bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal mechanism of cationic dye (Safranin O) from the aqueous phase by dead macro fungus biosorbent
Authors: Maurya N. S. , Mittal A. K.
Published: September 2013

Batch biosorption parametric experiments were carried out to delineate the removal mechanism of cationic dye, namely, Safranin O, from the aqueous phase using biosorbent prepared from wood rotting dead macro fungus ’Fomitopsis carnea‘. Experimental data of the kinetic experiments at various temperatures (19, 27 and 35 °C) were well described using pseudo-second order kinetic models. Raising temperature from 19 to 35 °C enhanced the dye uptake potential of the biosorbent from 1,000 to 1,250 mg/g. The other variables studied were the effect of common salt (NaCl) and pH on the dye removal potential of the biosorbent. Decreased dye removal (%) efficiency at higher salt concentration suggests involvement of an ion-exchange type sorption mechanism. The pH study revealed that dye removal may occur due to the existence of an electrostatic attraction force between negatively charged biosorbent particles and dye cation. However desorption using mineral acid (H2SO4 and HCl) exhibited the highest desorption up to 76%, followed by organic acid (52%) and distilled water (not more than 2%) indicating the possibility of ion-exchange as the dominating dye sorption mechanism. Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR) spectroscopy analysis of the biosorbent, Safranin O and Safranin O loaded biosorbent also supported the possibility of ion-exchange as the dominating mechanism due to the presence of major peaks of Safranin O on the IR spectra of Safranin O loaded biosorbent, indicating that the Safranin O was present in its unaltered form on the surface of the biosorbent.
Evaluation of overland flow model for a hillslope using laboratory flume data
Authors: Arguelles A. C. C. , Jung M. , Pak G. , Aksoy H. , Kavvas M. L. , Yoon J.
Published: September 2013

Comprehensive modelling of overland flow requires models for both rill and interrill area overland flow. Evaluation of a physically based mathematical model for simulating overland flow generated on rill and interrill areas of hillslope was done using a data set gathered from a laboratory experimental setup. A rainfall simulator has been constructed together with a 6.50 m × 1.36 m erosion flume that can be given adjustable slopes in both longitudinal and lateral directions. The model was calibrated and validated using the experimental results from the setup of the flume having 5% lateral and 10% longitudinal slopes where rainfall intensities of 105 and 45 mm/hr were induced with the use of nozzles. Results show that for the given slope combination, the model was capable of simulating the flow coming from the rill and interrill areas for the two different rainfall intensities. It was found that significantly more of the flow occurred in the form of the rill flow. The model studied here can be used for the better prediction of overland flow and can also be used as a building block for an associated erosion and sediment transport model.
CuO/ZnO coupled oxide films obtained by the electrodeposition technique and their photocatalytic activity in phenol degradation under solar irradiation
Authors: Paz Diego S. , Foletto Edson L. , Bertuol Daniel A. , Jahn Sérgio L. , Collazzo Gabriela C. , da Silva Syllos S. , Chiavone-Filho Osvaldo , Nascimento Claudio A. O. do
Published: September 2013

CuO/ZnO coupled oxide films were electrodeposited onto an aluminum substrate and tested as photocatalysts in degradation of phenol molecules in aqueous solution under sunlight. The obtained films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of films was significant, especially to coupled oxide film with a CuO/ZnO ratio equal to 0.697, which presented about 70% degradation of the aromatic molecules and 42% of total organic carbon (TOC) removal at 300 min under solar irradiation. Therefore, this work highlights the potential application of CuO/ZnO coupled oxide films obtained by electrodeposition onto aluminum substrate in the field of photocatalysis.
Removal and transformation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during the treatment of partially stabilized leachate in membrane bioreactor
Authors: Sanguanpak Samunya , Chiemchaisri Chart , Chiemchaisri Wilai , Yamamoto Kazuo
Published: September 2013

The removal of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during municipal solid waste leachate treatment in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) was investigated. The MBR was operated with fouled and cleaned membranes, at a time. DOM, mixed liquor, and effluent were characterized by fractionation and fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy. Results showed DOM removals of 82% during the MBR operation with the fouled membrane. The DOM characterization indicated that most of the hydrophilic compounds and protein-like substances could be significantly removed by microbial activities in the treatment processes. Furthermore partial removal or transformation of organic substances was observed during membrane filtration. The fouled membrane improved DOM rejection by only about 2% when compared to the cleaned membrane, which demonstrated the significance of irreversible foulants on DOM rejection. There were insignificant differences in DOM fractionation and EEM fluorescence spectra between water samples filtered through the fouled and cleaned membranes.
Management and treatment of landfill leachate by a system of constructed wetlands and ponds in Singapore
Authors: Sim C. H. , Quek B. S. , Shutes R. B. E. , Goh K. H.
Published: September 2013

