bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro Diagnosis of Atopic Allergy
Authors: Berg T. , Johansson S.G.O.
Published: July 2009

The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) has been used for in vitro diagnosis of allergy in a selected group of children with asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The results were compared with those of provocation tests and also with the results of skin tests. Where the results of RAST and the provocation tests differed, repeated tests were performed, initially in vitro and secondly in vivo. Selected commercial allergens of good quality were used and, for the most part, the same allergen batches were used in RAST, in the provocation tests and in the skin tests. A 76% correlation between RAST and provocation tests was found on preliminary investigation before divergent results were repeated. This degree of correlation is similar to that obtained previously in unselected patients using RAST as a part of the routine diagnostic. On repeated examination, agreement was obtained in an additional 16% of the cases. The major part of the improvement (13%) was due to conversion of preliminary RAST results from negative to positive in children with positive provocation tests. To a minor extent, the improvement was due to the fact that, in some children with positive RAST, negative provocation tests became positive when repeated. Finally, in one case an originally positive RAST in a child with a negative provocation test was found to be negative on re-examination. Comparing the final revised results of RAST and provocation tests there were no cases where a negative provocation test was combined with a positive RAST. Nearly all the children with positive provocation tests in spite of a negative RAST were shown to have low degree allergy. Although circulating reaginic antibodies are not always present, it seems that, on repeated investigations, the great majority of children with asthma and hay fever can be shown to have such antibodies even though the serum concentration may be low or very low. In doubtful cases repeated RAST examinations may be of value.
Defective Immune and Phagocytic Functions in Uraemia and Renal Transplantation
Authors: McIntosh J. , Hansen P. , Ziegler J. , Penny R.
Published: July 2009

The humoral, cellular and neutrophil responses of uraemic patients maintained by haemodialysis were compared with those of renal transplant recipients. Humoral immunity was reduced only in the transplant group. Cell-mediated immunity was abnormal in both groups but more decreased in the transplant group studied particularly within 3 months of transplantation. The neutrophil bactericidal capacities were defective in both groups. Infectious complications were often associated with defective cellular immunity, but fatal infections occurred only in transplant patients over 40 years of age with combined cellular and neutrophil defects. No single test was predictive of graft survival in uraemic patients. The depressed cellular immune responses in uraemia, of the degree seen in the immunosuppressed transplant recipient, may explain the better prognosis of renal transplants compared with other organ transplants.
Relationships between IgE Antibody Production and other Immune Responses
Authors: Imada Yoshiro , Nomoto Kikuo , Yamada Hiroyasu , Takeya Kenji
Published: July 2009

In adult C57BL/6 mice, a high-responder strain to ovalbumin, PCA and HA antibodies appeared at the same time after immunization. In young mice, on the other hand, the capacity to produce IgE antibodies against ovalbumin developed earlier than that to produce IgM or IgG antibodies.
Elevated Serum α-Fetoprotein and Impaired Immune Response in Malnutrition
Authors: Chandra R.K. , Bhujwala R.A.
Published: July 2009

Serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) estimated in 33 malnourished children, was found to be elevated in 11 of 17 fetally growth-retarded infants and in 5 of 16 with postnatal nutritional deficiency. The majority of those with increased serum AFP concentration had associated liver dysfunction. Nutritional deprivation of growing rats resulted in an increase in AFP levels, especially in the offspring of starved female animals. The administration of purified AFP was associated with reduced antibody formation to sheep red blood cells. It is suggested that AFP exerts a modulating influence on immune response.
A Reappraisal of the Forces Involved in Hemagglutination
Authors: Pollack William , Reckel Rudolph P.
Published: July 2009

The underlying principles governing the second stage of hemagglutination, as described in 1965, have been reevaluated. This reappraisal reaffirms that red cell aggregation is dependent on the potential energy barrier (λ) between erythrocytes. This in turn is dependent on the ionic strength and dielectric constant of the bulk medium. Hemagglutination by IgG and IgM antibody is a function of the effective length of these immunoglobulins and the λ of the cells in the reaction mixture. Agglutination of cells occurs when the λ-potential is below a critical level. The enhancing action of natural and synthetic polymers (e. g., bovine albumin) is to lower zeta by raising the dielectric constant of the bulk medium. Several other recent concepts are discussed and the major differences discussed in light of data available.
Immunogenicity of Random Polymers of L-Glutamic Acid, L-Alanine and L-Tyrosine in Inbred Hamsters
Authors: Luderer Albert A. , Maurer Paul H. , Chack Joel P.
Published: July 2009

The random terpolymer GAT has been found to be immunogenic in hamsters whereas the random copolymers GA or GT were found to be nonimmunogenic. Although no immune responses to GA or GT could be elicited, the anti-GAT antibody response contained populations inhibited specifically by GA, GT and poly-G. These data suggest that in hamsters, recognition of GAT occurs via determinants which are not present in GA orGT.
Inhibition of Anaphylactic Histamine Release by Forssman Antiserum
Authors: Duravetz J. , Stefanovich C. , Blandford G. , Broder I. , Sturgess J.
Published: July 2009

