bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of Type VI Collagen in Extracellular Matrix of Renal Glomeruli and Its Increase in Diabetes
Authors: Mohan Panaiyur S , Carter William G , Spiro Robert G
Published: September 2013

Human and bovine glomerular basement membrane (GBM) preparations, representing the extracellular matrix of the renal filtration units, were found to contain type VI collagen. This protein was solubilized by guanidine and guanidine-dithiothreitol extractions and characterized after polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic resolution by immunoblotting with an antiserum directed against the α1(VI) and α2(VI) polypeptide chains and by its insensitivity to collagenase digestion in the nonreduced state. In contrast to GBM, which is the product of three distinct cells, type VI collagen could not be detected in extracts from calf lens capsule, an epithelial cell–derived basement membrane. Quantitation by radioimmunoassay of the type VI collagen content of GBM from 17 diabetic and 15 nondiabetic human subjects indicated a 2.8-fold higher level (P < 0.001) in the diabetic preparations. Because in the glomerulus type VI collagen is considered on the basis of immunohistochemistry to be localized to the mesangium, we believe that measurement of this protein in GBM preparations can provide a valuable index of mesangial expansion in diabetic and other glomerulopathies.
Leucine Metabolism in IDDM: Role of Insulin and Substrate Availability
Authors: Luzi Livio , Castellino Pietro , Simonson Donald C , Petrides Alexander S , Defronzo Ralph A
Published: September 2013

The effect of insulin on plasma amino acid concentrations and leucine metabolism was examined in 18 healthy nondiabetic young volunteers and in 7 subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) with the euglycemic insulin-clamp technique (40 mU · m−2 · min−1) in combination with [1-14C]leucine. All diabetic subjects were studied while in poor metabolic control (fasting glucose 13.3 ± 1.1 mM; HbA1c 10.8 ± 0.2%) and again after 2 mo of intensified insulin therapy (fasting glucose 7.2 ± 0.5 mM; HbA1c 8.0 ± 0.2%). Insulin-mediated total-body glucose uptake in poorly controlled diabetic subjects (3.6 ± 0.5 mg · kg−1 · min−1) was significantly reduced compared with control subjects (7.5 ± 0.2 mg · kg−1 · min−1; P < .001) and improved slightly after insulin therapy (4.8 ± 0.3 mg · kg−1 · min−1; P < .05), although it still remained significantly lower than in control subjects (P < .01). During the insulin-clamp study performed in subjects with poorly controlled IDDM, endogenous leucine flux (ELF), leucine oxidation (LO), and nonoxidative leucine disposal (NOLD) all decreased (50.1 ± 2.0 to 26.4 ± 0.4; 9.2 ± 0.4 to 6.0 ± 0.3; 40.9 ± 2.0 to 20.4 ± 2.0 μmol · m−2 · min−1, respectively) to the same extent as in control subjects. After 2 mo of intensified insulin therapy, the effect of acute hyperinsulinemia on ELF, LO, and NOLD was comparable to that of control subjects, whereas insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism was still impaired. To examine the effect of substrate availability on leucine turnover, well-regulated IDDM and control subjects underwent a repeat insulin-clamp study combined with a balanced amino acid infusion designed to increase circulating plasma amino acid levels approximately twofold. Under these conditions, NOLD was equally enhanced above baseline in both control and IDDM subjects (P < .01), whereas ELF was inhibited to a greater extent (P < .01) than during the insulin clamp performed without amino acid infusion (control vs. diabetic subjects, NS). In conclusion, insulin-mediated glucose metabolism is severely impaired in subjects with both poorly controlled and well-controlled IDDM, whereas the effect of acute insulin infusion on leucine turnover is normal, and combined hyperaminoacidemia/hyperinsulinemia stimulated NOLD to a similar extent in both IDDM and control subjects.
Risk Variable Clustering in the Insulin Resistance Syndrome: The Framingham Offspring Study
Authors: Meigs James B , D'Agostino Ralph B , Wilson Peter WF , Adrienne Cupples L , Nathan David M , Singer Daniel E
Published: September 2013

Insulin resistance has been hypothesized to unify the clustering of hypertension, glucose intolerance, hyper-insulinemia, increased levels of triglyceride and decreased HDL cholesterol, and central and overall obesity. We tested this hypothesis with factor analysis, a statistical technique that should identify one factor if a single process underlies the clustering of these risk variables. From 2,458 nondiabetic subjects of the Framingham Offspring Study, we collected clinical data, fasting and 2-h postchallenge glucose and insulin levels, and fasting lipid levels. We performed factor analyses separately for men and women in the entire population and among subgroups with features of the insulin resistance syndrome. Subjects ranged in age from 26 to 82 years (mean age 54); 53% were women, 13.4% had impaired glucose tolerance, 27.6% had hypertension, 40% were obese, and 11.6% were hyperinsulinemic, defined by elevated fasting insulin levels. Underlying the clustering of these risk variables were three factors. Fasting and 2-h postchallenge insulin levels, fasting triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio were associated with one factor. Fasting and 2-h levels of glucose and insulin were associated with a second factor. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and BMI were associated with a third factor. Results were similar for men and women and for all subgroups. These results were consistent with more than one independent physiological process underlying risk variable clustering: a central metabolic syndrome (characterized by hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, and obesity), glucose intolerance, and hypertension. Glucose intolerance and hypertension were linked to the central syndrome through shared correlations with insulin levels and obesity. Insulin resistance (reflected by hyperinsulinemia) alone did not appear to underlie all features of the insulin resistance syndrome.
Insulin and Sulfonylurea Therapy in NIDDM Patients: Are the Effects on Lipoprotein Metabolism Different Even With Similar Blood Glucose Control?
Authors: Romano Geremia , Patti Lidia , Innelli Francesca , Marino Lucrezia Di , Annuzzi Giovanni , Iavicoli Mario , Coronel Gustavo A , Riccardi Gabriele , Rivellese Angela A
Published: September 2013

