bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single Synapse Information Coding in Intraburst Spike Patterns of Central Pattern Generator Motor Neurons
Authors: Brochini Ludmila , Carelli Pedro V. , Pinto Reynaldo D.
Published: August 2011

Burst firing is ubiquitous in nervous systems and has been intensively studied in central pattern generators (CPGs). Previous works have described subtle intraburst spike patterns (IBSPs) that, despite being traditionally neglected for their lack of relation to CPG motor function, were shown to be cell-type specific and sensitive to CPG connectivity. Here we address this matter by investigating how a bursting motor neuron expresses information about other neurons in the network. We performed experiments on the crustacean stomatogastric pyloric CPG, both in control conditions and interacting in real-time with computer model neurons. The sensitivity of postsynaptic to presynaptic IBSPs was inferred by computing their average mutual information along each neuron burst. We found that details of input patterns are nonlinearly and inhomogeneously coded through a single synapse into the fine IBSPs structure of the postsynaptic neuron following burst. In this way, motor neurons are able to use different time scales to convey two types of information simultaneously: muscle contraction (related to bursting rhythm) and the behavior of other CPG neurons (at a much shorter timescale by using IBSPs as information carriers). Moreover, the analysis revealed that the coding mechanism described takes part in a previously unsuspected information pathway from a CPG motor neuron to a nerve that projects to sensory brain areas, thus providing evidence of the general physiological role of information coding through IBSPs in the regulation of neuronal firing patterns in remote circuits by the CNS.
Antipsychotic Drugs Rapidly Induce Dopamine Neuron Depolarization Block in a Developmental Rat Model of Schizophrenia
Authors: Valenti Ornella , Cifelli Pierangelo , Gill Kathryn M. , Grace Anthony A.
Published: August 2011

Repeated administration of antipsychotic drugs to normal rats has been shown to induce a state of dopamine neuron inactivation known as depolarization block, which correlates with the ability of the drugs to exhibit antipsychotic efficacy and extrapyramidal side effects in schizophrenia patients. Nonetheless, in normal rats depolarization block requires weeks of antipsychotic drug administration, whereas schizophrenia patients exhibit initial effects soon after initiating antipsychotic drug treatment. We now report that, in a developmental disruption rat model of schizophrenia [methyl-azoxymethanol acetate (20 mg/kg, i.p.) injected into G17 pregnant female rats, with offspring tested as adults], the extant hyperdopaminergic state combines with the excitatory actions of a first- (haloperidol; 0.6 mg/kg, i.p.) and a second- (sertindole; 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) generation antipsychotic drug to rapidly induce depolarization block in ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons. Acute injection of either antipsychotic drug induced an immediate reduction in the number of spontaneously active dopamine neurons (cells per electrode track; termed population activity). Repeated administration of either antipsychotic drug for 1, 3, 7, 15, and 21 d continued to reduce dopamine neuron population activity. Both acute and repeated effects on population activity were reversed by acute apomorphine injections, which is consistent with the reversal of dopamine neuron depolarization block. Although this action may account for the effects of D2 antagonist drugs on alleviating psychosis and the lack of development of tolerance in humans, the drugs appear to do so by inducing an offsetting deficit rather than attacking the primary pathology present in schizophrenia.
Relationship between Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Identified Regions and Neuronal Category Selectivity
Authors: Bell Andrew H. , Malecek Nicholas J. , Morin Elyse L. , Hadj-Bouziane Fadila , Tootell Roger B. H. , Ungerleider Leslie G.
Published: August 2011

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used extensively to identify regions in the inferior temporal (IT) cortex that are selective for categories of visual stimuli. However, comparatively little is known about the neuronal responses relative to these fMRI-defined regions. Here, we compared in nonhuman primates the distribution and response properties of IT neurons recorded within versus outside fMRI regions selective for four different visual categories: faces, body parts, objects, and places. Although individual neurons that preferred each of the four categories were found throughout the sampled regions, they were most concentrated within the corresponding fMRI region, decreasing significantly within 1–4 mm from the edge of these regions. Furthermore, the correspondence between fMRI and neuronal distributions was specific to neurons that increased their firing rates in response to the visual stimuli but not to neurons suppressed by visual stimuli, suggesting that the processes associated with inhibiting neuronal activity did not contribute strongly to the fMRI signal in this experiment.
Polycystin-1 Is Required for Stereocilia Structure But Not for Mechanotransduction in Inner Ear Hair Cells
Authors: Steigelman Katherine A. , Lelli Andrea , Wu Xudong , Gao Jiangang , Lin Susan , Piontek Klaus , Wodarczyk Claas , Boletta Alessandra , Kim Hyunho , Qian Feng , Germino Gregory , Géléoc Gwenaëlle S. G. , Holt Jeffrey R. , Zuo Jian
Published: August 2011

