bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Família e o processo de diferenciação na perspectiva de Murray Bowen: um estudo de caso
Authors: Martins Elizabeth Medeiros de Almeida , Rabinovich Elaine Pedreira , Silva Célia Nunes
Published: September 2011

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a aplicabilidade do conceito de diferenciação do self elaborado por Murray Bowen na terapia da família. Focalizou a história de uma família mostrando como as histórias de vida do casal, a partir das primeiras triangulações, tanto na família nuclear quanto na extensa, foram transmitidas entre gerações até gerar uma história renovada do casal e de sua própria família.
Chemical composition and fumigant effect of essentialoil of Lippia sidoides Cham. and monoterpenes against Tenebrio molitor (L.) (coleoptera: tenebrionidae)
Authors: Lima Rafaela Karin , Cardoso Maria das Graças , Moraes Jair Campos , Carvalho Stephan Malfitano , Rodrigues Vanessa Gregório , Guimarães Luiz Gustavo Lima
Published: September 2011

The chemical composition of Lippia sidoides essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation was characterized and quantified by GC/MS and their insecticidal activity by fumigation test was assayed against Tenebrio molitor. Moreover, the toxicity of monoterpenes carvacrol, 1,8-cineol and thymol were also evaluated when applied alone or in binary (1:1) or tertiary (1:1:1) mixture. The essential oil of L. sidoides has as major constituents carvacrol (31.68%), ρ-cymene (19.58%), 1,8-cineole (9.26%) and ϒ-terpinene (9.21%), from a 21 compounds identified, being 92.53% of total. Both compounds have insecticidal activity against T. molitor, being the degree of toxicity of carvacrol > 1,8-cineole > L. sidoides essential oil > thymol, and its respectively LC50 at 24h were 5.53; 5.71; 8.04 and 14.71 µL/L air. When the different mixture of carvacrol, 1,8-cineole and thymol was assayed against T. molitor, the synergism among them was observed. For the mixture of carvacrol:1,8-cineole LC50 was 5.34 µL/L air; carvacrol:thymol 7.67 µL/L air; 1,8-cineole:thymol 7.51 µL/L air and carvacrol:1,8-cineole:thymol 6.34 µL/L air. Mainly, the monoterpene thymol had a synergic effect, which increased the toxicity of carvacrol and 1,8-cineole, both in binary mixture like carvacrol:thymol and 1,8-cineole:thymol.
Effects of Surgery and Chemotherapy on Metastatic Progression of Prostate Cancer: Evidence from the Natural History of the Disease Reconstructed through Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Hanin Leonid , Zaider Marco
Published: September 2011

This article brings mathematical modeling to bear on the reconstruction of the natural history of prostate cancer and assessment of the effects of treatment on metastatic progression. We present a comprehensive, entirely mechanistic mathematical model of cancer progression accounting for primary tumor latency, shedding of metastases, their dormancy and growth at secondary sites. Parameters of the model were estimated from the following data collected from 12 prostate cancer patients: (1) age and volume of the primary tumor at presentation; and (2) volumes of detectable bone metastases surveyed at a later time. This allowed us to estimate, for each patient, the age at cancer onset and inception of the first metastasis, the expected metastasis latency time and the rates of growth of the primary tumor and metastases before and after the start of treatment. We found that for all patients: (1) inception of the first metastasis occurred when the primary tumor was undetectable; (2) inception of all or most of the surveyed metastases occurred before the start of treatment; (3) the rate of metastasis shedding is essentially constant in time regardless of the size of the primary tumor and so it is only marginally affected by treatment; and most importantly, (4) surgery, chemotherapy and possibly radiation bring about a dramatic increase (by dozens or hundred times for most patients) in the average rate of growth of metastases. Our analysis supports the notion of metastasis dormancy and the existence of prostate cancer stem cells. The model is applicable to all metastatic solid cancers, and our conclusions agree well with the results of a similar analysis based on a simpler model applied to a case of metastatic breast cancer.
Design and Synthesis of New N-(5-Trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl Benzenesulfonamides as Possible Antimalarial Prototypes
Authors: Boechat Nubia , Pinheiro Luiz C.S. , Santos-Filho Osvaldo A. , Silva Isabor C.
Published: September 2011

A rational approach was used to synthesize a new set of 15 1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl benzenesulfonamide derivatives with the aim of developing new antimalarial lead compounds. These derivatives were prepared in yields between 50% and 62%, and their structures were elucidated using IR, 1H-, 13C-, 19F-NMR, MS and elemental analysis. A docking study based on sulfonamides previously used against malaria identified trifluoromethyl-substituted derivatives to be the best lead compounds for new antimalarial drug development.
DURABILITY OF FLY ASH GEOPOLYMER MORTARS IN NITRIC ACID–EFFECT OF ALKALI (NA2O) CONTENT / GEOPOLIMERINIO SKIEDINIO, PAGAMINTO NAUDOJANT LAKIUOSIUS PELENUS, ILGAAMŽIŠKUMAS AZOTO RŪGŠTYJE: ŠARMŲ (NA2O) KIEKIO POVEIKIS
Authors: Thokchom Suresh , Ghosh Partha , Ghosh Somnath
Published: September 2011

Durability of fly ash based geopolymer mortar specimens in Nitric acid solution was investigated on three different series of specimens manufactured by activating fly ash with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution containing Na2O ranging from 5% to 8% of fly ash. Specimens were exposed in 10% by weight Nitric acid solution up to 24 weeks. The effect of alkali (%Na2O) content on durability of geopolymer mortar specimens were studied in terms of visual appearance, change in weight and change in compressive strength. Mineralogical and microstructure changes due to nitric acid attack were also investigated. Geopolymer mortar specimens showed excellent durability in terms of extremely less weight loss as well as high retention of compressive strength. Specimens with higher alkali content exhibited better durability in nitric acid.

