bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The immunological synapse: a focal point for endocytosis and exocytosis
Authors: Griffiths Gillian M. , Tsun Andy , Stinchcombe Jane C.
Published: May 2010

There are many different cells in the immune system. To mount an effective immune response, they need to communicate with each other. One way in which this is done is by the formation of immunological synapses between cells. Recent developments show that the immune synapse serves as a focal point for exocytosis and endocytosis, directed by centrosomal docking at the plasma membrane. In this respect, formation of the immunological synapse bears striking similarities to cilia formation and cytokinesis. These intriguing observations suggest that the centrosome may play a conserved role in designating a specialized area of membrane for localized endocytosis and exocytosis.
Osteopotentia regulates osteoblast maturation, bone formation, and skeletal integrity in mice
Authors: Sohaskey Michael L. , Jiang Yebin , Zhao Jenny J. , Mohr Andreas , Roemer Frank , Harland Richard M.
Published: May 2010

During skeletal development and regeneration, bone-forming osteoblasts respond to high metabolic demand by active expansion of their rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) and increased synthesis of type I collagen, the predominant bone matrix protein. However, the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate this response are not well understood. We show that insertional mutagenesis of the previously uncharacterized osteopotentia (Opt) gene disrupts osteoblast function and causes catastrophic defects in postnatal skeletal development. Opt encodes a widely expressed rER-localized integral membrane protein containing a conserved SUN (Sad1/Unc-84 homology) domain. Mice lacking Opt develop acute onset skeletal defects that include impaired bone formation and spontaneous fractures. These defects result in part from a cell-autonomous failure of osteoblast maturation and a posttranscriptional decline in type I collagen synthesis, which is concordant with minimal rER expansion. By identifying Opt as a crucial regulator of bone formation in the mouse, our results uncover a novel rER-mediated control point in osteoblast function and implicate human Opt as a candidate gene for brittle bone disorders.
THE DEATH OF BIOETHICS (AS WE ONCE KNEW IT)
Authors: MACKLIN RUTH
Published: May 2010

Fast forward 50 years into the future. A look back at what occurred in the field of bioethics since 2010 reveals that a conference in 2050 commemorated the death of bioethics. In a steady progression over the years, the field became increasingly fragmented and bureaucratized. Disagreement and dissension were rife, and this once flourishing, multidisciplinary field began to splinter in multiple ways. Prominent journals folded, one by one, and were replaced with specialized publications dealing with genethics, reproethics, nanoethics, and necroethics. Mainstream bioethics organizations also collapsed, giving way to new associations along disciplinary and sub‐disciplinary lines. Physicians established their own journals, and specialty groups broke away from more general associations of medical ethics. Lawyers also split into three separate factions, and philosophers rejected all but the most rigorous, analytic articles into their newly established journal. Matters finally came to a head with global warming, the world‐wide spread of malaria and dengue, and the cost of medical treatments out of reach for almost everyone. The result was the need to develop plans for strict rationing of medical care. At the same time, recognition emerged of the importance of the right to health and the need for global justice in health. By 2060, a spark of hope was ignited, opening the door to the resuscitation of bioethics and involvement of the global community.
5. Finite Normal Mixture SEM Analysis by Fitting Multiple Conventional SEM Models
Authors: Yuan Ke-Hai , Bentler Peter M.
Published: May 2010

This paper proposes a two-stage maximum likelihood (ML) approach to normal mixture structural equation modeling (SEM) and develops a statistical inference that allows distributional mis-specification. Saturated means and covariances are estimated at stage 1 together with a sandwich-type covariance matrix. These are used to evaluate structural models at stage 2. Techniques accumulated in the conventional SEM literature for model diagnosis and evaluation can be used to study the model structure for each component. Examples show that the two-stage ML approach leads to correct or nearly correct models even when the normal mixture assumptions are violated and initial models are misspecified. Compared to single-stage ML, two-stage ML avoids the confounding effect of model specification and the number of components, and it is computationally more efficient. Monte Carlo results indicate that two-stage ML loses only minimal efficiency under the condition where single-stage ML performs best. Monte Carlo results also indicate that the commonly used model selection criterion BIC is more robust to distribution violations for the saturated model than that for a structural model at moderate sample sizes. The proposed two-stage ML approach is also extremely flexible in modeling different components with different models. Potential new developments in the mixture modeling literature can be easily adapted to study issues with normal mixture SEM.
Influences of somatic cell count on milk composition and dairy farm profitability
Authors: EL‐TAHAWY ABDELGAWAD SALAH , EL‐FAR ALI HAFEZ
Published: May 2010

The objective of this paper was to investigate seasonal variations in bulk somatic cell totals and milk composition, evaluate the influence of somatic cell count (SCC) on milk fat and protein content and determine the effects of SCC on dairy farm profitability. A total of 1440 samples were analysed. Data were obtained by randomly collecting five samples of bulk tank milk from each of 24 dairy farms every month from April 2008 to March 2009. Milk was analysed for titratable protein, fat content and SCC (direct microscopic cell count). The highest total bulk SCCs were observed during autumn and winter. Conversely, higher levels of milk fat and protein were generated during spring and summer. A significant negative correlation was noted between SCC and milk composition, daily milk yield and milk returns. By logarithmic function, a significant negative relationship was observed between SCC and milk composition or milk returns. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the SCC is a useful tool for judging dairy farm profit and milk quality.
Editorial: Late‐Term Displacement of Amplatzer Duct Occluder II Device Following Percutaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in an Adult
Authors: BARCIN CEM , KURSAKLIOGLU HURKAN
Published: May 2010

(J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:368–369)
Expectations of later life support among lesbian and gay Queenslanders
Authors: Hughes Mark
Published: May 2010

Aim:  To examine lesbian and gay people's expectations of support, socialising and cohabitation in older age.

