bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Connexin 43 (GJA1) mutation causes oculo–dento–digital dysplasia with curly hair
Authors: Kjaer Klaus W. , Hansen Lars , Eiberg Hans , Leicht Pernille , Opitz John M. , Tommerup Niels
Published: April 2004

Oculo–dento–digital dysplasia (ODDD) [OMIM 164200] is a rare autosomal dominant pleiotropic disorder comprising ocular, craniofacial, and digital anomalies, caused by mutations in the gap junction alpha‐1 gene (GJA1 or Connexin 43 (CX43)) [Paznekas et al., 2003]. In a Danish family affected over five generations, we found a novel mutation, 286G → A, resulting in Val96Met. We provide an easy method for mutation detection by use of the restriction enzyme Nde1 and discuss possible pathogenetic mechanisms, arguing that loss of function cannot be excluded. This is the second article reporting ODDD mutations. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mild Wolf–Hirschhorn phenotype and partial gh deficiency in a patient with a 4p terminal deletion
Authors: Titomanlio L. , Romano A. , Conti A. , Genesio R. , Salerno M. , De Brasi D. , Nitsch L. , Del Giudice E.
Published: April 2004

Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is caused by a variably‐sized deletion of chromosome 4 involving band 4p16 whose typical craniofacial features are “Greek warrior helmet appearance” of the nose, microcephaly, and prominent glabella. Almost all patients show mental retardation and pre‐ and post‐natal growth delay. Patient was born at term, after a pregnancy characterized by intra‐uterine growth retardation (IUGR). Delivery was uneventful. Developmental delay was evident since the first months of life. At 2 years, he developed generalized tonic‐clonic seizures. Because of short stature, low growth velocity and delayed bone age, at 4 years he underwent growth hormone (GH) evaluation. Peak GH after two provocative tests revealed a partial GH deficiency. Clinical observation at 7 years disclosed a distinctive facial appearance, with microcephaly, prominent eyes, and beaked nose. Brain MRI showed left temporal mesial sclerosis. GTG banded karyotype was normal. Because of mental retardation, subtelomeric fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was performed, disclosing a relatively large deletion involving 4p16.2 → pter (about 4.5 Mb), in the proband, not present in the parents. The smallest deletion detected in a WHS patient thus far includes two candidate genes,WHSC1andWHSC2. Interestingly, that patient did not show shortness of stature, and that could be due to the haploinsufficiency of other genes localized in the flanking regions. Contribution of GH alterations and possible GH therapy should be further considered in WHS patients. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meta‐analysis of the association between a serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5‐HTTLPR) and anxiety‐related personality traits
Authors: Sen Srijan , Burmeister Margit , Ghosh Debashis
Published: April 2004

Anxiety‐related personality traits, such as NEO neuroticism and TCI/TPQ harm avoidance, have been shown to have significant genetic components. To date, however, no specific genetic variants that contribute to these traits have been conclusively identified. At least 26 studies have investigated a putative association between a functional serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5‐HTTLPR) and anxiety‐related personality traits. The results of these studies have been inconsistent with some studies finding evidence for an association, and others not. We performed a meta‐analysis of all applicable studies investigating this association. In the overall analysis (N = 5,629 subjects), we found suggestive evidence for an association between the 5‐HTTLPR short allele (s) and increased anxiety‐related personality trait scores (P = 0.087). However, we also found strong evidence for heterogeneity. This heterogeneity is largely explained by substantial variation between the studies in the inventory used. When the analysis was stratified by inventory type, there was a significant association between 5‐HTTLPR and NEO neuroticism (P = 0.000016), a non‐significant association between 5‐HTTLPR and TCI/TPQ harm avoidance (P = 0.166), and no association between 5‐HTTLPR and other anxiety‐related personality traits (P = 0.944). There was no evidence that these results were either due to publication bias or accounted for by any one single study. We conclude that there is a strong association between the serotonin transporter promoter variant and neuroticism as measured in the NEO personality inventory and that non‐replications are largely due to small sample size and the use of different inventories. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Help of third‐year medical students decreases first‐year medical students' negative psychological reactions on the first day of gross anatomy dissection
Authors: Houwink Aletta P. , Kurup Anil N. , Kollars Joshua P. , Kral Kollars Catharine A. , Carmichael Stephen W. , Pawlina Wojciech
Published: April 2004

