bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unsaturated Fatty Acids Stimulate LH Secretion via Novel PKCε and -θ in Gonadotrope Cells and Inhibit GnRH-Induced LH Release
Authors: Garrel Ghislaine , Simon Violaine , Denoyelle Chantal , Cruciani-Guglielmacci Céline , Migrenne Stéphanie , Counis Raymond , Magnan Christophe , Cohen-Tannoudji Joëlle
Published: August 2011

The activity of pituitary gonadotrope cells, crucial for reproductive function, is regulated by numerous factors including signals related to nutritional status. In this work, we demonstrated, for the first time, that in vivo central exposure of rats to lipids intracarotid infusion of a heparinized triglyceride emulsion selectively increases the expression of pituitary LH subunit genes without any alteration of pituitary GnRH receptor and hypothalamic GnRH or Kiss-1 transcript levels. Furthermore, we showed that unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), oleate and linoleate, increase LH release in a dose-dependent manner as well as LHβ mRNA levels in both immortalized LβT2 gonadotrope cell line and rat primary cell cultures. In contrast, the saturated palmitate was ineffective. ACTH or TSH secretion was unaffected by UFA treatment. We demonstrated in LβT2 cells that linoleate effect is mediated neither by activation of membrane fatty acid (FA) receptors GPR40 or GPR120 although we characterized these receptors in LβT2 cells, nor through nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Furthermore, linoleate β-oxidation is not required for its action on LH secretion. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) or ERK pathways significantly prevented linoleate-stimulated LH release. Accordingly, linoleate was shown to activate novel PKC isoforms, PKCε and -θ, as well as ERK1/2 in LβT2 cells. Lastly, unsaturated, but not saturated, FA inhibited GnRH-induced LH secretion in LβT2 cells as well as in pituitary cell cultures. Altogether, these results suggest that the pituitary is a relevant site of FA action and that UFA may influence reproduction by directly interfering with basal and GnRH-dependent gonadotrope activity.
Elimination of the NLRP3-ASC Inflammasome Protects against Chronic Obesity-Induced Pancreatic Damage
Authors: Youm Yun-Hee , Adijiang Ayinuer , Vandanmagsar Bolormaa , Burk David , Ravussin Anthony , Dixit Vishwa Deep
Published: August 2011

Clinical evidence that the blockade of IL-1β in type-2 diabetic patients improves glycemia is indicative of an autoinflammatory mechanism that may trigger adiposity-driven pancreatic damage. IL-1β is a key contributor to the obesity-induced inflammation and subsequent insulin resistance, pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, and the onset of type 2 diabetes. Our previous studies demonstrated that the ceramides activate the Nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (Nlrp3) inflammasome to cause the generation of mature IL-1β and ablation of the Nlrp3 inflammasome in diet-induced obesity improves insulin signaling. However, it remains unclear whether the posttranslational processing of active IL-1β in pancreas is regulated by the NLRP3 inflammasome or whether the alternate mechanisms play a dominant role in chronic obesity-induced pancreatic β-cell exhaustion. Here we show that loss of ASC, a critical adaptor required for the assembly of the NLRP3 and absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome substantially improves the insulin action. Surprisingly, despite lower insulin resistance in the chronically obese NLRP3 and ASC knockout mice, the insulin levels were substantially higher when the inflammasome pathway was eliminated. The obesity-induced increase in maturation of pancreatic IL-1β and pancreatic islet fibrosis was dependent on the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, elimination of NLRP3 inflammasome protected the pancreatic β-cells from cell death caused by long-term high-fat feeding during obesity with significant increase in the size of the islets of Langerhans. Collectively, this study provides direct in vivo evidence that activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in diet-induced obesity is a critical trigger in causing pancreatic damage and is an important mechanism of progression toward type 2 diabetes.
Literary Lions Tackle 9/11
Authors: Batchelor Bob
Published: September 2011

In Terrorist (2006) and Falling Man (2007), John Updike and Don DeLillo present two contrasting yet equally compelling visions of the post-9/11 United States. Based on a close textual analysis of the novels and additional primary and secondary research, this article examines the role of popular literature and novelists in rendering history. Using the novels as a framework, the essay investigates the role literature performs when addressing contemporary historical events, as well as what function the author's reputation and the book's reception play in this endeavor.
Subglottal pressure and fundamental frequency control in contact calls of juvenile Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: Riede Tobias , Tokuda Isao T. , Farmer C. G.
Published: August 2011

