bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of an acute phase response in lambs causes an increase in plasma levels of GH and IGF-I
Authors: Moore L G , Pfeffer A , Ng Chie W , Miller H A , Rogers K M , O'Keeffe L E
Published: December 2008

GH and IGF-I plasma concentrations were measured in lambs during an acute phase response induced by an intrathoracic injection of yeast. The acute phase response was indicated by reduced feed intake, weight loss and an increase in plasma concentrations of the acute phase protein haptoglobin. Intensive blood sampling on day 1 revealed elevated basal concentrations of GH in the yeast-injected group compared with concentrations in pair weight and ad libitum fed control lambs. This suggests that at the beginning of an acute phase response there is an increase in either GH secretion or the half life of GH. No evidence of a specific GH-binding protein in sheep plasma could be detected. IGF-I concentrations in the yeastinjected group remained constant for 3 days then increased to a peak level at day 6. In contrast, plasma IGF-I concentrations were depressed from days 3 to 6 in the pair weight control group and they were unchanged in the ad libitum fed controls. When the IGF-I concentrations were elevated in the yeast-injected group, this group had a higher daily weight gain despite their lower feed intake compared with the ad libitum fed controls. These results suggest that IGF-I may be associated with the increase in weight in the late stage of an acute phase response during recovery from an infection or injury. Day 1 GH peak amplitude concentrations in the yeast-injected lambs were negatively correlated with IGF-I concentrations on the following 2 days yet in the pair weight lambs the correlation was in a positive direction suggesting that the relationship between GH and IGF-I is different between animals that lose weight during an acute phase response and animals that lose weight because of feed restriction.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 144, 243–250
A two cell type theory for aldosterone biosynthesis: the roles of 11β-hydroxylase and aldosterone synthase, and a high capacity tightly binding steroid carrier for 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone in rat adrenals
Authors: Vinson G P , Teja R , Ho M M , Puddefoot J R
Published: December 2008

Several lines of experimentation suggest that a tissue-sequestered pool of 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC) in the rat adrenal may be mobilized as an aldosterone precursor.

We show here that this steroid is maintained in a non-extractable form in the membranes of collagenase-dispersed fasciculata/reticularis cells. Because of this stability, the complex can be identified by immunocytochemistry and also, in IEF gels of solubilized inner adrenocortical zone membrane preparations, by immunoblotting. However, the complexed steroid cannot be extracted from the gels into organic solvent unless first treated with trypsin. Preincubation of viable whole glandular tissue with trypsin significantly enhanced aldosterone output and eliminated the trypsin-releasable 18-OH-DOC pool in IEF gels of solubilized inner zone membranes. Both prior sodium depletion and acute trypsin stimulation of whole glands enhanced extractable 18-OH-DOC in glomerulosa tissue membranes.

Other experiments using in situ hybridization show that mRNA coding for 11β-hydroxylase (which generates 18-OH-DOC) is confined to the inner adrenocortical zones, whereas aldosterone synthase (which does not) is transcribed exclusively in the glomerulosa.

The data suggest that a pool of 18-OH-DOC in inner zone membranes can be mobilized for utilization as an aldosterone precursor in the glomerulosa. The results also indicate the existence of an entirely novel tightly binding steroid carrier from which steroid cannot be extracted by organic solvent unless first subjected to proteolytic degradation.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 144, 359–368
Changes in glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in the developing ovine pituitary and the effects of exogenous cortisol
Authors: Matthews S G , Yang K , Challis J R G
Published: December 2008

Developmental changes in pituitary glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA were examined during gestation and early neonatal life using in situ hybridization. Pituitaries were harvested from sheep fetuses at days 60–80, 100–120, 130–135, 140–142 and term, and from lambs of days 0–7 and 30–60, and adults. GR mRNA was present in the pars distalis by day 60, levels increased through gestation, and there was a redistribution of GR mRNA, resulting in a relatively greater abundance at the base of the pars distalis. At term, there was a significant (P<0·05 compared with the day 140–142 fetuses) elevation of GR mRNA, which was maintained in the newborn lamb, reaching highest levels at days 30–60 of neonatal life. GR mRNA was undetectable in the pars intermedia until day 120, but subsequently increased to high levels at term. Interestingly, the expression of GR mRNA in the pars intermedia dropped precipitously in the newborn (P<0·05 compared with term), though levels recovered in the older lambs and adults. The regional and cellular distribution of GR mRNA correlated closely with the presence of immuno-reactive GR (irGR) in the pituitary; the majority of irGR was present in the nuclei. Intrafetal infusion of cortisol (12 h; 5 μg/min) in late gestation (day 135) had no effect on GR mRNA expression in either the pars distalis or pars intermedia. These results indicated that, in the fetal pituitary, (1) the GR gene is expressed in both the pars distalis and pars intermedia, (2) levels of GR mRNA in the fetal pituitary correlated with the distribution of nuclear irGR, (3) GR mRNA is present at higher levels in the inferior aspect of the pars distalis, its abundance increases immediately prior to parturition and is maintained in the newborn, and (4) cortisol infusion for 12 h does not affect GR mRNA in either region of the pituitary, suggesting that, in the short term, glucocorticoids do not directly regulate GR synthesis.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 144, 483–490
Tri-iodothyronine directly affects rat Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Palmero S , Prati M , Bolla F , Fugassa E
Published: December 2008

