bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochar Improves Plant Growth and Reduces Nutrient Leaching in Red Clay Loam and Sandy Loam
Authors: Pudasaini Kalpana , Ashwath Nanjappa , Walsh Kerry , Bhattarai Thakur
Published: December 2012

A factorial pot experiment was conducted using two types of soils (sandy loam and red clay loam) that are commonly used for commercial vegetable production in Bundaberg, region of Central Queensl and Australia. The soils were amended with 0, 25, 50 and 75 t/ha of green waste biochar and minimum doses of N, P and K (30 kg/ha, 30 kg/ha and 40 kg/ha respectively). After two weeks of plant establishment, the pots were leached with 1.5 litres of deionised water at week intervals, and cation concentrations of the leachate were determined. In 25 t/ha biochar treatment, there was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in K and Ca leaching by 40% and 26% respectively from sandy loam, and of Ca by 23% from the red clay loam. Soil water holding capacity and soil organic carbon were also increased in both biochar treated soils. After 12 weeks of growth, shoot weight was signifi cantly (P<0.05) higher in 25 t/ha biochar-treated sandy loam and red clay loam (32% and 31% respectively). These results clearly demonstrated that a higher yield of capsicum can be achieved from green waste biochar application in sandy loam and red clay loam at 25 t/ha biochar.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7221 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.86-90
Sacred Symbols with a Secular Beat? A Content Analysis of Religious and Sexual Imagery in Modern Rock, Hip Hop, Christian, and Country Music Videos
Authors: Morgan Tanja N. , Hampton Cheryl A. , Davenport Shanise , Young Ellen , Badzinski Diane M. , Richardson Kathy Brittain , Woods Robert H.
Published: December 2012

Abstract:

A content analysis of music videos for the 2008 top-rated songs in four musical genres was conducted in order to gauge change in the presence of religious and sexual symbols since the mid-1990s and to determine if sexual and religious images were prevalent in the increasingly popular hip hop genre. Religious images appeared in about one-third of videos across genres, and sexual images appeared in more than half the videos and in all of the hip hop videos. Hip hop and country videos had the highest co-occurrences of religious and sexual imagery, although there was co-occurrence in each genre. The significance and possible interpretations of the symbols and their co-occurrence are discussed.
Stakeholders, Service, and the Future of University Press Publishing
Authors: Brown Richard
Published: December 2012

Stakeholder theory is a useful framework for understanding any industry, and I contend that university presses should focus their energies and attention on managing stakeholders and creating value for stakeholders. But while this focus is necessary, it is not sufficient. I propose that a commitment to service through entrepreneurship underlies university press relationships with primary stakeholders. University presses should therefore (a) strategically seek the widest possible access for value-added content through (b) creative delivery channels in order to help scholarly communities of practice advance their teaching, learning, and research. This will, I hope, (d) result in sufficient revenue to allow the organization to grow and flourish (e) in order to serve communities of practice and the academy and society more effectively.
The Consequences of a Life in Scholarly Publishing
Authors: Philipson Morris
Published: December 2012

There is a set of values and goals that endures in scholarly publishing through the vagaries of format innovations, changing market conditions, and shifting intellectual fashions: a commitment to the idea of ideas; dedication to the essentials of communication, even at the price of hiding our part as publishers in the equation; and an appreciation of the power of transforming thought. As scholarly publishers, we nurture the ‘play’ of thought that is the life of the mind, and, in turn, in becoming what we do, we are the better for it.
Increased Maintenance Costs of Extreme Weather Events
Authors: Venner Marie , Zamurs John
Published: December 2012

Increasingly, departments of transportation (DOTs) are being subjected to higher maintenance costs because of extreme weather events. Maintenance managers are not imagining things; the amount of rainfall during intense precipitation has increased 20% over the past century. A survey of DOTs shows that maintenance demands in response to flooding and snowfall have increased precipitously in many states. This study began with a discussion at the 2011 AASHTO maintenance meeting and proceeded with an inquiry to all 50 states to scan the growth in extreme weather events and the impacts that DOTs have experienced. The impacts of the increase in wind, dust storms, snow and ice, flooding, and other events are discussed in this paper, with some attention devoted to the impacts of rising sea levels and erosion. The case studies reported here of extreme weather events offer a place to start to assess the potential costs of climate change, at least in the initial years, and to plan for adaptation. Recommendations by DOT maintenance and operation managers on how to respond to extreme weather events are also summarized in this paper.
Life Cycle of Hot In-Place Pavement Recycling
Authors: Ali Hesham , Grzybowski Ken
Published: December 2012

It is no secret that all levels of government face unprecedented levels of deficits. While revenues drop, the costs to maintain infrastructure grow with its age. The question of sustainability takes center stage. Can the United States afford to keep its highway assets, all 3 million miles of its paved roads? The study reported in this paper examined hot in-place pavement recycling (HIPR) as a way to reduce the cost of pavement rehabilitation. The Florida Department of Transportation built a test section in 2002 and a control section in 2003 to compare the cost and performance of HIPR with conventional milling and resurfacing. After 8 years, in-service data were used to draw some conclusions. The test and control road sections performed well. The HIPR section was built at less than half the cost of the conventional section. Projections showed that HIPR was cost-effective and would save 40% more than the conventional method of pavement rehabilitation. These cost savings, taken together with derived environmental benefits, make pavement in-place recycling an option that should not be ignored.
Project Selection and Prioritization of Pavement Preservation
Authors: Gurganus Charles F. , Gharaibeh Nasir G.
Published: December 2012

