bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel biamperometric methodology for thorium determination by EDTA complexometric titration
Authors: Jayachandran Kavitha , Gamare J. S. , Nair P. R. , Xavier Mary , Aggarwal Suresh K.
Published: January 2012

A biamperometric methodology is described for the determination of thorium by EDTA complexometric titration, based on the observed electrochemical behaviour of EDTA when the applied potential was ≥200 mV between the twin Pt electrodes. Studies carried out showed that a pH range of 2.4–2.7 was optimum for the determination. Accuracy and precision of the method were evaluated using different amounts of thorium ranging from 50 μg to 5 mg. Studies on the interference of uranium were carried out with different amounts of uranium ranging from 20 to 80% using the presently developed approach of biamperometry as well as the conventional indicator method. The method was employed for the determination of Th in (Th,U)O2 samples containing different amounts of Th and U.
Epigenetic modification and cancer: mark or stamp?
Authors: Foulkes William D
Published: January 2012

Hypotheses are built upon data, but data require hypotheses before they can be understood. The development of the ‘two-hit’ hypothesis of carcinogenesis was a key event in cancer genetics because it provided a testable model of how tumours develop. In this commentary on ‘Promoter hypermethylation patterns in Fallopian tube epithelium ofBRCA1andBRCA2germline mutation carriers’ by Bijronet al. published in the February 2012 issue ofEndocrine-Related Cancer, the need for new grammar and some new hypotheses in epigenetics is discussed. Meanwhile, data suggesting an important role of epigenetic modification in the cause, progression and treatment of cancer continues to accumulate.
Carpooling and Booster Seats: A National Survey of Parents
Authors: Macy Michelle L. , Clark Sarah J. , Freed Gary L. , Butchart Amy T. , Singer Dianne C. , Sasson Comilla , Meurer William J. , Davis Matthew M.
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Booster seat use among school-aged children has been consistently lower than national goals. In this study, we sought to explore associations between parental experiences with booster seats and carpooling.

METHODS:

We conducted a cross-sectional Web-based survey of a nationally representative panel of US parents in January 2010. As part of a larger survey, parents of 4- to 8-year-old children responded to 12 questions related to booster seats and carpooling.

RESULTS:

Of 1612 parents responding to the full survey (response rate = 71%), 706 had a 4- to 8-year-old child and 681 met inclusion rules. Most parents (76%) reported their child used a safety seat when riding in the family car. Of children reported to use seat belts, 74% did so in accordance with their state law. Parent report of child safety seat use was associated with younger child age and with the presence of state booster seat laws. Sixty-four percent of parents carpool. Among parents who carpool and whose children use a child safety seat: 79% indicated they would always ask another driver to use a booster seat for their child and 55% reported they always have their child use their booster seat when driving friends who do not have boosters.

CONCLUSIONS:

Carpooling is a common driving situation during which booster seat use is inconsistent. Social norms and self-efficacy are associated with booster seat use. Clinicians who care for children should increase efforts to convey the importance of using the size-appropriate restraint for every child on every trip.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ni/Mg/Al Mixed Oxides Obtained by Co-precipitation
Authors: Martínez-Lozano G. , Kryshtab T. , Garduño M. Hesiquio , Kryvko A.
Published: January 2012

Ni/Mg/Al mixed oxides were obtained from hydrotalcite-like precursors by thermal decomposition at 400º, 600º and 800ºC using co-precipitation method at pH 7. The mixed oxides were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. XRD analysis revealed the formation of NixMg1-xO (x = 0 - 1), α-Al2O3 and traces of MgAl2O4 (NiAl2O4) phases. The diffraction peak positions for MgO or NiO oxides were shifted towards 2θ values higher than simulated for pure bulk oxides that can be attributed to the possible presence of lattice vacancies or surface compressive stress. The evaluated grain size by XRD technique was about 8 -10 nm. It was also detected the presence of microstrains that can be associated with the presence of extended defects in the grains. SEM observations showed that the particles of oxides are formed as agglomerates with the particle sizes of 50 nm up to 200 nm. EDS detected the presence of Mg2+, Ni2+, and Al3+ cations and oxygen in all particles independently on their size. The obtained results revealed the presence of mixture of Ni/Mg/Al oxides in each particle obtained. The oxides calcined at temperatures of 400º and 600ºC were unstable and under air storage they revert to the precursor. The incorporation of Ni2+ in Mg-Al mixed oxides leads to stability of the compounds calcined at 800ºC.
Halide Ion Effect in Shape Transformation from Silver Triangular Nanoprisms to Silver Nanodisks
Authors: López Israel A. , Gómez Idalia
Published: January 2012

