bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of an optimization technique to a physically based erosion model
Authors: Santos Celso A. G. , Srinivasan Vajapeyam S. , Suzuki Koichi , Watanabe Masahiro 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe difficulties involved in calibration of physically based erosion models have been partly attributable to the lack of robust optimization tools. This paper presents the essential concepts and application to optimize channel and plane parameters in an erosion model, with a global optimization method known as the SCE‐UA (Duan et al., 1992. Water Resources Research 28(4): 1015–1031), which has recently shown promise as an effective and efficient optimization method for calibrating watershed models. It is based on the simplex method, and in order to improve its efficiency by making the simplex expand in a direction of more favourable conditions, or contract if a move was taken in a direction of less favourable conditions, new evolution steps have been introduced. The physically based erosion model that was chosen is called WESP (watershed erosion simulation program), developed by Lopes and Lane (1988. In Sediment Budgets, Bordas MP, Walling DE (eds). IAHS Publication no. 174. IAHS: Wallingford). The optimization technique was tested with the field data collected in an experimental watershed located in a semi‐arid region of Brazil. On the basis of these results, the recommended erosion parameter values for a semi‐arid region are given, which could serve as an initial estimate for other similar areas. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing geo‐spatial interfaces to scale process models: the GeoWEPP approach
Authors: Renschler Chris S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPractical decision making in spatially distributed environmental assessment and management is increasingly based on environmental process models linked to geographical information systems. Powerful personal computers and Internet‐accessible assessment tools are providing much greater public access to, and use of, environmental models and geo‐spatial data. However traditional process models, such as the water erosion prediction project (WEPP), were not typically developed with a flexible graphical user interface (GUI) for applications across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, utilizing readily available geo‐spatial data of highly variable precision and accuracy, and communicating with a diverse spectrum of users with different levels of expertise. As the development of the geo‐spatial interface for WEPP (GeoWEPP) demonstrates, the GUI plays a key role in facilitating effective communication between the tool developer and user about data and model scales. The GeoWEPP approach illustrates that it is critical to develop a scientific and functional framework for the design, implementation, and use of such geo‐spatial model assessment tools. The way that GeoWEPP was developed and implemented suggests a framework and scaling theory leading to a practical approach for developing geo‐spatial interfaces for process models. GeoWEPP accounts for fundamental water erosion processes, model, and users needs, but most important it also matches realistic data availability and environmental settings by enabling even non‐GIS‐literate users to assemble the available geo‐spatial data quickly to start soil and water conservation planning. In general, it is potential users' spatial and temporal scales of interest, and scales of readily available data, that should drive model design or selection, as opposed to using or designing the most sophisticated process model as the starting point and then determining data needs and result scales. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrograph sensitivity to estimates of map impervious cover: a WinHSPF BASINS case study
Authors: Endreny Theodore A. , Somerlot Christopher , Hassett James M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe BASINS geographic information system hydrologic toolkit was designed to compute total maximum daily loads, which are often derived by combining water quantity estimates with pollutant concentration estimates. In this paper the BASINS toolkit PLOAD and WinHSPF sub‐models are briefly described, and then a 0·45 km2 headwater watershed in the New York Croton River area is used for a case study illustrating a full WinHSPF implementation. The goal of the Croton study was to determine the sensitivity of WinHSPF hydrographs to changes in land cover map inputs. This scenario occurs when scaling the WinHSPF model from the smaller 0·45 km2 watershed to the larger 1000 km2 management basin of the entire Croton area. Methods used to test model sensitivity include first calibrating the WinHSPF hydrograph using research‐monitored precipitation and discharge data together with high spatial resolution and accuracy land cover data of impervious and pervious areas, and then swapping three separate land cover files, known as GIRAS, MRLC, and DOQQ data, into the calibrated model. Research results indicated that the WinHSPF land cover swapping had peak flow sensitivity in December 2001 hydrographs between 35% underestimation and 20% overestimation, and that errors in land‐cover‐derived runoff ratios for storm totals and peak flows tracked with the land cover data estimates of impervious area. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Xerl is a secreted protein required for establishing the neural plate/neural crest boundary in Xenopus embryo
