bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing Biobased Materials into the Electronics Industry
Authors: Kosbar Laura L. , Gelorme Jeffrey D. , Japp Robert M. , Fotorny William T.
Published: July 2002

Abstract: Lignin, a biopolymer formed in the cell walls of plants, is a by‐product of paper manufacturing. In research at IBM, it was incorporated into a resin used in the fabrication of printed wiring boards (PWB) for the microelectronics industry. The resin had physical and electrical properties similar to those of current laminate resins. PWBs fabricated from the lignin‐based resin passed most of the standard physical, electrical, and reliability tests for an “FR4”‐grade laminate. A comparison of the lignin‐based resin and current resins via life‐cycle assessment indicated up to 40% lower energy consumption for the biobased resin. Large‐scale manufacture of lignin‐based resins would require an inexpensive source of lignin with low ionic contamination.
A Dynamic Integrated Analysis of Truck Tires in Western Europe
Authors: van Beukering Pieter J. H. , Janssen Marco A.
Published: July 2002

By evaluating tires from a perspective of industrial metabolism, potential novel and practical ways to reduce their environmental impact can be found. This may be achieved by focusing on technological issues such as choosing materials, designing products, and recovering materials, or by looking at institutional and social barriers and incentives such as opening waste markets or changing consumer behavior. A model is presented for the life cycle of truck tires in Western Europe that is dynamic in nature and values both environmental and economic consequences. Various scenarios are simulated including longer tire lifetimes, better maintenance of tire pressure, increased use of less‐expensive Asian tires, and increased use of fuel efficiency‐enhancing tires (“eco‐tires”). Tentative results indicate that, among other things, more than 95% of the overall environmental impact during the life of a tire occurs during the use of the tire, due to the impact of tires on automotive fuel efficiency. Better maintenance of tire pressure and use of eco‐tires produce greater environmental and economics benefits than more‐durable and/or less‐expensive (Asian) tires. These results imply that the emphasis in environmental policies related to tires should shift from the production and the waste stages to the consumption stage. It also suggests that the focus on materials throughput and associated improvements through factor 4 or factor 10 advances in reduction in mass are less important than the quality of the tires and their management.
Stalin, Togliatti, and the Origins of the Cold War in Europe
Authors: Pons Silvio
Published: July 2002

Soviet policy toward the Italian Communist Party (PCI) from 1943 to 1948 exemplified Josif Stalin's complicated relationship with the West European Communist parties and Western Europe in general. For a considerable while, Stalin insisted that the PCI follow a policy of moderation. Palmiro Togliatti, the leader of the PCI, heeded Stalin's orders and tried to ensure that the Italian Communists pursued a policy of national unity and avoided conflicts that might lead to civil war in Italy. But this moderate approach collapsed after the Soviet Union rejected the Marshall Plan in 1947 and thereby forced the West European Communist parties into extra-parliamentary opposition. Not until after the poor showing of the PCI in the 1948 Italian elections was the party able to regain a viable role. Stalin's conflicting advice to the PCI was indicative of his tenuous grasp of the situation in Western Europe.
Conflict or Cooperation? The Social and Political Impacts of Resource Scarcity on Small Island States
Authors: Matthew Richard A. , Gaulin Ted
Published: July 2002

This paper examines the social and political consequences of natural resource scarcity on three Pacific island territories: Easter Island, Nauru and Solomon Islands. In contrast to prominent theories in the environmental security literature, the case studies in this paper indicate that resource scarcity does not perforce lead to violent conflict. The authors explain differential outcomes on the basis of four variables: extent of scarcity; level of democracy; degree of economic openness; and involvement in regional regimes.
THE EXCLUSION OF WOMEN IN THE MITHRAIC MYSTERIES: ANCIENT OR MODERN?
Authors: David Jonathan
Published: July 2002

The following paper deals with the scholarly supposition that females were excluded from the ancient mystery cult of Mithraism. This notion has been part of scholarly dialogue about the religion since Franz Cumont, the father of modern Mithraic studies, introduced it in the late nineteenth century. Though many of his conclusions about Mithraism have been challenged or refuted in the past thirty years, the particular idea that the cult excluded women has persisted, and actually has become taken for granted by most scholars. Thanks to the publication of much important archaeological and epigraphical evidence during the past fifty years, a reexamination of this notion is now possible. By surveying a few examples of Mithraic inscriptions and iconography in light of heretofore discounted textual clues from such ancient authors as Porphyry, Jerome, and Tertullian, it will be argued that the theory of universal female exclusion from Mithraism is untenable. In order to demonstrate this, it will be necessary to challenge and scrutinize the work of the only modern scholar to explore gender within ancient Mithraism, Richard Gordon. Instead of starting from a preconceived notion of exclusion and attempting to explain away the various exceptions to this rule, this article will tally these "exceptions" to conclude simply that women were involved with Mithraic groups in at least some locations of the empire. Some possible implications of this conclusion then will be suggested.
ETYMOLOGY AND MAGIC: YĀSKA'S NIRUKTA, PLATO'S CRATYLUS, AND THE RIDDLE OF SEMANTIC ETYMOLOGIES
Authors: Bronkhorst Johannes
Published: July 2002

