bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis of the membranous nasal septum
Authors: Chan T V , Spiegel J H
Published: March 2007

Rhinoscleroma is a chronic, infectious, granulomatous disease that may present with mass lesions in the respiratory tract anywhere from the nose to the trachea. The nose is involved in 95–100 per cent of cases. There are three stages of the disease: catarrhal-atrophic, granulomatous (also known as hypertrophic) and sclerotic. The diagnosis is made either by positive Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis culture or from the classic histological findings of Mikulicz cells and transformed plasma cells with Russell bodies. Rhinoscleroma is endemic to areas of Africa, South-East Asia, Mexico, Central and South America, and Central and Eastern Europe, and it has been associated with low socioeconomic status. In the past, rhinoscleroma was infrequent in the US population but, with current trends in migration, the incidence of rhinoscleroma may be on the rise. There is often a delay in diagnosis in non-endemic areas such as the US due to unfamiliarity with the disease, the stage-dependent clinical and histological manifestations of disease, and the fact that only 50–60 per cent of cultures are positive for K rhinoscleromatis. Such late diagnosis leads to increased morbidity in the form of nasal and airway obstruction and nasal deformity from erosive processes. Rhinoscleroma is difficult to cure and prone to recur. Currently, the recommended treatment consists of a combination of surgical debridement and long-term antibiotic therapy. We present a case report of a culture-positive diagnosis of rhinoscleroma, and we review the existing literature.
Diagnosis and management of olfactory disorders: survey of UK-based consultants and literature review
Authors: McNeill E , Ramakrishnan Y , Carrie S
Published: March 2007

Background:

The diagnosis and management of olfactory disorders is an often neglected topic in otolaryngology. This article evaluates current clinical practice within the United Kingdom, and provides a literature-based review of the diagnosis, management and prognosis of olfactory pathology.

Design:

A questionnaire was sent to consultant and associate specialist members of the British Association of Otolaryngologists and Head and Neck Surgeons. The responses were documented to gain an impression of how olfactory disorders are managed in the United Kingdom. The literature relating to olfactory dysfunction was then evaluated and the findings summarised.

Conclusions:

Management of olfactory pathology varies across the United Kingdom. The literature suggests that chemosensory testing is optimal and that both forced-choice and threshold testing should be applied if objective evaluation is required. Imaging can be of value but the appropriate technique should be used. Olfactory function can recover following head injury, viral infection and chronic sinonasal disease, although varying degrees of dysfunction are likely to persist. There is a role for the use of corticosteroids, particularly when administered systemically. More research is needed to establish the appropriate dose and length of treatment.
Iloprost-induced sudden hearing loss
Authors: Dursun E , Dogru S , Cincik H , Cekin E , Gungor A , Poyrazoglu E
Published: March 2007

We report a patient who developed sudden, bilateral, sensorineural hearing loss during therapeutic use of iloprost for Raynaud's phenomenon. The sudden hearing loss was attributed to iloprost use and completely reversed in eight days with conservative therapy. Iloprost may be a potentially ototoxic drug, causing sudden hearing loss.
Local law enforcement and illegal bushmeat hunting outside the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Authors: HOLMERN T. , MUYA J. , RØSKAFT E.
Published: March 2007

Law enforcement is crucial to curb unsustainable and illegal exploitation of plant and animal populations. This paper investigates the temporal pattern of illegal hunting activity and factors that influence the probability of Village Game Scouts (VGSs) arresting illegal hunters outside the Serengeti National Park (Tanzania). A total of 201 patrols were conducted during nine months between December 1998 and August 1999, and 96 illegal hunters were arrested. All illegal hunters originated from local villages within 41 km from the closest protected area border. During the dry season more illegal hunters were observed and more snares found during patrols, the increase coinciding with the annual arrival of the migratory herbivores. Logistic regression models indicated that the probability of being arrested varied seasonally and large groups of illegal hunters had a lower probability of being arrested by VGSs. This study shows that routine data collection by VGSs may provide useful baseline values from which illegal hunting activities in partially protected areas can be evaluated. Moreover, VGSs should be integrated into the existing law enforcement structure and given more resources, to ensure optimal efficiency.
Investigating urban–rural disparities in tuberculosis treatment outcome in England and Wales
Authors: ABUBAKAR I. , CROFTS J. P. , GELB D. , STORY A. , ANDREWS N. , WATSON J. M.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to compare the occurrence of tuberculosis (TB) and the outcome of treatment between TB patients living in urban and rural areas. Cases of TB reported from 2001 to 2003 in England and Wales were assigned to a rural or urban area classification. The outcome of interest, non-completion of treatment, was investigated to determine the odds ratio for urban vs. rural residence. The effects of age, sex, ethnicity, place of birth, time since arrival in the United Kingdom, disease site, isoniazid resistance and previous diagnosis were adjusted for by multivariable logistic regression. Crude odds ratios showed a significantly higher level of treatment non-completion in rural areas. These results became non-significant (OR 1·02, 95% CI 0·83–1·26, P=0·82) after adjusting for the confounding effects of ethnic group and age. In England and Wales residence in a rural location is not an independent determinant of TB treatment outcome failure.
Acculturation, economics and food insecurity among refugees resettled in the USA: a case study of West African refugees
Authors: Hadley Craig , Zodhiates Ariel , Sellen Daniel W
Published: March 2007

Objectives

To assess the occurrence and severity of food insecurity, and examine associations between food insecurity and measures of socio-economic status and indicators of acculturation.

