bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sca-1+Lin−CD117− Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Induce the Generation of Novel IRF8-Controlled Regulatory Dendritic Cells through Notch–RBP-J Signaling
Authors: Liu Xingxia , Ren Shaoda , Ge Chaozhuo , Cheng Kai , Zenke Martin , Keating Armand , Zhao Robert C. H.
Published: April 2015

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) can influence the destiny of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSCs) and exert broadly immunomodulatory effects on immune cells. However, how MSCs regulate the differentiation of regulatory dendritic cells (regDCs) from HSCs remains incompletely understood. In this study, we show that mouse bone marrow–derived Sca-1+Lin−CD117− MSCs can drive HSCs to differentiate into a novel IFN regulatory factor (IRF)8–controlled regDC population (Sca+ BM-MSC–driven DC [sBM-DCs]) when cocultured without exogenous cytokines. The Notch pathway plays a critical role in the generation of the sBM-DCs by controlling IRF8 expression in an RBP-J–dependent way. We observed a high level of H3K27me3 methylation and a low level of H3K4me3 methylation at the Irf8 promoter during sBM-DC induction. Importantly, infusion of sBM-DCs could alleviate colitis in mice with inflammatory bowel disease by inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation and increasing the numbers of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. Thus, these data infer a possible mechanism for the development of regDCs and further support the role of MSCs in treating immune disorders.
Programmed Cell Death 1 and Helios Distinguish TCR-αβ+ Double-Negative (CD4−CD8−) T Cells That Derive from Self-Reactive CD8 T Cells
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Noé , Apostolidis Sokratis A. , Penaloza-MacMaster Pablo , Martín Villa José Manuel , Barouch Dan H. , Tsokos George C. , Crispín José C.
Published: April 2015

TCR-αβ+ double-negative (DN; CD4−CD8−) T cells represent a poorly understood cellular subset suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus. DN T cells have been proposed to derive from CD8+ cells. However, the conditions that govern the loss of CD8 expression after Ag encounter are unknown. In this study, we tracked the fate of CD8 T cells from transgenic TCR mice exposed to their cognate Ags as self or in the context of infection. We demonstrate that CD8 T cells lose CD8 expression and become DN only when cognate Ag is sensed as self. This process is restricted to tissues where the Ag is present. We also show that DN T cells derived from self-reactive CD8 cells express the inhibitory molecules PD-1 and Helios. These molecules identify a subset of DN T cells in normal mice. A similar population expands when CD8 T cells from repertoires enriched in self-reactive cells (Aire-deficient) are transferred into cognate hosts. Collectively, our data suggest that a subset of DN T cells, identified by the expression of PD-1 and Helios, represent self-reactive cells. Our results provide an explanation for the origin of DN T cells and introduce CD8 loss as a process associated with self-Ag encounter.
SAMHD1 Degradation Enhances Active Suppression of Dendritic Cell Maturation by HIV-1
Authors: Hertoghs Nina , van der Aar Angelic M. G. , Setiawan Laurentia C. , Kootstra Neeltje A. , Gringhuis Sonja I. , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. H.
Published: April 2015

A hallmark of HIV-1 infection is the lack of sterilizing immunity. Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial in the induction of immunity, and lack of DC activation might underlie the absence of an effective anti–HIV-1 response. We have investigated how HIV-1 infection affects maturation of DCs. Our data show that even though DCs are productively infected by HIV-1, infection does not induce DC maturation. HIV-1 infection actively suppresses DC maturation, as HIV-1 infection inhibited TLR-induced maturation of DCs and thereby decreased the immune stimulatory capacity of DCs. Interfering with SAMHD1 restriction further increased infection of DCs, but did not lead to DC maturation. Notably, higher infection observed with SAMHD1 depletion correlated with a stronger suppression of maturation. Furthermore, blocking reverse transcription rescued TLR-induced maturation. These data strongly indicate that HIV-1 replication does not trigger immune activation in DCs, but that HIV-1 escapes immune surveillance by actively suppressing DC maturation independent of SAMHD1. Elucidation of the mechanism of suppression can lead to promising targets for therapy or vaccine design.
Ability To Develop Broadly Neutralizing HIV-1 Antibodies Is Not Restricted by the Germline Ig Gene Repertoire
Authors: Scheepers Cathrine , Shrestha Ram K. , Lambson Bronwen E. , Jackson Katherine J. L. , Wright Imogen A. , Naicker Dshanta , Goosen Mark , Berrie Leigh , Ismail Arshad , Garrett Nigel , Abdool Karim Quarraisha , Abdool Karim Salim S. , Moore Penny L. , Travers Simon A. , Morris Lynn
Published: April 2015

