bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Inhibitory Effects of Serum on Lymphocyte Responses to Mitogenic Stimulation
Authors: Hsu Clement C.S.
Published: July 2009

The effects of sera from pregnant women, human umbilical cords and non-pregnant healthy control individuals on human lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and allogeneic lymphocytes (MLR) are described. Maternal sera invariably inhibited lymphocyte responses to PHA. In MLR and PWM-stimulated lymphocyte responses, however, some maternal sera had pronounced inhibitory effect while other maternal sera had none. Similar dissociation of inhibitory effects of lymphocyte responses to PHA and to PWM or in MLR was noted in some cord sera but not in the control sera we studied. The observations may reflect different serum factors impinging upon different lymphocyte subpopulations responsive to different mitogens. Preliminary attempts to relate the serum inhibitory effects to various serum components revealed that inhibition of MLR appeared to correlate with increases in α-2-globulins and β-globulins. In contrast, inhibition of PHA responses was not similarly related to any one or two specific serum constituents.
Production of Homocytotropic Antibody against Acid Extracts Isolated from Group A Streptococcal Cell Walls in Intact and Adrenalectomized Rats
Authors: Ohkuni Hisashi , Norose Yoshihiko , Moriyama Tateo , Kosugi Munehisa , Kimura Yoshitami
Published: July 2009

Intact and adrenalectomized rats of male Sprague-Dawley were injected with acid-extracted materials isolated from group A streptococcal cell walls using aluminum gel as an adjuvant. We have clearly demonstrated the production of homocytotropic antibodies against this antigens in rats. However, the homocytotropic antibody titers in adrenalectomized rats were much higher than those in intact rats.
Production of Guinea Pig IgG1 Homocytotropic Antibodies to Hapten-Conjugated Homologous Serum Albumin with Different Adjuvant Combinations
Authors: Wong Donald T.O. , Barbaro J.F.
Published: July 2009

The effects of various antigen-adjuvant combinations on the production of IgG1 antibody was investigated with p-aminobenzoate conjugated to guinea pig serum albumin. The results demonstrate the importance that initial exposure of antigen-adjuvant combination has on IgGl production. Further, there is a synergistic effect when antigen adsorbed to alum and antigen with complete Freund’s adjuvant were used in conjunction with one another. The result of this effect is discussed within the context of T and B cell activation by antigen-adjuvant combinations.
Neutral Proteases of Human PMN Leukocytes with Kininogenase Activity
Authors: Movat Henry Z. , Habal Flavio M. , MacMorine David R.L.
Published: July 2009

A neutral protease with kininogenase activity was isolated from human polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes by cation exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The protease appears heterogeneous by cation exchange chromatography, isoelectric focusing and cationic disc gel electrophoresis, but homogeneous by gel filtration, sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation, SDS-disc gel electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis. By carrying out the electrophoresis of the protease in acrylamide gels of varying concentrations, it was shown that they represent charge isomers. The protease was stable at pH 4–10, but labile to heat, being almost completely inactivated when incubated for 30 min at 70°C. It exhibited proteolytic activity between pH 5 and 9, being maximal at 7.5–8.5. The molecular weight of the PMN protease was estimated to be about 20,000 daltons by gel filtration in aqueous buffer and about 26,000–28,000 daltons by SDS-disc gel electrophoresis and gel filtration in Sepharose 6B in the presence of the dissociating agent guanidine HC1. Its sedimentation coefficient was about 2.7S. Corresponding to the charge heterogeneity, by isoelectric focusing, the kinin-generating and esterolytic activities of the PMN granule lysate focused between pH 6.0 and 11.5, whereas the isolated PMN protease focused between 10.0 and 11.8. With respect to kinin generation, caseinolysis, and alanine esterase activity, the protease was inhibited by DFP and certain chloromethyl ketone inhibitors, as well as the plasma protease inhibitory α1-antitrypsin, α2-macroglobulin and antithrombin III. Both bradykinin and a methionyl-lysyl-bradykinin-like peptide were generated from highly purified kininogens by a lysosomal lysate containing the PMN protease. However, this assay was done with a crude enzyme preparation which contains an aminopeptidase capable of converting lysyl-bradykinin or methionyl-lysyl-bradykinin to bradykinin. When injected intradermally, the protease induced hyperemia, hemorrhage, and moderate enhancement of vascular permeability, but the mixture of the protease and kininogen induced a marked enhancement of vascular permeability.
A Comparison of the Anaphylactoid Actions of a Synthetic Linear Dextran and a Natural Branched Dextran
Authors: Delitheos A.K. , Hanahoe T.H.P. , West G.B.
Published: July 2009

Synthetic linear dextran of molecular weight 40,000 produces the systemic anaphylactoid reaction in rats although it is about 4 times less active than the natural branched dextran of similar molecular weight. Similarly, it is less active on local injection into the foot or skin. However, in rats which have been bred for non-reactivity to systemic dextran, it is more active on local injection, resembling the activity of a branched natural dextran of much lower molecular weight (6,000). In human skin, the synthetic linear 40,000 sample is also more active than the natural branched sample of similar molecular weight in producing a wheal and erythema. The results suggest that the dextran receptor in the skin of man may be similar to that in rats genetically resistant to systemic dextran.
Inhibition of Allergic Reactions by Cromoglycate and by a New Anti-Allergic Drug (10-Chloro-1,4,6,9-Tetrahydro-4,6-Dioxopyrido[3,2-g]Quinoline-2,8-Dicarboxylic Acid)
Authors: Johnson Herbert G. , van Hout Christine A.
Published: July 2009

