bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lacan et la psychiatrie organo-dynamique : retour sur un dialogue avec Henri Ey
Authors: de Calan Ronan
Published: March 2013

L’organo-dynamisme de Henri Ey constitue incontestablement, pour qui s’intéresse au matérialisme en général et à la psychiatrie en particulier, une doctrine médicale d’un matérialisme extraordinairement sophistiqué. Les critiques que lui adresse Lacan sont alors l’occasion de faire le point aussi bien sur les préoccupations de clinicien qui sont à l’origine de sa démarche que sur le sens qu’il faudrait, selon lui, donner à un point de vue matérialiste en psychologie. S’affrontent là une théorie du nexus causal dans la droite ligne de la grande métaphysique (Ey) et une « topique causale » propre aux empirismes, qui accorde une portée nouvelle à la dimension de la parole dans la clinique et à celle du langage dans la théorie (Lacan).
Lacan, Poe et la cybernétique, ou comment le symbole apprend à voler de ses propres ailes
Authors: Cassou-Noguès Pierre
Published: March 2013

Cet article étudie la référence de Lacan à la cybernétique, dans le Séminaire II pour l’essentiel. Notre but est de montrer le rôle central de cette référence dans le dispositif de Lacan (puisqu’elle soutient l’autonomie du symbolique) et, en confrontant les textes de Lacan à ceux de Wiener, son caractère problématique.
Lacan et l'insistance de la lettre
Authors: Aubert Jacques
Published: March 2013

Lire Joyce, c’est le prendre au pied de la lettre, et le prendre, même, au pied du rébus, au pied des choses, in medias res . Une telle lecture en acte, un tel acte de lecture crée donc tout d’un coup un effet qui ouvre comme un temps logique de lecture, définissant un entour de la lettre en termes de silence. Joyce réussit à introduire justement cet espace autour de la lettre, l’entourant d’une indécision, aux limites du hors-sens.
L'inconscient et la langue japonaise chez Lacan
Authors: Kamienny-Bockzkowski Diana
Published: March 2013

Nous tâcherons de comprendre le propos bien connu de Lacan à propos de l’inconscient japonais et les limites de son analysabilité. La thèse de Lacan nous permet d’aller dans la zone d’influence réciproque entre Lacan et Barthes. Ainsi, l’étude des propos de Lacan sur la langue japonaise et les idéogrammes permet d’introduire l’impact de l’écriture et la lettre dans la théorie de l’inconscient des années 1970.
Le motérialisme du symptôme dans la clinique lacanienne de la psychose
Authors: Meyer zum Wischen Michael
Published: March 2013

Dans sa « Conférence à Genève sur le symptôme » (1975), Jacques Lacan introduit le terme « motérialisme », rendant compte de la matérialité des mots qui sont la matière de l’inconscient. Cette formulation implique la critique d’une conception abstraite de l’inconscient comme composé de représentations. Lacan souligne que « c’est dans la rencontre de ces mots avec [le] corps que quelque chose se dessine ». Mon essai situe le « motérialisme » par rapport à d’autres notions du dernier enseignement de Lacan concernant l’inconscient : l’une-bévue, lalangue, le savoir-y-faire. Concernant la psychose, est posée la question des conséquences que le « motérialisme » entraîne pour les désabonnés à l’inconscient qui ne peuvent s’appuyer sur les duperies du signifiant. Cinq exemples viendront soutenir l’élaboration de cette problématique.
Simulation and database society in Japanese role-playing game fandoms: Reading boys' love dojinshi online
Authors: Glasspool Lucy Hannah
Published: March 2013

Japanese video games have been characterized as typifying contemporary postmodernity in the form of simulacra, both as a media form and in terms of their extensive localization for international markets, which creates user fantasies of Japaneseness that are not linked to an authentic or original Japan. These simulations are reappropriated by fans to create new content, in this case boys' love dōjinshi, which are in turn disseminated and consumed in an English-speaking online context. Fantasy role-playing video games, which often privilege heteronormativity and binary gender norms in their goals, narratives, and aesthetics, are among the most popular texts reimagined in this way. This study considers the concepts of simulation and database societies through an examination of the ways in which artificial contours of Japaneseness are constructed in the role-playing game series Final Fantasy VII's boys' love dōjinshi fandoms, how far these fan texts develop possibilities for the deconstruction of heteronormativity, and how transnational digitized consumption methods facilitate the intersection of these phenomena.
Doing Occidentalism in contemporary Japan: Nation anthropomorphism and sexualized parody in "Axis Powers Hetalia"
Authors: Miyake Toshio
Published: March 2013

Axis Powers Hetalia (2006–present), a Japanese gag comic and animation series, depicts relations between nations personified as cute boys against a background of World War I and World War II. The stereotypical rendering of national characteristics as well as the reduction of historically charged issues into amusing quarrels between nice-looking but incompetent boys was immensely popular, especially among female audiences in Japan and Asia, and among Euro-American manga, anime, and cosplay fans, but it also met with vehement criticism. Netizens from South Korea, for example, considered the Korean character insulting and in early 2009 mounted a protest campaign that was discussed in the Korean national assembly. Hetalia's controversial success relies to a great extent on the inventive conflation of male-oriented otaku fantasies about nations, weapons, and concepts represented as cute little girls, and of female-oriented yaoi parodies of male-male intimacy between powerful "white" characters and more passive Japanese ones. This investigation of the original Hetalia by male author Hidekaz Himaruya (b. 1985) and its many adaptations in female-oriented dōjinshi (fanzine) texts and conventions (between 2009 and 2011, Hetalia was by far the most adapted work) refers to notions of interrelationality, intersectionality, and positionality in order to address hegemonic representations of "the West," the orientalized "Rest" of the world, and "Japan" in the cross-gendered and sexually parodied mediascape of Japanese transnational subcultures.
"Writing the love of boys," by Jeffrey Angles
Authors: King Emerald
Published: March 2013

