bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORS AFFECTING MICROBIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY AT SIXTEEN BEACHES IN SOUTH‐WEST WALES
Authors: Edwards P. J. , Headley A. S. , Machin F. H. , Scarr A. M.
Published: July 2007

Routine monitoring data from 1993 to 1999 were analysed to elucidate relationships between microbiological water quality and enviranmental conditions at sixteen EC identified bathing waters in South‐West Wales. The objective was (a) to gain an understanding of the factors affecting non‐compliance with the guideline standard of the EC Bathing Waters Directive, (b) to aid the development of action plans for improved bathing‐water quality, and (c) to enable effective targeting of future investigations. The analyses demonstrated relationships between water quality and rainfall, sunshine, tidal range, tidal state, time of sampling, time of year, wind speed, wind direction, state of sea, transparency, river flows, river quality, salinity and temperature. The temporal and spatial variability in water quality shown by this study also highlights the need to ensure that monitoring programmes represent conditions at the times and locations of greatest bathing‐water use.
ADAPTING LOW‐FLOW FREQUENCY ANALYSIS FOR USE WITH SHORT‐PERIOD RECORDS
Authors: Zaidman M. D. , Keller V. , Young A. R. , Wall A.
Published: July 2007

Low‐flow frequency analysis techniques are robust only where the flow record is relatively long and the flow regime is known to be stationary over time. If applied to short‐period flow records. low‐flow frequency analysis can give poor or misleading results. This paper examines the effectiveness of data‐transfer methods for improving the characterisation of low‐flow frequency relationships for gauged sites with flow records of less than fifteen years.

Two transfer methods were considered. In each case the sequence of annual minimum flows from an analogue catchment was used to provide extra information about the sequence of flows at the site of interest. Transposing the standardised probability distribution function of annual minima between analogue sites worked where their flow records were highly correlated. However, better results were obtained where recurrence intervals for observations at the subject site were estimated from recurrence intervals for the same years in the analogue record.
COMPARISON OF THE LONG‐TERM SECURITY OF SEWAGE‐SLUDGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OPTIONS
Authors: Rudd T. , Simpson A. , Lowe P. , Dearsley T. , Bane T.
Published: July 2007

A comparative ‘best practicable environmental option’ assessment of fourteen potential sewage‐sludge treatment processes and disposal options was undertaken to support the development of Thames Water's sewage‐sludge strategy. The assessment was generic in nature and designed to provide comparative performance data on a range of potential process options forming the basis for subsequent site‐specific assessments. The study assessed: the relative technical practicability of each process option; the discounted costs of each option (including necessary environmental‐mitigation measures); environmental sustainability; and environmental nuisance. The assessment was quantitative wherever possible.

The paper (a) describes the evaluation process. (b) highlights some weaknesses and strengths of the technique, and (c) demonstrates that the technique should form an essential first step in the development of any sludge treatment and disposal strategy.
THE UK COAL AUTHORITY MINEWATER‐TREATMENT SCHEME PROGRAMME: PERFORMANCE OF OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS
Authors: Banks S. B.
Published: July 2007

This paper summarises the performance of minewater‐treatment schemes which are operated under the Coal Authority's National Minewater Treatment Programme. Commonly‐used design criteria and performance indicators are briefly discussed, and the performance of wetland systems which are operated by the Coal Authority is reviewed. Most schemes for which data are available remove more than 90% iron, and average area‐adjusted iron‐removal rates range from 1.5 to 5.5 g Fe/m2. d. These values, which are based on performance calculations, can be distorted by several factors, including the practice of maximising wetland areas to make best use of available land. Removal rates are limited by influent iron loadings, and area‐adjusted iron‐removal rates should be used with caution when assessing wetland performance. Sizing criteria for all types of treatment system might be refined if more detailed data become available.
ASSESSMENT OF THE RESTORATION POTENTIAL OF THE LOGONE FLOOD‐PLAIN (CAMEROON)
Authors: Evans S. Y. , Bradbrook K. , Braund R. , Bergkamp G.
Published: July 2007

Over the last thirty years, floodplain ecosystems in West Africa have been extensively damaged or destroyed by the construction of major agricultural and hydro‐electric infrastructure. In many cases this has induced a serious loss of biodiversity and reduced the potential to produce economic benefits for the local population from fishing, flood‐recession agriculture, dry‐season grazing and groundwater recharge. In 1993, in order to address the degradation of the Logone floodplain, the World Conservation Union initiated a floodplain‐restoration project.

In order to study the feasibility and effectiveness of a larger‐scale restoration, a sophisticated one‐dimensional hydrodynamic model was developed. This paper describes the results of modelling various options for this restoration under three climatic scenarios (good, average, poor). Results indicate that, for ‘good’ years, up to 93% of the degraded floodplain can be re‐inundated through a major adjustment of the existing infrastructure, without compromising other floodplain uses such as the irrigated agriculture and reservoir fisheries. The extension of model use for restoration assessment in other floodplains is also examined.
THE WATER EFFICIENCY OF RETROFIT DUAL‐FLUSH TOILETS: EXPERIENCE FROM SOUTHERN ENGLAND
Authors: Keating T. , Howarth D.
Published: July 2007

In Water Resources Plan submissions to the Environment Agency in 1999, water companies predicted increases in demand over the next twenty‐five years. With significant environmental and economic constraints on new resource developments, attention has focused upon the potential savings that water‐efficiency measures can achieve.

