bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“The Men Never Say that They do not Know”
Authors: Kleine Dorothea
Published: October 2010

There have been many case studies in the literature on telecentres, often seeking to analyse the usage of these facilities via surveys and covering gender issues by “counting women”. This chapter presents a more qualitative and ethnographic account, exploring one particular telecentre in a small town in rural Chile and comparing it with the seven local commercial cybercafés. This local reality is situated in the context of Chile’s national ICT strategy, the Agenda Digital, and linked to interviews with policy makers at the national level. The chapter examines the Chilean telecentre strategy, in particular the Biblioredes programme. The primary research included a short survey at the telecentre, on users’ age, gender, occupation, education, access habits and usages, but even more revealing is six months’ participant observation and interviews with users. The analysis confirmed availability, affordability and skills as important factors in determining internet usage, but also uncovered two other key issues: social norms around the use of time and of space. These social norms are heavily gendered. Social norms around time usage mean that married women struggle to fit in IT trainings with household duties. As far as space is concerned, it is far more socially acceptable for women to spend time in the telecentre than in cybercafés. In the commercial cybercafés, computers are placed in narrow cabins and screens are not publicly visible. There is little interaction between users, who are almost exclusively young men. The telecentre is situated in the local library, run by a female librarian and used as a social space by women of different ages. The space is wide enough for prams and wheelchairs and the screens are publicly visible. Users, often less affluent members of the community and/or women, are socially in a position to ask the staff questions, while men’s higher social status makes it harder for them to seek help with their IT skills learning. The chapter concludes with some practical recommendations for designing access spaces and IT training courses in a gender-sensitive way which may apply to rural Chile and other heavily gendered societies. It also calls for a more nuanced analysis of gender aspects in ICT4D research, one that goes beyond simply “counting women”.
Reducing Digital Divide
Authors: Chand Anand
Published: October 2010

This chapter examines the role of People First Network (PFnet) services in enhancing information and communication and contributing to sustainable rural development and poverty reduction in Solomon Islands. More specifically, it examines two main issues. First, it examines the uptake and appropriation of PFnet services by rural Solomon Islanders. Second, it examines the impact of PFnet services on sustainable rural development and poverty reduction in Solomon Islands. This chapter is based on a empirical research conducted in Solomon Islands between January-May 2004. The chapter is organised as follows: Section one provides an overview of PFnet Project. Section two states the main aims of the study. Section three outlines the methodology used for the research. The Section four reports the main research findings. Section five discusses some problems and finally section six provides the conclusion.
“Developed in the South”
Authors: Shaw Vincent , Braa Jorn
Published: October 2010

The expansion of ICT across Africa is influenced by many factors including political imperatives, donor priorities, private sector and NGO needs, and economic interests and as a result takes place in a haphazard and largely uncontrolled fashion. The health sector is no exception. The challenge, as in many developing countries, is to provide a robust and reliable health information system while effecting a transition between paper-based systems and computerized systems. The transition involves not only the introduction of new ICT, and the accompanying social and educational transformations of people and processes that accompany the introduction of ICT, but also the development of scalable health information systems that can facilitate a smooth transition as ICT expansion and development takes place. This chapter draws on 10 years of experience of the Health Information Systems Programme (HISP), an action research orientated network of public health practitioners and academics who initiated a pilot project in health information systems development in the post-apartheid transformation of South Africa, and which has subsequently had a profound effect on the development of health information systems in Africa and Asia. Through an exploration of health information systems development in numerous countries in Africa, we highlight insights into approaches and methodologies that contribute to successful and sustainable health information systems in resource constrained settings.
Collaborative Modelling of ITIL Service Management Processes
Authors: Dressler Thomas , Ege Konrad , Heck Rainer , Klein Heiko , Walter Sven Markus
Published: October 2010

The chapter describes the results developed by the special interest group Operational Service Management (OSM), a part of the German Chapter of the IT Service Management Foundation (itSMF Deutschland e.V.). The chapter describes the results, that have been created in the special interest group. Starting with the description of the problem based approach, the creation of the metamodel, an evaluation of the fundamentals and a summary of the lessons learned, an introduction in the activities of this special interest group is given.
Self-Regulated Learning and Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments
Authors: Bernacki Matthew L. , Aguilar Anita C. , Byrnes James P.
Published: October 2010

Recent research suggests that technologically enhanced learning environments (TELEs) represent an opportunity for students to build their ability to self-regulate, and for some, leverage their ability to apply self-regulated learning (SRL) to acquire knowledge. This chapter reviews 55 empirical studies and interprets their findings to answer the following questions: (1) What is the theoretical basis for understanding the possible relations among SRL and TELEs? (2) What types of TELE have been used to study these relations? (3) When participants engage in SRL behaviors in a well-designed TELE, do they show greater learning than their peers who engage in fewer SRL behaviors? (4) How have TELEs been shown to promote SRL tendencies in learners? and (5) How do pre-existing SRL tendencies influence the ways in which learners interact with TELEs? Our review suggests that TELEs can promote SRL and are best used by those who can self-regulate learning. SRL training should occur before the task, or be embedded in the TELE. Knowledge acquisition in TELEs is supported by learner self-regulation and by design features that include immediate and adaptive feedback and tools which support SRL behaviors.
The Role of SRL and TELEs in Distance Education
Authors: Andrade Maureen Snow , Bunker Ellen L.
Published: October 2010