Review of Jeffrey Angles. Writing the love of boys: Origins of bishōnen culture in modernist Japanese literature. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2011. Hardcover, $75 (312p) ISBN 978-0816669691; paperback, $25 (312p) ISBN 978-0816669707; e-book, $24 (3486KB), ASIN B004Z1ORUY.
Creating Synergies Between Participatory Design of E-Services and Collaborative Planning
Authors: Wessels Bridgette , Dittrich Yvonne , Ekelin Annelie , Eriksén Sara
Published: March 2013

In this article, the gap between participatory design of services and planning processes is identified. This means that any innovations in service design – whether technological, social, or locality-based – are not fully developed. The authors address the relationship between operational design and strategic planning. The article feeds some of the insights gained from participatory design into debates about collaborative and communicative planning by drawing on two exemplars. One focuses on creating a synergy between designing and planning in transforming neighborhood-based children’s services: the other discusses the design of Web 2.0 for on-line public consultancy for comprehensive planning and for mobile services for disabled people. All require synergies between operational design and strategic planning to support participation in collaborative planning for accessibility in urban spaces. The article shows how the development of design constituencies within various contexts of participatory design provides a vehicle for developing collaborative and communicative planning.
E-Civic Engagement and the Youth
Authors: Al-Kodmany Kheir , Betancur John , Vidyarthi Sanjeev
Published: March 2013

This article explores how community-based organizations working in low-income residential neighborhoods of U.S. cities employ e-tools and social networking platforms to engage the youth. The authors interviewed representatives of community organizations that work with young adults from lower-income groups in Chicago to comprehend their actual usages and perceptions of electronic tools. These organizations facilitate a wide-range of initiatives including political and after-school education, gang-free spaces, crime intervention and prevention, and arts and media. They found that the organizations have internalized the idea of employing e-Engagement techniques to enhance communication with their constituents but use new technologies and social media in multiple ways. Many respondents posit that the presently available e-tools enable certain forms of civic engagement but require sustained resources. Also stressed is the roles of face-to-face communication, offline-meetings, and other traditional means of interaction to ensure the commitment and quality of effective engagement in this age of e-participations.
Differential Effects of Phenethyl Isothiocyanate and D,L-Sulforaphane on TLR3 Signaling
Authors: Zhu Jianzhong , Ghosh Arundhati , Coyle Elizabeth M. , Lee Joomin , Hahm Eun-Ryeong , Singh Shivendra V. , Sarkar Saumendra N.
Published: March 2013

Naturally occurring isothiocyanates (ITCs) from cruciferous vegetables are widely studied for their cancer chemopreventive effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of ITCs on TLR signaling, and found that the two most promising ITCs, phenethyl ITCs (PEITC) and D,L-sulforaphane (SFN), have differential effects on dsRNA-mediated innate immune signaling through TLR3. PEITC preferentially inhibited TLR3-mediated IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) signaling and downstream gene expression in vivo and in vitro, whereas SFN caused inhibition of TLR3-mediated NF-κB signaling and downstream gene expression. Mechanistically, PEITC inhibited ligand (dsRNA)-dependent dimerization of TLR3, resulting in inhibition of signaling through IFN regulatory factor 3. In contrast, SFN did not disrupt TLR3 dimerization, indicating that it affects further downstream pathway resulting in NF-κB inhibition. To examine the biological significance of these findings in the context of antitumor activities of these compounds, we used two approaches: first, we showed that dsRNA-mediated apoptosis of tumor cells via TLR3 was inhibited in the presence of PEITC, whereas this response was augmented by SFN treatment; second, in a separate assay measuring anchorage-independent growth and colony formation by immortalized fibroblasts, we made similar observations. Again in this study, PEITC antagonized dsRNA-mediated inhibition of colony formation, whereas SFN enhanced the inhibition. These results indicate biologically relevant functional differences between two structurally similar ITCs and may provide important insights in therapeutic development of these compounds targeted to specific cancer.
A Novel Small-Molecule Enantiomeric Analogue of Traditional (−)-Morphinans Has Specific TLR9 Antagonist Properties and Reduces Sterile Inflammation-Induced Organ Damage
Authors: Hoque Rafaz , Farooq Ahmad , Malik Ahsan , Trawick Bobby N. , Berberich David W. , McClurg Joseph P. , Galen Karen P. , Mehal Wajahat
Published: March 2013

TLR9 is a key determinant of the innate immune responses in both infectious and sterile injury. Specific antagonism of TLR9 is of great clinical interest to reduce tissue damage in a wide range of pathologies, and has been approached by modification of nucleic acids, the recognized ligand for TLR9. Such oligonucleotide-derived pharmacotherapeutics have limitations in specificity for nucleic acid receptors, significant potential for immunologic recognition with generation of innate and adaptive immune responses, and limited bioavailability. We have identified enantiomeric analogues of traditional (−)-morphinans as having TLR9 antagonist properties on reporter cell lines. One of these analogues (COV08-0064) is demonstrated to be a novel small-molecule antagonist of TLR9 with greater specificity for TLR9 than oligo-based antagonists. COV08-0064 has wide bioavailability, including the s.c. and oral routes. It specifically inhibits the action of TLR9 antagonists on reporter cells lines and the production of cytokines by TLR9 agonists from primary cells. It also has efficacy in limiting TLR9-mediated sterile inflammation in in vivo models of acute liver injury and acute pancreatitis. The identification of a morphinan-based novel small-molecule structure with TLR9 antagonism is a significant step in expanding therapeutic strategies in the field of sterile inflammatory injury.
Inflammation Induced by MMP-9 Enhances Tumor Regression of Experimental Breast Cancer
Authors: Leifler Karin Söderlund , Svensson Susanne , Abrahamsson Annelie , Bendrik Christina , Robertson Jennifer , Gauldie Jack , Olsson Anna-Karin , Dabrosin Charlotta
Published: March 2013

