bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Sequential High-Dose Doxorubicin and Ifosfamide Compared With Standard-Dose Doxorubicin in Patients With Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma: An Open-Label Randomized Phase II Study of the Spanish Group for Research on Sarcomas
Authors: Maurel Joan , López-Pousa Antonio , de las Peñas Ramón , Fra Joaquín , Martín Javier , Cruz Josefina , Casado Antonio , Poveda Andrés , Martínez-Trufero Javier , Balañá Carmen , Gómez María Auxiliadora , Cubedo Ricardo , Gallego Oscar , Rubio-Viqueira Belen , Rubió Jordi , Andrés Raquel , Sevilla Isabel , de la Cruz Juan Jose , del Muro Xavier García , Buesa Jose María
Published: March 2009

Purpose

To assess the progression-free survival (PFS) and antitumor response to standard-dose doxorubicin compared with sequential dose-dense doxorubicin and ifosfamide in first-line treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma.

Patients and Methods

Patients with measurable advanced soft tissue sarcoma, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) < 2, between the ages 18 and 65 years, and with adequate bone marrow, liver, and renal function were entered in the study. The stratifications were: ECOG PS (0 v 1), location of metastases, and potentially resectable disease. Patients were randomly assigned to either doxorubicin 75 mg/m2 given as a bolus injection every 3 weeks for 6 cycles (arm A) or doxorubicin at 30 mg/m2 per day for 3 consecutive days once every 2 weeks for 3 cycles followed by ifosfamide at 12.5 g/m2 delivered by continuous infusion over 5 days once every 3 weeks for 3 cycles with filgastrim or pegfilgastrim support (arm B).

Results

Between December 2003 and September 2007, 132 patients were entered onto the study. Febrile neutropenia, asthenia, and mucositis were more frequent in the arm B. The interim preplanned analysis for futility allowed the premature closure. Objective responses were observed in 23.4% of assessable patients in arm A and 24.1% in arm B. PFS was 26 weeks in the arm A and 24 weeks in arm B (P = .88). Overall survival did not differ between the two therapeutic arms (P = .14).

Conclusion

Single-agent doxorubicin remains the standard treatment in fit patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Colorectal Cancer Treated With Cetuximab: Overall and KRAS-Specific Results of the NCIC CTG and AGITG CO.17 Trial
Authors: Au Heather-Jane , Karapetis Christos S. , O'Callaghan Chris J. , Tu Dongsheng , Moore Malcolm J. , Zalcberg John R. , Kennecke Hagen , Shapiro Jeremy D. , Koski Sheryl , Pavlakis Nick , Charpentier Danielle , Wyld David , Jefford Michael , Knight Gregory J. , Magoski Nadine M. , Brundage Michael D. , Jonker Derek J.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group CO.17 demonstrated the antiepidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) monoclonal antibody cetuximab improves overall and progression-free survival in patients with advanced, chemotherapy-refractory colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly in patients with wild-type KRAS tumors. This article reports the health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) outcomes from CO.17.

Patients and Methods

Patients (N = 572) with pretreated EGFR-detectable advanced CRC were randomly assigned to cetuximab and best supportive care (BSC) or to BSC alone. HRQL primary end points assessed by the EORTC QLQ-C30 were physical function (PF) and global health status (GHS); mean changes from baseline to 8 and 16 weeks were assessed. Post hoc analysis by KRAS mutation status was performed.

Results

Questionnaire compliance was 94% at baseline, but it declined differentially (67% v 47% for cetuximab v BSC at 16 weeks). PF change scores were −3.9 for cetuximab and −8.6 for BSC (P = .046) at 8 weeks and were −5.9 and −12.5 for cetuximab and BSC, respectively, (P = .027) at 16 weeks. GHS change scores were −0.5 and −7.1 (P = .008) at 8 weeks and were −3.6 and −15.2 (P = .008) at 16 weeks for cetuximab and BSC, respectively. In patients who had tumors with wild-type KRAS status, cetuximab resulted in less PF deterioration at 8 weeks (−0.7 v −7.2; P = .11) and 16 weeks (−3.4 v −13.8; P = .008) compared with BSC. Patients with wild-type status who received cetuximab experienced improved GHS at 8 weeks, whereas patients who received BSC alone deteriorated (3.2 v −7.7; P = .002). Cetuximab preserved GHS at 16 weeks (−0.2 v −18.1; P < .001). No significant differences were noted between study arms for patients with mutated KRAS tumors.

Conclusion

Cetuximab offers important HRQL and survival benefits for pretreated patients with advanced, wild-type KRAS CRC.
Simplifying the TNM System for Clinical Use in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Onitilo Adedayo A. , Engel Jessica M. , Lundgren Catharina Ihre , Hall Per , Thalib Lukman , Doi Suhail A.R.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The TNM stratification has been found useful at stratifying patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) into prognostic risk groups. However, it is cumbersome to implement clinically given the large number of bins within this system and the complicated system of arriving at stage information.

