bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activities of the little cormorant, Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot) in relation to sunlight in captivity
Authors: Naher Habibin , Sarker Noor Jahan
Published: June 2010

The study of the activities of the little cormorant was carried out from November 2000 to October 2001 in Dhaka Zoo. Mirpur, Bangladesh. Time spent in preening was the highest (32.25 min/h) in rainy day. Lowest (22.47 min/h) in cloudy day and intermediate (14.73 min/h in sunny day. They eested the highest time (20.77 min/h) in sunny day. Key words: Phalacracorax niger, Sunlight; Captivity doi: 10.3126/eco.v12i0.3200 Ecoprint: An International Journal of Ecology 12: 65-69, 2005
Some Bacillariophycean algae from Biratnagar, Nepal
Authors: Rai Shiva K , Rai Ram K
Published: June 2010

The present paper deals with 12 taxa belonging to 10 genera of Bacillariophycean algae from Biratnagar, Nepal out of which five taxa viz. Synedra ulna var. amphirhynchns, Navicula perrotetti, Gomphonema gracile var. lanceolata, F. turris, G. parvulum var. exilissima and Nitzschia intermedia are being reported for the first time from Nepal. Algae have been collected from different freshwater habitats viz. ponds, ditches, canals, rivers, etc. during September to November, 2004.Key words: Algae; Bacillariophyceae; Diatomdoi: 10.3126/eco.v12i0.3202 Ecoprint: An International Journal of Ecology 12: 71-76, 2005
First record of Loranthaceae mistletoes on gymnosperm hosts from Nepal
Authors: Devkota M. P. , Kunwar R. M
Published: June 2010

Lorarthaceae mistletoes rarely infect gymnosperm hosts. Scurrula pulverulenta (Wall). G. Don and Scurrula elata (Edgew). dancer have been  recorded for the first time from the gymnosperm hosts Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu & W.C. Cheng (Taxodiaceae) and Pinus roxburghii Sargent (Pinaceae) respectively from the Kathmendu valley, Nepal. Key words: Gymnosperm; Mistletoe; Nepal; New record; Scurrula doi: 10.3126/eco.v12i0.3204 Ecoprint: An International Journal of Ecology 12: 85-87, 2005
Neutron diffraction study on liquid Al–Ni alloys
Authors: Gruner Sascha , Marczinke Jennifer , Hennet Louis , Hoyer Walter , Cuello Gabriel Julio
Published: June 2010

A neutron diffraction study on liquid Al – Ni alloys close to the liquidus temperature is presented. By applying an aerodynamic levitation technique associated with CO2 laser heating, it was possible to investigate the high-melting alloys around the equi-atomic composition, too. We observe a change in the local chemical atomic arrangement from preferred environing of like atoms in Al-rich alloys to hetero-coordination in the Ni-rich alloys. It is furthermore demonstrated that the apparent pre-peak can be attributed to a distinct Ni–Ni short-range order.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir butt welded dissimilar pure copper/brass alloy plates
Authors: Barlas Zafer , Uzun Huseyin
Published: June 2010

The present study is focused on the effect of tool rotation speed on the microstructure and mechanical properties of butt welded dissimilar pure copper/brass alloy plates by friction stir welding. The joint performances were evaluated by microhardness measurements, tensile and bend tests. The results show that the grain size and the onion ring formation in the weld nugget zone and the mechanical properties of the joints were affected by tool rotation speed. It was found that the tensile strength of the joints was lower than that of the copper and brass base metals, while the bend strength was higher than that of the copper base metal and lower than the brass base metal. The highest mechanical properties were obtained from a tool rotation speed of 800 rpm at a travel speed of 22 mm min−1. The average microhardness values in the weld nugget zone increased with decreasing the tool rotation speed.
Influence of data conversion methods from torsion tests on the Garofalo equation parameters for a high nitrogen steel
Authors: Castellanos Jesús , Rieiro Ignacio , Mehtedi Mohamad El , Carsí Manuel , Ruano Oscar A.
Published: June 2010

Torsion tests in the temperature range 900 to 1 200 °C and strain rates varying from 0.005 to 5s−1 for a high nitrogen steel were analyzed. The influence of various conversion methods from torsion tests on the stress – strain curves and on the Garofalo equation parameters as a function of strain was studied for this steel. In addition, the creep behavior of the high nitrogen steel was analyzed using the Garofalo equation. The high values of the activation energy and stress exponent using the peak stress are attributed to the microstructure that changes strongly during the first stages of deformation. The analysis of the Garofalo parameters allowed determination of a steady state at strains of about 2.5. At this strain, the values of the activation energy and the stress exponent correlated well with slip creep mechanisms operating in other reinforced steels at high strain rates.
Induction of early degeneration of the adjacent segment after posterior lumbar interbody fusion by excessive distraction of lumbar disc space
Authors: Kaito Takashi , Hosono Noboru , Mukai Yoshihiro , Makino Takahiro , Fuji Takeshi , Yonenobu Kazuo
Published: June 2010

Object

Spinal fusion at the L4–5 disc space alters the normal biomechanics of the spine, and the loss of motion at the fused level is compensated by increased motion and load at the other unfused segments. This may lead to deterioration of the adjacent segments of the lumbar spine, called adjacent-segment disease (ASD). In this study, the authors investigate the distracted disc height of the fused segment, caused by cage or bone insertion during surgery, as a novel risk factor for ASD after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).

