bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of genetic variations among different Trichoderma isolates using RAPD marker in Bangladesh
Authors: Sagar MSI , Meah MB , Rahman MM , Ghose AK
Published: October 2011

Some Trichoderma isolates were collected from different locations of Bangladesh for evaluating their bioefficiency by determining their genetic variations. PCR-based Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Marker employing 3 decamer primers produced 29 scorable bands of which all (100%) were polymorphic. The co-efficient of gene differentiation (Gst) was 1.0000 reflecting the existence of high level of genetic diversity among the isolates. The Unweighted Pair Group Method of Arithmetic Means (UPGMA) dendrogram constructed from Nei’s (1972) genetic distance produced 2 main clusters (16 isolates in cluster 1 and 19 isolates in cluster 2). The result indicating their genetic diversity has opened new possibility of using the most efficient and more isolates of Trichoderma in the preparation of effective biopesticide. Keywords: Genetic diversity; Trichoderma; RAPD DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i1.8738 JBAU 2011; 9(1): 9-20
Economics of fertilizer use in the Maize-Mungbean/Dhaincha-T.aman rice cropping pattern
Authors: Rahman MH , Islam MR , Jahiruddin M , Haque MQ
Published: October 2011

Field experiments were conducted over three years during 2001-2004 and 2002-2005 at BAU farm, Mymensingh and OFRD farm, Rangpur, respectively, using farm yard manure (FYM), dhaincha (Sesbania) and mungbean residue along with inorganic fertilizers. For the first crop (maize), there were five treatments i.e. T1: Control, T2: Moderate Yield Goal (MYG), T3: High Yield Goal (HYG), T4: FYM 5t/ha + Inorganic fertilizer for MYG as IPNS basis, T5: FYM 5t/ha + Inorganic fertilizer for HYG as IPNS basis. Each year, FYM was applied to maize crop and GM/MBR was applied before transplanting of aman rice. Integrated use of manure and inorganic fertilizers (IPNS basis) produced comparable seed yield of maize with the chemical fertilizers alone irrespective of moderate or high, yield goal basis (MYG or HYG) in both locations. After harvest of maize, mungbean and dhaincha (Sesbania) seeds were sown as per treatments. For T. aman rice (third crop), each of the plots of T2 and T3 treatments were subdivided into six, so there were altogether 15 treatments. At both locations, the incorporation of Sesbania biomass and mungbean residue along with inorganic fertilizers for MYG gave identical grain yields of T. aman rice with the fertilizers alone applied for HYG. There was an inverse relationship between the higher dose of fertilizer application and marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) at both the locations. Considering gross margin and marginal benefit-cost ratio (MBCR), legume residue incorporation along with inorganic fertilizers (IPNS basis) was found to be the best treatment (T3.3.3). Keywords: Economics; Fertilizer use; Cropping pattern; Organic manure; IPNS DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i1.8741 JBAU 2011; 9(1): 37-42
In vitro study of factors related to the hatching of eggs of Oesophagostomum columbianum
Authors: Moinuddin MA , Begum N , Akhter S , Biswas PG
Published: October 2011

To determine the in vitro effects of various environmental and nutritional factors on the hatching of eggs, development and survival of larvae of Oesophagostomum columbianum, eggs were cultivated at different temperature gradients, humidity and PH in phosphate buffer saline (PBS), tap water (TW) and normal saline (NS) using serum and liver extract at different concentrations during the period from November 2008 to October 2009. In this study, no development of eggs was seen at 40C temperature within 15 days. The eggs also did not hatch while transferred to room temperature within 15 days. Hatching of eggs were maximum (38.7%) at 260C on day 5. While hatching of eggs of O. columbianum did not occur at pH 2. Maximum number of hatching of eggs was seen on day 6 (40.00%) at PH 6.5 and lowest in (3.65%) at PH 11.5. Maximum hatching of eggs (51.21%) were recorded in the relative humidity of ≥80%-90% on day 5. Light had no significant effect on the development and hatching of eggs of O. columbianum. Maximum eggs hatched in PBS containing 15% serum and 10% liver extract (42.16%) but for PBS containing 10% liver extract also produced about to same hatching rate (42.15%). The present study suggests that PBS containing 15% serum and 10% liver extract may be used as suitable media for the incubation of eggs of O. columbianum due to continuous increasing of hatching rate of eggs according to the advancement of days. Further more, for in vitro culture better results may be obtained if eggs are incubated at 260C, PH 6.5 and relative humidity ≥80%-90%. Keywords: O. columbianum; Factors; Hatching of eggs DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i1.8744 JBAU 2011; 9(1): 55-60
Isolation of Clostridium perfringens, Causal agents of necrotic enteritis in chickens
Authors: Miah MS , Asaduzzaman M , Sufian MA , Hossain MM
Published: October 2011