Semantic etymologies are to be distinguished from historical etymologies. A historical etymology presents the origin or early history of a word. Semantic etymologies do something completely different. They connect one word with one or more others which are believed to elucidate its meaning. Semantic etymologies are practically universal in pre-modern cultures, and there are treatises in some cultures - such as Yāska's Nirukta in ancient India, Plato's Cratylus in ancient Greece - that specifically deal with them. This article addresses the question how modern scholarship should try to understand semantic etymologizing. It is argued that, being a universal phenomenon, semantic etymologizing is in need of a universal explanation. Drawing inspiration from certain pre-modern philosophies, it is proposed to study this phenomenon in the light of another category of phenomena that is often called "magical".
Legislating a Solution to Animal Shelter Euthanasia: A Case Study of California's Controversial SB 1785
Authors: Balcom Sarah
Published: July 2002

On September 22, 1998, California Governor Pete Wilson signed Senate Bill 1785 into law, dramatically affecting the entire California animal sheltering community. Dubbed the "Hayden law" by the animal protection community after the bill's sponsor, it represents the state of California's attempt to legislate a solution to both the companion animal overpopulation problem and the friction between the agencies trying to end it. The persistence of the bill's primary supporters, a Los Angeles veterinarian and a UCLA law school professor and the overall lack of opposition to it helped SB 1785 sail through the California legislature. Because of the scope of the bill and the immense cost of implementation, its passage shocked many in the sheltering community. This case study highlights the consequences of legislation that was crafted based on worse case scenarios and over which there was little collaborative effort. It concludes with suggestions that might be useful to other states contemplating similar such legislation.
Acknowledging the "Zoological Connection": A Sociological Analysis of Animal Cruelty
Authors: Flynn Clifton
Published: July 2002

Sociologists have largely ignored the role of animals in society. This article argues that human-animal interaction is a topic worthy of sociological consideration and applies a sociological analysis to one problematic aspect of human-animal relationships - animal cruelty. The article reformulates animal cruelty, traditionally viewed using a psychopathological model, from a sociological perspective.The article identifies social and cultural factors related to the occurrence of animal cruelty. Ultimately, animal cruelty is a serious social problem that deserves attention in its own right, not just because of its association with human violence.
BTS‘: BRIBE, EXTORTION OR PROFIT?
Authors:   Harland
Published: July 2002

This article is an examination of BTS‘ in the Old Testament to see whether the root has a negative or neutral meaning. The verb is used sometimes with a negative sense such as unjust gain or violent extortion (e.g. Ezek. xxii 12, 27), but at other times has a neutral or positive meaning such as finish, prevent, cut off or die (e.g. Isa. x 12). The noun is also used with a negative sense, and can refer in particular to contexts of violence. There are two examples in particular, Job xxii 3 and Ps. xxx 10 (9), where a neutral meaning is possible and fits the context, but a more negative meaning need not be excluded. The conclusion of this article is that BTS‘ is a noun with usually, possibly always, a negative meaning. The word would best be rendered "unjust gain" or "extortion".
THE COMMISSIONING STORIES OF SAUL AND DAVID AS THEOLOGICAL ALLEGORY
Authors:   Rudman
Published: July 2002

There is a scholarly tendency to regard the stories of the commissioning of Saul David as simply as folk traditions concerning Israel's first two kings. This article that by concentrating on the fairytale elements of these narratives, scholars overlooked the allegorical function of Saul and David's occupations as reflections the perceived situation between Yahweh and his people, and on the different purposes for which Saul and David were commissioned. Just as Saul is sent in search of father's wandering donkeys, so he is intended as the one who will return a wandering Israel to Yahweh. Just as David cares for his father's sheep, protecting them predators, so he is commissioned as the one who will protect Yahweh's people the surrounding nations. Each story is carefully crafted for its context and serves distinct literary-theological purpose.
Determination of cellular DNA content of Iberian salamanders by flow cytometry
Authors: Lizana Miguel , Martín-Sánchez Roberto , Márquez Rafael , Ciudad Juana , López Antonio , Orfao Alberto
Published: July 2002

The DNA content per diploid nucleus (2 C-value) was determined for the eight species of Iberian salamanders by flow cytometry. All species showed high values, which are characteristic of Caudata. The species with the lowest value was Pleurodeles waltl (48.25 pg DNA/cell) and Salamandra salamandra had the highest values (70.55 pg DNA/cell). There were no statistical differences between sexes in any of the eight species and DNA content was not directly related with phylogeny. The values obtained are often higher than previously published estimates obtained with older and potentially less accurate methodologies. We discuss the possible relationship between cellular DNA content and reproductive biology. Se determinó el contenido en ADN por núcleo diploide (valor 2-C) por citometría de flujo de ocho especies de salamandras ibéricas. Todas las especies mostraron altos valores, lo que es característico de Caudata. La especie con el menor valor fue Pleurodeles waltl (48,25 pg ADN/célula) mientras Salamandra salamandra tuvo las valores más altos (70,55 pg ADN/célula). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas entre sexos en ninguna de las 8 especies y el contenido en ADN no se relacionó directamente con la filogenia. Los valores obtenidos son, a menudo, más altos que los publicados previamente con técnicas más antigüas, y potencialmente menos precisas. Discutimos las posibles relaciones entre el contenido en ADN celular y la biología reproductiva de cada especie.
Evolutionary history of the Chilean frog genus Telmatobufo (Leptodactylidae): an immunological approach
Authors: Formas J. Ramón , Nuñez José
Published: July 2002

