bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Kohonen Self‐Organizing Map as a Software Sensor to Predict Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Authors: Rustum Rabee , Adeloye Adebayo J. , Scholz Miklas
Published: January 2008

The 5 days at 20°C biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5) is an important parameter for monitoring organic pollution in water and assessing the biotreatability of wastewater. Moreover, BOD 5 is used for wastewater treatment plant discharge consents and other water pollution control purposes. However, the traditional bioassay method for estimating the BOD 5 involves the incubation of sample water for 5 days. It follows that BOD 5 is not available for real‐time decisionmaking and process control purposes. On the other hand, previous efforts to solve this problem by developing more rapid biosensors had limited success. This paper reports on the development of Kohonen self‐organizing map (KSOM)‐based software sensors for the rapid prediction of BOD 5. The findings indicate that the KSOM‐based BOD 5 estimates were in good agreement with those measured using the conventional bioassay method. This offers significant potential for more timely intervention and cost savings during problem diagnosis in water and wastewater treatment processes.
Ozonation of o‐Cresol in Aqueous Solutions Using a Rotating Packed‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Ku Young , Ji Yan‐Shiun , Chen Hua‐Wei
Published: January 2008

Experimental results indicated that ozone transfer in the rotating packed contactor was noticeably greater than in a traditional packed‐bed contactor under similar operational conditions. Ozonation in the rotating packed contactor has been shown to be feasible for achieving nearly complete decomposition of o‐cresol within 1 hour. The decomposition of o‐cresol by ozonation in the rotating packed contactor increased with increasing rotor speed and decreasing the gas–liquid flowrate ratio. However, the reduction of total organic carbon during the ozonation of o‐cresol was not influenced by variation of rotor speed and gas–liquid flowrate ratio. The species distribution of o‐cresol under various solution conditions plays a significant role in determining the decomposition behavior. In most experiments conducted in this study, the decomposition of o‐cresol by ozonation was more favorable under alkaline conditions.
Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide Inhibits Breakdown of the Blood-Retinal Barrier Through Differential Regulation of VEGF-A and Its Receptors in Early Diabetic Rat Retinas
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Bao Shisan , Lai Donna , Rapkins Robert W. , Gillies Mark C.
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the mechanism of the unique beneficial effect of intravitreal steroid therapy on diabetic macular edema, we investigated the effect of locally administered triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and its receptors in retinas of rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. We then correlated the expression of these proteins with breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty-two eyes of 16 diabetic and nondiabetic rats were divided into four groups. TA was injected into the vitreous of the right eye, and saline was injected into the left eye (control) 3.5 weeks after induction of diabetes. Retinas were harvested 48 h following treatment. mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-A, VEGF-A receptor 1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase [FLT]-1), and VEGF-A receptor 2 (fetal liver kinase [FLK]-1) were determined by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. BRB permeability was quantitated by measuring extravasated endogenous albumin and retinal thickness.

RESULTS

Diabetes-induced retinal thickness and albumin extravasation were significantly reduced in TA-treated diabetic retinas to a level similar to that in sham-treated nondiabetic eyes. A close correlation between albumin leakage and increased expression of both Vegf-a and Flk-1 was noted in the diabetic retinas. TA downregulated the expression of Vegf-a and Flk-1 but upregulated the expression of Flt-1. TA did not alter the expression of these genes in nondiabetic retinas.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal injection of TA stabilizes the BRB in association with regulation of Vegf-a, Flk-1, and Flt-1 expression in retinas in the early stages of diabetes.
Local Willingness-to-Pay Estimates for the Remediation of the Sydney Tar Ponds in Nova Scotia
Authors: Ferrara Ida , McComb Stephen , Missios Paul
Published: January 2008

The Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens site in Nova Scotia, Canada, is among the most toxic hazardous waste sites in North America. This study presents hedonic estimates of the willingness-to-pay for remediation of the site using housing sales data from urban Sydney. Negative impacts are estimated with a maximum likelihood spatial autoregressive model of property values. Premiums on homes farther from the site are found to be substantial, and, when aggregated into a community willingness-to-pay measure ($169.2 million), cover a large proportion of the estimated remediation costs.
Quantifying acceptable levels of visitor use on Red Sea reef flats
Authors: Leujak Wera , Ormond Rupert F.G.
Published: December 2007

The effects of trampling by visitors walking over the reef flat to snorkel or swim along the reef edge were studied at Ras Um Sidd, a popular fringing reef site at Sharm El Sheikh, and in the Ras Mohammed National Park, South Sinai, Egypt. Twelve stations showed a sequence of events linked to increased frequency and extent of trampling, with the intensities of trampling ranging from 0.1 to 324 tramplers m−2 yr−1.

Heavily trampled stations had a reduced coral cover (in particular branching corals), higher amounts of coral damage, less old dead coral, less obligate corallivorous fishes and more herbivores.

Wave exposure was crucial in determining the susceptibility of coral communities to trampling. Exposed communities were dominated by branching corals and were mechanically more resistant, since wave stress had favoured stockier growth forms.

