bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryopreservation of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem/Progenitor Cells Using the Silk Protein Sericin
Authors: Miyamoto Yoshitaka , Oishi Koichi , Yukawa Hiroshi , Noguchi Hirofumi , Sasaki Masahiro , Iwata Hisashi , Hayashi Shuji
Published: July 2012

Adipose tissue-derived stem/progenitor cells (ASCs) have attracted attention as a cell source that replaces marrow stromal cells (MSCs); ASCs may thus have applications in both regenerative medicine and cell transplantation. These medical treatments, however, require a high-quality supply of human ASCs. Therefore, the cryopreservation methods have been improved by changing a component of a cryopreservation medium. Sericin, a protein hydrolysate (with an average molecular weight of 30 kDa) is very rich in serine. The viability and the adipogenic/osteogenic potential of human ASCs were tested after freezing in a cryopreservation medium containing sericin. After thawing, the viability of the human ASCs frozen in the cryopreservation medium was found to be more than 95%. The proliferation rate of human ASCs frozen in CELLBANKER 2, and DMEM/Ham's F-12 medium (serum free) + 10% DMSO, 0.1 mol/L maltose, and 1% sericin was higher than that of the cells frozen in the maintenance medium + 10% DMSO. The adipogenic/osteogenic differentiation capabilities of frozen human ASCs were examined by Oil Red O staining/Von Kossa's method. The human ASCs were frozen using CELLBANKER 2, and DMEM/Ham's F-12 medium (serum free) + 10% DMSO, 0.1 mol/L maltose, and 1% sericin were positive. In conclusion, the cryopreservation medium containing sericin is therefore considered to have a beneficial effect on freezing human ASCs. This serum-free cryopreservation medium should be widely used in regenerative medicine, cell transplantation, and biological research.
Soluble Factors from Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells have Antinecrotic Effect on Cardiomyocytes in Vitro and Improve Cardiac Function in Infarcted Rat Hearts
Authors: Fidelis-De-Oliveira P. , Werneck-De-Castro J. P. S. , Pinho-Ribeiro V. , Shalom B. C. M. , Nascimento-Silva J. H. , Souza R. H. Costa e , Cruz I. S. , Rangel R. R. , Goldenberg R. C. S. , Campos-De-Carvalho A. C.
Published: July 2012

The mechanisms underlying the functional improvement after injection of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in infarcted hearts remain incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate if soluble factors secreted by MSCs promote cardioprotection. For this purpose, conditioned medium (CM) was obtained after three passages from MSC cultures submitted to 72 h of conditioning in serum-free DMEM under normoxia (NCM) or hypoxia (HCM) conditions. CM was concentrated 25-fold before use (NCM-25X, concentrated normoxia conditioned medium; HCM-25X, concentrated hypoxia conditioned medium). The in vitro cardioprotection was evaluated in neonatal ventricular cardiomyocytes by quantifying apoptosis after 24 h of serum deprivation associated with hypoxia (1% O2) in the absence or presence of NCM and HCM (nonconcentrated and 25-fold concentrated). The in vivo cardioprotection of HCM was tested in a model of myocardial infarction (MI) induced in Wistar male rats by permanent left coronary occlusion. Intramyocardial injection of HCM-25X ( n = 14) or nonconditioned DMEM ( n = 16) was performed 3 h after coronary occlusion and cardiac function was evaluated 19—21 days after medium injection. Cardiac function was evaluated by electro- and echocardiogram, left ventricular catheterization, and treadmill test. The in vitro results showed that HCM was able to decrease cardiomyocyte necrosis. The in vivo results showed that HCM-25X administered 3 h after AMI was able to promote a significant reduction (35%) in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and improvement of cardiac contractility (15%) and relaxation (12%). These results suggest that soluble factors released in vitro by MSCs are able to promote cardioprotection in vitro and improve cardiac function in vivo.
Anterior Chest Wall Involvement in Early Stages of Spondyloarthritis: Advanced Diagnostic Tools
Authors: RAMONDA ROBERTA , LORENZIN MARIAGRAZIA , LO NIGRO ALESSANDRO , VIO STEFANIA , ZUCCHETTA PIETRO , FRALLONARDO PAOLA , CAMPANA CARLA , OLIVIERO FRANCESCA , MODESTI VALENTINA , PUNZI LEONARDO
Published: July 2012

Objective.

Anterior chest wall (ACW) involvement is difficult to evaluate in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Bone scan is sensitive to ACW involvement, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects early alterations in SpA. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of bone scans and MRI in assessing ACW in early SpA.

Methods.

Out of 110 patients with early SpA attending the Outpatient Rheumatology Unit Clinic of Padua University from January 2008 to December 2010, the 40 complaining of pain and/or tenderness [60% with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 12.5% with ankylosing spondylitis, and 27.5% with undifferentiated SpA] underwent bone scans and MRI.

Results.

At clinical examination, sternocostoclavicular joints were involved in 87.5% on the right, 77.5% on the left, and 35% on the sternum. Bone scan was positive in 100% and MRI in 62.5% of these patients. Early MRI signs (bone edema, synovial hyperemia) were observed in 27.5%, swelling in 5%, capsular structure thickness in 37.5%, erosions in 15%, bone irregularities in 15%, osteoproductive processes in 12.5%, and osteophytes in 5%. A higher prevalence of Cw6, Cw7, B35, and B38 was found in 15%, 48%, 28%, and 12%, respectively, of the patients with PsA who had bone scans.

