bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of new copolymers 4,4’-sulfinylbisphenol derivative with N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone - photopolymerization and thermo-mechanical studies
Authors: Podkościelna Beata , Bartnicki Andrzej , Gawdzik Barbara
Published: August 2014

Synthesis, structure and characterization of the new sulfur monomer sulfinylbis[benzene-4,1-diyl(oxy-2-hydroxypropane-3,1-diylmethacrylate)] (SO.DM) and its photopolymerization with N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP) are presented. SO.DM was obtained in the three-step reaction. In the first step, 4,4’- sulfinylbisphenol from 4-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)thio]phenol was obtained. In the second step the epoxy compound was synthesized. It was obtained in the reaction of 4,4’- sulfinylbisphenol with 2-(chloromethyl)oxirane in the two phases liquid/liquid system including organic and aqueous phases. In the third step, ring opening of the obtained diglycidyl ether was carried out with the use of methacrylic acid in the presence of triethylbenzylammonium chloride (TEBAC) as a catalyst. Structures of new compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, 1H and 13CNMR and DIP-MS). Photopolymerization of compositions containing different ratios of the monomers (SO.DM and NVP) and an initiator (Irgacure 651) was carried out. The following properties (before and after curing) were determined: density, polymerization shrinkage, glass transition temperature, Young’s modulus, hardness, tensile strength. Moreover, dynamic-mechanical and thermal properties were studied.
Production of microcellular foam based on PP/EPDM: The effects of processing parameters and nanoclay using response surface methodology
Authors: Keramati Mohsen , Ghasemi Ismaeil , Karrabi Mohammad , Azizi Hamed
Published: August 2014

Microcellular foam is a new class of material with superior properties due to smaller cell size and higher cell density compared to ordinary foams. In this work, microcellular foam of PP/EPDM/Organoclay with supercritical nitrogen as physical blowing agent was prepared via batch process. Experimental design was carried out according to Box-Behnken method and the effects of saturation pressure and foaming times as well as organoclay content on nucleation and final foam morphology were studied using response surface methodology (RSM). Three levels of saturation pressure, nanoclay content, and foaming time were chosen. The mathematical model and response surface graphs have been used to illustrate the relationship between considered parameters and foam properties. The results revealed that cell density and average cell diameter were affected by nanoclay content and pressure. Cell density was in the range of 109-1010 cell/cm3. Larger average cell sizes were observed as a result of increasing foaming time. Classic nucleation theory was used to study the nucleation mechanism. Nanoparticles acted as nucleating agents and changed nucleation mechanism from homogenous to heterogeneous by decreasing nucleating free energy. In order to find out nucleating energy reduction, gas-polymer-nanoparticle contact angle (Ө), was calculated by measuring surface and interfacial free energies of neat polymers and nanoparticle. In addition, nucleation efficiency of organoclay was estimated and the results showed that despite low nucleating efficiency, nucleation is dominated by presence of nanoclay.
Preparation and characterization of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane/polystyrene nanocomposites
Authors: Yang Benhong , Li Meng , Wu Yun , Wang Kang
Published: August 2014

Several inorganic/organic nanocomposites were prepared via solution-blending of cage-like octahexyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (Oh-POSS) with polystyrene (PS) in THF solvent. FTIR and 29Si-NMR were employed to characterize the structures of the nanocomposites. SEM pictures showed that the sample films were smooth and no POSS aggregation was observed when POSS content was lower than 1.0 wt%. TGA and DSC were used to investigate the thermal property. The results showed that the incorporation of nanosized Oh-POSS enhanced the thermal stability of PS with low POSS content. When 1.0 wt% of Oh-POSS was incorporated into PS matrix, the Tg and Td increased by 7.7 °C and 8.2 °C, respectively. However, higher POSS contents (>1.0 wt%) would deteriorate the thermal property of the nanocomposites due to the severe congregation of POSS..
A new high-soluble precursor for in situ silver nanoparticle generation in polymers
Authors: Carotenuto Gianfranco , Palomba Mariano , De Nicola Sergio
Published: August 2014

Perfectly transparent silver-polystyrene nanocomposites, characterized by a very strong SPR absorption band centered at 421nm, have been prepared by dissolving silver 1,5-cyclooctadiene hexafluoroacetylacetonate into amorphous polystyrene and thermally annealing this solid solution for 10s at 180 °C. The silver atoms generated during the [Ag(hfac)(COD)] thermal decomposition process slowly diffuse into the molten polymeric phase and clusterize, leading to the formation of a contact-free dispersion of silver nanoparticles characterized by a very intensive SPR absorption. Finally, silver 1,5-cyclooctadienehexafluoroacetylacetonate can be conveniently used to dye optical plastics by the strong SPR absorption of nanoscopic silver without transparency loss. In addition, the intensity of coloration can be varied by changing the amount of organic salt dissolved into the polymer.
Contact temperature and internal variables: A glance back, 20 years later
Authors: Muschik Wolfgang
Published: August 2014

