bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L'économétrie des échanges touristiques de la France
Authors: Coulomb François
Published: March 2011

The econometrics of tourist trade, by François Coulomb.

The object of this work is to draw up a forecasting model of French tourism receipts and expenditure which will enable explaining and improving all the forecasts associated with foreign trade within the framework of macroeconomic forecasts.

It follows the previous study on "tourist trade in Oecd countries from 1960 to 1985" (1) which enabled situating the place and the performances of France in this field and demonstrating the impact of relative price movements on the tourist trade results of the various Oecd countries.

This new study opens by a brief presentation of the balance of payments "travel" line. The importance of tourism for the balance of foreign trade is recalled along with the main forces behind the good French performances.

In the second part, the nature and characteristics of the model chosen are described, after rapidly recalling some of the existing models. This quarterly model includes an expenditure equation and two receipts equations pointing to a fundamental distinction of the latter depending on whether they are expressed in dollars or not. In each of the three equation two explanatory variables appear, representing respectively "income effects" and "price effects". In this manner, the best interpretation is given of the distortions in the "Travel" line results deriving from the exchange modifications, and the classical modelizations of goods trade are generalized to tourist trade.

Annexe 1 , 2 and 3 provide as a complement all the results obtained for each of the equations.

JEL. 431
Les échanges touristiques des pays de l'Ocdé 1980-1985
Authors: Coulomb François , Domergue Philippe
Published: March 2011

Tourist trade in Oecd countries from 1960 to 1985, by François Coulomb, Philippe Domergue.

This study on international tourist trade concerns all the Oced countries during the past twenty-five years.

A global appraisal is made by analyzing balance of payment statistics. By examining the performances of these countries in recent years (1980-85) the main general characteristics are obtained: opposite the Mediterranean and Alpine countries whose tourist trade balance shows a great surplus, there are "tourism consumer" countries (North Europe and other Oecd countries in general). Study of long period tendencies then shows a great stability in the relative positions: there are nevertheless certain original evolutions, such as the breakthrough of the small méditerranéen countries the weakening of the Alpine countries, or else the improvement trend of the American performances.

In the second part of the study, attention is paid more specifically to analysis of the market shares held by the various countries, in a quite comparable manner to the classical study of international trade flows. The tourist trade market thus appears to be relatively open. None of the countries in competition benefit from an advantage protecting them from competition or ensuring a dominant position. Finally, the effect of relative prices on market shares is tested: despite the imperfections of the available statistics, the link observed appears to be globally satisfactory.

JEL 132
Evaluation of vascular trauma after tibial plateau levelling osteotomy with or without gauze protection
Authors: Samii V. , Horodyski M. B. , Pozzi A.
Published: March 2011

Objective: To evaluate the integrity of the cranial tibial artery after performing the tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) with or without soft tissue dissection and protection with gauze sponges.

Study design: Experimental cadaveric study.

Animals: Ten dogs weighing 28 to 35 kg.

Methods: Ten pairs of normal pelvic limbs were divided randomly into two groups in which a TPLO was performed with or without soft tissue protection with gauze sponges respectively. Angiography was used to evaluate the integrity of the cranial tibial artery after TPLO in each group. Contrast angiography was performed for each group: 1) before TPLO [Control] 2) after TPLO [Osteotomy] and 3) after intentional laceration of the cranial tibial artery [Arteriotomy]. A ‘yes or no’ was used to score contrast extravasation. The area of extravasated contrast was also calculated on the radiographs. A Mann-Whitney test and an ANOVA with repeated measures were completed to assess the score and the area, respectively, for each of the surgical treatments (Control, Osteotomy, and Arteriotomy) between the conditions of dissection with respect to the cranial tibial artery. A value of p <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The differences between the two groups (with and without protection) for scores and areas of leakage were not significant (p >0.05). However, significant differences were noted between Control and Arteriotomy (p <0.01) and Osteotomy and Arteriotomy (p <0.01), but not between Control and Osteotomy (p >0.05).

Conclusions and clinical relevance: A TPLO without protection of the cranial tibial artery can be performed without increased risk of arterial trauma.
Use of an axial pattern skin flap based on the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery in the dog
Authors: Collins J. E. , Bhandal J. , Degner D. A.
Published: March 2011

Objective: To report the use of an axial pattern flap based on the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery to close a skin defect left on the medial crus after mast cell tumour removal.

Case report: A seven-year-old, 32.41 kg, neutered male mixed-breed dog had a mast cell tumour incompletely excised from the left medial crus. The resulting 6 cm linear scar was excised with 2 cm wide margins and one fascial plane for deep margins. An axial pattern skin flap incorporating the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery was used to close the resultant skin defect.

Results: The histopathology report documented clean margins and the flap survived completely. A seroma developed postoperatively, however it resolved without treatment.

Clinical significance: An axial pattern skin flap based on the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery is a viable option for closing medial crus skin defects in the dog.
Development of new microsatellite markers from Mango (Mangifera indica) and cross‐species amplification
Authors: Ravishankar Kundapura Venkataramana , Mani Bellam Hanumantha‐Reddy , Anand Lalitha , Dinesh Makki Ramachandra
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized to assess the genetic diversity among mango (Mangifera indica) cultivars and to test their amplification in closely related species.

