bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validação da avaliação pelo GRACE do acúmulo de água no subsolo da bacia amazônica com base em dados de linígrafos
Authors: Costa Sonia Maria Alves , Matos Ana Cristina Oliveira Cancoro de , Blitzkow Denizar
Published: July 2012

A bacia Amazônica é uma região de constante interesse científico devido à sua importância ambiental e climática e à sua biodiversidade em uma escala global. As variações sazonais do volume d'água é um dos exemplos de temas estudados atualmente. Em geral, as variações dos níveis dos rios dependem basicamente do clima e das características físicas das bacias hidrográficas correspondentes. O fator principal de grande influência no nível d'água na bacia Amazônica são as elevadas precipitações na região em conseqüência da umidade do clima tropical. Infelizmente a bacia Amazônica é uma região com carência de informações de dados do nível da altura d'água devido a dificuldade de acesso para operações locais. A proposta deste trabalho é comparar e avaliar as grades do Equivalente à altura d'água (Ewh) da missão GRACE (Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment), para estudar o ciclo hidrológico e sua relação com a variação da litosfera na região. Com este propósito os dados GRACE (Ewh) são comparados com observações in-situ obtidas dos linígrafos. Para esta validação foram calculados o coeficiente de correlação, fase, amplitude do GRACE (Ewh) e dos dados in-situ, bem como, os períodos de seca em diferentes partes da bacia. Os resultados indicam que as variações verticais da litosfera devido à carga da massa d'água podem chegar de 7 a 5 cm por ano nas áreas sedimentares e alagadas da região, onde as variações do nível d'água podem alcançar de 10 a 8 m.
Avaliação de desempenho de atributos estatísticos e texturais em uma classificação de cobertura da terra baseada em objeto
Authors: Francisco Cristiane Nunes , Almeida Cláudia Maria de
Published: July 2012

Este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de duas redes semânticas geradas por mineração de dados para a classificação de cobertura da terra por meio de análise de imagens baseada em objetos geográficos (GEographic Object-Based Image Analysis - GEOBIA). Para isto, uma rede utilizou-se de descritores estatísticos e texturais, e a outra, apenas de descritores estatísticos. A base de dados foi constituída de imagens ALOS/AVNIR fusionadas com imagens ALOS/PRISM e dados de relevo provenientes do banco de dados TOPODATA. A área de estudo corresponde ao município de Nova Friburgo, com 933 km², localizado na região serrana do estado do Rio de Janeiro. O índice Kappa alcançado pela classificação baseada em árvore de decisão composta por descritores estatísticos e texturais foi de 0,81, enquanto que este valor para a classificação derivada apenas de descritores estatísticos foi de 0,84. Considerando os índices alcançados, conclui-se que ambos os resultados apresentam excelente qualidade quanto à acurácia da classificação. O teste de hipótese entre os dois índices mostra, com nível de significância de 5%, que não há diferenças entre as duas classificações quanto à acurácia.
Occurrence of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Pammel, 1895) Dowson 1939, on brassicas in Montenegro
Authors: Radunovic Dragana , Balaz Jelica
Published: July 2012

Brassicas form the most important group of vegetable crops in Montenegro. The
cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is most commonly grown, although
other brassicas, particularly kale, Brussels sprout, cauliflower and
broccoli, have been increasingly produced since recently. One of the
specialties of vegetable production in Montenegro is growing of collard
(Brassica oleracea var. acephala), which is the simplest variety of the
Brassica oleracea species and in the nearest relation with their wild
ancestor - the sylvestris variety. Diseases are the main restrictive factors
for successful production of these vegetables. Susceptibility of the
cultivars and inadequate control often result in more or less damaged crops
in some plots. Causal agents of brassica diseases, especially bacterial, have
not been investigated in Montenegro until 2009. Since the symptoms observed
in 2009 were ?V? shaped leaf edge necrosis and black rot of vascular tissue,
it was assumed that they were caused by plant pathogenic bacterium
Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. Samples of the infected plants were
collected from different localities in Montenegro. Isolation and
identification of the bacterium were performed using laboratory methods
according to Schaad (1980), Lelliott and Stead (1987) and Arsenijevic (1997).
Examination of chosen bacterial isolates was conducted using both, classical
bacteriological methods (examination of their pathogenic, morphological,
cultivation and biochemical and physiological characteristics), and ELISA
test. The obtained results confirmed the presence of X.campestris pv.
campestris (Pammel, 1895) Dowson 1939, on cabbage, kale, broccoli and collard
in Montenegro. This is the first experimental evidence that collard is the
host of X. campestris pv. campestris in Montenegro.
Maize, sunflower and barley sensitivity to the residual activity of clomazone in soil
Authors: Gajic-Umiljendic Jelena , Jovanovic-Radovanov Katarina , Radivojevic Ljiljana , Santric Ljiljana , Djurovic Rada , Djordjevic Tijana
Published: July 2012

Sensitivity of maize, sunflower and barley to clomazone residues in loamy
soil was assessed in the study using bioassay. Clomazone was applied at a
series of concentrations from 0.12 to 12 mg a.i./kg of soil. After 14 days,
morphological (shoot height, fresh and dry weight) and physiological (content
of carotenoids, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b) parameters were measured.
The results showed that morphological parameters are not valid indicators of
clomazone sensitivity. Based on the results showing inhibition of the
physiological parameters, I50 values were calculated and used to estimate the
difference in sensitivity between the species tested. Sunflower was the most
sensitive species, while the difference in sensitivity between maize and
barley was not significant. Nomenclature: clomazone
(2-(2-chlorbenzyl)-4,4-dimethyl-1,2-oxazolidin-3-one), maize (Zea mays L.),
sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Cytotoxic Mechanisms Employed by Mouse T Cells to Destroy Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Varanasi Vineeth , Avanesyan Lia , Schumann Desiree M. , Chervonsky Alexander V.
Published: July 2012