The mechanism was studied of the inhibitory effect of IgG Forssman antibody on anaphylactic sensitization in the guinea pig lung. Two possibilities were considered to explain the inhibitory effect: either the Forssman antibody-antigen interaction occurred on the mast cell, allowing the F(ab′)2 portion to interfere with the Fc receptor(s) for anaphylactic antibody; or the interaction took place adjacent to the mast cell allowing the Fc portion to occupy the receptors for anaphylactic antibody. These studies were made possible in part by developing a method for preparing mast cell suspensions from guinea pig lung. The mast cells were viable but released histamine only on treatment with compound 48/80 and not with anaphylatoxin, soluble immune complexes or with active or passive anaphylactic sensitization. Mast cells incubated with Forssman antibody and complement showed no evidence of injury as judged by electron microscopy, suggesting that they did not contain Forssman antigen. The absence of Forssman antigen from mast cells was substantiated further by studies of mixed agglutination and fluorescence microscopy. Also, pepsin digestion of Forssman antibody resulted in a loss of the ability to inhibit the histamine-releasing activity of soluble immune complexes, indicating that the F(ab′)2 portion alone was not sufficient to sustain the inhibitory process. It was concluded that the inhibitory effect of IgG Forssman antibody was due to union with interstitial Forssman antigen adjacent to mast cells, allowing the Fc portion of the Forssman antibody to irreversibly occupy the mast cell Fc receptor(s) for anaphylactic antibody.
Studies on Adsorption by Tumor Tissue of Erythrocytes Sensitized by IgG Antibodies
Authors: Targowski Stanislaw P. , Abeyounis John , Milgrom Felix
Published: July 2009

Cryostat sections of methylcholanthrene-induced murine tumors were previously shown to adsorb erythocytes sensitized by subagglutinating concentrations of anti-erythocyte antibodies. This type of hemadsorption was seen also with sections of normal murine spleen. It was shown in the present study that immune complexes composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and rabbit anti-BSA serum, or human IgG and mouse anti-human IgG serum inhibit adsorption of sensitized erythocytes by tumor and spleen sections. Maximum inhibition was produced by complexes formed at excess of antigen. In contrast, inhibition was not seen with complexes formed at equivalence. In addition, heat-aggregated human IgG, but not monomeric human IgG, inhibited hemadsorption by tumor tissue. Anti-BSA, antihuman IgG, BSA or human IgG alone did not produce significant inhibition. These results support the contention that murine tumor cells and lymphocytes have similar Fc receptors on their surface. The implication that the nonspecific attachment of immune complexes to the tumor cells and lymphocytes may alter the immunological response of the host to the tumor is discussed.
IgE-Type Antibodies to Ascaris Antigens in Man
Authors: Tsuji Moriyasu , Hayashi Takaharu , Yamamoto Shoso , Sakata Yasukazu , Toshida Takashi
Published: July 2009

IgE antibodies to Ascaris antigens were detected by radioallergosorbent test (RAST) in the serum obtained from a person experimentally sensitized with Ascaris suum antigens prepared from the body fluid of worms. This serum passively sensitized human skin in vitro and histamine release from the sensitized skin was observed by challenge with antigens. The allergenicity of A. suum antigens was present over a very broad spectrum of molecular size. The present results suggest that specific IgE antibodies to Ascaris antigens might be in Ascaris-intected patients and allergic symptoms which belong to type 1 reaction might be mediated by IgE in these patients.
Effect of Thymectomy on Lymphocyte Subpopulations in the Pig
Authors: Binns R.M. , Pallares V. , Symons D.B.A. , Sibbons P.
Published: July 2009

Thymectomy in neonatal pigs results in marked lymphopenia. Surface Ig immunofluorescence, Fc rosettes and SRBC rosettes have been used to identify blood lymphocyte subpopulations. There was no marked reduction in numbers of cells in these subpopulations after thymectomy, although their proportion increased. This change was explained by a 90% reduction in ‘null’ lymphocytes, defined as those lacking slg and Dextran SRBC receptor, which comprised 30–45% of blood lymphocytes.
Studies on the Mechanism of Tachyphylaxis to Disodium Cromoglycate
Authors: Sung Cheng-po , Saunders H.L. , Krell R.D. , Chakrin L.W.
Published: July 2009

The tachyphylaxis to disodium cromoglycate’s (DSCG) inhibition of antigen-induced histamine release is readily demonstrable utilizing passively sensitized rat lung fragments. This tachyphylaxis to DSCG is evident whether or not calcium is present during drug preincubation. An attempt to relate the mechanism of tachyphylaxis to the DSCG-induced release of an endogenous cellular inhibitory material was unsuccessful insofar as could be demonstrated by an effect on mediator release.
Impaired Function of Peripheral Lymphocytes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Malavé Inés , Cuadra Cesar
Published: July 2009

