bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid and Sensitive Detection of BRCA1/2 Mutations in a Diagnostic Setting: Comparison of Two High-Resolution Melting Platforms
Authors: De Leeneer Kim , Coene Ilse , Poppe Bruce , De Paepe Anne , Claes Kathleen
Published: April 2008

Background: High-resolution melting is an emerging technique for detection of nucleic acid sequence variations. Developments in instrumentation and saturating intercalating dyes have made accurate high-resolution melting analysis possible and created opportunities to use this technology in diagnostic settings. We evaluated 2 high-resolution melting instruments for screening BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

Methods: To cover the complete coding region and splice sites, we designed 112 PCR amplicons (136–435 bp), amplifiable with a single PCR program. LCGreen® Plus was used as the intercalating dye. High-resolution melting analysis was performed on the 96-well Lightscanner™ (Idaho Technology Inc.) and the 96-well LightCycler® 480 (Roche) instruments. We evaluated sensitivity by analyzing 212 positive controls scattered over almost all amplicons and specificity by blind screening of 22 patients for BRCA1 and BRCA2. In total, we scanned 3521 fragments.

Results: All 212 known heterozygous sequence variants were detected on the Lightscanner by analysis on normal sensitivity setting. On the LightCycler 480, the standard instrument sensitivity setting of 0.3 had to be increased to 0.7 to detect all variants, decreasing the specificity to 95.9% (vs 98.7% for the Lightscanner).

Conclusions: Previously, we screened BRCA1/2 by direct sequencing of the large exon 11 and denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis (DGGE) for all other coding exons. Since the introduction of high-resolution melting, our turnaround time has been one third of that with direct sequencing and DGGE, as post-PCR handling is no longer required and the software allows fast analyses. High-resolution melting is a rapid, cost-efficient, sensitive method simple enough to be readily implemented in a diagnostic laboratory.
Stochastische Hill-Climbing-Algorithmen zur Produktionssteuerung von Grobblechwalzstraßen (Production Scheduling of Heavy Plate Rolling Mills by Stochastic Hill-Climbing-Algorithms)
Authors: Busch Heike
Published: April 2008

Die Bestimmung der optimalen Bearbeitungsreihenfolge auf einer Grobblechwalzstraße stellt ein komplexes kombinatorisches Optimierungsproblem mit mehreren unterschiedlichen Zielsetzungen und zahlreichen technischen und logistischen Restriktionen dar. Stochastische Hill-Climbing-Algorithmen sind lokale Optimierungsverfahren, die zufällige mit strategischen Elementen kombinieren. Mit ihrer Hilfe ist es möglich, den Fertigungsprozess an der Grobblechwalzstraße zu optimieren und eine maximale Flexibilität im Produktmix zu erhalten. Gleichzeitig wird die Prozess-Sicherheit erhöht, Engpässe werden vermieden und Kosten gesenkt.

The optimization of the manufacturing sequence on a heavy plate rolling mill yields in a complex combinatorial optimization problem, including several different objectives and a large set of technical and logistic constraints. Stochastic Hill-Climbing-Algorithms are methods of local optimization, combining random and strategy. By means of these algorithms it is possible to improve the manufacturing process of heavy plate rolling mills with main focus on providing maximum flexibility in the product mix. In addition the reliability of the process is enhanced, bottlenecks are avoided and total costs can be reduced.
Produktionssteuerung auf der Grundlage von Echtzeitautomaten (Production Scheduling Using Timed Automata)
Authors: Panek Sebastian , Stursberg Olaf , Engell Sebastian
Published: April 2008

Die Ermittlung des optimalen Ressourceneinsatzes in der Produktion mit Hilfe klassischer Optimierungsverfahren (gemischt-ganzzahlige Optimierung) basiert auf einer gleichungsorientierten mathematischen Modellierung. Die Entwicklung und Wartung derartiger Modelle ist zeitaufwändig und erfordert viel Wissen und Erfahrung. Eine Alternative bietet die Modellierung mit Hilfe zeitbewerteter Automaten, wobei die einzelnen Aufgaben und Ressourcen grafisch und modular beschrieben werden. Optimale Produktionsabläufe können durch Erreichbarkeitsanalyse mit leistungsfähigen Tools ermittelt werden. Vergleichsstudien zeigen, dass dieser Zugang auch hinsichtlich der Lösungsqualität mit der gemischt-ganzzahligen Programmierung mithalten kann.

The determination of the optimal allocation of ressources in production processes is traditionally based on equation-oriented modeling and mixed-integer programming. Model development and maintenance require the knowledge of experts and are time-consuming. An alternative approach is based on timed automata (TA). The jobs and the resources are modeled by a set of synchronized TA, and the scheduling problem is solved by searching for a cost-minimizing sequence of states from an initial into a terminal state in which all jobs are finished. The appeal of the approach is the intuitive and modular graphical modeling and the efficient solution by appropriate tools; we illustrate this for a number of difficult job-shop instances.
Exploiting the antidiabetic properties of incretins to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus: glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists or insulin for patients with inadequate glycemic control?
Authors: Van Gaal Luc F , Gutkin Stephen W , Nauck Michael A
Published: April 2008