Santrauka

Buvo tiriamas geopolimerinio skiedinio bandinių, pagamintu naudojant lakiuosius pelenus, ilgaamžiškumas azoto rūgšties tirpale. Buvo tiriami trijų skirtingų partijų bandiniai, pagaminti pridėjus lakiųjų pelenų, kurie turi natrio hidroksido ir natrio silikato mišinį, jo sudėtyje Na2O svyruoja 5–8% nuo lakiųjų pelenų kiekio. Bandiniai 24 savaites buvo veikiami 10% (pagal masę) azoto rūgšties tirpalu. Šarmų (% Na2O) kiekio poveikis geopolimerinio skiedinio bandinių ilgaamžiškumui buvo tiriamas įvertinant išvaizdą, nustatant masės ir gniuždomojo stiprio pokytį. Taip pat buvo nustatyti mineraloginiai ir mikrostruktūriniai pokyčiai veikiant azoto rūgštimi. Geopolimerinio skiedinio bandinių ilgaamžiškumas buvo labai didelis, masės nuostoliai nedideli ir didelis gniuždomasis stipris. Bandiniai su didesniu šarmų kiekiu buvo ilgaamžiškesni azoto rūgštyje.
Le libéralisme francophone du PLP au MR. II. 1999-2004
Authors: Wynants Paul
Published: September 2011

La période couverte par le premier Courrier hebdomadaire de Paul Wynants se clôturait avec la consolidation de la Fédération PRL FDF MCC. L’auteur présente dans ce deuxième volume les années 1999-2004, au cours desquelles les libéraux francophones et leurs alliés participent aux coalitions gouvernementales à tous les niveaux de pouvoir. C’est à cet exercice du pouvoir que s’attache le premier chapitre. Il se focalise sur les réalisations que la Fédération PRL FDF MCC met à son actif grâce à sa participation au gouvernement Verhofstadt I. Ces années sont également marquées par une nouvelle mue du libéralisme francophone : à une Fédération assez lâche, manquant de cohérence, traversée de tensions parfois vives, succède un Mouvement réformateur plus intégré. C’est au processus d’édification du MR, non dépourvu de vicissitudes, qu’est consacré le deuxième chapitre. Une fois constitué, le MR se mobilise pour affronter deux échéances électorales : le scrutin fédéral du 18 mai 2003, ainsi que les élections régionales, communautaires et européennes du 13 juin 2004. Il tente de s’élargir par absorption de fractions issues du Parti social-chrétien, devenu Centre démocrate humaniste. Dans ces opérations, il connaît des succès, mais aussi des déboires, de sorte qu’il est finalement rejeté dans l’opposition, durant l’été 2004, en Wallonie, en Région de Bruxelles-Capitale et en Communauté française. Ces péripéties sont analysées dans le troisième chapitre. L’arrivée de Didier Reynders à la tête du Mouvement réformateur clôt le présent Courrier hebdomadaire. La présidence de ce dernier (2004-2011) fera l’objet d’une troisième livraison, à paraître prochainement.
Limits for Antibody Affinity Maturation and Repertoire Diversification in Hypervaccinated Humans
Authors: Poulsen Tine Rugh , Jensen Allan , Haurum John S. , Andersen Peter S.
Published: September 2011

The immune system is known to generate a diverse panel of high-affinity Abs by adaptively improving the recognition of pathogens during ongoing immune responses. In this study, we report the biological limits for Ag-driven affinity maturation and repertoire diversification by analyzing Ab repertoires in two adult volunteers after each of three consecutive booster vaccinations with tetanus toxoid. Maturation of on-rates and off-rates occurred independently, indicating a kinetically controlled affinity maturation process. The third vaccination induced no significant changes in the distribution of somatic mutations and binding rate constants implying that the limits for affinity maturation and repertoire diversification had been reached. These fully matured Ab repertoires remained similar in size, genetically diverse, and dynamic. Somatic mutations and kinetic rate constants showed normal and log-normal distribution profiles, respectively. Mean values can therefore be considered as biological constants defining the observed boundaries. At physiological temperature, affinity maturation peaked at kon = 1.6 × 104 M−1 s−1 and koff = 1.7 × 10−4 s−1 leading to a maximum mean affinity of KD = 1.0 × 10−9 M. At ambient temperature, the average affinity increased to KD = 3.4 × 10−10 M mainly due to slower off-rates. This experimentally determined set of constants can be used as a benchmark for analysis of the maturation level of human Abs and Ab responses.
Restricted Aeroallergen Access to Airway Mucosal Dendritic Cells In Vivo Limits Allergen-Specific CD4+ T Cell Proliferation during the Induction of Inhalation Tolerance
Authors: Fear Vanessa S. , Burchell Jennifer T. , Lai Siew Ping , Wikstrom Matthew E. , Blank Fabian , von Garnier Christophe , Turner Debra J. , Sly Peter D. , Holt Patrick G. , Strickland Deborah S. , Stumbles Philip A.
Published: September 2011

