bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern Navigation Systems and Related Spatial Query
Authors: Ku Wei-Shinn , Wang Haojun , Zimmermann Roger
Published: May 2010

With the availability and accuracy of satellite-based positioning systems and the growing computational power of mobile devices, recent research and commercial products of navigation systems are focusing on incorporating real-time information for supporting various applications. In addition, for routing purposes, navigation systems implement many algorithms related to path finding (e.g., shortest path search algorithms). This chapter presents the foundation and state-of-the-art development of navigation systems and reviews several spatial query related algorithms.
Location Privacy in Automotive Telematics
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Usman , Lim Samsung
Published: May 2010

Over the past few decades, the technologies of mobile communication, positioning, and computing have gradually converged. The automobile has been a natural platform for this convergence where satellitebased positioning, wireless communication and on-board computing work in tandem offering various services to motorists. While there are many opportunities with these novel services, significant risks to the location privacy of motorists also exist as a result of the fast-paced technological evolution. These risks must be confronted if trust and confidence are to prevail between motorists and service providers. This chapter provides an overview of the current situation of location privacy in automotive telematics by exploring possible abuses and existing approaches to curb these abuses followed by a discussion of possible privacy-strengthening measures.
A Package-Based Architecture for Customized GIS
Authors: Pazos Andrés , Poveda José , Gould Michael
Published: May 2010

In this chapter we present a package-based component architecture for the specific deployment and maintenance of public sector applications, specifically corporate Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The three-tier architecture defines a group of server-side packages, a kernel and external packages, that are dynamically requested and assembled at execution time according to the needs of individual users to produce on demand customized GIS applications. An intermediate middleware layer handles user authentication and version control. In order to demonstrate the proposed architecture, a practical prototype has been implemented using Java WebStart. This prototype demonstrates the creation of several GIS client applications, with increasing levels of functionality, and based on free software packages.
Design and Implementation Approaches for Location-Based, Tourism-Related Services
Authors: Thomopoulos Stelios C.A. , Argyreas Nikolaos
Published: May 2010

The globally observed recession of mobile services market has pushed mobile network operators into looking for opportunities to provide value added services on top of their high cost infrastructures. Recent advances in mobile positioning technologies enable services that make use of the mobile user location information, offering intuitive, attractive applications to the potential customer. Mobile tourism services are among the primary options to be considered by service providers for this new market. This chapter presents the key concepts, capabilities, and considerations of infrastructures and applications targeted to the mobile tourist, covering data and content delivery, positioning, systems’ interactions, platforms, protocols, security, and privacy as well as business modelling aspects.
PACS Network Traffic Control
Authors: Tong Carrison K.S. , Wong Eric T.T.
Published: May 2010

Economically speaking, it is interesting to see that over the years, the question as to whether PACS is cost-justifiable has not been easier to answer. The early work at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, as well as at Washington University in Seattle, provided some early numbers and a framework to use, however, a clear “savings-model” is still difficult to formulate. The challenge is that one cannot just look at how much is saved by eliminating film, but that the true savings lie more in the increases in efficiency. Productivity studies by the VA in Baltimore in the early 1990’s have helped in this regard. However, one has to realize that, as Dr. Eliot Siegel from the VA in Baltimore strongly advocates, one has to re-engineer a department and its workflow to make use of the advantages of this new technology to really realize the benefits. As one can imagine, the early PACS only replaced their film-based operation with a softcopy environment without emphasizing re-engineering. That brings us to one of the big “drivers” in this technology: network standardization. In the early 1980’s, there was no one single standard. Transmission Control Protocol and the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) was just one of the several options available. The United States government was pushing for the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standard.
The Impact of the ISI Convention of Relying on only the Name of the First Author on ACA Results
Authors: Eom Sean
Published: May 2010

Virtually all ACA studies using Thomson’s ISI citation indexes used only the first author to retrieve the cocitation counts. Therefore, this has been a methodological issue in ACA study. First, this chapter introduces two classifications of author cocitations (Rousseau & Zuccala, 2004; Zhao, 2006). Second, literature survey of three studies is conducted to review what has been done to deal with this issue. Third, we discuss the data and cocitation matrix generation system used in our study. Fourth, using our data produced by the cocitation matrix generation system, principal component analysis and non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) are applied to compare the differences in the process and outcomes of using different cocitation matrices. Finally, we discussed the results of comparative analyses of our study and three other studies in this area. In doing so, the treatment of the diagonal values in a cocitation matrix, the number of authors in all author ACA and first author ACA are critical determinants of ACA outcomes such as number of factors, total percent of variance explained, goodness of fit, and so forth. In future research, it is imperative to use the same assumption in regard to the treatment of the diagonal values, the selection of authors using the same criterion, and so forth. If these are not uniformly standardized, the results are always incomparable and have less meaning. Three conclusions can be reached based on our study. First, all author-based ACA is better to capture all influential researchers in a field than first author-based ACA. It identifies more subspecialties. Finally, all author-based ACA and first author based ACA produce little differences in stress values.
Principal Component Analysis Using the Factor Procedure
Authors: Eom Sean
Published: May 2010

