bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas-Phase Pyrolytic Reaction of 4-Aryl-3-buten-2-ols and Allyl Benzyl Ethers: Kinetic and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Al-Etaibi Alya M. , Al-Awadi Nouria A. , Ibrahim Maher R. , Ibrahim Yehia A.
Published: January 2010

Flash vacuum pyrolysis (FVP) of 4-aryl-3-buten-2-ols [ArCH=CH-CH(CH3)OH, where Ar is phenyl, p-MeO, p-Me, p-Cl, p-NO2] gave the corresponding buta-1,3-dien-1-ylbenzene (ArCH=CH-CH=CH2, where Ar is Ph, p-MeO, p-Me, p-Cl, p-NO2) and 7-X-1,2-dihydronaphthalene derivatives (where X is H, MeO); FVP of 1-aryl-3-benzyloxy1-1-butenes and benzyl cinnamyl ethers [ArCH=CHCH(X)OCH2Ph, where Ar is phenyl, p-MeO, p-Me, p-Cl, X is H, Me, Ph] gave the corresponding but-2-en-1-ylbenzene derivatives (ArCH2CH=CH-X, where X is H, Me, Ph) together with benzaldehyde. The proposed mechanism of these pyrolytic transformations was supported by kinetic and product analysis.
Condensed Tannins from Mangrove Species Kandelia candel and Rhizophora mangle and Their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Zhang Liang-Liang , Lin Yi-Ming , Zhou Hai-Chao , Wei Shu-Dong , Chen Jia-Hong
Published: January 2010

The structures of condensed tannins isolated from two mangrove species, Kandelia candel and Rhizophora mangle, were characterized by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analyses. Results demonstrate that large heterogeneity occurs in degree of polymerization, pattern of hydroxylation, and substitution with monosaccharides in the structures of the condensed tannins. Condensed tannin oligomers from K. candel and R. mangle were shown to be heterogeneous mixtures consisting of procyanidin and prodelphinidin structural units with the former dominating. The MALDI-TOF mass spectra contained masses corresponding to a distinct oligomeric series of glycosylated heteropolyﬂavan units. In addition, condensed tannins from two mangrove plants were screened for their potential antioxidant activities using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) model systems.
In Vitro and in Vivo Effects of Three Different Mitragyna speciosa Korth Leaf Extracts on Phase II Drug Metabolizing Enzymes—Glutathione Transferases (GSTs)
Authors: Azizi Juzaili , Ismail Sabariah , Mordi Mohd Nizam , Ramanathan Surash , Said Mohd Ikram Mohd , Mansor Sharif Mahsufi
Published: January 2010

In the present study, we investigate the effects of three different Mitragyna speciosa extracts, namely methanolic, aqueous and total alkaloid extracts, on glutathione transferase-specific activity in male Sprague Dawley rat liver cytosol in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro study, the effect of Mitragyna speciosa extracts (0.01 to 750 µg/mL) against the specific activity of glutathione transferases was examined in rat liver cytosolic fraction from untreated rats. Our data show concentration dependent inhibition of cytosolic GSTs when Mitragyna speciosa extract was added into the reaction mixture. At the highest concentration used, the methanolic extract showed the highest GSTs specific activity inhibition (61%), followed by aqueous (50%) and total alkaloid extract (43%), respectively. In in vivo study, three different dosages; 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for methanolic and aqueous extracts and 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg for total alkaloid extract were given orally for 14 days. An increase in GST specific activity was generally observed. However, only Mitragyna speciosa aqueous extract with a dosage of 100 mg/kg showed significant results: 129% compared to control.
Vitamin B6: A Molecule for Human Health?
Authors: Hellmann Hanjo , Mooney Sutton
Published: January 2010

Vitamin B6 is an intriguing molecule that is involved in a wide range of metabolic, physiological and developmental processes. Based on its water solubility and high reactivity when phosphorylated, it is a suitable co-factor for many biochemical processes. Furthermore the vitamin is a potent antioxidant, rivaling carotenoids or tocopherols in its ability to quench reactive oxygen species. It is therefore not surprising that the vitamin is essential and unquestionably important for the cellular metabolism and well-being of all living organisms. The review briefly summarizes the biosynthetic pathways of vitamin B6 in pro- and eukaryotes and its diverse roles in enzymatic reactions. Finally, because in recent years the vitamin has often been considered beneficial for human health, the review will also sum up and critically reflect on current knowledge how human health can profit from vitamin B6.
Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors as Antidepressants
Authors: Wegener Gregers , Volke Vallo
Published: January 2010

