bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells: Rational for Use as a Neuroprotectant in Ischemic Brain Disease
Authors: Arien-Zakay Hadar , Lecht Shimon , Nagler Arnon , Lazarovici Philip
Published: September 2010

The use of stem cells for reparative medicine was first proposed more than three decades ago. Hematopoietic stem cells from bone marrow, peripheral blood and human umbilical cord blood (CB) have gained major use for treatment of hematological indications. CB, however, is also a source of cells capable of differentiating into various non-hematopoietic cell types, including neural cells. Several animal model reports have shown that CB cells may be used for treatment of neurological injuries. This review summarizes the information available on the origin of CB-derived neuronal cells and the mechanisms proposed to explain their action. The potential use of stem/progenitor cells for treatment of ischemic brain injuries is discussed. Issues that remain to be resolved at the present stage of preclinical trials are addressed.
Fabrication of Chitosan/Silk Fibroin Composite Nanofibers for Wound-dressing Applications
Authors: Cai Zeng-xiao , Mo Xiu-mei , Zhang Kui-hua , Fan Lin-peng , Yin An-lin , He Chuang-long , Wang Hong-sheng
Published: September 2010

Chitosan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide with abundant resources, has been extensively exploited for various biomedical applications, typically as wound dressings owing to its unique biocompatibility, good biodegradability and excellent antibacterial properties. In this work, composite nanofibrous membranes of chitosan (CS) and silk fibroin (SF) were successfully fabricated by electrospinning. The morphology of electrospun blend nanofibers was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the fiber diameters decreased with the increasing percentage of chitosan. Further, the mechanical test illustrated that the addition of silk fibroin enhanced the mechanical properties of CS/SF nanofibers. The antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) were evaluated by the turbidity measurement method; and results suggest that the antibacterial effect of composite nanofibers varied on the type of bacteria. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of murine fibroblast on as-prepared nanofibrous membranes was investigated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and MTT assays in vitro, and the membranes were found to promote the cell attachment and proliferation. These results suggest that as-prepared chitosan/silk fibroin (CS/SF) composite nanofibrous membranes could be a promising candidate for wound healing applications.
Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Metabolic Dissipative, Self-Organized Structures
Authors: Martínez de la Fuente Ildefonso
Published: September 2010

One of the most important goals of the postgenomic era is understanding the metabolic dynamic processes and the functional structures generated by them. Extensive studies during the last three decades have shown that the dissipative self-organization of the functional enzymatic associations, the catalytic reactions produced during the metabolite channeling, the microcompartmentalization of these metabolic processes and the emergence of dissipative networks are the fundamental elements of the dynamical organization of cell metabolism. Here we present an overview of how mathematical models can be used to address the properties of dissipative metabolic structures at different organizational levels, both for individual enzymatic associations and for enzymatic networks. Recent analyses performed with dissipative metabolic networks have shown that unicellular organisms display a singular global enzymatic structure common to all living cellular organisms, which seems to be an intrinsic property of the functional metabolism as a whole. Mathematical models firmly based on experiments and their corresponding computational approaches are needed to fully grasp the molecular mechanisms of metabolic dynamical processes. They are necessary to enable the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the cellular catalytic reactions and also to help comprehend the conditions under which the structural dynamical phenomena and biological rhythms arise. Understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for the metabolic dissipative structures is crucial for unraveling the dynamics of cellular life.
Exposure to Sodium Fluoride Produces Signs of Apoptosis in Rat Leukocytes
Authors: Gutiérrez-Salinas José , Morales-González José A. , Madrigal-Santillán Eduardo , Esquivel-Soto Jaime , Esquivel-Chirino César , González-Rubio Manuel García-Luna y , Suástegui-Domínguez Sigrit , Valadez-Vega Carmen
Published: September 2010

Fluoride is naturally present in the earth's crust and can be found in rocks, coal, and clay; thus, it can be found in small quantities in water, air, plants, and animals. Therefore, humans are exposed to fluoride through food, drinking water, and in the air they breathe. Flouride is essential to maintain bone strength and to protect against dental decay, but if it is absorbed too frequently, it can cause tooth decay, osteoporosis, and damage to kidneys, bones, nerves, and muscles. Therefore, the present work was aimed at determining the effect of intake of sodium fluoride (NaF) as an apoptosis inducer in leukocytes of rats treated for eight weeks with 1 or 50 parts per million (ppm) NaF. Expression of p53, bcl-2, and caspade-3 were used as apoptotic and general metabolism indicators of leukocyte-like indicators of the (INT) oxidation system. Male rats were exposed to NaF (1 and 500 ppm) for eight weeks, and then sacrificed weekly to obtain blood samples. Expression of p53, bcl-2, and caspase-3 were determined in leukocytes by Western blot, and general metabolism of leukocytes was analyzed with a commercial kit. We found changes in the expression of the proteins described, especially when the animals received 50 ppm of NaF. These results indicate that NaF intoxication can be an apoptosis inducer in rat leukocytes treated with the compound for eight weeks.
Detection of the Presence of Gold Nanoparticles in Organs by Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Jong Wim H. De , Burger Marina C. , Verheijen Marcel A. , Geertsma Robert E.
Published: September 2010

