bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daily Dietary Selenium Intake in a High Selenium Area of Enshi, China
Authors: Huang Yang , Wang Quanxin , Gao Jin , Lin Zhiqing , Bañuelos Gary , Yuan Linxi , Yin Xuebin
Published: March 2013

Enshi is a high selenium (Se) region in Hubei, China, where human selenosis was observed between 1958 and 1963. This study investigated the daily dietary Se intake of residents in Shadi, a town located 72 km northeast of Enshi City, to assess the risk of human selenosis in the high Se area. Foods consumed typically by the local residents and their hair samples were analyzed for total Se concentration. Concentrations of Se in different diet categories were as follows: cereals: 0.96 ± 0.90 mg kg−1 DW in rice and 0.43 ± 0.55 mg kg−1 DW in corn; tuber: 0.28 ± 0.56 mg kg−1 in potato and 0.36 ± 0.12 mg kg−1 in sweet potato; vegetables: ranging from 0.23 ± 1.00 mg kg−1 in carrot to 1.57 ± 1.06 mg kg−1 in kidney bean; animal proteins: 1.99 ± 1.11 mg kg−1 in chicken and egg. Based on the food Se concentrations and the daily per-capita consumption, the estimated daily Se intake in Shadi was 550 ± 307 µg per capita. Moreover, the Se concentrations in the hairs of local adult residents were 3.13 ± 1.91 mg kg−1 (n = 122) and 2.21 ± 1.14 mg kg−1 (n = 122) for females and males, respectively, suggesting that females might be exposed to higher levels of Se from daily cooking. Although there was no human selenosis occurrence in recent years, the high level of the daily Se intake suggested that the potential risk of selenosis for local residents, especially females, might be a matter of concern.
P2X Receptor-Dependent Erythrocyte Damage by α-Hemolysin from Escherichia coli Triggers Phagocytosis by THP-1 Cells
Authors: Fagerberg Steen , Skals Marianne , Leipziger Jens , Praetorius Helle
Published: March 2013

The pore-forming exotoxin α-hemolysin from E. coli causes a significant volume reduction of human erythrocytes that precedes the ultimate swelling and lysis. This shrinkage results from activation of Ca2+-sensitive K+ (KCa3.1) and Cl− channels (TMEM16A) and reduced functions of either of these channels potentiate the HlyA-induced hemolysis. This means that Ca2+-dependent activation of KCa3.1 and TMEM16A protects the cells against early hemolysis. Simultaneous to the HlyA-induced shrinkage, the erythrocytes show increased exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) in the outer plasma membrane leaflet, which is known to be a keen trigger for phagocytosis. We hypothesize that exposure to HlyA elicits removal of the damaged erythrocytes by phagocytic cells. Cultured THP-1 cells as a model for erythrocytal phagocytosis was verified by a variety of methods, including live cell imaging. We consistently found the HlyA to very potently trigger phagocytosis of erythrocytes by THP-1 cells. The HlyA-induced phagocytosis was prevented by inhibition of KCa3.1, which is known to reduce PS-exposure in human erythrocytes subjected to both ionomycin and HlyA. Moreover, we show that P2X receptor inhibition, which prevents the cell damages caused by HlyA, also reduced that HlyA-induced PS-exposure and phagocytosis. Based on these results, we propose that erythrocytes, damaged by HlyA-insertion, are effectively cleared from the blood stream. This mechanism will potentially reduce the risk of intravascular hemolysis.
Bilateral calcaneal epiphysiolysis in a dog
Authors: Pèlach M. , Font C. , Cairó J. , Font J.
Published: March 2013

A case of bilateral calcaneal epiphysiolysis in a six-month-old female Dobermann Pinscher is described in this report. The absence of a traumatic event and the clinical, radiographic and histopathological abnormalities led us to the diagnosis of simultaneous bilateral epiphysiolysis of the calcaneus. A tension band and a type II transarticular external fixator were placed. The clinical signs were resolved only temporarily because of the gravity of the bone changes.
Effect of tibial insertion site for lateral suture stabilization on the kinematics of the cranial cruciate ligament deficient-stifle during early, middle and late stance
Authors: Harper T. A. , Lanz O. I. , D'Amico L. L. , Butler J. R. , McLaughlin R. M. , Werre S. R. , Aulakh K. S.
Published: March 2013

Objective: To evaluate the effect of two tibial attachment sites for lateral suture stabilization (LSS) on the three-dimensional femorotibial translational and rotational movements of the cranial cruciate ligament-deficient canine stifle during the early, middle and late stance phases.

Study design: In vitro biomechanical study: 32 hindlimbs from 16 canine cadavers.

Methods: Limbs were mounted in a testing jig and an electromagnetic tracking system was used to determine the three-dimensional femorotibial translational and rotational movements under 33% of body weight load during early, middle and late stance in the following sequence: cranial cruciate ligament-intact, cranial cruciate ligament-deficient and LSS with the distal anchor through the tibial tuberosity (LSSTT) or through the cranial eminence of the extensor groove (LSSEG). The proximal anchor point was the lateral femorofabellar ligament.

Results: Post-LSS stifle three-dimensional femorotibial translational and rotational movements were more comparable to normal than post-transection movements for both techniques. Both LSS techniques restored femorotibial movements in cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifles to varying amounts but neither technique successfully restored normal three-dimensional femorotibial movements. The LSSEG improved femorotibial movements of the cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle in the medial-lateral direction and axial rotation but performed poorly in restoring femorotibial movements in the cranial-caudal direction as compared to the LSSTT.

