bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STAT4 and T-bet Are Required for the Plasticity of IFN-γ Expression across Th2 Ontogeny and Influence Changes in Ifng Promoter DNA Methylation
Authors: Williams Christopher L. , Schilling Marcia M. , Cho Sung Hoon , Lee Keunwook , Wei Mei , Aditi  , Boothby Mark
Published: June 2013

CD4+ T cells developing toward a Th2 fate express IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 while inhibiting production of cytokines associated with other Th types, such as the Th1 cytokine IFN- γ. IL-4–producing Th2 effector cells give rise to a long-lived memory population committed to reactivation of the Th2 cytokine gene expression program. However, reactivation of these effector-derived cells under Th1-skewing conditions leads to production of IFN-γ along with IL-4 in the same cell. We now show that this flexibility (“plasticity”) of cytokine expression is preceded by a loss of the repressive DNA methylation of the Ifng promoter acquired during Th2 polarization yet requires STAT4 along with T-box expressed in T cells. Surprisingly, loss of either STAT4 or T-box expressed in T cells increased Ifng promoter CpG methylation in both effector and memory Th2 cells. Taken together, our data suggest a model in which the expression of IFN-γ by Th2-derived memory cells involves attenuation of epigenetic repression in memory Th2 cells, combined with Th1-polarizing signals after their recall activation.
B Cell–Intrinsic TLR7 Signaling Is Required for Optimal B Cell Responses during Chronic Viral Infection
Authors: Clingan Jonathan M. , Matloubian Mehrdad
Published: June 2013

The importance for activation of innate immunity by pattern recognition receptors in forming an effective adaptive immune response is well known. TLRs were demonstrated to be critical for Ab responses to a variety of immunizations. In particular, recent evidence suggests that B cell–intrinsic TLR signaling is required for optimal responses to virus-like Ags, but the mechanisms by which TLR signaling impacts Ab responses during infection in vivo is unclear. In the current study, we demonstrate that deficiency of TLR7 in B cells alone is sufficient to significantly impact Ab responses in mice during chronic viral infection. This effect was independent of T follicular helper cells and resulted in a loss of plasma cells generated later, but not early, in the response. The defect in plasma cell formation appeared to be secondary to a qualitative effect of TLR signaling on the germinal center (GC) B cell response. GC B cells in TLR7-deficient mice proliferated to a lesser extent and had a greater proportion of cells with phenotypic characteristics of light zone, relative to dark zone, GC B cells. These results suggest that B cell–intrinsic TLR signaling in vivo likely affects plasma cell output by altered selection of Ag-specific B cells in the GC.
CD160 Activation by Herpesvirus Entry Mediator Augments Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Cytolytic Function by NK Cells
Authors: Šedý John R. , Bjordahl Ryan L. , Bekiaris Vasileios , Macauley Matthew G. , Ware Brian C. , Norris Paula S. , Lurain Nell S. , Benedict Chris A. , Ware Carl F.
Published: June 2013

Lymphocyte activation is regulated by costimulatory and inhibitory receptors, of which both B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and CD160 engage herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM). Notably, it remains unclear how HVEM functions with each of its ligands during immune responses. In this study, we show that HVEM specifically activates CD160 on effector NK cells challenged with virus-infected cells. Human CD56dim NK cells were costimulated specifically by HVEM but not by other receptors that share the HVEM ligands LIGHT, Lymphotoxin-α, or BTLA. HVEM enhanced human NK cell activation by type I IFN and IL-2, resulting in increased IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion, and tumor cell–expressed HVEM activated CD160 in a human NK cell line, causing rapid hyperphosphorylation of serine kinases ERK1/2 and AKT and enhanced cytolysis of target cells. In contrast, HVEM activation of BTLA reduced cytolysis of target cells. Together, our results demonstrate that HVEM functions as a regulator of immune function that activates NK cells via CD160 and limits lymphocyte-induced inflammation via association with BTLA.
Tenofovir as Rescue Therapy Following Clinical Failure to Lamivudine in Severe Acute Hepatitis B
Authors: Gerada Jurgen , Borg Elaine , Formosa Denise , Magro Rosalie , Pocock James
Published: June 2013