Authors: Kuriyama Sei , Ueda Akihiro , Kinoshita Tsutomu 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe have previously isolated a CNS‐specific gene, Xerl. The prospective amino acid sequence and functional analysis had shown that Xerl might act as the secretory protein for determining the neural plate/neural crest boundary. However, we had not yet characterized the Xerl protein. In the present study we examined the distribution and function of Xerl protein using anti‐Xerl polyclonal antibody. Western blot analysis revealed that Xerl exists as 150 kDa protein in soluble fraction from the neurula stage. In comparison with gene expression of Xerl, Xerl protein showed a diffusive distribution from the neural tissue to the neighboring notochord and somite. Immunostaining of endogenous Xerl protein and subcellular localization of GFP‐tagged Xerl demonstrated the extracellular secretion of Xerl protein. With functional blocking by antibody injection, the injected anti‐Xerl antibody caused an inhibitory effect on the neural plate formation, whereas neural crest formation was promoted in the antibody‐injected embryo. These results suggest that Xerl is a secreted protein required for establishing the neural plate/neural crest boundary in Xenopus embryo. J. Exp. Zool. 296A:108–116, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Melatonin, melanogenesis, and hypoxic stress in the newt, Triturus carnifex
Authors: Frangioni Giuliano , Borgioli Gianfranco , Bianchi Stefano 
Published: March 2003

AbstractGroups of 6 specimens each of the newt Triturus carnifex were treated with melatonin to see if the hormone inhibited melanogenesis in the Kupffer cells of the liver (melanomacrophages), a process markedly stimulated by hypoxia. A dose of 500 μg/g in 27% ethanol, injected intraperitoneally, induced loss of consciousness and tetany of all the skeletal muscles, which on the contrary appeared relaxed in animals pre‐anesthetised by immersion in chlorbutol at 0.2%. Anesthetised specimens injected with melatonin showed a significantly lower increase in hepatic pigmentation after acute hypoxia, a condition attained by sealing each specimen in a 620 mL respiratory chamber with water containing 1.1 ppm of oxygen for the time needed to consume it all (about two hours). If hypoxia is reached gradually, beginning with 8 ppm of oxygen (normoxic condition), the increase in hepatic pigmentation after melatonin injection does not differ significantly from that of non‐hormone treated specimens: thus melatonin does not seem to play a direct part in controlling hepatic melanogenesis. Instead, the hormone induces significant increase in oxygen consumption, marked general steatosis of the liver and the almost total disappearance of glycogen. Intraperitoneal injection of 500 μg/g of melatonin in anesthetised animals exposed to the air (normoxic) also causes severe steatosis and an unexpected increase in the hepatic deposits of melanin, as after hypoxic treatment. A dose of 100 ng/g in 1% ethanol, ineffective when injected intraperitoneally, also induces these effects if injected directly into the arterial blood‐stream through the conus arteriosus, thus avoiding the hepatic filter. The phenomena observed appear to be induced by a powerful endocrine mechanism that provokes metabolic hypoxia by consuming all the available ATP for synthesizing fat. A less intense form of steatosis can also be observed in animals subjected to hypoxia but without prior hormone treatment, indicating that a natural process triggered by hypoxic stress is pushed to the extreme by exogenous melatonin: the hormone changes the entire energy metabolism of the organism so that it can survive for a long time under adverse environmental conditions. J. Exp. Zool. 296A:125–136, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of fire and torrential rainfall on erosion in a Mediterranean gorse community
Authors: De Luis M. , González‐Hidalgo J. C. , Raventós J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWildland fires and torrential rainfall are important factors affecting Mediterranean nature and human society. In this paper, we investigate their combined impact on a fire‐prone vegetation community at the east coast of Spain. Our results show that shrub cover provides an effective control of erosion even under simulated extreme rainfall events. After fire, soil erosion increased noticeably; however, the amount of sediment produced varied greatly, which can be explained by variations in fire severity. The quantity of litter debris after the fire plays a decisive role in controlling the erosion that follows. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Repassivation of steel in carbonated concrete induced by cathodic protection
Authors: Bertolini L. , Pedeferri P. , Redaelli E. , Pastore T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe paper discusses the peculiarities of cathodic protection applied to steel in carbonated concrete, which are strictly connected to the production of alkalinity at the steel surface. Results of a research on the application of cathodic protection to specimens with steel bars in carbonated concrete are discussed. A thin layer of concrete was realkalized within a period of 4–5 months by applying a current density of 10 mA/m2 and steel could repassivate even in the presence of small contents of chlorides. A lower current density of 5 mA/m2 could only maintain steel passive when the concrete in the vicinity of the steel had been previously realkalized through the application of a start‐up current density of 70 mA/m2 for one month. Protection mechanisms are investigated and design of cathodic protection of steel in carbonated concrete is outlined. The possibility of obtaining protection on deeper rebars is also considered.
