bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MET As a Possible Target for Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sadiq Ahad A. , Salgia Ravi
Published: February 2013

Lung cancer is a heterogeneous group of disorders that is now being subdivided into molecular subtypes with dedicated targeted therapies. The MET receptor tyrosine kinase has been identified as aberrantly overexpressed, potentially having activating mutations, and amplified in certain subsets of lung cancers. The ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can also be overexpressed in lung cancer or expressed in stroma, and both the MET receptor and the HGF ligand can be targets for therapeutics, especially in lung cancer. Activation of MET leads to a plethora of biochemical and biologic changes both in normal and cancerous cells. Preclinically, it has been shown that silencing or inactivating MET leads to decreased viability of cancer cells. There are a number of compounds against MET/HGF in clinical trials that have been shown to be active in lung cancers. This review will summarize the biology of MET as well as its therapeutic inhibition in lung cancer.
New Radiotherapy and Chemoradiotherapy Approaches for Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Salama Joseph K. , Vokes Everett E.
Published: February 2013

Recent advances in systemic cytotoxic and molecularly targeted therapies coupled with technologic strides in radiotherapy have the potential to improve outcomes for patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Investigations are ongoing to identify optimal cytotoxin-based chemoradiotherapy platforms. The influence of specific histologic and molecular mutation status on the combination of targeted therapies and radiotherapy is also being actively studied. Although there are no convincing randomized phase III data to date supporting a survival advantage for combining molecularly targeted agents with radiation or chemoradiotherapy in the setting of locally advanced NSCLC, phase II and III studies targeted to elderly patients and those with poor performance status are elucidating preferred chemoradiotherapy strategies. Radiotherapy dose escalation did not improve chemoradiotherapy outcomes, although increasing radiation dose-intensity with modern techniques is being actively studied. As modern radiotherapy techniques have been shown to improve outcomes of some patients with limited metastatic disease, investigations are ongoing regarding how to optimally integrate them with standard chemotherapy platforms.
Markers of Response for the Antiangiogenic Agent Bevacizumab
Authors: Lambrechts Diether , Lenz Heinz-Josef , de Haas Sanne , Carmeliet Peter , Scherer Stefan J.
Published: February 2013

Bevacizumab is the first antiangiogenic therapy proven to slow metastatic disease progression in patients with cancer. Although it has changed clinical practice, some patients do not respond or gradually develop resistance, resulting in rather modest gains in terms of overall survival. A major challenge is to develop robust biomarkers that can guide selection of patients for whom bevacizumab therapy is most beneficial. Here, we discuss recent progress in finding such markers, including the first results from randomized phase III clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of bevacizumab in combination with comprehensive biomarker analyses. In particular, these studies suggest that circulating levels of short vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) isoforms, expression of neuropilin-1 and VEGF receptor 1 in tumors or plasma, and genetic variants in VEGFA or its receptors are strong biomarker candidates. The current challenge is to expand this first set of markers and to validate it and implement it into clinical practice. A first prospective biomarker study known as MERiDiAN, which will treat patients stratified for circulating levels of short VEGF-A isoforms with bevacizumab and paclitaxel, is planned and will hopefully provide us with new directions on how to treat patients more efficiently.
New Pathologic Classification of Lung Cancer: Relevance for Clinical Practice and Clinical Trials
Authors: Travis William D. , Brambilla Elisabeth , Riely Gregory J.
Published: February 2013

We summarize significant changes in pathologic classification of lung cancer resulting from the 2011 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer/American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (IASLC/ATS/ERS) lung adenocarcinoma classification. The classification was developed by an international core panel of experts representing IASLC, ATS, and ERS with oncologists/pulmonologists, pathologists, radiologists, molecular biologists, and thoracic surgeons. Because 70% of patients with lung cancer present with advanced stages, a new approach to small biopsies and cytology with specific terminology and criteria focused on the need for distinguishing squamous cell carcinoma from adenocarcinoma and on molecular testing for EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangement. Tumors previously classified as non–small-cell carcinoma, not otherwise specified, because of the lack of clear squamous or adenocarcinoma morphology should be classified further by using a limited immunohistochemical workup to preserve tissue for molecular testing. The terms “bronchioloalveolar carcinoma” and “mixed subtype adenocarcinoma” have been discontinued. For resected adenocarcinomas, new concepts of adenocarcinoma in situ and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma define patients who, if they undergo complete resection, will have 100% disease-free survival. Invasive adenocarcinomas are now classified by predominant pattern after using comprehensive histologic subtyping with lepidic, acinar, papillary, and solid patterns; micropapillary is added as a new histologic subtype with poor prognosis. Former mucinous bronchioloalveolar carcinomas are now called “invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma.” Because the lung cancer field is now rapidly evolving with new advances occurring on a frequent basis, particularly in the molecular arena, this classification provides a much needed standard for pathologic diagnosis not only for patient care but also for clinical trials and TNM classification.
Modified extraperitoneal Caesarean section: clinical experience
Authors: Shinde Ganesh , Pawar Anita , Jadhav Balaji , Rathod Kunal
Published: February 2013