Vocalization is rare among non-avian reptiles, with the exception of the crocodilians, the sister taxon of birds. Crocodilians have a complex vocal repertoire. Their vocal and respiratory system is not well understood but appears to consist of a combination of features that are also found in the extremely vocal avian and mammalian taxa. Anatomical studies suggest that the alligator larynx is able to abduct and adduct the vocal folds, but not to elongate or shorten them, and is therefore lacking a key regulator of frequency, yet alligators can modulate fundamental frequency remarkably well. We investigated the morphological and physiological features of sound production in alligators. Vocal fold length scales isometrically across a wide range of alligator body sizes. The relationship between fundamental frequency and subglottal pressure is significant in some individuals at some isolated points, such as call onset and position of maximum fundamental frequency. The relationship is not consistent over large segments of the call. Fundamental frequency can change faster than expected by pressure changes alone, suggesting an active motor pattern controls frequency and is intrinsic to the larynx. We utilized a two-mass vocal fold model to test whether abduction and adduction could generate this motor pattern. The fine-tuned interplay between subglottal pressure and glottal adduction can achieve frequency modulations much larger than those resulting from subglottal pressure variations alone and of similar magnitude, as observed in alligator calls. We conclude that the alligator larynx represents a sound source with only two control parameters (subglottal pressure and vocal fold adduction) in contrast to the mammalian larynx in which three parameters can be altered to modulate frequency (subglottal pressure, vocal fold adduction and length/tension).
Learning the way to blood: first evidence of dual olfactory conditioning in a blood-sucking insect, Rhodnius prolixus. II. Aversive learning
Authors: Vinauger Clément , Buratti Laura , Lazzari Claudio R.
Published: August 2011

After having demonstrated that blood-sucking bugs are able to associate a behaviourally neutral odour (l-lactic acid) with positive reinforcement (i.e. appetitive conditioning) in the first part of this study, we tested whether these insects were also able to associate the same odour with a negative reinforcement (i.e. aversive conditioning). Learned aversion to host odours has been repeatedly suggested as a determinant for the distribution of disease vectors among host populations. Nevertheless, no experimental evidence has been obtained so far. Adapting a classical conditioning approach to our haematophagous model, we trained larvae of Rhodnius prolixus to associate l-lactic acid, an odour perceived by bugs but behaviourally neutral when presented alone, with a mechanical perturbation (i.e. negative reinforcement). Naive bugs and bugs exposed to CS, punishment, or CS and punishment without contingency remained indifferent to the presence of an air stream loaded with l-lactic acid (random orientation on a locomotion compensator), whereas the groups previously exposed to the contingency CS–punishment were significantly repelled by l-lactic acid. In a companion paper, the opposite, i.e. attraction, was induced in bugs exposed to the contingency of the same odour with a positive reinforcement. These constitute the first pieces of evidence of olfactory conditioning in triatomine bugs and the first demonstration that the same host odour can be used by insects that are disease vectors to learn to recognize either a host to feed on or a potentially defensive one. The orientation mechanism during repulsion is also discussed in light of our results.
Knowledgeable individuals lead collective decisions in ants
Authors: Stroeymeyt Nathalie , Franks Nigel R. , Giurfa Martin
Published: August 2011

Self-organisation underlies many collective processes in large animal groups, where coordinated patterns and activities emerge at the group level from local interactions among its members. Although the importance of key individuals acting as effective leaders has recently been recognised in certain collective processes, it is widely believed that self-organised decisions are evenly shared among all or a subset of individuals acting as decision-makers, unless there are significant conflicts of interests among group members. Here, we show that certain individuals are disproportionately influential in self-organised decisions in a system where all individuals share the same interests: nest site selection by the ant Temnothorax albipennis. Workers that visited a good available nest site prior to emigration (the familiar nest) memorised its location, and later used this memory to navigate efficiently and find that nest faster than through random exploration. Additionally, these workers relied on their private information to expedite individual decisions about the familiar nest. This conferred a bias in favour of familiar nests over novel nests during emigrations. Informed workers were shown to have a significantly greater share in both recruitment and transport to the familiar nest than naïve workers. This suggests that they were the main determinants of the collective preference for familiar nests, and thus contributed greatly to enhance collective performance. Overall, these results indicate that self-organised decisions are not always evenly shared among decision-makers, even in systems where there are no conflicts of interest. Animal groups may instead benefit from well-informed, knowledgeable individuals acting as leaders in decisions.
Loss of Mecp2 in Substantia Nigra Dopamine Neurons Compromises the Nigrostriatal Pathway
Authors: Gantz Stephanie C. , Ford Christopher P. , Neve Kim A. , Williams John T.
Published: September 2011

Mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) result in Rett syndrome (RTT), an X-linked disorder that disrupts neurodevelopment. Girls with RTT exhibit motor deficits similar to those in Parkinson's disease, suggesting defects in the nigrostriatal pathway. This study examined age-dependent changes in dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) from wild-type, presymptomatic, and symptomaticMecp2+/−mice. Mecp2+neurons in the SN inMecp2+/−mice were indistinguishable in morphology, resting conductance, and dopamine current density from neurons in wild-type mice. However, the capacitance, total dendritic length, and resting conductance of Mecp2−neurons were less than those of Mecp2+neurons as early as 4 weeks after birth, before overt symptoms. These differences were maintained throughout life. In symptomaticMecp2+/−mice, the current induced by activation of D2dopamine autoreceptors was significantly less in Mecp2−neurons than in Mecp2+neurons, although D2receptor density was unaltered inMecp2+/−mice. Electrochemical measurements revealed that significantly less dopamine was released after stimulation of striatum in adultMecp2+/−mice compared to wild type. The decrease in size and function of Mecp2−neurons observed in adultMecp2+/−mice was recapitulated in dopamine neurons from symptomaticMecp2−/ymales. These results show that mutation inMecp2results in cell-autonomous defects in the SN early in life and throughout adulthood. Ultimately, dysfunction in terminal dopamine release and D2autoreceptor-dependent currents in dopamine neurons from symptomatic females support the idea that decreased dopamine transmission due to heterogeneous Mecp2 expression contributes to the parkinsonian features of RTT inMecp2+/−mice.
Counting Ion and Water Molecules in a Streaming File through the Open-Filter Structure of the K Channel
Authors: Iwamoto Masayuki , Oiki Shigetoshi
Published: August 2011

