bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Petroleum, Petroleum Products, and Lubricants
Authors: Brown James M.
Published: October 2011

Infrared (IR) refers to electromagnetic radiation that is infra (below) the red end of the visible spectrum. The IR region covers wavelengths from approximately 0.78 to 1,000 µm, or frequencies from 12,800 to 10 cm−1. IR spectroscopy is the study of the absorption of IR radiation by matter.
Ion Chromatography in the Analysis of Industrial Process Waters and Petroleum Products
Authors: Chassaniol Kirk
Published: October 2011

Several books [1–4] have been published on ion chromatography (IC). It is a branch of liquid chromatography, and has several unique characteristics to meet the needs of ion analysis. The eluents, or mobile phases, used are often acid, alkaline, or high in salt content. The high-pressure pump used should have an all nonmetallic flow path in order to reliably deliver these eluents without contaminating the column or detection methods used. The ion exchange columns provide the unique ion separation capabilities, while chemically suppressed conductivity detection is the primary detector used for IC. Other detectors such as ultraviolet/visible light absorbance and electrochemical detectors are also often used. Like all forms of liquid chromatography, an IC includes a pump, injection valve, separation column, and detector. Fig. 1 is a representation of a liquid chromatograph used to determine ions. The hardware used to perform IC is similar to that used for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), although it is typically made of inert polymer that is resistant to corrosive acid and base solutions frequently used in IC. Some form of sample introduction device and a means of recording the output signal are also required.
Chromatography Applied to the Analyses of Petroleum Feedstocks and Products: A Brief Overview
Authors: Di Sanzo Frank P.
Published: October 2011

Chromatography is a widely accepted and important analytical tool in petroanalyses. The technique provides composition of volatile and nonvolatile organic and certain inorganic compounds that affect feedstock catalytic processing and product quality. Analyses range from percentages to trace ppm and ppb concentration levels. A large number of ASTM methods apply chromatographic techniques.
Atomic Spectroscopic Determination of Mercury in Fossil Fuels
Authors: Nadkarni R. A. Kishore
Published: October 2011

The debilitating effects of mercury on humans and ecosystems have long been known, and they were brought to the attention of the world after the outbreak of diseases among the Japanese fishermen in Minamata Bay in the early seventies. Since then it has been recognized that the mercury contamination in fish is a worldwide human health threat because mercury is globally distributed through atmospheric transport. The methyl mercury present in fish is particularly toxic to humans, particularly pregnant women and children.
μ-Suppression during Action Observation and Execution Correlates with BOLD in Dorsal Premotor, Inferior Parietal, and SI Cortices
Authors: Arnstein Dan , Cui Fang , Keysers Christian , Maurits Natasha M. , Gazzola Valeria
Published: October 2011

The discovery of mirror neurons in the monkey, that fire during both the execution and the observation of the same action, sparked great interest in studying the human equivalent. For over a decade, both functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) have been used to quantify activity in the human mirror neuron system (MNS)—yet, little is still known about how fMRI and EEG measures of the MNS relate to each other. To test the frequent assumption that regions of the MNS as evidenced by fMRI are the origin of the suppression of the EEG μ-rhythm during both action execution and observation, we recorded EEG and BOLD-fMRI signals simultaneously while participants observed and executed actions. We found that the suppression of the μ-rhythm in EEG covaried with BOLD activity in typical MNS regions, inferior parietal lobe (IPL), dorsal premotor (dPM) and primary somatosensory cortex (BA2), during both action observation and execution. In contrast, in BA44, only nonoverlapping voxels correlated with μ-suppression during observation and execution. These findings provide direct support for the notion that μ-suppression is a valid indicator of MNS activity in BA2, IPL, and dPM, but argues against the idea that mirror neurons in BA44 are the prime source of μ-suppression. These results shed light on the neural basis of μ-suppression and provide a basis for integrating more closely the flourishing but often separate literatures on the MNS using fMRI and EEG.
Rapid Loss of Dendritic HCN Channel Expression in Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons following Status Epilepticus
Authors: Jung Sangwook , Warner Lindsay N. , Pitsch Julika , Becker Albert J. , Poolos Nicholas P.
Published: October 2011

Epilepsy is associated with loss of expression and function of hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels. Previously, we showed that loss of HCN channel-mediated current (Ih) occurred in the dendrites of CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE), accompanied by loss of HCN1 channel protein expression. However, the precise onset and mechanistic basis of HCN1 channel loss post-SE was unclear, particularly whether it preceded the onset of spontaneous recurrent seizures and could contribute to epileptogenesis or development of the epileptic state. Here, we found that loss ofIhand HCN1 channel expression began within an hour after SE and involved sequential processes of dendritic HCN1 channel internalization, delayed loss of protein expression, and later downregulation of mRNA expression. We also found that anin vitroSE model reproduced the rapid loss of dendriticIh, demonstrating that this phenomenon was not specific toin vivoSE. Together, these results show that HCN1 channelopathy begins rapidly and persists after SE, involves both transcriptional and nontranscriptional mechanisms, and may be an early contributor to epileptogenesis.
Chloride Ions in the Pore of Glycine and GABA Channels Shape the Time Course and Voltage Dependence of Agonist Currents
Authors: Moroni Mirko , Biro Istvan , Giugliano Michele , Vijayan Ranjit , Biggin Philip C. , Beato Marco , Sivilotti Lucia G.
Published: October 2011

