bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation and optimization model for irrigation planning and management
Authors: Kuo Sheng‐Feng , Liu Chen‐Wuing
Published: October 2003

A simulation and optimization model was developed and applied to an irrigated area in Delta, Utah to optimize the economic benefit, simulate the water demand, and search the related crop area percentages with specified water supply and planted area constraints. The user interface model begins with the weather generation submodel, which produces daily weather data, which is based on long‐term monthly average and standard deviation data from Delta, Utah. To simulate the daily crop water demand and relative crop yield for seven crops in two command areas, the information provided by this submodel was applied to the on‐farm irrigation scheduling submodel. Furthermore, to optimize the project benefit by searching for the best allocation of planted crop areas given the constraints of projected water supply, the results were employed in the genetic algorithm submodel. Optimal planning for the 394·6‐ha area of the Delta irrigation project is projected to produce the maximum economic benefit. That is, projected profit equals US$113 826 and projected water demand equals 3·03 × 106 m3. Also, area percentages of crops within UCA#2 command area are 70·1%, 19% and 10·9% for alfalfa, barley and corn, respectively, and within UCA#4 command area are 41·5%, 38·9%, 14·4% and 5·2% for alfalfa, barley, corn and wheat, respectively. As this model can plan irrigation application depths and allocate crop areas for optimal economic benefit, it can thus be applied to many irrigation projects. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Propagation of drought through groundwater—a new approach using linear reservoir theory
Authors: Peters E. , Torfs P. J. J. F. , van Lanen H. A. J. , Bier G.
Published: October 2003

The effect of drought on groundwater heads and discharge is often complex and poorly understood. Therefore the propagation of a drought from groundwater recharge to discharge and the influence of aquifer characteristics on the propagation was analysed by tracking a drought in recharge through a linear reservoir. The recharge was defined as a sinusoid function with a period of 1 year. The decrease in recharge owing to drought was simulated by multiplying the recharge during 1 year with a drought fraction between 0 and 1, which represents a decrease in the recharge of 100 to 0%, respectively. The droughts were identified using the threshold level approach, with a threshold that is constant in time. For this case analytical formulations were derived, which express the drought duration and deficit in the groundwater discharge in terms of the decrease in recharge, the reservoir coefficient that characterizes aquifer properties and the height of the threshold level. The results showed that the delay in the groundwater system caused a shift of the main part of the decrease in recharge from the high‐flow to the low‐flow period. This resulted in an increase in drought deficit for discharge compared with the drought deficit for recharge. Also the development of multiyear droughts caused an increase in drought deficit. The attenuation in the groundwater system caused a decrease in drought deficit. In most cases the net effect of these processes was an increase of drought deficit as a result of the propagation through groundwater. Only for small droughts the deficit decreased from recharge to discharge. The amount of increase or decrease depends on the reservoir coefficient and the severity of the drought. Under most conditions a maximum in the drought deficit occurred for a reservoir coefficient of around 200 days. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil moisture–temperature relationships: results from two field experiments
Authors: Lakshmi Venkat , Jackson Thomas J. , Zehrfuhs Diane
Published: October 2003

This paper analyses data from two field experiments in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and Tifton, Georgia, carried out in July 1999 and June 2000 respectively. The observations on soil moisture at two depths, viz. 0–2·5 and 0–5·0 cm, surface temperature, and temperatures at 1, 5 and 10 cm depths are analysed. The relationship between the soil moisture and the temperature variability in time is examined as a function of vegetation type and location. Results from these experiments show that, during drydown, surface temperature shows an increase that corresponds to a decrease in the soil moisture. Linear models for prediction of soil moisture (at both depths) using surface temperature observations are examined. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of generalized contaminant retardation factor to a multi‐phase system
Authors: Kim Song‐Bae , Kim Dong‐Ju
Published: October 2003

In this study, a generalized contaminant retardation factor applicable to a multiphase system where various types of colloids exist simultaneously with contaminants is derived and incorporated into an equilibrium model which is successfully applied to experimental data for which phenanthrene was used as hydrophobic organic contaminants and dissolved organic matter (DOM) or bacteria as mobile carriers. Based on the parameter values for the experimental data regarding the association of phenanthrene with solid matrix, DOM and various bacterial isolates, numerical experiments are performed to examine the transport behaviour of hydrophobic organic contaminants in various types of the multiphase system. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the extent of contaminant transport enhancement depends on the adsorption affinity of the colloid, its concentration and its mobility, and that the importance of a third phase to contaminant transport needs to be evaluated carefully with respect to the relevance of experimental conditions applied to realistic environmental conditions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of a neural network model in establishing a stage–discharge relationship for a tidal river
Authors: Supharatid Seree
Published: October 2003

This paper presents the applicability of neural network (NN) modelling for forecasting and filtering problems. The multilayer feedforward (MLFF) network was first constructed to forecast the tidal‐level variations at the mouth of the River Chao Phraya in Thailand. Unlike the well‐known conventional harmonic analysis, the NN model uses a set of previous data for learning and then forecasting directly the time‐series of tidal levels. It was found that lead time of 1 to 24 hourly tidal levels can be predicted successfully using only a short‐time hourly learning data. The MLFF network was further used to establish a stage–discharge relationship for the tidal river. The results show a considerably better performance of the NN model over the conventional models. In addition, the stage–discharge relationship obtained by the NN model can indicate reasonably well the important behaviour of the tidal influences. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hillslope‐swamp interactions and flow pathways in a hypermaritime rainforest, British Columbia
Authors: Fitzgerald D. F. , Price J. S. , Gibson J. J.
Published: October 2003

