bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noble metal nanoparticles on biotemplated nanowires
Authors: Gruber Sabine , Zollfrank Cordt
Published: December 2011

Gold and gold–silver nanoparticles were synthesized on silica nanowire supports biotemplated from cellulose nanocrystals. In a first step, the cellulose nanocrystals were coated via a sol-gel method with a thin SiO2 layer, which was chemically functionalized with aminopropyl triethoxysilane in a second step. On this activated surface, gold nanoparticles could be attached and additional layers of gold and silver could be deposited on these seeds. The optical properties and prospective applications as substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering were investigated by UV–VIS and Raman spectroscopy.
Understanding and predicting construction waste
Authors: Hobbs Gilli , Adams Katherine , Blackwell Margaret
Published: December 2011

For the last 12 years, Building Research Establishment (BRE) has been working on developing better data in terms of the amount and type of waste being produced as a result of construction activity. The means of collecting and aggregating these data have been refined over the years to arrive at the current large-scale and long-term benchmarking exercise being undertaken by way of BRE’s site waste management planning tool – Smartwaste Plan. Concurrently, a 3 year project ‘Understanding and predicting construction waste’ has been funded by Defra to develop robust reporting procedures and detailed waste benchmarks. A further objective is to demonstrate the use of such benchmarks as a means of predicting the amount and type of waste likely to be produced as a result of construction activity on a local and regional basis. This is potentially useful in working out gaps in suitable resource management facilities or under/over capacity relating to reprocessing specific waste materials. Interim results from these activities, conclusions and future/ongoing work are summarised in this paper. A range of performance indicators for waste arisings from new build construction were produced for a variety of different project types and for different waste types. These performance indicators have been use to produce benchmarks for standard, good and best practice.
Protecting Young People From Junk Food Advertising: Implications of Psychological Research for First Amendment Law
Authors: Harris Jennifer L. , Graff Samantha K.
Published: December 2011

In the United States, one third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, yet food and beverage companies continue to target them with advertising for products that contribute to this obesity crisis.

When government restrictions on such advertising are proposed, the constitutional commercial speech doctrine is often invoked as a barrier to action. We explore incongruities between the legal justifications for the commercial speech doctrine and the psychological research on how food advertising affects young people.

A proper interpretation of the First Amendment should leave room for regulations to protect young people from advertising featuring calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods and beverages.
Text4Health: Impact of Text Message Reminder–Recalls for Pediatric and Adolescent Immunizations
Authors: Stockwell Melissa S. , Kharbanda Elyse Olshen , Martinez Raquel Andres , Lara Marcos , Vawdrey David , Natarajan Karthik , Rickert Vaughn I.
Published: December 2011

Objectives. We conducted 2 studies to determine the impact of text message immunization reminder–recalls in an urban, low-income population.

Methods. In 1 study, text message immunization reminders were sent to a random sample of parents (n = 195) whose children aged 11 to 18 years needed either or both meningococcal (MCV4) and tetanus–diphtheria–acellular pertussis (Tdap) immunizations. We compared receipt of MCV4 or Tdap at 4, 12, and 24 weeks with age- and gender-matched controls. In the other study, we compared attendance at a postshortage Haemophilus influenzae B (Hib) immunization recall session between parents who received text message and paper-mailed reminders (n = 87) and those who only received paper-mailed reminders (n = 87).

Results. Significantly more adolescents with intervention parents received either or both MCV4 and Tdap at weeks 4 (15.4% vs 4.2%; P < .001), 12 (26.7% vs 13.9%; P < .005), and 24 (36.4% vs 18.1%; P < .001). Significantly more parents who received both Hib reminders attended a recall session compared with parents who only received a mailed reminder (21.8% vs 9.2%; P < .05). After controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, insurance status, and language, text messaging was still significantly associated with both studies’ outcomes.

Conclusions. Text messaging for reminder–recalls improved immunization coverage in a low-income, urban population.
The Costs of Treating American Indian Adults With Diabetes Within the Indian Health Service
Authors: O'Connell Joan M. , Wilson Charlton , Manson Spero M. , Acton Kelly J.
Published: December 2011

Objectives. We examined the costs of treating American Indian adults with diabetes within the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Methods. We extracted demographic and health service utilization data from the IHS electronic medical reporting system for 32 052 American Indian adults in central Arizona in 2004 and 2005. We derived treatment cost estimates from an IHS facility–specific cost report. We examined chronic condition prevalence, medical service utilization, and treatment costs for American Indians with and without diabetes.

Results. IHS treatment costs for the 10.9% of American Indian adults with diabetes accounted for 37.0% of all adult treatment costs. Persons with diabetes accounted for nearly half of all hospital days (excluding days for obstetrical care). Hospital inpatient service costs for those with diabetes accounted for 32.2% of all costs.

