bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A STUDY OF THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY RENOVATION ON PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS
Authors: Chen Qian , Ma Qian
Published: March 2012

While the energy efficiency of commercial buildings, schools, and private homes has received increasing attention, the energy performance of public housing has long been neglected. The high energy usage and resulting utility costs associated with such subsidized houses have added great financial burdens to the government and tenants. Therefore, improving public housing's energy performance becomes an important task. This paper presents a comparative study that mainly investigates the effectiveness of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) recently implemented in the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's green renovation projects. Whole building energy simulation results show that due to budget constraints, the limited EEMs put into place would only result in a marginal (7.6%) improvement to the renovated building's energy performance prior to renovation. Another 38.5% reduction would be needed, using the performance requirement of the current building energy code as a reference. Based on these findings, this research offers some insights into more cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades that can help reduce public housing's energy consumption and green renovation costs.
Intracellular Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Induces Bcl-2 Expression in Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Chand Hitendra S. , Harris Jennifer Foster , Mebratu Yohannes , Chen Yangde , Wright Paul S. , Randell Scott H. , Tesfaigzi Yohannes
Published: March 2012

Bcl-2, a prosurvival protein, regulates programmed cell death during development and repair processes, and it can be oncogenic when cell proliferation is deregulated. The present study investigated what factors modulate Bcl-2 expression in airway epithelial cells and identified the pathways involved. Microarray analysis of mRNA from airway epithelial cells captured by laser microdissection showed that increased expression of IL-1β and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) coincided with induced Bcl-2 expression compared with controls. Treatment of cultured airway epithelial cells with IL-1β and IGF-1 induced Bcl-2 expression by increasing Bcl-2 mRNA stability with no discernible changes in promoter activity. Silencing the IGF-1 expression using short hairpin RNA showed that intracellular IGF-1 (IC-IGF-1) was increasing Bcl-2 expression. Blocking epidermal growth factor receptor or IGF-1R activation also suppressed IC-IGF-1 and abolished the Bcl-2 induction. Induced expression and colocalization of IC-IGF-1 and Bcl-2 were observed in airway epithelial cells of mice exposed to LPS or cigarette smoke and of patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis but not in the respective controls. These studies demonstrate that IC-IGF-1 induces Bcl-2 expression in epithelial cells via IGF-1R and epidermal growth factor receptor pathways, and targeting IC-IGF-1 could be beneficial to treat chronic airway diseases.
Intracellular Heat Shock Protein-70 Negatively Regulates TLR4 Signaling in the Newborn Intestinal Epithelium
Authors: Afrazi Amin , Sodhi Chhinder P. , Good Misty , Jia Hongpeng , Siggers Richard , Yazji Ibrahim , Ma Congrong , Neal Matthew D. , Prindle Thomas , Grant Zachary S. , Branca Maria F. , Ozolek John , Chang Eugene B. , Hackam David J.
Published: March 2012

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of gastrointestinal-related mortality in premature infants, and it develops under conditions of exaggerated TLR4 signaling in the newborn intestinal epithelium. Because NEC does not develop spontaneously, despite the presence of seemingly tonic stimulation of intestinal TLR4, we hypothesized that mechanisms must exist to constrain TLR4 signaling that become diminished during NEC pathogenesis and focused on the intracellular stress response protein and chaperone heat shock protein-70 (Hsp70). We demonstrate that the induction of intracellular Hsp70 in enterocytes dramatically reduced TLR4 signaling, as assessed by LPS-induced NF-κB translocation, cytokine expression, and apoptosis. These findings were confirmed in vivo, using mice that either globally lacked Hsp70 or overexpressed Hsp70 within the intestinal epithelium. TLR4 activation itself significantly increased Hsp70 expression in enterocytes, which provided a mechanism of autoinhibition of TLR4 signaling in enterocytes. In seeking to define the mechanisms involved, intracellular Hsp70-mediated inhibition of TLR4 signaling required both its substrate-binding EEVD domain and association with the cochaperone CHIP, resulting in ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of TLR4. The expression of Hsp70 in the intestinal epithelium was significantly decreased in murine and human NEC compared with healthy controls, suggesting that loss of Hsp70 protection from TLR4 could lead to NEC. In support of this, intestinal Hsp70 overexpression in mice and pharmacologic upregulation of Hsp70 reversed TLR4-induced cytokines and enterocyte apoptosis, as well as prevented and treated experimental NEC. Thus, a novel TLR4 regulatory pathway exists within the newborn gut involving Hsp70 that may be pharmacologically activated to limit NEC severity.
Cathepsin G and Neutrophil Elastase Contribute to Lung-Protective Immunity against Mycobacterial Infections in Mice
Authors: Steinwede Kathrin , Maus Regina , Bohling Jennifer , Voedisch Sabrina , Braun Armin , Ochs Matthias , Schmiedl Andreas , Länger Florian , Gauthier Francis , Roes Jürgen , Welte Tobias , Bange Franz C. , Niederweis Michael , Bühling Frank , Maus Ulrich A.
Published: March 2012

