bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells Are Dispensable for Controlling CD8+ T Cell-Mediated Lung Inflammation
Authors: Tosiek Milena J. , Gruber Achim D. , Bader Sophie R. , Mauel Susanne , Hoymann Heinz-Gerd , Prettin Silvia , Tschernig Thomas , Buer Jan , Gereke Marcus , Bruder Dunja
Published: April 2011

Every person harbors a population of potentially self-reactive lymphocytes controlled by tightly balanced tolerance mechanisms. Failures in this balance evoke immune activation and autoimmunity. In this study, we investigated the contribution of self-reactive CD8+ T lymphocytes to chronic pulmonary inflammation and a possible role for naturally occurring CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (nTregs) in counterbalancing this process. Using a transgenic murine model for autoimmune-mediated lung disease, we demonstrated that despite pulmonary inflammation, lung-specific CD8+ T cells can reside quiescently in close proximity to self-antigen. Whereas self-reactive CD8+ T cells in the inflamed lung and lung-draining lymph nodes downregulated the expression of effector molecules, those located in the spleen appeared to be partly Ag-experienced and displayed a memory-like phenotype. Because ex vivo-reisolated self-reactive CD8+ T cells were very well capable of responding to the Ag in vitro, we investigated a possible contribution of nTregs to the immune control over autoaggressive CD8+ T cells in the lung. Notably, CD8+ T cell tolerance established in the lung depends only partially on the function of nTregs, because self-reactive CD8+ T cells underwent only biased activation and did not acquire effector function after nTreg depletion. However, although transient ablation of nTregs did not expand the population of self-reactive CD8+ T cells or exacerbate the disease, it provoked rapid accumulation of activated CD103+CD62Llo Tregs in bronchial lymph nodes, a finding suggesting an adaptive phenotypic switch in the nTreg population that acts in concert with other yet-undefined mechanisms to prevent the detrimental activation of self-reactive CD8+ T cells.
Pre-B Cell Colony-Enhancing Factor (PBEF/Nampt/Visfatin) Primes Neutrophils for Augmented Respiratory Burst Activity through Partial Assembly of the NADPH Oxidase
Authors: Malam Zeenat , Parodo Jean , Waheed Faiza , Szaszi Katalin , Kapus Andras , Marshall John C.
Published: April 2011

Pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor ([PBEF] also known as Nampt/visfatin) is a pleiotropic 52-kDa cytokine-like molecule whose activity has been implicated in multiple inflammatory disease states. PBEF promotes polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) proinflammatory function by inhibiting constitutive PMN apoptosis. We investigated whether PBEF activates or primes for PMN respiratory burst. We found that although PBEF did not activate respiratory burst on its own, it primed for increased reactive oxygen species generation through the NADPH oxidase. PBEF promoted membrane translocation of cytosolic NADPH oxidase subunits p40 and p47, but not p67, induced p40 phosphorylation on Thr154, and activated the small GTPase Rac. Priming, translocation, and phosphorylation were dependent on activation of p38 and ERK MAPKs, but not of PI3K. Priming by PBEF occurred independent of its NAD-generating capacity because neither nicotinamide mononucleotide or NAD could recapitulate the effects, and a specific inhibitor of PBEF, APO-866, could not inhibit priming. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PBEF can prime for PMN respiratory burst activity by promoting p40 and p47 translocation to the membrane, and this occurs in a MAPK-dependent fashion.
Disparities in TLR5 Expression and Responsiveness to Flagellin in Equine Neutrophils and Mononuclear Phagocytes
Authors: Kwon Soyoung , Gewirtz Andrew T. , Hurley David J. , Robertson Thomas P. , Moore James N. , Vandenplas Michel L.
Published: April 2011

As sentinel cells of the innate immune system, neutrophils and mononuclear phagocytes use specific TLRs to recognize the conserved molecular patterns that characterize microbes. This study was performed to compare the responses of equine neutrophils and mononuclear phagocytes to LPS and flagellin, components of bacteria that are recognized by TLR4 and TLR5, respectively. Neutrophils and mononuclear phagocytes isolated from healthy horses were incubated in vitro with LPS, flagellin, or pronase-inactivated flagellin in the presence or absence of polymyxin B. Production of reactive oxygen species and expression of mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines were used as readouts for activation of neutrophils; production of TNF-α was used for the mononuclear cells. Western blot analysis and flow cytometry were used to detect TLR5 protein in both cell types. Although the neutrophils responded to both LPS and flagellin by producing reactive oxygen species and expressing mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines, flagellin had no stimulatory effect on monocytes or macrophages. Although both neutrophils and monocytes expressed mRNA for TLR5, it appeared to be translated into protein only by the neutrophils. Incubation with neither LPS nor IFN-γ altered TLR5 expression by the monocytes. These findings indicate that flagellin has disparate effects on neutrophils and mononuclear phagocytes isolated from horses, a species that is exquisitely sensitive to the TLR4 ligand, LPS, and that equine mononuclear phagocytes, unlike corresponding cells of other mammalian species, lack surface expression of TLR5 and do not respond to flagellin.
The Polyclonal CD8 T Cell Response to Influenza M158–66 Generates a Fully Connected Network of Cross-Reactive Clonotypes to Structurally Related Peptides: A Paradigm for Memory Repertoire Coverage of Novel Epitopes or Escape Mutants
Authors: Petrova Galina V. , Naumova Elena N. , Gorski Jack
Published: April 2011

