bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La prose de la perestroïka et l'exploration des répressions staliniennes
Authors: Vaissié Cécile
Published: November 2011

Résumé En URSS, lorsque commence la perestroïka, la question des répressions staliniennes est tue depuis deux décennies dans les publications officielles et il n’existe toujours pas de biographie de Staline. Or, à partir de 1986, ce sont des œuvres de prose (romans et nouvelles), qui, écrites à des époques diverses, abordent, les premières, le thème des répressions. Elles aident la société soviétique à prendre conscience de ce que celle-ci a subi et à quoi elle a participé sous Staline, et l’incitent à explorer publiquement sa propre mémoire, ses traumatismes, voire sa responsabilité. Un débat public et passionné s’engage dans la presse, mais les historiens, très divisés sur cette question sensible, n’y interviennent qu’avec retard et timidement. C’est pourtant de ce processus qu’émerge l’association Memorial qui, depuis vingt ans, réalise de remarquables travaux historiques sur le système répressif soviétique.
Milan Kundera, historien de la contingence
Authors: Boureau Alain
Published: November 2011

Résumé L’auteur, médiéviste, entend tirer les leçons historiennes que donne La Plaisanterie de Milan Kundera, son premier roman, achevé en 1965. Au-delà de la dénonciation du stalinisme, le roman met en scène la saisie du changement temporel comme chaos, rétif à toute permanence ou à toute évolution. Dès lors, il devient impossible de penser le passage de l’individuel au collectif : le propre du totalitarisme ordinaire est de supprimer toute saisie possible et explicite des modalités de constitution d’une collectivité. On analyse la destruction, dans le texte et dans la vie de son héros, des grands ressorts romanesques et existentiels, comme autant de déroutes de l’intention : la vengeance, la rencontre, l’identité, la complicité de la plaisanterie. Devant le chaos, le romancier et l’historien doivent formuler des hypothèses qui tentent de dépasser le désordre individuel. La Plaisanterie nous rappelle formellement que l’histoire est la science du contingent.
D'Homère à L'Immeuble Yacoubian
Authors: Carrez-Maratray Jean-Yves
Published: November 2011

Résumé Cet article aborde les réflexions sur les relations d’empathie que doit entretenir l’égyptologue français avec son pays d’accueil, selon le concept antique de métoïkos, étranger domicilié. Pour réduire l’écart, autant culturel que chronologique, qui le sépare de son objet d’étude, et par-delà des différences irréductibles entre le monde pharaonique et l’Égypte contemporaine, la comparaison d’un roman comme L’Immeuble Yacoubian avec des sources antiques, romanesques ou papyrologiques, ouvre des perspectives analogiques sur, par exemple, le concept de « résistance passive » dans la société égyptienne.
Protein Energy Malnutrition Impairs Homeostatic Proliferation of Memory CD8 T Cells
Authors: Iyer Smita S. , Chatraw Janel Hart , Tan Wendy G. , Wherry E. John , Becker Todd C. , Ahmed Rafi , Kapasi Zoher F.
Published: November 2011

Nutrition is a critical but poorly understood determinant of immunity. There is abundant epidemiological evidence linking protein malnutrition to impaired vaccine efficacy and increased susceptibility to infections; yet, the role of dietary protein in immune memory homeostasis remains poorly understood. In this study, we show that protein-energy malnutrition induced in mice by low-protein (LP) feeding has a detrimental impact on CD8 memory. Relative to adequate protein (AP)-fed controls, LP feeding in lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-immune mice resulted in a 2-fold decrease in LCMV-specific CD8 memory T cells. Adoptive transfer of memory cells, labeled with a division tracking dye, from AP mice into naive LP or AP mice demonstrated that protein-energy malnutrition caused profound defects in homeostatic proliferation. Remarkably, this defect occurred despite the lymphopenic environment in LP hosts. Whereas Ag-specific memory cells in LP and AP hosts were phenotypically similar, memory cells in LP hosts were markedly less responsive to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid-induced acute proliferative signals. Furthermore, upon recall, memory cells in LP hosts displayed reduced proliferation and protection from challenge with LCMV-clone 13, resulting in impaired viral clearance in the liver. The findings show a metabolic requirement of dietary protein in sustaining functional CD8 memory and suggest that interventions to optimize dietary protein intake may improve vaccine efficacy in malnourished individuals.
Cleavage of Annexin A1 by ADAM10 during Secondary Necrosis Generates a Monocytic “Find-Me” Signal
Authors: Blume Karin E. , Soeroes Szabolcs , Keppeler Hildegard , Stevanovic Stefan , Kretschmer Dorothee , Rautenberg Maren , Wesselborg Sebastian , Lauber Kirsten
Published: November 2011

