bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“The Changing Model of Soil” Revisited
Authors: Richter Daniel deB. , Yaalon Dan H.
Published: May 2012

In 1961, the late Marlin G. Cline wrote a remarkable essay entitled, “The Changing Model of Soil” for the 25th Anniversary Issue of the Soil Science Society of America Proceedings. Cline was most impressed with how geomorphology was enriching pedology, and with the increasingly sophisticated views of soil time and of the processes of soil formation. We revisit Cline's general objectives by re‐evaluating the changing model of soil from the perspective of the early 21st century, and by taking stock of the application of soil models to contemporary needs and challenges. Today, three ongoing changes in the genetic model of soil have far‐reaching consequences for the future of soil science: (i) that soil is being transformed globally from natural to human‐natural body, (ii) that the lower boundary of soil is much deeper than the solum historically confined to O to B horizons, and (iii) that most soils are a kind of pedogenic paleosol, archival products of soil‐forming processes that have ranged widely over the life of most soils. Together and each in their own way, these three changes in the model of soil impact directly human–soil relations and give structure and guidance to the science of anthropedology. In other words, human forcings represent a global wave of soil polygenesis altering fluxes of matter and energy and transforming the thermodynamics of soils as potentially very deep systems. Anthropedogenesis needs much better quantification to evaluate the future of soil and the wider environment.
Towards mechanistic models for activated sludge flocculation under different conditions based on inverse problems
Authors: Torfs E. , Bellandi G. , Nopens I.
Published: May 2012

Experimental data of Ca-induced activated sludge flocculation under different conditions of temperature and dissolved oxygen are investigated in order to model the influence of changing physical and chemical factors. However, current kernel structures for collision frequency and efficiency are unable to describe activated sludge flocculation data. Therefore, an earlier developed methodology based on an inverse problem is applied, yielding empirical models, to find out how flocculation is affected by these different environmental conditions. This contribution shows the useful application of inverse problems to improve the understanding of complex aggregation mechanisms.
Treatment of anaerobically digested dairy manure in a two-stage biofiltration system
Authors: Xia Mengjing , Tao Wendong , Wang Ziyuan , Pei Yuansheng
Published: May 2012

High concentrations of ammonium and phosphate present a challenge to cost-effective treatment of anaerobically digested dairy manure. This study investigated the efficacy of a two-stage biofiltration system for passive treatment of digested dairy manure. The first stage pebble filters were batch loaded. When the slurry-like digested dairy manure was retained on pebble beds, soluble contaminants were removed before liquid infiltrated over 8–17 days. The pebble filters removed 70% of soluble chemical oxygen demand, 71% of soluble biochemical oxygen demand, 75% of ammonium, and 68% of orthophosphate. Nitrogen removal was attributed to the conventional nitrification – denitrification process and novel nitritation – anammox process. Aerobic ammonium oxidizing and anammox bacteria accounted for 25 and 23% of all bacteria, respectively, in the filtrate of the pebble filters. The longer it took for filtration, the greater the removal efficiency of soluble contaminants. The second stage sand filters had removal efficiencies of 17% for soluble chemical oxygen demand, 45% for soluble biochemical oxygen demand, 43% for ammonium, and 16% for orthophosphate during batch operations at a hydraulic retention time of 7 days. Aerobic ammonium oxidation and anammox were primarily responsible for nitrogen removal in the sand filters. Vegetation made an insignificant difference in treatment performance of the sand filters.
Impacts of nutrients and related environmental factors on distribution and size structure of Noctiluca scintillans populations of the Eutrophic Tha Chin Estuary, Thailand
Authors: Chuenniyom Wansiri , Meksumpun Charumas , Meksumpun Shettapong
Published: May 2012

This study aimed to analyze the impacts of nutrients and related aquatic factors on changes in the Noctiluca population of the Tha Chin estuary, a nutrient-rich estuary located in the inner Gulf of Thailand. Field surveys were carried out at 30 stations during November 2009 to August 2010. The results indicated high levels of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN; 13.89–46.99 μmol/L) and PO43−-P (0.20–3.05 μmol/L) where the Noctiluca red tide occurred, particularly during the high-loading period. Dense populations were usually found in the outer part of the estuary with comparatively high salinity (25–29 psu). The highest Noctiluca density was 72,333 cells L−1 and the cell diameters ranged between 360 and 460 μm. Proportions of small-sized cells (Ps; less than 300 μm) varied over time. In this study, Ps showed a positive correlation with levels of PO43−-P, while the total population density was significantly affected by levels of NH4+-N and DIN (p < 0.05). Overall, PO43−-P influenced the development of the Noctiluca red tide, with the limitation of PO43−-P levels to below 1 μmol/L suggested for controlling Noctiluca red tide outbreaks at their origin. To support environmental conservation and maintain sustainable production in the estuary, the levels of PO43−-P should be considered for the further effective development of water quality standards in estuarine zones.
Enhanced removal of sodium salts supported by in-situ catalyst synthesis in a supercritical water oxidation process
Authors: Takahashi F. , Sun Z. R. , Fukushi K. , Oshima Y. , Yamamoto K.
Published: May 2012

