bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet-Induced Obese Mice Exhibit Altered Heterologous Immunity during a Secondary 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Infection
Authors: Milner J. Justin , Sheridan Patricia A. , Karlsson Erik A. , Schultz-Cherry Stacey , Shi Qing , Beck Melinda A.
Published: August 2013

During the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus (pH1N1) outbreak, obese individuals were at greater risk for morbidity and mortality from pandemic infection. However, the mechanisms contributing to greater infection severity in obese individuals remain unclear. Although most individuals lacked pre-existing, neutralizing Ab protection to the novel pH1N1 virus, heterologous defenses conferred from exposure to circulating strains or vaccination have been shown to impart protection against pH1N1 infection in humans and mice. Because obese humans and mice have impaired memory T cell and Ab responses following influenza vaccination or infection, we investigated the impact of obesity on heterologous protection from pH1N1 infection using a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Lean and obese mice were infected with influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8) and 5 wk later challenged with a lethal dose of heterologous pH1N1. Cross-neutralizing Ab protection was absent in this model, but obese mice exhibited a significantly lower level of nonneutralizing, cross-reactive pH1N1 nucleoprotein Abs following the primary PR8 infection. Further, obese mice had elevated viral titers, greater lung inflammation and lung damage, and more cytotoxic memory CD8+ T cells in the lung airways. Although obese mice had more regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the lung airways than did lean controls during the pH1N1 challenge, Tregs isolated from obese mice were 40% less suppressive than Tregs isolated from lean mice. In sum, excessive inflammatory responses to pH1N1 infection, potentially owing to greater viral burden and impaired Treg function, may be a novel mechanism by which obesity contributes to greater pH1N1 severity.
Functional KCa3.1 Channels Regulate Steroid Insensitivity in Bronchial Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Chachi Latifa , Shikotra Aarti , Duffy S. Mark , Tliba Omar , Brightling Christopher , Bradding Peter , Amrani Yassine
Published: August 2013

Identifying the factors responsible for relative glucocorticosteroid (GC) resistance present in patients with severe asthma and finding tools to reverse it are of paramount importance. In asthma we see in vivo evidence of GC-resistant pathways in airway smooth muscle (ASM) bundles that can be modeled in vitro by exposing cultured ASM cells to TNF-α/IFN-γ. This action drives GC insensitivity via protein phosphatase 5–dependent impairment of GC receptor phosphorylation. In this study, we investigated whether KCa3.1 ion channels modulate the activity of GC-resistant pathways using our ASM model of GC insensitivity. Immunohistochemical staining of endobronchial biopsies revealed that KCa3.1 channels are localized to the plasma membrane and nucleus of ASM in both healthy controls and asthmatic patients, irrespective of disease severity. Western blot assays and immunofluorescence staining confirmed the nuclear localization of KCa3.1 channels in ASM cells. The functional importance of KCa3.1 channels in the regulation of GC-resistant chemokines induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ was assessed using complementary inhibitory strategies, including KCa3.1 blockers (TRAM-34 and ICA-17043) or KCa3.1-specific small hairpin RNA delivered by adenoviruses. KCa3.1 channel blockade led to a significant reduction of fluticasone-resistant CX3CL1, CCL5, and CCL11 gene and protein expression. KCa3.1 channel blockade also restored fluticasone-induced GC receptor-α phosphorylation at Ser211 and transactivation properties via the suppression of cytokine-induced protein phosphatase 5 expression. The effect of KCa3.1 blockade was evident in ASM cells from both healthy controls and asthmatic subjects. In summary, KCa3.1 channels contribute to the regulation of GC-resistant inflammatory pathways in ASM cells: blocking KCa3.1 channels may enhance corticosteroid activity in severe asthma.
Macrophage Clearance of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Is a Silent Process
Authors: Farrera Consol , Fadeel Bengt
Published: August 2013

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) facilitate the extracellular killing of pathogens. However, in recent years, excessive NET formation has been implicated in several pathological conditions. Indeed, NETs that are not removed from tissues or from the circulation might serve to trigger autoimmune responses. We observed that physiological amounts of DNase I do not suffice to completely degrade NETs in vitro, suggesting that additional mechanisms are required for the removal of these extracellular structures. We show in this article that human monocyte–derived macrophages are able to engulf NETs in a cytochalasin D–dependent manner, indicating that this is an active, endocytic process. Furthermore, preprocessing of NETs by DNase I facilitated their clearance by macrophages. In addition, both recombinant C1q and endogenous C1q derived from human serum were found to opsonize NETs, and this facilitated NET clearance. Upon internalization, NETs were apparently degraded in lysosomes, as treatment with chloroquine led to accumulation of extranuclear DNA in human monocyte–derived macrophages. Finally, uptake of NETs alone did not induce proinflammatory cytokine secretion, whereas LPS-induced production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was promoted by the uptake of NETs. In summary, we show that macrophages are capable of clearance of NETs and that this occurs in an immunologically silent manner.
Phenotype and Function of T Cells Infiltrating Visceral Metastases from Gastrointestinal Cancers and Melanoma: Implications for Adoptive Cell Transfer Therapy
Authors: Turcotte Simon , Gros Alena , Hogan Katherine , Tran Eric , Hinrichs Christian S. , Wunderlich John R. , Dudley Mark E. , Rosenberg Steven A.
Published: August 2013

