bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward the Prediction of FBPase Inhibitory Activity Using Chemoinformatic Methods
Authors: Hao Ming , Zhang Shuwei , Qiu Jieshan
Published: June 2012

Currently, Chemoinformatic methods are used to perform the prediction for FBPase inhibitory activity. A genetic algorithm-random forest coupled method (GA-RF) was proposed to predict fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) inhibitors to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus using the Mold2 molecular descriptors. A data set of 126 oxazole and thiazole analogs was used to derive the GA-RF model, yielding the significant non-cross-validated correlation coefficient r2ncv and cross-validated r2cv values of 0.96 and 0.67 for the training set, respectively. The statistically significant model was validated by a test set of 64 compounds, producing the prediction correlation coefficient r2pred of 0.90. More importantly, the building GA-RF model also passed through various criteria suggested by Tropsha and Roy with r2o and r2m values of 0.90 and 0.83, respectively. In order to compare with the GA-RF model, a pure RF model developed based on the full descriptors was performed as well for the same data set. The resulting GA-RF model with significantly internal and external prediction capacities is beneficial to the prediction of potential oxazole and thiazole series of FBPase inhibitors prior to chemical synthesis in drug discovery programs.
Atomistic Modeling of the Negative Thermal Expansion in δ- Plutonium Based on the Two-State Description
Authors: Lee Tongsik , Baskes Michael I. , Lawson A. C. , Chen Shao Ping , Valone Steven M.
Published: June 2012

The δ phase of plutonium with the fcc structure exhibits an unusual negative thermal expansion (NTE) over its narrow temperature range of stability, 593–736 K. An accurate description of the anomalous high-temperature volume effect of plutonium goes beyond the current capability of electronic-structure calculations. We propose an atomistic scheme to model the thermodynamic properties of δ-Pu based on the two-state model of Weiss for the Invar alloys, inspired by the simple free-energy analysis previously conducted by Lawson et al. The two-state mechanism is incorporated into the atomistic description of a many-body interacting system. Two modified embedded atom method potentials are employed to represent the binding energies of two competing electronic states in δ-Pu. We demonstrate how the NTE takes place in δ-Pu by means of Monte Carlo simulations implemented with the two-state mechanism.
Quinazolin-4-one Coupled with Pyrrolidin-2-iminium Alkaloids from Marine-Derived Fungus Penicillium aurantiogriseum
Authors: Song Fuhang , Ren Biao , Yu Ke , Chen Caixia , Guo Hui , Yang Na , Gao Hong , Liu Xueting , Liu Mei , Tong Yaojun , Dai Huanqin , Bai Hua , Wang Jidong , Zhang Lixin
Published: June 2012

Three new alkaloids, including auranomides A and B (1 and 2), a new scaffold containing quinazolin-4-one substituted with a pyrrolidin-2-iminium moiety, and auranomide C (3), as well as two known metabolites auranthine (4) and aurantiomides C (5) were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium aurantiogriseum. The chemical structures of compounds 1–3 were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, including IR, HRESIMS and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of compounds 1–3 were suggested from the perspective of a plausible biosynthesis pathway. Compounds 1–3 were subjected to antitumor and antimicrobial screening models. Auranomides A–C exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against human tumor cells. Auranomides B was the most potent among them with an IC50 value of 0.097 μmol/mL against HEPG2 cells.
Marine Cyclotripeptide X-13 Promotes Angiogenesis in Zebrafish and Human Endothelial Cells via PI3K/Akt/eNOS Signaling Pathways
Authors: Lu Xi-Lin , Xu Zhong-Liang , Yao Xiao-Li , Su Feng-Juan , Ye Cheng-Hui , Li Jing , Lin Yong-Cheng , Wang Guang-Lei , Zeng Jin-Sheng , Huang Ru-Xun , Ou Jing-Song , Sun Hong-Shuo , Wang Li-Ping , Pang Ji-Yan , Pei Zhong
Published: June 2012

Cyclotripeptide X-13 is a core of novel marine compound xyloallenoide A isolated from mangrove fungus Xylaria sp. (no. 2508). We found that X-13 dose-dependently induced angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos and in human endothelial cells, which was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of eNOS and Akt and NO release. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt/eNOS by LY294002 or l-NAME suppressed X-13-induced angiogenesis. The present work demonstrates that X-13 promotes angiogenesis via PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathways.
Influence of Nickel Particle Reinforcement on Cyclic Fatigue and Final Fracture Behavior of a Magnesium Alloy Composite
Authors: Srivatsan Tirumalai S. , Manigandan K. , Godbole Chinmay , Paramsothy Muralidharan , Gupta Manoj
Published: June 2012