For practical applications of supercritical water oxidation to wastewater treatment, the deposition of inorganic salts in supercritical phase must be controlled to prevent a reactor from clogging. This study investigated enhanced removal of sodium salts with titanium particles, serving as a salt trapper and a catalyst precursor, and sodium recovery by sub-critical water. When Na2CO3 was tested as a model salt, sodium removal efficiency was higher than theoretically maximum efficiency defined by Na2CO3 solubility. The enhanced sodium removal resulted from in-situ synthesis of sodium titanate, which could catalyse acetic acid oxidation. The kinetics of sodium removal was described well by a diffusion mass-transfer model combined with a power law-type rate model of sodium titanate synthesis. Titanium particles showed positive effect on sodium removal in the case of NaOH, Na2SO4 and Na3PO4. However, they had negligible effect for NaCl and negative effect for Na2CrO4, respectively. More than 99% of trapped sodium was recovered by sub-critical water except for Na2CrO4. In contrast, sodium recovery efficiency remained less than 50% in the case of Na2CrO4. Reused titanium particles showed the same performance for enhanced sodium removal. Enhanced salt removal supported by in-situ catalyst synthesis has great potential to enable both salt removal control and catalytic oxidation.
Neuroprotection in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review of the Preclinical Data
Authors: Douna H. , Bavelaar B.M. , Pellikaan H. , Olivier B. , Pieters T.
Published: May 2012

Aim: This study aimed to systematically review the preclinical data of neuroprotective agents for Parkinson’s
disease (PD) to support the translation of these compounds.

Methods: The study consisted of two phases. In phase I, Pubmed and Scopus were systematically searched for
neuroprotective agents for PD. In phase II, a systematic search was conducted for each substance identified in phase I.
Articles were included if they used MPTP, 6-OHDA, rotenone or paraquat injury models.

Results: Phase I led to the identification of 168 putative neuroprotective agents. Eventually ten compounds were included:
melatonin, estrogen, nicotine, caffeine, riluzole, curcumin, coenzyme Q10, aspirin, EGCG and resveratrol. Phase II
revealed 113 experimental studies and three reviews.

Conclusion: This study clearly depicts the preclinical data of ten promising neuroprotective agents. While some of these
compounds have already been tested in clinical use, none of them was studied in an appropriately designed trial to
determine a neuroprotective effect. In expectation of qualitatively improved neuroprotection trials, the data from this
study provide a firm foundation for future research.
Minimally Invasive Periodontal Treatment Using the Er,Cr: YSGG Laser. A 2-year Retrospective Preliminary Clinical Study
Authors: Dyer Bret , Sung Eric C.
Published: May 2012

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) using the erbium, chromium: yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser (Waterlase MD, Biolase, Irvine, CA) to treat moderate to advanced periodontal disease is presented as an alternative to conventional therapies. To date, there are few short- or long-term studies to demonstrate the effects of this laser in treating and maintaining periodontal health. Electronic clinical records from 16 patients – total of 126 teeth, with pocket depths ranging from 4 mm to 9 mm – were treated with the same protocol using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser. The mean baseline probing depths (PD) were 5 mm and clinical attachment levels (CAL) were 5 mm in the 4 - 6 mm pretreated laser group. The mean baseline probing depths were 7.5 and 7.6 mm for PD and CAL respectfully in the 7 – 9 mm pretreatment laser group. At the 2 year mark, the average PD was 3.2 ± 1.1 mm for the 4-6 mm pocket group and the 7-9 mm pocket group had a mean PD of 3.7 ± 1.2 mm. mean CAL was 3.1 ± 1.1 mm for the 4-6 mm group and 3.6 ± 1.2 for the 7-9 mm group with an overall reduction of 1.9 mm and 4.0 mm respectively. At one and two years, both groups remained stable with PD comparable to the three-month gains. The CAL measurements at one and two years were also comparable to the three-month gains.
Glioneuronal Tumor with Neuropil-Like Islands: Clinical, Morphologic, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Features of Three Pediatric Cases
Authors: Buccoliero Anna Maria , Castiglione Francesca , Degl'Innocenti Duccio Rossi , Moncini Daniela , Paglierani Milena , Sardi Iacopo , Giunti Laura , Giordano Flavio , Sanzo Massimiliano , Mussa Federico , Aricò Maurizio , Genitori Lorenzo , Taddei Gian Luigi
Published: May 2012

Glioneuronal tumors with neuropil-like islands are rare. The 1st reported cases were localized in the cerebral hemispheres of adults, showed homogeneous histopathologic features (infiltrating astrocytic growth and neuropil-like islands rimmed by neuronal cells), and had an unfavorable behavior. We report 3 pediatric cases (1 boy and 2 girls, ages 4, 6, and 8 years, respectively). The boy had a cerebral tumor, and the girls had a spinal tumor. The younger girl also had multiple posterior fossa lesions. The boy and older girl underwent a gross total resection. The younger girl underwent a subtotal resection of the spinal tumor; posterior fossa lesions were not surgically treated. The boy and younger girl are in complete remission at 33 and 24 months, respectively, after surgery and subsequent high-dose chemoradiotherapy. The older girl had a recurrence that was partially resected. Afterward, she started high-dose chemoradiotherapy and had an optimal radiologic response at 4 months follow up. Microscopically, the common denominator was the presence of synaptophysin-positive neuropil-like islands. One tumor showed ependymal features (pseudorosettes and punctate epithelial membrane antigen immunopositivity). Two tumors had 1p deletion. 19q deletion, MGMT gene promoter methylation, EGFR amplifications or polysomy, and EGFR, IDH1, IDH2, and TP53 genes mutation analyses yielded negative results. In conclusion, glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands can affect children, arise in the spinal cord, and show ependymal features in its glial component. A high-dose chemoradiotherapy program is effective.
Exstrophy Polyp is a Unique Pathology Entity
Authors: Fan Rong , Grignon David J. , Rhee Audrey , Meldrum Kristen K. , Cheng Liang
Published: May 2012

