bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Suppression of Bactrocera Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the Pacific through Biological Control and Prospects for Future Introductions into Other Areas of the World
Authors: Vargas Roger I. , Leblanc Luc , Harris Ernest J. , Manoukis Nicholas C.
Published: August 2012

Bactrocera fruit fly species are economically important throughout the Pacific. The USDA, ARS U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center has been a world leader in promoting biological control of Bactrocera spp. that includes classical, augmentative, conservation and IPM approaches. In Hawaii, establishment of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) in 1895 resulted in the introduction of the most successful parasitoid, Psyttalia fletcheri (Silvestri); similarly, establishment of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) in 1945 resulted in the introduction of 32 natural enemies of which Fopius arisanus (Sonan), Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) and Fopius vandenboschi (Fullaway) were most successful. Hawaii has also been a source of parasitoids for fruit fly control throughout the Pacific region including Australia, Pacific Island Nations, Central and South America, not only for Bactrocera spp. but also for Ceratitis and Anastrepha spp. Most recently, in 2002, F. arisanus was introduced into French Polynesia where B. dorsalis had invaded in 1996. Establishment of D. longicaudata into the new world has been important to augmentative biological control releases against Anastrepha spp. With the rapid expansion of airline travel and global trade there has been an alarming spread of Bactrocera spp. into new areas of the world (i.e., South America and Africa). Results of studies in Hawaii and French Polynesia, support parasitoid introductions into South America and Africa, where B. carambolae and B. invadens, respectively, have become established. In addition, P. fletcheri is a candidate for biological control of B. cucurbitae in Africa. We review past and more recent successes against Bactrocera spp. and related tephritids, and outline simple rearing and release methods to facilitate this goal.
Antiplasmodial and Leishmanicidal Activities of 2-Cyano-3-(4-phenylpiperazine-1-carboxamido) Quinoxaline 1,4-Dioxide Derivatives
Authors: Barea Carlos , Pabón Adriana , Galiano Silvia , Pérez-Silanes Silvia , Gonzalez German , Deyssard Chloe , Monge Antonio , Deharo Eric , Aldana Ignacio
Published: August 2012

Malaria and leishmaniasis are two of the World’s most important tropical parasitic diseases. Thirteen new 2-cyano-3-(4-phenylpiperazine-1-carboxamido) quinoxaline 1,4-dioxide derivatives (CPCQs) were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antimalarial and antileishmanial activity against erythrocytic forms of Plasmodium falciparum and axenic forms of Leishmania infantum. Their toxicity against VERO cells (normal monkey kidney cells) was also assessed. None of the tested compounds was efficient against Plasmodium, but two of them showed good activity against Leishmania. Toxicity on VERO was correlated with leishmanicidal properties.
Accumulation of Unusual Gangliosides GQ3 and GP3 in Breast Cancer Cells Expressing the GD3 Synthase
Authors: Steenackers Agata , Vanbeselaere Jorick , Cazet Aurélie , Bobowski Marie , Rombouts Yoann , Colomb Florent , Bourhis Xuefen Le , Guérardel Yann , Delannoy Philippe
Published: August 2012

Glycosphingolipids from the ganglio-series are usually classified in four series according to the presence of 0 to 3 sialic acid residues linked to lactosylceramide. The transfer of sialic acid is catalyzed in the Golgi apparatus by specific sialyltransferases that show high specificity toward glycolipid substrates. ST8Sia I (EC 2.4.99.8, SAT-II, SIAT 8a) is the key enzyme controlling the biosynthesis of b- and c-series gangliosides. ST8Sia I is expressed at early developmental stages whereas in adult human tissues, ST8Sia I transcripts are essentially detected in brain. ST8Sia I together with b- and c-series gangliosides are also over-expressed in neuroectoderm-derived malignant tumors such as melanoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma and in estrogen receptor (ER) negative breast cancer, where they play a role in cell proliferation, migration, adhesion and angiogenesis. We have stably expressed ST8Sia I in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and analyzed the glycosphingolipid composition of wild type (WT) and GD3S+ clones. As shown by mass spectrometry, MCF-7 expressed a complex pattern of neutral and sialylated glycosphingolipids from globo- and ganglio-series. WT MCF-7 cells exhibited classical monosialylated gangliosides including GM3, GM2, and GM1a. In parallel, the expression of ST8Sia I in MCF-7 GD3S+ clones resulted in a dramatic change in ganglioside composition, with the expression of b- and c-series gangliosides as well as unusual tetra- and pentasialylated lactosylceramide derivatives GQ3 (II3Neu5Ac4-Gg2Cer) and GP3 (II3Neu5Ac5-Gg2Cer). This indicates that ST8Sia I is able to act as an oligosialyltransferase in a cellular context.
Populene D Analogues: Design, Concise Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Reddy Kachi R. Kishore Kumar , Longato Giovanna B. , Carvalho João E. de , Ruiz Ana L. T. G. , Silva Luiz F.
Published: August 2012

