bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solitary wave transformation, breaking and run-up at a beach
Authors: Borthwick A. G. L. , Ford M. , Weston B. P. , Taylor P. H. , Stansby P. K.
Published: October 2006

A validated one-dimensional Boussinesq–non-linear shallow water equations numerical model was used to investigate the interaction of solitary waves with beaches. The numerical model requires two adjustable parameters: the bed friction coefficient and a wave breaking parameter. Excellent agreement was achieved between the numerical predictions of solitary wave transformation and run-up at a plane beach with two sets of high-quality laboratory measurements: one a large number of experiments in a wave flume by Synolakis, the other in the UK Coastal Research Facility. A parameter study investigated the effect of uniform offshore water depth, bed friction and bed slope on solitary wave run-up. A uniform water depth may be associated with a continental shelf region. The non-dimensional run-up was found to be an asymptotic function of non-dimensional wave amplitude at high and low values of initial wave steepness. Both asymptotes scale as (R/ho)∼α(Ao/ho)β where R is run-up (defined as the vertical elevation reached by the wave uprush above still water level), Ao is the offshore wave amplitude and ho is the uniform depth offshore of the beach. The empirical coefficients α and β depend on the beach characteristics. The model is then used to simulate the interaction of a full-scale tsunami event with an idealised beach profile representative of a beach in Eastern Kamchatka.
Inheritance of Mid and High Oleic Acid Content in Ethiopian Mustard
Authors: Nabloussi Abdelghani , Fernández‐Martínez José M. , Velasco Leonardo
Published: October 2006

Zero erucic acid Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) seed oil has a low oleic acid content (330 g kg−1). The mid oleic acid line AB3 (650 g kg−1) and the high oleic acid line AB1 (830 g kg−1) have been developed. The objective of this research was to study the inheritance of both traits in Ethiopian mustard. Plants of AB1 were reciprocally crossed with plants of the standard line 25X‐1, the low linolenic acid line AB4, and AB3. Plants of AB3 were also reciprocally crossed with plants of 25X‐1. A genetic study was conducted through the analysis of the fatty acid profile of F1, F2, BC1F1, and F3 seed generations. The results revealed that mid oleic acid content in AB3 was determined by partially recessive alleles at a single locus Ol, whereas high oleic acid content in AB1 was the result of partially recessive alleles at two loci, Ol and Ol2. Both loci produced an increment of oleic acid content of similar magnitude, although ol2 alleles had phenotypic expression only in presence of ol alleles in homozygous condition. Segregation patterns for oleic acid content were similar in crosses of AB1 with 25X‐1 and AB4, which indicated that loci for high oleic acid content were not related to loci for low linolenic acid content. Recombination of genes controlling high oleic acid and low linolenic acid content resulted in phenotypes with >850 g kg−1 oleic acid and <25 g kg−1 linolenic acid. Reduction of linolenic acid content resulted in an increase of linoleic rather than oleic acid content.
Growth, Physiological, and Anatomical Responses of Creeping Bentgrass Cultivars to Different Depths of Waterlogging
Authors: Jiang Yiwei , Wang Kehua
Published: October 2006

Oxygen deficiency is one of the primary root stresses in waterlogged or flooded soils. The objective of this experiment was to identify growth, physiological, and anatomical traits of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) associated with tolerance to different depths of waterlogging (WL). Five cultivars (L‐93, A‐4, G‐6, Penncross, and Pennlinks) were subjected to the four WL treatments for 21 d: (i) drained control; (ii) water level at 15 cm (WL‐15); (iii) water at 5 cm (WL‐5); and (iv) water at 1 cm (WL‐1) below the soil surface, respectively. Waterlogging reduced turf quality (TQ), root dry weight (RDW), root water soluble carbohydrate content (RWSC), and root soluble protein content (RPRO), while no significant reductions in RWSC, RDW, or RPRO were observed among three depths of WL. Turf quality and chlorophyll content (Chl) decreased with increasing water level from 15 to 1 cm. At WL‐1, Chl, RDW, RWSC, and RPRO were reduced 27, 20, 44, and 22%, respectively, compared to the control. Cultivar differences in TQ, RDW, shoot water soluble carbohydrate content (SWSC), and RPRO were observed under WL. G‐6 and L‐93 had better quality than A‐4, Penncross, and Pennlinks under WL conditions. The formation of aerenchyma was enhanced at WL‐15 and WL‐5. Mitochondrial swelling occurred under WL, particularly at WL‐1. The results suggest that even partial WL (WL‐15 and WL‐5) could substantially affect turfgrass growth and physiological activities and cultivar variation in WL tolerance could potentially be used for enhancing breeding programs.
Genetic Components of Variance and the Role of Pollen Traits in Sorghum Ergot Resistance
Authors: Parh D. K. , Jordan D. R. , Aitken E. A. B. , Gogel B. J. , McIntyre C. L. , Godwin I. D.
Published: October 2006