Classic bladder exstrophy is a rare congenital malformation occurring with an incidence of about 1 in 50 000 live births. Polypoid lesions frequently arise in the exstrophic bladder template; this has been well described in the pediatric urological literature. These lesions, however, are not as familiar to pathologists and oftentimes constitute diagnostic challenges. Careful observation revealed that these polyps are unique in their histopathologic appearance, with deep penetrating nests of urothelium or cysts and surrounding concentric fibrosis. Combining the unique clinical setting, a separate pathologic and diagnostic entity should be initiated for this type of polyp; we propose the term ‘bladder exstrophy polyp’ or simply an ‘exstrophy polyp.’
Investigation of structure of milled wood and dioxane lignins of Populus nigra and Cupressus sempervirens using the DFRC method
Authors: Partovi Tayyebe , Massoudi Abdol , Mirshokraie Seyyed
Published: May 2012

In this study, derivatisation followed by reductive cleavage (DFRC) were used to investigate milled wood lignin (MWL) and dioxane lignin (DL) structures of Populus nigra and Cupressus sempervirens. After the DFRC reactions, the constituents obtained from these two kinds of lignin were recognised structurally using several chromatographic and spectral methods such as 13C NMR, GC-MS, and GPC. Comparative results showed that the dominant structural components of the two kinds of lignin are obtained from the cleavage of β-O-4 bonds. The main component of DL and MWL of P. nigra is 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy-1-phenyl-γ-hydroxypropene (syringyl structures). Also, some guaiacyl structures were observed. The dominant component identified in both lignins of C. sempervirens is 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-1-phenyl-γ-hydroxypropene (guaiacyl structures). The cleavage method has a good performance for both P. nigra and C. sempervirens and the results obtained are in good agreement with previously published data.
Simultaneous determination of metal traces by ICP-MS in environmental waters using SPE preconcentration on different polymeric sorbents
Authors: Holubová Zuzana , Moos Martin , Sommer Lumír
Published: May 2012

This paper deals with multielement profiling of microlements in the form of their isotopes 9Be, 51V, 59Co, 60Ni, 89Y, 111Cd, 208Pb, 232Th, and 238U. After their complexation by 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR), 3,4-dihydroxy-9,10-dioxo-2-anthracenesulfonic acid sodium salt (ALS), 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulphonic acid (8-HQS), and ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC), the elements were preconcentrated and separated on Amberlite XAD-16 and Amberlite SDB-L prior to their analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Various parameters such as pH, eluent type and volume, presence of surfactants and volume, and matrix effects on the retention of analytes were examined. Relative standard deviation and recovery values for four replicate determinations under optimal condition were in the range of 0.2–3.6 % and 59–98 %. The proposed method was applied to the determination of elements in lake water sample and industrial water. Recovery experiments with spiked water samples were performed.
Solubility in the System (NH4)2S2O8—NH3—H2O and Mean Activity Coefficients of Saturated Solutions of (NH4)2S2O8
Authors: Balej Jan
Published: May 2012

Solubility in the System (NH4)2S2O8—NH3—H2O and Mean Activity Coefficients of Saturated Solutions of (NH4)2S2O8

The solubility data of ammonium peroxodisulfate in aqueous ammonia solutions at 15.5 °C have been evaluated using the relative activity coefficient expansion. Using the known value of the mean activity coefficient of saturated solution of ammonium peroxodisulfate in pure water, values of the mean activity coefficients of this salt in the saturated solutions of the given system have been calculated.
Utilization of electrochemical methods in determination of trace elements in beverages
Authors: Svítková Jana , Machková Martina , Šatkovská Petra , Cinková Kristína , Švorc Ľubomír
Published: May 2012

Utilization of electrochemical methods in determination of trace elements in beverages

Electrochemical methods have many inherent advantages such as simplicity, low cost and amenability to miniaturization. A new, sensitive and selective electrochemical method for the caffeine determination using boron doped diamond electrode was developed. It was found by cyclic voltammetry that caffeine provided highly reproducible and well-defined irreversible oxidation peak, at very positive potential of +1.55 V vs. Ag/AgCl electrode. The effect of pH and scan rate on the voltammetric response of caffeine oxidation were studied to select the optimum experimental conditions. Linear response of peak current on the concentration in the range from 4 × 10-7to 2.5 × 10-5mol L-1, good repeatability (RSD of 2.1 %) and the detection limit of 1.5 × 10-7mol L-1without any chemical modifications and electrochemical surface pretreatment were observed by differential pulse voltammetry in 0.4 mol L-1perchloric acid. The effect of possible interfering compounds appeared to be negligible which evidently proved very good selectivity. The proposed method was successfully applied for the caffeine determination in commercially available beverage samples, with results in a close statistical agreement to these declared by manufacturer.
Influence of storage and microwave heating on stability of soya spread lipids with linseed content
Authors: Kreps František , Schmidt Štefan , Vrbiková Lenka , Szeifová Lucia , Tmáková Lenka , Sekretár Stanislav
Published: May 2012