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with progressive decreases in pancreatic β-cell function. Most patients thus require increasingly intensive treatment, including oral combination therapies followed by insulin. Fear of hypoglycemia is a potential barrier to treatment adherence and glycemic control, while weight gain can exacerbate hyperglycemia or insulin resistance. Administration of insulin can roughly mimic physiologic insulin secretion but does not address underlying pathophysiology. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone released by the gut in response to meal intake that helps to maintain glucose homeostasis through coordinated effects on islet α- and β-cells, inhibiting glucagon output, and stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. Biological effects of GLP-1 include slowing gastric emptying and decreasing appetite. Incretin mimetics (GLP-1 receptor agonists with more suitable pharmacokinetic properties versus GLP-1) significantly lower hemoglobin A1c, body weight, and postprandial glucose excursions in humans and significantly improve β-cell function in vivo (animal data). These novel incretin-based therapies offer the potential to reduce body weight or prevent weight gain, although the durability of these effects and their potential long-term benefits need to be studied further. This article reviews recent clinical trials comparing therapy with the incretin mimetic exenatide to insulin in patients with oral treatment failure, identifies factors consistent with the use of each treatment, and delineates areas for future research.
Effect of hypocaloric diet-induced weight loss in obese women on plasma apelin and adipose tissue expression of apelin and APJ.
Authors: Castan-Laurell Isabelle , Vítkova Michaela , Daviaud Danièle , Dray Cédric , Kováčiková Michaela , Kovacova Zuzana , Hejnova Jindriska , Stich Vladimir , Valet Philippe
Published: April 2008

Objective

Apelin is a novel adipokine acting on APJ receptor, regulated by insulin and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in adipose tissue (AT). Plasma apelin levels are increased in obese hyperinsulinemic subjects. The aim was to investigate whether the hypocaloric diet associated with weight loss modifies the elevated plasma apelin levels and the expression of apelin and APJ receptor in AT in obese women.

Design and methods

Fasting plasma levels of apelin and TNF-α as well as mRNA levels of apelin and APJ in AT were measured before and after a 12-week hypocaloric weight-reducing diet in 20 obese women (body mass index (BMI) before diet 32.2±6.4 kg/m2). Twelve healthy women with a BMI of 20.7±0.6 kg/m2 served as reference.

Results

Plasma levels of apelin and TNF-α were higher in obese compared with lean controls. The hypocaloric diet resulted in a significant decrease of BMI to 29.8±6.3 kg/m2, plasma insulin (8.16±0.73 to 6.58±0.66 mU/l), apelin (369±25 pg/ml to 257±12 pg/ml), TNF-α levels (0.66±0.04 pg/ml to 0.56±0.04 pg/ml), and AT mRNAs of apelin and APJ. In addition, changes in AT mRNA apelin were related to changes in AT mRNA APJ levels.

Conclusion

The hypocaloric diet associated with weight loss reduces the increased plasma and AT expression of apelin in obese women. This reduced apelin expression in AT could contribute to decreased circulating apelin levels.
Early onset of polyglandular failure is associated with HLA-DRB1*03.
Authors: Dittmar Manuela , Ide Maximilian , Wurm Michael , Kahaly George J
Published: April 2008

Objectives

Polyglandular failure or autoimmunity (PGA) involves at least two endocrine diseases. Several genes may play a role in its etiology. This study analyzed 1) whether HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, and MHC class I chain-related gene A (MICA) polymorphisms are associated in PGA and 2) whether PGA patients display stronger associations with these immune genes than patients with monoglandular autoimmunity (MGA).

Design

Association study.

Methods

HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, and MICA alleles were analyzed in 73 patients with PGA, 283 with MGA, and 206 healthy controls. The HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 polymorphisms were determined with PCR-amplified DNA being hybridized with PCR-sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes. MICA microsatellites were typed by PCR amplification and fragment size analysis on a DNA sequencer.

Results

HLA-DRB1*03 was strongly increased in patients with PGA (50.7%) versus both controls (21.8%, Pc<0.0001; RR=2.32, 95% CI=1.62–3.33) and MGA (11.4%, Pc<0.0001). HLA-DRB1*03 was highly prevalent in PGA patients with early versus late disease onset (P<0.05, logistic regression analysis). HLA-DRB1*04 allele carriers were more present in PGA versus controls (53.4% vs 22.4%, Pc<0.0001, RR=2.38, 95% CI=1.68–3.38). Further, HLA-DQB1*02 was increased in PGA versus controls (Pc<0.01), whereas HLA-DQB1*06 was decreased (Pc<0.001). Patients with PGA showed more MIC A5.1 and less MIC A6 allele carriers than controls (NS). Presence of the MIC A5.1 allele was not associated with the HLA-DRB1*03 or HLA-DQB1 alleles.

