bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hot Spots and Not Spots: Addressing Infrastructure and Service Provision through Combined Approaches in Rural Scotland
Authors: Skerratt Sarah
Published: June 2010

There is widespread acceptance that the absence or presence of infrastructure and services in rural areas can lead to cycles of decline or resilience in these localities. It is also accepted that in remoter areas, population sparsity leads to a higher unit cost for delivery of services and infrastructure, and that private sector providers do not find such areas attractive for investment. At the same time, there is a reduction in spending capability within the public sector due to the significant impact of economic crisis on their resource base, affecting provision of services. How are these seemingly intractable challenges being addressed? Using an interpretive policy analysis approach [1] and narrative tools, the storyline of policy statements, approaches and policies in Scotland is presented and discussed, within a wider European setting. This is complemented by a brief presentation of public-private and third sector initiatives in response to service and infrastructure challenges in rural Scotland. The paper concludes with the argument that we are facing two alternatives—the current “hot spots” and “not spots” pattern of provision, where the fittest survive, or further shifts towards strategic, cross-sectoral investment which gives scope for more cohesive development for rural communities.
Shiga Toxins: Intracellular Trafficking to the ER Leading to Activation of Host Cell Stress Responses
Authors: Lee Moo-Seung , Cherla Rama P. , Tesh Vernon L.
Published: June 2010

Despite efforts to improve hygenic conditions and regulate food and drinking water safety, the enteric pathogens, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 remain major public health concerns due to widespread outbreaks and the severity of extra-intestinal diseases they cause, including acute renal failure and central nervous system complications. Shiga toxins are the key virulence factors expressed by these pathogens mediating extra-intestinal disease. Delivery of the toxins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) results in host cell protein synthesis inhibition, activation of the ribotoxic stress response, the ER stress response, and in some cases, the induction of apoptosis. Intrinsic and/or extrinsic apoptosis inducing pathways are involved in executing cell death following intoxication. In this review we provide an overview of the current understanding Shiga toxin intracellular trafficking, host cellular responses to the toxin and ER stress-induced apoptosis with an emphasis on recent findings.
New microsatellite loci for pomegranate, Punica granatum (Lythraceae)
Authors: Currò Sergio , Caruso Marco , Distefano Gaetano , Gentile Alessandra , La Malfa Stefano
Published: June 2010

• Premise of the study: A new set of pomegranate microsatellites was selected and characterized to assess the level of genetic diversity among cultivars and wild genotypes.

• Methods and Results: Nine Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers were obtained using the Microsatellite‐AFLP technique and were successfully amplified in 34 genotypes belonging to Italian, Spanish, and Turkish germplasm collections. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 1 to 5, and the total number of alleles was 22.

• Conclusions: Because only a few codominant markers are available for this species, the newly identified SSRs will facilitate genetic diversity studies, fingerprinting, and mapping. In addition, the 9 loci successfully amplified in P. granatum var. nana. No cross transferability was observed for Cuphea micropetala and Lagerstroemia indica (Lythraceae).
Pratiques de consultation des revues électroniques par les enseignants chercheurs : les STM en France
Authors: Boukacem-Zeghmouri Chérifa
Published: June 2010

Résumé Quelles sont les pratiques des enseignants chercheurs en matière de consultation de revues électroniques ? Dans cet article, Chérifa Boukacem-Zeghmouri s’intéresse au comportement des enseignants chercheurs français, dans les domaines des sciences, techniques et médecine, sur une plate-forme d’éditeur, ScienceDirect. Le premier volet méthodologique s’appuie sur une étude quantitative fondée sur les statistiques des consultations de cette plate-forme. Le second volet, qualitatif, exploite des entretiens semi-directifs menés auprès d’un panel des mêmes enseignants chercheurs. Les résultats font apparaître deux logiques d’usages corollaires : l’emprunt d’itinéraires de recherche et de découvertes et la mise en œuvre de mécanismes d’accès pérennes et récurrents. Ces deux logiques soulignent le caractère fondamental de la navigation chez les chercheurs qui transposent sur la plate-forme ScienceDirect leurs pratiques du Web.
Une nouvelle offre et des problématiques inédites
Authors: Epron Benoît
Published: June 2010

Résumé Études, rapports, publications, séminaires, journées d’étude… Il ne se passe pas une semaine sans que le livre numérique apparaisse dans l’actualité de cette année 2010. Partant des faits les plus marquants de l’évolution récente de ce marché, Benoît Epron dégage les problématiques nouvelles qui se posent aux documentalistes et aux bibliothécaires et que ce dossier voudrait approfondir en trois approches : le contexte et l’offre actuels, le renouvellement des pratiques professionnelles et la redéfinition des compétences.
Bien-être et dépendances
Authors: Pharo Patrick
Published: June 2010

