bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating γδ T Cells in Response toSalmonellaentericaSerovar Enteritidis Exposure in Chickens
Authors: Berndt Angela , Pieper Jana , Methner Ulrich
Published: June 2006

γδT cells are considered crucial to the outcome of various infectious diseases. The present study was undertaken to characterizeγδ (T-cell receptor 1+[TCR1+]) T cells phenotypically and functionally in avian immune response. Day-old chicks were orally immunized withSalmonella entericaserovar Enteritidis live vaccine orS. entericaserovar Enteritidis wild-type strain and infected using theS. entericaserovar Enteritidis wild-type strain on day 44 of life. Between days 3 and 71, peripheral blood was examined flow cytometrically for the occurrence of γδ T-cell subpopulations differentiated by the expression of T-cell antigens. Three different TCR1+cell populations were found to display considerable variation regarding CD8α antigen expression: (i) CD8α+highTCR1+cells, (ii) CD8α+dimTCR1+cells, and (iii) CD8α−TCR1+cells. While most of the CD8α+highTCR1+cells expressed the CD8αβ heterodimeric antigen, the majority of the CD8α+dimTCR1+cells were found to express the CD8αα homodimeric form. After immunization, a significant increase of CD8αα+highγδ T cells was observed within the CD8α+highTCR1+cell population. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR revealed reduced interleukin-7 receptor α (IL-7Rα) and Bcl-x expression and elevated IL-2Rα mRNA expression of the CD8αα+highγδ T cells. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a significant increase of CD8α+and TCR1+cells in the cecum and spleen and a decreased percentage of CD8β+T cells in the spleen afterSalmonellaimmunization. After infection of immunized animals, immune reactions were restricted to intestinal tissue. The study showed thatSalmonellaimmunization of very young chicks is accompanied by an increase of CD8αα+highγδ T cells in peripheral blood, which are probably activated, and thus represent an important factor for the development of a protective immune response toSalmonellaorganisms in chickens.
Baculovirus-Expressed Constructs Induce Immunoglobulin G That Recognizes VAR2CSA onPlasmodium falciparum- Infected Erythrocytes
Authors: Barfod Lea , Nielsen Morten A. , Turner Louise , Dahlbäck Madeleine , Jensen Anja T. R. , Hviid Lars , Theander Thor G. , Salanti Ali
Published: June 2006

We raised specific antisera against recombinant VAR2CSA domains produced inEscherichia coliand in insect cells. All were reactive in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, but only insect cell-derived constructs induced immunoglobulin G (IgG) that was reactive with native VAR2CSA on the surface of infected erythrocytes. Our data show that five of the six VAR2CSA Duffy-binding-like domains are surface exposed and that induction of surface-reactive VAR2CSA-specific IgG depends critically upon antigen conformation. These findings have implications for the development of vaccines against pregnancy-associatedPlasmodium falciparummalaria.
Previous or Ongoing Schistosome Infections Do Not Compromise the Efficacy of the Attenuated Cercaria Vaccine
Authors: Kariuki Thomas M. , Van Dam Govert J. , Deelder André M. , Farah Idle O. , Yole Dorcas S. , Wilson R. Alan , Coulson Patricia S.
Published: June 2006

A current or previous schistosome infection might compromise the efficacy of a schistosome vaccine administered to humans. We have therefore investigated the influence of infection on vaccination, using the baboon as the model host and irradiatedSchistosoma mansonicercariae as the vaccine. Protection, determined from worm burdens in test and controls, was not diminished when vaccination was superimposed on a chronic infection, nor was it diminished when it followed a primary infection terminated by chemotherapy. Protection was also assessed indirectly based on fecal egg output and circulating antigen levels, as would be the case in human vaccine trials. In almost all instances, these methods overestimated protection, sometimes with discrepancies of >20%. The overwhelming immune response to egg deposition in infected animals made it difficult to discern a contribution from vaccination. Nevertheless, the well-documented immunomodulation of immune responses that follows egg deposition did not appear to impede the protective mechanisms elicited by vaccination with attenuated cercariae.
Identification of Novel Virulence Determinants inMycobacterium paratuberculosisby Screening a Library of Insertional Mutants
Authors: Shin Sung Jae , Wu Chia-wei , Steinberg Howard , Talaat Adel M.
Published: June 2006

Johne's disease, caused byMycobacterium paratuberculosisinfection, is a worldwide problem for the dairy industry and has a possible involvement in Crohn's disease in humans. To identify virulence determinants of this economically important pathogen, a library of 5,060 transposon mutants was constructed using Tn5367insertion mutagenesis, followed by large-scale sequencing to identify disrupted genes. In this report, 1,150 mutants were analyzed and 970 unique insertion sites were identified. Sequence analysis of the disrupted genes indicated that the insertion of Tn5367was more prevalent in genomic regions with G+C content (50.5 to 60.5%) lower than the average G+C content (69.3%) of the rest of the genome. Phenotypic screening of the library identified disruptions of genes involved in iron, tryptophan, or mycolic acid metabolic pathways that displayed unique growth characteristics. Bioinformatic analysis of disrupted genes identified a list of potential virulence determinants for further testing with animals. Mouse infection studies showed a significant decrease in tissue colonization by mutants with a disruption in thegcpE,pstA,kdpC,papA2,impA,umaA1, orfabG2_2gene. Attenuation phenotypes were tissue specific (e.g., for theumaA1mutant) as well as time specific (e.g., for theimpAmutant), suggesting that those genes may be involved in different virulence mechanisms. The identified potential virulence determinants represent novel functional classes that could be necessary for mycobacterial survival during infection and could provide suitable targets for vaccine and drug development against Johne's and Crohn's diseases.
CD8 T Cells Require Bcl-3 for Maximal Gamma Interferon Production upon Secondary Exposure to Antigen
Authors: Chilton Paula M. , Mitchell Thomas C.
Published: June 2006