The present study was conducted to isolate the causal agent of necrotic enteritis (NE) from broiler chickens. A total of 50 jejunal samples from necropsied broiler chickens were collected for isolation of Clostridium perfringens, the causal agent of NE. The novel method for isolation of Clostridium perfringens was stab culture in association with pouring of olive oil on the surface of the stab culture. The collected samples in nutrient broth were kept in a candle jar and incubated for 24 hrs at 37°C. For maintenance of anaerobic condition olive oil (2-3 cm) were poured on surface of culture broth in test tube. In Gram's staining, the morphology of the isolated bacteria was Gram-positive, rod-shaped, anaerobic, spore-forming single or paired in arrangement. The addition of olive oil on the surface of stab culture was effective for the growth of Clostridium perfringens. The characterization of Clostridium perfringens was then performed by other routine cultural study, staining procedure and different types of biochemical tests. The occurrence of necrotic enteritis was 8%. Keywords: Clostridium perfringens; Stab culture; Olive oil; Broiler chickens DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i1.8751 JBAU 2011; 9(1): 97-102
Poverty reduction through women employment in farms and rice mills in an area of Dinajpur district
Authors: Rahman MS , Hasan MR
Published: October 2011

The study was undertaken to examine the socio-economic profiles of women participated in farms and rice mills activities; to examine contribution of women to household income which reducing their poverty; to identify the factors influencing the level of family income in farms and rice mills labourers; and to identify the problems and constraints of farms and rice mills. Bochagonj Upazila of Dinajpur district was selected purposively for the study considering the availability of large number of farm and rice mill labourers. Sixty samples of each category have been selected by random sampling procedure and primary data were collected by direct interview through a pre-tested survey schedule. The educational status, land holding and other household assets position were improved due to the women’s contribution to overall family income. Patterns of family expenditure remained same before and after the women involvement in farm and rice mill works but increased over time that indicated some significant changes in the level of poverty of the households. Age of the respondents, family size, land holding, number of earning members and respondents’ income contributed significantly to the variability of income and employment. Major problems were nature of the work and the variation in the salary level between male and female labourers. Finally, women contributed a small amount but a significant proportion of their family income and the socioeconomic status of the women farm and rice mill labourers should be improved through direct participation in income generating activities by reducing the male and female discriminations. Keywords: Poverty; Women employment; Farm; Rice mills; Income DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i1.8755 JBAU 2011; 9(1): 131-139
Exhibiting Europe The Development of European Narratives in Museums, Collections, and Exhibitions
Authors: Krankenhagen Stefan
Published: October 2011

No abstract available.
From Great Men to Ordinary Citizens? The Biographical Approach to Narrating European Integration in Museums
Authors: Kaiser Wolfram
Published: October 2011

The history of European integration is not easy to tell – in books or, for that matter, in museums. Most importantly, it appears to lack drama. This lack of drama creates a dilemma for museum practitioners who wish to tell stories about the contemporary history of Europé as shared history. In these circumstances, one prominent way of telling stories about European integration history in museums, and the focus of this article, is the biographical approach. Drawing upon research in all of the museums mentioned in this article and many more, and some 60 interviews with museum practitioners from across Europé, this article first discusses three biographical approaches to narrating European integration history in museums. It proceeds to draw out general conclusions about the prospects of mainstreaming European integration in history museums, and about the particular opportunities and pitfalls of the biographical approach and its different varieties.
Direct One-Pot Synthesis of Primary 4-Amino-2,3-diaryl-quinolines via Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling of 2-Aryl-4-azido-3-iodoquinolines with Arylboronic Acids
Authors: Mphahlele Malose Jack , Mphahlele Mamasegare Mabel
Published: October 2011

Palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of 2-aryl-4-azido-3-iodo-quinolines with arylboronic acids afforded the corresponding primary 4-amino-2,3-diarylquinolines in a single-pot operation along with symmetrical biaryls and traces of the 2,3-diaryl-4-azidoquinolines. A plausible mechanism, which implicates palladium hydride species in the reduction of the incipient 2,3-diaryl-4-azidoquinolines to afford the 4-amino-2,3-diarylquinolines is proposed.
Two New Xanthones from Calophyllum nodusum (Guttiferae)
Authors: Nasir Nadiah Mad , Rahmani Mawardi , Shaari Khozirah , Ee Gwendoline Cheng Lian , Go Rusea , Kassim Nur Kartinee , Muhamad Siti Noor Kamilah , Iskandar Mohd Johadi
Published: October 2011

The air-dried powdered stem bark of Calophyllum nodusum (Guttiferea) collected from Sandakan (Sabah, Malaysia), was extracted sequentially with hexane, chloroform and methanol. The solvents were removed by rotary evaporator to give dark viscous extracts. Detailed and repeated chromatographic separation of the extracts lead to isolation of two new xanthones, identified as nodusuxanthone (1a) and trapezifolixanthone A (2). Other common terpenoids such as betulinic acid, lupeol, stigmasterol and friedelin were also isolated from the extracts and identified. The structures of the compounds were established by detailed spectral analysis and comparison with previously reported data.
Line-Monitoring, Hyperspectral Fluorescence Setup for Simultaneous Multi-Analyte Biosensing
Authors: Liu Zhiyi , Shi Heng , Liu Le , Deng Sunan , Ji Yanhong , Ma Suihua , Ma Hui , He Yonghong
Published: October 2011