The addition of physiological concentrations (1 nm) of tri-iodothyronine (T3) to the culture medium of Sertoli cells from prepubertal (8-day-old) rats stimulated both protein synthesis (+55%) and lactate (+50%) production, while it inhibited DNA synthesis (−30/35%) and aromatase activity (−45/50%); insignificant T3-dependent effects were observed in cultured Sertoli cells from midpubertal (28-day-old) rats. These data suggest an age-dependent role for thyroid hormone in promoting and maintaining Sertoli cell differentiation at puberty; moreover, the hormone is involved in the regulation of Sertoli cell proliferation. The present study validates the role of Sertoli cells as a specific target for T3 action at the testis level; it also demonstrates the existence of an early and critical direct influence of thyroid hormone on Sertoli cell proliferation and functional maturation.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 145, 355–362
Involvement of epidermal growth factor in inducing adiposity of aged female mice
Authors: Adachi H , Kurachi H , Homma H , Adachi K , Imai T , Sakata M , Matsuzawa Y , Miyake A
Published: December 2008

Aged mice exhibit an increase in their body weight (BW), which is associated with fat deposit increase. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentration in the submandibular gland also increases with aging. We examined the effects of elevated EGF on the adiposity of aged female mice. Studies were started in two groups of animals consisting of sham-operated (n=10) and sialoadenectomized (n=10, Sx; surgical removal of the submandibular glands) mice at 8 weeks of age. Body weight gain and food intake were measured throughout 78 weeks of age in these two groups. Body weight was significantly less in the Sx group throughout 78 weeks, while food intake was not changed by Sx after 12 weeks of age. To examine further if EGF plays a role in the induction of adiposity in aged female mice, sham-operated animals were given 100 μl anti-EGF rabbit antiserum (anti-EGF group, n=5) or normal rabbit serum (control group, n=5) every 3 days, and Sx animals were given 5 μg/day EGF (Sx+EGF group, n=5) or saline (Sx group, n=5) from 78 weeks of age for 3 weeks. At 81 weeks of age, all animals of these four groups were killed, and carcass fat deposition and fat cell sizes were measured. Although the relative weights (weight ratio to BW) of the liver and kidney were not changed by Sx and anti-EGF treatment, the relative weights of mesenteric and subcutaneous fat tissues and adipocyte weights were significantly decreased in Sx and anti-EGF groups compared with the control group. Moreover, both acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA levels were significantly decreased by Sx or anti-EGF administration in mesenteric and subcutaneous fat tissues. On the other hand, EGF administration to Sx animals had no effect on BW, fat tissues and adipocyte weights, and ACS and LPL mRNA levels. The results, however, were consistent with the fact that adipose tissue EGF receptors were down regulated in Sx mice. These findings suggest that EGF may play a role in the induction of adiposity in aged female mice.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 146, 381–393
Effect of oral calcium supplementation on intracellular calcium and plasma renin in men
Authors: Lijnen P , Petrov V
Published: December 2008

A double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study was conducted on the effect of a high daily oral calcium supplementation of 1 g elemental calcium, given twice daily for 16 weeks in normal male subjects, on plasma renin, aldosterone, kallikrein, cGMP, cAMP and calciotropic hormones, intracellular calcium concentrations and plasma total and ionized calcium. After a 1-month run-in period on a limited use of dairy products, the subjects (n=32) were allocated to a placebo or a calcium group. Placebo or 1 g elemental calcium was administered twice daily in the morning and evening for 16 weeks. All subjects were investigated at baseline and after 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 weeks of placebo or calcium administration. A decreased intraerythrocyte and intraplatelet Ca2+ concentration was observed in the calcium-treated subjects. Compared with the placebo group, an increase in the plasma renin activity (PRA) in the calcium group was observed after 4, 8 and 16 weeks of oral calcium administration. However, plasma aldosterone and urinary excretion of aldosterone, kallikrein, cGMP and cAMP were not changed during calcium administration. Oral calcium supplementation in these men was also accompanied by a reduction in the plasma concentration of intact parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, an increase in 24-h urinary calcium excretion but no change in the plasma total Ca2+ concentration, serum ionized Ca2+ level and plasma phosphate or 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Lacidipine tended to increase PRA in the placebo-treated subjects and to decrease it in the calcium-treated subjects: this difference in lacidipine effect between the placebo and calcium group was significant (P<0·05). Our data show that the increase in PRA observed in men during oral calcium supplementation is accompanied by a reduction in the intracellular free and total Ca2+ concentration in platelets and erythrocytes and by a decrease in the plasma concentration of intact parathormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 146, 421–429
Changes in testicular function following specific deprivation of LH in the adult male rabbit
Authors: Jeyakumar M , Suresh R , Krishnamurthy H N , Moudgal N R
Published: December 2008