Patients and Methods

We decided to quantify each variable in this system to arrive at a simplified quantitative alternative to the TNM system (QTNM) and compare this with the conventional system. We used our electronic record system to identify 614 cases of DTC managed at our institution from 1987 to 2006. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and a simplified QTNM score was devised using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

We were able to quantify the TNM system as follows: 4 points each for age older than 45 years and presence of neck nodal metastases while 6 points for tumor size larger than 4 cm or extrathyroidal extension and 1 point for nonpapillary DTC. A sum of 0 to 5 points was low risk, 6 to 10 points intermediate, and 11 to 15 points high risk. Comparison with the conventional TNM system and two other systems revealed similar or better discrimination with the QTNM and this discrimination was maintained when this risk stratification was applied to a unique validation set.

Conclusion

The QTNM system as opposed to the conventional TNM system seems to be a simple and effective method for risk stratification for both recurrence and cancer-specific mortality.
Not the Next Ira: How Health Savings Accounts Shape Public Opinion
Authors: Barabas Jason
Published: March 2009

Scholars suspect that public policies affect public opinion, but the empirical evidence is mixed, and contemporary theories advance offsetting predictions. This study examines two allegedly similar private investment account programs that differ in politically relevant ways. Statistical analyses show that owners of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) experience policy feedback effects, but in opposite directions. More specifically, matched comparisons of respondents in a national survey indicate that IRA participants are more likely to favor Social Security privatization than individuals without IRAs. In contrast, HSA participants are less likely to prefer consumer-driven health coverage in which individuals are empowered to make choices. Overall, the findings suggest that policies alter public opinion preferences but that the effects depend on programmatic design and performance.
Festivals
Authors: Grant Barry Keith , Paletz Gabriel M , Wagner Kristen Anderson , Lee Nikki J.Y , Devers Deirdre
Published: March 2009

Toronto International Film Festival 2008 A report by Barry Keith Grant

Cultural potential and the cause of the auteur: A report on the tribute to Todd Haynes, Sarajevo International Film Festival, 1623 August 2008 By Gabriel M. Paletz

San Francisco Silent Film
Festival 1113 July 2008 A report by Kristen Anderson Wagner

The 2008 Jeonju International Film Festival, 1 May9 May 2008 A report by Nikki J.Y. Lee

Chantal Akerman, Camden Arts Centre (London), 11 July14 September 2008 A report by Deirdre Devers
Stabilization and Solidification of Hazardous, Radioactive, and Mixed Wastes: 2nd Volume
Authors: Gilliam TM , Wiles CC
Published: March 2009

Description

39 papers by researchers working with stabilization and solidification technologies from both the low-level radioactive and chemically hazardous waste communities are presented in sections on:

• Regulatory and Technical Guidance

• Specialty Wastes: Organics, Ashes, and Resins

• Laboratory-Scale Leachability Studies

• Laboratory-Scale Process Development

• Test Method Development

• Large-Scale Evaluation or Demonstration
Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal in the United States
Authors: Bangart RL , Tokar M
Published: March 2009

In this paper, we discuss the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) requirements for structural stability for Classes B and C low-level radioactive wastes (LLW), as expressed in Part 61 to Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR Part 61). Also discussed is the guidance developed by the NRC staff for the stabilization methods of major current interest. These include the use of (1) solidification/stabilization media, (2) high integrity containers, and (3) engineered alternatives, such as below-ground vaults and earth-mounded concrete bunkers, for disposal of LLW.
Effect of Hydrating Water on the Physical Characteristics and the Diffusion Release of Cesium Nitrate Immobilized in Cement
Authors: Zamorani E , Serrini G
Published: March 2009

The effect of the preparation procedure—(variable amounts of hydrating water on the leachability of a soluble contaminant (CsNO3) from cement samples immersed in water, as well as the physical characteristics of cement samples such as density, pore volume, and compressive strength—were considered in this work. Leach tests of cement specimens containing 2% in weight of cesium nitrate (CsNO3), prepared at different water-to-cement ratios, W/C = 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, and 0.55, were cured for 60°C, 98% RH, for eleven days. The leaching standard procedure suggested by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was used to follow the kinetics for the Cs+, NO3-, and Ca2+ releases from cement right cylinders, 20 mm in diameter and 20 mm high, leached in water at a solid surface-to-liquid volume (S/V) = 0.1/cm. The results of the cumulative fraction release (CFR) versus time (t) in days indicate that the leaching of soluble elements like NO3- and cesium follows a diffusion mechanism. The cumulative fraction release (CFR) values were found to depend on a porosity factor β=(Vp)1,2,3...(Vp)0 where (Vp) 1,2,3 … represents the total porosity of cement at the W/C considered, and (Vp)0 represents the porosity at W/C = 0.35. A diffusion coefficient, De = 1.4 × 10-7 cm2/s, calculated by the values of the cumulative fraction release at 50°C and W/C = 0.35, confirms our previous results obtained on cement samples containing CsNO3 and prepared under the same conditions.
Laboratory Treatment and Field Demonstration Lessons Learned from a Waste Stabilization Project
Authors: Means JL , Heath JC , McLaughlin WJ
Published: March 2009

For a ten-year period, 1976 to 1986, the U.S. Navy leased most of its naval station, Treasure Island, Hunters Point Annex (HPA), to Triple A Machine Shop, which operated the station as a commercial ship repair facility. Triple A generated waste sandblasting grit contaminated with toxic heavy metals (i.e., lead and copper). The grit accumulated in a 2300-m3 (3000-yd3) pile. This three-phase study evaluated the effectiveness of a sulfide-based chemical fixation process in rendering the grit nonhazardous under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and State of California hazardous waste rules and regulations.