Conclusions. In this first study of treatment costs within the IHS, costs for American Indians with diabetes were found to consume a significant proportion of IHS resources. The findings give federal agencies and tribes critical information for resource allocation and policy formulation to reduce and eventually eliminate diabetes-related disparities between American Indians and Alaska Natives and other racial/ethnic populations.
US Cultural Involvement and Its Association With Suicidal Behavior Among Youths in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Peña Juan B. , Zayas Luis H. , Cabrera-Nguyen Peter , Vega William A.
Published: December 2011

Objectives. We examined how US cultural involvement related to suicide attempts among youths in the Dominican Republic.

Methods. We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of youths attending high school in the Dominican Republic (n = 8446). The outcome of interest was a suicide attempt during the past year. The US cultural involvement indicators included time spent living in the United States, number of friends who had lived in the United States, English proficiency, and use of US electronic media and language.

Results. Time lived in the United States, US electronic media and language, and number of friends who had lived in the United States had robust positive relationships with suicide attempts among youths residing in the Dominican Republic.

Conclusions. Our results are consistent with previous research that found increased risk for suicide or suicide attempts among Latino youths with greater US cultural involvement. Our study adds to this research by finding similar results in a nonimmigrant Latin American sample. Our results also indicate that suicide attempts are a major public health problem among youths in the Dominican Republic.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Depression Care in Community-Dwelling Elderly in the United States
Authors: Akincigil Ayse , Olfson Mark , Siegel Michele , Zurlo Karen A. , Walkup James T. , Crystal Stephen
Published: December 2011

Objectives. We investigated racial/ethnic disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of depression among community-dwelling elderly.

Methods. We performed a secondary analysis of Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data (n = 33 708) for 2001 through 2005. We estimated logistic regression models to assess the association of race/ethnicity with the probability of being diagnosed and treated for depression with either antidepressant medication or psychotherapy.

Results. Depression diagnosis rates were 6.4% for non-Hispanic Whites, 4.2% for African Americans, 7.2% for Hispanics, and 3.8% for others. After we adjusted for a range of covariates including a 2-item depression screener, we found that African Americans were significantly less likely to receive a depression diagnosis from a health care provider (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41, 0.69) than were non-Hispanic Whites; those diagnosed were less likely to be treated for depression (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.30, 0.66).

Conclusions. Among elderly Medicare beneficiaries, significant racial/ethnic differences exist in the diagnosis and treatment of depression. Vigorous clinical and public health initiatives are needed to address this persisting disparity in care.
Cost Comparison of 2 Mass Vaccination Campaigns Against Influenza A H1N1 in New York City
Authors: Kansagra Susan M. , McGinty Meghan D. , Morgenthau Beth Maldin , Marquez Monica L. , Rosselli-Fraschilla Annmarie , Zucker Jane R. , Farley Thomas A.
Published: December 2011

Objectives. We estimated and compared total costs and costs per dose administered for 2 influenza A 2009 monovalent vaccine campaigns in New York City: an elementary school–located campaign targeting enrolled children aged 4 years and older, and a community-based points-of-dispensing campaign for anyone aged 4 years and older.

Methods. We determined costs from invoices or we estimated costs. We obtained vaccination data from the Citywide Immunization Registry and reports from the community points of dispensing.

Results. The school campaign delivered approximately 202 089 vaccines for $17.9 million and $88 per dose. The community campaign delivered 49 986 vaccines for $7.6 million and $151 per dose. At projected capacity, the school campaign could have delivered 371 827 doses at $53 each or $13 each when we excluded the value of in-kind resources. The community points of dispensing could have administered 174 000 doses at $51 each or $24 each when we excluded the value of in-kind resources.

Conclusions. The school campaign delivered vaccines at a lower cost per dose than did the community campaign. Had demand been higher, both campaigns may have delivered vaccine at lower, more comparable cost per dose.
Determinants of and Disparities in Reproductive Health Service Use Among Adolescent and Young Adult Women in the United States, 2002–2008
Authors: Hall Kelli Stidham , Moreau Caroline , Trussell James
Published: December 2011

Objectives. We investigated determinants of and disparities in reproductive health service use among young women in the United States from 2002 to 2008.

Methods. Using data on 4421 US women aged 15 to 24 years from the National Survey of Family Growth (2002, n = 2157; 2006–2008, n = 2264), we employed descriptive and univariate statistics and multivariate regression models to examine service use across women's sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics and to investigate potential disparate changes in service use over time.

Results. More than half the sample (59%) had used services in the past year. In regression models, predictors of service use included age, education, birthplace, insurance, religious participation, mother's education, childhood family situation, age at menarche, sexual intercourse experience, recent number of partners, and previous gynecological diagnosis. Although service use decreased by 8% overall from 2002 to 2006–2008 (P < .001), the magnitude of decline was similar across demographic and socioeconomic groups.

Conclusions. Inequalities in reproductive health service use exist among women in the United States, particularly among the youngest and socially disadvantaged women, which may translate to poor and disparate reproductive outcomes. Public health and policy strategies are needed to eliminate inequities in reproductive health service.
Framing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Needs Among Female-Headed Households in Periurban Maputo, Mozambique
Authors: Carolini Gabriella Y.
Published: December 2011

Objectives. Water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges in the global south require analyses that capture more than urban–rural differences. A new taxonomy is required to help systematize and respond to basic sanitary needs. My aim was to test a new framework for understanding these concerns in periurban spaces.

