bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design Thinking on Urban Agricultural Construction of Intelligent Ecological Residential Building
Authors: Li Xiao Di , Hu Wei Ping , Yang Xiao Ping
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this research is to create intelligent ecological residential building with small limited agricultural room for city residents, fully meeting their psychological desire of returning to the nature, eco-protection, combination of work and rest and having a residential agronomic garden, thus achieving a new balance among social relationships. A logical reasoning method is conducted to study the trends of the social reality and architectural history, which finds that the rapid social, political, technological and economic development is sufficient to support the realization of intelligent eco-building ideas for urban agriculture. This will initiate social concerns and further research on urban intelligent ecological agricultural building, which, as a new direction of the historical development of human construction, is the creative vision of the future.
Analysis on the Image of Ecological Space and the Inspiration Drawn from Huizhou Traditional Settlement
Authors: Hui Dai , Zhang Xiao Xiao , Liu Ren Yi
Published: August 2013

Huizhou traditional settlement has its unique cultural characteristic which plays an important role in Chinese ancient culture of settlement. Analyzing the Huizhou traditional settlement from the five elements of city image, it draws a conclusion that the features of Huizhou traditional settlement can be applied to design concept for modern urban ecological development.
Influence of Sinter Temperature on the Hardness of Fly Ash Based Glass Ceramics
Authors: Ye Han , Hou Jing Tian , Zhang Wei Wei , Yao Shu Yu
Published: August 2013

The glass ceramics bricks were prepared by the method of isostatic pressing and one time sintering using fly ash and glass powder as raw materials. X-ray diffraction experiment was performed to identify the main crystal phase. The influence of sinter temperature on the hardness was studied. It was concluded that the main phase were anorthite and albite. The hardness of sample which contains 60% of fly ash attains 766.79MPa when the sintering temperature was 1110°C .The hardness of sample which contains 50% of fly ash attains 780MPa when the sintering temperature was 1075°C.
Study on High Amount Mineral Admixtures Concrete Performance
Authors: Huang Zhi De
Published: August 2013

Depended on Qingdao Bay Bridge construction, large amount mineral admixture replacing cement has been conducted systematical research aiming at marine concrete, main control index is chloride ion permeability resistance. The main research contents concrete working, mechanical properties and chloride ion permeability resistance at low water binder ratio and large amounts mineral admixture. Measures and adjustment are proposed for marine concrete construction control and cementitious material system that using amount mineral admixtures and low water binder ratio.
The Study on Metakaolin's Effect of Restraining the Alkali-Silica Reaction of Slate Aggregate
Authors: Liu Tong Chao , Li Gu Hua , Huang Wu , He Xiao Chun , Jiang Fang , Zhang Long Sheng
Published: August 2013

The study on metakaolins inhibit effect to alkali-silica reaction (ASR) of slate aggregate by the way of accelerated mortar-bar test (AMBT),the results show that when the gel contains 15% metakaolin,the 14d expansion ratio is less than 0.03%,the inhibit reach the wear goal. But when we add the content of metakaolin, the expansion ratios are similar at every age.
Study on Recycling Method of Waste Concrete Economic
Authors: Li Peng Fei , Guo Tao , Zhang Li Gang , He Teng Fei
Published: August 2013

this paper analyses the reutilization of waste concrete is feasible in technology, technical index, and its concrete recycling huge economic, environmental benefits.
Water Absorption and Resistance to Chloride Ion Performance of Concrete Waterproof Silicone Material
Authors: Wang Hong Song , Li Lei , Ni Zi Wei , Tian Qian
Published: August 2013

Water, chloride ion, deicing salt and freeze-thaw cycle are the greatest enemy of the concrete, leading to concrete corrosion damage, the concrete building protection materials is utilized widely in the hydraulic and bridge engineering. Using the silane materials to an immersion treatment can effectively block the invasion of harmful substances,the results showed that the deep penetration of silicone material formed a hydrophobic layer and provided an effective protection against water corrosion and chloride ingress. Such an organic silicon material is no evaporation of solvent, friendly to the environment, so is considered the most suitable for concrete protection.
Experiment on the Mechanical Behavior of Ceramsite Concrete under Temperature-Load Coupling Field
Authors: Wang Pan , Li Dong , Shen Chao Wei , Jiang Wen Ting , Wang Jian Min
Published: August 2013

Experiment on the mechanical behavior of ceramsite lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) after elevated temperatures was conducted in this paper. The ceramsite LWAC test blocks were first heated at five temperature levels, 200°C, 350°C, 500°C, 650°C and 800°C. The corresponding loading test was carried on after they were naturally cooled down. Changes of compressive strength, elastic modulus and load-deformation curve after different levels of high temperature were analyzed. The results indicate that, the reduction of ceramsite LWAC prism compressive strength is faster than that of cubic compressive strength. Compared with normal-density concrete (NC), whether for cubic or prism blocks, the residual compressive strength ratio of ceramsite LWAC is obviously larger than that of NC. The load-deformation curve of ceramsite LWAC with the elevated temperature is gradually flatter.
Research on Low-Cost Vanadium Alloying in Producing Vanadium-Containing Seismic Resistant Rebar
Authors: Tian Peng , Zhong Zhi Yong , Bai Rui Guo , Zhang Xing Li , Han Chun Liang , Gao Hai
Published: August 2013