An efficient and concise synthesis of nine populene D analogues was performed using an iodine-catalyzed Prins cyclization as the key transformation. The antiproliferative activity of these new pyrans against several cancer cell lines was then investigated. Among them, an isochromene with moderate activity (mean logGI50 = 0.91) was found. Additionally, compounds with selectivity toward the tumor cell lines NCI-ADR/RES, OVCAR-3, and HT29 were discovered.
In Vitro Anti-diabetic Activities and Chemical Analysis of Polypeptide-k and Oil Isolated from Seeds of Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd)
Authors: Ahmad Zuraini , Zamhuri Khairul Faizi , Yaacob Azhar , Siong Chiong Hoe , Selvarajah Malarvili , Ismail Amin , Hakim Muhammad Nazrul
Published: August 2012

The amino acid and fatty acid composition of polypeptide k and oil isolated from the seeds of Momordica charantia was analysed. The analysis revealed polypeptide k contained 9 out of 11 essential amino acids, among a total of 18 types of amino acids. Glutamic acid, aspartic acid, arginine and glycine were the most abundant (17.08%, 9.71%, 9.50% and 8.90% of total amino acids, respectively). Fatty acid analysis showed unusually high amounts of C18-0 (stearic acid, 62.31% of total fatty acid). C18-1 (oleic acid) and C18-2 (linoleic acid) were the other major fatty acid detected (12.53% and 10.40%, respectively). The oil was devoid of the short fatty acids (C4-0 to C8-0). Polypeptide k and oil were also subjected to in vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assays. Both polypeptide k and seed oil showed potent inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme (79.18% and 53.55% inhibition, respectively). α-Amylase was inhibited by 35.58% and 38.02%, respectively. Collectively, the in vitro assay strongly suggests that both polypeptide k and seed oil from Momordica charantia are potent potential hypoglycemic agents.
Using Ion-Selective Electrodes to Study the Drug Release from Porous Cellulose Matrices
Authors: Vakili Hossein , Genina Natalja , Ehlers Henrik , Bobacka Johan , Sandler Niklas
Published: August 2012

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based solid-contact ion-selective electrodes (SC-ISEs), responding to propranolol hydrochloride (Pr+) and lidocaine hydrochloride (Ld+) cations as the model drugs with potassium tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl) borate (KTpClPB) as the ion exchanger, were studied. Different drug-polymer solutions were prepared with the model drugs, using different blend ratios of ethylcellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC). Two different solid dosage forms were used. Polymer films were produced by solvent casting method and drug containing porous cellulose samples were prepared by depositing the drug-polymer solutions onto filter paper substrates. The quality of the electrodes and the release profile of Pr+ and Ld+ were investigated with the potentiometric method. The results were compared to UV spectrophotometry. The electrodes were found to be sensitive, precise and functional with a Nernstian behavior over the range of 1.0 × 10−3–3.1 × 10−6 M (9.2 × 10−4–3.0 × 10−1 mg/mL) and 1 × 10−3–2 × 10−6 M (5.4 × 10−4–2.7 × 10−1 mg/mL) at 25 °C for Pr+ and Ld+ sensitive electrodes, respectively. The dynamic response time for the electrodes was less than 10 s. The Pr+ release from porous filter paper was always higher than its equivalent film formulation. Also, lidocaine had higher and faster release from the samples with higher drug concentration. The comparison of the two analytical methods showed near identical results. The ISEs provided a powerful and flexible alternative to UV method in determination of drug release from porous cellulose substrates in a small scale dissolution testing.
Polarimetric Decomposition Analysis of ALOS PALSAR Observation Data before and after a Landslide Event
Authors: Yonezawa Chinatsu , Watanabe Manabu , Saito Genya
Published: August 2012

Radar scattering mechanisms over landslide areas were studied using representative full polarimetric parameters: Freeman–Durden decomposition, and eigenvalue–eigenvector decomposition. Full polarimetric ALOS (Advanced Land Observation Satellite) PALSAR (Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar) datasets were used to examine landslides caused by the 2008 Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake in northern Japan. The Freeman–Durden decomposition indicates that areas affected by large-scale landslides show dominance of the surface scattering component in both ascending and descending orbit data. The polarimetric parameters of eigenvalue–eigenvector decomposition, such as entropy, anisotropy, and alpha angle, were also computed over the landslide areas. Unsupervised classification based on the H- plane explicitly distinguishes landslide areas from others such as forest, water, and snow-covered areas, but does not perform well for farmland. A landslide area is difficult to recognize from a single-polarization image, whereas it is clearly extracted on the full polarimetric data obtained after the earthquake. From these results, we conclude that 30-m resolution full polarimetric data are more useful than 10-m resolution single-polarization PALSAR data in classifying land coverage, and are better suited to detect landslide areas. Additional information, such as pre-landslide imagery, is needed to distinguish landslide areas from farmland or bare soil.
Fast Analysis of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity in Barley Leaves Using Visible and Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Kong Wenwen , Zhao Yun , Liu Fei , He Yong , Tian Tian , Zhou Weijun
Published: August 2012

