bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification and characterization of cricket bowling technique for the development of the parameters required for a novel training system for cricket
Authors: Justham L , West A , Cork A
Published: November 2008

Cricket bowling has traditionally been referenced using ball release speed, and existing classifications consider the four major bowling types as fast, fast—medium, medium, and spin. A research project based at Loughborough University has recognized the need for an extended bowling classification that not only considers the ball speed, but also its initial flight characteristics, including any spin imparted at release. The purpose of this paper has been the development of an extended bowling classification, which has been used in the development of a requirements specification for an advanced ball delivery system for cricket, to ensure the accurate recreation of technically correct bowling deliveries.

Data collected during training and match play have been used to define bowling quantitatively. The initial ball flight characteristics of 30 elite-level bowlers have been filmed in training using a Photron FASTCAM ultima APX high-speed video camera. These videos have been used to determine the speed, the rate of spin, and the initial flight trajectory of the ball at release. Additionally, Hawk-Eye ball-tracking software has been used to investigate the full flight characteristics of seven elite bowlers during a five Test match series.
The Origin of Cis Effect in 1,2-Dihaloethenes: The Quantitative Comparison of Electron Delocalizations and Steric Exchange Repulsions
Authors: Yamamoto Takashi , Kaneno Daisuke , Tomoda Shuji
Published: November 2008

The “cis effect” is a phenomenon in which the cis isomer is more stable than the corresponding trans isomer or almost the same stability in some molecules with double bonds. In order to clarify the predominant factor of this cis effect in the 1,2-dihaloethenes (XHC=CHX; 1: X=F, 2: Cl, and 3: Br), the energetic amount of electron delocalizations and steric exchange repulsions were theoretically estimated using the natural bond orbital (NBO) theory at MP2/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level. Two delocalization mechanisms, periplanar hyperconjugations (synperiplanar and antiperiplanar effects) and halogen lone pair delocalizations into the C=C bond antibonding orbitals (LP effect), were found as the cis stabilizing forces, in which the total amount of LP effect was greater than those of periplanar effects, the dominant factor of the cis effect. Moreover, the origin of the cis preference of the LP effect was clearly elucidated with the application of orbital phase theory, i.e., the cyclic orbital interaction was continuous only in the cis isomers of 1–3. The total steric exchange repulsion between two isomers were all trans stabilizing and their energetic gains were 1.26, 16.48, and 23.22 kJ mol−1 for 1, 2, and 3, respectively. These steric forces obviously counteract against cis preferable delocalization mechanisms, especially in compounds with larger halogen atoms, but their amounts are apparently less than those of electron delocalizations (29.82, 40.00, and 34.46 kJ mol−1 for 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Therefore, electron delocalization, not exchange repulsion, has the largest responsibility for the relative energies of 1,2-dihaloethene systems. The importance of this work is the quantitative elucidation of the dominance of delocalization mechanisms over steric effects on the electronic and energetic view of a simple molecular structure.
Preparation and Characterization of an α-Wells–Dawson-Type [V2Mo18O62]6− Complex
Authors: Himeno Sadayuki , Kawasaki Keishi , Hashimoto Masato
Published: November 2008

An orange-yellow vanadomolybdate complex was prepared by heating a 100 mM MoVI–20 mM VV–0.45 M HCl–20% (v/v) CH3CN system at 70 °C for 24 h, being isolated as the tetrapropylammonium (Pr4N+) salt. The Pr4N+ salt crystallized in the orthorhombic space group P21212; the lattice constants were a=18.417(4), b=20.869(5), c=15.280(3) Å, V=5873(2) Å3, and Z=2. The crystallographic study revealed that the structure consists of an α-Wells–Dawson-type [V2Mo18O62]6− anion, in which vanadates serve as the central tetrahedra. The α-[V2Mo18O62]6− complex underwent a two-step one-electron reduction in CH3CN, and the presence of acid caused the one-electron waves to be converted into three two-electron waves. The formation conditions were elucidated by 51V NMR measurements.
3′ Poly(dA)-Tailed Thrombin DNA Aptamer to Increase DNase-Resistance and Clotting Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Uehara Shuichiro , Shimada Naohiko , Takeda Yoichi , Koyama Yoshikazu , Takei Yoshifumi , Ando Hironori , Satoh Susumu , Uno Atsushi , Sakurai Kazuo
Published: November 2008

Aptamers are an attractive candidate for a molecular-targeted drug since they can show ability to precisely recognize proteins with a large affinity similar to antibodies. A drawback of aptamers is that they can be easily degraded under biological conditions by DNase (or RNase). In this study, we attached poly(dA) tail to the 3′ end of thrombin DNA aptamer and found that its survival time in human plasma was prolonged by about threefold compared to the original aptamers (i.e., without the tail). We found that the attachment of a poly(dA) tail at the 3′ end caused an increase of the clotting inhibitory activity. A preliminary in vivo assay using BALB/c mice confirmed a considerably elongated clotting time for the tailed aptamer. When the poly(dA) tail was attached to three other DNA aptamers, DNase resistance was increased, indicating that the present finding can be universally applied to increase stability of DNA aptamers.
Evaluation of Rocking and Toe Crushing Failure of Unreinforced Masonry Walls
Authors: Lee Jung-Han , Li Chenghao , Oh Sang-Hoon , Yang Won-Jik , Yi Waon-Ho
Published: November 2008

