bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking performance of irrigation schemes: a case study from Turkey
Authors: Cakmak Belgin , Beyri̇bey Mevlut , Yildirim Y. Ersoy , Kodal Suleyman 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBenchmarking can be defined as the identification and application of organization specific best practices with the goal of improving competitiveness, performance and efficiency.In this study, irrigation schemes of the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) 10th Region were taken as material for benchmarking irrigation performance for the years between 1996 and 2000. Each system's performance is assessed using a number of indicators proposed by the IPTRID/World Bank study on benchmarking in the irrigation and drainage sector, and benchmark values for performance identified. Whilst further work is required, it is considered that this study provides a valuable starting point for benchmarking performance of irrigation systems in Turkey. This is seen as timely given the increasing demands being placed on the available water resources in the country. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benchmarking of Australian irrigation water provider businesses
Authors: Alexander Peter J. , Potter Matthew O. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe Australian National Committee of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ANCID) has developed an effective and efficient process for benchmarking the irrigation water provider business in Australia. As of July 2003, ANCID has produced four annual financial year‐based benchmarking reports, which have been commended both within Australia and internationally. The 2001/2002 ANCID benchmarking report presented data on 65 performance indicators, across 40 separate water provider systems. The increased focus on business sustainability, resource management, as well as emerging confidentiality issues for the irrigation water provider business in Australia, has recently led to ANCID restructuring its benchmarking reporting arrangements. This restructuring has seen the adoption of a three‐tier reporting framework. The new framework will deliver the outputs currently sought by the users of the benchmarking data, including the irrigation water providers, industry regulators, water resource policy makers and the general community. The irrigation water provider benchmarking process in Australia is changing rapidly. This paper presents the situation as at July 2003. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of performance assessment and benchmarking tool to help improve irrigation system performance in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayatillake H. M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPerformance improvement in irrigated agriculture in Sri Lanka is vital in view of the contribution it makes to the national economy, in addition to the livelihood of large numbers of people depending on irrigated agriculture and the competing demands that are emerging in the water resources sector. Taking into account the potential available for improvement in the irrigation sector, a performance assessment programme was initiated in 1997, starting with a smaller number of irrigation schemes gradually expanding to include other schemes. The indicators initially selected for assessment were simple but effective in categorizing schemes based on their performance and identifying where attention was required. Performance improvement interventions included both planning and management interventions. Continuation of the programme evolved into a programme of benchmarking where comparison of performance with other schemes or performance of the same scheme over a period was done and found to be effective as a tool for performance improvement.By joining the ICID, IPTRID, FAO, WB and IWMI assisted benchmarking initiative in 2002, it is further expected that this activity can be done more formally and effectively. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benchmarking of irrigation projects in Malaysia: initial implementation stages and preliminary results
Authors: Ghazalli Mohd Azhari 
Published: May 2004

