bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing a Ground Water Basin in a New England Mountain and Valley Terrain
Authors: Tiedeman Claire R. , Goode Daniel J. , Hsieh Paul A. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractA ground water basin is defined as the volume of subsurface through which ground water flows from the water table to a specified discharge location. Delineating the topographically defined surface water basin and extending it vertically downward does not always define the ground water basin. Instead, a ground water basin is more appropriately delineated by tracking ground water flowpaths with a calibrated, three‐dimensional ground water flow model. To determine hydrologic and chemical budgets of the basin, it is also necessary to quantify flow through each hydrogeologic unit in the basin. In particular, partitioning ground water flow through unconsolidated deposits versus bedrock is of significant interest to hillslope hydrologic studies. To address these issues, a model is developed and calibrated to simulate ground water flow through glacial deposits and fractured crystalline bedrock in the vicinity of Mirror Lake, New Hampshire. Tracking of ground water flowpaths suggests that Mirror Lake and its inlet streams drain a ground water recharge area that is about 1.5 times the area of the surface water basin. Calculation of the ground water budget suggests that, of the recharge that enters the Mirror Lake ground water basin, about 40% travels through the basin along flowpaths that stay exclusively in the glacial deposits, and about 60% travels along flowpaths that involve movement in bedrock.
Hydrogeochemical Processes and Fades in Confining Units of the Atlantic Coastal Plain in New Jersey
Authors: Pucci Amleto A. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractPore water solutes and sediments in the New Jersey Coastal Plain were studied to assess processes that control pore water chemistry in confining units and interactions with aquifer water chemistry. Solute chemistry and variations with depth are reported for 19 samples collected from a continuously cored borehole in the lower Miocene Kirkwood Formation at Atlantic City, New Jersey. In 14 pore water samples collected from the Lower Confining Unit overlying the Atlantic City 800‐foot Sand, and from the silt interbeds in the Upper Part of the Atlantic City 800‐foot Sand, linear regressions showed especially high correlations (R20.89) between concentrations of Mg and Ca; between concentrations of Na and the sum of Ca and Mg; between concentrations of SO4 and the sum of Ca and Mg; and between concentrations of Na and SO4. There were three distinct water quality types: Ca‐SO4, Ca‐Na‐SO4‐Cl‐HCO3, and Na‐SO4‐HCO3‐Cl. Each water type generally is within distinct intervals (tens of meters), or hydrogeochemical facies, in the core. The first two facies were found only in the units overlying the Atlantic City 800‐foot Sand; the third type was found only in samples from the underlying composite confining unit. Significant variation of pore water solute concentrations was indicated on a scale smaller than the sampling interval (about 3.5 m). Two principal components explained 82.5% of the total variation in pore water chemistry. The processes which control the variation in water quality include (1) chemical processes such as shell dissolution, incongruent carbonate dissolution, and clay transformations; (2) a hypothesized physical‐chemical mechanism of differential migration of sulfate accompanied by divalent cations; and (3) fresh water flushing of, and mixing with, residual sea water at paleoflow rates. Cation‐exchange reactions do not appear to be an important process in these sediments.
Characterizing Three‐Dimensional Hydraulic Conductivity Distributions Using Qualitative and Quantitative Geologic Borehole Data: Application to a Field Site
Authors: Zhang Zhihui , Brusseau Mark L. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe focus of this paper is the characterization of three‐dimensional hydraulic conductivity distributions using qualitative and quantitative geologic borehole data. We illustrate an approach that entails a three‐step procedure, where lithologic information reported in the borehole logs is first classified into texture classes. Representative hydraulic conductivity values are then calculated for each texture class using a correlation relating measured lithologic and hydraulic data from core samples. The generalized kernel estimator method, which can take full advantage of the characteristics of borehole log data and is applicable to statistically nonstationary systems, is used thereafter to generate the three‐dimensional distributions of hydraulic conductivity. An application using borehole data from a trichloroethene (TCE)‐contaminated Superfund site in Tucson, Arizona, is presented and used to test the proposed methodology. The simulated hydraulic conductivity distributions appear reasonable and the simulated permeability distributions for several cross sections agree well with the hydrogeologic cross‐sectional maps. The use of mean permeability indicators for differentiating zones of high and low permeability is also investigated.
Uncertainty Analyses of Fuel Hydrocarbon Biodegradation Signatures in Ground Water by Probabilistic Modeling
Authors: McNab Walt W. , Dooher Brendan P. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractNatural attenuation processes, such as biodegradation, may serve as a means for remediating ground water contaminated by fuel hydrocarbons from leaking underground fuel tanks (LUFTs). Quantification of the uncertainties associated with natural attenuation, and hence the capacity to limit plume migration and restore an aquifer, is important. In this study, a probabilistic screening model is developed to quantify uncertainties involved in the impact of biodegradation on hydrocarbon plume behavior. The approach is based on Monte Carlo simulation using an analytical solution to the advective‐dispersive solute transport equation, including a first‐order degradation term, coupled with mass balance constraints on electron acceptor use. Empirical probability distributions for governing parameters are provided as input to the model. Application of the model to an existing LUFT site illustrates the degree of uncertainty associated with model‐predicted hydrocarbon concentrations and geochemical indicators at individual site monitoring wells as well as the roles of various parameter assumptions (e.g., hydraulic conductivity, first‐order decay coefficient, source term) in influencing forecasts. This information is useful for risk management planning because the degree of confidence that biodegradation will limit the impact of a hydrocarbon plume on potential receptors can be quantified.
Exercise associated hyponatraemia: quantitative analysis to understand the aetiology
Authors: Montain S J , Cheuvront S N , Sawka M N 
Published: January 2006