Frequency response of self‐similar planar waveguides
Authors: Surre Frédéric , Saleh Al Samawal , Aubert Hervé 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe frequency response of self‐similar structures may exhibit sharp transmission peaks inside high‐attenuation frequency bands. The similarity dimension and lacunarity of such structures are used as key parameters for designing new selective planar microwave filters. Comparisons between the performances of periodic and self‐similar planar microwave filters are presented. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 208–210, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10870
Treatment of Ewing sarcoma family of tumors: Current status and outlook for the future
Authors: Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Spunt Sheri L. , Pappo Alberto S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) comprises a group of well‐characterized neoplasms with aggressive behavior. Despite significant progress with the use of intensive multiagent chemotherapy and local control measures, a significant proportion of patients die of disease progression. Chemotherapy dose intensification and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) have been explored by many institutions without obvious benefit in high‐risk patients. Our current understanding in the biology and treatment of ESFT suggests that a more rational approach to the development of risk‐adapted therapy should be undertaken.ProcedureWe performed a review of the most relevant data regarding the current status in the treatment of ESFT. The results of the major American and European cooperative groups were analyzed, including the treatment strategies used and the prognostic factors identified for both localized and metastatic ESFT.ResultsThe intensification of alkylating agents and topoisomerase‐II inhibitors is feasible and has resulted in some survival improvement for selected patients. This benefit seems to be restricted to patients with localized disease, and a proportion of survivors are at risk of developing treatment‐related hematologic malignancies. Nevertheless, these advances have resulted in a re‐definition of prognostic factors, which may help to define risk groups based on tumor load parameters as well as biologic factors (type of fusion transcript and histologic response to chemotherapy). Patients with advanced metastatic disease may benefit from HSCT. New strategies such as immunotherapy and the use of biologic modifiers may have a role in the treatment of ESFT.ConclusionsFuture treatment for ESFT should consider risk‐adapted strategies and the inclusion of newer therapies such as biologic modifiers for the minimal residual disease. A modified risk‐adapted therapy is proposed. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:276–287. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacology of all‐trans‐retinoic acid in children with acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Lanvers Claudia , Reinhardt Dirk , Dübbers Angelika , Wagner‐Bohn Alexandra , Creutzig Ursula , Ritter Joerg , Boos Joachim 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundDue to severe side effects in virtually all children treated with a standard dose of 45 mg/m2/day all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) the AML‐BFM study group reduced the dosage to 25 mg/m2/day. For the lack of data on the use of ATRA at this dosage in children with APL, the study group further decided to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of ATRA in children.ProcedureTwenty‐three pharmacokinetic and metabolic profiles of ATRA were studied in 14 children (aged 0.9–18.4 years) with APL. Eleven plasma samples were collected over a period of 8 hr and analyzed for ATRA and its metabolites by high‐performance liquid chromatography.ResultsPeak plasma concentrations of ATRA were characterized by wide interpatient variability (range: 28.6–513.0 nM). Compared to adults the same metabolic pathways were observed in children. Even though peak plasma concentrations were in the lower range of those considered effective in vitro, ATRA side effects, notably neurotoxicity, still required dose reduction, treatment break, or drug withdrawal in eight patients. In this small number of patients, neurotoxicity could not be related to age or any specific level of ATRA or metabolites in the plasma. Plasma concentrations of vitamin A, however, were significantly higher in those patients, who developed signs of neurotoxicity (P = 0.03, Mann–Whitney Rank Sum test).ConclusionsConsidering the low plasma concentrations and the persistence of toxicity in spite of dose reduction intermittent dosing schedules might be considered as an alternative to further dose reduction of ATRA in the treatment of APL especially in children, who might be at risk of ATRA‐induced neurotoxicity. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:293–301. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐resectable congenital tumors with the ETV6–NTRK3 gene fusion are highly responsive to chemotherapy