The microstructure, tensile properties, cyclic stress amplitude fatigue response and final fracture behavior of a magnesium alloy, denoted as AZ31, discontinuously reinforced with nano-particulates of aluminum oxide and micron size nickel particles is presented and discussed. The tensile properties, high cycle fatigue and final fracture behavior of the discontinuously reinforced magnesium alloy are compared with the unreinforced counterpart (AZ31). The elastic modulus and yield strength of the dual particle reinforced magnesium alloy is marginally higher than of the unreinforced counterpart. However, the tensile strength of the composite is lower than the monolithic counterpart. The ductility quantified by elongation to failure over 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) gage length of the test specimen showed minimal difference while the reduction in specimen cross-section area of the composite is higher than that of the monolithic counterpart. At the microscopic level, cyclic fatigue fractures of both the composite and the monolithic alloy clearly revealed features indicative of the occurrence of locally ductile and brittle mechanisms. Over the range of maximum stress and at two different load ratios the cyclic fatigue resistance of the magnesium alloy composite is superior to the monolithic counterpart. The mechanisms responsible for improved cyclic fatigue life and resultant fracture behavior of the composite microstructure are highlighted.
Action of Chitosan Against Xanthomonas Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Euphorbia pulcherrima
Authors: Wang Yanli , Li Liping , Li Bin , Wu Guoxing , Tang Qiaomei , Ibrahim Muhammad , Li Hongye , Xie Guanlin , Sun Guochang
Published: June 2012

The antibacterial activity and mechanism of two kinds of chitosan were investigated against twelve Xanthomonas strains recovered from Euphorbia pulcherrima. Results indicated that both chitosans markedly inhibited bacterial growth based on OD loss. Furthermore, the release of DNA and RNA from three selected strains was increased by both chitosans. However, the release of intracellular proteins was inhibited by both chitosans at different concentration and incubation times, except chitosan A at 0.1 mg/mL for 0.5 h incubation and 0.2 mg/mL for 2.0 h incubation increased the release of proteins, indicating the complexity of the interaction and cell membranes, which was affected by incubation time, bacterial species, chitosan type and concentration. Transmission electron microscopic observations revealed that chitosan caused changes in protoplast concentration and surface morphology. In some cells, the membranes and walls were badly distorted and disrupted, while other cells were enveloped by a thick and compact ribbon-like layer. The contrary influence on cell morphology may explain the differential effect in the release of material. In addition, scanning electron microscope and biofilm formation test revealed that both chitosans removed biofilm biomass. Overall, this study showed that membrane and biofilm play an important role in the antibacterial mechanism of chitosan.
A Neural Networks-Based Hybrid Routing Protocol for Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Kojić Nenad , Reljin Irini , Reljin Branimir
Published: June 2012

The networking infrastructure of wireless mesh networks (WMNs) is decentralized and relatively simple, but they can display reliable functioning performance while having good redundancy. WMNs provide Internet access for fixed and mobile wireless devices. Both in urban and rural areas they provide users with high-bandwidth networks over a specific coverage area. The main problems affecting these networks are changes in network topology and link quality. In order to provide regular functioning, the routing protocol has the main influence in WMN implementations. In this paper we suggest a new routing protocol for WMN, based on good results of a proactive and reactive routing protocol, and for that reason it can be classified as a hybrid routing protocol. The proposed solution should avoid flooding and creating the new routing metric. We suggest the use of artificial logic—i.e., neural networks (NNs). This protocol is based on mobile agent technologies controlled by a Hopfield neural network. In addition to this, our new routing metric is based on multicriteria optimization in order to minimize delay and blocking probability (rejected packets or their retransmission). The routing protocol observes real network parameters and real network environments. As a result of artificial logic intelligence, the proposed routing protocol should maximize usage of network resources and optimize network performance.
Automatic Detection of Animals in Mowing Operations Using Thermal Cameras
Authors: Steen Kim Arild , Villa-Henriksen Andrés , Therkildsen Ole Roland , Green Ole
Published: June 2012

During the last decades, high-efficiency farming equipment has been developed in the agricultural sector. This has also included efficiency improvement of moving techniques, which include increased working speeds and widths. Therefore, the risk of wild animals being accidentally injured or killed during routine farming operations has increased dramatically over the years. In particular, the nests of ground nesting bird species like grey partridge (Perdix perdix) or pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) are vulnerable to farming operations in their breeding habitat, whereas in mammals, the natural instinct of e.g., leverets of brown hare (Lepus europaeus) and fawns of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) to lay low and still in the vegetation to avoid predators increase their risk of being killed or injured in farming operations. Various methods and approaches have been used to reduce wildlife mortality resulting from farming operations. However, since wildlife-friendly farming often results in lower efficiency, attempts have been made to develop automatic systems capable of detecting wild animals in the crop. Here we assessed the suitability of thermal imaging in combination with digital image processing to automatically detect a chicken (Gallus domesticus) and a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in a grassland habitat. Throughout the different test scenarios, our study animals were detected with a high precision, although the most dense grass cover reduced the detection rate. We conclude that thermal imaging and digital imaging processing may be an important tool for the improvement of wildlife-friendly farming practices in the future.
Administration of Fozivudine Tidoxil as a Single-Agent Therapeutic during Acute Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Does Not Alter Chronic Infection
Authors: Miller Michelle M. , Fogle Jonathan E.
Published: June 2012

Initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) during acute HIV infection has been correlated with decreased viral set point and improved lymphocyte function. However, the long term effects of single-agent therapy administered only during the acute stage of infection (interrupted treatment) remain largely uncharacterized. In this study we provide longitudinal data using the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) model for HIV infection. Infected cats were treated with a prophylactic single-agent therapy, Fozivudine tidoxil (FZD), for six weeks, starting one day before infection. The initial acute infection study, reported elsewhere, demonstrated a decrease in plasma- and cell-associated viremia at two weeks post-infection (PI) in FZD-treated cats as compared to placebo-treated cats. We hypothesized that this early alteration in plasma- and cell-associated viremia would alter the virus set point and ultimately affect the outcome of chronic infection. Here we provide data at one, two and three years PI for plasma- and/or cell-associated viremia, total lymphocyte counts and CD4:CD8 ratios. There was no difference in viremia or cell counts between treated and nontreated groups at all time points tested. Contrary to our hypothesis, these results suggest that treatment with a single agent anti-retroviral drug during acute lentivirus infection does not significantly alter viral load and immune function during the chronic, asymptomatic stage of infection.
Recently Published Indicators Allow for Comparison of Radiation Treatment Rates Relative to Evidence-Based Guidelines for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Rahal R. , Forte T. , Lockwood G. , Klein–Geltink J. , Bryant H.
Published: June 2012

The system performance initiative of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer is the first pan-Canadian report to offer indicators for measuring treatment practice patterns by province and for comparing practice with current guidelines [...]
Fitness to Drive in Patients with Brain Tumours: The Influence of Mandatory Reporting Legislation on Radiation Oncologists in Canada
Authors: Louie A.V. , D’Souza D.P. , Palma D.A. , Bauman G.S. , Lock M. , Fisher B. , Patil N. , Rodrigues G.B.
Published: June 2012

Certain jurisdictions in Canada legally require that physicians report unfit drivers. Physician attitudes and patterns of practice have yet to be evaluated in Canada for patients with brain tumours. We conducted a survey of 97 radiation oncologists, eliciting demographics, knowledge of reporting laws, and attitudes on reporting guidelines for unfit drivers. Eight scenarios with varying disability levels were presented to determine the likelihood of a patient being reported as unfit to drive. Statistical comparisons were made using the Fisher exact test. Of physicians approached, 99% responded, and 97 physicians participated. Most respondents (87%) felt that laws in their province governing the reporting of medically unfit drivers were unclear. Of the responding physicians, 23 (24%) were unable to correctly identify whether their province had mandatory reporting legislation. Physicians from provinces without mandatory reporting legislation were significantly less likely to consider reporting patients to provincial authorities (p = 0.001), and for all clinical scenarios, the likelihood of reporting significantly depended on the physician’s provincial legal obligations. The presence of provincial legislation is of primary importance in determining whether physicians will report brain tumour patients to drivers’ licensing authorities. In Canada, clear guidelines have to be developed to help in the assessment of whether brain tumour patients should drive.
Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference: Application of New Modalities of Staging and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Di Valentin T. , Alam Y. , Alsharm A. Ali , Arif S. , Aubin F. , Biagi J. , Booth C.M. , Bourque S. , Burkes R. , Champion P. , Colwell B. , Cripps C. , Dallaire M. , Dorreen M. , Finn N. , Frechette D. , Gallinger S. , Gapski J. , Giacomantonio C. , Gill S. , Goel R. , Goodwin R. , Grimard L. , Grothey A. , Hammad N. , Hedley D. , Jhaveri K. , Jonker D. , Ko Y. , L’Espérance M. , Maroun J. , Ostic H. , Perrin N. , Rother M. , St-Hilaire E. , Tehfe M. , Thirlwell M. , Welch S. , Yarom N. , Asmis T.
Published: June 2012

The annual Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference was held in Ottawa, Ontario, October 22–23, 2010. Health care professionals involved in the care of patients with colorectal cancer participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of colorectal cancer, such as the use of epidermal growth factor inhibitors in metastatic colon cancer, the benefit of calcium and magnesium with oxaliplatin chemotherapy, the role of microsatellites in treatment decisions for stage ii colon cancer, the staging and treatment of rectal cancer, and the management of colorectal and metastatic pancreatic cancers.
Incidence of Febrile Neutropenia during Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Prospective Study
Authors: Rayson D. , Lutes S. , Sellon M. , Colwell B. , Dorreen M. , Drucker A. , Jeyakumar A. , Snow S. , Younis T.
Published: June 2012

We read with great interest the recent article by Madernas et al [...]
FUZZY MULTIPLE CRITERIA ASSESSMENT OF CONSTRUCTION SITE ALTERNATIVES FOR NON-HAZARDOUS WASTE INCINERATION PLANT IN VILNIUS CITY, APPLYING ARAS-F AND AHP METHODS / STATYBVITĖS PARINKIMO NEPAVOJINGŲ ATLIEKŲ DEGINIMO ĮMONEI VILNIUJE VARIANTŲ VERTINIMAS AHP IR ARAS-F METODAIS
Authors: Turskis Zenonas , Lazauskas Marius , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras
Published: June 2012

