bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phagocytosis of dying tumor cells by human peritoneal mesothelial cells
Authors: Wagner Britta Janina , Lindau Dennis , Ripper Dagmar , Stierhof York-Dieter , Glatzle Jörg , Witte Maria , Beck Henning , Keppeler Hildegard , Lauber Kirsten , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Königsrainer Alfred
Published: April 2011

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is an advanced form of metastatic disease characterized by cancer cell dissemination onto the peritoneum. It is commonly observed in ovarian and colorectal cancers and is associated with poor patient survival. Novel therapies consist of cytoreductive surgery in combination with intraperitoneal chemotherapy, aiming at tumor cell death induction. The resulting dying tumor cells are considered to be eliminated by professional as well as semi-professional phagocytes. In the present study, we have identified a hitherto unknown type of ‘amateur’ phagocyte in this environment: human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HMCs). We demonstrate that HMCs engulf corpses of dying ovarian and colorectal cancer cells, as well as other types of apoptotic cells. Flow cytometric, confocal and electron microscopical analyses revealed that HMCs ingest dying cell fragments in a dose- and time-dependent manner and the internalized material subsequently traffics into late phagolysosomes. Regarding the mechanisms of prey cell recognition, our results show that HMCs engulf apoptotic corpses in a serum-dependent and -independent fashion and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses revealed that diverse opsonin receptor systems orchestrating dying cell clearance are expressed in HMCs at high levels. Our data strongly suggest that HMCs contribute to dying cell removal in the peritoneum, and future studies will elucidate in what manner this influences tumor cell dissemination and the antitumor immune response.
PEX14 is required for microtubule-based peroxisome motility in human cells
Authors: Bharti Pratima , Schliebs Wolfgang , Schievelbusch Tanja , Neuhaus Alexander , David Christine , Kock Klaus , Herrmann Christian , Meyer Helmut E. , Wiese Sebastian , Warscheid Bettina , Theiss Carsten , Erdmann Ralf
Published: April 2011

We have established a procedure for isolating native peroxisomal membrane protein complexes from cultured human cells. Protein-A-tagged peroxin 14 (PEX14), a central component of the peroxisomal protein translocation machinery was genomically expressed in Flp-In-293 cells and purified from digitonin-solubilized membranes. Size-exclusion chromatography revealed the existence of distinct multimeric PEX14 assemblies at the peroxisomal membrane. Using mass spectrometric analysis, almost all known human peroxins involved in protein import were identified as constituents of the PEX14 complexes. Unexpectedly, tubulin was discovered to be the major PEX14-associated protein, and direct binding of the proteins was demonstrated. Accordingly, peroxisomal remnants in PEX14-deficient cells have lost their ability to move along microtubules. In vivo and in vitro analyses indicate that the physical binding to tubulin is mediated by the conserved N-terminal domain of PEX14. Thus, human PEX14 is a multi-tasking protein that not only facilitates peroxisomal protein import but is also required for peroxisome motility by serving as membrane anchor for microtubules.
The guanine nucleotide exchange factor Arhgef5 plays crucial roles in Src-induced podosome formation
Authors: Kuroiwa Miho , Oneyama Chitose , Nada Shigeyuki , Okada Masato
Published: April 2011

Podosomes and invadopodia are actin-rich membrane protrusions that play a crucial role in cell adhesion and migration, and extracellular matrix remodeling in normal and cancer cells. The formation of podosomes and invadopodia is promoted by upregulation of some oncogenic molecules and is closely related to the invasive potential of cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the podosome and invadopodium formation still remain unclear. Here, we show that a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rho family GTPases (Arhgef5) is crucial for Src-induced podosome formation. Using an inducible system for Src activation, we found that Src-induced podosome formation depends upon the Src SH3 domain, and identified Arhgef5 as a Src SH3-binding protein. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated depletion of Arhgef5 caused robust inhibition of Src-dependent podosome formation. Overexpression of Arhgef5 promoted actin stress fiber remodeling through activating RhoA, and the activation of RhoA or Cdc42 was required for Src-induced podosome formation. Arhgef5 was tyrosine-phosphorylated by Src and bound to Src to positively regulate its activity. Furthermore, the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of Arhgef5 was required for podosome formation, and Arhgef5 formed a ternary complex with Src and phosphoinositide 3-kinase when Src and/or Arhgef5 were upregulated. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of podosome and invadopodium formation induced by Src upregulation.
Incorporation and Template Polymerization of Styrene in Single-walled Bilayer Membrane Nanotubes
Authors: Jintoku Hirokuni , Okazaki Yutaka , Ono Shota , Takafuji Makoto , Ihara Hirotaka
Published: April 2011

A facile method is demonstrated for fabricating nanofibrillar polymers using single-walled lipid bilayer nanotubes as templates. The versatility of this method is emphasized by easy incorporation of monomer into nanotubes, sufficient stability of template structures during polymerization, and easy removal of template lipids.
pH Responsive Soft Vesicles through Self-assembly of Peptide β-Turns
Authors: Kar Sudeshna , Pramanik Animesh
Published: April 2011