Affective and anxiety disorders are widely distributed disorders with severe social and economic effects. Evidence is emphatic that effective treatment helps to restore function and quality of life. Due to the action of most modern antidepressant drugs, serotonergic mechanisms have traditionally been suggested to play major roles in the pathophysiology of mood and stress-related disorders. However, a few clinical and several pre-clinical studies, strongly suggest involvement of the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway in these disorders. Moreover, several of the conventional neurotransmitters, including serotonin, glutamate and GABA, are intimately regulated by NO, and distinct classes of antidepressants have been found to modulate the hippocampal NO level in vivo. The NO system is therefore a potential target for antidepressant and anxiolytic drug action in acute therapy as well as in prophylaxis. This paper reviews the effect of drugs modulating NO synthesis in anxiety and depression.
Analysis of a Least-Squares Soil Moisture Retrieval Algorithm from L-band Passive Observations
Authors: Piles María , Vall-llossera Mercè , Camps Adriano , Talone Marco , Monerris Alessandra
Published: January 2010

The Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission of the European Space Agency (ESA), launched on November 2009, is an unprecedented initiative to globally monitor surface soil moisture using a novel 2-D L-band interferometric radiometer concept. Airborne campaigns and ground-based field experiments have proven that radiometers operating at L-band are highly sensitive to soil moisture, due to the large contrast between the dielectric constant of soil minerals and water. Still, soil moisture inversion from passive microwave observations is complex, since the microwave emission from soils depends strongly on its moisture content but also on other surface characteristics such as soil type, soil roughness, surface temperature and vegetation cover, and their contributions must be carefully de-coupled in the retrieval process. In the present study, different soil moisture retrieval configurations are examined, depending on whether prior information is used in the inversion process or not. Retrievals are formulated in terms of vertical (Tvv) and horizontal (Thh) polarizations separately and using the first Stokes parameter (TI ), over six main surface conditions combining dry, moist and wet soils with bare and vegetation-covered surfaces. A sensitivity analysis illustrates the influence that the geophysical variables dominating the Earth’s emission at L-band have on the precision of the retrievals, for each configuration. It shows that, if adequate constraints on the ancillary data are added, the algorithm should converge to more accurate estimations. SMOS-like brightness temperatures are also generated by the SMOS End-to-end Performance Simulator (SEPS) to assess the retrieval errors produced by the different cost function configurations. Better soil moisture retrievals are obtained when the inversion is constrained with prior information, in line with the sensitivity study, and more robust estimates are obtained using TI than using Tvv and Thh. This paper analyzes key issues to devise an optimal soil moisture inversion algorithm for SMOS and results can be readily transferred to the upcoming SMOS data to produce the much needed global maps of the Earth’s surface soil moisture.
Combining Satellite Remote Sensing Data with the FAO-56 Dual Approach for Water Use Mapping In Irrigated Wheat Fields of a Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Er-Raki Salah , Chehbouni Abdelghani , Duchemin Benoit
Published: January 2010

The aim of this study was to combine the FAO-56 dual approach and remotely-sensed data for mapping water use (ETc) in irrigated wheat crops of a semi-arid region. The method is based on the relationships established between Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and crop biophysical variables such as basal crop coefficient, cover fraction and soil evaporation. A time series of high spatial resolution SPOT and Landsat images acquired during the 2002/2003 agricultural season has been used to generate the profiles of NDVI in each pixel that have been related to crop biophysical parameters which were used in conjunction with FAO-56 dual source approach. The obtained results showed that the spatial distribution of seasonal ETc varied between 200 and 450 mm depending to sowing date and the development of the vegetation. The validation of spatial results showed that the ETc estimated by FAO-56 corresponded well with actual ET measured by eddy covariance system over test sites of wheat, especially when soil evaporation and plant water stress are not encountered.
The Non-linear Relationship between Muscle Voluntary Activation Level and Voluntary Force Measured by the Interpolated Twitch Technique
Authors: Huang Yi-Ming , Hsu Miao-Ju , Lin Cheng-Hsiang , Wei Shun-Hwa , Chang Ya-Ju
Published: January 2010

Interpolated twitch technique (ITT) is a non-invasive method for assessing the completeness of muscle activation in clinical settings. Voluntary activation level (VA), measured by ITT and estimated by a conventional linear model, was reported to have a non-linear relationship with true voluntary contraction force at higher activation levels. The relationship needs to be further clarified for the correct use by clinicians and researchers. This study was to established a modified voluntary activation (modified VA) and define a valid range by fitting a non-linear logistic growth model. Eight healthy male adults participated in this study. Each subject performed three sets of voluntary isometric ankle plantar flexions at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) with real-time feedback on a computer screen. A supramaximal electrical stimulation was applied on tibia nerve at rest and during contractions. The estimated VA was calculated for each contraction. The relationship between the estimated VA and the actual voluntary contraction force was fitted by a logistic growth model. The result showed that according to the upper and lower limit points of the logistic curve, the valid range was between the 95.16% and 10.55% MVC. The modified VA estimated by this logistic growth model demonstrated less error than the conventional model. This study provided a transfer function for the voluntary activation level and defined the valid range which would provide useful information in clinical applications.
Effective Route Maintenance and Restoration Schemes in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Kang Byung-Seok , Ko In-Young
Published: January 2010