Clinical significance: Both the LSSTT and LSSEG techniques failed to completely restore normal three-dimensional femorotibial translational and rotational movements in cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifles in vitro.
Ex vivo evaluation of the biomechanical effect of varying monocortical screw numbers on a plate-rod canine femoral gap model
Authors: McCombe G. P. , Trask R. S. , Etches J. A. , German A. J. , Holden S. L. , Wallace A. M. , Burton N. J. , Delisser P. J.
Published: March 2013

Objective: To compare the biomechanical behaviour of plate-rod constructs with varying numbers of monocortical screws applied to an ex vivo canine femoral-gap ostectomy model.

Sample population: Twenty Greyhound dog cadaveric femurs.

Methods: Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed with dual x-ray absorptiometry. Bones were assigned to four groups. Bones had a 12-hole 3.5 mm locking compression plate with one bicortical non-locking cortical screw in the most proximal and distal plate holes and an intramedullary Steinmann pin applied across a 20 mm mid-diaphyseal ostectomy. Additionally, one to four monocortical non-locking cortical screws were then placed (Groups 1–4 respectively) in the proximal and distal fragments. Stiffness and axial collapse were determined before and after cyclic axial loading (6000 cycles at 20%, 40%, and 60% of mean bodyweight [total: 18000 cycles]). Constructs subsequently underwent an additional 45000 cycles at 60% of bodyweight (total: 63000 cycles). Loading to failure was then performed and ultimate load and mode of failure recorded.

Results: The BMD did not differ significantly between groups. Construct stiffness for group 1 was significantly less than group 4 (p = 0.008). Stiffness showed a linear increase with an increasing number of monocortical screws (p = 0.001). All constructs survived fatigue loading. Load-to-failure was not significantly different between groups. Mean load- to-failure of all groups was >1350N.

Clinical relevance: Ex vivo canine large-breed femurs showed adequate stability biomechanically and gradually increasing stiffness with increasing monocortical screw numbers.
Human Decidua-Derived Mesenchymal Cells Are a Promising Source for the Generation and Cell Banking of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Shofuda Tomoko , Kanematsu Daisuke , Fukusumi Hayato , Yamamoto Atsuyo , Bamba Yohei , Yoshitatsu Sumiko , Suemizu Hiroshi , Nakamura Masato , Sugimoto Yoshikazu , Furue Miho Kusuda , Kohara Arihiro , Akamatsu Wado , Okada Yohei , Okano Hideyuki , Yamasaki Mami , Kanemura Yonehiro
Published: March 2013

Placental tissue is a biomaterial with remarkable potential for use in regenerative medicine. It has a three-layer structure derived from the fetus (amnion and chorion) and the mother (decidua), and it contains huge numbers of cells. Moreover, placental tissue can be collected without any physical danger to the donor and can be matched with a variety of HLA types. The decidua-derived mesenchymal cells (DMCs) are highly proliferative fibroblast-like cells that express a similar pattern of CD antigens as bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells (BM-MSCs). Here we demonstrated that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells could be efficiently generated from DMCs by retroviral transfer of reprogramming factor genes. DMC-hiPS cells showed equivalent characteristics to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in colony morphology, global gene expression profile (including human pluripotent stem cell markers), DNA methylation status of the OCT3/4 and NANOG promoters, and ability to differentiate into components of the three germ layers in vitro and in vivo. The RNA expression of XIST and the methylation status of its promoter region suggested that DMC-iPSCs, when maintained undifferentiated and pluripotent, had three distinct states: (1) complete X-chromosome reactivation, (2) one inactive X-chromosome, or (3) an epigenetic aberration. Because DMCs are derived from the maternal portion of the placenta, they can be collected with the full consent of the adult donor and have considerable ethical advantages for cell banking and the subsequent generation of human iPS cells for regenerative applications.
Simple Machine Perfusion Significantly Enhances Hepatocyte Yields of Ischemic and Fresh Rat Livers
Authors: Izamis Maria-Louisa , Calhoun Candice , Uygun Basak E. , Guzzardi Maria Angela , Price Gavrielle , Luitje Martha , Saeidi Nima , Yarmush Martin L. , Uygun Korkut
Published: March 2013

The scarcity of viable hepatocytes is a significant bottleneck in cell transplantation, drug discovery, toxicology, tissue engineering, and bioartificial assist devices, where trillions of high-functioning hepatocytes are needed annually. We took the novel approach of using machine perfusion to maximize cell recovery, specifically from uncontrolled cardiac death donors, the largest source of disqualified donor organs. In a rat model, we developed a simple 3-h room temperature (20 ± 2°C) machine perfusion protocol to treat nonpremedicated livers exposed to 1 h of warm (34°C) ischemia. Treated ischemic livers were compared to fresh, fresh-treated, and untreated ischemic livers using viable hepatocyte yields and in vitro performance as quantitative endpoints. Perfusion treatment resulted in both a 25-fold increase in viable hepatocytes from ischemic livers and a 40% increase from fresh livers. While cell morphology and function in suspension and plate cultures of untreated warm ischemic cells was significantly impaired, treated warm ischemic cells were indistinguishable from fresh hepatocytes. Furthermore, a strong linear correlation between tissue ATP and cell yield enabled accurate evaluation of the extent of perfusion recovery. Maximal recovery of warm ischemic liver ATP content appears to be correlated with optimal flow through the microvasculature. These data demonstrate that the inclusion of a simple perfusion-preconditioning step can significantly increase the efficiency of functional hepatocyte yields and the number of donor livers that can be gainfully utilized.
An Integrative, Multilevel, and Transdisciplinary Research Approach to Challenges of Work, Family, and Health
Authors: Bray Jeremy , Kelly Erin , Hammer Leslie , Almeida David , Dearing James , King Rosalind , Buxton Orfeu
Published: March 2013

