The Highly Productive Thermothelomyces heterothallica C1 Expression System as a Host for Rapid Development of Influenza Vaccines

(1) Influenza viruses constantly change and evade prior immune responses, forcing seasonal re-vaccinations with updated vaccines. Current FDA-approved vaccine manufacturing technologies are too slow and/or expensive to quickly adapt to mid-season changes in the virus or to the emergence of pandemic strains. Therefore, cost-effective vaccine technologies that can quickly adapt to newly emerged strains are desirable. (2) The filamentous fungal host Thermothelomyces heterothallica C1 (C1, formerly Myceliophthora thermophila) offers a highly efficient and cost-effective alternative to reliably produce immunogens of vaccine quality at large scale. (3) We showed the utility of the C1 system expressing hemagglutinin (HA) and a HA fusion protein from different H1N1 influenza A virus strains. Mice vaccinated with the C1-derived HA proteins elicited anti-HA immune responses similar, or stronger than mice vaccinated with HA products derived from prototypical expression systems. A challenge study demonstrated that vaccinated mice were protected against the aggressive homologous viral challenge. (4) The C1 expression system is proposed as part of a set of protein expression systems for plug-and-play vaccine manufacturing platforms. Upon the emergence of pathogens of concern these platforms could serve as a quick solution for producing enough vaccines for immunizing the world population in a much shorter time and more affordably than is possible with current platforms.

Is the French Emergency Medical Service System duplicable in developing countries?

Issue

The management of pre-hospital emergencies is a growing issue in developing countries, particularly because of the increase of both road accidents and cardio-vascular diseases.

Description of the problem

Numerous countries have tried or are currently trying to develop emergency response systems like the French SAMU but the outcome of those actions show a lot of difficulties. It is however proved that efficient care of serious pre-hospital medical emergencies significantly improves both patients’ mortality and morbidity.

Results

AP-HP, Greater Paris University Hospitals, has a strong experience of supporting the development of this model of care in countries with limited resources. Most of last 30 years’ experiments have been reviewed to understand what the essential prerequisites to succeed in setting up an emergency response system such as SAMU are. The analysis (5 criteria evaluation: efficiency, sustainability, effectiveness, impact, relevance) of past and present experiments in 28 countries showed that main issues are political (what are the priorities?), financial and societal (what does the population expect?). The question of medical resources is also crucial as the French model introduces medical regulation at all levels. Moreover, in France, such a system is built as a health care pathway with a predetermined orientation towards the appropriate and operational structure, which unfortunately is not the case in a lot of countries. Aside from those realized in China or in some Southern American countries, most of the projects so far don’t match all the evaluation criteria, particularly sustainability, as it is based both on stable funding and a strong reactivity of local hospitals.

Lessons

Future projects will have to fit with the local context. Strong commitments from partner countries must be made on the long term to have a real impact.

Key messages

There is no universal system easily duplicable. Some major prerequisites must be identified and implemented to succeed in the set-up of an efficient and sustainable EMSS.

Acute Allergic Reactions in Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre: Predictors of Hospitalisation

Introduction

We sought to identify symptoms predictive of hospitalisation of patients having the acute allergic reactions managed by an Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre in France.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted from 20th August 2006 to 5th November 2006 on incoming calls to the Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre for the Hauts de Seine province, France. Statistical analyses were used to identify hospitalisation predictors. The validity of predictors identified was tested. We calculated equivalents of sensitivity (probability of presence of the sign when the reaction is severe), specificity (probability of absence of sign when the reaction is not severe), positive predictive value (probability of severe reaction when the sign is present) and negative predictive value (probability of non-severe reaction when the sign is not present).

Results

A total of 210 calls were included. The following clinical hospitalisation predictors identified had very good specificity and good positive predictive value: facial oedema, sense of choking, respiratory distress, cough, difficulty speaking, dysphagia, abdominal pain, dizziness, collapse, and chest pain. However, none of the selected predictors had a safe negative predictive value (and sensitivity).