Continuous increase in electricity and heat prices for citizens necessitates new alternative solutions regarding rational application of existing resources, in order to minimize electric energy production costs. The article presents the description of waste incineration plant siting issue, related to satisfaction of requirements formulated by investors, citizens, contractors and other concerned parties. As the siting process represents fulfilment of the above-stated stakeholder requirements, the multiple criteria task is defined. Seven local assessments of alternative sites located in densely populated urban and industrial development areas have been evaluated. The results of calculations show that the above industrial equipment units cover economic, social and environmental aspects. It was found that the most appropriate place for construction of waste incineration plants is the Paneriai industrial area. Densely populated urban districts can be referred to as the most improper location for waste incineration. The best results can be gained applying complex AHP and ARAS-F methods. Santrauka Nuolat didėjančios gyventojų vartojamos elektros ir šilumos energijos kainos verčia ieškoti alternatyvių sprendimų racionaliau naudoti turimus išteklius – mažinti energijos gamybos išlaidas. Nagrinėjama statybvietės būsimai atliekų deginimo įmonei parinkimo problema. Jos sprendimas susijęs su investuotojų, gyventojų, rangovų ir kitų suinteresuotųjų grupių poreikiais. Parenkant vietą siekiama atsižvelgti į šių grupių pageidavimus, todėl formuluojamas daugiakriteris uždavinys. Vertinamos septynios tam parinktų vietų miesto pramonės plėtros ir tankiai gyvenamose teritorijose alternatyvos. Skaičiavimų rezultatai rodo, kad tokio tipo pramonės objektų kūrimas susijęs su ekonominiais, socialiniais ir aplinkosaugos veiksniais. Nustatyta, kad tinkamiausia vieta atliekų deginimo įmonei statyti yra Panerių pramoninis rajonas. Netinkamiausia atliekoms deginti vieta yra tankiai apgyventi miesto mikrorajonai. Geriausio rezultato paieškai taikomas kompleksinis sprendimas AHP ir ARAS-F metodais.
DETERMINATION OF ORGANIC MATTER BY UV ABSORPTION IN THE GROUND WATER / ORGANINIŲ MEDŽIAGŲ POŽEMINIAME VANDENYJE NUSTATYMAS TAIKANT UV BANGŲ ABSORBCIJĄ
Authors: Albrektienė Ramunė , Rimeika Mindaugas , Zalieckienė Elena , Šaulys Valentinas , Zagorskis Alvydas
Published: June 2012

Organic matter in drinking water is determined by applying indirect determination methods used for quantitative measurements such as total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). These analyses require expensive devices, harmful chemical reagents, and are time consuming. Standard water quality tests are inconvenient during start-up or reconstruction of drinking water treatment plants as samples need to be transported to a laboratory and no on-line measurements on plant performing efficiency are available. For practical purposes, less sophisticated and faster methods to determine organic matter are required. One of the methods could be ultraviolet absorption of water at 254 nm wavelength (UV254). It is a technically simple and fast method for determining natural organic matter, requiring neither expensive measurement equipment nor chemical reagents. The present article aims at investigating the possibilities of practical applications of UV254 method to determine the concentration of natural organic matter in ground water. The research proved good correlation between TOC and UV254, as well as between CODMn and UV254. The outcomes of the research indicate that UV254method can be successfully applied to determine natural organic matter concentrations in ground water. Santrauka Organinės medžiagos požeminiame vandenyje nustatomos netiesioginiais kiekybiniais bendrosios organinės anglies (BOA), cheminio deguonies suvartojimo (ChDSMn) ir biocheminio deguonies suvartojimo (BDS) metodais. Šioms analitėms nustatyti būtini brangūs prietaisai, kenksmingi cheminiai reagentai, tyrimai ilgai trunka. Diegiant naujus geriamojo vandens gerinimo įrenginius ir atliekant įrenginių paleidimo, derinimo bei eksploatavimo proceso efektyvumo vertinimą, minėtuosius geriamojo vandens tyrimus nepatogu ir brangu atlikti, todėl šiais atvejais reikia paprastesnio ir greitesnio organinių medžiagų nustatymo metodo. 254 nm bangos ilgio (UV254) ultravioletinių spindulių absorbcija yra techniškai paprastas, spartus organinių junginių koncentracijų nustatymo metodas, jį taikant nebūtina brangi tyrimų įranga bei cheminiai reagentai. Šio darbo tikslas buvo ištirti UV254 metodo tinkamumą organinių junginių koncentracijoms nustatyti požeminiame vandenyje. Atlikus tyrimus apibrėžtos priklausomybės tarp BOA ir UV254 bei tarp ChDSMn ir UV254. Remiantis tyrimų rezultatais galima teigti, kad ultravioletinių spindulių absorbcijos metodas gali būti sėkmingai taikomas organinių junginių koncentracijoms požeminiame vandenyje nustatyti.
Effect of Oseltamivir, Zanamivir or Oseltamivir– Zanamivir Combination Treatments on Transmission of Influenza in Households
Authors: Carrat Fabrice , Duval Xavier , Tubach Florence , Mosnier Anne , Van der Werf Sylvie , Tibi Annick , Blanchon Thierry , Leport Catherine , Flahault Antoine , Mentré France ,   the BIVIR study group
Published: June 2012

Background

The effectiveness of neuraminidase inhibitors to reduce transmission when used as treatment in influenza-infected patients remains debated.

Methods

In a prespecified analysis of a blinded randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of oseltamivir– zanamivir combination therapy versus oseltamivir and zanamivir monotherapy conducted during the 2008– 2009 seasonal influenza epidemic, we compared the rate of secondary illness in household contacts of influenza-positive index patients between arms. Secondary illness was defined as occurrence in contacts of fever plus cough within 7 days from randomization of index patients. Analyses were conducted according to the delay between patients’ onset of symptoms and intervention.