To support the efforts of workplaces and policymakers to improve the health of employees and their families, the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention formed the Work, Family & Health Network (WFHN). WFHN is conducting an innovative, multisite study that includes an effectiveness study to assess intervention effects on employees, families and managers; a daily diary study to examine effects on family functioning and daily stress; a process study to understand how the intervention is implemented; and translational research to understand how best to share the study results. This paper presents a high-level description of the study’s design and methods. It also explains changes made during the course of the field study, and the research team’s approach to adhere to design principles rather than to specific design elements and methods. The WFHN study will provide information about how interventions affect productivity, turnover, and workplace costs. The findings will also inform effective work-family policies and interventions, thereby improving the lives of millions of American workers and their families.
La sociedad insustentable. Provisiones para una comprensión de las crisis contemporáneas, y las crisis de la sociología
Authors: Gutiérrez Palacios Ramón Antonio
Published: March 2013

Las crisis son un problema perenne de la sociedad. En las crisis lo que está en crisis es la insuficiencia del modo de relacionarse las personas entre sí, y con los objetos de su cultura, para sustentar su asociación. Las crisis nos interrogan sobre la sustentabilidad social. Podríamos estar entrando en la tendencia hacia una crisis fundamental de insustentabilidad social global. Desde ella es interpelada la Ética de Sociedad. Queda abierta la pregunta: ¿Será posible la convivencia en la sociedad global crísica sin el pivote de una justicia global? Como efecto colateral e inevitable de las crisis, la sociología —y las ciencias sociales en su conjunto— enfrentan una crisis de sincronía teórica; respecto del saber y el comprender de las crisis de su tiempo en su tiempo.
Cuidar del mundo. Labor, trabajo y acción «en una compleja red de sostenimiento de la vida»
Authors: Muñoz Terrón José María
Published: March 2013

El texto propone una confrontación entre la fenomenología de la vita activa de Hannah Arendt y la ética del cuidado. Se trata, por una parte, de aplicar las distinciones arendtianas entre esferas pública y privada, y entre labor, trabajo y acción, a la actividad de cuidar, para reafirmar su relevancia; por otra parte, tomando el concepto de «mundo» como clave de la definición de cuidado, se ensaya una reinterpretación crítica de los conceptos de Arendt a partir de algunos análisis feministas y de una fenomenología responsiva y del cuerpo, a fin de plantear una reivindicación matizada de las implicaciones públicas del cuidar, en línea con las propuestas de paso de una ética a una «política del cuidado».
La ciudad inhóspita promovida por Heidegger
Authors: Rojas Jiménez Alejandro
Published: March 2013

Una sociedad que se preocupa por fortalecer la idea de que nadie puede interferir en nuestras convicciones, acaba finalmente generando individuos acríticos incapaces de autonomía reflexiva y, en esta medida, se incumple la primera condición de una ciudadanía libre. Si pluralidad no significa arbitrariedad, sino sólo que no hay una única razón práctica, entonces lo que hay que hacer no es relegar la razón práctica al ámbito privado, sino mostrar la existencia de otras razones para tambalear la seguridad de las convicciones particulares y así promover cierta inhospitalidad que ponga constantemente a prueba las convicciones más personales.
Religión e historia en los ensayos de Rafael Sánchez Ferlosio
Authors: Ruescas Juárez Juan Antonio
Published: March 2013

Los ensayos de Sánchez Ferlosio muestran la pertinencia de las ideas de origen religioso a la hora de pensar la historia. Ferlosio sostiene que la idea de sacrificio se ha secularizado y ha servido para dar un sentido al sufrimiento, legitimando de ese modo ideas como las de Historia Universal o Progreso. Por otra parte, define la actitud religiosa como el rechazo del principio de realidad como criterio válido para la determinación del bien y del mal del mundo. Por tanto, la actitud religiosa es un desacato a la facticidad. Estas tesis sobre la religión y la historia resultan afines a las de algunos autores contemporáneos que también rechazan la «legitimación fáctica».
Igualdad y mérito ¿un conflicto de valores?
Authors: Page Olof
Published: March 2013

Desde hace al menos tres décadas el concepto de igualdad —en particular, el concepto de igualdad distributiva— ha estado en el centro de la discusión contemporánea sobre justicia distributiva. La idea que las desigualdades inmerecidas deberían ser eliminadas y que las desigualdades merecidas deberían ser preservadas es una de las maneras más relevantes a través de la cual el ideal de la igualdad ha sido recientemente defendido. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es argumentar contra el valor intrínseco de la igualdad entendida de esta manera apuntando a una importante confusión: aquélla entre el valor de la igualdad y el valor de que las personas tengan lo que merecen.
Justicia como imparcialidad dialógica. Una perspectiva de la justicia imparcial compatible con las demandas de los grupos desfavorecidos
Authors: Teimil García Iván
Published: March 2013