Influence of storage and microwave heating on stability of soya spread lipids with linseed content

We have chosen to experiment with soya spreads containing linseeds, which enrich the spreads with essential fatty acids and valuable related substances. The soya spreads with linseeds represent an ideal combination for nutritionally valuable foods with health benefits. In this work we examined the influence of microwave heating and storage on stability of linseed oil and soya spread lipids. Industrially produced soya spreads (S1) with addition of 5, 7 and 10 % linseeds and linseed oil were stored without a protective atmosphere in refrigerator at 5 °C. The lipids of commercial soya spreads (S2) enriched with 2, 5 and 10 % ground linseeds and soya spread lipids (S2) without linseeds were microwave-heated. The data obtained from experiments have shown that the storing of linseed oil for 30 days in refrigerator has caused excess of the maximum acceptable peroxide value (Food Codex of SR). Microwave-heated lipids from commercial soya spreads (S2) enriched with 2 % ground linseeds have the best result of stability and protective factor, compared with lipids from 5 and 10 % linseeds enriching soya spreads (S2). After the 5, 10 and 20 min of microwave heating, the lipids of soya spread (S2) enriched with 2 % ground linseeds have the protective factor 1.02, 1.15 and 1.43 respectively, compared with lipids from soya spread (S2) without linseeds. The microwave heating for 5 min has been accompanied by a decreasing of hydroperoxides and by formation of secondary oxidation products.
Dermal exposure to chemicals - evaluation of skin barrier damage
Authors: Klimová Zuzana , Hojerová Jarmila , Lucová Marianna , Pažoureková Silvia
Published: May 2012

Dermal exposure to chemicals - evaluation of skin barrier damage

Dermal exposure to xenobiotic compounds occurs on a daily basis in many humans, in intended as well as unintended ways. Serious skin problems are caused by household chemical products, mainly by strong anionic surfactants. The purpose of this study was to assess the suitability of two in vitro methods for evaluation of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) potential on skin barrier damage. Transdermal electrical conductivity (TEC) according to our design, and the method of in vitro skin permeability of indigotine as a chemical skin integrity marker were used. The TEC values across the skin membrane damaged with 5, 10 and 15 % aqueous SLS solutions for 1 h were 3.92, 5.79, and 7.29-fold higher respectively than the data of TEC across the intact skin membrane. The amounts of indigotine after 20 h permeation through the skin membrane damaged with 5, 10 and 15 % SLS were 2.48, 4.04, and 5.81-fold higher respectively than the measured amount of indigotine permeated through the intact skin. We consider that the measurement of TEC, especially, in combination with a suitable chemical marker can be simple, quick, safe and cost effective in vitro method for prediction the skin barrier damage not only by surfactants, but also for hazard and risk evaluation of other chemical compounds the human skin is exposed to.
Antimicrobial activity of selected lactic acid cocci and production of organic acids
Authors: Hladíková Zuzana , Smetanková Jana , Greif Gabriel , Greifová Mária
Published: May 2012

Antimicrobial activity of selected lactic acid cocci and production of organic acids

Antimicrobial activity and production of organic acids by selected lactic acid bacteria were monitored in this study. The largest antimicrobial activity against indicator microorganisms showed Pediococcus sp. G5, whereasStreptococcus thermophilushad no inhibitory effect. The inhibitory effect ofPediococcussp. G5 was strongest againstBacillus subtilis(17.78 %). Lactococci inhibited the growth ofEscherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosaandStaphylococcus aureus(% of inhibition ≤ 5.25). The growth ofAsperglillus flavus, Penicillium funiculosumandRhizopus oryzaewas not inhibited by all of tested cocci. Cocci produced varying quantities of organic acids (lactic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, etc.). Lactic acid was in large amounts and phenyllactic acid was produced only byPediococcussp. G5 (49.65 mg/L).
Extrême droite en Europe : une analyse géopolitique
Authors: Giblin Béatrice
Published: May 2012

La montée électorale dès le début des années 1980 du Front national, créé en 1972, a fait de la France une exception en Europe. On sait que ce n’est plus le cas et que, dans nombre de pays européens, non seulement les partis d’extrême droite obtiennent désormais des scores comparables à ceux du FN, et parfois supérieurs, mais aussi que le système électoral leur permet de faire partie de coalitions gouvernementales, pour constituer des majorités de droite. Le vote en faveur des partis d’extrême droite dans nombre de pays européens a pour cause principale le rejet de l’immigration musulmane, vue désormais comme faisant peser une menace sur l’identité nationale et les valeurs de la Nation. Dans le contexte actuel de la mondialisation économique, rendue responsable des délocalisations des entreprises industrielles et donc du chômage, l’étranger sert de bouc émissaire. Ces ressorts communs à la montée de l’extrême droite en Europe n’effacent pas les particularités des situations nationales. C’est pourquoi nous avons choisi de présenter diverses situations européennes pour mieux les comprendre, sans oublier de nous intéresser à la Russie.
Les droites extrêmes et populistes dans les pays nordiques
Authors: Coulet Cyril
Published: May 2012

