bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular identification of adenovirus causing respiratory tract infection in pediatric patients at the University of Malaya Medical Center
Authors: Abd-Jamil Juraina , Teoh Boon-Teong , Hassan Eddy H , Roslan Nuruliza , AbuBakar Sazaly
Published: July 2010

Background

There are at least 51 adenovirus serotypes (AdV) known to cause human infections. The prevalence of the different human AdV (HAdV) serotypes varies among different regions. Presently, there are no reports of the prevalent HAdV types found in Malaysia. The present study was undertaken to identify the HAdV types associated primarily with respiratory tract infections (RTI) of young children in Malaysia.

Methods

Archived HAdV isolates from pediatric patients with RTI seen at the University of Malaya Medical Center (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 1999 to 2005 were used. Virus isolates were inoculated into cell culture and DNA was extracted when cells showed significant cytopathic effects. AdV partial hexon gene was amplified and the sequences together with other known HAdV hexon gene sequences were used to build phylogenetic trees. Identification of HAdV types found among young children in Malaysia was inferred from the phylograms.

Results

At least 2,583 pediatric patients with RTI sought consultation and treatment at the UMMC from 1999 to 2005. Among these patients, 48 (< 2%) were positive for HAdV infections. Twenty-seven isolates were recovered and used for the present study. Nineteen of the 27 (~70%) isolates belonged to HAdV species C (HAdV-C) and six (~22%) were of HAdV species B (HAdV-B). Among the HAdV-C species, 14 (~74%) of them were identified as HAdV type 1 (HAdV-1) and HAdV type 2 (HAdV-2), and among the HAdV-B species, HAdV type 3 (HAdV-3) was the most common serotype identified. HAdV-C species also was isolated from throat and rectal swabs of children with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Two isolates were identified as corresponding to HAdV-F species from a child with HFMD and a patient with intestinal obstruction.

Conclusions

HAdV-1 and HAdV-2 were the most common HAdV isolated from pediatric patients who sought treatment for RTI at the UMMC from 1999 to 2005. HAdV-B, mainly HAdV-3, was recovered from ~22% of the patients. These findings provide a benchmark for future studies on the prevalence and epidemiology of HAdV types in Malaysia and in the region.
Regular Khat (Catha edulis) chewing is associated with elevated diastolic blood pressure among adults in Butajira, Ethiopia: A comparative study
Authors: Getahun Workineh , Gedif Teferi , Tesfaye Fikru
Published: July 2010

Background

Fresh leaves and buds of the Khat plant (Catha edulis) contain Cathinone, an amphetamine like alkaloid responsible for its pharmacological action. Chewing of Khat has been associated with a transient rise in blood pressure and heart rate in experimental studies. Few studies examined the effect of regular or frequent Khat chewing on blood pressure at the population level. This study was conducted to examine the association of regular Khat chewing with blood pressure among adults.

Methods

We compared systolic and diastolic blood pressure of adults 35-65 years of age who reported regular chewing of Khat during the preceding five years to those who never chewed Khat during the same period. Study participants were recruited from purposively selected urban and rural villages of Butajira District in Ethiopia. The comparative groups, chewers (334) and non-chewers (330), were identified from among the general population through a house-to-house visit using a screening questionnaire. They were frequency-matched for sex and age within a five-year range. Data were collected through structured interviews and physical measurements including blood pressure, weight and height.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher among Khat chewers (13.4%) than non-chewers (10.7%), odds ratio (OR) = 1.66 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05, 3.13). A considerably high proportion of chewers (29.9%) than non-chewers (20.6%) had sub-optimal diastolic blood pressure (> 80 mmHg). The mean (sd) diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher among Khat chewers [75.0 (11.6)] than non-chewers [72.9 (11.7)], P < 0.05. Similarly, Khat chewers had significantly higher mean (sd) heart rate [76.3 (11.5)] than non-chewers [73.9 (12.6)], P < 0.05. There was no significant difference in mean systolic blood pressure between the two groups.

Conclusion

Regular chewing of Khat is associated with elevated mean diastolic blood pressure, which is consistent with the peripheral vasoconstrictor effect of Cathinone. Regular Khat chewing may have sustained effects on the cardiovascular system that can contribute to elevated blood pressure at the population level.
Daily egg consumption in hyperlipidemic adults - Effects on endothelial function and cardiovascular risk
Authors: Njike Valentine , Faridi Zubaida , Dutta Suparna , Gonzalez-Simon Anjelica L , Katz David L
Published: July 2010

Background

Limiting consumption of eggs, which are high in cholesterol, is generally recommended to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. However, recent evidence suggests that dietary cholesterol has limited influence on serum cholesterol or cardiac risk.

Objective

To assess the effects of egg consumption on endothelial function and serum lipids in hyperlipidemic adults.