The process of water delivery to a headwater stream in a hypermaritime rainforest was examined using a variety of physical techniques and tracing with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and the stable isotopes of water. Headwater swamps, often the major discharge zones for water draining off steep forest slopes, strongly affect the physical and chemical character of streamflow in the region. The headwater swamp selected for detailed investigation was sustained by relatively constant groundwater input from the steep colluvial slopes that maintained the water table above the ground surface. During significant storm events the water table rose quickly and the swamp expanded to engulf marginal pools that developed rapidly on the adjacent ground surfaces. The corresponding release of surface water directly to the stream typically comprised up to 95% of total stream discharge. The proportion of groundwater seepage to the stream by matrix flow (<1%) and via macropore‐fed springs (up to 73%) increased during the recession period, but could not be sustained over the longer term. In more protracted drying periods, deep groundwater contributions to the stream were routed first to the headwater swamp.

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the stream, measured daily or more frequently during storm events, was found to be directly proportional to discharge, owing to the domination of DOC‐rich headwater‐swamp water sources. Although δ18O and δ2H composition of rainwater, groundwater and stream flow were found to be similar, deuterium excess (d  δ2H − 8δ18O) of water components was often found to be distinct, and suggested short water residence times of roughly 12 days for one event. Overall, observations of a typical headwater swamp reveal that the groundwater regime is dominated by rapid infiltration and short, emergent flow paths. With a relatively short turnover time, potential disturbances to the system by harvesting of upslope areas can be expected to occur rapidly. Forest managers can mitigate some of the harmful effects of logging operations by respecting the integrity of headwater wetland systems. The nature and magnitude of such perturbations will require further study. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water–air temperature relationships in a Devon river system and the role of flow
Authors: Webb B. W. , Clack P. D. , Walling D. E.
Published: October 2003

The nature of the water–air temperature relationship, and its moderation by discharge, were investigated for catchments ranging in size from 2·1 to 601 km2 in the Exe basin, Devon, UK and for data relating to hourly, daily and weekly time bases. The sensitivity and explanatory power of simple water–air temperature regression models based on hourly data were improved by incorporation of a lag, which increased with catchment size, although relationships became more sensitive and less scattered as the time base of data increased from hourly to weekly mean values. Significant departures from linearity in water–air temperature relationships were evident for hourly, but not for daily mean or weekly mean, data. A clear tendency for relationships between water and air temperatures to be stronger and more sensitive for flows below median levels was apparent, and multiple regression analysis also revealed water temperature to be inversely related to discharge for all catchments and time‐scales. However, discharge had a greater impact in accounting for water temperature variation at shorter time‐scales and in larger catchments. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suspended sediment yield and metal contamination in a river catchment affected by El Niño events and gold mining activities: the Puyango river basin, southern Ecuador
Authors: Tarras‐Wahlberg N. H. , Lane S. N.
Published: October 2003

The suspended sediment yield and the transfer of polluted sediment are investigated for the Puyango river basin in southern Ecuador. This river system receives metal (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) and cyanide pollution generated by mining, and is associated with large‐scale hydrological variability, which is partly governed by El Niño events. Field sampling and statistical modelling methods are used to quantify the amount of mine tailings that is discharged into the basin. Annual suspended sediment yields are estimated using a novel combination of the suspended sediment rating method and Monte Carlo simulations, which allow for propagation of the uncertainties of the calculations that lead to final load estimates. Geochemical analysis of suspended and river bed sediment is used to assess the dispersion and long‐term fate of contaminated sediment within the river catchment. Knowledge of the inter‐ and intra‐annual variation in suspended sediment yield is shown to be crucial for judging the importance of mining discharges, and the extent to which the resultant pollution is diluted by river flows. In wet years, polluted sediments represent only a very small proportion of the yield estimates, but in dry years the proportion can be significant. Evidence shows that metal contaminated sediments are stored in the Puyango river bed during low flows. Large flood events flush this sediment periodically, both on an annual cycle associated with the rainy season, and also related to El Niño events. Therefore, environmental impacts of mining‐related discharges are more likely to be severe during dry years compared with wet years, and in the dry season rather than the wet season. The hydrological consequences of El Niño events are shown to depend upon the extent to which these events penetrate inland. It is, thus, shown that the general conclusion that El Niño events can significantly affect suspended sediment yields needs evaluation with respect to the particular way in which those events affect a given catchment. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of membrane‐associated prostaglandin E2 synthase to bone resorption
Authors: Saegusa Masatomo , Murakami Makoto , Nakatani Yoshihito , Yamakawa Kiyofumi , Katagiri Mika , Matsuda Koichi , Nakamura Kozo , Kudo Ichiro , Kawaguchi Hiroshi
Published: October 2003

