bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributions and seasonal variations of tropospheric ethene (C2H4) from Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE‐FTS) solar occultation spectra
Authors: Herbin H. , Hurtmans D. , Clarisse L. , Turquety S. , Clerbaux C. , Rinsland C. P. , Boone C. , Bernath P. F. , Coheur P.‐F.
Published: February 2009

This work reports the first measurements of ethene (C2H4) distributions in the upper troposphere. These are obtained by retrieving vertical profiles from 5 to 20 km from infrared solar occultation spectra recorded in 2005 and 2006 by the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment‐Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE‐FTS). Background volume mixing ratios (vmrs) ranging from a few to about 50 pptv (10−12) are measured at the different altitudes, while for certain occultations, vmrs as high as 200 pptv are observed. Zonal distributions and vertically resolved latitudinal distributions are derived for the two year period analyzed, highlighting spatial –including a North‐South gradient– as well as seasonal variations. We show the latter to be more pronounced at the highest latitudes, presumably as a result of less active photochemistry during winter. The observation of C2H4 enhancements in remote Arctic regions at high latitudes is consistent with the occurrence of fast transport processes of gaseous pollution from the continents leading to Arctic haze.
Response of Pacific subtropical‐tropical thermocline water pathways and transports to global warming
Authors: Luo Yiyong , Rothstein Lewis M. , Zhang Rong‐Hua
Published: February 2009

Global warming may change the thermocline water pathways and transports from the subtropics to the tropics in the Pacific Ocean, which are known to have profound implications for the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and thereby global climate. This study investigates the changes by comparing solutions between a present‐day climate and a future, warmer climate from a set of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) models. As the climate warms, although the total transport from the subtropics to the tropics exhibits no significant change, transport via western boundary pathways increases and via interior pathways decreases. This shift is due to high potential vorticity (PV) zones that extend further westward, thus dynamically guiding thermocline water away from interior pathways to prefer western boundary pathways from the subtropics to the tropics. Additionally, a warmer climate induces a large temperature increase near the sea surface in the eastern tropics and a significantly enhanced Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) in the western and central Pacific; the former is related to the decreased transport through interior pathways and the latter is linked to the increased transport through western boundary pathways. Implications of the results of this study are also discussed.
Galactic propagation of cosmic ray nuclei in a model with an increasing diffusion coefficient at low rigidities: A comparison of the new interstellar spectra with Voyager data in the outer heliosphere
Authors: Webber W. R. , Higbie P. R.
Published: February 2009

Using both a Monte Carlo Diffusion Model and a Leaky Box Model for propagation in the galaxy, we have determined the interstellar spectra of H, He, and heavier nuclei with emphasis on energies below ∼1–2 GeV nucleon−1. This calculation uses diffusion coefficients that are increasing at rigidities below ∼2–3 GV and which are based on those used to fit the interstellar electron spectrum to the galactic nonthermal radio synchrotron spectrum by Webber and Higbie (2008). The resulting interstellar spectra of the cosmic ray nuclei are thus reduced at low energies in a charge‐dependent way from those derived using a diffusion coefficient = constant as was the case in some earlier calculations. The resulting interstellar intensities at ∼200 MeV nucleon−1 near the peak in the differential spectrum have been reduced by factors of 2.00 and 1.46 for H and He nuclei, respectively. These new interstellar intensities are then compared with recent Voyager measurements beyond the heliospheric termination shock. Solar modulation effects, corresponding to values of ϕ between 60 and 80 MV in simple force field models, are still evident in the 2008.5 Voyager 1 H and He spectra at 107 AU. In 2009, when the 11‐year solar modulation effects are expected to be a minimum in the outer heliosphere, a comparison of future Voyager measurements at ∼110 AU and beyond and these new interstellar spectra along with the corresponding electron spectrum measured by Voyager 1 will provide an important test of both modulation and interstellar propagation models.
Nanofabrication of two‐dimensional arrays of magnetite particles for fundamental rock magnetic studies
Authors: Krása David , Wilkinson Chris D. W. , Gadegaard Nikolaj , Kong Xiang , Zhou Haiping , Roberts Andrew P. , Muxworthy Adrian R. , Williams Wyn
Published: February 2009

Magnetic measurements of samples with precisely controlled magnetic mineralogy, grain size, and interparticle spacing are needed to provide crucial experimental rock magnetic underpinning for paleomagnetic studies. We report a novel nanofabrication method for producing two‐dimensional arrays of cylindrical synthetic magnetite particles with well‐defined composition, particle size, and interparticle spacing. The samples are fabricated by writing dot arrays with electron beam lithography, transferring these patterns into sputtered Fe thin films by reactive ion etching in a CO/NH3 plasma, and oxidizing the resulting Fe particles in a controlled atmosphere to form magnetite. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy have been used to monitor the fabrication process and to determine the particle geometry. The particle sizes of our samples range between 100 nm and 265 nm with center‐to‐center spacings between 180 nm and 310 nm. Low‐temperature magnetic remanence data confirm the stoichiometry of the magnetite. We present magnetic hysteresis data and first‐order reversal curve diagrams for our samples and compare these with previously published data from other synthetic and natural magnetite samples. The ability to independently control particle size and interparticle spacing of magnetite grains makes our synthetic samples ideal for studying the influence of magnetostatic interactions on the paleomagnetic recording fidelity of naturally occurring magnetite in rocks.
Spatiotemporal structure of the East India Coastal Current from satellite altimetry
Authors: Durand F. , Shankar D. , Birol F. , Shenoi S. S. C.
Published: February 2009

