bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test-Retest Reliability of Probe-Microphone Verification in Children Fitted with Open and Closed Hearing Aid Tips
Authors: Kim Hannah , Ricketts Todd A.
Published: September 2013

Purpose:To investigate the test-retest reliability of real-ear aided response (REAR) measures in open and closed hearing aid fittings in children using appropriate probe-microphone calibration techniques (stored equalization for open fittings and concurrent equalization for closed
fittings).Research Design:Probe-microphone measurements were completed for two mini-behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids which were coupled to the ear using open and closed eartips via thin (0.9 mm) tubing. Before probe-microphone testing, the gain of each of the test hearing aids was
programmed using an artificial ear simulator (IEC 711) and a Knowles Electronic Manikin for Acoustic Research to match the National Acoustic Laboratories‐-Non-Linear, version 1 targets for one of two separate hearing loss configurations using an Audioscan Verifit. No further adjustments
were made, and the same amplifier gain was used within each hearing aid across both eartip configurations and all participants. Probe-microphone testing included real-ear occluded response (REOR) and REAR measures using the Verifit's standard speech signal (the carrot passage) presented at
65 dB sound pressure level (SPL). Two repeated probe-microphone measures were made for each participant with the probe-tube and hearing aid removed and repositioned between each trial in order to assess intrasubject measurement variability. These procedures were repeated using both open and
closed domes.Study Sample:Thirty-two children, ages ranging from 4 to 14 yr.Results:The test-retest standard deviations for open and closed measures did not exceed 4 dB at any frequency. There was also no significant difference between the open (stored equalization) and closed
(concurrent equalization) methods. Reliability was particularly similar in the high frequencies and was also quite similar to that reported in previous research. There was no correlation between reliability and age, suggesting high reliability across all ages evaluated.Conclusions:The
findings from this study suggest that reliable probe-microphone measurements are obtainable on children 4 yr and older for both traditional unvented and open-canal hearing aid fittings. These data suggest that clinicians should not avoid fitting open technology to children as young as 4 y
because of concerns regarding the reliability of verification techniques.
Improving Tinnitus with Mechanical Treatment of the Cervical Spine and Jaw
Authors: Cherian Kay , Cherian Neil , Cook Chad , Kaltenbach James A.
Published: September 2013

Background:Tinnitus affects approximately 30‐50 million Americans. In approximately 0.5‐1.0% of the population, tinnitus has a moderate to severe impact on their quality of life. Musculature and joint pathologies of the head and neck are frequently associated with
tinnitus and have been hypothesized to play a contributing role in its etiology. However, specific physical therapy interventions to assist in improving tinnitus have not yet been reported.Purpose:To describe the examination and treatment intervention of a patient with subjective tinnitus.Patient
Description:The patient was a 42-yr-old male experiencing intermittent bilateral tinnitus, headaches, blurred vision, and neck tightness. His occupation required long-term positioning into neck protraction. Examination found limitations in cervical extension, bilateral rotation, and side
bending. Asymmetry was also noted with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movements. Upon initial evaluation the patient demonstrated functional, physical, and emotional deficits per neck, headache, and dizziness self-report scales and a score on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) of 62. Resisted
muscle contractions of the cervical spine in flexion, extension, and rotation increased his tinnitus.Intervention:Treatment focused on normalizing cervical spine mobility through repetitive movements, joint mobilization, and soft tissue massage.Results:At 2.5 mo, the patient
demonstrated a complete reversal of his tinnitus after 10 physical therapy sessions as noted by his score of 0 on the THI upon discharge. He also demonstrated objective improvements in his cervical motion. This case reflected treatment targeted at cervical and TMJ impairments and notable improvements
to tinnitus. Future studies should further explore the direct and indirect treatment of tinnitus by physical therapists through clinical trials.
Factors Influencing Tests of Auditory Processing: A Perspective on Current Issues and Relevant Concerns
Authors: Cacace Anthony T. , McFarland Dennis J.
Published: September 2013

Background:Tests of auditory perception, such as those used in the assessment of central auditory processing disorders ([C]APDs), represent a domain in audiological assessment where measurement of this theoretical construct is often confounded by nonauditory abilities due to
methodological shortcomings. These confounds include the effects of cognitive variables such as memory and attention and suboptimal testing paradigms, including the use of verbal reproduction as a form of response selection. We argue that these factors need to be controlled more carefully
and/or modified so that their impact on tests of auditory and visual perception is only minimal.Purpose:To advocate for a stronger theoretical framework than currently exists and to suggest better methodological strategies to improve assessment of auditory processing disorders (APDs).
Emphasis is placed on adaptive forced-choice psychophysical methods and the use of matched tasks in multiple sensory modalities to achieve these goals. Together, this approach has potential to improve the construct validity of the diagnosis, enhance and develop theory, and evolve into a preferred
method of testing.Research Design:Examination of methods commonly used in studies of APDs. Where possible, currently used methodology is compared to contemporary psychophysical methods that emphasize computer-controlled forced-choice paradigms.Results:In many cases, the procedures
used in studies of APD introduce confounding factors that could be minimized if computer-controlled forced-choice psychophysical methods were utilized.Conclusions:Ambiguities of interpretation, indeterminate diagnoses, and unwanted confounds can be avoided by minimizing memory and attentional
demands on the input end and precluding the use of response-selection strategies that use complex motor processes on the output end. Advocated are the use of computer-controlled forced-choice psychophysical paradigms in combination with matched tasks in multiple sensory modalities to enhance
the prospect of obtaining a valid diagnosis.
Trajectoires transitionnelles et élections en Tunisie et en Égypte
Authors: Ben Néfissa Sarah
Published: September 2013