Adoptive cell transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) can mediate cancer regression in patients with metastatic melanoma, but whether this approach can be applied to common epithelial malignancies remains unclear. In this study, we compared the phenotype and function of TILs derived from liver and lung metastases from patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers (n = 14) or melanoma (n = 42). Fewer CD3+ T cells were found to infiltrate GI compared with melanoma metastases, but the proportions of CD8+ cells, T cell differentiation stage, and expression of costimulatory molecules were similar for both tumor types. Clinical-scale expansion up to ∼50 × 109 T cells on average was obtained for all patients with GI cancer and melanoma. From GI tumors, however, TIL outgrowth in high-dose IL-2 yielded 22 ± 1.4% CD3+CD8+ cells compared with 63 ± 2.4% from melanoma (p < 0.001). IFN-γ ELISA demonstrated MHC class I–mediated reactivity of TIL against autologous tumor in 5 of 7 GI cancer patients tested (9% of 188 distinct TIL cultures) and in 9 of 10 melanoma patients (43% of 246 distinct TIL cultures). In these assays, MHC class I–mediated up-regulation of CD137 (4-1BB) expression on CD8+ cells suggested that 0–3% of TILs expanded from GI cancer metastases were tumor-reactive. This study implies that the main challenge to the development of TIL adoptive cell transfer for metastatic GI cancers may not be the in vitro expansion of bulk TILs, but the ability to select and enrich for tumor-reactive T cells.
Effect of Urogenital Cleaning with Paper Soap on Bacterial Contamination Rate While Collecting Midstream Urine Specimens
Authors: Shrestha Rashmi , Gyawali Narayan , Gurung Rajendra , Amatya Ritu , Bhattacharya Shyamal Kumar
Published: August 2013

Context: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the major health problems. Urine culture is considered as a gold standard method for the diagnosis of UTI. But, improper sample collection can lead to contamination with normal urogenital flora. Use of any portable disinfectant that can reduce contamination rate would be the significant help in urine culture interpretation.

Aims: To observe the effect of urogenital cleaning with paper soap on bacterial contamination rate while collecting specimens.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was done in 600 patients aged 15-45 years, equally divided into three groups. The first group was given sterile container and instructed to collect midstream clean catch urine (MSU) after urogenital cleaning with provided piece of paper soap. The second group was given sterile container and strictly instructed to collect the MSU sample after urogenital cleansing by tap water only. The third group was given the sterile container and asked for midstream urine. Collected specimens were inoculated in CLED media, incubated aerobically for overnight at 37°C. Reporting of culture was done according to the guideline of American Society of Microbiology.

Results: The contamination rate in the three groups were 6.0%, 13.0%, and 27.5%, respectively (P value < 0.05), which was statistically significant.

Conclusions: Contamination rate was significantly lower in group who provided urine specimen after urogenital cleaning with paper soap. Thus, cleaning the urogenital area may reduce the need of the repeat sample to rule out actual contamination and prevent from the unnecessary antibiotic treatment.
Limb Body Wall Complex: A Rare Anomaly
Authors: Chikkannaiah Panduranga , Dhumale Hema , Kangle Ranjit , Shekar Rosini
Published: August 2013

We present autopsy findings of a case of limb body wall complex (LBWC). The fetus had encephalocele, genitourinary agenesis, skeletal anomalies and body wall defects. The rare finding in our case is the occurrence of both cranial and urogenital anomalies. The presence of complex anomalies in this fetus, supports embryonal dysplasia theory of pathogenesis for LBWC.
Associations of cow-level factors, frequency of feed delivery, and standing and lying behaviour of dairy cows milked in an automatic system
Authors: Deming J. A. , Bergeron R. , Leslie K. E. , DeVries T. J.
Published: August 2013

Deming, J. A., Bergeron, R., Leslie, K. E. and DeVries, T. J. 2013. Associations of cow-level factors, frequency of feed delivery, and standing and lying behaviour of dairy cows milked in an automatic system. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 427–433. The objectives of this observational study were to quantify the standing and lying behaviour of dairy cows milked in an automatic milking system (AMS) and determine associations of this behaviour with cow-level factors (parity, stage of lactation, production, lameness) and feeding management (frequency of feed delivery). Ninety lactating Holstein cows (178±83 d in milk (DIM); parity: 2.1±1.9), kept in a free-stall barn in one of two pens, each with a free-traffic AMS, were monitored for a period of 70 d. To vary feeding management, in two consecutive 35-d periods, cows in each pen were delivered a total mixed ration (TMR), in a random order, once daily (at 0730) or twice daily (at 0730 and 1730). During the last 7 d of each period, standing and lying behaviour were recorded with data loggers, while milking information was recorded by the AMS. Cows were lameness (gait) scored twice each period. Cows lay down for 10.9±2.0 h d−1, produced an average of 34.7±8.7 kg d−1of milk, and milked 2.6±0.6 times per day. Cows spent more time standing after milking (P=0.04) when fed once daily compared with twice daily. Lying duration tended to increase (P=0.06) when feed was delivered twice daily. Milk yield (P<0.001) and lying bout frequency (P=0.05) were negatively associated with DIM, while lying bout length (P=0.005) and total duration of lying (P=0.01) were positively associated with DIM. Cows with higher gait scores milked less frequently (P=0.04), and spent more time lying per day (P=0.008) and tended to have more lying bouts per day (P=0.06). Overall, the results of this observational study suggest that the standing and lying behaviour of AMS-milked cows may be influenced by feed delivery frequency, but are more consistently associated with stage of lactation and lameness.
Conjugated linoleic acid and betain prevent pork quality issues from diets containing distillers’ dried grains with solubles
Authors: Su Binchao , Wang Liansheng , Wang Hong , Shi Baoming , Shan Anshan , Li Yuzhi
Published: August 2013