Lorong Halus, Singapore's first landfill leachate treatment system, consists of a pre-treatment system (8,000 m2), five constructed reed beds (38,000 m2), five polishing ponds (13,000 m2), an education centre and a learning trail for visitors. Eight species of wetland plants (total 160,000 plants) were selected for their ability to uptake nutrients, tolerance to low phosphorus concentrations and resistance to pest infestations. The wetland was launched in March 2011 and water quality monitoring started in April 2011. The removal efficiencies of the pre-treatment system from April 2011 to August 2012 are biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) 57.4%; chemical oxygen demand (COD) 23.6%; total suspended solids (TSS) 55.1%; ammoniacal nitrogen (NH4-N) 76.8%; total phosphorus (TP) 33.3% and total nitrogen (TN) 60.2%. Removal efficiencies of the reed beds are BOD5 47.0%; COD 42.2%; TSS 57.0%; NH4-N 82.5%; TP 29.3% and TN 83.9%. Plant growth is generally satisfactory, but the lower than designed volume of leachate has adversely affected some sections of plants and resulted in uneven flow distribution in reed beds. The plant management programme includes improving plant regrowth by harvesting of alternate strips of plants and replanting. The treated effluent meets water quality limits for discharge to the public sewer and is subsequently treated by the NEWater treatment system, which recycles water for industrial and indirect potable use.
Modelling of E. coli distribution in coastal areas subjected to combined sewer overflows
Authors: De Marchis Mauro , Freni Gabriele , Napoli Enrico
Published: September 2013

Rivers, lakes and the sea were the natural receivers of raw urban waste and storm waters for a long time but the low sustainability of such practice, the increase of population and a renewed environmental sensibility increased researcher interest in the analysis and mitigation of the impact of urban waters on receiving water bodies (RWB). In Europe, the integrated modelling of drainage systems and RWB has been promoted as a promising approach for implementing the Water Framework Directive. A particular interest is given to the fate of pathogens and especially of Escherichia coli, in all the cases in which an interaction between population and the RWB is foreseen. The present paper aims to propose an integrated water quality model involving the analysis of several sewer systems (SS) discharging their polluting overflows on the coast in a sensitive marine environment. From a modelling point of view, the proposed application integrated one-dimensional drainage system models with a complex three-dimensional model analysing the propagation in space and time of E. coli in the coastal marine area. The integrated approach was tested in a real case study (the Acicastello bay in Italy) where data were available both for SS model and for RWB propagation model calibration. The analysis shows a good agreement between the model and monitored data. The integrated model was demonstrated to be a valuable tool for investigating the pollutant propagation and to highlight the most impacted areas.
Tech-IA floating system introduced in urban wastewater treatment plants in the Veneto region – Italy
Authors: Mietto Anna , Borin Maurizio , Salvato Michela , Ronco Paolo , Tadiello Nicola
Published: September 2013

The performance of three integrated wetland treatment plants (horizontal sub-surface flow (h-SSF) and floating treatment wetland (FTW) with differentiated primary treatments) designed for treating domestic wastewater was investigated, monitoring total (TN), nitrate (NO3-N), nitrite (NO2-N) and ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N), total (TP) and phosphate phosphorus (PO4-P), chemical (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD5), and dissolved oxygen (DO) at the inlet and outlet of each wetland section from February 2011 to June 2012. Sediments settled in the FTW were collected and analyzed. The growth of plants in each system was also monitored, observing their general conditions. The chemical–physical characteristics of the pretreated domestic wastewater depended on the primary treatment installed. During the monitoring period we observed different reduction performance of the wetland sector in the three sites. In general, the wetland systems demonstrated the capacity to reduce TN, COD, BOD5 and Escherichia coli, whereas NO3-N and NH4-N removal was strictly influenced by the chemical conditions, in particular DO concentration, in the h-SSF and FTW. Vegetation (Phragmites australis, Alnus glutinosa and Salix eleagnos) was well established in the h-SSF as well as in the floating elements (Iris pseudacorus), although there were some signs of predation. FTW is a relatively novel wetland system, so the results obtained from this study can pave the way for the application of this technology.
Electrochemical oxidation of wastewater – opportunities and drawbacks
Authors: Woisetschläger D. , Humpl B. , Koncar M. , Siebenhofer M.
Published: September 2013

Electrochemical oxidation by means of boron-doped diamond (BDD) anodes generates a very efficient oxidizing environment by forming hydroxyl radicals, providing effective water purification for elimination of persistent pollutants. In this project the degradation rates of organic and inorganic substances are investigated. Experiments were performed in laboratory and pilot scale with synthetic and industrial wastewaters. Performance parameters were evaluated in terms of total organic carbon/chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, specific energy consumption and current efficiency. The integration of this advanced oxidation technology combined with conventional technology was then applied in a wastewater treatment concept of landfill leachate. The raw leachate with a low biochemical oxygen demand/COD ratio was electrochemically oxidized to prepare the purified leachate for discharge into a sewage system or a receiving water body. The cost estimation regarding operation and capital costs addresses the economics for the treatment of heavily polluted effluents.
Reconstruction of a constructed wetland with horizontal subsurface flow after 18 years of operation
Authors: Hudcová Tereza , Vymazal Jan , Dunajský Michal Kriška
Published: September 2013