We use a newly processed altimeter data set to present a hitherto unprecedented description of the spatiotemporal structure of the East India Coastal Current (EICC): the data set resolves timescales ranging from a few months to a few years, and the high along‐track resolution yields the first description of the cross‐shore structure of the current. The seasonal cycle dominates the variability, but the nonannual timescales have similar energy levels all along the EICC path. There are short‐lived, intense intraseasonal bursts. In contrast to the seasonal cycle, the interannual and intraseasonal components are decorrelated along the coast, and possible mechanisms for the decorrelation (discontinuity in the flow) are discussed. In the cross‐shore direction, the current is highly correlated at all timescales: the EICC is trapped against the shelf with the current offshore flowing in the opposite direction at most locations. The EICC appears as an inherently discontinuous flow, taking the form of a few recirculating loops along the EICC path, with a typical cross‐shore spatial scale of 150–200 km. The loops are highly variable in direction at all timescales from intraseasonal to interannual. This discontinuity of the EICC in space and time implies that the basic pathways and advective timescales for the interbasin exchange of water masses between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are not robust when the full spatiotemporal variability of the EICC is considered.
Mechanisms controlling seasonal‐to‐interannual mixed layer temperature variability in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean
Authors: Halkides D. J. , Lee Tong
Published: February 2009

We use an Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean assimilation product to investigate seasonal‐interannual mixed layer temperature (MLT) budgets in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean (SETIO) during 1993–2006. We examine spatial inhomogeneity of the SETIO MLT budget, contrasting three subregions with different forcing/circulation characteristics to better understand the area mean budget over the full SETIO. The subregions are the equatorial zone (box 1), the Sumatra‐Java upwelling zone (box 2), and east of the thermocline ridge (box 3). Seasonally, surface heat flux dominates MLT in all regions; advection and subsurface processes generally play secondary roles. On interannual scales, surface heat flux makes major contributions in all three boxes to termination of SETIO cooling associated with the Indian Ocean Zonal/Dipole Mode. Ocean dynamics show vital differences between regions: Subsurface processes cool box 1 and 2 but warm box 3. Horizontal advection warms box 1 but cools box 2 and 3. Averaging the MLT budget over the SETIO obscures regional physics. We explain spatial variations of the SETIO MLT budget in terms of differences in forcing, circulation, MLT distribution, and mixed layer and barrier layer thicknesses. We also examine SETIO MLT budget differences during 1994, 1997, and 2006, years exhibiting notable SETIO cooling events. In box 1, horizontal advection dominates warming after the 1994 and 2006 coolings, while in 1997, surface heat flux dominates warming. In box 2, cooling peaks earlier in 1994 than in 1997 and 2006 because of subsurface processes. Last, we show that the MLT budget is very different from heat budgets for fixed depth layers (e.g., the top 50–60 m).
Objective analysis of monthly temperature and salinity for the world ocean in the 21st century: Comparison with World Ocean Atlas and application to assimilation validation
Authors: Chang You‐Soon , Rosati Anthony J. , Zhang Shaoqing , Harrison Matthew J.
Published: February 2009

A new World Ocean atlas of monthly temperature and salinity, based on individual profiles for 2003–2007 (WOA21c), is constructed and compared with the World Ocean Atlas 2001 (WOA01), the World Ocean Atlas 2005 (WOA05), and the data assimilation analysis from the Coupled Data Assimilation (CDA) system developed by the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL). First, we established a global data management system for quality control (QC) of oceanic observed data both in real time and delayed mode. Delayed mode QC of Argo floats identified about 8.5% (3%) of the total floats (profiles) up to December 2007 as having a significant salinity offset of more than 0.05. Second, all QCed data were gridded at 1° by 1° horizontal resolution and 23 standard depth levels using six spatial scales (large and small longitudinal, latitudinal, and cross‐isobath) and a temporal scale. Analyzed mean temperature in WOA21c is warm with respect to WOA01 and WOA05, while salinity difference is less evident. Consistent differences among WOA01, WOA05, and WOA21c are found both in the fully and subsampled data set, which indicates a large impact of recent observations on the existing climatologies. Root mean square temperature and salinity differences and offsets of the GFDL's CDA results significantly decrease in the order of WOA01, WOA05, and WOA21c in most oceans and depths as well. This result suggests that the WOA21c is of use for the collocated assessment approach especially for high‐performance assimilation models on the global scale.
Rain shadow development during the growth of mountain ranges: An atmospheric dynamics perspective
Authors: Galewsky Joseph
Published: February 2009