This study initially confirmed that, among prostaglandins (PGs) produced in bone, only PGE2 has the potency to stimulate osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in the mouse coculture system of osteoblasts and bone marrow cells. For the PGE2 biosynthesis two isoforms of the terminal and specific enzymes, membrane‐associated PGE2 synthase (mPGES) and cytosolic PGES (cPGES) have recently been identified. In cultured mouse primary osteoblasts, both mPGES and cyclooxygenase‐2 were induced by the bone resorptive cytokines interleukin‐1, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and fibroblast growth factor‐2. Induction of mPGES was also seen in the mouse long bone and bone marrow in vivo by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide. In contrast, cPGES was expressed constitutively both in vitro and in vivo without being affected by these stimuli. An antisense oligonucleotide blocking mPGES expression inhibited not only PGE2 production, but also osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption stimulated by the cytokines, which was reversed by addition of exogenous PGE2. We therefore conclude that mPGES, which is induced by and mediates the effects of bone resorptive stimuli, may make a target molecule for the treatment of bone resorptive disorders. J. Cell. Physiol. 197: 348–356, 2003© 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Water treatment using sequenced ozonation and SBR biofilm reactors
Authors: Carini D , Dunn IJ , Morbidelli M
Published: October 2003

The degradation of 3‐methylpyridine (3MEP), a model heterocyclic industrial molecule, was performed in a sequential batch ozonation–biofilm process. Four process steps (bubble‐column ozonation, heterotrophic biofilm degradation, biofilm nitrification, and biofilm denitrification) were combined in different sequences. Three packed‐bed biofilm reactors were started up so as to have separate, specific activities (heterotrophic, nitrification and denitrification). Batch experiments with acetate, ammonia, and nitrate proved that all reactors displayed degradation activity for all substances. Different batch sequences of these reactors were tested with the products of batch ozonation of 3MEP as the first step. The best results were obtained using a two‐step process, in which the ozonation was followed by a single fluidized‐bed, heterotrophic biofilm reactor. The high C/N ratio of 3MEP and the appreciable non‐specific activity of this reactor made it possible to achieve all the biodegradation in the one reactor. Establishing the optimal batch ozonation time (80 min) was determined by an ozone electrode and by stopping the process when the dissolved ozone concentration rose above an initial low level. The identifiable products of 3MEP ozonation were nitrate, acetate, formate, pyruvate, oxalate and ammonium. A C‐balance, compared with TOC measurement, indicated that about 50% of the carbon was in unidentified, but biogradable, ozonation products. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Combination of biological and chemical processes for the treatment of textile wastewater containing reactive dyes
Authors: Libra Judy A , Sosath Frank
Published: October 2003

The treatment of a segregated textile wastewater containing reactive dyes was investigated in two continuous‐flow process trains using ozonation and biological processes. The degree of decolorization and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal achieved by ozonation followed by aerobic treatment (two‐stage) was compared with that found when an anaerobic and aerobic pretreatment was added (four‐stage). Although the biological pretreatment reduced color by ∼70%, similar amounts of ozone were required in both trains to achieve high degrees of overall removal of color and DOC. In both trains, ozonation increased biodegradability in the following aerobic reactor, however, in order to reach ∼80% overall DOC removal, a specific ozone absorption (A*) of ∼6 gO3 gDOCo−1 was required and >50% of the DOC was mineralized in the ozone reactor. A comparison of cost estimates based on investment and operating costs for the process alternatives showed that a four‐stage train would reduce costs only if it enabled a decrease in A* to less than 2 gO3 gDOCo−1. Difficulties in comparing treatment processes for segregated vs full‐stream wastewaters are discussed. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Fabrication by three‐phase emulsification of pellicular adsorbents customised for liquid fluidised bed adsorption of bioproducts
Authors: Jahanshahi Mohsen , Pacek Andrzej W , Nienow Alvin W , Lyddiatt Andrew
Published: October 2003

A novel dense pellicular adsorbent, custom‐designed for liquid fluidised bed adsorption of protein bioproducts, has been fabricated by coating zirconia–silica particles with agarose gel in a three‐phase emulsification process. A slurry feedstock comprising solid zirconia–silica particles (120 µm average diameter) suspended in an aqueous solution of agarose was emulsified in an oil–surfactant mixture in a stirred vessel to yield composite droplets. These were subsequently stabilised by cooling to form spherical pellicular particles characterised by a porous, pellicular coat cast upon a solid core. The impact of agitation speed, surfactant concentration, oil viscosity and slurry composition upon the pellicle depth and overall particle diameter was investigated. Pellicle depth decreased with increasing impeller speed and decreased oil viscosity, whilst increased slurry viscosity enhanced that parameter. Initial increases from low concentrations of Span 80 surfactant (0.1% w/v oil) reduced the depth of the agarose pellicle, but the highest values investigated (1.5% w/v oil) promoted particle aggregation. The fluidisation behaviour of particles fabricated under various conditions was characterised by the measurement of expansion coefficients and axial dispersion coefficients for the liquid phase when operated in a standard fluidised bed contactor. Both parameters were found to be comparable or superior to those reported for conventional, composite fluidised bed adsorbents. The controlled coating of porous agarose upon a solid core to yield specific pellicular geometries is discussed in the context of the fabrication of adsorbents customised for the recovery of a variety of bioproducts (macromolecules, nanoparticulates) from complex particulate feedstocks (whole broths, cell disruptates and unclarified bio‐extracts). Given the agreement between the size of the pellicular particles and the trends expected from theory, the large‐scale manufacture of such particles for customised industrial use is recommended. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Ozonation of vinasse in acid and alkaline media
Authors: Martín Santos MA , Fernández Bocanegra JL , Martín Martín A , García García I
Published: October 2003

