bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cystic ectopic lingual thyroid tissue in a male cat
Authors: Reed Travis P. , Brisson Brigitte A. , Schutt Leah K.
Published: October 2011

Case Description—A 6-year-old neutered male cat was examined because of a 4-week history of abnormal sounds while drinking and a previously noted mass at the base of the tongue.

Clinical Findings—Oral examination revealed a 1-cm-diameter midline cystic mass on the dorsal aspect of the base of the tongue at the junction of the rostral two-thirds and caudal third of the tongue. Complete blood count and serum biochemical analysis revealed no clinically relevant abnormalities, and serum total thyroxine and free thyroxine (determined by equilibrium dialysis) concentrations were within the reference range.

Treatment and Outcome—The fluid in the cystic mass was aspirated, and the remaining deflated mass was marsupialized. Histologic and immunohistochemical examination of sections of the excised mass revealed ectopic thyroid tissue. The cat recovered uneventfully from the surgery, clinical signs resolved, and the cat remained euthyroid with no recurrence of the mass as of 8 months after surgery.

Clinical Relevance—This is the first known reported case of ectopic lingual thyroid tissue in a male cat. In humans, the most common site of ectopic thyroid tissue is at the base of the tongue and the condition is disproportionately found in females, compared with males. In humans with ectopic lingual thyroid tissue, the patient often lacks any other functional thyroid tissue. However, the cat of this report remained euthyroid after mass resection.
Intralesional injection of insulin-like growth factor-I for treatment of superficial digital flexor tendonitis in Thoroughbred racehorses: 40 cases (2000–2004)
Authors: Witte Thomas H. , Yeager Amy E. , Nixon Alan J.
Published: October 2011

Objective—To evaluate outcome after intralesional injection of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) for treatment of superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—40 Thoroughbred racehorses.

Procedures—Medical records of racehorses with SDF tendonitis treated within 13 weeks after injury by intralesional injection of IGF-I (25 or 50 μg every other day for 4 or 5 treatments) were reviewed. Outcome was determined via analysis of race records, owner follow-up, and examination.

Results—Mean age of the horses was 3.1 years (range, 2 to 7 years), and time from injury to treatment ranged from 8 to 90 days. Mean ± SD approximate lesion length on admission was 15.6 ± 6.0 cm, and mean percentage cross-sectional area of the tendon affected was 26 ± 18%. Twenty-six of the 40 horses underwent desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the SDF tendon. Echolucency was reduced in 23 of 26 horses by the end of the treatment period. Twenty-one of 34 (62%) horses for which race data were available raced at least once after treatment, including 10 (30%) horses that raced between 1 and 4 times and 11 horses (32%) that raced ≥ 5 times. Thirteen of 28 (46%) horses had a recurrence of tendonitis or developed tendonitis elsewhere.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that in Thoroughbred racehorses with SDF tendonitis, intralesional injection of IGF-I led to a decrease in ultrasonographic lesion severity, but treated horses had only a moderate prognosis for return to racing.
Optimization of Capacity of Ports within a Regional Port System
Authors: Feng Xuejun , Jiang Liupeng , Zhang Yan , Wang Wei
Published: October 2011

In some developing countries, the port industry is going through rapid expansion, and regional port systems (RPSs) are gaining importance in their regional and national economies. In an idealized RPS, outbound freight generated within the region can be routed through any of the ports within the RPS. Commodity-handling capacities of ports within the RPS have a significant impact on the efficiency of commodity flow within the system. A bilevel optimization model that captures the interaction between the decisions of port capacity and commodity flow was developed in the context of a developing country with an export-oriented economy. In this model, a social planner optimizes the whole system by determining the capacity of each port to minimize certain regional logistics costs, taking into account that shippers in demand-generating hinterland regions determine the amount of shipments to each port on the basis of many factors, including the capacities of ports. A heuristic model was developed to solve the lower-level shipper-choice problem. This heuristic is not only based on discrete choice but also factored in port capacity constraints. The genetic algorithm was applied to solve the upper-level capacity-determination problem. The model was successfully applied to a port system containing 15 ports and 13 hinterland regions in Jiangsu province of China.
Port Effectiveness
Authors: Brooks Mary R. , Schellinck Douglas (Tony) , Pallis Athanasios A.
Published: October 2011

A survey of the perspectives of port users in North America identified and evaluated a key, yet underresearched, component of port performance, that is, effectiveness in delivering port services to port users. This research responds to recent calls by port scholars for studies measuring port performance for more analytical emphasis on users' perspectives. The survey, conducted with the help of 13 professional associations in the United States and Canada, resulted in an understanding of (a) how port users evaluated the ports that they use, (b) what was most important to users in terms of the attributes of services, and (c) how users evaluated the performance of ports that they used on the U.S. East Coast and in Canada. Participants were asked to rate the importance of various performance criteria and then to apply them by evaluating the performance of the ports they used on those dimensions. To analyze the findings, the survey used a gap analysis and normalized pairwise estimations to measure the actual influence of a criterion on port performance. With performance being more than just satisfaction, this process generated knowledge on what contributed to better performance in the eyes of users in two different regions of North America. The results of this type of study will enable stakeholders to compare performance from specific ports as input to decision making and enable ports to focus their resources on improvements that matter to their customers and supply chain partners.
Estimating Truck Queuing Time at Marine Terminal Gates
Authors: Pham Quyen , Huynh Nathan , Xie Yuanchang
Published: October 2011