The meta-aminobenzoic acid-inserted peptide β-turns are found to generate well-structured vesicles from methanol/water solution through molecular self-assembly. Fluorescence microscopy and UV studies reveal that the nanovesicles can encapsulate dye molecules which can be released by addition of acid (at pH 2.0).
Enhanced Solvent Exfoliation of Graphite to Graphene Dispersion in the Presence of Polymer Additive
Authors: Lee Jung Yup , In Insik
Published: April 2011

Enhanced solvent exfoliation of graphite to graphene dispersion is simply accomplished in the presence of various polymer additives. Use of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) produces exfoliated graphene dispersion up to concentration of 13 µg mL−1, which is much higher than the concentration of graphene dispersion without polymer stabilizer.
Highly Dichroic and Luminescent Triphenodioxazine Dyes
Authors: Tanaka Toshihiko , Ashida Toru , Matsumoto Shinya
Published: April 2011

We report herein a triphenodioxazine dye, which is highly dichroic and luminescent in liquid crystal (LC). The dye shows remarkable polarization dependence resulting from its high orientational order up to 0.88: the dichroic ratios from its absorption and that from the emission reach 22.1 and 67.7, respectively. Such high order has never been reported for luminescent dyes in LC, thus showing appreciable potential advantage for some applications.
Food allergy: which tests are worth doing and which are not?
Authors: Lock Robert J , Unsworth David J
Published: April 2011

Adverse reactions to foods may arise by a variety of mechanisms, both immune (IgE and non-IgE) and non-immune mediated. This article considers those assays useful in the diagnosis of Type 1 hypersensitivity to foods (IgE-based) and, importantly, discusses those assays where evidence is lacking for their use. In all cases of suspected food allergy, a full clinical history is indispensable in facilitating diagnosis. Total serum IgE is not a suitable screen for food allergy. Suspect allergens may be confirmed by either skin prick testing or serological assays for specific IgE. Several studies suggest concentrations of food-specific IgE at which there is a high probability of reaction on food challenge. These cut-off levels are now being used by physicians to direct clinical advice. However, it is important to note that not all studies agree on these limits and the chosen cut-off is dependent on the population studied and the assay used.
Detection of unruptured cerebral artery aneurysms by MRA at 3.0 tesla: comparison with multislice helical computed tomographic angiography
Authors: Numminen Jussi , Tarkiainen Antti , Niemelä Mika , Porras Matti , Hernesniemi Juha , Kangasniemi Marko
Published: April 2011

Background

Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) has become the primary non-invasive method for detection of cerebral artery aneurysms in many neurovascular centers.

Purpose

To compare MR-angiography at a 3.0 tesla (3T) scanner to CTA in the detection of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Material and Methods

CTA and 3T MRA data from 60 patients were evaluated. CTA was obtained with a 4–16-row helical CT-scanner after administration of 120 cc intravenous contrast agent, MRA was performed by a 3T MR-scanner using time-of-flight pulse sequence.

Results

Fifty-five cerebral artery aneurysms were detected by MRA and 47 aneurysms by CTA. Most of the aneurysms detected by MRA but not by CTA were small internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. Bone structures and venous enhancement deteriorated CTA accuracy, especially in skull base. In one patient a fairly large anterior communicating artery aneurysm was not visible in MRA due to spin saturation, although it was clearly visualized in CTA. After contrast injection the aneurysm was also seen in MRA. Although the overall image quality of MRA and CTA were comparable, MRA was more susceptible to artifacts and thus re-formatted surface-shaded volume rendered 3-dimensional images of aneurysms from MRA were inferior compared to those from CTA.

Conclusion

MRA at 3T appears to be at least as sensitive as CTA in the detection of unruptured cerebral artery aneurysms, however image quality control is crucial and contrast agent enhances visualization of complex and large aneurysms.
Focal time-to-peak changes on perfusion MRI in children with Moyamoya disease: correlation with conventional angiography
Authors: Choi Hyun Seok , Kim Dong-Seok , Shim Kyu-Won , Kim Jinna , Kim Eun Soo , Lee Seung-Koo
Published: April 2011

Background

Moyamoya disease is a chronic progressive steno-occlusion of the distal internal carotid arteries with unknown etiology. As the classical presentation of childhood Moyamoya disease is ischemic stroke, cerebral hemodynamic evaluation is important for patient selection for surgery to prevent recurrent ischemic attacks. Perfusion MR imaging has been applied to evaluate cerebral hemodynamics.

Purpose

To correlate the ‘basal time-to-peak preservation sign’, ‘auto-synangiosis sign’, and ‘posterior involvement sign’ on time-to-peak map of perfusion MRI with catheter angiography.

Material and Methods

Thirty-four children (6.91 ± 3.08 years) with Moyamoya disease who underwent both perfusion-weighted MRI and catheter angiography were enrolled in this study. Given catheter angiography as a reference standard, basal time-to-peak preservation sign, auto-synangiosis sign, and posterior involvement sign were evaluated on time-to-peak maps.