Ergot (caused predominantly by Claviceps africana Freder., Mantle & De Milliano) is a disease of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), with pollen traits reported to be associated with resistance. This study investigated the genetic architecture and the role of pollen quantity (PQ) and pollen viability (PV) in ergot resistance in an F5 recombinant inbred line (RIL) sorghum population developed from the cross between an elite germplasm line, 31945‐2‐2 from Australia, and a recently reported putatively resistance source line, IS8525. Percentage ergot infection (PCERGOT) in IS8525 was very low, while in contrast, 31945‐2‐2 was heavily infected at all inoculation dates of the two field trials conducted under artificial epiphytotic conditions during 2001 and 2002. The distribution of the predicted means for PCERGOT, PQ, and PV was normal, suggesting that the traits are polygenic in nature. Genetic correlations between the two pollen traits and PCERGOT were moderately negative, indicating that there might be some common genetic factors controlling these traits. However, low R2 values of PQ (11%) and PV (9%) suggest that only a small part of the total variability in ergot resistance in this population was due to the variability in PQ and PV. Correlations between ergot scores for different sampling dates (SDATEs) and years were moderate to high, indicating relatively low levels of genotype × environment interaction. Genetic variance and broad sense heritability were also high, indicating that ergot resistance is likely to respond well to conventional selection.
Enhanced Chemiluminescence Cannot Predict the Presence of Cryptosporidium parvum When Applied to Water‐Quality Monitoring in an Agricultural Environment
Authors: Sawcer K.E. , Bodley‐Tickell A.T. , Kitchen S.E. , Sturdee A.P. , Thorpe G.H.G.
Published: October 2006

Adaptation of the enhanced chemiluminescent reaction (ECLOX test) to water‐quality monitoring revealed that pollutants in industrial and domestic effluent and farmyard and dairy washings may suppress or completely inhibit enhanced chemiluminescent light emission. Inhibition or changes in the kinetics of light emission occur in the presence of a wide range of extraneous substances. Interaction of such substances with ECLOX reaction components or reaction intermediates can produce changes in light emission, allowing detection of a broad range of chemical pollutants. This work examined the suitability of the ECLOX test to differentiate between water quality at various points along a rural stream. In addition, the study was used to measure whether changes in water quality detected by the ECLOX test were consistent with measured levels of the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. Seven locations along a stream and a farmyard drainage ditch were sampled on the basis of position, continuity of flow, permanence, and evidence of fecal contamination. The stream frequently contained C. parvum (75% of occasions tested), although according to the ECLOX test and other standard parameters (suspended solids and pH), it seemed relatively uncontaminated. The ECLOX test did, however, distinguish among a range of water qualities. The ECLOX test can be considered as a useful qualitative indicator of differing water qualities, but C. parvum can be present in water of any quality; therefore, ECLOX is not an appropriate method for detecting the presence of this parasite
Homogeneous Catalytic Wet‐Air Oxidation for the Treatment of Textile Wastewater
Authors: Lei Lecheng , Chen Guohua , Hu Xijun , Yue Po‐Lock
Published: October 2006

An extensive series of experiments was performed to identify suitable catalysts to increase the reaction rate of wet‐air oxidation of textile wastewater at relatively mild temperatures and pressures. Wastewater types treated included natural‐fiber desizing wastewater, synthetic‐fiber desizing wastewater, and printing and dyeing wastewater. Experimental results indicated that all catalysts tested in this investigation significantly increased the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) removal rates and total COD and TOC removals. Of all catalysts tested, copper salts were the most effective. Anions in the salt solutions played a role in the catalytic process. Nitrate ions were more effective than sulfate ions. Similarly, copper nitrates were more effective than copper sulfates. A mixture of salts containing different metals performed better than any single salt.
Desorptive Behavior of Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and Phenanthrene in Soil–Water Systems
Authors: Fall Cheikh , Chaouki Jamal , Chavarie Claude
Published: October 2006

Recent investigations have prompted the need for a better understanding of the complete desorptive behavior of hydrophobic organic compounds in soils. The present study evaluated the irreversibilities associated with the desorption of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and phenanthrene from different types of soils. The study also examined the influence of solid–liquid ratio of the current batch desorption tests, specifically the completeness and accuracy of data gathered for establishing isotherms. Results demonstrated that the desorption of PCP and phenanthrene from contaminated soils can lead to three different types of behavior: complete reversibility, partial reversibility, or total irreversibility. The equilibrium adsorption constant (Kd) is identified as a key parameter that indirectly sets the extent of hysteresis during the reverse process of desorption. According to the data, irreversibility occurs more in soils with a large adsorption capacity, that is, when Kd is approximately 50 mL/g or more in the case of the phenanthrene– and PCP–soil systems evaluated. Furthermore, to facilitate the desorption experiments overall, the study proposes selection criteria for the solid–liquid ratio of batch tests to allow for variations in the adsorption capacity of each soil.
Evaluation of Two Commercial Microbial Inocula as Seed in a 5‐Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand Test
Authors: Paixão S.M. , Baeta‐Hall L. , Anselmo A.M.
Published: October 2006