Conclusion.

Noted mainly in women, ACW involvement was frequent in early SpA. Both bone scans and MRI are useful in investigating ACW inflammation. Bone scans were found to have high sensitivity in revealing subclinical involvement, but a low specificity. MRI provides useful information for therapeutic decision making because it reveals the type and extent of the process. The significant associations of HLA-Cw6 and Cw7 with PsA could suggest that genetic factors influence ACW involvement.
Enterprise Mobile Tracking and Reminder System: MAE
Authors: Yoong Cheah Huei , Swe Thet , Xian Lee Zheng , Yee Neo Shou
Published: July 2012

Mobile phones have made significant improvements from providing voice communications to advanced features such as camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, SMS, voice recognition, Internet surfing, and touch screen. This paper presents an enterprise mobile tracking and reminder system (MAE) that enables the elderly to have a better elder-care experience. The high-level architecture and major software algorithms especially the tracking in Android phones and SMS functions in server are described. The analysis of data captured and performance study of the server are discussed. In order to show the effectiveness of MAE, a pilot test was carried out with a retirement village in Singapore and the feedback from the elderly was evaluated. Generally, most comments received from the elderly were positive.
WILLINGNESS TO PAY AND PREFERENCES FOR GREEN HOUSING ATTRIBUTES IN HONG KONG
Authors: Yau Yung
Published: July 2012

Promotion of green housing is of utmost importance in the achievement of sustainability in the built environment. While the states often use legislation or offer subsidies to motivate developers to build green, market forces can lead to green housing provision without any state intervention if the market players are willing to pay extra for the green attributes of housing. This study aims to explore residents' willingness to pay (WTP) and preferences for green housing attributes based on the findings from a structured questionnaire survey in Hong Kong. The housing attributes under investigation include the uses of green materials and construction methods (e.g. timber from sustainable sources), energy-efficient technologies (e.g. LED lighting) and water-saving devices (e.g. grey water recycling system). Results indicate that apart from moral or altruistic reasons, residents' WTP was mainly motivated by economic incentives. Green housing attributes which can directly reduce residents' utility bills corresponded to greater WTP. Besides, environmental attitude was found a strong determinant of the WTP. Policy implications of the research findings then follow.
TOWARDS ESTABLISHING DIFFUSION BARRIERS FOR INNOVATIVE GREEN BUILDING PRODUCTS: A SURVEY OF SIPS BUILDERS
Authors: McCoy A.P. , Ahn Y.H. , Pearce A.R.
Published: July 2012

The aim of this paper is to propose and demonstrate an approach for exploring diffusion barriers specific to innovative green building products. Innovative green building products aim at reducing environmental impacts during a product's entire life-cycle, helping mitigate the substantial environmental degradation caused by current construction patterns. Few studies establish attributes that differentiate such products within the construction market, a key facet to increasing adoption. For key stakeholders, product attributes can affect the rate of adoption and the nature of use. Toward that end, this work: 1) Collects attributes common to all innovative building products through literature review in residential construction innovation, diffusion and adoption attributes, and green products; 2) utilizes a survey of certified green home builders as a sample population and Structural Insulated Panels as a “control” product to identify which product attributes specifically influence the use of green building products; and 3) Evaluates the relative influence of attributes on product adoption during initial trial of the product and for continued use of the product. Identifying attributes of green building products that influence adoption could enhance product development through reducing barriers to diffusion and commercialization across the residential construction industry. This work focuses on one specific product, Structural Insulated Panel systems (SIPS), from the standpoint of a population of green builders. As such, it attempts to serve as a scalable basis for future research.
A COMPARISON OF INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL SATISFACTION BETWEEN TWO GREEN BUILDINGS AND A CONVENTIONAL BUILDING IN CHINA
Authors: Gou Zhonghua , Lau Stephen Siu-Yu , Zhang Zhidong
Published: July 2012

Green buildings can have a more significant impact on their occupant health and productivity through improving indoor environment quality. However, post-occupancy studies invariably pointed out that green buildings were not always more comfortable and productive than non-green buildings. The article presents a comparison study between three buildings in Shenzhen aiming to examine the actual performance of green buildings from occupant point of view. The two green buildings marked a higher satisfaction on the health and productivity perception. However, in-depth examinations on IEQs showed some weaknesses in the two green buildings. On the comfort and satisfaction with the indoor air and temperature, the two green buildings performed better in summer but worse in winter. One of the two green buildings had significantly more noise from different sources than the conventional building. The other green building was significantly less satisfactory on the lighting environment than the conventional building. Implications were discussed for the green building designs and operations.
Donor NK Cells and IL-15 Promoted Engraftment in Nonmyeloablative Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Hu Bo , Bao Guangming , Zhang Yinsheng , Lin Dandan , Wu Yan , Wu Depei , Liu Haiyan
Published: July 2012