Methods

Radiographic L3–4 ASD is defined by development of spondylolisthesis greater than 3 mm, a decrease in disc height of more than 3 mm, or intervertebral angle at flexion smaller than −5°. Symptomatic ASD is defined by a decrease of 4 points or more on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale. Eighty-five patients with L-4 spondylolisthesis treated by L4–5 PLIF underwent follow-up for more than 2 years (mean 38.8 ± 17.1 months). The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the final outcome. Group A comprised those patients without ASD (58), Group B patients had radiographic ASD (14), and Group C patients had symptomatic ASD (13).

Results

The L4–5 disc space distraction by cage insertion was 3.1 mm in the group without ASD, 4.4 mm in the group with radiographic ASD, and 6.2 mm in the group with symptomatic ASD, as measured using lateral spinal radiographs just after surgery. Multivariate analysis showed that distraction was the most significant risk factor.

Conclusions

The excessive distraction of the L4–5 disc space during PLIF surgery is a significant and potentially avoidable risk factor for the development of radiographic, symptomatic ASD.
The effect of patient age on the internal carotid artery location around the atlas
Authors: Hong Jae Taek , Kim Tae Hyung , Kim Il Sup , Yang Seung Ho , Sung Jae Hoon , Son Byung Chul , Lee Sang Won
Published: June 2010

Object

The aim of this study was to analyze the exact location of the internal carotid artery (ICA) relative to the C-1 lateral mass and describe the effect of age on the tortuosity of the ICA.

Methods

The authors analyzed 641 patients who had undergone CT angiography to evaluate the location of the ICA in relation to the C-1 lateral mass. Each patient was assigned to 1 of 3 age groups (< 41 years, 41–60 years, and > 60 years of age). The degree of lateral positioning of the ICA was classified into 4 groups: Group 1 (lateral to the C-1 lateral mass), Group 2 (lateral half of the lateral mass), Group 3 (medial half of the lateral mass), or Group 4 (medial to the lateral mass). The anteroposterior relationship of the ICA was classified into Group A (posterior to the anterior tubercle) or Group B (anterior to the anterior tubercle). Distances from the ICA to the midline, anterior tubercle, and anterior cortex of the lateral mass were measured. Distances between the lateral margin of the lateral mass and the longus capitis muscle were also evaluated.

Results

The prevalence of the ICA located in front of the lateral mass (Groups 2 and 3) was 47.4% overall. The position of the ICA changes with age due to vessel tortuosity. Only 18.3% of patients in the youngest age group (< 41 years of age) had an ICA in front of the lateral mass (Group 2 or 3 area). However, this percentage increased in the older 2 groups (43.5% in the 41–60 year old group, and 57% in the > 60-year-old age group). The mean distance from the midline to the ICA was 22.6 mm, and the mean distance from the ICA to the C-1 anterior tubercle and the ventral cortex of the lateral mass was 4.7 and 4.5 mm, respectively. Moreover, the ICA is more prone to injury during bicortical C-1 screw placement when the longus capitis muscle is hypotrophic and does not cover the entire ventral surface of the lateral mass.

Conclusions

Elderly patients have a higher incidence of a medially located ICA that may contribute to the risk of injury to the ICA during bicortical C-1 screw or C1–2 transarticular screw placement. Although the small number of reported cases of ICA injury does not allow for determination of a direct relationship with specific anatomical characteristics, the presence of unfavorable anatomy does warrant serious consideration during evaluation for C-1 screw placement in elderly patients.
Boomboom and Hullabaloo: Rhythm in the Zurich Dada Revolution
Authors: Gascoigne David
Published: June 2010

The drumbeats which punctuated Zurich Dada performances signal and enact the dismantling of the complexities of a culture the participants deemed wholly discredited. While the Futurists looked to technology for rhythmic renewal, Dadaists sought a deeper, more indefinable rhythm to nourish a far-reaching renaissance of human values. Study of ‘nonsensical’ texts by Huelsenbeck, Ball and Tzara reveals some traditional metrical elements. However, in Dadaist performance pieces in an imaginary hybrid language or in a ‘simultaneous poem’ in three languages at once, such elements are freed from traditional associations and become multiple, complex and ambiguous in performance and reception.
Swung Subjectivity in Jacques Réda
Authors: Prieto Eric
Published: June 2010

This article uses Jacques Réda's theory of poetic swing to show how the traditional metrical analysis of poetic rhythm might be updated to better reflect the rhythmic intricacies of contemporary French literary language. It begins by situating Jacques Réda's rhythmic practices with respect to the deconstructive theories of rhythm and subjectivity espoused by Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe and Henri Meschonnic. Using the concept of swing, Réda seeks to show why certain rhythmic patterns feel ‘right’ to him, and how they enable him to put his personal stamp on the French language as he seeks to show, like Lacoue-Labarthe and Meschonnic, that there is such a thing as a rhythmic ‘essence of the subject’.
Sacred Rhythms, Tired Rhythms: Dino Campana's Poetry
Authors: Abbott Helen
Published: June 2010