Cross-reactivity of T cells is defined as recognition of two or more peptide–MHC complexes by the same T cell. Although examples of cross-reactivity have been reported, a detailed examination of cross-reactivity has not been performed. In this study, we took advantage of the high degree of polyclonality in the BV19 T cell repertoire responding to influenza M158–66 in HLA-A2 individuals to obtain a measure of simple cross-reactivity. We used substitutions that incrementally change the structure of the M158–66 peptide to measure how the HLA-A2–restricted response adapts to these changes. In three HLA-A2 adult subjects, we identified the BV19 clonotypes in the recall response to the influenza epitope M158–66 and 12 M1 peptides substituted at TCR contact position 63 or 65. The fraction of cross-reactive clonotypes in the M158–66 repertoire varied from 45–58% in the three donors. The extent of cross-reactivity, which is the additional number of peptides recognized by a single clonotype, is as high as six. We summarized the data using graph theory, with the cross-reactive clonotypes connecting the different HLA-A2 peptides recognized. The cross-reactive clonotypes form a well-connected network that could provide protection from virus-escape variants. We predict that any new pathogen with an epitope whose shape corresponds to that of the peptides that we studied would find a pre-existing repertoire ready to respond to it. We propose that in adult memory repertoires, previously encountered epitopes may have generated similar cross-reactive repertoires.
Management of the Kidney Transplant Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Tang Ignatius Y. S. , Walzer Natasha , Aggarwal Nidhi , Tzvetanov Ivo , Cotler Scott , Benedetti Enrico
Published: April 2011

Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Renal transplantation confers a survival advantage in HCV-infected patients. Renal transplant candidates with serologic evidence of HCV infection should undergo a liver biopsy to assess for fibrosis and cirrhosis. Patients with Metavir fibrosis score ≤3 and compensated cirrhosis should be evaluated for interferon-based therapy. Achievement of sustained virological response (SVR) may reduce the risks for both posttransplantation hepatic and extrahepatic complications such as de novo or recurrent glomerulonephritis associated with HCV. Patients who cannot achieve SVR and have no live kidney donor may be considered for HCV-positive kidneys. Interferon should be avoided after kidney transplant except for treatment of life-threatening liver injury, such as fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis. Early detection, prevention, and treatment of complications due to chronic HCV infection may improve the outcomes of kidney transplant recipients with chronic HCV infection.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Gastrointestinal Disease: Common Endoscopic Biopsy Diagnoses
Authors: Bhaijee Feriyl , Subramony Charu , Tang Shou-Jiang , Pepper Dominique J.
Published: April 2011

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a major site of disease in HIV infection: almost half of HIV-infected patients present with GI symptoms, and almost all patients develop GI complications. GI symptoms such as anorexia, weight loss, dysphagia, odynophagia, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are frequent and usually nonspecific among these patients. Endoscopy is the diagnostic test of choice for most HIV-associated GI diseases, as endoscopic and histopathologic evaluation can render diagnoses in patients with non-specific symptoms. In the past three decades, studies have elucidated a variety of HIV-associated inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic GI diseases, often with specific predilection for various sites. HIV-associated esophageal disease, for example, commonly includes candidiasis, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), and idiopathic ulceration. Gastric disease, though less common than esophageal disease, frequently involves CMV, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI), and neoplasia (KS, lymphoma). Small bowel biopsies and intestinal aspirates from HIV-infected patients often show HIV enteropathy, MAI, protozoa (Giardia, Isospora, Cryptosporidia, amebae, Microsporidia), and helminths (Strongyloides stercoralis). Colorectal biopsies demonstrate viral (CMV, HSV), bacterial (Clostridia, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter), fungal (cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis), and neoplastic (KS, lymphoma) processes. Herein, we review HIV-associated GI pathology, with emphasis on common endoscopic biopsy diagnoses.
Evolution of Principle and Practice of Electrodeposited Thin Film: A Review on Effect of Temperature and Sonication
Authors: Mallik A. , Ray B. C.
Published: April 2011

This review discusses briefly the important aspects of thin films. The introduction of the article is a summary of evolution of thin films from surface engineering, their deposition methods, and important issues. The fundamental aspects of electrochemical deposition with special emphasis on the effect of temperature on the phase formation have been reviewed briefly. The field of sonoelectrochemistry has been discussed in the paper. The literature regarding the effects of temperature and sonication on the structure and morphology of the deposits and nucleation mechanisms, residual stress, and mechanical properties has also been covered briefly.
Renal Replacement Therapy in Austere Environments
Authors: Yuan Christina M. , Perkins Robert M.
Published: April 2011