The production of ethanol by fermentation and subsequent distillation generates wastewater known as ‘vinasse’. This waste is highly polluting on account of its high organic load and antibacterial activity—which arises from the presence of phenolic compounds that reduce the efficiency of the detoxification treatments best suited to this type of waste (eg anaerobic digestion). This can be avoided by using a pre‐treatment based on a chemical oxidant (ozone) at an acid or alkaline pH. Ozonation in acid media provides more selective elimination of phenolic compounds and a more readily biodegradable waste (ie an increased BOD5/COD ratio). Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐level production of recombinant His‐tagged rhamnulose 1‐phosphate aldolase in Escherichia coli
Authors: Vidal L , Durany O , Suau T , Ferrer P , Benaiges MD , Caminal G
Published: October 2003

An expression system based on Escherichia coli and the T5 promoter allowed the overproduction of a his‐tagged rhamnulose‐1‐phosphate aldolase (RhuA; EC 4.1.2.19), an enzyme with applications in the production of deoxyazasugars and deoxysugars compounds. Shake flask and bioreactor cultivation with E coli M15 (pQErham) were performed under different media and inducing conditions for RhuA expression. A Defined Medium (DM) with glucose as carbon source gave a high volumetric and enzyme productivity (3460 AU dm−3 and 288 AU dm−3 h−1 respectively) compared with Luria–Bertoni (LB) medium (2292 AU dm− 3 and 255 AU dm−3 h−1). The minimum quantity of (isopropyl‐β‐D‐thiogalactoside) IPTG for optimal induction was estimated in 18–20 µmol IPTG gDCW−1. The highest volumetric production of RhuA (8333 AU dm−3) was obtained when IPTG was added in the late log‐phase. No significant differences were found in specific RhuA activity for induction temperatures of 30 and 37 °C. An effective two‐step purification process comprising affinity chromatography and gel permeation has been developed (overall recovery 66.5%). These studies provide the basis for the further development of an integrated process for recombinant RhuA production suitable for biotransformation applications. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Simulation of continuous stirred ultrafiltration process: an approach based on analytical solution coupled with turbulent back transport
Authors: Bhattacharjee Chiranjib , Datta Siddhartha
Published: October 2003

A mass transfer model based on unsteady state mass balance over the concentration boundary layer, coupled with back transport resulting from the stirring action, opposing ultrafiltrate flux, has been developed in the present study. This model uses semi‐infinite consideration to solve the governing partial differential equation by the Laplace transformation method, which gives the analytical solution of the concentration profile. During the solution procedure, pseudo‐steady state assumption has been used, as a consequence of which volumetric flux and turbulent back transport flux have been taken as constants. Once the analytical expression for the concentration profile has been found, an iterative technique has been developed for simulating flux and rejection under any specified operating condition. The prediction from this model is found to be in good agreement with experimental results obtained during continuous stirred ultrafiltration of PEG‐6000 solution using a cellulose acetate membrane of 5000 Da molecular weight cut‐off. The average absolute deviation in the prediction of permeate flux has been found to be 5.6% and that for the prediction of rejection was 6.4%. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Decolourization and COD removal from reactive dye‐containing wastewater using sonophotocatalytic technology
Authors: An Taicheng , Gu Haofei , Xiong Ya , Chen Weiguo , Zhu Xihai , Sheng Guoying , Fu Jiamo
Published: October 2003

Decolourization and COD removal from synthetic wastewater containing Reactive Brilliant Orange K‐R (RBOKR) dye using sonophotocatalytic technology was investigated. Experimental results showed that this hybrid technology could efficiently remove the colour and reduce COD from the synthetic dye‐containing wastewater, and that both processes followed pseudo first‐order kinetics. At the condition of 0.1 m3 h−1 airflow, 0.75 g dm−3 titanium dioxide and 0.5 mmol dm−3 RBOKR solution, the rate constants of decolourization and COD removal were 0.0750 and 0.0143 min−1 respectively for the sonophotocatalytic process; 0.0197 and 0.0046 min−1 respectively for the photocatalytic process and 0.0005 and 0.0001 min−1 respectively for the sonochemical process. The rate constants of sonophotocatalysis were greater than that of both the photocatalytic and sonochemical processes either in isolation or as a sum of the individual process, indicating an apparent synergetic effect between the photo‐ and sono‐processes. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Recovery of lipase by adsorption at the n‐hexadecane–water interface
Authors: Wang Hui‐Min , Wu Jau‐Yann , Tsai Shau‐Wei , Chen Teh‐Liang
Published: October 2003

