bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of two safe Enterococcus strains producing enterocins isolated from Egyptian dairy products
Authors: El-Ghaish S. , Hadji-Sfaxi I. , Ahmadova A. , Choiset Y. , Rabesona H. , Sitohy M. , Haertlé T. , Chobert J.
Published: March 2011

Five bacterial cocci isolates were selected from a wide pool of 503 isolates collected from traditional Egyptian dairy
products on the basis of their inhibitory activities against Lactobacillus brevis F145, Lactobacillus bulgaricus 340,
Enterococcus faecium HKLHS, Listeria ivanovii ATCC, Listeria innocua CIP 80.11 and Listeria monocytogenes EGDe
107776. These 5 isolates were identified as E. faecium TX1330 and E. faecium E980 by 16S rDNA amplification
and sequencing. The antibacterial activity of the two strains was not affected by treatment of the cell free culture
supernatant with catalase but their activities disappeared completely when digested with protease K, α-chymotrypsin
and trypsin. The antimicrobial substance was stable over a wide range of pH (2-10) and was active after heating at
100 °C for 10 min. Bacteriocin yield in two strains reached a maximum (1,600 AU/ml) at the end of the exponential
phase (6 h) and remained stable until the end of 24 h-incubation period when the medium reached pH 5.5. Maximal
production of bacteriocin was obtained when growing the bacterial cells at temperatures ranging between 30 and
37 °C. Bacteriocin production was unaffected when the bacterial cells grew under severe conditions of pH (9.6) and
in high salt (6.5% NaCl). Thanks to PCR gene amplification the bacteriocins produced by E. faecium TX1330 could
be identified as enterocins A and B structural genes, while the bacteriocins produced by E. faecium E980 could be
identified as enterocins P and L50A structural genes, which can be classified into two enterocin subclasses (IIa and
IIc), respectively. PCR amplification demonstrated that the two studied strains did not contain virulence factors
asal, cyl A and B, ace, efaAfs and espfm. These two strains were sensitive to most of the tested antibiotics but were
resistant to tetracycline. E. faecium E980 was also resistant to chloramphenicol.
Impairment of Regulatory Capacity of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells Mediated by Dendritic Cell Polarization and Hyperthyroidism in Graves’ Disease
Authors: Mao Chaoming , Wang Shu , Xiao Yichuan , Xu Jingwei , Jiang Qian , Jin Min , Jiang Xiaohua , Guo Hua , Ning Guang , Zhang Yanyun
Published: March 2011

Graves’ disease (GD) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. The immune dysfunction in GD involves the generation of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) autoantibodies that presumably arise consequent to interactions among dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells. However, the immunological mechanisms of interactions between them that lead to the induction and regulation of this autoimmune disease are poorly defined. In this study, we investigated whether DCs are the main cause of the defective activity of Treg cells in GD patients. We found a significant decrease in the percentage of circulating CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg cells in untreated GD patients (uGD), which was negatively correlated with the concentration of TSHR autoantibodies. uGD-derived DCs were polarized to increase the number of plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and conferred the ability to abrogate the suppressive function of Treg cells through inducing apoptosis of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells in an IFN-α–dependent manner, and elevated thyroid hormones further exacerbated the effect. The nucleotide UDP, which inhibits IFN-α secretion of pDCs through P2Y6 receptor signaling, restored the suppressive function of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells. Collectively, uGD-derived DCs through pDC polarization and elevated thyroid hormones act in concert to impair the regulatory capacity of Treg cells, facilitating the production of TSHR autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of GD.
Decreased Leukocyte Accumulation and Delayed Bordetella pertussis Clearance in IL-6−/− Mice
Authors: Zhang Xuqing , Goel Tania , Goodfield Laura L. , Muse Sarah J. , Harvill Eric T.
Published: March 2011

IL-6, a pleiotropic cytokine primarily produced by the innate immune system, has been implicated in the development of acquired immune responses, though its roles are largely undefined and may vary in the context of different diseases. Using a murine model of infection, we established that IL-6 influences the adaptive immune responses against the endemic human respiratory pathogen Bordetella pertussis. IL-6 was induced in the lungs of C57BL/6 mice by B. pertussis. IL-6−/− mice showed a protracted infectious course and were less efficiently protected by B. pertussis vaccination than wild-type mice. Abs from IL-6−/− mice, though lower in titer, efficiently reduced B. pertussis numbers in IL-6–sufficient mice. Pulmonary leukocyte recruitment and splenic or pulmonary T cell cytokine responses to B. pertussis, including Th1 and Th17 cytokine production, were lower in IL-6−/− mice than in wild-type mice. Adoptive transfer of immune wild-type CD4+ cells ameliorated the defect of IL-6−/− mice in the control of B. pertussis numbers. Together, these results reveal the dysregulation of multiple aspects of adaptive immune responses in B. pertussis-infected IL-6−/− mice and suggest that IL-6 is involved in regulating Ab generation, pulmonary leukocyte accumulation, and T cell cytokine production in response to B. pertussis as well as the generation of effective vaccine-induced immunity against this pathogen.
Mechanism of Endosomal TLR Inhibition by Antimalarial Drugs and Imidazoquinolines
Authors: Kužnik Alenka , Benčina Mojca , Švajger Urban , Jeras Matjaž , Rozman Blaž , Jerala Roman
Published: March 2011