Annexin A1 is an intracellular calcium/phospholipid-binding protein that is involved in membrane organization and the regulation of the immune system. It has been attributed an anti-inflammatory role at various control levels, and recently we could show that annexin A1 externalization during secondary necrosis provides an important fail-safe mechanism counteracting inflammatory responses when the timely clearance of apoptotic cells has failed. As such, annexin A1 promotes the engulfment of dying cells and dampens the postphagocytic production of proinflammatory cytokines. In our current follow-up study, we report that exposure of annexin A1 during secondary necrosis coincided with proteolytic processing within its unique N-terminal domain by ADAM10. Most importantly, we demonstrate that the released peptide and culture supernatants of secondary necrotic, annexin A1-externalizing cells induced chemoattraction of monocytes, which was clearly reduced in annexin A1- or ADAM10-knockdown cells. Thus, altogether our findings indicate that annexin A1 externalization and its proteolytic processing into a chemotactic peptide represent final events during apoptosis, which after the transition to secondary necrosis contribute to the recruitment of monocytes and the prevention of inflammation.
Adenosine Augments IL-10 Production by Microglial Cells through an A2B Adenosine Receptor-Mediated Process
Authors: Koscsó Balázs , Csóka Balázs , Selmeczy Zsolt , Himer Leonóra , Pacher Pál , Virág László , Haskó György
Published: November 2011

Microglia are activated by pathogen-associated molecular patterns and produce proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside and a ligand of four G protein-coupled adenosine receptors (ARs), which are the A1AR, A2AAR, A2BAR, and A3AR. ARs have been shown to suppress TNF-α production by microglia, but their role in regulating IL-10 production has not been studied. In this study, we demonstrate that adenosine augments IL-10 production by activated murine microglia while suppressing the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Because the order of potency of selective AR agonists in inducing IL-10 production was NECA > IB-MECA > CCPA ≥ CGS21680, and the A2BAR antagonist MRS1754 prevented the effect of NECA, we conclude that the stimulatory effect of adenosine on IL-10 production is mediated by the A2BAR. Mechanistically, adenosine augmented IL-10 mRNA accumulation by a transcriptional process. Using mutant IL-10 promoter constructs we showed that a CREB-binding region in the promoter mediated the augmenting effect of adenosine on IL-10 transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that adenosine induced CREB phosphorylation at the IL-10 promoter. Silencing CREB using lentivirally delivered short hairpin RNA blocked the enhancing effect of adenosine on IL-10 production, confirming a role for CREB in mediating the stimulatory effect of adenosine on IL-10 production. In addition, adenosine augmented IL-10 production by stimulating p38 MAPK. Collectively, our results establish that A2BARs augment IL-10 production by activated murine microglia.
The Calcineurin B Subunit (CnB) Is a New Ligand of Integrin αM That Mediates CnB-Induced Apo2L/TRAIL Expression in Macrophages
Authors: Liu Lixin , Su Zhenyi , Xin Shuai , Cheng Jinbo , Li Jing , Xu Lan , Wei Qun
Published: November 2011

We showed previously that the calcineurin B subunit (CnB) plays an important role in activation of peritoneal macrophage, but the underlying mechanism remained unknown. To examine whether there is a CnB receptor on peritoneal macrophages, we performed the radioligand binding assay of receptors. The receptor saturation binding curve demonstrated high-affinity and specific binding; the maximum binding was 1090 fmol/105 cells, and the Kd was 70.59 pM. Then, we used a CnB affinity resin to trap potential receptors from highly purified peritoneal macrophage membranes. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that the binding protein was mouse integrin αM. We next performed a competition binding experiment to confirm the binding of CnB to integrin αM. This showed that FITC-CnB bound specifically to peritoneal macrophages and that binding was blocked by the addition of integrin αM Ab. We observed that CnB could induce TRAIL gene expression in peritoneal macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Integrin αM Ab blocking, RNA interference, and ligand competition experiments demonstrated that CnB-induced TRAIL expression is dependent on integrin αM. Furthermore, the tumoricidal activity of CnB-activated peritoneal macrophages is partially dependent on TRAIL. In addition, CnB treatment significantly prolongs the survival of mice bearing H22 ascites tumors, which has a positive correlation with the induction level of TRAIL. These results reveal a novel function of the CnB in innate immunity and cancer surveillance. They also point to a new signaling pathway leading to induction of TRAIL and suggest a possible application of CnB in cancer therapy.
Community Genetics Reveal Elevated Levels of Sympatric Gene Flow among Morphologically Similar but Not among Morphologically Dissimilar Species of Lake Victoria Cichlid Fish
Authors: Konijnendijk N. , Joyce D. A. , Mrosso H. D. J. , Egas M. , Seehausen O.
Published: November 2011

We examined genetic structure among five species of Lake Victoria haplochromine cichlids in four island communities, using a full factorial sampling design that compared genetic differentiation between pairs of species and populations of varying morphological similarity and geographical proximity. We found that allopatric conspecific populations were on average significantly more strongly differentiated than sympatric heterospecific populations of morphologically similar species. Allopatric heterospecific populations of morphologically dissimilar species were most differentiated. Our work demonstrates that phenotypic divergence can be maintained and perhaps even evolve in sympatry despite considerable gene flow between species. Conversely, phenotypic resemblance among conspecific populations can be maintained despite geographical isolation. Additionally we show that anthropogenically increased hybridization does not affect all sympatric species evenly but predominantly affects morphologically similar and closely related species. This has important implications for the evolution of reproductive isolation between species These findings are also consistent with the hypothesis of speciation reversal due to weakening of divergent selection and reproductive isolation as a consequence of habitat homogenization and offers an evolutionary mechanistic explanation for the observation that species poor assemblages in turbid areas of the lake are characterized by just one or two species in each of a few morphologically distinct genera.
Integrated Genomic Analysis of Sézary Syndrome
Authors: Mao Xin , Chaplin Tracy , Young Bryan D.
Published: November 2011

