bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased bacterial growth efficiency with environmental variability: results from DOC degradation by bacteria in pure culture experiments
Authors: Eichinger M. , Sempéré R. , Grégori G. , Charrière B. , Poggiale J. C. , Lefèvre D.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. This paper assesses how considering variation in DOC availability and cell maintenance in bacterial models affects Bacterial Growth Efficiency (BGE) estimations. For this purpose, we conducted two biodegradation experiments simultaneously. In experiment one, a given amount of substrate was added to the culture at the start of the experiment whilst in experiment two, the same amount of substrate was added, but using periodic pulses over the time course of the experiment. Three bacterial models, with different levels of complexity, (the Monod, Marr-Pirt and the dynamic energy budget – DEB – models), were used and calibrated using the above experiments. BGE has been estimated using the experimental values obtained from discrete samples and from model generated data. Cell maintenance was derived experimentally, from respiration rate measurements. The results showed that the Monod model did not reproduce the experimental data accurately, whereas the Marr-Pirt and DEB models demonstrated a good level of reproducibility, probably because cell maintenance was built into their formula. Whatever estimation method was used, the BGE value was always higher in experiment two (the periodically pulsed substrate) as compared to the initially one-pulsed-substrate experiment. Moreover, BGE values estimated without considering cell maintenance (Monod model and empirical formula) were always smaller than BGE values obtained from models taking cell maintenance into account. Since BGE is commonly estimated using constant experimental systems and ignore maintenance, we conclude that these typical methods underestimate BGE values. On a larger scale, and for biogeochemical cycles, this would lead to the conclusion that, for a given DOC supply rate and a given DOC consumption rate, these BGE estimation methods overestimate the role of bacterioplankton as CO2 producers.
Free atmospheric CO2 enrichment did not affect symbiotic N2-fixation and soil carbon dynamics in a mixed deciduous stand in Wales
Authors: Hoosbeek M. R. , Lukac M. , Velthorst E. J. , Godbold D. L.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Through increases in net primary production (NPP), elevated CO2 is hypothesizes to increase the amount of plant litter entering the soil. The fate of this extra carbon on the forest floor or in mineral soil is currently not clear. Moreover, increased rates of NPP can be maintained only if forests can escape nitrogen limitation. In a Free atmospheric CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment near Bangor, Wales, 4 ambient CO2 and 4 FACE plots were planted with patches of Betula pendula, Alnus glutinosa and Fagus sylvatica on a former arable field. Four years after establishment, only a shallow L forest floor litter layer had formed due to intensive bioturbation. Total soil C and N contents increased irrespective of treatment and species as a result of afforestation. We could not detect an additional C sink in the soil, nor were soil C stabilization processes affected by FACE. We observed a decrease of leaf N content in Betula and Alnus under FACE, while the soil C/N ratio decreased regardless of CO2 treatment. The ratio of N taken up from the soil and by N2-fixation in Alnus was not affected by FACE. We infer that increased nitrogen use efficiency is the mechanism by which increased NPP is sustained under elevated CO2 at this site.
A steady-state saturation model to determine the subsurface travel time (STT) in complex hillslopes
Authors: Sabzevari T. , Talebi A. , Ardakanian R. , Shamsai A.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The travel time of subsurface flow in complex hillslopes (hillslopes with different plan shape and profile curvature) is an important parameter in predicting the subsurface flow in catchments. This time depends on the hillslopes geometry (plan shape and profile curvature), soil properties and climate conditions. The saturation capacity of hillslopes affect the travel time of subsurface flow. The saturation capacity, and subsurface travel time of compound hillslopes depend on parameters such as soil depth, porosity, soil hydraulic conductivity, plan shape (convergent, parallel or divergent), hillslope length, profile curvature (concave, straight or convex) and recharge rate to the groundwater table. An equation for calculating subsurface travel time for all complex hillslopes was presented. This equation is a function of the saturation zone length (SZL) on the surface. Saturation zone length of the complex hillslopes was calculated numerically by using the hillslope-storage kinematic wave equation for subsurface flow, so an analytical equation was presented for calculating the saturation zone length of the straight hillslopes and all plan shapes geometries. Based on our results, the convergent hillslopes become saturated very soon and they showed longer SZL with shorter travel time compared to the parallel and divergent ones. The subsurface average flow rate in convergent hillslopes is much less than the divergent ones in the steady state conditions. Concerning to subsurface travel time, convex hillslopes have more travel time in comparison to straight and concave hillslopes. The convex hillslopes exhibit more average flow rate than concave hillslopes and their saturation capacity is very low. Finally, the effects of recharge rate variations, average bedrock slope and soil depth on saturation zone extension were investigated.
Assessing the application of a laser rangefinder for determining snow depth in inaccessible alpine terrain
Authors: Hood J. L. , Hayashi M.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Snow is a major contributor to stream flow in alpine watersheds and quantifying snow depth and distribution is important for hydrological research. However, direct measurement of snow in rugged alpine terrain is often impossible due to avalanche and rock fall hazard. A laser rangefinder was used to determine the depth of snow in inaccessible areas. Laser rangefinders use ground based light detection and ranging technology but are more cost effective than airborne surveys or terrestrial laser scanning systems and are highly portable. Data were collected within the Opabin watershed in the Canadian Rockies. Surveys were conducted on one accessible slope for validation purposes and two inaccessible talus slopes. Laser distance data was used to generate surface models of slopes when snow covered and snow-free and snow depth distribution was quantified by differencing the two surfaces. The results were compared with manually probed snow depths on the accessible slope. The accuracy of the laser rangefinder method as compared to probed depths was 0.21 m or 12% of average snow depth. Results from the two inaccessible talus slopes showed regions near the top of the slopes with 6–9 m of snow accumulation. These deep snow accumulation zones result from re-distribution of snow by avalanches and are hydrologically significant as they persist until late summer.
The role of continental shelves in nitrogen and carbon cycling: Northwestern North Atlantic case study
Authors: Fennel K.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Continental shelves play a key role in the cycling of nitrogen and carbon. Here the physical transport and biogeochemical transformation processes affecting the fluxes into and out of continental shelf systems are reviewed, and their role in the global cycling of both elements is discussed. Uncertainties in the magnitude of organic and inorganic matter exchange between shelves and the open ocean is a major source of uncertainty in observation-based estimates of nitrogen and carbon fluxes. The shelf-open ocean exchange is hard to quantify based on observations alone, but can be inferred from biogeochemical models. Model-based nitrogen and carbon budgets are presented for the Northwestern North Atlantic continental shelf. Results indicate that shelves are an important sink for fixed nitrogen and a source of alkalinity, but are not much more efficient in exporting organic carbon to the deep ocean than the adjacent open ocean for the shelf region considered.
Sensor classification for the fault detection and isolation, a structural approach
Authors: Commault C. , Dion J. M. , Trinh D. H. , Do T. H.
Published: June 2010