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been suggested as therapeutic targets in cancer treatment, but broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors have failed in clinical trials. Recent data suggest that several MMPs including MMP-9 exert both pro- and antitumorigenic properties. This is also the case of the natural inhibitors of MMPs, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The inhibitor of MMP-9 is TIMP-1, and high levels of this enzyme have been associated with decreased survival in breast cancer. Inflammation is one hallmark of cancer progression, and MMPs/TIMPs may be involved in the local immune regulation. We investigated the role of MMP-9/TIMP-1 in regulating innate antitumor immunity in breast cancer. Breast cancers were established in nude mice and treated with intratumoral injections of adenoviruses carrying the human TIMP-1 or MMP-9 gene (AdMMP-9). In vivo microdialysis for sampling of cancer cell–derived (human) and stroma-derived (murine) proteins, immunostainings, as well as cell cultures were performed. We report a dose-dependent decrease of tumor growth and angiogenesis after AdMMP-9 treatment. In addition to increased generation of endostatin, AdMMP-9 promoted an antitumor immune response by inducing massive neutrophil infiltration. Neutrophil depletion prior to gene transfer abolished the therapeutic effects of AdMMP-9. Additionally, AdMMP-9 activated tumor-infiltrating macrophages into a tumor-inhibiting phenotype both in vivo and in vitro. AdMMP-9 also inhibited tumor growth in immune-competent mice bearing breast cancers. Adenoviruses carrying the human TIMP-1 gene had no effect on tumor growth or the immune response. Our novel data identify MMP-9 as a potent player in modulating the innate immune response into antitumor activities.
An Extracellular Matrix–Based Mechanism of Rapid Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation in Response toCandida albicans
Authors: Byrd Angel S. , O’Brien Xian M. , Johnson Courtney M. , Lavigne Liz M. , Reichner Jonathan S.
Published: March 2013

The armament of neutrophil-mediated host defense against pathogens includes the extrusion of a lattice of DNA and microbicidal enzymes known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The receptor/ligand interactions and intracellular signaling mechanisms responsible for elaborating NETs were determined for the response to Candida albicans. Because the host response of extravasated neutrophils to mycotic infections within tissues necessitates contact with extracellular matrix, this study also identified a novel and significant regulatory role for the ubiquitous matrix component fibronectin (Fn) in NET release. We report that recognition of purified fungal pathogen-associated molecular pattern β-glucan by human neutrophils causes rapid (≤30 min) homotypic aggregation and NET release by a mechanism that requires Fn. Alone, immobilized β-glucan induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production but not NET release, whereas in the context of Fn, ROS production is suppressed and NETs are extruded. NET release to Fn with β-glucan is robust, accounting for 17.2 ± 3.4% of total DNA in the cell population. Release is dependent on β-glucan recognition by complement receptor 3 (CD11b/CD18), but not Dectin-1, or ROS. The process of NET release included filling of intracellular vesicles with nuclear material that was eventually extruded. We identify a role for ERK in homotypic aggregation and NET release. NET formation to C. albicans hyphae was also found to depend on β-glucan recognition by complement receptor 3, require Fn and ERK but not ROS, and result in hyphal destruction. We report a new regulatory mechanism of NETosis in which the extracellular matrix is a key component of the rapid antifungal response.
Agonistic Anti-CD40 Induces Thyrocyte Proliferation and Promotes Thyroid Autoimmunity by Increasing CD40 Expression on Thyroid Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kayes Timothy , Fang Yujiang , Yu Shiguang , Downey Edward , Wang Shufang , Braley-Mullen Helen
Published: March 2013

CD40 is expressed on cells of the immune system and in some tissues that are targets for autoimmune-mediated damage. It is not known if CD40 expression in target tissues plays a role in the pathology of autoimmune diseases. This study shows that agonistic anti-CD40 induces strong and sustained proliferation of thyroid epithelial cells (TECs), or thyrocytes, in IFN-γ−/− autoimmune-prone NOD and NOD.H-2h4 mice. TEC proliferation is accompanied by greatly increased expression of CD40 on TECs, development of fibrosis and hypothyroidism, and increased expression of proinflammatory molecules in thyroids. Bone marrow chimera experiments indicate that TEC expression of CD40 is required for anti-CD40–induced TEC proliferation, but lymphoid cells do not have to express CD40. TEC proliferation is reduced in wild-type mice given anti-CD40, presumably because they produce IFN-γ, which inhibits TEC proliferation. CD40 also increases on TECs during development of an autoimmune thyroid disease characterized by TEC hyperproliferation that develops spontaneously in IFN-γ−/− NOD.H-2h4 mice. TEC hyperproliferation development is accelerated in mice given agonistic anti-CD40. These studies provide new information regarding the role of target tissue expression of CD40 in development of autoimmunity and suggest that use of agonistic anti-CD40 for tumor therapy could result in autoimmune disease.
Fas-Mediated Inflammatory Response inListeria monocytogenesInfection
Authors: Uchiyama Ryosuke , Yonehara Shin , Tsutsui Hiroko
Published: March 2013