The assistance of third‐year medical students (MS3) may be an easy, inexpensive, educational method to decrease physical and emotional stress among first‐year medical students (MS1) on the first day of gross anatomy dissection. In the academic years 2000–2001 and 2001–2002, a questionnaire on the emotional and physical reactions on the first day of dissection was distributed to 84 MS1 at Mayo Medical School (Rochester, MN); 74 (88%) responded. Student perceptions were assessed on a 5‐point Likert scale. The 42 second‐year medical students (MS2) whose first academic year was 1999–2000 were used as a control group, because they had not had assistance from MS3. MS2 completed the same questionnaire (59% response rate). Data were collected from MS1 on the day of their first gross anatomy dissection. The most frequent reactions were headache, disgust, grief or sadness, and feeling light‐headed. Significant differences (α < 0.05) were found with use of the χ2 test to compare the emotional and physical reactions of MS1 and MS2. MS1 had significantly fewer physical reactions (64% vs. 88%), reporting lower levels of anxiety (23% vs. 48%), headache (14% vs. 36%), disgust (9% vs. 20%), feeling light‐headed (11% vs. 24%), and reaction to the smell of the cadaver and laboratory (8% vs. 52%). MS1 commented that having MS3 at the dissection table was extremely helpful. They relied less on their peers and felt they learned more efficiently about the dissection techniques and anatomical structures. Using MS3 as assistants is one method to reduce fear and anxiety on the first day of gross anatomy dissection. Clin. Anat. 17:328–333, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Yttrium‐90 ibritumomab tiuxetan radioimmunotherapy in Richter syndrome
Authors: Tsimberidou Apostolia‐Maria , Murray James L. , O'Brien Susan , Wierda William G. , Keating Michael J.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan is a radioimmunotherapeutic construct that is reported to be an effective treatment for patients with lymphoma. The aim of the current analysis was to evaluate retrospectively the efficacy and safety of 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan in patients with Richter syndrome (RS).

METHODS

Patients with histologically proven CD20‐positive RS and < 25% lymphoma and/or chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the bone marrow were treated. Patients received an imaging dose of 111In‐labeled ibritumomab tiuxetan of 1.6 mg (5.0 mCi of 111In) intravenously. One week later, they received 0.3 or 0.4 mCi/kg of 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan. Rituximab, at a dose of 250 mg/m2 intravenously, was given immediately before ibritumomab tiuxetan on Days 1 and 8.

RESULTS

Seven patients were treated. Their median age was 56 years (range, 44–70 years). The median time to transformation was 7.9 years (range, 0.7–28.4 years). The median number of previous therapies received was five (range, one to seven previous therapies). The median number of previous therapies received for RS was one (range, none to three previous therapies). Six patients were treated previously with hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone alternating with methotrexate and cytosine arabinoside. No patient responded to 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan therapy. All patients developed disease progression. The median time to disease progression was 41 days (range, 39–89 days). Side effects included hematologic toxicity. Grade 3–4 (according to the second version of the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria) thrombocytopenia and neutropenia occurred in 5 patients (71%) and 2 patients (29%), respectively. There was one episode of septic shock in a patient with Grade 4 neutropenia.

CONCLUSIONS

90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan had no significant antitumor activity and hematologic toxicity was severe in these heavily pretreated patients with RS. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
The role of craniospinal irradiation in adults with a central nervous system recurrence of leukemia
Authors: Sanders Kevin E. , Ha Chul S. , Cortes‐Franco Jorge E. , Koller Charles A. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Cox James D.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

Although central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis in patients with leukemia has reduced the incidence of CNS disease recurrence, it still is reported to occur in approximately 5–10% of cases, resulting in a median survival of 6 months. Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) has been shown to improve survival in children who develop a CNS recurrence of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). However, to the authors' knowledge, the role of CSI in adults with a CNS recurrence of leukemia is unknown.

METHODS

A retrospective review of adult patients treated with CSI for a CNS recurrence of leukemia identified 16 patients treated between 1986 and 2001. The median age of the patients was 34 years (range, 16–58 years). The diagnoses included seven patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), eight patients with ALL, and one patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast crisis. All patients had achieved a complete disease remission prior to the CNS recurrence. Eleven patients had an isolated CNS recurrence and 5 patients had concurrent disease identified in the blood/bone marrow. The median dose of radiation was 24 grays (Gy) (range, 18–34.5 Gy) to the cranium and 18 Gy (range, 15–30 Gy) to the spine. The median fraction size was 1.8 Gy (range, 1.5–2.0 Gy) to the cranium and 1.5 Gy (range, 1.5–2.0 Gy) to the spine. Fifteen patients were also treated with intrathecal chemotherapy.

RESULTS

One patient failed to complete radiation treatment because of disease progression. Thirteen patients achieved a complete response in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The median time to disease progression was 3 months from the first day of CSI and 7 months from CNS recurrence. The median survival was 4 months and 9 months, respectively. No CNS recurrences occurred, but there were 11 bone marrow failures, 2 patients without recurrence at > 5 years, and 3 deaths without a documented site of failure. Thirteen patients had no evidence of disease in the CSF until their death or the time of last follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS

CSI with or without intrathecal chemotherapy appears to be effective at eliminating leukemia in the craniospinal axis. However, the eradication of disease in the CNS was not found to be effective at preventing disease recurrence in the bone marrow, and despite improved control of disease in the CNS, adult patients with a CNS recurrence still had a poor prognosis. Furthermore, the rapidly fatal course of disease prevented an assessment of the durability of CNS response to irradiation. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid in Alcohols
Authors: Ng Siu Man , Yin Chuanqi , Yeung Chi Hung , Chan Tak Chung , Lau Chak Po
Published: April 2004

Catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to formic acid with the (solvento)metal hydride complex, TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)H [Tp = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate], in various alcohols was studied. High‐pressure NMR monitoring of the catalytic reaction in non‐acidic methanol shows that the observable intermediate is a formate complex resulting from CO2 insertion into the Ru−H bond and is stabilized by the hydrogen‐bonding interaction between the formato ligand and a methanol molecule. However, in the case of the acidic alcohol, CF3CH2OH, the observable intermediates are [TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)2]+CF3CH2O− and the alkyl carbonate complex, TpRu(PPh3)(η2‐O2COCH2CF3), which are formed by the reaction of CO2 with the alkoxide species, TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)(OCH2CF3), generated by a very facile reaction between TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)H and CF3CH2OH. We propose that the productive catalytic cycles of the reactions conducted in a variety of alcohols are similar to the one we formulated for the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 in hydrous THF. The formic acid is produced by the transfer of a hydride and a proton from the transient alcohol hydride intermediate, TpRu(PPh3)(ROH)H, to an approaching CO2 molecule. The activity of TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)H is higher in CF3CH2OH than in methanol and other non‐acidic alcohols and it is probably due to the enhanced electrophilicity of the carbon atom of CO2, which results from the strong interaction between the proton of the highly acidic alcohol in TpRu(PPh3)(CF3CH2OH)H and an oxygen atom of CO2. The electrophilic carbon atom of CO2 could in turn abstract the hydride from Ru−H in a more facile manner. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
A Rational Self‐Sacrificing Template Route to β‐Bi2O3 Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Yang Baojun , Mo Maosong , Hu Hanmei , Li Cun , Yang Xiaogang , Li Qiaowei , Qian Yitai
Published: April 2004

Arrayed β‐Bi2O3 nanotubes (NTs) were synthesized for the first time through a rational “self‐sacrificing template” route, simply by oxidizing the precursor metallic bismuth NT arrays in air at 200−220 °C for 14−18 h. XRD, TEM, and HRTEM characterizations show that the prepared β‐Bi2O3 samples are all phase pure and the β‐Bi2O3 NTs have uniform diameters of approximately 3−6 nm and lengths up to several micrometers. The optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) characteristics of the prepared samples were investigated. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Treating process wastewater employing vacuum distillation using mechanical vapor recompression
Authors: McCabe Derald L. , Vivona M. A. (Tony)
Published: April 2004

Process wastewater has been successfully treated using an enhanced variable vacuum distillation system (WDS). The removal of contaminants is achieved initially by degassing the liquid under an intense vacuum which removes the volatile organic compounds. The resulting liquid is then distilled under a vacuum using mechanical vapor recompression. The system was invented by Derald McCabe.

This innovative treatment system removes virtually all of the contaminants, such as TSS, TDS, BOD5, COD, heavy metals and mineral compounds. The resultant aqueous portion normally returns to a neutral pH. Due to the unique system operation, scaling problems (often encountered in conventional distillation) have not been detected in this system.

The I'VDS is extremely energy efficient because the heat for distillation is generated and recycled mechanically. Using electricity as the energy source, the approximate operating cost, based on $0.05 KWH, may vary from $0.005 to $0.01 per gallon depending on the size and capacity of the equipment.

Based on applications in waste streams performed to‐date, the WDS process has yielded a distilled water stream and the concentrated solids has been used as a byproduct or as a concentrated non‐dischargeable waste for disposal.
On the use of biosurfactants for the removal of heavy metals from oil‐contaminated soil
Authors: Mulligan Catherine N. , Yong Raymond N. , Gibbs Bernard F.
Published: April 2004

The feasibility of using biodegradable biosurfactants to remove heavy metals from an oil‐contaminated soil was evaluated by batch washes with surfactin, a rhamnolipid and a sophorolipid. The soil contained 890 mg/kg of zinc and 420 mg/kg of copper with a 12.6% oil and grease content. Highest levels of zinc removal were obtained using 12% rhamnolipid (19.5% of the zinc) and 4% sophorolipid/0.7% HCl (15.8% of the zinc). Highest copper removal rates were achieved (greater than 25%) with 12% rhamnolipid or with 2% rhamnolipid /!% NaOH or 0.25% surfactin/1% NaOH. A series of five batch washes removed 70% of the copper with 0.1% surfactin/1% NaOH ivhile 4% sophorolipid/0.7% HCl was able to remove 100% of the zinc. Sequential extraction procedures showed that the carbonate and oxide fractions accounted for over 90% of the zinc present in the soil and the organic fraction in the soil constituted over 70% of the copper. Sequential extraction of the soil after washing with the surfactin or rhamnolipid (both with 1% NaOH) indicated that these surfactants could remove the organically‐bound copper and that the sophorolipid with acid could remove the carbonate and oxide ‐bound zinc. In conclusion, the results clearly indicated the feasibility of removing the metals with the anionic biosurfactants tested even though the exchangeable metal fractions were very low.
Pollution prevention in vacuum processes
Authors: Mulholland Kenneth L. , Dyer James A.
Published: April 2004