The use of two commercial microbial inocula (Bi–Chem and Biolen M112) as reference organisms for the 5‐day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) test was studied using both dilution and manometric methods with the standard glucose–glutamic acid solution. A comparative study was carried out performing this test for several real effluent samples with the two commercial inocula and with a treatment plant inoculum. The microbiological characterization of these inocula was performed with the API identification system (bioMérieux S.A., France). The results obtained for the BOD5 of the standard solution are within the range for activated sludge as found in the standards of the cited methods (mean values obtained were BOD5 = 199.4 mg/L O2 [variation coefficient, VC = 4.52%] and BOD5 = 176.8 mg/L O2 [VC = 4.66%] for the Bi–Chem inoculum and BOD5 = 209.8 mg/L O2 [VC = 7.35%] and BOD5 = 228.6 mg/L O2 [VC = 9.37%] for the Biolen M112 inoculum, with the dilution and manometric methods, respectively). Moreover, Pearson rank correlation analysis for the real effluent samples indicates that correlations between the BOD5 values for the two commercial inocula and for the treatment plant inoculum were highly significant to 95% confidence (r2 = 0.922 to 1.00, p < 0.05).
Development of a Biological Permeable Barrier To Remove 2,4,6‐Trichlorophenol from Groundwater Using Immobilized Cells
Authors: Razavi‐Shirazi Fatemeh , Veenstra John N.
Published: October 2006

This investigation developed and evaluated a new biological permeable barrier media designed to remove 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol (TCP) in situ from groundwater. There are many potential, expensive barrier media, such as ion‐exchange resins and granular activated carbon. Therefore, developing low‐cost, yet effective, barrier materials would expand potential applications of permeable barrier technology. A polyvinyl alcohol matrix that immobilized microbial cells (PVA‐immobilized cells) was selected as the media for a series of column studies under various operating conditions to simulate a biological trench permeable barrier. Column experiments were designed to account for any significant changes in removal efficiency as a result of hydraulic retention time, applied loading, availability of dissolved oxygen (DO), and nutrient carbon‐tonitrogen‐to‐phosphorus ratio added to groundwater. During 166 days of continuous operation, PVA columns (10‐ and 20‐cm beds) reacted to insufficient DO and high loading rate. The PVA‐immobilized cells were found to be a good permeable barrier media with a 99.9 to 91% TCP removal efficiency at loading as great as 300 to 600 mg/L˙d with corresponding hydraulic retention times of 24.5 and 12.3 minutes, respectively. The PVA‐immobilized cells remained permeable and structurally sound during 166 days of continuous operation. The cells also tolerated low DO and resumed biological activity to a steady state once they received sufficient DO. Finally, the cells completely dehalogenated TCP without formation of chlorinated intermediates or phenol.
Parameters Governing Permeate Flux in an Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor Treating Low‐Strength Municipal Wastewaters: A Literature Review
Authors: Bérubé P. R. , Hall E. R. , Sutton P. M.
Published: October 2006

The objective of this review was to conduct a comprehensive literature survey to identify the parameters that govern the permeate flux in an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) treating municipal wastewater. Based on the survey, research to date indicates that the optimal membrane system for an AnMBR consists of an organic, hydrophilic, and negatively charged membrane with a pore size of approximately 0.1 μm. The use of both external and submerged membrane configurations shows promise. The operating parameters that affect permeate flux in an external membrane system are transmembrane pressure (TMP) and cross‐flow velocity. The operating parameters that affect permeate flux in a submerged membrane system are TMP, sparging intensity, and duration of the relaxation period. Both cross‐flow velocity and sparging intensity impart a significant amount of shear force on the biomass in an AnMBR. High shear forces can reduce the microbial activity in an AnMBR. In addition, high shear forces can reduce the size of the biosolids in the mixed liquor and increase the release of soluble microbial products. In this respect, external and submerged membrane systems are expected to perform differently because the magnitude of the shear forces to which the biomass is exposed in an external membrane system is significantly greater than that in a submerged system. The size of the biosolid particles and concentration of soluble microbial products in the mixed liquor affect permeate flux. Higher concentrations of soluble microbial products may be present in the mixed liquor when an AnMBR is operated at relatively low operating temperatures. Aerobic polishing following anaerobic treatment can potentially significantly reduce the concentration of some components of the soluble microbial products in the mixed liquor. It is not possible to remove the foulant layer on an organic membrane with caustic cleaning alone. Acidic cleaning or acidic cleaning followed by caustic cleaning is required to remove the foulant layer. This suggests that both biological/organic and inorganic material contribute to membrane fouling.
Functional Data Analysis
Authors: Ramsay J. O.
Published: October 2006

When either data or the models for them involve functions, and when only weak assumptions about these functions such as smoothness are permitted, familiar statistical methods must be modified and new approaches developed in order to take advantage of this smoothness. The first part of the article considers some general issues such as characteristics of functional data, uses of derivatives in functional modelling, estimation of phase variation by the alignment or registration of curve features, the nature of error, and so forth. The second section describes functional versions of traditional methods such principal components analysis and linear modelling, and also mentions purely functional approaches that involve working with and estimating differential equations in the functional data analysis process.
False Discovery Rate
Authors: Abramovich Felix , Benjamini Yoav
Published: October 2006