Methods:  The study involved secondary data analysis of a subsample of 371 lesbian and gay people taken from a survey conducted by the Queensland Association for Healthy Communities.

Results:  Lesbian and gay people expected to receive support from diverse sources, including same‐sex partners, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender friends and heterosexual friends. Women were more likely to expect to receive support from others than men, and men were more likely to expect to live alone in later life.

Conclusions:  Aged care providers need to be responsive to the different sources of support that may be provided to older lesbian and gay people. Services that are lesbian‐ and gay‐friendly may facilitate service uptake and reduce pressures on lesbian and gay people's informal networks of support.
Healthcare system use by risky alcohol drinkers: A secondary data analysis
Authors: Heise Barbara
Published: May 2010

Purpose:To examine the effects of at‐risk alcohol use on patterns of healthcare use and health outcomes.

Data sources:Using the National Health Interview Survey and the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey, a total sample of 4449 adults, mean age 45 (SD 15), were grouped according to responses to the question: “In the past year, on how many days did you have 5 or more drinks of any alcoholic beverage?”

Conclusions:Three categories of respondents were grouped as follows: not at‐risk group = 0 days of 5+ drinks/day (n= 2991, 67%); the low at‐risk group = 1–11 days of 5+ drinks/day (n= 796, 18%); and the high at‐risk group = 12–365 days of 5+ drinks/day (n= 662, 15%). The level of risky alcohol use did not predict healthcare use or healthcare outcomes; high at‐risk alcohol drinkers were less likely to use the healthcare system than other drinkers. When divided by rural versus urban living, rural high at‐risk alcohol drinkers reported more emergency department visits and all rural living groups reported poorer physical and mental health than their urban counterparts.

Implications for practice:Risky alcohol use, defined as drinking above low‐risk guidelines, affects 3 out of 10 adults, and risky drinking plays a role in over 60 chronic health conditions. Nurse practitioners encounter risky alcohol users in multiple practice settings. It may be difficult to identify the underlying alcohol issues, particularly in those living in rural settings; however, identification of at‐risk drinkers is essential for prompt intervention in the potential progression from risky alcohol use to an alcohol use disorder.
Combination strategies for enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy in cancer patients
Authors: Moschella Federica , Proietti Enrico , Capone Imerio , Belardelli Filippo
Published: May 2010

A major challenge in cancer immunotherapy is the identification of effective strategies for enhancing its clinical efficacy. One approach is based on adjuvants capable of breaking tolerance against tumor‐associated antigens. Interferon‐α(IFN‐α), an antiviral cytokine with a long record of clinical use, has recently been shown to act as an effective adjuvant in cancer patients. Notably, a special interest is currently focused on the use of dendritic cells (DC) generated in the presence of IFN‐α (IFN‐DC) for the preparation of anticancer vaccines. An additional approach for enhancing the response to immunotherapy relies on its combination with chemotherapy. In fact, an ensemble of results from both studies in animal models and pilot clinical trials suggest that certain chemotherapeutic agents can act, under defined conditions, as strong adjuvants for enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy. These results open new opportunities for designing mechanism‐based combination therapies involving both chemotherapy and new‐generation cancer vaccines, including IFN‐DC‐based vaccines.
Thymosin β4 and corneal wound healing: visions of the future
Authors: Sosne Gabriel , Qiu Ping , Kurpakus‐Wheater Michelle , Matthew Howard
Published: May 2010

Persistent corneal epithelial defects and inflammation within the central cornea can directly distort visual acuity and may lead to permanent visual loss. Therefore, treatments with agents that enhance corneal reepithelialization and regulate the inflammatory response without the deleterious side effects of currently used agents such as corticosteroids would result in improved clinical outcome and would represent a major advance in the field. Despite much progress in the areas of corneal wound healing research, clinically available pharmacological therapies that can promote repair and limit the visual complications from persistent corneal wounds are severely limited and remains a major deficiency in the field. Prior studies from our laboratory have demonstrated the potent wound healing and anti‐inflammatory effects of thymosin β4 (Tβ4; Tβ4) in numerous models of corneal injury. We are studying the mechanisms by which Tβ4 suppresses inflammation and promotes repair. Herein, we discuss some of our new basic scientific directions that may lead to the use of Tβ4 as a novel corneal wound healing and anti‐inflammatory therapy.
Thymosin alpha 1: past clinical experience and future promise
Authors: Tuthill Cynthia , Rios Israel , McBeath Randy
Published: May 2010

