bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronique juridique des inégalités de salaires entre les femmes et les hommes
Authors: Lanquetin Marie-Thérèse
Published: March 2009

Résumé La revendication « à travail égal, salaire égal » est ancienne et a pu être ambiguë. Elle s’est d’abord exprimée dans un contexte de concurrence économique avant d’être reconnue comme un principe de justice puis comme un droit fondamental. La notion de salaire « féminin » a perduré jusqu’à l’affirmation du principe d’égalité entre hommes et femmes. Mais des difficultés se sont maintenues face à la liberté de fixation des salaires par l’employeur au-delà des minima légaux et conventionnels. Des « outils » juridiques et judiciaires existent pourtant, construits d’abord par le droit communautaire afin de renforcer le principe d’égalité de rémunération et de lutter contre les discriminations. La construction du sens et de l’efficacité du principe d’égalité s’est faite par la voie judiciaire. Elle est d’abord l’affaire des acteurs car une loi ne signifie rien par elle-même, elle implique la construction de son sens. Or la lutte contre de telles inégalités de rémunérations est encore faible en France. Pourquoi ?
Un salaire égal pour un emploi de valeur comparable
Authors: Lemière Séverine
Published: March 2009

Résumé L’objectif des politiques de « valeur comparable », ou selon l’expression canadienne « d’équité salariale », est l’application concrète du principe « un salaire égal pour un travail de valeur comparable » destiné à lutter contre la dévalorisation des emplois occupés majoritairement par des femmes. Différentes expériences étrangères ont amené à proposer des critères d’évaluation des emplois. Ces méthodes fondées sur la « valeur comparable » des emplois donnent lieu à de nombreuses controverses.
Los Centros de Estudios Locales
Authors: Ibáñez Pérez Alberto C.
Published: March 2009

Se estudia la creación de los centros de la CECEL, su dependencia administrativa económica y organizativa de diversas entidades, sus tareas, ámbitos territoriales, campos de actividad. Instalaciones y servicios que prestan.
Fueros y Ordenamientos Jurídicos Locales en España. Un Proyecto Integrador
Authors: Sarasa Sánchez Esteban
Published: March 2009

En 2003, la CECEL puso en marcha un proyecto científico que, bajo su coordinación, se desarrollara por los centros y entidades confederadas y estudiara el "corpus" de foralidad local y la archivística relacionada. Se da cuenta del desarrollo del proyecto.
Placebo‐controlled trial of rituximab in IgM anti–myelin‐associated glycoprotein antibody demyelinating neuropathy
Authors: Dalakas Marinos C. , Rakocevic Goran , Salajegheh Mohammad , Dambrosia James M. , Hahn Angelika F. , Raju Raghavan , McElroy Beverly
Published: March 2009

Objective

Report a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of rituximab in patients with anti–MAG demyelinating polyneuropathy (A‐MAG‐DP).

Methods

Twenty‐six patients were randomized to four weekly infusions of 375mg/m2 rituximab or placebo. Sample size was calculated to detect changes of ≥1 Inflammatory Neuropathy Course and Treatment (INCAT) leg disability scores at month 8. IgM levels, anti‐MAG titers, B cells, antigen‐presenting cells, and immunoregulatory T cells were monitored every 2 months.

Results

Thirteen A‐MAG‐DP patients were randomized to rituximab and 13 to placebo. Randomization was balanced for age, electrophysiology, disease duration, disability scores, and baseline B cells. After 8 months, by intention to treat, 4 of 13 rituximab‐treated patients improved by ≥1 INCAT score compared with 0 of 13 patients taking placebo (p = 0.096). Excluding one rituximab‐randomized patient who had normal INCAT score at entry, and thus could not improve, the results were significant (p = 0.036). The time to 10m walk was significantly reduced in the rituximab group (p = 0.042) (intention to treat). Clinically, walking improved in 7 of 13 rituximab‐treated patients. At month 8, IgM was reduced by 34% and anti‐MAG titers by 50%. CD25+CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory cells significantly increased by month 8. The most improved patients were those with high anti‐MAG titers and most severe sensory deficits at baseline.

Interpretation

Rituximab is the first drug that improves some patients with A‐MAG‐DP in a controlled study. The benefit may be exerted by reducing the putative pathogenic antibodies or by inducing immunoregulatory T cells. The results warrant confirmation with a larger trial. Ann Neurol 2009;65:286–293
Iron‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Coupling of Tertiary Silanes
Authors: Itazaki Masumi , Ueda Kensuke , Nakazawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2009

Eine Vielfalt von tertiären Silanen, selbst solche mit funktionellen Substituenten, geht eine ungewöhnliche Eisen‐katalysierte dehydrierende Kupplung ein (siehe Schema). Die Reaktion bietet einen einfachen Zugang auch zu unsymmetrischen Disilanen und zu Polymeren mit Si‐Si‐Bindungen. Bei der Reaktion tritt ein Hydrido(disilyl)eisen(IV)‐Komplex als Intermediat auf.