This study evaluates the effects of insulin versus glibenclamide on lipoprotein metabolism at comparable levels of blood glucose control, in particular on the concentration and distribution of VLDL subfractions and lipolytic enzyme activities in nine NIDDM men (aged 56 ± 3 years, BMI 26.5 ± 0.9 kg/m2) (means ± SE) participating in a crossover study. After a 3-week washout period, patients were randomly assigned to 2-month treatment periods (insulin or glibenclamide); thereafter, each patient crossed to the other treatment. At the end of each period, mean daily blood glucose (MDBG), HbA1c, plasma lipids, lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL, HDL), lipoprotein subfractions (VLDL1, 2, 3; HDL2) HDL3), and post-heparin lipase activities (lipoprotein lipase [LPL], hepatic lipase [HL]) were evaluated. Although glucose control was similar at the end of both periods (MDBG 8.3 ± 0.3 vs. 7.9 ± 0.3 mmol/l HbA1c 7.4 ± 0.3 vs. 7.0 ± 0.2%, insulin versus glibenclamide), insulin compared with glibenclamide induced a significant reduction in plasma triglycerides (0.9 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1 mmoH, P < 0.05), VLDL triglycerides (50.1 ± 12.2 vs. 63.6 ± 12.3 mg/dl, P < 0.02), VLDL1 lipid concentration (24.9 ± 7.5 vs. 39.9 ± 9.5 mg/dl, P < 0.006), and increased HDL2 cholesterol (25.2 ± 1.6 vs. 20.3 ± 1.3 mg/dl, P < 0.03). In terms of VLDL percentage subfraction distribution, with insulin, there was a decrease in the larger subfractions (VLDL1 26.5 ± 3.0 vs. 37.8 ± 3.4%, P < 0.02) and an increase in the smallest (VLDL3 47.3 ± 3.8 vs. 37.3 ± 3.3%, P < 0.05). Moreover, HL activity was significantly lower after insulin than after glibenclamide (HL 247.2 ± 22.3 vs. 263.5 ± 22.6 mU/ml, P < 0.05). In conclusion, compared with glibenclamide, insulin treatment (independent of variations in glucose control) is able to decrease significantly plasma triglycerides, to increase HDL2 cholesterol, and to reduce only the concentration of the larger VLDL subfractions, with a consequent redistribution of their profile.
Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression by Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
Authors: Punglia Rinaa S , Lu Ming , Hsu Julia , Kuroki Masatoshi , Tolentino Michael J , Keough Karen , Levy Andrew P , Levy Nina S , Goldberg Mark A , D'Amato Robert J , Adamis Anthony P
Published: September 2013

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels are correlated with retinal ischemia-associated intraocular neovascu-larization in humans. Since VEGF is required for iris and retinal neovascularization in animal models of retinal ischemia, we tested whether IGF-I could act as an indirect angiogenic factor by increasing VEGF gene expression. IGF-I increased retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell VEGF mRNA in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 7 nmol/l (53.6 ng/ml). RPE and bovine smooth muscle cells exposed to 50 nmol/1 (383 ng/ml) IGF-I achieved peak VEGF mRNA expression within 2 h. IGF-I-treated RPE cells increased VEGF protein levels in conditioned media and stimulated capillary endothelial cell proliferation. Blockade of the IGF-I receptor with a neutralizing antibody abrogated the VEGF increases in RPE cells. Further, hypoxia-mediated and IGF-I-mediated increases in VEGF mRNA and protein levels were additive in RPE cells, and the hypoxia-induced VEGF increases were independent of endogenous IGF-I. VEGF promoter activity was enhanced by IGF-I in RPE cells, but VEGF transcript half-life was unaltered. In summary, the supplementation of RPE and smooth muscle cell cultures with IGF-I at 5-100 nmol/1 increased VEGF mRNA and secreted protein levels. The VEGF increases in RPE cells occurred primarily through enhanced transcription of the VEGF gene and via the IGF-I receptor. Elevated IGF-I levels may promote neovascularization through increased retinal VEGF gene expression.
β3-Adrenoreceptor Gene Polymorphism: A Newly Identified Risk Factor for Proliferative Retinopathy in NIDDM Patients
Authors: Sakane Naoki , Yoshida Toshihide , Yoshioka Keiji , Nakamura Yoshio , Umekawa Tunekazu , Kogure Akinori , Takakura Yasuto , Kondo Motoharu
Published: September 2013