The interception products of vanadium processing as vanadium alloys were studied in producing vanadium-containing seismic resistant rebar. The experimental results show that vanadium alloying with intermediate products was feasible and low-cost. Compared with conventional production process or ferrovanadium alloying, applied vanadium slag alloying in producing HRB335E could save 12.45 RMB per ton of steel, applied vanadium ball alloying in producing HRB400E could save 21.23 RMB per ton of steel, applied V-iron alloying in producing HRB400E could save 11.06 RMB per ton of steel.
Experimental Study on Compression Performance of Fiber Reinforced Light-Weight Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Niu Jian Gang , Li Bo Xiao , Zhang Zhen
Published: August 2013

Compressive performance test of lightweight aggregate concrete with different quantity of steel fiber and plastics-steel fiber is carried out, and the following conclusions are obtained. It is not obvious that the change of compressive strength when LC30 light weight aggregate concrete mixed with plastics-steel fiber. Compressive strength is enhanced steadily to light weight aggregate concrete with steel fiber, but the amplitude is not large. The compressive deformation and failure characteristic of lightweight aggregate concrete are greatly improved as a result of mixed with plastics-steel fiber and steel fiber, and the failure pattern of lightweight aggregate concrete changed from brittle failure into a certain plastic failure.
Study on Production of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete by Coal Gangue Fly Ash
Authors: Zhang Ye , Duan Peng Xuan , Jia Bao Sheng , Li Lei
Published: August 2013

In this paper, the low-silicon coal gangue fly ash is used to produce autoclaved aerated concrete. The influences of water binder ratio, coal gangue fly ash content, calcareous content and conditioning agents on the compressive strength of the autoclaved aerated concrete are investigated. Optimal raw material formulation and procedure are determined for the autoclaved aerated concrete. The compressive strength and frost resistance of autoclaved aerated concrete made by the optimal raw material formulation and procedure meet with the requirements of autoclaved aerated concretes of B05 grade, and its thermal conductivity, drying shrinkage reach the requirements of the relevant national standards of China.
The Research of Discrete Optimum Design of Composite Laminate Materials Using Lamination Parameters
Authors: Chen Jian Zhang , Zhang Ke Chao , Xu Yin , Zheng Yi
Published: August 2013

Since lamination parameters were found to represent the stiffness properties and the orientation of each ply, two major stages are defined to do the optimization. In the first stage which is called continuous optimization, the required lamination parameters will be obtained by VICONOPT but this has not been completed. This paper focuses on the second stage which is called discrete optimization. It consists of three programs and the major program is called OPBDP. Random values of required lamination parameters for 4, 8 and 16 plies lay-ups are chosen and assumed, then the results are computed and compared. What is more, a method called double up the plies is introduced and the results show that it could save a lot of solution time but is still only suitable for a small number of plies.
Study on the Mechanical Properties of Tack Coat between Asphalt Layers by Interlaminar Shear Tests
Authors: Yin Hua , Zhu Yao Ting , Yin Cheng Long
Published: August 2013

In order to study the mechanical properties of tack coat for asphalt pavement, the interlaminar shear test is introduced. Under the variety condition, the direct shear test is executed. The shear strengths are fitted by linear regression theory and the Mohr-Coulomb parameters are calculated. The results show that as pavement adhesive layer materials, SBS modified emulsified asphalt performance than the ordinary emulsified asphalt, the best dosage is 0.4 kg/m2, and SBS modified emulsified asphalt adhesive layer material immersion strength increased nearly 20%. When the interface material adds the cement, the strength will also increase and indicate good shear strength. With the normal stress increased, the shear strengths are increased. The shear strengths with normal stress are affected significantly by the interfacial friction, roughness of interface and normal stress.
Research on Application of Warm Mix Asphalt Technology in Hot In-Place Recycled Engineering
Authors: Li Xiao Li , Wang Qing Zhou , Liu Shu Yan
Published: August 2013

Because of the heating limitation of old pavement and the restriction of climate, the quality of hot in-place recycled pavement was different to control. The warm m,ix asphalt technology was introduced to improve the heterogeneity and compactness of the hot in-place recycled pavement and decrease its construction temperature. The compaction characteristics of warm in-place recycled asphalt mixture were analyzed and its molding temperature was determined through the Marshall test. The pavement performance of warm in-place recycled asphalt mixture was analyzed whose results indicated that the introduction of warm mix asphalt technology was able to improve the compactness, the high temperature stability and water stability of hot in-place recycled asphalt mixture and reduce the influence of environment over its construction quality. A warm in-place recycled engineering of Shian expressway was introduced to verify the feasibility of warm in-place recycling technology which demonstrated that the warm in-place recycling technology was able to improve the heterogeneity and compaction quality of the recycled pavement and weaken the environmental pollution.
Study on Alternative Refrigerants for Direct Expansion Solar Assisted Heat Pump System
Authors: Li Hong
Published: August 2013

This paper reports the investigation results of the possibilities for using pure and mixed refrigerants as working fluids to replace R22 for the DX-SAHP systems. Firstly, pure refrigerants are compared in terms of COP, discharge temperature and mass flow rate. Comparison results show that R290 is the most promising alternative to R22. Secondly, two kinds of mixed refrigerants are investigated as well. It indicated that the mixed refrigerant R290/R22 with more R290 performs better than the others in terms of COP. Meanwhile, the mixed refrigerants produce relatively low discharge temperatures and proper mass flow rates can be created due to appropriate mixture in suitable mass proportion. Further investigation indicates that R290 and R290/R22 show better system performance with relatively high superheating temperatures.
Receptor-Interacting Protein 2 Gene Silencing Attenuates Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Goh Fera Y. , Cook Katrina L. T. P. , Upton Nadine , Tao Lin , Lah Lin Chin , Leung Bernard P. , Wong W. S. Fred
Published: August 2013