The objective of the study was to study postoperative progress of modified extraperitoneal Caesarean section (MECS) technique (group A) and its comparison with standard transperitoneal Caesarean section (TCS) (group B). It is a prospective observational study with sample sizes of 93 and 105 for groups A and B, respectively, in the settings of Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai, India, which see over 10,000 deliveries per annum. Five parameters were studied. Postoperative febrile morbidity was significantly lower in group A than in group B (6.5% versus 21%; P = 0.004). Gastrointestinal function recovery occurred earlier in group A than B (6 h versus 18.5 h; P < 0.01). Although the difference between skin incision to baby delivery time was significant (6.0 min versus 3.1 min; P < 0.01), there was no significant difference in Apgar score at 1 min ( P = 0.3). There was no difference in intraoperative complications in two groups. MECS is associated with less febrile morbidity and early postoperative recovery than TCS.
Unique Cartan decomposition for II
1
factors
arising from arbitrary actions of hyperbolic groups
Authors: Popa Sorin , Vaes Stefaan
Published: February 2013

We prove that for any free ergodic probability measure preserving action

Γ
→
(
X
,
μ
)

$\Gamma \rightarrow (X,\mu )$

of a non-elementary hyperbolic group, or a lattice in a rank one simple Lie group, the associated group measure space II
1
factor

L

∞

(
X
)

⋊
Γ

${\mathord {\text{\rm L}}^\infty (X) \rtimes \Gamma }$

has

L

∞

(
X
)

${\mathord {\text{\rm L}}^\infty (X)}$

as its unique Cartan subalgebra, up to unitary conjugacy.
Betulinic acid suppresses NGAL-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in melanoma
Authors: Gheorgheosu Dorina , Jung Michaela , Ören Bilge , Schmid Tobias , Dehelean Cristina , Muntean Danina , Brüne Bernhard
Published: February 2013

Betulinic acid (BA) exhibits antitumoral activity by blocking proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. However, the impact of BA on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a hallmark of cancer metastasis induced among others by neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), remains unknown. The present study aimed at determining the effect of BA on NGAL-induced EMT. In A375 melanoma cells, BA downregulated mesenchymal markers, increased epithelial markers, and inhibited cytoskeletal reorganization. In addition, BA limited endogenous NGAL production and further suppressed EMT induced by exogenously added NGAL and the corresponding invasive cellular phenotype. In conclusion, BA interferes with EMT-associated changes, a mechanism to antagonize invasive melanoma cells.
Reduction of Emission in a Diesel Engine Using Nanofuel – Ceria Nanoparticle Dispersed Diesel
Authors: Mandal Saptarshi , Kanagaraj S.
Published: February 2013

About one-third of passenger vehicles available in the world market are diesel powered, which leads to greater emphasis on improving the performance of a diesel engine without changing the engine configuration. In this study, an attempt has been made to improve the combustion efficiency of nanofuel, CeO2 nanoparticles dispersed diesel. It was prepared using a tip sonicator with different concentration of ceria varied in the range of 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10 wt. % in diesel. Cerium concentration in diesel played an important role to control the concentration of toxic exhaust gases by influencing the complete combustion of fuel. The maximum reduction of emission gases and an increase of engine performance were observed at an optimum condition of 75 % of load and 0.06 wt. % of CeO2 in diesel, where brake thermal and mechanical efficiency were increased by 10 % and 7 %, respectively and the specific fuel consumption, NOx, and CO was found to be decreased by 10 %, 50 %, and 40 %, respectively. It is concluded that the use of nanofuel is a very efficient tool to protect our environment from the toxic gases emitted from the burning of fossil fuel.
Synthesis of Copper Nanofluids Using Ascorbic Acid Reduction Method Via One Step Solution Phase Approach
Authors: Shenoy Sandhya U. , Shetty A. Nityananda
Published: February 2013

A simple one step solution phase approach to synthesize copper nanofluids has been developed, involving simultaneous in situ synthesis of nanoparticles and their dispersion in the base fluid. Copper nitrate has been reduced using ascorbic acid in ethylene glycol under thermal as well as microwave conditions. Sodium lauryl sulfate has been used to control the size of the particle as well as to act as a stabilizing agent. The effect of ratio of the reactants, pH, power of microwave, reaction time, and dilution on the size of the particles has been studied using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The characterization of the fluids has also been done using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The thermal conductivity and viscosity of the fluid were also measured at various particle concentrations. The copper particles in the fluid were found to have size less than 50nm and were well dispersed in the fluid. Thus this method was found to preserve the advantages of the polyol process and aqueous chemical reduction method as well. The fluid was stable up to 5 weeks under stationary conditions at room temperature. This method employs fast, inexpensive, extendible process for the synthesis of copper nanofluids and also overcomes the drawbacks of two step process.
Nuclear transfer technique affects mRNA abundance, developmental competence and cell fate of the reconstituted sheep oocytes
Authors: Moulavi F , Hosseini S M , Hajian M , Forouzanfar M , Abedi P , Ostadhosseini S , Asgari V , Nasr-Esfahani M H
Published: February 2013

