bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co‐Conditioning of the Anaerobic Digested Sludge of a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant with Alum Sludge: Benefit of Phosphorus Reduction in Reject Water
Authors: Yang Y. , Zhao Y. Q. , Babatunde A. O. , Kearney P.
Published: December 2007

In this study, alum sludge was introduced to co‐conditioning and dewatering with an anaerobic digested sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, to examine the role of the alum sludge in improving the dewaterbility of the mixed sludge and also in immobilizing phosphorus in the reject water. Experiments have demonstrated that the optimal mix ratio for the two sludges is 2:1 (anaerobic digested sludge:alum sludge; volume basis), and this can bring approximately 99% phosphorus reduction in the reject water through the adsorption of phosphorus by alum in the sludge. The phosphorus loading in wastewater treatment plants is itself derived from the recycling of reject water during the wastewater treatment process. Consequently, this co‐conditioning and dewatering strategy can achieve a significant reduction in phosphorus loading in wastewater treatment plants. In addition, the use of the alum sludge has been shown to beneficially enhance the dewaterability of the resultant mixed sludge, by decreasing both the specific resistance to filtration and the capillary suction time. This is attributed to the alum sludge acting in charge neutralization and/or as adsorbent for phosphate in the aqueous phase of the sludge. Experiments have also demonstrated that the optimal polymer (Superfloc C2260, Cytec, Botlek, Netherlands) dose for the anaerobic digested sludge was 120 mg/L, while the optimal dose for the mixed sludge (mix ratio 2:1) was 15 mg/L, highlighting a huge savings in polymer addition. Therefore, from the technical perspective, the co‐conditioning and dewatering strategy can be viewed as a “win‐win” situation. However, for its full‐scale application, integrated cost‐effective analysis of process capabilities, sludge transport, increased cake disposal, additional administration, polymer saving, and so on, should be factored in.
Performance Investigation of Membrane Bioreactor Systems During Municipal Wastewater Reclamation
Authors: DeCarolis James F. , Adham Samer
Published: December 2007

Four commercially available membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems were operated at the pilot scale, to investigate performance during the reclamation of municipal wastewater. The MBR performance was evaluated under a variety of operating conditions, including two types of feed wastewater (raw and advanced primary effluent), hydraulic retention times (HRTs) ranging from 2 to 6 hours, and permeate fluxes between 20 and 41 lmh. Test results showed that MBR systems were capable of operating on advanced primary effluent, despite the possible presence of coagulant and/or polymer residual, with minimal membrane fouling. Membrane performance data generated during this study was also used to quantify the relationship between permeate flux and membrane fouling. Cleaning intervals at various flux conditions were estimated as follows: 69 days at 20 lmh, 58 days at 25 lmh, and 30 days for operation between 31 and 41 lmh. It was also demonstrated that the MBR process could be optimized to operate with minimal fouling under high hydraulic (flux = 37 lmh) and organic loading (HRT = 2 hours and food‐to‐microorganism ratio = 0.33 g COD/g VSS·d) conditions. Water quality monitoring conducted throughout the study showed that each MBR system consistently produced an oxidized (5‐day biochemical oxygen demand <2 mg/L) and nitrified (ammonia <1 mg‐N/L) effluent low in particulate matter (turbidity <0.1 NTU), under all conditions tested.
A Practical Method for Quantification of Phosphorus‐ and Glycogen‐Accumulating Organism Populations in Activated Sludge Systems
Authors: López‐Vázquez Carlos M. , Hooijmans Christine M. , Brdjanovic Damir , Gijzen Huub J. , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M.
Published: December 2007

Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) from wastewater relies on the enrichment of activated sludge with phosphorus‐accumulating organisms (PAOs). The presence and proliferation of glycogen‐accumulating organisms (GAOs), which compete for substrate with PAOs, may be detrimental for EBPR systems, leading to deterioration and, in extreme cases, failure of the process. Therefore, from both process evaluation and modeling perspectives, the estimation of PAO and GAO populations in activated sludge systems is a relevant issue. A simple method for the quantification of PAO and GAO population fractions in activated sludge systems is presented in this paper. To develop such a method, the activity observed in anaerobic batch tests executed with different PAO/GAO ratios, by mixing highly enriched PAO and GAO cultures, was studied. Strong correlations between PAO/GAO population ratios and biomass activity were observed (R 2 > 0.97). This served as a basis for the proposal of a simple and practical method to quantify the PAO and GAO populations in activated sludge systems, based on commonly measured and reliable analytical parameters (i.e., mixed liquor suspended solids, acetate, and orthophosphate) without requiring molecular techniques. This method relies on the estimation of the total active biomass population under anaerobic conditions (PAO plus GAO populations), by measuring the maximum acetate uptake rate in the presence of excess acetate. Later, the PAO and GAO populations present in the activated sludge system can be estimated, by taking into account the PAO/GAO ratio calculated on the basis of the anaerobic phosphorus release‐to‐acetate consumed ratio. The proposed method was evaluated using activated sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants. The results from the quantification performed following the proposed method were compared with direct population estimations carried out with fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis (determining Candidatus Accumulibacter Phosphatis as PAO and Candidatus Competibacter Phosphatis as GAO). The method showed to be potentially suitable to estimate the PAO and GAO populations regarding the total PAO–GAO biomass. It could be used, not only to evaluate the performance of EBPR systems, but also in the calibration of potential activated sludge mathematical models, regarding the PAO–GAO coexistence.
Unraveling the Source of Nitric Oxide Emission During Nitrification
Authors: Kampschreur Marlies J. , Picioreanu Cristian , Tan Nico , Kleerebezem Robbert , Jetten Mike S.M. , van Loosdrecht Mark C.M.
Published: December 2007