Results

The basal time-to-peak preservation sign was accurate for the diagnosis of childhood Moyamoya disease; both sensitivity and specificity were 100%. The auto-synangiosis sign showed lower sensitivity (65%), however, with an acceptable specificity (98%). The posterior involvement sign showed lower sensitivity (61%) but had an acceptable specificity (96%).

Conclusion

The basal time-to-peak preservation sign may be a universal finding in childhood Moyamoya disease. The auto-synangiosis and posterior involvement sign may be useful in determining transdural collateral status and posterior circulation involvement in childhood Moyamoya disease.
Adsorption of Acid Blue 129 from Aqueous Solutions onto Raw and Surfactant-Modified Bentonite: Application of Temperature-Dependent Forms of Adsorption Isotherms
Authors: Yesi  , Sisnandy Fiona Patricia , Ju Yi-Hsu , Soetaredjo Felycia Edi , Ismadji Suryadi
Published: April 2011

Modification of raw bentonite from Ponorogo, East Java, Indonesia by microwave irradiation using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was studied. The adsorption capabilities of raw bentonite and its modified form were examined through their use in the removal of Acid Blue 129 from aqueous solution. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic experiments were conducted at four temperatures (25, 30, 40 and 50 °C). The fitting of the corresponding experimental data was tested using the temperature-dependent forms of the Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips and Toth equations. The Sips equation gave a better representation of the adsorption data, together with reasonable values of the fitted parameters. Two well-known kinetic models, the pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order, were used to correlate the adsorption kinetic data, with the pseudo-first-order model giving the better results. Both physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms occurred during the adsorption process, with the main controlling mechanism being physical adsorption.
Response Surface Methodology for Optimizing Adsorption Process Parameters for Methylene Blue Removal by a Hydrogel Composite
Authors: Liu Yi , Zheng Yian , Wang Aiqin
Published: April 2011

Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the adsorption parameters of Methylene Blue onto a chitosan- g-poly(acrylic acid)/halloysite hydrogel composite with 50% halloysite content. Such optimization was undertaken to ensure a high efficiency over the experimental ranges employed, and to evaluate the interactive effects of the initial concentration of Methylene Blue, the pH and the temperature on the adsorption process in order to improve the conditions employed in the batch process. A total of 17 adsorption experimental runs were carried out employing the detailed conditions designed by response surface methodology based on the Box–Behnken design. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that a second-order polynomial regression equation was the most appropriate for fitting the experimental data. The experimental confirmation tests showed a correlation between the predicted and experimental responses (R2 = 0.9904). The optimal point obtained was located in the valid region and the optimum adsorption parameters were predicted as an initial Methylene Blue concentration of 1034 mg/ℓ, a pH value of 6.1 and a temperature of 41 °C. Under these adsorption conditions, a higher adsorption capacity of 1336.05 mg/g was achieved from a simulated dye solution.
Phenol Adsorption and Photo-Oxidation on Porous Carbon/Titania Composites
Authors: Velasco Leticia F. , Parra José B. , Ania Conchi O.
Published: April 2011

Carbon/titania composites with different loadings were prepared and investigated for phenol adsorption and photo-oxidation from dilute aqueous solutions. The rate of phenol adsorption increased when titanium oxide (P25, Degussa) was immobilized on the carbon support due to the porous features of the resulting C/TiO2 composites. The kinetics of phenol adsorption were very fast for samples containing low titanium oxide contents, whereas titania loadings above 20 wt% presented some operational problems that prevented their application in aqueous solutions. Those C/TiO2 composites which exhibited higher adsorption rates in the absence of illumination also showed a more rapid disappearance of phenol from aqueous solution under UV light, together with the formation of lower amounts of intermediates. Removal efficiencies close to 100% were obtained for C/TiO2 composites containing ca. 10–15 wt% titanium oxide, with preferential oxidation of phenol through the formation of catechol.
Characterization of the Adsorption of 2,4-Dinitrophenol from Aqueous Solution onto Bovine Bone Char by Immersion Calorimetry
Authors: Murillo-Acevedo Y.S. , Giraldo L. , Moreno-Piraján J.C.
Published: April 2011

The immersion enthalpies of bovine bone char in aqueous solutions of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) of 10, 30, 50, 70 and 100 mg/ℓ concentration were determined. The results showed that the amount of DNP adsorbed and the variation in the immersion enthalpy depended upon the concentration of the solution. For low concentrations, both an increase in the immersion enthalpy and in the amount of DNP adsorbed occurred, whereas at high concentrations there was a corresponding decrease in the immersion enthalpy and the adsorption percentage.
Modelling and Searching of Combinatorial Spaces Based on Markov Logic Networks
Authors: Biba Marenglen , Ferilli Stefano , Esposito Floriana
Published: April 2011

Markov Logic Networks (MLNs) combine Markov networks (MNs) and first-order logic by attaching weights to first-order formulas and using these as templates for features of MNs. Learning the structure of MLNs is performed by state-of-the-art methods by maximizing the likelihood of a relational database. This leads to suboptimal results for prediction tasks due to the mismatch between the objective function (likelihood) and the task of classification (maximizing conditional likelihood (CL)).

