bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteinuria and onchocerciasis in an endemic area in Cameroon under community-based treatment with ivermectin
Authors: Ebong C E , Alemnji G A ,   Mbuagbaw, Ashuntantang G , Asonganyi T
Published: August 2007

The present study was aimed at determining the prevalence of onchocerciasis and proteinuria as well as the association between manifestations of heavy chronic onchocerciasis (HCO) and proteinuria among patients in Cameroon. Of the 482 (277: 57.5% females and 205: 42.5% males) subjects recruited from an area with an ivermectin treatment coverage rate of 77.8%, the average prevalence of microfilaridermia by skin snip (mf/ss) was 31.9%, the community microfilaria load was 9.3 mf/ss and the overall prevalence of proteinuria was 4.4%. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of symptoms of HCO when subjects were matched in the presence and absence of proteinuria with regard to positive ss ( P = 0.0860), presence of nodules ( P = 0.5000), depigmentation ( P = 0.1459), visual impairment ( P = 0.5000) and recent ingestion of ivermectin ( P = 0.6366). Fourteen (66.6%) of the 21 subjects with protein to creatinine ratios (P/CR) 0.2 had HCO, while 15 (71.4%) of the 21 subjects with P/CR < 0.2 had HCO. This gives an odd ratio of 0.8 and a P value of 0.62. However, there is need to carry out studies with a larger sample size before firm conclusions can be drawn about the association between onchocerciasis and proteinuria.
Hypertension in Delhi: prevalence, awareness, treatment and control
Authors: Chaturvedi S , Pant M ,   Neelam, Yadav G
Published: August 2007

Two cross-sectional, population-based studies were conducted to assess the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, among people aged 20-59 years and those over 60 years in Delhi. Study 1 (20-59 years): in total,1213 subjects from 120 clusters spread across Delhi were studied. The prevalence of hypertension was 27.5%. Of the hypertensives, 53.3% were aware of their diagnosis; 42.8% were taking treatment and only10.5% had controlled blood pressure. About 9.0% of the hypertensives had coexisting diabetes mellitus and 8.4% were suffering from coronary disease. The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in urban areas, but there was no significant difference in levels of awareness, treatment and control between urban and slum areas. The prevalence of hypertension was comparable in both sexes. Women, however, were more likely to be aware of their condition.

Study 2 (6-10 years): in total,1105 subjects from 110 clusters were studied. Prevalence of hypertension was 63.8%. Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) was found in 15.3% of the subjects. About 54% of the hypertensives were aware of their diagnosis; 43.4% were taking treatment and only 8.5% had controlled blood pressure. Prevalence of hypertension and ISH were comparable among sexes. Women were more aware and better treated. About 21.3% hypertensives had coexisting diabetes mellitus, and 14.3% were suffering from coronary disease. There was no significant difference between sexes. Urban and slum areas were also found to be comparable. Over 3% of the elderly were controlling their raised blood pressure by non-pharmacological measures. They belonged to the 'aware' category yet could not be labelled as 'hypertensives', highlighting an operational fault in the Joint National Committee definition.
A 12-year review of cases of adult tetanus managed at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Sanya E O , Taiwo S S , Olarinoye J K , Aje A , Daramola O O M , Ogunniyi A
Published: August 2007

In this review, hospital case records of 202 adult tetanus managed between January 1990 and December 2001 in a tertiary institution in Southwestern Nigeria were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 36.1±17.8 years with male:female ratio of 2.2:1 and an overall mortality rate of 64%. Patients with unfavourable outcomes spent 4.5±0.41 days compared with 16.6±1.2 days by those who survived.

Factors associated with poor prognosis are age >60 years ( P=0.029), incubation period <7 days ( P=0.007), period of onset <48 h ( P=0.0001), tachycardia with pulse rate >120/min ( P=0.001) and spasm ( P=0.002). Gender ( P=0.11), post-injury vaccination ( P=0.48) and types of antibiotics administered ( P=0.49) were not significantly associated with increased mortality. The three most common complications were aspiration pneumonitis, sepsis and urinary bladder obstruction while complications with highest mortality (100%) were sepsis and cardiac arrest.
Intestinal parasites and the growth status of internally displaced children in Sri Lanka
Authors: Chandrasena T G A N , Hapuarachchi H C , Dayanath M Y D , Pathmeswaran A , de Silva N R
Published: August 2007

The growth status and intestinal parasitic infections among a group of children displaced by war in Sri Lanka was investigated. There was a high prevalence of growth retardation (wasting, stunting and underweight being 41%, 28% and 69.9%, respectively) and intestinal parasitic infections (40.2%) among the study population. Provision of adequate food, purified drinking water, sanitation and broad-spectrum anthelmintics is recommended.
Prevalence of filariasis in symptomatic patients in Moyen Chari district, south of Chad
Authors: Bregani Enrico Rino , Balzarini Laura , Mbaïdoum Narassem , Rovellini Angelo
Published: August 2007