The effect of technical steps of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) on different aspects of cloned embryo development was investigated in sheep.In vitro-matured oocytes were enucleated in the presence or absence of zona and reconstituted by three different SCNT techniques: conventional zona-intact (ZI-NT), standard zona-free (ZF-NT) and intracytoplasmic nuclear injection (ICI-NT). Stepwise alterations in nuclear remodeling events and in mRNA abundances, throughput and efficiency of cloned embryo development and cell allocation of the resulted blastocysts were assessed. Early signs of nuclear remodeling were observed as soon as 2 h post-reconstitution (hpr) for fusion-based methods of nuclear transfer (ZI-NT and ZF-NT) but were not observable until 4 hpr with the ICI-NT method. The relative mRNA abundances ofHSP90AA1(HSP90),NPM2andATPasegenes were not affected by i) presence or absence of zona, ii) oocyte enucleation method and iii) nuclear transfer method. After reconstitution, however, the relative mRNA contents ofPOU5F1(OCT4) with the ZI-NT and ZF-NT methods and ofPAPOLA(PAP) with ZF-NT were significantly lower than those for the ICI-NT method. Zona removal doubled the throughput of cloned blastocyst development for the ZF-NT technique compared with ZI-NT and ICI-NT. Cleavage rate was not affected by the SCNT protocol, whereas blastocyst yield rate in ICI-NT technique (17.0±1.0%) was significantly (P<0.05; ANOVA) higher than in ZF-NT (7.1±1.5%) but not in the ZI-NT group (11.2±3.3%). Despite the similarities in total cell number, SCNT protocol changed the distribution of cells in the blastocysts, as ZF-NT-cloned blastocysts had significantly smaller inner cell mass than ZI-NT. These results indicate that technical aspects of cloning may result in the variety of cloning phenotypes.
Molecular Characterization of Sexual Diversity in a Population of Serpula lacrymans, a Tetrapolar Basidiomycete
Authors: Skrede Inger , Maurice Sundy , Kauserud Håvard
Published: February 2013

Different mating systems have evolved in the fungal kingdom, including a tetrapolar multiallelic mating system in many basidiomycetes. In tetrapolar species, the presence of different alleles at two mating loci (MAT A and MAT B) is necessary for mating to occur. The tetrapolar fungus Serpula lacrymans causes wood-decay in buildings in temperate regions worldwide and is present in Europe with a genetically homogeneous founder population. Using genome sequence data, we annotated the two mating type loci for S. lacrymans and found the expected synteny with other basidiomycetes, except for a retrotransposon being present in one locus (MAT A). We developed markers linked to the MAT A and MAT B regions and used these to investigate the mating type diversity in the European population. Moreover, we found a good match between the genetic markers and functional mating types as revealed by segregation and mating studies. A low diversity of mating types is present in the European S. lacrymans population caused by the founder event where a limited number of genotypes were introduced. This finding contrasts the situation in natural fungal populations where a high diversity of mating types is normally present. Although S. lacrymans has a large and viable population in Europe, we argue that the low mating type diversity restrains the dispersal and establishment of the fungus.
How to Design a Genetic Mating Scheme: A Basic Training Package for Drosophila Genetics
Authors: Roote John , Prokop Andreas
Published: February 2013

Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful model organism for biological research. The essential and common instrument of fly research is genetics, the art of applying Mendelian rules in the specific context of Drosophila with its unique classical genetic tools and the breadth of modern genetic tools and strategies brought in by molecular biology, transgenic technologies and the use of recombinases. Training newcomers to fly genetics is a complex and time-consuming task but too important to be left to chance. Surprisingly, suitable training resources for beginners currently are not available. Here we provide a training package for basic Drosophila genetics, designed to ensure that basic knowledge on all key areas is covered while reducing the time invested by trainers. First, a manual introduces to fly history, rationale for mating schemes, fly handling, Mendelian rules in fly, markers and balancers, mating scheme design, and transgenic technologies. Its self-study is followed by a practical training session on gender and marker selection, introducing real flies under the dissecting microscope. Next, through self-study of a PowerPoint presentation, trainees are guided step-by-step through a mating scheme. Finally, to consolidate knowledge, trainees are asked to design similar mating schemes reflecting routine tasks in a fly laboratory. This exercise requires individual feedback but also provides unique opportunities for trainers to spot weaknesses and strengths of each trainee and take remedial action. This training package is being successfully applied at the Manchester fly facility and may serve as a model for further training resources covering other aspects of fly research.
Accuracy of Across-Environment Genome-Wide Prediction in Maize Nested Association Mapping Populations
Authors: Guo Zhigang , Tucker Dominic M , Wang Daolong , Basten Christopher J , Ersoz Elhan , Briggs William H , Lu Jianwei , Li Min , Gay Gilles
Published: February 2013