Results

A total of 543 household contacts of 267 index patients were included, of which 466 had follow-up assessment. A secondary illness was reported in 58 (12.5%) contacts with no significant difference between arms overall ( P=0.07). When the analysis was limited to the 232 contacts of 136 index patients with first treatment intake within 24 h of onset of symptoms, a lower rate of secondary illness was reported in the combination therapy arm (2 of 56 [4%]) than in the oseltamivir arm (14 of 81 [17%]; P=0.014) and the zanamivir arm (14 of 95 [15%]; P=0.031). Multivariate analysis accounting for intra-household correlation confirmed these findings.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests a greater effectiveness of the combination therapy to reduce transmissibility when given to the index patient within 24 h of onset of symptoms. As the finding was obtained from a subgroup analysis, it should be interpreted with caution.
A Simple Method for In Situ Monitoring of Water Temperature in Substrates Used by Spawning Salmonids
Authors: Zimmerman Christian E. , Finn James E.
Published: June 2012

Interstitial water temperature within spawning habitats of salmonids may differ from surface-water temperature depending on intragravel flow paths, geomorphic setting, or presence of groundwater. Because survival and developmental timing of salmon are partly controlled by temperature, monitoring temperature within gravels used by spawning salmonids is required to adequately describe the environment experienced by incubating eggs and embryos. Here we describe a simple method of deploying electronic data loggers within gravel substrates with minimal alteration of the natural gravel structure and composition. Using data collected in spawning sites used by summer and fall chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta from two streams within the Yukon River watershed, we compare contrasting thermal regimes to demonstrate the utility of this method.
Autoreactive Preplasma Cells Break Tolerance in the Absence of Regulation by Dendritic Cells and Macrophages
Authors: Gilbert Mileka R. , Wagner Nikki J. , Jones Shannon Z. , Wisz Amanda B. , Roques Jose R. , Krum Kristen N. , Lee Sang-Ryul , Nickeleit Volker , Hulbert Chrys , Thomas James W. , Gauld Stephen B. , Vilen Barbara J.
Published: June 2012

The ability to induce Ab responses to pathogens while maintaining the quiescence of autoreactive cells is an important aspect of immune tolerance. During activation of TLR4, dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (MFs) repress autoantibody production through their secretion of IL-6 and soluble CD40L (sCD40L). These soluble mediators selectively repress B cells chronically exposed to Ag, but not naive cells, suggesting a means to maintain tolerance during TLR4 stimulation, yet allow immunity. In this study, we identify TNF-α as a third repressive factor, which together with IL-6 and CD40L account for nearly all the repression conferred by DCs and MFs. Similar to IL-6 and sCD40L, TNF-α did not alter B cell proliferation or survival. Instead, it reduced the number of Ab-secreting cells. To address whether the soluble mediators secreted by DCs and MFs functioned in vivo, we generated mice lacking IL-6, CD40L, and TNF-α. Compared to wild-type mice, these mice showed prolonged anti-nuclear Ab responses following TLR4 stimulation. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of autoreactive B cells into chimeric IL-6−/− × CD40L−/− × TNF-α−/− mice showed that preplasma cells secreted autoantibodies independent of germinal center formation or extrafollicular foci. These data indicate that in the absence of genetic predisposition to autoimmunity, loss of endogenous IL-6, CD40L, and TNF-α promotes autoantibody secretion during TLR4 stimulation.
Toso, a Functional IgM Receptor, Is Regulated by IL-2 in T and NK Cells
Authors: Murakami Yousuke , Narayanan Sriram , Su Su , Childs Richard , Krzewski Konrad , Borrego Francisco , Weck Jennifer , Coligan John E.
Published: June 2012

We find that the cell surface receptor Toso is dramatically downregulated by in vitro stimulation of human T and NK cells with IL-2 in a STAT5-dependent manner. The fact that IL-2 is known to prime NK and T cells for Fas/TNF-mediated activation-induced cell death (AICD) fits nicely with the original and recent descriptions of Toso as an inhibitor of Fas/TNF-induced apoptosis. In support of this possibility, effector memory T cells express markedly lower levels of Toso than those of naive T cells, indicating that activation in vivo correlates with the downregulation of Toso. Moreover, in vitro activation of memory T cells through TCR dramatically downregulates Toso expression compared with that of naive CD4 T cells. However, overexpression of Toso in human NK cells and Jurkat T cells does not inhibit Fas-mediated apoptosis, and, in agreement with other recent reports, Toso clearly functions as an IgM receptor. Unlike CD16, Toso expression by NK cells does not convey cytotoxic potential, but its ligation does trigger intracellular signaling in NK cells. In summary, our data indicate that Toso is a functional IgM receptor that is capable of activating signaling molecules, is regulated by IL-2, and is not inherently an antiapoptotic molecule.
Caspofungin for the Treatment of Immunocompromised and Severely III Children and Neonates with Invasive Fungal Infections
Authors: Wiederhold Nathan P. , Herrera Lydia A.
Published: June 2012