Filarial parasites infect an estimated 140 million people worldwide. Wuchereria bancrofti, Onchocerca volvulus, Loa loa and Mansonella perstans are responsible for most filarial infections in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe the prevalence and the clinical characteristics of filariasis in symptomatic patients in Goundi Sanitary district:167 patients were enrolled (99 men, 68 women). M. perstans microfilariae were isolated in peripheral blood in 164 cases, while Loa loa and Wuchereria bancrofti filariasis were diagnosed in only six and three cases, respectively. The most frequent filariasis observed in our study were due to M. perstans and L. loa, while the few cases of W. bancrofti filariasis seem to have been acquired abroad. No cases of O. volvulus were observed. Microfilarial burden was not related to symptoms, but a correlation between eosinophilia and pruritus was evident. No relationship was observed between eosinophils and symptoms. The prevalence observed in symptomatic patients could reflect the real prevalence of filariasis.
Raising parents' awareness of the benefits of immunization by using a visual aid tool
Authors: Mulumba Jose Gaby Tshikuka , Daoud Saada , Kabang Bande
Published: August 2007

A visual aid tool was used in two communities of Chad to raise parents' awareness of the benefits of immunization. In one community, the tool was administered by social workers two weeks before national immunization days (NIDs) and in the other community by vaccinators during NIDs. Parents' awareness significantly rose in both communities but was more significant in the community where the tool was administered by social workers. A significant association was found between parents' unawareness and children who missed immunization in both communities.
Amodiaquine in future combination treatment of malaria in Ghana
Authors: Oduro Abraham Rexford , Anyorigiya Thomas , Koram Kwadwo , Anto Francis , Atobrah Patrick , Hodgson Abraham
Published: August 2007

A total of 198 patients were treated with amodiaquine for uncomplicated malaria. Parasite clearance at day 14 was 85.4 and 48% at day 28.
Echocardiographic, chest X-ray and electrocardiogram findings in children presenting with heart failure to a Ugandan paediatric ward
Authors: Ellis John , Martin Rob , Wilde Peter , Tometzki Andy , Senkungu Jude , Nansera Denis
Published: August 2007

The aim of this study was to describe the aetiology of congestive cardiac failure (CCF) in children with suspected structural abnormalities presenting to a regional hospital in southwestern Uganda. The method used was a prospective descriptive study of successive admissions of children with persistent cardiac signs after routine treatment of CCF. Children with severe anaemia (haemoglobin [Hb]<7 g/dL), pneumonia, sepsis or severe malnutrition were excluded. Chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiography data were validated by a paediatric cardiologist and radiologist at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, UK. A cohort of 58 patients was identified. The aetiology of heart failure in this cohort ( n = 58) was due to congenital heart disease (35%), renal hypertensive disease (26%), rheumatic heart disease (17%), cardiomyopathies (12%), endomyocardial fibrosis (7%) and tamponade (3%). In conclusion, this study confirmed the ongoing prevalence of congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease and endomyocardial fibrosis in this area. The cardiac effect of renal hypertension was a new and significant finding.
A review of neonatal morbidity and mortality in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, northern Nigeria
Authors: Mukhtar-Yola M , Iliyasu Z
Published: August 2007

Neonatal morbidity and mortality still poses a serious challenge in developing countries. Low level of obstetric care, unsupervised home deliveries and late referrals lead to poor outcome even in special care baby units (SCBU). To identify the common causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality among babies admitted to the SCBU in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) the case-notes of all admitted neonates from January 1998 to December 2004 were retrospectively reviewed.

A total of 2963 (98.3%) babies had complete records. There were 1455 (49.1%) in-born (delivered in AKTH) and 1508 (50.9%) out-born (delivered elsewhere) babies. The sex ratio was1.25:1in favour of males. A total of1868 (63.0%) were of normal birth weight, while 951 (32.1%) and 134 (4.5%) were low birth weight and macrocosmic, respectively. The leading diagnoses were birth asphyxia (27%) (severe birth asphyxia 18.1%, moderate asphyxia 8.9%), neonatal sepsis (25.3%) and prematurity (16.0%). Out of the 2963 babies, 501 (16.9%) died. The risk of dying was significantly higher (20.5%) among out-born babies compared with those delivered in AKTH (6.4%) (odds ratio = 1.71, 95% confidence interval = 1.4-2.1). In conclusion, the causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality at this centre are similar to those reported from other units. They could be prevented through effective antenatal care, supervised delivery and appropriate care and early referral of sick neonates.
Endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy in patients with Symmers periportal fibroses
Authors: Mudawi H M Y , Ibrahim K B
Published: August 2007

This is a prospective study, carried out in patients with portal hypertension and bleeding oesophageal varices secondary to Symmers (Schistosomal) periportal fibroses, to determine the efficacy of sclerotherapy, the number of sessions needed to achieve full sclerosis, the complications associated with sclerotherapy and the incidence and risk factors for rebleeding.

In total, 85 patients were studied with a mean age of 38 years, 76.5% were males. All underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, had different grades of oesophageal varices and underwent intravariceal injection with 5% ethanolamine oleate until they achieved full sclerosis or were referred to surgery. Complications of sclerotherapy included oesophageal strictures, deep oesophageal ulcers, pleural effusion and ascites.

Following obliteration of oesophageal varices, 3.5% and 20% developed new gastric varices and portal gastropathy, respectively. Rebleeding occurred in 32% - the only significant predictive risk factor for which was patients with GIII varices following the first sclerotherapy session. Varices recurred in 6% of patients after a mean follow-up period of one year. In total, 93% of our patients achieved full sclerosis after an average of four sessions, and 3.5% were referred for surgery. Three patients (3.5%) died, all from massive rebleeding.

