bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Expression of Neurotensin and Specific Receptors, NTSR1 and NTSR2, in Normal and Malignant Human B Lymphocytes
Authors: Saada Sofiane , Marget Pierre , Fauchais Anne-Laure , Lise Marie-Claude , Chemin Guillaume , Sindou Philippe , Martel Clothilde , Delpy Laurent , Vidal Elisabeth , Jaccard Arnaud , Troutaud Danielle , Lalloué Fabrice , Jauberteau Marie-Odile
Published: October 2012

Neurotensin, a neuropeptide growth factor, and its two specific neurotensin receptors, NTSR1 and NTSR2, were shown to be expressed by human B cell lines. Another NTSR, sortilin, which is common to neurotensin and neurotrophins, was also detected as we have previously described. Neurotensin was functional in B cell lines; it induced their proliferation and inhibited apoptosis induced by serum deprivation or Fas activation. Quantitative study of gene expression in two malignant B cell diseases showed that NTSR2 was overexpressed, NTSR1 decreased, and neurotensin was unexpressed in B cell leukemia patient’s cells, as compared with healthy B cells. However, these expressions did not significantly change in large diffuse B cell lymphoma lymph nodes compared with benign ones. This study points out that neurotensin and its two specific receptors are expressed in human B lymphocytes. Such expressions were not described, and their relationship in B cell diseases, especially in chronic B cell leukemia, needs to be considered further in regard to these findings.
Glutamine Suppresses Airway Neutrophilia by Blocking Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 via an Induction of MAPK Phosphatase-1
Authors: Lee Chang-Hoon , Kim Hae-Kyoung , Kim June-Mo , Ayush Otgonzaya , Im Suhn-Young , Oh Dae-Kyu , Lee Hern-Ku
Published: October 2012

Neutrophils are inflammatory cells that may contribute in a crucial way to the pathophysiology of steroid-resistant severe asthma. We previously reported that the nonessential amino acid l-glutamine (Gln) suppressed the recruitment of neutrophils into the airway in a murine model of asthma. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which Gln exerts beneficial effects in airway neutrophilia. We used the model we previously developed, which is suitable for examining sequential early asthmatic events, including neutrophil infiltration. Gln suppressed airway neutrophilia in a CXC chemokine-independent way. Airway neutrophilia was associated with cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) activities. p38 MAPK, the upstream pathway of cPLA2 and 5-LO, played a key role in inducing airway neutrophilia. Gln inhibited not only the phosphorylation of cPLA2 and p38 MAPK but also leukotriene B4 levels in the airways. Gln induced the early induction of MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) protein, a negative regulator of p38. MKP-1 small interfering RNA abrogated all the effects of Gln. Our results suggest that pathways involving p38/cPLA2/5-LO have a major role in airway neutrophilia. Gln suppresses airway neutrophilia via inhibiting p38 MAPK and its downstream pathways in an MKP-1–dependent way, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for pulmonary neutrophilic inflammatory diseases.
TRAF Binding Is Required for a Distinct Subset of In Vivo B Cell Functions of the Oncoprotein LMP1
Authors: Arcipowski Kelly M. , Bishop Gail A.
Published: October 2012

EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is important for EBV contributions to B cell transformation and many EBV-associated malignancies, as well as EBV-mediated exacerbation of autoimmunity. LMP1 functionally mimics TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamily member CD40, but LMP1 signals and downstream effects are amplified and sustained compared with CD40. CD40 and LMP1 both use TNFR-associated factor (TRAF) adaptor proteins, but in distinct ways. LMP1 functions require TRAFs 3, 5, and 6, which interact with LMP1. However, TRAFs can also contribute to signaling in the absence of direct interactions with cell surface receptors, so we investigated whether their roles in LMP1 in vivo functions require direct association. We show in this study that the LMP1 TRAF binding site was required for LMP1-mediated autoantibody production, the germinal center response to immunization, and optimal production of several isotypes of Ig, but not LMP1-dependent enlargement of secondary lymphoid organs in transgenic mice. Thus, LMP1 in vivo effects can be mediated via both TRAF binding-dependent and -independent pathways. Together with our previous findings, these results indicate that TRAF-dependent receptor functions may not always require TRAF-receptor binding. These data suggest that TRAF-mediated signaling pathways, such as those of LMP1, may be more diverse than previously appreciated. This finding has significant implications for receptor and TRAF-targeted therapies.
Cutting Edge: Nitric Oxide Inhibits the NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Hernandez-Cuellar Eduardo , Tsuchiya Kohsuke , Hara Hideki , Fang Rendong , Sakai Shunsuke , Kawamura Ikuo , Akira Shizuo , Mitsuyama Masao
Published: October 2012