Truck queuing at marine terminal gates has long been recognized as a source of emissions problems because of the many trucks that are idling. For this reason, stakeholders have a great interest in lessening the severity of the problem. To assist these stakeholders in addressing the congestion problem, baseline data and predictive models are needed. Unfortunately, data on truck queuing and research on the methodologies that can be used to estimate truck queuing time are limited. With an increasing number of marine terminals offering live webcam views of their gates to manage demand for the terminals, these webcams could be used to gather much-needed truck queuing information and other truck-related data. Data collected from the webcams were used to develop models to predict truck queuing times on an hourly or daily basis. Given the inherent fuzziness of the truck arrival data, this study evaluated the suitability of four predictive models capable of dealing with fuzzy data: multiple linear regression, fuzzy regression, clustering fuzzy regression, and support vector machines. Analysis showed that fuzzy regression outperformed other methods for the given data set.
Truck Delays at Seaports
Authors: Huynh Nathan , Harder Frank , Smith Daniel , Sharif Omor , Pham Quyen
Published: October 2011

Truck queuing at marine terminal gates has long been recognized as a source of emissions problems because of the many trucks that are idling. For this reason, stakeholders have a great interest in lessening the severity of the problem. Most past studies that gathered truck-related data at marine terminal gates were done with field-based observations. With an increasing number of terminals offering live views of their gates with webcams as a means of managing demand for the terminals, these webcams can be used to gather much needed truck queuing information and other truck-related data. Webcams were used to observe truck queuing patterns and to analyze truck processing time, truck interarrival time, and truck queuing time at the entry gate of marine terminal to understand better the underlying reasons behind truck queuing. The data obtained from webcams were comparable to those collected during field observations: the identified best-fit distributions corresponded to the best-fit distributions reported in previous studies. From the gathered data, the reasons for truck queuing at marine terminal gates, aside from the gate capacity issue, included the drayage drivers' desire to make their first move at the beginning of the day to allow more time for subsequent moves later in the day, terminals' policy to close for lunch, trouble transactions, variability in truck arrivals at the terminal throughout the day and week, and inclement weather.
Measurement of the Ecological and Carbon Footprint in Port Authorities
Authors: Mateo-Mantecón Ingrid , Coto-Millán Pablo , Doménech Juan L. , Pesquera-González Miguel Ángel
Published: October 2011

One of the tools used to determine and measure corporate sustainability is the corporate ecological footprint (CEF). CEF is useful both to understand the impact of human activities on the ecosystem and to provide the correcting measures necessary to minimize the impact produced. This impact, measured in hectares, can be transformed, so it is possible to obtain the amount in emitted carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent tons for a corporate carbon footprint (CCF). Knowing the CCF allows enterprises to be compliant with the measures necessary to mitigate climate change. In this study, the main comparative results of the calculation of the CEF and the CCF, together with other ecoefficiency indicators, are presented for two port authorities located in the Spanish North Coastline. For the calculation of the tons of CO2 emitted by the ports authorities, the composed method of financial accounts was used.
Complex patterns of autopolyploid evolution in alfalfa and allies (Medicago sativa; Leguminosae)
Authors: Havananda Tee , Brummer E. Charles , Doyle Jeff J.
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: Although there is growing evidence that autopolyploidy is a widespread and important evolutionary phenomenon, it has received less attention than allopolyploidy. Medicago sativa comprises several diploid and autopolyploid taxa, including autotetraploid cultivated alfalfa, and affords an opportunity to elucidate the evolutionary history of a morphologically and genetically complex autopolyploid system.

• Methods: Phylogenies and haplotype networks were constructed from two chloroplast noncoding regions (rpl20‐rps12 and trnS‐trnG spacers) across seven diploid and polyploid infraspecific taxa of M. sativa and five additional closely related Medicago species, and genetic differentiation was estimated.

• Key results: The two most prominent M. sativa autopolyploids have contrasting evolutionary histories. Chloroplast data support a simple autopolyploid origin of subsp. sativa (alfalfa) from diploid subsp. caerulea, from which it is distinguishable in several quantitative characters. In contrast, morphologically identical diploid and autopolyploid cytotypes of subsp. falcata were found to possess very different chloroplast haplotypes, suggesting past introgression from M. prostrata into the polyploid. Despite the presence of hybrids between tetraploid subspecies falcata and sativa, there was little evidence of introgression of chloroplast genomes from either subspecies into the other.

• Conclusions: Autopolyploid evolution in M. sativa is complicated and has followed very different paths in different subspecific taxa. The potential exists for gene flow in virtually all combinations of subspecies both within and between ploidies, yet despite the existence of hybrids, morphologically and genetically distinctive subspecies persist.
Biogeographic disjunction between eastern Asia and North America in the Adiantum pedatum complex (Pteridaceae)
Authors: Lu Jin‐Mei , Li De‐Zhu , Lutz Sue , Soejima Akiko , Yi Tingshuang , Wen Jun
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: Biogeographic analyses of ferns with an eastern Asian–North American disjunction are few. The Adiantum pedatum complex has such a disjunct distribution. The monophyly of the complex needs to be tested and diversification history of the four species needs to be reconstructed.