Most of previous empirical studies with genome-wide prediction were focused on within-environment prediction based on a single-environment (SE) model. In this study, we evaluated accuracy improvements of across-environment prediction by using genetic and residual covariance across correlated environments. Predictions with a multienvironment (ME) model were evaluated for two corn polygenic leaf structure traits, leaf length and leaf width, based on within-population (WP) and across-population (AP) experiments using a large maize nested association mapping data set consisting of 25 populations of recombinant inbred-lines. To make our study more applicable to plant breeding, two cross-validation schemes were used by evaluating accuracies of (CV1) predicting unobserved phenotypes of untested lines and (CV2) predicting unobserved phenotypes of lines that have been evaluated in some environments but not others. We concluded that (1) genome-wide prediction provided greater prediction accuracies than traditional quantitative trait loci-based prediction in both WP and AP and provided more advantages over quantitative trait loci -based prediction for WP than for AP. (2) Prediction accuracy with ME was significantly greater than that attained by SE in CV1 and CV2, and gains with ME over SE were greater in CV2 than in CV1. These gains were also greater in WP than in AP in both CV1 and CV2. (3) Gains with ME over SE attributed to genetic correlation between environments, with little effect from residual correlation. Impacts of marker density on predictions also were investigated in this study.
Functional Analyses ofTrichoderma reeseiLAE1 Reveal Conserved and Contrasting Roles of This Regulator
Authors: Karimi-Aghcheh Razieh , Bok Jin Woo , Phatale Pallavi A , Smith Kristina M , Baker Scott E , Lichius Alexander , Omann Markus , Zeilinger Susanne , Seiboth Bernhard , Rhee Catherine , Keller Nancy P , Freitag Michael , Kubicek Christian P
Published: February 2013

The putative methyltransferase LaeA is a global regulator that affects the expression of multiple secondary metabolite gene clusters in several fungi, and it can modify heterochromatin structure in Aspergillus nidulans. We have recently shown that the LaeA ortholog of Trichoderma reesei (LAE1), a fungus that is an industrial producer of cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes, regulates the expression of cellulases and polysaccharide hydrolases. To learn more about the function of LAE1 in T. reesei, we assessed the effect of deletion and overexpression of lae1 on genome-wide gene expression. We found that in addition to positively regulating 7 of 17 polyketide or nonribosomal peptide synthases, genes encoding ankyrin-proteins, iron uptake, heterokaryon incompatibility proteins, PTH11-receptors, and oxidases/monoxygenases are major gene categories also regulated by LAE1. chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing with antibodies against histone modifications known to be associated with transcriptionally active (H3K4me2 and -me3) or silent (H3K9me3) chromatin detected 4089 genes bearing one or more of these methylation marks, of which 75 exhibited a correlation between either H3K4me2 or H3K4me3 and regulation by LAE1. Transformation of a laeA-null mutant of A. nidulans with the T. reesei lae1 gene did not rescue sterigmatocystin formation and further impaired sexual development. LAE1 did not interact with A. nidulans VeA in yeast two-hybrid assays, whereas it interacted with the T. reesei VeA ortholog, VEL1. LAE1 was shown to be required for the expression of vel1, whereas the orthologs of velB and VosA are unaffected by lae1 deletion. Our data show that the biological roles of A. nidulans LaeA and T. reesei LAE1 are much less conserved than hitherto thought. In T. reesei, LAE1 appears predominantly to regulate genes increasing relative fitness in its environment.
Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity in Youth With Recent Onset of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kriska Andrea , Delahanty Linda , Edelstein Sharon , Amodei Nancy , Chadwick Jennifer , Copeland Kenneth , Galvin Bryan , El ghormli Laure , Haymond Morey , Kelsey Megan , Lassiter Chad , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth , Milaszewski Kerry , Syme Amy
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:

With the rise of type 2 diabetes in youth, it is critical to investigate factors such as physical activity (PA) and time spent sedentary that may be contributing to this public health problem. This article describes PA and sedentary time in a large cohort of youth with type 2 diabetes and compares these levels with other large-scale investigations.

METHODS:

The Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) trial is a study in 699 youth, recruited from 15 US clinical centers, aged 10 to 17 years with <2 years of type 2 diabetes and a BMI ≥85th percentile.

RESULTS:

In comparison with the subset of the NHANES cohort who were obese (BMI ≥95th percentile), TODAY youth spent significantly more time being sedentary (difference averaging 56 minutes per day; P < .001) as assessed by accelerometry. Although moderate to vigorous activity levels in both obese cohorts for all age groups were exceptionally low, younger TODAY boys were still significantly less active than similarly aged NHANES youth. Comparisons between the TODAY girls and other investigations suggest that the TODAY girls also had relatively lower PA and fitness levels.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adolescents with type 2 diabetes from the large TODAY cohort appear to be less physically active and tend to spend more time being sedentary than similarly aged youth without diabetes identified from other large national investigations. Treatment efforts in adolescents with type 2 diabetes should include decreasing sitting along with efforts to increase PA levels.
Disparities in Transition Planning for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Cheak-Zamora Nancy C. , Yang Xuejing , Farmer Janet E. , Clark Mary
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Little is known about accessibility to health care transition (HCT) services for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study expands our understanding by examining the receipt of HCT services in youth with ASD compared with youth with other special health care needs (OSHCN).