The objectives of this study are to evaluate the variables that affect the shear behavior of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls and to propose the equation of the rocking and toe crushing strength of URM walls by regression analysis using the test data including the previous research. The main variables are the axial stress, the aspect ratio and the thickness of URM walls. The test results show that the specimens are governed by rocking and toe crushing failure modes. The relationship of the shear strength is proportionate to the square root of the vertical axial stress, and the relationship of the shear stress and aspect ratio is linearly proportional. Shear strength and cross sectional area are not proportional. For the URM walls tested, the proposed rocking and toe crushing strength/actual strength ratio of 0.95, and coefficient of correlation R of 0.9889 are more appropriate than the FEMA 306 rocking and toe crushing strength formulas.
Structural Response and Energy Absorption of Sandwich Panels with an Aluminium Foam Core under Blast Loading
Authors: Zhu Feng , Zhao Longmao , Lu Guoxing , Wang Zhihua
Published: November 2008

This paper first presents an experimental investigation into the response of square sandwich panels with an aluminium foam core under blast loading, followed by a corresponding FE simulation using LS-DYNA. In the simulation, the loading process of explosive and response of the sandwich panels have been investigated. The blast loading process includes both the explosion procedure of the charge and interaction with the panel. The simulation result shows that the deformation/failure patterns observed in the tests are well captured by the numerical model, and quantitatively a reasonable agreement has been obtained between the simulation and experiment. Finally, a parametric study has been carried out to investigate the energy absorption performance of sandwich panels.
Heat Enduring Cement-Glass Mortar
Authors: Seleem H. El_Din H. , Shaheen A. A. F. , Metwally I. M.
Published: November 2008

The present work is an experimental investigation concerned with developing plastering cement mortar characterized by an enhanced heat endurance to act as a heat barrier to rather sensitive materials like Advanced Composite Materials (ACM). For this purpose, finely ground waste glass and finely ground granulated blast furnace slag were introduced into the mortar mixtures. A total of eleven mixtures were cast, each of which comprises six groups of mortar cubes. For all mixtures, compressive strength is evaluated at ages extending from one week to three months. After 28 days of water curing, their compressive strengths were evaluated after exposure to elevated temperatures ranged from 200°C to 800°C. The retained strength after heat exposure is regarded as the heat endurance measure. A mineralogical study was conducted on the mortar specimens before and after exposure to 800°C. As a consequence, the formed cementitious phases and the heat induced transformations are clarified. Test results show that by utilizing either ground glass or ground slag a remarkable enhancement in strength and heat endurance can be achieved. This is due to their pozzolanic nature and superior thermal stability.
Innovative Key-Segment Closing Method Using Thermal Prestressing Technique for Partially Earth-Anchored Cable-Stayed Bridges
Authors: Won Jeong-Hun , Cho Kwang-Il , Yoon Ji-Hyun , Kim Sang-Hyo
Published: November 2008

This paper proposes an innovative key-segment closing method for partially earth-anchored cable-stayed bridges erected using free cantilever construction method, and examines its feasibility by performing a construction sequence analysis. The proposed method is based on the thermal prestressing technique, which gives an artificial heat to the girder in a cantilever state, in order to introduce the closing force required for connecting the key-segment to the adjacent segment by means of thermal expansion. The new method not only provides a feasible closing method for partially earth-anchored cable-stayed bridges, but also has a significant effect in reducing the axial force in the girders. A construction sequence analysis of an example bridge shows that the axial forces in the girders and the uplift forces at the bearings are reduced by a considerable amount due to application of the thermal prestressing method, whereas the member forces of cables and pylons are slightly changed. Therefore, it is verified from this study that the structural capacities of the girders and the bearings of the partially earth-anchored cable-stayed bridges can be effectively enhanced by application of the proposed method.
Impact of detergents on the activity of acetylcholinesterase and on the effectiveness of its inhibitors
Authors: Zimmermann Martina , Westwell Martin S. , Greenfield Susan A.
Published: November 2008

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) plays a central role in the development of Alzheimer's disease: AChE inhibition for preventing the characteristic dwindling of acetylcholine levels constitutes the current standard treatment for the disorder. Amongst the diverse risk factors contributing to the degenerative process, high cholesterol causes a reduction in the effectiveness of the otherwise therapeutic inhibitors of AChE. Our biochemical study on the activity of AChE elucidates the effect of amphiphilic molecules on the activity and kinetics of AChE, and sheds light onto the nature of the impact of these amphiphilic molecules on enzyme-inhibitor interactions. Using kinetic studies we discovered that detergents alter the enzymatic activity of AChE through an uncompetitive mechanism. Additional experiments using AChE inhibitors (amphiphilic procaine hydrochloride, hydrophobic tetrabutylammonium bromide) in the absence or presence of detergent further illustrate the detergent-enzyme-solvent interactions. The results contribute to the understanding of the importance of hydrophobic-lipophilic interactions for the correct function of AChE and its inhibitors. We present a model system for the study of lipid-related alterations in the activity of isolated AChE in the central nervous system. This model may also be used to assess and predict the effectiveness of AChE inhibitors, which are traditionally used for the treatment of cognitive impairment, under pathological (high-cholesterol) conditions.
The ADP-ribosylating thermozyme from Sulfolobus solfataricus is a DING protein
Authors: Di Maro Antimo , De Maio Anna , Castellano Sabrina , Parente Augusto , Farina Benedetta , Faraone-Mennella Maria Rosaria
Published: November 2008