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Lack of evidence of stimulatory autoantibodies to platelet‐derived growth factor receptor in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Classen Jean‐François , Henrohn Dan , Rorsman Fredrik , Lennartsson Johan , Lauwerys Bernard R. , Wikström Gerhard , Rorsman Charlotte , Lenglez Sandrine , Franck‐Larsson Karin , Tomasi Jean‐Paul , Kämpe Olle , Vanthuyne Marie , Houssiau Frédéric A. , Demoulin Jean‐Baptiste
Published: March 2009

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe connective tissue disease of unknown etiology, characterized by fibrosis of the skin and multiple internal organs. Recent findings suggested that the disease is driven by stimulatory autoantibodies to platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), which stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and collagen by fibroblasts. These results opened novel avenues of research into the diagnosis and treatment of SSc. The present study was undertaken to confirm the presence of anti‐PDGFR antibodies in patients with SSc.

Methods

Immunoglobulins from 37 patients with SSc were purified by protein A/G chromatography. PDGFR activation was tested using 4 different sensitive bioassays, i.e., cell proliferation, ROS production, signal transduction, and receptor phosphorylation; the latter was also tested in a separate population of 7 patients with SSc from a different research center.

Results

Purified IgG samples from patients with SSc were positive when tested for antinuclear autoantibodies, but did not specifically activate PDGFRα or PDGFRβ in any of the tests. Cell stimulation with PDGF itself consistently produced a strong signal.

Conclusion

The present results raise questions regarding the existence of agonistic autoantibodies to PDGFR in SSc.
Overexpression of interleukin‐23, but not interleukin‐17, as an immunologic signature of subclinical intestinal inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Ciccia Francesco , Bombardieri Michele , Principato Alfonso , Giardina AnnaRita , Tripodo Claudio , Porcasi Rossana , Peralta Sergio , Franco Vito , Giardina Ennio , Craxi Antonio , Pitzalis Costantino , Triolo Giovanni
Published: March 2009

Objective

Subclinical gut inflammation is common in spondylarthritis, but the immunologic abnormalities underlying this process are undefined. Perturbation of the interleukin‐23 (IL‐23)/Th17 axis has emerged as a fundamental trigger of chronic inflammation. This study was undertaken to investigate the expression and tissue distribution of IL‐23/Th17–related molecules in Crohn's disease (CD) and in subclinical gut inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

Quantitative gene expression analysis of Th1/Th2 and IL‐23/Th17 responses was performed in intestinal biopsy samples obtained from 12 patients with CD, 15 patients with AS, and 13 controls. IL‐23 tissue distribution and identification of IL‐23–producing cells were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

We demonstrated a strong and significant up‐regulation of IL‐23p19 transcripts in the terminal ileum in patients with AS and patients with CD. IL‐23 was abundantly produced by infiltrating monocyte‐like cells in inflamed mucosa from AS and CD patients. Notably, we also identified Paneth cells as a major source of IL‐23 in patients with AS, patients with CD, and normal controls. Unlike CD, in AS patients, IL‐23 was not associated with up‐regulation of IL‐17 and the IL‐17–inducing cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐1β. Finally, while the Th1‐related cytokines interferon‐γ, IL‐12p35, and IL‐27p28 were overexpressed only in CD patients, IL‐4, IL‐5, and STAT‐6 were also significantly increased in AS patients.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that overexpression of IL‐23, but not IL‐17, is a pivotal feature of subclinical gut inflammation in AS. Identification of resident Paneth cells as a pivotal source of IL‐23 in physiologic and pathologic conditions strongly suggests that IL‐23 is a master regulator of gut mucosal immunity, providing a pathophysiologic significance to the reported association between IL‐23 receptor polymorphisms and intestinal inflammation.
No increased risk of valvular heart disease in adult poststreptococcal reactive arthritis
Authors: van Bemmel J. M. , Delgado V. , Holman E. R. , Allaart C. F. , Huizinga T. W. J. , Bax J. J. , van der Helm‐van Mil A. H. M.
Published: March 2009

Objective

Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis (ReA) is a (poly)arthritis presenting after a Streptococcus group A infection. Acute rheumatic fever (ARF), albeit caused by the same pathogen, has different risk characteristics and is considered to be a separate entity. Whereas ARF is known to cause carditis, the risk of carditis in adult poststreptococcal ReA is unknown. Consequently, the prevailing recommendations regarding long‐term antibiotic prophylaxis in poststreptococcal ReA are imprecise and derived from the data on ARF. This study was undertaken to investigate the development of valvular heart disease in an unselected cohort of adult patients with poststreptococcal ReA who did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis and were followed up prospectively.

Methods

All patients presenting with early arthritis to an inception cohort of >2,000 white patients were evaluated. Patients presenting with poststreptococcal ReA (n = 75) were selected. After a median followup of 8.9 years, the occurrence of valvular heart disease was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography in 60 patients. Controls were matched for age, sex, body surface area, and left ventricular function, with a patient‐to‐control ratio of 1:2.

Results

No differences were seen in left ventricular dimensions. Morphologic abnormalities of the mitral or aortic valves were not more prevalent among patients than among controls. Mild mitral regurgitation was present in 23% and 21% of patients and controls, respectively. Mild aortic regurgitation was present in 10% and 11%, and mild tricuspid regurgitation in 43% and 39%, respectively, revealing no significant differences.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that there is no increased risk of valvular heart disease in adult poststreptococcal ReA. Based on these data, routine long‐term antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended in adult poststreptococcal ReA.
Clinical score for nonbacterial osteitis in children and adults
Authors: Jansson Annette F. , Müller Thomas H. , Gliera Leonhard , Ankerst Donna Pauler , Wintergerst U. , Belohradsky Bernd H. , Jansson Volkmar
Published: March 2009

Objective

To accurately differentiate nonbacterial osteitis (NBO) from other bone lesions by applying a clinical score through the use of validated diagnostic criteria.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to assess data on patients from a pediatric clinic and an orthopedic tertiary care clinic, using administrative International Classification of Diseases codes as well as laboratory and department records from 1996 to 2006. Two hundred twenty‐four patients older than age 3 years who had either NBO (n = 102), proven bacterial osteomyelitis (n = 22), malignant bone tumors (n = 48), or benign bone tumors (n = 52) were identified by chart review. Univariate logistic regression was used to determine associations of single risk factors with a diagnosis of NBO, and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess simultaneous risk factor associations with NBO.