Conclusion

This study has identified positive clinical predictors of hospitalisation for acute allergic reactions patients managed by a Medical Emergency Dispatch Centre. The next step will be a multicentre study in order to develop a severity score or a decision-making algorithm. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:80-87)

Targeting EphA3 inhibits cancer growth by disrupting the tumor stromal microenvironment

Eph receptor tyrosine kinases are critical for cell-cell communication during normal and oncogenic tissue patterning and tumor growth. Somatic mutation profiles of several cancer genomes suggest EphA3 as a tumor suppressor, but its oncogenic expression pattern and role in tumorigenesis remain largely undefined. Here, we report unexpected EphA3 overexpression within the microenvironment of a range of human cancers and mouse tumor xenografts where its activation inhibits tumor growth. EphA3 is found on mouse bone marrow-derived cells with mesenchymal and myeloid phenotypes, and activation of EphA3(+)/CD90(+)/Sca1(+) mesenchymal/stromal cells with an EphA3 agonist leads to cell contraction, cell-cell segregation, and apoptosis. Treatment of mice with an agonistic α-EphA3 antibody inhibits tumor growth by severely disrupting the integrity and function of newly formed tumor stroma and microvasculature. Our data define EphA3 as a novel target for selective ablation of the tumor microenvironment and demonstrate the potential of EphA3 agonists for anticancer therapy.

A high affinity recombinant antibody to the human EphA3 receptor with enhanced ADCC activity

EphA3 is expressed in solid tumors and leukemias and is an attractive target for the therapy. We have generated a panel of Humaneered® antibodies to the ligand-binding domain using a Fab epitope-focused library that has the same specificity as monoclonal antibody mIIIA4. A high-affinity antibody was selected that competes with the mIIIA4 antibody for binding to EphA3 and has an improved affinity of ∼1 nM. In order to generate an antibody with potent cell-killing activity the variable regions were assembled with human IgG1k constant regions and expressed in a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line deficient in fucosyl transferase. Non-fucosylated antibodies have been reported to have enhanced binding affinity for the IgG receptor CD16a (FcγRIIIa). The affinity of the antibody for recombinant CD16a was enhanced approximately 10-fold. This resulted in enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity against EphA3-expressing leukemic cells, providing a potent antibody for the evaluation as a therapeutic agent.

A tri-atomic Renner-Teller system entangled with Jahn-Teller conical intersections

The present study concentrates on a situation where a Renner-Teller (RT) system is entangled with Jahn-Teller (JT) conical intersections. Studies of this type were performed in the past for contours that surround the RT seam located along the collinear axis [see, for instance, G. J. Halász, Á. Vibók, R. Baer, and M. Baer, J. Chem. Phys. 125, 094102 (2006)]. The present study is characterized by planar contours that intersect the collinear axis, thus, forming a unique type of RT-non-adiabatic coupling terms (NACT) expressed in terms of Dirac-δ functions. Consequently, to calculate the required adiabatic-to-diabatic (mixing) angles, a new approach is developed. During this study we revealed the existence of a novel molecular parameter, η, which yields the coupling between the RT and the JT NACTs. This parameter was found to be a pure number η = 22/π (and therefore independent of any particular molecular system) and is designated as Renner-Jahn coupling parameter. The present study also reveals an unexpected result of the following kind: It is well known that each (complete) group of states, responsible for either the JT-effect or the RT-effect, forms a Hilbert space of its own. However, the entanglement between these two effects forms a third effect, namely, the RT/JT effect and the states that take part in it form a different Hilbert space.

[National evaluation of knowledge and practice of cardiopulmonary resuscitation of children and infants in the field]

INTRODUCTION

After the publication of new recommendations for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (2005 guidelines and 2006 French recommendations), we conducted a study amongst EMS teams concerning their approach with children and infants, nationwide. The objective was to measure the level of knowledge of guidelines and practice.

METHODS

The online questionnaire was offered to emergency physicians belonging to the French emergency database, between November 1st and December 15th 2007. Incomplete questionnaires were excluded from the study. We recorded: profile of personnel, knowledge of guidelines, basic CPR and advanced CPR parameters.