Conclusions

HLA-DRB1*03 is a stronger genetic marker in PGA than in MGA, foremost in those with early disease onset.
Leptin and leptin receptor in pig spermatozoa: evidence of their involvement in sperm capacitation and survival
Authors: Aquila Saveria , Rago Vittoria , Guido Carmela , Casaburi Ivan , Zupo Silvia , Carpino Amalia
Published: April 2008

Several studies have recently investigated the role of leptin, the adipocyte-secreted hormone, in the growth and reproduction of rodents, humans, and domestic animals. The present study was designed to explore the expression of leptin and its receptor in pig spermatozoa. Successful Western blot evidenced a 16 kDa band for leptin and six isoforms, ranging from 120 to 40 kDa, for the leptin receptor. Both leptin and leptin receptor were interestingly located at sperm acrosomal level, suggesting their involvement in the oocyte fertilization events. In fact, both capacitation indexes and acrosin activity were enhanced by leptin, and these effects were reduced by the anti-leptin receptor antibody. Afterwards, we investigated the main transduction pathways regulated by the hormone. Our results showed that, in pig sperm, leptin can trigger the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, a classical component of cytokine signal transduction pathways, whose expression has not been previously reported in male gamete; in addition it was found constitutively activated. Besides, leptin was able to induce the activation of phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase 3 and MAP kinase pathways as well as of BCL2, a known antiapoptotic protein. These data address to a role of leptin and its receptor on pig sperm survival. The presence of leptin and its receptor in pig sperm suggests that they, through an autocrine short loop, may induce signal transduction and molecular changes associated with sperm capacitation and survival.
Xenografting of sheep testis tissue and isolated cells as a model for preservation of genetic material from endangered ungulates
Authors: Arregui Lucía , Rathi Rahul , Megee Susan O , Honaramooz Ali , Gomendio Montserrat , Roldan Eduardo R S , Dobrinski Ina
Published: April 2008

Recovery of germ cells could be an option for preservation of the genetic pool of endangered animals. In immature males, xenografting of testis tissue provides the opportunity to recover sperm from these animals. In adult animals, xenografting has been less successful, but de novo morphogenesis of functional testis tissue from dissociated testis cells could be an alternative. To assess the potential use of these techniques in endangered bovid species, the domestic sheep was used as a model. Testes from 2-week-old lambs were grafted as tissue fragments or cell suspensions into nude mice. Grafts were recovered at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks post grafting. For isolated cells, two additional time points at 35 and 40 weeks after grafting were added. In addition, to analyse the possible effect of social stress among mice within a group on the development of the grafts, testis tissue grafts were recovered 13 weeks post grafting from mice housed individually and in groups. Complete spermatogenesis occurred in sheep testis xenografts at 12 weeks, similar to the situation in situ. Isolated sheep testis cells were able to reorganize and form functional testicular tissue de novo. Housing mice individually or in groups did not have any effect on the development of xenografts. Xenografting of testis tissue might be useful to obtain sperm from immature endangered ungulates that die prematurely. Testis tissue de novo morphogenesis from isolated cells could open interesting options to recover germ cells from mature males with impaired spermatogenesis.
Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate stimulates basal steroidogenesis by a cAMP-independent mechanism in mouse gonadal cells of both sexes
Authors: Gunnarsson David , Leffler Per , Ekwurtzel Emelie , Martinsson Gunilla , Liu Kui , Selstam Gunnar
Published: April 2008

Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers in a number of daily-life products. In this study, we investigated the influence of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), the active metabolite of the frequently used plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), on gonadal steroidogenesisin vitro. MEHP (25–100 μM) stimulated basal steroid synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner in immortalized mouse Leydig tumor cells (MLTC-1). The stimulatory effect was also detected in KK-1 granulosa tumor cells. MEHP exposure did not influence cAMP or StAR protein levels and induced a gene expression profile of key steroidogenic proteins different from the one induced by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Simultaneous treatment with MEHP and a p450scc inhibitor (aminoglutethimide) indicated that MEHP exerts its main stimulatory effect prior to pregnenolone formation. MEHP (10–100 μM) up-regulated hormone-sensitive lipase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, suggesting that MEHP increases the amount of cholesterol available for steroidogenesis. Our data suggest that MEHP, besides its known inhibitory effect on hCG action, can directly stimulate gonadal steroidogenesis in both sexes through a cAMP- and StAR-independent mechanism. The anti-steroidogenic effect of DEHP has been proposed to cause developmental disorders such as hypospadias and cryptorchidism, whereas a stimulation of steroid synthesis may prematurely initiate the onset of puberty and theoretically affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis.
Estrous cycle, pregnancy, and parity enhance performance of rats in object recognition or object placement tasks
Authors: Paris Jason J , Frye Cheryl A
Published: April 2008

