde modernists in the field. It Examines how the social process in the field of design and art has affected the lives of designers-artists in the early decades of the twentieth century, how they also interfered in the process, and how these events occurred in the field of fashion design.
O uso da internet por alunos do 2º ano
Authors: da Silva Oliveira Cícero , Codeco Hoffner Nayara , Lemes martins Rodrigo
Published: June 2011

Due to the Internet information advent flow is becoming increasingly dynamic, which triggers discussions about their use in formal education. This study aims at evaluating the use of this communication network by students, analyzing the classroom’s use beneficial aspects. Besides verifying some parameters such as the question of access frequency and electronic address it was verified design changes with respect to a controversial topic handled consistently in different media. Depending on the results obtained it was found that the use of INTERNET by the students interviewed was higher than that recorded by other studies that focused on students of the same age group. It was also noted that some students changed their minds after a brief search on sites related to the topic which demonstrates the importance of this tool as a complement to other sources.
The Language of Discovery
Authors: Souba Wiley
Published: June 2011

Discovery, as a public attribution, and discovering, the act of conducting research, are experiences that entail “languaging” the unknown. This distinguishing property of language - its ability to bring forth, out of the unspoken realm, new knowledge, original ideas, and novel thinking – is essential to the discovery process. In sharing their ideas and views, scientists create co-negotiated linguistic distinctions that prompt the revision of established mental maps and the adoption of new ones. While scientific mastery entails command of the conversational domain unique to a specific discipline, there is an emerging conversational domain that must be mastered that goes beyond the language unique to any particular specialty. Mastery of this new conversational domain gives researchers access to their hidden mental maps that limit their ways of thinking about and doing science. The most effective scientists use language to recontextualize their approach to problem-solving, which triggers new insights (previously unavailable) that result in new discoveries. While language is not a replacement for intuition and other means of knowing, when we try to understand what’s outside of language we have to use language to do so.
Developing-World Disaster Research: Present Evidence and Future Priorities
Authors: Roy Nobhojit , Thakkar Purvi , Shah Hemant
Published: June 2011

Objectives: The technology and resource-rich solutions of the developed world may not be completely applicable to or replicable in disasters occurring in the developing world. With the current looming hazards of pandemics, climate change, global terrorism and conflicts around the world, policy makers and governments will need high-quality scientific data to make informed decisions for preparedness and mitigation. The evidence on disasters in peer-reviewed journals about the developing world was examined for quality and quantity in this systematic review.

Methods: PubMed was searched using the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms disasters, disaster medicine, rescue work, relief work, and conflict and then refined using the MeSH term developing country. The final list of selected manuscripts were analyzed by type of article, level of evidence, theme of the manuscript and topic, author affiliation, and region of the study.

Results: After searching and refining, <1% of the citations in PubMed addressed disasters in developing countries. The majority was original research articles or reviews, and most of the original research articles were level IV or V evidence. Less than 25% of the authors were from the developing world. The predominant themes were missions, health care provision, and humanitarian aid during the acute phase of disasters in the developing world.

Conclusions: Considering that 85% of disasters and 95% of disaster-related deaths occur in the developing world, the overwhelming number of casualties has contributed insignificantly to the world's peer-reviewed literature. Less than 1% of all disaster-related publications are about disasters in the developing world. This may be a publication bias, or it may be a genuine lack of submissions dealing with these disasters. Authors in this part of the world need to contribute to future disaster research through better-quality systematic research and better funding priorities. Aid for sustaining long-term disaster research may be a more useful investment in mitigating future disasters than short-term humanitarian aid missions to the developing world.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:112–116)
Effects of the Design and Practice of Points-of-Dispensing on Patient-Reported Satisfaction: Municipal H1N1 Clinics in Rhode Island
Authors: Balbi David A. , Calcagni Kristen
Published: June 2011

Objectives: The primary objective of the study was to understand the public's perception of the effectiveness of Rhode Island's public health emergency response plans by using municipal H1N1 vaccination clinics conducted in Rhode Island in January and February 2010 as a basis for public reaction. The effect of previous exercises on public perception was also examined.

Method: A survey of 926 H1N1 vaccination clinic attendees was conducted via mail during the period between March 18 and May 1, 2010.

Results: A total of 579 surveys were returned, rendering a response rate of 62.5%. The majority of clinic attendees traveled ≤10 mi to the vaccination clinic (90.48%). The average self-reported wait time inside the clinic was 19.16 minutes, and 69.84% of respondents expected to have waited longer before attending the clinic. The self-reported wait time was negatively correlated with patient-reported overall clinic satisfaction. A total of 98.08% of respondents believed that the signage used at the clinics was easy to follow, 100% of respondents believed that the clinic staff was courteous and respectful, and 82.35% of respondents reported that they would rate the clinic they attended as excellent.