A new inhibitor of IgE-mediated allergic reactions has been studied in rats. This new inhibitor is chemically quite different from cromoglycate and shows qualitative and quantitative advantages over it. This new inhibitor possesses no bronchodilator or end-organ antagonism activity, but as cromoglycate acts by inhibition of mediator release. Multiple doses in rats lead to tachyphylaxis. This effect is reversed both by decreasing the first dose and increasing the time between doses.
Fc- and Complement-Receptor Rosette-Forming Cell Ratios in Human Tonsils and Peripheral Blood
Authors: Siegel Israel , Grieco Michael H. , Gupta Sudhir
Published: July 2009

Lymphocytes were investigated for both Fc- and complement-rosette-forming cell activities. At least three subpopulations differing in the relative activities of the Fc and complement receptors have been disclosed. In human tonsils a subpopulation of B lymphocytes had a higher complement-receptor activity than Fc-receptor activity. In contrast, the peripheral cells from a patient with a lymphoma and another with an undiagnosed lymphocytic disease contained a population of B lymphocytes with higher Fc-receptor than complement-receptor activity. In three patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, B lymphocytes contained both Fc- and complement-receptor activities. No differences between complement- and Fc-receptor activities were evident in normal human peripheral blood. Fc-receptor, but not complement-receptor activity was inhibited by 2% γ-globulin, or 8 × 103 m iodoacetate. EDTA at 1.7 × 10-2 m concentration has no effect upon Fc- or complement-rosette-forming cells. The activity of both receptors was diminished at 4°C.
Effect of D2O on Phytohemagglutinin-Induced Lymphocyte Proliferation
Authors: Schatz Michael , Patterson Roy , Suszko Irena M.
Published: July 2009

The effect of D2O on phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced proliferation of human lymphocytes in vitro was examined. A significant dose-dependent inhibition of the lymphocyte reactivity by D2O as observed. This inhibition did not require the simultaneous presence of D2O and PHA in the cultures. Both cytotoxic and cytostatic mechanisms for this inhibition are implicated.
Direct Macrophage Migration Inhibition Test in DNCB Contact Sensitized Guinea Pigs
Authors: von Blomberg Mary , Rijlaarsdam U. , Scheper R.J.
Published: July 2009

Using dinitrochlorbenzene contact-sensitized guinea pigs, several DNP conjugates have been assayed in the direct macrophage migration inhibition test (MMIT). Although no significant differences could be observed between the carriers used, conjugates prepared from serum proteins and epidermal extracts tended to give the strongest inhibition of macrophage migration. Conjugates prepared from cells cultured in vitro in the presence of hapten did not cause more inhibition than control conjugates prepared in the absence of cell metabolism. The direct MMIT showed statistical differences between sensitized and nonsensitized groups of guinea pigs. However, none of the conjugates permitted conclusions to be drawn with regard to individual animals.
Specific Acquired Immune Unresponsiveness to Contact Allergens with Cyclophosphamide in the Mouse
Authors: Maguire, jr Henry C.
Published: July 2009

Treatment with cyclophosphamide (Cy) can modulate the acquisition of allergic contact dermatitis in the mouse. We compared the effect of a single dose of Cy given at different times before or after allergen. Cy one or more days prior to allergen intensified, and Cy several days after allergen inhibited the acquisition of sensitivity. Mice whose immunological response to an allergen had been suppressed by Cy were specifically immunologically tolerant to that allergen, but not to an unrelated allergen. This tolerance probably represents a combination of clone deletion and inhibition; almost certainly it does not depend on the generation of enhancing (‘blocking’) antibody.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Low Molecular Weight Allergens in the Chicken
Authors: Maguire, jr. H.C. , Rank R.G. , Weidanz W.P.
Published: July 2009

We have produced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to low molecular weight allergens in the chicken. Sensitization was induced by the application of a high concentration of allergen to a site on the comb previously treated with dimethyl sulfoxide. Challenge, which was made on the wattle with a nonirritating concentration of allergen, resulted in a dermatitis that was grossly and histologically similar to ACD in mammals. Chickens sensitized to oxazolone reacted to that allergen and not to picryl chloride, and conversely. This model provides a unique system wherein to study the T-cell and B-cell contributions to the generation, maintainance and expression of the ACD response.
B and T Cells in the Lymphoid Tissues of Human Appendix
Authors: Mizumoto Takashi
Published: July 2009

Human appendix lymphoid cells (HAL) react very strongly to stimulation with concanavalin A, strongly to stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin, and weakly but definitely to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. From the results of rosette formation assay, cytotoxicity tests with anti-T cell antiserum or anti-B cell antiserum, cell surface or intracellular immunoglobulin staining with fluorescein-conjugated rabbit anti-Fab of human immunoglobulin serum, and plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay, it was concluded that human appendix lymphoid tissue is a B cell pool but includes T cells. However, both direct and indirect PFC could not be significantly demonstrated against sheep red blood cells in a 5-day HAL culture.
Effect of Season of Immunization on the Induction of Delayed Contact Sensitivity in the Guinea Pig
Authors: Baer Harold , Hooton Michael
Published: July 2009