Results

NBO was best predicted by a normal blood cell count (odds ratio [OR] 81.5), symmetric bone lesions (OR 30.0), lesions with marginal sclerosis (OR 26.8), normal body temperature (OR 20.3) a vertebral, clavicular, or sternal location of lesions (OR 13.9), presence of >1 radiologically proven lesion (OR 10.9), and C‐reactive protein level ≥1 mg/dl (OR 6.9). The clinical score for a diagnosis of NBO based on these predictors ranged from 0 to 63. A score for NBO of ≥39 had a positive predictive value of 97% and a sensitivity of 68%.

Conclusion

The proposed scoring system helps to facilitate the diagnostic process in patients with suspected NBO. Use of this system might spare unnecessary invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Interferon‐α treatment of female (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice mimics some but not all features associated with the Yaa mutation
Authors: Ramanujam Meera , Kahn Philip , Huang Weiqing , Tao Haiou , Madaio Michael P. , Factor Stephen M. , Davidson Anne
Published: March 2009

Objective

Male (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice develop antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and proliferative glomerulonephritis that is markedly accelerated by the Yaa locus encoding an extra copy of Tlr7. Female (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice with only 1 active copy of Tlr7 develop late‐onset glomerulonephritis but not APS. Because a major function of Toll‐like receptor 7 is to induce type I interferons (IFNs), our goal was to determine whether IFNα can induce or accelerate the manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in female (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice.

Methods

Eight‐week‐old female (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice were injected with a single dose of adenovirus expressing IFNα. Mice were monitored for the development of thrombocytopenia and proteinuria. Sera were tested for anticardiolipin and anti‐Sm/RNP antibodies. Mice were killed at 17 or 22 weeks of age, and their kidneys and hearts were examined histologically and by immunohistochemistry. Spleen cells were phenotyped, and enzyme‐linked immunospot assays for autoantibody‐producing B cells were performed.

Results

IFNα markedly accelerated nephritis and death in female (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice. A significant increase in spleen cell numbers associated with a striking increase in the number of activated B and T cells was observed. Marginal‐zone B cells were retained. IFNα‐induced increased titers of autoantibodies were observed, but thrombocytopenia was not observed. Cardiac damage was milder than that in male mice.

Conclusion

IFNα accelerates the development of renal inflammatory disease in female (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice but induces only mild APS and does not induce thrombocytopenia. The effect of IFNα on SLE disease manifestations is strain dependent. These findings are relevant to our understanding of the physiologic significance of the IFN signature.
Microanatomic studies to define predictive factors for the topography of periarticular erosion formation in inflammatory arthritis
Authors: McGonagle Dennis , Tan Ai Lyn , Møller Døhn Uffe , ØStergaard Mikkel , Benjamin Michael
Published: March 2009

Objective

The microanatomic basis for formation of erosions in inflammatory arthritis is incompletely understood but is thought to be related to bare areas and the associated cartilage–synovium junction. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that erosion‐prone sites are associated with microdamage in macroscopically normal joints.

Methods

Histologic evaluation of erosion‐prone sites was performed on 20 collateral ligaments (CLs) from the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of 5 normal cadavers. In addition, the MCP joints (n = 17) and PIP joints (n = 3) of 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were assessed by computed tomography (CT) to ascertain whether the topography of erosion formation in patients with RA corresponded to the cadaveric findings.

Results

Absence of a bare area was noted in cadaveric tissue at the periligamentous erosion‐prone regions, especially in the distal MCP joints and both distal and proximal PIP joints. Nevertheless, these sites exhibited soft‐tissue pathologic features and bony microdamage/cyst formation. Other significant findings included the presence of pannus without inflammatory changes in the regions in which a bare area was absent, and the replacement of bare area regions with fibrovascular synovial tissue in joints without inflammatory changes. The sites of cadaveric tissue microdamage corresponded to CT‐determined erosion formation in the MCP and PIP joints of patients with RA, in whom erosions adjacent to the CLs were more common than dorsal or volar erosions.

Conclusion

Periarticular erosion formation may not necessarily depend on the presence of a bare area and has a propensity to occur adjacent to ligaments in which bone microdamage is common. These findings suggest that periligamentous locations prone to microdamage may critically influence the topography of erosion formation in inflammatory arthritis.
Patterning of diverse mammalian cell types in serum free medium with photoablation
Authors: Dhir Vipra , Natarajan Anupama , Stancescu Maria , Chunder Anindarupa , Bhargava Neelima , Das Mainak , Zhai Lei , Molnar Peter
Published: March 2009