Sexually mature male rabbits actively immunized against highly purified ovine LH (oLH) were used as a model system to study the effects of endogenous LH deprivation (and therefore testosterone) on spermatogenesis as well as pituitary FSH secretion. Immunization against oLH generated antibody titres capable of cross-reacting and neutralizing rabbit LH and this resulted in a significant reduction (P<0·01) in serum testosterone levels by 2–4 weeks of immunization. A significant increase in circulating FSH concentration (from a basal level of ∼ 1 ng to 60–100 ng/ml; P<0·01) was observed within 4–6 weeks of immunization, perhaps a consequence of the negative feedback effect of the lack of testosterone. The effect of LH deprivation on spermatogenesis assessed by DNA flow cytometry and histological analyses of testicular biopsy tissue revealed that lack of testosterone primarily results in a rapid reduction and complete absence of round (1C) and elongated (HC) spermatids. The immediate effect of LH/testosterone deprivation thus appears to be at the step of meiotic transformation of primary spermatocytes (4C) to 1C. A significant reduction (>80%; P<0·01) in the 4C population and a relative accumulation (>90%; P<0·01) in spermatogonia (2C) was also observed, suggesting a need for testosterone during the transformation of 2C to 4C. In all but one of the rabbits, both qualitative and quantitative recovery in spermatogenesis occurred during the recovery phase, even at a time when only a marginal increase in serum testosterone (compared with the preimmunization) levels was observed as a result of a rapid decline in the cross-reactive antibody titres. These results clearly show that LH/testosterone deprivation in addition to primarily affecting the meiotic step also regulates the conversion of 2C to 4C during spermatogenesis.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 111–120
Wastewater Temperature Decrease in Pressure Sewers
Authors: Sallanko Jarmo , Pekkala Mari
Published: December 2008

The centralization of wastewater treatment in large central treatment plants and the connection of sparsely populated areas to sewerage systems have increased the time wastewater is retained in sewers. These retention times lead to a decrease in wastewater temperature and affect wastewater treatment, especially the removal of nitrogen. In this study, temperature changes in long transfer sewers were examined. The temperature change was greatest at the end of winter and in the front part of the sewer. Temperature changes in the front parts of the sewers ranged from 0.16 to 0.27°C/km, and in the end parts from 0.02 to 0.10°C/km. When expressed in terms of the retention time for wastewater in the sewer, the temperature changes ranged from 0.12 to 0.17°C per retention hour.
Oxygen Uptake Rate Tests to Evaluate Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge Processes
Authors: Maas Carol L. A. , Parker Wayne J. , Legge Raymond L.
Published: December 2008

A modified oxygen uptake rate (OUR) test for characterizing the performance of integrated fixed‐film activated sludge (IFAS) processes was developed while monitoring the startup of a full‐scale demonstration facility. Data on total biofilm solids, in‐basin nitrification rates, and batch nitrification rates were compared to the OUR test. The data was used to investigate dynamic changes in the physical and microbiological parameters during and after plant startup. Nitrification of the carriers was observed to follow different trends than the biofilm total solids during process startup. The process reached high nitrification rates within weeks, whereas the biofilm total solids required more than 50 days to attain a quasi‐steady‐state. This study illustrated that parameters in addition to biofilm total solids are required to assess activity in nitrifying IFAS processes and oxygen uptake rates can be a useful tool in this regard.
Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Modeling of Head Loss in Iron Removal with Rapid Sand Filtration
Authors: Çakmakcı Mehmet , Kınacı Cumali , Bayramog˘lu Mahmut
Published: December 2008

Breakthrough and terminal head loss are the main parameters that determine the performance of rapid sand filters. Carman‐Kozeny and Ergun equations can be applied to estimate head loss, but can only be applied to clean filter beds. Elaborated models are needed to predict head loss in dirty filters. In this study, a neuro‐fuzzy modeling approach was proposed to estimate head loss in dirty filters. Hydraulic loading rate, influent iron concentration, bed porosity, and operating time were selected as input variables. Various types of membership functions were tried. Two rule‐base generation methods—subtractive clustering and grid partition—were used for a first‐order, Sugeno‐type inference system. Using 11 rules and the grid‐partition method, an optimum rule base set was developed and the lowest root mean squared error (RMSE) was obtained. Tap and deionized waters were used to obtain testing RMSE values of 1.094 and 0.926, respectively. The fit between experimental results and model outputs was excellent, with the multiple correlation coefficient (R 2) greater than 0.99. Based on these findings, the authors conclude that neuro‐fuzzy modeling may successfully be used to predict filter head loss.
Identification of Seasonal Variations in Volatile Sulfur Compound Formation and Release from the Secondary Treatment System at a Large Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Sekyiamah Kweku , Kim Hyunook , McConnell Laura L. , Torrents Alba , Ramirez Mark
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to identify, quantify, and determine source locations of significant volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) associated with the activated sludge treatment process at a large wastewater treatment plant. Flux chamber and wastewater headspace sampling techniques were used to capture odorous gases followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. Olfactometric analysis corroborated the results from the chemical analysis. Dimethylsulfide (DMS) and dimethyldisulfide (DMDS) concentrations in wastewater were strongly correlated with sludge blanket depth [DMDS: r = 0.86 (p < 0.001, df = 24) and DMS: r = 0.72 (p < 0.001, df = 24)]. A strong statistical correlation also was established between concentrations of these two odorants in the gas samples and the recognition odor concentration [DMS: r = 0.85 (p < 0.001, df = 13) and DMDS: r = 0.81 (p < 0.001, df = 13)]. Results indicate that settled sludge in the anoxic environment of the secondary sedimentation basin is the most important contributor to the formation of VSCs in the activated sludge treatment system.
Character of Extracellular Polymeric Substances and Soluble Microbial Products and Their Effect on Membrane Hydraulics During Airlift Membrane Bioreactor Applications
Authors: Alvarez‐Vazquez Hector , Pidou Marc , Holdner Jennifer , Judd Simon J.
Published: December 2008