In this paper we propose two algorithms for learning the structure of MLNs. The first maximizes the CL of query predicates instead of the joint likelihood of all predicates while the other maximizes the area under the Precision-Recall curve (AUC). Both algorithms set the parameters by maximum likelihood and choose structures by maximizing CL or AUC. For each of these algorithms we develop two different searching strategies. The first is based on Iterated Local Search and the second on Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure. We compare the performances of these randomized search approaches on real-world datasets and show that on larger datasets, the ILS-based approaches perform better, both in terms of CLL and AUC, while on small datasets, ILS and RBS approaches are competitive and RBS can also lead to better results for AUC.
The civically engaged university model in Colombia
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez Maria-Alejandra
Published: April 2011

The role that higher education institutions (HEIs) play in the communities to which they belong is a topic that has received attention from academics, policy-makers and HEI managers in recent years. This article provides a comprehensive outline in the area of communityuniversity partnerships (CUPs). It focuses on the active engagement of universities in the communities they serve, their models of collaboration, the motivations behind them and the impact on the social, cultural and economic development of their localities as well as the challenges for the wider community and for the life of higher education. It summarizes the current situation in Colombia and presents examples of models of CUPs around the world.
Process and results of integrated farming development by a farmer experimental group in rainfed Northeast Thailand
Authors: Sukchan Uchada , Caldwell John S , Oda Masato , Suphanchaimat Nongluck , Taweekul Krailert , Phaowphaisal Iittipon , Sukchan Somsak
Published: April 2011

A process for developing integrated farming was tested in on-farm research. Research agenda setting with farmers indicated that integrated farming made up nearly 40 per cent of farmers' goals. The first component tested was rainy season vegetable production. On-farm trials compared
mesh (farmer proposed), clear plastic (researcher proposed) roofs and no roofs over three years. Plastic had positive net benefits for tomato, but roofs were not economic for shallot and corianders. Water use under plastic was 34123 per cent higher than under mesh. Companion research on station
validated improved water flow of the farmer proposed flat mesh roof compared to other shapes. Custard apple water management was added as the second component. After two years, 30 per cent higher revenue was obtained from pruning, and water use once every fortnight (farmer proposed) and once
a week (researcher proposed) increased revenue by an additional 10 and 11 per cent, respectively.
Risk management of large-scale development projects in developing countries: Cases from MDI's projects
Authors: Baydoun Mohammad
Published: April 2011

The aim of this article is to develop a risk management system to be used for large-scale development projects in developing countries. Such a system can help project managers of this type of projects to gear their projects to different risk environments. Due to high level of risk associated
with large-scale development projects, the traditional risk management approach, which assumes that risk can be predicted and budgeted early on, is not adequate for application in the context of these projects. Each large-scale project has a high level of uniqueness that renders benchmarks
from databases generated out of previous projects obsolete. Therefore, a reactive risk management approach is being promoted. The formulated system defines the key milestones, at which risk needs to be assessed and proper reactions identified. This system is investigated in the context of
developing countries where investments in general are characterized by a high level of risk.
Europe's Path To Mars: The European Space Agency's Mars Express Mission
Authors: Russo Arturo
Published: April 2011

Mars Express is the first planetary mission accomplished by the European Space Agency (ESA). Launched in early June 2003, the spacecraft entered Mars's orbit on Christmas day of that year, demonstrating the new European commitment to planetary exploration. Following a failed attempt in the mid-1980s, two valid proposals for a European mission to Mars were submitted to ESA's decision-making bodies in the early 1990s, in step with renewed international interest in Mars exploration. Both were rejected, however, in the competitive selection process for the agency's Science Programme. Eventually, the Mars Express proposal emerged during a severe budgetary crisis in the mid-1990s as an exemplar of a “flexible mission” that could reduce project costs and development time. Its successful maneuvering through financial difficulties and conflicting scientific interests was due to the new management approach as well as to the public appeal of Mars exploration. In addition to providing a case study in the functioning of the ESA's Science Programme, the story of Mars Express discussed in this paper provides a case study in the functioning of the European Space Agency's Science Programme and suggests some general considerations on the peculiar position of space research in the general field of the history of science and technology.
From Oriental Studies to South Pacific Studies: The Multiple Origins of Vietnamese Studies in Japan, 1881 to 1951
Authors: Roustan Frédéric
Published: April 2011

Production of contemporary knowledge on Vietnam in Japan began in the early 1880s. The knowledge produced before 1930s was almost exclusively the result of non-academic and non-institutional research. This article explains how the production of knowledge developed and evolved in the framework of two distinct geographical concepts that also defined the two worlds in which Japanese knowledge of Asia was produced. I attempt to understand how a particular area of research was structured in relation to institutions, research methodologies, and the various actors who helped shape Vietnamese Studies in the context of Japanese expansion in Asia.
War Comes to Long An, the Classic We Hardly Know?
Authors: Montesano Michael J.
Published: April 2011