Su, B., Wang, L., Wang, H., Shi, B., Shan, A. and Li, Y. 2013. Conjugated linoleic acid and betain prevent pork quality issues from diets containing distillers’ dried grains with solubles. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 477–485. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) or betaine (BET) in diets containing distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on the fatty acid profile and the shelf-life attributes of pork. Thirty-two (60±2 kg) crossed-bred barrows (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshine) were randomly assigned to one of four diets: (1) the control diet containing no corn DDGS (control group); (2) the diet containing 30% corn DDGS (DDGS-fed group); (3) the diet containing 30% corn DDGS and 10 g kg−1CLA (CLA-fed group); (4) the diet containing 30% corn DDGS and 1 g kg−1BET (BET-fed group). Dietary DDGS decreased the proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (P<0.05), and increased the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (P<0.05) in pork with respect to the control group, whereas dietary CLA and BET decreased the proportion of PUFA and increased the proportion of SFA in pork compared with DDGS-fed group. Pork treated with DDGS alone had higher total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) value (P<0.05) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value (P<0.05) with respect to the control diet during display, whereas CLA-fed group and BET-fed group had lower TVB-N concentration and TBARS value (P<0.05) in pork than DDGS-fed group. There was no significant difference of instrumental color (L*, a*, b*) between DDGS-fed group and the control group (P>0.05). However, CLA-fed and BET-fed groups maintained lower L* values and higher a* values (P<0.05), but did not affect b* values with respect to the DDGS-fed group and the control group. Results confirmed that diets containing 30% DDGS have some adverse effects on pork freshness and lipid peroxidation; However, supplementation with CLA or BET can partially reverse these effects and improve color image of pork during display.
The Impact of National Financial Regulation on Macroeconomic and Fiscal Performance after the 2007 Financial Shock – Econometric Analyses Based on Cross-Country Data
Authors: Hagen Tobias
Published: August 2013