The degree of delayed contact sensitivity induced in guinea pigs was greater when sensitization was attempted in winter than when attempted in spring and summer.
Reactive and Nonreactive Lymphocytes in Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Lisak Robert P. , Zweiman Burton , Levinson Arnold I.
Published: July 2009

Previous studies have shown that peritoneal inflammatory exudate cells from guinea pigs with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis proliferate prominently when cultured with the sensitizing myelin basic protein. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) obtained at the same time responded little, if at all. In the present studies, recombination experiments using appropriate mixtures of peritoneal exudate macrophages and PBL show that the presence of such macrophages will not enhance in vitro reactivity of the PBL to basic protein. The oil-induced peritoneal inflammatory response appears to deplete the PBL somewhat of antigen-reactive lymphocytes, but does not totally explain the difference in in vitro responsiveness between the lymphocytes in the peritoneal exudate and in the peripheral blood.
Effect of Degradation of the Arabinogalactan Portion of a Water-Soluble Component from M. tuberculosis Wax D on Polyarthritis Induction in the Rat
Authors: Koga T. , Kato K. , Kotani S. , Tanaka A. , Pearson C.M.
Published: July 2009

In order to explore a possible role of the arabinogalactan (AG) portion of the water-soluble arthritogenic component (WAC) from M. tuberculosis wax D for induction of adjuvant arthritis (AA) in the rat, this component was digested with an AG-degrading enzyme. The enzyme-digested WAC was able to produce AA. The severity of AA was almost comparable to that of the nondigested WAC. This finding suggests that the AG portion of the WAC does not seem to be essential for AA induction and indirectly points the importance of the peptidoglycan portion.
Bovine Reaginic Antibody
Authors: Nielsen K. , Holmes W. , Wilkie B. , Tizard I.
Published: July 2009

A method of utilizing morphological changes in rat mast cells to determine reaginic antibody activity in bovine serum is described. This technique, which has been shown to be useful for the diagnosis of allergies in man, relies on the ability of antigen to degranulate mast cells sensitized with allergic serum. Experiments with radioactively-labelled allergic bovine globulin indicated the specificity of the binding of such proteins to rat mast cells. Cross-reaction between reaginic bovine antibody and human IgE was shown by a binding assay involving the uptake of 125I-labelled anti-human IgE globulin by mast cells incubated with bovine passive cutaneous anaphylaxis positive globulin.
Activation and Consumption of Hageman Factor in the Anaphylactic Shock of the Rat
Authors: Fésüs László , Csaba Béla , Muszbek László
Published: July 2009

In the early stages of anaphylactic shock of rats pretreated with Bordetella pertussis vaccine, a prompt and parallel activation of the factor XIIa-dependent intrinsic coagulation, kinin generation, and fibrinolytic acticity was observed. The coagulation studies, the similarity of anaphylactic results with those produced by a single injection of ellagic acid, and the effective inhibition of the anaphylactic and the ellagic acid-induced activation of these pathways by lysozyme all suggest that factor XII itself becomes activated in rat anaphylaxis. As the reaction proceeded, considerable anticoagulant activities emerged, but the bradykinin and the plasminogen activator levels even further increased. During the first 10 min of anaphylactic shock, factor XII was partly consumed and this was prevented by ε-aminocaproic acid infusion. The results show that in pathological conditions such as anaphylaxis there is an intimate in vivo interaction among the three factor Xlla-dependent pathways.
Depletion of Complement in vivo and in vitro by Extracts of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Budzko Delia B. , Negroni R.
Published: July 2009

A new, nontoxic material extracted from Aspergillus fumigatus, is described with complement-depletion capacity both in vivo and in vitro. Extracts of the mycelium of A. fumigatus were found to haemolyse sheep red blood cells, to be lethal for mice and to convert C3 into its faster electrophoretic form when incubated with normal human serum. Conversion did not take place when purified C3 was used, suggesting that serum factors were required in the reaction. Adsorption of the extracts with activated carbon or heating at 100 °C for 30 min yielded detoxified materials devoid of both toxic and haemolytic properties but still capable of converting serum C3. In guinea pigs, administration of detoxified extracts was followed by complement depletion lasting not less than 48 h. Heating (100 °C for 30 min) extracts which had been previously detoxified by carbon adsorption resulted in a partial loss (40%) of their complement-inhibitory capacity indicating that part of the anticomplementarity of AFE was due to a heat-stable substance.
Influence of Detergent on Aerosol Allergic Sensitization with Enzymes of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Markham R.J.F. , Wilkie B.N.
Published: July 2009

An anionic detergent, sodiumdodecylbenzenesulphonate, had an adjuvant effect upon aerosol allergic sensitization with subtilopeptidase A, a proteolytic enzyme of Bacillus subtilis. Both local and systemic antibody responses were accelerated and prolonged by use of the detergent. This adjuvant effect was only seen when an inactive form of the enzyme was used. The detergent, however, was able to potentiate early clinical responses upon initial exposure to the active enzyme.
The Histamine Release Process and Concomitant Structural Changes in Rat Peritoneal Mast Cells
Authors: Krüger Per Gøran
Published: July 2009