First published in 1972, Jeffrey Race's War Comes to Long An has never gone out of print. It has now been republished in an updated and expanded edition. While highly regarded among Southeast Asianists as a classic account of communist success in winning control of a strategic province in the Mekong Delta from the government of the Republic of Vietnam, War Comes to Long An is also a work of innovative social science. Attention to the book's long ignored social science and to the rational-choice foundations of its analysis opens up new perspectives on the “Scott-Popkin debate.” It suggests the need for reconsideration of the value of rational-choice approaches to the study not only of Southeast Asian politics but also of the modern history of the region, to which War Comes to Long An speaks in previously overlooked ways.
Analysis of the Alternative Splicing of an FGFR2 Transcript Due to a Novel 5′ Splice Site Mutation (1084+1G>A): Case Report
Authors: Traynis Ilana , Bernstein Jonathan A. , Gardner Phyllis , Schrijver Iris
Published: April 2011

Craniosynostosis is characterized by premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures and is associated with mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) genes. Here we describe a novel mutation (1084+1G>A) in the FGFR2 gene of a patient with isolated bicoronal synostosis. We detected two isoforms that result from the mutation and are characterized, respectively, by exon skipping and the use of a cryptic splice site. Interestingly, the alternatively spliced forms of FGFR2 appear to induce fusion of the cranial sutures suggesting that the mutation acts via a gain-of-function mechanism rather than a loss of protein functionality.
Take It Out of Class: Exploring Virtual Literature Circles
Authors: Bowers‐Campbell Joy
Published: April 2011

Fifteen graduate students enrolled in an English methods class were organized into three book clubs to participate in online literature discussion. Participants' posts about their reading included evidence of group harmony, text focus, text connections, and aesthetic responses. The findings suggest that an online format allows for natural, sophisticated discussion around text.
Adolescents and “Autographics”: Reading and Writing Coming‐of‐Age Graphic Novels
Authors: Hughes Janette Michelle , King Alyson , Perkins Peggy , Fuke Victor
Published: April 2011

Students at two different sites (a 12th‐grade English class focused on workplace preparation and an alternative program for students who had been expelled from school) read graphic novels and, using ComicLife software, created their own graphic sequences called “autographics” based on their personal experiences. The authors explore how image, text, and sound converged to make meaning for these adolescents as they read and wrote graphic novels and describe the literacy skills the learners developed.
Learning to Link Research, Practice, and Disciplinary Literacies: An Interview With Darin Stockdill
Authors: Stockdill Darin , Moore David W.
Published: April 2011

Darin Stockdill was a secondary school English and social studies teacher in Detroit. His early research with classroom instruction and professional development motivated him to begin doctoral study to explore how schools serving as research sites can become sites for professional development and collaboration. He finds an epistemic perspective on disciplinary literacies—a view of how scholars in different disciplines interpret and produce knowledge through their reading and writing—helps him think about how teaching and learning can be transformed for classrooms.
Science Visual Literacy: Learners' Perceptions and Knowledge of Diagrams
Authors: McTigue Erin M. , Flowers Amanda C.
Published: April 2011

Constructing meaning from science texts relies not only on comprehending the words but also the diagrams and other graphics. The goal of this study was to explore elementary students' perceptions of science diagrams and their skills related to diagram interpretation. 30 students, ranging from second grade through middle school, completed a diagram sorting task and a follow‐up short interview regarding four versions of a water cycle diagram selected from school science texts. Additionally, 6 students participated in follow‐up longer interviews about diagram interpretation.

Results indicate that students valued diagrams with high levels of organization and significant amounts of information. However, students were frequently confused regarding specific conventions of diagram design, such as arrows, and did not fully understand the function of diagrams in science texts. Implications for teachers include methods for assessing students' diagram interpretation skills and explicit instruction in analyzing diagrams.
Talking About Talk: Reclaiming the Value and Power of Literature Circles
Authors: Mills Heidi , Jennings Louise
Published: April 2011

In a five‐year investigation of the practices that underpinned the culture of inquiry in one school, a discourse of inquiry was found to be central to substantive growth and change. While this discourse was often recognized for promoting and sustaining literacy learning, the authors also found that it played a key role in identifying, confronting, and resolving dilemmas teachers and students face in the day‐to‐day realities of classroom life. In this article, the authors demonstrate the ways two teachers engaged their students in reflective conversations about their talk during literature circles. In both classrooms, the teachers made decisions to inquire into the process of literature circles in an effort to improve the quality of their students' interactions and learning potential during literature conversations.
Agricultural conservation practices and wetland ecosystem services in the wetland‐rich Piedmont‐Coastal Plain region
Authors: Steven Diane De , Lowrance Richard
Published: April 2011