The mechanisms underlying the selective permeation of ions through channel molecules are a fundamental issue related to understanding how neurons exert their functions. The “knock-on” mechanism, in which multiple ions in the selectivity filter are hit by an incoming ion, is one of the leading concepts. This mechanism has been supported by crystallographic studies that demonstrated ion distribution in the structure of theStreptomyces lividans(KcsA) potassium channel. These still pictures under equilibrium conditions, however, do not provide a snapshot of the actual, ongoing permeation processes. To understand the dynamics of permeation, we determined the ratio of the ion and water flow [the water-ion coupling ratio (CRw-i)] through the KcsA channel by measuring the streaming potential (Vstream) electrophysiologically. TheVstreamvalue was converted to theCRw-ivalue, which reveals how individual ion and water molecules are queued in the narrow and short filter during permeation. At high K+concentrations, theCRw-ivalue was 1.0, indicating that turnover between the alternating ion and water arrays occurs in a single-file manner. At low K+, theCRw-ivalue was increased to a point over 2.2, suggesting that the filter contained mostly one ion at a time. These average behaviors of permeation were kinetically analyzed for a more detailed understanding of the permeation process. Here, we envisioned the permeation as queues of ion and water molecules and sequential transitions between different patterns of arrays. Under physiological conditions, we predicted that the knock-on mechanism may not be predominant.
Orientation Selectivity of Synaptic Input to Neurons in Mouse and Cat Primary Visual Cortex
Authors: Tan Andrew Y. Y. , Brown Brandon D. , Scholl Benjamin , Mohanty Deepankar , Priebe Nicholas J.
Published: August 2011

Primary visual cortex (V1) is the site at which orientation selectivity emerges in mammals: visual thalamus afferents to V1 respond equally to all stimulus orientations, whereas their target V1 neurons respond selectively to stimulus orientation. The emergence of orientation selectivity in V1 has long served as a model for investigating cortical computation. Recent evidence for orientation selectivity in mouse V1 opens cortical computation to dissection by genetic and imaging tools, but also raises two essential questions: (1) How does orientation selectivity in mouse V1 neurons compare with that in previously described species? (2) What is the synaptic basis for orientation selectivity in mouse V1? A comparison of orientation selectivity in mouse and in cat, where such measures have traditionally been made, reveals that orientation selectivity in mouse V1 is weaker than in cat V1, but that spike threshold plays a similar role in narrowing selectivity between membrane potential and spike rate. To uncover the synaptic basis for orientation selectivity, we made whole-cell recordingsin vivofrom mouse V1 neurons, comparing neuronal input selectivity—based on membrane potential, synaptic excitation, and synaptic inhibition—to output selectivity based on spiking. We found that a neuron's excitatory and inhibitory inputs are selective for the same stimulus orientations as is its membrane potential response, and that inhibitory selectivity is not broader than excitatory selectivity. Inhibition has different dynamics than excitation, adapting more rapidly. In neurons with temporally modulated responses, the timing of excitation and inhibition was different in mice and cats.
The DEG/ENaC Protein MEC-10 Regulates the Transduction Channel Complex inCaenorhabditis elegansTouch Receptor Neurons
Authors: Árnadóttir Jóhanna , O'Hagan Robert , Chen Yushu , Goodman Miriam B. , Chalfie Martin
Published: September 2011

Gentle touch sensation inCaenorhabditis elegansis mediated by the MEC-4/MEC-10 channel complex, which is expressed exclusively in six touch receptor neurons (TRNs). The complex contains two pore-forming subunits, MEC-4 and MEC-10, as well as the accessory subunits MEC-2, MEC-6, and UNC-24. MEC-4 is essential for channel function, but beyond its role as a pore-forming subunit, the functional contribution of MEC-10 to the channel complex and to touch sensation is unclear. We addressed this question using behavioral assays,in vivoelectrophysiological recordings from TRNs, and heterologous expression of mutant MEC-10 isoforms. Animals with a deletion inmec-10showed only a partial loss of touch sensitivity and a modest decrease in the size of the mechanoreceptor current (MRC). In contrast, five previously identifiedmec-10alleles acted as recessive gain-of-function alleles that resulted in complete touch insensitivity. Each of these alleles produced a substantial decrease in MRC size and a shift in the reversal potentialin vivo. The latter finding indicates that thesemec-10mutations alter the ionic selectivity of the transduction channelin vivo. Allmec-10mutant animals had properly localized channel complexes, indicating that the loss of MRCs was not attributable to a dramatic mislocalization of transduction channels. Finally, electrophysiological examination of heterologously expressed complexes suggests that mutant MEC-10 proteins may affect channel current via MEC-2.
Structural characterization of arbidol®
Authors: Chernyshev Vladimir V. , Davlyatshin Dmitry I. , Shpanchenko Roman V. , Nosyrev Pavel V.
Published: September 2011

