bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of soil freezing curve and soil water curve data for Windsor sandy loam
Authors: Black Patrick B. , Tice Allen R.
Published: February 2008

Unfrozen water content as a function of temperature was measured in the laboratory using pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (PNMR) for a Windsor sandy loam soil. The PNMR data were related to previously measured soil moisture retention data through the modified Clausius‐Clapeyron equation, with suitable adjustment for surface tension. The transformed measured unfrozen water content data and the previously measured soil moisture retention data were expressed by a Brooks and Corey type of equation with the required set of regression parameters determined. It was found that a single set of parameters were sufficient to correctly express the behavior of these data when suitable constraints were imposed on the unfrozen water content data. Additional insight into the traditional form of expressing unfrozen water content data is presented in terms of air or ice entry pressure.
A continuous‐time inverse operator for groundwater and contaminant transport modeling: Deterministic case
Authors: Ginn Timothy R. , Cushman John H. , Houck Mark H.
Published: February 2008

The value of time‐dependent data in the calibration of numerical models of groundwater flow has been recently highlighted in the literature. In this paper the background for a new development in the inverse problem is placed, and a new operator for inversion of the spatially discretized diffusion equation is introduced. The motivation for the development of an inverse problem solution procedure which uses information in transient data is illustrated with a focused review of recent literature. Such an approach which implicitly incorporates the continuous‐time dependency of the flow model is then presented. This approach is based upon the new concept of inverting the model after the (for example, finite element) spatial discretization but before the (typically) finite difference temporal discretization of the model, not afterward, as has been done in the past. The Laplace transform is used to replace discretization in time of the system of ordinary differential equations to discretization in the Laplace variable of the algebraic system in Laplace space. The existence of the deterministic solution in the Laplace transform space does not require knowledge of the eigenvalues of the diffusion matrix but only the specification of the Laplace variables near zero. A simple numerical example from the literature is used to generate a set of three simplified test cases, upon which the proposed method is tested. The implications of the theoretical investigation and the results of the numerical experiments are discussed with a view toward prospects of practical implementation.
Laboratory verification of the residual flow procedure for three‐dimensional free surface flow
Authors: Baseghi B. , Desai C. S.
Published: February 2008

The residual flow procedure with the finite element method is presented for three‐dimensional free surface flow. It is verified with respect to observations of transient free surface during rise, steady state, and drawdown conditions in homogeneous and nonhomogeneous glass bead models for dams. Particular attention is given to the determination of material properties: permeability and specific storage. It is found that the numerical procedure can provide highly satisfactory back predictions of the observed flow behavior.
Effects of parameter uncertainty on long‐term simulations of lake alkalinity
Authors: Lee Sijin , Georgakakos Konstantine P. , Schnoor Jerald L.
Published: February 2008

A first‐order second‐moment uncertainty analysis has been applied to two lakes in the Adirondack Park, New York, to assess the long‐term response of lakes to acid deposition. Uncertainty due to parameter error and initial condition error was considered. Because the enhanced trickle‐down (ETD) model is calibrated with only 3 years of field data and is used to simulate a 50‐year period, the uncertainty in the lake alkalinity prediction is relatively large. When a best estimate of parameter uncertainty is used, the annual average alkalinity is predicted to be −11 ±28 μeq/L for Lake Woods and 142 ± 139 μeq/L for Lake Panther after 50 years. Hydrologic parameters and chemical weathering rate constants contributed most to the uncertainty of the simulations. Results indicate that the uncertainty in long‐range predictions of lake alkalinity increased significantly over a 5‐ to 10‐year period and then reached a steady state.
Pricing of water resources with depletable externality: The effects of pollution charges
Authors: Kitabatake Yoshifusa
Published: February 2008

With an abstraction of a real‐world situation, the paper views water resources as a depletable capital asset which yields a stream of services such as water supply and the assimilation of pollution discharge. The concept of the concave or convex water resource depletion function is then introduced and applied to a general two‐sector, three‐factor model. The main theoretical contribution is to prove that when the water resource depletion function is a concave rather than a convex function of pollution, it is more likely that gross regional income will increase with a higher pollution charge policy. The concavity of the function is meant to imply that with an increase in pollution released, the ability of supplying water at a certain minimum quality level diminishes faster and faster. A numerical example is also provided.
The allocative efficiency implications of water pollution abatement cost comparisons
Authors: Shortle James S.
Published: February 2008

Assessments of the efficiency of water pollution control allocations are usually based on abatement cost comparisons. The general rule is that efficiency is improved by reallocating abatement from sources with high marginal costs to low‐cost sources. The welfare‐theoretic foundation of this rule is well established for situations with nonstochastic emissions. In situations with stochastic emissions, pollution control involves improving the distribution of emissions. Nevertheless, efficiency analyses involving stochastic emissions usually sidestep formal consideration of the stochastic element by measuring pollution control and control costs with respect to changes in long‐term average flows. An economic model of stochastic emissions is used to demonstrate that this approach can give misleading results. An alternative procedure is briefly discussed.
Generalized diffusion wave equation with inertial effects
Authors: Ponce V. M.
Published: February 2008