Sézary syndrome (SS) is a rare variant of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Little is known about the underlying pathogenesis of S. To address this issue, we used Affymetrix 10K SNP microarray to analyse 13 DNA samples isolated from 8 SS patients and qPCR with ABI TaqMan SNP genotyping assays for the validation of the SNP microarray results. In addition, we tested the impact of SNP loss of heterozygosity (LOH) identified in SS cases on the gene expression profiles of SS cases detected with Affymetrix GeneChip U133A. The results showed: (1) frequent SNP copy number change and LOH involving 1, 2p, 3, 4q, 5q, 6, 7p, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12q, 13, 14, 16q, 17, and 20, (2) reduced SNP copy number at FAT gene (4q35) in 75% of SS cases, and (3) the separation of all SS cases from normal control samples by SNP LOH gene clusters at chromosome regions of 9q31q34, 10p11q26, and 13q11q12. These findings provide some intriguing information for our current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of this tumour and suggest the possibility of presence of functional SNP LOH in SS tumour cells.
Palmar Dislocation of Scaphoid and Lunate
Authors: Koulali Idrissi Khalid , Galiua Farid
Published: November 2011

A palmar dislocation of scaphoid and lunate is uncommon. We have found only 19 reported cases in the literature. We reported a simultaneous, divergent dislocation. The closed reduction followed by percutaneous pinning has given a good result without avascular necrosis of any carpal bone.
‘We Met the Enemy and He is Us’: Domestic Politics and South Africa’s Role in Promoting African Democracy
Authors: Steven Friedman
Published: November 2011

South Africa’s post-apartheid foreign policy has disappointed scholars andactivists who expected the post-apartheid state to promote democracy andhuman rights in Africa and the world, and who complain that it has failedto fulfill that promise.This paper examines South Africa’s role in democracy promotion since1994 and, in particular, the argument that it intended to promote rightsand freedoms in Africa but was forced to change its approach by powerrealities on the continent. It finds this explanation wanting and argues thatthe core goal of foreign policy of the post-apartheid government was not topromote democracy, but rather, merely to prove white racism wrong.Since 1994, the African National Congress-led government has been awarethat much of white opinion, at home and abroad, expects majority ruledAfrican societies to fail. Its prime concern, therefore, has been to refute theprejudice that black Africans cannot run successful societies. It is this concernwhich has underpinned foreign policy: the aim has been to projectAfrica as a continent whose states are measuring up to the Northern modelof a successful society. Hence, democracy promotion has been only a meansto that end, and this is the major factor responsible for its uneven andsporadic application.
African Instituted Churches in Southern Africa: Paragons of Regional Integration?
Authors: Ezra Chitando
Published: November 2011