The neutrophil serine proteases cathepsin G (CG) and neutrophil elastase (NE) are involved in immune-regulatory processes and exert antibacterial activity against various pathogens. To date, their role and their therapeutic potential in pulmonary host defense against mycobacterial infections are poorly defined. In this work, we studied the roles of CG and NE in the pulmonary resistance against Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). CG-deficient mice and even more pronounced CG/NE-deficient mice showed significantly impaired pathogen elimination to infection with M. bovis BCG in comparison to wild-type mice. Moreover, granuloma formation was more pronounced in M. bovis BCG-infected CG/NE-deficient mice in comparison to CG-deficient and wild-type mice. A close examination of professional phagocyte subsets revealed that exclusively neutrophils shuttled CG and NE into the bronchoalveolar space of M. bovis BCG-infected mice. Accordingly, chimeric wild-type mice with a CG/NE-deficient hematopoietic system displayed significantly increased lung bacterial loads in response to M. bovis BCG infection. Therapeutically applied human CG/NE encapsulated in liposomes colocalized with mycobacteria in alveolar macrophages, as assessed by laser scanning and electron microscopy. Importantly, therapy with CG/NE-loaded liposomes significantly reduced mycobacterial loads in the lungs of mice. Together, neutrophil-derived CG and NE critically contribute to deceleration of pathogen replication during the early phase of antimycobacterial responses. In addition, to our knowledge, we show for the first time that liposomal encapsulated CG/NE exhibit therapeutic potential against pulmonary mycobacterial infections. These findings may be relevant for novel adjuvant approaches in the treatment of tuberculosis in humans.
CD4+CD8+ T Cells Represent a Significant Portion of the Anti-HIV T Cell Response to Acute HIV Infection
Authors: Frahm Marc A. , Picking Ralph A. , Kuruc JoAnn D. , McGee Kara S. , Gay Cynthia L. , Eron Joseph J. , Hicks Charles B. , Tomaras Georgia D. , Ferrari Guido
Published: March 2012

Previous studies have revealed that HIV-infected individuals possess circulating CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) T cells specific for HIV Ags. In the present study, we analyzed the proliferation and functional profile of circulating DP T cells from 30 acutely HIV-infected individuals and 10 chronically HIV-infected viral controllers. The acutely infected group had DP T cells that showed more proliferative capability and multifunctionality than did both their CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. DP T cells were found to exhibit greater proliferation and higher multifunctionality compared with CD4 T cells in the viral controller group. The DP T cell response represented 16% of the total anti-HIV proliferative response and >70% of the anti-HIV multifunctional response in the acutely infected subjects. Proliferating DP T cells of the acutely infected subjects responded to all HIV Ag pools with equal magnitude. Conversely, the multifunctional response was focused on the pool representing Nef, Rev, Tat, VPR, and VPU. Meanwhile, the controllers’ DP T cells focused on Gag and the Nef, Rev, Tat, VPR, and VPU pool for both their proliferative and multifunctional responses. Finally, we show that the presence of proliferating DP T cells following all HIV Ag stimulations is well correlated with proliferating CD4 T cells whereas multifunctionality appears to be largely independent of multifunctionality in other T cell compartments. Therefore, DP T cells represent a highly reactive cell population during acute HIV infection, which responds independently from the traditional T cell compartments.
Measuring Group Disadvantage with Inter-distributional Inequality Indices: A Critical Review and Some Amendments to Existing Indices
Authors: Yalonetzky Gaston
Published: March 2012