RESULTS

Four hundred and thirty-nine questionnaires were analyzed. Personnel was aged under 40 in 50.2 %, with 2-5 years experience in prehospital emergency care (57.6 %); 51,3 % declared having had training in pediatric CPR. A minority of subjects declared knowing the 2005 Guidelines (35 %), more the French 2006 recommendations (62.5 %). Basic CPR: transition age child/adult known in 30.3 %. Compression/ventilation ratio: 30/2 for one rescuer in 50.2 % (child), 46.5 % (infant); 15/2 for two or more rescuers in 57.6 % (child), 48 % (infant). AED age for use (1 year old) known in 59.8 %. Advanced CPR: epinephrine dose known in 89.3 % (intravenous) and 34.3 % (tracheal). External shock known in 57.2 %.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes the lack of knowledge, especially with regard to first aid. Formations will be developed.

Intralines of quasi-conical intersections on torsion planes: methylamine as a case study

Recently we reported on a novel feature associated with the intersection of the two lowest states (1)A' and (1)A'' of the methylamine (J. Chem. Phys. 2008, 128, 244302). We established the existence of a finite (closed) line of conical intersections (ci), namely, a finite seam, located in the HC-NHH symmetry plane, a line that is formed by moving a single hydrogen on that plane while locking the positions of the (six) other atoms. In the present article, this study is extended to the corresponding torsion planes formed by rotating the methyl group around the CN axis. The torsion planes, in contrast with the HC-NHH symmetry plane, do not satisfy the symmetry feature that enables the seam just mentioned. Nevertheless, the calculated nonadiabatic coupling terms (NACTs) resemble features similar to those encountered in the HC-NHH symmetry plane. Following a tedious numerical study supported by a theoretical model (Section III), it was verified that these NACTs may become similar to those on the symmetry plane, sometimes even to the level of almost no distinction, but lack one basic feature; namely, they are not singular and therefore do not form topological effects.

Expression of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in esophageal cancers (EC)

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Background: EC patients face a dismal outcome despite tri-modality management strategy. Median survival remains 15–18 months despite platinum, fluropyrimidine & irinotecan based therapy. BCRP is an ATP-dependent efflux protein associated with chemotherapy (CT) (e.g. irinotecan) resistance. Role of BCRP expression in EC and normal esophageal cells is not known. We examined the expression of this protein and correlate it with survival (OS) in patients receiving irinotecan-based CT. Methods: With IRB approval, 40 cases of EC diagnosed between 2004 and 2008 were stained for BCRP expression by IHC & scored by the pathologist blinded to clinical data. Baseline demographics, therapy given & OS data were collected and correlated with BCRP expression. BCRP score (membrane or cytoplasm) >/= 30 was considered positive (calculated by multiplying BCRP intensity and % staining). Fisher's exact test used to determine association between BCRP expression & demographics. Cox proportional hazards model used for association of BCRP & OS. Results: Baseline patient and tumor characteristics: Gender: M 35, F 5; Histology: 37 Adenoca & 3 SCC; Stage 1-III 27, Stage IV 10, unknown 3; CT: cisplatin+irinotecan (n=16), oxaliplatin+fluoropyrimidine (n=8), other (n=16); IHC: 30 of 40 cancers (75%) expressed BCRP [strong (n=28) & intermediate (n=3); membranous (n=17), cytoplasmic (n=27) & both (n=14)]. Down-regulation of BCRP expression in tumor compared to normal cells seen in 40% of patients. Median OS was 19 months with no difference in OS between BCRP positive and negative patients (p=0.13). Estimated hazard ratio (HR) of death for BCRP positive patients was 2.29 (95% CI 0.79 - 6.64).There was no association between BCRP expression and stage, age, gender or histology. For patients who received cisplatin and irinotecan as first line CT there was no difference in OS (p=0.39) of BCRP negative versus positive patients. Conclusions: BCRP expression is seen in a majority of EC & normal esophageal mucosa. Response rates to irinotecan based therapies are seen in 30–40 % of EC, whether the 40% with low tumor BCRP constitute a majority of the responders needs to be prospectively validated in a larger dataset & should include markers that predict response to 5-FU & platinum based CT to allow individualizing therapy for this cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

An engineered human antibody fab fragment specific for Pseudomonas aeruginosa PcrV antigen has potent antibacterial activity

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause acute lung injury and mortality through the delivery of exotoxins by the type III secretion system (TTSS). PcrV is an important structural protein of the TTSS. An engineered human antibody Fab fragment that binds to the P. aeruginosa PcrV protein with high affinity has been identified and has potent in vitro neutralization activity against the TTSS. The instillation of a single dose of Fab into the lungs of mice provided protection against lethal pulmonary challenge of P. aeruginosa and led to a substantial reduction of viable bacterial counts in the lungs. These results demonstrate that blocking of the TTSS by a Fab lacking antibody Fc-mediated effector functions can be sufficient for the effective clearance of pulmonary P. aeruginosa infection.