An idealized atmospheric model is used to explore the links between climate and topography in the development of orographic rain shadows during orogenesis. The atmospheric dynamics theory of density stratified fluid flow over topography is used to interpret the results. The controlling nondimensional parameter is Nh/U, where N is the Brunt‐Vaisala frequency, a measure of atmospheric stability, h is the terrain relief, and U is the initial horizontal wind speed. Rain shadow development is found to be a nonlinear and nonunique function of both topography and atmospheric state, indicating that geological records of orographic aridity cannot be interpreted in terms of relief alone. When upstream topography exceeds Nh/U ≈ 1 during surface uplift, downstream orographic precipitation vanishes, and downstream orographic cloud mass decreases by as much as 90%. Upstream blocking of air flow can generate a forward projecting rain shadow in which a relatively low ridge (Nh/U < 1) situated upstream of a relatively high ridge (Nh/U > 1) may be decoupled from the atmospheric flow by a zone of flow stagnation extending upstream of the high terrain. Such an effect may occur if the valley separating the two ranges is narrower than the length scale of flow stagnation. In the model configuration used here, lateral widening of a relatively low (Nh/U < 1) range changes downstream orographic cloud mass by only a few percent, while lateral growth of a relatively high (Nh/U > 1) range increases downstream cloud mass by up to a factor of 3. These results help to refine interpretations of climate‐tectonic interactions in shaping the geological record of the Sierra Nevada and Andes.
Using nitrate dual isotopic composition (δ15N and δ18O) as a tool for exploring sources and cycling of nitrate in an estuarine system: Elkhorn Slough, California
Authors: Wankel Scott D. , Kendall Carol , Paytan Adina
Published: February 2009

Nitrate (NO3−) concentrations and dual isotopic composition (δ15N and δ18O) were measured during various seasons and tidal conditions in Elkhorn Slough to evaluate mixing of sources of NO3− within this California estuary. We found the isotopic composition of NO3− was influenced most heavily by mixing of two primary sources with unique isotopic signatures, a marine (Monterey Bay) and terrestrial agricultural runoff source (Old Salinas River). However, our attempt to use a simple two end‐member mixing model to calculate the relative contribution of these two NO3− sources to the Slough was complicated by periods of nonconservative behavior and/or the presence of additional sources, particularly during the dry season when NO3− concentrations were low. Although multiple linear regression generally yielded good fits to the observed data, deviations from conservative mixing were still evident. After consideration of potential alternative sources, we concluded that deviations from two end‐member mixing were most likely derived from interactions with marsh sediments in regions of the Slough where high rates of NO3− uptake and nitrification result in NO3− with low δ15N and high δ18O values. A simple steady state dual isotope model is used to illustrate the impact of cycling processes in an estuarine setting which may play a primary role in controlling NO3− isotopic composition when and where cycling rates and water residence times are high. This work expands our understanding of nitrogen and oxygen isotopes as biogeochemical tools for investigating NO3− sources and cycling in estuaries, emphasizing the role that cycling processes may play in altering isotopic composition.
Influence of the diffusive boundary layer on solute dynamics in the sediments of a seiche‐driven lake: A model study
Authors: Brand Andreas , Dinkel Christian , Wehrli Bernhard
Published: February 2009

The diffusive boundary layer (DBL) plays an important role in the transport of electron acceptors for mineralization and oxidation processes in highly reactive sediments. We used transient numerical modeling to characterize the effects of the DBL thickness on solute dynamics in the sediments of Lake Alpnach. Our model study shows that the DBL mainly influences short‐term sedimentary denitrification by resisting transport. The DBL also governs the reoxidation of reduced compounds by controlling the oxygen penetration depth in the sediment. An increase of the DBL thickness from 0.25 to 1.5 mm diminished the oxygen flux into the sediment by more than 30% from 15 to 9.5 mmol m−2d−1. At the same time, this change in DBL thickness had contrasting effects on the reoxidation of reduced solutes released in the anoxic sediment layers: While the rates of Fe(II) and Mn(II) oxidation decreased by up to 60%, the oxidation of methane changed by only 2%. Still, the contribution to the total oxygen uptake by these redox processes never exceeded 40%. Denitrification rates under steady state conditions were only 8% slower when the DBL was extended from 0.25 to 1.5 mm. The decreased nitrate supply was partially compensated by a stimulated denitrification process due to the lower oxygen penetration. However, fluxes of nitrogen species periodically deviated by more than 60% when an oscillating DBL thickness with periods of less than 6 h was modeled.
Tropical tropopause layer
Authors: Fueglistaler S. , Dessler A. E. , Dunkerton T. J. , Folkins I. , Fu Q. , Mote P. W.
Published: February 2009