Donor NK cells could promote engraftment by suppressing host alloreactive responses during allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT). The biological activity of NK cells could be significantly enhanced by IL-15. The current study attempted to evaluate the effect of donor NK cells and IL-15 administration on engraftment and immune reconstitution in a murine nonmyeloablative allo-BMT model. Mice infused with donor NK cells and treated with IL-15 during nonmyeloablative allo-BMT resulted in increased donor engraftment compared with either treatment alone. The number of donor-derived cell subsets also increased in the spleen of the recipient mice with combination treatment. The alloreactivity to donor type Ags was significantly reduced in the recipient mice with donor NK cell infusion and IL-15 treatment, which was manifested by decreased proliferation and IL-2 secretion of splenocytes from recipient mice in response to donor type Ags in MLR and decreased capacity of the splenocytes killing donor type tumor targets. We subsequently exposed recipient mice to reduced irradiation conditioning and showed that donor NK cell infusion and hydrodynamic injection-mediated IL-15 expression could synergistically promote donor engraftment and suppress alloreactivity during nonmyeloablative allo-BMT. Infusion of CFSE-labeled donor CD45.1+ NK cells demonstrated that IL-15 could enhance the infused donor NK cell proliferation and function in vivo. IL-15 treatment also promoted donor bone marrow-derived NK cell development and function. Thus, donor NK cell infusion and IL-15 treatment could synergistically promote the engraftment and the development of donor-derived cell subsets and suppress the host alloresponse in a murine nonmyeloablative allo-BMT model.
A Coreceptor-Independent Transgenic Human TCR Mediates Anti-Tumor and Anti-Self Immunity in Mice
Authors: Mehrotra Shikhar , Al-Khami Amir A. , Klarquist Jared , Husain Shahid , Naga Osama , Eby Jonathan M. , Murali Anuradha K. , Lyons Gretchen E. , Li Mingli , Spivey Natali D. , Norell Håkan , Martins da Palma Telma , Onicescu Georgiana , Diaz-Montero C. Marcela , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Cole David J. , Le Poole I. Caroline , Nishimura Michael I.
Published: July 2012

Recent advancements in T cell immunotherapy suggest that T cells engineered with high-affinity TCR can offer better tumor regression. However, whether a high-affinity TCR alone is sufficient to control tumor growth, or the T cell subset bearing the TCR is also important remains unclear. Using the human tyrosinase epitope-reactive, CD8-independent, high-affinity TCR isolated from MHC class I-restricted CD4+ T cells obtained from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) of a metastatic melanoma patient, we developed a novel TCR transgenic mouse with a C57BL/6 background. This HLA-A2–restricted TCR was positively selected on both CD4+ and CD8+ single-positive cells. However, when the TCR transgenic mouse was developed with a HLA-A2 background, the transgenic TCR was primarily expressed by CD3+CD4−CD8− double-negative T cells. TIL 1383I TCR transgenic CD4+, CD8+, and CD4−CD8− T cells were functional and retained the ability to control tumor growth without the need for vaccination or cytokine support in vivo. Furthermore, the HLA-A2+/human tyrosinase TCR double-transgenic mice developed spontaneous hair depigmentation and had visual defects that progressed with age. Our data show that the expression of the high-affinity TIL 1383I TCR alone in CD3+ T cells is sufficient to control the growth of murine and human melanoma, and the presence or absence of CD4 and CD8 coreceptors had little effect on its functional capacity.
Tyrosine Phosphorylation of c-Maf Enhances the Expression of IL-4 Gene
Authors: Lai Chen-Yen , Lin Shin-Ying , Wu Chia-Kai , Yeh Li-Tzu , Sytwu Huey-Kang , Miaw Shi-Chuen
Published: July 2012

Maf proteins are involved in a variety of biological processes, such as oncogenesis, lens development, and differentiation. In immune system, c-Maf transactivates IL-4 promoter, and ectopic expression of c-Maf skews primary T cell response toward the Th2 pathway. Numerous transcription factors are subjected to posttranslational modification. In this study, to our knowledge, we show for the first time that c-Maf is subjective to tyrosine phosphorylation in Th cells and that the level of its tyrosine phosphorylation positively correlates with IL-4 expression by peripheral Th cells, but is negatively associated with the severity of disease in NOD mice. c-Maf undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation at Tyr21, Tyr92, and Tyr131 residues in Th2 cells. Furthermore, tyrosine phosphorylation at these three residues is critical for the recruitment of c-Maf to IL-4 promoter and IL-4 production in Th cells. Taken together, this study sheds new light on the role of posttranslational modification of c-Maf in IL-4 production and Th cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
NK Cell Response to Vaccinia Virus Is Regulated by Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Fortin Carl , Huang Xiaopei , Yang Yiping
Published: July 2012

NK cells are critical for the innate immune control of poxviral infections. Previous studies have shown that NK cells are efficiently activated in response to infection with vaccinia virus (VV), the most studied member of the poxvirus family. However, it remains unknown whether the activation of NK cells in response to VV infection is tightly regulated. In this study, we showed that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) rapidly accumulated at the site of VV infection. In vivo depletion of MDSCs led to enhanced NK cell proliferation, activation, and function in response to VV infection. This was accompanied by an increase in mortality and systemic IFN-γ production. We further demonstrated that the granulocytic-MDSC (G-MDSC) subset was responsible for the suppression on NK cells and that this suppression was mediated by reactive oxygen species. These results indicate that G-MDSCs can negatively regulate NK cell activation and function in response to VV infection and suggest that manipulation of G-MDSCs could represent an attractive strategy for regulating NK cell activities for potential therapeutic benefits.
Ras Activation Induces Expression of Raet1 Family NK Receptor Ligands
Authors: Liu Xi V. , Ho Samantha S. W. , Tan James J. , Kamran Neha , Gasser Stephan
Published: July 2012