Methods. I conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with a randomized sample, stratified by settlement density, of mostly female-headed households in KaTembe, the largest municipal district of Maputo, Mozambique. The survey included questions on the adequacy, accessibility, and affordability of water, sanitation facilities, and waste management as well as awareness of illnesses and safe hygiene practices.

Results. Despite being part of a capital city, KaTembe residents face a diverse mixture of sanitary challenges, as revealed through an analysis of adequacy, accessibility, affordability, and awareness issues. The interaction of these 4 lenses provides insight into residents’ behaviors and the obstacles they face in securing adequate provisions.

Conclusions. International water, sanitation, and hygiene studies continue to depend on urban–rural distinctions. However, an adequacy, accessibility, affordability, and awareness framework can improve the utility of their data.
Conflicts of Quarantine The Case of Jewish Immigrants to the Jewish State
Authors: Seidelman Rhona D.
Published: December 2011

Shaar Haaliya—Israel's Ellis Island during the mass immigration of the 1950s—is a case study that challenges the historian's understanding of the concept of quarantine. It was isolated and fenced off for declared health purposes and was widely referred to as a quarantine, but archival and historiographical documentation suggest that Israeli public health policy did not define it as such. I track the discussion and conflict surrounding Shaar Haaliya's function and perception as a quarantine. This is a story that illuminates the way fear of disease converged with fear of immigration as well as the way defiance of public health institutions took shape in a unique framework of citizenship and during a unique wave of migration.
Messinian-Zanclean canyons in the Digne nappe (southwestern Alps): tectonic implications
Authors: Hippolyte Jean-Claude , Clauzon Georges , Suc Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2011

Mapping thick conglomerates in the subalpine chains around Digne allows reconstruction of a deeply incised Messinian-Pliocene paleo-drainage network. It shows that the main rivers (Bléone, Bès, Mardaric, Eaux-Chaudes) have existed since at least the Messinian. Pollen analysis reveals that the Pliocene-Early Quaternary continental infill of these canyons did not start at 5.3 Ma, like in the Zanclean rias, but in the Late Pliocene (between 3.4 and 2.6 Ma). This 2 m.y. delay results in part from the timing of the retrogradation of the alluvial wedge, and in part from the inland shift of the river mouths that accompanied the Zanclean flooding of Messinian canyons. This shift corresponds to a shortening of hundreds of kilometers of the river profiles that caused the river to gain more erosive energy. This strong Zanclean erosion is contemporaneous with the main infill of the rias downstream.

We describe sections of paleo-canyons that were uplifted, tilted, overthrusted or truncated by strike-slip faults. The geometry of this dissected drainage network provides new constraints on the tectonic evolution of the southern subAlpine chains. An about 2.3 km strike-slip separation of the Bléone river paleo-canyon confirms that the front of the Digne nappe is an oblique ramp of the south-verging thrust system of the ‘Arc de Castellane’. This nappe moved south-southwestward along the N015 trending tear fault. Fault striation analysis in the Late Pliocene-Quaternary conglomerates shows that this displacement was characterized by ENE-WSW compression, along the Digne oblique ramp, consistent with its dextral slip. Most of the Digne nappe displacement (~20 km) occurred prior to the Late Pliocene as shown by the La Bonnette section of the Bléone paleo-canyon that incises a block of the overthrusted “residual basin”. It was followed by ~2.3 km southward displacement along out-of-sequence faults during the Late Pliocene and the Quaternary. This out-of-sequence reactivation of the Digne nappe is contemporaneous with the formation of the Barles half-window nappe anticline as shown by the 345 m uplift of the l’Escuichière paleo-canyon. The reconstructed paleo-drainage network attests for the tectonic activity of the Barles nappe anticline, the Bès tear fault, the Saint Benoît tear faults and the Digne nappe during the Pliocene and the Quaternary.
The sedimentary markers of the Messinian salinity crisis and their relation with salt tectonics on the Provençal margin (western Mediterranean): results from the “MAURESC” cruise
Authors: Obone-Zue-Obame Edda Marlène , Gaullier Virginie , Sage Françoise , Maillard Agnès , Lofi Johanna , Vendeville Bruno , Thinon Isabelle , Rehault Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2011