In the eastern U.S. Coastal Plain and Piedmont region, diverse inland wetlands (riverine, depressional, wet flats) have been impacted by or converted to agriculture. Farm Bill conservation practices that restore or enhance wetlands can return their ecological functions and services to the agricultural landscape. We review the extent of regional knowledge regarding the effectiveness of these conservation practices. Riparian buffers and wetland habitat management have been the most commonly applied wetland‐related practices across the region. Riparian Forest Buffers (RFB) have been most studied as a practice. Water quality functions including pollutant removal, provision of aquatic habitat, and enhanced instream chemical processing have been documented from either installed RFBs or natural riparian forests; forest buffers also serve wildlife habitat functions that depend in part on buffer width and connectivity. Wetland restoration/creation and habitat management practices have been less studied on regional agricultural lands; however, research on mitigation wetlands suggests that functional hydrology, vegetation, and faunal communities can be restored in depressional wetlands, and the wetland habitat management practices represent techniques adapted from those used successfully on wildlife refuges. Other conservation practices can also support wetland services. Drainage management on converted wetland flats restores some water storage functions, and viable wetlands can persist within grazed flats if livestock access and grazing are managed appropriately. Because wetland hydrogeomorphic type influences functions, ecosystem services from conservation wetlands will depend on the specifics of how practices are implemented. In a region of diverse wetlands, evaluation of ecological benefits could be improved with more information on the wetland types restored, created, and managed.
Cost recovery in times of demographic change: Portugal's domestic water policy
Authors: Egerton Catrin , Santos Rui , Almeida João , Alves David , Carvalho Edgar , Robalo Gisela
Published: April 2011

Cost recovery is a key tenet of the Water Framework Directive, but scalar implications of this in the domestic water sector are rarely addressed. It is more expensive to supply water services to rural populations owing to cost of provision across areas which are extensive yet sparsely populated; however, residents in rural areas often have lower incomes than urban populations. Taking the case of Portugal, the paper shows that, under conditions of cost recovery, prices will increase for populations in rural areas, a situation which is likely to worsen in future given out-migration from these areas. The discussion has a broader bearing on issues of even regional development and can contribute to a general understanding of how forming water policies in times of demographic change can be addressed from a policy and governance perspective.
Effectiveness of water saving devices and educational programs in urban buildings
Authors: Roccaro P. , Falciglia P. P. , Vagliasindi F. G. A.
Published: April 2011

In this study different water saving measures (structural and non-structural) were implemented in different urban buildings. A monitoring program of water consumption was carried out to verify and compare the effectiveness of high-efficiency plumbing fixtures and educational programs in different types of buildings (two residential houses, two Middle Schools and two Sport Centres) located in a drought experienced region (Sicily, Italy). In all cases, relevant water conservation percentages were achieved with prominent values in public buildings. The highest water conservation (up to 60%) was observed in two Middle Schools, where a large amount of water was wasted. Overall, the structural measures led to high water conservation, while the educational programs did not always improve the water saving effectiveness. These results highlight that in some urban areas the awareness of water conservation is not well established and large volumes of water are wasted, especially in public buildings, due to faulty plumbing fixtures. Governments and Environmental Agencies should promote with more effort water saving measures in order to support green building policy and global sustainability.
Modeling organic nitrogen conversions in activated sludge bioreactors
Authors: Makinia Jacek , Pagilla Krishna , Czerwionka Krzysztof , Stensel H. David
Published: April 2011

For biological nutrient removal (BNR) systems designed to maximize nitrogen removal, the effluent total nitrogen (TN) concentration may range from 2.0 to 4.0 g N/m3 with about 25–50% in the form of organic nitrogen (ON). In this study, current approaches to modeling organic N conversions (separate processes vs. constant contents of organic fractions) were compared. A new conceptual model of ON conversions was developed and combined with Activated Sludge Model No. 2d (ASM2d). The model addresses a new insight into the processes of ammonification, biomass decay and hydrolysis of particulate and colloidal ON (PON and CON, respectively). Three major ON fractions incorporated are defined as dissolved (DON) (<0.1 µm), CON (0.1–1.2 µm) and PON (41.2 µm). Each major fraction was further divided into two sub-fractions – biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Experimental data were collected during field measurements and lab experiments conducted at the ‘‘Wschod’’ WWTP (570,000 PE) in Gdansk (Poland). The accurate steady-state predictions of DON and CON profiles were possible by varying ammonification and hydrolysis rates under different electron acceptor conditions. With the same model parameter set, the behaviors of both inorganic N forms (NH4-N, NOX-N) and ON forms (DON, CON) in the batch experiments were predicted. The challenges to accurately simulate and predict effluent ON levels from BNR systems are due to analytical methods of direct ON measurement (replacing TKN) and lack of large enough database (in-process measurements, dynamic variations of the ON concentrations) which can be used to determine parameter value ranges.
Toxicity evaluation of herbal pharmaceutical wastewater to the freshwater crustacean Cypris spp.
Authors: Sitre S. R. , Satyanarayan S.
Published: April 2011