Gold nanoparticles of 10 nm and 250 nm were intravenously injected in rats. At 24 h after administration, tissues were collected and prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the liver and spleen of animals treated with 10 nm gold nanoparticles, groups of nanoparticles were observed that could be positively identified by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis to contain gold, while nanoparticles could not be detected in the heart, kidney and brain. The 10 nm gold nanoparticles were present in the phagocytic cells of the reticulo-endothelial system (RES). The 250 nm gold nanoparticles could not be detected in any of the organs investigated. Considering the number of 250 nm gold nanoparticles administered, calculations showed that it would indeed be almost impossible to detect the 250 nm gold nanoparticles in TEM preparations in view of the very low number of particles that would be theoretically present in one TEM tissue section. This shows that relatively high numbers of nanoparticles need to be administered to enable the detection of nanoparticles in organs by TEM. In a number of samples, several globular structures of approximately the expected size were found in liver cells and the endothelium of blood vessels in the brain. However, elemental analysis with EDX detection showed that these structures did not contain gold. Our studies thus indicate that the in vivo identification of nanoparticles cannot only depend on the detection of nanosized structures in cells. An additional identification of the composing elements of the nanomaterial is necessary for a positive identification of the nanomaterial.
TFA and EPA Productivities of Nannochloropsis salina Influenced by Temperature and Nitrate Stimuli in Turbidostatic Controlled Experiments
Authors: Hoffmann Maren , Marxen Kai , Schulz Rüdiger , Vanselow Klaus Heinrich
Published: September 2010

The influence of different nitrate concentrations in combination with three cultivation temperatures on the total fatty acids (TFA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content of Nannochloropsis salina was investigated. This was done by virtue of turbidostatic controlled cultures. This control mode enables the cultivation of microalgae under defined conditions and, therefore, the influence of single parameters on the fatty acid synthesis of Nannochloropsis salina can be investigated. Generally, growth rates decreased under low nitrate concentrations. This effect was reinforced when cells were exposed to lower temperatures (from 26 °C down to 17 °C). Considering the cellular TFA concentration, nitrate provoked an increase of TFA under nitrate limitation up to 70% of the biological dry mass (BDM). In contrast to this finding, the EPA content decreased under low nitrate concentrations. Nevertheless, both TFA and EPA contents increased under a low culture temperature (17 °C) compared to moderate temperatures of 21 °C and 26 °C. In terms of biotechnological production, the growth rate has to be taken into account. Therefore, for both TFA and EPA production, a temperature of 17 °C and a nitrate concentration of 1800 µmol L-1 afforded the highest productivities. Temperatures of 21 °C and 26 °C in combination with 1800 µmol L-1 nitrate showed slightly lower TFA and EPA productivities.
Correlation between Cytotoxic Activities and Reduction Potentials of Heterocyclic Quinones
Authors: Koyama Junko , Morita Izumi , Yamori Takao
Published: September 2010

To search for possible anti-tumor agents or anti-tumor promoters among natural or synthetic products, we used cyclic voltammetry to determine the reduction-oxidation potentials of heterocyclic quinones in phosphate buffer at pH 7.2. We determined the growth inhibitory- and cytotoxic activities of 12 heterocyclic quinone anti-tumor agent candidates against a panel of 39 human cancer cell lines (JFCR39). The average concentrations of the heterocyclic quinones required for 50% growth inhibition (GI50) against JFCR39 ranged from 0.045 to 13.2 µM, and the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) against JFCR39 ranged from 0.398 to 77.7 µM. The average values of GI50 or LC50 of the heterocyclic quinones correlated significantly with their reduction potentials. These results suggested that reduction-oxidation potentials could be a useful method for the discovery of novel antitumor agents.
Determination of Quercetin and Resveratrol in Whole Blood—Implications for Bioavailability Studies
Authors: Biasutto Lucia , Marotta Ester , Garbisa Spiridione , Zoratti Mario , Paradisi Cristina
Published: September 2010

Resveratrol (trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) and quercetin (3,3’,4’,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) are two naturally occurring polyphenols with the potential to exert beneficial health effects. Since their low bioavailability is a major obstacle to biomedical applications, efforts are being made to improve their absorption and slow down phase II metabolism. An accurate evaluation of the corresponding levels in the bloodstream is important to assess delivery strategies, as well as to verify claims of efficacy based on in vitro results. In the present work we have optimized a simple method ensuring complete stabilization and extraction of resveratrol and quercetin from whole blood. The suitability of different protocols was evaluated by measuring the recovery of polyphenol and internal standard from spiked blood samples via HPLC/UV analysis. The optimized procedure ensured a satisfactory recovery of both internal standards and compounds. Comparing plasma and whole blood, up to 76% of the analyte, being associated with the cellular fraction, was unaccounted for when examining only plasma. This indicates the importance of analysing whole blood rather than plasma to avoid underestimating polyphenol absorption in bioavailability studies.
Synthesis of Chiral Macrocyclic or Linear Pyridine Carboxamides from Pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyl Dichloride as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Al-Salahi Rashad A. , Al-Omar Mohamed A , Amr Abd El-Galil E
Published: September 2010