Adjuvant-induced survival of T cells after antigen activation correlates with increased expression of Bcl-3. Bcl-3 is an NF-κB/IκB family member and has been implicated in transcriptional regulation in several cell types. We tested the ability of mice deficient in Bcl-3 (Bcl-3 KO) to exhibit T-cell adjuvant-induced survival after challenge with the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a natural adjuvant. These studies showed that Bcl-3 is required for secondary gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production by CD8 T cells but not for adjuvant-induced survival effects. Specifically, wild-type and Bcl-3 KO mice exhibited comparable long-term increases in the Vβ8+T-cell populations, indicating no lack of survival in response to adjuvant stimulation in the Bcl-3 KO activated T cells. Ectopic expression of the Bcl-3-related molecules IκBα, IκBβ, and IκBε in SEB-activated T cells increased survival during in vitro culture in the absence of adjuvant, suggesting that these IκB molecules could exert a survival function in antigen-activated T cells in place of Bcl-3. However, Vβ8+CD8 T cells from SEB- plus LPS-treated Bcl-3 KO mice produced less IFN-γ upon in vitro restimulation than Vβ8+CD8 T cells from wild-type mice. Therefore, Bcl-3 plays a unique role in the regulation of IFN-γ production in this model system.
Invasion of Epithelial Cells and Proteolysis of Cellular Focal Adhesion Components by Distinct Types ofPorphyromonas gingivalisFimbriae
Authors: Nakagawa Ichiro , Inaba Hiroaki , Yamamura Taihei , Kato Takahiro , Kawai Shinji , Ooshima Takashi , Amano Atsuo
Published: June 2006

Porphyromonas gingivalisfimbriae are classified into six types (types I to V and Ib) based on thefimAgenes encoding FimA (a subunit of fimbriae), and they play a critical role in bacterial interactions with host tissues. In this study, we compared the efficiencies ofP. gingivalisstrains with distinct types of fimbriae for invasion of epithelial cells and for degradation of cellular focal adhesion components, paxillin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Six representative strains with the different types of fimbriae were tested, andP. gingivaliswith type II fimbriae (type IIP. gingivalis) adhered to and invaded epithelial cells at significantly greater levels than the other strains. There were negligible differences in gingipain activities among the six strains; however, type IIP. gingivalisapparently degraded intracellular paxillin in association with a loss of phosphorylation 30 min after infection. Degradation was blocked with cytochalasin D or in mutants withfimAdisrupted. Paxillin was degraded by the mutant with Lys-gingipain disrupted, and this degradation was prevented by inhibition of Arg-gingipain activity byNα-p-tosyl-l-lysine chloromethyl ketone. FAK was also degraded by type IIP. gingivalis. Cellular focal adhesions with green fluorescent protein-paxillin macroaggregates were clearly destroyed, and this was associated with cellular morphological changes and microtubule disassembly. In an in vitro wound closure assay, type IIP. gingivalissignificantly inhibited cellular migration and proliferation compared to the cellular migration and proliferation observed with the other types. These results suggest that type IIP. gingivalisefficiently invades epithelial cells and degrades focal adhesion components with Arg-gingipain, which results in cellular impairment during wound healing and periodontal tissue regeneration.
Glycoprotein 340 in Normal Human Ocular Surface Tissues and Tear Film
Authors: Jumblatt Marcia M. , Imbert Yoannis , Young William W. , Foulks Gary N. , Steele Pamela S. , Demuth Donald R.
Published: June 2006

The tear film is a complex mixture of secreted fluid, ions, proteins, glycoproteins, and lipids that lubricates and protects the ocular surface. Recently, several antimicrobial peptides have been described in the tear fluid. In this study, we describe the presence of the large secreted glycoprotein gp340 in the tear film. Western blot analysis showed that gp340 is abundant in secreted tears and in the lacrimal glands. Lesser amounts of gp340 were detected in the cornea and conjunctiva. Consistent with Western blot data, reverse transcription-PCR and real-time quantitative PCR showed that gp340 transcripts were abundant in lacrimal gland tissue and were also present in the cornea and conjunctiva. Immunohistochemistry localized gp340 to the acinar cells of the lacrimal gland and the deeper layers of the conjunctival epithelium. gp340 was not detected in conjunctival goblet cells. In the cornea, gp340 was present only in a peripheral band of basal epithelial cells, suggesting that gp340 may play a role in the cycle of corneal epithelial renewal. To determine if tear film gp340 may function as a bacterial agglutinin as it does in saliva, tears were incubated with streptococcal cells and the formation of bacterial aggregates was monitored. Addition of tears to late-exponential-phase
Streptococcus mutans
cells resulted in time- and dose-dependent aggregation of the bacteria. Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of cell-associated gp340 in isolated bacterial aggregates. The ocular pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
, but not
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, also aggregated when incubated with tears. These results suggest that gp340 is a normal component of the tear film and that the glycoprotein may function as a bacterial agglutinin.
Deletion of
znuA
Virulence Factor Attenuates
Brucella abortus
and Confers Protection against Wild-Type Challenge
Authors: Yang Xinghong , Becker Todd , Walters Nancy , Pascual David W.
Published: June 2006