Two morphologically different populations of rat peritoneal mast cells were observed in response to incubation with compound 48/80. Type 2 mast cells: cells with distinct contours exhibiting intracellular vacuoles containing altered granules and without signs of granule liberation; Type 3 mast cells: cells with indistinct contours and with varying number of granules liberated. The absence of calcium in the medium, high temperature (37 °C) in the presence as well as in the absence of calcium favoured type 2 versus the type 3 cells. The isolated mast cell population was less morphologically heterogeneous than the mixed cell population in response to the addition of compound 48/80. It is concluded that mast cells might release a great part of their histamine content without a concomitant liberation of the granule matrixes. The varying morphological pictures observed after incubating of mast cells with compound 48/80 is due to variable factors inherent to the experimental procedures.
An in vitro Model of Canine Immediate-Type Hypersensitivity Reactions
Authors: Krell Robert D. , Chakrin Lawrence W.
Published: July 2009

Fragmented lung prepared from dogs cutaneously sensitive to ascaris antigen released histamine and a slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis-like (SRS-A) material upon antigen challenge. Passive sensitization of fragments with serum obtained from ascaris-sensitive donor dogs enhanced the release of both substances; heating (56 °C for 4 h) destroyed the ability of the serum to enhance release. In passively sensitized tissues isoproterenol and papaverine inhibited the release of histamine and SRS-A; propranolol antagonized the effect of isoproterenol. Carbachol enhanced the release of both substances from passively sensitized lung whereas disodium cromoglycate and aminoguanidine were without effect. It is concluded that fragmented canine lung is a useful model for study of immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions.
Role of Cyclic Nucleotides in Human Lymphocyte-Mediated Antibody-Dependent Cytotoxicity
Authors: Wisløff Finn , Christoffersen Thoralf
Published: July 2009

Experiments were carried out in order to throw light on the role of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in the modulation of the expression of antibody-dependent cytotoxicity mediated by human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro. Chicken erythrocytes were used as target cells. Support for an inhibitory role of cyclic AMP was derived from the marked suppression of cytotoxicity by dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Cyclic AMP itself had little effect. Isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E2 increased cyclic AMP concentrations and strongly inhibited the cytotoxic effect of the lymphocytes. Histamine showed very slight elevation of the cyclic AMP level and suppression of the cytotoxicity. Theophylline did not increase the cyclic AMP concentration, but potentiated the effects of isoproterenol and prostaglandin E1 on the cyclic AMP levels, and significantly inhibited cytotoxicity. No clear effects were seen when cyclic GMP, dibutyryl GMP, acetylcholine or carbacholine were added to the cells. The results indicate that in this system cyclic AMP inhibits cytotoxicity, while no evidence for a role of cyclic GMP has been obtained.
Cell-Mediated and Humoral Immune Responses in Mice
Authors: Katsura Y. , Nakano K. , Kabara Y. , Uesaka I.
Published: July 2009

Footpad assay of delayed-type hypersensitivity to bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied. Injection of saline solution of BSA (S-BSA) into footpads of sensitized mice resulted in the development of only the local Arthus-type reaction. Injection of alum-precipitated BSA (AP-BSA), however, was effective in generating both Arthus- and delayed-type reactions. The difference between S-BSA and AP-BSA in the ability of elicitation of delayed-type reaction may be attributable to the difference in the retention of these two forms of antigen in the footpad, since S-BSA was found to be eliminated much more rapidly from footpads than AP-BSA.
A Solid-Phase Radioimmunoassay for IgG and IgM Antigammaglobulin Factor in Rheumatoid Arthritis Sera
Authors: Sato Mikio , Kasukawa Reiji , Murai Takao , Yoshida Takeo
Published: July 2009

Rheumatoid factors of IgG and IgM class were detected by means of a solidphase radioimmunoassay using formalinized sheep erythrocytes sensitized with rabbit anti-sheep erythrocyte serum and 125I-labelled anti-human IgG or anti-human IgM antibody. 28 of 35 sera and all of 7 synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed positive reaction for both IgG and IgM rheumatoid factor, though the activity of IgM factor was mostly higher than that of IgG factor. However, rheumatoid factor present in synovial fluids of 3 seronegative patients was mainly of IgG class. Of 14 sera of patients with other collagen diseases, 11 showed IgG and 6 showed IgM rheumatoid factor. The IgG rheumatoid factor seemed to be associated with autologous IgG to form macro-molecular complexes which could be dissociated into 7S molecules of IgG rheumatoid factor and IgG by acid treatment.
Increase in the Severity of Allergic-Type Bronchospasm in Sensitized and Challenged Cats Treated with Cortisone
Authors: Talbott Max W. , Strausser Helen R.
Published: July 2009

The feline model of immediate hypersensitivity to intraperitoneal ovalbumin sensitization, followed 65 days later by intravenous challenge, was used in this study to determine the effect of cortisone acetate administration on the severity of allergic bronchospasm. Cortisone acetate given intramuscularly prior to, during and immediately after sensitization increased the severity of the allergic response. Comparison of the respiratory, blood pressure and heart rate responses in cortisone-treated animals with nontreated controls indicated a significantly increased challenge reaction among the treated group. Of 7 cats receiving cortisone treatment, 5 died during the 30-min challenge monitoring period. None of the nontreated control group died. It is hypothesized that cortisone treatment impaired the activity of the cortisone-sensitive thymus-derived (T) cells.
Silent Renal Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Bennett William M. , Bardana Emil J. , Houghton Donald C. , Pirofsky Bernard , Striker Gary D.
Published: July 2009