A generalized diffusion wave equation, which includes inertial effects, is derived on the basis of the linear analogs of the complete equations of continuity and motion of free‐surface flow. Specializations of this equation lead to four types of diffusion wave models, depending on whether the inertia terms (local and convective) are excluded from or included in the formulation: (1) full inertial, (2) local inertial, (3) convective inertial, and (4) noninertial. Analysis of these diffusion wave models reveals substantial differences in their behavior, particularly with regard to the Froude number dependence of their hydraulic diffusivities. The full inertial and local inertial models have neutral Froude numbers, while the convective and noninertial models do not. In addition, the neutral Froude number of the full inertial model (wide channel with Chezy friction) simulates that of the complete equations (Fr = 2). For low Froude number flows the noninertial model is shown to be a good approximation to the full inertial model. The noninertial model is a better approximation to the full inertial model than either local or convective models.
Application of the Stefan‐Maxwell Equations to determine limitations of Fick's law when modeling organic vapor transport in sand columns
Authors: Baehr Arthur L. , Bruell Clifford J.
Published: February 2008

The organic component of the vapor phase of a porous medium contaminated by an immiscible organic liquid can be significant enough to violate the condition of a dilute species diffusing in a bulk phase assumed by Fick's law. The Stefan‐Maxwell equations provide a more comprehensive model for quantifying steady state transport for a vapor phase composed of arbitrary proportions of its constituents. The application of both types of models to the analysis of column experiments demonstrates that use of a Fickian‐based transport model can lead to significant overestimates of soil tortuosity constants. Further, the physical displacement of naturally occurring gases (e.g., O2), predicted by the Stefan‐Maxwell model but not by application of Fick's Law, can be attributed improperly to a sink term such as microbial degradation in a Fickian‐based transport model.
The quasilinear approximation for unsaturated porous media flow
Authors: Pullan A. J.
Published: February 2008

This paper gives a review of the quasilinear approximation, an exponential relationship between hydraulic conductivity and moisture potential, and the uses this has been put to since the time of its creation. One of the major attractions of this approximation is that under steady regimes the highly nonlinear Richards equation governing unsaturated flow can be linearized. This simplification has enabled analytic and semianalytic solutions to be found for many unsaturated flow problems. These are reviewed, and the current research areas, in which the quasilinear approximation is being used, are discussed.
A comparative analysis of aluminum biogeochemistry in a northeastern and a southeastern forested watershed
Authors: Cronan Christopher S. , Driscoll Charles T. , Newton Robert M. , Kelly J. Michael , Schofield Carl L. , Bartlett Richmond J. , April Richard
Published: February 2008

This comparative biogeochemical analysis focused on the patterns and processes of aluminum cycling in two small watersheds, one in the west‐central Adirondacks of New York and the other on Cumberland Plateau of eastern Tennessee. Despite shared similarities in soil acidity, soil exchangeable aluminum concentrations, and elevated inputs of acidic deposition, the northern and southern sites exhibited strong differences in aqueous aluminum chemistry and transport. Soil and stream drainage waters in the northern watershed were more acidic, and contained higher concentrations of base cations, sulfate, nitrate, and organic carbon than waters in the southern ecosystem. Mean concentrations of biologically active labile inorganic aluminum, Ali, ranged from 17 to 46 μmol L−1 in soil solutions and stream water in the northern drainage basin, and from 0 to 2 μmol L−1 in the southern system. The major differences in aluminum chemistry and transport between the two watersheds were related to different patterns of alkalinity generation and mobile anion transport in these contrasting systems. In the northern watershed, atmospheric inputs of acidity were partially neutralized through the release of mixed cations (Ca, Al, Mg, K, and Na) from soils and detritus. Because of the high mobility of sulfate and nitrate in the northern watershed, there was significant transport of Al through the soil profile and into stream water. At the southern watershed, soil sulfate adsorption, biological retention of nitrate, and base cation release were the major sources of acid neutralizing capacity for soil drainage waters and surface waters. Because these processes resulted in both the release of alkalinity and the removal of mobile strong acid anions, concentrations of labile Al remained low throughout most of the drainage profile in the southern watershed. At the ecosystem level, results indicated that aluminum cycling at the southern site was controlled more by biotic transfers (e.g., plant uptake and litterfall), while solution transfers (e.g., soil leaching) dominated aluminum cycling at the northern site.
Mathematical modeling of tracer behavior in short‐term experiments in fissured rocks
Authors: Maloszewski Piotr , Zuber Andrzej
Published: February 2008