The molecular mechanisms of Fas (CD95/Apo-1)-mediated apoptosis are increasingly understood. However, the role of Fas-mediated production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-18 and IL-1β in bacterial infection is unclear. We demonstrate the importance of Fas-mediated signaling in IL-18/IL-1β production postinfection with Listeria monocytogenes without the contribution of caspase-1 inflammasome. IL-18/IL-1β production in L. monocytogenes–infected peritoneal exudate cells from Fas-deficient mice was lower than those from wild type mice, indicating that Fas signaling contributes to cytokine production. L. monocytogenes infection induced Fas ligand expression on NK cells, which stimulates Fas expressed on the infected macrophages, leading to the production of IL-18/IL-1β. This was independent of caspase-1, caspase-11, and nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat–containing receptors (NLRs) such as Nlrp3 and Nlrc4, but dependent on apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain. Wild type cells exhibited caspase-8 activation, whereas Fas-deficient cells did not. L. monocytogenes–induced caspase-8 activation was abrogated by inhibitor for intracellular reactive oxygen species, N-acetyl-L-cysteine. L. monocytogenes–infected macrophages produced type-I IFNs such as IFN-β1, which was required for Il18 gene expression. Thus, Fas signaling regulates innate inflammatory cytokine production in L. monocytogenes infection.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Cyclic Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate/Protein Kinase A Pathway Promote IL-9 Production in Th9 Differentiation Process
Authors: Mikami Norihisa , Miyagi Yayoi , Sueda Kaori , Takatsuji Miku , Fukada So-ichiro , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Tsujikawa Kazutake
Published: March 2013

Th9 cells are a novel Th cell subset that produces IL-9 and is involved in type I hypersensitivity such as airway inflammation. Although its critical roles in asthma have attracted interest, the physiological regulatory mechanisms of Th9 cell differentiation and function are largely unknown. Asthma is easily affected by psychological factors. Therefore, we investigated one of the physiological mediators derived from the nervous system, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), in asthma and Th9 cells because CGRP and activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway by CGRP are known to be important regulators in several immune responses and allergic diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that the CGRP/cAMP/PKA pathway promotes IL-9 production via NFATc2 activation by PKA-dependent glycogen synthase kinase-3β inactivation. Moreover, CGRP also induces the expression of PU.1, a critical transcriptional factor in Th9 cells, which depends on PKA, but not NFATc2. Additionally, we demonstrated the physiological importance of CGRP in IL-9 production and Th9 differentiation using an OVA-induced airway inflammation model and T cell–specific CGRP receptor-deficient mice. The present study revealed a novel regulatory mechanism comprising G protein–coupled receptor ligands and nervous system-derived substances in Th9 cell differentiation and type I hypersensitivity.
Essential Roles of K63-Linked Polyubiquitin-Binding Proteins TAB2 and TAB3 in B Cell Activation via MAPKs
Authors: Ori Daisuke , Kato Hiroki , Sanjo Hideki , Tartey Sarang , Mino Takashi , Akira Shizuo , Takeuchi Osamu
Published: March 2013

Polyubiquitination of proteins plays a critical role in the activation of immune cells. K63-linked polyubiquitin-binding proteins TGF-β–activated kinase 1 (TAK1)–binding protein (TAB)2 and TAB3 are implicated in NF-κB signaling via TAK1 activation. However, TAB2 alone is dispensable for NF-κB activation in embryonic fibroblasts, and the functional roles of TAB2 and TAB3 in immune cells has yet to be clarified. In this study, we demonstrate that TAB2 and TAB3 are essential for B cell activation leading to Ag-specific Ab responses, as well as B-1 and marginal zone B cell development. TAB2 and TAB3 are critical for the activation of MAPKs, especially ERK, but not NF-κB, in response to TLR and CD40 stimulation in B cells. Surprisingly, TAB2 and TAB3 are dispensable for TAK1 activation in B cells, indicating that TAB2 and TAB3 activate MAPKs via a pathway independent of TAK1. In contrast to B cells, macrophages lacking TAB2 and TAB3 did not show any defects in the cytokine production and the signaling pathway in response to TLR stimulation. Furthermore, TAB2 and TAB3 were dispensable for TNF-induced cytokine production in embryonic fibroblasts. Thus, TAB2- and TAB3-mediated K63-linked polyubiquitin recognition controls B cell activation via MAPKs, but not the TAK1/NF-κB axis.
Fire regimes in eastern coastal fynbos: Imperatives and thresholds in managing for diversity
Authors: Kraaij Tineke , Cowling Richard M. , Van Wilgen Brian W.
Published: March 2013

Until recently, fire ecology was poorly understood in the eastern coastal region of the Cape Floral Kingdom (CFK), South Africa. Rainfall in the area is aseasonal and temperatures are milder than in the winter-rainfall and drier inland parts of the CFK, with implications for the management of fire regimes. We synthesised the findings of a research programme focused on informing ecologically sound management of fire in eastern coastal fynbos shrublands and explored potential east–west trends at the scales of study area and CFK in terms of fire return interval (FRI) and fire season. FRIs (8–26 years; 1980–2010) were comparable to those elsewhere in the CFK and appeared to be shorter in the eastern Tsitsikamma than in the western Outeniqua halves of the study area. Proteaceae juvenile periods (4–9 years) and post-fire recruitment success suggested that for biodiversity conservation purposes, FRIs should be ≥ 9 years in eastern coastal fynbos. Collectively, findings on the seasonality of actual fires and the seasonality of fire danger weather, lightning and post-fire proteoid recruitment suggested that fires in eastern coastal fynbos are not limited to any particular season. We articulated these findings into ecological thresholds pertaining to the different elements of the fire regime in eastern coastal fynbos, to guide adaptive management of fire in the Garden Route National Park and elsewhere in the region.Conservation implications: Wildfires are likely to remain dominant in eastern coastal fynbos, whilst large-scale implementation of prescribed burning is unattainable. Fires occurring in any season are not a reason for concern, although other constraints remain: the need for sufficient fire intensity, safety requirements, and integration of fire and invasive alien plant management.
Improved shoot multiplication and development in hybrid hazelnut nodal cultures by ethylenediamine di-2-hydroxy-phenylacetic acid (Fe-EDDHA)
Authors: Garrison Walter , Dale Adam , Saxena Praveen K.
Published: March 2013