• Methods: Plastid (atpA, atpB, rbcL, trnL‐F, and rps4‐trnS) sequences of 100 accessions representing the biogeographic diversity of Adiantum were analyzed with parsimony and Bayesian inference. Biogeography of the Adiantum pedatum complex was inferred using programs DIVA and LAGRANGE. Divergence times of clades were estimated with the program BEAST.

• Key results: The A. pedatum complex is monophyletic and sister to the eastern Asian A. edentulum. Accessions of A. pedatum do not form a clade; instead three subgroups are recognizable. The clade of A. aleuticum and A. viridimontanum is nested within A. pedatum. The Asian A. myriosorum is sister to the A. pedatum‐A. aleuticum clade. Both DIVA and LAGRANGE analyses suggest an eastern Asian origin of the A. pedatum complex. The age of the crown A. pedatum complex is dated to be at 4.27 (2.24–6.57) million years ago.

• Conclusions: The currently recognized eastern Asian–North American disjunct species A. pedatum needs to be segregated into three species, corresponding to populations in eastern North America, China, and Japan. The eastern Asian–North American disjunction in the complex is inferred to be the result of two intercontinental migrations, one from eastern Asia into North America in the late Tertiary and the other from North America back to eastern Asia in the Pleistocene.
Effectiveness of Home Visits to Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Ellis Eileen N. , Blaszak Christine , Wright Sherida , Van Lierop Andrea
Published: October 2011

Home visits by trained personnel to patients undergoing home dialysis are required, but little is reported about the effectiveness of such home visits. We retrospectively reviewed home visits to 22 pediatric patients undergoing continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home. A trained dialysis nurse completed each home visit. An average of 1.5 pertinent dialysis findings and 1 pertinent medication finding was noted for each home visit to these patients. The interdisciplinary dialysis team reviewed the home visit findings and made specific recommendations after each home visit. In addition, the training process has been enhanced to incorporate visit findings for future home PD patients. Although not statistically significant in this small number of patients, peritonitis rates declined in the 6 months after initiation of the home visit program. The average cost for a dialysis nurse to complete a home visit is less than the cost of antibiotics for 1 episode of peritonitis. Home visits are valuable for improving clinical care in pediatric patients on home PD.
Should Anti-citrullinated Protein Antibody and Rheumatoid Factor Status Be Reassessed During the First Year of Followup in Recent-Onset Arthritis? A Longitudinal Study
Authors: MJAAVATTEN MARIA D. , van der HEIJDE DÉSIRÉE M. , UHLIG TILL , HAUGEN ANNE J. , NYGAARD HALVOR , BJØRNEBOE OLAV , KVIEN TORE K.
Published: October 2011

Objective.

Presence and levels of antibodies contribute to the classification of rheumatoid arthritis. We investigated the longitudinal course of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and immunoglobin M (IgM) rheumatoid factor (RF) during the first year after arthritis onset in patients with very short disease duration.

Methods.

Patients (aged 18–75 years) with ≥ 1 swollen joint of ≤ 16 weeks’ duration had assessments of ACPA (2nd generation anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, anti-CCP2) and IgM RF at inclusion and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Frequencies of seroconversions (negative to positive and vice versa) and changes in antibody levels during followup were determined.

Results.

A total of 281 early arthritis patients (median duration of joint swelling 32 days, 14.2% ACPA positives, 12.8% IgM RF positives) with 978 longitudinally collected serum samples were included. Only 5 patients (1.8%) negative for both antibodies at baseline turned antibody-positive during followup, while 9 antibody-positive patients (3.2%) turned antibody-negative. ACPA was more stable than RF regarding both status and levels.

Conclusion.

Antibody status (ACPA/RF) is a stable phenotype in very early arthritis, as seroconversion was only found in 5% of patients. Repeated measurement of ACPA or RF during the first year after onset of arthritis does not offer major additional information.
Le corps de l'homme dans le X est une expérience de femme
Authors: Guias Christophe
Published: October 2011

À partir de l’analyse de textes littéraires, d’extraits de film et du cas Schreber de S. Freud, l’auteur avance l’hypothèse selon laquelle la pornographie est une expérience totale qui engage la subjectivité toute entière. Elle met en scène les corps et fantasmes de l’homme mais aussi de la femme, en particulier celui d’autogynéphilie. Liée au double mystère du plaisir et de la puissance, chez l’autre comme en soi-même, elle renvoie à la pulsion de savoir.
L'homme aux prises avec le sexuel génital
Authors: Schwering Karl-Leo
Published: October 2011

Les catégories du féminin et du masculin se construisent au fil de la vie, et sont loin d’être constituées au sortir de l’adolescence. Le texte s’intéresse tout particulièrement aux manifestations sexuelles du masculin génital. Il s’appuie largement sur les thèses de J. Schaeffer consacrant le principe d’une sexualité de jouissance opposée à une sexualité de satisfaction . La première emprunterait au modèle de l’organisation anale et déboucherait sur une pratique sexuelle s’appuyant avant tout sur les pulsions partielles et les objets correspondants (idéalisation du seul pénis érigé, par exemple). La sexualité de jouissance dépasserait ce modèle en se prêtant pleinement à une pulsion constante débouchant sur une pratique sexuelle réussissant à la fois l’intégration des objets partiels (le « pénis libidinal » exaltant tous les autres objets investis au cœur de l’acte sexuel), autant que l’élaboration des fantasmes liés aux imagos parentales et à la scène primitive. Un cas clinique est proposé afin d’illustrer ce « travail du masculin » toujours en construction.
Les métamorphoses du corps masculin à l'épreuve de la postmodernité
Authors: Ferrières-Pestureau Suzanne
Published: October 2011