Chronic innocuous aeroallergen exposure attenuates CD4+ T cell-mediated airways hyperresponsiveness in mice; however, the mechanism(s) remain unclear. We examined the role of airway mucosal dendritic cell (AMDC) subsets in this process using a multi-OVA aerosol-induced tolerance model in sensitized BALB/c mice. Aeroallergen capture by both CD11blo and CD11bhi AMDC and the delivery of OVA to airway draining lymph nodes by CD8α− migratory dendritic cells (DC) were decreased in vivo (but not in vitro) when compared with sensitized but nontolerant mice. This was functionally significant, because in vivo proliferation of OVA-specific CD4+ T cells was suppressed in airway draining lymph nodes of tolerized mice and could be restored by intranasal transfer of OVA-pulsed and activated exogenous DC, indicating a deficiency in Ag presentation by endogenous DC arriving from the airway mucosa. Bone marrow-derived DC Ag-presenting function was suppressed in multi-OVA tolerized mice, and allergen availability to airway APC populations was limited after multi-OVA exposure, as indicated by reduced OVA and dextran uptake by airway interstitial macrophages, with diffusion rather than localization of OVA across the airway mucosal surface. These data indicate that inhalation tolerance limits aeroallergen capture by AMDC subsets through a mechanism of bone marrow suppression of DC precursor function coupled with reduced Ag availability in vivo at the airway mucosa, resulting in limited Ag delivery to lymph nodes and hypoproliferation of allergen-specific CD4+ T cells.
Reciprocal Polarization of T and B Cells at the Immunological Synapse
Authors: Duchez Sophie , Rodrigues Magda , Bertrand Florie , Valitutti Salvatore
Published: September 2011

Cognate interactions between T and B lymphocytes lead to the formation of the immunological synapse (IS) where bidirectional activation signals are exchanged. Although the molecular architecture and the function of the IS have been studied extensively on the T cell side, little is known about events occurring during synapse formation in Ag-presenting B cells. We investigated the impact of BCR and TLR signaling on human B cell activation and on the T and B cell side of the IS. On the T cell side, we observed that T cells polarized toward both naive and previously activated B cells. Nevertheless, when T cells interacted with different B cells simultaneously, T cells selectively polarized their secretory machinery toward preactivated B cells. Furthermore, both naive and preactivated B cells reoriented their microtubule-organizing center toward the synaptic T cell during cognate interactions. This phenomenon was rapid and not dependent on T cell secretory activity. Interestingly, not only the microtubule-organizing center but also the Golgi apparatus and Lamp-3+ and MHC class II+ vesicles all repositioned beneath the IS, suggesting that the entire endocytic/exocytic B cell compartment was reoriented toward the T cell. Taken together, our results show that the B cell activation status fine-tunes T cell polarization responses and reveal the capacity of naive and activated B cells to polarize toward T cells during cognate interactions.
Selective Resistance of CD44hi T Cells to p53-Dependent Cell Death Results in Persistence of Immunologic Memory after Total Body Irradiation
Authors: Yao Zhenyu , Jones Jennifer , Kohrt Holbrook , Strober Samuel
Published: September 2011

Our previous studies showed that treatment of mice with total body irradiation (TBI) or total lymphoid tissue irradiation markedly changes the balance of residual T cell subsets to favor CD4+CD44hi NKT cells because of the differential resistance of the latter subset to cell death. The object of the current study was to further elucidate the changed balance and mechanisms of differential radioresistance of T cell subsets after graded doses of TBI. The experimental results showed that CD4+ T cells were markedly more resistant than CD8+ T cells, and CD44hi T cells, including NKT cells and memory T cells, were markedly more resistant than CD44lo (naive) T cells. The memory T cells immunized to alloantigens persisted even after myeloablative (1000 cGy) TBI and were able to prevent engraftment of bone marrow transplants. Although T cell death after 1000 cGy was prevented in p53−/− mice, there was progressive T cell death in p53−/− mice at higher doses. Although p53-dependent T cell death changed the balance of subsets, p53-independent T cell death did not. In conclusion, resistance of CD44hi T cells to p53-dependent cell death results in the persistence of immunological memory after TBI and can explain the immune-mediated rejection of marrow transplants in sensitized recipients.
Interaction of Ras with P110γ Is Required for Thymic β-Selection in the Mouse
Authors: Janas Michelle L. , Turner Martin
Published: September 2011

Thymocytes are tested for productive rearrangement of the tcrb locus by expression of a pre-TCR in a process termed β-selection, which requires both Notch1 and CXCR4 signaling. It has been shown that activation of the GTPase Ras allows thymocytes to proliferate and differentiate in the absence of a Pre-TCR; the direct targets of Ras at this checkpoint have not been identified, however. Mice with a mutant allele of p110γ unable to bind active Ras revealed that CXCR4-mediated PI3K activation is Ras dependent. The Ras–p110γ interaction was necessary for efficient β-selection–promoted proliferation but was dispensable for the survival or differentiation of thymocytes. Uncoupling Ras from p110γ provides unambiguous identification of a Ras interaction required for thymic β-selection.
Methods of Control of theLeishmania infantumDog Reservoir: State of the Art
Authors: Podaliri Vulpiani Michele , Iannetti Luigi , Paganico Daniela , Iannino Filomena , Ferri Nicola
Published: September 2011