In conclusion, sclerotherapy is a safe effective method for treating patients with oesophageal varices due to periportal fibroses.
Drug susceptibility pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in adult patients with miliary tuberculosis
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Hussain Syed Fayyaz , Jabeen Kausar , Islam Muhammad
Published: August 2007

Miliary tuberculosis (TB) is a fatal form of TB. Although drug resistance in TB patients has increased worldwide, there is limited information on drug resistance in miliary TB. This study from Pakistan evaluated drug susceptibility pattern among miliary TB patients of a high TB-burden country. All adult patients with miliary TB, admitted between 1994 and 2001, were identified using a computerized database. Culture-positive isolates were evaluated for drug susceptibility using middle brook 7H10 agar according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratories Standard criteria. Of 110 patients diagnosed with miliary TB, 32 (30%) were culture positive (yielding 35 culture isolates). The sources of positive cultures were sputum (37%), cerebrospinal fluid (18%), lymph nodes (12%), bone marrow (9%), bronchial wash (9%), urine (6%), lungs (6%) and liver (3%). Isoniazid resistance was found in three (9%) isolates. All the isolates were sensitive to rifampicin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide and streptomycin. Despite a worldwide increase in TB drug resistance, patients with miliary TB have infection with drug-sensitive mycobacterium. First-line anti-TB drugs should be used as initial therapy in miliary TB patients.
An unusual presentation of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis
Authors: Ramesh V , Kumar Joginder , Salotra Poonam
Published: August 2007

An atypical presentation of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis is reported to highlight the importance of suspecting dermatosis in patients from areas endemic for kala-azar.
The popularity of insecticide-treated bed-nets as a preventative method of malaria control among residents of Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Akpan S S
Published: August 2007

The popularity of insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) was assessed among 612 residents of Calabar Municipality between June and September 2004. A questionnaire was administered to the respondents, majority of whom (88.9% [544:612]) claimed that they were aware of the use of ITNs for preventing mosquito bites. Only 13.2% of the respondents (72:544) owned ITNs at the time of filling the questionnaire.
Assessment of nutritional status of HIV-infected patients at a tertiary centre in North India
Authors: Malhotra Sunita , Wanchu Ajay , Khurana Sudha
Published: August 2007

Infection with HIV has an adverse effect on nutritional status, and can result in progressive involuntary weight loss. We assessed the nutritional status of our patients with HIV infection and found that HIV-infected patients had significantly low nutrient intake and body mass index as compared with controls. Involuntary weight loss, altered body composition and reduced nutritional status were present throughout the stages of HIV infection.
A series of 32 prostatectomies in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Sikangula Ibangye , Nyankunde C M E , Wood Philip B
Published: August 2007

Abdominal prostatectomy is viewed with some trepidation in Africa due to the possible postoperative complications. A plea is made in this paper to remove the prostate under direct vision by a retropubic route rather than by attempting a blind suprapubic (transvesical) procedure. A series of 32 retropubic prostatectomies is reviewed.
Breast tuberculosis mimicking other diseases
Authors: Morino Gian Franco , Rizzardi Giovanna , Gobbi Federico , Baldan Marco
Published: August 2007

Breast tuberculosis can confuse the clinician by its close resemblance to carcinoma or non-specific abscess, with obvious negative therapeutical implications. We present two cases, one mimicking a breast malignancy and the other being confused with non-specific abscess, to illustrate the misdiagnosis risks and diagnostic challenges.
Genomic Profiling of Circulating Plasma RNA for the Analysis of Cancer
Authors: Collado Manuel , Garcia Vanesa , Garcia Jose Miguel , Alonso Isabel , Lombardia Luis , Diaz-Uriarte Ramon , López Fernández Luis A , Zaballos Angel , Bonilla Félix , Serrano Manuel
Published: August 2007

Background: The blood of cancer patients is known to contain fragments of RNA released from the tumor. The application of genomic profiling techniques to plasma RNA may allow the unbiased selection of cancer markers in the blood, but the informative value of genomic profiling of plasma RNA is currently unknown.

Methods: We used cDNA microarray hybridization to perform genomic profiling of plasma RNA from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and from healthy donors. From a list of 40 genes differentially upregulated in cancer patients, we randomly selected 4 genes for further characterization. These 4 markers were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR in a wide set of samples including paired samples from the same CRC patients before and after surgical resection of the tumor.

Results: Three of the selected markers—EPAS1, UBE2D3, and KIAA0101—were confirmed by PCR to be significantly increased in cancer compared to healthy donors. Importantly, 2 of the markers, EPAS1 and UBE2D3, showed a significant decrease after surgery, returning to the levels of healthy donors. Finally, supervised class prediction using these 3 markers correctly (77%) assigned presurgery samples to the CRC group and assigned postsurgery samples from the same patients to the healthy group.

Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the usefulness of gene expression profiling of circulating plasma RNA to find cancer markers of potential clinical value.
‘Don't get caught out’: Pragmatic and discourse features of informational and promotional texts in international healthcare insurance
Authors: Solly Martin
Published: August 2007

This paper examines the pragmatic and discourse features of a number of multimodal international healthcare insurance texts. The texts contain specialized language related to the provision and treatment of healthcare and to insurance coverage and are aimed at a fairly well-defined target readership, many of them actual or potential expatriates. They thus serve a useful function, that of providing the readership with an informed and comprehensible guide to the services and products available. Some of them have a more strictly promotional aspect, that of advertising specific insurance policies. In particular, the paper focuses on the language choices favored by these texts and the strategies they serve, noting that the distinction between their informative and promotional dimensions is not always clear-cut. It further suggests that the writers of these texts make a specific use of discourse features and languaging strategies in order to achieve their rhetorical purposes.
The fashioned survivor: Institutionalized representations of women with breast cancer
Authors: Ucok Ozum
Published: August 2007

This paper explores some institutionalized visual representations of women with breast cancer and examines the rhetoric of the images in the American Cancer Society product catalogue (2000) and the
Fishing and the Sexual Division of Labor among the Meriam
Authors: BIRD REBECCA BLIEGE
Published: August 2007

Do men and women forage differently because they are cooperatively responding to children's requirements for care or because they are differentially sensitive to variance? In this article, I examine how care trade‐offs and variance contribute to gender differences in fishing strategies among Torres Strait Islanders (Meriam). Women's fishing had lower failure rates, coefficients of variation, and frequencies of sharing than men's fishing. Men and women responded to trade‐offs between mean and variance differently: Women spent less time on high mean–high variance activities, men less time on high mean–low variance activities. Although child‐care trade‐offs affected time allocation to different fishing activities among women, they did not affect differences in time allocation between the sexes. These results support previous work implicating variance and sharing frequency as important resource currencies shaping gender differences in subsistence decisions, and they offer challenges to a general model of the division of labor predicated on economic notions of specialization as increasing production efficiency.
Reflections on Teaching Social Violence in an Age of Genocide and a Time of War
Authors: WATERSTON ALISSE , KUKAJ ANTIGONA
Published: August 2007

This article is a reflection by a teacher and a student on “structural‐violence pedagogy,” the process of teaching and learning about the structures of inequality implicated in various forms of social violence, including those of everyday life, massacre, and genocide. Using a case study of an undergraduate course in anthropology, we explore the complexity and emotionally charged nature of this field, some innovative teaching strategies, and contributions of anthropology to understanding a world marked and marred by war, genocide, racialization, and structural poverty. The teacher shapes a course of study informed by critical pedagogy and theories about violence and power. The student draws on her personal experiences, her intellectual interests, and her yearning for fuller answers to deeper questions as she seeks to reciprocate what is being taught to her. Together, teacher and student explore the promise in the power of teaching for understanding the world as it does exist.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: GAMBURD MICHELE RUTH
Published: August 2007

Fear of Small Numbers: An Essay on the Geography of Anger. Arjun Appadurai. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2006. 153 pp.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: WISNIEWSKI JOSH
Published: August 2007

Social Life in Northwest Alaska: The Structure of Inupiaq Eskimo Nations. Ernest S. Burch Jr. Fairbanks: University of Alaska Press, 2006. 478 pp.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: WIRTZ KRISTINA
Published: August 2007

Afro‐Cuban Theology: Religion, Race, Culture, and Identity. Michelle A. Gonzalez. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2006. 191 pp.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: SCHELD SUZANNE
Published: August 2007

Africa's Legacies of Urbanization: Unfolding Saga of. Continent. Stefan Goodwin. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2006. 514 pp.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: McKAY KIMBER HADDIX
Published: August 2007

Uncertain Honor: Modern Motherhood in an African Crisis. Jennifer Johnson‐Hanks. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2006. 301 pp.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: BURLEY DAVID
Published: August 2007

The Archaeology of Oceania: Australia and the Pacific Islands. Ian Lilley, ed. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2006. 396 pp.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: BLOCH ALEXIA
Published: August 2007

Managing Migration: The Promise of Cooperation. Philip L. Martin, Susan F. Martin, and Patrick Weil. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2006. 276 pp.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: A. HOPKINS NICHOLAS
Published: August 2007

Kaqchikel Chronicles: The Definitive Edition. Judith M. Maxwell and Robert M. Hill II. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2006. ix +771 pp.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: AMMARELL GENE
Published: August 2007

Deadly Dances in the Bornean Rainforest: Hunting Knowledge of the Penan Benalui. Rajindra K. Puri. Leiden. the Netherlands: KITLV Press, 2006. 408 pp.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: GRODZINS GOLD ANN
Published: August 2007

Religious Identity and Political Destiny: Hindutva in the Culture of Ethnicism. Deepa S. Reddy. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press, 2006. 211 pp.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: J. HIGGINS PATRICIA
Published: August 2007

Warring Souls: Youth, Media, and Martyrdom in Post‐Revolution Iran. Roxanne Varzi. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2006. 290 pp.
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: SANABRIA HARRY
Published: August 2007

Modes of Comparison: Theory and Practice. Aram A. Yengoyan, ed. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2006. 480 pp.
Influencing Fisheries Management: Multitasking for Maximum Effectiveness
Authors: Maiolo John R.
Published: August 2007

From the very first drafts of what later became the Magnuson‐Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and the subsequent creation of regional and state counterparts, social science was supposed to play more than a perfunctory role in the nation's fishery management process. But our involvement as social scientists has not been a cakewalk and, although growing, our influence often has been limited at best. This article discusses how we can impact the process by using different styles of involvement and different research methods. Different styles of involvement include teaching, with an emphasis on recruitment of students and colleagues into the effort, along with multidisciplinary team research. This article illustrates how we must be willing to gather information on an opportunistic basis rather than be wedded to any one type of data gathering and analytic strategy as we move from one project to another. We social scientists can be most effective if we are willing to be persistent, flexible but focused, and able to employ a variety of complementary tactics. Along with this we need to find ways to participate in the management process from the inside. We must also establish our work in the fisheries management process as legitimate within our own respective professions. Finally, this article suggests that such a multifaceted strategy can be effective in other areas of policy concern.
Breakpoint Chlorination Curves of Greywater
Authors: March J. G. , Gual M.
Published: August 2007