Les élections législatives suédoises en 2010 et finlandaises en 2011 ont consacré la percée politique des formations populistes de droite qui disposent désormais d’une représentation dans l’ensemble des parlements nationaux des pays nordiques. Ces dernières ont fait du rejet de l’altérité leur thématique de campagne principale. Cet article ambitionne de saisir les conditions favorisant l’émergence de ces formations ainsi que leurs spécificités par rapport aux mouvements d’extrême droite. Les déterminants du vote pour ces partis laissent apparaître que la densité des migrants est moins significative que la capacité de médiatisation des conflits de valeurs entre les migrants et leur société d’accueil. L’étude des politiques publiques révèle que l’influence politique des partis populistes de droite est plus importante que prévu.
Le nouveau nationalisme en Russie
Authors: Mitrofanova Anastasia
Published: May 2012

Le nationalisme classique, apparu en Russie à la fin du XIX e siècle à l’issue de la désagrégation de l’idéologie panslaviste, était paradoxalement non ethnique. Ses idéologues préféraient évoquer non pas la « race russe » supérieure par essence mais bien la « nation russienne » qui incluait toutes les ethnies de l’empire. En revanche, le nouveau nationalisme, qui naît après la Seconde Guerre mondiale sous l’influence du national-socialisme germanique, est clairement d’inspiration ethnique. Dans ce nouveau nationalisme il faut distinguer deux tendances majeures : des organisations radicales paramilitaires imitant l’idéologie et la symbolique du néonazisme européen ( cf. Parti populaire national), et des organisations modérées nationalistes non militarisées ayant pour but la conquête légale du pouvoir ou la quête d’influence sur le pouvoir en place. Ces nationalistes modérés sont apparus précisément afin de fédérer des couches larges de la population et des classes moyennes au détriment des radicaux et des marginaux, chasse gardée du nationalisme classique. Ils font de la lutte contre l’immigration illégale et musulmane leur cheval de bataille.
Governance for securing feedstock supply of biogas plants
Authors: Gold S.
Published: May 2012

As stocks of fossil fuels become harder to access and exploit worldwide, renewable energies as a sustainable option have entered the limelight in recent years. Bio-energy plays an essential role in the current mix of renewable energy technologies. In Germany, the state fosters insistently biogas technology within the concert of bio-energy options. Literature suggests that long-term stable economic ties with supplying farmers are the pivotal managerial challenge of bio-energy plant operators to secure a constant and competitively priced feedstock supply. Biogas plant operators are generally in a vulnerable position vis-à-vis their suppliers due to their substantial specific capital investment and a rather restricted economically viable catchment area. Transactional uncertainty due to volatile agricultural market prices, changing yield quantities, and unpredictable behaviour of suppliers makes biogas plant operators aim for effective governance. The study aims by means of in-depth interviews to explore how biogas plant operators perceive their specific situation of transactional uncertainty and which instruments (concerning formal and relational contracts) they use for securing stable and constant feedstock supply. Findings indicate that mutually reinforcing interaction of formal contracts, business partnerships, and equity participation with relational contracts proves to be successful in establishing long-term stable feedstock supply. While the specific rural societal culture has an ambiguous impact on governance design, local rootedness of biogas plant operators provide high levels of social capital and thus clearly facilitate the search for effective solutions that satisfy all parties.
CD23+CD21highCD1dhigh B Cells in Inflamed Lymph Nodes Are a Locally Differentiated Population with Increased Antigen Capture and Activation Potential
Authors: Moshkani Safiehkhatoon , Kuzin Igor I. , Adewale Funmilola , Jansson Johan , Sanz Iñaki , Schwarz Edward M. , Bottaro Andrea
Published: May 2012

CD23+CD21highCD1dhigh B cells in inflamed nodes (Bin cells) accumulate in the lymph nodes (LNs) draining inflamed joints of the TNF-α–transgenic mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis and are primarily involved in the significant histological and functional LN alterations that accompany disease exacerbation in this strain. In this study, we investigate the origin and function of Bin cells. We show that adoptively transferred GFP+ sorted mature follicular B (FoB) cells home preferentially to inflamed LNs of TNF-α–transgenic mice where they rapidly differentiate into Bin cells, with a close correlation with the endogenous Bin fraction. Bin cells are also induced in wild-type LNs after immunization with T-dependent Ags and display a germinal center phenotype at higher rates compared with FoB cells. Furthermore, we show that Bin cells can capture and process Ag-immune complexes in a CD21-dependent manner more efficiently than can FoB cells, and they express greater levels of MHC class II and costimulatory Ags CD80 and CD86. We propose that Bin cells are a previously unrecognized inflammation-induced B cell population with increased Ag capture and activation potential, which may facilitate normal immune responses but may contribute to autoimmunity when chronic inflammation causes their accumulation and persistence in affected LNs.
Passive Immunoprotection of Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Mice Designates the CyRPA as Candidate Malaria Vaccine Antigen
Authors: Dreyer Anita M. , Matile Hugues , Papastogiannidis Petros , Kamber Jolanda , Favuzza Paola , Voss Till S. , Wittlin Sergio , Pluschke Gerd
Published: May 2012

