bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Performance Shuffle Motor Fabricated by Vertical Trench Isolation Technology
Authors: Sarajlic Edin , Yamahata Christophe , Berenschot Erwin , Tas Niels , Fujita Hiroyuki , Krijnen Gijs
Published: July 2010

Shuffle motors are electrostatic stepper micromotors that employ a built-in mechanical leverage to produce large output forces as well as high resolution displacements. These motors can generally move only over predefined paths that served as driving electrodes. Here, we present the design, modeling and experimental characterization of a novel shuffle motor that moves over an unpatterned, electrically grounded surface. By combining the novel design with an innovative micromachining method based on vertical trench isolation, we have greatly simplified the fabrication of the shuffle motors and significantly improved their overall performance characteristics and reliability. Depending on the propulsion voltage, our motor with external dimensions of 290 μm × 410 mm displays two distinct operational modes with adjustable step sizes varying respectively from 0.6 to 7 nm and from 49 to 62 nm. The prototype was driven up to a cycling frequency of 80 kHz, showing nearly linear dependence of its velocity with frequency and a maximum velocity of 3.6 mm/s. For driving voltages of 55 V, the device had a maximum travel range of ±70 μm and exhibited an output force of 1.7 mN, resulting in the highest force and power densities reported so far for an electrostatic micromotor. After five days of operation, it had traveled a cumulative distance of more than 1.5 km in 34 billion steps without noticeable deterioration in performance.
Optimization of Anodized-Aluminum Pressure-Sensitive Paint by Controlling Luminophore Concentration
Authors: Sakaue Hirotaka , Ishii Keiko
Published: July 2010

Anodized-aluminum pressure-sensitive paint (AA-PSP) has been used as a global pressure sensor for unsteady flow measurements. We use a dipping deposition method to apply a luminophore on a porous anodized-aluminum surface, controlling the luminophore concentration of the dipping method to optimize AA-PSP characteristics. The concentration is varied from 0.001 to 10 mM. Characterizations include the pressure sensitivity, the temperature dependency, and the signal level. The pressure sensitivity shows around 60 % at a lower concentration up to 0.1 mM. Above this concentration, the sensitivity reduces to a half. The temperature dependency becomes more than a half by setting the luminophore concentration from 0.001 to 10 mM. There is 3.6-fold change in the signal level by varying the concentration. To discuss an optimum concentration, a weight coefficient is introduced. We can arbitrarily change the coefficients to create an optimized AA-PSP for our sensing purposes.
Sustainable Technologies and Social Costs for Eliminating Contamination of an Aquifer
Authors: Schirmer Mario , Niemes Horst
Published: July 2010

This case study deals with long-term contamination of the Leuna aquifer, which is intended to be restored using sustainable technologies financed by the state. The contamination can only be solved using active rather than passive intervention, because the aquifer has an extraordinarily low natural attenuation capacity for the specific pollutants. Due to the longevity of the contamination source, the groundwater treatment technology that was chosen for the site must operate for a minimum of 20 years but probably much longer. Since the polluter-pay principle cannot be applied, the estimated dynamic primary remediation costs must be accepted as a political or social cost, which must be paid by current and future generations.
Ribavirin Monitoring in Chronic Hepatitis C Therapy: Anaemia versus Efficacy
Authors: Brochot Etienne , Castelain Sandrine , Duverlie Gilles , Capron Dominique , Nguyen-Khac Eric , François Catherine
Published: July 2010

The standard treatment of HCV infection with pegylated interferon-α2a or -α2b and ribavirin is effective in <50% of HCV genotype-1-infected patients. To improve this figure, it might be desirable to obtain optimal plasma concentrations of the drug by increasing the dose. Unfortunately, there is great interpatient variability in ribavirin pharmacokinetics. In the present review, we describe the mechanism of ribavirin-induced anaemia in detail, evaluate host predictive factors for this harmful side effect and assess the literature data on attempts to improve the sustained virological response rate by increasing the dose of ribavirin. We suggest an optimal steady-state concentration range for ribavirin in monoinfected and coinfected patients. Lastly, we propose that it would be of particular value to monitor ribavirin concentrations in HCV genotype-1-infected patients and (regardless of the genotype) coinfected patients, haemodialyzed patients and obese patients.
Metabolic Syndrome and the Functional Outcomes of Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: GANDHI RAJIV , RAZAK FAHAD , DAVEY J. RODERICK , MAHOMED NIZAR N.
Published: July 2010

Objective.

Patients with an elevated systemic inflammatory state are known to report greater pain with knee osteoarthritis (OA). We investigated the influence of risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on patient function before and after hip and knee replacement surgery.

Methods.

A total of 677 consecutive patients with primary knee replacement and 547 consecutive patients with primary hip replacement with at least one MetS risk factor were reviewed from our joint registry. Demographic variables of age, sex, and comorbidity were retrieved. MetS risk factors were defined as body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Baseline and 1-year Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were compared across patients by number of MetS risk factors, ranging from 1 to 4. Linear regression modeling was used to evaluate the effects of the MetS risk groups and the individual metabolic abnormalities on predicting baseline and 1-year WOMAC scores. Knee and hip patients were reviewed separately.