Observations of temperature, winds, and atmospheric trace gases suggest that the transition from troposphere to stratosphere occurs in a layer, rather than at a sharp “tropopause.” In the tropics, this layer is often called the “tropical tropopause layer” (TTL). We present an overview of observations in the TTL and discuss the radiative, dynamical, and chemical processes that lead to its time‐varying, three‐dimensional structure. We present a synthesis definition with a bottom at 150 hPa, 355 K, 14 km (pressure, potential temperature, and altitude) and a top at 70 hPa, 425 K, 18.5 km. Laterally, the TTL is bounded by the position of the subtropical jets. We highlight recent progress in understanding of the TTL but emphasize that a number of processes, notably deep, possibly overshooting convection, remain not well understood. The TTL acts in many ways as a “gate” to the stratosphere, and understanding all relevant processes is of great importance for reliable predictions of future stratospheric ozone and climate.
Land surface temperature data assimilation and its impact on evapotranspiration estimates from the Common Land Model
Authors: Meng C. L. , Li Z.‐L. , Zhan X. , Shi J. C. , Liu C. Y.
Published: February 2009

A variational data assimilation algorithm for assimilating land surface temperature (LST) in the Common Land Model (COLM) is implemented using the land surface energy balance as the adjoint physical constraint. In this data assimilation algorithm, the evaporative fraction of soil and canopy is adjusted according to the surface temperature observations. The analysis results from COLM with the LST assimilation algorithm compare well with the field observations from AmeriFlux data at four sites with different land surface conditions. These results indicate that the surface temperature assimilation method is efficient and effective when only one observation for each day is available (e.g., an observation at 1400 local solar time). A sensitivity analysis for the COLM estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) is also carried out, and the impact of the surface temperature data assimilation on the ET estimates is assessed. It is found that except for time periods with a heavy rainfall event, the ET estimates with the surface temperature assimilation once per day during 0800–1600 local solar time compare better with the AmeriFlux ET measurements than do those without the LST data assimilation. This study implies that the data assimilation algorithm for assimilating regional‐scale remote sensing LST data into COLM is promising.
Development of K562 cell clones expressing β‐globin mRNA carrying the β039 thalassaemia mutation for the screening of correctors of stop‐codon mutations
Authors: Salvatori Francesca , Cantale Vera , Breveglieri Giulia , Zuccato Cristina , Finotti Alessia , Bianchi Nicoletta , Borgatti Monica , Feriotto Giordana , Destro Federica , Canella Alessandro , Breda Laura , Rivella Stefano , Gambari Roberto
Published: February 2009

Nonsense mutations, giving rise to UAA, UGA and UAG stop codons within the coding region of mRNAs, promote premature translational termination and are the leading cause of approx. 30% of inherited diseases, including cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and thalassaemia. For instance, in β039‐thalassaemia the CAG (glutamine) codon is mutated to the UAG stop codon, leading to premature translation termination and to mRNA destabilization through the well‐described NMD (nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay). In order to develop an approach facilitating translation and, therefore, protection from NMD, aminoglycoside antibiotics have been tested on mRNAs carrying premature stop codons. These drugs decrease the accuracy in the codon–anticodon base‐pairing, inducing a ribosomal read‐through of the premature termination codons. Interestingly, recent papers have described drugs designed and produced for suppressing premature translational termination, inducing a ribosomal read‐through of premature but not normal termination codons. These findings have introduced new hopes for the development of a pharmacological approach to the therapy of β039‐thalassaemia. In this context, we started the development of a cellular model of the β039‐thalassaemia mutation that could be used for the screening of a high number of aminoglycosides and analogous molecules. To this aim, we produced a lentiviral construct containing the β039‐thalassaemia globin gene under a minimal LCR (locus control region) control and used this construct for the transduction of K562 cells, subsequently subcloned, with the purpose to obtain several K562 clones with different integration copies of the construct. These clones were then treated with Geneticin (also known as G418) and other aminoglycosides and the production of β‐globin was analysed by FACS analysis. The results obtained suggest that this experimental system is suitable for the characterization of correction of the β039‐globin mutation causing β‐thalassaemia.
Low concentration thresholds of plasma membranes for rapid energy-independent translocation of a cell-penetrating peptide
Authors: Watkins Catherine L. , Schmaljohann Dirk , Futaki Shiroh , Jones Arwyn T.
Published: February 2009

The exact mechanisms by which cell-penetrating peptides such as oligo-arginines and penetratin cross biological membranes has yet to be elucidated, but this is required if they are to reach their full potential as cellular delivery vectors. In the present study, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the influence of temperature, peptide concentration and plasma membrane cholesterol on the uptake and subcellular distribution of the model cell-penetrating peptide octa-arginine was performed in a number of suspension and adherent cell lines. When experiments were performed on ice, the peptide at 2 μM extracellular concentration efficiently entered and uniformly labelled the cytoplasm of all the suspension cells studied, but a 10-fold higher concentration was required to observe similar results in adherent cells. At 37 °C and at higher peptide concentrations, time-lapse microscopy experiments showed that the peptide rapidly penetrated the entire plasma membrane of suspension cells, with no evidence of a requirement for nucleation zones to promote this effect. Cholesterol depletion with methyl-β-cyclodextrin enhanced translocation of octa-arginine across the plasma membrane of suspension cells at 37 °C, but decreased overall peptide accumulation. Under the same conditions in adherent cells this agent had no effect on peptide uptake or distribution. Cholesterol depletion increased the overall accumulation of the peptide at 4 °C in KG1a cells, but this effect could be reversed by re-addition of cholesterol as methyl-β-cyclodextrin–cholesterol complexes. The results highlight the relatively high porosity of the plasma membrane of suspension cells to this peptide, especially at low temperatures, suggesting that this feature could be exploited for delivering bioactive entities.
Intermediaries and the Governance of Sociotechnical Networks in Transition
Authors: Moss Timothy
Published: February 2009