Conventional fluorescence scanners utilize multiple filters to distinguish different fluorescent labels, and problems arise because of this filter-based mechanism. In this work we propose a line-monitoring, hyperspectral fluorescence technique which is designed and optimized for applications in multi-channel microfluidic systems. In contrast to the filter-based mechanism, which only records fluorescent intensities, the hyperspectral technique records the full spectrum for every point on the sample plane. Multivariate data exploitation is then applied to spectra analysis to determine ratios of different fluorescent labels and eliminate unwanted artifacts. This sensor is designed to monitor multiple fluidic channels simultaneously, providing the potential for multi-analyte biosensing. The detection sensitivity is approximately 0.81 fluors/μm2, and this sensor is proved to act with a good homogeneity. Finally, a model experiment of detecting short oligonucleotides has demonstrated the biomedical application of this hyperspectral fluorescence biosensor.
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES: CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS AND MODELS IN THE CONTEXT OF A CREATIVE ECONOMY OF THE 21ST CENTURY / KŪRYBINĖS INDUSTRIJOS: KLASIFIKAVIMO SISTEMOS IR MODELIAI XXI A. KŪRYBOS EKONOMIKOS KONTEKSTE
Authors: Levickaitė Rasa
Published: October 2011

The article discusses a concept of creative industries, looks at its definition varying in different countries and presents a phenomenon of a creative economy. In the context of the creative economy of the 21st century, the paper deals with classification systems and models of creative industries. Theoretical principals are based on the UNCTAD analysis of the creative economy. Creative industries are based on the production cycles of creative content that applies to creativity and intellectual property which is knowledge based activities covering both tangible products and an intangible creation of intellectual or creative services. According to the UNCTAD classification system, four groups of creative industries, including heritage, arts, media, and functional production can be distinguished and subdivided into subgroups. Research on worldwide creative industries refers to four models: UK DCMS model, symbolic text model, concentric circle model and WIPO copyright model. While appealing to the above mentioned models, classification systems with the output of complex interdisciplinary research might be designed.
Entre colère et distance : les « études féministes » à l'université
Authors: Andriocci Muriel
Published: October 2011

Résumé Cet article a pour objet l’analyse des effets des études féministes/études genre sur les étudiantes qui ont suivi, dans le cadre de leurs études supérieures à l’université, des enseignements se revendiquant (plus ou moins explicitement) d’une problématique en termes de rapports sociaux de sexe. Il tente de montrer que l’hétérogénéité des effets de ces enseignements est liée à la diversité des expériences de l’injustice que rencontrent les femmes. Si ces savoirs issus, à l’origine, d’une lutte politique et dispensés, aujourd’hui, dans certaines universités, sont en mesure de formaliser, de contextualiser ou de resocialiser des souffrances liées aux normes oppressives de genre — et éventuellement de déboucher sur une lutte plus ou moins formelle pour leurs transformations — ils sont par ailleurs canalisés et disciplinés par l’académie.
De la restructuration de l'entreprise à la restructuration des relations professionnelles : le cas de Canal Plus
Authors: Didry Claude
Published: October 2011

Résumé Les licenciements collectifs de 2001 et 2003 au sein de Canal Plus correspondent à l’influence que l’actionnaire, Vivendi Universal, entend établir sur le groupe audiovisuel qu’il contrôle financièrement. Dans le contexte de la déconfiture de Vivendi Universal, les licenciements collectifs révèlent alors l’importance du collectif des salariés dans la définition même de Canal Plus. L’affirmation d’une Unité Économique et Sociale, comme collectif institutionnel, contre la normalisation que tentent ses dirigeants, traduit le dépassement du « registre transactionnel » des débuts de la chaîne. Face à un employeur tenté par le démantèlement et la vente de l’entreprise, la détermination de représentants du personnel issus d’un nouveau syndicat fait apparaître sous un jour nouveau l’« intérêt de l’entreprise » et la rentabilité que l’actionnaire peut en attendre. Ce rôle du comité d’entreprise et des organisations syndicales montre les effets déterminants du droit du travail dans la défense de l’intérêt d’une entreprise soumise à la pression des marchés financiers, selon un registre d’action propre à une activité faisant appel à une main-d’œuvre aux qualifications très spécifiques.
Causalité, holisme méthodologique et modélisation « critique » en économie
Authors: Raveaud Gilles
Published: October 2011

Résumé Dans ce texte, je montre comment il est possible de produire des modèles alternatifs convaincants en économie. Je commence par identifier deux critères de pertinence : l’identification des causes des phénomènes (Lawson), et le renoncement à l’individualisme méthodologique (Combemale). Pour trouver des modèles correspondant à ces deux critères, je reviens aux « idéaltypes » de Weber, qui sont à mon sens trop souvent mal interprétés. Je conclus en illustrant la richesse de cette méthode en faisant référence aux deux principales écoles hétérodoxes françaises, l’École de la Régulation et l’Économie des Conventions.
L'opium des économistes (Sont-ils encore des intellectuels ?)
Authors: Pouch Thierry
Published: October 2011

Résumé Les économistes appartiennent à un champ scientifique au sein duquel ils produisent des travaux, des modèles, échangent des idées, débattent des mesures de politique économique prises par l’État... En ce sens, leurs productions scientifiques, leurs savoirs, constituent un des maillons de la vie intellectuelle. Cela est d’autant plus vérifié que les débats, souvent passionnés, sont des révélateurs de tensions paradigmatiques traversant la science économique. Cette effervescence autour des concepts, des méthodes et des recommandations de politique économique attestent de l’implication des économistes dans la vie intellectuelle. Mais le seul fait que la portée critique du système économique s’est progressivement érodée au cours des trente cinq dernières années, les économistes laissant espérer que ce système est perfectible, indique qu’ils ne sont plus des intellectuels, qu’ils sont de moins en moins capables de produire une vision critique du monde économique. Ils sont devenus des intellectuels organiques.
Travail salarié et « société salariale » : de Marx à Marx, en passant par la sécurité sociale
Authors: Sobel Richard
Published: October 2011

