bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Health Surveillance for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Comparison of Methods for Classifying Health Care– and Community-Associated Infections
Authors: Sievert Dawn M. , Wilson Mark L. , Wilkins Melinda J. , Gillespie Brenda W. , Boulton Matthew L.
Published: July 2010

Objectives. We compared 3 methods for classifying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections as health care associated or community associated for use in public health surveillance.

Methods. We analyzed data on MRSA infections reported to the Michigan Department of Community Health from October 1, 2004, to December 31, 2005. Patient demographics, risk factors, infection information, and susceptibility were collected for 2151 cases. We classified each case by the health care risk factor, infection-type, and susceptibility pattern methods and compared the results of the 3 methods.

Results. Demographic, clinical, and microbiological variables yielded similar health care–associated and community-associated distributions when classified by risk factor and infection type. When 2 methods yielded the same classifications, the overall distribution was similar to classification by 3 methods. No specific combination of 2 methods was superior.

Conclusions. MRSA categorization by 2 methods is more accurate than it is by a single method. The health care risk factor and infection-type methods yield comparable classification results. Accuracy is increased by using more variables; however, further research is needed to identify the optimal combination.
Associations Between Recreational Walking and Attractiveness, Size, and Proximity of Neighborhood Open Spaces
Authors: Sugiyama Takemi , Francis Jacinta , Middleton Nicholas J. , Owen Neville , Giles-Corti Billie
Published: July 2010

Objectives. We examined associations of attractiveness, size, and proximity of multiple neighborhood open spaces (NOSs) with recreational walking.

Methods. Adults participating in the Residential Environments (RESIDE) study (n = 1366) in Perth, Australia, reported time spent engaging in recreational walking within their neighborhoods. Park audit data and geographic information systems were used to identify the most attractive, largest, and nearest NOS within a 1.6-km radius from each participant's residential location. Regression analysis was used to examine attributes (attractiveness, size, and proximity) of these open spaces and their associations with participants’ recreational walking.

Results. Shorter distance to attractive open spaces was associated with doing any recreational walking, but adults with larger attractive open spaces within 1.6 km of their home were more likely to walk 150 minutes or more in a week.

Conclusions. For adults, the presence of a large, high-quality park within walking distance of one's home may be more important in promoting sufficient amounts of walking for health benefits than is the presence of an open space within a shorter distance.
The Impact of School-Based Health Centers on the Health Outcomes of Middle School and High School Students
Authors: McNall Miles A. , Lichty Lauren F. , Mavis Brian
Published: July 2010

Objectives. We studied the direct and indirect effects of school-based health centers (SBHCs) on the health and health behaviors of middle and high school students.

Methods. We used a prospective cohort design to measure health outcomes annually over 2 consecutive years by student self-report. Cohorts of middle school and high school students were recruited from matched schools with and without SBHCs. Data were obtained from 744 students in both year 1 and year 2 of the study. We used 2-level hierarchical linear models to estimate the effects of the presence of SBHCs at the school level and of SBHC use at the student level.

Results. At year 2, users of SBHCs experienced greater satisfaction with their health, more physical activity, and greater consumption of healthy food than did nonusers of SBHCs.

Conclusions. Students who used SBHCs were more satisfied with their health and engaged in a greater number of health-promoting behaviors than did students who did not use SBHCs. These findings indicate that SBHCs are achieving their goal of promoting children's health.
Toward a Healthy High Schools Movement: Strategies for Mobilizing Public Health for Educational Reform
Authors: Ruglis Jessica , Freudenberg Nicholas
Published: July 2010

Although research shows that education and health are closely intertwined, health professionals have difficulty using this evidence to improve health and educational outcomes and reduce inequities.

We call for a social movement for healthy high schools in the United States that would improve school achievement and graduation rates; create school environments that promote lifelong individual, family, and community health and prevent chronic illness, violence, and problems of sexual health; and engage youths in creating health-promoting environments. Achieving these goals will require strengthening and better linking often uncoordinated efforts to improve child health and education.

Only a broad social movement has the power and vision to mobilize the forces that can transform educational and health systems to better achieve health and educational equity.
Analyst Information Acquisition and Communication
Authors: Fischer Paul E. , Stocken Phillip C.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT: We examine a communication game between an analyst and a decision-maker and investigate how the presence of public information affects the precision of the information the analyst gathers and communicates to the decision-maker. We characterize conditions under which public information causes the analyst to underinvest or overinvest in the information gathered relative to the case where analyst credibility is not an issue. We then discuss when the presence of public information causes the analyst to reduce the depth of coverage of the firm, suggesting that the introduction of public information can make the decision-maker strictly worse off.
Seasonality and diversity of epipelic diatoms in two wetlands of Banglades
Authors: Nahar Khurshid , Khondker Moniruzzaman , Sultana Munira
Published: July 2010

