bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Roles of CXCL2 and CXCL3 and Their Receptors in Regulating Normal and Asthmatic Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Migration
Authors: Al-Alwan Laila A. , Chang Ying , Mogas Andrea , Halayko Andrew J. , Baglole Carolyn J. , Martin James G. , Rousseau Simon , Eidelman David H. , Hamid Qutayba
Published: August 2013

Structural cell migration plays a central role in the pathophysiology of several diseases, including asthma. Previously, we established that IL-17–induced (CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL3) production promoted airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) migration, and consequently we sought to investigate the molecular mechanism of CXC-induced ASMC migration. Recombinant human CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL3 were used to assess migration of human primary ASMCs from normal and asthmatic subjects using a modified Boyden chamber. Neutralizing Abs or small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown and pharmacological inhibitors of PI3K, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK pathways were used to investigate the receptors and the signaling pathways involved in CXC-induced ASMC migration, respectively. We established the ability of CXCL2 and CXCL3, but not CXCL1, to induce ASMC migration at the tested concentrations using normal ASMCs. We found CXCL2-induced ASMC migration to be dependent on p38 MAPK and CXCR2, whereas CXCL3-induced migration was dependent on p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK pathways via CXCR1 and CXCR2. While investigating the effect of CXCL2 and CXCL3 on asthmatic ASMC migration, we found that they induced greater migration of asthmatic ASMCs compared with normal ones. Interestingly, unlike normal ASMCs, CXCL2- and CXCL3-induced asthmatic ASMC migration was mainly mediated by the PI3K pathway through CXCR1. In conclusion, our results establish a new role of CXCR1 in ASMC migration and demonstrate the diverse mechanisms by which CXCL2 and CXCL3 mediate normal and asthmatic ASMC migration, suggesting that they may play a role in the pathogenesis of airway remodeling in asthma.
Spontaneous Loss of Tolerance of Autoreactive B Cells in Act1-Deficient Rheumatoid Factor Transgenic Mice
Authors: Giltiay Natalia V. , Lu Yi , Cullen Jaime L. , Jørgensen Trine N. , Shlomchik Mark J. , Li Xiaoxia
Published: August 2013

Self-reactive B cells in BALB/c AM14 transgenic (Tg) rheumatoid factor mice are not subject to central or peripheral tolerization. Instead, they remain at a stage of “clonal ignorance”; that is, they do not proliferate and differentiate into Ab-forming cells. However, the immunoregulatory mechanisms that prevent autoantibody production in these mice remain unclear. In this study, we show that crossing AM14 Tg mice to a mouse strain deficient in Act1, a molecule involved in the regulation of BAFF-R and CD40-signaling in B cells, results in spontaneous activation of AM14 Tg B cells and production of AM14-specific Abs. Three- to 5-mo-old AM14 Tg Act1−/− mice showed significant expansion of AM14 Tg B cells, including a 2- to 3-fold increase in the spleen and cervical lymph nodes compared with AM14 Tg Act1+/+ mice. Furthermore, in the presence of endogenous self-Ag (IgHa congenic background), AM14 Tg Act1−/− B cells were spontaneously activated and differentiated into Ab-forming cells. In contrast with previous studies using AM14 Tg MLR.Faslpr mice, we found that a significant number of AM14 Tg cells AM14 Tg Act1−/− mice displayed phenotypic characteristics of germinal center B cells. Anti-CD40L treatment significantly limited the expansion and activation of AM14 Tg Act1−/− B cells, suggesting that CD40L-mediated signals are required for the retention of these cells. Our results support the important role of Act1 in the regulation of self-reactive B cells and reveal how Act1 functions to prevent the production of autoantibodies.
TLR2 Signaling in Tubular Epithelial Cells Regulates NK Cell Recruitment in Kidney Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Kim Hye J. , Lee Jong S. , Kim Ahra , Koo Sumi , Cha Hee J. , Han Jae-A , Do Yoonkyung , Kim Kyung M. , Kwon Byoung S. , Mittler Robert S. , Cho Hong R. , Kwon Byungsuk
Published: August 2013

Damage-associated molecular patterns released from damaged kidney cells initiate postischemic inflammation, an essential step in the progression of kidney ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI). However, the mechanism that coordinates this highly specific process in ischemic kidneys remains to be clarified. Previously, we demonstrated that CD137 from NK cells specifically stimulates CD137 ligand (CD137L) on tubular epithelial cells (TECs) such that TECs produced the high CXCR2 chemokine levels required for neutrophil chemotaxis. We report in the present study that endogenous TLR2 ligands released from ischemic TECs induce CCR5 chemokine expression, which is critical to promoting NK cell recruitment. By implanting CD137L−/− TECs into the kidney capsule of TLR2−/− mice, we further showed that TLR2-mediated NK cell recruitment is an uncoupled event that can occur independently of CD137L signaling in TECs, which is responsible for recruiting neutrophils. Therefore, our findings identify TECs as both a target for kidney damage and also as a master regulator that actively modulates stepwise signaling, leading to the initiation and amplification of acute sterile inflammation that inflicts kidney IRI. Being clinically important, the signaling pathway of innate receptors in epithelial cells may therefore be a good target to block acute sterile inflammation resulting from tissue damage, including kidney IRI.
SHP-1–Pyk2–Src Protein Complex and p38 MAPK Pathways Independently Regulate IL-10 Production in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Macrophages
Authors: Okenwa Chinonso , Kumar Ashok , Rego Dorothy , Konarski Yulia , Nilchi Ladan , Wright Kathryn , Kozlowski Maya
Published: August 2013