AbstractMalaysia has set itself a target of 65% self‐sufficiency level in rice production by the year 2010. Taking the population growth into account, each of the eight granaries has to increase its present output by about 50% in the next seven years. For the agricultural sector to achieve the new target, efficiency has to improve. An important first step in this direction is through the greater efficiency in water utilization for irrigation. As part of its strategy to improve productivity, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage has embarked on an effort to introduce benchmarking to the rice growing schemes.Benchmarking in irrigation is a useful tool in the management of water. It enables evaluation of resource utilization, to evaluate performance against a target, as well as to compare against others. As a management tool, it is indispensable in the decision‐making process. This paper recounts the steps that were taken in the implementation of the benchmarking exercise, the progress achieved, as well the pitfalls that were encountered. It notes that while some headway has been made, much work remains to be done before a set of reliable benchmark indices for rice growing in the country is available. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivoevaluation of a biomimetic apatite coating grown on titanium surfaces
Authors: Vasudev Deepta Vani , Ricci John L. , Sabatino Christopher , Li Panjian , Parsons J. Russell 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOsteoconductive mineral coatings represent an established technology for enhancing the integration of orthopedic implants with living bone. However, current coatings have limitations related to fabrication methods, attachment strength to metal substrates, and in vivo performance. Low temperature biomimetic growth is a coating technique wherein the device to be coated is immersed in a meta‐stable saturated solution of the coating constituents and growth of the coating is then allowed to proceed on the surface of the device. This study focused on thein vivoevaluation of a biomimetic apatite coating fabricated under these conditions. The experiment was designed to specifically test the amount of bone ingrowth into the coated channels versus the uncoated channels of an established bone chamber system, with emphasis placed on the amount of bone present on the coupon surface. Three types of measurements were taken on each channel: linear ingrowth %, area ingrowth %, and continuous bone apposition %. The experiments demonstrated that under controlled conditions, the apatite coating appears to resorb in 8 weeks and did stimulate early osseointegration with the metal surface with a reduction in fibrous tissue encapsulation. This coating may, therefore, be useful in facilitating early bone ingrowth into porous surfaces without the potential for coating debris, macrophage infiltration, fibrous tissue encapsulation, and eventual coating failure as may occur with current plasma‐sprayed hydroxapatite coating techniques. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 69A: 629–636, 2004
Human alveolar bone cell adhesion and growth on ion‐implanted titanium
Authors: Nayab S. N. , Jones F. H. , Olsen I. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSurface characteristics play a vital role in determining the biocompatibility of materials used as bone implants. Calcium ion implantation of titanium was previously reported to enhance osseointegration and bone formation in vivo, although the lack of consistent and reproducible effects highlight the need to understand the basic mechanisms involved in the response of target cells to such surfaces. The aim of this study was therefore to measure the precise effects of ion implantation of titanium on bone cells in vitro. Alveolar bone cells were seeded on the surface of polished titanium disks implanted with calcium, potassium, and argon ions. Using radioisotopically tagged bone cells, the results showed that although the calcium ion implanted surface reduced cell adhesion, it nevertheless significantly enhanced cell spreading and subsequent cell growth. In contrast, few differences in bone cell behavior were observed between the potassium‐ and argon‐implanted titanium and the control nonimplanted titanium disks. These findings suggest the possibility that the calcium‐implanted surface may significantly affect the biocompatibility of titanium implants by enhancing bone cell growth. Surface modification by ion implantation could thus prove to be a valuable tool for improving the clinical efficacy of titanium for bone repair and regeneration in vivo. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 69A: 651–657, 2004
Engineered allogeneic chondrocyte pellet for reconstruction of fibrocartilage zone at bone–tendon junction—A preliminary histological observation