The non-equilibrium contact temperature is an internal variable which is
independent of the internal energy. As an internal variable, also the contact
temperature needs an evolution equation. Some ideas concerning these evolution
equations are discussed for discrete systems and for systems in field formulation.
Decreased levels of homoarginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine in children with type 1 diabetes: associations with cardiovascular risk factors but no effect by atorvastin
Authors: Krebs Andreas , Doerfer Jürgen , Grünert Sarah Catherina , Wöhrl Jan , Stier Bernhard , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno , Lichte Kai , Winkler Karl , Grulich-Henn Jürgen , Holder Martin , Schwab Karl Otfried
Published: August 2014

To investigate homoarginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in controls compared to children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and if homoarginine and ADMA are affected by atorvastatin.

Homoarginine and ADMA levels of 28 T1D patients were compared to levels of 41 controls. In T1D patients, homoarginine and ADMA were determined at baseline, 1 year, and 2 years at daily 10 mg atorvastatin or placebo within a double-blind study.

At baseline, both homoarginine and ADMA were lower (p<0.001) in T1D patients compared to controls. In T1D patients, homoarginine and ADMA were not influenced by atorvastatin. Inverse correlations between homoarginine and HbA1c (p<0.001) and between ADMA and systolic blood pressure (p=0.005) and pulse pressure (p=0.003) were shown.

Homoarginine and ADMA levels are decreased and associated with cardiovascular risk factors in children with T1D without being affected by atorvastatin.
Crystal structure of 2,2’-bipyridindiium (2,2’-bipyridyl-κ2N,N’)- tetrabromidorhodate(III) bromide, (C10H10N2)[RhBr4(C10H8N2)]Br, C20H18Br5N4Rh
Authors: Bujak Maciej , Frank Walter
Published: August 2014

C
Big Data in Science and Healthcare: A Review of Recent Literature and Perspectives
Authors: Miron-Shatz T. , Lau A. Y. S. , Paton C. , Hansen M. M.
Published: August 2014

Objectives: As technology continues to evolve and rise in various industries, such as healthcare, science, education, and gaming, a sophisticated concept known as Big Data is surfacing. The concept of analytics aims to understand data. We set out to portray and discuss perspectives of the evolving use of Big Data in science and healthcare and, to examine some of the opportunities and challenges.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to highlight the implications associated with the use of Big Data in scientific research and healthcare innovations, both on a large and small scale.

Results: Scientists and health-care providers may learn from one another when it comes to understanding the value of Big Data and analytics. Small data, derived by patients and consumers, also requires analytics to become actionable. Connectivism provides a framework for the use of Big Data and analytics in the areas of science and healthcare. This theory assists individuals to recognize and synthesize how human connections are driving the increase in data. Despite the volume and velocity of Big Data, it is truly about technology connecting humans and assisting them to construct knowledge in new ways.

Concluding Thoughts: The concept of Big Data and associated analytics are to be taken seriously when approaching the use of vast volumes of both structured and unstructured data in science and health-care. Future exploration of issues surrounding data privacy, confidentiality, and education are needed. A greater focus on data from social media, the quantified self-movement, and the application of analytics to “small data” would also be useful.
EHR Big Data Deep Phenotyping
Authors: Lenert L. , Lopez-Campos G. , Frey L. J.
Published: August 2014

Objectives: Given the quickening speed of discovery of variant disease drivers from combined patient genotype and phenotype data, the objective is to provide methodology using big data technology to support the definition of deep phenotypes in medical records.

Methods: As the vast stores of genomic information increase with next generation sequencing, the importance of deep phenotyping increases. The growth of genomic data and adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in medicine provides a unique opportunity to integrate phenotype and genotype data into medical records. The method by which collections of clinical findings and other health related data are leveraged to form meaningful phenotypes is an active area of research. Longitudinal data stored in EHRs provide a wealth of information that can be used to construct phenotypes of patients. We focus on a practical problem around data integration for deep phenotype identification within EHR data. The use of big data approaches are described that enable scalable markup of EHR events that can be used for semantic and temporal similarity analysis to support the identification of phenotype and genotype relationships.

Conclusions: Stead and colleagues’ 2005 concept of using light standards to increase the productivity of software systems by riding on the wave of hardware/processing power is described as a harbinger for designing future healthcare systems. The big data solution, using flexible markup, provides a route to improved utilization of processing power for organizing patient records in genotype and phenotype research.
Clinical Research Informatics and Electronic Health Record Data
Authors: Horvath M. M. , Rusincovitch S. A. , Richesson R. L.
Published: August 2014

Objectives: The goal of this survey is to discuss the impact of the growing availability of electronic health record (EHR) data on the evolving field of Clinical Research Informatics (CRI), which is the union of biomedical research and informatics.