The role of tyrosine phosphatase Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase (SHP)-1 in LPS-activated cytokine production and inflammation was investigated by determining TNF-α and IL-10 production in splenic macrophages employing SHP-1–null (me/me) mouse model. LPS-stimulated me/me splenic macrophages secreted significantly less IL-10 with concomitantly elevated levels of TNF-α compared with wild-type (WT) macrophages irrespective of LPS dose and duration of stimulation. IL-10 significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α production in both me/me and WT macrophages. The critical requirement for SHP-1 in regulating LPS-induced IL-10 and TNF-α production was confirmed by interfering with SHP-1 expression in WT macrophages and by reconstituting me/me macrophages with the SHP-1 gene. To delineate the role of SHP-1 in positive regulation of LPS-induced IL-10 production, signaling proteins representing SHP-1 targets were examined. The results reveal that tyrosine kinases Src and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) regulate SHP-1–dependent LPS-induced IL-10 production and infer that optimal LPS-induced IL-10 production requires an assembly of a protein complex consisting of SHP-1–Pyk2–Src proteins. Moreover, LPS-induced IL-10 production also requires activation of the p38 MAPK independent of SHP-1 function. Overall, to our knowledge our results show for the first time that SHP-1 acts as a positive regulator of LPS-induced IL-10 production in splenic macrophages through two distinct and independent SHP-1–Pyk2–Src and p38 MAPK pathways.
Inhibition of TGF-β1 Signaling Promotes Central Memory T Cell Differentiation
Authors: Takai Shinji , Schlom Jeffrey , Tucker Joanne , Tsang Kwong Y. , Greiner John W.
Published: August 2013

This study affirmed that isolated CD8+ T cells express mRNA and produce TGF-β following cognate peptide recognition. Blockage of endogenous TGF-β with either a TGF-β–blocking Ab or a small molecule inhibitor of TGF-βRI enhances the generation of CD62Lhigh/CD44high central memory CD8+ T cells accompanied with a robust recall response. Interestingly, the augmentation within the central memory T cell pool occurs in lieu of cellular proliferation or activation, but with the expected increase in the ratio of the Eomesoderm/T-bet transcriptional factors. Yet, the signal transduction pathway(s) seems to be noncanonical, independent of SMAD or mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. Enhancement of central memory generation by TGF-β blockade is also confirmed in human PBMCs. The findings underscore the role(s) that autocrine TGF-β plays in T cell homeostasis and, in particular, the balance of effector/memory and central/memory T cells. These results may provide a rationale to targeting TGF-β signaling to enhance Ag-specific CD8+ T cell memory against a lethal infection or cancer.
Kinase AKT1 Negatively Controls Neutrophil Recruitment and Function in Mice
Authors: Liu Guangwei , Bi Yujing , Wang Ruoning , Shen Bo , Zhang Yan , Yang Hui , Wang Xiao , Liu Huanrong , Lu Yun , Han Fei
Published: August 2013

Neutrophils are critically involved in host defense and inflammatory injury. However, intrinsic signaling mechanisms controlling neutrophil recruitment and activities are poorly defined. In this article, we showed that protein kinase AKT1 (also known as PKBα) is the dominant isoform expressed in neutrophils and is downregulated upon bacterial infection and neutrophil activation. AKT1 deficiency resulted in severe disease progression accompanied by recruitment of neutrophils and enhanced bactericidal activity in the acute inflammatory lung injury (ALI) and the Staphylococcus aureus infection mouse models. Moreover, the depletion of neutrophils efficiently reversed the aggravated inflammatory response, but adoptive transfer of AKT1−/− neutrophils could potentiate the inflammatory immunity, indicating an intrinsic effect of the neutrophil in modulating inflammation in AKT1−/− mice. In the ALI model, the infiltration of neutrophils into the inflammatory site was associated with enhanced migration capacity, whereas inflammatory stimuli could promote neutrophil apoptosis. In accordance with these findings, neutralization of CXCR2 attenuated neutrophil infiltration and delayed the occurrence of inflammation. Finally, the enhanced bactericidal activity and inflammatory immunity of AKT-deficient neutrophils were mediated by a STAT1-dependent, but not a mammalian target of rapamycin–dependent, pathway. Thus, our findings indicated that the AKT1–STAT1 signaling axis negatively regulates neutrophil recruitment and activation in ALI and S. aureus infection in mice.
Protection against Tuberculosis with Homologous or Heterologous Protein/Vector Vaccine Approaches Is Not Dependent on CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Baldwin Susan L. , Ching Lance K. , Pine Samuel O. , Moutaftsi Magdalini , Lucas Elyse , Vallur Aarthy , Orr Mark T. , Bertholet Sylvie , Reed Steven G. , Coler Rhea N.
Published: August 2013