For the multiple hypotheses testing problem consider the proportion of falsely rejected hypotheses (false discoveries) among the total number of rejections. The expected value of this proportion, called the False Discovery Rate (FDR), is a useful criterion to control as an alternative to the traditional familywise error rate (FWE) that suffers from low power properties when the number of tested hypotheses is large. In a way, controlling FDR is adaptively inbetween ignoring multiplicity altogether and a conservative control of FWE. Several FDR controlling procedures are presented and others are reviewed. Various extensions and applications of the FDR are discussed.
Interrater Agreement
Authors: Banerjee Mousumi
Published: October 2006

Analysis of interrater or interobserver agreement data provides a useful means of assessing the reliability of a rating system. This article presents various interrater agreement measures as well as models for studying agreement, when the relevant data comprise either continuous or categorical ratings from multiple raters. Descriptions and characterizations of the underlying models are presented in detail, as well as methods for estimation and confidence interval construction. The scenarios and designs that underlie the development of the agreement measures are described, and the interrelationships between these measures discussed.
Anscombe,FrancisJohn
Authors: Brillinger David R.
Published: October 2006

This entry provides a short biography of Francis John Anscombe who made pioneering contributions to the analysis of outliers, Bayesian statistics, biometrics, quality control, residual analysis, sequential analysis, and statistical computing.
Box–Cox Transformations—II
Authors: Loh Wei‐Yin
Published: October 2006

The Box–Cox transformation is a potentially powerful technique for extending the applicability of the classical linear model. The procedure is described, and three examples are given to illustrate its power as well as its limitations. Philosophical issues regarding the interpretation of the results have led to some controversy and debate.
K
riging, Simple Indicator
Authors: Solow Andrew
Published: October 2006

Simple indicator kriging is a method for interpolation in a binary random field. The method is based on estimates of the first two moments of the field. It has been shown to perform well when the binary field is formed by clipping a Gaussian random field.
Mean, Searls' Estimators of
Authors: Kotz Samuel , Nadarajah Saraless
Published: October 2006

Some extensions of Searls' estimator of population mean are discussed.
Pearson Type
VII
Distribution on the Unit Sphere
Authors: Nadarajah Saraless
Published: October 2006

A new distribution referred to as the Pearson type VII distribution is introduced and some of its properties discussed.
Principal Differential Analysis
Authors: Ramsay James O.
Published: October 2006

Differential equation systems are often a natural way of describing sets of variables changing over time or space. For example, in controlling industrial systems, engineers consider the time course of a set of inputs and outputs for a system such as a chemical reactor with a view to developing useful feedback processes. Principal differential analysis uses functional data to estimate a system of linear differential equations that fit the data. The estimate minimizes an integrated squared error criterion. The coefficient functions that define the linear differential equation are estimated by expansions in terms of basis functions such as Fourier series orB‐splines, and the estimates are calculated rapidly and without iteration.
Crop Area Estimation, Landsat Data Analysis in
Authors: Day Charles , Hanuschak George
Published: October 2006

Since the early 1970s, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has developed and applied statistical procedures that use Landsat satellite data to significantly improve the precision of estimates from ground‐gathered data from a stratified area frame sample. These procedures fall into two major categories:(1)Gaussian multivariate clustering and classification, and(2)direct expansion and regression estimation. This article describes these procedures in detail.
Monte Carlo Studies, Empirical Response Surfaces in
Authors: Power Simon
Published: October 2006

This article discusses the role of empirical response surfaces in succinctly summarizing the results of Monte Carlo studies and providing a simple means of predicting the outcome of Monte Carlo experiments that were not explicitly included in a particular study. It includes a simple illustrative example and provides a bridge to the literature.
Monte Carlo Methods
Authors: Gentle James E.
Published: October 2006

Monte Carlo simulation is one of the most important tools in all fields of science. Monte Carlo methods are experiments that use samples of numbers that appear to be random, although the numbers are generated by deterministic computer algorihms. These “pseudorandom” samples can be used in solving a wide range of problems, including both deterministic problems such as evaluating a definite integral and problems in which there is a random component such as studying and comparing the performance of statistical procedures under various assumptions about the underlying distribution.
Communications and Radar, Detection in
Authors: Varshney Pramod K. , Viswanathan R.
Published: October 2006

Signals arriving at a communication or a radar receiver are stochastic in nature and therefore many optimum processing techniques have been developed on the basis of statistical models for these signals. Here, we describe various signal detection procedures that are employed in communications and radar systems. Fundamentals of discrete‐time and continuous‐time matched filtering are introduced. Applications to demodulation of digital modulation signals, single and multiple‐pulse radar target detection, constant false alarm rate processing for radar, and netted radar systems are presented.
AIDSStochastic Models
Authors: Tan Wai‐Yuan
Published: October 2006