Methods

Randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 40 hyperlipidemic adults (24 women, 16 men; average age = 59.9 ± 9.6 years; weight = 76.3 ± 21.8 kilograms; total cholesterol = 244 ± 24 mg/dL). In the acute phase, participants were randomly assigned to one of the two sequences of a single dose of three medium hardboiled eggs and a sausage/cheese breakfast sandwich. In the sustained phase, participants were then randomly assigned to one of the two sequences of two medium hardboiled eggs and 1/2 cup of egg substitute daily for six weeks. Each treatment assignment was separated by a four-week washout period. Outcome measures of interest were endothelial function measured as flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and lipid panel.

Results

Single dose egg consumption had no effects on endothelial function as compared to sausage/cheese (0.4 ± 1.9 vs. 0.4 ± 2.4%;p= 0.99). Daily consumption of egg substitute for 6 weeks significantly improved endothelial function as compared to egg (1.0 ± 1.2% vs. -0.1 ± 1.5%;p< 0.01) and lowered serum total cholesterol (-18 ± 18 vs. -5 ± 21 mg/dL;p< 0.01) and LDL (-14 ± 20 vs. -2 ± 19 mg/dL;p= 0.01). Study results (positive or negative) are expressed in terms of change relative to baseline.

Conclusions

Egg consumption was found to be non-detrimental to endothelial function and serum lipids in hyperlipidemic adults, while egg substitute consumption was beneficial.
An adaptation model for trabecular bone at different mechanical levels
Authors: Gong He , Zhu Dong , Gao Jiazi , Lv Linwei , Zhang Xizheng
Published: July 2010

Background

Bone has the ability to adapt to mechanical usage or other biophysical stimuli in terms of its mass and architecture, indicating that a certain mechanism exists for monitoring mechanical usage and controlling the bone's adaptation behaviors. There are four zones describing different bone adaptation behaviors: the disuse, adaptation, overload, and pathologic overload zones. In different zones, the changes of bone mass, as calculated by the difference between the amount of bone formed and what is resorbed, should be different.

Methods

An adaptation model for the trabecular bone at different mechanical levels was presented in this study based on a number of experimental observations and numerical algorithms in the literature. In the proposed model, the amount of bone formation and the probability of bone remodeling activation were proposed in accordance with the mechanical levels. Seven numerical simulation cases under different mechanical conditions were analyzed as examples by incorporating the adaptation model presented in this paper with the finite element method.

Results

The proposed bone adaptation model describes the well-known bone adaptation behaviors in different zones. The bone mass and architecture of the bone tissue within the adaptation zone almost remained unchanged. Although the probability of osteoclastic activation is enhanced in the overload zone, the potential of osteoblasts to form bones compensate for the osteoclastic resorption, eventually strengthening the bones. In the disuse zone, the disuse-mode remodeling removes bone tissue in disuse zone.

Conclusions

The study seeks to provide better understanding of the relationships between bone morphology and the mechanical, as well as biological environments. Furthermore, this paper provides a computational model and methodology for the numerical simulation of changes of bone structural morphology that are caused by changes of mechanical and biological environments.
A simple, sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography -ultraviolet method for the quantification of concentration and steady-state pharmacokinetics of itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole
Authors: Miura M , Takahashi N , Nara M , Fujishima N , Kagaya H , Kameoka Y , Saitoh H , Tagawa H , Sawada K
Published: July 2010

Background

A steady-state trough plasma itraconazole concentration greater than 500 ng/mL is a therapeutic target for itraconazole. A simple, rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-based method was developed for quantitation of itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole in human plasma.

Methods

Itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole were separated using a mobile phase of 0.5% KH2PO4 (pH 6.0)-acetonitrile (30:70, v/v) on a CAPCELLPAK C18 MGII column at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min and ultraviolet absorbance at 260 nm.

Results

The analysis required 200 μL of plasma and involved a rapid, simple solid-phase extraction with an Oasis HLB cartridge, which resulted in recoveries of 87–92% for itraconazole and 91–94% for hydroxyitraconazole. The lower limit of quantification for itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole was 5 ng/mL each. Intra- and interday coefficients of variation for itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole were less than 11.3% and 12.2%, respectively, and accuracies were within 11.7% and 4.5% over the linear range, respectively. Although the steady-state plasma concentrations of itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole ranged from 506 to 2482 ng/mL and from 766 to 2444 ng/mL, respectively, after a two-day loading dose of 400 mg/day intravenous itraconazole followed by the administration of 200 mg/day itraconazole oral solution, calibration curves of itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole showed positive linearity in a concentration range of 5–2500 and 50–2500 ng/mL, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that this method is applicable for the monitoring of plasma levels of itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole in a clinical setting. Furthermore, the regimen presented here might also be effective in preventing infection, but further studies with large sample sizes are necessary to investigate this avenue.
Measurement of short-chain fatty acids in human faeces using high-performance liquid chromatography: specimen stability
Authors: Torii T , Kanemitsu K , Wada T , Itoh S , Kinugawa K , Hagiwara A
Published: July 2010

Background

Short-chain fatty acids such as lactic acid produced by the intestinal bacterial flora have various physiological actions involved in health, and it is important to determine the concentrations of faecal short-chain fatty acids and evaluate their relationship with large intestinal diseases. In this study, we evaluated the highly selective and sensitive simultaneous measurement of both volatile and non-volatile short-chain fatty acid hydrazides using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Materials and methods

Faeces treated with ethanol were used as analytic samples. Short-chain fatty acids were measured as fatty acid hydrazides by HPLC.