Considerable effort has been directed to develop Mycobacterium tuberculosis vaccines to boost bacille Calmette-Guérin or for those who cannot be immunized with bacille Calmette-Guérin. We hypothesized that CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses with a heterologous prime/boost vaccine approach could induce long-lived vaccine efficacy against M. tuberculosis in C57BL/6 mice. We produced an adenovirus vector expressing ID93 (Ad5-ID93) for induction of CD8 T cells to use with our candidate tuberculosis vaccine, ID93/glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA)-stable emulsion (SE), which induces potent Th1 CD4 T cells. Ad5-ID93 generates ID93-specific CD8+ T cell responses and induces protection against M. tuberculosis. When Ad5-ID93 is administered in a prime-boost strategy with ID93/GLA-SE, both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are generated and provide protection against M. tuberculosis. In a MHC class I–deficient mouse model, all groups including the Ad5-ID93 group elicited an Ag-specific CD4+ T cell response and significantly fewer Ag-specific CD8+ T cells, but were still protected against M. tuberculosis, suggesting that CD4+ Th1 T cells could compensate for the loss of CD8+ T cells. Lastly, the order of the heterologous immunizations was critical. Long-lived vaccine protection was observed only when Ad5-ID93 was given as the boost following an ID93/GLA-SE prime. The homologous ID93/GLA-SE prime/boost regimen also induced long-lived protection. One of the correlates of protection between these two approaches was an increase in the total number of ID93-specific IFN-γ–producing CD4+ T cells 6 mo following the last immunization. Our findings provide insight into the development of vaccines not only for tuberculosis, but other diseases requiring T cell immunity.
NSP4 Is Stored in Azurophil Granules and Released by Activated Neutrophils as Active Endoprotease with Restricted Specificity
Authors: Perera Natascha C. , Wiesmüller Karl-Heinz , Larsen Maria Torp , Schacher Beate , Eickholz Peter , Borregaard Niels , Jenne Dieter E.
Published: August 2013

Whereas neutrophil elastase, cathepsin G, and proteinase 3 have been known as granule-associated serine proteases of neutrophils for decades, a fourth member, called neutrophil serine protease 4 (NSP4), was just recently described and provisionally characterized. In this study, we identified NSP4 as a novel azurophil granule protein of neutrophils by Western blot analyses of subcellular fractions as well as by RT-PCR analyses of neutrophil precursors from human bone marrow. The highest mRNA levels were observed in myeloblasts and promyelocytes, similar to myeloperoxidase, a marker of azurophil granules. To determine the extended sequence specificity of recombinant NSP4, we used an iterative fluorescence resonance energy transfer–based optimization strategy. In total, 142 different peptide substrates with arginine in P1 and variations at the P1′, P2′, P3, P4, and P2 positions were tested. This enabled us to construct an α1-proteinase inhibitor variant (Ile-Lys-Pro-Arg−/−Ser-Ile-Pro) with high specificity for NSP4. This tailor-made serpin was shown to form covalent complexes with all NSP4 of neutrophil lysates and supernatants of activated neutrophils, indicating that NSP4 is fully processed and stored as an already activated enzyme in azurophil granules. Moreover, cathepsin C was identified as the activator of NSP4 in vivo, as cathepsin C deficiency resulted in a complete absence of NSP4 in a Papillon-Lefèvre patient. Our in-depth analysis of NSP4 establishes this arginine-specific protease as a genuine member of preactivated serine proteases stored in azurophil granules of human neutrophils.
Multidrug Resistance in Bacteria: A Serious Patient Safety Challenge for India
Authors: Mathur Purva , Singh Sarman
Published: August 2013

Patient safety is an important issue affecting the delivery of health care in developed, transitional and developing countries. With the advancements in patient care, hitherto unknown issues relating to patient safety are emerging. An important problem endangering patient safety is infections acquired in the health care facilities. Health care associated infections (HCAIs) are no longer a local or regional problem. With the dissemination of multi-drug resistant bacteria across the globe, the problem of HCAIs has become even grimmer. The emergence of pan-resistant bacterial strains, compounded by lack of availability of new antimicrobials foretells a grave future for management of infections acquired in hospitals. Therefore, it is important to frame local policies and measures and take affirmative actions for prevention of HCAIs and reduce the burden of multi drug resistance.
Diagnostic Performance of Commercially Available Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kit in the Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Sankar Manimuthu Mani , Balooni Veena , Singh Jitendra , Singh Sarman
Published: August 2013

Objectives: Antibody based serodiagnosis tests for tuberculosis (TB) was used widely in developed and developing countries. Pathozyme Myco® immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgA, and IgG were evaluated in pulmonary TB in many studies.

Materials and Methods: In this study we assessed this commercially available kit in detecting extrapulmonary TB (EPTB).

Results: A total of 354 subjects were recruited for the study, of which 217 (61.2%) were EPTB patients and 137 (38.7%) were subjects with no suggestive TB. The mean age was 29.7 ± 13.7 and 31.2 ± 15.2 years, respectively for two groups. Serum samples were tested for IgM, IgA, and IgG using Pathozyme Myco® IgM, IgA, and IgG kit. The individual specificity rates of IgM, IgA, and IgG were 70.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 62.7-77.7), 77.3% (95% CI: 68.6-83.5), and 68.6%. (95% CI: 60.4-75.7); while their sensitivity was 29% (95% CI: 23.4-35.4), 24.4% (95% CI: 19.1-30.5), and 34.5% (95% CI: 28.5-41.1); respectively.