The quantitative micro-complement fixation technique was used to estimate degrees of relatedness and times of divergence between Caudiverbera and Telmatobufo. The data suggest that the lineages leading to Caudiverbera and Telmatobufo diverged about 35 million years ago. The divergence time among the three species of Telmatobufo was estimated to be 20-25 million years. Ouchterlony tests did not show immunological identity among T. australis and T. bullocki with Caudiverbera, while T. venustus showed partial identity. These analyses suggest that two groups can be recognized within the genus Telmatobufo. The molecular weights of albumins were similar among the Telmatobufo species and slightly lower in C. caudiverbera. Se estimó el grado de parentesco y tiempo de divergencia entre Caudiverbera y Telmatobufo a través del ensayo de microfijación de complemento. Los resultados sugieren que el linaje que condujo a Caudiverbera y Telmatobufo divergió hace 35 millones de años. El tiempo de divergencia entre las especies de Telmatobufo se estimó entre 20-25 millones de años. El ensayo de Ouchterlony no mostró identidad inmunológica entre T. australis y T. bullocki con Caudiverbera, mientras que T. venustus mostró identidad parcial. Mediante estos análisis fue posible reconocer dos grupos dentro de Telmatobufo. Los pesos moleculares de las albúminas fueron similares entre las especies de Telmatobufo y un poco más bajo en Caudiverbera.
A new species of Alsodes (Amphibia, Anura, Leptodactylidae) from Central Chile
Authors: Formas J. Ramón , Cuevas César
Published: July 2002

A new species of frog, Alsodes hugoi, from the temperate Nothofagus forest of Central Chile, is described. Up to now, no sympatric occurrence of other congeneric species is known from the type locality. Karyotypically, this new species is included in the monticola group, whose species have 26 chromosomes. Una nueva especie de rana, Alsodes hugoi, es descrita para el bosque temperado de Nothofagus de Chile Central. Hasta hoy no se ha encontrado otra especie congenérica en la localidad típica. Desde el punto de vista cariológico, la nueva especie es incluida en el grupo monticola cuyas especies tienen 26 cromosomas.
ANALYSIS OF COURTSHIP SUCCESS IN THE FUNNEL-WEB SPIDER AGELENOPSIS APERTA
Authors: Singer Fred , Riechert Susan , Xu Hongfa , Morris Anthony , Becker Elizabeth , Hale Jeanette , Noureddine Maher
Published: July 2002

Laboratory studies of the funnel-web spider Agelenopsis aperta were conducted to determine the action patterns displayed by males and females during courtship, and to identify the elements of courtship associated with subsequent acceptance by the female. When placed on a female's web, a male usually went through a courtship sequence that included lateral swaying of his abdomen and flexing the web with his walking legs. These displays were punctuated with rest periods of varying duration. In all successful matings, females entered a cataleptic state in which they collapsed and appeared unconscious. In some courtships, males began mating with the female immediately after inducing catalepsis. But in most successful courtships (79%) males abandoned the cataleptic female and resumed the courtship sequence. Successful males were more active than unsuccessful males during the early stages of courtship. Successful males also tended to sway their abdomens with higher frequency than unsuccessful males during the courtship dance. We hypothesize that females are selecting males on the basis of vibratory performance during courtship, but that other factors, including chemical communication, may also play a role in mate selection.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING LARGER: INTRASPECIFIC COMPETITION FOR PRIME WEB SITES IN ORB-WEB SPIDERS (ARANEAE, ARANEIDAE)
Authors: Heiling  , Herberstein
Published: July 2002

The effects of two contrasting habitats on the distribution and the body condition of Larinioides sclopetarius (Clerck, 1757) were studied in an urban area. Throughout the season, significantly more spiders of all size classes were found in the prime habitat, which was characterised by the presence of artificial light and, consequently, a superabundance of prey. The higher food intake in the prime habitat also resulted in a better body condition of immature spiders. During periods of high spider density, small immatures were found more frequently than expected in the lower ranked habitat, which contained no artificial light and significantly less prey, while larger conspecifics exclusively foraged in the prime habitat. High females density in the prime habitat coincided with decreasing density and decreasing territory sizes of smaller immatures.
Infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae) to mushroom phorid fly (Megaselia halterata) larvae
Authors: Edmondson Rodney , Richardson Paul , Willmott Deena , Long Steve
Published: July 2002

Ten isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes were screened for infectivity to phorid larvae in beakers of spawned mushroom compost. The sex ratio of emerging flies was unaffected by nematode application. Compared to untreated controls, three isolates (Steinernema D1, Steinernema C1 and S. feltiae A2) reduced phorid numbers. These isolates were tested further at two dose rates (50 000 and 100 000 infective juveniles per beaker) and three fly densities. Compared to the untreated control, all isolates reduced the numbers of flies emerging from the compost; there was a positive dose response but no significant differences between isolates. The nematodes were also bioassayed at three dose rates (100, 200 and 400 infective juveniles per dish) against individual phorid larvae, in dishes of agar containing mushroom mycelium. LD50 values indicated no significant differences in pathogenicity between the isolates. Le pouvoir infestant de nématodes entomopathogènes (Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae) envers les larves de la mouche phoride des champignons (Megaselia halterata) - Dix isolats de nématodes entomopathogènes ont été testés pour leur pouvoir infestant envers des larves de phorides dans des béchers contenant du compost avec du blanc de champignon. Le quotient sexuel des mouches émergentes n'est pas affecté par la présence du nématode. En comparaison avec un témoin non traité, trois isolats (Steinernema D1, Steinernema C1 et S. feltiae A2) réduisent le nombre de phorides. Ces isolats ont été ensuite testés à deux doses (50 000 et 100 000 juvéniles infestants par bécher) et trois densités de mouches: en comparaison du témoin non traité, tous les isolats réduisent le nombre de mouches émergeant du compost; si la dose influe sur les résultats, il n'y a pas de différence significative entre les isolats. Les nématodes ont été testés à trois doses (100, 200 et 400 juvéniles infestants par récipient) envers une seule larve de phoride, sur agar contenant du mycelium de champignon. La valeur LD50 n'indique aucune différence significative entre les isolats en ce qui concerne leur pouvoir pathogène.
Variation in root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) in Crete in relation to control with resistant tomato and pepper
Authors: Tzortzakakis EmmanueL A. , Blok Vivian C. , Phillips Mark S. , Trudgill David L.
Published: July 2002