DNA synthesis by peripheral lymphocytes from active non-treated SLE patients and matched normal donors was assessed at various times after stimulation with high and low doses of PHA, PWM and ConA and in non-stimulated control cultures. The time response curve of SLE lymphocytes stimulated with a suboptimal dose of PHA, and with both optimal and suboptimal doses of PWM and ConA was markedly depressed, while their spontaneous DNA synthesis was significantly increased. Preincubation of the cells to remove putative coating antibodies did not revert the response of patients’ lymphocytes to normal values. The antibody-induced cell-mediated lysis of 51Cr-labelled chicken red blood cells was only slightly impaired in a group of 15 unselected SLE patients. The results demonstrate that cellular factors contribute to the depressed in vitro responses in active SLE, suggesting a wide defect of lymphocyte populations in this disease.
Inhibition of Specific Immune Responses by Feeding Protein Antigens
Authors: Hanson Donald G. , Vaz Nelson M. , Maia Luiz C.S. , Hornbrook Margaret M. , Lynch James M. , Roy Cynthia A.
Published: July 2009

A profound and long-lasting state of specific immune unresponsiveness may be induced in adult inbred mice given a single dose of protein immunogens – such as ovalbumin or hemocyanin – by the digestive route. The degree of unresponsiveness induced by intragastric exposure to ovalbumin could not be achieved by intravenous injection of deaggregated ovalbumin solutions across a wide range of doses. Unresponsiveness induced by intragastric exposure to hapten-protein conjugates is specific to the carrier protein.
A free weekly iron-folic acid supplementation and regular deworming program is associated with improved hemoglobin and iron status indicators in Vietnamese women
Authors: Casey Gerard J , Phuc Tran Q , MacGregor Lachlan , Montresor Antonio , Mihrshahi Seema , Thach Tran D , Tien Nong T , Biggs Beverley-Ann
Published: July 2009

Background

Anemia due to iron deficiency is recognized as one of the major nutritional deficiencies in women and children in developing countries. Daily iron supplementation for pregnant women is recommended in many countries although there are few reports of these programs working efficiently or effectively. Weekly iron-folic acid supplementation (WIFS) and regular deworming treatment is recommended for non-pregnant women living in areas with high rates of anemia. Following a baseline survey to assess the prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency and soil transmitted helminth infections, we implemented a program to make WIFS and regular deworming treatment freely and universally available for all women of reproductive age in two districts of a province in northern Vietnam over a 12 month period. The impact of the program at the population level was assessed in terms of: i) change in mean hemoglobin and iron status indicators, and ii) change in the prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency and hookworm infections.

Method

Distribution of WIFS and deworming were integrated with routine health services and made available to 52,000 women. Demographic data and blood and stool samples were collected in baseline, and three and 12-month post-implementation surveys using a population-based, stratified multi-stage cluster sampling design.

Results

The mean Hb increased by 9.6 g/L (95% CI, 5.7, 13.5, p < 0.001) during the study period. Anemia (Hb<120 g/L) was present in 131/349 (37.5%, 95% CI 31.3, 44.8) subjects at baseline, and in 70/363 (19.3%, 95% CI 14.0, 24.6) after twelve months. Iron deficiency reduced from 75/329 (22.8%, 95% CI 16.9, 28.6) to 33/353 (9.3%, 95% CI 5.7, 13.0) by the 12-mnth survey, and hookworm infection from 279/366 (76.2%,, 95% CI 68.6, 83.8) to 66/287 (23.0%, 95% CI 17.5, 28.5) over the same period.

Conclusion

A free, universal WIFS program with regular deworming was associated with reduced prevalence and severity of anemia, iron deficiency and hookworm infection when made available to Vietnamese women over a 12-month period.
Conditional transgenic mice expressing C-terminally truncated human α-synuclein (αSyn119) exhibit reduced striatal dopamine without loss of nigrostriatal pathway dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Daher João Paulo L , Ying Mingyao , Banerjee Rebecca , McDonald Rebecca S , Hahn Myriam Dumas , Yang Lichuan , Flint Beal M , Thomas Bobby , Dawson Valina L , Dawson Ted M , Moore Darren J
Published: July 2009

Background

Missense mutations and multiplications of the α-synuclein gene cause autosomal dominant familial Parkinson's disease (PD). α-Synuclein protein is also a major component of Lewy bodies, the hallmark pathological inclusions of PD. Therefore, α-synuclein plays an important role in the pathogenesis of familial and sporadic PD. To model α-synuclein-linked disease in vivo, transgenic mouse models have been developed that express wild-type or mutant human α-synuclein from a variety of neuronal-selective heterologous promoter elements. These models exhibit a variety of behavioral and neuropathological features resembling some aspects of PD. However, an important deficiency of these models is the observed lack of robust or progressive nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal degeneration that is characteristic of PD.

Results

We have developed conditional α-synuclein transgenic mice that can express A53T, E46K or C-terminally truncated (1–119) human α-synuclein pathological variants from the endogenous murine ROSA26 promoter in a Cre recombinase-dependent manner. Using these mice, we have evaluated the expression of these α-synuclein variants on the integrity and viability of nigral dopaminergic neurons with age. Expression of A53T α-synuclein or truncated αSyn119 selectively in nigrostriatal pathway dopaminergic neurons for up to 12 months fails to precipitate dopaminergic neuronal loss in these mice. However, αSyn119 expression in nigral dopaminergic neurons for up to 12 months causes a marked reduction in the levels of striatal dopamine and its metabolites together with other subtle neurochemical alterations.