Conclusion: The serological tests either singly or in combination failed or performed poorly to diagnose EPTB.
Evaluation of Serum Zinc Status and Glycated Hemoglobin of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Assam
Authors: Saharia Gautom Kumar , Goswami Rohini Kanta
Published: August 2013

The present study was undertaken to find out any correlation between serum zinc concentration and HbA1C% in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The study was carried out on 50 newly diagnosed patients of type 2 diabetes and controls in the Department of Biochemistry, Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh. Analyses of blood glucose (fasting and postprandial), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum zinc, urea, and creatinine concentrations were performed by standard methods. Concentrations of fasting and postprandial blood glucose were significantly higher in the diabetic group than controls (P < 0.001) and the mean HbA1c% was also higher in cases (8.32% ±1.58%). The mean serum zinc concentration in cases was found to be significantly lower than controls (79.85 ± 13.4 vs. 109.74 ± 9.72 μg/dL) and P < 0.001 with correlation coefficient r = –0.804. Present study revealed an inverse relationship between HbA1C% and serum zinc concentration in patients with type 2 DM, substantiated by regression analysis.
Iatrogenic Infection of Clostridium welchii Following Intramuscular Injection of Sodium Diclofenac
Authors: Sathyanarayana Hemavathi , Rani Leela , Rajendran R , Sarmah Pooja
Published: August 2013

Injection site abscess is an iatrogenic infection. Intramuscular (IM) injection is a common route to administer medication. Microorganisms known to cause injection site abscess are Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli commonly, Atypical mycobacteria, Clostridium species rarely. Gas gangrene is a necrotic infection of soft tissue with high mortality, often necessitating amputation in order to control the infection. Here, presenting a case of gas gangrene in a 19-year-old healthy male, who developed a life-threatening infection after IM injection of sodium diclofenac. Prompt clinical diagnosis, laboratory support, and timely surgical intervention saved the patient’s life.
Axillary Schwannoma with Extensive Cystic Degeneration
Authors: Jadhav Chaithra R , Angeline N R , Kumar Bipin , Bhat Ramachandra V , Balachandran G
Published: August 2013

Schwannoma affect mainly head, neck, and flexor aspect of the limbs. Neurogenic tumors arising from the brachial plexus are rare and axillary schwannoma is extremely uncommon. Cystic degeneration is common in longstanding cases and which when aspirated may yield only macrophages or lymphocytes leading to false diagnosis of the case in spite of strong clinical suspicion. We report one such rare case of a solitary axillary schwannoma with extensive cystic degeneration, which was misdiagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology and subsequently confirmed by the histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry.
Short Communication: Associations between chemical composition and physical properties of milk and colostrum with feed efficiency in beef cows
Authors: Montanholi Y. R. , Lam S. , Peripolli V. , Vander Voort G. , Miller S. P.
Published: August 2013

Montanholi, Y. R., Lam, S., Peripolli, V., Vander Voort, G. and Miller, S. P. 2013. Short Communication: Associations between chemical composition and physical properties of milk and colostrum with feed efficiency in beef cows. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 487–492. Lactogenesis is an energetically demanding process influencing efficiency of feed utilization. Individual energetic expenditure variation may exist in this process and could be accessed through the properties of milk and colostrum in beef cows. Properties of both secretions were analyzed for fat, protein, and lactose contents. Freezing point and somatic cell count were determined in milk and specific gravity and total solids in colostrum. Associations between feed efficiency and milk freezing point, milk lactose content, and colostrum specific gravity were noticed. This link between milk and colostrum properties with feed efficiency could be considered for the improvement of feed efficiency.
Assessment of genetic diversity and differentiation ofElymus nutansindigenous to Qinghai–Tibet Plateau using simple sequence repeats markers
Authors: Chen Shiyong , Zhang Xinquan , Ma Xiao , Huang Linkai
Published: August 2013