The human Ig repertoire is vast, producing billions of unique Abs from a limited number of germline Ig genes. The IgH V region (IGHV) is central to Ag binding and consists of 48 functional genes. In this study, we analyzed whether HIV-1–infected individuals who develop broadly neutralizing Abs show a distinctive germline IGHV profile. Using both 454 and Illumina technologies, we sequenced the IGHV repertoire of 28 HIV-infected South African women from the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) 002 and 004 cohorts, 13 of whom developed broadly neutralizing Abs. Of the 259 IGHV alleles identified in this study, approximately half were not found in the International Immunogenetics Database (IMGT). This included 85 entirely novel alleles and 38 alleles that matched rearranged sequences in non-IMGT databases. Analysis of the rearranged H chain V region genes of mAbs isolated from seven of these women, as well as previously isolated broadly neutralizing Abs from other donors, provided evidence that at least eight novel or non-IMGT alleles contributed to functional Abs. Importantly, we found that, despite a wide range in the number of IGHV alleles in each individual, including alleles used by known broadly neutralizing Abs, there were no significant differences in germline IGHV repertoires between individuals who do and do not develop broadly neutralizing Abs. This study reports novel IGHV repertoires and highlights the importance of a fully comprehensive Ig database for germline gene usage prediction. Furthermore, these data suggest a lack of genetic bias in broadly neutralizing Ab development in HIV-1 infection, with positive implications for HIV vaccine design.
Ex vivo and in vitro production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in Blau syndrome
Authors: Galozzi P. , Negm O. , Greco E. , Alkhattabi N. , Gava A. , Sfriso P. , Fairclough L. , Todd I. , Tighe P. , Punzi L.
Published: April 2015

The objective was to study both ex vivo and in vitro secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients affected by Blau syndrome (BS) and carrying p.E383K mutation in the CARD15/NOD2 gene associated with the disease. For ex vivo studies, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), serum from three patients and healthy controls have been collected. PBMCs have been cultured in the presence or absence of inflammatory enhancers, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and muramyl dipeptide (MDP). The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ were assayed by either immunoassay or array-based system. For in vitro studies, different constructs were created cloning human wild-type and p.E383K-mutated NOD2 cDNA into the expression vector pCMV-Tag2c. HEK293 cell lines were stably transfected, cultured with or without MDP and IL-8 level was assayed in their surnatants. Statistical analysis in both studies was performed using non-parametric tests. Both ex vivo and in vitro studies have not identified a significant increase in secretion of the analyzed proinflammatory cytokines. p.E383K-mutated NOD2 transfected cells express low level of IL-8. The ex vivo basal level results from both serum and PBMCs surnatants present similar levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ in patients and controls. The presence of the stimulant agents (LPS and MDP), either individual or paired, does not lead to significant increases in all cytokines concentrations in patients compared to controls. Taken together, the ex vivo and in vitro data suggest that there is not a primary mediation of IL-1β and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in BS patients carrying p.E383K.
The design, construction and application of airborne gamma-ray spectrometer calibration pads - Thailand
Authors: Grasty R L
Published: April 2015

Four concrete pads 7.6 x 7.6 m (25 x 25 ft.) by 0.5 m (18 in.) thick were constructed in Thailand for calibrating airborne gamma-ray spectrometers. They comprised a low radioactivity background pad, a potassium pad, a uranium pad and a thorium pad. The background
pad was constructed of masonry sand and cement and the uranium and thorium pads with a small quantity of uranium and thorium ore added to the same background matrix. The potassium pad was constructed from feldspar and cement. The uranium ore, from Canada, was in radioactive equilibrium and a low
emanator of radon. The thorium ore, a separated monazite beach sand, and the feldspar were bath obtained in Thailand. A few months after construction, the gamma-ray activity of the uranium pad was found to fluctuate due to loss of radon. Its gamma-ray activity was then stabilized through the use of
a flexible waterproof paint. One year after sealing, the uranium pad was -again found to be losing - radon.
Ground deformation occurring in the Greater Vancouver region, British Columbia, from twenty years of ERS-ENVISAT-RADARSAT-2 InSAR observations
Authors: Samsonov S V , González P J , Tiampo K F , d'Oreye N
Published: April 2015

Ground subsidence in the south-western part of British Columbia, the third largest metropolitan area in Canada with over 2.2 millions of inhabitants, was measured using the Multidimensional Small Baseline Subset (MSBAS) advanced Differential Interferometric
Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR). The MSBAS (Samsonov and d'Oreye, 2012) software calculates two dimensional time series of ground deformation from multiple DInSAR data sets acquired with various acquisition parameters (e.g. spatial and temporal resolution and coverage, wavelength, azimuth and
incidence angles). The two dimensional time series produced here have improved temporal resolution, almost uninterrupted coverage and lower noise. The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data used in this study consists of seven independent sets: one ascending and one descending ERS-1/2 and ENVISAT
frames, together spanning July 1995 - September 2010, and three RADARSAT-2 frames spanning February 2009 - October 2012. During the July 1995 period October 2012 we observed fast ground subsidence with a maximum rate greater than -2 cm/year in the Greater Vancouver region that includes the Fraser
River delta and the cities of Burnbary, Richmond, Surrey, and Vancouver. The fastest subsidence was observed beneath the Vancouver International Airport and around agricultural and industrial regions. Rapid sub-centimeter ground deformation also occurred during the summer and fall of 2009-2012.
These time series suggest that the subsidence rate at the studied regions does not decrease with time as suggested in previous studies but actually increases. The long term impact of subsidence on infrastructure can be significant and needs to be investigated further.
Time series of ground deformation for the Aquistore CO2 storage site located in southeastern Saskatchewan and computed from five beams of Radarsat-2 data combined using the MSBAS methodology
Authors: Samsonov S V , White D , Craymer M
Published: April 2015