This paper addresses the sensor classification problem for fault detection and isolation (FDI) with observability requirement in a structural way. The system under consideration is a linear system subject to additive faults and affected by unknown input disturbances. This system is equipped with a sensor network subject to sensor failures. We represent the dynamics of the system by a linear parameterized state space model called linear structured model. The underlying prior knowledge on the system is reduced to the existence or non‐existence of relations between variables in the model. A dedicated residual set using a bank of observers is designed in order to detect and isolate the faults. The failure of some sensors may affect the observability of the system which is a natural requirement in order to build stable observers and also may affect the FDI solvability. The main contribution of this paper is to classify the sensors with respect to their importance in case of failure relatively to the considered FDI problem. More precisely, we characterize the sensors that are essential i.e. whose failure leads to FDI solvability loss and those which are useless for such property. We also quantify the relative importance of the sensors which are not useless. The proposed graph approach is visual, easy to handle and close to the physical structure of the system. It is well adapted to large‐scale systems and essentially leads to polynomial algorithms here. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patterns of wide‐scale substitution within meadows of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica in NW Mediterranean Sea: invaders are stronger than natives
Authors: Montefalcone Monica , Albertelli Giancarlo , Morri Carla , Bianchi Carlo Nike
Published: June 2010

The endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Mediterranean Sea are presently facing invasion by alien algal species, especially where they are already showing signs of regression as a result of other stresses. Regressed meadows may be recolonized by native or alien macrophytes that take the place of P. oceanica.

The pattern and degree of substitution by either native (Cymodocea nodosa and Caulerpa prolifera) or alien (Caulerpa taxifolia and C. racemosa) species in 17 P. oceanica meadows along the coast of Liguria (Italy, NW Mediterranean) were investigated. The invaders were found to be stronger colonizers, in terms of habitat occupancy within meadows, than the natives.

A set of indices was used to quantify biological invasion within the seagrass ecosystem and to explore the relationship between the meadow's state of health and the replacement by substitutes. The ecological status of the receiving habitat was shown to play a major role in modulating the spread of substitutes.