A targeted survey of vegetable production areas in Crete, Greece, showed that
the majority of infestations of rootknot nematodes (RKN) were Meloidogyne
javanica. M. incognita appeared to be limited to areas growing pepper that
is a host for M. incognita but not for M. javanica. Tests with resistant
tomato carrying the Mi gene showed that the M. incognita and the majority of
the M. javanica populations were avirulent, and that virulent nematodes
could not be selected from them. However, three populations of M. javanica,
including some previously identified, were virulent. An AFLP study of the
DNA from 22 populations of M. javanica produced 264 scorable amplification
products and gave a very high mean similarity (99.4%) between populations,
indicating that both virulent and avirulent populations probably derived
from the same founder population. Mi-resistant tomato and pepper appear to
have considerable utility in the integrated management of RKN in Crete,
provided care is taken to monitor the species and virulence or reproductive
ability of the nematode populations. Die Variation bei Wurzelgallennematoden
(Meloidogyne spp.) auf Kreta in Bezug auf ihre Bekampfung mit resistenten
Tomaten und Paprika - Eine gezielte Untersuchung von Gemuseanbaugebieten auf
Kreta Griechenland, ergab, dass die Mehrzahl der von Wurzelgallennematoden
(RKN) befallenen Flachen mit Meloidogyne javanica verseucht war. M.
incognita was offentsichtlich auf Gebiete des Paprikaanbaus beschrankt.
Paprika ist ein Wirt fur M. incognita aber nicht fur M. javanica . Versuche
mit resistenten Tomaten, die das Mi-Gen besassen, zeigten, dass M. incognita
und die Mehrzahl der Populationen von M. javanica avirulent waren, und dass
aus ihnen keine virulenten Nematoden selektiert werden konnten. Drei
Populationen von M. javanica, darunter schon einige schon vorher
identifizierte, waren virulent. Eine AFLP-Untersuchung der DNA von 22
Populationen von M. javanica ergab 264 unterscheidbare
Amplifikationsprodukte und zeigte eine hohe mittlere Ahnlichkeit (99,4%)
zwischen den Populationen. Dies deutete daraufhin, das virulente and
avirulente Populationen wahrscheinlich von der gleichen Grunderpopulation
abstammten. Mi-resistente Tomaten und Paprika sind offensichtlich von
betrachtlichen Nutzen bei der integrierten Bekampfung von RKN auf Kreta.
Voraussetzung ist, dass die Arten und die Virulenz oder die
Vermehrungsfahigkeit der Populationen sorgfalting festgestell werden.
Simulated climate change in subarctic soils: responses in nematode species composition and dominance structure
Authors: Ruess Liliane , Michelsen Anders , Jonasson Sven
Published: July 2002

The nematode fauna at two contrasting subarctic sites was studied at Abisko,
Swedish Lapland. One site was a dwarf shrub dominated, tree-line heath (450
m a.s.l.) and the other a high altitude fellfield (1150 m a.s.l.). Responses
in the composition of the nematode fauna to eight growing seasons with
simulated climate change were monitored. The environmental manipulations
consisted of temperature increase by using passive greenhouses, NPK
fertilization, and a combination of both. A total of 98 species was found at
the sites, with twice as many species at the heath compared to the
climatically harsh fellfield. Species similarity was low, most likely due to
differences in soil type and vegetation cover. The environmental
perturbations caused distinct changes in dominance and trophic structure.
Taxa common at both sites responded similarly with increases in
Aphelenchoides, Filenchus and Plectus , and decreases in Eudorylaimus,
Monhystrella and Teratocephalus . Generally, the manipulations changed the
trophic composition in favour of fungal and plant feeding species,
indicating a shift in the decomposition pathway. Modification provoquee du
climat dans des sols subarctiques: reaction de la composition specifique des
nematodes et de la structure de la dominance - La faune des nematodes a ete
etudiee a Abisko (Laponie suedoise) en deux sites subarctiques contrastes.
L'un consistait une vegetation de bruyere dominee par des buissons nains (a
450 m d'altitude) et l'autre etait situe sur un coteau a haute altitude
(1150 m). La reaction de la faune nematologique aux modifications provoquees
du climat a ete observee. Ces modifications comprenaient une augmentation de
la temperature par utilisation de serres passives, une fertilisation NPK et
une combinaison des deux. Un total de 98 especes ont ete trouvees dans les
deux sites. La similitude des especes etait peu elevee, ce tres probablement
du aux differences dans les types de sols et la couverture vegetale. Le
nombre d'especes etait deux fois plus eleve sous bruyeres, que pour le
coteau au climat rude. Apres huit saisons de croissance ayant comporte des
perturbations de l'environnement, de nets changements sont apparus dans la
dominance et la structure trophique. Les nematodes communs aux deux sites
ont montre une reaction similaire, positive pour les Aphelenchoides,
Filenchus et Plectus et negative pour les Eudorylaimus, Monhystrella et
Teratocephalus. En general, les modifications ont change la composition
trophique en faveur des especes fungivores et herbivores, indiquant par la
des changements dans le mode de decomposition des vegetaux.
Resistance in ryegrasses, Lolium spp., to three European populations of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne naasi
Authors: Cook Roger , Mizen K. Anthony , Person-Dedryver Francoise
Published: July 2002