Ovarian hormone elevations are associated with enhanced learning/memory. During behavioral estrus or pregnancy, progestins, such as progesterone (P4) and its metabolite 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP), are elevated due, in part, to corpora luteal and placental secretion. During ‘pseudopregnancy’, the induction of corpora luteal functioning results in a hormonal milieu analogous to pregnancy, which ceases after about 12 days, due to the lack of placental formation. Multiparity is also associated with enhanced learning/memory, perhaps due to prior steroid exposure during pregnancy. Given evidence that progestins and/or parity may influence cognition, we investigated how natural alterations in the progestin milieu influence cognitive performance. In Experiment 1, virgin rats (nulliparous) or rats with two prior pregnancies (multiparous) were assessed on the object placement and recognition tasks, when in high-estrogen/P4 (behavioral estrus) or low-estrogen/P4 (diestrus) phases of the estrous cycle. In Experiment 2, primiparous or multiparous rats were tested in the object placement and recognition tasks when not pregnant, pseudopregnant, or pregnant (between gestational days (GDs) 6 and 12). In Experiment 3, pregnant primiparous or multiparous rats were assessed daily in the object placement or recognition tasks. Females in natural states associated with higher endogenous progestins (behavioral estrus, pregnancy, multiparity) outperformed rats in low progestin states (diestrus, non-pregnancy, nulliparity) on the object placement and recognition tasks. In earlier pregnancy, multiparous, compared with primiparous, rats had a lower corticosterone, but higher estrogen levels, concomitant with better object placement performance. From GD 13 until post partum, primiparous rats had higher 3α,5α-THP levels and improved object placement performance compared with multiparous rats.
Expression of the pluripotency marker UTF1 is restricted to a subpopulation of early A spermatogonia in rat testis
Authors: van Bragt Maaike P A , Roepers-Gajadien Hermien L , Korver Cindy M , Bogerd Jan , Okuda Akihiko , Eggen Bart J L , de Rooij Dirk G , van Pelt Ans M M
Published: April 2008

The population of early A spermatogonia includes stem cells that possess spermatogonial stem cell properties. Recent reports suggest that these cells have the ability to regain pluripotent properties. Here, we show that expression of the pluripotency marker undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1) is restricted to distinct germ cells within the testis. In embryonic and neonatal testes, all gonocytes were found to strongly express UTF1. During further testicular development, expression of UTF1 was restricted to a subset of A spermatogonia and with the increase in age the number of cells expressing UTF1 decreased even more. Ultimately, in the adult rat testis, only a small subset of the A spermatogonia expressed UTF1. Remarkably, even in testes of vitamin A-deficient rats, in which the early A spermatogonia (As, Apr, and Aal) are the only type of spermatogonia, only a subset of the spermatogonia expressed UTF1. In the adult rat testis, expression of UTF1 is restricted to a subpopulation of the ZBTB16 (PLZF)-positive early A spermatogonia. Furthermore, the observed distribution pattern of UTF1-expressing cells over the different stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium suggests that the expression of UTF1 is restricted to those As, Apr, and short chains of Aal spermatogonia that are in the undifferentiated state and therefore maintain the ability to differentiate into A1 spermatogonia in the next round of the epithelial cycle or possibly even in other directions when they are taken out of their testicular niche.
Transgenerational epigenetic effects of the endocrine disruptor vinclozolin on pregnancies and female adult onset disease
Authors: Nilsson Eric E , Anway Matthew D , Stanfield Jacob , Skinner Michael K
Published: April 2008

Endocrine disruptor exposure during gonadal sex determination was previously found to induce male rat adult onset transgenerational disease (F1–F4 generation), and this was associated with an alteration in the epigenetic (i.e., DNA methylation) programming of the male germ line. The current study was designed to characterize the transgenerational disease phenotypes of the female adult offspring. Pregnant rats (F0 generation) were treated transiently with vinclozolin (i.e., fungicide with anti-androgenic activity) on embryonic (E) days E8–E14 of gestation. F1 control and vinclozolin generation offspring from different litters were mated to produce F2 offspring, and similarly F2 generation animals produced F3 generation offspring. Observations demonstrated that 9 out of 105 pregnant rats (8.6%) from the vinclozolin F1–F3 generations exhibited uterine hemorrhage and/or anemia late in pregnancy. None (0 out of 82) of the control F1–F3 generation females had similar pregnancy problems. Complete blood cell counts and serum chemistry profiles demonstrated that selected vinclozolin generation animals, but not controls, exhibited marked regenerative anemia in late pregnancy. Examination of kidney histology revealed moderate or severe glomerular abnormalities in 67% of the vinclozolin F2 and F3 generation adult females compared with 18% of the controls. Adult female vinclozolin generation animals also developed various types of tumors in 6.5% of the animals (11 out of 170), while 2% of control-line animals (3 out of 151) developed mammary tumors. Observations demonstrate that vinclozolin exposure during gonadal sex determination promotes a transgenerational increase in pregnancy abnormalities and female adult onset disease states.
Direct Orthotopic Transplantation of Fresh Surgical Specimen Preserves CD133+ Tumor Cells in Clinically Relevant Mouse Models of Medulloblastoma and Glioma
Authors: Shu Qin , Wong Kwong Kwok , Su Jack M. , Adesina Adekunle M. , Yu Li Tian , Tsang Yvonne T. M. , Antalffy Barbara C. , Baxter Patricia , Perlaky Laszlo , Yang Jianhua , Dauser Robert C. , Chintagumpala Murali , Blaney Susan M. , Lau Ching C. , Li Xiao-Nan
Published: April 2008