A study on chlorination of raw greywater with hypochlorite is reported in this paper. Samples were chlorinated in a variety of conditions, and residual chlorine (Cl 2) was measured spectrophotometrically. For each sample, the chlorination curve (chlorine residuals versus chlorine dose) was obtained. Curves showed the typical hump‐and‐dip profile attributable to the formation and destruction of chloramines. It was observed that, after reactions with strong reductants and chloramines‐forming compounds, the remaining organic matter exerted a certain demand of chlorine. The evolution of chlorination curves with addition of ammonia and dodecylbencene sulfonate sodium salt and with dilution of the greywater sample were studied. In addition, chlorination curves at several contact times have been obtained, resulting in slower chlorine decay in the hump zone than in the dip zone. In addition, the decay of coliforms in chlorinated samples was also investigated. It was found that, for a chlorination dosage corresponding to the maximum of the hump zone (average 8.9 mg Cl 2/L), samples were negative in coliforms after 10 to 30 minutes of contact time. After‐growth was not observed within 3 days after chlorination. Implications in chlorination treatments of raw greywater can be derived from these results.
Simultaneous Nitrification, Denitrification, and Phosphorus Removal in Single‐Tank Low‐Dissolved‐Oxygen Systems Under Cyclic Aeration
Authors: Ju Lu‐Kwang , Huang Lin , Trivedi Hiren
Published: August 2007

Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND or SNdN) may occur at low dissolved oxygen concentrations. In this study, bench‐scale (approximately 6 L) bioreactors treating a continuous feed of synthetic wastewater were used to evaluate the effects of solids retention time and low dissolved oxygen concentration, under cyclic aeration, on the removal of organics, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The cyclic aeration was carried out with repeated cycles of 1 hour at a higher dissolved oxygen concentration (HDO) and 30 minutes at a lower (or zero) dissolved oxygen concentration (LDO). Compared with aeration at constant dissolved oxygen concentrations, the cyclic aeration, when operated with proper combinations of HDO and LDO, produced better‐settling sludge and more complete nitrogen and phosphorus removal. For nitrogen removal, the advantage resulted from the more readily available nitrate and nitrite (generated by nitrification during the HDO period) for denitrification (during the LDO period). For phosphorus removal, the advantage of cyclic aeration came from the development of a higher population of polyphosphate‐accumulating organisms, as indicated by the higher phosphorus contents in the sludge solids of the cyclically aerated systems. Nitrite shunt was also observed to occur in the LDO systems. Higher ratios of nitrite to nitrate were found in the systems of lower HDO (and, to less dependency, higher LDO), suggesting that the nitrite shunt took place mainly because of the disrupted nitrification at lower HDO. The study results indicated that the HDO used should be kept reasonably high (approximately 0.8 mg/L) or the HDO period prolonged, to promote adequate nitrification, and the LDO kept low (≤0.2 mg/L), to achieve more complete denitrification and higher phosphorus removal. The above findings in the laboratory systems find strong support from the results obtained in full‐scale plant implementation. Two plant case studies using the cyclic low‐dissolved‐oxygen aeration for creating and maintaining SND are also presented.
Analysis of Volatile and Semivolatile Organic Compounds in Municipal Wastewater Using Headspace Solid‐Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography
Authors: Antoniou Chrysoula V. , Koukouraki Elisavet E. , Diamadopoulos Evan
Published: August 2007

The aim of this work was to develop a simple and fast analytical method for the determination of a wide range of organic compounds (volatile and semivolatile compounds) in municipal wastewater. The headspace‐solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and gas chromatography (with mass spectroscopy) was used for determination of the organic compounds. In this study, 39 organic compounds were determined, including 3 sulfur compounds, 28 substituted benzenes, and 8 substituted phenols. The extraction parameters, such as types of SPME fiber, extraction temperature, extraction time, desorption time, salt effect, and magnetic stirring, were investigated. The method had very good repeatability, because the relative standard deviations ranged from 0.5 to 12%. The detection limit of each compound was at or below the microgram‐per‐liter level. This method was applied for determination of the organic compounds in raw wastewater, primary effluent, secondary effluent, and chlorinated secondary effluent samples from the Chania Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (Crete, Greece).
Design of a Tracer Test Experience and Dynamic Calibration of the Hydraulic Model for a Full‐Scale Wastewater Treatment Plant by Use of AQUASIM
Authors: Fall C. , Loaiza‐Navía J. L.
Published: August 2007

The setup of the hydraulic model structure of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is an important step in the calibration of activated sludge models. The hydrodynamics of a full‐scale municipal WWTP (Monterrey, Mexico) has been studied by means of the use of tracer tests and of a commercial simulator. A presimulation approach allowed the authors to quantify the appropriate rhodamine mass, set up a sampling plan, and evaluate the anticipated visual effect of the tracer test in the receiving river. The hydraulic behavior of the aeration tank for the first treatment line, a 7‐cell plug‐flow reactor, was shown to be best represented by 5 virtual mixed‐tanks‐in‐series. The second treatment line, which included a vertical loop reactor (VLR), was best modeled as 3 tanks‐in‐series. The VLR, alone, was shown to be similar to a continuously stirred tank reactor, and not a circuit of tanks, as generally used to represent oxidation ditch reactors.
Photolytic Treatment of Atrazine‐Contaminated Water: Products, Kinetics, and Reactor Design
Authors: Ye Xuejun , Chen Daniel , Li Kuyen , Wang Bin , Hopper Jack
Published: August 2007