Early twentieth-century Italian poetry experiences a crisis in confidence concerning the expressibility of rhythm. Dino Campana's writings exemplify the processes the poet goes through in order to write (about) rhythm. Rhythm is difficult to deal with because it is both sacred and tired. These two incarnations of rhythm lead Campana to different modes of expression; from more traditional definitions (in terms of metre or pulse) through to more fluid definitions (in terms of poetic form, syntax and metaphor). Two strands of analysis reveal themselves as central to understanding Campana's theoretical stance, namely fluidity and movement. These point to a careful veiling of rhythm which opens up new spaces for the articulation of something that, whilst difficult, remains the essence of poetry.
β-Enamino Esters in Heterocyclic Synthesis: Synthesis of Pyrazolone and Pyridinone Derivatives
Authors: Salaheldin Abdellatif Mohamed , Abdullah  Al-Sheikh Mariam
Published: June 2010

An efficient and convenient synthesis of pyrrolidinones and pyridinones utilizing enamino esters as starting material has been described. The structures of the compounds obtained were confirmed by spectral and elemental analyses.
MALDI-TOF MS Analysis of Condensed Tannins with Potent Antioxidant Activity from the Leaf, Stem Bark and Root Bark of Acacia confusa
Authors: Wei Shu-Dong , Zhou Hai-Chao , Lin Yi-Ming , Liao Meng-Meng , Chai Wei-Ming
Published: June 2010

The structures of the condensed tannins from leaf, stem bark and root bark of Acacia confusa were characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis, and their antioxidant activities were measured using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The results showed that the condensed tannins from stem bark and root bark include propelargonidin and procyanidin, and the leaf condensed tannins include propelargonidin, procyanidin and prodelphinidin, all with the procyanidin dominating. The condensed tannins had different polymer chain lengths, varying from trimers to undecamers for leaf and root bark and to dodecamers for stem bark. The condensed tannins extracted from the leaf, stem bark and root bark all showed a very good DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing power.
Molecular phylogeny of the genus Vitis (Vitaceae) based on plastid markers
Authors: Tröndle Dorothee , Schröder Stephan , Kassemeyer Hanns‐Heinz , Kiefer Christiane , Koch Marcus A. , Nick Peter
Published: June 2010

• Premise of the study: This work represents the first molecular phylogeny of the economically important genus Vitis, an important genetic resource for breeding in grapevine, Vitis vinifera.

• Methods: A molecular phylogeny of Vitis using a combined data set of three noncoding regions of the plastid DNA genome was constructed from 47 accessions covering 30 species of Vitis. The data for the trnL‐F marker were combined with previously published data across the Vitaceae.

• Key results: The molecular phylogeny demonstrated monophyly of the genus Vitis. Based on the combined analysis of three genes, Vitis is split into three clades that mirror the continental distribution of these accessions. The diversity is highest in the Asian clade, but the general genetic distances across taxa from different continents are relatively small.

• Conclusions: The findings support a relatively recent and intense gene flow between East Asia and North America and the possible impact of hybridization on the evolution of the genus Vitis. Taxon identity in important stock collections should be screened carefully because roughly 10% of the accessions analyzed in the present study had been misidentified.
Diagnosis of Chronic Gout: Evaluating the American College of Rheumatology Proposal, European League Against Rheumatism Recommendations, and Clinical Judgment
Authors: PELÁEZ-BALLESTAS INGRIS , HERNÁNDEZ CUEVAS CLAUDIA , BURGOS-VARGAS RUBÉN , HERNÁNDEZ ROQUE LIZANDRA , TERÁN LEOBARDO , ESPINOZA JESÚS , ESQUIVEL-VALERIO JORGE A. , GOYCOCHEA-ROBLES MARÍA VICTORIA , ACEVES FRANCISCO J. , BERNARD ANA GUILAISNE , VENTURA LUCIO , SHUMSKY CLARA , HERNÁNDEZ GARDUÑO ADOLFO , VÁZQUEZ-MELLADO JANITZIA
Published: June 2010

Objective.

Observation of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal is the gold standard for diagnosis of gout, but is rarely performed in daily clinical practice, and diagnosis is based on clinical judgment. Our aim was to identify clinical and paraclinical data included in the European League Against Rheumatism recommendations (EULARr) and American College of Rheumatology proposed criteria (ACRp) for diagnosis of gout in patients with chronic gout according to their attending rheumatologists.

Methods.

This cross-sectional and multicenter study included consecutive patients from outpatient clinics with a diagnosis of gout by their attending rheumatologists according to their expertise. The frequency of each item from the ACRp and EULARr was determined. Possible combinations of the items that were frequent, clinically relevant, and simple to evaluate in daily practice were determined.

Results.

We studied 549 patients (96% men), mean age 50 ± 14 years. Analysis of MSU crystals was performed in 15%. We selected 7 clinical criteria and 1 laboratory measure because of their frequency, importance, and simplicity to obtain: current or past history of: > 1 attack of acute arthritis (93%); mono or oligoarthritis attacks (74%); rapid progression of pain and swelling (< 24 hours; 74%); podagra (70%); erythema (56%); unilateral tarsitis (33%); tophi (52%); and hyperuricemia (93%). The chronic gout diagnosis (CGD) proposal comprised ≥ 4/8 of these; 88% of patients had the criteria of the CGD proposal while 75% had 6/11 ACRp criteria (p = 0.001). When analysis of MSU crystals was added, 90.1% (CGD) and 83.9% (ACRp) met the criteria (p = 0.004).

Conclusion.