Several cytotoxic mechanisms have been attributed to T cells participating in β-cell death in type 1 diabetes. However, sensitivity of β-cells to these mechanisms in vitro and in vivo is likely to be different. Moreover, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells may use distinct mechanisms to cause β-cell demise that possibly involve activation of third-party cytotoxic cells. We used the transfer of genetically modified diabetogenic T cells into normal, mutant, and bone marrow chimeric recipients to test the contribution of major cytotoxic mechanisms in β-cell death. We found that 1) the killing of β-cells by CD4+ T cells required activation of the recipient’s own cytotoxic cells via tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); 2) CD8+ T-cell cytotoxic mechanisms destroying β-cells were limited to perforin and Fas ligand, as double knockouts of these molecules abrogated the ability of T cells to cause diabetes; and 3) individual CD8+ T-cell clones chose their cytotoxic weaponry by a yet unknown mechanism and destroyed their targets via either Fas-independent or Fas-dependent (∼40% of clones) pathways. Fas-dependent destruction was assisted by TNF-α.
Death Protein 5 and p53-Upregulated Modulator of Apoptosis Mediate the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress–Mitochondrial Dialog Triggering Lipotoxic Rodent and Human β-Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Cunha Daniel A. , Igoillo-Esteve Mariana , Gurzov Esteban N. , Germano Carla M. , Naamane Najib , Marhfour Ihsane , Fukaya Makiko , Vanderwinden Jean-Marie , Gysemans Conny , Mathieu Chantal , Marselli Lorella , Marchetti Piero , Harding Heather P. , Ron David , Eizirik Décio L. , Cnop Miriam
Published: July 2012

Environmental factors such as diets rich in saturated fats contribute to dysfunction and death of pancreatic β-cells in diabetes. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is elicited in β-cells by saturated fatty acids. Here we show that palmitate-induced β-cell apoptosis is mediated by the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. By microarray analysis, we identified a palmitate-triggered ER stress gene expression signature and the induction of the BH3-only proteins death protein 5 (DP5) and p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA). Knockdown of either protein reduced cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation, and apoptosis in rat and human β-cells. DP5 induction depends on inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1)–dependent c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and PKR–like ER kinase (PERK)–induced activating transcription factor (ATF3) binding to its promoter. PUMA expression is also PERK/ATF3-dependent, through tribbles 3 (TRB3)–regulated AKT inhibition and FoxO3a activation. DP5−/− mice are protected from high fat diet–induced loss of glucose tolerance and have twofold greater pancreatic β-cell mass. This study elucidates the crosstalk between lipotoxic ER stress and the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis that causes β-cell death in diabetes.
Fasting Glucose, Obesity, and Coronary Artery Calcification in Community-Based People Without Diabetes
Authors: Rutter Martin K. , Massaro Joseph M. , Hoffmann Udo , O’Donnell Christopher J. , Fox Caroline S.
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess whether impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and obesity are independently related to coronary artery calcification (CAC) in a community-based population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We assessed CAC using multidetector computed tomography in 3,054 Framingham Heart Study participants (mean [SD] age was 50 [10] years, 49% were women, 29% had IFG, and 25% were obese) free from known vascular disease or diabetes. We tested the hypothesis that IFG (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were independently associated with high CAC (>90th percentile for age and sex) after adjusting for hypertension, lipids, smoking, and medication.

RESULTS

High CAC was significantly related to IFG in an age- and sex-adjusted model (odds ratio 1.4 [95% CI 1.1–1.7], P = 0.002; referent: normal fasting glucose) and after further adjustment for obesity (1.3 [1.0–1.6], P = 0.045). However, IFG was not associated with high CAC in multivariable-adjusted models before (1.2 [0.9–1.4], P = 0.20) or after adjustment for obesity. Obesity was associated with high CAC in age- and sex-adjusted models (1.6 [1.3–2.0], P < 0.001) and in multivariable models that included IFG (1.4 [1.1–1.7], P = 0.005). Multivariable-adjusted spline regression models suggested nonlinear relationships linking high CAC with BMI (J-shaped), waist circumference (J-shaped), and fasting glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

In this community-based cohort, CAC was associated with obesity, but not IFG, after adjusting for important confounders. With the increasing worldwide prevalence of obesity and nondiabetic hyperglycemia, these data underscore the importance of obesity in the pathogenesis of CAC.
Diastolic Function Is Reduced in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes in Response to Exercise
Authors: Gusso Silmara , Pinto Teresa E. , Baldi James C. , Robinson Elizabeth , Cutfield Wayne S. , Hofman Paul L.
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether adolescents with type 1 diabetes have left ventricular functional changes at rest and during acute exercise and whether these changes are affected by metabolic control and diabetes duration.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study evaluated 53 adolescents with type 1 diabetes and 22 control adolescents. Baseline data included peak exercise capacity and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Left ventricular functional parameters were obtained at rest and during acute exercise using magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