Thymosin alpha 1, originally isolated as the compound responsible for reconstitution of immune function in thymectomized animal models, has enjoyed a wide‐ranging clinical development program over the past decades, extending across multiple companies, indications, countries, and continents. This paper provides an overview of this complex picture. The extensive clinical studies began with small studies conducted with an impure mixture of peptides under the aegis of physician‐sponsored INDs submitted to the US FDA, in subjects with primary immune deficiency such as DiGeorge syndrome. Subsequent studies ranged all the way to large phase‐3 trials conducted with synthetically produced thymosin alpha 1 and hundreds of patients, in many countries including the United States, Italy, and China.
The effect of thymosin treatment of venous ulcers
Authors: Guarnera G. , DeRosa A. , Camerini R. ,   on behalf of 8 European sites
Published: May 2010

Venous ulcers are responsible for about 70% of the chronic ulcers of the lower limbs. Standard of care includes compression, dressings, debridement of devitalized tissue, and infection control. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a synthetic copy of the naturally occurring 43 amino‐acid peptide, has been found to have wound healing and anti‐inflammatory properties, and is thought to exert its therapeutic effect through promotion of keratinocyte and endothelial cell migration, increased collagen deposition, and stimulation of angiogenesis. To assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of topically administered Tβ4 in patients with venous stasis ulcers, a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐escalation study was conducted in eight European sites (five in Italy and three in Poland) that enrolled and randomized 73 patients. The safety profile of all doses of administered Tβ4 was deemed acceptable and comparable to placebo. Efficacy findings from this Phase 2 study suggest that a Tβ4 dose of 0.03% may have the potential to accelerate wound healing and that complete wound healing can be achieved within 3 months in about 25% of the patients, especially among those whose wounds are small to moderate in size or mild to moderate in severity.
Tastier and Healthier Alternatives to French Fries
Authors: Rommens Caius M. , Shakya Roshani , Heap Mark , Fessenden Kristi
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT:  The effect of both the origin and shape of potato cuts on fry quality was investigated in this study. Linear strips from the inner core of tubers were compared to those from outer tissues, both before and after processing, and strips from either specific tissues or whole peeled tubers were also evaluated against ring‐shaped cuts. Both strips and rings had 0.7 cm sides and, in most cases, a volume of 4.9 cm3. They were analyzed for moisture content, antioxidants, asparagine, and reducing sugars. The material was then blanched, dipped in 0.5% disodium acid pyrophosphate and 0.3% glucose, dried at 77 °C, par‐fried in soybean oil at 191 °C, and finish‐fried at 168 °C. The fried product was analyzed for sensory characteristics and oil, salt, and acrylamide content. Our results showed that strips from the inner core absorbed 28% more oil and exhibited inferior sensory characteristics compared to strips from the outer parts. The extended drying and frying times needed to match the crispness and flavor of inner strips to those of regularly fried outer strips resulted in a further increased absorption of oil and, importantly, triggered a 163% increase in levels of the toxic Maillard reaction product acrylamide. Potato rings consisted of higher dry matter material, contained more antioxidants, and had a lower surface‐to‐volume ratio than the conventional linear strips. Upon processing, they also absorbed 22% less oil, contained 26% less salt, and displayed superior sensory properties. Thus, ring fries may represent an attractive alternative to French fries as processed staple food.
Effects of Ultrasonic Treatment on the Physicochemical Properties and DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity of Polysaccharides from Mushroom Inonotus obliquus
Authors: Fu Lingling , Chen Haixia , Dong Peng , Zhang Xin , Zhang Min
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT:  An ultrasonic technique was employed to extract polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus (UPS). The effects of ultrasonic conditions on the recovery and 1, 1‐diphenyl ‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of UPS were evaluated. The physicochemical properties of UPS were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV‐visible spectrophotometry. Molecular weights of UPS were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The optimal ultrasonic conditions to obtain the highest recovery of polysaccharides were 80 min, 75 °C, and 100 w. While the optimal ultrasonic conditions to obtain the strongest DPPH scavenging activity of polysaccharide were 80 min, 95 °C, and 160 w. The differences were found by DSC, SEM, GPC analysis and no apparent differences were found from the UV‐vis spectra of the polysaccharides after the ultrasonic treatment, which indicated that ultrasonic treatment might cause the physicochemical changes in UPS conformation and degradation of UPS chain but not the main groups. Ultrasonic technique was an effective method to extract bioactive polysaccharides from I. obliquus (UPS).

Practical Application: Polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus exhibited many biological activities including antitumor, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, immune‐stimulating effects, and so on. Ultrasonic treatment is now an usual proceeding technique for the extraction of some bioactive constituents. But there was no information about the effects of ultrasonic treatment on the physicochemical properties and DPPH radical scavenging activity of polysaccharides from I. obliquus until now. Ultrasonic technique was an effective method to extract bioactive polysaccharides from I. obliquus (UPS) according to this study.
Habitat utilisation of burnet moths (Zygaenaspp.) in southern Sweden: a multi‐scale and multi‐stage perspective
Authors: SARIN CAMILLA , BERGMAN KARL‐OLOF
Published: May 2010

Abstract. 1. Habitat requirements and occurrence patterns of three species of burnet moths (Zygaena filipendulae,Zygaena loniceraeandZygaena viciae) were studied at different life stages and different scales on the Baltic island of Öland, Sweden.