Acute hepatitis B (AHB) is a self-limiting condition in more than 95% of cases. Treatment is however recommended in patients with severe AHB (<1% of cases), aiming to prevent liver failure and death. Various nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) have been found to be effective in severe AHB, although NA-resistant strains causing AHB have been also recently reported. The use of tenofovir in this setting has only been reported once with a favorable outcome. We hereby report a 47-year-old treatment-naïve male, who developed severe AHB and was treated with lamivudine (LMV). Initial rapid biochemical response was followed by biochemical breakthrough after 9 days, suggesting LMV resistance. Rescue therapy with ‘add-on’ tenofovir brought about a sustained improvement in biochemical, serological and virological markers until HBsAg was lost after 4 months. Thus, this is the second case reporting the successful use of tenofovir in severe AHB.
ENDOTHELIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE (ENOS) GENE POLYMORPHISM IS ASSOCIATED WITH AGE ONSET OF MENARCHE IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE FEMALES OF INDIA
Authors: Nishank Sudhansu Sekhar
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT   Background and Objective :  Females with sickle cell disease (SCD) often show late onset of menarche. In transgenic sickle cell mouse, deficiency of gene encoding endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has been reported to be associated with late onset of menarche. Thus to explore the possible association of eNOS gene polymorphism with age of onset of menarche in SCD females, 3 important eNOS gene polymorphism- eNOS 4a/b, eNOS 894G>T and eNOS-786 T>C  and  plasma nitrite levels were tested among three groups of females- SCD late menarche, SCD early menarche and control females. Methods : PCR-RFLP method for genotyping eNOS gene polymorphisms and quantification of plasma nitrite level by ELISA based commercial kits were used Results: SCD late menarche females showed significantly higher prevalence and higher association of heterozygous genotypes, higher frequency of mutant alleles ‘4a’, ‘T’ and ‘C’ as compared to that of control group and SCD early menarche group. The frequency of haplotype  ‘4a-G-C’ and haplotype’ 4b-G-C’ (alleles in order of  eNOS 4a/b, eNOS 894G>T and eNOS-786 T>C respectively) were found to be significantly high in SCD late menarche compared to combined groups of SCD early menarche and controls. SCD late menarche group had significantly low level of plasma nitrite concentration for all 3 eNOS gene polymorphisms as compared to controls and SCD early menarche females. Conclusion: eNOS gene polymorphism may influence age of onset of menarche in SCD females.   Key words : eNOS gene, sickle cell disease, menarche, haplotype, nitric oxide
LENALIDOMIDE IN COMBINATION WITH DEXAMETHASONE IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED, RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY MULTIPLE MYELOMA AND RENAL FAILURE
Authors: Tosi Patrizia
Published: June 2013

Salvage therapy of elderly patients with advanced, relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM) is often limited by poor marrow reserve and multi-organ impairment. In particular, renal failure occurs in up to 50% of such patients, an this can potentially limit the therapeutic options. Both thalidomide and bortezomib have proven effective in these patients, with an acceptable toxicity, while, in clinical practice, lenalidomide is generally not considered a first-choice drug for MM patients with renal failure as early reports showed an increased hematological toxicity unless appropriate dose reduction is applied. Aim of this study was a retrospective evaluation of the efficacy of the combination Lenalidomide +Dexamethasone in a population of elderly MM patients treated in 5 Italian Centers. The study included 20 consecutive MM patients (9 M, 11 F, median age 76.5 years) with relapsed (N= 6) or refractory (N=13) MM and moderate to severe renal failure, defined as creatinine clearance (Cr Cl) < 50ml/min. Four patients were undergoing hemodyalisis at study entry. 85 % of the patients had been previously treated with bortezomib-containing regimens. Lenalidomide dose was adjusted according to renal function and patients clinical conditions Median treatment duration was 16 months (1-22), therapy was interrupted after 1 21-day cycle in 2 patients. Grade III-IV neutropenia was observed in 7 patients (35%) ; grade III-IV non hematological toxicity was recorded in 3 cases (28%). A > partial response was observed in 8 patients (40%), 1 of whom obtained a VGPR; 4 additional patients achieved a minor response. Median response duration was 16 months (range 2-19+ months). A complete and partial renal response was obtained in 4 and 3 patients, respectively, all of them were responsive to Lenalidomide-dexamethasone According to our data, LEN+DEX has shown efficacy and acceptable toxicity in this population of elderly patients with advanced MM and renal failure
THE CHALLENGE OF AML IN OLDER PATIENTS
Authors: Burnett Alan K
Published: June 2013

There has been a gradual improvement in the outcome for younger patients with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia over the last two decades, but unfortunately this same progress is not apparent in older patients. “Old” has come to mean rather arbitrarily, patients over 60 years. This age cut off has been perpetuated by clinical trials whose eligibility is frequently at this cut point. Age is a continuous variable right through all age groups with AML and has independent prognostic significance. Chemo-resistance of the disease itself is part of the explanation, with a high frequency of adverse biology occurring at older age(1,2). Patient characteristics which compromise the delivery of treatment of adequate intensity are the other important influence. Medical co-morbidities are more frequent, and when combined with what is sometimes referred to as limited haematopoietic reserve, undoubtedly make successful delivery of intensive therapy less likely. Since........
DIAMOND BLACKFAN ANEMIA: A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE EXPERIENCE
Authors: Singh Avinash Kumar , Seth Tulika , Radhakrishnan Nita , Mishra Pravas , Mahapatra Manoranjan , Pati Haraprasad
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare congenital hypoplastic anemia that usually presents early in infancy. Methods: All consecutive children of DBA attending the Department of Hematology OPD, AIIMS were included in the study. This is a retrospective study, with few cases enrolled prospectively, over the last 3 years. Aim: To study the clinical profile & treatment response of Diamond Blackfan anemia patients at our center. Results: 10 patients were included in the study; male: female ratio was 9:1. Median age was 2.5 yrs, ranging from 4 months to 8 yrs. Anemia requiring frequent blood transfusions was the predominant complaint since infancy. Two children were siblings.Abnormal phenotypic features were observed in 60%. The craniofacial abnormalities seen included triangular facies with DBA phenotype 50 % (5), microcephaly 10 %( 1), low set ears 10 %( 1), low hairline 10 %( 1), wide spaced teeth 10%( 1), malar prominence 10 %( 1), wide spaced toes 10 %( 1), growth failure 30%( 3) and wide spaced nipple10 % (1). Out of 10 patients, 5(50%) are transfusion independent on steroids, 4 patients had partial response with steroids and 1 had partial response on cyclosporine with occasional transfusions and the other 3 are transfusion dependent and on iron chelation. Conclusion: DBA is a rare congenital hypoplastic anemia. About 50% of patients have a good response to steroids.
SPHINGOMONAS PAUCIMOBILIS INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN: NOSOCOMIAL VERSUS COMMUNITY ACQUIRED INFECTIONS
Authors: Bayram Nuri , Devrim İlker , Apa Hurşit , Gülfidan Gamze , Türkyılmaz Hande Namal , Günay İlker
Published: June 2013