Crystal structures of two compounds – 1-methyl-2-phenylthiomethyl-3-carbethoxy-4-dimetylaminomethyl-5-hydroxy-6-bromoindole (1) and its hydrochloride monohydrate (2), known also as antiviral drug arbidol®, were determined from single-crystal and powder diffraction data, respectively. In 1, the hydroxyl and dimethyläamino groups are involved in a strong intramolecular O—H…N hydrogen bond [O…N 2.550(4) Å]. In 2, the protonation site is dimethylamino group but not the carbon bearing the ester group.
TOWARD A TECHNOLOGY OF DERIVED STIMULUS RELATIONS: AN ANALYSIS OF ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN THE JOURNAL OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS, 1992–2009
Authors: Rehfeldt Ruth Anne
Published: September 2011

Every article on stimulus equivalence or derived stimulus relations published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis was evaluated in terms of characteristics that are relevant to the development of applied technologies: the type of participants, settings, procedure (automated vs. tabletop), stimuli, and stimulus sensory modality; types of relations targeted and emergent skills demonstrated by participants; and presence versus absence of evaluation of generalization and maintenance. In most respects, published reports suggested the possibility of applied technologies but left the difficult work of technology development to future investigations, suggestions for which are provided.
EFFECTS OF PEDESTRIAN PROMPTS ON MOTORIST YIELDING AT CROSSWALKS
Authors: Crowley‐Koch Brian J. , Van Houten Ron , Lim Eunyoung
Published: September 2011

Pedestrian safety is a serious concern at busy intersections and pedestrian campuses across the nation. Although crosswalks and signs inform pedestrians where to cross, there is no standard protocol for pedestrians to signal drivers that they wish to use the crosswalks, except to stand in or at the crosswalk. We examined the effects of two pedestrian prompts, a raised hand and extended arm, on motorist yielding at uncontrolled crosswalks. The two prompts were effective at increasing yielding.
RESPONSE COMPETITION AND STIMULUS PREFERENCE IN THE TREATMENT OF AUTOMATICALLY REINFORCED BEHAVIOR: A COMPARISON
Authors: Groskreutz Mark P. , Groskreutz Nicole C. , Higbee Thomas S.
Published: September 2011

Clinicians are particularly challenged by the development of interventions for behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement because reinforcers that maintain the responses often cannot be directly observed or manipulated. Researchers have conducted either preference assessments or competing items assessments when developing effective treatments for behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement. However, interventions based on these assessments have not been directly compared. The current study evaluated procedures to make such a comparison. High‐competition items resulted in greater reductions in vocal stereotypy than did high‐preference items for a preschool boy with autism.
Simulation and optimization of an experimental membrane wastewater treatment plant using computational intelligence methods
Authors: Ludwig T. , Kern P. , Bongards M. , Wolf C.
Published: August 2011

The optimization of relaxation and filtration times of submerged microfiltration flat modules in membrane bioreactors used for municipal wastewater treatment is essential for efficient plant operation. However, the optimization and control of such plants and their filtration processes is a challenging problem due to the underlying highly nonlinear and complex processes. This paper presents the use of genetic algorithms for this optimization problem in conjunction with a fully calibrated simulation model, as computational intelligence methods are perfectly suited to the nonconvex multi-objective nature of the optimization problems posed by these complex systems. The simulation model is developed and calibrated using membrane modules from the wastewater simulation software GPS-X based on the Activated Sludge Model No.1 (ASM1). Simulation results have been validated at a technical reference plant. They clearly show that filtration process costs for cleaning and energy can be reduced significantly by intelligent process optimization.
Monitoring the variations of the oxygen transfer rate in a full scale membrane bioreactor using daily mass balances
Authors: Racault Y. , Stricker A.-E. , Husson A. , Gillot S.
Published: August 2011

Oxygen transfer in biological wastewater treatment processes with high sludge concentration, such as membrane bioreactor (MBR), is an important issue. The variation of α-factor versus mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration was investigated in a full scale MBR plant under process conditions, using mass balances. Exhaustive data from the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) and from additional online sensors (COD, DO, MLSS) were used to calculate the daily oxygen consumption (OC) using a non-steady state mass balance for COD and total N on a 24-h basis. To close the oxygen balance, OC has to match the total oxygen transfer rate (OTRtot) of the system, which is provided by fine bubble (FB) diffusers in the aeration tank and coarse bubbles (CB) in separate membrane tanks. First assessing OTRCB, then closing the balance OC=OTRtot allowed to calculate OTRFB and to fit an exponential relationship between OTRFB and MLSS. A comparison of the α-factor obtained by this balance method and by direct measurements with the off-gas method on the same plant is presented and discussed.
A new sewage exfiltration model – parameters and calibration
Authors: Karpf Christian , Krebs Peter
Published: August 2011