Los críticos de las teorías liberales de la justicia han denunciado que ciertas suposiciones de tales teorías como la imparcialidad y el universalismo no son realistas y además envuelven perniciosos fines ideológicos. Contra esta perspectiva, sostengo que solo una concepción de la justicia imparcialista y universalista, basada en una visión deliberativa de la política y de la participación, puede incluir de manera coherente las demandas de las minorías en el modelo democrático que proponga. Entiendo esta imparcialidad como imparcialidad deliberativadialógica. En este ensayo defiendo que imparcialidad, universalismo y diferencia, lejos de ejemplificar una unión anómala o contradictoria, forman una constelación de elementos inseparables que dan sentido a una perspectiva completa y rigurosa de la justicia.
Para ver entre las sombras: la mirada de Albert Camus
Authors: Espinosa Rubio Luciano
Published: March 2013

Hay algunas personas libres que tienen algo semejante a una brújula, por eso en tiempos oscuros necesitamos lo que Albert Camus ofrece: un ejemplo vivo (no una lista de respuestas) de integridad, compasión y buen juicio. Tuvo que elegir (quizá como todos) entre el absurdo y la rebeldía, y después entre una actitud cotidiana de miedo o confianza. Finalmente, Camus nos dice que la naturaleza del ser humano y la belleza del mundo deben equilibrar las ambiciones históricas.
Use of ground‐penetrating radar to investigate feathery complex linear dunes in the Kumtagh Desert, North‐west China
Authors: Niu Qinghe , Qu Jianjun , Liao Kongtai , Zhang Kecun , Han Qingjie , Li Yi , Wang Zhenting
Published: March 2013

The Kumtagh Desert, the last desert in China to be explored, contains a distribution of feathery dunes, a type of complex linear dune composited by linear dunes and lingoid zibars. A debate about the existence, underlying relief and formation process of these dunes has been ongoing since 1974. The authors use ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) images across dunes and interdune areas to better understand the shallow underlying relief and sedimentary structure of the dunes in the Kumtagh Desert. The results are compared with adjacent outcrops and exposures in an excavated trench. No evidence was found for underlying relief, such as yardangs, consistent with the trend and distribution of linear dune ridges that might have controlled the orientation of the dune. However, outcrop observation and remote sensing investigation indicate little gravel bar topography across or along the dunes. Lingoid zibars are common in interdune corridors. Sedimentary structures imaged by GPR in the zibar dunes indicate low‐angle strata dipping towards the SW, indicative of sand accumulation on the leeside of the lingoid zibar with dune migration towards the SW. Strata within the linear dunes are less well‐resolved but are interpreted to indicate a bimodal dip that has been recognized in previous studies of linear dunes.
Integrated geophysical investigations in Hierapolis of Phrygia (Turkey)
Authors: Scardozzi Giuseppe , Giese Stefan , Hübner Christian
Published: March 2013

This paper concerns the various methods of geophysical prospecting (ground‐penetrating radar, magnetometry and electrical resistivity tomography) applied in Hierapolis of Phrygia, by the Italian Archaeological Mission, during the campaigns of 2007 and 2008. In one case, GPR measurements were verified through excavations during the campaign of 2010, which clarified the causes of different anomalies. The integration between the different methods (in turn integrated with other exploration methods of the surface, such as archaeological surveys and remote sensing from an aerial platform and satellite), applied in areas of the city with different geological characteristics, allowed the retrieval of important data on the urban layout in areas characterized by thick colluvial and alluvial deposits and in areas where there are extensive limestone formations that have formed recently (after an earthquake in the middle of the 7th century AD) and have been incorporated into the ancient remains.
Imaging near‐surface defects using step‐frequency ground‐penetrating radar
Authors: Balasubramaniam V.R. , Jha P.C. , Chandrasekhar E.
Published: March 2013

Step‐Frequency GPR (SFGPR) investigations were carried out at the location of a crude oil storage tank at a petroleum refinery. The storage tank was founded on an elevated platform (tank‐pad). Subsidence of a portion of the tank‐pad led to cracking of its bottom steel plates and subsequent leakage of crude oil. SFGPR imaging was done within and outside the tank, in the frequency range of 10‐260 MHz, to understand the cause of the subsidence. Complex signal analysis was useful in identifying a series of cavities in the subsurface, in the depth range of 2–15 m, close to the location of subsidence of the tank‐pad. In order to stabilize the foundation of the tank, the subsurface area infested with cavities was grouted systematically. SFGPR imaging was done again after grouting, in the same area in the same manner to evaluate the efficacy of grouting and check for presence of remnant cavities. Results of the SFGPR investigations, before and after grouting, which aided restoration of the foundation of the oil tank, are discussed.
FDTD modelling in high‐resolution 2D and 3D GPR surveys on a reinforced concrete column in a double wall of hollow bricks
Authors: De Domenico D. , Campo D. , Teramo A.
Published: March 2013