Résumé Ce texte confronte un point de vue « philosophique » et un point de vue « sociologique » sur la question de l’addiction. Le premier point de vue conduit à interroger le diagnostic de « maladie du cerveau », qui domine aujourd’hui dans les analyses neurobiologiques, et à montrer la banalité du comportement « addict », qui n’est qu’un emballement de la recherche très ordinaire de récompense et de bien-être. Le deuxième point de vue situe la « maladie addictive » dans le contexte de l’extrémisation moderne des plaisirs, de l’ouverture des marchés et des dispositions évolutionnaires des humains à rechercher une intensification des émotions positives et une minoration des émotions négatives. À partir de là, le texte s’interroge sur la cohérence des politiques publiques et propose quelques repères en vue d’une dépénalisation et d’une réglementation raisonnable des usages.
Personnalités limites addictives
Authors: Sztulman Henri
Published: June 2010

Résumé Personnalités limites et conduites addictives représentent deux ensembles cliniques et psychopathologiques que rencontrent de plus en plus fréquemment les praticiens. Je défends ici la thèse que ce trouble de la personnalité (défini de manière large) et que ces comportements pathologiques (en particulier pour les plus sévères d’entre eux) caractérisent les mêmes patients. À l’appui de cette affirmation je présente au lecteur des arguments cliniques (recouvrement assez large de la sémiologie) et psychopathologiques (qualité de la relation d’objet, nature de l’angoisse, niveau de régression, mécanismes de défense, recours à la lignée dépressive centrale, nature du conflit intrapsychique) qui, je l’espère, le convaincront ou l’inviteront à entrer dans le débat.
Expérience mystique et union divine
Authors: Bautista Balbino
Published: June 2010

L'ouverture à la jouissance féminine, que Lacan dit "supplémentaire" à l'autre, la phallique, sa reconnaissance, que les moments d'extase voilent, suppose une coupure, l'acte par lequel est tranché un indécidable, l'aporie théologique relative au Bien plutôt qu'au Vrai. La jouissance féminine advient avec le franchissement de la barrière du Bien, mais elle n'est atteignable, accueillie comme telle, qu'avec le franchissement de la barrière du Vrai.
Est-ce que ça passe ?
Authors: Terrier Marie-Claire
Published: June 2010

L' expérience singulière de ce cartel m' a permis de revisiter ce que fut mon travail en cartel .C' est en position d' analysant et non d' analyste que l' on s' engage à y travailler à partir d' un point d' ignorance pour tenter de faire passer à d' autres ce que l' on a trouvé . Le produit de celui ci fut de me permettre de rendre publique ma question , de la profaner en la faisant sortir du lieu sacré que peut être le cabinet d' un analyste . "
La ségrégation
Authors: Velez Lina
Published: June 2010

Cet article se propose d’analyser la notion de ségrégation que Lacan introduit et déploie entre 1967 et 1970. Ce concept apparaît au croisement de trois problématiques : le lien social et la politique, l’institution analytique et la passe et finalement le discours de la science. La ségrégation est le principe même des discours qui structurent les liens humains. Il s’agit d’analyser d’une part le principe de ségrégation comme fait de structure et indissociable de l’humanité et d’autre part les phénomènes de ségrégation en tant que pratique dans le lien social contemporain.
EFFECTS OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS ON BODY'S CENTER OF MASS MOTION IN OLDER ADULTS DURING LEVEL WALKING
Authors: Wang Ting-Ming , Hsu Wei-Chun , Chang Chu-Fen , Hu Chih-Chung , Lu Tung-Wu
Published: June 2010

Knowledge of the control of the body's dynamic stability in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) is helpful for the management of these patients and for the evaluation of treatment outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the dynamic stability of patients with knee OA during level walking using variables describing the motion of the body's center of mass (COM) and its relationship to the center of pressure (COP). Kinematic and kinetic data during level walking were obtained from 10 patients with bilateral knee OA and 10 normal controls using a motion analysis system and two forceplates. Compared to the normal controls, patients with knee OA exhibited normal COM positions and velocities at key instances of gait but with significant changes in COM accelerations. In the sagittal plane, adjustments to the anterioposterior acceleration of the COM throughout the complete gait cycle were needed for better control of the COM during the more challenging latter half of single leg stance. Diminished A/P COM–COP separation was also used to maintain body stability with reduced joint loadings. In the frontal plane, this was achieved by increasing the acceleration of the body's COM towards the stance leg. The more jerky motion of the body's COM observed may be a result of reduced ability associated with knee OA in the control of the motion of the COM. Strengthening of the muscles of the lower extremities, as well as training of the control of the COM through a dynamic balance training program, are equally important for the dynamic stability of patients with knee OA.
DETERMINATION OF FOOT-PLATE SPACING FOR SWIVEL WALKERS BY AN OPTIMIZATION METHOD
Authors: Cheng Chih-Hsiu , Chang Liang-Wey , Lin Kwan-Hwa
Published: June 2010