Authors: Wong Margaret W. N. , Qin Lin , Tai Jenny K. O. , Lee Simon K. M. , Leung K.S. , Chan K. M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis study examined histologically the potential of using allogeneic cultured chondrocyte pellet (CCP) in enhancing bone–tendon junction (BTJ) healing using a rabbit partial patellectomy model. Chondrocytes isolated from the cartilaginous ribs of 6‐week‐old New Zealand white rabbits were cultured for 14 days to form CCP. Partial patellectomy was performed on 30 18‐week‐old rabbits. After removal of the distal third patella, the BTJ gap was repaired surgically with or without CCP interposition. Four samples of patella–patellar tendon complexes (PPTC) for each group were harvested each at 8, 12, and 16 weeks; and two additional PPTC for each group were harvested at 2, 4, and 6 weeks for early observation of fibrocartilage zone regeneration, histologically. Results showed that CCP interposition demonstrated earlier structural integration at the BTJ after 8, 12, and 16 weeks of healing, and formation of a fibrocartilage zone like structure, compared with control specimens. In addition, no immune rejection was observed in CCP experimental group. The results suggested that CCP had a stimulatory effect on BTJ healing. This bioengineering approach might have potential clinical application in treatment of difficult BTJ healing. However, systemic histomorphometric, immunological tests, and biomechanical evaluations are needed before any clinical trials. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 70B: 362–367, 2004
Phosphatase 2A is involved in endothelial cell microtubule remodeling and barrier regulation
Authors: Tar Krisztina , Birukova Anna A. , Csortos Csilla , Bakó Éva , Garcia Joe G.N. , Verin Alexander D. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractWe have recently shown that microtubule (MT) inhibitor, nocodazole (2–5 μM) significantly increases endothelial cells (EC) actomyosin contraction and permeability indicating the importance of MT in maintaining the EC barrier (Verin et al. [2001]: Cell Mol Physiol 281:L565–L574). Okadaic acid (OA, 2–5 nM), a powerful inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), significantly potentiates the effect of submaximal concentrations of nocodazole (50–200 nM) on transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) suggesting the involvement of PP2A activity in the MT‐mediated EC barrier regulation. Immunofluorescent staining of EC revealed that in control cells PP2A distributes in a pattern similar to MT. Consistent with these results, we demonstrated that significant amounts of PP2A were present in MT‐enriched EC fractions indicating tight association of PP2A with MT in endothelium. Treatment of EC with OA leads to disappearance of MT‐like PP2A staining suggesting dissociation of PP2A from the MT network. Next, we examined the effect of PP2A inhibition on phosphorylation status of MT‐associated protein tau, which in its unphosphorylated form promotes MT assembly. OA caused significant increases in tau phosphorylation confirming that tau is a substrate for PP2A in endothelium. Immunofluorescent experiments demonstrated that the OA‐induced increases in tau phosphorylation strongly correlated with translocation of phospho‐tau to cell periphery and disassembly of peripheral MT. These results suggest the involvement of PP2A‐mediated tau dephosphorylation in alteration of EC MT structure and highlight the potential importance of PP2A in the regulation of EC the MT cytoskeleton and barrier function. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The 33 kb transcript of the chicken α‐globin gene domain is part of the nuclear matrix
Authors: Razin Sergey V. , Rynditch Alla , Borunova Victoria , Ioudinkova Elena , Smalko Victor , Scherrer Klaus 
Published: May 2004

AbstractGiant nuclear transcripts, and in particular the RNAs of the globin gene domains which are much larger than their canonical pre‐mRNAs, have been an enigma for many years. We show here that in avian erythroblastosis virus (AEV)‐transformed chicken erythroleukaemic cells, where globin gene expression is abortive, the whole domain of α‐globin genes is transcribed for about 33 kb in the globin direction and that this RNA is part of the nuclear matrix. Northern blot hybridisation with strand‐specific riboprobes, recognising genes and intergenic sequences, and RT‐PCR with downstream primers, show that the continuous full domain transcript (FDT) starts in the vicinity of a putative LCR and includes all the genes as well as known regulatory sites, the replication origin, and the DNA loop anchorage region in the upstream area. Absent in chicken fibroblasts, the globin FDT overlaps the major part of the ggPRX housekeeping gene that is transcribed in the opposite direction. RT‐PCR and in situ hybridisation with genic and extra‐genic globin probes demonstrated that the globin FDT is a component of the nuclear matrix. We suggest that the globin FDTs keep the domain in an active state, and the globin RNAs on the processing pathway are a component of the nuclear matrix. They may take part in the dynamic nuclear architecture when productively processed, or turn over slowly when globins are not synthesised. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of HIF prolyl hydroxylases by hypoxia‐inducible factors