The use of water for toilet flushing accounts for about 30% of household consumption, thereby offering considerable potential for water saving. The conversion of existing single‐flush siphonic cisterns to dual‐flush operation could be one method of achieving a desired reduction in water use, in accordance with the ‘twin‐track’ approach to balancing supply and demand.

This small study, which was jointly funded by Southern Water and the Environment Agency, sought to measure the effectiveness of dual‐flush toilets in reducing water consumption through an eight‐month study of five retrofit devices which were installed in thirty‐three unmetered domestic properties in West Sussex.
A METHOD TO IDENTIFY CHALK RIVERS AND ASSESS THEIR NATURE‐CONSERVATION VALUE
Authors: Smith P. A. , Dosser J. , Tero C. , Kite N.
Published: July 2007

Chalk rivers have been identified as providing an important habitat for a number of species; however, there are no formal defining criteria, and designation is problematical. This paper defines a chalk river and describes a methodology for identification, using information which is routinely collected by the Environment Agency. The general approach is suitable for a variety of areas within the UK and, for illustrative purposes, has been applied to LincoInshire. To demonstrate an application of this method, the nature‐conservation value of Lincolnshire chalk rivers was assessed. Compared with other chalk‐river systems in the UK, the Lincolnshire rivers were found to contain fewer species of macrophytes, invertebrates and mammals but a comparable diversity of fish.
EXPLORATION OF AQUIFER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS USING A GROUNDWATER MODEL
Authors: Shepley M. G. , Taylor A.
Published: July 2007

A methodology is described for harnessing the predictive capacity of a groundwater model to underpin aquifer management decisions for changing abstraction within a licensing regulatory framework. The use of a ‘baseline predictive simulation’ is advocated from both aquifer management and scientific perspectives, and an example of groundwater modelling predictive work on the Nottingham‐Doncaster Sherwood Sandstone aquifer system is used to illustrate the methodology. Differences between the baseline predictive simulation and a predictive simulation are processed to extract quantitative information (spatially and temporally) on the response to changes in aquifer stresses. An explanation is given on the use of this information to aid aquifer management decisions for achieving environmental targets. The importance of the aquifer diffusivity with respect to a predictive simulation exercise is highlighted.
PHYSICAL HABITAT ASSESSMENT IN URBAN RIVERS UNDER FUTURE FLOW SCENARIOS
Authors: Booker D. J. , Dunbar M. J. , Shamseldin A. , Durr C. , Acreman M. C.
Published: July 2007

River corridors in urban environments provide areas of biodiversity which are important for both aesthetic and economic reasons. A physical habitat model, which was used to assess urban rivers in Birmingham, UK, was applied to pairs of selected reaches to represent differing levels of habitat diversity on three rivers. The results for different life‐stages of dace, roach and chub suggest that the worst physical habitat occurs in highly modified channels and at the highest flows. Four scenarios, which were designed to represent alterations in flow regime caused by changes in management practices, were calculated using the hydrological model. Changes in physical habitat created by changes to the flow regime were assessed using a consistent, replicable method. It was shown that an increase in runoff would have detrimental effects in all cases, and that less engineered sites would benefit more from flow reductions. The lack of a suitable habitat for fry is shown to be a limiting factor for fish at all sites.
THE IMPACT OF MECHANICAL RELIABILITY ON THE FINANCIAL RETURN OF A WATER‐RECYCLING PLANT
Authors: Lodge B. , Judd S. J. , Smith A. J.
Published: July 2007

This paper presents results from the assessment of the financial viability of a water‐recycling plant based on an estimate of ‘net present value’, including the impact of mechanical reliability. The ‘net present value’of the former 0.6 Ml/d greywater recovery and re‐use plant at the Millennium Dome, London was calculated over an expected lifetime of 20 years and a capital cost of £2.2 million. A detailed analysis of the mechanical faults and shutdowns at the plant showed an improvement in reliability from 73.8% to 91.2%, attainable by investing in a dedicated critical‐spares facility. Defining the break‐even price of water as the price for which ‘net present value’is zero, the model showed the break‐even price to decrease from £1.61/m3 to £1.40/m3 by increasing reliability over the above range of values. The paper discusses the implications of this research for water‐recycling applications in general.
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS FOR MINEWATER TREATMENT: PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: Wiseman I. M. , Edwards P. J.
Published: July 2007

Wetlands were constructed between 1995 and 1999 to treat discharges from abandoned coalmines in the Pelenna Valley, South Wales. This was one of the first and most comprehensive demonstrations of passive minewater treatment technology in Europe, incorporating aerobic and anaerobic cells, including ‘reducing and alkalinity‐producing systems. The wetlands were monitored to assess their performance and longevity and were found to remove 82‐96% of the incoming iron, with no decline in treatment performance over the monitoring period to 2002. Oxidation was found to be the dominant iron‐removal process, even in vertical‐flow cells which were designed to utilise anaerobic processes. Factors limiting the longevity of iron‐removal processes were identified. maintenance requirements were highlighted and life‐span predictions were calculated for the systems. The wetlands were shown to be an effective and low maintenance (but not maintenance‐free) method of treating net‐acidic and net‐alkaline minewater.
ECOLOGICAL RISK‐ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY: A UK CASE STUDY FOR LANDFILLS
Authors: Redfearn A. , Roberts D.
Published: July 2007