Using cross-country data, this paper estimates the impact of the 2007 financial shock on countries’ macroeconomic developments conditional on national financial regulations before the crisis. For this purpose, the “financial reform index” developed by Abiad et al. (A New Database of Financial Reforms, 2008a) is used. The econometric analyses indicate that countries with more deregulated financial markets experienced deeper recessions, stronger employment losses, and larger government budget deficits. Against the background of the ongoing global crisis and the results of other studies, the usefulness of liberalized financial markets for macroeconomic stability and economic development should be rigorously reconsidered.
Dynamics of nitrogen oxides and ozone above and within a mixed hardwood forest in northern Michigan
Authors: Seok B. , Helmig D. , Ganzeveld L. , Williams M. W. , Vogel C. S.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The dynamic behavior of nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) and ozone (O3) above and within the canopy at the University of Michigan Biological Station AmeriFlux (UMBS Flux) site was investigated by continuous multi-height vertical gradient measurements during the summer and the fall of 2008. A daily maximum in nitric oxide (NO) mixing ratios was consistently observed during the morning hours between 06:00 and 09:00 EST above the canopy. Daily NO maxima ranged between 0.1 and 2 ppbv (with a median of 0.3 ppbv), which were 2 to 20 times above the atmospheric background. The sources and causes of the morning NO maximum were evaluated using NOx and O3 measurements and synoptic and micrometeorological data. Numerical simulations with a multi-layer canopy-exchange model were done to further support this analysis. The observations indicated that the morning NO maximum was caused by the photolysis of NO2 from non-local air masses, which were transported into the canopy from aloft during the morning breakup of the nocturnal boundary layer. The analysis of simulated process tendencies indicated that the downward turbulent transport of NOx into the canopy compensates for the removal of NOx through chemistry and dry deposition. The sensitivity of NOx and O3 concentrations to soil and foliage NOx emissions was also assessed with the model. Uncertainties associated with the emissions of NOx from the soil or from leaf-surface nitrate photolysis did not explain the observed diurnal behavior in NOx (and O3) and, in particular, the morning peak in NOx mixing ratios. However, a ~30% increase in early morning NOx and NO peak mixing ratios was simulated when a foliage exchange NO2 compensation point was considered. This increase suggests the potential importance of leaf-level, bidirectional exchange of NO2 in understanding the observed temporal variability in NOx at UMBS.
Aerosol and precipitation chemistry in the southwestern United States: spatiotemporal trends and interrelationships
Authors: Sorooshian A. , Shingler T. , Harpold A. , Feagles C. W. , Meixner T. , Brooks P. D.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. This study characterizes the spatial and temporal patterns of aerosol and precipitation composition at six sites across the United States Southwest between 1995 and 2010. Precipitation accumulation occurs mostly during the wintertime (December–February) and during the monsoon season (July–September). Rain and snow pH levels are usually between 5–6, with crustal-derived species playing a major role in acid neutralization. These species (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+) exhibit their highest concentrations between March and June in both PM2.5 and precipitation due mostly to dust. Crustal-derived species concentrations in precipitation exhibit positive relationships with SO42−, NO3−, and Cl−, suggesting that acidic gases likely react with and partition to either crustal particles or hydrometeors enriched with crustal constituents. Concentrations of particulate SO42− show a statistically significant correlation with rain SO42− unlike snow SO42−, which may be related to some combination of the vertical distribution of SO42− (and precursors) and the varying degree to which SO42−-enriched particles act as cloud condensation nuclei versus ice nuclei in the region. The coarse : fine aerosol mass ratio was correlated with crustal species concentrations in snow unlike rain, suggestive of a preferential role of coarse particles (mainly dust) as ice nuclei in the region. Precipitation NO3− : SO42− ratios exhibit the following features with potential explanations discussed: (i) they are higher in precipitation as compared to PM2.5; (ii) they exhibit the opposite annual cycle compared to particulate NO3− : SO42− ratios; and (iii) they are higher in snow relative to rain during the wintertime. Long-term trend analysis for the monsoon season shows that the NO3− : SO42− ratio in rain increased at the majority of sites due mostly to air pollution regulations of SO42− precursors.
Trajectory matching of ozonesondes and MOZAIC measurements in the UTLS – Part 2: Application to the global ozonesonde network
Authors: Staufer J. , Staehelin J. , Stübi R. , Peter T. , Tummon F. , Thouret V.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Ozone, an important greenhouse gas, has the largest climate forcing in the tropopause region, meaning that knowledge of long-term ozone changes in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UTLS) is particularly important. Here, we perform a 16 yr comparison (1994–2009) of UTLS ozone measurements from balloon-borne ozonesondes and MOZAIC (measurements of ozone, water vapor, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides by in-service Airbus aircraft). The analysis uses trajectories computed from ERA-Interim wind fields to find matches between the two measurement platforms. Ozonesonde data quality is most critical in the UTLS, where natural variability is high, particularly close to the tropopause. On average, at the 28 launch sites considered, ozone mixing ratios measured by the sondes exceed MOZAIC data by 5–15%, with differences being smaller in the LS than in the UT at many launch sites. For most sites, sondes and MOZAIC data are in close agreement after 1998. Before 1998 ozone mixing ratios measured by the Brewer–Mast (BM) sondes and Electrochemical Concentration Cell (ECC) sondes are systematically (up to 20%) higher than the MOZAIC UV photometers. The reason for this large difference remains unclear. Results also show that after 1998 large background current signals may affect ozonesonde performance, limiting the determination of reliable ozone trends in the UTLS. Sonde measurements appear to be insensitive to changing the type of ECC ozonesonde, provided the cathode sensing solution strength remains unchanged. Only Scoresbysund (Greenland) showed systematically higher readings after changing from Science Pump Corporation sondes to ENSCI Corporation sondes, while keeping a 1.0% KI cathode electrolyte. This suggests that ECC sondes, provided their background current and sensing solutions are properly monitored, are robust and reliable tools for ozone trend studies in the UTLS.
Cyanobacterial calcification in modern microbialites at the submicrometer scale
Authors: Couradeau E. , Benzerara K. , Gérard E. , Estève I. , Moreira D. , Tavera R. , López-García P.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The search for microfossils in the geological record has been a long-term challenge. Part of the problem comes from the difficulty of identifying such microfossils unambiguously, since they can be morphologically confused with abiotic biomorphs. One route to improve our ability to correctly identify microfossils involves studying fossilization processes affecting bacteria in modern settings. We studied the initial stages of fossilization of cyanobacterial cells in modern microbialites from Lake Alchichica (Mexico), a Mg-rich hyperalkaline crater lake (pH 8.9) hosting currently growing stromatolites composed of aragonite [CaCO3] and hydromagnesite [Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 4(H2O)]. Most of the biomass associated with the microbialites is composed of cyanobacteria. Scanning electron microscopy analyses coupled with confocal laser scanning microscopy observations were conducted to co-localize cyanobacterial cells and associated minerals. These observations showed that cyanobacterial cells affiliated with the order Pleurocapsales become specifically encrusted within aragonite with an apparent preservation of cell morphology. Encrustation gradients from non-encrusted to totally encrusted cells spanning distances of a few hundred micrometers were observed. Cells exhibiting increased levels of encrustation along this gradient were studied down to the nm scale using a combination of focused ion beam (FIB) milling, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM) at the C, O and N K-edges. Two different types of aragonite crystals were observed: one type was composed of needle-shaped nano-crystals growing outward from the cell body with a crystallographic orientation perpendicular to the cell wall, and another type was composed of larger crystals that progressively filled the cell interior. Exopolymeric substances (EPS), initially co-localized with the cells, decreased in concentration and dispersed away from the cells while crystal growth occurred. As encrustation developed, EPS progressively disappeared, but remaining EPS showed the same spectroscopic signature. In the most advanced stages of fossilization, only the textural organization of the two types of aragonite recorded the initial cell morphology and spatial distribution.