The Messinian salinity crisis (MSC) is characterized by gigantic erosion that remodels the margins while a thick, essentially evaporitic and detrital, sedimentary sequence forms in the deep basins. Based on recent (MAURESC, 2003) and earlier (MESEA 1, 1990; MAGIRAA, 1996; GEOBREST, 2002) seismic reflection data, this work brings to light the record of the MSC on the Provençal margin, which has until now been rarely explored from this perspective. Beyond its strictly regional interest, this study fits into a larger synthesis of MSC seismic markers in the Mediterranean and Black Sea marine domain [Lofi et al., 2011] and employs the new nomenclature established on this occasion. The results obtained reveal a Messinian detrital body (CU unit) of 625 metres maximum thickness at the foot of the margin, accumulating at the mouths of the principal canyons. Its form, facies and extension assimilate it to clastic fans, fed by subaerial erosion linked to the MSC. The relative geometry of CU and the Messinian units MU and UU deposited in the deep basin give indications to their chronostratigraphic relations. The deposition of the CU unit is posterior to the basal part of the mobile unit consisting of halite (MU), but contemporary to its top. These results agree with the recent scenarii, which propose that the precipitation of MU in the basin began early, during the lowering of the sea level, and ended at a low level during the MSC [Blanc, 2000; Martin et al., 2001; Sage et al., 2005; Ryan, 2009]. The UU unit surmounts MU and is subdivided into two sub-units with perceptibly different seismic facies : UU1 at the base and UU2 at the summit. UU1 could correspond to a unit containing more halite and/or more clastic material than UU2. The UU1 sub-unit could be partially contemporary to the CU unit. Concerning salt tectonics and its markers, three structural provinces have been evidenced in the sector of study, respectively : an upslope domain in extension (normal faults), an intermediary domain in translation (tabular MU) and a downslope domain in contraction (salt diapirs). These domains are directly linked to the gravity spreading and/or gliding of the brittle sedimentary cover formed by the CU, UU and Plio-Quatenary units and of the mobile level, MU. In the study area, a close relation between the distribution and thickness of CU and salt tectonics has additionally been evidenced at the mouths of the large Messinian canyons, being best expressed where CU is thick.
Geodynamic responses to a two-step model of the Messinian salinity crisis
Authors: Ryan William B. F.
Published: December 2011

There is a growing consensus that the sulfates and halite within the massive evaporite deposits on the shallow margin and deep floor of the Mediterranean sea formed in two steps. Both phases had geodynamic consequences. The current evidence indicates that during the first step when the first cycle “Lower Evaporites” were deposited primarily in marginal settings, the surface of the Mediterranean remained at or very close to the level of the external Atlantic. The geodynamic response resulted from the increasing weight of the brine layer as it concentrated from normal marine salinity to the threshold for sulfate precipitation and then to the threshold for halite precipitation. This weight alone significantly deepened the Mediterranean basins by isostatic loading. Flexure of the lithosphere caused a peripheral bulge to appear that may have been the agent to close off the further entry of Atlantic seawater. Step two began with the subsequent evaporative drawdown and the deposition of the second cycle “Upper Evaporites”. As the basins dried out the loss of weight of the water led to regional isostatic uplift that permanently closed the prior inlets. Sediments removed from the margins by early subaqueous mass-wasting and later subaerial erosion and delivered to the basin floors further accentuated uplift of the margins and subsidence of the depocenters. The principal result has been to progressively tilt the Mediterranean substrate downwards from the margin towards the basin centers. This tilting was enhanced with the flooding of the desiccated sea at the climax of the salinity crisis. Consequently the salt layer rests today out of equilibrium on a surface that is more inclined after precipitation than before. The current mobility and flowage of the salt away from its margins and towards the basin centers is therefore not so much a response to the differential thickness and weight of overlying sediments, but to the combination of geodynamic processes that have produced the seaward tilting. Other giant salt deposits seem to have experienced a similar two-step evolution.
Evolution of a new surface water quality index for Karoon catchment in Iran
Authors: Semiromi F. Babaei , Hassani A. H. , Torabian A. , Karbassi A. R. , Lotfi F. Hosseinzadeh
Published: December 2011

Water quality standards are developed worldwide by national and international agencies for pollution control decision-making. Use-based water quality classification criteria and Water Quality Indices (WQIs) also play an important role in the assessment of the suitability of water resources for various applications. The present study proposes a better overall index for water quality in Iran and its application in Karoon River by exploring the behavior and limitations of conventional methods for quality evaluation. For this purpose, six variables were employed. Water quality determinants of the new index include Dissolved Oxygen, Total Dissolved Solids, Turbidity, Nitrate, Fecal coliform and pH. Besides, the mathematical equations applied to transform the actual concentration values into quality indices have been formulated. This study compares a new index called the Iranian Water Quality Index with other pre-existing indices such as NSFWQI, Oregon, CPCB WQI, MDOE WQI, Kaurish and Younos WQI, and Ahmed Said WQI. Results revealed that the overall quality of the surface water falls under the ‘good’ class. A case study of Karoon River is made to illustrate the application of this new index system.
Economic viability and critical influencing factors assessment of black water and grey water source-separation sanitation system
Authors: Thibodeau C. , Monette F. , Glaus M. , Laflamme C. B.
Published: December 2011

