bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ability of Remnant Riparian Forests, With and Without Grass Filters, to Buffer Concentrated Surface Runoff1
Authors: Knight Kris W. , Schultz Richard C. , Mabry Cathy M. , Isenhart Thomas M.
Published: March 2010

Knight, Kris W., Richard C. Schultz, Cathy M. Mabry, and Thomas M. Isenhart, 2010. Ability of Remnant Riparian Forests, With and Without Grass Filters, to Buffer Concentrated Surface Runoff. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(2):311‐322. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00422.x

Abstract:  Riparian forest buffers established according to accepted conservation practice standards have been recommended as one of the most effective tools for mitigating nonpoint source pollution. The midwestern United States is characterized by many kilometers of narrow, naturally occurring forests along streams. However, little is known about the relative effectiveness of these remnant forests compared with these newly established buffers. This study compared the ability of naturally occurring remnant forests with and without adjacent planted grass filters to buffer concentrated flow paths (CFPs) originating in crop fields along first‐ and second‐order streams in three northeast Missouri watersheds. Remnant forests breached by runoff through CFPs were narrower than those that dispersed 100% of the CFPs. Remnant forests with adjacent grass buffers were nearly twice the width as those without grass filters. We also found that CFPs, which developed within remnant forests and at the base of in‐field grass waterways, were potential sources of sediments to streams. Methods to mitigate these CFPs warrant further investigation. Our study suggests that although these natural remnant forests provide substantial buffering capacity, both improved management and/or the addition of an adjacent grass filter would improve water quality by reducing sediment loss to streams. Inferences can be used to inform the design and management of similar conservation buffer systems within the region.
Monitoring Regional Riparian Forest Cover Change Using Stratified Sampling and Multiresolution Imagery1
Authors: Claggett Peter R. , Okay Judy A. , Stehman Stephen V.
Published: March 2010

Claggett, Peter R., Judy A. Okay, and Stephen V. Stehman, 2010. Monitoring Regional Riparian Forest Cover Change Using Stratified Sampling and Multiresolution Imagery. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(2):334‐343. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00424.x

Abstract:  The Chesapeake Bay watershed encompasses 165,760 km2 of land area with 464,098 km of rivers and streams. As part of the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort, state and federal partners have committed to restoring 26,000 miles (41,843 km) of riparian forest buffers. Monitoring trends in riparian forest buffers over large areas is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of these restoration efforts. A sampling approach for estimating change in riparian forest cover from 1993/1994 to 2005 was developed and implemented in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, to exemplify a method that could be applied throughout the Bay watershed. All stream reaches in the county were stratified using forest cover change derived from Landsat imagery. A stratified random sample of 219 reaches was selected and forest cover change within the riparian buffer of each sampled reach was interpreted from high‐resolution aerial photography. The estimated footprint of gross change in riparian forest cover (i.e., the sum of gross gain and gross loss) for the county was 1.83% (SE = 0.22%). Stratified sampling taking advantage of a priori knowledge of locations of change proved to be a practical and efficient protocol for estimating riparian forest buffer change at the county scale and the protocol would readily extend to much broader scale monitoring.
Effects of Groundwater‐Flow Paths On Nitrate Concentrations Across Two Riparian Forest Corridors1
Authors: Speiran Gary K.
Published: March 2010

Speiran, Gary K., 2010. Effects of Groundwater‐Flow Paths on Nitrate Concentrations Across Two Riparian Forest Corridors. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(2):246‐260. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00427.x

Abstract:  Groundwater levels, apparent age, and chemistry from field sites and groundwater‐flow modeling of hypothetical aquifers collectively indicate that groundwater‐flow paths contribute to differences in nitrate concentrations across riparian corridors. At sites in Virginia (one coastal and one Piedmont), lowland forested wetlands separate upland fields from nearby surface waters (an estuary and a stream). At the coastal site, nitrate concentrations near the water table decreased from more than 10 mg/l beneath fields to 2 mg/l beneath a riparian forest buffer because recharge through the buffer forced water with concentrations greater than 5 mg/l to flow deeper beneath the buffer. Diurnal changes in groundwater levels up to 0.25 meters at the coastal site reflect flow from the water table into unsaturated soil where roots remove water and nitrate dissolved in it. Decreases in aquifer thickness caused by declines in the water table and decreases in horizontal hydraulic gradients from the uplands to the wetlands indicate that more than 95% of the groundwater discharged to the wetlands. Such discharge through organic soil can reduce nitrate concentrations by denitrification. Model simulations are consistent with field results, showing downward flow approaching toe slopes and surface waters to which groundwater discharges. These effects show the importance of buffer placement over use of fixed‐width, streamside buffers to control nitrate concentrations.
Assessment of self‐reported self‐esteem in healthy and diabetic children and adolescents in Greece
Authors: VLACHIOTI Efrosini , PETSIOS Konstantinos , BOUTOPOULOU Barbara , CHRISOSTOMOU Anthi , GALANIS Petros , MATZIOU Vasiliki
Published: March 2010

Background:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate any possible negative effect of diabetes on the self‐esteem of children and adolescents with diabetes.