Myoglobinuric renal failure is the classically described acute renal event occurring in disaster environments—commonly after an earthquake—which most tests the ingenuity and flexibility of local and regional nephrology resources. In recent decades, several nephrology organizations have developed response teams and planning protocols to address disaster events, largely focusing on patients at risk for, or with, acute kidney injury (AKI). In this paper we briefly review the epidemiology and outcomes of patients with dialysis-requiring AKI after such events, while providing greater focus on the management of the end-stage renal disease population after a disaster which incapacitates a pre-existing nephrologic infrastructure (if it existed at all). “Austere” dialysis, as such, is defined as the provision of renal replacement therapy in any setting in which traditional, first-world therapies and resources are limited, incapacitated, or nonexistent.
Production of Cold-Active Bacterial Lipases through Semisolid State Fermentation Using Oil Cakes
Authors: Joseph Babu , Upadhyaya Supriya , Ramteke Pramod
Published: April 2011

Production of cold active lipase by semisolid state fermentation involves the use of agroindustrial residues. In the present study, semisolid state fermentation was carried out for the production of cold active lipase using Micrococcus roseus, isolated from soil samples of Gangotri glaciers, Western Himalayas. Among various substrate tested, groundnut oil cake (GOC) favored maximal yield of lipases at 15 ± 1°C within 48 h. Supplementation of glucose 1% (w/v) as additional carbon source and ammonium nitrate 2% (w/v) as additional nitrogen source enhanced production of lipase. Addition of triglycerides 0.5% (v/v) tends to repress the lipase production. Further mixed preparation of groundnut oil cake (GOC) along with mustard oil cake (MOC) in the ratio of 1 : 1, and its optimization resulted in improved production of cold active lipase. The enzyme exhibited maximum activity at 10–15°C and was stable at temperatures lower than 30°C. The lipase exhibited optimum activity at pH 8 and showed more than 60% stability at pH 9. Semisolid state fermentation process by utilizing agroindustrial wastes will direct to large-scale commercialization of lipase catalyzed process in cost-effective systems.
Arterial Stiffness and Dialysis Calcium Concentration
Authors: Mac-Way Fabrice , Leboeuf Amélie , Agharazii Mohsen
Published: April 2011

Arterial stiffness is the major determinant of isolated systolic hypertension and increased pulse pressure. Aortic stiffness is also associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and general population. Hemodynamically, arterial stiffness results in earlier aortic pulse wave reflection leading to increased cardiac workload and decreased myocardial perfusion. Although the clinical consequence of aortic stiffness has been clearly established, its pathophysiology in various clinical conditions still remains poorly understood. The aim of the present paper is to review the studies that have looked at the impact of dialysis calcium concentration on arterial stiffness. Overall, the results of small short-term studies suggest that higher dialysis calcium is associated with a transient but significant increase in arterial stiffness. This calcium dependant increase in arterial stiffness is potentially explained by increased vascular smooth muscle tone of the conduit arteries and is not solely explained by changes in mean blood pressure. However, the optimal DCa remains to be determined, and long term studies are required to evaluate its impact on the progression of arterial stiffness.
Electrochemical Study of Diphenyl Ether Derivatives Used as Herbicides
Authors: Zaouak Amira , Matoussi Fatma , Dachraoui Mohamed
Published: April 2011

The electrochemical behaviour of five nitro diphenyl ethers used as herbicides is investigated in acetonitrile. A detailed study by cyclic voltammetry and exhaustive electrolysis is carried out for the anodic oxidation of 2-Chloro-6-nitro-3-phenoxyaniline (aclonifen) and shows that the major oxidation product is a dimeric compound. A mechanistic scheme involving a coupling process is postulated for the electrochemical oxidation of this compound. Furthermore, the use of differential pulse voltammetry on a glassy carbon electrode permits the selective determination ofaclonifen. The limit of detection is 0.6 μg/mL.
Kala-Azar in a Brazilian Child
Authors: Meunier Yann A. , Hole Michael K.
Published: April 2011

We report the case of a six-year-old Brazilian girl referred for splenomegaly who first presented with fever, asthenia, and weight loss. Geographical location, clinical exam, and blood laboratories suggested kalaazar. Serology confirmed kala-azar diagnosis, but direct evidence of the parasites was not made. A treatment by meglumine antimoniate is given under hospital surveillance for two weeks. Thereupon, the patient is asymptomatic and all tests are normal.
Survival in Patients Receiving Prolonged Ventilation: Factors that Influence Outcome
Authors: Mamary A. James , Kondapaneni Shrikant , Vance Gwendolyn B. , Gaughan John P. , Martin Ubaldo J. , Criner Gerard J.
Published: April 2011

Background

Prolonged mechanical ventilation is increasingly common. It is expensive and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Our objective is to comprehensively characterize patients admitted to a Ventilator Rehabilitation Unit (VRU) for weaning and identify characteristics associated with survival.