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of visual impairment. We investigated whether the polymorphism of the β3-adrenoreceptor (β3-AR) gene, which is associated with insulin resistance and an earlier onset of NIDDM, was associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in 215 Japanese NIDDM patients with a duration of diabetes of >10 years. The polymorphism of the β3-AR gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The Trp64Arg allele of the β3-AR gene was significantly more frequent in the NIDDM patients with PDR (P = 0.002), but not in those with non-PDR (P = 0.151), than in NIDDM patients without diabetic retinopathy. Those with the mutation had an earlier onset of diabetes, a longer duration of diabetes, and higher current and maximal BMI values, compared with those without the mutation. Moreover, this mutation was also associated with higher serum triglyceride and decreased HDL-cholesterol levels. When adjustment was made for age, age at diagnosis, duration of diabetes, current BMI, systolic blood pressure, HbA1c, and serum lipids in a multiple regression analysis, a significant association was found between the Trp64Arg allele and diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.039). The Arg/Arg or Arg/Trp genotype was significantly associated with PDR, compared with the Trp/Trp genotype, with an odds ratio of 2.55 (95% CI 1.25-5.16). We concluded that the β3-AR gene polymorphism is a newly identified risk factor for PDR.
Single-Stranded Conformational Polymorphism Analysis of the Mitochondria! Glycerol Phosphate Dehydrogenase Gene in NIDDM
Authors: MacDonald Michael J , Brown Laura J , Hasan Noaman M , Stoffel Markus , Dills Diana G
Published: September 2013

Because the activity of mitochondrial glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPD) in the pancreatic β-cell is normally among the highest of the body, but is low in the pancreatic islets of numerous rodent models of NIDDM and is reported to be low in the islets of the few humans studied with NIDDM (1,2), it has been questioned whether mGPD might be a diabetes candidate gene. Linkage studies have failed to find an association between mGPD and NIDDM in Caucasians (3) and Mexican Americans (4), which suggests that mutations in mGPD are not a common cause of NIDDM. Since NIDDM is a multifactorial and heterogeneous disorder, it is possible that abnormalities in many individual genes influencing reactions that are important for the maintenance of normal glucose homeostasis in the β-cell will be found in a low percentage of individuals with NIDDM. With this idea in mind, conditions for using single-stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the mGPD gene were developed to use this method to screen for mutations in this gene.
Chronic dermatitis caused by Lactobacillus jensenii infection in a blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna)
Authors: Brandão João , Wong Carolyn , Kurotaki Tetsuro , Johnson James , Mitchell Maria , Roy Alma , Pucheu-Haston Cherie , Del Piero Fabio , Tully Thomas
Published: September 2013

Case Description—A 5-year-old sexually intact female blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) was evaluated because of a swelling on the right side of the face and irritated area on the ventral aspect of the keel.

Clinical Findings—Clinical findings were consistent with dermatitis (right facial lesion) and a coalescing subdermal granuloma (ventral keel lesion). Hematologic analysis revealed monocytosis and mild anemia. Histologic evaluation of the ventral keel lesion revealed evidence of chronic heterophilic dermatitis with multinucleated giant cells and bacterial rods and cocci. An unspeciated gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium was isolated via aerobic bacterial culture. Results of bacterial biochemical tests suggested the organism was a type of Actinomyces. A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was performed; results indicated the organism was Lactobacillus jensenii.

Treatment and Outcome—Extensive surgical debridement of the branching granuloma, which extended throughout the length of the keel, followed by long-term treatment with ciprofloxacin and clindamycin provided full resolution of clinical signs. No recrudescence of clinical signs was evident for up to 18 months after the initial evaluation.

Clinical Relevance—To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of Lactobacillus-associated dermatitis or subdermal granuloma in the scientific literature and the second report of L jensenii in avian species. Use of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was instrumental in the identification of this fastidious organism, indicating the method's usefulness as a diagnostic tool.
The Morphological Features and Canopy Parameters as Factors Affecting the Competition Between Winter Wheat Varieties and Weeds
Authors: Feledyn-Szewczyk Beata , Jończyk Krzysztof , Berbeć Adam
Published: September 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between morphological features and canopy parameters of winter wheat varieties and weed infestation. The 2-year-long field experiments were conducted at 3 locations, on 13 varieties of winter wheat cultivated on organic farms. The response of the tested cultivars to weed infestation was similar regardless of the location. The number of weeds did not differ significantly between the wheat varieties and was similar in all locations and years of the study (109-122 plants/m2). The weed dry matter was significantly lower in Chomentowo (38 g/m2) compared to Osiny and Chwałowice (66 and 85 g/ m2). Nateja and Legenda wheat varieties showed the biggest competitiveness against weeds in both years and locations, whereas Alcazar, Boomer and Jenga were characterized as having the least competitive ability. Natula, Kohelia, Batuta and Ostroga wheat varieties showed a different response to weed infestation over the years. The analysis of correlation and cluster analysis showed that wheat dry matter, plant density, and wheat height had the greatest impact on the number and dry matter of weeds. There was no significant correlation between number of tillers per plant and weed infestation parameters measured in the dough stage
Effect of Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea) Leaf Residue as a Biofumigant, on Root Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne Incognita Infecting Tomato
Authors: Youssef Mahmoud Mohamed Ahmed , Lashein Asmahan Mohamed Shawky
Published: September 2013