Methods:  Self‐esteem was evaluated using the Culture‐Free Self‐Esteem Inventory (CFSEI‐2) in 144 patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM; 7–18 years of age) treated in a diabetes center and compared against that of 136 healthy children and adolescents.

Results:  Self‐esteem was correlated with age (P = 0.017), but not with diabetes (P = 0.886). The median CFSEI‐2 score for both healthy and diabetic children was 22. There was no significant correlation between self‐esteem and sex, body mass index (BMI), physical exercise, HbA1c or parental educational level. According to Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rs), there was a significant association between age and self‐esteem (rs = −0.15). Conversely, although BMI (rs = −0.09) and treatment duration (rs = −0.107) had a slight negative effect on self‐esteem and the duration of physical exercise (rs = 0.11) and parental education (rs = 0.07) seemed to have a positive effect, the associations did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions:  Self‐esteem in diabetic children is mainly affected by their age, level of physical activity and level of family support. These findings emphasize the need to discriminate between glycemic control and diabetic adjustment.
Development of systemic lupus erythematosus in a patient with hypoparathyroidism: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: SAHEBARI Maryam , AFKHAMIZADEH Mojgan , HASHEMZADEH Kamila , PEZESHKI RAD Masoud
Published: March 2010

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which organs undergo damage. Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disease, which presents in two forms: hereditary and acquired. Cases of hypoparathyroidism and SLE rarely co‐exist. Only six cases have been reported; five of them first presented with lupus and then hypoparathyroidism or simultaneously. We present here developing lupus disease in a woman who had idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. According to increasing data about the autoimmune origin of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, these case reports suggest that there may be an autoimmune process linking these diseases.
HISTORY OF THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF THE UNITED STATES
Authors: NELSON GEORGE E.
Published: March 2010

[This excellent article, only half of which appears in this issue, should be read by all biology teachers and will be found interesting to many others. The second section of the article will be published in the February number.—Editor.]
Problem Department
Authors: Willerding Margaret F.
Published: March 2010

This department aims to provide problems of varying degrees of difficulty which will interest anyone engaged in the study of mathematics.

All readers are invited to propose problems and to solve problems here proposed. Drawings to illustrate the problems should be well done in India ink. Problems and solutions will be credited to their authors. Each solution or proposed problem sent the Editor should have the author's name introducing the problem or solution as on the following pages.

The Editor of the Department desires to serve her readers by making it interesting and helpful to them. Address suggestions and problems to Margaret F. Willerding, Mathematics Dept., San Diego State University, San Diego, Calif., 92115
Surface Treated SS304 Stainless Steel Bipolar Plates: Its Properties and Single Cell Performance
Authors: Lee Yu-Ming , Lee Shuo-Jen , Lee Chih-Yuan , Lai Ping-Hung
Published: March 2010

In this paper, a thin SS304 stainless steel is chosen as metallic bipolar plate. In order to improve the surface qualities, such as anticorrosion capability, surface roughness, and clearness, the surface of bipolar plate is treated by an electropolishing technology. From the results of corrosion and potentionstatic tests, the corrosion rate and corrosion current of treated plate are much improved. The corrosion rate and corrosion current are reduced to 0.037 mmPY and 3.56 μA cm−2. The cell performance tests show the peak power of treated cell is lower than original cell. However, for the long term tests, the cell with treated plate has a more stable power output. The results show that the treated plate has a good potential for using in the fuel cell.
Performance of an Integrated Microtubular Fuel Reformer and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System
Authors: Izzo John R. , Peracchio Aldo A. , Chiu Wilson K. S.
Published: March 2010

A numerical model is developed to study the performance of an integrated tubular fuel reformer and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. The model is used to study how the physical dimensions of the reformer, gas composition and the species flow rates of a methane feed stream undergoing autothermal reforming (ATR) affect the performance of an SOFC. The temperature in the reformer changes significantly due to the heat of reaction, and the reaction rates are very sensitive to the temperature and species concentrations. Therefore, it is necessary to couple the heat and mass transfer to accurately model the species conversion of the reformate stream. The reactions in the SOFC contribute much less to the temperature distribution than in the reformer and therefore the heat transfer in the SOFC is not necessary to model. A packed bed reactor is used to describe the reformer, where the chemical mechanism and kinetics are taken from the literature for nickel catalyst on a gamma alumina support. Heat transfer in the reformer’s gas and solid catalyst phases are coupled while the gas phase in the SOFC is at a uniform temperature. The SOFC gas species are modeled using a plug flow reactor. The models are in good agreement with experimental data. It is observed that the reformer temperature decreases with an increase in the reformer inlet water-to-fuel ratio and there is a slight decrease in the voltage of the SOFC from higher water content but an increase in limiting current density from a higher hydrogen production. The numerical results show that the flow rates and reformer length are critical design parameters because if not properly designed they can lead to incomplete conversion of the methane fuel to hydrogen in the reformer, which has the greatest impact on the SOFC performance in the integrated ATR reformer and SOFC system.
A Phenomenological Constitutive Equation to Describe Various Flow Stress Behaviors of Materials in Wide Strain Rate and Temperature Regimes
Authors: Shin Hyunho , Kim Jong-Bong
Published: March 2010