Thepolycystic kidney disease-1(Pkd1) gene encodes a large transmembrane protein (polycystin-1, or PC-1) that is reported to function as a fluid flow sensor in the kidney. As a member of the transient receptor potential family, PC-1 has also been hypothesized to play a role in the elusive mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channel in inner ear hair cells. Here, we analyze two independent mouse models of PC-1, a knock-in (KI) mutant line and a hair cell-specific inducible Cre-mediated knock-out line. Both models exhibit normal MET channel function at neonatal ages despite hearing loss and ultrastructural abnormalities of sterecilia that remain properly polarized at adult ages. These findings demonstrate that PC-1 plays an essential role in stereocilia structure and maintenance but not directly in MET channel function or planar cell polarity. We also demonstrate that PC-1 is colocalized with F-actin in hair cell stereociliain vivo, using a hemagglutinin-tagged PC-1 KI mouse model, and in renal epithelial cell microvilliin vitro. These results not only demonstrate a novel role for PC-1 in the cochlea, but also suggest insight into the development of polycystic kidney disease.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in ovarian function: effects on steroidogenesis, metabolism and nuclear receptor signaling
Authors: Craig Zelieann R , Wang Wei , Flaws Jodi A
Published: August 2011

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous agents with the ability to interfere with processes regulated by endogenous hormones. One such process is female reproductive function. The major reproductive organ in the female is the ovary. Disruptions in ovarian processes by EDCs can lead to adverse outcomes such as anovulation, infertility, estrogen deficiency, and premature ovarian failure among others. This review summarizes the effects of EDCs on ovarian function by describing how they interfere with hormone signaling via two mechanisms: altering the availability of ovarian hormones, and altering binding and activity of the hormone at the receptor level. Among the chemicals covered are pesticides (e.g. dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and methoxychlor), plasticizers (e.g. bisphenol A and phthalates), dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzo[a]pyrene).
The effects of ergot and non-ergot-derived dopamine agonists in an experimental mouse model of endometriosis
Authors: Delgado-Rosas Francisco , Gómez Raúl , Ferrero Hortensia , Gaytan Francisco , Garcia-Velasco Juan , Simón Carlos , Pellicer Antonio
Published: August 2011

Implantation of a retrogradely shed endometrium during menstruation requires an adequate blood supply, which allows the growth of endometriotic lesions. This suggests that the development of endometriosis can be impaired by inhibiting angiogenesis. The growth of endometriotic foci is impaired by commercial oncological antiangiogenic drugs used to block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. The dopamine agonist cabergoline (Cb2) inhibits the growth of established endometriosis lesions by exerting antiangiogenic effects through VEGFR2 inactivation. However, the use of ergot-derived Cb2 is associated with an increased incidence of cardiac valve regurgitation. To evaluate the potential usage of non-ergot-derived dopamine agonists for the treatment of human endometriosis, we compared the efficacy of quinagolide with that of Cb2 in preventing angiogenesis and vascularization in a heterologous mouse model of endometriosis. Nude mice whose peritoneum had been implanted with eutopic human endometrial fragments were treated with vehicle, 50 μg/kg per day oral Cb2, or 50 or 200 μg/kg per day quinagolide during a 14-day period. At the end of the treatment period, the implants were excised in order to assess lesion size, cell proliferation, degree of vascularization, and angiogenic gene expression. Neoangiogenesis was inhibited and the size of active endometriotic lesions, cellular proliferation index, and angiogenic gene expression were significantly reduced by both dopamine agonists when compared with the placebo. Given that Cb2 and quinagolide were equally effective in inhibiting angiogenesis and reducing lesion size, these experiments provide the rationale for pilot studies to explore the use of non-ergot-derived dopamine agonists for the treatment of endometriosis in humans.
Bone morphogenetic protein 4 accelerates the establishment of bovine trophoblastic cell lines
Authors: Suzuki Yasunori , Koshi Katsuo , Imai Kei , Takahashi Toru , Kizaki Keiichiro , Hashizume Kazuyoshi
Published: August 2011

Trophoblastic cells play a crucial role in implantation and placentogenesis. A large proportion of the failures of conception in cows occur in the peri-implantation period, which are known as early embryo losses. In exploring this critical phenomenon, trophoblastic cell lines can provide substantial information. Unfortunately, there are few cell lines for this purpose in cattle because of the difficulty of raising successive cell stock in the long term. In this study, 12 new cell lines were established using bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). BMP4 stimulated embryonic cells to enter the trophoblastic cell lineage but there were no significant differences between intact and BMP4-treated groups. Only one out of 49 embryos developed trophoblastic cells in the intact group. Finally, 12 cell lines were maintained for around 30 passages, and they retained trophoblastic characteristics and expressed bovine trophoblastic genes: placental lactogen, interferon-τ, pregnancy-associated glycoprotein 1, and prolactin-related protein 1. Although the gene expression patterns were different among cell lines and depended on the cells, there was no significant relationship between the expression intensities of genes and the treatment dose of BMP4. All of them expressed bovine POU domain class 5 transcription factor 1 and caudal-type homeobox 2. The expression of these genes was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical detection. These results suggest that BMP4 is involved in the raising of trophoblast cell lines from early embryonic cells and the newly developed cell lines can provide different types of bovine trophoblastic cells with different cell lineages. This may constitute a significant new tool for the examination of trophoblastic differentiation.
Comparison of PPCPs removal on a parallel-operated MBR and AS system and evaluation of effluent post-treatment on vertical flow reed beds
Authors: Reif R. , Besancon A. , Le Corre K. , Jefferson B. , Lema J. M. , Omil F.
Published: August 2011