The effect of extracellular polymeric substances and soluble microbial products developed from wastewater and mature landfill leachate biomass was assessed using a pilot‐scale membrane bioreactor operating polymeric and ceramic air‐lift sidestream multichannel membranes. The plant was operated under identical conditions of sludge retention time, system hydrodynamics, and parity of food‐to‐microorganism ratios. Biomass samples were extracted and fractionated (fixed and bound material, carbohydrate and protein extracts) and chemically and physically analyzed with the feedwaters. Both ceramic and polymeric membranes were tested and the critical flux (J C) determined according to the classical flux‐step analysis. Although permeability (K) of both materials reduced with increasing flux (J), the ceramic material had a higher resistance to fouling, demonstrating a higher K (by a factor of 1.2 and 3.2 for wastewater and leachate, respectively, at J of 30 L · m −2 · h −1) and lower fouling rate (d P/d t) (by more than an order of magnitude at the same J) than the polymeric membrane. Evidence suggests that deterioration of membrane permeability resulting from leachate biomass arises from the feedwater itself, rather than the products derived from the biomass, and that colloidal and/or soluble total organic carbon is primarily responsible for it.
Detachment of Solids and Nitrifiers in Integrated, Fixed‐Film Activated Sludge Systems
Authors: Maas Carol L. A. , Parker Wayne J. , Legge Raymond L.
Published: December 2008

Despite the importance of detachment to biofilm processes, detachment phenomena are not well understood. In this study, researchers investigated biofilm detachment from free‐floating biofilm carriers that were established in an integrated, fixed‐film activated sludge (IFAS) installation in Mississauga, Ontario. A method for assessing detachment from biofilm carrier systems was devised, evaluated, and refined during this study. In the absence of substrate, superficial air velocity significantly affected the 24‐hour detachment rates of total suspended solids from the carriers. Short‐term growth conditions did not appear to significantly affect the rate of detachment of solids and nitrifiers. The measured solids‐detachment rates were found to be described by a second order function of biofilm attached growth total solids with a detachment coefficient of 0.006 ± 0.0008 (g/m · d) −1.
Estimation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by the Wastewater Treatment Plant of a Locomotive Repair Factory in China
Authors: Wei Y. , Yerushalmi L. , Haghighat F.
Published: December 2008

This study analyzed greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that uses a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes and estimated the emissions generated from treatment of oil‐rich wastewater from a locomotive repair factory in China. The WWTP produces 526.8 t CO 2‐equivalent/a corresponding to 4.3 t CO 2‐equivalent/t oil removed. The combustion of fossil fuels for onsite energy generation is the major source of GHG, accounting for 79.7% of overall emissions. Use of chemicals for metal cleaning, flocculation, and pH control accounts for 13.4% emissions; anaerobic digestion accounts for 3.8% emissions; and the transport of solid waste and subsequent generation of landfill biogas account for 3.1% emissions. Theoretical analysis of various process design alternatives demonstrated that the recovery of biogas produced during anaerobic sludge digestion and its use as fuel reduces the emissions of GHG by 93.9 t CO 2‐equivalent/a, which is 15.1% of the overall emissions of the treatment plant. The use of aerobic digestion instead of anaerobic digestion in this plant did not significantly effect GHG emissions. Using anaerobic digestion for sludge treatment and releasing the generated CH 4 into the atmosphere without further flaring or recovery increased GHG emissions the greatest. The reuse of waste oil and proper management of solid waste are recommended as effective ways of reducing GHG emissions.
Effect of Anoxic Selector Configuration on Sludge Volume Index Control and Bacterial Population Fingerprinting
Authors: Xin Gang , Gough Heidi L. , Stensel H. David
Published: December 2008

The effect of single‐stage and 4‐stage anoxic selectors and an anoxic/aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR) on the removal of readily biodegradable chemical oxygen demand (rbCOD) and slowly biodegradable COD (sbCOD) and on filamentous growth and sludge settleability was studied. Microbial community fingerprinting in the three selector configurations was done using automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis. Nostocoida limicola II and type 1851 filamentous bacteria were observed in all systems. The diluted sludge volume index (DSVI) decreased with increased selector staging. The rbCOD was almost completely removed in all selectors, and the lower DSVI values with increased selector staging were the result of greater sbCOD removal in the selector. The plug‐flow kinetics in the SBR aerobic phase also improved DSVI. The bacteria community composition in the 4‐stage selector system was found to be more similar to that for the SBR than for the single‐stage selector.
Investigating the Fate of Activated Sludge Extracellular Proteins in Sludge Digestion Using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Park Chul , Helm Richard F. , Novak John T.
Published: December 2008