Résumé Dans le débat sur « la fin du travail », on peut se demander si l’on problématise suffisamment le « contexte » capitaliste dans lequel se trouve saisi ce « travail » dont on s’interroge précisément sur la « fin ». S’agissant de la situation française contemporaine qui sert de cadre à cet article, notre hypothèse est précisément que non. Pour l’étayer, nous construisons une typologie de trois scénarios imaginant les reconfigurations possibles de nos « sociétés salariales » en crise : le scénario libéral, dual et assistanciel ; le scénario utopique et le scénario travailliste.
Articuler les paradigmes de la reconnaissance et de la redistribution ; la situation des femmes de chambre
Authors: Testenoire Armelle
Published: October 2011

Résumé Nancy Fraser adopte une conception bidimensionnelle de l’injustice où les dominations économique et culturelle sont étroitement liées et se renforcent mutuellement. Cet article s’appuie sur cette définition de l’injustice pour analyser la situation des femmes de chambre dans l’hôtellerie. La division du travail trace une frontière ethnique et sexuée qui les sépare des autres employés de l’hôtellerie. Cette ségrégation s’associe à leur invisibilisation sociale. Aux yeux de la clientèle elles disparaissent en tant qu’individues pour ne devenir qu’une fonction, ce qui est le propre des minoritaires. Les rapports ethniques, de classe et de genre s’inscrivent dans l’organisation du travail qui en retour les pérennise.
L'aménagement et le développement durable au cœur des Plu
Authors: Schmit Bruno
Published: October 2011

Resumé A travers le plan local, un élu oriente durablement la transformation du paysage urbain. Reste à l’articuler avec des schémas de cohérence plus larges.
Une politique sociale ambitieuse
Authors: Battle John
Published: October 2011

Resumé La priorité des gouvernements travaillistes : viser l’exclusion sociale.
Les banlieues populaires ont aussi une histoire
Authors: Fourcaut Annie
Published: October 2011

Resumé Une histoire d’urbanisation et d’industrie. Une culture entre enracinement et ébranlement.
B7-H1 Expressed by Activated CD8 T Cells Is Essential for Their Survival
Authors: Pulko Vesna , Harris Kimberley J. , Liu Xin , Gibbons Rachel M. , Harrington Susan M. , Krco Christopher J. , Kwon Eugene D. , Dong Haidong
Published: October 2011

An immunoinhibitory role of B7 homologue 1 (B7-H1) expressed by non-T cells has been established; however, the function of B7-H1 expressed by T cells is not clear. Peak expression of B7-H1 on Ag-primed CD8 T cells was observed during the contraction phase of an immune response. Unexpectedly, B7-H1 blockade at this stage reduced the numbers of effector CD8 T cells, suggesting B7-H1 blocking Ab may disturb an unknown function of B7-H1 expressed by CD8 T cells. To exclusively examine the role of B7-H1 expressed by T cells, we introduced B7-H1 deficiency into TCR transgenic (OT-1) mice. Naive B7-H1–deficient CD8 T cells proliferated normally following Ag stimulation; however, once activated, they underwent more robust contraction in vivo and more apoptosis in vitro. In addition, B7-H1–deficient CD8 T cells were more sensitive to Ca-dependent and Fas ligand-dependent killing by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Activation-induced Bcl-xL expression was lower in activated B7-H1–deficient CD8 T cells, whereas Bcl-2 and Bim expression were comparable to the wild type. Transfer of effector B7-H1–deficient CD8 T cells failed to suppress tumor growth in vivo. Thus, upregulation of B7-H1 on primed T cells helps effector T cells survive the contraction phase and consequently generate optimal protective immunity.
IL-6 Promotes Cardiac Graft Rejection Mediated by CD4+ Cells
Authors: Booth Adam Jared , Grabauskiene Svetlana , Wood Sherri Chan , Lu Guanyi , Burrell Bryna E. , Bishop D. Keith
Published: October 2011

IL-6 mediates numerous immunologic effects relevant to transplant rejection; however, its specific contributions to these processes are not fully understood. To this end, we neutralized IL-6 in settings of acute cardiac allograft rejection associated with either CD8+ or CD4+ cell-dominant responses. In a setting of CD8+ cell-dominant graft rejection, IL-6 neutralization delayed the onset of acute rejection while decreasing graft infiltrate and inverting anti-graft Th1/Th2 priming dominance in recipients. IL-6 neutralization markedly prolonged graft survival in the setting of CD4+ cell-mediated acute rejection and was associated with decreased graft infiltrate, altered Th1 responses, and reduced serum alloantibody. Furthermore, in CD4+ cell-dominated rejection, IL-6 neutralization was effective when anti–IL-6 administration was delayed by as many as 6 d posttransplant. Finally, IL-6–deficient graft recipients were protected from CD4+ cell-dominant responses, suggesting that IL-6 production by graft recipients, rather than grafts, is necessary for this type of rejection. Collectively, these observations define IL-6 as a critical promoter of graft infiltration and a shaper of T cell lineage development in cardiac graft rejection. In light of these findings, the utility of therapeutics targeting IL-6 should be considered for preventing cardiac allograft rejection.
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibition in Macrophages of Asymptomatic HIV+ Persons Reverses the Decrease in TLR-4–Mediated TNF-α Release through Prolongation of MAPK Pathway Activation
Authors: Li Xin , Han Xinbing , Llano Juliana , Bole Medhavi , Zhou Xiuqin , Swan Katharine , Anandaiah Asha , Nelson Benjamin , Patel Naimish R. , Reinach Peter S. , Koziel Henry , Tachado Souvenir D.
Published: October 2011