Substitutes are thought likely to act simply as passengers of habitat degradation in deep meadows, where previous regression has increased the likelihood of their colonization, but could be the drivers for P. oceanica loss in shallow ones, where they settled even in healthy meadows thus starting the process of regression. Long term monitoring and sustained maintenance of healthy P. oceanica meadows appear to be the most effective management tools to contain the risk of ecological substitution. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient method for screening and identification of radical scavengers in the leaves of Olea europaea L.
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Li Chen , Liu Yewei , Li Hongbing , Di Duolong
Published: June 2010

In this article, an efficient method was developed to screen, isolate and identify the major radical scavengers in the leaves of Olea europaea L. by DPPH‐HPLC‐DAD, HSCCC and NMR. The method of DPPH‐HPLC‐DAD was used to screen the major radical scavengers. It was found that three major constituents (A, B, C) in the extract of the leaves of O. europaea L. possessed potential antioxidant activities. In order to identify the chemical structures of those compounds, the HSCCC method with a two‐phase solvent system composed of petroleum ether–ethyl acetate–water at an optimized volume ratio of 6:600:700 (v/v/v) together with column chromatography was developed to isolate and purify the active compounds. Pure compounds A (225 mg), B (10 mg) and C (12 mg) with purities 92.6, 95.1 and 96.4%, respectively, were obtained from the crude sample (500 mg). Their structures were identified as oleuropein (A), luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside (B) and verbascoside (C) by 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic analysis of rhubarb extract by rat intestinal bacteria using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Song Rui , Xu Lei , Xu Fengguo , Dong Haijuan , Tian Yuan , Zhang Zunjian
Published: June 2010

Through investigation of the metabolism of rhubarb extract by rat intestinal bacteria, a total of 14 components in rhubarb extract were found to be biotransformed. These components included aloe‐emodin‐O‐glucosides, emodin‐O‐glucosides, chrysophanol‐O‐glucosides, physcion‐O‐glucosides and the corresponding aglycones. Rhein also could be biotransformed by rat intestinal bacteria. Twelve major metabolites were detected in the incubation sample. Under ESI tandem mass conditions, the sequential fragmentation patterns of [M H]‐ ions were similar to those of free anthraquinones, thus allowing the rapid identification of the metabolites formed in incubation samples. The results suggested that the proposed hydrolysis of glycoside group followed by hydrogenation in quinoid moiety and/or further acetylation was the major biotransformation pathway for these anthraquinone glycosides by rat intestinal bacteria.
Determination of penciclovir in human plasma by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry: application to a clinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Kanneti Ravi , Bhavesh Dasandi , Paramar Dharmesh , Shivaprakash R , Bhatt Parloop A
Published: June 2010

A rapid, specific and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of penciclovir in human plasma. The method involved simple, one‐step SPE procedure coupled with a C18, 75 × 4.mm, 3µm column with a flow‐rate of 0.5 mL/min, and acyclovir was used as the internal standard. The Quattro Micro mass spectrometry was operated under the multiple reaction‐monitoring mode using the electrospray ionization technique. Using 250 µL plasma, the methods were validated over the concentration range 52.555–6626.181 ng/mL, with a lower limit of quantification of 52.55 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy values were found to be within the assay variability limits as per the FDA guidelines. The developed assay method was applied to a clinical pharmacokinetic study in human volunteers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dysfunctional beliefs in the process of change of cognitive treatment in obsessive compulsive checkers
Authors: Polman Annemiek , Bouman Theo K. , van Geert Paul L. C. , de Jong Peter J. , den Boer Johan A.
Published: June 2010

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is considered to be effective in the reduction of obsessive compulsive symptoms. However, questions remain as to how CBT works. Cognitive–behavioural models postulate that negative appraisals of intrusive thoughts and dysfunctional beliefs that give rise to them underlie the development and maintenance of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). The current study aimed to study this hypothesis by investigating the processes of change over the course of cognitive treatment for OCD. Furthermore, a new theoretical approach and method for studying processes of change was presented. The participants were seven patients suffering from OCD with predominantly checking symptoms. Process variables (beliefs, anxiety and compulsions) were measured using idiosyncratic diaries and were analysed on an intra‐ and inter‐individual level using dynamic systems methods. Results showed significant decreases in credibility of dysfunctional beliefs in six out of the seven participants, which is in line with the cognitive–behavioural model. Associations between process variables were in general medium to high. However, the actual patterns of change showed important intra‐ and interpersonal differences. Results indicated that different paths can lead to clinical recovery, and it was concluded that process studies that focus on individual trajectories of change can contribute to our understanding of OCD and its treatment. Furthermore, dynamic systems methods provide insight into intra‐individual processes and shed a new light on variability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

• Changes in dysfunctional beliefs are associated with effective treatment of OCD.

• Patterns of change over the course of successful treatment can vary dramatically between patients.

