bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dispersive evaluation and surface chemistry of advanced, multifunctional silica/lignin hybrid biomaterials
Authors: Nowacka Magdalena , Klapiszewski Łukasz , Norman Małgorzata , Jesionowski Teofil 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Advanced silica/lignin hybrid biomaterials were obtained using hydrated or fumed silicas (Aerosil®200) and Kraft lignin as precursors, which is a cheap and biodegradable natural polymer. To extend the possible range of applications, the silicas were first modified with N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxsysilane, and then with Kraft lignin, which had been oxidized with sodium periodate. The SiO2/lignin hybrids and precursors were characterised by means of determination of their physicochemical and dispersive-morphological properties. The effectiveness of silica binding to lignin was verified by FT-IR spectroscopy. The zeta potential value provides relevant information regarding interactions between colloid particles. Measurement of the zeta potential values enabled an indirect assessment of stability for the studied hybrid systems. Determination of zeta potential and density of surface charge also permitted the quantitative analysis of changes in surface charge, and indirectly confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method for synthesis of SiO2/lignin hybrid materials. A particularly attractive feature for practical use is their stability, especially electrokinetic stability. It is expected that silica/lignin hybrids will find a wide range of applications (polymer fillers, biosorbents, electrochemical sensors), as they combine the unique properties of silica with the specific structural features of lignin. This makes these hybrids biomaterials advanced and multifunctional.
A survey of the microbial community in the rhizosphere of two dominant shrubs of the Negev Desert highlands, Zygophyllum dumosum (Zygophyllaceae) and Atriplex halimus (Amaranthaceae), using cultivation‐dependent and cultivation‐independent methods
Authors: Kaplan Drora , Maymon Maskit , Agapakis Christina M. , Lee Andrew , Wang Andrew , Prigge Barry A. , Volkogon Mykola , Hirsch Ann M. 
Published: August 2013

• Premise of the study: Plant roots comprise more than 50% of the plant's biomass. Part of that biomass includes the root microbiome, the assemblage of bacteria and fungi living in the 1–3 mm region adjacent to the external surface of the root, the rhizosphere. We hypothesized that the microorganisms living in the rhizosphere and in bulk soils of the harsh environment of the Negev Desert of Israel had potential for use as plant‐growth‐promoting bacteria (PGPB) to improve plant productivity in nutrient‐poor, arid soils that are likely to become more common as the climate changes.• Methods: We used cultivation‐dependent methods including trap experiments with legumes to find nitrogen‐fixing rhizobia, specialized culture media to determine iron chelation via siderophores and phosphate‐solubilizing and cellulase activities; cultivation‐independent methods, namely 16S rDNA cloning and sequencing; and also community‐level physiological profiling to discover soil microbes associated with the Negev desert perennials Zygophyllum dumosum and Atriplex halimus during the years 2009–2010.• Key results: We identified a number of PGPB, both epiphytes and endophytes, which fix nitrogen, chelate iron, solubilize phosphate, and secrete cellulase, as well as many other bacteria and some fungi, thereby providing a profile of the microbiomes that support the growth of two desert perennials.• Conclusion: We generated a snapshot of the microbial communities in the Negev Desert, giving us an insight in its natural state. This desert, like many arid environments, is vulnerable to exploitation for other purposes, including solar energy production and dry land farming.
Sovereignty and Europe – The British Perspective
Authors: Nguyên-Duy Iris 
Published: August 2013

Les relations entre le Royaume-Uni et l’Union européenne sont paradoxales : Le Royaume-Uni a choisi de rejoindre l’Union il y a 40 ans et dans le même temps a résisté de façon quasi-systématique à toutes les tentatives de renforcement de l’intégration européenne. Cet article soutient que l’essentiel des mesures ingénieuses mises en œuvre par le Royaume-Uni à cet effet peut se justifier par la volonté de protéger sa souveraineté, incarnée dans le Parlement souverain : rappel de la tradition dualiste, négociation de réserves, développement de différentes procédures de contrôle et, récemment, création de « verrous référendaires ». Néanmoins, le mécanisme de consultation directe du peuple, institué par le European Union Act en 2011, pour ralentir ou bloquer les transferts de pouvoirs à l’Union européenne, pourrait reconnaître au peuple un rôle plus important et avoir, à terme, des conséquences négatives sur la conception britannique de la souveraineté.