2. Larvae of all three species were more likely to occur in small‐scale patches (i.e. 1 m2) with a greater cover of their most important host plants,Lotus corniculatus,Trifolium medium/pratense, orViciaspp., than were pupae or adults, and were also observed on significantly larger than random plants. Pupation ofZ. filipendulaetook place in taller vegetation than preferred by feeding larvae and adults.

3. Adults of all species preferred different nectar plants ofAsteraceaeandDipsacaceae, growing in sunny conditions.

4. A large‐scale analysis of occupancy patterns was made, evaluating the relationship between burnet occurrence and the area of meadows and pastures within 10 × 10 km grid cells in Sweden. All three species showed a significant positive relationship with the area of semi‐natural grassland. The area required for a 50% probability of burnet occurrence was 454 ha forZ. filipendulae, 925 ha forZ. loniceraeand 2055 ha forZ. viciae.

5. Conservation work should aim at preserving and restoring open areas rich in the respective host plants and nectar sources, with light grazing or mowing late in the season. At the landscape scale, burnet moths were favoured by a high density of semi‐natural grassland and management priorities should be directed to these regions.
Seasonality in light‐attracted chrysomelid populations in a Bornean rainforest
Authors: KISHIMOTO‐YAMADA KEIKO , ITIOKA TAKAO , SAKAI SHOKO , ICHIE TOMOAKI
Published: May 2010

Abstract.  1. Seasonal or annual population fluctuations have been reported for various tropical insect species, exhibiting one or more peaks in abundance at certain times of the year. Such fluctuations have mostly been observed in areas that experience annual wet and dry seasons, and not in areas where climatic fluctuations are unpredictable on an annual basis.

2. This study attempted to evaluate the extent of seasonality in population fluctuations of a light‐trapped chrysomelid assemblage consisting of 25 Garelucinae and one Eumolpinae in a Bornean rainforest that is characterised by an aseasonal climate.

3. This study also attempted to test the effects of short‐term rainfall changes and leaf‐flushing phenology on chrysomelid population fluctuations.

4. The majority of the chrysomelid species showed one or more abundance peaks that were unrelated to season.

5. The population fluctuations did not correspond to short‐term fluctuations in rainfall or leaf‐flushing phenology, although these environmental factors somewhat correlated with each other and fluctuated irregularly.

6. These results suggest that populations of most chrysomelids fluctuate aseasonally and that short‐term fluctuations in rainfall and leaf‐flushing phenology hardly affect population fluctuations in Bornean rainforests where seasonal climate patterns are weak.
In Vivo Identification of Regulators of Cell Invasion Across Basement Membranes
Authors: Matus David Q. , Li Xiao-Yan , Durbin Sarah , Agarwal Daniel , Chi Qiuyi , Weiss Stephen J. , Sherwood David R.
Published: May 2010

A
Caenorhabditis elegans
screen provides insight into cell invasion and metastasis.
Anxiety, Recruited from Within
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2010

Corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling through CRFR1 recruits serotonin receptors to the cell surface, thereby enhancing anxiety-related behaviors.
Crystalline Danger Signal
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: May 2010

Cholesterol crystals form in early atherosclerotic lesions and activate inflammatory responses.
TAZ, Jack of All Trades
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: May 2010

The multifunctional protein TAZ links developmental signaling pathways and is implicated in kidney disease.
Rethinking “Pseudo”
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2010

ErbB3, long thought to be a pseudokinase, exhibits catalytic activity in vitro.
Biofilm Today, Gone Tomorrow
Authors: Hurtley Stella M.
Published: May 2010

Bacteria secrete an unusual form of amino acids to escape from aging communities by dissolving the surrounding matrix.
"Complementing" Toll Signaling
Authors: Kagan Jonathan C.
Published: May 2010

A common oral pathogen uses the C5a receptor to selectively inhibit some TLR2 responses.
Development of Hexadecyloxypropyl Tenofovir (CMX157) for Treatment of Infection Caused by Wild-Type and Nucleoside/Nucleotide-Resistant HIV
Authors: Lanier E. Randall , Ptak Roger G. , Lampert Bernhard M. , Keilholz Laurie , Hartman Tracy , Buckheit Robert W. , Mankowski Marie K. , Osterling Mark C. , Almond Merrick R. , Painter George R.
Published: May 2010

