bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unadulterated Glucose Biosensor Based on Direct Electron Transfer of Glucose Oxidase Encapsulated Chitosan Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Zhao Changzhi , Meng Yi , Shao Changli , Wan Li , Jiao Kui
Published: December 2007

Glucose oxidase (GOD) was encapsulated in chitosan matrix and immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode, achieving direct electron transfer (DET) reaction between GOD and electrode without any nano‐material. On basis of such DET, a novel glucose biosensor was fabricated for direct bioelectrochemical sensing without any electron‐mediator. GOD incorporated in chitosan films gave a pair of stable, well‐defined, and quasireversible cyclic voltammetric peaks at about −0.284 (Epa) and −0.338 V (Epc) vs. Ag/AgCl electrode in phosphate buffers. And the peak is located at the potentials characteristic of FAD redox couples of the proteins. The electrochemical parameters, such as midpoint potential (E1/2) and apparent heterogeneous electron‐transfer rate constants (ks) were estimated to −0.311 V and 1.79 s−1 by voltammetry, respectively. Experimental results indicate that the encapsulated GOD retains its catalytic activity for the oxidation of glucose. Such a GOD encapsulated chitosan based biosensor revealed a relatively rapid response time of less than 2 min, and a sufficient linear detection range for glucose concentration, from 0.60 to 2.80 mmol L−1 with a detection limit of 0.10 mmol L−1 and electrode sensitivity of 0.233 μA mmol−1. The relative standard deviation (RSD) is under 3.2% (n=7) for the determination of practical serum samples. The biologic compounds probably existed in the sample, such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine, and epinephrine, do not affect the determination of glucose. The proposed method is satisfactory to the determination of human serum samples compared with the routine hexokinase method. Both the unique electrical property and biocompatibility of chitosan enable the construction of a good bio‐sensing platform for achieved DET of GOD and developed the third‐generation glucose biosensors.
Properties of Poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate)‐Ionic Liquid Composite Film and Its Application in the Determination of Trace Metals Combined with Bismuth Film Electrode
Authors: Jia Jianbo , Cao Linyuan , Wang Zhenhui , Wang Tianxi
Published: December 2007

A new kind of bismuth film modified electrode to sensitively detect trace metal ions based on incorporating highly conductive ionic liquids 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF6) in solid matrices at glassy carbon (GC) was investigated. Poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS), silica, and Nafion were selected as the solid matrices. The electrochemical properties of the mixed films modified GC were evaluated. The electron transfer rate of Fe(CN)64−/Fe(CN)63− can be effectively improved at the PSS‐BMIMPF6 modified GC. The bismuth modified PSS‐BMIMPF6 composite film electrodes (GC/PSS‐BMIMPF6/BiFEs) displayed high mechanical stability and sensitive stripping voltammetric performances for the determination of trace metal cations. The GC/PSS‐BMIMPF6/BiFE exhibited well linear response to both Cd(II) and Pb(II) over a concentration range from 1.0 to 50 μg L−1. And the detection limits were 0.07 μg L−1 for Cd(II) and 0.09 μg L−1 for Pb(II) based on three times the standard deviation of the baseline with a preconcentration time of 120 s, respectively. Finally, the GC/PSS‐BMIMPF6/BiFEs were successfully applied to the determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in real sample, and the results of present method agreed well with those of atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Sulfate Reduction Based Bioprocesses for the Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage and the Recovery of Metals
Authors: Kaksonen A. H. , Puhakka J. A.
Published: December 2007

Biological sulfate reduction is increasingly replacing chemical unit processes in mining biotechnology. Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) can be used for treating ground‐ and surface waters contaminated with acid mine drainage (AMD), and for recovering metals from wastewater and process streams. Biologically produced H2S precipitates metals as metal sulfides, while biogenic bicarbonate alkalinity neutralizes acidic waters. This paper reviews various passive and active SRB‐based alternatives as well as some process design aspects, such as reactor types, process configurations, and choices of substrates for sulfate reduction. The latest developments of using various low‐cost substrates together with new bioprocess designs are increasing the uses and applications of SRB‐based bioreactors in AMD control and selective metal recovery.
Dirichlet based Bayesian multivariate receptor modeling
Authors: Lingwall Jeff W. , Christensen William F. , Reese C. Shane
Published: December 2007

We propose a simple, fully Bayesian approach for multivariate receptor modeling that allows for flexible and consistent incorporation ofa prioriinformation. The model uses a generalization of the Dirichlet distribution as the prior distribution on source profiles that allows great flexibility in the specification of prior information. Heavy‐tailed lognormal distributions are used as priors on source contributions to match the nature of particulate concentrations. A simulation study based on the Washington, DC airshed shows that the model compares favorably to Positive Matrix Factorization, a standard analysis approach used for pollution source apportionment. A significant advantage of the proposed approach compared to most popularly used methods is that the Bayesian framework yields complete distributional results for each parameter of interest (including distributions for each element of the source profile and source contribution matrices). These distributions offer a great deal of power and versatility when addressing complex questions of interest to the researcher. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear and non‐linear scaling of the Yangtze River flow
Authors: Wang Guojie , Su Buda , Kundzewicz Zbigniew W. , Jiang Tong
Published: December 2007

