bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TNF-α Is Critical to Facilitate Hemopoietic Stem Cell Engraftment and Function
Authors: Rezzoug Francine , Huang Yiming , Tanner Michael K. , Wysoczynski Marcin , Schanie Carrie L. , Chilton Paula M. , Ratajczak Mariusz Z. , Fugier-Vivier Isabelle J. , Ildstad Suzanne T.
Published: April 2014

The use of tolerogenic cells as an approach to induce tolerance to solid organ allografts is being aggressively pursued. A major limitation to the clinical application of cell-based therapies has been the ability to obtain sufficient numbers and also preserve their tolerogenic state. We previously reported that small numbers of bone marrow-derived CD8+/TCR− graft facilitating cells (FC) significantly enhance hemopoietic stem cell (HSC) engraftment in allogeneic and syngeneic recipients. Although the majority of FC resemble precursor plasmacytoid dendritic cells (p-preDC), p-preDC do not replace FC in facilitating function. In the present studies, we investigated the mechanism of FC function. We show for the first time that FC significantly enhance HSC clonogenicity, increase the proportion of multipotent progenitors, and prevent apoptosis of HSC. These effects require direct cell:cell contact between FC and HSC. Separation of FC from HSC by transwell membranes completely abrogates the FC effect on HSC. p-preDC FC do not replace FC total in these effects on HSC function. FC produce TNF-α, and FC from TNF-α-deficient mice exhibit impaired facilitation in vivo and loss of the in vitro effects on HSC. Neutralizing TNF-α in FC similarly blocks the FC effect. The antiapoptotic effect of FC is associated with up-regulation of Bcl-3 transcripts in HSC and blocking of TNF-α is associated with abrogation of up-regulation of Bcl-3 transcripts. These data demonstrate a critical role for TNF-α in mediating FC function. FC may have a significant impact upon the safe use of chimerism to establish tolerance to transplanted organs and tissue.
IL-13 Receptor α2 Selectively Inhibits IL-13-Induced Responses in the Murine Lung
Authors: Zheng Tao , Liu Wei , Oh Sun-Young , Zhu Zhou , Hu Buqu , Homer Robert J. , Cohn Lauren , Grusby Michael J. , Elias Jack A.
Published: April 2014

IL-13 is a critical cytokine at sites of Th2 inflammation. In these locations it mediates its effects via a receptor complex, which contains IL-4Rα and IL-13Rα1. A third, high-affinity IL-13 receptor, IL-13Rα2, also exists. Although it was initially felt to be a decoy receptor, this has not been formally demonstrated and the role(s) of this receptor has recently become controversial. To define the role(s) of IL-13Rα2 in IL-13-induced pulmonary inflammation and remodeling, we compared the effects of lung-targeted transgenic IL-13 in mice with wild-type and null IL-13Rα2 loci. We also investigated the effect of IL-13Rα2 deficiency on the OVA-induced inflammatory response. In this study, we show that in the absence of IL-13Rα2, IL-13-induced pulmonary inflammation, mucus metaplasia, subepithelial fibrosis, and airway remodeling are significantly augmented. These changes were accompanied by increased expression and production of chemokines, proteases, mucin genes, and TGF-β1. Similarly, an enhanced inflammatory response was observed in an OVA-induced phenotype. In contrast, disruption of IL-13Rα2 had no effect on the tissue effects of lung-targeted transgenic IL-4. Thus, IL-13Rα2 is a selective and powerful inhibitor of IL-13-induced inflammatory, remodeling, and physiologic responses in the murine lung.
Commensal Gut Flora Drives the Expansion of Proinflammatory CD4 T Cells in the Colonic Lamina Propria under Normal and Inflammatory Conditions
Authors: Niess Jan Hendrik , Leithäuser Frank , Adler Guido , Reimann Jörg
Published: April 2014

We tested in B6 mice whether the local expansion of CD4 T cells producing proinflammatory cytokines including IL-17 (Th17 cells) in the colonic lamina propria (cLP) depends on the commensal microflora. High numbers of CD4 Th17 cells were found in the lamina propria of the ileum and colon but not the duodenum, jejunum, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, or liver of specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice. The microflora is required for the accumulation of cytokine (IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10)-producing CD4 T cells in the cLP because only low numbers of cytokine-producing cLP CD4 T cells were found in syngeneic (age- and sex-matched) germfree mice. The fraction of cLP Th17 cells was higher in (type I and type II) IFN- but not IL-4- or IL-12p40-deficient SPF congenics. cLP CD4 Th17 cells produce IL-17 but not IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, or IL-10. cLP CD4 Th17 cells accumulate locally in colitis induced by adoptive transfer of IFN-γ+/+ or IFN-γ−/− CD4 T cells into congenic SPF (but not germfree) RAG−/− hosts. In this colitis model, cLP CD4 T cells that “spontaneously” produce IL-17 progressively increase in number in the inflamed cLP, and increasing serum IL-17 levels appear as the disease progresses. Commensal bacteria-driven, local expansion of cLP CD4 Th17 cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of this inflammatory bowel disease.
Chemokine Receptor CX3CR1 Mediates Skin Wound Healing by Promoting Macrophage and Fibroblast Accumulation and Function
Authors: Ishida Yuko , Gao Ji-Liang , Murphy Philip M.
Published: April 2014