The paper presents an ecological risk‐assessment methodology which (a) addresses surface‐water exposures to aquatic mammals and birds, and (b) accounts for long‐term accumulation and biomagnification of pollutants. The methodology has been adapted from those developed in the USA for compliance with US Environmental Protection Agency requirements, and combines predicted or measured surface‐water concentration data with information on the natural history of wildlife species and chemical‐specific bioaccumulation factors, to determine whether estimated exposures would exceed toxicological criteria. Whilst the methodology is applied to metals in leachate discharges from landfill sites, the general approach is applicable to other industrial sites. The approach could provide the basis for a shift towards more numerical risk‐based ecological assessments in a wide variety of contexts.
EARTH‐BANKED TANKS FOR THE WINTER STORAGE OF ANIMAL SLURRY
Authors: Scully H. A. , Purcell P. J. , Gleeson T. N.
Published: July 2007

Inadequate animal slurry storage has become an important issue in the agricultural sector in Ireland, and the lack of adequate conventional storage capacity has resulted in the spreading of slurry on land at inappropriate times of the year. This can lead to inefficient nutrient recycling and possible enrichment of adjacent surface and groundwaters. However, the largest contributor from agriculture to this enrichment is considered to be from farmyard leakage, rather than overland flow. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of using earth‐banked tanks as an alternative and economical means of winter storage for animal and other farmyard wastes. The paper describes an investigation into the use of such a tank at one location. Slurry infiltration rates, groundwater‐level changes and groundwater‐quality measurements at the tank site are reported. The study demonstrates that, if properly constructed using adequately compacted and suitable soil, earth‐banked tanks can be successfully used to temporarily, store highly‐polluting liquids such as animal slurries.
SEWAGE RE‐USE IN MAURITIUS
Authors: Amblin G. J.
Published: July 2007

When completed, the sewage‐treatment works at St. Martin will serve nearly a third of Mauritius’1.1 million population. In addition to protecting the marine environment, it will provide a valuable source of water to supplement irrigation supplies to west‐coast sugar‐cane plantations.

This paper explains (i) the treatment‐process selection which favoured conventional activated sludge over extended aeration, (ii) the need for nutrient removal, (iii) the choice of UV treatment for disinfection, and (iv) the problem of dye discharges from the textile industry. It also describes the complexity of the control system which is designed to (a) supply tertiary effluent to the irrigation canals blended with surface‐water supplies to avoid sodium accumulation in the soils. (b) avoid flooding of the canals, and (c) provide an emergency stormoverflow discharge via the same common outfall pipe to the sea.
EXPERIENCE OF ACTIVATED‐SLUDGE BULKING IN THE UK
Authors: Horan N. , Lavender P. , Cowley E.
Published: July 2007

The predominant filamentous bacteria which are found in bulking activated sludge in the UK have been assessed from a microscopic analysis of samples taken over a three‐year period. There were major differences in the floc biology of samples received from plants treating predominantly domestic wastewaters and those of industrial origin. Most samples (84%) of domestic origin were dominated by two filament types: Microthrix parvicella was the dominant filament in 63% of the samples and Type 021N dominated in 21% of the samples. Nostocoida limicola and Sphaerotilus natans dominated in the remaining 16% of samples. The samples of industrial origin showed much greater filament diversity, with eight filament types routinely observed in high numbers. Type 021N was the most prevalent and M. parvicella was not observed in the industrial samples. Many domestic samples from sequencing batch reactors were dominated by M. parvicella. Based upon knowledge of the predominant filament type from microscopic examination. it was possible to identify the likely causes for their proliferation and suggest long‐term solutions to achieve their eradication.
BYBROOK BARN GARDEN CENTRE v KENT COUNTY COUNCIL: CULVERTS AND LIABILITY FOR FLOODING
Authors: Allitt R. , Moody N.
Published: July 2007

On 12 August 1996, a storm occurred which resulted in the flooding of Bybrook Barn Garden Centre at Ashford (Kent), a doctor's surgery, and part of the M20 motorway. This was the latest in a long history of flooding incidents and prompted a case being brought against the highway authority (Kent County Council). The flood was caused by the inadequate capacity of a culvert under a highway. The culvert had been adequate when constructed in the 1930s, but had become inadequate over a period of time as a result of increased upstream development. The claim succeeded before the Court of Appeal in 2000. It was stated that Kent County Council had failed in its duty, in that it had failed to take reasonable steps to enlarge the culvert once it was aware of the flood risk. The decision represents an extension of the law of nuisance. Liability had not been imposed in these circumstances before.
PILOT DOOR‐TO‐DOOR ESTATE RECYCLING SERVICES IN INNER‐CITY LONDON
Authors: Alexiou Loannis E. , Moore Les
Published: July 2007