This study proposes a location-based hybrid routing protocol to improve data packet delivery and to reduce control message overhead in mobile ad hoc networks. In mobile environments, where nodes move continuously at a high speed, it is generally difficult to maintain and restore route paths. Therefore, this study suggests a new flooding mechanism to control route paths. The essence of the proposed scheme is its effective tracking of the destination’s location based on the beacon messages of the main route nodes. Through experiments based on an NS-2 simulator, the proposed scheme shows improvements in the data packet delivery ratio and reduces the amount of routing control message overhead compared with existing routing protocols such as AODV, LAR, ZRP and AODV-DFR.
Sustainable Sanitation—A Cost-Effective Tool to Improve Plant Yields and the Environment
Authors: Heinonen-Tanski Helvi , Pradhan Surendra  K. , Karinen Päivi
Published: January 2010

Human urine and faeces are products formed every day in every human society. The volume and fertilisation value of urine is higher than that of faeces. This paper reviews data that urine has been used successfully as a fertiliser for cereals and some vegetables. According to the literature, urine fertilised plants may have produced higher, similar or slightly lower yields than mineral fertilized plants but they invariably resulted in higher yields than non-fertilised plants. There have been no microbiological risks associated with any products. The taste and chemical quality of the products are similar to plants treated with mineral fertilisers. Separating toilets, where urine and faeces are separated already in the toilet, could be beneficial not only in poor but also in the industrialized countries. A separating toilet could be installed also in old buildings and it could allow individuals to live in coastal areas, mountainous or other sensitive environments. In poor areas, urine fertilisation could increase food production also in home plots and reduce hunger. It could also combat water contamination and help to reduce diseases caused by enteric micro-organisms. If urine were to be viewed as a resource rather than a waste product, more families could be encouraged to install low-cost toilets which would especially improve the wellbeing of women.
Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9) and Myeloperoxidase: Co-Regulators of Formation of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Bøyum Arne , Skrede Knut Kristian , Myhre Oddvar , Tennfjord Vivi-Ann , Neurauter Christine Gran , Tolleshaug Helge , Knudsen Eirunn , Opstad Per Kristian , Bjørås Magnar , Benestad Haakon B.
Published: January 2010

Inflammatory mediators trigger polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS: O2-, H2O2, ∙OH). Mediated by myeloperoxidase in PMN, HOCl is formed, detectable in a chemiluminescence (CL) assay. We have shown that the abundant cytosolic PMN protein calprotectin (S100A8/A9) similarly elicits CL in response to H2O2 in a cell-free system. Myeloperoxidase and calprotectin worked synergistically. Calprotectin-induced CL increased, whereas myeloperoxidase-triggered CL decreased with pH > 7.5. Myeloperoxidase needed NaCl for CL, calprotectin did not. 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, binding ∙OH, almost abrogated calprotectin CL, but moderately increased myeloperoxidase activity. The combination of native calprotectin, or recombinant S100A8/A9 proteins, with NaOCl markedly enhanced CL. NaOCl may be the synergistic link between myeloperoxidase and calprotectin. Surprisingly- and unexplained- at higher concentration of S100A9 the stimulation vanished, suggesting a switch from pro-oxidant to anti-oxidant function. We propose that the ∙OH is predominant in ROS production by calprotectin, a function not described before.
Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factors (CNFs)−A Growing Toxin Family
Authors: Knust Zeynep , Schmidt Gudula
Published: January 2010

The Escherichia coli Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factors, CNF1, CNF2, CNF3 and CNFY from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis belong to a family of deamidating toxins. CNFs deamidate glutamine 63/61 in the switch II region of Rho GTPases that is essential for GTP hydrolysing activity. Deamidation leads to constitutive activation of Rho GTPases. However, cellular mechanisms like proteasomal degradation of the activated Rho proteins restrict the action of the GTPases. This review describes the differences between the toxin family members concerning expression, cellular entry and substrate specificity.
Curcumin―The Paradigm of a Multi-Target Natural Compound with Applications in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Teiten Marie-Hélène , Eifes Serge , Dicato Mario , Diederich Marc
Published: January 2010

As cancer is a multifactor disease, it may require treatment with compounds able to target multiple intracellular components. We summarize here how curcumin is able to modulate many components of intracellular signaling pathways implicated in inflammation, cell proliferation and invasion and to induce genetic modulations eventually leading to tumor cell death. Clinical applications of this natural compound were initially limited by its low solubility and bioavailability in both plasma and tissues but combination with adjuvant and delivery vehicles was reported to largely improve bio-availability of curcumin. Moreover, curcumin was reported to act in synergism with several natural compounds or synthetic agents commonly used in chemotherapy. Based on this, curcumin could thus be considered as a good candidate for cancer prevention and treatment when used alone or in combination with other conventional treatments.
INVESTIGATION OF OPTIMAL INTEGRATED CIRCUIT RASTER IMAGE VECTORIZATION METHOD
Authors: Jasevičius Leonas , Masalskis Giedrius
Published: January 2010