This chapter describes the factor procedure. The first section of the chapter begins with the definition of factor analysis. This is the statistical techniques whose common objective is to represent a set of variables in terms of a smaller number of hypothetical variables (factor). ACA uses principal component analysis to group authors into several catagories with similar lines of research. We also present many different approaches of preparing datasets including manual data inputs, in-file statement, and permanent datasets. We discuss each of the key SAS statements including DATA, INPUT, CARDS, PROC, and RUN. In addition, we examine several options statements to specify the followings: method for extracting factors; number of factors, rotation method, and displaying output options.
ACA Analysis with the 15.0.0 Verison of SPSS for Windows
Authors: Eom Sean
Published: May 2010

This chapter briefly introduces the use of SPSS version 15.0 to conduct ACA analysis. The SPSS accepts datafiles in many different formats including spreadsheets, database files, tab-delimited, and other types of ASCII text files. Assuming that cocitation frequency counts are stored in a spreadsheet file in Excel, we demonstrate each step of ACA analysis to produce outputs using factor, cluster, and multi-dimensional scaling analyses.
The Changing Structure of Decision Support Systems Research
Authors: Eom Sean
Published: May 2010

This chapter extends an earlier benchmark study (Sean B. Eom, 1995) which examined the intellectual structure, major themes, and reference disciplines of decision support systems (DSS) over the last two decades (1960-1990). Factor analysis of an author cocitation matrix over the period of 1990 through 1999 extracted 10 factors, representing 6 major areas of DSS research: group support systems, DSS design, model management, implementation, and multiple criteria decision support systems and five contributing disciplines: cognitive science, computer supported cooperative work, multiple criteria decision making, organizational science, and social psychology. We have highlighted several notable trends and developments in the DSS research areas over the 1990s.
The Current State of Information Technology Governance Literature
Authors: Buckby Sherrena , Best Peter , Stewart Jenny
Published: May 2010

This chapter introduces current and prior IT governance literature across five key focus areas being strategic alignment of business and IT systems, delivery of value from IT systems, risk management of IT systems, management of IT resources and measurement of the performance of IT systems. The chapter focuses on synthesising the current literature on ITG to achieve three primary objectives. First, the review presents a detailed overview of research across the key focus areas of ITG. Second, the synthesis of the literature identifies important gaps in ITG research. Third, the review aims to guide future thinking and research on ITG in each of the focus areas. This chapter will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of IT governance literature.
Comprehensive Architecture Rationalization and Engineering
Authors: Shan Tony C. , Hua Winnie W.
Published: May 2010

This chapter defines a methodical approach, named Comprehensive Architecture Rationalization and Engineering (CARE), to effectively manage the complexity in architecture design and rationalize the architectural assets of IT application portfolios in a service-oriented paradigm. This comprehensive model comprises a prescriptive method to perform a systematic assessment of information systems applications in an application/project portfolio. The process is broken down to 5 interrelated steps: Data Collection, Reverse Engineering, Technology Assessment, Technical Recommendations, and Action Plan for Rationalization. The details and key artifacts are specified for each step in the overarching process. The outcome of the comprehensive analysis consists of a range of technical recommendations and a course of action, which are characterized along three dimensions: refactoring, reengineering, and rearchitecting. The holistic framework provides a multidisciplinary approach of portfolio analysis and service-oriented architecture planning. Practice guidelines and future trends are also articulated in the context. A case study in the finance industry is presented, to illustrate the use of this framework in real-world scenarios.
Managing IT Security Relationships within Enterprise Control Frameworks
Authors: Cusack Brian
Published: May 2010

Security is a subprocess that affects all processes within an organization structure. The control frameworks of CobiT and ITIL provide a mapping of organizational roles from the capital interest at the highest level, through to the implementation level in an enterprise system. Both control frameworks provide varying capability for control at different levels in an organization and leave the problem of making control functional to the managerial layer. In this chapter the security process is mapped from two control frameworks at the strategic layer and the issue of effective management tactics discussed from the theoretical structures within the problem area. No attempt is made to transgress theory into practice.
Implementing IT Service Management
Authors: Iden Jon
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents and analyzes a real life ITIL project, and it is based on a longitudinal case study. The purpose is to illustrate how the ITIL process reference model for some processes may be used almost as a blueprint, while ITIL for other processes may be profoundly adapted to suit the context and the needs of the implementer. Furthermore, the success factors and the impediments for successful implementation are discussed. As this case shows, although processes are being well defined and the ITIL project is being regarded by management as a success, employees may after all decide not to follow the adapted processes. The study finds that ITIL implementation will not be effective unless the organizational and cultural aspects of process change are being taken care of. This chapter will especially inform practitioners about how ITIL may be utilized and how an implementation project might be organized.
Measuring Return on Investment from Implementing ITIL
Authors: Ing Tiong Chee , Cater-Steel Aileen , Tan Wui-Gee
Published: May 2010