A structural characterization of a reinforced concrete column in a double wall of hollow bricks, carried out within diagnostics testing through 2D and 3D high‐frequency GPR surveys and aimed at the evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of a building is proposed. It highlights how the use of FDTD simulation allows the limits of these surveys to be overcome, with reference to the difficulty of the processing and interpretation steps in order to identify rebars beyond the hollow bricks. Their reflection pattern, being complex, makes it very hard to recognize the rebars placed parallel to the brick hollow axis direction.
4D cross‐borehole electrical resistivity tomography to control resin injection for ground stabilization: a case history in Venice (Italy)
Authors: Fischanger Federico , Morelli1 Gianfranco , Ranieri Gaetano , Santarato Giovanni , Occhi Marco
Published: March 2013

Settlements of building foundations are generally due to water content changes in the shallow subsurface, both by natural and man‐made causes. Although resin injection is revealed to be a satisfactory solution for ground consolidation, a continuous monitoring of the process is needed to achieve optimal results. In order to control the injection of expanding resins, a field procedure is developed, based on the use of time‐lapse three‐dimensional (4D) Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). The choice of electrical resistivity, as a parameter for designing and monitoring the consolidation work, is based on the key assumption that this physical property is the most sensitive to water content changes in soils. During the injection stage, repeated ERT acquisitions allow the injection process to be controlled and the injection schedule and its parameters to be modified, whenever necessary.

In this paper the procedure and its results are illustrated, through a case history in Venice (Italy), where salt‐water bearing soils also had to be taken into account. Careful analysis of electrode array configurations and parameters had therefore to be performed in advance. Horizontal and vertical sections from the resulting 3D resistivity models show, through a noticeable local increase of the resistivity at and nearby the injection points, that re‐homogenization of soil is successfully achieved. Repeated 3D ERT measurements, carried out three and a half years after the consolidation work, show that stabilization of the subsoil below and around settled foundations is achieved, as also confirmed by comparing suitable extensimeter measurements on overlying structures, carried out before and after the treatment.
Geoelectric imaging properties of traditional arrays and of the optimized Stummer configuration
Authors: Szalai S. , Koppán A. , Szokoli K. , Szarka L.
Published: March 2013

In this paper a systematic, semi‐empirical comparison is presented between two‐dimensional geo‐electric models and their inversion images, obtained by using five different electrical resistivity arrays and an optimized Stummer configuration. Eight different models (more or less in order of growing complexity) are studied and both noise‐free and noisy data cases are considered. The results show that (1) the quality of the inversion images obtained with traditional arrays depends significantly on the model and on the noise level, (2) among the traditional arrays it is definitely the dipole‐dipole array that provides inversion images mostly similar to the geoelectric models, (3) the inversion images obtained by using the optimized Stummer configuration are even more similar to the original geoelectric model than those obtained by the dipole‐dipole array. It means that the optimized Stummer array is even better than the best traditional array, the dipole‐dipole array, especially in the deepest part of the inversion images. We conclude that in a general field situation the Stummer configuration is good enough for not being forced to search specific configurations. As presented, optimization procedures, involving null arrays could even further improve the quality of the inversion images obtained by using the Stummer configuration.
The Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Kinase Pathway Regulates IL-23 Expression by Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Wang Qunwei , Franks Hester A. , Lax Stephanie J. , El Refaee Mohamed , Malecka Anna , Shah Sabaria , Spendlove Ian , Gough Michael J. , Seedhouse Claire , Madhusudan Srinivasan , Patel Poulam M. , Jackson Andrew M.
Published: March 2013

Little is known of the regulation of IL-23 secretion in dendritic cells (DC) despite its importance for human Th17 responses. In this study, we show for first time, to our knowledge, that the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) pathway, involved in DNA damage sensing, acts as an IL-23 repressor. Inhibition of ATM with the highly selective antagonist KU55933 markedly increased IL-23 secretion in human monocyte-derived DC and freshly isolated myeloid DC. In contrast, inhibiting the closely related mammalian target of rapamycin had no effect on IL-23. Priming naive CD4+ T cells with ATM-inhibited DC increased Th17 responses over and above those obtained with mature DC. Although ATM blockade increased the abundance of p19, p35, and p40 mRNA, IL-12p70 secretion was unaffected. To further examine a role for ATM in IL-23 regulation, we exposed DC to low doses of ionizing radiation. Exposure of DC to x-rays resulted in ATM phosphorylation and a corresponding depression of IL-23. Importantly, ATM inhibition with KU55933 prevented radiation-induced ATM phosphorylation and abrogated the capacity of x-rays to suppress IL-23. To explore how ATM repressed IL-23, we examined a role for endoplasmic reticulum stress responses by measuring generation of the spliced form of X-box protein-1, a key endoplasmic reticulum stress transcription factor. Inhibition of ATM increased the abundance of X-box protein-1 mRNA, and this was followed 3 h later by increased peak p19 transcription and IL-23 release. In summary, ATM activation or inhibition, respectively, inhibited or augmented IL-23 release. This novel role of the ATM pathway represents a new therapeutic target in autoimmunity and vaccine development.
An Extraribosomal Function of Ribosomal Protein L13a in Macrophages Resolves Inflammation
Authors: Poddar Darshana , Basu Abhijit , Baldwin William M. , Kondratov Roman V. , Barik Sailen , Mazumder Barsanjit
Published: March 2013

