bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Myth of Cyberwar: Bringing War in Cyberspace Back Down to Earth
Authors: Gartzke Erik
Published: October 2013

Cyberwar has been described as a revolution in military affairs, a transformation of technology and doctrine capable of overturning the prevailing world order. This characterization of the threat from cyberwar, however, reflects a common tendency to conflate means and ends; studying what could happen in cyberspace (or anywhere else) makes little sense without considering how conflict over the internet is going to realize objectives commonly addressed by terrestrial warfare. To supplant established modes of conflict, cyberwar must be capable of furthering the political ends to which force or threats of force are commonly applied, something that in major respects cyberwar fails to do. As such, conflict over the internet is much more likely to serve as an adjunct to, rather than a substitute for, existing modes of terrestrial force. Indeed, rather than threatening existing political hierarchies, cyberwar is much more likely to simply augment the advantages of status quo powers.
How Oil Influences U.S. National Security
Authors: Glaser Charles L.
Published: October 2013

How do states' oil requirements influence U.S. national security? Although a great deal of attention has focused on “energy security,” scholars and policymakers lack satisfactory answers because little analysis links states' energy requirements with the probability of military conflict. Developing an analytic catalogue of the ways in which states' oil requirements could influence U.S. national security is the first step in closing this gap. Possible mechanisms include vulnerable access to oil that threatens a state's military capability; military policies designed to protect access to oil that threaten another state's military capability, which in turn create an access-driven security dilemma; and oil reserves that increase the value of territory, generating a conflict that draws in the United States via an alliance commitment. A distinctive feature of this framework is that some of these mechanisms identify threats to U.S. security that flow from another country's consumption of oil, not from U.S. consumption. Of particular importance is the potential danger that Chinese oil imports create for U.S. security—China's efforts to protect its sea lines of communication are fueling military competition that could strain U.S.-China relations and increase the probability of conflict between them. Policy options for dealing with these dangers share little with the standard options prescribed for dealing with the dangers related to Persian Gulf oil and U.S. oil consumption.
Elmidae Curtis, 1830 (Coleoptera, Polyphaga, Byrrhoidea)
of the Neotropical region
Authors: Segura Melissa Ottoboni , Dos passos Maria ines da silva , Fonseca-Gessner Alaíde Aparecida , FROEHLICH CLAUDIO GILBERTO
Published: October 2013

A bibliography of significant taxonomic papers on Elmidae (Coleoptera, Polyphaga, Byrrhoidea), and a checklist of valid species and subspecies and their geographic distributions are provided. Forty-seven genera and 430 valid species are included. Maps show the geographic distribution of the genera by country.
A new parthenogenetic bagworm Reisseronia imielinella sp. nov. from Poland (Lepidoptera, Psychidae)
Authors: MALKIEWICZ ADAM , SOBCZYK THOMAS , LARYSZ ADAM
Published: October 2013

Reisseronia imielinella sp. nov. is described from the province of Upper Silesia (Śląskie voivodship) in southern Poland and compared with its closest parthenogenetic relative Reisseronia gertrudae Sieder, 1962. The new species is well characterized by the structures of the female antennae and legs. The breeding of an F1 generation was successful and is described, as is the species’ habitat and life history.
On the family- and genus-series nomina in Gyrinidae Latreille, 1810 (Coleoptera, Adephaga)
Authors: GUSTAFSON GREY T. , MILLER KELLY B.
Published: October 2013

All available genus- and family- group nomina for the Gyrinidae (Coleoptera: Adephaga) are listed along with original citation, original and current status, type nominal taxon with method of designation, and known synonymies and incorrect subsequent spellings. The nomina included follow the most current classification. Discussion is provided clarifying numerous nomenclatural problems with original spellings, correct authorship and type designation. Dineutini Ochs, 1926 syn. nov. is found to be a junior homonym of Dineutini Desmarest, 1851, and Enhydrini Régimbart, 1882 syn. nov. and its justified emendation Enhydrusini (Anonymous 2012) are here synonymized with Dineutini Desmarest, 1851.
A checklist of the cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) of Hainan Island, China, with description of a new species
Authors: YANG MINGSHENG , WEI CONG
Published: October 2013

A total of 54 cacada species, belonging to 28 genera, nine tribes and three subfamilies of the family Cicadidae, are identified to comprise the cicada fauna of Hainan Island, based on the examination of material collected between 2007 and 2011. One species, Semia hainanensis sp. n., is described as new to science. Nine species are recorded as new to Hainan Island, of which two species, Pomponia subtilita Lee, 2009 and Becquartina bleuzeni Boulard, 2005, are reported for the first time from China. In addition, six species formerly recorded from Hainan are removed from the list of Hainan cicadas. Taxonomic remarks and information on geographic distributions are also provided.
Spontaneous Superrotation and the Role of Kelvin Waves in an Idealized Dry GCM
Authors: Potter Samuel F. , Vallis Geoffrey K. , Mitchell Jonathan L.
Published: October 2013