Results

For 12 types of short-chain fatty acid, the results regarding linearity, recovery tests and reproducibility were favourable. Faeces treated with ethanol could be stored at room temperature.

Discussion

The stability of short-chain fatty acids in faeces at room temperature was statistically analysed. Faeces stored without treatment with ethanol showed increases/decreases in the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, which may be due to assimilation by intestinal bacteria. However, specimen in 70% ethanol and stored in room temperature exhibited no substantial changes in concentrations of short-chain fatty acids up to seven days.
What is the Role of Senior House Officer or Dental Foundation Year Two Posts in Professional Careers?
Authors: Gallagher Jennifer E , Bates Timothy J , Kalsi Harpoonam , Shah Aneesha , Wang Yon Jon , Newton J Timothy
Published: July 2010

Aims

To investigate the motivations for, and perceived benefits of, undertaking senior house officer (SHO) posts, and to explore the career pathways of those who do, examining trends in successive cohorts.

Method

Postal cross-sectional questionnaire survey of all dental and maxillofacial SHOs (DF2s) who had worked for two South London hospitals within the previous nine years (n=137). Respondents were grouped into three cohorts to enable responses to be examined in relation to respondents’ entry to their first SHO post.

Results

There were responses from 83 (61%) potential participants. The most frequent motivation for carrying out SHO posts from 79 (95%) of the respondents was the desire to ‘learn from experienced clinicians’. The most common perceived benefit reported by those who had completed posts at the time of the survey was ‘an improved understanding of the role of the hospital dental service’ from 68 (97%) of those who answered this question. Difficulty in securing a job in general dental practice was not reported as a notable motivating factor, either before or after the implementation of the new dental contract. ‘Fulfil approved training post requirements for postgraduate examinations’ reduced as a motivator from 28 (88%) for the earlier cohort of SHOs to nine (36%) for the more recent cohort. Fifty-four of 78 (69%) respondents declared a definite plan to seek admission to the General Dental Council Specialist Lists in future, 24 (83%) in the first cohort, compared with 11 (46%) in the last ( P=0.05). Of the males, 13 (52%) were significantly more likely to report that they were currently working in general practice compared with 15 (27%) females ( P=0.028).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that multiple benefits are identified from undertaking SHO posts. However, some of the motivations for undertaking SHO posts may have changed over the nine-year period investigated. Possible influences are discussed. This paper highlights the perceived benefits of junior training posts at a time of significant transition within the profession.
Retro Fashion in Surgery: the White Coat
Authors: Cubitt J , Harris A , Ramus J , Dehn T
Published: July 2010

The debate on current doctors' attire is topical and international, from Glasgow (Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland annual conference 2009) to Adelaide (international Surgical Week 2009). Our attire has a great influence on the public's perception of our competence. Recently white coats and bow ties have gone out of vogue, yet they were the doctors' traditional uniform. To investigate the public response to the wearing of white coats and bow ties (and coincidentally to honour the impending retirement of an eminent consultant surgeon who is a great advocate of such attire) we carried out a non-randomised clinical trial by exposing our patients to a ward round with fashion from a bygone era.
Bare Below the Elbows: What Do Patients Think?
Authors: Subramanian P , Willis-Owen CA , Houlihan-Burne D
Published: July 2010

In September 2007 Alan Johnson introduced the 'bare below the elbows' (BBE) policy (short sleeves, no wrist watch, no jewellery and no ties when carrying out clinical activity) for hospital staff in an attempt to tackle nosocomial infection. He announced 'guidelines on clothing that will help ensure thorough hand washing and prevent the spread of infections', providing 'a clear signal to patients that doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff are taking their safety seriously'.
Live Surgery: Essential Surgical Education or Putting Patients at Risk?
Authors: Challacombe Ben , Wheatstone Sarah
Published: July 2010

Surgical and anatomical demonstrations have been fundamental to medical education since the times of John Hunter and William Cheselden, when groups of students and junior surgeons learnt by observing the masters of their time. With the advent of minimally invasive surgery it has become possible to obtain as good a view of an individual procedure as the primary surgeon him or herself. With technological advances in telemedicine and the increasing bandwidth offered by internet links, surgical procedures can be easily observed remotely in high quality with no concern for distance.
Surgical Procedure-based Assessment: How Did We Get Here and Where are we Going?
Authors: Isles M , Pugsley L
Published: July 2010

The Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) has implemented a tool for assessment of surgical technique called procedure-based assessment (PBA). It is part of a spectrum of workplace-based assessments being used for the surgical specialist training programmes. We reviewed the literature on observational assessment of surgical practice in order to analyse how PBAs relate to the evidence base for this form of assessment.
Management of Hip Fractures in the Era of the Subspecialist Orthopaedic Surgeon
Authors: Bhutta MA , Mawdsley M , Jones M , Fehily M
Published: July 2010