Under greenhouse conditions, crushed cabbage leaves (Brassica oleracea) were incorporated into the soil at different rates (2.5, 5 and 10g per pot), 10 days before transplanting tomato cv. Super Strain B. The crushed leaves were mixed in with the soil at different interval times (5 g at transplanting, and 5 and 10 days before transplanting) for managing root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Results indicated that adding different rates of crushed cabbage leaves significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected nematode criteria. The higher the rate of residue, the higher the percentage of nematode reduction. Adding a moderate rate (5 g) of crushed cabbage leaves reduced nematode criteria according to the time the leaves were added before transplanting. There was a negative correlation between the time of the addition and the percentage of nematode reduction. Also plant growth criteria improved according to the tested rates and the time the leaves were added
Effect of High-Volume Fly Ash on Shear Strength of Concrete Beams
Authors: Arezoumandi Mahdi , Volz Jeffery S. , Myers John J.
Published: September 2013

Every year concrete production exceeds 6.5 billion tons worldwide, nearly 1 ton for every man, woman, and child on the planet. In fact, concrete is used 10 times more than any other building material in the world, primarily because of its incredible versatility, availability, and relatively low cost. Unfortunately, the production of portland cement—the key ingredient in concrete—generates approximately a pound of carbon dioxide for every pound of cement produced. One method of reducing concrete's carbon footprint is to replace a significant amount of the cement with fly ash, a by-product of coal-burning thermal power stations. This paper presents the results of an investigation of the shear strength of full-scale reinforced concrete beams constructed with both high-volume fly ash concrete (concrete with at least 50% of the cement replaced with fly ash) and conventional concrete. A test matrix of 16 beams included 12 beams without shear reinforcing and four with shear reinforcing in the form of stirrups; eight beams were constructed from each concrete type. Evaluation of the test results included a comparison with U.S. and international design codes, an examination based on AASHTO load and resistance factor design provisions of the longitudinal strains and angle of the critical flexure-shear crack, a comparison with an extensive database of shear tests on conventional concrete, and a detailed statistical study. The results revealed that the high-volume fly ash concrete beams had higher shear strengths than the conventional concrete beams tested in this investigation.
Low-Cost Techniques for Improving the Surface Durability of Pervious Concrete
Authors: Kevern John T. , Sparks Joseph Dan
Published: September 2013

This paper presents the results of a laboratory study to improve the durability of pervious concrete by using readily available and low-cost techniques. Surface raveling of pervious concrete is a concern for long-term use, and remediation techniques have not previously been investigated. A high void-content pervious concrete was cured in worst-case hot and dry conditions to produce poor surface durability. Pervious concrete mixtures included a traditional binder and one that included a superabsorbent polymer for internal curing. Various remediation methods included overlaying with fresh pervious concrete and applying latex paint, epoxy, or a surface densifier to the pavement before abrasion testing with the ASTM C944 rotary cutter method. Results showed that the durability of the internally cured mixture was superior to that of the traditional mixture. Of the surface-applied materials, epoxy provided the best improvement in durability, followed by latex paint and the densifier. Material analysis showed that modifying a mixture to include superabsorbent polymer was the lowest-cost option. On a poorly performing pervious pavement, latex paint or a thin overlay both had low material costs. Low-cost methods are effective techniques for improving the surface durability of pervious concrete.
Reducing the Specimen Size of the AASHTO T 97 Concrete Flexural Strength Test for Safety and Ease of Handling
Authors: Tanesi Jussara , Ardani Ahmad A. , Leavitt John C.
Published: September 2013

This study examined the feasibility of using smaller-size concrete beam specimens to conduct flexural strength tests of concrete with a simple beam with third-point loading according to the AASHTO T 97 procedure. Twenty-two mixtures containing four coarse aggregates (limestone, diabase, gravel, and granite) with maximum size varying from .75 to 1.5 in. were prepared. A total of 132 specimens measuring 4 × 4 × 14 in. and 132 standard-size specimens (6 × 6 × 21 in.) were tested. The 4- × 4-in. specimens yielded higher flexural strengths, as expected from the literature review. Analysis of the flexural strength test data revealed a very good correlation (R2 = .93) between the smaller- and standard-size beams. An equation is proposed to convert the flexural strength of the smaller-size specimen to the flexural strength of the standard-size specimen.
Internal Curing of Concrete Bridge Decks in Utah
Authors: Guthrie W. Spencer , Yaede Joseph M.
Published: September 2013

The objectives of this research were (a) to monitor in situ bridge deck properties such as moisture and diffusivity for both conventional concrete and concrete containing prewetted lightweight fine aggregate, which is intended to provide internal curing; (b) to compare deck performance in terms of early-age cracking; and (c) to evaluate the compressive strength and chloride permeability of concrete mixtures in the laboratory using cylinders cast in the field at the time of deck construction. The research scope included four bridges—two constructed with conventional concrete and two containing prewetted lightweight fine aggregate—in northern Utah. Data from sensors embedded in the concrete decks indicated that the moisture content of the internally cured concrete was 2% to 3% higher at 28 days than the moisture content of the conventional concrete. Although the internally cured concrete had a higher moisture content, the electrical conductivity values were approximately the same for all decks after a few months; these values suggested that the two types of concrete had similar diffusivity. At 28 days, the average strength of the internally cured concrete was 1% higher than that of the conventional concrete, and the internally cured concrete passed between 2% and 30% less current during the rapid chloride permeability test than the conventional concrete. After 2 months, three to five cracks about 0.2 to 0.3 mm in width were found on each of the conventional concrete bridge decks, but no visible signs of cracking were found in the bridge decks with internal curing.
Operational Effects of Continuous Flow Intersection Geometrics
Authors: Carroll Diego H. , Lahusen Derek
Published: September 2013