Wounds heal through a highly regulated, self-limited inflammatory response, however, precise inflammatory mediators have not been fully delineated. In this study, we report that in a mouse model of excisional skin wound healing the chemokine CX3CL1 and its receptor CX3CR1 were both highly induced at wound sites; CX3CL1 colocalized with macrophages and endothelial cells, whereas CX3CR1 colocalized mainly with macrophages and fibroblasts. Loss of CX3CR1 function delayed wound closure in both CX3CR1 knockout (KO) mice and in wild-type mice infused with anti-CX3CR1-neutralizing Ab. Conversely, transfer of bone marrow from donor wild-type mice, but not from donor CX3CR1 KO mice, restored wound healing to normal in CX3CR1 KO-recipient mice. Direct effects of CX3CR1 disruption at the wound site included marked reduction of macrophages and macrophage products, such as TGF-β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Consistent with this, we observed reduced α-smooth muscle actin (a marker for myofibroblasts) and collagen deposition in skin from wounded CX3CR1 KO mice, as well as reduced neovascularization. Together, the data support a molecular model of skin wound repair in which CX3CR1 mediates direct recruitment of bone marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages which release profibrotic and angiogenic mediators.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Ligand, 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2, Reduces Neutrophil Migration via a Nitric Oxide Pathway
Authors: Napimoga Marcelo H. , Vieira Silvio M. , Dal-Secco Daniela , Freitas Andressa , Souto Fabrício O. , Mestriner Fabiola L. , Alves-Filho José C. , Grespan Renata , Kawai Toshihisa , Ferreira Sérgio H. , Cunha Fernando Q.
Published: April 2014

Ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), such as 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) have been implicated as a new class of anti-inflammatory compounds with possible clinical applications. Based on this concept, this investigation was designed to determine the effect of 15d-PGJ2-mediated activation of PPAR-γ ligand on neutrophil migration after an inflammatory stimulus and clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms using a mouse model of peritonitis. Our results demonstrated that 15d-PGJ2 administration decreases leukocyte rolling and adhesion to the inflammated mesenteric tissues by a mechanism dependent on NO. Specifically, pharmacological inhibitors of NO synthase remarkably abrogated the 15d-PGJ2-mediated suppression of neutrophil migration to the inflammatory site. Moreover, inducible NOS−/− mice were not susceptible to 15d-PGJ2-mediated suppression of neutrophil migration to the inflammatory sites when compared with their wild type. In addition, 15d-PGJ2-mediated suppression of neutrophil migration appeared to be independent of the production of cytokines and chemokines, since their production were not significantly affected in the carrageenan-injected peritoneal cavities. Finally, up-regulation of carrageenan-triggered ICAM-1 expression in the mesenteric microcirculation vessels was abrogated by pretreatment of wild-type mice with 15d-PGJ2, whereas 15d-PGJ2 inhibited F-actin rearrangement process in neutrophils. Taken together these findings demonstrated that 15d-PGJ2 suppresses inflammation-initiated neutrophil migration in a mechanism dependent on NO production in mesenteric tissues.
Selective Estrogen Receptor-β Agonists Repress Transcription of Proinflammatory Genes
Authors: Cvoro Aleksandra , Tatomer Deirdre , Tee Meng-Kian , Zogovic Tatjana , Harris Heather A. , Leitman Dale C.
Published: April 2014

In addition to their role in the development and function of the reproductive system, estrogens have significant anti-inflammatory properties. Although both estrogen receptors (ERs) can mediate anti-inflammatory actions, ERβ is a more desirable therapeutic target because ERα mediates the proliferative effects of estrogens on the mammary gland and uterus. In fact, selective ERβ agonists have beneficial effects in preclinical models involving inflammation without causing growth-promoting effects on the uterus or mammary gland. However, their mechanism of action is unclear. The purpose of this study was to use microarray analysis to determine whether ERβ-selective compounds produce their anti-inflammatory effects by repressing transcription of proinflammatory genes. We identified 49 genes that were activated by TNF-α in human osteosarcoma U2OS cells expressing ERβ. Estradiol treatment significantly reduced the activation by TNF-α on 18 genes via ERβ or ERα. Most repressed genes were inflammatory genes, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and CSF2. Three ERβ-selective compounds, ERB-041, WAY-202196, and WAY-214156, repressed the expression of these and other inflammatory genes. ERB-041 was the most ERβ-selective compound, whereas WAY-202196 and WAY-214156 were the most potent. The ERβ-selective compounds repressed inflammatory genes by recruiting the coactivator, SRC-2. ERB-041 also repressed cytokine genes in PBMCs, demonstrating that ERβ-selective estrogens have anti-inflammatory properties in immune cells. Our study suggests that the anti-inflammatory effects of ERB-041 and other ERβ-selective estrogens in animal models are due to transcriptional repression of proinflammatory genes. These compounds might represent a new class of drugs to treat inflammatory disorders.
HIV-1 Tat Suppresses gp120-Specific T Cell Response in IL-10-Dependent Manner
Authors: Gupta Shalini , Boppana Ramanamurthy , Mishra Gyan C. , Saha Bhaskar , Mitra Debashis
Published: April 2014