Persistent activation of NF-κB has been associated with the development of asthma. Receptor-interacting protein 2 (Rip2) is a transcriptional product of NF-κB activation. It is an adaptor protein with serine/threonine kinase activity and has been shown to positively regulate NF-κB activity. We investigated potential protective effects of Rip2 gene silencing using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in an OVA-induced mouse asthma model. Rip2 protein level was found to be upregulated in allergic airway inflammation. A potent and selective Rip2 siRNA given intratracheally knocked down Rip2 expression in OVA-challenged lungs and reduced OVA-induced increases in total and eosinophil counts, and IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-33, and eotaxin levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Rip2 silencing blocked OVA-induced inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion as observed in lung sections, and mRNA expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, RANTES, IL-17, IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, inducible NO synthase, and MUC5ac in lung tissues. In addition, elevation of serum OVA-specific IgE level in mouse asthma model was markedly suppressed by Rip2 siRNA, together with reduced IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production in lymph node cultures. Furthermore, Rip2 siRNA-treated mice produced significantly less airway hyperresponsiveness induced by methacholine. Mechanistically, Rip2 siRNA was found to enhance cytosolic level of IκBα and block p65 nuclear translocation and DNA-binding activity in lung tissues from OVA-challenged mice. Taken together, our findings clearly show that knockdown of Rip2 by gene silencing ameliorates experimental allergic airway inflammation, probably via interruption of NF-κB activity, confirming Rip2 a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of allergic asthma.
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Is a Negative Regulator of Mitochondria-Mediated Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Chen Shuai , Sheng Chunjie , Liu Dong , Yao Chen , Gao Shijuan , Song Liping , Jiang Wei , Li Jiandong , Huang Wenlin
Published: August 2013

The intracellular RIG-I–like receptors recognize 5′-triphosphate viral genomic RNA and initiate the production of cytokines through mitochondria adaptor VISA. The regulation of this signal pathway is largely unknown. In this study, we report that the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibits RIG-I signal pathway in an methyltransferase-independent manner. Knockdown EZH2 expression enhances VISA-induced activation of IFN-β promoter and NF-κB signaling. Cytosolic distributed EZH2 colocalizes with VISA and binds to its caspase recruitment domain (CARD), thus blocking its association with RIG-I. During the infection of influenza A virus (IAV) strain A/WSN/33 (WSN), EZH2 translocates to RIG-I and continuously interferes the interaction between RIG-I and VISA. Both N and C termini of EZH2 interact with VISA and attenuate its downstream signaling. WSN virus infection–induced expression of TNF-α, IFN-β, and IL-8 is inhibited by EZH2 and its catalytic dead form ΔSET. EZH2 overexpression facilitates the replications of IAV strains WSN and A/Puerto Rico/8/34 influenza virus. Knockdown EZH2 expression activates infection-induced IFN-β transcription and inhibits virus replication. We further provided evidence to show that pharmacological disruption of EZH2 expression by its inhibitor 3-deazaneplanocin A activates innate immune responses and attenuates the replication of WSN virus in HeLa, MDCK, and mouse primary bone marrow–derived macrophages, but not in IFN-deficient Vero cells. Collectively, these results revealed that EZH2 binds to VISA and interferes with the interaction between VISA and RIG-I. Targeting EZH2 activates mitochondria-mediated antiviral innate immune responses, and thus represses the replication of IAV in cells.
Two Phases of Inflammatory Mediator Production Defined by the Study of IRAK2 and IRAK1 Knock-in Mice
Authors: Pauls Eduardo , Nanda Sambit K. , Smith Hilary , Toth Rachel , Arthur J. Simon C. , Cohen Philip
Published: August 2013

The roles of IL-1R–associated kinase (IRAK)2 and IRAK1 in cytokine production were investigated using immune cells from knock-in mice expressing the TNFR-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) binding-defective mutant IRAK2[E525A] or the catalytically inactive IRAK1[D359A] mutant. In bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDMs), the IRAK2–TRAF6 interaction was required for the late (2–8 h) but not the early phase (0–2 h) of il6 and tnfa mRNA production, and hence for IL-6 and TNF-α secretion by TLR agonists that signal via MyD88. Loss of the IRAK2–TRAF6 interaction had little effect on the MyD88-dependent production of anti-inflammatory molecules produced during the early phase, such as Dual Specificity Phosphatase 1, and a modest effect on IL-10 secretion. The LPS/TLR4-stimulated production of il6 and tnfa mRNA and IL-6 and TNF-α secretion was hardly affected, because the Toll/IL-1R domain–containing adapter-inducing IFN-β (TRIF) signaling pathway was used instead of the IRAK2–TRAF6 interaction to sustain late-phase mRNA production. IRAK1 catalytic activity was not rate limiting for il6, tnfa, or il10 mRNA production or the secretion of these cytokines by BMDMs, but IFN-β mRNA induction by TLR7 and TLR9 agonists was greatly delayed in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) from IRAK1[D359A] mice. In contrast, IFN-β mRNA production was little affected in pDCs from IRAK2[E525A] mice, but subsequent IFN-α mRNA production and IFN-α secretion were reduced. IFN-β and IFN-α production were abolished in pDCs from IRAK1[D359A] × IRAK2[E525A] double knock-in mice. Our results establish that the IRAK2–TRAF6 interaction is rate limiting for the late, but not the early phase of cytokine production in BMDM and pDCs, and that the IRAK2–TRAF6 interaction is needed to sustain IκB-inducing kinase β activity during prolonged activation of the MyD88 signaling.
The C-Type Lectin Receptor DCIR Is Crucial for the Development of Experimental Cerebral Malaria
Authors: Maglinao Maha , Klopfleisch Robert , Seeberger Peter H. , Lepenies Bernd
Published: August 2013

Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most severe complication of malaria. The murine Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) infection model has helped to identify crucial players in the pathogenesis of CM. However, the role of pattern recognition receptors in innate immunity to CM induction is still poorly understood. C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) represent a family of pattern recognition receptors that recognize carbohydrate structures on pathogens and self-Ags often in a Ca2+-dependent manner. In this study, we investigated the role of the CLR dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) in the genesis of CM. Using the murine PbA infection, we show in this article that DCIR is essential for the development of CM. Although PbA infection led to 80% CM in wild-type C57BL/6 mice, DCIR-deficient mice were highly protected with only 15% CM development. In accordance with the reduced CM incidence in DCIR−/− mice, CD8+ T cell sequestration was markedly reduced in brains of PbA-infected DCIR−/− mice, which was accompanied by reduced brain inflammation. Reduced T cell sequestration in the brain was caused by decreased TNF-α levels in sera, as well as a modulated activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in spleen of PbA-infected DCIR−/− mice. This study indicates that DCIR is critically involved in CM induction, thus highlighting the importance of this CLR in innate immunity during malaria infection.
Overexpression of Membrane-Bound Fas Ligand (CD95L) Exacerbates Autoimmune Disease and Renal Pathology in Pristane-Induced Lupus
Authors: Bossaller Lukas , Rathinam Vijay A. K. , Bonegio Ramon , Chiang Ping-I , Busto Patricia , Wespiser Adam R. , Caffrey Daniel R. , Li Quan-Zhen , Mohan Chandra , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Latz Eicke , Marshak-Rothstein Ann
Published: August 2013

Loss-of-function mutations in the Fas death receptor or its ligand result in a lymphoproliferative syndrome and exacerbate clinical disease in most lupus-prone strains of mice. One exception is mice injected with 2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane (TMPD), a hydrocarbon oil commonly known as pristane, which induces systemic lupus erythematosus–like disease. Although Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) interactions have been strongly implicated in the activation-induced cell death of both lymphocytes and other APCs, FasL can also trigger the production of proinflammatory cytokines. FasL is a transmembrane protein with a matrix metalloproteinase cleavage site in the ectodomain. Matrix metalloproteinase cleavage inactivates membrane-bound FasL and releases a soluble form reported to have both antagonist and agonist activity. To better understand the impact of FasL cleavage on both the proapoptotic and proinflammatory activity of FasL, its cleavage site was deleted through targeted mutation to produce the deleted cleavage site (ΔCS) mouse line. ΔCS mice express higher levels of membrane-bound FasL than do wild-type mice and fail to release soluble FasL. To determine to what extent FasL promotes inflammation in lupus mice, TMPD-injected FasL-deficient and ΔCS BALB/c mice were compared with control TMPD-injected BALB/c mice. We found that FasL deficiency significantly reduced the early inflammatory exudate induced by TMPD injection. In contrast, ΔCS mice developed a markedly exacerbated disease profile associated with a higher frequency of splenic neutrophils and macrophages, a profound change in anti-nuclear Ab specificity, and markedly increased proteinuria and kidney pathology compared with controls. These results demonstrate that FasL promotes inflammation in TMPD-induced autoimmunity, and its cleavage limits FasL proinflammatory activity.
Paradoxical Effect of Cortistatin Treatment and Its Deficiency on Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Souza-Moreira Luciana , Morell Maria , Delgado-Maroto Virginia , Pedreño Marta , Martinez-Escudero Laura , Caro Marta , O’Valle Francisco , Luque Raul , Gallo Milagros , de Lecea Luis , Castaño Justo P. , Gonzalez-Rey Elena
Published: August 2013