The applicability of the ‘carrying capacity concept’ was investigated as a management tool for determining how much use is sustainable. Examination of the relationship between hard coral cover and intensity of trampling suggested that carrying capacity could be set at approximately 50 tramplers m−2 yr−1. The actual amount of damage caused by trampling showed a linear increase with increasing trampling intensities, so that the carrying capacity concept, as defined in this study, was not applicable to the relationship since no threshold existed. Instead, the ‘limits of acceptable change’ approach would be more practicable, with managers deciding what amount of coral damage they permit before limiting access. To establish meaningful limits of change, more knowledge is required about ecological as well as social consequences (e.g. visitor satisfaction) of such limits.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response of a gorgonian (Paramuricea clavata) population to mortality events: recovery or loss?
Authors: Cupido R. , Cocito S. , Sgorbini S. , Bordone A. , Santangelo G.
Published: December 2007

During late summer 1999 and 2003 two mass mortality events affected the population of the slow growing, long‐lived Mediterranean gorgonian Paramuricea clavata living in the Gulf of La Spezia (Italy).

The population was monitored for three years after the mortality events. Availability of pre‐event data (1998) allowed comparison of population density and population size structure of the healthy population with those recorded in the three years following the mortality events.

In 1998, before the two mass mortality events, mean colony density was 33.3 ± 3.7 colonies m−2 and had fallen to 6.7 ± 1.9 colonies m−2 in 2004.

In the post‐event period the population size structure changed and the modal class of colonies shifted from 16–21 cm to 6–15 cm height.

In 2004 mortality affected 75 ± 6.4% of colonies. A significant, positive correlation between the extent of damage and colony size was found throughout the monitoring period.

In the three years following the two mortality events, a small increase in density of recruits and of older undamaged colonies was recorded suggesting that the population was slowly recovering.

The bathymetric distribution of P. clavata straddles the summer thermocline making this population particularly sensitive to temperature increases. The lack of deeper colonies (less exposed to warming) and the geographical isolation of this population is likely to prevent any substantial external larval supply.

An increased frequency of mass mortality events associated with ever increasingly high temperature events represent a considerable threat to the persistence of a P. clavata population in the Gulf of La Spezia.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A bioluminescent HL‐60 cell line to assay anti‐leukaemia therapeutics under physiological conditions
Authors: Isaza Maria P. , Chau Jennie T. , Le Amy , Balashova Nataliya V. , Patel Jigna K. , Salerno Erica , Crosby Juan A. , O'Connor Anna , Kachlany Scott C.
Published: December 2007

Screens for compounds and proteins with anti‐cancer activity employ viability assays using relevant cancer cell lines. For leukaemia studies, the human leukaemia cell line, HL‐60, is often used as a model system. To facilitate the discovery and investigation of anti‐leukaemia therapeutics under physiological conditions, we have engineered HL‐60 cells that stably express firefly luciferase and produce light that can be detected using an in vivo imaging system (IVIS). Bioluminescent HL‐60luc cells could be rapidly detected in whole blood with a sensitivity of approximately 1000 viable cells/200 µl blood. Treatment of HL‐60luc cells with the drug chlorambucil revealed that the bioluminescent viability assay is able to detect cell death earlier than the Trypan blue dye exclusion assay. HL‐60luc cells administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) or intravenously (i.v.) were visualized in living mice. The rapidity and ease of detecting HL‐60luc cells in biological fluid indicates that this cell line could be used in high‐throughput screens for the identification of drugs with anti‐leukaemia activity under physiological conditions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel homogeneous bioluminescence resonance energy transfer element for biomolecular detection with CCD camera or CMOS device
Authors: Filanoski Brian , Rastogi Shiva K. , Cameron Eric , Mishra Nirankar N. , Maki Wusi , Maki Gary
Published: December 2007

A novel optical signal element based on homogeneous bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) was developed for biomolecular detection. A fluorescent dye and alkaline phosphatase (AP) conjugate was used as a reporter and light‐generation element for imaging detection platforms that use a CCD camera or CMOS chip‐based devices. In the presence of a luminescence substrate, the energy from the first light emission of a bioluminescence enzymatic reaction was transferred to fluorescent dyes which were conjugated to an enzyme. This resulted in a second light emission with a shorter wavelength. The second light was localized at the position of target molecules without the diffusion problems present in current technology. To optimize energy transfer efficiency, the ratio of enzyme to fluorophore in the conjugates, the fluorescent dyes used in the conjugates and the luminescence substrates used for BRET were investigated. BRET was demonstrated by using both a CCD camera and a CMOS imaging device. Image spatial resolution was greatly improved compared with conventional chemiluminescence detection. This new signal element opens a door for the direct measurement of fluorescent signals on an imaging chip without an external light source and portable instrumentation normally required for the fluorescent detection of biomolecules. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene expression analysis on sections of zebrafish regenerating fins reveals limitations in the whole‐mount in situ hybridization method
Authors: Smith A. , Zhang J. , Guay D. , Quint E. , Johnson A. , Akimenko M.A.
Published: December 2007