An effective malaria vaccine could prove to be the most cost-effective and efficacious means of preventing severe disease and death from malaria. In an endeavor to identify novel vaccine targets, we tested predicted Plasmodium falciparum open reading frames for proteins that elicit parasite-inhibitory Abs. This has led to the identification of the cysteine-rich protective Ag (CyRPA). CyRPA is a cysteine-rich protein harboring a predicted signal sequence. The stage-specific expression of CyRPA in late schizonts resembles that of proteins known to be involved in merozoite invasion. Immunofluorescence staining localized CyRPA at the apex of merozoites. The entire protein is conserved as shown by sequencing of the CyRPA encoding gene from a diverse range of P. falciparum isolates. CyRPA-specific mAbs substantially inhibited parasite growth in vitro as well as in a P. falciparum animal model based on NOD-scid IL2Rγnull mice engrafted with human erythrocytes. In contrast to other P. falciparum mouse models, this system generated very consistent results and evinced a dose-response relationship and therefore represents an unprecedented in vivo model for quantitative comparison of the functional potencies of malaria-specific Abs. Our data suggest a role for CyRPA in erythrocyte invasion by the merozoite. Inhibition of merozoite invasion by CyRPA-specific mAbs in vitro and in vivo renders this protein a promising malaria asexual blood-stage vaccine candidate Ag.
Immunological Disruption of Antiangiogenic Signals by Recruited Allospecific T Cells Leads to Corneal Allograft Rejection
Authors: Tan Yaohong , Cruz-Guilloty Fernando , Medina-Mendez Carlos A. , Cutrufello Nicholas J. , Martinez Rosa E. , Urbieta Maitee , Wilson David , Li Yiwen , Perez Victor L.
Published: May 2012

Corneal transplantation is the most common solid organ transplantation. The immunologically privileged nature of the cornea results in high success rates. However, T cell-mediated rejection is the most common cause of corneal graft failure. Using antiangiogenesis treatment to prevent corneal neovascularization, which revokes immune privilege, prevents corneal allograft rejection. Endostatin is an antiangiogenic factor that maintains corneal avascularity. In this study, we directly test the role of antiangiogenic and immunological signals in corneal allograft survival, specifically the potential correlation of endostatin production and T cell recruitment. We report that 75% of the corneal allografts of BALB/c mice rejected after postoperative day (POD) 20, whereas all syngeneic grafts survived through POD60. This correlates with endogenous endostatin, which increased and remained high in syngeneic grafts but decreased after POD10 in allografts. Immunostaining demonstrated that early recruitment of allospecific T cells into allografts around POD10 correlated with decreased endostatin production. In Rag−/− mice, both allogeneic and syngeneic corneal grafts survived; endostatin remained high throughout. However, after T cell transfer, the allografts eventually rejected, and endostatin decreased. Furthermore, exogenous endostatin treatment delayed allograft rejection and promoted survival secondary to angiogenesis inhibition. Our results suggest that endostatin plays an important role in corneal allograft survival by inhibiting neovascularization and that early recruitment of allospecific T cells into the grafts promotes destruction of endostatin-producing cells, resulting in corneal neovascularization, massive infiltration of effector T cells, and ultimately graft rejection. Therefore, combined antiangiogenesis and immune suppression will be more effective in maintaining corneal allograft survival.
Humoral and Cellular Capsid-Specific Immune Responses to Adeno-Associated Virus Type 1 in Randomized Healthy Donors
Authors: Veron Philippe , Leborgne Christian , Monteilhet Virginie , Boutin Sylvie , Martin Samia , Moullier Philippe , Masurier Carole
Published: May 2012

