bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Complete Stat-1 Deficiency Is Associated with Defective Type I and II IFN Responses In Vitro but Immunity to Some Low Virulence Viruses In Vivo
Authors: Chapgier Ariane , Wynn Robert F. , Jouanguy Emmanuelle , Filipe-Santos Orchidée , Zhang Shenying , Feinberg Jacqueline , Hawkins Kay , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Arkwright Peter D.
Published: April 2014

The autosomal recessive form of human complete Stat-1 deficiency is a rare disorder, thus far reported in two unrelated patients, both of whom developed disseminated bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and subsequently died of viral illnesses before detailed studies of the condition could be performed. It is associated with impaired cellular responses to both IFN-γ and IFN-αβ via Stat-1-containing complexes. We describe a third patient with complete Stat-1 deficiency and disseminated BCG infection, who died 3 mo after bone marrow transplantation. The patient’s EBV-transformed B cells did not express Stat-1 protein and did not activate Stat-1-containing transcription factors. We also report the ex vivo responses of a Stat-1-deficient patient’s fresh blood cells to IFN-γ and the in vitro responses of a SV40-transformed fibroblastic cell line to IFN-γ and IFN-αβ. There was no response to IFN-γ in terms of IL-12 production and HLA class II induction, accounting for vulnerability to BCG. Moreover, IFN-αβ did not suppress HSV and vesicular stomatitis virus replication in fibroblasts, although in vivo the patient was able to successfully clear at least some viruses. This study broadens our understanding of complete Stat-1 deficiency, a severe form of innate immunodeficiency. Stat-1 deficiency should be suspected in children with severe infections, notably but not exclusively patients with mycobacterial or viral diseases.
Monoclonal Pathogenic Antibodies to the Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Receptor in Graves’ Disease with Potent Thyroid-Stimulating Activity but Differential Blocking Activity Activate Multiple Signaling Pathways
Authors: Gilbert Jacqueline A. , Gianoukakis Andrew G. , Salehi Siamak , Moorhead Jane , Rao Prakash V. , Khan M. Zareen , McGregor Alan M. , Smith Terry J. , Banga J. Paul
Published: April 2014

The thyroid target Ag for disease-inducing autoantibodies in Graves’ disease is the receptor for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), but little is known about the molecular basis of this pathogenic Ab response. We describe the characteristics of two high- affinity mAbs developed from an experimental murine model of hyperthyroid Graves’ disease that exhibit potent thyroid-stimulating activity. Nanogram concentrations of the IgG mAbs KSAb1 and KSAb2 and their Fab induce full stimulation of the TSH receptor that is matched by the ligand TSH and, thus, act as full agonists for the receptor. However, KSAb1 and KSAb2 display differential activities in their ability to block TSH-mediated stimulation of the receptor, indicating subtle differences in their biological properties. In displacement studies, IgG and Fabs of KSAb1 and KSAb2 compete with Graves’ disease autoantibodies as well as thyroid-blocking Abs present in some hypothyroid patients, indicating a close relationship between these autoimmune determinants on the receptor. In passive transfer studies, single injections of microgram quantities of KSAb1 or KSAb2 IgG led to rapid elevation of serum thyroxine and a hyperthyroid state that was maintained for a number of days. The thyroid glands showed evidence of cell necrosis, but there was no accompanying mononuclear cell infiltrate. In studying their receptor activation pathways, both KSAb1 and KSAb2 provoked phosphorylation of the intracellular ERK1/2 pathway in primary thyrocytes, indicating that multiple signaling pathways may participate in the pathogenesis of Graves’ disease. In summary, our findings emphasize the similarities of the experimental mouse model in reproducing the human disorder and provide improved means for characterizing the molecular basis of this pathogenic response.
Involvement of NFAT1 in B Cell Self-Tolerance
Authors: Barrington Robert A. , Borde Madhuri , Rao Anjana , Carroll Michael C.
Published: April 2014

B cells from anti-lysozyme Ig/soluble lysozyme double-transgenic mice are chronically exposed to self-Ag in the periphery, resulting in an anergic phenotype. Chronic exposure to self-Ag leads to nuclear translocation of NFAT1 and NFAT2, suggesting that they are involved in anergy. To directly test a role for NFAT1 in B cell anergy, NFAT1-deficient mice were crossed with anti-lysozyme Ig transgenic mice. As expected, B cell anergy was evident in the presence of self-Ag based on reduced serum anti-lysozyme levels, percentage and number of mature B cells, and reduced B cell responsiveness. By contrast, B cell anergy was relieved in NFAT1−/− mice expressing soluble self-Ag. Bone marrow development was equivalent in NFAT1-sufficient and -deficient mice, suggesting that loss of anergy in the latter is due to selection later in development. Taken together, these studies provide direct evidence that the transcription factor NFAT1 is involved in B cell anergy.
Active ERK Contributes to Protein Translation by Preventing JNK-Dependent Inhibition of Protein Phosphatase 1
Authors: Monick Martha M. , Powers Linda S. , Gross Thomas J. , Flaherty Dawn M. , Barrett Christopher W. , Hunninghake Gary W.
Published: April 2014