The caudal fin of adult zebrafish is used to study the molecular mechanisms that govern regeneration processes. Most reports of gene expression in regenerating caudal fins rely on in situ hybridization (ISH) on whole‐mount samples followed by sectioning of the samples. In such reports, expression is mostly confined to cells other than those located between the dense collagenous structures that are the actinotrichia and lepidotrichia. Here, we re‐examined the expression of genes by performing ISH directly on cryo‐sections of regenerates. We detected expression of some of these genes in cell types that appeared to be non‐expressing when ISH was performed on whole‐mount samples. These results demonstrate that ISH reagents have a limited capacity to penetrate between the regenerating skeletal matrices and suggest that ISH performed directly on fin sections is a preferable method to study gene expression in fin regenerates. Developmental Dynamics 237:417–425, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impaired placental trophoblast lineage differentiation in Alkbh1−/− mice
Authors: Pan Zishu , Sikandar Shaheen , Witherspoon Mavee , Dizon Diana , Nguyen Terrence , Benirschke Kurt , Wiley Christopher , Vrana Paul , Lipkin Steven M.
Published: December 2007

E. coli AlkB has been intensively studied since 1983, but the in vivo roles of its mammalian homologue Alkbh1 are unknown. We, therefore, created null mice for Alkbh1. Alkbh1 mRNA is expressed at highest levels in the trophoblast lineages of the developing placenta. Alkbh1−/− placentas have decreased expression of differentiated trophoblast markers including Tpbp, Gcm1, and Pl‐1, and increased expression of the trophoblast stem cell marker Eomes. Alkbh1 localizes to nuclear euchromatin, and interacts strongly with Mrj, an essential placental gene that mediates gene repression by recruitment of class II histone deacetylases (HDACs). Competition experiments show Alkbh1 and HDAC4 binding to Mrj are mutually exclusive, which causes decreased HDAC activity and increased target gene expression. Our study demonstrates Alkbh1 performs important functions in placental trophoblast lineage differentiation and participates in mechanisms of transcriptional regulation. Developmental Dynamics 237:316–327, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Liver: An organ with predominant innate immunity
Authors: Gao Bin , Jeong Won-Il , Tian Zhigang
Published: December 2007

Blood circulating from the intestines to the liver is rich in bacterial products, environmental toxins, and food antigens. To effectively and quickly defend against potentially toxic agents without launching harmful immune responses, the liver relies on its strong innate immune system. This comprises enrichment of innate immune cells (such as macrophages, natural killer, natural killer T, and γδ T cells) and removal of waste molecules and immunologic elimination of microorganisms by liver endothelial cells and Kupffer cells. In addition, the liver also plays an important role in controlling systemic innate immunity through the biosynthesis of numerous soluble pathogen-recognition receptors and complement components.

Conclusion:

The liver is an organ with predominant innate immunity, playing an important role not only in host defenses against invading microorganisms and tumor transformation but also in liver injury and repair. Recent evidence suggests that innate immunity is also involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, providing novel therapeutic targets to treat such a liver disorder. (Hepatology 2007.)
Connective tissue growth factor with a novel fibronectin binding site promotes cell adhesion and migration during rat oval cell activation
Authors: Pi Liya , Ding Xiaodong , Jorgensen Marda , Pan Jen-Jung , Oh Seh-Hoon , Pintilie Dana , Brown Alicia , Song Wen-Yuan , Petersen Bryon E.
Published: December 2007

Oval cell activation, as part of the regenerative process after liver injury, involves considerable cell-matrix interaction. The matricellular protein, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), has been shown to be critical for oval cell activation during liver regeneration following N-2-acetylaminofluorene/partial hepatectomy. To understand the mode of action of CTGF during this process, N-terminal CTGF was used as bait to screen a yeast two-hybrid complementary DNA library specific for regenerating livers with massive oval cell presence. Fibronectin (FN), a prominent component of hepatic extracellular matrix (ECM), was found to specifically bind to a new site on CTGF. In addition to module IV, this study showed that module I of CTGF was sufficient for binding to FN in both solid-phase

in vitro

binding assays and immunoprecipitation. Immunofluorescent staining revealed a dynamic ECM remodeling characterized by an FN-concentrated provisional matrix during oval cell–aided liver regeneration. Abundant CTGF protein was colocalized with FN in the provisional matrix. When expressed as recombinant proteins and immobilized on plastic surfaces, modules I and IV of CTGF were selectively adhesive to thymus cell antigen 1–positive (Thy1+) oval cells, stellate cells, and sinusoidal endothelial cells but not to hepatocytes. The adhesion of these two modules on Thy1+ oval cells required heparan sulfate proteoglycan and integrin α5β1. Recombinant CTGF promoted an integrin α5β1–dependent migration but not proliferation on Thy1+ oval cells.