To model the HIV epidemic, there are four different approaches: The deterministic models, the stochastic models, the statistical models, and the state space models. The last three models treat the HIV epidemic as random processes. This article presents a systematic review of these random processes. It illustrates how to develop stochastic models and statistical models of the HIV epidemic and how to combine these models into state space models. Using a homosexual population as an example, it illustrates how to develop stochastic equations for the state variables and how to use the state space models to develop a generalized Bayesian method to estimate the unknown parameters and the state variables. The methodology is illustrated by using the AIDS incidence data of the San Francisco homosexual population.
Hodges, Joseph Lawson, Jr.
Authors: Lehmann Erich L.
Published: October 2006

This entry provides a short biography of Joseph Lawson Hodges, Jr., who made pioneering contributions to mathematical statistics, statistical inference, and nonparametric statistics.
K
hinchin,
A
leksandr
Y
akovlevich
Authors: Vere‐Jones David
Published: October 2006

Aleksandr Yakovlevich Khinchin was the founder and leader of the Moscow school of probability, which dominated probability theory during much of the twentieth century. He was born in the last decade of the nineteenth century, and entered university just before the first world war and the Russian revolution. Throughout the turbulence of the ensuing years, he maintained an international reputation as an outstanding mathematician. His name is associated with major developments in probability theory, including the law of the iterated logarithm and the law of large numbers, and representation theorems for infinitely divisible distributions and the correlation functions of stationary processes. He is well known also for his series of lucid expository texts.
Categorical Data, Marginal Models for
Authors: Molenberghs Geert
Published: October 2006

We briefly review two building blocks (generalized linear models and linear mixed models) for models for repeated categorical data. Three families of models for repeated categorical data are introduced: marginal models, conditional models, and random‐effects models. A number of marginal models are presented for binary and for ordinal data in turn. Major differences between marginal models and conditional models (such as loglinear models) are discussed.
Generalized Variance
Authors: Sen Gupta Ashis
Published: October 2006

Generalized variance (GV), proposed by Wilks, is an one‐dimensional measure of multidimensional scatter. It plays an important role in both theoretical and applied research. GV has been extended to Standardized GV (SGV) to enable comparison of scatters in differing dimensions. Interesting results on the distribution, estimation, and testing of GVs and SGVs have been emerging. Also, these measures have been finding novel applications in a variety of applied problems, ranging from such age‐old areas as agriculture and sample surveys to the modern developments in signal processing and Bioinformatics.
Statistics atCDC
Authors: Sieber William K. , Stroup Donna F. , Williamson G. David
Published: October 2006

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recognized as the lead U.S. Federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people. It accomplishes this mission by promoting health and quality of life with programs preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. In this mission CDC is joined by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), which is charged with evaluating the human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), which is a Federal statistical agency with broad responsibilities to monitor the health of the nation, became a part of CDC in 1987. Both CDC and ATSDR are components of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). An important function of CDC is compilation, analysis, and interpretation of statistical information to guide actions and policies to improve health. Sources of data include vital statistics records, medical records, personal interviews, telephone and mail surveys, physical examinations, and laboratory testing. The integration of statistics and analytic techniques into public health research is also a critical asset to the agency, and has resulted in important applications in various disciplines such as epidemiology, economics, and the behavioral and social sciences. Coordination of statistical activities across CDC and ATSDR is carried out by the CDC/ATSDR Statistical Advisory Group.
Predicting Random Effects in Group Randomized Trials
Authors: Stanek iii Edward J.
Published: October 2006

The main objective in a group‐randomized trial is a comparison between treatments. Often, there is interest in the expected response for a particular group receiving a treatment. Since a random sample of groups is included in the trial, the parameter for such a group is represented as a random effect. In this context, predicting the expected response for a group requires predicting a random effect. We review proposed solutions to this problem focusing on differences in the model assumptions in a simple setting. We conclude that while popular computing solutions exist, fundamental open questions remain that impact interpretation.
Cluster Randomization
Authors: Klar Neil , Donner Allan
Published: October 2006

The purpose of this article is to present a systematic and unified treatment of comparative trials that randomize intact social units, or clusters of individuals, to different intervention groups. Such trials have become particularly widespread in the evaluation of nontherapeutic interventions, including lifestyle modification, educational programmes, and innovations in the provision of health care. Their increasing popularity over the last two decades has led to an extensive body of methodology and a growing, but somewhat scattered, literature that cuts across several disciplines in the statistical, social, and medical sciences.
Directional Statistics
Authors: Jupp P. E.
Published: October 2006

An overview is given of methods for analyzing data on the unit circle, the unit sphere, or the set of rotations of 3‐space. The similarities between the techniques for these sample spaces are emphasized. Basic distributions are given and major inferential procedures (particularly for testing uniformity) are outlined.
Generalized Hypergeometric Distributions
Authors: Sibuya Masaaki
Published: October 2006

A family of pmf's which are expressed by the Gaussian hypergeometric series, including the ordinary hypergeometric distribuiton, is treated. Its multivariate version and other related families are mentioned.
Experimental and theoretical study of the influence of pressure on SCWO
Authors: Bermejo M. D. , Bielsa I. , Cocero M. J.
Published: October 2006