Human alveolar macrophages, central to immune responses in the lung, are unique in that they have an extended life span in contrast to precursor monocytes. We have shown previously that the ERK MAPK (ERK) pathway is constitutively active in human alveolar macrophages and contributes to the prolonged survival of these cells. We hypothesized that ERK maintains survival, in part, by positively regulating protein translation. In support of this hypothesis, we have found novel links among ERK, JNK, protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), and the eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 2α. eIF2α is active when hypophosphorylated and is essential for initiation of protein translation (delivery of initiator tRNA charged with methionine to the ribosome). Using [35S]methionine labeling, we found that ERK inhibition significantly decreased protein translation rates in alveolar macrophages. Decreased protein translation resulted from phosphorylation (and inactivation) of eIF2α. We found that ERK inhibition increased JNK activity. JNK in turn inactivated (via phosphorylation) PP1, the phosphatase responsible for maintaining the hypophosphorylated state of eIF2α. As a composite, our data demonstrate that in human alveolar macrophages, constitutive ERK activity positively regulates protein translation via the following novel pathway: active ERK inhibits JNK, leading to activation of PP1α, eIF2α dephosphorylation, and translation initiation. This new role for ERK in alveolar macrophage homeostasis may help to explain the survival characteristic of these cells within their unique high oxygen and stress microenvironment.
Arginine Residues Are Important in Determining the Binding of Human Monoclonal Antiphospholipid Antibodies to Clinically Relevant Antigens
Authors: Giles Ian , Lambrianides Nancy , Pattni Nisha , Faulkes David , Latchman David , Chen Pojen , Pierangeli Silvia , Isenberg David , Rahman Anisur
Published: April 2014

In the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), antiphospholipid Abs (aPL) bind to anionic phospholipids (PL) and various associated proteins, especially β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) and prothrombin. In the present study, we show that altering specific Arg residues in the H chain of a human pathogenic β2GPI-dependent aPL, IS4, has major effects on its ability to bind these clinically important Ags. We expressed whole human IgG in vitro by stable transfection of Chinese hamster ovary cells with expression plasmids containing different VH and VL sequences. VH sequences were derived from IS4 by altering the number of Arg residues in CDR3. VL sequences were those of IS4, B3 (anti-nucleosome Ab), and UK4 (β2GPI-independent aPL). Binding of the expressed H/L chain combinations to a range of anionic, neutral, and zwitterionic PL, as well as prothrombin, β2GPI, dsDNA, and chicken OVA, was determined by ELISA. Of four Arg residues in IS4VH CDR3 substituted to Ser, two at positions 100 and 100g, reduced binding to all Ags, while two at positions 96 and 97 reduced binding to β2GPI but increased or decreased binding to different PL. Eleven of 14 H/L chain combinations displayed weak binding to OVA with Arg to Ser replacements of all four Arg residues enhancing binding to this Ag. Only one H/L chain combination bound neutral PL and none bound dsDNA; hence, these effects are particularly relevant to Ags important in antiphospholipid syndrome. We hypothesize that these four Arg residues have developed as a result of somatic mutations driven by an Ag containing both PL and β2GPI.
Mast Cells Have a Pivotal Role in TNF-Independent Lymph Node Hypertrophy and the Mobilization of Langerhans Cells in Response to Bacterial Peptidoglycan
Authors: Jawdat Dunia M. , Rowden Geoffrey , Marshall Jean S.
Published: April 2014

Peptidoglycan (PGN) from Gram-positive bacteria, activates multiple immune effector cells. PGN-induced lymph node (LN) hypertrophy and dendritic cell mobilization in vivo were investigated following PGN injection into the skin. Both LN activation and the migration of Langerhans cells (LCs) to draining LNs were dependent on the presence of mast cells as demonstrated using mast cell deficient W/Wv mice. However, these responses did not require TLR2, TLR4, or MYD88. TNF-deficient mice exhibited normal increases in LN cellularity but significantly reduced LC migration. In contrast, responses to IgE-mediated mast cell activation were highly TNF dependent. Complement component C3-deficient mice showed decreased LN hypertrophy and abrogated LC migration in response to PGN. These data demonstrate a critical role for mast cells and complement in LN responses to PGN and illustrate a novel TNF-independent mechanism whereby mast cells participate in the initiation of immunity.
Meso-Diaminopimelic Acid and Meso-Lanthionine, Amino Acids Specific to Bacterial Peptidoglycans, Activate Human Epithelial Cells through NOD1
Authors: Uehara Akiko , Fujimoto Yukari , Kawasaki Akiko , Kusumoto Shoichi , Fukase Koichi , Takada Haruhiko
Published: April 2014