Renner-Teller/Jahn-Teller intersections along the collinear axes of polyatomic molecules: C2H2+ as a case study

Recently we discussed the Renner-Teller effect in triatomic molecules [J. Chem. Phys. 125, 094102 (2006)]. In that article the main message is that the Renner-Teller phenomenon, just like the Jahn-Teller phenomenon, is a topological effect. Now we extend this study to a tetra-atomic system, namely, the C(2)H(2) (+) ion, for which topological effects are revealed when one atom surrounds the triatom axis or when two atoms surround (at a time) the two-atom axis. The present study not only supports the findings of the previous study, in particular, the crucial role played by the topological D matrix for diabatization, but it also reveals new features which are expected to be more and more pronounced the larger the original collinear molecule. As already implied, shifting away two atoms from the collinear molecular axis does not necessarily abolish the ability of the remaining two atoms to form topological effects. Moreover, the study indicates that when the two hydrogens are shifted away, the CC axis produces two kinds of topological effects: (1) a Renner-Teller effect (characterized by a topological phase of 2pi) which is revealed when the two hydrogens surround, rigidly, this axis (as mentioned above), and (2) a Jahn-Teller effect (characterized by a topological phase of pi) which is revealed when one of the hydrogens surrounds this axis while the other hydrogen is clamped to its position.

High-temperature multipass cell for infrared spectroscopy of heated gases and vapors

In absorption spectroscopy, infrared spectra of heated gases or condensed samples in the vapor phase are usually recorded with a single pass heated gas cell. This device exhibits two orders of magnitude lower sensitivity than the high-temperature multipass cell presented in this article. Our device is a novel type of compact long path absorption cell that can withstand aggressive chemicals in addition to temperatures up to 723 K. The construction of the cell and its technical features are described in detail, paying special attention to the mechanisms that compensate for thermal expansion and that allow the user to vary the optical path length under any thermal or vacuum condition. The cell may be used with a laser source or implemented within a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Its design is compatible with optical arrangements using astigmatic mirrors or spherical mirrors in a Herriott configuration. Here we implement a homebuilt Herriott-type cell with a total optical path length of up to 35 m. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the cell, methane and water vapor absorption lines showing dissimilar temperature effects on line intensity were recorded with the help of a mid-infrared laser source tunable between 3 and 4 microm. Emphasis is put on lines that are too weak to be recorded with a single pass cell.

High-resolution characterization of antibody fragment/antigen interactions using Biacore T100

A Biacore T100 optical biosensor was used to characterize the binding kinetics of a panel of antigen binding fragments (Fabs) directed against the PcrV protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PcrV protein forms part of the type III secretion system complex of this opportunistic pathogen. We demonstrate that the biosensor response data for each Fab collected from three different surface densities of the antigen could be fit globally to a simple 1:1 interaction model. Importantly, we found that the Fabs with the slowest dissociation rate provided the best protection in cell cytotoxicity studies. To further characterize the Fab interactions, binding data were automatically acquired at different temperatures and under different buffer conditions. The comprehensive characterization of these Fabs shows how Biacore T100 can be used to complement protein therapeutic discovery programs from basic research to the selection of therapeutic candidates.

D matrix analysis of the Renner-Teller effect: An accurate three-state diabatization for NH2