Methods

182 consecutive patients over 3.5 years admitted to Temple University Hospital (TUH) VRU were characterized. Data were derived from comprehensive chart review and a prospectively collected computerized database. Survival was determined by hospital records and social security death index and mailed questionnaires.

Results

Upon admission to the VRU, patients were hypoalbuminemic (albumin 2.3 ± 0.6 g/dL), anemic (hemoglobin 9.6 ± 1.4 g/dL), with moderate severity of illness (APACHE II score 10.7 + 4.1), and multiple comorbidities (Charlson index 4.3 + 2.3). In-hospital mortality (19%) was related to a higher Charlson Index score ( P = 0.006; OR 1.08-1.6), and APACHE II score ( P = 0.016; OR 1.03-1.29). In-hospital mortality was inversely related to admission albumin levels ( P = 0.023; OR 0.17-0.9). The presence of COPD as a comorbid illness or primary determinant of respiratory failure and higher VRU admission APACHE II score predicted higher long-term mortality. Conversely, higher VRU admission hemoglobin was associated with better long term survival (OR 0.57-0.90; P = 0.0006).

Conclusion

Patients receiving prolonged ventilation are hypoalbuminemic, anemic, have moderate severity of illness, and multiple comorbidities. Survival relates to these factors and the underlying illness precipitating respiratory failure, especially COPD.
The Role of T Lymphocytes in Cancer Patients Undergoing Immunotherapy with Autologous Dendritic Cells
Authors: Rodrigues Cláudia M. , Matias Bruna F. , Murta Eddie F.C. , Michelin Márcia A.
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Cancer stems from mutations in specific genes that induce uncontrolled cell proliferation. Dendritic cells (DCs) are important immunologic cells and play a crucial role in the induction of an antitumour response.

Patients and Methods

We examined the immune response mediated by T lymphocytes, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and regulatory T cells, as well as the cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-10], produced by these cell populations, in cancer patients (N = 7) undergoing immunotheraphy with autologous DCs.

Results

We observed an initial increase in T helper cells (CD4+) expressing IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-10 after initiation of treatment, with statistically significant for the cytokines IL-2, TNF-α and IL-10. A similar significant effect was observed for IL-2-expressing cytotoxic T cells (CD8+). The percentage of total T cells (CD3+) remained elevated throughout immunotherapy. Regulatory T cells (CD25+/FOXP3+) only showed high percentage of their maximum value when analyzed the pretreatment levels, with statistically significant.

Conclusion

Immunotherapy with DCs stimulated the immune response, as evidenced by an increase in percent fluorescence of most cell populations investigated during the specified treatment period.
Systemic Therapy for Elderly Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Hubbard Joleen M. , Grothey Axel , Sargent Daniel J.
Published: April 2011