The nondimensional parameter space of an idealized dry primitive equation model is explored to find superrotating climate states. The model has no convective parameterization and is forced using a simple thermal relaxation to a prescribed radiative equilibrium temperature. It is demonstrated that, of four nondimensional parameters that determine the model’s state, only the thermal Rossby number has a significant effect on superrotation. The mode that drives the transition to superrotation in an intermediate-thermal-Rossby-number atmosphere is shown to behave like a Kelvin wave in the tropics.
Raindrop Size Distribution (DSD) Retrieval for X-Band Dual-Polarization Radar
Authors: Yoshikawa Eiichi , Chandrasekar V. , Ushio Tomoo
Published: October 2013

A raindrop size distribution (DSD) retrieval method for a dual-polarization radar at attenuating frequency is proposed. The proposed method is developed such that the range profiles of the gamma DSD parameters, an intercept parameter Nw (mm−1 m−3), and a median volume diameter D0 (mm) can be estimated to match the dual-polarization measurements, measured equivalent reflectivity at horizontal polarization ZHm, measured differential reflectivity ZDRm, and measured differential propagation phase ΦDPm, where the forward scattering and backscattering are formulated simultaneously to avoid the two-step process of attenuation correction and DSD retrieval. Additionally, the proposed method does not have the attenuation-correction errors accumulated along range that traditional forward and backward processes have, since the range profiles of the DSD parameters are optimized in a radar beam simultaneously. In the simulation, the proposed algorithm showed fairly good accuracies for retrievals Nw and D0. Errors with the different axis ratio models or calibration biases in ZHm and ZDRm, which contaminate assumptions of the proposed method in real observational data, were also evaluated. Under a Gaussian fluctuation model, the estimation process, known as an iterative maximum-likelihood estimator, derives the best estimation in the statistical fluctuation conditions. This scheme could be extended to duplicative observation such as a radar network environment.
Mission Driven and Identity Shaped: Ex Corde Ecclesiae Revisited
Authors: Ormerod Neil
Published: October 2013

With its 25th anniversary nearing, it is time to reassess the significance of Ex corde ecclesiae. Initial responses focused on questions of the mandatum and academic freedom. These issues have now largely subsided. This article will argue that the broader vision of Ex corde ecclesiae, in terms of identity, mission, and culture, remains relevant and is still a challenge for Catholic universities as they balance competing requirements of government, the market place, and the Church.
Lonergan and Integral Development
Authors: Ogbonnaya Joseph
Published: October 2013

The dichotomy engendered by the hegemony of globalization as economic growth over other aspects of globalization calls for an integration that accounts for development and globalization as a phenomenon or a process that encompasses the reality of the various aspects of the human being, society, peoples, and institutions. This work examines how Lonergan’s philosophical anthropology promotes the concept of integral development as one of the ways of integrating the different forms of globalization so as to benefit the human person and to enhance the development and progress of nations.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural India
Authors: Singh Nirvikar , Zhou Yan , Williams Kristen , Kendall Jake , Kaushik P.D.
Published: October 2013

The focus of this article is an alternative policy approach to bridging the digital divide, through organisational innovations that provide low cost Internet access in rural India. We use survey data from 500 individuals in four states of India: Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan, to examine factors influencing patterns of computer and Internet use. We estimate logit and multinomial logit models, using microeconomic variables and infrastructure factors. We go beyond simple analyses of penetration at the country level, to understand the microeconomics of computer and Internet use in rural India.
Financial Openness and Technology Catch-up
Authors: Drine Imed , Nabi Mahmoud Sami , Aissa Mohamed Safouane Ben
Published: October 2013

This study analyses the effects of financial openness on productive efficiency and technology catch-up in four countries in the Basin (Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia), as compared to a group of developed countries (France, Germany, Japan and the UK) over the 1985–2005 period. Using the stochastic production frontier with variable inefficiency approach (Battese and Coelli, 1995) and the metafrontier technique (Battese et al., 2004), we show that, with the exception of Tunisia, the productive efficiency of countries under consideration has continuously declined. We also identify an ever-widening technology gap for the South Mediterranean countries caused by among others, a slowdown in the opening-up of their financial markets starting from the second half of the 1990s.
Trade union cooperation on statutory minimum wages? A study of European trade union positions1
Authors: Furåker Bengt , Seldén Kristina Lovén
Published: October 2013

Legislation on minimum wages exists in most EU Member States, but European trade unions have very different views on it. Nordic unions are especially negative, whereas many other union organizations are strongly positive. The present article examines these differences, explores how they can be understood and discusses their possible consequences for transnational union cooperation on issues related to statutory minimum wages. It is primarily based on survey and interview data.
What makes an effective European works council? Considerations based on three case studies
Authors: Gold Michael , Rees Chris
Published: October 2013

This article analyses the operation of European works councils (EWCs) in three multinational companies (GSK, Coca-Cola and UniCredit) across six EU Member States (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Italy and the UK). Based on interviews with EWC members and other employee representatives in these companies, it argues that EWCs are in a process of continual development, and examines the influences on their effectiveness by using a fivefold typology: company type, path dependency, socio-institutional environments, actors’ strategies and internal EWC dynamics. The article reveals that our respondents refer most frequently to the internal dynamics of EWCs as the key influence on their effectiveness, and concludes by assessing the policy implications for trade unions.
Social dialogue in the sports sector at EU level
Authors: Pierre Jérémy , Buisine Sébastien
Published: October 2013