Several methods help agencies select and prioritize pavement preservation projects. Often these methods are built within an agency's pavement management system. Unfortunately, these decision support tools often produce recommendations that do not match actual decisions, particularly for project selection of pavement management. Ad hoc selection procedures for preservation projects may be effective for many highway agencies. Fiscal constraints and pressure from administrators and legislators, however, have forced agencies to justify their use of funds. This paper offers a new method for the selection and prioritization of pavement projects, with the use of the analytic hierarchy process as its multicriteria decision-making platform. The new method uses several parameters and input from decision makers to create a prioritized preservation project list. The method was applied in a case study in Texas; projects suggested by the method matched actual decisions 75% of the time. The ability to capture multiple parameters and determine weights for each parameter on the basis of decision-maker input, along with the high level of agreement between the method and actual decisions, indicated that the method could be a viable decision support tool.
Pavement Preservation with Micromilling in Georgia
Authors: Lai James , Hines Sheila , Wu Peter Y. , Jared David M.
Published: December 2012

The micromilling technique to mill asphalt surface mix continues to be studied in the state of Georgia as part of a pavement preservation treatment in conjunction with thin asphalt overlays. Earlier research showed the results of micromilling on a deteriorated open-graded surface, which was overlaid with a new open-graded surface on I-75, south of Macon, Georgia. The micromilling produced a much finer surface texture than did conventional milling, with a ridge-to-valley depth (RVD) of less than 3 mm, and the technique could more accurately mill the deteriorated open-graded layer. A new open-graded surface was placed on top of that layer with no need for a new dense- or gap-graded layer. The result was a large cost savings compared with conventional milling and overlay. This paper summarizes research performed on a micromilling and open-graded inlay project on I-95 near Savannah, Georgia, and compares the results with those from the previous research. The new research affirms that significant cost savings can be achieved through the replacement of conventional milling with micromilling. Results obtained from the I-75 project indicated that, on the basis of 3 years of satisfactory performance of the open-graded overlay on the micromilled surface, the use of the 95th percentile RVD parameter as the threshold value for compliance with the 3.2-mm RVD acceptance requirement could be too conservative. Results from the I-95 project indicated that the mean RVD of the micromilled surface could meet the 3.2-mm RVD requirement. However, the appropriateness of this parameter's use should be determined on the basis of the long-term performance of the open-graded mix placed on the micromilled surface.
On the Road to Sustainability
Authors: Ali Hesham , Sobhan Khaled
Published: December 2012

Most state departments of transportation (DOTs) adopted the Superpave® mix design method in the late 1990s. The Superpave mix design method replaced the Marshall method and became mainstream. Superpave came with aggregate, binder, and mix requirements to control rutting and cracking. With a life expectancy of about 15 years, many Superpave roads are now becoming candidates for resurfacing or recycling. Can Superpave mixes undergo hot in-place recycling with success? In fact, Superpave mixes contain expensive and high-quality aggregates, which meet the consensus properties, and high-quality binder, which meets the performance grade (PG) requirements. If these mixes can be recycled in place and meet the original Superpave properties, then substantial savings can be realized. The potential savings are in the 30% to 50% range of the cost to mill and resurface. In addition, emissions could be reduced by 70%, while 100% of the existing material could be reused. This paper reports on an experiment conducted in Gainesville, Florida, in 2010 at the Florida DOT State Materials Office, in which a Superpave mix underwent the hot in-place recycling process. The properties of the aggregate, binder, and mix were compared to answer certain questions about aggregate degradation, binder rejuvenation, and mix properties. The answers to these questions shed light on the possibility of the 100% recycle of Superpave mixes. The results showed that minimal aggregate degradation took place. The recycled mixes met Superpave gradation requirements for the most part. The rejuvenated binder met or exceeded the PG requirement. The mix could be engineered to meet the air voids requirement of Superpave.
Sonic Methods to Detect Delamination in Concrete Bridge Decks
Authors: Azari Hoda , Yuan Deren , Nazarian Soheil , Gucunski Nenad
Published: December 2012