Caspofungin is the first member of the echinocandin class of antifungals to receive an indication for the use in infants, children, and adolescents from the United States Food and Drug Administration. Daily doses of 50 mg/m2 result in pharmacokinetic parameters that are similar to those observed in adults. Although fewer data are available, the response rates in pediatric patients who received caspofungin either as treatment or empiric therapy in clinical trials are similar to those reported in adults. In addition, caspofungin appears to be generally safe and well tolerated in this population. This represents a significant step forward in the treatment of invasive fungal infections within this population, as caspofungin is associated with few clinically significant drug-interactions and toxicities compared to other antifungals, such as the azoles and amphotericin B.
Influence of medium range transport of particles from nucleation burst on particle number concentration within the urban airshed
Authors: Cheung H. C. , Morawska L. , Ristovski Z. D. , Wainwright D.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. An elevated particle number concentration (PNC) observed during nucleation events could play a significant contribution to the total particle load and therefore to the air pollution in the urban environments. Therefore, a field measurement study of PNC was commenced to investigate the temporal and spatial variations of PNC within the urban airshed of Brisbane, Australia. PNC was monitored at urban (QUT), roadside (WOO) and semi-urban (ROC) areas around the Brisbane region during 2009. During the morning traffic peak period, the highest relative fraction of PNC reached about 5% at QUT and WOO on weekdays. PNC peaks were observed around noon, which correlated with the highest solar radiation levels at all three stations, thus suggesting that high PNC levels were likely to be associated with new particle formation caused by photochemical reactions. Wind rose plots showed relatively higher PNC for the NE direction, which was associated with industrial pollution, accounting for 12%, 9% and 14% of overall PNC at QUT, WOO and ROC, respectively. Although there was no significant correlation between PNC at each station, the variation of PNC was well correlated among three stations during regional nucleation events. In addition, PNC at ROC was significantly influenced by upwind urban pollution during the nucleation burst events, with the average enrichment factor of 15.4. This study provides an insight into the influence of regional nucleation events on PNC in the Brisbane region and it the first study to quantify the effect of urban pollution on semi-urban PNC through the nucleation events.
Vertical particle concentration profiles around urban office buildings
Authors: Quang T. N. , He C. , Morawska L. , Knibbs L. D. , Falk M.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Despite its role in determining both indoor and outdoor human exposure to anthropogenic particles, there is limited information describing vertical profiles of particle concentrations in urban environments, especially for ultrafine particles. Furthermore, the results of the few studies performed have been inconsistent. As such, this study aimed to assess the influence of vehicle emissions and nucleation formation on particle characteristics (particle number size distribution – PNSD and PM2.5 concentration) at different heights around three urban office buildings located next to busy roads in Brisbane, Australia, and place these results in the broader context of the existing literature. Two sets of instruments were used to simultaneously measure PNSD, particle number (PN) and PM2.5 concentrations, respectively, for up to three weeks at each building. The results showed that both PNSD and PM2.5 concentration around building envelopes were influenced by vehicle emissions and new particle formation, and that they exhibited variability across the three different office buildings. During nucleation events, PN concentration in size range of <30 nm and total PN concentration increased (7–65% and 5–46%, respectively), while PM2.5 concentration decreased (36–52%) with height. This study has shown an under acknowledged role for nucleation in producing particles that can affect large numbers of people, due to the high density and occupancy of urban office buildings and the fact that the vast majority of people's time is spent indoors. These findings highlight important new information related to the previously overlooked role of particle formation in the urban atmosphere and its potential effects on selection of air intake locations and appropriate filter types when designing or upgrading mechanical ventilation systems in urban office buildings. The results also serve to better define particle behaviour and variability around building envelopes, which has implications for studies of both human exposure and particle dynamics.
Model uncertainties affecting satellite-based inverse modeling of nitrogen oxides emissions and implications for surface ozone simulation
Authors: Lin J.-T. , Liu Z. , Zhang Q. , Liu H. , Mao J. , Zhuang G.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Errors in chemical transport models (CTMs) interpreting the relation between space-retrieved tropospheric column densities of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) have important consequences on the inverse modeling. They are however difficult to quantify due to lack of adequate in situ measurements, particularly over China and other developing countries. This study proposes an alternate approach for model evaluation over East China, by analyzing the sensitivity of modeled NO2 columns to errors in meteorological and chemical parameters/processes important to the nitrogen abundance. As a demonstration, it evaluates the nested version of GEOS-Chem driven by the GEOS-5 meteorology and the INTEX-B anthropogenic emissions and used with retrievals from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) to constrain emissions of NOx. The CTM has been used extensively for such applications. Errors are examined for a comprehensive set of meteorological and chemical parameters using measurements and/or uncertainty analysis based on current knowledge. Results are exploited then for sensitivity simulations perturbing the respective parameters, as the basis of the following post-model linearized and localized first-order modification. It is found that the model meteorology likely contains errors of various magnitudes in cloud optical depth, air temperature, water vapor, boundary layer height and many other parameters. Model errors also exist in gaseous and heterogeneous reactions, aerosol optical properties and emissions of non-nitrogen species affecting