A large number of multicomponent vaccine candidates are currently in clinical evaluation, many of which also include the HIV-1 Tat protein, an important regulatory protein of the virus. However, whether Tat, a known immune effector molecule with a well-conserved sequence among different HIV subtypes, affects the immune response to a coimmunogen is not well understood. In this study, using a bicistronic vector expressing both gp120 and Tat, we have analyzed the role of Tat in elicitation of the gp120-specific immune response. The T cell responses to gp120 were greatly diminished in mice coimmunized with Tat as compared with mice immunized with gp120 alone. This immunosuppressive activity of Tat was not confined to viral Ag only because it also suppressed the immune response of unrelated Ag. Analysis of the cytokine profile suggests that Tat induces IL-10 and since IL-10 has been demonstrated to have appreciable T cell inhibitory activity, it is plausible that IL-10 could be responsible for Tat-mediated immunosuppression. Finally, the immunosuppressive effect of Tat was not observed in IL-10-deficient mice, confirming the role of IL-10 in Tat-mediated immunosuppression. Thus, our results demonstrate for the first time that the immunosuppressive effect of Tat is mediated through IL-10 and suggests that Tat-induced IL-10-mediated immune suppression seems to cripple immune surveillance during HIV-1 infection.
Afro Middle East Asian symposium on cancer cooperation
Authors: Parikh Purvish M. , Raja T. , Mula-Hussain L. , Baral R. P. , Ingle P. , Narayanan P. , Tsikai N. , Baki M. O. , Satyapal N. , Adusei K. O. , Popoola A. , Musibi A. , Nyaim E. , Tsomo U. , Opio C. , Jamshed A. , Reddy P.
Published: April 2014

This manuscript captures the discussion and recommendations that came out of a special Afro Asian symposium involving 13 countries. Unmet needs and cost-effective solutions with special emphasis on training form the backbone of practical next steps.
Systemic care in the acute management of patients with stroke
Authors: Sriganesh Kamath , Radhakrishnan M. , Umamaheswara Rao Ganne
Published: April 2014

Early and effective systemic management plays an important role in the outcome of patients with stroke. Vigilant respiratory and hemodynamic monitoring and optimisation along with nutritional and metabolic correction goes a long way in improving results of definitive treatment in patients with stroke. This review discusses the systemic changes occurring after stroke and provides current evidence in the management of these factors, which significantly influence the outcome.
Global $L_2$-solvability of a problem governing two-phase fluid motion without surface tension
Authors: Denisova Irina V.
Published: April 2014

The paper deals with an interface problem for the Navier–Stokes system governing the motion of two incompressible fluids in a container, one liquid being inside another one. We prove unique solvability of the problem in an infinite time interval provided that the data are small enough, surface tension effect being neglected on the interface between the fluids. The norms of the solution are shown to decay exponentially at infinity with respect to time. The proof is based on exponential energy estimate and on local existence theorem of the problem in anisotropic Sobolev–Slobodetskiĭ spaces.

We give also the main steps of the proof of the local theorem for the problem with and without including surface tension.
Discrete convexity built on differences
Authors: Samieinia Shiva
Published: April 2014

We shall study a new class of functions in discrete convexity which is defined using difference operators. The relation between this new class and the class of integrally convex functions is studied.
Establishing the Psychometric Properties of Constructs in a Community-Based Participatory Research Conceptual Model
Authors: Oetzel John G. , Zhou Chuan , Duran Bonnie , Pearson Cynthia , Magarati Maya , Lucero Julie , Wallerstein Nina , Villegas Malia
Published: April 2014

Purpose.

The purpose of this study is to establish the psychometric properties of 22 measures from a community-based participatory research (CBPR) conceptual model.

Design.

The design of this study was an online, cross-sectional survey of academic and community partners involved in a CPBR project.

Setting.

CPBR projects (294) in the United States with federal funding in 2009.

Subjects.

Of the 404 academic and community partners invited, 312 (77.2%) participated. Of the 200 principal investigators/project directors invited, 138 (69.0%) participated.

Measures.

Twenty-two measures of CBPR context, group dynamics, methods, and health-related outcomes were examined.

Analysis.

Confirmatory factor analysis to establish factorial validity and Pearson correlations to establish convergent and divergent validity were used.

Results.

Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated strong factorial validity for the 22 constructs. Pearson correlations (p < .001) supported the convergent and divergent validity of the measures. Internal consistency was strong, with 18 of 22 measures achieving at least a .78 Cronbach α.

Conclusion.