The presence in the aquatic environment of xenobiotics such as Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) has emerged as an issue of concern. Upgrading sewage treatment quality with modern technologies such as Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) and/or implementing a further post-treatment might mitigate the release of xenobiotics into surface waters. The performance of two processes treating municipal sewage, a MBR and an Activated Sludge (AS) unit, have been compared in terms of PPCPs removal. Moreover, their effluents were treated using vertical flow reed beds. Both systems were operated under similar conditions, more specifically Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT), maintained at 8 hours, and Sludge Retention Time (SRT) set at 6 and 20 days. Pharmaceuticals belong to therapeutic groups such as antiepileptics (carbamazepine) and analgesics (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac), whereas the personal care products are musk fragrances (galaxolide and tonalide). Xenobiotics removals achieved in the MBR showed better results, particularly for the acidic drugs ibuprofen (87% vs. 50%) and naproxen (56% vs. 6%) operating at low SRT. After filtration through vertical flow reed-beds, PPCPs content in effluents was decreased, below 1 ppb in most cases, improving the effluent quality and confirming reed-beds as an interesting low cost alternative in order to attenuate xenobiotics contamination.
Evaluation of two stormwater infiltration trenches in central Copenhagen after 15 years of operation
Authors: Bergman M. , Hedegaard M. R. , Petersen M. F. , Binning P. , Mark O. , Mikkelsen P. S.
Published: August 2011

Two stormwater infiltration trenches were installed in 1993 in an area in central Copenhagen. The system was monitored continuously for almost three years after establishment, and a small reduction in performance over that time, possibly due to clogging, was noted. A new study was conducted in 2009 to see whether the reduction in performance has continued and to determine how the system performs today. Water levels in the trenches were monitored for almost 4 months, and from this period seven events were selected to analyse the infiltration rate. A comparison with similar analyses on storm sequences from the first 3 years of operation shows that the infiltration has decreased since the establishment of the system 15 years ago. The decrease is statistically significant (p < 0.01). A clogging model was fitted to the data and predictions were made for future performance. The results show that the system will discharge around 10 times more annual overflow to the sewers after 100 years of operation compared to the initial volumes, if clogging continues at current rates. This corresponds to 60% of the total runoff from the area. The results show that clogging and proper maintenance are important factors to consider when implementing stormwater infiltration trenches.
Zn and Pb emissions from roofing materials – modelling and mass balance attempt at the scale of a small urban catchment
Authors: Gromaire M. C. , Robert-Sainte P. , Bressy A. , Saad M. , De Gouvello B. , Chebbo G.
Published: August 2011

Many studies have shown that roofing materials are an important source of metals in urban runoff. Today, in the context of the European Water Directive (2000/60 CE), the quantification of these emissions is necessary, and thus the development of assessment tools is needed. This study focuses on a small urban catchment (drained by a separative sewer system). Atmospheric fallout, road runoff, roof runoff and total runoff at the outlet of the catchment were sampled. The aim is (1) to verify the contribution of roofing materials to metallic flows of Zn and Pb at the catchment scale and (2) to try to model emissions using some models previously developed at the test-bed scale. These models have to be tested at different spatial scales. Results obtained confirm the strong contribution of roofing materials to Zn and Pb flows at the catchment scale. For Zn, models tested were successfully transposed and validated at the roof and the catchment scales, permitting a good quantification of Zn emissions. For Pb, the use of the models highlights some difficulties, especially concerning the identification and the quantification of lead surface areas implemented.
Uncertainty evaluation of design rainfall for urban flood risk analysis
Authors: Fontanazza C. M. , Freni G. , La Loggia G. , Notaro V.
Published: August 2011

A reliable and long dataset describing urban flood locations, volumes and depths would be an ideal prerequisite for assessing flood frequency distributions. However, data are often piecemeal and long-term hydraulic modelling is often adopted to estimate floods from historical rainfall series. Long-term modelling approaches are time- and resource-consuming, and synthetically designed rainfalls are often used to estimate flood frequencies. The present paper aims to assess the uncertainty of such an approach and for suggesting improvements in the definition of synthetic rainfall data for flooding frequency analysis. According to this aim, a multivariate statistical analysis based on a copula method was applied to rainfall features (total depth, duration and maximum intensity) to generate synthetic rainfalls that are more consistent with historical events. The procedure was applied to a real case study, and the results were compared with those obtained by simulating other typical synthetic rainfall events linked to intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves. The copula-based multi-variate analysis is more robust and adapts well to experimental flood locations even if it is more complex and time-consuming. This study demonstrates that statistical correlations amongst rainfall frequency, duration, volume and peak intensity can partially explain the weak reliability of flood-frequency analyses based on synthetic rainfall events.
Algal production in wastewater treatment high rate algal ponds for potential biofuel use
Authors: Park J. B. K. , Craggs R. J.
Published: August 2011

Wastewater treatment High Rate Algal Ponds with CO2 addition could provide cost-effective and efficient tertiary-level wastewater treatment with the co-benefit of algal biomass production for biofuel use. Wastewater grown algal biomass can have a lipid content of 10–30% of dry weight, which could be used to make biodiesel. This research investigated algal biomass and total lipid production by two pilot-scale wastewater treatment HRAPs (4-day HRT) with and without CO2 addition under New Zealand mid summer (Nov–Jan) conditions. The influence of CO2 addition on wastewater treatment performance was also determined. CO2 was added to one of the HRAPs (the HRAPE) by maintaining the maximum pH of the pond below 8. Measurements of HRAP influent and effluent water qualities, total lipid content and algal biomass production were made twice a week over the experimental period.