Design

Structured interviews among a non-probability sample of West African refugees at baseline and 6 months' follow-up.

Setting

Mid-sized city in north-eastern USA.

Subjects

One hundred and one caregivers with children under the age of 5 years and who have been living the USA for fewer than 4 years.

Results

Food insecurity was indicated in approximately half of households (53%). The occurrence of food insecurity was associated with measures of socio-economic status such as income, employment status and participation in the Food Stamp Program (P < 0.05). Measures of acculturation such as difficulty in the shopping environment and language difficulty were also associated with the occurrence and severity of food insecurity, as was time lived in the USA (P < 0.05). Among households who had been in the USA for 1 year or less, food insecurity was indicated in 73%, whereas among households who had been in the USA for at least 3 years food insecurity was indicted in 33%.

Conclusions

Refugees are a potentially vulnerable group and our results echo others in suggesting a need for more thorough monitoring of the health and well-being of recently resettled refugees. These results also suggest that reliance on employment as the sole indicator of success in the resettlement process may be too narrow an indicator. Future research should focus on a wider range of measures of health and well-being.
Developing nutrient profile models: a systematic approach
Authors: Scarborough Peter , Rayner Mike , Stockley Lynn
Published: March 2007

Objective

Nutrient profiling can be defined as the ‘the science of categorising foods according to their nutritional composition’. The purpose of the present paper is to describe a systematic and logical approach to nutrient profiling.

Design

A seven-stage decision-making process is proposed and, as an illustration of how the approach might operate in practice, the development of a nutrient profiling model for the purpose of highlighting breakfast cereals that are ‘high in fat, sugar or salt’ is described.

Results

The nutrient profile model developed for this paper calculates scores for foods using a simple equation. It enables breakfast cereals to be compared with each other and with other foods eaten at breakfast.

Conclusion

Nutrient profiling is not new, but hitherto most nutrient profiling models have been developed in an unsystematic and illogical fashion. Different nutrient profiling models are needed for different purposes but a key requirement should be that they are developed using a systematic, transparent and logical process. This paper provides an example of such a process; approaches to validating nutrient profiling models are described elsewhere.
Food poverty and health among schoolchildren in Ireland: findings from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study
Authors: Molcho Michal , Gabhainn Saoirse Nic , Kelly Colette , Friel Sharon , Kelleher Cecily
Published: March 2007

Objectives

To investigate the relationships between food poverty and food consumption, health and life satisfaction among schoolchildren.

Design

Analysis of the 2002 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, a cross-sectional survey that employs a self-completion questionnaire in a nationally representative random sample of school classrooms in the Republic of Ireland.

Subjects

A total of 8424 schoolchildren (aged 10–17 years) from 176 schools, with an 83% response rate from children.

Results

Food poverty was found to be similarly distributed among the three social classes (15.3% in the lower social classes, 15.9% in the middle social classes and 14.8% in the higher social classes). It was also found that schoolchildren reporting food poverty are less likely to eat fruits, vegetables and brown bread, odds ratio (OR) from 0.66 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45–0.87) to 0.81 (95% CI 0.63–0.99); more likely to eat crisps, fried potatoes and hamburgers, OR from 1.20 (95% CI 1.00–1.40) to 1.62 (95% CI 1.39–1.85); and more likely to miss breakfast on weekdays, OR from 1.29 (95% CI 0.33–1.59) to 1.72 (95% CI 1.50–1.95). The risk of somatic and mental symptoms is also increased, OR from 1.48 (95% CI 1.18–1.78) to 2.57 (95% CI 2.33–2.81); as are negative health perceptions, OR from 0.63 (95% CI 0.43–0.83) to 0.52 (95% CI 0.28–0.76) and measures of life dissatisfaction, OR from 1.88 (95% CI 1.64–2.12) to 2.25 (95% CI 2.05–2.45). Similar results were found for life dissatisfaction in an international comparison of 32 countries. All analyses were adjusted for age and social class.

Conclusions

Food poverty in schoolchildren is not restricted to those from lower social class families, is associated with a substantial risk to physical and mental health and well-being, and requires the increased attention of policy makers and practitioners.
Breakfast habits affect overall nutrient profiles in adolescents
Authors: Matthys C , De Henauw S , Bellemans M , De Maeyer M , De Backer G
Published: March 2007

Objective

To describe breakfast consumption patterns, on a nutrient and food item level, in Belgian adolescents.

Design

A 7-day estimated food record was administered in a cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Secondary schools in Ghent, Belgium.

Subjects

A total of 341 adolescents (13–18 years old), multistage clustered sampling.