Silver triangular nanoprisms (TNP’s) were transformed into silver nanodisks (NDK’s) by addition of halide ion solution (chloride, bromide and iodide). The shape transformation of the TNP’s is due to the selective etching effect of halide ions at their vertices. TNP’s were synthesized via a photoinduced growth process, and then different concentrations of potassium halide solutions were added into the TNP’s colloids under vigorous stirring. Images of the obtained nanoparticles were recorded by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The shifts of the in-plane dipole plasmon resonance band allow us to identify the differences among the three halides. These differences might be due to the distinct sizes of halides, and the solubility product constant values of each silver halide. We found that the etching ability of the halides, at a concentration of 1.0 mM, to truncate the vertices of TNP’s is in the order of Br- > Cl- > I-. In contrast, at a concentration of 0.01 mM, the order of the etching ability is Br- > I- > Cl-.
Integrating Carbon Nanotubes into Microfluidic Chips for Separating Biochemical Compounds
Authors: Chen Miaoxiang , Mogensen Klaus B. , Boggild Peter , Kutter Jörg P.
Published: January 2012

We present a new type of device to separate biochemical compounds wherein carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are integrated as chromatographic stationary phase. The CNTs were directly grown on the bottom of microfluidic channels on Si/SiO2 substrate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Acetylene was used as carbon source and Ni was employed as catalyst. For electrokinetic separations, higher electrical field strength is usually required; therefore, the CNTs were constructed in pillar-array-form by patterning Ni catalyst layer. Electrical field strength of 2.0 kV/cm has been realized, which is more than one order of magnitude higher than the one reported so far. The microfluidic chips integrated with CNTs were successfully used to separate a compound containing two Coumarin dyes, 240 mM C460 and 270 mM C480.
Three-Dimensional EBSD Analysis of YSZ, NiO-YSZ and Ni-Alloy
Authors: Saraf Laxmikant V.
Published: January 2012

In this report, a method is discussed to perform successive milling on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), NiO-YSZ and Ni-alloy at the intervals of 85 nm 50 nm and 100 nm, respectively using a focused ion beam (FIB) followed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis on each slice. The EBSD data is then reconstructed to generate 3D volume. The 3D-EBSD band quality data is superimposed on inverse pole figure (IPF) grain orientation analysis to get a correlation with quality of band indexing. For the NiO-YSZ case, grain orientations and band quality factors were matched for grains ∼250 nm diameters producing a high resolution 3D-EBSD data. For this case, a pore space in 3D volume was visible due to nanocrystalline NiO-YSZ grain network. The advantages of 3D EBSD are discussed in the context of its applications to SOFC research community.
Relationship between the Perception of Hypernasality and Social Judgments in School-Aged Children
Authors: Watterson Thomas , Mancini Mariacecilia , Brancamp Tami U. , Lewis Kerry E.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This study investigated both the ability of children to rate nasality and the relationship of those ratings to expert ratings and social acceptance judgments.

Method

A total of 10 speech samples were judged for nasality by 44 children ranging in age from 8 to 11 and by an expert judge. Listeners rated nasality on a 3-point response scale. The peer listeners also made five social acceptance ratings about each speaker.

Results

Kappas for interrater reliability were moderate to substantial. There was no difference between peer ratings and expert ratings. As ratings of nasality increased, social acceptance ratings became more negative.

Conclusion

Professionals who evaluate and treat children with cleft palate should consider the negative social consequences of even mild hypernasality.
Active Specific Immunotherapy Targeting the Wilms' Tumor Protein 1 (WT1) for Patients with Hematological Malignancies and Solid Tumors: Lessons from Early Clinical Trials
Authors: Van Driessche Ann , Berneman Zwi N. , Van Tendeloo Viggo F. I.
Published: January 2012

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Explain the role of the Wilm's tumor protein 1 (WT1) as a tumor antigen in peptide- and dendritic cell-based cancer immunotherapy trials.Describe the immune responses elicited by WT1-based cancer vaccines and their potential for creating clinical responses in a majority of evaluable cancer patients

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

There is a growing body of evidence that Wilms' tumor protein 1 (WT1) is a promising tumor antigen for the development of a novel class of universal cancer vaccines. Recently, in a National Cancer Institute prioritization project, WT1 was ranked first in a list of 75 cancer antigens. In this light, we exhaustively reviewed all published cancer vaccine trials reporting on WT1-targeted active specific immunotherapy in patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors. In all clinical trials, vaccine-induced immunological responses could be detected. Importantly, objective clinical responses (including stable disease) were observed in 46% and 64% of evaluable vaccinated patients with solid tumors and hematological malignancies, respectively. Immunogenicity of WT1-based cancer vaccines was demonstrated by the detection of a specific immunological response in 35% and 68% of evaluable patients with solid tumors and hematological malignancies, respectively. In order to become part of the armamentarium of the modern oncologist, it will be important to design WT1-based immunotherapies applicable to a large patient population, to standardize vaccination protocols enabling systematic review, and to further optimize the immunostimulatory capacity of the vaccine components. Moreover, improved immunomonitoring tools that reveal clinically relevant T-cell responses will further shape the ideal WT1 immunotherapy strategy. In conclusion, the clinical results obtained so far in WT1-targeted cancer vaccine trials reveal an untapped potential for inducing cancer immunity with minimal side effects and hold promise for a new adjuvant treatment against residual disease and against cancer relapse.
Scour failure of bridges
Authors: Maddison Brian
Published: January 2012