Dans une perspective analytique et à partir de la lecture du roman d’E-E. Schmitt Lorsque j’étais une œuvre d’art , qu’elle pose comme paradigmatique d’un trouble identitaire concernant la masculinité, l’auteure se propose d’analyser les voies de résolution dans et par l’écriture de ce malaise contemporain. Le héros devenu écrivain apparaît, au terme d’une quête identitaire périlleuse, comme le représentant d’une nouvelle identité masculine qui jouit de ses potentialités bisexuelles dans une sorte de célébration de l’instant et de la vie sous toutes ses formes.
The Going Home Initiative: Getting Critical Care Patients Home With Hospice
Authors: Lusardi Paula , Jodka Paul , Stambovsky Mark , Stadnicki Beth , Babb Betty , Plouffe Danielle , Doubleday Nancy , Pizlak Zophia , Walles Katherine , Montonye Martin
Published: October 2011

Although considerable effort is being directed at providing patients and their families with a “good death,” most patients in intensive care units, if given the choice, would prefer to die at home. With little guidance from the literature, the palliative care committee of an intensive care unit developed guidelines to get patients home from the intensive care unit to die. In the past few years, the unit has transferred many patients home with hospice care, much to the delight of their families. Although several obstacles to achieving this goal exist, the unit has achieved success in a small-scale implementation of its Going Home Initiative.
Legal Aspects of End-of-Life Care
Authors: McGowan Claire M.
Published: October 2011

Critical care nurses are essential members of the health care team and often assist patients and patients’ families who are facing end-of-life concerns. In that role, a nurse needs an understanding of many important factors, including legal implications associated with the end of life. Since the 1970s, courts have decided several cases that have established legal principles in end-of-life care. Courts have found that competent adults have the right to refuse or discontinue medical interventions. For incompetent adults and children, decisions are made by a surrogate. In the absence of an advance directive or documentation of goals of care, the surrogate, in collaboration with the medical team, determines a plan of care, including decisions about end-of-life care. When issues of medical futility occur, attempts to work with patients and their families should be undertaken, but if the dispute cannot be resolved, a transfer in care may be the only option.
A New View: Tele–Intensive Care Unit Competencies
Authors: Goran Susan F.
Published: October 2011

Background

Many hospitals have well-planned nursing competency assessment programs, but these are meant to measure competency in traditional bedside roles, not in tele–intensive care unit (tele-ICU) nurses practicing remotely.

Objective

To determine whether current tele-ICU programs have a formal competency assessment program and to determine when and how competency of tele-ICU nurses is assessed.

Method

A 20-question survey was provided to a convenience sample of the 44 known tele-ICU programs nationally.

Results

Of the surveys distributed, 75% were completed and returned. A formal competency assessment policy for assessing nurses’ competency at the time of hire, during orientation, and ongoing was in place at the workplaces of 85% of respondents. The most common methods for competency validation were performance appraisal and observation, although peer review and self-assessment also were used. Respondents identified the following competencies as the highest priorities for defining tele-ICU nurse practice: effective listening, prioritization, collaboration, and effective use of tele-ICU application tools.

Conclusion

Although awaiting development of professional practice standards, many tele-ICU programs currently measure the competence of tele-ICU nurses through competency programs.
Code Labs: Expediting Laboratory Test Results During a Code
Authors: Hurliman Shannon K. , Paston Kristin
Published: October 2011

Background

Knowing a patient’s “laboratory picture” is crucial in any code blue situation. Having no streamlined method for collecting and processing laboratory specimens during codes leads to staff frustration and critical delays in patient care.

Objective

To simplify collection and testing of laboratory specimens during codes.

Methods

Staff nurses led an initiative through which (1) code laboratory tests were placed in a computerized order set, thereby simplifying ordering; (2) prepackaged bags of supplies for the new order set were placed in each code cart; (3) the laboratory department supervisor began carrying a code pager to ensure that laboratory staff are prepared for incoming “code labs”; (4) a protocol was created for laboratory staff to follow after receiving code labs; and (5) processes were developed for units that are not integrated in the organization’s electronic ordering system.

Results

The mean turnaround time (the time from when laboratory tests are ordered to when results are posted) was reduced from 52.0 minutes to 31.3 minutes (P = .002). Laboratory staff improved their processing time (the time from when specimens are received by laboratory staff to when results are posted) from 34.9 minutes to 21.5 minutes (P = .01). Survey responses indicated that staff across disciplines were significantly more satisfied with the new process.