Results

The energy contribution of breakfast to daily energy intake was on average 15.7% in boys and 14.9% in girls. Significantly more overweight girls and significantly more girls following vocational training were categorised as eating a low-quality breakfast. In boys, the energy contribution of polysaccharides was significantly higher in consumers of good-quality breakfasts. The intake of all selected micronutrients was significantly higher in consumers of good-quality breakfasts. In girls, the total energy intake and the proportional intake of proteins and polysaccharides were significantly higher in consumers of good-quality breakfasts, while the proportional contribution of total fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids was significantly lower in these girls. The intake of all micronutrients was significantly higher in girls consuming a good-quality breakfast. In all adolescents, consumers of a good-quality breakfast had significantly higher intakes of bread, fruit, vegetables, milk and milk products, and fruit juice, while intake of soft drinks was significantly lower than in consumers of low-quality breakfasts.

Conclusions

Consumers of a good-quality breakfast had a better overall dietary pattern – on a nutrient and food group level – than consumers of a low-quality breakfast. A daily breakfast, including whole-grain products, fruit and (semi-) skimmed milk products or an alternative source of calcium, is recommended.
Changes in consumption of sugars by English adolescents over 20 years
Authors: Rugg-Gunn AJ , Fletcher ES , Matthews JNS , Hackett AF , Moynihan PJ , Kelly SAM , Adams J , Mathers JC , Adamson AJ
Published: March 2007

Objective

Dietary surveys of 11- to 12-year-old Northumbrian children in 1980 and 1990 revealed that consumption of non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES) was 16–17% of energy intake. This study reports dietary sugars consumption in 2000 and compares it with data collected in 1980 and 1990, using identical methods.

Design

A repeat cross-sectional dietary survey of children aged 11–12 years attending the same schools as in the 1980 and 1990 surveys.

Setting

Seven middle schools in south Northumberland.

Subjects

All children aged 11–12 years old attending the seven schools.

Method

Food consumption was recorded using two 3-day diet diaries. Food composition tables were used to calculate energy and nutrient intakes. NMES, and milk and intrinsic sugars were calculated using previously described methods.

Results

The numbers of children completing the surveys in 1980, 1990 and 2000 were 405, 379 and 424, respectively; ~60–70% of eligible children. Total sugars provided 22% of energy consistently over the three surveys. NMES consumption in 2000 provided 16% of energy compared with 16% in 1980 and 17% in 1990. Sources of NMES changed over the three surveys. NMES from soft drinks doubled from 15 to 31 g day− 1, and from breakfast cereals increased from 2 to 7 g day− 1over the 20 years. Confectionery and soft drinks provided 61% of NMES. Over 20 years, the proportion of energy from fat decreased by 5% and from starch increased by 4%, creating a welcome tilt in the fat–starch see-saw, without an adverse effect on sugars intake.

Conclusions

Consumption of NMES in 2000 was substantially higher than recommended, and there has been little change over 20 years. Continued and coordinated efforts are required at a national, community and individual level to reduce the intake of NMES.
Is breakfast consumption related to mental distress and academic performance in adolescents?
Authors: Lien Lars
Published: March 2007

Objective

To examine the relationship between mental distress, academic performance and regular breakfast consumption across gender and immigration status.

Design

Cross-sectional population-based study. Two four-page questionnaires were filled in during two school sessions.

Setting

All junior high schools in Oslo, Norway using the classroom as the setting for the study.

Subjects

All 10th grade students 15–16 years olds in 2000 and 2001. Of 8316 eligible students, 7343 (88.3%) participated in the study.

Results

All immigrant groups, except the Western countries group, are skipping breakfast more often than Norwegian students, and girls more often than boys (27 versus 19%). After adjustment for possible confounding factors, the odds ratio (OR) for being mentally distressed when eating breakfast seldom/never compared with every day was 3.0 (2.0–4.5) for boys, 1.6 (1.2–2.1) for girls and 1.6 (1.5–2.6) for the immigrant group. The comparable OR for having low school grades was similar for boys and girls, 2.0 (1.3–3.0), and 1.6 (1.5–2.6) for the immigrant groups.

Conclusions

Skipping breakfast is a common feature among 10th grade students. The implications of skipping breakfast on mental distress and academic performance are stronger for boys than girls and stronger for Norwegians compared with immigrants.
Testing nutrient profile models using data from a survey of nutrition professionals
Authors: Scarborough Peter , Boxer Anna , Rayner Mike , Stockley Lynn
Published: March 2007

Objective

To compare nutrient profile models with a standard ranking of 120 foods.

Design

Over 700 nutrition professionals were asked to categorise 120 foods into one of six positions on the basis of their healthiness. These categorisations were used to produce a standard ranking of the 120 foods. The standard ranking was compared with the results of applying eight different nutrient profile models to the 120 foods: Models SSCg3d and WXYfm developed for the UK Food Standards Agency, the Nutritious Food Index, the Ratio of Recommended to Restricted nutrients, the Naturally Nutrient Rich score, the Australian Heart Foundation's Tick scheme, the American Heart Association's heart-check mark and the Netherlands tripartite classification model for foods. Rank correlation was assessed for continuous models, and dependence was assessed for categorical models.

Results

The continuous models each showed good correlation with the standard ranking (Spearman's ρ = 0.6–0.8). The categorical models achieved high χ2 results, indicating a high level of dependence between the nutrition professionals' and the models' categorisations (P < 0.001). Models SSCg3d and WXYfm achieved higher scores than the other models, implying a greater agreement with the standard ranking of foods.