Sphingomonas paucimobilis is a causative agent of infection in immunocompromised patients, and healthcare-associated infections. Although the infections associated with S.paucimobilis occurs rarely, it has been encountered with increasing frequency in clinical settings. In the current study we noted the risk factors and clinical features of the children with S.paucimobilis infections, and the antimicrobial susceptibilities of the isolated strains among the patients. This study was conducted in Dr. Behçet Uz Children’s Hospital, Turkey, during the period of January 2005 and December 2012. The medical records of pediatric patients with positive cultures for S.paucimobilis were reviewed. Sphingomonas paucimobilis isolates were recovered from 24 pediatric patients. The median age was 4 years (ranging from 3 days infant to 15 years) and 58,3% were male. Eight (33,3%) of the patients were under 1 months of age. Among the patients; 13 (54,2%) infections were community related however 11(45.8%) infections were nosocomial infection. The median duration of hospital stay was 7 days (ranging from 4 to 22 days). The most effective antibiotics were fluoroquinolones, carbapenems, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. This is the first largest study in children to evaluate the clinical features of S. paucimobilis infections. Sphingomonas paucimobilis may cause infections in both previously healthy and immunocompromised children. Although variable antimicrobial regimens were achieved to the patients, there was no attributable fatality due to S.paucimobilis infections due to the low virulence of the bacteria.
Congenital Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Atypical Presentation And First ADAMTS 13 Mutation In A Tunisian Child
Authors: Borgi Aida
Published: June 2013

Background: Congenital deficiency of ADAMTS13 is characterized by systemic platelet clumping, hemolytic anemia and multiorgan failure. Although, more than 100 mutations have been reported, atypical clinical presentation may be involved in diagnostic difficulties. Case report: A 2 year old Tunisian child presented with chronic thrombopenic purpura which failed to respond to corticosteroids. Hemolytic anemia with schizocytes, occurred ten months later, with no previous history of diarrhea or any neurological abnormality.  Renal function, coagulation screening tests and complement assay were normal. The count of platelet improved after fresh frozen infusion (FFP). Extensive investigations revealed a severe deficiency of ADAMTS 13 activity (level< 5%). Gene sequencing identified mutation in exon 18 of ADAMTS 13 gene. Prophylactic regimen with regular infusions of FFP was associated to favorable outcome. Conclusion: Early ADAMTS 13 activity testing and gene sequencing associated to precocious plasmatherapy are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality of congenital TTP.
As a Rare Site of Invasive Fungal Infection, Chronic Granulomatous Aspergillus Synovitis: A Case Report
Authors: Canbolat Ayhan Aylin , Ozkan Korhan , Timur Cetin , Aktaş Birol , Ceyran Ayse Bahar
Published: June 2013

Aspergillus can causes invasive disease of various organs especially in patients with weakened immune systems. Aspergillus synovitis and arthritis are uncommon types of involvement due to this infection. Approches to fungal osteoarticular infections are based on only case reports. This paper presents a rare case of chronic granulomatous Aspergillus synovitis in an immunocompromised 5-year old girl who was treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR IN CHILDREN WITH THALASSEMIA MAJOR PDF
Authors: Fahmey Sameh Samir , Naguib Hassan , Abdelshafy Sanna , Alashry Rasha
Published: June 2013

Background: The β-Thalassemia syndromes are the most common hereditary chronic hemolytic anemia due to impaired globin chain synthesis.  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays several roles in angiogenesis which is a crucial process in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory, autoimmune and malignant diseases .Endothelial damage and inflammation make a significant contribution to the pathophysiology of β-thalassemia. Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess serum VEGF level in children with beta-thalassemia major as a marker of angiogenesis. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 40 patients with thalassemia major and 10 healthy controls and assayed for VEGF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: VEGF level was significantly higher in patients with β-Thalassemia major than healthy controls (p=0.001).In addition, VEGF level was higher in splenectomised thalassemic patients than non splenectomised ones (p=0.001) .However, there were a positive correlation between VEGF and chelation starting age (p=0.008) and a negative correlation between VEGF and frequency of blood transfusion (p=0.002). Conclusion: thalassemia patients, especially splenectomized, have elevated serum levels of VEGF. Early chelation and regular blood transfusion help to decrease serum VEGF and the risk of angiogenesis.
MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE PROMYELOCYTIC LEUKEMIA IN THE ELDERLY
Authors: Lococo Francesco , Latagliata Roberto , Breccia Massimo
Published: June 2013

Unlike other forms of AML, APL is less frequently diagnosed in the elderly and has a relatively favourable outcome. Elderly patients with APL seem at least as responsive to therapy as do younger patients, but rates of response and survival are lower in this age setting owing to a higher incidence of early deaths and deaths in remission when conventional treatment with ATRA and chemotherapy is used. Elderly APL patients are more likely to present with low-risk features compared with younger patients, and this may explain the relative low risk of relapse reported in several clinical studies. Alternative approaches, such as arsenic trioxide and gentuzumab ozogamicin have been tested with success in this setting and could replace in the near future frontline conventional chemotherapy and ATRA.
Microfilariasis of the breast mimicking malignancy
Authors: Chaudhuri Tamojit , Yadava Kamlesh , Ray Pabitra
Published: June 2013