Chen, S., Zhang, X., Ma, X. and Huang, L. 2013. Assessment of genetic diversity and differentiation of Elymus nutans indigenous to Qinghai–Tibet Plateau using simple sequence repeats markers. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 1089–1096. Elymus nutans Griseb., an important alpine forage grass, is widely distributed in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. A total of 50 E. nutans accessions from the eastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau were analyzed using simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers from wheat and Elymus species. Our results show that a total of 144 reliable bands were generated, of which 132 (91.38%) were found to be polymorphic. Nei-Li's genetic similarity coefficients ranged from 0.515 to 0.870 with an average of 0.719, which shows a high level of genetic diversity and a broad genetic base among accessions. There was a low correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance (r=0.121, P=0.088) in the region, which is consistent with the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average cluster analysis of accessions. The mountain ridges and river valleys in the eastern Qinghai–Tibet region could serve as genetic barriers for pollinator movement and seed dispersal. The rule of the most genetic diversity at medium altitude of E. nutans in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau was also validated in the study. The implications of these results for the conservation of E. nutans are discussed.
Drivers of hemispheric differences in return dates of mid-latitude stratospheric ozone to historical levels
Authors: Garny H. , Bodeker G. E. , Smale D. , Dameris M. , Grewe V.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Chemistry-climate models (CCMs) project an earlier return of northern mid-latitude total column ozone to 1980 values compared to the southern mid-latitudes. The chemical and dynamical drivers of this hemispheric difference are investigated in this study. The hemispheric asymmetry in return dates is a robust result across different CCMs and is qualitatively independent of the method used to estimate return dates. However, the differences in dates of return to 1980 levels between the southern and northern mid-latitudes can vary between 0 and 30 yr across the range of CCM projections analyzed. Positive linear trends in ozone lead to an earlier return of ozone than expected from the return of Cly to 1980 levels. This forward shift is stronger in the Northern than in the Southern Hemisphere because (i) trends have a larger effect on return dates if the sensitivity of ozone to Cly is lower and (ii) the trends in the Northern Hemisphere are stronger than in the Southern Hemisphere. An attribution analysis performed with two CCMs shows that chemically-induced changes in ozone are the major driver of the earlier return of ozone to 1980 levels in northern mid-latitudes; therefore transport changes are of minor importance. This conclusion is supported by the fact that the spread in the simulated hemispheric difference in return dates across an ensemble of twelve models is only weakly related to the spread in the simulated hemispheric asymmetry of trends in the strength of the Brewer–Dobson circulation. The causes for chemically-induced asymmetric ozone trends relevant for the total column ozone return date differences are found to be (i) stronger increases in ozone production due to enhanced NOx concentrations in the Northern Hemisphere lowermost stratosphere and troposphere, (ii) stronger decreases in the destruction rates of ozone by the NOx cycle in the Northern Hemisphere lower stratosphere linked to effects of dynamics and temperature on NOx concentrations, and (iii) an increasing efficiency of heterogeneous ozone destruction by Cly in the Southern Hemisphere mid-latitudes as a~result of decreasing lower stratospheric temperatures.
CO, NOx and 13CO2 as tracers for fossil fuel CO2: results from a pilot study in Paris during winter 2010
Authors: Lopez M. , Schmidt M. , Delmotte M. , Colomb A. , Gros V. , Janssen C. , Lehman S. J. , Mondelain D. , Perrussel O. , Ramonet M. , Xueref-Remy I. , Bousquet P.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Measurements of the mole fraction of the CO2 and its isotopes were performed in Paris during the MEGAPOLI winter campaign (January–February 2010). Radiocarbon (14CO2) measurements were used to identify the relative contributions of 77% CO2 from fossil fuel consumption (CO2ff from liquid and gas combustion) and 23% from biospheric CO2 (CO2 from the use of biofuels and from human and plant respiration: CO2bio). These percentages correspond to average mole fractions of 26.4 ppm and 8.2 ppm for CO2ff and CO2bio, respectively. The 13CO2 analysis indicated that gas and liquid fuel contributed 70% and 30%, respectively, of the CO2 emission from fossil fuel use. Continuous measurements of CO and NOx and the ratios CO/CO2ff and NOx/CO2ff derived from radiocarbon measurements during four days make it possible to estimate the fossil fuel CO2 contribution over the entire campaign. The ratios CO/CO2ff and NOx/CO2ff are functions of air mass origin and exhibited daily ranges of 7.9 to 14.5 ppb ppm−1 and 1.1 to 4.3 ppb ppm−1, respectively. These ratios are consistent with different emission inventories given the uncertainties of the different approaches. By using both tracers to derive the fossil fuel CO2, we observed similar diurnal cycles with two maxima during rush hour traffic.
Comparisons of CH4 satellite GOSAT and ground-based FTIR measurements near Saint-Petersburg (59.9° N, 29.8° E)
Authors: Gavrilov N. M. , Makarova M. V. , Poberovskii A. V. , Timofeyev Yu. M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Atmospheric methane column-mean mole fractions measured with ground-based Fourier-transform spectroscopy near Saint-Petersburg, Russia (59.9° N, 29.8° E) are compared with similar data obtained with the Japanese GOSAT satellite in years 2009–2012. Average CH4 mole fractions for the GOSAT data version V01.xx are by −13 ppb less than the corresponding values obtained from ground-based measurements on the same date (with standard deviation ~ 26 ppb). For the GOSAT data version V02.xx the average difference is ~ 4 ppb and standard deviation ~ 15 ppb. This shows that FTIR spectroscopic observations near Saint-Petersburg could agree with GOSAT satellite data.
Trajectory matching of ozonesondes and MOZAIC measurements in the UTLS – Part 1: Method description and application at Payerne, Switzerland
Authors: Staufer J. , Staehelin J. , Stübi R. , Peter T. , Tummon F. , Thouret V.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. With the aim of improving ozonesonde observations in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UTLS), we use three-dimensional forward and backward trajectories, driven by ERA-Interim wind fields to match and compare ozonesonde measurements at Payerne (Switzerland) with observations from the MOZAIC aircraft program from 1994–2009. The uncertainties associated with the sonde–MOZAIC match technique were assessed using "self-matches", i.e. matches of instruments of the same type, such as MOZAIC–MOZAIC. Despite strong vertical ozone gradients of ozone at the tropopause, which render the match approach difficult, the method provides excellent results, showing mean differences between different MOZAIC aircraft of ±2% (typically with a few hours between the up- and downstream match points). Matches between MOZAIC aircraft and Payerne ozonesondes show an agreement of ±5% for sondes equipped with electrochemical concentration cells (ECC) and between <5% (not scaled to total ozone) and <10% (scaled) for the Brewer–Mast (BM) sondes after 1998. Prior to 1998, BM sondes show an offset of around 20% (scaled). No break can be identified through the change from the BM to ECC sonde types in September 2002. A comparison of BM sondes with ozone measurements from the NOXAR B747 project for the period 1995–1996 show a smaller offset of around 15% (scaled), which may indicate a small drift in the MOZAIC calibration.
A study of solar and interplanetary parameters of CMEs causing major geomagnetic storms during SC 23