On the effect of orbital forcing on mid-Pliocene climate, vegetation and ice sheets
Authors: Willeit M. , Ganopolski A. , Feulner G.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. We present results from modelling of the mid-Pliocene warm period (3.3–3 million years ago) using the Earth system model of intermediate complexity CLIMBER-2 analysing the effect of changes in boundary conditions as well as of orbital forcing on climate. First we performed equilibrium experiments following the PlioMIP (Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project) protocol with a CO2 concentration of 405 ppm, reconstructed mid-Pliocene orography and vegetation and a present-day orbital configuration. Simulated global Pliocene warming is about 2.5 °C, fully consistent with results of atmosphere–ocean general circulation model simulations performed for the same modelling setup. A factor separation analysis attributes 1.5 °C warming to CO2, 0.3 °C to orography, 0.2 °C to ice sheets and 0.4 °C to vegetation. Transient simulations for the entire mid-Pliocene warm period with time-dependent orbital forcing as well as interactive ice sheets and vegetation give a global warming varying within the range 1.9–2.8 °C. Ice sheet and vegetation feedbacks in synergy act as amplifiers of the orbital forcing, transforming seasonal insolation variations into an annual mean temperature signal. The effect of orbital forcing is more significant at high latitudes, especially during boreal summer, when the warming over land varies in the wide range from 0 to 10 °C. The modelled ice-sheet extent and vegetation distribution also show significant temporal variations. Modelled and reconstructed data for Northern Hemisphere sea-surface temperatures and vegetation distribution show the best agreement if the reconstructions are assumed to be representative for the warmest periods during the orbital cycles. This suggests that low-resolution Pliocene palaeoclimate reconstructions can reflect not only the impact of increased CO2 concentrations and topography changes but also the effect of orbital forcing. Therefore, the climate (Earth system) sensitivity estimates from Pliocene reconstructions which do not account for the effect of orbital forcing can be biased toward high values.
A framework for evaluating regional hydrologic sensitivity to climate change using archetypal watershed modeling
Authors: Lopez S. R. , Hogue T. S. , Stein E. D.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The current study focuses on the development of a regional framework to evaluate hydrologic and sediment sensitivity, at various stages of urban development, due to predicted future climate variability. We develop archetypal watersheds, which are regional representations of observed physiographic features (i.e., geomorphology, land cover patterns, etc.) with a synthetic basin size and reach network. Each of the three regional archetypes (urban, vegetated and mixed urban/vegetated land covers) simulates satisfactory regional hydrologic and sediment behavior compared to historical observations prior to a climate sensitivity analysis. Climate scenarios considered a range of increasing temperatures, as estimated by the IPCC, and precipitation variability based on historical observations and expectations. Archetypal watersheds are modeled using the Environmental Protection Agency's Hydrologic Simulation Program–Fortran model (EPA HSPF) and relative changes to streamflow and sediment flux are evaluated. Results indicate that the variability and extent of vegetation play a key role in watershed sensitivity to predicted climate change. Temperature increase alone causes a decrease in annual flow and an increase in sediment flux within the vegetated archetypal watershed only, and these effects are partially mitigated by the presence of impervious surfaces within the urban and mixed archetypal watersheds. Depending on the extent of precipitation variability, urban and moderately urban systems can expect the largest alteration in flow regimes where high-flow events increase in frequency and magnitude. As a result, enhanced wash-off of suspended sediments from available pervious surfaces is expected.
Discharge measurement with salt dilution method in irrigation canals: direct sampling and geophysical controls
Authors: Comina C. , Lasagna M. , De Luca D. A. , Sambuelli L.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. An important starting point for designing management improvements, particularly in irrigation areas, is to record the baseline state of the water resources, including the amount of discharge from canals. In this respect discharge measurements by means of the salt dilution method is a traditional and well-documented technique. However, this methodology can be strongly influenced by the natural streaming characteristics of the canal (e.g. laminar vs. turbulent flow) and accurate precautions must be considered in the choice of both the measuring section and the length of the measuring reach of the canal which can affect the plume shape. The knowledge of plume distribution in the measuring cross-section is of primary importance for a correct location of sampling points aimed in obtaining a reliable measurement. To obtain this, geophysical imaging of an NaCl plume from a slug-injection salt dilution test has been performed within this paper by means of cross-flow fast electric resistivity tomography (FERT) in a real case history. Direct sampling of the same plume has been also performed with a multisampling optimization technique to obtain an average value over the measuring section by means of contemporarily sampling water in nine points. Results show that a correct visualization of the passage of the salt plume is possible by means of geophysical controls and that this can potentially help in the correct location of sampling points.
A method for multi-hazard mapping in poorly known volcanic areas: an example from Kanlaon (Philippines)
Authors: Neri M. , Le Cozannet G. , Thierry P. , Bignami C. , Ruch J.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Hazard mapping in poorly known volcanic areas is complex since much evidence of volcanic and non-volcanic hazards is often hidden by vegetation and alteration. In this paper, we propose a semi-quantitative method based on hazard event tree and multi-hazard map constructions developed in the frame of the FP7 MIAVITA project. We applied this method to the Kanlaon volcano (Philippines), which is characterized by poor geologic and historical records. We combine updated geological (long-term) and historical (short-term) data, building an event tree for the main types of hazardous events at Kanlaon and their potential frequencies. We then propose an updated multi-hazard map for Kanlaon, which may serve as a working base map in the case of future unrest. The obtained results extend the information already contained in previous volcanic hazard maps of Kanlaon, highlighting (i) an extensive, potentially active ~5 km long summit area striking north–south, (ii) new morphological features on the eastern flank of the volcano, prone to receiving volcanic products expanding from the summit, and (iii) important riverbeds that may potentially accumulate devastating mudflows. This preliminary study constitutes a basis that may help local civil defence authorities in making more informed land use planning decisions and in anticipating future risk/hazards at Kanlaon. This multi-hazard mapping method may also be applied to other poorly known active volcanoes.
Spatial modeling of bicycle activity at signalized intersections
Authors: Strauss Jillian , Miranda-Moreno Luis F
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a methodology to investigate the link between bicycle activity and built environment, road and transit network characteristics, and bicycle facilities while also accounting for spatial autocorrelation between intersections. The methodology includes the normalization of manual cyclist counts to average seasonal daily volumes (ASDV), taking into account temporal variations and using hourly, daily, and monthly expansion factors obtained from automatic bicycle count data. To correct for weather conditions, two approaches were used. In the first approach, a relative weather ridership model was generated using the automatic bicycle count and weather data. In the second approach, weather variables were introduced directly into the model. For each approach, the effects of built environment, road and transit characteristics, and bicycle facilities on cyclist volumes were determined. It was found that employment, schools, metro stations, bus stops, parks, land mix, mean income, bicycle facility type (bicycle lanes and cycle tracks), length of bicycle facilities, average street length, and presence of parking entrances were associated with bicycle activity. From these, it was found that the main factors associated with bicycle activity were land-use mix, cycle track presence, and employment density. For instance, intersections with cycle tracks have on average 61 percent more cyclists than intersections without. An increase of 10 percent in land-use mix or employment density would cause an increase of 8 percent or 5.3 percent, respectively, in bicycle flows. The methods and results proposed in this research are helpful for planning bicycle facilities and analyzing cyclist safety. Limitations and future work are discussed at the end of this paper.
PUBLICISING PETRIE: Financing Fieldwork in British Mandate Palestine (1926–1938)
Authors: Sparks Rachael Thyrza
Published: August 2013