Results.

The knee and hip patients showed a significant difference in sex distribution, BMI, and mean comorbidity across risk groups (p < 0.05). Unadjusted analysis showed that baseline and 1-year WOMAC scores, for both knee and hip patients, increased significantly with increasing number of MetS risk factors (p < 0.05). The linear regression model with the individual metabolic abnormalities was found to be more predictive of outcome than one with the number of MetS risk factors. Hypertension and obesity were the metabolic factors most predictive of a poorer outcome following hip surgery as compared to just obesity for knee patients.

Conclusion.

Patient function following joint replacement surgery, particularly hip surgery, is negatively affected by metabolic abnormalities perhaps secondary to the systemic proinflammatory state. This knowledge should be used when counseling patients prior to surgery.
Depression and Cognitive Impairment in Newly Diagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: PETRI MICHELLE , NAQIBUDDIN MOHAMMAD , CARSON KATHRYN A. , WALLACE DANIEL J. , WEISMAN MICHAEL H. , HOLLIDAY STEPHEN L. , SAMPEDRO MARGARET , PADILLA PATRICIA A. , BREY ROBIN L.
Published: July 2010

Objective.

Cognitive impairment is present in 80% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) 10 years after diagnosis. The natural history of cognitive dysfunction in newly diagnosed SLE is unknown. We examined the association of depression and cognitive performance in newly diagnosed SLE.

Methods.

A multicenter cohort of 111 patients newly diagnosed (within 9 months) with SLE underwent cognitive function testing using an automated battery [Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM)] with 9 subtests. Depression was measured using the Calgary Depression Scale (CDS).

Results.

The patient cohort was 97.3% female, 55.9% white, 15.3% African American, 20.7% Hispanic, mean age 37.8 years, mean education 15.2 years. CDS score ranged from 0 to 18 (mean 5.0 ± 4.6). CDS score did not differ by age, sex, ethnicity, or prednisone dose. Higher Krupp Fatigue Severity Scale scores and presence of fibromyalgia were significantly associated with higher CDS score (p < 0.001; p = 0.006, respectively). Depressed patients, defined by a CDS score > 6, had significantly poorer performance on 5 ANAM throughput measures: code substitution (p = 0.03), continuous performance (p = 0.02), matching-to-sample (p = 0.04), simple reaction time (p = 0.02), and the Sternberg memory test (p = 0.04). Adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, education, and prednisone dose, a higher CDS score remained significantly associated with poorer performance on 3 measures, but the association was slightly attenuated for code substitution and matching-to-sample. Depression was not associated with mathematical or spatial processing.

Conclusion.

Depression, a modifiable risk factor, is associated with significantly poorer function in several cognitive domains in patients newly diagnosed with SLE. Treatment of depression when the CDS score is greater than 6 may improve cognitive functioning and should be further studied.
Impact of Underlying Depression on Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Older Adults with Dementia
Authors: Buettner Linda L. , Fitzsimmons Suzanne , Dudley William N.
Published: July 2010

This article examines the moderating effect of depression on interdisciplinary treatment approaches for behaviors in dementia. A secondary analysis of data collected on tailored treatment of 105 long-term care residents with dementia found a significant relationship between treatment and passivity (
p
< 0.001), treatment and agitation (
p
= 0.001), and the mediating effect of change in passivity on change in agitation (
p
< 0.001). The moderating effect of depression was found as a significant factor. For participants with depression and agitation, a significant change in passive behavior was related to significant change in agitated behavior. Thus, by focusing treatment on passivity, both types of neuropsychiatric behaviors improved. The implications of thoroughly assessing not only a behavior problem such as agitation but also other neuropsychiatric symptoms that complicate the delivery of the intervention are discussed.
c-Met and Its Ligand Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Scatter Factor Regulate Mature B Cell Survival in a Pathway Induced by CD74
Authors: Gordin Maya , Tesio Melania , Cohen Sivan , Gore Yael , Lantner Frida , Leng Lin , Bucala Richard , Shachar Idit
Published: July 2010

The signals regulating the survival of mature splenic B cells have become a major focus in recent studies of B cell immunology. Durable B cell persistence in the periphery is dependent on survival signals that are transduced by cell surface receptors. In this study, we describe a novel biological mechanism involved in mature B cell homeostasis, the hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF)/c-Met pathway. We demonstrate that c-Met activation by HGF leads to a survival cascade, whereas its blockade results in induction of mature B cell death. Our results emphasize a unique and critical function for c-Met signaling in the previously described macrophage migration inhibitory factor/CD74-induced survival pathway. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor recruits c-Met to the CD74/CD44 complex and thereby enables the induction of a signaling cascade within the cell. This signal results in HGF secretion, which stimulates the survival of the mature B cell population in an autocrine manner. Thus, the CD74–HGF/c-Met axis defines a novel physiologic survival pathway in mature B cells, resulting in the control of the humoral immune response.
CD30 Ligand/CD30 Plays a Critical Role in Th17 Differentiation in Mice
Authors: Sun Xun , Yamada Hisakata , Shibata Kensuke , Muta Hiromi , Tani Kenzaburo , Podack Eckhard R. , Yoshikai Yasunobu
Published: July 2010