Suite aux révolutions de l’année 2011, les Tunisiens et les Égyptiens sont passés aux urnes. L’article propose d’inscrire l’analyse de ces premières élections dans le cadre des caractéristiques des trajectoires transitionnelles des deux pays. Il met en exergue la différence des logiques politiques à la base des victoires électorales islamistes dans les deux pays. Si la rupture avec le passé est une dimension fondamentale du vote pour Ennahda, en Égypte la victoire islamiste aux élections législatives a emprunté une dimension légitimiste à cause du rapprochement entre la direction de l’armée et la direction des Frères Musulmans. Cela n’a plus été le cas pour les élections présidentielles. L’article propose des hypothèses pour comprendre le score relativement faible de Mohamed Morsi au premier tour des élections présidentielles.
Tunisie et Égypte aux urnes !
Authors: Catusse Myriam
Published: September 2013

Cet article se propose de réfléchir à la façon dont les scrutins de 2011 et 2012 en Tunisie et en Égypte peuvent bouleverser nos approches de l’acte électoral. En contexte d’incertitude politique, il questionne ces élections « pas comme les autres » sous deux angles : il invite d’abord à de ne pas se limiter aux lectures fonctionnalistes qui assignent au scrutin un rôle déterminant tant dans la reproduction des rapports de pouvoir autoritaires que dans le changement de régime et la démocratisation ; en conséquence, il s’interroge ensuite sur les possibilités sinon de révolution, du moins de restauration, voire d’inauguration de la sociologie électorale sur ces terrains où, pour des raisons pratiques (les difficultés d’accès à l’information et la manipulation des résultats), mais aussi plus théoriques, celle-ci n’en est qu’à ses prémices. Il compare comment, malgré les ruptures introduites par la révolution, l’histoire électorale locale peut influencer aujourd’hui les candidatures, le vote et son herméneutique ; et il se penche en retour sur les innovations repérables dans ces scrutins plus libres et concurrentiels que les précédents : transformations de la représentation, restructuration des organisations partisanes, métamorphoses du clientélisme et du leadership, ou évolution des comportements électoraux permettent de repérer non seulement des héritages et décrochages entre l’ancien et le nouveau régime mais aussi entre la « politique de la rue » et celle « de l’urne », entre le « peuple en révolution » et le « corps électoral ».
La territorialité du vote pour l'Assemblée Nationale Constituante Tunisienne de 2011
Authors: Gana Alia , Van Hamme Gilles , Ben Rebah Maher
Published: September 2013

Les résultats du scrutin du 23 octobre 2011, qui consacrent le parti Ennahdha comme la première formation politique en Tunisie, interrogent fortement sur l’importance des inégalités sociales et territoriales comme clé de compréhension des comportements électoraux. Une analyse de géographie et de sociologie électorale s’appuyant sur le croisement de la cartographie des résultats et des données socio-économiques des circonscriptions, complétée par une enquête auprès des électeurs, fait ressortir une très forte « territorialité » du vote. Celle-ci n’est cependant pas réductible aux caractéristiques socioéconomiques des circonscriptions. Elle intègre également les dimensions sociohistoriques et culturelles des territoires et renvoie à l’insertion des individus et des groupes dans une multiplicité de réseaux (familiaux, tribaux, partisans, associatifs ou de nature clientéliste).
Révolution, élections et évolution du champ politique tunisien
Authors: Ferjani Mohamed Chérif
Published: September 2013

L’évolution du paysage politique tunisien est loin d’être stabilisée. Au lendemain du 14 janvier 2011, on a assisté à une explosion du champ politique : en quelques semaines, le nombre des partis a dépassé la centaine. Cependant les élections du mois d’octobre 2011 ont commencé à produire une restructuration du champ politique. Cet article analyse ce phénomène, en cherchant surtout à décrypter ses soubassements. La grande interrogation pour l’avenir est de savoir si Ennahda réussira à reconstituer le système État-Parti qui a dominé en Tunisie depuis l’indépendance et dans lequel les autres partis n’auront le choix qu’entre le rôle d74’une opposition servile ou celui d’une opposition stérile.
L'Instance Supérieure Indépendante pour les élections et le processus électoral tunisien : un témoignage de l'intérieur
Authors: Chouikha Larbi
Published: September 2013