Increased life expectancy throughout the world is producing an aging population. With an estimated lifetime incidence of hip fracture in women and men of 18% and 6%, respectively, this represents the most common cause of injury requiring hospitalisation in those over the age of 65. In the UK in 2007 70,000 people over the age of 60 sustained a hip fracture. With numbers expected to rise by 2% every year, by 2020 101,000 patients will require medical care for this injury (National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) website: http://www.nhfd.co.uk/). There is significant morbidity and mortality associated with hip fracture and one-year mortality ranges from 14% to 36%, presenting a significant burden of disease both medically and socially.
Lay Advisory Group probes FGDP(UK) Dean
Authors: Ladwa Russ , Elford Bob
Published: July 2010

It is one year since Russ Ladwa became Dean of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK). To mark this anniversary Bob Elford, Chair of the FGDP(UK)'s Lay Advisory Group (LAG), speaks to Russ about his views on the delivery of patient care as well as the FGDP(UK)'s endeavours to strengthen the voice of the patient within its work.
Performance of Zirconium Alloys in Light Water Reactors with a Review of Nodular Corrosion
Authors: Franklin David G.
Published: July 2010

This paper provides historical context and future direction on selected contributions to understanding zirconium-alloy deformation and corrosion in light water reactors. More detailed discussion of the relative importance of electrochemical potential and hydrogen pickup on nodular corrosion is provided. Since nodular corrosion was observed about 50 years ago, several explanations have been proposed. None have explained all the observations, especially the sharp transition between nodular-free and nodular-covered regions of some fuel rods, with the transition being reversed between high- and low-power regions. However, the effect of electrochemical potential dominates any effects of hydrogen, other than the effect of hydrogen on electrochemical potential.
Design of the Forth replacement crossing, Scotland
Authors: Carter Matt , Kite Steve , Hussain Naeem , Minto Billy
Published: July 2010

The Forth replacement crossing will be built across the Firth of Forth in Scotland to maintain and enhance a vital transport link in the country. The wide estuary will be crossed by a pair of 650 m main spans over the two navigation channels, with crossing stay cables employed to stabilise the central tower – a unique design feature for a bridge of this scale. The project aims to provide a fitting twenty-first century icon standing alongside existing nineteenth and twentieth century grade A listed bridges. A statutory consultation process is currently under way, with competitive dialogue taking place throughout 2010. Construction will commence in 2011 and the bridge is expected to be completed in 2016.
Physiological Roles of Organic Acids in Alkali‐Tolerance of the Alkali‐Tolerant Halophyte Chloris virgata
Authors: Yang Chunwu , Guo Weiqing , Shi Decheng
Published: July 2010

Seedlings of Chloris virgata, an alkali‐tolerant halophyte, were stressed with a range of salt stress (molar ratio of NaCl:Na2SO4 = 1:1, 40–200 mM, pH 6.48–6.65) or alkali stress (molar ratio of NaHCO3:Na2CO3 = 1:1, 40–200 mM, pH 9.93–9.97). Contents of organic acids (OAs) and inorganic ions were measured, and the OAs in secretions analyzed, to probe physiological roles of OAs in alkali‐tolerance. Under alkali stress, Na+ sharply increased, and NO3− and H2PO4− decreased in shoots, which caused a severe deficit of negative charge. This deficit was greatly remedied by OA. We propose that OA metabolic regulation might play an important role in the intracellular ion balance of C. virgata. Chloris virgata accumulated mainly malate and citrate in shoots. However, in roots, synthesis, and secretions of acetate, oxalate, formate, and lactate were significantly stimulated, especially acetate. This indicated that roots and shoots might differ in adjustment mechanisms for OA metabolism, and that OA secretion may be important for pH adjustment outside the roots.
Ceptometer Deployment Method Affects Measurement of Fraction of Intercepted Photosynthetically Active Radiation
Authors: Johnson Mari‐Vaughn V. , Kiniry James R. , Burson Byron L.
Published: July 2010

The fraction of photosynthetically active radiation a canopy intercepts (fiPAR) drives canopy level photosynthesis. There is currently no universal, repeatable fiPAR sensor deployment method. We show variability of fiPAR measurements by three sensor deployment methods, including two 1 by 1 m and one 3 by 1 m method. The deployment method biased measurements (P = 0.005) under buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare L) canopies. These effects were less evident in ‘Alamo’ switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L) and miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus). Canopies of these two species showed deployment method × nutrient addition interaction effects (P = 0.02), apparently driven by nutrient effects on leaf area index (LAI). We highlight potential implications of using the different deployment methods via an exercise in the application of Beer's law. As actual LAI increased, effect of deployment method on fiPAR measurements tended to diminish, suggesting in high LAI systems a universal deployment method is not as critical as it is in low LAI systems.
Evaluation of Alternative Nitrogen Fertilizers for Corn and Winter Wheat Production
Authors: Cahill Sheri , Osmond Deanna , Weisz Randy , Heiniger Ronnie
Published: July 2010