• Methods and Results: Thirty‐six microsatellite (simple sequence repeats; SSR) loci were isolated by a microsatellite‐enriched partial genomic library method. Primers designed for these loci were characterized using 30 diverse mango cultivars. The number of alleles ranged from 3 to 19 with an average of 9.2 alleles per locus. Polymorphic information content values ranged from 0.185 to 0.920 with a mean of 0.687. The total value for the probability of identity was 2.42 × 10−31.

• Conclusions: The newly identified SSRs would be useful in genetic diversity studies, finger‐printing, and mapping. Loci from five related species, M. odorata, M. anadamanica, M. zeylanica, M. camptosperma, and M. griffithii, were successfully amplified using these SSR primers, showing their potential utility across species.
Leaf abscission in Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) is due to loss of highly de‐esterified homogalacturonans in the middle lamellae
Authors: Bowling Andrew J. , Vaughn Kevin C.
Published: March 2011

• Premise of study: Abscission zones (AZ) are sites where leaves and other organs are shed. Investigating the AZ by classical biochemical techniques is difficult due to its small size and because the surrounding tissue is not involved in abscission. The goals of this study were to determine whether AZ cell walls are chemically unique from the other cells of the petiole, perhaps making them more susceptible to enzymatic degradation during abscission and to identify which cell wall polysaccharides are degraded during abscission.

• Methods: A battery of antibodies that recognize a large number of cell wall polysaccharide and glycoprotein epitopes was used to probe sections of the Impatiens leaf AZ at several time points in the abscission process.

• Key results: Prior to abscission, the walls of the AZ cells were found to be similar in composition to the walls of the cells both proximal and distal to the AZ. Of all the epitopes monitored, only the highly de‐esterified homogalacturonans (HG) of the middle lamellae were found to be reduced post‐abscission and only at the plane of separation. More highly esterified homogalacturonans, as well as other pectin and xyloglucan epitopes were not affected. Furthermore, cellulose, as detected by an endoglucanase‐gold probe and cellulose‐binding module staining, was unaffected, even on the walls of the cells facing the separation site.

• Conclusions: In the leaf abscission zone of Impatiens, wall alterations during abscission are strictly limited to the plane of separation and involve only the loss of highly de‐esterified pectins from the middle lamellae.
Microsatellite markers in the Australian desert plant, Solanum centrale (Solanaceae)
Authors: Waycott Michelle , Jones Brendan L. , Van Dijk Jent Kornelis , Robson Heather L. A. , Calladine Ainsley
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: The first microsatellite primers were developed for Solanum centrale, a native Australian species used in the bush foods industry. Existing markers developed for other Solanum species were also amplified.

• Methods and Results: Using an enrichment cloning protocol, seven novel markers were developed, and 48 existing markers from other Solanum species were tested, resulting in the characterization of a set of six highly polymorphic co‐dominant loci for use in S. centrale. Microsatellite screening revealed polyploidy. Among the six highly polymorphic loci, allelic diversity ranged from 7 to 14.

• Conclusions: These markers will be useful for investigating genetic diversity and as a simple way of estimating ploidy of wild populations.
Ulmus americana (Ulmaceae) is a polyploid complex
Authors: Whittemore Alan T. , Olsen Richard T.
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Exotic diseases are threatening many North American tree species, and management of diseases requires understanding the biology of the host as well as the pathogen. Ulmus americana is a widespread dominant tree of eastern North America that has been widely planted as an ornamental and shade tree. Populations of the species have suffered heavy mortality from Dutch elm disease, caused by an introduced fungus. Ulmus americana is generally reported to be tetraploid, but the discovery of triploid trees in cultivation suggested that lower ploidy levels may exist in the wild, so the species was surveyed for nuclear DNA content.

• Methods: Ploidy level was estimated by flow cytometry for 81 individuals from wild populations of U. americana from throughout the range of the species and for four cultivated trees of interest.

• Key results: Most specimens were tetraploid, as previously reported for the species, but 21% of the wild trees sampled were diploid, a ploidy level not previously confirmed for the species. Tetraploids are found throughout the range of the species. Diploids are most common on the Atlantic coastal plain, Cumberland Plateau, and in southern Ohio, but isolated diploids were also found in central Texas, Oklahoma, and eastern Missouri. Diploids and tetraploids grew in proximity in several areas, but no wild triploids were found in the course of this survey.

• Conclusions: The species is genetically heterogeneous, but further research is needed to understand the origin and relations of the different ploidy levels. Understanding the ploidy situation in U. americana will be important in the search for further genotypes that are resistant to Dutch elm disease.
Isolation and characterization of 15 microsatellite markers from the spring orchid (Cymbidium goeringii) (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Huang Jia‐Lin , Zeng Chun‐Xia , Li Hong‐Tao , Yang Jun‐Bo
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the important and popular ornamental spring orchid, Cymbidium goeringii, to investigate its genetic diversity and population genetic structure.

• Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing (FIASCO) repeats protocol, 15 primer sets were identified in two wild populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 5, with a mean of 3.3. The observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.167 to 0.917 and from 0.159 to 0.822, respectively. All these primers successfully amplified in the congener C. tortisepalum, and 12 primers were found useful in C. faberi and C. sinense.