This study investigates the products, kinetics, and reactor design of atrazine photolysis under 254‐nm ultraviolet‐C (UVC) irradiation. With an initial atrazine concentration of 60 μg/L (60 ppbm), only two products remain in detectable levels. Up to 77% of decomposed atrazine becomes hydroxyatrazine, the major product. Both atrazine and hydroxyatrazine photodecompose following the first‐order rate equation, but the hydroxyatrazine photodecomposition rate is significantly slower than that of atrazine. For atrazine photodecomposition, the rate constant is proportional to the square of UVC output, but inversely proportional to the reactor volume. For a photochemical reactor design, a series of equations are proposed to calculate the needed UVC output power, water treatment capacity, and atrazine outlet concentration.
Genes Involved in Fatty Acid Partitioning and Binding, Lipolysis, Monocyte/Macrophage Recruitment, and Inflammation Are Overexpressed in the Human Fatty Liver of Insulin-Resistant Subjects
Authors: Westerbacka Jukka , Kolak Maria , Kiviluoto Tuula , Arkkila Perttu , Sirén Jukka , Hamsten Anders , Fisher Rachel M. , Yki-Järvinen Hannele
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE—The objective of this study is to quantitate expression of genes possibly contributing to insulin resistance and fat deposition in the human liver.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 24 subjects who had varying amounts of histologically determined fat in the liver ranging from normal (n = 8) to steatosis due to a nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) (n = 16) were studied. The mRNA concentrations of 21 candidate genes associated with fatty acid metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity were quantitated in liver biopsies using real-time PCR. In addition, the subjects were characterized with respect to body composition and circulating markers of insulin sensitivity.

RESULTS—The following genes were significantly upregulated in NAFL: peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)γ2 (2.8-fold), the monocyte-attracting chemokine CCL2 (monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, 1.8-fold), and four genes associated with fatty acid metabolism (acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 [ACSL4] [2.8-fold], fatty acid binding protein [FABP]4 [3.9-fold], FABP5 [2.5-fold], and lipoprotein lipase [LPL] [3.6-fold]). PPARγ coactivator 1 (PGC1) was significantly lower in subjects with NAFL than in those without. Genes significantly associated with obesity included nine genes: plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, PPARγ, PPARδ, MCP-1, CCL3 (macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-1α), PPARγ2, carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1A), FABP4, and FABP5. The following parameters were associated with liver fat independent of obesity: serum adiponectin, insulin, C-peptide, and HDL cholesterol concentrations and the mRNA concentrations of MCP-1, MIP-1α, ACSL4, FABP4, FABP5, and LPL.

CONCLUSIONS—Genes involved in fatty acid partitioning and binding, lipolysis, and monocyte/macrophage recruitment and inflammation are overexpressed in the human fatty liver.
Catalysis
Authors: Haller Gary L. , Resasco Daniel E.
Published: August 2007

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

Kinds of Catalysis

Homogeneous Catalysis

Enzyme Catalysis

Heterogeneous Catalysis

History

Adsorption of Gases On Solid Surfaces

Types of Adsorption

Adsorption Isotherms

Dissociative Adsorption

Thermal Desorption

Types of Catalytic Materials

Supported and High‐Area Catalysts

Supported Metal Catalysts

Supported Nonmetal Catalysts

Amorphous Oxide Catalysts

Zeolites

Unsupported Catalysts

Single‐Crystal Catalysts

Preparation and Characterization of Heterogeneous Catalysts

Preparation

Incorporation of the Active Components on the Support

Drying and Calcination

Thermal Activation

Characterization

Kinetics of Heterogeneous Catalytic Reactions

Elementary Steps

Unimolecular Reactions on Surfaces

Mechanisms of Heterogeneous Catalysis

Chemical Enhancement/ Poisoning of Catalytic Activity

Catalyst Promoters

Catalyst Poisons

Heterogeneous Catalytic Reactors

Industrial Catalytic Processes

Pollution Control

Selective Oxidation

Cracking

Reforming
Catastrophe Theory
Authors: Gilmore Robert
Published: August 2007

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

What It Is

The Program of Catastrophe Theory

Three Theorems from Elementary Calculus

Implicit Function Theorem

M
orse Lemma

T
hom Splitting Lemma

T
hom Classification Theorem

T
hom's List of Elementary Catastrophes

Why a List of Perturbations is Required

Geometry of the Fold and the Cusp

Geometry of the Fold Catastrophe

Geometry of the Cusp Catastrophe

Bifurcation Sets for the Three‐Dimensional Catastrophes

Perturbations of Gradient Dynamical Systems

Why It Exists

A Simple Example

General Procedure

A More Complicated Example

How It Works

Catastrophe Conventions

Catastrophe Flags

Modality

Sudden Jumps

Inaccessibility

Sensitivity

Hysteresis

Divergence of Linear Response

Time Dilation (Critical Slowing Down, Mode Softening)

Anomalous Variance

The Dangers of Design Optimization

Elementary Catastrophes in Nonlinear Dynamics

Appendix: A Brief History of Catastrophe Theory
Cryogenics
Authors: Bozler Hans M. , Gould Christopher M.
Published: August 2007

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

What Happens at Low Temperatures?