As natural gas, and thus N fertilizer, prices increase, farmers are looking for ways to decrease N costs in farming operations. To potentially alleviate this cost burden, alternative synthetic N fertilizers are available as potential management tools for increasing crop yields and N use efficiency, and decreasing volatilization. In North Carolina specifically, little data exists on these new, synthetic N fertilizer products being marketed to farmers. Therefore, we undertook a study to compare them with aqueous urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) [(NH2)2CO, NH4NO3] during a 2‐yr field experiment. Corn (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were grown in the three physiographic regions of North Carolina with four fertilizer sources (NutriSphere [Specialty Fertilizer Products, Leawood, KS], Environmentally Smart Nitrogen Polymer Coated Urea or ESN [Agrium Inc., Alberta, Canada] UCAN‐23 [Yara, Tampa, FL], and UAN) at up to six fertilizer rates. The use of the alternative products did not regularly produce more corn or wheat grain compared to UAN, while wheat straw yield was greater with NutriSphere, UCAN, and UAN compared to ESN in three of four site years. Also, an aerobic incubation experiment was performed to evaluated N release profiles of the fertilizers at 25°C. The study found that NutriSphere and UCAN release time was similarly to UAN, while ESN showed a slower release profile. However, any difference in release did not affect yields of spring planted corn, NutriSphere and ESN increased corn stover yields in 3 of 6 site‐years. In determining whether to use these alternative N fertilizer products, farmers should consider location, climatic conditions, and fertilizer costs in comparison to UAN.
Flood risk modelling based on tangible and intangible urban flood damage quantification
Authors: ten Veldhuis J. A. E. , Clemens F. H. L. R.
Published: July 2010

The usual way to quantify flood damage is by application stage-damage functions. Urban flood incidents in flat areas mostly result in intangible damages like traffic disturbance and inconvenience for pedestrians caused by pools at building entrances, on sidewalks and parking spaces. Stage-damage functions are not well suited to quantify damage for these floods. This paper presents an alternative method to quantify flood damage that uses data from a municipal call centre. The data cover a period of 10 years and contain detailed information on consequences of urban flood incidents. Call data are linked to individual flood incidents and then assigned to specific damage classes. The results are used to draw risk curves for a range of flood incidents of increasing damage severity. Risk curves for aggregated groups of damage classes show that total flood risk related to traffic disturbance is larger than risk of damage to private properties, which in turn is larger than flood risk related to human health. Risk curves for detailed damage classes show how distinctions can be made between flood risks related to many types of occupational use in urban areas. This information can be used to support prioritisation of actions for flood risk reduction. Since call data directly convey how citizens are affected by urban flood incidents, they provide valuable information that complements flood risk analysis based on hydraulic models.
Coal cinder filtration as pretreatment with biological processes to treat pharmaceutical wastewater
Authors: Zheng Wei , Li Xiao-ming , Hao Zhi-ming , Wang Dong-bo , Yang Qi , Zeng Guang-ming
Published: July 2010

This study aims at coupling coal cinder filter with biological process to improve pharmaceutical wastewater quality and reduce the disposal cost. In the coal cinder filter, the removal efficiencies of COD, BOD5, SS and color were 90 ± 2%, 72 ± 2%, 95 ± 2% and 80 ± 2%, respectively. The results attribute to the big specific surface area and strong adsorption ability. Coal cinder filter removes a large portion of the pollutants in the influent wastewater, which would strongly stable the effluent waste water quality, and reduce the load of follow-up biological treatment process. The average removal efficiencies for COD, BOD5, SS and color of the combined process were about 99.7 ± 3%, 98.2 ± 4%, 98.5 ± 3% and 96.3 ± 2%, respectively, with the average effluent quality of COD 16 ± 1 mg/L, BOD5 11 ± 1 mg/L, SS 10 ± 0.6 mg/L and color 22 ± 1 (multiple), which are consistent with the national requirements of the waste pollutants for pharmaceutical industry of chinese traditional medicine discharge standard (GB 21906-2008). The results indicated that the combined procedure could offer an attractive solution for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment with considerable low cost.
Degradation of water polluted with used cooking oil by solar photolysis, Fenton and solar photo Fenton
Authors: Vergara-Sánchez J. , Silva-Martínez S.
Published: July 2010

The degradation of used cooking safflower oil aqueous solutions by photolysis, Fenton, and photo Fenton under solar light is reported. The processes were carried out in a photochemical reactor with recirculation. Operating variables such as, pH, oil concentration and molar ratio of [H2O2]:[oil] were investigated to test their effects on the treatment efficiency of Fenton process. Also the iron catalyzed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the solar photo Fenton reaction was studied under different experimental conditions. The degree of oil oxidation was monitored by the measurements of chemical oxygen demand (COD) analyses. It was found that at pH 2.6 and a molar ratio of [H2O2]:[oil] of 489:1 were more efficient for COD abatement. The experimental results showed that the sole effect of the solar irradiation (photolysis) aided to decrease ∼65% of COD at neutral pH in a reaction time period of 15 h; whereas a decrease of 47% and ∼90% of COD was obtained by Fenton and photo Fenton treatment, respectively, after a reaction time of 50 min. It was observed a decrease in the decomposition of H2O2 in the solar photo Fenton process, in subsequent additions of H2O2, and H2O2 + Fe2+.
Considerations on the importance of nutrition habits for the national nitrogen balance of Austria
Authors: Zessner Matthias , Thaler Simon , Ruzicka Katerina , Natho Stephanie , Kroiss Helmut
Published: July 2010