Seasonality and composition of epipelic diatom community were studied for two years in two wetlands of Bangladesh namely, Joysagar and Sitlai Beel. A total 73 diatom taxa were recorded. The average density of epipelic diatom was higher in Sitlai Beel (52.97 × 104/g sediment) than in the Joysagar (3.92 × 104/g sediment). The epipelic diatom community of Joysagar was dominated by the species of Melosira, Synedra, Navicula, Pinnularia, Gomphonema, and Nitzschia, whereas Melosira, Navicula, Pinnularia, Cymbella and Gomphonema dominated in Sitlai Beel. Melosira granulata, Navicula americana, Pinnularia major, and Gomphonema lanceolatum were dominant and expressed distinct seasonality in both wetlands. The concentration of soluble reactive silicate of water and the average density of epipelic diatom did not express any significant relation in both of the water bodies. The concentration of phytoplankton chl a had a positive relationship with epipelic diatoms and was significant in Sitlai Beel. Key words: Epipelic diatoms; Sitlai Beel; Wetlands; Melosira; Bangladesh DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i1.5523Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(1): 29-36, 2010 (June)
Pollen morphology of some Allium L. (Lilliaceae) taxa in turkey
Authors: Özler H , Pehlivan S
Published: July 2010

Pollen grains of 16 taxa of Allium L. belonging to sections Rhizirideum G. Don ex Koch., Codonoprasum Reichb. and Allium L. were investigated using light and scanning electron microscope, and pollens of four taxa were also examined with transmission electron microscope. Pollens were monosulcate and ellipsoidal. It was observed that the sulcus extends from distal to proximal in all taxa. The exine was semitectate and the tectum was perforate. Columellae were simplicolumellate. Exine sculpture was striate-perforate, striate-rugulate-perforate and rugulate-perforate. A. albidum Fischer ex Bieb. subsp. caucasicum (Regel) Stearn, A. rupicola Boiss ex Mouterde and A. asperiflorum Miscz. were seen to have an operculum. Key words: Allium; Codonoprasum; Rhizirideum; Alliaceae; Pollen morphology; Turkey DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i1.5524Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(1): 37-36, 2010 (June)
Chemical composition of leaves of a mangrove tree (Sonneratia apetala Buch.-Ham.) and their correlation with some soil variables
Authors: Ahmed Ashafaque , Ohlson Mikael , Hoque Sirajul , Moula Md Golam
Published: July 2010

Chemical composition of leaves of Sonneratia apetala Buch.-Ham. collected from three islands (chars) representing three hydrological regimes in a segment of the coastal zone of Bangladesh was studied. Their relations to some soil chemical and physical variables have also been investigated. The results showed that concentrations of B, C, Fe, Ga, Li, Mg, Mn, N, Na, P, Zn and Sr in leaves of S. apetala grown in different islands differed significantly. It was also revealed that some heavy metals, viz. Mn, Fe, Al, Sr and Ti showed wide range of concentrations. The leaves from one of the locations in Motherbunia island were characterized by exceptional high concentrations of heavy metals such as Al, As, Cu, Fe, Li, Ni, Pb that may be due to local contamination. Leaves sampled in the most seaward locations of the same island had highest concentrations of Ba, Ca, Cu, Mn and Na. High Mn concentration was found in the leaves of S. apetala of Motherbunia island. Correlations among soil and plant samples were generally very weak and organic matter content of soil did not appear to play a significant role in the nutrient supply of S. apetala. Key words: Coastal zone; tidal inundation; elemental concentration; Sonneratia apetala DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i1.5528Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(1): 61-69, 2010 (June)
Taxonomic notes on Sempervivum armenum Boiss. & A. Huet (Crassulaceae) from Turkey with an amended description
Authors: Karaer Fergan , Celep Ferhat
Published: July 2010

As a part of a revision of the genus Sempervivum L. in Turkey S. armenum Boiss. & A. Huet var. armenum and var. insigne Muirhead, are better treated at the rank of subspecies based on over 150 specimens. Moreover, an amended and expanded description, distribution, phenology, ecology of these subspecies are provided. With respect to IUCN categories, subsp. insigne has been assessed as vulnarable. Key words: Sempervivum armenum; Taxonomic notes; Amended description; Turkey DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i1.5533Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(1): 103-105, 2010 (June)
Lamprothamnium papulosum (Wallr.) J. Groves (Charophyta), a new record from Bangladesh
Authors: Naz Sabrina , Diba Nasrin Jahan , Ali Md Solaiman
Published: July 2010

Lamprothamnium papulosum (Wall.) J. Groves has been reported and described for the first time from Bangladesh. Key words: Lamprothamnium papulosum; Charophyta; Bangladesh DOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i1.5535Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(1): 111-114, 2010 (June)
Growth and regeneration of Cryptocoryne ciliata (Roxb.) Fisch. ex Wydler (Araceae) under ex-situ conditions
Authors: Alfasane Md Almujaddade , Khondker Moniruzzaman , Begum ZN Tahmida
Published: July 2010