CMX157 is a lipid (1-0-hexadecyloxypropyl) conjugate of the acyclic nucleotide analog tenofovir (TFV) with activity against both wild-type and antiretroviral drug-resistant HIV strains, including multidrug nucleoside/nucleotide analog-resistant viruses. CMX157 was consistently >300-fold more active than tenofovir against multiple viruses in several different cell systems. CMX157 was active against all major subtypes of HIV-1 and HIV-2 in fresh human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and against all HIV-1 strains evaluated in monocyte-derived macrophages, with 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) ranging between 0.20 and 7.2 nM. The lower CMX157 EC50s can be attributed to better cellular uptake of CMX157, resulting in higher intracellular levels of the active antiviral anabolite, TFV-diphosphate (TFV-PP), inside target cells. CMX157 produced >30-fold higher levels of TFV-PP in human PBMCs exposed to physiologically relevant concentrations of the compounds than did TFV. Unlike conventional prodrugs, including TFV disoproxil fumarate (Viread), CMX157 remains intact in plasma, facilitating uptake by target cells and decreasing relative systemic exposure to TFV. There was no detectable antagonism with CMX157 in combination with any marketed antiretroviral drug, and it possessed an excellentin vitrocytotoxicity profile. CMX157 is a promising clinical candidate to treat wild-type and antiretroviral drug-resistant HIV, including strains that fail to respond to all currently available nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Cross-Resistance to Nitro Drugs and Implications for Treatment of Human African Trypanosomiasis
Authors: Sokolova Antoaneta Y. , Wyllie Susan , Patterson Stephen , Oza Sandra L. , Read Kevin D. , Fairlamb Alan H.
Published: May 2010

The success of nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy (NECT) for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) has renewed interest in the potential of nitro drugs as chemotherapeutics. In order to study the implications of the more widespread use of nitro drugs against these parasites, we examined the
in vivo
and
in vitro
resistance potentials of nifurtimox and fexinidazole and its metabolites. Following selection
in vitro
by exposure to increasing concentrations of nifurtimox,
Trypanosoma brucei brucei
nifurtimox-resistant clones designated NfxR1 and NfxR2 were generated. Both cell lines were found to be 8-fold less sensitive to nifurtimox than parental cells and demonstrated cross-resistance to a number of other nitro drugs, most notably the clinical trial candidate fexinidazole (∼27-fold more resistant than parental cells). Studies of mice confirmed that the generation of nifurtimox resistance in these parasites did not compromise virulence, and NfxR1 remained resistant to both nifurtimox and fexinidazole
in vivo
. In the case of fexinidazole, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies indicate that the parent drug is rapidly metabolized to the sulfoxide and sulfone form of this compound. These metabolites retained trypanocidal activity but were less effective in nifurtimox-resistant lines. Significantly, trypanosomes selected for resistance to fexinidazole were 10-fold more resistant to nifurtimox than parental cells. This reciprocal cross-resistance has important implications for the therapeutic use of nifurtimox in a clinical setting and highlights a potential danger in the use of fexinidazole as a monotherapy.
Systematic Functional Analysis Reveals That a Set of Seven Genes Is Involved in Fine-Tuning of the Multiple Functions Mediated by Type IV Pili in
Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Brown Daniel R. , Helaine Sophie , Carbonnelle Etienne , Pelicic Vladimir
Published: May 2010

Type IV pili (Tfp), which mediate multiple phenotypes ranging from adhesion to motility, are one of the most widespread virulence factors in bacteria. However, the molecular mechanisms of Tfp biogenesis and associated functions remain poorly understood. One of the underlying reasons is that the roles played by the numerous genes involved in Tfp biology are unclear because corresponding mutants have been studied on a case-by-case basis, in different species, and using different assays, often generating heterogeneous results. Therefore, we have recently started a systematic functional analysis of the genes involved in Tfp biology in a well-characterized clinical isolate of the human pathogen
Neisseria meningitidis
. After previously studying 16 genes involved in Tfp biogenesis, here we report the characterization of 7 genes that are dispensable for piliation and potentially involved in Tfp biology. Using a battery of assays, we assessed piliation and each of the Tfp-linked functions in single mutants, double mutants in which filament retraction is abolished by a concurrent mutation in
pilT
, and strains overexpressing the corresponding proteins. This showed that each of the seven genes actually fine-tunes a Tfp-linked function(s), which brings us one step closer to a global view of Tfp biology in the meningococcus.
Antibody Targeting the Ferritin-Like Protein ControlsListeriaInfection
Authors: Mohamed Walid , Sethi Shneh , Darji Ayub , Mraheil Mobarak A. , Hain Torsten , Chakraborty Trinad
Published: May 2010

The acquisition of iron during the infection process is essential for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms (S. C. Andrews, Adv. Microb. Physiol. 40:281-351, 1998; H. M. Baker, B. F. Anderson, and E. N. Baker, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 100:3579-3583, 2003). Since the solubility of iron is low and it is toxic at low concentrations, following uptake, iron is stored in subcellular microenvironments in the iron storage protein ferritin (C. Cheers and M. Ho, J. Reticuloendothel. Soc. 34:299-309, 1983). Here, we show that ferritin-like proteins (Frl) are highly conserved in the genusListeriaand demonstrate that these proteins are present in both the cytoplasm and cell wall fractions of these bacteria. Even though Frl is expressed under different growth conditions, transcriptional mapping revealed that its regulation is complex. When bacteria are grown in brain heart infusion medium, extracellular expression involves both sigma A (SigA)- and sigma B (SigB)-dependent promoters; however, during intracellular growth, initiation of transcription is additionally SigB dependent. The expression of Frl is greatly enhanced in bacteria grown in the presence of blood, and a mutant strain lacking thefrlgene was defective for growth in this medium. Using the monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for Frl, we demonstrate that administration of anti-Frl MAb prior to infection confers antilisterial resistancein vivo, evidenced in reduced bacterial load and increased survival rates, thereby demonstrating thein vivosignificance of upregulated cell surface-associated Frl expression.In vitrostudies revealed that the antilisterial resistance is due to increased listerial phagocytosis.
Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in the setting of multicentric angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia (Castleman's disease) complicated by Evan's syndrome
Authors: Gakiopoulou Hariklia , Korkolopoulou Penelope , Paraskevakou Helen , Marinaki Smaragdi , Voulgarelis Michael , Stofas Anastasios , Lelouda Maria , Lazaris Andreas C , Boletis John , Patsouris Efstratios
Published: May 2010