TLR-4–mediated signaling is significantly impaired in macrophages from HIV+ persons, predominantly owing to altered MyD88-dependent pathway signaling caused in part by constitutive activation of PI3K. In this study we assessed in these macrophages if the blunted increase in TLR-4–mediated TNF-α release induced by lipid A (LA) is associated with PI3K-induced upregulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity. mTOR inhibition with rapamycin enhanced TLR-4–mediated TNF-α release, but suppressed anti-inflammatory IL-10 release. Targeted gene silencing of mTOR in macrophages resulted in LA-induced TNF-α and IL-10 release patterns similar to those induced by rapamycin. Rapamycin restored MyD88/IL-1R–associated kinase interaction in a dose-dependent manner. Targeted gene silencing of MyD88 (short hairpin RNA) and mTOR (RNA interference) inhibition resulted in TLR-4–mediated 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase activation and enhanced TNF-α release, whereas IL-10 release was inhibited in both silenced and nonsilenced HIV+ macrophages. Furthermore, mTOR inhibition augmented LA-induced TNF-α release through enhanced and prolonged phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 MAPK, which was associated with time-dependent MKP-1 destabilization. Taken together, impaired TLR-4–mediated TNF-α release in HIV+ macrophages is attributable in part to mTOR activation by constitutive PI3K expression in a MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. These changes result in MAPK phosphatase 1 stabilization, which shortens and blunts MAPK activation. mTOR inhibition may serve as a potential therapeutic target to upregulate macrophage innate immune host defense responsiveness in HIV+ persons.
Different Expression Levels of the TAP Peptide Transporter Lead to Recognition of Different Antigenic Peptides by Tumor-Specific CTL
Authors: Durgeau Aurélie , El Hage Faten , Vergnon Isabelle , Validire Pierre , de Montpréville Vincent , Besse Benjamin , Soria Jean-Charles , van Hall Thorbald , Mami-Chouaib Fathia
Published: October 2011

Decreased antigenicity of cancer cells is a major problem in tumor immunology. This is often acquired by an expression defect in the TAP. However, it has been reported that certain murine Ags appear on the target cell surface upon impairment of TAP expression. In this study, we identified a human CTL epitope belonging to this Ag category. This epitope is derived from preprocalcitonin (ppCT) signal peptide and is generated within the endoplasmic reticulum by signal peptidase and signal peptide peptidase. Lung cancer cells bearing this antigenic peptide displayed low levels of TAP, but restoration of their expression by IFN-γ treatment or TAP1 and TAP2 gene transfer abrogated ppCT Ag presentation. In contrast, TAP upregulation in the same tumor cells increased their recognition by proteasome/TAP-dependent peptide-specific CTLs. Thus, to our knowledge, ppCT16–25 is the first human tumor epitope whose surface expression requires loss or downregulation of TAP. Lung tumors frequently display low levels of TAP molecules and might thus be ignored by the immune system. Our results suggest that emerging signal peptidase-generated peptides represent alternative T cell targets, which permit CTLs to destroy TAP-impaired tumors and thus overcome tumor escape from CD8+ T cell immunity.
Altered Differentiation, Diminished Pathogenicity, and Regulatory Activity of Myelin-Specific T Cells Expressing an Enhanced Affinity TCR
Authors: Alli Rajshekhar , Nguyen Phuong , Geiger Terrence L.
Published: October 2011

Whereas increased affinity enhances T cell competitiveness after immunization, the role of affinity in modulating the pathogenicity of self-reactive T cells is less established. To assess this, we generated two myelin-specific, class II MHC-restricted TCR that differ only in a buried hydroxymethyl that forms a common TCR β-chain V region variant. The variation, predicted to increase TCR stability, resulted in a ∼3log10 difference in TCR sensitivity with preserved fine specificity. The high-affinity TCR markedly diminished T cell pathogenicity. T cells were not deleted, did not upregulate Foxp3, and barring disease induction were predominantly naive. However, high-affinity CD4+ T cells showed an altered cytokine profile characterized by the production of protective cytokines prior to experimental allergic encephalomyelitis induction and decreased effector cytokines after. Further, the high-affinity TCR promoted the development of CD4−CD8− and CD8+ T cells that possessed low intrinsic pathogenicity, were protective even in small numbers when transferred into wild-type mice and in mixed chimeras, and outcompete CD4+ T cells during disease development. Therefore, TCR affinities exceeding an upper affinity threshold may impede the development of autoimmunity through altered development and functional maturation of T cells, including diminished intrinsic CD4+ T cell pathogenicity and the development of CD4−Foxp3− regulatory populations.
Love founded in God: The fruits of love in Kierkegaard’s ‘Works of love’
Authors: Huls Jos
Published: October 2011