Visual analysis of integrated circuit layer requires raster image vectorization stage to extract layer topology data to CAD tools. In this paper vectorization problems of raster IC layer images are presented. Various line extraction from raster images algorithms and their properties are discussed. Optimal raster image vectorization method was developed which allows utilization of common vectorization algorithms to achieve the best possible extracted vector data match with perfect manual vectorization results. To develop the optimal method, vectorized data quality dependence on initial raster image skeleton filter selection was assessed.
SURVEY OF SKELETONIZATION METHODS
Authors: Rokicki Jarek
Published: January 2010

In this article we present a brief survey on skeletons. The skeleton types are reviewed and definitions given for each of them. The desirable skeleton properties are named: centred, thin, robust, connected, indexed, smooth, reliable and reconstructable. Also different methods groups of skeleton extraction are discussed based on: topological thinning, distance transform, geometrical, path planning, general field and propagating waves. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed for each of them.
INVESTIGATION OF NOISE IN ELECTRONIC ULTRASONIC SYSTEMS
Authors: Adomavičius Paulius
Published: January 2010

Noise models in ultrasonic control system have been investigated. Ultrasonic system channel consist of exciting generator, ultrasonic transducer, amplitude limiter, amplifier, low band filter and A/D converter. The ultrasonic transducers have been described as Von Hippel model, Van Dyke model or improved Van Dyke model. Advantages and disadvantages of these models are discussed in this paper. Noise models of amplitude limiter and linear operational amplifier are presented. The summary results of calculated noise spectral density of ultrasonic system channel have been presented.
DIGITAL PROCESSING OF INVESTIGATED DAC’S SIGNALS
Authors: Ustinavičius Tomas
Published: January 2010

The article shows that in designed algorithm for determination of digital signal processing and settling time of DAC the greatest influence on the test has 1/f type internal noise of the sampling converter. It is offered to filter the preliminary digital signal and to construct pseudo-periodic sequence from n realization periods of examined signals and internal noise. It is shown, that standard digital filters because of very high the demands are not suitable. The structure of digital comb filter is proposed. Investigations have shown that the given filter can effectively be used for filtering of various signals.
PLL DESIGN AND INVESTIGATION IN CMOS
Authors: Charlamov Jevgenij
Published: January 2010

In the article the architecture of a charge pump phase locked loop is shown. The influence on overall system performance of its functional blocks is discussed. Voltage controlled oscillator phase noise analysis is done and the relationship between a charge pump phase locked loop and voltage controlled oscillator phase noises are determined. The requirements and results of the accomplished design are discussed. Area of chip PLL – 150×250 μm2, power consumption – 10 mW and phase noise is –125 dBc/Hz with 1 MHz deviation from central 670 MHz frequency.
INVESTIGATION OF IMPACT OF THE GATE CIRCUITRY ON IGBT TRANSISTOR DYNAMIC PARAMETERS
Authors: Bleizgys Vytautas , Platakis Andrius
Published: January 2010

The impact of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor driver circuit parameters on the rise and fall time of the collector current and voltage collector-emitter was investigated. The influence of transistor driver circuit parameters on heating of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors was investigated as well.
INVESTIGATION OF THREE-POLE OSCILLATION CIRCUIT
Authors: Kutka Narimantas , Goceikis Saulius
Published: January 2010

New approach of three-pole electromagnetic wave systems and three-pole resonance is reviewed and new effects are described. With special construction three-pole oscillation circuit are formed superpositional new type electromagnetic wave with new properties. The aim is to that multi-pole oscillation circuit can enter into resonance which my not match any two-pole resonance frequency and thereby shape the new three-pole electromagnetic wave frequency range, i.e. could potentially extend the range of radio waves. The article describes the basics of three-pole mathematics, application aspects, and, using this math, three-pole calculation methodology.
SIMULATION AND EMULIATION IN NCTUNS
Authors: Vindašius Antanas
Published: January 2010

The features of NCTUns simulation environment are presented along with developed models, showing the advantages of this simulation tool. NCTUns gives the ability to reuse kernel TCP/IP stack and therefore to simplify and speedup the simulations, also to make use of any UNIX commands or programs. Presented wireless multihop transmission model for delay and jitter investigation, also wireless multihop video transmission model. Model, employing emulation, enables to evaluate the impact of simulated network not only on flow characteristics, but also on live application reception.
MODEL OF TWO-MASS ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM
Authors: Juraitis Sigitas
Published: January 2010

The computer model of electromechanical system with elasticity and clearance is elaborated. Model of induction motor is developed in stationary reference frame. Results of simulation are presented and discussed. Conclusions about influence of finite stiffness and clearance on the system dynamics are made.
RESEARCH AND IMPROVEMENT OF PRECISE ANGLE CONTROL SYSTEM
Authors: Šakalinis Sigitas
Published: January 2010