Visible and near infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy was investigated for the fast analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) leaves. Seven different spectra preprocessing methods were compared. Four regression methods were used for comparison of prediction performance, including partial least squares (PLS), multiple linear regression (MLR), least squares-support vector machine (LS-SVM) and Gaussian process regress (GPR). Successive projections algorithm (SPA) and regression coefficients (RC) were applied to select effective wavelengths (EWs) to develop more parsimonious models. The results indicated that Savitzky-Golay smoothing (SG) and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) should be selected as the optimum preprocessing methods. The best prediction performance was achieved by the LV-LS-SVM model on SG spectra, and the correlation coefficients (r) and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) were 0.9064 and 0.5336, respectively. The conclusion was that Vis/NIR spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis could be successfully applied for the fast estimation of SOD activity in barley leaves.
An Intelligent Knowledge-Based and Customizable Home Care System Framework with Ubiquitous Patient Monitoring and Alerting Techniques
Authors: Chen Yen-Lin , Chiang Hsin-Han , Yu Chao-Wei , Chiang Chuan-Yen , Liu Chuan-Ming , Wang Jenq-Haur
Published: August 2012

This study develops and integrates an efficient knowledge-based system and a component-based framework to design an intelligent and flexible home health care system. The proposed knowledge-based system integrates an efficient rule-based reasoning model and flexible knowledge rules for determining efficiently and rapidly the necessary physiological and medication treatment procedures based on software modules, video camera sensors, communication devices, and physiological sensor information. This knowledge-based system offers high flexibility for improving and extending the system further to meet the monitoring demands of new patient and caregiver health care by updating the knowledge rules in the inference mechanism. All of the proposed functional components in this study are reusable, configurable, and extensible for system developers. Based on the experimental results, the proposed intelligent homecare system demonstrates that it can accomplish the extensible, customizable, and configurable demands of the ubiquitous healthcare systems to meet the different demands of patients and caregivers under various rehabilitation and nursing conditions.
Evaluation of the Operator Protection Factors Offered by Positive Pressure Air Suits against Airborne Microbiological Challenge
Authors: Steward Jackie A. , Lever Mark S.
Published: August 2012

Laboratories throughout the world that perform work with Risk Group 4 Pathogens generally adopt one of two approaches within BSL-4 environments: either the use of positive pressure air-fed suits or using Class III microbiological safety cabinets and isolators for animal work. Within the UK at present, all laboratories working with Risk Group 4 agents adopt the use of Class III microbiological safety cabinet lines and isolators. Operator protection factors for the use of microbiological safety cabinets and isolators are available however; there is limited published data on the operator protection factors afforded by the use of positive pressure suits. This study evaluated the operator protection factors provided by positive pressure air suits against a realistic airborne microbiological challenge. The suits were tested, both intact and with their integrity compromised, on an animated mannequin within a stainless steel exposure chamber. The suits gave operator protection in all tests with an intact suit and with a cut in the leg. When compromised by a cut in the glove, a very small ingress of the challenge was seen as far as the wrist. This is likely to be due to the low airflow in the gloves of the suit. In all cases no microbiological penetration of the respiratory tract was observed. These data provide evidence on which to base safety protocols for use of positive pressure suits within high containment laboratories.
Stereoselective synthesis of trans-fused iridoid lactones and their identification in the parasitoid wasp Alloxysta victrix, Part I: Dihydronepetalactones
Authors: Zimmermann Nicole , Hilgraf Robert , Lehmann Lutz , Ibarra Daniel , Francke Wittko
Published: August 2012

Starting from the enantiomers of limonene, all eight stereoisomers of trans-fused dihydronepetalactones were synthesized. Key compounds were pure stereoisomers of 1-acetoxymethyl-2-methyl-5-(2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-1-cyclopentene. The stereogenic center of limonene was retained at position 4a of the target compounds and used to stereoselectively control the introduction of the other chiral centers during the synthesis. Basically, this approach could also be used for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure trans-fused iridomyrmecins. Using synthetic reference samples, the combination of enantioselective gas chromatography and mass spectrometry revealed that volatiles released by the endohyperparasitoid wasp Alloxysta victrix contain the enantiomerically pure trans-fused (4R,4aR,7R,7aS)-dihydronepetalactone as a minor component, showing an unusual (R)-configured stereogenic center at position 7.
Similar Predictions of Etravirine Sensitivity Regardless of Genotypic Testing Method Used: Comparison of Available Scoring Systems
Authors: Vingerhoets Johan , Nijs Steven , Tambuyzer Lotke , Hoogstoel Annemie , Anderson David , Picchio Gaston
Published: August 2012

Background

The aims of this study were to compare various genotypic scoring systems commonly used to predict virological outcome to etravirine, and examine their concordance with etravirine phenotypic susceptibility.

Methods

Six etravirine genotypic scoring systems were assessed: Tibotec 2010 (based on 20 mutations; TBT 20), Monogram, Stanford HIVdb, ANRS, Rega (based on 37, 30, 27 and 49 mutations, respectively) and virco®TYPE HIV-1 (predicted fold change based on genotype). Samples from treatment-experienced patients who participated in the DUET trials and with both genotypic and phenotypic data ( n=403) were assessed using each scoring system. Results were retrospectively correlated with virological response in DUET. κ coefficients were calculated to estimate the degree of correlation between the different scoring systems.