The partial amino acid sequence of the sulfolobal thermoprotein biochemically characterized as poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-like enzyme overlaps those of DING proteins. This group of proteins, widely occurring in animals, plants and eubacteria, shows a characteristic and highly conserved N-terminus, DINGGGATL. The sequence of the N-terminal region and of the analyzed tryptic peptides of the sulfolobal thermozyme shows a high similarity with most of the DING proteins from databases. This is the first example of a DING protein from a sulfolobal source.
Heavy metals induce phosphorylation of the Bcl-2 protein by Jun N-terminal kinase
Authors: Ondroušková Eva , Slováčková Jana , Pelková Vendula , Procházková Jiřina , Souček Karel , Beneš Petr , Šmarda Jan
Published: November 2008

The Bcl-2 protein is one of the key components of biochemical pathways controlling programmed cell death. The function of this protein can be regulated by posttranslational modifications. Phosphorylation of Bcl-2 has been considered to be significantly associated with cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, and with cell death caused by defects of microtubule dynamics. This study shows that phosphorylation of Bcl-2 can be induced by heavy metals due to activation of the Jun N-terminal kinase pathway that is not linked to the G2/M cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, we demonstrate that hyperphosphorylated Bcl-2 protein is a more potent inhibitor of zinc-induced cell death than its hypophosphorylated mutant form. These data suggest that regulation of Bcl-2 protein function by phosphorylation is an important part of cell responses to stress.
Applicability of superfolder YFP bimolecular fluorescence complementation in vitro
Authors: Ottmann Corinna , Weyand Michael , Wolf Alexander , Kuhlmann Jürgen , Ottmann Christian
Published: November 2008

Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) using yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) is a widely employed method to study protein-protein interactions in cells. As yet, this technique has not been used in vitro. To evaluate a possible application of BiFC in vitro, we constructed a ‘superfolder split YFP’ system where 15 mutations enhance expression of the fusion proteins in Escherichia coli and enable a native purification due to improved solubility. Here, we present the crystal structure of ‘superfolder YFP’, providing the structural basis for the enhanced folding and stability characteristics. Complementation between the two non-fluorescent YFP fragments fused to HRas and Raf1RBD or to 14-3-3 and PMA2-CT52 resulted in the constitution of the functional fluorophore. The in vivo BiFC with these protein interaction pairs was demonstrated in eukaryotic cell lines as well. Here, we present for the first time BiFC in vitro studies with natively purified superfolder YFP fusion proteins and show the potential and drawbacks of this method for analyzing protein-protein interactions.
Mannose 6-phosphate receptor-dependent endocytosis of lysosomal enzymes is increased in sulfatide-storing kidney cells
Authors: Klein Diana , Yaghootfam Afshin , Matzner Ullrich , Koch Bettina , Braulke Thomas , Gieselmann Volkmar
Published: November 2008

Metachromatic leukodystrophy is a lysosomal disorder caused by the deficiency of arylsulfatase A (ASA). This leads to the storage of the sphingolipid 3-O-sulfogalactosylceramide (sulfatide) in various cell types, such as renal tubular cells. Examination of mannose 6-phosphate receptor (MPR300)-dependent endocytosis revealed that uptake of lysosomal enzymes is more than two-fold increased in sulfatide-storing kidney cells. Expression of MPR300 and its internalization rate is increased in these cells, whereas the recycling rate is decreased. Similar alterations can be found for the transferrin receptor, indicating that sulfatide storage leads to a general alteration of the endocytotic pathway. These data allow calculating that the endosomal pool from which receptors can recycle is 1.4- to 2-fold increased in lipid-storing cells. Immunocytochemistry demonstrates that the MPR300 in lipid-storing cells does not co-localize with accumulated sulfatide, suggesting that the kinetics of internalization and recycling appear to be altered indirectly.
The Significance of a Crack Growth Law for a C(T) Fracture Specimen Undergoing Stable Crack Extension
Authors: Donoso Juan R. , Vasquez Katherine , Landes John D.
Published: November 2008

A new method of construction of the J-R curve has been proposed recently that makes use of a postulated crack growth law relating stable crack extension, Δa, to plastic displacement, vpl. An analytical treatment of both the J-Δa curve and the force-displacement, P-v, curve, is now possible even under circumstances in which the sole inputs are the P-v curve and the initial and final crack size values. Based upon this crack growth law concept, and on the common and the concise format equations of Donoso and Landes, an alternative way of estimating the amount of stable crack growth is presented. This alternative method, which allows for the evaluation of the crack size at any value of force or displacement along the P-v curve, has been applied to some examples of C(T) fracture test specimens that have crack extension values obtained by the unloading compliance method. The results are quite encouraging, and the method is extended here to cases in which there are no crack extension measurements available.
Use of Ground Clay Brick as a Pozzolanic Material in Concrete
Authors: Bektas F. , Wang K. , Ceylan H.
Published: November 2008