20 patients with active SLE without clinical evidence of renal involvement underwent percutaneous renal biopsy. 12 had varying proliferative changes on light microscopy. Of 19 ultrastructural examinations performed only 3 had no electron-dense deposits. Serum C3 and C4 levels were 63 ± 8 and 8 ± 2 mg% in patients with subendothelial deposits, compared to 142 ± 27 and 27 ± 6 mg%, respectively, in patients without deposits (p < 0.01). All patients with diffuse proliferative changes had subendothelial deposits; however, one with normal light microscopy and another with focal proliferation also had them. It is concluded that no variant of lupus nephropathy can be excluded on clinical grounds alone.
Antineoplastic Effects of Long-Term Trichinella spiralis Infection on B-16 Melanoma
Authors: Molinari J.A. , Ebersole J.L.
Published: July 2009

Oral infection of mice with Trichinella spiralis has been shown to induce a potentiation of the delayed hypersensitive (DTH) response to BCG. The present investigation was initiated to determine whether nematode-induced potentiation of DTH influenced the induction and progression of a transplantable mouse tumor. B6D2F1/J mice were orally infected with 200 T. spiralis larvae 176 days preceding subcutaneous administration of 5 × 105 viable B-16 melanoma cells. The antineoplastic effects of long-term nematode infection were assessed by daily observation of the animals monitoring development and progression of neoplastic nodules. Control mice developed tumors by day 28 following tumor challenge, while none of the corresponding T. spiralis-infected animals demonstrated any signs of neoplasia. All control mice died within 60 days, while none of the nematode-infected animals developed detectable neoplasms. This phenomenon suggested that the presence of well-established larval cysts was capable of stimulating host antineoplastic activity.
Reaginic Immune Response to Tree Pollen Antigen in LBN Rats
Authors: Yoo T.J. , Kuo Chao Y. , Joseph Scott
Published: July 2009

The immunogenicity and cross-antigenicity of ten common tree pollen allergens were studied in LBN rats. The rats produced IgE antibodies to each of the allergens used (maple, willow, poplar, ash, oak, sycamore, hickory, walnut, birch, and elm), yet the allergens had extremely limited cross-reactivity. The possible explanation for the limited cross-antigenicity is discussed.
HLA in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Shin Dong H. , Becker Bernard , Bell Elliott
Published: July 2009

Histocompatibility antigen typing was carried out in 50 Caucasian patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and 50 Caucasian ocular-normotensive subjects. HLA-A 3 was present in 46%, B7 in 52%, B 12 in 50%, and either B 7 or B 12 in 88% of patients with POAG. These prevalences in POAG patients were significantly greater than in ocular-normotensive subjects (p < 0.01, p < 0.0005, p < 0.001, and p < 0.0005, respectively). The prevalences of A 3-B 7, A 3-B 12 and either combination were also significantly greater in POAG patients than in the ocular normotensives (p < 0.005, p < 0.005, and p < 0.0005, respectively). HLA-BW 35 was noted to be in deficit in Caucasian POAG patients (8%) as compared to Caucasian ocular normotensives (32%; p < 0.01).
Touch insensitive foraging of Caenorhabditis elegans in a constrained structure
Authors: Eo Jinu , Otobe Kazunori
Published: July 2009

The objective of this study was to clarify the role of touch sensors in the
foraging of Caenorhabditis elegans in a constrained structure. The strains
tested included an array of mechanosensory mutants insensitive to touch in
the body, tail or nose. The mutants and wild type nematodes repeated forward
and backward movement in a micro-moulded substrate as on the surface of agar
gel. Differences in the foraging pattern were not obvious among mutant
groups having different touch sensor deficit in the substrate, and all
strains of nematode successfully moved out of the T-shaped structure after
searching the configuration of their environment. The results suggest that
the touch sensor is a weak contributor to the performance of the worms when
foraging, and the behaviour is governed by intrinsic spontaneous patterns in
the absence of any stimuli in natural habitat.
Protein biomarkers to distinguish oat and lucerne races of the stem nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci, with quarantine significance for Western Australia
Authors: Perera Modika R. , Taylor Sharyn P. , Vanstone Vivien A. , Jones Michael G.K.
Published: July 2009