METHODS:

We used the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs to examine receipt of HCT services for youth (aged 12–17 years) with ASD and youth with OSHCN. Logistic regression analyses explored whether individual, family, or health system factors were associated with receipt of HCT services for youth with ASD.

RESULTS:

Whereas half of youth with OSHCN received HCT services, less than a quarter of youth with ASD did. Only 14% of youth with ASD had a discussion with their pediatrician about transitioning to an adult provider, less than a quarter had a discussion about health insurance retention, and just under half discussed adult health care needs or were encouraged to take on appropriate responsibility. Logistic regression analyses indicated that having a developmental disability or multiple health conditions in addition to ASD and quality of health care were strong predictors of HCT, whereas demographic and family variables accounted for little variance.

CONCLUSIONS:

Youth with ASD experience disparities in access to HCT services. Youth with comorbid conditions are at greatest risk for poor access to HCT services and increased quality of care has a positive effect. Research is needed to understand barriers to care and develop policy and practice guidelines tailored for youth with ASD.
Annual Summary of Vital Statistics: 2010–2011
Authors: Hamilton Brady E. , Hoyert Donna L. , Martin Joyce A. , Strobino Donna M. , Guyer Bernard
Published: February 2013

The number of births in the United States declined by 1% between 2010 and 2011, to a total of 3 953 593. The general fertility rate also declined by 1% to 63.2 births per 1000 women, the lowest rate ever reported. The total fertility rate was down by 2% in 2011 (to 1894.5 births per 1000 women). The teenage birth rate fell to another historic low in 2011, 31.3 births per 1000 women. Birth rates also declined for women aged 20 to 29 years, but the rates increased for women aged 35 to 39 and 40 to 44 years. The percentage of all births to unmarried women declined slightly to 40.7% in 2011, from 40.8% in 2010. In 2011, the cesarean delivery rate was unchanged from 2010 at 32.8%. The preterm birth rate declined for the fifth straight year in 2011 to 11.72%; the low birth weight rate declined slightly to 8.10%. The infant mortality rate was 6.05 infant deaths per 1000 live births in 2011, which was not significantly lower than the rate of 6.15 deaths in 2010. Life expectancy at birth was 78.7 years in 2011, which was unchanged from 2010. Crude death rates for children aged 1 to 19 years did not change significantly between 2010 and 2011. Unintentional injuries and homicide were the first and second leading causes of death, respectively, in this age group. These 2 causes of death jointly accounted for 47.0% of all deaths of children and adolescents in 2011.
Would Nitric Oxide be an Effective Marker for Earlier Stages of Peri-Implant Disease? An Analysis in Human Peri-Implant Sulcular Fluid
Authors: Vieira Andreia Espindola , Moura Camilla Christian Gomes , de Souza Maria Aparecida , Zanetta-Barbosa Darceny , Dechichi Paula
Published: February 2013

Nitric oxide has an important effect on host immune response. However, little has been studied in relation to its potential as a possible diagnostic tool in peri-implant disease. The present study analyzed nitrite levels in the peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) of implants with mucositis and the correlation of these nitrite levels with clinical parameters using a simplified fluid collection methodology. Twenty-five partially edentulous patients showing peri-implant mucositis were evaluated, and the peri-implant status was determined based on current clinical parameters: probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP). The sulcular fluid (SF) around teeth (control) and implants were collected, and the nitrite levels were evaluated using the Griess method. The mean probing depth (mm) was significantly higher (P < .0001) in implants (2.852 ± 0.6484) than in control teeth (1.585 ± 0.3636). The mean total nitrite level (μM) was statistically higher (P = .0069) in implants with mucositis (14.34 ± 11.83) than in control teeth (9.316 ± 5.534). No correlation was observed between the total nitrite levels and the PD mean in the control group (P = .2558, r = −0.2361) or in the implant group (P = .1160, r = −0.3224), as well as the number of faces showing bleeding on probing (P = .8747, r = 0.0332). These results demonstrated that the nitrite levels were higher in inflamed areas. According to the methodology applied and results obtained, the higher nitrite levels in inflamed areas suggest that, in the future, nitrite could be used as a marker of peri-implant mucositis associated with clinical data to monitor the cure or evolution of the disease.
Controlling strength gain and permeability using slag cement
Authors: Reed Neil T. , Hale W. Micah
Published: February 2013