The black water and grey water source-separation sanitation system aims at efficient use of energy (biogas), water and nutrients but currently lacks evidence of economic viability to be considered a credible alternative to the conventional system. This study intends to demonstrate economic viability, identify main cost contributors and assess critical influencing factors. A technico-economic model was built based on a new neighbourhood in a Canadian context. Three implementation scales of source-separation system are defined: 500, 5,000 and 50,000 inhabitants. The results show that the source-separation system is 33% to 118% more costly than the conventional system, with the larger cost differential obtained by lower source-separation system implementation scales. A sensitivity analysis demonstrates that vacuum toilet flow reduction from 1.0 to 0.25 L/flush decreases source-separation system cost between 23 and 27%. It also shows that high resource costs can be beneficial or unfavourable to the source-separation system depending on whether the vacuum toilet flow is low or normal. Therefore, the future of this configuration of the source-separation system lies mainly in vacuum toilet flow reduction or the introduction of new efficient effluent volume reduction processes (e.g. reverse osmosis).
Enhanced degradation of paracetamol by UV-C supported photo-Fenton process over Fenton oxidation
Authors: Manu B. , Mahamood S.
Published: December 2011

For the treatment of paracetamol in water, the UV-C Fenton oxidation process and classic Fenton oxidation have been found to be the most effective. Paracetamol reduction and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal are measured as the objective functions to be maximized. The experimental conditions of the degradation of paracetamol are optimized by the Fenton process. Influent pH 3, initial H2O2 dosage 60 mg/L, [H2O2]/[Fe2+] ratio 60 : 1 are the optimum conditions observed for 20 mg/L initial paracetamol concentration. At the optimum conditions, for 20 mg/L of initial paracetamol concentration, 82% paracetamol reduction and 68% COD removal by Fenton oxidation, and 91% paracetamol reduction and 82% COD removal by UV-C Fenton process are observed in a 120 min reaction time. By HPLC analysis, 100% removal of paracetamol is observed at the above optimum conditions for the Fenton process in 240 min and for the UV-C photo-Fenton process in 120 min. The methods are effective and they may be used in the paracetamol industry.
Pleurotus ostreatus spent mushroom compost as green biosorbent for nickel (II) biosorption
Authors: Tay Chia-Chay , Liew Hong-Hooi , Redzwan Ghufran , Yong Soon-Kong , Surif Salmijah , Abdul-Talib Suhaimi
Published: December 2011

The potential of Pleurotus ostreatus spent mushroom compost (PSMC) as a green biosorbent for nickel (II) biosorption was investigated in this study. A novel approach of using the half-saturation concentration of biosorbent to rapidly determine the uptake, kinetics and mechanism of biosorption was employed together with cost per unit uptake analysis to determine the potential of this biosorbent. Fifty per cent nickel (II) biosorption was obtained at a half-saturation constant of 0.7 g biosorbent concentration, initial pH in the range of 4–8, 10 min contact time, 50 mL 50 mg/L nickel (II) initial concentration. The experimental data were well fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum nickel (II) biosorption was 3.04 mg/g. The results corresponded well to a second pseudo order kinetic model with the coefficient of determination value of 0.9999. Based on FTIR analysis, the general alkyl, hydroxyl or amino, aliphatic alcohol and carbonyl functional groups of biosorbent were involved in the biosorption process. Therefore, biosorption of nickel (II) must involve several mechanisms simultaneously such as physical adsorption, chemisorption and ion exchange. Cost comparison for PSMC with Amberlite IRC-86 ion exchange resin indicates that the biosorbent has the potential to be developed into a cost effective and environmentally friendly treatment system.
A combined process of non-thermal plasma with sludge stabilization for the simultaneous reduction of odor and organic waste
Authors: Shin S. , Hwang H.-J. , Song J.
Published: December 2011

Odor emissions and sludge disposals have become most challenging issues in many sludge treatment plants, and separate chemical oxidation processes have been commonly employed for these problems. It is, therefore, necessary to develop a combined process that simultaneously reduces the odor emissions and the amount of waste sludge. In this study, a non-thermal plasma reactor using a dielectric barrier discharge type was employed to treat a gas stream contaminated with 10 ppmv of H2S, and then the ozone-laden gas stream was supplied to a sludge stabilizer to reduce the organic constituents. The specific energy input to the plasma was varied to investigate the performance of the combined process. When the specific energy inputs were 200, 260, and 360 J/L, the rates of ozone generation from the plasma reactor were 0.036, 0.070, 0.144 g-O3/h, respectively. At these experimental conditions, the removal efficiencies of H2S were 60, 75, and >99%, and total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) reduction efficiencies of 33, 61 and 67% were observed. In addition, a soluble organic fraction of the sludge increased at ratios of 1.9, 8.9, and 10.7%, respectively. Consequently, the combined process effectively and simultaneously reduced the odor compounds as well as the organic constituents and particles in the waste sludge.
Electricity generation in low cost microbial fuel cell made up of earthenware of different thickness
Authors: Behera M. , Ghangrekar M. M.
Published: December 2011