• Conclusions: These markers will facilitate further studies on the population genetics of Cymbidium goeringii and other congeneric species.
Pre-Existing Albuminuria Predicts Aids and Non-Aids Mortality in Women Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Wyatt Christina M , Hoover Donald R , Shi Qiuhu , Tien Phyllis C , Karim Roksana , Cohen Mardge H , Goderre Johanna L , Seaberg Eric C , Lazar Jason , Young Mary A , Klotman Paul E , Anastos Kathryn
Published: March 2011

Background

We previously reported an increased risk of all-cause and AIDS mortality among HIV-infected women with albuminuria (proteinuria or microalbuminuria) enrolled in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) prior to the introduction of HAART.

Methods

The current analysis includes 1,073 WIHS participants who subsequently initiated HAART. Urinalysis for proteinuria and semi-quantitative testing for microalbuminuria from two consecutive study visits prior to HAART initiation were categorized as follows: confirmed proteinuria (both specimens positive for protein), confirmed microalbuminuria (both specimens positive with at least one microalbuminuria), unconfirmed albuminuria (one specimen positive for proteinuria or microalbuminuria), or negative (both specimens negative). Time from HAART initiation to death was modelled using proportional hazards analysis.

Results

Compared with the reference group of women with two negative specimens, the hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was significantly increased for women with confirmed microalbuminuria (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.9). Confirmed microalbuminuria was also independently associated with AIDS death (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4.3), whereas women with confirmed proteinuria were at increased risk for non-AIDS death (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.6).

Conclusions

In women initiating HAART, pre-existing microalbuminuria independently predicted increased AIDS mortality, whereas pre-existing proteinuria predicted increased risk of non-AIDS death. Urine testing may identify HIV-infected individuals at increased risk for mortality even after the initiation of HAART. Future studies should consider whether these widely available tests can identify individuals who would benefit from more aggressive management of HIV infection and comorbid conditions associated with mortality in this population.
Evidence of a Significant Role for Fas-Mediated Apoptosis in HCV Clearance during Pegylated Interferon plus Ribavirin Combination Therapy
Authors: Schiavon Leonardo L , Narciso-Schiavon Janaína L , Carvalho-Filho Roberto J , Sampaio Juliana P , Batah Philipe N El , Silva Genimari A , Carvente Cláudia T , Silva Antonio Eduardo B , Ferraz Maria Lucia G
Published: March 2011

Background

The role of apoptosis in treatment-induced HCV clearance is controversial. We sought to assess the kinetics of serum apoptosis-related cytokines during pegylated interferon-α2a or -α2b plus weight-based ribavirin therapy for genotype 1 chronic HCV infection.

Methods

Serum levels of soluble Fas (sFas), soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) and soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor I (sTNF-RI) were measured at baseline, week 12 and 24 weeks after the end of therapy.

Results

Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 46% of the 164 included patients, 29% had a non-response (NR) and 25% had relapse (RR). NR patients presented with higher levels of sFasL at baseline and lower levels of sTNF-RI at week 12 as compared to RR and SVR patients. Lower concentrations of sFas were observed in SVR patients 24 weeks after treatment as compared to RR and NR patients. An increase in sFas at week 12 followed by a significant drop 24 weeks after therapy was observed among SVR patients. An increase in sFasL during and after treatment was observed in RR and SVR patients. NR patients exhibited an earlier drop in sTNF-RI levels as compared to RR and SVR patients.

Conclusions

Virological response during HCV therapy was associated with an increase of sFas and sFasL, and maintenance of increased concentrations of sTNF-RI.
Rehabilitation Treatment in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Stabilized with Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Therapy. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: MASIERO STEFANO , BONALDO LARA , PIGATTO MAURIZIA , LO NIGRO ALESSANDRO , RAMONDA ROBERTA , PUNZI LEONARDO
Published: April 2011

Objective.

To assess the 2- (T1) and 6-month (T2) followup effects on pain, spine mobility, physical function, and disability outcome of a rehabilitation intervention in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) stabilized with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor therapy.

Methods.

Sixty-two outpatients (49 men, 13 women, mean age 47.5 ± 10.6 yrs) were randomized to rehabilitation plus an educational-behavioral (n = 20) program, to an educational-behavioral program only (n = 20), or to a control group (n = 22). The educational-behavioral program included 2 educational meetings and 12 rehabilitation exercise sessions (stretching, strengthening, chest and spine/hip joint flexibility exercises), which patients then performed at home. Outcome assessment at the end of rehabilitation training (T1) and at T2 was based on spinal pain intensity in the previous 4 weeks by self-report visual analog scale (VAS; 100 mm: 0 = no pain, 100 = maximum pain), BASMI, BASFI, BASDAI, and on chest expansion and the active range of motion of the cervical and lumbar spine measured by a pocket goniometer.

Results.

The 3 groups were comparable at baseline. On intragroup comparison at T1, the rehabilitation group showed significant improvement in the BASMI and BASDAI, in chest expansion, and in most spinal active range of motion measurements. BASFI and cervical and lumbar VAS scores improved in both the rehabilitation and educational-behavioral groups. The positive results achieved in the rehabilitation group were maintained at the 6-month followup.

Conclusion.