The objectives of the Aquistore CO storage project are to design, adapt, and test non-seismic monitoring 2 methods that have not been systematically utilized to date for monitoring CO storage, and to integrate 2 the data from these various monitoring tools to
obtain quantitative estimates of the change in subsurface fluid distributions, pressure changes and associated surface deformation. Since spring of 2012 RADARSAT-2 data from five beams (ascending and descending Spotlight, Wide UltraFine and Fine Quad-Pol) were regularly (with the individual
frequency of 24 days) collected and used for calculation of ground deformation time series over the Aquistore CO storage site located in SE Saskatchewan. The 2 initial InSAR analysis (Samsonov et al., 2012) revealed slow ground deformation not related to CO2 injection but caused by various natural
and anthropogenic processes - snow melt, surface moisture variation, ground and surface water level changes and post-mining activities. In this work we provide updated results based on over one hundred RADARSAT-2 images acquired during May 2012-May 2013.
Mentoring as a supportive pedagogy in theological training
Authors: Chiroma Nathan H. , Cloete Anita
Published: April 2015

This article contends that theological training supported by effective mentoring can contribute to the shaping of theology students in terms of their spiritual growth, character development and ministry formation. It is further argued that mentoring as a supportive pedagogy needs to be an essential element of theological education. Subsequently, guidelines for making mentoring an effective pedagogy in theological training are proposed. A lot has been written about mentoring; however this article focuses on the use of mentoring as a supportive pedagogy in denominational seminaries as a means of fostering the holistic development of theology students.
Theological training in the black Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA)
Authors: Ramantswana Hulisani
Published: April 2015

This article presents a historic analysis of theological training in the black Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA) − Southland Synod (Coloured), Synod Midlands (black) and Synod Soutpansberg (black) − and highlights the major trends with regard to theological training. Four phases are identified: (1) 1910–1951, informal training of evangelists and ministers on a local basis; (2) 1952–1960, the beginning of formal training of ministers and evangelists; (3) 1961–1989, training under the 1961 Theological Training Policy for the black RCSA; and (4) 1990 to today, theological training in the black RCSA in the context of the new South Africa.Teologiese opleiding in die swart Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika (GKSA). Die artikel bied ’n historiese ontleding van teologiese opleiding in die swart Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika − Suidland Sinode (Kleurling), Middellande Sinode (swart) en Soutpansberg Sinode (swart) − en beklemtoon die belangrikste tendense met betrekking tot teologiese opleiding. Vier fases word in die artikel geïdentifiseer: (1) 1910–1951, informele opleiding van evangeliste en leraars op ’n plaaslike basis; (2) 1952–1960, die begin van die formele opleiding van predikante en evangeliste; (3) 1961–1989, opleiding onder die 1961 Teologiese Opleidingsbeleid in die swart GKSA; en (4) 1990 tot vandag, teologiese opleiding in die swart GKSA in die konteks van die nuwe Suid-Afrika.
Gastritis profunda cystica presenting as gastric outlet obstruction and mimicking cancer: A case report
Authors: Osama Butt Muhammad , Hassan Luck Nasir , Mujahid Hassan Syed , Abbas Zaigham , Mubarak Muhammed
Published: April 2015

Gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) is a rare, benign lesion of the stomach characterized by polypoid hyperplasia and/or ulcerated mucosal lesion and cystic dilatation of the gastric glands extending into the submucosa or muscularis propria of the stomach. Its etiology and pathogenesis are still incompletely understood. The most important factor is assumed to be a history of prior gastric surgery. We herein present a case of a young adult female with upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. She underwent upper GI endoscopy twice, which revealed pyloric narrowing and intramural mass. Gastric endoscopic mucosal biopsies were performed, but no tumor was identified and her symptoms persisted. Imaging studies also revealed a mass lesion. Open laparotomy and partial gastrectomy with histopathology of the resected specimen revealed the true nature of the lesion. Surgery also improved her symptoms. GCP should be kept in the differential diagnosis of gastric mural mass lesions.
Some Correlates of Electronic Health Information Management System Success in Nigerian Teaching Hospitals
Authors: Ojo Adebowale I. , Popoola Sunday O.
Published: April 2015

Nowadays, an electronic health information management system (EHIMS) is crucial for patient care in hospitals. This paper explores the aspects and elements that contribute to the success of EHIMS in Nigerian teaching hospitals. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of study comprised 442 health information management personnel in five teaching hospitals that had implemented EHIMS in Nigeria. A self-developed questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. The findings revealed that there is a positive, close relationship between all the identified factors and EHIMS's success: technical factors ( r = 0.564, P < 0.05); social factors ( r = 0.616, P < 0.05); organizational factors ( r = 0.621, P < 0.05); financial factors ( r = 0.705, P < 0.05); and political factors ( r = 0.589, P < 0.05). We conclude that consideration of all the identified factors was highly significant for the success of EHIMS in Nigerian teaching hospitals.
Combining ability analysis of fruit yield and morphological traits in greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.)
Authors: Golabadi Maryam , Golkar Pooran , Eghtedary Abdolreza
Published: April 2015