Performance of four microbial fuel cells (MFC-1, MFC-2, MFC-3 and MFC-4) made up of earthen pots with wall thicknesses of 3, 5, 7 and 8.5 mm, respectively, was evaluated. The MFCs were operated in fed batch mode with synthetic wastewater having sucrose as the carbon source. The power generation decreased with increase in the thickness of the earthen pot which was used to make the anode chamber. MFC-1 generated highest sustainable power density of 24.32 mW/m2 and volumetric power of 1.04 W/m3 (1.91 mA, 0.191 V) at 100 Ω external resistance. The maximum Coulombic efficiencies obtained in MFC-1, MFC-2, MFC-3 and MFC-4 were 7.7, 7.1, 6.8 and 6.1%, respectively. The oxygen mass transfer and oxygen diffusion coefficients measured for earthen plate of 3 mm thickness were 1.79 × 10−5 and 5.38 × 10−6 cm2/s, respectively, which implies that earthen plate is permeable to oxygen as other polymeric membranes. The internal resistance increased with increase in thickness of the earthen pot MFCs. The thickness of the earthen material affected the overall performance of MFCs.
Correlations between surrogate nitrogenous organic precursors and C-, N-DBP formation
Authors: Chang H. H. , Wang G. S.
Published: December 2011

Nitrosamines have been emerging as disinfection byproducts in drinking water using source water impacted with domestic wastewaters. Nitrogenous organic compounds are suggested as precursors of nitrosamines, but many of them have not been identified. This study investigated the correlations between nine selected nitrogenous organic compounds with different characteristics and corresponding disinfection by-product formation potentials (nitrosamines, trihalomethanes (THMs), and haloacetic acids (HAAs)) from their reactions with free chlorine, chlorine dioxide and monochloramine. Besides dimethylamine, the well-known precursor of nitrosamines, 3-(N,N-dimethyloctylammonio)propanesulfonate (3-N,N-DAPSIS) inner salt and benzyldimethyltetradecylamine (benzalkonium chloride, BKC) were suggested as important nitrosamine precursors. 3-N,N-DAPSIS could form about 1,000 ng/L of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and more than 1,000 μg/L of THMs. More than 150,000 ng/L of NDMA were observed when BKC was treated with monochloramine, and high levels of THMs (up to 2,700 μg/L) were also yielded. As expected, free chlorine produced higher levels of THMs and HAAs, and chlorine dioxide generated minor levels of traditional DBPs. Nitrosamines were mainly formed when the precursors were treated with monochloramine.
Integrating Breast Cancer Genetics into Clinical Practice
Authors: Mukherjee Abhik , Rakha Emad A
Published: December 2011

Breast cancer prognosis and treatment is guided by traditional clinicopathological parameters and individual molecular markers. Despite the remarkable advances in our scientific understanding of breast cancer genetics, the impact of such information on medical care has, to date, been modest. Although the use of simple genetics is already in vogue in clinical practice, the concept of molecular profiling and multiparameter gene classifiers was raised after the introduction of the high-throughput gene expression microarrays. This technology, in addition to highlighting the molecular heterogeneity of breast cancer, has led to the development of prognostic and predictive gene signatures. Studies are underway to assess the clinical validity and clinical utility of these multigene assays and their incorporation into clinical practice. This article reviews the current status and projected future use of genetics and genomics in breast cancer management and their impact on the refinement of risk stratification to permit individualized and patient-tailored therapy. Limitations based on our current scientific understanding and realistic expectations are also explored.
Analysis of the possibility for obtaining oil from the spend coffee grounds as potential raw material for biodiesel production
Authors: Ilickovic Zoran , Redzic Eldin , Andrejas Franc , Avdic Gordan , Stuhli Vedran
Published: December 2011

The aim of this paper was to investigate the possibility of obtaining oil
from spent coffee grounds, which are left behind after the coffee is
prepared, as the potential feedstock for biodiesel production. The effect of
process parameters, such as are the type of solvent, the ratio of spent
coffee grounds/solvent and the extraction time on oil yielded from coffee
grounds was examined. The oil was obtained by maceration and extraction in
the Soxhlet apparatus. The obtain results show that the spent coffee grounds
could be used as an alternative raw material for biodiesel production,
because it contains a significant amount of oil that can be extracted. The
oil yield depends on the extraction (maceration) process parameters. The
maximum oil yield obtained by the Soxhlet extraction with the n-hexane for
the period of 5 h was 11.85% (the weight percentage of oil on dry mater),
whereas with petroleum ether the oil yield was slightly lower and amounted
to 10.44%. The yield of the oil extracted by maceration increases with the
decrease of spent coffee grounds/solvent ratio from 1/3 to 1/7 g/cm3, and
other parameters being constant. The oil yield increases with the duration
of the maceration. Greater oil yield, ranging from 3 to 8.5%, can be
obtained with n-hexane compared to the extraction with petroleum ether.
Furthermore, n-hexane is less volatile and flammable, compared to petroleum
ether, so it is more convenient to use.
Clients' Preferred Relationship Approach with their Financial Statement Auditor
Authors: Fontaine Richard , Pilote Claude
Published: December 2011