This article discussed the use of the Bible in ‘Love’s hidden life and its recognizability by its fruits’, which is the first reflection of Søren Kierkegaard’s book, Works of love. Firstly, this article discussed Kierkegaard’s lack of clarity about the fruits of love, even though he stresses their divine origin. Secondly, it reflected on his argument that, even though deeds are more important than words, words remain necessary because of the need to express love to others. In a following section he points out that neither specific words nor particular works of love can demonstrate that love exists. One needs to distinguish between works of love and the attitude with which works are done. Thirdly, it pointed out how Kierkegaard argues that the inability to demonstrate love unconditionally does not negate that love is to be known by its fruits. It is rather a personal incitement to love for the sake of love itself. Noting that there is no direct relationship between the fruits of love and the actual effects our love has on others, he points to the fact that the result of love is in the hands of God. He then argues that though fruits of love may be invisible, they become apparent in the strength of our love. The only responsibility we have is to follow love as the divine movement of our heart. In the final part of his reflection, Kierkegaard notes that there is no other way to enter into the reality of love than to believe in it. This implies that one should be careful of making demands on someone in a loving relationship. What is needed is to become rooted in love as the divine source of the heart so that one will understand that this unseen reality is the foundation of existence in which one is known by the Other, whose essence is love.
Non-Coronary Cardiac Findings and Pitfalls in Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Oyama-Manabe Noriko , Sugaya Teppei , Yamaguchi Takayoshi , Terae Satoshi
Published: October 2011

Non-coronary incidental findings are not rare. Kirsch et al found 67% non-coronary abnormalities with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Radiologists are expected to identify the extracoronary, intra- and para-cardiac anatomical structures and distinguish them from pathologic processes in CCTA. We have reviewed 2000 CCTA studies done at our institution with 64-MDCT. This pictorial essay presents case studies of non-atherosclerotic cardiovascular findings to recognize cardiac anatomic structures and how to distinguish them from pathologic processes. Correct interpretation of benign, clinically insignificant findings is crucial to avoid unnecessary additional imaging tests.
Organization of Estrogen-Associated Circuits in the Mouse Primary Auditory Cortex
Authors: Tremere Liisa A. , Burrows Kaiping , Jeong Jin-Kwon , Pinaud Raphael
Published: October 2011