Background:The development of symptomatic hyponatraemia consequent on participation in marathon and ultraendurance races has led to questions about its aetiology and prevention.Objectives:To evaluate: (a) the assertion that sweat sodium losses cannot contribute to the development of hyponatraemia during endurance exercise; (b) the adequacy of fluid replacement recommendations issued by the International Marathon Medical Directors Association (IMMDA) for races of 42 km or longer; (c) the effectiveness of commercial sports drinks, compared with water, for attenuating plasma sodium reductions.Methods:A mathematical model was used to predict the effects of different drinking behaviours on hydration status and plasma sodium concentration when body mass, body composition, running speed, weather conditions, and sweat sodium concentration were systematically varied.Results:Fluid intake at rates that exceed sweating rate is predicted to be the primary cause of hyponatraemia. However, the model predicts that runners secreting relatively salty sweat can finish ultraendurance exercise both dehydrated and hyponatraemic. Electrolyte-containing beverages are predicted to delay the development of hyponatraemia. The predictions suggest that the IMMDA fluid intake recommendations adequately sustain hydration over the 42 km distance if qualifiers—for example, running pace, body size—are followed.Conclusions:Actions to prevent hyponatraemia should focus on minimising overdrinking relative to sweating rate and attenuating salt depletion in those who excrete salty sweat. This simulation demonstrates the complexity of defining fluid and electrolyte consumption rates during athletic competition.
Serum concentrations of C reactive protein, α1antitrypsin, and complement (C3, C4, C1 esterase inhibitor) before and during the Vuelta a Espańa
Authors: Semple S J , Smith L L , McKune A J , Hoyos J , Mokgethwa B , San Juan A F , Lucia A , Wadee A A 
Published: January 2006