A simple phenomenological constitutive model has been proposed to describe dynamic deformation behavior of various metals in wide strain rate, strain, and temperature regimes. The formulation of the model is, σ=[A+B{1−exp(−Cε)}][D ln(ε̇/ε̇0)+exp(E⋅ε̇/ε̇0)][1−(T−Tref)/(Tm−Tref)]m, where σ is the flow stress, ε is the strain, ε̇ is the strain rate, ε̇0 is the reference strain rate, T is the temperature, Tref is the reference temperature, Tm is the melting temperature, and A, B, C, D, E, and m are the material parameters. The proposed model successfully describes not only the linear rise of flow stress with logarithmic strain rate for many metals, but also the upturn of the flow stress at strain rate over about 104 s−1 for the case of copper. It can also describe the exponential increase in the flow stress with logarithmic strain rate for the case of tantalum, and is capable of predicting thermal softening of various metals at high as well as low temperature. The current model can be used for the practical simulation of many high-strain-rate events with improved precision and as a more rigorous comparison standard in the development of a physical model.
On the Effective Elastic Properties of Macroscopically Isotropic Media Containing Randomly Dispersed Spherical Particles
Authors: Cojocaru D. , Karlsson A. M.
Published: March 2010

A computational scheme for estimating the effective elastic properties of a particle reinforced matrix is investigated. The randomly distributed same-sized spherical particles are assumed to result in a composite material that is macroscopically isotropic. The scheme results in a computational efficient method to establish the correct bulk and shear moduli by representing the three-dimensional (3D) structure in a two-dimensional configuration. To this end, the statistically equivalent area fraction is defined in this work, which depends on two parameters: the particle volume fraction and the number of particles in the 3D volume element. We suggest that using the statistically equivalent area fraction, introduced and defined in this work, is an efficient way to obtain the effective elastic properties of an isotropic media containing randomly dispersed same-size spherical particles.
Nanoindentation of Compliant Substrate Systems: Effects of Geometry and Compliance
Authors: Nguyen Thao D. , Yeager J. D. , Bahr D. F. , Adams D. P. , Moody N. R.
Published: March 2010

Nanoindentation is widely used to characterize the mechanical and interfacial properties of thin film systems. However, the effects of substrate compliance on the indentation response of compliant substrate systems are not well understood. This paper investigates the effects of the large compliance mismatch between the film and the substrate and of the film thickness for model systems using nanoindentation tests, finite element simulations, and an analytical model based on a classical plate-bending solution. The results showed that for displacements less than the film thickness and for ratio of the substrate to film modulus less than 100. The indentation force-displacement response exhibits a linear relationship that can be predicted accurately by the linear plate-bending model. The effective stiffness depends linearly on the film thickness and also on the substrate and film moduli. For larger displacements, the indentation response exhibits the scaling relationship of the nonlinear plate-bending model.
An Elasto-Plastic Reformulation of the Theory of Critical Distances to Estimate Lifetime of Notched Components Failing in the Low/Medium-Cycle Fatigue Regime
Authors: Susmel Luca , Taylor David
Published: March 2010

This paper is concerned with a novel elasto-plastic reformulation of the Theory of Critical Distances (TCD) specifically devised to estimate lifetime of notched metallic materials (ferrous and nonferrous) failing in the low/medium-cycle fatigue regime. We used the classic Manson–Coffin and Smith–Topper–Watson approaches, but applied in conjunction with the TCD. We assumed that the material’s critical distance is a constant whose value does not depend on either the sharpness of the notch or on the number of cycles to failure. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed approach was checked by using a number of experimental results generated by testing cylindrical specimens made of En3B, which is a commercial low-carbon steel, and Al6082, which is a conventional aluminum alloy, containing different geometrical features and tested at applied load ratios of R=−1 and R=0. The resulting predictions of fatigue life were highly accurate, giving estimates falling within an error factor (in lifetime) of about 2. This result is undoubtedly encouraging, especially in light of the fact that the pieces of experimental information needed to calibrate our method can easily be generated by using standard testing equipment, and the necessary stress/strain fields acting on the fatigue process zone can be determined by directly postprocessing elasto-plastic finite element results.
50CrMo4 Steel-Determination of Mechanical Properties at Lowered and Elevated Temperatures, Creep Behavior, and Fracture Toughness Calculation
Authors: Brnic J. , Canadija M. , Turkalj G. , Lanc D.
Published: March 2010

In this paper, some interesting, experimentally determined actualities referring to the 50CrMo4 steel are presented. That way, the mechanical properties of the material are derived from uniaxial tensile tests at lowered and elevated temperatures. Engineering stress versus strain diagrams for both mentioned temperatures, curves representing the effect of temperature on specimen elongation, and short-time creep curves are given. Notch impact energy test was also carried out. Taking into consideration the service life of the final product of the mentioned steel widely used in engine and machine technology, all of the mentioned data may be relevant during design and manufacturing procedure.
A Systemic Network for
Chlamydia pneumoniae
Entry into Human Cells
Authors: Wang Anyou , Johnston S. Claiborne , Chou Joyce , Dean Deborah
Published: March 2010