In bridge decks, low permeability and high durability are desired concrete properties. These properties are often achieved by using concrete with a low water to cementitious material ratio (w/cm), incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), or a combination of both. Reducing the w/cm and including SCMs also increases concrete compressive strength, which is not necessarily a desired property for bridge decks. Researchers have observed less cracking in bridge decks containing concrete with compressive strengths less than 40 MPa. Developing a concrete with low permeability and a compressive strength less than approximately 40 MPa can be challenging. This paper documents the development and performance of a concrete mixture that had a specified maximum compressive strength at 56 days of age of 42 MPa and was classified as having low permeability. Several variables were examined in the research project, which included SCM type and content, binder content and w/cm. One mixture contained 50% slag cement and a total cementitious material of 307 kg/m3 met the specifications. This mixture was then used to cast a bridge deck that has been in service for approximately 5 years and exhibits a minimal amount of cracking when compared to bridge decks of approximately the same age.
Fast switching electrochromic devices for displays
Authors: Jain Vaibhav
Published: February 2013

This article features the application of electrochromic (EC) devices for displays and the efforts made to improve the switching speed and contrast performance of these devices. The article primarily focuses on the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly deposition technique to deposit thin films of EC materials ranging from organic, inorganic and conducting polymers. Device sizes were varied for comparison of the performance of the lab-made prototype device with the commercially available “small pixel” size displays. EC devices fabricated by LbL assembly, as shown with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) results, obtained with a switching speed of less than 30 ms and make EC flat-panel displays possible by adjusting film thickness, device size and type of material. The high contrast value (84%) for ruthenium purple suggests that its LbL films can be used for low-power consumption displays where contrast, and not fastest switching, is of prime importance.
The future of European floodplain wetlands under a changing climate
Authors: Schneider Christof , Flörke Martina , Geerling Gertjan , Duel Harm , Grygoruk Mateusz , Okruszko Tomasz
Published: February 2013

In the future, climate change may severely alter flood patterns over large regional scales. Consequently, besides other anthropogenic factors, climate change represents a potential threat to river ecosystems. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of climate change on floodplain inundation for important floodplain wetlands in Europe and to place these results in an ecological context. This work is performed within the Water Scenarios for Europe and Neighbouring States (SCENES) project considering three different climate change projections for the 2050s. The global scale hydrological model WaterGAP is applied to simulate current and future river discharges that are then used to: (i) estimate bankfull flow conditions, (ii) determine three different inundation parameters, and (iii) evaluate the hydrological consequences and their relation to ecology. Results of this study indicate that in snow-affected catchments (e.g. in Central and Eastern Europe) inundation may appear earlier in the year. Duration and volume of inundation are expected to decrease. This will lead to a reduction in habitat for fish, vertebrates, water birds and floodplain-specific vegetation causing a loss in biodiversity, floodplain productivity and fish production. Contradictory results occur in Spain, France, Southern England and the Benelux countries. This reflects the uncertainties of current climate modelling for specific seasons.
Cross-scale governance and the analysis of policy implementation for water management, with particular regard to climate adaptation, industrial pollution and impacts of agriculture
Authors: Farmer Andrew M.
Published: February 2013

This paper explores cross-scale governance between the European Union (EU) and Member State level arising from the identification of key policy priorities by stakeholders in six river basins across Europe and their relationship to EU policy development and implementation. Particular emphasis is given to interpretation of Good Ecological Status in implementing the EU Water Framework Directive, climate adaptation for water management, application of agri-environment measures to reduce agricultural impacts on water and control of discharges from industry. The paper also examines lessons from wider sources of information such as legal analysis of transposition of EU law at national level and the rulings of the European Court of Justice. The analysis identifies a number of different types of ‘information’ transmission between the different governance scales. Information includes a range of governance issues, including transmission of rules. These are exact ‘information’ transmission (water quality standards), national elaboration of information transmitted (adapting to climate change), national simplification of information transmitted (industrial pollution control), distributed information transmission (in national transposition), fuzzy transmission of information (interpretation of Good Ecological Status) and barriers to transmission (available funding). The paper concludes by considering the importance of cross-scale analysis in assessing policy effectiveness and argues for further analysis drawing on cross-scale research derived from ecosystems analysis.
Potential impacts of climate change on groundwater resources – a global review
Authors: Earman Sam , Dettinger Michael
Published: February 2013

Groundwater is a vital resource for sustaining life. Changes in the Earth's climate have the potential to affect both the quality and quantity of available groundwater, primarily through impacts on recharge, evapotranspiration and (indirectly) on pumpage and abstraction. Groundwater is a major contributor to streamflow in areas with relatively shallow water tables, so changes in groundwater systems may also impact surface-water systems. As a result, understanding how climate change could affect groundwater systems is a vital component of sound long-term management of our water supplies. However, predicting how climate change could impact groundwater systems is difficult. Part of the difficulty is rooted in uncertainties in the predictions of future climate. However, even if we were certain regarding future climate, forecasting future groundwater conditions would still be difficult because of the complex combinations of processes that affect groundwater recharge, discharge and quality. Better observations, increased understanding of processes and modeling capabilities will be needed to assess the future of this vital resource in the face of projected climate changes.
Analysing urban floods and combined sewer overflows in a changing climate
Authors: Nilsen V. , Lier J. A. , Bjerkholt J. T. , Lindholm O. G.
Published: February 2013

Climate change is expected to lead to an increased frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events. For urban drainage, the primary adverse effects are more frequent and severe sewer overloading and flooding in urban areas, and higher discharges through combined sewer overflows (CSO). For assessing the possible effects of climate change, urban drainage models are run with climate-change-adjusted input data. However, current climate models are run on a spatial–temporal scale that is too coarse to resolve processes relevant to urban drainage modelling, in particular convective precipitation events.