Self-regulated learning (SRL), defined as learners taking responsibility for their own learning (Dembo & Eaton, 2000), is a critical component for success in distance education. Distance education contexts, typically TELEs (Technology Enhanced Learning Environments), also have the potential to foster SRL. This chapter focuses on the importance of SRL in distance education, specifically in higher education and lifelong learning contexts, and how SRL can mediate the gap between the learner and instructor and decrease the distance that may be created by Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The chapter reviews the use of ICT in distance education, explicates key terms related to SRL, presents a model for course design, and illustrates how behaviors of key stakeholders can support development of SRL.
Influence of Task Nature on Learner Self-Regulation in Online Activities
Authors: Delfino Manuela , Dettori Giuliana , Persico Donatella
Published: October 2010

This chapter analyses Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) in a virtual community interacting through asynchronous textual communication. The community consisted of trainee teachers of a post-graduate blended course in Educational Technology. The online component of this course was based on a socio-constructivist approach. The study aims to compare SRL practice in different types of collaborative activities carried out online. The investigation method is based on interaction analysis, an approach allowing a systematic study of the content of the messages exchanged by the community members. The results of the study consist of quantitative data on SRL-related events that took place during the learning process, allowing the comparison of activities according to the degree and type of self-regulation displayed by the learners. The results of the study suggest that the nature of the task influences the way students self-regulate. The difference, however, does not lie in the total amount of detected SRL indicators but in their type, therefore suggesting that different types of tasks might induce different kinds of SRL actions. These findings can inform the design of online activities by providing suggestions for the choice of tasks, according to SRL-related pedagogical purposes.
Using Video as a Retrospective Tool to Understand Self-Regulated Learning in Mathematical Problem Solving
Authors: Tung I-Pei , Chin Kevin
Published: October 2010

This chapter presents a novel approach that combines self-regulated learning (SRL) with Activity Systems Theory (AST). While SRL focuses primarily on individual cognitive and social aspects, it does not address sociocultural factors that inherently play a role in learning processes. The combination of SRL and AST is effective due to the central role that feedback plays in both theories. The viability of this approach is tested with data collected from Canadian secondary school-level students engaged in mathematical problem solving (MPS) using video as a retrospective feedback tool. Analysis using this theoretical framework based on SRL and AST provides a richer understanding of how video can contribute to learning within technology-enhanced learning environments (TELEs). Based on these findings, suggestions for implementation are provided for educators who would like to effectively use video in classroom situations.
Dual Effects of TRAIL in Suppression of Autoimmunity: The Inhibition of Th1 Cells and the Promotion of Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Ikeda Tokunori , Hirata Shinya , Fukushima Satoshi , Matsunaga Yusuke , Ito Takaaki , Uchino Makoto , Nishimura Yasuharu , Senju Satoru
Published: October 2010

TRAIL is known to play a pivotal role in the inhibition of autoimmune disease. We previously demonstrated that administration of dendritic cells engineered to express TRAIL and myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein reduced the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and suggested that CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were involved in mediating this preventive effect. In the current study, we investigated the effect of TRAIL on Tregs, as well as conventional T cells, using TRAIL-deficient mice. Upon induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, TRAIL-deficient mice showed more severe clinical symptoms, a greater frequency of IFN-γ–producing CD4+ T (Th1) cells, and a lower frequency of CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs than did wild-type mice. In vitro, conventional T cells stimulated by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs) from TRAIL-deficient mice showed a greater magnitude of proliferation than did those stimulated by BM-DCs from wild-type mice. In contrast, TRAIL expressed on the stimulator BM-DCs enhanced the proliferative response of CD4+CD25+ Tregs in the culture. The functional TRAILR, mouse death receptor 5 (mDR5), was expressed in conventional T cells and Tregs upon stimulation. In contrast, the decoy receptor, mDc-TRAILR1, was slightly expressed only on CD4+CD25+ Tregs. Therefore, the distinct effects of TRAIL may be due to differences in the mDc-TRAILR1 expression or the signaling pathways downstream of mouse death receptor 5 between the two T cell subsets. Our data suggest that TRAIL suppresses autoimmunity by two mechanisms: the inhibition of Th1 cells and the promotion of Tregs.
Differential Suppression of Tumor-Specific CD8+ T Cells by Regulatory T Cells
Authors: James Edward , Yeh Alex , King Cathy , Korangy Firouzeh , Bailey Ian , Boulanger Denise S. , Van den Eynde Benoît J. , Murray Nicholas , Elliott Tim J.
Published: October 2010

In the CT26 BALB/c murine model of colorectal carcinoma, depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) prior to tumor inoculation results in protective immunity to both CT26 and other BALB/c-derived tumors of diverse histological origin. In this paper, we show that cross-protection can be conferred by adoptively transferred CD8+ CTLs. Other schedules for inducing immunity to CT26 have been described, but they do not lead to cross-protection. We show that Treg ablation facilitates the development of new CTL specificities that are normally cryptic, and have mapped the root epitope of one of these responses. This work has allowed us to demonstrate how the specificity of CTL responses to tumor Ags can be controlled via differential suppression of CTL specificities by Tregs, and how this can result in very different physiological outcomes.
A Cyclooxygenase-2/Prostaglandin E2 Pathway Augments Activation-Induced Cytosine Deaminase Expression within Replicating Human B Cells
Authors: Lee Hyunjoo , Trott Joshua S. , Haque Shabirul , McCormick Steven , Chiorazzi Nicholas , Mongini Patricia K. A.
Published: October 2010

