bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proof of Partial Flattening of Meso Substituents in Tetracationic Porphyrin at a Mica/Solution Interface
Authors: Yao Hiroshi , Kobayashi Shogo , Kimura Keisaku
Published: April 2008

A free base tetracationic porphyrin (TMPyP) was adsorbed at a mica/aqueous solution interface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) in liquid revealed that the porphyrin rings lie flat on the mica surface with their meso substituents partially rotated toward planarity. Optical waveguide spectroscopy elucidated a bathochromic shift of the Soret band, suggesting extension of π-conjugation by partial inclusion of pyridinium rings.
Fabrication of Polyaniline Silica Nanotubes and Closed Polyaniline Nanotubes Using a Template of Silica Nanotube
Authors: Kim Tae Ho , Kim Youngmoon , Lee Soo Jin , Han Won Seok , Jung Jong Hwa
Published: April 2008

Polyaniline silica nanotubes (PANI@SNT) were prepared by in situ polymerization of anilinium ion adsorbed on the surface of silica nanotubes (SNT), which acted as a template. After polymerization, the silica templates were intensively removed with HF solution to give closed polyaniline nanotubes (PANI–NT). Interestingly, the PANI@SNT showed pH-responsive redox reversibility.
Bril: A Novel Bone-Specific Modulator of Mineralization
Authors: Moffatt Pierre , Gaumond Marie-Helene , Salois Patrick , Sellin Karine , Bessette Marie-Claude , Godin Éric , de Oliveira Paulo Tambasco , Atkins Gerald J , Nanci Antonio , Thomas Gethin
Published: April 2008

In the course of attempting to define the bone “secretome” using a signal-trap screening approach, we identified a gene encoding a small membrane protein novel to osteoblasts. Although previously identified in silico as ifitm5, no localization or functional studies had been undertaken on this gene. We characterized the expression patterns and localization of this gene in vitro and in vivo and assessed its role in matrix mineralization in vitro. The bone specificity and shown role in mineralization led us to rename the gene bone restricted ifitm-like protein (Bril). Bril encodes a 14.8-kDa 134 amino acid protein with two transmembrane domains. Northern blot analysis showed bone-specific expression with no expression in other embryonic or adult tissues. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in mouse embryos showed expression localized on the developing bone. Screening of cell lines showed Bril expression to be highest in osteoblasts, associated with the onset of matrix maturation/mineralization, suggesting a role in bone formation. Functional evidence of a role in mineralization was shown by adenovirus-mediated Bril overexpression and lentivirus-mediated Bril shRNA knockdown in vitro. Elevated Bril resulted in dose-dependent increases in mineralization in UMR106 and rat primary osteoblasts. Conversely, knockdown of Bril in MC3T3 osteoblasts resulted in reduced mineralization. Thus, we identified Bril as a novel osteoblast protein and showed a role in mineralization, possibly identifying a new regulatory pathway in bone formation.
Effects of PTH and Alendronate on Type I Collagen Isomerization in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: The PaTH Study
Authors: Garnero Patrick , Bauer Doug C , Mareau Emmanuel , Bilezikian John P , Greenspan Susan L , Rosen Clifford , Black Dennis
Published: April 2008

Fracture efficacy of PTH and alendronate (ALN) is only partly explained by changes in BMD, and bone collagen properties have been suggested to play a role. We analyzed the effects of PTH(1–84) and ALN on urinary αα/ββ CTX ratio, a marker of type I collagen isomerization and maturation in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In the first year of the previously published PaTH study, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were assigned to PTH(1–84) (100 μg/d; n = 119), ALN (10 mg/d; n = 60), or PTH and ALN together (n = 59). We analyzed patients on ALN alone (n = 60) and a similar number of patients assigned to PTH alone (n = 63). During the second year, women on PTH in the first year were reallocated to placebo (n = 31) or ALN (n = 32) and women with ALN continued on ALN. During the first year, there was no significant change in αα/ββ CTX ratio with PTH or ALN. At 24 mo, there was a marked increase of the αα/ββ CTX ratio in women who had received PTH during the first year, followed by a second year of placebo (median: +45.5, p < 0.001) or ALN (+55.2%, p < 0.001). Conversely, the αα/ββ CTX ratio only slightly increased (+16%, p < 0.05) after 2 yr of continued ALN. In conclusion, treatment with PTH(1–84) for 1 yr followed by 1 yr of placebo or ALN may be associated with decreased type I collagen isomerization. The influence of these biochemical changes of type I collagen on bone fracture resistance remains to be studied.
Effect of Total Hip Bone Area on Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Fractures
Authors: Leslie William D , Tsang James F , Lix Lisa M
Published: April 2008