• Optimally, process research could provide information for how to bring about change in different patients.
Generalized force vectors for multi‐mode pushover analysis
Authors: Sucuoğlu Halûk , Günay M. Selim
Published: June 2010

A generalized pushover analysis (GPA) procedure is developed for estimating the inelastic seismic response of structures under earthquake ground excitations. The procedure comprises applying different generalized force vectors separately to the structure in an incremental form with increasing amplitude until a prescribed seismic demand is attained for each generalized force vector. A generalized force vector is expressed as a combination of modal forces, and simulates the instantaneous force distribution acting on the system when a given response parameter reaches its maximum value during dynamic response to a seismic excitation. While any response parameter can be selected arbitrarily, generalized force vectors in the presented study are derived for maximum interstory drift parameters. The maximum value of any other response parameter is then obtained from the envelope of GPAs results. Each nonlinear static analysis under a generalized force vector activates the entire multi‐degree of freedom effects simultaneously. Accordingly, inelastic actions develop in members with the contribution of all ‘instantaneous modes’ in the nonlinear response range. Target seismic demands for interstory drifts at the selected stories are calculated from the associated drift expressions. The implementation of the proposed GPA is simpler compared with nonlinear response history analysis, whereas it is less demanding in computational effort when compared with several multi‐mode adaptive nonlinear static procedures. Moreover, it does not suffer from the statistical combination of inelastic modal responses obtained separately. The results obtained from building frames have demonstrated that GPA is successful in estimating maximum member deformations and member forces with reference to the response history analysis. When the response is linear elastic, GPA and response spectrum analysis produce identical results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An open source, low cost video‐based coastal monitoring system
Authors: Nieto M. A. , Garau B. , Balle S. , Simarro G. , Zarruk G. A. , Ortiz A. , Tintoré J. , Álvarez‐Ellacuría A. , Gómez‐Pujol L. , Orfila A.
Published: June 2010

A low cost, automated, remote monitoring video system built on standard commercial off‐the‐shelf (COTS) components and implemented with open source software is presented. The system has been implemented in a coastal area to perform image acquisition and processing, generating statistical products and transferring the information from the field to a central node where post‐processing and data visualization are made available to the general public. The open structure of the software allows the user to implement new routines and modules appropriate to fit specific needs as well as to adapt the system to study other dynamical processes where continuous observation is required. The software and image data base can be obtained as freeware. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tide‐modulated hyperpycnal flows off the Huanghe (Yellow River) mouth, China
Authors: Wang Houjie , Bi Naishuang , Wang Yan , Saito Yoshiki , Yang Zuosheng
Published: June 2010

Few hyperpycnal flows have ever been observed in marine environments although they are believed to play a critical role in sediment dispersal within estuarine and deltaic depositional systems. The paper describes hyperpycnal flows observed in situ off the Huanghe (Yellow River) mouth, their relationship to tidal cycles, and the mechanisms that drive them. Simultaneous observations at six mooring stations during a cruise off the Huanghe mouth in the flood season of 1995 suggest that hyperpycnal flows observed at the river mouth are initiated by high concentrations of sediment input from river and modulated by tides. Hyperpycnal flows started near the end of ebb tides, when near‐bottom suspended sediment concentration (SSC) increased rapidly and salinity decreased drastically (an inverse salt wedge). The median grain size of suspended particles within the hyperpycnal layer increased, causing strong stratification of the suspended sediments in the water column. Towards the end of flood tides, the hyperpycnal flow attenuated due to frictions at the upper and lower boundaries of the flow and tidal mixing, which collapsed the stratification of the water column. Both sediment concentration and median grain size of suspended particles within the bottom layer significantly decreased. The coarser sediment particles were deposited and the hyperpycnal flows stopped. The intra‐tidal behaviors of hyperpycnal flows are closely associated with the variations of SSC, salinity, and stratification of the water column. As nearly 90% of riverine sediment is delivered to the sea during the flood seasons when hyperpycnal flows are active, hyperpycnal flows at the Huanghe mouth and the river's high sediment loads have caused rapid accretion of the Huanghe delta. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two‐dimensional morphodynamic model of gravel‐bed river with floodplain vegetation
Authors: Li S. S. , Millar R. G.
Published: June 2010

Artificially straight river channels tend to be unstable, and ultimately develop into river meanders through bank erosion and point‐bar deposition. In this paper account is taken of the effects of riparian and floodplain vegetation on bank strength, floodplain flow resistance, shear stress partitioning, and bedload transport. This is incorporated into an existing 2D hydrodynamic‐morphological model. By applying the new model to an initially straight and single‐threaded channel, the way that its planform and cross‐sectional geometry evolve for different hydraulic and floodplain vegetation conditions is demonstrated. The results show the formation and upstream migration of gravel bars, confluence scouring and the development of meandering and braiding channel patterns. In cases where the channel becomes unstable, the instability grows out of bar formation. The resulting braiding patterns are similar to analytical results. The formation of a transition configuration requires a strong influence from vegetation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new approach to soil erosion and runoff in south Limburg—The Netherlands
Authors: Winteraeken H. J. , Spaan W. P.
Published: June 2010