The cost of archaeological fieldwork has always been high, even for someone as notoriously parsimonious as Flinders Petrie. Money was constantly needed to finance his excavations, bring objects back to England and organize publication of the results. Over the course of his career Petrie developed a range of fundraising strategies, including setting up the British School of Archaeology in Egypt to coordinate efforts. Moving his base of operations to British Mandate Palestine brought a whole new series of challenges, not the least being how to generate public interest in this new endeavour. This paper will explore the various methods by which funds were generated to support Petrie’s research, including use of newspaper and radio coverage, public lectures and exhibitions, merchandising and appeals to the generosity of individual patrons. It will also consider how the purposes of fundraising developed over time, and ways in which we can measure the success of the tactics used.
Research Note: Forecasting Film-Induced Tourism — The Dolphin Tale Case
Authors: Cortón Maria Luisa , Ebrahimpour Maling
Published: August 2013

Dolphin Tale is a major motion picture released by Warner Brothers in 2011. The authors forecast the number of visitors to the film location, including the film-induced tourism effect originated by Dolphin Tale. They use intervention analysis to measure this effect, with the pre-film series forecasted trend as the comparison baseline instead of the usual linear trend. They address the proper modelling of the series seasonality in the presence of an abrupt increase in visitors immediately after the premiere and a lack of data on the subsequent months. They find that the film induced a 51% increase in the mean level of visitors to the location.
Personal Health Practices and Patient Counseling of German Physicians in Private Practice
Authors: Voltmer Edgar , Frank Erica , Spahn Claudia
Published: August 2013