Objectives:To determine serum concentrations of proinflammatory (C reactive protein, complement C3 and C4) and anti-inflammatory (α1antitrypsin, C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH)) acute phase proteins in elite cyclists before and during a three week cycle tour.Methods:Seventeen professional cyclists participating in the Vuelta a Espańa volunteered for the study. Their mean (SD) physical characteristics were: age 28 (1) years; height 1.7 (0.06) m; weight 65 (7) kg; body fat 7.6 (0.8)%; Vo2max75.3 (2.3) ml/kg/min. Venepuncture was performed on each subject 24 hours before the tour began (T0), on day 11 (the first rest day; T1) and day 21 (the second to last stage of the tour; T2). Samples at T1 and T2 were taken about 17 hours after the previous stage. Analysis of variance was used to determine changes over time. Where significance was found, a Tukey post hoc test was performed.Results:C reactive protein concentrations were consistently within the normal range, although there was a 228%, non-significant increase at T1. C3 concentrations fell within the normal range at all times assessed. C4 concentrations before the race were within the normal range and were significantly increased 10 days (T1) into the race. C1-INH concentrations did not change significantly throughout the race. α1Antitrypsin concentration before the race was at the lower end of the normal range and was only significantly raised at T2.Conclusions:Although not as pronounced as those reported in marathon/ultramarathon runners, elite cyclists participating in a three week cycle tour experienced increases in selected proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory acute phase proteins, indicating an acute phase/inflammatory response. It is tenable that the increase in α1antitrypsin and C1-INH (anti-inflammatory mediators) at T2 served to attenuate the acute phase/inflammatory response. The lower than normal resting concentrations of the acute phase proteins supports the notion that chronic aerobic exercise induces an anti-inflammatory state.
Quantifying the functional rehabilitation of injured football players
Authors: Fuller C W , Walker J 
Published: January 2006

Objective:To determine whether quantified, auditable records of functional rehabilitation can be generated using subjective assessments of players’ performance in fitness tests routinely used in professional football.Method:Ten sequential test elements grouped into three phases (fitness, ball and match skills, match pace football) were used to monitor players’ functional recovery from injury. Physiotherapists subjectively assessed players’ performance in each test element using a six point subjective rating scale. Satisfactory performance in each element of the assessment programme added 10% to the injured player’s recovery score. Daily recovery scores for injured players were recorded against the time spent in functional rehabilitation.Results:Rehabilitation data for 118 injuries sustained by 55 players over two seasons were recorded. The average time in functional rehabilitation depended on the time spent in pre-functional rehabilitation and the nature and location of injury. Benchmark functional rehabilitation curves (y  =  mln(x) + c) were developed for thigh (n  =  15) and lower leg (n  =  8) muscle strains and knee (n  =  7) and ankle (n  =  9) ligament sprains (R2 =  0.95–0.98).Conclusions:A structured, quantified rehabilitation programme based on routine fitness and skills exercises and a graded subjective assessment of performance provides an auditable record of a player’s functional recovery from a range of lower limb injuries and a transparent exit point from rehabilitation. The proposed method provides a permanent record of the functional rehabilitation of players’ injuries and evidence based data to support management’s return to play decisions.
Concussive head injury in children and adolescents related to sports and other leisure physical activities
Authors: Browne G J , Lam L T 
Published: January 2006

Objective:To compare the characteristics of children and adolescents with concussive head injury (CHI) sustained during organised sports or other leisure physical activity.Methods:This was a case series study reviewing the medical records retrospectively over a four year period of children 6–16 years presenting to the emergency department with a CHI after participating in sport and/or recreation activity.Results:There were 592 cases of sport and recreation related concussion over the study period (2000–2003). Most of the patients (n  =  424, 71.6%) were male, with half (n  =  304, 51.4%) being older than 10 years of age. A total of 152 (25.7%) cases of CHI were related to playing sports. Most cases (71.2%) were mild concussion. The cause of injury was a fall (n  =  322, 54.4%) or a collision. Nearly a quarter of the children (n  =  143, 24.2%) were admitted to hospital, with imaging performed in 134 (22.7%). Most children were treated appropriately and no adverse events were reported.Conclusions:A severe CHI in a child is six times more likely to have resulted from organised sport than from other leisure physical activities. Outcomes for CHI in children is excellent, although their management places a considerable burden on emergency services. The need for activity restriction and the benefits of this in reducing long term cognitive effects of CHI are uncertain.
Biomass and root production of two plant life forms in a semiarid Mexican scrub: responses to soil nitrogen availability
Authors: Pavón Numa P. 
Published: January 2006