Authors: Oprea C. , Mierla M. , Beşliu-Ionescu D. , Stere O. , Mariş Muntean G.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In this paper we analyse 25 Earth-directed and strongly geoeffective interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) which occurred during solar cycle 23, using data provided by instruments on SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory), ACE (Advanced Composition Explorer) and geomagnetic stations. We also examine the in situ parameters, the energy transfer into magnetosphere, and the geomagnetic indexes. We compare observed travel times with those calculated by observed speeds projected into the plane of the sky and de-projected by a simple model. The best fit was found with the projected speeds. No correlation was found between the importance of a flare and the geomagnetic Dst (disturbance storm time) index. By comparing the in situ parameters with the Dst index we find a strong connection between some of these parameters (such as Bz, Bs · V and the energy transfer into the magnetosphere) with the strength of the geomagnetic storm. No correlation was found with proton density and plasma temperature. A superposed epoch analysis revealed a strong dependence of the Dst index on the southward component of interplanetary magnetic field, Bz, and to the Akasofu coupling function, which evaluates the energy transfer between the ICME and the magnetosphere. The analysis also showed that the geomagnetic field at higher latitudes is disturbed before the field around the Earth's equator.
An optimized multi-proxy, multi-site Antarctic ice and gas orbital chronology (AICC2012): 120–800 ka
Authors: Bazin L. , Landais A. , Lemieux-Dudon B. , Toyé Mahamadou Kele H. , Veres D. , Parrenin F. , Martinerie P. , Ritz C. , Capron E. , Lipenkov V. , Loutre M.-F. , Raynaud D. , Vinther B. , Svensson A. , Rasmussen S. O. , Severi M. , Blunier T. , Leuenberger M. , Fischer H. , Masson-Delmotte V. , Chappellaz J. , Wolff E.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. An accurate and coherent chronological framework is essential for the interpretation of climatic and environmental records obtained from deep polar ice cores. Until now, one common ice core age scale had been developed based on an inverse dating method (Datice), combining glaciological modelling with absolute and stratigraphic markers between 4 ice cores covering the last 50 ka (thousands of years before present) (Lemieux-Dudon et al., 2010). In this paper, together with the companion paper of Veres et al. (2013), we present an extension of this work back to 800 ka for the NGRIP, TALDICE, EDML, Vostok and EDC ice cores using an improved version of the Datice tool. The AICC2012 (Antarctic Ice Core Chronology 2012) chronology includes numerous new gas and ice stratigraphic links as well as improved evaluation of background and associated variance scenarios. This paper concentrates on the long timescales between 120–800 ka. In this framework, new measurements of δ18Oatm over Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11–12 on EDC and a complete δ18Oatm record of the TALDICE ice cores permit us to derive additional orbital gas age constraints. The coherency of the different orbitally deduced ages (from δ18Oatm, δO2/N2 and air content) has been verified before implementation in AICC2012. The new chronology is now independent of other archives and shows only small differences, most of the time within the original uncertainty range calculated by Datice, when compared with the previous ice core reference age scale EDC3, the Dome F chronology, or using a comparison between speleothems and methane. For instance, the largest deviation between AICC2012 and EDC3 (5.4 ka) is obtained around MIS 12. Despite significant modifications of the chronological constraints around MIS 5, now independent of speleothem records in AICC2012, the date of Termination II is very close to the EDC3 one.
Assessment of calculation methods for calcium carbonate saturation in drinking water for DIN 38404-10 compliance
Authors: de Moel P. J. , van der Helm A. W. C. , van Rijn M. , van Dijk J. C. , van der Meer W. G. J.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The new German standard for calcium carbonate saturation in drinking water, DIN 38404-10, 2012 (DIN), marks a change in drinking water standardization from using simplified equations applicable for nomographs and simple calculators to using extensive chemical modeling requiring computer programs. The standard specifies the chemical outlines for the modeling and presents a dataset with 10 water samples for validating used computer programs. The DIN standard, as well as the Standard Methods 2330 (SM) and NEN 6533 (NEN) for calculation of calcium carbonate saturation in drinking water were translated into chemical databases for use in PHREEQC (USGS, 2013). This novel approach gave the possibility to compare the calculations as defined in the standards and internationally accepted chemical databases provided with PHREEQC. From the research it is concluded that the computer program PHREEQC with the developed chemical database din38404-10_2012.dat complies with the DIN standard for calculating Saturation Index (SI) and Calcite Dissolution Capacity (Calcitlösekapazität) or Calcium Carbonate Precipitation Potential (CCPP). This compliance is achieved by assuming equal values for molarity as used in DIN (obsolete) and molality as used in PHREEQC. From comparison with internationally accepted chemical databases it is concluded that the use of molarity limits the use of DIN to a maximum temperature of 45 °C. For current practical applications in water treatment and drinking water applications, the PHREEQC database stimela.dat was developed within the Stimela platform of Delft University of Technology. This database is an extension of the internationally accepted chemical database phreeqc.dat and thus in compliance with Standard Methods 2330. The database stimela.dat is also applicable for hot and boiling water, which is important in drinking water supply with regard to scaling of calcium carbonate in in-house drinking water practices. The SM and NEN proved to be not accurate enough to comply with DIN, because of their simplifications. The differences in calculation results for DIN, SM and NEN illustrate the need for international unification of the standard for calcium carbonate saturation in drinking water.
Kinematics of the South Atlantic rift
Authors: Heine C. , Zoethout J. , Müller R. D.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The South Atlantic rift basin evolved as a branch of a large Jurassic–Cretaceous intraplate rift zone between the African and South American plates during the final break-up of western Gondwana. While the relative motions between South America and Africa for post-break-up times are well resolved, many issues pertaining to the fit reconstruction and particularly the relation between kinematics and lithosphere dynamics during pre-break-up remain unclear in currently published plate models. We have compiled and assimilated data from these intraplated rifts and constructed a revised plate kinematic model for the pre-break-up evolution of the South Atlantic. Based on structural restoration of the conjugate South Atlantic margins and intracontinental rift basins in Africa and South America, we achieve a tight-fit reconstruction which eliminates the need for previously inferred large intracontinental shear zones, in particular in Patagonian South America. By quantitatively accounting for crustal deformation in the Central and West African Rift Zones, we have been able to indirectly construct the kinematic history of the pre-break-up evolution of the conjugate west African–Brazilian margins. Our model suggests a causal link between changes in extension direction and velocity during continental extension and the generation of marginal structures such as the enigmatic pre-salt sag basin and the São Paulo High. We model an initial E–W-directed extension between South America and Africa (fixed in present-day position) at very low extensional velocities from 140 Ma until late Hauterivian times (≈126 Ma) when rift activity along in the equatorial Atlantic domain started to increase significantly. During this initial ≈14 Myr-long stretching episode the pre-salt basin width on the conjugate Brazilian and west African margins is generated. An intermediate stage between ≈126 Ma and base Aptian is characterised by strain localisation, rapid lithospheric weakening in the equatorial Atlantic domain, resulting in both progressively increasing extensional velocities as well as a significant rotation of the extension direction to NE–SW. From base Aptian onwards diachronous lithospheric break-up occurred along the central South Atlantic rift, first in the Sergipe–Alagoas/Rio Muni margin segment in the northernmost South Atlantic. Final break-up between South America and Africa occurred in the conjugate Santos–Benguela margin segment at around 113 Ma and in the equatorial Atlantic domain between the Ghanaian Ridge and the Piauí-Ceará margin at 103 Ma. We conclude that such a multi-velocity, multi-directional rift history exerts primary control on the evolution of these conjugate passive-margin systems and can explain the first-order tectonic structures along the South Atlantic and possibly other passive margins.
Metropolitan smart growth centers: An assessment of incentive policies in four regions
Authors: Margerum Richard D , Brody Susan , Parker Robert , McEwen Gail
Published: August 2013