Conclusions: Rhode Islanders prefer local public health service sites. There was a minor difference in the overall satisfaction of respondents who attended municipal clinics that had exercised emergency plans before activation for H1N1 vaccinations and those municipalities that had not previously exercised. The lack of difference between the practicing and nonpracticing points-of-dispensing may be caused by the standardization of municipal emergency plans, uniformity in the guidance and support of each clinic provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health, and municipalities that had not previously exercised had the opportunity to observe those that had exercised. Having thorough mass dispensing plans in place in advance of a public health emergency is as important as having exercised a point-of-dispensing before a real-world activation.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:106–111)
Use of In Vivo Biotinylation for Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
Authors: Kulyyassov Arman , Shoaib Muhammad , Ogryzko Vasily
Published: June 2011

This unit describes a system for expression of biotinylated proteins in mammalian cells in vivo, and its application to chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). The system is based on co‐expression of the target protein fused to a short biotin acceptor domain, together with the biotinylating enzyme BirA from Escherichia coli. The superior strength of the biotin‐avidin interaction in the modified ChIP protocol presented here allows one to employ more stringent washing conditions, resulting in a better signal/noise ratio. Methods for interpreting the data obtained from ChIP samples analyzed by qPCR, and methods for testing the efficiency of biotinylation using a streptavidin gel‐shift are also presented. In addition, a complementary method, based on isothermal multiple strand displacement amplification (IMDA) of circular concatemers generated from the DNA fragments obtained after ChIP, is described. This method helps to decrease bias in DNA amplification and is useful for the analysis of complex mixtures of DNA fragments typically generated in miniscale ChIP experiments. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 51:17.12.1‐17.12.22. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Correlates of physical activity and inactivity in urban Mexican youth
Authors: Siegel Shannon R. , Malina Robert M. , Peña Reyes Maria Eugenia , Cárdenas Barahona Eyra E. , Cumming Sean P.
Published: June 2011

Objectives:

To evaluate correlates of physical activity in Mexico City school youth.

Methods:

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with 1,004 school youth (490 males and 514 females), 9–18 years of age resident in Mexico City. Age, height, body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status (SES), time viewing television and playing video games (physical inactivity), and perceived sport/physical activity status of mother and father were evaluated as potential correlates of physical activity [Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ)]. Multiple linear regression analyses (backward elimination) by age group and sex were used.

Results:

Physical activity declined in older adolescents, while differences between the two younger age groups were minimal. Television time showed a similar tendency. Overall, fathers were perceived as being active in sport/physical activity more frequently than mothers. Significant predictors of activity differed by age group and sex. For the total sample, age (negative) and perceived sport/activity status of the mother (positive) were significant predictors of the PAQ in boys, and age and the BMI (negative) and height and perceived sport/activity status of both parents (positive) were significant predictors for girls. Age (negative) was the main predictor for inactivity in both males and females.

Conclusions:

Potential correlates of physical activity and inactivity considered in this analysis were limited and accounted for relatively little of the variance in physical activity. The role of perceived sport/activity of the parents, especially among younger boys and girls, is particularly of interest and merits more detailed study. Nevertheless, many other variables also need to be considered. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
No association observed between schizophrenia and non‐HLA coeliac disease genes: Integration with the initial MYO9B association with coeliac disease
Authors: Law Matthew H. , Bradford Matilda , McNamara Neil , Gajda Andy , Wei Jun
Published: June 2011

Schizophrenia is a severe psychotic illness with a heterogeneous presentation and a devastating impact on social and occupational function. Worldwide variations in schizophrenia incidence rates suggest that local conditions may modify disease risk. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region has been confirmed to be associated with schizophrenia by genome‐wide association studies in populations across the world. While the presence of autoimmune processes in a subgroup of schizophrenia cases is contentious, the immune system could allow environmental exposures to lead to schizophrenia by generating improper immune response. To investigate this topic, we reviewed the current evidence of the relationship between schizophrenia and coeliac disease. Based on this review, we performed genetic analysis of the MYO9B gene and the IL‐2/IL‐21 locus by genotyping SNPs that have been previously associated with coeliac disease or schizophrenia in 223 families, 108 unrelated individuals with schizophrenia and 120 controls. Finding no evidence for association with these two loci in our study samples, we applied meta‐analytic techniques to combine our findings with previous reports. This synthesis, in light of our review of previous reports, suggests a differing developmental trajectory for schizophrenia and coeliac disease. It is possible that these two conditions do not share any functional overlap. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stem cell therapy for neonatal brain injury: Perspectives and Challenges
Authors: Titomanlio Luigi , Kavelaars Annemieke , Dalous Jeremie , Mani Shyamala , El Ghouzzi Vincent , Heijnen Cobi , Baud Olivier , Gressens Pierre
Published: June 2011