Garrison, W., Dale, A. and Saxena, P. K. 2013. Improved shoot multiplication and development in hybrid hazelnut nodal cultures by ethylenediamine di-2-hydroxy-phenylacetic acid (Fe-EDDHA). Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 511–521. Micropropagation of hybrid hazelnut cultivars is difficult because of their recalcitrant nature. The current study assessed the effect of different iron sources on in vitro shoot multiplication and subsequent plantlet development from nodal explants of the cultivar Geneva. Two chelated forms of iron, ethylenediamine di-2-hydroxy-phenylacetic acid (Fe-EDDHA) and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (Fe-EDTA) were tested to determine the effect on shoot development. Shoots were longer and had a higher number of nodes when cultured on a modified NCGR-COR medium supplemented with 230 µM Fe-EDDHA, whereas shoots failed to grow on a medium with 460 or 690 µM Fe-EDTA. All plantlets grown in the presence of Fe-EDDHA had more chlorophyll, larger leaves, and higher dry weights compared with Fe-EDTA. Electron microscopy of in vitro grown tissues revealed that the form of Fe influenced the number of granal and stromal lamellae per chloroplast, the number of thylakoids per granum, and the overall chloroplast structure. Nodal explants originating from the proximal end of stems developed longer shoots with more nodes than those derived from the distal region. The use of double-phase culture medium produced plants with longer shoots and more nodes, although these exhibited hyperhydricity, showed greater morphological variation, and contained less chlorophyll. These results demonstrate the efficacy of the use of Fe-EDDHA in growth medium for improving micropropagation efficiency of hazelnut.
Cloning, characterization and expression analysis of a 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase gene from pear
Authors: Shi Haiyan , Zhang Yuxing , Chen Liang
Published: March 2013

Shi, H., Zhang, Y. and Chen, L. 2013. Cloning, characterization and expression analysis of a 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase gene from pear. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 465–471. In this study, a cDNA clone encoding putative 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase (ACS) that catalyzes the conversion of S-adenosyl-L-methionine to ACC in ethylene biosynthetic pathway was isolated from a cDNA library produced using mRNA from pear (Pyrus pyrifolia). The cDNA clone, designated PpACS2, comprised an open reading frame of 1, 341 bp encoding a protein of 446 amino acids that shares high similarity with the known plant ACSs. Using PCR amplification technique, a genomic clone (GenBank accession number: KC146402) corresponding to PpACS2 was isolated and shown to contain two introns. The PpACS2 gene product shared 97% identity with an ACC synthase from pear (Pyrus communis). Phylogenetic analyses clearly placed the gene product in the ACC synthase cluster of plant ACS superfamily tree. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that the PpACS2 gene was preferentially expressed in young pear leaves and shoots. The transcript of PpACS2 gene was accumulated at relatively high levels in anthers, but no signal was detected in the petals and mesocarp of pear. These results suggest that the PpACS2 may participate in the regulation of ethylene production in pear leaves, shoots, and anthers.
Adalimumab treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis in therapeutic programmes – personal experience
Authors: Targońska-Stępniak Bożena , Majdan Maria , Seweryn Renata , Kiełbik Zofia
Published: March 2013

Celem pracy była ocena skuteczności i bezpieczeństwa leczenia adalimumabem (ADA), w ramach programu terapeutycznego NFZ, chorych na reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów (RZS), zesztywniające zapalenie stawów kręgosłupa (ZZSK) i łuszczycowe zapalenie stawów (ŁZS).

Materiał i metody: Przebieg leczenia ADA analizowano w grupie 41 cho­rych (24 na RZS, 11 na ZZSK, 6 na ŁZS). Do leczenia kwalifikowano chorych wg zasad programu terapeutycznego NFZ, z dużą aktywnością choroby, pomimo dotychczas stosowanego leczenia. Adalimumab podawano podskórnie w dawce 40 mg raz na 2 tygodnie.

Wyniki: Wśród chorych na RZS u 13 (54,2%) obserwowano adekwatną odpowiedź na leczenie: remisję u 8 osób (33,3%) i małą aktywność u 5 (20,9%), która po przerwaniu leczenia ADA utrzymywała się u 5 chorych przez średnio 4,5 miesiąca. Nieskuteczność pierwotną stwierdzono po 3 miesiącach (brak adekwatnej odpowiedzi) u 4 chorych (16,7%), po 6 miesiącach (brak remisji/małej aktywności) u 10 osób (41,7%). W okresie remisji/małej aktywności u 6 z 13 chorych obserwowano zaostrzenie RZS; u 2 z 13 chorych wystąpiła nieskuteczność wtórna. Wśród chorych na ZZSK u 1 chorego (9,1%) obserwowano nieskuteczność pierwotną. U 10 osób (90,9%) uzyskano małą aktywność choroby, która po przerwaniu leczenia ADA utrzymywała się przez średnio 5,4 miesiąca. W okresie poprawy, po przerwaniu terapii, u 8 z 10 cho­rych nastąpiło zaostrzenie; nieskuteczność wtórna wystąpiła u 1 z 10 chorych. U chorych na ŁZS małą aktywność choroby uzyskano u 5 chorych (83,3%), utrzymującą się podczas podawania leku; nieskuteczność pierwotną u 1 chorego (16,7%). W całej grupie 41 chorych leczonych ADA u 17 (41,5%) wystąpiły objawy niepożądane: infekcje dróg moczowych, oddechowych, nawracające infekcje wirusowe, zmiany skórne. Objawy te były przyczyną przerwania leczenia u 5 chorych (4 chorych na RZS i 1 chory na ZZSK). Liczba adekwatnych odpowiedzi na leczenie ADA była statystycznie istotnie większa u chorych na ZZSK niż RZS (p = 0,04).