This study investigates the suitability of using ground clay brick (GCB) as a pozzolanic material in concrete. Crushed clay brick originating from demolished masonry was ground in the laboratory and used as a cement replacement in paste and concrete. Hydration characteristics of paste mixtures were investigated for a better understanding in concrete application. The effect of ground brick replacement for cement on concrete’s mechanical properties and chloride ion penetration resistance, as a measure of durability, were also studied. Two replacement levels, 15 % and 25 %, were compared with the control (0 % GCB). The study on the cementitious pastes showed that the ground brick slightly increased the water demand for normal consistency, delayed the time of setting, reduced the temperature rise during hydration, and decreased the calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) content. The tests on concrete showed that the mechanical properties (i.e., compressive, flexural and splitting tensile strengths, and modulus of elasticity) of concrete containing ground brick were comparable to those of the concrete without GCB. Furthermore, the GCB increased the resistance of concrete to chloride ion penetration. The study undertaken proved that, when it is finely ground, clay brick obtained from demolished masonry can be recycled as a pozzolanic cementitious material in concrete.
Field Calibration of an Analytical Model for Pavement Friction Testing Applications
Authors: Seneviratne H. N. , Rajapakshe M. P. N. , Gunaratne M.
Published: November 2008

Regular evaluation and maintenance of skid resistance (friction) of highway and runway pavements is an essential task in improving transportation safety. Various measuring devices operating under different mechanisms have been developed for friction evaluation. Generally, there is a significant variation of friction measurements provided by different devices on the same surface, requiring reliable guidelines for comparison of devices. This paper presents the results of a study conducted to verify whether the LuGre model, an existing dynamic friction model composed of physically significant parameters, would satisfy the above need. A revised formulation which would enhance the applicability of the average lumped version of the LuGre model to model real-world dynamic friction problems is also presented. The original LuGre model was applied to two widely used pavement friction measuring devices; the locked wheel skid trailer and the dynamic friction tester (DFT). In the work presented here the characteristic equations for each device have been formulated based on the LuGre model. In addition an analytical treatment of the kinetics of the DFT is performed to facilitate the application of the LuGre model to the DFT. For each device, the LuGre model parameters were tuned to match a part of the field data collected during a field test carried out by the authors. It was seen that the obtained parameters are reasonably comparable with those reported in the literature. Moreover, the calibrated model equations were seen to predict the observed data that were not used in model fitting, with acceptable accuracy. The results obtained in this study clearly show that the LuGre model can be utilized as an efficient physically intuitive tool with possible applications in: (1) predicting the three-dimensional variation of friction (with wheel slip and traveling speed) as measured by selected friction measuring devices, (2) providing physical interpretations to friction data from different devices, (3) regular self-calibration of friction devices, and (4) comparing pavement friction measurements from different devices.
Clinical impact of two different intraoperative parathyroid hormone assays in primary and renal hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Meyer Sonja-Kerstin , Zorn Markus , Frank-Raue Karin , Büchler Markus W , Nawroth Peter , Weber Theresia
Published: November 2008

Background

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring predicts successful surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). In renal HPT, intraoperative PTH assays can define whether parathyroid resection is adequate.

Methods

Intraoperative PTH was measured with two different immunometric assays (Immulite Turbo DPC and ADVIA Centaur assay) in 91 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary (n=57) and renal (n=34) hyperparathyroidism. PTH was monitored preoperatively, 10, 20, and 30 min after parathyroidectomy and 24 h postoperatively.

Results

Ten minutes after parathyroidectomy, intraoperative PTH dropped into the normal range (<7.6 pmol/l) in 84% of patients with pHPT and tertiary HPT as measured with the ADVIA Centaur assay (PTH-A), compared with 100% of the samples measured with the Immulite Turbo DPC assay (PTH-I; P=0.0082). Twenty minutes after parathyroidectomy for secondary HPT, intraoperative PTH decreased to the normal range in 100% measured with PTH-I compared with 50% measured with PTH-A (P=0.009). Then, 24 h postoperatively, PTH-I and PTH-A levels were within the normal range in all of the successfully treated patients. Both assays correctly identified six patients with persistent disease and another patient with a double adenoma in pHPT.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary or renal HPT, PTH levels decreasing to the normal range indicated successful surgery in all of the patients as measured with the PTH-I assay. Comparing the two assays, PTH-I was able to quantify the intraoperative PTH decay more quickly than PTH-A.
The daily rhythm of heart attack morbidity and mortality may be influenced by the time of sunrise
Authors: Kriszbacher Ildikó , Csoboth Ildikó , Boncz Imre , Bódis József
Published: November 2008