Cerebral palsy is a major health problem caused by brain damage during pregnancy, delivery, or the immediate postnatal period. Perinatal stroke, intraventricular hemorrhage, and asphyxia are the most common causes of neonatal brain damage. Periventricular white matter damage (periventricular leukomalacia) is the predominant form in premature infants and the most common antecedent of cerebral palsy. Stem cell treatment has proven effective in restoring injured organs and tissues in animal models. The potential of stem cells for self‐renewal and differentiation translates into substantial neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in the animal brain, with minimal risks of rejection and side effects. Stem cell treatments described to date have used neural stem cells, embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, umbilical cord stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. Most of these treatments are still experimental. In this review, we focus on the efficacy of stem cell therapy in animal models of cerebral palsy, and discuss potential implications for current and future clinical trials. Ann Neurol 2011
Role of ninjurin‐1 in the migration of myeloid cells to central nervous system inflammatory lesions
Authors: Ifergan Igal , Kebir Hania , Terouz Simone , Alvarez Jorge I. , Lécuyer Marc‐André , Gendron Steve , Bourbonnière Lyne , Dunay Ildiko R. , Bouthillier Alain , Moumdjian Robert , Fontana Adriano , Haqqani Arsalan , Klopstein Armelle , Prinz Marco , López‐Vales Rubèn , Birchler Thomas , Prat Alexandre
Published: June 2011

Objective:

Blood‐derived myeloid antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) account for a significant proportion of the leukocytes found within lesions of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). These APCs along with activated microglia are thought to be pivotal in the initiation of the central nervous system (CNS)‐targeted immune response in MS and EAE. However, the exact molecules that direct the migration of myeloid cells from the periphery across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) remain largely unknown.

Methods:

We identified Ninjurin‐1 in a proteomic screen of human BBB endothelial cells (ECs). We assessed the expression of Ninjurin‐1 by BBB‐ECs and immune cells, and we determined the role of Ninjurin‐1 in immune cell migration to the CNS in vivo in EAE mice.

Results:

Ninjurin‐1 was found to be weakly expressed in the healthy human and mouse CNS but upregulated on BBB‐ECs and on infiltrating APCs during the course of EAE and in active MS lesions. In human peripheral blood, Ninjurin‐1 was predominantly expressed by monocytes, whereas it was barely detectable on T and B lymphocytes. Moreover, Ninjurin‐1 neutralization specifically abrogated the adhesion and migration of human monocytes across BBB‐ECs, without affecting lymphocyte recruitment. Finally, Ninjurin‐1 blockade reduced clinical disease activity and histopathological indices of EAE and decreased infiltration of macrophages, dendritic cells, and APCs into the CNS.

Interpretation:

Our study uncovers an important cell‐specific role for Ninjurin‐1 in the transmigration of inflammatory APCs across the BBB and further emphasizes the importance of myeloid cell recruitment during the development of neuroinflammatory lesions.ANN NEUROL 2011
Multiple sclerosis normal‐appearing white matter: Pathology–imaging correlations
Authors: Moll Natalia M. , Rietsch Anna M. , Thomas Smitha , Ransohoff Amy J. , Lee Jar‐Chi , Fox Robert , Chang Ansi , Ransohoff Richard M. , Fisher Elizabeth
Published: June 2011

Objective:

The study was undertaken to determine the pathologic basis of subtle abnormalities in magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters observed in normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM) in multiple sclerosis brains.

Methods:

Brain tissues were obtained through a rapid postmortem protocol that included in situ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Four types of MRI‐defined regions of interest (ROIs) were analyzed: (1) regions that were abnormal on all images (T2T1MTR lesions); (2) NAWM regions with slightly abnormal MTR located close to white matter lesions (sa‐WM Close); (3) NAWM regions with slightly abnormal MTR located far from lesions (sa‐WM Far); and (4) NAWM regions with normal MTR (NAWM). Immunohistochemical analysis for each ROI comprised immunostaining for myelin, axonal markers, activated microglia/macrophages, astrocytes, plasma proteins, and blood vessels.