Power law correlation properties of sign and magnitude series have been studied based on the series of observation records of flow of the River Yangtze. The results obtained give improved insight into and understanding of the linear and non‐linear processes of the water cycle. With the newly developed Delayed Vector Variance method and the surrogate test, the documented linkage between the sign series and the linear process, and that between the magnitude series and non‐linear process can be verified. The spectra estimated by detrended fluctuation analysis method show different properties of intra‐annual and inter‐annual correlations in both sign and magnitude series. The linear process behaves as an 1/fnoise at a time scale less than about 60 days, but shows features of anti‐persistence in terms of long‐term fluctuation. The magnitudes are clustered in three ways mainly caused by non‐linear processes, i.e. periodic clustering, strong short‐term clustering of 1/fnoise at time scales less than 20 days, and long‐term clustering with weak persistence. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climate change and fluvial flood risk in the UK: more of the same?
Authors: Wilby R. L. , Beven K. J. , Reynard N. S.
Published: December 2007

The potential impact of climate change on fluvial flooding is receiving considerable scientific and political interest thanks to evidence from climate model projections and a widely held belief that flood risk may be increasing at European levels. This review compares published work on historical trends in UK rainfall and river flow records with high‐resolution regional climate change projections, and attempts to reconcile apparent differences between the two. Attention is focused on the techniques used for climate change detection and attribution, as well as the potential confounding effects of land‐use change. International and domestic efforts to build adaptive capacity rest on improved quantification of uncertainty in flood risk at very local, catchment and regional scales. This will involve further research to better integrate climate and land‐management interactions, to understand changes in the dependence between different flood generating mechanisms, and to improve the characterization and communication of uncertainty at all stages of analysis. Resources are also needed to ensure that latest, but still uncertain, science is presented in an appropriate form to underpin policy development and is translated into sensible guidance for practitioners. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of lipopolysaccharide preconditioning against nitric oxide neurotoxicity
Authors: Huang Chia‐Yen , Yang Hui‐I , Chen Shang‐Der , Shaw Fu‐Zen , Yang Ding‐I
Published: December 2007

We have characterized lipopolysaccharide (LPS) preconditioning‐induced neuroprotective mechanisms against nitric oxide (NO) toxicity. Pretreatment of rat cortical cultures with LPS attenuated neurotoxicity of NO donors, including sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and diethylamine NONOate (NONOate). A transiently increased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) accompanied by an increase in NO production was observed during LPS preconditioning. Application of NOS inhibitors including L‐N(5)‐(1‐iminoethyl)‐ornithine (L‐NIO) and L‐nitroarginine methylester (L‐NAME) abolished LPS‐dependent protection against SNP toxicity. The LPS effect was also blocked by KT5823, an inhibitor of cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG). Consistently, application of 8‐bromo‐cyclic GMP (8‐Br‐cGMP), a slowly degradable cGMP analogue capable of PKG activation, was neuroprotective. LPS preconditioning resulted in a heightened neuronal expression of Bcl‐2 protein that was abolished by L‐NAME and KT5823, the respective inhibitors of NOS and PKG. Together, our results reveal the signaling cascade of “LPS → eNOS → NO → cGMP/PKG → Bcl‐2” that might have contributed to the LPS protective effects in cortical neurons. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Congenital diaphragm weakness without neuromuscular disease
Authors: Renault Francis , Nicot Frederic , Liptaï Zoltan , Benharrats Tayeb , Fauroux Brigitte
Published: December 2007

We report on two children presenting at birth with respiratory failure, bilateral diaphragmatic eventration, and floppiness. Electrodiagnostic studies of the limbs, and biochemical and DNA studies excluded generalized neuromuscular diseases. Phrenic nerve electrodiagnostic studies and electromyography of the diaphragm suggested isolated diaphragm hypoplasia. Diaphragm muscle biopsy showed a paucity of muscle fibers. Isolated hypoplasia of the diaphragm is a rare cause of neonatal respiratory failure, which may have a favorable outcome with long‐term ventilatory support. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Bladder control, urgency, and urge incontinence: Evidence from functional brain imaging
Authors: Griffiths Derek , Tadic Stasa D.
Published: December 2007

Aim

To review brain imaging studies of bladder control in subjects with normal control and urge incontinence; to define a simple model of supraspinal bladder control; and to propose a neural correlate of urgency and possible origins of urge incontinence.

Methods

Review of published reports of brain imaging relevant to urine storage, and secondary analyses of our own recent observations.