Current or past history of ≥ 4/8 CGD parameters is highly suggestive of chronic gout.
Early Growing Season Flooding Influence on Seedlings of Three Common Bottomland Hardwood Species in Western Tennessee
Authors: McCurry Jonathan R. , Gray Matthew J. , Mercker David C.
Published: June 2010

Understanding relative flood tolerance of hardwood bottomland seedlings is fundamental to restoring floodplain ecosystems. Thus, we quantified the effects of three early growing season flood duration (0, 15, and 30 d) treatments on survival and growth of overcup Quercus lyrata, Nuttall Q. nuttallii, and willow Q. phellos oak seedlings. Seedlings (n  =  5,003) were planted January–March 2004 in a randomized design among six impoundments in a western Tennessee bottomland. We flooded four impoundments (two 15-d and two 30-d treatments) after seedling bud break initiated in April 2005 and 2006 to simulate overbank flooding of a river. Overall seedling survival measured in July and October 2005 and July 2006 was 96, 89, and 84% overcup, Nuttall, and willow, respectively. Survival of Nuttall and willow was greatest in unflooded control impoundments. All species exhibited the least growth in the 30-d treatment. Growth of Nuttall and willow were generally greater in the 15-d treatment than in the control treatment. We ranked relative seedling flood tolerance as decreasing from overcup to Nuttall to willow, which corresponds with previous greenhouse studies. We recommend that natural resource practitioners plant overcup at low elevations in bottomlands that flood frequently, plant Nuttall at mid-range elevations, and plant willow exclusively at higher elevations that flood infrequently to increase the likelihood of restoration success.
A case of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma presenting as a perirenal urinoma
Authors: Abeygunasekera AM , Sudheshan S , Fathiehu AF , Madarawe M , Duminda MT
Published: June 2010

DOI: 10.4038/slju.v9i1.1961 Sri Lanka Journal of Urology, 2008, 9, 27-28
Synergistic Antitumor Effects of Regulatory T Cell Blockade Combined with Pemetrexed in Murine Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Anraku Masaki , Tagawa Tetsuzo , Wu Licun , Yun Zhihong , Keshavjee Shaf , Zhang Li , Johnston Michael R. , de Perrot Marc
Published: June 2010

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) can promote the growth of some tumors, but it is unknown whether this is true for all tumors, including malignant pleural mesothelioma. We have previously shown that the existence of Tregs was associated with poor survival in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. In this study, using an intrathoracic murine model of malignant mesothelioma (MM), we provide evidence suggesting that Treg blockade could enhance survival when combined with pemetrexed in established tumor. AC29 murine MM cells were injected into the right pleural cavity of CBA mice for tumor development. Four days after the tumor injection, tumor-bearing mice were then treated with pemetrexed alone, Treg blockade alone, or a combination of pemetrexed and Treg blockade. We observed a synergistic antitumor effect of Treg blockade combined with pemetrexed resulting in prolonged survival. The combination of Treg blockade and pemetrexed was associated with decreased tumor-infiltrating Tregs, increased IL-2 production, dendritic cell maturation, and increased CD3+CD8+IFN-γ+ tumor-infiltrating T cells when compared with mice treated with pemetrexed alone or Treg blockade alone. The survival benefit was abrogated if anti-CD8 mAb was administered simultaneously. Likewise, the survival benefit resulting from the combined Treg blockade with pemetrexed was not observed when immunodeficient mice were used. Therefore, this study suggests that Treg blockade combined with pemetrexed can suppress mesothelioma growth in established tumor in vivo through an immune-mediated process. This study also validates a new intrathoracic tumor model of pleural effusion to explore the role of antitumor immunity in murine MM.
Stimulation of FcγRI on Primary Sensory Neurons Increases Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Production, Thereby Reducing Reperfusion-Induced Renal Injury in Mice
Authors: Harada Naoaki , Zhao Juan , Kurihara Hiroki , Nakagata Naomi , Okajima Kenji
Published: June 2010

Biological role(s) of FcγRI on mouse primary sensory neurons are not fully understood. Sensory neuron stimulation increases insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) production, thereby reducing ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced tissue injury in mice. In this study, we examined whether the Fc fragment of IgG (IgGFc) increases IGF-I production through sensory neuron stimulation, thereby reducing I/R-induced renal injury in mice. IgGFc increased the calcitonin-gene–related peptide (CGRP) release and cellular cAMP levels in dorsal root ganglion neurons isolated from wild-type (WT) mice, whereas, native IgG did not. Pretreatment with anti-FcγRI Ab, a protein kinase A inhibitor KT5710, and a phospholipase A2 inhibitor 4-bromophenylacyl bromide inhibited these effects induced by IgGFc. Administration of IgGFc enhanced increases of renal tissue levels of CGRP and IGF-I and reduced I/R-induced renal injury in WT mice. Increases of renal tissue level of caspase-3, renal accumulation of neutorphils, and renal tubular apoptosis were inhibited by administration of IgGFc in WT mice subjected to renal I/R. Pretreatment with anti–IGF-I Ab completely reversed these effects induced by IgGFc in WT mice. Administration of native IgG did not show any effects in WT mice subjected to renal I/R. None of the effects observed in WT mice was seen after IgGFc administration in CGRP-knockout mice and denervated WT mice. These observations suggest that activation of FcγRI by IgGFc may stimulate sensory neurons, thereby promoting IGF-I production, contributing to reduction of the reperfusion-induced renal injury via attenuation of inflammatory responses in mice.
Cutting Edge: Programmed Death-1 Defines CD8+CD122+ T Cells as Regulatory versus Memory T Cells
Authors: Dai Hehua , Wan Ni , Zhang Shuzi , Moore Yolonda , Wan Fusheng , Dai Zhenhua
Published: June 2010

