bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NOS2 regulation of LPS-induced airway inflammation via S-nitrosylation of NF-κB p65
Authors: Kelleher Zachary T. , Potts Erin N. , Brahmajothi Mulugu V. , Foster Matthew W. , Auten Richard L. , Foster W. Michael , Marshall Harvey E.
Published: July 2011

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) expression is increased in the airway epithelium in acute inflammatory disorders although the physiological impact remains unclear. We have previously shown that NOS2 inhibits NF-κB (p50-p65) activation in respiratory epithelial cells by inducing S-nitrosylation of the p65 monomer (SNO-p65). In addition, we have demonstrated that mouse lung SNO-p65 levels are acutely depleted in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model of lung injury and that augmenting SNO-p65 levels before LPS treatment results in decreased airway epithelial NF-κB activation, airway inflammation, and lung injury. We now show that aerosolized LPS induces NOS2 expression in the respiratory epithelium concomitant with an increase in lung SNO-p65 levels and a decrease in airway NF-κB activity. Genetic deletion of NOS2 results in an absence of SNO-p65 formation, persistent NF-κB activity in the respiratory epithelium, and prolonged airway inflammation. These results indicate that a primary function of LPS-induced NOS2 expression in the respiratory epithelium is to modulate the inflammatory response through deactivation of NF-κB via S-nitrosylation of p65, thereby counteracting the initial stimulus-coupled denitrosylation.
A Comparison of Two Methods for Solving Electromagnetic Field Integral Equation
Authors: Jebli L.
Published: July 2011

The present paper aims to compare Harrington′s direct method of moment (MoM) with the conjugate gradient method (CGM) by evaluating the total current solving the electric field integral equation (EFIE). Based on their performances, the number of iterations needed for convergence, storage, and the level of precision, it is found that the direct MoM is more efficient than other iterative CGM.
De Novo Collapsing Glomerulopathy: An Unusual Cause of Early Graft Failure following Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Sureshkumar Kalathil K. , Dosani Imran , Jasnosz Katherine M. , Arora Swati
Published: July 2011

Collapsing glomerulopathy (CG) is a variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) characterized histologically by prominent glomerular capillary tuft collapse with hypertrophy and hyperplasia of podocytes and tubulointerstitial damage. Patients usually present with heavy proteinuria and rapidly progressive renal failure. We report a patient who developed de novo CG with severe clinical manifestations including worsening renal failure and nephrotic syndrome within six months of receiving deceased donor kidney transplant. Secondary work-up was negative, and despite therapy with high-dose steroids and plasmapheresis, allograft function rapidly deteriorated with the need for dialysis. Theories about the pathogenesis of this entity as well as treatment modalities are discussed.
Alveolar Ridge Preservation Using Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A Report of a Case
Authors: Peck Mogammad Thabit , Marnewick Johan , Stephen Lawrence
Published: July 2011

In order for a dental implant to be restored optimally, it must be placed in an ideal anatomic position. However, this is not always possible, since physiological wound healing after tooth removal, often results in hard and soft tissue changes which ultimately compromises ideal implant placement. With the aim of minimising the need for tissue augmentation, several alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) techniques have been developed. These often require the use of grafting material and therefore increase the risk of disease transmission. Leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is a newly developed platelet concentrate that is prepared from the patient's own blood. Clinical research has indicated that it improves wound healing and stimulates bone formation. We present a case where L-PRF was successfully used in an ARP procedure to facilitate implant placement in a compromised extraction socket.
Cutaneous Mucormycosis Complicating a Polymicrobial Wound Infection Following a Dog Bite
Authors: Zachary Dalila , Chapin Kimberly , Binns Linda , Tashima Karen
Published: July 2011

We report a case of cutaneous mucormycosis andEnterobacterinfection developing in a 50-year-old diabetic woman following a dog bite that showed delayed development and diagnosis in comparison with typical zygomycotic cutaneous lesions.
Computations of Ultrasonic Parameters in Alloys
Authors: Yadawa Pramod Kumar
Published: July 2011

The ultrasonic properties like ultrasonic attenuation, sound velocity in the hexagonal alloys have been studied along unique axis at room temperature. The second- and third-order elastic constants (SOEC & TOEC) have been calculated for these alloys using Lennard-Jones potential. The velocities and have minima and maxima, respectively, at 45° with unique axis of the crystal, while increases with the angle from unique axis. The inconsistent behaviour of angle-dependent velocities is associated to the action of second-order elastic constants. Debye average sound velocities of these alloys are increasing with the angle and has maximum at 55° with unique axis at room temperature. Hence, when a sound wave travels at 55° with unique axis of these alloys, then the average sound velocity is found to be maximum. The mechanical and ultrasonic properties of these alloys will be better than pure Zr and Sn due to their high SOEC and ultrasonic velocity and low ultrasonic attenuation. The comparison of calculated ultrasonic parameters with available theoretical/experimental physical parameters gives information about classification of these alloys.
A Case of Cystic Dysplasia of the Rete Testis in a 17-Months-Old Boy
Authors: Poupalou Anna , Spyridis George , Vakaki Marina , Giamarelou Panagiota , Petousis George , Nikolaidis Pantelis
Published: July 2011