Conclusions

The results suggest that Models SSCg3d and WXYfm rank and categorise foods in accordance with the views of nutrition professionals.
Nutrition professionals' perception of the ‘healthiness’ of individual foods
Authors: Scarborough Peter , Rayner Mike , Stockley Lynn , Black Alison
Published: March 2007

Objectives

This paper describes the development of an online questionnaire for testing nutrition professionals' perceptions of the ‘healthiness’ of individual foods and the results of administering that questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to produce a standard ranking of foods that can be used as a tool for testing nutrient profile models.

Design

The questionnaire asked respondents to categorise 40 foods (from a master list of 120) in one of six positions, ranging from less to more healthy. The 120 foods were selected to be representative of the British diet. The questionnaire was sent via email to nutrition professionals from the British Dietetic Association and the (British) Nutrition Society.

Results

Eight hundred and fifty responses were received. These responses were used to rank the 120 foods by the average score which they received from the nutrition professionals. A regression analysis was also carried out to examine the relationship between the scores awarded by the nutrition professionals and various features of the foods: their nutritional content, their average serving size, their frequency of consumption, whether they were drinks or foods, etc. Nearly 50% of the variance in the average scores was explained by the nutritional content of the foods. When other variables were included in the analysis the percentage of variance that was explained increased to 64%.

Conclusions

The average scores of the foods produce a standard ranking, which can be used as a tool for validating and comparing nutrient profile models. The regression analysis provides some information about how nutrition professionals rank the ‘healthiness’ of individual foods.
Associations between deprivation, attitudes towards eating breakfast and breakfast eating behaviours in 9–11-year-olds
Authors: Moore Graham F , Tapper Katy , Murphy Simon , Lynch Rebecca , Raisanen Larry , Pimm Claire , Moore Laurence
Published: March 2007

Objectives

To examine school-level relationships between deprivation and breakfast eating behaviours (breakfast skipping and the healthfulness of foods consumed) in 9–11-year-old schoolchildren and to examine whether attitudes towards eating breakfast mediated these relationships.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

One hundred and eleven primary schools in Wales.

Subjects

Year 5 and 6 pupils within the 111 primary schools. Measures were completed by 4314 children. Analysis was conducted at the group (school) level, with each school representing one group.

Results

Deprivation was positively associated with breakfast skipping and consumption of ‘unhealthy’ items (i.e. sweet snacks, crisps) for breakfast. A significant negative association was found between deprivation and consumption of ‘healthy’ items (i.e. fruit, bread, cereal, milk). Deprivation was significantly inversely associated with attitudes towards eating breakfast. The relationships between deprivation and (1) breakfast skipping and (2) consumption of ‘healthy’ items for breakfast were mediated by attitudes towards eating breakfast. The hypothesis that attitudes mediated the relationship between deprivation and consumption of ‘unhealthy’ breakfast items was unsupported.

Conclusions

Deprivation is associated with adverse breakfast eating behaviours amongst children aged 9–11 years, in terms of breakfast skipping and the quality of breakfasts consumed. Socio-economic differences in attitudes towards eating breakfast are apparent amongst this age group, and appear to relate to social gradients in breakfast eating behaviours. Research is needed to examine the causal nature of these trends and to elucidate factors underlying the development of socio-economic differences in eating-related cognitions.
Comparison of diet measures from a food-frequency questionnaire with measures from repeated 24-hour dietary recalls. The Norwegian Women and Cancer Study
Authors: Hjartåker Anette , Andersen Lene Frost , Lund Eiliv
Published: March 2007

Objective

To compare diet measures from a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with measures from 24-hour dietary recalls (24HDRs).

Design

The participants answered an FFQ after completing four, repeated 24HDRs during a year.

Setting

Norway, nationwide.

Subjects

Of 500 women randomly selected from The Norwegian Women and Cancer Study (the Norwegian arm of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition), 286 agreed to participate and 238 completed the study.

Results

On the group level, the FFQ overestimated absolute intake in seven and underestimated intake in six of 21 food groups. Intakes of energy, fat, added sugar and alcohol were lower in the FFQ than in the 24HDRs, whereas intake of fibre was higher. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ranged from 0.13 (desserts) to 0.82 (coffee) for foods, and from 0.25 (β-carotene) to 0.67 (alcohol) for nutrients. Three per cent of the observations on nutrient intake fell in the opposite quintile when classified according to the FFQ as compared with the 24HDR. The median calibration coefficient, calculated by regression of the 24HDR data on the FFQ data, was 0.57 for foods and 0.38 for nutrients.

Conclusions

The FFQ's ability to rank subjects was good for foods eaten frequently and fairly good for macronutrients in terms of energy percentages. Weaker ranking abilities were seen for foods eaten infrequently and for some micronutrients. The results underline the necessity of performing measurement error corrections.
Review of: A DGGE system for comprehensive mutation screening ofBRCA1andBRCA2: application in a Dutch cancer clinic setting
Authors: Hayes V. M.
Published: March 2007

Citation of original article:

van der Hout AH,et al. A DGGE system for comprehensive mutation screening ofBRCA1andBRCA2: application in a Dutch cancer clinic setting.Human Mutat2006;27(7): 654–666.