Integration of living cells with novel microdevices requires the development of innovative technologies for manipulating cells. Chemical surface patterning has been proven as an effective method to control the attachment and growth of diverse cell populations. Patterning polyelectrolyte multilayers through the combination of layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly technique and photolithography offer a simple, versatile, and silicon compatible approach that overcomes chemical surface patterning limitations, such as short‐term stability and low‐protein adsorption resistance. In this study, direct photolithographic patterning of two types of multilayers, PAA (poly acrylic acid)/PAAm (poly acryl amide) and PAA/PAH (poly allyl amine hydrochloride), were developed to pattern mammalian neuronal, skeletal, and cardiac muscle cells. For all studied cell types, PAA/PAAm multilayers behaved as a cytophobic surface, completely preventing cell attachment. In contrast, PAA/PAH multilayers have shown a cell‐selective behavior, promoting the attachment and growth of neuronal cells (embryonic rat hippocampal and NG108‐15 cells) to a greater extent, while providing little attachment for neonatal rat cardiac and skeletal muscle cells (C2C12 cell line). PAA/PAAm multilayer cellular patterns have also shown a remarkable protein adsorption resistance. Protein adsorption protocols commonly used for surface treatment in cell culture did not compromise the cell attachment inhibiting feature of the PAA/PAAm multilayer patterns. The combination of polyelectrolyte multilayer patterns with different adsorbed proteins could expand the applicability of this technology to cell types that require specific proteins either on the surface or in the medium for attachment or differentiation, and could not be patterned using the traditional methods. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Protein Iodination by Click Chemistry
Authors: Dong Shouliang , Moroder Luis , Budisa Nediljko
Published: March 2009

Two steps to click iodine: We have developed a two‐step reaction for protein iodination using click chemistry. With this method, which is summarized in the scheme, covalent attachment of a stable iodine‐containing aromatic azide moiety to an alkyne‐containing protein was achieved.

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Thermally Stable Solids Based on Endohedrally Doped ZnS Clusters
Authors: Matxain Jon M. , Piris Mario , Lopez Xabier , Ugalde Jesus M.
Published: March 2009

Caught in a cage! Bare Zn12S12 and endrohedral X§Zn12S12–Y§Zn12S12 in the square‐faces‐square orientation (X=Na, K (red); Y=Cl, Br (blue)) have been fully optimized. Ab initio quantum‐dynamics calculations further confirmed the thermal stability of the calculated structures, which are found to be zeolite‐shaped with a pore diameter of about 1 nm. These solids may be used as narrow‐gap semiconducting materials.

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The existence of inorganic, hollow, fullerene‐like ZnS clusters has been theoretically predicted and then recently confirmed experimentally. These clusters were observed to trap alkali metals and halogens because the ionization energies (IE) of alkali metals are very similar to the electron affinities (EA) of halogens. This opens the possibility of forming molecular solids composed of these fullerene building blocks because the energy released due to the difference between the IE and EA would be very small. Herein we have focused on assembling bare Zn12S12 and endohedral X@Zn12S12–Y@Zn12S12 dimers (X=Na, K; Y=Cl, Br) by considering the square‐faces‐square orientation of every two adjacent clusters, which leads to a fcc cubic crystal structure in the solid. The structures were fully optimized in all cases, and their thermal stability was confirmed by ab initio thermal molecular dynamics calculations. The optimum lattice parameter of the solids was found to be around 13.8 Å, which corresponds to distances of about 2.5 Å between monomers, which is typical of covalent ZnS bonds. The resulting solids are nanoporous materials similar to B12N12. Due to their nanoporous structure, these zeolite‐shaped solids could be used in heterogeneous catalysis and as storage materials and molecular sieves.
6,13‐Diethynyl‐5,7,12,14‐tetraazapentacene
Authors: Miao Shaobin , Appleton Anthony L. , Berger Nancy , Barlow Stephen , Marder Seth R. , Hardcastle Kenneth I. , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: March 2009

A new relative of pentacene: The dialkynylated tetraazapentacene (see figure) was prepared by a two‐step synthesis from the corresponding quinone derivative. The heteroacene is an air‐stable, dark‐blue, crystalline material and is of great interest as a potential organic n‐electron‐transport material.

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A Study of Photocatalytic Processes Involving the Degradation of the Organic Load and Amoxicillin in Hospital Wastewater
Authors: Martins Ayrton F. , Mayer Francieli , Confortin Eliza C. , Frank Carla da S.
Published: March 2009

An investigation was carried out into the treatment of wastewater from the University Hospital of Santa Maria (HUSM) by means of a heterogeneous photocatalytic process (HPP) and a photo‐Fenton process (PFP) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for maximizing the removal efficiency of the chemical oxygen demand, COD. The rates of COD reduction obtained by HPP and PFP were 44 and 64.6%, respectively. The toxicity (LC50 values) of the hospital wastewater (pre‐ and post‐treatment) were determined by means of the bioassay Artemia salina. During the treatment a toxicity inhibition of 43.5% was achieved by photo‐Fenton and 46.3% by TiO2 photocatalysis. Spiked samples of hospital effluent with amoxicillin were degraded by 100% after treatment by HPP for 30 min and 85% after treatment by PFP for 60 min, as measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All the treatments were conducted on a bench scale using a batch recirculation 2 L Dewar‐like photoreactor provided with a light intensity of 401 W/m2, which was irradiated by a 125 W medium pressure mercury vapor lamp. Ferrioxalate actinometry solution was used to measure the photon flux (q = 1.71·10–5 ± 1.25·10–7). The photonic efficiency was 30.00 ± 0.67% for PFP and 19.02 ± 0.88% for HPP.
Site‐specific anti‐tumor immunity: Differences in DC function, TGF‐β production and numbers of intratumoral Foxp3+ Treg
Authors: Biollaz Gregoire , Bernasconi Luca , Cretton Christine , Püntener Ursula , Frei Karl , Fontana Adriano , Suter Tobias
Published: March 2009