It is well known that pressure is an important parameter in the SCWO process, because it produces changes in the phase behavior and thermodynamics properties of the system. The influence of pressure on the oxidation efficiency of feeds containing isopropyl alcohol as fuel and acetic acid as waste was studied in an autothermal adiabatic transpiring wall reactor at pilot‐plant scale, at pressures from 13 to 25 Mpa, and temperatures from 600 to 750°C. It was found that reaction temperature decreased between 40 and 100°C, when pressure was lowered, and, subsequently TOC removal decreased. At higher‐temperatures, the decreasing of TOC removal due to pressure difference was reduced. The process was simulated at different pressures using a mathematical model previously developed for the reactor. The Anderko‐Pitzer EoS, especially developed for aqueous systems at high‐temperatures and pressures, was used to have accurate values of the heat capacities of the reaction mixture. It was found that having into account only the effect of pressure in the thermodynamical properties and in the concentration of the reagents, the experimental results could not be explained. Thus, the influence of the pressure in the reaction rate equation had to be considered. Results were qualitatively reproduced considering the reaction rate constant variable with pressure, using a constant volume of activation of −1400 cm3/mol. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Rituximab monotherapy as interim therapy in precursor B‐ALL adults during periods of hepatic toxicity: Report of two cases
Authors: Koren‐Michowitz Maya , Rahimi‐Levene Naomi , Volcheck Yulia , Hardan Izhar , Kornberg Abraham
Published: October 2006

Precursor B‐ALL blasts may be positive for CD20 in up to 50% of cases. There are few reports on the use of the anti CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab, in children with B‐ALL. We report on two adult patients with precursor B‐ALL who developed significant hepatic toxicity during induction chemotherapy. Single agent rituximab was given until recovery of liver enzymes was established. Both patients were able to continue further chemotherapy, underwent an Allo BMT and are now 10–12 months after diagnosis in a continuous CR. Am. J. Hematol. 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aberrant expression of T‐cell‐associated markers CD4 and CD7 on B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Jani Prashant , Qi Xiao Ying , Chang Hong
Published: October 2006

By multiparameter flow cytometry, the T‐cell‐associated markers CD4 and CD7 were aberrantly coexpressed on a case of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The CLL had an immunophenotype: CD19+, CD20+, CD79b+, CD5+, CD23+, FMC7+, kappa+, CD4+, and CD7+. Molecular analysis confirmed clonal rearrangement of the immunoglobin heavy chain genes and a germline configuration of the T‐cell receptor genes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed trisomy 12 anomaly. There was no evidence of deletion 17p (p53), 11q23 (ATM), or 13q14 or translocation t(11:14). The patent was clinically stable without treatment. Although the pathogenesis of such aberrant immunophenotype remains to be determined, the current case illustrates the phenotypic heterogeneity of CLL, and emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach including clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular cytogenetic studies. Am. J. Hematol. 2006. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iron status of inner‐city African‐American infants
Authors: Lozoff Betsy , Lu Angelilli Mary , Zatakia Jigna , Jacobson Sandra W. , Calatroni Agustin , Beard John
Published: October 2006

The iron status of African‐American infants continues to be subject to debate. We characterized the iron status of 198 9‐month‐old inner‐city infants (94% fed iron‐fortified formula) using a comprehensive panel of measures and assessing lead and inflammation markers. The proportion with iron deficiency was calculated based on three approaches (≥ 2 abnormal iron measures with or without anemia for MCV model—NHANES II, ferritin model—NHANES III, or Sweden/Honduras study) and a promising new measure—body iron, calculated from ferritin and transferrin receptor (TfR). There were no sex differences for any iron measure. Hb < 110 g/l was observed in 25%; Hb ≤ 105 g/l in 10.1%. Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) values were elevated without elevated lead concentrations or an inflammatory response: mean FEP = 86.6 μg/dl red blood cells [75.5 μmol/mol heme]; 52.3% were > 80 μg/dl (1.42 μmol/l), almost half of which were accompanied by a second abnormal iron measure. The estimated prevalence of iron deficiency was 14.4, 5.3, and 2.5% for the MCV model, ferritin model, and Sweden/Honduras cutoffs, respectively, and 4.1% for body iron < 0 mg/kg. Regulation of iron storage is immature at < 1 year of age, making estimates of iron deficiency that depend on ferritin, including body iron, suspect in this age period. Thus, the “true” prevalence of iron deficiency could not be established with confidence due to major differences in the results, depending on the guidelines used. Functional indicators of poor iron status in young infants are urgently needed. Am. J. Hematol. 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of prenatal diagnostic procedures in pregnancies affected with birth defects, Hawaii, 1986–2002
Authors: Forrester Mathias B. , Merz Ruth D.
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND

Information on the utilization of prenatal ultrasound (US), amniocentesis (AC), and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in pregnancies affected by birth defects in the United States is limited. The intent of this study was to report on the utilization of these procedures in Hawaii.

METHODS

Cases were all infants and fetuses of any pregnancy outcome with birth defects, included in a Hawaii birth defects registry, and delivered during 1986–2002. The rates of prenatal US, AC/CVS, and prenatal diagnosis were calculated.