Recent convincing data have shown that naturally occurring CD8+CD122+ T cells are also regulatory T cells. Paradoxically, CD8+CD122+ T cells have been well described as memory T cells. Given their critical role in tolerance versus long-term immunity, it is important to reconcile this profound dichotomy. In this study, we reported that CD8+CD122+ T cells contain both programmed death-1 (PD-1)− and PD-1+ populations. It was CD8+CD122+PD-1+ T cells, but not their PD-1− counterparts, that suppressed T cell responses in vitro and in vivo. This suppression was largely dependent on their production of IL-10. Moreover, the costimulatory signaling of both CD28 and PD-1 is required for their optimal IL-10 production. In contrast, Ag-specific CD8+CD122+PD-1− T cells were bona fide memory T cells. Thus, CD8+CD122+ T cells can be either regulatory T or memory T cells, depending on their PD-1 expression and Ag specificity. This study reconciles previously contradictory findings and has important implications for tolerance induction.
Direct Comparison of Dll1- and Dll4-Mediated Notch Activation Levels Shows Differential Lymphomyeloid Lineage Commitment Outcomes
Authors: Mohtashami Mahmood , Shah Divya K. , Nakase Hiroshi , Kianizad Korosh , Petrie Howard T. , Zúñiga-Pflücker Juan Carlos
Published: June 2010

In the thymus, Notch signaling is essential for T lymphopoiesis, with Delta-like (Dll)4 uniquely involved in this process. However, using cocultures, either Dll4 or Dll1 were shown to support T lymphopoiesis. To address which Dll is more effective at inducing hematopoietic progenitor cells to give rise to T lineage cells in vitro, we generated OP9 cells expressing a series of incrementally discrete and equivalent levels of Dll1 or Dll4. In keeping with previous findings, OP9 cells expressing high levels of either Dll1 or Dll4 gave rise to T lineage cells with similar efficacy, and prevented the differentiation of B and myeloid-lineage cells. However, at limiting levels, Dll4 maintained its ability to inhibit B lineage choice and induce T lineage commitment and differentiation at lower levels than Dll1. This manifest property of Dll4 is evident despite lower levels of steady-state surface expression than Dll1 on OP9 cells. The heightened effectiveness of Dll4 over Dll1 also corresponded to the induction of Notch target genes, and inhibition of B and myeloid-specific transcription factors. Furthermore, we show that OP9 cells expressing levels of Dll4 equivalent to those present in thymic epithelial cells, as expected, gave rise to T lineage cells, but were also permissive for the differentiation of myeloid cells; whereas, still inhibiting B lymphopoiesis. Our findings show that Dll4 expressed at physiological levels on OP9 cells is functionally distinct from similarly expressed levels of Dll1, illustrating the unique properties of Dll4 in supporting the combined T lineage and specific myeloid-lineage outcomes that underpin its function within the thymus.
Costimulation-Dependent Expression of MicroRNA-214 Increases the Ability of T Cells To Proliferate by Targeting Pten
Authors: Jindra Peter T. , Bagley Jessamyn , Godwin Jonathan G. , Iacomini John
Published: June 2010

T cell activation requires signaling through the TCR and costimulatory molecules, such as CD28. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally and are also known to be involved in lymphocyte development and function. In this paper, we set out to examine potential roles of miRNAs in T cell activation, using genome-wide expression profiling to identify miRNAs differentially regulated following T cell activation. One of the miRNAs upregulated after T cell activation, miR-214, was predicted to be capable of targeting Pten based on bioinformatics and reports suggesting that it targets Pten in ovarian tumor cells. Upregulation of miR-214 in T cells inversely correlated with levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10. In vivo, transcripts containing the 3′ untranslated region of Pten, including the miR-214 target sequence, were negatively regulated after T cell activation, and forced expression of miR-214 in T cells led to increased proliferation after stimulation. Blocking CD28 signaling in vivo prevented miR-214 upregulation in alloreactive T cells. Stimulation of T cells through the TCR alone was not sufficient to result in upregulation of miR-214. Thus, costimulation-dependent upregulation of miR-214 promotes T cell activation by targeting the negative regulator Pten. Thus, the requirement for T cell costimulation is, in part, related to its ability to regulate expression of miRNAs that control T cell activation.
Superparamagnetic Bifunctional Bisphosphonates Nanoparticles: A Potential MRI Contrast Agent for Osteoporosis Therapy and Diagnostic
Authors: Lalatonne Y. , Monteil M. , Jouni H. , Serfaty J. M. , Sainte-Catherine O. , Lièvre N. , Kusmia S. , Weinmann P. , Lecouvey M. , Motte L.
Published: June 2010