In the vertebrate CNS, fast synaptic inhibition is mediated by GABA and glycine receptors. We recently reported that the time course of these synaptic currents is slower when intracellular chloride is high. Here we extend these findings to measure the effects of both extracellular and intracellular chloride on the deactivation of glycine and GABA currents at both negative and positive holding potentials. Currents were elicited by fast agonist application to outside-out patches from HEK-293 cells expressing rat glycine or GABA receptors. The slowing effect of high extracellular chloride on current decay was detectable only in low intracellular chloride (4 mm). Our main finding is that glycine and GABA receptors “sense” chloride concentrations because of interactions between the M2 pore-lining domain and the permeating ions. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that the sensitivity of channel gating to intracellular chloride is abolished if the channel is engineered to become cation selective or if positive charges in the external pore vestibule are eliminated by mutagenesis. The appropriate interaction between permeating ions and channel pore is also necessary to maintain the channel voltage sensitivity of gating, which prolongs current decay at depolarized potentials. Voltage dependence is abolished by the same mutations that suppress the effect of intracellular chloride and also by replacing chloride with another permeant ion, thiocyanate. These observations suggest that permeant chloride affects gating by a foot-in-the-door effect, binding to a channel site with asymmetrical access from the intracellular and extracellular sides of the membrane.
NBCe1 Mediates the Acute Stimulation of Astrocytic Glycolysis by Extracellular K+
Authors: Ruminot Iván , Gutiérrez Robin , Peña-Münzenmayer Gaspar , Añazco Carolina , Sotelo-Hitschfeld Tamara , Lerchundi Rodrigo , Niemeyer María Isabel , Shull Gary E. , Barros L. Felipe
Published: October 2011

Excitatory synaptic transmission stimulates brain tissue glycolysis. This phenomenon is the signal detected in FDG-PET imaging and, through enhanced lactate production, is also thought to contribute to the fMRI signal. Using a method based on Förster resonance energy transfer in mouse astrocytes, we have recently observed that a small rise in extracellular K+can stimulate glycolysis by >300% within seconds. The K+response was blocked by ouabain, but intracellular engagement of the Na+/K+ATPase pump with Na+was ineffective, suggesting that the canonical feedback regulatory pathway involving the Na+pump and ATP depletion is only permissive and that a second mechanism is involved. Because of their predominant K+permeability and high expression of the electrogenic Na+/HCO3−cotransporter NBCe1, astrocytes respond to a rise in extracellular K+with plasma membrane depolarization and intracellular alkalinization. In the present article, we show that a fast glycolytic response can be elicited independently of K+by plasma membrane depolarization or by intracellular alkalinization. The glycolytic response to K+was absent in astrocytes from NBCe1 null mice (Slc4a4) and was blocked by functional or pharmacological inhibition of the NBCe1. Hippocampal neurons acquired K+-sensitive glycolysis upon heterologous NBCe1 expression. The phenomenon could also be reconstituted in HEK293 cells by coexpression of the NBCe1 and a constitutively open K+channel. We conclude that the NBCe1 is a key element in a feedforward mechanism linking excitatory synaptic transmission to fast modulation of glycolysis in astrocytes.
Uncontrollable, But Not Controllable, Stress Desensitizes 5-HT1AReceptors in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus
Authors: Rozeske Robert R. , Evans Andrew K. , Frank Matthew G. , Watkins Linda R. , Lowry Christopher A. , Maier Steven F.
Published: October 2011

Uncontrollable stressors produce behavioral changes that do not occur if the organism can exercise behavioral control over the stressor. Previous studies suggest that the behavioral consequences of uncontrollable stress depend on hypersensitivity of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), but the mechanisms involved have not been determined. We usedex vivosingle-unit recording in rats to test the hypothesis that the effects of uncontrollable stress are produced by desensitization of DRN 5-HT1Aautoreceptors. These studies revealed that uncontrollable, but not controllable, tail shock impaired 5-HT1Areceptor-mediated inhibition of DRN neuronal firing. Moreover, this effect was observed only at time points when the behavioral effects of uncontrollable stress are present. Furthermore, temporary inactivation of the medial prefrontal cortex with the GABAAreceptor agonist muscimol, which eliminates the protective effects of control on behavior, led even controllable stress to now produce functional desensitization of DRN 5-HT1Areceptors. Additionally, behavioral immunization, an experience with controllable stress before uncontrollable stress that prevents the behavioral outcomes of uncontrollable stress, also blocked functional desensitization of DRN 5-HT1Areceptors by uncontrollable stress. Last, Western blot analysis revealed that uncontrollable stress leads to desensitization rather than downregulation of DRN 5-HT1Areceptors. Thus, treatments that prevent controllable stress from being protective led to desensitization of 5-HT1Areceptors, whereas treatments that block the behavioral effects of uncontrollable stress also blocked 5-HT1Areceptor desensitization. These data suggest that uncontrollable stressors produce a desensitization of DRN 5-HT1Aautoreceptors and that this desensitization is responsible for the behavioral consequences of uncontrollable stress.
Caudate Dopamine D1 Receptor Density Is Associated with Individual Differences in Frontoparietal Connectivity during Working Memory
Authors: Rieckmann Anna , Karlsson Sari , Fischer Håkan , Bäckman Lars
Published: October 2011