A major impediment to the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene delivery to muscle in clinical applications is the pre-existing immune responses against the vector. Pre-existing humoral response to different AAV serotypes is now well documented. In contrast, cellular responses to AAV capsid have not been analyzed in a systematic manner, despite the risk of T cell reactivation upon gene transfer. AAV1 has been widely used in humans to target muscle. In this study, we analyzed PBMCs and sera of healthy donors for the presence of AAV1 capsid-specific T cell responses and AAV1 neutralizing factors. Approximately 30% of donors presented AAV1 capsid-specific T cells, mainly effector memory CD8+ cells. IFN-γ–producing cells were also observed among effector memory CD4+ cells for two of these donors. Moreover, to our knowledge, this study shows for the first time on a large cohort that there was no correlation between AAV1-specific T cell and humoral responses. Indeed, most donors presenting specific Ig and neutralizing factors were negative for cellular response (and vice versa). These new data raise the question of prescreening patients not only for the humoral response, but also for the cellular response. Clearly, a better understanding of the natural immunology of AAV serotypes will allow us to improve AAV gene therapy and make it an efficient treatment for genetic disease.
Treatment of 817 Patients with Spontaneous Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Characteristics, Predictive Factors and Outcome
Authors: Maslehaty Homajoun , Petridis Athanasios K. , Barth Harald , Doukas Alexandros , Mehdorn Hubertus Maximilian
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to present the data of a large cohort of patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), who were treated in our department and give a current overview considering special clinical characteristics, performed therapy and different predictive factors for morbidity and mortality. We reviewed the data of all patients with spontaneous ICH, who were treated in our department in a time span of 11 years through an analysis of our prospective database. Patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH were included in the study. Patients with hemorrhage associated to vascular malformation or to cerebral ischemic stroke were excluded. The clinical performance at time of admission and discharge were scored using the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) respectively. The patients’ cohort was divided into surgically and conservatively treated groups. Statistical analysis [Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and ?²-test] was done for various parameters to analyze their impact on morbidity and mortality. In total, we analyzed the data of 817 patients (364 female and 453 male). Two hundred and sixty-nine patients (32%) were treated conservatively and 556 patients (68%) underwent surgical procedures, i.e. cerebrospinal fluid drainage in 110 (19.8%), craniotomy in 338 (60.7%) and application of both methods in 108 patients (19.4%). Total mortality rate was estimated with 23.5%. GCS<8, age over 70 years, intraventricular and basal ganglia hemorrhage, coumadin medication, combination of co-morbidities, hypertensive hemorrhage and postoperative re-bleeding were statistically significant risk factors for worse outcome (GOS 1 and 2) in the operated group. Similar to the observations of the operated group, GCS<8, age over 70 years and coumadin medication were statistically significant for worse outcome in the conservative group. In contrast, lobar plus basal ganglia ICH and multi-lobar hemorrhages were the most significant factors for worse outcome in the conservative group. The results of our study show that ICH remains a multifarious disease and challenges neurosurgeons repeatedly. Selection of the treatment modality and prediction for neurofunctional outcome underlies various parameters. Treatment recommendations of ICH remain an unsolved issue. The consideration of the GCS grade at admission is the most important predictive factor. Old age is not an absolute contraindication for surgery, but cumulative multi-morbidity, especially cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases and oral anticoagulant therapy should be regarded critically in view of surgical treatment.
Convergence of children's depression rating scale-revised scores and clinical diagnosis in rating adolescent depressive symptomatology
Authors: Plener Paul L. , Grieb Jasmin , Spröber Nina , Straub Joana , Schneider Alexander , Keller Ferdinand , Kölch Michael G.
Published: May 2012

The Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) is a widely used instrument for research on depression in minors. A raw score of ?40 has often been used as indicator of depressive symptomatology. As a validated German version of the CDRS-R has recently became available, we assessed CDRS-R raw summary scores of a video taped interview session in two different rater groups and compared them with clinical ratings of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) depression diagnosis as observed by a third independent group. We found that for the German version a raw score between 35 and 40 is indicative for mild depressive symptomatology as described by the ICD-10. CDRS-R scores show potential clinical applicability to deduct levels of depression.
Het boek Openbaring: De macht van Gods geduld
Authors: Decock Paul B.
Published: May 2012

The Apocalypse of John: The power of God's patience. John B. Thompson relates power primarily to institutions, which embody the aims of a specific social structure. However, human actions will either endorse this social structure and empower its institutions or undermine them. The Apocalypse of John attempts to use its prophetic authority to undermine the power of the institutions of the Roman Empire and of its social structure by challenging the communities to withdraw their support from these and to continue this project in their own prophetic mission to all nations. The Apocalypse challenges the symbolic universe of the Roman Empire (an important element in their social structure) and the power of its institutions with an alternative symbolic universe rooted in the Old Testament traditions of God as the creator. In this symbolic universe the throne of God with God’s judgement is the institution where true power is situated and which will bring the work of creation to its fulfilment. The Empire is revealed as embodying the aims of Satan, who alienates people from God and so destroys God’s creation. The communities are called upon to act according to the aims inspired by the alternative symbolic universe as lived out by Jesus (hence the emphasis on the ‘works’ and the reminder to ’persevere in doing the works of Jesus‘[2:26]). The power of God’s judgement is not yet fully experienced because in God’s patience it is delayed in order to give the opportunity to the communities and all nations to bring their ‘works’ in tune with the aims of creation and so to undermine and ‘overcome’ the power of the Empire and Satan. God’s imminent judgement is meant as the vibrant guarantee of the success of creation, of the value of the ‘works of Jesus’ and of the uselessness of the ‘works of Satan’. Although the faithful may appear as powerless victims they are in fact ‘agents’ of God’s creation.
Employee retention within the Information Technology Division of a South African Bank
Authors: Mohlala Joy , Goldman Geoff A. , Goosen Xenia
Published: May 2012

Orientation: The information technology industry is faced with a shrinking pool of skilled employees causing demand to increase for these employees. This places organisations under pressure to devise retention strategies to retain these employees. This study was conducted in the Information Technology Division of a South African Bank.Research purpose: To understand the challenges faced by the bank’s information technology leadership team to retain employees.Motivation for the study: To understand the challenges faced in attracting and retaining information technology professionals, and how this can serve as input for reducing skills shortages in Information Technology Divisions.Research design, approach and method: An interpretive approach employing a case study strategy and qualitative methods was employed. Semi structured interviews were conducted with thirteen senior managers and four directors of the bank’s Information Technology Division, who were selected on a purposive basis. Data were subjected to Creswell’s four stage data analysis process.Main findings: Findings indicate that employee turnover is the main contributor of skills shortages within the studied division. The lack of a retention strategy is making it difficult for leadership to identify crucial skills that must be retained.Practical/managerial implications: Evidence suggests that this bank, although they would like to retain information technology professionals, is not creating an environment conducive to do this, as little attention is paid to the unique demands of this group of employees.Contribution/value-add: This study investigates a specific group of employees for which a unique retention strategy does not exist. In understanding the challenges that impact on attracting and retaining information technology professionals, this study can contribute to the development of a retention strategy for these employees.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Focus on novel Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Lin Tara L. , Levy M. Yair
Published: May 2012