A bone targeting nanosystem is reported here which combined magnetic contrast agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and a therapeutic agent (bisphosphonates) into one drug delivery system. This new targeting nanoplatform consists of superparamagneticγFe2O3nanoparticles conjugated to 1,5-dihydroxy-1,5,5-tris-phosphono-pentyl-phosphonic acid (di-HMBPs) molecules with a bisphosphonate function at the outer of the nanoparticle surface for bone targeting. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated as a specific MRI contrast agent by adsorption study onto hydroxyapatite and MRI measurment. The strong adsorption of the bisphosphonates nanoparticles to hydroxyapatite and their use as MRIT2∗contrast agent were demonstrated. Cellular tests performed on human osteosarcoma cells (MG63) show thatγFe2O3@di-HMBP hybrid nanomaterial has no citoxity effect in cell viability and may act as a diagnostic and therapeutic system.
Global distribution of the effective aerosol hygroscopicity parameter for CCN activation
Authors: Pringle K. J. , Tost H. , Pozzer A. , Pöschl U. , Lelieveld J.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. In this study we use the ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model to simulate global fields of the effective hygroscopicity parameter κ which approximately describes the influence of chemical composition on the cloud condensation nucleus (CCN) activity of aerosol particles. The obtained global mean values of κ at the Earth's surface are 0.27±0.21 for continental and 0.72±0.24 for marine regions (arithmetic mean ± standard deviation). These values are the internally mixed κ calculated across the Aitken and accumulation modes. The mean κ values are in good agreement with previous estimates based on observational data, but the model standard deviation for continental regions is higher. Over the continents, the regional distribution appears fairly uniform, with κ values mostly in the range of 0.1–0.4. Lower values over large arid regions and regions of high organic loading lead to reduced continental average values for Africa and South America (0.15–0.17) compared to the other continents (0.21–0.36). Marine regions show greater variability with κ values ranging from 0.9–1.0 in remote regions to 0.4–0.6 in continental outflow regions where the highly hygroscopic sea spray aerosol mixes with less hygroscopic continental aerosol. Marine κ values as low as 0.2–0.3 are simulated in the outflow from the Sahara desert. At the top of the planetary boundary layer the κ values can deviate substantially from those at the surface (up to 30%) – especially in marine and coastal regions. In moving from the surface to the height of the planetary boundary layer, the global average marine κ value reduces by 20%. Thus, surface observations may not always be representative for the altitudes where cloud formation mostly occurs. In a pre-industrial model scenario, the κ values tend to be higher over marine regions and lower over the continents, because the anthropogenic particulate matter is on average less hygroscopic than sea-spray but more hygroscopic than the natural continental background aerosol (dust and organic matter). In regions influenced by desert dust the particle hygroscopicity has increased strongly as the mixing of air pollutants with mineral particles typically enhances the κ values by a factor of 2–3 above the initial value of ≈0.005.
Investigation of the sources and processing of organic aerosol over the Central Mexican Plateau from aircraft measurements during MILAGRO
Authors: DeCarlo P. F. , Ulbrich I. M. , Crounse J. , de Foy B. , Dunlea E. J. , Aiken A. C. , Knapp D. , Weinheimer A. J. , Campos T. , Wennberg P. O. , Jimenez J. L.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Organic aerosol (OA) represents approximately half of the submicron aerosol in Mexico City and the Central Mexican Plateau. This study uses the high time resolution measurements performed onboard the NCAR/NSF C-130 aircraft during the MILAGRO/MIRAGE-Mex field campaign in March 2006 to investigate the sources and chemical processing of the OA in this region. An examination of the OA/ΔCO ratio evolution as a function of photochemical age shows distinct behavior in the presence or absence of substantial open biomass burning (BB) influence, with the latter being consistent with other studies in polluted areas. In addition, we present results from Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis of 12-s High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) OA spectra. Four components were resolved. Three of the components contain substantial organic oxygen and are termed semivolatile oxygenated OA (SV-OOA), low-volatility OOA (LV-OOA), and biomass burning OA (BBOA). A reduced "hydrocarbon-like OA" (HOA) component is also resolved. LV-OOA is highly oxygenated (atomic O/C~1) and is aged organic aerosol linked to regional airmasses, with likely contributions from pollution, biomass burning, and other sources. SV-OOA is strongly correlated with ammonium nitrate, Ox, and the Mexico City Basin. We interpret SV-OOA as secondary OA which is nearly all (>90%) anthropogenic in origin. In the absence of biomass burning it represents the largest fraction of OA over the Mexico City basin, consistent with other studies in this region. BBOA is identified as arising from biomass burning sources due to a strong correlation with HCN, and the elevated contribution of the ion C2H4O2+ (m/z 60, a marker for levoglucosan and other primary BB species). WRF-FLEXPART calculated fire impact factors (FIF) show good correlation with BBOA mass concentrations within the basin, but show location offsets in the far field due to model transport errors. This component is small or absent when forest fires are suppressed by precipitation. Since PMF factors represent organic species grouped by chemical similarity, additional postprocessing is needed to more directly apportion OA amounts to sources, which is done here based on correlations to different tracers. The postprocessed AMS results are similar to those from an independent source apportionment based on multiple linear regression with gas-phase tracers. During a flight with very high forest fire intensity near the basin OA arising from open BB represents ~66% of the OA mass in the basin and contributes similarly to OA mass in the outflow. Aging and SOA formation of BB emissions is estimated to add OA mass equivalent to about ~32–42% of the primary BBOA over several hours to a day.
Ozone monitoring with the GOMOS-ENVISAT experiment version 5