Our published study, “An Empirical Study of Canadian Companies to Determine Clients' Preferred Relationship Approach with Their Financial Auditor” (Fontaine and Pilote 2011), examines the type of relationship that clients prefer to have with their financial auditors. We surveyed 306 Canadian financial executives (clients); in general, clients prefer more of a relational approach (i.e., an ongoing process based on cooperation, communication, and trust) than a transactional approach (i.e., competition and self-interest, resulting in an arm's-length relationship). Further, clients seek information and advice beyond core audit services. However, despite clients' desire for close relationships, they also want to remain at arm's length from their auditor, as required by the auditor's code of ethics. Our study contributes to audit practice by providing direct evidence of client relationship preferences, which could help auditors to enhance client relationships. In addition, evidence of the client's desire to remain at arm's length (i.e., respecting auditor independence) could be of interest to audit practitioners and audit standard setters.
Conservative management of a transverse fracture of the distal phalanx in a Quarter Horse
Authors: Sherlock Ceri E. , Eggleston Randall B. , Howerth Elizabeth W.
Published: December 2011

Case Description—A 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was evaluated because of sudden onset of severe left forelimb lameness of 4 days' duration.

Clinical Findings—Clinical evaluation and diagnostic perineural analgesia localized the lameness to the distal portion of the left forelimb. Radiography revealed a transverse fracture of the distal phalanx of the left forelimb.

Treatment and Outcome—The horse was treated conservatively with stall rest and stabilization of the hoof with fiberglass cast material and an elevated heel support. These treatments improved the lameness considerably. Over the following 4 months, the horse was exercised at an increasing level; external coaptation of the hoof was removed, and the horse was gradually shod in a flat shoe. At 6 months after injury, the horse had no signs of lameness when working at its previous performance level, but it was euthanized for reasons unrelated to orthopedic disease. Radiographically, the fracture was unapparent; however, results of magnetic resonance imaging and histologic examination of the cadaveric limb confirmed the presence of tissue changes consistent with a healing fracture.

Clinical Relevance—Conservative management of transverse fractures of the distal phalanx of a forelimb may be effective and enable affected horses to be returned to their intended use.
Electron Spin Resonance. Part two: A Diagnostic Method in the Environmental Sciences
Authors: Rhodes Christopher J.
Published: December 2011

A review is presented of some of the ways in which electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy may be useful to investigate systems of relevance to the environmental sciences. Specifically considered are: quantititave ESR, photo-catalysis for pollution control; sorption and mobility of molecules in zeolites; free radicals produced by mechanical action and by shock waves from explosives; measurement of peroxyl radicals and nitrate radicals in air; determination of particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), soot and black carbon in air; estimation of nitrate and nitrite in vegetables and fruit; lipid-peroxidation by solid particles (silica, asbestos, coal dust); ESR of soils and other biogenic substances: formation of soil organic matter, carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and no-till farming; detection of reactive oxygen species in the photosynthetic apparatus of higher plants under light stress; molecular mobility and intracellular glasses in seeds and pollen; molecular mobility in dry cotton; characterisation of the surface of carbon black used for chromatography; ESR dating for archaeology and determining seawater levels; measurement of the quality of tea-leaves by ESR; green-catalysts and catalytic media; studies of petroleum (crude oil); fuels; methane hydrate; fuel cells; photovoltaics; source rocks; kerogen; carbonaceous chondrites to find an ESR-based marker for extraterrestrial origin; samples from the Moon taken on the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 missions to understand space-weathering; ESR studies of organic matter in regard to oil and gas formation in the North Sea; solvation by ionic liquids as green solvents, ESR in food and nutraceutical research.
Atomic Evidence: The Foundations of Structural Molecular Biology
Authors: Goodsell David S.
Published: December 2011

Atomic structures of biomolecules have provided the experimental evidence for many of the major discoveries in molecular biology, including the basic principles of protein folding and function, modes of biological information and energy flow, and mechanisms of molecular evolution. These experimental data are freely available in online structural databases.
Vitamin D status: to be considered in heart failure patients
Authors: Ali SY
Published: December 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v6i2.9201 FMCJ 2011; 6(2): 65
Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Swietenia mahagoni Seeds on Experimentally Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Rats
Authors: Mahid-Al-Hasan SMM , Khan MI , Umar BU
Published: December 2011

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous group of syndromes characterized by an elevation of blood glucose caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin. The incidence of diabetes is growing rapidly worldwide. Drug treatment for diabetes mellitus is expensive and carries risks for many adverse effects. Bangladesh is a rich emporium of medicinal plants useful in the treatment of diabetes. The study was performed to investigate the blood glucose lowering effect of Swietenia mahagoni seeds in experimentally induced diabetic rats. Twenty four healthy Long Evans Norwegian strain of rats were included in the study and divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) comprising 6 rats each. Diabetes was induced by alloxan (120 mg/kg body weight). Administration of ethanolic extract of Swietenia mahagoni seeds (group-B) produced no significant change in the blood glucose level as compared to control (group-A). Administration of ethanolic extract of Swietenia mahagoni seeds in group-D produced a significant reduction in blood glucose level as compared to diabetic control (group-C). Histological examination of pancreas showed destruction of beta cells in Islets of pancreas in group-C whereas retaining of islets and few degranulations of beta cells of pancreas found in group-D. These observations and results provide information that ethanolic extract of Swietenia mahagoni seeds has hypoglycaemic effect in experimentally induced diabetic rats which requires further investigation. Key words: Diabetes mellitus; Swietenia mahagoni; Alloxan; Rat; Blood glucose. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v6i2.9203 FMCJ 2011; 6(2): 70-73
Rate of Conversion and Postoperative Complications of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in District Level Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas SK , Saha JC , Rahman ASMT , Rahman ASMZ , Rahman MM
Published: December 2011