znuA
is known to be an important factor for survival and normal growth under low Zn
2+
concentrations for
Escherichia coli
,
Haemophilus
spp.,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, and
Pasteurella multocida
. We hypothesized that the
znuA
gene present in
Brucella melitensis
16 M would be similar to
znuA
in
B. abortus
and questioned whether it may also be an important factor for growth and virulence of
Brucella abortus
. Using the
B. melitensis
16 M genome sequence, primers were designed to construct a
B. abortus
deletion mutant. A
znuA
knockout mutation in
B. abortus
2308 (
ΔznuA
) was constructed and found to be lethal in low-Zn
2+
medium. When used to infect macrophages,
ΔznuA B. abortus
showed minimal growth. Further study with
ΔznuA B. abortus
showed that its virulence in BALB/c mice was attenuated, and most of the bacteria were cleared from the spleen within 8 weeks. Protection studies confirmed the
ΔznuA
mutant as a potential live vaccine, since protection against wild-type
B. abortus
2308 challenge was as effective as that obtained with the RB51 or S19 vaccine strain.
Identification of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Genes Involved in Virulence and Anaerobic Growth
Authors: Filiatrault Melanie J. , Picardo Kristin F. , Ngai Helen , Passador Luciano , Iglewski Barbara H.
Published: June 2006

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen and a significant cause of acute and chronic infections in patients with compromised host defenses. Evidence suggests that within infections
P. aeruginosa
encounters oxygen limitation and exists in microbial aggregates known as biofilms. However, there is little information that describes genes involved in anaerobic growth of
P. aeruginosa
and their association with virulence of this pathogen. To identify genes required for anaerobic growth, random transposon (Tn) mutagenesis was used to screen for mutants that demonstrated the inability to grow anaerobically using nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor. Of approximately 35,000 mutants screened, 57 mutants were found to exhibit no growth anaerobically using nitrate. Identification of the genes disrupted by the Tn revealed 24 distinct loci required for anaerobic growth on nitrate, including several genes not previously associated with anaerobic growth of
P. aeruginosa
. Several of these mutants were capable of growing anaerobically using nitrite and/or arginine, while five mutants were unable to grow anaerobically under any of the conditions tested. Three mutants were markedly attenuated in virulence in the lettuce model of
P. aeruginosa
infection. These studies have identified novel genes important for anaerobic growth and demonstrate that anaerobic metabolism influences virulence of
P. aeruginosa
.
The Type III Pseudomonal Exotoxin U Activates the c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase Pathway and Increases Human Epithelial Interleukin-8 Production
Authors: Cuzick Alayne , Stirling Fiona R. , Lindsay Susan L. , Evans Thomas J.
Published: June 2006

Microbial interactions with host cell signaling pathways are key determinants of the host cell response to infection. Many toxins secreted by bacterial type III secretion systems either stimulate or inhibit the host inflammatory response. We investigated the role of type III secreted toxins of the lung pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosain the inflammatory response of human respiratory epithelial cells to infection. Using bacteria with specific gene deletions, we found that interleukin-8 production by these cells was almost entirely dependent on bacterial type III secretion of exotoxin U (ExoU), a phospholipase, although other bacterial factors are involved. ExoU activated the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase pathway, stimulating the phosphorylation and activation of mitogen-activated kinase kinase 4, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and c-Jun. This in turn increased levels of transcriptionally competent activator protein-1. Although this pathway was dependent on the lipase activity of ExoU, it was independent of cell death. Activation of mitogen-activated kinase signaling by ExoU in this fashion is a novel mechanism by which a bacterial product can initiate a host inflammatory response, and it may result in increased epithelial permeability and bacterial spread.
HbiF Regulates Type 1 Fimbriation Independently of FimB and FimE
Authors: Xie Yi , Yao Yufeng , Kolisnychenko Vitaliy , Teng Ching-Hao , Kim Kwang Sik
Published: June 2006

Type 1 fimbriae have been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of extraintestinal
Escherichia coli
infection. Type 1 fimbriation in
E. coli
is phase variable and known to be dependent upon FimB and FimE, the two recombinases that invert the molecular switch
fimS
and control the expression of the downstream
fim
operon. Here we showed that HbiF, a novel site-specific recombinase, inverted
fimS
independently of FimB and FimE. HbiF-mediated
fimS
inversion appeared to be predominantly switching from “off” (termed OFF) to “on” (termed ON) orientation. This is different from the
fimS
inversion mediated by either FimB (bidirectional ON to OFF and OFF to ON) or FimE (unidirectional ON to OFF). Constitutive expression of the
hbiF
gene in
E. coli
resulted in a
fimS
-locked-ON phenotype, which resulted in the pathogenic
E. coli
K1 strain being incapable of inducing a high degree of bacteremia in neonatal rats. Discovery of HbiF-mediated OFF-to-ON
fimS
switching provides a new opportunity to develop a strategy for the prevention and therapy of extraintestinal
E. coli
infection including bacteremia and meningitis.
Differential Expression of
var
Gene Groups Is Associated with Morbidity Caused by
Plasmodium falciparum
Infection in Tanzanian Children
Authors: Rottmann Matthias , Lavstsen Thomas , Mugasa Joseph Paschal , Kaestli Mirjam , Jensen Anja T. R. , Müller Dania , Theander Thor , Beck Hans-Peter
Published: June 2006