Although the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a pivotal role in host defense, its uncontrolled activation is associated with inflammatory disorders, suggesting that regulation of the inflammasome is important to prevent detrimental effects. Type I IFNs and long-term LPS stimulation were shown to negatively regulate NLRP3 activation. In this study, we found that endogenous NO is involved in the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by either IFN-β pretreatment or long-term LPS stimulation. Furthermore, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), an NO donor, markedly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, whereas the AIM2 and NLRC4 inflammasomes were only partially inhibited by SNAP. An increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species induced by ATP was only modestly affected by SNAP treatment. Interestingly, S-nitrosylation of NLRP3 was detected in macrophages treated with SNAP, and this modification may account for the NO-mediated mechanism controlling inflammasome activation. Taken together, these results revealed a novel role for NO in regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Knowledge and perception of Prevention of Mother to Child services amongst pregnant women accessing antenatal clinic in a Primary Health Care centre in Nigeria
Authors: Owoaje Eme T. , Omidokun Adedoyin D. , Ige Olusimbo K.
Published: October 2012

Background: Few studies have assessed pregnant women’s perceptions regarding prevention of mother to child of HIV and the available services at the primary health care level in Nigeria.Objective: Assessment of knowledge and perception of antenatal clinic (ANC) attendees regarding Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV at primary health care facilities in south-west Nigeria.Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 400 antenatal attendees in a Primary Health Care centre in Ibadan, Nigeria.Results: Known methods of PMTCT were: use of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) during pregnancy (75.0%), ART at birth (65.8%) and not breastfeeding (61.8%). Previous HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) was reported by 71%, significantly higher proportions of those who were married, in the third trimester of pregnancy or engaged in professional and/or skilled occupations had been tested. Regarding the HCT services provided, 92.2% understood the HIV-related health education provided, 89.7.2% reported that the timing was appropriate, 92.6% assessed the nurses’ approach as acceptable but 34.0% felt the test was forced upon them. Majority (79.6%) were aware of non-breastfeeding options of infant feeding, but only 3.5% were aware of exclusive breastfeeding for a stipulated period as an infant feeding option. Nevertheless, the majority of the women found the non-breast feeding option culturally unacceptable.Conclusion: Women in this survey were knowledgeable about the methods of PMTCT, but had negative perceptions regarding certain aspects of the HCT services and the recommended non-breastfeeding infant feeding option. Health workers should provide client friendly services and infant feeding counselling that is based on current WHO recommendations and culturally acceptable.
The Role of Electrostatic Interactions on Klentaq1 Insight for Domain Separation
Authors: Nurbaiti Santi , Martoprawiro Muhamad A. , Akhmaloka  , Hertadi Rukman
Published: October 2012

We investigated the relationship between the thermostability of Klentaq1 and factors stabilizing interdomain interactions. When thermal adaptation of Klentaq1 was analyzed at the atomic level, the protein was stable at 300 and 350 K. It gradually unfolded at 373 K and almost spontaneously unfolded at 400 K. Domain separation was induced by disrupting electrostatic interactions in two salt bridges formed by Lys354-Glu445 and Asp371-Arg435 on the interface domain. The role of these interactions in protein stability was evaluated by comparing free energy solvation (ΔΔGsolv) between wild type and mutants. Substitution of Asp371 by Glu or Asn, and also Glu445 by Asn resulted in a positive value of ΔΔGsolv, suggesting that mutations destabilized the protein structure. Nevertheless, substitution of Glu445 by Asp gave a negative value to ΔΔGsolvreflecting increasing protein stability. Our results demonstrate that interactions at the interface domains of Klentaq1 are essential factors correlated with the Klentaq1 thermostability.
Newton, Laplace, and the Epistemology of Systems Biology
Authors: Bittner Michael L. , Dougherty Edward R.
Published: October 2012

For science, theoretical or applied, to significantly advance, researchers must use the most appropriate mathematical methods. A century and a half elapsed between Newton's development of the calculus and Laplace's development of celestial mechanics. One cannot imagine the latter without the former. Today, more than three-quarters of a century has elapsed since the birth of stochastic systems theory. This article provides a perspective on the utilization of systems theory as the proper vehicle for the development of systems biology and its application to complex regulatory diseases such as cancer.
Entomologic Investigations during an Outbreak of West Nile Virus Disease in Maricopa County, Arizona, 2010
Authors: Godsey Marvin S. , Burkhalter Kristen , Young Ginger , Delorey Mark , Smith Kirk , Townsend John , Levy Craig , Mutebi John-Paul
Published: October 2012