The constructed wetland (CW) for 326 PE with horizontal subsurface flow at Kotenčice, Central Bohemia, Czech Republic, was built in 1994. Despite the relatively high efficiency of the CW, the filtration beds suffered from clogging, and therefore it was decided in 2011 to rebuild the whole system. The new treatment system was built as an experimental system consisting of four different combinations of horizontal and vertical beds. The major aim of the design was to determine the best hybrid combination which then could be used in the future for refurbishment of older horizontal flow CWs or for the new systems. The mechanical pretreatment consists of mechanical bar screens, a new Imhoff tank, and the original settling tank which has been converted into the accumulation tank from where the wastewater is pumped into the wetlands. The filters are planted with Phragmites australis, Phalaris arundinacea, Iris pseudacorus, Iris sibirica, Glyceria maxima and Lythrum salicaria in order to evaluate and compare various plant species' effect on the treatment process. The new technology includes a tertiary treatment which consists of a greenhouse with a photo-reactor for the cultivation of algae and hydroponic systems (residual nutrients removal), sludge reed-beds and a composting field.
Nonlinear and Conventional Biosignal Analyses Applied to Tilt Table Test for Evaluating Autonomic Nervous System and Autoregulation
Authors: Tseng Li , Tang Sung-Chun , Chang Chun-Yuan , Lin Yi-Ching , Abbod Maysam F. , Shieh Jiann-Shing
Published: September 2013

Tilt table test (TTT) is a standard examination for patients with suspected autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction or uncertain causes of syncope. Currently, the analytical method based on blood pressure (BP) or heart rate (HR) changes during the TTT is linear but normal physiological modulations of BP and HR are thought to be predominately nonlinear. Therefore, this study consists of two parts: the first part is analyzing the HR during TTT which is compared to three methods to distinguish normal controls and subjects with ANS dysfunction. The first method is power spectrum density (PSD), while the second method is detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), and the third method is multiscale entropy (MSE) to calculate the complexity of system. The second part of the study is to analyze BP and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) changes during TTT. Two measures were used to compare the results, namely correlation coefficient analysis (nMxa) and MSE. The first part of this study has concluded that the ratio of the low frequency power to total power of PSD, and MSE methods are better than DFA to distinguish the difference between normal controls and patients groups. While in the second part, the nMxa of the three stages moving average window is better than the nMxa with all three stages together. Furthermore the analysis of BP data using MSE is better than CBFV data.
A Coupled BEM Model for the Dynamic Analysis of a Pile Embedded in a Half-space Soil Covered by a Water Layer
Authors: Zhang Xu , Lu Jian-Fei
Published: September 2013

Dynamic analysis of a pile embedded in a half-space soil covered by a water layer is crucial for the designs of
the pile foundations for bridges, docks and offshore platforms etc. In this paper, a coupled boundary element method
(BEM) model is developed to evaluate the dynamic response of the pile. In the proposed model, the pile and half-space
soil are treated as elastic media, while the water layer is considered as an acoustic medium. Three BEM formulations are
established for the pile, half-space soil and water layer by means of the boundary element method (BEM), respectively.
Using the three BEM formulations as well as the continuity conditions at the interfaces between three regions, a coupled
BEM model for the pile-soil-water system is established. To validate the proposed model, results due to our model are
compared with existing results. With the coupled BEM model for the pile-soil-water system, dynamic response of the pile
is investigated. Presented numerical results show that when the pile is subjected to an axial load and torque, resonance
phenomena is not obvious. However, when the pile is subjected to a horizontal load and moment, resonance phenomena is
pronounced and the pile-soil modulus and density ratios have a considerable influences on resonant frequencies.
Characterisation of the Physico-chemical Properties of Selected White Sorghum Grain and Flours for the Production of Ice Cream Cones
Authors: Kigozi J. , Byaruhanga Y. , Banadda N. , Kaaya A.
Published: September 2013

Six white sorghum varieties (MUC007/11, MUC007/27, MUC007/193, MUC007/80, MUC007/171,
MUC007/174) available in Uganda were evaluated for their suitability as alternate materials for the production of ice
cream cones. Physico- chemical properties of the sorghums were determined and correlated to the properties of the ice
cream cones produced from them. Results from this study showed that the swelling power and pasting properties of the
flours determined by amylose/amlopectin ratio and amylose content as well as the presence of lipids, dietary fibre, tannins
and minerals. The break down viscosity (r=-0.825), the final viscosity(r=-0.834) and amylose/amylopectin ratio (r=-
0.782) attained had the highest correlation with the ice cream permeability and weight while hardness of the cone correlated
with dietary fibre content (r=0.576), tannin content(r=0.75) and protein (r=-0.458). Hardness showed highest correlation
with setback (r=-0.859) and final viscosity(r=-0.703) while texture showed highest correlation with hardness (r=-
0.662) and set back(r=0.778). The cone appearance correlated highest with particle size (r=0.696) and dietary fibre (r=-
0.693). An amylose content of about 28% and lipid content of about 3% with endosperm texture rated as 3 (scale ;1-
corneous and 5-floury), 0.1% Tannins, 1.7% minerals and dietary fibre of 5%, in the epuripur variety produced the best
sorghum ice cream cone.
NAVILAS Laser System Focal Laser Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema - One Year Results of a Case Series
Authors: Jung Jesse J. , Gallego-Pinazo1 Roberto , Lleó-Pérez Antonio , Huz Jonathan I. , Barbazetto Irene A.
Published: September 2013

Purpose:

To report one year outcomes of focal Navigated Retina Laser Therapy (NAVILAS) for diabetic macular edema (DME).