The contribution of cacti and shrubs to root biomass and fine-root production was described in a semiarid Mexican scrub. Both life forms were evaluated for fine-root production variation in relation to changes of nitrogen in the soil, with a fertilization experiment. Cacti represented 78% of the total mean root biomass (660 ± 70 g·m–2(mean ± SE)) in the complete soil profile (50 cm in depth). In both life forms, root biomass was higher near the surface of the soil. Roots <3 mm in diameter represented 92.5% for cactus root biomass and 69.4% for shrubs. Monthly root biomass varied significantly between months, and significant differences were obtained between plant life forms. Fine and very fine root production was estimated as 3.76 Mg·ha–1·year–1, and cactus contribution to total root production was 81.2%. Significant differences were obtained between life forms. It was clear that a low concentration in the soil nitrogen diminishes fine-root production, supporting the hypothesis that in arid ecosystems nitrogen is a limiting factor for primary production.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 and -9 Are Increased at the Site of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture
Authors: Wilson W. Richard W. , Anderton Marcus , Schwalbe Edward C. , Jones J. Louise , Furness Peter N. , Bell Peter R.F. , Thompson Matthew M. 
Published: January 2006

Background—Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) expansion is characterized by extracellular matrix degradation and widespread inflammation. In contrast, the processes that characterize AAA rupture are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the proteolytic and cellular activity of ruptured AAA, focusing on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs).Methods and Results—Anterior aneurysm wall biopsies were taken from 55 nonruptured and 21 ruptured AAAs. A further biopsy from the site of rupture was taken from 12 of the ruptured AAAs. MMP-1, -2, -3, -8, -9, and -13, as well as TIMP-1 and -2, were quantified in each biopsy with ELISA. A comparison of anterior aneurysm biopsies showed no difference in MMP or TIMP concentrations between nonruptured and ruptured AAA. In a comparison of ruptured AAA biopsies, MMP-8 and -9 levels were significantly elevated in the 12 rupture site biopsies compared with their 12 paired anterior wall biopsies, whereas other MMPs and TIMPs showed no difference (MMP-8,P<0.001; MMP-9,P=0.01). MMP-8 and -9 expression was mediated by native mesenchymal cells and was independent of the inflammatory infiltrate.Conclusions—A localized increase in MMP-8 and –9, mediated by native mesenchymal cells, presents a potential pathway for collagen breakdown and AAA rupture.
Inhaled nitric oxide alleviates hyperoxia suppressed phosphatidylcholine synthesis in endotoxin-induced injury in mature rat lungs
Authors: Gong Xiaohui , Guo Chunbao , Huang Shibing , Sun Bo 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background
We investigated efficacy of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) in modulation of metabolism of phosphatidylcholine (PC) of pulmonary surfactant and in anti-inflammatory mechanism of mature lungs with inflammatory injury.

Methods
Healthy adult rats were divided into a group of lung inflammation induced by i.v. lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or a normal control (C) for 24 h, and then exposed to: room air (Air), 95% oxygen (O), NO (20 parts per million, NO), both O and NO (ONO) as subgroups, whereas [3H]-choline was injected i.v. for incorporation into PC of the lungs which were processed subsequently at 10 min, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h, respectively, for measurement of PC synthesis and proinflammatory cytokine production.