The European sectoral social dialogue is rapidly becoming a pillar of European governance. It enables professional relationships to form in Member States, respecting each country’s autonomous rights, in line with the subsidiarity principle. European sectoral social dialogue is created through the initiative of the European social partners, that is, representative groups of employers and employees in the relevant sector. The dialogue materializes through the formation of a sectoral social dialogue committee as an official discussion and negotiation forum. Creating a sectoral social dialogue committee in the sports sector is a difficult process because of the specific characteristics of sport, the involvement of young people, the lack of social dialogue at national level in sport, as well as problems with the representativeness of employers’ and employees’ organizations and sectoral segmentation.
European works councils between formal requirements and good practices: the potential for further development based on evidence from Portugal1
Authors: Costa Hermes Augusto
Published: October 2013

The formal texts of agreements establishing European works councils (EWCs) set out the ‘starting conditions’ that regulate the activity of these transnational institutions. This article complements an analysis of the formal texts of agreements in 111 EWCs in the metallurgical, chemical and financial sectors with an assessment of the experience of Portuguese members of these EWCs. An analysis of topics in the 111 EWC agreements reveals several difficulties with the functioning of EWCs. Beyond the texts of EWC agreements, the diversity of workers’ representatives’ experiences is crucial to a better understanding of how EWCs function. The final section of the article highlights several good practices experienced by (Portuguese) workers’ representatives belonging to three EWC select committees in three multinationals: VW Group (metallurgical sector), Air Liquide Group (chemical sector) and Banco Espírito Santo Group (financial sector).
A non-invasive technique for visualization of microvessels in asymptomatic patients with middle cerebral artery steno-occlusion
Authors: Lee Yeong-Bae , Kang Chang-Ki , Kim Ki-Tae , Park Chan-A , Kim Young-Bo , Cho Zang-Hee
Published: October 2013

We determined whether 7T magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) could be used for clearly observing microvessels in a clinically asymptomatic patient with steno-occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). We utilized 3T magnetic resonance imaging to obtain the brain images of a clinically asymptomatic patient and noted MCA steno-occlusion. In comparison with 3T MRA, 7T MRA could clearly delineate the microvessels, including lenticulostriate arteries and presumed collaterals, and our observation was comparable to that with conventional digital subtraction angiography. We report an interesting case of a clinically asymptomatic patient with MCA steno-occlusion.
Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics decipher differences in the resistance of pedunculate oak to the herbivore Tortrix viridanaL.
Authors: Kersten Birgit , Ghirardo Andrea , Schnitzler Jörg-Peter , Kanawati Basem , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Fladung Matthias , Schroeder Hilke
Published: October 2013

Background

The interaction between insect pests and their host plants is a never-ending race of evolutionary adaption. Plants have developed an armament against insect herbivore attacks, and attackers continuously learn how to address it. Using a combined transcriptomic and metabolomic approach, we investigated the molecular and biochemical differences betweenQuercus roburL. trees that resisted (defined as resistant oak type) or were susceptible (defined as susceptible oak type) to infestation by the major oak pest,Tortrix viridanaL.

Results

Next generation RNA sequencing revealed hundreds of genes that exhibited constitutive and/or inducible differential expression in the resistant oak compared to the susceptible oak. Distinct differences were found in the transcript levels and the metabolic content with regard to tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which are compounds involved in the defence against insect pests. The results of our transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses are in agreement with those of a previous study in which we showed that female moths prefer susceptible oaks due to their specific profile of herbivore-induced volatiles. These data therefore define two oak genotypes that clearly differ on the transcriptomic and metabolomic levels, as reflected by their specific defensive compound profiles.

Conclusions

We conclude that the resistant oak type seem to prefer a strategy of constitutive defence responses in contrast to more induced defence responses of the susceptible oaks triggered by feeding. These results pave the way for the development of biomarkers for an early determination of potentially green oak leaf roller-resistant genotypes in natural pedunculate oak populations in Europe.
CYP709B3, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase gene involved in salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mao Guohong , Seebeck Timothy , Schrenker Denyse , Yu Oliver
Published: October 2013

Background

Within theArabidopsisgenome, there are 272 cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) genes. However, the biological functions of the majority of these P450s remain unknown. The CYP709B family of P450s includes three gene members,CYP709B1,CYP709B2andCYP709B3, which have high amino acid sequence similarity and lack reports elucidating biological functions.