Endosomal TLRs play an important role in innate immune response as well as in autoimmune processes. In the therapy of systemic lupus erythematosus, antimalarial drugs chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and quinacrine have been used for a long time. Their suppression of endosomal TLR activation has been attributed to the inhibition of endosomal acidification, which is a prerequisite for the activation of these receptors. We discovered that chloroquine inhibits only activation of endosomal TLRs by nucleic acids, whereas it augments activation of TLR8 by a small synthetic compound, R848. We detected direct binding of antimalarials to nucleic acids by spectroscopic experiments and determined their cellular colocalization. Further analysis revealed that other nucleic acid-binding compounds, such as propidium iodide, also inhibited activation of endosomal TLRs and colocalized with nucleic acids to endosomes. We found that imidazoquinolines, which are TLR7/8 agonists, inhibit TLR9 and TLR3 even in the absence of TLR7 or TLR8, and their mechanism of inhibition is similar to the antimalarials. In contrast to bafilomycin, none of the tested antimalarials and imidazoquinolines inhibited endosomal proteolysis or increased the endosomal pH, confirming that inhibition of pH acidification is not the underlying cause of inhibition. We conclude that the direct binding of inhibitors to nucleic acids mask their TLR-binding epitope and may explain the efficiency of those compounds in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Anergic Responses Characterize a Large Fraction of Human Autoreactive Naive B Cells Expressing Low Levels of Surface IgM
Authors: Quách Tâm D. , Manjarrez-Orduño Nataly , Adlowitz Diana G. , Silver Lin , Yang Hongmei , Wei Chungwen , Milner Eric C. B. , Sanz Iñaki
Published: March 2011

B cell anergy represents an important mechanism of peripheral immunological tolerance for mature autoreactive B cells that escape central tolerance enforced by receptor editing and clonal deletion. Although well documented in mice, the extent of its participation in human B cell tolerance remains to be fully established. In this study, we characterize the functional behavior of strictly defined human naive B cells separated on the basis of their surface IgM (sIgM) expression levels. We demonstrate that cells with lower sIgM levels (IgMlo) are impaired in their ability to flux calcium in response to either anti-IgM or anti-IgD cross-linking and contain a significantly increased frequency of autoreactive cells compared with naive B cells with higher levels of sIgM. Phenotypically, in healthy subjects, IgMlo cells are characterized by the absence of activation markers, reduction of costimulatory molecules (CD19 and CD21), and increased levels of inhibitory CD22. Functionally, IgMlo cells display significantly weaker proliferation, impaired differentiation, and poor Ab production. In aggregate, the data indicate that hyporesponsiveness to BCR cross-linking associated with sIgM downregulation is present in a much larger fraction of all human naive B cells than previously reported and is likely to reflect a state of anergy induced by chronic autoantigen stimulation. Finally, our results indicate that in systemic lupus erythematosus patients, naive IgMlo cells display increased levels of CD95 and decreased levels of CD22, a phenotype consistent with enhanced activation of autoreactive naive B cells in this autoimmune disease.
Hematopoietic Lineage Cell-Specific Protein 1 Functions in Concert with the Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome Protein To Promote Podosome Array Organization and Chemotaxis in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Klos Dehring Deborah A. , Clarke Fiona , Ricart Brendon G. , Huang Yanping , Gomez Timothy S. , Williamson Edward K. , Hammer Daniel A. , Billadeau Daniel D. , Argon Yair , Burkhardt Janis K.
Published: March 2011

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional APCs that reside in peripheral tissues and survey the body for pathogens. Upon activation by inflammatory signals, DCs undergo a maturation process and migrate to lymphoid organs, where they present pathogen-derived Ags to T cells. DC migration depends on tight regulation of the actin cytoskeleton to permit rapid adaptation to environmental cues. We investigated the role of hematopoietic lineage cell-specific protein 1 (HS1), the hematopoietic homolog of cortactin, in regulating the actin cytoskeleton of murine DCs. HS1 localized to lamellipodial protrusions and podosomes, actin-rich structures associated with adhesion and migration. DCs from HS1−/− mice showed aberrant lamellipodial dynamics. Moreover, although these cells formed recognizable podosomes, their podosome arrays were loosely packed and improperly localized within the cell. HS1 interacts with Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp), another key actin-regulatory protein, through mutual binding to WASp-interacting protein. Comparative analysis of DCs deficient for HS1, WASp or both proteins revealed unique roles for these proteins in regulating podosomes with WASp being essential for podosome formation and with HS1 ensuring efficient array organization. WASp recruitment to podosome cores was independent of HS1, whereas HS1 recruitment required Src homology 3 domain-dependent interactions with the WASp/WASp-interacting protein heterodimer. In migration assays, the phenotypes of HS1- and WASp-deficient DCs were related, but distinct. WASp−/y DCs migrating in a chemokine gradient showed a large decrease in velocity and diminished directional persistence. In contrast, HS1−/− DCs migrated faster than wild-type cells, but directional persistence was significantly reduced. These studies show that HS1 functions in concert with WASp to fine-tune DC cytoarchitecture and direct cell migration.
Evidence for an Anti-Inflammatory Loop Centered on Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Formyl Peptide Receptor 2/Lipoxin A4 Receptor and Operative in the Inflamed Microvasculature
Authors: Brancaleone Vincenzo , Dalli Jesmond , Bena Stefania , Flower Roderick J. , Cirino Giuseppe , Perretti Mauro
Published: March 2011