Combining intensive group exercise with an educational-behavioral program can provide promising results in the management of patients with clinically stabilized AS on TNF inhibitor treatment.
A Comparison Between IgG- and IgA-class Antibodies to Cyclic Citrullinated Peptides and to Modified Citrullinated Vimentin in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis and Very Early Arthritis
Authors: SVÄRD ANNA , KASTBOM ALF , SÖDERLIN MARIA K. , RECKNER-OLSSON ÅSA , SKOGH THOMAS
Published: April 2011

Objective.

Because of their slightly higher sensitivity, it has been argued that antibodies to modified citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) are superior to antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP), while others claim that anti-CCP is preferable because of higher diagnostic specificity for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated IgG- and IgA-class anti-MCV and anti-CCP as diagnostic and prognostic markers in early arthritis.

Methods.

Two Swedish arthritis populations were examined: 215 patients with early RA (≤ 12 months’ duration) from the Swedish TIRA-1 cohort, and 69 patients with very early arthritis (≤ 3 months’ duration) from the Kronoberg Arthritis Incidence cohort, in which 22% were diagnosed with RA. IgG anti-CCP and anti-MCV antibodies were analyzed with commercial kits. These tests were modified for IgA-class antibody detection. Results were related to disease course, smoking habits, and shared epitope status.

Results.

In the TIRA-1 cohort, occurrence of IgG anti-MCV and IgG anti-CCP showed a 93% overlap, although IgG anti-MCV had higher diagnostic sensitivity. Twenty-four percent tested positive for IgA anti-MCV compared to 29% for IgA anti-CCP. In the Kronoberg Arthritis Incidence cohort, 15% tested positive for IgG anti-MCV and 6% for IgA anti-MCV, compared to 10% positive for IgG anti-CCP and 3% positive for IgA anti-CCP, revealing that anti-CCP had higher diagnostic specificity for RA. As previously reported for IgA anti-CCP, IgA anti-MCV antibodies occurred in a small proportion of high-level IgG antibody-positive sera and were associated with a more aggressive disease course. Smokers were more often positive for antibodies to citrullinated proteins, most strikingly among the patients who were IgA anti-MCV-positive.

Conclusion.

The occurrences of IgG-class anti-MCV and anti-CCP in early RA largely overlap. The sensitivity of anti-MCV is slightly higher, while the diagnostic specificity is higher for anti-CCP. In both instances a positive test predicts an unfavorable disease course, possibly slightly more so for anti-MCV. Although associated with a more active disease over time, IgA-class anti-CCP or anti-MCV do not add any diagnostic advantage.
Les effets insoupçonnés de la microfinance
Authors: Guérin Isabelle
Published: March 2011

Résumé Fondé sur plusieurs années de recherche en Inde du Sud, cet article montre que les effets de la microfinance sont avant tout de nature politique. À un niveau macro, la microfinance indienne est largement promue par les autorités publiques pour deux raisons principales. Elle permet à la fois de respecter les préceptes néolibéraux tout en étant un outil populiste au service des partis au pouvoir ou de ceux qui y prétendent. Au niveau des territoires, on observe qu’un certain nombre de réseaux et d’associations diverses et variées (de nature politique, religieuse, communautaire) s’emparent de la microfinance pour renforcer leur contrôle sur les populations locales. Enfin à un niveau micro-local, celui des « bénéficiaires », la microfinance participe à l’émergence ou au renforcement de trajectoires politiques locales, y compris chez les femmes et y compris dans les catégories les plus marginalisées comme les basses castes. Mais cette émergence de femmes leaders ne conduit à aucune forme de mobilisation collective : elle contribue principalement à renforcer les systèmes de patronage et de clientélisme locaux.
Des femmes dans la 2 e division blindée du général Leclerc
Authors: Jauneau Élodie
Published: March 2011

Résumé En 1943 à New York, Florence Conrad, une riche américaine soutenue par de puissantes ligues féministes, acquiert plusieurs ambulances plus tard baptisées « Groupe Rochambeau ». Son but est de constituer une unité de conductrices ambulancières et de rallier la France Libre en Afrique du Nord. Après un recrutement de volontaires à New York et au Maroc, l’unité est engagée dans la 2 e Division Blindée du général Leclerc. L’itinéraire des ces femmes en territoire masculin, faisant fi des lois du genre, s’étend sur quatre continents au rythme de la Libération de la France et de la guerre d’Indochine. Cet article propose de mettre en lumière ces pionnières de la féminisation de l’Armée Française. Enrôlées dans une unité de combat, actrices de la Libération, soldates en Indochine, ces femmes, bien que sans armes, n’en sont pas moins des soldates de la première heure. Aux lendemains de ces deux conflits, la question du devenir de ces femmes et de la mémoire de la « patrie reconnaissante » illustre les difficultés que la France a à incorporer dans les rangs de ses héros des héroïnes.
Reproductive biology of Neorossia caroli (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) in the Aegean Sea
Authors: Salman Alp
Published: March 2011

A total of 171 specimens of Neorossia caroli were collected by monthly sampling using a bottom trawl with 44-mm mesh size. The depth range of trawls varied between 150 and 550 m. The maximum size (dorsal mantle length, ML) was 41 mm for males and 50 mm for females. Seasonal gonadal stages of both sexes were examined using a gonadosomatic index. It has been observed that the pattern of ovulation of N. caroli is asynchronous and that spawning is continuous. The potential fecundity of females ranged between 317 and 685 oocytes (mean 548). As for males, the number of spermatophores per individual varied between 50 and 71 (mean 61). The smallest female with mature oocytes in the oviduct was 36 mm ML, while the smallest mature male with spermatophores was 20 mm ML. A peak in maturity was observed between July and September. Females appeared to reach larger sizes than males.
Que cache l’univers interactif des expositions pour le jeune public ?
Authors: Gasc Cécile
Published: April 2011