A series of chiral linear and macrocyclic bridged pyridines has been prepared starting from pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyl dichloride (2). The coupling of 1 with D-alanyl methyl ester gave 2,6-bis-D-alanyl pyridine methyl ester (3). Hydrazinolysis of 3 with hydrazine hydrate afforded bis-hydrazide 4. The latter was reacted with thiophene-2-carbaldehyde, phthalic anhydride or cyclohexanone to afford bis-carboxamide pyridine derivatives 5-7, respectively. Compound 4 was coupled with p-methoxy- or p-nitroaceto-phenone to yield compounds 8 and 9. In addition, 4 was reacted with 1,2,4,5-benzenetetra-carboxylic acid dianhydride or 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride to afford the macrocyclic octacarboxaamide pyridines 10 and 11. The detailed synthesis, spectroscopic data and antimicrobial screening for the synthesized compounds are reported.
Kinin Receptor Antagonists as Potential Neuroprotective Agents in Central Nervous System Injury
Authors: Thornton Emma , Ziebell Jenna M , Leonard Anna V , Vink Robert
Published: September 2010

Injury to the central nervous system initiates complex physiological, cellular and molecular processes that can result in neuronal cell death. Of interest to this review is the activation of the kinin family of neuropeptides, in particular bradykinin and substance P. These neuropeptides are known to have a potent pro-inflammatory role and can initiate neurogenic inflammation resulting in vasodilation, plasma extravasation and the subsequent development of edema. As inflammation and edema play an integral role in the progressive secondary injury that causes neurological deficits, this review critically examines kinin receptor antagonists as a potential neuroprotective intervention for acute brain injury, and more specifically, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury and stroke.
Green One Pot Solvent-Free Synthesis of Pyrano[2,3-c]-Pyrazoles and Pyrazolo[1,5-a]Pyrimidines
Authors: Al-Matar Hamad M. , Khalil Khaled D. , Adam Aisha Y. , Elnagdi Mohamed H.
Published: September 2010

Pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles are obtained via mixing ethyl acetoacetate, hydrazine hydrate, aldehydes or ketones and malononitrile in the absence of solvent. These same products were also obtained by reacting arylidenemalononitriles 3 with 3-methyl-2-pyrazolin-5-ones. NOE difference experiments confirmed that these products exist solely in the 2H form. Similar treatments of 3-amino-2-pyrazolin-5-one with arylidene-malononitrile afforded adduct 6. Similarly mixing ethyl cyanoacetate, hydrazine hydrate, aldehydes, with malononitrile gave the same product 6. A novel synthesis of 4-oxo-4H-pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole (8) could be achieved via reacting 3-methyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one with a mixture of cyanoacetic acid and acetic anhydride. Similar treatment of 3-aminopyrazole 11 with the benzylidene-malononitrile produced the pyrazolo[2,3-a]pyrimidines 12a,b.
Diasteromeric Effect on the Homolysis of the C–ON Bond in Alkoxyamines: A DFT Investigation of 1,3-Diphenylbutyl-TEMPO
Authors: Blachon Alexandra , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Roubaud Valérie , Siri Didier
Published: September 2010

The rate constants kd of the homolysis of the C–ON bond in styryl dyads TEMPO-based alkoxyamines have recently been published (Li et al. Macromolecules 2006, 39, 9201). The diastereoisomers exhibited different values which were higher than for the unimer TEMPO-styryl alkoxyamine 1. At a first glance, the localization of the steric strain was not obvious. To decipher this problem, diastereoisomer models 2 (RR/SS) and 3 (RS/SR), as well as the released alkyl radicals, were calculated at the \B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. It was revealed that the increase in kd from 1 to 3 was due to the compression (buttressing effect) of the reactive center by the second styryl moiety. The difference in kd for the diastereoisomer was clearly an activation entropy effect DS≠ because the alkyl fragment of the RS/SR diastereoismer exhibited the same conformation as the released radical whereas the conformation for the RR/SS diastereoisomer was quite different and thus required the rotation of several bonds to reach the correct TS, which cost DS≠, and thus lowers kd.
Remote Sensing of Irrigated Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Ozdogan Mutlu , Yang Yang , Allez George , Cervantes Chelsea
Published: September 2010