Fait unique dans l’histoire de la Tunisie ! Une Instance indépendante pour les Élections (ISIE) avait supplanté le ministère de l’Intérieur pour l’organisation et le déroulement des élections pour la Constituante d’octobre 2011. Pour le suivi des médias pendant la campagne électorale, sa mission fut déterminante : il fallait combler le vide juridique et institutionnel créé à la suite de l’abrogation de la loi sur la presse et de la suppression du ministère de la Communication et ses départements du temps de l’ex-président Ben Ali. Pour ce faire, l’ISIE avait participé à l’aménagement d’un cadre juridique et institutionnel pour ces élections, initié des rencontres régulières avec les responsables de tous les médias, préparé la logistique pour l’enregistrement des expressions légales des candidats et leur diffusion à la télévision et à la radio pendant la campagne. Et pour mener à bien sa mission de supervision des médias, l’ISIE s’était dotée d’une unité de monitoring des médias dont la tâche était de suivre la couverture médiatique des acteurs politiques. La grande question posée à l’ISIE est commune à toutes les institutions équivalentes de par de monde : comment concilier la liberté d’expression et d’information avec l’exigence d’impartialité et d’équité des médias en période électorale et comment traduire effectivement ce souci dans leur travail de couverture quotidien ? Après le travail accompli par l’ISIE et en dépit des insuffisances constatées, ce témoignage montre que la Tunisie dispose, aujourd’hui, d’une expérience et d’un savoir-faire – perfectibles certes - pour l’organisation et la supervision de la couverture médiatique d’élections libres, plurielles et transparentes.
Conflits, chocs et résiliences
Authors: Bednik Anna
Published: September 2013

La transition s’efforce d’anticiper les chocs et prépare le changement. Les résistances aux projets extractivistes s’opposent à des changements irréversibles. L’une refuse le conflit, les autres y trouvent leur raison d’être. Quelles perspectives dessinent ces divergences ?
Scénariser les possibles énergétiques. Les gaz de schiste dans la matrice des futurs
Authors: Chateauraynaud Francis , Debaz Josquin
Published: September 2013

L’avenir fait l’objet de projets, mais aussi de calculs. Dans cet article, Francis Chateauraynaud et Josquin Debaz montrent de quelle manière les populations peuvent s’inviter dans un espace de calcul monopolisé par d’autres, dans le but non seulement d’en reconfigurer la structure et les contours, mais aussi de s’en saisir pour prendre les décisions qui leur semblent nécessaires, pour exercer leur autonomie.
Des devenirs minoritaires. Retour sur l'expérience politique des « indignés » espagnols
Authors: Ferret Jérôme
Published: September 2013

Nombreux sont les observateurs qui se sont montrés dubitatifs sur la capacité des mouvements tels que les Indignés à « trouver un débouché politique », mettant en doute leur efficacité, au regard des revendications affichées sur un mode déclaratif. Et si c’étaient les cadres interprétatifs mobilisés qui ne permettaient pas de saisir le mode d’action propre à ces groupes ? Jérôme Ferret, sociologue du politique, nous livre son parcours personnel, d’une posture dubitative, « classique » ou en tout cas assez commune, à une remise en cause, un effort conceptuel réhabilitant « l’agir minoritaire ».
Plans climat-énergie territoriaux et Agendas 21. Des outils institutionnels au service de la transition ?
Authors: Angot Sylvère
Published: September 2013

Les initiatives citoyennes des « villes en transition » peuvent-elles trouver une traduction institutionnelle ? Ce mouvement repose sur la notion de do it yourself  ! et du passage à l’action, en réponse à un diagnostic assez largement partagé : une forme d’inertie des pouvoirs publics. La multiplication des initiatives liées à la transition pose la question de leur diffusion dans les politiques publiques. Agendas 21 et Plans climat sont des démarches participatives territoriales à même de faire du lien avec les mobilisations citoyennes. Mais on constate qu’elles n’arrivent pas réellement à les relayer de manière opérationnelle, ce qui peut avoir pour effet d’essouffler les bonnes volontés sur les territoires.
Cloud Computing in Case-Based Pedagogy
Authors: Chen Charlie C.
Published: September 2013

Case-based pedagogy has evolved as an important tool for enhancing students’ analytical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as fostering the ability to make decisions under conditions of uncertainty. Due to the rapid development of technologies that allow collaboration and interaction despite geographic and temporal distances, educators are investigating the viability of emerging technologies such as cloud computing as platforms for case-based pedagogical techniques. This paper utilizes information systems (IS) success theory as the foundation of a study to examine case-based pedagogy in a cloud-computing environment. A three-week field experiment followed by a post-test survey is conducted in order to validate hypothesized relationships among cloud computing information quality, cloud computing system quality, cloud computing use, performance expectation in case-based pedagogy, and cloud computing critical mass. Results suggest that information quality has significant influence on not only use of cloud computing for case-based pedagogy, but also increases performance expectation and leads to critical mass. The findings of this study suggest that cloud computing is a viable platform for case-based pedagogy.
Role of Complement Activation in Obliterative Bronchiolitis Post–Lung Transplantation
Authors: Suzuki Hidemi , Lasbury Mark E. , Fan Lin , Vittal Ragini , Mickler Elizabeth A. , Benson Heather L. , Shilling Rebecca , Wu Qiang , Weber Daniel J. , Wagner Sarah R. , Lasaro Melissa , Devore Denise , Wang Yi , Sandusky George E. , Lipking Kelsey , Pandya Pankita , Reynolds John , Love Robert , Wozniak Thomas , Gu Hongmei , Brown Krista M. , Wilkes David S.
Published: September 2013

Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) post-lung transplantation involves IL-17–regulated autoimmunity to type V collagen and alloimmunity, which could be enhanced by complement activation. However, the specific role of complement activation in lung allograft pathology, IL-17 production, and OB is unknown. The current study examines the role of complement activation in OB. Complement-regulatory protein (CRP) (CD55, CD46, complement receptor 1–related protein y/CD46) expression was downregulated in human and murine OB; and C3a, a marker of complement activation, was upregulated locally. IL-17 differentially suppressed complement receptor 1–related protein y expression in airway epithelial cells in vitro. Neutralizing IL-17 recovered CRP expression in murine lung allografts and decreased local C3a production. Exogenous C3a enhanced IL-17 production from alloantigen- or autoantigen (type V collagen)-reactive lymphocytes. Systemically neutralizing C5 abrogated the development of OB, reduced acute rejection severity, lowered systemic and local levels of C3a and C5a, recovered CRP expression, and diminished systemic IL-17 and IL-6 levels. These data indicated that OB induction is in part complement dependent due to IL-17–mediated downregulation of CRPs on airway epithelium. C3a and IL-17 are part of a feed-forward loop that may enhance CRP downregulation, suggesting that complement blockade could be a therapeutic strategy for OB.
Heat Shock Transcription Factor 1 Is Activated as a Consequence of Lymphocyte Activation and Regulates a Major Proteostasis Network in T Cells Critical for Cell Division During Stress
Authors: Gandhapudi Siva K. , Murapa Patience , Threlkeld Zachary D. , Ward Martin , Sarge Kevin D. , Snow Charles , Woodward Jerold G.
Published: September 2013

Heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) is a major transcriptional regulator of the heat shock response in eukaryotic cells. HSF1 is evoked in response to a variety of cellular stressors, including elevated temperatures, oxidative stress, and other proteotoxic stressors. Previously, we demonstrated that HSF1 is activated in naive T cells at fever range temperatures (39.5°C) and is critical for in vitro T cell proliferation at fever temperatures. In this study, we demonstrated that murine HSF1 became activated to the DNA-binding form and transactivated a large number of genes in lymphoid cells strictly as a consequence of receptor activation in the absence of apparent cellular stress. Microarray analysis comparing HSF1+/+ and HSF1−/− gene expression in T cells activated at 37°C revealed a diverse set of 323 genes significantly regulated by HSF1 in nonstressed T cells. In vivo proliferation studies revealed a significant impairment of HSF1−/− T cell expansion under conditions mimicking a robust immune response (staphylococcal enterotoxin B–induced T cell activation). This proliferation defect due to loss of HSF1 is observed even under nonfebrile temperatures. HSF1−/− T cells activated at fever temperatures show a dramatic reduction in cyclin E and cyclin A proteins during the cell cycle, although the transcription of these genes was modestly affected. Finally, B cell and hematopoietic stem cell proliferation from HSF1−/− mice, but not HSF1+/+ mice, were also attenuated under stressful conditions, indicating that HSF1 is critical for the cell cycle progression of lymphoid cells activated under stressful conditions.
IL-21 Enhances the Activity of the TLR–MyD88–STAT3 Pathway but Not the Classical TLR–MyD88–NF-κB Pathway in Human B Cells To Boost Antibody Production
Authors: Liu Bi-Sheng , Stoop Jeroen N. , Huizinga Tom W. , Toes Rene E. M.
Published: September 2013

Both IL-21 and TLR agonists are important regulators of B cell responses, and the combination of IL-21 and TLR stimulation results in increased Ab production. However, it is not clear yet how IL-21 interacts with TLR signaling in B cells. In this study, we show that IL-21 enhances TLR-induced IgG production, whereas it has no effect on TLR-induced IL-6 production by human B cell cultures. These observations are explained by the finding that IL-21 augments TLR-induced IgG production via the TLR–MyD88–STAT3 pathway but not the classical TLR-MyD88–NF-κB pathway. We further demonstrate that stimulation of human B cells with IL-21 and TLR7/8 or TLR9 agonists increases the phosphorylation of STAT3, whereas the activation of NF-κB is not affected. Interestingly, like IL-21, IL-10 in combination with TLR signaling also enhances phosphorylation of STAT3, resulting in an increase of IgG production. Hence, IL-21 and IL-10 increase the activity of the TLR–MyD88–STAT3 pathway in human B cells via enhancing the phosphorylation of STAT3 for Ab production.
RON Receptor Tyrosine Kinase, a Negative Regulator of Inflammation, Is Decreased during Simian Immunodeficiency Virus–Associated Central Nervous System Disease
Authors: Cary Daniele C. , Clements Janice E. , Henderson Andrew J.
Published: September 2013

Expressed on tissue-resident macrophages, the receptor tyrosine kinase, recepteur d’orgine nantais (RON), functions to maintain inflammation homeostasis by activating genes that promote wound repair and resolve inflammation while repressing genes that perpetuate tissue damage and cell death. Chronic HIV-1 infection is associated with dysregulated inflammation, and we hypothesize that diminished RON expression contributes to the development of end organ diseases such as HIV-1–associated CNS disease. To explore RON function in vivo, we used CNS tissue from a well-characterized SIV macaque model and examined the temporal regulation of RON in the brain during the course of infection. Following prolonged SIV infection, RON expression was inversely correlated with the development of CNS disease; RON was maintained in animals that did not develop CNS lesions and was reduced in SIV-infected macaques that demonstrated moderate to severe inflammatory lesions. Arginase-1 expression was reduced in the brain during late infection, whereas expression of the inflammatory genes, IL-12p40 and TNF-α, was elevated. To validate a role for RON in regulating HIV-1 in primary cells, we used human tissue-resident macrophages isolated from tonsil as a tractable cell model. RON signaling in tissue-resident macrophages, both ligand dependent and independent, limited HIV-1 replication. Furthermore, prolonged HIV-1 infection in vitro resulted in downregulation of RON. We propose a model in which, following chronic HIV-1 infection in the brain, RON expression is decreased, genes that quell inflammation are repressed, and inflammatory mediators are induced to promote tissue inflammation.
Cholera Toxin Directly Enhances IL-17A Production from Human CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Tsai Hsing-Chuan , Wu Reen
Published: September 2013