This study reviews literature related to financial metrics that organizations could use in measuring the return on investment from their adoption of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. ITIL outlines an extensive set of best practices for IT service management in organizations but as yet there is limited academic research on measuring the return on investment from ITIL adoption. This review considers appropriate metrics which service managers could use to build a business case for ITIL adoption, or ongoing ITIL projects.
Sustainability Constraints as System Boundaries
Authors: Ny Henrik , MacDonald Jamie P. , Broman Göran , Robèrt Karl-Henrik
Published: May 2010

Sustainable management of materials and products requires continuous evaluation of numerous complex social, ecological, and economic factors. Many tools and methods are emerging to support this. One of the most rigorous is life-cycle assessment (LCA). But LCAs often lack a sustainability perspective and bring about difficult trade-offs between specificity and depth, on the one hand, and comprehension and applicability, on the other. This article applies a framework for strategic sustainable development to foster a new general approach to the management of materials and products, here termed “strategic life-cycle management.” This includes informing the overall analysis with aspects that are relevant to a basic perspective on (1) sustainability, and (2) strategy to arrive at sustainability. Early experiences indicate that the resulting overview could help avoiding costly assessments of flows and practices that are not critical from a sustainability or strategic perspective and help in identifying strategic knowledge gaps that need further assessment.
Modeling of Green Supply Chain Logistics
Authors: Hsu Hsin-Wei
Published: May 2010

The green supply chain management has drawn researchers’ attention in recent years, but most of the proposed models for green topics on the subject are case based, and for this reason, they lack generality. In this work, the design of a supply chain network is studied. In this chapter, we try to overcome this limitation and a generalized model is proposed, in which a logistics chain network problem is formulated into a 0-1 mixed integer linear programming model and the decisions for the function of manufactures, distribution centers, and dismantlers will be suggested with minimum cost. A numerical example is provided for illustration.
A Vehicle Routing and Scheduling Model for a Distribution Center
Authors: Wang Hsiao-Fan
Published: May 2010

One key role along green supply chain is the distribution center which has the responsibility to deliver the commodities to the customers and collect the end-used products back to the center for further process. This activity requires a distributor to determine how many vehicles with what sizes along which routes to deliver commodities so that the demands from all customers will be satisfied within customers’ available time with minimum operation cost. This problem can be classified into a vehicle routing and scheduling problem with multiple vehicle types and service time windows. In practice, the complexity of the problem requires a structural model to facilitate general analysis and applications. However, also because of its complexity, an efficient solution procedure is equivalently important. Therefore, in this study, we have first developed a model for a distribution center to support the decisions on vehicle types and numbers; as well as the routing route and schedule so that the overall operation cost will be minimized. Since this model of vehicle routing and scheduling problem with multiple vehicle types and multiple time windows (VRSP-MVMT) is a nondeterministic polynomial time (NP)-hard problem, we have developed a genetic algorithm (GA) for efficient solution. The efficiency and accuracy of the algorithm will be evaluated and illustrated with numerical examples.
Permitting the True Potential of Knowledge Assets to be Utilized with KMI
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: May 2010

In order to support a systematic and sustainable approach to knowledge management (KM), innovating organizations must develop an appropriate knowledge management infrastructure (KMI). Such a KMI must support the people, process, and technology aspects of KM, as well as being sufficiently flexible to grow with the changing demands of the organization. This chapter details both the benefits of establishing an appropriate KMI and how to go about this process.
Normal Science and Post-Normal Sciences
Authors: Geisler Elie
Published: May 2010

This chapter describes the key attributes of normal science and the recently heralded post-normal science. Drawing from the philosophy of science and other literatures, the chapter argues that the subjugation of post-normal science to the social and economic urgencies and exigencies is only a matter of degree, since such relationship has existed ever since science had become “big science,” nurtured by society through public funding. The chapter provides examples from the healthcare sector. These examples show the confluence of topics and ailments that are given priority in research as those same areas considered urgent by the social and economic elites who influence the funding of science in healthcare and medicine.
Whole Systems/Holistic Approaches in Individual and Collective Levels
Authors: Saito Murako
Published: May 2010

In managing complexity and ambiguity, we need holistic or whole systems approaches. Complementary systemic approaches to integrate some separate systems are needed for fostering organizational adaptability or organizational flexibility in the changing social environment. It is not sufficient simply to keep in line with the standards established in the past by a particular discipline, but it is important to encourage the participants to progress for coping with the changes in society. Cognitive misfits between individual and organizational levels result in a decrement of quality of service which actually leads to the decrement of business performance. Conceptual frameworks of whole systems of human society, namely conceptual frameworks of human cognition and action in individual and collective levels are introduced for discussing the alignment of cognitive misfits and transformation of organizational culture. Classifications and categorizations are also introduced for further analysis of human cognition-action coupling process in individual and collective levels. Typology of the methodologies for intervening into complex social systems is discussed in the latter part of this chapter for pursuing the assessment and control of various method biases and also for determining the axes in mapping cognition-action in the actual fields. Continuous inquiry into the good and intervention to complex social systems play crucial roles in the approaches toward effective organizational transformation.
Realising the Healthcare Value Proposition
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: May 2010