Exfiltration of waste water from sewer systems represents a potential danger for the soil and the aquifer. Common models, which are used to describe the exfiltration process, are based on the law of Darcy, extended by a more or less detailed consideration of the expansion of leaks, the characteristics of the soil and the colmation layer. But, due to the complexity of the exfiltration process, the calibration of these models includes a significant uncertainty. In this paper, a new exfiltration approach is introduced, which implements the dynamics of the clogging process and the structural conditions near sewer leaks. The calibration is realised according to experimental studies and analysis of groundwater infiltration to sewers. Furthermore, exfiltration rates and the sensitivity of the approach are estimated and evaluated, respectively, by Monte-Carlo simulations.
Toxicity assessment of free form of heavy metals in aqueous media on earthworm Eudrillus eugeniae
Authors: Sharma V. , Chaudhari P. R. , Satyanarayan S.
Published: August 2011

Metals are found in free and also in combined forms. In order to get information on the effect of free forms of heavy metals on earthworms the aqueous extracts of metals were tested on earthworms both in individual form and also in combined form. Different concentrations, i.e. 1 ppm, 5 ppm, and 10 ppm, were selected arbitrarily and were used in the experiments. Metals like copper, cadmium, chromium, zinc and lead were used. Earthworms’ Eudrillus eugeniae activity, i.e. their response to the toxicity of metals, was monitored continuously for 5 h. It can be concluded that free form/ionic form/dissolved form of heavy metals are more toxic for earthworms, concurrent with findings of workers who have drawn same inference during studies on aquatic organisms. Earthworms can serve as biomarkers for wastewater and sludge treatment studies as they have shown typical adverse body reactions and symptoms altogether different in reaction to each of the metals during aqueous medium studies. It can be inferred that, if earthworms are utilised for treating wastewater and sludges containing these five heavy metals, one can ascertain the presence of individual metal concentrations in the wastewaters and sludges by studying the typical body reactions of earthworms during the treatment.
Ozone-based reclamation of an STP effluent
Authors: Rodríguez A. , Rosal R. , Gomez M. J. , García-Calvo E. , Fernandez-Alba A. R.
Published: August 2011

The system ozone and hydrogen peroxide was used to reclaim wastewater from the secondary clarifier from a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) of Alcalá de Henares (Madrid-Spain). The assays were performed by bubbling a gas mixture of oxygen and ozone, with ∼24 g Nm−3 of ozone concentration, through a volume of wastewater samples for 20 minutes at 25°C . The removal of dissolved micropollutants such as Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) and Organic Carbon (TOC) was enhanced by adding periodic pulses of hydrogen peroxide while keeping pH above 8.0 throughout the runs. Removal efficiency ratios in the range of 7–26 mg O3/mg TOC and 0.24 mg O3 /ng micropollutants at 5 minutes of ozonation were assessed as reference data to reclaim wastewater from STP. The relation between the extent of TOC removed and ozone doses used was related by a second-order kinetic model in which the time-integrated ozone-hydrogen peroxide concentration was included.
Activated sludge modelling: development and potential use of a practical applications database
Authors: Hauduc H. , Rieger L. , Ohtsuki T. , Shaw A. , Takács I. , Winkler S. , Héduit A. , Vanrolleghem P. A. , Gillot S.
Published: August 2011

This study aims at synthesizing experiences in the practical application of ASM type models. The information is made easily accessible to model users by creating a database of modelling projects. This database includes answers to a questionnaire that was sent out to model users in 2008 to provide inputs for a Scientific and Technical Report of the IWA Task Group on Good Modelling Practice – Guidelines for use of activated sludge models, and a literature review on published modelling projects. The database is analysed to determine which biokinetic model parameters are usually changed by modellers, in which ranges, and what values are typically used for seven selected activated sludge models. These results should help model users in the calibration step, by providing typical parameter values as a starting point and ranges as a guide. However, the proposed values should be used with great care since they are the result of averaging practical experience and not taking into account specific parameter correlations.
Optimization of Fenton process for decoloration and COD removal in tobacco wastewater and toxicological evaluation of the effluent
Authors: Wang Meizhen , Yang Guiqin , Feng Huajun , Lv Zhenmei , Min Hang
Published: August 2011

Decoloration and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in tobacco wastewater by Fenton process has been optimized under 25 ± 2 °C. The results showed that the optimal range of conditions were pH 4.13–4.66, Fe2+ 0.29–0.34 g/L and H2O2 ≥ 2.73 g/L. Within this range, up to 95% of colour and 90% of COD was removed. In an enlarged system, setting the optimal conditions as pH 4.50, Fe2+ 0.34 g/L and H2O2 4.00 g/L, the colour removal rate was 96.03 ± 2.57%, with COD removal rate of 93.30 ± 2.92%. The residual COD of 73.67 ± 19.70 mg/L in effluent had hit the State's first-class standard for the industrial discharge in China (<100 mg/L COD, GB8978-1996). The ecological safety of Fenton process has also been evaluated. When reaction completed, the content of hydroxyl free radical (·OH) was 3.26 ± 0.44 mg/L. There was no inhibition of Fenton effluent in growth of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas sp. HF-1, Acinetobacter sp. TW and Sphingomonas sp. TY. No oxidative stress was induced on strain HF-1 by Fenton effluent. Thus, Fenton process was one of high-efficiency and ecologically safe strategy for tobacco wastewater advanced treatment.
Application of the material flow analysis method for evaluating Strategic Sanitation Plan in Sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Fada N'Gourma–Burkina Faso
Authors: Yiougo Lydie , Koanda Halidou , Luethi Christoph , Wéthé Joseph
Published: August 2011