Cystic dysplasia of the testis (CDT) is a benign, congenital malformation of the testis and a rare cause of painless scrotal swelling in children, mimicking testicular cancer. It is commonly unilateral, often associated with ipsilateral wolffian duct and ureteral abnormalities. Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis (CDT) represents a diagnostic challenge made easier if age, precise localisation, typical ultrasonographic features, the presence or absence of associated genitourinary malformations, as well as tumor markers are considered. The definite treatment of such a benign lesion is testis-sparing surgery, however in most cases watch and wait strategy can be recommended. We present a case of cystic dysplasia of the testis in a 17-month-old boy with right multicystic dysplastic kidney, epididymal cyst, history of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), as well as of solitary umbilical artery. We performed epididymidal cyst enucleation and right testicular biopsy.
Nonlinear Control and Synchronization with Time Delays of Multiagent Robotic Systems
Authors: Bouteraa Yassine , Ghommam Jawhar , Derbel Nabil , Poisson Gérard
Published: July 2011

We investigate the cooperative control and global asymptotic synchronization Lagrangian system groups, such as industrial robots. The proposed control approach works to accomplish multirobot systems synchronization under an undirected connected communication topology. The control strategy is to synchronize each robot in position and velocity to others robots in the network with respect to the common desired trajectory. The cooperative robot network only requires local neighbor‐to‐neighbor information exchange between manipulators and does not assume the existence of an explicit leader in the team. It is assumed that network robots have the same number of joints and equivalent joint work spaces. A combination of the lyapunov‐based technique and the cross‐coupling method has been used to establish the multirobot system asymptotic stability. The developed control combines trajectory tracking and coordination algorithms. To address the time‐delay problem in the cooperative network communication, the suggested synchronization control law is shown to synchronize multiple robots as well as to track given trajectory, taking into account the presence of the time delay. To this end, Krasovskii functional method has been used to deal with the delay‐dependent stability problem.
Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes about Research Ethics among Dental Faculty in the Middle East: A Pilot Study
Authors: El-Dessouky Hadir F. , Abdel-Aziz Amr M. , Ibrahim Chadi , Moni Malini , Abul Fadl Reham , Silverman Henry
Published: July 2011

Objective. To assess the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of dental faculty regarding research ethics and research ethics committees (RECs).Design. Through convenience sampling, we distributed a survey to academics at dental faculties at two universities in the Middle East. We used descriptive, chi-square, and logistic regression statistics to analyze the data.Results. Our response rate was 62.5%. A large majority (>90%) held positive attitudes towards RECs; however, almost half (44.0%) thought that RECs would delay research. Less than half (36.8%) had received prior training in research ethics, and the average score they achieved on the questions on research ethics was only 40.2%. Most (>90%), however, were favorable towards research ethics education. Finally, some faculty held attitudes regarding certain research ethics practices that were not optimal.Conclusions. We conclude that among the dental faculties participating in our study, there is broad-based acceptance of RECs and training in research ethics, while there are knowledge gaps in research ethics. We recommend further studies to determine the generalizability of our findings to other institutions.
Atypical Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Evolution after Electroconvulsive Therapy for Catatonic Depression
Authors: Grande Iria , Fortea Juan , Gelpi Ellen , Flamarique Itziar , Udina Marc , Blanch Jordi , Sánchez-Valle Raquel
Published: July 2011

We describe a case report of an 80-year-old woman who presented with symptomatology compatible with an episode of major depression with catatonia. After psychiatric admission, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was applied, but symptoms progressed with cognitive impairment, bradykinesia, widespread stiffness, postural tremor, and gait disturbance. After compatible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion changes, and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings the case was reoriented to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). The genetic study found a methionine/valine heterozygosity at codon 129 of the prion protein gene PrPSc. On followup, a significant clinical recovery turned out. For this reason, EEG and MRI were repeated and confirmed the findings. The patient subsequently demonstrated progressive clinical deterioration and died 21 months later. The diagnosis was verified postmortem by neuropathology. The vCJD subtype MV2 is indeed characterized by early and prominent psychiatric symptoms and a prolonged disease duration however no frank clinical recovery has before been reported.
Numerical Investigation on Double Shell‐Pass Shell‐and‐Tube Heat Exchanger with Continuous Helical Baffles
Authors: Ji Shui , Du Wen-jing , Wang Peng , Cheng Lin
Published: July 2011

A double shell‐pass shell‐and‐tube heat exchanger with continuous helical baffles (STHXCH) has been invented to improve the shell‐side performance of STHXCH. At the same flow area, the double shell‐pass STHXCH is compared with a single shell‐pass STHXCH and a conventional shell‐and‐tube heat exchanger with segmental baffles (STHXSG) by means of numerical method. The numerical results show that the shell‐side heat transfer coefficients of the novel heat exchanger are 12–17% and 14–25% higher than those of STHXSG and single shell‐pass STHXCH, respectively; the shell‐side pressure drop of the novel heat exchanger is slightly lower than that of STHXSG and 29–35% higher than that of single shell‐pass STHXCH. Analyses of shell‐side flow field show that, under the same flow rate, double shell‐pass STHXCH has the largest shell‐side volume average velocity and the most uniform velocity distribution of the three STHXs. The shell‐side helical flow pattern of double shell‐pass STHXCH is more similar to longitudinal flow than that of single shell‐pass STHXCH. Its distribution of fluid mechanical energy dissipation is also uniform. The double shell‐pass STHXCH might be used to replace the STHXSG in industrial applications to save energy, reduce cost, and prolong the service life.
Using Game Development to Teach Software Architecture
Authors: Wang Alf Inge , Wu Bian
Published: July 2011