Entomologic investigations were conducted during an intense outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) disease in Maricopa County, Arizona during July 31–August 9, 2010. The investigations compared the East Valley outbreak area, and a demographically similar control area in northwestern metropolitan Phoenix where no human cases were reported. Five mosquito species were identified in each area, and species composition was similar in both areas. Significantly more Culex quinquefasciatus females were collected by gravid traps at Outbreak sites (22.2 per trap night) than at control sites (8.9 per trap night), indicating higher Cx. quinquefasciatus abundance in the outbreak area. Twenty-eight WNV TaqMan reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction–positive mosquito pools were identified, including 24 of Cx. quinquefasciatus, 3 of Psorophora columbiae, and 1 of Culex sp. However, Cx. quinquefasciatus WNV infection rates did not differ between outbreak and control sites. At outbreak sites, 30 of 39 engorged Cx. quinquefasciatus had fed on birds, 8 of 39 on humans, and 1 of 39 on a lizard. At control sites, 20 of 20 identified blood meals were from birds. Data suggest that Cx. quinquefasciatus was the primary enzootic and epidemic vector of this outbreak. The most important parameters in the outbreak were vector abundance and blood meal analysis, which suggested more frequent contact between Cx. quinquefasciatus and human hosts in the outbreak area compared with the control area.
Differentiating Schistosoma haematobium from Related Animal Schistosomes by PCR Amplifying Inter-Repeat Sequences Flanking Newly Selected Repeated Sequences
Authors: Abbasi Ibrahim , Hamburger Joseph , Kariuki Curtis , Mungai Peter L. , Muchiri Eric M. , King Charles H.
Published: October 2012

In schistosomiasis elimination programs, successful discrimination of Schistosoma haematobium from the related animal Schistosoma parasites will be essential for accurate detection of human parasite transmission. Polymerase chain reaction assays employing primers from two newly selected repeated sequences, named Sh73 and Sh77, did not discriminate S. haematobium when amplifying Sh73-77 intra- or inter-repeats. However, amplification between Sh73 and the previously described DraI repeat exhibited discriminative banding patterns for S. haematobium and Schistosoma bovis (sensitivity 1 pg and 10 pg, respectively). It also enabled banding pattern discrimination of Schistosoma curassoni and Schistosoma intercalatum, but Schistosoma mattheei and Schistosoma margrebowiei did not yield amplicons. Similar inter-repeat amplification between Sh77 and DraI yielded amplicons with discriminative banding for S. haematobium, and S. bovis; however, S. mattheei was detected only at low sensitivity (1 ng). The Sh73/DraI assay detected snails infected with S. haematobium, S. bovis, or both, and should prove useful for screening snails where discrimination of S. haematobium from related schistosomes is required.
Survey of the Low Vision Rehabilitation Curricula in Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs
Authors: Deacy Robin M. , Yuen Hon K. , Barstow Elizabeth A. , Warren Mary , Vogtle Laura K.
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE. We examined the preclinical curricular content pertaining to low vision rehabilitation (LVR) included in occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs.

METHOD. An e-mail survey containing questions about program structure and the extent of course material related to LVR in the curriculum was sent to directors of all accredited OT and OTA programs in the United States.

RESULTS. One hundred nineteen programs responded. The curricula of all but 1 program included LVR content. Twenty-four programs included a required course with a primary emphasis on LVR. Forty-four programs had faculty with advanced training in LVR or experience working in a LVR clinic.

CONCLUSION. Given that almost all respondent programs integrate LVR content into their required preclinical coursework, we recommend that LVR be incorporated into the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education standards so as to ensure knowledge of LVR within existing programs and enhance the quality of education in LVR.
Learning Style Preferences of Bachelor’s and Master’s Students in Occupational Therapy
Authors: Rogers Joan C. , Hill Doris J.
Published: October 2012

A pre-test/post-test design was used to study the learning style preferences of two classes of occupational therapy students of the University of Southern California. Forty students were in the 1976-1977 class and 49 in the 1.977-1978 class. The Learning Preferences Inventory was administered before and after completion of courses in the basic professional curriculum.