In the context of rapid urbanization across Sub-Saharan Africa there is a critical need for more robust decision-making between different ways of providing sanitation services in existing and new peri-urban areas. In several countries, authorities tried to find solutions by developing strategies to address sanitation problems in the form of Strategic Sanitation Plans. In Burkina, Strategic Sanitation Plans have been elaborated and implemented since the 1990s. Fada N'Gourma, a secondary city in Burkina, also adopted a Strategic Plan for wastewater and excreta management in 2006. In this study we use material flow analysis as a decision making tool to verify technology options of the Plan. A model was developed and data was collected in order to assess material and nitrogen flows. The status quo situation was compared to scenario based on the proposals made in the Sanitation Plan.

Results show that the technology options which were recommended improved human health in the short term. However, the options led to groundwater pollution in the medium term. Compared to the current situation, matter and nitrogen flows would increase by 7% and 7.4% respectively in groundwater. It is thus concluded that the proposed options will not achieve the Plan's stated objectives of environmental protection.
Monitoring pH and ORP in a SHARON reactor
Authors: Claros J. , Serralta J. , Seco A. , Ferrer J. , Aguado D.
Published: August 2011

This paper analyses the valuable information provided by the on-line measurements of pH and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in a continuous single high ammonia removal over nitrite (SHARON) reactor. A laboratory-scale SHARON reactor equipped with pH, ORP, electric conductivity and dissolved oxygen (DO) probes has been operated for more than one year. Nitrogen removal over nitrite has been achieved by adding methanol at the beginning of anoxic stages. Time evolution of pH and ORP along each cycle allows identifying the decrease in nitritation rate when ammonia is consumed during the aerobic phase and the end of the denitrification process during the anoxic phase. Therefore, monitoring pH and ORP can be used to develop a real-time control system aimed at optimizing the length of both aerobic and anoxic stages. Real-time control of methanol addition can be carried out by using the information provided by these probes: excessive methanol addition in the anoxic stage is clearly detected in the ORP profile of the following aerobic phase, while a deficit of methanol is detected in both pH and ORP profiles of that anoxic phase. Moreover, other valuable information such as the amount of ammonia nitrified, failures in DO measurements, excessive stirring during the anoxic stage and methanol dosage in the aerobic phase was also provided by the pH and ORP profiles.
Pre-ozonation in the activated sludge process: fate of nitrogen species
Authors: Garcia-Orozco J. H. , Vargas-Martinez A. , Ayala-Arnez M. A.
Published: August 2011

The objective of this research was to include ozonation prior to an activated sludge treatment and investigate the effect on the nitrogen species, their fate and the consequences of this oxidation upon the biomass. Three parallel treatment systems were used: the base system, where feed went directly to the activated sludge reactor, and two others, where the influent was ozonated at two different dosages, 15 and 25 mg/L of influent, prior to the biological reactors. The results from the ozonation chamber show a high oxidation capacity of the entering ammonia and organic nitrogen, proportional to the ozone dose. The oxidation product was nitrate. No de-nitrification was expected because a high oxygen concentration (4 mg/L) was maintained in the reactors. The reactors receiving ozonated influent showed a lower assimilation of nitrogen by the biomass. The sludge nitrogen content resulted in 11, 9.3 and 7.4% dry-weight corresponding to no-ozone, low ozone and high ozone dosages, respectively. In spite of the lower ammonia available in the ozonated flows, the corresponding reactors showed a higher specific nitrification rate. The ozonated system also performed better in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) removals, besides showing a higher true biomass yield coefficient.
Investigating the spatial–temporal variation of nitrogen cycling in an urban river in the North China Plain
Authors: Wang J. , Pei Y. S. , Zhang K. J. , Gao G. , Yang Z. F.
Published: August 2011