A long literature on inter-distributional inequality (IDI) has developed statistical tools for measuring the extent of inequality between two groups (e.g. men versus women). The paper reviews some of the most prominent IDI indices proposed in the last four decades. The assessment focuses on how these indices react to inequalities that are disadvantageous to different groups, using two operationalizations of a concept of group-specific disadvantage focus (GDF). Relying on a complementary set of properties, the review also assesses whether these indices are informative about other interesting features related to IDI comparisons, chiefly distributional equality, but also absence of distributional overlap and presence of firstorder stochastic dominance. The author proposes amendments to several of these indices in order to render them in fulfillment of GDF properties and more informative on the mentioned distributional features.
Monitoring of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic aerosol plume over the Iberian Peninsula by means of four EARLINET lidar stations
Authors: Sicard M. , Guerrero-Rascado J. L. , Navas-Guzmán F. , Preißler J. , Molero F. , Tomás S. , Bravo-Aranda J. A. , Comerón A. , Rocadenbosch F. , Wagner F. , Pujadas M. , Alados-Arboledas L.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Lidar and sun-photometer measurements were performed intensively over the Iberian Peninsula (IP) during the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano (Iceland) in April–May 2010. The volcanic plume reached all the IP stations for the first time on 5 May 2010. A thorough study of the event was conducted for the period 5–8 May. Firstly, the spatial and temporal evolution of the plume was described by means of lidar and sun-photometer measurements supported with backtrajectories. The volcanic aerosol layers observed over the IP were rather thin (<1000 m) with a top height up to 11–12 km. However, in some cases at the beginning of the period the thickness of those layers reached several kilometers in Évora and Madrid. The optical thicknesses associated to those layers were rather low (between 0.013 and 0.020 in average over the whole period), with peak values near 0.10 detected on 7 May. Secondly, the volcanic aerosols were characterized in terms of extinction and backscatter coefficients, lidar ratios, Ångström exponents and linear particle depolarization ratio. Lidar ratios at different sites varied between 30 and 50 sr without a marked spectral dependency. Similar extinction-related Ångström exponents varying between 0.6 and 0.8 were observed at different sites. The temporal evolution of the backscatter-related Ångström exponents points out a possible decrease of the volcanic particle size as the plume moved from west to east. Particle depolarization ratios on the order of 0.06–0.08 confirmed the coexistence of both ash and non-ash particles. Additionally, profiles of mass concentration were obtained with a method using the opposite depolarizing effects of ash particles (strongly depolarizing), non-ash particles (very weakly depolarizing), and sun-photometer observations. In Granada the ash mass concentration was found to be approximately 1.5 times higher than that of non-ash particles, and probably did not exceed the value of 200 μg m−3 during the whole event.
Performance of a low-cost methane sensor for ambient concentration measurements in preliminary studies
Authors: Eugster W. , Kling G. W.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas after CO2 and contributes to global warming. Its sources are not uniformly distributed across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and most of the methane flux is expected to stem from hotspots which often occupy a very small fraction of the total landscape area. Continuous time-series measurements of CH4 concentrations can help identify and locate these methane hot-spots. Newer, low-cost trace gas sensors such as the Figaro TGS 2600 can detect CH4 even at ambient concentrations. Hence, in this paper we tested this sensor under real-world conditions over Toolik Lake, Alaska, to determine its suitability for preliminary studies before placing more expensive and service-intensive equipment at a given locality. A reasonably good agreement with parallel measurements made using a Los Gatos Research FMA 100 methane analyzer was found after removal of the strong cross-sensitivities for temperature and relative humidity. Correcting for this cross-sensitivity increased the absolute accuracy required for in-depth studies, and the reproducibility between two TGS 2600 sensors run in parallel is very good. We conclude that the relative CH4 concentrations derived from such sensors are sufficient for preliminary investigations in the search of potential methane hot-spots.
Intra- versus inter-site macroscale variation in biogeochemical properties along a paddy soil chronosequence
Authors: Mueller-Niggemann C. , Bannert A. , Schloter M. , Lehndorff E. , Schwark L.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. In order to assess the intrinsic heterogeneity of paddy soils, a set of biogeochemical soil parameters was investigated in five field replicates of seven paddy fields (50, 100, 300, 500, 700, 1000, and 2000 yr of wetland rice cultivation), one flooded paddy nursery, one tidal wetland (TW), and one freshwater site (FW) from a coastal area at Hangzhou Bay, Zhejiang Province, China. All soils evolved from a marine tidal flat substrate due to land reclamation. The biogeochemical parameters based on their properties were differentiated into (i) a group behaving conservatively (TC, TOC, TN, TS, magnetic susceptibility, soil lightness and colour parameters, δ13C, δ15N, lipids and n-alkanes) and (ii) one encompassing more labile properties or fast cycling components (Nmic, Cmic, nitrate, ammonium, DON and DOC). The macroscale heterogeneity in paddy soils was assessed by evaluating intra- versus inter-site spatial variability of biogeochemical properties using statistical data analysis (descriptive, explorative and non-parametric). Results show that the intrinsic heterogeneity of paddy soil organic and minerogenic components per field is smaller than between study sites. The coefficient of variation (CV) values of conservative parameters varied in a low range (10% to 20%), decreasing from younger towards older paddy soils. This indicates a declining variability of soil biogeochemical properties in longer used cropping sites according to progress in soil evolution. A generally higher variation of CV values (>20–40%) observed for labile parameters implies a need for substantially higher sampling frequency when investigating these as compared to more conservative parameters. Since the representativeness of the sampling strategy could be sufficiently demonstrated, an investigation of long-term carbon accumulation/sequestration trends in topsoils of the 2000 yr paddy chronosequence under wetland rice cultivation restricted was conducted. Observations cannot be extrapolated to global scale but with coastal paddy fields developed on marine tidal flat substrates after land reclamation in the Zhejiang Province represent a small fraction (<1%) of the total rice cropping area. The evolutionary trend showed that the biogeochemical signatures characteristic for paddy soils were fully developed in less than 300 yr since onset of wetland rice cultivation. A six-fold increase of topsoil TOC suggests a substantial gain in CO2 sequestration potential when marine tidal wetland substrate developed to 2000 yr old paddy soil.