Bacterial entry is a multistep process triggering a complex network, yet the molecular complexity of this network remains largely unsolved. By employing a systems biology approach, we reveal a systemic bacterial-entry network initiated by
Chlamydia pneumoniae
, a widespread opportunistic pathogen. The network consists of nine functional modules (i.e., groups of proteins) associated with various cellular functions, including receptor systems, cell adhesion, transcription, and endocytosis. The peak levels of gene expression for these modules change rapidly during
C. pneumoniae
entry, with cell adhesion occurring at 5 min postinfection, receptor and actin activity at 25 min, and endocytosis at 2 h. A total of six membrane proteins (chemokine C-X-C motif receptor 7 [CXCR7], integrin beta 2 [ITGB2], platelet-derived growth factor beta polypeptide [PDGFB], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [VCAM1], and GTP binding protein overexpressed in skeletal muscle [GEM]) play a key role during
C. pneumoniae
entry, but none alone is essential to prevent entry. The combination knockdown of three genes (coding for CXCR7, ITGB2, and PDGFB) significantly inhibits
C. pneumoniae
entry, but the entire network is resistant to the six-gene depletion, indicating a resilient network. Our results reveal a complex network for
C. pneumoniae
entry involving at least six key proteins.
Regulation of Aerobic and Anaerobicd-Malate Metabolism ofEscherichia coliby the LysR-Type Regulator DmlR (YeaT)
Authors: Lukas Hanna , Reimann Julia , Kim Ok Bin , Grimpo Jan , Unden Gottfried
Published: March 2010

Escherichia coliK-12 is able to grow under aerobic conditions ond-malate using DctA ford-malate uptake and thed-malate dehydrogenase DmlA (formerly YeaU) for convertingd-malate to pyruvate. Induction ofdmlAencoding DmlA required an intactdmlR(formerlyyeaT) gene, which encodes DmlR, a LysR-type transcriptional regulator. Induction ofdmlAby DmlR required the presence ofd-malate orl- ormeso-tartrate, but onlyd-malate supported aerobic growth. The regulator of general C4-dicarboxylate metabolism (DcuS-DcuR two-component system) had some effect ondmlAexpression. The anaerobicl-tartrate regulator TtdR or the oxygen sensors ArcB-ArcA and FNR did not have a major effect ondmlAexpression. DmlR has a high level of sequence identity (49%) with TtdR, thel- andmeso-tartrate-specific regulator ofl-tartrate fermentation inE. coli.dmlAwas also expressed at high levels under anaerobic conditions, and the bacteria hadd-malate dehydrogenase activity. These bacteria, however, were not able to grow ond-malate since the anaerobic pathway ford-malate degradation has a predicted yield of ≤0 ATP/mold-malate. Slow anaerobic growth ond-malate was observed when glycerol was also provided as an electron donor, andd-malate was used in fumarate respiration. The expression ofdmlRis subject to negative autoregulation. The network for regulation and coordination of the central and peripheral pathways for C4-dicarboxylate metabolism by the regulators DcuS-DcuR, DmlR, and TtdR is discussed.
Global Warming Will Bring New Fungal Diseases for Mammals
Authors: Garcia-Solache Monica A. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: March 2010

Fungi are major pathogens of plants, other fungi, rotifers, insects, and amphibians, but relatively few cause disease in mammals. Fungi became important human pathogens only in the late 20th century, primarily in hosts with impaired immunity as a consequence of medical interventions or HIV infection. The relatively high resistance of mammals has been attributed to a combination of a complex immune system and endothermy. Mammals maintain high body temperatures relative to environmental temperatures, creating a thermally restrictive ambient for the majority of fungi. According to this view, protection given by endothermy requires a temperature gradient between those of mammals and the environment. We hypothesize that global warming will increase the prevalence of fungal diseases in mammals by two mechanisms: (i) increasing the geographic range of currently pathogenic species and (ii) selecting for adaptive thermotolerance for species with significant pathogenic potential but currently not pathogenic by virtue of being restricted by mammalian temperatures.
Synthesis of (E)-6-alkenylpurines via Pd-catalyzed stannation/protodestannation tandem process of alkynylpurines
Authors: Klečka Martin , Křováček Martin , Tobrman Tomáš , Dvořák Dalimil
Published: March 2010

A methodology for the synthesis of (E)-6-alkenylpurines, starting from 6-iodopurines, based on a Pd-catalyzed stannation/protodestannation protocol, is described. The alkynylation reactions were catalyzed by Pd(OAc)2/PPh3 in acetonitrile. The Pd-catalyzed stannation itself provided a mixture of Z regioisomers but following protodestannation using TFA induces Z to E isomerization giving (E)-6-alkenylpurines. The reactivity of other 2- and 8-alkynyl purines has also been studied.
The effect of rugby shoulder padding on peak impact force attenuation
Authors: Harris D A , Spears I R
Published: March 2010

Objective

The introduction of shoulder pads has coincided with a rise in shoulder impact injuries in the game of rugby. In this study, the effect of shoulder pads on impact force attenuation was quantified.

