bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NMR Spectroscopic Investigation of Mobility and Hydrogen Bonding of the Chromophore in the Binding Pocket of Phytochrome Proteins
Authors: Röben Marco , Hahn Janina , Klein Eva , Lamparter Tilman , Psakis Georgios , Hughes Jon , Schmieder Peter
Published: March 2010

For a complete understanding of the light reception of phytochrome proteins, a detailed study of the structure and dynamics of the binding pocket at atomic resolution is required. Structures from X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy are available and have been able to provide a picture of the binding pocket. NMR spectroscopy has, in addition, shown that the chromophore exhibits noticeable dynamics in the binding pocket of the cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1. Herein, NMR spectroscopy is used to investigate further the mobility of the chromophore by analyzing the line widths of the resonances of the chromophore in various environments, in particular other protein environments. It is shown that the chromophore exhibits a different mobility in the binding pocket of the bacterial phytochrome Agp1 than in that of the cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1. Finally, it is shown that NMR spectroscopy is capable of detecting hydrogen bonds in the binding pocket of phytochromes by observing slow exchange of protons in the amino acid side chains.
Protein–Protein Complex Formation Affects the Ni–Fe and Fe–S Centers in the H2‐Sensing Regulatory Hydrogenase from Ralstonia eutropha H16
Authors: Löscher Simone , Gebler Antje , Stein Matthias , Sanganas Oliver , Buhrke Thorsten , Zebger Ingo , Dau Holger , Friedrich Bärbel , Lenz Oliver , Haumann Michael
Published: March 2010

The regulatory Ni–Fe hydrogenase (RH) from the H2‐oxidizing bacterium Ralstonia eutropha functions as an oxygen‐resistant hydrogen sensor, which is composed of the large, active‐site‐containing HoxC subunit and the small subunit HoxB carrying Fe–S clusters. In vivo, the HoxBC subunits form a dimer designated as RHwt. The RHwt protein transmits its signals to the histidine protein kinase HoxJ, which itself forms a homotetramer and a stable complex with RHwt (RHwt–HoxJwt), located in the cytoplasm. In this study, we used X‐ray absorption (XAS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to investigate the impact of various complexes between RH and HoxJ on the structural and electronic properties of the Ni–Fe active site and the Fe–S clusters. Aside from the RHwt protein and the RHwt–HoxJwt complex, we investigated the RHstop protein, which consists of only one HoxB and HoxC unit due to the missing C‐terminus of HoxB, as well as RHwt–HoxJΔkinase, in which the histidine protein kinase lacks the transmitter domain. All constructs reacted with H2, leading to the formation of the EPR‐detectable NiIII‐C state of the active site and to the reduction of Fe–S clusters detectable by XAS, thus corroborating that H2 cleavage is independent of the presence of the HoxJ protein. In RHstop, presumably one Fe–S cluster was lost during the preparation procedure. The coordination of the active site Ni in RHstop differed from that in RHwt and the RHwt–HoxJ complexes, in which additional NiO bonds were detected by XAS. The NiO bonds caused only very minor changes of the EPR g‐values of the Ni‐C and Ni‐L states and of the IR vibrational frequencies of the diatomic CN− and CO ligands at the active‐site Fe ion. Both one Fe–S cluster in HoxB and an oxygen‐rich Ni coordination seem to be stabilized by RH dimerization involving the C‐terminus of HoxB and by complex formation with HoxJ.
CSR and environmental responsibility: motives and pressures to adopt green management practices
Authors: Babiak Kathy , Trendafilova Sylvia
Published: March 2010

This paper examines the diffusion of environmental management initiatives in business and the motives and pressures reported by senior executives to adopt these practices in one industry. We frame these sustainable practices under the umbrella of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and examine the causal drivers of environmental behavior. This study used a mixed‐methods approach and included a survey and 17 in‐depth interviews with professional sports team and league executives. Data revealed both strategic and legitimacy motives to adopt environmental management practices. More specifically, the analysis suggested that strategic motives were the primary reason for adopting an environmental CSR focus. Motives to address institutional pressures were also found, although to a lesser extent. The paper discusses the role and relevance environmentally focused CSR plays in professional sport organizations in North America and presents suggestions for future research in this area. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Microwave‐Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanostructured Zinc‐Copper Gallates
Authors: Conrad Franziska , Zhou Ying , Yulikov Maxim , Hametner Kathrin , Weyeneth Stephen , Jeschke Gunnar , Günther Detlef , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk , Patzke Greta R.
Published: March 2010