A novel separation process based on the hydrophobic adsorption at the n‐hexadecane–water interface was developed for the recovery of Acinetobacter radioresistens lipase from a pre‐treated fermentation broth. In a mixture containing water, lipase and n‐hexadecane, a water‐in‐oil emulsion was formed when the n‐hexadecane‐to‐water ratio (o/w ratio) was larger than 3, and a large amount of lipase was found to be adsorbed at the interface. Compared with the oil‐in‐water emulsion (occurring when o/w ratio < 3), the water‐in‐oil emulsion generated smaller droplets and larger interfacial area, and was more stable. The harvested emulsion phase could be centrifuged to give an aqueous, concentrated lipase solution. Adsorption of lipase at the interface could be described by the Langmuir isotherm. For lipase concentrations ranging from 8.4 to 87.2 U cm−3, a single‐stage adsorption resulted in a six‐ to four‐fold concentration and 16–45% activity recovery, where lipase concentration was the dominant factor. A method using data from a single‐stage adsorption to predict multiple‐stage operation was described, and the agreement between the experimental and the predicted results was good. To improve the enzyme recovery, a multiple‐run adsorption process was proposed. The use of salts enhanced the hydrophobic interaction between lipase and n‐hexadecane. Advantages of the proposed process include simple operation, low operational cost, environmentally friendly, no requirement for pre‐concentration of the enzyme solution, and negligible enzyme denaturation. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
On‐line biodegradation monitoring of nitrogen‐containing compounds by membrane inlet mass spectrometry
Authors: Creaser Colin S , Lamarca David Gómez , Freitas dos Santos Luisa M , LoBiundo Giuseppe , New Anthony P
Published: October 2003

Membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) has been developed for the on‐line monitoring of compounds in a continuous stirred tank bioreactor (CSTB) used to simulate a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). A mixture of four industrially relevant nitrogen‐containing volatile and semi‐volatile compounds was fed to a 3 dm3 CSTB with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 h. In‐membrane preconcentration/thermal desorption was used for the on‐line monitoring of semi‐volatile compounds (n‐methylpyrrolidinone and tetramethylethylenediamine), while volatile organic compounds (3‐bromopyridine and 2‐chloro‐5‐trifluoromethylaniline) were determined by continuous infusion through the membrane. Quantification of the four compounds was achieved by MS. The CSTB was run for 160 h and, after reaching steady state, n‐methylpyrrolidinone showed removal to levels below the limit of detection, while there was partial biodegradation of 2‐chloro‐5‐trifluoromethylaniline and 3‐bromopyridine. There was no evidence of significant biodegradation for tetramethylethylenediamine. Intermediates in the metabolite pathways of 2‐chloro‐5‐trifluoromethylaniline and 3‐bromopyridine were identified by MIMS, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). COD was measured off line, and results agreed well with MIMS, although COD data did not provide information on the removal of the individual compounds. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Biological treatment of a contaminated gaseous emission from a paint and varnish plant—from laboratory studies to pilot‐scale operation
Authors: Bastos Filipe SC , Castro Paula ML , Ferreira Jorge Ruben
Published: October 2003

A Vapour‐Phase Bioreactor (VPB), namely a biotrickling filter, was scaled‐up and operated in‐situ for the treatment of gaseous emissions from a paint and varnish industrial plant. A microbial culture able to degrade the target compounds was enriched and a laboratory‐scale VPB was established in order to evaluate the treatment's performance. The VPB presented removal efficiencies higher than 90% when exposed to Organic Loads (OL) of ca 50 g h−1 m−3 of reactor. The VPB was exposed to dynamic conditions often found in‐situ (eg night and weekend shutdown periods) and showed a fast capacity to recover, with and without mineral medium recirculation. After a prolonged interruption period (10 months), the VPB was not able to cope with OL of ca 25 g h−1 m−3 of reactor and re‐inoculation was required in order to recover the treatment performance. The VPB also showed limited treatment when exposed to higher OL (ca 500 g h−1 m−3 of reactor). The VPB was then scaled‐up and a 3 m3 VPB was operated in‐situ, showing removal efficiencies higher than 50% when exposed to an OL of c 5 g h−1 m−3 of reactor, thus complying with current legal demands. The addition of a maintenance feed was shown to be a useful tool for VPB pilot‐scale operation when shutdown periods occurred. A factorial design of experiments was carried out, which allowed reduction to one‐tenth of the initial supply of the main mineral medium constituents, namely phosphate buffer, ammonium and magnesium salts, and also elimination of the metal supplement. Overall, the VPBs were shown to be robust equipment, being able to respond actively to dynamic treatment scenarios, particularly night and weekend shutdown periods. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Mathematical model of heat transfer during solid‐state fermentation in well‐mixed rotating drum bioreactors
Authors: Stuart Deidre M , Mitchell David A
Published: October 2003