The fate of activated sludge extracellular proteins in sludge digestion was investigated using three different cation‐associated extraction methods and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Extraction methods used were the cation exchange resin (CER) method for extracting calcium (Ca 2+) and magnesium (Mg 2+), sulfide extraction for removing iron, and base treatment (pH 10.5) for dissolving aluminum. Extracellular polymeric substances extracted were then subjected to SDS‐PAGE, and the resultant protein profiles were examined before and after sludge digestion. The SDS‐PAGE results showed that three methods led to different SDS‐PAGE profiles for both undigested and digested sludges. The results further revealed that CER‐extracted proteins remained mainly undegraded in anaerobic digestion, but were degraded in aerobic digestion. While the fate of sulfide‐ and base‐extracted proteins was not clear for aerobic digestion, their changes in anaerobic digestion were elucidated. Most sulfide‐extracted proteins were removed by anaerobic digestion, while the increase in protein band intensity and diversity was observed for base‐extracted proteins. These results suggest that activated sludge flocs contain different fractions of proteins that are distinguishable by their association with certain cations and that each fraction undergoes different fates in anaerobic and aerobic digestion. The proteins that were resistant to degradation and generated during anaerobic digestion were identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Protein identification results and their putative roles in activated sludge and anaerobic digestion are discussed in this study.
Application of Membrane Bioreactors in the Preliminary Treatment of Early Planetary Base Wastewater for Long‐Duration Space Missions
Authors: Zhang Kai , Choi Hyeok , Dionysiou Dionysios D. , Oerther Daniel B.
Published: December 2008

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are the preferred technology for the preliminary treatment of Early Planetary Base Wastewater (EPBW) because of their compact configuration and promising treatment performance. For long‐duration space missions, irreversible membrane biofouling resulting from the strong attachment of biomass and the formation of biofilms are major concerns for the MBR process. In this study, a MBR was operated for 230 days treating synthetic EPBW. The reactor demonstrated excellent treatment performance, in terms of chemical oxygen demand removal and nitrification. Filtration resistance is mainly caused by concentration polarization, reversible fouling, and irreversible fouling. Analysis of the microbial communities in the planktonic and corresponding sessile biomass suggested that the microbial community of the planktonic biomass was significantly different from the one of the sessile biomass. This study provides valuable information for the development of the water reuse component in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (Washington, D.C.) Advanced Life Support system for long‐term space missions.
Properties Influencing Fat, Oil, and Grease Deposit Formation
Authors: Keener Kevin M. , Ducoste Joel J. , Holt Leon M.
Published: December 2008

Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) deposits are the reported cause of 50 to 75% of sanitary sewer overflows in the United States, resulting in 1.8 × 10 6 m 3 (500 mil. gal) of raw wastewater released into the environment annually. The objective of this research was to characterize the chemical and physical properties of FOG deposits. Twenty‐three cities from around the United States contributed FOG samples for the study. The FOG deposits showed a wide range in yield strength (4 to 34 kPa), porosity (10 to 24%), and moisture content (10 to 60%), suggesting uncontrolled formation processes. A majority of these deposits display hard, sandstonelike texture, with distinct layering effects, suggesting a discontinuous formation process. The results found that 84% of FOG deposits contained high concentrations of saturated fatty acids and calcium, suggesting preferential accumulation.
Finite Element Modeling of Viscous Mixing: A Review
Authors: Heniche Mourad , Tanguy Philippe A.
Published: December 2008

The objective of this paper is to review the application of the finite element-based CFD methods in mixing engineering. It provides a good opportunity to summarize the thirty five years of finite element achievements in the field of fluid flow started in the 70's, with the development of the first 2D Navier-Stokes solver for Newtonian and non-Newtonian viscous fluids, and extended in the 80's, with new solution algorithms to tackle 3D problems. For mixing simulations, a corner stone was the introduction of the "virtual finite element method" in the mid 90's for the simulation of flow systems with internal moving parts. In the on-going quest to improve the characterization of mixing systems for industrial needs, further developments are required, and progress could come from the next generation of computationally efficient multi-physics solvers.
An Artificial Intelligence Software-Based Controller for Temperature Control of a Partially Simulated Chemical Reactor System
Authors: Abdul Wahab Ahmad Khairi , Hussain Mohamed Azlan , Omar Rosli
Published: December 2008

The processes that take place in industrial reactors are mainly highly nonlinear and, due to this, their controls have become a major factor in determining the aspect of process safety, quality, and productivity of these systems. For this reason, we have designed an inexpensive, practical reactor on a pilot plant scale to conduct such online control studies where the heat of reaction in the reactor is simulated by injecting steam into the reactor system. This paper highlights the development of the pilot plant with its software development to implement advanced control strategies using artificial intelligence approaches such as fuzzy logic and genetic algorithm. The online implementation results conclude that the Genetic Algorithm Model Based Controller (GAMBC) gave similar performance with the Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) for the set point tracking studies but in the load disturbance rejection studies, it was found that the FLC performed better. The results obtained show the usefulness and importance of these experimental studies to further understand advanced control applications for a typical industrial chemical process such as a reactor.
Artificial Neural Network Model with Parameter Tuning Assisted by Differential Evolution Technique: Study of Pressure Drop of Slurry Flow in Pipeline
Authors: Lahiri S.K. , Ghanta Kartik Chandra
Published: December 2008