Abstract of the original article:

Rapid and reliable identification of deleterious changes in the breast cancer genesBRCA1andBRCA2has become one of the major issues in most DNA services laboratories. To rapidly detect all possible changes within the coding and splice site determining sequences of the breast cancer genes, we established a semiautomated denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) mutation scanning system. All exons of both genes are covered by the DGGE scan, comprising 120 amplicons. We use a semiautomated approach, amplifying all individual amplicons with the same PCR program, after which the amplicons are pooled. DGGE is performed using three slightly different gel conditions. Validation was performed using DNA samples with known sequence variants in 107 of the 120 amplicons; all variants were detected. This DGGE mutation scanning, in combination with a PCR test for two Dutch founder deletions inBRCA1was then applied in 431 families in which 52 deleterious changes and 70 unclassified variants were found. Fifteen unclassified variants were not reported before. The system was easily adopted by five other laboratories, where in another 3593 families both exons 11 were analysed by the protein truncation test (PTT ) and the remaining exons by DGGE. In total, a deleterious change (nonsense, frameshift, splice-site mutation or large deletion) was found in 661 families (16.4%), 462 inBRCA1(11.5%), 197 inBRCA2(4.9%), and in two index cases a deleterious change in bothBRCA1andBRCA2was identified. Eleven deleterious changes inBRCA1and 36 inBRCA2had not been reported before. In conclusion, this DGGE mutation screening method forBRCA1andBRCA2is proven to be highly sensitive and is easy to adopt, which makes screening of large numbers of patients feasible. The results of screening ofBRCA1andBRCA2in more than 4000 families present a valuable overview of mutations in the Dutch population.
Frictional properties of natural fault gouge from a low‐angle normal fault, Panamint Valley, California
Authors: Numelin T. , Marone C. , Kirby E.
Published: March 2007

We investigate the relationship between frictional strength and clay mineralogy of natural fault gouge from a low‐angle normal fault in Panamint Valley, California. Gouge samples were collected from the fault zone at five locations along a north–south transect of the range‐bounding fault system, spanning a variety of bedrock lithologies. Samples were powdered and sheared in the double‐direct shear configuration at room temperature and humidity. The coefficient of friction, μ, was measured at a range of normal stresses from 5 to 150 MPa for all samples. Our results reinforce the intuitive understanding that natural fault gouge zones are inherently heterogeneous. Samples from a single location exhibit dramatic differences in behavior, yet all three were collected within a meter of the fault core. For most of the samples, friction varies from μ = 0.6 to μ = 0.7, consistent with Byerlee's law. However, samples with greater than 50 wt % total clay content were much weaker (μ = 0.2–0.4). Expandable clay content of the samples ranged from 10 to 40 wt %. Frictional weakness did not correlate with expandable clays. Our results indicate that friction decreases with increasing total clay content, rather than with the abundance of expandable clays. The combination of field relations, analytical results, and friction measurements indicates a positive correlation between clay content, fabric intensity, and localization of strain in the fault core. A mechanism based upon foliations enveloping angular elements to reduce friction is suggested for weakening of fault gouge composed of mixed clay and granular material. We provide broad constraints of 1–5 km on the depth of gouge generation and the depth at which fault weakness initiates. We show that slip on the Panamint Valley fault and similar low‐angle normal faults is mechanically feasible in the mid‐upper crust if the strength of the fault is limited by weak, clay‐rich fault gouge.
Confidence region estimation techniques for nonlinear regression in groundwater flow: Three case studies
Authors: Vugrin K. W. , Swiler L. P. , Roberts R. M. , Stucky‐Mack N. J. , Sullivan S. P.
Published: March 2007

This work focuses on different methods to generate confidence regions for nonlinear parameter identification problems. Three methods for confidence region estimation are considered: a linear approximation method, an F test method, and a log likelihood method. Each of these methods are applied to three case studies. One case study is a problem with synthetic data, and the other two case studies identify hydraulic parameters in groundwater flow problems based on experimental well test results. The confidence regions for each case study are analyzed and compared. Although the F test and log likelihood methods result in similar regions, there are differences between these regions and the regions generated by the linear approximation method for nonlinear problems. The differing results, capabilities, and drawbacks of all three methods are discussed.
Euphotic zone depth: Its derivation and implication to ocean‐color remote sensing
Authors: Lee ZhongPing , Weidemann Alan , Kindle John , Arnone Robert , Carder Kendall L. , Davis Curtiss
Published: March 2007

Euphotic zone depth, z1%, reflects the depth where photosynthetic available radiation (PAR) is 1% of its surface value. The value of z1% is a measure of water clarity, which is an important parameter regarding ecosystems. Based on the Case‐1 water assumption, z1% can be estimated empirically from the remotely derived concentration of chlorophyll‐a ([Chl]), commonly retrieved by employing band ratios of remote sensing reflectance (Rrs). Recently, a model based on water's inherent optical properties (IOPs) has been developed to describe the vertical attenuation of visible solar radiation. Since IOPs can be near‐analytically calculated from Rrs, so too can z1%. In this study, for measurements made over three different regions and at different seasons (z1% were in a range of 4.3–82.0 m with [Chl] ranging from 0.07 to 49.4 mg/m3), z1% calculated from Rrs was compared with z1% from in situ measured PAR profiles. It is found that the z1% values calculated via Rrs‐derived IOPs are, on average, within ∼14% of the measured values, and similar results were obtained for depths of 10% and 50% of surface PAR. In comparison, however, the error was ∼33% when z1% is calculated via Rrs‐derived [Chl]. Further, the importance of deriving euphotic zone depth from satellite ocean‐color remote sensing is discussed.
Mercury concentration and speciation in the coastal and open ocean boundary layer
Authors: Laurier Fabien , Mason Robert
Published: March 2007