Results: Major challenges for the use of EHR-derived data for research include the lack of standard methods for ensuring that data quality, completeness, and provenance are sufficient to assess the appropriateness of its use for research. Areas that need continued emphasis include methods for integrating data from heterogeneous sources, guidelines (including explicit phenotype definitions) for using these data in both pragmatic clinical trials and observational investigations, strong data governance to better understand and control quality of enterprise data, and promotion of national standards for representing and using clinical data.

Conclusions: The use of EHR data has become a priority in CRI. Awareness of underlying clinical data collection processes will be essential in order to leverage these data for clinical research and patient care, and will require multi-disciplinary teams representing clinical research, informatics, and healthcare operations. Considerations for the use of EHR data provide a starting point for practical applications and a CRI research agenda, which will be facilitated by CRI’s key role in the infrastructure of a learning healthcare system.
Surveying Recent Themes in Translational Bioinformatics: Big Data in EHRs, Omics for Drugs, and Personal Genomics
Authors: Denny J. C.
Published: August 2014

Objective: To provide a survey of recent progress in the use of large-scale biologic data to impact clinical care, and the impact the reuse of electronic health record data has made in genomic discovery.

Method: Survey of key themes in translational bioinformatics, primarily from 2012 and 2013.

Result: This survey focuses on four major themes: the growing use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) as a source for genomic discovery, adoption of genomics and pharmacogenomics in clinical practice, the possible use of genomic technologies for drug repurposing, and the use of personal genomics to guide care.

Conclusion: Reuse of abundant clinical data for research is speeding discovery, and implementation of genomic data into clinical medicine is impacting care with new classes of data rarely used previously in medicine.
The post-yield behaviour of four Eocene-to-Jurassic UK stiff clays
Authors: HOSSEINI KAMAL R. , COOP M.R. , JARDINE R.J. , BROSSE A.
Published: August 2014

A detailed study is described of the post-yield behaviour of four medium-plasticity heavily overconsolidated UK stiff clays. Sub-layers of the stiff-to-hard Gault, Kimmeridge and Oxford clays were identified, sampled and tested; these, along with facies investigated in an earlier London Clay study, had broadly similar depositional histories. The intention in considering a spread of similar sediments from the Jurassic to the Eocene was to allow any strong effects of geological age, or burial depth, to be identified. A strongly fissured meso-structure was present in three of the four clays, which had a controlling influence on their effective shear strengths, considering that the representative element volume is of paramount importance in measuring the strengths of such soils. All four soils were brittle in shear and, when sheared to sufficient displacements, developed low residual shear strengths. The stiff clays were investigated further through comparisons between natural and reconstituted behaviour, using the latter to normalise the effective stress data for volume and also considering the clays' oedometer swell sensitivities. Normal compression tests, when normalised for void index, implied different degrees of ‘structure' than undrained shear tests, showing that a more elaborate micro- and meso-fabric framework is needed to capture the behaviour of highly overconsolidated and aged geomaterials. This paper focuses on describing the study sites' geotechnical profiles and the stiff clays' yielding behaviours under one-dimensional compression and in triaxial compressive shear.
Stiffness and strength of the engineered fused infilled frame
Authors: Mohammadi Majid , Riazi Kamyar Reza
Published: August 2014

Most types of infills cannot be regarded as engineered elements, especially owing to the lack of sufficient ductility, and they are normally ignored in the analysis of structures. Recently a new type of infill has been proposed that has a frictional fuse at the mid-height. High ductility and strength of such infills have been confirmed through experimental studies. A formula is proposed in this paper for the ultimate strength of the fused infilled frame, based on finite-element analyses, verified by experimental data, depending on the material properties, dimensions of the frame and infill and the fuse sliding strength. The infill can be applied in newly designed or rehabilitated buildings. Such buildings can easily conform to the new version of codes, with more restricting criteria for seismic design, by regulating the infills for higher strengths, estimated by the proposed formula presented in this paper.
Stress and strain monitoring at Tottenham Court Road Station, London, UK
Authors: Yu Jessica , Standing Jamie , Vollum Robert , Potts David , Burland John
Published: August 2014

Removal of old tunnel lining segments at Tottenham Court Road underground railway station in London, UK provided an opportunity to trial in-tunnel instrumentation. Mechanical and electrical resistance strain gauges were installed on adjacent tunnel segments to make discrete measurements of changes in strain owing to unloading as the segments were removed from the tunnel rings. Linear variable differential transformer type displacement transducers were installed. This paper describes the installation process and highlights the lessons learnt for future applications. The in situ strain measurements are presented and compared with the expected response based on laboratory tests conducted on grey cast-iron tunnel segments in the 1970s. The changes in strain measured by both types of strain gauges agreed well with the estimated changes assuming full overburden unloading.
Performance evaluation of regional climate models (RCMs) in determining precipitation characteristics for Gothenburg, Sweden
Authors: Rana Arun , Madan Shilpy , Bengtsson Lars
Published: August 2014