The results indicated that both bachelor’s and master’s students preferred learning experiences that were teacher-structured, concrete, and interpersonal. Although the changes in learning styles that occurred during basic professional education were not consistent from sample to sample, they did suggest that an instructional program can influence learning style preferences. The comparison of higher and lower achievers in the academic and fieldwork components also yielded inconsistent findings. Thus, while the learning style preferences of occupational therapy students were confirmed, the influence of the curriculum on learning styles and the preferences of better versus less successful students merit further investigations.
Observation of aerosol size distribution and new particle formation at a mountain site in subtropical Hong Kong
Authors: Guo H. , Wang D. W. , Cheung K. , Ling Z. H. , Chan C. K. , Yao X. H.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. In order to investigate the formation and growth processes of nucleation mode particles, and to quantify the particle number (PN) concentration and size distributions in Hong Kong, an intensive field measurement was conducted from 25 October to 29 November in 2010 near the mountain summit of Tai Mo Shan, a suburban site approximately the geographical centre of the New Territories in Hong Kong. Based on observations of the particle size distribution, new particle formation (NPF) events were found on 12 out of 35 days with the estimated formation rate J5.5 from 0.97 to 10.2 cm−3 s−1, and the average growth rates from 1.5 to 8.4 nm h−1. The events usually began at 10:00–11:00 LT characterized by the occurrence of a nucleation mode with a peak diameter of 6–10 nm. Solar radiation, wind speed, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) concentrations were on average higher, whereas temperature, relative humidity and daytime nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration were lower on NPF days than on non-NPF days. Back trajectory analysis suggested that in majority of the NPF event days, the air masses originated from the northwest to northeast directions. The concentrations of gaseous sulfuric acid (SA) showed good power-law relationship with formation rates, with exponents ranging from 1 to 2. The result suggests that the cluster activation theory and kinetic nucleation could potentially explain the observed NPF events in this mountainous atmosphere of Hong Kong. Meanwhile, in these NPF events, the contribution of sulfuric acid vapor to particle growth rate (GR5.5–25) ranged from 9.2 to 52.5% with an average of 26%. Measurement-based calculated oxidation rates of monoterpenes (i.e. α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene and limonene) by O3 positively correlated with the GR5.5–25 (R = 0.80, p < 0.05). The observed associations of the estimated formation rate J5.5 and the growth rate GR5.5–25 with gaseous sulfuric acid and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) suggested the critical roles of sulfuric acid and biogenic VOCs (e.g. α-pinene and β-pinene) in these NPF events.
Impact of HONO on global atmospheric chemistry calculated with an empirical parameterization in the EMAC model
Authors: Elshorbany Y. F. , Steil B. , Brühl C. , Lelieveld J.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The photolysis of HONO is important for the atmospheric HOx (OH + HO2) radical budget and ozone formation, especially in polluted air. Nevertheless, owing to the incomplete knowledge of HONO sources, realistic HONO mechanisms have not yet been implemented in global models. We investigated measurement data sets from 15 field measurement campaigns conducted in different countries worldwide. It appears that the HONO/NOx ratio is a good proxy predictor for HONO mixing ratios under different atmospheric conditions. From the robust relationship between HONO and NOx, a representative mean HONO/NOx ratio of 0.02 has been derived. Using a global chemistry-climate model and employing this HONO/NOx ratio, realistic HONO levels are simulated, being about one order of magnitude higher than the reference calculations that only consider the reaction OH + NO → HONO. The resulting enhancement of HONO significantly impacts HOx levels and photo-oxidation products (e.g, O3, PAN), mainly in polluted regions. Furthermore, the relative enhancements in OH and secondary products are higher in winter than in summer, thus enhancing the oxidation capacity in polluted regions, especially in winter when other photolytic OH sources are of minor importance. Our results underscore the need to improve the understanding of HONO chemistry and its representation in atmospheric models.
Assessment of atmospheric processes driving ozone variations in the subtropical North Atlantic free troposphere
Authors: Cuevas E. , González Y. , Rodríguez S. , Guerra J. C. , Gómez-Peláez A. J. , Alonso-Pérez S. , Bustos J. , Milford C.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. An analysis of the 22-yr ozone (O3) series (1988–2009) at the subtropical high mountain Izaña station (IZO; 2373 m a.s.l.), representative of free troposphere (FT) conditions, is presented. Diurnal and seasonal O3 variations as well as the O3 trend (0.19 ± 0.05% yr−1 or 0.09 ppbv yr−), are assessed. A climatology of O3 transport pathways using backward trajectories shows that higher O3 values are associated with air masses traveling above 4 km altitude from North America and North Atlantic Ocean, while low O3 is transported from the Saharan continental boundary layer (CBL). O3 data have been compared with PM10, 210Pb, 7Be, potential vorticity (PV) and carbon monoxide (CO). A clear negative logarithmic relationship was observed between PM10 and surface O3 for all seasons. A similar relationship was found between O3 and 210Pb, but only for the summer-time. The highest daily O3 values (90th percentile) are observed in spring and in the first half of summer-time. A positive correlation between O3 and PV, and between O3 and 7Be is found throughout the year, indicating that relatively high surface O3 values at IZO originate from the middle and upper troposphere. At IZO we find a~good correlation between O3 and CO in winter, supporting the hypothesis of long-range transport of photochemically generated O3 from North America. Aged air masses, in combination with sporadic inputs from the upper troposphere, are observed in spring, summer and autumn. In summer-time high O3 values seem to be the result of stratosphere-to-troposphere (STT) exchange processes in regions neighbouring the Canary Islands. Since 1995–1996, the North Atlantic Oscillation has changed from a predominantly high positive phase to alternating between negative, neutral or positive phases. This change results in an increased flow of the westerlies in the mid-latitude and subtropical North Atlantic, thus favouring the transport of O3 and its precursors from North America, and a~higher frequency of storms over North Atlantic, with a~likely higher incidence of STT processes in mid latitudes. These processes lead to an increase of tropospheric O3 in the subtropical North Atlantic region after 1996 that has been reflected in surface O3 records at IZO.
Observation-based assessment of stratospheric fractional release, lifetimes, and Ozone Depletion Potentials of ten important source gases
Authors: Laube J. C. , Keil A. , Bönisch H. , Engel A. , Röckmann T. , Volk C. M. , Sturges W. T.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Estimates of the recovery time of stratospheric ozone heavily rely on the exact knowledge of the processes that lead to the decomposition of the relevant halogenated source gases. Crucial parameters in this context are Fractional Release Factors (FRFs) as well as stratospheric lifetimes and Ozone Depletion Potentials (ODPs). We here present data from the analysis of air samples collected between 2009 and 2011 on board research aircraft flying in the mid- and high latitudinal stratosphere and infer the above-mentioned parameters for ten major source gases:CFCl3 (CFC-11), CF2Cl2 (CFC-12), CF2ClCFCl2(CFC-113), CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride),CH3CCl3 (methyl chloroform), CHF2Cl (HCFC-22), CH3CFCl2 (HCFC-141b), CH3CF2Cl (HCFC-142b), CF2ClBr (H-1211), and CF3Br (H-1301). The inferred correlations of their FRFs with mean ages of air reveal less decomposition as compared to previous studies for most compounds. When using the calculated set of FRFs to infer equivalent stratospheric chlorine we find a reduction of more than 20% as compared to the values inferred in the most recent Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO, 2011). We also note that FRFs and their correlations with mean age are not generally time-independent as often assumed. The stratospheric lifetimes were calculated relative to that of CFC-11. Within our uncertainties the inferred ratios between lifetimes agree with those between stratospheric lifetimes from recent WMO reports except for CFC-11, CFC-12 and CH3CCl3. Finally we calculate lower ODPs than WMO for six out of ten compounds with changes most pronounced for the three HCFCs. Collectively these newly calculated values may have important implications for the severity and recovery time of stratospheric ozone loss.
Evaluation of new laser spectrometer techniques for in-situ carbon monoxide measurements
Authors: Zellweger C. , Steinbacher M. , Buchmann B.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Long-term time series of the atmospheric composition are essential for environmental research and thus require compatible, multi-decadal monitoring activities. The current data quality objectives of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for carbon monoxide (CO) in the atmosphere are very challenging to meet with the measurement techniques that have been used until recently. During the past few years, new spectroscopic techniques came to market with promising properties for trace gas analytics. The current study compares three instruments that have recently become commercially available (since 2011) with the best currently available technique (Vacuum UV Fluorescence) and provides a link to previous comparison studies. The instruments were investigated for their performance regarding repeatability, reproducibility, drift, temperature dependence, water vapour interference and linearity. Finally, all instruments were examined during a short measurement campaign to assess their applicability for long-term field measurements. It could be shown that the new techniques perform considerably better compared to previous techniques, although some issues, such as temperature influence and cross sensitivities, need further attention.