NK cells play a crucial role in innate immunity against tumors. In many human tumors, Ras is chronically active, and tumor cells frequently express ligands for the activating NK cell receptor NKG2D. In this study, we report that Ras activation upregulates the expression of Raet1 protein family members Rae1α and Rae1β in mouse and ULBP1–3 in human cells. In addition, Ras also induced MHC class I chain-related protein expression in some human cell lines. Overexpression of the constitutively active H-RasV12 mutant was sufficient to induce NKG2D ligand expression. H-RasV12–induced NKG2D ligand upregulation depended on Raf, MAPK/MEK, and PI3K, but not ATM or ATR, two PI3K-like kinases previously shown to induce NKG2D ligand expression. Analysis of the 5′ untranslated regions of Raet1 family members suggested the presence of features known to impair translation initiation. Overexpression of the rate-limiting translation initiation factor eIF4E induced Rae1 and ULBP1 expression in a Ras- and PI3K-dependent manner. Upregulation of NKG2D ligands by H-RasV12 increased sensitivity of cells to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In summary, our data suggest that chronic Ras activation is linked to innate immune responses, which may contribute to immune surveillance of H-Ras transformed cells.
Survey of blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) annoyance levels and abundance along the Vaal and Orange Rivers, South Africa
Authors: De Beer Chantel J. , Kappmeier Green Karin
Published: July 2012

Blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are pests in the livestock and labour-intensive farming systems along the major rivers in South Africa. Since 1995, blackflies have been controlled in the Orange River with the larvicide Bacillus thuringienses var. israelensis (Bti). During 2006–2007, the views of livestock farmers concerning blackfly annoyance were determined by means of questionnaires. The results of the questionnaires were substantiated by seasonal abundance surveys of the sub-adult stages of blackflies, conducted in 2007 at 13 sites in the Orange River and 11 sites in the Vaal River. More than half (52%) of the 39 participating farmers along the Orange River and 79% of the 52 participating farmers along the Vaal River stated that they experienced severe blackfly problems. The majority of farmers were unaware of the availability of products that could be used to protect their animals against blackfly attacks and were willing to be involved in blackfly research. High numbers of blackfly sub-adult stages found in both rivers supported the high annoyance levels reported by the respondents. Simulium chutteri, Simulium damnosum s.l., Simulium hargreavesi, Simulium adersi and Simulium alcocki were identified at Christiana and Delportshoop on the Vaal River, whilst S. chutteri, S. damnosum s.l., S. adersi, S. alcocki and Simulium gariepense were identified at Marksdrift and Ses Bridge on the Orange River. Despite the extensive control of blackflies, farmers still experience problems and this contention is supported by surveys conducted along the rivers.
Littoral‐zone influences on particulate organic matter composition along the freshwater‐tidal Hudson River, New York
Authors: Hunsinger Glendon B. , Mitra Siddhartha , Findlay Stuart E. G. , Fischer David T.
Published: July 2012

A multi‐tracer approach was applied to particulate organic material (POM) biogeochemistry along a 165‐km transect of the freshwater‐tidal portion of the Hudson River estuary (HRE). Elemental carbon and nitrogen, stable isotopes, chlorophyll a, and lignin phenols were measured monthly at a mid‐estuary station from August to November 2007, and monthly at the same station and 3–5 additional stations in 2008. POM at stations proximal to major tidal wetland and aquatic vegetation (WETAV) zones showed ∼ 2‰ higher carbon isotopic signature of particulate organic carbon (δ13CPOC), ∼ 3‰ higher nitrogen isotopic signature of particulate nitrogen (δ15NPN), elevated chlorophyll a levels, and up to 3‐fold increases in Λ8‐lignin phenols indicative of relatively fresh plant matter. This prominent shift in POM composition suggests that WETAV areas supply compositionally unique organic matter along the HRE, especially during low flow. Based on shifts in geochemical tracers downstream of the largest WETAV zone, this POM appears to be readily incorporated, metabolized, and/or deposited to bed sediments. Despite representing < 1% of the drainage basin area, WETAV zones supply distinctive POM that could serve as a resource to estuarine metabolism. This highlights the importance of littoral zones in providing POM subsidies to tidally influenced rivers, perhaps to the same degree as lowland rivers and their seasonally connected floodplains.
Evaluation of electrophoretic protein extraction and database‐driven protein identification from marine sediments
Authors: Moore Eli K. , Nunn Brook L. , Faux Jessica F. , Goodlett David R. , Harvey H. Rodger
Published: July 2012

Intact proteins comprise a major component of organic carbon and nitrogen produced globally and are likely an important fraction of organic matter in sediments and soils. Extracting the protein component from sediments and soils for mass spectral characterization and identification represents a substantial challenge given the range of products and functionalities present in the complex matrix. Multiple forms of gel electrophoresis were evaluated as a means of enhancing recovery of sedimentary protein before proteomic characterization and compared with a direct enzymatic digestion of proteins in sediments. Resulting tryptic peptides were analyzed using shotgun proteomics and tandem mass spectra were evaluated with SEQUEST. Multiple databases were then evaluated to examine the ability to confidently identify proteins from environmental samples. Following evaluation of electrophoretic extraction of proteins from sediments, the recovery of an experimentally added standard protein (BSA) from older (>1 ky) sediments was optimized. Protein extraction from sediments via direct electrophoresis of a slurry mixture and the specified extraction buffer resulted in the greatest number of confident protein identifications and highest sequence coverage of the BSA standard. Searching tandem mass spectral data against larger databases with a higher diversity of proteomes did not yield a greater number of, or more confidence in, protein identifications. Regardless of the protein database used, identified peptides correlated to proteins with the same function across taxa. This suggests that while determining taxonomic‐level information remains a challenge in samples with unknown mixed species, it is possible to confidently assign the function of the identified protein.
A combined sensor for simultaneous high resolution 2‐D imaging of oxygen and trace metals fluxes
Authors: Stahl Henrik , Warnken Kent W. , Sochaczewski Lukasz , Glud Ronnie N. , Davison William , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2012