Over the last several decades, remote sensing has emerged as an effective tool to monitor irrigated lands over a variety of climatic conditions and locations. The objective of this review, which summarizes the methods and the results of existing remote sensing studies, is to synthesize principle findings and assess the state of the art. We take a taxonomic approach to group studies based on location, scale, inputs, and methods, in an effort to categorize different approaches within a logical framework. We seek to evaluate the ability of remote sensing to provide synoptic and timely coverage of irrigated lands in several spectral regions. We also investigate the value of archived data that enable comparison of images through time. This overview of the studies to date indicates that remote sensing-based monitoring of irrigation is at an intermediate stage of development at local scales. For instance, there is overwhelming consensus on the efficacy of vegetation indices in identifying irrigated fields. Also, single date imagery, acquired at peak growing season, may suffice to identify irrigated lands, although to multi-date image data are necessary for improved classification and to distinguish different crop types. At local scales, the mapping of irrigated lands with remote sensing is also strongly affected by the timing of image acquisition and the number of images used. At the regional and global scales, on the other hand, remote sensing has not been fully operational, as methods that work in one place and time are not necessarily transferable to other locations and periods. Thus, at larger scales, more work is required to indentify the best spectral indices, best time periods, and best classification methods under different climatological and cultural environments. Existing studies at regional scales also establish the fact that both remote sensing and national statistical approaches require further refinement with a substantial investment of time and resources for ground-truthing. An additional challenge in mapping irrigation across large areas occurs in fragmented landscapes with small irrigated and cultivated fields, where the spatial scale of observations is pitted against the need for high frequency temporal acquisitions. Finally, this review identifies passive and active microwave observations, advanced image classification methods, and data fusion including optical and radar sensors or with information from sources with multiple spatial and temporal characteristics as key areas where additional research is needed.
Global Croplands and their Importance for Water and Food Security in the Twenty-first Century: Towards an Ever Green Revolution that Combines a Second Green Revolution with a Blue Revolution
Authors: Thenkabail Prasad S.
Published: September 2010

In an increasingly food insecure world, there is a critical need for us to have a comprehensive understanding of global croplands. The reality that the “green revolution” has ended is beginning to be felt around the World. Whereas, global population continues to increase at a rate of about 100 million per year and is expected to reach around 10 billion by 2050, cropland areas are not increasing and have stagnated around 1.5 billion hectares globally. Indeed, cropland areas have even begun to decrease in some countries with important food contribution (e.g., USA) due to increasing demand of fertile arable lands for alternative uses such as bio-fuels, encroachment from urbanization, and industrialization. [...]
Assessment of Human Ambulatory Speed by Measuring Near-Body Air Flow
Authors: Bonomi Alberto G. , Salati Stefano
Published: September 2010

Accurate measurements of physical activity are important for the diagnosis of the exacerbation of chronic diseases. Accelerometers have been widely employed in clinical research for measuring activity intensity and investigating the association between physical activity and adverse health conditions. However, the ability of accelerometers in assessing physical activity intensity such as walking speed has been constrained by the inter-individual variability in sensor output and by the necessity of developing unobtrusive low-power monitoring systems. This paper will present a study aimed at investigating the accuracy of a wearable measuring system of near-body air flow to determine ambulatory speed in the field.
Design and Analysis of MEMS Based PVDF Ultrasonic Transducers for Vascular Imaging
Authors: Chandrana Chaitanya , Talman James , Pan Tao , Roy Shuvo , Fleischman Aaron
Published: September 2010

Polyvinilidene fluoride (PVDF) single-element transducers for high-frequency (> 30 MHz) ultrasound imaging applications have been developed using MEMS (Micro-electro-Mechanical Systems) compatible techniques. Performance of these transducers has been investigated by analyzing the sources and effects of on-chip parasitic capacitances on the insertion-loss of the transducers. Modeling and experimental studies showed that on-chip parasitic capacitances degraded the performance of the transducers and an improved method of fabrication was suggested and new devices were built. New devices developed with minimal parasitic effects were shown to improve the performance significantly. A 1-mm aperture PVDF device developed with minimal parasitic effects has resulted in a reduction of insertion loss of 21 dB compared with devices fabricated using a previous method.
Complex Networks and Symmetry I: A Review
Authors: Garlaschelli Diego , Ruzzenenti Franco , Basosi Riccardo
Published: September 2010

In this review we establish various connections between complex networks and symmetry. While special types of symmetries (e.g., automorphisms) are studied in detail within discrete mathematics for particular classes of deterministic graphs, the analysis of more general symmetries in real complex networks is far less developed. We argue that real networks, as any entity characterized by imperfections or errors, necessarily require a stochastic notion of invariance. We therefore propose a definition of stochastic symmetry based on graph ensembles and use it to review the main results of network theory from an unusual perspective. The results discussed here and in a companion paper show that stochastic symmetry highlights the most informative topological properties of real networks, even in noisy situations unaccessible to exact techniques.
Complex Networks and Symmetry II: Reciprocity and Evolution of World Trade
Authors: Ruzzenenti Franco , Garlaschelli Diego , Basosi Riccardo
Published: September 2010

We exploit the symmetry concepts developed in the companion review of this article to introduce a stochastic version of link reversal symmetry, which leads to an improved understanding of the reciprocity of directed networks. We apply our formalism to the international trade network and show that a strong embedding in economic space determines particular symmetries of the network, while the observed evolution of reciprocity is consistent with a symmetry breaking taking place in production space. Our results show that networks can be strongly affected by symmetry-breaking phenomena occurring in embedding spaces, and that stochastic network symmetries can successfully suggest, or rule out, possible underlying mechanisms.
Walleye Dermal Sarcoma Virus: Molecular Biology and Oncogenesis
Authors: Rovnak Joel , Quackenbush Sandra L.
Published: September 2010