Succinctly stated, the healthcare value proposition revolves around access, quality, and value. Healthcare organizations globally are struggling to realize this value proposition with the U.S. being the country noted for having the most expensive rather than the highest value healthcare system. The following discusses how KM and technology can facilitate the attainment of the healthcare value proposition. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-284-8.ch010
Interference of Mood States at Work with Perceived Performance, Perceived Efficacy, and Perceived Health
Authors: Saito Murako
Published: May 2010

The competencies of self-management and interpersonal relationship management play a crucial role in improving individual and organizational performance. Interference of mood states at work with perceived performance, perceived efficacy, and perceived health of individual workers needs to be clarified in redesigning an organizational environment which has an effect on enhancing the competence of individual self-management and interpersonal relationship management. This chapter provides some evidence on the relationship of mood states at work with perceived performance, perceived efficacy, and perceived health of the workers employed in beverage manufacturing plants and lapping chemicals manufacturing plants. The perceptions of performance, self-efficacy, and health status significantly differed among mood states at work. Vigorous mood at work gives positive effect on work perception which in turn leads to the enhancement of work ability and of interpersonal management competence. Vigorous mood at work gave effective power in changing organizational environment and in building in credibility among the participants, which promises a gain in intangible human assets in addition to tangible and extrinsic assets in redesigning innovative organization model.
Studying Human Resource Information Systems Implementation using Adaptive Structuration Theory
Authors: Ruël Huub
Published: May 2010

Research on Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) implementation lacks theoretical depth and richness. For that reason this paper applies a theory to HRIS implementation developed by Gerardine DeSanctis and Marshal Scott Poole originally for studying information systems implementation, namely Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST). AST is based on Structuration Theory, a theory from sociology, and assumes that information systems and organizations are fundamentally interrelated. They influence each other mutually. In this paper concepts from AST are applied to a HRIS implementation at Dow Chemicals. The case shows how a HRIS’ philosophy through appropriation by end-users is being realized in HRIS outcomes.
What is the Potential of E-Recruitment to Transform the Recruitment Process and the Role of the Resourcing Team?
Authors: Parry Emma , Tyson Shaun
Published: May 2010

HR practitioners are often expected to be both efficient administrators of the employment relationship and to act as a strategic partner to the business. Some authors have suggested that the use of e-HRM may be one way of achieving these dual aims as technology can both improve the efficiency of HR processes and help the HR function to become more strategic by freeing up time from the burden of administration and by providing reliable information on which to make strategic decisions. The authors investigated the potential of technology to transform the HR function into one that is both efficient and strategic by focusing on a single process area, recruitment. Through the use of three detailed case studies we showed that the use of e-recruitment can potentially have an impact on both the strategic role and efficiency of the resourcing team.
Automotive Network Architecture for ECUs Communications
Authors: Nouvel Fabienne , Gouret Wilfried , Mazério Patrice , El Zein Ghais
Published: May 2010

This chapter deals with automotive networks and the emerging requirements involved by the X-by-wire and X-tainment applications. The introduction of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) has been driven by new market (like navigation, multimedia, and safety). Furthermore, the automotive industry has to face a great challenge in its transition from mechanical engineering towards mechatronical products. Combining the concepts of networks and mechatronic modules makes it possible to reduce both the cabling and the number of connectors. To connect the ECUs, a variety of network technologies are already widespread. A review of the most widely-used automotive networks and emerging ones is given first. To fulfill the increasing demand of intra-car communications, a new technique based on power line communication (PLC) is proposed and reviewed in the second section. On the other hand, there are several infotainment applications (like mobile phones, laptop computers) pushing for the adoption of intra-car wireless communications. Some of the most common wireless technologies that have potential to be used in the automotive domain are considered and different experimentations are presented. Finally, the challenges of these wired or wireless alternative solutions to automotive networks are highlighted.
The Role of Communications in Cyber-Physical Vehicle Applications
Authors: Maxemchuk Nicholas F. , Tientrakool Patcharinee , Willke Theodore L.
Published: May 2010