The implementation of the EU Landfill Directive in the UK demands high rates of recycling by local councils and regional waste authorities. Currently recycling is either carried out at cost intensive materials recycling facilities (MRF) or through separate collection services. Collection of separate materials is undertaken in inner‐city boroughs of London mainly through bring‐banks, which are often severely contaminated, and by kerbside collections from street properties. However, the provision of door‐to‐door collections in inner‐city estates has not been widely used yet, because of the lack of data to assess the potential and costs of such recycling services. In this paper a detailed assessment of a pilot door‐to‐door recycling service is presented. This pilot was carried out for a year by a local not‐for‐profit company in two inner‐city estates in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH).
IMPACT OF OPTIMISED CONTROL OF THE PRE‐COAGULATION REGIME DURING ULTRA‐FILTRATION TREATMENT OF RAW UPLAND WATERS
Authors: Price Robert , Hankins Nick
Published: July 2007

The effect of controlling the pre‐coagulation regime on downstream ultrafiltration of raw upland waters has been investigated. It has been shown that zeta potential can be used to detect changes in the coagulation process and hence to determine appropriate dosage levels. This is important, as incomplete coagulation has a detrimental effect on ultrafiltration membrane performance, particularly in terms of fouling caused by excess iron. Submerged hollow‐fibre membrane units yield superior performance with pre‐coagulation and sufficient slow mixing of coagulant guarantees high permeate flow recovery after backwashing. Fouling by natural organic matter can be remedied by conventional cleaning techniques. However, fouling due to excess iron can only be removed by heating the cleaning solution. The associated costs are thus two‐fold; that of excess coagulant and that of cleaning.
Inactivation of Influenza Virus by Solar Radiation
Authors: Sagripanti Jose‐Luis , Lytle C. David
Published: July 2007

Influenza virus is readily transmitted by aerosols and its inactivation in the environment could play a role in limiting the spread of influenza epidemics. Ultraviolet radiation in sunlight is the primary virucidal agent in the environment but the time that influenza virus remains infectious outside its infected host remains to be established. In this study, we calculated the expected inactivation of influenza A virus by solar ultraviolet radiation in several cities of the world during different times of the year. The inactivation rates reported here indicate that influenza A virions should remain infectious after release from the host for several days during the winter “flu season” in many temperate‐zone cities, with continued risk for reaerosolization and human infection. The correlation between low and high solar virucidal radiation and high and low disease prevalence, respectively, suggest that inactivation of viruses in the environment by solar UV radiation plays a role in the seasonal occurrence of influenza pandemics.
Response to Comment on "Coherent Control of Retinal Isomerization in Bacteriorhodopsin"
Authors: Prokhorenko Valentyn I. , Nagy Andrea M. , Waschuk Stephen A. , Brown Leonid S. , Birge Robert R. , Dwayne Miller R. J.
Published: July 2007

Joffre attempts to show that the linear response of any quantum system to an external perturbation is phase insensitive, but he uses incorrect mathematical assumptions, misinterprets the time invariance principle, and ignores causality. We argue that the opposite case—an explicit phase dependence for a signal measured in the linear excitation regime—can equally be shown using Joffre's approach and assumptions.
AAV Vector Integration Sites in Mouse Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Donsante Anthony , Miller Daniel G. , Li Yi , Vogler Carole , Brunt Elizabeth M. , Russell David W. , Sands Mark S.
Published: July 2007

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are promising gene therapy vectors that have little or no acute toxicity. We show that normal mice and mice with mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MPS VII) develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after neonatal injection of an AAV vector expressing b-glucuronidase. AAV proviruses were isolated from four tumors and were all located within a 6-kilobase region of chromosome 12. This locus encodes several imprinted transcripts, small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), and microRNAs. Transcripts from adjacent genes encoding snoRNAs and microRNAs were overexpressed in tumors. Our findings implicate this locus in the development of HCC and raise concerns over the clinical use of AAV vectors.
A Cambrian Peak in Morphological Variation Within Trilobite Species
Authors: Webster Mark
Published: July 2007

Morphological variation within species is a raw material subject to natural selection. However, temporal change in morphological diversity has usually been studied in terms of variation among rather than within species. The distribution of polymorphic traits in cladistic character-taxon matrices reveals that the frequency and extent of morphological variation in 982 trilobite species are greatest early in the evolution of the group: Stratigraphically old and/or phylogenetically basal taxa are significantly more variable than younger and/or more derived taxa. Through its influence on evolutionary tempo, high intraspecific variation may have played a major role in the pronounced Cambrian diversification of trilobites.
Rapid Microsphere Assay for Identification of
Cryptosporidium hominis
and
Cryptosporidium parvum
in Stool and Environmental Samples
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Kakali , Kellar Kathryn L. , Moura Iaci , Casaqui Carollo Maria Cristina , Graczyk Thaddeus K. , Slemenda Susan , Johnston Stephanie P. , da Silva Alexandre J.
Published: July 2007