The southern part of the Province of Limburg in The Netherlands is a region with gentle slopes, generally covered with loess sediments. The rural areas consist partly of arable land, grasslands with forests on the steeper slopes. Winter cereals, maize, sugar beet and potatoes are the most common crops. Especially on the fields where traditional ploughing techniques are used, the loessic silty loam soil is vulnerable to relatively high runoff and soil erosion. Without taking measurements, observations suggest that regularly occurring heavy rainfall events cause muddy floods and flooding of the villages in the valleys, and climate change in the future can be assumed to produce even more erosive rainfall. In the last two decades authorities agreed that protection of urban areas against flooding should be better guaranteed, and about 350 rainwater retention basins have been constructed to prevent flooding of urban areas and other important infrastructures. The other type of control measures that could decrease the muddy flooding frequency are reviewed here. It is concluded that the construction of additional rainwater basins or the enlarging of existing basins will be less necessary if farmers change their conventional ploughing into reduced conservation tillage (or ‘non‐inversion’ tillage) in combination with mulching, since more rainwater will infiltrate into the soil and less runoff and soil erosion will take place. Since January 2009, this model is being slowly adopted, and now the general policy is to introduce conservation tillage with mulching or measures with comparable effect. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental impact of quarries on natural resources in Lebanon
Authors: Darwish T. , Khater C. , Jomaa I. , Stehouwer R. , Shaban A. , Hamzé M.
Published: June 2010

Years of unregulated mining activity have left hundreds of abandoned quarries across Lebanon. Satellite images show that the number of quarries and areas they cover increased, from 784 quarries covering 2897 ha in 1989, to 1278 quarries covering 5267 ha in 2005. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to assess the impact of quarrying activities on scarce Eastern Mediterranean natural resources. The assessment is based on the computation of spatial indicators such as rainfall, slope gradient, vegetation cover, soil erosion risk, and rock infiltration, using GIS to appraise critical impacts on the Lebanese ecosystem. Compared with the 1989 baseline, the area consumed by quarries in 2005 increased more than three times over former arable lands, one third for forest lands and doubled for pasture lands. Quarries additionally destroyed 676, 137, and 737 ha of productive lands, respectively. The comparison of quarry distribution with the land capability map revealed that quarries are found mainly on productive soils, consuming 1314 ha in 1989 and 2192 ha in 2005 of prime lands. A total of 87 per cent of studied quarries represent serious hazards to groundwater quality. In general, a total of 272 quarries have high impact, 657 quarries have moderate impact, and 349 quarries have low impact on natural ecosystems. Analyzed data revealed that around 62 per cent of the quarries are located in a highly unsuitable environment. This paper presents recent findings from the Eastern Mediterranean for territorial suitability assessment of quarries to be considered in the frame of natural resources and coastal ecosystems management. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Farming practices and policy measures for agricultural soil conservation in semi‐arid Mediterranean areas: The case of the Guadalentín basin in southeast Spain
Authors: Calatrava J. , Barberá G. G. , Castillo V. M.
Published: June 2010

The objective of this paper is to analyse the adequacy and effectiveness of farming practices and agricultural soil conservation policies in the Murcia Region sector of the Guadalentín basin in southeast Spain. This area constitutes one of the most severe cases of land degradation in Europe. The basin is representative of Spanish Mediterranean areas where the predominant semi‐arid dry‐land farming is mixed with highly profitable intensive irrigated horticulture. Based on interviews of farmers, soil experts, governmental officers and other stakeholders, we first identify the main degradation processes on agricultural soils, as well as the used and proposed soil conservation farming practices. Then we analyse the different policy options available for both irrigated and non‐irrigated agriculture and their capacity to address soil degradation in the area, making specific recommendations for their design and implementation. Our findings show that, although agricultural policies have fostered some adoption of less intensive tillage, conservation structures and water quality control, there is still plenty of room for extending these and introducing new measures, such as vegetation covers or strips, reducing fertiliser application and applying exogenous organic matter. We also conclude that some of the existing agricultural policy measures should be better adapted to regional conditions, whereas others should be further financed. Even so, their effectiveness will be limited without stricter and sustainable land use, rural development and water policies, together with education of both the population and farmers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolomic profiling with NMR discriminates between biphosphonate and doxorubicin effects on B16 melanoma cells
Authors: Triba M. N. , Starzec A. , Bouchemal N. , Guenin E. , Perret G. Y. , Le Moyec L.
Published: June 2010