Cultivation of Cryptocoryne ciliata (Roxb.) Fisch. ex Wydler via seeds resulted 80% survivality.The plant yearly produced 4-8 new leaves whose length varies from 45 to 52 cm and showed highest elongation in summer (1.04 ± 0.21 cm/day), medium (0.82 ± 0.15 cm/day) in monsoon. During winter and autumn foliar parts decompose. The highest growth was associated with 776.83 ± 107.21 μE m-2s-1 PAR, 31.58 ± 2.14°C water temperature and 12.74 ± 0.53 hr day length. The plants grew in brown to blackish-brown wet soils having pH, moisture content, OC, OM, CEC of the soil 6.95, 29%, 2.16%, 3.72% and 4.29 me/100 g soil, respectively. Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur were 620, 3.09, 32 and 370 ppm, respectively.Key words: Cryptocoryne ciliata; Ex-situ culture; Growth; RegenerationDOI: 10.3329/bjb.v39i1.5536Bangladesh J. Bot. 39(1): 115-118, 2010 (June)
Anti-Allergic Activity of a Platycodon Root Ethanol Extract
Authors: Oh You-Chang , Kang Ok-Hwa , Choi Jang-Gi , Lee Young-Seob , Brice Obiang-Obounou , Jung Hyun Ju , Hong Seung-Heon , Lee Young-Mi , Shin Dong-Won , Kim Yeong-Shik , Kwon Dong-Yeul
Published: July 2010

Platycodon grandiflorum (Campanulaceae) is used as traditional medicine in Asian countries. In Korean traditional medicine, Platycodon root has been widely used since ancient times as a traditional drug to treat cold, cough and asthma. However, its effects on bone marrow-derived mast cell (BMMC)-mediated allergy and inflammation mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, the biological effect of Platycodon root ethanol extract (PE) was evaluated in BMMC after induction of allergic mediators by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187 (A23187) stimulation. The effect of PE on the production of several allergic mediators, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), leukotriene C4 (LTC4), β-Hexosaminidase (β-Hex) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein, was investigated. The results demonstrate that PE inhibits PMA + A23187 induced production of IL-6, PGD2, LTC4, β-Hexosaminidase and COX-2 protein. Taken together, these results indicate that PE has the potential for use in the treatment of allergy.
The Role of Formal and Informal Forces in Shaping Consumption and Implications for a Sustainable Society. Part I
Authors: Mont Oksana , Power Kate
Published: July 2010

Addressing climate change and the collapse of ecosystems without threatening the economy, while simultaneously improving the well-being of all people and ensuring social justice and equality, seems to be the largest challenge in the history of mankind. So far, all the efforts to address growing environmental and human problems through technological solutions and policy measures have been largely outpaced by growing population and increasing consumption levels. Therefore, an understanding of the essential driving forces and complexities of consumption, and of how environmental impacts from rising consumption can be reduced, is becoming increasingly important. This understanding can be achieved by analyzing not only economic frameworks, political settings, business models, and technological innovations, but also social norms, psychological factors, and collective and individual decision-making processes. This article, Part I, provides a meta-analysis of the main political, economic, technological, and business drivers of contemporary consumption and offers a systematic discussion of the relevance of these factors for the instigation of change towards sustainable patterns and levels of consumption. The main conclusion from Part I and II is that a systems-thinking approach is required in order to understand how various political, technical, social, economic, and psychological drivers overlap and influence each other in creating our consumer society.
Comparison of Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and NT-proBNP in Screening for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: CAVAGNA LORENZO , CAPORALI ROBERTO , KLERSY CATHERINE , GHIO STEFANO , ALBERTINI RICCARDO , SCELSI LAURA , MORATTI REMIGIO , BONINO CLAUDIA , MONTECUCCO CARLOMAURIZIO
Published: July 2010

Objective.

To compare the performance of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in screening for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods.

Between January 2008 and March 2009, outpatients referred to our unit and satisfying LeRoy criteria for SSc were assessed for PAH. Doppler echocardiography, BNP measurement, and NT-proBNP measurement were done concomitantly for a complete clinical, instrumental, and biochemical evaluation. Right-heart catheterization was carried out in cases of suspected PAH [estimated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) ≥ 36 mm Hg; diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) ≤ 50% of predicted value; 1-year DLCO decline ≥ 20% in absence of pulmonary fibrosis; unexplained dyspnea].

Results.

One hundred thirty-five patients were enrolled (124 women, 11 men; 96 limited SSc, 39 diffuse SSc); precapillary PAH was found in 20 patients (15 limited SSc, 5 diffuse SSc). The estimated PAP correlated with both BNP (R = 0.3; 95% CI 0.14–0.44) and NT-proBNP (R = 0.3, 95% CI 0.14–0.45). BNP [area under the curve (AUC) 0.74, 95% CI 0.59–0.89] was slightly superior to NT-proBNP (AUC 0.63, 95% CI 0.46–0.80) in identification of PAH, with diagnosis cutoff values of 64 pg/ml (sensitivity 60%, specificity 87%) and 239.4 pg/ml (sensitivity 45%, specificity 90%), respectively. BNP (log-transformed, p = 0.032) and creatinine (p = 0.049) were independent predictors of PAH, while NT-proBNP was not (p = 0.50).

Conclusion.

In our single-center study, the performance of BNP was slightly superior to that of NT-proBNP in PAH screening of patients with SSc, although normal levels of these markers do not exclude diagnosis. We observed that impaired renal function is associated with an increased risk of PAH in SSc. Further multicenter studies are needed to confirm our results (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT00617487).
Autoimmune Disease Incidence Among Women Prenatally Exposed to Diethylstilbestrol
Authors: STROHSNITTER WILLIAM C. , NOLLER KENNETH L. , TROISI REBECCA , ROBBOY STANLEY J. , HATCH ELIZABETH E. , TITUS-ERNSTOFF LINDA , KAUFMAN RAYMOND H. , PALMER JULIE R. , ANDERSON DIANE , HOOVER ROBERT N.
Published: July 2010

Objective.