CBPR is a key approach for health promotion in underserved communities and/or communities of color, yet the basic psychometric properties of CBPR constructs have not been well established. This study provides evidence of the factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity and the internal consistency of 22 measures related to the CBPR conceptual model. Thus, these measures can be used with confidence by both CBPR practitioners and researchers to evaluate their own CBPR partnerships and to advance the science of CBPR.
Oligomer formation within secondary organic aerosols: equilibrium and dynamic considerations
Authors: Trump E. R. , Donahue N. M
Published: April 2014

Abstract. We present a model based on the volatility basis set to consider the potential influence of oligomer content on volatility driven secondary organic aerosol (SOA) yields. The implications for aerosol evaporation studies, including dilution, chamber thermo-equilibration, and thermodenuder studies, are also considered. A simplified description of oligomer formation reproduces essentially all of the broad classes of equilibrium and dynamical observations related to SOA formation and evaporation: significant oligomer content may be consistent with mass yields that increase with organic aerosol mass concentration; reversible oligomerization can explain the hysteresis between the rate of SOA formation and its evaporation rate upon dilution; and the model is consistent with both chamber thermo-equilibration studies and thermodenuder studies of SOA evaporation.
Organic matter matters for ice nuclei of agricultural soil origin
Authors: Tobo Y. , DeMott P. J. , Hill T. C. J. , Prenni A. J. , Swoboda-Colberg N. G. , Franc G. D. , Kreidenweis S. M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Heterogeneous ice nucleation is a~crucial process for forming ice-containing clouds and subsequent ice-induced precipitation. The importance for ice nucleation of airborne desert soil dusts composed predominantly of minerals is relatively well understood. On the other hand, the potential influence of agricultural soil dusts on ice nucleation has been poorly recognized, despite recent estimates that they may account for up to ∼25% of the global atmospheric dust load. We have conducted freezing experiments with various dusts, including agricultural soil dusts derived from the largest dust source region in North America. Here we show evidence for the significant role of soil organic matter (SOM) in particles acting as ice nuclei (IN) under mixed-phase cloud conditions. We find that the ice nucleating ability of the agricultural soil dusts is similar to that of desert soil dusts, but is reduced to almost the same level as that of clay minerals (e.g., kaolinite) after either H2O2 digestion or dry heating to 300 °C. In addition, based on chemical composition analysis, we show that organic-rich particles are more important than mineral particles for the ice nucleating ability of the agricultural soil dusts at temperatures warmer than about −36 °C. Finally, we suggest that such organic-rich particles of agricultural origin (namely, SOM particles) may contribute significantly to the ubiquity of organic-rich IN in the global atmosphere.
Performance of a geostationary mission, geoCARB, to measure CO2, CH4 and CO column-averaged concentrations
Authors: Polonsky I. N. , O'Brien D. M. , Kumer J. B. , O'Dell C. W. ,   the geoCARB Team
Published: April 2014