The significance of Th17 cells and IL-17A signaling in host defense and disease development has been demonstrated in various infection and autoimmune models. Additionally, the generation of Th17 cells is highly influenced by microbes. However, the specific bacterial components capable of shaping Th17 responses have not been well defined. The goals of this study were to understand how a bacterial toxin, cholera toxin (CT), modulates Th17-dominated response in isolated human CD4+ T cells, and what are the mechanisms associated with this modulation. CD4+ cells isolated from human peripheral blood were treated with CT. The levels of cytokine production and specific Th cell responses were determined by ELISA, Luminex assay, and flow cytometry. Along with the decreased production of other proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2), we found that CT could directly enhance the IL-17A production through a cAMP-dependent pathway. This enhancement is specific for IL-17A but not for IL-17F, IL-22, and CCL20. Interestingly, CT could increase IL-17A production only from Th17-committed cells, such as CCR6+CD4+ T cells and in vitro–differentiated Th17 cells. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that this direct effect occurs at a transcriptional level because CT stimulates the reporter activity in Jurkat and primary CD4+ T cells transfected with the IL-17A promoter-reporter construct. This study shows that CT has the capacity to directly shape Th17 responses in the absence of APCs. Our findings highlight the potentials of bacterial toxins in the regulation of human Th17 responses.
Adenovirus-Based Vaccine against Listeria monocytogenes: Extending the Concept of Invariant Chain Linkage
Authors: Jensen Søren , Steffensen Maria Abildgaard , Jensen Benjamin Anderschou Holbech , Schlüter Dirk , Christensen Jan Pravsgaard , Thomsen Allan Randrup
Published: September 2013

The use of replication-deficient adenoviruses as vehicles for transfer of foreign genes offers many advantages in a vaccine setting, eliciting strong cellular immune responses involving both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Further improving the immunogenicity, tethering of the inserted target Ag to MHC class II–associated invariant chain (Ii) greatly enhances both the presentation of most target Ags, as well as overall protection against viral infection, such as lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). The present study extends this vaccination concept to include protection against intracellular bacteria, using Listeria monocytogenes as a model organism. Protection in C57BL/6 mice against recombinant L. monocytogenes expressing an immunodominant epitope of the LCMV glycoprotein (GP33) was greatly accelerated, augmented, and prolonged following vaccination with an adenoviral vaccine encoding GP linked to Ii compared with vaccination with the unlinked vaccine. Studies using knockout mice demonstrated that CD8+ T cells were largely responsible for this protection, which is mediated through perforin-dependent lysis of infected cells and IFN-γ production. Taking the concept a step further, vaccination of C57BL/6 (L. monocytogenes–resistant) and BALB/c (L. monocytogenes–susceptible) mice with adenoviral vectors encoding natural L. monocytogenes-derived soluble Ags (listeriolysin O and p60) revealed that tethering of these Ags to Ii markedly improved the vaccine-induced CD8+ T cell response to two of three epitopes studied. More importantly, Ii linkage accelerated and augmented vaccine-induced protection in both mouse strains and prolonged protection, in particular that induced by the weak Ag, p60, in L. monocytogenes–susceptible BALB/c mice.
HIV-1 gp120 Induces TLR2- and TLR4-Mediated Innate Immune Activation in Human Female Genital Epithelium
Authors: Nazli Aisha , Kafka Jessica K. , Ferreira Victor H. , Anipindi Varun , Mueller Kristen , Osborne Brendan J. , Dizzell Sara , Chauvin Sarah , Mian M. Firoz , Ouellet Michel , Tremblay Michel J. , Mossman Karen L. , Ashkar Ali A. , Kovacs Colin , Bowdish Dawn M. E. , Snider Denis P. , Kaul Rupert , Kaushic Charu
Published: September 2013

Although women constitute half of all HIV-1–infected people worldwide (UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report, 2011), the earliest events in the female reproductive tract (FRT) during heterosexual HIV-1 transmission are poorly understood. Recently, we demonstrated that HIV-1 could directly impair the mucosal epithelial barrier in the FRT. This suggested that the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 was being recognized by a membrane receptor on genital epithelial cells, leading to innate immune activation. In this study, we report that pattern-recognition receptors TLR2 and -4 bind to HIV-1 gp120 and trigger proinflammatory cytokine production via activation of NF-κB. The gp120–TLR interaction also required the presence of heparan sulfate (HS). Bead-binding assays showed that gp120 can bind to HS, TLR2, and TLR4, and studies in transfected HEK293 cells demonstrated that HS and TLR2 and -4 were necessary to mediate downstream signaling. Exposure to seminal plasma from HIV-1–infected and uninfected men with gp120 added to it induced a significant proinflammatory cytokine response from genital epithelial cells and disruption of tight junctions, indicating a role for gp120 in mucosal barrier disruption during HIV-1 heterosexual transmission. These studies provide, for the first time to our knowledge, a possible mechanism by which HIV-1 gp120 could directly initiate innate immune activation in the FRT during heterosexual transmission.
Cutting Edge: Mouse NAIP1 Detects the Type III Secretion System Needle Protein
Authors: Rayamajhi Manira , Zak Daniel E. , Chavarria-Smith Joseph , Vance Russell E. , Miao Edward A.
Published: September 2013

The NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasomes activate caspase-1 in response to bacterial type III secretion systems (T3SSs). Inadvertent injection of the T3SS rod protein and flagellin into the cytosol is detected through murine NAIP2 and NAIP5/6, respectively. In this study, we identify the agonist for the orphan murine NAIP1 receptor as the T3SS needle protein. NAIP1 is poorly expressed in resting mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages; however, priming with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid induces it and confers needle protein sensitivity. Further, overexpression of NAIP1 in immortalized bone marrow–derived macrophages by retroviral transduction enabled needle detection. In contrast, peritoneal cavity macrophages basally express NAIP1 and respond to needle protein robustly, independent of priming. Human macrophages are known to express only one NAIP gene, which detects the needle protein, but not rod or flagellin. Thus, murine NAIP1 is functionally analogous to human NAIP.
Perceptions of water access in the context of climate change by rural households in the Seke and Murewa districts, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mudombi Shakespear , Muchie Mammo
Published: September 2013

The objective of the study was to assess perceptions of rural household heads with regard to various aspects of water access and climate change, and to evaluate whether there were significant differences in perceptions of respondents from female-headed and male-headed households. The study is based on a cross-sectional survey of 300 respondents conducted in the Seke and Murewa districts of Zimbabwe in 2011. The analysis included mainly descriptive statistics. The majority of both female-headed and male-headed households relied on rainfall for their crops, rivers were cited as the main water source for their livestock and protected wells supplied water for household use. Households experienced water shortages, which were attributed mainly to reduced rainfall. The general perception was that there would be less water available in future, with a greater proportion of female-headed than male-headed households perceiving such difficulties. However, very few respondents indicated that they would consider emigrating, although female-headed households were more likely to consider emigrating than male-headed households. A considerable number of respondents indicated that they did not have any means to overcome the water shortages. This highlights the need for interventions such as training and empowerment of individuals with regard to sustainable water use and management.
An approach to the minimization of the Mumford–Shah functional using $\Gamma$-convergence and topological asymptotic expansion
Authors: Grasmair Markus , Muszkieta Monika , Scherzer Otmar
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we present a method for the numerical minimization of the Mumford–Shah functional that is based on the idea of topological asymptotic expansions. The basic idea is to cover the expected edge set with balls of radius

\epsilon > 0

and use the number of balls, multiplied with

2 \epsilon

, as an estimate for the length of the edge set. We introduce a functional based on this idea and prove that it converges in the sense of

\Gamma

-limits to the Mumford–Shah functional. Moreover, we show that ideas from topological asymptotic analysis can be used for determining where to position the balls covering the edge set. The results of the proposed method are presented by means of two numerical examples and compared with the results of the classical approximation due to Ambrosio and Tortorelli.
Anomalous diffusion models in the presence of a moving interface
Authors: Gruber Christopher A. , Vogl Christopher J. , Miksis Michael J. , Davis Stephen H.
Published: September 2013

Many systems exhibit subdiffusive transport in which a diffusing particle’s mean-squared displacement has a time dependence that is slower than linear. Here, we study a model of subdiffusion, scaled Brownian motion (SBM), in the context of two-phase moving-boundary problems. In certain cases, the problems admit similarity solutions, though, in general, numerical approaches are required. Turn-around of the moving interface is observed when one domain exhibits subdiffusive transport and the other classical diffusive transport. In each case, the SBM dynamics is compared with another model of subdiffusion, fractional anomalous diffusion (FAD). In the limit that the subdiffusive region is nearly-classical in nature we explore the notion of using SBM as an approximation to FAD. One advantage of this approach is that computations involving SBM are less intensive than those for the corresponding FAD models.
Scalar conservation laws on moving hypersurfaces
Authors: Dziuk Gerhard , Kröner Dietmar , Müller Thomas
Published: September 2013

We consider conservation laws on moving hypersurfaces. In this work the velocity of the surface is prescribed. But one may think of the velocity to be given by PDEs in the bulk phase. We prove existence and uniqueness for a scalar conservation law on the moving surface. This is done via a parabolic regularization of the hyperbolic PDE. We then prove suitable estimates for the solution of the regularized PDE, that are independent of the regularization parameter. We introduce the concept of an entropy solution for a scalar conservation law on a moving hypersurface. We also present some numerical experiments. As in the Euclidean case we expect discontinuous solutions, in particular shocks. It turns out that in addition to the “Euclidean shocks” geometrically induced shocks may appear.
Phenotypic Variation among Culex pipiens Complex (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations from the Sacramento Valley, California: Horizontal and Vertical Transmission of West Nile Virus, Diapause Potential, Autogeny, and Host Selection
Authors: Nelms Brittany M. , Kothera Linda , Thiemann Tara , Macedo Paula A. , Savage Harry M. , Reisen William K.
Published: September 2013