In recent years there have been several bridge collapses in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland that have been caused by scour. Towns in the north west of England have been cut off and loss of life occurred. Major railway lines have been closed for extended periods. Although scour is basically the removal of bed material due to flowing water, it has a number of different causes and takes different forms. The paper describes the different forms of scour and looks at a number of case studies to illustrate the different ways in which scour has caused structures to collapse or require protection. The case studies are of railway bridges and are drawn from official investigation reports and underwater examinations carried out by the author. The paper concludes by illustrating ways in which failures due to scour could be avoided by the employment of good bridge management systems.
Understanding construction project failure in southern Africa
Authors: Valentin William S. , Vorster Friedrich S.
Published: January 2012

A failed construction project is loosely defined as a contract that was terminated or cancelled by either of the two parties to the contract. Given the unique nature of each construction project, its multitude of physical, geographical and commercial variables and the host of interested parties involved (each with different intentions and expectations) it is remarkable that so few projects fail. Some projects, however, do fail, and this research paper seeks to identify the reasons. This study researched approximately 13 000 projects in southern Africa executed during the period 2004 to 2009. Failures were documented and categorised after analysing every default recorded within the company’s internal bonding database since 2004. Owing to the limited number of failures and the seemingly infinite combination of variables that contributed towards project failure, obtaining reliable default probability data was a challenge. Statistically reliable conclusions could not be formulated; however, this research highlighted a number of significant facts which either confirm or question historical assumptions. These findings will complement sound and experienced judgment by all decision-makers, which remains the primary driver to the successful completion of construction projects.
Can construction arbitration learn from adjudication?
Authors: Lane Patrick M. M.
Published: January 2012

The emergence of adjudication both in South Africa and in numerous other countries in the world has posed questions as to whether arbitration, as presently practised, remains an effective and efficient mechanism for the resolution of construction disputes. This paper looks at the practice of arbitration in South Africa against the backdrop of outdated legislation and examines whether there are lessons to be learnt from adjudication. It concludes that there are procedures which have been developed in adjudication which ought to be considered in the arbitration of construction disputes.
Microbial community phylogenetic and trait diversity declines with depth in a marine oxygen minimum zone
Authors: Bryant Jessica A. , Stewart Frank J. , Eppley John M. , DeLong Edward F.
Published: January 2012

Oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) are natural physical features of the world's oceans. They create steep physiochemical gradients in the water column, which most notably include a dramatic draw down in oxygen concentrations over small vertical distances (<100 m). Microbial communities within OMZs play central roles in ocean and global biogeochemical cycles, yet we still lack a fundamental understanding of how microbial biodiversity is distributed across OMZs. Here, we used metagenomic sequencing to investigate microbial diversity across a vertical gradient in the water column during three seasons in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific (ETSP) OMZ. Based on analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene fragments, we found that both taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity declined steeply along the transition from oxygen‐rich surface water to the permanent OMZ. We observed similar declines in the diversity of protein‐coding gene categories, suggesting a decrease in functional (trait) diversity with depth. Metrics of functional and trait dispersion indicated that microbial communities are phylogenetically and functionally more overdispersed in oxic waters, but clustered within the OMZ. These dispersion patterns suggest that community assembly drivers (e.g., competition, environmental filtering) vary strikingly across the oxygen gradient. To understand the generality of our findings, we compared OMZ results to two marine depth gradients in subtropical oligotrophic sites and found that the oligotrophic sites did not display similar patterns, likely reflecting unique features found in the OMZ. Finally, we discuss how our results may relate to niche theory, diversity–energy relationships and stress gradients.
A foundation tree at the precipice:Tsuga canadensishealth after the arrival ofAdelges tsugaein central New England
Authors: Orwig David A. , Thompson Jonathan R. , Povak Nicholas A. , Manner Megan , Niebyl Donald , Foster David R.
Published: January 2012

Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) plays a unique role in Eastern forests, producing distinctive biogeochemical, habitat, and microclimatic conditions and yet has begun a potentially irreversible decline due to the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae; HWA) that causes foliar damage, crown loss, and mortality of host trees. Understanding the regional, landscape, site, and stand factors influencing HWA spread and impact is critical for predicting future landscape dynamics and directing effective management. Using aerial photographs, we documented hemlock distribution throughout central Massachusetts and subsampled 123 stands to examine the spatial pattern of HWA and its impact on tree vigor and mortality since its arrival in 1989. In the study region, over 86,000 ha of hemlock forest were mapped in 5,127 stands. White pine (Pinus strobus), red oak (Quercus rubra), red maple (Acer rubrum), and black birch (Betula lenta) were common overstory associates. Hemlock abundance increased from south to north, commonly on western and northwestern slopes. Average stand size was 55 ha, overstory basal area ranged from 23 to 55 m2ha−1and overstory stem densities averaged 993 ha−1.