Retroviruses have been detected in most vertebrate species and are etiologic agents of a variety of neoplastic diseases. The study of retroviruses has been instrumental in uncovering the molecular mechanisms responsible for oncogenesis. Retroviruses have been isolated from three neoplastic diseases in fish, two of which affect the dermis and regress naturally coincident with spawning. This feature provides a unique model to study mechanisms of tumor development and regression. Three complex retroviruses, isolated from walleye (Sander vitreus) with dermal sarcoma and epidermal hyperplasia, are the members of the newest retroviral genus, Epsilonretrovirus. Three accessory proteins, encoded by walleye dermal sarcoma virus (WDSV), function in the regulation of host and viral gene expression and cell cycle, alter cell-signaling pathways to promote cell proliferation and block apoptosis, and, finally, induce apoptosis through dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential.
Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Molecular Biology and Oncogenesis
Authors: Ross Susan R.
Published: September 2010

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), which was discovered as a milk‑transmitted, infectious cancer-inducing agent in the 1930s, has been used since that time as an animal model for the study of human breast cancer. Like other complex retroviruses, MMTV encodes a number of accessory proteins that both facilitate infection and affect host immune response. In vivo, the virus predominantly infects lymphocytes and mammary epithelial cells. High level infection of mammary epithelial cells ensures efficient passage of virus to the next generation. It also results in mammary tumor induction, since the MMTV provirus integrates into the mammary epithelial cell genome during viral replication and activates cellular oncogene expression. Thus, mammary tumor induction is a by-product of the infection cycle. A number of important oncogenes have been discovered by carrying out MMTV integration site analysis, some of which may play a role in human breast cancer.
Improving Adenovirus Based Gene Transfer: Strategies to Accomplish Immune Evasion
Authors: Seregin Sergey S. , Amalfitano Andrea
Published: September 2010

Adenovirus (Ad) based gene transfer vectors continue to be the platform of choice for an increasing number of clinical trials worldwide. In fact, within the last five years, the number of clinical trials that utilize Ad based vectors has doubled, indicating growing enthusiasm for the numerous positive characteristics of this gene transfer platform. For example, Ad vectors can be easily and relatively inexpensively produced to high titers in a cGMP compliant manner, can be stably stored and transported, and have a broad applicability for a wide range of clinical conditions, including both gene therapy and vaccine applications. Ad vector based gene transfer will become more useful as strategies to counteract innate and/or pre-existing adaptive immune responses to Ads are developed and confirmed to be efficacious. The approaches attempting to overcome these limitations can be divided into two broad categories: pre-emptive immune modulation of the host, and selective modification of the Ad vector itself. The first category of methods includes the use of immunosuppressive drugs or specific compounds to block important immune pathways, which are known to be induced by Ads. The second category comprises several innovative strategies inclusive of: (1) Ad-capsid-display of specific inhibitors or ligands; (2) covalent modifications of the entire Ad vector capsid moiety; (3) the use of tissue specific promoters and local administration routes; (4) the use of genome modified Ads; and (5) the development of chimeric or alternative serotype Ads. This review article will focus on both the promise and the limitations of each of these immune evasion strategies, and in the process delineate future directions in developing safer and more efficacious Ad-based gene transfer strategies.
Human T Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1): Molecular Biology and Oncogenesis
Authors: Kannian Priya , Green Patrick L.
Published: September 2010

Human T lymphotropic viruses (HTLVs) are complex deltaretroviruses that do not contain a proto-oncogene in their genome, yet are capable of transforming primary T lymphocytes both in vitro and in vivo. There are four known strains of HTLV including HTLV type 1 (HTLV-1), HTLV-2, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. HTLV-1 is primarily associated with adult T cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). HTLV-2 is rarely pathogenic and is sporadically associated with neurological disorders. There have been no diseases associated with HTLV-3 or HTLV-4 to date. Due to the difference in the disease manifestation between HTLV-1 and HTLV-2, a clear understanding of their individual pathobiologies and the role of various viral proteins in transformation should provide insights into better prognosis and prevention strategies. In this review, we aim to summarize the data accumulated so far in the transformation and pathogenesis of HTLV-1, focusing on the viral Tax and HBZ and citing appropriate comparisons to HTLV-2.
Hepatitis C Virus P7—A Viroporin Crucial for Virus Assembly and an Emerging Target for Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Steinmann Eike , Pietschmann Thomas
Published: September 2010

The hepatitis C virus (HCV), a hepatotropic plus-strand RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae, encodes a set of 10 viral proteins. These viral factors act in concert with host proteins to mediate virus entry, and to coordinate RNA replication and virus production. Recent evidence has highlighted the complexity of HCV assembly, which not only involves viral structural proteins but also relies on host factors important for lipoprotein synthesis, and a number of viral assembly co-factors. The latter include the integral membrane protein p7, which oligomerizes and forms cation-selective pores. Based on these properties, p7 was included into the family of viroporins comprising viral proteins from multiple virus families which share the ability to manipulate membrane permeability for ions and to facilitate virus production. Although the precise mechanism as to how p7 and its ion channel function contributes to virus production is still elusive, recent structural and functional studies have revealed a number of intriguing new facets that should guide future efforts to dissect the role and function of p7 in the viral replication cycle. Moreover, a number of small molecules that inhibit production of HCV particles, presumably via interference with p7 function, have been reported. These compounds should not only be instrumental in increasing our understanding of p7 function, but may, in the future, merit further clinical development to ultimately optimize HCV-specific antiviral treatments.
Use of the Aerosol Rabbitpox Virus Model for Evaluation of Anti-Poxvirus Agents
Authors: Roy Chad J. , Voss Thomas G.
Published: September 2010