Within inflammatory environments, B cells encountering foreign or self-Ag can develop tertiary lymphoid tissue expressing activation-induced cytosine deaminase (AID). Recently, this DNA-modifying enzyme was detected in nonlymphoid cells within several inflamed tissues and strongly implicated in malignant transformation. This study examines whether a cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) pathway, often linked to inflammation, influences AID expression in activated B lymphocytes. In this paper, we report that dividing human B cells responding to surrogate C3d-coated Ag, IL-4, and BAFF express AID, as well as COX-2. A progressive increase in AID with each division was paralleled by a division-related increase in a COX-2–linked enzyme, microsomal PGE2 synthase-1, and the PGE2R, EP2. Cells with the greatest expression of AID expressed the highest levels of EP2. Although COX-2 inhibitors diminished both AID expression and IgG class switching, exogenous PGE2 and butaprost, a selective EP2 agonist, augmented AID mRNA/protein and increased the numbers of IgG+ progeny. Despite the latter, the proportion of IgG+ cells within viable progeny generally declined with PGE2 supplementation. This was not due to PGE2-promoted differentiation to plasma cells or to greater downstream switching. Rather, because phosphorylated ataxia telangiectasia mutated levels were increased in progeny of PGE2-supplemented cultures, it appears more likely that PGE2 facilitates AID-dependent DNA double-strand breaks that block B cell cycle progression or promote activation-induced cell death, or both. Taken together, the results suggest that a PGE2 feed-forward mechanism for augmenting COX-2 pathway proteins promotes progressively increased levels of AID mRNA, protein, and function.
Error-Prone DNA Repair Activity during Somatic Hypermutation in Shark B Lymphocytes
Authors: Zhu Catherine , Hsu Ellen
Published: October 2010

Sharks are representatives of the earliest vertebrates that possess an immune system utilizing V(D)J recombination to generate Ag receptors. Their Ab repertoire diversity is based in part on a somatic hypermutation process that introduces adjacent nucleotide substitutions of 2–5 bp. We have isolated mutant nonfunctional Ig rearrangements and intronic flank sequences to characterize the nonselected, intrinsic properties of this phenomenon; changes unique to shark were observed. Duplications and deletions were associated with N additions, suggesting participation of a DNA polymerase with some degree of template independence during the repair of DNA breaks initiated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase. Other mutations were consistent with some in vitro activities of mammalian translesion DNA polymerase η: tandem base substitutions, strand slippage, and small insertions/deletions. The nature of substitution patterns shows that DNA lesions at shark Ig genes recruit DNA repair factors with a species-specific repertoire of activities. We speculate that the tandem mutations are introduced by direct sequential misinsertions and that, in shark B cells, the mispairs tend to be extended rather than proofread. Despite extensive changes undergone by some mutants, the physical range of mutational activity remained restricted to VDJ and within the first 2-kb portion of the 6.8-kb J-C intron, perhaps a self-regulating aspect of activation-induced cytidine deaminase action that is conserved in evolution.
The Early Marginal Zone B Cell-Initiated T-Independent Type 2 Response Resists the Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib
Authors: Lang Veronika R. , Mielenz Dirk , Neubert Kirsten , Böhm Christina , Schett Georg , Jäck Hans-Martin , Voll Reinhard E. , Meister Silke
Published: October 2010

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib is approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. We recently demonstrated that bortezomib eliminates autoreactive plasma cells in systemic lupus erythematosus mouse models, thereby representing a promising novel treatment for Ab-mediated diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of bortezomib on the just developing and pre-existing T-dependent Ab response toward dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin and the T-independent type 2 response toward (4-hydroxy-3-iodo-5-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NIP)-Ficoll in BALB/c mice. Bortezomib treatment strongly reduced T-dependent Ab titers mainly due to depletion of plasma cells. In contrast, the early T-independent type 2 response against i.v. administered NIP-Ficoll, which is predominantly dependent on marginal zone (MZ) B cells, resisted bortezomib. Upon bortezomib treatment, immunoproteasome subunits and the antiapoptotic unfolded protein response including NF-κB were induced in NIP-Ficoll–stimulated MZ B cells, but not in plasma cells and follicular B cells. In summary, bortezomib treatment decreases Ab titers arising from T-dependent immune responses predominantly by eliminating plasma cells. In contrast, the early T-independent type 2 response protecting the organism against blood-borne pathogens remains largely intact due to a remarkable resistance of MZ B cells against proteasome inhibition.
IL-23 and IL-17A, but Not IL-12 and IL-22, Are Required for Optimal Skin Host Defense against Candida albicans
Authors: Kagami Shinji , Rizzo Heather L. , Kurtz Stephen E. , Miller Lloyd S. , Blauvelt Andrew
Published: October 2010

IL-23 and Th17 cells play important roles in host defense against systemic infections with extracellular bacteria and fungi, although their roles in immunity against localized skin infections are less well defined. Here, the contributions of IL-23 and Th17 cytokines in host defense against cutaneous Candida albicans infection were evaluated. Mice deficient in IL-23 or IL-17A demonstrated delayed healing and decreased IL-17A production after skin infection with C. albicans compared with wild-type mice or mice deficient in IL-12 or IL-22. Histologic examination revealed epidermal hyperplasia overlying infected dermis four days postinoculation in wild-type mice. In IL-23–deficient mice, fungal burden was greater in skin, neither IL-17A nor IL-22 mRNAs were expressed postinfection, and these mice demonstrated only minimal epidermal hyperplasia. Exogenous recombinant IL-17A injected at the site of skin infection promoted more rapid healing of candidiasis in both wild-type mice and mice deficient in IL-23 and IL-12. Taken together, these results demonstrate that IL-23 and IL-17A, but not IL-12 and IL-22, are required for optimal host defense against cutaneous candidiasis. In addition, recombinant IL-17A may serve as a potential therapy to enhance healing in individuals with chronic cutaneous candidiasis.
Human Plasma Membrane-Derived Vesicles Halt Proliferation and Induce Differentiation of THP-1 Acute Monocytic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Ansa-Addo Ephraim A. , Lange Sigrun , Stratton Dan , Antwi-Baffour Samuel , Cestari Igor , Ramirez Marcel I. , McCrossan Maria V. , Inal Jameel M.
Published: October 2010