Cyber-physical systems use sensing, communications, and computing to control the operation of physical devices. Sensing and computing devices have been embedded in automobiles and in the transportation infrastructure. Communications adds a new dimension to the capabilities of these systems. The embedded computers and sensors in both vehicles and the infrastructure will be networked into cyber-physical systems that reduce accidents, improve fuel efficiency, increase the capacity of the transportation infrastructure, and reduce commute times. The authors describe applications that improve the operation of automobiles, control traffic lights, and distribute the load on roadways. The requirements on the communications protocols that implement the applications are determined and a new communications paradigm, neighborcast, is described. Neighborcast communicates between nearby entities, and is particularly well suited to transportation applications.
Proactive Traffic Merging Strategies for Sensor-Enabled Cars
Authors: Wang Ziyuan , Kulik Lars , Ramamohanarao Kotagiri
Published: May 2010

Congestion is a major challenge in today’s road traffic. The primary cause is bottlenecks such as ramps leading onto highways, or lane blockage due to obstacles. In these situations, the road capacity reduces because several traffic streams merge to fewer streams. Another important factor is the non-coordinated driving behavior resulting from the lack of information or the intention to minimize the travel time of a single car. This chapter surveys traffic control strategies for optimizing traffic flow on highways, with a focus on more adaptive and flexible strategies facilitated by current advancements in sensor-enabled cars and vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). The authors investigate proactive merging strategies assuming that sensor-enabled cars can detect the distance to neighboring cars and communicate their velocity and acceleration among each other. Proactive merging strategies can significantly improve traffic flow by increasing it up to 100% and reduce the overall travel delay by 30%.
An Overview of Positioning and Data Fusion Techniques Applied to Land Vehicle Navigation Systems
Authors: Gingras Denis
Published: May 2010

In this chapter, the authors will review the problem of estimating in real-time the position of a vehicle for use in land navigation systems. After describing the application context and giving a definition of the problem, they will look at the mathematical framework and technologies involved to design positioning systems. The authors will compare the performance of some of the most popular data fusion approaches and provide some insights on their limitations and capabilities. They will then look at the case of robustness of the positioning system when one or some of the sensors are faulty and will describe how the positioning system can be made more robust and adaptive in order to take into account the occurrence of faulty or degraded sensors. Finally, they will go one step further and explore possible architectures for collaborative positioning systems, whereas many vehicles are interacting and exchanging data to improve their own position estimate. The chapter is concluded with some remarks on the future evolution of the field.
Interactive TV Together
Authors: Hesselman Cristian , Broekens Joost , Gülbahar Mark , Winkler Florian , Görgen Daniel , Jong Ferry de
Published: May 2010

One of the challenges in the world of interactive digital TV is to improve the user experience facilitated by these services. In this chapter, the authors discuss their approach towards reaching this goal, which is to integrate community and interactivity services (“Web 2.0”-style) of third-party providers from out side the world of IPTV into an IPTV service offering (e.g., services on the public Internet, and services offered by telco operators and end-users). The foundation of this work is an open service infrastructure that facilitates this form of integration. The authors discuss the set of service enablers that make up the infrastructure and present a working prototype implementation that serves as a proof of concept of their approach. They also outline four possible scenarios for the future of IPTV, which are based on a trend analysis and form the basis for developing business models made possible by their infrastructure.
Getting to Know Social Television
Authors: Harboe Gunnar , Huang Elaine , Massey Noel , Metcalf Crysta , Novak Ashley , Romano Guy , Tullio Joe
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents results from an ongoing social television project, in the context of other research in the field. The authors give a detailed description of the STV prototype used in their research, and summarize their studies, which provide the findings explained in the rest of the chapter. Three major research focuses are identified, namely evaluation and validation of Social TV systems, communication modality comparison, and detailed observation of user behaviors. Based on the findings in these areas, the authors list three major open questions and challenges for the field: multi-user support, new equipment requirements, and the creation of distinct and unique social television experiences. Finally, the chapter suggests that the emphasis within social television may be moving from research to design, implementation and deployment.
A Knowledge-Based Framework for E-Learning in Heterogeneous Pervasive Environments
Authors: Ruta Michele , Scioscia Floriano , Colucci Simona , Di Sciascio Eugenio , Di Noia Tommaso , Pinto Agnese
Published: May 2010

We propose a ubiquitous learning approach useful not only to acquire knowledge in the traditional educational meaning, but also to solve cross-environment everyday problems. By formalizing user request and profile through logic-based knowledge representation languages, a lightweight but semantically meaningful matchmaking process is executed in order to retrieve the most suitable learning resources. Standard formats for distribution of learning objects is extended in a backward-compatible way to support semantic annotations in our framework. Framework and algorithms are absolutely general purpose, nevertheless an application has been developed where the semantic-based Bluetooth/RFID discovery protocols devised in previous work, support users –equipped with an handheld device– to discover learning objects satisfying their needs in a given environment.
Analysis of genetic diversity in an invasive population of Asian long-horned beetles in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Carter Maureen E. , Smith Michael T. , Turgeon Jean J. , Harrison Richard G.
Published: May 2010