Symptoms of Meloidogyne naasi invasion, development and reproduction were
compared on 17 cloned ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum and L. perenne) plants,
previously classified as susceptible (5 clones) or resistant (12) to a Welsh
population. Observations on galling and reproduction confirmed the
classification of most clones but some intermediate host status phenotypes
were distinguished. Smaller root size at and immediately after inoculation
was related to the generally poorer host status of L. perenne clones
compared with those of L. multiflorum. Root axes number or size was not
related to resistance and susceptiblity in either ryegrass species. In
ryegrasses, resistance was expressed by slower nematode development rates,
fewer females matured and those that laid eggs were less fecund. Gall
numbers at 36 days after inoculation reliably predicted host status. A poor
host cultivar of Phleum pratense included some plants on which a few galls
with fully fecund females developed. The selected ryegrass clones maintained
their phenotype when tested with populations of M. naasi from Belgium and
France. Nonetheless, it cannot be concluded from these experiments that
there is no heterogeneity for virulence in these nematode populations.
Resistance du ray-grass, Lolium spp., a trois populations europeennes du
nematode a galle Meloidogyne naasi - Les symptomes causes par la
penetration, le developpement et la reproduction de Meloidogyne naasi ont
ete compares chez 17 clones de ray-grass (Lolium multiflorum et L. perenne)
dont 5 consideres auparavant comme sensibles et 12 comme resistants a une
population provenant du Pays de Galles. Les observations relatives a la
formation des galles et a la reproduction confirment la qualification de la
plupart de ces clones mais quelques phenotypes a statut d'hote intermediaire
ont ete detectes. Une longueur de racines plus faible au moment de et
immediatement apres l'inoculation est en general correlee au statut d'hote
mediocre des clones de L. perenne si on les compare a ceux de L.
multiflorum. Le nombre et la taille des racines axiales ne sont correles ni
a la resistance ni a la sensibilite chez aucune des especes de ray-grass. La
resistance s'exprime chez le ray-grass par le taux plus faible du
developpement du nematode, le moindre nombre de femelles matures et une
fecondite moins elevee chez celles qui pondent des oeufs. Le nombre de
galles releve 36 jours apres l'inoculation permet de predire le statut
d'hote de facon fiable. Un cultivar de Phleum pratense a statut d'hote
mediocre comportait cependant quelques plants presentant un petit nombre de
galles contenant des femelles parfaitement fecondes. Les clones de ray-grass
etudies ont conserve leur phenotype lors de tests envers des populations de
M. naasi provenant de France et de Belgique. Ces experiences ne permettent
cependant pas de conclure qu'il n'existe aucune heterogeneite dans la
virulence de ces populations de nematode.
Comparison between thermally-stimulated current and complex impedance spectroscopy measurements on a dehydrated Ca-montmorillonite
Authors: Haouzi A. , Belarbi H. , Giuntini J. C. , Vanderschueren J. , Staunton S. , Zanchetta J. V.
Published: July 2002

The polarization conductivity, σ'(ω) of a Ca-montmorillonite has been determined by complex impedance spectroscopy. The technique of thermally-stimulated currents (TSC) leads to the determination of the different relaxation parameters, such as the distribution function of the different relaxation processes. The results demonstrated the coherence of the two approaches, and confirmed that the conducting phenomenon is due to the hopping of charge carriers between localized sites. The energy corresponding to the hopping process is evaluated using two different methods of analysis of the TSC signal. The values obtained are compared to those observed on a Na-montmorillonite.
Dehydroxylation of Fe3+ , Mg-rich dioctahedral micas: (I) structural transformation
Authors: Muller F. , Drits V. A. , Plançon A. , Besson G.
Published: July 2002

Celadonite and glauconite samples heated at different temperatures were studied by X-ray and electron diffraction. For dioctahedral micas the in-plane component of the translation between layers (ccosβ/a), which is strongly dependent on the position of the vacant octahedral site, significantly decreases at temperatures greater than the temperature of maximum dehydroxylation. The simulation of XRD patterns from different structural models reveals the actual crystal structure of dehydroxylated samples as well as the dynamics of the structural transformations. In the nonheated state the samples consist of tv (trans-vacant) 2:1 layers. During dehydroxylation, cations migrate from cis- into trans-octahedra and have 5-fold coordination. In the averaged unit-cell the ‘residual’ anions formed after the dehydroxylation reaction occupy the former OH sites with probability equal to 0.5. The migration of octahedral cations is accompanied by the transformation of the C-centred layer unit-cells into primitive ones. In contrast to Fe, Al and Mg cations have a greater ability to migrate.
Crystal chemistry of basic lead carbonates. I. Crystal structure of synthetic shannonite, Pb2O(CO3)
Authors: Krivovichev S. V. , Burns P. C.
Published: July 2002