Transport equations for a single fissure in a porous matrix are coupled with a chemical model allowing for both an instantaneous equilibrium governed by a linear adsorption isotherm and a nonequilibrium kinetic reaction of the first order. The fitting procedure of the obtained solution is improved by additional fitting of the mass recovery curves; i.e., the fitting consists of a trial‐and‐error procedure applied in turn to the concentration tracer curve and the mass recovery curve until a given set of parameters gives the best fit of both theoretical curves to the experimental data. The model is tested against known multitracer experimental data from a fissured chalk formation. It is shown how some physical parameters can be obtained by a combined interpretation of the tracer and pumping data. However, in the case of adsorbable tracers some of the parameters must be known from a nonsorbable tracer experiment. In spite of its approximate nature the model works surprisingly well for nonsorbable tracers and reasonably well for sorbable solutes.
An efficient deterministic‐probabilistic approach to modeling regional groundwater flow: 2. Application to Owens Valley, California
Authors: Guymon Gary L. , Yen Chung‐Cheng
Published: February 2008

The applicability of a deterministic‐probabilistic model for predicting water tables in southern Owens Valley, California, is evaluated. The model is based on a two‐layer deterministic model that is cascaded with a two‐point probability model. To reduce the potentially large number of uncertain variables in the deterministic model, lumping of uncertain variables was evaluated by sensitivity analysis to reduce the total number of uncertain variables to three variables: hydraulic conductivity, storage coefficient or specific yield, and source‐sink function. Results demonstrate that lumping of uncertain parameters reduces computational effort while providing sufficient precision for the case studied. Simulated spatial coefficients of variation for water table temporal position in most of the basin is small, which suggests that deterministic models can predict water tables in these areas with good precision. However, in several important areas where pumping occurs or the geology is complex, the simulated spatial coefficients of variation are over estimated by the two‐point probability method.
Contaminant dissolution and diffusional transport with a stationary precipitation front
Authors: Light W. B. , Chambré P. L. , Pigford T. H. , Lee W. W.‐L.
Published: February 2008

Waste material in a geologic repository will eventually dissolve and migrate away, degrade by chemical reaction or radioactive decay, or become part of the basic rock material. For many waste components these processes will be limited by the dissolution rate of the waste matrix. The precipitation may be due to local geochemical changes such as changes in temperature, pH, or redox potential, caused by nearby geologic features or the waste itself. In this paper we analyze the effect of contaminant precipitation caused by a drop in the solubility at some specified location away from the waste. Transport is by diffusion only; advection is neglected. Analytical solutions are presented for the contaminant concentration in ground water and the mass‐transfer rate as functions of space and time for regions on both sides of the precipitation front. Numerical illustrations are made applicable to nuclear waste in a geologic repository.
Solute transport with multisegment, equilibrium‐controlled reactions: A feed forward simulation method
Authors: Rubin Jacob
Published: February 2008

The feed forward method (FF method) is one of the ways of formulating operational equations which simulate transport of solutes influenced by equilibrium‐controlled reaction networks. The FF method provides increased solution efficiency by adapting its formulations to some of the network's fundamental features. In this study the FF method is further developed by adapting and testing it for a variety of network conditions. Classes of homogeneous, classical heterogeneous, and ion exchange network segments are studied. Networks may contain only a single class of segments or they may involve two or three segment classes. The FF method is found applicable to all the cases tested. In only one of these cases, for the more complex configurations of network segments, the FF method does not attain all of its objectives. A systematic, stepwise approach to method development is employed. It reveals, for certain subnetworks, an a priori inadmissibility, irrespective of the method used, and, for some other networks, an a priori irrelevance to transport dynamics. It also demonstrates that when certain subnetworks, belonging to different segment classes, form a single network, synergism (or antagonism) may occasionally arise and decrease (or increase) the difficulty of solving the transport problem.
A reliability estimation in modeling watershed runoff with uncertainties
Authors: Melching Charles S. , Yen Ben Chie , Wenzel Harry G.
Published: February 2008

The reliability of simulation results produced by watershed runoff models is a function of uncertainties in nature, data, model parameters, and model structure. A framework is presented here for using a reliability analysis method (such as first‐order second‐moment techniques or Monte Carlo simulation) to evaluate the combined effect of the uncertainties on the reliability of output hydrographs from hydrologic models. For a given event the prediction reliability can be expressed in terms of the probability distribution of the estimated hydrologic variable. The peak discharge probability for a watershed in Illinois using the HEC‐1 watershed model is given as an example. The study of the reliability of predictions from watershed models provides useful information on the stochastic nature of output from deterministic models subject to uncertainties and identifies the relative contribution of the various uncertainties to unreliability of model predictions.
Spatial uniformity of power and the altitudinal geometry of river networks
Authors: Kapoor Vivek
Published: February 2008