Methods:

Retrospective cohort series of 7 diabetic patients treated with NAVILAS focal laser. Statistical analysis included descriptive and continuous variables (Best-corrected logMAR Visual Acuity and time-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters) which were compared using a non-parametric procedure, the Friedman tests for repeated measures. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to denote statistical significance.

Results:

diabetic patients (4 male; 3 female) with an average age of 60.8 years (range 48-85 years) were included. All treated eyes were phakic; patients had an average hemoglobin A1C of 9.1 (range 7.8-11.7) at baseline and 8.0 (range 7.4-8.4) at 12 months. Six of the 7 patients had intravitreal bevacizumab injections prior to focal laser treatment with 1 patient having had more than 1 prior injection (total 3). At 12 months, median logMAR improved from 0.695 (± interquartile range 0.574) to 0.477 (± 0.573, p <0.001). OCT median central foveal thickness decreased from 248 (± 112) to 220 µm (± 41, p <0.001); total macular volume decreased from 7.84 (± 0.8) to 7.44 mm3 (± 0.7, p = 0.117); and largest macular subfield thickness decreased from 354 (± 116) to 289 µm (± 42, p <0.001). All patients were treated without complications.

Conclusions:

Focal NAVILAS showed to be safe and effective in treating DME with improvement in visual acuity and macular edema on OCT over 12 months in this case series. In clinical practice, combined treatment with focal laser including NAVILAS and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor may provide long-term improvement in DME.
Role of surgery in modern treatment of laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Jovic Rajko
Published: September 2013

The strategy of organ preservation by applying chemoradiotherapy in the
treatment of laryngeal carcinoma, which has been extensively used since
1990s, is now being reviewed regarding its further justification. Despite
good results in other localization of head and neck cancer, it has not met
the expectations in case of laryngeal cancer. One explanation is the lower
participation of human papillomavirus type 16 in the etiology of laryngeal
cancer. A lot of developing countries base their concept on primary surgery
with subsequent radiotherapy, because the cost of operations for cancer of
the larynx is much lower than in developed countries. Endoscopic surgery of
T1 cancers is feasible in all environments using cold surgery thanks to
modern management of anesthesia with the possibility of local application of
adrenaline. Its price is ? 481.46, and if it is performed through
laryngofissure, the price is ? 785.46. The introduction of lasers into the
treatment would justify the initial investment and extend indications, and
the surgery of T1 and T2 cancers with laser application should be the
standard practice in all countries and regions dealing with laryngeal
pathology. T2 and some T3 cancers can be treated by conservation surgery of
the larynx. Most of T3 and T4 cancers are indications for total laryngectomy
or near-total laryngectomy in selected cases. If it is the primary surgery,
wound healing is good and complications are rare. This greatly reduces the
cost of operation, which is ?1910.15. Surgery after radiotherapy,
particularly after chemoradiotherapy, may result in complications that
significantly prolong the treatment and increase its costs. Thus, the
biological nature of laryngeal cancer and its specificity make this approach
to the treatment of cancer available in all regions of the world.
Mistakes in the fiscal policy in Spain before the crisis
Authors: Ferreiro Jesús , Gómez Carmen , Serrano Felipe
Published: September 2013

The paper analyses the mistakes made in the management of the fiscal policy
in Spain before the crisis. The authors argue that the low size of the public
expenditures, the adoption of a procyclical expansionary fiscal policy the
years before the crisis, and the lack of a correct coordination between the
Spanish fiscal policy and the ECB?s monetary policy, are key elements to
understand the depth and length of the economic crisis and the current high
fiscal imbalances in Spain.
Bank wholesale funding and credit procyclicality: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Jeong Sangjun , Jung Hueechae
Published: September 2013

Credit procyclicality has recently been the focus of considerable attention,
but what fuels the often excessive credit growth is rarely questioned. We
investigate the relationship between the composition of banks? liabilities
and their credit procyclicality. After examining the macroeconomic context
where banks rely increasingly on wholesale funding (WSF), we estimate the
effect of WSF on the banks? credit growth using quarterly panel data for the
commercial banks of Korea from 2000 to 2011. We find that a higher
sensitivity of banks? WSF to the business cycle leads to an excessive
response of credit growth to the business cycle, even with a low share of WSF
on bank liabilities. On the other hand, we find that overseas WSF has a more
marked effect on credit procyclicality, which may additionally exacerbate the
financial fragility of export-led emerging economies.
Income redistribution through taxes and social benefits: The case of Slovenia and Croatia
Authors: Cok Mitja , Urban Ivica , Verbic Miroslav
Published: September 2013