Plasma membrane-derived vesicles (PMVs) are small intact vesicles released from the cell surface that play a role in intercellular communication. We have examined the role of PMVs in the terminal differentiation of monocytes. The myeloid-differentiating agents all-trans retinoic acid/PMA and histamine, the inflammatory mediator that inhibits promonocyte proliferation, induced an intracellular Ca2+-mediated PMV (as opposed to exosome) release from THP-1 promonocytes. These PMVs cause THP-1 cells to enter G0–G1 cell cycle arrest and induce terminal monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. Use of the TGF-β receptor antagonist SB-431542 and anti–TGF-β1 Ab showed that this was due to TGF-β1 carried on PMVs. Although TGF-β1 levels have been shown to increase in cell culture supernatants during macrophage differentiation and dendritic cell maturation, the presence of TGF-β1 in PMVs is yet to be reported. In this study, to our knowledge we show for the first time that TGF-β1 is carried on the surface of PMVs, and we confirm the presence within PMVs of certain leaderless proteins, with reported roles in myeloid cell differentiation. Our in vitro findings support a model in which TGF-β1–bearing PMVs, released from promonocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) or primary peripheral blood monocytes on exposure to sublytic complement or after treatment with a differentiation therapy agent, such as all-trans retinoic acid, significantly reduce proliferation of THP-1 cells. Such PMVs also induce the terminal differentiation of primary peripheral blood monocytes as well as THP-1 monocytes.
Distinct Roles of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1– and Receptor-2–Mediated Signaling in T Cell Priming and Th17 Polarization to Lipopolysaccharide-Containing Allergens in the Lung
Authors: Kim You-Sun , Choi Seng-Jin , Tae You-Me , Lee Byung-Jae , Jeon Seong Gyu , Oh Sun-Young , Gho Yong Song , Zhu Zhou , Kim Yoon-Keun
Published: October 2010

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key mediator in the development of airway immune dysfunction to inhaled allergens. However, the exact role of its receptors-mediated signaling is controversial. In this study, we evaluated the role of VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1– and VEGFR-2–mediated signaling in T cell priming and polarization in the context of inhalation of LPS-containing allergens. A murine asthma model of mixed Th1 and Th17 cell responses was generated using intranasal sensitization with LPS-containing allergens. Pharmacologic intervention was performed during sensitization. In vivo production of VEGF and Th1- and Th17-polarizing cytokines (IL-12p70 and IL-6, respectively) were upregulated by airway exposure to LPS. Pharmacological intervention with a VEGFR-2–neutralizing Ab (anti-Flk1 mAb) abolished the production of IL-6 (but not IL-12p70) and the subsequent development of allergen-specific Th17 cell response. On the other hand, blocking VEGFR-1 signaling with a VEGFR-1 antagonist (anti-Flt1 hexapeptide) did not affect the production of IL-12p70 and IL-6. However, blocking VEGFR-1 signaling resulted in T cell tolerance rather than priming, mainly by inhibiting the maturation of lung dendritic cells, and their migration into lung-draining lymph nodes. These results suggest that T cell priming to LPS-containing allergens depends on VEGFR-1–mediated signaling, and the subsequent Th17 polarization depends on VEGFR-2 signaling.
Differential Localization of Effector and Memory CD8 T Cell Subsets in Lymphoid Organs during Acute Viral Infection
Authors: Jung Yong Woo , Rutishauser Rachel L. , Joshi Nikhil S. , Haberman Ann M. , Kaech Susan M.
Published: October 2010

It is unclear where within tissues subsets of effector and memory CD8 T cells persist during viral infection and whether their localization affects function and long-term survival. Following lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection, we found most killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1)loIL-7Rhi effector and memory cells, which are long-lived and high proliferative capacity, in the T cell zone of the spleen. In contrast, KLRG1hiIL-7Rlo cells, which appear terminally differentiated and have shorter life spans, were exclusively localized to the red pulp. KLRG1loIL-7Rhi T cells homed to the T cell zone using pertussis toxin-sensitive chemokine receptors and appeared to contact gp38+ stromal cells, which produce the chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 and the T cell survival cytokine IL-7. The transcription factors T-bet and B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 controlled effector CD8 T cell splenic migration. Effector CD8 T cells overexpressing T-bet homed to the red pulp, whereas those lacking B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 homed to the T cell zone. Upon memory formation, CD62L+ memory T cells were predominantly found in the T cell zone, whereas CD62L− cells were found in the red pulp. Thus, effector and memory CD8 T cell subset localization within tissues is linked to their differentiation states, and this may identify anatomical niches that regulate their longevity and homeostasis.
Deletion of ripA Alleviates Suppression of the Inflammasome and MAPK by Francisella tularensis
Authors: Huang Max Tze-Han , Mortensen Brittany L. , Taxman Debra J. , Craven Robin R. , Taft-Benz Sharon , Kijek Todd M. , Fuller James R. , Davis Beckley K. , Allen Irving Coy , Brickey Willie June , Gris Denis , Wen Haitao , Kawula Thomas H. , Ting Jenny Pan-Yun
Published: October 2010