Authors: Keckhut P. , Hauchecorne A. , Blanot L. , Hocke K. , Godin-Beekmann S. , Bertaux J.-L. , Barrot G. , Kyrölä E. , van Gijsel A. , Pazmino A.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The GOMOS ozone profiles derived have been analyzed to evaluate the GOMOS ability to capture the long-term ozone evolution during its expected recovery phase. Version 5 of the GOMOS data has been compared with two of the longest ground-based instruments based on different techniques and already involved with many other previous space instrument validations. Increasing differences reported in 2006 indicate that some of the retrieved profiles are strongly biased. This bad retrieval is probably due to the increasing dark charge of the detectors combined with an inadequate method for its correction. This effect does not induce a continuous bias but is rather exhibiting a bimodal distribution including the correct profiles and the bad retrievals. For long-term analysis it is recommended to filter the data accordingly. The new method of dark charge estimate that is proposed to be implemented in the version 6 of the ESA algorithm, seems to reduce significantly the occurrence of such effects and will allow to monitor stratospheric ozone using GOMOS data with better confidence.
The effects of ionospheric 'phase mixing' on a distributed driven shear Alfvén ulf pulsation'
Authors: Krauklis I. , Orr D.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. A numerical simulation study of the ultra-low frequency (ULF) H-component magnetic field at the Earth's surface arising from a perturbation ionospheric Hall current has been developed. The Hall current system is driven by field-aligned currents (FACs) associated with shear Alfvén field line resonances (FLRs) driven by fast mode global cavity oscillations. The ionospheric phase mixing of the Hall current manifests itself in a number of ways in the ground field, these are: (i) Smoothing the spectral maxima of the ground signal: (ii) Loss in clarity of the harmonic structure of the spectra: (iii) A small increase in the damping rate of the ULF wave at the resonance latitude and (iv) small localised minimum in the spectra at the resonance latitude.
Diurnal variation of tropospheric temperature at a tropical station
Authors: Revathy K. , Prabhakaran Nayar S. R. , Krishna Murthy B. V.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The vertical velocity in the troposphere-lower stratosphere region measured using MST radar has been utilized to evaluate the temperature profile in the region. The diurnal variation of the tropospheric temperature on one day in August 1998 at the tropical station Gadanki (13.5° N, 79.2° E) has been studied using the MST radar technique. The diurnal variation of the temperature revealed a prominent diurnal variation with the peak in the afternoon hours increasingly delayed in altitude. The tropopause temperature and altitude exhibited a clear diurnal cycle.Key words. Atmospheric composition and structure (pressure, density and temperature; troposphere - composition and chemistry; instruments and technique)
Mesospheric turbulent velocity estimation using the Buckland Park MF radar
Authors: Holdsworth D. A. , Vincent R. A. , Reid I. M.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. This paper investigates turbulent velocity estimation using the full correlation analysis (FCA) of spaced antenna (SA) data, and its application to the routine FCA observations of the Buckland Park MF (BPMF) radar. The effects of transmitter beamwidths are investigated, confirming the suggestions of previous authors that wide transmit beam widths lead to an overestimation of the turbulent velocity. The annual variation of the turbulent velocity is investigated, revealing an increase in turbulent velocity with height, and equinoctal minima and solstice maxima observed below 80 km. Investigations of the turbulent velocities about the March diurnal tide maximum reveals a diurnal variation in phase with the zonal velocity. Harmonic analysis reveals this relationship exists between February and September. Descending power layers are also observed during this period. A number of mechanisms are proposed to describe these observations.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (middle atmosphere dynamics; instruments and techniques) – Radio science (instruments and techniques)
Mean winds observed with Indian MST radar over tropical mesosphere and comparison with various techniques
Authors: Venkat Ratnam M. , Narayana Rao D. , Narayana Rao T. , Thulasiraman S. , Nee J. B. , Gurubaran S. , Rajaram R.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Temporal variation of mean winds between the 65 to 85 km height region from the data collected over the course of approximately four years (1995–99), using the Indian MST radar located at Gadanki (13.5° N, 79.2° E), India is presented in this paper. Mesospheric mean winds and their seasonal variation in the horizontal and vertical components are presented in detail. Westward flows during each of the equinoxes and eastward flows during the solstices are observed in the zonal component. The features of the semi-annual oscillation (SAO) and the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in the zonal component are noted. In the meridional component, contours reveal a northward motion during the winter and a southward motion during the summer. Large inter-annual variability is found in the vertical component with magnitudes of the order of ± 2 ms-1 . The MST observed winds are also compared with the winds observed by the MF radar located at Tirunelveli (8.7° N, 77.8° E), India, the High Resolution Doppler Imager (HRDI) onboard the Upper Atmospheric Research Satellite (UARS), and with the CIRA-86 model. A very good agreement is found between both the ground-based instruments (MST radar and MF radar) in the zonal component and there are few discrepancies in the meridional component. UARS/HRDI observed winds usually have larger magnitudes than the ground-based mean winds. Comparison of the MST derived winds with the CIRA-86 model in the zonal component shows that during the spring equinox and the summer, the winds agree fairly well, but there are a lot of discrepancies in the other seasons and the observed winds with the MST radar are less in magnitude, though the direction is same. The strengths and limitations in estimating reliable mesospheric mean winds using the MST radar are also discussed.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (general circulation; middle atmosphere dynamics; waves and tides)
Fluid and particle signatures of dayside reconnection