Both HRAPs achieved high levels of organic compound and nutrient removal, with >85% SBOD5, >92 NH4+-N and >70% DRP removal. Algal/bacterial biomass production in the HRAPE (15.2 g/m2/d) was improved by CO2 addition by ∼30% compared with that of the control HRAPW (10.6 g/m2/d). Total lipid content of the biomass grown on both HRAPs was slightly reduced (from 25% to 20%) with CO2 addition and the maximum total lipid content of ∼40% was observed in the HRAPW when low NH4+-N concentration (<0.5 mg/L) and high maximum pH (>10.0) occurred. Total lipid content of the biomass increased by ∼15% under nitrogen limiting conditions, however, overall algal/bacterial biomass production was reduced by half during the period of nitrogen limitation. More research is required to maintain algal production under near nitrogenlimiting conditions.
Adsorption of four perfluorinated acids on non ion exchange polymer sorbents
Authors: Senevirathna S. T. M. L. D. , Tanaka S. , Fujii S. , Kunacheva C. , Harada H. , Shivakoti B. R. , Dinh H. , Ariyadasa T.
Published: August 2011

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have attracted global concern due to their ubiquitous distribution and properties of persistence, bio accumulation and toxicity. The process of adsorption has been identified as an effective technique to remove PFCs in water. Different non ion-exchange polymeric adsorbents were tested with regard to their sorption kinetics and isotherms at low PFCs concentrations. Selected PFCs were perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and the tested polymers were three types of Dowex optopores (V-493, V503, and L493), Amberlite XAD-4, and Filtrasorb 400 (Granular Activated Carbon-GAC). We observed the selective adsorption of PFCs on synthetic polymers. For PFDA, Amberlite XAD-4 gave the Freundlich adsorption constant of 2,965 (μg PFCs/g sorbent)(μg PFCs/L)−n, which was higher than that of GAC (121.89 (μg PFCs/g sorbent) (μg PFCs/L)−n). In the case of PFBA, GAC showed better performance (13.36) (μg PFCs/g sorbent) μg PFCs/L)−n than synthetic polymers (0.62–5.23) (μg PFCs/g sorbent) (μg PFCs/L)−n. Adsorption kinetics of all adsorbents were well described (R2=0.85–1) by pseudosecond order kinetic model. Sorption capacity was influenced by initial PFCs concentration for all adsorbents. GAC reached the equilibrium concentration within 4 hours, Amberlite XAD 4 reached it within 10 hours and other polymers took more than 70 hours. Key words 9 adsorption, non ion-exchange polymers, PFCs, sorption isotherm, sorption kinetics
Presence and risk assessment of pharmaceuticals in surface water and drinking water
Authors: Sanderson Hans
Published: August 2011

Trace amounts of pharmaceuticals have been detected in surface waters in the nano- to microgram per liter range, and in drinking water in the nanogram/L range. The environmental risks of pharmaceuticals in surface waters have been evaluated and generally found to be low if the wastewater is treated before release to the environment. The human health risks of trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in drinking water have however not been evaluated in any great depth. Preliminary screening level assessments suggest risk to be low – but the public and decision-makers are concerned and would like the matter investigated more thoroughly, especially with regards to mixture effects, chronic long-term effects and sensitive sub-populations. The World Health Organization is currently evaluating the need for credible health based guidance associated with low concentrations of pharmaceuticals in drinking water. The aim of this paper is to summarize the state-of-the-science and the ongoing international debate on the topic.
Determination of odorous VOCs and the risk of occupational exposure to airborne compounds at the waste water treatment plants
Authors: Lehtinen J. , Veijanen A.
Published: August 2011

