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Lepidoptera is one of the most diverse orders of insects, their larvae are very abundant in many habitats, and frequent prey of various predators. To decrease predation risk, caterpillars developed several means of defence, among them timing their activity to avoid predators (seeking enemy-free time). Although the enemy-free time hypothesis is often invoked to explain caterpillar behaviour, empirical evidence for it is scarce. We tested whether such enemy-free time exists in a temperate forest by comparing predation pressure on artificial caterpillars during day and night on the ground in forest fragments in Denmark. We found a high predation rate, 23.9%d-1, and higher predation rate at night (30.9%d-0.5) than during the day (17.0%d-0.5), both by invertebrate (23.3%d-0.5vs. 12.4%d-0.5) and vertebrate (8.5%d-0.5vs. 3.3%d-0.5) predators. The most important predators were chewing insects (73.4% of all attacks) and small mammals (19.0%). Attack rates on red caterpillars were higher (30.0%d-1) than on green ones (19.5%d-1). Overall, these data do not support the idea that night activity can provide enemy-free time for solitary caterpillars on the temperate forest floor.

Lepidoptera is one of the most diverse orders of insects, their larvae are very abundant in many habitats, and frequent prey of various predators. To decrease predation risk, caterpillars developed several means of defence, among them timing their activity to avoid predators (seeking enemy-free time). Although the enemy-free time hypothesis is often invoked to explain caterpillar behaviour, empirical evidence for it is scarce. We tested whether such enemy-free time exists in a temperate forest by comparing predation pressure on artificial caterpillars during day and night on the ground in forest fragments in Denmark. We found a high predation rate, 23.9%d-1, and higher predation rate at night (30.9%d-0.5) than during the day (17.0%d-0.5), both by invertebrate (23.3%d-0.5vs. 12.4%d-0.5) and vertebrate (8.5%d-0.5vs. 3.3%d-0.5) predators. The most important predators were chewing insects (73.4% of all attacks) and small mammals (19.0%). Attack rates on red caterpillars were higher (30.0%d-1) than on green ones (19.5%d-1). Overall, these data do not support the idea that night activity can provide enemy-free time for solitary caterpillars on the temperate forest floor.

Chromatic dispersion of a 37 cm long, solid-core photonic bandgap (PBG) fiber was studied in the wavelength range of 740–840 nm with spectral interferometry employing a Mach–Zehnder interferometer and a high resolution spectrometer. The interferometer was illuminated by a Ti:sapphire laser providing 20 fs pulses. A comparative study has been carried out to find the most accurate spectral phase retrieval method that is suitable for measuring higher order chromatic dispersion. The stationary phase point, the minima–maxima, the cosine function fit, the Fourier transform, and the windowed Fourier transform methods were tested. It was shown that out of these five techniques, the Fourier-transform method provided the dispersion coefficients with the highest accuracy, and it could also detect rapid phase changes in the vicinity of leaking mode frequencies within the transmission band of the PBG fiber.