The article analyses the redistributive effect attained by personal income
tax, social security contributions and social benefits in Slovenia and
Croatia. The redistributive effect is decomposed first to reveal
progressivity and horizontal inequity effects, and further to show
contributions of different tax and benefit instruments. Even though both
countries started from the same socioeconomic background two decades ago, the
current results reveal divergence that is a consequence of diverse
development during this period. The results indicate that Croatia experienced
significantly higher pre-fiscal income inequality and lower redistributive
effect than Slovenia. Horizontal inequity effects, though, were higher in
Slovenia than in Croatia. In both countries, the meanstested social benefits
exerted an over-proportionate influence on the vertical effect, suggesting a
strong impact of the welfare state on income position of their residents, but
also induced a large amount of horizontal inequity. In Slovenia, the
non-means-tested benefits slightly increased income inequality.
Effect of Cerebral Intraventricular Insulin on Pancreatic Insulin Secretion in the Dog
Authors: Chen Mei , Woods Stephen C , Porte Daniel
Published: September 2013

The effect of cerebral intraventricular insulin on pancreatic insulin secretion was investigated. An extracorporeal pancreatic blood circuit was established after laparotomy to monitor blood flow and insulin concentration directly from the superior pancreaticoduodenal vein. Phentolamine was infused throughout (0.2 mg./min. intravenously) to block alpha-adrenergic effects of any catecholamine secretion induced by surgical stress. Glucose (1.5 mg./kg./min. intravenously) was infused to maintain a constant baseline stimulation of insulin secretion. Six dogs received insulin and six control dogs received saline through a spinal needle stereotaxically placed into the left lateral cerebral ventricle. After central injection of insulin (0.2 U./kg.) there was a significant increase of pancreatic output as early as five minutes. It is concluded that the pancreatic beta-cells are under the influence of insulin-sensitive cells of the CNS.
Studies of Alloxan Toxicity on the Beta Cell
Authors: Rossini Aldo A , Arcangeli Michael A , Cahill George F
Published: September 2013

The ability of sugars to protect the beta cell from alloxan diabetes is highly stereospecific. The α anomer, which is present in equilibrium in both glucose and 3-O-methyl glucose (3-OMG) at approximately 34 per cent, provides greater protection than the β anomer. The greater protection of the α anomer of glucose is present fifteen seconds between its administration and alloxan, but there is no difference in protection following a thirty-second interval. The nonmetabolized analogue, 3-OMG, provides even greater protection than glucose, and this higher affinity is expressed both by the lower dose necessary to provide protection, as well as by the higher dose of mannoheptulose needed to remove the protection. Mannoheptulose not only removes the protection provided by exogenous glucose but sensitizes the beta cell to the toxic effects of alloxan in the fasting state, probably by inhibiting the protection provided by endogenous glucose. Mannoheptulose is able to remove glucose protection before, with, or after the administration of glucose prior to alloxan injection. Finally, the protective effect of both glucose and 3-OMG is time-related, and the protection not only is due to absolute concentration but also appears to be affected by a changing concentration.
Modulation of Fatty Acid Metabolism by Glucagon in Man: IV. Effects of a Physiologic Hormone Infusion in Normal Man
Authors: Schade David S , Eaton R Philip
Published: September 2013

This study was done to explore the role of physiologic elevations of glucagon concentration in plasma ketone body concentration in normal man. During the period of hormone elevation, plasma free fatty acids were pharmacologically elevated to ensure adequate free fatty acid substrate delivery to the liver to support hepatic ketogenesis.

Eighty-minute infusions of glucagon resulted in a plasma hormone concentration of ∼ 300 pg./ml. During the infusion, ketone bodies declined from their basal concentration and remained below basal for the duration of the infusion. An acute heparin-induced pharmacologic elevation of plasma free fatty acid concentration resulted in a transient rise in plasma ketone body concentration, but at no time did it attain the concentration observed during the control saline infusion. Plasma glucose concentration was not altered by glucagon infusion, but plasma insulin concentration rose by ∼ 2.5 μU./ml.

These results suggest that glucagon is not ketogenic in normal man as has been previously reported in insulin-deficient diabetics. The glucagon-induced rise in plasma insulin concentration may participate in the observed reduction in plasma ketone body concentration.
Effects of Pregnancy on Hemoglobin AIc in Normal, Gestational Diabetic, and Diabetic Women
Authors: Schwartz Herbert C , King Katherine C , Schwartz Alan L , Edmunds Diana , Schwartz Robert
Published: September 2013

Hemoglobin AIc, a normal minor hemoglobin, has glucose linked by a Schiff base to the N-terminal end of the beta chain. The glucose interferes with the binding of 2,3 diphosphoglycerate, probably resulting in an increased affinity of that hemoglobin for oxygen. Hb AIc is increased to twice normal levels in juvenile-onset (insulin-dependent) diabetes. In the present studies, the Hb AIc, when expressed as per cent of total hemoglobin, was found to be elevated slightly in pregnany normal ( = 6.97 per cent), pregnant nondiabetic obese ( = 6.89 per cent), and gestationally diabetic subjects ( = 8.77 per cent) above that of normal females ( = 5.68 per cent). A remarkable difference was observed between the nonpregnant diabetics ( = 12.77 per cent) and the pregnant diabetics ( = 8.46 per cent). This decrease in the level of Hb AIc in diabetics who are pregnant more than 30 weeks may reflect either a better state of diabetic control and/or a compensatory mechanism to protect the fetus by facilitating oxygen exchange from mother to fetus.
Retinopathy and Plasma Growth Hormone Levels in Idiopathic Hemochromatosis with Diabetes
Authors: Passa Philippe , Rousselie Françoise , Gauville Christiane , Canivet Jean
Published: September 2013