By 2004, 40% of sampled stands were infested, but most stands remained in good health overall; only 8 stands contained high HWA densities and only two had lost >50% overstory hemlock. Out of fifteen stand and landscape predictor variables examined, only latitude and winter climate variables were related to HWA density. Cold temperatures appear to be slowing the spread and impact of HWA at its northern extent as HWA infestation intensity and hemlock mortality and vigor were significantly correlated with average minimum winter temperature. Contrary to predictions, there was no regional increase in hemlock harvesting. The results suggest that regional HWA‐hemlock dynamics are currently being shaped more by climate than by a combination of landscape and social factors. The persistence and migration of HWA continues to pose a significant threat regionally, especially in the northern portion of the study area, where hemlock dominates many forests.
EVALUATING MERGER AND INTERSECTION OF EQUIVALENCE CLASSES WITH ONE MEMBER IN COMMON
Authors: Mackay Harry A. , Wilkinson Krista M. , Farrell Colleen , Serna Richard W.
Published: January 2012

Sidman (1994) noted that the existence of a member that is common to more than one class may produce either class merger (union) or class intersection. A multiple‐selection, matching‐to‐sample test was developed to examine the conditions under which these outcomes occur. Test trials each required three conditional discriminations involving selection or rejection of comparison stimuli under control of samples representing two categories. Test results obtained from an initial group of typical adults using familiar stimuli (DOG and BIRD, pictures of dogs and birds and relevant printed breed names (e.g., DALMATIAN, RETRIEVER) showed the conditional stimulus control best described as intersection. For example, the word DALMATIAN provided the context for selecting the dalmatian but not the retriever picture. However, these results may have depended on the participants' verbal history as English speakers. Would conditional‐discrimination training with overlapping sets of laboratory‐generated stimuli also result in intersection? Naïve typical adults were assigned to one of three different training conditions. Like the participants tested with familiar stimuli, these participants demonstrated highly reliable test outcomes best described as showing class intersection, regardless of training condition. These findings begin to elucidate the necessary and sufficient conditions for establishing complex category‐like classes of stimuli.
Suicide Risk and Precipitating Circumstances Among Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Male Veterans
Authors: Kaplan Mark S. , McFarland Bentson H. , Huguet Nathalie , Valenstein Marcia
Published: January 2012

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of suicide among veteran men relative to nonveteran men by age and to examine the prevalence of suicide circumstances among male veterans in different age groups (18–34, 35–44, 45–64, and ≥ 65 years).

Methods. Data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (2003–2008) were used to calculate age-specific suicide rates for veterans (n = 8440) and nonveterans (n = 21 668) and to calculate the age-stratified mortality ratio for veterans. Multiple logistic regression was used to compare health status, stressful life events preceding suicide, and means of death among young, middle-aged, and older veterans.

Results. Veterans were at higher risk for suicide compared with nonveterans in all age groups except the oldest. Mental health, substance abuse, and financial and relationship problems were more common in younger than in older veteran suicide decedents, whereas health problems were more prevalent in the older veterans. Most male veterans used firearms for suicide, and nearly all elderly veterans did so.

Conclusions. Our study highlighted heightened risk of suicide in male veterans compared with nonveterans. Within the veteran population, suicide might be influenced by different precipitating factors at various stages of life.
Suicide Incidence and Risk Factors in an Active Duty US Military Population
Authors: Hyman Jeffrey , Ireland Robert , Frost Lucinda , Cottrell Linda
Published: January 2012

Objectives. The goal of this study was to investigate and identify risk factors for suicide among all active duty members of the US military during 2005 or 2007.

Methods. The study used a cross-sectional design and included the entire active duty military population. Study sample sizes were 2 064 183 for 2005 and 1 981 810 for 2007. Logistic regression models were used.

Results. Suicide rates for all services increased during this period. Mental health diagnoses, mental health visits, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), sleep prescriptions, reduction in rank, enlisted rank, and separation or divorce were associated with suicides. Deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom were also associated with elevated odds ratios for all services in the 2007 population and for the Army in 2005.

Conclusions. Additional research needs to address the increasing rates of suicide in active duty personnel. This should include careful evaluation of suicide prevention programs and the possible increase in risk associated with SSRIs and other mental health drugs, as well as the possible impact of shorter deployments, age, mental health diagnoses, and relationship problems.
Reduced Mortality Among Department of Veterans Affairs Patients With Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder Lost to Follow-up and Engaged in Active Outreach to Return for Care
Authors: Davis Chester L. , Kilbourne Amy M. , Blow Frederic C. , Pierce John R. , Winkel Bernard M. , Huycke Edward , Langberg Robert , Lyle David , Phillips Yancy , Visnic Stephanie
Published: January 2012

Objectives. We determined whether contacting Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorders (serious mental illness [SMI]) who had dropped out of care for prolonged periods resulted in reengagement with VA services and decreased mortality.