The main task was investigation and precision improve­ment for a positioning drive, installed in a test rig for testing and calibration of the geodetic instruments at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Institute of Geodesy. Replacement of a stepper motor and a microstepping controller design increased positioning accuracy to 0.1''. Vibrations and noise of the test rig were significantly decreased using an optimized control algorithm, where resonating step frequencies were bypassed. The time of scale rotation between measurements (every 30°) achieved less than 1.5 min. Methods of the further precision improvement were selected, and this research is in progress now.
THE RESEARCH RESULTS OF THE LINEAR ELECTROMAGNETIC MOTOR MATHEMATICAL MODEL
Authors: Molis Marijanas
Published: January 2010

Development of the mathematical model of the linear electromagnetic motor and the dependencies of the inductance and traction force on the secondary element position expressed by mathematical equations, are presented in this research article. The dependency of the inductance on the secondary element position was obtained, approximating the inductance change diagram obtained experimentally. Also, using the theory of electromechanical energy transformation, mathematical expressions of the dependency of the traction force on the secondary element position were obtained. Mathematical model of the linear electromagnetic motor is composed of the system of differential equations. The Runge – Kutta calculation method was used to solve these equations. The transitional processes of the current, speed and secondary element position obtained with the solution of the system of differential equations at different supply voltage also the transitional processes of the dynamic traction force obtained at 24 V supply voltage of the motor. All obtained results of the dependencies and transitional processes of the mathematical model are presented in the graphic form. In accordance with the obtained results of the mathematical model the conclusions were formulated, specifying electromagnetic properties of the linear electromagnetic motor.
INVESTIGATION OF CALCULATION TECHNIQUES OF FINITE DIFFERENCE METHOD
Authors: Krukonis Audrius
Published: January 2010

Finite difference method used for microstrip transmission line analysis is considered in this article. Paper mainly deals with iterative and bound matrix calculation techniques of finite difference method. Mathematical model for microstrip transmission line electrical potential calculations using both techniques is described. Results of characteristic impedance calculation using iterative and bound matrix techniques are presented and analyzed.
GYROTROPIC WAVEGUIDES ANALYSIS
Authors: Plonis Darius
Published: January 2010

An algorithm and program in MATLAB® for the dispersions characteristics calculation in wide frequency range 15–100 GHz was created. We calculated and analyzed in ferrite and semiconductor waveguides, then they are longitudinally magnetized, also we analyzed main mode HE11 and higher modes EH11 and HE12 dispersion characteristics. We analyzed semiconductor p-Ge, p-GaAs waveguides and compared gyromagnetic and gyroelectric waveguides bandwidth with dielectrical layer. We decided that outer dielectrical layer changed waveguide working frequency range. We draw conclusion that it can be used for made microwave devices for example phase shifters or other devices.
ReMashed - An Usability Study of a Recommender System for Mash-Ups for Learning
Authors: Drachsler Hendrik , Rutledge L. , Van Rosmalen P. , Hummel H. , Pecceu D. , Arts T. , Hutten E. , Koper Rob
Published: January 2010

The following article presents an usability study of a Mash-up Personal Learning Environment called ReMashed that recommends items from the emerging information of a Learning Network. In ReMashed users can specify certain Web 2.0 services and combine them in a Mash-Up Personal Learning Environment. The users can rate information from an emerging amount of Web 2.0 information of a Learning Network and train a recommender system for their particular needs. In total 49 participants from 8 different countries registered to evaluate the ReMashed system. The participants contributed Web 2.0 contents and used the recommender system for one month. The evaluation was concluded with an online questionnaire where most of the participants were positive about the ReMashed system and offered helpful ideas for future developments.
An Architecture to Support Learning, Awareness, and Transparency in Social Software Engineering
Authors: Reinhardt Wolfgang , Rinne Sascha
Published: January 2010

Classical tools for supporting software engineering teams (collaborative development environment, CDE) are designed to support one team during the development of a product. Often the required data sources or experts reside outside of the internal project team and thus not provided by these CDEs. This paper describes an approach for a community-embedded CDE (CCDE), which is capable of handling multiple projects of several organizations, providing inter-project knowledge sharing and developer awareness. The presented approach uses the mashup pattern to integrate multiple data sources in order to provide software teams with an exactingly development environment.
Collaborative Development of a PLE for Language Learning
Authors: Renzel D. , Höbelt C. , Dahrendorf D. , Friedrich M. , Mödritscher F. , Verbert K. , Govaerts S. , Palmér M. , Bogdanov E.
Published: January 2010

This paper provides a report on the experimental collaborative and distributed development of a prototypic Widget-based PLE. The development process is described and detailed taking into account the requirements of a language learning scenario. First results are presented, and developer experiences are discussed critically with a focus on the development process as well as problems with current Widget technologies and interoperability
The Use of a Fluorescent Material for Marking and Detecting Insects
Authors: Musgrave A. J.
Published: January 2010

In the course of some studies on chemical control of pests of legume crops it has become desirable to mark honey bees at the hive and, if possible, at the flower. Considerable success has been achieved by the use of the compound fluorescein. It has been found that bees can be dusted with small quantities of fluorescein and that the presence of the material can subsequently be detected by means of a Coleman photofluorometer and by eye. It seems likely that quantitative measurements could be made with a photofluorometer.
Notes on Two Incisalia Types (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)
Authors: dos Passos Cyril F.
Published: January 2010

Incisalia hadros Cook and Watson, and Incisalia Henrici, G. & R., new variety, solatus Cook and Watson, were described in The Canadian Entomologist, 1909, volume 41, pages 181-182.