Recent identification of cancer stem cells in medulloblastoma (MB) and high-grade glioma has stimulated an urgent need for animal models that will not only replicate the biology of these tumors, but also preserve their cancer stem cell pool. We hypothesize that direct injection of fresh surgical specimen of MB and high-grade glioma tissues into anatomically equivalent locations in immune-deficient mouse brains will facilitate the formation of clinically accurate xenograft tumors by allowing brain tumor stem cells, together with their non-stem tumor and stromal cells, to grow in a microenvironment that is the closest to human brains. Eight of the 14 MBs (57.1%) and two of the three high-grade gliomas (66.7%) in this study developed transplantable (up to 12 passages) xenografts in mouse cerebellum and cerebrum, respectively. These xenografts are patient specific, replicating the histopathologic, immunophenotypic, invasive/metastatic, and major genetic (analyzed with 10K single nucleotide polymorphism array) abnormalities of the original tumors. The xenograft tumor cells have also been successfully cryopreserved for long-term preservation of tumorigenicity, ensuring a sustained supply of the animal models. More importantly, the CD133+ tumor cells, ranging from 0.2%–10.4%, were preserved in all the xenograft models following repeated orthotopic subtransplantations in vivo. The isolated CD133+ tumor cells formed neurospheres and displayed multi-lineage differentiation capabilities in vitro. In summary, our study demonstrates that direct orthotopic transplantation of fresh primary tumor cells is a powerful approach in developing novel clinical relevant animal models that can reliably preserve CD133+ tumor cell pools even during serial in vivo subtransplantations.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Movements of Alouatta palliata among forest fragments in Los Tuxtlas, Mexico
Authors: Mandujano Salvador , Escobedo-Morales Luis Arturo , Palacios-Silva Rodolfo
Published: April 2008

No abstract
Substrate manipulation by Alouatta guariba clamitans in solving a locomotor problem
Authors: Koch Flávia , Bicca-Marques Júlio César
Published: April 2008

No abstract
Novos registros de muriqui-do-norte (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) no Vale do Rio Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais e Bahia
Authors: Melo Fabiano R. , Chiarello Adriano G. , Faria Michel B. , Oliveira Pedro A. , Freitas Rafael L. A. , Lima Fernando S. , Ferraz Daniel S.
Published: April 2008

No abstract
Planted trees as corridors for primates at El Zota Biological Field Station, Costa Rica
Authors: Luckett Jerimiah , Danforth Elizabeth , Linsenbardt Kim , Pruetz Jill
Published: April 2008

No abstract
Limites climáticos e vegetacionais das distribuições de Cebus nigritus e Cebus robustus (Cebinae, Platyrrhini)
Authors: Vilanova Rita , Silva Jr José Sousa , Grelle Carlos Eduardo Viveiros , Marroig Gabriel , Cerqueira Rui
Published: April 2008

No abstract
Structure and composition of wild black howler troops (Alouatta caraya) in gallery forests of the Argentinean Chaco
Authors: Juárez Cecilia Paola , Dvoskin Rachel , Fernández-Duque Eduardo
Published: April 2008

No abstract
Getting the hang of it: age differences in tail-use by mantled howling monkeys (Alouatta palliata)
Authors: Russak Samantha M.
Published: April 2008

No abstract
Conservation implications of primate hunting practices among the Matsigenka of Manu National Park
Authors: Silva Maria N. F. , Shepard Jr. Glenn H. , Yu Douglas W.
Published: April 2008

No abstract
Population survey of the Azuero howler monkey (Alouatta palliata trabeata) in Herrera province, Republic of Panama
Authors: Méndez-Carvajal Pedro G.
Published: April 2008

No abstract
Uma avaliação da dieta, da área de vida e das estimativas populacionais de Cebus nigritus (Goldfuss, 1809) em um fragmento florestal no norte do estado do Paraná
Authors: Ludwig Gabriela , Aguiar Lucas M. , Rocha Vlamir J.
Published: April 2008

No abstract
Rehabilitación y reproducción de Alouatta caraya fuera de su área de distribución natural
Authors: Bruno Gabriela , Giudice Aldo M. , Nieves Mariela , Mudry Marta D.
Published: April 2008

No abstract
Drinking-water safety – challenges for community-managed systems
Authors: Rizak S. , Hrudey Steve E.
Published: April 2008

A targeted review of documented waterborne disease outbreaks over the past decades reveals some recurring themes that should be understood by drinking-water suppliers. Evidence indicates the outbreaks are often linked to some significant change in conditions that provides a sudden challenge to a water system. Severe weather events, such as heavy rainfall or runoff from snow melt, as well as treatment process and system changes, are common risk factors for drinking-water outbreaks. Failure to recognise warning signs and complacency are important contributors to drinking water becoming unsafe. Drinking-water suppliers must focus on competence and vigilance in maintaining effective multiple barriers appropriate to the challenges facing the drinking-water system. Understanding the risk factors and failure modes of waterborne disease outbreaks is an essential component for effective management of community drinking-water supplies and ensuring the delivery of safe drinking-water to consumers.
Water safety plans: planning for adverse events and communicating with consumers
Authors: Byleveld Paul M. , Deere Daniel , Davison Annette
Published: April 2008

A wide range of microbial and chemical characteristics in drinking water have the potential to affect human health. However, it is not possible or practical to test drinking water for all potentially harmful characteristics. If drinking water is contaminated, people may already be exposed by the time test results are available. The ‘boil water alert’ issued in Sydney, Australia in 1998 following the detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the finished water supply, highlighted the uncertainties associated with the public health response to test results. The Sydney experience supports the international consensus that a preventive risk-management approach to the supply of drinking water (manifesting as water safety plans (WSPs)) is the most reliable way to protect public health. A key component of a comprehensive WSP is that water suppliers and health authorities must have plans to respond in the case of water contamination and/or outbreaks. These plans must include clear guidance on when to issue warnings to consumers, and how these warnings are to be communicated. The pressure on health authorities to develop clear and systematic boil-water guidance will increase as utilities all over the world develop their WSPs.
Communicating effectively with vulnerable populations during water contamination events
Authors: Nsiah-Kumi Phyllis A.
Published: April 2008

Water contamination events are a public health concern worldwide with significant potential to impact the global community. When communicating with the public during these crisis situations, it is vital to consider the multiple audiences who receive the messages. Before developing or delivering messages to a particular community, it is essential to be familiar with the community's characteristics, needs, concerns, and who is considered credible to that community.