Some time ago we published our first article on the Renner-Teller (RT) model to treat the electronic interaction for a triatomic molecule [J. Chem. Phys. 124, 081106 (2006)]. The main purpose of that Communication was to suggest considering the RT phenomenon as a topological effect, just like the Jahn-Teller phenomenon. However, whereas in the first publication we just summarized a few basic features to support that idea, here in the present article, we extend the topological approach and show that all the expected features that characterize a three (multi) state RT-type'3 system of a triatomic molecule can be studied and analyzed within the framework of that approach. This, among other things, enables us to employ the topological D matrix [Phys. Rev. A 62, 032506 (2000)] to determine, a priori, under what conditions a three-state system can be diabatized. The theoretical presentation is accompanied by a detailed numerical study as carried out for the HNH system. The D-matrix analysis shows that the two original electronic states 2A1 and 2B1 (evolving from the collinear degenerate Pi doublet), frequently used to study this Renner-Teller-type system, are insufficient for diabatization. This is true, in particular, for the stable ground-state configurations of the HNH molecule. However, by including just one additional electronic state--a B state (originating from a collinear Sigma state)--it is found that a rigorous, meaningful three-state diabatization can be carried out for large regions of configuration space, particularly for those, near the stable configuration of NH2. This opens the way for an accurate study of this important molecule even where the electronic angular momentum deviates significantly from an integer value.

Phase 1, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) study of of the Hsp-90 inhibitor, KOS-1022 (17-DMAG), in patients with refractory hematological malignancies

2081

Background: Disruption of Hsp90-client protein heterocomplexes leads to degradation of a variety of oncoproteins. KOS-1022, an Hsp90 inhibitor and water-soluble geldanamycin derivative, is in trials in patients with solid tumors. Compared to a prior geldanamycin derivative (17-AAG), KOS-1022 is ∼3–5 fold more potent (comparing in vitro cytotoxicity or the MTD in toxicology studies on the same schedule). Primary study objectives: establish safety and MTD of KOS-1022 in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies; characterize PK and PD. Methods: Escalating doses of KOS-1022 are given IV over 1 h twice weekly for 2 out of 3 weeks. Plasma KOS-1022 concentrations (1st and 4th infusion, Cycle 1) are quantitated by LC/MS/MS. Pre and on-study CD34+ bone marrow and peripheral blasts undergo flow cytometry to quantify Hsp70/90, pAKT/total AKT, markers of apoptosis and proliferation. Response in AML pts used IWG criteria. Results: 13 pts have been enrolled at doses of 8 (n=4), 16 (n=6), 24 (n=1) and 32 mg/m2 (n=2). All were AML (except 1 CML). Most (n=11) patients had 2–3 prior induction regimens. DLT was seen in 2 pts at 32 mg/m2 (acute myocardial infarction and elevation of troponin). Both patients had significant co-morbidity, including (1) prior myocardial infarction and (2) progressive AML with a similar troponin elevation during induction chemotherapy prior to study. Common drug-related toxicities (all Grade 1–2): fatigue, nausea, diarrhea and arthralgias. From 8 to 32 mg/m2, approximately linear PK was observed. Mean terminal half-lives varied from 13.0–31.2 hours. Day 1 clearance for 8, 16 and 32 mg/m2 was 5.6, 9.7 and 10.8 L/hr/m2; mean Vz (L/m2) for these groups were 238, 433 and 489. Although pre-infusion drug was quantifiable on Day 11 in most patients, Day 11/Day 1 AUC0–25h ratio was 0.96. Activity in AML: 2 CRi and 1 SD x 9 cycles were observed. Comparing BMAs taken at Day 8 and Day 15 to baseline: decreased Hsp90 (41% to 13%), increased Hsp70 (8% to 84%) with decreased pAKT (Ser), pAKT (Thr) and total AKT in CD34+ cells. Conclusions: KOS-1022 appears to be well tolerated, with preliminary signs of clinical and biologic activity in refractory leukemia. MTD has not been defined. Plasma PK is linear over this dose range.

[Table: see text]

On the peculiarities of the diabatic framework: new insight

In this article we consider the electronic diabatic presentation of a two-state system with the aim of earning insight regarding the distribution of conical intersections in a given region. In this process we revealed explicit relationship between the diabatic potentials and the locations of conical intersections. The study is accompanied with numerical examples as worked out for a model and ab initio potential energy surfaces of the Na+H2 system.