DXA is affected by skeletal size, with smaller bones giving lower areal BMD despite equal material density. Whether this size effect confounds the use of BMD as a diagnostic and fracture risk assessment tool is unclear. We identified 16,205 women of white ethnicity ≥50 yr of age undergoing baseline hip assessment with DXA (1998–2002) from a population-based database that contains all clinical DXA test results for the Province of Manitoba, Canada. Total hip measurements were categorized according to quartile in total hip bone area (Q1 = smallest, Q4 = largest). Longitudinal health service records were assessed for the presence of nontraumatic osteoporotic fracture codes during a mean of 3.2 yr of follow-up after BMD testing (757 osteoporotic fractures, 186 hip fractures). Total hip bone area strongly affected osteoporosis diagnosis with much higher rates in Q1 (14.4%) than Q4 (8.9%). However, incident fracture rates were constant across all area quartiles, and prevalent fractures were paradoxically fewer in smaller area quartiles (p < 0.001 for trend). Age was a potential confounder that correlated positively with area (r = 0.12, p < 0.0001). When age was not included in a Cox regression model, Q1 seemed to have a lower rate of incident osteoporotic fractures (HR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.66–0.98, reference Q4) and hip fractures (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.43–0.94) for a given level of BMD. In age-adjusted regression models, total hip BMD was strongly predictive of incident osteoporotic fractures (HR per SD = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.68–1.99) and hip fractures (HR per SD = 2.80, 95% CI = 2.33–3.35), but there was no independent effect of bone area (categorical or continuous). Nested matched subgroup analysis and ROC analysis confirmed that bone area had no appreciable effect on incident fractures. We conclude that total hip areal BMD categorizes a substantially higher fraction of women with smaller bone area as being osteoporotic despite younger age. Incident fracture rates correlate equally well with BMD across all bone area quartiles when adjusted for age.
Anti-FGF23 Neutralizing Antibodies Show the Physiological Role and Structural Features of FGF23
Authors: Yamazaki Yuji , Tamada Taro , Kasai Noriyuki , Urakawa Itaru , Aono Yukiko , Hasegawa Hisashi , Fujita Toshiro , Kuroki Ryota , Yamashita Takeyoshi , Fukumoto Seiji , Shimada Takashi
Published: April 2008

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)23 is proposed to play a physiological role in the regulation of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism; deranged circulatory levels of FGF23 cause several diseases with abnormal mineral metabolism. This paper presents a novel approach to analyze the mechanism of action of FGF23 using anti-FGF23 monoclonal antibodies that can neutralize FGF23 activities both in vitro and in vivo. We developed two antibodies (FN1 and FC1) that recognize the N- and C-terminal regions of FGF23, respectively. Both FN1 and FC1 inhibited FGF23 activity in a cell-based Klotho-dependent reporter assay. Their administration caused marked increases in serum phosphate and 1,25D levels in normal mice. These changes were accompanied by altered expression in the kidney of type IIa sodium-phosphate cotransporter, 25-hydroxyvitamin-D-1α-hydroxylase, and 24-hydroxylase. Thus, this study using neutralizing antibodies confirms that FGF23 is a physiological regulator of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism. We addressed the mechanism of action for these neutralizing antibodies. Structural analysis of the FGF23/FN1-Fab complex showed that FN1 masked putative FGF receptor-binding sites in the N-terminal domain of FGF23, whereas biochemical analyses showed that FC1 interfered with the association between FGF23 and Klotho by binding to the C-terminal domain of FGF23. Taken together, our results suggest that the N- and C-terminal domains of FGF23 are responsible for association with cognate FGF receptors and Klotho, respectively, and that these interactions are indispensable for FGF23 activity.
Benefit of Adherence With Bisphosphonates Depends on Age and Fracture Type: Results From an Analysis of 101,038 New Bisphosphonate Users
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R , Westfall Andrew O , Cheng Hong , Lyles Kenneth , Saag Kenneth G , Delzell Elizabeth
Published: April 2008

The relationship between high adherence to oral bisphosphonates and the risk of different types of fractures has not been well studied among adults of different ages. Using claims data from a large U.S. health care organization, we quantified adherence after initiating bisphosphonate therapy using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and identified fractures. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the rate of fracture among nonadherent persons (MPR < 50%) compared with highly adherent persons (MPR ≥ 80%) across several age strata and a variety of types of clinical fractures. In conjunction with fracture incidence rates among the nonadherent, these estimates were used to compute the number needed to treat with high adherence to prevent one fracture, by age and fracture type. Among 101,038 new bisphosphonate users, the proportion of persons with high adherence at 1, 2, and 3 yr was 44%, 39%, and 35%, respectively. Among 65- to 78-yr-old persons with a physician diagnosis of osteoporosis, the crude and adjusted rate of hip fracture among the nonadherent was 1.96 (95% CI, 1.48–2.60) and 1.74 (95% CI, 1.30–2.31), respectively, resulting in a number needed to treat with high adherence to prevent one hip fracture of 107. The impact of high adherence was substantially less for other types of fractures and for younger persons. Analysis of adherence in a non–time-dependent fashion artifactually magnified differences in fracture rates between adherent and nonadherent persons. The antifracture effectiveness associated with high adherence to oral bisphosphonates varied substantially by age and fracture type. These results provide estimates of absolute fracture effectiveness across age subgroups and fracture types that have been minimally evaluated in clinical trials and may be useful for future cost-effectiveness studies.
Estimation of LDL-Associated Apolipoprotein B from Measurements of Triglycerides and Total Apolipoprotein B
Authors: Baca Arthur M , Warnick G Russell
Published: April 2008

Background: VLDL and chylomicrons may interfere with measurements of apolipoprotein B (apo B) on LDL particles. Ultracentrifugation of samples enriched in chylomicrons and VLDL and subsequent measurement of apo B in the infranate fraction [density (d) = 1.006] removes this interference. This apo B fraction is called “LDL–apo B.”