Peptidoglycans (PGNs) are ubiquitous constituents of bacterial cell walls and exhibit various immunobiological activities. Two types of minimum essential PGN structures for immunobiological activities were chemically synthesized and designated as muramyldipeptide; N-acetylmuramyl-l-alanyl-d-isoglutamine (MDP) and γ-d-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP), which are common constituents of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as most Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Recently, intracellular receptors for MDP and iE-DAP have been demonstrated to be nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)1 and NOD2, respectively. In this study, we demonstrated that chemically synthesized meso-DAP itself activated human epithelial cells from various tissues, through NOD1 to generate antibacterial factors, PGN recognition proteins and β-defensin 2, and cytokines in specified cases, although the activities of meso-DAP were generally weaker than those of known NOD agonists. However, stereoisomers of meso-DAP, ll-DAP, and dd-DAP were only slightly activated or remained inactive, respectively. Synthetic meso-lanthionine, which is another diamino-type amino acid specific to PGN of the specified Gram-negative bacteria, was also recognized by NOD1. In human monocytic cells, in the presence of cytochalasin D meso-DAP induced slightly but significantly increased production of cytokines, although the cells did not respond to meso-DAP in the absent of cytochalasin D. Our findings suggest that NOD1 is a special sentinel molecule, especially in the epithelial barrier, allowing the intracellular detection of bacteria through recognizing meso-DAP or comparable moiety of PGN from specified bacteria in cooperation with NOD2, thereby playing a key role in innate immunity.
Fine Discrimination in the Recognition of Individual Species of Phosphatidyl-myo-Inositol Mannosides fromMycobacterium tuberculosisby C-Type Lectin Pattern Recognition Receptors
Authors: Torrelles Jordi B. , Azad Abul K. , Schlesinger Larry S.
Published: April 2014

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) envelope is highly mannosylated with phosphatidyl-myo-inositol mannosides (PIMs), lipomannan, and mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM). Little is known regarding the interaction between specific PIM types and host cell C-type lectin pattern recognition receptors. The macrophage mannose receptor (MR) and dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin on dendritic cells engage ManLAM mannose caps and regulate several host responses. In this study, we analyzed the association of purified PIM families (f, separated by carbohydrate number) and individual PIM species (further separated by fatty acid number) from M.tb H37Rv with human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and lectin-expressing cell lines using an established bead model. Higher-order PIMs preferentially associated with the MR as demonstrated by their reduced association with MDMs upon MR blockade and increased binding to COS-1-MR. In contrast, the lower-order PIM2f associated poorly with MDMs and did not bind to COS-1-MR. Triacylated PIM species were recognized by MDM lectins better than tetra-acylated species and the degree of acylation influenced higher-order PIM association with the MR. Moreover, only higher-order PIMs that bind the MR showed a significant increase in phagosome-lysosome fusion upon MR blockade. In contrast with the MR, the PIM2f and lipomannan were recognized by DC-SIGN comparable to higher-order PIMs and ManLAM, and the association was independent of their degree of acylation. Thus, recognition of M.tb PIMs by host cell C-type lectins is dependent on both the nature of the terminal carbohydrates and degree of acylation. Subtle structural differences among the PIMs impact host cell recognition and response and are predicted to influence the intracellular fate of M.tb.
Macrophages Acquire Neutrophil Granules for Antimicrobial Activity against Intracellular Pathogens
Authors: Tan Belinda H. , Meinken Christoph , Bastian Max , Bruns Heiko , Legaspi Annaliza , Ochoa Maria Teresa , Krutzik Stephan R. , Bloom Barry R. , Ganz Tomas , Modlin Robert L. , Stenger Steffen
Published: April 2014

A key target of many intracellular pathogens is the macrophage. Although macrophages can generate antimicrobial activity, neutrophils have been shown to have a key role in host defense, presumably by their preformed granules containing antimicrobial agents. Yet the mechanism by which neutrophils can mediate antimicrobial activity against intracellular pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been a long-standing enigma. We demonstrate that apoptotic neutrophils and purified granules inhibit the growth of extracellular mycobacteria. Phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages results in decreased viability of intracellular M. tuberculosis. Concomitant with uptake of apoptotic neutrophils, granule contents traffic to early endosomes, and colocalize with mycobacteria. Uptake of purified granules alone decreased growth of intracellular mycobacteria. Therefore, the transfer of antimicrobial peptides from neutrophils to macrophages provides a cooperative defense strategy between innate immune cells against intracellular pathogens and may complement other pathways that involve delivery of antimicrobial peptides to macrophages.
Expression of CD44 and L-Selectin in the Innate Immune System Is Required for Severe Joint Inflammation in the Proteoglycan-Induced Murine Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Sarraj Bara , Ludányi Katalin , Glant Tibor T. , Finnegan Alison , Mikecz Katalin
Published: April 2014

Proteoglycan (PG)-induced arthritis, a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis, is characterized by autoimmunity against mouse cartilage PG and chronic joint inflammation. L-selectin (CD62L) and CD44 are major adhesion molecules on leukocytes that regulate their homing to lymph nodes and entry into inflamed tissues. In the present study, we studied the requirement for CD44 and CD62L expression for mediating lymphocyte homing, thus permitting the development of autoimmunity vs mediating the entry of leukocytes into the joints, thus allowing inflammation in PG-induced arthritis. We immunized wild-type, CD44 knockout (KO), CD62L KO, and double (CD44/CD62L) KO BALB/c mice with PG and monitored the effects of gene deficiencies on PG-specific immunity, arthritis severity, leukocyte trafficking, and the ability of lymphocytes to adoptively transfer disease to syngeneic SCID mice. Single and double KO mice demonstrated reduced PG-specific spleen cell proliferation, but the production of Th cytokines and autoantibodies was comparable in KO and wild-type mice. KO leukocytes had reduced ability to adhere tightly to the synovial endothelium in arthritic joints. This diminished leukocyte adhesion correlated with the magnitude of granulocyte (neutrophil) influx and the severity of inflammation, which were both reduced in the joints of KO mice. However, transfer of spleen cells from mildly arthritic KO donors to SCID hosts resulted in development of severe arthritis. Our results indicate that CD44 and CD62L expression in the cells of the innate immune system (granulocytes) is important for their efficient influx into the joints and also suggest that granulocytes play a crucial role in arthritis progression.
The Adenosine System Selectively Inhibits TLR-Mediated TNF-α Production in the Human Newborn
Authors: Levy Ofer , Coughlin Melissa , Cronstein Bruce N. , Roy Rene M. , Desai Avani , Wessels Michael R.
Published: April 2014