The importance of proresolving mediators in the overall context of the resolution of acute inflammation is well recognized, although little is known about whether these anti-inflammatory and proresolving molecules act in concert. In this article, we focused on lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and annexin A1 (AnxA1) because these two very different mediators converge on a single receptor, formyl peptide receptor type 2 (FPR2/ALX). Addition of LXA4 to human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) provoked a concentration- and time-dependent mobilization of AnxA1 onto the plasma membrane, as determined by Western blotting and flow cytometry analyses. This property was shared by another FPR2/ALX agonist, antiflammin-2, and partly by fMLF or peptide Ac2-26 (an AnxA1 derivative that can activate all three members of the human FPR family). An FPR2/ALX antagonist blocked AnxA1 mobilization activated by LXA4 and antiflammin-2. Analysis of PMN degranulation patterns and phospho-AnxA1 status suggested a model in which the two FPR2/ALX agonists mobilize the cytosolic (and not the granular) pool of AnxA1 through an intermediate phosphorylation step. Intravital microscopy investigations of the inflamed mesenteric microvasculature of wild-type and AnxA1−/− mice revealed that LXA4 provoked leukocyte detachment from the postcapillary venule endothelium in the former (>50% within 10 min; p < 0.05), but not the latter genotype (∼15%; NS). Furthermore, recruitment of Gr1+ cells into dorsal air-pouches, inflamed with IL-1β, was significantly attenuated by LXA4 in wild-type, but not AnxA1−/−, mice. Collectively, these data prompt us to propose the existence of an endogenous network in anti-inflammation centered on PMN AnxA1 and activated by selective FPR2/ALX agonists.
A Serine Proteinase Homologue, SPH-3, Plays a Central Role in Insect Immunity
Authors: Felföldi Gabriella , Eleftherianos Ioannis , ffrench-Constant Richard H. , Venekei István
Published: March 2011

Numerous vertebrate and invertebrate genes encode serine proteinase homologues (SPHs) similar to members of the serine proteinase family, but lacking one or more residues of the catalytic triad. These SPH proteins are thought to play a role in immunity, but their precise functions are poorly understood. In this study, we show that SPH-3 (an insect non-clip domain–containing SPH) is of central importance in the immune response of a model lepidopteran, Manduca sexta. We examine M. sexta infection with a virulent, insect-specific, Gram-negative bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens. RNA interference suppression of bacteria-induced SPH-3 synthesis severely compromises the insect’s ability to defend itself against infection by preventing the transcription of multiple antimicrobial effector genes, but, surprisingly, not the transcription of immune recognition genes. Upregulation of the gene encoding prophenoloxidase and the activity of the phenoloxidase enzyme are among the antimicrobial responses that are severely attenuated on SPH-3 knockdown. These findings suggest the existence of two largely independent signaling pathways controlling immune recognition by the fat body, one governing effector gene transcription, and the other regulating genes encoding pattern recognition proteins.
Memory CCR6+CD4+ T Cells Are Preferential Targets for Productive HIV Type 1 Infection Regardless of Their Expression of Integrin β7
Authors: Monteiro Patricia , Gosselin Annie , Wacleche Vanessa Sue , El-Far Mohamed , Said Elias A. , Kared Hassen , Grandvaux Nathalie , Boulassel Mohamed-Rachid , Routy Jean-Pierre , Ancuta Petronela
Published: March 2011

HIV type 1 infection is associated with a rapid depletion of Th17 cells from the GALT. The chemokine receptor CCR6 is a marker for Th17 lineage polarization and HIV permissiveness in memory CD4+ T cells. CCR6+ T cells have the potential to migrate into the GALT via the gut-homing integrin α4β7, a newly identified HIV-gp120 binding receptor. In this study, we investigated whether memory T cells coexpressing CCR6 and integrin β7 are selective HIV targets and whether retinoic acid (RA)-induced imprinting for gut-homing selectively increases CCR6+ T cell permissiveness to infection. We demonstrated that β7−R6+ and β7+R6+ compared with β7−R6− and β7+R6− T cells were highly permissive to HIV, produced Th17 cytokines, and their frequency was decreased in the peripheral blood of HIV-infected subjects. RA upregulated integrin α4 and β7 coexpression in both CCR6+ and CCR6− T cells, but increased HIV permissiveness selectively in CCR6+ T cells via entry (CCR5 upregulation) and postentry mechanisms. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that CCR6, but not the integrin β7, is a discriminative marker for memory T cells imprinted with a transcriptional program favorable to HIV replication. Nevertheless, given the ability of integrin β7 to regulate cell migration into the GALT and bind HIV-gp120, CCR6+ T cells coexpressing integrin β7 and CCR5 might have an extraordinary ability to disseminate HIV from the portal sites of entry. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of memory CCR6+ T cell differentiation is critical for the design of new therapeutic strategies that should interfere with viral permissiveness but not Th17 lineage commitment and gut-homing potential in CCR6+ T cells.
Role of the Kidneys in Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Khawaja Z. , Wilcox C. S.
Published: March 2011