The anthropogenic nitrogen turnover of Western societies is highly unbalanced. As a consequence, a permanent supply of nitrogen via mineral fertiliser (produced with high energy inputs) and/or imported fodder are required and result in significant impacts of nitrogen emissions on the environment (air, water, soil). Key factors to an improved nitrogen balance on a national scale are the nutrition habits of the population. According to primary calculations a shift from the actual animal-based nutrition to a “healthier nutrition” (mainly characterised by 2/3 vegetable protein supply) would lead to a reduction of needed nitrogen supply as well as of nitrogen emissions to the environment by about one quarter to one third on a national scale. More detailed investigations are required in this respect in order to arrive at more specific conclusions and have commenced by an interdisciplinary team led by the authors.
Land application of sewage sludge (biosolids) in Australia: risks to the environment and food crops
Authors: Pritchard D. L. , Penney N. , McLaughlin M. J. , Rigby H. , Schwarz K.
Published: July 2010

Australia is a large exporter of agricultural products, with producers responsible for a range of quality assurance programs to ensure that food crops are free from various contaminants of detriment to human health. Large volumes of treated sewage sludge (biosolids), although low by world standards, are increasingly being recycled to land, primarily to replace plant nutrients and to improve soil properties; they are used in agriculture, forestry, and composted. The Australian National Biosolids Research Program (NBRP) has linked researchers to a collective goal to investigate nutrients and benchmark safe concentrations of metals nationally using a common methodology, with various other research programs conducted in a number of states specific to regional problems and priorities. The use of biosolids in Australia is strictly regulated by state guidelines, some of which are under review following recent research outcomes. Communication and research between the water industry, regulators and researchers specific to the regulation of biosolids is further enhanced by the Australian and New Zealand Biosolids Partnership (ANZBP). This paper summarises the major issues and constraints related to biosolids use in Australia using specific case examples from Western Australia, a member of the Australian NBRP, and highlights several research projects conducted over the last decade to ensure that biosolids are used beneficially and safely in the environment. Attention is given to research relating to plant nutrient uptake, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus (including that of reduced phosphorus uptake in alum sludge-amended soil); the risk of heavy metal uptake by plants, specifically cadmium, copper and zinc; the risk of pathogen contamination in soil and grain products; change to soil pH (particularly following lime-amended biosolids); and the monitoring of faecal contamination by biosolids in waterbodies using DNA techniques. Examples of products that are currently produced in Western Australia from sewage sludge include mesophilic anaerobically digested and dewatered biosolids cake, lime-amended biosolids, alum sludge and compost.
Improving the performance of membrane bioreactors by powdered activated carbon dosing with cost considerations
Authors: Yang W. , Paetkau M. , Cicek N.
Published: July 2010

Effects of powdered activated carbon (PAC) dosing on the overall performance of membrane bioreactors (MBR) were investigated in two bench-scale submerged MBRs. Positive impacts of PAC dosing on membrane fouling and the removal of 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethyinylestradiol (EE2) were demonstrated over a six-month stable operational period. PAC dosing in the MBR increased the removal rates of E2 and EE2 by 3.4% and 15.8%, respectively. The average soluble extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and colloidal total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations in the PAC-MBR sludge was 60.1% and 61.8% lower than the control MBR sludge, respectively. Lower soluble EPS and colloidal TOC concentrations in the PAC-MBR sludge resulted in a slower rate of trans-membrane pressure (TMP) increase during MBRs operation, which could prolong the lifespan of membranes. Cost assessment showed that PAC dosing could reduce the operating cost for membrane cleaning and/or membrane replacement by about 25%. The operating cost for PAC dosing could be offset by the benefit from its reducing the cost for membrane maintenance.
A waste load allocation method based on unfairness factors and its application in the Zhangweinan Watershed, northern China
Authors: Qiu Ruzhi , Li Yingxia , Yang Zhifeng , Li Chunhui , Yu Jingshan , Shi Jianghong
Published: July 2010

A waste load allocation method was developed for industrial wastewater management based on unfairness factors, an industrial allocation factor and pollution reduction discounts. Three unfairness factors were defined to assess the relative efficiencies of energy consumption, pollution discharge and waste treatment costs for different industries. The overall effect of these factors was described by an industrial allocation factor. Based on the values of these factors, industries were classified into three types, after which waste load allocation proportions among different industries were determined using different pollution reduction discounts. This waste load allocation method was then applied in the Zhangweinan Watershed, which is one of the most seriously polluted watersheds in northern China. The results revealed that extractive, mechanical and food industries comprise the type I industries, which had the lowest pollution reduction discounts of 0, 0.25 and 0.5, respectively. The metallurgical industry and other industries were characterized as type II and discounts of 0.5 and 0.6 were given to their primary reductions. Textile, pharmaceutical, oil and pyrogenic, chemical and paper industries were classified as type III industries and had a waste load reduction of more than 80% of the pollution discharge in 2004.
Groundwater intrusion into leaky sewer systems
Authors: Wittenberg H. , Aksoy H.
Published: July 2010