Swivel walkers have been useful devices in ambulation for many young paraplegic patients for being advantageous in providing reliable stability, easy handling, and hands-free walking. The placement of the foot-plates on swivel walkers affects the gait efficiency. However, the determination of the foot-plate spacing has been purely empirical and no theoretical work has been attempted before. This study aimed to develop a dynamic model of the swivel walker in the coronal plane to formulate an optimal design problem such that the energy loss due to impact could be computed and minimized within a feasible range of the coronal-plane movement. Children of heights from 0.75 to 1.45 m and weights from 15 to 45 kg fitted with the conventional swivel walkers were simulated. The results indicated that the range of the foot-plate spacing was roughly between 1/4 and 1/6 of the body heights. A regression formula was also derived to estimate foot-plate spacing with respect to the heights and weights of the simulated subjects for clinical applications. We conclude that the theoretical framework not only builds a foundation to determine the foot-plate spacing, but also reveals the dynamic behavior of the swivel walkers in the coronal plane. The results could be applied to the design of other biped locomotion systems.
TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY OF POSTURAL STABILITY MEASURES DURING QUIET STANDING IN PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF NONSPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN
Authors: Mazaheri Masood , Salavati Mahyar , Negahban Hossein , Parnianpour Mohamad
Published: June 2010

As balance is the foundation for all voluntary motor skills, considerable research has been conducted to evaluate postural control in patients with low back pain (LBP). Although reliability is a population-specific property, to the authors' knowledge, there has been no study to determine the test-retest reliability of the center of pressure (COP) measures in the general population of LBP patients. As many as 11 patients with a history of nonspecific LBP randomly completed postural measurements with three levels of difficulty (rigid surface-eyes open, rigid surface-eyes closed, and foam surface-eyes closed) in two sessions. The COP data were used to calculate standard deviation of amplitude, phase plane portrait, standard deviation of velocity, mean total velocity, and area (95% confidence ellipse). Relative reliability of these measures was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and absolute reliability using standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). Among different COP parameters, the mean total velocity in all conditions of postural difficulty showed the highest reliability, with the ICC range of 0.73–0.80, SEM range of 0.09–0.32 cm/s, and CV range of 5.7–8.2%. Therefore, the mean total velocity may be an optimal COP parameter to be used for quantification and assessment of balance performance in LBP patients.
DEVELOPMENT OF A PC12 CELL CULTIVATION AND MONITORING SYSTEM FOR NEURONAL-LIKE STUDY
Authors: Cheng Kuo-Sheng , Chien Chun-Jen , Hsu Mao-Hsun , Li Ching-Lin
Published: June 2010

A variety of cell lines are often used to simulate the studies associated with the cell products, genetics, cell–cell interaction, environmental interaction, intracellular flux and intracellular activity. Among these cell lines, the pheochromocytoma (PC12 for short) cell line is the one that is widely applied in in vitro study for investigating the neuronal apoptosis, neurochemistry, and neuronal differentiation. The development of an appropriate cell cultivation platform as well as the real-time image acquisition and analysis system becomes an important issue. The purpose of this paper is to develop a long-term and low-cost incubation system, including microscopic image analysis system for morphological analysis. The proposed incubation system can acquire cell image for analysis during cell cultivation. From the experimental results, the temperature of incubation system is found to be in the range of 37.3 ± 1.3°C, and the lower levels of the relative humidity vary within 89.7 ± 1.8%. The CO2 concentration is controlled at 5.29 ± 0.71%. The cell number is increased from 1.00 × 105 to 4.25 × 105 cells/ml after 48 h of culture. The cell viability test shows that this developed incubation system works well for PC12 cells cultivation; it can also acquire and segment the cell image during the cell cultivation. Besides, in the image analysis software design, the region-growing and modified blob labeling techniques are also employed to segment the PC12 cell image under varied culture conditions for later morphological and feature quantification analysis.
Architectural Web Portal and Interactive CAD Learning in Hungary
Authors: Somfai Attila
Published: June 2010

It is opportune to show the teaching web portal of the Faculty of Architecture at “Széchenyi István” University (www.arc.sze.hu/indexen.html), its conformation and use. Nowadays, the Internet helps to look into Hungarian and foreign study aids, architectural websites, and novelties. The Internet has created potential new and effective ways of cooperation between lecturers and students of the university and other institutions of higher education. The teaching web portal mentioned above realizes the diversity and complexity of architecture with efficient grouping of information, and is attentive to high professional standards. Computer Aided Architectural Modeling (www.arc.sze.hu/cad) is one of the new types of online lecture notes, where many narrated screen capture videos show the proper usage of CAD software instead of text and figures. This interactive type of learning helps students become more independent learners. This type of teaching modality provides the opportunity for students who need more time to acquire subject matter by viewing video examples again. Success of our departments’ common web initiations can be measured through Internet statistics and feedback of the students and external professionals.
Use of Living Systems to Teach Basic Engineering Concepts
Authors: Jahan Kauser , Everett Jess W. , Tang Gina , Farrell Stephanie , Zhang Hong , Wenger Angela , Noori Majid
Published: June 2010

Engineering educators have typically used non-living systems or products to demonstrate engineering principles. Each traditional engineering discipline has its own products or processes that they use to demonstrate concepts and principles relevant to the discipline. In recent years engineering education has undergone major changes with a drive to incorporate sustainability and green engineering concepts into the curriculum. As such an innovative initiative has been undertaken to use a living system such as an aquarium to teach basic engineering principles. Activities and course content were developed for a freshman engineering class at Rowan University and the Cumberland County College and K-12 outreach for the New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences. All developed materials are available on a dynamic website for rapid dissemination and adoption.
WIRE
Authors: Juang Yih-Ruey
Published: June 2010