A myocardialis infarctus morbiditásának, mortalitásának időpontja szezonális és napi ritmust is mutat, amely ingadozásra a napkelte és a napfényes órák száma is hatással lehet.
A vizsgálat célja:
Tanulmányozni kívánjuk, hogy a napkelte időpontja és a napfényes órák száma befolyásolja-e a szívinfarktus morbiditásának és mortalitásának szezonalitását, és hatással van-e diurnalis ritmusára.
Módszer:
Magyarországon retrospektív elemzést végeztünk 2004–2005-ben a klinikákra és a kórházi osztályokra felvett, akut szívinfarktuson átesett betegek (
n
= 32329) és szívinfarktusban elhalálozottak (
n
= 5142) vonatkozásában. Az Országos Egészségbiztosítási Pénztár adatbázisából a betegségek nemzetközi osztályozása szerint gyűjtöttük össze az adatokat.
Eredmények:
A napkelte és a myocardialis infarctus előfordulása és az utóbbi által okozott mortalitás között egyaránt pozitív korrelációt (
p
< 0,01) találtunk szezonális és diurnalis ritmus vonatkozásában. A napfényes órák száma és a szívinfarktus szezonális előfordulása között negatív korrelációt (
r
 = –0,107,
p
< 0,05) találtunk. A napfényes órák száma és az infarktus mortalitásának szezonális előfordulása között szintén negatív korrelációt (
r
= –0,105,
p
< 0,05) tapasztaltunk.
Következtetés:
Adataink szerint a napkelte és a napfényes órák száma összefüggésbe hozható a szívinfarktus morbiditásának és mortalitásának gyakoriságával, de más tényezők is szerepet játszanak.
Health behaviour survey among medical students
Authors: Bíró Éva , Balajti Ilona , Ádány Róza , Kósa Karolina
Published: November 2008

A leendő orvosok vélemény- és attitűdformáló hatása, példaképszerepe az egészséggel kapcsolatos ismeretek és szemlélet formálásában nemcsak a betegek, hanem rajtuk keresztül a hozzátartozók, a tágabb népesség körében is érvényesül. Azért fontos megismerni már tanulmányaik során egészségmagatartásukat és az arra ható tényezőket, hogy azt szükség esetén formálni lehessen.
Célkitűzések és módszer:
A jelen vizsgálat az orvostanhallgatók egészségi állapotának és egészségmagatartásának felmérése céljából történt a Debreceni Egyetem Orvos- és Egészségtudományi Centruma Általános Orvostudományi Karának I–V. évfolyamain magyar nyelven tanuló orvostanhallgatók körében, kérdőíves adatfelvétellel. A kérdőív a demográfiai adatokon túl az egészségi állapotra és az egészségmagatartásra vonatkozó kérdéseket tartalmazott.
Eredmények:
A debreceni orvostanhallgatók közel háromnegyede jónak, illetve nagyon jónak ítéli egészségi állapotát; csaknem mindannyian úgy vélekednek, hogy sokat, illetve nagyon sokat tehetnek az egészségükért. A hallgatók csaknem kétharmada soha nem dohányzott; 15%-uk napi rendszerességgel szív cigarettát. Alkoholt a hallgatók több mint négyötöde fogyaszt, de leginkább csak alkalmanként. Egynegyedük kipróbált már valamilyen kábítószert, a leggyakrabban marihuánát, illetve altatót és nyugtatót orvosi javaslat nélkül. A debreceni orvostanhallgatók adatait az átlagnépesség azonos korosztályával összehasonlítva elmondható, hogy az orvostanhallgatók közül kevesebben dohányoznak, és a naponta dohányzók aránya is kisebb; közel 50% a heti rendszerességgel italozók aránya.
Következtetések:
Az orvostanhallgatók közt korábban történt felmérések és a jelen vizsgálat eredményeit összehasonlítva a szerhasználat gyakorisága nem emelkedett lényegesen. Aggasztó azonban, hogy a hallgatók körében szignifikánsan magasabb a lelki egészség zavarára utaló pontszám átlaga, mint a hasonló korú átlagnépesség körében.
Report on erythroderma and scabies infection in connection with two cases of scabies norvegica
Authors: Jenei Márta , Veres Imre , Schmidt Emese , Varga Imre , Remenyik Éva
Published: November 2008

Az erythroderma a testfelszín csaknem egészét érintő bőrgyulladás, amelyet hyperaemia, bőrmegvastagodás, hámlás jellemez. A testfelület nagy részére lokalizálódó gyulladás az etiológiai tényezőtől függetlenül önmagában is előidézhet életveszélyes állapotot. Parazitafertőzés az erythroderma hátterében extrém ritka. A scabieses megbetegedésért (közismerten rühesség) egy, az atkák családjába tartozó élősködő, aSarcoptes scabieivar.hoministehető felelőssé. Míg a „klasszikus” scabies prevalenciája világviszonylatban magas, addig a súlyosabb, veszélyesebb formával – a scabies norvegicával, más néven crustosus scabiesszel – jóval ritkábban találkozhat a klinikus, felismerése és kezelése epidemiológiai szempontból kiemelkedően fontos. A szerzők scabies norvegica két esete kapcsán ismertetik az erythroderma és a scabies differenciáldiagnosztikai problémáit és a fertőzés epidemiológiai jelentőségét.
Hemodynamic effects of N-acetylcystein and ischemic preconditioning in a liver ischemia-reperfusion model
Authors: Ghosh Subhamay , †Baumann János , Falusi Boglárka , Bogár Lajos , Rőth Erzsébet , Gál János
Published: November 2008