Leishmania infantumis a protozoan parasite causing severe vector-borne visceral diseases both in humans and dogs. The latter are the most important natural reservoir and therefore should be the main target of control measures. The real efficacy of seropositive dogs culling as a direct control method is still debated, and the new sensitivity of large part of population considers ethically unacceptable this kind of approach. Treatment of infectious dogs with one of the available therapeutic protocols is recommendable as it allows to reduce parasite burdens and therefore the possibility of transmission ofLeishmania infantumto vectors. Vaccination has been proven to be a very effective control tool, but the absence of a commonly recognized diagnostic method able to distinguish vaccinate from seropositive individuals is still an important limit. Concerning indirect control methods, a number of studies have demonstrated the efficacy of topical insecticides treatment (collars, spot-on, and sprays) in reducing incidence and prevalence ofL. infantum. Also, the reduction of the odds of seroconversion in humans in endemic areas has been reported after the application of indirect control measures on dogs. The contemporary use of direct and indirect methods is even more effective in reducing seroprevalence in dogs.
A Review on Current Osteoporosis Research: With Special Focus on Disuse Bone Loss
Authors: Lau Roy Yuen-chi , Guo Xia
Published: September 2011

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and deteriorated microarchitecture that lead to increased risk of fracture. The disuse osteoporosis refers to bone mass decrements under conditions of decreased mechanical loading, including decreased ground force reaction, muscular contraction, and microgravity-related bone loss in astronauts after space flights. Although there are many effective treatments available for primary osteoporosis, there is a lack of effective treatments for disuse osteoporosis. This is because that the aetiology, pathophysiology, and resultant pathology of disuse osteoporosis differ from those of primary osteoporosis. The objective of this paper is to examine the unique pathology and underlying pathophysiology of disuse osteoporosis.
The MossPhyscomitrella patensas a Model System to Study Interactions between Plants and Phytopathogenic Fungi and Oomycetes
Authors: Ponce de León Inés
Published: September 2011

The mossPhyscomitrella patenshas a great potential as a model system to perform functional studies of plant interacting with microbial pathogens.P. patensis susceptible to fungal and oomycete infection, which colonize and multiply in plant tissues generating disease symptoms. In response to infection,P. patensactivates defense mechanisms similar to those induced in flowering plants, including the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, cell death with hallmarks of programmed cell death, cell wall fortification, and induction of defense-related genes likePAL,LOX,CHS, andPR-1. Functional analysis of genes with possible roles in defense can be performed due to the high rate of homologous recombination present in this plant that enables targeted gene disruption. This paper reviews the current knowledge of defense responses activated inP. patensafter pathogen assault and analyzes the advantages of using this plant to gain further insight into plant defense strategies.
Irreducibility of the space of dihedral covers of the projective line of a given numerical type
Authors: Catanese Fabrizio , Lönne Michael , Perroni Fabio
Published: September 2011

We show in this paper that the set of irreducible components of the family of Galois coverings of

\mathbb P^1_{\mathbb C}

with Galois group isomorphic to

\mathrm{D}_n

is in bijection with the set of possible numerical types. In this special case the numerical type is the equivalence class (for automorphisms of

\mathrm{D}_n

) of the function which to each conjugacy class

\mathcal C

in

\mathrm{D}_n

associates the number of branch points whose local monodromy lies in the class

\mathcal C

.
Stochastic viability for regular closed sets in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Cannarsa Piermarco , Da Prato Giuseppe
Published: September 2011

We present necessary and sufficient conditions to guarantee that at least one solution of an infinite dimensional stochastic differential equation, which starts from a regular closed subset
K
of an Hilbert space, remains in
K
for all times.
Modelling social dynamics of a structured population
Authors: Busoni Giorgio , Fasano Antonio , Mancini Alberto , Primicerio Mario
Published: September 2011