Results

Correlation between the five scoring systems and the TBT 20 system was approximately 90%. Virological response by etravirine susceptibility was comparable regardless of which scoring system was utilized, with 70-74% of DUET patients determined as susceptible to etravirine by the different scoring systems achieving plasma viral load <50 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml. In samples classed as phenotypically susceptible to etravirine (fold change in 50% effective concentration ≤3), correlations with genotypic score were consistently high across scoring systems (≥70%).

Conclusions

In general, the etravirine genotypic scoring systems produced similar results, and genotype-phenotype concordance was high. As such, phenotypic interpretations, and in their absence all genotypic scoring systems investigated, may be used to reliably predict the activity of etravirine.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Sequential Pegylated Interferon-α and Telbivudine or Vice Versa for 48 Weeks in Hepatitis B E Antigen-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Piccolo Paola , Lenci Ilaria , di Paolo Daniele , Demelia Luigi , Sorbello Orazio , Nosotti Lorenzo , Angelico Mario
Published: August 2012

Background

Short-term treatment for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B remains unsatisfactory. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two sequential regimens of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-α and telbivudine (LdT).

Methods

Adult patients with biopsy-proven HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum HBV DNA≥2,000 IU/ml were randomized 1:1 at baseline to receive PEG-IFN 180 μg/week for 24 weeks followed by LdT 600 mg/day for 24 weeks (PEG-IFN first), or vice versa (LdT first), plus 24-week follow-up; individuals with HCV, HDV or HIV coinfections and lamivudine resistance were excluded. Primary end points were serum HBV DNA<2,000 IU/ml and normal ALT at week 72.

Results

A total of 30 patients (86% male, median age 48 years) were enrolled: mean ±sdbaseline serum HBV DNA was 5.56 ±1.4 log IU/ml and ALT was 2.9 ±2.5x upper limit of normal. At end of follow-up (week 72), HBV DNA<2,000 IU/ml was achieved in 13.3% of participants in the PEG-IFN first group versus 46.7% of those in the LdT first group ( P=0.046). Mean ±sdALT levels were significantly lower in the LdT first group (1.3 ±0.9 versus 3.2 ±2.7x upper limit of normal; P=0.03). PEG-IFN dose was reduced in 2 (7%) patients and 1 (7%) patient dropped out due to myalgia.

Conclusions

Sequential treatment with 24 weeks PEG-IFN followed or preceded by 24 weeks of LdT is safe. Virological response rate at week 72 was significantly higher in patients treated with LdT followed by PEG-IFN than vice versa. A sequential antiviral regimen of LdT followed by PEG-IFN, if confirmed in larger series, could improve response rates compared with standard PEG-IFN monotherapy.
Maternel et travail de latence en psychosomatique de l'enfant
Authors: Rojas Claire
Published: August 2012

Résumé À partir de la cure d’un enfant souffrant d’une recto-colite ulcéro-hémorragique, survenue à la période de latence, l’auteur s’interroge sur les aléas du maternel précoce possiblement réactivés après coup de façon traumatique au moment de la période de latence et sur leurs enjeux dans la cure et le lien transféro-contre-transférentiel. Une des conditions à la mise en place du système sommeil/rêve et de la période de latence, tous deux garants d’un bon équilibre psychosomatique, est que la mère puisse tenir compte du monde pulsionnel de son enfant en même temps qu’imposer un impératif de désexualisation au travers des différents systèmes de censure.
Aspects du maternel dans le travail avec des enfants polytraumatisés (à partir de l'exposé de Claire Rojas)
Authors: Alexandridis Athanasios
Published: August 2012

Résumé Les troubles psychosomatiques sont étudiés comme des indices des failles à la subjectivation. Quelques aspects du maternel réactivé au contact avec des enfants et des familles polytraumatisés sont présentés.
Performance modeling of object middleware
Authors:   , Harkema Marcel
Published: August 2012

The tremendous growth of the Internet [42] and the ongoing developments in the hardware and software industry have boosted the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems. These systems consist of geographically distributed components communicating with each other using networking technology. Such systems are commonly referred to as distributed systems. A key challenge of distributed systems is interoperability: the vast diversity in hardware, operating systems, and programming languages, makes it difficult to build distributed applications. Over the past decade there have been a lot of advances in middleware technology aimed at solving this interoperability problem. Middleware is software that hides architectural and implementation details of an underlying system and offers well-defined interfaces instead. Some of the key advances in middleware include OMG CORBA objectmiddleware and the Sun Java infrastructure middleware. The overall objective of this thesis is to develop and validate quantitative performance models of distributed applications based on middleware technology. We limit the scope of our research toOMG CORBA object middleware and the Java EE platform.
Creatures of Habit: Emergency Thinking in Alejandro Brugués’ Juan de los Muertos and Junot Díaz’s “Monstro”
Authors: Armengot Sara
Published: August 2012