Abstract. GeoCARB is a proposed instrument to measure column averaged concentrations of CO2, CH4 and CO from geostationary orbit using reflected sunlight in near-infrared absorption bands of the gases. The scanning options, spectral channels and noise characteristics of geoCARB and two descope options are described. The accuracy of concentrations from geoCARB data is investigated using end-to-end retrievals; spectra at the top of the atmosphere in the geoCARB bands are simulated with realistic trace gas profiles, meteorology, aerosol, cloud and surface properties, and then the concentrations of CO2, CH4 and CO are estimated from the spectra after addition of noise characteristic of geoCARB. The sensitivity of the algorithm to aerosol, the prior distributions assumed for the gases and the meteorology are investigated. The contiguous spatial sampling and fine temporal resolution of geoCARB open the possibility of monitoring localised sources such as power plants. Simulations of emissions from a power plant with a Gaussian plume are conducted to assess the accuracy with which the emission strength may be recovered from geoCARB spectra. Scenarios for "clean" and "dirty" power plants are examined. It is found that a reliable estimate of the emission rate is possible, especially for power plants that have particulate filters, by averaging emission rates estimated from multiple snapshots of the CO2 field surrounding the plant. The result holds even in the presence of partial cloud cover.
Differences in mid-latitude stratospheric winds between reanalysis data and versus radiosonde observations at Prague
Authors: Kozubek M. , Laštovička J. , Križan P.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Reanalysis data are very useful for studying the stratosphere. They can be used for analysis of long-term trends (temperature, wind speed, humidity, etc.) or analysis of global atmospheric dynamics, etc. There are various reanalysis projects that provide outputs which are not identical. In this paper, we mutually compare three of them, ERA-40, ERA-Interim and NCEP/NCAR, and compare them with balloon radiosonde observations from Prague, Port Hardy and Valentia stations. This comparison is done for wind speed and direction at pressure levels 100 and 10 hPa and for various periods between 1957 and 2009. The results show that the differences between reanalysis vary. Wind speed data from all three analyses reasonably agree except for the 10 hPa historical data before 1966 and particularly ERA-40 data at the end of the data series (1998–2001). The quality of the ERA-40 10 hPa stratospheric wind data has been proven to be substantially worse over the last four ERA-40 years of 1998–2001 (2002) compared to previous years, both in wind speed and wind direction. The reanalysis data results are compared with radiosonde observations from Prague, Port Hardy and Valentia stations at 10 hPa for the months of February between 1989 and 2009. The results show that there are sometimes surprisingly large differences, more for ERA-Interim versus Prague measurements. Differences in wind direction greater than 45° (outliers) between the reanalysis data and Prague observations in wind direction occur in Februaries predominantly when winds in Prague are in "minor" sectors, such as north, northeast and east (easterlies), whereas "major" sectors, particularly the dominant W (westerlies) wind sector, exhibit almost no outliers.
Reconstruction of geomagnetic activity and near-Earth interplanetary conditions over the past 167 yr – Part 4: Near-Earth solar wind speed, IMF, and open solar flux
Authors: Lockwood M. , Nevanlinna H. , Barnard L. , Owens M. J. , Harrison R. G. , Rouillard A. P. , Scott C. J.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. In the concluding paper of this tetralogy, we here use the different geomagnetic activity indices to reconstruct the near-Earth interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and solar wind flow speed, as well as the open solar flux (OSF) from 1845 to the present day. The differences in how the various indices vary with near-Earth interplanetary parameters, which are here exploited to separate the effects of the IMF and solar wind speed, are shown to be statistically significant at the 93% level or above. Reconstructions are made using four combinations of different indices, compiled using different data and different algorithms, and the results are almost identical for all parameters. The correction to the aa index required is discussed by comparison with the Ap index from a more extensive network of mid-latitude stations. Data from the Helsinki magnetometer station is used to extend the aa index back to 1845 and the results confirmed by comparison with the nearby St Petersburg observatory. The optimum variations, using all available long-term geomagnetic indices, of the near-Earth IMF and solar wind speed, and of the open solar flux, are presented; all with ±2σ uncertainties computed using the Monte Carlo technique outlined in the earlier papers. The open solar flux variation derived is shown to be very similar indeed to that obtained using the method of Lockwood et al. (1999).
Iron isotope fractionation in marine invertebrates in near shore environments
Authors: Emmanuel S. , Schuessler J. A. , Vinther J. , Matthews A. , von Blanckenburg F.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Chitons (Mollusca) are marine invertebrates that produce radula (teeth or rasping tongue) containing high concentrations of biomineralized magnetite and other iron bearing minerals. As Fe isotope signatures are influenced by redox processes and biological fractionation, Fe isotopes in chiton radula might be expected to provide an effective tracer of ambient oceanic conditions and biogeochemical cycling. Here, in a pilot study to measure Fe isotopes in marine invertebrates, we examine Fe isotopes in modern marine chiton radula collected from different locations in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to assess the range of isotopic values, and to test whether or not the isotopic signatures reflect seawater values. Furthermore, by comparing two species that have very different feeding habits but collected from the same location, we infer a possible link between diet and Fe isotopic signatures. Values of δ56Fe (relative to IRMM-014) in chiton teeth range from −1.90 to 0.00‰ (±0.05‰ (2σ) uncertainty in δ56Fe), probably reflecting a combination of geographical control and biological fractionation processes. Comparison with published local surface seawater Fe isotope data shows a consistent negative offset of chiton teeth Fe isotope compositions relative to seawater. Strikingly, two different species from the same locality in the North Pacific (Puget Sound, Washington, USA) have distinct isotopic signatures. Tonicella lineata, which feeds on red algae, has a mean δ56Fe of −0.65 ± 0.26‰ (2σ, 3 specimens), while Mopalia muscosa, which feeds primarily on green algae, shows lighter isotopic values with a mean δ56Fe of −1.47 ± 0.98‰ (2σ, 5 specimens). Although chitons are not simple recorders of the ambient seawater Fe isotopic signature, these preliminary results suggest that Fe isotopes provide information concerning Fe biogeochemical cycling in near shore environments, and might be used to probe sources of Fe in the diets of different organisms.
Soil organic matter dynamics under different land-use in grasslands in Inner Mongolia (northern China)
Authors: Zhao L. , Wu W. , Xu X. , Xu Y.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. We examined bulk soil properties and molecular biomarker distributions in surface soils from Inner Mongolia grasslands in order to understand the responses of soil organic matter to different land-use. The total of sixteen soils were collected from severely degraded grassland by overgrazing (DG), native grassland without apparent anthropogenic disturbance (NG), groundwater-sustaining grassland (GG) and restored grassland from previous potato cropland (RG). Compared to NG, soil organic carbon content was lower by 50% in DG, but higher by six-fold in GG and one-fold in RG. The δ13C values of soil organic carbon were −24.2 ± 0.6‰ in DG, −24.9 ± 0.6‰ in NG, −25.1 ± 0.1‰ in RG and −26.2 ± 0.6‰ in GG, reflecting different degradation degrees of soil organic matter or different water use efficiencies. The soils in DG contained the lowest abundance of aliphatic lipids (n-alkanes, n-alkanols, n-alkanoic acids, ω-hydroxylalkanoic acids and α-hydroxylalkanoic acids) and lignin-phenols, suggesting selective removal of these biochemically recalcitrant biomarkers with grassland degradation by microbial respiration or wind erosion. Compared to NG, the soils in GG and RG increased ω-hydroxylalkanoic acids by 60–70%, a biomarker for suberin from roots, and increased α-hydroxylalkanoic acids by 10–20%, a biomarker for both cutin and suberin. Our results demonstrate that the groundwater supply and cultivation-restoration practices in Inner Mongolia grasslands not only enhance soil organic carbon sequestration, but also change the proportions of shoot vs. root-derived carbon in soils. This finding has important implications for global carbon cycle since root derived aliphatic carbon has a longer residence time than the aboveground tissue-derived carbon in soils.