Across the United States, metropolitan areas face challenges related to transportation and land use. An emerging policy in many regions is to promote development around higher-density, mixed-use (smart-growth) centers that create locally accessible nodes; many of these nodes are also linked to transit stops. Some metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) have developed regional plans and incentive programs to encourage local governments to develop these centers. Incentives include grants as well as funding criteria in transportation improvement programs (TIP) that favor projects supporting centers. This paper assesses these policies as they have been applied in: (1) Puget Sound, Washington; (2) Portland, Oregon; (3) Denver, Colorado; and (4) San Diego, California. For the four regions we reviewed documents, conducted 40 interviews with key individuals, administered an online survey of 450 experts (response rate = 44 percent), and held a two-day forum involving 40 participants. We found that incentive policies by themselves were having a limited impact because they are new and offer small amounts of funding relative to local government needs and market forces. However, when incentives are combined with plans, policies, and transit investment, they provide a significant foundation for promoting growth around centers. There are a number of ways these policies can be improved, and many policies are transferable to other metropolitan regions.
Development of a temporal and spatial linkage between transit demand and land-use patterns
Authors: Lee Sanggu , Hickman Mark , Tong Daoqin
Published: August 2013

We are exploring ways to capture the temporal and spatial dimensions of the use of public transit. Specifically, we are investigating how different land uses affect the spatial and temporal demand for public transit services. Spatially, the availability of new data collection technology in public transit allows us to examine transit demand at the individual stop level. Our hypothesis, however, is that transit users' activity may not be originated from or destined to an individual stop per se; rather, the activity is associated with a specific location in the vicinity of the stop, and this location may be "covered" by several adjacent transit stops. More importantly, understanding the transit demand at this aggregate level (an aggregate "catchment" area) can enhance the ability to define a specific land-use type and the temporal characteristics related to passengers' activities. Temporally, we seek to understand the relationship between the demand for public transit service at specific times of the day and the associated land uses that may strongly influence the timing of that demand. To explore these dimensions, this study: 1) proposes a method of stop aggregation; 2) generates transit service areas based on these aggregated stops; 3) develops a set of metrics to better represent land-use types within these service areas; and 4) examines the spatial and temporal characteristics of transit demand for these service areas. These methods are applied to a case study using land-use and transit demand data from the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area.
A Hedonic Pricing Model of Lift Tickets for US Alpine Ski Areas: Examining the Influence of Crowding
Authors: Fonner Robert C. , Berrens Robert P.
Published: August 2013