We assess the relationship of age-related losses in striatal D1 receptor densities to age-related reductions in functional connectivity between spatially distinct cortical regions in healthy human participants. Previous neuroimaging studies have reported age-related differences in functional connectivity of the frontoparietal working memory network and the default mode network during task performance. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging and seed-based connectivity (right dorsolateral and medial prefrontal cortex) to extend these findings: Anterior–posterior connectivity of both these functional networks was reduced in older (65–75 years,n= 18) compared with younger (20–30 years,n= 19) adults, whereas bilateral connectivity in prefrontal cortex was increased in older adults. Positron emission tomography with the D1 receptor ligand [11C]SCH23390 was used to assess caudate D1 receptor density in the same sample. Older adults showed significantly reduced caudate D1 receptor density compared to the younger adults. Of key interest, partial correlations showed that individual differences in caudate D1 receptor density were positively associated with individual differences in dorsolateral prefrontal connectivity to right parietal cortex (BA40) and negatively with medial prefrontal connectivity to right parietal cortex (BA40 and postcentral gyrus), after controlling for age. We found no correlation of caudate D1 receptor density with anterior–posterior coupling within the default mode network or with bilateral frontal connectivity. These results are consistent with animal work that has identified a role for caudate D1 receptors in mediating information transfer between prefrontal areas and parietal cortex.
ApoER2 Function in the Establishment and Maintenance of Retinal Synaptic Connectivity
Authors: Trotter Justin H. , Klein Martin , Jinwal Umesh K. , Abisambra Jose F. , Dickey Chad A. , Tharkur Jeremy , Masiulis Irene , Ding Jindong , Locke Kirsten G. , Rickman Catherine Bowes , Birch David G. , Weeber Edwin J. , Herz Joachim
Published: October 2011

The cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of inner retinal circuitry are poorly understood. Reelin and apolipoprotein E (apoE), ligands of apoE receptor 2 (ApoER2), are involved in retinal development and degeneration, respectively. Here we describe the function of ApoER2 in the developing and adult retina. ApoER2 expression was highest during postnatal inner retinal synaptic development and was considerably lower in the mature retina. Both during development and in the adult, ApoER2 was expressed by A-II amacrine cells.ApoER2knock-out (KO) mice had rod bipolar morphogenic defects, altered A-II amacrine dendritic development, and impaired rod-driven retinal responses. The presence of an intact ApoER2 NPxY motif, necessary for binding Disabled-1 and transducing the Reelin signal, was also necessary for development of the rod bipolar pathway, while the alternatively spliced exon 19 was not. Mice deficient in another Reelin receptor, very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), had normal rod bipolar morphology but altered A-II amacrine dendritic development.VLDLRKO mice also had reductions in oscillatory potentials and delayed synaptic response intervals. Interestingly, age-related reductions in rod and cone function were observed in bothApoER2andVLDLRKOs. These results support a pivotal role for ApoER2 in the establishment and maintenance of normal retinal synaptic connectivity.
Large Identified Pyramidal Cells in Macaque Motor and Premotor Cortex Exhibit “Thin Spikes”: Implications for Cell Type Classification
Authors: Vigneswaran Ganesh , Kraskov Alexander , Lemon Roger N.
Published: October 2011

Recent studies have suggested that extracellular recordings of putative cortical interneurons have briefer spikes than those of pyramidal neurons, providing a means of identifying cortical cell types in recordings from awake monkeys. To test this, we investigated the spike duration of antidromically identified pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs) recorded from primary motor (M1) or ventral premotor cortex (area F5) in 4 awake macaque monkeys. M1 antidromic latencies (ADLs) were skewed toward short ADLs (151 PTNs; 0.5–5.5 ms, median 1.1 ms) and significantly different from that of F5 ADLs (54 PTNs; 1.0–6.9 ms, median 2.6 ms). The duration of PTN spikes, recorded with a high-pass filter of 300 Hz and measured from the negative trough to the positive peak of the spike waveform, ranged from 0.15 to 0.71 ms. Importantly, we found a positive linear correlation between ADL and spike duration in both M1 (R2= 0.40,p< 0.001) and F5 (R2= 0.57,p< 0.001). Thus PTNs with the shortest ADL (fastest axons) had the briefest spikes, and since PTN soma size is correlated with axon size and conduction velocity, it is likely that the largest pyramidal neurons (Betz cells in M1) have spikes with short durations (0.15–0.45 ms), which overlap heavily with those reported for putative interneurons in previous studies in non-primates. In summary, one class of physiologically identified cortical pyramidal neuron exhibits a wide variety of spike durations and the results suggest that spike duration alone may not be a reliable indicator of cell type.
An Evaluation of the Resonance Frequency Analysis Device: Examiner Reliability and Repeatability of Readings
Authors: Gupta Rajiv Kumar , Padmanabhan Thallam Veer
Published: October 2011