Compared with nondiabetic control subjects, adolescents with type 1 diabetes had lower exercise capacity (44.7 ± 09 vs. 48.5 ± 1.4 mL/kg fat-free mass [FFM]/min; P < 0.05). Stroke volume was reduced in the diabetes group at rest (1.86 ± 0.04 vs. 2.05 ± 0.07 mL/kg FFM; P = 0.02) and during acute exercise (1.89 ± 0.04 vs. 2.17 ± 0.06 mL/kg FFM; P = 0.01). Diabetic adolescents also had reduced end-diastolic volume at rest (2.94 ± 0.06 vs. 3.26 ± 0.09 mL/kg FFM; P = 0.01) and during acute exercise (2.78 ± 0.05 vs. 3.09 ± 0.08 mL/kg FFM; P = 0.01). End-systolic volume was lower in the diabetic group at rest (1.08 ± 0.03 vs. 1.21 ± 0.04 mL/kg FFM; P = 0.01) but not during acute exercise. Exercise capacity and resting and exercise stroke volumes were correlated with glycemic control but not with diabetes duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes have reduced exercise capacity and display alterations in cardiac function compared with nondiabetic control subjects, associated with reduced stroke volume during exercise.
Circulating Osteocalcin Level Is Not Associated With Incident Type 2 Diabetes in Middle-Aged Male Subjects
Authors: Hwang You-Cheol , Jee Jae-Hwan , Jeong In-Kyung , Ahn Kyu Jeung , Chung Ho Yeon , Lee Moon-Kyu
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

Recent human studies suggested that serum osteocalcin is associated with the cross-talk between bone and energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum osteocalcin level is independently associated with the development of type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed of 1,229 nondiabetic men, aged 25–60 years, who were recruited from the Health Promotion Center, Samsung Medical Center, between January 1997 and December 1997. They were followed regularly at the center on an out-patient basis and during hospitalization for a mean of 8.4 years, and the development of type 2 diabetes was determined.

RESULTS

In the baseline analysis, BMI, body fat percentage, triglyceride, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance value, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels varied inversely with the osteocalcin tertiles, and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased with the osteocalcin tertiles. However, no differences were observed in fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels across the osteocalcin tertiles. Incident type 2 diabetes occurred in 90 (7.3%) of the study subjects. In Cox proportional hazards models, however, no statistical differences in the development of type 2 diabetes across the osteocalcin tertiles were evident after adjustment of other risk factors for incident diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite baseline associations with favorable metabolic parameters, the serum osteocalcin level was not associated with the development of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged males.
Curcumin Extract for Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chuengsamarn Somlak , Rattanamongkolgul Suthee , Luechapudiporn Rataya , Phisalaphong Chada , Jirawatnotai Siwanon
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of curcumin in delaying development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the prediabetic population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This randomized, double-blinded, placebo- controlled trial included subjects (n = 240) with criteria of prediabetes. All subjects were randomly assigned to receive either curcumin or placebo capsules for 9 months. To assess the T2DM progression after curcumin treatments and to determine the number of subjects progressing to T2DM, changes in β-cell functions (homeostasis model assessment [HOMA]-β, C-peptide, and proinsulin/insulin), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), anti-inflammatory cytokine (adiponectin), and other parameters were monitored at the baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 9-month visits during the course of intervention.

RESULTS

After 9 months of treatment, 16.4% of subjects in the placebo group were diagnosed with T2DM, whereas none were diagnosed with T2DM in the curcumin-treated group. In addition, the curcumin-treated group showed a better overall function of β-cells, with higher HOMA-β (61.58 vs. 48.72; P < 0.01) and lower C-peptide (1.7 vs. 2.17; P < 0.05). The curcumin-treated group showed a lower level of HOMA-IR (3.22 vs. 4.04; P < 0.001) and higher adiponectin (22.46 vs. 18.45; P < 0.05) when compared with the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

A 9-month curcumin intervention in a prediabetic population significantly lowered the number of prediabetic individuals who eventually developed T2DM. In addition, the curcumin treatment appeared to improve overall function of β-cells, with very minor adverse effects. Therefore, this study demonstrated that the curcumin intervention in a prediabetic population may be beneficial.
Psychologie clinique en Algérie, le nécessaire combat
Authors: Kacha Nadia
Published: July 2012

Résumé La pratique de la psychologie clinique en Algérie a connu un développement lent et difficile. Le fonctionnement traditionnel des familles, peu habituées à se dévoiler, et une administration sanitaire peu encline à faire une place à une spécialité nouvelle sans tradition médicale ont longtemps freiné son évolution. Cet article tente de retracer le combat des premières psychologues cliniciennes algériennes pour faire accepter leur profession. La mobilisation exemplaire de ce groupe et sa vigilance toute maternelle ont permis à cette profession de trouver sa place, appuyée en cela, bien malgré elle, par les différentes catastrophes naturelles et humaines que le pays a traversées.
Le KM, une préoccupation fort ancienne mais toujours d'actualité
Authors: Prével Pierre
Published: July 2012

Résumé 450.000 ans avant notre ère, l’Homo erectus découvrait le feu. Il expérimentait en même temps la sérendipité 1 , puis rapidement la transmission des connaissances puisqu’il fallait assurer la survie et la sécurité de la tribu. Au cours des siècles, la transmission des connaissances s’est ainsi organisée sous diverses formes, notamment le compagnonnage 2 , ancêtre du KM. Aujourd’hui, le KM est de plus en plus associé à la stratégie et au management des entreprises, confrontées à un environnement qui les oblige sans cesse à évoluer.
Analyse des discours sur la notion d'« usage » dans deux revues en sciences de l'information: Doc-SI et BBF
Authors: Paganelli Céline
Published: July 2012