Conclusion

We have developed and evaluated novel conditional α-synuclein transgenic mice with transgene expression directed selectively to nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons as a potential new mouse model of PD. Our data support the pathophysiological relevance of C-terminally truncated α-synuclein species in vivo. The expression of αSyn119 in the mouse nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway may provide a useful model of striatal dopamine depletion and could potentially provide a presymptomatic model of PD perhaps representative of the earliest derangements in dopaminergic neuronal function observed prior to neuronal loss. These conditional α-synuclein transgenic mice provide novel tools for evaluating and dissecting the age-related effects of α-synuclein pathological variants on the function of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway or other specific neuronal populations.
State of the Science and the Intraductal Approach for Breast Cancer: Proceedings Summary of The Sixth International Symposium on the Intraductal Approach To Breast Cancer Santa Monica, California, 19–21 February 2009
Authors: Rochman Susan , Mills Dixie , Kim Julian , Kuerer Henry , Love Susan
Published: July 2009

Researchers are using the intraductal approach to advance breast cancer risk assessment, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Procedures and technologies that can access and interrogate the ductal-alveolar systems include nipple aspiration, ductal lavage and ductoscopy. Ductoscopic papillectomy, ductoscopic margin evaluation, and intraductal therapy are considered promising investigational and innovative treatments. These techniques are used to explore the biology of the normal breast; collect and analyze breast fluid and cells to identify biomarkers that can be used in breast cancer detection and risk assessment; and to identify new ways to find and administer therapeutic and/or preventive agents to the breast tissue. This report summarizes the latest research findings in these areas, presented at The 6th International Symposium on the Intraductal Approach to Breast Cancer in 2009.
Sex steroid metabolism polymorphisms and mammographic density in pre- and early perimenopausal women
Authors: Crandall Carolyn J , Sehl Mary E , Crawford Sybil L , Gold Ellen B , Habel Laurel A , Butler Lesley M , Sowers MaryFran R , Greendale Gail A , Sinsheimer Janet S
Published: July 2009

Introduction

We examined the association between mammographic density and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding CYP1A1, CYP1B1, aromatase, 17β-HSD, ESR1, and ESR2 in pre- and early perimenopausal white, African-American, Chinese, and Japanese women.

Methods

The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation is a longitudinal community-based cohort study. We analyzed data from 451 pre- and early perimenopausal participants of the ancillary SWAN Mammographic Density study for whom we had complete information regarding mammographic density, genotypes, and covariates. With multivariate linear regression, we examined the relation between percentage mammographic breast density (outcome) and each SNP (primary predictor), adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, parity, cigarette smoking, and body mass index (BMI).

Results

After multivariate adjustment, theCYP1B1rs162555 CC genotype was associated with a 9.4% higher mammographic density than the TC/TT genotype (P= 0.04). TheCYP19A1rs936306 TT genotype was associated with 6.2% lower mammographic density than the TC/CC genotype (P= 0.02). The positive association betweenCYP1A1rs2606345 and mammographic density was significantly stronger among participants with BMI greater than 30 kg/m2than among those with BMI less than 25 kg/m2(Pinteraction= 0.05). Among white participants, theESR1rs2234693 CC genotype was associated with a 7.0% higher mammographic density than the CT/TT genotype (P= 0.01).

Conclusions

SNPs in certain genes encoding sex steroid metabolism enzymes and ESRs were associated with mammographic density. Because the encoded enzymes and ESR1 are expressed in breast tissue, these SNPs may influence breast cancer risk by altering mammographic density.
Activation of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B by Corticotropin-Releasing Factor in Human Monocytes
Authors: Chandras Christina , Koutmani Yassemi , Kokkotou Efi , Pothoulakis Charalabos , Karalis Katia P.
Published: July 2009

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) exerts proinflammatory effects in peripheral tissues, whereas the intracellular pathways mediating these effects have not been completely characterized yet. We have previously shown that CRF induces nuclear factor-κB DNA-binding activity in mouse and human leukocytes. Here we demonstrate that in the human monocytic THP-1 cells, CRF activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways. These effects of CRF are mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 (CRF2), as suggested by their abolishment after treatment with the specific CRF2 antagonist, astressin 2B. The CRF-mediated PI3K/Akt activation induces cell survival as suggested by the stimulation of the antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2. ERK1/2 activation results in up-regulation of IL-8 expression, an effect inhibited by the CRF-induced activation of PI3K/Akt. These studies demonstrate novel effects of CRF in human monocytes mediated by the activation of PI3K/Akt. Moreover, they reveal pathway-specific effects of the CRF/CRF2 system in chemokine activation and cell survival that may be of importance for the development of novel therapeutics for inflammatory diseases.
Single Payer—good Metaphor, Bad Politics
Authors: Stone Deborah
Published: July 2009

Health insurance reform requires political solutions, not technocratic fixes. Single payer frames the problem as a grossly inefficient bursar's office. Great political leadership means reframing the problem as a faulty social compact, rewriting the compact, and making everybody play by the new rules. Most of all, great leadership means explaining in powerful language why participating in the new social compact would fulfill both enlightened self-interest and social responsibility.
Auxin transport routes in plant development
Authors: Petrášek Jan , Friml Jiří
Published: July 2009