The metabolomic profiles of B16 melanoma cells were investigated in vitro with high resolution‐magic angle spinning proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and OPLS multivariate statistical analyse. We compared the profiles for untreated melanoma B16‐F10 cells and Ca2+ chelating EGTA, doxorubicin or BP7033 bisphosphonate treated cells. The two last molecules are known to induce anti‐proliferative effects by different mechanisms of action in cells. Untreated and EGTA treated cells had similar profiles and were considered together as control cells. Several spectral regions could discriminate control from doxorubicin as well as BP7033 treated cells. Doxorubicin and BP7033 displayed distinct metabolic profiles. Important changes in neutral lipids and inositol were related to doxorubicin activity whereas BP7033 affected essentially phospholipids and alanine/lactate metabolism. These results provide new putative targets for both drugs. Metabolomics by NMR is shown here to be a good tool for the investigation of the mechanisms of action of drugs in pre‐clinical studies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
δ‐Catenin promotes malignant phenotype of non‐small cell lung cancer by non‐competitive binding to E‐cadherin with p120ctn in cytoplasm
Authors: Zhang Jun‐Yi , Wang Yan , Zhang Di , Yang Zhi‐Qiang , Dong Xin‐Jun , Jiang Gui‐Yang , Zhang Peng‐Xin , Dai Shun‐Dong , Dong Qian‐Ze , Han Yang , Zhang Sheng , Cui Quan‐Zhe , Wang En‐Hua
Published: June 2010

As a member of the catenin family, little is known about the clinical significance and possible mechanism of δ‐catenin expression in numerous tumours. We examined the expression of δ‐catenin by immunohistochemistry in 115 cases of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (including 65 cases with follow‐up records and 50 cases with paired lymph node metastasis lesions). The mRNA and protein expression of δ‐catenin was also detected in 30 cases of paired lung cancer tissues and normal lung tissues by RT‐PCR and western blotting, respectively. Co‐immunoprecipitation was used to examine whether δ‐catenin competitively bound to E‐cadherin with p120ctn in lung cancer cells or not. The effects of δ‐catenin on the activity of small GTPases and the biological behaviour of lung cancer cells were explored by pull‐down assay, flow cytometry, MTT, and Matrigel invasive assay. The results showed that the mRNA and protein expression of δ‐catenin was increased in lung cancer tissues; the positive expression rate of δ‐catenin was significantly increased in adenocarcinoma, stage III–IV, paired lymph node metastasis lesions, and primary tumours with lymph node metastasis (all p < 0.05); and the postoperative survival period of patients with δ‐catenin‐positive expression was shorter than that of patients with δ‐catenin‐negative expression (p < 0.05). No competition between δ‐catenin and p120ctn for binding to E‐cadherin in cytoplasm was found in two lung cancer cell lines. By regulating the activity of small GTPases and changing the cell cycle, δ‐catenin could promote the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells. We conclude that δ‐catenin is an oncoprotein overexpressed in NSCLC and that increased δ‐catenin expression is critical for maintenance of the malignant phenotype of lung cancer. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of prescription medicines and self‐medication among children—a population‐based study in Finland
Authors: Ylinen Sanna , Hämeen‐Anttila Katri , Sepponen Kati , Lindblad Åsa Kettis , Ahonen Riitta
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and concomitant use of prescription medicines and self‐medication, including over‐the‐counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, and complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) among Finnish children aged under 12 years.

Methods

We carried out a nationwide postal survey of the use of medicines by a representative sample (n = 6000) of Finnish children aged under 12 years in spring 2007. A response rate of 67% (n = 4032) was achieved. The current use of prescription medicines and the use of OTC medicines, vitamins, and CAMs in the preceding 2 days were the main outcome measures.

Results

In total, 17% of children had used prescription medicines and 50% some self‐medication. The corresponding figures for OTC medicines, vitamins, and CAMs use were 17, 37, and 11%, respectively. Drugs for obstructive airway diseases were the most common prescription medicines, whereas analgesics and antipyretics, including non‐steroidal‐anti‐inflammatory‐medicines (NSAID), were the most common OTC medicines reported. Vitamin D was the most common vitamin, while fish oils and fatty acids were the most common CAMs used. Ten percent of the children had used prescription medicines and self‐medication concomitantly.

Conclusions

Most of the children's medication consists of self‐medication, and especially of vitamin use. However, also a considerable proportion had used prescription medicines, and a minority prescription medicines and self‐medication concomitantly. In three of the cases, a combination of prescription and OTC medicine with a potential risk for interactions were found. Physicians should be aware of this wide use of self‐medication when prescribing medicines. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive logic‐based switching fault‐tolerant controller design for nonlinear uncertain systems
Authors: Ma Hong‐Jun , Yang Guang‐Hong
Published: June 2010