Golabadi, M., Golkar, P. and Eghtedary, A.-R. 2015. Combining ability analysis of fruit yield and morphological traits in greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 377–385. Knowledge about the genetic control of the different quantitative characters related to fruit yield and its components is still insufficient in greenhouse cucumbers. This information is useful in planning breeding programs in this economically important crop. In this study, the genetics of morphological traits and fruit yield was investigated using a 9×9 full diallel population of cucumbers for the greenhouse market. Data were collected on internode length, leaf length, leaf width, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, yield per fruit and yield per plant. Variance components showed that both the additive and the dominant gene effects played significant roles in the genetic control of the traits studied. Genetic control of internode length, leaf width and number of fruits per plant was accomplished by additive effects. The significant mean squares of reciprocal crosses for all of the studied traits suggested that maternal inheritance also played an important role in the inheritance of these traits. Significant general combining ability for fruit yield revealed that both selection and hybridization methods would lead to desirable genetic improvements in cucumber through accumulation of desirable alleles from parents in the target genotype, but that hybridization would be preferred.
Interactions Among Urogenital, Intestinal, Skin, and Oral Infections in Pregnant and Lactating Panamanian Ngäbe Women: A Neglected Public Health Challenge
Authors: González-Fernández Doris , Koski Kristine G. , Sinisterra Odalis Teresa , del Carmen Pons Emérita , Murillo Enrique , Scott Marilyn E.
Published: April 2015