Results

In a simple model of normal urine storage, bladder and urethral afferents received in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) are mapped in the insula, forming the basis of sensation; the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) provides monitoring and control; the prefrontal cortex makes voiding decisions. The net result, as the bladder fills, is inhibition of the pontine micturition center (PMC) and of voiding, together with gradual increase in insular response, corresponding to increasing desire to void. In urge‐incontinent subjects, brain responses differ. At large bladder volumes and strong sensation, but without detrusor overactivity (DO), most cortical responses become exaggerated, especially in ACG. This may be both a learned reaction to previous incontinence episodes and the neural correlate of urgency. The neural signature of DO itself seems to be prefrontal deactivation. Possible causes of urge incontinence include dysfunction of prefrontal cortex or limbic system, suggested by weak responses and/or deactivation, as well as abnormal afferent signals or re‐emergence of infantile reflexes.

Conclusions

Bladder control depends on an extensive network of brain regions. Dysfunction in various parts may contribute to urge incontinence, suggesting that there are different phenotypes requiring different treatments. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:466–474, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Post‐Neonatal drop in alveolar SP‐A expression: Biological significance for increased vulnerability to SIDS?
Authors: Stray‐Pedersen Arne , Vege Ashild , Stray‐Pedersen Asbjorg , Holmskov Uffe , Rognum Torleiv Ole
Published: December 2007

Background

Surfactant protein A (SP‐A) is synthesized in the lung and is a part of the innate immune system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of SP‐A in lung tissue from fetuses, infants, children and adults with special regard to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Methods

A total of 160 cases were studied; 19 fetuses and neonates, 59 SIDS and 49 explained infant deaths below 1 year of age, 19 toddlers and 14 adults. Immunohistochemical detection of SP‐A using monoclonal antibodies was performed by microscopy of lung tissue specimens collected at autopsy. A scoring system was developed enabling semi‐quantitative estimation of staining intensity and distribution.

Results

SP‐A was detected in the terminal bronchioles and alveolar spaces of fetuses >35 weeks gestation. The intra‐alveolar SP‐A expression increased in the perinatal period followed by a marked drop in infants aged between 1 week and 5 months. Infants aged >5 months had abundant SP‐A expression corresponding to older children and adults. There was no difference in the age distribution between cases of SIDS and explained deaths.

Conclusions

The apparent drop in SP‐A expression takes place in the first months after birth, corresponding with the classical age peak of SIDS. We therefore hypothesize that low expression of SP‐A may be related in some as‐yet undetermined way to the increased risk of SIDS at that age. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:160–168. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of montelukast on subjective and objective outcome measures in preschool asthmatic children
Authors: Moeller Alexander , Lehmann Andrea , Knauer Nicola , Albisetti Manuela , Rochat Mascha , Johannes Wildhaber
Published: December 2007

It is well accepted that control of airway inflammation is crucial for overall asthma control. Hence, efficient anti‐inflammatory therapy is important for disease control. Therefore, we studied the effect of a treatment with montelukast on subjective and objective measures in preschool asthmatic children with insufficient control of airway inflammation, illustrated by increased fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Thirty‐one preschool children (2.5–5 years) were included in this study. Children with FeNO ≥ 10 ppb at the first visit received montelukast 4 mg as a first line therapy or an add‐on therapy to their baseline treatment (group 1). Therapy was not changed at first visit in children with FeNO < 10 ppb (group 2). Symptom scores, FeNO, lung function (forced oscillation, Rrs8Hz) and airway responsiveness to adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP) were assessed at visits 1 and 2 eight weeks apart. There was a significant decrease in FeNO (median [interquartile range]; 12.9 [3.7] vs. 7.6 [6.85] ppb, P = 0.011), Rrs8Hz (mean ± SD; 10.03 ± 3.1 vs. 8.72 ± 2.43 hPa.s/L; P = 0.047) and symptom scores (2[2] vs. 1.5[2], P = 0.034) and a significant increase in the provocative AMP dose (2.65 ± 2.1 vs. 4.54 ± 1.05; P = 0.015) in group 1 but not in group 2. First line or add‐on treatment of oral montelukast in preschool children with mild to moderate asthma and elevated FeNO, decreased levels of FeNO, improved airway responsiveness to AMP, lung function and symptom scores. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:179–186. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lysophosphatidic acid LPA1receptor close‐up
Authors: Avendaño‐Vázquez S. Eréndira , Cabrera‐Wrooman Alejandro , Colín‐Santana Christian C. , García‐Sáinz J. Adolfo
Published: December 2007

Lysophosphatidic acid is a local hormone / autacoid / growth factor, which induces a plethora of actions in the majority of cells in our organism. These actions include, among many others, the following: cell migration, proliferation and surviving, induction of gene transcription, platelet aggregation, smooth muscle contraction, myelinization, neurotransmitter release, cytoskeletal reorganization during the stress fiber formation, establishment of focal adhesions, neurite retraction, and cell rounding. The actions of lysophosphatidic acid are mediated through a family of G protein coupled receptors that includes five receptor subtypes,i.e. LPA1,–5receptors. These receptors couple to different G proteins, mainly Gi, Gq and G12/13 and their signaling pathways, besides there is evidence that they can transactivate EGF receptors to mediate some of their actions. The LPA1receptor was the first subtype to be cloned for this lysophospholipid. It plays an important role in development, is expressed in many cells and tissues and has been the most extensively studied. The present review presents current knowledge on the structure, function and regulation of this receptor subtype, its possible involvement in pathological conditions and suggests certain areas in which current knowledge is insufficient and further research is required.
M/G/∞ POLLING SYSTEMS WITH RANDOM VISIT TIMES
Authors: Vlasiou M. , Yechiali U.
Published: December 2007