Alejandro Brugués’ film Juan de los Muertos [Juan of the Dead] (2011) and Junot Díaz’s short story “Monstro” (2012) reveal compelling arguments for what effective and ethical responses to disaster might look like through depictions of apocalyptic scenarios in Cuba and the island of Hispaniola. In accordance with Elaine Scarry’s conclusions in Thinking in an Emergency (2011), these two works highlight the importance of training and habit, deliberative thinking, the right of exit and commitment to equality of survival in emergency preparation and response. Díaz and Brugués’ contributions to the flourishing subgenre of irreverent apocalyptic fiction offer timely appeals for more humane policies and practices that would serve the international community well in any number of actual crises being faced today in the Caribbean and beyond.
Stabilization of HIF-2α Induces sVEGFR-1 Production from Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Decreases Tumor Growth in a Murine Melanoma Model
Authors: Roda Julie M. , Wang Yijie , Sumner Laura A. , Phillips Gary S. , Marsh Clay B. , Eubank Timothy D.
Published: August 2012

Macrophage secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in response to hypoxia contributes to tumor growth and angiogenesis. In addition to VEGF, hypoxic macrophages stimulated with GM-CSF secrete high levels of a soluble form of the VEGF receptor (sVEGFR-1), which neutralizes VEGF and inhibits its biological activity. Using mice with a monocyte/macrophage-selective deletion of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α or HIF-2α, we recently demonstrated that the antitumor response to GM-CSF was dependent on HIF-2α–driven sVEGFR-1 production by tumor-associated macrophages, whereas HIF-1α specifically regulated VEGF production. We therefore hypothesized that chemical stabilization of HIF-2α using an inhibitor of prolyl hydroxylase domain 3 (an upstream inhibitor of HIF-2α activation) would increase sVEGFR-1 production from GM-CSF–stimulated macrophages. Treatment of macrophages with the prolyl hydroxylase domain 3 inhibitor AKB-6899 stabilized HIF-2α and increased sVEGFR-1 production from GM-CSF–treated macrophages, with no effect on HIF-1α accumulation or VEGF production. Treatment of B16F10 melanoma-bearing mice with GM-CSF and AKB-6899 significantly reduced tumor growth compared with either drug alone. Increased levels of sVEGFR-1 mRNA, but not VEGF mRNA, were detected within the tumors of GM-CSF– and AKB-6899–treated mice, correlating with decreased tumor vascularity. Finally, the antitumor and antiangiogenic effects of AKB-6899 were abrogated when mice were simultaneously treated with a sVEGFR-1 neutralizing Ab. These results demonstrate that AKB-6899 decreases tumor growth and angiogenesis in response to GM-CSF by increasing sVEGFR-1 production from tumor-associated macrophages. Specific activation of HIF-2α can therefore decrease tumor growth and angiogenesis.
IL-10 Acts As a Developmental Switch Guiding Monocyte Differentiation to Macrophages during a Murine Peritoneal Infection
Authors: Nguyen Huu-Hung , Tran Bich-Thu , Muller Werner , Jack Robert S.
Published: August 2012

The peritoneal wash of BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice contains two populations of macrophages that differ in their level of expression of MHC class II (MHC II). Although both populations efficiently phagocytose bacteria in vivo, only the MHC IIlo population is effective at phagocytosing apoptotic cells in vivo and only the MHC IIhi population is effective at presenting Ag to T cells in vitro. Soon after induction of a peritoneal infection both of these macrophage populations are lost from the peritoneal wash fraction. Blood monocytes then enter the inflamed peritoneum and develop into new peritoneal macrophages. Whether these monocytes develop into MHC IIlo or into MHC IIhi macrophages is crucially dependent on the cytokine IL-10, which is transiently elevated in the peritoneal wash during the early phase of infection. Monocytes from CD45.1 animals transferred early in infection when the IL-10 concentration is high into congenic CD45.2 recipients develop into the MHC IIlo macrophage population. Monocytes transferred later, when the IL-10 concentration has fallen, develop into the MHC IIhi population. In infected IL-10–deficient animals monocytes fail to develop into the MHC IIlo population but can be induced to do so by exogenous application of IL-10. Finally, high numbers of wild-type monocytes injected into IL-10R1–deficient animals develop into MHC IIlo macrophages and were able by a bystander effect to induce the differentiation of the endogenous monocytes to the same fate.
The Chemokine Receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 Couple to Distinct G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases To Mediate and Regulate Leukocyte Functions
Authors: Raghuwanshi Sandeep K. , Su Yingjun , Singh Vandana , Haynes Katherine , Richmond Ann , Richardson Ricardo M.
Published: August 2012