Cryptosporidium hominis
and
Cryptosporidium parvum
are associated with massive disease outbreaks worldwide. Because these two species have different transmission cycles, identification of these parasites to the species level in clinical samples may provide laboratory data of crucial importance in epidemiologic investigations. To date, the most reliable way to differentiate
C. hominis
and
C. parvum
is based on DNA sequencing analysis of PCR amplicons. Although this approach is very effective for differentiation of
Cryptosporidium
species, it is labor-intensive and time-consuming compared with methods that do not require DNA sequencing analysis as an additional step and that have been successfully used for specific identification of a number of pathogens. In this study, we describe a novel Luminex-based assay that can differentiate
C. hominis
from
C. parvum
in a rapid and cost-effective manner. The assay was validated by testing a total of 143 DNA samples extracted from clinical specimens, environmental samples, or samples artificially spiked with
Cryptosporidium
oocysts. As few as 10 oocysts per 300 μl of stools could be detected with this assay. The assay format includes species-specific probes linked to carboxylated Luminex microspheres that hybridize to a
Cryptosporidium
microsatellite-2 region (ML-2) where
C. hominis
and
C. parvum
differ by one nucleotide substitution. The assay proved to be 100% specific when samples that had been characterized by direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA) and DNA sequencing analysis were tested. In addition, the assay was more sensitive than DFA and provided species identification, which is an advantage for epidemiologic studies.
Comparison of Hand-Held Test Kits, Immunofluorescence Microscopy, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, and Flow Cytometric Analysis for Rapid Presumptive Identification of
Yersinia pestis
Authors: Tomaso H. , Thullier P. , Seibold E. , Guglielmo V. , Buckendahl A. , Rahalison L. , Neubauer H. , Scholz H. C. , Splettstoesser W. D.
Published: July 2007

An in-house immunochromatographic test, Plague BioThreat Alert test strips, ABICAP columns, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence microscopy were compared for the detection of the fraction 1 capsular antigen of
Yersinia pestis
, using spiked buffer and clinical specimens. Hand-held test kits proved to be excellent benchtop tools.
First Case of Bloodstream Infection Due to
Candida magnoliae
in a Chinese Oncological Patient
Authors: Cascio G. Lo , Dalle Carbonare L. , Maccacaro L. , Caliari F. , Ligozzi M. , Cascio V. Lo , Fontana R.
Published: July 2007

We report a case of fungemia caused by
Candida magnoliae
, a yeast never associated with human disease. The infection occurred in a 42-year-old Chinese patient with gastric cancer complicated by peritoneal carcinosis. Multiple blood cultures were positive for yeast; the species was well identified with biochemical and molecular methods. The phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship of
C. magnoliae
to
Candida krusei
.
Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis Caused by
Streptobacillus moniliformi
s: a Case of Rat Bite Fever
Authors: Chen Po-Lin , Lee Nan-Yao , Yan Jing-Jou , Yang Yu-jen , Chen Hung-Mo , Chang Chia-Ming , Lee Hsin-Chun , Ko Nai-Ying , Lai Chao-Han , Ko Wen-Chien
Published: July 2007

We report a case of rat bite fever caused by
Streptobacillus moniliformis
in Taiwan. It manifested as prosthetic valve endocarditis, which was cured by cardiac valve replacement and antimicrobial therapy. The DNA sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of
S. moniliformis
was detected in valve specimens by PCR and nucleotide sequencing.
Murine Noroviruses Comprising a Single Genogroup Exhibit Biological Diversity despite Limited Sequence Divergence
Authors: Thackray Larissa B. , Wobus Christiane E. , Chachu Karen A. , Liu Bo , Alegre Eric R. , Henderson Kenneth S. , Kelley Scott T. , Virgin Herbert W.
Published: July 2007

Viruses within the genus
Norovirus
of the family
Caliciviridae
are the major cause of acute, nonbacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Human noroviruses are genetically diverse, with up to 57% divergence in capsid protein sequences, and comprise three genogroups. The significance of such genetic diversity is not yet understood. The discovery of murine norovirus (MNV) and its ability to productively infect cultured murine macrophages and dendritic cells has provided an opportunity to determine the functional consequences of norovirus diversity in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we compared the full-length genomes of 21 new MNV isolates with five previously sequenced MNV genomes and demonstrated a conserved genomic organization consisting of four open reading frames (ORFs) and a previously unknown region of nucleotide conservation in ORF2. A phylogenetic analysis of all 26 MNV genomes revealed 15 distinct MNV strains, with up to 13% divergence at the nucleotide level, that comprise a single genotype and genogroup. Evidence for recombination within ORF2 in several MNV genomes was detected by multiple methods. Serological analyses comparing neutralizing antibody responses between highly divergent strains suggested that the MNV genogroup comprises a single serotype. Within this single genogroup, MNV strains exhibited considerable biological diversity in their ability to grow in culture and to infect and/or persist in wild-type mice. The isolation and characterization of multiple MNV strains illustrate how genetic analysis may underestimate the biological diversity of noroviruses and provide a molecular map for future studies of MNV biology.
The Genesis and Evolution of H9N2 Influenza Viruses in Poultry from Southern China, 2000 to 2005
Authors: Xu K. M. , Smith G. J. D. , Bahl J. , Duan L. , Tai H. , Vijaykrishna D. , Wang J. , Zhang J. X. , Li K. S. , Fan X. H. , Webster R. G. , Chen H. , Peiris J. S. M. , Guan Y.
Published: July 2007