Conclusion:

Modules I and IV enabled the linkage of CTGF to FN and activated hepatic cells. Through these bindings, CTGF on the FN-concentrated provisional matrix promoted cell adhesion and migration, thereby facilitating oval cell activation.
Defective endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling is mediated by rho-kinase activation in rats with secondary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Anegawa Go , Kawanaka Hirofumi , Yoshida Daisuke , Konishi Kozo , Yamaguchi Shohei , Kinjo Nao , Taketomi Akinobu , Hashizume Makoto , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: December 2007

In liver cirrhosis, down-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has been implicated as a cause of increased intrahepatic resistance. We investigated whether Rho-kinase activation is one of the molecular mechanisms involved in defective eNOS signaling in secondary biliary cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). We measured mean arterial pressure (MAP), portal venous pressure (PVP), and hepatic tissue blood flow (HTBF) during intravenous infusion of saline (control), 0.3, 1, or 2 mg/kg/hour fasudil for 60 minutes. In BDL rats, 1 and 2 mg/kg/hour fasudil significantly reduced PVP by 20% compared with controls but had no effect on HTBF. MAP was significantly reduced in response to 2 mg/kg/hour fasudil. In the livers of BDL rats, 1 and 2 mg/kg/hour fasudil significantly suppressed Rho-kinase activity and significantly increased eNOS phosphorylation, compared with controls. Fasudil significantly reduced the binding of serine/threonine Akt/PKB (Akt) to Rho-kinase and increased the binding of Akt to eNOS. These results show in secondary biliary cirrhosis that (1) Rho-kinase activation with resultant eNOS down-regulation is substantially involved in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and (2) Rho-kinase might interact with Akt and subsequently inhibit the binding of Akt to eNOS.
Pathology of chronic hepatitis C in children: Liver biopsy findings in the Peds-C Trial
Authors: Goodman Zachary D. , Makhlouf Hala R. , Liu Lea , Balistreri William , Gonzalez-Peralta Regino P. , Haber Barbara , Jonas Maureen M. , Mohan Parvathi , Molleston Jean P. , Murray Karen F. , Narkewicz Michael R. , Rosenthal Philip , Smith Lesley J. , Robuck Patricia R. , Schwarz Kathleen B.
Published: December 2007

There is relatively little information in the literature on the histopathology of chronic hepatitis C in children. The Peds-C Trial, designed to test the efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin in children, provided an opportunity to examine liver biopsies from 121 treatment-naïve children, ages 2 to 16 (mean, 9.8 years) infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and with no other identifiable cause for liver disease, signs of hepatic decompensation, or another significant nonhepatic disease. Liver biopsies were scored for inflammation, fibrosis, steatosis, and other histological features. Inflammation in the biopsy was minimal in 42%, mild in 17%, moderate in 38%, and severe in only 3%. Five had bridging fibrosis, and 2 had cirrhosis. Steatosis was absent in 56%, minimal in 34%, and mild in 10%. Inflammation scores correlated with fibrosis scores, serum alanine aminotransferase levels, and duration of infection, but not with age, body mass index

z

score, or HCV genotype. Fibrosis scores correlated with inflammation but not with age, HCV genotype, body mass index

z

score, or steatosis parameters. Steatosis correlated with serum alanine aminotransferase levels and body mass index

z

scores; overweight children had more fibrosis than the non-overweight. In conclusion, in this cohort of HCV-infected children, inflammation, fibrosis, and steatosis were milder than reported for treatment-naïve adults with chronic hepatitis C, but there were several with bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis. The positive correlation of inflammation with duration of infection and fibrosis and of obesity with fibrosis suggest that children with chronic hepatitis C will be at risk for progressive liver disease as they age and possibly acquire other comorbid risk factors.
Spatial and temporal variations of actual soil water repellency and their influence on surface runoff
Authors: Lemmnitz C. , Kuhnert M. , Bens O. , Güntner A. , Merz B. , Hüttl R. F.
Published: December 2007

The increase of surface runoff at the plot scale caused by soil water repellency is a generally accepted phenomenon. However, to improve the understanding of the effect of water repellency on runoff at the catchment scale, spatio‐temporal dynamics of water repellency have to be analysed in more detail.

The experimental setup of this study allowed the investigation of the relationship between water repellency and runoff generation on Quaternary and Tertiary sandy substrates while ensuring similar conditions in terms of terrain characteristics, meteorological and vegetation‐free conditions on both areas. Measurements of water drop penetration time and contact angle were carried out over a period from September 2003 to December 2005. Spatial variability of actual soil water repellency was related to heterogeneity of substrate and geomorphologic units, variations in time were related with the seasons and their meteorological conditions. To relate variable degrees of actual water repellency to surface runoff generation, both variables were measured in parallel at the plot scale (1 m × 1 m) and at the hillslope scale from September 2004 to December 2005. Soil water repellency of the Tertiary sands showed a temporal variability depending on the season, with the highest degree during summer and autumn. Variation of hydrophobicity between the seasons caused higher runoff coefficients in summer and autumn. Spatial heterogeneity of the soil water repellency revealed lower values in fine‐textured erosion rills and higher values for interrills and top areas. The measured runoff coefficients decreased from the scale of microplots to the hillslope scale due to infiltration in hydrophilic rills on the hillslope.