This paper describes a case study of how a game project using the XNA Game Studio from Microsoft was implemented in a software architecture course. In this project, university students have to construct and design a type of software architecture, evaluate the architecture, implement an application based on the architecture, and test this implementation. In previous years, the domain of the software architecture project has been a robot controller for navigating a maze.Robot controllerwas chosen as the domain for the project, as there exist several papers and descriptions on reference architectures for managing mobile robots. This paper describes the changes we had to make to introduce an XNA game development project to the software architecture course, and our experiences from running a software architecture project focusing on game development and XNA. The experiences described in this paper are based on feedback from the course staff, the project reports of the students, and a mandatory course evaluation. The evaluation shows among other things that the majority of the students preferred the game project to the robot project, that XNA was considered to be suitable platform for a software architecture project, that the students found it useful to learn XNA and C#, and that some students were carried away when developing the game in the software architecture project.
Increased VEGFR-2 Gene Copy Is Associated with Chemoresistance and Shorter Survival in Patients with Non–Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma Who Receive Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Yang Fei , Tang Ximing , Riquelme Erick , Behrens Carmen , Nilsson Monique B. , Giri Uma , Varella-Garcia Marileila , Byers Lauren A. , Lin Heather Y. , Wang Jing , Raso Maria G. , Girard Luc , Coombes Kevin , Lee J. Jack , Herbst Roy S. , Minna John D. , Heymach John V. , Wistuba Ignacio I.
Published: July 2011

VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2 or kinase insert domain receptor; KDR) is a known endothelial target also expressed in NSCLC tumor cells. We investigated the association between alterations in the KDR gene and clinical outcome in patients with resected non–small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC; n = 248). KDR copy number gains (CNG), measured by quantitative PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization, were detected in 32% of tumors and associated with significantly higher KDR protein and higher microvessel density than tumors without CNGs. KDR CNGs were also associated with significantly increased risk of death (HR = 5.16; P = 0.003) in patients receiving adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy, but no differences were observed in patients not receiving adjuvant therapy. To investigate potential mechanisms for these associations, we assessed NSCLC cell lines and found that KDR CNGs were significantly associated with in vitro resistance to platinum chemotherapy as well as increased levels of nuclear hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in both NSCLC tumor specimens and cell lines. Furthermore, KDR knockdown experiments using small interfering RNA reduced platinum resistance, cell migration, and HIF-1α levels in cells bearing KDR CNGs, providing evidence for direct involvement of KDR. No KDR mutations were detected in exons 7, 11, and 21 by PCR-based sequencing; however, two variant single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes were associated with favorable overall survival in adenocarcinoma patients. Our findings suggest that tumor cell KDR CNGs may promote a more malignant phenotype including increased chemoresistance, angiogenesis, and HIF-1α levels, and that KDR CNGs may be a useful biomarker for identifying patients at high risk for recurrence after adjuvant therapy, a group that may benefit from VEGFR-2 blockade. Cancer Res; 71(16); 5512–21. ©2011 AACR.
GPR56 Regulates VEGF Production and Angiogenesis during Melanoma Progression
Authors: Yang Liquan , Chen Guangchun , Mohanty Sonali , Scott Glynis , Fazal Fabeha , Rahman Arshad , Begum Shahinoor , Hynes Richard O. , Xu Lei
Published: July 2011

Angiogenesis is a critical step during cancer progression. The VEGF is a major stimulator for angiogenesis and is predominantly contributed by cancer cells in tumors. Inhibition of the VEGF signaling pathway has shown promising therapeutic benefits for cancer patients, but adaptive tumor responses are often observed, indicating the need for further understanding of VEGF regulation. We report that a novel G protein–coupled receptor, GPR56, inhibits VEGF production from the melanoma cell lines and impedes melanoma angiogenesis and growth, through the serine threonine proline-rich segment in its N-terminus and a signaling pathway involving protein kinase Cα. We also present evidence that the two fragments of GPR56, which are generated by autocatalyzed cleavage, played distinct roles in regulating VEGF production and melanoma progression. Finally, consistent with its suppressive roles in melanoma progression, the expression levels of GPR56 are inversely correlated with the malignancy of melanomas in human subjects. We propose that components of the GPR56-mediated signaling pathway may serve as new targets for antiangiogenic treatment of melanoma. Cancer Res; 71(16); 5558–68. ©2011 AACR.
Overexpression of MBD2 in Glioblastoma Maintains Epigenetic Silencing and Inhibits the Antiangiogenic Function of the Tumor Suppressor Gene BAI1
Authors: Zhu Dan , Hunter Stephen B. , Vertino Paula M. , Van Meir Erwin G.
Published: July 2011