The gaseous emissions from vacuum systems often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ‐ one or more of which may be regulated as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) under the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Typically, regulated emission sources will require greater than 98% control of using an end‐of‐pipe abatement or recovery technology. VOCs from vacuum generation are expensive to control and increase the investment and operating cost of the vacuum system. When noncondensibles or inserts are present, the amount of VOCs emitted to the environment will increase dramatically. This article discusses approaches which process and project engineers can apply to reduce or eliminate vacuum system emissions. Actual case histories are included which reflect the range of solutions that are being applied.
Vapor‐phase bioreactors: Avoiding problems through better design and operation
Authors: Kinney K. A. , Loehr R. C. , Corsi R. L.
Published: April 2004

Vapor‐phase bioreactors are an efficient method to treat air contaminated with volatile organic compounds. To ensure stable long term performance, several design and operating factors must be considered. Common problems include nutrient limitations, biomass clogging, and inactivation, low moisture content and reductions in pH. Based on several bioreactor studies, the underlying cause of each of these problems is identified, monitoring requirements are outlined and a range of appropriate response actions are presented. These solutions range from modification of bioreactor design and operation to the use of alternative types of microorganisms such as fungi.
Life cycle engineering case study: Automobile fender designs
Authors: Saur Konrad , Fava James A. , Spatari Sabrina
Published: April 2004

Beginning with the goal and scope definition five different fender designs using steel, aluminum, PP/EPDM, PC/PBT and PPO/PA are described and the boundary conditions set. This exemplary case study demonstrates the general approach and beneficial uses of life cycle assessment and life cycle engineering. The inventory of the fenders shows that the steel design has advantages in terms of lower energy consumption during production. However, when the utilization phase of the fenders is considered, the overall energy consumption of the PP/EPDM fender is smaller due to the light weight of the this polymer design.

Concerning the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA), the global warming potential of the PP/EPDM design is the smallest of all the fender materials even during the production of the fenders. The inventory analysis shows that the utilization phase of automotive parts is dominated by fuel consumption and related emissions like CO2. Nevertheless the LCIA shows that some impacts are mainly determined in the production phase. For example, the global warming potential of nitrous oxide (N2O) released during PPO/PA material production cannot be compensated for by the lower energy demand (and also lower CO2 emissions) during the utilization phase.

Economic considerations are also discussed. As a parameter, the cost of parts was chosen. Parts costs depend on material costs, labor costs and other variable costs. In addition, the fixed costs for machines and tools were considered. Steel fenders have the smallest production costs, followed by the PP/EPDM design.

Finally, in an overall valuation of the compared fender designs the best design considering primary energy demand, global warming potential, and part costs was investigated. In terms of the specified criteria, the PP/EPDM fender is the best design, however, the results lead to a variety of different conclusions.
Baghouse system design based on economic optimization
Authors: Caputo Antonio C. , Pelagagge Pacifico M.
Published: April 2004

In this paper a method is described for using economic optimization in the design of baghouse systems. That is, for a given emission control problem, the total filtration surface area, the overall pressure drop, fabric material effects, and the cleaning cycle frequency, may all be evaluated simultaneously. In fact, as baghouse design parameters affect capital and operating expenses in interrelated and counteracting manners, a minimum total cost may be searched defining the best arrangement of dust collection devices. With this in mind, detailed cost functions have been developed with the aim of providing an overall economic model. As a result, a discounted total annual cost has been obtained that may be minimized by allowing for optimal baghouse characterization. Finally, in order to highlight the capabilities of the proposed methodology, some optimized solutions are also presented, which consider the economic impact of both bag materials and dust properties.
Extraction of metals from a contaminated sandy soil using citric acid
Authors: Bassi Raman , Prasher Shiv O. , Simpson B.K.
Published: April 2004

Twenty‐four‐hour washing of a contaminated soil with 0.5 M citric acid reduced the levels of Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb from 0.01, 0.04, 0.42, and 41.52 mg g‐1 to 0, 0.02, 0.18 and 5.21 mg g‐1, respectively. Extending the washing period beyond 24 hours did not influence the results significantly. Metal ions present in higher amounts were removed more easily. A column study was also conducted to compare metal leaching with surface and subsurface application of 0.3 M citric acid to 60 cm long soil columns packed with metal‐contaminated soil. Results indicated that the uniform distribution of citric acid, applied through the subirrigation system, resulted in a more efficient extraction of metal ions. The extraction of Zn and Pb from the columns with subsurface application of citric acid was, respectively, 38 and 27 times higher than from the columns with surface application of citric acid. After washing the contaminated soil with various citric acid concentrations, the metal‐rich wash solution was treated effectively using chitosan flakes.
Removal of zinc from rubber thread manufacturing industry wastewater using chemical precipitant/flocculant
Authors: Subbiah R.M. , Sastry C.A. , Agamuthu P.
Published: April 2004