The vector competence and bionomics of Culex pipiens form pipiens L. and Cx. pipiens f. molestus Forskäl were evaluated for populations from the Sacramento Valley. Both f. pipiens and f. molestus females became infected, produced disseminated infections, and were able to transmit West Nile virus. Form molestus females also transmitted West Nile virus vertically to egg rafts and F1 progeny, whereas f. pipiens females only transmitted to egg rafts. Culex pipiens complex from urban Sacramento blood-fed on seven different avian species and two mammalian species. Structure analysis of blood-fed mosquitoes identified K = 4 genetic clusters: f. molestus, f. pipiens, a group of genetically similar hybrids (Cluster X), and admixed individuals. When females were exposed as larvae to midwinter conditions in bioenvironmental chambers, 85% (N = 79) of aboveground Cx. pipiens complex females and 100% (N = 34) of underground f. molestus females did not enter reproductive diapause.
Regression of Severe Tungiasis-Associated Morbidity after Prevention of Re-Infestation: A Case Series from Rural Madagascar
Authors: Thielecke Marlene , Raharimanga Vaomalala , Stauss-Grabo Manuela , Rogier Christophe , Richard Vincent , Feldmeier Hermann
Published: September 2013

Tungiasis (sand flea disease) is a neglected tropical disease. Heavy infestation results in mutilation of the feet and difficulty in walking. We identified eight individuals with extremely severe tungiasis in rural Madagascar. To prevent reinfestation, four individuals received solid shoes and four received a daily application of an herbal repellent effective against Tunga penetrans. Over a period of 10 weeks the feet were examined and the severity of tungiasis-associated morbidity was measured. Within this period, the severity score for acute tungiasis decreased 41% in the shoe group and 89% in the repellent group. The four major inflammation-related symptoms disappeared in the four patients of the repellent group, but only in two patients of the shoe group. Those observations indicate that cases with extremely severe tungiasis, associated morbidity almost totally disappears within 10 weeks if the feet are protected by a repellent. Wearing shoes reduced acute morbidity only marginally.
Global ozone–CO correlations from OMI and AIRS: constraints on tropospheric ozone sources
Authors: Kim P. S. , Jacob D. J. , Liu X. , Warner J. X. , Yang K. , Chance K. , Thouret V. , Nedelec P.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. We present a global data set of free tropospheric ozone–CO correlations with 2° × 2.5° spatial resolution from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) satellite instruments for each season of 2008. OMI and AIRS have near-daily global coverage of ozone and CO respectively and observe coincident scenes with similar vertical sensitivities. The resulting ozone–CO correlations are highly statistically significant (positive or negative) in most regions of the world, and are less noisy than previous satellite-based studies that used sparser data. Comparison with ozone–CO correlations and regression slopes (dO3/dCO) from MOZAIC (Measurements of OZone, water vapour, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides by in-service AIrbus airCraft) aircraft profiles shows good general agreement. We interpret the observed ozone–CO correlations with the GEOS (Goddard Earth Observing System)-Chem chemical transport model to infer constraints on ozone sources. Driving GEOS-Chem with different meteorological fields generally shows consistent ozone–CO correlation patterns, except in some tropical regions where the correlations are strongly sensitive to model transport error associated with deep convection. GEOS-Chem reproduces the general structure of the observed ozone–CO correlations and regression slopes, although there are some large regional discrepancies. We examine the model sensitivity of dO3/dCO to different ozone sources (combustion, biosphere, stratosphere, and lightning NOx) by correlating the ozone change from that source to CO from the standard simulation. The model reproduces the observed positive dO3/dCO in the extratropical Northern Hemisphere in spring–summer, driven by combustion sources. Stratospheric influence there is also associated with a positive dO3/dCO because of the interweaving of stratospheric downwelling with continental outflow. The well-known ozone maximum over the tropical South Atlantic is associated with negative dO3/dCO in the observations; this feature is reproduced in GEOS-Chem and supports a dominant contribution from lightning to the ozone maximum. A major model discrepancy is found over the northeastern Pacific in summer–fall where dO3/dCO is positive in the observations but negative in the model, for all ozone sources. We suggest that this reflects a model overestimate of lightning at northern midlatitudes combined with an underestimate of the East Asian CO source.
Aircraft measurements of polar organic tracer compounds in tropospheric particles (PM10) over Central China
Authors: Fu P. Q. , Kawamura K. , Cheng Y. F. , Hatakeyama S. , Takami A. , Li H. , Wang W.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosol samples were collected by aircraft at low to middle altitudes (0.8–3.5 km a.g.l.) over Central East to West China during summer 2003 and spring 2004. The samples were analyzed for polar organic compounds using a technique of solvent extraction/BSTFA derivatization/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA) tracers from the oxidation of isoprene were found to be more abundant in summer (3.3–138 ng m−3, mean 39 ng m−3) than in spring (3.2–42 ng m−3, 15 ng m−3), while α/β-pinene and β-caryophyllene SOA tracers showed similar abundance between these two seasons. A strong positive correlation (R2=0.83) between levoglucosan and β-caryophyllinic acid was found in the spring samples versus a weak correlation (R2=0.17) in the summer samples, implying substantial contributions from biomass burning to the β-caryophyllinic acid production in spring. Two organic nitrogen species (oxamic acid and carbamide) were detected in the aircraft aerosol samples and their concentrations were comparable to those of biogenic SOA tracers. Most of the POA and SOA tracers were less abundant at higher altitudes, suggesting they are of ground surface origin, either being directly emitted from anthropogenic/natural sources on the ground surface, or rapidly formed through photooxidation of their precursors emitted from the ground surface and then diluted during uplifting into the troposphere. This study demonstrates that primary biological aerosols, biogenic SOA, and organic nitrogen species are important components of organic aerosols in the troposphere over Central China.