Results

We identified T-DNA insertion-based null mutants of the CYP709B subfamily of genes. No obvious morphological phenotypes were exhibited under normal growth conditions. When the responses to ABA and salt stress were studied in these mutants, only thecyp709b3mutant showed sensitivity to ABA and salt during germination. Under moderate salt treatment (150 mM NaCl),cyp709b3showed a higher percentage of damaged seedlings, indicating a lower tolerance to salt stress.CYP709B3was highly expressed in all analyzed tissues and especially high in seedlings and leaves. In contrast,CYP709B1andCYP709B2were highly expressed in siliques, but were at very low levels in other tissues. Under salt stress condition,CYP709B3gene expression was induced after 24 hr and remained at high expression level. Expression of the wild type CYP709B3 gene in thecyp709b3mutant fully complemented the salt intolerant phenotype. Furthermore, metabolite profiling analysis revealed some differences between wild type andcyp709b3mutant plants, supporting the salt intolerance phenotype of thecyp709b3mutant.

Conclusions

These results suggest thatCYP709B3plays a role in ABA and salt stress response and provides evidence to support the functions of cytochrome P450 enzymes in plant stress response.
Periodontal conditions in patients with Marfan syndrome – a multicenter case control study
Authors: Staufenbiel Ingmar , Hauschild Christian , Kahl-Nieke Bärbel , Vahle-Hinz Eva , von Kodolitsch Yskert , Berner Maike , Bauss Oskar , Geurtsen Werner , Rahman Alexander
Published: October 2013

Background

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a disorder of the connective tissues. Alterations of the elastic fibers may manifest in different tissues especially in the skeletal, cardiovascular and ocular system. Oral manifestations like orthodontic or skeletal anomalies and fragility of the temporomandibular joint have been well described by various authors. However, no data are available regarding a possible periodontal involvement of MFS. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate for the first time if MFS may increase the susceptibility to periodontitis.

Methods

A comprehensive periodontal examination including documentation of probing pocket depth, gingival recession, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing was conducted in all patients. In addition, dental conditions were assessed by determining the Index for Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and a self-administered questionnaire was filled out by patients. For statistical analysis, the unpaired t-Test was applied (level of significance: p < 0.05). Both groups were matched concerning well known periodontal risk factors like age, gender and smoking habits.

Results

82 participants, 51 patients with MFS (30 female and 21 male, mean age: 40.20 ± 15.35 years) and 31 sound controls (17 female and 14 male, mean age: 40.29 ± 13.94 years), were examined. All assessed periodontal and dental parameters were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

Based on our data, patients with MFS did not reveal a higher prevalence of periodontitis compared to the control group. However, Marfan patients showed a tendency to more inflammation signs, which can be explained by the crowded teeth. Therefore, a regular professional cleaning of the teeth is recommendable (i.e., 6 months intervals) in order to reduce the bacterial biofilm in the oral cavity and thus resulting in a decreased risk of systemic diseases, specifically endocarditis.
Electroacupuncture upregulates ERK signaling pathways and promotes adult hippocampal neural progenitors proliferation in a rat model of depression
Authors: Yang Liu , Yue Na , Zhu Xiaocang , Han Qiuqin , Liu Qiong , Yu Jin , Wu Gencheng
Published: October 2013

Background

In this study, we investigate the proliferation of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) in a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) rat model of depression, the effects of electroacupunture (EA) on depressive-like symptoms and the corresponding signaling pathways.

Methods

SD rats were subjected to 4 weeks of CUS to induce depressive-like behaviors. EA was performed at the Du-20 (Bai-Hui) and GB-34 (Yang-Ling-Quan) acupoints. Rats were injected with BrdU and the brains were cut into sections. Double-labeling with BrdU/Sox2 and p-ERK/Nestin was performed to demonstrate the in vivo proliferation of adult NSCs in hippocampus and ERK activation in NSCs. Hippocampal microdialysates of different groups were collected to observe the in vitro effects on NSCs.

Results

After 8 treatments, EA generated a clear antidepressant effect on the stressed rats and promoted the NSC proliferation. ERK activation might be involved in the antidepressant-like effects of EA treatment. Hippocampal microdialysates from EA-treated stressed rats influenced NSCs to form larger neural spheres and exhibit higher p-ERK level in vitro, compared to the untreated stressed rats. Meanwhile, the antidepressant-like effects of EA involved contribution from both acupoint specificity and electrical stimulus.

Conclusions

EA might interfere with the hippocampal microenvironment and enhance the activation of ERK signaling pathways. This could mediate, at least in part, the beneficial effects of EA on NSC proliferation and depressive-like behaviors.
Size dependence of the magnetic properties of Ni nanoparticles prepared by thermal decomposition method
Authors: He Xuemin , Zhong Wei , Au Chak-Tong , Du Youwei
Published: October 2013

By means of thermal decomposition, we prepared single-phase spherical Ni nanoparticles (23 to 114 nm in diameter) that are face-centered cubic in structure. The magnetic properties of the Ni nanoparticles were experimentally as well as theoretically investigated as a function of particle size. By means of thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, the Curie temperatureTCof the 23-, 45-, 80-, and 114-nm Ni particles was found to be 335°C, 346°C, 351°C, and 354°C, respectively. Based on the size-and-shape dependence model of cohesive energy, a theoretical model is proposed to explain the size dependence ofTC. The measurement of magnetic hysteresis loop reveals that the saturation magnetizationMSand remanent magnetization increase and the coercivity decreases monotonously with increasing particle size, indicating a distinct size effect. By adopting a simplified theoretical model, we obtainedMSvalues that are in good agreement with the experimental ones. Furthermore, with increase of surface-to-volume ratio of Ni nanoparticles due to decrease of particle size, there is increase of the percentage of magnetically inactive layer.
Simultaneous transmission of audio and video signals using visible light communications
Authors: Son Do Ky , Cho EunByeol , Moon Inkyu , Ghassemlooy Zabih , Kim Soeun , Lee Chung Ghiu
Published: October 2013