The differential distribution of the plant signaling molecule auxin is required for many aspects of plant development. Local auxin maxima and gradients arise as a result of local auxin metabolism and, predominantly, from directional cell-to-cell transport. In this primer, we discuss how the coordinated activity of several auxin influx and efflux systems, which transport auxin across the plasma membrane, mediates directional auxin flow. This activity crucially contributes to the correct setting of developmental cues in embryogenesis, organogenesis, vascular tissue formation and directional growth in response to environmental stimuli.
β1 integrins are required for the invasion of the caecum and proximal hindgut by enteric neural crest cells
Authors: Breau Marie A. , Dahmani Ahmed , Broders-Bondon Florence , Thiery Jean-Paul , Dufour Sylvie
Published: July 2009

Integrins are the major adhesive receptors for extracellular matrix and have various roles in development. To determine their role in cell migration,the gene encoding the β1 integrin subunit (Itgb1) was conditionally deleted in mouse neural crest cells just after their emigration from the neural tube. We previously identified a major defect in gut colonisation by conditional Itgb1-null enteric neural crest cells(ENCCs) resulting from their impaired migratory abilities and enhanced aggregation properties. Here, we show that the migration defect occurs primarily during the invasion of the caecum, when Itgb1-null ENCCs stop their normal progression before invading the caecum and proximal hindgut by becoming abnormally aggregated. We found that the caecum and proximal hindgut express high levels of fibronectin and tenascin-C, two well-known ligands of integrins. In vitro, tenascin-C and fibronectin have opposite effects on ENCCs, with tenascin-C decreasing migration and adhesion and fibronectin strongly promoting them. Itgb1-null ENCCs exhibited an enhanced response to the inhibitory effect of tenascin-C, whereas they were insensitive to the stimulatory effect of fibronectin. These findings suggest that β1 integrins are required to overcome the tenascin-C-mediated inhibition of migration within the caecum and proximal hindgut and to enhance fibronectin-dependent migration in these regions.
β1 integrins are required for normal CNS myelination and promote AKT-dependent myelin outgrowth
Authors: Barros Claudia S. , Nguyen Tom , Spencer Kathryn S. R. , Nishiyama Akiko , Colognato Holly , Müller Ulrich
Published: July 2009

Oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) produce myelin sheaths that insulate axons to ensure fast propagation of action potentials. β1 integrins regulate the myelination of peripheral nerves, but their function during the myelination of axonal tracts in the CNS is unclear. Here we show that genetically modified mice lacking β1 integrins in the CNS present a deficit in myelination but no defects in the development of the oligodendroglial lineage. Instead, in vitro data show that β1 integrins regulate the outgrowth of myelin sheaths. Oligodendrocytes derived from mutant mice are unable to efficiently extend myelin sheets and fail to activate AKT(also known as AKT1), a kinase that is crucial for axonal ensheathment. The inhibition of PTEN, a negative regulator of AKT, or the expression of a constitutively active form of AKT restores myelin outgrowth in culturedβ1-deficient oligodendrocytes. Our data suggest that β1 integrins play an instructive role in CNS myelination by promoting myelin wrapping in a process that depends on AKT.
Loss of rRNA modifications in the decoding center of the ribosome impairs translation and strongly delays pre-rRNA processing
Authors: Liang Xue-hai , Liu Qing , Fournier Maurille J.
Published: July 2009

The ribosome decoding center is rich in modified rRNA nucleotides and little is known about their effects. Here, we examine the consequences of systematically deleting eight pseudouridine and 2′-O-methylation modifications in the yeast decoding center. Loss of most modifications individually has no apparent effect on cell growth. However, deletions of 2–3 modifications in the A- and P-site regions can cause (1) reduced growth rates (∼15%–50% slower); (2) reduced amino acid incorporation rates (14%–24% slower); and (3) a significant deficiency in free small subunits. Negative and positive interference effects were observed, as well as strong positional influences. Notably, blocking formation of a hypermodified pseudouridine in the P region delays the onset of the final cleavage event in 18S rRNA formation (∼60% slower), suggesting that modification at this site could have an important role in modulating ribosome synthesis.
Detection of muconic acid type structures in oxidised lignins using 2D NMR spectroscopy 10th EWLP, Stockholm, Sweden, August 25–28, 2008
Authors: Evtuguin Dmitry V. , Rocha Graça , Goodfellow Brian J.
Published: July 2009

The identification of muconic acid type structures (MATS) in oxidised lignins employing 2D NMR spectroscopy was carried out. The primary database for MATS detection by single bond 1H-13C (HSQC) and long-range 1H-1H and 1H-13C correlation (COSY and HMBC) NMR experiments was obtained with a series of model compounds: cis, cis- and trans, trans-muconic acids and their methylated analogues and MATS derived from monomeric lignin model compounds oxidised by ClO2. Additional information was obtained from the study of oxygen-organosolv lignin obtained from spent liquor after the spruce wood delignification with oxygen in an acetone-water solution. This work allowed the reliable assignment of MATS signals in the HSQC spectra of oxidised lignin and provides a methodology for detection and distinguishing of MATS from structurally similar moieties.
Effects of commercial cellobiohydrolase treatment on fiber strength and morphology of bleached hardwood pulp 10th EWLP, Stockholm, Sweden, August 25–28, 2008
Authors: Suchy Miro , Hakala Terhi , Kangas Heli , Kontturi Eero , Tammelin Tekla , Pursula Tiina , Vuorinen Tapani
Published: July 2009