Tanulmányunk célja volt megvizsgálni, hogy az ismételt ischaemiás prekondicionálás, illetve az N-acetilcisztein-terápia befolyásolják-e kedvező hemodinamikai hatásuk révén az ischaemiás-reperfúziós sérülést kutyamájban.Módszer:A kontrollcsoport (n= 10) 60 perc májischaemián esett át, majd ezt követően 180 perc reperfúzióban részesült. Az N-acetilcisztein-csoport (n= 5) intravénásan 150 mg kg–1N-acetilciszteint kapott az ischaemia megkezdése előtt. A prekondicionált csoportba tartozó kísérleti állatok (n = 5) ischaemiás prekondicionálásban részesültek (10 perc ischaemiás periódus után 10 perc reperfúzió, ismételve háromszor) a portalis triász lefogása előtt.Eredmények:Tizennyolc kísérleti állat élte túl a vizsgálati időszakot. Az N-acetilcisztein-csoportba tartozó kísérleti állatok közül egy kutya elhalt inotrop kezelésre nem reagáló keringési elégtelenség következében. A szívindex és az intrathoracicus vér volumenindexe szignifikánsan magasabb volt a prekondicionált csoportban a kontrollcsoporthoz viszonyítva, végig a vizsgálati periódus során.Következtetések:A kapott adatok arra engednek következtetni, hogy az ismételt ischaemiás prekondicionálás javíthat a hemodinamikai paramétereken, mindamellett az N-acetilcisztein-kezeléssel kapcsolatban nem tudtunk szignifikáns különbséget kimutatni.
A kinetic approach to evaluate the association of acid volatile sulfide and simultaneously extracted metals in aquatic sediments
Authors: Poot Anton , Meerman Eric , Gillissen Frits , Koelmans Albert A.
Published: November 2008

The acid volatile sulfide (AVS) and simultaneously extracted metals (ΣSEM) method is widely used for evaluating potential bioavailability of heavy metals in soil and sediment. It is also criticized, because the requirement that AVS and SEM metals (i.e., Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) are associated in the same phase is not always met. Here, we propose a dissolution-kinetics-based approach to assess whether AVS and ΣSEM originate from the same phase, as a prescreening tool for ΣSEM-AVS-based risk assessment or site characterization. Acid volatile sulfide and SEM metals from the same phase are assumed to yield equal dissolution rates. Therefore, dissolution rates for AVS and SEM metals were measured using a modified purge-and-trap method. Results were interpreted in terms of a shrinking particle model and a first-order model, which performed equally well. Of the SEM metals, only Cu showed reaction kinetics similar to those of AVS. Extraction of Fe and SEM-Zn (which constituted more than 90% of ΣSEM) was much faster than AVS and did not fit to the models. This suggests that they are not associated with AVS but also that AVS is probably not present as sulfide minerals. These data illustrate that the ΣSEM-AVS risk assessment concept would not be applicable for the studied sediments.
Biogas production from mono-digestion of maize silage–long-term process stability and requirements
Authors: Lebuhn M. , Liu F. , Heuwinkel H. , Gronauer A.
Published: November 2008

Biogas production from mono-digestion of maize silage was studied for more than one year in six continuously stirred, daily fed 36 L fermenters. Chemical and microbiological parameters were analysed concomitantly. The reactors acidified already after 8 months of operation at a low organic loading rate (OLR) of 2 g VS*(L*d)−1. The TVA/TAC ratio was the most reliable parameter to indicate early process instabilities leading to acidification. A TVA/TAC threshold of 0.5 should not be exceeded. After acidification and recovery of the fermenters, propionic acid was no reliable parameter anymore to indicate process failure, since values far below the threshold of 1 g*L−1 were obtained although the process had collapsed.

The acidified reactors recovered better, showed greatly improved stability and allowed a higher OLR when a trace element (TE) cocktail was supplemented. Hydrolysis was obviously not process-limiting, results indicated that methanogens were affected. The most limiting element in long-term mono-digestion of maize silage turned out to be cobalt, but data obtained suggest that molybdenum and selenium should also be provided. TE supplementation should be designed specifically in order to meet the actual needs. TE availability for the biocenosis appears to be a key issue in biogas production, not only in mono-but also in co-digestion processes.
A simple method to evaluate the short-term biogas yield in anaerobic codigestion of WAS and organic wastes
Authors: Scaglione D. , Caffaz S. , Ficara E. , Malpei F. , Lubello C.
Published: November 2008

The present study was aimed at setting and applying a procedure to measure the anaerobic degradability of different organic substrates by short-term tests (2–7 days) carried out at lab-scale with a low food to biomass (F/M) ratio. All tests were carried out using an acclimated sludge taken from a pilot-plant anaerobic digester (200 L). Trials were performed with a manometric system.

The experimental reliability of the device in measuring the anaerobic degradability was assessed by several preliminary tests carried out using acetate and glucose as reference substrates. The average conversion to methane was 99% for acetate and of 83% for glucose. The results of tests in triplicate showed the high repeatability of the method with an average coefficient of variation lower than 2%.

Then, the lab-scale procedure was applied to study the short-term anaerobic degradability of complex organic substrates: thickened waste activated sludge, two kinds of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (a kitchen waste and a fruit and vegetable waste collected at the wholesale market of Florence), olive mill wastewater and freshly harvested grass. Results indicated that organic fraction of municipal solid waste, olive mill wastewater and grass were characterized by a much higher anaerobic degradability if compared to the thickened activated sludge, well in agreement with literature data.
Acid pre-treatment of sewage anaerobic sludge to increase hydrogen producing bacteria HPB: effectiveness and reproducibility
Authors: Tommasi T. , Sassi G. , Ruggeri B.
Published: November 2008