Résumé À travers l’analyse d’un corpus d’articles publiés dans deux périodiques spécialisés français, Documentaliste-Sciences de l’information et Bulletin des bibliothèques de France , Céline Paganelli s’intéresse à la manière dont la communauté professionnelle de la documentation et des bibliothèques aborde la question des usages et des pratiques. Comment cette communauté s’interroge-t-elle sur les individus qu’elle côtoie dans son environnement professionnel, individus pour lesquels elle est appelée à proposer un service ? De quelle manière en parle-t-elle ? Comment les notions d’ usages , d’ usagers et de pratiques sont-elles abordées dans les discours relevant du champ de l’information-documentation ? Cet article tente d’apporter des éléments de réponse à ces différentes interrogations.
Usage et non-usage des objets communicants dans le cadre du maintien à domicile
Authors: Collos Jean-Pierre , Delomier Charlotte
Published: July 2012

Les objets intégrant des TIC proposent de suppléer les déficiences des personnes âgées dépendantes maintenues à domicile, de les aider dans leur quotidien, de sécuriser leur environnement, d'informer et de rassurer leur entourage. La recherche « usage et non-usage des objets communicants » tente de comprendre les rapports que les personnes âgées entretiennent avec les objets qui les entourent, plus particulièrement avec les objets dits communicants . Le présent article aborde certains des points traités dans cette recherche : la nature de l’objet communicant pour les personnes âgées, l’importance du lien social dans le rapport de l'individu à l’objet et la relation de l’individu à l’objet à partir des expressions objet chaud et objet froid.
Le robot jazz de Gostai
Authors: Marcheti Ekaterina , Pothier Benoît , Bruno Heinen
Published: July 2012

Résumé Gostai Jazz est une solution qui permet de se projeter dans un appareil mobile pour pouvoir regarder aux alentours, se déplacer et parler à des interlocuteurs comme si on était avec eux. L’utilisation de Jazz pour l’aide au maintien à domicile des personnes âgées semble convaincre le panel interrogé. Cependant, afin de résoudre l’équation économique, la mise sur ce marché de Jazz devra sans doute nécessiter une étape intermédiaire comme celle de l’utilisation en Ehpad. Dans ces dernières, Jazz a notamment une fonction d’amélioration de l’inclusion sociale et de la communication ou plus généralement de la qualité de vie.
Télémédecine et gériatrie
Authors: Mathieu-Fritz Alexandre , Smadja Davis , Espinoza Pierre , Esterle Laurence
Published: July 2012

Résumé À partir d’une perspective combinant analyses sociologique et éthique et évaluation médicale, les auteurs rendent compte des usages de la télémédecine en gériatrie, observables dans le cadre de téléconsultations médicales, pour comprendre la place qui est faite aux patients âgés. Ils montrent que celle-ci dépend principalement de l’organisation pratique de la consultation et des modalités d’usage concrètes des dispositifs techniques, qui ne sont, en euxmêmes, ni déshumanisants ni humanisants. Les auteurs mettent ainsi en évidence l’importance des évaluations socio-organisationnelles in situ de ces nouvelles formes d’exercice médical.
La « force de l'événement » est-elle un artefact ?
Authors: Latté Stéphane
Published: July 2012

Résumé À partir d’une enquête consacrée aux associations de victimes d’accidents collectifs, cet article interroge les vertus et les limites des concepts proposés par la sociologie des mobilisations pour rendre compte du rôle de l’événement dramatique dans le déclenchement de l’action collective. À partir d’une analyse des relations d’enquête, l’auteur montre que les narrations de l’événement dans les termes d’un « choc » procèdent moins des émotions immédiatement ressenties par les individus que des normes qui encadrent le contexte de catastrophe, des prescriptions journalistiques et du rôle social de « victime ». Dès lors, cet article milite pour une approche ethnographique qui permette d’échapper au tropisme de l’événement et de réinscrire ces mobilisations « accidentelles » dans des contextes sociaux enracinés.
Diversity and seasonal density of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in relation to the soybean aphid in soybean crop in Québec, Canada
Authors: Firlej Annabelle , Gagnon Annie-Ève , Laurin-Lemay Simon , Brodeur Jacques
Published: July 2012

We studied the diversity and summer seasonal activity-density of Carabidae associated with soybean fields infested by the soybean aphid (Aphis glycinesMatsumura; Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Québec, Canada. Carabid beetles were sampled in six to seven fields from June to September 2004 and 2005 using pitfall traps. A total of 33 species from 15 genera were identified, with the exoticPterostichus melanarius(Illiger) (Coleoptera: Carabidae), representing 75.8% and 84.5% of all individuals trapped in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Large variations in species richness and diversity indexes were observed between fields within and between years. Multivariate analyses showed that carabid activity-density varied as a function of field location and sampling period, with individuals belonging to species overwintering as adults being more abundant early in the growing season. There was no relationship between carabid trap catches andA. glycinesdensity, suggesting that carabid beetles do not respond numerically to soybean aphid populations at the spatial scale studied.
A novel trapping system for monitoring insect flight heights
Authors: Tansey James A. , Dosdall Lloyd M. , Keddie Andrew , Blake Adam J.
Published: July 2012

An inexpensive, easily constructed, and effective trapping system for capturing flying insects is described. The trapping system is a pole with multiple moveable bowls. The catch is preserved in a killing solution (propylene glycol) between monitoring intervals. Applications for this trapping system include evaluating effects of insect phenology, climate factors, habitat preferences, climatic conditions, and trap colour and interactions of these factors.
miR-29ab1 Deficiency Identifies a Negative Feedback Loop Controlling Th1 Bias That Is Dysregulated in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Smith Kristen M. , Guerau-de-Arellano Mireia , Costinean Stefan , Williams Jessica L. , Bottoni Arianna , Mavrikis Cox Gina , Satoskar Abhay R. , Croce Carlo M. , Racke Michael K. , Lovett-Racke Amy E. , Whitacre Caroline C.
Published: July 2012