Systemic Castleman's disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder with various clinical presentations and incompletely understood aetiology. The authors report on a rare case of the plasma cell variant of Castleman's disease associated with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and autoimmune thrombocytopenia (Evan's syndrome) and complicated by mixed nephrotic–nephritic syndrome and acute renal failure due to an underlying glomerulopathy with microscopic and immunofluorescence findings suggestive of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) type I. Immunocomplexed glomerulonephritis is rare in Castleman's disease, while, to the best of our knowledge, constellation of all these autoimmune phenomena is reported for the first time suggesting that apart from the putative role of VEGF and IL-6 in the pathogenesis of the disease, a more generalised immunological disturbance occurs, probably through autoantibodies induced by active polyclonal B cells raised from Castleman's disease tumour.
The ethical physician encounters international medical travel
Authors: Crozier G K D , Baylis Françoise
Published: May 2010

International medical travel occurs when patients cross national borders to purchase medical goods and services. On occasion, physicians in home countries will be the last point of domestic contact for patients seeking healthcare information before they travel abroad for care. When this is the case, physicians have a unique opportunity to inform patients about their options and help guide them towards ethical practices. This opportunity brings to the fore an important question: What role should physicians in more-developed home countries play in promoting or constraining international medical travel towards less-developed destination countries? In our view, critical attention to the decision spaces of patients—defined by the personal circumstances, socio-cultural cues, and legal constraints that inform decision-making—is a useful starting point for evaluating the proper response of physicians to various forms of international medical travel.
Scientific dishonesty—questionnaire to doctoral students in Sweden
Authors: Nilstun Tore , Löfmark Rurik , Lundqvist Anita
Published: May 2010

‘Scientific dishonesty’ implies the fabrication, falsification or plagiarism in proposing, performing or reviewing research or in reporting research results. A questionnaire was given to postgraduate students at the medical faculties in Sweden who attended a course in research ethics during the academic year 2008/2009 and 58% answered (range 29%–100%). Less than one-third of the respondents wrote that they had heard about scientific dishonesty in the previous 12 months. Pressure, concerning in what order the author should be mentioned, was reported by about 1 in 10 students. We suggest that all departments conducting research should have a written policy about acceptable research behaviour and that all doctoral students should be informed of the content of this policy. Participants in the research groups concerned should also be required to analyse published articles about scientific dishonesty and critically discuss what could be done about unethical conduct.
Understanding general practitioners' conflicts of interests and the paramountcy principle in safeguarding children
Authors: Wainwright Paul , Gallagher Ann
Published: May 2010

As family physicians, general practitioners play a key role in safeguarding children. Should they suspect child abuse or neglect they may experience a conflict between responding to the needs and interests of the child and those of an adult patient. English law insists on the paramountcy of the interests of the child, but in family practice many other interests may be at stake. The authors argue that uncritical adoption of the paramountcy principle is too simplistic and can lead, paradoxically, to greater harm. They argue for a more subtle and nuanced view of interests and of conflicts of interest in safeguarding children.
Relative abundance and movement of the carabid beetle Scaphinotus angusticollis in managed coniferous riparian forests of southwestern British Columbia
Authors: Lavallee Susanne L. , Richardson John S.
Published: May 2010

Riparian reserves designed to protect stream ecosystems are valuable to the conservation of riparian obligate and forest-preferring species; however, there have been few studies of terrestrial invertebrates with more general habitat requirements. To characterize the use of riparian reserves by terrestrial insects, we examined the ecology of Scaphinotus angusticollis Mannerheim, a large and abundant carabid beetle with a broad distribution in coniferous forests of western North America. Population sizes and movement behaviour of S. angusticollis were contrasted among clearcuts, 30 m reserves, and unharvested riparian forests near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with three sites per habitat type. The relative abundances of S. angusticollis were as high in 30 m reserve habitats as they were in unharvested forests, whereas populations in clearcuts were approximately half the size of those found in 30 m reserves. Beetle distributions relative to nearby streams were similar across habitat types. Beetles moved twice as far in 30 m reserves than in clearcuts, suggesting there are differences in this beetle’s perception of reserve habitat. This study provides evidence that 30 m riparian reserves offer habitat that maintains population sizes and facilitates movement of terrestrial insect species like S. angusticollis at levels similar to that of unharvested riparian forests.
Assessing forest management strategies under a mountain pine beetle attack in Alberta: exploring the impacts
Authors: Mathey Anne-Hélène , Nelson Harry
Published: May 2010