Two significant lessons resulted from the study. First, the unsatisfactory degree of stabilization of the lead and copper during the field demonstration was a direct result of their encapsulation in organic coatings (antifouling agents, pigments, etc.). Understanding the physicochemical form of the contaminant is as important as knowing the type and amount of the contaminant present. Second, sulfide-based formulations used in the laboratory enhanced the degree of stabilization over that which occurred in the field. During laboratory treatability studies, it is important to cure the waste in a setting that simulates the conditions that will be encountered in the field.

Sulfide binders, as shown in this study, have a role in stabilization/solidification where conventional technologies are unable to meet performance criteria.
Higher maternal TSH levels in pregnancy are associated with increased risk for miscarriage, fetal or neonatal death
Authors: Benhadi N , Wiersinga W M , Reitsma J B , Vrijkotte T G M , Bonsel G J
Published: March 2009

Background

To examine the relationship between maternal TSH and free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations in early pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage, fetal or neonatal death.

Method

Cohort study of 2497 Dutch women. TSH, FT4, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies concentrations were determined at first booking. Child loss was operationalized as miscarriage, fetal or neonatal death. Women with overt thyroid dysfunction were excluded.

Results

Twenty-seven cases of child loss were observed. The mean TSH and FT4level in the women with child loss was 1.48 mU/l and 9.82 pmol/l compared with 1.11 mU/l and 9.58 pmol/l in women without child loss. The incidence of child loss increased by 60% (OR=1.60 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–2.47)) for every doubling in TSH concentration. This association remained after adjustment for smoking, age, parity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, previous preterm deliveries, and previous preterm stillbirth/miscarriage (adjusted odds ratio=1.80 (95% CI: 1.07–3.03)). This was not true for FT4concentrations (OR=1.41 (95% CI: 0.21–9.40);P=0.724).

Conclusion

In a cohort of pregnant women without overt thyroid dysfunction, the risk of child loss increased with higher levels of maternal TSH. Maternal FT4concentrations and child loss were not associated.
Central effects of thyronamines on glucose metabolism in rats
Authors: Klieverik Lars P , Foppen Ewout , Ackermans Mariëtte T , Serlie Mireille J , Sauerwein Hans P , Scanlan Thomas S , Grandy David K , Fliers Eric , Kalsbeek Andries
Published: March 2009

Thyronamines are naturally occurring, chemical relatives of thyroid hormone. Systemic administration of synthetic 3-iodothyronamine (T1AM) and – to a lesser extent – thyronamine (T0AM), leads to acute bradycardia, hypothermia, decreased metabolic rate, and hyperglycemia. This profile led us to hypothesize that the central nervous system is among the principal targets of thyronamines. We investigated whether a low dose i.c.v. infusion of synthetic thyronamines recapitulates the changes in glucose metabolism that occur following i.p. thyronamine administration. Plasma glucose, glucoregulatory hormones, and endogenous glucose production (EGP) using stable isotope dilution were monitored in rats before and 120 min after an i.p. (50 mg/kg) or i.c.v. (0.5 mg/kg) bolus infusion of T1AM, T0AM, or vehicle. To identify the peripheral effects of centrally administered thyronamines, drug-naive rats were also infused intravenously with low dose (0.5 mg/kg) thyronamines. Systemic T1AM rapidly increased EGP and plasma glucose, increased plasma glucagon, and corticosterone, but failed to change plasma insulin. Compared with i.p.-administered T1AM, a 100-fold lower dose administered centrally induced a more pronounced acute EGP increase and hyperglucagonemia while plasma insulin tended to decrease. Both systemic and central infusions of T0AM caused smaller increases in EGP, plasma glucose, and glucagon compared with T1AM. Neither T1AM nor T0AM influenced any of these parameters upon low dose i.v. administration. We conclude that central administration of low-dose thyronamines suffices to induce the acute alterations in glucoregulatory hormones and glucose metabolism following systemic thyronamine infusion. Our data indicate that thyronamines can act centrally to modulate glucose metabolism.
Global uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of a food-web bioaccumulation model
Authors: Ciavatta Stefano , Lovato Tomas , Ratto Marco , Pastres Roberto
Published: March 2009

A global uncertainty and sensitivity analysis (UA/SA) of a state-of-the-art, food-web bioaccumulation model was carried out. We used an efficient screening analysis technique to identify the subset of the most relevant input factors among the whole set of 227 model parameters. A quantitative UA/SA was then applied to this subset to rank the relevance of the parameters and to partition the variance of the model output among them by means of a nonlinear regression of the outcomes of 1,000 Monte Carlo simulations. The concentrations of four representative persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in two representative species of the coastal marine food web of the Lagoon of Venice (Italy) were taken as model outputs. The screening analysis showed that the ranking was remarkably different in relation to the species and chemical being considered. The subsequent Monte Carlo–based quantitative analysis pointed out that the relationships among some of the parameters and the model outputs were nonlinear. The nonlinear regression showed that the fraction of output variance accounted for by each parameter was strongly dependent on the range of the octanol–water partition coefficient (KOW) values being considered. For the less hydrophobic chemicals, the main sources of model uncertainty were the parameters related to the respiratory bioaccumulation, whereas for the more hydrophobic ones, KOW and the other parameters related to the dietary uptake explained the largest fractions of the variance of the chemical concentrations in the organisms. The analysis highlighted that efforts are still needed for reducing uncertainty of model parameters to get reliable results from the application of food web bioaccumulation models.
Effects of photosystem II inhibitors and their mixture on freshwater phytoplankton succession in outdoor mesocosms
Authors: Knauert Stefanie , Dawo Ursula , Hollender Juliane , Hommen Udo , Knauer Katja
Published: March 2009