A CD30 ligand (CD30L; CD153) and its receptor, CD30, is a membrane-associated glycoprotein belonging to the TNF superfamily and TNFR superfamily. These were expressed preferentially by activated CD4+T cells. In this paper, we show that CD44lowCD62hiCD4+ T cells from CD30L−/− or CD30−/− mice exhibited impaired differentiation into Th17 cells but an increased ability to produce IL-2 after in vitro culture under Th17-polarizing conditions. Neutralization with IL-2 by anti–IL-2 mAb partly restored the ability of Th17 differentiation in CD30L−/− or CD30−/− T cells. Stimulation via CD30L by immobilized anti-CD30L mAb suppressed IL-2 production by CD30−/−CD4+ T cells, indicating that the reverse signal to CD30L is responsible for downregulation of IL-2 production. In vivo Th17 differentiation of CD30L−/−CD4+CD45RBhigh T cells was also impaired after transfer into SCID mice, whereas CD30L+/+CD4+CD45RBhigh T cells normally differentiated into Th17 cells in CD30L−/−SCID mice. The results of these studies demonstrate that CD30L/CD30 signaling executed by the T-T cell interaction plays a critical role in Th17 cell differentiation, at least partly via downregulation of IL-2 production.
Altered B Cell Development and Anergy in the Absence of Foxp3
Authors: Leonardo Steven M. , Josephson Jennifer A. , Hartog Nicholas L. , Gauld Stephen B.
Published: July 2010

The importance of regulatory T cells in immune tolerance is illustrated by the human immune dysregulatory disorder IPEX (immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked), caused by a lack of regulatory T cells due to decreased or absent expression of Foxp3. Although the majority of work on regulatory T cells has focused on their ability to suppress T cell responses, the development of significant autoantibody titers in patients with IPEX suggests that regulatory T cells also contribute to the suppression of autoreactive B cells. Using a murine model, deficient in the expression of Foxp3, we show that B cell development is significantly altered in the absence of regulatory T cells. Furthermore, we identify a loss of B cell anergy as a likely mechanism to explain the production of autoantibodies that occurs in the absence of regulatory T cells. Our results suggest that regulatory T cells, by either direct or indirect mechanisms, modulate B cell development and anergy.
Comparison of OX40 Ligand and CD70 in the Promotion of CD4+ T Cell Responses
Authors: Kurche Jonathan S. , Burchill Matthew A. , Sanchez Phillip J. , Haluszczak Catherine , Kedl Ross M.
Published: July 2010

The TNF superfamily members CD70 and OX40 ligand (OX40L) were reported to be important for CD4+ T cell expansion and differentiation. However, the relative contribution of these costimulatory signals in driving CD4+ T cell responses has not been addressed. In this study, we found that OX40L is a more important determinant than CD70 of the primary CD4+ T cell response to multiple immunization regimens. Despite the ability of a combined TLR and CD40 agonist (TLR/CD40) stimulus to provoke appreciable expression of CD70 and OX40L on CD8+ dendritic cells, resulting CD4+ T cell responses were substantially reduced by Ab blockade of OX40L and, to a lesser degree, CD70. In contrast, the CD8+ T cell responses to combined TLR/CD40 immunization were exclusively dependent on CD70. These requirements for CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation were not limited to the use of combined TLR/CD40 immunization, because vaccinia virus challenge elicited primarily OX40L-dependent CD4 responses and exclusively CD70-dependent CD8+ T cell responses. Attenuation of CD4+ T cell priming induced by OX40L blockade was independent of signaling through the IL-12R, but it was reduced further by coblockade of CD70. Thus, costimulation by CD70 or OX40L seems to be necessary for primary CD4+ T cell responses to multiple forms of immunization, and each may make independent contributions to CD4+ T cell priming.
TLR3 and Rig-Like Receptor on Myeloid Dendritic Cells and Rig-Like Receptor on Human NK Cells Are Both Mandatory for Production of IFN-γ in Response to Double-Stranded RNA
Authors: Perrot Ivan , Deauvieau Florence , Massacrier Catherine , Hughes Nicola , Garrone Pierre , Durand Isabelle , Demaria Olivier , Viaud Nicolas , Gauthier Laurent , Blery Mathieu , Bonnefoy-Berard Nathalie , Morel Yannis , Tschopp Jurg , Alexopoulou Lena , Trinchieri Giorgio , Paturel Carine , Caux Christophe
Published: July 2010