Initial stability at the placement and development of osseointegration are 2 major issues for implant survival. Many of the presently used noninvasive methods of evaluating the stability of implants are highly subjective. The resonance frequency analysis (RFA) device is claimed to offer a more objective means to assess implant stability. Limited information is available on the interexaminer reliability and repeatability of the RFA device, used to measure implant stability. Two blind in vivo studies were conducted using 50 implant cases. In the first clinical study, 3 investigators took implant stability quotient (ISQ) readings for each implant to check the interoperator reliability for the RFA device. In the second clinical study, implant stability was measured by the same operator using the RFA device for each implant 3 times on the same day with a 15-minute interval, to check the repeatability of the RFA device. Within the limitations of this study, the RFA device demonstrated a high degree of interoperator reliability and repeatability.
Onion and Weed Response to Mustard (Sinapis alba) Seed Meal
Authors: Boydston Rick A. , Morra Matt J. , Borek Vladimir , Clayton Lydia , Vaughn Steven F.
Published: October 2011

Weed control in organic onion production is often difficult and expensive, requiring numerous cultivations and extensive hand weeding. Onion safety and weed control with mustard seed meal (MSM) derived from Sinapis alba was evaluated in greenhouse and field trials. MSM applied at 110, 220, and 440 g m−2 severely injured onions and reduced onion stand by 25% or more when applied from planting to the one-leaf stage of onions in greenhouse trials. MSM derived from mustard cultivars ‘IdaGold’ and ‘AC Pennant’ reduced plant dry weight of redroot pigweed with an effective dose that provided 90% weed control (ED90) of 14.5 and 3.2 g m−2, respectively, in greenhouse trials, whereas the ED90 of MSM from a low-glucosinolate cultivar ‘00RN29D10’ was 128 g m−2, suggesting that glucosinolate content and ionic thiocyanate (SCN−) production contribute to phytotoxicity of MSM. In field trials, weed emergence, onion injury, and onion yield were recorded following single or three sequential applications of MSM from 1.1 to 4.5 MT ha−1 beginning at the two-leaf stage of onions in 2008, 2009, and 2010. By 8 wk after treatment (WAT), onion injury following MSM sequential applications was 10% or less in all 3 yr. Combined over 2008 and 2009, 48 and 68% fewer weeds emerged 3 WAT with MSM at 2.2 and 4.5 MT ha−1, respectively. In 2010, MSM at 2.2 and 4.5 MT ha−1 reduced the number of weeds emerged 4 WAT by 91 and 76%, respectively. MSM treatment did not significantly affect onion yield or size in 2008 and 2009, but in 2010 onion total yield was reduced by 29% by three sequential applications of MSM at 2.2 MT ha−1. MSM has potential to be used as a weed-suppressive amendment in organic production systems, but the risk of crop injury is substantial.
Temperature- and Radiation-Based Models for Predicting Spatial Growth of Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus)
Authors: Lati Ran Nisim , Filin Sagi , Eizenberg Hanan
Published: October 2011

Purple nutsedge is a troublesome C4weed, characterized by high photosynthetic efficiency, compared to C3weeds. As its dispersal is based on vegetative growth, accurate prediction of its growth could help in arriving at favorable management decisions. This article details the development and validation of predictive models of purple nutsedge spatial growth, based on temperature (thermal model), and temperature and radiation (photothermal model) measurements. Plants were grown in six experiments in the summers of 2008, 2009, and 2010, under different temperature and radiation conditions. Results indicate that under optimal temperatures, radiation becomes the main growth-limiting factor, and is highly related to the final leaf-cover area (R2= 0.89). Comparison of the thermal and photothermal models showed that under all conditions, including varied temperature and radiation, the photothermal model performs significantly better, with differences in root-mean-square error values reaching up to 0.073, compared to 0.195 with the thermal model. Validation experiments confirmed the ability of the photothermal model to predict purple nutsedge spatial growth accurately.
Response of Hybrid Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon× C.transvaalensis) to Three HPPD-Inhibitors
Authors: Elmore Matthew T. , Brosnan James T. , Kopsell Dean A. , Breeden Gregory K. , Mueller Thomas C.
Published: October 2011