Design

Four different commercially available shoulder pads were tested for material properties. Hard and soft objects were dropped from predetermined heights onto a force plate imparting peak impact forces of 500, 1000 and 1500 N. The pads were then placed on the plate and subjected to 10 repeated impacts for each pad and drop height.

Setting

Institutional laboratory setting.

Main outcome measurements

Peak force attenuation, expressed as the percentage reduction of peak force when compared with the no-pad condition, was calculated. Time to peak impact, expressed as the percentage increase of time to peak impact when compared with the no-pad condition, was calculated.

Results

All pads were found to reduce peak impact force and increase time to peak impact. Results varied between 1% and 70%, depending on the drop height and properties of the impactor. The best performing pad was the thickest, and all pads were best able to attenuate force under hardobject impacts particularly for the lower loads.

Conclusion

Although several limitations exist to laboratory-based studies such as these, the inconsistencies in force attenuation were nonetheless disappointing. The pads appear to ‘‘bottom out’’ under higher-impact loads and therefore offer little protection when the athlete may need it most.
Cytological characterization of sunflower by in situ hybridization using homologous rDNA sequences and a BAC clone containing highly represented repetitive retrotransposon-like sequences
Authors: Talia P. , Greizerstein E. , Quijano C. Díaz , Peluffo L. , Fernández L. , Fernández P. , Hopp H. E. , Paniego N. , Heinz R. A. , Poggio L.
Published: March 2010

In the present work we report new tools for the characterization of the complete chromosome complement of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.), using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone containing repetitive sequences with similarity to retrotransposons and a homologous rDNA sequence isolated from the sunflower genome as probes for FISH. The rDNA signal was found in 3 pairs of chromosomes, coinciding with the location of satellites. The BAC clone containing highly represented retroelements hybridized with all the chromosome complement in FISH, and used together with the rDNA probe allowed the discrimination of all chromosome pairs of sunflower. Their distinctive distribution pattern suggests that these probes could be useful for karyotype characterization and for chromosome identification. The karyotype could be subdivided into 3 clear-cut groups of 12 metacentric pairs, 1 submetacentric pair, and 4 subtelocentric pairs, thus resolving previously described karyotype controversies. The use of BAC clones containing single sequences of specific markers and (or) genes associated with important agricultural traits represents an important tool for future locus-specific identification and physical mapping.
Simulation du débit de la rivière Saint-Charles, première source d’eau potable de la ville de Québec
Authors: Gaborit E. , Pelletier G. , Vanrolleghem P. A. , Anctil F.
Published: March 2010

Sur le bassin versant de la rivière Saint-Charles, il est nécessaire de mieux gérer l’eau, d’un point de vue quantitatif et qualitatif. Or la prise de décisions peut être aidée par la modélisation hydrologique. Ce travail porte sur la mise en place du modèle semi-distribué de qualité de l’eau SWAT (« soil and water assessment tool ») sur ce bassin versant urbain et relativement montagneux, et sur l’évaluation de sa capacité à simuler les débits. Cette première approche est comparée à deux autres, reposant pour l’une sur l’utilisation du modèle hydrologique global GR4J, et pour l’autre sur l’emploi d’un réseau de neurones. La quantité d’eau issue de la fonte de la neige, calculée ici par le module de fonte de SWAT, a été renseignée à ces deux autres modèles. Ce bassin présente par ailleurs de réelles difficultés pour ce type de modélisation, liées essentiellement au manque de données : quasi-absence d’information spatiale sur les précipitations et absence d’étude pédologique détaillée. Les résultats, globalement satisfaisants, montrent toutefois que la performance hydrologique résultant des trois approches est limitée par ces manques : celle utilisant SWAT davantage que les deux autres. Dans ce cas, les lacunes ne permettent pas d’utiliser le plein potentiel du modèle SWAT, dont la structure plus lourde devient un inconvénient dès que les données sont disponibles en quantité et en qualité insuffisantes pour en justifier l’exploitation, en opposition à GR4J et au réseau de neurones. Il semble donc incontournable, considérant l’importance stratégique du bassin versant de la rivière Saint-Charles pour l’approvisionnement en eau potable et le support aux activités récréatives et touristiques, que l’effort d’observation de ce territoire soit accru, afin d’y augmenter notamment les données climatologiques et pédologiques disponibles.
Investigation of vehicle bunching at signalized arterials in Turkey
Authors: Caliskanelli S. Pelin , Tanyel Serhan
Published: March 2010

The objective of this study is to investigate the proportion of free vehicles on signalized arterial roads near the signalization points (up to 400 m) in Turkey. Vehicle-time headway data are obtained from two different cities: four signalized intersections and five mid-block traffic signals in Izmir and four signalized intersections in Denizli. The current methods for describing the proportion of free vehicles on a road link are investigated and an exponential relationship is suggested for modeling the proportion of free vehicles. The results are considered with respect to both the lane type and the traffic volume. The characteristics of the traffic flow and proportion of free vehicles were found to be dependent on the lane type.
Heck-type hydroarylations and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of new tricyclic hydrazones
Authors: Gul Melek , Ocal Nuket
Published: March 2010