Smallpox is an acute disease caused by infection with variola virus that has had historic effects on the human population due to its virulence and infectivity. Because variola remains a threat to humans, the discovery and development of novel pox therapeutics and vaccines has been an area of intense focus. As variola is a uniquely human virus lacking a robust animal model, the development of rational therapeutic or vaccine approaches for variola requires the use of model systems that reflect the clinical aspects of human infection. Many laboratory animal models of poxviral disease have been developed over the years to study host response and to evaluate new therapeutics and vaccines for the treatment or prevention of human smallpox. Rabbitpox (rabbitpox virus infection in rabbits) is a severe and often lethal infection that has been identified as an ideal disease model for the study of poxviruses in a non-rodent species. The aerosol infection model (aerosolized rabbitpox infection) embodies many of the desired aspects of the disease syndrome that involves the respiratory system and thus may serve as an appropriate model for evaluation of antivirals under development for the therapeutic treatment of human smallpox. In this review we summarize the aerosol model of rabbitpox, discuss the development efforts that have thus far used this model for antiviral testing, and comment on the prospects for its use in future evaluations requiring a poxviral model with a focus on respiratory infection.
Oncogenic Potential of Hepatitis C Virus Proteins
Authors: Banerjee Arup , Ray Ratna B. , Ray Ranjit
Published: September 2010

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major risk factor for liver disease progression, and may lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCV genome contains a single-stranded positive sense RNA with a cytoplasmic lifecycle. HCV proteins interact with many host-cell factors and are involved in a wide range of activities, including cell cycle regulation, transcriptional regulation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and cell growth promotion. Increasing experimental evidences suggest that HCV contributes to HCC by modulating pathways that may promote malignant transformation of hepatocytes. At least four of the 10 HCV gene products, namely core, NS3, NS5A and NS5B play roles in several potentially oncogenic pathways. Induction of both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress by HCV proteins may also contribute to hepatocyte growth promotion. The current review identifies important functions of the viral proteins connecting HCV infections and potential for development of HCC. However, most of the putative transforming potentials of the HCV proteins have been defined in artificial cellular systems, and need to be established relevant to infection and disease models. The new insight into the mechanisms for HCV mediated disease progression may offer novel therapeutic targets for one of the most devastating human malignancies in the world today.
An Update on Canine Adenovirus Type 2 and Its Vectors
Authors: Bru Thierry , Salinas Sara , Kremer Eric J.
Published: September 2010

Adenovirus vectors have significant potential for long- or short-term gene transfer. Preclinical and clinical studies using human derived adenoviruses (HAd) have demonstrated the feasibility of flexible hybrid vector designs, robust expression and induction of protective immunity. However, clinical use of HAd vectors can, under some conditions, be limited by pre-existing vector immunity. Pre-existing humoral and cellular anti-capsid immunity limits the efficacy and duration of transgene expression and is poorly circumvented by injections of larger doses and immuno-suppressing drugs. This review updates canine adenovirus serotype 2 (CAV-2, also known as CAdV-2) biology and gives an overview of the generation of early region 1 (E1)-deleted to helper-dependent (HD) CAV-2 vectors. We also summarize the essential characteristics concerning their interaction with the anti-HAd memory immune responses in humans, the preferential transduction of neurons, and its high level of retrograde axonal transport in the central and peripheral nervous system. CAV-2 vectors are particularly interesting tools to study the pathophysiology and potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, as anti-tumoral and anti-viral vaccines, tracer of synaptic junctions, oncolytic virus and as a platform to generate chimeric vectors.
Reclaimed Water for Turfgrass Irrigation
Authors: Evanylo Gregory , Ervin Erik , Zhang Xunzhong
Published: September 2010

Sustainable irrigation of turfgrass grown on coarse-textured soils with reclaimed water must avoid detrimental effects of soluble salts on plant growth and soil quality and groundwater enrichment of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The purpose of this study was (1) to investigate the effects of irrigating with municipal reclaimed water containing higher concentrations of soluble salts than potable water on turfgrass growth and quality and (2) to compare the effects of reclaimed and potable water on turfgrass assimilation and leaching of N and P. A sand-based medium plumbed to supply potable and reclaimed water and instrumented with lysimeters to collect leachate was planted with hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon x Cynodon transvaalensis var. Tifsport) and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera var. L-93). Both species produced high quality turfgrass with the reclaimed water. Although both grasses are moderately or highly salt tolerant when fully established, the bermudagrass growth and quality were reduced by the reclaimed water upon breaking dormancy, and its N use during this period was reduced. Continuous use of reclaimed water of the quality used in the study poses a potential soil Na accumulation problem. Both turfgrasses assimilated high amounts of N and P with minimal potential losses to groundwater.
The “Puzzle” of Water Behavior at Low Temperature
Authors: Teixeira José
Published: September 2010