Renner-Teller nonadiabatic coupling terms: Anab-initiostudy of the HNH molecule

In this Communication we present the first theoretical/numerical treatment of nonadiabatic coupling terms (NACT) that originate from the Renner-Teller (RT) model, namely, those that follow from the splitting of an electronic level of a linear molecule when it becomes bent. These two newly formed states are characterized by different symmetries and are designated as A and B. Our main findings: (1) The RT NACTs are quantized as long as they are calculated close enough to collinear configuration of the molecule (in this case HNH). Their value is tau = 1 (the Jahn-Teller values in similar situations, are tau = (1/2)). (2) Calculation of RT NACTs at bent configurations (i.e., at a distance from the linear axis) yield decreased values, sometimes by more than 50%. This last finding implies that in strongly bent configurations the two-state Hilbert subspace (formed by the above mentioned A and B states) is affected by upper states, most likely via Jahn-Teller conical intersections. (3) This study has also important practical implications. The fact that the RT NACTs decrease in (strongly) bent situations implies that analyzing spectroscopic data employing only the two Pi-states may not be sufficient in order to achieve the required accuracy.

Two-state versus three-state quantization: Anab initiostudy of the three lower states of the {N,H2∣A′} system

In this article we present the first ab initio study of the conical intersections (cis) and their electronic nonadiabatic coupling terms (NACTs) for the {N,H2} system. Efforts were made to reveal the location of cis between the two lower, 1 2A' and 2 2A' states--to be designated as (1,2) cis--and the cis between the two upper, 2 2A' and 3 2A' states--to be designated as the (2,3) cis--of this system. We found that these cis are located along the collinear {NHH) arrangement. The study is carried out by analyzing two-state magnitudes such as the (1,2) and (2,3) adiabatic-to-diabatic transformation angles (known also as the mixing angles) and the corresponding topological phases (known also as the Berry phases or the Longuet-Higgins phases). In addition, a detailed three-state study is carried out. Here the emphasis is on driving the diagonal elements of the topological D matrix and analyzing situations for which the corresponding nonadiabatic coupling matrix is quantized. The reliability of two-state results is carefully examined by comparing them with corresponding outcomes derived for the three-state study. In addition we also calculated the potential-energy surfaces related to the two lower states and studied to what extent they are affected by the (1,2) ci. The results obtained in this treatment were found to be in full agreement with the NACT's calculations.

[Evaluation of duration for direct admission dispatch process in an urban area]

OBJECTIVE

In France, when physicians in ambulances take care of patients, they report medical status to the dispatch centre. Then the dispatching physician search for the available and appropriate hospital service to agree in directly receiving the patient. We attempted to evaluate this direct admission dispatch, in a urban area, with many health care facilities.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective evaluation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All the files for out of hospital interventions with a dispatch process were included. Data collected and analysed were: main pathologies, started time and end time of direct admission dispatch process and number of services called before finding the right place.

RESULTS

959 patients files were included, 849 could be analysed. The average duration of direct admission dispatch process is 10 (+/-13) minutes. Traumatology speciality shows a longer dispatch process than medicine disease (p < 0.001), and this time increased during summer (p < 0.05). The other parameters did not influence this duration.

CONCLUSION

The average duration of direct admission dispatch process is acceptable. The increased duration of direct admission dispatch process in some pathology during summer may induce a risk for the patients. This problem will be improved only when the management of the available bed for emergency traumatology, will be implemented a regional coordination.

N-State Adiabatic-to-Diabatic Transformation Angle: Theory and Application

In this article is discussed a new diabatization procedure which is expected to be reliable and, also, relatively easy to implement. This procedure takes into account the two main ingredients related to diabatization: (1) The size N of the smallest (relevant) group of states that forms a Hilbert subspace (this fact enforces the dimension of the adiabatic-to-diabatic transformation matrix to be N). (2) The total energy E which determines the number of open states, p, within this group of N states. The main emphasis in this manuscript is on the case that N is arbitrary but p is equal to 2. The various derivations as well as the final results are accompanied by numerical examples extracted from three- to five-state ab initio calculations for the H + H2 system.

The impact of reduction in the benzene limit value in gasoline on airborne benzene, toluene and xylenes levels

Background benzene, toluene, xylenes (BTX) average concentrations have been measured over the urban agglomeration of Toulouse, France, during both springtime and summer periods of 1999 and 2001. The benzene average amount over the two Toulouse campaigns in 1999 is equal to 2.2 microg/m(3), very close to the French air quality standard and well under the average value of 5 microg/m(3) recommended by European Economic Community countries, recognising that those regulations are given for a whole year. BTX pollution over Toulouse has, in particular, been produced by motor vehicle exhaust gases. For the study conducted during the same periods of 2001, benzene concentrations were within the French quality value in the whole area. This is because the benzene limit value contained in gasoline went from 5% to 1% since 2000 January 1. It will be important to measure benzene over annual periods in order to know its exact values over such a period and to observe its potential seasonal variations.