Regional climate models (RCMs) are used for forecasting future climate including precipitation characteristics. Performances of five different RCMs for predicting the precipitation characteristics for Gothenburg, Sweden were evaluated against the daily observed precipitation over the period 1961 to 2009. Statistical analysis was done on annual, monthly, multi-daily, and daily data. The statistical techniques used include principal component analysis (PCA), comparison of annual maximum, frequency of exceedances determined from Poisson distribution, comparison of frequency distributions, and Mann–Kendall technique for investigating trend over time. Inter-annual variability and autocorrelation between years were also investigated. The results obtained point towards the usefulness of these high-resolution RCMs. It was observed that all the models give the annual maximum precipitation within 3 mm of the observed data. As for the observed series, no trends were found for monthly or seasonal data. The number of exceedances above threshold accepted Poisson distribution hypothesis with the mean exceedances from RCM-PROMES being very close to the mean exceedances from the observed data. PCA also indicated that PROMES came closest to explaining the observed data. The presented statistical methods can be used for bias correction of raw RCM data in future studies.
Improving the accuracy of a grid-based distributed hydrological model using slope and river length corrections in a large river basin: case Mekong
Authors: Lauri Hannu , Kummu Matti
Published: August 2014

The effect of the grid cell size on a distributed hydrological model performance was investigated using five grid resolutions (1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 km) in a model for the Mekong Basin in Southeast Asia. Two main factors affecting computation results and related to topography and the grid cell size were identified: the terrain slope decreases and the computed drainage network gets shorter with the increasing grid cell size. The decrease of terrain slope induced a rise of the ground water table, increase in saturation overflow, slight increase in evapotranspiration and slower outflow from soil to river network. The shortening of the drainage network induced more peaked response to high discharge events. To compensate the effect of coarse grid cell size, new correction parameters were introduced to the model. The new parameterisation method improved goodness of fit to measured discharges with all coarse resolution model grids. However, almost the same level of improvement was obtained by modifying existing soil water conductivity parameters. Nevertheless, the proposed parameterisation decreases the dependence of soil water conductivity parameterisation from slope and improves the transferability of model parameterisation between different grid scales.
Interpretation of statistics of lake ice time series for climate variability
Authors: Leppäranta Matti
Published: August 2014

Lake ice time series consist of the dates of freezing and ice break-up for the ice phenology, and ice coverage and ice thicknesses for the severity of ice seasons. This work analyses the physical interpretation of the statistics of lake ice time series illustrated by available data. The results provide tools to understand variations in the past lake ice seasons and to make projections into the future. The freezing date is related to fall air temperature with correlation time scale depending on the lake depth. Ice growth is primarily determined by the air temperature and snow accumulation. Ice break-up depends on the seasonal maximum ice and snow thicknesses, solar radiation and air temperature; the onset of melting is the primary question. Relationships are derived for ice season characteristics and climate changes. Warmer climate also brings qualitative changes to lake ice seasons by moving boundaries of ice climate zones.
A laboratory study using maple leaves as a biosorbent for lead removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Hossain Md Anwar , Ngo Huu Hao , Guo Wenshan , Zhang Jian , Liang Shuang
Published: August 2014

This study tested the ability of maple leaf powder (MLP) to reduce the level of Pb(II) ions in aqueous solutions. As a biosorbent, MLP has a larger specific surface area (10.94 m2/g) and contains Pb(II) binding functional groups. The highest Pb(II) removals were achieved at pH of 6.2, particle size of less than 75 μm, dose of 0.5 g, initial concentration of 10 mg/l and equilibrium time of >15 minutes. Thermodynamic results indicated that the Pb(II) adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. MLP biosorbent could be reused for five cycles after successfully recovery by 0.1N H2SO4. Both adsorption and desorption data fit well with Langmuir and Sips isotherm models (R2 ≈ 0.961–1.00). The Pb(II) adsorption and desorption capacities (qm) of MLP were up to 50.27 mg/g and 40.06 mg/g, respectively, for a 1 g dose at room temperature. Kinetics processes were rate controlling step and showed good fitness with the pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion models. Results suggest that multiple mechanisms (chelating bond, physisorption and chemisorption) are involved to adsorb the Pb(II) ions on to MLP. Higher Pb(II) removal revealed the practical applicability of MLP in water and wastewater treatment systems.
Multispectral remote sensing inversion for city landscape water eutrophication based on Genetic Algorithm-Support Vector Machine
Authors: Huo Aidi , Zhang Jia , Qiao Changlu , Li Chenlong , Xie Juan , Wang Jucui , Zhang Xu
Published: August 2014