Mesotrione, topramezone, and tembotrione inhibit 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), an enzyme integral to carotenoid biosynthesis. Research was conducted to evaluate the response of hybrid bermudagrass following mesotrione (280, 350, and 420 g ai ha−1), topramezone (18, 25, and 38 g ai ha−1), and tembotrione (92, 184, and 276 g ai ha−1) applications. Measurements of visual bleaching (VB) and chlorophyll fluorescence yield (Fv/Fm) were evaluated 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 d after application (DAA). Leaf tissues were sampled on the same dates and assayed for chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Responses of plants treated with topramezone and tembotrione were similar; these herbicides caused more VB and greater reductions in Fv/Fm, total chlorophyll, lutein, and xanthophyll cycle pigment concentrations than mesotrione 5 to 21 DAA. Increasing mesotrione application rate did not increase VB or lead to greater reductions in total chlorophyll, lutein, or xanthophyll pigment concentrations. Alternatively, increasing topramezone and tembotrione application rates above 18 and 92 g ha−1, respectively, extended VB and pigment reductions. Of the three HPPD-inhibitors tested, topramezone was the most active, because the low (18 g ha−1) rate of topramezone reduced lutein and total xanthophyll pigment concentrations more than the low rate of tembotrione (92 g ha−1) during periods of maximum activity (14 to 21 DAA). No necrosis was observed with any of the treatments, suggesting tank mixtures of topramezone with other herbicides might be required to provide long-term control of hybrid bermudagrass.
Crowfootgrass (Dactyloctenium aegyptium) Germination and Response to Herbicides in the Philippines
Authors: Chauhan Bhagirath Singh
Published: October 2011

Crowfootgrass, a C4species, is one of the principal weeds of dry-seeded rice in Asia. Weed management decisions for this species can be derived from knowledge of its seed germination biology. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory and screenhouse to determine the effects of light, alternating day/night temperatures, water stress, seed burial depth, and rice residue on seed germination and seedling emergence of crowfootgrass and to evaluate the response of this weed to commonly available selective POST herbicides in the Philippines. Light stimulated seed germination, but it was not an absolute requirement for germination. Germination in the light/dark regime was greater at alternating day/night temperatures of 25/15 C (92%) than at 30/20 (70%) or 35/25 C (44%). The osmotic potential required for 50% inhibition of maximum germination was −0.23 MPa, although some seeds germinated at −0.6 MPa. Seedling emergence was greatest for the seeds placed on the soil surface (64%), and emergence declined with increased burial depth in soil. No seedlings emerged from a burial depth of 6 cm or greater. Seedling emergence of crowfootgrass was reduced by the addition of rice residue to the soil surface at rates equivalent to 4 to 6 Mg ha−1. Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl + ethoxysulfuron at 45 g ai ha−1provided excellent control of crowfootgrass when applied at the four- (99%) and six-leaf (86%) stage. The information gained from this study could contribute to developing components of integrated weed management strategies for crowfootgrass. Soil inversion by tillage to bury weed seeds below their maximum depth of emergence, use of crop residue as mulch, and early application of an effective POST herbicide could serve as important tools for managing crowfootgrass.
Glyphosate-Resistant Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) Confirmed in Tennessee
Authors: Mueller Thomas C. , Barnett Kelly A. , Brosnan James T. , Steckel Lawrence E.
Published: October 2011

Goosegrass is a problematic summer annual weed in cotton, soybean, and corn production in the southern United States. Glyphosate is labeled for POST control of goosegrass in glyphosate-resistant (GR) cotton, soybean, and corn production. A population of goosegrass in west Tennessee not controlled by glyphosate was examined in greenhouse and laboratory studies. At 21 days after treatment (DAT), a glyphosate-susceptible (SS) biotype was controlled > 90% with glyphosate at rates greater than 210 g ae ha−1. Comparatively, the GR biotype was only controlled 12% at 210 g ae ha−1. Using goosegrass control data, I50values for GR and SS biotypes were 868 and 117 g ae ha−1, susceptibility, resulting in a resistance factor (RF) of 7.4. Treatment with glyphosate at 210 g ae ha−1reduced fresh weight biomass of the SS biotype to 5 g per pot compared to 36 g for the GR biotype. A total of 3,360 g ae ha−1glyphosate was required to reduce fresh weights of the GR biotype to ∼5 g per pot. Using fresh and dry weight biomass data, I50values for the GR biotype were 3 to 10 times greater than the SS biotype. On each date from 1 to 6 DAT the SS biotype accumulated higher concentrations of shikimate than the GR biotype. Future research should evaluate strategies for managing GR goosegrass with alternative modes of action. To prevent the spread of resistance, additional research evaluating programs for managing glyphosate-susceptible goosegrass in GR crops is also warranted.
Rapid detection of sewer defects and blockages using acoustic-based instrumentation
Authors: Bin Ali M. T. , Horoshenkov K. V. , Tait S. J.
Published: October 2011

Sewer flooding incidents in the UK are being increasingly associated with the presence of blockages. Blockages are difficult to deal with as although there are locations where they are more likely to occur, they do occur intermittently. In order to manage sewer blockage pro-actively sewer managers need to be able to identify the location of blockages promptly. Traditional closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection technologies are slow and relatively expensive so are not well suited to the rapid inspection of a network. This is needed if managers are to be able to address sewer blockages pro-actively. This paper reports on the development of an acoustic-based sensor. The sensor was tested in a full scale sewer pipe in the laboratory and it was shown that it is able to find blockages and identify structural aspects of a sewer pipe such as a manhole and lateral connection. Analysis of the received signal will locate a blockage and also provide information on its character. The measurement is very rapid and objective and so inspections can be carried out at much faster rates than using existing CCTV technologies.
Reduced order model monitoring and control of a membrane bioreactor system via delayed measurements
Authors: Madyastha Venkatesh Kattigari , Prasad Vijaysai , Mahendraker Venkatram
Published: October 2011