We present a mathematical model that describes heat and mass transfer during solid‐state fermentation (SSF) of Aspergillus oryzae in a well‐mixed rotating drum bioreactor (RDB). In addition to the substrate bed and the headspace, the model recognises the bioreactor wall as a subsystem, allowing it to identify the role of this subsystem in heat removal from the bed. Model predictions agree well with previously published experimental data obtained in a rotating drum bioreactor of 0.19 m diameter and 0.85 m length, with maximum temperatures up to 15 °C greater than the incubation temperature being reached. The model offers insights into the rate limiting steps in heat removal, and how SSF performance might be improved in the experimental system. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of lipids and surfactants on extracellular lipase production by Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Domínguez Alberto , Deive Francisco J , Sanromán M Angeles , Longo María A
Published: October 2003

The production of extracellular lipase in submerged cultures of Yarrowia lipolytica CECT 1240 has been investigated. Several compounds have been added to the culture medium, in order to assess their efficiency as inducers of lipase production. First, the effect of triglycerides (olive oil, sunflower oil, tributyrin) and fatty acids (oleic acid) has been studied. The highest activity level was obtained with sunflower oil (58 U cm−3), followed by olive oil (49 U cm−3). The cultures with tributyrin and oleic acid attained similar activities (33 U cm−3). Then, several surfactants (Tween 80, Triton X‐100, gum arabic, polyethylene glycol 200) were added to the cultures with sunflower oil, in an attempt to increase the levels of extracellular lipase activity. The obtained activities were slightly lower than those achieved without surfactants. The assay of a wide range of surfactant concentrations in the case of PEG‐200 (with which the highest activity levels had been attained) did not improve the results. This strain secreted lipase concentrations two‐fold higher and showed significantly different behaviour towards the presence of surfactants in the culture medium, compared with other wild‐type Yarrowia lipolytica strains. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterisation of human tick‐borne encephalitis virus from Sweden
Authors: Haglund Mats , Vene Sirkka , Forsgren Marianne , Günther Göran , Johansson Bo , Niedrig Matthias , Plyusnin Alexander , Lindquist Lars , Lundkvist Åke
Published: October 2003

Viruses of the tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE) antigenic complex, within the family Flaviviridae, cause a variety of diseases including uncomplicated febrile illness, meningo‐encephalitis and haemorrhagic fever. Different wildlife species act as reservoir hosts with ixodid tick species as vectors. TBE virus (TBEV) causes 40–130 cases confirmed serologically in Sweden each year. Characteristics of TBEV strains circulating in Sweden have not been investigated previously and no viral sequence data has been reported. In the present study, virus strains were isolated from serum of patients with clinical symptoms consistent with acute TBEV infection. Serologic characterisation, using a panel of E‐specific monoclonal antibodies and cross‐neutralisation tests, indicated that the Swedish strains of TBEV, isolated 1958–1994, all belonged to the Western TBEV subtype, which includes the Austrian vaccine strain Neudoerfl. Genetic analysis of a partial E‐sequence confirmed this close relationship: all Swedish TBEV strains belonged to the European lineage of the Western TBEV subtype, which includes the previously characterised strains Neudoerfl, Hypr, and Kumlinge. Further, three Swedish strains showed partial E‐sequences identical to that of the Finnish Kumlinge strain, ten Swedish strains formed a well‐supported separate cluster, whereas four others did not show any real clustering. No apparent correlation was observed in comparison of clinical parameters with genetic data or geographic origin of the strains. J. Med. Virol. 71:610–621, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complete genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) isolates from patients with chronic HBV infection in Korea
Authors: Odgerel Zagaa , Nho Kyung Bo , Moon Ju Young , Kee Sun Ho , Park Kwang Sook , Song Ki‐Joon , Baek Luck Ju , Yeon Jong Eun , Byun Kwan Soo , Lee Chang Hong , Song Jin‐Won
Published: October 2003

Although there is a report of high rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in South Korea, only a few entire genome sequences of HBV isolates from Korea have been reported. To obtain the complete nucleotide sequence of the Korean HBV, viral DNA was extracted from sera of Korean patients with chronic HBV infection who have not been exposed to any antiviral treatment. Complete genomic sequences were determined on three Korean HBV isolates. The entire genomic length of Korean HBV isolates, designated as KUHB84, KUHB81, and KUHB95, was 3,215 base pairs. No deletions and insertions were observed. Core promoter mutations (T1762/A1764) were detected in two isolates, KUHB84 and KUHB95. Phylogenetic analysis based on the entire genomic sequences showed that the Korean HBV isolates were genotype C and related closely to the Japanese HBV. J. Med. Virol. 71:499–503, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elevated levels of antibodies against 70 kDa heat shock proteins in the sera of patients with HIV infection
Authors: Kocsis Judit , Prohászka Zoltán , Bíró Adrienn , Füst George , Bánhegyi Dénes
Published: October 2003