Th cell programming and function is tightly regulated by complex biological networks to prevent excessive inflammatory responses and autoimmune disease. The importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in this process is highlighted by the preferential Th1 polarization of Dicer-deficient T cells that lack miRNAs. Using genetic knockouts, we demonstrate that loss of endogenous miR-29, derived from the miR-29ab1 genomic cluster, results in unrestrained T-bet expression and IFN-γ production. miR-29b regulates T-bet and IFN-γ via a direct interaction with the 3′ untranslated regions, and IFN-γ itself enhances miR-29b expression, establishing a novel regulatory feedback loop. miR-29b is increased in memory CD4+ T cells from multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, which may reflect chronic Th1 inflammation. However, miR-29b levels decrease significantly upon T cell activation in MS patients, suggesting that this feedback loop is dysregulated in MS patients and may contribute to chronic inflammation. miR-29 thus serves as a novel regulator of Th1 differentiation, adding to the understanding of T cell-intrinsic regulatory mechanisms that maintain a balance between protective immunity and autoimmunity.
Cutting Edge:Brucella abortusExploits a Cellular Prion Protein on Intestinal M Cells as an Invasive Receptor
Authors: Nakato Gaku , Hase Koji , Suzuki Michio , Kimura Masanobu , Ato Manabu , Hanazato Misaho , Tobiume Minoru , Horiuchi Motohiro , Atarashi Ryuichiro , Nishida Noriyuki , Watarai Masahisa , Imaoka Koichi , Ohno Hiroshi
Published: July 2012

Brucella abortus is a Gram-negative bacterium causing brucellosis. Although B. abortus is known to infect via the oral route, the entry site in the gastrointestinal tract has been unclear. We found that B. abortus was selectively internalized by microfold cells (M cells), a subset of epithelial cells specialized for mucosal Ag uptake. During this process, colocalization of cellular prion protein (PrPC) and B. abortus was evident on the apical surface as well as in subapical vacuolar structures in M cells. Internalization of B. abortus by M cells of PrPC-deficient (Prnp−/−) mice was greatly reduced compared with that in wild-type mice. Furthermore, an oral infection study revealed that translocation of B. abortus into the Peyer’s patch was significantly lower in Prnp−/− than in wild-type mice. These observations suggest that orally infected B. abortus invades the host through M cells by using PrPC on the apical surface of M cells as an uptake receptor.
Why the Structure but Not the Activity of the Immunoproteasome Subunit Low Molecular Mass Polypeptide 2 Rescues Antigen Presentation
Authors: Basler Michael , Lauer Christoph , Moebius Jacqueline , Weber Reinhold , Przybylski Michael , Kisselev Alexei F. , Tsu Christopher , Groettrup Marcus
Published: July 2012

The proteasome is responsible for the generation of most epitopes presented on MHC class I molecules. Treatment of cells with IFN-γ leads to the replacement of the constitutive catalytic subunits β1, β2, and β5 by the inducible subunits low molecular mass polypeptide (LMP) 2 (β1i), multicatalytic endopeptidase complex-like-1 (β2i), and LMP7 (β5i), respectively. The incorporation of these subunits is required for the production of numerous MHC class I-restricted T cell epitopes. The structural features rather than the proteolytic activity of an immunoproteasome subunit are needed for the generation of some epitopes, but the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. Experiments with LMP2-deficient splenocytes revealed that the generation of the male HY-derived CTL-epitope UTY246–254 was dependent on LMP2. Treatment of male splenocytes with an LMP2-selective inhibitor did not reduce UTY246–254 presentation, whereas silencing of β1 activity increased presentation of UTY246–254. In vitro degradation experiments showed that the caspase-like activity of β1 was responsible for the destruction of this CTL epitope, whereas it was preserved when LMP2 replaced β1. Moreover, inhibition of the β5 subunit rescued the presentation of the influenza matrix 58–66 epitope, thus suggesting that a similar mechanism can apply to the exchange of β5 by LMP7. Taken together, our data provide a rationale why the structural property of an immunoproteasome subunit rather than its activity is required for the generation of a CTL epitope.
Tissue- and Ligand-Specific Sensing of Gram-Negative Infection in Drosophila by PGRP-LC Isoforms and PGRP-LE
Authors: Neyen Claudine , Poidevin Mickaël , Roussel Alain , Lemaitre Bruno
Published: July 2012