We consider a polling system where a group of an infinite number of servers visits sequentially a set of queues. When visited, each queue is attended for a random time. Arrivals at each queue follow a Poisson process, and the service time of each individual customer is drawn from a general probability distribution function. Thus, each of the queues comprising the system is, in isolation, anM/G/∞-type queue. A job that is not completed during a visit will have a new service-time requirement sampled from the service-time distribution of the corresponding queue. To the best of our knowledge, this article is the first in which anM/G/∞-type polling system is analyzed. For this polling model, we derive the probability generating function and expected value of the queue lengths and the Laplace–Stieltjes transform and expected value of the sojourn time of a customer. Moreover, we identify the policy that maximizes the throughput of the system per cycle and conclude that under the Hamiltonian-tour approach, the optimal visiting order isindependentof the number of customers present at the various queues at the start of the cycle.
e-GIF, e-GMS and IPSV: What's In It For Us?
Authors: Clarke Stella Dextre
Published: December 2007

Stella Dextre Clarke provided an article for our Winter 2003 issue on the government's drive towards interoperability, and the role of a controlled vocabulary in easing access to information. Here is an update, casting light on the relevance of the government's standards, from the viewpoint of our profession.
Conversations with Professor Sir Derek William Bowett: a Contribution to the Squire Law Library Eminent Scholars Archive
Authors: Dingle Lesley
Published: December 2007

This is the second contribution by Lesley Dingle and Daniel Bates to an expanding audio and photographic archive, which focuses on the careers of prominent academics who have a long affiliation with the Faculty of Law at Cambridge University.
Opal burial in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean over the last 30 ka: Implications for glacial‐interglacial changes in the ocean silicon cycle
Authors: Bradtmiller L. I. , Anderson R. F. , Fleisher M. Q. , Burckle L. H.
Published: December 2007

The Silicic Acid Leakage Hypothesis (SALH) suggests that, during glacial periods, excess silicic acid was transported from the Southern Ocean to lower latitudes, which favored diatom production over coccolithophorid production and caused a drawdown of atmospheric CO2. Downcore records of 230Th‐normalized opal fluxes and 231Pa/230Th ratios from seven equatorial Atlantic cores were used to reconstruct diatom productivity over the past 30 ka (where a is years) and to test the SALH. Downcore records of 231Pa/230Th ratios and opal fluxes are highly correlated, suggesting that they constitute a production‐based record of opal flux. Opal flux records support the SALH in that glacial opal burial exceeded Holocene burial by 1.8 Gt opal/ka in the area 0°–40°W and 5°N–5°S. Earlier results from the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean showed the opposite trend, with greater Holocene than glacial opal burial, but approximately the same magnitude of difference between glacial and interglacial opal burial. We suggest four (nonexclusive) scenarios to explain the data from both basins: (1) Increased upwelling in the equatorial Atlantic and El Niño–like conditions suppressing upwelling in the eastern equatorial Pacific altered the overall nutrient supply to both basins; (2) Si leaked from the Southern Ocean because of Fe fertilization, but was prevented from upwelling in the equatorial Pacific because of El Niño–like conditions during the LGM; (3) Si leaked from the Southern Ocean because diatom productivity was limited by increased sea ice extent and was again prevented from upwelling in the equatorial Pacific; or (4) changes in ocean circulation related to the decreased input of Agulhas water to the glacial South Atlantic provided excess dissolved Si to the equatorial Atlantic Ocean. A deglacial opal pulse is seen in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. All four scenarios and the presence of the common deglacial opal pulse suggest a common driver in the Southern Ocean.
A Parcel-Based GIS Method for Evaluating Conformance of Local Land-Use Planning with a State Mandate to Reduce Exposure to Hurricane Flooding
Authors: Chapin Timothy S , Deyle Robert E , Baker Earl J
Published: December 2007

This article illustrates how a parcel-based geographic information system can be used to identify and quantify land-use changes within subareas of individual planning jurisdictions as the basis for evaluating the implementation of local land-use policies. We describe a method for using property-parcel polygons and property-appraiser tax-roll data to analyze the effects of changes in land use on the exposure of people and property to hurricane flooding in coastal communities in Florida. This method allows us to test the conformity of local government growth-management practices to a state mandate which calls for the limiting of development in hurricane hazard zones. We apply this method to analyze hurricane hazard exposure in Okaloosa County, which is a coastal county located in the Panhandle of Florida.
Staged
in vitro
reconstitution and implantation of engineered rat kidney tissue
Authors: Rosines E. , Sampogna R. V. , Johkura K. , Vaughn D. A. , Choi Y. , Sakurai H. , Shah M. M. , Nigam S. K.
Published: December 2007