In patients with idiopathic hemochromatosis, retinopathy was investigated by ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography and was present in eight out of 23; this prevalence is similar to that reported in patients with diabetes aged between 30 and 60 years at onset of diabetes and with the same duration of the disease; in these eight patients retinopathy was of mild degree, with no impairment of visual acuity, fewer than 10 microaneurysms in each fundus, and no other retinal abnormalities. Plasma growth hormone response to arginine stimulation was studied in 10 patients with hemochromatosis and diabetes and was significantly lowered compared with uncomplicated diabetes and with nondiabetic subjects. Plasma growth hormone response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia was studied in six patients with hemochromatosis and diabetes and was significantly lowered as compared with nondiabetics. It is suggested that the blunted growth hormone secretion in idiopathic hemochromatosis acts as a protective factor and could explain the mild degree of the retinopathy; this would support the hypothesis on a possible role of growth hormone in the development of diabetic microangiopathy.
Possible Roles of the Pancreatic D-cell in the Normal and Diabetic States
Authors: Unger Roger H , Orci Lelio
Published: September 2013

The A-, D-, and B-cells—the islet cells that contain, respectively, immunoreactive glucagon, somatostatin, and insulin—are distributed within a specialized heteroceilular region of the islets of Langerhans as if to permit heterologous contacts between all three cell types. Inasmuch as each one of the three secretory products of these three cell types influences the secretion of at least one of its neighboring cells, “paracrine” influence on islet hormone secretion becomes a reasonable hypothesis. Glucagon stimulates both insulin and somatostatin release, while insulin and somatostatin both inhibit glucagon release, providing the basis for a feedback relationship through which A-cell secretion may be restrained. In addition, glucagon-mediated insulin secretion may be restrained by glucagon-stimulated somatostatin release. Such intercellular relationships could help determine the composition of the insulin and glucagon mixtures released within a given metabolic setting.
On the Preparation and Characterization of Standard Materials for Natural Human Proinsulin and C-peptide
Authors: Kuzuya Hideshi , Chance Ronald E , Steiner Donald F , Rubenstein Arthur H
Published: September 2013

The preparation and characterization of intact native human proinsulin and C-peptide to serve as reference standards in immunologic and biologic assays is described. The major difficulty encountered in the preparation of human proinsulin from crystalline human insulin is the rather low yield (0.08 per cent), which may be due to postmortem autolysis in the pancreatic specimens. Under such circumstances, minor degrees of contamination of batches by fresh pancreases from other species, such as cows or pigs, may be magnified considerably. Such contamination can be readily detected with various currently available proinsulin- or C-peptide-specific antisera. Autolysis before or during preparation may also affect the yields and quality of human C-peptide preparations. Some of these C-peptide by-products are described, along with methods for their purification and characterization.
Glucose and Insulin Responses to Diet: Effect of Variations in Source and Amount of Carbohydrate
Authors: Thompson Robert G , Hayford John T , Danney Mark M
Published: September 2013

The influence of variations in amount of carbohydrate in the diet (45 per cent or 65 per cent of total calories) and source (sucrose or corn syrup) on plasma insulin and glucose concentrations was evaluated in eight normal men. Four diets, which were alternated in a Latin square design, were consumed for 10 days. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured during an oral glucose tolerance test and over a 24-hour period while the test diets were consumed. The 24-hour study was completed with a portable, constant withdrawal pump, which allowed samples to be collected as a series of 48 consecutive, integrated, 30-minute samples. Thus, the 24-hour mean, or integrated, concentration as well as fluctuations during the day could be determined.

The 24-hour integrated concentration of glucose did not vary significantly with the dietary changes tested. In contrast, two of the three methods used, to evaluate the glucose tolerance test results indicated that high carbohydrate diets improve glucose tolerance. Glucose fluctuations were significantly greater during ingestion of diets containing corn syrup than during those containing sucrose. The percentage of dietary energy supplied as carbohydrate did not influence glucose fluctuations significantly.

Diets containing corn syrup were associated with significantly higher integrated concentrations of insulin than the sucrose diets. Insulin-integrated concentrations did not vary significantly with changes in the percentage of dietary carbohydrate. The insulin response to the glucose tolerance test did not vary with the source of carbohydrate and did not accurately reflect the 24-hour mean insulin concentrations.