It is hypothesized that river networks adjust their geometries in the altitudinal space to achieve a state of maximum spatial uniformity of power. A model developed to study the spatial variability of power shows that the notion of uniformity is linked to both minimum variance and maximum information theoretic entropy. Recent descriptions of link heights and streamflows (Gupta and Waymire, 1989, 1990) are applied to formulate the power of a link in a network. The hypothesis relates the scaling exponent of link heights to the scaling exponents of instantaneous flows. It also predicts the superiority of the self‐similar model over alternative models of link heights in channel networks.
A Rationale for Old Water Discharge Through Macropores in a Steep, Humid Catchment
Authors: McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: February 2008

Simultaneous observations of rapid preferential flow through macropores and isotopically “Old” water displacement remain unresolved in the Maimai (M8) catchment. Continuous, three‐dimensional soil moisture energy conditions were monitored in two discrete catchment positions for a series of storm events in 1987. Tensiometric response was related to the soil water characteristic curve, hillslope throughflow, and total catchment runoff. For events yielding ≪2 mm hr−1 peak runoff, near‐stream valley bottom groundwater systems discharged water volumes sufficient to account for storm period streamflow. This process was assisted by regular low (<−40 cm H2O) matric potential conditions and rapid filling of available soil water storage. For events yielding >2 mm hr−1 peak storm flow, hillslope hollow drainage into steeply sloping first‐order channels dominated old water production and most of the catchment storm flow. Highly transient macropore‐driven processes of crack infiltration (bypass flow), slope water table development, and lateral pipe flow enabled large volumes of stored water to be delivered to the first‐order channel bank at the appropriate time to satisfy catchment storm flow volumes and water isotopic and chemical composition.
The Chemistry of Iron, Aluminum, and Dissolved Organic Material in Three Acidic, Metal‐Enriched, Mountain Streams, as Controlled by Watershed and in‐Stream Processes
Authors: McKnight Diane M. , Bencala Kenneth E.
Published: February 2008

Several studies were conducted in three acidic, metal‐enriched, mountain streams, and the results are discussed together in this paper to provide a synthesis of watershed and in‐stream processes controlling Fe, Al, and DOC (dissolved organic carbon) concentrations. One of the streams, the Snake River, is naturally acidic; the other two, Peru Creek and St. Kevin Gulch, receive acid mine drainage. Analysis of stream water chemistry data for the acidic headwaters of the Snake River shows that some trace metal solutes (Al, Mn, Zn) are correlated with major ions, indicating that watershed processes control their concentrations. Once in the stream, biogeochemical processes can control transport if they occur over time scales comparable to those for hydrologic transport. Examples of the following in‐stream reactions are presented: (1) photoreduction and dissolution of hydrous iron oxides in response to an experimental decrease in stream pH, (2) precipitation of Al at three stream confluences, and (3) sorption of dissolved organic material by hydrous iron and aluminum oxides in a stream confluence. The extent of these reactions is evaluated using conservative tracers and a transport model that includes storage in the substream zone.
Rotational diffusion of a nonpolar and a dipolar solute in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and glycerol: Interplay of size effects and specific interactions
Authors: Mali K. S. , Dutt G. B. , Mukherjee T.
Published: February 2008

Temperature dependent rotational diffusion of a nonpolar solute, 9-phenylanthracene (9-PA), and a dipolar solute, rhodamine 110 (R110), has been examined in an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim+][PF6−]) and in a conventional solvent, glycerol. This study has been undertaken to explore how parameters such as solvent size and free volume influence solute rotation in the case of a nonpolar solute, 9-PA. To understand the role of specific solute-solvent interactions, similar measurements have been performed with a dipolar analogue, R110. It has been observed that the viscosity normalized reorientation times of 9-PA are longer by a factor of 1.4–1.6 in glycerol compared to those in [bmim+][PF6−]. While the most commonly used Stokes-Einstein-Debye hydrodynamic theory is not successful in explaining this experimental observation, Gierer-Wirtz and Dote-Kivelson-Schwartz quasihydrodynamic theories could rationalize this trend, albeit in a qualitative manner. Rotational diffusion of R110, on the other hand, follows an exactly opposite trend compared to 9-PA. The normalized reorientation times of R110 are longer by a factor of 1.3–1.4 in [bmim+][PF6−] compared to glycerol, which is due to the formation of stronger solute-solvent hydrogen bonds between the positively charged R110 and the ionic liquid.
Type 1 diabetes promotes disruption of advanced atherosclerotic lesions in LDL receptor-deficient mice
Authors: Johansson Fredrik , Kramer Farah , Barnhart Shelley , Kanter Jenny E. , Vaisar Tomas , Merrill Rachel D. , Geng Linda , Oka Kazuhiro , Chan Lawrence , Chait Alan , Heinecke Jay W. , Bornfeldt Karin E.
Published: February 2008