We report a 65-year-old female who presented with a 3.5x3 cm retro-areolar lump of the right breast with associated right axillary lymphadenopathy, mimicking breast cancer. Mammography showed a well-defined mass in the central quadrant of the right breast. Fine needle aspiration cytology from the breast lump demonstrated many microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti.
Convergence of Dirichlet eigenvalues for elliptic systems on perturbed domains
Authors: Taylor Justin L.
Published: June 2013

We consider the eigenvalues of an elliptic operator

(Lu)^{\beta}=-\frac{\partial}{\partial x_j} (a^{\alpha \beta}_{ij}\frac{\partial u^{\alpha}}{\partial x_i}),\quad \beta=1,\ldots,m,

where

u=(u^1,\ldots,u^m)^t

is a vector valued function and

a^{\alpha \beta}(x)

are

(n \times n)

matrices whose elements

a^{\alpha \beta}_{ij}(x)

are at least uniformly bounded measurable real-valued functions such that

a^{\alpha \beta}_{ij}(x)=a^{\beta \alpha}_{ji}(x)

for any combination of

\alpha, \beta, i,

and

j

. We assume we have two non-empty, open, disjoint, and bounded sets,

\Omega

and

\tilde{\Omega}

, in

\mathbb{R}^n

, and add a set

T_{\varepsilon}

of small measure to form the domain

\Omega_{\varepsilon}

. Then we show that as

\varepsilon \rightarrow 0^+

, the Dirichlet eigenvalues corresponding to the family of domains

\{\Omega_{\varepsilon}\}_{\varepsilon>0}

converge to the Dirichlet eigenvalues corresponding to

\Omega_0=\Omega \cup \tilde{\Omega}

. Moreover, our rate of convergence is independent of the eigenvalues. In this paper, we consider the Lamé system, systems which satisfy a strong ellipticity condition, and systems which satisfy a Legendre–Hadamard ellipticity condition.
Semiclassical estimates of the cut-off resolvent for trapping perturbations
Authors: Bony Jean-François , Petkov Vesselin
Published: June 2013

This paper is devoted to the study of the cut-off resolvent of a semiclassical “black box” operator

P

. We estimate the norm of

\varphi ( P - z )^{- 1} \varphi

, for any

\varphi \in C^{\infty}_{0} ( \mathbb R^{n} )

, by the norm of

{1\!\!1}_{\mathcal C_{a,b}} ( P - z )^{- 1} {1\!\!1}_{\mathcal C_{a,b}}

where

\mathcal C_{a,b} = \{ x \in \mathbb R^{n} ; \ a < \vert x \vert < b \}

and

a \gg 1

. For

z

in the unphysical sheet with

- M h \vert \ln h \vert \leq \operatorname{Im} z \leq 0

, we prove that this estimate holds with a constant

\frac{h}{\vert \operatorname{Im} z \vert} e^{C \vert \operatorname{Im} z \vert / h}