Zinc gallate is an important semiconductor for manifold applications, e.g. in field emission displays or as a photocatalyst for water splitting. In addition to these interesting properties, zinc gallate is also an excellent matrix material that can be furthermore tuned through the incorporation of guest cations to form functional solid solutions with new optical and catalytic properties. We present a convenient microwave‐hydrothermal synthesis of nanostructured Cu2+‐substituted ZnGa2O4 spinels and their characterization with respect to morphology, chemical composition, structural, magnetic and optical properties. The microwave‐based approach offers a straightforward and one‐step access to nanostructured zinc gallate‐based materials and related compounds as a new preparative advantage. As the properties of mixed spinel‐based solid solutions strongly depend on the distribution of the guest ions between the different lattice sites, we have employed a wide range of analytical techniques to investigate the physico‐chemical properties of the obtained copper‐containing zinc gallate materials. The element specific EXAFS analysis at the Cu K‐ and Zn K‐edge shows a difference in the coordination environments with Zn mostly situated on the tetrahedral sites of the spinel lattice whereas Cu is located on the octahedral sites of the nanostructured ZnGa2O4:Cu2+ materials.
Lipid, protein and fatty acid profiles of Emericella sp. in different media
Authors: Verma Shikha , De Bijay Krishna
Published: March 2010

The soil‐derived fungus Emericella sp. was explored for its potential to produce lipid. Lipid profile, fatty acid composition, production of proteins and carbohydrates from lipid‐extracted biomass were determined. The effects of variations in the contents of carbon sources (glucose, dextrose), the salt content (NaCl) and the growth period were studied. A study on the effect of different growing media on the above‐mentioned parameters was also carried out. Although the maximum amount of lipid (6.14 ± 0.42 g/L) and protein (5.99 ± 0.47 g/L) was produced after 13 days in medium A containing 10% wt/vol glucose, the optimum lipid (2.90 ± 0.21 g/L) and protein (3.23 ± 0.28 g/L) production was observed in 2% wt/vol glucose medium considering the glucose content in the medium. The principal fatty acids found were 16:0 (14.4 ± 1.0 to 24.5 ± 2.4 wt‐%), 18:0 (12.1 ± 0.4 to 27.7 ± 2.7 wt‐%), 18:1 (13.5 ± 2.1 to 25.2 ± 2.8wt‐%) and 18:2 (30.9 ± 2.0 to 47.0 ± 2.8 wt‐%). Some of the lipids, especially those grown for 7 days in less glucose‐containing (1 and 2% wt/vol) medium were found to contain nearly 9.0 wt‐% of long‐chain PUFA 18:4, 20:4, 20:5, 22:4, and 22:5).
Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Secondary Alcohols Mediated by N‐Methylimidazole in the Presence of Optically Active Acyl Chlorides
Authors: Leclercq Loïc , Suisse Isabelle , Agbossou‐Niedercorn Francine
Published: March 2010

N‐Methylimidazole was used to promote the acylation of secondary racemic alcohols and to carry out their kinetic resolution through intermediate chiral acyl imidazolium chlorides. The kinetic resolution could be turned into a catalytic process in the presence of a catalytic amount of N‐methylimidazole.
3,5‐Bis(benzothiazolyl)‐Substituted BODIPY Dyes
Authors: Poronik Yevgen M. , Yakubovskyi Viktor P. , Shandura Mykola P. , Vlasenko Yuriy G. , Chernega Alexander N. , Kovtun Yuriy P.
Published: March 2010

A number of new BODIPY dyes with benzothiazolyl substituents have been synthesized that exhibit long‐wavelength absorption and act as strong fluorophores. The optical properties of the dyes were studied by using spectroscopic methods and quantum‐chemical calculations. The structural peculiarities of the dyes obtained, in comparison to their analogues, were studied by X‐ray analysis.
Metal‐Free Air Oxidation of Thiols in Recyclable Ionic Liquid: A Simple and Efficient Method for the Synthesis of Disulfides
Authors: Singh Devender , Galetto Fábio Z. , Soares Letiére C. , Rodrigues Oscar E. Dorneles , Braga Antonio Luiz
Published: March 2010

An efficient procedure for the oxidative coupling of alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl thiols with atmospheric oxygen is reported. The methodology utilizes BMIM‐BF4 as a recyclable solvent and does not require support materials or metal salts. Symmetric disulfides are obtained in excellent yields.
Improved ethanol precipitation of DNA
Authors: Fregel Rosa , González Ana , Cabrera Vicente M.
Published: March 2010

In this Short Communication, a shorter version of the standard DNA ethanol precipitacion and purification protocol is described. It uses a mixture of 70% ethanol, 75mM ammonium acetate and different concentrations of different carriers to perform DNA precipitation and washing in only one step.
Production of paramylon, a β‐1,3‐glucan, by heterotrophic cultivation of Euglena gracilis on potato liquor
Authors: Šantek Bozidar , Felski Michael , Friehs Karl , Lotz Martin , Flaschel Erwin
Published: March 2010

Euglena gracilis is shown to be able to grow on potato liquor as the main medium component leading to an interesting biotechnological product represented by paramylon – a β‐1,3‐glucan – and, at the same time, revaluating an otherwise annoying waste stream of the potato‐starch industry. Paramylon mass fractions of about 75% are obtained for biomass concentrations of 15 g/L during simple batch cultivation under heterotrophic conditions. Supplementation of the growth medium with glucose and the vitamins B1 and B12 are shown to improve growth rate as well as paramylon content. E. gracilis grows best at about 27.5°C without requiring pH control.
Selection and optimization of an aqueous two‐phase system for the recovery of 1,3‐propandiol from fermentation broth
Authors: Aydoğan Özlem , Bayraktar Emine , Mehmetoğlu Ülkü , Kaeding Thomas , Zeng An‐Ping
Published: March 2010