We explore how forest resource managers can respond to a potential outbreak of mountain pine beetle ( Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, 1902) by assessing how well different forest management strategies achieve various management objectives over time. Strategies include targeting at-risk stands as well as increasing harvest levels. Outcomes are evaluated on the basis of volume flows, net revenues, and the age class structure of the ending inventory. We use a spatially and temporally explicit model to simulate forest management outcomes and consider two different scenarios, one in which the attack occurs early and one where it is delayed. The model utilizes a planning with recourse approach in which the firm can reevaluate its harvesting schedule following the attack. We use company data from west-central Alberta for a 40-year planning exercise. The timing of the attack resulted in small differences in timber supply. However, most strategies performed better financially under an early attack, which limits the harvest of marginal stands. Increasing harvest levels performed better in economic terms but resulted in a very young growing stock with little old forest. The success of any strategy is linked to the timing of the attack and how it affects the growing stock, subsequently impacting timber and revenue flows.
The influence of ground- and lidar-derived forest structure metrics on snow accumulation and ablation in disturbed forests
Authors: Varhola Andrés , Coops Nicholas C. , Bater Christopher W. , Teti Pat , Boon Sarah , Weiler Markus
Published: May 2010

The current mountain pine beetle infestation in British Columbia’s lodgepole pine forests has raised concerns about potential impacts on water resources. Changes in forest structure resulting from defoliation, windthrow, and salvage harvesting may increase snow accumulation and ablation (i.e., spring runoff and flooding risk) below the forest canopy because of reduced snow interception and higher levels of radiation reaching the surface. Quantifying these effects requires a better understanding of the link between forest structure and snow processes. Light detection and ranging (lidar) is an innovative technology capable of estimating forest structure metrics in a detailed, three-dimensional approach not easily obtained from manual measurements. While a number of previous studies have shown that increased snow accumulation and ablation occur as forest cover decreases, the potential improvement of these relationships based on lidar metrics has not been quantified. We investigated the correlation between lidar-derived and ground-based traditional canopy metrics with snow accumulation and ablation indicators, demonstrating that a lidar-derived forest cover parameter was the strongest predictor of peak snow accumulation (r2 = 0.70, p < 0.001) and maximum snow ablation rate (r2 = 0.59, p < 0.01). Improving our ability to quantify changes in forest structure in extensive areas will assist in developing more robust models of watershed processes.
Effects of neighbours on crown length of Abies lasiocarpa and Picea engelmannii in two old-growth stands in British Columbia
Authors: Antos Joseph A. , Parish Roberta , Nigh Gordon D.
Published: May 2010

Crown length is a key aspect of vertical structure in multi-aged, multistrata, mixed-species forests. Crown length, defined as the distance from the tree top to the lowest live branch whorl, was determined for 3169 mapped trees ≥4.0 cm in diameter, in four 0.25 ha plots in each of two old-growth Abies lasiocarpa  (Hook.) Nutt. – Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm. stands. We randomly selected half the trees to build models and half for validation. Crown length was modelled as a function of tree height, incorporating modifiers to account for neighbouring trees. The inclusion radius and height threshold for competition were 3 m and 70%, respectively. The addition of two modifiers significantly improved the model for A. lasiocarpa; crown length decreased as the number of neighbours increased and as the height of surrounding trees increased. In contrast, none of the modifiers significantly improved the model for P. engelmannii. Except at high levels of competition, Abies crowns were longer than those of Picea. However, both species in these forests have long crowns, typically three-quarters of the tree height and rarely less than half. The tightly programmed conical crown architecture of these species likely contributes to long crowns and to the limited effects of neighbours on crown length.
Modelling the variation in modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture of Scots pine round timber
Authors: Høibø Olav , Vestøl Geir I.
Published: May 2010

Recovery from the forest-wood chain is directly influenced by how different qualities of logs are used. Logs used directly as load-carrying members in structures are products in which MOE (modulus of elasticity when bending) and MOR (modulus of rupture) are of great importance. To achieve a more optimal bucking process in the forest, models that enable such presorting of logs for quality are desirable. In all, 533 logs from 150 trees were sampled from 10 stands with different site indices and altitudes in southern Norway. Models were developed that predicted MOE and MOR by using different stand and tree characteristics. The MOR models were compared with a model including MOE alone and a model including both MOE and different tree characteristics. The study showed that it may be a good option to combine different tree and stand characteristics with MOE. MOE and the single-tree variables diameter at breast height and mean annual ring width at breast height most reduced the residual variance when MOR was modelled. The study also showed that it is possible to perform a coarse sorting by simple stand and single-tree characteristics.
Laboratory assessment of the effect of forest floor ash on conifer germination
Authors: Kemball Kevin J. , Westwood A. Richard , Wang G. Geoff
Published: May 2010