Temperature dependent ozone absorption cross section spectra measured with the GOME-2 FM3 spectrometer and first application in satellite retrievals
Authors: Chehade W. , Gür B. , Spietz P. , Gorshelev V. , Serdyuchenko A. , Burrows J. P. , Weber M.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME-2) Flight Model (FM) absorption cross section spectra of ozone were measured under representative atmospheric conditions in the laboratory setup at temperatures between 203 K and 293 K in the wavelength range of 230–790 nm at a medium spectral resolution of 0.24 to 0.54 nm. Since the exact ozone amounts were unknown in the gas flow system used, the measured ozone cross sections were required to be scaled to absolute cross section units using published literature data. The Hartley, Huggins and Chappuis bands were recorded simultaneously and their temperature dependence is in good agreement with previous studies (strong temperature effect in the Huggins band and weak in the Hartley and Chappuis bands). The overall agreement of the GOME-2 FM cross sections with the literature data is well within 3%. The total ozone column retrieved from the GOME-2/MetOp-A satellite using the new cross section data is within 1% compared to the ozone amounts retrieved routinely from GOME-2.
The Unified North American Soil Map and its implication on the soil organic carbon stock in North America
Authors: Liu S. , Wei Y. , Post W. M. , Cook R. B. , Schaefer K. , Thornton M. M.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The Unified North American Soil Map (UNASM) was developed to provide more accurate regional soil information for terrestrial biosphere modeling. The UNASM combines information from state-of-the-art US STATSGO2 and Soil Landscape of Canada (SLCs) databases. The area not covered by these datasets is filled with the Harmonized World Soil Database version 1.1 (HWSD1.1). The UNASM contains maximum soil depth derived from the data source as well as seven soil attributes (including sand, silt, and clay content, gravel content, organic carbon content, pH, and bulk density) for the top soil layer (0–30 cm) and the sub soil layer (30–100 cm) respectively, of the spatial resolution of 0.25° in latitude and longitude. There are pronounced differences in the spatial distributions of soil properties and soil organic carbon between UNASM and HWSD, but the UNASM overall provides more detailed and higher-quality information particularly in Alaska and Central Canada. To provide more accurate and up-to-date estimate of soil organic carbon stock in North America, we incorporated Northern Circumpolar Soil Carbon Database (NCSCD) into the UNASM. The estimate of total soil organic carbon mass in the upper 100 cm soil profile based on the improved UNASM is 347.70 Pg, of which 24.7% is under trees, 14.2% is under shrubs, and 1.3% is under grasses and 3.8% under crops. This UNASM data will provide a resource for use in land surface and terrestrial biogeochemistry modeling both for input of soil characteristics and for benchmarking model output.
Topological and canonical kriging for design-flood prediction in ungauged catchments: an improvement over a traditional regional regression approach?
Authors: Archfield S. A. , Pugliese A. , Castellarin A. , Skøien J. O. , Kiang J. E.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. In the United States, estimation of flood frequency quantiles at ungaged locations has been largely based on regional regression techniques that relate measurable catchment descriptors to flood quantiles. More recently, spatial interpolation techniques of point data have been shown to be effective for predicting streamflow statistics (i.e. flood flows and low-flow indices) in ungauged catchments. Literature reports successful applications of two techniques, Canonical kriging, CK, (or physiographical-space based interpolation, PSBI) and Topological kriging, TK, (or Top-kriging). CK performs the spatial interpolation of the streamflow statistic of interest in the two-dimensional space of catchment descriptors. TK predicts the streamflow statistic along river networks taking both the catchment area and nested nature of catchments into account. It is of interest to understand how these spatial interpolation methods compare with generalized-least squares (GLS) regression, one of the most common approaches to estimate flood quantiles at ungauged locations. By means of a leave-one-out cross validation procedure, the performance of CK and TK was compared to GLS regression equations developed for the prediction of 10-, 50-, 100- and 500-yr floods for 61 streamgauges in the Southeast United States. TK substantially outperforms GLS and CK for the study area, particularly for large catchments. The performance of TK over GLS highlights an important distinction between the treatment of spatial correlation when using regression-based versus spatial interpolation methods to estimate flood quantiles at ungauged locations. The analysis also shows that coupling TK with CK slightly improves the performance of TK; however, the improvement is marginal when compared to the improvement in performance over GLS.
Stable water isotope variation in a Central Andean watershed dominated by glacier- and snowmelt
Authors: Ohlanders N. , Rodriguez M. , McPhee J.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Central Chile is an economically important region for which water supply is dependent on snow- and ice melt. Nevertheless, the fraction of water supplied by each of those two sources remains largely unknown. This study represents the first attempt to estimate the region's water balance using stable isotopes of water in streamflow and its sources; isotopic ratios of both H and O were monitored during one year in a high-altitude basin with a relatively high glacial cover (11.5%). We found that the steep altitude gradient of the studied catchment caused a corresponding gradient in snowpack isotopic composition and that this spatial variation had a profound effect on the temporal evolution of streamflow isotopic composition during snowmelt. Glacier- and snowmelt contributions to streamflow in the studied basin were calculated using a quantitative analysis of the isotopic composition of streamflow and its sources, resulting in a glacier melt contribution of 50–80% for the unusually dry melt year of 2011/12. This suggests that in (la Niña) years with little precipitation, glacier melt is an important water source for Central Chile. Predicted decreases in glacier melt due to global warming may therefore have a negative impact on water availability in the Central Andes as well as in comparable semi-arid regions of the world; this impact is non-commensurable with areal glacial cover or with the relative areal influence coverage of glacier versus seasonal snowpack. The pronounced seasonal pattern in streamflow isotope composition and its close relation to the evolution of snow cover and to discharge presents a potentially powerful tool for relating discharge evolution in mountainous, melt-dominated catchments with related factors such as contributions of sources to streamflow and snowmelt transit times.
Characteristics of the seasonal cycle of surface layer salinity in the global ocean
Authors: Bingham F. M. , Foltz G. R. , McPhaden M. J.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The seasonal variability of surface layer salinity (SLS), evaporation (E), precipitation (P), E-P, advection and vertical entrainment over the global ocean is examined using in situ salinity data, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction's Climate System Forecast Reanalysis and a number of other ancillary data. Seasonal amplitudes and phases are calculated using harmonic analysis and presented in all areas of the open ocean between 60° S and 60° N. Areas with large amplitude SLS seasonal variations include: the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans; western marginal seas of the Pacific; and the Arabian Sea. The median amplitude in areas that have statistically significant seasonal cycles of SLS is 0.19. Between about 60° S and 60° N, 37% of the ocean surface has a statistically significant seasonal cycle of SLS and 75% has a seasonal cycle of E-P. Phases of SLS have a bimodal distribution, with most areas in the Northern Hemisphere peaking in SLS in March/April and in the Southern Hemisphere in September/October. The seasonal cycle is also estimated for surface freshwater forcing using a mixed-layer depth climatology. With the exception of areas near the western boundaries of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, seasonal variability is dominated by precipitation. Surface freshwater forcing also has a bimodal distribution, with peaks in January and July, 1–2 months before the peaks of SLS. Seasonal amplitudes and phases calculated for horizontal advection show it to be important in the tropical oceans. Vertical entrainment, estimated from mixed-layer heaving, is largest in mid and high latitudes, with a seasonal cycle that peaks in late winter. The amplitudes and phases of SLS and surface fluxes compare well in a qualitative sense, suggesting that much of the variability in SLS is due to E-P. However, the amplitudes of SLS are somewhat different than would be expected and the peak of SLS comes typically about one month earlier than expected. The differences of the amplitudes of the two quantities is largest in such areas as the Amazon River plume, the Arabian Sea, the ITCZ and the eastern equatorial Pacific and Atlantic.
Active packaging system for meat and meat products
Authors: Pavelková Adriana , Flimelová Erika
Published: October 2012