The stem and bulb nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci, is a serious pest of forage,
horticultural and other crops. The two races of D. dipsaci that occur in
Australia are the oat and lucerne races. These two races have the 'normal'
morphology compared to the 'giant' type that attacks Vicia faba. The oat and
lucerne races have been found in eastern Australia but not in Western
Australia. There are no morphological or specific molecular tests to
differentiate races within closely related 'normal' types of D. dipsaci. The
aim of this work was to find protein biomarkers that would differentiate oat
and lucerne races of D. dipsaci using matrix-assisted laser
desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS), 2-D
PAGE and associated proteomics techniques. Three protein biomarkers at m/z
4313 ± 0.1%, 6300 ± 0.1% and 7460 ± 0.1% were found that discriminate the
oat and lucerne races of D. dipsaci using MALDI-TOFMS. The biomarker at m/z
4313 ± 0.1% was the prominent race-specific marker for the lucerne race and
is almost absent in the oat race. In addition, proteomic maps were obtained
by 2-D PAGE of proteins extracted from oat and lucerne races of D. dipsaci.
This analysis allowed a comparison of acetone soluble proteins of oat and
lucerne races of D. dipsaci. A prominent protein spot was identified with an
isoelectric point (pI) of about 5 and molecular mass ca 4.5 kDa for the
lucerne race, which was absent in the oat race. This particular protein was
trypsin-digested and analysed by MALDI-TOFMS and MALDI-TOF-TOFMS. The
resultant spectra of peptide mass fingerprints (PMF) showed two major
peptides at m/z 845 ± 0.1%, 916 ± 0.1% and a less intense peptide at m/z
1258 ± 0.1%. De novo sequencing and MS/MS interpreted amino acid sequences
are presented.
Recovery of infective juveniles of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae via factors produced by insect cells and symbiotic bacteria
Authors: Kikuta Shingo , Kiuchi Takashi , Aoki Fugaku , Nagata Masao
Published: July 2009

Entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema carpocapsae, show 'recovery' from the
dauer form as infective juveniles (IJ) up to fourth-stage juveniles when
host invasion occurs. This recovery also occurs within an insect cell line
culturing system. Here we addressed the factor(s) that induce recovery. When
IJ were exposed to cell medium obtained from the cultivation of Sf9 cell
lines derived from armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda), approximately 50% of
IJ recovered after 4 h. By 16 h, 90% of the IJ had undergone recovery. Other
insect cell lines such as silkworm (Bombyx mori)-derived BmN cells and fruit
fly (Drosophila melanogaster)-derived S2 cells also secreted the recovery
inducing factor(s). By contrast, mammalian cells (NIH/3T3 and HeLa) had no
effect on nematode recovery. Our data also suggest that symbiotic bacteria
are involved in IJ recovery; axenic IJ did not recover in the cell-cultured
medium. When symbiotic bacteria isolated from IJ were propagated within the
cell-cultured medium, the supernatant gained recovery-inducing activity
against axenic IJ. From these results, we conclude that IJ recovery in S.
carpocapsae is induced by multiple factor(s) secreted from insect cells and
symbiont bacteria.
Interpersonal Behavior in an Isolated and Confined Environment
Authors: Paul F. U. John , Mandal Manas Kumar , Ramachandran K. , Panwar M. R.
Published: July 2009

The article discusses a study that focused on interpersonal needs and investigated whether interpersonal behavior of Antarctic personnel deteriorated after the halfway point of prolonged isolation and confinement. Twenty-three personnel who resided in Antarctica for 14 months served as participants. The mean age of participants was 39 years (SD = 8.7 years). This study uses the FIRO-B questionnaire that assessed the dimensions of interpersonal behavior. The findings indicate a greater need to associate with other personnel but with less intimacy. Inversely, personnel want others to establish close relationships with them but with a low level of interaction. Besides, the overall interpersonal behavior (the mean score of six scales of FIRO-B) reveals a significant improvement in the first versus the second half of a prolonged isolated and confined environment.
Use of Coercive Physical Measures in a Psychiatric Ward of a General Hospital in Greece
Authors: Bilanakis Nikolaos , Kalampokis Georgios , Christou Konstantinos , Peritogiannis Vaios
Published: July 2009

Background: Coercive physical measures are commonly used in psychiatric units throughout the world for the management of severe behaviourally disturbed patients.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the rates of coercive physical measures (seclusion and restraint) used in psychiatric inpatients in the psychiatric unit of a general hospital in Greece.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of all admissions to the psychiatric unit of the University General Hospital of loannina during a six-month period was conducted. Differences between patients who were subjected to coercion and patients who did not receive any coercive treatment were statistically analyzed and compared.

Results: Of the total of 282 admissions during the study period, 31 (11.0%) cases had been subjected to some form of coercive physical measures: 9.55% and 1.76% were affected by seclusion and mechanical restraint, respectively (one patient had been subjected to both). The mean duration of any one seclusion and mechanical restraint was 64.9 hours and the mean number of seclusion and restraint per affected case was 3.58. Statistical analysis between the group subjected to coercive measures and the group who was not did not reveal any association with demographic data or diagnosis. Coercive measures were found to be associated only with the type of admission at intake.

Conclusions: Involuntary admissions were associated with statistically significant higher levels of restraint and seclusion in this patient sample. Strategies that will enhance patients’ follow-up are expected to prevent involuntary admissions and reduce the use of coercive measures.
Interindividual Variability in Pharmacokinetics of Generic Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors in TB/HIV‐Coinfected Ghanaian Patients:UGT2B7*1c Is Associated With Faster Zidovudine Clearance and Glucuronidation
Authors: Kwara Awewura , Lartey Margaret , Boamah Isaac , Rezk Naser L. , Oliver‐Commey Joseph , Kenu Ernest , Kashuba Angela D. M. , Court Michael H.
Published: July 2009