Wastewater from the rubber thread manufacturing industry is acidic in nature with pH in the range of 3.8 to 4.4 and containing high concentrations of COD, BOD, Total‐N and zinc. The high BOD and COD ratio of the waste ‐ water (0.78 to 0.90) indicates that the rubber wastewater is biodegradable and can be treated effectively by an anaerobic digestion process commonly employed in this industry. However, because the wastewater contained high concentrations of zinc, 250 to 310 mg/L, which could inhibit the digestion process, it was pretreated by chemical precipitation/flocculation. A treatment process using a combination of sodium sulfide and polyelectrolyte LT 27 at concentrations of 800 and 5mg/L, respectively, is the most cost‐effective system for zinc removal from the wastewater. Zinc removal by sodium sulfide is not affected by pH. The optimum settling time was 60 min, whereas the optimum flocculation time was 20 min, and a speed of 20 rpm in a 110 mm diameter reactor gave the best results. The estimated cost of zinc removal using this method was RM1.04/m3 (US $0.26/m3) of wastewater discharged.
Desulfurization of syngas in a transport reactor
Authors: Gupta Raghubir P. , Turk Brian S. , Portzer Jeffrey W. , Cicero Daniel C.
Published: April 2004

During gasification, sulfur present in carbonaceous materials is converted into reduced sulfur species, such as H2S and COS. These sulfur species are conventionally removed from syngas by catalytic hydrolysis of COS into H2S, followed by scrubbing of H2S with liquid‐phase amine systems. Amine‐based processes are subject to equipment corrosion, foaming, amine‐solution degradation, and evaporation, and require extensive wastewater treatment. As a result, this sulfur removal technology is complex, capitalintensive, and expensive. Furthermore, this conventional technology requires the syngas be cooled to nearly ambient temperatures, thus wasting valuable energy.

New emerging technologies for sulfur removal from syngas use regenerable sorbents, primarily based on ZnO. Recent advances in sorbent technology allow sulfur species to be removed from syngas over a wide temperature range (260° to 760° C), making it an attractive alternative for a wide variety of applications, including power generation, chemical production, and fuel cells. This sorbent technology has advanced to the point that syngas desulfurization can be carried out in both fixed‐and fluidized‐bed reactors, depending upon process design needs. Additional applications of this technology in desulfurization of natural gas and removal of sulfur species from a syngas generated from gasification of black liquor were investigated.
American creosote site case study: Solidification/stabilization of dioxins, PCP, and creosote for $64 per cubic yard
Authors: Bates Edward R. , Akindele Femi , Sprinkle Don
Published: April 2004

Solidification/Stabilization (S/S) is a low‐cost remedial technology that has been used extensively for decades to treat soil contaminated with metals on Super fund sites. Increasingly, it is being used with success to remediate sites that contain higher molecular weight organic compounds. This case study describes the development of S/S formations and their application to remediate the American Creosote Superfund Site in Jackson, Tennessee.

The U.S. EPA National Risk Management Research Laboratory conducted successful treatability tests of innovative solidification/stabilization (S/S) formulations to treat soils contaminated with dioxins, pentachlorophenol (PCP), and creosote from four wood preserving sites. Formulations developed during these studies were successful in reducing the mobility (leaching) of contaminants of concern by 95% to 99%. For one of these sites, the American Creosote Superfund site in Jackson, Tennessee, the U.S. EPA, in cooperation with the State of Tennessee, conducted a successful remediation of 45,000 cubic yards during 1998 and 1999. The costs to excavate, treat, replace, and cap soil contaminated with dioxin, PCP, and creosote averaged $64 per cubic yard (about $40 ton). Formulations, design, operations, performance specifications, and costs are presented in this paper.
U.S. DOE integrated collaborative technology development program for CO2 separation and capture
Authors: Klara Scott M. , Srivastava Rameshwar D.
Published: April 2004

Electric power generation represents one of the largest carbon dioxide (CO2) emitters in the United States. Roughly one‐third of all the United States' carbon emissions come from power plants. Since electricity generation is expected to grow, and fossil fuels will continue to be the dominant fuel source, power generation can be expected to provide even greater CO2 contributions in the future. Consequently, an important component of the United States Department of Energy's (DOE's) research and development program is dedicated to reducing CO2 emissions from power plants by developing technologies to capture CO2 for utilization and/or sequestration. A primary goal of this research is to develop technology options that dramatically lower the cost of eliminating CO2 from flue gas and other streams by use of either pre‐ or post‐combustion processes. This research is in its early stages, and is exploring a wide range of approaches, including membranes, improved CO2 sorbents, advanced scrubbing, oxyfuel combustors, formation of CO2 hydrates, and economic assessments. This paper presents an overview of the DOE research program in the area of CO2 separation and capture, while specifically addressing the status of research efforts related to promising pathways and potential technological breakthroughs.
A review of pressure‐driven membrane processes in wastewater treatment and drinking water production
Authors: Van Der Bruggen Bart , Vandecasteele Carlo , Van Gestel Tim , Doyen Wim , Leysen Roger
Published: April 2004