Activated sludge treatment is one of the most widely used processes for wastewater treatment (WWT). These systems are built with sufficient design margin to allow changes in loading and process conditions. This is necessary and prudent to overcome limitations in measurement, monitoring and controlling of WWT process parameters at the desired frequency. Online sensors for mixed liquor suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen, phosphorus, and other parameters available today are limited in application due to high cost and low reliability. Hence, many of the parameters are measured off-line when needed. This paper provides a framework to estimate parameters on-line using limited and delayed measurements. The proposed approach is based on the design of a Bayesian filter such as an extended Kalman filter (EKF), which measures and controls membrane bioreactor system using limited and delayed measurements. The objective is to estimate the states and parameters with limited and delayed measurements. Simulations show the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Optimization of Fenton's reagent coupled to Dissolved Air Flotation to remove cyanobacterial odorous metabolites and suspended solids from raw surface water
Authors: Elías-Maxil Jorge A. , Rigas Fotis , de Velásquez María Teresa Orta , Ramírez-Zamora Rosa-María
Published: October 2011

Ferrous salts are commonly used as coagulants in Water Treatment Plants (WTPs). When these salts are combined with hydrogen peroxide in acidic conditions – besides coagulation – an additional Advanced Oxidation Process (Fenton's reagent) can take place. Using a response surface methodology, this paper presents the optimization of a novel treatment system constituted by Fenton's reagent (FE) and Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) for removing 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB), geosmin and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) from raw water. FE was proven able to remove completely both micro pollutants found in the influent of a drinking water treatment plant. Moreover, higher clarification rate was achieved by coupling FE-DAF with respect FE-Sedimentation.
Distribution and removal efficiency of heavy metals in two constructed wetlands treating landfill leachate
Authors: Wojciechowska Ewa , Waara Sylvia
Published: October 2011

The results of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd) removal and partitioning between aqueous and solid phases at two treatment wetlands (TWs) treating municipal landfill leachates are presented. One of the TWs is a surface flow facility consisting of 10 ponds. The other TW is a newly constructed pilot-scale facility consisting of three beds with alternately vertical and horizontal sub-surface flow. The metals concentrations were analysed in leachate (both TWs) and bottom sediments (surface flow TW). Very high (90.9–99.9%) removal rates of metals were observed in a mature surface flow TW. The effectiveness of metals removal in a newly constructed pilot-scale sub-surface flow wetland were considerably lower (range 0–73%). This is attributed to young age of the TW, different hydraulic conditions (sub-surface flow system with much shorter retention time, unoxic conditions) and presence of metallic complexes with refractory organic matter.
Spatial and seasonal variations and ecotoxicological significance of sediment trace metal concentrations in Kebir-Rhumel basin (Northeast of Algeria)
Authors: Sahli Leila , Afri-Mehennaoui Fatima-Zohra , El Okki Mohamed El Hadef , Blaise Christian , Mehennaoui Smail
Published: October 2011

This study sought to assess sediment contamination by trace metals (cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc), to localize contaminated sites and to identify environmental risk for aquatic organisms in Wadis of Kebir Rhumel basin in the Northeast of Algeria. Water and surficial sediments (0–5 cm) were sampled in winter, spring, summer and autumn from 37 sites along permanent Wadis of the Kebir Rhumel basin. Sediment trace metal contents were measured by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Trace metals median concentrations in sediments followed a decreasing order: Mn > Zn > Pb > Cr > Cu > Ni > Co > Cd. Extreme values (dry weights) of the trace metals are as follows: 0.6–3.4 μg/g for Cd, 10–216 μg/g for Cr, 9–446 μg/g for Cu, 3–20 μg/g for Co, 105–576 μg/g for Mn, 10–46 μg/g for Ni, 11–167 μg/g for Pb, and 38–641 μg/g for Zn. According to world natural concentrations, all sediments collected were considered as contaminated by one or more elements. Comparing measured concentrations with American guidelines (Threshold Effect Level: TEL and Probable Effect Level: PEL) showed that biological effects could be occasionally observed for cadmium, chromium, lead and nickel levels but frequently observed for copper and zinc levels. Sediment quality was shown to be excellent for cobalt and manganese but medium to bad for cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc regardless of sites.
A laboratory assessment of the impact of brewery wastewater discharge on sulfide and methane production in a sewer
Authors: Sudarjanto Gatut , Sharma Keshab R. , Gutierrez Oriol , Yuan Zhiguo
Published: October 2011