Resistant hypertension is a failure to achieve goal BP (<140/90 mm Hg for the overall population and <130/80 mm Hg for those with diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease) in a patient who adheres to maximum tolerated doses of 3 antihypertensive drugs including a diuretic. The kidneys play a critical role in long-term regulation of blood pressure. Blunted pressure natriuresis, with resultant increase in extracellular fluid volume, is an important cause of resistant hypertension. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, increased renal sympathetic nervous system activity and increased sodium reabsorption are important renal mechanisms. Successful treatment requires identification and reversal of lifestyle factors or drugs contributing to treatment resistance, diagnosis and appropriate treatment of secondary causes of hypertension, use of effective multidrug regimens and optimization of diuretic therapy. Since inappropriate renal salt retention underlies most cases of drug-resistant hypertension, the therapeutic focus should be on improving salt depleting therapy by assessing and, if necessary, reducing dietary salt intake, optimizing diuretic therapy, and adding a mineralocorticoid antagonist if there are no contraindications.
The Role of GSK3 in Presynaptic Function
Authors: Smillie Karen Janet , Cousin Michael Alan
Published: March 2011

The past ten years of research have identified a number of key roles for glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) at the synapse. In terms of presynaptic physiology, critical roles for GSK3 have been revealed in the growth and maturation of the nerve terminal and more recently a key role in the control of activity‐dependent bulk endocytosis of synaptic vesicles. This paper will summarise the major roles assigned to GSK3 in both immature and mature nerve terminals, the substrates GSK3 phosphorylates to exert its action, and how GSK3 activity is regulated by different presynaptic signalling cascades. The number of essential roles for GSK3, coupled with the numerous signalling cascades all converging to regulate its activity, suggests that GSK3 is a key integrator of multiple inputs to modulate the strength of neurotransmission. Modulation of these pathways may point to potential mechanisms to overcome synaptic failure in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer′s disease.
A Case of Syncope Induced in the Supine Position
Authors: Eguchi Kazuo , Tsujita Akihiro , Ono Syoji , Kario Kazuomi
Published: March 2011

We experienced a reproducible supine syncope followed by upper abdominal pain. A 66-year-old man was transferred to our hospital after an episode of syncope during sleep. He had a history of acute pancreatitis, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, but no history of presyncopal attack. One night, his wife noticed he was snoring abnormally in bed, and he did not respond to her voice until after she tried many times to wake him. The same attack was reproduced three times in the same situation. One of the attacks was recorded under a continuous ECG and radial tonometry. In this case, a presyncopal attack and a sense of ill-feeling were provoked by the patient lying in a prolonged supine position. He was eventually diagnosed as metastatic liver tumor 5 months after the first attack. Because few cases of syncopal attack have been reported in the supine position, its underlying mechanisms deserve consideration.
Relationship of Exercise Volume with Change in Depression and Its Association with Self-Efficacy to Control Emotional Eating in Severely Obese Women
Authors: Annesi James J. , Vaughn Linda L.
Published: March 2011

Introduction. Exercise may improve one's perceived ability to control overeating related to negative emotions through psychological pathways such as reduced depression; however, the volume required is unclear.Methods. Severely obese women () participated in a 24-week exercise and nutrition treatment incorporating self-regulatory skills training, and were assessed on depression, self-efficacy, self-regulatory skills usage, weight, and waist circumference, at baseline and treatment end.Results. Subjects completing low-moderate (40–149.9 minutes/week) and public health (≥150 minutes/week) volumes of exercise had significant and similar reductions in depression scores. No significant changes were found for those completing <40 minutes/week. For all subjects aggregated, depression change was significantly related to change in self-efficacy to control emotional eating; however, this relationship was completely mediated by changes in self-regulatory skill usage. When changes in depression, self-efficacy, and self-regulatory skills usage were entered into multiple regression equations as predictors, only self-regulatory skill changes explained significant unique portions of the overall variance in weight and weight circumference change.Discussion. Exercise of less than half the public health recommendation was associated with depression improvement, with no dose-response effect. Changes in depression, self-efficacy, and self-regulation may be salient variables to account for in behavioral weight-loss treatment research.
Auerbach Bases and Minimal Volume Sufficient Enlargements
Authors: Ostrovskii M. I.
Published: March 2011

Let BY denote the unit ball of a normed linear space Y. A symmetric, bounded, closed, convex set A in a finite dimensional normed linear space X is called a sufficient enlargement for X if, for an arbitrary isometric embedding of X into a Banach space Y, there exists a linear projection P: Y → X such that P(BY ) ⊂ A. Each finite dimensional normed space has a minimal-volume sufficient enlargement that is a parallelepiped; some spaces have “exotic” minimal-volume sufficient enlargements. The main result of the paper is a characterization of spaces having “exotic” minimal-volume sufficient enlargements in terms of Auerbach bases.
La anticipación del sonido y su relación con la estructura narrativa del mensaje audiovisual
Authors: Morales Morante Luis Fernando
Published: March 2011