Effects of three photosystem II inhibitors and of their mixture on a freshwater phytoplankton community were studied in outdoor mesocosms. Atrazine, isoproturon, and diuron were applied as 30% hazardous concentrations (HC30s) obtained from species-sensitivity distributions. Taking concentration addition into account, the mixture comprised one-third of the HC30 of each substance. Effects were investigated during a five-week period of constant concentrations and a five-month posttreatment period when the herbicides dissipated. Total abundance, species composition, and diversity and recovery of the community were evaluated. Ordination techniques, such as principal component analysis and principal response curve, were applied to compare the various treatments on the community level. The three herbicides stimulated comparable effects on total abundance and diversity of phytoplankton during the period of constant exposure because of the susceptibility of the dominant cryptophytes Chroomonas acuta and Cryptomonas erosa et ovata and the prasinophyte Nephroselmis cf. olivacea. Moreover, concentration addition described combined effects of atrazine, isoproturon, and diuron on total abundance and diversity in the constant-exposure period, because their mixture induced effects on abundance and diversity similar to those of the single substances. Principal component and principal response curve analyses revealed that the community structure of diuron- and isoproturon-treated phytoplankton recovered two weeks after constant exposure, which might be related to the fast dissipation of the phenylureas. Species compositions of mixture-and atrazine-treated communities were not comparable to that of the control community five months after the end of constant exposure. This might be explained by the slower dissipation of atrazine relative to the phenylureas and by differences in the species sensitivities, resulting in a different succession of phytoplankton.
Combined experimental and theoretical study on photoinduced toxicity of an anthraquinone dye intermediate toDaphnia magna
Authors: Wang Ying , Chen Jingwen , Lin Jing , Wang Zhen , Bian Haitao , Cai Xiyun , Hao Ce
Published: March 2009

The toxicity of chemicals can be enhanced by light through two photochemical pathways: Photomodification to more toxic substances and photosensitization. In the present study, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mechanism for photoinduced acute toxicity of 1-amino-2,4-dibromoanthraquinone (ADBAQ) to Daphnia magna was clarified by experiment and theoretical calculation. The results of the present study show that ADBAQ exhibited high toxicity to D. magna under simulated solar radiation (SSR), with a median effective concentration of 1.23 ±0.19 nM (mean ± standard deviation). The photomodified ADBAQ (mixtures of ADBAQ and its photoproducts) was less phototoxic than the intact ADBAQ. The SSR-only or ADBAQ-only treatments did not affect the ROS level in D. magna, whereas increased ROS levels were observed in the presence of SSR and ADBAQ. The ROS in vivo were determined by measuring the fluorescence of 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein, which is a useful technique to assess toxicity of chemicals to aquatic organisms. The antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene, decreased the photoinduced oxidative damage to D. magna, probably by scavenging ROS. These experimental results demonstrate that photosensitization is the potential mechanism of photoinduced toxicity of ADBAQ to D. magna. Proposed phototoxic pathways of ADBAQ were elucidated by means of time-dependent density functional theory. The theoretical calculation indicates that superoxide anion and singlet oxygen are able to be generated through electron transfer or energy transfer in the photosensitization reactions.
Effect of competing ions and complexing organic substances on the cadmium uptake by the soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Slaveykova Vera I. , Dedieu Karine , Parthasarathy Nalini , Hajdu Rita
Published: March 2009

In an effort to improve the understanding and prediction of Cd uptake by soil bacteria, adsorbed and intracellular Cd were determined in unpolluted and highly polluted model soil solutions within a concentration range spanning from 10−9 to 5 × 10−5 M Cd. In parallel, the free Cd ion concentrations ([Cd2+]) were measured by a hollow fiber permeation liquid membrane. Obtained results demonstrated that Cd uptake by bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti was related to [Cd2+] in the solution. Addition of different complexing organic substances reduced [Cd2+] in the bacterial medium and decreased both adsorbed and intracellular Cd. The adsorbed Cd was considerably reduced in the presence of 10−4 to 5 × 10−2 M [Ca] or [Mg]. No effect on Cd adsorption was observed in the presence of Zn or Mn, even at 100-fold excess. Intracellular Cd decreased in the presence of a high excess of Ca and Zn, while no significant effect was observed in the presence of Mg. An increase of dissolved Mn from 10−9 to 10−8 M resulted in a twofold decrease of the intracellular Cd, but no clear trend was observed in the presence of 10−7 to 10−6 M Mn. Based on complexation and competition studies, the stability constants, necessary for quantitative description of Cd uptake by S. meliloti and the development of the bacterial biotic ligand model for Cd, were derived and validated in the solutions containing mixtures of Cd, Zn, Ca, and Mg. Further numerical simulations of Cd uptake by S. meliloti exposed to soil pore waters demonstrated the importance of Zn competition and the insignificant influence of Ca and H on Cd uptake.
Sustainable urban water management: understanding and fostering champions of change
Authors: Taylor A. C.
Published: March 2009