The author makes the case for studying intermediary organisations as a window on the shifting governance of water and energy services in Europe today. He explores the notion of intermediaries and intermediation in a wide range of literatures and demonstrates how the governance concept can provide focus to the term, indicating how intermediaries can influence the pursuit of collective goals under shifting governance structures and processes. Against this conceptual backdrop, the author sets out the key governance challenges emerging from the ongoing transformation of sociotechnical systems (addressing water and energy services) in terms of changing relations between the state and the utility, between service provider and user, between infrastructure and urban systems, and between infrastructure and the environment. Empirical illustration of the emergence of intermediaries in the water sector across Europe, the relational nature of their work, the interests they pursue, and the impacts they are having is provided.
Open Enrolment and Student Sorting in Public Schools: Evidence from Los Angeles County
Authors: Ledwith Valerie
Published: February 2009

I examine the relationship between student mobility associated with open enrolment and student sorting in public schools in Los Angeles County and find that open enrolment provides Latino students who attend outside their neighbourhoods access to higher quality, more integrated, schools than those who remain enroled in their neighbourhood schools. However, attendance at majority-white schools continues to be highly segregated. Therefore, while open enrolment may provide some minority students with the opportunity to avoid attending a majority-minority school, it does not undo the mechanisms through which white students remain socially and spatially segregated from their minority counterparts. The lack of meaningful interracial and cross-cultural exchange during the school-age years is a worrying trend that could lead to increased polarization and social exclusion in Los Angeles and other multiethnic cities and communities.
How to Turn the Fate of Old Industrial Areas: A Comparison of Cluster-Based Renewal Processes in Styria and the Saarland
Authors: Trippl Michaela , Otto Anne
Published: February 2009

The aim of this paper is to explore the role of regional innovation systems and clusters in the economic recovery of old industrial regions. We draw a distinction between three types of cluster-based renewal: an innovation-oriented adjustment of mature clusters (incremental change); the emergence of new agglomerations in established industries (diversification); and the rise of knowledge-intensive and high-technology activities (radical change). In the empirical part of the paper we compare cluster-based recovery processes in the regions of Styria and the Saarland. It is shown that Styria rebuilt its regional innovation system more successfully, enabling the innovation-oriented adjustment of a mature cluster, the rise of a new cluster in an established industry, and the emergence of knowledge-intensive activities. In the Saarland, in contrast, the regional innovation system has been more specialised, which has resulted in weak performance with respect to incremental change and diversification and high performance regarding radical change.
Joining Forces in Urban Restructuring: Dealing with Collaborative Ideals and Role Conflicts in Breda, the Netherlands
Authors: Kokx Anita , van Kempen Ronald
Published: February 2009

Cooperation within urban restructuring processes is now a normal course of events in Western countries. Local government works together with other parties to reach the set goals of urban restructuring in targeted urban areas. Partnerships are formed and forces joined. Most parties involved consider cooperation in urban restructuring necessary; it is not, however, an easy process. Theoretical ideas and ideals about policy networks and governance are difficult to put into practice. We critically evaluate cooperation in the urban restructuring process in the city of Breda, the Netherlands. The findings indicate that the ideals of network theory are still far removed from practice, owing to role conflicts between neoliberal ‘new’ managerialism and interorganizational networking on the one hand and role conflicts between and within the hybrid organizations of the privatized housing associations on the other.
Institutional and Economic Determinants of Transnational Retailer Expansion and Performance: A Comparative Analysis of Wal-Mart and Carrefour
Authors: Durand Cédric , Wrigley Neil
Published: February 2009

In the context of a wave of retail foreign direct investment and increasing recognition across many disciplines of the profound developmental implications of transnational retail within the global economy, this paper examines the institutional and economic factors determining the performance of transnational retailers via a comparative analysis of the two global leaders in the industry, Wal-Mart and Carrefour. A conceptual framework is offered for explaining the heterogeneity of retailer performance in international markets, and three types of explanation are considered: the timing and mode of market entry and subsequent expansion, factors that allow the exercise of upstream market power, and sensitivity to issues of labour organization and standards. The two retailers are found to be differentially impacted by those factors, indicating the need to consider a process of institutional hybridization as central to the explanation of transnational retail performance.
Joining up or Pulling Apart? The Use of Appraisal to Coordinate Policy Making for Sustainable Development
Authors: Russel Duncan , Jordan Andrew
Published: February 2009