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 64 895 measurements of triglycerides, total apo B, and LDL–apo B. Samples were ultracentrifuged, and 3 commercially available immunoassays that use different antibodies were used to measure LDL–apo B in the 1.006 infranate fraction.

Results: After adjusting for triglyceride concentration, we found total apo B and LDL–apo B measurements to be strongly correlated. We derived a simple linear equation for calculating LDL–apo B concentration (in milligrams per deciliter) from measurements of total apo B and triglycerides: LDL–apo B = apo B − 10 mg/dL − triglycerides/32. This equation accurately predicts LDL–apo B values within ±12% of the measured value in 75% of cases.

Conclusions: Our equation provides a convenient means of estimating LDL–apo B from commonly available measurements of total apo B and triglycerides without the need for ultracentrifugation. LDL–apo B measurements were also independent of the different apo B antibodies in the 3 assays used in this study. An equation that predicts LDL–apo B particle number may be useful, regardless of the apo B assay used.
A Simple Assay to Measure Phagocytosis of Live Bacteria
Authors: Bicker Heike , Höflich Conny , Wolk Kerstin , Vogt Katrin , Volk Hans-Dieter , Sabat Robert
Published: April 2008

Background: The phagocytosis of pathogens is essential for fighting infections. No assay is available, however, to measure both engulfment and degradation of bacteria under conditions similar to those in vivo. We sought to develop a flow cytometric assay to measure the engulfment and degradation of live bacteria by human blood monocytes and granulocytes.

Methods: We generated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-expressing Eschericha coli by transforming E. coli with the plasmid vector pEGFP. We used these bacteria in a flow cytometric assay to measure both engulfment and degradation of living bacteria by monocytes and granulocytes in human whole blood from fresh, heparinized venous blood samples. To determine whether the test detected differences between healthy individuals and patients with secondary immunodeficiencies, we compared the phagocytosis of monocytes and granulocytes measured in blood samples from immunosuppressed kidney transplantation patients and from patients with postoperative sepsis in immunoparalysis with phagocytosis measured in samples from age-matched healthy individuals.

Results: In samples from healthy individuals, we found that in both monocytes and granulocytes bacterial degradation was negatively correlated with the age of the sample donor. Furthermore, we detected decreased bacterial engulfment in granulocytes from septic patients and decreased bacterial degradation in monocytes from immunosuppressed kidney transplantation patients.

Conclusions: This flow cytometric assay measures the engulfment and degradation of live bacteria by human blood monocytes and granulocytes. By means of this assay we detected significant differences between healthy controls and patients with secondary immunodeficiencies that may contribute to the increased incidence of infection complications seen in these patients.
Erroneous Design Assumptions and Construction Defects in a Thin Stone Facade System
Authors: Schmidt Mark K. , Murphy Jill H.
Published: April 2008

During a routine close-up facade inspection of the exterior walls of a 15-year-old, 31-story office building, a loose 30-mm thick granite panel was discovered. Initially, it was believed that this movement was due to the location of the anchorages relative to the panel geometry. A more thorough examination of the panel was performed by inspecting the panel attachment from the interior of the building. This inspection revealed that one of the two epoxied wind load anchors had failed. An extensive investigation of the granite facade panels, including additional close-up exterior and interior inspections, structural analyses, and testing, was undertaken. Interior examinations revealed construction defects in the epoxied anchors. In addition, the structural analyses indicated a flaw in the original design that affected certain panels in high wind load zones. Repairs were designed to address the design and construction deficiencies. Supplemental panel anchorages were installed from the exterior of the building, thereby minimizing disruptions to building occupants. While the implemented panel repairs can be identified at close range, they are imperceptible from publicly accessible vantage points.
Irradiation-Induced Growth and Microstructure of Recrystallized, Cold Worked and Quenched Zircaloy-2, NSF, and E635 Alloys
Authors: Kobylyansky G. P. , Novoselov A. E. , Ostrovsky Z. E. , Obukhov A. V. , Shishin V. Yu. , Shishov V. N. , Nikulina A. V. , Peregud M. M. , Mahmood S. T. , White D. W. , Lin Y-P. , Dubecky M. A.
Published: April 2008