The majority of patients with gastrointestinal cancers are over the age of 65. This age group comprises the minority of the patients enrolled in clinical trials, and it is unknown whether older patients achieve similar results as younger patients in terms of survival benefit and tolerability. In addition, there are few studies specifically designed for patients over 65 years. Subset analyses of individual trials and studies using pooled patient data from multiple trials provide some understanding on outcomes in older patients with gastrointestinal cancers. This article reviews the evidence on chemotherapeutic regimens in the elderly with colorectal, pancreatic, and gastroesophageal cancers, and discusses a practical approach to provide the best outcomes for older patients.
Multi-wavelength Raman lidar observations of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic cloud over Potenza, Southern Italy
Authors: Mona L. , Amodeo A. , D'Amico G. , Giunta A. , Madonna F. , Pappalardo G.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Multi-wavelength Raman lidar measurements were performed at CNR-IMAA Atmospheric Observatory (CIAO) during the entire Eyjafjallajökull explosive eruptive period in April–May 2010, whenever weather conditions permitted. A methodology for volcanic layer identification and accurate aerosol typing has been developed on the basis both of the multi-wavelength Raman lidar measurements and EARLINET measurements performed at CIAO since 2000. The aerosol mask for lidar measurements performed at CIAO during the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption has been obtained. Volcanic aerosol layers have been observed in different periods: 19–22 April, 27–29 April, 8–9 May, 13–14 May and 18–19 May. A maximum aerosol optical depth of about 0.12–0.13 was observed on 20 April, 22:00 UTC and 13 May, 20:30 UTC. Volcanic particles have been detected both at low altitudes, in the free troposphere and in the upper troposphere. Intrusions into the PBL have been revealed on 21–22 April and 13 May. In the April–May period Saharan dust intrusions typically occur in Southern Italy. For the period under investigations, a Saharan dust intrusion was observed on 13–14 May: dust and volcanic particles have been simultaneously observed at CIAO both at separated different levels and mixed within the same layer. Lidar ratios at 355 and 532 nm, Ångström exponent at 355/532 nm, backscatter related Ångström exponent at 532/1064 nm and particle linear depolarization ratio at 532 nm measured inside the detected volcanic layers have been discussed. The dependence of these quantities on relative humidity (RH) has been investigated by using co-located microwave profiler measurements. The particle linear depolarization ratio increasing with RH, lidar ratio values at 355 nm around 80 sr, and values of the ratio of lidar ratios greater than 1 suggest the presence of sulfates mixed with continental aerosol. Lower lidar ratio values (around 40 sr) increasing with RH and values of the ratio of lidar ratios lower than 1 indicate the presence of some aged ash inside these sulfate layers.
An improved tropospheric NO2 column retrieval algorithm for the Ozone Monitoring Instrument
Authors: Boersma K. F. , Eskes H. J. , Dirksen R. J. , van der A R. J. , Veefkind J. P. , Stammes P. , Huijnen V. , Kleipool Q. L. , Sneep M. , Claas J. , Leitão J. , Richter A. , Zhou Y. , Brunner D.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. We present an improved tropospheric nitrogen dioxide column retrieval algorithm (DOMINO v2.0) for OMI based on better air mass factors (AMFs) and a correction for across-track stripes resulting from calibration errors in the OMI backscattered reflectances. Since October 2004, NO2 retrievals from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), a UV/Vis nadir spectrometer onboard NASA's EOS-Aura satellite, have been used with success in several scientific studies focusing on air quality monitoring, detection of trends, and NOx emission estimates. Dedicated evaluations of previous DOMINO tropospheric NO2 retrievals indicated their good quality, but also suggested that the tropospheric columns were susceptible to high biases (by 0–40%), probably because of errors in the air mass factor calculations. Here we update the DOMINO air mass factor approach. We calculate a new look-up table (LUT) for altitude-dependent AMFs based on more realistic atmospheric profile parameters, and include more surface albedo and surface pressure reference points than before. We improve the sampling of the TM4 model, resulting in a priori NO2 profiles that are better mixed throughout the boundary layer. We evaluate the NO2 profiles simulated with the improved TM4 sampling as used in the AMF calculations and show that they are highly consistent with in situ NO2 measurements from aircraft during the INTEX-A and INTEX-B campaigns in 2004 and 2006. Our air mass factor calculations are further updated by the implementation of a high-resolution terrain height and a high-resolution surface albedo climatology based on OMI measurements. Together with a correction for across-track stripes, the overall impact of the improved terrain height and albedo descriptions is modest (<5%) on average over large polluted areas, but still causes significant changes locally. The main changes in the DOMINO v2.0 algorithm follow from the new LUT and the improved TM4 sampling that results in more NO2 simulated aloft, where sensitivity to NO2 is higher, and amount to reductions in tropospheric NO2 columns of up to 20% in winter, and 10% in summer over extended polluted areas. We investigate the impact of aerosols on the NO2 retrieval, and based on a comparison of concurrent retrievals of clouds from OMI and aerosols from MODIS Aqua, we find empirical evidence that OMI cloud retrievals are sensitive to the presence of scattering aerosols. It follows that an implicit correction for the effects of aerosols occurs through the aerosol-induced cloud parameters in DOMINO, and we show that such a correction amounts to a 20% AMF reduction in summer and ±10% changes in winter over the eastern US.