Gliomas localized within the CNS are generally not rejected by the immune system despite being immunogenic. This failure of the immune system has been associated both with glioma‐derived immunosuppressive molecules and the immune‐privileged state of the CNS. However, the relative contribution of tumor location to the glioma‐mediated immunosuppression, as well as the immune mechanisms involved in the failure of glioma rejection are not fully defined. We report here that syngeneic GL261 gliomas growing either intracranially or subcutaneously in mice are infiltrated by DC and T cells. However, only subcutaneous gliomas elicit an effective anti‐tumor immune response. In contrast to DC infiltrating subcutaneously grown GL261 gliomas, tumor‐infiltrating DC from intracranial gliomas do not activate antigen‐dependent T‐cell proliferation in vitro. In addition, brain‐localized GL261 gliomas are characterized by significantly higher numbers of Foxp3+ Treg and higher levels of TGF‐β1 mRNA and protein expression when compared with GL261 gliomas in the skin. Our data show that gliomas in the CNS, but not in the skin, give rise to TGF‐β production and accumulation of both Treg and functionally impaired DC. Thus, not the tumor itself, but its location dictates the efficiency of the anti‐tumor immune response.
B‐cell‐activating factor expressions in salivary epithelial cells after dsRNA virus infection depends on RNA‐activated protein kinase activation
Authors: Ittah Marc , Miceli‐Richard Corinne , Gottenberg Jacques‐Eric , Sellam Jérémie , Lepajolec Christine , Mariette Xavier
Published: March 2009

B‐cell‐activating factor (BAFF) plays a key role in promoting activation of autoimmune B cells. This cytokine may be expressed in and secreted by salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) after stimulation with type I IFN or viral or synthetic dsRNA. Because this BAFF expression depends only in part on endosomal TLR and type I IFN, we investigated whether other dsRNA sensors could be implicated in BAFF expression. Using human SGEC, we confirmed the partial dependence of BAFF expression on TLR‐3 by replicating the partial inhibition of BAFF expression observed upon endosomal inhibition using TLR‐3 or Toll/IL‐1R domain‐containing protein inducing IFN‐β silencing mRNA, but not with TLR‐7 silencing mRNA. Melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5 silencing mRNA had no effect on BAFF expression, but retinoic acid‐inducible gene I silencing mRNA had a slight effect observed following infection with dsRNA reovirus‐1. Inhibition of RNA‐activated protein kinase (PKR) by 2‐aminopurine completely abolished both BAFF mRNA and protein production after reovirus‐1 infection and poly(I:C) stimulation through NF‐κB and p38 MAPK pathways, with the latter implicated only after poly(I:C) stimulation. Thus, PKR is the dsRNA sensor implicated in BAFF induction in SGEC after dsRNA stimulation. In autoimmune diseases, PKR may be an interesting target for preventing BAFF following the induction of innate immunity.
Identification and characterization of survivin‐derived H‐2Kb‐restricted CTL epitopes
Authors: Hofmann Uta B. , Voigt Heike , Andersen Mads H. , Straten Per thor , Becker Jürgen C. , Eggert Andreas O.
Published: March 2009

Survivin is overexpressed in several malignancies and in tumor‐associated endothelium making it an attractive target for therapeutic cytotoxic T‐cell responses. Thus, it would be important to test this notion in preclinical models. Consequently, we screened the murine survivin sequence for potential binding Kb‐restricted octamer peptide epitopes. Two epitopes, which bind strongly to Kb, were selected to test their immunogenicity in vivo. Spleen cells from mice vaccinated by intradermal injection of mature DC pulsed with these peptides displayed reactivity to the respective epitopes. The natural processing and presentation of these epitopes by tumor cells was evident by the killing of murine melanoma cells by vaccination‐induced T cells. Subcutaneous challenge with syngeneic melanoma demonstrated the protective immunity of this vaccination. Notably, analysis of the vessel density in subcutaneous tumors revealed that survivin‐specific vaccination significantly reduced the number of intratumoral vessels. In summary, we demonstrated the immunogenicity of two Kb‐restricted peptide epitopes derived from the murine survivin protein; moreover, survivin‐specific vaccination not only resulted in a reduction of tumor cells but also the tumor supplying blood vessels. The presented preclinical model for survivin‐directed vaccination may serve as a valuable tool to improve already running clinical trials in a syngeneic tumor model.
Synthesis of Trinuclear, Dinuclear and Mononuclear Carbamato‐Zinc Complexes from Tetranuclear Precursors: A Top‐Down Synthetic Approach to New Carbamates
Authors: Domide Dan , Neuhäuser Christiane , Kaifer Elisabeth , Wadepohl Hubert , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: March 2009