Francisella tularensis is a facultative intracellular pathogen and potential biothreat agent. Evasion of the immune response contributes to the extraordinary virulence of this organism although the mechanism is unclear. Whereas wild-type strains induced low levels of cytokines, an F. tularensis ripA deletion mutant (LVSΔripA) provoked significant release of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α by resting macrophages. IL-1β and IL-18 secretion was dependent on inflammasome components pyrin-caspase recruitment domain/apoptotic speck-containing protein with a caspase recruitment domain and caspase-1, and the TLR/IL-1R signaling molecule MyD88 was required for inflammatory cytokine synthesis. Complementation of LVSΔripA with a plasmid encoding ripA restored immune evasion. Similar findings were observed in a human monocytic line. The presence of ripA nearly eliminated activation of MAPKs including ERK1/2, JNK, and p38, and pharmacologic inhibitors of these three MAPKs reduced cytokine induction by LVSΔripA. Animals infected with LVSΔripA mounted a stronger IL-1β and TNF-α response than that of mice infected with wild-type live vaccine strain. This analysis revealed novel immune evasive mechanisms of F. tularensis.
Neutrophil Elastase Mediates Pathogenic Effects of Anthrax Lethal Toxin in the Murine Intestinal Tract
Authors: Fang Hui , Sun Chen , Xu Lixin , Owen Robert J. , Auth Roger D. , Snoy Philip J. , Frucht David M.
Published: October 2010

Neutrophils isolated from BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice and treated in vitro with anthrax lethal toxin release bioactive neutrophil elastase, a proinflammatory mediator of tissue destruction. Similarly, neutrophils isolated from mice treated with anthrax lethal toxin in vivo and cultured ex vivo release greater amounts of elastase than neutrophils from vehicle-treated controls. Direct measurements from murine intestinal tissue samples demonstrate an anthrax lethal toxin-dependent increase in neutrophil elastase activity in vivo as well. These findings correlate with marked lethal toxin-induced intestinal ulceration and bleeding in neutrophil elastase+/+ animals, but not in neutrophil elastase−/− animals. Moreover, neutrophil elastase−/− mice have a significant survival advantage over neutrophil elastase+/+ animals following exposure to anthrax lethal toxin, thereby establishing a key role for neutrophil elastase in mediating the deleterious effects of anthrax lethal toxin.
The Interstitial Lymphatic Peritoneal Mesothelium Axis in Portal Hypertensive Ascites: When in Danger, Go Back to the Sea
Authors: Aller M. A. , Prieto I. , Argudo S. , de Vicente F. , Santamaría L. , de Miguel M. P. , Arias J. L. , Arias J.
Published: October 2010

Portal hypertension induces a splanchnic and systemic low-grade inflammatory response that could induce the expression of three phenotypes, named ischemia-reperfusion, leukocytic, and angiogenic phenotypes.During the splanchnic expression of these phenotypes, interstitial edema, increased lymph flow, and lymphangiogenesis are produced in the gastrointestinal tract. Associated liver disease increases intestinal bacterial translocation, splanchnic lymph flow, and induces ascites and hepatorenal syndrome. Extrahepatic cholestasis in the rat allows to study the worsening of the portal hypertensive syndrome when associated with chronic liver disease. The splanchnic interstitium, the mesenteric lymphatics, and the peritoneal mesothelium seem to create an inflammatory pathway that could have a key pathophysiological relevance in the production of the portal hypertension syndrome complications. The hypothetical comparison between the ascitic and the amniotic fluids allows for translational investigation. From a phylogenetic point of view, the ancestral mechanisms for amniotic fluid production were essential for animal survival out of the aquatic environment. However, their hypothetical appearance in the cirrhotic patient is considered pathological since ultimately they lead to ascites development. But, the adult human being would take advantage of the potential beneficial effects of this “amniotic-like fluid” to manage the interstitial fluids without adverse effects when chronic liver disease aggravates.
Hearing with Bone-anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)
Authors: Kirtane MV , Mankekar Gauri , Chitranshi Payal Bhattacharya
Published: October 2010