La dérobade des souverains et la construction européenne
Authors: Gouzy Jean-Pierre 
Published: August 2013

Cet article propose une relecture de la construction européenne depuis la fin de la seconde guerre mondiale et les premières actions militantes, jusqu’au traité de Lisbonne, à partir de l’opposition entre deux approches : la recherche d’intégration politique européenne d’une part, et la volonté des États membres de conserver leur souveraineté d’autre part. L’auteur évoque une première période marquée par le militantisme européen, jusqu’à l’échec du projet de Communauté européenne de défense. Une seconde période s’ouvre ensuite avec les développements de la Communauté européenne, dont les développements seront entravés par la volonté souverainiste de la France, puis de la Grande-Bretagne, et l’échec du projet Spinelli. Une troisième période s’ouvre avec le traité de Maastricht et se referme avec le traité de Lisbonne, durant laquelle les idées de souveraineté et d’intégration européenne s’équilibrent en permanence. La crise initiée en 2008, et la nécessité pour l’Europe d’y répondre devraient ouvrir une nouvelle période, où des choix fondamentaux restent à faire entre les deux approches.
Une souveraineté fédérale pour la zone euro
Authors: Barthalay Bernard 
Published: August 2013

À partir d’une analyse des évolutions récentes de l’Europe, avant tout marqué par l’impuissance individuelle et collective des États-nations, l’auteur propose une vision de nouvelles structures européennes entre république et association internationale d’États, orientées par un fédéralisme fondé sur un État méta-national et un pouvoir latéral. La crise appelle cependant à dépasser une approche simplement structurelle d’un nouveau fédéralisme européen, pour s’intéresser à l’indispensable nécessité du lien entre l’Europe et la démocratie européenne. L’auteur propose les éléments d’une « nouvelle donne », fondée sur un contrat social européen, qui abandonne l’approche ordolibérale, pour établir de nouvelles valeurs de solidarité économique, et de soutenabilité financière et environnementale. Aussi, cet article prône la définition d’un nouveau capitalisme des parties prenantes, fondé sur l’économie de marché mais laissant à l’État toute la place nécessaire, propre à susciter un désir d’unité.
Expression of the Immune Regulator Tripartite-Motif 21 Is Controlled by IFN Regulatory Factors
Authors: Sjöstrand Maria , Ambrosi Aurélie , Brauner Susanna , Sullivan Jenna , Malin Stephen , Kuchroo Vijay K. , Espinosa Alexander , Wahren-Herlenius Marie 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Tripartite-motif 21 (TRIM21) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that regulates innate immune responses by ubiquitinating IFN regulatory factors (IRFs). TRIM21 is mainly found in hematopoietic cells in which its expression is induced by IFNs during viral. infections and in systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome. However, the exact molecular mechanism by which the expression of the Trim21 gene is regulated is unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that IFNs induce Trim21 expression in immune cells via IRFs and that IFN-α and IFN-β are the most potent inducers of Trim21. A functional IFN-stimulated response element but no conserved IFN-γ–activated site was detected in the promoter of Trim21. IRF1 and IRF2 strongly induced Trim21 expression in an IFN-stimulated response element–dependent manner, whereas IRF4 and IRF8 strongly repressed the IRF1-mediated induction of Trim21. Consistent with this observation, baseline expression of Trim21 was elevated in Irf4−/− cells. TRIM21, IRF1, and IRF2 expression was increased in PBMCs from patients with Sjögren’s syndrome compared with healthy controls. In contrast, IRF4 and IRF8 expression was not increased in PBMCs from patients. The IFN-γ–mediated induction of Trim21 was completely abolished by inhibiting protein synthesis with cycloheximide, and Trim21 expression could not be induced by IFN-γ in Irf1−/− cells, demonstrating that IFN-γ induces Trim21 indirectly via IRF1 and not directly via STAT1 activation. Our data demonstrate that multiple IRFs tightly regulate expression of Trim21 in immune cells, suggesting that a well-controlled expression of the E3 ligase TRIM21 is important for regulation of immune responses.