Sex steroid hormones influence the perceptual processing of sensory signals in vertebrates. In particular, decades of research have shown that circulating levels of estrogen correlate with hearing function. The mechanisms and sites of action supporting this sensory-neuroendocrine modulation, however, remain unknown. Here we combined a molecular cloning strategy, fluorescence in-situ hybridization and unbiased quantification methods to show that estrogen-producing and -sensitive neurons heavily populate the adult mouse primary auditory cortex (AI). We also show that auditory experience in freely-behaving animals engages estrogen-producing and -sensitive neurons in AI. These estrogen-associated networks are greatly stable, and do not quantitatively change as a result of acute episodes of sensory experience. We further demonstrate the neurochemical identity of estrogen-producing and estrogen-sensitive neurons in AI and show that these cell populations are phenotypically distinct. Our findings provide the first direct demonstration that estrogen-associated circuits are highly prevalent and engaged by sensory experience in the mouse auditory cortex, and suggest that previous correlations between estrogen levels and hearing function may be related to brain-generated hormone production. Finally, our findings suggest that estrogenic modulation may be a central component of the operational framework of central auditory networks.
Long-term simulations (2001–2006) of biomass burning and mineral dust optical properties over West Africa: comparisons with new satellite retrievals
Authors: Malavelle F. , Mallet M. , Pont V. , Liousse C. , Solmon F.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The West African region is characterized by large concentrations of smoke and biomass burning aerosols, which could significantly modify the regional radiative budget and the hydrological cycle. Here, we propose long-term (2001–2006) RegCM simulations of aerosol optical properties over West Africa together with their spectral dependences. Results of simulations are evaluated at local and regional scale by using surface network (AERONET/PHOTON) and remote sensing observations (MODIS, MISR, OMI) especially during the dry season, December-January-February, DJF. New original satellite retrievals are tested and compared to RegCM simulations. Concerning AOD, we obtain values in agreement with AERONET/PHOTON observations at the local scale but some differences clearly appear between simulated AOD and regional MISR, OMI and MODIS view, especially over (1) the central Africa and (2) the gulf of Guinea during DJF. Concerning simulated SSA (for visible wavelengths), our results display (1) comparable values with level 2 AERONET/PHOTON local observations together with (2) non negligible differences with satellite (MODIS Deep blue, OMI and MISR products) observations. In most cases, satellite SSA is found to be higher than those simulated by RegCM and retrieved through AERONET/PHOTON network. In parallel, we also note significant differences on retrieved SSA from each satellite (OMI, MISR, MODIS Deep Blue) remote sensing techniques over this specific region. Finally, our work highlights that the spectral dependence of aerosol optical properties is a useful parameter to adapt so that modeled simulations should be be better evaluated and constrained.
Relationship between particulate matter and childhood asthma – basis of a future warning system for Central Phoenix
Authors: Dimitrova R. , Lurponglukana N. , Fernando H. J. S. , Runger G. C. , Hyde P. , Hedquist B. C. , Anderson J. , Bannister W. , Johnson W.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Statistically significant correlations between increase of asthma attacks in children and elevated concentrations of particulate matter of diameter 10 microns and less (PM10) were determined for metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. Interpolated concentrations from a five-site network provided spatial distribution of PM10 that was mapped onto census tracts with population health records. The case-crossover statistical method was applied to determine the relationship between PM10 concentration and asthma attacks. For children ages 5–17, a significant relationship was discovered between the two, while children ages 0–4 exhibited virtually no relationship. The risk of adverse health effects was expressed as a function of the change from the 25th to 75th percentiles of mean level PM10 (36 μg m−3). This increase in concentration was associated with a 12.6% (95% CI: 5.8%, 19.4%) increase in the log odds of asthma attacks among children ages 5–17. Neither gender nor other demographic variables were significant. The results are being used to develop an asthma early warning system for the study area.
A simple relationship between cloud drop number concentration and precursor aerosol concentration for the regions of earth's large marine stratocumulus decks
Authors: Hegg D. A. , Covert D. S. , Jonsson H. H. , Woods R. K.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Aircraft-based measurements of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), accumulation mode and Aitken mode number concentrations, cloud drop number concentration (CDNC), and selected ancillary measurements are presented for the three large, semi-permanent marine stratocumulus decks of the earth (in the Pacific offshore of California and Chile and in the Atlantic offshore of Namibia). Based on these data, a simple linear relationship between CDNC and the accumulation mode number concentration (AMNC) is derived via regression. The R2 value for this regression is 0.90, higher than those found for CDNC-CCN linear regressions. Explanations of the relatively favorable CDNC-AMNC relationship and its utility for climate studies are discussed.
Evaluation of the flux gradient technique for measurement of ozone surface fluxes over snowpack at Summit, Greenland
Authors: Bocquet F. , Helmig D. , Van Dam B. A. , Fairall C. W.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. A multi-step procedure for investigating ozone surface fluxes over polar snow by the tower gradient method was developed and evaluated. These measurements were then used to obtain five months (April–August 2004) of turbulent ozone flux data at the Summit research camp located in the center of the Greenland ice shield. Turbulent fluxes were determined by the gradient method incorporating tower measurements of (a) ozone gradients measured by commercial ultraviolet absorption analyzers, (b) ambient temperature gradients using aspirated thermocouple sensors, and (c) wind speed gradients determined by cup anemometers. All gradient instruments were regularly inter-compared by bringing sensors or inlets to the same measurement height. The developed protocol resulted in an uncertainty on the order of 0.1 ppbv for 30-min averaged ozone gradients that were used for the ozone flux calculations. This protocol facilitated a lower sensitivity threshold for the ozone flux determination of ∼8 × 10−3μg m−2 s−1, respectively ∼0.01 cm s−1 for the ozone deposition velocity for typical environmental conditions encountered at Summit. Uncertainty in the 30-min ozone exchange measurements (evaluated by the Monte Carlo statistical approach) was on the order of 10−2 cm s−1. This uncertainty typically accounted to ~20–100% of the ozone exchange velocities that were determined. These measurements are among the most sensitive ozone deposition determinations reported to date. This flux experiment allowed for measurements of the relatively low ozone uptake rates encountered for polar snow, and thereby the study of their environmental and spring-versus-summer dependencies.
Observations of OI 557.7 nm nightglow at Kolhapur (17° N), India
Authors: Parihar N. , Gurubaran S. , Mukherjee G. K.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Ground-based nightglow observations of the atomic oxygen green line at 557.7 nm have been carried out at a low latitude station Kolhapur (17° N), India, during November 2003–April 2004 and December 2004–May 2005. The nocturnal behaviour of OI 557.7 nm intensity and a comparative study with simultaneous OH Meinel band temperature measurements has been presented. OI 557.7 nm intensity and OH temperature variations covary on many occasions. It was found that an 8 h tide characterizes the variation of intensity and temperature on most nights, and especially during the month of January. This is the first report of prolonged measurements of OI 557.7 nm emission from India.
What do moisture recycling estimates tell us? Exploring the extreme case of non-evaporating continents
Authors: Goessling H. F. , Reick C. H.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Moisture recycling estimates are diagnostic measures that could ideally be used to deduce the response of precipitation to modified land-evaporation. Recycling estimates are based on moisture-budget considerations in which water is treated as a passive tracer. But in reality water is a thermodynamically active component of the atmosphere. Accordingly, recycling estimates are applicable to deduce the response to a perturbation only if other mechanisms by which evaporation affects climate do not dominate the response – a condition that has not received sufficient attention in the literature. In our analysis of what moisture recycling estimates tell us, we discuss two such additional mechanisms that result from water's active role. These are (I) local coupling, by which precipitation is affected locally via the thermal structure of the atmosphere, and (II) the atmospheric circulation, by which precipitation is affected on a large spatial scale. We perform two global climate model experiments: One with and another without continental evaporation. By this extreme perturbation we test the predictive utility of a certain type of recycling measure, the "continental recycling ratio". Moreover, by such a strong perturbation the whole spectrum of possible responses shows up simultaneously, giving us the opportunity to discuss all concurrent mechanisms jointly. The response to this extreme perturbation largely disagrees with the hypothesis that moisture recycling is the dominant mechanism. Instead, most of the response can be attributed to changes in the atmospheric circulation, while the contributions to the response by moisture recycling as well as local coupling, though noticeable, are smaller. By our case study it is not possible to give a general answer to the question posed in the title, but it demonstrates that recycling estimates do not necessarily mirror the consequences of land-use change for precipitation.
Technical Note: Analytical sensitivity analysis of a two parameter recursive digital baseflow separation filter
Authors: Eckhardt K.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. A sensitivity analysis for a well established baseflow separation technique, a two parameter recursive digital filter, is presented. The propagation of errors or uncertainties of the two filter parameters into the calculated baseflow index is analytically ascertained. Representative sensitivity indices (defined as the ratio between the relative error of the baseflow index and the relative error of the respective parameter) are derived by application of the resulting equations to a great number of catchments. It is found that in the mean the parameter a, the recession constant, has a stronger influence on the calculated baseflow index than the second filter parameter BFImax. This is favourable in that a can be determined by a recession analysis and therefore should be less uncertain. Whether this finding also applies for a specific catchment can easily be checked by means of the derived equations.
Topical prostaglandin fixed combinations in UK primary care: observational study using data from the health improvement network
Authors: Loftus Jane , Christopoulou Dina , Blak Betina T. , Hards Michelle
Published: October 2011