A water availability and low-flow analysis of the Tagliamento River discharge in Italy under changing climate conditions
Authors: Gunawardhana L. N. , Kazama S.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. This study estimated the effects of projected variations in precipitation and temperature on snowfall-snowmelt processes and subsequent river discharge variations in the Tagliamento River in Italy. A lumped-parameter, non-linear, rainfall-runoff model with 10 general circulation model (GCM) scenarios was used. Spatial and temporal changes in snow cover were assessed using 15 high-quality Landsat images. The 7Q10 low-flow probability distribution approximated by the Log-Pearson type III distribution function was used to examine river discharge variations with respect to climate extremes in the future. On average, the results obtained for 10 scenarios indicate a consistent warming rate for all time periods, which may increase the maximum and minimum temperatures by 2.3 °C (0.6–3.7 °C) and 2.7 °C (1.0–4.0 °C), respectively, by the end of the 21st century compared to the present climate. Consequently, the exponential rate of frost day decrease for 1 °C winter warming in lower-elevation areas is approximately three-fold (262%) higher than that in higher-elevation areas, revealing that snowfall in lower-elevation areas will be more vulnerable under a changing climate. In spite of the relatively minor changes in annual precipitation (−17.4 ~ 1.7% compared to the average of the baseline (1991–2010) period), snowfall will likely decrease by 48–67% during the 2080–2099 time period. The mean river discharges are projected to decrease in all seasons, except winter. The low-flow analysis indicated that while the magnitude of the minimum river discharge will increase (e.g. a 25% increase in the 7Q10 estimations for the winter season in the 2080–2099 time period), the number of annual average low-flow events will also increase (e.g. 16 and 15 more days during the spring and summer seasons, respectively, in the 2080–2099 time period compared to the average during the baseline period), leading to a future with a highly variable river discharge. Moreover, a consistent shift in river discharge timing would eventually cause snowmelt-generated river discharge to occur approximately 12 days earlier during the 2080–2099 time period compared to the baseline climate. These results are expected to raise the concern of policy makers, leading to the development of new water management strategies in the Tagliamento River basin to cope with changing climate conditions.
Critical rainfall thresholds for triggering shallow landslides in the Serchio River Valley (Tuscany, Italy)
Authors: Giannecchini R. , Galanti Y. , D'Amato Avanzi G.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The Serchio River Valley, in north-western Tuscany, is a well-known tourism area between the Apuan Alps and the Apennines. This area is frequently hit by heavy rainfall, which often triggers shallow landslides, debris flows and debris torrents, sometimes causing damage and death. The assessment of the rainfall thresholds for the initiation of shallow landslides is very important in order to improve forecasting and to arrange efficient alarm systems. With the aim of defining the critical rainfall thresholds for the Middle Serchio River Valley, a detailed analysis of the main rainstorm events was carried out. The hourly rainfall recorded by three rain gauges in the 1935–2010 interval was analysed and compared with the occurrence of shallow landslides. The rainfall thresholds were defined in terms of mean intensity I, rainfall duration D, and normalized using the mean annual precipitation. Some attempts were also carried out to analyze the role of rainfall prior to the damaging events. Finally, the rainfall threshold curves obtained for the study area were compared with the local, regional and global curves proposed by various authors. The results of this analysis suggest that in the study area landslide activity initiation requires a higher amount of rainfall and greater intensity than elsewhere.
ENSURF: multi-model sea level forecast – implementation and validation results for the IBIROOS and Western Mediterranean regions
Authors: Pérez B. , Brouwer R. , Beckers J. , Paradis D. , Balseiro C. , Lyons K. , Cure M. , Sotillo M. G. , Hackett B. , Verlaan M. , Fanjul E. A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. ENSURF (Ensemble SURge Forecast) is a multi-model application for sea level forecast that makes use of several storm surge or circulation models and near-real time tide gauge data in the region, with the following main goals: 1. providing easy access to existing forecasts, as well as to its performance and model validation, by means of an adequate visualization tool; 2. generation of better forecasts of sea level, including confidence intervals, by means of the Bayesian Model Average technique (BMA). The Bayesian Model Average technique generates an overall forecast probability density function (PDF) by making a weighted average of the individual forecasts PDF's; the weights represent the Bayesian likelihood that a model will give the correct forecast and are continuously updated based on the performance of the models during a recent training period. This implies the technique needs the availability of sea level data from tide gauges in near-real time. The system was implemented for the European Atlantic facade (IBIROOS region) and Western Mediterranean coast based on the MATROOS visualization tool developed by Deltares. Results of validation of the different models and BMA implementation for the main harbours are presented for these regions where this kind of activity is performed for the first time. The system is currently operational at Puertos del Estado and has proved to be useful in the detection of calibration problems in some of the circulation models, in the identification of the systematic differences between baroclinic and barotropic models for sea level forecasts and to demonstrate the feasibility of providing an overall probabilistic forecast, based on the BMA method.
Mesoscale variability of water masses in the Arabian Sea as revealed by ARGO floats