Accurate assessment of the condition of concrete bridge decks leads to a bridge management system that is mechanistic and reliable, qualities of great importance to transportation agencies. In this study, two sonic–seismic methods—impact echo (IE) and ultrasonic surface waves (USW)—were used to characterize material properties and to identify fabricated delaminated areas inside a concrete bridge deck. The reliability of IE and USW is affected not only by the strengths and weaknesses of these methods but also by the ways in which data are collected, interpreted, and presented. The data obtained from the two methods were visualized in both traditional and checkerboard formats. The checkerboard format located the delaminated areas more precisely because the smoothing algorithm was avoided in this contouring method. This observation is more critical as the density of data collection is reduced. The evaluative power of each method and the power in combination, were also compared and discussed in terms of detectability and accuracy. The combined results from USW and IE were preferred to the individual results of each method because the combined results provided redundant and complementary data that reduced uncertainty in the identification of defects with no added overhead for field data collection. A relationship between the size of the defect and measurement density was recommended through evaluation of the bridge deck at three measurement densities. The measurement spacing should be equal to or less than the smallest defect deemed critical by the owner agency.
Optimization of Equipment Replacement
Authors: Fan Wei (David) , Machemehl Randy B. , Gemar Mason David
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this paper is to present an optimization model formulation based on deterministic dynamic programming (DDP) and to propose both the Bellman and Wagner approaches to solve the problem of equipment replacement optimization (ERO). The developed solution methodology is general and can be used to make optimal keep and replace decisions for new and used vehicles, with and without annual budget considerations. A simple numerical example illustrates and steps through the Bellman DDP solution process and demonstrates how DDP is used to solve the ERO problem through backward recursion. The developed DDP-based ERO software is tested and validated with Texas Department of Transportation vehicle fleet data. Comprehensive numerical results, such as the software computational time and solution quality, are described. Substantial cost savings are estimated with this ERO software. Further research directions are suggested.
Criteria for Fleet Management
Authors: Kauffmann Paul , Howard Ed , Yao Jason , Harbinson Drew , Brooks Newell , Williams Richard , Gurganus Christine
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a decision model developed to identify the optimal asset life for six equipment classes, including three on road and three off road. This model was developed as an element of a comprehensive study to identify a methodology to evaluate aging (or depreciation), disposal points, and overall utilization. The asset life optimization model discussed in this paper is a core result of that study and presents the opportunity to reduce overall cost, improve the age of the fleet and its readiness to serve the public, and improve overall utilization. This paper examines salvage values and identifies trend models for market value decline on the basis of historical records. With the use of internal cost information, the model identified trends in cost of operation and use as equipment aged. This information was integrated into an optimal economic life model on the basis of equivalent uniform annual cost to identify the optimal disposal point for the six classes. The analytical models developed in the study provide a foundation for long-term analysis of fleet size and the cost-effectiveness of disposal points.
Morphological and clinical risk factors for the rupture of anterior communicating artery aneurysms
Authors: Matsukawa Hidetoshi , Uemura Akihiro , Fujii Motoharu , Kamo Minobu , Takahashi Osamu , Sumiyoshi Sosuke
Published: December 2012

Object

Patients with ruptured anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms have historically been observed to have poor neuropsychological outcomes, and ACoA aneurysms have accounted for a higher proportion of ruptured than unruptured aneurysms. Authors of this study aimed to investigate the morphological and clinical characteristics predisposing to ACoA aneurysm rupture.

Methods

Data from 140 consecutive patients with ACoA aneurysms managed at the authors' facility between July 2003 and November 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with (78) and without (62) aneurysm rupture were divided into groups, and morphological and clinical characteristics were compared. Morphological characteristics were evaluated based on 3D CT angiography and included aneurysm location, dominance of the A1 portion of the anterior cerebral artery, direction of the aneurysm dome around the ACoA, aneurysm bleb(s), size of the aneurysm and its neck, aneurysm–parent artery angle, and existence of other intracranial unruptured aneurysms.

Results

Patients with ruptured ACoA aneurysms were significantly younger (a higher proportion were younger than 60 years of age) than those with unruptured lesions, and a significantly smaller proportion had hypercholesterolemia. A significantly larger proportion of patients with ruptured aneurysms showed an anterior direction of the aneurysm dome around the ACoA, had a bleb(s), and/or had an aneurysm size ≥ 5 mm. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an anterior direction of the aneurysm dome around the ACoA (OR 6.0, p = 0.0012), the presence of a bleb(s) (OR 22, p < 0.0001), and an aneurysm size ≥ 5 mm (OR 3.16, p = 0.035) were significantly associated with ACoA aneurysm rupture.

Conclusions

Findings in the present study demonstrated that the anterior projection of an ACoA aneurysm may be related to rupturing. The authors would perhaps recommend treatment to patients with unruptured ACoA aneurysms that have an anterior dome projection, a bleb(s), and a size ≥ 5 mm.
Limbic system surgery for treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a prospective long-term follow-up of 64 patients
Authors: Sheth Sameer A. , Neal Jonathan , Tangherlini Frances , Mian Matthew K. , Gentil Andre , Cosgrove G. Rees , Eskandar Emad N. , Dougherty Darin D.
Published: December 2012

Object

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and disabling psychiatric illness, and in a significant proportion of patients with OCD the disease is refractory to conventional pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. For more than half a century, patients with severe, treatment-resistant OCD have been treated with stereotactic limbic system lesions, including dorsal anterior cingulotomy. The authors present their results describing the efficacy and durability of limbic system surgery for OCD, characterizing a large cohort of patients treated at a single institution with a mean follow-up of more than 5 years.

Methods

The authors identified 64 consecutive patients undergoing cingulotomy for refractory OCD at the Massachusetts General Hospital between 1989 and 2009. Changes in OCD and major depressive disorder symptom severity were assessed at both the initial and most recent postoperative follow-up by using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Full and partial OCD symptom responses were defined as Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale score reductions of ≥ 35% and 25%–34%, respectively.