Coordinated (or ‘joined-up’) approaches to policy making are said to be an immensely important ingredient in the effective governance of sustainable development. There are, however, few detailed empirical studies of how well different policy coordination instruments perform in relation to this task. This paper identifies the United Kingdom as a critical test of how to achieve better policy coordination because it has been regularly identified as an exemplar of best practice in international benchmarking exercises. Specifically, it examines the integration of the environment into mainstream policy making through the application of policy appraisal in the strategically important areas of energy, defence, and public spending. Overall, it finds that the UK's much vaunted approach to coordinating the governance of sustainable development has struggled to tame the forces of departmentalism. While deploying carefully packaged combinations of coordinating instruments may address some causes of non-joined-up behaviour, perfectly coherent policy making is always likely to remain tantalisingly out of reach.
Zelizer's Theory of Money and the Case of Local Currencies
Authors: Evans Michael S
Published: February 2009

In this paper I consider Zelizer's theory of money in a market setting. Do people create and use market money to express social values? Local currencies, which circulate in competition with national currencies in local economies around the world, provide the case studies. I survey the research literature on local currencies and find important limits on Zelizer's theory for market money. While people create and use local currencies for both economic and noneconomic reasons, most people stop using them when economic benefits are not realized. Sustained use of local currencies is uncommon. The few successes are limited in scope, and such successes cannot simply be credited to commitment based on social values. I briefly discuss policy implications of this finding for community currency as a development alternative.
Redevelopment, Displacement, Housing Conditions, and Residential Satisfaction: A Study of Shanghai
Authors: Li Si-Ming , Song Yu-Ling
Published: February 2009

Chinese cities are undergoing massive transformation. One after another, inner-city neighbourhoods of pre-1949 origin and work-unit compounds built in the socialist period are being torn apart, giving way to glossy office towers and luxurious condominiums. Millions of people have been uprooted and forced to be relocated. Mass media and research based on case studies generally convey a message of widespread grievance among the displaced residents. Based on a survey of 1200 households conducted in Shanghai in 2006, the present study provides a systematic account of the profiles of the displaced residents, juxtaposed against other resident groups of the city. The major conclusion is that, irrespective of all the criticisms concerning unregulated demolitions and forced evictions, the housing conditions of displaced residents are somewhat better than those of other Shanghai residents, both objectively and in terms of subjective evaluations.
Barriers to Research Collaboration across Disciplines: Scientific Paradigms and Institutional Practices
Authors: Lowe Philip , Phillipson Jeremy
Published: February 2009

In a recent paper in this journal it was suggested that the conventional knowledge practices of disciplines are the fundamental obstacle to mutual understanding between academic experts. Such a position, we argue, underplays the institutional relationships that recreate expert and disciplinary divides. To demonstrate our case we discuss how in the UK the evolving relationship between the government and research councils has crucially altered the context for efforts to stimulate interdisciplinary research. Our analysis highlights the scope for changes in institutional structures and practices that would facilitate broader and more encompassing research into complex sustainability problems.
Frontal and parietal lobe involvement in the processing of pretence and intention
Authors: Chiavarino Claudia , Apperly Ian A. , Humphreys Glyn W.
Published: February 2009

We assessed whether different processes might be at play during pretence understanding by examining breakdowns of performance in participants with acquired brain damage. In Experiment 1 patients with frontal or parietal lesions and neurologically intact adults were asked to categorize videos of pretend and real actions. In Experiment 2 participants saw three types of videos: real intentional actions, real accidental actions, and pretend actions. In one session they judged whether the actions they saw were intentional or accidental, and in a second session they judged whether the actions were real or pretend. Parietal patients had particular difficulties in the identification of pretend actions, and both parietal and frontal patients were more impaired than controls in understanding the intentional nature of pretence. Analyses of individual patients’ performance revealed that parietal lesions, and in particular lesions to the temporo-parietal junction, impaired the ability to discriminate pretend from real actions. However, this did not necessarily affect the discrimination of intentional from unintentional actions, which instead may be independently disrupted by damage to frontal areas. Moreover, spared ability to discriminate pretend actions from real actions, and intentional actions from accidental actions, did not grant a full conceptual understanding of the intentional nature of pretence. The implications for pretence understanding are discussed.
Polζ ablation in B cells impairs the germinal center reaction, class switch recombination, DNA break repair, and genome stability
Authors: Schenten Dominik , Kracker Sven , Esposito Gloria , Franco Sonia , Klein Ulf , Murphy Michael , Alt Frederick W. , Rajewsky Klaus
Published: February 2009

Polζ is an error-prone DNA polymerase that is critical for embryonic development and maintenance of genome stability. To analyze its suggested role in somatic hypermutation (SHM) and possible contribution to DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair in class switch recombination (CSR), we ablated Rev3, the catalytic subunit of Polζ, selectively in mature B cells in vivo. The frequency of somatic mutation was reduced in the mutant cells but the pattern of SHM was unaffected. Rev3-deficient B cells also exhibited pronounced chromosomal instability and impaired proliferation capacity. Although the data thus argue against a direct role of Polζ in SHM, Polζ deficiency directly interfered with CSR in that activated Rev3-deficient B cells exhibited a reduced efficiency of CSR and an increased frequency of DNA breaks in the immunoglobulin H locus. Based on our results, we suggest a nonredundant role of Polζ in DNA DSB repair through nonhomologous end joining.
Contrasting roles for all-trans retinoic acid in TGF-β–mediated induction of Foxp3 and Il10 genes in developing regulatory T cells
Authors: Maynard Craig L. , Hatton Robin D. , Helms Whitney S. , Oliver James R. , Stephensen Charles B. , Weaver Casey T.
Published: February 2009