Urban rivers are essential in retaining nutrients, but little is known about nitrogen cycling in these rivers in semiarid areas. We measured chemical and isotopic compositions of ammonium (NH4+-N) and nitrate (NO3−-N) to investigate spatial–temporal variation of nitrogen cycling in the Fuhe River in the North China Plain. Nitrogen pollution in the river was mainly induced by extra NH4+-N inputs which come from the discharges of urban sewage and effluents of wastewater treatment plants in upstream. NH4+-N obtained from decomposing organic matter of sediments can diffuse into the overlying water. Intense nitrification then occurs at the terrestrial–aquatic interface. Due to less vegetation in spring and autumn, loss of NH4+-N is mainly caused by nitrification. In contrast, significant NH4+-N is absorbed by plants in summer. NO3−-N generated from nitrification can be denitrified during the study period. The highest NO3−-N loss (about 86.3%) was observed in summer. The contribution of NO3−-N loss due to denitrification is 44.6%. The remaining 55.4% is due to plant uptake. The results suggested that nitrogen cycling in the river is related to temperature and dry–wet cycles. And vegetation restoration along the river could benefit the incremental improvements to the aquatic ecosystem.
Several natural indicators of radial well ageing at the Belgrade Groundwater Source, part 1
Authors: Dimkić M. , Pušić M. , Vidovic D. , Petković A. , Boreli-Zdravković Dj.
Published: August 2011

Over time, the radial collector wells of the Belgrade Groundwater Source, located in the alluvial sediments of the Sava River, exhibit a decline in discharge and a reduction in operating efficiency due to well ageing. An increase in hydraulic losses at the lateral screens, due to chemical and biochemical clogging, has been identified as the primary cause. Certain hydrogeological, hydrochemical and microbiological parameters reflect the well-ageing process and can, therefore, be considered as its indicators. An indicator-based determination of scale is an important aspect in the selection of appropriate well locations, structural characteristics, and maintenance approaches. Well ageing was studied over a period of 5 years (2005–2009). The objective was to investigate the causes of well ageing. The correlations established between the groundwater redox potential, the total iron concentration in groundwater, the grain-size distribution of the aquifer, and well discharge, are presented in the paper.
Modified Technique for Vital Bleaching of Teeth Pigmented by Amalgam: A Case Report
Authors: Calazans FS , Dias KRHC , Miranda MS
Published: August 2011

Clinical Relevance

This technique provides an esthetic, and conservative alternative to the mechanical removal of amalgam pigmentation.
Effects of Specific Training on Frame Dependence
Authors: Elliott Rogers , McMichael Robert E.
Published: September 2011

Forty-four normal adults were screened on the rod and frame test and two groups, each consisting of seven persons who made relatively large errors, were given training specifically designed to improve their performances. The first group received instructions on how to resist the influence of the tilted frame and how to use bodily cues. The second group received the same training, plus feedback and discussion of each judgment. The first group did not improve. The second did, but the improvement was transient and disappeared upon later retesting under standard conditions. Test-retest correlations within both groups were high.
The Frame Illusion: A Rectification
Authors: Kuennapas Theodor M.
Published: September 2011

A correction of misquotations made by Sayons and Prysiazniuk, and suggestions for explaining the “bow-tie effect” by principles of the frame illusion as well as measuring quantitatively that effect and the frame illusion are offered.
Reminiscence, Drive and Personality Theory: Replication
Authors: Star Kolman H.
Published: September 2011

In a modified replication of Eysenck's (1956) study similar relations between extraversion and reminiscence were obtained. However, the relations between neuroticism and reminiscence contradicted Eysenck's findings.
Field Independence and Concept Formation
Authors: Elkind David , Koegler Ronald R. , Go Elsie
Published: September 2011

Thirty men and 26 women were tested on Witkin's adaptation of the Gottschaldt Embedded Figures Test and on the Shipley Hartford Scale. Results showed that field independent men and women scored significantly higher than the field dependent men and women on the Shipley Abstraction Scale but not on the Shipley Verbal Scale. The findings were interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that field independence is an asset on tests that require perceptual concept formation (the abstraction of elements and relations from things rather than from words) although other studies have found that it was not beneficial on tests that require verbal concept formation (the abstraction of elements and relations from words rather than from things).
Contour Detectability Threshold as a Function of Chronological Age
Authors: Pollack Robert H.
Published: September 2011

Evidence from various areas of investigation was cited to support the view that an aging process in the visual receptor mechanism might be expected to bring about a rise in contour detectability thresholds. Support was also garnered for the view that certain geometrical illusions which decline with chronological age are determined by the degree of figure-ground contrast (or contour strength) of their inducing lines. Two experiments were carried out, the first to measure contour detectability thresholds at 5 age levels (8 yr. to 12 yr.), and the second to measure the magnitude of a modified Mueller-Lyer illusion at these age levels. Both experiments yielded significant results in the expected directions. Correlation of the results based on common Ss yielded a significant negative r. Intelligence correlated negatively to a significant degree with contour detectability threshold, but not with magnitude of illusion. Possible implications were discussed.
The Rorschach Test: A Perceptual or a Grammatical Device?
Authors: Wagoner Robert A.
Published: September 2011

The response measures of form, movement, and color on the Rorschach are noted to be identical to the use of nouns, verbs, and adjectives in the utterances of S. Since grammatical categories are almost impossible to equate with perceptual concepts, theoretical notions which regard the Rorschach as a perceptual test are closely questioned.
Personal Values and Selective Perception of Speech
Authors: Paivio Allan , Steeves Ray
Published: September 2011