À partir d’une analyse du processus communicationnel des manipulations proposées dans les expositions à destination du jeune public, l’auteur reconsidère les dispositifs muséographiques à caractères ludiques et interactifs en montrant notamment leur caractère complexe et hétérogène ainsi que les différents degrés de difficultés qu’ils présentent.
Théâtre de science ou science du théâtre ?
Authors: Aboudarham Norbert
Published: April 2011

Homme de théâtre et physicien, l’auteur porte un regard sans complaisance sur les rapports entre le théâtre et la science en plaidant pour un décloisonnement des pratiques dans ce domaine et en démontrant à travers son expérience qu’un théâtre qui parle de science peut et doit avant tout valoriser le public en le respectant.
The Novel Neutrophil Differentiation Marker Phosphatidylglucoside Mediates Neutrophil Apoptosis
Authors: Kina Katsunari , Masuda Hiromi , Nakayama Hitoshi , Nagatsuka Yasuko , Nabetani Takuji , Hirabayashi Yoshio , Takahashi Yasue , Shimada Kazunori , Daida Hiroyuki , Ogawa Hideoki , Takamori Kenji , Iwabuchi Kazuhisa
Published: March 2011

A new type of glycolipid, phosphatidylglucoside (PtdGlc), was identified as a component of raft-like membrane domains of the human leukemia cell line HL-60. In this study, we show that PtdGlc forms functional domains that are different from those produced by lactosylceramide (LacCer)-enriched lipid rafts. These rafts initiate neutrophil apoptosis. Neutrophils are the only type of human peripheral blood leukocyte or monocyte-derived dendritic cell to express large amounts of PtdGlc on their cell surfaces. PtdGlc was not colocalized with LacCer. Anti-PtdGlc IgM DIM21 did not induce neutrophil chemotaxis or superoxide generation, whereas anti-LacCer IgM T5A7 induced these activities. DIM21, but not T5A7, significantly induced neutrophil apoptosis. DIM21-induced apoptosis was inhibited by specific inhibitors of cysteine-containing aspartate-specific proteases (caspases)-8, -9, and -3 but not by the Src family kinase inhibitor PP1, PIP3 kinase inhibitor LY294002, NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium, superoxide dismutase, or catalase. PtdGlc was colocalized with Fas on the neutrophil plasma membrane. DIM21 and the agonist anti-Fas Ab DX2 induced the formation of large Fas-colocalized clusters of PtdGlc on the plasma membrane. Furthermore, the antagonistic anti-Fas Ab ZB4 significantly inhibited DIM21-induced neutrophil apoptosis. These results suggest that PtdGlc is specifically expressed on neutrophils and mediates apoptosis of these cells, and that the Fas-associated death signal may be involved in PtdGlc-mediated apoptosis.
CD1d and CD1c Expression in Human B Cells Is Regulated by Activation and Retinoic Acid Receptor Signaling
Authors: Allan Lenka L. , Stax Annelein M. , Zheng Dong-Jun , Chung Brian K. , Kozak Fred K. , Tan Rusung , van den Elzen Peter
Published: March 2011

B cell activation and Ab production in response to protein Ags requires presentation of peptides for recruitment of T cell help. We and others have recently demonstrated that B cells can also acquire innate help by presenting lipid Ags via CD1d to NKT cells. Given the newfound contribution of NKT cells to humoral immunity, we sought to identify the pathways that regulate CD1 molecule expression in human B cells. We show that ex vivo, activated and memory B cells expressed lower levels of CD1d compared with resting, naive, and marginal zone-like B cells. In vitro, CD1d was downregulated by all forms of B cell activation, leaving a narrow temporal window in which B cells could activate NKT cells. CD1c expression and function also decreased following activation by CD40L alone, whereas activation via the BCR significantly upregulated CD1c, particularly on marginal zone-like B cells. We found that the CD40L-induced downreglation of CD1d and CD1c correlated with diminished expression of retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) response genes, an effect that was reversed by RARα agonists. However, BCR-induced upregulation of CD1c was independent of the RAR pathway. Our findings that both CD1d and CD1c are upregulated by RARα signaling in human B cells is distinct from effects reported in dendritic cells, in which CD1c is inversely downregulated. One functional consequence of CD1d upregulation by retinoic acid was NKT cell cytotoxicity toward B cells. These results are central to our understanding of how CD1-restricted T cells may control humoral immunity.
Bcl-2 Allows Effector and Memory CD8+ T Cells To Tolerate Higher Expression of Bim
Authors: Kurtulus Sema , Tripathi Pulak , Moreno-Fernandez Maria E. , Sholl Allyson , Katz Jonathan D. , Grimes H. Leighton , Hildeman David A.
Published: March 2011