There are limited data on the pharmacokinetics of generic nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in native African populations, in whom they are commonly used. The authors characterized the pharmacokinetics of lamivudine (n = 27), zidovudine (n = 16), and stavudine (n = 11) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/tuberculosis (TB)‐coinfected Ghanaians and evaluated associations between zidovudine metabolism and UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 2B7 polymorphisms. Lamivudine, zidovudine, and stavudine apparent oral clearance (CL/F) values (mean ± SD [% coefficient of variation [CV]) were 7.3 ± 2.8 (39%), 31.9 ± 33.6 (106%), and 16.4 ± 5.8 (35%) mL/min/kg, respectively, whereas half‐life values were 4.2 ± 1.9 (46%), 8.1 ± 7.9 (98%), and 1.5 ± 1.0 (65%) hours, respectively. Zidovudine CL/F was 196% higher (P= .004) inUGT2B7*1c (c.735A>G) carriers versus noncarriers. This was confirmed using human liver bank samples (n = 52), which showed 48% higher (P= .020) zidovudine glucuronidation and 33% higher (P= .015) UGT2B7 protein inUGT2B7*1c carriers versus noncarriers. In conclusion, generic NRTI pharmacokinetics in HIV/TB‐coinfected Ghanaians are similar to other populations, whereas theUGT2B7*1c polymorphism may explain in part relatively high interindividual variability in zidovudine clearance
Reflections on a Reflective Cycle: Building Legitimacy in Design Knowledge Development
Authors: Heusinkveld Stefan , Reijers Hajo A.
Published: July 2009

In this article we seek to develop a better understanding of how design knowledge development (DKD) ventures may gain ‘good currency’. The reflective cycle is generally considered to be a key element in the accumulation of design knowledge and crucial to the interface of science and design. However, the elements that may encourage or inhibit the enactment of this cycle in development ventures have received scant attention in the literature on organizational design. In our analysis, we show how DKD ventures face important barriers related to the institutional context and institutional entrepreneurship. We argue that the current conceptualizations and practices of knowledge development in organizational design need to pay much more attention to building legitimacy.
Risking Bodies in the Wild
Authors: Jaquette Ray Sarah
Published: July 2009

At the heart of American adventure sports is the appeal of personal challenge that has roots in 19th-century “wilderness cults.” Preserving wilderness and testing oneself against it were part of a search for moral, physical, and even national purity. But, as critics have begun to argue, racism, expansion, and exclusion underpin the wilderness movement. Although these exclusions have been identified, there has been less attention to these exclusions in contemporary adventure culture and environmental thought, which borrow values from the early wilderness movement and suggest that an environmental ethic arises from risking the body in the wild. By examining adventure culture through disability studies, this article exposes the relationship between environmentalism and ableism. It argues that disability is the category of “otherness” against which both environmentalism and adventure have been shaped and revises environmental thought to include all kinds of bodies.
Persistent Navigation and Mapping using a Biologically Inspired SLAM System
Authors: Milford Michael , Wyeth Gordon
Published: July 2009

The challenge of persistent navigation and mapping is to develop an autonomous robot system that can simultaneously localize, map and navigate over the lifetime of the robot with little or no human intervention. Most solutions to the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem aim to produce highly accurate maps of areas that are assumed to be static. In contrast, solutions for persistent navigation and mapping must produce reliable goal-directed navigation outcomes in an environment that is assumed to be in constant flux. We investigate the persistent navigation and mapping problem in the context of an autonomous robot that performs mock deliveries in a working office environment over a two-week period. The solution was based on the biologically inspired visual SLAM system, RatSLAM. RatSLAM performed SLAM continuously while interacting with global and local navigation systems, and a task selection module that selected between exploration, delivery, and recharging modes. The robot performed 1,143 delivery tasks to 11 different locations with only one delivery failure (from which it recovered), traveled a total distance of more than 40 km over 37 hours of active operation, and recharged autonomously a total of 23 times.
Clock Gene Modulation by TNF-α Depends on Calcium and p38 MAP Kinase Signaling
Authors: Petrzilka Saskia , Taraborrelli Cornelia , Cavadini Gionata , Fontana Adriano , Birchler Thomas
Published: July 2009

A 24-h treatment with the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) suppresses transcription of E-box—driven clock genes (D-site albumin promoter binding protein, Dbp; Tyrotroph embryonic factor, Tef ; Hepatic leukemia factor, Hlf; Period homolog to Drosophila 1/2/3, Per1, Per2, and Per3) by yet unknown molecular mechanisms. The attenuation of clock genes has been suggested as a putative cause for the development of sickness behavior syndrome in infectious and autoimmune diseases. Here, the authors studied the effect of TNF-α at early time points (<3 h) on intracellular signaling events and clock gene expression in fibroblasts. Interaction of TNF-α with TNFR1 ( Tnfrsf1a , CD120a, p55), but not TNFR2 ( Tnfrsf1b, CD120b , p75), leads to fast downregulation of gene expression of Dbp and upregulation of negative regulators of the molecular clock, Per1 and Per2, Cryptochrome-1 ( Cry1), and Differentiated embryo chondrocytes-1 ( Dec1). Since the decrease of Dbp is also observed in cells deficient for Per1/Per2, Cry1/ Cry2 , or Dec1, these genes are unlikely to be responsible for inhibition of Dbp. The early effect of TNF-α on the clock gene Per1 is dependent on p38, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and/or calcium signaling, whereas the effect on Dbp is independent of p38 MAPK, but also involves calcium signaling. Both genes remain unaffected by the NF-κB and AP-1 pathway. Taken collectively these data show p38 MAPK- and calcium-dependent TNFR1-mediated transient increase of the negative regulator Per1 and an independent decrease of Dbp.
Metabolic Rhythms of the Cyanobacterium Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 Correlate with Modeled Dynamics of Circadian Clock
Authors: Červený Jan , Nedbal Ladislav
Published: July 2009