In this work we report on the synthesis of new mono‐, bi‐ and trinuclear carbamato‐Zn complexes by reaction of the tetranuclear precursor [ZnEt(O2CNR2)]4 (R = iPr and iBu) with the nitrogen bases pyridine, N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylguanidine (tmg) and bis(N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylguanidino)naphthalene (btmgn). The only reaction product obtained with pyridine is the dinuclear complex [(py)ZnEt(O2CNR2)]2. In the case of reaction of [ZnEt(O2CNR2)]4 with tmg, the dinuclear species [(tmg)ZnEt(O2CNR2)]2 (for molar ratios of 1:4) and the mononuclear bis‐carbamato complex [(tmg)2Zn(O2CNR2)2] (for molar ratios of 1:8) were obtained. Finally, the mono‐ and trinuclear carbamates [(btmgn)ZnEt(O2CNR2)] and [(btmgn)Zn3Et3(O2CNR2)3] were formed in the reaction between [ZnEt(O2CNR2)]4 and btmgn (molar ratios 1:4 and 1:2, respectively). All products were structurally characterized by X‐ray diffraction. Using this top‐down approach the synthesis of a variety of oligonuclear carbamato‐Zn complexes becomes possible. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Evaluation of natural and synthetic compounds according to their antioxidant activity using a multivariate approach
Authors: Capitani Caroline D. , Carvalho Ana Carolina L. , Rivelli Diogo P. , Barros Silvia B. M. , Castro Inar A.
Published: March 2009

The antioxidant activity of natural and synthetic compounds was evaluated using five in vitro methods: ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydradzyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), oxidation of an aqueous dispersion of linoleic acid accelerated by azo‐initiators (LAOX), and oxidation of a meat homogenate submitted to a thermal treatment (TBARS). All results were expressed as Trolox equivalents. The application of multivariate statistical techniques suggested that the phenolic compounds (caffeic acid, carnosic acid, genistein and resveratrol), beyond their high antioxidant activity measured by the DPPH, FRAP and TBARS methods, showed the highest ability to react with the radicals in the ORAC methodology, compared to the other compounds evaluated in this study (ascorbic acid, erythorbate, tocopherol, BHT, Trolox, tryptophan, citric acid, EDTA, glutathione, lecithin, methionine and tyrosine). This property was significantly correlated with the number of phenolic rings and catecholic structure present in the molecule. Based on a multivariate analysis, it is possible to select compounds from different clusters and explore their antioxidant activity interactions in food products.
WR1065 mitigates AZT‐ddI‐induced mutagenesis and inhibits viral replication
Authors: Walker Dale M. , Kajon Adriana E. , Torres Salina M. , Carter Meghan M. , McCash Consuelo L. , Swenberg James A. , Upton Patricia B. , Hardy Andrew W. , Olivero Ofelia A. , Shearer Gene M. , Poirier Miriam C. , Walker Vernon E.
Published: March 2009

The success of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in treating HIV‐1 infection and reducing mother‐to‐child transmission of the virus during pregnancy is accompanied by evidence that NRTIs cause long‐term health risks for cancer and mitochondrial disease. Thus, agents that mitigate toxicities of the current combination drug therapies are needed. Previous work had shown that the NRTI‐drug pair zidovudine (AZT)–didanosine (ddI) was highly cytotoxic and mutagenic; thus, we conducted preliminary studies to investigate the ability of the active moiety of amifostine, WR1065, to protect against the deleterious effects of this NRTI‐drug pair. In TK6 cells exposed to 100 μM AZT‐ddI (equimolar) for 3 days with or without 150 μM WR1065, WR1065 enhanced long‐term cell survival and significantly reduced AZT‐ddI‐induced mutations. Follow‐up studies were conducted to determine if coexposure to AZT and WR1065 abrogated the antiretroviral efficacy of AZT. In human T‐cell blasts infected with HIV‐1 in culture, inhibition of p24 protein production was observed in cells treated with 10 μM AZT in the absence or presence of 5–1,000 μM WR1065. Surprisingly, WR1065 alone exhibited dose‐related inhibition of HIV‐1 p24 protein production. WR1065 also had antiviral efficacy against three species of adenovirus and influenza A and B. Intracellular levels of unbound WR1065 were measured following in vitro/in vivo drug exposure. These pilot study results indicate that WR1065, at low intracellular levels, has cytoprotective and antimutagenic activities against the most mutagenic pair of NRTIs and has broad spectrum antiviral effects. These findings suggest that the activities have a possible common mode of action that merits further investigation. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of attentional training on body dissatisfaction and dietary restriction
Authors: Smith Evelyn , Rieger Elizabeth
Published: March 2009

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of attentional training towards shape, weight and food related information on body dissatisfaction and dietary restriction. A total of 98 female participants were trained to attend to negative shape/weight words, positive shape/weight words, negative (high calorie) food words, positive (low calorie) food words or neutral words. Subsequently, a body image challenge was presented and participants' body dissatisfaction and dietary restriction were measured. Results indicated that negative shape/weight attentional biases exacerbated body dissatisfaction and a bias towards negative food words intensified dietary restriction. The study provides evidence for specificity in the effects of attentional biases and supports the notion that attentional training may be a useful component in interventions to improve body image and reduce dieting. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
System reduction strategy for Galerkin models of fluid flows
Authors: Noack Bernd R. , Schlegel Michael , Morzyński Marek , Tadmor Gilead
Published: March 2009