In the work reported here the delta-change method was used to develop a high-resolution time series of precipitation for the period 2071–2100 based on a recently produced climate model precipitation time series for Oslo. The present and future performance of the sewer networks was determined using MOUSE software. The simulations indicated future increases in annual CSO discharge of 33% when comparing years of maximum annual runoff. There is also an 83% increase in annual CSO discharge when comparing years of maximum annual precipitation. In addition, there are increases in the flooding of manholes and increased levels of backwater in pipes, which translates into more flooding of basements.
Managing risks from virus intrusion into water distribution systems due to pressure transients
Authors: Yang Jian , LeChevallier Mark W. , Teunis Peter F. M. , Xu Minhua
Published: February 2013

Low or negative pressure transients in water distribution systems, caused by unexpected events (e.g. power outages) or routine operation/maintenance activities, are usually brief and thus are rarely monitored or alarmed. Previous studies have shown connections between negative pressure events in water distribution systems and potential public health consequences. Using a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model previously developed, various factors driving the risk of viral infection from intrusion were evaluated, including virus concentrations external to the distribution system, maintenance of a disinfectant residual, leak orifice sizes, the duration and the number of nodes drawing negative pressures. The most sensitive factors were the duration and the number of nodes drawing negative pressures, indicating that mitigation practices should be targeted to alleviate the severity of low/negative pressure transients. Maintaining a free chlorine residual of 0.2 mg/L or above is the last defense against the risk of viral infection due to negative pressure transients. Maintaining a chloramine residual did not appear to significantly reduce the risk. The effectiveness of ensuring separation distances from sewer mains to reduce the risk of infection may be system-specific. Leak detection/repair and cross-connection control should be prioritized in areas vulnerable to negative pressure transients.
A novel genetic marker for the rapid detection of Bacteroides fragilis in recreational water as a human-specific faecal indicator
Authors: Lee Chang Soo , Marion Jason W. , Lee Jiyoung
Published: February 2013

Bacteroides spp. has gained substantial interest among the suggested potential candidates for alternative faecal indicators for untreated recreational waters by the US EPA. Interest in Bacteroides as a faecal indicator is based upon the relative abundance of selected members of the Bacteroides genus in the human colon and human faeces. In this study, we developed a real-time PCR detection system based on gyrase B subunit genes (gyrB) specific to Bacteroides fragilis. The gryB-based method was compared with previously described 16S rRNA-based real-time qPCR methods and evaluated for specificity, sensitivity and robustness in detecting B. fragilis from untreated recreational water impacted by human and non-human faecal sources. The new gyrB-based system only detected B. fragilis, whereas the 16S rRNA-based methods generated cross-amplifications with other Bacteroides and Prevotella species. We used a procedure of prefiltration, filtration, sonication and DNA concentration in order to improve the DNA extraction efficiency and the sensitivity of the real-time PCR while removing interference. The amplification and sequencing of PCR products generated by the gyrB-based method confirmed that gyrB-amplified sequences only contained B. fragilis. This rapid method is useful for quantifying faecal contamination and may assist beach and watershed managers in elucidating possible contamination sources.
Influences on the water testing behaviors of private well owners
Authors: Imgrund Krystian , Kreutzwiser Reid , de Loë Rob
Published: February 2013

Many private wells in the United States and Canada already are contaminated, or are at risk of contamination. Regular testing for pathogenic bacteria is one of the most concrete measures well owners can use to determine whether or not their drinking water quality is safe. This study explored the factors and causal relationships that influence well owner water quality testing behavior. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were used to evaluate the stewardship behavior of 22 well owners in Ontario, Canada. Causal networks were created for each interviewee. These were then aggregated to determine key factors and causal relationships. The research revealed that motivations for regular testing include peace of mind and reassurance. Barriers include complacency, inconvenience, and lack of a perceived problem. Knowledge and better information by themselves were found to provide a weak basis for changing behavior. Implications of this research for promoting water testing behavior are discussed.
Electrochemical treatment of wastewater polluted by nitrate: selective reduction to N2 on Boron-Doped Diamond cathode
Authors: Georgeaud V. , Diamand A. , Borrut D. , Grange D. , Coste M.
Published: February 2013