Africa has been acknowledged, most writers have glossed over the importance of religion to regional integration. Most studies on the churches tend to be limited to specific countries and thus overlook the transnational connections. This study exploresthe activities of African Instituted Churches (AICs) in Southern Africa. It examines the emphasis of some Apostolic churches on black economic empowerment and outlines their dominance in the informal sector. It argues that AIC members are actively involved in cross-border trading and have formed transnational support systems. Fellow believers in Botswana, South Africa and Mozambique, for example, host AIC traders from Zimbabwe. This study maintains that whilst politicians and technocrats on the continent are still debating issues concerning indigenisation, the NEPAD initiative and other strategies for integration, AICs are already implementing these ideas. The study recognises the importance of religion to Southern Africa and analyses the role of spirituality in the quest for total liberation in the region.
Simulated effects of changes in direct and diffuse radiation on canopy scale isoprene emissions from vegetation following volcanic eruptions
Authors: Wilton D. J. , Hewitt C. N. , Beerling D. J.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Volcanic eruptions can alter the quality of incoming solar irradiance reaching the Earth's surface thereby influencing the interactions between vegetation and the Earth system. Isoprene (C5H8) is a biogenic volatile organic compound emitted from leaves at a rate that is strongly dependent on the received flux of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). We used a theoretical approach to investigate the potential for volcanic eruptions to change the isoprene flux from terrestrial forests using canopy-scale isoprene emission simulations that vary either the relative or absolute amount of diffuse (Idiff) and direct (Idir) PAR. According to our simulations for a northern hardwood deciduous forest, if the total amount of PAR during summer remains constant while the proportion of Idiff increases, canopy-scale isoprene emissions increase. This effect increases as leaf area index (LAI) increases. Simulating a decrease in the total amount of PAR, and a corresponding increase in Idiff fraction, as measured during the 1992 Pinatubo eruption, changes daily total canopy-scale isoprene emissions from terrestrial vegetation in summertime by +2.8% and −1.4% for LAI of 6 and 2, respectively. These effects have not previously been realized or quantified. Better capturing the effects of volcanic eruptions (and other major perturbations to the atmospheric aerosol content) on isoprene emissions from the terrestrial biosphere, and hence on the chemistry of the atmosphere, therefore may require inclusion of the effects of aerosols they produce on climate and the quality of PAR.
Novel application of satellite and in-situ measurements to map surface-level NO2 in the Great Lakes region
Authors: Lee C. J. , Brook J. R. , Evans G. J. , Martin R. V. , Mihele C.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) tropospheric NO2 vertical column density data were used in conjunction with in-situ NO2 concentrations collected by permanently installed monitoring stations to infer 24 h surface-level NO2 concentrations at 0.1° (~11 km) resolution. The region examined included rural and suburban areas, and the highly industrialised area of Windsor, Ontario, which is situated directly across the US-Canada border from Detroit, MI. Photolytic NO2 monitors were collocated with standard NO2 monitors to provide qualitative data regarding NOz interference during the campaign. The accuracy of the OMI-inferred concentrations was tested using two-week integrative NO2 measurements collected with passive monitors at 18 locations, approximating a 15 km grid across the region, for 7 consecutive two-week periods. When compared with these passive results, satellite-inferred concentrations showed an 18% positive bias. The correlation of the passive monitor and OMI-inferred concentrations (R=0.69, n=115) was stronger than that for the passive monitor concentrations and OMI column densities (R=0.52), indicating that using a sparse network of monitoring sites to estimate concentrations improves the direct utility of the OMI observations. OMI-inferred concentrations were then calculated for four years to show an overall declining trend in surface NO2 concentrations in the region. Additionally, by separating OMI-inferred surface concentrations by wind direction, clear patterns in emissions and affected down-wind regions, in particular around the US-Canada border, were revealed.
Design of a new multi-phase experimental simulation chamber for atmospheric photosmog, aerosol and cloud chemistry research
Authors: Wang J. , Doussin J. F. , Perrier S. , Perraudin E. , Katrib Y. , Pangui E. , Picquet-Varrault B.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. A new simulation chamber has been built at the Interuniversitary Laboratory of Atmospheric Systems (LISA). The CESAM chamber (French acronym for Experimental Multiphasic Atmospheric Simulation Chamber) is designed to allow research in multiphase atmospheric (photo-) chemistry which involves both gas phase and condensed phase processes including aerosol and cloud chemistry. CESAM has the potential to carry out variable temperature and pressure experiments under a very realistic artificial solar irradiation. It consists of a 4.2 m3 stainless steel vessel equipped with three high pressure xenon arc lamps which provides a controlled and steady environment. Initial characterization results, all carried out at 290–297 K under dry conditions, concerning lighting homogeneity, mixing efficiency, ozone lifetime, radical sources, NOy wall reactivity, particle loss rates, background PM, aerosol formation and cloud generation are given. Photolysis frequencies of NO2 and O3 related to chamber radiation system were found equal to (4.2 × 10−3 s−1) for JNO2 and (1.4 × 10−5 s−1) for JO1D which is comparable to the solar radiation in the boundary layer. An auxiliary mechanism describing NOy wall reactions has been developed. Its inclusion in the Master Chemical Mechanism allowed us to adequately model the results of experiments on the photo-oxidation of propene-NOx-Air mixtures. Aerosol yields for the α-pinene + O3 system chosen as a reference were determined and found in good agreement with previous studies. Particle lifetime in the chamber ranges from 10 h to 4 days depending on particle size distribution which indicates that the chamber can provide high quality data on aerosol aging processes and their effects. Being evacuable, it is possible to generate in this new chamber clouds by fast expansion or saturation with or without the presence of pre-existing particles, which will provide a multiphase environment for aerosol-droplet interaction.
Onboard measurement system of atmospheric carbon monoxide in the Pacific by voluntary observing ships
Authors: Nara H. , Tanimoto H. , Nojiri Y. , Mukai H. , Machida T. , Tohjima Y.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Long-term monitoring of carbon monoxide (CO) mixing ratios in the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean is being carried out on commercial cargo vessels participating in the National Institute for Environmental Studies Voluntary Observing Ships program. The program provides a regular platform for measurement of atmospheric CO along four cruise routes: from Japan to Oceania, the United States, Canada, and Southeast Asia. Flask samples are collected during every cruise for subsequent analysis in the laboratory, and in 2005, continuous shipboard CO measurements were initiated on three of the routes. Here, we describe the system we developed for onboard measurement of CO mixing ratios with a commercially available gas filter correlation CO analyzer. The fully automated system measures CO in ambient air, and the detector sensitivity and background signals are calibrated by referencing the measurements to a CO-in-air standard gas (~1 ppmv) and to CO-free air scrubbed with a catalyst, respectively. We examined the artificial production of CO in the high-pressure working gas standards during storage by referencing the measurements to CO standard gases maintained as our primary scale before and after use on the ships. The onboard performance of the continuous CO measurement system was evaluated by comparing its data with data from laboratory analyses of flask samples using gas chromatography with a reduction gas detector. The reasonably good consistency between the two independent measurement methods demonstrated the good performance of both methods over the course of 3–5 years. The continuous measurement system was more useful than the flask sampling method for regionally polluted air masses, which were often encountered on Southeast Asian cruises.
Water isotopic ratios from a continuously melted ice core sample