The C–C coupling of the new tricyclic hydrazones 3–7 with aryl and heteroaryl halides gave under reductive Heck conditions the tricyclic 1-(arylideneamino)pyrolidine-2,5-diones 8–11a, 9–11b, 10c, and 12. The [3+2] cycloadditions of 3–7 with p-chlorophenyl nitrile oxide (13) yielded the bridged isoxazoline derivatives 14–18 with potential biological activity.
Triazene derivatives of (1,x)-diazacycloalkanes — Part IX. Synthesis and characterization of a series of 1,4-di[2-aryl-1-diazenyl]-2,6-dimethylpiperazines
Authors: Hunter Naomi , Vaughan Keith
Published: March 2010

A series of 1,4-di-[2-aryl-1-diazenyl]-2,6-dimethylpiperazines (5a–5l), have been synthesized by the reaction of 2,6-dimethylpiperazine with 2 equiv. of the appropriate diazonium salt. The products have been characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, and the molecular composition has been verified by high-resolution EI mass spectrometry with accurate mass measurement of the molecular ion. The presence of stereocenters at C2 and C6 of the piperazine ring in the bis-triazene 5 creates two unique pairs of diastereotopic protons in the methylene groups at positions 3 and 5 of the piperazine ring, as evidenced by the complexity of the NMR spectra, which nevertheless can be fully assigned in most cases. The assignment of the proton and carbon signals in the 1,4-di-[2-aryl-1-diazenyl]-2,6-dimethylpiperazines has been aided by the use of 2D NMR HSQC spectroscopy. These results compare favorably with assignments of proton and carbon signals reported previously for triazenes of type 1 and bis-triazenes of type 3.
The Methamphetamine Problem in the United States
Authors: Gonzales Rachel , Mooney Larissa , Rawson Richard A.
Published: March 2010

Significant public health problems associated with methamphetamine (MA) production and use in the United States have emerged over the past 25 years; however, there has been considerable controversy about the size of the problem. Epidemiological indicators have provided a mixed picture. National surveys of the adult U.S. population and school-based populations have consistently been used to support the position that MA use is a relatively minor concern. However, many other data sources, including law-enforcement groups, welfare agencies, substance abuse treatment program admissions, criminal justice agencies, and state/county executives indicate that MA is a very significant public health problem for many communities throughout much of the country. In this article, we describe (a) the historical underpinnings of the MA problem, (b) epidemiological trends in MA use, (c) key subgroups at risk for MA problems, (d) the health and social factors associated with MA use, (e) interventions available for addressing the MA problem, and (f) lessons learned from past efforts addressing the MA problem.
Ecogenomics of Respiratory Diseases of Public Health Significance
Authors: Garantziotis Stavros , Schwartz David A.
Published: March 2010

Gene-environment interactions are the indisputable cause of most respiratory diseases. However, we still have very limited understanding of the mechanisms that guide these interactions. Although the conceptual approaches to environmental genomics were established several decades ago, the tools are only now available to better define the mechanisms that underlie the interactions among these important etiological features of lung disease. In this article, we summarize recent insights in the environmental genomics (ecogenomics) of common nonmalignant respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and respiratory infections), describe the framework of gene-environment interactions that inform the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases, and propose future research directions that will help translate scientific advances into public health gains.
A MATLAB‐Linked Solver to Find Fuel Depletion in a PWR, a Suggested VVER‐1000 Type
Authors: Faghihi F. , Saidi Nezhad M.
Published: March 2010

Coupled first‐order IVPs are frequently used in many parts of engineering and sciences. We present a “solver” including three computer programs which were joint with the MATLAB software to solve and plot solutions of the first‐order coupled stiff or nonstiff IVPs. Some applications related to IVPs are given here using our MATLAB‐linked solver. Muon catalyzed fusion in a D-T mixture is considered as a first dynamical example of the coupled IVPs. Then, we have focused on the fuel depletion in a suggested PWR including poisons burnups (xenon‐135 and samarium‐149), plutonium isotopes production, and uranium depletion.
Low-Cost Allocator Implementations for Networks-on-Chip Routers
Authors: Zhang Min , Choy Chiu-Sing
Published: March 2010

Cost-effective Networks-on-Chip (NoCs) routers are important for future SoCs and embedded devices. Implementation results show that the generic virtual channel allocator (VA) and the generic switch allocator (SA) of a router consume large amount of area and power. In this paper, after a careful study of the working principle of a VA and the utilization statistics of its arbiters, opportunities to simplify the generic VA are identified. Then, the deadlock problem for a combined switch and virtual channel allocator (SVA) is studied. Next, the impact of the VA simplification on the router critical paths is analyzed. Finally, the generic architecture and two low-cost architectures proposed (the look-ahead, and the SVA) are evaluated with a cycle-accurate network simulator and detailed VLSI implementations. Results show that both the look-ahead and the SVA significantly reduce area and power compared to the generic architecture. Furthermore, cost savings are achieved without performance penalty.
Monotonic Limit Properties for Solutions of BSDEs with Continuous Coefficients
Authors: Fan ShengJun , Song Xing , Ma Ming
Published: March 2010