Eutrophication has become the primary water quality issue for many urban landscape waters in the world. It is a focus in this paper which analyzes Enhanced Thematic Mapper images and quality observation data for 12 consecutive years in 20 parts of the urban landscape water in Xi'an City, China. A water quality model for urban landscape water based on Support Vector Machine (SVM) was established. Based on in situ monitoring data, the model is compared with water quality retrieving methods of multiple regression and back propagation neural network. Results show that the Genetic Algorithm-SVM (GA-SVM) method has better prediction accuracy than the inversion results of the neural network and the traditional statistical regression method. In short, GA-SVM provides a new method for remote sensing monitoring of urban water eutrophication and has more accurate predictions in inversion results [such as chlorophyll a (Chl-a)] in the Xi'an area. Additionally, remote sensing results highly agreed with in situ monitoring data, indicating that the technology is effective and less costly than in situ monitoring. The technology also can be used to evaluate large lake eutrophication.
Treatment characteristics and effects of nanoparticle zero-valent iron (nZVI) powder on nitrogen removal efficiency for sewage treatment
Authors: Kim Mi-Sug , Kwak Dong-Heui
Published: August 2014

This study aims at estimating nanoparticle typed zero-valent iron (nZVI) process as an advanced nitrogen removal technique. To focus on investigating characteristics and effects of nZVI on nitrogen removal for sewage treatment, batch reactor experiments were conducted to reduce excessive nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N). To improve NO3-N removal efficiency and to find a supporter or alternative of nZVI, silica sand, synthetic zeolite, and a mixture of silica sand, synthetic zeolite, and nZVI were used in the experiments. As a result of this study, the chemical denitrification by nZVI attracted on the magnet surface may be useful for total nitrogen removal in conventional sewage and wastewater treatment plants under the optimal conditions, and application of silica sand also is an excellent adsorbent or media for N-component removal and a supporter as well. This study concludes the end product in this study may be nitrogen gas (N2) through Fe0 reaction with O2 and NO3− in aerobic nZVI (Fe0)–H2O system. Future study is required to examine the competition of nZVI between nitrate and many other compounds depending upon various experimental conditions for improving the nitrate removal efficiency and impeding the ammonium generation.
Photocatalytic removal of nitrate using TiO2/polyacrylonitrile nanofiber membrane synthesized by co-electrospinning process
Authors: Suriyaraj S. P. , Benasir Begam M. , Deepika S. G. , Biji P. , Selvakumar R.
Published: August 2014

The present study investigates the development of titanium dioxide (TiO2)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber membrane for the removal of nitrate from aqueous solution by photocatalysis. The TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by conventional sol–gel method followed by blending them into PAN polymer. The blended solution was electrospun into nanofiber using the co-electrospinning technique. The nanoparticle, PAN nanofibers and the TiO2 impregnated nanofibers were characterized using suitable techniques like X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy attached with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The average size and the diameter of the TiO2 nanoparticles and TiO2/PAN nanofibers were found to be 22 ± 0.32 nm and 90 ± 15 nm respectively. TiO2 nanoparticles and TiO2/PAN nanofibers showed maximum nitrate removal of 74.67 and 39% respectively at 10 mg/L nitrate concentration at pH 4. However at higher concentration (50 mg/L), the nitrate removal was found to be only 16.87%. The experimental data were fitted onto pseudo second-order kinetic model. The impregnation of TiO2 nanoparticles into the PAN nanofibers by co-electrospinning techniques lead to higher removal of nitrate in aqueous solution at lower concentration (10 mg/L and below). However at higher concentration, the TiO2/PAN nanofiber membrane was inefficient to remove nitrate.
What does rebounding water use look like? An examination of post-drought and post-flood water end-use demand in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Beal C. D. , Makki A. , Stewart R. A.
Published: August 2014

Rebounding water use behaviour has been observed in communities that have experienced plentiful water supply following a very dry period. However, the drivers of such rebounds in water consumption are varied and not well understood. Knowledge of such drivers can greatly assist managers towards proactive demand management, modelling and timely promotion of water efficient behaviours. Total and end-use residential water consumption has been tracked in South East Queensland, Australia for a sample of up to 252 homes in post-drought conditions (dam supplies growing but water restrictions continued, changed water use behaviours still ‘fresh’), and during and post-flooding conditions (eased restrictions, 100% dam capacity). Data on end-use water consumption trends using nearly 3 years of residential water end-use data have revealed several interesting patterns of consumption such as a delayed return to pre-drought use, the influence of climate and end-use specific rebounds (e.g. indoor versus outdoor use). The end-use data have helped to identify the drivers of rebounding water consumption which appear to include environmental cues (rainfall, temperature), social cues (e.g. government encouraging consumers to turn on tap) and a gradual general reduction in conservative water use behaviours. The paper concludes with a discussion of how this knowledge can be used to inform long-term demand management policy, particularly in variable climates.
Applying reliability analysis to evaluate water treatment plants
Authors: Oliveira M. D. , Melo L. D. V. , Queiroga L. L. , Oliveira S. M. A. C. , Libanio M.
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the applicability of reliability analysis to a water treatment plant (WTP). Data from daily monitoring of raw and finished water quality from a direct filtration WTP covered the parameters of turbidity, apparent colour, pH, aluminum, chlorine and fluoride, from December 2007 to August 2011. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and adherence tests to normal, log-normal, rectangular, exponential and gamma distributions. A reliability analysis was conducted in three steps: (i) estimation of mean values for monitored parameters based on the established percentage of compliance and comparison with observed mean; (ii) estimation of expected percentage of compliance based on observed mean values and comparison with the observed percentages; and (iii) evaluation of the applicability of reliability analysis to parameters with upper and lower limits. When the comparison between estimated and observed percentages of compliance was made, reliability analysis led to inaccurate results for parameters whose observed percentage of compliance remained below 90%. For parameters whose observed percentage of compliance tended to fullness, deviations were not observed. It is believed that such a conclusion can be extrapolated to estimated mean values: most accurate results are obtained for parameters that have percentages of compliance near 100%.
Rainwater harvesting in urban areas: how can foreign experiences enhance the French approach?
Authors: de Gouvello B. , Gerolin A. , Le Nouveau N.
Published: August 2014