Much research has shown that the blended learning can effectively enhance the motivation, communication skills, and learning achievement compared with teaching in a single form. However, a crucial issue in blended learning is how to integrate each blended format, media and experience into a coherent learning model, and then to keep interaction between teacher and students either in or outside the classroom. This study introduces a highly interactive strategy for blended learning that incorporates web-based and face-to-face learning environments into a semester course through answering the warm-up questions before class, interactive teaching in class, and review and exercise after class. By the empirical study in a ‘Data Structure’ class, most students made progress in learning achievement and gain more motivation and interaction within the class.
Effective Design and Delivery of Learning Materials in Learning Management Systems
Authors: Mahdavi Mehregan , Khoobkar Mohammad H.
Published: June 2010

Learning Management Systems (LMS) enable effective design and delivery of learning materials. They are Web-based software applications used to plan, implement, and assess a specific learning process. LMSs allow learners to connect to and interact with the educational material through the Internet. They enable tools for authors (instructors) to design learning materials that include text, html, audio, video, etc. They also enable learner activity management in the learning process. Moreover, they provide tools for effective and efficient assessment of the learners. This chapter explores learning management systems and their key components that enable instructors organize and monitor learning activities of the learners. It also introduces the authoring features provided by such systems for preparing learning material. Moreover, it presents assessment methods and tools that enable evaluation of the learners in the learning process. Furthermore, existing challenges and issues in this field are explored.
Glutamine Uptake and Metabolism Are Coordinately Regulated by ERK/MAPK during T Lymphocyte Activation
Authors: Carr Erikka L. , Kelman Alina , Wu Glendon S. , Gopaul Ravindra , Senkevitch Emilee , Aghvanyan Anahit , Turay Achmed M. , Frauwirth Kenneth A.
Published: June 2010

Activation of a naive T cell is a highly energetic event, which requires a substantial increase in nutrient metabolism. Upon stimulation, T cells increase in size, rapidly proliferate, and differentiate, all of which lead to a high demand for energetic and biosynthetic precursors. Although amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein biosynthesis and contribute to many other metabolic processes, the role of amino acid metabolism in T cell activation has not been well characterized. We have found that glutamine in particular is required for T cell function. Depletion of glutamine blocks proliferation and cytokine production, and this cannot be rescued by supplying biosynthetic precursors of glutamine. Correlating with the absolute requirement for glutamine, T cell activation induces a large increase in glutamine import, but not glutamate import, and this increase is CD28-dependent. Activation coordinately enhances expression of glutamine transporters and activities of enzymes required to allow the use of glutamine as a Krebs cycle substrate in T cells. The induction of glutamine uptake and metabolism requires ERK function, providing a link to TCR signaling. Together, these data indicate that regulation of glutamine use is an important component of T cell activation. Thus, a better understanding of glutamine sensing and use in T cells may reveal novel targets for immunomodulation.
IL-17RC Is Required for Immune Signaling via an Extended SEF/IL-17R Signaling Domain in the Cytoplasmic Tail
Authors: Ho Allen W. , Shen Fang , Conti Heather R. , Patel Nayan , Childs Erin E. , Peterson Alanna C. , Hernández-Santos Nydiaris , Kolls Jay K. , Kane Lawrence P. , Ouyang Wenjun , Gaffen Sarah L.
Published: June 2010

IL-17 mediates essential inflammatory responses in host defense and autoimmunity. The IL-17A–IL-17F signaling complex is composed of IL-17RA and IL-17RC, both of which are necessary for signal transduction. To date, the specific contribution of IL-17RC to downstream signaling remains poorly understood. To define the regions within the IL-17RC cytoplasmic tail required for signal transduction, we assayed signaling by a panel of IL-17RC deletion mutants. These findings reveal that IL-17RC inducibly associates with a specific glycosylated IL-17RA isoform, in a manner independent of the IL-17RC cytoplasmic tail. Using expression of the IL-17 target genes IL-6 and 24p3/lipocalin-2 as a readout, functional reconstitution of signaling in IL-17RC−/− fibroblasts required the SEF/IL-17R signaling domain (SEFIR), a conserved motif common to IL-17R family members. Unexpectedly, the IL-17RC SEFIR alone was not sufficient to reconstitute IL-17–dependent signaling. Rather, an additional sequence downstream of the SEFIR was also necessary. We further found that IL-17RC interacts directly with the adaptor/E3 ubiquitin ligase Act1, and that the functional IL-17RC isoforms containing the extended SEFIR region interact specifically with a phosphorylated isoform of Act1. Finally, we show that IL-17RC is required for in vivo IL-17–dependent responses during oral mucosal infections caused by the human commensal fungus Candida albicans. These results indicate that IL-17RC is vital for IL-17–dependent signaling both in vitro and in vivo. Insight into the mechanisms by which IL-17RC signals helps shed light on IL-17–dependent inflammatory responses and may ultimately provide an avenue for therapeutic intervention in IL-17–mediated diseases.
The Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Disrupts Innate Immunity by Downregulating Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling Protein
Authors: Wei Congwen , Ni Caifei , Song Ting , Liu Yu , Yang XiaoLi , Zheng Zirui , Jia Yongxia , Yuan Yuan , Guan Kai , Xu Yang , Cheng Xiaozhong , Zhang Yanhong , Yang Xiao , Wang Youliang , Wen Chaoyang , Wu Qing , Shi Wei , Zhong Hui
Published: June 2010