Cross-talk between NK cells and dendritic cells (DCs) is critical for the potent therapeutic response to dsRNA, but the receptors involved remained controversial. We show in this paper that two dsRNAs, polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], similarly engaged human TLR3, whereas only poly(I:C) triggered human RIG-I and MDA5. Both dsRNA enhanced NK cell activation within PBMCs but only poly(I:C) induced IFN-γ. Although myeloid DCs (mDCs) were required for NK cell activation, induction of cytolytic potential and IFN-γ production did not require contact with mDCs but was dependent on type I IFN and IL-12, respectively. Poly(I:C) but not polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid synergized with mDC-derived IL-12 for IFN-γ production by acting directly on NK cells. Finally, the requirement of both TLR3 and Rig-like receptor (RLR) on mDCs and RLRs but not TLR3 on NK cells for IFN-γ production was demonstrated using TLR3- and Cardif-deficient mice and human RIG-I–specific activator. Thus, we report the requirement of cotriggering TLR3 and RLR on mDCs and RLRs on NK cells for a pathogen product to induce potent innate cell activation.
Modification of MHC Anchor Residues Generates Heteroclitic Peptides That Alter TCR Binding and T Cell Recognition
Authors: Cole David K. , Edwards Emily S. J. , Wynn Katherine K. , Clement Mathew , Miles John J. , Ladell Kristin , Ekeruche Julia , Gostick Emma , Adams Katherine J. , Skowera Ania , Peakman Mark , Wooldridge Linda , Price David A. , Sewell Andrew K.
Published: July 2010

Improving T cell Ags by altering MHC anchor residues is a common strategy used to enhance peptide vaccines, but there has been little assessment of how such modifications affect TCR binding and T cell recognition. In this study, we use surface plasmon resonance and peptide–MHC tetramer binding at the cell surface to demonstrate that changes in primary peptide anchor residues can substantially and unpredictably alter TCR binding. We also demonstrate that the ability of TCRs to differentiate between natural and anchor-modified heteroclitic peptides distinguishes T cells that exhibit a strong preference for either type of Ag. Furthermore, we show that anchor-modified heteroclitic peptides prime T cells with different TCRs compared with those primed with natural Ag. Thus, vaccination with heteroclitic peptides may elicit T cells that exhibit suboptimal recognition of the intended natural Ag and, consequently, impaired functional attributes in vivo. Heteroclitic peptide-based immune interventions therefore require careful evaluation to ensure efficacy in the clinic.
Distinct Roles of Hepatocyte- and Myeloid Cell-Derived IL-1 Receptor Antagonist during Endotoxemia and Sterile Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Lamacchia Céline , Palmer Gaby , Bischoff Loraine , Rodriguez Emiliana , Talabot-Ayer Dominique , Gabay Cem
Published: July 2010

IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a natural inhibitor of the pleiotropic proinflammatory activities of IL-1. Although several reports described the effects of complete IL-1Ra deficiency, no study has examined the consequences of cell type-specific IL-1Ra inactivation during systemic inflammation. Previous in vitro data demonstrated high IL-1Ra production by hepatocytes and myeloid cells after endotoxin stimulation. In addition, hepatocyte IL-1Ra production is regulated as an acute-phase protein in vitro. In this study, we analyzed the production and functional role of hepatocyte- and myeloid cell-derived IL-1Ra during endotoxin-induced septic shock and acute IL-1β–induced sterile inflammation. Using conditional IL-1Ra knockout mice, we showed that hepatocytes and myeloid cells are the two major cellular sources of circulating IL-1Ra in response to LPS. Interestingly, IL-1Ra production by myeloid cells, but not hepatocytes, is critical for survival during endotoxemia. Furthermore, we provide the first in vivo evidence demonstrating that IL-1Ra is produced as an acute-phase protein by hepatocytes during IL-1β–induced inflammation and that hepatocyte-derived IL-1Ra functions as an endogenous negative feedback downregulating the proinflammatory effects of IL-1. Taken together, our observations define distinct roles for two major cellular sources of IL-1Ra in response to different types of systemic inflammatory stimuli in vivo.
CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells Prevent Type 1 Diabetes Preceded by Dendritic Cell-Dominant Invasive Insulitis by Affecting Chemotaxis and Local Invasiveness of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Lee Mi-Heon , Lee Wen-Hui , Todorov Ivan , Liu Chih-Pin
Published: July 2010

Development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is preceded by invasive insulitis. Although CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (nTregs) induce tolerance that inhibits insulitis and T1D, the in vivo cellular mechanisms underlying this process remain largely unclear. Using an adoptive transfer model and noninvasive imaging-guided longitudinal analyses, we found nTreg depletion did not affect systemic trafficking and tissue localization of diabetogenic CD4+ BDC2.5 T (BDC) cells in recipient mice prior to development of T1D. In addition, neither the initial expansion/activation of BDC cells nor the number of CD11c+ or NK cells in islets and pancreatic lymph nodes were altered. Unexpectedly, our results showed nTreg depletion led to accelerated invasive insulitis dominated by CD11c+ dendritic cells (ISL-DCs), not BDC cells, which stayed in the islet periphery. Compared with control mice, the phenotype of ISL-DCs and their ability to stimulate BDC cells did not change during invasive insulitis development. However, ISL-DCs from nTreg-deficient recipient mice showed increased in vitro migration toward CCL19 and CCL21. These results demonstrated invasive insulitis dominated by DCs, not CD4+ T cells, preceded T1D onset in the absence of nTregs, and suggested a novel in vivo function of nTregs in T1D prevention by regulating local invasiveness of DCs into islets, at least partly, through regulation of DC chemotaxis toward CCL19/CCL21 produced by the islets.
‘n Ekoteologiese besinning oor die Christelik-etiese implikasies van stamselnavorsing en -terapie
Authors: Hoffman Stephan , Buitendag Johan
Published: July 2010