Nitric oxide production was measured during nitrification in a laboratory‐scale bioreactor, operated at conditions relevant to municipal nitrifying wastewater treatment plants. This study aims to determine which type of microorganism and which metabolic pathway is responsible for nitric oxide emission during nitrification. Simulation studies were used to identify which pathway is the main source of nitric oxide emission, based on the following three hypothetical pathways for nitric oxide emission: (a) nitrification, (b) denitrification by ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria with ammonium as electron donor, and (c) heterotrophic denitrification. The results of the study suggest that, in a nitrifying reactor treating wastewater containing solely ammonium and nutrients, denitrification by ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria is the main nitric‐oxide‐producing pathway. During the experiments, 0.025% of the treated ammonium is emitted as nitric oxide, independent of the aeration rate imposed. Nitrite presence and oxygen limitation were found to increase the nitric oxide emission.
Nitrifying Community Analysis in a Single Submerged Attached‐Growth Bioreactor for Treatment of High‐Ammonia Waste Stream
Authors: Gu April Z. , Pedros Philip B. , Kristiansen Anja , Onnis‐Hayden Annalisa , Schramm Andreas
Published: December 2007

This study investigated the nitrifying community structure in a single‐stage submerged attached‐growth bioreactor (SAGB) that successfully achieved stable nitrogen removal over nitrite of a high‐strength ammonia wastewater. The reactor was operated with intermittent aeration and external carbon addition (methanol). With influent ammonia and total Kjeldahl nitrogen ranging from 537 to 968 mg/L and 643 to1510 mg/L, respectively, 85% nitrogen removal was obtained, and effluent was dominated by nitrite (NO2 −/NOx >0.95). Nitrifying community analysis using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), with a hierarchical set of probes targeting known ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) within beta‐proteobacteria, showed that the AOB community of the biofilter consists almost entirely of members of the Nitrosomonas europaea/eutropha and the Nitrosococcus mobilis lineages. Image analysis of FISH pictures was used to quantify the identified AOB, and it was estimated that Nitrosomonas europaea/eutropha‐like AOB accounted for 4.3% of the total volume of the biofilm, while Nitrosococcus mobilis‐like AOB made up 1.2%; these numbers summed up to a total AOB fraction of 5.5% of the total volume on the biofilm. Nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria (NOB) were not detectable in the biofilm samples with probes for either Nitrospira sp. or Nitrobacter sp., which indicated that NOB were either absent from the biofilters or present in numbers below the detection limit of FISH (<0.1% of the total biofilm). Nitrite oxidizers were likely outcompeted from the system because of the free ammonia inhibition and the possibility that the aeration period (from intermittent aeration) was not sufficiently long for the NOB to be released from the competition for oxygen with heterotrophs and AOB. The nitrogen removal via nitrite in a SAGB reactor described in this study is applicable for high‐ammonia‐strength wastewater treatment, such as centrate or industrial wastes.
Investigation of Solid‐Phase Buffers for Sulfur‐Oxidizing Autotrophic Denitrification
Authors: Sengupta Sukalyan , Ergas Sarina J. , Lopez‐Luna Erika
Published: December 2007

This paper investigates biological denitrification using autotrophic microorganisms that use elemental sulfur as an electron donor. In this process, for each gram of nitrate‐nitrogen removed, approximately 4.5 g of alkalinity (as calcium carbonate) are consumed. Because denitrification is severely inhibited below pH 5.5, and alkalinity present in the influent wastewaters is less than the alkalinity consumed, an external buffer was needed to arrest any drop in pH from alkalinity consumption. A packed‐bed bioreactor configuration is ideally suited to handle variations in flow and nitrate loading from decentralized wastewater treatment systems, as it is a passive system and thus requires minimal maintenance; therefore, a solid‐phase buffer packed with the elemental sulfur in the bioreactor is most suitable. In this research, marble chips, limestone, and crushed oyster shells were tested as solid‐phase buffers. Bench‐ and field‐scale studies indicated that crushed oyster shell was the most suitable buffer based on (1) the rate of dissolution of buffer and the buffering agent released (carbonate, bicarbonate, or hydroxide), (2) the ability of the buffer surface to act as host for microbial attachment, (3) turbidity of the solution upon release of the buffering agent, and (4) economics.
Resistin Impairs Insulin-Evoked Vasodilation
Authors: Gentile Maria Teresa , Vecchione Carmine , Marino Gennaro , Aretini Alessandra , Di Pardo Alba , Antenucci Giovanna , Maffei Angelo , Cifelli Giuseppe , Iorio Luca , Landolfi Alessandro , Frati Giacomo , Lembo Giuseppe
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE—Since vascular dysfunction is a main trait of obese subjects, in the present study we evaluated the vascular impact of resistin, a recently discovered hormone markedly increased in obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We performed our analysis on aortic and mesenteric segments from young and old C57BL/6 mice and on cultured endothelial cells. Resistin-induced vascular effect was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Molecular analyses were performed by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting.