Central banks primarily achieve their inflation targets by changing their key instrument, the central bank base rate, to the required extent and with careful timing. If the inflation outlook deteriorates and the forward-looking inflation rate exceeds the target, monetary policy raises interest rates to cool the economy and reduce inflation. In the opposite scenario, the bank cuts interest rates to stimulate the economy and raise inflation. In order to decide whether the prevailing rate of interest stimulates or slows the economy, it is necessary to know where the interest rate threshold is for expansionary versus contractionary monetary policy. We call this point of reference the neutral interest rate or the natural rate of interest. Similar to potential output, the neutral interest rate is a theoretical equilibrium concept, not an observable variable. It is therefore difficult to grasp empirically and its point estimation is surrounded with a great degree of uncertainty. This essay looks at the individual factors influencing the neutral interest rate and gives an estimate for the range in which it may move in Hungary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present in this paper our results regarding the modeling of the modulation functions of the light flux of optical choppers working with top-hat (constant) light beam distributions. Two configurations of chopper wheels are considered: with windows with linear and with circular margins (the latter, to the best of our knowledge, we have introduced, works as an "eclipse" chopper). A rigorous analytical modeling has been performed for each type of device. For the first configuration, of windows with linear margins, all the four possible relationships between the diameter of the beam in the plane of the wheel and the dimensions of the window of the chopper have been considered and are discussed: (i) large wing and focused beam [in the plane of the wheel]; (ii) large wing and beam of finite diameter in the plane of the wheel, but with a wing large enough to cover the section of the beam; (iii) narrow wing, finite diameter beam and large windows, so there is only one wing at a time in front of the beam section; (iv) narrow wings and windows, so there are more wings at a time in front of the beam section. A recent study covered experimentally case (ii) presented above, obtaining a particular signal function (with an approximate trapezoidal profile). The second and more general wheel configuration that we have proposed in a previous study, with windows with circular margins (for which by example choppers with circular windows are a particular case) is also discussed. Both outwards and inwards circular margins are considered. The modulation functions of this second type of devices are also derived, studied and compared to those for the first, classical types of wheels (with windows with linear margins), which are but a particular case of this second type of chopper. From this study, the various profiles of the function of the transmitted flux are obtained: rectangular, approximate trapezoidal, approximate triangular, sinusoidal, and with nonnull values. The possible geometries of chopper wheels that may generate a required modulation function are thus concluded. An insight in the experimental part we are currently working on, with the stall we have developed to study the different configurations of chopper wheels, is also presented.

T-cell molecular mimicry between streptococcal and heart proteins has been proposed as the triggering factor leading to autoimmunity in rheumatic heart disease (RHD). We searched for immunodominant T-cell M5 epitopes among RHD patients with defined clinical outcomes and compared the T-cell reactivities of peripheral blood and intralesional T cells from patients with severe RHD. The role of HLA class II molecules in the presentation of M5 peptides was also evaluated. We studied the T-cell reactivity against M5 peptides and heart proteins on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 74 RHD patients grouped according to the severity of disease, along with intralesional and peripheral T-cell clones from RHD patients. Peptides encompassing residues 1 to 25, 81 to 103, 125 to 139, and 163 to 177 were more frequently recognized by PBMC from RHD patients than by those from controls. The M5 peptide encompassing residues 81 to 96 [M5(81-96) peptide] was most frequently recognized by PBMC from HLA-DR7+ DR53+ patients with severe RHD, and 46.9% (15 of 32) and 43% (3 of 7) of heart-infiltrating and PBMC-derived peptide-reactive T-cell clones, respectively, recognized the M5(81-103) region. Heart proteins were recognized more frequently by PBMC from patients with severe RHD than by those from patients with mild RHD. The similar pattern of T-cell reactivity found with both peripheral blood and heart-infiltrating T cells is consistent with the migration of M-protein-sensitized T cells to the heart tissue. Conversely, the presence of heart-reactive T cells in the PBMC of patients with severe RHD also suggests a spillover of sensitized T cells from the heart lesion.

The effect of free radicals obtained in hydroxyl and cerium(IV)-nitrilotriacetic acid free radical generating systems on contractile proteins (actin, myosin and their complexes in glycerinated muscle fibres) was studied using differential scanning calorimetry and spin trapping electron paramagnetic resonance technique. The analysis of spectra showed that selective attack of thiol groups – Cys-257 and Cys-374 residues of actin, and among others Cys-707 residue of myosin – and random attack of sidechains of the main proteins of muscle tissue produced structural and functional changes, which affected the ATP hydrolysis cycle and very likely the dynamics of actin. The melting curves obtained on protein systems support the view that global conformational changes accompany the local damage of free radicals.

In the area of the typical 3D Békés basin ("graben") high anisotropy (difference) appears in the extreme values of the magnetotelluric impedance phases in the period interval corresponding to the indication of the conductive asthenosphere. As proved by the forward 2D/3D modelling, this anisotropy can only be explained by a strong 2D effect. This fact may conform the validity of the results of the 2D inversion of PGT1 magnetotelluric data indicating the upwelling of the asthenosphere below the Békés basin.