An Eco theological reflection on Christian-ethical implications of stem cell research and therapyThe new biotechnological context in which in vitro fertilisation, the human genome project, and stem cell research have become realities, confronts both society and theology with unique challenges. These realities compel us to revisit ethical questions regarding human life. The main aim of this study is to contribute to the transversal debate about Christian ethics, natural sciences and biotechnological development, from a post-foundational perspective. The research results do not aim to lay down ethical rules as absolute truths, but rather to reflect on different viewpoints, values, characteristics, virtues, moral narratives and perspectives with regard to these complex ethical dilemmas. The broadening of moral narratives, and the revaluing of relational Christiananthropological perspectives, are being presented as an alternative to the strict monolithically orientated ideas of truth, objectivity and reason.
South Texas Engineering, Math, and Science (STEMS) Space Day Program: A Nontraditional Partnership Based on Mentoring
Authors: Garcia Javier , Galindo Charles , Muirhead Dean
Published: July 2010

This paper describes a unique partnership between NASA and students residing in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. The program is based on annual activities that provide a connection between NASA and border communities via mentoring. The approach utilizes older students and teachers as mentoring ambassadors who are trained at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. The mentors are trained in specific space themes for each year's main event and return to South Texas to serve as mentors and role models for younger students. The main event occurs at UT Brownsville, in which over 600 5th and 8th graders from five counties attend. The event utilizes the trained ambassadors to offer more than 20 hands-on activities that highlight a theme related to NASA's current focus and missions. The activities demonstrate how math, science, and engineering relate to exploring and understanding the universe and solving problems on earth. The program offers a framework which remains up to date and is self reproducing though mentoring.
Impacts of HONO sources on the photochemistry in Mexico City during the MCMA-2006/MILAGO Campaign
Authors: Li G. , Lei W. , Zavala M. , Volkamer R. , Dusanter S. , Stevens P. , Molina L. T.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The contribution of HONO sources to the photochemistry in Mexico City is investigated during the MCMA-2006/MILAGO Campaign using the WRF-CHEM model. Besides the homogeneous reaction of NO with OH, four additional HONO sources are considered in the WRF-CHEM model: secondary HONO formation from NO2 heterogeneous reaction with semivolatile organics, NO2 reaction with freshly emitted soot, NO2 heterogeneous reaction on aerosol and ground surfaces. The WRF-CHEM model with the five HONO sources performs reasonably well in tracking the observed diurnal variation of HONO concentrations. The HONO sources included are found to significantly improve the HOx (OH+HO2) simulations during daytime and the partition of NO/NO2 in the morning. The HONO sources also accelerate the accumulation of O3 concentrations in the morning by about 2 h and subsequently result in a noticeable enhancement of O3 concentrations over the course of the day with a midday average of about 6 ppb. Furthermore, these HONO sources play a very important role in the formation of secondary aerosols in the morning. They substantially enhance the secondary organic aerosol concentrations by a factor of 2 on average in the morning, although they contribute less during the rest of the day. The simulated particle-phase nitrate and ammonium are also substantially enhanced in the morning when the four HONO sources are included, in good agreement with the measurements. The impact of the HONO sources on the sulfate aerosols is negligible because of the inefficient conversion of H2SO4 from SO2 reacting with OH.
Estimation of Antarctic ozone loss from ground-based total column measurements
Authors: Kuttippurath J. , Goutail F. , Pommereau J.-P. , Lefèvre F. , Roscoe H. K. , Pazmiño A. , Feng W. , Chipperfield M. P. , Godin-Beekmann S.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The passive tracer method is used to estimate ozone loss from ground-based measurements in the Antarctic. A sensitivity study shows that the ozone depletion can be estimated within an accuracy of ~4%. The method is then applied to the ground-based observations from Arrival Heights, Belgrano, Concordia, Dumont d'Urville, Faraday, Halley, Marambio, Neumayer, Rothera, South Pole, Syowa, and Zhongshan for the diagnosis of ozone loss in the Antarctic. On average, the ten-day boxcar average of the vortex mean ozone column loss deduced from the ground-based stations was about 55±5% in 2005–2009. The ozone loss computed from the ground-based measurements is in very good agreement with those derived from satellite measurements (OMI and SCIAMACHY) and model simulations (REPROBUS and SLIMCAT), where the differences are within ±3–5%. The historical ground-based total ozone observations in October show that the depletion started in the late 1970s, reached a maximum in the early 1990s and stabilised afterwards due to saturation. There is no indication of ozone recovery yet. At southern mid-latitudes, a reduction of 20–50% is observed for a few days in October–November at the newly installed Rio Gallegos station. Similar depletion of ozone is also observed episodically during the vortex overpasses at Kerguelen in October–November and at Macquarie Island in July–August of the recent winters. This illustrates the significance of measurements at the edges of Antarctica.
Sensitivity tests for an ensemble Kalman filter for aerosol assimilation
Authors: Schutgens N. A. J. , Miyoshi T. , Takemura T. , Nakajima T.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. We present sensitivity tests for a global aerosol assimilation system utilizing AERONET observations of AOT (aerosol optical thickness) and AAE (aerosol Ångström exponent). The assimilation system employs an ensemble Kalman filter which requires tuning of three numerical parameters: ensemble size nens, local patch size npatch and inflation factor ρ. In addition, experiments are performed to test the impact of various implementations of the system. For instance, we use a different prescription of the emission ensemble or a different combination of observations. The various experiments are compared against one-another and against independent AERONET and MODIS/Aqua observations. The assimilation leads to significant improvements in modelled AOT and AAE fields. Moreover remaining errors are mostly random while they are mostly systematic for an experiment without assimilation. In addition, these results do not depend much on our parameter or design choices. It appears that the value of the local patch size has by far the biggest impact on the assimilation, which has sufficiently converged for an ensemble size of nens=20. Assimilating AOT and AAE is clearly preferential to assimilating AOT at two different wavelengths. In contrast, initial conditions or a description of aerosol beyond two modes (coarse and fine) have only little effect. We also discuss the use of the ensemble spread as an error estimate of the analysed AOT and AAE fields. We show that a very common prescription of the emission ensemble (independent random modification in each grid cell) can have trouble generating sufficient spread in the forecast ensemble.
Analysis of SAGE II ozone of the middle and upper stratosphere for its response to a decadal-scale forcing
Authors: Remsberg E. , Lingenfelser G.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE II) Version 6.2 ozone profiles are analyzed for their decadal-scale responses in the middle and upper stratosphere from September 1991 to August 2005, a time span for which the trends in reactive chlorine are relatively small. The profile data are averaged within twelve, 20°-wide latitude bins from 55° S to 55° N and at eleven altitudes from 27.5 to 52.5 km. The separate, 14-yr data time series are analyzed using multiple linear regression (MLR) models that include seasonal, interannual, 11-yr sinusoid, and linear trend terms. Proxies are not used for the interannual, solar uv-flux, or reactive chlorine terms. Instead, the present analysis focuses on the periodic 11-yr terms to see whether they are in-phase with that of a direct, uv-flux forcing or are dominated by some other decadal-scale influence. It is shown that they are in-phase over most of the latitude/altitude domain and that they have max minus min variations between 25° S and 25° N that peak near 4% between 30 and 40 km. Model simulations of the direct effects of uv-flux forcings agree with this finding. Ozone in the middle stratosphere of the northern subtropics is perturbed during 1991–1992, following the eruption of Pinatubo. There are also pronounced decadal-scale variations in the ozone of the upper stratosphere for the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, presumably due to dynamical forcings. The 11-yr ozone responses of the Southern Hemisphere are relatively free of those extra influences. The associated linear trend terms from the analyses are negative (−2 to −4%/decade) for this 14-yr time period and are nearly constant across latitude in the upper stratosphere. This finding is consistent with the fact that total and reactive chlorine are not changing appreciably from 1991 to 2005. It is concluded that the satellite, solar occultation technique can be used to record the responses of stratospheric ozone to the decadal-scale forcings from the solar uv-flux, as well as those due to the long-term changes from dynamic forcings, reactive chlorine, and the greenhouse gases.