RESULTS

Prenatal US was performed in 76% of the cases and AC/CVS in 14% of the cases. Prenatal diagnosis of a birth defect was made in 16% of the cases. The prenatal US, AC/CVS, and prenatal diagnosis rates in 1998–2002 were 1.5, 1.5, and 1.7 times the rates in 1986–1991, respectively. Among all birth defects, the AC/CVS rate for women aged <35 years was 7% and for women aged ≥35 years was 48%. Among chromosomal abnormalities, the AC/CVS rate for women aged <35 years was 36% and for women aged ≥35 years was 66%.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a fraction of the Hawaii birth defects cases was prenatally diagnosed. The rates for prenatal US, AC/CVS, and prenatal diagnosis among pregnancies affected by birth defects were higher in 1998–2002 than in 1986–1991. AC/CVS rates were lower for maternal age <35 years. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carcinogenicity study of GSM and DCS wireless communication signals in B6C3F1 mice
Authors: Tillmann Thomas , Ernst Heinrich , Ebert Sven , Kuster Niels , Behnke Wolfgang , Rittinghausen Susanne , Dasenbrock Clemens
Published: October 2006

The purpose of this study using a total of 1170 B6C3F1 mice was to detect and evaluate possible carcinogenic effects in mice exposed to radio‐frequency‐radiation (RFR) from Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and Digital Personal Communications System (DCS) handsets as emitted by handsets operating in the center of the communication band, that is, at 902 MHz (GSM) and 1747 MHz (DCS). Restrained mice were exposed for 2 h per day, 5 days per week over a period of 2 years to three different whole‐body averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) levels of 0.4, 1.3, 4.0 mW/g bw (SAR), or were sham exposed. Regarding the organ‐related tumor incidence, pairwise Fisher's test did not show any significant increase in the incidence of any particular tumor type in the RF exposed groups as compared to the sham exposed group. Interestingly, while the incidences of hepatocellular carcinomas were similar in EMF and sham exposed groups, in both studies the incidences of liver adenomas in males decreased with increasing dose levels; the incidences in the high dose groups were statistically significantly different from those in the sham exposed groups. Comparison to published tumor rates in untreated mice revealed that the observed tumor rates were within the range of historical control data. In conclusion, the present study produced no evidence that the exposure of male and female B6C3F1 mice to wireless GSM and DCS radio frequency signals at a whole body absorption rate of up to 4.0 W/kg resulted in any adverse health effect or had any cumulative influence on the incidence or severity of neoplastic and non‐neoplastic background lesions, and thus the study did not provide any evidence of RF possessing a carcinogenic potential. Bioelectromagnetics 28:173–187, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated expression is associated with tobacco smoke exposure in esophageal cancer tissues and benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide in cell lines
Authors: Jiang Yan , Liang Zheng D. , Wu Tsung T. , Cao Liyu , Zhang Hongfu , Xu Xiao‐Chun
Published: October 2006

Esophageal cancer is a substantial health problem because of its usually late stage at diagnosis and poor prognosis. Tobacco smoking and alcohol use are the most important risk factors in the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Our previous study demonstrated the binding of benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE), a carcinogen present in tobacco smoke and environmental pollution, to the ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene. To understand how this binding affects the alteration of ATM expression and to identify biomarkers for the detection of esophageal cancer, we analyzed ATM mRNA expression in tissue specimens from patients with esophageal SCC and premalignant lesions using in situ hybridization. We then performed in vitro experiments to verify and extend our ex vivo observations. We found that ATM expression was increased in esophageal SCC and its premalignant lesions when compared with normal tissues and that increased ATM expression was associated with tobacco smoke exposure and tumor de‐differentiation. Moreover, BPDE induced ATM expression in esophageal SCC cell lines in a time‐dependent manner. In summary, the BPDE in tobacco smoke may be responsible for increased ATM expression in premalignant and malignant esophageal tissues. Our findings suggest that the ATM gene should be further evaluated as a biomarker for the early detection of esophageal cancer and tobacco use in patients. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photochemoprevention of UVB‐induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH‐1 mice by brown algae polyphenols
Authors: Hwang Hyejeong , Chen Tong , Nines Ronald G. , Shin Hyeon‐Cheol , Stoner Gary D.
Published: October 2006