Conclusions

Because the changes are basic, they can be implemented easily in any hospital setting to improve turnaround time for laboratory tests during codes.
Essential Nursing Competencies for Genetics and Genomics: Implications for Critical Care
Authors: Howington Lynnette , Riddlesperger Kristina , Cheek Dennis J.
Published: October 2011

The implications of genetics and genomics for critical care nurses are becoming more evident, not only in the care provided but also in the numerous medications administered. Genetic causes are being discovered for an increasing number of chronic illnesses and diseases, such as Huntington disease. Because of the scientific and pharmacological advances, leading nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association, have established competencies in genetic knowledge for nurses. Such competencies help ensure quality care. Recent advances in the pharmacogenomics of therapy for human immunodeficiency virus disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and malignant hyperthermia have indicated a genetic linkage; therefore treatments are targeted toward the genetic aspect of the abnormality. Critical care nurses need knowledge of these genetic conditions and of medications affected by genetic factors.
Protein Kinase Cε Regulates Proliferation and Cell Sensitivity to TGF-1β of CD4+ T Lymphocytes: Implications for Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Authors: Mirandola Prisco , Gobbi Giuliana , Masselli Elena , Micheloni Cristina , Di Marcantonio Daniela , Queirolo Valeria , Chiodera Paolo , Meschi Tiziana , Vitale Marco
Published: October 2011

We have studied the functional role of protein kinase Cε (PKCε) in the control of human CD4+ T cell proliferation and in their response to TGF-1β. We demonstrate that PKCε sustains CD4+ T cell proliferation triggered in vitro by CD3 stimulation. Transient knockdown of PKCε expression decreases IL-2R chain transcription, and consequently cell surface expression levels of CD25. PKCε silencing in CD4 T cells potentiates the inhibitory effects of TGF-1β, whereas in contrast, the forced expression of PKCε virtually abrogates the inhibitory effects of TGF-1β. Being that PKCε is therefore implicated in the response of CD4 T cells to both CD3-mediated proliferative stimuli and TGF-1β antiproliferative signals, we studied it in Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), a pathology characterized by abnormal lymphocyte proliferation and activation. When we analyzed CD4 T cells from HT patients, we found a significant increase of PKCε expression, accounting for their enhanced survival, proliferation, and decreased sensitivity to TGF-1β. The increased expression of PKCε in CD4+ T cells of HT patients, which is described for the first time, to our knowledge, in this article, viewed in the perspective of the physiological role of PKCε in normal Th lymphocytes, adds knowledge to the molecular pathophysiology of HT and creates potentially new pharmacological targets for the therapy of this disease.
Heligmosomoides polygyrus Elicits a Dominant Nonprotective Antibody Response Directed against Restricted Glycan and Peptide Epitopes
Authors: Hewitson James P. , Filbey Kara J. , Grainger John R. , Dowle Adam A. , Pearson Mark , Murray Janice , Harcus Yvonne , Maizels Rick M.
Published: October 2011

Heligmosomoides polygyrus is a widely used gastrointestinal helminth model of long-term chronic infection in mice, which has not been well-characterized at the antigenic level. We now identify the major targets of the murine primary Ab response as a subset of the secreted products in H. polygyrus excretory–secretory (HES) Ag. An immunodominant epitope is an O-linked glycan (named glycan A) carried on three highly expressed HES glycoproteins (venom allergen Ancylostoma-secreted protein-like [VAL]-1, -2, and -5), which stimulates only IgM Abs, is exposed on the adult worm surface, and is poorly represented in somatic parasite extracts. A second carbohydrate epitope (glycan B), present on both a non-protein high molecular mass component and a 65-kDa molecule, is widely distributed in adult somatic tissues. Whereas the high molecular mass component and 65-kDa molecules bear phosphorylcholine, the glycan B epitope itself is not phosphorylcholine. Class-switched IgG1 Abs are found to glycan B, but the dominant primary IgG1 response is to the polypeptides of VAL proteins, including also VAL-3 and VAL-4. Secondary Ab responses include the same specificities while also recognizing VAL-7. Although vaccination with HES conferred complete protection against challenge H. polygyrus infection, mAbs raised against each of the glycan epitopes and against VAL-1, VAL-2, and VAL-4 proteins were unable to do so, even though these specificities (with the exception of VAL-2) are also secreted by tissue-phase L4 larvae. The primary immune response in susceptible mice is, therefore, dominated by nonprotective Abs against a small subset of antigenic epitopes, raising the possibility that these act as decoy specificities that generate ineffective humoral immunity.
NKT TCR Recognition of CD1d-α-C-Galactosylceramide
Authors: Patel Onisha , Cameron Garth , Pellicci Daniel G. , Liu Zheng , Byun Hoe-Sup , Beddoe Travis , McCluskey James , Franck Richard W. , Castaño A. Raúl , Harrak Youssef , Llebaria Amadeu , Bittman Robert , Porcelli Steven A. , Godfrey Dale I. , Rossjohn Jamie
Published: October 2011

NKT cells respond to a variety of CD1d-restricted glycolipid Ags that are structurally related to the prototypic Ag α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). A modified analog of α-GalCer with a carbon-based glycosidic linkage (α-C-GalCer) has generated great interest because of its apparent ability to promote prolonged, Th1-biased immune responses. In this study, we report the activation of spleen NKT cells to α-C-GalCer, and related C-glycoside ligands, is weaker than that of α-GalCer. Furthermore, the Vβ8.2 and Vβ7 NKT TCR affinity for CD1d–α-C-GalCer, and some related analogs, is ∼10-fold lower than that for the NKT TCR–CD1d–α-GalCer interaction. Nevertheless, the crystal structure of the Vβ8.2 NKT TCR–CD1d–α-C-GalCer complex is similar to that of the corresponding NKT TCR–CD1d–α-GalCer complex, although subtle differences at the interface provide a basis for understanding the lower affinity of the NKT TCR–CD1d–α-C-GalCer interaction. Our findings support the concept that for CD1d-restricted NKT cells, altered glycolipid ligands can promote markedly different responses while adopting similar TCR-docking topologies.
Granule-Derived Granzyme B Mediates the Vulnerability of Human Neurons to T Cell-Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Haile Yohannes , Simmen Katia Carmine , Pasichnyk Dion , Touret Nicolas , Simmen Thomas , Lu Jian-Qiang , Bleackley R. Chris , Giuliani Fabrizio
Published: October 2011