Adult Asian long-horned beetles,Anoplophora glabripennis(Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae), were discovered in Ontario, Canada, in 2003 in the vicinity of a commercial warehouse. Trees were heavily scarred with signs of attack and larvae and adult beetles were common, suggesting that there had been multiple generations at the site. We amplified 16 microsatellite loci from 326 beetles to examine genetic diversity in this population. Based on Hardy – Weinberg equilibrium, 6 of 16 loci were monomorphic and 8 were not, indicating nonrandom mating. Measures of microsatellite genetic diversity and mitochondrial DNA haplotype diversity were significantly lower than those inA. glabripennisfrom China and Korea but were not significantly different from those in the New York City population. The proportion of different multilocus genotypes in the Ontario population was lower than in the populations in New York City and Linden, New Jersey. These results suggest that limited genetic diversity in the Ontario population has not hampered reproduction of this invasive insect. This genetic signature is common in other invasive species, likely because a population is founded by a few closely related individuals, or a large founding population suffers subsequent genetic bottlenecks.
Sexual dimorphism in Ephedrus persicae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae): intraspecific variation in size and shape
Authors: Bogdanović Ana Mitrovski , Ivanović Ana , Tomanović Željko , Žikić Vladimir , Starý Petr , Kavallieratos Nickolas G.
Published: May 2010

Sexual dimorphism in size and shape has been studied in a wide range of organisms, but intraspecific variation in sexual dimorphism remains largely unexplored. In many parasitoid species the diversity of morphological-variation patterns within species is complicated by host effects. It is not known whether the magnitude and direction of sexual size dimorphism can be affected by the developmental environment (i.e., different host species). In this study we explored patterns of sexual dimorphism in size and shape in the aphid parasitoid Ephedrus persicae Froggatt. The analyzed sample consisted of 83 females and 54 males reared from five species of host aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from various areas of the Palaearctic region. The most notable result of the study is that E. persicae displays divergent patterns of sexual dimorphism in body size and wing size: females have larger bodies than males, but males have larger wings. Our analysis of wing size and wing shape also showed significant within species variation in the degree and pattern of sexual dimorphism. Variation in wing shape between the sexes seems to be more conserved than variation in wing size. Variation in wing shape is influenced predominantly by host (biotype) and to a lesser extent by sexual dimorphism within a biotype.
Sequential decision plan for controlling Mamestra configurata in spring canola
Authors: Wise I.L. , Turnock W.J. , Gavloski J.
Published: May 2010

A sequential decision plan was developed for controlling larvae of the bertha armyworm, Mamestra configurata Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in canola (Brassica napus L. and B. rapa L., Brassicaceae), using 0.25 and 0.5 m2 sampling units. Fields in Manitoba were sampled from 1980 to 1994 to determine minimum sample sizes and upper and lower cumulative larval counts at three economic thresholds. Taylor’s power law described most of the variation between mean larval density and variance for 0.25 m2 (r2 = 0.926) and 0.5 m2 (r2 = 0.924) samples. Larvae were found to have a moderately clumped distribution in canola (b = 1.42). Levels of precision (D0) varying from 0.15 to 0.25 caused minimum sample sizes to vary between 6 and 21 for the 0.5 m2 samples to between 9 and 31 for the 0.25 m2 samples, for an economic threshold of 16–24 larvae/m2 (P = 0.20). Mean sampling times ranged from 40–108 for the 0.25 m2 samples to 49–126 min for the 0.5 m2 samples. The sampling plan for the 0.25 m2 samples was verified in 18 fields in 2006 and 2007. A correct decision was made in 87% (D0 = 0.25), 91% (D0 = 0.20), and 94% (D0 = 0.15) of the fields when the recommendation was to spray if a decision could not be reached after a second sampling. The mean number of samples needed for making a decision was 14 (D0 = 0.25), 19 (D0 = 0.20), and 32 (D0 = 0.15). We recommend that growers use a precision level of 0.20 to minimize error rates and sampling effort. In most years, the minimum number of 0.25 m2 samples per field that growers would need to take is 14–17.
New species ofBraggia(Hemiptera: Aphididae) on buckwheat in western North America
Authors: Pike K.S. , Graf G. , Foottit R.G. , Maw H.E.L. , Starý P. , Hammon R. , Miller D.G.
Published: May 2010

Species ofBraggiaGillette and Palmer (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Aphidinae: Aphidini) feed on various buckwheat,EriogonumMichx. (Polygonaceae), species in western North America. Two new species,Braggia columbianaPiken. sp. from Washington and Oregon andBraggia longicaudaPiken. sp. from Washington, Oregon, and northern California, are proposed. Descriptions, diagnoses, illustrations, mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 “barcode” sequences, a key to the species ofBraggia, and notes on biology, distribution, and parasitoid associations are provided.
α4β1 Integrin Mediates the Recruitment of Immature Dendritic Cells across the Blood-Brain Barrier during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Jain Pooja , Coisne Caroline , Enzmann Gaby , Rottapel Robert , Engelhardt Britta
Published: May 2010