We present a model for the dynamics of a population where the age distribution and the social structure are taken into account. This results in an integro-differential equation in which the kernel of the integral term may depend on a functional of the solution itself. We prove the well posedness of the problem with some regularity properties of the solution. Then, we consider some special cases and provide some simulations.
Technical Note: Minerals in dust productive soils – impacts and global distribution
Authors: Nickovic S. , Vukovic A. , Vujadinovic M. , Djurdjevic V. , Pejanovic G.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Dust storms and associated mineral aerosol transport are mainly driven by meso and synoptic scale atmospheric processes. It is therefore essential that the dust aerosol process and background atmospheric conditions that drive the dust emission and atmospheric transport be represented with sufficiently well resolved spatial and temporal features. Effects of airborne dust interactions with the environment are determent by the mineral composition of dust particles. Fractions of various minerals in the aerosol are determined by the mineral composition of arid soils, therefore high-resolution specification of mineral and physical properties of dust sources is needed as well. Most current dust atmospheric models simulate/predict the evolution of dust concentration but in most cases they do not consider fractions of minerals in dust. Accumulated knowledge on impacts of mineral composition in dust on weather and climate processes emphasizes the importance of considering minerals in modelling systems. Following such needs, in this study we developed a global dataset on mineral composition of potentially dust productive soils. In our study (a) we mapped mineral data into a high-resolution 30-s grid, (b) we included mineral carrying soil types in dust productive regions that were not considered in previous studies, and (c) included phosphorus having in mind their importance for terrestrial and marine nutrition processes.
Sources and composition of urban aerosol particles
Authors: Vogt M. , Johansson C. , Mårtensson M. , Struthers H. , Ahlm L. , Nilsson D.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. From May 2008 to March 2009 aerosol emissions were measured using the eddy covariance method covering the size range 0.25 to 2.5 μm diameter (Dp) from a 105 m tower, in central Stockholm, Sweden. Supporting chemical aerosol data were collected at roof and street level. Results show that the inorganic fraction of sulfate, nitrate, ammonium and sea salt accounts for approximately 15% of the total aerosol mass <1 μm Dp (PM1) with water soluble soil contributing 11% and water insoluble soil 47%. Carbonaceous compounds were at the most 27% of PM1 mass. It was found that heating the air from the tower to 200 °C resulted in the loss of approximately 60% of the aerosol volume at 0.25 μm Dp whereas only 40% of the aerosol volume was removed at 0.6 μm Dp. Further heating to 300 °C caused very little additional losses <0.6 μm Dp. The chemical analysis did not include carbonaceous compounds, but based on the difference between the total mass concentration and the sum of the analyzed non-carbonaceous materials, it can be assumed that the non-volatile particulate material (heated to 300 °C) consists mainly of carbonaceous compounds, including elemental carbon. Furthermore, it was found that the non-volatile particle fraction <0.6 μm Dp correlated (r2 = 0.4) with the BC concentration at roof level in the city, supporting the assumption that the non-volatile material consists of carbonaceous compounds. The average diurnal cycles of the BC emissions from road traffic (as inferred from the ratio of the incremental concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and BC measured on a densely trafficked street) and the fluxes of non-volatile material at tower level are in close agreement, suggesting a traffic source of BC. We have estimated the emission factors (EFs) for non-volatile particles <0.6 μm Dp to be 2.4±1.4 mg veh−1 km−1 based on either CO2 fluxes or traffic activity data. Light (LDV) and heavy duty vehicle (HDV) EFs were estimated using multiple linear regression and reveal that for non-volatile particulate matter in the 0.25 to 0.6 μm Dp range, the EFHDV is approximately twice as high as the EFLDV, the difference not being statistically significant.
Electron on a cylinder with topological defects in a homogeneous magnetic field
Authors: Filgueiras C. , de Oliveira B.F.
Published: September 2011

In this work we study the effects of the geometry and topology of a cylinder on the energy levels of an electron moving in a homogeneous magnetic field. We consider the existence of topological defects as a screw dislocation and a disclination. When we take the region of movement as the full cylindrical surface, we find that, by increasing the strength of the screw dislocation, the dispersion on the electronic energy levels is affected and monotonically increasing. For an electron moving in an almost flat region we show that the dispersion on the Landau levels decrease monotonically as we increase the strength of the screw dislocation. The lowest Landau level can reach a zero value, leaving the energy of the system solely given by the geometry of the cylinder, which does not depend on the magnetic field. In both situations, as we change the deficit angle of the disclination, we observe that the energy levels are shifted and the magnitude of such shift depends on the magnetic field. The Landau levels for a flat sample are recovered in the limit of an infinite cylinder radius.
Quantum anticentrifugal potential in a bent waveguide
Authors: Dandoloff R. , Atanasov V.
Published: September 2011

We show the existence of an anticentrifugal force for a quantum particle in a bent waveguide. This effect may be observed in interference experiments which are sensitive to the additional phase of the wavefunction gained in the bent regions and can find application in distinguishing between straight and bent geometries.
Reply to the Comment of G. Feulner
Authors: Weber W.
Published: September 2011

In my reply I present a re‐analysis of the data of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). For this, a new data reduction method is introduced, allowing a drastic lowering of data scatter, so that the time series of the reduced data clearly shows the ≈︁ 1 % variation of the terrestric solar irradiance in parallel with solar activity. The implications are discussed.
Succinate production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Thakker Chandresh , Martínez Irene , San Ka‐Yiu , Bennett George N.
Published: September 2011

Succinate has been recognized as an important platform chemical that can be produced from biomass. While a number of organisms are capable of succinate production naturally, this review focuses on the engineering of Escherichia coli for the production of four‐carbon dicarboxylic acid. Important features of a succinate production system are to achieve an optimal balance of reducing equivalents generated by consumption of the feedstock, while maximizing the amount of carbon channeled into the product. Aerobic and anaerobic production strains have been developed and applied to production from glucose and other abundant carbon sources. Metabolic engineering methods and strain evolution have been used and supplemented by the recent application of systems biology and in silico modeling tools to construct optimal production strains. The metabolic capacity of the production strain, the requirement for efficient recovery of succinate, and the reliability of the performance under scaleup are important in the overall process. The costs of the overall biorefinery‐compatible process will determine the economic commercialization of succinate and its impact in larger chemical markets.
Social Desirability Bias in Survey Research on Sustainable Development in Small Firms: an Exploratory Analysis of Survey Mode Effect
Authors: Roxas Banjo , Lindsay Val
Published: September 2011