The results suggest that improved hydrological modelling approaches on water‐repellent soils can be based on a geomorphological subdivision of the catchment area and seasonally varying infiltration parameters. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of overland flow and seepage zones associated with the interaction of multiple infiltration devices (cascading infiltration devices)
Authors: Antia David D. J.
Published: December 2007

Infiltration devices are traditionally evaluated as standalone entities that do not interact with each other. A model is outlined that will allow interactions between proposed infiltration devices to be predicted prior to a development commencing. The model allows prediction of seepage into downslope devices and the assessment of the locations where the combined ground‐water mound will reach the surface and result in overland flow. The volume of overland flow discharged by the seepage zone may exceed the overland and piped flow received by the infiltration devices. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sediment delivery from hillslopes and the Universal Soil Loss Equation: some perceptions and misconceptions
Authors: Kinnell P. I. A.
Published: December 2007

The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) or the revised USLE (RUSLE) are often used together with sediment delivery ratios in order to predict sediment delivery from hillslopes. In using sediment delivery ratios for this purpose, it is assumed that the sediment delivery ratio for a given hillslope does not vary with the amount of erosion occurring in the upslope area. This assumption is false. There is a perception that hillslope erosion is calculated on the basis that hillslopes are, in effect, simply divided into 22·1 m long segments. This perception fails to recognize the fact the inclusion of the 22·1 m length in the calculation has no physical significance but simply produces a value of 1·0 for the slope length factor when slopes have a length equal to that of the unit plot. There is a perception that the slope length factor is inappropriate because not all the dislodged sediment is discharged. This perception fails to recognize that the USLE and the RUSLE actually predict sediment yield from planar surfaces, not the total amount of soil material dislocated and removed some distance by erosion within an area. The application of the USLE/RUSLE to hillslopes also needs to take into account the fact that runoff may not be generated uniformly over that hillslope. This can be achieved by an equation for the slope length factor that takes account of spatial variations in upslope runoff on soil loss from a segment or grid cell. Several alternatives to the USLE event erosivity index have been proposed in order to predict event erosion better than can be achieved using the EI30 index. Most ignore the consequences of changing the event erosivity index on the values for the soil, crop and soil conservation protection factors because there is a misconception that these factors are independent of one another. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating the use of spatial discretization of hydrological processes in conceptual rainfall runoff modelling: a case study for the meso‐scale
Authors: Hellebrand H. , van den Bos R.
Published: December 2007

In this study a simple modelling approach was applied to identify the need for spatial complexity in representing hydrological processes and their variability over different scales. A data set of 18 basins was used, ranging between 8 and 4011 km2 in area, located in the Nahe basin (Germany), with daily discharge values for over 30 years. Two different parsimoniously structured models were applied in lumped as well as in spatially distributed according to two distribution classifications: (1) a simple classification based on the lithology expressed in three permeability types and (2) a more complex classification based on seven dominating runoff production processes. The objective of the study was to compare the performances of the models on a local and on a regional scale as well as between the models with a view to identifying the accuracy in capturing the spatial variability of the rainfall‐runoff relationships. It was shown that the presence of a specific basin characteristic or process of the distribution classification was not related with higher model performance; only a larger basin size promoted higher model performance. The results of this study also indicated that the permeability generally contained more useful information on the spatial heterogeneity of the hydrological behaviour of the natural system than did a more detailed classification on dominating runoff generation processes. Although model performance was slightly lower for the model that used permeability as a distribution classification, consistency in its parameter values was found, which was lacking with the more complex distribution classification. The latter distribution classification had a higher flexibility to optimize towards the variability of the runoff, which resulted in higher performance, however, process representation was applied inconsistently. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ILLUDAS and PSRM‐QUAL predictive ability in small urban areas and comparison with other models
Authors: Tsihrintzis Vassilios A. , Sidan Clara B.
Published: December 2007

The PC versions of the Illinois Urban Drainage Area Simulator ILLUDAS (ILUDRAIN) and the Penn State Runoff Quality Model (PSRM‐QUAL) are used to predict hydrographs from four relatively small urban sites (5·97 to 23·57 ha), each having a distinct land use designation (commercial, high density residential, low density residential, and highway), and all located in south Florida. The description of the sites and observed rainfall and runoff data were available from the US Geological Survey (USGS), and have been used in the past to validate their model (DR3M). The two models were calibrated and verified using measured rainfall–runoff data (72 storm events for calibration and 26 different events for verification) and measured hydrological characteristics of the four sites. The methodology and input parameters are presented. Predicted hydrographs from the two models are plotted against observed ones and show good agreement. Model performance is evaluated using the mean normalized error computation and scattergrams of predicted versus observed data. A comparison is also made with the results, using the same data and drainage areas, of the following three methods/models tested in previous studies: the runoff curve number (SCS) method combined with the Santa Barbara urban hydrograph method (SCS‐SBUH); the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stormwater management model (SWMM); the USGS Distributed Routing Rainfall–Runoff Model (DR3M). The predictions from all models tested in this study showed good agreement with the observed data, with better predictions generally obtained for the more impervious sites. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of an artificial neural network on forecasting the daily occurrence and annual depth of rainfall at a tropical site
Authors: Kumarasiri Akila D. , Sonnadara Upul J.
Published: December 2007