This paper is devoted to the study of the effect of the texture, phase composition, and microstructure on the irradiation-induced growth strain (GS) of zirconium-based alloys. GS measurements and TEM microstructural examinations were performed on Zry-2, NSF, and E635 samples in the recrystallized, beta quenched and cold-worked (CW) conditions. The samples were irradiated in the BOR-60 reactor in the temperature range of 315–325°C up to a neutron fluence level of 1.1 ×1026 n/m2 (E>1 MeV), i.e., up to a damage dose of 23 dpa. Growth strains of NSF and E635 alloys in all states and in the longitudinal and transverse directions are lower as compared to those of Zry-2, and do not exceed 0.2 % even at the maximum fluence level. As for recrystallized Zry-2, the GS kinetics are characterized by the appearance of the accelerated growth stage. A combination of a certain amount of Nb, Fe, and Sn in the matrix content plays a key role in GS kinetics. The higher the degree of CW, the higher the irradiation growth but its rate of increase with increasing fluence is different for alloys of different compositions. The maximum GS, reaching 0.72 %, is observed in the 20 % CW Zry-2 samples. Texture, along with the alloy composition, is one of the main GS-determining factors. Irradiation growth of the transversal samples is lower as compared to the longitudinal ones because of texture. As for quenched alloys, the texture is practically isotropic and GS values are low, independent of the alloy composition. In CW materials, the density of - dislocations greatly affects the irradiation growth strain. Particles of Zr(Fe,Cr)2 and Zr2(Fe,Ni) phases in Zry-2 as well as Zr(Nb,Fe)2 in NSF and E635 are depleted in iron under irradiation. The Fe goes into the matrix and modifies its properties. The HCP lattice structure in the Laves phases in NSF and E635 changes into BCC (β-Nb-type). FCC (Zr,Nb)2Fe precipitates preserve on the whole their composition and structure; no amorphization of the Nb-containing precipitates is observed. The Zr2(Fe,Ni) precipitates with a BCT lattice remain crystalline, and HCP Zr(Cr,Fe)2 precipitates undergo amorphization. The average particle size in the irradiated alloys is larger and the concentration is a little lower as compared to the unirradiated ones. Irradiation-induced fine dispersed precipitates about 3 nm in size, probably enriched in niobium, appear in NSF and E635. The observed changes of microhardness are discussed from the viewpoint of generation of radiation defects (clusters, dislocation loops), evolution of the initial dislocation structure, and matrix composition (enrichment in Fe, Cr, and, probably, Nb).
A Rapid Method for Determination of the Chloride Migration Coefficient in Concrete Using Electrical Field
Authors: Yang C. C. , Chiang S. C.
Published: April 2008

The chloride migration test has been widely used in recent years to evaluate the durability of concrete. However, the traditional technique of chloride analysis required a large number of samples and is time-consuming and expensive. This paper presents a simplified procedure for measuring the steady-state chloride migration coefficient in concrete using the accelerated chloride migration test (ACMT). Sixteen mixes of concrete were tested at three curing ages. From the test results, the measurement of the initial electrical current and chloride-time curve in steady state period, the union of fixed time was obtained from the maximum of starting time and the minimum of ending time in the steady-state period following the measurement of the initial electrical current. According to the measurement of initial electrical current and the union fixed time, ACMT provides an accurate and rapid way to estimate the chloride migration coefficient based on the chloride migration rate by using the Nernst-Planck equation.
Management of investment processes on Finnish farms
Authors: MATTILA T. , MANNINEN M. , RIKKONEN P.
Published: April 2008

Structural change in agriculture means a continuous need for investing in farm production. It is essential for the sustainable operations and the economy of the farm that such investments are successful. In this research, different stages of the investment process of farms were studied as well as the use of information and the success perceived during the investment process. The study was carried out with mail surveys and telephone interviews on the Finnish Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) farms. The most challenging investments were in animal husbandry buildings and, as to these investments, the comparison of alternatives was the most challenging stage. For most investments, the planning phase was considered more challenging than the implementation. Before making the decision, farmers acquired information from many sources, of which the opinion of the main customer and the experiences of fellow farmers were the most valued. Some of the products considered were so new on the market that it was not easy to get adequate information and, furthermore, the information given by suppliers was not always accurate. Decision-making was supported by calculations, but qualitative factors had a dominating role. Large basic decisions were made relatively quickly, while details needed a longer time to process. In general, farm managers were satisfied with their investments. Improvements in work quality and quantity were especially mentioned and generally qualitative factors were the ones first in mind when evaluating the successfulness of the investment.;
Biological wastewater treatment for removal of polymeric resins in UASB reactor: influence of oxygen
Authors: Durán U. , Monroy O. , Gómez J. , Ramírez F.
Published: April 2008

The biological elimination of polymeric resins compounds (PRC) such as acrylic acid and their esters, vinyl acetate and styrene under methanogenic and oxygen-limited methanogenesis conditions was evaluated. Two UASB reactors (A and B) were used and the removal of the organic matter was studied in four stages. Reactor A was used as methanogenic control during the study. Initially both reactors were operated under methanogenic conditions. From the second stage reactor B was fed with 0.6 and 1 mg/L·d of oxygen (O2). Reactor A had diminution in chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency from 75±4% to 37±5%, by the increase of PRC loading rate from 750 to 1125 mg COD/L·d. In this reactor there was no styrene elimination. In reactor B the COD removal efficiency was between 73±5% and 80±2%, even with the addition of O2 and increase of the PRC loading rate, owing to oxygen being used in the partial oxidation of these compounds. In this reactor the yields were modified from 0.56 to 0.40 for CH4 and from 0.31 to 0.60 for CO2. The O2 in low concentrations increased 40.7% the consumption rates of acrylic acid, methyl acrylate and vinyl acetate, allowing styrene consumption with a rate of 0.103 g/L·d. Batch cultures demonstrated that under methanogenic and oxygen-limited methanogenesis conditions, the glucose was not used as an electron acceptor in the elimination of PRC.
Mathematical model for microbial fuel cells with anodic biofilms and anaerobic digestion
Authors: Picioreanu C. , Katuri K. P. , Head I. M. , van Loosdrecht M. C. M. , Scott K.
Published: April 2008