Methods. We developed a list of patients with SMI who were last treated in fiscal years 2005 to 2006, and were lost to follow-up care for at least 1 year. VA medical centers used our list to contact patients and schedule appointments. Additional VA administrative data on patient utilization and mortality through May 2009 were analyzed.

Results. About 72% (2375 of 3306) of the patients who VA staff attempted to contact returned for VA care. The mortality rate of returning patients was significantly lower than that for patients not returning (0.5% vs 3.9%; adjusted odds ratio = 5.8; P < .001), after demographic and clinical factors were controlled.

Conclusions. The mortality rate for returning patients with SMI was almost 6 times less than for those who did not return for medical care. Proactive outreach might result in patients returning to care and should be implemented to reengage this vulnerable group.
Hormonal Imbalances and Psychological Scars Left Behind in Infertile Men
Authors: Bak Chong Won , Seok Hyun Ha , Song Seung‐Hun , Kim Eun Sun , Her Young Sun , Yoon Tae Ki
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT: The effect of infertility on the psychological well‐being of couples has been the subject of increasing attention in recent years. The frustration of couples of a relatively young age (ie, in their fourth decades) provokes not only anxiety and depression but also negative effects on the relationships. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a diagnosis of male infertility on anxiety and depression in the men themselves and in fertile female spouses. The prospective cross‐sectional study consisted of 264 participants, 72 males diagnosed with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and their fertile spouses and 60 fertile couples attending our university between January 1, 2009, and April 30, 2010. The Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and hormone levels were measured during initial and follow‐up visits. In NOA men, follicle‐stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were positively associated with anxiety, in contrast to testosterone, which was inversely associated with anxiety. After the diagnosis of NOA, producing no testicular sperm, the panic intensity among men increased significantly, whereas their spouses exhibited less panic. By contrast, fertile female partners of NOA men reported higher BDI scores after the initial diagnosis of azoospermia, whereas their partners recorded higher levels of depression after the absence of testicular sperm was discovered. Insomnia was the most common complaint for both sexes after the diagnosis of azoospermia. Hormonal abnormalities had a negative effect on the quality of life. Physicians and clinicians should acknowledge the immense psychosocial effect of the diagnosis of male infertility on both males and their fertile female partners.
Germ Cell Transplantation in Felids: A Potential Approach to Preserving Endangered Species
Authors: Silva Robson C. , Costa Guilherme M. J. , Lacerda Samyra M. S. N. , Batlouni Sérgio R. , Soares Jaqueline M. , Avelar Gleide F. , Böttger Karin B. , Silva Silvério F. , Nogueira Maria S. , Andrade Leonardo M. , França Luiz R.
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT: With the exception of the domestic cat, all members of the family Felidae are considered either endangered or threatened. Although not yet used for this purpose, spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation has a high potential to preserve the genetic stock of endangered species. However, this technique has not previously been established in felids. Therefore, we developed the necessary procedures to perform syngeneic and xenogeneic SSC transplants (eg, germ cell [GC] depletion in the recipient domestic cats, enrichment and labeling of donor cell suspension, and the transplantation method) in order to investigate the feasibility of the domestic cat as a recipient for the preservation and propagation of male germ plasm from wild felids. In comparison with busulfan treatment, local x‐ray fractionated radiation was a more effective approach to depleting endogenous spermatogenesis. The results of both syngeneic and xenogeneic transplants revealed that SSCs were able to successfully colonize and differentiate in the recipient testis, generating elongated spermatids several weeks posttransplantation. Specifically, ocelot spermatozoa were observed in the cat epididymis 13 weeks following transplantation. As donor GCs from domestic cats and ocelots were able to develop and form mature GCs in the recipient environment seminiferous tubules, these findings indicate that the domestic cat is a suitable recipient for SSC transplantation. Moreover, as modern cats descended from a medium‐size cat that existed approximately 10 to 11 million years ago, these results strongly suggest that the domestic cat could be potentially used as a recipient for generating and propagating the genome of wild felids.
Diabetes Mellitus and Sperm Parameters
Authors: La Vignera Sandro , Condorelli Rosita , Vicari Enzo , D'Agata Rosario , Calogero Aldo E.
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT: Because of the paucity of studies and inconsistencies regarding the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on semen quality, this disease is seldom looked for in the infertile patient. Recently, this view has been challenged by findings showing that DM induces subtle molecular changes that are important for sperm quality and function. This brief review shows the main sperm parameters in patients with DM and presents the mechanisms hypothesized to explain the changes observed in these patients. The data available suggest that DM alters conventional sperm parameters. In addition, DM causes histologic damage of the epididymis, with a negative impact on sperm transit. Various mechanisms may explain the sperm damage observed in patients with DM. These include endocrine disorders, neuropathy, and increased oxidative stress. Many authors suggest that DM decreases serum testosterone levels. This is associated with a steroidogenetic defect in Leydig cells. In addition, diabetic neuropathy seems to cause atonia of seminal vesicles, bladder, and urethra. Furthermore, DM is associated with an increased oxidative stress, which damages sperm nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Finally, spermatogenesis derangement and germ cell apoptosis in type 1 DM may relate to a local autoimmune damage, whereas insulin resistance, obesity, and other related comorbidities may impair sperm parameters and decrease testosterone serum levels in patients with type 2 DM.
Obtention of plant peroxidase and its potential for the decolorization of the reactive dye Remazol Turquoise G 133%
Authors: Silva Maria Cristina , Torres Juliana Arriel , Corrêa Angelita Duarte , Junqueira Allana Maria Bernardes , Amorim Maria Teresa Pessoa , dos Santos Custódio Donizete
Published: January 2012