Microzooplankton functional responses in the lab and in the field
Authors: Sailley S. F. , Buitenhuis E. T.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. We present a collection of data relating to microzooplankton physiological traits collected from the literature. We define microzooplankton as unicellular zooplankton (protozoans). The collected data mostly relates to grazing rates collected either in the field or through laboratory experiments. There is an equal number of grazing and growth rate measured through laboratory experiments and a smaller number of Gross Growth Efficiency (GGE), respiration and egestion values. Although the collected data showed inconsistencies in units, or gaps in knowledge of microzooplankton (e.g. effect of prey nutrient content, combined measurement of grazing and growth), they also contained information on microzooplankton functional response, and how some external factors affect them (e.g. prey concentration, prey offered, temperature). Link to the repository: doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.820368 and doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.826106. Note that the sum of all data sets differs from the present data compilations which provides harmonized units and temperature adjusted metabolic. Within the repository there is a link to the "raw" dataset.
Does consideration of water routing affect simulated water and carbon dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems?
Authors: Tang G. , Hwang T. , Pradhanang S. M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The cycling of carbon (C) in terrestrial ecosystems is closely coupled with the cycling of water. An important mechanism connecting ecological and hydrological processes in terrestrial ecosystems is lateral flow of water along landscapes. Few studies, however, have examined explicitly how consideration of water routing affects simulated water and C dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. The objective of this study is to explore how consideration of water routing in a process-based hydro-ecological model affects simulated water and C dynamics. To achieve that end, we rasterized the regional hydro-ecological simulation system (RHESSys) and employed the rasterized RHESSys (R-RHESSys) in a forested watershed. We performed and compared two contrasting simulations, one with and another without water routing. We found that R-RHESSys was able to correctly simulate major hydrological and ecological variables regardless of whether water routing was considered. When water routing was considered, however, soil water table depth and saturation deficit were simulated to be greater and spatially more heterogeneous. As a result, water (evaporation, transpiration, and evapotranspiration) and C (forest productivity, soil autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration) fluxes also were simulated to be spatially more heterogeneous compared to the simulation without water routing. When averaged for the entire watershed, the three simulated water fluxes were greater while C fluxes were smaller under simulation considering water routing compared to that ignoring water routing. In addition, the effects of consideration of water routing on simulated C and water dynamics were more apparent in dry conditions. Overall, the study demonstrated that consideration of water routing enabled R-RHESSys to better capture our preconception of the spatial patterns of water table depth and saturation deficit across the watershed. Because soil moisture is fundamental to the exchange of water and C fluxes among soil, vegetation and the atmosphere, ecosystem and C cycle models therefore need to explicitly represent water routing in order to accurately quantify the magnitude and patterns of water and C fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems.
Cloudiness and snow cover in Alpine areas from MODIS products
Authors: Da Ronco P. , De Michele C.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Snow cover maps provide an information of great practical interest for hydrologic purposes: when combined with point values of snow water equivalent (SWE), they allow to estimate the regional snow resource. Earth observation satellites are an interesting tool for evaluating large scale snow distribution and extension. In this context, MODIS (MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometeron on board Terra and Aqua satellites) daily Snow Covered Area product has been widely tested and proved to be appropriate for hydrologic applications. However, within a daily map the presence of cloudiness can hide the ground, thus preventing snow detection. Here, we considered MODIS binary products for daily snow mapping over Po river basin. Modeling the variability of snow cover duration, distribution and snow water equivalent is a first important step in investigating climate change impacts on the regime of the major Italian river. Ten years (2003–2012) of MOD10A1 and MYD10A1 snow maps have been analyzed and processed with the support of 500 m-resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM). We firstly investigated the issue of cloudiness, highlighting its dependence on altitude and season. Snow maps seem to suffer the influence of overcast conditions mainly in mountain and during the melting season. Such a result is certainly related to satellite crossing times, since cloud coverage over mountains usually increases in the afternoon: however, in Aqua and Terra snow products it highly influences those areas where snow detection is regarded with more interest. In spring, the average percentages of area lying beneath clouds are in the order of 70%, for altitudes over 1000 m a.s.l. Then, on the basis of previous studies, we proposed a cloud removal procedure and its application to a wide area, characterized by high topographic and geomorphological heterogeneities such as northern Italy. While conceiving the new method, our first target was to preserve the daily temporal resolution of the product. Regional snow and land lines were estimated for detecting snow cover dependence on elevation. In cases when there were not enough information on the same day within the cloud-free areas, we improved a temporal filter with the aim of reproducing the micro-cycles which characterize the transition altitudes, where snow does not stand continually over the entire winter. In the validation stage, the proposed procedure has been compared against others, showing improvements in the performance for our case study. At the same time it results quite handy both in terms of input data required and computational effort.
Inundation and groundwater dynamics for quantification of evaporative water loss in tropical wetlands
Authors: Schwerdtfeger J. , Johnson M. S. , Couto E. G. , Amorim R. S. S. , Sanches L. , Campelo Júnior J. H. , Weiler M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The remoteness, complexity and heterogeneity of tropical wetlands make the characterisation of their hydrological processes challenging. In particular estimates of evaporative water loss are inherently uncertain. In view of the large influence on the local and regional climate, the quantification of evaporation is essential for the determination of the water balance of permanent and intermittent water bodies. Data for tropical wetlands are scarce where their remoteness impedes direct evaporation measurements. Seasonal inundation dynamics affect evaporation processes in tropical wetlands, which can be analysed in two stages: the first stage during the wet season and the second stage during the dry season. As yet no adequate method exists for determining second stage evaporation without soil moisture data, which are usually unavailable for the remote tropical wetlands. Our study aimed at developing a process-based model to simulate first and second stage evaporation in tropical wetlands. We selected a set of empirical potential evaporation (PET) models of varying complexity, each based on different assumptions and available datasets, and evaluated the models with pan evaporation observations in the Pantanal of South America, one of the largest tropical wetlands in the world. We used high-resolution measurements of surface and groundwater levels at different locations to determine the water available for evaporation. Actual evaporation (AET) was derived by constraining simulated PET based on available water. The model of best fit was applied to different types of water bodies with varying inundation durations and captured first and second stage evaporation. With our new model we could quantify evaporative water loss in the dry and the wet season for different locations in the Pantanal. This new spatially-explicit approach represents an improvement in our understanding of the role of evaporation in the water balance of the Pantanal. We recommend the application of this model in other remote tropical wetlands, since only a minimum of input data is necessary.