Concentrations of non methane-VOCs and risk levels of employees’ exposure to VOCs were determined at two Finnish waste water treatment plants. The concentration of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) reached the Finnish OEL (occupational exposure limit). The concentrations of styrene, 1,2-dichloroethane, and toluene were found to be elevated at plant A. 328.4 μg/m3 of styrene and 709.8 μg/m3 toluene was found in the sludge dewatering, and 955.8 μg/m3 of 1,2-dichloroethane was detected in the trash rake. TVOC concentrations varied from 149.8 μg/m3 in the Plant B sludge dewatering to 7719.0 μg/m3 in the Plant A sludge dewatering. Most of the detected TVOC concentrations were quite high in comparison to the indoor air regulations or recommendations. The most odorous compounds were determined by combined TD-GC-MS-sniffing analysis. Odour was mainly caused by sulphur-containing compounds, aldehydes, and butanoic acid, in addition to aromatic compounds such as styrene, toluene and 4-methylphenol.
Application of the Morris method for screening the influential parameters of fuzzy controllers applied to wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Ruano M. V. , Ribes J. , Ferrer J. , Sin G.
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we evaluate the application of a sensitivity analysis to help fine-tuning a fuzzy controller for a biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal (BNPR) plant. The Morris Screening method is proposed and evaluated as a prior step to obtain the parameter significance ranking. First, an iterative procedure has been performed in order to find out the proper repetition number of the elementary effects (r) of the method. The optimal repetition number found in this study (r = 60) is in direct contrast to previous applications of the Morris method, which usually use low repetition number, e.g. r = 10 ∼ 20. Working with a non-proper repetition number (r) could lead to Type I error (identifying a not-important factor as significant (false positive)) as well as Type II error (identifying an important factor as not significant (false negative)), hence emphasizing the importance of finding the optimal repetition number for each study in question. With the proper r found, the Morris Screening helped identify the parameter significance ranking, thereby facilitating the calibration of fuzzy controllers, which contain many parameters that need to be adjusted for different wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) applications.
Multivariate analysis of the transport in an Ion Exchange Membrane Bioreactor for removal of anionic micropollutants from drinking water
Authors: Ricardo A. R. , Velizarov S. , Crespo J. G. , Reis M. A. M.
Published: August 2011

The present study focuses on investigating the effects of biological compartment conditions on the transport of nitrate and perchlorate in an Ion Exchange Membrane Bioreactor (IEMB). In this hybrid process, the transport depends not only on the membrane properties but also on the biological compartment conditions. The experiments were planned according to the Plackett-Burman statistical design in order to cover a broader range of experimental conditions, under which a previously developed mechanistic transport model was not able to predict correctly the transport fluxes of the target pollutants. Using Principal Component Analysis, it was possible to identify not only the concentrations of target (nitrate and perchlorate) and of major driving counter-ion (chloride) but also those of some biomedium components (e.g. ammonia, ethanol and sulphate) as variables that affect the transport rate of micropollutants across the membrane. These conclusions are based on the loadings of the two first principal components that describe 84% of the data variance. The present study also revealed that the hydraulic retention time and the hydrodynamic conditions in the biocompartment have a minor contribution to the micropollutants transport. The results obtained are important for process optimization purposes.
Potential of UV/H2O2 oxidation for enhancing the biodegradability of municipal reverse osmosis concentrates
Authors: Liu K. , Roddick F. A. , Fan L.
Published: August 2011

UVC/H2O2 and VUV/H2O2 oxidation processes were evaluated for the degradation of organic pollutants in reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) produced from a municipal secondary effluent. It was found that the oxidation by UVC/H2O2 and VUV/H2O2 processes could be described as a pseudo first-order reaction. For UVC increased oxidation occurred with increasing H2O2 dosage up to 2 mM above which improvement in oxidation performance decreased. At the same H2O2 dosage, VUV irradiation gave better overall oxidation performance. Compared with UVC/6 mM H2O2, VUV/2 mM H2O2 gave a greater rate of reduction of chemical oxygen demand, but a lower rate for reduction of dissolved organic carbon, suggesting that oxidation of organics by the two methods followed different pathways. The change of absorbance at 254 nm and fluorescence excitation emission matrix spectra of irradiated samples indicated that the large and complex compounds were fragmented rapidly by the •OH, resulting in rapid decolourisation. The biodegradability of the organics in the ROC was increased from 11% to 35% after 1 h treatment by UVC/3 mM H2O2, whereas a greater increase (41%) was obtained with VUV/2 mM H2O2. This increase in biodegradability indicates the potential for employing a subsequent biological treatment process.
Minimising the risk on phosphorus limitation; an optimised coagulant dosage system
Authors: Scherrenberg S. M. , Menkveld H. W. H. , Bechger M. , van der Graaf J. H. J. M.
Published: August 2011

In the near future the WWTP Horstermeer will be confronted with more stringent requirements. Important factor in this respect is the European Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC. Within the WFD approach the focus is more and more on low nitrogen (<2.2 mg N-total/L) and phosphorus concentrations (<0.15 mg P-total/L) in WWTP effluent. Therefore, research has been initiated at the Horstermeer WWTP to investigate the possibilities of simultaneous nutrient removal with filtration techniques. After nitrite accumulation, caused by phosphorus limitation, was measured in the filtrate water of the 1-STEP® filter, research has started. The objective of this research is to minimise the risk on the inhibition of denitrification by phosphorus limitation and to decrease the dosage of coagulant. Therefore a new coagulant dosage system is developed. The back-ground of the coagulant dosage system, the results and cost savings are discussed in this article. When the PO4-P/NOx-N ratio in the WWTP effluent becomes below 0.06 mg/mg phosphorus limitation may occur. The results for phosphorus and nitrogen removal are equal or improved compared to the yearly average of 2008. The results show a more stable removal process and a reduction of the coagulant dosage for the coagulant dosage system of 11% when compared to a continuous dosage ratio of MeP 4 mol/mol.
A new strategy for determination of current efficiency during electro-oxidation of aromatic compounds in a packed-bed system
Authors: Wang Lizhang , Zhao Yuemin , Gao Qingyu , Qian Cheng , Hu Yunlong
Published: August 2011