This paper describes a robust hybrid artificial neural network (ANN) methodology, which can offer superior performance for important process engineering problems. The method incorporates hybrid artificial neural network and differential evolution technique (ANN-DE) for efficient tuning of ANN meta parameters. The algorithm has been applied for the prediction of pressure drop of solid liquid slurry flow. A comparison with selected correlations in the literature showed that the developed ANN correlation noticeably improved the prediction of pressure drops over a wide range of operating conditions, physical properties, and pipe diameters.
The Generalized System of Preferences of the United States: Does It Promote Industrialization and Economic Growth in Least Developed Countries?
Authors: Dowlah Caf
Published: December 2008

The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)a system of differential and favorable trade arrangements toward less developed countries, adopted by the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT)has been around since the early 1970s. A primary objective of these schemes has been to promote industrialization and economic growth in less developed countries through trade rather than aid. The outcome of such programs has, however, been mixed. This paper identifies some of the underlying political and economic dynamics which led to the dismal performance of the GSP schemes of the United States in respect to the industrialization and economic growth of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The paper suggests that the effectiveness of GSP schemes could be significantly improved if they were brought under the binding WTO rules, if greater resources were directed to removing supply constraints in the LDCs, and if developed countries granted unwavering market access to LDC exports.
EU Sanitary Standards and Sub-Saharan African Agricultural Exports: A Case Study of the Livestock Sector in East Africa
Authors: Desta Melaku Geboye
Published: December 2008

For most sub-Saharan African countries, participation in international trade almost always means exporting primary, often agricultural, products and importing machinery and other manufacturing goods. In appreciation of the detrimental economic effects of this situation on SSA countries, the EU has had one of the oldest and most generous preferential schemes for the benefit of these countries. This article argues, based on detailed analysis of EU food import law and its application to livestock products coming from East Africa, that these otherwise generous preferential schemes have been deprived of any effect by the stringent sanitary and phytosanitary requirements that are beyond the capacity of the producers in these countries to satisfy. It further argues that the current approach of the WTO system regarding SPS issues, which leaves countries free to impose standards of their choosing without any regard for the impact of such measures on the lives of producers in other countries, only accords a convenient blanket with which to wrap measures otherwise motivated by protectionist interests. It concludes that the only way the EU or any other country could support the SSA agricultural sector and the large number of poor people working in it is by helping governments and producers to enhance their production standards.
Proliferation of Free Trade Agreements and Some Systemic Issues - In Relation to the WTO Disciplines and Development Perspectives
Authors: Matsushita Mitsuo , Lee Y.S.
Published: December 2008

In recent decades, free trade agreements have been proliferated and have become a major part of the global trading system, along with the multilateral framework represented by the World Trade Organizations. This article discusses some of the major issues with FTA in relation to the WTO disciplines and also examines their implications for developing countries from the perspective of economic development. A global FTA network is proposed as a means to coordinate different, often conflicting rules among different FTAs and to promote common interests and concerns of developing countries.
The Sen Conception of Development and Contemporary International Law Discourse: Some Parallels
Authors: Chimni Bhupinder
Published: December 2008

The Sen conception of `development as freedom' represents a departure from previous approaches to development that focused merely on growth rates or technological progress. Sen however fails to adequately address the social constraints that inhibit the realization of the goal of `development as freedom.' There is an interesting parallel here with developments in contemporary international law. While contemporary international law incorporates the idea of `development as freedom' in international human rights instruments, in particular the Declaration on the Right to Development, mainstream international law scholarship has like Sen failed to indicate the constraints in the international system that prevent its attainment. Since Sen is today among the foremost thinkers on the idea of development reviewing the parallels between his conception of development and mainstream international law scholarship is helpful as it offers insights into the limits of both.
Variants Near MC4R Are Associated With Obesity and Influence Obesity-Related Quantitative Traits in a Population of Middle-Aged People: Studies of 14,940 Danes
Authors: Zobel Dorit P. , Andreasen Camilla H. , Grarup Niels , Eiberg Hans , Sørensen Thorkild I.A. , Sandbæk Annelli , Lauritzen Torsten , Borch-Johnsen Knut , Jørgensen Torben , Pedersen Oluf , Hansen Torben
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE— Variants downstream of the melanocortin-4 receptor gene (MC4R) have been reported to associate with obesity. We examined rs17782313, rs17700633, rs12970134, rs477181, rs502933, and rs4450508 near MC4R for association with obesity-related quantitative traits, obesity, and type 2 diabetes in Danish individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— The variants were investigated for association with obesity-related quantitative traits in 5,807 population-based sampled individuals, obesity in 14,940 individuals, and type 2 diabetes in 8,821 individuals.