Thermodynamic and transport properties of liquid water are not fully understood despite a large amount of research work both experimental and theoretical. The maximum of density and the enhanced anomalies observed at low temperatures are at the origin of several models that, in some cases, predict specific and unique behavior such as spinodal lines or critical points. We show that a careful analysis of the neutron quasi-elastic scattering data, both the incoherent spectra and the dynamic of the partials, is compatible with a polymer-like model, where the hydrogen bond dynamics explains the behavior of water in the non-accessible temperature region extending from −30° C to the glass transition.
Le clan des Tagore, de l'École du Bengale au Groupe de Calcutta
Authors: Nercam Nicolas
Published: September 2010

The contribution of the Tagore's family in the intellectual and artistic field was extremely important. In the domain of visual arts, the work of Abanindranath, Gaganendranath, Rabindranath and Subho Tagore, from the colonial period to the post-colonial one, contributed greatly to the construction of Indian modern art. Abanindranath Tagore was the pioneer in the field of national art. He proclaimed in the name of Indian "authenticity" and allowed himself to be influenced by the court paintings of North India. From this time, the wish to break from the western academic illusionism by rediscovering the artistic patrimony of the Indian subcontinent, was openly called for. Gaganendranath and Rabindranath Tagore found another way to express this rupture. They chose to open the Indian cultural world to the foreign influences. This was a far cry from the nationalist principle of returning back to the "vedic age", Gaganendranath and Rabindranath Tagore expressed their artistic Indianity by being influenced by the Japanese art, the Aztec art, as well as the cubist, the expressionist and the fauvist forms. With the Independence, the tension between art and national identity had become less. Subho Tagore, founder-member of the Calcutta Group, was among the first Indian artists to proclaim openly the desire to belong to the international modernity.
Giuseppe Castiglione et le renouveau du portrait impérial au XVIIIe s.
Authors: Pirazzoli-t'Serstevens Michèle
Published: September 2010

The celebration of the emperor, in China, before the Qing, was transmitted much less than in Europe by the image of the monarch. A change appeared with the three great Qing emperors, Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong who constructed the celebration of the sovereign in a different way from what had been done before them. In this building of an imperial image, the portraits of European monarchs which were brought to them as presents, often in the form of miniatures, served certainly as models. They contributed to influence the idea that the Chinese court had of the portraiture. At the same time, the promotion of the private portrait in the 17th century Chinese society also played a part. Moreover, the desire for true-to-life portraits at court was served by the presence, from the end of 17th century, of European painters who taught their art to Chinese disciples. This paper tries to show the revival through examples taken mainly among the portraits of emperor Qianlong. The majority of these paintings are by the Italian Jesuit Giuseppe Castiglione (Lang Shining 1688-1766) and show the role he has played in this revival. To innovate, accepting at the same time the constraints of tradition, Castiglione used the European art of the miniature, which represents the procedure best adapted to what was demanded of him.
Un peintre lettré de la région de Hangzhou au XVIIIes. : Fang Xun (1737-1799) et les cercles de la reconnaissance
Authors: Kerlan-Stephens Anne
Published: September 2010

Même si l'on a essentiellement étudié la peinture chinoise du XVIIIe s. en s'intéressant à quelques centres de production importants, tel Pékin pour la peinture de Cour ou Yangzhou pour la peinture dite «des Huit Excentriques», il ne faut pas oublier qu'il existait de nombreuses autres régions hébergeant de riches communautés artistiques. C'est le cas du nord du Zhejiang. Cet article étudie les spécificités de la communauté de cette région en s'intéressant à la carrière et à la postérité de Fang Xun (1737-1799), un peintre originaire de la préfecture de Hangzhou, aujourd'hui essentiellement connu pour son traité de peinture mais qui bénéficia en son temps d'une bonne renommée locale. Après avoir présenté une biographie de cet artiste, nous analysons la manière dont sa carrière s'est développée au sein d'un réseau de collègues, d'amis et de clients qui comprenait les membres de l'élite locale. Nous nous intéressons à la postérité de Fang Xun jusqu'au début du XXe s., à une époque où son art continuait d'être apprécié. Nous nous attardons pour finir sur quelques-unes de ses peintures les plus significatives, en montrant en quoi elles peuvent aider à comprendre les goûts et les habitudes des élites intellectuelles du nord Zhejiang.
Un ensemble funéraire Öngüt du début de l'époque Yuan provenant de Mongolie intérieure
Authors: Delacour Catherine
Published: September 2010

Twelve items, all from the same Inner Mongolian cemetery, west of Hohhot in Wulanchabu league, are studied here. They are mostly gold ware and personal adornments supplemented by a bronze mirror and a tombstone with a nestorian cross. Their stylistic differences mirror the succession of influences that the Öngüt received their whole history long (the nomadic Öngüt tribe had indeed settled in this region). Most of its members were Christians. They are first mentionned under the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) and were to become faithful allies to the Mongol rulers but reverted slowly to their former anonymity with the dynasty's decline. Christians under the cultural influence of the Jin Dynasty, they slowly turned Mongolian and, once the effects of the short lived conversion to latin christianism at the end of the 13th century were made away with, yielded to lamaist buddhism's attractiveness then privileged by the Mongol rulers. The syriac written epitaph on the nestorian tombstone and an invocation to the goddess Tara written in lants'a script on the golden ribbon obviously testify to this.
Visions of the Third Princess. Gendering spaces in The Tale of Genji illustrations
Authors: Croissant Doris
Published: September 2010