The electro-oxidation of aromatic compounds in 4,4′-diaminostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic (DSD) acid wastewater on IrO2–Ta2O5/Ti anodes was studied. The current efficiency was evaluated in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) by introducing a new factor, the fraction of the Faradaic current to the total cell current (β) through the network analysis of packed bed electrode system (PBEs). Experimental results using an up-flow PBEs at current intensities ranging from 5 to 16 A m−2, flow rates ranging from 20 to 80 L h−1 and inter-electrode distance of 5 to 50 cm are in good agreement with the proposed equation. In addition, lower current density, increasing flow rate and larger inter-electrode distance are beneficial to enhance the current efficiency.
P distribution in different sediment fraction of a constructed wetland
Authors: Di Luca G. A. , Mufarrege M. M. , Sánchez G. C. , Hadad H. R. , Maine M. A.
Published: August 2011

The aim of this work was to study the accumulation and fractionation of P in the inlet and outlet sediment of a constructed wetland for the wastewater treatment of a metallurgic plant in Argentina. It was important to predict whether P could be released into the water again by changing environmental conditions or retained over time. P-fractionation was performed using a sequential extraction method. Sediment cores were sliced at depths of: 0–3; 3–7 and 7–10 cm. Sediment showed high pH values and anoxic conditions. In the inlet area, P was principally bound to the carbonate fraction, whereas in the outlet area, it was mainly bound in the residual fraction. This behavior was justified by the effluent composition, which is rich in Ca2+ and Fe3+ and presents high values of pH and conductivity. These conditions favor CaCO3 and Fe(OOH)n precipitation and the subsequent sorption of P to their surface. The sediment active layer involved in the exchange reactions was the superficial one (0–3 cm). The wetland is highly efficient in P retention. P was retained by sediment in fractions that will not release it to the water while chemical and environmental conditions of the system are maintained.
Intensification of sonochemical degradation of phenol using additives at pilot scale operation
Authors: Khokhawala Ismail M. , Gogate Parag R.
Published: August 2011

The present work reports the use of sonochemical reactors for the degradation of phenol in the presence of additives with an objective of enhancing the rates of degradation at a pilot scale operation. Process intensification studies have been carried out using additives such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (0.5–2.0 g/L), sodium chloride (0.5–1.5 g/L) and solid particles viz. cupric oxide (CuO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) (0.5–2.5 g/L). Optimum concentration for H2O2 and sodium chloride has been observed beyond which no beneficial effects are obtained even with additional loadings. Maximum extent of degradation has been observed by using ultrasound/H2O2/CuO approach at a solid loading of 1.5 g/L followed by ultrasound/H2O2/TiO2 approach at a loading of 2.0 g/L. The obtained results at pilot scale operation in the current work are very important especially due to the fact that the majority of earlier studies are at laboratory scale which cannot provide the design related information for large scale operation as required scale up ratios are quite high adding a degree of uncertainty in the design. The novelty of the present work lies in the fact that it highlights successful application of sonochemical reactors for wastewater treatment at pilot scale operation.
Exploring fecal indicator bacteria in a constructed stormwater wetland
Authors: Hathaway J. M. , Hunt W. F. , Graves A. K. , Bass K. L. , Caldwell A.
Published: August 2011

Microbial pollution in surface waters is a concern throughout the world, with both public health and economic implications. One contributing source to such pollution is stormwater runoff, often treated using various types of stormwater control measures. However, relatively little is known regarding microbe sequestration in constructed stormwater wetlands (CSWs), one type of commonly installed stormwater control measure. In this study, indicator bacteria concentrations in both the water and sediment of a CSW were evaluated at multiple locations. Results suggested that fecal coliform concentrations in stormwater runoff decrease through the system, with relatively consistent concentrations noted throughout the second half of the wetland. This potentially indicates a baseline concentration of fecal coliform is present due to internal processes such as animal activity and microbial persistence. However, wetland sediments showed little E. coli present during most sampling events, with minimal patterns existing with respect to sediment sampling location. CSW designs should promote optimization of hydraulic retention time and minimization of stormwater velocities to promote sedimentation and degradation of microbes by way of wetland treatment functions.
Treatment of petroleum refinery wastewater by distillation-assisted catalytic oxidation under low temperature and low pressure
Authors: Gao Xiaoming , Li Wenhong , Fu Feng , Li Dong , Cao Zhenheng , Wang Jiwu
Published: August 2011

A distillation-assisted catalytic oxidation (DACO) process under low temperature (100 °C) and atmospheric pressure was investigated to treat heavily contaminated wastewater from oil refining industry. The DACO experiments were carried out in a distillation batch reactor, using CuO/γ-A12O3 as catalyst. The experimental temperature was kept at 100 °C and H2O2 oxidant was supplied into the reactive system with 200 mL/L. The results demonstrated that more than 92.2% of chemical oxygen demand removal was obtained and the absorbance of the refinery wastewater after treatment was zero, indicating significant decolorization efficiency for the solution. The research of life and stability showed that the catalyst had a good stability. The present study indicates that this DACO approach may have a significant application potential for industrial wastewater treatment.
Several natural indicators of radial well ageing at the Belgrade Groundwater Source, part 2
Authors: Dimkić M. , Pušić M. , Obradović V. , Djurić D.
Published: August 2011