This paper highlights and discusses ten characteristic attributes of emergent leaders (also known as ‘champions’) who worked as influential change agents within publicly managed, Australian water agencies to encourage more sustainable forms of urban water management. These attributes relate to: the ‘openness to experience’ personality characteristic; career mobility and work history demographics; personal and position power; strategic social networks; the culture of their organisations; and five distinguishing leadership behaviours (e.g. persisting under adversity). Guided by the findings of an international literature review, the author conducted a multiple case study involving six water agencies. This research identified attributes of these leaders that were typically strong and/or distinguishing compared to relevant control groups, as well as influential contextual factors. While it is widely acknowledged that these leaders play a critical role in the delivery of sustainable urban water management, there has been a paucity of context-sensitive research involving them. The research project highlighted in this paper is a response to this situation and has led to the development of a suite of 39 practical, evidence-based strategies to build leadership capacity throughout water agencies. Such capacity is one of the elements needed to drive the transition to more ‘water sensitive cities’.
Chemical industrial wastewater treated by combined biological and chemical oxidation process
Authors: Guomin Cao , Guoping Yang , Mei Sheng , Yongjian Wang
Published: March 2009

Wastewaters from phenol and rubber synthesis were treated by the activated sludge process in a large-scale chemical factory in Shanghai, but the final effluent quality cannot conform with the local discharge limit without using river water for dilution. Therefore, this chemical factory had to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant. To fully use the present buildings and equipment during upgrading of the chemical factory's wastewater treatment plant and to save operation costs, a sequential biological pre-treatement, chemical oxidation, and biological post-treatment (or BCB for short) process had been proposed and investigated in a pilot trial. The pilot trial results showed that about 80% COD in the chemical wastewater could be removed through anoxic and aerobic degradation in the biological pre-treatement section, and the residual COD in the effluent of the biological pre-treatment section belongs to refractory chemicals which cannot be removed by the normal biological process. The refractory chemicals were partial oxidized using Fenton's reagent in the chemical oxidation section to improve their biodegradability; subsequently the wastewater was treated by the SBR process in the biological post-treatment section. The final effluent COD reached the first grade discharge limit (<100 mg l−1) of Chinese Notational Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard (GB8978-1996) even if without using any dilution water. Compared with the original dilution and biological process, the operation cost of the BCB process increased by about 0.5 yuan (RMB) per cubic metre wastewater, but about 1,240,000 m3 a−1 dilution water could be saved and the COD emission could be cut down by 112 tonne each year.
Study on the performance of anaerobic ammonium oxidation treatment using PVA gel as a carrier
Authors: Ge Y. S. , Yamaguchi A. , Sakuma H.
Published: March 2009

A continuous experiment was carried out to study the performance of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), a novel and low cost nitrogen removal treatment process with an energy-saving characteristic. A complete mixing reactor was used with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel as the carrier. In particular, performances of nitrogen removal and attachment characteristics of anammox bacteria on the PVA carrier surface were investigated. The results indicted that high concentration of anammox bacteria, up to 27,000 mg/L-carrier, had attached on the PVA carrier surface. A high nitrogen removal rate of up to 5.5 kg/m3-reactor/d was obtained during this continuous experiment. Furthermore, it was also confirmed that there was no generation of N2O gas in the anammox reaction
Separation of oil from oily wastewater by modified resin
Authors: Zhou Y. B. , Chen L. , Hu X. M. , Lu J.
Published: March 2009

A new type of packing material, polystyrene resin modified by cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (R-CTAB), was developed for separation of emulsified oil wastewater. The unique separation mechanism of the modified resin is due to the hydrogen bond formation between hydrocarbon molecules and the free hydrophilic part of the fixed surfactant. It changed the zeta potential of oil droplets and made them coalescing easier, which provide an optional choice without any chemicals added into the wastewater. A column of R-CTAB was investigated for its performance in separating emulsified oil droplets in oily wastewater. The effects of liquid space velocity and influent oil concentration were studied in particular. The results showed that R-CTAB column was more efficient than the un-modified resin column. Under the optimum experimental conditions, more than 85% of oil was removed by using R-CTAB column that at least 10% higher than the un-modified resin column.
Biogas pre-upgrading by adsorption of trace compounds onto granular activated carbons and an activated carbon fiber-cloth
Authors: Boulinguiez B. , Le Cloirec P.
Published: March 2009