A visible light communication system for parallel transmission of high-quality audio and video signals using illumination white and red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is presented in this paper. For video transmission, we adopts the pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme at the carrier frequency of 15 MHz, whereas for the analog audio signal, the Sony/Philips Digital standard is used. We show that successful simultaneous high-quality audio and video signal transmissions over a link span of 50 cm are possible without the need for optimized optics. For audio transmission, only the link span is doubled to 100 cm.
HIV-1 Tat protein binds to TLR4-MD2 and signals to induce TNF-α and IL-10
Authors: Ben Haij Nawal , Leghmari Kaoutar , Planès Rémi , Thieblemont Nathalie , Bahraoui Elmostafa
Published: October 2013

Background

HIV-1 infection results in hyper-immune activation and immunological disorders as early as the asymptomatic stage. Here, we hypothesized that during early HIV-1 infection, HIV-1 Tat protein acts on monocytes/macrophages to induce anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines and participates in immune dysregulation.

Results

In this work we showed that Tat protein: i) by its N-terminal domain induces production of both IL-10 and TNF-α in a TLR4-MD2 dependent manner, ii) interacts specifically with TLR4-MD2 and MD2 with high affinity but not with CD14, iii) inducesin vivoTNF-α and IL-10 in a TLR4 dependent manner.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data showed for the first time that, HIV-1 Tat interacts physically with high affinity with TLR4-MD2 to promote proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) and the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 both involved in immune dysregulation during early HIV-1 infection and AIDS progression.
Transcription elongation regulator 1 (TCERG1) regulates competent RNA polymerase II-mediated elongation of HIV-1 transcription and facilitates efficient viral replication
Authors: Coiras Mayte , Montes Marta , Montanuy Immaculada , López-Huertas María Rosa , Mateos Elena , Le Sommer Caroline , Garcia-Blanco Mariano A , Hernández-Munain Cristina , Alcamí José , Suñé Carlos
Published: October 2013

Background

Control of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) release from pausing has been proposed as a checkpoint mechanism to ensure optimal RNAPII activity, especially in large, highly regulated genes. HIV-1 gene expression is highly regulated at the level of elongation, which includes transcriptional pausing that is mediated by both viral and cellular factors. Here, we present evidence for a specific role of the elongation-related factor TCERG1 in regulating the extent of HIV-1 elongation and viral replicationin vivo.

Results

We show that TCERG1 depletion diminishes the basal and viral Tat-activated transcription from the HIV-1 LTR. In support of a role for an elongation mechanism in the transcriptional control of HIV-1, we found that TCERG1 modifies the levels of pre-mRNAs generated at distal regions of HIV-1. Most importantly, TCERG1 directly affects the elongation rate of RNAPII transcriptionin vivo. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that TCERG1 regulates HIV-1 transcription by increasing the rate of RNAPII elongation through the phosphorylation of serine 2 within the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of RNAPII and suggest a mechanism for the involvement of TCERG1 in relieving pausing. Finally, we show that TCERG1 is required for HIV-1 replication.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that TCERG1 regulates HIV-1 transcriptional elongation by increasing the elongation rate of RNAPII and phosphorylation of Ser 2 within the CTD. Based on our data, we propose a general mechanism for TCERG1 acting on genes that are regulated at the level of elongation by increasing the rate of RNAPII transcription through the phosphorylation of Ser2. In the case of HIV-1, our evidence provides the basis for further investigation of TCERG1 as a potential therapeutic target for the inhibition of HIV-1 replication
Induction of robust immunity response in mice by dual-expression-system-based recombinant baculovirus expressing the capsid protein of porcine circovirus type 2
Authors: Ye Yu , Cheng Xiaoliang , Zhang Jie , Tong Tiezhu , Lin Wenyao , Liao Ming , Fan Huiying
Published: October 2013

Background

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is associated with post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), an emerging swine disease that causes progressive weight loss, dyspnea, tachypnea, anemia, jaundice, and diarrhea in piglets. Althoughbaculovirusis an enveloped virus that infects insects in nature, it has emerged as a vaccine vector, and we used it to develop a novel candidate vaccine for a preventive or therapeutic strategy to control PCV2 infections.

Methods

Immunoblotting analysis of recombinant baculovirus and immunofluorescent staining of baculovirus-infected cells were followed using anti-ORF2 monoclonal antibodies. The BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly with this baculovirus. The titers of antibodies were mensurated with a Cap-protein-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a serum neutralization assay. The IFN-γ response in splenocytes harvested from immunized mice was measured by ELISA. Student'st-test was used to compare immune responses of different groups.