We examined physicians' personal health behaviors and the influence on their patient counseling practices in a representative sample (N=414) of physicians in private practice in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Physicians reported significantly better physical but poorer mental health compared to the general population (GP; P>0.01). The majority presented with normal weight (47.9% male, 73.1% female physicians versus 24.5/41.0% GP) or overweight (47.5% male, 20.0% female versus 52.9/35.6% GP). Frequency of exercise and fruit and vegetable consumption was higher than in the GP. About 70% drank coffee or tea more than once a day, but only 13.2% of female and 21.8% of male physicians were current smokers (GP 20.1/30.5%). More than half (56.1%) usually or always counseled a typical patient on exercise versus nutrition (47.0%), weight (45.8%), smoking (39.9%), and alcohol (30.0%). Doctors with better personal exercise, nutrition, smoking, and alcohol behaviors counseled their patients significantly more often on related topics. Despite better physical health and health behaviors in these German doctors compared to the GP, there is room for improvement (smoking, overweight), which could be expected to positively influence the counseling practice and impact of doctors' role modeling on patients.
Phenology and abundance of Enoicyla pusilla in conifer stands
Authors: Lombardero M. J.
Published: August 2013

Aim of Study. We study the abundance of Enoicyla pusilla (Burmeister) in pine plantations and the effects of silvicultural thinning on insect population. This species is considered a rare member of the order Trichoptera, reported as absent or occasional in conifer forests. It has been suggested that the proliferation of conifer plantations may be a threat for this species by favoring population isolation. Area of study. Plantations of native and non-native pines in Galicia (NW of Spain).Material and Methods. We used different traps systems, including 28 pitfall traps, to compared populations of insects in 14 thinned and unthinned plots of Pinus pinaster and P. radiata distributed across 3 forest stands. Traps were checked every 15 days during one year.Main results.  We caught 1.219 larvae of E. pusilla. It was the third most abundant species captured in pitfall traps. Larval activity extended from January to late July. They were more abundant in the stands of P. radiata, probably because the denser foliage produced limits sunlight and helped to maintain litter moisture. Additionally needles of P. radiata had lower toughness and higher nitrogen content, which probably makes it a higher quality resource for the detritivorous larvae. Thinning did not affect larvae population.Research highlights: Although managed forests cannot match the biodiversity value of native mixed species stands, if managed appropriately, they may provide habitat for native fauna while also allowing for forest productionKey words: caddisfly; Pinus pinaster; Pinus radiate; plantations; thinning.
Nutrient requirements of polar Chlorella-like species
Authors: Shukla Satya Prakash , Kvíderová Jana , Elster Josef
Published: August 2013

Eukaryotic micro-algae, well adapted to extremely low and varying temperatures, varying light intensities, as well as low availability of essential macronutrients and other resources, represent ideal producers in low-temperature biotechnological processes. In order to identify the nutrient requirements of six biotechnologically perspective Arctic and Antarctic soil Chlorella-like strains at various temperature and light regimes, the algae were cultivated in a unit for cross gradients of temperature (-4 to 24°C) and irradiance (5 to 65 µmol m-2 s-1), and at different nutrient treatments in each temperature-irradiance combination. The nutrient treatments included two different carbon (bicarbonate and carbonate concentrations of 1 and 5 mM) and nitrogen (nitrate concentrations of 50 amd 100 µM and ammonium concentrations 100 and 500 µM) forms at two different concentrations for each. Temperature and irradiance growth requirements were similar in the majority of strains reflecting thus comparable conditions in the original microhabitat, regardless of its geographic position. All studied strains tolerated low temperatures (1 to 5°C), but were able to grow even at temperatures above 20°C, thus, they were considered to be psychrotolerant. All experimental strains were able to grow at very low irradiances. Nutrient manipulation either did not affect the growth limits and optimum, or narrowed the growth optima; the response was strain-specific. Ammonium and nitrate additions resulted in decreased growth rates in all tested strains, with the exception of one strain in which growth stimulation was observed. The decrease in growth rate was probably due to nutrient oversaturation in the inhibited strains. Carbonate addition stimulated growth of all strains. Bicarbonate also increased the growth rate in all strains with one exception, in which bicarbonate inhibited growth, indicating thus carbon limitation during cultivation and different carbon uptake mechanisms.
Sedimentary petrological characteristics of lateral and frontal moraine and proglacial glaciofluvial sediments of Bertilbreen, Central Svalbard
Authors: Hanáček Martin , Flašar Jan , Nývlt Daniel
Published: August 2013

Bertilbreen is a valley glacier located in the central part of the Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard. Glacier bedrock is composed of Devonian Old Red facies sedimentary rocks, Carboniferous clastic sedimentary rocks and Carboniferous to Permian limestones. Cobble clasts from the right-hand lateral moraine, frontal moraine and proglacial glaciofluvial sediments were studied. The upper part of the lateral moraine is composed mostly of passively transported supraglacial debris (originally unmodified scree, snow and scree/rock avalanche deposits) with a small proportion of actively transported clasts or reworked glaciofluvial sediments. Clasts in the middle part of the lateral moraine originate predominantly from the frontal moraine of a small glacier in the lateral valley. The lower part of the lateral moraine and frontal moraine of Bertilbreen are rich in subglacially transported material, which is supported by isometric clast shapes, roundness degree and common clast surface striations. Coarse gravel forms longitudinal bars in the glaciofluvial stream flowing from the glacier front. In the southern mouth of the valley, the proglacial stream grades into a braided outwash fan. Clast nature is affected by the source from the surrounding glacial deposits and bedrock outcrops, the impact of glaciofluvial transport on the clast nature increases in the braided outwash fan. Clast shapes are primarily influenced by bedding and fractures of source rocks, but are also significantly influenced by the type and proximity of material sources. Striation is cleared away the clast surface during the glaciofluvial transport. A morphostrati-graphically older glaciofluvial terrace formed by glaciofluvial sediments deposited during the glacier advance culminating during the Little Ice Age (LIA) is located at the southern end of the valley. The comparison of active proglacial stream sediments and those from older glaciofluvial terrace was done using the coarse pebble fraction.
Summer season variability of dissolved oxygen concentration in Antarctic lakes rich in cyanobaterial mats
Authors: Váczi Peter , Barták Miloš
Published: August 2013