Vulnerable populations are those with difficulties in comprehension or accessibility that may limit their full understanding of risks and may mitigate the effectiveness of public health strategies. Vulnerable populations include, but are not limited to, the urban/rural poor, those who are mentally ill, intellectually disabled, medically vulnerable, at the extremes of age (children and the elderly), racial/ethnic minorities, and those with low literacy or limited English proficiency.

A water contamination event poses a unique opportunity to work with diverse populations to effectively convey important health messages. Each population needs to receive appropriate public health messages. Becoming familiar with vulnerable populations and their needs prior to a water contamination event will help in identifying barriers and developing and refining effective messages in such a crisis. In water contamination crises, our publics’ health depends on effective, targeted crisis communication.
Characterization of sludges for predicting anaerobic digester performance
Authors: Jones R. , Parker W. , Khan Z. , Murthy S. , Rupke M.
Published: April 2008

Batch anaerobic digestion tests of primary sludge and waste activated sludge were conducted for a duration of 123 days to determine the ultimate degradability of the sludges. For primary sludges the inert fraction of the particulate COD that was predicted by the wastewater models could be employed to predict their biodegradability under anaerobic conditions. The degradation of waste activated sludge was adequately characterized for the first 60 days of digestion using a model that assumed equivalent biodegradability of particulate COD components under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. However after 60 days of anaerobic digestion it appeared that decay of the endogenous products was occurring. This could be described with a first order decay function with a coefficient of 0.0075 d−1. For continuous flow digesters operating at SRTs of 30–60 days, the predicted VSS destruction with the modified model was approximately 10% higher than that predicted on the basis of inert endogenous decay products.
Inhibitory effects of nitrate reduction on methanogenesis in the presence of different electron donors
Authors: Tugtas A. E. , Pavlostathis S. G.
Published: April 2008

The preferential utilization of different electron donors and their effects on the nitrate reduction and methanogenesis in a mixed, mesophilic (35°C) methanogenic culture were investigated. Batch methanogenic cultures were fed with dextrin/peptone (D/P), propionate, acetate, and H2/CO2 at an initial COD of 500 mg/L and an initial nitrate concentration of 50 mg N/L. Immediate cessation of methane production was observed in all nitrate-amended cultures. Methane production completely recovered in the D/P- and acetate-fed cultures, and partially recovered or did not recover in the propionate- and H2/CO2-fed, nitrate-amended cultures, respectively. Accumulation of denitrification intermediates was observed in both the propionate- and H2/CO2-fed cultures, which resulted in inhibition of fermentation and/or methanogenesis. The fastest and the slowest nitrate reduction were observed in the acetate- and propionate-fed cultures, respectively.
Ammonia, a selective agent for methane production by syntrophic acetate oxidation at mesophilic temperature
Authors: Schnürer A. , Nordberg Å.
Published: April 2008

In biogas processes, methane production from acetate proceeds by either aceticlastic methanogenesis or through syntrophic acetate oxidation (SAO). In the present study, the pathway for methane production from acetate was analysed; i) during a gradual increase of the ammonia concentration (final concentration 7 g NH4+−N/L) in a semi-continuous lab-scale anaerobic digester (4.3 L), operating at mesophilic temperature (37°C) or ii) in diluted enrichment cultures (100 ml) experiencing a gradual increase in ammonia, sodium, potassium and propionic acid. The pathway for methane formation was determined by calculating the 14CO2/14CH4 ratio after incubating samples with 14C-2-acetate. In the anaerobic digester, as well as in the enrichment cultures, the 14CO2/14CH4 ratio clearly increased with increasing ammonium-nitrogen concentration, i.e. as the ammonia concentration increased, a shift from the aceticlastic mechanism to the syntrophic pathway occurred. The shift was very distinct and occurred as the NH4+−N concentration rose above 3 g/l. No shift in pathway was seen during increasing concentrations of sodium, potassium or propionic acid. The shift to SAO in the biogas digester resulted in a twofold decrease in the specific gas and methane yield.
Water reuse for urban landscape irrigation: aspersion and health related regulations
Authors: Brissaud F. , Blin E. , Hemous S. , Garrelly L.
Published: April 2008