Performance of a feed‐forward back‐propagation artificial neural network on forecasting the daily occurrence and annual depth of rainfall at a single meteorological station is presented. Both short‐term and long‐term forecasting was attempted, with ground level data collected by the meteorological station in Colombo, Sri Lanka (79° 52′E, 6° 54′N) during two time periods, 1994–2003 and 1869–2003. Two neural network models were developed; a one‐day‐ahead model for predicting the rainfall occurrence of the next day, which was able to make predictions with a 74·3% accuracy, and one‐year‐ahead model for yearly rainfall depth predictions with an 80·0% accuracy within a ± 5% error bound. Each of these models was extended to make predictions several time steps into the future, where accuracies were found to decrease rapidly with the number of time steps. The success rates and rainfall variability within the north‐east and south‐west monsoon seasons are also discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult modelling facilitates young children's generation of novel pretend acts
Authors: Nielsen Mark , Christie Tamara
Published: December 2007

The present work investigated the effect of modelling on children's pretend play behaviour. Thirty‐seven children aged between 27 and 41 months were given 4 min of free play with a dollhouse and associated toy props (pre‐modelling phase). Using dolls, an experimenter then acted out a series of vignettes involving object substitutions, imaginary play and attribution of properties. Children were subsequently provided with an additional 4 min free play (post‐modelling phase). Consistent with past research, more pretence was exhibited after modelling than before. Furthermore, in the post‐modelling phase, children were as likely to generate their own novel pretence as they were to copy the actions demonstrated by the experimenter. They also increased the number of novel symbolic acts involving imaginary play from the pre‐ to the post‐modelling phase. This study highlights how young children will not only imitate a model's demonstration of pretend acts but also use this demonstration to catalyze the creation of their own pretence. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The quality of caregiving in child care: relations to teacher complexity of thinking and perceived supportiveness of the work environment
Authors: Manlove Elizabeth E. , Vazquez Arcel , Vernon‐Feagans Lynne
Published: December 2007

This study examined the relationship between the complexity of thinking about children by child care teachers and observed teachers' caregiving for infants and toddlers. It was hypothesized that the perceived supportiveness of the work environment would affect this relationship. Fifty‐six child care teachers completed a survey assessing complexity of thinking about children's behaviour as well as a measure of the perceived opportunities for professional development. Teachers' quality of caregiving was assessed using the Caregiver Interaction Scale. Planned contrasts revealed that when professional development opportunities were perceived unfavourably, teachers who were complex in thinking about children's behaviour provided significantly more sensitive care than did teachers who were less complex in their thinking.

Findings indicate that the complexity of teachers' thinking about children may be very important in understanding teacher's sensitivity when the quality of the work environment is poor. High‐quality work environments may buffer teachers with less complexity of thinking from being less sensitive with children. Efforts to improve quality of care could focus on individual teachers to improve their complexity of thinking as well as on the work environment to make it more supportive of teachers' professional development. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Young children's psychological explanations and their relationship to perception‐ and intention‐understanding
Authors: Colonnesi Cristina , Koops Willem , Meerum Terwogt Mark
Published: December 2007

The present study examined two key aspects of young children's ability to explain human behaviour in a mentalistic way. First, we explored desires that are of a level of difficulty comparable with that of false beliefs. For this purpose, the so‐called ‘alternative desires’ were created. Second, we examined how children's psychological explanations are related to their understanding of perception and intention. A perception‐understanding task, an intention‐understanding task and a psychological‐explanation task were administered to 80 three‐year‐olds. Results offer support for the thesis that the level of difficulty of belief and desire explanations is comparable. Moreover, children's psychological explanations are related to their understanding of perception and intention. The results lend support to the idea that mentalistic explanations are an explicit manifestation of children's level of theory of mind. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and obesity: A pooled analysis from the InterLymph Consortium
Authors: Willett Eleanor V. , Morton Lindsay M. , Hartge Patricia , Becker Nikolaus , Bernstein Leslie , Boffetta Paolo , Bracci Paige , Cerhan James , Chiu Brian C.‐H. , Cocco Pierluigi , Dal Maso Luigino , Davis Scott , De Sanjose Silvia , Smedby Karin Ekstrom , Ennas Maria Grazia , Foretova Lenka , Holly Elizabeth A. , La Vecchia Carlo , Matsuo Keitaro , Maynadie Marc , Melbye Mads , Negri Eva , Nieters Alexandra , Severson Richard , Slager Susan L. , Spinelli John J. , Staines Anthony , Talamini Renato , Vornanen Martine , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Roman Eve ,   for the Interlymph Consortium
Published: December 2007