The
var
gene family of
Plasmodium falciparum
encodes the variant surface antigen
Plasmodium falciparum
erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1). PfEMP1 is considered an important pathogenicity factor in
P. falciparum
infection because it mediates cytoadherence to host cell endothelial receptors.
var
genes can be grouped into three major groups, A, B, and C, and the conserved
var
genes,
var1-4
, according to sequence similarities in coding and noncoding upstream regions. Using real-time quantitative PCR in a study conducted in Tanzania, the
var
transcript abundances of the different
var
gene groups were compared among patients with severe, uncomplicated, and asymptomatic malaria. Transcripts of
var
group A and B genes were more abundant in patients with severe malaria than in patients with uncomplicated malaria. In general, the transcript abundances of
var
group A and B genes were higher for children with clinical malaria than for children with asymptomatic infections. The
var
group C and
var1
-like transcript abundances were similar between the three sample groups. A transcript abundance pattern similar to that for
var
group A was observed for
var2csa
and
var3
-like genes. These results suggest that substantial and systematic differences in
var
gene expression exist between different clinical presentations.
BRIDGE LANE DIRECTION SPECIFICATION FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Authors: FOULDS JAMES R. , FOULDS L. R.
Published: June 2006

We present a deterministic model that specifies lane direction in a multi-laned bridge that has a movable barrier that divides the two directions of traffic flow, in order to reduce congestion. A probabilistic dynamic programming formulation for a stochastic extension of the model is also presented. Analysis of the special structure of the dynamic programming formulation provides new insights into important aspects of certain traffic planning problems and represents a useful addition to the traffic network planner's toolkit. A case study involving the lane direction management of an actual bridge is also provided.
ASPECT ON BIFURCATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC VORTEX LINE
Authors: XU TAO , SU HONGLING , ZHOU GANG , HU XIWEI
Published: June 2006

Vortex lines of electromagnetic field are classified by Hopf index, Brouwer degree in geometry. A mechanism of generation or annihilation of the vortex line is given by method of phase singularity theory. The bifurcation behavior at the critical points is discussed in detail.
SPECTRA OF QUARKONIA AT FINITE TEMPERATURE
Authors: MATRASULOV D. U. , KHANNA F. C. , BUTANOV KH. T. , YU. RAKHIMOV KH.
Published: June 2006

Finite-temperature spectra of heavy quarkonia are calculated by combining potential model and thermofield dynamics formalisms. The mass spectra of the heavy quarkonia with various quark contents are calculated. It is found that binding mass of the quarkonium decreases as temperature increases.
HIGH-ENERGY EMISSION FROM PULSAR MAGNETOSPHERES
Authors: HIROTANI KOUICHI
Published: June 2006

A synthesis of the present knowledge on gamma-ray emission from the magnetosphere of a rapidly rotating neutron star is presented, focusing on the electrodynamics of particle accelerators. The combined curvature, synchrotron, and inverse-Compton emission from ultra-relativistic positrons and electrons, which are created by two-photon and/or one-photon pair creation processes, or emitted from the neutron-star surface, provide us with essential information on the properties of the accelerator — electric potential drop along the magnetic field lines. A new accelerator model, which is a mixture of traditional inner gap and outer gap models, is also proposed, by solving the Poisson equation for the electrostatic potential together with the Boltzmann equations for particles and gamma-rays in the two-dimensional configuration and two-dimensional momentum spaces.
Are There Asymmetries in the Relationship Between Exchange Rate Fluctuations and Stock Market Volatility in Pacific Basin Countries?
Authors: Maghrebi Nabil , Holmes Mark J. , Pentecost Eric J.
Published: June 2006

This paper examines asymmetries in the dynamic relationship between foreign exchange fluctuations and stock market volatility in Pacific basin countries. The methodology is based on a dynamic covariance modelling that accounts for leverage effects and the asymmetric impact of currency fluctuations. There is evidence that appreciations are more conducive to lower volatility in currency markets than depreciations of equal magnitude. Market volatility tends to be ceteris paribus, more sensitive to bad news about equity than good news and more responsive to currency depreciations than appreciations. The results also suggest that bad news about equity accompanied with currency depreciations are likely to generate higher volatility in currency markets and have the potential of affecting the significance of leverage effects in stock markets.
Incorporating the Time-Varying Tail-Fatness into the Historical Simulation Method for Portfolio Value-at-Risk
Authors: Lin Chu-Hsiung , Chien Chang-Cheng Chang , Chen Sunwu Winfred
Published: June 2006