The Mediterranean seaside resort of Le Grau du Roi includes 40 hectares of landscaped areas spray irrigated with river water supplied through a separate network. Wastewater collected from several municipalities is treated in an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and polished in waste stabilization ponds (WSPs). Planned substitution of treated wastewater for river water is hindered by spray irrigation prohibition within a 100 m distance from houses and recreational areas. WWTP and WSP effluents were monitored for pathogens with a particular attention to Legionella in Spring and Summer 2006. Helminth eggs, salmonellae and enteroviruses were never detected neither in WWTP effluent nor in the ponds. Legionella spp content was slightly higher or of the order of magnitude of river water contents. Regarding Legionella pneumophila contents, WSP effluent did not significantly differ from the river water. E.coli and enterococci contents in WSP effluents complied with the “excellent quality” criteria of the European Directive for coastal bathing waters. Therefore, substituting WSP effluents to river water is unlikely to alter health risks related to spray irrigation and, in this case, the buffer zone required by the French water reuse guidelines appears being short of support.
Cross sectoral and scale-up impacts of greywater recycling technologies on catchment hydrological flows
Authors: Bertrand N , Jefferson B , Jeffrey P
Published: April 2008

With the growth of urban areas and climate change, decisions need to be taken to improve water management. This paper reports an assessment of the impact of greywater recycling systems on catchment scale hydrological flows. A simulation model developed in InfoWorks CS (Wallingford Software Ltd) was used to evaluate how river flows, sewer flows, surface runoff and flooding events may be influenced when grey water recycling systems of different number and scale are implemented in a representative catchment. The simulations show the effectiveness of greywater recycling systems in reducing total wastewater volume and flood volume. However, no hydraulic impacts due to implementation of greywater was identified by the model.
Heat island mitigation using water retentive pavement sprinkled with reclaimed wastewater
Authors: Yamagata H. , Nasu M. , Yoshizawa M. , Miyamoto A. , Minamiyama M.
Published: April 2008

In Japan, reclaimed wastewater has been recycled widely for non-potable urban applications and it is to be used for sprinkling roads to mitigate heat island in urban areas. To assess the heat island mitigation effects of the sprinkling reclaimed wastewater on water retentive pavement, we carried out a survey at Shiodome-District, Tokyo. The temperatures of air and roads, humidity, and WBGT (Wet-bulb globe temperature) were measured and heat flux was estimated to compare the condition of the areas with/without sprinkling. The following results were obtained. 1) Sprinkling reclaimed wastewater decreased the road surface temperature by 8 degrees during the daytime and by 3 degrees at night: temperatures equal to those on planting zones. Nevertheless sprinkling was done only in the daytime, the temperature decrease effect was not only obtained during the daytime: it continued through the night, due to the water retentive pavement. 2) Sprinkling reclaimed wastewater reduced the amount of sensible heat flux and increased that of latent heat flux. These results suggest that sprinkling reclaimed wastewater on water retentive pavement can effectively mitigate the heat island phenomenon.
Designing Cost-Competitive Technology Products through Cost Management
Authors: Davila Antonio (Tony) , Wouters Marc
Published: April 2008

As manufacturing innovations spread throughout leading organizations, product development becomes a more important source of competitive advantage. Within product development, cost management receives increasing attention. To date, cost management in new product development focuses primarily on target costing, a management practice used inside the product development process by the development team. Although this practice is appropriate for products competing mainly on costs, it presents several limit ations when factors such as technology, time-to-market, or customer needs are more pressing. Based on observations from a field study of product development cost practices in high-technology firms and evidence from field studies described elsewhere, this paper identifies alternative practices to manage costs during product development. These alternative practices that facilitate cost management around the projects rather than managing costs inside product development projects are: parallel cost management teams, modular design for cost, clearly defined cost management strategies and cost policies, and product portfolio planning. Companies in our sample use them to manage costs during product development, when cost management is most effective, but still keep the attention of development teams focused on the critical success factors of time-to-market, technology, and customer needs.
Empirical Evidence on Recent Trends in Pro Forma Reporting
Authors: Bhattacharya Nilabhra , Black Ervin L. , Christensen Theodore E. , Mergenthaler Richard D.
Published: April 2008

This study provides descriptive evidence on the controversial trend adopted by many firms in recent years of reporting earnings figures on a pro forma basis. pro forma earnings exclude normal income statement items that managers deem to be nonrecurring or nonrepresentative of ongoing operations. We examine a large sample of actual pro forma press releases issued between January 1998 and December 2000. We find that pro forma announcers tend to be relatively “young” firms that are concentrated primarily in the tech sector and business services industries, and that they are significantly less profitable, more liquid, and have higher debt levels, P-E ratios, and book-to-market ratios than other firms in their own industries. Our results indicate that while firms commonly exclude multiple expenses in arriving at their pro forma earnings figure, they usually do not exclude the same items in subsequent pro forma announcements. These results support the criticism that pro forma announcements are often motivated by managers' desires to meet or beat analysts' expectations or to avoid earnings decreases.
An Exploratory Study of the Influence of Client Factors on Audit Time Budget Variances
Authors: Gist Willie E. , Davidson Ronald A.
Published: April 2008

This study provides a descriptive analysis of audit time budgets and considers the effect of client factors on the achievement of audit time budgets. Using archival data obtained from four of the Big 6 firms, we find that differences between audit time budgets and reported audit hours are significantly related to factors reflecting client size, risk, complexity and profitability, ceteris paribus.