In this study a suitable alcohol/salt aqueous two‐phase (ATP) system was selected for the recovery of 1,3‐propandiol (1,3‐PD) from fermentation broth. From the different alcohol/salt systems studied the ethanol and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate ATP system appeared to be favorable. To examine the potential of this ATP system the partition coefficient of 1,3‐PD in synthetic solutions was first optimized with the response surface methodology. The parameters studied were concentrations of ethanol (21.99–38.81% w/w), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (14.99–31.81% w/w) and 1,3‐PD (6.36–73.64 g/L). The optimum conditions were found to be 35.39% w/w for ethanol, 28.40% w/w for dipotassium hydrogen phosphate and 73.6 g/L for 1,3‐PD. Under these conditions the maximum partition coefficient of 1,3‐PD and the extraction yield were determined as 23.14 and 97.82%, respectively. The optimum extraction conditions were then used to guide the recovery of 1,3‐PD from a real fermentation broth. The partition coefficient and extraction yield of 1,3‐PD reached 20.28–97.20% in this case, respectively. A favorable partition of the organic acids lactate, acetate and butyrate in the bottom phase was also achieved. We have also studied the removal of cells and macromolecules from the broth. Removal ratio of cells and proteins were 96.47 and 93.05%, respectively. Thus, the ethanol/dipotassium hydrogen phosphate ATP system appears to be an interesting alternative or can be used as one useful step in the downstream processing of 1,3‐PD from fermentation broth.
Preliminary evaluation of the technical feasibility of using different soils in waste disposal cover system
Authors: Abdel Rahman R.O.
Published: March 2010

Engineered cover system is considered as an essential component required by the long‐term safety concept for radioactive waste disposal, landfills, and contaminated land. In this article, a design procedure that can be used in the prebasic design phase for the investigation of the technical feasibility of candidate capillary barrier materials from hydrological and geomechanical point of view has been proposed. The proposed procedure relays on using well‐developed pedotransfer functions (PTFs) to estimate some important engineering properties. A case study to illustrate the procedure was performed using three different soil samples taken from the radioactive waste disposal site in Egypt. The results of the preliminary characterization of the samples were used as input parameters for the selected PTFs. The results of the particle size distribution (PSD) analysis were used to quantify the uniformity of the PSD and to identify the internal stability of the studied samples. The estimated soil hydraulic properties values were found to be comparable to that of the literature; the critical and breakthrough pressure head were evaluated. The results indicate that the suggested capillary barrier profiles will work successfully in dry conditions, and the finer layer thickness was calculated based on the storage capacity of this layer. The precompression stress was estimated, and it was found that the clay is unstable in terms of soil compaction. The factor of safety was calculated, and it was found that the sandy loam has higher safety factor for all studied slope angles. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011
Sintering Effect on Material Properties of Electrochemical Reactors Used for Removal of Nitrogen Oxides and Soot Particles Emitted from Diesel Engines
Authors: He Z. , Andersen K. B. , Keel L. , Nygaard F. B. , Bonanos N. , Menon M. , Hansen K. K.
Published: March 2010

In the present work, 12‐layered electrochemical reactors (comprising five cells) with a novel configuration including supporting layer lanthanum strontium manganate (LSM)‐yttria stabilised zirconia (YSZ), electrode layer LSM‐gadolinia‐doped cerium oxide (CGO) and electrolyte layer CGO were fabricated via the processes of slurry preparation, tape casting and lamination and sintering. The parameters of porosity, pore size, pore size distribution, shrinkage, flow rate of the sintered reactors and the electrical conductivities of the supporting layer and the electrode in the sintered reactors were characterised. The effect of sintering temperature on microstructures and properties of the sintered samples was discussed, and 1,250 °C was determined as the appropriate sintering temperature for reactor production based on the performance requirements for applications. Using the present ceramic processing route, porous, flat and crack‐free electrochemical reactors were successfully achieved. The produced electrochemical reactors have the potential application in the removal of NOx and soot particles emitted from the diesel engines.
Enhanced neural activity in frontal and cerebellar circuits after cognitive training in children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Hoekzema Elseline , Carmona Susanna , Tremols Virginia , Gispert Joan Domingo , Guitart Marc , Fauquet Jordi , Rovira Mariana , Bielsa Anna , Soliva Juan Carlos , Tomas Xavier , Bulbena Antonio , Ramos‐Quiroga Antoni , Casas Miguel , Tobeña Adolf , Vilarroya Oscar
Published: March 2010