This study describes the integration of IWA's anaerobic digestion model (ADM1) within a computational model of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Several populations of methanogenic and electroactive microorganisms coexist suspended in the anolyte and in the biofilm attached to the anode. A number of biological, chemical and electrochemical reactions occur in the bulk liquid, in the biofilm and at the electrode surface, involving glucose, organic acids, H2 and redox mediators. Model output includes the evolution in time of important measurable MFC parameters (current production, consumption of substrates, suspended and attached biomass growth). Two- and three-dimensional model simulations reveal the importance of current and biomass heterogeneous distribution over the planar anode surface. Voltage- and power–current characteristics can be calculated at different moments in time to evaluate the limiting regime in which the MFC operates. Finally, model simulations are compared with experimental results showing that, in a batch MFC, smaller electrical resistance of the circuit leads to selection of electroactive bacteria. Higher coulombic yields are so obtained because electrons from substrate are transferred to anode rather than following the methanogenesis pathway. In addition to higher currents, faster COD consumption rates are so achieved. The potential of this general modelling framework is in the understanding and design of more complex cases of wastewater-fed microbial fuel cells.
Differentiation of wastewater effluent organic matter (EfOM) from natural organic matter (NOM) using multiple analytical techniques
Authors: Nam Seong-Nam , Amy Gary
Published: April 2008

Using three analytical techniques of size exclusion chromatography (SEC), fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM), and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) measurement, differentiating characteristics of effluent organic matter (EfOM) from natural organic matter (NOM) have been investigated. SEC reveals a wide range of molecular weight (MW) for EfOM and high amount of high MW polysaccharides, and low MW organic acids compared to NOM. Clear protein-like peaks using fluorescence EEM were a major feature of EfOM distinguishing it from NOM. Fluorescence index (FI), an indicator to distinguish autochthonous origin from allochthonous origin, differentiated EfOM from NOM by exhibiting higher values, indicating a microbial origin. In EfOM samples, DON present in higher amounts than NOM.
Impact of temperature on biodegradation of bulk and trace organics during soil passage in an indirect reuse system
Authors: Gruenheid S. , Huebner U. , Jekel M.
Published: April 2008

Investigations on the behavior of bulk organics and trace organic compounds in a temperature controlled soil column system are reported. Objective of the research was to assess the importance of temperature for the degradation of bulk and trace organics. The analysis of the bulk organic behavior showed a fast mineralization of easily degradable organic carbon in the first few centimetres of the columns, which does not seem to be temperature-dependent. Along the further infiltration path an influence of the different temperatures on the bioactivity was clearly visible. However, a significant increase of mineralization potential of bulk organic compounds with increasing temperature was shown. The monitoring of the single organic pollutants Iopromide, Sulfamethoxazole and naphthalenedisulfonic acids showed that temperature has an influence on the degradation behavior of the monitored compounds. In most cases higher temperatures increased the mineralization potential.
Post-aeration of anaerobically digested sewage sludge for advanced COD and nitrogen removal: results and cost-benefit analysis at large-scale
Authors: Parravicini V. , Svardal K. , Kroiss H.
Published: April 2008

At a large Austrian municipal wastewater treatment plant enhanced stabilisation of anaerobically digested sewage sludge was required in order to get a permit for landfill disposal of the dewatered stabilized sludge. By implementing a post-aeration treatment after anaerobic digestion the organic content of the anaerobically well digested sludge can be decreased by 16%. Investigations at this plant showed that during digested sludge post-aeration anoxic phases are needed to provide stable process conditions. In this way the pH value can be kept in a more favourable range for micro-organisms and concrete structures. Additionally, under the process conditions applied nitrite accumulation would inhibit the stabilisation process if denitrification is not adequately applied. By optimising the aeration/pause ratio ∼45% of total nitrogen in digested sludge can be removed. NH4-removal occurs through nitritation and denitritation with an efficiency of 98%. This significantly improves nitrogen removal efficiency at the wastewater treatment plant. The costs/benefit analysis shows that post-aeration of digested sludge results in an increase of total annual costs for wastewater treatment of only 0.84%, corresponding to 0.19 Euro/pe/a. Specific costs for nitrogen removal (0.32 Euro/kgN) are comparable with other biological processes for N-removal in reject water.
Aeration of large-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants: state of the art
Authors: Rosso Diego , Larson Lory E. , Stenstrom Michael K.
Published: April 2008