Human newborns are susceptible to microbial infection and mount poor vaccine responses, yet the mechanisms underlying their susceptibility are incompletely defined. We have previously reported that despite normal basal expression of TLRs and associated signaling intermediates, human neonatal cord blood monocytes demonstrate severe impairment in TNF-α production in response to triacylated (TLR 2/1) and diacylated (TLR 2/6) bacterial lipopeptides (BLPs). We now demonstrate that in marked contrast, BLP-induced synthesis of IL-6, a cytokine with anti-inflammatory and Th2-polarizing properties, is actually greater in neonates than adults. Remarkably, newborn blood plasma confers substantially reduced BLP-induced monocyte synthesis of TNF-α, while preserving IL-6 synthesis, reflecting the presence in neonatal blood plasma of a soluble, low molecular mass inhibitory factor (<10 kDa) that we identify as adenosine, an endogenous purine metabolite with immunomodulatory properties. The neonatal adenosine system also inhibits TNF-α production in response to whole microbial particles known to express TLR2 agonist activity, including Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli (that express BLPs), and zymosan particles. Selective inhibition of neonatal TNF-α production is due to the distinct neonatal adenosine system, including relatively high adenosine concentrations in neonatal blood plasma and heightened sensitivity of neonatal mononuclear cells to adenosine A3 receptor-mediated accumulation of cAMP, a second messenger that inhibits TLR-mediated TNF-α synthesis but preserves IL-6 production. We conclude that the distinct adenosine system of newborns polarizes TLR-mediated cytokine production during the perinatal period and may thereby modulate their innate and adaptive immune responses.
Reduced Peripheral and MucosalTropheryma whipplei-Specific Th1 Response in Patients with Whipple’s Disease
Authors: Moos Verena , Kunkel Désirée , Marth Thomas , Feurle Gerhard E. , LaScola Bernard , Ignatius Ralf , Zeitz Martin , Schneider Thomas
Published: April 2014

Whipple’s disease is a rare infectious disorder caused by Tropheryma whipplei. Major symptoms are arthropathy, weight loss, and diarrhea, but the CNS and other organs may be affected, too. The incidence of Whipple’s disease is very low despite the ubiquitous presence of T. whipplei in the environment. Therefore, it has been suggested that host factors indicated by immune deficiencies are responsible for the development of Whipple’s disease. However, T. whipplei-specific T cell responses could not be studied until now, because cultivation of the bacteria was established only recently. Thus, the availability of T. whipplei Twist-MarseilleT has enabled the first analysis of T. whipplei-specific reactivity of CD4+ T cells. A robust T. whipplei-specific CD4+ Th1 reactivity and activation (expression of CD154) was detected in peripheral and duodenal lymphocytes of all healthy (16 young, 27 age-matched, 11 triathletes) and disease controls (17 patients with tuberculosis) tested. However, 32 Whipple’s disease patients showed reduced or absent T. whipplei-specific Th1 responses, whereas their capacity to react to other common Ags like tetanus toxoid, tuberculin, actinomycetes, Giardia lamblia, or CMV was not reduced compared with controls. Hence, we conclude that an insufficient T. whipplei-specific Th1 response may be responsible for an impaired immunological clearance of T. whipplei in Whipple’s disease patients and may contribute to the fatal natural course of the disease.
Fluoroquinolones and Tendinopathy: A Guide for Athletes and Sports Clinicians and a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Lewis Trevor , Cook Jill
Published: April 2014

Context:

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been used for several decades and are effective antimicrobials. Despite their usefulness as antibiotics, a growing body of evidence has accumulated in the peer-reviewed literature that shows fluoroquinolones can cause pathologic lesions in tendon tissue (tendinopathy). These adverse effects can occur within hours of commencing treatment and months after discontinuing the use of these drugs. In some cases, fluoroquinolone usage can lead to complete rupture of the tendon and substantial subsequent disability.

Objective:

To discuss the cause, pharmacology, symptoms, and epidemiology of fluoroquinolone-associated tendinopathy and to discuss the clinical implications with respect to athletes and their subsequent physiotherapy.

Data Sources:

We searched MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), and SPORTDiscus databases for available reports of fluoroquinolone-related tendinopathy (tendinitis, tendon pain, or rupture) published from 1966 to 2012. Search terms were fluoroquinolones or quinolones and tendinopathy, adverse effects, and tendon rupture. Included studies were written in or translated into English. Non—English–language and non-English translations of abstracts from reports were not included (n = 1).