. We also study the resonant states

u

of the operator

P

and we obtain bounds for

\Vert \varphi u \Vert

by

\Vert 1\!\!1_{\mathcal C_{a,b}} u \Vert

. These results hold without any assumption on the trapped set nor any assumption on the multiplicity of the resonances.
Dynamical processes in space: Cluster results
Authors: Escoubet C. P. , Taylor M. G. G. T. , Masson A. , Laakso H. , Volpp J. , Hapgood M. , Goldstein M. L.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. After 12 years of operations, the Cluster mission continues to successfully fulfil its scientific objectives. The main goal of the Cluster mission, comprised of four identical spacecraft, is to study in three dimensions small-scale plasma structures in key plasma regions of the Earth's environment: solar wind and bow shock, magnetopause, polar cusps, magnetotail, plasmasphere and auroral zone. During the course of the mission, the relative distance between the four spacecraft has been varied from 20 km to 36 000 km to study the scientific regions of interest at different scales. Since summer 2005, new multi-scale constellations have been implemented, wherein three spacecraft (C1, C2, C3) are separated by 10 000 km, while the fourth one (C4) is at a variable distance ranging between 20 km and 10 000 km from C3. Recent observations were conducted in the auroral acceleration region with the spacecraft separated by 1000s km. We present highlights of the results obtained during the last 12 years on collisionless shocks, magnetopause waves, magnetotail dynamics, plasmaspheric structures, and the auroral acceleration region. In addition, we highlight Cluster results on understanding the impact of Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) on the Earth environment. We will also present Cluster data accessibility through the Cluster Science Data System (CSDS), and the Cluster Active Archive (CAA), which was implemented to provide a permanent and public archive of high resolution Cluster data from all instruments.
Greenland ice core evidence of the 79 AD Vesuvius eruption
Authors: Barbante C. , Kehrwald N. M. , Marianelli P. , Vinther B. M. , Steffensen J. P. , Cozzi G. , Hammer C. U. , Clausen H. B. , Siggaard-Andersen M.-L.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Volcanic tephra are independent age horizons and can synchronize strata of various paleoclimate records including ice and sediment cores. The Holocene section of the Greenland Ice Core Project (GRIP) ice core is dated by multi-parameter annual layer counting, and contains peaks in acidity, SO42− and microparticle concentrations at a depth of 429.1 to 429.3 m, which have not previously been definitively ascribed to a volcanic eruption. Here, we identify tephra particles and determine that volcanic shards extracted from a depth of 429.3 m in the GRIP ice core are likely due to the 79 AD Vesuvius eruption. The chemical composition of the tephra particles is consistent with the K-phonolitic composition of the Vesuvius juvenile ejecta and differs from the chemical composition of other major eruptions (≥ VEI 4) between 50–100 AD.
Hydrodynamic variability based on the multi-parametric POSEIDON Pylos observatory of the south Ionian Sea
Authors: Kassis D. , Nittis K. , Perivoliotis L.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The multi-platform POSEIDON-Pylos observatory of the south-east Ionian Sea operates since 2007 delivering near real time data for a variety of meteorological, water column and near seabed oceanographic parameters. It has been designed to contribute to long term monitoring of air–sea interaction and thermohaline processes of this key area of the Eastern Mediterranean where water masses of different origin interact and transform at various temporal and spatial scales. An inductive mooring line, with CTD instruments adjusted on, provides salinity, temperature and pressure real-time data down to 500 m depth. Recorded data, for the years 2008–2010, were extracted from the instruments internal logger providing more enhanced timeseries in terms of resolution and continuity. The reprocessed datasets are analyzed in combination with atmospheric, currents buoy measurements and CTD profiles obtained during maintenance visits on the site. The delayed mode analysis shows the hydrodynamic properties of the area and reveals the dynamic picture of the south Ionian upper thermocline as well as the variation of T & S in deeper layers. One can also observe seasonal atmospheric and circulation patterns, other synoptic and seasonal scale signals as well as important inter-annual variability such as a strong signal of Levantine Intermediate Waters (LIW) at intermediate depths during the spring of 2009.
Impact of physical properties and accumulation rate on pore close-off in layered firn
Authors: Gregory S. A. , Albert M. R. , Baker I.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Investigations into the physical characteristics of deep firn near the lock-in zone through pore close-off are needed to improve understanding of ice core records of past atmospheric concentrations. Specifically, the permeability and microstructure profiles of the firn through the diffusive column influence the entrapment of air into bubbles and thus the ice age-gas age difference. The purpose of this study is to examine the nature of pore closure processes at two polar sites with very different local temperatures and accumulation rates. Density, permeability, and microstructure measurements were made on firn cores from WAIS Divide in West Antarctica and Megadunes in East Antarctica. We found that the open pore structure plays a more important role than density in predicting gas transport properties, through the porous firn matrix. For both WAIS Divide and Megadunes, fine grained layers experience close-off shallower in the firn column than do coarse grained layers, regardless of which grain sized layer is the more dense layer at depth. Pore close-off occurs at an open porosity that is accumulation rate dependent. Low accumulation sites, with coarse grains, close-off at lower open porosities (< 10%) than the open porosity (> 10%) of high accumulation sites with finer grains. The depth and length of the lock-in zone is primarily dependent upon accumulation rate and microstructural variability due to differences in grain size and pore structure, rather than the density variability of the layers.
The sensitivity of flowline models of tidewater glaciers to parameter uncertainty
Authors: Enderlin E. M. , Howat I. M. , Vieli A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Depth-integrated (1-D) flowline models have been widely used to simulate fast-flowing tidewater glaciers and predict future change because their computational efficiency allows for continuous grounding line tracking, high horizontal resolution, and a physically-based calving criterion, which are all essential to realistic modeling of tidewater glaciers. As with all models, the values for parameters describing ice rheology and basal friction must be assumed and/or tuned based on observations. For prognostic studies, these parameters are typically tuned so that the glacier matches observed thickness and speeds at an initial state, to which a perturbation is applied. While it is well know that ice flow models are sensitive to these parameters, the sensitivity of tidewater glacier models has not been systematically investigated. Here we investigate the sensitivity of such flowline models of outlet glacier dynamics to uncertainty in three key parameters that influence a glacier's resistive stress components. We find that, within typical observational uncertainty, similar initial (i.e. steady-state) glacier configurations can be produced with substantially different combinations of parameter values, leading to differing transient responses after a perturbation is applied. In cases where the glacier is initially grounded near flotation across a basal overdeepening, as typically observed for rapidly changing glaciers, these differences can be dramatic owing to the threshold of stability imposed by the flotation criterion. The simulated transient response is particularly sensitive to the parameterization of ice rheology: differences in ice temperature of ∼ 2 °C can determine whether the glaciers thin to flotation and retreat unstably or remain grounded on a marine shoal. Due the highly non-linear dependence of tidewater glaciers on model parameters, we recommend that their predictions are accompanied by sensitivity tests that take parameter uncertainty into account.
Using NT-proBNP to Detect Chronic Heart Failure in Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Kaszuba Elzbieta , Wagner Bartlomiej , Odeberg Håkan , Halling Anders
Published: June 2013