The impact of brewery wastewater discharge on sulfide and methane production in a sewer was assessed. Experiments were carried out on laboratory scale sewer reactors consisting of both an experimental and a control reactor. The control reactor was intermittently fed with real fresh sewage while the experimental reactor was fed with a mixture of brewery and domestic wastewater at two different proportions (10 and 25% v/v). 10% v/v discharge of brewery wastewater increased the H2S and CH4 production rates in the sewer reactor by 40% and 30%, respectively. When the brewery wastewater fraction was increased to 25% v/v, the H2S production rate of the experimental reactor decreased to the level of the control reactor. In contrast, the CH4 production rate maintained at a level that was 30% higher than that in the control reactor. These results indicate that the discharge of brewery wastewater into sewers can give negative impacts in relation to odour and corrosion management of the systems and will increase the greenhouse gas emissions from sewers. The study also reveals that the impact of trade waste on the biological reactions in sewers is complex, and requires careful experimental assessment in each case.
Removal of lead(II) and copper(II) from aqueous solution using foitite from Linshou mine in Hebei, China
Authors: He Dengliang , Yin Guangfu , Dong Faqin , Liu Laibao , Tan Xiaoli , He Wangyang
Published: October 2011

Foitite from Linshou mine in China's Hebei province was investigated as an adsorbent to remove Pb(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous solution. The results showed that foitite can readily remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. The data shows that the metal uptake for Pb(II) increases rapidly, accounting for 74.47% when contact time was 2 min. In contrast to Pb(II), there was a worse capability for adsorption of Cu(II). In the first 4 min, the metal uptake accounted for 34.7%. According to the analytical results obtained from X-ray diffraction, laser Raman spectrum, X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer, and Zeta potential, the removal mechanism of Pb(II) and Cu(II) by using foitite can be explained as following: firstly, the existence of an electrostatic field around foitite particles can attract heavy metal ions and consequently combine heavy metal ions with OH−; secondly, heavy metal ions in the solution are exchanged with the Fe3+ and Al3+ in the foitite.
Thermal Shock Properties of ZrB2-SiCp-Graphite and ZrB2-SiCp-AlN Ceramic Matrix Composite Material
Authors: Liu Baoliang , Wang Jianguo , Liu Guoqian
Published: October 2011

Thermal shock property of the material can be improved by improving fracture property of the material. In this
paper, factors affecting fracture property have been studied and the effect of residual stress, microstructure, strain rate and
stress concentration on fracture property of material has been analyzed, which may provide help for improving thermal
shock property of material. Thermal shock stability for ZrB2-SiCp-Graphite(ZSG) and ZrB2-SiCp-AlN (ZSA) was
investigated by water quenching test, which indicated that ZSC may provide more stable thermal shock properties. As
shown by SEM of ZSA, surface cracks appeared after it was cooled from 1200°C due to thermal shock instability of the
material. Residual flexural strength of ZSA was improved by crack healing after it was cooled from 1450°C. However, no
surface crack appeared for ZSG after water quenching test. This paper may provided a potential method for improving
thermal shock stability of zirconium diboride ceramic matrix composites by introducing proper quantities of graphite.
Genetic Linkage Analysis in the Presence of Germline Mosaicism
Authors: Weissbrod Omer , Geiger Dan
Published: October 2011

Germline mosaicism is a genetic condition in which some germ cells of an individual contain a mutation. This condition violates the assumptions underlying classic genetic analysis and may lead to failure of such analysis. In this work we extend the statistical model used for genetic linkage analysis in order to incorporate germline mosaicism. We develop a likelihood ratio test for detecting whether a genetic trait has been introduced into a pedigree by germline mosaicism. We analyze the statistical properties of this test and evaluate its performance via computer simulations. We demonstrate that genetic linkage analysis has high power to identify linkage in the presence of germline mosaicism when our extended model is used. We further use this extended model to provide solid statistical evidence that the MDN syndrome studied by Genzer-Nir et al. has been introduced by germline mosaicism.
Attitudes toward Tax Evasion: A Demographic Study of Malaysia
Authors: Ross Adriana M. , McGee Robert W.
Published: October 2011

A number of studies have examined the relationship between tax collection and various demographic variables. However, until recently most of those studies have involved a United States sample population. The Internal Revenue Service provides demographic data for researchers on a regular basis. The present study goes beyond those studies in several important ways. For one, it uses data on Malaysia taken from the World Values database. Not much work has been done on the Malaysian tax or public finance system. Thus, the present study expands on the very limited research done on Malaysian public finance.The present study expands on existing literature in at least two other ways as well. For one, it examines how various demographics interact with attitudes toward tax evasion. Secondly, we examine several demographic variables that were not examined in prior studies.One of the questions in the World Values database asked whether it would be justifiable to cheat on taxes if it were possible to do so. Respondents were asked to choose a number from 1 to 10 to indicate the extent of their support for tax evasion. This study examines those responses, both overall and through the prism of more than 20 demographic variables. A comparison is made with other ethical issues to determine the relative seriousness of tax evasion.The study found that attitudes toward the justifiability of tax evasion often do vary by demographic variable. Tax evasion was found to be a less serious offense than homosexuality, prostitution, abortion, suicide, wife beating, accepting a bribe and euthanasia and more serious than divorce, avoiding a fare on public transport and claiming government benefits to which you are not entitled.Although the present study focuses on Malaysia, the methodology used in the present study could serve as a template for research on other countries or regions.
A Simple Guide to Comparative Vigilance
Authors: Feldman Allan M. , Singh Ram
Published: October 2011