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the gold standard for the surgical treatment of gallbladder disease, but conversion to open cholecystectomy and postoperative complications are still inevitable in certain cases. Knowledge of the rate and underlying reasons for conversion and postoperative complications could help surgeons during preoperative assessment and improve the informed consent of patients. We decide to review the rate and causes of conversion and postoperative complications of our LC series. This study included 760 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies from July 2006 to June 2011 at Faridpur Central Hospital and Faridpur Medical College Hospital. All patients had surgery performed by same surgeon. Conversion to open cholecystectomy required in 19 (2.5%) patients. The most common reasons for conversion were severe adhesions at calot's triangle (6, 0.83%) and acutely inflamed gallbladder (5, 0.66%). The incidence of postoperative complications was 1.58%. The most common complication was wound infection, which was seen in 5 (0.66%) patients followed by biliary leakage in 3 (0.40%) patients. Delayed complications seen in our series is port site incisional hernia (2, 0.26%). LC is the preferred method even in difficult cases. Our study emphasizes that although the rate of conversion to open surgery and complication rate are low in experienced hands, the surgeons should keep a low threshold for conversion to open surgery and it should not be taken as a step in the interest of the patient rather than be looked upon as an insult to the surgeon. Key words: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC); Open cholecystectomy; Conversion; Complications; Calot's triangle DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v6i2.9204 FMCJ 2011; 6(2): 74-77
Clinical Presentation, Histological Findings and Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Patients of Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Kabir MA , Barua R , Masud H , Ahmed DS , Islam MMSU , Karim E , Sarker MN , Barman RC
Published: December 2011

Carcinoma stomach is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. This study was undertaken to determine the clinical and pathological profile of carcinoma stomach in Bangladesh and to find out the prevalence of H. pylori infection in carcinoma stomach subjects. Patients with carcinoma stomach confirmed on histopathology were included in the study. Data were recorded regarding demography, clinical features, blood group of the patients, location and macroscopic type of the cancer at endoscopy. Three to five biopsies from non-necrosed region and two paired biopsies from non-cancerous part of stomach were taken. One piece of each paired specimen was placed in the urea-agar media for CLO test and the other piece was used for histological examination. Out of 50 patients, 64% were male and 36% were female. The mean age was 51.05±14.98 years. Common presenting complains were dyspepsia/ abdominal pain, vomiting and dysphagia; abdominal mass, metastatic lymph node and ascites were predominant signs. About one third (34%) patients had blood group A. About 50% cancer was located in antrum followed by antrum and body (24%), then body (18%), fundus and body (4%) and fundus (4%). In 56% cases the lesion was ulcerative followed by polypoid (34%) and ulceroinfiltrative (10%). Histopathologically 52% was intestinal type, 28 % was diffuse type 20% was poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The prevalence of H. pylori in overall carcinoma stomach cases was 60% but individually in intestinal type 88%, in diffuse type 57% and in poorly differentiated type 50%. Key words: Carcinoma stomach; Helicobacter pylori. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v6i2.9205 FMCJ 2011; 6(2): 78-81
Demographic Profile, Clinical Presentation & Angiographic Findings in 637 Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Akanda MAK , Ali SY , Islam AEMM , Rahman MM , Parveen A , Kabir MK , Begum L , Barman RC
Published: December 2011

Cardiovascular diseases are the commonest cause of death globally and are the major contributor to the burden of premature mortality and morbidity. This study analyses various clinical presentations, conventional risk factors, pattern and severity of coronary heart disease on angiography among 637 patients with coronary heart disease and adult congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac evaluation at National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), Dhaka between January 2007 to December 2008. Among them 547 (85.9%) were male and 90 (14.1%) were female. All of them were between 22 to 76 years of age with mean age 50.15±8.8. One hundred sixty nine (25.9%) patients had chronic stable angina & 398 (62.48%) patients subjected for coronary angiography for acute coronary syndrome and or old myocardial infarction and 74 (11.62%) patients with vascular and adult congenital heart disease prior to surgical treatment. Most prevalent risk factors were smoking (60%) and dyslipidaemia (60%). Thirty five percent patients were hypertensive and 10% patient had diabetes. Normal epicardial coronaries were documented in 25.59% patients which includes the patients who underwent coronary angiography prior to surgical treatment. Ninety three (14.6%) had single vessel disease, 119 (18.68%) had double vessel disease, 259 (40.66%) had triple vessel disease and 3 (0.47%) had isolated left main disease. Key words: Coronary angiogram; Coronary artery disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v6i2.9206 FMCJ 2011; 6(2): 82-85