A major hurdle for current xenogenic-based and other approaches aimed at engineering kidney tissues is reproducing the complex three-dimensional structure of the kidney. Here, a stepwise,
in vitro
method of engineering rat kidney-like tissue capable of being implanted is described. Based on the fact that the stages of kidney development are separable into
in vitro
modules, an approach was devised that sequentially induces an epithelial tubule (the Wolffian duct) to undergo
in vitro
budding, followed by branching of a single isolated bud and its recombination with metanephric mesenchyme. Implantation of the recombined tissue results in apparent early vascularization. Thus, in principle, an unbranched epithelial tubular structure (potentially constructed from cultured cells) can be induced to form kidney tissue such that this
in vitro
engineered tissue is capable of being implanted in host rats and developing glomeruli with evidence of early vascularization. Optimization studies (of growth factor and matrix) indicate multiple suitable combinations and suggest both a most robust and a minimal system. A whole-genome microarray analysis suggested that recombined tissue recapitulated gene expression changes that occur
in vivo
during later stages of kidney development, and a functional assay demonstrated that the recombined tissue was capable of transport characteristic of the differentiating nephron. The approach includes several points where tissue can be propagated. The data also show how functional, 3D kidney tissue can assemble by means of interactions of independent modules separable
in vitro
, potentially facilitating systems-level analyses of kidney development.
Persistence of foot-and-mouth disease virus in cell culture revisited: implications for contingency in evolution
Authors: Herrera Mónica , Grande-Pérez Ana , Perales Celia , Domingo Esteban
Published: December 2007

If we could rewind the tape of evolution and play it again, would it turn out to be similar to or different from what we know? Obviously, this key question can only be addressed by fragmentary experimental approaches. Twenty-two years ago, we described the establishment of BHK-21 cells persistently infected with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), a system that displayed as its major biological feature a coevolution of the cells and the resident virus in the course of persistence. Now we report the establishment of two persistently infected cell lines in parallel, starting with the same clones of FMDV and BHK-21 cells used 22 years ago. We have asked whether the evolution of the two newly established cell lines and of the earlier cell line would be similar or different. The main conclusions of the study are: (i) the basic behaviour characterized by virus–cell coevolution is similar in the three carrier cell lines, despite differences in some genetic alterations of FMDV; (ii) a strikingly parallel behaviour has been observed with the two newly established cell lines passaged in parallel, unveiling a deterministic virus behaviour during persistence; and (iii) selective RT-PCR amplifications have detected imbalances in the proportion of positive- versus negative-strand viral RNA, mediated by both viral and cellular factors. The results confirm coevolution of cells and virus as a major and reproducible feature of FMDV persistence in cell culture, and suggest that rapidly evolving viruses may constitute adequate test systems to probe the influence of historical contingency on evolutionary events.
Pathogenicity of a naturally occurring recombinant DNA satellite associated with tomato yellow leaf curl China virus
Authors: Tao Xiaorong , Zhou Xueping
Published: December 2007

Recombinant DNA β molecules (RecDNA-Aβ) comprising parts of DNA A and DNA β associated with tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV) have been identified in naturally infected tobacco plants. Several examples of the recombinant DNA have been cloned and characterized by sequence analysis. All are approximately half the size of TYLCCNV genomic DNA, and all contain the βC1 gene and the A-rich region from TYLCCNV DNA β as well as intergenic region sequences and the 5′ terminus of the AC1 gene from TYLCCNV DNA A. RecDNA-Aβ was detected by PCR in five of 25 TYLCCNV isolates. Co-inoculation of TYLCCNV DNA A and RecDNA-Aβ induced symptoms indistinguishable from those induced by TYLCCNV DNA A and DNA β in Nicotiana benthamiana, Nicotiana glutinosa, Solanum lycopersicum and Petunia hybrida plants, and Southern blot hybridization results showed that RecDNA-Aβ could replicate stably in N. benthamiana plants.
Protective effect of low-concentration chlorine dioxide gas against influenza A virus infection
Authors: Ogata Norio , Shibata Takashi
Published: December 2007

Influenza virus infection is one of the major causes of human morbidity and mortality. Between humans, this virus spreads mostly via aerosols excreted from the respiratory system. Current means of prevention of influenza virus infection are not entirely satisfactory because of their limited efficacy. Safe and effective preventive measures against pandemic influenza are greatly needed. We demonstrate that infection of mice induced by aerosols of influenza A virus was prevented by chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas at an extremely low concentration (below the long-term permissible exposure level to humans, namely 0.1 p.p.m.). Mice in semi-closed cages were exposed to aerosols of influenza A virus (1 LD50) and ClO2 gas (0.03 p.p.m.) simultaneously for 15 min. Three days after exposure, pulmonary virus titre (TCID50) was 102.6±1.5 in five mice treated with ClO2, whilst it was 106.7±0.2 in five mice that had not been treated (P=0.003). Cumulative mortality after 16 days was 0/10 mice treated with ClO2 and 7/10 mice that had not been treated (P=0.002). In in vitro experiments, ClO2 denatured viral envelope proteins (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) that are indispensable for infectivity of the virus, and abolished infectivity. Taken together, we conclude that ClO2 gas is effective at preventing aerosol-induced influenza virus infection in mice by denaturing viral envelope proteins at a concentration well below the permissible exposure level to humans. ClO2 gas could therefore be useful as a preventive means against influenza in places of human activity without necessitating evacuation.
Fluid Secretion Caused by Aerolysin-Like Hemolysin ofAeromonas sobriain the Intestines Is Due to Stimulation of Production of Prostaglandin E2via Cyclooxygenase 2 by Intestinal Cells
Authors: Fujii Yoshio , Tsurumi Ken , Sato Masaaki , Takahashi Eizo , Okamoto Keinosuke
Published: December 2007