Survey methodology has become an increasingly popular weapon of choice in conducting research on the topic of environmental sustainability in the small firm context. However, conventional application of survey research in many empirical studies tends to ignore the inherent issues associated with the mode of administration of survey questionnaires. One of these issues is social desirability bias (SDB) arising from survey modes such as face to face, the assisted type of survey questionnaire administration and mailed or purely self‐administered survey. This study is an analysis of survey data generated by two modes: purely self‐administered and survey enumerator assisted. The paper argues that the presence of an enumerator in the workplace or actual site of the business to administer the survey will motivate the respondents to provide more accurate information about the firms' environmental sustainability knowledge and practices. The article offers suggestions to address SDB in carrying out surveys about environmental sustainability in small firms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Immunoregulatory and effector activities in human cutaneous and mucosal Leishmaniasis: Understanding mechanisms of pathology
Authors: Dutra Walderez O. , de Faria Daniela Rodrigues , Machado Paulo Roberto Lima , Guimarães Luiz Henrique , Schriefer Albert , Carvalho Edgar , Gollob Kenneth J.
Published: September 2011

Individuals infected with Leishmania braziliensis may develop the relatively benign localized cutaneous (CL) form or the mucosal (ML) form of the disease, which represents a more severe and mutilating variation. Interaction between parasite and host cells, as well as the genetic background of the host, are important determinants of the immune response, which is critical in determining disease outcome. Our studies over the years have been designed to determine the immunoregulatory and effector functions that culminate in the formation of lesions in CL and ML disease and how these host response factors may be better understood for design of novel therapies and prophylaxis. By studying the immune response from CL and ML patients in both the peripheral blood and in situ, we have learned much concerning the dynamics of the host–pathogen interaction that leads to the development of CL and ML. We used multiparameter flow cytometry to study the immunoregulatory profiles of the peripheral blood leukocytes, as well as laser scanning confocal microscopy to examine in situ several aspects of the local response, including the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate, the cellular composition, inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokine expression, and the expression of the effector cytotoxic molecule, granzyme A, in lesions from CL and ML patients. Moreover, the application of correlative analysis between these immunological parameters has helped shed light on disease progression in CL and ML. These findings are reviewed within the context of understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the development of pathology in these diseases through a comparative analysis of the clinical forms, CL and ML, as well as of studies derived from peripheral blood and lesions. Drug Dev Res 72:430–436, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trace Levels Determination of Ammonium by Flow Injection Analysis Using Gas‐Diffusion and Capacitively Coupled Contactless Conductivity Detection
Authors: Braz Henrique L. , Ito Débora T. , da Silva José A. Fracassi , do Lago Claudimir L. , Pedrotti Jairo J.
Published: September 2011

A sensitive analytical method based on gas‐diffusion flow injection system for ammonium ion determination at trace levels with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) is described. The effects of the chemical composition of the acceptor stream, operating frequency of the conductivity detector, acceptor and donor flow rates, injected volume, and some potential interferents were evaluated. By injecting 100 µL samples, the analytical method showed linear response for ammonium from 2.0 up to 100 µmol L−1 and a limit of detection of 0.8 µmol L−1 (14 ppb). At a flow rate of 0.10 mL min−1 for the acceptor solution, an analytical throughput of 35 injections per hour was achieved. The new flow injection system was successfully applied for ammonium determination in rainwater from São Paulo city.
Adoptive T cell therapy promotes the emergence of genomically altered tumor escape variants
Authors: Kaluza Karen M. , Thompson Jill M. , Kottke Timothy J. , Flynn Gilmer Heather C. , Knutson Darlene L. , Vile Richard G.
Published: September 2011

Adoptive T cell therapy has been proven effective against melanoma in mice and humans. However, because most responses are incomplete or transient, cures remain rare. To maximize the efficacy of this therapy, it will be essential to gain a better understanding of the processes which result in tumor relapse. We studied these processes using B16ova murine melanoma and adoptive transfer of OT‐I T cells. Transfer of T cells as a single therapy provided a significant survival benefit for mice with established subcutaneous tumors. However, tumors which initially regressed often recurred. By analyzing tumors which emerged in the presence of a potent OT‐I response, we identified a novel tumor escape mechanism in which tumor cells evaded T cell pressure by undergoing major genomic changes involving loss of the gene encoding the target tumor antigen. Furthermore, we show that these in vivo processes can be recapitulated in vitro using T cell/tumor cell co‐cultures. A single round of in vitro co‐culture led to significant loss of the ova gene and a tumor cell population with rapidly induced and diverse karyotypic changes. Although these current studies focus on the model OVA antigen, the finding that T cells can directly promote genomic instability has important implications for the development of adoptive T cell therapies.
Cancer recurrence after surgery: Direct and indirect effects of anesthetic agents*
Authors: Tavare Aniket N. , Perry Nicholas J.S. , Benzonana Laura L. , Takata Masao , Ma Daqing
Published: September 2011