The brain is a plastic entity that can undergo dynamic changes throughout the lifespan as a result of training. Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly treated with psychostimulant medication, and the prevalence of ADHD medication prescription is a topic of heated scientific debate. In addition, cognitive training is frequently provided to patients with ADHD. Although psychostimulant effects have been thoroughly investigated, no previous studies have assessed the neural effects of cognitive training in ADHD. We applied fMRI‐paradigms of response inhibition and selective attention to chart the effects of a 10‐day cognitive training program in 19 unmedicated ADHD children receiving either cognitive or control training. The two resulting longitudinal datasets were analyzed using whole‐brain random‐effects general linear models. Although we observed no increases of activity in the control group, both fMRI‐datasets revealed enhanced activity after cognitive training in neural structures closely related to ADHD pathophysiology. On the inhibition paradigm, our results indicated increases in orbitofrontal, superior frontal, middle temporal, and inferior frontal cortex. The attentional task was characterized by increased activity in the cerebellum, which correlated with improvement on in‐scanner measures of attention. Our findings provide preliminary evidence that cognitive training enhances activity in neural structures typically affected by the disorder. Similar results have been obtained following methylphenidate administration, suggesting that training of cognitive functions may mimic the effects of psychostimulant medication on the brain. These findings postulate a neural account for the potency of cognitive training in ADHD, and hold clinical implications, supporting the inclusion of training programs in standard ADHD‐treatment. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neural correlates of the continuous Wagon Wheel Illusion: A functional MRI study
Authors: Reddy Leila , Rémy Florence , Vayssière Nathalie , VanRullen Rufin
Published: March 2010

After prolonged viewing of a continuous periodic motion stimulus at frequencies around 10 Hz, observers experience a fleeting impression of reversed motion: the continuous Wagon Wheel Illusion (c‐WWI). To account for this phenomenon it has been proposed that attentional mechanisms discretely sample motion information. Alternative accounts argue that the illusion relies on the spurious activation of motion detectors, which under the effect of adaptation could trigger a reversed percept. We investigated the neural correlates of the c‐WWI using fMRI (3T). Subjects viewed a vertically bisected ring containing a radial grating unambiguously rotating at 10 Hz; they continuously reported the perceived motion direction within each half of the ring. The two halves always rotated in opposite directions, allowing us to separately explore illusory reversals occurring within each hemifield. Comparing BOLD activity during illusory (c‐WWI) or real perceptual periods revealed systematic differences in right parietal regions, in addition to the right motion complex MT+. This activation pattern did not depend on the side on which the illusion occurred, and could not be accounted for by purely perceptual switch‐related activity—known to encompass parietal regions during other bistable effects. This first characterization of the fMRI correlates of the c‐WWI may have implications for the different theoretical explanations of the phenomenon. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Independent component analysis (ICA) of generalized spike wave discharges in fMRI: Comparison with general linear model‐based EEG‐fMRI
Authors: Moeller Friederike , LeVan Pierre , Gotman Jean
Published: March 2010

Most EEG‐fMRI studies in epileptic patients are analyzed using the general linear model (GLM), which assumes a known hemodynamic response function (HRF) to epileptic spikes. In contrast, independent component analysis (ICA) can extract blood‐oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) responses without imposing constraints on the HRF. ICA might therefore detect responses that vary in time and shape, and that are not detected in the GLM analysis. In this study, we compared the findings of ICA and GLM analyses in 12 patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Spatial ICA was used to extract independent components from the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. A deconvolution method identified component time courses significantly related to the generalized EEG discharges, without constraining the shape of the HRF. The results from the ICA analysis were compared to those from the GLM analysis. GLM maps and ICA maps showed significant correlation and revealed BOLD responses in the thalamus, caudate nucleus, and default mode areas. In patients with a low rate of discharges per minute, the GLM analysis detected BOLD signal changes within the thalamus and the caudate nucleus that were not revealed by the ICA. In conclusion, ICA is a viable alternative technique to GLM analyses in EEG‐fMRI studies related to generalized discharges. This study demonstrated that the BOLD response largely resembles the standard HRF and that GLM analysis is adequate. However, ICA is more dependent on a sufficient number of events than GLM analysis. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural integrity of callosal midbody influences intermanual transfer in a motor reaction‐time task
Authors: Bonzano Laura , Tacchino Andrea , Roccatagliata Luca , Mancardi Giovanni Luigi , Abbruzzese Giovanni , Bove Marco
Published: March 2010

Training one hand on a motor task results in performance improvements in the other hand, also when stimuli are randomly presented (nonspecific transfer). Corpus callosum (CC) is the main structure involved in interhemispheric information transfer; CC pathology occurs in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and is related to altered performance of tasks requiring interhemispheric transfer of sensorimotor information. To investigate the role of CC in nonspecific transfer during a pure motor reaction‐time task, we combined motor behavior with diffusion tensor imaging analysis in PwMS. Twenty‐two PwMS and 10 controls, all right‐handed, were asked to respond to random stimuli with appropriate finger opposition movements with the right (learning) and then the left (transfer) hand. PwMS were able to improve motor performance reducing response times with practice with a trend similar to controls and preserved the ability to transfer the acquired motor information from the learning to the transfer hand. A higher variability in the transfer process, indicated by a significantly larger standard deviation of mean nonspecific transfer, was found in the PwMS group with respect to the control group, suggesting the presence of subtle impairments in interhemispheric communication in some patients. Then, we correlated the amount of nonspecific transfer with mean fractional anisotropy (FA) values, indicative of microstructural damage, obtained in five CC subregions identified on PwMS's FA maps. A significant correlation was found only in the subregion including posterior midbody (Pearson's r = 0.74, P = 0.003), which thus seems to be essential for the interhemispheric transfer of information related to pure sensorimotor tasks. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Resistance, justice, and commitment to change
Authors: Foster Rex D.
Published: March 2010