ASC Controls IFN-γ Levels in an IL-18–Dependent Manner in Caspase-1–Deficient Mice Infected with Francisella novicida
Authors: Pierini Roberto , Perret Magali , Djebali Sophia , Juruj Carole , Michallet Marie-Cécile , Förster Irmgard , Marvel Jacqueline , Walzer Thierry , Henry Thomas 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The inflammasome is a signaling platform that is central to the innate immune responses to bacterial infections. Francisella tularensis is a bacterium replicating within the host cytosol. During F. tularensis subspecies novicida infection, AIM2, an inflammasome receptor sensing cytosolic DNA, activates caspase-1 in an ASC-dependent manner, leading to both pyroptosis and release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Activation of this canonical inflammasome pathway is key to limit F. novicida infection. In this study, by comparing the immune responses of AIM2 knockout (KO), ASCKO, and Casp1KO mice in response to F. novicida infection, we observed that IFN-γ levels in the serum of Casp1KO mice were much higher than the levels observed in AIM2KO and ASCKO mice. This difference in IFN-γ production was due to a large production of IFN-γ by NK cells in Casp1KO mice that was not observed in ASCKO mice. The deficit in IFN-γ production observed in ASCKO mice was not due to a reduced Dock2 expression or to an intrinsic defect of ASCKO NK cells. We demonstrate that in infected Casp1KO mice, IFN-γ production is due to an ASC-dependent caspase-1–independent pathway generating IL-18. Furthermore, we present in vitro data suggesting that the recently described AIM2/ASC/caspase-8 noncanonical pathway is responsible for the caspase-1–independent IL-18 releasing activity. To our knowledge, this study is the first in vivo evidence of an alternative pathway able to generate in a caspase-1–independent pathway bioactive IL-18 to boost the production of IFN-γ, a cytokine critical for the host antibacterial response.
Parasite Infections in Multiple Sclerosis Modulate Immune Responses through a Retinoic Acid–Dependent Pathway
Authors: Correale Jorge , Farez Mauricio F. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
We recently demonstrated better outcomes in helminth-infected multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, compared with uninfected ones. The present study evaluates the role of TLR2 and retinoic acid (RA) in parasite-driven protection in MS patients. RA serum levels were significantly higher in helminth-infected MS patients than in uninfected MS subjects or healthy controls. Genes involved in RA biosynthesis and metabolism, such as Adh1 and Raldh2, as well as RA receptors and IL-10, were induced in dendritic cells (DCs) via TLR2-dependent ERK signaling. This programmed DCs to induce FOXP3+ T regulatory cells and suppressed production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12, IL-23, and TNF-α) via induction of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), an effect mediated by soluble egg Ag (SEA) obtained from Schistosoma mansoni, and by RA. SEA-activated DCs also inhibited IL-17 and IFN-γ production through autoreactive T cells. These inhibitory effects were abrogated when SOCS3 gene expression was silenced, indicating that SEA-mediated signaling inhibited production of these cytokines by T cells, through a SOCS3-dependent pathway. Overall, helminth-related immunomodulation observed in MS patients was mediated by TLR2- and RA-dependent pathways, through two different mechanisms, as follows: 1) induction of IL-10 and FOXP3+ T regulatory cells, and 2) suppression of proinflammatory cytokine production mediated by SOCS3.