Cortistatin is a cyclic-neuropeptide produced by brain cortex and immune cells that shows potent anti-inflammatory activity. In this article, we investigated the effect of cortistatin in two models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) that mirror chronic and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. A short-term systemic treatment with cortistatin reduced clinical severity and incidence of EAE, the appearance of inflammatory infiltrates in spinal cord, and the subsequent demyelination and axonal damage. This effect was associated with a reduction of the two deleterious components of the disease, namely, the autoimmune and inflammatory response. Cortistatin decreased the presence/activation of encephalitogenic Th1 and Th17 cells in periphery and nervous system, and downregulated various inflammatory mediators, whereas it increased the number of regulatory T cells with suppressive effects on the encephalitogenic response. Moreover, cortistatin regulated glial activity and favored an active program of neuroprotection/regeneration. We further used cortistatin-deficient mice to investigate the role of endogenous cortistatin in the control of immune responses. Surprisingly, cortistatin-deficient mice were partially resistant to EAE and other inflammatory disorders, despite showing competent inflammatory/autoreactive responses. This unexpected phenotype was associated with elevated circulating glucocorticoids and an anxiety-like behavior. Our findings provide a powerful rationale for the assessment of the efficacy of cortistatin as a novel multimodal therapeutic approach to treat multiple sclerosis and identify cortistatin as a key endogenous component of neuroimmune system.
Divergent Immunomodulating Effects of Probiotics on T Cell Responses to Oral Attenuated Human Rotavirus Vaccine and Virulent Human Rotavirus Infection in a Neonatal Gnotobiotic Piglet Disease Model
Authors: Chattha Kuldeep S. , Vlasova Anastasia N. , Kandasamy Sukumar , Rajashekara Gireesh , Saif Linda J.
Published: August 2013

Rotaviruses (RVs) are a leading cause of childhood diarrhea. Current oral vaccines are not effective in impoverished countries where the vaccine is needed most. Therefore, alternative affordable strategies are urgently needed. Probiotics can alleviate diarrhea in children and enhance specific systemic and mucosal Ab responses, but the T cell responses are undefined. In this study, we elucidated the T cell and cytokine responses to attenuated human RV (AttHRV) and virulent human RV (HRV) in gnotobiotic pigs colonized with probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG [LGG] and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 [Bb12]), mimicking gut commensals in breastfed infants. Neonatal gnotobiotic pigs are the only animal model susceptible to HRV diarrhea. Probiotic colonized and nonvaccinated (Probiotic) pigs had lower diarrhea and reduced virus shedding postchallenge compared with noncolonized and nonvaccinated pigs (Control). Higher protection in the Probiotic group coincided with higher ileal T regulatory cells (Tregs) before and after challenge, and higher serum TGF-β and lower serum and biliary proinflammatory cytokines postchallenge. Probiotic colonization in vaccinated pigs enhanced innate serum IFN-α, splenic and circulatory IFN-γ–producing T cells, and serum Th1 cytokines, but reduced serum Th2 cytokines compared with noncolonized vaccinated pigs (Vac). Thus, LGG+Bb12 induced systemic Th1 immunostimulatory effects on oral AttHRV vaccine that coincided with lower diarrhea severity and reduced virus shedding postchallenge in Vac+Pro compared with Vac pigs. Previously unreported intestinal CD8 Tregs were induced in vaccinated groups postchallenge. Thus, probiotics LGG+Bb12 exert divergent immunomodulating effects, with enhanced Th1 responses to oral AttHRV vaccine, whereas inducing Treg responses to virulent HRV.
Activation of p38α in T Cells Regulates the Intestinal Host Defense against Attaching and Effacing Bacterial Infections
Authors: Shim Eun-Jin , Bang Bo-Ram , Kang Seung-Goo , Ma Jianhui , Otsuka Motoyuki , Kang Jiman , Stahl Martin , Han Jiahuai , Xiao Changchun , Vallance Bruce A. , Kang Young Jun
Published: August 2013

Intestinal infections by attaching and effacing (A/E) bacterial pathogens cause severe colitis and bloody diarrhea. Although p38α in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) plays an important role in promoting protection against A/E bacteria by regulating T cell recruitment, its impact on immune responses remains unclear. In this study, we show that activation of p38α in T cells is critical for the clearance of the A/E pathogen Citrobacter rodentium. Mice deficient of p38α in T cells, but not in macrophages or dendritic cells, were impaired in clearing C. rodentium. Expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ by p38α-deficient T cells was reduced, which further reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and antimicrobial peptide by IECs and led to reduced infiltration of T cells into the infected colon. Administration of IFN-γ activated the mucosal immunity to C. rodentium infection by increasing the expression of inflammation genes and the recruitment of T cells to the site of infection. Thus, p38α contributes to host defense against A/E pathogen infection by regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines that activate host defense pathways in IECs.
Induction of HIV-1 Broad Neutralizing Antibodies in 2F5 Knock-in Mice: Selection against Membrane Proximal External Region–Associated Autoreactivity Limits T-Dependent Responses
Authors: Verkoczy Laurent , Chen Yao , Zhang Jinsong , Bouton-Verville Hilary , Newman Amanda , Lockwood Bradley , Scearce Richard M. , Montefiori David C. , Dennison S. Moses , Xia Shi-Mao , Hwang Kwan-Ki , Liao Hua-Xin , Alam S. Munir , Haynes Barton F.
Published: August 2013

A goal of HIV-1 vaccine development is to elicit broadly neutralizing Abs (BnAbs). Using a knock-in (KI) model of 2F5, a human HIV-1 gp41 membrane proximal external region (MPER)–specific BnAb, we previously demonstrated that a key obstacle to BnAb induction is clonal deletion of BnAb-expressing B cells. In this study of this model, we provide a proof-of-principle that robust serum neutralizing IgG responses can be induced from pre-existing, residual, self-reactive BnAb-expressing B cells in vivo using a structurally compatible gp41 MPER immunogen. Furthermore, in CD40L-deficient 2F5 KI mice, we demonstrate that these BnAb responses are elicited via a type II T-independent pathway, coinciding with expansion and activation of transitional splenic B cells specific for 2F5's nominal gp41 MPER-binding epitope (containing the 2F5 neutralization domain ELDKWA). In contrast, constitutive production of nonneutralizing serum IgGs in 2F5 KI mice is T dependent and originates from a subset of splenic mature B2 cells that have lost their ability to bind 2F5's gp41 MPER epitope. These results suggest that residual, mature B cells expressing autoreactive BnAbs, like 2F5 as BCR, may be limited in their ability to participate in T-dependent responses by purifying selection that selectively eliminates reactivity for neutralization epitope-containing/mimicked host Ags.
Being in an oasis: a restorative and reassuring place - women’s experiences of a valuable antenatal diabetes midwifery consultation
Authors: Furskog Risa Christina , Friberg Febe , Lidén Eva
Published: August 2013