Atmospheric elemental mercury and reactive gaseous mercury (RGHg) concentrations, as well as ancillary parameters and meteorological data, were collected during a cruise in the North Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and Barbados and at two land‐based sites: the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL), a semirural, coastal site, and a site within the city of Baltimore, Maryland. There were two deployments at CBL, including a 6‐month deployment in 2003/2004. Wet deposition samples were collected and analyzed for mercury where possible. A diurnal change in RGHg concentration was found at both CBL and over the North Atlantic Ocean, with maxima in the afternoon that coincided with maximum UV radiation, demonstrating the importance of in situ formation of RGHg. The maxima in RGHg concentration did not coincide with elevated Hg0 but were often found under conditions of low wind speed, and over the ocean, under low ozone conditions. In contrast, at the urban site there was more evidence of local sources. The data collected at the sites are contrasted and compared and used to examine the factors controlling the formation of RGHg in open ocean and nearshore locales and to estimate the importance of the dry deposition of RGHg to surface waters. Finally, the data collected at CBL in 2002–2004 were compared to earlier data collected in 1997–2000 to examine trends in concentration with time and to contrast these with the open ocean data sets to examine changes in Hg0 at the hemispheric scale.
Seasonal variability of NOx emissions over east China constrained by satellite observations: Implications for combustion and microbial sources
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , McElroy Michael B. , Martin Randall V. , Streets David G. , Zhang Qiang , Fu Tung‐May
Published: March 2007

Observations of tropospheric column densities of NO2 obtained from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) for a 3‐year period (1997, 1998, and 2000) are used to derive average seasonal variations in surface emissions of NOx from east China (100–123°E, 20–42°N). The retrieval allows for zonal variations in the contribution of the stratosphere to the NO2 column and removes a bias of ±10% on the seasonality of retrieved columns introduced by cloud screening. The top‐down inventory is constructed using an inversion approach with a global 3‐D chemical transport model (GEOS‐Chem) and combined subsequently with the a priori inventory to develop an a posteriori inventory. The contribution of background NO2 arising from nonsurface sources (lightning) and long‐range transport of emissions originating outside of east China is accounted for in the inversion. The a posteriori estimate of overall emissions for east China, 4.66 Tg N/yr (±30% uncertainty), is 33% higher than the a priori value and is shown to improve agreement with surface measurements of nitrate wet deposition and concentrations of NOy observed in China. On the basis of multiple constraints on the spatial and seasonal variations of combustion and microbial processes, the a posteriori inventory is partitioned among emissions from biomass burning, fuel combustion, and microbial activity (or soil emissions). Emission of NOx from biomass burning in east China is estimated as 0.08 TgN/yr ± 50% in the a posteriori inventory, increased by about a factor of 2 from the a priori estimate. The resulting a posteriori inventory for fuel combustion (3.72 TgN/yr ± 32%) is about 15% higher than the a priori and exhibits a distinct maximum in winter, in contrast to the weak seasonality indicated in the a priori inventory. The a posteriori value for the microbial source of NOx (0.85 TgN/yr ± 40%) is about a factor of 3 higher than the a priori value, amounting to 23% of combustion sources for east China and significantly higher than a priori value of 7%. The microbial source is unimportant in winter. It peaks in summer, accounting for as much as 43% of the combustion source for that season, and is significant also in spring and fall. This seasonality is attributed to the timing of fertilizer application and to the influence of seasonally variable environmental factors including temperature and precipitation.
Biogenic secondary organic aerosol over the United States: Comparison of climatological simulations with observations
Authors: Liao Hong , Henze Daven K. , Seinfeld John H. , Wu Shiliang , Mickley Loretta J.
Published: March 2007