Nutritional status is known to alter immune function, a suspected risk factor for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). To investigate whether long‐term over, or under, nutrition is associated with NHL, self‐reported anthropometric data on weight and height from over 10,000 cases of NHL and 16,000 controls were pooled across 18 case‐control studies identified through the International Lymphoma Epidemiology Consortium. Study‐specific odds ratios (OR) were estimated using logistic regression and combined usinga random‐effects model. Severe obesity, defined as BMI of 40 kg m−2 or more, was not associated with NHL overall (pooled OR = 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70–1.41) or the majority of NHL subtypes. An excess was however observed for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (pooled OR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.24–2.62), although not all study‐specific ORs were raised. Among the overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg m−2) and obese (BMI 30–39.9 kg m−2), associations were elevated in some studies and decreased in others, while no association was observed among the underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg m−2). There was little suggestion of increasing ORs for NHL or its subtypes with every 5 kg m−2 rise in BMI above 18.5 kg m−2. BMI components height and weight were also examined, and the tallest men, but not women, were at marginally increased risk (pooled OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.06–1.34). In summary, whilst we conclude that there is no evidence to support the hypothesis that obesity is a determinant of all types of NHL combined, the association between severe obesity and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma may warrant further investigation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carbon stock assessment and soil carbon management in agricultural land‐uses in Thailand
Authors: Gnanavelrajah N. , Shrestha R. P. , Schmidt‐Vogt D. , Samarakoon L.
Published: December 2007

The organic carbon pool in agricultural land‐uses is capable of enhancing agricultural sustainability and serving as a potential sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide. A study was carried out to estimate and map carbon stock of different agricultural land‐uses in a sub‐watershed of Thailand and to assess the land‐use sustainability with respect to carbon management. A quadrat sampling methodology was adopted to estimate the biomass and its carbon content of 11 different land‐uses in the study area. Existing soil data were used to calculate the soil carbon. GIS was used for integrating biomass carbon, soil carbon and carbon stock mapping. Roth carbon model was used to project the soil carbon of present land‐uses in the coming 10 years and based on which the sustainability of land‐uses was predicted. The total carbon stock of agricultural land‐uses was estimated to be 20·5 Tg, of which 41·49 per cent was biomass carbon and 58·51 per cent was soil carbon. Among the land‐uses, para rubber had the highest average biomass C (136·34 Mg C ha−1) while paddy had the lowest (7·08 Mg C ha−1). About four‐fifths of agricultural land‐uses in the watershed are sustainable in maintaining the desired level of soil carbon in coming 10 years while one‐fifths are unstable. Such information on carbon stock could be valuable to develop viable land‐use options for agricultural sustainability and carbon sequestration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial variability of total soil carbon and nitrogen stocks for some reclaimed minesoils of southeastern Ohio
Authors: Nyamadzawo G. , Shukla M. K. , Lal R.
Published: December 2007

Reclamation of drastically disturbed minesoils and subsequent planting of trees and/or grasses can result in a rapid build‐up of carbon (C) in the soil. However, the amount of C sequestered in reclaimed minesoils may vary with the amount of time since reclamation. In this study, we assessed total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations for reclaimed minesoils located in northeastern Ohio and characterized by distinct reclamation age chronosequences. Reclaimed minesoils studied were R78G, reclaimed in 1978 and immediately seeded to grass; R82GT, reclaimed in 1982 and immediately seeded to grass and trees were planted 5 years later; and R87G, reclaimed in 1987 and immediately seeded to grass. An unmined site, UMG, was also included as a reference. Our objectives were to evaluate the variability with respect to mean and the spatial variability of pH, bulk density (ρb), TC and TN concentrations, and stocks in each reclaimed minesoil. Thirty soil samples were collected at each of the 0–15, 15–30, and 30–50 cm depth. The coefficient of variation (CV) forρbwas least, <15 per cent at each site and depth. For TN concentration and stock, CV was moderate, 15–35 per cent, in each field except the UMG where it was high, >35 per cent at 0–15, and 15–30 cm depths. For TC concentration and stocks, CV was high, >35 per cent, across all minesoils and generally increased with depth. The C/N ratio followed the same tend as TC and TN stocks and ranged from 40 per cent to 123 per cent across minesoils. Geostatistical analysis also showed an increase in sample variance with increasing amount of time since reclamation for most soil properties under investigation. Sample variance for TC concentration and stocks also increased with depth in reclaimed minesoils. However, no definite relationship emerged between amount of time since reclamation and the spatial dependence of TC and TN concentrations and stocks. Overall this study showed that reclamation of drastically disturbed minesoils increased the soil C concentration and stocks and reclamation by initially seeding to grasses followed by planting trees was the best management option for speedy accretion of soil C and soil quality enhancement. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of development interventions on the use of indigenous range management strategies in the Borana Lowlands in Ethiopia
Authors: Homann S. , Rischkowsky B. , Steinbach J.
Published: December 2007

In the last three decades, the Borana rangelands of Southern Ethiopia have been deteriorating due to unsustainable utilization. This paper analyses the changes in indigenous range management among the Borana pastoralists and the role of development interventions.