The continuous flow intersection (CFI), also known as a displaced left-turn (DLT) intersection, increases capacity and reduces delays by eliminating the left-turn traffic signal phase. The geometric layout of the intersection is changed so that left turns cross opposing traffic lanes at a location upstream of the main intersection. Although the installation of CFIs has become more prevalent in the United States, insights into the geometrics of CFIs gained through their application have not yet been dispersed to industry or academia. This paper considers the impacts that geometric design has on the operations of CFIs. The paper presents a deterministic model that considers the effects of the DLT length and other CFI geometrics on traffic operations. Although academic in nature, this model evolved through practical application. The model takes functional and operational insights gained through the analysis, design, and observation of multiple operational CFIs in Utah and articulates them in mathematical terms. The quantitative relationships presented provide transportation professionals and officials more accurate and precise guidance to facilitate better decisions in considering, evaluating, and designing a CFI.
Considering and Applying Driveway Design for All Users
Authors: Gattis J. L. , Gluck J. S. , Barlow J. M. , Eck R. W. , Hecker W. F. , Levinson H. S.
Published: September 2013

NCHRP Project 15-35, Geometric Design of Driveways, was initiated to help address the lack of comprehensive research and national design guidance for the design of driveway connections to roadways. The research initiated with this project included an extensive literature review, a survey of state agencies and contacts with interest groups, and fieldwork to measure traffic attributes. The project produced two publications: a research report on the NCHRP website and NCHRP Report 659: Guide for the Geometric Design of Driveways. This paper considers the following topics: (a) What design issues were identified? Current design practices may not adequately consider the range of all driveway users: bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians. The paper discusses the vulnerability of various users on the basis of historical crash data. (b) What user attributes were found? The research produced information about the driveway grades at which the undersides of vehicles may drag and the speeds at which vehicles on urban arterials entered commercial driveways having radii ranging from 13 to 20 ft. (c) What design practices were recommended? The guide presents a number of design practices to better meet the needs of all users. This paper provides useful information for design consultants and local government professionals.
Bernardino de Sahagún (1500-1590), un juicio lapidario sobre su Historia
Authors: León-Portilla Miguel
Published: September 2013

A l'occasion du 4e Centenaire de la mort de Fray Bernardino de Sahagún, fondateur de l'anthropologie américaine, est mise en relief l'importance d'un texte latin rédigé par Sahagún lui-même à la suite de l'index du livre VI dans le Codex de Florence et qui est très peu connu, voire encore trop souvent pratiquement ignoré. Or ce texte latin apporte un vision d'une rare lucidité sur l'œuvre accomplie et sur l'excellence des textes préhispaniques recueillis par Sahagún. Il confirme aussi définitivement l'identité du manuscrit remis à Rodrigo de Sequera comme étant bien le Codex de Florence. Edition et traduction de ce texte latin essentiel.
Claudio Gay y la historiografía chilena. El contexto histórico-cultural en la formulación de una concepción historiográfica
Authors: González Pizarro José Antonio
Published: September 2013

Analyse de la signification du rôle de Claudio Gay, naturaliste français, dans la création d'une conception historiographique moderne au Chili, dans le contexte des propositions politiques et culturelles de l'aristocratie nationale, dans la première moitié du XIXe siècle.
Iasos à la fin du IVe siècle A.C. Les monnaies aux fruits de mer, des fils de Théodotos au versement de l'ekklesiastikon
Authors: Delrieux François
Published: September 2013

Parmi les petits bronzes de la cité d'Iasos en Carie, certains d'entre eux portent au revers une crevette chevauchant un coquillage. Ce monnayage exceptionnel doit être daté des années 334-323 a.C. et renvoie certainement aux événements dont la ville fut alors le théâtre. En effet, le type aux fruits de mer rappelle sans doute les droits des Iasiens sur leur « Petite Mer », un temps confisquée par Alexandre le Grand, tandis que les pièces qu'il habille ont sans doute servi au paiement de l'ekklesiastikon dans une cité depuis peu démocratique. Les inspirateurs de cette frappe pourraient avoir été les Iasiens Gorgos et Minniôn, fils de Théodotos, autrefois chassés de leur cité pour des raisons politiques et, par la suite, membres influents de l'entourage d'Alexandre.
Thermal Human Face Recognition for Biometric Security System
Authors: Seal Ayan , Bhattacharjee Debotosh , Nasipuri Mita , Basu Dipak Kumar
Published: September 2013