The prevalence of diabetes in the childbearing population is increasing globally. Pregnant diabetic women are considered to be at high risk, and thus require specialized, multidisciplinary prenatal care in which midwives play an integral part. These women’s views and experiences of encounters with midwives during diabetes care have not yet been investigated. Our aim was to use an exploratory interpretive approach to investigate the experiences of pregnant women and their perceptions towards the meaning of prenatal consultation provided by midwives in the prenatal care team. A purposive sample was recruited from four hospital-based prenatal diabetes outpatient clinics in the urban areas of Norway: 10 pregnant women (5 primiparous, 5 multiparous) aged 28-45 and diagnosed with different types of diabetes. Data from semi-structured interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged: being in an open atmosphere, being seen as a person, and being reassured. Together, these themes created a construct that we labeled being in an oasis-a restorative and reassuring place. The counterpoint of this view was a more negative perspective described as having insufficient time, feelings of being objectified and rushed, and diseaseoriented care. The women valued the focus on surveillance in the consultations, although at their best, the midwife-woman encounters complemented and counteracted the iatrogenic effect of the biomedical focus in specialist prenatal care. However, the organization of care may have contributed to and created feelings of suffering, as these women had limited scope for addressing their concerns in the consultation. We conclude that these consultations are complex co-created activities in which interpersonal aspects of the midwifewoman encounters, such as the midwives’ openness and responsiveness to the women, seem to be significant in developing a personal approach.
The Antioxidant Effects of Vitamin C on Liver Enzymes: Aspartate Aminotransferase, Alanine Aminotranferease, Alkaline Phosphatase and Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Activities in Rats under Paraquat Insult
Authors: Okolonkwo Benjamin Nnamdi , Nwachuku Edna Ogechi
Published: August 2013

Paraquat (PQ) is a bipyridylium herbicide; applied around trees in orchards and between crop rows to control broad-leaved and grassy weeds. Its oxidation results in the formation of superoxides which causes damage to cellular components. In this study, we determined the antioxidant effect vitamin C has on the liver enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), alanine aminotranferease (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)] of rats under this toxic insult. Male rats in groups (A, B, C and D) were intraperitoneally injected with different sublethal increasing doses (0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 g/kg body weigh) of PQ respectively on monthly basis. Subsequently, the subgroups (A2, B2, C2 and D2) were given orally, 200 mg/L vitamin C, while the subgroups A1, B1, C1, and D1, received only water. Four animals per subgroup were decapitated on monthly basis and blood samples taken for enzyme assay. The parameters studied were - SGOT, SGPT, ALP and GGT - liver enzymes. The dose and time dependent PQ toxicity effect resulted in highly elevated Liver enzymes activities. The subgroups on vitamin C had significantly lower enzyme activities when compared to the same subgroups on only PQ insult. But the values were high when compared to the control subgroups (A1 and A2). These results were indication that vitamin C when given at moderate doses and maintained for a longer period could be a life saving adjunct to toxic insult.
Reading Habakkuk 3 in the light of ancient unit delimiters
Authors: Prinsloo Gert T.M.
Published: August 2013

Habakkuk 3 is one of the most controversial texts in the Hebrew Bible. Diverging opinions have been expressed on literally every facet of the text. Quite surprising though, interpreters are virtually unanimous in their opinion about the structure of the pericope. Apart from a superscript (3:1) and subscript (3:19b) four units are normally demarcated: a prayer (3:2), a theophany (3:3–7), a hymn (3:8–15) and a confession of trust (3:16–19a). Unit delimiters in ancient Hebrew manuscripts demarcate two (3:1–13 and 3:14–19) or three (3:1–7; 3:8–13; 3:14–19) units. This study evaluates this evidence and reads Habakkuk 3 in the light of the units demarcated in ancient manuscripts. It raises awareness of interesting structural patterns in the poem, calls for a rethinking of traditional form critical categories, and opens avenues for an alternative understanding of the pericope.
Acute visual loss as the initial presentation in a child with systemic Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Kourti Maria , Mantadakis Elpidoforos , Anastasiou Athanassia , Koliouskas Dimitrios
Published: August 2013

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) accounts for 10% of pediatric malignancies and is the third most common malignancy in childhood. We report a previous healthy 3-year-old boy with stage IV Burkitt lymphoma presenting with acute visual loss. In funduscopy his pupils were fixed at 6 mm in diameter without light perception. He started therapy according to the UKCCSG 9003 protocol. The boy didn′t show any visual improvement but some slight light perception despite his partial remission after CYVE II. He died of neutropenic septicemia before his scheduled radiotherapy. In conclusion, loss of vision is a rare presenting sign in NHL. Differential diagnosis is crucial as early diagnosis and effective treatment are important for survival as well as for visual restoration.
Four rare extranodal sites seen on FDG PET/CT in a single patient of disseminated lymphoma
Authors: Puranik Ameya D. , Agrawal Archi , Purandare Nilendu , Shah Sneha , Rangarajan Venkatesh
Published: August 2013