Results

Regarding OCD symptom improvement, at the first postoperative follow-up (mean 10.7 months), 35% of patients demonstrated a full response and 7% were partial responders. Thirty patients had a subsequent procedure (repeat cingulotomy or subcaudate tractotomy). By the most recent follow-up (mean 63.8 months), rates climbed to 47% and 22% for full and partial responses, respectively. Of the 24 patients with at least a partial response at initial follow-up, 20 (83%) retained at least a partial response at final follow-up. Comorbid major depressive disorder severity decreased by 17% at the most recent follow-up.

Conclusions

Limbic system surgery based on initial cingulotomy offers a durable and effective treatment option for appropriately selected patients with severe OCD who have not responded to conventional pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy.
Communicating hydrocephalus caused by an unruptured perimedullary arteriovenous fistula in the lumbar region of an infant
Authors: Wilson Mitchell P. , Aronyk Keith E. , Yeo Thomas , Chow Michael , Pugh Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2012

Spinal arteriovenous malformations are rare in children, although perimedullary arteriovenous fistulas (PMAVFs) may account for up to 24% of spinal arteriovenous malformations in this age group. Reported presentations of PMAVFs have included progressive or acute myelopathic symptoms, pain, hematomyelia, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. No known reports of an unruptured PMAVF causing communicating hydrocephalus have been previously published.

A 17-month-old girl presented to the authors' clinic with a 6-month history of back and leg pain, gait regression, constipation, and marked lumbar hyperlordosis due to a PMAVF. A brain MRI study also demonstrated advanced hydrocephalus. The patient underwent embolization with Onyx of 2 feeding arteries from the right L-1 and 1 feeding artery from the left L-1 lumbar arteries. Postembolization follow-up imaging demonstrated a reduction in size of the L-1 pedicles and no residual supply of the fistula. Three-year clinical follow-up showed normal bowel and bladder function with significant improvements in the patient's back pain, gait, and hyperlordosis. The patient's ventricular enlargement improved without direct management of her hydrocephalus.

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of communicating hydrocephalus caused by an unruptured PMAVF. The authors postulate that the origin of hydrocephalus was either central venous hypertension caused by the high-flow fistula or a change in fluid dynamics reducing CSF resorption through arachnoid granulations in the lumbar region of the spinal cord. The exact role that spinal arachnoid granulations play in CSF resorption is not currently known. Regardless of pathogenesis, initial treatment should focus on management of the fistula with additional hydrocephalus management only when necessary.
Central sleep apnea and associated Chiari malformation in children with syndromic craniosynostosis: treatment and outcome data from a supraregional national craniofacial center
Authors: Addo Nii K. , Javadpour Sheila , Kandasamy Jothy , Sillifant Paul , May Paul , Sinha Ajay
Published: December 2012

Object

The association of Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) with syndromic craniosynostosis (SC) in children is well established. Central sleep apnea (CSA) may subsequently occur. However, sleep studies performed in these patients have been focused mainly on assessing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, the incidence and management of CSA in these patients remains poorly defined. Authors of this study aimed to assess the efficacy of foramen magnum decompression (FMD) in resolving CSA, initially detected incidentally, in a small cohort of patients with CM-I and SC.

Methods

The clinical data for 5 children who underwent FMD for CSA at Alder Hey Children's Hospital between December 2007 and December 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Outcomes were evaluated with respect to FMDs by utilizing pre- and postdecompression sleep studies. Of the 5 patients, 2 had Crouzon syndrome and 3 had Pfeiffer syndrome.

Results

Patient age at the time of surgery ranged from 1.1 to 12.6 years (median 4.1 years). The median postoperative follow-up was 3.6 years. Sleep studies revealed that 2 children experienced a > 80% reduction in CSAs at 1.5 and 21 months after decompression. The remaining 3 children experienced a > 60% reduction in CSAs when reevaluated between 2 and 10 months after decompression. The associated central apnea index improved for all patients.

Conclusions

Findings suggested that FMD is an effective treatment modality for improving CSA in patients with SC and associated CM-I. The use of multimodal polysomnography technology may improve the evaluation and management of these patients.
FLEXBAR—Flexible Barcode and Adapter Processing for Next-Generation Sequencing Platforms
Authors: Dodt Matthias , Roehr Johannes , Ahmed Rina , Dieterich Christoph
Published: December 2012

Quantitative and systems biology approaches benefit from the unprecedented depth of next-generation sequencing. A typical experiment yields millions of short reads, which oftentimes carry particular sequence tags. These tags may be: (a) specific to the sequencing platform and library construction method (e.g., adapter sequences); (b) have been introduced by experimental design (e.g., sample barcodes); or (c) constitute some biological signal (e.g., splice leader sequences in nematodes). Our software FLEXBAR enables accurate recognition, sorting and trimming of sequence tags with maximal flexibility, based on exact overlap sequence alignment. The software supports data formats from all current sequencing platforms, including color-space reads. FLEXBAR maintains read pairings and processes separate barcode reads on demand. Our software facilitates the fine-grained adjustment of sequence tag detection parameters and search regions. FLEXBAR is a multi-threaded software and combines speed with precision. Even complex read processing scenarios might be executed with a single command line call. We demonstrate the utility of the software in terms of read mapping applications, library demultiplexing and splice leader detection. FLEXBAR and additional information is available for academic use from the website: http://sourceforge.net/projects/flexbar/.
History in Schools and the Problem of “The Nation”
Authors: Haydn Terry
Published: December 2012