To clarify the mechanisms of diarrheal disease induced byAeromonas sobria, we examined whether prostaglandin E2(PGE2) was involved in the intestinal secretory action ofA. sobriahemolysin by use of a mouse intestinal loop model. The amount of PGE2in jejunal fluid and the fluid accumulation ratio were directly related to the dose of hemolysin. The increase over time in the level of PGE2was similar to that of the accumulated fluid. In addition, hemolysin-induced fluid secretion and PGE2synthesis were inhibited by the selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor NS-398 but not the COX-1 inhibitor SC-560. Western blot analysis revealed that hemolysin increased the COX-2 protein levels but reduced the COX-1 protein levels in mouse intestinal mucosa in vivo. These results suggest that PGE2functions as an important mediator of diarrhea caused by hemolysin and that PGE2is produced primarily through a COX-2-dependent mechanism. Subsequently, we examined the relationship between PGE2, cyclic AMP (cAMP), and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl−channels in mouse intestinal mucosa exposed to hemolysin. Hemolysin increased the levels of cAMP in the intestinal mucosa. NS-398 inhibited the increase in cAMP production, but SC-560 did not. In addition, H-89, a cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, and glibenclamide, a CFTR inhibitor, inhibited fluid accumulation. Taken together, these results indicate that hemolysin activates PGE2production via COX-2 and that PGE2stimulates cAMP production. cAMP then activates PKA, which in turn stimulates CFTR Cl−channels and finally leads to fluid accumulation in the intestines.
Comparison of the Effects ofLeishmania majororLeishmania donovaniInfection on Macrophage Gene Expression
Authors: Gregory David J. , Sladek Robert , Olivier Martin , Matlashewski Greg
Published: December 2007

The intracellular parasiteLeishmaniacauses a wide spectrum of human disease, ranging from self-resolving cutaneous lesions to fatal visceral disease, depending on the species ofLeishmaniainvolved. The mechanisms by which differentLeishmaniaspecies cause different pathologies are largely unknown. We have addressed this question by comparing the gene expression profiles of bone marrow-derived macrophages infected with eitherLeishmania donovaniorL. majorpromastigotes. We found that the two species had very similar effects on macrophage gene expression. Both species caused a small (<2.5-fold) but statistically significant repression of several hundred genes. In addition, both species strongly induced and repressed about 60 genes. Comparing the effects of the two species showed that only 26 genes were regulated differently byL. majoras opposed toL. donovani, including those for metallothioneins 1 and 2, HSP70 and -72, CCL4, Gadd45β, Dsp1, matrix metalloprotease 13, T-cell death-associated gene 51 (Tdag51), RhoB, spermine/spermidine N1-acyl transferase 1 (SSAT), and Cox2.L. donovani-infected macrophages were also found to express higher levels of Cox2 protein and prostaglandin E synthase mRNA thanL. major-infected macrophages. While both species have previously been shown to trigger prostaglandin E synthesis by bystander cells, this study suggests that infected macrophages themselves express prostaglandin E-synthesizing genes only in response toL. donovani.
STALLINGS FOLDINGS AND SUBGROUPS OF AMALGAMS OF FINITE GROUPS
Authors: MARKUS-EPSTEIN L.
Published: December 2007

Stallings showed that every finitely generated subgroup of a free group is canonically represented by a finite minimal immersion of a bouquet of circles. In terms of the theory of automata, this is a minimal finite inverse automaton. This allows for the deep algorithmic theory of finite automata and finite inverse monoids to be used to answer questions about finitely generated subgroups of free groups.

In this paper, we attempt to apply the same methods to other classes of groups. A fundamental new problem is that the Stallings folding algorithm must be modified to allow for "sewing" on relations of non-free groups. We look at the class of groups that are amalgams of finite groups. It is known that these groups are locally quasiconvex and thus, all finitely generated subgroups are represented by finite automata. We present an algorithm to compute such a finite automaton and use it to solve various algorithmic problems.
MULTISCALE ENTROPY ANALYSIS OF EEG FROM PATIENTS UNDER DIFFERENT PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Authors: PARK JEONG-HYEON , KIM SOOYONG , KIM CHEOL-HYUN , CICHOCKI ANDRZEJ , KIM KYUNGSIK
Published: December 2007