We also find that the degree to which client factors explain budget variances (defined as reported hours minus budgeted hours) depends on staff level. Specifically, differences in the achievement of audit time budgets for partners, seniors and juniors are related to certain client factors, but manager time is not. The results of the size variable suggest an attempt at substitution of more junior hours relative to other staff hours as the size of the auditee increases. Partner and senior models indicate a tendency for actual hours to be in excess of budgeted hours as size increases. Potential explanations for these and other findings along with the limitations and implications of the study are provided.
The Audit Review Process and Sensitivity to Information Source Objectivity
Authors: Reimers Jane L. , Fennema M. G.
Published: April 2008

Auditing standards require auditors to consider the reliability of the evidence they use in making judgments. One aspect of that reliability is the objectivity of the information source. More objective sources (e.g., third parties) provide higher quality information than less objective ones (e.g., client personnel), so auditors should be sensitive to the source of the information they receive. In this study, we examine the effect of the role that auditors perform on their sensitivity to information source objectivity. Specifically, we test whether sensitivity varies depending on whether the auditor is the preparer of the workpaper or the reviewer of the workpaper in the task of evaluating the adequacy of an allowance for doubtful accounts. It is hypothesized that processing differences between the two roles will cause reviewers to be more sensitive than preparers to the objectivity of the information source. In an experiment, auditors were assigned to either a preparer or reviewer role in an accounts receivable task. After calculating or reviewing the allowance for uncollectible accounts, the auditors were given new information (from either a client source or an independent credit agency) and asked to reconsider their original decision. Results indicate that reviewers were sensitive to the source of the information, while preparers were not. These findings suggest that reviewers may use different cognitive processes than preparers and that the review process serves an important function beyond that of simply a second opinion.
The Effect of Stage of Development and Financial Health on Auditor Decision Behavior in the Going-Concern Task
Authors: Rosman Andrew J. , Seol Inshik , Biggs Stanley F.
Published: April 2008

The effect of different task settings within an industry on auditor behavior is examined for the going-concern task. Using an interactive computer process-tracing method, experienced auditors from four Big 6 accounting firms examined cases based on real data that differed on two dimensions of task settings: stage of organizational development (start-up and mature) and financial health (bankrupt and nonbankrupt). Auditors made judgments about each entity's ability to continue as a going concern and, if they had substantial doubt about continued existence, they listed evidence they would seek as mitigating factors. There are seven principal results. First, information acquisition and, by inference, problem representations were sensitive to differences in task settings. Second, financial mitigating factors dominated nonfinancial mitigating factors in both start-up and mature settings. Third, auditors' behavior reflected configural processing. Fourth, categorizing information into financial and nonfinancial dimensions was critical to understanding how auditors' information acquisition and, by inference, problem representations differed across settings. Fifth, Type I errors (determining that a healthy company is a going-concern problem) differed from correct judgments in terms of information acquisition, although Type II errors (determining that a problem company is viable) did not. This may indicate that Type II errors are primarily due to deficiencies in other stages of processing, such as evaluation. Sixth, auditors who were more accurate tended to follow flexible strategies for financial information acquisition. Finally, accurate performance in the going-concern task was found to be related to acquiring (1) fewer information cues, (2) proportionately more liquidity information and (3) nonfinancial information earlier in the process.
Are Audit Program Plans Risk-Adjusted?
Authors: Mock Theodore J. , Wright Arnold M.
Published: April 2008

Prior archival and experimental studies provide conflicting results regarding the extent to which audit program plans are responsive to client risks, as prescribed by the Audit Risk Model. The purpose of this study is to corroborate and extend archival research on this issue by considering a broader set of client risks and incorporating a number of methodological improvements. Data were gathered on risk assessments and evidential plans in the accounts receivable area from the working papers of 74 randomly selected manufacturing clients (42 general manufacturing and 32 high-technology manufacturing).

The results indicate a statistical association between the level of and changes in a limited number of assessed client risks (e.g., management aggressiveness and the inherent risk of an existence misstatement) and evidential plans. In addition, audit programs were found to change little over time with many tests done across a broad array of engagements. Overall, the responsiveness of evidential plans to risks, although limited, was found to be greater in the present study than prior research. These results, which generally replicate prior research, indicate the lack of a strong relationship between client risks and audit programs and thus raise a number of important questions for audit theory, practice and training.
The Effects of Source Integrity and Consistency of Evidence on Auditors' Judgments
Authors: Goodwin Jenny
Published: April 2008

This study uses the Elaboration Likelihood Model as a theoretical framework to examine auditors' sensitivity to the integrity of an evidence source, the consistency of more than one piece of evidence and the interaction between these two factors. Two independent scenarios were examined. The first involved evidence provided by a source external to the client, namely a lawyer acting for the client in a lawsuit concerning patent infringement. Source integrity was manipulated as either high or low, while the evidence provided by the source was either consistent or inconsistent with evidence obtained from within the client. Participants assessed the likelihood that the client would be found guilty of patent infringement and whether any liability should be recognized in the financial statements. Both the integrity and consistency factors and their interaction were significant in explaining auditors' judgments. The second scenario involved representations from client management concerning inventory obsolescence. Management integrity was manipulated as high or low and the evidence provided by management was either consistent or inconsistent with other evidence obtained from within the client. Participants assessed the likelihood that inventory was overstated and that a further writedown was required. For this scenario, only the integrity factor was a significant determinant of auditors' judgments.