Objective. To detect chronic heart failure in elderly patients with a registered diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated in Swedish primary health care using natriuretic peptide NT-proBNP. Design. A cross-sectional study. Setting. Two primary health care centres in southeastern Sweden each with about 9000 listed patients.
Subjects. Patients aged 65 years and older with a registered diagnosis of COPD. Main Outcome Measures. Percentage of patients with elevated NT-proBNP, percentage of patients with abnormal left ventricular function assessed by echocardiography, and association between elevated NT-proBNP and symptoms, signs, and electrocardiography. Results. Using NT-proBNP threshold of 1200 pg/mL, we could detect and confirm chronic heart failure in 5.6% of the study population with concurrent COPD. An elevated level of NT-proBNP was only associated with nocturia and abnormal electrocardiography. Conclusions. We found considerably fewer cases of heart failure in patients with COPD than could be expected from the results of previous studies. Our study shows the need for developing improved strategies to enhance the validity of a suspected heart failure diagnosis in patients with COPD.
Mniaecia jungermanniae and Puttea margaritella (lichenized Ascomycota) found in Poland
Authors: Czarnota Paweł , Hernik Emil
Published: June 2013

Two hepaticolous fungi, Mniaecia jungermanniae and Puttea margaritella rarely recorded in Europe have recently been found in Polish Western Carpathians. Both species are also reported here for the first time from Poland. Notes on their taxonomy, ecology and distribution are provided.
How do plant communities and flower visitors relate? A case study of semi-natural xerothermic grasslands
Authors: Chmura Damian , Adamski Paweł , Denisiuk Zygmunt
Published: June 2013

The paper examines the relationships between the species composition of flower visitors and plants in the semi-natural xerothermic grasslands in southern and central Poland. Thirty 10 × 10 m permanent plots were laid out in total, mainly in nature reserves. The vegetation units studied were classified according to the Braun-Blanquet system; these were phytocoenoses of the Festuco-Brometea classes Inuletum ensifoliae, Adonido-Brachypodietum pinnati and the transitional plant community. Entomological research was performed using the Pollard method within the same plots. A particular site was visited only once and different sites were studied between April and August 2008. We applied, among others, co-correspondence-analysis Co-CA, detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and redundancy analysis (RDA) to investigate the co-occurrence patterns of plants and flower visitors and their biotopic requirements. We found that the species composition of flower visitors cannot be predicted by floristic composition when the duration of the study is restricted to one day (but under similar weather conditions); however, there is a positive relationship between the species richness of insects and plants and a positive relationship between the number of plant species and the abundance of flower visitors. The Ellenberg moisture index and the cover of meadow species significantly explained the species composition of insects. The three various vegetation units and five dominant xerothermic species, i.e. Adonis vernalis, Anemone sylvestris, Inula ensifolia, Linum hirsutum and Carlina onopordifolia that were studied across time differed in the species richness of insects. Our results demonstrate that possible patterns in the species composition and the assembly rules of flower visitors are not apparent when the Pollard method is applied. Based on the data obtained using this method, the flower visiting assemblages seem not to be driven by competition and they primarily show a tendency to co-occur which can be an artifact. A plant-focused method that included a rarefaction analysis yielded more insightful results and shed more light on the differences between the dominant plants that shape the physiognomy of plant communities in a possible pollination specialization.
In arto et inglorius labor: Tacitus’s Anti-history
Authors: CLARKE KATHERINE
Published: June 2013

In his Todd Memorial Lecture given in Sydney in 1997, Fergus Millar not only questioned the value of Tacitus as a source for the Principate, but also professed difficulty in discerning ‘what the purpose and subject of Tacitus's Annales really is’. This chapter responds to some of the issues raised by Millar both in his undergraduate lectures on Tacitus and in his Todd paper. It argues that one of Tacitus's preoccupations, particularly in the Annales, is a profound concern with the task in hand, a self-referential preoccupation not so much with the history of the Principate as an explicit theme, though that is undeniably one of Tacitus's self-imposed tasks, as with the writing of the history itself, the task of the imperial historian, and the possibilities for and limitations on historiography at this period.
Estimação da idade gestacional por ultrassonografia no primeiro terço da gestação em cabras Saanen
Authors: Almeida Torres Camilo , Flores Salles Maria Gorete , Campos Salles Rodrigues Inti , Alencar de Araújo Airton
Published: June 2013

Este trabalho objetivou estimar a idade gestacional com base nas mensurações da vesícula embrionária e do saco gestacional no primeiro terço da gestação em cabras Saanen. Para tal, 26 cabras, sendo 16 pluríparas e 10 nulíparas, foram selecionadas e submetidas ao efeito macho durante 1 hora por dia para indução e sincronização do estro. Após a detecção do estro, as cabras foram submetidas à monta natural. A partir do 20º dia pós-cobertura, foram realizadas ultrassonografias a cada cinco dias de intervalo até o 50º dia (20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50 dias), utilizando uma sonda linear de 5 MHz para mensurar os diâmetros da vesícula embrionária e do saco gestacional. Não houve diferença significativa entre nulíparas e pluríparas para as vesículasembrionárias e os sacos gestacionais (p > 0,05) ao longo do período gestacional avaliado. A regressão linear mostrou uma alta associação entre essas medidas e a idade gestacional, mostrando ser um método útil para estimar a idade da gestação em cabras Saanen.
Avaliação da ocorrência de formas parasitárias no solo de praças públicas do município de Esteio (RS)
Authors: Leal Ribeiro Karina , Dornelles de Freitas Tatiana , Caetano Teixeira Mariana , Pacheco de Araújo Flávio Antônio , Lopes Ferreira Mardini Lucia Beatriz
Published: June 2013