RESULTS— The minor risk alleles of rs17782313, rs17700633, and rs12970134 were associated with BMI (effect per allele 0.25 kg/m2, P = 0.01; 0.23, P = 0.01; and 0.31, P = 7 × 10−4, respectively), waist circumference (0.67 cm, P = 0.006; 0.53, P = 0.02; and 0.85, P = 3 × 10−4), and body weight (1.04 kg, P = 6 × 10−4; 0.71, P = 0.01; and 1.16, P = 8 × 10−5). In case-control studies of obesity defined by BMI, the minor C-allele of rs17782313 was associated with overweight/obesity and obesity (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, P = 0.006 and OR 1.12, P = 0.003, respectively). Similarly, the minor A-allele of rs17700633 was associated with overweight/obesity and obesity (1.12, P = 8 × 10−5 and 1.16, P = 2 × 10−5), and the minor A-allele of rs12970134 was also associated with overweight/obesity and obesity (1.13, P = 2 × 10−5 and 1.15, P = 6 × 10−5). rs477181, rs502933, and rs4450508 were not significantly associated with obesity in the Danish population. The frequency of the minor risk alleles of rs17782313 and rs12970134 was higher among patients with type 2 diabetes than among glucose-tolerant individuals (OR 1.08, P = 0.08 and 1.08, P = 0.06, respectively); however, these borderline associations were abolished after adjustment for BMI.

CONCLUSIONS— rs17782313, rs17700633, and rs12970134 near MC4R associate with measures of obesity in Danish individuals.
SUX(r, L) is separably unirational
Authors: Hein Georg
Published: December 2008

We show that the moduli space of SUX (r, L) of rank r bundles of fixed determinant L on a smooth projective curve X is separably unirational.
Equational spectrum of Hilbert varieties
Authors: Padmanabhan R. , Rudeanu Sergiu
Published: December 2008

We prove that an equational class of Hilbert algebras cannot be defined by a single equation. In particular Hilbert algebras and implication algebras are not one-based. Also, we use a seminal theorem of Alfred Tarski in equational logic to characterize the set of cardinalities of all finite irredundant bases of the varieties of Hilbert algebras, implication algebras and commutative BCK algebras: all these varieties can be defined by independent bases of n elements, for each n > 1.
Inversion of Electromagnetic Models for Bare Soil Parameter Estimation from Multifrequency Polarimetric SAR Data
Authors: Pierdicca Nazzareno , Castracane Paolo , Pulvirenti Luca
Published: December 2008

The potentiality of polarimetric SAR data for the estimation of bare soil geophysical parameters (i.e., roughness and soil moisture) is investigated in this work. For this purpose, two forward models available in the literature, able to simulate the measurements of a multifrequency radar polarimeter, have been implemented for use within an inversion scheme. A multiplicative noise has been considered in the multidimensional space of the elements of the polarimetric Covariance Matrix, by adopting a complex Wishart distribution to account for speckle effects. An additive error has been also introduced on the simulated measurements to account for calibration and model errors. Maximum a Posteriori Probability and Minimum Variance criteria have been considered to perform the inversion. As for the algorithms to implement the criteria, simple optimization/integration procedures have been used. A Neural Network approach has been adopted as well. A correlation between the roughness parameters has been also supposed in the simulation as a priori information, to evaluate its effect on the estimation accuracy. The methods have been tested on simulated data to compare their performances as function of number of looks, incidence angles and frequency bands, thus identifying the best radar configuration in terms of estimation accuracy. Polarimetric measurements acquired during MAC Europe and SIR-C campaigns, over selected bare soil fields, have been also used as validation data.
Retailers' branding strategies: Contract design, organisational change and learning
Authors: Mazé Armelle
Published: December 2008

This article analyses the recent development by some large retailers in France of dedicated Quality Supply Chains for their food products. The major contractual innovation rests on the design of tripartite contracts between a retailer, agro-food firms and farmers' associations. In contrast to mainstream contract literature, we demonstrate that contract adaptations may reflect a mutual learning process between contractors: why do transactors write explicit contracts that they know cannot be court enforced? Empirical data are based on the joint analysis of a full set of contracts between one retailer and all its beef suppliers, and their diachronic evolution before and after the BSE crisis (the period 1993-2000). Contract design and organisational changes at the retailer level are shown to be strongly interrelated.
The Good Clinical Nursing Educator and the Baccalaureate Nursing Clinical Experience: Attributes and Praxis
Authors: Hanson Karla J. , Stenvig Thomas E.
Published: December 2008

Clinical education accounts for a significant portion of baccalaureate nursing (BSN) education. This study examined recent BSN program graduates' views about clinical nursing educator attributes that enhance the ability of the graduates to provide safe, effective patient care. In this descriptive study, 6 participants were interviewed using grounded theory techniques. The study framework blended the elements of cognitive field theory, the humanistic philosophy of teaching and learning, the gestalt theory of learning, and Hergenhahn's behavioral change model. Participants identified three attributes of a good clinical nursing educator: knowledge, interpersonal presentation, and teaching strategies. Analysis revealed that educator attributes and phases of the clinical experience process together form the foundation for clinical experience praxis. Educators can improve the clinical education experience by developing teaching strategies and evaluation tools that build on the positive attributes and phases of the clinical experience identified in this study.
A Rare Case of Retinocytoma Occurring in a 12-Year-Old Child
Authors: Yaman Aylin , Gündüz Kaan , Saatci Osman , Koçak Nilüfer
Published: December 2008

A 12-year-old girl with a translucent, partially calcified retinal mass in the posterior pole surrounded by a rim of pigment epithelial changes and chorioretinal atrophy was diagnosed as having retinocytoma. The patient received a single treatment of transpupillary thermotherapy at the slit lamp to prevent malignant transformation. The dimensions of the lesion and the visual acuity remained unchanged at 3.5 years of follow-up with no further treatment. Retinocytoma is a benign retinal tumor that carries the same genetic implications as retinoblastoma. Regular follow-up is necessary because the tumor can demonstrate malignant transformation.
Iron‐Catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck Cross‐Coupling Reaction with Styrenes
Authors: Loska Rafal , Volla Chandra M. Rao , Vogel Pierre
Published: December 2008