Surgery is of paramount importance in the management of solid tumors as definitive resection can be totally curative. Nonetheless, metastatic recurrence after surgery remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Interest in the impact of the perioperative period on cancer recurrence is now growing rapidly, with recent research suggesting that some anesthetics or anesthetic techniques may influence the pathophysiology of postoperative metastatic spread. Our review examines the most widely postulated mechanisms for this, including the impact of anesthesia on neuroendocrine and immune function. We also consider evidence for a direct impact on tumor cell signaling pathways based on findings from organ protection research. These studies have demonstrated that certain volatile anaesthetics confer cytoprotective properties to exposed cells and lead to significant upregulation of Hypoxia Inducible Factor‐1α (HIF‐1α). This ubiquitous transcription factor exerts many effects in cancer: its activity has been linked with more aggressive phenotypes and poorer clinical prognosis. It is proposed that such an upregulation of HIFs in tumor cells by these anesthetics may contribute to a tumor's recurrence by stimulating cytoprotective or protumorigenic behavior in residual cells. Conversely, other anesthetic agents appear to downregulate HIFs or cause negligible effect and thus may prove more suitable for use in cancer surgery. As anesthetic drugs are given at a point of potentially high vulnerability in terms of dissemination and establishment of metastases, there is an urgent need to determine the most appropriate anesthetic strategy for surgical oncology so that the optimal techniques are used to maximize long‐term survival.
Olfactory metamorphosis in the coastal tailed frog Ascaphus truei (Amphibia, Anura, Leiopelmatidae)
Authors: Benzekri Noëlle A. , Reiss John O.
Published: September 2011

The structure of the olfactory organ in larvae and adults of the basal anuran Ascaphus truei was examined using light micrography, electron micrography, and resin casts of the nasal cavity. The larval olfactory organ consists of nonsensory anterior and posterior nasal tubes connected to a large, main olfactory cavity containing olfactory epithelium; the vomeronasal organ is a ventrolateral diverticulum of this cavity. A small patch of olfactory epithelium (the “epithelial band”) also is present in the preoral buccal cavity, anterolateral to the choana. The main olfactory epithelium and epithelial band have both microvillar and ciliated receptor cells, and both microvillar and ciliated supporting cells. The epithelial band also contains secretory ciliated supporting cells. The vomeronasal epithelium contains only microvillar receptor cells. After metamorphosis, the adult olfactory organ is divided into the three typical anuran olfactory chambers: the principal, middle, and inferior cavities. The anterior part of the principal cavity contains a “larval type” epithelium that has both microvillar and ciliated receptor cells and both microvillar and ciliated supporting cells, whereas the posterior part is lined with an “adult‐type” epithelium that has only ciliated receptor cells and microvillar supporting cells. The middle cavity is nonsensory. The vomeronasal epithelium of the inferior cavity resembles that of larvae but is distinguished by a novel type of microvillar cell. The presence of two distinct types of olfactory epithelium in the principal cavity of adult A. truei is unique among previously described anuran olfactory organs. A comparative review suggests that the anterior olfactory epithelium is homologous with the “recessus olfactorius” of other anurans and with the accessory nasal cavity of pipids and functions to detect water‐borne odorants. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Origin of the variability of the mechanical properties of silk fibres: 1 ‐ The relationship between disorder, hydration and stress/strain behaviour
Authors: Colomban Philippe , Dinh Hung Manh , Bunsell Anthony , Mauchamp Bernard
Published: September 2011

The causes of the variability in mechanical behaviour of various silks obtained from silkworms (Bombyx mori, Antheraea/Tussah) and spiders (Nephila madagascarensis) have been studied by tensile uniaxial tests, differential scanning calorimetry and Raman microspectrometry. Analyses of tensile stress–strain curves recorded for different silkworm and spider baves and single fibres, undergoing different histories (age, degumming, thermal/chemical treatments), allow the behaviour to be classified into five groups and correlated with the fibroin/spidroin structural status: (1) Type I exhibits linear elastic behaviour and then a quasi plateau, (2) Type II has a two‐step linear elastic behaviour with kinks then a quasi plateau, (3) Type III exhibits a smooth transition from a linear behaviour to a plateau, (4) Type IV has a behaviour rather similar to that of Type I but above ~8–12% hardening occurs, and (5) Type V results in the breakage of fibres during the first elastic stage. Unambiguously, Type IV is more frequent for degummed, very dried fibres and Type III for water‐saturated fibres. The most striking Raman signature differences are observed in the Raman intensity of the amorphous/‘ordered’ νN–H and H2O band components and correlated to the water content and disorder degree according to the calorimetry study. Types I and II are frequently observed for fresh (largely amorphous) spun fibres/baves. Type V is characteristic of degraded fibres. Type IV represents the most ordered state. The similar stress–strain types for dried silkworm and spider fibres show that the general difference in amino acid contents is not the most pertinent parameter for the mechanical behaviour. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water‐based inorganic/polymer hybrid particles prepared via a multiple miniemulsion process
Authors: Nabih Nermeen , Landfester Katharina , Taden Andreas
Published: September 2011