Distorted Secretory Granule Composition in Mast Cells with Multiple Protease Deficiency
Authors: Grujic Mirjana , Calounova Gabriela , Eriksson Inger , Feyerabend Thorsten , Rodewald Hans-Reimer , Tchougounova Elena , Kjellén Lena , Pejler Gunnar 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Mast cells are characterized by an abundance of secretory granules densely packed with inflammatory mediators such as bioactive amines, cytokines, serglycin proteoglycans with negatively charged glycosaminoglycan side chains of either heparin or chondroitin sulfate type, and large amounts of positively charged proteases. Despite the large biological impact of mast cell granules and their contents on various pathologies, the mechanisms that regulate granule composition are incompletely understood. In this study, we hypothesized that granule composition is dependent on a dynamic electrostatic interrelationship between different granule compounds. As a tool to evaluate this possibility, we generated mice in which mast cells are multideficient in a panel of positively charged proteases: the chymase mouse mast cell protease-4, the tryptase mouse mast cell protease-6, and carboxypeptidase A3. Through a posttranslational effect, mast cells from these mice additionally lack mouse mast cell protease-5 protein. Mast cells from mice deficient in individual proteases showed normal morphology. In contrast, mast cells with combined protease deficiency displayed a profound distortion of granule integrity, as seen both by conventional morphological criteria and by transmission electron microscopy. An assessment of granule content revealed that the distorted granule integrity in multiprotease-deficient mast cells was associated with a profound reduction of highly negatively charged heparin, whereas no reduction in chondroitin sulfate storage was observed. Taken together with previous findings showing that the storage of basic proteases conversely is regulated by anionic proteoglycans, these data suggest that secretory granule composition in mast cells is dependent on a dynamic interrelationship between granule compounds of opposite electrical charge.
Occupational diseases in the people's Republic of China between 2000 and 2010
Authors: Ding Qian , Schenk Linda , Hansson Sven Ove 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis study provides a description and analysis of the development of occupational diseases in China as recorded in the official statistics during the period 2000–2010, identifies major challenges, and explores possible solutions for prevention and control.MethodsIn‐depth textual analysis and data analysis of China's annual national reports of occupational diseases, as well as of corresponding policy and regulation documents.ResultsThe number of recorded cases of occupational diseases increased rapidly in China between 2000 and 2010. Pneumoconiosis was the most prevalent category of occupational diseases. Chemical poisonings accounted for 13% of the cases of occupational diseases.ConclusionsDifficulties in diagnosis and inefficient surveillance are major impediments to the mitigation of occupational diseases. The new definition of occupational disease has provided an opportunity to enlarge the Catalogue of Occupational Diseases. Improved coordination of the different chemical regulations meant to protect human health may also facilitate the prevention of occupational disease. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1423–1432, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Methionine Pretreatment Enhances the Effects of Valproate on Axial Development in a CD1 Mouse Model
Authors: Di Renzo Francesca , Giavini Erminio , Menegola Elena 
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUNDThe present study was performed to evaluate the effect of methionine (Met) pretreatment on valproate (VPA) axial defects, induced in CD1 mice by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 400 mg/kg VPA on E8 dams. This VPA dosage regimen has been in the past related to a specific pathogenic pathway cascade: (1) VPA in utero exposure, (2) H4 histone hyperacetylation (hAC) at the level of somites, (3) expression of pro‐apoptotic factors in somite tissues, (4) apoptosis of somite cells, and (5) axial defects in embryos (abnormal or fused somites) and fetuses (fusions, duplications, respecifications of vertebrae, and/or ribs).METHODSOn the basis of literature suggestion, E8 CD1 mice were i.p. injected with 70 mg/kg Met 30 min before the i.p. injection with 400 mg/kg VPA. Some females were sacrificed, 1 or 3 hr after the VPA injection, embryos explanted, and used to evaluate the H4 histone hAC. The remaining females were sacrificed at term (E18) and fetuses processed for external and skeletal examination.RESULTSThe pretreatment with Met worsened the axial skeletal malformative picture in fetuses (we observed a larger number of affected segment per fetus in respect to the groups treated with VPA alone). In embryos, Met pretreatment increased the H4 hAC index and shifted the timing of the H4 hAC peak.CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that Met pretreatment enhances the effects of VPA in deregulating the epigenetic control of gene expression in somites, and by consequence, induces more extended dysmorphogenic effects along the axial axis.