Brain angiogenesis inhibitor 1 (BAI1) is a putative G protein–coupled receptor with potent antiangiogenic and antitumorigenic properties that is mutated in certain cancers. BAI1 is expressed in normal human brain, but it is frequently silenced in glioblastoma multiforme. In this study, we show that this silencing event is regulated by overexpression of methyl-CpG–binding domain protein 2 (MBD2), a key mediator of epigenetic gene regulation, which binds to the hypermethylated BAI1 gene promoter. In glioma cells, treatment with the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) was sufficient to reactivate BAI1 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that MBD2 was enriched at the promoter of silenced BAI1 in glioma cells and that MBD2 binding was released by 5-Aza-dC treatment. RNA interference–mediated knockdown of MBD2 expression led to reactivation of BAI1 gene expression and restoration of BAI1 functional activity, as indicated by increased antiangiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our results suggest that MBD2 overexpression during gliomagenesis may drive tumor growth by suppressing the antiangiogenic activity of a key tumor suppressor. These findings have therapeutic implications because inhibiting MBD2 could offer a strategy to reactivate BAI1 and suppress glioma pathobiology. Cancer Res; 71(17); 5859–70. ©2011 AACR.
Pour une prosopographie externe des ressortissants du Pont-Euxin
Authors: Avram Alexandru
Published: July 2011

This paper presents the guidelines of an external prosopography of the Black Sea region the author just finished to compile. It comprises more than 3200 entries. The prosopography includes not only Pontic people attested by external inscriptions but also persons mentioned by internal documents as having accomplished some journeys abroad, e.g. ambassadors, students, merchants. The main difficulties such a compilation supposes are briefly discussed, especially the criteria used for the making a distinction between some Pontic and non-Pontic homonymous cities, e.g. Apollonia or Heraclea. As an example of the forthcoming final product, the author presents here the external prosopography of the Amastrians.
Onomasticon Thracicum (Onom Thrac). Répertoire des noms indigènes de Thrace, Macédoine Orientale, Mésies, Dacie et Bithynie
Authors: Dana Dan
Published: July 2011

The purpose of the Onomasticon Thracicum project is to realize a repertory of all the Thracian personal names, supplanting the outdated book of D. Detschew (1957). The gathering and the critical examination of these native names in literary sources, inscriptions (epitaphs, dedications, lists, graffiti, military diplomas), papyri and coins will provide a new research tool, rich of about 1400 different names. A large number of Thracian names is documented elsewhere in the Greek (especial Hellenistic) and Roman world, principally because the utilization of the Thracians as soldiers by the Hellenistic kings, thereafter in all the units of the Roman army. This aspect is extremely important for the constitution of their onomastic repertory, completing the more or less plentiful data from the Thracian space. Recently, more new data about Thracian onomastics are available, improving our knowledge, especially for some regions or, very important, for the feminine names. OnomThrac will pay more attention to the study of this peculiar onomastics in its geographical and chronological context. At least four distinct onomastic territories are now obvious for the Thracian complex: Thracian names; Daco-Moesian names; western Thracian names; Bithynian names. More indexes (as a reverse index; or the Genitive forms), as well as a general bibliography, will accompany the repertory.
Urban Development in Central Transcaucasia in Anatolian Context: New Data
Authors: Licheli Vakhtang
Published: July 2011

The settlement and necropolis of Grakliani Hill are located in Central Transcaucasia, Georgia. Excavations of the settlement on the eastern slope and the necropolis on the south-western part of the hill demonstrated that the site had been occupied between the Chalcolithic and the Late Hellenistic periods. The most interesting remains of buildings belong to 2nd and 1st millennium BC. Several sanctuaries of this period were excavated. A monumental altar was discovered in the eastern part of the settlement. The altar was located in the north-western corner of a building. On its eastern side there was an ash pit with a platform along the northern wall. The platform was used for placing offerings, including a South Mesopotamian seal. An architectural complex of the following period (450-350 B.C) was discovered in the western part of the lower terrace. It consisted of three main rooms and three store-rooms. Burials of various periods were discovered in the western part of the hill’s southern slope. The earliest one is a pit-burial dating to the Early Bronze Age, the latest one belongs to the 2nd century BC. After analyses of the finds several directions of cultural and commercial links were identified: Colchis, Persia, Phoenicia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Asia Minor.
Trust: Acceptance of, Precaution Against and Cause of Vulnerability
Authors: Misztal Barbara A.
Published: July 2011

The paper offers a conceptual analysis of the relationship between trust and vulnerability. It argues that sorting out the meaning of both terms and developing further our understanding how they are connected are one of the important tasks of the social science. Trust is usually defined as confidence that partners will not exploit each others’ vulnerability. While stressing that vulnerability cannot be conceived as a single continuum, the paper views vulnerability as irreducibly plural and rooted in the human condition of dependence on others, in the unpredictability of action and in the irreversibility of human experiences. There are three trust-related mechanisms that lower these types of vulnerability, yet trust is not only a remedy for vulnerability, but trust itself is vulnerable to the universal condition of our humanity. The first type of vulnerability can be reduced by responsibility; the second type by promising; and the third by forgiveness. The paper’s conceptual discussion bridges theories of trust based on rational choice and those based on normative routines and stresses the interdependence between trust and vulnerability: trust is a remedy for vulnerability, but trust itself is vulnerable to the universal condition of our humanity.
Female Abduction, Family Honor, and Women’s Agency in Early Modern Venetian Istria
Authors: Cesco Valentina
Published: July 2011