This research focused on individual responses to organizational change by exploring the relationships among individual resistance, organizational justice, and commitment to change following organizational change implementations in three organizations. To accomplish this, Web‐based questionnaires were used to gather individual‐level quantitative data from 218 employees within three organizations located in the United States. The previously validated measures used included Oreg's (2003) resistance to change scale, Colquitt's (2001) four‐factor organizational justice scale, and the Herscovitch and Meyer (2002) commitment to change scale. The survey data were analyzed with the use of structural equation modeling to test for relationships among constructs, and results demonstrated that organizational justice was strongly associated with commitment to organizational change, the strongest relationship being between procedural justice and affective commitment to change. In addition, resistance to change was not significantly related to justice or commitment to change. These findings on resistance to change support recent conceptual arguments that conventional views of resistance to change are not useful for informing organizational change implementation efforts.
The effect of soil type, meteorological forcing and slope gradient on the simulation of internal erosion processes at the local scale
Authors: Nord Guillaume , Esteves Michel
Published: March 2010

Numerical simulation experiments of water erosion at the local scale (20 × 5 m) using a process‐based model [Plot Soil Erosion Model_2D (PSEM_2D)] were carried out to test the effects of various environmental factors (soil type, meteorological forcing and slope gradient) on the runoff and erosion response and to determine the dominant processes that control the sediment yield at various slope lengths. The selected environmental factors corresponded to conditions for which the model had been fully tested beforehand. The use of a Green and Ampt model for infiltration explained the dominant role played by rainfall intensity in the runoff response. Sediment yield at the outlet of the simulated area was correlated positively with rainfall intensity and slope gradient, but was less sensitive to soil type. The relationship between sediment yield (soil loss per unit area) and slope length was greatly influenced by all environmental factors, but there was a general tendency towards higher sediment yield when the slope was longer. Contribution of rainfall erosion to gross erosion was dominant for all surfaces with slope lengths ranging from 4 to 20 m. The highest sediment yields corresponded to cases where flow erosion was activated. An increase in slope gradient resulted in flow detachment starting upstream. Sediment exported at the outlet of the simulated area came predominantly from the zone located near the outlet. The microrelief helped in the development of a rill network that controlled both the ratio between rainfall and flow erosion and the relationship between sediment yield and slope length. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of rainfall from infrared‐microwave satellite data for basin‐scale hydrologic modelling
Authors: Kalinga Oscar Anthony , Gan Thian Yew
Published: March 2010

The infrared‐microwave rainfall algorithm (IMRA) was developed for retrieving spatial rainfall from infrared (IR) brightness temperatures (TBs) of satellite sensors to provide supplementary information to the rainfall field, and to decrease the traditional dependency on limited rain gauge data that are point measurements. In IMRA, a SLOPE technique (ST) was developed for discriminating rain/no‐rain pixels through IR image cloud‐top temperature gradient, and 243K as the IR threshold temperature for minimum detectable rainfall rate. IMRA also allows for the adjustment of rainfall derived from IR‐TB using microwave (MW) TBs. In this study, IMRA rainfall estimates were assessed on hourly and daily basis for different spatial scales (4, 12, 20, and 100 km) using NCEP stage IV gauge‐adjusted radar rainfall data, and daily rain gauge data. IMRA was assessed in terms of the accuracy of the rainfall estimates and the basin streamflow simulated by the hydrologic model, Sacramento soil moisture accounting (SAC‐SMA), driven by the rainfall data. The results show that the ST option of IMRA gave accurate satellite rainfall estimates for both light and heavy rainfall systems while the Hessian technique only gave accurate estimates for the convective systems. At daily time step, there was no improvement in IR‐satellite rainfall estimates adjusted with MW TBs. The basin‐scale streamflow simulated by SAC‐SMA driven by satellite rainfall data was marginally better than when SAC‐SMA was driven by rain gauge data, and was similar to the case using radar data, reflecting the potential applications of satellite rainfall in basin‐scale hydrologic modelling. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of precipitation characteristics on soil hydrology in tile‐drained landscapes
Authors: Vidon P. , Cuadra P. E.
Published: March 2010