A universal method for the synthesis of water‐based inorganic–polymer hybrid particles was developed in which no organic solvent is required. To demonstrate the versatility of this process, zinc phosphate, calcium carbonate, and barium sulfate were chosen as different pigment examples which additionally can be utilized for functional coating applications. Furthermore, a complex polymeric composition based on epoxy–acrylic–styrene was chosen to illustrate the versatility from a soft matter point of view. The overall synthesis process was carried out by coemulsification of two inverse miniemulsions, containing two precursors, surrounded with a polymerizable continuous phase. This was then transferred to a direct miniemulsion by addition to a surfactant solution and subsequent homogenization followed by radical polymerization of the vinylic monomers. To our knowledge, this is the first work where a polymerizable continuous phase has been used in an inverse miniemulsion formation followed by transfer to a direct miniemulsion, followed by polymerization, so that the result is a water‐based dispersion. The resultant dispersion was characterized by dynamic light scattering; the particles were investigated via transmission electron microscopy with in
situ determination of crystallinity using electron diffraction. Elemental analysis was also performed for the particles and the polymerized miniemulsions using X‐ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Molecular Imaging with SERS‐Active Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Yin , Hong Hao , Myklejord Duane V. , Cai Weibo
Published: September 2011

Raman spectroscopy has been explored for various biomedical applications (e.g., cancer diagnosis) because it can provide detailed information on the chemical composition of cells and tissues. For imaging applications, several variations of Raman spectroscopy have been developed to enhance its sensitivity. To date, a wide variety of molecular targets and biological events have been investigated using surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐active nanoparticles. The superb multiplexing capability of SERS‐based Raman imaging, already successfully demonstrated in live animals, can be extremely powerful in future research where different agents can be attached to different Raman tags to enable the simultaneous interrogation of multiple biological events. Over the last several years, molecular imaging with SERS‐active nanoparticles has advanced significantly and many pivotal proof‐of‐principle experiments have been successfully carried out. It is expected that SERS‐based imaging will continue to be a dynamic research field over the next decade.
Is There a Link Between Casual Employment and Export-Orientation of Firms? The Case of Kenya's Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Were Maureen
Published: September 2011

Empirical evidence on the link between trade and employment outcomes in Africa is severely limited. The paper analyses employment outcomes, that is, the rise in casual employment in Kenya's manufacturing sector in relation to firms' export orientation. While exporting firms generally account for a higher proportion of employment in the manufacturing sector, the proportion of workers in exporting firms declined by over 20% between the early 1990s and 2003. On the other hand, the proportion of casual workers employed in manufacturing firms increased over the same period. However, the empirical results show no strong evidence of “exporting” significantly influencing the proportion of casual workers employed by firms. The combination of an increasingly skilled labour force in Kenya and deepening casualisation among workers points to a conundrum that requires further analysis. That notwithstanding, the results suggest a need for policy focus not only on job creation, but also on the quality of jobs created.
Respiratory chain complex I, a main regulatory target of the cAMP/PKA pathway is defective in different human diseases
Authors: Papa Sergio , Rasmo Domenico De , Technikova-Dobrova Zuzana , Panelli Damiano , Signorile Anna , Scacco Salvatore , Petruzzella Vittoria , Papa Francesco , Palmisano Giuseppe , Gnoni Antonio , Micelli Loris , Sardanelli Anna Maria
Published: September 2011

In mammals, complex I (NADH‐ubiquinone oxidoreductase) of the mitochondrial respiratory chain has 31 supernumerary subunits in addition to the 14 conserved from prokaryotes to humans. Multiplicity of structural protein components, as well as of biogenesis factors, makes complex I a sensible pace‐maker of mitochondrial respiration. The work reviewed here shows that the cAMP/PKA pathway regulates the biogenesis, assembly and catalytic activity of complex I and mitochondrial oxygen superoxide production. The structural, functional and regulatory complexity of complex I, renders it particularly vulnerable to genetic and sporadic pathological factors. Complex I dysfunction has, indeed, been found, to be associated with several human diseases. Knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanisms of these diseases can help to develop new therapeutic strategies.
Depression symptom dimensions as predictors of antidepressant treatment outcome: replicable evidence for interest-activity symptoms
Authors: Uher R. , Perlis R. H. , Henigsberg N. , Zobel A. , Rietschel M. , Mors O. , Hauser J. , Dernovsek M. Z. , Souery D. , Bajs M. , Maier W. , Aitchison K. J. , Farmer A. , McGuffin P.
Published: September 2011

Background

Symptom dimensions have not yet been comprehensively tested as predictors of the substantial heterogeneity in outcomes of antidepressant treatment in major depressive disorder.

Method

We tested nine symptom dimensions derived from a previously published factor analysis of depression rating scales as predictors of outcome in 811 adults with moderate to severe depression treated with flexibly dosed escitalopram or nortriptyline in Genome-based Therapeutic Drugs for Depression (GENDEP). The effects of symptom dimensions were tested in mixed-effect regression models that controlled for overall initial depression severity, age, sex and recruitment centre. Significant results were tested for replicability in 3637 adult out-patients with non-psychotic major depression treated with citalopram in level I of Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D).

Results

The interest-activity symptom dimension (reflecting low interest, reduced activity, indecisiveness and lack of enjoyment) at baseline strongly predicted poor treatment outcome in GENDEP, irrespective of overall depression severity, antidepressant type and outcome measure used. The prediction of poor treatment outcome by the interest-activity dimension was robustly replicated in STAR*D, independent of a comprehensive list of baseline covariates.

Conclusions

Loss of interest, diminished activity and inability to make decisions predict poor outcome of antidepressant treatment even after adjustment for overall depression severity and other clinical covariates. The prominence of such symptoms may require additional treatment strategies and should be accounted for in future investigations of antidepressant response.