RESULTS—Recombinant murine resistin did not induce changes in either basal vascular tone or phenylephrine-induced vascular contraction. In contrast, both in vivo and in vitro administration of resistin significantly impaired dose-dependent insulin-evoked vasodilation by reducing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzymatic activity. This effect of resistin was selective for insulin vascular action, since vasodilatation induced by increasing doses of acetylcholine or nitroglycerin was not influenced by the hormone. Molecular analysis of endothelial cells further detailed resistin-induced vascular resistance by showing impairment of insulin-evoked AKT and eNOS phosphorylations after exposure to resistin. Even this latter abnormality is selective of insulin signaling since AKT/eNOS phosphorylations are normally activated during acetylcholine stimulation. More important, the resistin-induced endothelial dysfunction depends on resistin's ability to alter insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 tyrosine/serine phosphorylation and its consequent interaction with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase.

CONCLUSIONS—Our results demonstrate that resistin is able to induce a selective vascular insulin resistance-impairing endothelial IRS-1 signaling pathway that leads to eNOS activation and vasodilation.
Analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Identifies Major Type 1A Diabetes Locus Telomeric of the Major Histocompatibility Complex
Authors: Aly Theresa A. , Baschal Erin E. , Jahromi Mohamed M. , Fernando Maria S. , Babu Sunanda R. , Fingerlin Tasha E. , Kretowski Adam , Erlich Henry A. , Fain Pamela R. , Rewers Marian J. , Eisenbarth George S.
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE— HLA-DRB1*03-DQB1*0201/DRB1*04-DQB1*0302 (DR3/4-DQ8) siblings who share both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotypes identical-by-descent with their proband siblings have a higher risk for type 1A diabetes than DR3/4-DQ8 siblings who do not share both MHC haplotypes identical-by-descent. Our goal was to search for non-DR/DQ MHC genetic determinants that cause the additional risk in the DR3/4-DQ8 siblings who share both MHC haplotypes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We completed an extensive single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of the extended MHC in 237 families with type 1A diabetes from the U.S. and 1,240 families from the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium.

RESULTS—We found evidence for an association with type 1A diabetes (rs1233478, P = 1.6 × 10−23, allelic odds ratio 2.0) in the UBD/MAS1L region, telomeric of the classic MHC. We also observed over 99% conservation for up to 9 million nucleotides between chromosomes containing a common haplotype with the HLA-DRB1*03, HLA-B*08, and HLA-A*01 alleles, termed the “8.1 haplotype.” The diabetes association in the UBD/MAS1L region remained significant both after chromosomes with the 8.1 haplotype were removed (rs1233478, P = 1.4 × 10−12) and after adjustment for known HLA risk factors HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-B, and HLA-A (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS—Polymorphisms in the region of the UBD/MAS1L genes are associated with type 1A diabetes independent of HLA class II and I alleles.
Therapeutic Potential of Peroxisome Proliferators–Activated Receptor-α/γ Dual Agonist With Alleviation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress for the Treatment of Diabetes
Authors: Han Kyu Lee , Choi Joo Sun , Lee Jae Young , Song Jihyun , Joe Myung Kuk , Jung Myeong Ho , Hwang Jae-Kwan
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE—Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) α/γ dual agonists have the potential to be used as therapeutic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated the function of macelignan, a natural compound isolated from Myristica fragrans, as a dual agonist for PPARα/γ and investigated its antidiabetes effects in animal models.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—GAL4/PPAR chimera transactivation was performed and the expression of PPARα/γ target genes was monitored to examine the ability of macelignan to activate PPARα/γ. Additionally, macelignan was administrated to obese diabetic (db/db) mice to investigate antidiabetes effects and elucidate its molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS—Macelignan reduced serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides, free fatty acid levels, and triglycerides levels in the skeletal muscle and liver of db/db mice. Furthermore, macelignan significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance in these mice, and without altering food intake, their body weights were slightly reduced while weights of troglitazone-treated mice increased. Macelignan increased adiponectin expression in adipose tissue and serum, whereas the expression and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 decreased. Macelignan downregulated inflammatory gene expression in the liver and increased AMP-activated protein kinase activation in the skeletal muscle of db/db mice. Strikingly, macelignan reduced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation in the liver and adipose tissue of db/db mice and subsequently increased insulin signaling.

CONCLUSIONS—Macelignan enhanced insulin sensitivity and improved lipid metabolic disorders by activating PPARα/γ and attenuating ER stress, suggesting that it has potential as an antidiabetes agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Separation of Ga(III) from Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) in aqueous solution using synthetic polymeric resins
Authors: Massaoud A. , Hanafi H. , Siyam T. , Saleh Z. , Ali F.
Published: December 2007

Poly (acrylamide-acrylic acid-dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate), p(AM-AA-DMAEM) and Poly(acrylamide-acrylic acid)-ethylenediaminetetracetic acid disodium, p(AM-AA)-EDTANa2 were prepared by gamma radiation-induced template polymerization technique and used for the separation of Ga (III) from Cu (II), Ni (II), and Zn (II) in aqueous media. The effect of pH and contact time on the separation process was studied. The optimum pH value for the separation process is 3–3.5. The result shows that Ga (III) is first extracted while Cu (II), Ni (II) and Zn(II) are slightly extracted at this pH value. The recovery of metals using HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4 has been studied. The resins may be regenerated using 2M HCl solutions.
Degradation of naphthalene by thermophilic bacteria via a pathway, through protocatechuic acid
Authors: Bubinas Audrius , Giedraitytė Gražina , Kalėdienė Lilija , Nivinskiene Ona , Butkiene Rita
Published: December 2007