The present study is aimed to test the effectiveness and the reproducibility of the acid pre-treatment of sewage sludge to suppress the methanogenic bacteria activity, in order to increase the hydrogen forming bacteria activity, mainly Clostridium species. The treated sludge has been tested on glucose reach medium under mesophilic conditions (35°C), in batch mode to quantify the biological fermentative hydrogen production. In the whole series of experiments, the main components of biogas are hydrogen (52–60%) and carbon dioxide (40–48%); no methane and hydrogen sulphide were present in it. The rate of biogas production reached a maximum of 75 ml/lh. An overall mean hydrogen conversion efficiency was 11.20% on the assumption of maximum of 3 mol H2/mol glucose. Clostridium spp. multiplied ten times after 10 h of fermentation and over that thousand times at the end of fermentation.
Optimisation of biogas production from anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial waste streams in Brazil
Authors: Boncz M. A. , Bezerra L. Pinheiro , Ide C. Nobuyoshi , Paulo P. Loureiro
Published: November 2008

The important Brazilian agro-industry produces significant amounts of wastewater with high concentrations of biodegradable compounds. A lot can be gained if wastewater treatment would take place using anaerobic reactors instead of the anaerobic lagoons generally used now. Apart from preventing methane emissions to the atmosphere this would permit the use of the biogas as a source of energy. To facilitate implementation of this technology also in small and intermediate sized companies a system requiring only minimal maintenance is needed. The need for maintenance by skilled labour can be reduced using an automated process control system, which is being developed. Cassava (manioc, tapioca) processing wastewater has been treated in a lab scale UASB reactor equipped with an on-line monitoring system, to test a control strategy based mainly on pH control. Good results have been obtained treating not only pre-acidified but also treating raw (diluted) cassava processing wastewater.
Sustainable wastewater management: life cycle assessment of conventional and source-separating urban sanitation systems
Authors: Remy C. , Jekel M.
Published: November 2008

Conventional and source-separating urban sanitation systems are compared with regard to their ecological sustainability using the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment. A substance flow model of all relevant processes in a settlement with 5,000 inhabitants is set up and evaluated with environmental indicators for resource demand and emissions to air, water, and soil. The comparison shows that source separation does not necessarily result in a system with less environmental impacts. If the conventional system is energetically optimized and equipped with extended nutrient removal, its impact is comparable to the source-separating systems. However, source separation has the potential to offer ecological benefits depending on the system configuration. Especially the input of toxic heavy metals to agriculture with sewage sludge can be substantially lowered if separately collected urine and faeces are used as organic fertilizer.
Recovery of high purity phosphorus from municipal wastewater secondary effluent by a high-speed adsorbent
Authors: Midorikawa I. , Aoki H. , Omori A. , Shimizu T. , Kawaguchi Y. , Kassai K. , Murakami T.
Published: November 2008

High purity phosphorus was recovered from municipal wastewater secondary effluent as phosphate, using a newly developed phosphorus adsorption and recovery system. A high-speed adsorbent having a unique porous structure was used in this system. The secondary effluent, showing total phosphorus (TP) of 0.1–2.1 mg P/L, was passed through an adsorbent packed column at high space velocity (SV) of 15 h−1. The TP of the treated water was as low as 0.02–0.04 mg P/L, indicating that 97% of phosphorus in the secondary effluent was removed. The removed phosphorus was desorbed from the adsorbent by passing a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution through the column. Calcium hydroxide was added to this solution to precipitate the phosphorus as calcium phosphate. This precipitate was neutralized with hydrochloric acid aqueous solution, washed with water, and then solid–liquid separation was performed for the phosphorus recovery. The main constituent of the recovered phosphorus was apatite-type calcium phosphate, with 16% phosphorus content, which matched that of high-grade phosphorus ore. The hazardous elements content of the recovered phosphorus was exceedingly low. Therefore the recovered phosphorus can be applied to an alternative for phosphorus ore, or to a phosphate fertilizer.
Microbial community analysis of a full-scale membrane bioreactor treating industrial wastewater
Authors: Naidoo D. , Ramdhani N. , Bux F.
Published: November 2008

A Kubota™ submerged membrane bio-reactor was applied to treat wastewater from a sugar manufacturing industry. To achieve optimal results, fundamental and extended understanding of the microbiology is important. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to evaluate the microbial community present. The majority of cells visualized in the sludge flocs by staining with the DNA fluorochrome DAPI, hybridized strongly with a bacterial probe. Probes specific for the alpha-, beta-, and gamma-subclasses of proteobacteria and high G + C Gram positive bacteria were used to characterize the community structures by in situ hybridization. Sampling was carried out over 12 weeks and samples were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde for gram positive organisms and ice cold ethanol for gram negative organisms. The activated sludge population usually constitutes about 80 to 90% of proteobacteria. However, in this study it was found that a relatively small amount of proteobacteria was present within the system. No positive hybridization signal was observed with any of the applied eubacterial family- level probes.
Applicability of reused industrial dry sanding powder for adsorption of arsenic
Authors: Park Y. J. , Yang J. K. , Choi S. I.
Published: November 2008