Diagnostic study of the influence of lateral boundary conditions for the REMO RCM simulations over the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Szépszó G.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. At the Hungarian Meteorological Service, two experiments were accomplished with the REMO5.0 regional climate model: (1) a simulation of a past period from 1961 to 2000, driven by the ECMWF ERA40 re-analysis data, and (2) a transient run from 1951 to 2100 driven by the ECHAM5/MPI-OM global coupled atmosphere-ocean model using SRES A1B forcing. The integration domain covers continental Europe with 25 km horizontal resolution in both experiments. Present article is dedicated to the investigation of the simulation results for the past period. The results for 1961–1990 were compared on the one hand with observations, and on the other hand, with each other and the corresponding global fields in order to assess the impact of the different lateral boundary conditions on the results focusing on the area of our interest, i.e., Hungary. The evaluation indicated that the re-analysis driven experiment provides warm and in summer dry past climate over the Carpathian Basin, whereas lower temperature and higher precipitation values are obtained when the lateral boundary information is derived from a global climate model. Based on the validation, it is concluded that the temperature characteristics in the simulation-driven case outperformed the experiment forced by quasi-perfect (i.e., re-analysis) data, however, similar apparent conclusion cannot be drawn for precipitation. This paper is undertaking to give deeper insight into the details and possible reasons for these outcomes.
Twinning European and South Asian river basins to enhance capacity and implement adaptive integrated water resources management approaches – results from the EC-project BRAHMATWINN
Authors: Flügel W.-A.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The EC-project BRAHMATWINN was carrying out a harmonised integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach as addressed by the European Water Initiative (EWI) in headwater river systems of alpine mountain massifs of the twinning Upper Danube River Basin (UDRB) and the Upper Brahmaputra River Basins (UBRB) in Europe and Southeast Asia respectively. Social and natural scientists in cooperation with water law experts and local stakeholders produced the project outcomes presented in Chapter 2 till Chapter 10 of this publication. BRAHMATWINN applied a holistic approach towards IWRM comprising climate modelling, socio-economic and governance analysis and concepts together with methods and integrated tools of applied Geoinformatics. A detailed description of the deliverables produced by the BRAHMATWINN project is published on the project homepage http://www.brahmatwinn.uni-jena.de.
Regional climate projections in two alpine river basins: Upper Danube and Upper Brahmaputra
Authors: Dobler A. , Yaoming M. , Sharma N. , Kienberger S. , Ahrens B.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Projections from coarse-grid global circulation models are not suitable for regional estimates of water balance or trends of extreme precipitation and temperature, especially not in complex terrain. Thus, downscaling of global to regionally resolved projections is necessary to provide input to integrated water resources management approaches for river basins like the Upper Danube River Basin (UDRB) and the Upper Brahmaputra River Basin (UBRB). This paper discusses the application of the regional climate model COSMO-CLM as a dynamical downscaling tool. To provide accurate data the COSMO-CLM model output was post-processed by statistical means. This downscaling chain performs well in the baseline period 1971 to 2000. However, COSMO-CLM performs better in the UDRB than in the UBRB because of a longer application experience and a less complex climate in Europe. Different climate change scenarios were downscaled for the time period 1960–2100. The projections show an increase of temperature in both basins and for all seasons. The values are generally higher in the UBRB with the highest values occurring in the region of the Tibetan Plateau. Annual precipitation shows no substantial change. However, seasonal amounts show clear trends, for instance an increasing amount of spring precipitation in the UDRB. Again, the largest trends for different precipitation statistics are projected in the region of the Tibetan Plateau. Here, the projections show up to 50% longer dry periods in the months June to September with a simultaneous increase of about 10% for the maximum amount of precipitation on five consecutive days. For the Assam region in India, the projections also show an increase of 25% in the number of consecutive dry days during the monsoon season leading to prolonged monsoon breaks.
Vulnerability to climate change: people, place and exposure to hazard
Authors: Hutton C. W. , Kienberger S. , Amoako Johnson F. , Allan A. , Giannini V. , Allen R.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The Human Dimension of the Twinning European and South Asian River Basins to Enhance Capacity and Implement Adaptive Management Approaches Project (EC-Project BRAHMATWINN) is aimed at developing socio-economic tools and context for the effective inclusion of the "Human Dimension" or socio-economic vulnerability into the overall assessment of climate risk in the twinned basins of the Upper Brahmaputra River Basin (UBRB), and the Upper Danube River Basin (UDRB) . This work is conducted in the light of stakeholder/actor analysis and the prevailing legal framework. In order to effectively achieve this end, four key research and associated activities were defined: 1. Identifying stakeholders and actors including: implement an approach to ensure a broad spread of appropriate stakeholder input to the assessment of vulnerability undertaken in Asia and Europe within the research activities of the project. 2. Contextualising legal framework: to provide an assessment of the governance framework relating to socio-environmental policy development within the study site administrative areas leading to the specific identification of related policy and legal recommendations. 3. Spatial analysis and mapping of vulnerability: providing a spatial assessment of the variation of vulnerability to pre-determined environmental stressors across the study areas with an additional specific focus on gender. 4. Inclusion of findings with the broader context of the BRAHMATWINN risk of climate change study through scenarios of hazard and vulnerability (subsequent chapters). This study utilises stakeholder inputs to effectively identify and map relative weightings of vulnerability domains, such as health and education in the context of pre-specified hazards such as flood. The process is underpinned by an adaptation of the IPCC (2001) which characterizes Risk as having the components of Hazard (physiographic component) and Vulnerability (socio-economic component).
Integration by identification of indicators