Results

In this study, we successfully constructed a dual-expression-system-based recombinant baculovirus BV-GD-ORF2, which can display the PCV2 capsid (Cap) protein and VSV-G protein on the viral envelope and also expressing Cap protein on transduced mammalian cells, thereby functioning as both a subunit and a DNA vaccine. After infection, the Cap protein was expressed and displayed on the viral surface, as demonstrated with an indirect fluorescence assay and immunoblotting. The vaccination of mice with recombinant baculovirus BV-GD-ORF2 successfully induced robust Cap-protein-specific humoral and cellular immune responses.

Conclusions

Our findings collectively demonstrate that the recombinant baculovirus BV-GD-ORF2 is a potential vaccine against PCV2 infections.
Diverse spectrum of rare deafness genes underlies early-childhood hearing loss in Japanese patients: a cross-sectional, multi-center next-generation sequencing study
Authors: Mutai Hideki , Suzuki Naohiro , Shimizu Atsushi , Torii Chiharu , Namba Kazunori , Morimoto Noriko , Kudoh Jun , Kaga Kimitaka , Kosaki Kenjiro , Matsunaga Tatsuo
Published: October 2013

Background

Genetic tests for hereditary hearing loss inform clinical management of patients and can provide the first step in the development of therapeutics. However, comprehensive genetic tests for deafness genes by Sanger sequencing is extremely expensive and time-consuming. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is advantageous for genetic diagnosis of heterogeneous diseases that involve numerous causative genes.

Methods

Genomic DNA samples from 58 subjects with hearing loss from 15 unrelated Japanese families were subjected to NGS to identify the genetic causes of hearing loss. Subjects did not have pathogenic GJB2 mutations (the gene most often associated with inherited hearing loss), mitochondrial m.1555A>G or 3243A>G mutations, enlarged vestibular aqueduct, or auditory neuropathy. Clinical features of subjects were obtained from medical records. Genomic DNA was subjected to a custom-designed SureSelect Target Enrichment System to capture coding exons and proximal flanking intronic sequences of 84 genes responsible for nonsyndromic or syndromic hearing loss, and DNA was sequenced by Illumina GAIIx (paired-end read). The sequences were mapped and quality-checked using the programs BWA, Novoalign, Picard, and GATK, and analyzed by Avadis NGS.

Results

Candidate genes were identified in 7 of the 15 families. These genes were ACTG1, DFNA5, POU4F3, SLC26A5, SIX1, MYO7A, CDH23, PCDH15, and USH2A, suggesting that a variety of genes underlie early-childhood hearing loss in Japanese patients. Mutations in Usher syndrome-related genes were detected in three families, including one double heterozygous mutation of CDH23 and PCDH15.

Conclusion

Targeted NGS analysis revealed a diverse spectrum of rare deafness genes in Japanese subjects and underscores implications for efficient genetic testing.
The natural organosulfur compound dipropyltetrasulfide prevents HOCl-induced systemic sclerosis in the mouse
Authors: Marut Wioleta , Jamier Vincent , Kavian Niloufar , Servettaz Amélie , Winyard Paul G , Eggleton Paul , Anwar Awais , Nicco Carole , Jacob Claus , Chéreau Christiane , Weill Bernard , Batteux Frédéric
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The aim of this study was to test the naturally occurring organosulfur compound dipropyltetrasulfide (DPTTS), found in plants, which has antibiotic and anticancer properties, as a treatment for HOCl-induced systemic sclerosis in the mouse.

Methods

The prooxidative, antiproliferative, and cytotoxic effects of DPTTS were evaluated ex vivo on fibroblasts from normal and HOCl mice. In vivo, the antifibrotic and immunomodulating properties of DPTTS were evaluated in the skin and lungs of HOCl mice.

Results

H2O2 production was higher in fibroblasts derived from HOCl mice than in normal fibroblasts (P < 0.05). DPTTS did not increase H2O2 production in normal fibroblasts, but DPTTS dose-dependently increased H2O2 production in HOCl fibroblasts (P < 0.001 with 40 μM DPTTS). Because H2O2 reached a lethal threshold in cells from HOCl mice, the antiproliferative, cytotoxic, and proapoptotic effects of DPTTS were significantly higher in HOCl fibroblasts than for normal fibroblasts. In vivo, DPTTS decreased dermal thickness (P < 0.001), collagen content in skin (P < 0.01) and lungs (P < 0.05), αSMA (P < 0.01) and pSMAD2/3 (P < 0.01) expression in skin, formation of advanced oxidation protein products and anti-DNA topoisomerase-1 antibodies in serum (P < 0.05) versus untreated HOCl mice. Moreover, in HOCl mice, DPTTS reduced splenic B-cell counts (P < 0.01), the proliferative rates of B-splenocytes stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.05), and T-splenocytes stimulated by anti-CD3/CD28 mAb (P < 0.001). Ex vivo, it also reduced the production of IL-4 and IL-13 by activated T cells (P < 0.05 in both cases).