Development of fiber strength properties and morphological changes on the surface of bleached hardwood kraft pulp after treatment with commercial cellobiohydrolase (CBH) was evaluated. Tensile and tear indices showed no significant effect of the treatment. The treatment resulted in reduction of wet zero-span strength, while the dry zero-span values increased. The decrease in wet zero-span values was most likely caused by preferential action of CBH on structurally irregular zones in the fiber wall coupled with greater sensitivity of wet zero-span testing towards the localized fiber defects. The fracture zone of the wet zero-span tested samples was imaged by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Visual observation revealed differences in fiber fracture between treated and control samples. The straighter and cleaner fractures of the treated sample could be attributed to the localized hydrolytic action of CBH. Visual analysis of the treated fiber surface morphology by SEM showed an increase of more visible fiber wall dislocations, particularly on fibers of smaller diameter. The increased presence of the fiber dislocation correlates with the decrease in the wet zero-span values of treated samples.
A Miniature Falling Weight Device for Non-Intrusive Characterization of Soils in the Centrifuge
Authors: Murillo Carol , Caicedo Bernardo , Thorel Luc
Published: July 2009

Non-intrusive and non-destructive techniques are used for characterizing multilayer soil models in the centrifuge. Based on the spectral analysis surface waves analysis, a miniature falling weight-type (FW) device is developed for centrifuge testing. A description of the mini-FW with application to characterize homogeneous and bilayer models is presented. The mini-FW principle consists of the fall in a steel ball generating vibrations within the centrifuged models. These vibrations are recorded by accelerometers placed on the model’s surface. On condition that the vibrations remain within the first five upper centimeters in order to avoid near-field effects, the results obtained for both wave velocity values and location of the layer interfaces agree satisfactorily with already available data.
Leukippe as Tragedy
Authors: Slater William J. , Cropp Martin
Published: July 2009

This article deals with a mosaic from ancient Zeugma on the Euphrates found in 2002 and recently published with interpretive commentary. Its subject is the story of Theonoe and Leukippe preserved only in Hyginus and nowhere in Greek. Despite this, the authors argue that the myth, in its unique form, can for over one thousand years be connected with romance, mime, pantomime, tragedy and derives ultimately from early Cretan rituals of transvestism. Its immediate inspiration however is imperial pantomime along with the transvestism notorious in that genre, as can be argued from the layout of the mosaic and the iconography of Theonoe, our first clear picture of a pantomime. But the main thrust of the article, especially in appendix B, is to demonstrate that the Hyginus story must now be considered to represent the plot of a lost tragedy, which derived many of its elements from late Euripides, but in its over-enthusiasic use of these represents a post-Euripidean artificially complex plot-type, for which hitherto we had limited evidence.
Epictetus 3. 23. 33 and the three modes of philosophical instruction
Authors: Boter Gerard
Published: July 2009

In Epictetus 3. 23. 33 the original reading of the codex unicus Bodleianus Auct. T. 4. 13, ἐκλεκτικός, is certainly corrupt. All the editions accept the reading ἐλεγκτικός, which is a correction by a later corrector of Bodleianus Auct. T. 4. 13. It is shown that this reading is to be rejected because ἐλεγκτικός is equivalent to the immediately preceding προτρεπτικός and because it leads to unsurmountable discrepancies with the closely related passage 3. 21. 19. As an alternative for ἐλεγκτικός, the emendation ἐπιπληκτικός is proposed: with this reading all problems disappear. The new reading has important consequences for the evaluation of Epictetus’ educational system.
Continuous models of population‐level heterogeneity inform analysis of animal dispersal and migration
Authors: Gurarie Eliezer , Anderson James J. , Zabel Richard W.
Published: July 2009

Behavioral heterogeneity among individuals is a universal feature of natural populations. Most diffusion‐based models of animal dispersal, however, implicitly assume homogeneous movement parameters within a population. Recent attempts to consider the effect of heterogeneous populations on dispersal distributions have been somewhat limited by the high number of parameters required to subdivide a population into several groups. A solution to this problem is to characterize the value of a movement parameter as continuously distributed within a population. We present several cases in which this method is useful and tractable, applying the framework both to spatial distribution data and closely related first passage times. The resulting models allow ecologists to identify the extent to which the variability in dispersal distributions can be attributed to population‐level heterogeneity as opposed to intrinsic randomness. We apply the formulation to two very different cases of dispersal: resident organisms in a stream (freshwater chubNocomis leptocephalus) and migrating organisms (juvenile salmonidsOncorhynchusspp.). In both cases, the application of heterogeneity‐explicit models provides insights into the behavioral mechanisms of movement.
A meta‐analysis of bees' responses to anthropogenic disturbance
Authors: Winfree Rachael , Aguilar Ramiro , Vázquez Diego P. , LeBuhn Gretchen , Aizen Marcelo A.
Published: July 2009