Animal studies have suggested that prenatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure may alter immune system development and function including antigen self-recognition. A cohort study was conducted to investigate whether prenatal DES exposure might influence the incidence of at least some specific autoimmune diseases in women.

Methods.

A group of women who were and were not prenatally exposed to DES have been followed for more than 25 years for numerous health outcomes including autoimmune disease. To verify diagnoses, medical records or physician abstracts were requested for all women who reported a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), optic neuritis (ON), and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Incidence rates of these autoimmune diseases were compared between women who were and who were not prenatally DES-exposed.

Results.

Overall, there was no increase in verified autoimmune disease among DES-exposed women relative to those who were not exposed (RR 1.2; 95% CI 0.7, 2.1). There was, however, a positive association between prenatal DES exposure and RA among women younger than 45 years (RR 4.9; 95% CI 1.1, 21.6) and an inverse association among women who were 45 years and older (RR 0.1; 95% CI 0.01, 0.7).

Conclusion.

Overall, these data provide little support for an association between prenatal DES exposure and development of autoimmune disease. The implication that such exposure may be related to RA in an unusual age-related manner is based on small numbers of cases and warrants further study.
Nasal Endoscopic Visualization and Management of the Leading Causes of Probing Failure
Authors: Hakim Ossama M. , Mandour Walid , Elbaz Essam
Published: July 2010

Background:

Conventional probing is a blind procedure with a variable success rate. This article evaluates the role of nasal endoscopy during probing to expose, explain, and manage the possible causes for probing failure.

Methods:

In a prospective study, 169 eyes of 130 children (4 to 48 months old, median age = 1 to 6.2 months) with primary congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) underwent probing under direct nasal endoscopic visualization. NLDO was diagnosed according to the patient’s history, clinical examination, and dye disappearance test. No patient had previously undergone lacrimal surgery. The main outcome measures were absence of tearing and discharge and negative dye disappearance test in the affected eye. Patients were observed at 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months postoperatively.

Results:

Of the 169 obstructed ducts, 164 became patent after the first probing and 5 became patent after the second probing, with a total success rate of 100%. During probing, suspected causes for failure included thick membranous obstruction with false passage laterally, redundant membranous obstruction with trapdoor re-closure, stretchable membranous obstruction with elastic valve re-closure, and narrow terminal end of the duct with false passage medially. Such causes were predicted and managed intraoperatively.

Conclusion:

Using nasal endoscopy during probing enables the surgeon to avoid the most likely causes for probing failure. Such intervention could increase the success rate of probing compared to probing without endoscopy.
Depression Training for Nurses
Authors: Smith Marianne , Johnson Kristin M. , Seydel Linda L. , Buckwalter Kathleen C.
Published: July 2010

This article describes evaluation results related to a CD-based depression training program that incorporates the collaborative care principles of the Improving Mood—Providing Access to Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) model of care. The four-part training program used workplace exercises and case-based learning to change daily care practices as part of the training. The relevance and application of depression assessment, treatment, care planning, communication, and referral methods were addressed using a mixed-methods evaluation that accompanied the dissemination of 513 training packets statewide. Evaluations were returned by 250 participants. Items related to the extent to which training changed care practices (
n
= 19) and outcomes of care for older adults (
n
= 13) consistently received high scores. Responses to open-ended questions resulted in positive comments related to assessment, monitoring, communication, and interventions such as scheduling pleasant activities. Results indicate the training program may positively influence nursing practice and collaboration with interdisciplinary providers.
Effects of Reiki on Anxiety, Depression, Pain, and Physiological Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Richeson Nancy E. , Spross Judith A. , Lutz Katherine , Peng Cheng
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Reiki as an alternative and complementary approach to treating community-dwelling older adults who experience pain, depression, and/or anxiety. Participants (
N
= 20) were randomly assigned to either an experimental or wait list control group. The pre- and posttest measures included the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form, Faces Pain Scale, and heart rate and blood pressure. The research design included an experimental component to examine changes in these measures and a descriptive component (semi-structured interview) to elicit information about the experience of having Reiki treatments. Significant differences were observed between the experimental and treatment groups on measures of pain, depression, and anxiety; no changes in heart rate and blood pressure were noted. Content analysis of treatment notes and interviews revealed five broad categories of responses: Relaxation; Improved Physical Symptoms, Mood, and Well-Being; Curiosity and a Desire to Learn More; Enhanced Self-Care; and Sensory and Cognitive Responses to Reiki.
Living in the Doldrums
Authors: Butcher Howard Karl , McGonigal-Kenney Meghan L.
Published: July 2010

This phenomenological investigation sought to enhance understanding of the experience of dispiritedness by providing a rich and vivid description of the essential structure of the experience in later life. van Manen’s hermeneutic-phenomenological method was used to analyze the transcribed texts of 11 individuals who identified themselves as being in “later life” (mean age = 73, age range = 52 to 93) and who participated in phenomenological interviews focusing on describing the experience of dispiritedness. Statements describing the experience of dispiritedness were sorted into 21 thematic categories that were synthesized into 7 essential themes that described the structure of the lived experience of dispiritedness in later life as Arising From Life’s Trying Transitions, Feeling Disengaged From Meaning, Experiencing a Restricting Loss of Vigor and Animation, Feeling Forlorn Bewilderment, Moving Between Engagement and Disengagement, Remaining Faithful to Enduring Connections, and Engaging in Day-to-Day Living.
The Collaborative Model of Mental Health Care for Older Iowans
Authors: Kaskie Brian P. , Buckwalter Kathleen C.
Published: July 2010