A number of thermophilic bacteria capable of utilizing naphthalene as a sole source of carbon were isolated from a high-temperature oilfield in Lithuania. These isolates were able to utilize several other aromatic compounds, such as anthracene, benzene, phenol, benzene-1, 3-diol, protocatechuic acid as well. Thermophilic isolate G27 ascribed to Geobacillus genus was found to have a high aromatic compound degrading capacity. Spectrophotometric determination of enzyme activities in cell-free extracts revealed that the last aromatic ring fission enzyme in naphthalene biotransformation by Geobacillus sp. G27 was inducible via protocatechuate 3, 4-dioxygenase; no protocatechuate 4, 5-dioxygenase, protocatechuate 2, 3-dioxygenase activities were detected. Intermediates such as o-phthalic and protocatechuic acids detected in culture supernatant confirmed that the metabolism of naphthalene by Geobacillus sp. G27 can proceed through protocatechuic acid via ortho-cleavage pathway and thus differs from the pathways known for mesophilic bacteria.
Strategies to invent cardiovascular drugs targeting cardiac gap junctions
Authors: Han-You Xu
Published: December 2007

In order to prevent and treat cardiac diseases, the author proposed strategies to invent cardiovascular drugs targeting cardiac gap junctions through summarizing the functions, physiology and pathophysiology of cardiac gap junctions. The 5 principle strategies to invent cardiovascular drugs that are suggested have great potentialities to be used as novel proposals to treat and prevent cardiac diseases.
Empowerment in medicine: An analysis of publication trends 1980–2005
Authors: Loukanova Svetla , Bridges John
Published: December 2007

This paper draws attention to the rapid increase in the number of published articles in medicine devoted to issues of empowerment. While our main aim is to identify populations to which empowerment has been applied, we have also offered a brief overview of the literature. A Medline search was used to identify all articles relating to empowerment published between 1980 and 2005. A total of 4496 articles were identified, but after the deletion of articles with non-human applications (n=409) and those published in languages other than English (n=145), a total of 3942 were reviewed. Based on this review, we present a taxonomy of the literature, based on the primary foci, including patients (n=1742, 44%), providers (n=1162, 29%), and society (n=1038, 27%). Over the study period, we document a rapid increase in the numbers of articles devoted to all three categories, but a significant increase in the proportion of papers devoted to patient empowerment (P < 0.0001). We conclude by juxtaposing some recent European health care policy reforms that have had mixed consequences for the empowerment of patients and argue for a more scientific approach to the study of empowerment.
Hydrolysis of titanium sulphate compounds
Authors: Grzmil Barbara , Grela Daniel , Kic Bogumił
Published: December 2007

The influence of TiOSO4 and free sulphuric acid concentrations in the starting solution on the degree of titanyl sulphate conversion to hydrated titanium dioxide and post-hydrolytic sulphuric acid was studied. Titanyl sulphate solution, an intermediate product in the commercial preparation of titanium dioxide pigments by sulphate route, was used. It was found that the degree of hydrolysis markedly depends on the studied parameters. The lower was the content of TiOSO4 in the starting solution, the higher conversion was achieved. The degree of hydrolysis at the final stage varied between 81 % (420 g TiOSO4 dm−3, 216 g H2SO4 dm−3) and 92 % (300 g TiOSO4 dm−3, 216 g H2SO4 dm−3). The same relation was obtained when changing the concentration of free H2SO4 in the starting solution. The degree of hydrolysis at the final stage varied between 49 % (261 g H2SO4 dm−3, 340 g TiOSO4 dm−3) and 96 % (136 g H2SO4 dm−3, 340 g TiOSO4 dm−3). The particle size of the obtained hydrated titanium dioxide (HTD) also depends on the initial solution composition.
Mathematical modelling of selected characterisation procedures for oil fractions
Authors: Eckert Egon , Vaněk Tomáš
Published: December 2007

Models of two important characterisation procedures for oil and oil fractions, ASTM D86 (ASTM = American Society for Testing of Materials) and EFV (Equilibrium Flash Vaporization), were presented. The purpose was to provide a basis for the construction of substitute mixtures of real components used in modelling and simulation of chemical engineering processes instead of original complex mixtures. It was shown how to deal with a possible problem of higher index of differential-algebraic model of the ASTM D86. A number of examples proved the adequacy of the presented models.
High gravity batch and continuous processes for beer production: Evaluation of fermentation performance and beer quality
Authors: Silva Daniel , Brányik Tomáš , Dragone Giuliano , Vicente António , Teixeira José , Almeida e Silva João
Published: December 2007

This study deals with two innovative brewing processes, high gravity batch and complete continuous beer fermentation systems. The results show a significant influence of the variables such as concentration and temperature on the yield factor of the substrate into ethanol and consequently on the productivity of the high gravity batch process. The technological feasibility of continuous production of beer based on yeast immobilization on cheap alternative carriers was also demonstrated. The influence of process parameters on fermentation performance and quality of the obtained beers was studied by sensorial analysis. No significant difference in the degree of acceptance between the obtained products and some traditional market brands was found.
Liquid-liquid equilibria of butyric acid for solvents containing a phosphonium ionic liquid
Authors: Marták Ján , Schlosser Štefan
Published: December 2007