Instrument self-noise and sensor misalignment
Authors: Gerner A. , Bokelmann G.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In this study we investigate self-noise of RefTekTM 151-60A "Observer" broadband seismometers (flat to velocity between 50 Hz down to T0=60 s, f0≈17 mHz) using the coherency analysis method introduced by Sleeman et al. (2006). We present a self-noise model for this type of sensor and compare it to the self-noise models of the standard observatory sensor STS-2 (Streckeisen) and RefTek's 151-120 broadband seismometer, which both have natural periods T0 of 120 s. We further report on the sensitivity of this technique to sensor misalignment and our success of eliminating leakage of the omnipresent microseism noise into self-noise estimates by numerically rotating seismic traces in order to find real self-noise.
Anthropogenic and natural methane fluxes in Switzerland synthesized within a spatially-explicit inventory
Authors: Hiller R. V. , Bretscher D. , DelSontro T. , Diem T. , Eugster W. , Henneberger R. , Hobi S. , Hodson E. , Imer D. , Kreuzer M. , Künzle T. , Merbold L. , Niklaus P. A. , Rihm B. , Schellenberger A. , Schroth M. H. , Schubert C. J. , Siegrist H. , Stieger J. , Buchmann N. , Brunner D.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. We present the first high-resolution (500 m × 500 m) gridded methane (CH4) emission inventory for Switzerland, which integrates the national emission totals reported to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and recent CH4 flux studies conducted by research groups across Switzerland. In addition to anthropogenic emissions, we also include natural and semi-natural CH4 fluxes, i.e., emissions from lakes and reservoirs, wetlands, wild animals as well as uptake by forest soils. National CH4 emissions were disaggregated using detailed geostatistical information on source locations and their spatial extent and process- or area-specific emission factors. In Switzerland, the highest CH4 emissions in 2011 originated from the agricultural sector (150 Gg CH4 yr−1), mainly produced by ruminants and manure management, followed by emissions from waste management (15 Gg CH4 yr−1) mainly from landfills and the energy sector (12 Gg CH4 yr−1), which was dominated by emissions from natural gas distribution. Compared to the anthropogenic sources, emissions from natural and semi-natural sources were relatively small (6 Gg CH4 yr−1), making up only 3 % of the total emissions in Switzerland. CH4 fluxes from agricultural soils were estimated to be not significantly different from zero (between −1.5 and 0 Gg CH4 yr−1), while forest soils are a CH4 sink (approx. −2.8 Gg CH4 yr−1), partially offsetting other natural emissions. Estimates of uncertainties are provided for the different sources, including an estimate of spatial disaggregation errors deduced from a comparison with a global (EDGAR v4.2) and a European CH4 inventory (TNO/MACC). This new spatially-explicit emission inventory for Switzerland will provide valuable input for regional scale atmospheric modeling and inverse source estimation.
Seasonal trends of dry and bulk concentration of nitrogen compounds over a rain forest in Ghana
Authors: Fattore F. , Bertolini T. , Materia S. , Gualdi S. , Thongo M'Bou A. , Nicolini G. , Valentini R. , De Grandcourt A. , Tedesco D. , Castaldi S.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. African tropical forests of the equatorial belt might receive significant input of extra nitrogen derived from biomass burning occurring in the north savanna belt and transported equator wards by NE winds. In order to test this hypothesis an experiment was set up in a tropical rain forest in the National park of Ankasa (Ghana) aiming at: quantifying magnitude and seasonal variability of concentrations of N compounds, present as gas and aerosol (dry nitrogen) or in the rainfall (bulk nitrogen), over the studied forest; relating their seasonal variability to trends of local and regional winds and rainfall and to variations of fire events in the region. Three Delta systems, implemented for monthly measurements of NO2, were mounted over a tower at 45 m height, 20 m above forest canopy to sample gas (NH3, NO2, HNO3, HCl, SO2) and aerosol (NH4+, NO3−, and several ions), together with three tanks for bulk rainfall collection (to analyze NH4+, NO3− and ion concentration). The tower was provided with a sonic anemometer to estimate local wind data. The experiment started in October 2011 and data up to October 2012 are presented. To interpret the observed seasonal trends of measured compounds, local and regional meteo data and regional satellite fire data were analyzed. The concentration of N compounds significantly increased from December to April, during the drier period, peaking in December-February when North Eastern winds (Harmattan) were moving dry air masses over the West central African region and the inter tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) was at its minimum latitude over the equator. This period also coincided with peaks of fire in the whole region. On the contrary, N concentration in gas, aerosol and rain decreased from May to October when prevalent winds arrived from the sea (South-East), during the Monsoon period. Both ionic compositions of rain and analysis of local wind direction showed a significant and continuous presence of see-breeze at site. The ionic composition of rain water resulted much closer to see water and poorer in N compounds from May to October.