Understanding the effects of global climate change on regional air quality is central in future air quality planning. We report here on the use of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) general circulation model (GCM) III to drive the GEOS‐CHEM global atmospheric chemical transport model to simulate climatological present‐day aerosol levels over the United States. Evaluation of model predictions using surface measurements from the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) network indicates that the GISS GCM III/GEOS‐CHEM model is a suitable tool for simulating aerosols over the United States in the present climate. The model reproduces fairly well the concentrations of sulfate (mean bias of −0.36 μg m−3, normalized mean bias (NMB) of −25.9%), black carbon (−0.004 μg m−3, −1.9%), organic carbon that comprises primary and secondary components (−0.56 μg m−3, −34.2%), and PM2.5 (−0.87 μg m−3, −20.4%). Nitrate concentrations are overpredicted in the western United States (west of 95°W) with a NMB of +75.6% and underestimated in the eastern United States with a NMB of −54.4%. Special attention is paid to biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA). The highest predicted seasonal mean SOA concentrations of 1–2 μg m−3 and 0.5–1.5 μg m−3 are predicted over the northwestern and southeastern United States, respectively, in the months of June–July–August. Isoprene is predicted to contribute 49.5% of the biogenic SOA burden over the United States, with the rest explained by the oxidation of terpenes. Predicted biogenic SOA concentrations are in reasonable agreement with inferred SOA levels from IMPROVE measurements. On an annual basis, SOA is predicted to contribute 10–20% of PM2.5 mass in the southeastern United States, as high as 38% in the northwest and about 5–15% in other regions, indicating the important role of SOA in understanding air quality and visibility over the United States.
Constraining the age distribution of highly mixed groundwater using 39Ar: A multiple environmental tracer (3H/3He, 85Kr, 39Ar, and 14C) study in the semiconfined Fontainebleau Sands Aquifer (France)
Authors: Corcho Alvarado J. A. , Purtschert R. , Barbecot F. , Chabault C. , Rueedi J. , Schneider V. , Aeschbach‐Hertig W. , Kipfer R. , Loosli H. H.
Published: March 2007

A multitracer (3H/3He, 85Kr, 39Ar, and 14C) approach is used to investigate the age structure of groundwater in the semiconfined Fontainebleau Sands Aquifer that is located in the shallower part of the Paris Basin (France). The hydrogeological situation, which is characterized by spatially extended recharge, large screen intervals, and possible leakage from deeper aquifers, led us to expect a wide range of residence times and pronounced mixing of different water components. Consequently, a large set of tracers with corresponding dating ranges was adopted. Commonly used tracers for young groundwater (3H, 3He, and 85Kr) can identify only those components with ages below 50 years. This approach is reliable if a large fraction of the water recharge occurs within this period. However, if a considerable fraction is older than 50 years, a tracer that covers intermediate age ranges below 1000 years is needed. We examine the use of 39Ar, a noble gas radioisotope with a half‐life of 269 years, to constrain the age distribution of groundwater in this timescale range. Recharge rate, depth of water table, and the age structure of the groundwater are estimated by inverse modeling. The obtained recharge rates of 100–150 mm/yr are comparable to estimations using hydrograph data. Best agreement between the modeled and measured tracer concentrations was achieved for a thickness of the unsaturated soil zone of 30–40 m, coinciding well with the observed thicknesses of the unsaturated zone in the area. Transport times of water and gas from the soil surface to the water table range between 10 and 40 and 1 and 6 years, respectively. Reconstructed concentrations of 85Kr and 3H at the water table were used for saturated flow modeling. The exponential box model was found to reproduce the field data best. Conceptionally, this finding agrees well with the spatially extended recharge and large screened intervals in the project area. Best fits between model and field results were obtained for mean residence times of 1–129 years. The 39Ar measurements as well as the box model approach indicate the presence of older waters (3H and 85Kr free). Using 39Ar to date this old component resulted in residence times of the old water components on the order of about 100–400 years. The 14C measurements provide additional evidence for the correctness of the proposed age structure.
A simple accurate method to predict time of ponding under variable intensity rainfall
Authors: Assouline S. , Selker J. S. , Parlange J.‐Y.
Published: March 2007

The prediction of the time to ponding following commencement of rainfall is fundamental to hydrologic prediction of flood, erosion, and infiltration. Most of the studies to date have focused on prediction of ponding resulting from simple rainfall patterns. This approach was suitable to rainfall reported as average values over intervals of up to a day but does not take advantage of knowledge of the complex patterns of actual rainfall now commonly recorded electronically. A straightforward approach to include the instantaneous rainfall record in the prediction of ponding time and excess rainfall using only the infiltration capacity curve is presented. This method is tested against a numerical solution of the Richards equation on the basis of an actual rainfall record. The predicted time to ponding showed mean error ≤7% for a broad range of soils, with and without surface sealing. In contrast, the standard predictions had average errors of 87%, and worst‐case errors exceeding a factor of 10. In addition to errors intrinsic in the modeling framework itself, errors that arise from averaging actual rainfall records over reporting intervals were evaluated. Averaging actual rainfall records observed in Israel over periods of as little as 5 min significantly reduced predicted runoff (75% for the sealed sandy loam and 46% for the silty clay loam), while hourly averaging gave complete lack of prediction of ponding in some of the cases.
Expression of enzymes involved in thyroid hormone metabolism during the early development of Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Tindall Andrew J. , Morris Ian D. , Pownall Mary E. , Isaacs Harry V.
Published: March 2007

Background information. There are significant indications that amphibians require TH (thyroid hormones) prior to their involvement in the regulation of metamorphosis and before the development of a functional thyroid.

Results. In order to investigate the potential role for TH in pre‐metamorphic Xenopus tropicalis we have cloned cDNAs for, and analysed the expression of, TPO (thyroid peroxidase), 5′DII (type II iodothyronine deiodinase) and 5DIII (type III iodothyronine deiodinase), enzymes involved in TH metabolism. Zygotic expression of TPO was detected in neurula stage embryos. Expression was observed in the notochord and later in the thyroid. The notochord was also a common site of expression for 5′DII and 5DIII. Other sites of 5′DII expression are the otic vesicles, retina, liver, blood‐forming region, branchial arches and brain. 5DIII is also expressed in the brain, retina, liver, developing pro‐nephros, blood‐forming region and branchial arches. Embryos exposed to the TPO inhibitor methimazole showed a distinctive dose‐dependent phenotype of a crimped notochord and shortened axis, together with alterations in 125I− uptake.