The chemokine receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, couple to Gαi to induce leukocyte recruitment and activation at sites of inflammation. Upon activation by CXCL8, these receptors become phosphorylated, desensitized, and internalized. In this study, we investigated the role of different G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) in CXCR1- and CXCR2-mediated cellular functions. To that end, short hairpin RNA was used to inhibit GRK2, 3, 5, and 6 in RBL-2H3 cells stably expressing CXCR1 or CXCR2, and CXCL8-mediated receptor activation and regulation were assessed. Inhibition of GRK2 and GRK6 increased CXCR1 and CXCR2 resistance to phosphorylation, desensitization, and internalization, respectively, and enhanced CXCL8-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis and exocytosis in vitro. GRK2 depletion diminished CXCR1-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation but had no effect on CXCR2-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. GRK6 depletion had no significant effect on CXCR1 function. However, peritoneal neutrophils from mice deficient in GRK6 (GRK6−/−) displayed an increase in CXCR2-mediated G protein activation but in vitro exhibited a decrease in chemotaxis, receptor desensitization, and internalization relative to wild-type (GRK6+/+) cells. In contrast, neutrophil recruitment in vivo in GRK6−/− mice was increased in response to delivery of CXCL1 through the air pouch model. In a wound-closure assay, GRK6−/− mice showed enhanced myeloperoxidase activity, suggesting enhanced neutrophil recruitment, and faster wound closure compared with GRK6+/+ animals. Taken together, the results indicate that CXCR1 and CXCR2 couple to distinct GRK isoforms to mediate and regulate inflammatory responses. CXCR1 predominantly couples to GRK2, whereas CXCR2 interacts with GRK6 to negatively regulate receptor sensitization and trafficking, thus affecting cell signaling and angiogenesis.
Attitudinal meanings of Judgement in the inaugural addresses by the US presidents during the Cold War
Authors: Zhang Shutang
Published: August 2012

The Appraisal Theory intends to study how the stance, the opinion and the attitude of language users are realized in discourses. This paper discusses the attitudinal meanings of Judgement in the inaugural addresses by the US presidents during the Cold War under the framework laid down by Martin and White. It has been found that the attitudinal meanings of Judgement account for the most part of all the attitudinal meanings in all the 11 addresses, and that the positive Judgements are foregrounded by its high percentage in all the attitudinal meanings of Judgement. The features in the use of attitudinal meanings of Judgement serve the purpose of the presidential inaugural addresses very well, i.e. to convey a new administration’s commitment to their future work and to win support from the audience.
SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF MALARIA AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH POVERTY
Authors: Ricci Francesco
Published: August 2012

Having changed our understanding about issues related to poverty, even in the fight against malaria we must keep in mind a number of issues other than simple lack of economic resources. In this article we tried to discuss the various aspects that make malaria a disease closely related to poverty and the effects of malaria on the same poverty of patients who are affected. If you want the program to "Rool Back Malaria" to succeed, you must program interventions that improve the living conditions of populations in endemic area, individually and as communities. As has become clear that the discovery of an effective vaccine will not eradicate the disease, remains a fundamental understanding of mechanisms related to poverty that cause Malaria remains one of the major killers in the world, to help communities affected and individuals to prevent, cure properly and not being afraid of this ancient disease.
REGULATORY T-CELLS IN CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA
Authors: D'arena Giovanni , Rossi Giovanni , Vannata Barbara , Deaglio Silvia
Published: August 2012

Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) constitute a small subset of cells that are actively involved in maintaining self-tolerance, in immune homeostasis and in antitumor immunity. They are thought to play a significant role in the progression of cancer and are generally increased in patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Their number correlates with more aggressive disease status and is predictive of the time to treatment, as well. Moreover, it is now clear that dysregulation in Tregs cell frequency and/or function may result in a plethora of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosis, autoimmune lymphoproliferative disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Efforts are made aiming to develop approaches to deplete Tregs or inhibit their function in either cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Immunohistochemical study of a canine neurofibroma
Authors: Fattahian Hamidreza , Mortazavi Pejman , Moosavian Hamidreza , Mohyeddin Hamid , Moridpour Roozbeh
Published: August 2012

Accurate diagnostic approaches to differentiate peripheral nerve sheet tumours from others have not been firmly established. The aim of this case report was to diagnose neurofibroma using a combination of diagnostic imaging, histopathology and immunohistochemistry, which were applied to a canine neurofibroma arising in the left mandible. The tumour was surgically excised and examined histologically. Round or spindle cells, with elongated, dense and homogenous chromatin and pale cytoplasm typical of Schwann cells in an abundant fibromyxomatous stroma, with ruby collagen fibres were seen. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that S-100 and vimentin were more than 70% positive. Neurofibroma may therefore be recognisable using markers such as S-100 and vimentin.
Comparative study on three locally developed live orf virus vaccines for sheep in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Housawi Fahdel M. , Abuelzein Eltayb M. , Gamee Ahmed A. , Alafaleq Adel I.
Published: August 2012

The epidemiology of orf virus infection in Saudi Arabia (SA) has been researched since 1990. The results obtained during this period indicate that the disease is widespread, has great economic impact and that no vaccine has been used against it. The present study compares the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of three locally developed live orf virus vaccines. Two of them differ in their passage history in Vero cell culture and the third was used as a virulent virus in glycerine buffer. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no similar comparative study has been conducted in the Middle East utilising three types of vaccines prepared from the same virus strain. Selection of the candidate seed orf virus and performance of the quality control tests were as laid out by the OIE for veterinary vaccine production. The vaccine seed virus was a field orf virus isolated from a previous orf outbreak in Saudi Arabia. A simple novel formula was developed to calculate the rate of reduction in the healing time (RHT %) in the challenged sheep. This allowed direct comparison of the efficacy of the three types of vaccines employed in the present study. The efficacy of each vaccine was tested on a cohort of local Noemi sheep.
Meta-Analysis of General Bacterial Subclades in Whole-Genome Phylogenies Using Tree Topology Profiling
Authors: Meinel Thomas , Krause Antje
Published: August 2012