The article examines the enduring popularity of a form of school history which is based predominantly on the idea that the transmission of a positive story about the national past will inculcate in young people a sense of loyalty to the state; a reassuring and positive sense of identity and belonging; and a sense of social solidarity with fellow citizens. England is one of the countries which has to at least some extent moved away from this model of school history; but the past few years have seen suggestions for a move back to a history curriculum which focuses predominantly on the transmission of ‘Our Island Story’; and which presents a positive rendering of that story. The history curriculum in England is currently under review; and public pronouncements by politicians; academic historians and newspaper editorials suggest strong pressures towards a restoration of what is often termed ‘traditional’ school history; which was prevalent in English schools before the advent of what has been termed ‘New history’ in the 1970s. The paper questions some of the arguments which have been put forward in order to justify a return to a history curriculum based on a positive and unproblematic narrative of the national story and suggests that such a course of action is based on some unexamined assumptions and a limited understanding of pedagogy and learning. The final section of the paper outlines several weaknesses and flaws in the arguments for reverting to a traditional (i.e. ‘nation-based’ and celebratory) form of school history; and some of the dangers inherent in such a project.
Natural Biomolecules and Protein Aggregation: Emerging Strategies against Amyloidogenesis
Authors: Sgarbossa Antonella
Published: December 2012

Biomolecular self-assembly is a fundamental process in all organisms. As primary components of the life molecular machinery, proteins have a vast array of resources available to them for self-assembly in a functional structure. Protein self-assembly, however, can also occur in an aberrant way, giving rise to non-native aggregated structures responsible for severe, progressive human diseases that have a serious social impact. Different neurodegenerative disorders, like Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s, and spongiform encephalopathy diseases, have in common the presence of insoluble protein aggregates, generally termed “amyloid,” that share several physicochemical features: a fibrillar morphology, a predominantly beta-sheet secondary structure, birefringence upon staining with the dye Congo red, insolubility in common solvents and detergents, and protease resistance. Conformational constrains, hydrophobic and stacking interactions can play a key role in the fibrillogenesis process and protein–protein and peptide–peptide interactions—resulting in self-assembly phenomena of peptides yielding fibrils—that can be modulated and influenced by natural biomolecules. Small organic molecules, which possess both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties able to bind to peptide/protein molecules through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic and aromatic interactions, are potential candidates against amyloidogenesis. In this review some significant case examples will be critically discussed.
Nitric Oxide in Skeletal Muscle: Role on Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Function
Authors: Tengan Celia , Rodrigues Gabriela , Godinho Rosely
Published: December 2012

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in several cellular processes as a signaling molecule and also as a source of reactive nitrogen species (RNS). NO is produced by three isoenzymes called nitric oxide synthases (NOS), all present in skeletal muscle. While neuronal NOS (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) are isoforms constitutively expressed, inducible NOS (iNOS) is mainly expressed during inflammatory responses. Recent studies have demonstrated that NO is also involved in the mitochondrial biogenesis pathway, having PGC-1α as the main signaling molecule. Increased NO synthesis has been demonstrated in the sarcolemma of skeletal muscle fiber and NO can also reversibly inhibit cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV of the respiratory chain). Investigation on cultured skeletal myotubes treated with NO donors, NO precursors or NOS inhibitors have also showed a bimodal effect of NO that depends on the concentration used. The present review will discuss the new insights on NO roles on mitochondrial biogenesis and function in skeletal muscle. We will also focus on potential therapeutic strategies based on NO precursors or analogs to treat patients with myopathies and mitochondrial deficiency.
Nodularin Exposure Induces SOD1 Phosphorylation and Disrupts SOD1 Co-localization with Actin Filaments
Authors: Hjørnevik Linda , Fismen Lise , Young Fiona , Solstad Therese , Fladmark Kari
Published: December 2012

Apoptotic cell death is induced in primary hepatocytes by the Ser/Thr protein phosphatase inhibiting cyanobacterial toxin nodularin after only minutes of exposure. Nodularin-induced apoptosis involves a rapid development of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be delayed by the Ca2+/calmodulin protein kinase II inhibitor KN93. This apoptosis model provides us with a unique population of highly synchronized dying cells, making it possible to identify low abundant phosphoproteins participating in apoptosis signaling. Here, we show that nodularin induces phosphorylation and possibly also cysteine oxidation of the antioxidant Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), without altering enzymatic SOD1 activity. The observed post-translational modifications of SOD1 could be regulated by Ca2+/calmodulin protein kinase II. In untreated hepatocytes, a high concentration of SOD1 was found in the sub-membranous area, co-localized with the cortical actin cytoskeleton. In the early phase of nodularin exposure, SOD1 was found in high concentration in evenly distributed apoptotic buds. Nodularin induced a rapid reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and, at the time of polarized budding, SOD1 and actin filaments no longer co-localized.
Wavelength-Dependent Degradation of Ochratoxin and Citrinin by Light in Vitro and in Vivo and Its Implications on Penicillium
Authors: Schmidt-Heydt Markus , Cramer Benedikt , Graf Irina , Lerch Sandra , Humpf Hans-Ulrich , Geisen Rolf
Published: December 2012