Authors: Carton X. , L'Hegaret P. , Baraille R.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. By analysing ARGO float data over the last four years, a few aspects of the mesoscale variability of water masses in the Arabian Sea are described. The Red Sea Outflow Water (RSOW) is concentrated in the Southwestern Gulf of Aden, in particular when a cyclonic gyre predominates in this region. Salinities of 36.5 and temperatures of 16 °C are found in this area at depths between 600 and 1000 m. RSOW is more dilute in the eastern part of the Gulf, where intense and relatively barotropic gyres mix it with Indian ocean Central Water. RSOW is also detected along the northeastern coast of Socotra, and fragments of RSOW are found between one and three degrees of latitude north of this island. In the whole Gulf of Aden, the correlation between the deep motions of the floats and the sea-level anomaly measured by altimetry is strong, at regional scale. The finer scale details of the float trajectories are not sampled by altimetry and are often related to the anomalous water masses that the floats encounter. The Persian Gulf Water (PGW) is found in the float profiles near Ras ash Sharbatat (near 57° E, 18° N), again with 36.5 in salinity and about 18–19 °C in temperature. These observations were achieved in winter when the southwestward monsoon currents can advect PGW along the South Arabian coast. Fragments of PGW were also observed in the Arabian Sea between 18 and 20° N and 63 and 65° E in summer, showing that this water mass can escape the Gulf of Oman southeastward, during that season. Kinetic energy distributions of floats with respect to distance or angle share common features between the two regions (Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea), in particular peaks at 30, 50 and 150 km scales and along the axis of monsoon currents. Hydrological measurements by floats are also influenced by the seasonal variations of PGW and RSOW in these regions.
Variational assimilation of Lagrangian trajectories in the Mediterranean ocean Forecasting System
Authors: Nilsson J. A. U. , Dobricic S. , Pinardi N. , Poulain P.-M. , Pettenuzzo D.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. A novel method for three-dimensional variational assimilation of Lagrangian data with a primitive-equation ocean model is proposed. The assimilation scheme was implemented in the Mediterranean ocean Forecasting System and evaluated for a 4-month period. Four experiments were designed to assess the impact of trajectory assimilation on the model output, i.e. the sea-surface height, velocity, temperature and salinity fields. It was found from the drifter and Argo trajectory assimilation experiment that the forecast skill of surface-drifter trajectories improved by 15 %, that of intermediate-depth float trajectories by 20 %, and moreover, that the forecasted sea-surface height fields improved locally by 5 % compared to satellite data, while the quality of the temperature and salinity fields remained at previous levels. In conclusion, the addition of Lagrangian trajectory assimilation proved to reduce the uncertainties in the model fields, thus yielding a higher accuracy of the ocean forecasts.
Longitudinal surface structures (flowstripes) on Antarctic glaciers
Authors: Glasser N. F. , Gudmundsson G. H.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Longitudinal surface structures ("flowstripes") are common on many glaciers but their origin and significance are poorly understood. In this paper we present observations of the development of these longitudinal structures from four different Antarctic glacier systems; the Lambert Glacier/Amery Ice Shelf area, the Taylor and Ferrar Glaciers in the Ross Sea sector, Crane and Jorum Glaciers (ice-shelf tributary glaciers) on the Antarctic Peninsula, and the onset zone of a tributary to the Recovery Glacier Ice Stream in the Filchner Ice Shelf area. Mapping from optical satellite images demonstrates that longitudinal surface structures develop in two main situations: (1) as relatively wide flow stripes within glacier flow units and (2) as relatively narrow flow stripes where there is convergent flow around nunataks or at glacier confluence zones. Our observations indicate that the confluence features are narrower, sharper, and more clearly defined features. They are characterised by linear troughs or depressions on the ice surface and are much more common than the former type. Longitudinal surface structures within glacier flow units have previously been explained as the surface expression of localised bed perturbations but a universal explanation for those forming at glacier confluences is lacking. Here we propose that these features are formed at zones of ice acceleration and extensional flow at glacier confluences. We provide a schematic model for the development of longitudinal surface structures based on extensional flow that can explain their ridge and trough morphology as well as their down-ice persistence.
Autonomous detection of calving-related seismicity at Kronebreen, Svalbard
Authors: Köhler A. , Chapuis A. , Nuth C. , Kohler J. , Weidle C.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. We detect and cluster waveforms of seismic signals recorded close to the calving front of Kronebreen, Svalbard, to identify glacier-related seismic events and to investigate their relation to calving processes. Single-channel geophone data recorded over several months in 2009 and 2010 are combined with eleven days of direct visual observations of the glacier front. We apply a processing scheme which combines conventional seismic event detection using a sensitive trigger algorithm and unsupervised clustering of all detected signals based on their waveform characteristics by means of Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs). About 10% of the directly observed calving events close to the geophone (<1 km) can be correlated with seismic detections. We are able to distinguish between false detections, instrumental artifacts, and three classes of signals which are, with different degrees of uncertainty, emitted by calving or glacier activity in general. By extrapolating the interpretation of seismic event classes beyond the time period of visual observations, the temporal distribution of glacier-related events shows an increase in event rate in autumn, particularly for the class which is related to iceberg calving. Using the seismic event distribution in this class as a proxy for the calving rate and measurements of glacier velocity and glacier front position, we discuss the possible relationship between glacier dynamics and calving processes at Kronebreen.
Application of Hybrid Blood Purification Treatment for Severe Acute Arsine Poisoning
Authors: Wan-Xin Tang , Wei-Hua Wu , Tian-Lei Cui , Wei Qin , Ping Fu , Ye Tao
Published: March 2012