Authors: Gkinis V. , Popp T. J. , Blunier T. , Bigler M. , Schüpbach S. , Kettner E. , Johnsen S. J.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. A new technique for on-line high resolution isotopic analysis of liquid water, tailored for ice core studies is presented. We built an interface between a Wavelength Scanned Cavity Ring Down Spectrometer (WS-CRDS) purchased from Picarro Inc. and a Continuous Flow Analysis (CFA) system. The system offers the possibility to perform simultaneuous water isotopic analysis of δ18O and δD on a continuous stream of liquid water as generated from a continuously melted ice rod. Injection of sub μl amounts of liquid water is achieved by pumping sample through a fused silica capillary and instantaneously vaporizing it with 100% efficiency in a~home made oven at a temperature of 170 °C. A calibration procedure allows for proper reporting of the data on the VSMOW–SLAP scale. We apply the necessary corrections based on the assessed performance of the system regarding instrumental drifts and dependance on the water concentration in the optical cavity. The melt rates are monitored in order to assign a depth scale to the measured isotopic profiles. Application of spectral methods yields the combined uncertainty of the system at below 0.1‰ and 0.5‰ for δ18O and δD, respectively. This performance is comparable to that achieved with mass spectrometry. Dispersion of the sample in the transfer lines limits the temporal resolution of the technique. In this work we investigate and assess these dispersion effects. By using an optimal filtering method we show how the measured profiles can be corrected for the smoothing effects resulting from the sample dispersion. Considering the significant advantages the technique offers, i.e. simultaneuous measurement of δ18O and δD, potentially in combination with chemical components that are traditionally measured on CFA systems, notable reduction on analysis time and power consumption, we consider it as an alternative to traditional isotope ratio mass spectrometry with the possibility to be deployed for field ice core studies. We present data acquired in the field during the 2010 season as part of the NEEM deep ice core drilling project in North Greenland.
MIPAS-STR measurements in the arctic UTLS in winter/spring 2010: instrument characterization, retrieval and validation
Authors: Woiwode W. , Oelhaf H. , Gulde T. , Piesch C. , Maucher G. , Ebersoldt A. , Keim C. , Höpfner M. , Khaykin S. , Ravegnani F. , Ulanovsky A. E. , Volk C. M. , Hösen E. , Dörnbrack A. , Ungermann J. , Kalicinsky C. , Orphal J.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. The mid-infrared FTIR-limb-sounder Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding – STRatospheric aircraft (MIPAS-STR) was deployed onboard the stratospheric aircraft M55 Geophysica during the RECONCILE campaign in the arctic winter/spring 2010. From the MIPAS-STR measurements, vertical profiles and 2-dimensional vertical cross-sections of temperature and trace gases are retrieved. Detailed mesoscale structures of polar vortex air, extra vortex air and vortex filaments are identified in the results at a typical vertical resolution of 1 to 2 km and typical horizontal sampling density of 45 or 25 km, depending on the sampling programme. Results are shown for the RECONCILE flight 11 on 2 March 2010 and are validated with collocated in-situ measurements of temperature, O3, CFC-11, CFC-12 and H2O. Exceptional agreement is found for the in-situ comparisons of temperature and O3, with mean differences (vertical profile/along flight track) of 0.2/−0.2 K for temperature and −0.01/0.05 ppmv for O3 and corresponding sample standard deviations of the mean differences of 0.7/0.6 K and 0.1/0.3 ppmv. The comparison of the retrieved vertical cross-sections of HNO3 from MIPAS-STR and the infrared limb-sounder Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere – New Frontiers (CRISTA-NF) indicates comprehensive agreement. We discuss MIPAS-STR in its current configuration, the spectral and radiometric calibration of the measurements and the retrieval of atmospheric parameters from the spectra. The MIPAS-STR measurements are significantly affected by continuum-like contributions, which are attributed to background aerosol and broad spectral signatures from interfering trace gases and are important for mid-infrared limb-sounding measurements in the Upper Troposphere/Lower Stratosphere (UTLS) region. Considering for continuum-like effects, we present a scheme suitable for accurate retrievals of temperature and an extended set of trace gases, including the correction of a systematic line-of-sight offset.
NALPS: a precisely dated European climate record 120–60 ka
Authors: Boch R. , Cheng H. , Spötl C. , Edwards R. L. , Wang X. , Häuselmann Ph.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Accurate and precise chronologies are essential in understanding the rapid and recurrent climate variations of the Last Glacial – known as Dansgaard-Oeschger (D-O) events – found in the Greenland ice cores and other climate archives. The existing chronological uncertainties during the Last Glacial, however, are still large. Radiometric age data and stable isotopic signals from speleothems are promising to improve the absolute chronology. We present a record of several precisely dated stalagmites from caves located at the northern rim of the Alps (NALPS), a region that favours comparison with the climate in Greenland. The record covers most of the interval from 120 to 60 ka at an average temporal resolution of 2 to 22 yr and 2σ-age uncertainties of ca. 200 to 500 yr. The rapid and large oxygen isotope shifts of 1 to 4.5‰ occurred within decades to centuries and strongly mimic the Greenland D-O pattern. Compared to the updated Greenland ice-core timescale (GICC05modelext) the NALPS record confirms the timing of rapid warming and cooling transitions between 118 and 106 ka, but suggests younger ages for D-O events between 106 and 60 ka. As an exception, the timing of the rapid transitions into and out of the stadial following GI 22 is earlier in NALPS than in the Greenland ice-core timescale. In addition, there is a discrepancy in the duration of this stadial between the ice-core and the stalagmite chronology (ca. 2900 vs. 3650 yr). The short-lived D-O events 18 and 18.1 are not recorded in NALPS, provoking questions with regard to the nature and the regional expression of these events. NALPS resolves recurrent short-lived climate changes within the cold Greenland stadial and warm interstadial successions, i.e. abrupt warming events preceding GI 21 and 23 (precursor-type events) and at the end of GI 21 and 25 (rebound-type events), as well as intermittent cooling events during GI 22 and 24. Such superimposed events have not yet been documented outside Greenland.
Mass-flux subgrid-scale parameterization in analogy with multi-component flows: a formulation towards scale independence
Authors: Yano J.-I.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. The mass-flux parameterization formulation is generalized by taking an analogy of the large-scale atmospheric flow with multi-component flows. This generalization permits to include any subgrid-scale variability into the mass-flux parameterization. Those include stratiform clouds as well as cold pools in the boundary layer. An important finding under the present formulation is that the subgrid-scale quantities are advected by the velocities characteristic of given subgrid-scale components (subcomponent flows), rather than by the large-scale flows as simply defined by grid-box average. This formulation, as a result, ensures the lateral interaction of subgrid-scale variability crossing the grid boxes, which are missing in the current parameterizations, and leading to a reduction of the grid-size dependence in its performance. It is shown that the subcomponent flows are driven by subcomponent pressure gradients. The formulation, as a result, furthermore includes a self-contained description of subgrid-scale momentum transport. The formulation is applicable to a situation in which the scale separation is still satisfied, but fractional areas occupied by individual subgrid-scale components are no longer small. A complete formulation is presented and various implementation issues are discussed. The present formulation is also expected to alleviate problems arising from increasing resolutions of operational forecast models without invoking more extensive overhaul of parameterizations. The main purpose of the present paper is to appeal the importance of this new possibility suggested herein to the numerical weather forecast community with implications for the other parameteizations (cloud fraction, mesoscale organization) as well as resolution-dependence of parameterizations.
Troponin T in Hip Fracture Patients: Prognostic Significance for Mortality at One Year
Authors: Spurrier Edward , Wordsworth David , Martin Steven , Norris Rory , Parker Martyn J.
Published: November 2011