Purpose

To describe the use of 3 prostaglandin/timolol fixed combinations (FCs) in UK primary care, to summarize characteristics of recipients, and to assess 12-month persistence.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included first-time recipients of latanoprost/timolol FC, bimatoprost/timolol FC, or travoprost/timolol FC treated between April 1, 2007, and November 30, 2008, identified in The Health Improvement Network database, a large database of anonymized longitudinal electronic medical records of patients treated in UK primary care. Eligible patients were ≥18 years old at the index date (date of first prescription). Persistence, defined as a gap ≤60 days between consecutive prescriptions, was assessed through 12 months post-index for each cohort (Cox proportional hazards models).

Results

A total of 2,015 patients were included: latanoprost/timolol FC, n=898 (44.6%); bimatoprost/timolol FC, n=733 (36.4%); travoprost/timolol FC, n=384 (19.1%). The mean age was approximately 72 years across cohorts (p=0.792). Glaucoma was the diagnosis for >90% of patients in each cohort. Twelve-month persistence was similar across treatments: latanoprost/timolol FC: 38.2%; bimatoprost/timolol FC: 38.6%; travoprost/timolol FC: 38.3% (p=0.985). Mean time to therapy change for nonpersistent patients was also similar: 143.3±89.8, 151.0±87.9, and 151.8±87.7 days, respectively (p=0.095). Among persistent patients, additional therapy was prescribed for 36.2%, 41.7%, and 41.5% of patients, respectively. Among nonpersistent patients, 64.0%, 70.4%, and 69.2%, respectively, restarted the index therapy.

Conclusions

The largest proportion of first-time recipients of prostaglandin/beta-blocker FC products treated in UK primary care was prescribed latanoprost/timolol FC. Twelve-month persistence was similar (<40%) across the 3 FCs evaluated.
Patient setup variation on Elekta Unity and its impact on adaptive planning
Authors: Yan Maggie , Kollitz Erika , Sun Sheng‐Hsuan , Hitchcock Kathryn , De Leo Alexandra , Schwarz Amanda , Maloney Luke , Li Jonathan , Liu Chihray , Yan Guanghua
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The unique design of the MR‐linac may restrict the use of effective immobilization devices, resulting in significant patient setup variations (PSVs). The purpose of this study is to analyze the PSVs on the Elekta Unity system and investigate their impact on adaptive planning.

Methods

The PSVs for 10 brain, 10 pancreas, five prostate, and five rectum patients previously treated on Elekta Unity were analyzed. The five prostate and five pancreas plans were selected to investigate the impact of PSVs on adaptive planning. The reference scans were shifted by 1, 2, and 3 cm in the left–right (LR) and superior–inferior (SI) directions to simulate PSVs. Both the adaptive‐to‐position (ATP) and adaptive‐to‐shape (ATS) workflows were executed. The adaptive planning time, number of monitor units (MUs), and dosimetric metrics quantifying target coverage and organ‐at‐risks (OARs) sparing were compared.

Results

For brain treatments, the average/maximum PSVs were −0.2 ± 0.3 cm/0.8 cm (LR), 0.3 ± 0.7 cm/1.8 cm (SI), and 0.8 ± 0.7 cm/1.8 cm in the anterior–posterior (AP) direction. For pancreas treatments, the PSVs are −0.1 ± 1.0 cm/3.8 cm (LR), −0.1 ± 0.8 cm/3.5 cm (SI), and 0.3 ± 0.3 cm/1.3 cm (AP). Pelvis treatments had similar PSVs as pancreas treatments. The ATS workflow took two to three times longer than the ATP workflow. The only trend observed was that the plan MUs increased slightly (< 10%) with PSVs in the ATP workflow for prostate patients. Both workflows effectively reproduced target coverage and OAR sparing, regardless of the magnitude of the PSVs.

Conclusions

Significant PSVs were observed on Elekta Unity due to suboptimal patient immobilization. Using prostate and pancreas treatments as examples, we demonstrated that adaptive planning can effectively accommodate such PSVs. Nevertheless, efforts should be made to minimize PSVs—particularly rotations—to mitigate intra‐fraction motion and reduce treatment time.