From 2005 to 2009, research was conducted at the Belgrade Groundwater Source (BGWS) to investigate the process of clogging of wells with horizontal lateral screens (radial wells). The clogging process was monitored via the kinetics of the increase in hydraulic losses at the laterals. A correlation of this process with the redox potential, the iron concentration in water, and the microbial population growth at the laterals and in their immediate vicinity was established. Research outcomes are presented here from a study of five wells where laterals were replaced between 2006 and 2008. Derived dependencies were later used to define the preferred approach to the installation and maintenance of well laterals at the BGWS. Results contribute to the study of well ageing caused by biochemical clogging.
Dual-electrode oxidation used for aniline degradation in aqueous electrolyte
Authors: Yan-yang Chu , Ling-ling Li , Mao-juan Bai
Published: August 2011

The electrochemical degradation of aniline in aqueous electrolyte has been studied by dual-electrode oxidation process using Ti/SnO2–Sb2O5 for anodic oxidation and graphite cathode to produce H2O2 in situ. The linear voltammograms were employed to obtain reasonable anodic and cathodic potential values for the purpose of restraining side reactions. The influence of Fe2+ on aniline degradation was investigated under potentiostatic condition with a three-electrode system. It was found that an anodic potential range of 2.0 ± 0.1 V and a cathodic potential of −0.65 V could favor anodic oxidation and H2O2 generation. Anodic oxidation was accounted for aniline degradation in the absence of Fe2+, while in the presence of Fe2+ both electro-Fenton oxidation and anodic oxidation (dual-electrode oxidation) could degradate aniline effectively. When cathodic potential values were −0.65 and −0.80 V, the optimum Fe2+ concentration were 0.50 and 0.30 mM, respectively. 77.5% COD removal and 70.4% TOC removal with a current efficiency (CE) of 96–100% were achieved under the optimum conditions. This work indicates that dual-electrode oxidation process characterized by a high CE is feasible for the degradation of organic compounds.
Comparison of microbial activity in anaerobic and microaerobic digesters
Authors: Jenicek P. , Celis C. A. , Koubova J. , Pokorna D.
Published: August 2011

Microaerobic alternative of anaerobic digestion offers many advantages especially when sulfide concentration in the digester is high. For better understanding of the microaerobic technology more detailed characterization of biomass activity is needed. Two equal digesters were operated under the same condition except of microaeration in one of them. During long term operation of anaerobic and microaerobic digesters the sludge quality and the biomass activity was monitored. The activity of sulfide oxidizing bacteria of microaerobic biomass was significantly higher in comparison with anaerobic biomass. The activity of sulfate reducing bacteria was comparable. The activity of methanogenic bacteria activity depended on sulfide concentration more than on microaeration. The extent of foaming problems was lower in the microaerobic than in the anaerobic digester.
Vegetated ditches for treatment of surface water with highly fluctuating water regime
Authors: Bulc T. G. , Klemenčič A. K. , Razinger J.
Published: August 2011

Vegetated drainage ditches (VDD) as a type of constructed wetland primarily serve to remove and store excess water associated with irrigation and storm events. Current research suggests using a VDD as an additional practice in the mitigation of surface water pollution. The VDD for water treatment of the Glinscica River was constructed in 2006. The efficiency of the system was evaluated in 2008 and 2009 regarding the reduction of SS, COD, BOD5, NH4-N, NO3-N, NO2-N, TN, ON and TP. The microbiological association developed in the VDD was analyzed with a focus on the identification and quantification of the narG gene as a denitrification indicator. This paper discusses the efficiency of pollution removal and the distribution of the narG gene within the VDD. The results showed that the highly fluctuating water regime was the main reason for the even distribution and abundance of the narG gene throughout the system, regardless of oxygen saturation or the nutrient status of the wastewater. With the exception of SS, pollutant concentrations met the permitted outflow levels.
Executive Pay Regulation: What Regulators, Shareholders, and Managers Can Learn from Major Sports Leagues
Authors: Dietl Helmut M. , Duschl Tobias , Lang Markus
Published: August 2011

Executive pay regulation is widely discussed as a measure to reduce financial mismanagement in corporations. We show that the professional team sports industry, the only industry with substantial experience in the regulation of compensation arrangements, provides valuable insights for the regulation of executive pay. Based on the experience from professional sports leagues, we develop implications for the corporate sector regarding the establishment and enforcement of executive pay regulation as well as the level, structure, and rigidity of such regulatory measures.
Bond Strength Evaluation of Three Self-adhesive Luting Systems Used for Cementing Composite and Porcelain
Authors: De Angelis F , Minnoni A , Vitalone LM , Carluccio F , Vadini M , Paolantonio M , D'Arcangelo C
Published: August 2011

Clinical Relevance

Although all self-adhesive systems give improved handling and ease of use compared to traditional multi-step adhesive cements, clinicians should still consider self-adhesive cements as a heterogeneous category of luting agents that need to be better classified in terms of bond strength and chemical/mechanical properties.
The Significance of Small Intestinal Epithelium in Gastric Antral Biopsies in Children
Authors: Weinberg Arthur G.
Published: August 2011