Estimation of heterogeneous aquifer parameters using centralized and decentralized fusion of hydraulic tomography data from multiple pumping tests
Authors: Alzraiee A. H. , Baú D. , Elhaddad A.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Characterization of spatial variability of hydraulic properties of groundwater systems at high resolution is essential to simulate flow and transport phenomena. This paper investigates two schemes to invert transient hydraulic head data resulting from multiple pumping tests for the purpose of estimating the spatial distributions of the hydraulic conductivity, K, and the specific storage, Ss, of an aquifer. The two methods are centralized fusion and decentralized fusion. The centralized fusion of transient data is achieved when data from all pumping tests are processed concurrently using a central inversion processor, whereas the decentralized fusion inverts data from each pumping test separately to obtain optimal local estimates of hydraulic parameter, which are consequently fused using the Generalized Millman Formula, an algorithm for merging multiple correlated or uncorrelated local estimates. For both data fusion schemes, the basic inversion processor employed is the Ensemble Kalman Filter, which is employed to assimilate the temporal moments of the transient hydraulic head measurements resulting from multiple pumping tests. Assimilating the temporal moments instead of the hydraulic head transient data themselves is shown to provide a significant improvement in computational efficiency. Additionally, different assimilation strategies to improve the estimation of Ss are investigated. Results show that estimation of the K and Ss distributions using temporal moment analysis is fairly good; however, the centralized inversion scheme consistently outperforms the decentralized inversion scheme. Investigations on the sensitivity of the inversion estimates to errors in geostatistical parameters of the random fields of K and Ss reveal that the estimates are not sensitive to errors in the correlation length and the variance of hydraulic properties, but are noticeably sensitive to errors in the stationary mean. The proposed inversion schemes are expanded to estimate the geostatistical parameters of the K and Ss fields. The results show that the estimation of the true stationary mean of the K field and, to a lesser degree, the stationary mean of the Ss field can be successfully achieved, while the estimation of correlation length and standard deviation for both the K and Ss fields are not as effective.
Integrating geomechanical surveys and remote sensing for sea cliff slope stability analysis: the Mt. Pucci case study (Italy)
Authors: Martino S. , Mazzanti P.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. An integrated approach to the geomechanical characterization of coastal sea cliffs was applied at Mt. Pucci (Gargano promontory, Southern Italy) by performing field-based geomechanical investigations and remote geostructural investigations via a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS). The consistency of the integrated techniques allowed to achieve a comprehensive and affordable characterization of the main joint sets on the sea cliff slope. The observed joint sets were considered to evaluate the proneness of the slope to rock failures by attributing safety factor (SF) values to the topple- and wedge-prone rock blocks under three combined or independent triggering conditions: (a) hydrostatic water pressures within the joints, (b) seismic action, and (c) strength reduction due to weathering of the joint surfaces. The combined action of weathering and water pressures within the joints was also considered, resulting in a significant decrease in the stability. Furthermore, remote survey analyses via InfraRed Thermography (IRT) and Ground Based Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (GBInSAR) were performed to evaluate the role of the surveyed joint sets in inducing instabilities in the Mt. Pucci sea cliff. The results from the remote surveys: (i) GBInSAR monitoring revealed permanent displacements coupled to cyclic daily displacements, these last ones detected in certain sectors of the cliff wall; (ii) the thermal images allowed us to identify anomalies that correspond well to the main joints and to the slope material released due to recent collapses.
Improving the ensemble transform Kalman filter using a second-order Taylor approximation of the nonlinear observation operator
Authors: Wu G. , Zheng X. , Wang L. , Liang X. , Zhang S. , Zhang X.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (ETKF) assimilation scheme has recently seen rapid development and wide application. As a specific implementation of the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF), the ETKF is computationally more efficient than the conventional EnKF. However, the current implementation of the ETKF still has some limitations when the observation operator is strongly nonlinear. One problem is that the nonlinear operator and its tangent-linear operator are iteratively calculated in the minimization of a nonlinear objective function similar to 4DVAR, which may be computationally expensive. Another problem is that it uses the tangent-linear approximation of the observation operator to estimate the multiplicative inflation factor of the forecast errors, which may not be sufficiently accurate. This study seeks a way to avoid these problems. First, we apply the second-order Taylor approximation of the nonlinear observation operator to avoid iteratively calculating the operator and its tangent-linear operator. The related computational cost is also discussed. Second, we propose a scheme to estimate the inflation factor when the observation operator is strongly nonlinear. Experimentation with the Lorenz-96 model shows that using the second-order Taylor approximation of the nonlinear observation operator leads to a reduction of the analysis error compared with the traditional linear approximation. Similarly, the proposed inflation scheme leads to a reduction of the analysis error compared with the procedure using the traditional inflation scheme.
Conjugate fluctuation analysis for a set of 41 magnetic clouds measured by the ACE spacecraft
Authors: Ojeda González A. , Gonzalez W. D. , Mendes O. , Domingues M. O. , Rosa R. R.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The statistical distribution of values in the signal and the autocorrelations (interpreted as the memory or persistence) between values are attributes of a time series. The autocorrelation function values are positive in a~time series with persistence, while it are negative in a time series with anti persistence. The persistence of values with respect to each other can be strong, weak, or nonexistent. A strong correlation implies a "memory" of previous values in the time series. The long-range persistence in time series could be studied using semivariograms, rescaled-range, detrended fluctuation analysis and Fourier spectral analysis, respectively. In this work the persistence analysis has been used to study IMF time series. We use data from the IMF GSM-components with time resolution of 16 s. Time intervals corresponding to distinct processes around 41 MCs in the period between March 1998 and December 2003 were selected. In this exploratory study the purpose with this selection is to deal with the cases presenting the three periods: plasma sheath, MC and post-MC. We calculated one exponent of persistence (e.g., α, β, Hu, Ha) over the previous three time intervals. The persistence exponent values increased inside cloud regions, and it was possible select the following threshold values: 〈α(j)〉 =1.392; 〈Ha(j)〉 = 0.327; 〈Hu(j)〉 =0.875. These values are useful as another test to evaluate the quality of the identification. If the cloud is well-structured, then the persistence exponents values exceed thresholds. In 80.5% of the cases studied, these tools were able to separate the region of the cloud from neighboring regions. The Hausdorff exponent (Ha) provides the best results.
How Rural Criminology Informs Critical Thinking in Criminology
Authors: Donnermeyer Joseph F , Scott John , Barclay Elaine
Published: April 2014