Interrelationships among bacteria, protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites were explored in a cross-sectional survey of 213 pregnant and 99 lactating indigenous women. Prevalences in pregnancy and lactation, respectively, were: vaginitis (89.2%; 46.8%), vaginal trichomoniasis (75.3%; 91.1%), bacterial vaginosis (BV; 60.6%; 63.3%), hookworm (56.6%; 47.8%), asymptomatic bacteriuria/urinary tract infection (AB/UTI; 56.2%; 36.2%), cervicitis (33.3%; 6.3%), vaginal yeast (24.9%; 11.4%), Ascaris (32.5%; 17.4%), vaginal diplococci (20.4%; 31.6%), caries (19.7%; 18.2%), scabies (17.4%; 8.1%), and Trichuris (12.5%; 8.7%). Multiple regressions revealed positive associations during pregnancy (trichomoniasis and AB/UTI; diplococci and Ascaris) and lactation (yeast and scabies). Negative associations were detected in pregnancy (BV and trichomoniasis; hookworm and diplococci) and lactation (BV and yeast). Vaginal Lactobacillus reduced odds of diplococci in pregnancy and lactation, but increased Ascaris eggs per gram (epg) and odds of trichomoniasis in pregnancy and yeast in lactation. These associations raised a concern that treatment of one condition may increase the risk of another.
OH populations and temperatures from simultaneous spectroscopic observations of 25 bands
Authors: Noll S. , Kausch W. , Kimeswenger S. , Unterguggenberger S. , Jones A. M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. OH rotational temperatures are widely used to derive mesopause temperatures and their variations. Since most data sets are only based on a fixed set of lines of a single band, it is important to know possible systematic uncertainties related to the choice of lines. Therefore, a comprehensive study of as many OH bands as possible is desirable. For this purpose, astronomical echelle spectrographs at large telescopes are the most suitable instruments. They offer a wide wavelength coverage, relatively high spectral resolution, and high sensitivity. Moreover, since each ground-based astronomical observation has an imprint of the Earth's atmosphere, the data archives of large astronomical facilities are a treasure for atmospheric studies. For our project, we used archival data of the medium-resolution X-shooter echelle spectrograph operated by the European Southern Observatory at Cerro Paranal in Chile. The instrument can simultaneously observe all OH bands that are accessible from ground. We reduced and analysed a set of 343 high-quality spectra taken between 2009 and 2013 to measure OH line intensities and to derive rotational and vibrational temperatures of 25 bands between 0.58 and 2.24 μm. We studied the influence of the selected line set, OH band, upper vibrational level v′, and the molecular data on the derived level populations and temperatures. The rotational temperature results indicate differences by several degrees depending on the selection. The temperatures for bands of even and odd v′ show deviations which increase with v′. A study of the temporal variations revealed that the nocturnal variability pattern changes for v′ from 2 to 9. In particular, the spread of temperatures tends to increase during the night, and the time of the minimum temperature depends on v′. The vibrational temperatures depend on the range of v′ used for their determination, since the higher vibrational levels from 7 to 9 seem to be overpopulated compared to the lower levels. The vibrational temperature tends to increase during the night, while the intensity decreases. Our results support the assumption that the OH emission altitude depends on v′. Moreover, the emission layer appears to rise in the course of the night, which makes the OH thermalisation less efficient. The derived rotational temperatures and their change with v′ seem to be significantly affected by non-equilibrium populations.
Diesel-related hydrocarbons can dominate gas phase reactive carbon in megacities
Authors: Dunmore R. E. , Hopkins J. R. , Lidster R. T. , Lee J. D. , Evans M. J. , Rickard A. R. , Lewis A. C. , Hamilton J. F.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Hydrocarbons are key precursors to two priority air pollutants, ozone and particulate matter. Those with two to seven carbons have historically been straightforward to observe and have been successfully reduced in many developed cities through air quality policy interventions. Longer chain hydrocarbons released from diesel vehicles are not considered explicitly as part of air quality strategies and there are few direct measurements of their gaseous abundance in the atmosphere. This study describes the chemically comprehensive and continuous measurements of organic compounds in a developed megacity (London), which demonstrate that on a seasonal median basis, diesel-related hydrocarbons represent only 20–30% of the total hydrocarbon mixing ratio but comprise more than 50% of the atmospheric hydrocarbon mass and are a dominant local source of secondary organic aerosols. This study shows for the first time that, 60% of the winter primary hydrocarbon hydroxyl radical reactivity is from diesel-related hydrocarbons and using the maximum incremental reactivity scale, we predict that they contribute up to 50% of the ozone production potential in London. Comparing real-world urban composition with regulatory emissions inventories in the UK and US highlights a previously unaccounted for but, very significant under-reporting of diesel related hydrocarbons; an underestimation of a factor ~ 4 for C9 species rising to a factor of over 70 for C12 during winter. These observations show that hydrocarbons from diesel vehicles can dominate gas phase reactive carbon in cities with high diesel fleet fractions. Future control of urban particulate matter and ozone in such locations requires a shift in policy focus onto gas phase hydrocarbons released from diesels as this vehicle type continues to displace gasoline world-wide.
Terrestrial biosphere changes over the last 120 kyr and their impact on ocean δ 13C
Authors: Hoogakker B. A. A. , Smith R. S. , Singarayer J. S. , Marchant R. , Prentice I. C. , Allen J. R. M. , Anderson R. S. , Bhagwat S. A. , Behling H. , Borisova O. , Bush M. , Correa-Metrio A. , de Vernal A. , Finch J. M. , Fréchette B. , Lozano-Garcia S. , Gosling W. D. , Granoszewski W. , Grimm E. C. , Grüger E. , Hanselman J. , Harrison S. P. , Hill T. R. , Huntley B. , Jiménez-Moreno G. , Kershaw P. , Ledru M.-P. , Magri D. , McKenzie M. , Müller U. , Nakagawa T. , Novenko E. , Penny D. , Sadori L. , Scott L. , Stevenson J. , Valdes P. J. , Vandergoes M. , Velichko A. , Whitlock C. , Tzedakis C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. A new global synthesis and biomization of long (>40 kyr) pollen-data records is presented, and used with simulations from the HadCM3 and FAMOUS climate models to analyse the dynamics of the global terrestrial biosphere and carbon storage over the last glacial–interglacial cycle. Global modelled (BIOME4) biome distributions over time generally agree well with those inferred from pollen data. The two climate models show good agreement in global net primary productivity (NPP). NPP is strongly influenced by atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations through CO2 fertilization. The combined effects of modelled changes in vegetation and (via a simple model) soil carbon result in a global terrestrial carbon storage at the Last Glacial Maximum that is 210–470 Pg C less than in pre-industrial time. Without the contribution from exposed glacial continental shelves the reduction would be larger, 330–960 Pg C. Other intervals of low terrestrial carbon storage include stadial intervals at 108 and 85 ka BP, and between 60 and 65 ka BP during Marine Isotope Stage 4. Terrestrial carbon storage, determined by the balance of global NPP and decomposition, influences the stable carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of seawater because terrestrial organic carbon is depleted in 13C. Using a simple carbon-isotope mass balance equation we find agreement in trends between modelled ocean δ13C based on modelled land carbon storage, and palaeo-archives of ocean δ13C, confirming that terrestrial carbon storage variations may be important drivers of ocean δ13C changes.
Water savings potentials of irrigation systems: dynamic global simulation
Authors: Jägermeyr J. , Gerten D. , Heinke J. , Schaphoff S. , Kummu M. , Lucht W.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Global agricultural production is heavily sustained by irrigation, but irrigation system efficiencies are often surprisingly low. However, our knowledge of irrigation efficiencies is mostly confined to rough indicative estimates for countries or regions that do not account for spatio-temporal heterogeneity due to climate and other biophysical dependencies. To allow for refined estimates of global agricultural water use, and of water saving and water productivity potentials constrained by biophysical processes and also non-trivial downstream effects, we incorporated a dynamic representation of the three major irrigation systems (surface, sprinkler, and drip) into a process-based bio- and agrosphere model, LPJmL. Based on this enhanced model we provide a gridded worldmap of dynamically retrieved irrigation efficiencies reflecting differences in system types, crop types, climatic and hydrologic conditions, and overall crop management. We find pronounced regional patterns in beneficial irrigation efficiency (a refined irrigation efficiency indicator accounting for crop-productive water consumption only), due to differences in these features, with lowest values (< 30%) in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa and highest values (> 60%) in Europe and North America. We arrive at an estimate of global irrigation water withdrawal of 2396 km3 (2004–2009 average); irrigation water consumption is calculated to be 1212 km3, of which 511 km3 are non-beneficially consumed, i.e. lost through evaporation, interception, and conveyance. Replacing surface systems by sprinkler or drip systems could, on average across the world's river basins, reduce the non-beneficial consumption at river basin level by 54 and 76%, respectively, while maintaining the current level of crop yields. Accordingly, crop water productivity would increase by 9 and 15%, respectively, and by much more in specific regions such as in the Indus basin. This study significantly advances the global quantification of irrigation systems while providing a framework for assessing potential future transitions in these systems. Here presented opportunities associated with irrigation improvements are significant and suggest that they should be considered an important means on the way to sustainable food security.
Assess arsenic distribution in groundwater applying GIS in capital of Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar M. M. , Zhonghua T. , Sissou Z. , Mohamadi B.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Arsenic contamination of groundwater resources threatens the health of millions of people worldwide, particularly in the densely populated river deltas of Southeast Asia. Arsenic causes health concerns due to its significant toxicity and worldwide presence in portable water. The major sources of arsenic pollution may be natural process such as dissolution of arsenic containing minerals and anthropogenic activities. Lahore is groundwater dependent city, arsenic contamination is a major issue of portable water and has recently been most environmental health management issue especially in the plain region, where population density is very high. GIS was used in this study for visualizing distribution of arsenic groundwater concentration through geostatistics analysis technique, and exposure risk zones for two years (2010 and 2012). Town's data was compared and concentration variation evaluated. ANOVA test was also applied to compare concentration between cities and years. Arsenic concentrations widely range 7.3–67.8 and 5.2–69.3 μg L−1 in 2010 and 2012, respectively. Over 71% area is represented arsenic concentration range from 20 to 30 μg L−1 in both analyzed years. However, in 2012 arsenic concentration over 40 μg L−1 has covered 7.6% area of Data Gunjbuksh and 8.1% of Ravi Town, while over 90% area of Allama Iqbal, Aziz Bhatti and Samanabad Town contain arsenic concentration between 20–30 μg L−1. ANOVA test depicts concentration probability less than 0.05, while differences were detected among towns. In light of current results, it needs urgent step to ensure groundwater protection and preservation for future.
An assessment of the potential of earth observation data to detect and monitor storm cells associated with natural hazards – an application to an extreme weather event in southeastern Mediterranean
Authors: Mavrakou T. , Cartalis C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Storm cells that evolve in Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) can be recognised with the use of satellite images. In this study, Meteosat images are used for the early detection and monitoring of the evolution of storm cells associated with MCSs. The developed methodology is based on the estimation of the "Airmass" and "Convective storm" composites, at fifteen minutes intervals. The methodology was applied on a selected four-day case study in February 2013, when a depression was developed over Africa and moved across the Mediterranean resulting in deep convection along its trajectory and in an extreme weather event (heavy rainfall associated with severe flooding) at the wider urban agglomeration of Athens. The produced composites detect potential vorticity (PV) anomaly related to cyclogenesis and increase the potential to detect and monitor storm cells associated with natural hazards.
Does rating shopping exist in spanish securitization issues?
Authors:   Escuela Universitaria de Estudios Empresariales, Dpto. Economía Financiera II, C/ Comandante Izarduy, 23, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava). miguelangel.pena@ehu.es, Peña Cerezo Miguel Á. , Rodríguez Castellanos Arturo ,   2 Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Dpto. Economía Financiera II, Avda. Lehendakari Aguirre, 83, 48015, Bilbao (Bizkaia). arturo.rodriguez@ehu.es, Ibáñez Hernández Francisco J. ,   Escuela Universitaria de Estudios Empresariales, Dpto. Economía Financiera II, C/ Comandante Izarduy, 23, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava). franciscojaime.ibanez@ehu.es
Published: April 2015