A new sandwich sensor, consisting of an O2 planar optode overlain by a thin (90 µm) DGT layer is presented. This sensor can simultaneously resolve 2‐D O2 dynamics and trace metal fluxes in benthic substrates at a high spatial resolution. The DGT layer accumulates metals on a small particle size (0.2 µm) chelating resin and records the locally induced trace metal flux during the deployment, whereas the planar optode resolves the O2 dynamic in near real time at the same location in the sediment. Despite its ultrathin composition, the DGT layer has high carrying capacity for trace metals with no saturation problems during application to typical coastal‐ or contaminated sediments. Combined with laser ablation, accumulated metal fluxes could be resolved at a resolution of ~200 µm, whereas the O2 images had a resolution of ~100 µm. A 2‐D diffusion‐reaction model showed that the enhanced smearing and reduced response time of the O2 signal associated with the additional DGT layer were marginal. To test sensor performance at realistic conditions, it was applied to an artificial burrow system consisting of permeable dialysis tubing flushed with oxygenated seawater. The measurements demonstrated localized mobilization of Ni, Cu, and Pb close to the burrow wall, where O2 was elevated. The latter was also confirmed for Cu and Pb in natural sediments irrigated by the polychaete Hediste diversicolor. The sandwich sensor has great potential for investigating interrelations between O2 dynamics and metal mobilization in complex benthic systems such as burrows, rhizospheres, permeable sands, and microbial mats.
Organic molecular markers and signature from wood combustion particles in winter ambient aerosols: aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) and high time-resolved GC-MS measurements in Augsburg, Germany
Authors: Elsasser M. , Crippa M. , Orasche J. , DeCarlo P. F. , Oster M. , Pitz M. , Cyrys J. , Gustafson T. L. , Pettersson J. B. C. , Schnelle-Kreis J. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Zimmermann R.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The impact of wood combustion on ambient aerosols was investigated in Augsburg, Germany during a winter measurement campaign of a six-week period. Special attention was paid to the high time resolution observations of wood combustion with different mass spectrometric methods. Here we present and compare the results from an Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) and gas chromatographic – mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysed PM1 filters on an hourly basis. This includes source apportionment of the AMS derived organic matter (OM) using positive matrix factorisation (PMF) and analysis of levoglucosan as wood combustion marker, respectively. During the measurement period nitrate and OM mass are the main contributors to the defined submicron particle mass of AMS and Aethalometer with 28% and 35%, respectively. Wood combustion organic aerosol (WCOA) contributes to OM with 23% on average and 27% in the evening and night time. Conclusively, wood combustion has a strong influence on the organic matter and overall aerosol composition. Levoglucosan accounts for 14% of WCOA mass with a higher percentage in comparison to other studies. The ratio between the mass of levoglucosan and organic carbon amounts to 0.06. This study is unique in that it provides a one-hour time resolution comparison between the wood combustion results of the AMS and the GC-MS analysed filter method at a PM1 particle size range. The comparison of the concentration variation with time of the PMF WCOA factor, levoglucosan estimated by the AMS data and the levoglucosan measured by GC-MS is highly correlated (R2 = 0.84), and a detailed discussion on the contributors to the wood combustion marker ion at mass-to-charge ratio 60 is given. At the end, both estimations, the WCOA factor and the levoglucosan concentration estimated by AMS data, allow to observe the variation with time of wood combustion emissions (gradient correlation with GC-MS levoglucosan of R2 = 0.84). In the case of WCOA, it provides the estimated magnitude of wood combustion emission. Quantitative estimation of the levoglucosan concentration from the AMS data is problematic due to its overestimation in comparison to the levoglucosan measured by the GC-MS.
Duration of Greenland Stadial 22 and ice-gas Δage from counting of annual layers in Greenland NGRIP ice core
Authors: Vallelonga P. , Bertagna G. , Blunier T. , Kjær H. A. , Popp T. J. , Rasmussen S. O. , Steffensen J. P. , Stowasser C. , Svensson A. S. , Warming E. , Winstrup M. , Bigler M. , Kipfstuhl S.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The NorthGRIP ice core chronology GICC05modelext is composed of the annual-layer counted GICC05 chronology to 60 kyr before 2000 AD (b2k), and an ice flow model dating the deepest part of the ice core to 123 kyr b2k. Determination of annual strata in ice beyond 60 kyr b2k has been challenged by the thinning of annual layers to <1 cm and the appearance of microfolds in some early glacial strata. We report high-resolution measurements of a 50 m section of the NorthGRIP ice core and corresponding annual layer thicknesses, constraining the duration of the Greenland Stadial (GS-22) between Greenland Interstadials (GIs) 21 and 22 which occurred between approximately 89 (end of GI-22) and 83 kyr b2k (onset of GI-21) depending on the chronology used. Multiple analytes (insoluble dust particles, electrolytic conductivity, ammonium and sodium) were determined in annual layers of ice often thinner than 1 cm. From annual layer counting, we find that GS-22 lasted 2894 ± 198 yr and was followed by a GI-21 pre-cursor event lasting 350 ± 19 yr. Our layer-based counting agrees with the duration of GS-22 determined from the NALPS speleothem record (3250 ± 526 yr) but not with that of the GICC05modelext chronology (2620 yr). These results show that GICC05modelext overestimates accumulation and/or underestimates thinning in this early part of the last glacial period. We also revise the NorthGRIP ice depth-gas depth (5.67 ± 0.18 m) and ice age-gas age (550 ± 52 yr) differences at the warming onset of GI-21, observing that δ15N increases before CH4 concentration by no more than a few decades.
Past climate changes and permafrost depth at the Lake El'gygytgyn site: implications from data and thermal modelling
Authors: Mottaghy D. , Schwamborn G. , Rath V.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. We present results of numerical simulations of the temperature field of the subsurface around and beneath the crater Lake El'gygytgyn in NE Russia, which is subject of an interdisciplinary drilling campaign within the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP). This study focuses on determining the permafrost depth and the transition between talik and permafrost regimes, both, under steady-state and transient conditions of past climate changes. Thermal properties of the subsurface are deduced from measurements on three representative core samples taken from the quaternary sediments and the underlying impact rock. Further information is derived from the available geophysical logs and literature data. The temperature data from the lake borehole ICDP site 5011-1 down to 400 m depth below lake bottom are dominated by thermal perturbations related to the drilling process, and thus only give reliable values for the lowermost value in the borehole. Undisturbed temperature data recorded over more than two years in the 140 m deep land-based borehole ICDP site 5011-3 allow to determine the mean annual ground surface temperature (GST), as well as its history (GSTH) to a certain extent. Although the borehole's depth is by far not sufficient for a complete reconstruction of past temperatures back to the last glacial maximum (LGM), the temperature data and our modelling results show that there is still an influence of the LGM on the thermal regime, and thus on the permafrost depth. Whereas the latter result is obtained from the deeper part of the temperature profile, the rather strong curvature of the temperature data in shallower depths around 30 m can be explained by a comparatively large amplitude of the Little Ice Age (LIA), with a subsequently persistent cool period. Other mechanisms like varying porosity may also have an influence on the temperature profile, however, our modelling studies imply a major contribution from recent climate changes.
Operational SAR-based sea ice drift monitoring over the Baltic Sea
Authors: Karvonen J.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. An algorithm for computing ice drift from pairs of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images covering a common area has been developed at FMI. The algorithm has been developed based on the C-band SAR data over the Baltic Sea. It is based on phase correlation in two scales (coarse and fine) with some additional constraints. The algorithm has been running operationally in the Baltic Sea from the beginning of 2011, using Radarsat-1 ScanSAR wide mode and Envisat ASAR wide swath mode data. The resulting ice drift fields are publicly available as part of the MyOcean EC project. The SAR-based ice drift vectors have been compared to the drift vectors from drifter buoys in the Baltic Sea during the first operational season, and also these validation results are shown in this paper. Also some navigationally useful sea ice quantities, which can be derived from ice drift vector fields, are presented.
Socio-economic Impacts on Human Life in Arsenic Affected Area of Basti Rasul Pur, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
Authors: Islam ul Haq Lt Col , Hanif Waqas , Hasnain Ghalib , Durez Shahid
Published: July 2012