Aeration is the most energy-intensive operation in wastewater treatment, amounting to 45–75% of plant energy costs. Fine-pore diffusers are today almost ubiquitous in municipal wastewater aeration, due to their advantageous aeration efficiency (mass of oxygen transferred per unit energy required). Nevertheless, older municipal treatment facilities and many industrial treatment plants are still equipped with coarse-bubble or surface aerators. Fine-pore diffusers are subject to two major disadvantages: a) fouling, if not cleaned periodically; b) decrease in oxygen transfer efficiency caused by dissolved surfactants. Coarse-bubble and surface aerators are typically not subject to the traditional problems affecting fine-pore diffusers. Nonetheless, they achieve oxygen transfer at the expense of increased energy intensity. The increased biomass concentration associated with high mean cell retention time (MCRT) operations has a beneficial effect on aeration. Nutrient-removing selectors are able to further increase aeration efficiency, as they sorb and utilize the readily available substrate which otherwise would accumulate at bubble surfaces and dramatically decrease aeration efficiency. We summarise here our 30-year long experience in aeration research, and results obtained with clean- and process-water tests are used to show the beneficial effects of high MCRT operations, the beneficial effect of selectors, and the decline of aeration efficiency due to dissolved surfactants.
Assessment of the reliability of an on-site MBR system for greywater treatment and the associated aesthetic and health risks
Authors: Friedler E. , Shwartzman Z. , Ostfeld A.
Published: April 2008

This study analyses the reliability of an on-site MBR system for greywater treatment and reuse. To achieve this goal simulation was performed based on the IWA ASM1 model which was adapted to describe biological and physical mechanisms for MBR greywater treatment based systems. Model results were found to agree well with experimental data from an on site pilot greywater treatment plant, after which the calibrated model was used in a Monte Carlo mode for generating statistical data on the MBR system performance under different scenarios of failures and inflow loads variations. Effluents quality and their associated risks were successfully estimated.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-Encoded RNA: Automated In-Situ Hybridization (ISH) Compared with Manual ISH and Immunohistochemistry for Detection of EBV in Pediatric Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Fanaian Naim K. , Cohen Cynthia , Waldrop Sandra , Wang Jennifer , Shehata Bahig M.
Published: April 2008

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may be achieved by various methods, including EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) in-situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for latent membrane protein (LMP-1). We compared novel automated ISH and IHC techniques in pediatric lymphoproliferative disorders with results obtained by manual ISH. Thirty-seven pediatric cases previously studied by manual EBER ISH (including 18 EBER-positive, 15 EBER-negative, and 4 EBER-equivocal cases) were used for the study. Automated EBER ISH and automated LMP-1 IHC were performed using the BondMax autostainer and prediluted EBER probe and EBV cell surface 1 to 4 at 1:50 dilution, respectively. Results of each of the automated techniques for EBV detection were compared with results by manual EBER ISH. Compared with manual EBER ISH as the gold standard, automated ISH had a sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 69%, respectively, accuracy of 83%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 79%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 90%. Automated IHC had a sensitivity of 44%, specificity of 93%, accuracy of 67%, PPV of 88%, and NPV of 59%. Automated ISH and IHC correlated significantly ( P < 0.045). Automated ISH is useful for diagnosis of EBV-related pediatric neoplasms, being easy to perform and interpret and requiring only the technologist's time to set up and having a high sensitivity and NPV. The automated IHC protocol is of too low sensitivity for routine use, although results show high specificity and PPV.
Calretinin Immunohistochemistry versus Acetylcholinesterase Histochemistry in the Evaluation of Suction Rectal Biopsies for Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Kapur Raj P. , Reed Robyn C. , Finn Laura S. , Patterson Kathleen , Johanson Judy , Rutledge Joe C.
Published: April 2008

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) relies on histologic and/or histochemical staining of sections from suction rectal biopsies. Acetylcholinesterase histochemistry (AChE) facilitates diagnosis but is not universally employed, in part because it requires special tissue handling. Calretinin immunohistochemistry (IHC) may be a useful alternative, because loss of calretinin immunoreactive nerves reportedly correlates spatially with aganglionosis. We investigated the patterns of calretinin IHC in suction rectal biopsies from HSCR and non-HSCR patients and compared the diagnostic value of calretinin IHC with a widely used rapid AChE method. In suction rectal biopsies that contain ganglion cells, small nerves in the lamina propria, muscularis mucosae, and superficial submucosa contain granular aggregates of calretinin immunoreactivity. Immunolabeling of these nerves is completely absent in the aganglionic biopsies of HSCR patients. Multiple observers independently reviewed calretinin IHC and AChE sections of suction rectal biopsies from 14 HSCR patients and 17 non-HSCR controls. Five observers, blinded to the correct diagnosis, scored each patient's calretinin IHC and AChE slides as HSCR, not HSCR, or equivocal. The frequencies of major and minor discrepant diagnoses were compared. Calretinin IHC yielded no misdiagnoses or major discrepancies between observers. In contrast, 2 misdiagnoses and significantly more interobserver disagreement resulted from the AChE-stained sections. Calretinin IHC appears to be a reasonable, and potentially superior, alternative to AChE as an adjunctive diagnostic method for evaluating suction rectal biopsies for HSCR.
Breathable Film from Reactive Processing of LLDPE/NR Blends with ENR and Maleic Anhydride
Authors: Tasanatanachai P. , Singsat N. , Jamieson A. M. , Magaraphan R.
Published: April 2008