This paper investigates the monotonic limit properties for the minimal and maximal solutions of certain one‐dimensional backward stochastic differential equations with continuous coefficients.
Clinical Relevance of Transjugular Liver Biopsy in Comparison with Percutaneous and Laparoscopic Liver Biopsy
Authors: Beckmann Max G. , Bahr Matthias J. , Hadem Johannes , Bredt Martin , Wedemeyer Heiner , Schneider Andrea S. , Kubicka Stefan , Manns Michael P. , Strassburg Christian P. , Wedemeyer Jochen
Published: March 2010

Background. Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) is frequently used to obtain liver specimens in high-risk patients. However, TJLB sample size possibly limits their clinical relevance.Methods. 102 patients that underwent TJLB were included. Clinical parameters and outcome of TJLB were analyzed. Control samples consisted of 112 minilaparoscopic liver biopsies (mLLBs) and 100 percutaneous liver biopsies (PLBs).Results. Fewer portal tracts were detected in TJLB (4.3±0.3) in comparison with PLB (11.7±0.5) and mLLB (11.0±0.6). No difference regarding the specification of indeterminate liver disease and staging/grading of chronic hepatitis was observed. In acute liver failure (n=32), a proportion of hepatocellular necrosis beyond 25% was associated with a higher rate of death or liver transplantation.Conclusions. Despite smaller biopsy samples the impact on the clinical decision process was found to be comparable to PLB and mLLB. TJLB represents a helpful tool to determine hepatocellular necrosis rates in patients with acute liver failure.
Effects of Soil Temperature during Fire on Seed Survival in Florida Sand Pine Scrub
Authors: Carrington Mary E.
Published: March 2010

Soil temperatures recorded with thermocouples and temperature-sensitive paints were quantified during Florida sand pine scrub prescribed fires at Ocala National Forest and Archbold Biological Station in May 1993. Thermocouples and glass petri dishes painted with temperature-sensitive paints and containing seeds ofEriogonum floridanumwere placed at 0 cm and 2 cm depth, and in vegetated and open microsites. Maximum temperatures were higher and peak temperature durations shorter at 0 cm than at 2 cm depth. Temperatures did not differ between microsites during the Ocala fire, but were higher in open microsites during the Archbold fire, probably due to combustion of well-aerated litter. Maximum temperatures of petri dishes were lower than those of adjacent thermocouples due to time required to melt paints. AllEriogonumseeds recovered from petri dishes after the Archbold fire failed to germinate. Germination was quantified forEriogonum floridanumandGarberia heterophyllaseeds heated to C and C under laboratory conditions. Seeds failed to germinate at C, while germination was similar to controls for seeds exposed to C. Results from this study suggest that small-scale spatial variation temperatures at the soil surface during fires is essential for seed survival and subsequent post-fire recruitment.
Extracorporeal Immunoglobulin Elimination for the Treatment of Severe Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Blaha M. , Pit'ha J. , Blaha V. , Lanska M. , Maly J. , Filip S. , Langrova H.
Published: March 2010

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue. Rarely, long-term stabilization is not possible through the use of thymectomy or any known drug therapy. We present our experience with extracorporeal immunoglobulin (Ig) elimination by immunoadsorption (adsorbers with human Ig antibodies). Acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChRAs) were measured during long-term monitoring (4.7±2.9 years; range 1.1–8.0). A total of 474 samples (232 pairs) were analyzed, and a drop in AChRA levels was observed (P=.025). The clinical status of patients improved and stabilized. Roughly 6.8% of patients experienced clinically irrelevant side effects. The method of Ig elimination by extracorporeal immunoadsorption (IA) is a clinical application of the recent biotechnological advances. It offers an effective and safe therapy for severe MG even when the disease is resistant to standard therapy.
PPARs in Human Neuroepithelial Tumors: PPAR Ligands as Anticancer Therapies for the Most Common Human Neuroepithelial Tumors
Authors: Benedetti Elisabetta , Galzio Renato , D'Angelo Barbara , Cerù Maria Paola , Cimini Annamaria
Published: March 2010

Neuroepithelial tumors represent a heterogeneous class of human tumors including benignant and malignant tumors. The incidence of central nervous system neoplasms ranges from 3.8 to 5.1 cases per 100,000 in the population. Among malignant neuroepithelial tumors, with regard to PPAR ligands, the most extensively studied were tumors of astrocytic origin and neuroblastoma. PPARs are expressed in developing and adult neuroepithelial cells, even if with different localization and relative abundance. The majority of malignant neuroepithelial tumors have poor prognosis and do not respond to conventional therapeutic protocols, therefore, new therapeutic approaches are needed. Natural and synthetic PPAR ligands may represent a starting point for the formulation of new therapeutic approaches to be used as coadjuvants to the standard therapeutic protocols. This review will focus on the major studies dealing with PPAR expression in gliomas and neuroblastoma and the therapeutic implications of using PPAR agonists for the treatment of these neoplasms.
The Dual Role of Calcium as Messenger and Stressor in Cell Damage, Death, and Survival
Authors: Cerella Claudia , Diederich Marc , Ghibelli Lina
Published: March 2010