Si, pour les chercheurs en littérature, le Dit de Genji de Murasaki Shikibu présente un caractère clairement féminin, dans le domaine des arts visuels le fait de dévoiler l'intérieur des espaces d'habitation réservés aux femmes, grâce à la technique dite du « toit envolé », peut difficilement être attribué à une perspective spécifiquement féminine. Dans les rouleaux peints du XIIe s. déjà, la distinction établie entre les figures désignant respectivement, dans le cas de l'homme et dans celui de la femme, l'établissement du commerce amoureux déterminait l'apparition de différentes méthodes pour espionner secrètement l'autre sexe, fondées tant sur l'artifice du «toit envolé» que sur la classique vue plongeante de l'extérieur des édifices. L'article étudie les représentations datant du xvne s. de la Troisième Princesse, une des épouses de Genji, représentations qui, à travers la distinction qu'elles établissent entre les méthodes de voyeurisme employées par les hommes et par les femmes, trahissent une conscience de plus en plus claire de l'ambivalence impliquée par l'existence de modes sexués d'« observation de l'autre sexe». En conclusion, l'auteur remet en question le rôle paradigmatique que la différence sexuelle est supposée avoir joué dans l'histoire de l'art japonais et affirme que les spéculations qui, à partir de l'époque d'Edo, se sont développées autour de l'esthétique féminine des fictions littéraires de l'époque de Heian ont occulté le fait que le Genji monogatari avait fait l'objet d'une appropriation masculine.
Du bon usage des chefs-d'œuvre : la reproduction et l'exploitation populaire et scolaire des classiques de la peinture universelle au XXe siècle
Authors: Amalvi Christian
Published: September 2010

Les rapides progrès techniques de la gravure et de la photographie ont permis, au xxe siècle, d’élargir considérablement le public des classiques de l’art. C’est pourtant moins pour des motifs esthétiques que pour des raisons partisanes que les plus belles productions de la peinture et de la sculpture pénètrent, à partir des années 1930, à l’école et au foyer, grâce aux périodiques, aux manuels scolaires et aux livres populaires, notamment le Petit Larousse illustré des familles.

L’objet du présent article est de dresser un inventaire non exhaustif des usages polémiques des reproductions de tableaux les plus célèbres. Trois dossiers sont plus spécialement examinés: le détournement par de talentueux caricaturistes, à des fins politiques, de tableaux universellement connus; la diffusion, dans des ouvrages scolaires et populaires, d’oeuvres artistiques réalisées, au

xixe siècle, pour répondre à une commande relevant explicitement de la propagande idéologique et religieuse; le remploi d’images religieuses, a priori dépourvues de toute intention idéologique explicite, mais qui, accompagnées de commentaires virulents, deviennent des oeuvres de combat politique et religieux. Les classifications évoluent elles aussi et, au fil du temps, certaines icônes changent de statut: longtemps vecteur d’une nostalgie passéiste pour une France rurale en voie de disparition, L’Angélus de Millet, repeint en vert, est ainsi en passe de devenir aujourd’hui le symbole d’une utopie écologiste.
Du retour aux sources à la nostalgie du bon vieux temps : Sully dans les arts de Louis XVI à Louis-Philippe
Authors: Avezou Laurent
Published: September 2010

The figure of Sully, never put to any iconographical use before the reign of Louis XVI, was then invited to play its part in the national past as staged by the Direction générale des Bâtiments royaux. The authorities may have thought it expedient to bring under control an image otherwise prone to assume implicitly critical overtones, redolent of aspirations towards the temperate, informal and friendly monarchy epitomised by the two friends, Sully and his master Henry IV. Thus paintings, sculptures, tapestries and clocks came to tell the main episodes of their joint legend. From the Consulate to the July Monarchy, the subject seemed to gain new life, but it also showed signs of age. Artists mostly satisfied themselves with repeating the same old anecdotes, stripped of the moral teachings that used to give them their charm. No longer the herald of a future Golden Age rooted in the past, Sully now simply served the nostalgic memories of a world gone by.
La salle de cinéma à Paris entre les deux guerres : l'utopie à l'épreuve de la modernité
Authors: Buxtorf Anne-Élisabeth
Published: September 2010

Nach dem ersten Weltkrieg entsteht in Paris eine eigenwillige Kinoarchitektur. Der Kinosaal wird mit dem kinematographischen Erlebnis als Versprechen einer utopischen Reise in der Mitte der Stadt stilisiert. Eine 1921 von dem Journal L’Esprit nouveau durchgeführte Umfrage und die überlieferten Antworten lassen erkennen, wie bestimmte Architekten, etwa Hans Hansen, Le Corbusier oder Robert Mallet-Stevens, ihre Vorstellungen über die neue Gebäudegattung -den Kinosaal -entwickelt haben. Die Untersuchung der in Paris bis 1940 gebauten Säle -anhand der Gebäudereste, Archivdokumente und Fachzeitschriften -zeigt, wie diese, ungeachtet ihrer Vielfalt, eine eigene Vorstellung von Modernität entwickeln konnten.