In the last two decades, a large number of whole-genome phylogenies have been inferred to reconstruct the Tree of Life (ToL). Underlying data models range from gene or functionality content in species to phylogenetic gene family trees and multiple sequence alignments of concatenated protein sequences. Diversity in data models together with the use of different tree reconstruction techniques, disruptive biological effects and the steadily increasing number of genomes have led to a huge diversity in published phylogenies. Comparison of those and, moreover, identification of the impact of inference properties (underlying data model, inference technique) on particular reconstructions is almost impossible. In this work, we introduce tree topology profiling as a method to compare already published whole-genome phylogenies. This method requires visual determination of the particular topology in a drawn whole-genome phylogeny for a set of particular bacterial clans. For each clan, neighborhoods to other bacteria are collected into a catalogue of generalized alternative topologies. Particular topology alternatives found for an ordered list of bacterial clans reveal a topology profile that represents the analyzed phylogeny. To simulate the inhomogeneity of published gene content phylogenies we generate a set of seven phylogenies using different inference techniques and the SYSTERS-PhyloMatrix data model. After tree topology profiling on in total 54 selected published and newly inferred phylogenies, we separate artefactual from biologically meaningful phylogenies and associate particular inference results (phylogenies) with inference background (inference techniques as well as data models). Topological relationships of particular bacterial species groups are presented. With this work we introduce tree topology profiling into the scientific field of comparative phylogenomics.
Development and Initial Validation of a Client-Rated MET-CBT Adherence Measure
Authors: Ulaszek Wendy R. , Lin Hsiu-Ju , Frisman Linda K. , Sampl Susan , Godley Susan Harrington , Steinberg-Gallucci Karen L. , Kamon Jody L. , O'hagan-Lynch Margaret
Published: August 2012

Traditional mechanisms for rating adherence or fidelity are labor-intensive. We developed and validated a tool to rate adherence to Motivational Enhancement Therapy–-Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (MET-CBT) through anonymous client surveys. The instrument was used to survey clients in 3 methadone programs over 2 waves. Explanatory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses were used to establish construct validity for both MET and CBT. Internal consistency based on Cronbach's alpha was within adequate range (α > 0.70) for all but 2 of the subscales in one of the samples. Consensus between clients’ ratings (rwg(j) scores) were in the range of 0.6 and higher, indicating a moderate to strong degree of agreement among clients’ ratings of the same counselor. These results suggest that client surveys could be used to measure adherence to MET-CBT for quality monitoring that is more objective than counselor self-report and less resource-intensive than supervisor review of taped sessions. However, additional work is needed to develop this scale.
A multi‐parameter artificial neural network model to estimate macrobenthic invertebrate productivity and production
Authors: Brey Thomas
Published: August 2012