El retraso del sonido respecto de la imagen (overlapping) constituye un recurso expresivo del montaje audiovisual utilizado frecuentemente por los realizadores para remarcar el ingreso de una acción nueva o relevante en el desarrollo de las historias. Sin embargo, no existen estudios empíricos que avalen el efecto directamente asociado a este procedimiento en los discursos. En el presente artículo se efectúa un estudio cualitativo mediante el cual se analiza una muestra de 235 overlappings de secuencias de películas, noticias y anuncios de publicidad, registrados de vídeos de Internet. Se advierte un tratamiento fílmico propio del overlapping, la existencia de una estructura semántica coherente que define este tipo de mensajes y una eventual relación entre los cambios de la intensidad del sonido con efectos emocionales como la sorpresa. Los resultados obtenidos pueden ser útiles para desarrollar un método de análisis y mejora de la efectividad de los discursos audiovisuales basados en la estimulación perceptiva, y para el diseño de sistemas eficientes de postproducción de video y sonido.
Anthropogenic and natural constituents in particulate matter in the Netherlands
Authors: Weijers E. P. , Schaap M. , Nguyen L. , Matthijsen J. , Denier van der Gon H. A. C. , ten Brink H. M. , Hoogerbrugge R.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. To develop mitigation strategies for reducing concentrations of both PM2.5 and PM10, the origin of particulate matter (PM) needs to be established. An intensive, one-year measurement campaign from August 2007 to August 2008 was carried out to determine the composition of PM10 and PM2.5 at five locations in the Netherlands, aiming at reducing the uncertainties on the origin of PM. Generally, a considerable conformity in the chemical composition of PM2.5 (and PM10) is observed. From all constituents present in PM2.5, the secondary inorganic aerosol is the most dominant (42–48%), followed by the total carbonaceous matter (22–37%). Contributions from sea salt (maximum 8%), mineral dust and metals (maximum 5%) are relatively low. For the first time, a detailed overview of the composition of the coarse fraction can be presented. Compared to the fine fraction, contributions of sea salt, mineral dust and metals are larger resulting in a more balanced distribution between the various constituents. Through mass closure a considerable part of the PM mass could be defined (PM2.5: 80–94%). The chemical distribution on days with high PM levels shows a distinct increase in nitrate as well as in the unaccounted mass. Contributions of the other constituents remain equal or are lower (sea salt) when expressed in percentages. A correspondence between nitrate and the unaccounted mass is observed hinting at the presence of water on the filters. The contribution from natural sources in the Netherlands (at a rural station) was estimated to be 19 to 24% for PM10 and 13 to 17% for PM2.5.
Quantifying the uncertainties of a bottom-up emission inventory of anthropogenic atmospheric pollutants in China
Authors: Zhao Y. , Nielsen C. P. , Lei Y. , McElroy M. B. , Hao J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The uncertainties of a national, bottom-up inventory of Chinese emissions of anthropogenic SO2, NOx, and particulate matter (PM) of different size classes and carbonaceous species are comprehensively quantified, for the first time, using Monte Carlo simulation. The inventory is structured by seven dominant sectors: coal-fired electric power, cement, iron and steel, other industry (boiler combustion), other industry (non-combustion processes), transportation, and residential. For each parameter related to emission factors or activity-level calculations, the uncertainties, represented as probability distributions, are either statistically fitted using results of domestic field tests or, when these are lacking, estimated based on foreign or other domestic data. The uncertainties (i.e., 95% confidence intervals around the central estimates) of Chinese emissions of SO2, NOx, total PM, PM10, PM2.5, black carbon (BC), and organic carbon (OC) in 2005 are estimated to be −14%~13%, −13%~37%, −11%~38%, −14%~45%, −17%~54%, −25%~136%, and −40%~121%, respectively. Variations at activity levels (e.g., energy consumption or industrial production) are not the main source of emission uncertainties. Due to narrow classification of source types, large sample sizes, and relatively high data quality, the coal-fired power sector is estimated to have the smallest emission uncertainties for all species except BC and OC. Due to poorer source classifications and a wider range of estimated emission factors, considerable uncertainties of NOx and PM emissions from cement production and boiler combustion in other industries are found. The probability distributions of emission factors for biomass burning, the largest source of BC and OC, are fitted based on very limited domestic field measurements, and special caution should thus be taken interpreting these emission uncertainties. Although Monte Carlo simulation yields narrowed estimates of uncertainties compared to previous bottom-up emission studies, the results are not always consistent with those derived from satellite observations. The results thus represent an incremental research advance; while the analysis provides current estimates of uncertainty to researchers investigating Chinese and global atmospheric transport and chemistry, it also identifies specific needs in data collection and analysis to improve on them. Strengthened quantification of emissions of the included species and other, closely associated ones – notably CO2, generated largely by the same processes and thus subject to many of the same parameter uncertainties – is essential not only for science but for the design of policies to redress critical atmospheric environmental hazards at local, regional, and global scales.
Aerosol effects on the photochemistry in Mexico City during MCMA-2006/MILAGRO campaign
Authors: Li G. , Bei N. , Tie X. , Molina L. T.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. In the present study, the impact of aerosols on the photochemistry in Mexico City is evaluated using the WRF-CHEM model for the period from 24 to 29 March during the MCMA-2006/MILAGRO campaign. An aerosol radiative module has been developed with detailed consideration of aerosol size, composition, and mixture. The module has been coupled into the WRF-CHEM model to calculate the aerosol optical properties, including optical depth, single scattering albedo, and asymmetry factor. Calculated aerosol optical properties are in good agreement with the surface observations and aircraft and satellite measurements during daytime. In general, the photolysis rates are reduced due to the absorption by carbonaceous aerosols, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon with a long aerosol optical path. However, with the growth of aerosol particles and the decrease of the solar zenith angle around noontime, aerosols can slightly enhance photolysis rates when ultraviolet (UV) radiation scattering dominates UV absorption by aerosols. The changes in photolysis rates due to aerosols lead to about 2–17% surface ozone reduction during daytime in the urban area in Mexico City, resulting in a decrease of OH level by about 9%, as well as a decrease in the daytime concentrations of nitrate and secondary organic aerosols by 5–6% on average. In addition, the rapid aging of black carbon aerosols and the enhanced absorption of UV radiation by organic aerosols contribute substantially to the reduction of photolysis rates, resulting in a further decrease of other chemical species.
Spatial features of rain frequency change and pollution and associated aerosols