Debt issue credit ratings can lead to conflicts of interest as the issuer itself is entrusted with contracting and compensating the rating agency. Into the bargain, the credit rating agency may be involved in designing the issues that the same agency subsequently rates. Credit rating agencies thus could have incentives to rate issues advantageously. Given the economic importance of this issue, in this paper we have proposed to analyze this phenomenon, known as rating shopping in academic literature, for Spanish market securitization issues for the period of time comprehensive from January 1993 to December 2011. In sum 3,665 published ratings are been analysed, for an issued nominal amount of 791,090 million Euros. The results show an association between the credit rating agency contracted and the mean rating awarded. Significant differences are observed in the ratings associated to the contracting manager (or special purpose vehicle –SPV- manager firm), to the number of ratings or to the type of collateral. Furthermore, a pattern compatible with rating shopping was observed for some types of collateral: abnormally high market shares associated with certain agencies awarding unusually generous ratings. However, this phenomenon is not seen to be widespread on the rating market associated to Spanish securitization issues.
Organizational Justice and Citizenship Behavior, the Mediating Role of Trust
Authors: Ismail Hassan
Published: April 2015

This study examines the role of organizational trust in the relationship between organizational justice and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB). A total sample of 191 employees was selected from Syrian private banks. The research findings indicate that there is a significant positive impact of organizational justice dimensions (distributive, procedural, and interactional) on OCB. Similarly, organizational trust positively affects OCB. Furthermore, this study shows that organizational trust plays a mediating role in the relationship between the organizational justice and OCB.
The Relationship of the Deviant Workplace Behavior with the Organizational Justice and Staff Development in the Universities of Tehran
Authors: Rafiee Mohsen , Hoveida Reza , Rajaeipoor Saeid
Published: April 2015