In the recent past, food packaging was used to enable marketing of products and to provide passive protection against environmental contaminations or influences that affect the shelf life of the products. However, unlike traditional packaging, which must be totally inert, active packaging is designed to interact with the contents and/or the surrounding environment. Interest in the use of active packaging systems for meat and meat products has increased in recent years. Active packaging systems are developed with the goal of extending shelf life for foods and increasing the period of time that the food is high quality. Developments in active packaging have led to advances in many areas, including delayed oxidation and controlled respiration rate, microbial growth, and moisture migration. Active packaging technologies include some physical, chemical, or biological action which changes interactions between a package, product, and/or headspace of the package in order to get a desired outcome. Active packaging systems discussed include oxygen scavengers, carbon dioxide scavengers and emitters, moisture control agents, flavour/odour absorbers and releasers  and antimicrobial packaging technologies. Active packaging is typically found in two types of systems; sachets and pads which are placed inside of packages, and active ingredients that are incorporated directly into packaging materials.  Recognition of the benefits of active packaging technologies by the food industry, development of economically viable packaging systems and increased consumer acceptance is necessary for commercial realisation of these packaging technologies.
Input of cadmium from soil into lentil and fababean seeds
Authors: Timoracká Mária , Vollmannová Alena , Ismael Dalaram
Published: October 2012