Collaborative models of mental health care, such as Improving Mood—Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) and Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Elderly (PRISM-E), have become a standard, evidence-based approach in providing care to older adults with depression. This article describes the development, evaluation, and sustainability plans for a new model, the Collaborative Model of Mental Health Care for Older Iowans (the Iowa Model). The Iowa Model reflects a state-of-the-art approach relative to existing collaborative models targeting older adults. This model allows for a greater range of mental health problems to be identified and treated, facilitates flexibility in staffing and other site-specific operations, requires formal diagnostic assessments, and supports a treatment plan that goes well beyond symptom-specific, time-limited approaches. Importantly, the Iowa Model features an implementation strategy that focuses on the administrative and financing operations needed to ensure successful development.
The BH3-Mimetic ABT-737 Induces Mast Cell Apoptosis In Vitro and In Vivo: Potential for Therapeutics
Authors: Karlberg Mats , Ekoff Maria , Huang David C. S. , Mustonen Paula , Harvima Ilkka T. , Nilsson Gunnar
Published: July 2010

Mast cells and their mediators are implicated in the pathogenesis of many different diseases. One possible therapeutic intervention in mast cell-associated diseases can be to reduce the number of tissue mast cells by inducing mast cell apoptosis. In this study, we demonstrate that mast cells exhibit a high sensitivity to ABT-737, a BH3-only mimetic molecule that induces apoptosis through high-affinity binding to the prosurvival proteins, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, and Bcl-w. Primary mast cells as well as mast cell lines tested succumbed to apoptosis in response to the inhibitor at varying but seemingly low concentrations compared with other leukocytes investigated. I.p. injections of ABT-737 in mice resulted in a total abolishment of mast cells in the peritoneum. Confocal microscopy analysis of peritoneal cells revealed apoptotic bodies of mast cells being phagocytosed by macrophages. In addition, ex vivo treatment of human skin biopsies with ABT-737 demonstrated increased mast cell apoptosis. The data we present in this article show exceptional mast cell sensitivity to ABT-737, a selective inhibitor of antiapoptotic proteins, rendering a possible application for BH3-only mimetic compounds like ABT-737 in mast cell-associated diseases, such as mastocytosis, allergy, asthma, and other chronic inflammations.
Foxp3+ CD4 Regulatory T Cells Limit Pulmonary Immunopathology by Modulating the CD8 T Cell Response during Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Fulton Ross B. , Meyerholz David K. , Varga Steven M.
Published: July 2010

Regulatory Foxp3+ CD4 T cells (Tregs) prevent spontaneous inflammation in the lungs, inhibit allergic and asthmatic responses, and contribute to tolerance to inhaled allergens. Additionally, Tregs have previously been shown to suppress the CD8 T cell response during persistent virus infections. However, little is known concerning the role that Tregs play in modulating the adaptive immune response during acute respiratory virus infections. We show following acute respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection that Foxp3+ CD4 Tregs rapidly accumulate in the lung-draining mediastinal lymph nodes and lungs. BrdU incorporation studies indicate that Tregs undergo proliferation that contributes to their accumulation in the lymph nodes and lungs. Following an acute RSV infection, pulmonary Tregs modulate CD25 expression and acquire an activated phenotype characterized as CD11ahigh, CD44high, CD43glyco+, ICOS+, and CTLA-4+. Surprisingly, in vivo depletion of Tregs prior to RSV infection results in delayed virus clearance concomitant with an early lag in the recruitment of RSV-specific CD8 T cells into the lungs. Additionally, Treg depletion results in exacerbated disease severity, including increased weight loss, morbidity, and enhanced airway restriction. In Treg-depleted mice there is an increase in the frequency of RSV-specific CD8 T cells that coproduce IFN-γ and TNF-α, which may contribute to enhanced disease severity. These results indicate that pulmonary Tregs play a critical role in limiting immunopathology during an acute pulmonary virus infection by influencing the trafficking and effector function of virus-specific CD8 T cells in the lungs and draining lymph nodes.
Heegner Points over Towers of Kummer Extensions
Authors: Darmon Henri , Tian Ye
Published: July 2010

Let E be an elliptic curve, and let Ln be the Kummer extension generated by a primitive pnth root of unity and a pn-th root of a for a fixed a ∈ ℚ× − ﹛±﹜1﹜. A detailed case study by Coates, Fukaya, Kato and Sujatha and V. Dokchitser has led these authors to predict unbounded and strikingly regular growth for the rank of E over Ln in certain cases. The aim of this note is to explain how some of these predictions might be accounted for by Heegner points arising from a varying collection of Shimura curve parametrisations.
Results from the Vehicle Cabin Atmosphere Monitor: A Miniature Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer for Trace Contamination Monitoring on the ISS and Orion
Authors: Chutjian A. , Darrach M. R. , Bornstein B. J. , Croonquist A. P. , Edgu-Fry E. , Fry D. J. , Garkanian V. , Girard M. A. , Haemmerle V. R. , Heinrichs W. M. , Kidd R. D. , Lee S. , MacAskill J. A. , Madzunkov S. M. , Mandrake L. , Rust T.M. , Schaefer R. T. , Thomas J. L. , Toomarian N. , Walch M. J. , Christensen M. , Dawson A. , Demonbrun D. , Vanholden R. , Holland P. M. , Shortt B. J.
Published: July 2010