It has previously been shown that the biosynthesis of the mycotoxins ochratoxin A and B and of citrinin by Penicillium is regulated by light. However, not only the biosynthesis of these mycotoxins, but also the molecules themselves are strongly affected by light of certain wavelengths. The white light and blue light of 470 and 455 nm are especially able to degrade ochratoxin A, ochratoxin B and citrinin after exposure for a certain time. After the same treatment of the secondary metabolites with red (627 nm), yellow (590 nm) or green (530 nm) light or in the dark, almost no degradation occurred during that time indicating the blue light as the responsible part of the spectrum. The two derivatives of ochratoxin (A and B) are degraded to certain definitive degradation products which were characterized by HPLC-FLD-FTMS. The degradation products of ochratoxin A and B did no longer contain phenylalanine however were still chlorinated in the case of ochratoxin A. Citrinin is completely degraded by blue light. A fluorescent band was no longer visible after detection by TLC suggesting a higher sensitivity and apparently greater absorbance of energy by citrinin. The fact that especially blue light degrades the three secondary metabolites is apparently attributed to the absorption spectra of the metabolites which all have an optimum in the short wave length range. The absorption range of citrinin is, in particular, broader and includes the wave length of blue light. In wheat, which was contaminated with an ochratoxin A producing culture of Penicillium verrucosum and treated with blue light after a pre-incubation by the fungus, the concentration of the preformed ochratoxin A reduced by roughly 50% compared to the control and differed by > 90% compared to the sample incubated further in the dark. This indicates that the light degrading effect is also exerted in vivo, e.g., on food surfaces. The biological consequences of the light instability of the toxins are discussed.
Acteurs sociaux dans le « socialisme du XXIe siècle » : démocratie participative ou contrôle de l'État ?
Authors: Jácome Francine
Published: December 2012

Résumé En treize années de gouvernement, le projet politique du président Chávez a entraîné d’importantes modifications quant aux stratégies et aux entreprises des divers acteurs sociaux vénézuéliens. Or, malgré les changements légaux mis en œuvre, la question clef est de savoir si, durant ces treize années, la démocratie participative-délibérative a effectivement été mise en pratique. Notre courte étude part de l’idée que le principal défi des mouvements sociaux vénézuéliens est de s’assurer que l’égalité en termes de droits et de possibilités de participation soit garantie.
Le recours à l'avortement provoqué à Lomé (Togo)
Authors: N’Bouke Afiwa , Calvès Anne-Emmanuèle , Lardoux Solène
Published: December 2012

Résumé En dépit d’une modification récente de la loi sur l’avortement au Togo, cette dernière demeure restrictive et l’avortement provoqué s’y pratique essentiellement de façon illégale. En combinant une méthode indirecte (résiduelle) et une méthode directe, cette étude estime l’évolution du recours à l’avortement à Lomé, la capitale togolaise. Elle s’intéresse aussi aux changements intervenus dans le calendrier et la fréquence du recours à l’avortement selon les générations. Elle détermine enfin le rôle relatif de l’avortement dans la baisse de la fécondité à Lomé. L’article utilise les données des Enquêtes démographiques et de santé de 1988 et de 1998, et celles de l’Enquête sur la planification familiale et l’avortement provoqué de 2002. Les résultats suggèrent que le recours à l’avortement est en hausse dans la capitale togolaise. Le nombre d’avortements y est particulièrement important parmi les jeunes générations, qui montrent un risque plus élevé de recourir à un avortement que leurs aînées aux mêmes âges. Une partie de la régulation des naissances serait ainsi assurée par l’avortement, qui est principalement employé en début de vie féconde et entraîne une réduction d’au moins 10,8 % de la fécondité potentielle.
Divergence in CD19-Mediated Signaling Unfolds Intraclonal Diversity in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Which Correlates with Disease Progression
Authors: Herishanu Yair , Kay Sigi , Dezorella Nili , Baron Shoshana , Hazan-Halevy Inbal , Porat Ziv , Trestman Svetlana , Perry Chava , Braunstein Rony , Deutsch Varda , Polliack Aaron , Naparstek Elizabeth , Katz Ben-Zion
Published: December 2012