Production of Low Temperatures

Thermal Insulation

Cryogenic Refrigeration Using Fluids

Stirling Cryocooler

Joule–Brayton Recuperative Refrigerator

Joule–Thomson Refrigerator

Evaporative Coolers—1 K, 0.3 K

Dilution Refrigeration

Magnetic Refrigerators

Introduction to Spin Entropy and Adiabatic Demagnetization

Demagnetization of Paramagnetic Materials

Nuclear Demagnetization

Measurement of Low Temperatures

Temperature Scales

The Absolute Temperature Scale

Other Temperature Scales

International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS‐90)

Classes of Thermometers

Practical Thermometers

Constant‐Volume Gas Thermometer

Thermocouples

Cryogenic‐Liquid Vapor Pressure

Resistance Thermometers

Diode‐Voltage Thermometers

Capacitance Thermometers

Ferromagnetic and Antiferromagnetic Frequency Shifts

Electron Paramagnetic Susceptibility

Nuclear Susceptibility

3HeMelting Pressure

Noise Thermometry

Nuclear Orientation

Quasiparticle Damping Thermometry

Nuclear Quadrupole Thermometry (NQT)

Second‐Law Thermometry

How Low Can We Go?

Negative Temperatures

Present Ultralow‐Temperature Limits

Acknowledgments
Crystal Growth
Authors: Schönherr Erich
Published: August 2007

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

Physical and Technical Principles

Driving Force, Undercooling, and Supersaturation

Formation of an Initial Crystal

Crystal Growth

Mass Transfer of Crystal Species and their Incorporation

Mass Transport through Chemical Reactions

Heat Transfer into the Crystal

Growth Rates from Theoretical Models

Principles of Crystal‐Growth Procedures

Crystal Growth in Monocomponent Systems

Crystal Growth in Multicomponent Systems

Selection of Crystal‐Growth Method

Basic Components of Crystal‐growth Equipment

Containers

Heating Apparatus

Resistance Heater

Induction Heater

Other Heat Sources

Temperature Control

Growth‐Rate Control

Environment

Techniques of Crystal Growth

Techniques of Crystal Growth from the Vapor Phase

Pizzarello Method

Temperature Gradient Technique

Temperature Difference Technique

Techniques for Crystal Growth from the Liquid Phase

Czochralski Technique

Bridgman Technique

Temperature Gradient Technique

Liquid‐Zone Techniques

Techniques of Crystal Growth from a Solution

Solvent Evaporation

Temperature Difference Techniques

Techniques with Gel Media

Slow‐Cooling Techniques

Techniques of Crystal Growth from the Solid Phase (Recrystallization)

Techniques of Thin‐film Growth

Liquid‐Phase Epitaxy

Chemical Vapor Epitaxy

Molecular‐Beam Epitaxy

Characterization of Crystals

Morphology

Segregation of Impurities

Segregation Coefficients

Impurity Distribution through Zone Refining

Precipitation

Structural Defects

Point Defects

Line Defects

Two‐Dimensional Defects

Examples of Applications

Czochralski Techniques

Edge‐Defined Film‐Fed Growth

Dendritic Silicon Web Growth

Float Zoning of Silicon

High‐Pressure Technique of Diamond Growth
Electromagnetic Radiation
Authors: Ford George W.
Published: August 2007

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

the Fundamental Equations

M
axwell–
L
orentz Equations in Vacuum

The Conservation Laws

Charge Conservation

Energy Conservation

Momentum Conservation

Plane Waves

General Integration Theory

Integration of the Maxwell Equations—The Scalar and Vector Potentials

Radiation by a Hertzian Dipole—The Larmor Formula

Radiation by a Confined Source

Multipole Radiation

Radiation by a Half‐Wave Antenna

Radiation by A Moving Point Charge

The
L
iénard‐
W
iechert Potentials

The Radiated Power

Synchrotron Radiation

The Fields

The Radiated Power

Radiation Reaction

the
M
axwell Equations in Material Media

The
M
axwell Equations

Plane‐Wave Solutions

General Integration Theory

The
F
resnel Formulas

Radiation by A Dipole Above A Half‐space

C
herenkov Radiation and Stopping Power

C
herenkov Radiation

Energy Loss by Charged Particles
Equations of State
Authors: Ross Marvin
Published: August 2007

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

Fundamental Principles

Intermolecular Forces

Statistical Thermodynamics

Overview of the Phase Diagram

Critical Point

Law of Corresponding States

Melting of Solids

Superfluids

Plasmas—TheSaha‐Boltzmann Ionization Equation

Statistical Mechanics of Fluids

Virial Expansion for a One‐Component Gas

Van derWaals Equation

Computer Simulations—Exact Results

Perturbation Theory

Integral‐Equation Theories

the Theory of Solids

The Local‐Density Approximation

TheMie‐Grüneisen Equation of State

Thermal Electron Properties

Empirical Equations of State

Matter At Extreme Conditions

Static Experiments

Shock‐Wave Experiments

Pressure‐Induced Transitions

Metallic State at Ultrahigh Density

Statistical Atom Models

Shell‐Structure Effects in Compressed Solids

Acknowledgment
Gravitation and General Relativity
Authors: Schutz Bernard F. , Will Clifford M.
Published: August 2007