Automatic face recognition has been comprehensively studied for more than four decades, since face recognition of individuals has many applications, particularly in human-machine interaction and security. Although face recognition systems have achieved a significant level of maturity with some realistic achievement, face recognition still remains a challenging problem due to large variation in face images. Face recognition techniques can be generally divided into three categories based on the face image acquisition methodology: methods that work on intensity images, those that deal with video sequences, and those that require other sensory (like 3D sensory or infra-red imagery) data. Researchers are using thermal infrared images for face recognition. Since thermal infrared images have some advantages over 2D images. In this chapter, an overview of some of the well-known techniques of face recognition using thermal infrared faces are discussed, and some of the drawbacks and benefits of each of these methods mentioned therein are discussed. This chapter talks about some of the most recent algorithms developed for this purpose, and tries to give a brief idea of the state of the art of face recognition technology. The authors propose one approach for evaluating the performance of face recognition algorithms using thermal infrared images. They also note the results of several classifiers on a benchmark dataset (Terravic Facial Infrared Database).
Conjugated Linoleic Acid Targets β2 Integrin Expression To Suppress Monocyte Adhesion
Authors: de Gaetano Monica , Dempsey Eugene , Marcone Simone , James William G. , Belton Orina
Published: September 2013

Chronic recruitment of monocytes and their subsequent migration through the activated endothelium contribute to atherosclerotic plaque development. Integrin-mediated leukocyte adhesion is central to this process. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has the unique property of inducing regression of pre-established murine atherosclerosis via modulation of monocyte/macrophage function. Understanding the mechanisms through which CLA mediates its atheroprotective effect may help to identify novel pathways that limit or reverse atherosclerosis. In this study, we identified a novel mechanism through which CLA alters monocyte function. We show that CLA inhibits human peripheral blood monocyte cell adhesion to activated endothelial cells via loss of CD18 expression, the β2 chain of LFA-1 and Mac-1 integrins. In addition, using a static-adhesion assay, we provide evidence that CLA prevents monocytes from binding to ICAM-1 and subsequently reduces the capacity of these cells to polarize. CXCL12–CXCR4 interactions induce a conformational change in β2 integrins, facilitating leukocyte adhesion. In this study, we demonstrate that CLA inhibits CXCR4 expression, resulting in a failure of monocytes to directionally migrate toward CXCL12. Finally, using intravital microscopy, we show that, during CLA-induced regression of pre-established atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice, there is reduced leukocyte adhesion and decreased CD18 expression on Gr1+/CD115+ proinflammatory monocytes. In summary, the data presented describe a novel functional role for CLA in the regulation of monocyte adhesion, polarization, and migration.
Fatal Eosinophilic Myocarditis Develops in the Absence of IFN-γ and IL-17A
Authors: Barin Jobert G. , Baldeviano G. Christian , Talor Monica V. , Wu Lei , Ong SuFey , Fairweather DeLisa , Bedja Djahida , Stickel Natalie R. , Fontes Jillian A. , Cardamone Ashley B. , Zheng Dongfeng , Gabrielson Kathleen L. , Rose Noel R. , Čiháková Daniela
Published: September 2013

CD4+ T cells play a central role in inflammatory heart disease, implicating a cytokine product associated with Th cell effector function as a necessary mediator of this pathophysiology. IFN-γ–deficient mice developed severe experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM), in which mice are immunized with cardiac myosin peptide, whereas IL-17A–deficient mice were protected from progression to dilated cardiomyopathy. We generated IFN-γ−/−IL-17A−/− mice to assess whether IL-17 signaling was responsible for the severe EAM of IFN-γ−/− mice. Surprisingly, IFN-γ−/−IL-17A−/− mice developed a rapidly fatal EAM. Eosinophils constituted a third of infiltrating leukocytes, qualifying this disease as eosinophilic myocarditis. We found increased cardiac production of CCL11/eotaxin, as well as Th2 deviation, among heart-infiltrating CD4+ cells. Ablation of eosinophil development improved survival of IFN-γ−/−IL-17A−/− mice, demonstrating the necessity of eosinophils in fatal heart failure. The severe and rapidly fatal autoimmune inflammation that developed in the combined absence of IFN-γ and IL-17A constitutes a novel model of eosinophilic heart disease in humans. This is also, to our knowledge, the first demonstration that eosinophils have the capacity to act as necessary mediators of morbidity in an autoimmune process.
New Role of Signal Peptide Peptidase To Liberate C-Terminal Peptides for MHC Class I Presentation
Authors: Oliveira Cláudia C. , Querido Bianca , Sluijter Marjolein , de Groot Anne F. , van der Zee Reno , Rabelink Martijn J. W. E. , Hoeben Rob C. , Ossendorp Ferry , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , van Hall Thorbald
Published: September 2013

The signal peptide peptidase (SPP) is an intramembrane cleaving aspartyl protease involved in release of leader peptide remnants from the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, hence its name. We now found a new activity of SPP that mediates liberation of C-terminal peptides. In our search for novel proteolytic enzymes involved in MHC class I (MHC-I) presentation, we found that SPP generates the C-terminal peptide-epitope of a ceramide synthase. The display of this immunogenic peptide–MHC-I complex at the cell surface was independent of conventional processing components like proteasome and peptide transporter TAP. Absence of TAP activity even increased the MHC-I presentation of this Ag. Mutagenesis studies revealed the crucial role of the C-terminal location of the epitope and “helix-breaking” residues in the transmembrane region just upstream of the peptide, indicating that SPP directly liberated the minimal 9-mer peptide. Moreover, silencing of SPP and its family member SPPL2a led to a general reduction of surface peptide–MHC-I complexes, underlining the involvement of these enzymes in Ag processing and presentation.
Annexin-A1 Regulates TLR-Mediated IFN-β Production through an Interaction with TANK-Binding Kinase 1
Authors: Bist Pradeep , Shu Shinla , Lee Huiyin , Arora Suruchi , Nair Sunitha , Lim Jyue Yuen , Dayalan Jivanaah , Gasser Stephan , Biswas Subhra K. , Fairhurst Anna-Marie , Lim Lina H. K.
Published: September 2013