I developed a new model for estimating annual production‐to‐biomass ratio P/B and production P of macrobenthic populations in marine and freshwater habitats. Self‐learning artificial neural networks (ANN) were used to model the relationships between P/B and twenty easy‐to‐measure abiotic and biotic parameters in 1252 data sets of population production. Based on log‐transformed data, the final predictive model estimates log(P/B) with reasonable accuracy and precision (r2 = 0.801; residual mean square RMS = 0.083). Body mass and water temperature contributed most to the explanatory power of the model. However, as with all least squares models using nonlinearly transformed data, back‐transformation to natural scale introduces a bias in the model predictions, i.e., an underestimation of P/B (and P). When estimating production of assemblages of populations by adding up population estimates, accuracy decreases but precision increases with the number of populations in the assemblage.
An assessment of atmospheric mercury in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model at an urban site and a rural site in the Great Lakes Region of North America
Authors: Holloway T. , Voigt C. , Morton J. , Spak S. N. , Rutter A. P. , Schauer J. J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Quantitative analysis of three atmospheric mercury species – gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0), reactive gaseous mercury (RGHg) and particulate mercury (PHg) – has been limited to date by lack of ambient measurement data as well as by uncertainties in numerical models and emission inventories. This study employs the Community Multiscale Air Quality Model version 4.6 with mercury chemistry (CMAQ-Hg), to examine how local emissions, meteorology, atmospheric chemistry, and deposition affect mercury concentration and deposition the Great Lakes Region (GLR), and two sites in Wisconsin in particular: the rural Devil's Lake site and the urban Milwaukee site. Ambient mercury exhibits significant biases at both sites. Hg0 is too low in CMAQ-Hg, with the model showing a 6% low bias at the rural site and 36% low bias at the urban site. Reactive mercury (RHg = RGHg + PHg) is over-predicted by the model, with annual average biases >250%. Performance metrics for RHg are much worse than for mercury wet deposition, ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), or sulfur dioxide (SO2). Sensitivity simulations to isolate background inflow from regional emissions suggests that oxidation of imported Hg0 dominates model estimates of RHg at the rural study site (91% of base case value), and contributes 55% to the RHg at the urban site (local emissions contribute 45%).
Fractionation and current time trends of PCB congeners: evolvement of distributions 1950–2010 studied using a global atmosphere-ocean general circulation model
Authors: Lammel G. , Stemmler I.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. PCBs are ubiquitous environmental pollutants expected to decline in abiotic environmental media in response to decreasing primary emissions since the 1970s. A coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation model with embedded dynamic sub-models for atmospheric aerosols and the marine biogeochemistry and air-surface exchange processes with soils, vegetation and the cryosphere is used to study the transport and fate of four PCB congeners covering a range of 3–7 chlorine atoms. The change of the geographic distribution of the PCB mixture reflects the sources and sinks' evolvement over time. Globally, secondary emissions (re-volatilisation from surfaces) are on the long term increasingly gaining importance over primary emissions. Secondary emissions are most important for the congeners with 5–6 chlorine atoms. Correspondingly, the levels of these congeners are predicted to decrease slowest. Changes in congener mixture composition (fractionation) are characterized both geographically and temporally. In high latitudes enrichment of the lighter, less persistent congeners and more delayed decreasing levels in response to decreasing emissions are found. The delivery of the contaminants to high latitudes is predicted to be more efficient than previously suggested. The results suggest furthermore that the effectiveness of emission control measures may significantly vary among substances. The trends of decline of organic contaminant levels in the abiotic environmental media do not only vary with latitude (slow in high latitudes), but do also show longitudinal gradients.
Diel peroxy radicals in a semi industrial coastal area: nighttime formation of free radicals
Authors: Andrés-Hernández M. D. , Kartal D. , Growley J. N. , Sinha V. , Regelin E. , Martínez-Harder M. , Nenakhov V. , Williams J. , Harder H. , Bozem H. , Song W. , Thieser J. , Tang M.-J. , Hosaynali Beygi Z. , Burrows J. P.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Peroxy radicals were measured by a PeRCA (Peroxy Radical Chemical Amplifier) instrument in the boundary layer during the DOMINO (Diel Oxidant Mechanisms In relation to Nitrogen Oxides) campaign at a coastal, forested site influenced by urban-industrial emissions in Southern Spain in late autumn. Total peroxy radicals (RO2* = HO2 + ΣRO2) generally showed a daylight maximum between 10 and 50 pptv at 13:00 UTC, with an average of 18 pptv over the 15 days of measurements. Emissions from the industrial area of Huelva often impacted the measurement site at night during the campaign. The processing of significant levels of anthropogenic organics leads to an intense nocturnal radical chemistry accompanied by formation of organic peroxy radicals at comparable levels to those of summer photochemical conditions with peak events up to 60–80 pptv. The RO2 production initiated by reactions of NO3 with organic trace gases was estimated to be significant but not sufficient to account for the concentrations of RO2* observed in air masses carrying high pollutant loading. The nocturnal production of peroxy radicals seems therefore to be dominated by ozonolysis of volatile organic compounds. RO2* diurnal variations were consistent with other HO2 measurements available at the site. HO2/RO2* ratios generally varied between 0.3 and 0.4 in all wind directions. Occasional HO2/RO2* ≥ 1 seemed to be associated with periods of high RO2* variability and with RO2 interferences in the HO2 measurement in air masses with high RO2 load.
Upwelling into the lower stratosphere forced by breaking tropical waves: evidence from chemical tracers
Authors: Engida Z. , Folkins I.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Measurements from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on the 68 hPa pressure level from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2010 are used to calculate the coherence between anomalies in the tropical mean mixing ratios of H2O, CO, and N2O, and 100 hPa temperature. We show that the fluctuations of lower stratospheric water vapor in the subseasonal and multiyear time windows are generated by different physical mechanisms. In the subseasonal time window, the spatial pattern of the coherence between 100 hPa temperature and water vapor, and the time lag, show that the variability in lower stratospheric water vapor is dominated by fluctuations in upwelling forced by the dissipation of tropical Rossby waves. In the multiyear time window, the variability of lower stratospheric water vapor is more strongly coherent with temperature fluctuations on the 100 hPa surface in regions where the annual mean temperature is colder than 194 K. In addition, the 68 hPa water vapor anomalies lag the 100 hPa temperature anomalies by roughly 140 days. In this time window, the variability of lower stratospheric water vapor is therefore dominated by changes in the temperature dependent dehydration efficiency which modulate the water vapor stratospheric entry mixing ratio. On subseasonal timescales, the spatial pattern of the coherence between 100 hPa temperature and 68 hPa CO anomalies is very similar to the pattern of coherence between 100 hPa temperature and the Real-time Multivariate MJO series 1 (RMM1) index of the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO). The MJO therefore has a strong influence on the subseasonal variability of CO in the lower stratosphere. The subseasonal 68 hPa CO and H2O anomalies lag the 100 hPa temperature anomalies by 3.16 and 2.51 days, respectively. The similarity between the two time lags suggests that the subseasonal CO anomalies can also be attributed to changes in upwelling. The multiyear variability in lower stratospheric N2O appears to be dominated by the Quasi Biennial Oscillation (QBO).