Dendritic cells (DCs) within the CNS are recognized to play an important role in the effector phase and propagation of the immune response in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model for multiple sclerosis. However, the mechanisms regulating DC trafficking into the CNS still need to be characterized. In this study, we show by performing intravital fluorescence videomicroscopy of the inflamed spinal cord white-matter microvasculature in SJL mice with EAE that immature, and to a lesser extent, LPS-matured, bone marrow-derived DCs efficiently interact with the CNS endothelium by rolling, capturing, and firm adhesion. Immature but not LPS-matured DCs efficiently migrated across the wall of inflamed parenchymal microvessels into the CNS. Blocking α4 integrins interfered with the adhesion but not the rolling or capturing of immature and LPS-matured DCs to the CNS microvascular endothelium, inhibiting their migration across the vascular wall. Functional absence of β1 integrins but not of β7 integrins or α4β7 integrin similarly reduced the adhesion of immature DCs to the CNS microvascular endothelium, demonstrating that α4β1 but not α4β7 integrin mediates this step of immature DCs interaction with the inflamed blood-brain barrier during EAE. Our study shows that during EAE, especially immature DCs migrate into the CNS, where they may be crucial for the perpetuation of the CNS-targeted autoimmune response. Thus therapeutic targeting of α4 integrins affects DC trafficking into the CNS and may therefore lead to the resolution of the CNS autoimmune inflammation by reducing the number of CNS professional APCs.
Dendritic Cells from Mycobacteria-Infected Mice Inhibits Established Allergic Airway Inflammatory Responses to Ragweed via IL-10– and IL-12–Secreting Mechanisms
Authors: Bilenki Laura , Gao Xiaoling , Wang Shuhe , Yang Jie , Fan Yijun , Han Xiaobing , Qiu Hongyu , Yang Xi
Published: May 2010

Previous studies have demonstrated that Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) infection can inhibit de novo and established allergen-induced asthma-like responses. The aim of this study was to examine the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in BCG infection-mediated inhibition of established allergy to a common environmental allergen—ragweed. The results showed that adoptive transfer of DCs from BCG-infected mice (DC[BCG]), in contrast to DCs from naive mice (DC[naive]), significantly inhibited established allergic airway eosinophilia and mucus overproduction. The inhibitory effect was correlated with alterations of allergen-driven cytokine and chemokine production as well as VCAM-1 expression in the lung. Flow cytometric analysis showed higher surface expression of CD8α and costimulatory markers in DC(BCG) than in DC(naive). Moreover, DC(BCG) produced significantly higher levels of IL-10 and IL-12 and expressed higher levels of TLRs than did DC(naive). Furthermore, blockade of IL-10 or IL-12 significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of DC(BCG) on established allergic airway inflammation and Th2 cytokine responses. These findings suggest that DCs play a crucial role in infection-mediated inhibition of established allergic responses, and IL-10 and IL-12 production by these DCs may be a major mechanism for the inhibition.
Regulatory T Cells Protect from Local and Systemic Bone Destruction in Arthritis
Authors: Zaiss Mario M. , Frey Benjamin , Hess Andreas , Zwerina Jochen , Luther Julia , Nimmerjahn Falk , Engelke Klaus , Kollias George , Hünig Thomas , Schett Georg , David Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2010

We previously demonstrated the suppressive effects of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) on osteoclast differentiation in vitro. In this article, we show that blood markers of bone resorption inversely correlate with the amount of circulating Treg cells in healthy controls and rheumatoid arthritis patients, further suggesting that Treg cells may control bone destruction in vivo. Indeed, bone marrow from Foxp3-transgenic (Foxp3tg) mice fully protected human TNF transgenic (hTNFtg) mice from TNF-α–induced bone destruction, whereas Foxp3-deficient bone marrow enhanced local and systemic bone loss. The same protective effect was also obtained by treating hTNFtg mice with the CD28 superagonist mAb (CD28 SA), which increased Treg cell numbers. In both models, bone protection by Treg cells was associated with reduced osteoclast numbers, resulting in less bone-resorbing activity. Reduced osteoclast numbers were not caused by an intrinsic defect in osteoclast differentiation because osteoclast precursors from hTNFtg/Foxp3tg chimeras responded normally to M-CSF and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand. Although a decrease in the clinical signs of arthritis was observed in Foxp3tg bone marrow-transferred and CD28 SA-treated hTNFtg mice, the bone-protective effect of Treg cells was independent of the suppression of inflammation, as demonstrated by the increased systemic bone density observed in wild-type mice treated with CD28 SA. This work demonstrated that increasing Treg cell numbers improved clinical signs of arthritis and suppressed local and systemic bone destruction. Thus, enhancing the activity of Treg cells would be beneficial for the treatment of inflammation-induced bone loss observed in rheumatoid arthritis.
Synoviocyte Innate Immune Responses: II. Pivotal Role of IFN Regulatory Factor 3
Authors: Sweeney Susan E. , Kimbler Trevor B. , Firestein Gary S.
Published: May 2010