In India a large number of pharmaceutical industries are manufacturing drugs of complex type subsequently producing huge quantities of wastewaters. The herbal pharmaceutical industries are one of them which manufacture various herbal medicines from natural products and certain chemicals and metal combinations. During their manufacturing process a large number of toxicants enter the watercourse harming the biota of the receiving water bodies. Zooplankton organisms being at the base of the food chain if affected, will subsequently affect the fisheries potential at large, harming the interest of man. Keeping this point in view a herbal pharmaceutical manufacturing industry based at Nagpur was selected for investigation with respect to assessing its toxic effect on the freshwater crustacean Cypris spp. during short duration toxicity tests. This research paper discusses in detail the bioassay evaluation of raw, neutralized and physico-chemically treated herbal pharmaceutical effluent for arriving at a concentration safe for the Cypris spp.
Retrofitting conventional primary clarifiers to activated primary clarifiers to enhance nutrient removal and energy conservation in WWTPs in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Jia-wei , Zhang Tian-zhu , Chen Ji-ning , Hu Zhi-rong
Published: April 2011

Biological nutrient removal requires sufficient carbon source. Meanwhile, the removal of organic matter in wastewater requires energy consumption in the aeration tank. Carbon source for nutrient removal in most wastewater treatment plants with conventional primary clarifier (CPC) is generally insufficient in China. In order to increase carbon source and to save energy, a part of the CPC may be retrofitted as an activated primary clarifier (APC). In this paper, a pilot scale experiment was conducted to examine the performance of primary sludge fermentation and its effect on nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Results show that the primary sludge fermentation in APC has produced a similar VFA/TP ratio but a higher BOD5/TN ratio compared with those in the CPC effluent, and the TN concentrations in the secondary effluent are at 8.0, 10.8, and 17.4 mg/L, while TP is at 0.45, 1.10, and 2.28 mg/L when the pilot test system was fed with (1) the APC effluent, (2) 50% from the APC effluent and 50% from the CPC effluent, and (3) the CPC effluent, respectively. Results also indicate that the BOD5/TN ratio is a more sensitive factor than the VFA/TP ratio for nutrient removal and energy conservation for the APC fermentation.
Impact of precipitation on the treatment of real ion-exchange brine using the H2-based membrane biofilm reactor
Authors: Van Ginkel Steven W. , Tang Youneng , Rittmann Bruce E.
Published: April 2011

The H2-based membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) was used to remove nitrate and perchlorate from real ion-exchange brine at two different salinities (30- and 50-g/L NaCl). Base production from nitrate reduction to N2 gas caused the pH to increase, and this exacerbated precipitation of calcium and magnesium carbonates onto the MBfR fibers. The precipitates lowered the H2 flux to the biofilm and caused a deterioration of denitrification performance that could be reversed by mild citric-acid washing. The addition of acid seems to be the only mechanism to avoid serious precipitation, membrane fouling, and non-optimal pH for denitrification.
Sonocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and influence of Al2O3, Y2O3 and Fe2O3 on catalytic activity of TiO2 under ultrasonic irradiation
Authors: Chen Xia , Jiang Renzheng , Wang Jun , Li Kai , Li Ying , Wang Baoxin , Gao Jingqun , Kang Pingli
Published: April 2011

In order to improve the sonocatalytic activity of TiO2, Al2O3/TiO2, Y2O3/TiO2 and Fe2O3/TiO2 composites were prepared using mechanical mixing, liquid boiling, ultrasonic dispersion and heat-treated methods. And then, a series of degradation experiments were carried out under ultrasonic irradiation. Also, the influences of heat-treated temperature and heat-treated time on the sonocatalytic activity of Al2O3/TiO2, Y2O3/TiO2 and Fe2O3/TiO2, and ultrasonic irradiation time and solution acidity on the sonocatalytic degradation of Acid red B were investigated by UV-vis spectra. It was found that the degradation ratio showed significant increase in the order TiO2 < Fe2O3/TiO2 < Y2O3/TiO2 < Al2O3/TiO2. And the corresponding percentage degradations are about 37, 45, 52 and 81%, respectively. In addition, for exploring the universality, the degradation of other several organic dyes was also reviewed under the same conditions. Because of good degradation efficiency, this method may be an advisable choice for the treatment of non- or low-transparent wastewaters in the future.
Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors: A Look Back
Authors: Jacques Albert
Published: April 2011

The development of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) is closely associated with the field optical fiber sensors. This chapter presents a personal overview of the history of FBGs, with particular emphasis on the interrelation and impact of FBGs with sensing. The major milestones for FBG-based sensing are identified, from the very discovery of fiber gratings to current developments that are described in full detail in the following chapters of this book.
Fiber Bragg Gratings: Advances in Fabrication Process and Tools
Authors: Kate Sugden, Vladimir Mezentsev
Published: April 2011

Successful commercialization of a technology such as Fiber Bragg Gratings requires the ability to manufacture devices repeatably, quickly and at low cost. Although the first report of photorefractive gratings was in 1978 it was not until 1993, when phase mask fabrication was demonstrated, that this became feasible. More recently, draw tower fabrication on a production level and grating writing through the polymer jacket have been realized; both important developments since they preserve the intrinsic strength of the fiber. Potentially the most significant recent development has been femtosecond laser inscription of gratings. Although not yet a commercial technology, it provides the means of writing multiple gratings in the optical core providing directional sensing capability in a single fiber. Femtosecond processing can also be used to machine the fiber to produce micronscale slots and holes enhancing the interaction between the light in the core and the surrounding medium.
Fiber Bragg Gratings: Analysis and Synthesis Techniques
Authors: Johannes Skaar
Published: April 2011