Understanding the variables regulating tile‐flow response to precipitation in the US Midwest is critical for water quality management. This study (1) investigates the relationship between precipitation characteristics, antecedent water table depth and tile‐flow response at a high temporal resolution during storms; and (2) determines the relative importance of macropore flow versus matrix flow in tile flow in a tile‐drained soya bean field in Indiana. In spring, although variations in antecedent water table depth imparted some variation in tile‐flow response to precipitation, bulk precipitation was the best predictor of mean tile flow, maximum tile flow, time to peak, and run‐off ratio. The contribution of macropore flow to total flow significantly increased with precipitation amount, and macropore flow represented between 11 and 50% of total drain flow, with peak contributions between 15 and 74% of flow. For large storms (>6 cm bulk precipitation), cations data indicated a dilution of groundwater with new water as discharge peaked. Although no clear dilution or concentration patterns for Mg2+ or K+ were observed for smaller tile flow generating events (<3 cm bulk precipitation), macropore flow still contributed between 11 and 17% of the total flow for these moderate size storms. Inter‐drain comparison stressed the need to use triplicate or duplicate tile drain experiments when investigating tile drainage impact on water and N losses at the plot scale. These results significantly increase our understanding of the hydrological functioning of tile‐drained fields in spring, when most N losses to streams occur in the US Midwest. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of soil and water conservation measures on catchment hydrological response—a case in north Ethiopia
Authors: Nyssen Jan , Clymans Wim , Descheemaeker Katrien , Poesen Jean , Vandecasteele Ine , Vanmaercke Matthias , Zenebe Amanuel , Van Camp Marc , Haile Mitiku , Haregeweyn Nigussie , Moeyersons Jan , Martens Kristine , Gebreyohannes Tesfamichael , Deckers Jozef , Walraevens Kristine
Published: March 2010

Impact studies of catchment management in the developing world rarely include detailed hydrological components. Here, changes in the hydrological response of a 200‐ha catchment in north Ethiopia are investigated. The management included various soil and water conservation measures such as the construction of dry masonry stone bunds and check dams, the abandonment of post‐harvest grazing, and the establishment of woody vegetation. Measurements at the catchment outlet indicated a runoff depth of 5 mm or a runoff coefficient (RC) of 1·6% in the rainy season of 2006. Combined with runoff measurements at plot scale, this allowed calculating the runoff curve number (CN) for various land uses and land management techniques. The pre‐implementation runoff depth was then predicted using the CN values and a ponding adjustment factor, representing the abstraction of runoff induced by the 242 check dams in gullies. Using the 2006 rainfall depths, the runoff depth for the 2000 land management situation was predicted to be 26·5 mm (RC = 8%), in line with current RCs of nearby catchments. Monitoring of the ground water level indicated a rise after catchment management. The yearly rise in water table after the onset of the rains (ΔT) relative to the water surplus (WS) over the same period increased between 2002–2003 (ΔT/WS = 3·4) and 2006 (ΔT/WS >11·1). Emerging wells and irrigation are other indicators for improved water supply in the managed catchment. Cropped fields in the gullies indicate that farmers are less frightened for the destructive effects of flash floods. Due to increased soil water content, the crop growing period is prolonged. It can be concluded that this catchment management has resulted in a higher infiltration rate and a reduction of direct runoff volume by 81% which has had a positive influence on the catchment water balance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copula‐based uncertainty modelling: application to multisensor precipitation estimates
Authors: AghaKouchak Amir , Bárdossy András , Habib Emad
Published: March 2010

The multisensor precipitation estimates (MPE) data, available in hourly temporal and 4 km × 4 km spatial resolution, are produced by the National Weather Service and mosaicked as a national product known as Stage IV. The MPE products have a significant advantage over rain gauge measurements due to their ability to capture spatial variability of rainfall. However, the advantages are limited by complications related to the indirect nature of remotely sensed precipitation estimates. Previous studies confirm that efforts are required to determine the accuracy of MPE and their associated uncertainties for future use in hydrological and climate studies. So far, various approaches and extensive research have been undertaken to develop an uncertainty model. In this paper, an ensemble generator is presented for MPE products that can be used to evaluate the uncertainty of rainfall estimates. Two different elliptical copula families, namely, Gaussian and t‐copula are used for simulations. The results indicate that using t‐copula may have significant advantages over the well‐known Gaussian copula particularly with respect to extremes. Overall, the model in which t‐copula was used for simulation successfully generated rainfall ensembles with similar characteristics to those of the ground reference measurements. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil piping and catchment response
Authors: Jones J. A. A.
Published: March 2010

Over the 40 years, since soil piping was first considered to be a potential factor in the hydrological response of catchments, research has revealed a considerable amount about its hydrological role and its geographical, climatic and pedological distribution. Piping has been shown to be a major factor supporting the hypothesis that subsurface flow can be a significant contributor to quickflow by field experiments ranging from the United Kingdom to Canada, India and China. This research has demonstrated that, at least in some areas, soil pipes may contribute up to nearly 50% of stormwater discharge. Piping processes therefore merit inclusion within rainfall–runoff simulation models, but this has yet to be achieved. Some progress has been made in modelling pipeflow itself, but integration within a catchment model presents major problems, not least in quantifying or parameterizing the nature and distribution of pipe networks. The wider environmental implications of soil piping are also only just beginning to be recognized. These range from the effects of changing residence times on water chemistry, especially on the acidification of surface waters, to the effects of hillslope drainage patterns on soil development and vegetation diversity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SWAT application to estimate design runoff curve number for South Korean conditions
Authors: Kim Nam Won , Lee Jin Won , Lee Jeongwoo , Lee Jeong Eun
Published: March 2010

Runoff estimations based on the standard USDA–NRCS curve number (CN) table without calibration have a tendency to give inaccurate results when the CN values are applied in South Korea which has many high slope watersheds and that has a continental monsoon climate. Particularly for the design flood estimation, accurately calibrated CN values are required because the estimated peak flow is very sensitive to the selection of CN. However, the lack of flood data makes it difficult to calibrate and assign runoff CNs to Korean watersheds. Even if sufficient data are available to estimate CN values, it is also difficult to obtain the direct flows by separating base flows from total runoff hydrographs due to the temporal irregularity of rainfall events and the resulting complex pattern of runoff. Therefore, an alternative method for estimating CNs needs to be developed to overcome these issues.