This paper deals with the problem of fault‐tolerant control (FTC) for a class of nonlinear uncertain systems against actuator faults using adaptive logic‐based switching control method. The uncertainties under consideration are assumed to be dominated by a bounding system which is linear in growth in the unmeasurable states but can be a continuous function of the system output, with unknown growth rates. Several types of common actuator faults, e.g., bias, loss‐of‐effectiveness, stuck and hard‐over faults are integrated by a unified fault model. By utilizing a novel adaptive logic‐based switching control scheme, the actuator faults can be detected and automatically accommodated by switching from the stuck actuator to the healthy or even partly losing‐effectiveness one with bias, in the presence of large parametric uncertainty. In particular, two switching logics for updating the gain in the output feedback controllers are designed to ensure the global stability of the nominal (fault‐free) system and the boundedness of all closed‐loop signals of the faulty system, respectively. Two simulation examples of an aircraft wing model and a single‐link flexible‐joint robot are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed FTC controller. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization of networked control systems with nonuniform random sampling periods
Authors: Yang Hongjiu , Xia Yuanqing , Shi Peng
Published: June 2010

In this paper, a new linear delayed delta operator switched system model is proposed to describe networked control systems with packets dropout and network‐induced delays. The plant is a continuous‐time system, which is sampled by time‐varying random sampling periods. A general delta domain Lyapunov stability criterion is given for delta operator switched systems with time delays. Sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability of closed‐loop networked control systems with both packets dropout and network‐induced delays are presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A verification theorem is given to show the solvability of the stabilization conditions by solving a class of finite LMIs. Both the case of data packets arrive instantly and the case of invariant sampling periods in delta operator systems are given, respectively. Three numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and potential of the developed techniques. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive NN output‐feedback decentralized stabilization for a class of large‐scale stochastic nonlinear strict‐feedback systems
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Weisheng , Li Jun‐Min
Published: June 2010

In this paper, the decentralized adaptive neural network (NN) output‐feedback stabilization problem is investigated for a class of large‐scale stochastic nonlinear strict‐feedback systems, which interact through their outputs. The nonlinear interconnections are assumed to be bounded by some unknown nonlinear functions of the system outputs. In each subsystem, only a NN is employed to compensate for all unknown upper bounding functions, which depend on its own output. Therefore, the controller design for each subsystem only need its own information and is more simplified than the existing results. It is shown that, based on the backstepping method and the technique of nonlinear observer design, the whole closed‐loop system can be proved to be stable in probability by constructing an overall state‐quartic and parameter‐quadratic Lyapunov function. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A second‐generation architecture for Linux DVB networking
Authors: Prähauser C. , Collini‐Nocker B.
Published: June 2010

IP over Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) operating system support for the second‐generation DVB physical carriers is still limited to the so‐called broadcast profile that supports only Constant Coding and Modulation mode and encapsulation of IP packets into MPEG‐2 Transport Stream packets. Both multi‐protocol encapsulation and unidirectional lightweight encapsulation are currently used encapsulations therefore. The interactive profile, in contrast, provides a generic stream interface that allows for efficient use also in Variable Coding and Modulation and Adaptive Coding and Modulation mode and provides with Generic Stream Encapsulation a new encapsulation. This study presents a novel architecture for Linux kernel‐based operating systems to support second‐generation DVB carriers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D CFD computations of transitional flows using DES and a correlation based transition model
Authors: Sørensen Niels N. , Bechmann A. , Zahle F.
Published: June 2010

The present article describes the application of the correlation based transition model of Menter et al. in combination with the Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) methodology to two cases with large degree of flow separation typically considered difficult to compute. Firstly, the flow is computed over a circular cylinder from Re = 10 to 1 × 106 reproducing the cylinder drag crisis. The computations show good quantitative and qualitative agreement with the behaviour seen in experiments. This case shows that the methodology performs smoothly from the laminar cases at low Re to the turbulent cases at high Re. Secondly, the flow is computed over a thick airfoil at high angle of attack, in this case the DU‐96‐W351 is considered. These computations show that a transition model is needed to obtain correct drag predictions at low angle of attack, and that the combination of transition and the DES method improve agreement in the deep stall region. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trying on and Trying Out: Participatory Action Research as a Tool for Literacy and Identity Work in Middle Grades Classrooms
Authors: Van Sluys Katie
Published: June 2010

This article explores the role of collaborative, ethnographic, participatory action research (PAR) with eighth grade students as a set of possible literacy practices for involving students with issues connected to their lives, resources, language(s), and communities. Findings are based on a year of fieldwork conducted as part of shared inquiry into one public school community's experiences with gentrification and meeting the complex needs of diverse learners. Findings bring to life the ways in which PAR facilitates the redefining of reading, writing, and research; the reconsideration of languages; the rethinking of literacy practices; and the repositioning of participants within and beyond given research endeavors.
Community‐Level Social Support Responses in a Slow‐Motion Technological Disaster: The Case of Libby, Montana
Authors: Cline Rebecca J. W. , Orom Heather , Berry-Bobovski Lisa , Hernandez Tanis , Black C. Brad , Schwartz Ann G. , Ruckdeschel John C.
Published: June 2010