Study Selection:

Eligible studies were any available reports of fluoroquinolone-related tendinopathy (tendinitis, tendon pain, or rupture). Both animal and human histologic studies were included. Any papers not focusing on the tendon-related side effects of fluoroquinolones were excluded (n = 71).

Data Extraction:

Data collected included any cases of fluoroquinolone-related tendinopathy, the particular tendon affected, type of fluoroquinolone, dosage, and concomitant risk factors. Any data outlining the adverse histologic effects of fluoroquinolones also were collected.

Data Synthesis:

A total of 175 papers, including 89 case reports and 8 literature reviews, were identified.

Conclusions:

Fluoroquinolone tendinopathy may not respond well to the current popular eccentric training regimes and may require an alternative, staged treatment approach. Clinicians, athletes, athletic trainers, and their medical support teams should be aware of the need to discuss and possibly discontinue these antibiotics if adverse effects arise.
Technical Note: On the use of nudging for aerosol-climate model intercomparison studies
Authors: Zhang K. , Wan H. , Liu X. , Ghan S. J. , Kooperman G. J. , Ma P.-L. , Rasch P. J.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Nudging is an assimilation technique widely used in the development and evaluation of climate models. Constraining the simulated wind and temperature fields using global weather reanalysis facilitates more straightforward comparison between simulation and observation, and reduces uncertainties associated with natural variabilities of the large-scale circulation. On the other hand, the forcing introduced by nudging can be strong enough to change the basic characteristics of the model climate. In the paper we show that for the Community Atmosphere Model version 5, due to the systematic temperature bias in the standard model and the sensitivity of simulated ice formation to anthropogenic aerosol concentration, nudging towards reanalysis results in substantial reductions in the ice cloud amount and the impact of anthropogenic aerosols on longwave cloud forcing. In order to reduce discrepancies between the nudged and unconstrained simulations and meanwhile take the advantages of nudging, two alternative experimentation methods are evaluated. The first one constrains only the horizontal winds. The second method nudges both winds and temperature, but replaces the long-term climatology of the reanalysis by that of the model. Results show that both methods lead to substantially improved agreement with the free-running model in terms of the top-of-atmosphere radiation budget and cloud ice amount. The wind-only nudging is more convenient to apply, and provides higher correlations of the wind fields, geopotential height and specific humidity between simulation and reanalysis. This suggests nudging the horizontal winds but not temperature is a good strategy for the investigation of aerosol indirect effects through ice clouds, since it provides well-constrained meteorology without strongly perturbing the model's mean climate.
Retrieval of cirrus cloud optical thickness and top altitude from geostationary remote sensing
Authors: Kox S. , Bugliaro L. , Ostler A.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. A novel approach for the detection of cirrus clouds and the retrieval of optical thickness and top altitude based on the measurements of the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) aboard the geostationary Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite is presented. Trained with 8 000 000 co-incident measurements of the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) aboard the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) mission the new "cirrus optical properties derived from CALIOP and SEVIRI algorithm during day and night" (COCS) algorithm utilizes a backpropagation neural network to provide accurate measurements of cirrus optical depth τ at λ =532 nm and top altitude z every 15 min covering almost one third of Earth's atmosphere. The retrieved values are validated with independent measurements of CALIOP and the optical thickness derived by an airborne high spectral resolution lidar.
Trade-offs between high yields and greenhouse gas emissions in irrigation wheat cropland in China
Authors: Cui Z. L. , Wu L. , Ye Y. L. , Ma W. Q. , Chen X. P. , Zhang F. S.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Although the concept of producing higher yields with reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a goal that attracts increasing public and scientific attention, the trade-off between high yields and GHG emissions in intensive agricultural production is not well understood. Here, we hypothesize that there exists a mechanistic relationship between wheat grain yield and GHG emission, and that could be transformed into better agronomic management. A total 33 sites of on-farm experiments were investigated to evaluate the relationship between grain yield and GHG emissions using two systems (conventional practice, CP; high-yielding systems, HY) of intensive winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in China. Furthermore, we discussed the potential to produce higher yields with lower GHG emissions based on a survey of 2938 farmers. Compared to the CP system, grain yield was 39% (2352 kg ha−1) higher in the HY system, while GHG emissions increased by only 10%, and GHG emission intensity was reduced by 21%. The current intensive winter wheat system with farmers' practice had a median yield and maximum GHG emission rate of 6050 kg ha−1 and 4783 kg CO2 eq ha−1, respectively; however, this system can be transformed to maintain yields while reducing GHG emissions by 26% (6077 kg ha−1, and 3555 kg CO2 eq ha−1). Further, the HY system was found to increase grain yield by 39% with a simultaneous reduction in GHG emissions by 18% (8429 kg ha−1, and 3905 kg CO2 eq ha−1, respectively). In the future, we suggest moving the trade-off relationships and calculations from grain yield and GHG emissions to new measures of productivity and environmental protection using innovative management technologies.
Environmental controls on the Emiliania huxleyi calcite mass