Over the past quarter century, a growing volume of rural-focused criminological work has emerged. In this article, the literature related to three rural criminological issues are examined and discussed in terms of their lessons for critical criminology. Research on rural communities and crime is examined as a way to criticize and challenge mainstream criminological theories and concepts like social disorganisation and collective efficacy, and to remind critical criminologists of the importance for developing critical perspectives for place-based or ecological theories of crime. Agricultural crime studies are discussed in terms of the need to develop a critical criminology of agriculture and food. Finally, criminological studies of rural ‘others’ is used to show the need for critical criminologists to give greater analytic attention to divisions and marginalities of peoples living in smaller and more isolated places based on gender, race, and lifestyles, among other factors.
Suicide and the Therapeutic Coroner: Inquests, Governance and the Grieving Family
Authors: Tait Gordon , Carpenter Belinda
Published: April 2014

This study of English Coronial practice raises a number of questions about the role played by the Coroner within contemporary governance. Following observations at over 20 inquests into possible suicides and in-depth interviews with six Coroners, three preliminary issue emerged, all of which pointed to a broader and, in many ways, more significant issue. These preliminary issues are concerned with (1) the existence of considerable slippages between different Coroners over which deaths are likely to be classified as suicide; (2) the high standard of proof required and immense pressure faced by Coroners from family members at inquest to reach any verdict other than suicide, which significantly depresses likely suicide rates; and (3) Coroners feeling no professional obligation, either individually or collectively, to contribute to the production of consistent and useful social data regarding suicide, arguably rendering comparative suicide statistics relatively worthless. These concerns lead, ultimately, to the second more important question about the role expected of Coroners within social governance and within an effective, contemporary democracy. That is, are Coroners the principal officers in the public administration of death; or are they, first and foremost, a crucial part of the grieving process, one that provides important therapeutic interventions into the mental and emotional health of the community?