As praças e parques públicos contaminados com fezes de cães e gatos constituem uma importante via de transmissão de zoonoses parasitárias. O aumento do número de cães domiciliados, peridomiciliados e errantes, e o crescente acesso destes a locais públicos têm contribuído para a elevação da contaminação ambiental e de infecções zoonóticas, especialmente em crianças. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de formas parasitárias no solo de praças públicas no município de Esteio (RS). Para isto, foram selecionadas seis praças, onde foram realizados cinco pontos de coleta, totalizando 30 amostras. Os métodos utilizados foram: Técnica de Willis-Mollay, Técnica de Faust e cols., Técnica de Sheather e sedimentação espontânea. A análise do material processado evidenciou que das 30 amostras coletadas: 17 (56,6%) foram positivas – das quais, 15 (88,2%) apresentaram ovos de Ancylostoma sp.; nove (52,9%) apresentaram ovos de Toxocara sp.; três (17,6%), oocistos de Isospora sp.; e uma (5,8%), ovos de Taenia sp. Concluiu-se que o solo das caixas de areia das praças do município de Esteio (RS) está contaminado por formas parasitárias que podem causar doença em seres humanos.
Desenvolvimento de uma PCR em tempo real para diagnóstico de Mycobacterium avium subespécie paratuberculosis
Authors: Lázaro Sales Mariana , Bravo Sales Érica , Alencar Padilha Andréa , Vianello Pereira Omara Tereza , Fonseca Junior Antônio Augusto
Published: June 2013

A paratuberculose, ou Doença de Johne, é uma doença crônica degenerativa que incide nos ruminantes domésticos. O agente etiológico Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) é um bacilo de crescimento lento pertencente ao complexo Mycobacterium avium (MAI). Nos EUA, a enfermidade acarreta grandes prejuízos econômicos. No Brasil, são poucos os relatos de casos da doença e não se conhece a real situação epidemiológica da paratuberculose bovina. O objetivo desse trabalho foi padronizar um teste de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) em tempo real para auxiliar na confirmação de casos da enfermidade.A técnica foi testada com DNA de diversas espécies do gênero Mycobacterium e avaliada quanto à sensibilidade e eficiência. Uma vez atestada sua confiabilidade, a metodologia foi aplicada para confirmar um caso suspeito de paratuberculose bovina. Foi enviada para análise no Laboratório Nacional Agropecuário/MG (Lanagro/MG) amostra de linfonodo mesentérico e alça intestinal de um bovino da raça holandesa com suspeita de paratuberculose. A amostra foi processada e inoculada para crescimento em meio Herrold’s com micobactina. A combinação entre a técnica do isolamento bacteriano em meio apropriado juntamente com a PCR em tempo real foi capaz de diagnosticar a presença da micobactéria no animal. Esse foi o primeiro caso de paratuberculose confirmado em um laboratório oficial do Ministério da Agricultura.
Uma leitura sobre a percepção de autores em relação aos conceitos de estratégia
Authors: De Oliveira Edi Carlos , Tatto Luiz
Published: June 2013

O campo da Estratégia tem sido amplamente estudado desde a década de 1960 e, embora muito já se tenha avançado, ainda há espaço para novas contribuições, pois a estratégia é fundamental na sobrevivência das orga- nizações. 0 que muitos não admitem é que o conceito de estratégia, sua finalidade e entendimento nem sempre estão claros, pois “estratégia”  é uma daquelas palavras  que todos pensam saber o que significa, mas quando  têm de explicar, não é tarefa das mais fáceis. Para entendê-la, nada melhor do que fazer uma incursão histórica  e visitar as ideias de quem dedicou tempo e esforço no entendimento do tema. O presente ensaio foi delineado com o propósito de evidenciar o posicionamento dos autores mais relevantes que compõem o mainstream da área de Estratégia e, a partir dessa percepção, foram relacionadas as convergências e divergências acerca das definições. Desse modo, para que a compilação de dados fosse realizada, utilizaram-se artigos científicos e cons- truções teóricas alicerçadas em livros seminais da área de Estratégia. Posteriormente às fases de coleta, análise e interpretação dos dados, selecionaram-se aqueles autores que melhor transparecem os conceitos mais utilizados e que apresentam o escopo do tema em questão. A partir das evidências destacadas, buscou-se apresentar um posicionamento não único e conclusivo sobre a percepção de autores em relação aos conceitos de estratégia, às críticas e às diferenças da sua natureza prescritiva ou descritiva, a fim de possibilitar ao leitor a sistematização das interpretações e a formação de um panorama geral sobre o  tema.
Spatiotemporal Control of Gene Expression in Mammalian Cells and in Mice Using the LightOn System
Authors: Chen Xianjun , Wang Xue , Du Zengmin , Ma Zhengcai , Yang Yi
Published: June 2013

A light‐switchable transgene system could be a powerful optogenetic tool for the precise manipulation of spatiotemporal gene expression in multicellular organisms. We have developed the LightOn system, which consists of a single chimeric protein (GAVPO) that can homodimerize and bind to promoters upon exposure to blue light, activating transcription of a target gene. This article describes protocols for precise control of gene expression in mammalian cells and mice using the LightOn system. These protocols can be carried out in an ordinary laboratory, as both liposome‐mediated transfection and hydrodynamic tail vein injection are routine methods that can easily transfer the LightOn system to mammalian cells and mouse liver, respectively. The illumination equipment can also be easily obtained. The LightOn system can provide a robust, convenient means to control the expression of a gene of interest, with unprecedented temporal and spatial accuracy in manipulating an extremely broad range of biological processes. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 5:111‐129 © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Smart Hyperthermia Nanofiber with Switchable Drug Release for Inducing Cancer Apoptosis
Authors: Kim Young‐Jin , Ebara Mitsuhiro , Aoyagi Takao
Published: June 2013