Previous studies have shown that both hepatitis A virus and hepatitis C virus inhibit innate immunity by cleaving the mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) protein, an essential component of the virus-activated signaling pathway that activates NF-κB and IFN regulatory factor-3 to induce the production of type I IFN. For human hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis B s-Ag, hepatitis B e-Ag, or HBV virions have been shown to suppress TLR-induced antiviral activity with reduced IFN-β production and subsequent induction of IFN-stimulated genes. However, HBV-mediated suppression of the RIG-I–MDA5 pathway is unknown. In this study, we found that HBV suppressed poly(deoxyadenylate-thymidylate)-activated IFN-β production in hepatocytes. Specifically, hepatitis B virus X (HBX) interacted with MAVS and promoted the degradation of MAVS through Lys136 ubiquitin in MAVS protein, thus preventing the induction of IFN-β. Further analysis of clinical samples revealed that MAVS protein was downregulated in hepatocellular carcinomas of HBV origin, which correlated with increased sensitivities of primary murine hepatocytes isolated from HBX knock-in transgenic mice upon vesicular stomatitis virus infections. By establishing a link between MAVS and HBX, this study suggests that HBV can target the RIG-I signaling by HBX-mediated MAVS downregulation, thereby attenuating the antiviral response of the innate immune system.
Genome-Wide Identification of Human FOXP3 Target Genes in Natural Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Sadlon Timothy J. , Wilkinson Bridget G. , Pederson Stephen , Brown Cheryl Y. , Bresatz Suzanne , Gargett Tessa , Melville Elizabeth L. , Peng Kaimen , D’Andrea Richard J. , Glonek Gary G. , Goodall Gregory J. , Zola Heddy , Shannon M. Frances , Barry Simon C.
Published: June 2010

The transcription factor FOXP3 is essential for the formation and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and Tregs are essential for maintaining immune homeostasis and tolerance. This is demonstrated by a lethal autoimmune defect in mice lacking Foxp3 and in immunodysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked syndrome patients. However, little is known about the molecular basis of human FOXP3 function or the relationship between direct and indirect targets of FOXP3 in human Tregs. To investigate this, we have performed a comprehensive genome-wide analysis for human FOXP3 target genes from cord blood Tregs using chromatin immunoprecipitation array profiling and expression profiling. We have identified 5579 human FOXP3 target genes and derived a core Treg gene signature conserved across species using mouse chromatin immunoprecipitation data sets. A total of 739 of the 5579 FOXP3 target genes were differentially regulated in Tregs compared with Th cells, thus allowing the identification of a number of pathways and biological functions overrepresented in Tregs. We have identified gene families including cell surface molecules and microRNAs that are differentially expressed in FOXP3+ Tregs. In particular, we have identified a novel role for peptidase inhibitor 16, which is expressed on the cell surface of >80% of resting human CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs, suggesting that in conjunction with CD25 peptidase inhibitor 16 may be a surrogate surface marker for Tregs with potential clinical application.
Wnt5a Induces Endothelial Inflammation via β-Catenin–Independent Signaling
Authors: Kim Jihun , Kim Jungtae , Kim Dong Wook , Ha Yunhi , Ihm Min Hwan , Kim Hyeri , Song Kyuyoung , Lee Inchul
Published: June 2010

Wnt signaling has been implicated in certain inflammatory diseases. However, the biological role in the inflammatory regulation remains to be characterized. We investigated the regulation by Wnt signaling in endothelial cells, which are active participants and regulators of inflammation. Wnt5a induces cyclooxygenase-2 expression and enhances inflammatory cytokines rapidly, whereas Wnt3a shows limited effects, suggesting a role for β-catenin–independent Wnt signaling in the inflammatory endothelial activation. Pulse-like treatment of Wnt5a induces cyclooxygenase-2 more efficiently than continuous treatment. Wnt5a and TNF-α regulate subsets of cytokines overlapping, only partially, with each other. Calcium ionophore enhances endothelial inflammation similarly, whereas calcium chelators and protein kinase C inhibitor block Wnt5a-induced activation, suggesting a role for the Wnt/Ca2+/protein kinase C pathway in endothelial inflammatory regulation. Wnt5a activates RelA nuclear translocation and DNA binding. Activated blood vessels, histiocytes, and synoviocytes express Wnt5a in atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis but not in normal tissue, supporting the role of Wnt5a as an inflammatory mediator in vivo. Our data suggest that endothelial inflammation is regulated by a dual system consisting of β-catenin–independent Wnt signaling and TNF-α–mediated signaling.
Viral Infection of the Placenta Leads to Fetal Inflammation and Sensitization to Bacterial Products Predisposing to Preterm Labor
Authors: Cardenas Ingrid , Means Robert E. , Aldo Paulomi , Koga Kaori , Lang Sabine M. , Booth Carmen , Manzur Alejandro , Oyarzun Enrique , Romero Roberto , Mor Gil
Published: June 2010