This study applies the hedonic pricing model to lift ticket prices from 2011 for 181 alpine ski areas in the USA. Marginal implicit prices are estimated for a variety of ski area physical characteristics and skier amenities. While controlling for these other attributes, the analysis also investigates crowding effects in alpine downhill skiing. Increased crowding, approximated by additional skiers per hour per acre, is shown to raise lift ticket prices at first, before exerting a negative impact on lift ticket prices at high levels of crowding. The results provide evidence for the existence of both agglomeration and congestion effects in downhill skiing and support previous findings of non-linear crowding effects in other outdoor recreation activities.
Formulating Answerable Questions: Question Negotiation in Evidence-based Practice
Authors: Kloda Lorie , Bartlett Joan C.
Published: August 2013

Objective: This review explores the different question formulation structures proposed in the literature that may be helpful to librarians for conducting the reference interview and for teaching students and clinicians. Method: We present and compare several known question formulation structures identified in the health and social sciences literature. Discussion: Health and social care professionals should be made aware of the plurality of question formulation structures and their applicability to different fields of practice, as well as their utility for different types of questions within a field of practice.
Research Embedded Health Librarianship: The Canadian Landscape
Authors: Dennett Liz , Chatterley Trish , Greyson Devon , Surette Soleil
Published: August 2013

Introduction: Previous research has identified various types of embedded librarianship – the clinical informationist, the academic liaison librarian, and the special librarian within a corporation. There is far less mention of librarians who are embedded in health research teams; however, the authors’ personal experiences indicate these positions are not rare. The research-embedded health librarian (REHL) provides tailored, intensive information services to a health research team in which the REHL is integrated. This research study aims to describe the REHL workforce in Canada, noting how the characteristics of both the positions and the individuals holding them differ from those of health librarians in more traditional librarian roles. Methods: As Part I of a two-part mixed methods study, an electronic survey was distributed to Canadian health librarians. The survey gathered demographic data on all respondents and information on the work environments and experiences of self-identified REHL respondents. Descriptive data analysis was conducted, and statistical differences between REHLs and non-REHLs were calculated. Results: One hundred and ninety-one individuals completed the survey, with 39 (20%) self-identifying as REHLs. The results indicated that REHLs tend to be both younger and newer to the profession than librarians in non-REHL positions. They are more likely to work for research institutes and nonprofit organizations, and they are less likely to work in hospital environments. They are also more likely to be hired on term-specific contracts than on a permanent basis. Discussion: More survey respondents identified themselves as REHLs than was anticipated, which may indicate that this a growing segment of the health librarian workforce. The high number of contract positions could be one explanation for why REHLs tend to be younger librarians or librarians who are newer to the profession, as they are just starting out in their careers. The predominance of contract positions is likely influenced by the high number of jobs in research institutes or nonprofit organizations where continuance of the positions is dependent on securing grant funding.
Macro- and microelements in soil profile of the moss-covered area in James Ross Island, Antarctica
Authors: Zvěřina Ondřej , Coufalík Pavel , Vaculovič Tomáš , Kuta Jan , Zeman Josef , Komárek Josef
Published: August 2013

The study of Antarctic ecosystem provides a valuable insight into the nature development on the Earth. Biocenosis formation and colonization of land by organisms are noticeable especially in newly-deglaciated areas. In this research, soil profile development in the coastal zone of James Ross Island was investigated. The main objective was the characterisation of soil horizons. The contents of As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Se and Zn were measured using ICP-MS technique. Soil parameters like organic carbon content, pH and content ofsub-63 μm fraction were also determined. Based on the results obtained, the mineral-depleted and mineral‑enriched layers in the soil profile were distinguished. With increasing depth, the shallow soil profile consisted mainly of weathered regolith. Apparently, the basic processes which are prerequisite for the development of soil ecosystem in the studied area were confirmed.
Research on cryosestic communities in Svalbard: the snow algae of temporary snowfields in Petuniabukta, Central Svalbard
Authors: Kvíderová Jana
Published: August 2013

Although the observations of the colored snow in Svalbard are dated from 17th century, the research in cryosestic algae during last 50 years was focused to NW part of Svalbard, Hornsund and Sveagruva areas. No observations have been reported for the Central or East Svalbard yet, with exception of Longyearbyen and Sveagruva areas. In Petuniabukta, two types of possible cryoseston habitats were recognized: 1) temporal snow fields that melt-away in summer completely, and 2) perennial glacier surfaces. During summer seasons 2009 - 2011, ten temporary snow field samples were sampled in the Petuniabukta area. The cryosestic communities did not cause visible snow coloration, however the presence of snow algae was revealed by light microscope. In samples, zygospores of Chlamydomonas cf. nivalis, were dominant. Other found species included Chlamydomonas nivalis, Chloromonas nivalis, Cryodactylon glaciale, and cf. Chainomonas sp. No motile stages of snow algae were observed. Due to low cell concentration and association of the cells with dust grains, wind transport of snow algae to the snow fields seems to be more possible than presence of a stable cryosestic community growing in situ.