Peroxidases can be used in the decolorization process. There is a growing interest for new sources of this enzyme and for obtaining economically viable processes. In this work, a low-cost vegetable peroxidase extraction process is proposed; the resulting enzyme is characterized to determine its optimum pH, temperature, and stability conditions, and it is then applied in the decolorization of reactive dye Remazol Turquoise G 133%. The turnip peroxidase (TP) was utilized as an enzymatic source. This enzyme exhibited maximum activity at pH 7.0, and it was active in the temperature range of 30 to 50 °C, which favors its use in industrial processes. Acetone was the most efficient solvent to induce precipitation. The removal of Remazol Turquoise G 133% was 56.0% complete after 50 min, while 41.0% of the same dye was removed with the commercial horseradish peroxidase enzyme in 50 min. TP presents potential as a viable alternative in the decolorization of textile wastewaters.
Single-objective vs. multi-objective autocalibration in modelling total suspended solids and phosphorus in a small agricultural watershed with SWAT
Authors: Rasolomanana Santatriniaina Denise , Lessard Paul , Vanrolleghem Peter A.
Published: January 2012

To obtain greater precision in modelling small agricultural watersheds, a shorter simulation time step is beneficial. A daily time step better represents the dynamics of pollutants in the river and provides more realistic simulation results. However, with a daily evaluation performance, good fits are rarely obtained. With the Shuffled Complex Evolution (SCE) method embedded in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), two calibration approaches are available, single-objective or multi-objective optimization. The goal of the present study is to evaluate which approach can improve the daily performance with SWAT, in modelling flow (Q), total suspended solids (TSS) and total phosphorus (TP). The influence of weights assigned to the different variables included in the objective function has also been tested. The results showed that: (i) the model performance depends not only on the choice of calibration approach, but essentially on the influential parameters; (ii) the multi-objective calibration estimating at once all parameters related to all measured variables is the best approach to model Q, TSS and TP; (iii) changing weights does not improve model performance; and (iv) with a single-objective optimization, an excellent water quality modelling performance may hide a loss of performance of predicting flows and unbalanced internal model components.
Seasonal ammonia losses from spray-irrigation with secondary-treated recycled water
Authors: Saez Jose A. , Harmon Thomas C. , Doshi Sarika , Guerrero Francisco
Published: January 2012

This work examines ammonia volatilization associated with agricultural irrigation employing recycled water. Effluent from a secondary wastewater treatment plant was applied using a center pivot irrigation system on a 12 ha agricultural site in Palmdale, California. Irrigation water was captured in shallow pans and ammonia concentrations were quantified in four seasonal events. The average ammonia loss ranged from 15 to 35% (averaging 22%) over 2-h periods. Temporal mass losses were well-fit using a first-order model. The resulting rate constants correlated primarily with temperature and secondarily with wind speed. The observed application rates and timing were projected over an entire irrigation season using meteorological time series data from the site, which yielded volatilization estimates of 0.03 to 0.09 metric tons NH3-N/ha per year. These rates are consistent with average rates (0.04 to 0.08 MT NH3-N/ha per year) based on 10 to 20 mg NH3-N/L effluent concentrations and a 22% average removal. As less than 10% of the treated effluent in California is currently reused, there is potential for this source to increase, but the increase may be offset by a corresponding reduction in synthetic fertilizers usage. This point is a factor for consideration with respect to nutrient management using recycled water.
Removal of arsenic from aqueous solution by iron-coated sand and manganese-coated sand having different mineral types
Authors: Chang Yoon-Young , Song Ki-Hoon , Yu Mok-Ryun , Yang Jae-Kyu
Published: January 2012

In this study, the effects of the coating temperature during the preparation of manganese-coated sand (MCS) and iron-coated sand (ICS) on the removals of As(III) and As(V) were evaluated. The mineral type of manganese oxide on MCS-150, prepared at 150 °C, was identified as a mixture of pyrolusite and ramsdellite, which changed to high crystalline pyrolusite above 300 °C. The mineral type of ICS-150, prepared at 150 °C, was a mixture of goethite and hematite, which changed to high crystalline goethite above 300 °C. The adsorption efficiency was determined according to the mineral type which depended on the coating temperature. The As(III) oxidation efficiency of MCS-150 and As(V) adsorption efficiency of ICS-150 were approximately 77 and 70% higher compared with those of MCS-600 and ICS-600, respectively, prepared at 600 °C. Regardless of the coating temperature, the amounts of manganese and iron coated on the sand substrates were similar.
Automatic reactor model synthesis with genetic programming
Authors: Dürrenmatt David J. , Gujer Willi
Published: January 2012

