Rational Coefficients for Steeply Sloped Watersheds

When computing peak discharges for the design of drainage systems using the rational method, it is important to have an accurate value for the rational coefficient (C). For steeply sloped watersheds the origin of values of the rational coefficient are unknown and lack even modeling verification. A model that shows the relationship between the rational coefficient and watershed slope was developed for steeply sloped watersheds. Using Horton’s infiltration equation, Manning’s equation, the velocity method for computing times of concentration, and generalized intensity-duration-frequency curves, a model was developed to test the effect of variation of several watershed characteristics on the relationship between slope and the rational coefficient. Analyses with the model showed that both Manning’s coefficient and land use had the greatest effect on the relationship between C and slope. A mathematical function was then developed from data generated from the Horton–Manning model. This model allows C to be estimated for a given slope and a value of Manning’s coefficient for the land cover. A rational coefficient at a 6% slope is also required input. The model was tested using several watersheds with moderate to steep slopes. This relationship should be used to better estimate values of C on steep slopes, and thereby, lead to more accurately hydrologic designs.     

Chemical basis of anti-listerial effects of rosemary herb during stomaching with fresh-cut vegetables

Fresh rosemary herb has demonstrated much stronger anti-listerial effects when stomached with contaminated fresh-cut vegetables than those obtained by application of rosemary essential oils. Various types of rosemary extracts (hydrodistillates, CO₂ extracts, hexane/acetone extracts) were analysed by GC–MS and tested for anti-listerial effects in vitro. Principal component analysis showed that verbenone levels were most correlated with anti-listerial effects, followed by levels of camphor. Stomaching rosemary herb greatly increased headspace levels of verbenone and camphor (by up to 20 times) compared to intact or chopped fresh rosemary. It is speculated that by crushing the herb under water, stomaching released enhanced levels of these components as lipophilic nanosomes which rapidly migrated to lipophilic surfaces, including the membranes of Listeria cells.     

Effects of acid adaptation on the survival of Listeria monocytogenes on modified atmosphere packaged vegetables

The survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes and L. innocua on ready-to-use (RTU) packaged vegetables (lettuce, swedes, dry coleslaw mix, bean-sprouts) were studied. The effects of acid adaptation of Listeria spp. on their survival during subsequent storage were also investigated. Listeria innocua behaviour was similar to that of L. monocytogenes on all vegetables examined. The survival and growth patterns of Listeria varied with the packaged product. Populations on packaged lettuce and swedes significantly increased ( P  < 0.05, by 1–1.5 log cycles) during a 14-day storage period. During the same period, Listeria counts gradually decreased (by 1–1.5 log cycles) on coleslaw mix. Acid adaptation enhanced survival of Listeria spp. during storage in packages of vegetables which had relatively high in-pack CO₂ levels (i.e. 25% in packaged coleslaw, bean-sprouts). It is concluded that adapting listerial cells to mildly acidic conditions rendered cultures more resistant to relatively high (25–30%) CO₂ atmospheres.     

GTP cyclohydrolase deficiency; intrafamilial variation in clinical phenotype, including levodopa responsiveness

Traditional Chinese drugs (TCDs) have played a key role for Chinese people in the treatment of diseases since ancient times. The use of TCDs has generated a great amount of information in the past thousand years about the relationship between natural products and the human body. However, up to now, our understanding on the mode of action of the TCD is still limited. Considering that the basic mechanism of all drug function involves the interaction between the drug and biological receptors at the molecular level, we propose to connect TCDs with modern medicine theory through molecular structures. We propose to explain functions of TCDs by using the knowledge developed in modern molecular biology, pharmacology, computer chemistry, and biochemistry. We are working on a computer-aided Chinese drug study that is discussed in this paper. A short introduction on the progress of our research is also given.     

Determination of starch and lipid in pea flour by near infrared reflectance analysis. the effect of pea genotype on starch and lipid content

Equations were derived for predicting starch and lipid content of pea varieties from near infrared data measured on a filter instrument (Technicon InfraAlyzer 400). The accuracy of the predictions were tested against separate data sets and were found to be better than ±2.6% for starch (range 20–45%) and ±0.3% for lipid (range 1.4–3.3%). Together with the previous work on the near infrared determination of protein it is possible to analyse rapidly for three components important to a plant breeding programme. The study has also demonstrated a clear-cut delineation between round and wrinkled pea genotypes.     

Low pH enhances the transfer of carotene from carrot juice to olive oil

A current model for carotenoid transport and absorption in the gut proposes an initial solubilization in the oil phase of dietary emulsions followed by incorporation of the carotenoids in mixed bile salt micelles. To assess the relevance of the first stage of this model to what is observed in vivo we have examined the transfer of carotene from carrot juice to olive oil. Increased acidity enhanced the transfer from both whole juice and carotene crystals isolated from both whole juice and carotene crystals isolated from carrot chromoplasts. The transfer was significantly slower from whole juice. By using exogenous β-carotene and measuring its transfer to oil in the presence and absence of carrot juice we have demonstrated that the inhibition of the transfer in juice arises, at least in part, from soluble juice factors. The inhibition is relieved by a fall in pH, which leads to lowering of the electric potential at the oil/aqueous phase interface and aggregation of carrot tissue including crystalline carotene. Under conditions of low pH, oil droplets adhere to the tissue aggregates, allowing carotene to pass into the oil. Our results provide an explanation for why carotene absorption in vivo is depressed by conditions of low gastric acidity.     

Interactive visual supports for children with autism

Interventions to support children with autism often include the use of visual supports, which are cognitive tools to enable learning and the production of language. Although visual supports are effective in helping to diminish many of the challenges of autism, they are difficult and time-consuming to create, distribute, and use. In this paper, we present the results of a qualitative study focused on uncovering design guidelines for interactive visual supports that would address the many challenges inherent to current tools and practices. We present three prototype systems that address these design challenges with the use of large group displays, mobile personal devices, and personal recording technologies. We also describe the interventions associated with these prototypes along with the results from two focus group discussions around the interventions. We present further design guidance for visual supports and discuss tensions inherent to their design.     

Borderline pathology: An integration of cognitive therapy and psychodynamic therapy.

Because of the belated interest in borderline pathology outside of the psychoanalytic arena, there is a relative paucity of integrative models for the treatment and understanding of borderline pathology. This article compares and contrasts the practice of A. T. Beck and A. Freeman's (1990) cognitive treatment of borderline pathology with 0. F. Kernberg's (Kernberg, Selzer, Koenigsberg, Carr, & Appelbaum, 1989) psychodynamic approach. An integrative model of borderline pathology is proposed, building on Beck and Freeman's and Kernberg's shared use of the notion of schema-representation. The practice implications of the proposed integrative model are consequently entertained. A brief case study is provided to illustrate the integration. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Benefits of all work and no play: The relationship between neuroticism and performance as a function of resource allocation.

The authors evaluate a model suggesting that the performance of highly neurotic individuals, relative to their stable counterparts, is more strongly influenced by factors relating to the allocation of attentional resources. First, an air traffic control simulation was used to examine the interaction between effort intensity and scores on the Anxiety subscale of Eysenck Personality Profiler Neuroticism in the prediction of task performance. Overall effort intensity enhanced performance for highly anxious individuals more so than for individuals with low anxiety. Second, a longitudinal field study was used to examine the interaction between office busyness and Eysenck Personality Inventory Neuroticism in the prediction of telesales performance. Changes in office busyness were associated with greater performance improvements for highly neurotic individuals compared with less neurotic individuals. These studies suggest that highly neurotic individuals outperform their stable counterparts in a busy work environment or if they are expending a high level of effort. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)