This study extends the method of Guermat and Harris (2002), the Power EWMA (exponentially weighted moving average) method in conjunction with historical simulation to estimating portfolio Value-at-Risk (VaR). Using historical daily return data of three hypothetical portfolios formed by international stock indices, we test the performance of this modified approach to see if it can improve the precise forecasting capability of historical simulation. We explicitly highlight the extended Power EWMA owns privileged flexibilities to capture time-varying tail-fatness and volatilities of financial returns, and therefore may promote the quality of extreme risk management. Our empirical results, derived from the Kupiec (1995) tests and failure ratios, show that our proposed method indeed offers substantial improvements on capturing dynamic returns distributions, and can significantly enhance the estimation accuracy of portfolio VaR.
Stock Market Linkages Before and After the Asian Financial Crisis: Evidence from Three Greater China Economic Area Stock Markets and the US
Authors: Cheng Hwahsin , Glascock John L.
Published: June 2006

We investigate the stock market linkages between the United States and three Greater China Economic Area stock markets — China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, before and after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Daily stock market indices from January 1995 to December 2000 are used for the analysis. Results from Granger causality test indicate increased feedback relationships between the markets in the post-crisis period. We also find, from the principal component analysis, fewer common factors affecting stock returns after the crisis, suggesting more harmonious market co-movements after the financial crisis. Additionally, results from a variance decomposition analysis suggest that stock markets are more responsive to foreign shocks after the crisis. This further strengthens the evidence that stock markets become more interrelated after the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
Effects of Derivatives on Bank Risk
Authors: Yang Dong-Hoon , Song Inman , Yi Junesuh , Yoon Young-Hyeon
Published: June 2006

This study investigates the empirical relationship between the use of derivatives by Korean banks and risk. In doing so, we employ two alternative measures of proxy for firm risk: systematic risk and ex ante earnings volatility.

Contrary to the general concerns about the risk-increasing role of the use of derivative products, our results indicate that banks' derivatives are, on average, associated with two measures of risk in negative ways. The evidence is consistent with the conjectures that derivative use reduces noise related to exogenous factors and hence decreases firm risk. This suggests that equity market participants, on average, perceive derivative activities by banks as a sign of banks' efforts to reduce risk.
USAGE AND PERCEIVED IMPACT OF DATA WAREHOUSES: A STUDY IN KOREAN FINANCIAL COMPANIES
Authors: HONG SOONGOO , KATERATTANAKUL PAIRIN , HONG SUK-KI , CAO QING
Published: June 2006

Although several previous studies have investigated the success factors and implementations of data warehouses, only few of them have explored the end-users' perceptions of data warehouses. Moreover, none of these previous studies were conducted in a company outside North America. Thus, this study was conducted to identify the data warehousing system characteristics affecting end-users' usage and perceived impact of using data warehouses in Korean financial companies. A research model for end-users' usage and perceived impact of using data warehouses was developed based on the Technology Acceptance Model and the IS Success Model. Then, a survey questionnaire was design to collect data from the data warehousing users in four leading Korean financial companies. We analyzed these data to test the proposed hypotheses by using Structural Equation Modeling. Results of this study suggest that Data Quality and End-user Support and Training are significant system characteristics affecting end-users' usage of data warehouses and perceived impact of data warehouses.
ELICITING RATIO PREFERENCES FOR THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS WITH VISUAL INTERFACES: A NEW MODE OF PREFERENCE MEASUREMENT
Authors: ZAHIR SAJJAD
Published: June 2006

Although verbal and numerical scales are commonly used in the Analytic Hierarchy Process for pairwise comparisons, new experiments with computer-based visual tools confirm that ratio preferences can be effectively and efficiently elicited using adjustable visual tools and simultaneous comparisons, as well. Such an improved approach shows promise in the design of a new class of multi-criteria decision support system both for individual and group decisions.
THE INTEGRATION OF ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS AND DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS IN A MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING PROBLEM
Authors: AHMAD NORITA , BERG DANIEL , SIMONS GENE R.
Published: June 2006

This research focuses on developing a model that can be used to assess the performance of Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturing Enterprises (SMEs). The model will result from the integration of a decision tool called the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and a data analysis model called Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). This research demonstrates that by eliminating flaws and taking advantage of each methodology's specific characteristics in identifying and solving problems, the new integrated AHP/DEA model appears to be a logical and sensible solution in multi-criteria decision-making problem.
REPORTING ON THE STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT: SOUTH AFRICAN EXPERIENCES
Authors: MULLER ELIZABETH , PRETORIUS RUDI , RAMASAR VASNA , PATRICK MARIAN JANE , WILL CHANTAL , BINEDELL MICHELLE
Published: June 2006

The past few decades have seen an increasing demand for environmental information on which to make more informed decisions, strengthened by several international calls for improving available environmental information. In a democratic South Africa, the involvement of people in policy and decision-making processes has led to an even greater need for accessible information. In response to this demand for information, State of the Environment (SOE) reporting has gained momentum and become highly popular in South Africa. This popularity has grown despite the absence of any legal mandate for reporting in South Africa, as well as the lack of formalised institutional arrangements for reporting. The current situation has resulted in a number of challenges for SOE reporting which need to be addressed. These challenges, and appropriate solutions, are discussed. The paper aims to stimulate discussion in the field of SOE reporting, both within South Africa and internationally.
Old Wine, New Ethnographic Lexicography
Authors: Silverstein Michael
Published: June 2006