is an important second messenger participating in many cellular activities; when physicochemical insults deregulate its delicate homeostasis, it acts as an intrinsic stressor, producing/increasing cell damage. Damage elicits both repair and death responses; intriguingly, in those responses also participates as second messenger. This delineates a dual role for in cell stress, making difficult to separate the different and multiple mechanisms required for -mediated control of cell survival and apoptosis. Here we attempt to disentangle the two scenarios, examining on the one side, the events implicated in deregulated toxicity and the mechanisms through which this elicits reparative or death pathways; on the other, reviewing the role of as a messenger in the transduction of these same signaling events.
Vitamin D Pathway Genes, Diet, and Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Karami S. , Brennan P. , Navratilova M. , Mates D. , Zaridze D. , Janout V. , Kollarova H. , Bencko V. , Matveev V. , Szesznia-Dabrowska N. , Holcatova I. , Yeager M. , Chanock S. , Rothman N. , Boffetta P. , Chow W-H. , Moore L. E.
Published: March 2010

Mediated by binding to the high-affinity vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D forms a heterodimer complex with the retinoid-X-receptor (RXR). Variation in both genes has been shown to modify renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk. Therefore, we investigated whetherVDRandRXRApolymorphisms modify associations between RCC risk and frequency of dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium rich foods, and occupational ultraviolet exposure among 777 RCC case and 1035 controls from Central and Eastern Europe. A positive association was observed in this population between increasing dietary intake frequency of yogurt, while an inverse association was observed with egg intake frequency.RXRApolymorphisms, located3′of the coding sequence, modified associations between specific vitamin D rich foods and RCC risk, whileRXRApolymorphisms, located in introns 1 and 4, modified associations with specific calcium rich foods. Results suggest that variants in theRXRAgene modified the associations observed between RCC risk and calcium and vitamin D intake.
Tie2 Signaling Regulates Osteoclastogenesis and Osteolytic Bone Invasion of Breast Cancer
Authors: Min Yongfen , Ren Xiubao , Vaught David B. , Chen Jin , Donnelly Edwin , Lynch Conor C. , Lin P. Charles
Published: March 2010

Breast to bone metastasis is a common occurrence in the majority of patients with advanced breast cancer. The metastases are often incurable and are associated with bone destruction and high rates of morbidity. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of how metastatic tumor cells induce bone destruction is critically important. We previously reported that Tie2, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is significantly increased in human breast cancer tissues compared with normal and benign breast tumors and regulates tumor angiogenesis. In this study, we identify a new function of Tie2 in osteoclastogenesis and osteolytic bone invasion of breast cancer. Tie2 is present in hematopoietic stem/precursor cells. Genetic deletion of Tie2 or neutralization of Tie2 function using soluble Tie2 receptor impaired osteoclastogenesis in an embryonic stem cell differentiation assay. In contrast, deletion of Tie2 has no effect on osteoblastogenesis. As CD11b myeloid cells have the potential to become osteoclasts and Tie2 is present in a certain population of these cells, we isolated Tie2+ and Tie2− myeloid cells. We observed a significant reduction of osteoclastogenesis in Tie2− compared with Tie2+ CD11b cells. Consistently, neutralization of Tie2 activity in vivo significantly inhibited osteolytic bone invasion and tumor growth in a mammary tumor model, which correlated with a significant reduction of osteoclasts and tumor angiogenesis. Collectively, these data reveal a direct and novel role of Tie2 signaling in osteoclast differentiation. These findings identify Tie2 as a therapeutic target for controlling not only tumor angiogenesis but also osteolytic bone metastasis in breast cancer. Cancer Res; 70(7); 2819–28
MicroRNA-519c Suppresses Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Expression and Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Cha Shih-Ting , Chen Pai-Sheng , Johansson Gunnar , Chu Chia-Yu , Wang Ming-Yang , Jeng Yung-Ming , Yu Sung-Liang , Chen Jin-Shing , Chang King-Jen , Jee Shiou-Hwa , Tan Ching-Ting , Lin Ming-Tsan , Kuo Min-Liang
Published: March 2010

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is widely considered to be one of the key regulators of tumor angiogenesis. The upstream regulation is complex and involves several growth factors, cytokines, and hypoxia. Herein, we have identified miR-519c as a hypoxia-independent regulator of HIF-1α, acting through direct binding to the HIF-1α 3′ untranslated region and leading to reduced tumor angiogenesis. Overexpression of miR-519c resulted in a significant decrease of HIF-1α protein levels and reduced the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells; similarly, antagomir inhibition of miR-519c increased the level of HIF-1α protein and enhanced angiogenic activity, suggesting an important role of miR-519c in HIF-1α–mediated angiogenesis. Consistent with the overexpression of miR-519c in cancer patients with better prognosis, mice injected with miR-519c–overexpressing cells exhibited dramatically reduced HIF-1α levels, followed by suppressed tumor angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis. In addition, we found that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a known HIF-1α inducer, reduced the miR-519c levels through an Akt-dependent pathway. This regulation was posttranscriptional and may be mediated by suppression of miR-519c maturation. Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence that miR-519c is a pivotal regulator of tumor angiogenesis and that microenvironmental HGF contributes to regulating miR-519c biogenesis in cancer cells. Cancer Res; 70(7); 2675–85