Pandemics pose a more significant threat to pregnant women than to the nonpregnant population and may have a detrimental effect on the well being of the fetus. We have developed an animal model to evaluate the consequences of a viral infection characterized by lack of fetal transmission. The experiments described in this work show that viral infection of the placenta can elicit a fetal inflammatory response that, in turn, can cause organ damage and potentially downstream developmental deficiencies. Furthermore, we demonstrate that viral infection of the placenta may sensitize the pregnant mother to bacterial products and promote preterm labor. It is critical to take into consideration the fact that during pregnancy it is not only the maternal immune system responding, but also the fetal/placental unit. Our results further support the immunological role of the placenta and the fetus affecting the global response of the mother to microbial infections. This is relevant for making decisions associated with treatment and prevention during pandemics.
Ternary Complex Factors SAP-1 and Elk-1, but Not Net, Are Functionally Equivalent in Thymocyte Development
Authors: Costello Patrick , Nicolas Robert , Willoughby Jane , Wasylyk Bohdan , Nordheim Alfred , Treisman Richard
Published: June 2010

The ternary complex factors (TCFs; SAP-1, Elk-1, and Net) are serum response factor cofactors that share many functional properties and are coexpressed in many tissues. SAP-1, the predominant thymus TCF, is required for thymocyte positive selection. In this study, we assessed whether the different TCFs are functionally equivalent. Elk-1 deletion, but not the hypomorphic Netδ mutation, exacerbated the SAP-1 positive selection phenotype, but triply deficient thymocytes were no more defective than SAP-1−/− Elk-1−/− cells. Inactivation of the other TCFs did not affect SAP-1–independent processes, including β-selection, regulatory T cell selection, and negative selection, although reduced marginal zone B cells were observed in SAP-1−/− Elk-1−/− animals. Ectopic expression of Elk-1, but not Net, rescued positive selection of SAP-1−/− thymocytes; thus, SAP-1 and Elk-1 are functionally equivalent in this system, and the SAP-1 null selection phenotype reflects only its high expression in the thymus. Array analysis of TCR-stimulated double-positive cells identified SAP-1–dependent inducible genes whose transcription was further impaired in SAP-1−/− Elk-1−/− cells; thus, these genes, which include Egr-1 and Egr-2, represent candidate mediators of positive selection. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed subtly different promoter targeting between the different TCFs. Ectopic expression of Egr-1 restored positive selection in SAP-1 null thymocytes, establishing it (and possibly other Egr family members) as the major effector for ERK–SAP-1 signaling in thymocyte positive selection.
The Structure of the TNFRSF13C Promoter Enables Differential Expression of BAFF-R during B Cell Ontogeny and Terminal Differentiation
Authors: Mihalcik Stephen A. , Huddleston Paul M. , Wu Xiaosheng , Jelinek Diane F.
Published: June 2010

The B cell-activating factor of the TNF family receptor (BAFF-R), encoded by the TNFRSF13C gene, is critically important for transitional B cell survival to maturity. Thus, ligation of BAFF-R by BAFF delivers a potent survival signal. Reports implicating the BAFF/BAFF-R signaling axis in the pathogenesis of autoimmune human diseases and B lineage malignancies have largely prompted studies focusing on BAFF expression; however, there is an equally critical need to better understand BAFF-R expression. Initial BAFF-R expression, although characterized in murine B cells, has not yet been reported in human B lymphopoiesis. In this study, we first demonstrate that BAFF-R expression is absent from early precursors and is acquired by bone marrow B cells newly expressing the BCR. We next focused on identifying the specific genomic region that controls BAFF-R expression in mature B cells (i.e., the TNFRSF13C promoter). To accomplish this, we used in silico tools examining interspecies genomic conservation in conjunction with reporter constructs transfected into malignant B and plasma cell lines. DNase protection assays using nuclear extracts from BAFF-R–expressing cells suggested potential regulatory sites, which allowed the generation of EMSA probes that bound NFs specific to BAFF-R–expressing cells. With a more stringent analysis of interspecies homology, these assays identified a site at which a single nucleotide substitution could distinctly impact promoter activity. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed the in vivo binding of the specific transcription factor c-Rel to the most proximal genomic region, and c-Rel small interfering RNA transfections in BAFF-R–expressing lines demonstrated a coincident knockdown of both c-Rel and BAFF-R mRNA.
Recovery of Renal Function after One-Year of Dialysis Treatment: Case Report and Registry Data
Authors: Fehrman-Ekholm Ingela , Bergenhag Ann-Charlotte , Heimburger Olof , Schön Staffan
Published: June 2010