The interests of anthropologists, focused on using the “meaning” of words and expressions as an entrée into understanding cultures, and of linguists, focused on the grammatically relevant sense components of abstract lexical forms, can be differentiated. A multicomponential lexicography is outlined for investigating various oinoglossic (“wine-talk”) registers of language, adequate to exploring this sociologically complex field of discourse spanning wine production, marketing, consumption, and connoisseurship. This approach builds on developments of the past 30 years in linguistic anthropology and related areas that have clarified the relations of structural sense, stereotypy (cultural concepts), and indexicality in language, and how and where to investigate these very different semiotic partials of language use.
Chronic subcutaneous administration of kisspeptin-54 causes testicular degeneration in adult male rats
Authors: Thompson Emily L. , Murphy Kevin G. , Patterson Michael , Bewick Gavin A. , Stamp Gordon W. H. , Curtis Annette E. , Cooke Jennifer H. , Jethwa Preeti H. , Todd Jeannie F. , Ghatei Mohammad A. , Bloom Stephen R.
Published: June 2006

The kisspeptins are KiSS-1 gene-derived peptides that signal through the G protein-coupled receptor-54 (GPR54) and have recently been shown to be critical regulators of reproduction. Acute intracerebroventricular or peripheral administration of kisspeptin stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This effect is thought to be mediated via the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system. Chronic administration of GnRH agonists paradoxically suppresses the HPG axis after an initial agonistic stimulation. We investigated the effects of continuous peripheral kisspeptin administration in male rats by use of Alzet minipumps. Initially we compared the effects of acute subcutaneous administration of kisspeptin-10, -14, and -54 on the HPG axis. Kisspeptin-54 produced the greatest increase in plasma LH and total testosterone at 60 min postinjection and was used in the subsequent continuous administration experiments. Chronic subcutaneous long-term administration of 50 nmol kisspeptin-54/day for 13 days decreased testicular weight. Histological examination showed degeneration of the seminiferous tubules associated with a significant decrease in the circulating levels of the testes-derived hormone, inhibin B. Plasma free and total testosterone were also lower, although these changes did not reach statistical significance. Further studies examined the effects of shorter periods of continuous kisspeptin administration. Subcutaneous administration of 50 nmol kisspeptin-54 for 1 day increased plasma LH and testosterone. This effect was lost after 2 days of administration, suggesting a downregulation of the HPG axis response to kisspeptin following continuous administration. These findings indicate that kisspeptin may provide a novel tool for the manipulation of the HPG axis and spermatogenesis.
DHEA enhances effects of weight training on muscle mass and strength in elderly women and men
Authors: Villareal Dennis T. , Holloszy John O.
Published: June 2006

The plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form (DHEAS) decline ∼80% between the ages of 25 and 75 yr. Muscle mass and strength also decrease with aging. Published data on the effects of DHEA replacement on muscle mass and strength are conflicting. The goals of this study were to determine whether DHEA replacement increases muscle mass and strength and/or enhances the effects of heavy resistance exercise in elderly women and men. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of 10 mo of DHEA replacement therapy with the addition of weightlifting exercise training during the last 4 mo of the study (DHEA + exercise group, n = 29; placebo + exercise group, n = 27). DHEA alone for 6 mo did not significantly increase strength or thigh muscle volume. However, DHEA therapy potentiated the effect of 4 mo of weightlifting training on muscle strength, evaluated by means of one-repetition maximum measurement and Cybex dynamometry, and on thigh muscle volume, measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Serum insulin-like growth factor concentration increased in response to DHEA replacement. This study provides evidence that DHEA replacement has the beneficial effect of enhancing the increases in muscle mass and strength induced by heavy resistance exercise in elderly individuals.
Transporter regulator RS1 (RSC1A1) coats thetrans-Golgi network and migrates into the nucleus
Authors: Kroiss Matthias , Leyerer Marina , Gorboulev Valentin , Kühlkamp Thomas , Kipp Helmut , Koepsell Hermann
Published: June 2006

The product of gene RSC1A1, named RS1, is involved in transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of sodium-d-glucose cotransporter SGLT1, and removal of RS1 in mice led to an increase of SGLT1 expression in small intestine and to obesity (Osswald C, Baumgarten K, Stümpel F, Gorboulev V, Akimjanova M, Knobeloch K-P, Horak I, Kluge R, Joost H-G, and Koepsell H. Mol Cell Biol 25: 78–87, 2005). Previous data showed that RS1 inhibits transcription of SGLT1 in LLC-PK1cells derived from porcine kidney. A decrease of the intracellular amount of RS1 protein was observed during cell confluence, which was paralleled by transcriptional upregulation of SGLT1. In the present study, the subcellular distributions of endogenously expressed RS1 and SGLT1 were compared in LLC-PK1cells and human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells using immunofluorescence microscopy. RS1 was located at the plasma membrane, at the entire trans-Golgi network (TGN), and within the nucleus. Treatment of LLC-PK1cells with brefeldin A induced rapid release of RS1 from the TGN, and confluence of LLC-PK1cells was accompanied by reduction of nuclear location of RS1; 84–90% of subconfluent cells and 5–34% of confluent cells contained RS1 in the nuclei. This suggests that confluence-dependent transcriptional inhibition by RS1 is partially regulated by nuclear migration. Furthermore, we assigned SGLT1 to microtubule-associated tubulovesicular structures and dynamin-containing parts of the TGN. The data indicate that RS1 inhibits the dynamin-dependent release of SGLT1-containing vesicles from the TGN.
Polarized biosynthetic traffic in renal epithelial cells: sorting, sorting, everywhere
Authors: Ellis Mark A. , Potter Beth A. , Cresawn Kerry O. , Weisz Ora A.
Published: June 2006