The crystal structure of synthetic shannonite, Pb2O(CO3), orthorhombic, P212121, a = 5.1465(7), b = 9.014(1), c = 9.315(1)Å, V = 432.12(10)Å3, Z = 4, has been solved by direct methods and refined to R = 0.054. There are two symmetrically distinct Pb2+ cations in irregular coordination polyhedra due to the effect of stereoactive s2 lone-electron pairs. The structure can be described as composed of chains of [OPb2] composition running parallel to [100] that are built by corner-sharing of OPb3 oxocentred triangles. The [OPb2] chains are surrounded by CO3 groups to form complex [OPb2](CO3) chains that are linked into a 3-dimensional framework by additional Pb–O bonds. The structure has channels that are parallel to [100] in which the lone-electron pairs of the Pb2+ cations are probably located.
A high-pressure structural study of lawsonite using angle-dispersive powder-diffraction methods with synchrotron radiation
Authors: Pawley A. R. , Allan D. R.
Published: July 2002

Structural refinements of lawsonite have been obtained at pressures up to 16.5 GPa using angle-dispersive powder diffraction with synchrotron radiation on a natural sample contained in a diamond anvil cell. Lawsonite compresses smoothly and relatively isotropically up to 10 GPa. Its bulk modulus is 126.1(6) GPa (for K’ = 4), consistent with previous results. A trend of decreasing Si–O–Si angle indicates that compression is accommodated partly through the narrowing of the cavities containing Ca and H2O in the [001]ortho direction. At 10–11 GPa there is a phase transition from Cmcm to P21/m symmetry. The occurrence of a mixed-phase region, spanning >1 GPa, indicates that the transition is first order in character. The phase transition occurs through a shearing of (010)ortho sheets containing AlO6 octahedral chains in the [100]ortho direction, which causes an increase in βmono. Across the transition, the number of oxygens coordinated to Ca increases from 8 to 9, causing an increase in the average Ca–O bond length. The compressibility of P21/m lawsonite could not be determined due to solidification of the methanol/ethanol pressure-transmitting medium. On the basis of an experiment in which the P21/m lawsonite structure was heated to 200°C at 12.0 GPa, we predict a shallow positive P-T slope for the phase transition, and therefore no stability field for P21/m lawsonite in the Earth.
Proposed nomenclature for samarskite-group minerals: new data on ishikawaite and calciosamarskite
Authors: Hanson S. L. , Simmons W. B. , Falster A. U. , Foord E. E. , Lichte F. E.
Published: July 2002

The current definition of samarskite-group minerals suggests that ishikawaite is a uranium rich variety of samarskite whereas calciosamarskite is a calcium rich variety of samarskite. Because these minerals are chemically complex, usually completely metamict, and pervasively altered, their crystal chemistry and structure are poorly understood. Warner and Ewing (1993) proposed that samarskite is anA3+B5+O4mineral with an atomic arrangement related to α-PbO2. X-ray diffraction analyses of the recrystallized type specimen of ishikawaite and the Ca-rich samarskite reveal that they have the same structure as samarskite-(Y) recrystallized at high temperatures. Electron microprobe analyses show that the only significant difference between samarskite-(Y), ishikawaite, and calciosamarskite lies in the occupancy of theA-site. TheA-site of samarskite-(Y) is dominated by Y+REEwhereas theA-site of ishikawaite is dominantly U+Th and calciosamarskite is dominantly Ca. Additionally, a comparison of these data to those of Warner and Ewing (1993) show that in several cases Fe2+or Fe3+are dominant in theA-site. We propose that the name samarskite-(REE+Y) should be used when one of these elements is dominant and that the mineral be named with the most abundant of these elements as a suffix. The name ishikawaite should be used only when U+Th are dominant and the name calciosamarskite should only be used when Ca is the dominant cation at theA-site. Finally, because of the inability to quantify the valence state of iron in these minerals, the exact nature of the valence state of iron in these minerals could not be determined in this study.
CD44 ligation on peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells induces interleukin-6 production
Authors: Sconocchia Giuseppe , Campagnano Laura , Adorno Domenico , Iacona Angela , Cococcetta Nella Y. , Boffo Vittorio , Amadori Sergio , Casciani Carlo U.
Published: July 2002

Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) contribute to the initiation and progression of the immune response by mediating cytotoxicity, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion. Because CD44 serves as a cytotoxic-triggering molecule on PMNs, it was hypothesized that it could also trigger cytokine production. In this study, the effect of anti-CD44 antibodies on interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in human PMNs was assessed. By using a reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, it was shown that PMNs stimulated with a mouse monoclonal or a rabbit polyclonal F(ab)2 anti-CD44 transcribe IL-6 messenger RNA. A similar effect was obtained when an anti-CD44 antibody was replaced with hyaluronic acid (HA). Kinetic studies showed that anti-CD44 and HA induced IL-6 gene transcription, initiated 3 hours after stimulation, peaked between 12 and 24 hours, and disappeared after 48 hours. Analogous results were achieved when secreted IL-6 protein was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the PMN culture supernatants. To characterize which metabolic pathways regulated CD44-dependent IL-6 production in PMNs, an RNA polymerase inhibitor, actinomycin D, and 2 protein kinase inhibitors, such as genistein and staurosporine, were tested. Actinomycin D and genistein blocked IL-6 production, whereas staurosporine did not, suggesting that CD44-dependent IL-6 production requires gene transcription and tyrosine kinase activity. Furthermore, the relationship between CD44 and cytokines that affect PMN function, including interferon γ (IFNγ) and IL-2, was investigated. Without CD44 cross-linking, IFNγ did not trigger IL-6 production. However, on CD44 cross-linking, IFNγ produced a strong synergistic effect on IL-6 syntheses in human PMNs.
How I treat chronic graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Vogelsang Georgia B.
Published: July 2002