L/L equilibrium data of butyric acid (BA) in aqueous solutions contacted with the solvents containing ionic liquid (IL), trihexyl-(tetradecyl)phosphonium bis 2,4,4-trimethylpentylphosphinate (Cyphos IL-104), and a related model are presented. IL-104 and its solutions in dodecane were found to be effective solvents of BA. The values of the distribution coefficients of BA were higher than those for solvents with the widely used extractant trioctylamine, especially at low acid concentrations and were also several-fold higher than those of lactic acid (LA). IL extracted BA only in its undissociated form (BAH) at pH well below pK a of the acid. The loading of IL was independent of IL concentration and it achieved a value higher than four at saturation. Complexes with 1–5 molecules of BA per one IL molecule were supposed in the mass action model in which the reactive formation of complexes (BAH)p(IL)(H2O)2 was supposed. Up to 10 % of the total extracted BA was extracted physically by dodecane as a monomer and dimer, in the solvent. The water content in the organic phase steeply decreased with the BA concentration, which was caused by splitting water-IL reverse micelles due to the formation of the BAH/IL complexes.
Pore structure of pyrolyzed scrap tires
Authors: Koreňová Zuzana , Haydary Juma , Annus Július , Markoš Jozef , Jelemenský L’udovít
Published: December 2007

Internal structure of carbon black produced by pyrolysis (CBp) of rubber samples from the top and bottom parts of sidewall and tread of a passenger car tire was investigated in nitrogen flow at different temperatures. The pore structure (specific surface area, pore size distribution, and porosity) of CBp and commercial CB, was compared. The development of pore structure and the increase of the specific surface area were most intensive during the thermal decomposition at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 500°C. This is caused by the intensive release of volatiles during the pyrolysis. After the pyrolysis was finished, at temperatures above 500°C, further decomposition of solid matter was associated with a slight increase of the specific surface area.
Chemical pretreatment of feed water for membrane distillation
Authors: Gryta Marek
Published: December 2007

Membrane distillation was used to produce demineralized water from ground water. The influence of feed water pretreatment carried out in a contact clarifier (softening with Ca(OH)2 and coagulation with FeSO4 · 7H2O) followed by filtration, on the process effectiveness was evaluated. It was found that the chemical pretreatment decreased the membrane fouling; however, the degree of water purification was insufficient because precipitation of small amounts of deposit on the membrane surface during the process operation was still observed. The permeate flux was gradually decreasing as a result of scaling. The morphology and composition of the fouling layer were studied using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersion spectrometry. The presence of significant amounts of silica, apart from calcium and magnesium, was determined in the formed deposit. The removal of foulants by heterogeneous crystallization performed inside the filter (70 mesh), assembled directly at the module inlet, was found to be a solution preventing the membrane scaling.
Selective methane oxidation to formaldehyde using polymorphic T-, M-, and H-forms of niobium(V) oxide as catalysts
Authors: Michalkiewicz Beata , Sreńscek-Nazzal Joanna , Tabero Piotr , Grzmil Barbara , Narkiewicz Urszula
Published: December 2007

The investigations of selective methane oxidation to formaldehyde over T-Nb2O5, the mixture of M-Nb2O5 and H-Nb2O5 as well as H-Nb2O5 were carried out. The tests were conducted under atmospheric pressure, in the temperature range 420–750°C, using oxygen as the oxidizing agent. T-Nb2O5 samples were examined at the contact time 0.7–1.8 s (GHSV 2000–5143 h−1). Other polymorphic forms of niobium(V) oxide were examined at the contact time 0.9 s. Various polymorphic forms of Nb2O5 displayed various formaldehyde and carbon dioxide yield. Using H-Nb2O5 and M-Nb2O5 phases with a block type structure, made it possible to obtain higher formaldehyde selectivity (78 % at 0.9 s) as compared to T-Nb2O5 (47 % at 0.9 s), a polymorphic form which does not have a block type structure. However, the highest space time yield of formaldehyde (46 g per kg of catalyst per h) was obtained over T-Nb2O5 supported on SiO2.
Production of potassium sulfate from potassium hydrosulfate solutions using alcohols
Authors: Mientka Agnieszka , Grzmil Barbara , Tomaszewska Maria
Published: December 2007

Potassium sulfate is used to produce multicomponent fertilizers, free of chlorides. The desalting out of potassium sulfate from an aqueous solution of potassium hydrosulfate was conducted using 40 mass %, 45 mass %, or 50 mass % aqueous solutions of either methanol or propan-2-ol. Composition of the resultant precipitate was analyzed using chemical methods and XRD analysis. The results of the XRD analysis revealed that the main precipitate phase is K2SO4. Small amounts of K5H3(SO4)4 were detected when the desalting out was carried out from 2.5 M KHSO4 solution using 40 mass % and 50 mass % methanol solution. When the amount of potassium bisulfate in the solution increased to 3.5 M and 3.8 M, the main phase consisted of K3H(SO4)2. Generally, the desalting out process using propan-2-ol caused the formation of K3H(SO4)2. Potassium sulfate was obtained only by desalting out the 2.5 M KHSO4 solution using 50 mass % aqueous propan-2-ol.
Systematic Design of a Targeted Organometallic Antitumour Drug in Pre-clinical Development
Authors: Dyson Paul J.
Published: December 2007