The maintenance of apical and basolateral membrane domains with distinct protein and lipid compositions is necessary for the proper function of polarized epithelial cells. Delivery of cargo to the basolateral surface is thought to be mediated by the interaction of cytoplasmically disposed sorting signals with sorting receptors, whereas apically destined cargoes are sorted via mechanisms dependent on cytoplasmic, glycan-mediated, or lipid-interacting sorting signals. Apical and basolateral cargo are delivered to the surface in discrete tubular and vesicular carriers that bud from the trans-Golgi network (TGN). While it has long been thought that the TGN is the primary compartment in which apical and basolateral cargoes are segregated, recent studies suggest that sorting may begin earlier along the biosynthetic pathway. Moreover, rather than being delivered directly from the TGN to the cell surface, at least a subset of biosynthetic cargo appears to transit recycling endosomes en route to the plasma membrane. The implications and limitations of these challenges to the conventional model for how proteins are sorted and trafficked along the biosynthetic pathway are discussed.
Renal vascular endothelial growth factor in neonatal obstructive nephropathy. I. Endogenous VEGF
Authors: Burt Laura E. , Forbes Michael S. , Thornhill Barbara A. , Kiley Susan C. , Chevalier Robert L.
Published: June 2006

Obstructive nephropathy constitutes a major cause of renal impairment in children. Chronic unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) impairs maturation of the developing kidney and leads to tubular apoptosis and interstitial inflammation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in recovery from various forms of renal injury. We questioned whether the renal expression of endogenous VEGF and its receptor (VEGFR2/Flk-1) is modified by UUO in early development. Neonatal rats were subjected to partial or complete UUO or sham operation. The distribution of immunoreactive VEGF in each kidney was examined after 7, 14, or 28 days. Adult rats were also subjected to sham operation or complete UUO. Tubular VEGF increased between 14 and 28 days in sham-operated rats and in some partially obstructed neonatal rats but decreased with complete UUO. Parallel changes were found by Western blotting, but not by RT-PCR. Immunoreactive VEGF colocalized with mitochondria in proximal and distal tubules and also appeared in type A intercalated cells, glomerular vascular endothelium, and podocytes. While neonatal microvascular renal VEGFR2 receptor staining was strongly positive regardless of UUO, staining was weak in sham-operated adults but increased following UUO. Parallel changes in VEGFR2 expression were verified by RT-PCR and Western blotting. We conclude that endogenous renal VEGF is developmentally regulated in the neonatal rat and is differentially regulated by partial and complete UUO. Following UUO in the adult, the VEGF receptor is upregulated. Endogenous VEGF may serve an adaptive role in responding to tubular injury caused by UUO and may modulate adaptation by the contralateral kidney.
Regulation of the expression of the Na/Cl cotransporter by WNK4 and WNK1: evidence that accelerated dynamin-dependent endocytosis is not involved
Authors: Golbang Amir P. , Cope Georgina , Hamad Abbas , Murthy Meena , Liu Che-Hsiung , Cuthbert Alan W. , O’Shaughnessy Kevin M.
Published: June 2006

The novel serine/threonine kinases (with no lysine kinases or WNKs), WNK1 and WNK4, are encoded by the disease genes for Gordon syndrome (PRKWNK1 and PRKWNK4), a rare monogenic syndrome of hypertension and hyperkalemia. These proteins alter the expression of the thiazide-sensitive Na/Cl cotransporter (NCCT) in Xenopus laevis oocytes, although the details are controversial. We describe here our own experience and confirm that kinase-dead WNK4 (318D>A) is unable to affect Na+fluxes through the thiazide-sensitive Na/Cl transporter (NCCT) or its membrane expression as an ECFP-NCCT fusion protein. However, the kinase domain is not sufficient for a functional WNK4 since deletion of the acidic motif (a motif unique to WNK family members) completely abolishes functional activity. Indeed, the NH2terminal of WNK4 (1–620) containing the kinase domain and acidic motif retains full activity, but does not interact directly with NCCT in pull-down assays. Coexpression of WNK1 antagonizes the action of WNK4, and kinase-dead WNK1 (368D>A) or WNK1 carrying a WNK4 disease mutation (565Q>E) behaves in the same way as wild-type WNK1. This suggests kinase activity and charge conservation within the acidic motif are not essential for the WNK1-WNK4 interaction. We also report that WNK4 probably reduces surface expression largely through an effect on forward trafficking. Hence, the effect of WNK4 on NCCT expression is mimicked by dynamin, but the dominant-negative K44A dynamin mutant does not block the action of WNK4 itself. These results further highlight important differences in the mechanism by which WNK kinases affect expression of NCCT vs. other membrane proteins such as ROMK.
Circuitry and the Classification of Simple and Complex Cells in V1
Authors: Wielaard Jim , Sajda Paul
Published: June 2006