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is now a commonplace procedure. Clinicians who care for patients with hematologic malignancies and aplastic anemia are almost certain to follow up patients after SCT. This review is intended to help clinicians observe patients for probably the most important late complication of SCT, chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). It reviews the pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, evaluation, treatment, and supportive care of chronic GVHD.
Positive and negative regulation of granulopoiesis by endogenous RARα
Authors: Kastner Philippe , Lawrence H. Jeffrey , Waltzinger Caroline , Ghyselinck Norbert B. , Chambon Pierre , Chan Susan
Published: July 2002

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is always associated with chromosomal translocations that disrupt the retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) gene. Whether these translocations relate to a role for endogenous RARα in normal granulopoiesis remains uncertain because most studies addressing this question have used non-physiological overexpression systems. Granulocyte differentiation in cells derived from RARα-deficient (RARα−/−) mice was studied and evaluated in the context of agonist-bound and ligand-free RARα. Our results demonstrate that RARα is dispensable for granulopoiesis, as RARα−/− mice have a normal granulocyte population despite an impaired ability to respond to retinoids. However, although it is not absolutely required, RARα can bidirectionally modulate granulopoiesis. RARα stimulates differentiation in response to exogenous retinoic acid. Furthermore, endogenous retinoids control granulopoiesis in vivo, as either vitamin A–deficient mice or animals treated with an RAR antagonist accumulate more immature granulocytes in their bone marrow. Conversely, RARα acts to limit differentiation in the absence of ligand because granulocyte precursors from RARα−/− mice differentiate earlier in culture. Thus, the block in granulopoiesis exerted by RARα fusion proteins expressed in APL cells may correspond to an amplification of a normal function of unliganded RARα.
Early detection of BCR-ABL transcripts by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction predicts outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Olavarria Eduardo , Kanfer Edward , Szydlo Richard , Kaeda Jaspal , Rezvani Katayoun , Cwynarski Kate , Pocock Christopher , Dazzi Francesco , Craddock Charles , Apperley Jane F. , Cross Nicholas C. P. , Goldman John M.
Published: July 2002

The reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has become widely used for monitoring minimal residual disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, most of these studies were performed using qualitative RT-PCR, and the interpretation of the results obtained has been conflicting. The correlation of a quantitative RT-PCR test performed early after SCT (at 3 to 5 months) and long-term outcome of CML patients surviving for more than 6 months was studied. Between January 1991 and June 1999, data from 138 CML patients who received allografts were evaluated. Early RT-PCR results were classified as (1) negative if there were no BCR-ABLtranscripts detected (n = 61), (2) positive at low level if the total number of BCR-ABL transcripts was less than 100 per μg RNA and/or the BCR-ABL/ABL ratio was less than 0.02% (n = 14), or (3) positive at high level if transcript levels exceeded the thresholds defined above (n = 63). Three years after SCT the cumulative incidence of relapse was 16.7%, 42.9%, and 86.4%, respectively (P = .0001). The relationship betweenBCR-ABL transcript level and probability of relapse was apparent whether patients had received sibling or unrelated donor SCT and also whether or not the transplantation was T cell depleted. The results suggest that quantitative RT-PCR performed early after SCT is useful for predicting outcome and may help to define the need for further treatment.
Interleukin-11 induces Th2 polarization of human CD4+ T cells
Authors: Curti Antonio , Ratta Marina , Corinti Silvia , Girolomoni Giampiero , Ricci Francesca , Tazzari Pierluigi , Siena Michela , Grande Alexis , Fogli Miriam , Tura Sante , Lemoli Roberto M.
Published: July 2002

Exploration of the immunomodulatory activities of the multifunctional cytokine interleukin-11 (IL-11) has prompted several therapeutic applications. The immunomodulatory effects of IL-11 on human antigen-presenting cells and on T cells were investigated. IL-11 inhibited IL-12 production by activated CD14+ monocytes, but not by mature dendritic cells (DCs) stimulated via CD40 ligation. Moreover, IL-11 did not affect either DC maturation, as demonstrated by phenotypic analysis and evaluation of cytokine production, or DC generation from progenitor cells in the presence of specific growth factors. Molecular analysis demonstrated the expression of IL-11 receptor messenger RNA in highly purified CD14+ monocytes, CD19+ B cells, CD8+, and CD4+T cells, and CD4+CD45RA+ naive T lymphocytes. In keeping with this finding, IL-11 directly prevented Th1 polarization of highly purified CD4+CD45RA+naive T cells stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies, as demonstrated by significant increases of IL-4 and IL-5, by significantly decreased interferon-γ production and by flow cytometry intracellular staining of cytokines. Coincubation of naive T cells with DCs, the most potent stimulators of Th1 differentiation, did not revert IL-11–mediated Th2 polarization. Furthermore, parallel experiments demonstrated that the activity of IL-11 was comparable with that induced by IL-4, the most effective Th2-polarizing cytokine. Taken together, these findings show that IL-11 inhibits Th1 polarization by exerting a direct effect on human T lymphocytes and by reducing IL-12 production by macrophages. Conversely, IL-11 does not exert any activity on DCs. This suggests that IL-11 could have therapeutic potential for diseases where Th1 responses play a dominant pathogenic role.
Ex vivo priming for long-term maintenance of antileukemia human cytotoxic T cells suggests a general procedure for adoptive immunotherapy
Authors: Montagna Daniela , Maccario Rita , Locatelli Franco , Rosti Vittorio , Yang Young , Farness Peggy , Moretta Antonia , Comoli Patrizia , Montini Enrica , Vitiello Antonella
Published: July 2002