Results:

Forty‐eight ROIs from 4 secondary progressive MS brains were analyzed. sa‐WM Close ROIs were associated with significantly more axonal swellings. There were more enlarged major histocompatibility complex II+ microglia and macrophages detected in sa‐WM Far, sa‐WM Close, and T2T1MTR lesions than in NAWM. Across all ROIs, MTR and DTI measures were moderately correlated with myelin density, axonal area, and axonal counts. Excluding T2T1MTR lesions from analysis revealed that MTR and DTI measures in nonlesional white matter (WM) were correlated with activated microglia, but not with axonal or myelin integrity.

Interpretation:

The pathologic substrates for MRI abnormalities in NAWM vary based on distance from focal WM lesions. Close to WM lesions, axonal pathology and microglial activation may explain subtle MRI changes. Distant from lesions, microglial activation associated with proximity to cortical lesions might underlie MRI abnormalities. ANN NEUROL 2011
Lack of evidence for epstein‐barr virus infection in myasthenia gravis thymus
Authors: Meyer Mandy , Höls Ann‐Kathrin , Liersch Britta , Leistner Rasmus , Gellert Klaus , Schalke Berthold , Marx Alexander , Niedobitek Gerald
Published: June 2011

A role for Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) in myasthenia gravis pathogenesis has been suggested recently. Using in situ hybridization for the detection of the EBV‐encoded RNAs and EBNA1‐specific immunohistochemistry, we found no latently infected cells in a series of thymus specimens from patients with myasthenia gravis showing lymphofollicular thymitis. In addition, using immunohistochemistry and an antibody specific for the viral immediate early protein BZLF1, no evidence of lytic EBV infection was seen in these cases. Our results therefore do not support a direct role of thymic EBV infection in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis. Ann Neurol 2011;70:515–
5‐Hydroxymethylcytosin, die sechste Base des Genoms
Authors: Münzel Martin , Globisch Daniel , Carell Thomas
Published: June 2011

5‐Hydroxymethylcytosin (hmC) wurde kürzlich als neuer Bestandteil der DNA von Säugetieren entdeckt. Es ist neben 5‐Methylcytosin (mC) die zweite modifizierte DNA‐Base in höheren Organismen. Diese Entdeckung ist von großer Bedeutung für die Epigenetik, da sie zeigt, dass Methylierung von Cytosin kein finaler Schritt zur Stummschaltung von Genen ist, sondern dass weitere Funktionalisierungen an der Methylgruppe stattfinden, welche regulatorischen Funktionen haben können. Aktuelle Fortschritte in der hmC‐Detektion – vor allem Methoden basierend auf LC‐MS und Glucosyltransferase‐Assays – halfen, die präzise Verteilung von hmC im Körper zu entschlüsseln. Dies führte zu dem überraschenden Ergebnis, dass der hmC‐Gehalt im Gegensatz zu einem konstanten mC‐Gehalt stark gewebespezifisch ist. Die höchsten Werte für hmC wurden im zentralen Nervensystem gefunden. Es wurde darüber hinaus aufgeklärt, dass hmC an der Regulierung der Pluripotenz von Stammzellen beteiligt ist. Die Nukleobase wurde weiterhin mit der Entwicklung von Zellen und mit Karzinogenese in Verbindung gebracht. Momentan verdichten sich die Beweise, dass hmC nicht ausschließlich ein Intermediat eines aktiven Demethylierungsprozesses, sondern ein wichtiger epigenetischer Marker ist.
Synergistic effect of zinc oxide on the flame retardant and thermal properties of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene/poly(ethylene terephthalate)/ammonium polyphosphate systems
Authors: Zhao Guodong , Guo Qiao , Yi Jiangsong , Cai Xufu
Published: June 2011

The influence of micrometeric zinc oxide (micro‐ZnO) and nanostructured zinc oxide (nano‐ZnO) on the flammability and thermal properties of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/ammonium polyphosphate (APP) systems was investigated. When 1 wt % micro‐ZnO (or nano‐ZnO) was incorporated into the ABS/PET/APP systems, the best flame‐retardancy rating of V0 was achieved during UL94 tests, and the limiting oxygen index value was 31 (or 30). The thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the addition of zinc oxide (ZnO) improved the thermal stability and the yield of char residues of the ABS/PET/APP systems. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry showed that ZnO improved the efficiency of APP, and the char residues of the ABS/PET/APP + 2 wt % ZnO systems had higher phosphorus contents. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface of the char for ABS/PET/APP + 2 wt % micro‐ZnO (or nano‐ZnO) improved significantly with a cohesive and dense structure; however, that for ABS/PET/APP + 5 wt % micro‐ZnO (or nano‐ZnO) exhibited a looser char layer with bigger holes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Preparation and characterization of crosslinked carboxymethyl chitosan–oxidized sodium alginate hydrogels
Authors: Fan Li‐Hong , Pan Xiao‐Ran , Zhou Yue , Chen Ling‐Yun , Xie Wei‐Guo , Long Zhong‐Heng , Zheng Hua
Published: June 2011

Oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) was prepared through an oxidation reaction of sodium alginate in the presence of sodium periodate. In situ crosslinked hydrogels were obtained through the crosslinking reaction between the active aldehyde of OSA and the amino of the carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS). The effects of the addition of OSA on the structure and properties of the hydrogels are discussed. The structures of OSA, CMCS, and the hydrogels were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the morphology of the hydrogels was characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results from the gelation time test show that the hydrogels had the shortest gelation time of 6.3 s when the addition of OSA was 8 mL. The results from the swelling degree determination test showed that the hydrogel swelling degree first increased and then decreased with the addition of OSA. With the introduction of nanosilver, the hydrogels showed a degree of antibacterial performance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Dynamic mechanical and underwater acoustic properties of the polyurethane/epoxy resin blend elastomers filled with macroporous poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐triallyl isocyanurate) resin beads
Authors: Sun Weihong , Yan Xin , Zhu Xi
Published: June 2011

Macroporous poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐triallyl isocyanurate) resin beads were prepared by suspension polymerization and used as acoustic particles for polyurethane (PU)/epoxy resin (EP) intercrosslinked elastomer matrices. The influences of the beads on the dynamic mechanical and underwater acoustic properties of the matrices were investigated. The results show that the underwater acoustic absorption properties of the matrices were improved by the beads, and this depended on the amount of the beads, the composition ratios of PU to EP, the bead diameters, the matrix thickness, and the water temperature. A comparison of the matrix with a 70/30 composition ratio of PU to EP to one without the beads showed that the average acoustic absorption coefficient of the composite with 5% beads increased from 0.38 to 0.55, and the peak value increased from 0.42 to 0.65, but the composites with 10 and 15% of the beads had lower acoustic absorption coefficients at low frequency and a much higher acoustic absorption coefficient at high frequency. The results also indicate that the beads with smaller diameters had a better enhancing effect on the underwater acoustic properties of the matrices. The results of the dynamic mechanical measurements showed that the damping properties of the composites depended on the composition ratios of PU to EP. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Preparation of acrylated agarose‐based hydrogels and investigation of their application as fertilizing systems
Authors: Pourjavadi Ali , Sadat Afjeh Soofieh , Seidi Farzad , Salimi Hamid
Published: June 2011

In this study, we attempt to synthesize novel acrylated agarose (ACAG)‐based hydrogels with three different crosslinking densities. Acrylate groups were inserted onto agarose (AG) backbone through homogeneous reaction of acrylic monomers with AG backbone. Hydrogels were synthesized through radical copolymerization of a mixture of acrylic acid and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate with ACAG in aqueous solution using ammonium persulfate as an initiator. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was carried out to confirm the chemical structure of the hydrogel. Moreover, morphology of the samples was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. The equilibrium swelling capacities of synthesized hydrogels were evaluated in various conditions. The absorbency under load and dynamic swelling kinetics of the hydrogels were also studied. Finally, the hydrogels were loaded with potassium nitrate and their potential for controlled release of this salt was investigated by conductimetry. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Polymer electrolyte membrane with nanomatrix channel prepared by sulfonation of natural rubber grafted with polystyrene
Authors: Suksawad Patjaree , Kosugi Kenichiro , Yamamoto Yoshimasa , Akabori Keiichi , Kuroda Hirofumi , Kawahara Seiichi
Published: June 2011

High‐proton‐conductive polymer electrolyte with a nanomatrix channel was prepared by graft copolymerization of styrene onto deproteinized natural rubber followed by sulfonation with chlorosulfonic acid. First, natural rubber latex was purified with urea in the presence of surfactant to remove almost all proteins present in the rubber. Second, graft copolymerization of styrene onto deproteinized natural rubber was carried out with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide/tetraethylenepentamine as an initiator at 30°C in latex stage. The graft‐copolymerized natural rubber (DPNR‐graft‐PS) was sulfonated with chlorosulfonic acid in chloroform solution at an ambient temperature. The resulting sulfonated DPNR‐graft‐PS was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, solid state 13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. High proton conductivity of about 0.1 S/cm, less water uptake of 24 wt % and comparatively good stress at break of 9 MPa were accomplished at suitable contents of styrene units and sulfur, i.e., 32 wt % and 75 mol %, respectively. The high proton conductivity, excellent stability, and good mechanical properties were associated with not only the formation of the nanomatrix channel but also a specific concentration of sulfuric acid group. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.