Pollinators may be declining globally, a matter of concern because animal pollination is required by most of the world's plant species, including many crop plants. Human land use and the loss of native habitats is thought to be an important driver of decline for wild, native pollinators, yet the findings of published studies on this topic have never been quantitatively synthesized. Here we use meta‐analysis to synthesize the literature on how bees, the most important group of pollinators, are affected by human disturbances such as habitat loss, grazing, logging, and agriculture. We obtained 130 effect sizes from 54 published studies recording bee abundance and/or species richness as a function of human disturbance. Both bee abundance and species richness were significantly, negatively affected by disturbance. However, the magnitude of the effects was not large. Furthermore, the only disturbance type showing a significant negative effect, habitat loss and fragmentation, was statistically significant only in systems where very little natural habitat remains. Therefore, it would be premature to draw conclusions about habitat loss having caused global pollinator decline without first assessing the extent to which the existing studies represent the status of global ecosystems. Future pollinator declines seem likely given forecasts of increasing land‐use change.
Root tip competition among ectomycorrhizal fungi: Are priority effects a rule or an exception?
Authors: Kennedy Peter G. , Peay Kabir G. , Bruns Thomas D.
Published: July 2009

Competition for root colonization among ectomycorrhizal fungi is well documented, but the mechanisms determining competitive outcomes are not clearly understood. In a previous study, we observed that timing of colonization (i.e., a priority effect) had a significant effect on the outcome of competition between two ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi in the genus Rhizopogon. In this study, we explicitly tested the role of priority effects in competition among EM fungi by experimentally manipulating the timing of colonization of four Rhizopogon species on Pinus muricata seedlings. In a first experiment, we set up 12 two‐species combinations, in which seedlings were first inoculated from spores with one species, grown for three months, and then inoculated with an equal density of spores of a second species and grown for an additional three months. Root tip occupation in the two‐species treatments was determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis of internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of rDNA. In a second experiment, we further examined competitive interactions between two Rhizopogon species using split‐root P. muricata seedlings. One side of the root system was pre‐colonized by one species, and spores of the second species were added to the other side of the root system in all same and different species pair‐wise combinations.

We found that for three of the four species (R. occidentalis, R. salebrosus, R. vulgaris), the outcome of competition in the first experiment depended strongly on the timing of colonization, with the first colonizing species always being the competitive dominant. For R. evadens, however, initial colonization did not prevent significant subsequent colonization by R. occidentalis and R. vulgaris. This appeared to be caused by the lower colonization of R. evadens compared to the three other species. In the second experiment, we observed that the portion of the split root system that was initially uncolonized remained receptive to colonization when spores were added. The amount of colonization of R. occidentalis and R. salebrosus on the side of the root system to which they were added was not significantly influenced by species identity on the other side of the seedling. In combination, these results confirm that priority effects do play a major role in dynamics of EM root tip colonization, at least in the early colonization of seedlings, and that the proportion of the root system occupied by a species appears to be a key factor determining competitive success.
Substrate mediates consumer control of salt marsh cordgrass on Cape Cod, New England
Authors: Bertness Mark D. , Holdredge Christine , Altieri Andrew H.
Published: July 2009

Cordgrass die‐offs in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, salt marshes have challenged the view that the primary production of New England salt marshes is controlled by physical factors. These die‐offs have increased dramatically over the last decade and are caused by the common herbivorous marsh crab Sesarma reticulatum, but other factors that control crab impacts remain unclear. We examined the influence of plant nutrient supply and disturbances on Sesarma herbivory by fertilizing plots and creating experimental disturbances, since previous studies have revealed that they mediate the intensity of herbivory in other Western Atlantic marshes. Neither nutrient enrichment nor experimental disturbances affected crab grazing intensity despite their strong effects in other marsh systems. Within and among Cape Cod salt marshes, however, Sesarma burrows are concentrated on peat substrate. Surveys of 10 Cape Cod marshes revealed that burrow density, depth, and complexity are all much higher on peat than on sand or mud substrate, and paralleling these patterns, crab abundance, herbivore pressure, and the expansion of die‐off areas are markedly higher on peat than on other substrates. Complementing work hypothesizing that predator release is triggering increased crab herbivory in Cape Cod marshes, these results suggest that cordgrass die‐offs are constrained to the peat substrate commonly found on the leading edge of marshes and that the vulnerability of New England salt marshes to crab herbivory and future die‐offs may be predictable.
Thermal benefits of melanism in cordylid lizards: a theoretical and field test
Authors: Clusella-Trullas Susana , Wyk Johannes Hvan , Spotila James R.
Published: July 2009