Electrochemical tests of nitrate reduction on Boron-Doped Diamond cathode are investigated through a Design of Experiments (DOE) method. The results show good reduction of nitrate into almost exclusively N2. In the studied domain, the best experimental conditions are high initial nitrate content, low acidic pH values and low working current densities. The application of DOE conclusions on an agro-industrial wastewater gives really satisfying results: final nitrate contents lower than 50 mg/L without nitrite or ammonium formation, and with low energy consumption (under 25 kWh/kgNO3).
Aquifer recharge for securing water resources: the experience in Llobregat river
Authors: Hernández M. , Tobella J. , Ortuño F. , Armenter J. Ll.
Published: February 2013

The Llobregat Delta Aquifer has historically been a strategic water supply resource to the Barcelona metropolitan area. The use of river water combined with the exploitation of groundwater resources during dry periods has enabled the demographic and economic growth of the Barcelona area during the last fifty years. The aquifer overexploitation has entailed the decrease of groundwater level and the penetration inland of seawater intrusion. The main consequences have been the salinization of several wells and the deterioration of the groundwater quality. In this context, aquifer recharge has been practiced during nearly 40 years with the following objectives: (i) storing excess of water for times of less water availability, (ii) introducing an additional barrier for purification of water for a specific use and (iii) preventing the degradation of groundwater resources due to overexploitation or seawater intrusion. These methods, jointly with an efficient management of well extractions, have enabled to recover groundwater quality and therefore to guarantee the sustainable exploitation of such a vulnerable aquifer.
UV photolysis of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in dilute aqueous solution
Authors: Giri R. R. , Ozaki H. , Morigaki T. , Taniguchi S. , Takanami R.
Published: February 2013

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is very persistent in the environment and widely detected in the water environment. Only some advanced methods with extreme reaction conditions are shown to be capable of degrading the compound efficiently, and almost all the earlier investigations used very high PFOA concentrations. The compound is detected normally at very low concentrations in the water environment, while mild reaction conditions for its degradation are preferable. This article aimed to elucidate photodegradation of PFOA in dilute aqueous solutions by combined UV wavelengths (185 nm+254 nm) and 254 nm using a newly designed UV jacket. PFOA degradation was greatly enhanced with the combined wavelengths with almost one hundred percent PFOA removals in four-hour reaction. The removals were well described by the first-order reaction kinetic. The removal efficiencies and rate values significantly decreased with smaller initial PFOA concentrations. But defluorination was greatly enhanced with smaller PFOA concentrations possibly due to accelerated decomposition of fluorinated intermediates of PFOA. Formic acid and acetic acid were two tentatively identified intermediates of PFOA photolysis while the former was a major intermediate predominantly controlling solution pH during the oxidation. The results demonstrated that PFOA photolysis by the combined wavelengths with mild reaction conditions can be greatly enhanced by proper design of UV jacket and reactor system.
A practical method for the restoration of clogged rural vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands for domestic wastewater treatment using earthworm
Authors: Li Huaizheng Z. , Wang Sheng , Ye Jianfeng F. , Xu Zuxin X. , Jin Wei
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a simple method for the restoration of clogged vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland by earthworm. Since clogging always takes place at the top layer, epigeic earthworm is suitable for restoration of the clogged wetland. Earthworm can not only loosen the substrate, but also transform 80∼90% of undissolved organic particles into dissolved matters. Accordingly, the accumulated solids in substrate with earthworm are 50% less than the one without earthworm. The wetland with earthworm removed 2∼5 percentage points more nitrogen and 12 percentage points more phosphorous for its better ventilation conditions, while 2 percentage points less COD because the generation of dissolved organic matter from undissolved organic particles by earthworm. In general, the influence of earthworm on the effluent quality of the wetland could be ignored. Hydrology of six full-scale clogged wetlands was restored by Eisenia foetida. The optimal strength of earthworm addition is 0.5 kg/m2, which spend RMB six yuan/m2, less than € 0.75/m2. No specific training is required for the staffs on this method; it takes 10 days to restore the clogged wetland.
Effects of the cometabolite/growth substrate ratio on the aerobic degradation of 4-monochlorophenol
Authors: Milia S. , Cappai G. , De Gioannis G. , Carucci A.
Published: February 2013

Chlorinated phenolic compounds like 4-monochlorophenol (4CP) are characterized by high toxicity even at relatively low concentrations and by strong persistency in both water and soils. Since cometabolism was proved to enhance 4CP biological removal, a conventional Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) was used in this study for the cometabolic aerobic degradation of 4CP at different influent concentrations and volumetric organic loading rates (40–50 mg/L and 0.129–0.323 kgCOD-4CP/m3·d, respectively), with sodium acetate (NaAc) as the growth substrate. The effects of different 4CP/NaAc ratios on SBR performances were evaluated in terms of 4CP removal efficiencies and maximum specific removal rates in order to maximize reactor performances: a decrease in NaAc dosage as external growth substrate would lead to definitely lower operating costs. A positive correlation was observed between 4CP maximum specific removal rates and the applied 4CP/NaAc ratios, thus making further reduction in NaAc dosage possible.