Authors: Lin Y. , Min Q. , Zhuang G. , Wang Z. , Gong W. , Li R.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. A spatial-temporal analysis has been conducted using satellite observed distributions of rain frequency, NO2 concentration and aerosol, with focus on the spring season in East Asia. As NO2 is a key precursor of secondary aerosols, especially in urban areas, an increase of NO2 emission is generally accompanied by an increase of fine aerosol particles. Comparison between trends in rain frequency and in precipitation amount shows that the changes in precipitation are more due to changes in precipitation occurrence than in precipitation amount. The overall feature emerged from the region-by-region analyses is that there is an inverse relationship between the rain frequency and the pollution and associated aerosols at continental scale in spring. The change in rain frequency is associated with changes in pollution-produced aerosols and long-range transport mineral dust. The inverse relationship at large temporal and spatial scales illustrates potential climatological consequence of changed pollution and aerosols on precipitation.
The effect of optically thin cirrus clouds on solar radiation in Camagüey, Cuba
Authors: Barja B. , Antuña J. C.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Cirrus clouds play a key role in the radiation budget of the Earth system. They are an important aspect in the climate system, as they interact with the atmospheric radiation field. They control both the solar radiation that reaches the Earth surface and the longwave radiation that leaves the Earth system. The feedback produced by cirrus clouds in climate is not well understood. Therefore it is necessary to improve the understanding and characterization of the radiative forcing of cirrus clouds. We analyze the effect of optically thin cirrus clouds characterized with the lidar technique in Camagüey, Cuba, on solar radiation, by numerical simulation. Nature and amplitude of the effect of cirrus clouds on solar radiation is evaluated. Cirrus clouds have a cooling effect in the solar spectrum at the Top of the Atmosphere (TOA) and at the surface (SFC). The daily mean value of solar cirrus cloud radiative forcing (SCRF) has an average value of −9.1 W m−2 at TOA and −5.6 W m−2 at SFC. The cirrus clouds also have a local heating effect on the atmospheric layer where they are located. Cirrus clouds have mean daily values of heating rates of 0.63 K day−1 with a range between 0.35 K day−1 and 1.24 K day−1. The principal effect is in the near infrared spectral band of the solar spectrum. There is a linear relation between SCRF and cirrus clouds optical depth (COD), with −30 W m−2 COD−1 and −26 W m−2 COD−1, values for the slopes of the fits at the TOA and SFC, respectively in the broadband solar spectrum. Also there is a relation between the solar zenith angle and cirrus clouds radiative forcing displayed in the diurnal cycle.
Transport of desert dust mixed with North African industrial pollutants in the subtropical Saharan Air Layer
Authors: Rodríguez S. , Alastuey A. , Alonso-Pérez S. , Querol X. , Cuevas E. , Abreu-Afonso J. , Viana M. , Pandolfi M. , de la Rosa J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The chemical composition of particulate matter samples (TSP, PM10 and PM2.5) collected from 2002 to 2008 in the North Atlantic free troposphere at Izaña Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) observatory (Tenerife, The Canary Islands) was studied. The analysis of the samples collected in the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) shows that soil desert dust is very frequently mixed with particulate pollutants. An analysis of this data set with Median Concentrations At Receptor (MCAR) plots allowed to identify the potential source regions of the dust and particulate pollutants. Areas located at the south of the Southern slope of Atlas emerge as the most frequent source of the soil desert dust advected to the northern edge of the SAL in summer. Industrial emissions occurring along the Atlantic coast of Morocco, Northern Algeria, Eastern Algeria and Tunisia appear as the most important source of the nitrate, ammonium and a fraction of sulphate (at least a 60% of the sulphate <10 μm transported from some regions) observed in the SAL. These emissions are mostly linked to crude oil refineries, phosphate-based fertilizer industry and power plants. Although desert dust emissions appear as the most frequent source of the phosphorous observed in the SAL, high P concentrations are observed when the SAL is affected by emissions from open mines of phosphate and phosphate based fertilizer industry. The results also show that a significant fraction of the sulphate (up to 90% of sulphate <10 μm transported from some regions) observed in the SAL is linked to soil emissions of evaporite minerals in well defined regions where dry saline lakes (chotts) are present. These interpretations of the MCAR plots are consistent with the results obtained with the Positive Matrix Factorization receptor modelling. The results of this study show that North African industrial pollutants may be mixed with desert dust and exported to the North Atlantic in the Saharan Air Layer.
Retrieval of aerosol mass load (PM10) from MERIS/Envisat top of atmosphere spectral reflectance measurements over Germany
Authors: Rohen G. J. , von Hoyningen-Huene W. , Kokhanovsky A. , Dinter T. , Vountas M. , Burrows J.  P.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Results of a new methodology for retrievals of surface particulate matter concentration (PM10) from satellite reflectance measurements over Germany are presented in this paper. The retrieval derives effective radii from Ångström-α exponents and benefits from the fitting of a smooth spectral slope from seven MERIS spectrometer channels. Comparisons with ground measurements from the air quality surveillance show standard deviations of 33.9% with −18.9% bias over Hamburg. Over rural sites a standard deviation of 17.9% (bias 12.9%) is reached. We discuss critically limitations and potential applications of the retrieval. Additionally, we talk about the aspects at comparing of retrieved particulate matter with ground station measurements.
Development of a new Long Path Absorption Photometer (LOPAP) instrument for the sensitive detection of NO2 in the atmosphere
Authors: Villena G. , Bejan I. , Kurtenbach R. , Wiesen P. , Kleffmann J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. A compact and simple instrument for the sensitive detection of NO2 in the atmosphere has been developed. NO2 is sampled in a stripping coil by a selective chemical reaction, converted into a highly absorbing dye, which is detected by long path absorption in a liquid core waveguide. Several interferences were quantified in the laboratory which so far can all be neglected. The significant interferences against HONO and O3 were suppressed by using an upstream HONO/O3-scrubber. The instrument has a detection limit of 2 pptv, an accuracy of 10% and a precision of 0.5% for 3 min time resolution. Thus, the new NO2-LOPAP technique is more sensitive than known commercial NO2 instruments. The new analyzer is much simpler to apply than other highly sensitive and selective NO2 methods, e.g. LIF or REMPI methods. The new instrument allows an absolute calibration that can be easily performed with liquid nitrite standards, which is a significant advantage compared with other NO2 measurement techniques for which NO2 calibration gas mixtures are typically necessary. The new instrument has been validated against the chemiluminescence technique during an urban field campaign and against the FTIR technique in a smog chamber under complex photosmog conditions. The data sets exhibit high correlation and excellent agreement.