Common methods for modeling, analysis, and synthesis of Fiber Bragg Gratings are reviewed in detail, including coupled-mode theory, transfer matrix methods, and layer-peeling algorithms.
Polarization Properties of Fiber Bragg Gratings and Their Application for Transverse Force Sensing Purposes
Authors: Christophe Caucheteur  , Sebastien Bette  , Marc Wuilpart  , Patrice Megret
Published: April 2011

Due to the lateral inscription process, Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) written into standard single-mode fiber can exhibit birefringence. The birefringence value is however too small to be perceived in the FBG spectral response but it can lead to significant polarization-dependent properties such as polarization dependent loss (PDL) and differential group delay (DGD). A transverse force applied on the FBG can enhance the birefringence, which increases both the PDL and DGD values. Hence, although these properties are not desired in telecommunication applications, they can be advantageously used for transverse force sensing measurements, allowing the use of FBGs written into standard single-mode optical fiber, which fail to work when they are interrogated through amplitude spectral measurements. This chapter first analyzes the normalized Stokes parameters, PDL and DGD evolutions with wavelength when the FBG parameters and the birefringence value are modified. It then focuses on the realization of a transverse force sensor based on the monitoring of the PDL and DGD evolutions.
Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors in Aeronautics and Astronautics
Authors: Nobuo Takeda  , Yoji Okabe
Published: April 2011

Fiber optic sensors, Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors in particular, are among most promising sensors for structural health monitoring of aerospace structures in order to assess the safety and durability during a long period of time in use. These sensors are expected to provide a low-cost maintenance methodology for carbon fiber reinforced composite structures which are now extensively being used for the primary structures. This chapter presents an overview of current use of FBG sensors in aeronautics and astronautics.
Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors in Energy Applications
Authors: Christopher Barry Staveley
Published: April 2011

Fiber Bragg Grating sensing systems have found application in numerous market sectors, wherein the unique capabilities of the technology are either displacing existing, limited sensing technologies, or providing solutions where sensing was hitherto impractical or impossible. Here, we review the energy market for the technology, a market where some of the most challenging measurement conditions are presented, yet some of the largest value propositions can be seen.
Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors: Market Overview and New Perspectives
Authors: Jeff Wayne Miller  , Alexis Mendez
Published: April 2011

Over the last few years, optical fiber sensors have seen increased acceptance and widespread use. Among the multitude of sensor types, Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) based sensors-more than any other particular sensor type-have become widely known and popular. FBGs have an intrinsic capability to measure a variety of parameters along a single fiber, such as: strain, temperature, pressure, chemical and biological agents, and many others. These multi-point sensing arrays of many relative low cost FBGs, provide great flexibility of design and make them ideal devices to be adopted for a multitude of different sensing applications and implemented in different fields and industries. However, some technical hurdles and market barriers need to be overcome in order for this technology-and fiber sensors in general-to gain more commercial momentum and achieve faster and more pronounced market growth. Other relevant factors are the need for industry standards on FBGs and FBGbased sensors, adequate and reliable packaging designs, as well as training and education of prospective customers and end-users.
Stochastic Stability in Finitely Repeated Two Player Games
Authors: Robles Jack
Published: April 2011

We apply stochastic stability to undiscounted finitely repeated two player games without common interests. We prove an Evolutionary Feasibility Theorem as an analog to the Folk Theorem (Benoit and Krishna, 1985 and 1987). Specifically, we demonstrate that as repetitions go to infinity, the set of stochastically stable equilibrium payoffs converges to the set of individually rational and feasible payoffs. This derivation requires stronger assumptions than the Nash Folk Theorem (Benoit and Krishna, 1987). It is demonstrated that the stochastically stable equilibria are stable as a set, but unstable as individual equilibria. Consequently, the Evolutionary Feasibility Theorem makes no prediction more specific than the entire individually rational and feasible set.
No-Trade in the Laboratory
Authors: Angrisani Marco , Guarino Antonio , Huck Steffen , Larson Nathan C
Published: April 2011

We construct laboratory financial markets in which subjects can trade an asset whose value is unknown. Subjects receive private clues about the asset value and then set bid and ask prices at which they are willing to buy or to sell from the other participants. In some of our markets (experimental treatments), there are gains from trade, while in others there are no gains: trade is zero sum. Celebrated no-trade theorems state that differences in private information alone cannot explain trade in the zero sum case. We study whether purely informational trade is eliminated in our experimental markets with no gains. The comparison of our results for gains and no-gains treatments shows that subjects fail to reach the no-trade outcome by pure introspection, but they approach it over time through market feedback and learning. Furthermore, the less noisy the clue-asset relationship is, the closer trade comes to being eliminated entirely.