the nitrogen chemistry. Modifications accounting for quantified errors in 10 selected parameters increase the NO2 columns in most areas with an average positive impact of 22% in July and 10% in January. This suggests a possible systematic model bias such that the top-down emissions will be overestimated by the same magnitudes if the model is used for emission inversion without corrections. The modifications however cannot account for the large model underestimates in cities and other extremely polluted areas (particularly in the north) as compared to satellite retrievals, likely pointing to underestimates of the a priori emission inventory in these places with important implications for understanding of atmospheric chemistry and air quality. Post-model modifications also have large impacts on surface ozone concentrations with the peak values in July over North China decreasing by about 15 ppb. Individually, modification for the uptake of the hydroperoxyl radical on aerosols has the largest impact for both NO2 and ozone, followed by various other parameters important for some species in some seasons. Note that these modifications are simplified and should be used with caution for error apportionment.
Ship impacts on the marine atmosphere: insights into the contribution of shipping emissions to the properties of marine aerosol and clouds
Authors: Coggon M. M. , Sorooshian A. , Wang Z. , Metcalf A. R. , Frossard A. A. , Lin J. J. , Craven J. S. , Nenes A. , Jonsson H. H. , Russell L. M. , Flagan R. C. , Seinfeld J. H.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. We report properties of marine aerosol and clouds measured in the shipping lanes between Monterey Bay and San Francisco off the coast of Central California. Using a suite of aerosol instrumentation onboard the CIRPAS Twin Otter aircraft, these measurements represent a unique set of data contrasting the properties of clean and ship-impacted marine air masses in dry aerosol and cloud droplet residuals. Average mass and number concentrations of below-cloud aerosol of 2 μg m−3 and 510 cm−3 are consistent with previous studies performed off the coast of California. Enhancement of vanadium and cloud droplet number concentration observed concurrently with a decrease in cloud water pH suggests that periods of high aerosol loading are primarily linked to increased ship influence. Mass spectra from a compact time-of-flight Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer reveal an enhancement in the fraction of organic at m/z 42 (f42) and 99 (f99) in ship-impacted clouds. These ions are well correlated to each other (R2 > 0.64) both in and out of cloud and dominate organic mass during periods of enhanced sulfate. High-resolution mass spectral analysis of these masses from ship measurements suggests that the ions responsible for this variation were oxidized, possibly due to cloud processing. We propose that the organic fractions of these ions be used as a metric for determining the extent to which ships impact the marine atmosphere where (f42 > 0.15; f99 > 0.04) would imply heavy influence from shipping emissions, (0.05 < f42 < 0.15; 0.01 < f99 < 0.04) would imply moderate, but persistent, influences from ships, and (f42 < 0.05; f99 < 0.01) would imply clean, non-ship-influenced air.
Interaction between hydrocarbon seepage, chemosynthetic communities, and bottom water redox at cold seeps of the Makran accretionary prism: insights from habitat-specific pore water sampling and modeling
Authors: Fischer D. , Sahling H. , Nöthen K. , Bohrmann G. , Zabel M. , Kasten S.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The interaction between fluid seepage, bottom water redox, and chemosynthetic communities was studied at cold seeps across one of the world's largest oxygen minimum zones (OMZ) located at the Makran convergent continental margin. Push cores were obtained from seeps within and below the core-OMZ with a remotely operated vehicle. Extracted sediment pore water was analyzed for sulfide and sulfate concentrations. Depending on oxygen availability in the bottom water, seeps were either colonized by microbial mats or by mats and macrofauna. The latter, including ampharetid polychaetes and vesicomyid clams, occurred in distinct benthic habitats, which were arranged in a concentric fashion around gas orifices. At most sites colonized by microbial mats, hydrogen sulfide was exported into the bottom water. Where macrofauna was widely abundant, hydrogen sulfide was retained within the sediment. Numerical modeling of pore water profiles was performed in order to assess rates of fluid advection and bioirrigation. While the magnitude of upward fluid flow decreased from 11 cm yr−1 to <1 cm yr−1 and the sulfate/methane transition (SMT) deepened with increasing distance from the central gas orifice, the fluxes of sulfate into the SMT did not significantly differ (6.6–9.3 mol m−2 yr−1). Depth-integrated rates of bioirrigation increased from 120 cm yr−1 in the central habitat, characterized by microbial mats and sparse macrofauna, to 297 cm yr−1 in the habitat of large and few small vesicomyid clams. These results reveal that chemosynthetic macrofauna inhabiting the outer seep habitats below the core-OMZ efficiently bioirrigate and thus transport sulfate down into the upper 10 to 15 cm of the sediment. In this way the animals deal with the lower upward flux of methane in outer habitats by stimulating rates of anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) with sulfate high enough to provide hydrogen sulfide for chemosynthesis. Through bioirrigation, macrofauna engineer their geochemical environment and fuel upward sulfide flux via AOM. Furthermore, due to the introduction of oxygenated bottom water into the sediment via bioirrigation, the depth of the sulfide sink gradually deepens towards outer habitats. We therefore suggest that – in addition to the oxygen levels in the water column, which determine whether macrofaunal communities can develop or not – it is the depth of the SMT and thus of sulfide production that determines which chemosynthetic communities are able to exploit the sulfide at depth. We hypothesize that large vesicomyid clams, by efficiently expanding the sulfate zone down into the sediment, could cut off smaller or less mobile organisms, as e.g. small clams and sulfur bacteria, from the sulfide source.
Snowpack concentrations and estimated fluxes of volatile organic compounds in a boreal forest