Extrathymic induction of regulatory T (T reg) cells is essential to the regulation of effector T cell responses in the periphery. In addition to Foxp3, T reg cell expression of suppressive cytokines, such as IL-10, is essential for peripheral tolerance, particularly in the intestines. TGF-β has been shown to induce expression of Foxp3 as well as IL10 and the vitamin A metabolite; all-trans retinoic acid (RA [at-RA]) has been found to enhance the former. We report that in contrast to its enhancement of TGF-β–mediated Foxp3 induction, at-RA potently inhibits the TGF-β–mediated induction of Il10 in naive CD4 T cells. Thus, mucosal DC subsets that are active producers of at-RA inhibit induction of Il10 in naive CD4 T cells while promoting induction of Foxp3. Accordingly, mice with vitamin A deficiency have increased numbers of IL-10–competent T reg cells. Activation of DCs by certain Toll-like receptors (TLRs), particularly TLR9, suppresses T cell induction of Foxp3 and enables induction of Il10. Collectively, our data indicate that at-RA has reciprocal effects on the induction of Foxp3 and Il10 in developing CD4+ T reg cells and suggest that TLR9-dependent inhibition of at-RA production by antigen-presenting cells might represent one mechanism to promote the development of IL-10–expressing T cells.
Th17 cells and IL-17 receptor signaling are essential for mucosal host defense against oral candidiasis
Authors: Conti Heather R. , Shen Fang , Nayyar Namrata , Stocum Eileen , Sun Jianing N. , Lindemann Matthew J. , Ho Allen W. , Hai Justine Hoda , Yu Jeffrey J. , Jung Ji Won , Filler Scott G. , Masso-Welch Patricia , Edgerton Mira , Gaffen Sarah L.
Published: February 2009

The commensal fungus Candida albicans causes oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC; thrush) in settings of immunodeficiency. Although disseminated, vaginal, and oral candidiasis are all caused by C. albicans species, host defense against C. albicans varies by anatomical location. T helper 1 (Th1) cells have long been implicated in defense against candidiasis, whereas the role of Th17 cells remains controversial. IL-17 mediates inflammatory pathology in a gastric model of mucosal candidiasis, but is host protective in disseminated disease. Here, we directly compared Th1 and Th17 function in a model of OPC. Th17-deficient (IL-23p19−/−) and IL-17R–deficient (IL-17RA−/−) mice experienced severe OPC, whereas Th1-deficient (IL-12p35−/−) mice showed low fungal burdens and no overt disease. Neutrophil recruitment was impaired in IL-23p19−/− and IL-17RA−/−, but not IL-12−/−, mice, and TCR-αβ cells were more important than TCR-γδ cells. Surprisingly, mice deficient in the Th17 cytokine IL-22 were only mildly susceptible to OPC, indicating that IL-17 rather than IL-22 is vital in defense against oral candidiasis. Gene profiling of oral mucosal tissue showed strong induction of Th17 signature genes, including CXC chemokines and β defensin-3. Saliva from Th17-deficient, but not Th1-deficient, mice exhibited reduced candidacidal activity. Thus, the Th17 lineage, acting largely through IL-17, confers the dominant response to oral candidiasis through neutrophils and antimicrobial factors.
Structure and pathogenicity of antibodies specific for citrullinated collagen type II in experimental arthritis
Authors: Uysal Hüseyin , Bockermann Robert , Nandakumar Kutty S. , Sehnert Bettina , Bajtner Estelle , Engström Åke , Serre Guy , Burkhardt Harald , Thunnissen Marjolein M.G.M. , Holmdahl Rikard
Published: February 2009

Antibodies to citrulline-modified proteins have a high diagnostic value in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, their biological role in disease development is still unclear. To obtain insight into this question, a panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies was generated against a major triple helical collagen type II (CII) epitope (position 359–369; ARGLTGRPGDA) with or without arginines modified by citrullination. These antibodies bind cartilage and synovial tissue, and mediate arthritis in mice. Detection of citrullinated CII from RA patients' synovial fluid demonstrates that cartilage-derived CII is indeed citrullinated in vivo. The structure determination of a Fab fragment of one of these antibodies in complex with a citrullinated peptide showed a surprising β-turn conformation of the peptide and provided information on citrulline recognition. Based on these findings, we propose that autoimmunity to CII, leading to the production of antibodies specific for both native and citrullinated CII, is an important pathogenic factor in the development of RA.
Th17 cells enhance viral persistence and inhibit T cell cytotoxicity in a model of chronic virus infection
Authors: Hou Wanqiu , Kang Hyun Seok , Kim Byung S.
Published: February 2009