Objective

Severe acute arsine poisoning (SAAP) complicated by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is a critical clinical illness. The limited efficacy of conventional drug therapy prompted us to investigate the application of hybrid blood purification treatment (HBPT) to improve the prognosis in critically ill patients. The present manuscript describes a series of cases treated with HBPT.

Methods

Eleven SAAP subjects were enrolled. The study did not include a control group, because of ethical issues. On the basis of conventional therapy, HBPT (plasma exchange [PE] + continuous veno-venous hemofiltration [CVVH]) was used to treat SAAP. PE was performed once a day for 5 days, and CVVH was performed after each session of PE for 7 days or more; HBPT treatment duration amounted to an average of 10 days (range 7–18 days). Arsenic was detected in blood and discarded liquid. Clinical indicators, laboratory parameters, and prognostic indicators were assessed.

Results

HBPT was smoothly implemented without obvious adverse reaction. It can continuously remove arsenic and terminate hemolysis in a time-dependent manner. HBPT also significantly improved the poor clinical manifestations and laboratory indicators of SAAP, leading to a low mortality. Ten patients were discharged because of improved conditions, and only 1 patient died.

Conclusions

The early application of HBPT can improve the prognosis of SAAP. The advantage of HBPT is that it can integrate the characteristics of different blood purification technologies to maximize treatment efficacy.
Importance of Monocyte Deactivation in Determining Early Outcome after Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: Kirsch Matthias , Boval Bernadette , Damy Thibaud , Ghendouz Soulef , Vermes Emmanuelle , Loisance Daniel , Drouet Ludovic
Published: March 2012

Background

Patients undergoing mechanical circulatory support using ventricular assist devices (VADs) experience a postoperative mixed antagonistic (proinflammatory and antiinflammatory) response syndrome. This response can result in immunoparalysis, exposing VAD recipients to infection and interfering with patient recovery despite adequate hemodynamic support. We undertook the present study to evaluate whether postoperative monocytic human leukocyte antigen-DR (mHLA-DR) expression is of prognostic value for mortality or infection of VAD recipients during their initial intensive care unit (ICU) stay after implantation.

Methods

Since 2004, we have monitored postoperative mHLA-DR expression in 50 VAD recipients using flow cytometry.

Results

Thirty-seven patients (74%) developed infection, and 22 patients (44%) died during their initial ICU stay. mHLA-DR expression was lowest in the immediate postoperative period (postoperative days [PODs] 1–3) but increased progressively thereafter. Multiple regression analysis showed that preoperative aspartate aminotransferase level was the only significant and independent predictor of the percentage of HLA-DR-positive monocytes on PODs 1–3 (β=-0.726, p=0.0001). ICU death and infection were associated with significantly lower percentages of HLA-DR-positive monocytes on PODs 1–3. ROC curve analysis revealed that the percentage of HLA-DR-positive monocytes on PODs 1–3 had significant discriminative power for ICU death (area under the curve = 0.73, 95% confidence interval, 0.545–0.912, p=0.037), but not for infection.

Conclusions

Postoperative mHLA-DR expression was closely related to preoperative hepatic cytolysis. It appeared to be the only early postoperative biological parameter that had some predictive power for death of VAD recipients in the ICU.
The Effects of Pulsatile Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Adademir Taylan , Ak Koray , Aljodi Maher , Elçi Mehmet Emre , Arsan Sinan , Isbir Selim
Published: March 2012

Purpose:

Protective effect of pulsatile flow cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on the occurrence of acute renal injury is still a matter of debate. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of pulsatile and non-pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass on kidneys using Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) as the markers of renal injury.

Methods:

85 consecutive patients with normal preoperative renal function were prospectively enrolled in the study. Pulsatile perfusion (Group P) and non-pulsatile perfusion (Group NP) was used in 42 and 43 of the patients, respectively, during aortic cross-clamping period. NGAL and IL-18 were analyzed using ELISA in urine samples obtained preoperatively, and at 2, 12, and 24 h after CPB.

Results:

There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of perioperative renal function tests. IL-18 levels measured at 12 h after CPB were significantly lower in Group P, compared to Group NP (p<0.05). Urinary NGAL levels measured at 2 and 12 h were higher in Group NP; however, the difference was insignificant. In the subgroup of patients with a cross clamp time ≥45 minutes (pulsatile CPB, group P1, n = 33; non-pulsatile CPB, group NP1, n = 33), IL-18 levels measured at 12 hours after CPB were significantly lower in Group P1. Urinary NGAL concentrations measured at 2 and 12 hours in Group P1 were also significantly lower than that in Group NP1 (p = 0.048 and 0.043, respectively).

Conclusions:

Low IL-18 and NGAL levels found in the pulsatile perfusion group might suggest the use of pulsatile flow resulted in better kidney protection.
Prognostic utility of circulating transforming growth factor beta 1 in breast cancer patients
Authors: Dave Heena , Shah Manoj , Trivedi Sunil , Shukla Shilin
Published: March 2012

Transforming growth factor betas (TGF-βs) are multifunctional cytokines with a biphasic role in breast tumorigenesis, acting as tumor suppressors at early stages while stimulating tumor progression at later stages (TGF-β switch). Among the 3 human isoforms, TGF-β1 is known to be overexpressed in several tumor types including breast tumors. TGF-β signaling and “crosstalk” in the tumor microenvironment presents a unique challenge and an opportunity to develop novel therapies. We assessed circulating TGF-β1 levels by ELISA in blood samples from 117 previously untreated breast cancer patients in this prospective study to explore the TGF-β switch at the forefront. The levels were correlated with clinicopathological prognosticators like age, menopausal status, nodal status, histological type, histological grade, necrosis, stromal involvement, and survival. Higher mean preoperative serum TGF-β1 was observed in early-stage patients than controls (p=0.05) as revealed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Elevation of TGF-β1 was evident in patients with advanced-stage breast cancer compared with those having early-stage disease (p=0.0001). Prognosticators of an aggressive phenotype were associated with higher TGF-β1 levels, and higher levels thus announced the likelihood of relapse, marking the role of TGF-β1 as a tumor promoter and evidencing the existence of a TGF-β switch. Moreover, higher levels of TGF-β1 shortened the overall survival in breast cancer patients (p=0.010). The results indicate that circulating TGF-β1 may be used as a predictive and prognostic marker in breast carcinoma.
Three apoptotic genes are upregulated in a patient with Alzheimer's disease and well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Salemi Michele , Giuffrida Domenica , Giuffrida Maria C. , Soma Pier Franco , La Vignera Sandro , Cimino Laura , Condorelli Rosita A. , Romano Carmelo , Bosco Paolo , Vicari Lucia O. , Calogero Aldo E.
Published: March 2012