TLRs play a pivotal role in the recognition of bacteria and viruses. Members of the family recognize specific pathogen sequences to trigger both MyD88 and TRIF-dependent pathways to stimulate a plethora of cells. Aberrant activation of these pathways is known to play a critical role in the development of autoimmunity and cancer. However, how these pathways are entirely regulated is not fully understood. In these studies, we have identified Annexin-A1 (ANXA1) as a novel regulator of TLR-induced IFN-β and CXCL10 production. We demonstrate that in the absence of ANXA1, mice produce significantly less IFN-β and CXCL10, and macrophages and plasmacytoid dendritic cells have a deficiency in activation following polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid administration in vivo. Furthermore, a deficiency in activation is observed in macrophages after LPS and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid in vitro. In keeping with these findings, overexpression of ANXA1 resulted in enhanced IFN-β and IFN-stimulated responsive element promoter activity, whereas silencing of ANXA1 impaired TLR3- and TLR4-induced IFN-β and IFN-stimulated responsive element activation. In addition, we show that the C terminus of ANXA1 directly associates with TANK-binding kinase 1 to regulate IFN regulatory factor 3 translocation and phosphorylation. Our findings demonstrate that ANXA1 plays an important role in TLR activation, leading to an augmentation in the type 1 IFN antiviral cytokine response.
Symplectic Degenerate Flag Varieties
Authors: Feigin Evgeny , Finkelberg Michael , Littelmann Peter
Published: September 2013

A simple finite dimensional module Vλ of a simple complex algebraic group G is naturally endowed with a filtration induced by the PBW-filtration of U(Lie G). The associated graded space is a module for the group Ga, which can be roughly described as a semi-direct product of a Borel subgroup of G and a large commutative unipotent group . In analogy to the flag variety ℱλ = G:[vλ] ⊂ ℙ(Vλ), we call the closure of the Ga-orbit through the highest weight line the degenerate flag variety . In general this is a singular variety, but we conjecture that it has many nice properties similar to that of Schubert varieties. In this paper we consider the case of G being the symplectic group. The symplectic case is important for the conjecture because it is the first known case where, even for fundamental weights ω, the varieties differ from Fω. We give an explicit construction of the varieties and construct desingularizations, similar to the Bott–Samelson resolutions in the classical case. We prove that are normal locally complete intersections with terminal and rational singularities. We also show that these varieties are Frobenius split. Using the above mentioned results, we prove an analogue of the Borel–Weil theorem and obtain a q-character formula for the characters of irreducible Sp2n-modules via the Atiyah–Bott–Lefschetz fixed points formula.
On Localized Unstable K1-groups and
Applications to Self-homotopy Groups
Authors: Kishimoto Daisuke , Kono Akira , Tsutaya Mitsunobu
Published: September 2013

The method for computing the p-localization of the group [X, U(n)], by Hamanaka in 2004, is revised. As an application, an explicit description of the self-homotopy group of Sp(3) localized at p ≥ 5 is given and the homotopy nilpotency of Sp(3) localized at p ≥ 5 is determined.
Die Attach Materials
Authors: Lu Daniel , Sun Yangyang , Wong C. P.
Published: September 2013

Die attach materials such as solder, polymeric adhesive pastes and films, and gold alloys are used to bond the chip (die) and the substrate. This article overviews the practical processing requirements of die attach materials and their application to semiconductor packaging, including die attach film for advanced BGA/CSP, Pb‐free packaging, and high‐power applications. In addition, dual‐function die attach films and future trends are also discussed.
Monoclonal Antibodies: Therapeutic Uses
Authors: Zola Heddy , Thomas Daniel , Lopez Angel
Published: September 2013

Monoclonal antibodies are protein molecules made in the laboratory from hybridoma cells (stable cell lines derived by fusing antibody‐producing cells from immunised animals with cells that confer immortality and high‐yield antibody production) or by recombinantdeoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)technology. They are originally derived from the immune system and have a number of unique properties that have stimulated their use in medicine, including the ability to bind specifically and with high affinity to almost any molecular structure. They can be made in various expression systems such as bacteria or mammalian cells and modified for enhanced affinity, immune function or half‐life in blood. They are made in a homogeneous and reproducible form that allows comparisons across laboratories for diagnosis as well as therapeutics. Current major therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies include cancer, chronic inflammatory disease, and infection and they constitute the largest and fastest growing sector of the biological pharmaceutical industry.

Key Concepts:

Monoclonal antibodies are proteins with high specificity towards targets.

Monoclonal antibodies have multiple utilities in therapy as they can recognise specific structures in targets such as bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, etc.

Monoclonal antibodies can be produced in large amounts in homogeneous and reproducible form for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Monoclonal antibodies have a clear regulatory path for their approval as therapeutics.

Monoclonal antibodies can be derived from B‐cells from immunised animals, humans with autoimmune diseases andde novoby phage display.

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies can be engineered to be more human‐like proteins, to increase their affinity, reduce their immunogenicity and increase their half‐life in the circulation, and can be conjugated with toxin for better lytic effect.