These experiments aim to reveal the dynamic features that occur during the metabolism of the unicellular, nitrogen fixing cyanobacterium Cyanothece sp. when exposed to diverse circadian forcing patterns (LD 16:8, LD 12:12, LD 8:16, LD 6:6). The chlorophyll concentration grew rapidly from subjective morning when first illuminated to around noon, then remained stable from later in the afternoon and throughout the night. The optical density measured at 735 nm was stable during the morning chlorophyll accumulation, then increased in the early afternoon toward a peak, followed at dusk by a rapid decline toward the late night steady state. The authors propose that these dynamics largely reflect accumulation and subsequent consumption of glycogen granules. This hypothesis is consistent with the sharp peak of respiration that coincides with the putative hydrocarbon catabolism. In the long-day regimen (LD 16:8), these events may mark the transition from the aerobic photosynthetic metabolism to microaerobic nitrogen metabolism that occurs at dusk, and thus cannot be triggered by the darkness that comes later. Rather, control is likely to originate in the circadian clock signaling an approaching night. To explore the dynamics of the link between respiration and circadian oscillations, the authors extrapolated an earlier model of the KaiABC oscillator from Synechococcus elongatus to Cyanothece sp. The measured peak of respiratory activity at dusk correlated strongly in its timing and time width with the modeled peak in accumulation of the KaiB4 complex, which marks the late afternoon phase of the circadian clock. The authors propose a hypothesis that high levels of KaiB4 (or of its Cyanothece sp. analog) trigger the glycogen catabolism that is reflected in the experiments in the respiratory peak. The degree of the correlation between the modeled KaiB4 dynamics and the dynamics of experimentally measured peaks of respiratory activity was further tested during the half-circadian regimen (LD 6:6). The model predicted an irregular pattern of the KaiABC oscillator, quite unlike mechanical or electrical clock pacemakers that are strongly damped when driven at double their endogenous frequency. This highly unusual dynamic pattern was confirmed experimentally, supporting strongly the validity of the circadian model and of the proposed direct link to respiration.
A Phenomenological Description of the Thermomechanical Coupling and the Rate-dependent Behavior of Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Monteiro Paulo Cesar C. , Savi Marcelo A. , Netto Theodoro Antoun , Pacheco Pedro Manuel C. L.
Published: July 2009

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) present a rate-dependent behavior, which means that the thermomechanical response depends on the loading rate. Therefore, although martensitic transformation can be considered as a non-diffusive process, the phase transformation critical stresses are temperature dependent and, since heat transfer process is time dependent, it affects the thermomechanical behavior of SMAs. This article deals with the rate dependence of SMAs, proposing a 1D constitutive model to describe this effect. The proposed model is formulated within the framework of continuum mechanics and thermomechanical coupling terms of the energy equation are incorporated in the formulation in order to describe the rate-dependent behavior. Numerical simulations are carried out comparing results with experimental data available in literature for different loading rates and environmental media, presenting a close agreement. Afterwards, numerical tests are performed in order to evaluate the model capabilities showing that it is capable to capture the general thermomechanical behavior of SMAs.
Thick-film Piezoelectric Actuators for Micropositioning
Authors: De Cicco Giorgio , Morten Bruno
Published: July 2009

Driven by the versatility of conventional thick-film technology, this work was aimed at investigating the application chances of the electric field induced strains in ferroelectric (thick-film) material layers. To this end an experimental investigation is described, which concerns the piezoelectric potential of PZT thick-films, screen-printed and fired on ceramic substrates, for applications in actuator development. It was carried out on a structure consisting of an alumina plate, clamped as a cantilever beam, the faces of which were supporting two symmetrically placed ferroelectric layers. An interdigital electrode system, created inside them, enabled a polarization parallel to the substrate, hence bending occurred in the regions of the beam that were covered by the films when opposite driving voltages were applied. The deflection measurements and their voltage dependence are shown, together with: structure design and realization, a deformation analysis and the performance highlighted as a micro-displacements actuator.
Relation of Depression and Affectivity to Career Decision Status and Self-Efficacy in College Students
Authors: Rottinghaus Patrick J. , Jenkins Nicholas , Jantzer Amanda M.
Published: July 2009

Further investigations are necessary to explore the interface between personal-emotional and career-related factors. The authors examined links between participants' emotional life, including depression and positive/negative affect, and career decision status and average level of vocationally relevant self-efficacy in a sample of 388 university students. Participants who had made a career decision were significantly less depressed, as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, than those who were undecided about their career. Furthermore, the authors found no significant difference in the average level of positive affect or negative affect, as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, across career choice status groups. Gender accounted for 8.4% of the variation in overall average level of self efficacy, as measured by the Kuder Skills Assessment—College and Adult Version, and positive affect significantly contributed incremental variance (12.7%). The importance of addressing depression and affectivity in vocational research and practice is discussed.