Progress on the delivery of the Vehicle Cabin Atmosphere Monitor (VCAM) is reported. VCAM is an autonomous trace-species detector to be used aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for atmospheric analysis. The instrument is based on a low-mass, low-power miniature preconcentrator, gas chromatograph, and Paul ion trap mass spectrometer (PCGC/MS) capable of measuring volatile constituents in a space vehicle or planetary outpost at sub-ppm levels. VCAM detects and quantifies 40 target compounds at their 180-day Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentration (SMAC) levels. It is designed to operate autonomously, maintenance-free, with a self-contained carrier and calibration gas supplies sufficient for a one-year lifetime. Two flight units will be delivered for operation in the ISS EXPRESS rack.
A multi-decadal history of biomass burning plume heights identified using aerosol index measurements
Authors: Guan H. , Esswein R. , Lopez J. , Bergstrom R. , Warnock A. , Follette-Cook M. , Fromm M. , Iraci L. T.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. We have quantified the relationship between Aerosol Index (AI) measurements and plume height for young biomass burning plumes using coincident Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) measurements. This linear relationship allows the determination of high-altitude plumes wherever AI data are available, and it provides a data set for validating global fire plume heights in chemistry transport models. We find that all plumes detected from June 2006 to February 2009 with an AI value ≥9 are located at altitudes higher than 5 km. Older high-altitude plumes have lower AI values than young plumes at similar altitudes. We have examined available AI data from the OMI and TOMS instruments (1978–2009) and find that large AI plumes occur more frequently over North America than over Australia or Russia/Northeast Asia. According to the derived relationship, during this time interval, 181 plumes, in various stages of their evolution, reached altitudes above 8 km.
Bromine measurements in ozone depleted air over the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Neuman J. A. , Nowak J. B. , Huey L. G. , Burkholder J. B. , Dibb J. E. , Holloway J. S. , Liao J. , Peischl J. , Roberts J. M. , Ryerson T. B. , Scheuer E. , Stark H. , Stickel R. E. , Tanner D. J. , Weinheimer A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. In situ measurements of ozone, photochemically active bromine compounds, and other trace gases over the Arctic Ocean in April 2008 are used to examine the chemistry and geographical extent of ozone depletion in the arctic marine boundary layer (MBL). Data were obtained from the NOAA WP-3D aircraft during the Aerosol, Radiation, and Cloud Processes affecting Arctic Climate (ARCPAC) study and the NASA DC-8 aircraft during the Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites (ARCTAS) study. Fast (1 s) and sensitive (detection limits at the low pptv level) measurements of BrCl and BrO were obtained from three different chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS) instruments, and soluble bromide was measured with a mist chamber. The CIMS instruments also detected Br2. Subsequent laboratory studies showed that HOBr rapidly converts to Br2 on the Teflon instrument inlets. This detected Br2 is identified as active bromine and represents a lower limit of the sum HOBr + Br2. The measured active bromine is shown to likely be HOBr during daytime flights in the arctic. In the MBL over the Arctic Ocean, soluble bromide and active bromine were consistently elevated and ozone was depleted. Ozone depletion and active bromine enhancement were confined to the MBL that was capped by a temperature inversion at 200–500 m altitude. In ozone-depleted air, BrO rarely exceeded 10 pptv and was always substantially lower than soluble bromide that was as high as 40 pptv. BrCl was rarely enhanced above the 2 pptv detection limit, either in the MBL, over Alaska, or in the arctic free troposphere.
Tropospheric ozone variations at the Nepal Climate Observatory-Pyramid (Himalayas, 5079 m a.s.l.) and influence of deep stratospheric intrusion events
Authors: Cristofanelli P. , Bracci A. , Sprenger M. , Marinoni A. , Bonafè U. , Calzolari F. , Duchi R. , Laj P. , Pichon J.M. , Roccato F. , Venzac H. , Vuillermoz E. , Bonasoni P.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The paper presents the first 2 years of continuous surface ozone (O3) observations and systematic assessment of the influence of stratospheric intrusions (SI) at the Nepal Climate Observatory at Pyramid (NCO-P; 27°57' N, 86°48' E), located in the southern Himalayas at 5079 m a.s.l.. Continuous O3 monitoring has been carried out at this GAW-WMO station in the framework of the Ev-K2-CNR SHARE and UNEP ABC projects since March 2006. Over the period March 2006–February 2008, an average O3 value of 49±12 ppbv (±1δ) was recorded, with a large annual cycle characterized by a maximum during the pre-monsoon (61±9 ppbv) and a minimum during the monsoon (39±10 ppbv). In general, the average O3 diurnal cycles had different shapes in the different seasons, suggesting an important interaction between the synoptic-scale circulation and the local mountain wind regime. Short-term O3 behaviour in the middle/lower troposphere (e.g. at the altitude level of NCO-P) can be significantly affected by deep SI which, representing one of the most important natural input for tropospheric O3, can also influence the regional atmosphere radiative forcing. To identify days possibly influenced by SI at the NCO-P, a specially designed statistical methodology was applied to the time series of observed and modelled stratospheric tracers. On this basis, during the 2-year investigation, 14.1% of analysed days were found to be affected by SI. The SI frequency showed a clear seasonal cycle, with minimum during the summer monsoon (1.2%) and higher values during the rest of the year (21.5%). As suggested by back-trajectory analysis, the position of the subtropical jet stream could play an important role in determining the occurrence of deep SI transport on the southern Himalayas. We estimated the fraction of O3 due to SI at the NCO-P. This analysis led to the conclusion that during SI O3 significantly increased by 27.1% (+13 ppbv) with respect to periods not affected by such events. Moreover, the integral contribution of SI (O3S) to O3 at the NCO-P was also calculated, showing that up to 13.7% of O3 recorded at the measurement site could be possibly attributed to SI. On a seasonal basis, the lowest SI contributions were found during the summer monsoon (less than 0.1%), while the highest were found during the winter period (up to 24.2%). Even considering the rather large uncertainty associated with these estimates, the obtained results indicated that, during non-monsoon periods, high O3 levels could affect NCO-P during SI, thus influencing the variability of tropospheric O3 over the southern Himalayas.