Drawing upon archival sources detailing abduction for marriage, this article explores the nature and extent of women’s agency in the formation of the family in the honor-based culture of early modern Istria. This area’s numerous sources present a diversity of situations. There were instances in which women were forcibly abducted and raped; other instances in which women consented to follow their “abductor” against the will of their parents; in other instances, women—usually widows or orphans—were compelled by imminent danger to move in with a man (a consensual abduction, perhaps, but brought about under adverse conditions). Despite the diversity of these situations, these cases share a common cultural feature: the importance of female and family honor. Whether a woman lost her sexual honor forcibly or willingly, marriage usually followed in order to restore the honor of both the woman and her family. Considering the overriding importance of honor and the limitations it imposed on women, I address the nature and extent of women’s agency. I explore how women negotiated their place in abduction-based conflicts, and I propose that women’s agency was rooted in the reparable and negotiable nature of honor in Istria; this picture was complicated by the greater assertion of state and church jurisdictions. Although situated at the periphery of the Venetian state, Istria was far from being uninfluenced by the sway of central institutions. The Catholic Church was particularly influential in Istria. Therefore, I argue that the nature and extent of women’s agency in abductions is fully understood only by also exploring central institutions’ rationales and modalities of power assertion over abduction-based conflicts and their resolutions.
The Medically Examined Applicant for Private Insurance and his/her Right to Informed Consent: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Defloor Sarah
Published: July 2011

Within the context of health and insurance law, an important question that arises is “to what extent is an applicant for private insurance truly capable of giving his/her ‘free’ and informed consent for a medical examination?”. It should be borne in mind that it is the private insurer who requires a medical examination in order to gather medical information, and, moreover, that the insurer will not be inclined to conclude or carry out an insurance contract without this medical information. A distinction has to be made between not being free by legal coercion and not being (completely) free by factual circumstances. Exercising the right to informed consent involves exactly weighing up the consequences of the decision. Hence the applicant must be put in a position of being able to weigh up the consequences and take them into consideration.
Critically Endangered? Medicinal Plant Cultivation and the Reconfiguration of Sowa Rigpa in Ladakh
Authors: Blaikie Calum
Published: July 2011

Despite the increasing attention being paid to Himalayan medicinal plants in various realms over recent years, the effects of resource depletion, and of attempts to control it, on the medical traditions that depend directly upon these plants remain largely in shadow. This article seeks to illuminate this lacuna by examining the relationships developing between medicinal plant conservation and Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan medicine) in Ladakh, Himalayan India. I discuss four cultivation projects, their contributions to emergent patterns of medicine production and their positioning within the wider transformations shaping this medical tradition. I show that while some plant species have indeed become increasingly threatened in Ladakh, it is small-scale medicine production, and a particular form of Sowa Rigpa associated with it, that have become ‘critically endangered’, particularly in light of an elite-driven quest to secure central government recognition for the system. Medicinal plants are being cast in a variety of roles on this stage, expressing social, commercial and medical interests that converge and conflict with one another in different fields. I argue that while the projects in question largely feed into contemporary trends towards medical modernisation and the increasing concentration of pharmaceutical production, they also play a counterbalancing role by supporting small-scale production and practice. This multiplicity reflects the ambivalence being experienced by practitioners in a period of considerable flux, as well as calling into question the utility of linear models of medical change and binary conceptualisations of ‘tradition’ and ‘modernity’.
Herbs and Traders in Transit: Border Regimes and the Contemporary Trans-Himalayan Trade in Tibetan Medicinal Plants
Authors: Saxer Martin
Published: July 2011

This article discusses the contemporary cross-border trade in medicinal plants between Nepal and Tibet. As Tibetan pharmacy extensively relies on raw materials not native to Tibet, long-distance trade in medicinal materials is not a new phenomenon. However, with the recent creation of a Tibetan medicine industry in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the increasing demand for herbs from India and Nepal, the contemporary herb trade is facing new challenges. Surging trade volumes, notions of patient safety, growing ecological concerns, and the current political situation in Tibet have led to increased efforts at rendering legible and controlling the transit of traders and herbs across the border. The ethnographic account of a Tibetan plant trader’s business trip to Nepal serves as a starting point for a discussion of these efforts and the traders’ tactical manoeuvres to deal with them. The notion of ‘border regimes’ is introduced to analyse the regulations, their implementation and side-effects that condition the current situation.
The Ethics of Intellectual Property Rights: The Impact of Traditional Knowledge and Health on International Intellectual Property Law
Authors: Kuppuswamy Chamundeeswari
Published: July 2011