Abstract: Objective: Dithranol is highly effective in the treatment of psoriasis, however its mode of action is still not well known. Since interleukin-8 and interleukin-10 are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of dithranol on interleukin-8, interleukin-10 mRNA production and interleukin-10 receptor expression of the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line which is commonly used in experiments examining the effects of therapeutic drugs on keratinocytes.¶ Materials and Methods: Cultured HaCaT cells were treated with 0.1-0.5 μg/ml dithranol for 30 minutes. After 2 and 4 h total cellular RNA isolated from HaCaT cells was reverse transcribed (RT) to cDNA which was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primer pairs for interleukin-8, interleukin-10 and interleukin-10 receptor. For immunohistochemistry cultured HaCaT cells were stained with a monoclonal antibody against the human interleukin-10 receptor.¶ Results: Our results showed that dithranol treatment did not change the highly elevated level of interleukin-8 mRNA of HaCaT cells. Interleukin-10 mRNA signal with RT-PCR could not be detected in HaCaT cells. Depending on the concentration dithranol increased the mRNA production of interleukin-10 receptors in HaCaT cells. This dithranol induced dose dependent upregulation of IL-10 receptors in HaCaT cells was also observed on the protein level using immunohistochemistry.¶ Conclusions: Since the interleukin-10 receptor expression of keratinocytes in psoriatic lesional skin is downregulated, the dithranol induced upregulation of the receptor in our model system might help to reveal the therapeutic action of the drug.¶

Objective. The aim was to determine the place of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonographic (US) examination in the diagnosis and follow-up of Sjögren's syndrome (SS).
Methods. Parotid MRI and US examinations were carried out on 44 primary SS patients and 52 controls of similar age.
Results. The most important structural changes in SS were different degrees of parenchymal inhomogeneity, which could be detected by both methods, and were found more frequently in the SS patients than in the controls (MRI: 95.4 vs 17.3%; US: 88.6 vs 7.7%; P<0.001). There was good agreement between the MRI and US findings both in the SS cases (93.2%) and in the controls (86.5%). In one SS patient who developed parotid lymphoma, the US examination showed a hypoechoic `cobblestones'-like inhomogeneous internal pattern which was coupled with an almost homogeneous MRI pattern.
Conclusions. MRI appears unnecessary as a routine method in the diagnosis of SS; US examination is suitable both for the diagnosis and follow-up of SS. The above combination of the seemingly contradictory US and MRI findings is highly characteristic of lymphoma which has developed in the course of the disease.

Objective. The aim was to determine the place of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonographic (US) examination in the diagnosis and follow-up of Sjögren's syndrome (SS).
Methods. Parotid MRI and US examinations were carried out on 44 primary SS patients and 52 controls of similar age.
Results. The most important structural changes in SS were different degrees of parenchymal inhomogeneity, which could be detected by both methods, and were found more frequently in the SS patients than in the controls (MRI: 95.4 vs 17.3%; US: 88.6 vs 7.7%; P<0.001). There was good agreement between the MRI and US findings both in the SS cases (93.2%) and in the controls (86.5%). In one SS patient who developed parotid lymphoma, the US examination showed a hypoechoic `cobblestones'-like inhomogeneous internal pattern which was coupled with an almost homogeneous MRI pattern.
Conclusions. MRI appears unnecessary as a routine method in the diagnosis of SS; US examination is suitable both for the diagnosis and follow-up of SS. The above combination of the seemingly contradictory US and MRI findings is highly characteristic of lymphoma which has developed in the course of the disease.

Abstract: We report five patients with moyamoya associated with arterial anomalies, including five aneurysms, one with ectasia of the parent artery, a basilar artery fenestration and an arteriovenous malformation. Possible pathogenetic factors for moyamoya are discussed, and a prenatal origin is suggested.