The study assesses the adsorption onto activated carbon materials of selected volatile organic compounds -VOCs- (dichloromethane, 2-propanol, toluene, siloxane D4) in a biogas matrix composed of methane and carbon dioxide (55:45 v/v). Three different adsorbents are tested, two of them are granular activated carbon (GAC), and the last is an activated carbon fiber-cloth (ACFC). The adsorption isotherm data are fitted by different models by nonlinear regression. The Langmuir-Freundlich model appears to be the adequate one to describe the adsorption phenomena independently of the VOC considered or the adsorbent. The adsorbents present attractive adsorption capacity of the undesirable compounds in biogas atmosphere though the maximum adsorption capacities for a VOC are quite different from each other. The adsorption kinetics are characterized through three coefficients: the initial adsorption coefficient, the external film mass transfer coefficient and the internal diffusion coefficient of Weber. The ACFC demonstrates advanced kinetic yields compared to the granular activated carbon materials whatever VOC is considered. Therefore, pre-upgrading of biogas produced from wastewater sludge or co-digestion system by adsorption onto activated carbon appears worth investigating. Especially with ACFC material that presents correct adsorption capacities toward VOCs and concrete regeneration process opportunity to realize such process.
Mechanistic and thermodynamic studies of oxyanion sorption by various synthetic Mg/Al layered double hydroxides
Authors: Lim T. T. , Goh K. H. , Goei R. , Dong Z. L.
Published: March 2009

In this study, Mg/Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were investigated for their potential in scavenging several harmful oxyanions from aqueous solution. LDHs could effectively remove oxyanions and the selectivity of LDHs was governed by both the valencies and the ionic radii of the oxyanions. LDHs prepared by the fast coprecipitation with hydrothermal treatment (FCHT) method and sol-gel with solvothermal treatment method (SGST) had higher oxyanion (i.e. arsenate) removal efficiency than those prepared by the conventional routes, owing to their lower carbonate content, higher surface area, larger pore volume, larger pore size, and nanocrystalline characteristic. The sorption of arsenate by FCHT-LDH was found primarily due to anion exchange mechanism and might involve a secondary sorption mechanism. The negative ΔG° for arsenate sorption confirmed the spontaneity of the removal process. The positive values of ΔH° and ΔS° provided further evidence of the anion exchange process in the removal mechanism.
Performance of tetramethoxyphenyl porphyrin cobalt(II) (CoTMPP) based stainless steel cathode in the electricigenic permeable reactive barrier for groundwater organic contamination remediation
Authors: Zhu Shi-Kun , Fan Bin , Wu Jie-Wei , Feng Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Yun
Published: March 2009

An electricigenic permeable reactive barrier (EPRB) technology was brought forward for remediation of organic-contaminated groundwater, with a benefit that it overcame the limitations of electron acceptor addition in other groundwater remediation methods. To investigate performances of constructions and materials used in EPRB system, several kinds of reactors were designed and prepared in laboratory. Stainless steel wires, a kind of nontoxic, inexpensive and conductive material, were used as basic material of electrode. In order to improve cathodic oxygen reduction capability, a cathode based on tetramethoxyphenyl porphyrin cobalt (II) (CoTMPP) was prepared and studied in this paper. Results showed that a high catalytic activity for oxygen reduction was exhibited by the CoTMPP based cathode, with an electricity generation 3 times as high as that of the naked stainless steel cathode. Some evidence indicated that by loading on the surface of stainless steel wires and heat-treated under anaerobic conditions, epoxy resin, with its curing agents, might have got a catalytic capability for oxygen reduction.
Unrequited Profit: How Stakeholder and Economic Values Relate to Subordinates' Perceptions of Leadership and Firm Performance
Authors: de Luque Mary Sully , Washburn Nathan T. , Waldman David A. , House Robert J.
Published: March 2009

The purpose of the current study was to examine the indirect effects of executives' stakeholder and economic values on firm performance through their followers' perceptions of leadership and followers' extra effort. Analyses of data collected from separate surveys of chief executive officers (CEOs) and two subsets of followers in 520 firms in 17 countries show that CEOs' emphasis on economic values is associated with followers' perceptions of autocratic leadership, whereas CEOs' emphasis on stakeholder values is associated with followers' perceptions of visionary leadership. Additionally, visionary leadership relates positively to employees' extra effort, which in turn relates to firm performance; however, no relationship is found for autocratic leadership. We discuss how predominant decision-making values that are oriented toward a range of stakeholders may yield more favorable outcomes for leaders than values that focus primarily on economic-based issues.
Euler-Seidel method for certain combinatorial numbers and a new characterization of Fibonacci sequence
Authors: Mező István , Dil Ayhan
Published: March 2009

In this paper we use the Euler-Seidel method for deriving new identities for hyperharmonic and r-Stirling numbers. The exponential generating function is determined for hyperharmonic numbers, which result is a generalization of Gosper’s identity. A classification of second order recurrence sequences is also given with the help of this method.
Lacunary equi-statistical convergence of positive linear operators
Authors: Aktuğlu Hüseyin , Gezer Halil
Published: March 2009

In this paper, the concept of lacunary equi-statistical convergence is introduced and it is shown that lacunary equi-statistical convergence lies between lacunary statistical pointwise and lacunary statistical uniform convergence. Inclusion relations between equi-statistical and lacunary equi-statistical convergence are investigated and it is proved that, under some conditions, lacunary equi-statistical convergence and equi-statistical convergence are equivalent to each other. A Korovkin type approximation theorem via lacunary equi-statistical convergence is proved. Moreover it is shown that our Korovkin type approximation theorem is a non-trivial extension of some well-known Korovkin type approximation theorems. Finally the rates of lacunary equi-statistical convergence by the help of modulus of continuity of positive linear operators are studied.
Magnetic properties of the mixed spin-5/2 and spin-3/2 Blume-Capel Ising system on the two-fold Cayley tree
Authors: Yessoufou Rachidi , Amoussa Saliou , Hontinfinde Felix
Published: March 2009