Chronic exposure of the skin to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces oxidative stress, which plays a crucial role in the induction of skin cancer. In this study, the effect of dietary feeding and topical application of brown algae polyphenols on UVB radiation‐induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH‐1 mice was investigated. SKH‐1 hairless mice were randomly divided into 9 groups, including control, UVB control and treatment groups. They were treated orally (0.1% and 0.5% with AIN‐76 diet, w/w) and topically (3 and 6 mg/0.2 ml of vehicle) with brown algae polyphenols and irradiated with UVB for 26 weeks. Dietary feeding (0.1% and 0.5%) of brown algae polyphenols significantly reduced tumor multiplicity (45% and 56%) and tumor volume (54% and 65%), and topical administration (3 and 6 mg) significantly decreased tumor multiplicity (60% and 46%) and tumor volume (66% and 57%), respectively, per tumor‐bearing mouse. Dietary feeding and topical administration of the polyphenols also inhibited tumor incidence by 6% and 21%, respectively, but the results were not significant. Dietary and topical administration of the polyphenols markedly inhibited cyclooxygenase‐2 activity and cell proliferation. These observations show that brown algae polyphenols have an antiphotocarcinogenic effect which may be associated with the prevention of UVB‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell proliferation in the skin. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Annexin‐I as a potential target for green tea extract induced actin remodeling
Authors: Xiao Gui‐Shan , Jin Yu‐Sheng , Lu Qing‐Yi , Zhang Zuo‐Feng , Belldegrun Arie , Figlin Robert , Pantuck Allan , Yen Yun , Li Frederick , Rao JianYu
Published: October 2006

Using a multistep human urothelial model, we previously showed that green tea extract (GTE) selectively modulates actin remodeling in transformed cells (MC‐T11), which resulted in increased cell adhesion and reduced cell motility (Lu et al., Clin Cancer Res 2005;11:1675–83). This study further analyzed which actin binding proteins (ABPs) might be involved in this process. Proteomic profiles of GTE treated and untreated MC‐T11 cells using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption and ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) identified 20 GTE‐induced proteins. Among them, 3 were ABPs (tropomodulin, cofilin and annexin‐I), and only annexin‐I showed a dose‐ and time‐dependent expression. The increased annexin‐I correlated with actin remodeling, and was the result of transcription level up‐regulation, as determined by RT‐PCR, pull‐down immunoblot and siRNA analyses. 5‐Azacytidine, a DNA methylation inhibitor, exhibited no effect on annexin‐I expression when used alone, but had an additive effect for GTE‐induced annexin‐I expression. Immunohistochemistry of bladder cancer tissue array showed a decrease of annexin‐I expression in carcinoma in situ and low grade papillary carcinoma (n = 32, 0% positive) compared to nontumor urothelium (n = 18, 89% positive) (p < 0.001 by Fisher exact test), but increased in some (6 of 15, 40%) high‐grade tumors. Together, GTE induced annexin‐I expression plays a role in regulating actin remodeling and decreased annexin‐I expression is a common event in early stage of bladder cancer development. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dietary intake of calcium, fiber and other micronutrients in relation to colorectal cancer risk: Results from the Shanghai Women's Health Study
Authors: Shin Aesun , Li Honglan , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Yang Gong , Gao Yu‐Tang , Zheng Wei
Published: October 2006

We evaluated the associations of dietary intake of calcium, fiber and vitamins with colorectal cancer risk in a population‐based prospective cohort study conducted among Chinese women in Shanghai. Subjects were recruited in urban Shanghai from March 1997 to May 2000. All subjects were interviewed in‐person to obtain information on demographic and lifestyle factors and anthropometric measurement was conducted. Usual dietary intake, using a validated food frequency questionnaire was assessed at the baseline survey. After following a total of 73,314 women for a median of 5.74 years, 283 incident colorectal cancer cases were recorded. Excluding the first 2 years of follow‐up, a high intake of calcium was associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. Comparing the highest quintile of nutrients intake to the lowest, the adjusted relative risk for colorectal cancer was 0.6 (p value for trend = 0.023) for calcium. No apparent associations were found for fiber, total vitamin A, carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and E with colorectal cancer risk. Our results suggest that calcium may be protective against colorectal cancer development even at a lower consumption level compared to Western populations. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of carcinoma cell‐derived VEGF reduces inflammatory characteristics in xenograft carcinoma
Authors: Salnikov Alexei V. , Heldin Nils‐Erik , Stuhr Linda B. , Wiig Helge , Gerber Hanspeter , Reed Rolf K. , Rubin Kristofer
Published: October 2006

The stroma of carcinomas shares several characteristics with inflamed tissues including a distorted vasculature, active angiogenesis and macrophage infiltration. In addition, the tumor interstitial fluid pressure (PIF) of the stroma is pathologically elevated. We show here that bevacizumab [rhuMab vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Avastin], a monoclonal antibody to VEGF, at a dose of 5 mg/kg modulated inflammation in KAT‐4 xenograft human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma tissue. At this dose, bevacizumab reduced the density of macrophages, MHC class II antigen expression by macrophages and IL‐1β mRNA expression. Furthermore, bevacizumab lowered tumor extracellular fluid volume, plasma protein leakage from tumor vessels, the number of CD31‐positive structures and tumor PIF. The tumor plasma volume and the number of α‐smooth muscle actin‐positive vessels, however, remained unchanged. Our data suggest that carcinoma cell‐derived VEGF either directly or indirectly participates in maintaining an inflammatory microenvironment in experimental KAT‐4 carcinoma. Furthermore, our data indicate that the reduction of inflammation resulting in reduced vascular permeability and decrease in the tumor extracellular fluid volume by bevacizumab contributes to reduced tumor PIF. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.