The purpose of this study is to present a method for estimating runoff CNs using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model which can take into account watershed heterogeneities such as climate conditions, land use and soil types. The proposed CN estimation method uses the simulated flow data by SWAT instead of using measured flow data. This method has advantages in estimating CN values spatially for each subbasin division considering watershed characteristics. The use of daily data can reduce the sensitivity to the abnormality that is commonly involved in flow data with a small time scale. The SWAT‐based CN estimation method, combined with the asymptotic CN method, was applied to the Chungju dam watershed in South Korea. A regression equation was then developed from this approach, which was used to estimate CN values that decrease exponentially as rainfall amounts increase and that converge to 60·6 and 79·4 without and with considering subsurface lateral flow, respectively. Furthermore, the CN values for the antecedent moisture conditions were determined using the probabilistic approach. The CN associated with the 50% probability for the Chungju dam watershed is 87·8 which can be taken to be representative of antecedent moisture condition (AMC) II. The CNI and CNIII associated with 90% and 10% probabilities are 78·9 and 94·1, respectively. The estimated CNII = 87·8 differs markedly from the geographic information system (GIS)‐based CN 65·0, which implies that the standard USDA–NRCS CN method should be calibrated to the studied area of interest. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A predictive model for well loss using fuzzy logic approach
Authors: Altunkaynak Abdüsselam
Published: March 2010

Simple methods for calculating well losses are important for well design and optimization of groundwater source operation. Well losses arise from both laminar flow within the aquifer and turbulent flow within the well, and are often ignored in theoretical aquifer test analysis. The Jacob (1947) and Rorabaugh (1953) techniques for predicting well losses are widely used in the literature; however, inherent in these techniques are the assumptions of linearity, normality and homoscedascity. In the Rorabaugh technique, prior knowledge, or prediction of, the parameters A, C and n is required for calculation of well losses. Unfortunately, as of yet, no method for adequately obtaining these parameters without experimental data and linear regression exist. For these reasons, the Rorabaugh methodology has some practical and realistic limitations. In this paper, a fuzzy logic approach is employed in the calculation of well losses. An advantage of the fuzzy logic approach is that it does not make any assumptions about the form of the well loss functionality and does not require initial estimates for the calculation of well losses. Results show that the fuzzy model is a practical alternative to the Rorabaugh technique, producing lower errors (mean absolute error, mean square error and root mean square error) relative to observed data, for the case presented, comparatively to the Rorabaugh model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of uncertainties in meteorological forcing data and land surface parameters on global estimates of terrestrial water balance components
Authors: Nasonova O. N. , Gusev Ye. M. , Kovalev Ye. E.
Published: March 2010

The quality of near‐surface meteorology and land surface parameters strongly influences the simulation of terrestrial water balance components by land surface models. In this article, the sensitivity of global estimates of terrestrial water balance components to uncertainties in meteorological forcing data and land surface parameters is investigated using the SWAP land surface model and different global datasets. The latter were prepared within the framework of the International Satellite Land‐Surface Climatology Project (ISLSCP) Initiative II and the Second Global Soil Wetness Project (GSWP‐2). Sixteen variants of estimations of mean annual water balance components on the global scale were obtained. The discrepancies among the variants were found to be large: global annual run‐off varied by 1·9 times; its surface and sub‐surface components by 2·2 and 1·8 times, respectively; run‐off ratio by 1·5 times and the other hydrological quantities by 1·2–1·3 times. Uncertainties in precipitation datasets translate to uncertainties in run‐off and evapotranspiration depending on the ratio of real evapotranspiration to its potential value E/E0. In the areas with high E/E0, differences in P across precipitation datasets mainly translated to differences in R. In the areas with the lowest values of E/E0, run‐off is nearly insensitive to changes in P, while uncertainty in P mostly translates to uncertainty in E. Uncertainties in E and R due to different radiation datasets are the same in absolute units. Impact of uncertainties in soil parameters on estimations of water balance components can be comparable with the impact of uncertainties in forcing data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a gridded daily hydrometeorological data set for Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Wong C. L. , Venneker R. , Jamil A. B. M. , Uhlenbrook S.
Published: March 2010

The integration of spatially and temporally varying observation data is an important step to formulate and generalize the large‐scale relationships and feedback between the atmosphere and hydrological processes. In this contribution, we present a moderate resolution surface hydrometeorological data set for Peninsular Malaysia. The data set is gridded from daily observation data at a grid size of 0·05° resolution for 1975–2004. The variables include rainfall, temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind speed. An overview of the integration and processing of the variety of data sources and the methodology used in the development of the data set is given. Furthermore, an evaluation of the data set is presented in terms of the general characteristics of the individual variables. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laboratory study of the influence of salinity on the relationship between electrical conductivity and wetness of snow
Authors: Granlund Nils , Lundberg Angela , Gustafsson David
Published: March 2010