We use exact recursion relations to study the magnetic properties of the half-integer mixed spin-5/2 and spin-3/2 Blume-Capel Ising ferromagnetic system on the two-fold Cayley tree that consists of two sublattices A and B. Two positive crystal-field interactions Δ1 and Δ2 are considered for the sublattice with spin-5/2 and spin-3/2 respectively. For different coordination numbers q of the Cayley tree sites, the phase diagrams of the model are presented with a special emphasis on the case q = 3, since other values of q reproduce similar results. First, the T = 0 phase diagram is illustrated in the (D
A = Δ1/J,D
B = Δ2/J) plane of reduced crystal-field interactions. This diagram shows triple points and coexistence lines between thermodynamically stable phases. Secondly, the thermal variation of the magnetization belonging to each sublattice for some coordination numbers q are investigated as well as the Helmoltz free energy of the system. First-order and second-order phase transitions are found. The second-order phase transitions become sharper and sharper when D
A or D
B increases. The first-order transitions only exist for some appropriate non-zero values of D
A and/or D
B. The corresponding transition lines never connect to the second-order transition lines. Thus, the non-existence of tricritical points remains one of the key features of the present model. The magnetic exponent β
0 of the model is estimated and found to be ¼ at small values of D
A = D
B = D and β
0 = ½ at large values of D. At intermediate values of D, there is a crossover region where the magnetic exponent displays interesting behaviours.
Combustion synthesis and luminescent properties of a blue-green emitting phosphor: (Ba1.95, Eu0.05)ZnSi2O7:B3+
Authors: Yao Shan-shan , Li Yuan-yuan , Xue Li-hong , You Yan , Yan You-wei
Published: March 2009

A blue-green emitting phosphor (Ba1.95, Eu0.05)ZnSi2O7: Bx3+ was prepared by combustion synthesis and an efficient blue-green emission under near-ultraviolet was observed. The luminescence, crystallinity and particle sizes were investigated by using luminescence spectrometry, X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The emission spectrum shows a single band centered at 503 nm, which corresponds to the 4f
65d
1 →4f
7 transition of Eu2+. The excitation spectrum is a broad band extending from 260 to 465 nm, which matches the emission of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. The optical absorption spectra of the (Ba1.95, Eu0.05)ZnSi2O7: B0.063+ exhibited band-gap energies of 3.9 eV. The results showed that boric acid was effective in improving the luminescence intensity of (Ba1.95, Eu0.05)ZnSi2O7, and the optimum molar ratio of boric acid to zinc nitrate was about 0.06. The phosphor (Ba1.95, Eu0.05)ZnSi2O7: B0.063+ synthesized by combustion method showed 1.5 times improved emission intensity compared with that of the Ba1.95ZnSi2O7: Eu0.052+ phosphor under λex = 353 nm.
Exposure and temperature dependences of contact angle of liquid crystals on photoaligning surface
Authors: Gvozdovskyy I. , Kurioz Yu. , Reznikov Yu.
Published: March 2009

We report on first studies of wetting of liquid crystal on photoaligning surface. We observed strong light-induced variations of a contact angle of a liquid LC 5CB on a photoaligning surface of fluoro-polyvinyl-cinnamate (PVCN-F) and we connected these variations with changes of PVCN-F polarity. We also present drastic changes of the contact angle of a nematic liquid crystal (MLC-6080) on the PVCN-F surface in a vicinity of temperature anchoring transition of liquid crystal from homeotropic orientation to planar one. We did not find any peculiarities in temperature dependence of the contact angle of isotropic liquid (glycerol) on PVCN-F and of nematic liquid crystal on pure glass in the same temperature range. It allows us to suggest that rearrangement of LC molecules and flexible fragments in the LC-polymer interface are responsible for the change of surface tensions both of LC and polymer and the observed jump of the contact angle.
UBIAS systems for cognitive interpretation and analysis of medical images
Authors: Ogiela L.
Published: March 2009

The main subject of this publication is to present a selected class of cognitive categorisation systems - understanding based image analysis systems (UBIAS) which support analyses of data recorded in the form of images. Cognitive categorisation systems operate by following particular type of thought, cognitive, and reasoning processes which take place in a human mind and which ultimately lead to making an in-depth description of the analysis and reasoning process. The most important element in this analysis and reasoning process is that it occurs both in the human ability cognitive/thinking process and in the system’s information/reasoning process that conducts the in-depth interpretation and analysis of data.
Internally-Developed Teen Smoking Cessation Programs: Characterizing the Unique Features of Programs Developed by Community-Based Organizations
Authors: Sterling Kymberle L. , Curry Susan J. , Emery Sherry , Sporer Amy K. , Mermelstein Robin J. , Berbaum Michael , Flay Brian
Published: March 2009