Successful modeling of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) processes requires an accurate description of the plant hydraulics. Common methods such as tracer experiments are difficult and costly and thus have limited applicability in practice; engineers are often forced to rely on their experience only. An implementation of grammar-based genetic programming with an encoding to represent hydraulic reactor models as program trees should fill this gap: The encoding enables the algorithm to construct arbitrary reactor models compatible with common software used for WWTP modeling by linking building blocks, such as continuous stirred-tank reactors. Discharge measurements and influent and effluent concentrations are the only required inputs. As shown in a synthetic example, the technique can be used to identify a set of reactor models that perform equally well. Instead of being guided by experience, the most suitable model can now be chosen by the engineer from the set. In a second example, temperature measurements at the influent and effluent of a primary clarifier are used to generate a reactor model. A virtual tracer experiment performed on the reactor model has good agreement with a tracer experiment performed on-site.
Impact of Low Calcium Fly Ash on Steel Corrosion Rate and Concrete– Steel Interface
Authors: Xu Hui , Chen Zhanqing , Xu Bi , Ma Dan
Published: January 2012

The use of fly ash is not only in harmony with the concept of sustainable development, but also beneficial
to some mechanical properties of concrete. This paper discusses steel corrosion rate time-changing law in concrete with
different replacing ratios of low calcium fly ash(10%~30%) and the microcosmic characteristic of concrete-steel interface.
The steel corrosion rate was tested by linear polarization and weak polarization for corrosion monitoring in man-made
climate environment, the microcosmic characteristic of concrete-steel interface was observed by Electronic Microscope
and Scanning Electron Microscope. The experimental results showed that addition of 10%~30% fly ash increased the ability
of concrete to resist steel corrosion, and the concrete with 20% replacement ratio of fly ash had the least corrosion layer
thickness. The microscopic and microcosmic results further verified and explained the point of view. The analytical
results of present work showed that the addition of fly ash in concrete had dual effects: (a) reducing concrete porosity and
(b) improving the concrete-steel interface structure. Therefore, the replacement ratios of 10%~30% low calcium fly ash
can be effectively used in structural concrete.
Toward Long Solids Retention Time of Activated Sludge Processes: Benefits in Energy Saving, Effluent Quality, and Stability
Authors: Leu Shao‐Yuan , Chan Licheng , Stenstrom Michael K.
Published: January 2012

The activated sludge process is the most common method of secondary municipal wastewater treatment; solids retention time (SRT) is the key control parameter for this process. Typically, operating at long SRT is considered only for nitrification, but there are additional benefits of high SRT operation. This paper presents experimental and literature evidence to demonstrate three major additional benefits of long SRT operation: increased oxygen transfer efficiency; improved biomass particle size distribution, which results in more efficient clarification with fewer effluent particles and suspended solids; and enhanced removal of many emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and endocrine disrupting compounds. This paper presents experimental results from several treatment plants that showed increasing oxygen transfer efficiency and particle size with increasing SRT, and evidence documenting improved removal of emerging contaminants and biodegradable organic carbon. A long‐term survey of three treatment plants concludes that operating at higher SRT is not as energy intensive as typically assumed.
Investigating Phosphorus Limitation in a Fixed Bed Filter with Phosphorus and Nitrogen Profile Measurements
Authors: Scherrenberg S.M. , Neef R. , Menkveld H.W.H. , van Nieuwenhuijzen A.F. , van der Graaf J.H.J.M.
Published: January 2012