This article addresses issues at the interface of public international law and international intellectual property law, and argues that developing countries interests’ will be better protected by the proposed amendment of Article. 31 of the TRIPS Agreement and by the ongoing efforts to elaborate a legal instrument for the protection of traditional knowledge, both of which extend and deepen the special and preferential treatment of developing countries. The issue of protection of traditional knowledge has not only made inroads into treaties (via the proposal to amend TRIPS to include disclosure of origin and prior informed consent—Article. 29 bis), but it has also introduced alternatives to foundational intellectual property law principles relating to term of protection and exclusive rights. The ongoing work programme of the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore committee shows potential for the formulation of an international instrument for the protection of traditional knowledge through recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples.
Materia Medica of Tibetan Medicine: Identification, Quality Check and Protection Measures
Authors: Dawa Dr , Gonkatsang Tsering D.
Published: July 2011

This paper discusses the relationship between Tibetan medical theory and practice with respect to the classification of

Materia Medica

and the discernment of quality and potency. Based on more than thirty years of experience as a Tibetan medical practitioner, the author describes a number of specific

Materia Medica

in detail, with an emphasis on how to determine fake from authentic ingredients. The author also offers recommendations and guidance on proper cultivation techniques and conservation methods, in line with Tibetan textual sources on the subject, in combination with empirical knowledge.
An Investigation into the Cause of Orientation-Sensitivity in Haptic Object Recognition
Authors: Lawson Rebecca
Published: July 2011

Object orientation influences visual and haptic recognition differently. This could be caused by the two modalities accessing different object representations or it could be due to differences in how each modality acquires information. These two alternatives were investigated using sequential haptic matching tasks. Matches presented the same object twice. Mismatches presented two similarly-shaped objects. Objects were either both placed at the same orientation or were rotated 90° in depth from each other. Experiment 1 manipulated exploration time to test if longer durations weakened orientation-sensitivity by allowing orientation-invariant representations to be extracted. This hypothesis was not supported. Experiment 2 investigated whether the same-orientation advantage resulted from general spatial or motor action cueing rather than the involvement of orientation-specific object representations. To distinguish between these two possibilities, people did a secondary task interleaved within the matching task. They reported the orientation of a fork or spoon which was presented in between the first and second objects. The main axis of the fork/spoon was the same as that of the final object, equating spatial and motor cueing across the same-orientation and orientation-change conditions. Nevertheless, matching remained orientation-sensitive. Together these results suggest that there are separate visual and haptic stored, orientation-specific perceptual representations of objects.
An Investigation of the Venetian Blind Effect
Authors: Stine Wm Wren ,   Dobias,   Filley, Khutoryansky Natalie
Published: July 2011

When a rectangular wave grating is binocularly viewed with a neutral density filter over one eye, an illusory rotation resembling that of a partially opened Venetian blind is perceived (Cibis and Haber, 1951). Using a binary classification task, in the first experiment, the probability of perceiving a rotation in a given direction was measured as a function of a factorial combination of inter-ocular contrast (see Note 1) and luminance ratios. The probability of a rotation in a given direction decreased monotonically with the luminance of the brighter bars when the grating contains a less than unity contrast. This result is inconsistent with (i) the model of the Venetian blind effect proposed by Cibis and Haber (1951), (ii) a mechanism based on irradiation with a compressive non-linearity (von Helmholtz, 1911/1924, pp. 186–193) and (iii) contemporary stereo-energy/cross-correlation models of stereopsis. In the second and third experiments, we tested the prediction that irradiation combined with an early compressive non-linearity in response implies a positive relationship between both the threshold contrast or average luminance disparity to perceive rotation and the magnitude of perceived rotation, and the blur width at the bar's edge. No support was found for the prediction. We propose an intensity difference model of the probability of perceiving a rotation in a given direction as a function of the interocular difference in luminance or contrast.
Oral Literature and Print Culture in China: Some Recent Scholarship
Authors: McLaren Anne E.
Published: July 2011

This study offers a critical analysis of recent Western scholarship on issues of orality and print culture in China of the late imperial period, with a particular focus on the development of written Chinese vernacular(s) and the social impact of these vernaculars in print. It is concluded that recent scholarship is marked by a heightened sensitivity to the medium in which the ‘text’ is transmitted, as either oral, written, or printed, and the potential for ongoing interaction between these forms.
Protective effects of Asparagusracemosus on oxidative damage in isoniazid-induced hepatotoxic rats
Authors: Palanisamy N , Manian S
Published: July 2011

To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of Asparagus racemosus against isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. Rats ( n = 6 per group)were divided into four groups: saline-treated control, saline-treated control with A. racemosus extract (50 mg/kg), isoniazid treatment alone (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]), and isoniazid– A. racemosus extract (50 mg/kg)administered orally as cotreatment. Animals were treated for 21 days and euthanized 1 h after the last drug administration. Evaluated body weight, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, g-glutamyl transferase, total protein, albumin, hepatic malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase, catalase, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1)activity and glutathione (GSH). A. racemosus extract prevented isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity, indicated by both diagnostic indicators of liver damage, liver functional profile, significantly ( p < 0.05)inhibited CYP2E1 activity, markedly attenuated oxidative stress by improved enzymatic, non-enzymatic antioxidants levels and mitigate malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxide significantly ( p < 0.05). These results suggest that A. racemosus extract exerts its hepatoprotective activity by inhibiting the production of free radicals and acts as a scavenger, reducing the free radical generation via inhibition of hepatic CYP2E1 activity, increasing the removal of free radicals through the induction of antioxidant enzymes and improving non-enzymatic thiol antioxidant GSH.
Evaluation of Hospitalization for Infections That Are Present on Admission
Authors: Casey Donald E. , Chang Kyung , Bustami Rami T.
Published: July 2011