In the plant, the polyphenols create in the defense mechanism against stress conditions, such as heavy metals. In view of the above aspects, therefore we will work focused on monitoring the influence of accumulation of cadmium on the formation of polyphenols in lentil and faba bean in a model vegetation conditions, in which have been deliberately added dose of Cd with 5,10,15 multiple as the limit value claimed by the limits of the Law no. 220/2004 Z.z. to assess the state of soil contamination. In all scenarios exceed the maximum permitted levels for Food Codex SR for cadmium in grains of both crops. Influence of soil contamination on the content of polyphenols was significantly confirmed, although the content of polyphenols in some variants show some tendency with increasing dose of heavy metal, but results both indicate that the formation of polyphenols (as response to stress) is probably genetically determined.
Depth of Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments by OCT
Authors: Naftali Modi , Jabaly-Habib Haneen
Published: October 2012

Purpose.

To compare the depth of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) with the expected depth value using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods.

This was a retrospective comparative study in an ophthalmic unit in a government hospital, the Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel. Ten eyes of 8 patients with 18 ICRS were reviewed. Eleven segments were Intacs (Addition Technology, Inc.) and 7 Kerarings (Mediphacos). Using anterior segment OCT (OPKO OTI) the shortest distance from the epithelium to the segment at 3 points was measured for each segment. The 3 points are proximal, middle, and distal to the incision.

Results.

The mean depth of the 18 segments was 360±68 μm. The mean maximal and minimal depths were 383±70 and 336±72 μm, respectively. The mean depths of the distal, central, and proximal point measurements of all ICRS were 358±79, 361±77, and 362±59 μm, respectively; no significant difference was found. No part of the segments tended to be more superficial than others (p=0.98). There was no significant difference between Intacs and Kerarings depths (p=0.43). There was a significant difference between the expected ICRS depth and the OCT measurements (mean 480±20) and 360±68), respectively.

Conclusions.

The ICRS actual depth was less than expected. There was mild variability in segment depth, both between segments and along the same segment. No significant difference was found between the depth of Intacs and Kerarings.
Diversity of Patients Microflora on Orthopaedic and Dental Implants
Authors: Obst Ursula , Marten Silke-Mareike , Niessner Christoph , Hartwig Erich , Korsch Michael , Walther Winfried
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to compare the diversity of microbial colonization on implant material from different individuals. Eubacterial DNA was extracted, separated and sequenced from orthopaedic metallic implant material, tissues or body fluids, and skin of 4 patients as well as from identical dental cement material from 10 individuals after revision and routine removal. Additionally, the composition of the bacterial population of the dental cement and the oral swab sample from one individual after direct extraction of bacterial DNA was compared to extraction after conventional microbiological enrichment. The latter investigation proved that the commonly used cultivation technique gave different results than direct extraction of DNA, especially as regards the detection of anaerobes. Comparing the bacterial colonization of implant materials from different patients showed significant individual diversity. The common focus on a constricted pathogen spectrum may have to be expanded toward a multispecies population. Moreover, the dependence of the bacterial population on the individual host has to be integrated in discussing implant colonization and infection.
A Novel Antibacterial Modification Treatment of Titanium Capable to Improve Osseointegration
Authors: Della Valle Cinzia , Visai Livia , Santin Matteo , Cigada Alberto , Candiani Gabriele , Pezzoli Daniele , Arciola Carla Renata , Imbriani Marcello , Chiesa Roberto
Published: October 2012