We propose a system reduction strategy for spectral and Galerkin models of incompressible fluid flows. This approach leads to dynamic models of lower order, based on a partition in slow, dominant and fast modes. In the reduced models, slow dynamics are incorporated as non‐linear manifold consistent with mean‐field theory. Fast dynamics are stochastically treated and can be lumped in eddy‐viscosity approaches. The employed interaction models between slow, dominant and fast dynamics respect momentum and energy balance equations in a mathematically rigorous manner—unlike unsteady Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes models or Smagorinsky‐type reductions of the Navier–Stokes equation. The proposed system reduction strategy is employed to the cylinder wake benchmark. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
KHSV− EBV− post‐transplant effusion lymphoma with plasmablastic features: variant of primary effusion lymphoma?
Authors: Lambe Jennifer S. , Oble Darryl A. , Nandula Subhadra V. , Sevilla Deborah W. , Colovai Adriana I. , Mansukhani Mahesh , Chari Ajai , Murty Vundavalli V. , Alobeid Bachir , Bhagat Govind
Published: March 2009

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare type of B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which predominantly occurs in HIV‐infected individuals, and is pathogenetically linked with Kaposi sarcoma (KS)‐associated herpes virus/human herpes virus‐8 (KSHV/HHV‐8) infection with or without evidence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) co‐infection. Although uncommon, PELs have been reported in immunocompetent patients and recipients of solid organ allografts. Rare cases of KSHV− EBV+ post‐transplant effusion lymphomas resembling PEL have also been described, as have KSHV− EBV− effusion lymphomas, the latter including those arising in individuals with chronic liver disease. We report a unique KSHV− EBV− post‐transplant effusion lymphoma associated with serum paraproteins, occurring in an HIV− individual, which had cytologic features and phenotype similar to PEL, and displayed a complex karyotype including isochromosome 12p and translocation t(8;22), resulting in rearrangement of c‐MYC. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Downloads and citations in Intelligent Systems in Accounting, Finance and Management
Authors: O'Leary Daniel E.
Published: March 2009

This paper summarizes the papers downloaded most from the years 2000–2002 and traces the number of citations from Google Scholar (beta) for those papers at the beginning of 2008. It is found that the number of downloads and citations are highly correlated, suggesting that downloads is a leading indicator of citations, even years into the future. In addition, this paper assesses which of the papers from the journal have been cited most over the history of the journal, using both ISI–Social Science Citation Index and Google Scholar. It is found that the numbers of citations using both approaches are highly correlated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Global diffuse distribution in the brain and efficient gene delivery to the dorsal root ganglia by intrathecal injection of adeno‐associated viral vector serotype 1
Authors: Iwamoto Naotaka , Watanabe Atsushi , Yamamoto Motoko , Miyake Noriko , Kurai Toshiyuki , Teramoto Akira , Shimada Takashi
Published: March 2009

Background

The success of gene therapy for inherited neurodegenerative diseases such as metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) depends on the development of efficient gene delivery throughout the brain guarded by the blood–brain barrier and achieves distribution of the deficient enzyme throughout the brain. Direct injection of viral vector into the brain parenchyma is too invasive and may not be sufficient to treat the entire brain. As an alternative approach, we examined the feasibility of intrathecal (IT) injection of adeno‐associated viral vector serotype 1 (AAV1).

Methods

AAV1 vector expressing arylsulfatase A (ASA) and green fluorescence protein (GFP) was intrathecally injected into ASA knockout MLD model mice. Expression of GFP was assessed by fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemical methods, whereas the concentration of ASA was determined by a quantitative enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Broad distribution of GFP expression was seen throughout the brain after IT injection of AAV1 vector. In addition, a large number of nerve fibers in the dorsal spinal cord and many neural cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglia were efficiently transduced. Widespread distribution of ASA activity and a significant reduction of sulfatide content were confirmed in treated MLD model mice.

Conclusions

IT injection of AAV1 vector is a useful and non‐invasive method for widespread gene delivery to the brain and dorsal root ganglia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone morphogenetic protein 4 is induced in hepatocellular carcinoma by hypoxia and promotes tumour progression
Authors: Maegdefrau Ulrike , Amann Thomas , Winklmeier Andreas , Braig Simone , Schubert Thomas , Weiss Thomas S , Schardt Katharina , Warnecke Christina , Hellerbrand Claus , Bosserhoff Anja‐Katrin
Published: March 2009

Striking similarities exist between molecular mechanisms driving embryonic liver development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), particularly BMP4, have been proposed to regulate embryonic hepatic development. BMP expression has been observed in neoplasia but the expression and biological role of BMP4 in human HCC are unknown. We found increased BMP4 mRNA and protein in HCC cell lines and tissue samples compared to primary human hepatocytes and corresponding non‐tumourous tissue. Hypoxia further induced BMP4 expression in HCC cells, which was abolished by transfection of a dominant negative form of HIF‐1alpha (dnHIF‐1alpha). However, gel shift assays revealed only minor binding activity in nuclear extracts from (hypoxic) HCC cells to a putative hypoxia‐response element in the BMP4 promoter. Sequence analysis of the BMP4 promoter revealed two Ets‐1 binding sites, and Ets‐1 activity was increased in HCC cells under hypoxic conditions. Transfection of dnHIF‐1alpha completely abrogated hypoxia‐induced Ets‐1 activity as well as BMP4 expression. Overexpression of Ets‐1 markedly enhanced BMP4 promoter activity, while antisense Ets‐1 almost completely abolished basal as well as hypoxia‐induced BMP4 expression. These data demonstrate that Ets‐1 activity contributes to baseline expression of the BMP4 gene and is the predominant mediator of the HIF‐dependent BMP4 induction under hypoxic conditions. To determine the functional relevance of BMP4 expression, HCC cell lines were treated with antisense BMP4 constructs or siRNA against BMP4. BMP4 suppression resulted in a strong reduction of the migratory and invasive potential and anchorage‐independent growth. Furthermore, tube formation assays indicated that BMP4 expressed by HCC cells promotes vasculogenesis. Our findings demonstrate that BMP4 is increased in HCC and promotes HCC progression. Therefore, BMP4 expression may have clinical relevance, and interfering with BMP4 signalling appears as an attractive therapeutic target for this highly aggressive tumour. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
G‐protein coupled receptor array technologies: Site directed immobilisation of liposomes containing the H1‐histamine or M2‐muscarinic receptors
Authors: Bailey Kelly , Bally Marta , Leifert Wayne , Vörös Janos , McMurchie Ted
Published: March 2009