A model for assessing the systemic vulnerability in landslide prone areas
Authors: Pascale S. , Sdao F. , Sole A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The objectives of spatial planning should include the definition and assessment of possible mitigation strategies regarding the effects of natural hazards on the surrounding territory. Unfortunately, however, there is often a lack of adequate tools to provide necessary support to the local bodies responsible for land management. This paper deals with the conception, the development and the validation of an integrated numerical model for assessing systemic vulnerability in complex and urbanized landslide-prone areas. The proposed model considers this vulnerability not as a characteristic of a particular element at risk, but as a peculiarity of a complex territorial system, in which the elements are reciprocally linked in a functional way. It is an index of the tendency of a given territorial element to suffer damage (usually of a functional kind) due to its interconnections with other elements of the same territorial system. The innovative nature of this work also lies in the formalization of a procedure based on a network of influences for an adequate assessment of such "systemic" vulnerability. This approach can be used to obtain information which is useful, in any given situation of a territory hit by a landslide event, for the identification of the element which has suffered the most functional damage, ie the most "critical" element and the element which has the greatest repercussions on other elements of the system and thus a "decisive" role in the management of the emergency. This model was developed within a GIS system through the following phases: 1. the topological characterization of the territorial system studied and the assessment of the scenarios in terms of spatial landslide hazard. A statistical method, based on neural networks was proposed for the assessment of landslide hazard; 2. the analysis of the direct consequences of a scenario event on the system; 3. the definition of the assessment model of systemic vulnerability in landslide-prone areas. To highlight the potentialities of the proposed approach we have described a specific case study of landslide hazard in the local council area of Potenza.
Mixed layer sub-mesoscale parameterization – Part 1: Derivation and assessment
Authors: Canuto V. M. , Dubovikov M. S.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Several studies have shown that sub-mesoscales (SM ~1 km horizontal scale) play an important role in mixed layer dynamics. In particular, high resolution simulations have shown that in the case of strong down-front wind, the re-stratification induced by the SM is of the same order of the de-stratification induced by small scale turbulence, as well as of that induced by the Ekman velocity. These studies have further concluded that it has become necessary to include SM in ocean global circulation models (OGCMs), especially those used in climate studies. The goal of our work is to derive and assess an analytic parameterization of the vertical tracer flux under baroclinic instabilities and wind of arbitrary directions and strength. To achieve this goal, we have divided the problem into two parts: first, in this work we derive and assess a parameterization of the SM vertical flux of an arbitrary tracer for ocean codes that resolve mesoscales, M, but not sub-mesoscales, SM. In Part 2, presented elsewhere, we have used the results of this work to derive a parameterization of SM fluxes for ocean codes that do not resolve either M or SM. To carry out the first part of our work, we solve the SM dynamic equations including the non-linear terms for which we employ a closure developed and assessed in previous work. We present a detailed analysis for down-front and up-front winds with the following results: (a) down-front wind (blowing in the direction of the surface geostrophic velocity) is the most favorable condition for generating vigorous SM eddies; the de-stratifying effect of the mean flow and re-stratifying effect of SM almost cancel each other out, (b) in the up-front wind case (blowing in the direction opposite to the surface geostrophic velocity), strong winds prevents the SM generation while weak winds hinder the process but the eddies amplify the re-stratifying effect of the mean velocity, (c) wind orthogonal to the geostrophic velocity. In this case, which was not considered in numerical simulations, we show that when the wind direction coincides with that of the horizontal buoyancy gradient, SM eddies are generated and their re-stratifying effect partly cancels the de-stratifying effect of the mean velocity. The case when wind direction is opposite to that of the horizontal buoyancy gradient, is analogous to the case of up-front winds. In conclusion, the new multifaceted implications on the mixed layer stratification caused by the interplay of both strength and directions of the wind in relation to the buoyancy gradient disclosed by high resolution simulations have been reproduced by the present model. The present results can be used in OGCMs that resolve M but not SM.
Numerical implementation and oceanographic application of the thermodynamic potentials of liquid water, water vapour, ice, seawater and humid air – Part 2: The library routines
Authors: Wright D. G. , Feistel R. , Reissmann J. H. , Miyagawa K. , Jackett D. R. , Wagner W. , Overhoff U. , Guder C. , Feistel A. , Marion G. M.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The SCOR/IAPSO1 Working Group 127 on Thermodynamics and Equation of State of Seawater has prepared recommendations for new methods and algorithms for numerical estimation of the the thermophysical properties of seawater. As an outcome of this work, a new International Thermodynamic Equation of Seawater (TEOS–10) was endorsed by IOC/UNESCO2 in June 2009 as the official replacement and extension of the 1980 International Equation of State, EOS-80. As part of this new standard a source code package has been prepared that is now made freely available to users via the World Wide Web. This package includes two libraries referred to as the SIA (Sea-Ice-Air) library and the GSW (Gibbs SeaWater) library. Information on the GSW library may be found on the TEOS-10 web site (http://www.TEOS-10.org). This publication provides an introduction to the SIA library which contains routines to calculate various thermodynamic properties as discussed in the companion paper. The SIA library is very comprehensive, including routines to deal with fluid water, ice, seawater and humid air as well as equilibrium states involving various combinations of these, with equivalent code developed in different languages. The code is hierachically structured in modules that support (i) almost unlimited extension with respect to additional properties or relations, (ii) an extraction of self-contained sub-libraries, (iii) separate updating of the empirical thermodynamic potentials, and (iv) code verification on different platforms and between different languages. Error trapping is implemented to identify when one or more of the primary routines are accessed significantly beyond their established range of validity. The initial version of the SIA library is available in Visual Basic and FORTRAN as a supplement to this publication and updates will be maintained on the TEOS-10 web site. 1SCOR/IAPSO: Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research/International Association for the Physical Sciences of the Oceans 2IOC/UNESCO: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Time-lapse refraction seismic tomography for the detection of ground ice degradation
Authors: Hilbich C.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The ice content of the subsurface is a major factor controlling the natural hazard potential of permafrost degradation in alpine terrain. Monitoring of changes in ice content is therefore similarly important as temperature monitoring in mountain permafrost. Although electrical resistivity tomography monitoring (ERTM) proved to be a valuable tool for the observation of ice degradation, results are often ambiguous or contaminated by inversion artefacts. In theory, the sensitivity of P-wave velocity of seismic waves to phase changes between unfrozen water and ice is similar to the sensitivity of electric resistivity. Provided that the general conditions (lithology, stratigraphy, state of weathering, pore space) remain unchanged over the observation period, temporal changes in the observed travel times of repeated seismic measurements should indicate changes in the ice and water content within the pores and fractures of the subsurface material. In this paper, a time-lapse refraction seismic tomography (TLST) approach is applied as an independent method to ERTM at two test sites in the Swiss Alps. The approach was tested and validated based on a) the comparison of time-lapse seismograms and analysis of reproducibility of the seismic signal, b) the analysis of time-lapse travel time curves with respect to shifts in travel times and changes in P-wave velocities, and c) the comparison of inverted tomograms including the quantification of velocity changes. Results show a high potential of the TLST approach concerning the detection of altered subsurface conditions caused by freezing and thawing processes. For velocity changes on the order of 3000 m/s even an unambiguous identification of significant ice loss is possible.
Bioinspired Fabrication of Bio‐Silica‐Based Bone‐Substitution Materials
Authors: Wiens Matthias , Wang Xiaohong , Natalio Filipe , Schröder Heinz C. , Schloßmacher Ute , Wang Shunfeng , Korzhev Michael , Geurtsen Werner , Müller Werner E. G.
Published: July 2010