Organometallic ruthenium compounds that are effective anticancer and antimetastasis agents are currently under intensive investigation (see also the article by Peter Sadler in this issue). This article provides a personal account of the way in which we have exploited the different properties
of the organoruthenium (and osmium and rhodium) compounds to rival traditional DNA-binding platinum drugs, culminating in the discovery of a non-classical molecule that is in an advanced stage of pre-clinical evaluation.
The Design of Organometallic Ruthenium Arene Anticancer Agents
Authors: Dougan Sarah J. , Sadler Peter J.
Published: December 2007

Organometallic half-sandwich RuII anticancer complexes of the type [(?6-arene)Ru(YZ)X]n can exhibit interesting anticancer activity. We review the comparative aqueous solution chemistry (hydrolysis rates, pKa values of aqua complexes),
cancer cell cytotoxicities, cross-resistance, reactivity towards nucleobases, DNA and important biomolecules for complexes containing various arenes, N,N- or N,O- or O,O-chelating ligands as YZ, and monodentate leaving groups X. We show that the choice of these ligands can have a dramatic
effect on reactivity. The same is true for analogous OsII arene complexes. The interpretation of structure–activity relationships requires an understanding of reactions of these organometallic complexes under biological test conditions.
Ferrocifens and Ferrocifenols as New Potential Weapons against Breast Cancer
Authors: Nguyen Anh , Vessières Anne , Hillard Elizabeth A. , Top Siden , Pigeon Pascal , Jaouen Gérard
Published: December 2007

Depending on the presence or absence of the estrogen receptor in the cells, breast cancer today is often treated by endocrine therapy (tamoxifen) or chemotherapy, respectively. We present now a new paradigm for breast cancer treatment, taking advantage of concepts in bioorganometallic
chemistry. In this way, we have synthesized molecules containing an organometallic moiety (ferrocene), and a biovector (hydroxytamoxifen), yielding compounds which display a new therapeutic spectrum consisting of antiestrogenicity and cytotoxicity. A structure–activity relationship study
has shown that a ferrocene group, linked to a para-phenol group by a conjugated spacer, is a necessary motif for strong cytotoxic effects to be observed.
Strategies for the Development of Novel Tumor Targeting Technetium and Rhenium Radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Mindt Thomas , Struthers Harriet , Garcia-Garayoa Elisa , Desbouis Dominique , Schibli Roger
Published: December 2007

The labeling of tumor targeting biomolecules with the ?-emitting nuclide Tc-99m and the ?-emitting nuclides Re-186/188 is an attractive option for non-invasive diagnosis and therapy of cancerous diseases. Issues such as availability, low costs, high specific activity and
suitable decay properties are responsible for the prominent role of Tc-99m and Re-188. In addition Tc-99m and Re-186/188 represent one of the few 'matched-pairs' of diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides with identical or very similar chemical characteristics. Basic chemistry for both elements
has made tremendous progress in the past. A variety of established Tc/Re-metal cores, metal chelating systems and reliable labeling methods are available today. However, despite enormous research efforts, the new generation of specific Tc/Re-radiopharmaceuticals is far from their introduction
into routine clinical practice. The reasons are manifold and, from a scientific point of view, not always justified. Functionalization and Tc/Re-labeling of promising, small (tumor) targeting molecules without compromising their biological affinity or fate is a frequent problem. In this article,
promising pharmacological and chemical approaches necessary for the development of a novel generation of Tc/Re radiopharmaceuticals are described.
Biofuels – Which is the Most Economic One?
Authors: Festel Gunter W.
Published: December 2007

Taking an oil price of US$ 60 per barrel both biodiesel and bioethanol produced in Europe from wheat are not profitable. Oil producers' high margins are solely due to current mineral oil tax concessions. At present, biomass-to-liquids (BTL) fuel cannot be produced competitively.
At an oil price of US$ 60, only bioethanol and biobutanol produced on a large scale from lignocellulose-containing raw materials have the potential to be produced competitively. Analysis of the technologies in this field shows that there are interesting new technological developments
in Europe for the hydrolysis, fermentation and purification steps.
The variability of language test scores in 3‐ and 4‐year‐old children of normal non‐verbal intelligence: A brief research report
Authors: Howlin Patricia , Cross Pippa
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTS

Language testing plays an important role in the identification and monitoring of children with communication difficulties. However, the standardisation of many tests in common use remains far from satisfactory, especially at the lower age ranges. Comparisons between age‐equivalent scores and chronological age also raise particular problems. The present paper focuses on the disparity between scores on different tests, in spite of the homogeneity of the group of children studied, and stresses the need for caution in the interpretation of test scores.

Les tests linguistiques jouent un rǒle important dans l'identification et le suivi des enfants atteints de difficultés de communication. Cependant, la standardisation de bien des tests d'usage courant est loin d'ětre satisfaisante, surtout pour les enfants les plus jeunes. Les comparaisons entre les chiffrages des équivalences d'ǎges et les ǎges chronologiques peuvent aussi poser des problemes particuliers. Cet article s'intéresse aux disparités entre les résultats de différents tests malgré le fait que les groupes d'enfants étudiés sont homogènes, et il met l'accent sur le besoin de prudence lorsqu On interprète les résultats de tests notés.