The Drosophila antimicrobial response is one of the best characterized systems of pattern recognition receptor-mediated defense in metazoans. Drosophila senses Gram-negative bacteria via two peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs), membrane-bound PGRP-LC and secreted/cytosolic PGRP-LE, which relay diaminopimelic acid (DAP)-type peptidoglycan sensing to the Imd signaling pathway. In the case of PGRP-LC, differential splicing of PGRP domain-encoding exons to a common intracellular domain-encoding exon generates three receptor isoforms, which differ in their peptidoglycan binding specificities. In this study, we used Phi31-mediated recombineering to generate fly lines expressing specific isoforms of PGRP-LC and assessed the tissue-specific roles of PGRP-LC isoforms and PGRP-LE in the antibacterial response. Our in vivo studies demonstrate the key role of PGRP-LCx in sensing DAP-type peptidoglycan-containing Gram-negative bacteria or Gram-positive bacilli during systemic infection. We also highlight the contribution of PGRP-LCa/x heterodimers to the systemic immune response to Gram-negative bacteria through sensing of tracheal cytotoxin (TCT), whereas PGRP-LCy may have a minor role in antagonizing the immune response. Our results reveal that both PGRP-LC and PGRP-LE contribute to the intestinal immune response, with a predominant role of cytosolic PGRP-LE in the midgut, the central section of endodermal origin where PGRP-LE is enriched. Our in vivo model also definitively establishes TCT as the long-distance elicitor of systemic immune responses to intestinal bacteria observed in a loss-of-tolerance model. In conclusion, our study delineates how a combination of extracellular sensing by PGRP-LC isoforms and intracellular sensing through PGRP-LE provides sophisticated mechanisms to detect and differentiate between infections by different DAP-type bacteria in Drosophila.
A Soluble Form of LMIR5/CD300b Amplifies Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Lethal Inflammation in Sepsis
Authors: Yamanishi Yoshinori , Takahashi Mariko , Izawa Kumi , Isobe Masamichi , Ito Shinichi , Tsuchiya Akiho , Maehara Akie , Kaitani Ayako , Uchida Tomoyuki , Togami Katsuhiro , Enomoto Yutaka , Nakahara Fumio , Oki Toshihiko , Kajikawa Masunori , Kurihara Hiroki , Kitamura Toshio , Kitaura Jiro
Published: July 2012

Leukocyte mono-Ig–like receptor 5 (LMIR5, also called CD300b) is an activating receptor expressed in myeloid cells. We have previously demonstrated that T cell Ig mucin 1 works as a ligand for LMIR5 in mouse ischemia/reperfusion injury of the kidneys. In this article, we show that LMIR5 is implicated in LPS-induced sepsis in mice. Notably, neutrophils constitutively released a soluble form of LMIR5 (sLMIR5) through proteolytic cleavage of surface LMIR5. Stimulation with TLR agonists augmented the release of sLMIR5. LPS administration or peritonitis induction increased serum levels of sLMIR5 in mice, which was substantially inhibited by neutrophil depletion. Thus, neutrophils were the main source of LPS-induced sLMIR5 in vivo. On the other hand, i.p. administration of LMIR5-Fc, a surrogate of sLMIR5, bound to resident macrophages (Mϕ) and stimulated transient inflammation in mice. Consistently, LMIR5-Fc induced in vitro cytokine production of peritoneal Mϕ via its unknown ligand. Interestingly, LMIR5 deficiency profoundly reduced systemic cytokine production and septic mortality in LPS-administered mice, although it did not affect in vitro cytokine production of LPS-stimulated peritoneal Mϕ. Importantly, the resistance of LMIR5-deficient mice to LPS- or peritonitis-induced septic death was decreased by LMIR5-Fc administration, implicating sLMIR5 in LPS responses in vivo. Collectively, neutrophil-derived sLMIR5 amplifies LPS-induced lethal inflammation.
La mémoire de l’oubli : éloge de l’aliénation
Authors: Souchier Emmanuël
Published: July 2012

Résumé L’auteur interroge les pratiques de communication banales qui saturent nos échanges quotidiens sans même que nous nous en apercevions. Dans la perspective d’une poétique de « l’infra-ordinaire », pour reprendre l’expression de Georges Perec, il nous invite à prêter attention à ces pratiques de communication communes que l’on n’a guère pris l’habitude d’interroger. Or ces objets usuels et ces dispositifs ordinaires posent des questions essentielles d’ordre anthropologique. Pour ce faire, il se focalise sur un processus paradoxal constitutif de la communication en acte : la mémoire de l’oubli . Il montre qu’il est nécessaire d’oublier les savoirs appris afin que la communication soit opérante. Les processus d’apprentissage privilégient quant à eux l’ancrage des cadres instituants de la communication sur lesquels repose l’imaginaire, la doxa de la société. La communication infra-ordinaire se coule ainsi dans les cadres instituants qui disparaissent aux yeux des acteurs. Le phénomène d’impensé du texte , et plus généralement d’impensé des médiations qui caractérise les pratiques de communication ordinaires et repose sur la mémoire de l’oubli permet ainsi de formuler un paradoxal éloge de l’aliénation  : constitutive de la communication, l’aliénation infra-ordinaire privilégie en effet les économies d’énergie psychique.
Les jeunes face au changement climatique dans l’imaginaire romanesque
Authors: Fodor Ferenc
Published: July 2012

Résumé Cet article s’intéresse à la fiction pour la jeunesse, qui a depuis longtemps intégré des thématiques sociétales comme celle du changement climatique. L’analyse de certaines de ces fictions met en évidence des mises en récit d’anticipation caractérisées par la prédominance de la contre-utopie. En effet, la question du changement climatique est reformulée sous la forme de la menace et de la catastrophe. La complexité du phénomène, les questions liées aux causes et aux conséquences du changement climatique sont abordées selon ce prisme et la responsabilité humaine est clairement affirmée, de manière dystopique. La question soulevée est alors celle de la possibilité d’imaginer d’autres formes de médiation narrative qui renverseraient le schéma catastrophiste.
Exploring the (k)not of relationship between lecturers and management at a historically Black university: The lecturer’s perspective
Authors: May Michelle S. , Cilliers Frans , Van Deventer Vasie
Published: July 2012