BAHA is a surgically implantable system for treatment of hearing loss in patients wherein conventional hearing aids are unable to provide benefit. e.g. patients with microtia, chronic ear discharge or single sided hearing loss.
Atmospheric degradation of 3-methylfuran: kinetic and products study
Authors: Tapia A. , Villanueva F. , Salgado M. S. , Cabañas B. , Martínez E. , Martín P.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. A study of the kinetics and products obtained from the reactions of 3-methylfuran with the main atmospheric oxidants has been performed. The rate coefficients for the gas-phase reaction of 3-methylfuran with OH and NO3 radicals have been determined at room temperature and atmospheric pressure (air and N2 as bath gases), using a relative method with different experimental techniques. The absolute rate coefficients obtained for these reactions were (in units cm3 molecule−1 s−1): kOH=(1.13±0.22)×10−10 and kNO3=(1.26±0.18)×10−11. These rate coefficients have been compared with those available in the literature. The products from the reaction of 3-methylfuran with OH, NO3 and Cl atoms in the absence and in the presence of NOx species have also been determined. The main reaction products obtained were chlorinated methylfuranones and hydroxy-methylfuranones for the reaction of 3-methylfuran with Cl atoms, 2-methylbutenedial, 3-methyl-2,5-furanodione and hydroxy-methylfuranones for the reaction of 3-methylfuran with OH and NO3 radicals and also nitrated compounds for the reaction with NO3 radicals. The results indicate that in all cases the main reaction path is the addition to the double bond of the aromatic ring followed by ring opening in the case of OH and NO3 radicals. The formation of 3-furaldehyde and hydroxy-methylfuranones (in the reactions of 3-methylfuran with Cl atoms and NO3 radicals) confirmed the H-atom abstraction from the methyl group and from the aromatic ring, respectively. This study represents the first product determination for both Cl atoms and the NO3 radical in reactions with 3-methylfuran. The reaction mechanisms and atmospheric implications of the reactions under consideration are also discussed.
MS/MS studies on the selective on-line detection of sesquiterpenes using a flowing afterglow-tandem mass spectrometer
Authors: Rimetz-Planchon J. , Dhooghe F. , Schoon N. , Vanhaecke F. , Amelynck C.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. A Flowing Afterglow-Tandem Mass Spectrometer (FA-TMS) was used to investigate the feasibility of selective on-line detection of a series of seven sesquiterpenes (SQTs). These SQTs were chemically ionized by either H3O+ or NO+ reagent ions in the FA, resulting among others in protonated SQT and SQT molecular ions, respectively. These and other Chemical Ionization (CI) product ions were subsequently subjected to dissociation by collisions with Ar atoms in the collision cell of the tandem mass spectrometer. The fragmentation spectra show similarities with mass spectra obtained for these compounds with other instruments such as a Proton Transfer Reaction-Linear Ion Trap (PTR-LIT), a Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS), a Triple Quadrupole-Mass Spectrometer (QqQ-MS) and a Selected Ion Flow Tube-Mass Spectrometer (SIFT-MS). Fragmentation of protonated SQT is characterized by fragment ions at the same masses but with different intensities for the individual SQT. Distinction of SQTs is based on well-chosen intensity ratios and collision energies. The fragmentation patterns of SQT molecular ions show specific fragment ion tracers at m/z 119, m/z 162, m/z 137 and m/z 131 for α-cedrene, δ-neoclovene, isolongifolene and α-humulene, respectively. Consequently, chemical ionization of SQT by NO+, followed by MS/MS of SQT+ seems to open a way for selective quantification of SQTs in mixtures.
Sources, fate and geochemical dynamics of nitrate in an oligotrophic lake
Authors: Tsunogai U. , Daita S. , Komatsu D. D. , Nakagawa F. , Tanaka A.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. To trace the fate of atmospheric nitrate deposited into a oligotrophic lake and to clarify the geochemical dynamics of nitrate in a oligotrophic environment, the stable isotopic compositions of nitrate, including the 17O anomalies (Δ17O), were determined twice in one year (June and August 2007) in the water column of Lake Mashu, Japan, which is a crater lake with a depth of 211 m. The highest transparency of the lake (41.6 m) was recorded in 1931, although the transparency has decreased substantially in recent years. While the total inventory of nitrate in the lake water decreased from 4.2 to 2.1 Mmol (Mmol = 106 mol) during the period between the observations, the average Δ17O nitrate values were uniform at +2.5‰, which corresponded to an average mixing ratio of atmospheric nitrate to total nitrate of 9.7 ± 0.8%. Using the total mass of the atmospheric nitrate deposited onto the entire catchment area of the lake during a period of 2 months (0.047 Mmol), we estimated that 0.52 ± 0.34 Mmol of the remineralized nitrate was fed into the water column through nitrification, while 2.6 ± 0.4 Mmol of nitrate was simultaneously removed from the water column by assimilation. The lake water dissolved nitrate was characterised by rapid removal through assimilation during summer until it was almost completely removed from the euphotic layer, as well as continuous feeding into the lake through nitrification and deposition, regardless of the seasons, which corresponds to a gross annual flux of 3.2 ± 0.3 Mmol a−1 and 0.35 ± 0.2 Mmol a−1, respectively. The 15N-depleted nitrogen isotopic compositions of nitrate were as low as −6.5‰ in June, which also indicates that in-lake nitrification is the major source of nitrate in the lake, and suggests that there is low potential for denitrification in and around the lake. These results indicate that atmospheric nitrate deposited into the lake will be assimilated quickly having a mean residence time of 1.2 ± 0.1 years. Besides, more than 90% of the assimilated nitrate will be remineralized to nitrate and assimilated again via active nitrogen cycling in the lake.
Effects of communication with non‐witnesses on eyewitnesses' recall correctness and meta‐cognitive realism
Authors: Sarwar Farhan , Allwood Carl Martin , Innes‐ker Åse
Published: October 2010

In forensic contexts it is common that witnesses retell and discuss the experienced event many times. It is of forensic importance to understand how this influences memory and meta‐memory. Eighty‐nine participants viewed a short film and were assigned to one of four conditions: (1) Laboratory discussion (five discussions of the event with a confederate), (2) Family discussion (five discussions of the event with a family member), (3) Retell (five retellings of the event) and (4) Control. Three weeks later participants gave an open free recall, and then 3 days later confidence judged the recalled information. The results showed significant differences between the four conditions on number of correct items, incorrect items, accuracy, confidence and calibration. The results suggest that discussion of an experienced event may reduce some of the beneficial memory and meta‐memory effects caused by mere retelling, but may have no great negative effects compared to a control condition. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent Progress in Nanostructured Cathode Materials for Lithium Secondary Batteries
Authors: Song Hyun‐Kon , Lee Kyu Tae , Kim Min Gyu , Nazar Linda F. , Cho Jaephil
Published: October 2010