Extranodal disease refers to lymphomatous infiltration of anatomic sites other than lymph nodes. With the advent of FDG PET/CT for staging, rare sites of extranodal disease have been documented. We report a case of Non- Hodgkin′s lymphoma with four rare extranodal sites, namely adrenal, peripheral nerves, pancreas and prostate, in the same patient, detected on FDG PET/CT imaging.
Oral submucous fibrosis at pediatric age, now time to think: Series of two cases
Authors: Gupta Vinay K. , Malhotra Seema , Patil Ranjit , Tripathi Anurag
Published: August 2013

The younger generation is consuming areca nut and areca nut products, which is coming in the market with different multicolored attractive pouches and easily available in each and every corner of the road. For the children from the lower socioeconomic strata, areca nut use is rampant. Alarmingly, it has been seen that the highest period of risk for engaging in areca nut alone is between the ages of 5 and 12. Oral submucous fibrosis associated with areca nut in children is a great concern for the Society and the Government. Factors associated with this report for consuming areca nut are levels of awareness, household environment, peer pressure, low cost, easy availability etc.
Stomach metastasis of breast carcinoma mimicking primary gastric neoplasm on fluorodeoxy glucose-positron emission tomography-computed tomography
Authors: Joshi Prathamesh , Lele Vikram , Jain Reetu , Khubchandani Shaila , Sinhasan Shraddha
Published: August 2013

We present fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) findings in a case of breast carcinoma. The PET/CT findings in this case were suspicious of second primary neoplasm in the stomach. However, on endoscopic biopsy, the lesion was found to be stomach metastasis of breast carcinoma with estrogen receptor positivity. Stomach is a rare site of breast carcinoma metastasis. Our case suggests that it is difficult to distinguish a stomach metastasis of breast cancer from a primary gastric cancer on the basis of clinical and imaging features. However, this differential diagnosis must be kept in mind and it is important to make such distinction because of its implications on patient management.
Fatal hematogenous relapse of mucinous borderline ovarian tumor of intestinal type
Authors: Louis A Robert , Gupta Sunil Kumar , Gouda Chandra , Gupta Gurudutt
Published: August 2013

We describe an unusual case of fatal hematogenous relapse of borderline mucinous ovarian tumour of intestinal type after three years of primary optimal cytoreduction with dissemination to liver, bones and lymphangitic pattern of spread in lungs with resistance to standard chemotherapy.
Abruptio Placentae in Subsequent Pregnancy after Conservative Management of Hemorrhagic Cesarean Scar Pregnancy by Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Takeda Akihiro , Imoto Sanae , Nakamura Hiromi
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Cesarean scar pregnancy is a rare but dangerous type of ectopic pregnancy in which implantation occurs within the fibrous tissue of a cesarean scar defect. Conservative management of cesarean scar pregnancy is challenging, especially when future fertility preservation is a significant concern. Furthermore, reports on significant maternal morbidity in subsequent pregnancies after successful conservative management of cesarean scar pregnancy are limited.

Case report

A 31-year-old woman with previous history of 2 cesarean sections transferred due to massive uterine hemorrhage 7 weeks after dilatation and curettage performed under the diagnosis of missed abortion at 7 weeks of gestation. Cesarean scar pregnancy was diagnosed and was conservatively managed by emergent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) followed by multiple doses of systemic methotrexate administration. Seven months after TACE, she spontaneously conceived. At 36 weeks and 5 days of pregnancy, emergency cesarean section was performed due to sudden massive hemorrhage. Abruptio placentae was diagnosed when hysterotomy was performed. After manual removal of the placenta, a healthy infant was delivered. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Conclusion

The pregnancy course should be carefully monitored for early detection of maternal morbidity associated with placental abnormalities to achieve successful outcome in subsequent gestations after conservative management of cesarean scar pregnancy.
Effect of dried distillers’ grains with solubles on enteric methane emissions and nitrogen excretion from finishing beef cattle
Authors: Hünerberg M. , McGinn S. M. , Beauchemin K. A. , Okine E. K. , Harstad O. M. , McAllister T. A.
Published: August 2013