The availability and scarcity of both surface and ground water alongwith adverse impacts of contaminated water have become major problems in Pakistan. Groundwater arsenic contamination in the southern part of the country has exponentially endangered the human life and complicated the efforts to provide safe drinking water in the arsenic contaminated areas. To gauge the adverse impacts amongst the affected population, household survey in Basti Rasul Pur district Rahim Yar Khan was conducted on core socio-economic indicators such as household conditions, sex ratio, earning sources, literacy, health morbidity, water borne diseases, drinking water contamination, education, employment and unemployment, expenditure on hospitalization for drawing best possible conclusions. Resultantly, sex ratio observed was about 1.01% for adults and 9.8 % for children. A total of 77 % water samples were found with arsenic contamination, due to which 50 % people were found with arsencosis symptoms and 60% of their earnings were being spent on hospitalization. Due to poverty and illiteracy, the entire population was un-aware of the adverse impacts of drinking water arsenic contamination. There is a dire need of installation of sustainable community based arsenic mitigation technologies for provisioning of safe drinking water to affected community.
Vermicompost as Substrate Amendment for Tomato Transplant Production
Authors: Tringovska Ivanka , Dintcheva Tsvetanka
Published: July 2012

Vermicompost may be a promising substitute for peat especially in transplant production. Vermicomposting is a sustainable solution for management of organic wastes. However, due to variability of organic wastes, vermicomposts might have varying nutrient content levels. The study compared vermicomposts from different sources on growth and nutrition of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) transplants. Chemical composition of vermicomposts differed. Common characteristics were high pH and very high electrical conductivity. All vermicomposts stimulated growth of tomato transplants, with up to a 2.2-fold increase occurring in shoot biomass. Differences in growth were attributed mainly to differences in nutrient content of the potting mixtures, but some changes in physical and biological properties of the substrate could also be responsible.
Le travail social au Québec (1960-2000) : 40 ans de transformation d'une profession
Authors: Favreau Louis
Published: July 2012