We concluded that (1) a change in the percentage of energy supplied as carbohydrate does not significantly influence the concentration of either glucose or insulin in normal subjects; (2) concentrations of glucose throughout the day are more stable when the dietary carbohydrate is sucrose than when it is corn syrup; (3) sucrose-containing diets require significantly lower insulin concentrations to maintain euglycemia than do corn syrup–containing diets; (4) glucose and insulin responses to an oral glucose tolerance test do not accurately reflect the 24-hour glucose and insulin concentrations obtained during ingestion of the test diets.
Effects of Anti-insulin Receptor Autoantibodies on the Metabolism of Human Adipocytes
Authors: Kasuga M , Akanuma Y , Tsushima T , Iwamoto Y , Kosaka K , Kibata M , Kawanishi K
Published: September 2013

We studied the effect of sera from two patients who had an unusual form of diabetic syndrome with extreme insulin resistance on the metabolism of human adipocytes in vitro. The IgG fractions from sera A and B, which were obtained from two patients (1 and 2) with insulin-resistant diabetes, inhibited [125I]insulin binding to human adipocytes and, at the same time, stimulated glucose oxidation and inhibited the lipolysis induced by levarterenol in human adipocytes. On the other hand, the IgG fraction from the C serum, which was obtained from patient 2 after her diabetic syndrome had completely disappeared as a result of immunosuppressive therapy, did not inhibit [125I]insulin binding to human adipocytes, stimulate glucose oxidation, or inhibit lipolysis in human adipocytes. These facts suggest that these IgG fractions bind to or near the insulin receptor of human adipocytes, that they exhibit their insulin-like effect by binding to the insulin receptor in vitro, and, furthermore, that they are responsible for the extremely insulin-resistant diabetes. However, the apparent discrepancy between the effects of these IgG fractions on man in vitro and in vivo is puzzling and needs to be explained.
Glycogen Synthase, Synthase Phosphatase, and Phosphorylase Response to Glucose in Somatostatin-Pretreated Intact Rats
Authors: Mulmed Lawrence N , Gannon Mary C , Gilboe Daniel P , Tan Agnes W H , Nuttall Frank Q
Published: September 2013

The response of the glycogen synthase and phosphorylase systems of the liver to intravenous glucose in the presence and absence of short-term somatostatin blockade of insulin secretion was determined in fed and 20-h fasted rats. These enzyme systems regulate glycogen synthesis and degradation, respectively. In the presence of somatostatin, intravenous glucose (1.0 g/kg), promptly (5 min) increased the proportion of synthase in the I (active) form, and the increase was similar to that in animals that had not received somatostatin. In the same animals, phosphorylase a also was decreased, and the decrease was similar in all groups. When a smaller dose of glucose (250 mg/kg) was used that only modestly increased plasma glucose (139 mg/dl) and produced a less than maximal synthase response, insulin (1 U/kg) did not potentiate glucose activation of synthase either in the presence or absence of somatostatin. Phosphorylase a did not change significantly in any group.

Glucose, in both the presence and absence of somatostatin, also rapidly (2 min) converted synthase phosphatase from a form inhibited by EDTA to a form not inhibited by EDTA.

These data indicate that the synthase and phosphorylase systems in vivo respond primarily to a rise in plasma glucose and not to a simultaneous elevation in plasma insulin. Thus, glucose is regulating its own storage as glycogen in the liver. The effect of glucose on the synthase may be mediated through a conversion of the synthase phosphatase to a form that is not dependent on divalent cation for activity. This form presumably is more active in vivo.
Glycosylated Hemoglobins: Increased Glycosylation of Hemoglobin A in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Gabbay Kenneth H , Sosenko Jay M , Banuchi Grace A , Mininsohn Michael J , Flückiger Rudolf
Published: September 2013

The components of the hemoglobin-A1 fraction —hemoglobins A1a-c—arise from nonenzymatic glycosylation of hemoglobin A at the β-chain N-terminal amino groups and can be resolved from hemoglobin A by cation exchange chromatography. Glycosylation can also occur at the α-chain N-terminals as well as the E-amino groups of lysine residues of both α- and β-chains; this results in glycosylated species appearing in the hemoglobin-A fraction. In this study, we determined the extent of hemoglobin-A glycosylation using a colorimetric chemical method specific for the detection of ketoamine-linked hexoses in proteins. We demonstrate increased glycosylation of the main hemoglobin-A fraction in diabetic patients, which correlates significantly (r = 0.72, P < 0.001) with the hemoglobin-A, percentage determined by column chromatography in the corresponding hemolysates. This finding provides the basis for the application of this chemical procedure to the measurement of total glycosylation of hemoglobin.
Thin Muscle Capillary Basement Membranes in Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: Olson Norman D , Nuttall Frank Q , Sinha Akhouri , Kilo Charles , Williamson Joseph R
Published: September 2013