Authors: McCahon Emma , Sorensen Poul H.B. , Davis Jeff H. , Rogers Paul C.J. , Schultz Kirk R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundRecently, the ETV6–NTRK3 gene fusion has been identified in both infantile fibrosarcoma and cellular mesoblastic nephroma. For both these tumors standard curative treatment has been primarily surgical with wide local excision. This has frequently involved radical and even mutilating surgery.ProcedureThis report discusses three infants with congenital tumors, two congenital fibrosarcomas, and one atypical congenital mesoblastic nephroma, not easily amenable to surgical intervention.ResultsAll three were treated with pre‐operative chemotherapy with excellent responses negating the need for amputation in two patients. In each patient, the ETV6–NTRK3 gene fusion was identified by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in the tumor specimens.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the ETV6–NTRK3 gene fusion may underlie the distinctive biological properties of these tumors and may also indicate tumor chemosensitivity. In this group of patients pre‐operative chemotherapy may abrogate the need for morbid surgical procedures. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:288–292. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of the lipogenic enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS) as a predictor of poor outcome in nephroblastoma: An interinstitutional study
Authors: Camassei Francesca Diomedi , Jenkner Alessandro , Ravà Lucilla , Bosman Cesare , Francalanci Paola , Donfrancesco Alberto , Alò Piero L. , Boldrini Renata 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) has presently achieved a greater than 80% cure rate. Pathologic stage and grade are considered the most reliable prognostic parameters, but other biologic factors are under study in order to improve patient stratification into risk groups. Correlation of elevated levels of the lipogenic enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS) with aggressiveness of some cancers has drawn attention to this enzyme as a possible marker of poor prognosis.ProcedureTo determine the predictive strength of FAS expression in Wilms tumor (with particular emphasis on intermediate risk, i.e., non anaplastic tumors, the vast majority of nephroblastomas), we evaluated immunostaining expression in archival specimens from 94 neoplasms. The degree of expression was correlated with stage, grade, clinical course and administration of prenephrectomy chemotherapy.ResultsExpression of FAS increased in anaplastic tumors (P = 0.043) and higher stages (P = 0.029). FAS expression correlated with OS and DFS at both univariate and multivariate analysis. Comparable results were obtained when analyzing the intermediate risk population separately. Pretreatment resulted in an increased FAS expression, without reaching significance level (P = 0.059).ConclusionsExpression of FAS might be an independent prognostic factor, particularly for intermediate‐risk patients. The blockade of fatty acid synthesis by inhibition of FAS enzymatic function by means of metabolic analogues might prove a novel target pathway for the treatment of nephroblastoma. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:302–308. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Results of p53 analysis in pediatric malignancies in Poland
Authors: Fiszer‐Maliszewska Łucja , Czernik Jerzy , Sawicz‐Birkowska Krystyna , Kazanowska Bernarda , Wojciechowska Beata 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundMutations of the p53 gene are thought to be causally associated with the development of various neoplasms. In tumors overexpressing the wild‐form of p53, its functional inactivation has been suggested, and MDM2 seems to be important in this process. We analyzed p53 in childhood solid tumors, as data on pediatric malignancies are still limited.ProcedureThe p53 gene was screened for mutations by the PCR‐S SCP method and sequencing. p53, p21, and MDM2 proteins were analyzed by Western blotting.ResultsOverall, p53 mutations were found at a low frequency, 7% (9/126); the frequency calculated for sarcomas was also low, 8.6%. Interestingly, three of the nine detected mutations were new ones. p53 protein was demonstrated in all tumor histotypes, overall, in 63% (43/68) of the tumors, with 18% showing marked overexpression. No p21 was found; and the 76 kDa MDM2 protein was demonstrated in 18% (6/33) of the sarcomas.ConclusionsIn the series of pediatric malignancies studied, the frequency of p53 mutations was very low, whereas p53 protein was present in a high fraction of the tumors. Thus, in total, p53 abnormalities were frequent. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:316–321. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proton beam therapy in the management of central nervous system tumors in childhood: The preliminary experience of the Centre de Protonthérapie d'Orsay
Authors: Noel Georges , Habrand Jean‐Louis , Helfre Sylvie , Mammar Hamid , Kalifa Chantal , Ferrand Régis , Beaudre Anne , Gaboriaud Geneviève , Mazeron Jean‐Jacques 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the study was to evaluate clinical results and complications of a combination of proton and photon irradiation administered to 17 children with selected central nervous system (CNS) tumors.ProcedureBetween July 1994 and September 2000, 17 children, aged from 5 to 17 years (median: 12 years) with intracranial benign (6 cases) or malignant (11 cases) tumors, were treated with photons (median dose: 40 Gy; 24–54) and protons (median dose: 20 CGE; 9–31) at the Centre de Protonthérapie d'Orsay (CPO).ResultsMean follow‐up was 27 months (3–81). Two patients recurred locally (one marginal and one in situ). Fifteen patients are alive and doing well. Overall, 12, 24, and 36‐month local control rate was 92 ± 8% and, 12, 24, and 36‐month overall survival rates were 93 ± 6%, 83 ± 11%, and 83 ± 11%, respectively. Clinical initial symptoms remained stable or subsided in all patients. Early toxicities were in the expected range.ConclusionsWith a mean 27 months follow‐up, protontherapy was well tolerated for doses upto 69 CGE and with an excellent local control rate. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:309–315. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.