Objective. Uncertainty has arisen as to whether renal function can be recovered from after long-term regular dialysis treatment. We therefore conducted an analysis and scrutinized one patient report.Material and Methods. Swedish registry of patients with kidney disease and one patient case.Results. 39 patients (0.2%) from the Swedish registry comprising 17590 patients who commenced RRT (renal replacement therapy) between 1991 and 2008 had recovered from renal function after more than 365 days of regular dialysis treatment. The most common diagnosis was renovascular disease with hypertension but a large group had uremia of unknown cause. HUS, cortical/tubular necrosis, and autoimmune diseases were also found. The mean treatment time before withdrawal was 2 years.Conclusions. A small number of patients recover after a long period of regular dialysis treatment. One could discuss whether it is difficult to identify patients who have recovered while undergoing regular dialysis treatment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be important.
Microbial dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) dynamics along a natural iron gradient in the northeast subarctic Pacific
Authors: Royer Sarah-Jeanne , Levasseur Maurice , Lizotte Martine , Arychuk Michael , Scarratt Michael G. , Wong Chi Shing , Lovejoy Connie , Robert Marie , Johnson Keith , Peña Angelica , Michaud Sonia , Kiened Ronald P.
Published: June 2010

We characterized the effect of an inshore‐offshore gradient in Fe in the northeast subarctic Pacific on the bacterioplankton and phytoplankton assemblages and on the microbial cycling of particulate and dissolved dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSPp and DMSPd) and dimethylsulfide (DMS). Averaged concentrations of total dissolved Fe (TDFe) decreased linearly with increasing water density along the transect, from 3.4 nmol L−1 at the two inshore stations to 1.0 nmol L−1 at the offshore stations, as a result of the vertical and lateral mixing between the Fe‐rich coastal water and the Fe‐poor Alaska Current. The Fe‐rich inshore stations were dominated by diatoms and characterized by low DMSPp : chlorophyll a (Chl a) ratios (ca. 26 nmol [g−1) and bacterial DMS yield (< 4%). In contrast, the Fe‐poor offshore stations were dominated by prymnesiophytes and exhibited high DMSPp : Chl a ratios (ca. 84 nmol [g−1) and bacterial DMS yield (8%). Chl a, DMSPp, and the abundance of total bacteria and three bacterial clades (Gammaproteobacteria, Roseobacter, and Betaproteobacteria) were positively correlated with the TDFe gradient. At the Fe‐poor offshore stations, the positive correlation found between TDFe and the DMSPp : Chl a ratios suggests that Fe supplied by mixing stimulated DMSP production in the prymnesiophyte‐dominated assemblage, a response similar to that generally observed during the first days of most of the large‐scale ocean iron fertilizations (OIFs). These results suggest that the stimulation of DMSP production takes place whatever the Fe supply mode: atmospheric dust deposition, as simulated by OIFs, or mixing, as reported in this study.
Density‐dependent nutritional value of the dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides to the copepod Acartia tonsa
Authors: Jiang Xiaodong , Lonsdale Darcy J. , Gobler Christopher J.
Published: June 2010

The nutritional value of the dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides to the copepod Acartia tonsa was evaluated over a range of ecologically relevant cell densities. Based on egg production rate, egg hatching success, and naupliar recruitment rate of A. tonsa, mixed‐diet experiments indicated C. polykrikoides was nutritionally insufficient or had no nutritional value to A. tonsa at 600 µg C L−1 (330 cells mL−1), and was toxic at 1000 µg C L−1 (550 cells mL−1) when compared with the nontoxic flagellate Rhodomonas lens. However, the nutritional value of C. polykrikoides to A. tonsa at 100 and 200 µg C L−1 (55 and 110 cells mL−1) was greater than or equal to that of R. lens. The density‐dependent nutritional value of C. polykrikoides to A. tonsa was also demonstrated in the long‐term survival experiments. Survivorship of A. tonsa fed C. polykrikoides was lower than those fed R. lens at 900 and 1800 µg C L−1. In contrast, C. polykrikoides supported higher survivorship of A. tonsa than R. lens at 180 and 540 µg C L−1. The nutritional value of C. polykrikoides to A. tonsa decreased from beneficial to deleterious with increasing cell density. A putatively "harmful" alga is not always deleterious to grazers, and its ecological effects may be distinctly different during bloom and non‐bloom periods.
The Mekong River plume fuels nitrogen fixation and determines phytoplankton species distribution in the South China Sea during low and high discharge season
Authors: Grosse Julia , Bombar Deniz , Doan Hai Nhu , Nguyen Lam Ngoc , Voss Maren
Published: June 2010