Attribution of observed changes in stratospheric ozone and temperature
Authors: Gillett N. P. , Akiyoshi H. , Bekki S. , Eyring V. , Garcia R. , McLinden C. A. , Karpechko A. Yu. , Plummer D. A. , Rozanov E. , Scinocca J. , Shibata K.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Three recently-completed sets of simulations of multiple chemistry-climate models with greenhouse gases only, with all anthropogenic forcings, and with anthropogenic and natural forcings, allow the causes of observed stratospheric changes to be quantitatively assessed using detection and attribution techniques. The total column ozone response to halogenated ozone depleting substances and to natural forcings is detectable and consistent in models and observations. However, the total ozone response to greenhouse gases in the models and observations appears to be inconsistent, which may be due to the models' inability to properly simulate tropospheric ozone changes. In the middle and upper stratosphere, simulated and observed SBUV/SAGE ozone changes are broadly consistent, and separate anthropogenic and natural responses are detectable in observations. The influence of ozone depleting substances and natural forcings can also be detected separately in observed lower stratospheric temperature, and the magnitudes of the simulated and observed responses to these forcings and to greenhouse gas changes are found to be consistent. In the mid and upper stratosphere the simulated natural and combined anthropogenic responses are detectable and consistent with observations, but the influences of greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances could not be separately detected in our analysis.
Time dependent profile retrieval of UV/vis absorbing radicals from balloon-borne limb measurements – a case study on NO2 and O3
Authors: Kritten L. , Butz A. , Dorf M. , Deutschmann T. , Kühl S. , Prados-Roman C. , Puķīte J. , Rozanov A. , Schofield R. , Pfeilsticker K.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A new "Bayesian" minimization algorithm for the retrieval of the diurnal variation of UV/vis absorbing radicals (O3, NO2, BrO, OClO and HONO) from balloon-borne limb scattered skylight observations is discussed. The method evaluates spectroscopic measurements in combination with radiative transfer calculations to drive a mathematical inversion on a discrete time and height grid. Here, the proposed method is applied to data obtained during two deployments of the mini-DOAS instrument on different balloon payloads in northern Brazil in June 2005. The retrieval is tested by comparing the inferred profiles to in-situ ozone sounding data and to measurements of the ENVISAT/SCIAMACHY satellite instrument performed during a collocated overpass. The comparison demonstrates the strength and validity of our approach. In particular for time-varying radical concentrations, photochemical corrections due to temporal mismatch of the corresponding observations are rendered dispensable. Thus, limb scanning UV/vis spectrometry from balloon platforms offers a more direct and concise approach for satellite validation of radical measurements than solar occultation measurements. Furthermore, monitoring of the diurnal variation of stratospheric radicals allows us to constrain photochemical parameters which are critical for stratospheric ozone chemistry, such as the photolysis frequency of N2O5 by observations of the diurnal variation of NO2.
Size of the coming solar cycle 24 based on Ohl's Precursor Method, final estimate
Authors: Kane R. P.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. In Ohl's Precursor Method (Ohl, 1966, 1976), the geomagnetic activity during the declining phase of a sunspot cycle is shown to be well correlated with the size (maximum sunspot number Rz(max)) of the next cycle. For solar cycle 24, Kane (2007a) used aa(min)=15.5 (12-month running mean), which occurred during March–May of 2006 and made a preliminary estimate Rz(max)=124±26 (12-month running mean). However, in the next few months, the aa index first increased and then decreased to a new low value of 14.8 in July 2007. With this new low value, the prediction was Rz(max)=117±26 (12-month running mean). However, even this proved a false signal. Since then, the aa values have decreased considerably and the last 12-monthly value is 8.7, centered at May 2009. For solar cycle 24, using aa(min)=8.7, the latest prediction is, Rz(max)=58.0±25.0.
Technical Note: On methodologies for determining the size-normalised weight of planktic foraminifera