Diversified and extended applications of lithium‐ion batteries demand the development of more enhanced materials that can be achieved by sophisticated synthetic methods. Combination of novel materials with strategic design of their shape on the nanometer scale enables a breakthrough to overcome problems experienced by present technologies. In this feature article, an overview is given of Mn‐based and polyanion‐based cathode materials with nanoscale features for lithium‐ion batteries as materials to replace conventional bulk cathode materials. Various synthetic methods coupled with nanostructuring as well as the benefits obtained from the nanostructure are described.
Synthesis, structure and cytotoxic activity of new 1‐[5‐organylsilyl(germyl)‐2‐furyl (thienyl)]nitroethenes
Authors: Ignatovich Luba , Muravenko Velta , Romanovs Vitalijs , Sleiksha Ilze , Shestakova Irina , Domrachova Ilona , Belyakov Sergey , Popelis Jury , Lukevics Edmunds
Published: October 2010

New highly cytotoxic 1‐[5‐organylsilyl(germyl)‐2‐furyl(thienyl)]nitroethenes (IC500.3–3 µg ml−1) have been prepared by condensation reaction of corresponding silicon‐ and germanium‐containing heterocyclic aldehydes with nitromethane using ammonium acetate as the catalyst. The desired nitroethenes were identified by NMR (1H, 13C and 29Si), IR, HRMS and GC‐MS spectra. The structure of 1‐(5‐triphenylsilyl‐2‐thienyl)nitroethene was studied by X‐ray. The influence of the substituent structure on the cytotoxicity was investigated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Difluorotetrahydropyridothiazinone: A Selective β‐Galactosidase Inhibitor
Authors: Csuk René , Prell Erik
Published: October 2010

Selective difluorination, introducing a lactame moiety (instead of an amine) and a double bond in a trihydroxy‐2‐thiaquinolizidine derivative reverses the selectivity of the glycosidase inhibitor – a selective inhibitor for an α‐glucosidase is altered into an excellent, competitive inhibitor for a β‐galactosidase.
Bodenverflüssigung bei Erdbeben — Rechnerischer Nachweis mit Lasteinwirkung und Bodenwiderständen
Authors: Gödecke Jörg‐Henrik , Gödecke Heinz‐Joachim
Published: October 2010

Immer wieder entstehen Erdbeben mit erheblichen Personen‐ und Sachschäden. Immer wieder entfestigen sich dabei sandige Gründungsböden infolge einer Bodenverflüssigung durch die Erdbebenerschütterungen insbesondere bei hohen Grundwasserständen. Selbst solide Bauwerke können in den Untergrund einbrechen, auch wenn sie zuvor über Jahre praktisch setzungsfrei gewesen sind. Das Versagen des Untergrundes durch Bodenverflüssigung ist weltweit als “Liquefaktion‐Effekt” bekannt, wird aber in der täglichen Praxis mitunter immer noch unsicher behandelt. Nachfolgend wird die Mechanik der Lasteinwirkung und der Bodenwiderstände bei einer Erdbebenerschütterung beschrieben und das für baupraktische Berechnungen derzeit gängige Formelwerk dazu zusammengestellt. Damit lässt sich in geeigneter Weise prüfen, ob bei bestimmten Bodenverhältnissen und einem bestimmten Bemessungserdbeben eine Verflüssigung des Untergrundes zu besorgen ist oder ob bauliche Sicherungsmaßnahmen erforderlich sind.

Liquefaction due to earthquakes — structural analysis with load actions and soil resistances. Again and again earthquakes have caused severe personal injuries and damages to property. In case of ground motion sandy subsoils especially in connection with high ground water tables can loose their strength and liquify. Then even solid structures may suffer severe settlements and collaps, even though through many years practically no settlements were noticed. This failure mechanism all over the world is wellknow as ”liquefaction”, but in daily practice is still handled with some uncertainness. In the following the mechanism of the load actions and the soil resistances during earthquakes will be described and the nowadays common formulas for the structural analyses will be compiled, enabling the assessment, if certain soil conditions will resist a design earthquake without liquefaction or if structural measures will be required.
Magnetic treatment of irrigation water and snow pea and chickpea seeds enhances early growth and nutrient contents of seedlings
Authors: Grewal Harsharn S. , Maheshwari Basant L.
Published: October 2010

The effects of magnetic treatment of irrigation water and snow pea (Pisum sativum L var. macrocarpon) and Kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) seeds on the emergence, early growth and nutrient contents of seedlings were investigated under glasshouse conditions. The treatments included (i) magnetic treatment of irrigation water (MTW), (ii) magnetic treatment of seeds (MTS), (iii) magnetic treatment of irrigation water and seeds (MTWS) and (iv) no magnetic treatment of irrigation water or seeds as control treatment. A magnetic treatment device with two permanent magnets (magnetic induction: 3.5–136 mT) was used for the above treatments. Seeds were sown in washed sand and seedlings were harvested at 20 days. The results showed that MTW led to a significant (P < 0.05) increase in emergence rate index (ERI; 42% for snow pea and 51% for chickpea), shoot dry weight (25% for snow pea and 20% for chickpea) and contents of N, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, Zn, Fe and Mn in both seedling varieties compared to control seedlings. Likewise, there were significant increases in ERI (33% for snow peas and 37% for chickpea), shoot dry weight (11% for snow pea and 4% for chickpea) and some nutrients of snow pea and chickpea seedlings with MTS in comparison with the controls. The results of this study suggest that both MTW and MTS have the potential to improve the early seedling growth and nutrient contents of seedlings. Bioelectromagnetics 32:58–65, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing compliance with haircuts in a child with autism
Authors: Schumacher Brittany I. , Rapp John T.
Published: October 2010