In the presence of iron(II) chloride (FeCl2; 20 mol%) and potassium tert‐butoxide (t‐BuOK; 4 equiv.) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), aryl and heteroaryl iodides undergo stereoselective Mizoroki–Heck CC cross‐coupling reactions with styrenes at 60 °C giving the corresponding (E)‐alkenes. The best yields are obtained upon adding a ligand (80 mol%) such as proline or picolinic acid. Aryl bromides and pyridinyl bromides are also coupled with styrenes but in lower yields.
Antitumor activity and mechanism of action of the iron chelator, Dp44mT, against leukemic cells
Authors: Noulsri Egarit , Richardson Des R. , Lerdwana Surada , Fucharoen Suthat , Yamagishi Tetsuo , Kalinowski Danuta S. , Pattanapanyasat Kovit
Published: December 2008

Iron chelators have been reported to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. Recent studies suggest broad and selective antitumor activity of the new iron chelator, di‐2‐pyridylketone‐4,4‐dimethyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT; Whitnall et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2006;103:14901–14906). However, little is known concerning its effects on hematological malignancies. Using acute leukemia cells, the effect of Dp44mT on apoptosis, cell cycle, caspase‐3 activation, and mitochondrial trans‐membrane potential has been examined by flow cytometry. Dp44mT acted to induce a G1/S arrest in NB4 promyelocytic leukemia cells at low concentrations (0.5–2.5 μM), being far more effective than the clinically used chelator, desferrioxamine (DFO). Moreover, Dp44mT induced apoptosis of NB4 cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner with markedly less effect on nonproliferating cells. The apoptosis‐inducing activity of Dp44mT was significantly more effective than DFO. Furthermore, this study also showed that Dp44mT had broad activity, inducing apoptosis in several types of acute leukemia and also multiple myeloma cell lines. Additional studies examining the cytotoxic mechanisms of Dp44mT showed that a reduction in the mitochondrial trans‐membrane potential and caspase‐3 activation could be involved in the mechanism of apoptosis. Our results suggest that Dp44mT possesses potential as an effective cytotoxic agent for the chemotherapeutic treatment of acute leukemia. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Continuous infusion of intermediate‐dose cytarabine and fludarabine with idarubicin for patients younger than 60 years with resistant acute myeloid leukemia: A prospective, multicenter phase II study
Authors: Kim Hawk , Park Jae‐Hoo , Lee Je‐Hwan , Lee Jung‐Hee , Joo Young‐Don , Lee Won‐Sik , Bae Sung‐Hwa , Mo Ryoo Hun , Lee Kyoo‐Hyung
Published: December 2008

We assessed continuous infusion (CI) of fludarabine and cytarabine (FLAG) plus idarubicin for patients under 60‐years old with resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Induction chemotherapy consisted of idarubicin (12 mg/m2 iv infusion over 30 min on Days 1–3), plus fludarabine (30 mg/m2/day) and cytarabine (1,000 mg/m2/day) on Days 1–5 as a 24‐hr CI. G‐CSF was added on Days 1–5. The 29 patients enrolled were of median age 40 years (range, 18–57 years); of these, 8 (27.6%) had primary refractory disease, 19 (65.5%) were in early relapse, and 1 each (3.4%) was in multiple relapse and relapse after SCT. In response to induction, 8 patients (27.6%) achieved CR, 2 (6.9%) achieved CRp, and 19 (65.5%) failed treatment; of the latter, 14 had aplasia, three had an indeterminate course, and two showed resistance. Seven patients remain alive, while two were lost to follow‐up. Nineteen patients died, 14 of infection, one of toxicity during consolidation, three of relapse after SCT, and two of persistent disease. These findings indicate that although CI of FLAG plus idarubicin was effective for eradicating blasts, it carried a high risk of toxicity. Reduced doses are recommended for CI of FLAG plus idarubicin. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Core–Shell PbI2@WS2 Inorganic Nanotubes from Capillary Wetting
Authors: Kreizman Ronen , Hong Sung You , Sloan Jeremy , Popovitz‐Biro Ronit , Albu‐Yaron Ana , Tobias Gerard , Ballesteros Belén , Davis Benjamin G. , Green Malcolm L. H. , Tenne Reshef
Published: December 2008

Mehrwandige WS2‐Nanoröhrentemplate fungieren als Wirte zur Herstellung von PbI2@WS2‐Kern‐Schale‐Nanoröhren durch kapillare Benetzung. Winkelgetreues Wachstum von PbI2‐Schichten auf der Innenwand der relativ weiten (ca. 10 nm) WS2‐Nanoröhren führt zu Nanoröhrenstrukturen, die in engen Kohlenstoff‐Nanoröhrentemplaten nicht beobachtet wurden. Eine simulierte HR‐TEM‐Aufnahme nach Strukturmodellierung (siehe Bild) stimmt gut mit dem experimentellen Bild überein.

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