Since the end of the 1990s, rainwater harvesting (RWH) has been growing in France. A first regulatory framework, constituted mainly by an Order of 21 August, 2008, helped to strengthen this practice, but also introduced some limitations to the development of RWH. Considering the growing social demand and possible issues for water resources, it is likely that this first regulatory framework will evolve. In order to anticipate these changes, foreign case studies may be very instructive. Based on a detailed analysis of eight countries in all continents (Germany, United Kingdom, United States, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Australia and Uganda), this paper draws up an international overview of RWH allowing French practices to be put into perspective. Beyond the specific and sensitive differences, the experience of these countries gives useful lessons for the French case. Comparisons have been drawn on different topics: uses of rainwater, quality standards, regulatory tools and RWH development factors. RWH, especially, in urban areas appears in France as an isolated topic. It is necessary in the future to better integrate it into overall urban water management approaches.
UV/TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation of recalcitrant organic matter: effect of salinity and pH
Authors: Muthukumaran Shobha , Song Lili , Zhu Bo , Myat Darli , Chen Jin-Yuan , Gray Stephen , Duke Mikel
Published: August 2014

Photocatalytic oxidation processes have interest for water treatment since these processes can remove recalcitrant organic compounds and operate at mild conditions of temperature and pressure. However, performance under saline conditions present in many water resources is not well known. This study aims to explore the basic effects of photocatalysis on the removal of organic matter in the presence of salt. A laboratory-scale photocatalytic reactor system, employing ultraviolet (UV)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysis was evaluated for its ability to remove the humic acid (HA) from saline water. The particle size and zeta potential of TiO2 under different conditions including solution pH and sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations were characterized. The overall degradation of organics over the NaCl concentration range of 500–2,000 mg/L was found to be 80% of the non-saline equivalent after 180 min of the treatment. The results demonstrated that the adsorption of HA onto the TiO2 particles was dependent on both the pH and salinity due to electrostatic interaction and highly unstable agglomerated dispersion. This result supports UV/TiO2 as a viable means to remove organic compounds, but the presence of salt in waters to be treated will influence the performance of the photocatalytic oxidation process.
Comparison of Fenton and Fenton-like oxidation for the treatment of cosmetic wastewater
Authors: Bautista P. , Casas J. A. , Zazo J. A. , Rodriguez J. J. , Mohedano A. F.
Published: August 2014

The treatment of cosmetic wastewaters by Fenton (Fe2+/H2O2) and Fenton-like (Fe3+/H2O2) oxidation has been studied. From batch and continuous experiments it has been proved that both versions of the Fenton process lead to quite similar results in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon reduction although the COD shows a slightly higher rate in the early stages of reaction. COD reductions of around 55% after 2 h reaction time and 75–80% with 4 h residence time were reached in batch and continuous experiments, respectively, conducted at pH around 3, ambient temperature (20 °C), with 200 mg/L of Fe dose and an initial H2O2/COD weight ratio corresponding to the theoretical stoichiometric value. Achieving the locally allowable limit of COD for industrial wastewater discharge into the municipal sewer system takes no more than 30 min reaction time under those conditions by both Fenton systems. However, the Fenton-like process, where iron is fed as Fe3+, would be preferable for industrial applications since the ferric sludge resulting upon final neutralization of the effluent can be recycled to the process. A second-order kinetic equation with respect to COD fitted fairly well the experimental results at different temperatures, thus providing a simple practical tool for design purposes.
Phosphonate removal from discharged circulating cooling water using iron–carbon micro-electrolysis
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Qiao Weimin , Lin Yangbo , Shen Xuelian , Hu Dalong , Zhang Jianqiao , Jiang Lu-Man , Wang Luochun
Published: August 2014