Wnioski: Leczenie ADA jest skuteczną i bezpieczną formą terapii u chorych na RZS, ZZSK i ŁZS, z utrzymującą się dużą aktywnością choroby oraz niereagujących na dotychczasową terapię.
Effectiveness and safety of the use of rituximab in patients with active rheumatoid	rthritis – 5 years’ personal observations
Authors: Parada-Turska Jolanta , Dudek Paweł , Seweryn Renata , Majdan Maria
Published: March 2013

Celem pracy była ocena skuteczności i bezpieczeństwa leczenia rytuksymabem (RTX) stosowanym w latach 2007–2012 zgodnie z wytycznymi programu terapeutycznego u chorych z ciężką, aktywną postacią reumatoidalnego zapalenia stawów (RZS).

Materiał i metody: Rytuksymab stosowano jako leczenie drugo- lub trzecioliniowe u 38 dorosłych chorych z aktywnym RZS (DAS28 > 3,2), u których wystąpiła pierwotna lub wtórna nieskuteczność leczenia inhibitorami czynnika martwicy nowotworu (tumor necrosis factor – TNF). W grupie badanej było 31 kobiet (81,6%) i 7 mężczyzn (18,4%). Średni wiek chorych wynosił 54,6 ±11,2 roku, a średni czas trwania RZS wynosił 16,3 ±7,9 roku. Skuteczność leczenia oceniano przez 36 miesięcy, posługując się kryteriami EULAR (The European League Against Rheumatism).

Wyniki: W 6., 12., 24., 30. i 36. miesiącu obserwacji dobrą odpowiedź na leczenie RTX stwierdzono u odpowiednio 18,4%, 30%, 21,7%, 64,3% i 88,9% chorych. Umiarkowaną odpowiedź uzyskano u 73,7%, 53,3%, 60,9%, 14,3% i 0% chorych odpowiednio w 6., 12., 24., 30. i 36. miesiącu obserwacji. Brak odpowiedzi na leczenie odnotowano u 7,9% chorych w 6. miesiącu obserwacji, u 16,7% chorych w 12. mie­siącu, 17,4% w 24. miesiącu, 21,4% w 30. miesiącu i u 11,1% w 36. mie­siącu obserwacji. Brak pierwotnej odpowiedzi na leczenie RTX stwierdzono u 2 chorych (5,3%), natomiast utratę odpowiedzi na leczenie u 10 chorych (26,3%).

W czasie leczenia RTX liczba chorych przyjmujących glikokortykosteroidy zmniejszyła się z 34 (89,5%) do 16 (42,1%) chorych (p < 0,001). Leczenie RTX pozwoliło na obniżenie średniej dobowej dawki steroidów o 23,8%. Działania niepożądane (obrzęk Quinckego, hipotonia i świąd skóry) podczas infuzji RTX wystąpiły u 3 chorych (7,9%). Istotne powikłania infekcyjne w czasie terapii RTX obserwowano u 5 chorych (13,1%).

Wnioski: Rytuksymab jest bezpieczną i skuteczną formą terapii u chorych na aktywną postać wieloletniego RZS leczonego poprzednio wieloma lekami modyfikującymi przebieg choroby.
Cardiac implications of Lyme borreliosis
Authors: Maroszyńska-Dmoch Ewa
Published: March 2013

Borelioza z Lyme (Lyme borreliosis – LB) jest najbardziej rozpowszechnioną chorobą zakaźną przenoszoną przez kleszcze w Ameryce Północnej i Europie. Przebiega z objawami skórnymi, stawowymi, neurologicznymi i kardiologicznymi. Czynnikiem etiologicznym w Europie są genogatunki krętka: Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto i prawdopodobnie Borrelia bissettii. Jedynym patognomonicznym objawem boreliozy jest rumień wędrujący. Zajęcie mięśnia sercowego w przebiegu choroby (Lyme carditis – LC) należy do stosunkowo rzadkich, ale poważnych postaci klinicznych boreliozy i może stanowić przyczynę zgonów w tej jednostce chorobowej. Najczęstszym powikłaniem kardiologicznym boreliozy są bloki przedsionkowo-komorowe o zmiennym stopniu nasilenia, chociaż coraz częściej są opisywane inne przejawy choroby, takie jak: zaburzenia rytmu serca, zapalenie mięśnia sercowego i osierdzia, kardiomiopatie czy uszkodzenie struktur zastawkowych. W przypadku boreliozowego zapalenia serca podaje się antybiotyki zgodnie z rekomendacjami – rokowania są pomyślne. W niniejszej pracy, wykorzystując literaturę polską i światową, dokonano przeglądu aktualnego stanu wiedzy na temat Lyme carditis.
Osteoarthritis – the role of cartilage and capability of modification of the course of disease
Authors: Turżańska Karolina , Kłapeć Wojciech , Jabłoński Mirosław
Published: March 2013