Cardiovascular disease, largely because of disruption of atherosclerotic lesions, accounts for the majority of deaths in people with type 1 diabetes. Recent mouse models have provided insights into the accelerated atherosclerotic lesion initiation in diabetes, but it is unknown whether diabetes directly worsens more clinically relevant advanced lesions. We therefore used an LDL receptor-deficient mouse model, in which type 1 diabetes can be induced at will, to investigate the effects of diabetes on preexisting lesions. Advanced lesions were induced by feeding mice a high-fat diet for 16 weeks before induction of diabetes. Diabetes, independently of lesion size, increased intraplaque hemorrhage and plaque disruption in the brachiocephalic artery of mice fed low-fat or high-fat diets for an additional 14 weeks. Hyperglycemia was not sufficient to induce plaque disruption. Furthermore, diabetes resulted in increased accumulation of monocytic cells positive for S100A9, a proinflammatory biomarker for cardiovascular events, and for a macrophage marker protein, without increasing lesion macrophage content. S100A9 immunoreactivity correlated with intraplaque hemorrhage. Aggressive lowering primarily of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins prevented both plaque disruption and the increased S100A9 in diabetic atherosclerotic lesions. Conversely, oleate promoted macrophage differentiation into an S100A9-positive population
in vitro
, thereby mimicking the effects of diabetes. Thus, diabetes increases plaque disruption, independently of effects on plaque initiation, through a mechanism that requires triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and is associated with an increased accumulation of S100A9-positive monocytic cells. These findings indicate an important link between diabetes, plaque disruption, and the innate immune system.
Detailed recollection of remote autobiographical memory after damage to the medial temporal lobe
Authors: Kirwan C. Brock , Bayley Peter J. , Galván Veronica V. , Squire Larry R.
Published: February 2008

Previous findings of intact remote autobiographical memory in patients with medial temporal lobe damage have been questioned on the grounds that the narrative recollections were impoverished and fact-like and that the methods were not sufficiently sensitive to detect an impairment. We adopted a newer method, the Autobiographical Interview [Levine B, Svoboda E, Hay JF, Winocur G, Moscovitch M (2002)
Psychol Aging
17:677–689], which uses extensive probing to elicit an average of 50 or more details per memory (in contrast to the ≈20 details per memory elicited with previous methods). We found that autobiographical recollection was impaired in patients with medial temporal lobe damage when memories were drawn from the recent past but fully intact when memories were drawn from the remote past. Impaired remote autobiographical memory, which has sometimes been reported with this and other tests, is likely caused by significant damage outside the medial temporal lobe.
Reductions in active plantarflexor moment are significantly correlated with static stretch duration
Authors: Kay Anthony D. , Blazevich Anthony J.
Published: February 2008

We investigated the effects of static stretch duration on peak isometric plantarflexor moment and passive ankle moment in seven healthy volunteers. After the passive ankle plantarflexor moment was recorded on an isokinetic dynamometer, the peak isometric ankle moment was measured with simultaneous electromyographic monitoring of the medial gastrocnemius. The participants subsequently performed a single 5‐s stretch, a single 15‐s stretch, four 5‐s stretches, four 15‐s stretches or no stretch (control) before being re‐tested. All participants randomly completed each condition with a 24‐h rest between tests. The main finding of the study was a significant correlation between reductions in peak moment and stretch duration (r=0.68; P<0.05), which became significantly different from the control group after four 15‐s stretches (16.7%, s=5.3; P<0.05). There was a similar decrease in passive moment (20.9%, s=1.3; P<0.05) after each stretch condition, but this was not accompanied by a change in hysteresis. The electromyographic activity recorded during maximal plantarflexion did not change significantly after stretching. Our results are the first to show a duration‐dependent effect of stretch on force (moment) production of the plantarflexors. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms responsible, as alterations in the stiffness properties of the muscle–tendon complex or muscle recruitment cannot completely explain the changes.
Evidence of silver eels contamination by microcystin‐LR at the onset of their seaward migration: what consequences for breeding potential?
Authors: Acou A. , Robinet T. , Lance E. , Gerard C. , Mounaix B. , Brient L. , Le Rouzic B. , Feunteun E.
Published: February 2008

Thirty migrating silver eels Anguillaanguilla were collected in a river system where algal blooms occurred yearly. Fifty per cent of eel livers were contaminated by microcystin‐LR (mean ±s.d. toxin level: 28·1 ± 22·4 ng g−1). Contaminated silver (v. healthy) eels had lower fish condition. Consequences of this impact for the breeding potential of these migrating eels are discussed.
Growth rates of juvenile smalltooth sawfish Pristis pectinata Latham in the western Atlantic
Authors: Simpfendorfer C. A. , Poulakis G. R. , O’Donnell P. M. , Wiley T. R.
Published: February 2008