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered an autoimmune disease of the CNS and is characterized by inflammatory cells infiltrating the CNS and inducing demyelination, axonal loss, and neuronal death. Recent evidence strongly suggests that axonal and neuronal degeneration underlie the progression of permanent disability in MS. In this study, we report that human neurons are selectively susceptible to the serine-protease granzyme B (GrB) isolated from cytotoxic T cell granules. In vitro, purified human GrB induced neuronal death to the same extent as the whole activated T cell population. On the contrary, activated T cells isolated from GrB knockout mice failed to induce neuronal injury. We found that following internalization through various parts of neurons, GrB accumulated in the neuronal soma. Within the cell body, GrB diffused out of endosomes possibly through a perforin-independent mechanism and induced subsequent activation of caspases and cleavage of α-tubulin. Inhibition of caspase-3, a well-known substrate for GrB, significantly reduced GrB-mediated neurotoxicity. We demonstrated that treatment of neurons with mannose-6-phosphate prevented GrB entry and inhibited GrB-mediated neuronal death, suggesting mannose-6-phosphate receptor-dependent endocytosis. Together, our data unveil a novel mechanism by which GrB induces selective neuronal injury and suggest potential new targets for the treatment of inflammatory-mediated neurodegeneration in diseases such as MS.
Ornithodoros moubata Complement Inhibitor Is an Equally Effective C5 Inhibitor in Pigs and Humans
Authors: Barratt-Due Andreas , Thorgersen Ebbe Billmann , Lindstad Julie Katrine , Pharo Anne , Lissina Olga , Lambris John D. , Nunn Miles A. , Mollnes Tom Eirik
Published: October 2011

Experimental evidence suggests that C inhibition and more particularly combined inhibition of C and the TLR coreceptor CD14 may be of therapeutic benefit in sepsis and other inflammatory conditions. A barrier to the testing and further development of many inhibitors is that their activity is species specific. Pig is a relevant species for experimental models of human disease, and this study undertakes a comprehensive comparison of the inhibitory efficacy of the C5 inhibitor Ornithodoros moubata C inhibitor (OmCI) in human and porcine whole blood ex vivo models of Escherichia coli-induced sepsis. The effect of OmCI on complement activity in pigs undergoing E. coli sepsis was also examined. Porcine and human serum, and whole blood anticoagulated with lepirudin, was incubated with E. coli and the effect of OmCI investigated. The ex vivo results were virtually identical in pig and human. OmCI completely ablated the activity of all three C pathways at 0.64 μM. E. coli-induced C activation and expression of CD11b (wCD11R3 in the pig), was abolished ex vivo at 0.32 μM OmCI. Combining anti-CD14 and OmCI reduced the formation of IL-8 and TNF-α more potently than the single inhibitors. OmCI also efficiently bound E. coli-induced leukotriene B4 in pig and human plasma. In support of our ex vivo findings, in vivo the activity of all C pathways was inhibited at 0.6 mg OmCI/kg pig. In conclusion, OmCI efficiently inhibited pig and human C activation, has accompanying anti-inflammatory effects and is a promising candidate inhibitor for further in vivo studies of sepsis.
MHC Class I Family Proteins Retard Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Autoimmunity and B Cell Lymphomagenesis
Authors: McPhee Caroline G. , Sproule Thomas J. , Shin Dong-Mi , Bubier Jason A. , Schott William H. , Steinbuck Martin P. , Avenesyan Lia , Morse Herbert C. , Roopenian Derry C.
Published: October 2011

Dysregulation of the T cell-dependent Ab response can lead to numerous immunological disorders, ranging from systemic lupus erythematosus to B cell lymphomas. Cellular processes governed by MHC class II proteins play a major role in this response and its dysregulation. The extent to which processes controlled by the diverse family of MHC class I proteins impact such autoimmune and neoplastic disorders, however, is less clear. In this study, we genetically dissect the contributions of individual MHC class I family members and the pathological processes under their control in the systemic lupus erythematosus-like disease of BXSB.Yaa mice and B cell lymphomagenesis of SJL mice. This study reveals a powerful repressive regulatory axis comprised of MHC class I-dependent CD8+ T cells and NK cells. These results indicate that the predominant role of the MHC class I protein family in such immunological disorders is to protect from more aggressive diseases.
Fusion categories in terms of graphs and relations
Authors: Pfeiffer Hendryk
Published: October 2011

Every fusion category

\mathcal{C}

that is

k

-linear over a suitable field

k

is the category of finite-dimensional comodules of a weak Hopf algebra

H

. This weak Hopf algebra is finite-dimensional, cosemisimple and has commutative bases. It arises as the universal coend with respect to the long canonical functor