Osteoartroza stanowi problem ok. 20% osób dorosłych. Mechanizmy powstawania destrukcji stawowej w chorobie zwyrodnieniowej są zróżnicowane. Kaskadę niekorzystnych zdarzeń prowadzących do rozwoju choroby rozpoczynają zwykle zmiany wsteczne w chrząstce stawowej. Budowa strukturalna chrząstki dostosowuje ją do oddziaływań biomechanicznych w czasie ruchu stawu, absorbowania i rozkładania obciążeń kompresyjnych na kość podchrzęstną oraz przeciwstawiania się siłom ścinającym. Prawidłowa budowa chrząstki stawowej i stan metaboliczny odpowiadają w dużej mierze za prawidłową homeostazę tej tkanki oraz skuteczne przeciwdziałanie fizjologicznym obciążeniom, bez uszkodzeń strukturalnych. Postępująca wraz z wiekiem chondropenia wiąże się zarówno ze zmniejszeniem grubości buforującej warstwy chrząstki szklistej, jak i związanymi z wiekiem zmianami jej składu biochemicznego, co odpowiada za zmiany właściwości biomechanicznych prowadzące do zwiększonej podatności chrząstki na uszkodzenia. Ostatnie lata przyniosły wiele nowych interesujących obserwacji o możliwości modyfikowania przebiegu choroby zwyrodnieniowej stawów.
Modeling and Analysis for Wear Performance in Dry Sliding of Epoxy/Glass/PTW Composites Using Full Factorial Techniques
Authors: Sudheer M. , Prabhu Ravikantha , Raju K. , Bhat Thirumaleshwara
Published: March 2013

The dry sliding friction and wear behavior of epoxy hybrid composites reinforced with glass fibers and a varying amount of potassium titanate whiskers (PTWs) fabricated by vacuum hand layup method were studied. The influence of normal load, sliding velocity, and whisker content on both friction coefficient and specific wear rate was investigated on a pin-on-disc machine. The tests were conducted at ambient conditions based on the 3 × 3 (3 factors at 3 levels) full factorial design. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to obtain the contribution of control parameters on friction coefficient and wear rate. The density and hardness of the composites were found to be enhanced with the PTW loading. The friction coefficient and wear resistance of the hybrid composites were found to be improved with the whisker content and were also greatly influenced by normal load and sliding velocity. A correlation between dry sliding wear behaviors of composites with wear parameters was obtained by multiple regressions. The worn out surface of selected samples was observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) to identify wear mechanisms. This study revealed that the addition of the ceramic microfillers such as PTW improves the wear performance of the epoxy/glass polymer composites significantly.
Synthesis and Structure of 1-Ethyl-2,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazole (Ethyl-Lophine)
Authors: Peppel Tim , Köckerling Martin
Published: March 2013

Ethyl-Lophine, 1-ethyl-2,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazole, C23H20N2, was synthesized as a precursor for large organic cations in ionic liquids using an improved microwave-assisted method. The title compound and a precursor compound were characterized by NMR, IR, and DSC thermal measurements, as well as elemental analyses. The crystal structure of ethyl-lophine was determined by singlecrystal X-ray structure analysis (triclinic, P1̄, a = 10:1137(3), b = 12:4935(4), c = 14:6351(4) Å , α = 98:182(2)°, β = 90:694(2)°, γ = 102:666(2)°, Z = 4, wR2 = 0:1030 for 611 refined parameters).
Synthesis, Single-crystal Structure and Raman Spectrum of Cu[N(CN)2]2 · 2 NH3
Authors: Reckeweg O. , Schulz A. , DiSalvo F. J.
Published: March 2013

Transparent blue crystals of Cu[N(CN)2]2 · 2 NH3 were obtained by blending solutions of Na[N(CN)2] and Cu(NO3)2 · 2.5 H2O in aqueous ammonia and subsequent evaporation of the solvent under ambient conditions. Cu[N(CN)2]2 · 2 NH3 crystallizes in space group P1̄ (no. 2, Z = 2) with the cell parameters a = 746:1(4), b = 747:8(4) and c = 894:4(5) pm, and the angles α = 68:94(2), β = 75:52(1) and γ = 68:22(4)°. The presence of the dicyanamide anion and the ammonia molecules was verified by Raman spectroscopy.
Road Tracking Method Suitable for Both Unstructured and Structured Roads
Authors: Procházka Zdeněk
Published: March 2013

This paper deals with a problem of road tracking and vehicle positioning based on sequential images captured by a vehicle mounted monocular colour camera. The paper presents a new region-based road tracking method, which is suitable for both structured and unstructured roads. The proposed method is based on our original road segmentation algorithm and estimates road model parameters from measurements obtained by analysis of segmented road region. Although the proposed method is tested over a limited range, evaluation on real image sequences shows promising results for various types of road.
Technology Evolution for Silicon Nanoelectronics: Postscaling Technology
Authors: Zaima Shigeaki
Published: March 2013

Si ultralarge-scale integration (ULSI) circuits have been developed by downscaling device dimensions on the basis of the concept of scaling, following Moore's law. However, continued downscaling in future ULSI devices will become more difficult because of an increase in the number of technological and economic problems. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a new direction of technological development different from that based on downscaling. In this review, a technology that realizes devices with high performance, integration, and functionality independently of downscaling, is referred to as a postscaling technology, and the current status and future perspectives of postscaling technology are briefly summarized and discussed.
Local Resonance Broadband Gap in a Homogeneous Plate with Periodic Truncated Cones
Authors: Chen Jiu-jiu , Zhang Hong-bo , Han Xu
Published: March 2013