Adoptive cellular immunotherapy has proven to be a successful approach in preventing and curing cytomegalovirus infection and Epstein-Barr virus–associated lymphomas after bone marrow transplantation. Translation of this approach for preventing leukemia relapse after bone marrow transplantation might require ex vivo priming and long-term maintenance of leukemia blast-specific T cells. To accomplish this goal, procedures were optimized for the in vitro priming of naive CD8 using dendritic cells activated by CD40 ligation, interleukin-12 (IL-12), and IL-7. Using T lymphocytes and dendritic cells obtained from HLA-matched allogeneic bone marrow transplantation donors and leukemia blasts as a source of tumor antigens, anti–acute myeloid leukemia cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were induced. In these experiments, it was found that though it is possible to induce CTLs using immature dendritic cells, IL-12, and IL-7, obtaining long-term CTLs requires the presence of CD4 T cells in the priming phase. Using this approach, long-term antileukemia CTL lines could be generated from 4 of 4 bone marrow donors. Because this procedure does not require definition of the target antigen and because it selects responding cells from a virgin T-cell repertoire, its general application is suggested in adoptive immunotherapy and in the definition of tumor rejection antigens.
Cdc42, Rac1, and the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein are involved in the cytoskeletal regulation of B lymphocytes
Authors: Westerberg Lisa , Greicius Gediminas , Snapper Scott B. , Aspenström Pontus , Severinson Eva
Published: July 2002

Patients with the immunodeficiency disorder Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) have lymphocytes with aberrant microvilli, and their T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells are impaired in cytoskeletal-dependent processes. WAS is caused by a defective or a missing WAS protein (WASP). Signal mediators interleukin-4 (IL-4) and CD40 are important for actin-dependent morphology changes in B cells. A possible function of WASP and its interacting partners, Cdc42 and Rac1, was investigated for these changes. It was found that active Cdc42 and Rac1 induced filopodia and lamellipodia, respectively, in activated B cells. Evidence is given that IL-4 has a specific role in the regulated cycling of Cdc42 because IL-4 partially and transiently depleted active Cdc42 from detergent extract of activated B cells. WASP-deficient B lymphocytes were impaired in IL-4– and CD40-dependent induction of polarized and spread cells. Microvilli were expressed on WASP-deficient B cells, but they appeared shorter and less dense in cell contacts than in wild-type cells. In conclusion, evidence is provided for the involvement of Cdc42, Rac1, and WASP in the cytoskeletal regulation of B lymphocytes. Aberrations in WASP-deficient B lymphocytes, described here, provide further evidence that WAS is a cytoskeletal disease of hematopoietic cells.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis in a transgenic mouse model requires human platelet factor 4 and platelet activation through FcγRIIA
Authors: Reilly Michael P. , Taylor Scott M. , Hartman Nealie K. , Arepally Gowthami M. , Sachais Bruce S. , Cines Douglas B. , Poncz Mortimer , McKenzie Steven E.
Published: July 2002

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis (HIT/HITT) is a severe, life-threatening complication that occurs in 1% to 3% of patients exposed to heparin. Interactions between heparin, human platelet factor 4 (hPF4), antibodies to the hPF4/heparin complex, and the platelet Fc receptor (FcR) for immunoglobulin G, FcγRIIA, are the proposed primary determinants of the disease on the basis of in vitro studies. The goal of this study was to create a mouse model that recapitulates the disease process in humans in order to understand the factors that predispose some patients to develop thrombocytopenia and thrombosis and to investigate new therapeutic approaches. Mice that express both human platelet FcγRIIA and hPF4 were generated. The FcγRIIA/hPF4 mice and controls, transgenic for either FcγRIIA or hPF4, were injected with KKO, a mouse monoclonal antibody specific for hPF4/heparin complexes, and then received heparin (20 U/d). Nadir platelet counts for KKO/heparin–treated FcγRIIA/hPF4 mice were 80% below baseline values, significantly different (P < .001) from similarly treated controls. FcγRIIA/hPF4 mice injected with KKO and 50 U/d heparin developed shock and showed fibrin-rich thrombi in multiple organs, including thrombosis in the pulmonary vasculature. This is the first mouse model of HIT to recapitulate the salient features of the human disease and demonstrates that FcγRIIA and hPF4 are both necessary and sufficient to replicate HIT/HITT in an animal model. This model should facilitate the identification of factors that modulate disease expression and the testing of novel therapeutic interventions.