Ss listened to tape-recordings on which two voices simultaneously spoke material related to different personal values. Asked to write what they had heard, Ss reproduced more of the material related to a dominant personal value than of material related to a less dominant value, values being measured by the Allport-Vernon-Lindzey Study of Values. Stronger relations were obtained when the recording involved material related to religious and theoretical values only, than when recorded material incorporating all six values was used.
Laboratory Behavior of the Mephitis Mephitis
Authors: Heckel R. V. , Wiggins S. L.
Published: September 2011

This paper brings to the attention of other researchers the potential value of a truly American species of animal, the Mephitis mephitis or striped skunk. He is a hearty, friendly, intelligent appearing animal who at least superficially may be considered similar to man in several ways. He prefers nocturnal rather than diurnal patterns of activity. Problems of care and experimental utilization are described.
Selective Registration of Information in Visual Judgment of Surface Slant
Authors: Flock Howard R.
Published: September 2011

Two surface textures projected theoretically adequate spatial information but induced different constant errors over a series of 32 Ss' slant judgments. On measuring judgmental errors for a surface combining both textures, the errors replicated those for one of the original textures, thereby suggesting selective registration from the total available information.
Procedural Considerations of the Spiral Aftereffect Test
Authors: Roehrig William C. , Rutschmann Jacques
Published: September 2011

In Exp. I durations of the aftereffects under the conditions of successive observations of an expanding spiral, successive observations of a contracting spiral, and alternate observations of an expanding and a contracting spiral indicated that alternate observation of an expanding and a contracting spiral yielded spiral aftereffects (SAEs) of shorter duration for both spirals than did successive observations of each spiral alone. The mean duration of the SAE for the non-alternating condition exceeded that for the alternating condition by 4.07 sec. (42%) for the expanding spiral and 3.17 sec. (20%) for the contracting spiral. The contracting spiral yielded SAEs of longer duration than did the expanding spiral under both the conditions of alternation and non-alternation and by about the same absolute amount. No change is expected from repeated exposure to the SAE test, since there was no significant change from the first to the third block of 40 trials. In Exp. II the effect of the width of the spiral on the duration of aftereffect was studied under conditions of successive observations of an expanding and a contracting spiral. Results showed that a spiral composed of equal parts black and white yielded SAEs of longer duration than did a spiral of 25% black and 75% white, or 75% black and 25% white.
Psychodiagnostic Theory of the Seven-Squares Test
Authors: Hector H.
Published: September 2011

The Seven-Squares Test (Hector, 1952) is a projective mosaic test of extreme simplicity. S is asked to design a non-representational pattern. There are no standard instructions suitable for all samples. The test was introduced with a view to analyse created patterns on a rigid-flexible-labile scale assuming corresponding personality qualities. Reliability and validity should be investigated with the assistance of S himself. The apperception of the pictorial creation by the creator is considered to be of projective significance. The test material has stimulated experiments and research in a diversity of directions.
Sensory Discrimination of Children with Cerebral Palsy: Pressure/Pain Thresholds on the Foot
Authors: Weidenbacker Rheta , Sandry Martin , Moed George
Published: September 2011

The pressure/pain thresholds (p/pT) of 30 normal children and 30 cerebral palsied (CP) children were compared. Three measurements of p/pT were taken on each of five areas of the plantar surface of the foot. Rank-order correlations between these areas were all significant. In each group, the heel was the least sensitive and the mid-arch was the most sensitive, except in the CP walkers where the first metatarsal was the least sensitive. On the five areas of the foot tested, the CP non-walkers had lower thresholds than the normals, and the normals had lower thresholds than the CP walkers on four of the areas. When the difference was considered, significant differences were found between the CP non-walkers and the CP walkers on the big toe, the first metatarsal, and the fifth metatarsal. The ratio for non-walkers also differed from that of normals on the big toe and the first metatarsal. The variability is large in both groups, but the normal group was more variable than the CP group. There was a trial effect which showed highest thresholds on the third trial in the normal group and on the second trial in the CP group. The two groups differed when compared on the basis of p/pT. These differences should be studied further. The meaning of these data should be reconsidered when analysis of data on other sensory tests on the same children have been completed. A first step in developing a reliable quantitative method for use in comparing thresholds of either areas of the foot or of groups of Ss has been taken. Thus, clinical judgments need no longer be the standard employed in making such comparisons.
Measurement of Occupational Preferences: A Comparison of Scaling Methods
Authors: Kuennapas T. , Wikstroem Inger
Published: September 2011

Two direct and one indirect scaling methods were used to construct scales of occupational preferences. The scales constructed by the direct methods of magnitude estimation and ratio estimation were linearly related. The pair comparison scale was found to be a logarithmic function of the magnitude estimation scale and of the ratio estimation scale. This was in line with the results obtained in several previous studies. It was suggested that the logarithmic relation between the pair comparison scale (R-scale) and the magnitude scale (ψ-scale) is due to the model of Case V. Application of Case VI, which is based on the lognormal distribution of subjective magnitudes and Weber's law for subjective continua and yields a logarithmic interval scale of subjective magnitude, would give a linear relation for prothetic continua. For metathetic continua Case V is probably applicable, yielding a linear relation between the indirect and direct scaling.