Authors: Aprelikova Olga , Chandramouli Gadisetti V.R. , Wood Matthew , Vasselli James R. , Riss Joseph , Maranchie Jodi K. , Linehan W. Marston , Barrett J. Carl 
Published: May 2004

AbstractHypoxia and induction of hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α) is a hallmark of many tumors. Under normal oxygen tension HIF‐alpha subunits are rapidly degraded through prolyl hydroxylase dependent interaction with the von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor protein, a component of E3 ubuiquitin ligase complex. Using microarray analysis of VHL mutated and re‐introduced cells, we found that one of the prolyl hydroxylases (PHD3) is coordinately expressed with known HIF target genes, while the other two family members (PHD1 and 2) did not respond to VHL. We further tested the regulation of these genes by HIF‐1 and HIF‐2 and found that siRNA targeted degradation of HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α results in decreased hypoxia‐induced PHD3 expression. Ectopic overexpression of HIF‐2α in two different cell lines provided a much better induction of PHD3 gene than HIF‐1α. In contrast, we demonstrate that PHD2 is not affected by overexpression or downregulation of HIF‐2α. However, induction of PHD2 by hypoxia has HIF‐1‐independent and ‐dependent components. Short‐term hypoxia (4 h) results in induction of PHD2 independent of HIF‐1, while PHD2 accumulation by prolonged hypoxia (16 h) was decreased by siRNA‐mediated degradation of HIF‐1α subunit. These data further advance our understanding of the differential role of HIF factors and putative feedback loop in HIF regulation. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinases modulate H2O2‐induced apoptosis in primary rat alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Carvalho Helotonio , Evelson Pablo , Sigaud Samuel , González‐Flecha Beatriz 
Published: May 2004

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests a role for apoptosis in the maintenance of the alveolar epithelium under normal and pathological conditions. However, the signaling pathways modulating alveolar type II (ATII) cell apoptosis remain poorly defined. Here we investigated the role of MAPKs as modulators of oxidant‐mediated ATII cell apoptosis using in vitro models of H2O2‐stress. H2O2, delivered either as a bolus or as a flux, lead to time‐ and concentration‐dependent increases in ATII cells apoptosis. Increased apoptosis in primary rat ATII cells was detected at H2O2 concentrations and production rates in the physiological range (1 μM) and peaked at 100 μM H2O2. Immortalized rat lung epithelial cells (RLE), in contrast, required millimolar concentration of H2O2 for maximal responses. H2O2‐induced apoptosis was preceded by rapid activation of all three classes of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs): ERK, JNK, and p38. Specific inhibition of JNK using antisense oligonucleotides and ERK and p38 using PD98059 or SB202190, respectively, indicated a pro‐apoptotic role for JNK pathway and an anti‐apoptotic role for ERK‐ and p38‐initiated signaling events. Our data show that the balance between the activation of JNK, ERK, and p38 is a critical determinant of cell fate, suggesting that pharmacological interventions on the MAPK pathways may be useful in the treatment of oxidant‐related lung injury. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
K317, R319, and E320 within the proximal C‐terminus of the bradykinin B2 receptor form a motif important for phospholipase C and phospholipase A2 but not connective tissue growth factor related signaling
Authors: Yu Jun , Liu Bin , Eramian David , Mierke Dale , Taylor Linda , Polgar Peter 
Published: May 2004

AbstractWe showed previously that large domain exchanges between the bradykinin B2 (BKB2) and angiotensin II type 1a (AT1a) receptors can result in functional hybrids. However, when we proceeded to exchange the entire bradykinin B2 receptor (BKB2R) C‐terminal tail with the AT1aR C‐terminus, the hybrid, while continuing to bind BK and be endocytosed as wild type (WT) BKB2R, lost much of its ability to activate phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover or the release of arachidonic acid (ARA). In this study, we constructed chimeric receptors within the proximal C‐terminus between the BKB2R and AT1aR or bradykinin B1 receptor (BKB1R). The mutant and WT receptor cDNAs were stably transfected into Rat‐1 cells. Also, point mutations were generated to evaluate the role of the individual residues within this region. These chimeric studies revealed that the proximal portion of the BKB2R C‐tail is crucial for G protein‐linked BKB2R functions. This region could not be swapped with the AT1aR to obtain a BK activated PI turnover or ARA release. Further studies demonstrated that the distal portion (325–330) of this region is exchangeable; however, the middle portion (317–324) is not. Small motif exchanges within this section identified the KSR and EVY motifs as crucial for Gαq, Gαi related signaling of the BKB2R. Point mutations then showed that the charged amino acids K317, R319, and E320 are the residues critical for linking to PI turnover and ARA release. However, these proximal chimeras showed normal receptor uptake. Interestingly, while apparently not activating G protein‐linked signaling, the proximal tail AT1aR exchange mutant and the entire C‐terminus exchange hybrid continued to cause a substantial bradykinin effected increase in connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA level, as WT BKB2R. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adrenal gland involvement in the regulation of renal 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2
Authors: Zallocchi Marisa Laura , Matkovic Laura , Calvo Juan Carlos , Damasco María Cristina 
Published: May 2004

AbstractRenal 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (HSD2) catalyzes the conversion of active glucocorticoids to inert 11β‐keto compounds, thereby preventing the illicit binding of these hormones to mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and, thus, conferring aldosterone specificity. Absence or inhibition of HSD2 activity, originates a hypertensive syndrome with sodium retention and increased potassium elimination. Recent studies from our laboratory reported an increment of HSD2 activity in intact‐stressed rats. To evaluate the adrenal involvement in this increase, we analyzed HSD2 activity and protein abundance in Intact, Sham‐operated, and adrenalectomized rats under stress situations (gavage with an overload of 200 mM HCl (10 ml) and simulated gavage) or with corticosterone replacement. HSD2 activity was assessed in renal microsomal preparations obtained from different groups of animals. HSD2 protein abundance was measured by Western‐blot. Circulating corticosterone was determined by radioimmunoassay. Sham‐operated animals showed an increase in HSD2 activity and abundance compared to Intact and adrenalectomized rats suggesting the involvement of stress‐related adrenal factors in HSD2 regulation. In the case of acidotic adrenalectomized animals, there was an increase in renal HSD2 activity when, along with the HCl overload, the rats were injected with corticosterone. This increment occurred without an increase in enzyme abundance. These results suggest the importance of circulating levels of glucocorticoids to respond to a metabolic acidosis, through regulation of HSD2 stimulation. The group subjected to a simulated gavage showed an increase in enzyme activity and protein abundance, thus demonstrating the need for both adrenal and extra‐factors in the modulation of renal HSD2. The adrenalectomized animals injected with different doses of corticosterone, produced a progressive increase in enzyme activity and abundance, being significant for the dose of 68 μg corticosterone/100 g body weight. The highest dose (308 μg/100 g body weight) did not show any variation in activity and abundance compared to the control group. This biphasic effect of glucocorticoids could be explained taking into account their permissive and suppressive actions, depending on their blood levels. Knowing that stress induces multifactorial responses, it should not be suprising to observe a differential regulation in renal HSD2, confirming that different stressors act through different factors of both, adrenal and extra‐adrenal origin. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular senescence induced by p53‐ras cooperation is independent of p21waf1 in murine embryo fibroblasts
Authors: Castro Maria E. , Guijarro Maria del Valle , Moneo Victoria , Carnero Amancio 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOncogenic activation in primary murine fibroblasts initiates a senescence‐like cell cycle arrest that depends on the p53 tumor suppressor pathway. Conditional p53 activation efficiently induced a reversible cell cycle arrest but was unable to induce features of senescence. In contrast, coexpression of oncogenic ras with p53 produced an irreversible cell cycle arrest that displayed features of cellular senescence. Introduction of a conditional murine p53 allele (p53val135) into double p53/p21‐null mouse embryonic fibroblasts showed that p21waf1 was not required for this effect, since p53−/−;p21−/− double‐null cells undergo terminal growth arrest with features of senescence following coexpression of oncogenic Ras and p53. Our results indicate that oncogenic activation of the Ras pathway in murine fibroblasts converts p53 into a senescence inducer through a p21waf1‐independent mechanism. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.