The present study aims at investigating the relationship of the deviant workplace behavior with the organizational justice and staff development in the universities of Tehran. The descriptive-correlational research method has been used, while the data analysis has relied on the correlation and regression analysis. The research population has comprised of the all staff of the selected universities in Tehran. Sampling has been conducted through stratified random method, which resulted in a sample with 326 participants. In order to measure the deviant workplace behavior and staff development, two researcher-made questionnaires have been used (reliability= 0.92 and 0.85, respectively), while the organizational justice has been measured using the Niehoff and Moorman (1996) (reliability= 0.87). The findings revealed that deviant workplace behavior has a negative relationship with the staff development (p=32) and organizational justice (p=22). The results of the regression analysis delineated that staff development has a mediating role in the relationship between organizational justice and deviant workplace behavior. That is, organizational justice sets grounds for staff development and in turn, staff development reduces the deviant workplace behaviors.
The financial impact of hospital closures on surrounding hospitals
Authors: Hodgson Ashley , Roback Paul , Hartman Andrew , Kelly Erin , Li Yujie
Published: April 2015

Objective: To test whether hospital closures hurt or help surrounding hospitals financially. Do hospital closures improve marketefficiency or do they merely shift the least profitable patients to hospitals that can better cross-subsidize them?Methods: Using California hospital data from 2000 to 2011, the analysis employed random-effect and fixed-effect models to testfor a change in operating margin before and after a series of 2004, 2007 and 2009 hospital closures (the highest volume years forclosures). The main independent variable was each hospital’s predicted percent increase in patient volume due to absorption fromclosing hospitals. We used 5-digit zip code and DRG patient flow data to predict the number of patients each open hospital wouldabsorb from nearby hospital closures.Results: Hospitals experiencing the biggest increase in patient volume due to nearby hospital closings saw a drop in operatingmargin following those closures. This drop could not be explained by changes in payer mix or reimbursement type for thosepatients.Conclusions: Our results suggest that hospital closures are shifting high cost patients to open hospitals, not necessarily improving efficiency in the market.
Efeito do método Pilates na flexibilidade, qualidade de vida e nível de dor em idosos
Authors: Tozim Beatriz Mendes , Furlanetto Mariana Giglio , França Daniele Moraes de Lorenzo , Morcelli Mary Hellen , Navega Marcelo Tavella
Published: April 2015

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do método Pilates na flexibilidade, nível de dor e qualidade de vida em idosos. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 31 idosas (65,84±3,64 anos) que foram dividas em dois grupos: grupo controle (n=17) e grupo Pilates (n=14). O Grupo Pilates realizou treinamento com o método Pilates, enquanto o controle recebeu palestras. A avaliação foi composta por testes específicos de dor (Escala Visual Analógica), flexibilidade (Sentar e Alcançar, Ângulo Poplíteo) e qualidade de vida (SF-36), ao término das oito semanas foi realizada a reavaliação. Resultados: O Grupo Pilates apresentou melhora da flexibilidade no teste Sentar e Alcançar (p=0,033), Ângulo Poplíteo direito (p=0,015) e esquerdo (p=0,0027), diminuição do nível de dor (p=0,0187) e manutenção da qualidade de vida. O grupo controle não apresentou diferença significativa. Conclusão: O método Pilates pode contribuir na redução da dor, aumento da flexibilidade e manutenção da qualidade de vida em idosas.
Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos: RBR-9mndx8
Efeito hipotensivo no treinamento resistido: influência da massa muscular envolvida
Authors: Cardozo Diogo , Alves Hugo Barbosa , Figueiredo Tiago , Dias Marcelo Ricardo , Simão Roberto
Published: April 2015

Introdução: A massa muscular (MM) solicitada durante o exercício resistido (ER) exerce influência nas respostas cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Comparar o efeito da MM nas respostas cardiovasculares durante e após o ER. Métodos: Onze sujeitos normotensos (22,2 ± 2,8 anos; 171,2 ± 9,4 cm; 68,0 ± 12,6 kg) foram submetidos, em diferentes dias, aos exercícios: supino reto (SR) e voador (VOA). As medidas da pressão arterial (PA), frequência cardíaca (FC) e duplo produto (DP) foram feitas no repouso, final do exercício e durante 60 minutos pós-exercício. Resultados: Ambos os exercícios proporcionaram aumento da PA, FC e DP em relação ao repouso (p
Efeitos do Pilates na resistência muscular, flexibilidade e equilíbrio de mulheres jovens
Authors: Oliveira Lais Campos de , Pires-Oliveira Deise Aparecida de Almeida , Oliveira Rodrigo Franco de , Stocco Marieli Ramos , Jassi Fabrício José , Silva Joyce Karla Machado da , Oliveira Raphael Gonçalves de
Published: April 2015