Since 2007, limnological investigation of terrestrial lakes has been carried out at James Ross Island, Antarctica. The lakes in scope differ in their size, origin, geomorphological and hydrological characteristics. In several selected lakes, dissolved oxygen is measured repeatedly each summer season in order to quantify lake- and weather-related differences. For this study, typical reresentatives of (i) coastal shalow lakes, and (ii) high-altitude lakes with cyanobacterial mats were chosen. We present data on dissolved oxygen measured in 3 d interval during January 2010. Within this time, water temperature decreased gradually from 13 to 3oC, as well as dissolved oxygen concentration. It varied within in the range of 12.50-18.0 mg l-1 indicating the values close to saturation and suprasaturation, respectively. Dissolved oxygen concentration showed slightly decreasing trend in a course of time. In majority of cases, the lakes with rich cyanobacterial flora showed higher dissolved oxygen concentrations than Lachman Lake 2 which posses less cyanobacterial mats than other the lakes involved into the study. Due to air temperature decrease, Dulanek lake, a high-altitude lake, froze in the last week of January 2010.
Lichen synusiae in East Antarctica (Schirmacher Oasis and Larsemann Hills): substratum and morphological preferences
Authors: Rai Himanshu , Khare Roshni , Nayaka Sanjeeva , Upreti Dalip Kumar , Gupta Rajan K.
Published: August 2013

Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems experience some of the most extreme growth conditions, where plant distribution is determined by favourable environmental gradients of temperature and moisture along with micro-topography of habitats. Lichens are among the most tolerant symbiotic organisms which constitute dominant component in the terrestrial biota of Antarctica. There are various studies dealing with patterns of lichen diversity of various regions of Antarctica are done but in east Antarctica such studies are scanty. Lichen synusiae of Schirmacher Oasis and McLeod Island, Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica were studied in order to determine their morphological and substratum affinities. The Lichen synusiae of the study sites was represented by 71 species, 24 genera and 13 families in Schirmacher Oasis and 27 species, 18 genera and 10 families in McLeod Island, Larsemann Hills. Hierarchical cluster analysis of lichen communities on the basis of growth form diversity and substratum occurrence showed that crustose growth form and saxicolous (on rock, stones and moraines) habitat were the most preferred, in both study sites. The study presents a representative account of morphological and substratum preference patterns in lichen synusiae of east Antarctica, which can be of fundamental importance for future lichenological investigation in the region.
Spatial distribution of air temperature in central part of Svalbard in the period 2008-2010 ( Short Communication )
Authors: Witoszová Denisa , Láska Kamil
Published: August 2013

The air temperature and wind speed measurements done in the Petunia Bay and Svalbard Lufthaven, in the period from August 2008 to June 2010, were analyzed and related to the differences in weather conditions and their synoptic origins over the central part of Svalbard archipelago. The highest air temperature differences between the two study sites ranged from 3 to 6.8°C and occurred most frequently during anticyclonic circulation from January to March. The smallest air temperature differences (from 0 to 2.0°C) appeared from May to October. During advection of air from northern and eastern sectors, the higher air temperature and wind speed occurred at the Petunia Bay than at Svalbard Lufthaven.
Painéis MDF produzidos com resina poliuretana à base de óleo de mamona
Authors: Silva Sérgio Augusto Mello da , Christoforo André Luis , Panzera Túlio Hallak , Lahr Francisco Antonio Rocco
Published: August 2013

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a viabilidade da produção de painéis MDF fabricados com madeiras das espécies Pinus caribaea e Eucalyptus grandis e resinas poliuretanas mono e bicomponente derivadas do óleo de mamona, com base nas recomendações da norma europeia Euro MDF Board (EMB/IS-2:1995). Os painéis desenvolvidos com ambas as resinas foram confeccionados com parâmetros de fabricação distintos, em razão de testes preliminares desenvolvidos. Com exceção da absorção de água após 24 horas dos materiais fabricados com a madeira Eucalyptus grandis, todas as demais variáveis resposta atenderam aos requisitos do documento normativo europeu, evidenciando a potencialidade dos materiais fabricados. Entretanto, pelos valores significativamente superiores obtidos das propriedades mecânicas aliados aos excessivos valores da absorção de água, de maneira a contribuir com a possível fabricação dos painéis em escala industrial, novas pesquisas devem ser desenvolvidas, com o objetivo de testar novos valores para os parâmetros de fabricação, que possibilitem a redução dos teores das resinas utilizados.