Persistent viral infection and its associated chronic diseases are a global health concern. Interleukin (IL) 17–producing Th17 cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, and in protection from bacterial or fungal infection. However, the role of Th17 cells in persistent viral infection remains unknown. We report that Th17 cells preferentially develop in vitro and in vivo in an IL-6–dependent manner after Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus infection. Th17 cells promote persistent viral infection and induce the pathogenesis of chronic demyelinating disease. IL-17 up-regulates antiapoptotic molecules and, consequently, increases persistent infection by enhancing the survival of virus-infected cells and blocking target cell destruction by cytotoxic T cells. Neutralization of IL-17 augments virus clearance by eliminating virus-infected cells and boosting lytic function by cytotoxic T cells, leading to the prevention of disease development. Thus, these results indicate a novel pathogenic role of Th17 cells via IL-17 in persistent viral infection and its associated chronic inflammatory diseases.
Rethinking T cell immunity in oropharyngeal candidiasis
Authors: Pirofski Liise-anne , Casadevall Arturo
Published: February 2009

The disproportionate increase in oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) compared with systemic and vaginal candidiasis in female patients with AIDS has been a paradox for almost three decades. New data now show that severe OPC develops in Th17-deficient mice, but not Th1-deficient mice, implicating Th17-induced effector molecules in resistance to oral disease. These findings clarify and extend our current thinking about how CD4 T cell deficiency influences susceptibility to OPC.
Influx of Multidrug-Resistant, Gram-Negative Bacteria in the Hospital Setting and the Role of Elderly Patients With Bacterial Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Pop-Vicas Aurora , Tacconelli E. , Gravenstein Stefan , Lu Bing , D'Agata Erika M. C.
Published: February 2009

Background.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria are reported increasingly frequently among isolates recovered from elderly patients. The clinical epidemiology of bloodstream infection (BSI) due to MDR gram-negative bacteria among elderly patients is unknown.

Objective.

To characterize the clinical epidemiology of BSI due to MDR gram-negative bacteria among elderly patients at hospital admission in an effort to provide a greater understanding of these serious infections and ultimately to improve patient outcomes.

Design.

Case-control study.

Setting.

Tertiary care hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

Patients.

Patients 65 years of age and older.

Methods.

From 1999 to 2007, computerized medical records were reviewed for BSI due to MDR gram-negative bacteria within 48 hours of hospital admission. Risk factors for BSI due to these bacteria were identified.

Results.

MDR gram-negative bacteria were recovered from 61 (8%) of 724 elderly patients with BSI caused by gram-negative bacteria. Over the -year study period, the percentage of MDR gram-negative bacteria among bloodstream isolates increased from 2 (1%) of 199 to 34 (16%) of 216. Empiric therapy was ineffective for 38 (63%) of 60 patients with BSI caused by MDR gram-negative bacteria. The variables independently associated with BSI due to these bacteria were as follows: residency in a long-term care facility (odds ratio [OR], 4.9 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.6–14.9]; P = .006), presence of an invasive device (OR, 6.0 [95% CI, 1.5–23.5]; P = .01), severe sepsis (OR, 7.9 [95% CI, 1.7–37.1]; P = .009), and delayed initiation of effective therapy (OR, 12.8 [95% CI, 3.9–41.1]; P<.001).

Conclusion.

The 16-fold increase in BSI due to MDR gram-negative bacteria at hospital admission among elderly patients, especially among those who resided in long-term care facilities prior to admission, contributes further to the expanding body of evidence that these patients are the main reservoirs of MDR gram-negative bacteria. Given their contribution to the influx of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the hospital setting, infection control interventions that target this high-risk group need to be considered.
Anaplastic Sarcoma of the Kidney
Authors: Labanaris Apostolos P. , Zugor Vahudin , Smiszek Robert , Nützel Reinhold , Kühn Reinhard
Published: February 2009

We present a case of an extremely rare and relatively new tumor entity of the kidney, the anaplastic sarcoma. Although of unknown origin and pathogenesis, treating such a tumor as if it was anaplastic Wilms' tumor seems to be the only therapeutic solution at the present time. Newer immunohistochemical staining and molecular probes should be applied to this neoplasm in order for us to understand it nature and maximize therapy.
‘If the Social Worker had Called at Least it Would Show they Cared’. Young Care Leaver’s Perspectives on the Importance of Care
Authors: Gaskell Carolyn
Published: February 2009

Young people leaving local authority care are frequently discussed in terms of being socially excluded and having ‘poor life outcomes’. In terms of educational achievement, employment and involvement in the criminal justice system, those with an experience of the care system fare the worst. Within the context of these poor outcomes, the Government Green Paper ‘Care Matters’ has emerged. However, the Green Paper’s outcomes framework for looked after children’s well‐being risks simplifying the complex nature of children’s experiences and needs. It is children’s experiences of care, both before entering the care system and whilst growing up within the care system that shapes their well‐being and their life outcomes. The basis of improving children’s outcomes should include listening to and understanding what children need from the care system. This knowledge helps to develop an understanding of how failings within the care system are experienced by children in care and how these experiences are subsequently translated into negative outcomes for young care leavers. Drawing upon qualitative, empirical data, this study aims to explore young care leavers’ experiences of care. Through this, the extent to which feelings of care shape self esteem and a sense of self will be explored. Finally, this study will outline themes of trust and stability in the provision of care services and how these can shape positive outcomes for care leavers.