Multiscale sample entropy (MSE) of human electroencephalogram (EEG) data from patients under different pathological conditions of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was evaluated to measure the complexity of the signal. Quantifying the complexity level with respect to various temporal scales, MSE analysis provides a dynamical description of AD development. When compared to EEG data from normal subjects, EEG data from subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) showed nearly the same complexity profile, but a scale discrepancy which may occur from a spectral abnormality. EEG data from severe AD patients showed a loss of complexity over the wide range of time scales, indicating a destruction of nonlinear structures in brain dynamics. We compare the MSE method and spectral analysis to propose that nonlinear dynamical approach combining a multiscale method is crucial for revealing AD mechanisms.
Strain partitioning of active transpression within the Lebanese restraining bend of the Dead Sea Fault (Lebanon and SW Syria)
Authors: Gomez F. , Nemer T. , Tabet C. , Khawlie M. , Meghraoui M. , Barazangi M.
Published: December 2007

Recent neotectonic, palaeoseismic and GPS results along the central Dead Sea fault system elucidate the spatial distribution of crustal deformation within a large (
c
.180-km-long) restraining bend along this major continental transform. Within the ‘Lebanese’ restraining bend, the Dead Sea fault system splays into several key branches, and we suggest herein that active deformation is partitioned between NNE–SSW strike-slip faults and WNW–ESE crustal shortening. When plate motion is resolved into strike-slip parallel to the two prominent NNE–SSW strike-slip faults (the Yammouneh and Serghaya faults) and orthogonal motion, their slip rates are sufficient to account for all expected strike-slip motion. Shortening of the Mount Lebanon Range is inferred from the geometry and kinematics of the Roum Fault, as well as preliminary quantification of coastal uplift. The results do not account for all expected crustal shortening, suggesting that some contraction is probably accommodated in the Anti-Lebanon Range. It also seems unlikely that the present kinematic configuration characterizes the entire Cenozoic history of the restraining bend. Present-day strain partitioning contrasts with published observations on finite deformation in Lebanon, demonstrating distributed shear and vertical-axis block rotations. Furthermore, the present-day proportions of strike-slip displacement and crustal shortening are inconsistent with the total strike-slip offset and the lack of a significantly thickened crust. This suggests that the present rate of crustal shortening has not persisted for the longer life of the transform. Hence, we suggest that the Lebanese restraining bend evolved in a polyphase manner, involving an earlier episode of wrench-faulting and block rotation, followed by a later period of strain partitioning.
A review of the engineering behaviour of soils and rocks with respect to groundwater
Authors: Bell F.G. , Cripps J.C. , Culshaw M.G.
Published: December 2007

In this appendix some information on aggregate properties is given. First some properties of currently produced British aggregates, second some more generalized data on aggregate properties worldwide, and third some information on how weathering affects the properties of aggregates. It is strongly emphasized that all the information given in this Appendix must be regarded as providing only a general appreciation of aggregate properties and should not be relied upon for specific test values for particular rocks or sources.

Table A1 gives some test results for 96 aggregates from quarries in Great Britain. The information is not exhaustive but comes solely from fact-sheets issued by the suppliers or from information provided to members of the Working Party by the suppliers. None of the data has been confirmed independently. Where the quarry is not named in the Table this omission is at the request of the supplier. Because aggregate properties are liable to vary, the test results in the Table should not be taken as an indication of present production for particular quarries; instead prospective users should seek up-to-date information from the suppliers. It should be borne in mind that suppliers will not usually work poor quality sources of aggregate, nor provide data on them.

The rock descriptions are those of the suppliers, supplemented in some cases by reference to entries in directories of quarries (BGS 1984 and BACMI 1986). The classification in Table A1 is by the broad rock groups used in the aggregates industry, including many of the suppliers of
The development of land surface evaluation for engineering practice
Authors: Griffiths J. S. , Edwards R. J. G.
Published: December 2007

The First Working Party Report (Anon. 1982) defined ‘
Land surface evaluation
’ for engineering practice as: ‘
The evaluation and interpretation of land surface features and recorded surface data using one or a combination of the ground mapping, interpretation, classification and visual remote sensing techniques outlined in this report
’. The techniques outlined in the report were land classification, remote sensing and geomorphological mapping. The expression ‘land surface evaluation’ was adopted in preference to ‘terrain evaluation’ or ‘terrain classification’ because the varied uses of the terms had created confusion and led to misunderstandings. For this same reason in this Second Working Party Report the expression ‘land surface evaluation’ has been maintained. Developments since the 1982 Report was published require revision to the definition of ‘land surface evaluation’. The definition proposed by the Second Working Party is: ‘
The evaluation and interpretation of land surface and near surface features using techniques that do not involve ground exploration by excavation or geophysics
’. This rather broader definition allows land surface evaluation to be seen in its most common context as the process of data compilation, interpretation and conceptual ground modelling prior to undertaking engineering ground or site investigation work. It therefore specifically includes the integration of all existing ground information (desk study) whether it is surface or subsurface information.