Authors: Giannini V. , Giupponi C.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The objective of the BRAHMATWINN research component described in this chapter is to develop integrated indicators with relevance to Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and climate change for the Upper Danube and the Upper Brahmaputra River Basins (UDRB and UBRB), and to foster the integration process amongst the different research activities of the project. Such integrated indicators aim at providing stakeholders, NGOs and GOs with an overview of the present state and trends of the river basins water resources, and at quantifying the impacts of possible scenarios and responses to driving forces, as well as pressures from likely climate change. In the process the relevant indicators have been identified by research partners to model and monitor issues relevant for IWRM in the case study areas. The selected indicators have been validated with the information gathered through the NetSyMoD approach (Giupponi et al., 2008) in workshops with local actors. In this way a strong link between the main issues affecting the basins as perceived by local actors and the BRAHMATWINN activities has been created, thus fostering integration between research outcomes and local needs.
Large scale integrated hydrological modelling of the impact of climate change on the water balance with DANUBIA
Authors: Prasch M. , Marke T. , Strasser U. , Mauser W.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Future climate change will affect the water availability in large areas. In order to derive appropriate adaptation strategies the impact on the water balance has to be determined on a regional scale in a high spatial and temporal resolution. Within the framework of the BRAHMATWINN project the model system DANUBIA, developed within the project GLOWA Danube (GLOWA Danube, 2010; Mauser and Ludwig, 2002), was applied to calculate the water balance components under past and future climate conditions in the large-scale mountain watersheds of the Upper Danube and the Upper Brahmaputra. To use CLM model output data as meteorological drivers DANUBIA is coupled with the scaling tool SCALMET (Marke, 2008). For the determination of the impact of glacier melt water on the water balance the model SURGES (Weber et al., 2008; Prasch, 2010) is integrated into DANUBIA. In this paper we introduce the hydrological model DANUBIA with the tools SCALMET and SURGES. By means of the distributed hydrological time series for the past from 1971 to 2000 the model performance is presented. In order to determine the impact of climate change on the water balance in both catchments, time series from 2011 to 2080 according to the IPCC SRES emission scenarios A2, A1B, B2 and Commitment are analysed. Together with the socioeconomic outcomes (see Chapter 4) the DANUBIA model results provide the basis for the derivation of Integrated Water Resources Management Strategies to adapt to climate change impacts (see Chapter 9 and 10).
Development and implementation of an Integrated Water Resources Management System (IWRMS)
Authors: Flügel W.-A. , Busch C.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. One of the innovative objectives in the EC project BRAHMATWINN was the development of a stakeholder oriented Integrated Water Resources Management System (IWRMS). The toolset integrates the findings of the project and presents it in a user friendly way for decision support in sustainable integrated water resources management (IWRM) in river basins. IWRMS is a framework, which integrates different types of basin information and which supports the development of IWRM options for climate change mitigation. It is based on the River Basin Information System (RBIS) data models and delivers a graphical user interface for stakeholders. A special interface was developed for the integration of the enhanced DANUBIA model input and the NetSyMod model with its Mulino decision support system (mulino mDss) component. The web based IWRMS contains and combines different types of data and methods to provide river basin data and information for decision support. IWRMS is based on a three tier software framework which uses (i) html/javascript at the client tier, (ii) PHP programming language to realize the application tier, and (iii) a postgresql/postgis database tier to manage and storage all data, except the DANUBIA modelling raw data, which are file based and registered in the database tier. All three tiers can reside on one or different computers and are adapted to the local hardware infrastructure. IWRMS as well as RBIS are based on Open Source Software (OSS) components and flexible and time saving access to that database is guaranteed by web-based interfaces for data visualization and retrieval. The IWRMS is accessible via the BRAHMATWINN homepage: http://www.brahmatwinn.uni-jena.de and a user manual for the RBIS is available for download as well.
Development of adaptive IWRM options for climate change mitigation and adaptation
Authors: Flügel W.-A.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Adaptive Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) options related to the impacts of climate change in the twinning basins of the Upper Danube River Basin (UDRB) and the Upper Brahmaputra River Basin (UBRB) are developed based on the results obtained in the different work packages of the BRAHMATWINN project. They have been described and discussed in Chapter 2 till Chapter 9 and the paper is referring to and is integrating these findings with respect to their application and interpretation for the development of adaptive IWRM options addressing impacts of climate change in river basins. The data and information related to the results discussed in Chapter 2 till 8 have been input to the RBIS as a central component of the IWRMS (Chapter 9). Meanwhile the UDRB has been analysed with respect to IWRM and climate change impacts by various projects, i.e. the GLOWA-Danube BMBF funded project (GLOWA Danube, 2009; Mauser and Ludwig, 2002) the UBRB has not been studied so far in a similar way as it was done in the BRAHMATWINN project. Therefore the IWRM option development is focussing on the UBRB but the methodology presented can be applied for the UDRB and other river basins as well. Data presented and analysed in this chapter have been elaborated by the BRAHMATWINN project partners and are published in the project deliverable reports available from the project homepage http://www.brahmatwinn.uni-jena.de/index.php?id=5311&L=2.
Effects of water discharge and sediment load on evolution of modern Yellow River Delta, China, over the period from 1976 to 2009