Authors: Horigome M. T. , Ziveri P. , Grelaud M. , Baumann K.-H. , Marino G. , Mortyn P. G.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Although ocean acidification is expected to impact (bio) calcification by decreasing the seawater carbonate ion concentration, [CO32−], there is evidence of nonuniform response of marine calcifying plankton to low seawater [CO32−]. This raises questions about the role of environmental factors other than acidification and about the complex physiological responses behind calcification. Here we investigate the synergistic effect of multiple environmental parameters, including seawater temperature, nutrient (nitrate and phosphate) availability, and carbonate chemistry on the coccolith calcite mass of the cosmopolitan coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi, the most abundant species in the world ocean. We use a suite of surface (late Holocene) sediment samples from the South Atlantic and southwestern Indian Ocean taken from depths lying above the modern lysocline (with the exception of eight samples that are located at or below the lysocline). The coccolith calcite mass in our results presents a latitudinal distribution pattern that mimics the main oceanographic features, thereby pointing to the potential importance of seawater nutrient availability (phosphate and nitrate) and carbonate chemistry (pH and pCO2) in determining coccolith mass by affecting primary calcification and/or the geographic distribution of E. huxleyi morphotypes. Our study highlights the importance of evaluating the combined effect of several environmental stressors on calcifying organisms to project their physiological response(s) in a high-CO2 world and improve interpretation of paleorecords.
Implementation of aerosol assimilation in Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation v. 3.2 and WRF-Chem v. 4.3.1
Authors: Pagowski M. , Liu Z. , Grell G. A. , Hu M. , Lin H.-C. , Schwartz C. S.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) is an assimilation tool that is used at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction in operational weather forecasting. In this article we describe implementation of an extension to the GSI for assimilating surface measurements of PM2.5, PM10, and MODIS Aerosol Optical Depth at 550 nm with WRF-Chem. We also present illustrations of the results. In the past the aerosol assimilation system has been employed to issue daily PM2.5 forecasts at NOAA/ESRL and, in our belief, is well tested and mature enough to make available for wider use. We provide a package that, in addition to augmented GSI, consists of software for calculating background error covariance statistics and for converting in-situ and satellite data to BUFR format, plus sample input files for an assimilation exercise. Thanks to flexibility in the GSI and coupled meteorology-chemistry of WRF-Chem, assimilating aerosol observations can be carried out simultaneously with meteorological data assimilation. Both GSI and WRF-Chem are well documented with user guides available on-line. This article is primarily intended as a technical note on the implementation of the aerosol assimilation. Its purpose is also to provide guidance for prospective users of the computer code. Limited space is devoted to scientific aspects of aerosol assimilation.
Understanding uncertainties when inferring mean transit times of water trough tracer-based lumped-parameter models in Andean tropical montane cloud forest catchments
Authors: Timbe E. , Windhorst D. , Crespo P. , Frede H.-G. , Feyen J. , Breuer L.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Weekly samples from surface waters, springs, soil water and rainfall were collected in a 76.9 km2 mountain rain forest catchment and its tributaries in southern Ecuador. Time series of the stable water isotopes δ18O and δ2H were used to calculate mean transit times (MTTs) and the transit time distribution functions (TTDs) solving the convolution method for seven lumped-parameter models. For each model setup, the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) methodology was applied to find the best predictions, behavioral solutions and parameter identifiability. For the study basin, TTDs based on model types such as the linear–piston flow for soil waters and the exponential–piston flow for surface waters and springs performed better than more versatile equations such as the gamma and the two parallel linear reservoirs. Notwithstanding both approaches yielded a better goodness of fit for most sites, but with considerable larger uncertainty shown by GLUE. Among the tested models, corresponding results were obtained for soil waters with short MTTs (ranging from 2 to 9 weeks). For waters with longer MTTs differences were found, suggesting that for those cases the MTT should be based at least on an intercomparison of several models. Under dominant baseflow conditions long MTTs for stream water ≥ 2 yr were detected, a phenomenon also observed for shallow springs. Short MTTs for water in the top soil layer indicate a rapid exchange of surface waters with deeper soil horizons. Differences in travel times between soils suggest that there is evidence of a land use effect on flow generation.
Historical impact of water infrastructure on water levels of the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap System
Authors: Cochrane T. A. , Arias M. E. , Piman T.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The rapid rate of water infrastructure development in the Mekong basin is a cause for concern due to its potential impact on fisheries and downstream natural ecosystems. In this paper we analyse the historical water levels of the Mekong River and Tonle Sap system by comparing pre and post 1991 daily observations from six stations along the Mekong mainstream from Chiang Sean (northern Laos), to Stung Treng (Cambodia), and the Prek Kdam station on the Tonle Sap River. Observed alterations in water level patterns along the Mekong are linked to temporal and spatial trends in water infrastructure development from 1960 to 2010. We argue that variations in historical climatic factors are important, but they are not the main cause of observed changes in key hydrological indicators related to ecosystem productivity. Our analysis shows that the development of mainstream dams in the upper Mekong basin in the post-1991 period have resulted in a significant increase of 7 day minimum (+91.6%), fall rates (+42%), and the number of water level fluctuations (+75) observed in Chiang Sean. This effect diminishes downstream until it becomes negligible at Mukdahan (northeast Thailand), which represents a drainage area of over 50% of the total Mekong Basin. Further downstream at Pakse (southern Laos), alterations to the number of fluctuations and rise rate became strongly significant after 1991. The observed alterations slowly decrease downstream, but modified rise rates, fall rates, and dry season water levels were still quantifiable and significant as far as Prek Kdam. This paper provides the first set of evidence of hydrological alterations in the Mekong beyond the Chinese dam cascade in the upper Mekong. Given the evident alterations with no precedence at Pakse and downstream, post-1991 changes can also be directly attributed to water infrastructure development in the Chi and Mun basins of Thailand. A reduction of 23 and 11% in the water raising and fall rates respectively at Prek Kdam provides evidence of a diminished Tonle Sap flood pulse in the post-1991 period. Given the observed water level alterations from 1991 to 2010 as a result of water infrastructure development, we can extrapolate that future development in the mainstream and the key transboundary Srepok, Sesan and Sekong subbasins will have an even greater effect on the Tonle Sap flood regime, the lower Mekong floodplain, and the delta.
Seismic vulnerability assessment of school buildings in Tehran city based on AHP and GIS
Authors: Panahi M. , Rezaie F. , Meshkani S. A.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of school buildings in Tehran city based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and geographical information system (GIS). To this end, the peak ground acceleration, slope, and soil liquefaction layers were utilized for developing a geotechnical map. Also, the construction materials of structures, age of construction, the quality, and the seismic resonance coefficient layers were defined as major factors affecting the structural vulnerability of school buildings. Then, the AHP method was applied to assess the priority rank and weight of criteria (layers) and alternatives (classes) of each criterion via pairwise comparison in all levels. Finally, the geotechnical and structural spatial layers were overlaid to develop the seismic vulnerability map of school buildings in Tehran. The results indicated that only in 72 (about 3%) out of 2125 school buildings of the study area will the destruction rate be very high and therefore their reconstruction should seriously be considered.
Brief Communication: Correlation of global earthquake rates with temperature and sunspot cycle
Authors: Rajesh R. , Tiwari R. K.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. We studied the complex and non-stationary records of global earthquake employing the robust statistical and spectral techniques to understand the patterns, processes and periodicity. Singular Spectral Analysis (SSA) and correlation methods are used to quantify the nature of principle dynamical processes of global annual earthquake rates. The SSA decomposes the principle component of earthquake rates (first mode), which suggests that there is a linear increase in the yearly earthquake number from 1975 to 2005 accounting for 93% variance and may be identified with the earth's internal dynamical processes. Superimposed on this monotonic trend, there is an 11 years cyclic variation (second and third modes) accounting for 5% variance, which may corresponds to the well-known solar cycle. The remaining 2% higher order fluctuating components appears to be associated with artificial recharge and natural triggering forces (reservoir, tidal triggering etc.). The correlation study indicates that there is strong positive and negative correlation among the global earthquake rates with surface air temperature and sunspot numbers respectively. Interesting coupling mechanisms do exist, in which atmospheric circulations perturbed by the abrupt temperature variability might change the torques/momentum of inertia (earth's angular momentum) of the earth and thereby may offer the required inputs to trigger earthquake activities at the "critical phases".
Finding recurrence networks' threshold adaptively for a specific time series
Authors: Eroglu D. , Marwan N. , Prasad S. , Kurths J.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Recurrence plot based recurrence networks are an approach to analyze time series using complex networks theory. In both approaches, recurrence plots and recurrence networks, a threshold to identify recurrent states is required. The selection of the threshold is important in order to avoid bias of the recurrence network results. In this paper we propose a novel method to choose a recurrence threshold adaptively. We show a comparison between constant threshold and adaptive threshold cases to study period-chaos and even period-period transitions in the dynamics of a prototypical model system. This novel method is then used to identify climate transitions from a lake sediment record.
Adjoint accuracy for the full Stokes ice flow model: limits to the transmission of basal friction variability to the surface
Authors: Martin N. , Monnier J.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. This work focuses on the numerical assessment of the accuracy of an adjoint-based gradient in the perspective of variational data assimilation and parameter identification in glaciology. Using noisy synthetic data, we quantify the ability to identify the friction coefficient for such methods with a non-linear friction law. The exact adjoint problem is solved, based on second-order numerical schemes, and a comparison with the so-called "self-adjoint" approximation, neglecting the viscosity dependence on the velocity (leading to an incorrect gradient), common in glaciology, is carried out. For data with a noise of 1%, a lower bound of identifiable wavelengths of 10 ice thicknesses in the friction coefficient is established, when using the exact adjoint method, while the "self-adjoint" method is limited, even for lower noise, to a minimum of 20 ice thickness wavelengths. The second-order exact gradient method therefore provides robustness and reliability for the parameter identification process. In another respect, the derivation of the adjoint model using algorithmic differentiation leads to the formulation of a generalization of the "self-adjoint" approximation towards an incomplete adjoint method, adjustable in precision and computational burden.
Historicity and historiography of being-a-nursing- student in the construction of care in Heidegger
Authors: Kempfer Silvana Silveira , Carraro Telma Elisa , Prado Marta Lenise do
Published: April 2014