In the description of hadros it was stated that the types (♂ and ♀) and two paratypes (♂ and ♀) would be sent to the United States National Museum. The description of solatus did not mention the disposition of the types.
The Direction of Plasma Membrane Exchange between Lymphocytes and Accessory Cells by Trogocytosis Is Influenced by the Nature of the Accessory Cell
Authors: Daubeuf Sandrine , Lindorfer Margaret A. , Taylor Ronald P. , Joly Etienne , Hudrisier Denis
Published: January 2010

Exchange of plasma membrane fragments, including cell-surface proteins and lipids, in conjugates formed between lymphocytes and their cellular partners is a field of intense investigation. Apart from its natural occurrence during Ag recognition, the process of membrane transfer can be triggered in experimental or therapeutic settings when lymphocytes targeted by Abs are conjugated to FcγR-expressing accessory cells. The direction of membrane capture (i.e., which of the two cells is going to donate or accept plasma membrane fragments) can have important functional consequences, such as insensitivity of tumor cells to treatment by therapeutic mAbs. This effect, called antigenic modulation or shaving, occurs as a result of a process in which the FcγR-expressing cells remove the mAb and its target protein from the tumor cells. We therefore analyzed this process in conjugates formed between various FcγR-expressing cells and a series of normal or tumor T and B cells opsonized with different Abs capable of triggering membrane exchange (including the therapeutic Ab rituximab). Our results show that the direction of membrane capture is dictated by the identity of the FcγR-expressing cell, much more so than the type of lymphocyte or the Ab used. We found that monocytes and macrophages are prone to be involved in bidirectional trogocytosis with opsonized target cells, a process they can perform in parallel to phagocytosis. Our observations open new perspectives to understand the mechanisms involved in trogocytosis and may contribute to optimization of Ab-based immunotherapeutic approaches.
A Novel Active Mouse Model for Bullous Pemphigoid Targeting Humanized Pathogenic Antigen
Authors: Ujiie Hideyuki , Shibaki Akihiko , Nishie Wataru , Sawamura Daisuke , Wang Gang , Tateishi Yasuki , Li Qiang , Moriuchi Reine , Qiao Hongjiang , Nakamura Hideki , Akiyama Masashi , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: January 2010

Bullous pemphigoid (BP), the most common autoimmune blistering disease, is caused by autoantibodies against type XVII collagen (COL17). To establish an active stable BP animal model that demonstrates the persistent inflammatory skin lesions initiated by the anti-human COL17 Abs, we used COL17-humanized (COL17m−/−,h+) mice that we recently produced. First, we generated immunodeficient Rag-2−/−/COL17–humanized mice by crossing Rag-2−/− mice with COL17-humanized mice. Then, splenocytes from wild-type mice that had been immunized by grafting of human COL17-transgenic mouse skin were transferred into Rag-2−/−/COL17–humanized mice. The recipient mice continuously produced anti-human COL17 IgG Abs in vivo and developed blisters and erosions corresponding to clinical, histological, and immunopathological features of BP, although eosinophil infiltration, one of the characteristic histological findings observed in BP patients, was not detected in the recipients. Although the depletion of CD8+ T cells from the immunized splenocytes was found to produce no effects in the recipients, the depletion of CD4+ T cells as well as CD45R+ B cells was found to inhibit the production of anti-human COL17 IgG Abs in the recipients, resulting in no apparent clinical phenotype. Furthermore, we demonstrated that cyclosporin A significantly suppressed the production of anti-human COL17 IgG Abs and prevented the development of the BP phenotype in the treated recipients. Although this model in an immunodeficient mouse does not exactly reproduce the induction mechanism of BP in human patients, this unique experimental system targeting humanized pathogenic Ag allows us to investigate ongoing autoimmune responses to human molecules in experimental animal models.
Water‐Soluble Fluorescent Silver Nanoclusters
Authors: Xu Hangxun , Suslick Kenneth S.
Published: January 2010

Ag nanoclusters consist of several to roughly a hundred atoms and possess sizes comparable to the Fermi wavelength of electrons; they exhibit molecule‐like properties, including discrete electronic transitions and strong fluorescence. These nanoclusters are of significant interest because they provide the bridge between atomic and nanoparticle behavior in noble metals. Since the first observations of photoluminescence from Ag nanoclusters, substantial effort has been made to prepare Ag nanoclusters and explore their potential applications. The synthesis of well‐defined Ag nanoclusters, however, is difficult due to aggregation of nanoclusters, especially in aqueous solutions. In this Research News article, we highlight some recent progress on solution‐based synthesis of water‐soluble Ag nanoclusters using radiolytic, chemical reduction and photochemical approaches to prepare fluorescent Ag nanoclusters.
Study on factors influencing stagnation point offset of turbulent opposed jets
Authors: Li Wei‐Feng , Yao Tian‐Liang , Wang Fu‐Chen
Published: January 2010