En nous centrant sur des pratiques plus « généralistes » du travail social qui ont souvent émergé à sa périphérie (organisateurs communautaires de CLSC, agents de relations humaines, employés dans les organisations communautaires de santé et de services sociaux, etc.), nous souhaitons prolonger la réflexion amorcée dans la revue Nouvelles pratiques sociales voulant que le travail social ne soit pas à la remorque du changement social mais participe plutôt, avec d'autres, au renouvellement des pratiques (Mathieu, 1999). L'exemple du travail social pratiqué dans les champs de l'entraide économique, de l'insertion par le travail, du développement local et de l'économie sociale servira de démonstration. Cette démonstration sera précédée d'une analyse du travail social et de ses transformations depuis 40 ans (1960-2000), analyse qui nous amènera à conclure à la capacité de rebondir de la profession lors des crises successives (d'identité et de légitimité) que cette dernière a vécues et non à son repli identitaire.
Lorsque des pratiques différentes se heurtent : les relations entre les travailleurs de rue et les autres intervenants
Authors: Duval Michelle , Fontaine Annie
Published: July 2012

De plus en plus sollicités pour établir un pont entre le monde institutionnel et les jeunes exclus, les travailleurs de rue ont avec les autres intervenants des relations qui sont souvent tendues. Des entrevues menées auprès de travailleurs de rue et d'intervenants de différents secteurs (policier, scolaire, services sociaux et de santé, hébergement communautaire) révèlent que ces tensions trouvent leur origine dans la méconnaissance du travail de rue ainsi que dans la difficulté à reconnaître la spécificité (formes, finalités, lecture de la réalité des jeunes marginalisés sur laquelle elle s'appuie) et la pertinence de cette pratique d'intervention.
Intervention en soutien à l'empowerment. Dans Naître égaux – Grandir en santé1
Authors: Ouellet Francine , René Jean-François , Durand Danielle , Dufour Renée , Garon Suzanne
Published: July 2012

Cet article s'intéresse au rôle joué par l'intervention dans le processus d'empowerment de personnes en situation d'extrême pauvreté. Il se fonde sur une étude de cas d'une vingtaine de familles rejointes par le programme de santé publique Naître égaux – Grandir en santé (NÉ – GS). Il identifie d'abord les principales composantes qui se dégagent des processus d'empowerment observés. Par la suite, et c'est là le coeur de notre propos, l'article fait ressortir un certain nombre d'éléments pour qualifier l'intervention individuelle réalisée dans un tel contexte : une intervention à un moment clé de la vie ; une forte relation de confiance ; une intervention qui part du ou des projets des parents ; enfin, un accompagnement vers les services et ressources de la communauté en procurant le sentiment de posséder du pouvoir.
L'approche globale s'adressant aux usagers de drogues illégales en Suisse et aux Pays-Bas : nouvelles pratiques sociales
Authors: Caloen Benoît Van , Gervasoni Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2012

Au cours des 10 dernières années, les approches classiques s'adressant aux usagers de drogues illégales se sont révélées impuissantes à enrayer ce phénomène. La pandémie du sida n'a fait que rendre plus urgent encore le développement d'approches novatrices. Plusieurs pays européens ont développé une approche globale, comportant une multitude de ressources de type bas-seuil, appelée « aide à la survie ».

Cet article présente le contexte de développement de ces ressources ainsi que la campagne de sensibilisation auprès de la population générale qui l'a accompagné en Suisse. Enfin, les auteurs décrivent brièvement plusieurs ressources présentes en Suisse et aux Pays-Bas.
Familisme, despotisme et discipline dans le languedoc rural
Authors: Lem Winnie
Published: July 2012

Cet article examine les mécanismes au sein des exploitations familiales qui contrôlent la main-d’oeuvre des femmes et des hommes dans le Languedoc rural. L’auteure soutient qu’il y a deux systèmes de gestion de la main-d’oeuvre dans les entreprises familiales et viticoles qui contribuent à façonner des femmes et des hommes en travailleurs disciplinés. On peut appeler un de ces systèmes le régime de l’« hégémonie familiale », et l’autre, le régime du « despotisme familial ». Dans ce dernier, la gestion est basée sur la coercition, alors que dans un régime d’hégémonie familiale, elle repose sur le consentement. Tout en utilisant des exemples tirés de son travail de terrain dans le Languedoc, l’auteure démontre comment les mécanismes propres à ces deux régimes instaurent les dimensions idéologiques et matérielles d’une éthique familiale, — le « familisme » —, dans un contexte où la dépopulation menace la survie des exploitations familiales.
Bali : vingt ans de recherches
Authors: Picard Michel
Published: July 2012