In this paper we discuss a new tort liability rule, which we call super-symmetric comparative negligence and vigilance. When both injurer and victim in an accident are negligent, it provides for liability shares that depend on the degrees of negligence of the two parties, similar to the standard comparative negligence rule. Unlike standard liability rules, however, when both parties are vigilant (i.e., taking more care than is efficient), the rule provides for liability shares that depend on the parties degrees of vigilance. Moreover, when one party is negligent and the other is non-negligent, our rule provides for variable liability shares, that respond to both carefulness and carelessness of the parties. Our liability rule is equitable; it has no discontinuity at the efficient point where both parties are just meeting their standards of care; and it provides incentives that guarantee the injurer and victim will choose the efficient care levels. This paper does not include theorems and proofs; rather it explains the results with the aid of a simple example, laid out in an easy 3 x 3 table.
Regulatory Barriers to Litigation in India
Authors: Narang Prashant
Published: October 2011

The legal profession in India does not seem to have any significant entry barriers as are prevalent in other sectors in India. Yet litigation fails to attract talented law graduates, except those who have a parental/family background in litigation. Litigation in India is marked by the presence of small and middle-size family-run law firms who employ law graduates as juniors and may fall short of world class corporate culture. On the other hand, it is rare for a fresh law graduate to become an entrepreneur-style practitioner on their own, right after college. This is in contrast with other sectors where graduates with degrees can take a bank loan and can start an enterprise. This paper reviews the regulatory framework of how legal barriers with noble intentions makes the sustainability of new entrants almost impossible in the legal profession and thus discourage new entrants from choosing litigation as a career after college. These barriers, though not entry barriers in a strict sense, are operational barriers and include: a) restrictions on the legal form of a law firm; b) a ban on advertising; c) a ban on charging a contingent fee; d) a ban on moonlighting. The paper also looks at moral hazard associated with self-regulatory bodies viz. the Bar Council of India and the State Bar Councils. Finally, the paper makes a case for reforms in the form of doing away with restrictions to lay down a level-playing field for all practitioners and foster competition.
Representation of texts in structured form
Authors: Stanojevic Mladen , Vranes Sanja
Published: October 2011

Although the existing knowledge representation techniques, ranging from the
relational databases to the most recent Semantic web languages, are
successfully applied in numerous practical applications, they are still
unable to represent the information contained in text documents and web pages
in structured form, suitable for productive text processing. Text files can
represent text documents with no loss of information, however, this
information is represented in an unstructured form. Various knowledge
formalisms used in different phases of Natural Language Understanding, such
as lexical, syntactic, semantic, pragmatic and discourse analysis, are still
unable to represent texts in structured form with no loss of information. In
this paper, we define the crucial requirements for structured text
representation and then, we give a brief introduction to a representation
technique that fulfills all these requirements, including the basic data
types and learning techniques used to create, maintain and interpret the
resulting representation formalism.
A decision support method for evaluating database designs
Authors: Eessaar Erki , Soobik Marek
Published: October 2011

It is possible to produce different database designs based on the same set of
requirements to a database. In this paper, we present a decision support
method for comparing different database designs and for selecting one of them
as the best design. Each data model is an abstract language that can be used
to create many different databases. The proposed method is flexible in the
sense that it can be used in case of different data models, criteria, and
designs. The method is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process and uses
pairwise comparisons. We also present a case study about comparing four
designs of SQL databases in case of PostgreSQL? database management system.
The results depend on the context where the designs will be used. Hence, we
evaluate the designs in case of two different contexts - management of
measurements data and an online transaction processing system.
Using lightweight formal methods to model class and object diagrams
Authors: Valles-Barajas Fernando
Published: October 2011

In this paper a formal model for class and object diagrams is presented. To
make the model the author used Alloy, which is a threein-one package: a
modeling language that constructs software models, a formal method that
guides the construction of software models and an analyzer that helps find
inconsistencies in software models. In the proposed model the entities that
form class and object diagrams, as well as the rules that govern how these
elements can be connected, are specified.
Differential Effects of Adiposity on Pharmacodynamics of Basal Insulins NPH, Glargine, and Detemir in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Porcellati Francesca , Lucidi Paola , Rossetti Paolo , Candeloro Paola , Marinelli Andreoli Anna , Marzotti Stefania , Cioli Patrizia , Bolli Geremia B. , Fanelli Carmine G.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of adiposity on the pharmacodynamics of basal insulins NPH, detemir, and glargine in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as estimated by glucose infusion rate (GIR) and endogenous glucose production (EGP) rate in the euglycemic clamp.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined the variables that best predicted GIR and EGP in 32-h clamp studies after treatment with subcutaneous injection of 0.4 units/kg NPH, detemir, and glargine in 18 T2DM subjects (crossover).

RESULTS

A multiple regression analysis revealed that BMI best predicted GIR variation during the clamp. BMI was inversely correlated with GIR in all three insulin treatments, but was statistically significant in detemir treatment only. BMI correlated positively with residual suppression of EGP in detemir, but not with glargine and NPH treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Adiposity blunts the pharmacodynamics of all basal insulins in T2DM. However, as adiposity increases, the effect of detemir is lower versus NPH and glargine.