Inflammation is an obligatory attempt of the immune system to protect the host from infections. However, unregulated synthesis of proinflammatory products can have detrimental effects. Although mechanisms that lead to inflammation are well appreciated, those that restrain it are not adequately understood. Creating macrophage-specific L13a-knockout mice, we report that depletion of ribosomal protein L13a abrogates the endogenous translation control of several chemokines in macrophages. Upon LPS-induced endotoxemia, these animals displayed symptoms of severe inflammation caused by widespread infiltration of macrophages in major organs causing tissue injury and reduced survival rates. Macrophages from these knockout animals show unregulated expression of several chemokines (e.g., CXCL13, CCL22, CCL8, and CCR3). These macrophages failed to show L13a-dependent RNA binding complex formation on target mRNAs. In addition, increased polyribosomal abundance of these mRNAs shows a defect in translation control in the macrophages. Thus, to our knowledge, our studies provide the first evidence of an essential extraribosomal function of ribosomal protein L13a in resolving physiological inflammation in a mammalian host.
Temporal and spatial history of Rift Valley fever in South Africa: 1950 to 2011
Authors: Pienaar Nicolaas J. , Thompson Peter N.
Published: March 2013

Several outbreaks of Rift Valley fever (RVF) have been documented in South Africa since it first occurred in the country in 1950. However, there is no comprehensive account of the timing, location and extent of all known outbreaks. As part of a study investigating the epidemiology of RVF in South Africa, a full history of outbreaks was compiled using references to the disease in South Africa from scientific literature, annual reports, disease reports and animal disease databases. The geographic location and temporal occurrence of each outbreak were recorded as accurately as allowed by the available records. The result was a better and more complete picture than has hitherto been available of the spatial and temporal distribution of RVF in South Africa for the period between 1950 and 2011. Several smaller outbreaks which had not been described previously in literature were documented. Extensive outbreaks occurred in the central interior of the country (Free State, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape provinces), interspersed with smaller outbreaks or long intervening periods of absence, whilst smaller outbreaks occurred in the eastern part of the country (KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng).
Aerosol classification by airborne high spectral resolution lidar observations
Authors: Groß S. , Esselborn M. , Weinzierl B. , Wirth M. , Fix A. , Petzold A.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. During four aircraft field experiments with the DLR research aircraft Falcon in 1998 (LACE), 2006 (SAMUM-1) and 2008 (SAMUM-2 and EUCAARI), airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) and in situ measurements of aerosol microphysical and optical properties were performed. Altogether, the properties of six different aerosol types and aerosol mixtures – Saharan mineral dust, Saharan dust mixtures, Canadian biomass burning aerosol, African biomass burning mixture, anthropogenic pollution aerosol, and marine aerosol have been studied. On the basis of this extensive HSRL data set, we present an aerosol classification scheme which is also capable to identify mixtures of different aerosol types. We calculated mixing lines that allowed us to determine the contributing aerosol types. The aerosol classification scheme was supported by backward trajectory analysis and validated with in-situ measurements. Our results demonstrate that the developed aerosol mask is capable to identify complex stratifications with different aerosol types throughout the atmosphere.
Aerosol retrieval experiments in the ESA Aerosol_cci project
Authors: Holzer-Popp T. , de Leeuw G. , Martynenko D. , Klüser L. , Bevan S. , Davies W. , Ducos F. , Deuzé J. L. , Graigner R. G. , Heckel A. , von Hoyningen-Hüne W. , Kolmonen P. , Litvinov P. , North P. , Poulsen C. A. , Ramon D. , Siddans R. , Sogacheva L. , Tanre D. , Thomas G. E. , Vountas M. , Descloitres J. , Griesfeller J. , Kinne S. , Schulz M. , Pinnock S.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Within the ESA Climate Change Initiative (CCI) project Aerosol_cci (2010–2013) algorithms for the production of long-term total column aerosol optical depth (AOD) datasets from European Earth Observation sensors are developed. Starting with eight existing pre-cursor algorithms three analysis steps are conducted to improve and qualify the algorithms: (1) a series of experiments applied to one month of global data to understand several major sensitivities to assumptions needed due to the ill-posed nature of the underlying inversion problem, (2) a round robin exercise of "best" versions of each of these algorithms (defined using the step 1 outcome) applied to four months of global data to identify mature algorithms, and (3) a comprehensive validation exercise applied to one complete year of global data produced by the algorithms selected as mature based on the round robin exercise. The algorithms tested included four using AATSR, three using MERIS and one using PARASOL. This paper summarizes the first step. Three experiments were conducted to assess the potential impact of major assumptions in the various aerosol retrieval algorithms. In the first experiment a common set of four aerosol components was used to provide all algorithms with the same assumptions. The second experiment introduced an aerosol property climatology, derived from a combination of model and sun photometer observations, as a priori information in the retrievals on the occurrence of the common aerosol components and their mixing ratios. The third experiment assessed the impact of using a common nadir cloud mask for AATSR and MERIS algorithms in order to characterize the sensitivity to remaining cloud contamination in the retrievals against the baseline dataset versions. The impact of the algorithm changes was assessed for one month (September 2008) of data qualitatively by visible analysis of monthly mean AOD maps and quantitatively by comparing global daily gridded satellite data against daily average AERONET sun photometer observations for the different versions of each algorithm. The analysis allowed an assessment of sensitivities of all algorithms which helped define the best algorithm version for the subsequent round robin exercise; all algorithms (except for MERIS) showed some, in parts significant, improvement. In particular, using common aerosol components and partly also a priori aerosol type climatology is beneficial. On the other hand the use of an AATSR-based common cloud mask meant a clear improvement (though with significant reduction of coverage) for the MERIS standard product, but not for the algorithms using AATSR.
A new method for solving the MHD equations in the magnetosheath
Authors: Nabert C. , Glassmeier K.-H. , Plaschke F.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. We present a new analytical method to derive steady-state magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) solutions of the magnetosheath in different levels of approximation. With this method, we calculate the magnetosheath's density, velocity, and magnetic field distribution as well as its geometry. Thereby, the solution depends on the geomagnetic dipole moment and solar wind conditions only. To simplify the representation, we restrict our model to northward IMF with the solar wind flow along the stagnation streamline. The sheath's geometry, with its boundaries, bow shock and magnetopause, is determined self-consistently. Our model is stationary and time relaxation has not to be considered as in global MHD simulations. Our method uses series expansion to transfer the MHD equations into a new set of ordinary differential equations. The number of equations is related to the level of approximation considered including different physical processes. These equations can be solved numerically; however, an analytical approach for the lowest-order approximation is also presented. This yields explicit expressions, not only for the flow and field variations but also for the magnetosheath thickness, depending on the solar wind parameters. Results are compared to THEMIS data and offer a detailed explanation of, e.g., the pile-up process and the corresponding plasma depletion layer, the bow shock and magnetopause geometry, the magnetosheath thickness, and the flow deceleration.