Results
LPS-NO subgroup had the lowest level of labeled PC in total phospholipids and disaturated PC in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue (decreased by 46–59%), along with the lowest activity of cytidine triphosphate: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (-14–18%) in the lungs, compared to all other subgroups at 4 h (p < 0.01), but not at 8 and 12 h. After 24-h, all LPS-subgroups had lower labeled PC than the corresponding C-subgroups (p < 0.05). LPS-ONO had higher labeled PC in total phospholipids and disaturated PC, activity of cytidylyltransferase, and lower activity of nuclear transcription factor-κB and expression of proinflammatory cytokine mRNA, than that in the LPS-O subgroup (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
In LPS-induced lung inflammation in association with hyperoxia, depressed PC synthesis and enhanced proinflammatory cytokine production may be alleviated by iNO. NO alone only transiently suppressed the PC synthesis as a result of lower activity of cytidylyltransferase.
Biochemical and morphological changes in endothelial cells in response to hypoxic interstitial edema
Authors: Botto Laura , Beretta Egidio , Daffara Rossella , Miserocchi Giuseppe , Palestini Paola 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background
A correlation between interstial pulmonary matrix disorganization and lung cellular response was recently documented in cardiogenic interstitial edema as changes in the signal-cellular transduction platforms (lipid microdomains: caveoale and lipid rafts). These findings led to hypothesize a specific "sensing" function by lung cells resulting from a perturbation in cell-matrix interaction. We reason that the cell-matrix interaction may differ between the cardiogenic and the hypoxic type of lung edema due to the observed difference in the sequential degradation of matrix proteoglycans (PGs) family. In cardiogenic edema a major fragmentation of high molecular weight PGs of the interfibrillar matrix was found, while in hypoxia the fragmentation process mostly involved the PGs of the basement membrane controlling microvascular permeability. Based on these considerations, we aim to describe potential differences in the lung cellular response to the two types of edema.

Methods
We analysed the composition of plasma membrane and of lipid microdomains in lung tissue samples from anesthetized rabbits exposed to mild hypoxia (12 % O2 for 3–5 h) causing interstitial lung edema. Lipid analysis was performed by chromatographic techniques, while protein analysis by electrophoresis and Western blotting. Lipid peroxidation was assessed on total plasma membranes by a colorimetric assay (Bioxytech LPO-586, OxisResearch). Plasma membrane fluidity was also assessed by fluorescence. Lipid microdomains were isolated by discontinuous sucrose gradient. We also performed a morphometric analysis on lung cell shape on TEM images from lung tissue specimen.

Results
After hypoxia, phospholipids content in plasma membranes remained unchanged while the cholesterol/phospholipids ratio increased significantly by about 9% causing a decrease in membrane fluidity. No significant increase in lipid peroxidation was detected. Analysis of lipid microdomains showed a decrease of caveolin-1 and AQP1 (markers of caveolae), and an increase in CD55 (marker of lipid rafts). Morphometry showed a significant decrease in endothelial cell volume, a marked increase in the cell surface/volume ratio and a decrease in caveolar density; epithelial cells did not show morphological changes.

Conclusion
The biochemical, signaling and morphological changes observed in lung endothelial cell exposed to hypoxia are opposite to those previously described in cardiogenic edema, suggesting a differential cellular response to either type of edema.
SuperMimic – Fitting peptide mimetics into protein structures
Authors: Goede Andrean , Michalsky Elke , Schmidt Ulrike , Preissner Robert 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background
Various experimental techniques yield peptides that are biologically active but have unfavourable pharmacological properties. The design of structurally similar organic compounds, i.e. peptide mimetics, is a challenging field in medicinal chemistry.

Results
SuperMimic identifies compounds that mimic parts of a protein, or positions in proteins that are suitable for inserting mimetics. The application provides libraries that contain peptidomimetic building blocks on the one hand and protein structures on the other. The search for promising peptidomimetic linkers for a given peptide is based on the superposition of the peptide with several conformers of the mimetic. New synthetic elements or proteins can be imported and used for searching.

Conclusion
We present a graphical user interface for finding peptide mimetics that can be inserted into a protein or for fitting small molecules into a protein. Using SuperMimic, promising locations in proteins for the insertion of mimetics can be found quickly and conveniently.