\omega\colon\mathcal{C}\to \mathbf{Vect}_k

. We show that

H

is a quotient

H=H[\mathcal{G}]/I

of a weak bialgebra

H[\mathcal{G}]

which has a combinatorial description in terms of a finite directed graph

\mathcal{G}

that depends on the choice of a generator

M

of

\mathcal{C}

and on the fusion coefficients of

\mathcal{C}

. The algebra underlying

H[\mathcal{G}]

is the path algebra of the quiver

\mathcal{G}\times\mathcal{G}

, and so the composability of paths in

\mathcal{G}

parameterizes the truncation of the tensor product of

\mathcal{C}

. The ideal

I

is generated by two types of relations. The first type enforces that the tensor powers of the generator

M

have the appropriate endomorphism algebras, thus providing a Schur–Weyl dual description of

\mathcal{C}

. If

\mathcal{C}

is braided, this includes relations of the form ‘

RTT=TTR

’ where

R

contains the coefficients of the braiding on

\omega M\otimes\omega M

, a generalization of the construction of Faddeev–Reshetikhin–Takhtajan to weak bialgebras. The second type of relations removes a suitable set of group-like elements in order to make the category of finite-dimensional comodules equivalent to

\mathcal{C}

over all tensor powers of the generator

M

. As examples, we treat the modular categories associated with

U_q(\mathfrak{sl}_2)

.
Heegaard Floer homology as morphism spaces
Authors: Lipshitz Robert , Ozsváth Peter S. , Thurston Dylan P.
Published: October 2011

In this paper we prove another pairing theorem for bordered Floer homology. Unlike the original pairing theorem, this one is stated in terms of homomorphisms, not tensor products. The present formulation is closer in spirit to the usual TQFT framework, and allows a more direct comparison with Fukaya-categorical constructions. The result also leads to various dualities in bordered Floer homology.
Effect of laser CO2 irradiation on various properties of polyester fabric: Focus on dyeing
Authors: Montazer Majid , Taheri Seid Javad , Harifi Tina
Published: October 2011

In this research, the effect of CO2 laser on various properties of polyester fabric specially dyeing was studied. Three disperse dyes of red, yellow, and blue were used and irradiation was performed before and after dyeing. To evaluate the color changes due to laser treatment, CIELAB ΔE color difference values were calculated. The morphology of the irradiated surfaces was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Other properties including color fastness, bending rigidity, wettability, and crystal size were also examined. The results revealed that laser treatment had an increasing effect on the color difference value. Among the three laser parameters examined in this work, laser power had the strongest effect. While no significant color fastness improvement with low laser intensity was observed, high‐intensity laser irradiation increased the light and rubbing fastness. Properties such as wettability and bending rigidity were negatively affected by an increase in laser intensity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The Alimentary Canal of the African Lungfish Protopterus annectens During Aestivation and After Arousal
Authors: Icardo José M. , Loong AI M. , Colvee Elvira , Wong Wai P. , IP Yuen K.
Published: October 2011

We describe the structural modifications that occur in the alimentary canal of the African lungfish Protopterus annectens during aestivation and after arousal. With fasting, all gut segments undergo structural modifications. The epithelium covering the intestinal vestibule undergoes bursts of activation at 4 months of aestivation, adopting a more quiescent appearance at 6 months. The ridge area of the spiral intestine shows, at 4 months of aestivation, epithelial disintegration, cell desquamation, cell death, and loss of the freshwater phenotype. Surprisingly, the epithelium adopts a stratified appearance at 6 months of aestivation. Except for epithelial disintegration, the smooth portion of the spiral intestine follows a similar pattern of modifications than the ridge area. The entire epithelium of spiral intestine appears to be renewed during aestivation. The presence of intraepithelial mast cells suggests that inflammation is part of the cellular response to aestivation. After arousal, cell phenotypes are restored in about 6 days, but full structural recovery is not attained during the experimental period (15 days post‐aestivation). Several aspects of the cellular response to fasting are shared by a wide range of animal groups. This commonality agrees with the presence of a character that allows to adjust the structural and functional properties of the gut to food availability and food quality, and to the characteristics of the fasting episodes. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphometric Features and Glycoconjugate Pattern of Rabbit Intestine are Affected by Particle Size of Pelleted Diets
Authors: Desantis Salvatore , Zizza Sara , Accogli Gianluca , Tufarelli Vincenzo , Laudadio Vito
Published: October 2011