Conclusions

The natural organosulfur compound DPTTS prevents skin and lung fibrosis in the mouse through the selective killing of diseased fibroblasts and its immunomodulating properties. DPTTS may be a potential treatment for systemic sclerosis.
Minoxidil induced hypertrichosis in a 2 year-old child
Authors: Herskovitz Ingrid , Freedman Joshua , Tosti Antonella
Published: October 2013

We report a case of a 2 year-old male patient who developed generalized hypertrichosis after 2 months of treatment with 5% minoxidil foam for alopecia areata. This report highlights the danger of prescribing  topical minoxidil to young children and the need to correctly instruct caretakers about its administration.
Effect of Polyvinyl Alcohol on Copper Leaching from Treated Wood
Authors: Vasishth P. , Nicholas D. D. , Henry W. P. , Schultz T. P.
Published: October 2013

The new copper-based preservative systems leach a relatively high level of copper and, thus, generate some environmental concerns. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) is known to complex with copper(II) and is water soluble. The effect of co-addition of fully hydrolyzed PVOH on the leaching of copper from wood treated with three different copper salts was examined. Southern pine sapwood wafers were treated with copper sulfate, copper acetate, and ammoniacal copper carbonate, all with 1 percent elemental copper in the waterborne solution, with and without 2 percent PVOH. The wafers were then dried and water leached for 2 weeks. PVOH co-addition greatly reduced the copper leached from wood treated with alkaline ammoniacal copper carbonate but not from wood treated with a slightly acidic solution of copper acetate or highly acidic copper sulfate.
Glue-Line Bonding Performance of Decommissioned CCA-Treated Wood. Part II: Retreated with CCA
Authors: Piao Cheng , Monlezun Charles J. , Hse Chung Y. , Nipper W. Allen
Published: October 2013

Disposal of decommissioned chromated copper arsenate (CCA)–treated wood as landfill has become an important environmental concern. Reusing and recycling decommissioned treated wood seems to be the most practical environmental solution to the problem. In a previous report, 6-ply laminated beams made from decommissioned CCA-treated southern pine (Pinus spp.) wood utility poles and 6-ply laminated beams made from untreated virgin wood were studied to evaluate the effects of surface preparation method and cross-sectional region (high or low CCA retention) on bonding shear strength, wood failure, and delamination. In this study, 6-ply laminated beams having the same composition as those of the previous study were made and then pressure-treated (i.e., retreated) with CCA prior to being evaluated in the same manner as in the previous study. This study revealed that gains in CCA retention (as a result of retreatment with CCA) for beams made from decommissioned utility pole wood were similar to the gains for beams made from untreated virgin wood. CCA retreatment had little overall effect on either glue-line shear strength or wood failure of beams made from decommissioned wood utility poles, but overall substantially increased shear strength and wood failure of beams made from virgin wood. CCA retreatment also reduced the delamination of both beams made from decommissioned utility pole wood and beams made from virgin wood. Additional testing is warranted to further investigate the bonding performance of decommissioned CCA-treated transmission utility pole wood.
Effect of Maleic Anhydride Polypropylene Copolymer Addition on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate–Bonded Oriented Strand Board Panels
Authors: Ruffing Thomas C. , Brown Nicole R. , Yadama Vikram , Cionni Jone S. , Takah Timothy , McCracken Timothy S. , Nicola William J.
Published: October 2013

The effect of varying proportions of maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) on the physical and mechanical properties of polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI)–bonded oriented strand board panels was investigated. Additionally, two forms of MAPP (powder and emulsion) were used to determine the effect of MAPP type on panel properties. Panels were produced by combining southern yellow pine (Pinus spp.) flakes with 4 percent pMDI binder and 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, or 6 percent powdered or emulsified MAPP. Addition of emulsified MAPP decreased panel mechanical properties regardless of addition level. Powdered MAPP had a negligible effect on panel modulus of elasticity and only produced significant decreases in panel modulus of rupture and internal bond strength at the highest addition level (6%). Emulsified MAPP effected greater reductions in panel mechanical properties relative to powdered MAPP. Increasing levels of emulsified MAPP caused undesirable increases in both 24-hour water absorption and thickness swelling. Powdered MAPP did not provide a significant improvement over control panels in water absorption and thickness swell tests. Addition of either powdered or emulsified MAPP appeared to have a negligible effect on panel permeance.
Evaluating Physical Property Changes for Small-Diameter, Plantation-Grown Southern Pine after In Situ Polymerization of an Acrylic Monomer
Authors: Bergman Richard , Ibach Rebecca E. , LaPasha Constantine , Denig Joseph
Published: October 2013