We report the case of a 74-year-old man with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and an extensive ulcerative lesion on the right ear. AD is a neurodegenerative disease with progressive loss of memory and cognitive deterioration. It has been suggested that apoptotic cell injury and eventually cell death is a major contributor to the AD neurodegenerative process. The ulcerative lesion was surgically excised and the histological analysis reported a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Caspase-3 (CASP3) plays an important role in neuronal death during nervous system development and under certain pathological conditions. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies reported elevated expression and activation of CASP3 in models of AD. Molecular epidemiological studies suggest that CASP3 may contribute to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility and disease progression and that increased CASP3 expression is associated with tumors of the head. Also poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) and the leucine zipper downregulated in cancer 1 (LDOC1) genes play a proapoptotic role. We therefore evaluated the differential expression of LDOC1, PARP1, and CASP3 mRNA in peripheral blood leukocytes of our patient. We found increased expression of all these genes compared with the expression in control subjects.
COMPORTAMIENTO AGRONÓMICO Y CALIDAD DEL GRANO DE SIETE CULTIVARES DE CAFÉ MANEJADO BAJO SOMBRA, MASATEPE, NICARAGUA
Authors: Suárez Rivera Aurora Del Carmen , Aragón Jaime Ricardo Picado , Hernández Rodolfo Murguía , Haggar Jeremy
Published: March 2012

Fueron establecidos y manejados desde el 2000, las variedades de café Catrenic, Catrenic injertada sobre Robusta (CARO), Pacas, pacas injertadas en Robusta (PARO); adicionalmente se valoraron tres líneas híbridos de café L2,A30; L3,A17; L.13, A.12, conocidos como híbridos 2, 3 y 4 respectivamente, los que se establecieron en un diseño de bloques completos al azar. Se analizaron las variables número de frutos contenidos en un kg de peso, peso pro-medio de frutos, la producción de grano oro, análisis físico de los granos (cribas) y la calidad de taza (acidez y cuerpo); fue valorado el tipo de café y clasificado según la norma técnica nicaragüense (NTON 03-025-03) y el respectivo análisis de mercado. Se obtuvo que Catrenic requiere de menor cantidad de grano por kg de peso por mayor peso del grano y grosor. Todas las variedades mejoraron en el ciclo productivo de mayor precipitación. En relación a la producción de grano oro, el Hibrido 2 (L2,A30) manifestó el mayor incremento en el tiempo. El tamaño de los granos mejoró producto de las condiciones de humedad que prevalecieron y favorables para Pacas, y para PARO. Tanto el análisis de acidez y cuerpo fue variable en las muestras, sin embargo, los híbridos 2 y 4 mostraron un mayor por ciento en la calificación de Bueno. Excepto en el ciclo 2005 / 2006 los híbridos 2, 3 y 4 y Catrenic y CARO, resultaron Bueno entre un 20 a un 60 %, coincidiendo con las mejores condiciones de precipitación. En los ciclos 2005 / 2006 y 2006 / 2007 en todas las variedades fue calificado el café en la categoría BB, que en ese momento el precio establecido era de US $ 134.42 el quintal oro.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v10i15.665
VIABILIDAD, CONDICIONES REQUERIDAS PARA LA GERMINACIÓN Y MÉTODOS DE INTERRUPCIÓN DE DORMANCIA EN SEMILLAS DE Echinochloa colona (L.) LINK
Authors: Vega-Jarquín Carolina , Hernández Rodolfo Munguía , Salgado Rosana , Fornos Marvin , Mendoza Carlos F
Published: March 2012

En la búsqueda de alternativas ecológicas para enfrentar los problemas de malezas en los agroecosistemas, estudiamos viabilidad, contenido de humedad, condiciones requeridas para la germinación (Fase 1), y el efecto de métodos de interrupción de dormancia sobre las semillas de Echinochloa colona (L.) Link (Fase 2) colectadas en la comunidad de Malacatoya, Granada, Nicaragua. La Fase 1, fue un experimento bifactorial en un Diseño Completo al Azar (DCA), con cuatro réplicas. Los factores estudiados fueron: condición de siembra y posición de la semilla. En esta fase se investigó la germinación de semillas precalentadas a 60°C. Los resultados mostraron, aproximadamente un 90% de viabilidad de las semillas, determinada con Trifeniltetrazolium; sin embargo, éstas no germinaron, aunque se encontró un 4% de germinación en semillas precalentadas. Finalmente, se evaluaron ocho métodos para interrumpir la dormancia (Factor A), a dos niveles de temperatura (20°C y 26°C) (Factor B). El control fue colocado en condiciones ambientales sin ningún tratamiento previo. La prueba Duncan para tasa y porcentaje de germinación, señala que los mejores tratamientos para la interrupción de dormancia fueron etanol (0.5 M) más luz roja continua, y luz continua. Esto sugiere que la germinación de esta especie requiere del factor luz, en contraste, es posible que el uso de cobertura sea una opción a considerar como componente importante en el manejo ecológico de E. colona, que puede tener efectos físicos y químicos, y reducir la germinación de las malezas. Los resultados permiten también postular que para el manejo ecológico de esta arvense es importante controlarla en los primeros dieciséis días después de su emergencia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v10i15.666
CARACTERIZACIÓN NUMÉRICA in situ DE GERMOPLASMA DE CHAYOTE [Sechium edule (JACQ.) SWARTZ], COMUNIDAD EL CASTILLITO, LAS SABANAS, MADRIZ
Authors: González Alvaro Benavides , Contreras José Cisne , Lipcovich Daniel Querol , Centeno Juan Carlos Morán
Published: March 2012