H9N2 influenza viruses have become established in terrestrial poultry in different Asian countries over the last 2 decades. Our previous study demonstrated that quail harbor increasingly diverse novel H9N2 reassortants, including both Chicken/Beijing/1/94 (Ck/Bei-like) and Quail/Hong Kong/G1/97 (G1-like) viruses. However, since 1999, the genesis and evolution of H9N2 viruses in different types of poultry have not been investigated systematically. In the present study, H9N2 viruses isolated from chickens, ducks, and other minor poultry species were characterized genetically and antigenically. Our findings demonstrate that Ck/Bei-like H9N2 viruses have been introduced into many different types of poultry in southern China, including quail, partridges, chukar, pheasant, guinea fowl, and domestic ducks, while G1-like viruses were commonly detected in quail, less frequently detected in other minor poultry species, and not detected in chickens and ducks. Genetic analysis revealed 35 genotypes of H9N2 viruses, including 14 novel genotypes that have not been recognized before. Our results also suggested that two-way interspecies transmission exists between different types of poultry. Our study demonstrates that the long-term cocirculation of multiple virus lineages (e.g., H5N1 and H9N2 viruses) in different types of poultry has facilitated the frequent reassortment events that are mostly responsible for the current great genetic diversity in H9N2 and H5N1 influenza viruses in this region. This situation favors the emergence of influenza viruses with pandemic potential.
Induction of Antiviral Cytidine Deaminases Does Not Explain the Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Interferons
Authors: Jost Stéphanie , Turelli Priscilla , Mangeat Bastien , Protzer Ulrike , Trono Didier
Published: July 2007

Interferons (IFNs) play a major role in the control of hepatitis B virus (HBV), whether as endogenous cytokines limiting the spread of the virus during the acute phase of the infection or as drugs for the treatment of its chronic phase. However, the mechanism by which IFNs inhibit HBV replication has so far remained elusive. Here, we show that type I and II IFN treatment of human hepatocytes induces the production of APOBEC3G (A3G) and, to a lesser extent, that of APOBEC3F (A3F) and APOBEC3B (A3B) but not that of two other cytidine deaminases also endowed with anti-HBV activity, activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), and APOBEC1. Most importantly, we reveal that blocking A3B, A3F, and A3G by combining RNA interference and the virion infectivity factor (Vif) protein of human immunodeficiency virus does not abrogate the inhibitory effect of IFNs on HBV. We conclude that these cytidine deaminases are not essential effectors of IFN in its action against this pathogen.
IMPROVING CLASS FIREWALL REGRESSION TEST SELECTION BY REMOVING THE CLASS FIREWALL
Authors: SKOGLUND MATS , RUNESON PER
Published: July 2007

One regression test selection technique proposed for object-oriented programs is the Class firewall regression test selection technique. The selection technique selects test cases for regression test, which test changed classes and classes depending on changed classes. However, in empirical studies of the application of the technique, we observed that another technique found the same defects, selected fewer tests and required a simpler, less costly, analysis. The technique, which we refer to as the Change-based regression test selection technique, is basically the Class firewall technique, but with the class firewall removed. In this paper we formulate a hypothesis stating that these empirical observations are not incidental, but an inherent property of the Class firewall technique. We prove that the hypothesis holds for Java in a stable testing environment, and conclude that the effectiveness of the Class firewall regression testing technique can be improved without sacrificing the defect detection capability of the technique, by removing the class firewall.
ON THE EFFECT OF WOVEN GLASS FABRIC ORIENTATIONS ON WEAR AND FRICTION PROPERTIES OF POLYESTER COMPOSITE
Authors: YOUSIF B. F. , EL-TAYEB N. S. M.
Published: July 2007

In this work, tribological investigations on the neat polyester (NP) and woven (600 g/m2)-glass fabric reinforced polyester (WGRP) composite were carried out. Friction and wear characteristics of the WGRP composite were measured in three principal orientations, i.e., sliding directions relative to the woven glass fabric (WGF) orientations in the composites. These are longitudinal (L), transverse (T), and parallel (P) orientations. The experiments were conducted using a pin-on-disc (POD) machine under dry sliding conditions against a smooth stainless steel counterface. Results of friction coefficient and wear resistance of the composites were presented as function of normal loads (30–100 N) and sliding distances (0.5–7 km) at different sliding velocities, 1.7, 2.8, and 3.9 m/s. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the mechanisms of worn surfaces. Experimental results revealed that woven glass fabric improved the tribological performance of neat polyester in all three tested orientations. In L-orientation, at a low velocity of 1.7 m/s, WGRP exhibited significant improvements to wear resistance of the polyester composite compared to other orientations. Meanwhile, at high velocities (2.8 and 3.9 m/s), T-orientation gave higher wear resistance. SEM microphotographs showed different damage features on the worn surfaces, i.e., deformation, cracks, debonding of fiber, and microcracks.
GROWTH AND SURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF {101} CLEAVAGE PLANES OF L-ARGININE TRIFLUOROACETATE CRYSTALS
Authors: SUN Z. H. , XU D. , YU G. W. , ZHANG G. H. , WANG X. Q. , LIU X. J. , ZHU L. Y. , YU G. , FAN H. L.
Published: July 2007