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

General Relativity and Relativistic Gravity

Gravitation Theory: An Overview

Relativistic Gravity in Physics

Where Relativistic Gravity Is Important

Fundamental Ideas and New Concepts of General Relativity

The Incorporation of Newtonian Gravity

Basic Ingredients of General Relativity

General Relativity: Gravity as Geometry

Sources of Gravity: How Matter Creates the Geometry

Other Theories of Gravity

A Cosmological Term inEinstein's Equations

Some Consequences of Einstein's Field Equations

Momentum and Stress Also Make Gravity

Gravitomagnetism

Gravitational Collapse

Black‐Hole Theory

Black Holes in the Eighteenth Century

Black Holes in General Relativity

Singularities Inside the Hole

Black Holes Have No Hair

Black‐Hole Thermodynamics

Wormholes

Gravitational Waves

The Necessity of Gravitational Waves

The Interaction of Gravitational Waves with Matter

Wave Emission: The Quadrupole Formula

Applications of General Relativity

Relativistic Stars (Pulsars) and Gravitational Collapse

Black Holes inX‐Ray Binaries and in Galactic Centers

Gravitational Lensing

Solar System and Stellar Orbits

Cosmology, Inflation, and the Origins of the Universe

Tests of Gravitational Theories and Their Technological Demands

Tests of theEinstein Equivalence Principle

Tests of Special Relativity

TheEötvös Experiment, the Weak Equivalence Principle, and the Fifth Force

Gravitational Redshift

Solar‐System Tests of General Relativity

The Deflection and Retardation of Light

Mercury's Perihelion Advance

Test of the Strong Equivalence Principle

The Binary Pulsar: An Astronomical Relativity Laboratory

Future Work in Experimental Gravitation

Search for Gravitomagnetic Effects

Tests of theEinstein Equivalence Principle

Further Fifth‐Force Searches

Gravitational‐wave Detection: A Technological Frontier

Likely Sources of Detectable Waves

Supernovae

Coalescing Binaries

Pulsars

Ordinary Binaries

Cosmological Background

Unexpected Sources

Detectors

Bar‐Type Detectors

Laser‐Interferometric Detectors

Space‐Based Detectors
Differential expression of phosphacan/RPTPβ isoforms in the developing mouse visual system
Authors: Klausmeyer Alice , Garwood Jeremy , Faissner Andreas
Published: August 2007

The chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan DSD‐1‐PG/phosphacan represents one of four splice variants of receptor‐protein‐tyrosine‐phosphatase‐beta/zeta (RPTPβ/ζ). This receptor is expressed by glial cells and occurs in two isoforms, RPTPβlongand RPTPβshort. The secreted forms phosphacan and phosphacan short isoform (PSI) bind to extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules and might mediate astroglial effects on neuronal differentiation. Phosphacan and RPTPβlongboth carry the DSD‐1 epitope, a glycosaminoglycan modification that is involved in stimulating neurite outgrowth of embryonic rat mesencephalic and hippocampal neurons in a polycationic environment. Additionally, phosphacan inhibits neurite outgrowth of embryonic DRG neurons in the presence of laminin. In the light of these functional properties we examined the expression patterns of the DSD‐1 epitope and phosphacan isoforms in the developing mouse visual system. During retinal development the DSD‐1 epitope appears around embryonic day (E)13, peaks around postnatal day (P)6, and is downregulated from P9 to adolescence. By comparison, the phosphacan core protein is first detectable at E12, reaches maximal levels around P14, and persists, although at lower levels, to adulthood. The DSD‐1 epitope is restricted to the nerve fiber and the inner plexiform layers. In contrast, the phosphacan core protein immunoreactivity extends from the nerve fiber layer to the outer plexiform layer. The level of expression of the phosphacan/RPTPβ gene was investigated by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. These experiments suggest that there is a shift in the expression patterns of the different phosphacan/RPTPβ isoforms during late embryonic and postnatal development. In situ hybridization experiments support the conclusion that at least one of the phosphacan/RPTPβ isoforms in the retina is expressed by neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 504:659–679, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of the voltage‐gated sodium channel Nav1.7 in the rat: Expression in the autonomic and endocrine systems
Authors: Morinville Anne , Fundin Bengt , Meury Luc , Juréus Anders , Sandberg Kristian , Krupp Johannes , Ahmad Sultan , O'Donnell Dajan
Published: August 2007

It is generally accepted that the voltage‐gated, tetrodotoxin‐sensitive sodium channel, NaV1.7, is selectively expressed in peripheral ganglia. However, global deletion in mice of NaV1.7 leads to death shortly after birth (Nassar et al. [2004] Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 101:12706–12711), suggesting that this ion channel might be more widely expressed. To understand better the potential physiological function of this ion channel, we examined NaV1.7 expression in the rat by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. As expected, highest mRNA expression levels are found in peripheral ganglia, and the protein is expressed within these ganglion cells and on the projections of these neurons in the central nervous system. Importantly, we found that NaV1.7 is present in discrete rat brain regions, and the unique distribution pattern implies a central involvement in endocrine and autonomic systems as well as analgesia. In addition, NaV1.7 expression was detected in the pituitary and adrenal glands. These results indicate that NaV1.7 is not only involved in the processing of sensory information but also participates in the regulation of autonomic and endocrine systems; more specifically, it could be implicated in such vital functions as fluid homeostasis and cardiovascular control. J. Comp. Neurol. 504:680–689, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.