Conclusions. These data suggest a novel extrathyroidal role for TH during early development, and support the proposal that embryos require thyroid signalling for normal development prior to metamorphosis.
Disassembly of actin filaments by botulinum C2 toxin and actin‐filament‐disrupting agents induces assembly of microtubules in human leukaemia cell lines
Authors: Uematsu Yosuke , Kogo Yasusi , Ohishi Iwao
Published: March 2007

Background information. C2 toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum types C and D ADP‐ribosylates actin monomers and inactivates their polymerization activities. The disassembly of actin filaments by C2 toxin induces a polarization of cultured human leukaemia cell lines.

Results. The polarization induced by C2 toxin was temperature dependent and was prevented by nocodazole, a microtubule‐disrupting agent, whereas it was promoted by paclitaxel, a microtubule‐stabilizing agent. The fluorescence staining of polarized cells indicated an increase in microtubule assembly accompanying disassembly of actin filaments. Furthermore, several actin‐filament‐disrupting agents, other than C2 toxin, also induced microtubule assembly and cell polarization, irrespective of their different mechanisms of action. The effects induced by some of the agents, which have lower binding affinities for actin, were reversible in response to the re‐assembly of actin filaments.

Conclusions. Thus the disassembly of actin filaments by C2 toxin and actin‐filament‐disrupting agents induces assembly of microtubules followed by polarization of human leukaemia cell lines, indicating that the assembly/disassembly equilibrium of actin filaments influences the dynamics of microtubules, which control cell morphology and, in turn, diverse cellular processes.
The KRAB-associated co-repressor KAP-1 is a coiled-coil binding partner, substrate and activator of the c-Fes protein tyrosine kinase
Authors: Delfino Frank J. , Shaffer Jonathan M. , Smithgall Thomas E.
Published: March 2007

The c-Fes protein tyrosine kinase is implicated in the differentiation of a number of cell types including neuronal, endothelial and myeloid cells. Structurally, Fes consists of a unique N-terminal region, followed by SH2 (Src homology domain 2) and kinase domains. Two coiled-coil (CC) domains (CC1 and CC2) located within the unique N-terminal region are critical regulators of Fes activity in vivo and may function to recruit Fes activators and/or substrates. A yeast two-hybrid screen, utilizing a K-562 cell cDNA library and the Fes CC2 domain as bait, identified an interacting clone encoding the CC domain and B-box motifs (residues 114–357) of the transcriptional co-repressor KRAB-associated protein (KAP)-1. KAP-1114–357 interacted with full-length Fes in yeast, and the KAP-1 CC domain was sufficient to bind the Fes N-terminal region in Sf-9 cells. Co-expression of Fes with full-length KAP-1 in human 293T cells stimulated Fes autophosphorylation and led to KAP-1 tyrosine phosphorylation. Association of endogenous Fes and KAP-1 was also observed in HL-60 myeloid leukaemia cells. Together, these data identify a novel Fes–KAP-1 interaction, and suggest a dual role for KAP-1 as both a Fes activator and downstream effector.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ime2 phosphorylates Sic1 at multiple PXS/T sites but is insufficient to trigger Sic1 degradation
Authors: Sedgwick Chantelle , Rawluk Matthew , Decesare James , Raithatha Sheetal , Wohlschlegel James , Semchuk Paul , Ellison Michael , Yates John , Stuart David
Published: March 2007

The initiation of DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae depends upon the destruction of the Clb–Cdc28 inhibitor Sic1. In proliferating cells Cln–Cdc28 complexes phosphorylate Sic1, which stimulates binding of Sic1 to SCFCdc4 and triggers its proteosome mediated destruction. During sporulation cyclins are not expressed, yet Sic1 is still destroyed at the G1-/S-phase boundary. The Cdk (cyclin dependent kinase) sites are also required for Sic1 destruction during sporulation. Sic1 that is devoid of Cdk phosphorylation sites displays increased stability and decreased phosphorylation in vivo. In addition, we found that Sic1 was modified by ubiquitin in sporulating cells and that SCFCdc4 was required for this modification. The meiosis-specific kinase Ime2 has been proposed to promote Sic1 destruction by phosphorylating Sic1 in sporulating cells. We found that Ime2 phosphorylates Sic1 at multiple sites in vitro. However, only a subset of these sites corresponds to Cdk sites. The identification of multiple sites phosphorylated by Ime2 has allowed us to propose a motif for phosphorylation by Ime2 (PXS/T) where serine or threonine acts as a phospho-acceptor. Although Ime2 phosphorylates Sic1 at multiple sites in vitro, the modified Sic1 fails to bind to SCFCdc4. In addition, the expression of Ime2 in G1 arrested haploid cells does not promote the destruction of Sic1. These data support a model where Ime2 is necessary but not sufficient to promote Sic1 destruction during sporulation.