In 2000, the European Union adopted the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) (European Commission, 2000). The WFD focuses on increasingly stringent nutrient standards including ultra low nitrogen (< 2.2 mg N‐total/L) and phosphorus concentrations (< 0.15 mg total phosphorus/L) in receiving surface waters and in relevant point sources like wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent. Expansion of WWTPs with advanced post‐treatment processes, like effluent filtration, is widely proposed to meet possible future effluent discharge standards. When combining biological nitrate‐nitrogen and chemical phosphorus removal in one filter, phosphorus limitation in the denitrifying process may occur. This study investigated where in the filter bed and under which conditions phosphorus limitation occurs. Profile measurements for nitrate, nitrite, and orthophosphorus (PO4‐P) combined with chemical oxygen demand (COD) and O2 were conducted. Results showed that the required PO4‐P/NOx‐N ratio is approximately 0.006 mg/mg after phosphorous precipitation and flocculation. Profile measurements have proven to be an applicable and useful tool. It showed how nitrate and orthophosphorus are removed through the filter bed based on the PO4‐P/NOx‐N ratio. When orthophosphorus is removed more rapidly and efficiently compared to nitrate, the PO4‐P/NOx‐N ratio decreases. When PO4‐P/NOx‐N ratio thresholds are approximately 0.006 mg/mg for a certain period of time and water temperatures varied significantly, orthophosphorus limitation may occur. Changing the filter‐bed configuration or decreasing the coagulant dosage can prevent limitation of the denitrifying process because of a phosphorous shortage.
The fate of Nocardia in anaerobic digestion
Authors: Hernandez Mark , Jenkins David
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT:  Laboratory‐scale completely‐mixed and batch experiments investigated the fate and foaming potential of Nocardia during mesophilic anaerobic sludge digestion. Nocardia filament concentration was measured by an immunofluorescent technique (Hernandez et al, 1993); filament viability was by dehydrogenase activity staining (Awong et al., 1986). Continuous flow digesters, fed with waste activated sludge (WAS) containing high Nocardia levels were operated at solids retention times (SRT's) of 10, 14, and 28 days to determine SRT effects on Nocardia survival. In two‐phase digestion experiments, the digestion was divided into an initial acid phase (4‐day SRT; pH 5.4 to 6.4) and a second methanogenic phase (11‐ and 24‐day SRT's; pH 7.2). Batch digestion experiments determined effects of pH, TS concentrations, and Nocardia filament mass on digesting sludge foaming potential. None of the digestion systems completely removed or rendered non‐viable all influent Nocardia filaments. In single‐phase digesters Nocardia filament viable fraction decayed with a first order rate coefficient of approximately 0.02 day−1, so that with an SRT of 14 days, the viability decreased by approximately 37%. In two‐phase digestion viability decreased more rapidly; for a 14‐day total SRT, reductions were approximately 54%. In batch foaming tests on digested sludge, foam production levels increased in proportion to Nocardia filament concentration over the range of 0.01 to 0.2 g Nocardia/g TS.
Mathematical modeling of particle size distribution in secondary effluent filtration
Authors: Alon Giora , Adin Avner
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT:  Analysis of various types of secondary effluents revealed a broad range of particle sizes, suggesting that particle size distribution (PSD) should be taken into consideration in deep‐bed filtration calculations rather than concentrating exclusively on process parameters. A PSD function is shown to be a more effective and reliable index than the conventional “mean” particle diameter. The power law function was found to express effluent PSD well; experimental data confirmed its validity. The application of this function is demonstrated using a recent filtration model based on the Kozeny equation. Prediction of the head loss, based on influent PSD function parameters alone, is possible in the filter working phase, and an equation for this aim is developed.
Activated biofilm removal of low concentrations of toluene
Authors: Neufeld Ronald D. , Niaki Shahzad , Badali Christopher , Liu Paul K. T. , Powers Dennis
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT:  A two‐step technique is presented for the biodegradation or transformation of low concentrations of benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene (BETX) hydrocarbons. Step 1 incorporates the batch growth and attachment of a lush biofilm onto plastic surfaces utilizing a preselected substrate capable of stimulating desired biological activity. Step 2 involves continuous upflow biodegradation of low concentration levels of target organics by the generated biofilm. Step 1‐generated biofilms are predicted to deteriorate during protracted time periods, however, extended experimental runs on the order of four months were conducted with continued bioremovals. Target organic removals during Step 2 operations, quantified by a first‐order removal constant, are shown to be linked to Step 1 operating methodology.
Effects of butorphanol on the minimum anesthetic concentration for sevoflurane in guineafowl (Numida meleagris)
Authors: Escobar André , Valadão Carlos A. A. , Brosnan Robert J. , Denicol Anna C. , Flôres Fabíola N. , Thiesen Roberto , Coelho Cássia M. M.
Published: January 2012

Objective—To determine the minimum anesthetic concentration (MAC) for sevoflurane and measure the dose and temporal effects of butorphanol on the MAC for sevoflurane in guineafowl.

Animals—10 healthy adult guineafowl (Numida meleagris).

Procedures—Each bird was anesthetized with sevoflurane, and a standard bracketing method was used to measure the MAC in response to a noxious electrical stimulus. Subsequently, conditions were adjusted so that each bird was anesthetized with sevoflurane at a fraction of its respective MAC (eg, 0.7 times the MAC for that bird). Butorphanol tartrate (2 mg/kg, IV) was administered, and a noxious stimulus was applied every 15 minutes until the bird moved in response. The reduction in MAC was estimated with logistic regression by use of a standard quantal method. After an interval of ≥ 1 week, the MAC reduction experiment was repeated with an increased butorphanol dosage (4 mg/kg).

Results—Individual mean ± SE MAC for sevoflurane was 2.9 ± 0.1%. At 15 minutes after administration of 2 mg of butorphanol/kg, estimated reduction in the MAC for sevoflurane was 9 ± 3%. At 15 and 30 minutes after administration of 4 mg of butorphanol/kg, estimated reduction in the MAC for sevoflurane was 21 ± 4% and 11 ± 8%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In guineafowl, the MAC for sevoflurane was similar to values reported for other species. Increasing the butorphanol dosage decreased the MAC for sevoflurane, but the effect was small and of short duration for dosages up to 4 mg/kg.