The high oxygen permeability film, so-called breathable film, can be produced via reactive blending and processing of linear-low density polyethylene, natural rubber, and epoxidized natural rubber with a small content of maleic anhydride as a reactive coagent. The foam-like structure of the produced breathable film was created by the reaction between the functional groups during the extrusion. Oxygen permeability of the blended films can be controlled by the blend composition, screw speed, and draw ratio during the chill-roll casting step. The blended films exhibit not only the good breathablility but also the outstanding UV screening with a small transparency trade-off. These properties are suitable for the films to be used in agricultural applications to enhance the growing and production of fruit trees, flowers, vegetables, and even grains, especially during the growing stage of plants.
Rheological Modification of LLDPE Through Reactive Processing with Peroxide
Authors: Tasanatanachai P. , Tzoganakis C. , Magaraphan R.
Published: April 2008

The presence of long-chain branching provides advantageous properties to a molten polymer in film production, especially for a fast growing commodity plastic such as polyethylene. Besides the innovation of polymerization, the most attractive method to tailor the molecular structure is peroxide modification via reactive processing which is the post-reactor technique. By this process, it can achieve the enhancement of ability of the melt to be drawn or stretched during the film processing due to branching. However, to avoid the undesired excess of macroscopic molecular network, which may cause defects in the film product, a small quantity of peroxide initiator was used to modify the base resin. The rheological properties, as related to molecular characteristics, were investigated using a capillary rheometer. Rheological analysis of the products modified by different peroxide addition methods was of interest as changes in rheological properties depend markedly on the efficiency of incorporating and mixing the peroxide into the polymer. Process parameters (including mixing temperature, peroxide quantity, and mixing speed), which appear to be responsible for the molecular characteristics alteration, were considered in order to produce materials with preferred rheological properties.
Melt Processability and Foam Suppression of High Molecular Weight Polyethylenes Plasticized with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Wilding M. D. , Baird D. G. , Eberle A. P. R.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this study is to determine to what extent CO2 can be used as a processing aid to melt process polyethylenes of higher molecular weight than can be typically melt processed. To assess the ability to melt process high molecular weight polyethylenes with CO2, the viscosity of a 460 000 g/mol high density polyethylene (HDPE) plasticized with various amounts of absorbed CO2 in an extrusion process was determined using a slit die rheometer that was attached to the end of the extruder. A relationship was developed to determine the maximum molecular weight polyethylene that could be processed at a given viscosity reduction due to absorbed CO2. This relationship was tested by using CO2 to process a blend of 40 weight percent ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and the 460 000 g/mol HDPE which lead to an equivalent molecular weight of 720 000 g/mol. The viscosity of the blend with 12 weight percent CO2 was reduced to that of the pure 460 000 g/mol HDPE as predicted by the relationship. Preliminary studies using a pressurized chamber attached to the exit of the die allowed one to assess the conditions under which suppression of foaming within fibers or other extruded forms is possible.
Melt Strength and Thermal Properties of Organic Peroxide Modified Virgin and Recycled HDPE
Authors: Parmar H. B. , Gupta R. K. , Bhattacharya S. N.
Published: April 2008

Commercial blow moulding grade recycled high density polyethylene (r-HDPE) and blow moulding grade virgin HDPE were reactively extruded with various compositions (0.00 to 0.15 %) of different peroxides in a twin screw extruder. The aim was to improve the melt strength properties of a blow moulding grade HDPE homopolymer – a polymer resin comprising a significant part of the post consumer recycled plastic stream in Australia. Melting behaviour and crystallinity were investigated by modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). Uniaxial melt extensional (UME) measurement of the modified materials was carried out using Göttfert Rheotens melt strength tester to measure melt quality of the material. Melt strength and zero shear viscosity were also measured to assess and correlate changes in melt properties due to peroxide modification. Melt strength and zero shear viscosity of both recycled and virgin material were enhanced with the increase in composition of peroxide. However, addition of peroxide also brought with it flow instabilities like draw resonance and necking, both of which lead to limitations in polymer processing.
Mechanical and Thermal Propertiesof Fly Ash/Reclaimed Rubber Powder Composites Improved by KH-550 Coupling Agent
Authors: Wu W.-L. , Chen D.-J.
Published: April 2008

Fly ash (FA) is utilized as a filler to reinforce reclaimed rubber powder (RP) composites by using a coupling agent. FA content is varied between 10 and 35 phr. The optimal formulation of FA/RP composites and experimental process variables were determined by measuring mechanical and thermal properties. A study of compatibility and cross-linking by SEM and IR shows that FA/RP composites offer superior mechanical and thermal properties when the accelerator (M) and stearic acid (SA) are added first, then mixed with sulfur and dicumyl peroxide (DCP), and finally r-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH-550). The mass ratio of the FA/RP composites is 25/100, and the cure condition is 145°C for 40 min under 9 MPa. The results indicate that FA is an excellent filler and can be used as a silica replacement for reclaimed rubber powder composites.
Steam bubble cavitation
Authors: Mahulkar A. V. , Bapat P. S. , Pandit A. B. , Lewis F. M.
Published: April 2008