Introdução: O método Pilates tem possibilitado melhora da resistência muscular, flexibilidade e equilíbrio, no entanto, pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos na população jovem e em curtos períodos de treinamento. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos do Pilates em mulheres jovens, sobre a resistência muscular do tronco, flexibilidade e equilíbrio. Métodos: Participaram da pesquisa dez voluntárias, com média de 22,5±1,80 anos. Avaliações pré- e pós-intervenção foram realizadas para resistência muscular dos flexores e extensores do tronco; flexibilidade do quadril em flexão e do tronco em flexão e extensão; e equilíbrio postural estático por meio de uma plataforma de força. As intervenções ocorreram com oito sessões de Pilates ao longo de quatro semanas. Resultados: Foi possível identificar melhora significativa (P
Global DNA methylation pattern and correlation with complement system proteins in Brazilian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Errante Paolo Ruggero , Perazzio Sandro Félix , Rodrigues Francisco Sandro Menezes , Ferraz Renato Ribeiro Nogueira , Caricati-Neto Afonso
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Nucleic acid methylation may have major effects on gene expression patterns and, by consequence, on the development of autoimmunity, like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Objective: To investigate the pattern of global DNA methylation in SLE patients and compare this pattern with laboratory parameters. Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from SLE patients with non-active disease (SLEDAI6), and healthy individuals. Global DNA methylation was evaluated by digestion of genomic DNA with HpaII and MspI and compared with laboratory parameters. Results and conclusion: A statistical difference in DNA global methylation was observed when SLE patients were compared to healthy individuals. A positive correlation was observed between the frequency of global methylation and C3 and C4 serum levels for SLE patients with SLEDAI
Integridade respiratória é prejudicada em tabagistas passivos adultos expostos em ambiente domiciliar
Authors: Freire Ana Paula Coelho Figueira , Ramos Dionei , Silva Bruna Spolador de Alencar , Leite Marceli Rocha , Uzeloto Juliana Souza , Ramos Ercy Mara Cipulo
Published: April 2015

Objetivo: Analisar a integridade respiratória de adultos tabagistas passivos expostos em ambiente domiciliar. Métodos: Avaliaram-se 56 voluntários, divididos em grupo de tabagistas passivos (GTP; n=29), composto por familiares de tabagistas, e grupo controle (GC; n=27). Foi realizada avaliação inicial que constava de dados pessoais, antropométricos, pressão arterial (PA), frequência cardíaca, saturação periférica de oxigênio, frequência respiratória. Em seguida, foi aplicado um questionário de afecções respiratórias, mensurado o nível de monóxido de carbono no ar exalado e realizada espirometria. Resultados: Valores de PA mais elevados no GTP foram observados. O GTP apresentou menores valores espirométricos nos índices volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (p
Effect of cover crops on emergence and growth of carrot (Daucus carota L.) in no-plow and traditional tillage
Authors: Błażewicz-Woźniak Marzena , Wach Dariusz , Konopiński Mirosław , Patkowska Elżbieta , Baltyn Monika
Published: April 2015

The aim of the experiment was to determine the influence of cover crop biomass incorporated into the soil at different times and using different treatments on carrot emergence and growth. 7 species of cover crops were included in the study: Secale cereale, Avena sativa, Vicia sativa, Sinapis alba, Phacelia tanacetifolia, Fagopyrum esculentum, and Helianthus annuus. 

Number of emerged carrot plants significantly depended on the cover crop used and on the method of pre-winter and spring pre-sowing tillage. Carrot emerged best after a rye or oats cover crop. Regardless of the cover crop species used, the largest number of carrots emerged in cultivation on ridges. In other variants of no-plow tillage, number of seedlings was significantly lower and did not differ from that under traditional plow tillage. The highest leaf rosettes were formed by carrot growing after a rye or oats cover crop. The highest rosettes were produced by carrots in the treatments where tillage was limited to the use of a tillage implement in spring and the lowest ones after pre-winter plowing. The effect of tillage on the emergence and height of carrot leaves largely depended on weather conditions in the successive years of the study. The largest number of leaves was found in carrots grown after a buckwheat cover crop and in cultivation without cover crop, while the smallest one after phacelia and white mustard. Carrots produced the largest number of leaves after a sunflower cover crop and the use of a tillage implement in spring, while the number of leaves was lowest when the mustard biomass was incorporated into the soil in spring. The use of cover crops significantly increased the mass of leaves produced by carrot as compared to the cultivation without cover crop. The largest mass of leaves was produced by carrots grown after the phacelia and mustard cover crops. Conventional plow tillage and pre-winter tillage using a stubble cultivator promoted an increase in the mass of carrot leaves.
Comparison of chemical composition of the essential oil from Marrubium vulgare L. and M. incanum Desr. during the second year of cultivation
Authors: Zawiślak Grażyna
Published: April 2015

Horehound herb (Marrubium vulgare L.) is harvested from plantations in Poland. In our country, there are also favorable conditions for M. incanum Desr. growing. The aim of the study was to compare the chemical composition of essential oils from M. vulgare L. and M. incanum Desr. in the second year of cultivation. The study revealed the presence of 31 compounds in the essential oil from M. vulgare L. and 24 compounds in the essential oil from M. incanum Desr. Chromatographic analysis revealed that the main compounds in the essential oil of M. vulgare L. from a two-year plantation were as follows: E-caryophyllene (34.51–36.78%), germacrene D (22.45–27.18%), bicyclogermacrene (9.54–11.12%), δ-amorphene (6.15–8.18%), and carvacrol (4.71–6.64%), whereas the following compounds prevailed in the oil from M. incanum Desr.: germacrene D (28.75–32.14%), E-caryophyllene (23.18–29.57%), α-cadinol (13.59–20.84%), and carvacrol (2.08–7.47%).