Hospitals have experienced increasing requirements for public reporting of various infection rates using clinical and administrative data. Until recently, such reports have not included analysis of “present on admission” (POA), an indicator designed to assess whether such infections are hospital acquired. The authors evaluated the frequency of the POA coding designation for 167 University HealthSystem Consortium hospitals for sepsis/septicemia (S-S), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The authors found that 70% of hospitalizations of patients with S-S, 86% of patients with MRSA, and 67% of patients with CDI had these conditions coded POA. The authors recommend that public reporting of hospital infection rates include POA status and that all health care organizations and providers should work more closely together to identify early and prevent such serious infections.
‘The Bling Scandal’
Authors: Groes-Green Christian
Published: July 2011

In the Mozambican capital of Maputo, young women’s sexuality has become an issue of public concern, as popular culture as well as changing socio-economic landscape change female identities and pave the way for emerging forms of female agency and sexual assertiveness. In this article, I analyze how a highly erotic concert performance in 2007 by the pregnant music star Dama Do Bling accentuated certain ideals of femininity and revealed a set of ideological contradictions concerning sexuality and femininity in Mozambique. ‘The Bling scandal’, as it was called, served as a can opener in terms of making women’s sexuality publicly debatable among and between young women as well as among the media, politicians, organizations and religious leaders. While some young women see ‘the Bling scandal’ as a denigration of womanhood others see it as a sign of increasing freedom for women that involves transactional sexual relationships with sugar-daddies.
Prospective evaluation of a pharmacogenetics-guided warfarin loading and maintenance dose regimen for initiation of therapy
Authors: Gong Inna Y. , Tirona Rommel G. , Schwarz Ute I. , Crown Natalie , Dresser George K. , LaRue Samantha , Langlois Nicole , Lazo-Langner Alejandro , Zou Guangyong , Roden Dan M. , Stein C. Michael , Rodger Marc , Carrier Marc , Forgie Melissa , Wells Philip S. , Kim Richard B.
Published: July 2011

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes that affect warfarin metabolism (cytochrome P450 2C9 gene, CYP2C9) and response (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 gene, VKORC1) have an important influence on warfarin therapy, particularly during initiation; however, there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal pharmacogenetics-based initiation strategy. We conducted a prospective cohort study in which patients requiring warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism were initiated with a novel pharmacogenetics-initiation protocol (WRAPID, Warfarin Regimen using A Pharmacogenetics-guided Initiation Dosing) that incorporated loading and maintenance doses based on genetics, clinical variables, and response (n = 167, followed up for 90 days), to assess the influence of genetic variations on anticoagulation responses. Application of the WRAPID algorithm resulted in a negligible influence of genetic variation in VKORC1 or CYP2C9 on time to achievement of first therapeutic response (P = .52, P = .28) and risk of overanticoagulation (P = .64, P = .96). After adjustment for covariates, time to stable anticoagulation was not influenced by VKORC1 or CYP2C9 genotype. Importantly, time spent within or above the therapeutic range did not differ among VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genotype groups. Moreover, the overall time course of the anticoagulation response among the genotype groups was similar and predictable. We demonstrate the clinical utility of genetics-guided warfarin initiation with the WRAPID protocol to provide safe and optimal anticoagulation therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism.
T4 RNA Ligase 2 truncated active site mutants: improved tools for RNA analysis
Authors: Viollet Sebastien , Fuchs Ryan T , Munafo Daniela B , Zhuang Fanglei , Robb Gregory B
Published: July 2011

Background

T4 RNA ligases 1 and 2 are useful tools for RNA analysis. Their use upstream of RNA analyses such as high-throughput RNA sequencing and microarrays has recently increased their importance. The truncated form of T4 RNA ligase 2, comprising amino acids 1-249 (T4 Rnl2tr), is an attractive tool for attachment of adapters or labels to RNA 3'-ends. Compared to T4 RNA ligase 1, T4 Rnl2tr has a decreased ability to ligate 5'-PO4 ends in single-stranded RNA ligations, and compared to the full-length T4 Rnl2, the T4 Rnl2tr has an increased activity for joining 5'-adenylated adapters to RNA 3'-ends. The combination of these properties allows adapter attachment to RNA 3'-ends with reduced circularization and concatemerization of substrate RNA.