Vast volumes of groundwater are drained by urban sewer systems. This unwanted flow component intrudes into sewer systems through leaky joints or connected house drains. However, unlike urban storm drainage, it has a high seasonal variation corresponding to groundwater storage and long slow recessions similar to baseflow in rivers also fed by shallow groundwater exfiltrating into the surface waters. By applying the nonlinear reservoir algorithm as used for baseflow separation from total flow in a river, groundwater flow is separated from daily measured influents to treatment plants in Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg, Germany and in the Terkos Lake watershed near Istanbul, Turkey. While waste water flows vary only moderately within a year, separated intruded groundwater flows show recessions and seasonal variations correlated to baseflow in neighbouring rivers. It is possible to conclude that recession characteristics of treatment plant influents allow quantification and prediction of groundwater intrusion into sewer systems.
Trimetallic Pd/Fe/Al particles for catalytic dechlorination of chlorinated organic contaminants
Authors: Huang Chang-Chieh , Lien Hsing-Lung
Published: July 2010

Zero-valent aluminum based trimetallic particles comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts (1 wt%) of palladium and zero-valent iron on the aluminum surface were synthesized and tested for the dechlorination of chlorinated methanes in batch reactors. XRD analysis indicated the trimetallic particles present in zero-valent form of all three components. Trimetallic Pd/Fe/Al particles showed a very rapid degradation of carbon tetrachloride leading to a surface normalized rate constant (kSA) of approximately 0.03 L/h/m2, two orders of magnitude higher than that of reported data on zero-valent iron particles under near neutral pH conditions. Hydrocarbons including methane and ethane were the major products that accounted for about 38% and 27% of the carbon tetrachloride lost, respectively. Repetitive addition of carbon tetrachloride showed no loss of activity of Pd/Fe/Al particles for more than 20 cycles. In the absence of palladium, the degradation rate decreased by a factor of 10 suggesting palladium serves as a catalyst. Analysis of anions in the solution revealed that the chloride accounted for 75% of the carbon tetrachloride lost. Metallic ions for aluminum and iron were determined to be about 0.02 and 20 mg/L, respectively at the end of the experiment. No palladium ion was measured.
Air Evacuation Operations
Authors: Robertson Stephen , Griffith Donald
Published: July 2010

Federally supplied aircraft has been and can be an effective means of supplementing surface transportation modes for moving people who need assistance in evacuation prior to a disaster. It is easily integrated into a multi‐modal mass evacuation transportation system. Planning and execution of air evacuations in Louisiana and Texas will be reviewed as well as future concepts for catastrophic disasters such as a New Madrid earthquake. Key components and processes essential to successful implantation of an air evacuation plan will be identified and discussed.
Financial Sector Incentives, Bailouts, Moral Hazard, Systemic Risk, and Reforms
Authors: Yeh Stuart S
Published: July 2010

This article proposes a mechanism for injecting government funds as needed to restore financial stability during a crisis while ensuring that any taxpayer rescue funds that a firm is unable to repay serve to trigger individual financial losses for the financial industry professionals who were responsible for the lost taxpayer funds. This mechanism involves bonds that convert to equity after five years, in combination with regulations requiring that a significant portion of compensation must be deferred and paid in the form of stock options whose value would depend on the safety of decisions made in prior years. This mechanism is analyzed using a model of systemic risk and calculations of the magnitude of incentives to reduce risk.
Acupuncture in Reproductive Medicine
Authors: So Emily Wing Sze , Yu Ng Ernest Hung
Published: July 2010

Acupuncture is increasingly being used in reproductive medicine. This review summarizes the evidence of acupuncture in pain relief for oocyte retrieval, improving pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization treatment, management of ovulation disorders, male subfertility, primary dysmenorrhea, endometriosis and menopausal symptoms. However, most of the studies are nonrandomized uncontrolled trials, case reports or case series. For randomized controlled trials, the sample size is underpowered and blinding of assessors is lacking. Different acupuncture protocols and controls are used. These heterogeneities make it difficult to compare studies and draw any firm conclusions. Further studies should also evaluate the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture and investigate the underlying mechanism of acupuncture treatment.
Physical Activity, Obesity and Eating Habits Can Influence Assisted Reproduction Outcomes
Authors: Ferreira Renata Cristina , Halpern Gabriela , de Cássia Savio Figueira Rita , de Almeida Ferreira Braga Daniela Paes , Iaconelli Assumpto , Borges Edson
Published: July 2010