As acute infections resolve, most effector CD8+ T cells die, whereas some persist and become memory T cells. Recent work showed that subsets of effector CD8+ T cells, identified by reciprocal expression of killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1) and CD127, have different lifespans. Similar to previous reports, we found that effector CD8+ T cells reported to have a longer lifespan (i.e., KLRG1lowCD127high) have increased levels of Bcl-2 compared with their shorter-lived KLRG1highCD127low counterparts. Surprisingly, we found that these effector KLRG1lowCD127high CD8+ T cells also had increased levels of Bim compared with KLRG1highCD127low cells. Similar effects were observed in memory cells, in which CD8+ central memory T cells expressed higher levels of Bim and Bcl-2 than did CD8+ effector memory T cells. Using both pharmacologic and genetic approaches, we found that survival of both subsets of effector and memory CD8+ T cells required Bcl-2 to combat the proapoptotic activity of Bim. Interestingly, inhibition or absence of Bcl-2 led to significantly decreased expression of Bim in surviving effector and memory T cells. In addition, manipulation of Bcl-2 levels by IL-7 or IL-15 also affected expression of Bim in effector CD8+ T cells. Finally, we found that Bim levels were significantly increased in effector CD8+ T cells lacking Bax and Bak. Together, these data indicate that cells having the highest levels of Bim are selected against during contraction of the response and that Bcl-2 determines the level of Bim that effector and memory T cells can tolerate.
Bisphosphonates and Atypical Fractures of Femur
Authors: Yli-Kyyny Tero
Published: March 2011

Bisphosphonates are the most widely prescribed medicines for the treatment of osteoporosis and have generally been regarded as well-tolerated and safe drugs. Since 2005, there have been numerous case reports about atypical fractures of the femur linked to long-term treatment of osteoporosis with bisphosphonates. Some attempts to characterize pathophysiology and epidemiology of these fractures have been published as well. However, as the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) concluded in their task force report, the subject warrants further studies.
Sonographic Upper Gastrointestinal Series in the Vomiting Infant: How We Do It
Authors: Herliczek Thaddeus W , Raghavan Deepak , McCarten Kathleen , Wallach Michael
Published: March 2011

Sonography (ultrasound) is used routinely to assess an infant with nonbilious projectile emesis. Fluoroscopic upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series has been the standard method to evaluate infants with bilious emesis. We use sonographic UGI routinely to assess infants with nonbilious emesis as well as infants with bilious emesis. This essay illustrates our technique, the results obtained using this technique for normal anatomy, and the commonly encountered pathology.
Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Early Diagnosis of Neonatal Adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Sener R Nuri , Atalar Mehmet H
Published: March 2011

A newborn baby girl developed seizures right after birth. On the fourth day, the baby was examined using diffusion sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diagnosed to have neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy. Laboratory findings confirmed the diagnosis. This is the first case of neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy (NALD) where diffusion MRI sequence helped in the diagnosis. We find association of NALD with seizures at birth is an extremely rare occurrence, and so far, only one case has been mentioned in the literature.
Safety, Efficacy, and Patient Acceptability of the Copper T-380A Intrauterine Contraceptive Device
Authors: Nelson Anita L.
Published: March 2011

The ParaGard Copper T 380A intrauterine device (CuT380A) provides reversible contraception that is as effective as sterilization for up to 20 years. The CuT380A is a mainstream, first-line contraceptive option for most healthy women, including nulligravid women, as well as many women who have serious medical problems. Because it is the most cost-effective method of birth control, the CuT380A is the preferred IUD, except for women who desire lighter or no menstrual blood loss. Surveys reveal that 95% of US CuT380A users are “very” or “somewhat” satisfied with their method. This article describes current candidates for IUD use, discusses the mechanisms of action of the CuT380A, provides guidance to reduce barriers to IUD access, suggests counseling points for patients, and outlines techniques to reduce the risks and side effects that can be associated with use of the CuT380A.
Stereochemical Basis for a Unified Structure Activity Theory of Aromatic and Heterocyclic Rings in Selected Opioids and Opioid Peptides
Authors: Goldberg Joel S.
Published: March 2011

This paper presents a novel unified theory of the structure activity relationship of opioids and opioid peptides. It is hypothesized that a virtual or known heterocyclic ring exists in all opioids which have activity in humans, and this ring occupies relative to the aromatic ring of the drug, approximately the same plane in space as the piperidine ring of morphine. Since the rings of morphine are rigid, and the aromatic and piperidine rings are critical structural components for morphine's analgesic properties, the rigid morphine molecule allows for approximations of the aromatic and heterocyclic relationships in subsequent drug models where bond rotations are common. This hypothesis and five propositions are supported by stereochemistry and experimental observations.

Proposition #1 The structure of morphine provides a template. Proposition #2 Steric hindrance of some centric portion of the piperidine ring explains antagonist properties of naloxone, naltrexone and alvimopam. Proposition #3 Methadone has an active conformation which contains a virtual heterocyclic ring which explains its analgesic activity and racemic properties. Proposition #4 The piperidine ring of fentanyl can assume the morphine position under conditions of nitrogen inversion. Proposition #5 The first 3 amino acid sequences of beta endorphin (l-try-gly-gly) and the active opioid dipeptide, l-tyr-pro, (as a result of a peptide turn and zwitterion bonding) form a virtual piperazine-like ring which is similar in size, shape and location to the heterocyclic rings of morphine, meperidine, and methadone. Potential flaws in this theory are discussed.