Monoclonal antibodies can mediate antibody‐mediated cytotoxicity by linking the target cells to cytotoxic cells through their binding sites and Fc sites.
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Authors: Peterson Paul M
Published: September 2013

The grass family (Poaceae or Gramineae) is the fourth largest flowering plant family and contains approximately 11 000 species in nearly 800 genera worldwide. We currently recognise 12 subfamilies: Anomochlooideae, Pharoideae, Puelioideae, Bambusoideae, Ehrhartoideae, Pooideae, Aristidoideae, Panicoideae, Arundinoideae, Micrairoideae, Danthonioideae and Chloridoideae, and in these subfamilies we recognise 50 tribes and 81 subtribes. Grasses are well adapted to open, marginal and frequently disturbed habitats, and can be found on every continent, including Antarctica. A grass is characterised by having a caryopsis or grain, and the primary inflorescence is referred to as a spikelet with a lemma and palea. The incorporation of two photosynthetic or carbon dioxide assimilation pathways has led to the family's ability to occupy 31−43% of the Earth's surface in various climatic environments as the dominant component, the grasslands.

Key Concepts:

Rice, wheat, corn, barley, rye, oats, sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet and tef are widely cultivated grains.

A grass is characterised by having a one‐seeded fruit known as a caryopsis or grain.

The primary inflorescence is referred to as a spikelet with 1–many, two‐ranked bracts inserted along the floral axis or rachilla.

The grass family is classified into 12 subfamilies, 50 tribes and 81 subtribes.

A highly reduced floral structure and wind pollination has enabled the family to be extremely successful at planet‐wide radiation and colonisation.

Incorporation of two photosynthetic carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation pathways has led to the family's ability to occupy 31−43% of the Earth's surface as a dominant component, the grasslands.
Genetics of Susceptibility to Leprosy
Authors: Priya Doss C George , Dev Sreyashi , Das Anubrita
Published: September 2013

Leprosy is a chronic mycobacterial infection that elicits an extraordinary range of cellular immune responses in humans. Leprosy is also known as Hansen's disease after GA Hansen who discovered it in 1873. The infection is curable but not preventable, and remains a major global health problem, especially in the developing world. Complex segregation analysis study suggests an oligogenic model of leprosy susceptibility stating that the patients carry susceptible allele's loci. The infection in humans is influenced by genetic variation (SNPs) in the associated genes, that is, genes that contribute to the innate immune recognition of mycobacteria. Recognition of mycobacteria by the adaptive immune system, involves products of human leucocyte antigen/major histocompatibility complex genes and effector responses of the immune system. Host genetics plays an important role in determining an individual's risk of developing clinical leprosy. Host susceptibility genetic susceptibility to leprosy is complicated by the genetics ofMycobacterium leprae, interaction between gene and environmental factors, gene–gene interactions and lastly ethnicity. The host immune response influences the course of infection (host–pathogen relationship) and provides an exciting challenge to understand the genetics of disease susceptibility and immunopathogenesis of leprosy.

Key Concepts:

Leprosy was identified as the first devastating disease of humans causing disability by the bacterial pathogenMycobacterium leprae.

Genomic data might be useful in the development of drugs and vaccines against leprosy. Despite widespread implementation of effective multidrug therapy, leprosy has not been eliminated.

Complex segregation analyses have suggested a predominant genetic rather than environmental model for associations in leprosy.

Recognition of mycobacteria by the adaptive immune system involving products of human leucocyte antigen/major histocompatibility complex genes and effector responses of the immune system (genes affecting cytokines, chemokines and immunomodulators).

Direct involvement of SNPs in different genes in host genetic susceptibility to leprosy.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) represent an important class of genetic variation, and SNPs within and outside coding sequences are under intense examination for possible associations or mechanistic links to disease.

Haplotypes are combinations of two or more polymorphisms (SNPs in this case) within a single chromosome in an individual, which can be used as genetic markers.

The availability of theM.lepraegenome sequence and improved methodologies for molecular level diagnosis of the genetic basis of drug resistance in mycobacteria led to the development of molecular methods for drug‐susceptibility testing (DST).
NPM, ‘DIE HARD’ LEGACY? NPM REFORM AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW IN KOREA
Authors: Hong Joon‐Hyung
Published: September 2013

Regardless of whether neoliberalism has declined or whether it is still appropriate to say ‘neoliberal’, it is highly probable that New Public Management (NPM) reform will continue and survive challenges in Korea. By analyzing the relationship between the NPM‐based government reforms and role of administrative law during the last decades in Korea, the article tries to explain notable persistence of those legacies of the NPM reforms. Financial emergencies, such as the 1997 foreign currency crisis in Korea and economic downturn in recent years, could repeat themselves at any time. Government reform will then continue to be a surviving toolkit to cope with such crises. Another factor is citizens' desire and expectation, which is taxpayers' demand. With this undiminished, ever‐increasing demand for better quality of public service, there could be no way out but to reform government by downsizing and restructuring itself in the name of efficiency and accountability. NPM‐based government reform has risks and uncertainty problems, however, as long as success cannot be guaranteed by public trust in government. The article concludes by confirming the value of constitutionalism and the Rule of Law that constitute indispensable and soundest means to build trust, which is a critical success factor in government reforms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.