A smart hyperthermia nanofiber is described with simultaneous heat generation and drug release in response to ‘on‐off’ switching of alternating magnetic field (AMF) for induction of skin cancer apoptosis. The nanofiber is composed of a chemically‐crosslinkable temperature‐responsive polymer with an anticancer drug (doxorubicin; DOX) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), which serve as a trigger of drug release and a source of heat, respectively. By chemical crosslinking, the nanofiber mesh shows switchable changes in the swelling ratio in response to alternating ‘on‐off’ switches of AMF because the self‐generated heat from the incorporated MNPs induces the deswelling of polymer networks in the nanofiber. Correspondingly, the ‘on‐off’ release of DOX from the nanofibers is observed in response to AMF. The 70% of human melanoma cells died in only 5 min application of AMF in the presence of the MNPs and DOX incorporated nanofibers by double effects of heat and drug. Taken together these advantages on both the nano‐ and macroscopic scale of nanofibers demonstrate that the dynamically and reversibly tunable structures have the potential to be utilized as a manipulative hyperthermia material as well as a switchable drug release platform by simple switching an AMF ‘on’ and ‘off’.
Superhydrophobic Carbon Nanotube Electrode Produces a Near‐Symmetrical Alternating Current from Photosynthetic Protein‐Based Photoelectrochemical Cells
Authors: Tan Swee Ching , Yan Feng , Crouch Lucy I. , Robertson John , Jones Michael R. , Welland Mark E.
Published: June 2013

The construction of protein‐based photoelectrochemical cells that produce a variety of alternating currents in response to discontinuous illumination is reported. The photovoltaic component is a protein complex from the purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides which catalyses photochemical charge separation with a high quantum yield. Photoelectrochemical cells formed from this protein, a mobile redox mediator and a counter electrode formed from cobalt disilicide, titanium nitride, platinum, or multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) generate a direct current during continuous illumination and an alternating current with different characteristics during discontinuous illumination. In particular, the use of superhydrophobic MWCNT as the back electrode results in a near symmetrical forward and reverse current upon light on and light off, respectively. The symmetry of the AC output of these cells is correlated with the wettability of the counter electrode. Potential applications of a hybrid biological/synthetic solar cell capable of generating an approximately symmetrical alternating current are discussed.
A kinetic model of the hydrogen assisted selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia over Ag/Al2O3
Authors: Tamm Stefanie , Olsson Louise , Fogel Sebastian , Gabrielsson Pär , Skoglundh Magnus
Published: June 2013

A global kinetic model which describes H2‐assisted NH3‐SCR over an Ag/Al2O3 monolith catalyst has been developed. The intention is that the model can be applied for dosing NH3 and H2 to an Ag/Al2O3 catalyst in a real automotive application as well as contribute to an increased understanding of the reaction mechanism for NH3‐SCR. Therefore, the model needs to be simple and accurately predict the conversion of NOx. The reduction of NO is described by a global reaction, with a molar stoichiometry between NO, NH3 and H2 of 1:1:2. Further reactions included in the model are the oxidation of NH3 to N2 and NO, oxidation of H2, and the adsorption and desorption of NH3. The model was fitted to the results of an NH3‐TPD experiment, an NH3 oxidation experiment, and a series of H2‐assisted NH3‐SCR steady‐state experiments. The model predicts the conversion of NOx well even during transient experiments. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4325–4333, 2013
Modification of Theoretical models to predict mechanical behavior of PVC/NBR/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Esmizadeh E. , Naderi G. , Ghoreishy Mir Hamid Reza
Published: June 2013

Organo‐modified nanoclay (Cloisite 30B) was added via direct melt mixing to the acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC/NBR) to fabricate polymer blend/clay nanocomposites. The states of nano‐fillers dispersion were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). From the morphological study of nanocomposites, it is concluded that exfoliated morphology is obtainable by introduction of 2.5 vol % of nanoclay. The effect of nano‐filler volume content on the mechanical properties of PVC/NBR matrix reinforced by Cloisite 30B was investigated by tensile test. Experimental results show that the Young's modulus and tensile strength of composites can significantly improved with a small amount of nanofiller. Moreover, to investigate the stress–strain behavior of NBR/PVC nanocomposites, seven constitutive models such as Arruda–Boyce, Mooney–Rivilen, Marlow, second order of polynomial, Van der Waals, and third order Odgen were studied and compared with experimental data. Results showed that Malow and second order polynomial model can be used for nanoclay‐filled compound whereas the other models show more deviation from experimental data. Three micromechanical models named liner rule of mixtures (LROM) and the inverse rule of mixtures (IROM). Halpin–Tsai theory was applied to evaluate the dependence of Young modulus of nanocomposites on volume fraction of nanofiller. Two modifying factors were proposed to evaluate the Young's modulus of nanocomposites which could greatly improve the theoretical prediction obtained from inverse rule of mixtures (IROM) and Halpin–Tsai equation. The modifying factors were introduced by adopting an exponential, power‐law and linear factors in the equation. In order to verify the suitability of the modified models, the ensuing theoretical predictions are compared to the other experimental data available in the literature. Good predictability of the modified models is demonstrated in the results. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3229–3239, 2013