The first objective of a land surface evaluation study is to acquire the most comprehensive conceptual ground model that can be generated in order to maximize the value and justify the cost
Engineering classification for environmental performance
Authors: Charman J. H. , Carey P. J. , Fookes P. G.
Published: December 2007

The condition of natural soils and rocks reflects the impact of a historical sequence of geological processes (Fookes 1997), including plate tectonics, depositional environment, structural and diagenetic change. Climate influences the effect of the atmosphere in producing surface-related weathering and, in particular, the climatic changes of the Quaternary have significantly modified the properties of near-surface soils and rocks. Such modifications continue under present-day environmental conditions.

Man-made or engineering structures are much younger compared to the geological time-scale but they also undergo change as a result of the effect of the natural environment in which they have been placed. The impact of these changes is governed by the materials that have been used in the construction, the way in which they have been incorporated in the design, and the quality of the workmanship. The materials are not always suitable for the environment in which they have been placed. An example is the use of pre-cast concrete with shallow reinforcement cover in a coastal environment where it is subject to seawater attack.

It follows, therefore, that engineering structures may be placed in a wide variety of environments in which chemical and physical attack will vary from harsh to benign. For each environment the factors which may influence the rate of attack can be developed into a rating system which will allow the assessment of the condition of the structure and its constituent materials. This provides a framework for:

development of a monitoring and maintenance programme;
Rapid evaluation of ground conditions for the AVE railway, Spain
Authors: Birch G. P.
Published: December 2007

Objectives

The development of high-speed railways across Europe, spurred on by the commencement of the Channel Tunnel in 1986, saw the development of Spain’s first European gauge high-speed line, the Alta Velocidad Espana (AVE), between Madrid and Sevilla, southern Spain, aided by European Economic Community funding (Fig. 1). The construction timetable required completion by April 1992, in time for inauguration by King Juan Carlos at the opening of Expo’92 in Sevilla.

Whilst the greater part of the 470 km new alignment from Madrid was advancing well, the final 125 km between Cordoba and Sevilla had to be squeezed into a 2½ year design and construct period. This followed a late decision to switch from an upgrade of the existing route to a new alignment along the valley of the River Guadalquivir, one of Spain’s five major rivers (Fig. 2).
Subsidence hazard in Berkshire in areas underlain by chalk karst
Authors: Edmonds C. N.
Published: December 2007

Purpose of survey

During the last ten years a number of ground subsidence events have occurred in the northwest part of Reading. Many of the subsidence events resulted in structural damage to existing properties (see Plates 1 and 2). On the basis of the properties inspected to date it appears that the local housing has been constructed mostly upon conventional strip footings bearing onto naturally occurring soils. The increasing number of recorded subsidence events is of concern to planners, developers and insurers. Consequently the aim of the survey was to identify the nature and extent of subsidence hazard in the local area.

The site

The northwest part of Reading, generally referred to as Caversham, is shown in Figure 1. It largely comprises a south to southeasterly dipping land surface, overlooking the River Thames. North of the Thames the land surface is dissected by a NNW-SSE trending valley feature known as Hemdean Bottom. This divides the westerly Caversham Heights area from the easterly Caversham Park and Emmer Green areas. The Thames lies at just below 40 m AOD and northwards the land rises to above 80 m AOD. The floor of Hemdean Bottom generally lies between 40 m and 50 m AOD.

Geology

The published geological map at 1:10 560 scale (British Geological Survey County Series Berkshire Sheet 29 SE) for this area shows the entire district to be underlain by Cretaceous Upper Chalk, overlain by a Tertiary Reading Beds outlier to the northeast side of Hemdean Bottom.
Low-cost road construction and rehabilitation in unstable mountain areas
Authors: Hearn G. J.
Published: December 2007

Rationale

When designing the construction or rehabilitation of roads in unstable mountain regions subjected to floods, landslides, erosion and earthworks failures, it has become usual practice to employ a selection of the techniques described in Section 2. The need for adequate land surface evaluation in this context is obvious: (i) the information so produced is essential to many if not most design processes; and (ii) proper evaluation of topography, materials and geohazard is central to the performance of the road construction, and its maintenance in the longer term. These concepts are embodied in Fookes
et al.
(1985) and in Overseas Road Note 16 (Transport Research Laboratory 1997) which deals specifically with geohazards and road design in unstable mountain areas.

The selection of the techniques, and the manner in which they are applied, will depend on project area conditions, the availability of the necessary data or documents, and the nature of the engineering scheme being proposed. The techniques are usually applied in a progressive manner, with the need to refine and detail ground conditions more closely as the site selection and design procedure takes place. The conclusion to this process is the usual inevitability that final design will not be established until ground conditions are fully defined during construction.

In the case of road rehabilitation projects, existing cut slope exposures provide a more or less continuous record of soil and rock conditions above the road, while the stability of slopes and the observed distress to the existing road pavement provides a useful overview of stability, and the reaction of slopes and drainage channels to road works in general. These benefits obviously do not accrue in the case of new road construction.

The design case studies for a proposed new road in Nepal and the rehabilitation of an existing road in the Philippines are described below to illustrate the value of land surface evaluation techniques in each case.