This paper describes a novel strategy to create a microarray of G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), an important group of membrane proteins both physiologically and pharmacologically. The H1‐histamine receptor and the M2‐muscarinic receptor were both used as model GPCRs in this study. The receptor proteins were embedded in liposomes created from the cellular membrane extracts ofSpodoptera frugiperda(Sf9) insect cell culture line with its accompanying baculovirus protein insert used for overexpression of the receptors. Once captured onto a surface these liposomes provide a favourable lipidic environment for the integral membrane proteins. Site directed immobilisation of these liposomes was achieved by introduction of cholesterol‐modified oligonucleotides (oligos). These oligo/cholesterol conjugates incorporate within the lipid bilayer and were captured by the complementary oligo strand exposed on the surface. Sequence specific immobilisation was demonstrated using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM‐D). Confirmatory results were also obtained by monitoring fluorescent ligand binding to GPCRs captured on a spotted oligo microarray using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and the ZeptoREADER microarray imaging system. Sequence specific immobilisation of such biologically important membrane proteins could lead to the development of a heterogeneous self‐sorting liposome array of GPCRs which would underpin a variety of future novel applications.
The structure of G117H mutant of butyrylcholinesterase: Nerve agents scavenger
Authors: Amitay Moshe , Shurki Avital
Published: March 2009

Organophosphate ester (OP) compounds are known for their ubiquitous use as insecticides. At the same time, these chemicals are highly toxic and can be used as nerve agents. G117H mutant of human Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) was found to be capable of hydrolyzing certain OPs and protect against their toxicity. However, for therapeutic use, the rate of hydrolysis is too low. Its catalytic power can be improved by rational design, but the structure of the G117H mutant is first required. In this work, we determined, computationally, the three dimensional structure of the G117H BChE mutant. The structure was then validated by simulating acetylation of acetylthiocholine (ATC). Several plausible conformers of G117H BChE were examined but only the (62,−75) conformer fully reproduced catalytic effect. The (62,−75) conformer is, therefore, suggested as the structure adopted by the G117H BChE mutant. This conformer is shown to explain the loss of esterase activity observed for the G122H Acetylcholinesterase mutant together with its recovery when additional mutations are placed turning the enzyme also into an OP hydrolase. Furthermore, similarity of the structure to the structure of RNase A, which is known to hydrolyze the OP bond in RNA, grants it further credibility and suggests a mechanism for the OP hydrolysis. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An experimental study of pig rearing
Authors: Howie J. W. , Biggar W. A. , Thomson W. , Cook R.
Published: March 2009

1. Nine pig-rearing experiments designed to probe the causes of ill-health among young pigs farrowed and reared indoors suggested that the main cause of trouble was that the buildings were too cold, draughty and damp.

2. The superior health of pigs farrowed and reared outdoors appeared to depend less on their access to iron or unknown nutrients in soil and grass than to the greater comfort afforded by the wooden ark huts in which they were housed.

3. The clinical and pathological features of sick indoor pigs were essentially those of cardiac failure.

4. In a discussion of our own findings and the published reports of others we offer a working hypothesis to explain the sequence of events. We hope to explore its validity in future experiments.

Work on this subject was suggested by Mr Arthur Crichton and encouraged at all stages by his interest and advice.
The determination of cellulose in nutritional studies: Part I. A new method for the determination of cellulose
Authors: Druce Edward , Willcox James Stuart
Published: March 2009

A new, rapid method for the determination of cellulose has been investigated, and has been shown to yield a fraction composed mainly of hexosan. The method has been shown to be applicable to feeding-stuffs and faecal material, with a satisfactory degree of accuracy.
Studies on soil organic matter: Part I. The chemical nature of soil organic nitrogen
Authors: Bremner J. M.
Published: March 2009

1. The acid hydrolysis of six soils with nitrogen contents ranging from 0·1 to 2·38% has been studied by determining the amounts of ammonia-, humin- and α-amino-N present in the soil hydrolysates after various periods of hydrolysis.

2. Under the conditions of hydrolysis employed (3 ml. of 6N-HCl/g. soil) the period required for maximum liberation of amino-acids from the soils was about 12 hr. 24·2–37·1% of the total-nitrogen of the soils examined was liberated as α-amino-N in this period. Further hydrolysis led to destruction of amino-acids. Similar amounts of α-amino-N were liberated by hydrolysis of the soils with alkali (5N-NaOH).

3. From 69 to 87% of the total-nitrogen of the soils was brought into solution by acid hydrolysis; the amount dissolved by hydrolysing with alkali or with alkali under reducing conditions (alkalistannite) was not significantly different. It is concluded that most of the insoluble-nitrogen found after acid hydrolysis is not derived from protein material, and it is suggested that some of this nitrogen is in the form of heterocyclic nitrogen compounds.