The growth rates of juvenile smalltooth sawfish Pristis pectinata collected in Florida waters between 1999 and 2006 were investigated using length‐frequency and tag‐recapture data. Stretched total length (LST) data from 144 smalltooth sawfish (690–4960 mm) and 28 recaptures (775–2150 mm) were used for the analyses. Both methods indicated that growth was rapid during the first 2 years after birth. The LST increased by 650–850 mm in the first year, and by 480–680 mm in the second year. Data for animals >2200 mm were limited, so growth beyond 2 years of age was uncertain. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated from LST frequency data were L∞= 6000 mm, K= 0·140 year−1 and t0=−0·863 years. Growth rates over the size range for which tag‐recapture data were available were similar to that from LST frequency data. The growth rates reported are substantially faster than those previously assumed for this species and may have important implications for the recovery of this endangered species. There are conflicting data regarding the growth rates of older P. pectinata which need to be resolved with more data from the wild population before a complete understanding of the conservation implications can be obtained.
Case of cheilitis granulomatosa associated with apical periodontitis
Authors: KAWAKAMI Tomoko , FUKAI Kazuyoshi , SOWA Junko , ISHII Masamitsu , TERAMAE Hiroyuki , KANAZAWA Koutetsu
Published: February 2008

The etiology of cheilitis granulomatosa is unknown. In some cases, rapid improvement and/or complete elimination of swelling of the lips after dental treatment has been reported. Here, we describe another case of improvement following dental treatment. A 57‐year‐old woman had developed asymptomatic swelling of the lower lip 2 months previously. Histological examination revealed non‐caseous giant cell granulomas. Neither facial nerve palsy nor fissuring of the tongue was present. Patch testing for metal allergy revealed only mild irritation to zinc ion. Although topical corticosteroid ointment and oral tranilast for 4 months were ineffective, rapid and remarkable improvement of the swelling was noted soon after treatment of two lesions of apical periodontitis. Thorough examination for foci of infection is necessary when treating a patient with cheilitis granulomatosa.
Association of Epstein–Barr virus antibody levels with precancerous gastric lesions in a high‐risk cohort
Authors: Schetter Aaron J. , You Wei‐cheng , Lennette Evelyne T. , Gail Mitchell T. , Rabkin Charles S.
Published: February 2008

We evaluated associations between Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) antibody levels and precancerous gastric lesions (chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia) in 183 subjects from Linqu, China. Immunoglobulin G antibody titers to EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) and viral capsid antigen (VCA) were determined by two‐fold serial dilution using immunofluorescence assays. Histological progression and regression were assessed by gastroscopic examination at the time of phlebotomy and at follow up 2 years later. Antibody titers did not differ significantly among histological diagnoses determined at the time of phlebotomy. However, subjects with dysplasia at follow up had significantly higher geometric mean antibody titers for both anti‐VCA and anti‐EBNA. Subjects with greater than median antibody levels were more likely to progress between examinations, especially in the subgroup with intestinal metaplasia at the time of phlebotomy (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 5.7 [1.6–20] for anti‐EBNA ≥1:320; 3.8 [1.0–15] for anti‐VCA ≥1:640). Our findings suggest a possible role for EBV reactivation at an early phase of gastric carcinogenesis. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 350–354)
Portrait of PTEN: Messages from mutant mice
Authors: Suzuki Akira , Nakano Toru , Mak Tak Wah , Sasaki Takehiko
Published: February 2008

PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene mutated in many human sporadic cancers and in hereditary cancer syndromes such as Cowden disease. The major substrate of PTEN is phosphatidylinositol‐3,4,5‐trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3), a second messenger molecule produced following PI3K activation induced by a variety of stimuli. PI(3,4,5)P3 activates the serine‐threonine kinase Akt, which is involved in antiapoptosis, proliferation and oncogenesis. In mice, heterozygosity for a null mutation of Pten (Pten+/–mice) frequently leads to the development of a variety of cancers and autoimmune disease. Homozygosity for the null mutation (Pten−/– mice) results in early embryonic lethality, precluding the functional analysis of Pten in adult tissues and organs. To investigate the physiological functions of Pten in viable mice, we and other groups have used the Cre‐loxP system to generate various tissue‐specific Pten mutations. The present review will summarize results obtained from the study of conditional mutant mice lacking Pten in specific tissues, and discuss the possible biological and molecular explanations for why Pten deficiency leads to tumorigenesis. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 209–213)
High‐grade mature B‐cell lymphoma with Burkitt‐like morphology: Results of a clinicopathological study of 72 Japanese patients
Authors: Nomura Yuko , Karube Kennosuke , Suzuki Ritsuro , Ying Guo , Takeshita Morishige , Hirose Shinichi , Nakamura Shigeo , Yoshino Tadashi , Kikuchi Masahiro , Ohshima Koichi
Published: February 2008