Based on a large-scale neural network model of striate cortex (V1), we present a simulation study of extra- and intracellular response modulations for drifting and contrast reversal grating stimuli. Specifically, we study the dependency of these modulations on the neural circuitry. We find that the frequently used ratio of the first harmonic to the mean response to classify simple and complex cells is highly insensitive to circuitry. Limited experimental sample size for the distribution of this measure makes it unsuitable for distinguishing whether the dichotomy of simple and complex cells originates from distinct LGN axon connectivity and/or local circuitry in V1. We show that a possible useful measure in this respect is the ratio of the intracellular second- to first-harmonic response for contrast reversal gratings. This measure is highly sensitive to neural circuitry and its distribution can be sampled with sufficient accuracy from a limited amount of experimental data. Further, the distribution of this measure is qualitatively similar to that of the subfield correlation coefficient, although it is more robust and easier to obtain experimentally.
Unilateral Twin Ectopic Pregnancy in a Patient With a History of Multiple Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Rolle Charles J. , Wai Clifford Y. , Bawdon Roger , Santos-Ramos Rigoberto , Hoffman Barbara
Published: June 2006

Background. The incidence of unilateral twin ectopic
pregnancy is a rare condition. Several factors increase the risk
of ectopic pregnancy, the most important of which is pelvic
inflammatory disease, followed by operative trauma, congenital
anomalies, tumors, and adhesions resulting in anatomically
distorted fallopian tubes. We present a case of a woman with a
history of four confirmed sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
including Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae,
herpes simplex virus 2, and Treponema pallidum. The case
illustrates the potential impact of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) on the risk of a twin ectopic pregnancy.
Case. A 24‐year‐old primigravida, presented with an
unknown last menstrual period, lower abdominal pain, watery
vaginal discharge, and vaginal spotting. During this
hospitalization, serum β‐HCG testing was 263 mIU/mL and
transvaginal ultrasonographic examination suggested a nonviable
unilateral twin ectopic pregnancy. At exploratory laparotomy, a
10 cm mass involving the right fallopian tube and ovary was
excised. Pathological evaluation of the specimen identified a
monochorionic, diamnionic twin ectopic pregnancy
within the fallopian tube. Conclusions Patients with a
history of multiple (STIs) are known to be at risk for the
development of chronic pelvic infection and postinflammatory
scarring. The resulting distortion of the normal tubal anatomy
leads to an increased risk of an uncommon presentation of ectopic
pregnancy.
Menstrual Disorders in Nongenital Tuberculosis
Authors: Fallahian Masoumeh , Ilkhani Maryam
Published: June 2006

Menstrual patterns differ even in nongenital tuberculosis. Our
objective is to determine whether nongenital tuberculosis makes
menstrual dysfunction, before and sustain after
treatment. Menstrual patterns were compared in women with
pulmonary or extrapulmonary but nongenital tuberculosis with
healthy nursing students and also with themselves, before and
after treatment in a retrospective cohort study. Subjects were
selected by convenient nonrandomized sampling but
control groups were selected by random allocation among
volunteers of nursing students. Case and control subjects were
matched in age group. Menstrual patterns including amount,
duration, interval, cessation of period, any menstrual
irregularity, and pelvic pain were evaluated. Among 100 cases of
proven tuberculosis, 90 patients had pulmonary and 10 cases had
extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Secondary amenorrhea
(P ≤ .001, RR: 22), spotting during menstrual
period (P ≤ .0001, RR: 4.5), decreasing in amount (P ≤ .001, RR: 7.8), shorter duration of menstrual period
(P ≤ .001, RR: 12), and pelvic pain (P ≤ .001, RR: 8.6) were more prevalent and significantly different in the cases
compared to control subjects (with CI:95% and P < .001), but excessive or prolong vaginal bleeding was not observed.
Menstrual disorders occur even in nongenital tuberculosis, but it
is manifested with cessation or decrease in menstrual bleeding
flow and period.
Spontaneous Perforation of Pyometra
Authors: Yildizhan Begüm , Uyar Esra , Şişmanoğlu Alper , Güllüoğlu Gülfem , Kavak Zehra N.
Published: June 2006

Pyometra is the accumulation of purulent material in the uterine cavity. Its reported incidence is 0.01–0.5% in gynecologic patients; however, as far as elderly patients are concerned, its incidence is 13.6% [3]. The most common cause of pyometra is malignant diseases of genital tract and the consequences of their treatment (radiotherapy). Other causes are benign tumors like leiomyoma, endometrial polyps, senile cervicitis, cervical occlusion after surgery, puerperal infections, and congenital cervical anomalies. Spontaneous rupture of the uterus is an extremely rare complication of pyometra. To our knowledge, only 21 cases of spontaneous perforation of pyometra have been reported in English literature since 1980. This paper reports an additional case of spontaneous uterine rupture.
Strategies for Fostering HPV Vaccine Acceptance
Authors: Gonik Bernard
Published: June 2006

Vaccines that protect against infection with the types of human
papillomavirus (HPV) commonly associated with cervical cancer (HPV
16 and 18) and genital warts (HPV 6 and 11) are expected to become
available in the near future. Because HPV vaccines are
prophylactic, they must be administered prior to exposure to the
virus, ideally during preadolescence or adolescence. The young age
of the target vaccination population means that physicians,
parents, and patients will all be involved in the decision‐making
process. Research has shown that parents and patients are more
likely to accept a vaccine if it is efficacious, safe, reasonably
priced, and recommended by a physician. Widespread education of
physicians, patients, and parents about the risks and consequences
of HPV infection and the benefits of vaccination will be
instrumental for fostering vaccine acceptance.