Hip fractures are common injuries in the elderly, with significant mortality and morbidity from several factors. Many of these patients have cardiac disease, and some develop cardiac complications which may increase mortality.

Troponin T is a marker of myocardial injury but can be raised in other conditions. Patients over 60 years admitted with hip fracture during the study period had their troponin T measured on admission and postoperatively. Assay was performed after the patient had completed their treatment. We report the results of this study one year after the last patient was admitted.

108 patients were recruited. The average age was 84 years, 86% were female. The mean hospital stay was 20 days. This study found that 27% of hip fracture patients had some increase in the troponin T levels in the peri-operative period. This increase was not associated with an increase in early mortality, but there was an increase in one-year mortality for those with an increase in troponin T (45% versus 22%, p=0.03). These findings indicate that the routine measurement of troponin T does not correlate with acute mortality and is not necessary without evidence of an acute cardiac event.
Wound Problems following Hip Arthroplasty before and after the Introduction of a Direct Thrombin Inhibitor for Thromboprophylaxis
Authors: Gill Sukhdeep K. , Theodorides Antony , Smith Nicola , Maguire Esther , Whitehouse Sarah L. , Rigby Michael C. , Ivory John P.
Published: November 2011

In the United Kingdom, national guidelines have stated that patients undergoing elective hip surgery are at increased risk for venous thromboembolic events (VTE) following surgery and have recommended thromboprophylaxis for 28–35 days (1, 2). Studies of direct thrombin inhibitors have hitherto concentrated on major bleeding. We prospectively assessed wound discharge in patients who underwent hip arthroplasty and who received oral dabigatran postoperatively between March 2010 and April 2010 (n=56). We compared these results to a retrospective matched group of patients who underwent similar operations six months earlier, at which time all patients were given subcutaneous dalteparin routinely postoperatively until discharge, and then discharged home on 150mg aspirin daily for 6 weeks (n=67). Wound discharge after 5 days was significantly higher in the patients taking dabigatran (32% dabigatran n=18, 10% dalteparin n=17, p=0.003) and our rate of delayed discharges due to wound discharge significantly increased from 7% in the dalteparin group (n=5) to 27% for dabigatran (n=15, p=0.004). Patients who received dabigatran were more than five times as likely to return to theatre with a wound complication compared with those who received dalteparin (7% dabigatran n=4, vs. 1% dalteparin n=1), but this was not statistically significant (p=0.18). We now administer dalteparin until the wound is dry and then start dabigatran. Our study demonstrates the need for further clinical studies regarding wound discharge and direct thrombin inhibitors.
Pre-Operative Regional Block Anesthesia Enhances Operative Strategy for Arteriovenous Fistula Creation
Authors: Reynolds Tyler S. , Kim Karen M. , Dukkipati Ramanath , Nguyen Tien H. , Julka Inderjeet , Kakazu Clinton , Tokhner Vadim , Chauvapun Joe P.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

We aim to assess the effect of regional block anesthesia on vein diameter, type of AVF placement, and fistula size and flow volume.