Mineral soils exposed by fire are often covered by a layer of ash due to complete consumption of the forest floor (litter and duff). To assess the possible effects of ash on seed germination and viability of jack pine ( Pinus banksiana Lamb.), black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns, Poggenb.), white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss), and balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), a laboratory experiment was conducted using ash derived from three types of forest floor samples. The samples represented areas of high conifer concentration, high aspen concentration, and mixed aspen and conifer and were collected from five mature aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) – conifer mixedwood stands in southeastern Manitoba. Ash derived from each forest floor type neither prohibited nor delayed conifer germination, except that of balsam fir. Balsam fir had significantly less germination on ash derived from forest floor samples with high aspen concentration. When corrected for seed viability, balsam fir had significantly less germination on all three ash types compared with jack pine, black spruce, and white spruce. However, the impact of ash on balsam fir is unlikely to have meaningful ecological implications, as balsam fir is a climax species and will establish in undisturbed mature forests.
Implications of a predicted shift from upland oaks to red maple on forest hydrology and nutrient availability
Authors: Alexander Heather D. , Arthur Mary A.
Published: May 2010

Fire suppression has facilitated the spread of red maple ( Acer rubrum L.), a fire-sensitive, yet highly adaptable species, in historically oak-dominated forests of the eastern United States. Here, we address whether a shift from upland oaks to red maple could influence forest hydrology and nutrient availability because of species-specific effects on precipitation distribution and inorganic nitrogen (N) cycling. In eastern Kentucky, we measured seasonal variations in red maple, chestnut oak ( Quercus montana Willd.), and scarlet oak ( Quercus coccinea Münchh.) throughfall and stemflow quantity and quality following discrete precipitation events, and we assessed net N mineralization rates in underlying soils over a 2-year period (2006–2008). Throughfall was 3%–9% lower underneath red maple than both oaks, but red maple generated 2–3× more stemflow. Consequently, NH4+ throughfall deposition was less under red maple than chestnut oak, whereas stemflow-derived nutrient inputs were substantially larger for red maple than both oaks. Soils underlying red maple had 5–13× greater winter net nitrification rates than soils under both oaks and 20%–30% greater rates of seasonal net ammonification than soils under chestnut oak. These findings suggest a spatial redistribution of water and nutrients via precipitation as red maple dominance increases and point to stemflow as an important mechanism that may foster red maple competitive success, further bolstering the mesophication process in the United States.
PARTICLE SPECTRUM OF NON-ABELIAN TENSOR GAUGE FIELDS
Authors: SAVVIDY GEORGE
Published: May 2010

We review the non-Abelian tensor gauge field theory and analyze its free field equations for lower rank gauge fields when the interaction coupling constant tends to zero. The free field equations are written in terms of the first-order derivatives of extended field strength tensors similar to the electrodynamics and non-Abelian gauge theories. We determine the particle content of the free field equations and count the propagating modes which they describe. In four-dimensional spacetime the rank-2 gauge field describes propagating modes of helicity two and zero. We show that the rank-3 gauge field describes propagating modes of helicity-three and a doublet of helicity-one gauge bosons. Only four-dimensional spacetime is physically acceptable, because in five- and higher-dimensional spacetime the equation has solutions with negative norm states. We discuss the structure of the particle spectrum for higher rank gauge fields.
QUANTUM SECURE DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH ONLY SEPARATE MEASUREMENTS IN DRIVEN CAVITY QED
Authors: SHAN CHUAN-JIA , CHEN TAO , LIU JI-BING , LIU TANG-KUN , HUANG YAN-XIA , LI HONG
Published: May 2010

An experimentally feasible new scheme for quantum secure direct communication is proposed in cavity quantum electrodynamics without apparent joint Bell-state measurement. The legitimate user can receive different secret messages in a direct way through Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) pairs, the probability of the success in our scheme is unity. In the communication processes, the interactions between atoms and a single-mode non-resonant cavity with the assistance of a strong classical driving field substitute the joint measurements. Hence, this scheme needs only separate measurements. In addition, the scheme is insensitive to the cavity decay and the thermal field. The discussion of the scheme indicates that it can be realized based on current technologies.
Finding a maximum matching in a sparse random graph in
O
(
n
) expected time
Authors: Chebolu Prasad , Frieze Alan , Melsted P'all
Published: May 2010

We present a linear expected time algorithm for finding maximum cardinality matchings in sparse random graphs. This is optimal and improves on previous results by a logarithmic factor.
Transparent anonymization
Authors: Xiao Xiaokui , Tao Yufei , Koudas Nick
Published: May 2010

Numerous generalization techniques have been proposed for privacy-preserving data publishing. Most existing techniques, however, implicitly assume that the adversary knows little about the anonymization algorithm adopted by the data publisher. Consequently, they cannot guard against privacy attacks that exploit various characteristics of the anonymization mechanism. This article provides a practical solution tothis problem. First, we propose an analytical model for evaluating disclosure risks, when an adversary knows
everything
in the anonymization process, except the sensitive values. Based on this model, we develop a privacy principle,
transparent l-diversity
, which ensures privacy protection against such powerful adversaries. We identify three algorithms that achieve transparent
l
-diversity, and verify their effectiveness and efficiency through extensive experiments with real data.