Orientation: Within the new South African socio-political context this research focussed on lecturers’ at historically Black universities who were confronted with unresolved experiences in their relationship with management. The analysis of these experiences provided an in-depth understanding of systems psychodynamics in tertiary education.Research purpose: The purpose of the research was to describe the experiences of nine lecturers in a particular historically Black university (HBU), in order to analyse and interpret the conscious and unconscious dynamics operating in their relationship with management.Motivation for the study: The researchers were interested in the in-depth psychological experiences of lecturers at this HBU as a platform towards understanding present day South African lecturing experiences.Research design, approach and method: Qualitative, descriptive research was used. Hermeneutic phenomenology, using the systems psychodynamic perspective, allowed for the description and interpretation of the lecturers’ experiences of their relationship with management. In-depth interviews with nine lecturers were thematically analysed which resulted in five themes. Five working hypotheses were formulated and integrated into the research hypothesis.Main findings: Five themes manifested, namely, the (k)not of performance, mutual disqualification and mistrust, White lecturers and Black management, power struggle and the (k)not of relationship.Practical/managerial implications: The research highlighted the importance of understanding the psychodynamics operating in the relationship between lecturers and management as a result of certain ineffective socio-technical aspects in the organisation.Contribution/value-add: The research contributed towards knowledge about inter-group relations between different role players in HBUs and how these dynamics impact on the performance of both lecturers and management.
An Unusual Cause of Biliary Obstruction
Authors: Yeoh Sern Wei
Published: July 2012

Portal biliary ductopathy (PBD) is a condition in which biliary and pancreatic ducts are extrinsically compressed by collateral branches of the portal venous system, which in turn have become dilated and varicosed due to portal hypertension. While the majority of patients with PBD are asymptomatic, a minority can present with symptoms of biliary obstruction and cholangitis with the potential of developing secondary chronic liver disease. This paper reports the case of a 29 year old male presenting with acute cholangitis, in whom PBD was diagnosed radiologically. A brief review of current literature regarding the diagnosis and management of this condition will also be presented.
Higher arithmetic Chow groups
Authors: Burgos Gil José Ignacio , Feliu Elisenda
Published: July 2012

We give a new construction of
higher arithmetic Chow groups
for quasi-projective arithmetic varieties over a field. Our definition agrees with the higher arithmetic Chow groups defined by Goncharov for projective arithmetic varieties over a field. These groups are the analogue, in the Arakelov context, of the higher algebraic Chow groups defined by Bloch. For projective varieties the degree zero group agrees with the arithmetic Chow groups defined by Gillet and Soulé, and in general with the arithmetic Chow groups of Burgos. Our new construction is shown to be a contravariant functor and is endowed with a product structure, which is commutative and associative.
New results on noncompact harmonic manifolds
Authors: Knieper Gerhard
Published: July 2012

The Lichnerowicz conjecture asserts that all harmonic manifolds are either flat or locally symmetric spaces of rank 1. This conjecture has been proved by Z. I. Szabó [Sz] for harmonic manifolds with compact universal cover. E. Damek and F. Ricci [DR] provided examples showing that in the noncompact case the conjecture is wrong. However, such manifolds do not admit a compact quotient.

In this paper we study, using a notion of rank, the asymptotic geometry and the geodesic flow on simply connected nonflat and noncompact harmonic manifolds denoted by

X

.

In the first part of the paper we show that the following assertions are equivalent. The volume growth is purely exponential, the rank of

X

is one, the geodesic flow is Anosov with respect to the Sasaki metric,

X

is Gromov hyperbolic. We also provide a characterization of manifolds of constant negative curvature by their minimal volume growth among those harmonic manifolds with fixed mean curvature of the horospheres.

In the second part of the paper we show that the geodesic flow is Anosov if

X

is a nonflat harmonic manifold with no focal points. In the course of the proof we obtain that certain partially hyperbolic flows on arbitrary Riemannian manifolds without focal points are Anosov, which is of interest beyond harmonic manifolds.

Combining the results of this paper with the rigidity theorem’s of [BCG], [BFL], and [FL], we confirm the Lichnerowicz conjecture for all compact harmonic manifolds without focal points or with Gromov hyperbolic fundamental groups.
Murine Typhus in Southern Taiwan during 1992–2009
Authors: Chang Ko , Chen Yen-Hsu , Lee Nan-Yao , Lee Hsin-Chun , Lin Chun-Yu , Tsai Jih-Jin , Lu Po-Liang , Chen Tun-Chieh , Hsieh Hsiao-Chen , Lin Wei-Ru , Lai Ping-Chang , Chang Chia-Ming , Wu Chi-Jung , Lai Chung-Hsu , Ko Wen-Chien
Published: July 2012

Clinical information regarding murine typhus in Taiwan is limited. In this study, 81 cases of serologically documented murine typhus during 1992–2009 at four referral hospitals in southern Taiwan were analyzed. There was a significant correlation between average environmental temperature and case numbers of murine typhus (r = 0.747, P = 0.005). Acute hepatitis was found in 67% of cases, and hyperbilirubinemia (serum total bilirubin ≥ 23.9 μmol/L) was found in 38%. The intervals between the initiation of appropriate therapy to defervescence were longer in patients with hyperbilirubinemia than those without hyperbilirubinemia (6.1 versus 4.1 days; P = 0.015). Nine (11.1%) showed development of severe illnesses such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (2 patients), aseptic meningitis (3), and acute renal failure (4). Only one died of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Cases of murine typhus were often found during the summer and had acute febrile hepatitis. Those patients with hyperbilirubinemia tended to have a delayed recovery even with appropriate therapy.
An Evaluation of Dried Blood Spots and Oral Swabs as Alternative Specimens for the Diagnosis of Dengue and Screening for Past Dengue Virus Exposure
Authors: Anders Katherine L. , Nguyet Nguyen Minh , Quyen Nguyen Than Ha , Ngoc Tran Van , Tram Ta Van , Gan Tran Thi , Tung Nguyen Thanh , Dung Nguyen Thi , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Wills Bridget , Simmons Cameron P.
Published: July 2012