Methods

30 patients presenting for AV access procedures were followed prospectively. Vein diameters via venous ultrasound and planned location for AV access were documented. Supraclavicular brachial plexus block was followed by repeat ultrasound and alterations in operative plan were noted. Patients returned to clinic for duplex ultrasound assessment.

Results

Average increase from baseline vein diameter with regional block was most pronounced in the lower cephalic (34%), upper cephalic (24.2%), and basilic veins (31.3%) and less in the brachial vein (8.7%). Type of AVF was modified following regional block in 14%. The rate of native AVF placement improved from 89% to 93% with regional block. Twenty-three AVF patients were available for follow-up (mean 24 weeks). Average fistula size was 7.9 mm (CI 6.9–8.9) and all patent fistulas developed flow volume >600 mL/min. Primary patency was attained in 83%. One thrombosis occurred after a basilic artery was lacerated during dialysis access. The average fistula increased 0.33 cm from post-block diameter (SD 0.22, P<.05).

Conclusions

Vein diameter increases significantly in the basilic and cephalic veins following regional block anesthesia and may improve the rate of native fistula placement. Propensity to dilate after regional block anesthesia does not predict size of the fistula.
No Perioperative Pulmonary Complications after Restricted Oxygen Exposition in Bleomycin-Treated Patients: A Short Report
Authors: Wuethrich Patrick Y. , Burkhard Fiona C.
Published: November 2011

Hyperoxic exposure during general anaesthesia after receiving bleomycin treatment is purported to potentiate bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess perioperative pulmonary complications after general anaesthesia for retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in patients who underwent bleomycin treatment <6 months earlier. A consecutive series of 47 patients who underwent surgery after bleomycin treatment were reviewed. Anaesthesia was induced with an inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) of 100% for 3 minutes and pertained with a FiO2 just under 30% throughout the procedure. We assessed all potential risk factors for bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity. Clinical signs for pulmonary damage were documented preoperatively (dyspnea, tachypnea, nonproductive cough, and postoperative oxygen saturation problems). No pathognomic clinical signs for pulmonary damage were detected up to 7 days postoperatively. Administration of 100% oxygen for 3 minutes during induction of anaesthesia and maintaining a FiO2 < 30% during surgery was safe.
Immunopathogenesis inChlamydia trachomatisInfected Women
Authors: Mascellino Maria Teresa , Boccia Priscilla , Oliva Alessandra
Published: November 2011

We examine theChlamydia trachomatis(Ct) immunopathogenesis on the basis of the complex interaction between host immune response and virulence microorganism factors. Ct infection can be asymptomatic or may produce an inflammation elicited and preserved by reinfections or persistent infections. We discuss the host polymorphisms that, with their anti- or proinflammatory effects, determine the course of the disease. We also took into account the inflammation process following theChlamydiaillness and the role of both CD4 cells producing IFN-γand CD8 cells with their cytokines production. The crucial role of Ct-hsp60 and the double activity (either damaging or preserving from some kinds of tumors) of anti-Ct-hsp60 antibodies are considered.
Leveraging Academic-Service Partnerships: Implications for Implementing the RWJ/IOM's Recommendations to Improve Quality, Access, and Value in Academic Medical Centers
Authors: Xippolitos Lee Anne , Marino Marie Ann , Edelman Norman H.
Published: November 2011

Transformation of the current healthcare system is critical to achieve improved quality, safety, value, and access. Patients with multiple, chronic health conditions require integrated care coordination yet the current health care system is fragmented and complex. Nursing must play a key role in constructing a system that is value based and patient focused. The Robert Wood Johnson/Institute of Medicine (RWJ/IOM) report on the future of nursing outlines strategic opportunities for nursing to take a lead role in this transformation. Partnerships across academic institutions and health care systems have the potential to address issues through mutual goal setting, sharing of risks, responsibilities, and accountability, and realignment of resources. The purpose of this paper is to present Stony Brook University Medical Center's (SBUMC) academic-service partnership which implemented several of the RWJ/IOM recommendations. The partnership resulted in several initiatives that improved quality, safety, access, and value. It also characterized mutual goal setting, shared missions and values, and a united vision for health care.
Lung Cancer Screening in the US, 2022
Authors: Bandi Priti , Star Jessica , Ashad-Bishop Kilan , Kratzer Tyler , Smith Robert , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: June 2024

Importance

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography in high-risk individuals (age 50-80 years, ≥20 pack-years currently smoking or formerly smoked, and quit <15 years ago) for early detection of LC. However, representative state-level LCS data are unavailable nationwide.