Effects of vegetation heterogeneity and surface topography on spatial scaling of net primary productivity
Authors: Chen J. M. , Chen X. , Ju W.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the land surface, spatial scaling is an inevitable issue in the development of land models coupled with low-resolution Earth system models (ESMs) for predicting land-atmosphere interactions and carbon-climate feedbacks. In this study, a simple spatial scaling algorithm is developed to correct errors in net primary productivity (NPP) estimates made at a coarse spatial resolution based on sub-pixel information of vegetation heterogeneity and surface topography. An eco-hydrological model BEPS-TerrainLab, which considers both vegetation and topographical effects on the vertical and lateral water flows and the carbon cycle, is used to simulate NPP at 30 m and 1 km resolutions for a 5700 km2 watershed with an elevation range from 518 m to 3767 m in the Qinling Mountain, Shaanxi Province, China. Assuming that the NPP simulated at 30 m resolution represents the reality and that at 1 km resolution is subject to errors due to sub-pixel heterogeneity, a spatial scaling index (SSI) is developed to correct the coarse resolution NPP values pixel by pixel. The agreement between the NPP values at these two resolutions is improved considerably from R2 = 0.782 to R2 = 0.884 after the correction. The mean bias error (MBE) in NPP modeled at the 1 km resolution is reduced from 14.8 g C m−2 yr−1 to 4.8 g C m−2 yr−1 in comparison with NPP modeled at 30 m resolution, where the mean NPP is 668 g C m−2 yr−1. The range of spatial variations of NPP at 30 m resolution is larger than that at 1 km resolution. Land cover fraction is the most important vegetation factor to be considered in NPP spatial scaling, and slope is the most important topographical factor for NPP spatial scaling especially in mountainous areas, because of its influence on the lateral water redistribution, affecting water table, soil moisture and plant growth. Other factors including leaf area index (LAI), elevation and aspect have small and additive effects on improving the spatial scaling between these two resolutions.
Behavior and fluxes of particulate organic carbon in the East China Sea
Authors: Hung C.-C. , Tseng C.-W. , Gong G.-C. , Chen K.-S. , Chen M.-H. , Hsu S.-C.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. To better understand carbon cycling in marginal seas, particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations, POC fluxes and primary production (PP) were measured in the East China Sea (ECS) in summer 2007. Higher concentrations of POC were observed in the inner shelf and lower POC values were found in the outer shelf. Similar to POC concentrations, elevated uncorrected POC fluxes (720–7300 mg C m−2 d−1) were found in the inner shelf and lower POC fluxes (80–150 mg C m−2 d−1) were in the outer shelf, respectively. PP values (~340–3380 mg C m−2 d−1) had analogous distribution patterns to POC fluxes, while some of PP values were significantly lower than POC fluxes, suggesting that contributions of resuspended particles to POC fluxes need to be appropriately corrected. A vertical mixing model was used to correct effects of bottom sediment resuspension and the corrected POC fluxes ranging from 41 ± 20 to 956 ± 443 mg C m−2 d−1, which were indeed lower than PP values. The results suggest that 49–93% of the POC flux in the ECS might be from the contribution of resuspension of bottom sediments rather than from the actual biogenic carbon sinking flux. While the vertical mixing model is not a perfect model to solve sediment resuspension because it ignores biological degradation of sinking particles, Changjinag plume (or terrestrial) inputs and lateral transport, it makes significant progress in both correcting resuspension problem and in assessing a reasonable quantitative estimate in a marginal sea.
A simple lumped model to convert air temperature into surface water temperature in lakes
Authors: Piccolroaz S. , Toffolon M. , Majone B.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Water temperature in lakes is governed by a complex heat budget, where the single fluxes are hardly assessable over long time periods in the absence of high accuracy data. In order to address this issue, we developed Air2Water, a simple physically-based model to relate the temperature of the lake superficial layer (epilimnion) to air temperature only. The model accounts for the overall heat exchanges with the atmosphere and the deeper layer of the lake (hypolimnion) by means of simplified relationships, which contain a few parameters (from four to eight in the different proposed formulations) to be calibrated with the combined use of air and water temperature measurements. In particular, the calibration of the parameters in a given case study allows one to estimate, in a synthetic way, the influence of the main processes controlling the lake thermal dynamics, and to recognize the atmospheric temperature as the main factor driving the evolution of the system. In fact, the air temperature variation implicitly contains proper information about the variation of other major processes, and hence in our approach is considered as the only input variable of the model. Furthermore, the model can be easily used to predict the response of a lake to climate change, since projected air temperatures are usually available by large-scale global circulation models. In this paper, the model is applied to Lake Superior (USA – Canada) considering a 27-yr record of measurements, among which 18 yr used for calibration and the remaining 9 yr for model validation. The results show a remarkable agreement with measurements, over the entire data period. The use of air temperature reconstructed by satellite imagery is also discussed.
Tidal variability of the motion in the Strait of Otranto
Authors: Ursella L. , Kovačević V. , Gačić M.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Various current data, collected in the Strait of Otranto during the period 1994–2007, have been analysed with the aim of describing the characteristics of the tidal motions and their contribution to the total flow variance. The principal tidal constituents in the area were the semi-diurnal (M2) and the diurnal (K1), with the latter one predominant. The total flow was, in general, more energetic along the flanks than in the middle of the Strait. Specifically, it was most energetic over the western shelf and in the upper layer along the eastern flank. In spite of the generally low velocities (a few cm s−1) of the principal tidal constituents, the tidal variance has a pattern similar to that of the total flow variance, that is, it was large over the western shelf and low in the middle. The proportion of non-tidal (comprising the inertial and sub-inertial low-frequency bands) to tidal flow variances was quite variable in both time and space. The contribution of the low-frequency motions predominated over the tidal and inertial ones in the eastern portion of the strait during the major part of the year, particularly in the upper and intermediate layers. In the deep, near-bottom, layer the variance was evenly distributed between the low frequency, diurnal and semi-diurnal bands. A prominent exception was observed near the western shelf break during the summer season when the contribution of the tidal signal alone to the total variance reached 77%. This high contribution was mainly due to the intensification of the diurnal signal at that location in the proximity of both the surface and bottom layers (velocities of about 10 cm s−1). Local wind and sea level data were analysed and compared with the flow to find the possible origin of this diurnal intensification. Having excluded the sea-breeze impact on the intensification of the diurnal tidal signal, the most likely cause remains the generation of the topographically trapped internal waves and the diurnal resonance in the tidal response. These waves were sometimes generated by the barotropic tidal signal in the presence of summer stratification. The effect was seen only in the presence of the topographic slope change. This phenomenon may stimulate the diapycnal mixing during the stratified season and enhance ventilation of the near-bottom layers.
Anteromedial Wedge Reduction Osteotomy for the Treatment of Femoral Head Deformities
Authors: Burian Michal , Dungl Pavel , Nanka Ondrej , Chomiak Jiri , Ostadal Martin , Frydrychova Monika , Kubes Radovan
Published: March 2013