Neferine, an alkaloid from lotus seed embryo, inhibits human lung cancer cell growth by MAPK activation and cell cycle arrest
Authors: Poornima Paramasivan , Weng Ching Feng , Padma Viswanadha Vijaya 
Published: August 2013

AbstractNeferine is the major bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the seed embryo of a traditional medicinal plant Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus). Epidemiological studies have revealed the therapeutic potential of lotus seed embryo. Although several mechanisms have been proposed, a clear anticancer action mechanism of neferine on lung cancer cells is still not known. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the world, and the patients with advanced stage of nonsmall lung cancer require adjunct chemotherapy after surgical resection for the eradication of cancer cells. In this study, the effects of neferine were evaluated and characterized in A549 cells. Neferine induced apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner with the hypergeneration of reactive oxygen species, activation of MAPKs, lipid peroxidation, depletion of cellular antioxidant pool, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and intracellular calcium accumulation. Furthermore, neferine treatment leads to the inhibition of nuclear factor kappaB and Bcl2, upregulation of Bax and Bad, release of cytochrome C, activation of caspase cascade, and DNA fragmentation. In addition, neferine could induce p53 and its effector protein p21 and downregulation of cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D1 thereby inducing G1 cell cycle arrest. These results suggest a novel function of neferine as an apoptosis inducer in lung cancer cells. © 2013 BioFactors, 40(1):121–131, 2014
Versatile Substrates and Probes for IgA1 Protease Activity
Authors: Choudary Santosh K. , Qiu Jiazhou , Plaut Andrew G. , Kritzer Joshua A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease with high mortality. Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria that cause meningitis secrete immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) proteases to assist in mucosal colonization, invasion, and immune evasion. IgA1 proteases have unique selectivity, with few reported substrates other than IgA1 from human tissue. Here we describe the design, characterization, and application of peptide substrates for diverse IgA1 proteases from Neisseria, Haemophilus, and Streptococcus bacteria. IgA1 proteases from diverse strains showed unexpected selectivity profiles among peptide substrates derived from autoproteolytic sites. A fluorescence probe derived from one of these peptides was used to quantitate IgA1 protease activity in buffer and in human cerebrospinal fluid; it was able to detect recombinant Haemophilus influenzae type 1 IgA1 protease at less than 1 μg mL−1. We also used the probe to establish the first high‐throughput screen for IgA1 protease inhibitors. This work provides tools that will help investigate the roles of IgA1 proteases in bacterial colonization, immune evasion, and infection.
Predictors of drug use in prison among women convicted of violent crimes
Authors: Baltieri Danilo Antonio 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundWorldwide, some prisoners consume illicit drugs while in prison. There is now some recognition of risk factors for this among male but not female prisoners.AimThe aim was to identify variables associated with drug use by women in prison after conviction for violent crimes.MethodData were obtained from 315 women serving a sentence for robbery or homicide in the Penitentiary of Sant'Ana, São Paulo State, Brazil. Mainly self‐report assessments of alcohol and drug misuse, sexual and general impulsiveness, depression, and psychosocial and criminological features were completed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThirty‐five (11%) women reported illicit drug use in prison. Younger age, history of childhood sexual abuse, having committed robbery (rather than homicide), earlier onset of criminal activities, higher scores on sexual impulsiveness, drug‐related problems prior to incarceration and having same‐sex relationships inside prison were associated with a higher risk of using drugs in prison. In a multiple logistic regression, only prior drug history and having same‐sex relationships in prison were independently associated with in‐prison drug use.ConclusionsIllicit drug use in prison impairs rehabilitative goals. Identification of risk factors for this can help to recognise people with high treatment needs. We found that in‐prison drug users seemed to be an exceptionally needy group, likely to have more wide ranging historical problems than their similar offending peers. It is essential to check for history of drug use outside prison. The strong association with active sexual behaviour in the prison highlighted another area of vulnerability, requiring sensitive in‐prison attention to safeguard these women. Further research to understand the reasons for this relationship is recommended. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.