The discovery of a new human herpesvirus in Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) tissue of patients with AIDS has opened up new vistas in virology and oncology. This herpesvirus was first descriptively named KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), but was recently renamed human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8). KSHV/HHV8 DNA has been found in all forms of KS, suggesting that it might be involved in the pathogenesis of KS. In addition, KSHV/HHV8 can be detected in both malignant and benign lymphoproliferative diseases, such as body cavity-based B-cell lymphomas and multicentric Castleman's disease. KSHV/HHV8 was also found in patients with angiosarcoma of the face and angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia. Although only a limited portion of the virus has been sequenced, KSHV/HHV8 is equipped with genes that could confer oncogenic potential. The virus can now be cultured, providing the possibility for studies of viral replication and the mode of transmission. The recently developed serologic assays for antiviral antibodies suggest that infection with KSHV/HHV8 is not ubiquitous because KSHV/HHV8 seropositivity is limited to a small proportion of the population. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37:107-13.)

A statistical analysis is presented which, assuming the errors in the beam forming matrix of a linear Butler array to be small independent Rayleigh-distributed random errors, indicates that the resultant power pattern has a modified Rayleigh distribution. The results of the analysis were then applied to determine the effects upon sidelobes and beam pointing yielding the following results. The allowable limits of phase and amplitude errors for a specified sidelobe deterioration are greatly reduced in comparison to the limits for an array whose elements are independently excited; furthermore, the limits are to a great extent independent of the number of elements in the array. The beam-pointing error is not severely affected and is inversely proportional to the number of elements. The nature of the results confirm what was to be expected from the periodic fashion in which errors within the matrix are distributed across the array.

BackgroundDrug transporters and metabolizing enzymes located in the epithelial lining of the intestine limit or enhance systemic drug exposure. During child development, the abundance and activity of these transporters and enzymes - determining how fast and how much of a drug is being absorbed into the circulation - changes from birth to adolescence. As most drugs given to children are taken by mouth, the aim of this project is to study the abundance and activity of transporters and metabolizing enzymes, involved in the intestinal absorption of drugs.MethodsThe ex vivoUssing chamber with pediatric small intestinal tissue is applied to evaluate intestinal drug absorption and metabolism.1Transport and metabolism of a selection of drug molecules is assessed across these tissues by sampling the donor and receiver compartment at different intervals and sample analysis by LC-MS/MS. Viability, functionality and integrity of the tissues are monitored using electrophysiological parameters (dP, R, I). Ussing chamber experiments are combined with a targeted proteomics approach to quantify drug transporter and metabolizing enzyme abundance in these tissues.ResultsAn Using chamber method has been successfully set up using both adult and pediatric intestinal tissue. To date samples from three children of different ages have been evaluated and show promising results. Tissue from the same patients has been stored for proteomics analysis.ConclusionThe Ussing method presents an innovative, feasible approach to study active intestinal transport in children. Further studies are now underway to elucidate age-related variation in intestinal transport and metabolism.ReferenceSjo¨berg Å, Lutz M, Tannergren C, Wingolf C, Borde A, Ungell AL:Comprehensive study on regional human intestinal permeability and prediction of fraction absorbed of drugs using the Ussing chamber technique. Eur J Pharm Sci2013 Jan 23;48(1–2):166–80.Disclosure(s)The collaboration project is financed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs by means of the PPP Allowance made available by the Top Sector Life Sciences & Health to stimulate public-private partnerships. Johan Nicolai¨, Richard Mbasu and Anna-Lena Ungell are employees of UCB Biopharma SPRL.

N‐oxidation of the benzotriazine (I) proceeds at the 2‐position to give the N‐oxide (II), which is converted to the derivatives (IV) or (VI).

Some substituted title compounds (II) are prepared but the parent compound itself, (III) is only obtained by hydrolysis of derivatives (IIb) or (IIc) (5 other routes are tried without success).