Feed particle size effects on morphology and glycoconjugate pattern was investigated in the rabbit intestine. Rabbits fed with fine particles (2 mm) displayed more irregularly shaped, higher duodenal villi and deeper crypts in distal colon as well as higher number of goblet cells than coarse (8 mm) fed ones. Brush border expressed: (i) in duodenum, neutral/sulfated glycoconjugates and glycans binding MAL II, SNA, Con A than KOH‐sialidase‐PNA and DBA reactivity in fine and coarse fed rabbits, respectively, (ii) in cecum, mainly sulfoglycans in coarse fed rabbits, MAL II and PNA staining in all samples, and (iii) in distal colon few sulfoglycans and MAL II reactivity. Enterocytes bound MAL II in duodenum, Con A in cecum, DBA, and Con A in distal colon of all rabbits, SNA in distal colon of coarse fed ones. Brunner's glands displayed high presence of acidic/sulfated mucins in fine fed rabbits, neutral glycoconjugates and reactivity with MAL II, SNA, PNA, KOH‐sialidase‐PNA, and Con A in all rabbits. Goblet cells exhibited: (i) in duodenum neutral and sulfomucins as well as MAL II and KOH‐sialidase‐PNA staining, than SNA and DBA in fine and coarse fed rabbits, respectively, (ii) in cecum sulfated glycans, MAL II, SNA, KOH‐sialidase‐PNA, DBA reactivity, and (iii) in distal colon acidic/sulfomucins, MAL II and SNA staining, and DBA reactivity in fine fed specimens. Crypt cells exhibited neutral and PNA reactive glycoconjugates in the cecum. In the distal colon also acidic/sulfated glycans, and MAL II, KOH‐sialidase‐PNA, DBA; SNA staining showed weaker reactivity in fine fed rabbits, which bound Con A. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estrogen and Insulin Replacement Therapy Modulates the Expression of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐I Receptors in the Salivary Glands of Diabetic Mice
Authors: Yashida Monica Hayashi , Da Silva Faria Ana Luyza Domingues , José Caldeira Eduardo
Published: October 2011

Diabetes mellitus results in various complications, also compromising the salivary glands. Hormone levels and interactions with cellular receptors are altered, intensifying the damage caused by this disease. Hormone replacement therapy alone or combined with other treatments may reverse this damage, but doubts still exist regarding the efficacy of this procedure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of estrogen replacement therapy combined with insulin treatment on salivary secretory cells and on the expression of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I receptors in salivary glands of spontaneously diabetic (NOD) mice. Twenty‐five mice were divided into five groups of five animals each: group I (NOD diabetic), group II (NOD diabetic treated with insulin), group III (NOD diabetic treated with estrogen), group IV (NOD diabetic treated with insulin and estrogen), and group V (control Balb/c mice). Group II received insulin, group III received estrogen, and group IV received insulin plus estrogen administered daily for 20 days. Groups I and V received saline for the same period of time to simulate treatment. Glucose and estrogen levels were monitored during treatment, and salivary gland samples were collected at the end of treatment for stereological analysis and immunofluorescence detection of IGF‐I receptors. Tissue restructuring and regulation of IGF‐I receptors expression were observed in animals submitted to estrogen replacement therapy plus insulin. Estrogen effectively promoted the recovery of salivary secretory cells, demonstrating that this hormone alone, and especially when combined with insulin, might be important for the reversal of hyperglycemia‐induced tissue injury. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Doping Effect of Fluorinated Aromatic Solvents on the Rate of Ruthenium‐Catalysed Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Samojłowicz Cezary , Bieniek Michał , Pazio Aleksandra , Makal Anna , Woźniak Krzysztof , Poater Albert , Cavallo Luigi , Wójcik Jacek , Zdanowski Konrad , Grela Karol
Published: September 2011

A study concerning the effect of using a fluorinated aromatic solvent as the medium for olefin metathesis reactions catalysed by ruthenium complexes bearing N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands is presented. The use of fluorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (FAH) as solvents for olefin metathesis reactions catalysed by standard commercially available ruthenium pre‐catalysts allows substantially higher yields of the desired products to be obtained, especially in the case of demanding polyfunctional molecules, including natural and biologically active compounds. Interactions between the FAH and the second‐generation ruthenium catalysts, which apparently improve the efficiency of the olefin metathesis transformation, have been studied by X‐ray structure analysis and computations, as well as by carrying out a number of metathesis experiments. The optimisation of reaction conditions by using an FAH can be regarded as a complementary approach for the design of new improved ruthenium catalysts. Fluorinated aromatic solvents are an attractive alternative medium for promoting challenging olefin metathesis reactions.
Assessment of the Electronic Properties of P ligands Stemming from Secondary Phosphine Oxides
Authors: Martin David , Moraleda Delphine , Achard Thierry , Giordano Laurent , Buono Gérard
Published: September 2011

We report the study of the net donating ability of monodentate and bidentate P ligands stemming from secondary phosphine oxides (SPOs). We experimentally measured and/or calculated the frequencies of CO stretching modes of various metal carbonyl complexes. The inferred electronic properties of the ligands span an unprecedented range, going from π‐accepting phosphite‐like compounds, to extremely electron‐donating ligands outclassing N‐heterocyclic carbenes.
Effect of xenon arc irradiation on optical whitened polyester woven fabrics
Authors: Tutak Mustafa , Demiryürek Oğuz , Bulut Şüeda
Published: October 2011

In this study, the CIE whiteness (CIE WI) and whiteness tint (Tw) of optically whitened (OWA) woven (plain and twill) polyester fabrics irradiated with xenon arc light were investigated. The fabrics were whitened in four concentrations using nine different commercial optical whitening agents, and were irradiated with xenon arc light under specific conditions between 0 and 100 h at 10‐h intervals. The reflectance of the OWA fabrics was measured by using spectrophotometer, whereas the CIE WI and Tw values were calculated by using computer software. The results were investigated by statistical methods using analysis of variance and regression curves in which of the CIE WI of OWA polyester fabrics was found to decrease, while the Tw was also affected depending on irradiation time from the xenon arc light. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2013