Hünerberg, M., McGinn, S. M., Beauchemin, K. A., Okine, E. K., Harstad, O. M. and McAllister, T. A. 2013. Effect of dried distillers’ grains with solubles on enteric methane emissions and nitrogen excretion from finishing beef cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 373–385. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of corn- or wheat-based dried distillers’ grains with solubles (CDDGS, WDDGS) on enteric methane (CH4) emissions from finishing beef cattle, and to determine if any observed reductions were a result of the fat content of CDDGS. A second objective was to compare the effect of CDDGS or WDDGS on N excretion. The experiment was designed as replicated 4×4 Latin square with 28-d periods using 16 ruminally fistulated crossbred heifers. The control diet contained 87% barley grain, 8% barley silage and 5% supplement (dry matter; DM basis). Treatment diets were formulated by replacing 40% DM of barley grain with CDDGS, WDDGS, or corn oil supplemented WDDGS (WDDGS+oil). For the WDDGS+oil diet 6.5% corn oil was added to WDDGS (3.4% fat DM) to achieve a similar fat level as in CDDGS (9.7% DM). All diets were fed as total mixed rations once daily ad libitum. Total collection of urine and faeces was conducted between days 18 and 21. Methane was measured between days 25 and 28 using four identical open circuit respiratory chambers. Compared with WDDGS, feeding CDDGS and WDDGS+oil reduced (P<0.05) CH4emissions as a percentage of gross energy intake (GEI) from 5.5 to 4.0 and 4.2%, respectively. Feeding CDDGS also reduced (P<0.05) CH4emissions compared with the control (5.0% of GEI), while WDDGS+oil tended (P=0.08) to elicit a similar response. Methane (% of GEI) between WDDGS and the control did not differ (P=0.29). Excretion of total N was greater (P<0.001) for CDDGS, WDDGS and WDDGS+oil (220, 253, and 265 g d−1) compared with the control (143 g d−1). Although oil appears to be responsible for reducing CH4emissions when DDGS is included in the diet, increased N excretion requires that a complete life cycle assessment be conducted to assess the full impact of DDGS on greenhouse gas emissions from finishing cattle.
Effect of dietary coriander oil and vegetable oil sources on fillet fatty acid composition of rainbow trout
Authors: Randall K. M. , Reaney M. J. T. , Drew M. D.
Published: August 2013

Randall, K. M., Reaney, M. J. T. and Drew, M. D. 2013. Effect of dietary coriander oil and vegetable oil sources on fillet fatty acid composition of rainbow trout. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 345–352. A 16-wk feeding trial was conducted to examine the effect of adding coriander oil to vegetable oil (VO) diets on the bioconversion of linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n-6) to arachidonic acid (ARA; 20:4n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n-3) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) in rainbow trout. The experimental treatments were a 4×2 factorial arrangement of diets using four dietary oils (fish, flax, canola and camelina oils) and two levels of coriander oil (0 and 5 g kg−1 inclusion levels). Twenty-four tanks of triploid female rainbow trout (130 g initial weight; n=3) were used in the experiment. The experiment lasted 112 d during which fish were fed to satiation twice per day. The fatty acid composition of fillets from coriander-fed fish had increased concentrations of 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 (P<0.05). Furthermore, a trend to increased (20:5n-3+22:6n-3)/20:4n-6 ratios was seen when coriander oil was added to the diet (P=0.067). These results suggest that the addition of coriander oil to VO diets can significantly increase the bioconversion of 18:3n-3 to 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 in rainbow trout.
Macro-relationships between regional-scale field pea (Pisum sativum) selenium chemistry and environmental factors in western Canada
Authors: Garrett Robert G. , Gawalko Eugene , Wang Ning , Richter Anja , Warkentin Thomas D.
Published: August 2013

Garrett, R. G., Gawalko, E., Wang, N., Richter, A. and Warkentin, T. D. 2013. Macro-relationships between regional-scale field pea ( Pisum sativum ) selenium chemistry and environmental factors in western Canada. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 1059–1071. A baseline study of cultivar, temporal (2004–2006) and spatial variability in field pea (Pisum sativum) selenium (Se) concentration was undertaken in western Canada based on six common cultivars (295 samples) grown in 35 variety trials. Selenium was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy following a HNO3digestion. Non-significant differences in pea Se concentration occurred due to cultivar and temporal variability. Trial site soil organic C, pH, cation exchange capacity, soil texture estimates, and classifications were recovered from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Canadian Soil Information System database. Twenty-five percent of the pea Se variability was due to soil edaphic factors, particularly organic C and pH, this increased to 39% with inclusion of great soil group classification. The remaining variability was due to growing season weather conditions, with hotter drier summers leading to higher Se concentrations. Naturally Se biofortified pulses are available to be targeted to selenium deficient populations.
Indicators, Chains, Antichains, Ramsey Property
Authors: Sokić Miodrag
Published: August 2013

We introduce two Ramsey classes of finite relational structures. The first class contains finite structures of the form , where ≤ is a total ordering on A and ⪯ is a linear ordering on the set fa 2 A : Ii (a)g. The second class contains structures of the form a , where (A,≤) is a weak ordering and ⪯ is a linear ordering on A such that A is partitioned by into maximal chains in the partial ordering ≤ and each is an interval with respect to .
Potential for Autoimmune Pathogenesis of Rift Valley Fever Virus Retinitis
Authors: Newman-Gerhardt Shoshana , Muiruri Samuel , Muchiri Eric , Peters Clarence J. , Morrill John , Lucas Alexander H. , King Charles H. , Kazura James , LaBeaud Angelle Desiree
Published: August 2013

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a significant threat to human health because it can progress to retinitis, encephalitis, and hemorrhagic fever. The timing of onset of Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) retinitis suggests an autoimmune origin. To determine whether RVFV retinitis is associated with increased levels of IgG against retinal tissue, we measured and compared levels of IgG against healthy human eye tissue by immunohistochemical analysis. We found that serum samples from RVFV-exposed Kenyans with retinitis (n = 8) were slightly more likely to have antibodies against retinal tissue than control populations, but the correlation was not statistically significant. Further investigation into the possible immune pathogenesis of RVFV retinitis could lead to improved therapies to prevent or treat this severe complication.