Cet article tire les enseignements d’une vingtaine d’années de recherches sur les enjeux du tourisme à Bali. Il présente de façon synoptique l’itinéraire intellectuel de l’auteur, les avancées de l’étude anthropologique sur l’impact social et culturel du tourisme dans les sociétés d’accueil, et les fluctuations de l’attitude des Balinais confrontés à la mise en tourisme de leur société. À l’issue de ces recherches, il s’avère que le tourisme n’a ni « pollué » la culture balinaise ni provoqué sa « renaissance », contrairement aux opinions qui dominent les débats sur la question. En revanche, la décision de promouvoir un tourisme « culturel » a convaincu les Balinais qu’ils « avaient une culture », à savoir qu’ils étaient en possession d’un bien précieux et périssable, dont ils risquaient de se voir déposséder. Incités à représenter leur culture en référence au regard que porte sur eux le monde extérieur, les Balinais en sont venus à quêter dans le miroir que leur tendent les touristes la confirmation de leur identité culturelle.
Ritualisations du féminin lors d’une campagne électorale au Brésil
Authors: Firmo Barreira Irlys Alencar
Published: July 2012

L’objectif de cet article est d’analyser la participation des femmes à la scène politique électorale, en étudiant les valeurs et les symboles utilisés en tant qu’emblèmes de campagne. En prenant comme référence empirique la campagne électorale de 1996 des candidates à la mairie de trois villes du Nordeste brésilien, il s’agit d’analyser les symboles et les valeurs qui font allusion aux rôles féminins pendant cette période. On y mobilise des valeurs universelles qui se réfèrent aux rôles féminins conventionnels et des valeurs acquises par les femmes lors de la participation à divers espaces politiques. Cela démontre quelles sont les stratégies utilisées pour la reconnaissance des femmes dans un champ politique traditionnellement caractérisé par la présence masculine.
La responsabilité à l'épreuve de l'approche pragmatique : le cas de la prise en charge des accidents du travail
Authors: Muñoz Jorge
Published: July 2012

Le droit social permet de faire porter le débat non pas sur les causes et les responsabilités de l'accident du travail, mais sur les modalités de réparation et d'indemnisation. Il déplace la question de l'accusation vers celle de l'assurance. En pratique, cependant, pour établir si oui ou non un accident peut être considéré comme un accident du travail, on suit une logique de construction des faits de type assurantiel, qui peut se heurter à une autre logique, accusatoire, menant à imputer la responsabilité de l'accident à l'une des parties. Dans le cas présenté ici, l'employeur conteste l'accident du travail, en l'imputant à une faute de son employé. L'article reconstitue le cheminement des arguments de part et d'autre en montrant la force et l'irréductibilité des deux logiques : la logique assurantielle ne peut intégrer aucune considération relative à la responsabilité individuelle du salarié, dès lors que l'accident du travail est reconnu; la logique accusatoire ne peut comprendre la logique assurantielle dès lors qu'elle part du principe que l'accident est dû à une faute.
L'accueil et l'intégration des immigrants : à qui la responsabilité ? Le cas des jumelages entre familles québécoises et familles immigrantes
Authors: Vatz-Laaroussi Michèle , Charbonneau Johanne
Published: July 2012

Le concept de responsabilité renvoie à des modalités très diversifiées. Dans le cours de ses interactions avec les autres, chacun le réinterprète à sa façon. En ce qui concerne les immigrants, cela soulève en particulier la question de savoir qui sera tenu responsable de leur intégration. Est-ce que la société civile a elle-même un rôle particulier à jouer à cet égard ? Afin de réfléchir sur cette idée de la responsabilité comme composante du lien social et politique, nous illustrons notre propos par une recherche effectuée au Québec auprès de familles immigrantes et natives, jumelées au travers d'un programme d'accueil et d'adaptation subventionné par le gouvernement et mis en oeuvre par des organismes communautaires.
Le genre de l'emploi de proximité
Authors: Dussuet Annie
Published: July 2012

Dans les années récentes, les « emplois de proximité d'aide à la vie quotidienne » ont connu une forte croissance, largement soutenue par des politiques publiques multiples mais invariablement énoncées au neutre. Pourtant ces emplois intéressent la question du genre, d'abord parce que 99 pour cent des salariés y sont des femmes, ensuite parce qu'ils représentent une « externalisation » du travail domestique gratuit habituellement réalisé par les femmes. Les non-dits de ces politiques « neutres » font appel aux rapports spécifiques des femmes au travail et à l'emploi, et impliquent une précarité au féminin, largement invisible. Ces « emplois de femmes », qui replacent celles-ci dans des postures « traditionnelles » de don, dessinent les contours généraux de l'emploi féminin, en naturalisant les compétences nécessaires, rendant plus difficile l'accès à une reconnaissance de type professionnel et à l'égalité.
Mondialisation : du géo-culturel au bio-politique
Authors: Cuillerai Marie , Abélès Marc
Published: July 2012

La mondialisation est souvent décrite comme un phénomène principalement économique, et l’intérêt d’une approche anthropologique est d’en saisir la dimension géo-culturelle. Notre but est de faire apparaître tout l’intérêt de cette perspective en nous référant aux travaux d’Arjun Appadurai. Ce dernier met en évidence la crise de l’État-nation traditionnel et l’impact de la circulation des individus et des informations. Dans ce contexte, l’imagination joue un rôle essentiel, il est possible de produire de nouvelles localités. On confronte ici l’analyse d’Appadurai à une autre perspective qui souligne aussi l’importance des déplacements de population, mais place l’accent sur la dimension bio-politique de cette situation. En nous référant aux travaux de Michel Foucault et de Giorgio Agamben, nous montrerons que la prise en compte de cette perspective bio-politique peut permettre de mieux comprendre certains aspects de la mondialisation qui échappent à l’approche géo-culturelle.