Emerging data on intraclonal diversity imply that this phenomenon may play a role in the clinical outcome of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), where subsets of the CLL clone responding more robustly to external stimuli may gain a growth and survival advantage. In this study, we report intraclonal diversity resolved by responses to CD19 engagement in CLL cells, which can be classified into CD19-responsive (CD19-R) and -nonresponive subpopulations. Engagement of CD19 by anti-CD19 Ab rapidly induced cellular aggregation in the CD19-R CLL cells. The CD19-R CLL cells expressed higher surface levels of CD19 and c-myc mRNA, exhibited distinct morphological features, and were preferentially abolished in rituximab-treated patients. Both subpopulations reacted to sIgM stimulation in a similar manner and exhibited similar levels of Akt and Erk phosphorylation, pointing to functional signaling divergence within the BCR. CD19 unresponsiveness was partially reversible, where nonresponding CD19 cells spontaneously recover their signaling capacity following incubation in vitro, pointing to possible in vivo CD19–signaling attenuating mechanisms. This concept was supported by the lower CD19-R occurrence in bone marrow–derived samples compared with cells derived from the peripheral blood of the same patients. CLL patients with >15.25% of the CD19-R cell fraction had a shorter median time to treatment compared with patients with <15.25% of CD19-R cell fraction. In conclusion, divergence in CD19-mediated signaling unfolds both interpatient and intraclonal diversity in CLL. This signaling diversity is associated with physiological implications, including the location of the cells, their responses to anti-CLL therapeutics, and disease progression.
IL-6 Controls the Innate Immune Response against Listeria monocytogenes via Classical IL-6 Signaling
Authors: Hoge Judith , Yan Isabell , Jänner Nathalie , Schumacher Valéa , Chalaris Athena , Steinmetz Oliver M. , Engel Daniel R. , Scheller Jürgen , Rose-John Stefan , Mittrücker Hans-Willi
Published: December 2012

The cytokine IL-6 plays a protective role in immune responses against bacterial infections. However, the mechanisms of IL-6–mediated protection are only partially understood. IL-6 can signal via the IL-6R complex composed of membrane-bound IL-6Rα (mIL-6Rα) and gp130. Owing to the restricted expression of mIL-6Rα, classical IL-6 signaling occurs only in a limited number of cells such as hepatocytes and certain leukocyte subsets. IL-6 also interacts with soluble IL-6Rα proteins and these IL-6/soluble IL-6Rα complexes can subsequently bind to membrane-bound gp130 proteins and induce signaling. Because gp130 is ubiquitously expressed, this IL-6 trans-signaling substantially increases the spectrum of cells responding to IL-6. In this study, we analyze the role of classical IL-6 signaling and IL-6 trans-signaling in the innate immune response of mice against Listeria monocytogenes infection. We demonstrate that L. monocytogenes infection causes profound systemic IL-6 production and rapid loss of IL-6Rα surface expression on neutrophils, inflammatory monocytes, and different lymphocyte subsets. IL-6–deficient mice or mice treated with neutralizing anti–IL-6 mAb displayed impaired control of L. monocytogenes infection accompanied by alterations in the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as in the recruitment of inflammatory cells. In contrast, restricted blockade of IL-6 trans-signaling by application or transgenic expression of a soluble gp130 protein did not restrain the control of infection. In summary, our results demonstrate that IL-6Rα surface expression is highly dynamic during the innate response against L. monocytogenes and that the protective IL-6 function is dependent on classical IL-6 signaling via mIL-6Rα.
Cell-Specific TLR9 Trafficking in Primary APCs of Transgenic TLR9-GFP Mice
Authors: Avalos Ana M. , Kirak Oktay , Oelkers J. Margit , Pils Marina C. , Kim You-Me , Ottinger Matthias , Jaenisch Rudolf , Ploegh Hidde L. , Brinkmann Melanie M.
Published: December 2012

Recognition of nucleic acids by TLR9 requires its trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to endolysosomal compartments and its subsequent proteolytic processing. Both processes depend on interactions of TLR9 with the polytopic endoplasmic reticulum–resident protein UNC93B1. To examine the intracellular behavior of TLR9 in primary APCs, we generated transgenic mice expressing a TLR9-GFP fusion. The TLR9-GFP transgene is functional and is proteolytically processed in resting bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDMs), dendritic cells, and B cells. Inhibition of cleavage impairs TLR9-dependent responses in all primary APCs analyzed. The kinetics of TLR9-GFP processing in BMDMs and B cells differs: in B cells, proteolysis occurs at a faster rate, consistent with an almost exclusive localization to endolysosomes at the resting state. In contrast to the joint requirement for cathepsins L and S for TLR9 cleavage in macrophages, TLR9-GFP cleavage depends on cathepsin L activity in B cells. As expected, in BMDMs and B cells from UNC93B1 (3d) mutant mice, cleavage of TLR9-GFP is essentially blocked, and the expression level of UNC93B1 appears tightly correlated with TLR9-GFP cleavage. We conclude that proteolysis is a universal requirement for TLR9 activation in the primary cell types tested, however the cathepsin requirement, rate of cleavage, and intracellular behavior of TLR9 varies. The observed differences in trafficking indicate the possibility of distinct modes of endosomal content sampling to facilitate initiation of TLR-driven responses in APCs.
The Depletion of NK Cells Prevents T Cell Exhaustion to Efficiently Control Disseminating Virus Infection
Authors: Cook Kevin D. , Whitmire Jason K.
Published: December 2012