Authors: Aaltonen H. , Pumpanen J. , Hakola H. , Vesala T. , Rasmus S. , Bäck J.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Soil provides an important source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to atmosphere, but in boreal forests these fluxes and their seasonal variations have not been characterized in detail. Especially wintertime fluxes are almost completely unstudied. In this study, we measured the VOC concentrations inside the snowpack in a boreal Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forest in southern Finland, using adsorbent tubes and air samplers installed permanently in the snow profile. Based on the VOC concentrations at three heights inside the snowpack, we estimated the fluxes of these gases. We measured 20 VOCs from the snowpack, monoterpenes being the most abundant group with concentrations varying from 0.11 to 16 μg m−3. Sesquiterpenes and oxygen-containing monoterpenes were also detected. Inside the pristine snowpack, the concentrations of terpenoids decreased from soil surface towards the surface of the snow, suggesting soil as the source for terpenoids. Forest damages (i.e. broken treetops and branches, fallen trees) resulting from heavy snow loading during the measurement period increased the terpenoid concentrations dramatically, especially in the upper part of the snowpack. The results show that soil processes are active and efficient VOC sources also during winter, and that natural or human disturbance can increase forest floor VOC concentrations substantially. Our results stress the importance of soil as a source of VOCs during the season when other biological sources, such as plants, have lower activity.
Cascading climate effects and related ecological consequences during past centuries
Authors: Naef-Daenzer B. , Luterbacher J. , Nuber M. , Rutishauser T. , Winkel W.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The interface between climate and ecosystem structure and function is incompletely understood, partly because few ecological records start before the recent warming phase. Here, we analyse an exceptional 100-yr long record of the great tit (Parus major) population in Switzerland in relation to climate and habitat phenology. Using path analysis, we demonstrate an uninterrupted cascade of significant influences of the large-scale atmospheric circulation (North-Atlantic Oscillation, NAO, and North-sea – Caspian Pattern, NCP) on habitat and breeding phenology, and further on fitness-relevant life history traits within animal populations. We then apply the relationships of this analysis to reconstruct the circulation-driven component of fluctuations in great tit breeding phenology and population dynamics on the basis of new seasonal NAO and NCP indices back to 1500 AD. According to the path model, the multi-decadal oscillation of the atmospheric circulation likely led to substantial variation in habitat phenology, and consequently, tit population minima during the "Maunder Minimum" (1650–1720) and the Little Ice Age Type Event I (1810–1850). The warming since 1975 was not only related with a quick shift towards earlier breeding, but also with the highest productivity since 1500, and thus, an unprecedented increase of the population. A verification of the structural equation model against two independent data series corroborates that the retrospective model reliably depicts the major long-term NAO/NCP impact on ecosystem parameters. The results suggest a complex cascade of climate effects beginning at a global scale and ending at the level of individual life histories. This sheds light on how large scale climate conditions substantially affect major life-history parameters within a population, and thus influence key ecosystem parameters at the scale of centuries.
INTEGRATING SCALE AND SPACE IN 3D CITY MODELS
Authors: Stoter J. , Ledoux H. , Meijers M. , Arroyo Ohori K.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. This paper presents the problem of the current separate treatment of levels of detail in city models. We propose a solution, detail the main principles, and present our initial results on the approach. We conclude with work in progress and explain the benefits of our approach.
Influence of a single lightning on the intensity of an air electric field and acoustic emission of near surface rocks
Authors: Smirnov S. E. , Marapulets Y. V.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The effect of a single lightning discharge on electric field intensity in the near ground atmosphere was investigated. The effect appeared as a sharp fall of electric field potential gradient from 80 V m−1 up to −21 V m−1. The process of intensity recovery is described by flat capacitor model with characteristic time of recovery of 17 c. Simultaneously with electric field, the acoustic emission response in the near surface rocks on lightning discharge was registered in the frequency range of 6.5–11 kHz.
Nature of orogenesis and volcanism in the Caucasus region based on results of regional tomography
Authors: Koulakov I. , Zabelina I. , Amanatashvili I. , Meskhia V.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. In the paper we discuss the problem of continental collision and related volcanism in the Caucasus and surrounding areas based on analysis of the upper mantle seismic structure in a recently derived model by Koulakov (2011). This model, which includes P- and S-velocity anomalies down to 1000 km depth, was obtained from tomographic inversion of worldwide travel time data from the catalogue of the International Seismological Center. It can be seen that the Caucasus region is squeezed between two continental plates, Arabian to the south and European to the north, which are displayed in the tomographic model as high-velocity bodies down to about 200–250 km depth. On the contrary, a very bright low-velocity anomaly beneath the collision area implies that the lithosphere in this zone is very thin, which is also supported by strong deformations indicating weak properties of the lithosphere. In the contact between stable continental and collision zones we observe a rather complex alternation of seismic anomalies having the shapes of sinking drops. We propose that the convergence process causes crustal thickening and transformation of the lower crust material into the dense eclogite. When achieving a critical mass, the dense eclogitic drops trigger detachment of the mantle lithosphere and its delamination. The observed high-velocity bodies in the upper mantle may indicate the parts of the descending mantle lithosphere which were detached from the edges of the continental lithosphere plates. Very thin or even absent mantle part of the lithosphere leads to the presence of hot asthenosphere just below the crust. The crustal shortening and eclogitization of the lower crustal layer leads to the dominantly felsic composition of the crust which is favorable for the upward heat transport from the mantle. This, and also the factor of frictional heating, may cause to the origin of volcanic centers in the Caucasus and surrounding collisional areas.