Phosphonate is a commonly used corrosion and scale inhibitor for a circulating cooling water (CCW) system. Its discharge could cause eutrophication of receiving waters. The iron–carbon (Fe/C) micro-electrolysis technology was used to degrade and remove phosphonate from discharged CCW. The influences of initial pH, Fe/C ratio (FCR) and temperature on phosphonate removal were investigated in a series of batch tests and optimized by response surface methodology. The quadratic model of phosphonate removal was obtained with satisfactory degrees of fitness. The optimum conditions with total phosphorus removal efficiency of 95% were obtained at pH 7.0, FCR of 1.25, and temperature of 45 °C. The phosphonate removal mechanisms were also studied. Phosphonate removal occurred predominantly via two consecutive reactive phases: the degradation of phosphonate complexes (Ca–phosphonate) and the precipitation of Fe/C micro-electrolysis products (PO43−, Ca2+ and Fe3+).
Rice production with minimal irrigation and no nitrogen fertilizer by intensive use of treated municipal wastewater
Authors: Muramatsu Ayumi , Watanabe Toru , Sasaki Atsushi , Ito Hiroaki , Kajihara Akihiko
Published: August 2014

We designed a new cultivation system of rice with circulated irrigation to remove nitrogen from treated municipal wastewater effectively and assessed the possibility of nitrogen removal in the new system without any adverse effects on rice production through bench-scale experiments through two seasons. Overgrowth of the rice plant, which can lead to lodging and tasteless rice, was found in the first season probably because nitrogen supply based on standard practice in normal paddy fields was too much in the closed irrigation system. In the second season, therefore, the amount of treated wastewater initially applied to the system was reduced but this resulted in a considerably decreased yield. On the other hand, the taste of the rice was significantly improved. The two-season experiments revealed that the new system enabled rice production with minimal irrigation (approximately 50% on the yield base compared to normal paddy fields) and no nitrogen fertilizer. The system also achieved >95% removal of nitrogen from the treated wastewater used for circulated irrigation. The accumulation of harmful metals in the rice was not observed after one season of cultivation in the new system. The accumulation after cultivation using the same soil repeatedly for a longer time should be examined by further studies.
Determination of methane yield of cellulose using different experimental setups
Authors: Wang Bing , Nges Ivo Achu , Nistor Mihaela , Liu Jing
Published: August 2014

In this work, biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests with cellulose as a model substrate were performed with the aid of three manually operated or conventional experimental setups (based on manometer, water column and gas bag) and one automated apparatus specially designed for analysis of BMP. The methane yields were 340 ± 18, 354 ± 13, 345 ± 15 and 366 ± 5 ml CH4/g VS obtained from experimental setups with manometer, water column, gas bag, and automatic methane potential test system, which corresponded to a biodegradability of 82, 85, 83 and 88% respectively. The results demonstrated that the methane yields of cellulose obtained from conventional and automatic experimental setups were comparable; however, the methane yield obtained from the automated apparatus showed greater precision. Moreover, conventional setups for the BMP test were more time- and labour-intensive compared with the automated apparatus.
Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution using exfoliated polyaniline/montmorillonite composite
Authors: Chen Jun , Hong Xiaoqin , Zhao Yongteng , Zhang Qianfeng
Published: August 2014

Exfoliated polyaniline/montmorillonite (PANI/MMT) composites with nanosheet structure were successfully prepared by in situ chemical oxidation polymerization with MMT platelets as the scaffold. Amphoteric polymer, (2-methacryloyloxyethyl)trimethyl ammonium chloride and methacrylate acid copolymer, was used to modify montmorillonite and a large number of carboxylic acids were introduced on the surface of the clay platelets, which can be used as a dopant of PANI and play a ‘bridge’ role to combine PANI with clay. Adsorption experiments were carried out to study the effects of pH, contact time, Cr(VI) concentration, adsorbent dose and temperature. The adsorption of Cr(VI) on the PANI/MMT was highly pH dependent and the adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. The Langmuir isothermal model described the adsorption isotherm data well and the maximum adsorption capacity increased with the increase in temperature. Thermodynamic investigation indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous, endothermic and marked with an increase in randomness at the adsorbent – liquid interface. The maximum adsorption capacity of the PANI/MMT composites for Cr(VI) was 308.6 mg/g at 25 °C. The excellent adsorption characteristic of exfoliated PANI/MMT composites will render it a highly efficient and economically viable adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Blockade Improves Coronary Microvascular Function in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Garg Rajesh , Rao Ajay D. , Baimas-George Maria , Hurwitz Shelley , Foster Courtney , Shah Ravi V. , Jerosch-Herold Michael , Kwong Raymond Y. , Di Carli Marcelo F. , Adler Gail K.
Published: August 2014