Using a changing‐criterion design, we evaluated the effects of providing a preferred edible item and escape from sitting contingent on a child's compliance with sitting during haircuts. Results indicated that the intervention eliminated the child's escape responses and increased his sitting to a duration that permitted regular haircuts by his mother. Follow‐up sessions showed that the participant's increased compliance during haircuts continued for over 2 months. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular dynamic simulation of stress development during coalescence of grain in presence of depositing atoms
Authors: Zientarski T.
Published: October 2010

Three‐dimensional molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to study the evolution of stress during the deposition of atoms on the (100) plane of an fcc regular crystal, using the cubic system with x‐y periodic boundary conditions. In the present study, starting simulation box consists of a substrate and deposited layers forming regular strips. The interactions in the system are described by the Lennard‐Jones potential. The deposited atoms are in contact with two types of surfaces (substrate and strips/grains). The atoms in contact with the substrate generate the tensile stress, but atoms in contact with the grain generate the compressive stress. The melted grains increase the contact surface giving possibility the larger number of atoms to penetrate the grain boundaries and finally to produce a larger total compressive stress. This result is in agreement with the model proposed by Chason et al. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chromium–Chromium Bonding in Binuclear Azulene Chromium Carbonyl Complexes
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Sun Zhonghua , Xie Yaoming , King R. Bruce , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: October 2010

The experimentally known cis‐[(η5,η5‐C10H8)Cr2(CO)6] structure with a rather long formal Cr–Cr single bond of about 3.3 Å is predicted by density functional theory to be the lowest energy C10H8Cr2(CO)6 structure. However, a trans‐[(η7,η5‐C10H8)Cr2(CO)6] structure lies in energy within ca. 4 kcal/mol of this global minimum. The lowest energy structures for the unsaturated derivatives C10H8Cr2(CO)n (n = 5, 4, 3, 2) are all related structures with cis stereochemistry of the two chromium atoms, a chromium‐chromium bond, and a single bridging carbonyl group. Such structures include singlet cis‐[(η5,η5‐C10H8)Cr2(CO)4 (μ‐CO)], singlet cis‐[(η7,η5‐C10H8)Cr2(CO)3(μ‐CO)], triplet cis‐[(η7,η5‐C10H8)Cr2(CO)2(μ‐CO)], and triplet cis‐[(η7,η5‐C10H8)Cr2(CO)(η2‐μ‐CO)], for n = 5, 4, 3, and 2, respectively. The C10H8Cr2(CO)5 structure is thermodynamically viable with respect to disproportionation into C10H8Cr2(CO)6 and C10H8Cr2(CO)4, in contrast to its cyclopentadienyl analogue [(η5‐C5H5)2Cr2(CO)5]. However, the C10H8Cr2(CO)4 structure is thermodynamically unfavorable with respect to disproportionation into C10H8Cr2(CO)5 and C10H8Cr2(CO)3, in contrast to its very stable and experimentally known cyclopentadienyl analogue [(η5‐C5H5)2Cr2(CO)4]. The lowest energy structure cis‐[(η7,η5‐C10H8)Cr2(μ‐CO)] for the monocarbonyl C10H8Cr2(CO) is a triplet structure with an unsymmetrical bridging carbonyl group and a Cr≡Cr distance of about 2.4 Å, suggesting a formal triple bond. The qualitatively assigned Cr–Cr formal bond orders (one through five) are remarkably consistent with the Wiberg bond indices obtained from the Weinhold natural bond order analysis.
Guignardones A–C: Three Meroterpenes from Guignardia mangiferae
Authors: Yuan Wei Hua , Liu Min , Jiang Nan , Guo Zhi Kai , Ma Jing , Zhang Jie , Song Yong Chun , Tan Ren Xiang
Published: October 2010

Guignardones A (1), B (2), and C (3), which are three meroterpenes with frameworks most probably generated through a terpenoid shikimate pathway, were characterized by a combination of spectroscopic, X‐ray crystallographic, and computational methods. The compounds were obtained from cultures of Guignardia mangiferae IFB‐GLP‐4 associated with normal Ilex cornuta leaves.
2‐Substituted Benzo[b]furans from (E)‐1,2‐Dichlorovinyl Ethers and Organoboron Reagents: Scope and Mechanistic Investigations into the One‐Pot Suzuki Coupling/Direct Arylation (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 29/2010)
Authors: Geary Laina M. , Hultin Philip G.
Published: October 2010

The cover picture shows a very direct route to the synthesis of 2‐substituted benzo[b]furans in the shadow of the X‐ray structure of N‐myristoyltransferase (E.C. 2.3.1.97) obtained from Candida albicans, which is inhibited by a synthetic benzo[b]furan (PDB reference 1IYL, S. Sogabe et al., Chem. Biol. 2002, 9, 1119). This synthetic route provides an excellent platform for the exploration of potential antifungal agents of this type. Details are discussed in the article by L. M. Geary and P. G. Hultin on p. 5563 ff.