Generating hydrodynamic/ acoustic cavitation (Gogate et al.) for a useful purpose encompasses the following energy transformation steps: (1) Burning fuel in boiler. (2) Expanding the steam in a turbine generator. (3) Using electrical output from the generator to: (a) Pump water through a mechanical constriction (hydrodynamic cavitation), or (b) Operate ultrasonic transducer (acoustic cavitation). The combined loss, which is the mathematical product of each of the above step efficiencies, lowers the overall efficiency. An energy efficient method for generating useful cavitation is presented here. It suggests direct injection of steam (I) into sub‐cooled water to produce cavitation, thereby eliminating the inefficiencies of the remaining steps (II and III). Cavitation produced by this technique was experimentally and numerically shown to produce collapse conditions similar to hydrodynamic/acoustic cavitation. Direct steam injection cavitation coupled with acoustic cavitation, exhibited 4–16 times greater energy efficiency as compared to acoustic cavitation alone. Similar effects have been numerically speculated for hydrodynamic cavitation. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 54, 2008
Nutrition transition in Amazonia: Obesity and socioeconomic change in the Suruí Indians from Brazil
Authors: Port Lourenço Ana Eliza , Ventura Santos Ricardo , Orellana Jesem D. Y. , Coimbra Carlos E. A.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status of the adult Suruí population, an indigenous society from the Brazilian Amazon, as it relates to socioeconomic conditions. Fieldwork was carried out in February–March 2005, including 252 individuals (88.1% of the total eligible subjects older than 20 years of age in the villages surveyed). Anthropometric measurements were performed following standard procedures, and percentage of body fat (%BF) was measured by bioimpedance. To classify the Suruí according to socioeconomic status (SES), an index was constructed based on a group of variables to characterize socioeconomic differentiation. Evaluated by body mass index (BMI), the majority of Suruí 20–49.9 years of age were overweight (42.3%) or obese (18.2%). The frequency of obesity for women (24.5%) was twice that recorded for men. Subjects classified as overweight or obese also showed high %BF and waist circumference (WC). Women in the high SES category showed higher anthropometric values (including weight, BMI, arm fat area, and WC) and %BF than those of lower SES. This study shows that the Suruí are undergoing a rapid process of nutrition transition. This transition is closely associated with the emergence of intragroup differences in SES which have impacted diet and physical activity patterns. In research in indigenous peoples in Amazonia, greater attention should be paid to the human biological outcomes of socioeconomic transformations related to the growing involvement of native societies in the market economy. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A genome wide linkage scan for cleft lip and palate and dental anomalies
Authors: Vieira Alexandre R. , McHenry Toby G. , Daack‐Hirsch Sandra , Murray Jeffrey C. , Marazita Mary L.
Published: April 2008

We revisited 46 families with two or more siblings affected with an orofacial cleft that participated in previous genome wide studies and collected complete dental information. Genotypes from 392 microsatellite markers at 10 cM intervals were reanalyzed. We carried out four sets of genome wide analyses. First, we ran the analysis solely on the cleft status. Second, we assigned to any dental anomaly (tooth agenesis, supernumerary teeth, and microdontia) an affection status, and repeated the analysis. Third, we ran only the 19 families where the proband had a cleft with no dental anomalies. Finally, we ran only the 27 families that had a proband with cleft and additional dental anomalies outside the cleft area. Chromosomes (1, 2, 6, 8, 16, and 19) presented regions with LOD scores >2.0. Chromosome 19 has the most compelling results in our study. The LOD scores increased from 3.11 (in the scan of all 46 families with clefts as the only assigned affection status) to 3.91 when the 19 families whose probands present with no additional dental anomalies were studied, suggesting the interval 19p13.12‐19q12 may contain a gene that contributes to clefts but not to dental anomalies. On the other hand, we found a LOD score of 3.00 in the 2q22.3 region when dental anomalies data were added to the analysis to define affection status. Our preliminary results support the hypothesis that some loci may contribute to both clefts and congenital dental anomalies. Also, adding dental anomalies information will provide new opportunities to map susceptibility loci for clefts. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurotransmission and bipolar disorder: A systematic family‐based association study
Authors: Shi Jiajun , Badner Judith A. , Hattori Eiji , Potash James B. , Willour Virginia L. , McMahon Francis J. , Gershon Elliot S. , Liu Chunyu
Published: April 2008

Neurotransmission pathways/systems have been proposed to be involved in the pathophysiology and treatment of bipolar disorder for over 40 years. In order to test the hypothesis that common variants of genes in one or more of five neurotransmission systems confer risk for bipolar disorder, we analyzed 1,005 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms in 90 genes from dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems in 101 trios and 203 quads from Caucasian bipolar families. Our sample has 80% power to detect ORs ≥ 1.82 and ≥1.57 for minor allele frequencies of 0.1 and 0.5, respectively. Nominally significant allelic and haplotypic associations were found for genes from each neurotransmission system, with several reaching gene‐wide significance (allelic: GRIA1, GRIN2D, and QDPR; haplotypic: GRIN2C, QDPR, and SLC6A3). However, none of these associations survived correction for multiple testing in an individual system, or in all systems considered together. Significant single nucleotide polymorphism associations were not found with sub‐phenotypes (alcoholism, psychosis, substance abuse, and suicide attempts) or significant gene–gene interactions. These results suggest that, within the detectable odds ratios of this study, common variants of the selected genes in the five neurotransmission systems do not play major roles in influencing the risk for bipolar disorder or comorbid sub‐phenotypes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.