The gold standard for bone reconstruction is the use of autogeneic grafts from various donor regions, since they possess osteoinductive as well as osteoconductive potential. Only a few synthetic materials possess/display properties that allow optimal bone reconstitution. Previously, we showed that the natural product, bio‐silica, comprises osteoinductive, and probably also osteoconductive activity. Bio‐silica is formed enzymatically via silicatein; this enzyme has been isolated from siliceous sponges and has also been cloned and prepared recombinantly. In the present study, silicatein was encapsulated together with its substrate, sodium metasilicate, in poly(D,L‐lactide)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)‐based microspheres, termed silicatein‐and‐silica‐containing microspheres (SSMs). The deposition of silica and the kinetics of silicatein release from the microspheres are given. Furthermore, SSMs were successfully embedded in a poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/starch‐based matrix, termed plastic‐like filler matrix containing silicic acid (PMSA). A blend of SSM and PMSA forms a biocompatible, moldable, and biodegradable functional implant material that hardens at a controlled and clinically suitable rate within approximately 30 min to 6 h to implants that were tightly integrated in artificial defects of rabbit femurs. Until now no toxic reactions caused by the silicatein have been observed in vitro or in vivo. We assume that the data given here contribute to a successful introduction of the silicatein/bio‐silica‐based implant materials to the field of regenerative medicine.
Synthesis of a novel polythiourethane‐based acid and its catalytic activity
Authors: Du Yijun , Li Chunqing , Sun Xudong , Liang Xuezheng , Qi Chenze
Published: July 2010