Objective: Reveal the experience of being-a-nursing-student as it relates to care. Method: Phenomenological qualitative research. Data were collected in March and May, 2011 by interviewing seven nursing students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. The interviews were analyzed using heideggerian hermeneutics in three steps: Pre-comprehension, comprehension, and the interpretation of the participants’ responses. Results: Reflecting on the historiographical context of being-a-nursing-student, the respondents realized that they are immersed in the family context throughout their career, and described their experiences as temporal discoveries in their life. By unveiling their historicity in the phenomenon of care, the students were able to recognize themselves in this process, interacting with each other and with the practical situations in which moments of care were required. This process has made it possible to conceive a vision of care from their past experience. Conclusion: To nursing students, one concept of care involves reflecting continuously on oneself and on the other.
Crosstalk Between Adrenergic and Toll-Like Receptors in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Keratinocytes: A Recipe for Impaired Wound Healing
Authors: Dasu Mohan R. , Ramirez Sandra R. , La Thi Dinh , Gorouhi Farzam , Nguyen Chuong , Lin Benjamin R. , Mashburn Chelcy , Stewart Heather , Peavy Thomas R. , Nolta Jan A. , Isseroff Roslyn R.
Published: April 2014

Previous studies demonstrate that skin wounds generate epinephrine (EPI) that can activate local adrenergic receptors (ARs), impairing healing. Bacterially derived activators of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) within the wound initiate inflammatory responses and can also impair healing. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that these two pathways crosstalk to one another, using EPI and macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 (MALP2) to activate ARs and TLR2, respectively, in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and neonatal keratinocytes (NHKs). BM-MSCs exposed to EPI significantly (p < .05) increased TLR2 message (sevenfold BM-MSCs), TLR2 protein (twofold), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) (fourfold). Conversely, activation of TLR2 by MALP2 in these cells increased β2-AR message (twofold in BM-MSCs, 2.7-fold in NHKs), β2-AR protein (2.5-fold), phosphorylation of β-AR-activated kinase (p-BARK, twofold), and induced release of EPI from both cell types (twofold). Treating cells with EPI and MALP2 together, as would be encountered in a wound, increased β2-AR and p-BARK protein expression (sixfold), impaired cell migration (BM-MSCs- 21%↓ and NHKs- 60%↓, p < .002), and resulted in a 10-fold (BM-MSCs) and 51-fold (NHKs) increase in release of IL-6 (p < .001) responses that were remarkably reduced by pretreatment with β2-AR antagonists. In vivo, EPI-stressed animals exhibited impaired healing, with elevated levels of TLR2, MyD88, and IL-6 in the wounds (p < .05) relative to nonstressed controls. Thus, our data describe a recipe for decreasing cell migration and exacerbating inflammation via novel crosstalk between the adrenergic and Toll-like receptor pathways in BM-MSCs and NHKs.
Propagation of Blue Honeysuckles (Lonicera caerulea L.) in In Vitro Culture
Authors: Krupa-Małkiewicz Marcelina  , Ochmian Ireneusz
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to develop micropropagation protocol for Lonicera caerulea L. Clone 44, Clone 46 and Br?zowa, three important invasive woody horticultural plants. Actively growing shoots from the shrubs grown in the field were used for initiation of culture. Shoots were surface sterilized with ethanol, then with sodium hypochlorite and mercury sulfate. MS medium supplemented with cytokinin BAP at concentrations of 1.0 - 4.0 mg·dm-3 had no statistically significant effect on the shoot initiation of selected blue honeysuckle genotypes. Multiplication rate varied depending on the genotype and plant growth regulator concentrations. The highest number of microshoots produced per explant of Clone 44 and Clone 46 was obtained at using 2.0 mg·dm-3 BAP, while of cultivar Br?zowa – 1.0 mg·dm-3 BAP. Shoots were rooted in vitro in the presence of IBA and IAA. Microshoots have rooted differently depending on the treatment and genotype. In the case of Clone 4458% rooting was achieved at 2.5 mg·dm-3 IBA and MS basal nutrient medium treatment.
The Predictive Effects of Self-Esteem, Moral Self, and Moral Reasoning on Delinquent Behaviors of Hong Kong Young People
Authors: Cheng Christopher
Published: April 2014

While external factors such as family and peers were widely known to be predictive of juvenile delinquency, mixed results were reported regarding the effects of internal (personal) variables such as self-concept and moral reasoning maturity. The present study was to delineate the effects of two variables relating to the self (self-esteem, moral self) and the moral reasoning maturity in predicting delinquency. A sample of 266 young people aged between 17 and 21 were invited to complete a questionnaire composed of global self-concept (self-esteem) scale, moral self scale, moral reasoning test, and a daily behavior checklist. Regression and correlation analyses indicated that moral self and moral reasoning were in general negatively associated with delinquency, but global self-esteem did not have significant linear relation with delinquency. Polynomial contrast tests revealed that moral reasoning and moral self to certain extent had a linear trend with delinquency negatively, but global self-esteem exhibited a curvilinear (U-shape) trend with some but not all delinquent behaviors such as sexual misconduct, drug offenses, gambling. The results were then discussed in the light of self-derogation theory and other relevant theories such as the "threatened ego" and the multidimensional model of self-concept, and hopefully could throw lights to explain the phenomenon for further research.