Social support is an important resource for communities experiencing disasters. However, a disaster's nature (rapid‐ versus slow‐onset, natural versus technological) may influence community‐level responses. Disaster research on social support focuses primarily on rapid‐onset natural disasters and, to a lesser extent, rapid‐onset technological disasters. Little research has addressed slow‐onset disasters. This study explores social support processes in Libby, MT, a community experiencing a “slow‐motion technological disaster” due to widespread amphibole asbestos exposure. A comprehensive social support coding system was applied to focus‐group and in‐depth‐interview transcripts. Results reveal that, although the community has a history of normative supportiveness during community and individual crises, that norm has been violated in the asbestos disaster context. Results are interpreted as a failure to achieve an “emergent altruistic community.” Specifically, community‐level conflict appears to interfere with previously established social support patterns. The observed phenomenon can be understood as the deterioration of a previously supportive community.
Links between self‐reported media violence exposure and teacher ratings of aggression and prosocial behavior among German adolescents
Authors: Krahé Barbara , Möller Ingrid
Published: June 2010

The relations between adolescents’ habitual usage of media violence and their tendency to engage in aggressive and prosocial behavior in a school setting were examined in a cross‐sectional study with 1688 7th and 8th graders in Germany who completed measures of violent media exposure and normative acceptance of aggression. For each participant, ratings of prosocial and aggressive behavior were obtained from their class teacher. Media violence exposure was a unique predictor of teacher‐rated aggression even when relevant covariates were considered, and it predicted prosocial behavior over and above gender. Path analyses confirmed a direct positive link from media violence usage to teacher‐rated aggression for girls and boys, but no direct negative link to prosocial behavior was found. Indirect pathways were identified to higher aggressive and lower prosocial behavior via the acceptance of aggression as normative. Although there were significant gender differences in media violence exposure, aggression, and prosocial behavior, similar path models were identified for boys and girls.
Expanding the Role of Nonclinical Personnel in the OR
Authors: Hemingway Maureen , Freehan Marion , Morrissey Lisa
Published: June 2010

Ideally, quality health care should be accessible, affordable, and equitable. Working toward these goals in the OR necessitates examining and redesigning work processes and nursing workflow to make better use of the education and skills of perioperative nurses and assistive personnel. This article describes a pilot project undertaken in the OR at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, to identify tasks that took nurses away from direct patient care and to better incorporate assistive personnel into the workflow to increase nurses' contact with patients. The pilot program resulted in an expanded role for assistive personnel and more direct patient contact for nurses.
Clinical Issues—June 2010
Authors: Denholm Bonnie , Burlingame Byron
Published: June 2010

This Month

Measuring radiation exposure levels

Key words: measuring radiation levels, radiation dosimeters, radiation monitoring, radiation exposure, radiology, workplace safety.

Defining major and minor surgical procedures

Key words: major surgical procedures, minor surgical procedures.

Comparative evaluation for purchasing new products or equipment

Key words: purchasing process, prepurchase requirements, ongoing product evaluation.

Selecting replacement items for discontinued products

Key words: product selection process, replacement product selection, discontinued products, unavailable products.
Assessing changes in flow velocimetry and clinical outcome following use of an external aortic compression device in women with postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Soltan Mohamed H. , Imam Hisham H. , Zahran Khalid A. , Atallah Suad M.
Published: June 2010

Objective

To monitor femoral artery blood flow by Doppler velocimetry in women treated for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) with and without the adjunction of the External Aortic Compression Device (EACD), and to assess the possible adverse effects of the device.

Methods

Blood flow velocity in the femoral artery, as well as skin color and sensory or motor changes in the lower limbs, were assessed in 120 women with primary PHH of any cause, quasi randomized to either treatment group. Pulse rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, urinary output, and gastrointestinal symptoms were checked in the study group.

Results

While blood flow velocity was significantly less in the study group than control group (P < 0.001), the lowest flow volume velocity of 310.40 mL/sec exceeded the acceptable minimum after device application. The intensity of abdominal discomfort correlated with body mass index. No device complications were observed.

Conclusion

The EACD contributed safely and effectively to the treatment of 60 women with PPH of different causes.
Introduction to Econophysics
Authors: Mantegna Rosario N. , Stanley H. Eugene
Published: June 2010

This book concerns the use of concepts from statistical physics in the description of financial systems. The authors illustrate the scaling concepts used in probability theory, critical phenomena, and fully developed turbulent fluids. These concepts are then applied to financial time series. The authors also present a stochastic model that displays several of the statistical properties observed in empirical data. Statistical physics concepts such as stochastic dynamics, short- and long-range correlations, self-similarity and scaling permit an understanding of the global behaviour of economic systems without first having to work out a detailed microscopic description of the system. Physicists will find the application of statistical physics concepts to economic systems interesting. Economists and workers in the financial world will find useful the presentation of empirical analysis methods and well-formulated theoretical tools that might help describe systems composed of a huge number of interacting subsystems.