Snow water equivalent of a snowpack can be estimated using ground‐penetrating radar from the radar wave two‐way travel time. However, such estimates often have low accuracy when the snowpack contains liquid water. If snow wetness is known, it is possible to take it into account in the estimates; it is therefore desirable to be able to determine snow wetness from already available radar data. Our approach is based on using radar wave attenuation, and it requires that the relationship between electrical conductivity and wetness of snow should be known. This relationship has been tentatively established in previous laboratory experiments, but only for a specific liquid water salinity and radar frequency. This article presents the results of new laboratory experiments conducted to investigate if and how this relationship is influenced by salinity. In each experiment, a certain amount of snow was melted and a known amount of salt (different for different experiments) was added to the water. Water salinity was measured, and the water was added step‐wise to a one‐meter thick snowpack, with radar measurements taken between additions of water. Our experiments have confirmed the earlier established linear relationship between electrical conductivity and wetness of snow, and they allow us to suggest that the influence of liquid water salinity on electrical conductivity is negligible when compared to the influence of liquid water content in snow. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CADM1/TSLC1 inactivation by promoter hypermethylation is a frequent event in colorectal carcinogenesis and correlates with late stages of the disease
Authors: Chen Kequan , Wang Guanghai , Peng Liang , Liu Side , Fu Xiangsheng , Zhou Yu , Yu Haisheng , Li Aiming , Li Jing , Zhang Shaoheng , Bai Yang , Zhang Yali
Published: March 2010

Cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1/TSLC1), a putative tumor suppressor involving in cell adhesion, proliferation and apoptosis, is frequently inactivated in several carcinomas due to promoter hypermethylation. But alterations of CADM1/TSLC1 in colorectal carcinogenesis and clinical significance have not been elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to determine the role of functional inactivation of CADM1/TSLC1 gene in colorectal tumorigenesis and its potential as a novel epigenetic marker for clinical assessment of patients with colorectal cancer. We measured CADM1/TSLC1 expression levels in 8 colorectal cancer cell lines, 54 primary colorectal carcinomas and their corresponding non‐cancerous tissues by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. We analyzed CADM1/TSLC1 promoter methylation status by bisulfite genomic sequencing and the methylation special polymerase chain reaction, and evaluated its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics. All statistical tests were 2‐sides. Downregulation of CADM1/TSLC1 expression was observed in 7 of 8 (88%) colorectal cancer cell lines and in 39 of 54 (72%) primary colorectal carcinomas. Hypermethylation of CADM1/TSLC1 promoter region occurred in 6 of 8 (75%) colorectal cancer cell lines and 32 of 54 (59%) primary colorectal carcinomas, and was correlated with advanced colorectal carcinoma. Epigenetic inactivation of CADM1/TSLC1 gene is a frequent alteration in development of colorectal cancer and can be a potential biomarker for molecular staging of patients with colorectal cancer.
Secreted frizzled‐related protein‐5 is epigenetically downregulated and functions as a tumor suppressor in kidney cancer
Authors: Kawakami Kazumori , Yamamura Soichiro , Hirata Hiroshi , Ueno Koji , Saini Sharanjot , Majid Shahana , Tanaka Yuichiro , Kawamoto Ken , Enokida Hideki , Nakagawa Masayuki , Dahiya Rajvir
Published: March 2010

Secreted frizzled‐related protein‐5 (sFRP‐5) has been identified as 1 of the secreted antagonists that bind Wnt protein. However, the functional significance of sFRP‐5 in renal cell cancer (RCC) has not been reported. We hypothesized that sFRP‐5 may be epigenetically downregulated through DNA methylation and histone modification and function as a tumor suppressor gene in RCC. Using tissue microarray and real‐time RT‐PCR, we found that sFRP‐5 was significantly downregulated in kidney cancer tissues and cell lines, respectively. DNA bisulfite sequencing of the sFRP‐5 promoter region in RCC cell lines showed it to be densely methylated, whereas there was few promoter methylation in normal kidney. The sFRP‐5 expression was restored and the acetylation of H3 and H4 histones associated with the sFRP‐5 promoter region were significantly increased after treatment with demethylation agent (5‐Aza‐dc) and histone deacetylase inhibitor (TSA). When RCC cells were transfected with the sFRP‐5 gene, significant inhibition of anchorage independent colony formation and cell invasion were observed compared to controls. The sFRP‐5 transfection also significantly induced apoptosis in RCC cells. In conclusion, this is the first report documenting that the sFRP‐5 is downregulated by promoter methylation and histone acetylation and functions as a tumor suppressor gene by inducing apoptosis in RCC cells.
Assessment with open eyes: Pitfalls in studying student outcomes
Authors: Terenzini Patrick T.
Published: March 2010

This chapter is reprinted from the Journal of Higher Education, 1989, by permission of Ohio State University Press.
Basic skills assessment
Authors: Yin Alexander C. , Volkwein J. Fredericks
Published: March 2010

This chapter identifies key elements of basic skills assessment, including the advantages and disadvantages of different assessment instruments.