Because of the large percentage of juvenile wood in small-diameter southern pine, this material has lower strength properties compared with the historic published values in the ASTM Standard D2555. Finding new, simple, and inexpensive ways of increasing these strength properties would increase the use of this material for residential construction. For this study, we chose in situ polymerization using the monomer 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate to enhance bending strength and stiffness. After determining the lower range of density, modulus of rupture (MOR), and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of juvenile wood from small southern pine logs, southern pine specimens were polymerized using both a vacuum-impregnation and a surface-application approach. The results showed some significant physical property increases for the fully impregnated material that used a large amount of monomer. Although the surface-application approach used less monomer, the physical properties of the juvenile wood did not increase as expected. Only the 1-minute dip treatment showed a significant increase in both bending stiffness and strength, with a weight gain of 11.9 percent. For the surface-application approach, monomer moving to the wood surface during polymerization reduced their effectiveness in increasing MOR and MOE to the expected levels. Therefore, the challenge is finding a method that maintains polymer loading inside the wood structure during the curing process.
In-Line Moisture Content Measurement of Kiln-Dried Lumber for Process Improvement
Authors: Milota Michael R. , Duncan Tim , Wagner Ed
Published: October 2013

The in-line moisture meter at the planer measures the moisture content of every board. This information is often not used for process improvement because of difficulty in linking the moisture information to a point in the process and reliable statistical methods for analyzing the data. Test programs in which the moisture contents measured at the planer were used to create process charts for kilns and to identify kilns or zones within kilns with high moisture content or moisture content variability were established in four mills. Tagging units, either with bar codes or with alphanumeric tags, to identify their location in a kiln was a practical and effective way to diagnose kiln performance when the moisture content information collected at the planer was associated with location. Wet areas and dry areas could be identified, and the consistency of moisture content from charge to charge could be evaluated, as could the variability within charges. The latter items can be accomplished without knowing the location of a unit in the kiln if the kiln from which the lumber came is known at the time of planing. The methods developed also allow other factors, such as operator decisions and the performance of in-kiln moisture meters, to be evaluated.
Cost and Productivity Impacts of Product Sorting on Conventional Ground-Based Timber Harvesting Operations
Authors: Cass Randy D. , Baker Shawn A. , Greene W. Dale
Published: October 2013

The impacts of additional log sorting on production and cost per ton for mechanized, tree-length southern pine harvesting systems were evaluated. The analysis included evaluation of extensive data sets of weekly production along with short-term field time studies to directly measure the impacts of sorting on production. For this study, a product separation, or sort, was defined as a separate pile generated by the loader operator. The data were used to create a model to evaluate log sorting impacts on production and costs. Tree-length harvesting systems encountered weekly production losses when sorting more than six products, while modified tree-length harvesting systems using roadside processors lost production after nine product sorts. Hourly production was significantly impacted by both operator technique and the type of product handled. Operators who processed wood in advance of truck arrivals and loaded trucks from processed piles loaded trucks in 60 percent less time than loader operators who processed stems while loading. Increasing the number of sorts often required more processing while loading since the room to store processed wood under stationary loaders is limited. Adding precut sorts significantly reduced production over that seen with an additional tree-length sort, due to the additional processing and loader movement with multiple stem pieces. With the current product price differentials typical to southern log markets, we did not find increased net revenue to the landowner from additional sorts. In fact, we found that at current prices additional sorts can reduce revenue by 6 to 15 percent.
Dimensional Stability of Fire-Retardant-Treated Laminated Veneer Lumber
Authors: Dundar Turker , Ayrilmis Nadir , Candan Zeki , Sahin H. Turgut
Published: October 2013

Test of fire-retardant-treated (FRT) laminated veneer lumber (LVL) indicated moisture gain under adsorption and moisture loss under desorption conditions. The moisture content of FRT specimens increased considerably under adsorption conditions compared with control specimens, while it was not found to be a significant difference under desorption conditions. The statistical findings revealed that impregnation with chemical salts had significant effects on the expansion properties. Fire-retardant treatment also had meaningful effects on the swelling properties. However, the expansion and swelling properties of the LVL were not affected significantly by the veneer drying temperature. Generally, equilibrium moisture content of LVL decreased with increasing veneer drying temperature. The interactions between fire-retardant chemicals and veneer drying temperature were also found to be insignificant.
Strength Ratios of Knots in Bending for Two Alaskan Softwood Species
Authors: Bannister John , Hulsey J. Leroy , Curtis Kevin , Barber Valerie
Published: October 2013

The effects of knots on the bending strength of dimension softwood lumber were investigated for two Alaska-grown species, yellow cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis). An empirical measure of the bending strength ratio for knots was determined by comparison of full-size in-grade test results to corresponding test results from matching small clear specimens. The empirical strength ratios were compared with theoretical strength ratios calculated using existing formulas given in ASTM D245 (ASTM International 2005). It was determined that existing formulas do not provide accurate estimates of bending strength ratio for the two Alaska-grown species under study. Additional predictor variables were used to develop a new model to estimate the influence of knots on the bending strength ratio. Comparison of new formulas to existing formulas demonstrates that this new model is more effective at accounting for variations in bending strength ratio caused by the presence of a knot. It was concluded that the use of the models presented in the 2005 version of the ASTM standards for knot bending strength ratios should be reevaluated. This is especially important for any new timber species being added to the design tables. Species-specific models for estimated bending strength ratios, utilizing additional predictor variables, would help to better predict the effect of knots on bending strength of structural lumber.