El estudio se realizó para determinar variación in situ en chayote o pataste [Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz] en la comunidad El Castillito, Las Sabanas, Madriz. Se muestrearon 35 accesiones de chayote, y se midieron 34 variables cuantitativas y cualitativas como tamaño de fruto y semilla, forma y color del fruto, presencia de espinas y cantidad de fibra, entre otras. Análisis descriptivo, componentes principales y conglomerados se aplicaron a dicha variables. Los frutos fueron de coloración crema hasta verde oscuro; redondos, ovoides y alargados; y con presencia de espinas. Los tres primeros componentes principales aislaron el 60 % de la variación total. El análisis de conglomerado (método Ward y Gower) agrupó a las accesiones en 6 grupos. Los materiales muestreados presentaron variación considerable en muchas características.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v10i15.667
Evaluación del coeficiente de endurecimiento del acero AISI 1045 deformado por rodillo
Authors: Fernández Columbié Tomás , Fernández E. , Rodríguez I. , Alcántara D.
Published: March 2012

El objetivo del trabajo es determinar el comportamiento del coeficiente de endurecimiento n por la ecuación de Hollomon en muestras cilíndricas de acero AISI 1045, las cuales, después de ser deformadas, se sometieron a ensayos de tracción. Se utiliza un diseño de experimento donde se tienen en cuenta las variables número de revolución (n) con 27, 54 y 110 rev/min, fuerza de compresión (P) de 500, 1 500 y   2 500 N y avance (S) de 0,075; 0,125 y 0,25 mm/rev. Finalmente, aplicando el método de regresión se obtuvo un coeficiente de endurecimiento, el cual se aproxima a la linealidad cuando restringimos el cálculo a rangos de deformación elevados. Este coeficiente de endurecimiento se aplica en la ecuación de Hollomon para determinar el nuevo valor de tensión de fluencia y aplicarlo para el cálculo del trabajo mínimo a realizar en un proceso de deformación en frío empleando rodillo simple.Palabras clave. Deformación Plástica; tensión; deformación; endurecimiento.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/nexo.v24i2.658
Gerenciamento de Projeto Otimista (GPO): Um Método que Integra PERT/CPM à CCPM
Authors: Novais Igor Fontes , Jorge Eduardo Manoel de Freitas , Junior Carlos Pereira Costa , Souza Daniele Tavares
Published: March 2012

O fator tempo para os gerentes de projetos é um dos pontos mais preocupantes em razão das dificuldades em manter os projetos no prazo previsto, tornando interessante o uso de técnicas tradicionais como PERT/CPM. Outra técnica interessante que apóia a gestão de tempo é a Corrente Crítica (CCPM) baseada na Teoria das Restrições (TOC). Este artigo apresenta o método Gerenciamento de Projeto Otimista (GPO) que é baseado na PERT/CPM e na CCPM. O método GPO traz como diferencial uma nova forma de montagem de um cronograma, visando obter durações de atividades e buffers mais precisas.DOI:10.5585/gep.v2i2.25
Um Estudo do Processo de Gerenciamento das Demandas de Investimentos em Ativos Imobilizados: O Caso de uma Empresa de Telecomunicações
Authors: Jones Graciela Dias Coelho , Teruel Roberta Leal Hias
Published: March 2012

O trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o processo de gerenciamento das demandas de investimentos em ativos imobilizados de uma empresa de telecomunicações localizada no estado de Minas Gerais, que presta serviços de telecomunicações em todo o Brasil. Adicionalmente, apresenta os impactos da implementação de um novo fluxo para as solicitações de investimentos. A metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa exploratória, por meio de um estudo de caso, com abordagem qualitativa dos dados. Como resultado obteve-se que o processo de solicitação, aprovação e acompanhamento de investimentos em ativo imobilizado da empresa apresentou algumas deficiências, discutidas no decorrer da apresentação do estudo de caso. As adequações realizadas no sistema e a implementação do novo fluxo resultaram em muitos benefícios, entre eles podem ser destacados: maior agilidade nas análises, melhor acompanhamento dos investimentos realizados, redução do custo de salários, dinamismo no fluxo de aprovação de investimentos e melhoria na qualidade dos projetos aprovados.DOI:10.5585/gep.v2i2.42
Gestão de Riscos em Projeto: Contornando Incertezas para Viabilizar a Implantação de Nova Tecnologia em uma Indústria Petrolífera de E&P
Authors: Molina Palma Manuel Antonio , Andrade João Ladislau Pereira , Pedro Joice Da Silva
Published: March 2012

O presente artigo teve como principal objetivo verificar a importância e o impacto do gestão de riscos em projetos na implantação de uma nova tecnologia no setor petrolífero de Exploração e Produção (E&P). O estudo abrangeu as etapas da gerência de riscos em projetos e suas respectivas ferramentas. A metodologia utilizada foi um estudo de caso, aplicado em uma companhia petrolífera de grande porte com atuação internacional que possui distinto know-how no desenvolvimento de campos off-shore. Realizou-se uma análise comparativa entre as ações tomadas pela organização abordada e os passos elencados no PMBok para uma gestão de riscos eficaz.DOI:10.5585/gep.v2i2.43