Silicate:nitrate ratios of upwelled waters control the phytoplankton community sustained by mesoscale eddies in sub-tropical North Atlantic and Pacific
Authors: Bibby T. S. , Moore C. M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Mesoscale eddies in sub-tropical gyres physically perturb the water column and can introduce macronutrients to the euphotic zone, stimulating a biological response in which phytoplankton communities can become dominated by large phytoplankton. Mesoscale eddies may therefore be important in driving export in oligotrophic regions of the modern ocean. However, the character and magnitude of the biological response sustained by eddies is variable. Here we present data from mesoscale eddies in the Sargasso Sea (Atlantic) and the waters off Hawai'i (Pacific), alongside mesoscale events that affected the Bermuda Atlantic Time-Series Study (BATS) over the past decade. From this analysis, we suggest that the phytoplankton community structure sustained by mesoscale eddies is predetermined by the relative abundance of silicate over nitrate (Si*) in the upwelled waters. We present data that demonstrate that mode-water eddies (MWE) in the Sargasso Sea upwell locally formed waters with relatively high Si* to the euphotic zone, and that cyclonic eddies in the Sargasso Sea introduce waters with relatively low Si*, a signature that originated in the iron-limited Southern Ocean. We propose that this phenomenon can explain the observed dominance of the phytoplankton community by large-diatom species in MWE and by small prokaryotic phytoplankton in cyclonic features. In contrast to the Atlantic, North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) with high Si* may influence the cyclonic eddies in waters off Hawai'i, which also appear capable of sustaining diatom populations. These observations suggest that the structure of phytoplankton communities sustained by eddies may be related to the chemical composition of the upwelled waters in addition to the physical nature of the eddy.
Early ship-based upper-air data and comparison with the Twentieth Century Reanalysis
Authors: Brönnimann S. , Compo G. P. , Spadin R. , Allan R. , Adam W.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Extension of 3-D atmospheric data products back into the past is desirable for a wide range of applications. Historical upper-air data are important in this endeavour, particularly in the maritime regions of the tropics and the southern hemisphere, where observations are extremely sparse. Here we present newly digitized and re-evaluated early ship-based upper-air data from two cruises: (1) kite and registering balloon profiles from onboard the ship SMS Planet on a cruise from Europe around South Africa and across the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific in 1906/1907, and (2) ship-based radiosonde data from onboard the MS Schwabenland on a cruise from Europe across the Atlantic to Antarctica and back in 1938/1939. We describe the data and provide estimations of the errors. We compare the data with a recent reanalysis (the Twentieth Century Reanalysis Project, 20CR, Compo et al., 2011) that provides global 3-D data back to the 19th century based on an assimilation of surface pressure data only (plus monthly mean sea-surface temperatures). In cruise (1), the agreement is generally good, but large temperature differences appear during a period with a strong inversion. In cruise (2), after a subset of the data are corrected, close agreement between observations and 20CR is found for geopotential height (GPH) and temperature notwithstanding a likely cold bias of 20CR at the tropopause level. Results are considerably worse for relative humidity, which was reportedly inaccurately measured. Note that comparing 20CR, which has limited skill in the tropical regions, with measurements from ships in remote regions made under sometimes difficult conditions can be considered a worst case assessment. In view of that fact, the anomaly correlations for temperature of 0.3–0.6 in the lower troposphere in cruise (1) and of 0.5–0.7 for tropospheric temperature and GPH in cruise (2) are considered as promising results. Moreover, they are consistent with the error estimations. The results suggest room for further improvement of data products in remote regions.
Use of terrestrial laser scanning for engineering geological applications on volcanic rock slopes – an example from Madeira island (Portugal)
Authors: Nguyen H. T. , Fernandez-Steeger T. M. , Wiatr T. , Rodrigues D. , Azzam R.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. This study focuses on the adoption of a modern, widely-used Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) application to investigate volcanic rock slopes in Ribeira de João Gomes valley (Funchal, Madeira island). The TLS data acquisition in May and December 2008 provided information for a characterization of the volcanic environment, detailed structural analysis and detection of potentially unstable rock masses on a slope. Using this information, it was possible to determine specific parameters for numerical rockfall simulations such as average block size, shape or potential sources. By including additional data, such as surface roughness, the results from numerical rockfall simulations allowed us to classify different hazardous areas based on run-out distances, frequency of impacts and related kinetic energy. Afterwards, a monitoring of hazardous areas can be performed in order to establish a rockfall inventory.
Ideal climatic variables for the present-day geometry of the Gregoriev Glacier, Inner Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan, derived from GPS data and energy-mass balance measurements
Authors: Fujita K. , Takeuchi N. , Nikitin S. A. , Surazakov A. B. , Okamoto S. , Aizen V. B. , Kubota J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. We conducted 2 yr (2005–2007) of in situ meteorological and glaciological observations on the Gregoriev Glacier, a flat-top glacier within the Inner Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan. Differential GPS surveys reveal a vertical surface deletion at the summit of the glacier. Based on snow density data and an energy-mass balance model, we estimate that the annual precipitation and summer mean temperature required to maintain the glacier in the modern state are 289 mm and −3.85 °C at the glacier summit (4600 m above sea level, a.s.l.), respectively. The good agreement between the long-term estimated and observed precipitation at a nearby station in the Tien Shan (292 mm at 3614 m a.s.l. for the period 1930–2002) suggests that the glacier dynamics have been regulated by the long-term average accumulation. The glacier mass-balance, reconstructed based on meteorological data from the Tien Shan station for the past 80 yr, explains the observed fluctuations in glacier extent, particularly the negative mass balance in the 1990s.
Decreased Expression of Decorin and p57(KIP2) Correlates with Poor Survival and Lymphatic Metastasis in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Biaoxue Rong , Xiguang Cai , Hua Liu , Hui Ma , Shuanying Yang , Wei Zhang , Wenli Shang , Jie Du
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Decorin, p57(KIP2), and TGF-beta 1 have been investigated as prognostic factors because they appear to be associated with tumorigenesis; however, the effect of decorin and p57(KIP2) in lung cancer remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of decorin, p57(KIP2), and TGF-beta 1 in 64 lung cancer specimens and 36 normal lung specimens, and to analyze the relationships with respect to clinicopathological features and patient survival in lung cancer.