Reduced coronary flow reserve (CFR), an indicator of coronary microvascular dysfunction, is seen in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and predicts cardiac mortality. Since aldosterone plays a key role in vascular injury, the aim of this study was to determine whether mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blockade improves CFR in individuals with T2DM. Sixty-four men and women with well-controlled diabetes on chronic ACE inhibition (enalapril 20 mg/day) were randomized to add-on therapy of spironolactone 25 mg, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 12.5 mg, or placebo for 6 months. CFR was assessed by cardiac positron emission tomography at baseline and at the end of treatment. There were significant and similar decreases in systolic blood pressure with spironolactone and HCTZ but not with placebo. CFR improved with treatment in the spironolactone group as compared with the HCTZ group and with the combined HCTZ and placebo groups. The increase in CFR with spironolactone remained significant after controlling for baseline CFR, change in BMI, race, and statin use. Treatment with spironolactone improved coronary microvascular function, raising the possibility that MR blockade could have beneficial effects in preventing cardiovascular disease in patients with T2DM.
Brain Iron Overload, Insulin Resistance, and Cognitive Performance in Obese Subjects: A Preliminary MRI Case-Control Study
Authors: Blasco Gerard , Puig Josep , Daunis-i-Estadella Josep , Molina Xavier , Xifra Gemma , Fernández-Aranda Fernando , Pedraza Salvador , Ricart Wifredo , Portero-Otín Manuel , Fernández-Real José Manuel
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVE

The linkage among the tissue iron stores, insulin resistance (IR), and cognition remains unclear in the obese population. We aimed to identify the factors that contribute to increased hepatic iron concentration (HIC) and brain iron overload (BIO), as evaluated by MRI, and to evaluate their impact on cognitive performance in obese and nonobese subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We prospectively recruited 23 middle-aged obese subjects without diabetes (13 women; age 50.4 ± 7.7 years; BMI 43.7 ± 4.48 kg/m2) and 20 healthy nonobese volunteers (10 women; age 48.8 ± 9.5 years; BMI 24.3 ± 3.54 kg/m2) in whom iron load was assessed in white and gray matter and the liver by MRI. IR was measured from HOMA-IR and an oral glucose tolerance test. A battery of neuropsychological tests was used to evaluate the cognitive performance. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify the independent associations of BIO and cognitive performance.

RESULTS

A significant increase in iron load was detected at the caudate nucleus (P < 0.001), lenticular nucleus (P = 0.004), hypothalamus (P = 0.002), hippocampus (P < 0.001), and liver (P < 0.001) in obese subjects. There was a positive correlation between HIC and BIO at caudate (r = 0.517, P < 0.001), hypothalamus (r = 0.396, P = 0.009), and hippocampus (r = 0.347, P < 0.023). The area under the curve of insulin was independently associated with BIO at the caudate (P = 0.001), hippocampus (P = 0.028), and HIC (P = 0.025). BIOs at the caudate (P = 0.028), hypothalamus (P = 0.006), and lenticular nucleus (P = 0.012) were independently associated with worse cognitive performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity and IR may contribute to increased HIC and BIO being associated with worse cognitive performance. BIO could be a potentially useful MRI biomarker for IR and obesity-associated cognitive dysfunction.
Beneficial Effect of Pistachio Consumption on Glucose Metabolism, Insulin Resistance, Inflammation, and Related Metabolic Risk Markers: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hernández-Alonso Pablo , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Baldrich-Mora Mònica , Juanola-Falgarona Martí , Bulló Mònica
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether a pistachio-rich diet reduces the prediabetes stage and improves its metabolic risk profile.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Prediabetic subjects were recruited to participate in this Spanish randomized clinical trial between 20 September 2011 and 4 February 2013. In a crossover manner, 54 subjects consumed two diets, each for 4 months: a pistachio-supplemented diet (PD) and a control diet (CD). A 2-week washout period separated study periods. Diets were isocaloric and matched for protein, fiber, and saturated fatty acids. A total of 55% of the CD calories came from carbohydrates and 30% from fat, whereas for the PD, these percentages were 50 and 35%, respectively (including 57 g/day of pistachios).

RESULTS

Fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA of insulin resistance decreased significantly after the PD compared with the CD. Other cardiometabolic risk markers such as fibrinogen, oxidized LDL, and platelet factor 4 significantly decreased under the PD compared with the CD (P < 0.05), whereas glucagon-like peptide-1 increased. Interleukin-6 mRNA and resistin gene expression decreased by 9 and 6%, respectively, in lymphocytes after the pistachio intervention (P < 0.05, for PD vs. CD). SLC2A4 expression increased by 69% in CD (P = 0.03, for PD vs. CD). Cellular glucose uptake by lymphocytes decreased by 78.78% during the PD (P = 0.01, PD vs. CD).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic pistachio consumption is emerging as a useful nutritional strategy for the prediabetic state. Data suggest that pistachios have a glucose- and insulin-lowering effect, promote a healthier metabolic profile, and reverse certain metabolic deleterious consequences of prediabetes.