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with variable clinical outcomes. Cytogenetic analysis reveals which patients may have favorable risk disease, but 5-year survival in this category is only approximately 60%, with intermediate and poor risk groups faring far worse. Advances in our understanding of the biology of leukemia pathogenesis and prognosis have not been matched with clinical improvements. Unsatisfactory outcomes persist for the majority of patients with AML, particularly the elderly. Novel agents and treatment approaches are needed in the induction, post-remission and relapsed settings. The additions of clofarabine for relapsed or refractory disease and the hypomethylating agents represent recent advances. Clinical trials of FLT3 inhibitors have yielded disappointing results to date, with ongoing collaborations attempting to identify the optimal role for these agents. Potential leukemia stem cell targeted therapies and treatments in the setting of minimal residual disease are also under investigation. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in AML treatment and novel therapeutic strategies.
Quantification of Transcriptome Responses of the Rumen Epithelium to Butyrate Infusion using RNA-seq Technology
Authors: Baldwin Ransom L. , Wu Sitao , Li Weizhong , Li Congjun , Bequette Brian J. , Li Robert W.
Published: May 2012

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, produced by gut microorganisms, play a critical role in energy metabolism and physiology of ruminants as well as in human health. In this study, the temporal effect of elevated butyrate concentrations on the transcriptome of the rumen epithelium was quantified via serial biopsy sampling using RNA-seq technology. The mean number of genes transcribed in the rumen epithelial transcriptome was 17,323.63 ± 277.20 (±SD; N = 24) while the core transcriptome consisted of 15,025 genes. Collectively, 80 genes were identified as being significantly impacted by butyrate infusion across all time points sampled. Maximal transcriptional effect of butyrate on the rumen epithelium was observed at the 72-h infusion when the abundance of 58 genes was altered. The initial reaction of the rumen epithelium to elevated exogenous butyrate may represent a stress response as Gene Ontology (GO) terms identified were predominantly related to responses to bacteria and biotic stimuli. An algorithm for the reconstruction of accurate cellular networks (ARACNE) inferred regulatory gene networks with 113,738 direct interactions in the butyrate-epithelium interactome using a combined cutoff of an error tolerance (ε = 0.10) and a stringent P-value threshold of mutual information (5.0 × 10–11). Several regulatory networks were controlled by transcription factors, such as CREBBP and TTF2, which were regulated by butyrate. Our findings provide insight into the regulation of butyrate transport and metabolism in the rumen epithelium, which will guide our future efforts in exploiting potential beneficial effect of butyrate in animal well-being and human health.
Instability of gravity wetting fronts for Richards equations with hysteresis
Authors: Schweizer Ben
Published: May 2012

We study the evolution of saturation profiles in a porous medium. When there is a more saturated medium on top of a less saturated medium, the effect of gravity is a downward motion of the liquid. While in experiments the effect of fingering can be observed, i.e., an instability of the planar front solution, it has been verified in different settings that the Richards equation with gravity has stable planar fronts. In the present work we analyze the Richards equation coupled to a play-type hysteresis model in the capillary pressure relation. Our result is that, in a homogeneous medium, imposing appropriate initial and boundary conditions, the planar front solution is unstable. In particular, we find that the Richards equation with gravity and hysteresis does not define an

L^1

-contraction.
How an unlearning context can help managers overcome the negative effects of counter-knowledge
Authors: Cegarra-Navarro Juan-Gabriel , Eldridge Stephen , Sánchez Antonio L Gamo
Published: May 2012

Customer relations provide a valuable link between customers and the companies who produce the products they buy and the services they use. Every organisational member carries out actions which reflect the existence of counter-knowledge (i.e., obsolete knowledge and inappropriate knowledge structures) which in turn can lead to detrimental effects on customers. A decision to reorientate counter-knowledge takes an extended period of time to produce significant results as this process involves the integration of existing capabilities with newly acquired knowledge. Crucially, however, it also involves the unlearning of capabilities which are no longer relevant. Unlearning is the process by which firms eliminate old logics and behaviours and make room for new ones. With the development of this paper, we intend to address the following question: How can managers help to correct counter-knowledge in order to foster customer relations? These relationships are examined through an empirical investigation of 164 small and medium enterprises in the Spanish construction industry. Our results show that an unlearning context (i.e., the examination of lens fitting, the framework for changing individual habits and the framework for consolidating emergent understandings) is an important solution for the process of counteracting the negative effects of counter-knowledge (e.g., misunderstandings and misconceptions). The results also shed light on a tangible means for managers to enhance customer relations through unlearning practices.