BCL-3 and NF-kappaB p50 attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Following its induction, TNFalpha gene transcription is rapidly attenuated, in part due to the accumulation of NF-kappaB p50 homodimers that bind to three kappaB sites in the TNFalpha promoter. Here we have investigated the inhibitory role of BCL-3, an IkappaB-like protein that interacts exclusively with p50 and p52 homodimers. BCL-3 was induced by LPS with delayed kinetics and was associated with p50 in the nucleus. Forced expression of BCL-3 suppressed LPS-induced transcription from the TNFalpha promoter and inhibited two artificial promoters composed of TNFalphakappaB sites that preferentially bind p50 dimers. BCL-3-mediated repression was reversed by trichostatin A and was enhanced by overexpression of HDAC-1, indicating that transcriptional attenuation involves recruitment of histone deacetylase. Analysis of macrophages from p50 and BCL-3 knock-out mice revealed that both transcription factors negatively regulate TNFalpha expression and that BCL-3 inhibits IL-1alpha and IL-1beta. In contrast, induction of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was reduced in BCL-3 null macrophages. BCL-3 was not required for the production of p50 homodimers but BCL-3 expression was severely diminished in p50-deficient cells. Together, these findings indicate that p50 and BCL-3 function as anti-inflammatory regulators in macrophages by attenuating transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activating IL-10 expression.

A field theoretical approach to calculate electronic Born-Oppenheimer coupling terms

In this paper we suggest to consider the spatial distribution of the Born-Oppenheimer nonadiabatic coupling terms as fields which are created by sources, located at degeneracy points, and which can be derived using the ordinary mathematical tools of field theory. It is shown that the curl-divergence equations as formed within a given Hilbert space [M. Baer, Chem. Phys. Lett. 35, 112 (1975)] can be converted into a set of inhomogeneous coupled Poisson equations which are solved for a given set of boundary conditions. The method is applied to the three-state Hilbert subspace of the H(3) system. The numerical results are compared with ab initio calculations for which a very encouraging fit is found.

Derivation of the electronic nonadiabatic coupling field in molecular systems: An algebraic-vectorial approach

In this Communication it is suggested that various elements of the nonadiabatic coupling matrix, tau(jk)(s) are created by the singular nonadiabatic coupling terms of the system. Moreover, given the spatial distribution of these coupling terms in the close vicinity of their singularity points yields, according to this approach, the integrated intensity of the field at every point in the region of interest. To support these statements we consider the conical intersections of the three lower states of the H+H(2) system: From an ab initio treatment we obtain the nonadiabatic coupling terms around each conical intersection separately (at its close vicinity) and having those, create the field at every desired point employing vector-algebra. This approach is also used to calculate the intensity of the Curl of those matrix elements that lack their own sources [tau(13)(s) in the present case]. The final results are compared with relevant ab initio calculations.

On diabatization and the topological D-matrix: Theory and numerical studies of the H + H2system and the C2H2molecule

This article is divided into two main parts: (1) The theoretical part contains a new derivation of the topological matrix D (M. Baer and A. Alijah, Chem. Phys. Lett., 2000, 319, 489) which is based, solely, on the spatial dependent electronic manifold. This derivation enables more intimate relations between the adiabatic and the diabatic frameworks as is discussed in detail in the manuscript. (2) The numerical part is also divided into two parts: (a) In the first part we extend our previous study on the H + H2 system (G. Halasz, A. Vibok, A. M. Mebel and M. Baer, J. Chem. Phys., 2003, 118, 3052) by calculating the topological matrix for five states (instead of three) and for configuration spaces four times larger than before. These studies are expected to yield detailed information on the possibility of diabatization of this system. (b) We report on preliminary results concerning the C2H2 molecule. So far we established the existence of one (1,2) conical intersection and we have good reasons to believe that this system contains several (2,3) and (3,4) conical intersections as well.