The influence of the Mekong River (South China Sea) on N2 fixation and phytoplankton distribution was investigated during the lowest‐ and highest‐discharge seasons (April 2007 and September 2008, respectively). The river plays an essential role in providing nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, silicate) for the adjacent sea and creates different salinity and nutrient gradients over different seasons. River water (salinity 0), mesohaline waters (salinity 14–32), a transition zone with salinities between 32 and 33.5, and marine waters (salinity above 33.5) were sampled at different spatial resolutions in both cruises. High N2 fixation rates were measured during both seasons, with rates of up to 5.05 nmol N L−1 h−1 in surface waters under nitrogen‐replete conditions, increasing to 22.77 nmol N L−1 h−1 in nitrogen‐limited waters. Asymbiotic diatoms were found only close to the river mouth, and symbiotic diatoms, which potentially hosted diazotrophs, were most abundant in waters where N2 fixation rates were highest, nitrate concentrations were at the detection limit, and phosphate and silicate were still available. Filamentous cyanobacteria like Trichodesmium were present only in marine waters with salinities above 33.5. Overall, N2 fixation accounts for 1‐47% of the nitrogen demand of primary production.
The last glacial-interglacial cycle in Lake Ohrid (Macedonia/Albania): testing diatom response to climate
Authors: Reed J. M. , Cvetkoska A. , Levkov Z. , Vogel H. , Wagner B.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Lake Ohrid is a site of global importance for palaeoclimate research. This study presents results of diatom analysis of a ca. 136 ka sequence, Co1202, from the northeast of the lake basin. It offers the opportunity to test diatom response across two glacial-interglacial transitions and within the Last Glacial, while setting up taxonomic protocols for future research. The results are outstanding in demonstrating the sensitivity of diatoms to climate change, providing proxy evidence for temperature change marked by glacial-interglacial shifts between the dominant planktonic taxa, Cyclotella fottii and C. ocellata, and exact correlation with geochemical proxies to mark the start of the Last Interglacial at ca. 130 ka. Importantly, diatoms show much stronger evidence in this site for warming during MIS3 than recorded in other productivity-related proxies, peaking at ca. 39 ka, prior to the extreme conditions of the Last Glacial maximum. In the light of the observed patterns, and from the results of analysis of early Holocene sediments from a second core, Lz1120, the lack of a response to Late Glacial and early Holocene warming from ca. 15–7.4 ka suggests the Co1202 sequence may be compromised during this phase. After ca. 7.4 ka, there is evidence for enhanced nutrient enrichment compared to the Last Interglacial, following by a post-Medieval cooling trend. Taxonomically, morphological variability in C. fottii shows no clear trends linked to climate, but an intriguing change in central area morphology occurs after ca. 48.7 ka, coincident with a tephra layer. In contrast, C. ocellata shows morphological variation in the number of ocelli between interglacials, suggesting climatically-forced variation or evolutionary selection pressure. The application of a simple dissolution index does not track preservation quality very effectively, underlining the importance of diatom concentration data in future studies.
Surface fluxes and water balance of spatially varying vegetation within a small mountainous headwater catchment
Authors: Flerchinger G. N. , Marks D. , Reba M. L. , Yu Q. , Seyfried M. S.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Precipitation variability and complex topography often create a mosaic of vegetation communities in mountainous headwater catchments, creating a challenge for measuring and interpreting energy and mass fluxes. Understanding the role of these communities in modulating energy, water and carbon fluxes is critical to quantifying the variability in energy, carbon, and water balances across landscapes. The focus of this paper was: (1) to demonstrate the utility of eddy covariance (EC) systems in estimating the evapotranspiration component of the water balance of complex headwater mountain catchments; and (2) to compare and contrast the seasonal surface energy and carbon fluxes across a headwater catchment characterized by large variability in precipitation and vegetation cover. Eddy covariance systems were used to measure surface fluxes over sagebrush (Artemesia arbuscula and Artemesia tridentada vaseyana), aspen (Populus tremuloides) and the understory of grasses and forbs beneath the aspen canopy. Peak leaf area index of the sagebrush, aspen, and aspen understory was 0.77, 1.35, and 1.20, respectively. The sagebrush and aspen canopies were subject to similar meteorological forces, while the understory of the aspen was sheltered from the wind. Missing periods of measured data were common and made it necessary to extrapolate measured fluxes to the missing periods using a combination of measured and simulated data. Estimated cumulative evapotranspiratation from the sagebrush, aspen trees, and aspen understory were 384 mm, 314 mm and 185 mm. A water balance of the catchment indicated that of the 699 mm of areal average precipitation, 421 mm was lost to evapotranspiration, and 254 mm of streamflow was measured from the catchment; water balance closure for the catchment was within 22 mm. Fluxes of latent heat and carbon for all sites were minimal through the winter. Growing season fluxes of latent heat and carbon were consistently higher above the aspen canopy than from the other sites. While growing season carbon fluxes were very similar for the sagebrush and aspen understory, latent heat fluxes for the sagebrush were consistently higher, likely because it is more exposed to the wind. Sensible heat flux from the aspen tended to be slightly less than the sagebrush site during the growing season when the leaves were actively transpiring, but exceeded that from the sagebrush in May, September and October when the net radiation was not offset by evaporative cooling in the aspen. Results from this study demonstrate the utility of EC systems in closing the water balance of headwater mountain catchments and illustrate the influence of vegetation on the spatial variability of surface fluxes across mountainous rangeland landscapes.
Shaking table tests on strengthening of masonry structures against earthquake hazard
Authors: Ersubasi F. , Korkmaz H. H.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Turkey and neighborhood countries like Greece and Iran are situated on an active earthquake region. Masonry type structures are very common on these countries, especially on the rural areas. During the last earthquakes, several masonry type houses were collapsed, causing loss of life and property. Strengthening methods of masonry houses were discussed in this study. The paper summarizes the results of a experimental programme carried out on models, scaled 1/10, of one-storey masonry buildings. First specimen tested was the reference specimen and used for comparison purposes. Other specimens contained several strengthening strategies. A total of 9 specimens were tested. The results allow to assess the efficiency of the various strengthening techniques employed.