Non-invasive specimens for dengue diagnosis may be preferable where venous blood is difficult to collect and/or process, such as community-based or remote settings or when sampling from young children. We evaluated the performance of oral swabs and dried blood spots (DBS), compared with plasma, in diagnosing acute dengue and screening for past dengue virus (DENV) exposure. DENV-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG, and NS1 antigen were detected both in oral swabs and DBS from acute patients. Oral swabs were less sensitive (IgM: 68.7%, IgG: 91.9%, NS1: 64.7%), but retained good specificity (100%, 92.3%, 95.8%, respectively) compared with plasma. DBS displayed high sensitivity (IgM: 100%, IgG: 96%, NS1: 100%) and specificity (IgM: 75%, IgG: 93%). DENV RNA was amplified from DBS (sensitivity 95.6%) but not from oral swabs. DENV-IgG (indicative of past flavivirus exposure) were detected with moderate sensitivity (61.1%) but poor specificity (50%) in oral swabs from healthy volunteers. Dried blood spots allow sensitive and specific diagnosis of acute dengue by serological, molecular, and antigen detection methods. Oral swabs may be an adequate alternative where blood cannot be collected.
Consecutive Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis Manifestations Involving a Novel Leishmania Species in Two HIV Patients in Thailand
Authors: Chusri Sarunyou , Hortiwakul Thanaporn , Silpapojakul Khachornsakdi , Siriyasatien Padet
Published: July 2012

Leishmaniasis is an emerging disease in Thailand. Herein, we report on two human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with leishmaniasis who presented with overlapping manifestations between cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Sequencing analysis of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the ribosomal RNA gene showed that the species was identical to a new species recently described in Thailand. The detection of DNA of this Leishmania species in saliva may have important implications for transmission and epidemiological studies.
Community Health Workers Use Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) Safely and Accurately: Results of a Longitudinal Study in Zambia
Authors: Counihan Helen , Harvey Steven A. , Sekeseke-Chinyama Masela , Hamainza Busiku , Banda Rose , Malambo Thindo , Masaninga Freddie , Bell David
Published: July 2012

Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) could radically improve febrile illness management in remote and low-resource populations. However, reliance upon community health workers (CHWs) remains controversial because of concerns about blood safety and appropriate use of artemisinin combination therapy. This study assessed CHW ability to use RDTs safely and accurately up to 12 months post-training. We trained 65 Zambian CHWs, and then provided RDTs, job-aids, and other necessary supplies for village use. Observers assessed CHW performance at 3, 6, and 12 months post-training. Critical steps performed correctly increased from 87.5% at 3 months to 100% subsequently. However, a few CHWs incorrectly read faint positive or invalid results as negative. Although most indicators improved or remained stable over time, interpretation of faint positives fell to 76.7% correct at 12 months. We conclude that appropriately trained and supervised CHWs can use RDTs safely and accurately in community practice for up to 12 months post-training.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Domestic Animals in Ten Provinces/Cities of China
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Liu Hong , Xu Bianli , Lu Qunying , Li Liang , Chang Litao , Zhang Xiuchun , Fan Desheng , Li Guohua , Jin Yuming , Cui Feng , Shi Yonglin , Li Weihong , Xu Jianguo , Yu Xue Jie
Published: July 2012

A nationwide epidemiologic investigation of domestic animal infections has been conducted in nine provinces and one city during 2007–2010. Serum samples from a total of 707 goats, 433 cattle, and 219 dogs were collected for detecting Anaplasma phagocytophilum IgG antibody by immunofluorescence assays and the average seroprevalences were 10.05% for dogs, 3.82% for goats, and 0.69% for cattle, respectively. A total of 472 goats, 201 cattle, 102 dog blood clots, and 1,580 ticks were collected for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifying A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA genes and the PCR-positive rates were 26.69% for goats, 23.38% for cattle, and 10.89% for dogs. Six species were identified and the average PCR-positive rates were 58.3% for Dermacentor silvarum, 43.9% for Haemaphysalis longicornis, 12.5% for Ixodes persulcatus, 7.5% (3 of 40) for Boophilus microplus, and 5.2% for Rhipicephalus sanguineus, respectively. The evidence in the study indicated the zoonotic Rickettsia is highly prevalent in China.
The Effect of Water Quality Testing on Household Behavior: Evidence from an Experiment in Rural India
Authors: Hamoudi Amar , Jeuland Marc , Lombardo Sarah , Patil Sumeet , Pattanayak Subhrendu K. , Rai Shailesh
Published: July 2012

How does specific information about contamination in a household's drinking water affect water handling behavior? We randomly split a sample of households in rural Andhra Pradesh, India. The treatment group observed a contamination test of the drinking water in their own household storage vessel; while they were waiting for their results, they were also provided with a list of actions that they could take to remedy contamination if they tested positive. The control group received no test or guidance. The drinking water of nearly 90% of tested households showed evidence of contamination by fecal bacteria. They reacted by purchasing more of their water from commercial sources but not by making more time-intensive adjustments. Providing salient evidence of risk increases demand for commercial clean water.