Objective

To estimate the contemporary prevalence of up-to-date (UTD) LCS in the US nationwide and across the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) population-based, nationwide, state-representative survey for respondents aged 50 to 79 years who were eligible for LCS according to the 2021 USPSTF eligibility criteria. Data analysis was performed from October 1, 2023, to March 20, 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was self-reported UTD-LCS (defined as past-year) prevalence according to the 2021 USPSTF eligibility criteria in respondents aged 50 to 79 years. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) and 95% CIs compared differences.

Results

Among 25 958 sample respondents eligible for LCS (median [IQR] age, 62 [11] years), 61.5% reported currently smoking, 54.4% were male, 64.4% were aged 60 years or older, and 53.0% had a high school education or less. The UTD-LCS prevalence was 18.1% overall, but varied across states (range, 9.7%-31.0%), with relatively lower levels in southern states characterized by high LC mortality burden. The UTD-LCS prevalence increased with age (50-54 years: 6.7%; 70-79 years: 27.1%) and number of comorbidities (≥3: 24.6%; none: 8.7%). A total of 3.7% of those without insurance and 5.1% of those without a usual source of care were UTD with LCS, but state-level Medicaid expansions (APR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.30-5.53) and higher screening capacity levels (high vs low: APR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.36-2.75) were associated with higher UTD-LCS prevalence.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study of data from the 2022 BRFSS found that the overall prevalence of UTD-LCS was low. Disparities were largest according to health care access and geographically across US states, with low prevalence in southern states with high LC burden. The findings suggest that state-based initiatives to expand access to health care and screening facilities may be associated with improved LCS rates and reduced disparities.
Bilateral Calcification of the Meckel Cave Causing Hemicrania Continua
Authors: Navarro Cristian Eduardo
Published: June 2024

This case report describes a woman with bilateral orbital and frontal throbbing pain with stabbing exacerbations and dystrophic calcification of dura mater and arachnoid granulations.
A Road Map for Population Health and Health Equity Research
Authors: Beck Andrew F. , Unaka Ndidi I. , Kahn Robert S.
Published: June 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the 4P’s Road Map for population health and health equity research.
Remarkable Bias‐Stress Stability of Ultrathin Atomic‐Layer‐Deposited Indium Oxide Thin‐Film Transistors Enabled by Plasma Fluorination
Authors: Li Jinxiong , Ju Shanshan , Tang Yupu , Li Jiye , Li Xiao , Tian Xu , Zhu Jianzhang , Ge Qingqin , Lu Lei , Zhang Shengdong , Wang Xinwei
Published: June 2024

A low‐thermal‐budget fabrication approach is developed to realize high‐performance fluorine‐doped indium oxide (In2O3:F) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) with remarkable bias‐stress stability. The ultrathin transistor channel layer is prepared by a re‐developed atomic layer deposition (ALD) process of using cyclopentadienyl indium(I) (InCp) and O2 plasma to deposit a crystalline In2O3 film, followed by a new fluorine doping strategy to use CF4 plasma to afford the In2O3:F layer. As revealed by the density functional theory (DFT) analysis, the fluorine doping can stabilize the lattice oxygen and electrically passivate the problematic VO defects in In2O3 by forming the FOFi spectator defects. Therefore, the fabricated In2O3:F TFTs show simultaneously excellent electrical performance and remarkable bias‐stress stability, with high µFE of 35.9 cm2 V−1 s−1, positive Vth of 0.36 V, steep SS of 94.3 mV dec−1, small hysteresis of 33 mV, and small ΔVth of −111 and 49 mV under NBS and PBS, respectively. This work demonstrates the high promise of the fluorinated ALD In2O3:F TFTs for the CMOS back‐end‐of‐line (BEOL) compatible technologies toward advanced monolithic 3D integration.
Heterostructures via a Solution‐Based Anion Exchange in Microcrystalline 2D Layered Metal‐Halide Perovskites
Authors: Schleusener Alexander , Faraji Mehrdad , Borreani Martina , Lauciello Simone , Pasquale Lea , Khabbaz Abkenar Sirous , Divitini Giorgio , Krahne Roman
Published: June 2024

Layered perovskites consist of stacks of inorganic semiconducting metal‐halide octahedra lattices sandwiched between organic layers with typically dielectric behavior. The in‐plane confinement of electrical carriers in such two‐dimensional metal halide perovskites drives a large range of appealing electronic properties, such as strong exciton binding, anisotropic charge diffusion, and polarization‐directionality. Heterostructures provide additional control on carrier diffusion and localization, and in‐plane heterojunctions are interesting because of the associated high charge mobility. Here, this work demonstrates a versatile solution‐based approach to fabricate in‐plane heterostructures with different halide composition in two‐dimensional lead‐halide perovskite microcrystals. This leads to spatially separated halide phases with different band gap and light emission. Interestingly, the composition of the exchanged phase and the morphology of the phase boundary depends on the exchange route, which can be related to the preferred localization of the halides at the equatorial or axial octahedra positions that either leads to dissolution and recrystallization of the octahedra lattice (for bromide to iodide), or allows for ion diffusion within the lattice (for iodide to bromide). These detailed insights on the ion exchange processes in layered perovskites will stimulate the development of heterostructures that can be tailored for different applications such as photocatalysis, energy storage, and light emission.