Aspherical femoral head deformity has poor a prognosis which can lead to early arthritic changes in young adults. The intraartricular anteromedial wedge reduction osteotomy restores sphericity of the femoral head.

We performed seven anteromedial wedge reduction osteotomies. Clinical indications were pain, limp and restriction of movement of the hip joint. The mean age at time of the surgery was 13.3 years. The aetiology of the femroal head deformity was Perthes disease in six patients and in one patient, multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. All seven hips were classified as Stulberg V before surgery.

At a mean follow-up of 17.4 months the Harris hip score increased from a mean of 55.4 pre-operatively to a mean of 84.8 postoperatively. The final results were Stulberg IV in one hip, Stulberg III in four hips and Stulberg II in two hips postoperatively. The capital diaphyseal ratio dropped from average of 1.57 pre-operatively to 1.21 postoperatively. No signs of osteonecrosis were recorded. One patient suffered a subluxation of the femoral head.

The anteromedial wedge reduction osteotomy has good short-term results in aspherical incongruent hips.
A Six-Month Study of Pulmonary Cancer in Albanian Women
Authors: Nikolla Jolanda , Nanushi Milda , Vyshka Gentian , Hafizi Hasan
Published: March 2013

Lung cancer is a potentially lethal disease, whose prevalence in Albania is constantly increasing, especially in women. Early diagnosis is extremely important with regard to life expectancy and quality. The authors conducted a survey on the behaviour in a sample group of Albanian women diagnosed with primary and secondary lung cancers. A discussion upon diagnostic methods, smoking habits, histological type, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), and treatment modalities is made. The data collected by the authors suggest that nonsmokers formed the main group of lung cancer female patients. The most frequent histological type was adenocarcinoma. Mesothelioma was the most frequent of the secondary pulmonary lung cancers, followed from metastasizing breast cancer. Despite a generally good performance of the cases, the diagnosis of pulmonary cancer is delayed. The data collected could not find a convincing etiological role of tobacco smoking, but caution is needed, regarding the short time length of the study and the sustained number of participants.