The hypothesis that low skin reflectance (melanism) provides an advantage for thermoregulation under cold conditions has received mixed support in ectothermic vertebrates. We selected a model system, three allopatric closely related species of cordylid lizards that differ in skin reflectance, to test this hypothesis. Cordylus niger and Cordylus oelofseni are melanistic and inhabit peninsular and montane areas, respectively, whereas Cordylus cordylus is more widespread and inhabits low inland areas. By combining theoretical, experimental, and field data on these species, we demonstrate that the difference in body temperature (Tb) between melanistic and non‐melanistic lizards under ecologically relevant climate variation ranged from 0° to 2°C. Despite its small magnitude, however, the faster heating rate and higher Tb of melanistic species relative to non‐melanistic species conferred an advantage under cold conditions. Comparison of habitat thermal quality (de) and thermal accuracy (db) across species indicated that, in winter, melanism conferred the greatest advantage during small windows of thermal opportunity. This finding was most pronounced for C. oelofseni, which is most constrained by cold temperatures in its habitat. By contrast, due to their rock‐dwelling habits, melanistic and non‐melanistic species benefited from rock refugia in summer, giving similar levels of thermoregulatory effectiveness across species, regardless of skin reflectance. This study therefore demonstrates that skin reflectance variation across cordylids has significant effects on their thermal balance. Furthermore, studies investigating the role of varying skin reflectance in field populations and species should incorporate fine and broad temporal scales (daily, monthly, and seasonal), environmental variability, and cost–benefit trade‐offs of thermoregulation.
Reassessing the importance of granivorous pigeons as massive, long‐distance seed dispersers
Authors: Bucher Enrique H. , Bocco Pablo J.
Published: July 2009

Long‐distance dispersal (LDD) of plants remains as a little‐understood, key ecological process. We present evidence indicating that granivorous pigeons may disperse large amounts of viable seeds when they die with seeds in their crops at long distance from the parent plant. Research was conducted in Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata) breeding colonies in central Argentina where breeding populations may reach over 8000 doves/ha. We measured (a) crop seed viability and germination rate from dead doves and (b) daily travel distance from the breeding colonies to the feeding grounds. Seed viability was over 50% in fresh adult and nestling samples. Seed‐germination rate ranged between 35% and 65%, even in corpses left on the ground for 30 days. Maximum doves' daily flight distance from the breeding colonies was 117 km. The estimated annual seed deposition per hectare resulting from crop spillage in two breeding colonies was 10.95 and 9.66 Mg, respectively. Significant ecological implications of dove‐crop spillage include seed dispersal among fragments, rapid colonization of new habitats including islands, and dispersal of large volumes of weed and transgenic material. A preliminary assessment of dispersal kernel generated by crop spillage in colonial Eared Doves is included.
Floating on Silent Waters
Authors: Khan Shahnaz
Published: July 2009

Drawing upon the cinematic narrative of the internationally acclaimed film Khamosh Pani, I relocate the issues it raises within a wider discussion about the gendered nature of conflict between religious communities during the chaos of the 1947 Partition of British India into India and Pakistan. I explore the ways in which state-sponsored Islam in Pakistan impacts the protagonist Ayesha and her son Salim. Further, I explore how the violence of Partition as well as continued violence between Hindus and Muslims is remembered cinematically by Bombay cinema, the dominant cultural institution in the region. Finally, I interrogate Khamosh Pani's reception in India and speculate how it might influence the social constructions of Muslims in South Asia and elsewhere.
Why Another Cancer Journal?
Authors: Weiss Robert H.
Published: July 2009

Why do we need yet another cancer journal? An excellent question, of course, in light of the profusion of general as well as specialized cancer journals in recent times. An easy answer would simply be to say that this journal will be better than the rest; however a less glib (and probably more accurate) response is simply that there is currently an explosion of new techniques and approaches in the field of cancer biology, and that the new, and sometimes unusual and unorthodox, data so generated demands an open-access and unrestricted forum for its dissemination. This was the impetus for starting the journal which you are now reading. [...]
ON SOME LIMIT PROPERTIES OF FUNCTIONS WITH NONVANISHING DIVIDED DIFFERENCES
Authors: Kiriyatzkii Eduard , Kirjackis J.
Published: July 2009

In present article the sequence of holomorphic in region D functions Fn@z) which have exactly n zeros in this region is considered. The limit properties of the sequence Fn (z), of functions with non‐vanishing divided differences of n‐th order are investigated. One interpolation property, connected with Chebyshev systems is considered.
NEW TYPE OF DIFFERENCE SEQUENCE SPACES OF FUZZY REAL NUMBERS
Authors: Tripathy Binod Chandra , Baruah Achyutanada
Published: July 2009

In this paper we introduce the natation difference operator Δrn(m ≥ 0, an integer) for studying properties of some sequence spaces. We define the sequence spaces l ∞ F (Δm), cF(Δm), cF o(Δm) and investigate their properties like solid‐ness, convergence free, symmetricity, completeness.
Journées Intracom 06
Authors: Guyot Brigitte
Published: July 2009

Résumé Organisées par l’association ClubNet 1 en relation avec l’API 2 , les journées Intracom 06 3 ont réuni des directeurs de communication, responsables d’intranet, webmestres éditoriaux ou techniques. À l’heure où les intranets jouent un rôle croissant dans les organisations, les stratégies dans lesquelles ils s’inscrivent exigent des spécialistes de l’information une attention accrue. D’une part parce que cet outil leur permet de mieux s’insérer dans la vie de leur entreprise. D’autre part parce qu’ils ont une place à y occuper pour tout ce qui touche à l’organisation de l’accès à l’information, ce qui dépasse largement l’intranet documentaire.