Turbulent opposed jets were experimentally studied by the hot‐wire anemometer measurement, the smoke‐wire flow visualization, and the CFD simulation at L = 1−20D (where L is the nozzle separation and D is the nozzle diameter) and Re > 4500. The instability pattern of turbulent opposed jets was identified by investigating the smoke‐wire photos recorded by a high‐speed camera. The factors affecting stagnation point offset, such as the bulk velocity, the velocity profile, and the turbulence intensity at the nozzle exits were investigated. Results show that the stagnation point offset is the main instability regime of turbulent opposed jets. Uniform exit velocity profile and increasing exit turbulence intensity will decrease the stagnation point offset of turbulent opposed jets. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Surveillance of occupational health disparities: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Souza Kerry , Steege Andrea L. , Baron Sherry L.
Published: January 2010

Increasingly, the occupational health community is turning its attention to the effects of work on previously underserved populations, and researchers have identified many examples of disparities in occupational health outcomes. However, the occupational health status of some underserved worker populations is not described due to limitations in existing surveillance systems. As such, the occupational health community has identified the need to enhance and improve occupational health surveillance to describe the nature and extent of disparities in occupational illnesses and injuries (including fatalities), identify priorities for research and intervention, and evaluate trends. This report summarizes the data sources and methods discussed at an April 2008 workshop organized by NIOSH on the topic of improving surveillance for occupational health disparities. We discuss the capability of existing occupational health surveillance systems to document occupational health disparities and to provide surveillance data on minority and other underserved communities. Use of administrative data, secondary data analysis, and the development of targeted surveillance systems for occupational health surveillance are also discussed. Identifying and reducing occupational health disparities is one of NIOSH's priority areas under the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:84–94 2010. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing the impact of conservation projects
Authors: Dietz Lou Ann , Brown Marcia , Swaminathan Vinaya
Published: January 2010

To assure a future for endangered primates and many other species, we must develop and carry out projects for their conservation as quickly and effectively as possible, even with only limited information about the complex systems of biological, political, social, economic, and cultural factors influencing the conservation situation. Adaptive management, defined as the integration of design, management, and monitoring to systematically test assumptions to learn and adapt, provides practitioners a method for improving strategies to achieve and sustain the desired conservation impact. The Conservation Measures Partnership, a joint venture of conservation NGOs, developed the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation, a freely available framework that guides practitioners through implementation of best conservation practices. Using this process, project teams are explicit about the assumptions behind the strategies they choose, and thus able to trace their successes and failures back to good or poor theory, implementation, or a combination of the two. The Open Standards comprise five steps that constitute the project management cycle: (1) Conceptualize what you will achieve in the context of where you are working—involves defining your project team, scope, vision, conservation targets, critical threats, and analyzing the situation; (2) Plan your actions and monitoring—involves developing an action plan including goals, strategies, assumptions, objectives, and activities; a monitoring plan including indicators for measuring the status of goals, objectives, and assumptions; and an operational plan specifying the resources needed; (3) Implement your actions and monitoring—includes developing and implementing detailed work plans and ensuring sufficient resources, capacity, and partners; (4) Analyze, use, and adapt—involves managing monitoring data, regular analysis to convert them to useful information, and adapting the project plans accordingly; and (5) Capture and share learning—involves sharing lessons with key external and internal audiences to promote a learning culture. Am. J. Primatol. 72:425–440, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of the KIR3DS1*013 and KIR3DL1*004 alleles with susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Díaz‐Peña Roberto , Vidal‐Castiñeira Jose Ramón , Alonso‐Arias Rebeca , Suarez‐Alvarez Beatriz , Vicario Jose Luis , Solana Rafael , Collantes Eduardo , López‐Vázquez Antonio , Martínez‐Borra Jesús , López‐Larrea Carlos
Published: January 2010

Objective

The killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) form a group of regulatory molecules that specifically recognize HLA class I molecules. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible contribution of the KIR3DL1 and KIR3DS1 alleles, in addition to HLA–B27, in the susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in a population of individuals from Spain.

Methods

We genotyped the KIR3DS1 and KIR3DL1 alleles in 2 cohorts of patients with AS and healthy control subjects. In total, 270 patients with AS and 435 healthy, HLA–B27–positive matched control subjects from Spain were enrolled. The KIR3DS1 and KIR3DL1 alleles were genotyped by sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probe–polymerase chain reaction, and their association with AS was analyzed. All individuals were typed for HLA–B.

Results

The KIR3DS1*013 allele was solely responsible for the increased frequency of the activator receptor KIR3DS1 in patients with AS compared with healthy HLA–B27–positive control subjects (35.7% versus 22.6% [P = 10−6], odds ratio 1.90, 95% confidence interval 1.50–2.40). The increased frequency of the KIR3DS1*013 allele in patients with AS was independent of the presence or absence of the HLA–Bw4I80 epitope. Moreover, the null allele KIR3DL1*004 was a unique inhibitory KIR3DL1 allele that showed a negative association with AS in the presence of HLA–Bw4I80.