In pressure‐driven membrane processes (reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration) a pressure exerted on the solution at one side of the membrane serves as a driving force to separate it into a permeate and a retentate. The permeate is usually pure water, whereas the retentate is a concentrated solution that must be disposed of or treated by other methods. Membranes may be polymeric, organo‐mineral, ceramic, or metallic, and filtration techniques differ in pore size, from dense (no pores) to porous membranes. Depending on the type of technique, salts, small organic molecules, macromolecules, or particles can be retained, and the applied pressure will differ. This paper reviews the principles behind the different techniques, the types of membranes used, rejection mechanisms, and process modeling. Applications of pressure‐driven membrane processes are also considered, including reverse osmosis and nanofiltration for the treatment of wastewater from landfills and composting plants, nanofiltration in the textile industry, and ultrafiltration and microfiltration in drinking water production and wastewater treatment.

Lastly, the paper discusses recent developments, including techniques to prevent membrane fouling by modifications affecting surface roughness or hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, or by cleaning the membranes, and methods for treating or disposing of the retentate.
Psychological ownership and feelings of possession: three field studies predicting employee attitudes and organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Van Dyne Linn , Pierce Jon L.
Published: April 2004

An increasing number of scholars and practitioners have emphasized the importance of ‘feelings of ownership’ for the organization (even when employees are not legal owners). In this exploratory study, we examine the relationships of psychological ownership with work attitudes and work behaviors. We start by developing hypotheses based on the psychology of possession and psychological ownership literatures. We then test these hypotheses with data from three field samples, using responses from over 800 employees, as well as manager and peer observations of employee behavior. Results demonstrate positive links between psychological ownership for the organization and employee attitudes (organizational commitment, job satisfaction, organization‐based self‐esteem), and work behavior (performance and organizational citizenship). More important, psychological ownership increased explained variance in organization‐based self‐esteem and organizational citizenship behavior (both peer and supervisor observations of citizenship), over and above the effects of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Contrary to prior theoretical work on psychological ownership, results, however, fail to show an incremental value of psychological ownership in predicting employee performance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stage‐specific effect of N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)retinamide on cell growth in squamous cell carcinogenesis
Authors: Kabbout Mohamed , Hatoum Asma , Abou‐Lteif Ghada , Chakroun Imane , Homaidan Fadia R. , Darwiche Nadine
Published: April 2004

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most prevalent form of epithelial cancer. SCC results when normal epithelial cells undergo multiple neoplastic changes that culminate in the evolution of an invasive cancer. Retinoids are commonly used as chemopreventive and treatment agents in skin cancer; however, SCC progression is accompanied by a gradual loss of retinoid responsiveness. The synthetic retinoid N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (HPR) has shown promising anti‐neoplastic activity in a variety of tumor cells, including those that are resistant to all‐trans retinoic acid (t‐RA). We investigated the effect of HPR on growth and apoptosis of squamous cells at different stages of carcinogenesis. We then determined if retinoic acid receptor (RAR) overexpression affected the outcome of HPR treatment. To model SCC malignant progression, we used a panel of murine keratinocytes representing different stages of squamous cell carcinogenesis. This panel consisted of primary keratinocytes, SP1 and 308 papilloma cell lines, the PAM‐212 squamous carcinoma cell line, and the spindle I7 cell line. With the exception of the primary keratinocytes, all cells were unresponsive to t‐RA treatment. Pharmacological concentrations of HPR were non‐cytotoxic to all keratinocytes tested and HPR sensitivity was stage‐dependent, with the papilloma cell lines being the most sensitive, and the spindle cells being the most resistant. Overexpression of RARγ in SP1 papilloma cells enhanced growth suppression and apoptosis induction by HPR. HPR‐induced growth suppression was accompanied by a simultaneous block in the G1 phase of the cell cycle in RAR‐transduced and control SP1 cells and differential regulation of cell cycle and apoptotic mediators. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crosslinking of oligomers bearing carbamoyloxyimino groups with their photochemical and thermal reactions
Authors: Suyama Kanji , Iriyama Hiroaki , Tsunooka Masahiro , Shirai Masamitsu
Published: April 2004

Carbamoyloxyimino (COI) groups are precursors of photochemically base‐generating groups as well as those of thermally isocyanate‐generating groups. In this study, photochemical and thermal reactions of COI groups in oligomers were investigated by spectral analyses and solubility changes. Oligomers bearing three types of COI groups were prepared. COI groups in all oligomer films were photolyzed on irradiation with 254 nm of light and were deblocked to form isocyanato groups on heating. From the IR spectral analyses, the formation of urea linkage was confirmed by the decrease in isocyanato groups and peak generation because of urea groups on postexposure bake (PEB) treatment. For all oligomer films, PEB was effective for the enhancement of insolubilization of the films in tetrahydrofuran. Heating followed by irradiation was also effective for the insolubilization. These results indicated that photochemical and thermal treatments of COI groups afforded highly sensitive crosslinking systems because of photochemically generated basic groups and thermally generated isocyanato groups. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2612–2620, 2004
Robustness guarantees for linear control designs with an estimated nonlinear model error model
Authors: Glad S. T. , Helmersson A. , Ljung L.
Published: April 2004