NK cells have well-established functions in immune defense against virus infections and cancer through their cytolytic activity and production of cytokines. In this study, we examined the frequency of NK cells and their influence on T cell responses in mice given variants of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus that cause acute or persisting infection. We found increased frequencies of circulating NK cells during disseminating infection compared with uninfected or acutely infected mice. Consistent with recent reports, we observed that the depletion of NK cells in mice with disseminated infection increased peak numbers of virus-specific cytokine producing CD8+ T cells and resulted in the rapid resolution of disseminated infection. Additionally, we show that NK cell depletion sustained T cell responses across time and protected against T cell exhaustion. The positive effects of NK cell depletion on T cell responses only occurred when NK cells were depleted within the first 2 d of infection. We find that the improved CD8+ T cell response correlated with an enhanced ability of APCs from NK cell–depleted mice to stimulate T cell proliferation, independently of the effects of NK cells on CD4+ T cells. These results indicate that NK cells play an integral role in limiting the CD8 T cell response and contribute to T cell exhaustion by diminishing APC function during persisting virus infection.
Long-term Impact of Integration of Household Water Treatment and Hygiene Promotion with Antenatal Services on Maternal Water Treatment and Hygiene Practices in Malawi
Authors: Loharikar Anagha , Russo Elizabeth , Sheth Anandi , Menon Manoj , Kudzala Amose , Tauzie Blessius , Masuku Humphreys D. , Ayers Tracy , Hoekstra Robert M. , Quick Robert
Published: December 2012

A clinic-based program to integrate antenatal services with distribution of hygiene kits including safe water storage containers, water treatment solution (brand name WaterGuard), soap, and hygiene education, was implemented in Malawi in 2007 and evaluated in 2010. We surveyed 389 participants at baseline in 2007, and found and surveyed 232 (60%) participants to assess water treatment, test stored drinking water for residual chlorine (an objective measure of treatment), and observe handwashing technique at follow-up in 2010. Program participants were more likely to know correct water treatment procedures (67% versus 36%; P < 0.0001), treat drinking water with WaterGuard (24% versus 2%; P < 0.0001), purchase and use WaterGuard (21% versus 1%; P < 0.001), and demonstrate correct handwashing technique (50% versus 21%; P < 0.001) at the three-year follow-up survey than at baseline. This antenatal-clinic-based program may have contributed to sustained water treatment and proper handwashing technique among program participants.
Molecular Taxonomy of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) benarrochi (Diptera: Culicidae) and Malaria Epidemiology in Southern Amazonian Peru
Authors: Conn Jan E. , Moreno Marta , Saavedra Marlon , Bickersmith Sara A. , Knoll Elisabeth , Fernandez Roberto , Vera Hubert , Burrus Roxanne G. , Lescano Andres G. , Sanchez Juan Francisco , Rivera Esteban , Vinetz Joseph M.
Published: December 2012

Anopheline specimens were collected in 2011 by human landing catch, Shannon and CDC traps from the malaria endemic localities of Santa Rosa and San Pedro in Madre de Dios Department, Peru. Most specimens were either Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) benarrochi B or An. (Nys.) rangeli, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism-internal transcribed spacer 2 (PCR-RFLP-ITS2) and, for selected individuals, ITS2 sequences. A few specimens from Lupuna, Loreto Department, northern Amazonian Peru, were also identified as An. benarrochi B. A statistical parsimony network using ITS2 sequences confirmed that all Peruvian An. benarrochi B analyzed were identical to those in GenBank from Putumayo, southern Colombia. Sequences of the mtDNA COI BOLD region of specimens from all three Peruvian localities were connected using a statistical parsimony network, although there were multiple mutation steps between northern and southern Peruvian sequences. A Bayesian inference of concatenated Peruvian sequences of ITS2 + COI detected a single clade with very high support for all An. benarrochi B except one individual from Lupuna that was excluded. No samples were positive for Plasmodium by CytB-PCR.
Impact of Locally-Produced, Ceramic Cookstoves on Respiratory Disease in Children in Rural Western Kenya
Authors: Foote Eric M. , Gieraltowski Laura , Ayers Tracy , Sadumah Ibrahim , Faith Sitnah Hamidah , Silk Benjamin J. , Cohen Adam L. , Were Vincent , Hughes James M. , Quick Robert E.
Published: December 2012

Household air pollution is a risk factor for pneumonia, the leading cause of death among children < 5 years of age. From 2008 to 2010, a Kenyan organization sold ∼2,500 ceramic cookstoves (upesi jiko) that produce less visible household smoke than 3-stone firepits. During a year-long observational study, we made 25 biweekly visits to 200 homes to determine stove use and observe signs of acute respiratory infection in children < 3 years of age. Reported stove use included 3-stone firepit only (81.8%), upesi jiko only (15.7%), and both (2.3%). Lower, but not statistically significant, percentages of children in upesi jiko-using households than 3-stone firepit-using households had observed cough (1.3% versus 2.9%, rate ratio [RR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22–1.03), pneumonia (0.9% versus 1.7%, RR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.24–1.48), and severe pneumonia (0.3% versus 0.6%, RR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.17–2.62). Upesi jiko use did not result in significantly lower pneumonia rates. Further research on the health impact of improved cookstoves is warranted.