Decomposing DInSAR Time-Series into 3-D in Combination with GPS in the Case of Low Strain Rates: An Application to the Hyblean Plateau, Sicily, Italy

Differential Interferometric SAR (DInSAR) time-series techniques can be used to derive surface displacement rates with accuracies of 1 mm/year, by measuring the one-dimensional distance change between a satellite and the surface over time. However, the slanted direction of the measurements complicates interpretation of the signal, especially in regions that are subject to multiple deformation processes. The Simultaneous and Integrated Strain Tensor Estimation from Geodetic and Satellite Deformation Measurements (SISTEM) algorithm enables decomposition into a three-dimensional velocity field through joint inversion with GNSS measurements, but has never been applied to interseismic deformation where strain rates are low. Here, we apply SISTEM for the first time to detect tectonic deformation on the Hyblean Foreland Plateau in South-East Sicily. In order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the DInSAR data beforehand, we reduce atmospheric InSAR noise using a weather model and combine it with a multi-directional spatial filtering technique. The resultant three-dimensional velocity field allows identification of anthropogenic, as well as tectonic deformation, with sub-centimeter accuracies in areas of sufficient GPS coverage. Our enhanced method allows for a more detailed view of ongoing deformation processes as compared to the single use of either GNSS or DInSAR only and thus is suited to improve assessments of regional seismic hazard

Pathophysiologische Relevanz der PDE Inhibition bei Lungenfibroblasten zur Behandlung von Atemwegserkrankungen

Lung fibroblast proliferation and differentiation into myofibroblast are pathological key events during fibrotic alterations occuring in pulmonary diseases such as asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cyclic nucleotide signaling is described as a negative modulator of these cellular processes, and cyclic AMP degrading type 4 phosphodiesterases (PDE4) are important regulators of these pathways. Together with various cAMP-generating isoforms of adenylyl cyclases and effectors, PDE4 subtypes constitute a network that regulates the signaling via numerous mediators, e.g. growth factors or cytokines. Several studies using selective PDE4 inhibitors under clinical development have shown that the induced increase of cAMP can inhibit lung fibroblast functions and might be able to mitigate lung tissue remodeling. The role of PDE4 subtypes in these functions remains unknown. This thesis aims to analyze mechanisms of cytokine-induced functions of human lung fibroblasts, such as proliferation and differentiation, and to determine the role of PDE4 subtypes within these processes. This study demonstrates, that bFGF-induced proliferation of human lung fibroblasts is either potentiated by the presence of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β or inhibited depending on the IL-1β concentration. The antiproliferative activity of PDE4 inhibitors (but not of PDE3 inhibitors) is due to the increase of PGE2 by IL-1β via the COX-2/PGE2-synthase pathway. Moreover, this IL-1β triggered signaling pathway is further potentiated by bFGF by increasing IL-1β induced COX-2 expression. In order to assess the role of PDE4 subtypes, their expression in human lung fibroblasts was down regulated by using an optimized liposome mediated transfection method and specific siRNA´s. With this technology, different PDE4 subtypes were assigned to distinct functions of human lung fibroblast. The knockdown of PDE4A and PDE4B inhibited cytokine-induced proliferation, whereas knockdown of PDE4D did not. In contrast, TGF-β induced differentiation of lung fibroblasts to myofibroblasts was only prevented by knockdown of PDE4B and PDE4D, but not of PDE4A. The identification of the predominant role of PDE4B in controlling pathophysiological relevant functions of human lung fibroblasts provides now a rationale for pharmaceutical development of subtype specific PDE4 inhibitors with higher efficacy and a broader therapeutic window

Oklahoma City, OK

Photograph of the New State Brewing Assn. montage in Oklahoma City, OK, pre-summer 1907. Printed by Adolph Selige Publishing Co., St. Louis, MO

Bullfighting (Spain)

Postcard depicting a picador stabbing a bull with a lance during a bullfight. Picadors participate during the first stage of Spanish-style bullfighting

The BEMA-Project. Scaling-up the Biogenic Emissions from Test Sites at Castelporziano.

On the basis of measurements of emission rates, Leaf Area Indices (LAI) and biometric data for 17 species and 15 land-cover types, a first scaling up of biogenic,emisssions is elaborated. It includes the application of different procedures for scaling up, by combining parameters (e.g. LAI, biomass, vegetation coverage, canopy layering, insolation) with emission rates and algorithms in a spatial model.JRC.(EI)-Environment Institut

Cotton Farm (San Antonio, Texas)

Postcard depicting African American farm workers, including children, weighing cotton on a San Antonio, Texas cotton farm