This study examined the potential reuse of powdered wastes (PW) generated during the sanding and sawing process in a local chemical company in Korea with the viewpoint of the recycling these wastes and minimizing the level of contamination. As the aluminium hydroxide inside the PW could be thermally converted to various types of aluminium oxides depending on the calcination temperature, the adsorptive properties could be changed and it may affect on adsorption ability. Calcination of the PW was performed for 3 h at 550°C, 750°C, and 950°C. From the results, amorphous aluminium oxide was thermally generated by calcinating the PW at 550°C and with further increase of temperature to 950°C, the crystallinity of amorphous aluminium oxide was gradually increased. The physicochemical analysis of calcined powdered wastes (CPW) at various temperatures showed that more developed porosity was noted in the CPW as the calcinations temperature increased, whereas surface area was significantly decreased from 175.5 m2 g−1 to 46.5 m2 g−1. The removal efficiency of arsenate on the CPW decreased as the calcinations temperature increased from 550°C to 950°C. The CPW550 exhibited the highest adsorption capacities toward arsenate over pH range of 2–8 and showed a complete removal of the arsenate (10.0 mg L−1) within the first 10 min. Adsorption kinetic studies showed that the rate of arsenic adsorption on the CPW decreased with the increase of the calcination temperature. When the maximum adsorption capacity of arsenic onto the CPW was calculated by Langmuir equation, the CPW550 has the highest value as 43.9 mg g−1.
Immobilization of bimetallic nanoparticles on microfiltration membranes for trichloroethylene dechlorination
Authors: Parshetti G. K. , Doong R. A.
Published: November 2008

Highly reactive nanoscale Ni/Fe nanoparticles were synthesized on microfiltration membranes for dechlorination of 20 mg/L trichloroethylene (TCE). Complete degradation of TCE was achieved within 25 min by Nylon 66 membrane with the production of ethane as a major degradation product, depicting that hydrodechlorination is the major reaction mechanism for TCE dechlorination. In addition, the carbon mass balance can be reached to 93%. The surface-area-normalized rate constant (kSA) for TCE degradation by Ni/Fe immobilized on Nylon 66 was 0.172 L h−1 m−2, which is higher than that by Ni/Fe in solution. Further TEM and SEM-EDS analyses show that Nylon 66 can retain higher amounts of Ni on the surface of membrane. In addition, the efficiency and rate for TCE dechlorination increased upon increasing mass loading of Ni from 2.5 to 20 wt%. Results obtained in this study clearly demonstrate that the use of Nylon 66 as the support for immobilization of bimetallic Ni/Fe nanoparticles has a good catalytic activity for dechlorination of TCE.
The limits and ultimate possibilities of technology of the activated sludge process
Authors: van Nieuwenhuijzen A. F. , van Bentem A. G. N. , Buunnen A. , Reitsma B. A. , Uijterlinde C. A.
Published: November 2008

The (low loaded) biological nutrient removing activated sludge process is the generally accepted and applied municipal wastewater treatment method in the Netherlands. The hydraulical and biological flexibility, robustness and cost efficiency of the process for advanced removal of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus without (too much) chemicals results in a wide application of the activated sludge process within Dutch waterboards.

Presumably, wastewater treatment plants will have to contribute to the improvement of the quality of the receiving surface waters by producing cleaner effluent. In this perspective, the Dutch research organisation STOWA initiated a research project entitled “The Boundaries of the Activated Sludge Process” to investigate the possibilities and limitations of activated sludge processes to improve the effluent quality.

It is concluded that the activated sludge process as applied and operated at WWTP's in the Netherlands has the potential to perform even better than the current effluent discharge standards (10 mg Ntotal/l and 1 mg Ptotal/l). Reaching the B-quality effluent (<5mg Ntotal/l and <0.3 mg Ptotal/l) will be possible at almost all WWTPs without major adjustments under the conditions that:

  the sludge load is below 0.06 kg BOD/kg TSS.d

  the internal recirculation is above 20

  the BOD/N ratio of the influent is above 3.

Complying with the A-quality effluent (<2.2 Ntotal/l and <0.15 mg Ptotal/l) seems to be difficult (but not impossible) and requires more attention and insight into the activated sludge process. Optimisation measures to reach the A-quality effluent are more thorough and are mostly only achievable by additional construction works (addition of activated sludge volume, increasing recirculation capacity, etc.).

It is furthermore concluded that the static HSA-results are comparable to the dynamic ASM-results. So, for fast determinations of the limits of technology of different activated sludge processes static modelling seems to by sufficient.
Biological effects of PPCPs on aquatic lives and evaluation of river waters affected by different wastewater treatment levels
Authors: Harada Arata , Komori Koya , Nakada Norihide , Kitamura Kiyoaki , Suzuki Yutaka
Published: November 2008

The existence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the water environment is an emerging problem. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of eleven PPCPs through bioassays on bacteria, algae, crustaceans, amphibians and protozoa, and compared the toxicology indexes with the concentration of PPCPs in river water for ecotoxiclogical risk evaluation. Toxicity of the eleven PPCPs was observed and the values of EC50 or LC50 were in the order of mg/L. A distinctive finding is that antibacterial triclosan affected all aquatic lives tested. The effects of PPCPs varied according to species of lives. Contamination from PPCPs was detected at observation stations on the river, and the range of concentration was in the order of ng/L far lower than the values of toxicity indexes EC50 or LC50. Ecotoxicological risks posed by PPCPs at the observation stations was evaluated using the concentration in the river water and the NOEC examined by AGI tests. The results revealed that three PPCPs, triclosan, clarithromycin, and azithromycin, posed an ecotoxiclogical risk in rivers where wastewater treatment systems are not yet well developed.