We have compared the unique features of teen tobacco cessation programs developed internally by community-based organizations (N=75) to prepackaged programs disseminated nationally (N=234) to expand our knowledge of treatment options for teen smokers. Internally-developed programs were more likely offered in response to the sponsoring organization’s initiative (OR=2.16, p
Kinetics of Chromium(III) Transport Through a Liquid Membrane Containing DNNSA as a Carrier
Authors: Religa Paweł , Gawroński Roman , Gierycz Paweł
Published: March 2009

Kinetics of Cr(III) ions transport through a bulk liquid membrane containing dinonylnaphthalenesulfonic acid (DNNSA) as a carrier, flowing over aqueous phases, has been examined. Special attention has been paid to the effect of the membrane’s velocity flow on the chromium concentration decrease in a feed phase. For the description of relationships of chromium(III) concentration in particular phases with the time, a model based on the assumption of consecutive first-order reactions was proposed. Satisfactory compatibility of experiments and model results have been obtained both for the membrane flow velocities below 0.0034 m·s-1 when the interfaces begin to fluctuate slightly and for low initial Cr(III) concentration in the feed phase.
Anti-hemorrhagic Activity of Four Brazilian Vegetable Species Against Bothrops jararaca Venom
Authors: Nishijima Catarine Massucato Nishijima , Rodrigues Clenilson Martins , Silva Marcelo Aparecido , Lopes-Ferreira Mônica , Vilegas Wagner , Hiruma-Lima Clélia Akiko
Published: March 2009

Around 20,000 snakebites are reported annually in Brazil and 90% of them are inflicted by species of the genus Bothrops. Intravenous administration of antibothropic antivenom neutralizes the systemic actions, but it is of little effect on the reversal of local symptoms and often induces adverse reactions, a context that drives the search for complementary treatments for snakebite accidents. Vegetable extracts with a range of antiophidian activities constitute an excellent alternative. In this study, we investigated the anti-hemorrhagic effects of Mouriri pusa Gardn. (Melastomataceae), Byrsonima crassa Niedenzu (Malpighiaceae), Davilla elliptica St. Hill. (Dilleniaceae) and Strychnos pseudoquina St. Hil. (Loganiaceae) against Bothrops jararaca venom. The methanolic extracts from M. pusa (leaves), B. crassa (leaves) and D. elliptica (leaves) showed total neutralization capacity against local hemorrhages. The amenthoflavone and quercetin fractions from B. crassa and the flavonoids fractions (quercetin and myricetin) from M. pusa and D. elliptica also showed total neutralization capacity. We conclude that flavonoids derived from myricetin, quercetin and amenthoflavone play an important role in the anti-hemorrhagic potential of these Brazilian vegetables species against B. jararaca venom.
Development of an Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Biosensor using Carboxylic acid-functionalized MWCNT and Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Piao Ming-Hua , Yang Dae-Soo , Yoon Kuk-Ro , Lee Seung-Ho , Choi Seong-Ho
Published: March 2009

A COOH-F-MWCNT-Nafion-Ru(bpy)32+-Au-ADH electrogenerated chemi-luminescence (ECL)electrode using COOH-functionalized MWCNT (COOH-F-MWCNT) and Au nanoparticles synthesized by the radiation method was fabricated for ethanol sensing. A higher sensing efficiency for ethanol for the ECL biosensor prepared by PAAc-g-MWCNT was measured compared to that of the ECL biosensor prepared by PMAc-g-MWCNT, and purified MWCNT. Experimental parameters affecting ethanol detection were also examined in terms of pH and the content of PAAc-g-MWCNT in Nafion. Little interference of other compounds was observed for the assay of ethanol. Results suggest this ECL biosensor could be applied for ethanol detection in real samples.
Development of a Silk Cable-Reinforced Gelatin/Silk Fibroin Hybrid Scaffold for Ligament Tissue Engineering
Authors: Fan Hongbin , Liu Haifeng , Wang Yue , Toh Siew Lok , Goh James Cho Hong
Published: March 2009

The objective of this study was to develop a silk cable-reinforced gelatin/silk fibroin hybrid scaffold for ligament tissue engineering. The scaffold was fabricated by lyophilizing the cross-linked gelatin and silk fibroin mixture with braided silk cables. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) observation showed that microporous gelatin/silk fibroin sponges formed around silk cables mimicked the microstructures of ligament extracellular matrix (ECM). The silk cables significantly increased the tensile strength of the scaffold to meet the mechanical requirements for ligament tissue engineering. The scaffold possessed good cell adhesion property, and when mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were seeded on it, cells proliferated profusely. After 2 weeks of culture, seeded MSCs were distributed uniformly throughout the scaffold and were highly viable. Occurrence of cell death during culture was not significant. Deposition of collagen on the scaffold was found to increase with time. Differentiation of MSCs into ligament fibroblasts was verified by expressions of ligament ECM specific genes including collagen type I, collagen type III, and tenascin-C in mRNA and protein level. Immunohistochemistry stains also confirmed the production of key ligament ECM components on the scaffold. The results demonstrate that silk cable-reinforced gelatin/silk fibroin scaffold possesses the appropriate mechanical properties and has enlarged surface area. It is also capable of supporting cell proliferation and differentiation for ligament tissue engineering.