Objective: to determine if eating habits, physical activity and BMI can influence assisted reproduction outcomes. Material and Methods: this study analyzed 436 patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. Patients answered a questionnaire and regression analysis examined the relationship between lifestyle and BMI with the intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles outcomes. Results: no influence of lifestyle and obesity was observed on the number of oocytes recovered. Obesity reduced the normal fertilization rate (coefficient [Coef.]: −16.0; p = 0.01) and increased the risk of miscarriage (OR: 14.3; p = 0.03). Physical activity positively affected implantation (Coef.: 9.4; p = 0.009), increased the chance of pregnancy (OR: 1.83; p = 0.013) and tended to decrease the risk of miscarriage (OR: 0.30; p = 0.068). In addition, an inverse correlation was found between physical activity and BMI, and a direct correlation was found between soft-drink consumption and BMI. Conclusions: eating habits, physical activity and obesity could affect clinical outcomes of assisted reproduction.
Health Attributions and Health Care Behavior Interactions in a Community Sample
Authors: Gil-Lacruz Marta , Gil-Lacruz Ana Isabel
Published: July 2010

In this article we examine the influence of a number of psychosocial variables on health attributions and the use of the health care system. The study sample consisted of 1,032 participants, who were representative of a stratified suburban community in Spain. Home-based interviews were
conducted to identify participants' main health improvement resources. Most answers were related to health attitudes concerning behavior, the health services available to participants, or other external agents. Qualitative and quantitative strategies were employed and results showed that age
and health perception were the most reliable predictors of these attitudes. Social variables were found to play an important role in the explanation of participants' beliefs and medical consultation behaviors.
Influence of carbon dioxide content in the biogas to nitrogen oxides emissions
Authors: Zivkovic Marija , Adzic Miroljub , Fotev Vasko , Milivojevic Aleksandar , Adzic Vuk , Ivezic Dejan , Cosic Bosko
Published: July 2010

Fuels derived from biomass are an alternative solution for the fossil fuel shortage. Usually this kind of fuels is called low calorific value fuels, due to the large proportion of inert components in their composition. The most common is carbon dioxide, and its proportion in biogas can be different, from 10 up to 40%, or even more. The presence of inert component in the composition of biogas causes the problems that are related with flame blow off limits. One of the possibilities for efficient combustion of biogas is the combustion in swirling flow including a pilot burner, aimed to expand the borders of stable combustion. This paper presents an analysis of the influence of the carbon dioxide content to the nitrogen oxides emissions. Laboratory biogas was used with different content of CO2 (10, 20, 30 and 40%). Investigation was carried out for different nominal powers, coefficients of excess air and carbon dioxide content. With increasing content of carbon dioxide, emission of nitrogen oxides was reduced, and this trend was the same throughout the whole range of excess air, carried out through measurements. Still, the influence of carbon dioxide content is significantly less than the influence of excess air. The coefficient of excess air greatly affects the production of radicals which are essential for the formation of nitrogen oxides, O, OH and CH. Also, the results show that the nominal power has no impact on the emission of nitrogen oxides.
Seasonal Changes in Activity, Sex Composition and Areal of the Tick Ixodes ricinus (Acari, Ixodida) in the Landscape-Geographical Regions of Ukraine
Authors: Akimov I. , Nebogatkin I.
Published: July 2010

Seasonal Changes in Activity, Sex Composition and Areal of the Tick Ixodes ricinus (Acari, Ixodida) in the Landscape-Geographical Regions of Ukraine

Data on seasonal activity of adults, nymphs and larvae of the sheep tick Ixodes ricinus Linnaeus are presented based on examination of our own collections for the period from 1977 to 2001 and archival materials for the period from 1953 to 2000, as well as data on changes in its natural habitat that now covers the whole territory of Ukraine. The period of activity in I. ricinus imagoes becomes longer from north to south and from west to east. In Ukrainian populations of I. ricinus, females slightly dominate (on average 52.44 ± 0.55%). The seasonal differences in the sex ratio are as follows: males are more abundant in springtime, females - in autumn. Significantly larger numbers of females (on average 52-60%) are registered on population peaks, and larger numbers of males - on their decrease.
Life Cycle of the Trematode Notocotylus intestinalis (Digenea, Notocotylidae) under Natural Conditions in Primorye Region (Russia)
Authors: Besprozvannykh V.
Published: July 2010

Life Cycle of the Trematode Notocotylus intestinalis (Digenea, Notocotylidae) under Natural Conditions in Primorye Region (Russia)

The redia, cercaria, adolescaria and adult trematodes Notocotylus intestinalis Tubangui, 1932 are described. It was established that under natural conditions of Primorye Region, the first intermediate hosts of this trematode are snails Parafossarulus manchouricus and P. spiridonovi. Adult worms were grown in the chicken.
Disruption of cigarette smoking addiction after posterior cingulate damage
Authors: Jarraya Béchir , Brugières Pierre , Tani Naoki , Hodel Jérôme , Grandjacques Bénédicte , Fénelon Gilles , Decq Philippe , Palfi Stéphane
Published: July 2010

The authors describe the case of a 35-year-old woman with a history of an addiction to cigarette smoking who presented with an intracerebral hemorrhage from a ruptured arteriovenous malformation. The patient reported an immediate and complete disruption of her addiction to cigarette smoking following her stroke. Structural MR imaging revealed a lesion of the posterior cingulate cortex. Neuropsychological tests showed intact cognitive functioning. This observation suggests that the posterior cingulate cortex may play a role in the addiction to cigarette smoking.