Intestinal metaplasia of the gastric antrum is common in adults with chronic gastritis and occurs in Helicobacter-associated gastritis in children. This study examined the frequency and clinical correlates of intestinal epithelium in 1690 consecutive antral biopsies obtained from children over a 2-year period in a tertiary pediatric care facility. Intestinal epithelium in gastric glands not associated with overlying villi was present in 22 (1.3%) biopsies. These came from 20 patients, 2–17 years of age, none of whom had clinical or histologic evidence of Helicobacter infection or significant chronic gastritis. Eight (40%) had an antral pancreatic rest, 8 had some other localized antral abnormality, and 4 were endoscopically normal. Four additional patients with a pancreatic rest had no intestinal epithelium. Six surgically resected rests and 2 rests found at autopsy were also reviewed. Heterotopic intestinal epithelium was present in 1 of the 2 postmortem specimens but was absent from all 6 surgically resected lesions. No intestinal epithelium was present in 67 antral biopsies with Helicobacter gastritis observed during this same period. Although the intestinal epithelium in these patients could be metaplastic, it more likely represents inadvertent sampling of the gastroduodenal junction induced by a lesion in the distal antrum or a focus of heterotopic epithelium and might best be addressed in the surgical pathology report by a comment to this effect. The distinction from metaplasia is more than semantic, because a diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia can have adverse clinical implications and should be made with caution in a child.
Attempts at thermoluminescence dating of fired materials from the Przeworsk Culture settlements
Authors: Kusiak Jarosław , Rychter Mariusz , Stasiak-Cyran Marta
Published: August 2011

The thermoluminescence (TL) dating method has a significant measurement error margin reaching almost 10%. Due to this fact it could be considered as little effective in case of such sites from the Roman period as burial grounds with many artefacts useful for archaeological dating. However, for many settlements from this period, where pottery is the only kind of artefacts, the TL method can give notable results. The main purpose of the study was to make an attempt at TL dating of pottery and clay daub samples from the Nieszawa Kolonia and Kręcieszki sites and to compare the obtained dates with the results of archaeological dating of selected features from the Przeworsk Culture settlements. In the Kręcieszki site the fragments of burnt clay daub were dated by the TL method for the first time in the Lublin laboratory. It turned out that clay daub is an equally good dating material as pottery. It can be found that the TL dating of pottery from Nieszawa Kolonia confirms two stages of settlement. The first settlement stage is related to the phases B2-B2/C1-C1a of the Roman period, i.e. from the beginning of the 2nd to the beginning of the 3rd century. The second group of TL dates corresponds to the phases C2D that is to the second stage of settlement, from the second half of the 3rd century to the half of the 5th century AD. The results of TL dating of pottery and clay daub in the Kręcieszki site are rather similar and correspond to the phase B1/B2 of the period of Roman influence, determined from pottery style, but can also indicate the phase B2/C1.
The Pattern of Organism Causing Urinary Tract Infection in Diabetic and Non Diabetic Patients in Bangladesh
Authors: Saber Md Hamza , Barai Lovely , Haq J Ashraful , Alam Jilani Md Shariful , Begum Jaheda
Published: August 2011

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common both in the diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The widespread use of antimicrobial agents leads to emergence of resistant microorganisms. Since the pattern of bacterial resistance is constantly changing, the monitoring of the antimicrobial susceptibilities of the predominantly isolated organisms becomes more important. Aim of this study was to determine the etiologic agents and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients with urinary tract infection (UTI). A total of 288 diabetics (196 female and 92 males) and 63 non diabetic patients (43 female and 20 males) with symptomatic UTI were included in this study. Among the study cases, 43.8% diabetic patients and 42.9% non-diabetic patients had positive growth from urine. Rate of isolation of Escherichia coli in diabetic was less (61.8%) compared to non diabetic (77.8%). Rate of other organisms isolated in diabetic and non diabetic patients were respectively: Klebsiella sp 6.9% vs 3.7%, Enterococcus 12.2% vs3.7%, Pseudomonas species 3.8% vs 0%, Candida species 4.6% versus 3.7%, Staphylococcus aureus 4.6% versus 7.4% etc. E coli isolated from diabetic patient was significantly (p<0.05) less sensitive to ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, netilmicin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin than that of non diabetic patients. In addition, isolation rate of the Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase producing gram negative bacilli was found higher among diabetic population (47.8%) compared to the non-diabetics (9.1%). Key words: Urinary tract infection (UTI), Diabetic and non diabetic patient, Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v4i1.8461 BJMM 2011; 4(1): 6-8
‘The Modern Disciple of the Academy’: Hume, Shelley, and Sir William Drummond
Authors: Holden Thomas
Published: August 2011

Sir William Drummond ( 1770?-1828 ) enjoyed considerable notoriety in the early nineteenth century as the author of the Academical Questions ( 1805 ), a manifesto for immaterialism that is at the same time a creative synthesis of ancient and modern forms of scepticism. In this paper I advance an interpretation of Drummond's work that emphasises his extensive employment and adaptation of Hume's own ‘Academical or Sceptical Philosophy’. I also document the impact of the Academical Questions on the contemporary philosophical scene, including its decisive influence on Shelley's philosophical development.