Much attention in robust identification and control has been focused on linear low order models approximating high order linear systems. We consider the more realistic situation with a linear model approximating a nonlinear system. We describe how a nonlinear model error model can be developed, that allows a complete linear design process that results in a closed loop system with performance robustness guarantees (in terms of gain from disturbance to output) against the nonlinear error. Clearly the design can be successful only if the linear model is a reasonably good approximation of the system. A particular aspect of the design process is to define a workable definition of ‘practical stability’ for robust control design, with possible non‐linear model errors. We use affine norms for that purpose. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of antenatal glucocorticoid therapy on arterial and venous blood flow velocity waveforms in severely growth‐restricted fetuses
Authors: Wijnberger L. D. E. , Bilardo C. M. , Hecher K. , Stigter R. H. , Visser G. H. A.
Published: April 2004

Objective

To study the effects of antenatal glucocorticoid (betamethasone) therapy on blood flow velocity waveform patterns in the umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) and ductus venosus (DV) in severely intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) fetuses.

Methods

Fifty‐five severely IUGR fetuses at 24–34 weeks of gestation were included in the study. The effect of antenatal glucocorticoid administration on Doppler findings in the UA, MCA and DV was studied using two statistical approaches, namely paired sample analysis and multilevel analysis.

Results

There were no effects of betamethasone on the pulsatility index (PI) of the vessels studied. The only changes noticed during the 14 days of observation were a gradual decrease of PI in the MCA, an increase in the UA‐PI/MCA‐PI ratio and an increase in the DV‐PI. These changes with time may be explained by a progressive and gradual deterioration of the fetal condition.

Conclusion

Antenatal glucocorticoids (betamethasone) do not affect fetal Doppler waveform patterns of the UA, MCA and DV in severely IUGR fetuses. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [C10N2H10]2[P2Mo5O21(OH)2]·2H2O
Authors: Natarajan Srinirvasan , Ewald Bastian , Prots Yurii , Kniep Rüdiger
Published: April 2004

The crystal structure of [C10N2H10]2[P2Mo5O21(OH)2] · 2H2O, contains the heteropolyanion, [P2Mo5O21(OH)2]4—, together with diprotonated 4, 4′‐bipyridine. The heteropolyanion is built up from five MoO6 octahedra sharing four common edges and one common corner, capped by two PO3(OH) tetrahedra. The structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonds involving the hydrogen atoms of the 4, 4′‐bipyridine, water molecules and the oxygen atoms of the pentamolybdatobisphosphate. This is the first example that this kind of cluster could be isolated in the presence of a poly‐functional aromatic molecule ion. Crystal data: triclinic, P1¯ (No. 2), a = 9.983(2)Å, b = 11.269(2)Å, c = 17.604(4)Å, α = 73.50(3)°, β = 84.07(3)°, γ = 67.96(3)°; V = 1760.0(6)Å3; Z = 2; R1 = 0.037 and wR2 = 0.081, for 9138 reflections [I > 2σ(I)].
International Institutions and Issue Linkage: Building Support for Agricultural Trade Liberalization
Authors: DAVIS CHRISTINA L.
Published: April 2004

This article explains how the institutional context of international negotiations influences their outcomes. I argue that issue linkage counteracts domestic obstacles to liberalization by broadening the negotiation stakes. Institutions bolster the credibility of the linkage to make it more effective. I test the argument in the agricultural sector, which has been among the most difficult sectors for governments to liberalize. Statistical analysis of U.S. negotiations with Japan and the EU from 1970 to 1999 indicates that an institutionalized linkage between agricultural and industrial issues encourages agricultural liberalization in both Japan and Europe. Through case studies of key negotiations, I first examine why countries choose to link issues, then show how the linkage changes interest group mobilization and shifts the policy process to promote liberalization.
The Globalization of Liberalization: Policy Diffusion in the International Political Economy
Authors: SIMMONS BETH A. , ELKINS ZACHARY
Published: April 2004

One of the most important developments over the past three decades has been the spread of liberal economic ideas and policies throughout the world. These policies have affected the lives of millions of people, yet our most sophisticated political economy models do not adequately capture influences on these policy choices. Evidence suggests that the adoption of liberal economic practices is highly clustered both temporally and spatially. We hypothesize that this clustering might be due to processes of policy diffusion. We think of diffusion as resulting from one of two broad sets of forces: one in which mounting adoptions of a policy alter the benefits of adopting for others and another in which adoptions provide policy relevant information about the benefits of adopting. We develop arguments within these broad classes of mechanisms, construct appropriate measures of the relevant concepts, and test their effects on liberalization and restriction of the current account, the capital account, and the exchange rate regime. Our findings suggest that domestic models of foreign economic policy making are insufficient. The evidence shows that policy transitions are influenced by international economic competition as well as the policies of a country's sociocultural peers. We interpret the latter influence as a form of channeled learning reflecting governments' search for appropriate models for economic policy.
The third alternative: Duplication of collopallium in isocortical evolution
Authors: Butler Ann B.
Published: April 2004