Authors: Yu J. B. , Fu Y. Q. , Li Y. Z. , Han G. X. , Wang Y. L. , Zhou D. , Sun W. D. , Gao Y. J. , Meixner F. X. , Dai M. , Kao S.-J.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The Yellow River, which is the second largest river in China, is regarded as the world's largest contributor of fluvial sediment load to the ocean. In recent decades, the dramatic reduction in water discharge and sediment load due to climate change and human activities in the drainage basin has greatly constrained the evolution process of Yellow River delta. We highlight how runoff and sediment load discharged into sea affected extension of shoreline length and area of modern Yellow River delta during 1976–2009 based on remote sensing interpretation and long-term monitoring data in hydrological station. Average runoff of 207.47 × 108 m3 year−1 and average sediment load of 4.63 × 108 m3 year−1 were discharged into the sea from 1976 to 2008. The annual runoff reduced by ~59.7% in 1990–2002 and annual sediment load reduction up to ~72.1% in 2003–2008. Both shoreline length and area of Yellow River Delta extended overall in the studied period, but with decreasing rates in accordance with changes of runoff and sediment load. High increasing rate of shoreline length of ~3.63 km year−1 and quick area extension of ~16.26 km2 year−1 were observed in 1976–1985. Since 1996 however, the average increase rate of shoreline length and area decreased to ~0.80 km year−1 and ~3.94 km2 year−1, respectively. In addition, the fluctuated changes of shoreline and area were great and the net negative increase of land area was occurred during this period. There exist significant exponential relationships between the accumulated sediment load and extensions of shoreline length and the area during the evolution of the modern Yellow River Delta. Our results indicate that the evolution of shoreline and change of area of the Yellow River Delta are directly affected by the dramatic reduction of runoff and sediment load, which are much close related human being activities in Yellow River drainage basin in recent decades.
Carbon flux to woody tissues in a beech/spruce forest during summer and in response to chronic elevated O3 exposure
Authors: Ritter W. , Andersen C. P. , Matyssek R. , Grams T. E. E.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The present study compares the dynamics in carbon (C) allocation of adult deciduous beech (Fagus sylvatica) and evergreen spruce (Picea abies) during summer and in response to seven-year-long exposure with twice-ambient ozone (O3) concentrations (2 × O3). Focus was on the respiratory turn-over and translocation of recent photosynthates at various positions along the stems, coarse roots and soils. The hypotheses tested were that (1) 2 × O3 decreases the allocation of recent photosynthates to CO2 efflux of stems and coarse roots of adult trees, and that (2) according to their different O3 sensitivities this effect is stronger in beech than in spruce. Labeling of whole tree canopies was applied by releasing 13C depleted CO2 (δ13C of −46.9‰) using a free-air stable carbon isotope approach. Canopy air δ13C was reduced for about 2.5 weeks by ca. 8‰ in beech and 6‰ in spruce while the increase in CO2 concentration was limited to about 110 μL L−1 and 80 μL L−1, respectively. At the end of the labeling period, δ13C of stem CO2 efflux and phloem sugars was reduced to a similar extend by ca. 3–4‰ (beech) and ca. 2–3‰ (spruce). The fraction of labeled C (fE,new) in stem CO2 efflux amounted to 0.3 to 0.4, indicating slow C turnover of the respiratory supply system in both species. Elevated O3 slightly stimulated the allocation of recently fixed photosynthates to stem and coarse root respiration in spruce (rejection of hypothesis I for spruce), but resulted in a significant reduction in C flux in beech (acceptance of hypotheses I and II). The distinct decreased in C allocation to beech stems indicates the potential of chronic O3 stress to substantially mitigate the C sink strength of trees on the long-term scale.
Greenland ice sheet model parameters constrained using simulations of the Eemian Interglacial
Authors: Robinson A. , Calov R. , Ganopolski A.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Using a new approach to force an ice sheet model, we performed an ensemble of simulations of the Greenland Ice Sheet evolution during the last two glacial cycles, with emphasis on the Eemian Interglacial. This ensemble was generated by perturbing four key parameters in the coupled regional climate-ice sheet model and by introducing additional uncertainty in the prescribed "background" climate change. The sensitivity of the surface melt model to climate change was determined to be the dominant driver of ice sheet instability, as reflected by simulated ice sheet loss during the Eemian Interglacial period. To eliminate unrealistic parameter combinations, constraints from present-day and paleo information were applied. The constraints include (i) the diagnosed present-day surface mass balance partition between surface melting and ice discharge at the margin, (ii) the modeled present-day elevation at GRIP; and (iii) the modeled elevation reduction at GRIP during the Eemian. Using these three constraints, a total of 360 simulations with 90 different model realizations were filtered down to 46 simulations and 20 model realizations considered valid. The paleo constraint eliminated more sensitive melt parameter values, in agreement with the surface mass balance partition assumption. The constrained simulations resulted in a range of Eemian ice loss of 0.4–4.4 m sea level equivalent, with a more likely range of about 3.7–4.4 m sea level if the GRIP δ18O isotope record can be considered an accurate proxy for the precipitation-weighted annual mean temperatures.
Reconstructing the Tropical Storm Ketsana flood event in Marikina River, Philippines
Authors: Abon C. C. , David C. P. C. , Pellejera N. E. B.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. In September 2009, Tropical Storm Ketsana (local name: TS Ondoy) hit the Manila metropolitan area (Metro Manila) and brought an anomalous volume of rain that exceeded the Philippines' forty-year meteorological record. The storm caused exceptionally high and extensive flooding. Part of this study was a survey conducted along the stretch of the Marikina River, one of the major rivers that flooded. Post-event resident interviews were used to reconstruct the flooding in the absence of stream gauge data. Hydraulic and hydrologic modeling were carried out to understand the mechanism that brought the flood. Peak floods occurred at different hours along the river resulting from the transmission of water from the main watershed to the downstream areas. Modeled peak flood and flood timing coincided well with actual observations except for downstream stations where actual peak floods were observed to have occurred at a later time. Compounding factors such as other flood sources and stream backflow could have caused this discrepancy. Nevertheless, prediction of flood heights and the use of the known time lag between the peak rainfall and the peak runoff could be utilized to issue timely flood forecasts to allow people to prepare for future flooding.