Conclusion

The increased frequency of the KIR3DS1*013 allele in patients with AS is clearly independent of the presence of the HLA–Bw4I80 epitope, whereas the presence of inhibitory allotypes such as KIR3DL1*004 demonstrated a negative association in patients with AS in the presence of HLA–Bw4I80. As a consequence, the influence of KIR genotypes on AS susceptibility would be mediated by a general imbalance between protective/inhibitory and risk/activating allotypes.
LY2439821, a humanized anti–interleukin‐17 monoclonal antibody, in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A phase I randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Genovese M. C. , Van den Bosch F. , Roberson S. A. , Bojin S. , Biagini I. M. , Ryan Peter , Sloan‐Lancaster J.
Published: January 2010

Objective

We undertook this study to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of LY2439821, a humanized anti–interleukin‐17 (anti–IL‐17) monoclonal antibody, in a first in‐human trial in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients taking oral disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study consisted of 2 parts. In part A, 20 patients received 1 intravenous (IV) dose of LY2439821 (0.06, 0.2, 0.6, or 2.0 mg/kg, escalating) or placebo followed by 8 weeks of evaluation. End points included safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. In part B, 77 patients received 1 IV dose of LY2439821 (0.2, 0.6, or 2.0 mg/kg) or placebo every 2 weeks for a total of 5 doses, with a total evaluation period of 16 weeks. End points included safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and efficacy (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints [DAS28] and percentages of patients meeting American College of Rheumatology 20%, 50%, or 70% improvement criteria [achieving an ACR20, ACR50, or ACR70 response]). The primary efficacy end point was the DAS28 at week 10.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar across all groups. Changes in the DAS28 were significantly greater in the 0.2 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, and all‐LY2439821–combined groups (−2.3, −2.4, and −2.3, respectively) than in the placebo group (−1.7) at week 10 (P ≤ 0.05), and these differences were significant as early as week 1. Percentages of ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 responses as well as improvements in the ACR core set of measures were greater in LY2439821‐treated patients than in placebo‐treated patients at multiple time points. There was no apparent dose‐response relationship in treatment‐emergent adverse events.

Conclusion

LY2439821 added to oral DMARDs improved signs and symptoms of RA, with no strong adverse safety signal noted. This first evaluation of LY2439821 supports neutralization of IL‐17 as a potential novel goal for the treatment of RA.
An integrated molecular dynamics (MD) and experimental study of higher order human telomeric quadruplexes
Authors: Petraccone Luigi , Garbett Nichola C. , Chaires Jonathan B. , Trent John O.
Published: January 2010

Structural knowledge of telomeric DNA is critical for understanding telomere biology and for the utilization of telomeric DNA as a therapeutic target. Very little is known about the structure of long human DNA sequences that may form more than one quadruplex unit. Here, we report a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and experimental biophysical studies to explore the structural and dynamic properties of the human telomeric sequence (TTAGGG)8TT that folds into two contiguous quadruplexes. Five higher order quadruplex models were built combining known single human telomeric quadruplex structures as unique building blocks. The biophysical properties of this sequence in K+ solution were experimentally investigated by means of analytical ultracentrifugation and UV spectroscopy. Additionally, the environments of loop adenines were probed by fluorescence studies using systematic single‐substitutions of 2‐aminopurine for the adenine bases. The comparison of the experimentally determined properties with the corresponding quantities predicted from the models allowed us to test the validity of each of the structural models. One model emerged whose properties are most consistent with the predictions, and which therefore is the most probable structure in solution. This structure features contiguous quadruplex units in an alternating hybrid‐1‐hybrid‐2 conformation with a highly ordered interface composed of loop residues from both quadruplexes © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93:533–548, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Contact and identity: The experience of ‘China goods’ in a Ghanaian marketplace
Authors: Liu Jing Jing
Published: January 2010

The rise in Chinese traders and increased availability of low‐cost imported goods benefits consumers, challenges local African retailers and is a point of tension in local communities. China's presence in Africa has been largely discussed and analysed through a political economy perspective. The social impact in local communities has been documented anecdotally but has yet to be empirically studied. This study took place in Makola Market, Accra, Ghana, to investigate the emerging intergroup encounters between established Ghanaian traders and nascent Chinese traders. Photo‐elicited semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore how their interrelated experiences shape their interpretative framework and inform the dialectic of contact and social identity. I draw on these interpretative frameworks to propose a new model of contact, the Tri‐relational Contact Model, to capture and highlight how people's experiences include contact relationships with not just each other, but also with their places of business and the goods of trade. The findings from this study empirically highlight the micro‐level impact of China's presence in Ghana and help re‐conceptualize the contact hypothesis through a new model of contact with greater analytical utility to explicate the relational nature of contact and social identity formation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.