Results

With the aim of further reducing unwanted side ligation products, we substituted active site residues, known to be important for adenylyltransferase steps of the ligation reaction, in the context of T4 Rnl2tr. We characterized the variant ligases for the formation of unwanted ligation side products and for activity in the strand-joining reaction.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that lysine 227 is a key residue facilitating adenylyl transfer from adenylated ligation donor substrates to the ligase. This reversal of the second step of the ligation reaction correlates with the formation of unwanted ligation products. Thus, T4 Rn2tr mutants containing the K227Q mutation are useful for reducing undesired ligation products. We furthermore report optimal conditions for the use of these improved T4 Rnl2tr variants.
Monocytes differentiated with GM-CSF and IL-15 initiate Th17 and Th1 responses that are contact-dependent and mediated by IL-15
Authors: Harris Kristina M
Published: July 2011

Distinct types of DCs are generated from monocytes using GM-CSF with IL-4 (IL4-DC) or IL-15 (IL15-DC). IL15-DCs are potent inducers of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, display a phenotype similar to CD14+ cells commonly described in chronically inflamed tissues, and produce high levels of IL-1β and IL-15 in response to TLR4 stimulation. As these cytokines promote Th17 responses, which are also associated with inflammatory diseases, I hypothesized that TLR-primed IL15-DCs favor Th17 activation over IL4-DCs. Compared with IL4-DCs, IL15-DCs stimulated with TLR agonists secreted significantly higher concentrations of the Th17-promoting factors, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23, and CCL20, and lower levels of the Th1 cytokine, IL-12. In addition, IL15-DCs and not IL4-DCs up-regulated IL-15 on the cell surface in response to TLR agonists. IL15-DCs primed with TLR3 or TLR4 agonists triggered Th17 (IL-17, IL-22, and/or IFN-γ) and Th1 (IFN-γ) responses, whereas IL4-DCs primed with the same TLR agonists activated Th1 (IFN-γ) responses. Secretion of IL-17 and IFN-γ required contact with TLR-primed IL15-DC, and IFN-γ production was mediated by membrane-bound IL-15. These findings identify key differences in monocyte-derived DCs, which impact adaptive immunity, and provide primary evidence that IL-15 promotes Th17 and Th1 responses by skewing monocytes into IL15-DC.
Intestinal epithelial cell-derived integrin αβ6 plays an important role in the induction of regulatory T cells and inhibits an antigen-specific Th2 response
Authors: Chen Xiao , Song Chun-Hua , Feng Bai-Sui , Li Tong-Li , Li Ping , Zheng Peng-Yuan , Chen Xian-Ming , Xing Zhou , Yang Ping-Chang
Published: July 2011

Toleroge nic DCs and Tregs are believed to play a critical role in oral tolerance. However, the mechanisms of the generation of tolerogenic DCs and activation of Tregs in the gut remain poorly understood. This study aims to dissect the molecular mechanisms by which IECs and protein antigen induce functional tolerogenic DCs and Tregs. Expression of αvβ6 by gut epithelial cell-derived exosomes, its coupling with food antigen, and their relationship with the development of functional tolerogenic DCs and Tregs were examined by using in vitro and in vivo approaches. The results show that IECs up-regulated the integrin αvβ6 upon uptake of antigens. The epithelial cell-derived exosomes entrapped and transported αvβ6 and antigens to the extracellular environment. The uptake of antigens alone induced DCs to produce LTGFβ, whereas exosomes carrying αvβ6/antigen resulted in the production of abundant, active TGF-β in DCs that conferred to DCs the tolerogenic properties. Furthermore, αvβ6/OVA-carrying, exosome-primed DCs were found to promote the production of active TGF-β in Tregs. Thus, in vivo administration of αvβ6/OVA-laden exosomes induced the generation of Tregs and suppressed skewed Th2 responses toward food antigen in the intestine. Our study provides important molecular insights into the molecular mechanisms of Treg development by demonstrating an important role of IEC-derived exosomes carrying αvβ6 and food antigen in the induction of tolerogenic DCs and antigen-specific Tregs.
Material Design and High-Pressure Synthesis of Novel A-Site-Ordered Perovskites AMn3Al4O12 (A = Y, Yb, and Dy) with Square-Planar-Coordinated Mn3+
Authors: Saito Takashi , Tohyama Takenori , Woodward Patrick M , Shimakawa Yuichi
Published: July 2011

Structural stability of A-site-ordered perovskites AMn3Al4O12 was evaluated by the global instability index calculated from the SPuDS program. Based on the results, we “designed” new compounds AMn3Al4O12 (A = Y, Yb, and Dy), and these compounds were synthesized with a high-pressure technique. The obtained compounds were ionic crystals, A3+Mn3+3Al3+4O2−12, with fourfold square-planar coordination for Mn3+ at the originally twelvefold-coordinated A site of the ABO3 simple perovskite structure. Structural parameters obtained from the structure refinement well agreed with the “predicted” values. The synthesized compounds contained magnetic Mn3+ ions with S = 2 spins at the A′ site, and the A′–A′ interaction resulted in antiferromagnetic ordering of the Mn3+ spins at temperatures ranging from 29 to 40 K. The Yb3+/Dy3+ moments in (Yb/Dy)Mn3Al4O12 were found to be paramagnetic even below the antiferromagnetic transition temperatures.