Authors: Beer C. J. , Schiebel R. , Wilson P. A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The size-normalised weight (SNW) of planktic foraminifera, a measure of test wall thickness and density, is potentially a valuable palaeo-proxy for marine carbon chemistry. As increasing attention is given to developing this proxy it is important that methods are comparable between studies. Here, we compare SNW data generated using two different methods to account for variability in test size, namely (i) the narrow (50 μm range) sieve fraction method and (ii) the individually measured test size method. Using specimens from the 200–250 μm sieve fraction range collected in multinet samples from the North Atlantic, we find that sieving does not constrain size sufficiently well to isolate changes in weight driven by variations in test wall thickness and density from those driven by size. We estimate that the SNW data produced as part of this study are associated with an uncertainty, or error bar, of about ±11%. Errors associated with the narrow sieve fraction method may be reduced by decreasing the size of the sieve window, by using larger tests and by increasing the number tests employed. In situations where numerous large tests are unavailable, however, substantial errors associated with this sieve method remain unavoidable. In such circumstances the individually measured test size method provides a better means for estimating SNW because, as our results show, this method isolates changes in weight driven by variations in test wall thickness and density from those driven by size.
Stable carbon isotope fractionation during methanogenesis in three boreal peatland ecosystems
Authors: Galand P. E. , Yrjälä K. , Conrad R.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The degradation of organic matter to CH4 and CO2 was investigated in three different boreal peatland systems in Finland, a mesotrophic fen (MES), an oligotrophic fen (OLI), and an ombrotrophic peat (OMB). MES had similar production rates of CO2 and CH4, but the two nutrient-poor peatlands (OLI and OMB) produced in general more CO2 than CH4. δ13C analysis of CH4 and CO2 in the presence and absence methyl fluoride (CH3F), an inhibitor of acetoclastic methanogenesis, showed that CH4 was predominantly produced by hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and that acetoclastic methanogenesis only played an important role in MES. These results, together with our observations concerning the collective inhibition of CH4 and CO2 production rates by CH3F, indicate that organic matter was degraded through different paths in the mesotrophic and the nutrient-poor peatlands. In the mesotrophic fen, the major process is canonical fermentation followed by acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, while in the nutrient-poor peat, organic matter was apparently degraded to a large extent by a different path which finally involved hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. Our data suggest that degradation of organic substances in the oligotrophic environments was incomplete and involved the use of organic compounds as oxidants.
Interhemispheric coupling, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and warm Antarctic interglacials
Authors: Holden P. B. , Edwards N. R. , Wolff E. W. , Lang N. J. , Singarayer J. S. , Valdes P. J. , Stocker T. F.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Ice core evidence indicates that even though atmospheric CO2 concentrations did not exceed ~300 ppm at any point during the last 800 000 years, East Antarctica was at least ~3–4 °C warmer than preindustrial (CO2~280 ppm) in each of the last four interglacials. During the previous three interglacials, this anomalous warming was short lived (~3000 years) and apparently occurred before the completion of Northern Hemisphere deglaciation. Hereafter, we refer to these periods as "Warmer than Present Transients" (WPTs). We present a series of experiments to investigate the impact of deglacial meltwater on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and Antarctic temperature. It is well known that a slowed AMOC would increase southern sea surface temperature (SST) through the bipolar seesaw and observational data suggests that the AMOC remained weak throughout the terminations preceding WPTs, strengthening rapidly at a time which coincides closely with peak Antarctic temperature. We present two 800 kyr transient simulations using the Intermediate Complexity model GENIE-1 which demonstrate that meltwater forcing generates transient southern warming that is consistent with the timing of WPTs, but is not sufficient (in this single parameterisation) to reproduce the magnitude of observed warmth. In order to investigate model and boundary condition uncertainty, we present three ensembles of transient GENIE-1 simulations across Termination II (135 000 to 124 000 BP) and three snapshot HadCM3 simulations at 130 000 BP. Only with consideration of the possible feedback of West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) retreat does it become possible to simulate the magnitude of observed warming.
Why hydrological forecasts should be evaluated using information theory
Authors: Weijs S. V. , Schoups G. , van de Giesen N.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Probabilistic forecasting is becoming increasingly popular in hydrology. Equally important are methods to evaluate such forecasts. There is still debate about which scores to use for this evaluation. In this paper we distinguish two scales for evaluation: information-uncertainty and utility-risk. We claim that the information-uncertainty scale is to be preferred for forecast evaluation. We propose a Kullback-Leibler divergence as the appropriate measure for forecast quality. Interpreting a decomposition of this measure into uncertainty, correct information and wrong information, it follows directly that deterministic forecasts, although they can still have value for decisions, increase uncertainty to infinity. We resolve this paradoxical result by proposing that deterministic forecasts are implicitly probabilistic or are implicitly assuming a decision problem. Although forecast value could be the final objective in engineering, we claim that for calibration of models representing a hydrological system, information should be the objective in calibration, because it allows to extract all information from the observations and avoids learning from information that is not there. Calibration based on maximizing value trains an implicit decision model, which inevitably results in a loss or distortion of information in the data and more risk of overfitting, possibly leading to less valuable and informative forecasts.