Heat shock proteins (Hsp), especially 70 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70) play an important role in the life cycle of HIV‐1 virus. Hsp70 is overexpressed in HIV‐infected cells and this is the most abundant Hsp associated with HIV virions. The aim of our study was to investigate whether HIV infection increases the extent of specific humoral immune response against Hsp70. The serum concentration of anti‐Hsp70 IgG antibodies was measured in 47 HIV‐infected patients, and 62 healthy, HIV‐seronegative persons. Nineteen patients on highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART) were followed for 24 months in a longitudinal study. Anti‐Hsp70 antibodies were measured by ELISA, using recombinant human Hsp70. Levels of anti‐Hsp70 antibodies were significantly (P < 0.0001) higher in the HIV‐infected patients (median: 1409 (25th–75th percentile: 1031–2214) AU/ml) than in healthy control subjects (626 (429–970) AU/ml). In 19 HIV patients, serum levels of anti‐Hsp70 antibodies significantly (P < 0.001) decreased during 24 (11–41) months HAART (1309 (887–2213) AU/ml before and 640 (386–959) AU/ml during HAART), accompanied by viral load reduction and CD4+ count elevation. It is concluded that HIV‐infection induces a marked increase in the anti‐Hsp70 antibody levels, which is consistent with the enhanced expression of Hsp70 on the surface of HIV‐infected cells and/or incorporation of the protein into the membrane of HIV virions. J. Med. Virol. 71:480–482, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of human herpesvirus‐6 IE1 sequence variation in clinical samples
Authors: Stanton Richard , Wilkinson Gavin W.G. , Fox Julie D.
Published: October 2003

Herpesvirus immediate early (IE) proteins are known to play key roles in establishing productive infections, regulating reactivation from latency, and creating a cellular environment favourable to viral replication. Human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) IE genes have not been studied as intensively as their homologues in the prototype betaherpesvirus human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Whilst the HCMV IE1 gene is relatively conserved, early studies indicated that HHV‐6 IE1 exhibited a high level of sequence variation between HHV‐6A and HHV‐6B isolates, although the observation was based primarily on virus stocks that had been isolated and propagated in vitro. In this study, we investigated the level of HHV‐6 IE1 sequence variation in vivo by direct sequencing of circulating virus in clinical samples without prior in vitro culture. Sequences exactly matching those reported for reference HHV‐6 isolates were identified in clinical samples, thus the HHV‐6 laboratory strains used in the majority of in vitro studies appear to be representative of virus circulating in vivo with respect to the IE1 gene. The HHV‐6 IE1 sequence is also conserved in reference strains that had been passaged extensively in vitro. The high degree of divergence between variant A and B type IE1 sequences was confirmed, but interestingly HHV‐6B IE1 sequences were observed to further segregate into two distinct subgroups, with the laboratory strains Z29 and HST representative of these two subgroups. Within each HHV‐6B subgroup, a remarkably high level of homology was observed. Thus the HHV‐6 IE1 sequence appears highly stable, underlining its potential importance to the viral life cycle. J. Med. Virol. 71:578–584, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HBV DNA integration and HBV‐transcript expression in non‐B, non‐C hepatocellular carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Tamori Akihiro , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Kubo Shoji , Narimatsu Takashi , Habu Daiki , Takeda Tadashi , Hirohashi Kazuhiro , Shiomi Susumu
Published: October 2003

Few studies have examined the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients without hepatitis virus infection. We evaluated the role of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the development of HCC in Japanese patients without hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C antigen (anti‐HCV). Twenty‐one HBsAg negative and anti‐HCV negative (non‐B, non‐C) patients with HCC were studied. HBV DNA in serum and HBV transcripts in liver were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription and PCR. HBV DNA integration was examined by Southern blot analysis or cassette‐ligation‐mediated PCR as described previously. p53 mutations were examined by direct sequencing. HBV DNA was not detected in serum from any patients. HBV‐related transcripts were detected in 5 of 7 HCCs from patients with antibodies to hepatitis core antigen (anti‐HBc) and in 3 of 14 HCCs from patients without anti‐HBc (P = 0.0261). HBV DNA was integrated into human genome in two non‐B, non‐C HCCs. Of the 14 patients without anti‐HBc, 5 had a history of excessive alcohol intake. In exons 5 through 8 of the p53 gene, mutations were detected in 2 of 8 HCCs with HBV‐transcripts and in 5 of 13 HCCs without such transcripts. p53 mutation at codon 159 was found in 2 of 6 patients with excessive alcohol intake without HBV‐transcripts. These results suggested that occult HBV infection might play an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis in non‐B, non‐C patients with anti‐HBc and that excessive alcohol intake might be related to HCC in non‐B, non‐C patients in Japan. J. Med. Virol. 71:492–498, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of measles virus in Kenya
Authors: Mbugua Francis M. , Okoth Frederick A. , Gray Michael , Kamau Tatu , Kalu Akpaka , Eggers Rudi , Borus Peter , Kombich Janet , Langat Agnes , Maritim Peter , Lesiamon Josephine , Tipples Graham A.
Published: October 2003