Innate immune responses contribute to synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. The present study was designed to investigate the contribution of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)3 and IRF7 to type I IFN-regulated gene expression in synoviocytes. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes were stimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly [I-C]) after transfection with IRF3 or IRF7 small interfering RNA to knockdown transcription factor expression. Western blots, luciferase assay after transfection with reporter constructs, quantitative PCR, and AP-1 DNA binding ELISA were performed to evaluate the role of IRF3 and IRF7 in poly (I-C)–induced signaling and synoviocyte gene expression. IRF3 regulates IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) promoter activity as well as IFN-β, IRF5, IRF7, RANTES, IFN-inducible protein-10, MCP-1, and MIP1α gene expression in response to poly (I-C). IRF7 knockdown modestly decreased a subset of genes and ISRE activity, although the results were not statistically significant. Surprisingly, IRF3 knockdown almost completely blocked expression of additional genes in which the ISRE is not traditionally considered a dominant promoter site in fibroblast-like synoviocytes, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3, MMP9, IL-6, and IL-8. Transcription factor activation studies demonstrated a role for IRF3 in regulation of c-Jun phosphorylation and AP-1 binding. IRF3 rather than IRF7 regulates poly (I-C)–induced type I IFN responses in human synoviocytes by increasing ISRE promoter activity. IRF3 also partially regulates expression of other cytokines and MMP through activation of c-Jun and the AP-1 promoter site. Targeting synoviocyte IRF3 represents a potential approach to suppress diverse mediators while limiting suppression of IRF7-mediated immune responses.
MicroRNA-21 and MicroRNA-148a Contribute to DNA Hypomethylation in Lupus CD4+ T Cells by Directly and Indirectly Targeting DNA Methyltransferase 1
Authors: Pan Wen , Zhu Shu , Yuan Min , Cui Huijuan , Wang Lijia , Luo Xiaobing , Li Jia , Zhou Haibo , Tang Yuanjia , Shen Nan
Published: May 2010

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex autoimmune disease caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations. DNA methylation abnormalities play an important role in systemic lupus erythematosus disease processes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated as fine-tuning regulators controlling diverse biological processes at the level of posttranscriptional repression. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been described in various disease states, including human lupus. Whereas previous studies have shown miRNAs can regulate DNA methylation by targeting the DNA methylation machinery, the role of miRNAs in aberrant CD4+ T cell DNA hypomethylation of lupus is unclear. In this study, by using high-throughput microRNA profiling, we identified that two miRNAs (miR-21 and miR-148a) overexpressed in CD4+ T cells from both patients with lupus and lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice, which promote cell hypomethylation by repressing DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression. This in turn leads to the overexpression of autoimmune-associated methylation-sensitive genes, such as CD70 and LFA-1, via promoter demethylation. Further experiments revealed that miR-21 indirectly downregulated DNMT1 expression by targeting an important autoimmune gene, RASGRP1, which mediated the Ras–MAPK pathway upstream of DNMT1; miR-148a directly downregulated DNMT1 expression by targeting the protein coding region of its transcript. Additionally, inhibition of miR-21 and miR-148a expression in CD4+ T cells from patients with lupus could increase DNMT1 expression and attenuate DNA hypomethylation. Together, our data demonstrated a critical functional link between miRNAs and the aberrant DNA hypomethylation in lupus CD4+ T cells and could help to develop new therapeutic approaches.
Phosphoantigens Overcome Human TCRVγ9+ γδ Cell Immunosuppression by TGF-β: Relevance for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Capietto Aude-Hélène , Martinet Ludovic , Cendron Delphine , Fruchon Séverine , Pont Frédéric , Fournié Jean-Jacques
Published: May 2010

Human γδ cells expressing TCRVγ9 are HLA-unrestricted CTLs with high relevance for cancer immunotherapy. Many tumor cell types produce TGF-β, however, a cytokine strongly immunosuppressive for conventional T CD4, CD8, and NK cells. Whether TGF-β also inhibits TCRVγ9+ lymphocytes was unknown. Because phosphoantigens (PAgs), such as bromohydrin pyrophosphate, selectively activate the antitumor functions of TCRVγ9+ T cells, in this study, we investigated whether TGF-β modulates these functions. We report that TGF-β does not block activation of TCRVγ9+ T cells but inhibits their PAg/IL-2–induced proliferation and maturation into effector cells and finally reduces the cytotoxic activity of these γδ T cells when exposed to lymphoma target cells. TGF-β did not bias their differentiation pattern toward γδ Th17 or γδ regulatory T cells. Nevertheless, increasing doses of PAg stimulus countered TGF-β inhibition. So, although TGF-β impairs TCRVγ9+ γδ cells like other cytolytic lymphocytes, PAg alone or combined to therapeutic mAb has the ability to bypass its immunosuppressive activity.