Sprachtests spielen eine wichtige Rolle in der Identifikation und Kontrolle von Kindern mit Kommunikationsproblemen. Die Standardisierung von vielen häufig verwendeten Tests bleibt jedoch unbefriedigend, vor allem für Kinder in den unteren Altersstufen. Vergleiche zwischen Äquivalenzaltersstufen und chronologischem Alter sind ebenfalls problematisch. Dieser Aufsatz befaßt sich speziell mit Unterschieden der Leistungsmaße in verschiedenen Tests, trotz Homogenität der untersuchten Kindergruppe, und unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit, Vorsicht bei der Interpretation von Testergebnissen walten zu lassen.
Effects of young Artemisia rothrockii shrubs on soil moisture, soil nitrogen cycling, and resident herbs
Authors: Darrouzet‐Nardi Anthony , D'Antonio Carla M. , Berlow Eric L.
Published: December 2007

Questions: How do young sagebrush shrubs (Artemisia rothrockii, Asteraceae) affect soil moisture availability? How do young sagebrush shrubs affect soil nitrogen cycling? How does the resident herb community respond to shrub removal in the early stages of sagebrush encroachment?

Location: Mulkey and Bullfrog Meadows on the Kern Plateau in the Golden Trout Wilderness, Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest, Inyo County, California, USA.

Methods: We removed young encroaching sagebrush shrubs from 3.5 m × 3.5 m plots and compared soil moisture, net mineralization, net nitrification, and herb cover with paired control plots over four growing seasons.

Results: On average throughout the experiment, the difference between removal plots and control plots in soil moisture was small. Removal plots were wetter by 1.3 ± 2.0% at 0–30 cm depth, 2.1 ± 3.1% at 30–60 cm depth and 3.1 ± 5.8% at 60–90 cm depth. By contrast, after four years, net mineralization was 32 ± 26% (mean ± 95% CI) lower in sagebrush removal plots, suggesting that sagebrush encroachment increases rates of N‐cycling. Total herb cover was 13.0 ± 6.4% (mean ± 95% CI) higher in plots where young sagebrush shrubs were removed. This difference in cover appeared during the first season in which sagebrush shrubs were removed.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that while young sagebrush shrubs do not contribute substantially to meadow drying, they alter N cycling rates, and may indirectly increase the rate of their own encroachment by competitively reducing resident herbs.
Ni,Fe‐Containing Carbon Monoxide Dehydrogenases
Authors: Jeoung Jae‐Hun , Dobbek Holger
Published: December 2007

Carbon monoxide can be used by various aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, and archaea as their sole source of carbon and energy. Carbon monoxide dehydrogenases (CODHases) are the central enzymes in the use of carbon monoxide by microorganisms and they catalyze the reversible oxidation of carbon monoxide with water to carbon dioxide, two protons and two electrons. Two principal types of CODHases can be distinguished by their metal cofactors, sequences, specific activity, and stability in the presence of dioxygen. Whereas CODHases containing molybdenum, copper, iron, and flavin are found in aerobic bacteria, anaerobic microorganisms utilize oxygen‐sensitive CODHases containing nickel and iron. The active site of Ni,Fe‐containing CODHases harbors an asymmetric [NiFe4S4/5] cluster in which an Ni2+ion coordinated by three to four sulfur ligands is an integral constituent. A bimetallic site consisting of the Ni2+ion and a histidine and cysteine coordinated Fe2+ion (ferrous component II), located on one side of the cluster, is responsible for the binding and activation of carbon monoxide and water. In addition to the active site cluster, three [4Fe–S] clusters are found in the homodimer, of which one [4Fe–4S] cluster covalently links the two monomers.
Flavodiiron Proteins: Nitric Oxide and/or Oxygen Reductases
Authors: Vicente João B , Carrondo Maria Arménia , Teixeira Miguel , Frazão Carlos
Published: December 2007

Flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) have been isolated from and identified in genomes of bacteria, archaea, and a restricted group of pathogenic protozoa, mostly anaerobes or microaerophiles. The current knowledge on this protein family suggests alternative or complementary roles in nitric oxide (NO) and/or oxygen detoxification in anaerobes. These enzymes couple substrate (NO, O2) reduction to the oxidation of NAD(P)H or F420H2through electron transfer chains with varying complexity. The first crystallographic structure of an FDP, theDesulfovibrio gigasrubredoxin:oxygen oxidoreductase (Dg_ROO), revealed the structural prototype of this family and the identification of common amino acid sequence motifs. The common functional unit of the FDP family is a ‘head‐to‐tail’ homodimer, each monomer comprising two structural domains: an N‐terminal metallo‐β‐lactamase‐like domain, where a nonheme diiron center is embedded (being the active site of NO/O2reduction), and a C‐terminal flavodoxin‐like domain, harboring a flavin mononucleotide (FMN) moiety. The homodimer ‘head‐to‐tail’ arrangement places the diiron from each monomer in close proximity with the FMN from its opposing monomer, allowing efficient electron transfer between cofactors, otherwise impaired by their large distance within the same monomer.