Measles causes significant morbidity and mortality globally. Many countries have embarked on immunization programs to control and prevent measles outbreaks and eventually to eliminate endemic measles. Kenya is currently in the outbreak control and prevention stage for measles. Measles virus genotyping is important for molecular epidemiological purposes, including the documentation of the elimination of endemic measles virus strains from a country, and mapping of transmission pathways. In this study, we collected clinical specimens from measles outbreak cases in 2002 in Kenya for measles virus genotyping. We were able to isolate and/or detect measles virus in 10 cases from 5 of the 8 provinces in Kenya. All these Kenyan measles strains were determined to be genotype D4 strains when compared to the standard World Health Organization‐designated measles virus reference strains. Interestingly, the Kenyan D4 strains clustered into two distinct D4 subgroups. In addition, the inclusion of other published D4 measles strains in this analysis indicated that there are four distinct D4 clusterings, or subgroups: Montreal‐like, India‐like, Johannesburg‐like, and Ethiopia‐like. This is the first measles molecular epidemiology study in Kenya and establishes the current endemic measles strain as genotype D4. Importantly, this study shows that the Kenyan D4 strains are distinct from the B3 measles strain found in West Africa and the D4 strains reported in Ethiopia. J. Med. Virol. 71:599–604, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Real‐time nested multiplex PCR for the detection of Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and Varicella zoster virus
Authors: O'Neill Hugh J. , Wyatt Dorothy E. , Coyle Peter V. , McCaughey Conall , Mitchell Frederick
Published: October 2003

One hundred forty‐nine specimens were tested in a LightCycler nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (LCnmPCR) for Herpes simplex virus (HSV)1, HSV2, and VZV. Eighty‐one were from genitourinary medicine (GUM) patients and the other 68 specimens were from other patients with skin lesions. The results were compared to a conventional multiplex nested PCR (nmPCR) using agarose gel electrophoresis. Twenty‐five specimens were positive in both assays for HSV1 and 29 were positive for VZV. For HSV2 there were 27 positive in the LCnmPCR and 26 positive in the nmPCR assay. The melting temperatures (Tms) of each target were different with a mean of 84.75°C for HSV1, 88.57°C for HSV2, and 83.62°C for VZV. The melting curves of positive specimens directly overlaid the melting curves of the positive controls in the assay. The LCnmPCR assay is a convenient alternative to conventional PCR using agarose gel electrophoresis. It improves specimen turnaround time by eliminating the need for gel electrophoresis, transillumination, and gel photography. It also shows increased sensitivity for HSV2 over our standard assay. This LCnmPCR reduces further the possibility of amplicon contamination with nested PCR protocols. J. Med. Virol. 71:557–560, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parvovirus B19 infection in Taiwanese patients with hematological disorders
Authors: Lee Yuan‐Ming , Tsai Wen‐Hui , You Jie‐Yu , Ing‐Tiau Kuo Benjamin , Liao Pen‐Tung , Ho Chi‐Kuan , Hsu Hui‐Chi
Published: October 2003

Human parvovirus B19 has a strong tissue tropism for erythroid progenitor cells and is a causative agent for anemia. However, it remains unclear whether patients with hematological disorders are at a higher risk of B19 infection. In the present study, we evaluated the prevalence of B19 infection in 278 patients with hematological disorders by indirect antibody capture enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Virus inoculation into cell culture (of TF‐6, WRL‐68, and HL‐60) was carried out using serum from patients with positive IgM anti‐B19 and was then examined by nested polymerase chain reaction, dot‐blot analysis, and sequence analysis. Our data demonstrated that the total seropositive rates of either IgG or IgM were 71.9%. The seropositive rates increase significantly with age (P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, the seropositive rate was significantly higher in our patients than in the general population with standardized rate ratio of 1.56 (95% CI = 1.43–1.68). No significant difference was found among different disease subgroups (P = 0.311). Nine patients (3.2%) had active B19 infection with positive IgM antibody, with four diagnosed as having idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Viremia of B19 virus could be detected in eight of nine patients, including three patients in serum only, three patients in bone marrow only, and two patients in both serum and bone marrow. We conclude that patients with hematological disease have higher seropositive rates for B19 than occur in normal controls and that study of occult parvovirus B19 infection is recommended in patients with hematological disease. J. Med. Virol. 71:605–609, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parameters of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide‐induced protection against intravaginal HSV‐2 challenge
Authors: Sajic Dusan , Ashkar Ali A. , Patrick Amy J. , McCluskie Michael J. , Davis Heather L. , Levine Kenneth L. , Holl Richard , Rosenthal Kenneth L.
Published: October 2003

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides within the context of certain flanking bases (CpG motifs) have been shown to induce potent innate and adaptive immune responses. Vaginal delivery of CpG ODN alone protects mice from vaginal herpes simplex virus type‐2 (HSV‐2) challenge. Here, we investigated the importance of timing of delivery, formulation, route and dose of vaginally administered CpG ODN in the prevention or treatment of intravaginal (IVAG) HSV‐2 infection. Mice treated intravaginally with CpG ODN containing a phosphorothioate backbone 24 hours prior to IVAG HSV‐2 challenge survived infection, showed minimal vaginal pathology, and had virtually no detectable virus in vaginal washes, when compared to mice treated with non‐CpG ODN. Genital treatment of HSV‐2 infected mice with CpG ODN 4 hours after infection resulted in increased survival and decreased pathology and vaginal virus titers, whereas treatment of infected mice with CpG ODN 24 and 72 hours after IVAG HSV‐2 infection had no effect on disease progression. Both liquid and solid (delivered on a bio‐erodible muco‐adhesive film) formulations of CpG ODN were effective in protection against genital HSV‐2 following vaginal delivery. Lastly, IVAG delivery of 10 μg of CpG ODN protected as well as a 100 μg dose. J. Med. Virol. 71:561–568, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.