Background

Among the different causes of orthopedic and dental implant failure, infection remains the most serious and devastating complication associated with biomaterial devices.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop an innovative osteointegrative and antibacterial biomimetic coating on titanium and to perform a chemical-physical and in vitro biological characterization of the coating using the SAOS-2 cell line. We also studied the antibacterial properties of the coating against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains.

Methods

An electrochemical solution containing silicon, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, and silver nanoparticles was used to obtain the antibacterial by Anodic Spark Deposition (ASD) treatment. Surface morphology was characterized using SEM and laser profilometry A qualitative analysis of the chemical composition of the coating was assessed by EDS. The adhesion properties of the coating to the titanium bulk were performed with a 3-point bending test. SAOS-2 osteoblastic cell line spreading and morphology and viability were investigated. The bacterial adhesion and the antibacterial properties were investigated after 3 h and 24 h of incubation with Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli bacterial strains.

Results

The proposed anodization treatment created a chemically and morphologically modified, adherent titanium oxide layer, characterized by a microporous morphology enriched by calcium, silicon, phosphorous, and silver. The preliminary biological characterization showed optimal SAOS-2 cell adhesion and proliferation as well as a strong antibacterial effect.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, we believe that this novel biomimetic and antibacterial treatment hold promise for enhancing osteointegration while conferring strong antibacterial properties to titanium.
The use of Antimicrobial-Impregnated PMMA to Manage Periprosthetic Infections: Controversial Issues and the Latest Developments
Authors: Tan H. L. , Lin W. T. , Tang T. T.
Published: October 2012

Despite improvements in intraoperative antimicrobial procedures, in surgical techniques and in implant design for joint replacement, periprosthetic infection after arthroplasty is still one of the most challenging problems encountered by orthopedic surgeons. Systemic antibiotics are not sufficiently effective to eradicate such deep infections because of the impaired blood circulation and low antibiotic concentration at the implantation site. As a local drug delivery system, antibiotic-impregnated PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) bone cements have been widely used for prophylaxis or treatment of deep infections after total joint replacement. However, the effectiveness of antibiotic-loaded PMMA in preventing infections after arthroplasty is still controversial. Furthermore, the outcomes of established deep infections treated with this technique are not consistent. The local use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and has adverse effects on the function of osteogenic cells. Recently, many efforts have been made to identify new antibacterial agents that can be loaded into PMMA. These antimicrobial agents should exhibit good antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant strains and should simultaneously enhance osteointegration between the PMMA and the bone tissue. PMMA loaded with chitosan or chitosan derivatives has been demonstrated to induce improved osteogenic activity and to exhibit antibacterial activity in a preclinical study.
Evaluation of contaminant transport and vulnerability of groundwater using the emission-transmission-immission-concept (ETI)
Authors: Azzam Rafig
Published: October 2012

The evaluation of the contaminant transport is dictated by the Federal Soil Protection Regulation (BBodSchV, 1999) for sites that are suspected to endanger the groundwater. Vulnerability maps are often used for this evaluation. However, vulnerability maps consider the intrinsic vulnerability according to different methods taking some soil properties into account. Such qualitative method is not accurate when it comes to calculate the contaminant transport and looking at the specific vulnerability.

Within the framework of a research project, a new investigation concept for the prediction of contaminants input into the groundwater was developed. This concept considers the estimation of the emission (E) of the contaminants, i.e., the time dependent amount and concentration of the leachate of the contamination source. The amount of leachate can be estimated by the infiltration of the groundwater recharge for every hydrological year using hydrological parameters. The expected concentration can be obtained from elution tests. In a second step, the transmission (T), i.e., the pollutant transport through the unsaturated zone into the groundwater is evaluated. This evaluation considers the transport mechanisms advection, diffusion and the retardation potential of the transmission zone. As a result, the immission (I) into the groundwater, the amount and concentration of the contaminants input can be estimated. Finally, it is important to evaluate the sensitivity of the system by classifying the groundwater according to the source value.

This evaluation technique comprises a characterization of the site and an estimation of the contamination potential by conducting laboratory and in-situ tests and a numerical simulation modelling involving iteration for a contaminant mass balance.

In this paper, a new testing method in a diffusion cell for the determination of the characteristic parameters for the transport mechanisms including the retardation potential is described and an evaluation concept for the contaminant transport based on the testing results is presented and discussed.