One hypothesis of isocortical evolution requires tangential migration of glutaminergic neurons. A second requires invasion of collothalamic afferents into the dorsal pallium, a territory that in sauropsids is solely lemnopallial. A third alternative is noted here – duplication of the original collopallial territory. The duplicated region would be formed by radial migration of excitatory neurons and would maintain its collothalamic innervation.
The Newell Test should commit to diagnosing dysfunctions
Authors: Clancey William J.
Published: April 2004

“Conceptual coordination” analysis bridges connectionism and symbolic approaches by positing a “process memory” by which categories are physically coordinated (as neural networks) in time. Focusing on dysfunctions and odd behaviors, like slips, reveals the function of consciousness, especially constructive processes that are often taken for granted, which are different from conventional programming constructs. Newell strongly endorsed identifying architectural limits; the heuristic of “diagnose unusual behaviors” will provide targets of opportunity that greatly strengthen the Newell Test.
Criteria and evaluation of cognitive theories
Authors: Gelepithis Petros A. M.
Published: April 2004

I have three types of interrelated comments. First, on the choice of the proposed criteria, I argue against any list and for a system of criteria. Second, on grading, I suggest modifications with respect to consciousness and development. Finally, on the choice of “theories” for evaluation, I argue for Edelman's theory of neuronal group selection instead of connectionism (classical or not).
Occam's razor and the collothalamic projection
Authors: Güntürkün Onur
Published: April 2004

Aboitiz and colleagues propose that the tectorotundal pathway of birds and reptiles is homologous not to the mammalian colliculopulvinar system but to the posterior complex/intralaminar nuclei. However, as outlined below, a large amount of strong evidence points to a homology of the tectorotundal and the colliculopulvinar system. This makes it likely that DVR and isocortex might be in part homologous.
Cortical evolution: No expansion without organization
Authors: Supèr Hans
Published: April 2004

Aboitiz et al. describe a hypothesis on the origin of the isocortex. They propose the reptilian dorsal cortex to be the ancestral brain structure to the mammalian isocortex. But why did the dorsal cortex expand in mammals and not in reptiles? A change in development may have provided the mammalian cortex with the ability to organize and therefore the potential to expand.
Composition and distribution of suprabenthic fauna in the south-eastern Weddell Sea and off King George Island
Authors: Linse Katrin , Brandt Angelika , Hilbig Brigitte , Wegener Gisela
Published: April 2004

Composition, abundance, and distribution of suprabenthos from a depth between 1 and 1.33 m above the seafloor were analysed. The samples were taken during ANT XV/3 with RV Polarstern in February and March 1998 by means of the supranet of an epibenthic sledge along two transects in the southern Weddell Sea (Vestkapp and Halley Bay) and one east of King George Island. At each of these three transects, five to six stations were taken in water depth between 200 and 2000 m. In total, 34 057 specimens were sampled at 16 stations, yielding 1 205 050 individuals for all stations standardized to 1000 m3 hauls. Of these, copepods were usually the most abundant group in the supranet (805 822 ind 1000 m−3. The suprabenthic fauna of the southwest of Vestkapp (Weddell Sea) transect was dominated by planktonic taxa in terms of individual numbers especially at the deeper stations (938–1983 m). At Halley Bay the total abundance of plankton was lower but its relative abundance (> 80%) was also high, whilst off King George Island peracarid crustaceans were an important fraction.
Mid-Tertiary macroinvertebrate-rich clasts from the Battye Glacier Formation, Prince Charles Mountains, East Antarctica
Authors: Stilwell J.D. , Harwood D.M. , Whitehead J.M.
Published: April 2004

Macrofossils discovered in the Battye Glacier Formation (Pagodroma Group) of the Prince Charles Mountains, East Antarctica, provide important insight into marine life of the mid-Tertiary, rarely preserved elsewhere on the continent. Recorded are five species of macroinvertebrates; these are Adamussium n. sp.? cf. colbecki (Smith, 1902) (Bivalvia), Laternula? sp. (Laternulidae), Mytilidae genus and species indeterminate (Bivalvia), Bivalvia genus and species indeterminate, and Polychaeta genus and species indeterminate. Based on stratigraphical data and faunal composition, the clasts are dated as no younger than Early Miocene. This is one of the oldest reports of Adamussium from Antarctica, previously known from the Late Pliocene to Recent with a possible record in the Late Oligocene–Early Miocene. Palaeoecological data and facies analysis indicate that these taxa inhabited a shallow- to mid-shelf marine environment of normal salinity that was oligotrophic. The substrate was a soft, pebbly and sandy bottom that was sufficiently mobile to sponsor deep burrowing forms.