Single crystals of nonlinear optical material, L-arginine trifluoroacetate (abbreviated as LATF), were grown from an aqueous solution by the low temperature solution growth method. The cell parameters of the grown crystal were determined by the X-ray powder diffraction analysis. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the surface morphology of {101} cleavage faces of LATF. Straight steps and two-dimensional nuclei were observed. Liquid inclusions and impurities as defects for revealing macrosteps were demonstrated. The molecular structure and crystal structure correlative with surface morphology were discussed.
NEW AMINE FUNCTIONAL IONIC LIQUID AS BUILDING BLOCK IN NANOTECHNOLOGY
Authors: MARCILLA REBECA , MECERREYES DAVID , ODRIOZOLA IBON , POMPOSO JOSE A. , RODRIGUEZ JAVIER , ZALAKAIN IÑAKI , MONDRAGON IÑAKI
Published: July 2007

In this communication, we report the synthesis of an amino-functionalized ionic liquid (AFIL) and its application as building block in the construction of new functional nanomaterials. This AFIL has been used as surfactant in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles ( Au NPs) and in the development of functional CNTs/IL hybrid nanomaterials by mixing the AFIL with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The presence of an amine group in the ionic liquid provides to the resultant nanomaterial with new opportunities in several applications in the nanobio field.
DEPENDENCE OF MATERIAL QUALITY ON PERFORMANCE OF FLEXIBLE TRANSPARENT CONDUCTING FILMS WITH SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES
Authors: GENG HONG-ZHANG , KIM KI KANG , LEE KYU , KIM GIL YONG , CHOI HA KYU , LEE DAE SIK , AN KAY HYEOK , LEE YOUNG HEE , CHANG YOUNGKYU , LEE YOUNG SIL , KIM BYEONGYEOL , LEE YOUNG JUN
Published: July 2007

Several single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) prepared by different methods have been used to investigate the material dependence on the optimal film performance of flexible transparent conducting films. The nanotubes were dispersed in water with sodium dodecyl sulfate by sonication. These SWCNT solutions were then sprayed onto the Poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate by a spray coater to form the film. Several factors such as purity, diameter, defects, metallicity, and degree of dispersion were evaluated individually to examine how they affect the film performance. We found that the metallicity of SWCNTs and the degree of dispersion are the most crucial factors in determining the film performance. We also proposed a material quality factor to estimate the material quality of SWCNTs as a figure of merit for the film performance.
Geometry and evolution of the Mesoproterozoic Irumide Belt of Zambia
Authors: Daly Michael C.
Published: July 2007

The Irumide Belt of eastern Zambia is one of a number of complex Proterozoic orogenic belts found in the African continent. The belt lies along the southeastern flank of the Tanzania-Bangweulu Craton and to the NW of the Mozambique Belt of East Africa. The dominant tectonic features of the belt are ductile shear zones, thrusts and folds related to a Mesoproterozoic, NW-SE crustal shortening event, and late-tectonic granite emplacement. Later tightening of Irumide structures and localized deformation of granites is also widespread. The timing of post-Irumide deformation is poorly constrained but is believed to be a mix of Pan-African and Late Palaeozoic reactivation and thermal reworking. This complex history is recently overprinted by significant Tertiary rifting. The Irumide deformation is evident in three tectonic zones stretching from the NW foreland of Mporokoso to the SE hinterland of Lundazi: (1) the NW-facing basement shear zones and associated cover deformation of the Luongo Fold Belt; (2) the Foreland Fold Belt of large upright folds defined by the kilometre-thick quartzite ridges of the Irumi, Shiwa Ngandu and Isoka hills; (3) an intensely deformed Internal Zone of basement and granite gneisses folded into major domes and associated tight synclines. Post-tectonic granites intrude the last of these zones and define an end to the Irumide deformation. The linking of these three zones is based on geometric, kinematic and geochronological evidence. The main Irumide deformation and metamorphism is believed to have occurred between 1100-950 Ma with a metamorphic peak between 1050 and 1000 Ma. Termination of Irumide deformation is dated by the emplacement of the post-tectonic granite and K/Ar biotite and hornblende closure dates of
c.
950 Ma. Similar K/Ar dates from the Luongo shear zone indicate biotite closure and cooling during the period 1020-950 Ma. Together with parallel kinematic indicators, this supports a coeval development and tectonic link between the Irumide Belt and the Luongo Fold Belt. The intracontinental Irumide Belt deformation was driven by an accretionary collisional margin, to the SE of the present-day Irumide Belt, in southern Malawi and Mozambique. This accretionary margin is today represented by arc and island-arc magmatism and the complex terranes of the Mozambique Belt of East Central Africa.
Distribution, timing, and causes of Andean deformation across South America
Authors: Cobbold Peter R. , Rossello Eduardo A. , Roperch Pierrick , Arriagada César , Gómez Luis A. , Lima Claudio
Published: July 2007

The Andean Orogeny in South America has lasted over 100 Ma. It comprises the Peruvian, Incaic and Quechuan phases. The Nazca and South American plates have been converging at varying rates since the Palaeocene. The active tectonics of South America are relatively clear, from seismological and Global Positioning System (GPS) data. Horizontal shortening is responsible for a thick crust and high topography in the Andes, as well as in SE Brazil and Patagonia. We have integrated available data and have compiled four fault maps at the scale of South America, for the mid-Cretaceous, Late Cretaceous, Palaeogene and Neogene periods. Andean compression has been widespread since the Aptian. The continental margins have registered more deformation than the interior. For the Peruvian phase, not enough information is available to establish a tectonic context. During the Incaic phase, strike-slip faulting was common. During the Quechuan phase, crustal thickening has been the dominant mode of deformation. To investigate the mechanics of deformation, we have carried out 10 properly scaled experiments on physical models of the lithosphere, containing various plates. The dominant response to plate motion was subduction of oceanic lithosphere beneath continental South America. However, the model continent also deformed internally, especially at the margins and initial weaknesses.
Salt tectonics in the North Sea Basin: a structural style template for seismic interpreters
Authors: Stewart S. A.
Published: July 2007