Muscle capillary basement membrane width (MCBMW) was measured in 18 myotonic dystrophy patients and compared with that in age- and sex-matched normal and diabetic subjects. The MCBMW in myotonic dystrophy patients (773 ± 258 A) was significantly thinner than in normal subjects (925 ± 181 Å, P < 0.05) or in diabetics (1224 ± 614 Å, P < 0.01). An increase in MCBMW with advancing age was present in all groups but was greatest in the myotonic dystrophy groups (r = +0.59, P < 0.01). There was no relation between MCBMW and either the degree of glucose intolerance or insulin hypersecretion in the myotonic dystrophy group, though none had fasting hyperglycemia. This is the first report of a condition associated with thinner-than-normal capillary basement membrane.
Evidence for the Existence of a Biosynthetic Precursor for Somatostatin
Authors: Noe Bryan D , Fletcher Donald J , Spiess Joachim
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine if the somatostatin in pancreatic islets is synthesized via a precursor-product pathway. Anglerfish islets were subjected to pulse-chase incubations with 3H-tryptophan 14C-isoleucine. Islet extracts were subjected to gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-10. During chase incubations in the presence of cycloheximide, a linear increase of 3H-radioactivity in the somatostatin-containing portion of the eluate was observed while 14C-label did not accumulate in this region. A concomitant diminution of both 3H- and 14C- radioactivity in the 8-15-kilodalton region of the eluate occurred during the chase periods, suggesting a transfer of label from larger to smaller peptides. The labeled peptides found in the 8-15-kilodalton range were subjected to treatment with 8 M urea, 8 M urea−5% thioglycolic acid, 6 M guanidine hydrochloride, and 8 M guanidine hydrochloride−5% thioglycol. No appreciable loss of radioactivity was apparent after any of these treatments. Incubation of these same peptides with cell-free supernate from unlabeled islet tissue or with trypsin yielded a tryptophan-labeled peptide having the molecular size, electrophoretic mobility, and immunoreactivity of anglerfish and synthetic somatostatin. These results suggest that a precursor peptide having a molecular size near that of proinsulin is used in the biosynthesis of somatostatin.
A Different Action of Hypothermia on Insulin Release from the Isolated, Perfused Rat Pancreas, Depending on the Stimulating Agent
Authors: Loubatieres-Mariani M M , Chapal J , Puech R , Manteghetti M
Published: September 2013

Two series of experiments were performed in parallel on the isolated perfused rat pancreas. The experimental conditions differed only as pertaining to temperature. In one series the organ and the perfusion liquid were maintained at 37.5°C and in the other at 28°C. The pancreases were perfused from the start of the experiments with a perfusion medium containing 8.3 mmol/l glucose. The effects of various stimulatory agents were studied (glucose 16.6 mmol/l, tolbutamide 0.4 mmol/l, acetylcholine 0.5 μmol/l, glucagon, 2.8 nmol/l, and L-isoprenaline 0.05 μmol/l). At 37.5°C the insulin secretion induced by high glucose or tolbutamide, acetylcholine, and glucagon was biphasic and not statistically different. In all cases the hypothermia (28°C) decreased insulin secretion. However, glucoseinduced and tolbutamide-induced insulin secretion was more decreased than the secretion induced by acetylcholine and glucagon. The study of the secretion ratios obtained at 28°C relative to 37.5°C showed that the ratios for the glucose and tolbutamide groups were significantly lower than those obtained for acetylcholine and glucagon gsroups for both the first and the second phase. The ratios were not significantly different between glucose and tolbutamide on the one hand and acetylcholine and glucagon on the other hand. In all groups the ratios 28°/37.5° for the second phase were lower than those obtained during the first phase. L-isoprenaline induced only a weak increase in insulin secretion and this was not long lasting; this increase was not statistically different at both temperatures.
Measurement of Glycosylated Amino Acids and Peptides from Urine of Diabetic Patients Using Affinity Chromatography
Authors: Brownlee Michael , Vlassara Helen , Cerami Anthony
Published: September 2013

An affinity chromatography system has been developed that retains glycosylated amino acids and peptides. Using this system, synthetic 14C-glycosylated lysine (reduced with NaB3H4) was completely separated from a mixture of reduced 14C-glycosylated lysine and unmodified 3H-lysine. Amino acid analysis of the retained peak from hydrolyzed human diabetic hemoglobin previously reduced with NaB3H4 revealed an equimolar mixture of glycosylated valine and glycosylated lysine, in agreement with previously published data obtained using other methodologies. These data demonstrate that in alkaline solution, the NaB3H4-reducible breakdown products of nonenzymatically glycosylated proteins are adsorbed to m-aminophenyl boronic acid immobilized on Bio-Gel P-6, while nonglycosylated amino acids are not. This affinity chromatography system should facilitate the rapid evaluation of nonenzymatic glycosylation in a large number of diabetic tissues.

Levels of retained compounds in urine from diabetic and normal patients were determined by measuring ninhydrin-positive material. Amino acid analysis of NaB3H4-reduced hydrolysates of these peaks showed that glycosylated lysine was the major borohydride-reducible adduct present (67%–86%). Linear regression analysis showed that the quantity of excreted compounds in normals correlated with body weight (r = 0.63). The mean level (μmol leucine-equivalent/ 24 h/kg body weight) in diabetics was over 1.5 times that found in urine from normal subjects (P < 0.005).
Phenformin Increases Insulin Binding to Human Cultured Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Cohen D , Pezzino V , Vigneri R , Avola R , D'agata R , Polosa P
Published: September 2013

The effect of the hypoglycemic biguanide, phenformin, on the binding of insulin to MCF-7 cells, an in vitro line derived from a human breast cancer, has been investigated. Cells incubated for 24 h in the presence of 1.0 μg/ml of phenformin bound 62.2 ± 8.1% (mean ± SE) more 125I-insulin than did controls. The phenformin effect was dose-dependent over the concentration range of 0.1 μgsol;ml to 10.0 μg/ml. The increased binding was due to an increase in receptor number without a change in binding affinity. This demonstration of increased receptor number in response to phenformin exposure provides support for the hypothesis that one action of phenformin is to enhance tissue sensitivity to insulin.