Authors: Bauer T. M. , Paschmann G. , Sckopke N. , Treumann R. A. , Baumjohann W. , Phan T.-D.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Using measurements of the AMPTE/IRM spacecraft, we study reconnection signatures at the dayside magnetopause. If the magnetopause is open, it should have the properties of a rotational discontinuity. Applying the fluid concept of a rotational discontinuity, we check for the existence of a de Hoffmann-Teller frame and the tangential stress balance (Walén relation). For 13 out of 40 magnetopause crossings in a statistical survey we find a reasonable agreement between observed plasma flows and those predicted by the Walén relation. In addition, we check if the measured distribution functions show single particle signatures which are expected on open field lines. We find the following types of signatures: field-aligned streaming of ring current particles, "D-shaped" distributions of solar wind particles, counterstreaming of solar wind and cold ionospheric ions, two-beam distributions of solar wind ions, and distributions of solar wind particles associated with field-aligned heat flux. While a particular type of particle signature is observed only for the minority of magnetopause crossings, 24 of the 40 crossings show at least one type of signature. Both the particle signatures and the fit to the Walén relation can be used to infer the sign of the normal magnetic field, Bn. We find that the two ways of inferring the sign of Bn lead primarily to the same result. Thus, both the particle signatures and a reasonable agreement with the Walén  relation can, in a statistical sense, be considered as a useful indicator of open field lines. On the other hand, many crossings do not show any reconnection signatures. We discuss the possible reasons for their absence.Key words. Magnetopause, cusp and boundary layers; magnetosheath; solar wind – magnetosphere interactions
Thermospheric zonal temperature gradients observed at low latitudes
Authors: Fagundes P. R. , Sahai Y. , Bittencourt J. A.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) measurements of thermospheric temperatures from the Doppler widths of the OI 630 nm nightglow emission line have been carried out at Cachoeira Paulista (23° S, 45° W, 16° S dip latitude), Brazil. The east-west components of the thermospheric temperatures obtained on 73 nights during the period from 1988 to 1992, primarily under quiet geomagnetic conditions, were analyzed and are presented in this paper. It was observed that on 67% of these nights, the temperatures in both the east and west sectors presented similar values and nocturnal variations. However, during 33% of the nights, the observed temperatures in the west sector were usually higher than those observed in the east sector, with zonal temperature gradients in the range of 100 K to 600 K, over about an 800 km horizontal distance. Also, in some cases, the observed temperatures in the east and west sectors show different nocturnal variations. One of the possible sources considered for the observed zonal temperature gradients is the influence of gravity wave dissipation effects due to waves that propagate from lower altitudes to thermospheric heights. The observed zonal temperature gradients could also be produced by orographic gravity waves originated away, over the Andes Cordillera in the Pacific Sector, or by dissipation of orographic gravity waves generated over the Mantiqueira Mountains in the Atlantic sector by tropospheric disturbances (fronts and/or subtropical jet streams).Key words. Atmospheric composition and structure (air-glow and aurora; thermosphere - composition and chemistry) Ionosphere (equatorial ionosphere)
Observation and backward trajectory of an inertio-gravity wave in the lower stratosphere
Authors: Hertzog A. , Souprayen C. , Hauchecorne A.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. A Doppler lidar observation of an inertio-gravity wave in the mid-latitude lower stratosphere is presented. The wave packet characteristics (vertical and horizontal wavenumbers, intrinsic and apparent frequencies) are inferred from the analysis of the hodograph of the horizontal wind fluctuations. Those parameters are used as initial conditions for the calculation of the wave packet trajectory backwards in time in the atmosphere. These calculations are realized by ray-tracing techniques, with background fields (wind and stability) provided by the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting analyses. Sensitivity tests are performed in order to estimate the robustness of the computed trajectory. It is argued that the generation of the wave has taken place in the upper troposphere, where evidence of large synoptic scale Rossby wave disturbances are found. Our results support the fact that geostrophic adjustment (and possibly shear instabilities) associated with such disturbances could be an effective mechanism for the generation of inertia-gravity waves in the mid-latitude.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics, mesoscale meteorology, waves and tides, instruments and techniques
IntroductionThe Cluster mission
Authors: Escoubet C. P. , Fehringer M. , Goldstein M.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The Cluster mission, ESA’s first cornerstone project, together with the SOHO mission, dating back to the first proposals in 1982, was finally launched in the summer of 2000. On 16 July and 9 August, respectively, two Russian Soyuz rockets blasted off from the Russian cosmodrome in Baikonour to deliver two Cluster spacecraft, each into their proper orbit. By the end of August 2000, the four Cluster satellites had reached their final tetrahedral constellation. The commissioning of 44 instruments, both individually and as an ensemble of complementary tools, was completed five months later to ensure the optimal use of their combined observational potential. On 1 February 2001, the mission was declared operational. The main goal of the Cluster mission is to study the small-scale plasma structures in three dimensions in key plasma regions, such as the solar wind, bow shock, magnetopause, polar cusps, magnetotail and the auroral zones. With its unique capabilities of three-dimensional spatial resolution, Cluster plays a major role in the International Solar Terrestrial Program (ISTP), where Cluster and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) are the European contributions. Cluster’s payload consists of state-of-the-art plasma instrumentation to measure electric and magnetic fields from the quasi-static up to high frequencies, and electron and ion distribution functions from energies of nearly 0 eV to a few MeV. The science operations are coordinated by the Joint Science Operations Centre (JSOC), at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (UK), and implemented by the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), in Darmstadt, Germany. A network of eight national data centres has been set up for raw data processing, for the production of physical parameters, and their distribution to end users all over the world. The latest information on the Cluster mission can be found at http://sci.esa.int/cluster/.