This theory could be important for future analgesic drug design.
Article Commentary: Regulation of Protein Function by Residue Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Xing-Hai
Published: March 2011

A majority of extant life forms require O2 to survive and thrive. Oxidation is inevitably one of the most active cellular processes and one constant challenge that living organisms must face. Generation of oxidants including reactive oxygen species is a natural consequence of cellular metabolism of all biological systems during normal life cycle under different environments. These oxidants oxidize many biological macromolecules such as proteins and affect their functions. Oxidation of specific amino acids in proteins may cause damage to protein structure and impair function, or may also activate protein activities and promote cellular metabolism. As an example, the reversible oxidation of cysteine and methionine residues has a profound impact on protein function and cellular process. A recent study that examines the effect of Met oxidation on Ser phosphorylation in a mitochondrial enzyme, pyruvate dehydrogenase, provides another demonstration that protein oxidation is an important regulatory mechanism for organisms to deal with developmental and environmental challenges throughout life processes.
Increased Serum Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase in Individuals with Anxiety
Authors: Russo A.J.
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to assess serum Cu/Zn SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) concentration in individuals with anxiety disorder. Serum from 16 individuals diagnosed with anxiety (no secondary depression) and 18 age and gender matched controls were tested for Cu/Zn SOD serum concentration using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs). Serum Cu/Zn SOD levels of anxiety individuals were significantly higher than age and gender matched controls. These results suggest an association between Cu/Zn SOD serum levels and Anxiety Disorder.
Brief Alcohol Intervention among At-Risk Drinkers with Diabetes
Authors: Ramsey Susan E. , Engler Patricia A. , Harrington Magdalena , Smith Robert J. , Fagan Mark J. , Stein Michael D. , Friedmann Peter
Published: March 2011

Twenty-eight patients with diabetes who screened positive for at-risk drinking were assigned to brief alcohol intervention (BAI) (n = 14) or standard care (SC) (n = 14) treatment conditions. All participants completed a baseline interview and one-, three, and six-month follow-up interviews. Across the six-month follow-up period, there was a significantly greater reduction in quantity of alcohol consumed in the BAI group. At the six-month follow-up, the BAI group had a greater reduction in quantity of alcohol consumed, percentage of heavy drinking days, and frequency of drinking. Reductions in alcohol use were associated with improved adherence in certain components of diabetes self-care behavior. The results of this study suggest that brief alcohol interventions are efficacious in reducing alcohol use among at-risk drinkers with diabetes and that reductions in alcohol use may result in some improvements in adherence to diabetes self-care behavior.
Imagery Scripts and a Computerized Subtraction Stress Task Both Induce Stress in Methamphetamine Users: A Controlled Laboratory Study
Authors: Garrison Kathleen J. , Coyle Jeremy R. , Baggott Matthew J. , Mendelson John , Galloway Gantt P.
Published: March 2011

Patients treated for methamphetamine (MA) dependence have a high rate of relapse, and stress is thought to play a key role. We sought to develop a computerized procedure for experimentally inducing stress in MA users. In a within-subjects design, we compared a computerized subtraction stress task (SST) to personalized stress-imagery scripts and a control condition (neutral imagery) in 9 former MA users, recruited in San Francisco in 2006–2007. We assessed blood hormone levels, anxiety and craving for MA on visual analog scales, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and made linear mixed-effects models to analyze the results. Both the SST and stress scripts were effective in inducing self-report markers of stress in MA users. Because the SST is easily reproducible and requires less time of staff and participants, it may be a useful alternative for measuring stress reactivity in drug users.
Network Robustness Due to Multiple Positive Feedback Loops: A Systematic Study of a Th Cell Differentiation Model
Authors: Gong Yunchen , Zhang Zhaolei
Published: March 2011

Positive feedback loops have been identified in many biological signal transduction systems. Their importance in a system's bistability has been well established by identifying multiple steady states of a network under different parameters. In this paper, we identify the contribution of positive feedback loops to network robustness by a systematic comparison between network structures and responses to perturbations at a pre-steady state. Our study is based on a T helper (Th) cell differentiation model in which positive feedback loops give rise to a subnet robustness against both positive and negative perturbations from outside the subnet. Although it is unclear whether this pre-steady state exists in vivo, the results from in silico modeling are in agreement with the reported in vivo observations. Being highly heterogeneous and rarely at a steady state, the disease cells, such as cancer cells, may gain potential resistances to certain drugs in a similar way. From the reverse engineering point of view, our results confirm that, while data from perturbation experiments are very effective in identifying causal relationships among the network components, caution should be taken, as in some circumstances, a direct interaction could be invisible due to positive feedback loops.
Tobacco, Genetic Susceptibility and Lung cancer
Authors: Ankathil Ravindran
Published: March 2011