Herein are summarized structural and functional features of FDPs from several organisms, which provide clues to an understanding of their role in microbial nitrosative and/or oxidative stress resistance.
Algebraic Coding Theory
Authors: Helleseth Tor , Kløve Torleiv
Published: December 2007

In computers and digital communication systems, information almost always is represented in a binary form as a sequence of bits each having the values 0 or 1. This sequence of bits is transmitted over a
channel
from a sender to a receiver. In some applications the channel is a storage medium like a DVD, where the information is written to the medium at a certain time and retrieved at a later time. Because of the physical limitations of the channel, some transmitted bits may be corrupted (the channel is noisy) and thus make it difficult for the receiver to reconstruct the information correctly.

In algebraic coding theory, we are concerned mainly with developing methods to detect and correct errors that typically occur during transmission of information over a noisy channel. The basic technique to detect and correct errors is by introducing redundancy in the data that is to be transmitted. This article we describe the basic ideas, give some codes that are most important for applications, and explain their decoding algorithms. In particular, we describe the Reed–Solomon codes and give both the classic Berlekamp–Massery decoging algorithm and the recent Guruswami–Sudan decoding algorighm.
Electronic Data Interchange
Authors: Aggarwal Rajesh
Published: December 2007

Organizations are increasingly adopting electronic data interchange (EDI) for performing basic business transactions to become competitive and flexible in the global marketplace. To successfully reap the full range of benefits of EDI, organizations must integrate their application systems with the EDI systems. This integration can be achieved by properly understanding the different subsystems involved in EDI. This article discusses the EDI standards, the hardware, the software, and the communication networks required for both domestic and international interchange of transactions. EDI translation software converts transactions into ANSI ASC X12 or EDIFACT format. Communication networks with the help of communication software transmit these standardized transactions to the trading partner's application system for appropriate response. Installation, maintenance, and control procedures are needed for proper operations of the EDI system.
Knowledge Verification
Authors: Tsai Jeffrey J. P. , Zhang Du , Sahay Avinash , Juan Eric
Published: December 2007

This article describes current issues and approaches concerning the evaluation of real‐time safety‐critical intelligent systems. It provides a sketch of a verification technique that is based on the first order logic as its knowledge representation formalism.
LCDDesign Techniques
Authors: Smorfa Simone , Olivieri Mauro , Mancuso Roberto
Published: December 2007

Liquid crystal displays play a crucial role in almost every application domain where the availability of smart human visual interfaces is recommended. The realization of appliances based on LCDs urges designers to develop a wide variety of technical skills and to match diverse and frequently conflicting implementation constraints. The choice of the most suitable liquid crystal technology, the proper design of the display driver electronics, as well as the conception of effective measures for built‐in removal of undesired optical artifacts are different yet outstanding aspects of LCD clever realization. Therefore, all advanced industrial LCD design flows commonly conjugate general‐purpose electronics design tools with specialized display emulation engines. Whereas the former facilitate and speed up the driver implementation, the latter are responsible for early stage evaluation of all sorts of interactions between driving equipment and back‐end liquid crystal panel, in order to curb the impact of unpractical and costly system revisions and delayed redesigns. In this view, deploying a dedicated and highly accurate physical model of the liquid crystal cell response to the applied electrical stimuli is an attractive feature, which makes the design environment significantly versatile and efficient.
Network Reliability and Fault‐Tolerance
Authors: Medhi Deepankar
Published: December 2007

This article begins with a discussion of network availability and performability, followed by an examination of survivable network design. It also covers the issues of fault detection, isolation, restoration, and preplanning.
Parallel Database Management Systems
Authors: Hua Kien A. , Tavanapong Wallapak
Published: December 2007

A database management system, also called a DBMS, allows users to create a new database by specifying the logic structure of the data. For instance, the world of interest is represented as a collection of tables in relational DBMSs. This simple model is useful for many applications, and it is popularly supported by the major commercial DBMSs. After a database has been created, the users are allowed to insert new data and query and modify existing data. The DBMS provides the users with the ability to access the data simultaneously, without allowing actions of one user to interfere with those of other users. The DBMS ensures that no simultaneous accesses can corrupt the data accidentally. In this article, we discuss how parallel processing technology is used to effectively address the performance bottlenck in DBMSs. After a brief discussion of the various parallel computer architectures suitable for DBMSs, we present the techniques for organizing data in such machines and the strategies for processing these data using multiple processors. Finally, we discuss some future directions and research problems.
Parallel and Vector Programming Languages
Authors: Pingali Keshav
Published: December 2007

A parallel programming language is a formal notation for expressing algoriths. This article covers lock‐step synchronous parallel languages, bulk synchronous parallel languages, fine‐grain synchronous parallel lenguages, and implicitly parallel programming languages.
Remote Sensing Information Processing
Authors: Chen C. H.
Published: December 2007

One unique feature in the remote sensing problems is that a significant amount of data are available, from which desired information must be extracted. Progress in computer science and engineering has contributed significantly to the major advances on information processing in remote sensing. Areas of information processing include, but are not limited to, image processing and segmentation, pattern recognition and neural networks, knoweldge‐based method and data or information fusion, image compression, image mining, and so on. Many of the techniques can be lumped into the topic of transform method or component analysis In this article, we will provide an overview of the topics listed above and then some discussion of the independent component analysis along with some computer results.