We investigate the band structures in a homogeneous plate with periodic truncated cones for the square lattice based on finite element method (FEM). The radius of the truncated cone is gradually reduced from the lower base to the upper base. Compared to the classical stubbed phononic plates, a considerable enlargement of the bandwidth by a factor of 2.04 is obtained by varying the semiangle of the truncated cone, while the truncated cone's weight is only 65.19% of that of the cylinder of the stubbed case. Moreover the relative bandwidth is also enlarged by a factor of 1.68. We show that this band gap enlargement is due to the acoustic waves of different wavelengths is localized at the different parts of the truncated cone. These characteristics of elastic or acoustic waves suggest potential applications in aerospace.
Accurate Complex Refractive Index with Standard Deviation of ZnTe Measured by Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy
Authors: Tripathi Saroj R. , Aoki Makoto , Takeda Masanori , Asahi Toshiaki , Hosako Iwao , Hiromoto Norihisa
Published: March 2013

Accurate complex refractive index of ZnTe crystal in terahertz spectral region from 0.2 to 3.5 THz is obtained by measuring three samples with different thickness using transmission terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Each sample is measured a number of times and the mean and standard deviation (SD) of the complex refractive index are calculated to quantify the random errors in the measurement. The ratios of SD to mean of the real and imaginary parts of the refractive index are approximately 1.0×10-4 and 1.2×10-2 at 1 THz respectively. The absorption coefficient of our ZnTe sample is found to be comparable with or smaller than the values reported in previous literatures.
X-ray Absorption Studies on the Growth Process of Radio-Frequency-Magnetron-Sputtered Boron Nitride Films: Effects of Bias Voltage and Substrate Temperature
Authors: Hori Satoko , Niibe Masahito , Kotaka Takuya , Fujii Kiyotoshi , Yoshiki Keisuke , Namazu Takahiro , Inoue Shozo
Published: March 2013

We have investigated the effects of bias voltage and substrate temperature on the growth process of RF-magnetron-sputtered BN films. When the negative bias voltage was higher than 80 V, films including the sp3-BN phase grew even if the substrate temperature was RT. When the substrate temperature and the negative bias voltage were 600 °C and >100 V, respectively, films containing more than 90% sp3-BN phase were grown. The growth process of films deposited at 150 and 600 °C under a constant bias voltage of -100 V was studied by Near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) measurements. These films consisted of two layers: an sp2-BN phase underlayer and an sp3-BN phase top layer. The sp2-BN underlayer had a preferential orientation of the c-axis parallel to the film surface. The thickness of the sp2-BN underlayer decreased with increasing substrate temperature. High substrate temperatures assisted the nucleation and growth of the sp3-BN phase.
Characterization of Single-Crystalline Aluminum Thin Film on (100) GaAs Substrate
Authors: Lin Shi-Wei , Wu Jau-Yang , Lin Sheng-Di , Lo Ming-Cheng , Lin Ming-Huei , Liang Chi-Te
Published: March 2013

We have studied the structure and physical properties of an aluminum thin film grown on a (100) GaAs substrate. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data shows that the Al film grown in situ by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is single crystalline. Compared with the polycrystalline film ex situ evaporated using an electron-gun (E-gun), the MBE-grown Al film has a high optical reflectivity in the visible and ultraviolet (UV) regime. In addition, the MBE-grown film has a 2-order-lower residue resistance, a 1-order-higher temperature coefficient of resistance, and a 2-order-larger magnetoresistance (MR) than the polycrystalline film. Owing to the long mean free time, the bulk-like electron-to-hole transition of Hall resistivity is observed for the first time in a nanoscale metal thin film. Our results suggest that MBE-grown Al thin films have great potential applications in metal-based nanoelectronics and nanophotonics.
Preliminary Data on Assessments for Early Literacy Skills in Second Grade Arabic- Speaking Children: Guidelines for General and Special Education Teachers
Authors: Tibi Sana , Park Yujeong , Ho Yiting , Lombardino Linda
Published: March 2013

The goal of this study was to adapt scientifically-based measures for use in identifying Arabic-speaking children at risk for reading difficulties in the early primary grades. One hundred-fifty Arabic speaking Palestinian children, living in diverse demographic areas within the West Bank, were tested at the beginning of second grade on an Arabic version of the Early Reading Screening Instrument (ERSI) along with tasks of phonological awareness and lexical fluency. Data are presented that can be used as guidelines for special educators in identifying Arabic-speaking children who are showing a weakness in one or more early literacy related skills, placing them at risk for future reading failure.
Manifestations of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia
Authors: Osisanya Ayo , Lazarus Kelechi , Adewunmi Abiodun
Published: March 2013

This study examined the prevalence of dyslexia and dyscalculia among persons with academic deficits in English Language and Mathematics in public primary schools in Ibadan metropolis. A correlational survey study, sampling 477 pupils who were between the ages of eight and 12 years, and in 4th and 5th grades with the use of four research instruments- the Myklebust Pupil Rating Scale (MPRS), the Slosson Intelligence Test- Revised Third Edition (SIT-R3), the Test of Pupil Reading Abilities Test (TPRA) and the Mathematical Abilities Test (MAT) was adopted. It was discovered that dyslexia and dyscalculia were prevalent among pupils with academic deficits in English Language and Mathematics, and that pupils with both dyslexia and dyscalculia are in the larger percentage. It was also discovered that learning disabilities, dyslexia and dyscalculia were not peculiar to any gender. Persons with academic deficits in English language and mathematics should be screened for either dyslexia or dyscalculia, even both. Also, they should be taught according to a carefully developed Individualized Education Plan.
Teachers' Perceptions of Greek Special Education Policies and Practices
Authors: Miller Kevin J. , Morfidi Eleni , Soulis Spyros
Published: March 2013

Special education teachers and related service providers were interviewed for their perspectives on Greek special education policies and practices and how these influenced their job preparation and duties. Specifically, they were asked about the impact of the following on their jobs: Greek law related to the education of students with disabilities; university teacher training programs; job experience; teaching strategies; and changing teacher roles. They were also asked for suggestions to improve special education practices. Their perspectives are summarized and recommendations are provided.