Exposure to tobacco smoke is an established risk factor for lung cancer, although a possible role for genetic susceptibility in the development of lung cancer has been inferred from familial clustering of the disease and segregation analysis. Findings of familial aggregation and statistical evidence for a major susceptibility gene have led to the search for high penetrant, rare, single genes and low penetrant, high frequency susceptibility genes for lung cancer. The relatively small number of linkage studies conducted to date, have identified potential lung cancer susceptibility loci on chromosomes 6q, 12p, and 19q. A variety of studies have examined single nucleotide polymorphisms of several low penetrant, high frequency genes encoding for enzymes involved in the metabolism of carcinogens and DNA damage repair, as likely candidate susceptibility genes. These studies have produced somewhat conflicting findings and, when significant, only modest associations have been reported. Relatively few studies have looked for potential gene-environment interactions, explored associations between two or more genetic polymorphisms or evaluated interactions between genetic polymorphisms and endogenous risk factors. Few large scale genome wide association studies conducted recently have provided evidence that common variation on chromosome 15q25.1, 5p15.33 and 6p21.33 influences lung cancer risk and cancer types with strong environmental risk factors. It is hoped that newer research strategies, selecting candidate genes within pathways and genotype at multiple markers within a gene, employing new technologies, may allow complete coverage of the variation within candidate genes in multiple pathways and to unravel the genetic susceptibility to lung cancer. This knowledge could, in turn, be used to identify persons at risk, to individualize treatments such as chemoprevention, to personalize harms of smoking and to motivate cessation.
A Characterization of Bergman Spaces on the Unit Ball of ℂn. II
Authors: Li Songxiao , Wulan Hasi , Zhu Kehe
Published: March 2011

It has been shown that a holomorphic function f in the unit ball of ℂn belongs to the weighted Bergman space , p > n + 1 + α, if and only if the function | f(z) – f(w)|/|1 – 〈z, w〉| is in Lp( × , dvβ × dvβ), where β = (p + α – n – 1)/2 and dvβ(z) = (1 – |z|2)βdv(z). In this paper we consider the range 0 < p < n + 1 + α and show that in this case, f ∈ (i) if and only if the function | f(z) – f(w)|/|1 – hz, wi| is in Lp( × , dvα × dvα), (ii) if and only if the function | f(z)– f(w)|/|z–w| is in Lp( × , dvα × dvα). We think the revealed difference in the weights for the double integrals between the cases 0 < p < n + 1 + α and p > n + 1 + α is particularly interesting.
Projectively Flat Fourth Root Finsler Metrics
Authors: Li Benling , Shen Zhongmin
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we study locally projectively flat fourth root Finsler metrics and their generalized metrics. We prove that if they are irreducible, then they must be locally Minkowskian.
Photochemical processing of organic aerosol at nearby continental sites: contrast between urban plumes and regional aerosol
Authors: Slowik J. G. , Brook J. , Chang R. Y.-W. , Evans G. J. , Hayden K. , Jeong C.-H. , Li S.-M. , Liggio J. , Liu P. S. K. , McGuire M. , Mihele C. , Sjostedt S. , Vlasenko A. , Abbatt J. P. D.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. As part of the BAQS-Met 2007 field campaign, Aerodyne time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometers (ToF-AMS) were deployed at two sites in southwestern Ontario from 17 June to 11 July 2007. One instrument was located at Harrow, ON, a rural, agriculture-dominated area approximately 40 km southeast of the Detroit/Windsor/Windsor urban area and 5 km north of Lake Erie. The second instrument was located at Bear Creek, ON, a rural site approximately 70 km northeast of the Harrow site and 50 km east of Detroit/Windsor. Positive matrix factorization analysis of the combined organic mass spectral dataset yields factors related to secondary organic aerosol (SOA), direct emissions, and a factor tentatively attributed to the reactive uptake of isoprene and/or condensation of its early generation reaction products. This is the first application of PMF to simultaneous AMS measurements at different sites, an approach which allows for self-consistent, direct comparison of the datasets. Case studies are utilized to investigate processing of SOA from (1) fresh emissions from Detroit/Windsor and (2) regional aerosol during periods of inter-site flow. A strong correlation is observed between SOA/excess CO and photochemical age as represented by the NOx/NOy ratio for Detroit/Windsor outflow. Although this correlation is not evident for more aged air, measurements at the two sites during inter-site transport nevertheless show evidence of continued atmospheric processing by SOA production. However, the rate of SOA production decreases with airmass age from an initial value of ~10.1 μg m−3 ppmvCO−1 h−1 for the first ~10 h of plume processing to near-zero in an aged airmass (i.e. after several days). The initial SOA production rate is comparable to the observed rate in Mexico City over similar timescales.
The effect of H2SO4 – amine clustering on chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) measurements of gas-phase sulfuric acid
Authors: Kurtén T. , Petäjä T. , Smith J. , Ortega I. K. , Sipilä M. , Junninen H. , Ehn M. , Vehkamäki H. , Mauldin L. , Worsnop D. R. , Kulmala M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The state-of-the art method for measuring atmospheric gas-phase sulfuric acid is chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) based on nitrate reagent ions. We have assessed the possible effect of the sulfuric acid molecules clustering with base molecules on CIMS measurements using computational chemistry. From the computational data, three conclusions can be drawn. First, a significant fraction of the gas-phase sulfuric acid molecules are very likely clustered with amines if the amine concentration is around or above a few ppt. Second, some fraction of these acid-amine clusters may not be charged by the CIMS instrument, though the most reliable computational methods employed predict this fraction to be small; on the order of ten percent or less. Third, the amine molecules will evaporate practically immediately after charging, thus evading detection. These effects may need to be taken into account in the interpretation of atmospheric measurement data obtained using chemical ionization methods. The purpose of this study is not to criticize the CIMS method, but to help understand the implications of the measured results.