Acid catalysts are very important in the production of many industrial chemicals. The novel polythiourethane‐based solid acid has been synthesized via two steps. The copolymerization of tolylenediisocyanate (TDI) and 1,2‐bis[(2‐mercaptoethyl)thio]‐3‐mercapto‐propane (MR) was carried out as the first step, and the amount of free mercarpto groups in the polythiourethane was controlled by adjusting the molar ratio of TDI and MR. The second step was the formation of the sulfonic acid groups by oxidation of the free mercapto groups. Possible catalytic activity was investigated through the traditional acid‐catalyzed reactions including acetylation and synthesis of Schiff base. The results showed that this novel catalyst was very efficient for these reactions and produced high yields. Use of this catalyst simplifies process operations by not requiring any solvent, plus low usage amounts and low cost of the catalyst used with high yields, in particular, wide applicability and reusability are key features. The novel solid acid catalyst also has great potential for more environmental‐friendly processes as it can be recycled and reused (easily separated) without any loss of activity. © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vasa genes: Emerging roles in the germ line and in multipotent cells
Authors: Gustafson Eric A. , Wessel Gary M.
Published: July 2010

Sexually reproducing metazoans establish a cell lineage during development that is ultimately dedicated to gamete production. Work in a variety of animals suggests that a group of conserved molecular determinants act in this germ line maintenance and function. The most universal of these genes are Vasa and Vasa‐like DEAD‐box RNA helicase genes. However, recent evidence indicates that Vasa genes also function in other cell types, distinct from the germ line. Here we evaluate our current understanding of Vasa function and its regulation during development, addressing Vasa's emerging role in multipotent cells. We also explore the evolutionary diversification of the N‐terminal domain of this gene and how this impacts the association of Vasa with nuage‐like perinuclear structures.
Definition and validation of operating equations for poly(vinyl alcohol)‐poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) microfiltration membrane‐scaffold bioreactors
Authors: Shipley R.J. , Waters S.L. , Ellis M.J.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this work is to provide operating data for biodegradable hollow fiber membrane bioreactors. The physicochemical cell culture environment can be controlled with the permeate flowrate, so this aim necessitates the provision of operating equations that enable end‐users to set the pressures and feed flowrates to obtain their desired culture environment. In this paper, theoretical expressions for the pure water retentate and permeate flowrates, derived using lubrication theory, are compared against experimental data for a single fiber poly(vinyl alcohol)–poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) crossflow module to give values for the membrane permeability and slip. Analysis of the width of the boundary layer region where slip effects are important, together with the sensitivity of the retentate and permeate equations to the slip parameter, show that slip is insignificant for these membranes, which have a mean pore diameter of 1.1 µm. The experimental data is used to determine a membrane permeability, of k = 1.86 × 10−16 m2, and to validate the model. It was concluded that the operating equation that relates the permeate to feed ratio, c, lumen inlet flowrate, Q

l,in, lumen outlet pressure, P
1, and ECS outlet pressure, P
0, is

where A and B are constants that depend on the membrane permeability and geometry (and are given explicitly). Finally, two worked examples are presented to demonstrate how a tissue engineer can use Equation (1) to specify operating conditions for their bioreactor. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;107: 382–392. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.