Methods

The expression levels of decorin, p57(KIP2), and TGF-beta 1 were examined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Normal tissues exhibited a higher expression level of decorin than tumor tissues (P<0.05) and tumor tissues exhibited a higher expression level of TGF-beta 1 than normal tissues (P<0.05). The expression levels of p57(KIP2) and TGF-beta 1 were significantly associated with histological types of lung cancer (P<0.05), and the expression levels of decorin and p57(KIP2) were significantly associated with lymphatic invasion (P<0.05). Moreover, increased expression of decorin and p57(KIP2) correlated with increased survival (decorin, p=0.018; p57(KIP2), p=0.012).

Conclusion

Decreased expression levels of decorin and p57(KIP2) were associated with poor postsurgical survival time and lymphatic metastasis in lung cancer patients; moreover, low expression was an adverse prognostic factor.
Priestly Power that Empowers: Michel Foucault, Middle-tier Levites, and the Sociology of “Popular Religious Groups” in Israel
Authors: Christian Mark A.
Published: March 2011

The task of reconstructing the religious history of Israel can only be accomplished incrementally. Regarding methodology, if one chooses to engage the complexities of, say, the Israelite priesthood, synchronic analysis alone does not reveal its stages of development. Meticulous redactional analysis moreover exposes only aspects or phases of the sophisticated historiographies of the major writers in the preexilic, exilic, and postexilic periods and their grand schemas. One method of penetrating the pretense of uniformity is to approach the material through the use of analogy. Michel Foucault’s work on power and knowledge informs the present study, in particular his concept of the distribution of power by “specialists.” The Levites’ conflicted story needs no introduction, and its comprehensive transcription is not attempted here. Rather, drawing from biblical and wider ancient Near Eastern evidence, their activities as middle-tier “specialists” are outlined. The Levite in many instances locates professionally and socially between elite priests (living in larger cities) and populace (living in residential towns and villages). It is the itinerant, often times prophetically-infused Levite who, while maintaining the most contact with the general population, must at the same time maintain a viable connection with central authorities. Because his situation often necessitates collaboration with laity of dubious lineage, the Levite’s priestly power turns out to be one that empowers.