The aim of the present study was to estimate optimum chemotherapeutic regimens for high‐grade mature B‐cell lymphoma cases with Burkitt‐like morphology (Burkitt's lymphoma [BL]/Burkitt‐like lymphoma [BLL]) patients. We analyzed 72 BL/BLL, including 36 with the c‐myc translocation (molecular BL [mBL]), 20 without it (mBL‐like), and 16 in whom we were uncertain regarding the existence of the c‐myc translocation, and compared them with 182 diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cases. On clinical and immunophenotypic analysis, the typical BL immunophenotype (CD10 positive, bcl‐2 negative, and Ki‐67 index ≥95%) was noted in 23 (66%) and 11 (55%) of the 35 mBL and 20 mBL‐like patients, respectively. The presence of the c‐myc translocation and typical immunophenotype in BL did not affect the overall survival of BL/BLL. There were no significant differences between the overall survival of DLBCL (45%) and BL/BLL (50%, P = 0.85). However, the overall survival of BL/BLL patients who received cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone‐related therapy (22%) was significantly lower than that of DLBCL patients (P = 0.01). In contrast, the overall survival of BL/BLL patients who received aggressive short‐term chemotherapy (75%) was better than that of the patients who received cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone therapy (P < 0.01). The finding was confirmed by multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 4.4; confidence interval 2.0–9.7; P = 0.0003). We concluded that aggressive short‐term chemotherapy improves survival in BL/BLL, regardless of its genetic and immunophenotypic features. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 246–252)
A randomized trial to evaluate a management training program to prevent illegal alcohol sales
Authors: Toomey Traci L. , Erickson Darin J. , Lenk Kathleen M. , Kilian Gunna R. , Perry Cheryl L. , Wagenaar Alexander C.
Published: February 2008

Aims  To evaluate effects of a training program for owners/managers of alcohol establishments—Alcohol Risk Management (ARM)—on: (i) propensity to sell alcohol to obviously intoxicated patrons; and (ii) changing establishment‐level policies/practices.

Design  We assigned alcohol establishments randomly to intervention (full‐ARM) and delayed‐intervention/control (ARM Express) conditions.

Setting  One large metropolitan area in Midwestern United States.

Participants  Owners and managers at 231 on‐premise alcohol establishments (i.e. bars, restaurants).

Intervention  Training programs consisted of one‐to‐one sessions with the owner/manager at each establishment. The goal of training was to help owners/managers to select and implement alcohol control policies in their establishments. The full‐ARM training consisted of four one‐to‐one sessions and the ARM Express was a single session.

Measurements  We measured intervention effects through baseline and follow‐up pseudo‐intoxicated alcohol purchase attempts (i.e. feigning intoxication while attempting to purchase alcohol) and telephone surveys of owners/managers at alcohol establishments.

Findings  Sales rates to pseudo‐intoxicated patrons reduced 23% (relative to delayed‐intervention/control condition) at the first follow‐up purchase attempt (P = 0.06) but returned to baseline levels 3 months later. On average, establishments selected 13 of 18 recommended policies, but in multivariate models we observed no significant differences at follow‐up in reported policies/practices across establishments.

Conclusions  Reliance on manager training to promote responsible establishment alcohol policies is not sufficient to prevent illegal alcohol sales to obviously intoxicated patrons and to reduce alcohol‐related problems.
Increased drinking in a metropolitan city in China: a study of alcohol consumption patterns and changes
Authors: Zhang Jiafang , Casswell Sally , Cai Hongmei
Published: February 2008

Aims To investigate alcohol drinking among urban Chinese and any changes between 2002 and 2005.

Design Two identical face‐to‐face interviews were carried out with two random samples with 2327 and 2613 respondents, respectively.

Setting Respondents were selected randomly from Wuhan City, Hubei province, China, between May and June 2002, and June and August 2005.

Participants Fifteen to 65‐year‐old urban Chinese adults.

Measurements Prevalence of drinking, frequency of drinking, typical occasion quantity, volume of annual consumption and heavier drinking were the main measures.

Findings Nearly three‐quarters (90% for men and 55% for women) were current alcohol drinkers in 2005, and the prevalence of drinking alcohol had increased significantly since 2002 among both men and women; the largest increases occurred in the younger group (18–19 years) and among older women. There was no change in the frequency of drinking, the average quantities consumed by drinkers and the volume of absolute alcohol consumed by drinkers over this 3‐year period. However, reflecting the increased prevalence of drinkers, the median volumes of absolute alcohol consumed in the sample as a whole had increased significantly. Older males were more likely to be categorized as larger‐quantity drinkers: 30–65‐year‐old men accounted for 63%. There was also an increase over time in the proportion of larger‐quantity drinkers: the proportion of male larger‐quantity drinkers increased from 27% in 2002 to 35% in 2005.