The fieldwork was carried out during 2000–2002, following a severe drought. Two locations, Dida Hara and Web, that once were part of a large grazing system with seasonally distinct herd movements, experienced differences in development interventions. Indigenous range management strategies and pastoralists' current use of key strategies before and after the last drought were compared based on pastoralists' information about land‐use change collected through participatory appraisals, land‐use mapping, and household surveys. Priorities for future interventions were discussed in multi‐stakeholder workshops.

Water development in rainy season grazing areas such as Dida Hara has resulted in year‐round grazing and expansion of permanent encampments. This has affected the traditional dry‐season areas like Web because it interrupted the organization of rangeland management. Herd mobility became less applicable and traditional land‐use classifications have lost their function in range management. The introduction of government‐imposed administration disturbed the indigenous institutional networks and negotiation procedures for controlled herd movements. Aggravated by human population growth, this reinforces a higher and more permanent grazing pressure, leading to the deterioration of rangelands.

Despite the disturbance of pastoralists' range management practices considerable technical and management capabilities prevail. Innovative development approaches should integrate indigeneous knowledge‐based (IK) strategies and formal legislation, but this requires strong external support and official recognition from the Ethiopian Government. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phlomis umbrosaroot inhibits mast cell‐dependent allergic reactions and inflammatory cytokine secretion
Authors: Shin Tae‐Yong , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Kim Dae‐Keun , Leem Kang‐Hyun , Park Jeong‐Suk
Published: December 2007

The effect of an aqueous extract ofPhlomis umbrosaTurcz. (Labiatae) root (PUAE) on mast cell‐dependent allergic reactions and inflammatory cytokine secretion were investigated. PUAE (0.01–1 g/kg) inhibited compound 48/80‐induced systemic allergic reaction. When PUAE was employed in a systemic allergic reaction test, the plasma histamine levels were reduced in a dose‐dependent manner. PUAE (0.1 and 1 g/kg) also significantly inhibited the local allergic reaction activated by anti‐dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. PUAE (0.001–1 mg/mL) dose‐dependently inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80 or anti‐DNP IgE. PUAE (0.01–1 mg/mL) inhibited the secretion of interleukin (IL)‐1βin phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187‐stimulated human mast cell line (HMC‐1) cells. PUAE (1 mg/mL) inhibited the gene expression and production of the main inflammatory cytokine, TNF‐α, in HMC‐1 cells. These results provide evidence that PUAE may be beneficial in the treatment of allergic diseases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reinioside C, a triterpene saponin of Polygala aureocauda Dunn, exerts hypolipidemic effect on hyperlipidemic mice
Authors: Li Hao , Wang Qiu‐Juan , Zhu Dan‐Ni , Yang Yong
Published: December 2007

Reinioside C is a triterpene saponin from the the root of Polygala aureocauda Dunn (PAD). This study examined the effects of reinioside C on hyperlipidemic mice in vivo and endothelium cells, macrophages and smooth muscle cells in vitro. Mice were given a hyperlipidemic diet for 30 days, then administered reinioside C (4, 8, 16 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 30 days. Then the serum lipid, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA), the total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in the liver extract were measured. Human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVECs), peritoneal macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) pre‐treated with reinioside C were treated with oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (OxLDL). The results showed that reinioside C decreased serum and liver tissue lipid profiles in hyperlipidemic mice. Moreover, reinioside C protected the HUVECs against the Ox‐LDL induced LDH leakage and exerted a protective effect on oxidative lesions induced by OxLDL, inhibited cholesteryl ester accumulation in macrophages, and decreased [Ca2+]i and SMC proliferation in vitro. Based on these results, it is suggested that reinioside C is a promising hypolipidemic candidate. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to essential oil of Dittrichia viscosa subsp. revoluta
Authors: Miguel Graça , Faleiro Leonor , Cavaleiro Carlos , Salgueiro Lígia , Casanova Joseph
Published: December 2007

The essential oil of Dittrichia viscosa subsp. revoluta and its fractions were assessed for anti‐Helicobacter activity. The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation, submitted to flash column chromatography and analysed by gas chromatography, gas‐chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance. The anti‐Helicobacter activity was determined by incorporation of the crude essential oil and oxygenated fractions of the oil into the culture medium. At a concentration of 0.025 µL/mL no recovery was registered when one of the oxygenated fractions of the oil, mainly constituted by 3‐methoxy cuminyl isobutyrate (about 40%), was used. This fraction revealed a higher activity against the six H. pylori strains tested when compared with the other oxygenated fractions. The crude essential oil at a concentration of 0.33 µL/mL reduced the initial population of H. pylori CCUG 15818 of 8.52 ± 0.30 log10 cfu/mL to 7.67 ± 0.22 log10 cfu/mL. The susceptibility of several Helicobacter pylori strains to the oxygenated fraction of Dittrichia viscosa subsp. revoluta essential oil suggests the possible use of these natural products in combating this widespread infection. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.