The North Sea Basin contains a widespread Permian salt layer that reached a depositional thickness of
c.
1 km in the basin centre. This layer profoundly affected structural style of the post-salt succession and the basin can be divided into structural domains on this basis. In combination with regional 3D seismic data and several thousand wells this makes the North Sea a natural laboratory for salt tectonics. Four principal structural domains are illustrated here. (1) Minibasin subsidence and salt wall growth on the West Central Shelf in the Late Permian to Triassic. This area was exhumed and differentially eroded prior to Jurassic rifting, creating palaeogeomorphology analogous to the present-day Paradox Basin, Utah. (2) Regional tilt during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic led to basin-scale gravity sliding with updip detached extensional faults and downdip compressional structures, similar to gravity sliding in the circum-Atlantic salt basins. (3) Jurassic rifting propagated across the salt basin, displaying spatial variation in extensional fault style, partly as a function of salt layer thickness. (4) North Sea salt thickness was not sufficient for salt canopy development but there are two suites of minor intrusions: cylindrical, passive diapirs with associated fault and fracture patterns in the central North Sea, and sills where Permian salt from reactive diapirs intruded along thin Triassic salt layers in the southern North Sea. Cretaceous to Palaeogene regional shortening affected all these domains, resulting in a variety of reactivation styles that do not fit within commonly used definitions of inversion tectonics. The North Sea salt tectonic domains form the basis of a matrix approach to salt structure initiating and driving mechanisms, and a mechanostratigraphic scheme for tectonic structure classification.
Creatine enhances differentiation of myogenic C2C12 cells by activating both p38 and Akt/PKB pathways
Authors: Deldicque Louise , Theisen Daniel , Bertrand Luc , Hespel Peter , Hue Louis , Francaux Marc
Published: July 2007

In myogenic C2C12 cells, 5 mM creatine increased the incorporation of labeled [35S]methionine into sarcoplasmic (+20%, P < 0.05) and myofibrillar proteins (+50%, P < 0.01). Creatine also promoted the fusion of myoblasts assessed by an increased number of nuclei incorporated within myotubes (+40%, P < 0.001). Expression of myosin heavy chain type II (+1,300%, P < 0.001), troponin T (+65%, P < 0.01), and titin (+40%, P < 0.05) was enhanced by creatine. Mannitol, taurine, and β-alanine did not mimic the effect of creatine, ruling out an osmolarity-dependent mechanism. The addition of rapamycin, the inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin/70-kDa ribosomal S6 protein kinase (mTOR/p70s6k) pathway, and SB 202190, the inhibitor of p38, completely blocked differentiation in control cells, and creatine did not reverse this inhibition, suggesting that the mTOR/p70s6k and p38 pathways could be potentially involved in the effect induced by creatine on differentiation. Creatine upregulated phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt/PKB; +60%, P < 0.001), glycogen synthase kinase-3 (+70%, P < 0.001), and p70s6k (+50%, P < 0.001). Creatine also affected the phosphorylation state of p38 (−50% at 24 h and +70% at 96 h, P < 0.05) as well as the nuclear content of its downstream targets myocyte enhancer factor-2 (−55% at 48 h and +170% at 96 h, P < 0.05) and MyoD (+60%, P < 0.01). In conclusion, this study points out the involvement of the p38 and the Akt/PKB-p70s6k pathways in the enhanced differentiation induced by creatine in C2C12 cells.
Bone growth retardation in mouse embryos expressing human collagenase 1
Authors: Imai Kazushi , Dalal Seema S. , Hambor John , Mitchell Peter , Okada Yasunori , Horton William C. , D'Armiento Jeanine
Published: July 2007

Cellular growth and differentiation are readouts of multiple signaling pathways from the intercellular and/or extracellular milieu. The extracellular matrix through the activation of cellular receptors transmits these signals. Therefore, extracellular matrix proteolysis could affect cell fate in a variety of biological events. However, the biological consequence of inadequate extracellular matrix degradation in vivo is not clear. We developed a mouse model expressing human collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1, MMP-1) under the control of Col2a1 promoter. The mice showed significant growth retardation during embryogenesis and a loss of the demarcation of zonal structure and columnar array of the cartilage. Immunological examination revealed increased degradation of type II collagen and upregulation of fibronectin and α5-integrin subunit in the transgenic cartilage. The resting zone and proliferating zone of the growth plate cartilage exhibited a simultaneous increase in bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-incorporated proliferating cells and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated X-dUTP nick-end labeling-positive apoptotic cells, respectively. Chondrocyte differentiation was not disturbed in the transgenic mice as evidenced by normal expression of the Ihh and type X collagen expression. These data demonstrate that type II collagen proteolysis is an important determinant for the skeletal outgrowth through modulation of chondrocyte survival and cartilagenous growth.