Conclusions In the urban setting of Wuhan, over the time‐period 2002–05, there was an increase in prevalence of drinkers, particularly among younger people and older women. The average frequency and quantities consumed by drinkers did not change over this period; among drinking men the volumes of alcohol consumed were comparable to those in much more saturated commercial alcohol markets. The results did, however, show an increase over time in the proportion of older men who were engaged in heavier drinking and, in 2005, the proportion exceeded that in more saturated markets. These data suggest that, given the relatively high levels of consumption among established drinking groups, increases in the prevalence of drinkers over time may result in increases in harm if effective policies are not implemented.
Frequency and spectrum of central nervous system involvement in 193 children with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Horne AnnaCarin , Trottestam Helena , Aricò Maurizio , Egeler R. Maarten , Filipovich Alexandra H. , Gadner Helmut , Imashuku Shinsaku , Ladisch Stephan , Webb David , Janka Gritta , Henter Jan‐Inge ,   for the Histiocyte Society
Published: February 2008

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) may cause meningoencephalitis and significant neurological sequelae. We examined the relationship between neurological symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at diagnosis, and long‐term outcome, in all children enroled in the HLH‐94‐study prior to July 1, 2003, for whom information on CSF at diagnosis was available (n = 193). Patients were divided into four groups: (i) normal CSF (cells/protein) and no neurological symptoms (n = 71); (ii) normal CSF but neurological symptoms (n = 21); (iii) abnormal CSF but no symptoms (n = 50); and (iv) abnormal CSF with neurological symptoms (n = 51). At diagnosis, neurological symptoms were reported in 72/193 (37%) (seizures = 23); abnormal CSF in 101/193 (52%), and either or both in 122/193 (63%). Altogether 16/107 (15%) survivors had neurological sequelae at follow‐up (median 5·3 years). Multivariate hazard ratios (HR) for mortality were 0·98 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0·42–2·31], 1·52 (0·82–2·82) and 2·05 (1·13–3·72) for groups 2–4, compared with group 1. Moreover, sequelae were more frequent in group 4 (7/21, 33%) compared to groups 1–3 (9/86, 10%) (P = 0·015). Patients with abnormal CSF at diagnosis had significantly increased mortality [HR = 1·78 (95% CI = 1·08–2·92), P = 0·023]. Thus, a substantial proportion of HLH survivors suffer neurological sequelae, and children with abnormal CSF have increased risk of mortality and neurological sequelae. Prompt treatment of HLH at onset or relapse may reduce these complications.
Wing morphology and fluctuating asymmetry depend on the host plant in cactophilicDrosophila
Authors: SOTO I. M. , CARREIRA V. P. , SOTO E. M. , HASSON E.
Published: February 2008

As in most insect groups, host plant shifts in cactophilicDrosophilarepresent environmental challenges as flies must adjust their developmental programme to the presence of different chemical compounds and/or to a microflora that may differ in the diversity and abundance of yeasts and bacteria. In this context, wing morphology provides an excellent opportunity to investigate the factors that may induce changes during development. In this work, we investigated phenotypic plasticity and developmental instability of wing morphology in flies on the cactophilicDrosophila buzzatiiandDrosophila koepferaeraised on alternative breeding substrates. We detected significant differences in wing size between and within species, and between flies reared on different cactus hosts. However, differences in wing shape between flies emerged from different cactus hosts were not significant either inD. buzzatiior inD. koepferae. Our results also showed that morphological responses involved the entire organ, as variation in size and shape correlated between different portions of the wing. Finally, we studied the effect of the rearing cactus host on developmental instability as measured by the degree of fluctuating asymmetry (FA). Levels of FA in wing size were significantly greater in flies of both species reared in non‐preferred when compared with those reared in preferred host cacti. Our results are discussed in the framework of an integrative view aimed at investigating the relevance of host plant shifts in the evolution of the guild of cactophilicDrosophilaspecies that diversified in South America.
Reproductive isolation between chromosomal races of the house mouseMus musculus domesticusin a parapatric contact area revealed by an analysis of multiple unlinked loci
Authors: FRANCHINI P. , CASTIGLIA R. , CAPANNA E.
Published: February 2008

The house mouse,Mus musculus domesticus, exhibits a high level of chromosomal polymorphism because of the occurrence and fast fixation of Robertsonian fusions between telocentric chromosomes. For this reason, it has been considered a classical speciation model to analyse the role of the chromosomal changes in reproductive isolation. In this study, we analysed a parapatric contact area between two metacentric races in central Italy, the Cittaducale race (CD: 2n = 22) and the Ancarano race (ACR: 2n = 24), to estimate gene flow at the boundary. Hybrids between these two races show high levels of structural heterozygosity and are expected to be highly infertile. A sample of 88 mice from 14 sites was used. The mice were genotyped by means of eight microsatellite loci mapped in four different autosomal arms. The results show clear genetic differentiation between the CD and ACR races, as revealed by differences in allele frequencies, factorial correspondence analysis and indexes of genetic population (e.g.FSTandRST) along the contact zone. The genetic differentiation between the races was further highlighted by assignation and clustering analyses, in which all the individuals were correctly assigned by their genotypes to the source chromosomal race. This result is particularly interesting in view of the absence of any geographical or ecological barrier in the parapatric contact zone, which occurs within a village. In these conditions, the observed genetic separation suggests an absence of gene flow between the races. The CD–ACR contact area is a rare example of a final stage of speciation between chromosomal races of rodents because of their chromosomal incompatibility.