bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different Prognostic Value of Cytokeratin-19 mRNA–Positive Circulating Tumor Cells According to Estrogen Receptor and HER2 Status in Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Ignatiadis Michail , Xenidis Nikos , Perraki Maria , Apostolaki Stella , Politaki Eleni , Kafousi Maria , Stathopoulos Efstathios N. , Stathopoulou Aliki , Lianidou Evi , Chlouverakis Grigorios , Sotiriou Christos , Georgoulias Vassilis , Mavroudis Dimitris
Published: October 2007

Purpose

To examine the prognostic value of cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) mRNA–positive circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in early-stage breast cancer patients focusing on clinically relevant subgroups based on estrogen receptor (ER) and HER2 expression.

Patients and Methods

CK-19 mRNA–positive CTCs were detected by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in the blood of 444 consecutive, stage I-III, breast cancer patients before initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy. The association between detection of CK-19 mRNA–positive CTCs and clinical outcome was analyzed for patients with ER-positive, ER-negative, triple-negative, HER2-positive, and ER-positive/HER2-negative tumors.

Results

CK-19 mRNA–positive CTCs were detected in 181 (40.8%) of 444 patients; 109 (41.9%) of 260 patients with ER-positive tumors; 71 (40.6%) of 175 patients with ER-negative tumors; 27 (35%) of 77 patients with triple-negative tumors; 35 (39.8%) of 88 patients with HER2-positive tumors; and 82 (44.1%) of 186 patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative tumors. After a median follow-up of 53.5 months, patients with CK-19 mRNA–positive CTCs experienced reduced disease-free survival (DFS; P < .001) and overall survival (OS; P < .001); this was mainly observed in patients with ER-negative (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively) but not ER-positive tumors (P = .172 and P = .425, respectively) and in patients with triple-negative (P = .008 and P = .001, respectively) and HER2-positive (P = .023 and P = .040, respectively) but not ER-positive/HER2-negative tumors (P = .210 and P = .578, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the interaction between CK-19 mRNA–positive CTCs and ER status was the strongest independent prognostic factor for reduced DFS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.808; 95% CI, 2.415 to 6.003; P < .001) and OS (HR, 4.172; 95% CI, 2.477 to 9.161; P < .001).

Conclusion

Detection of CK-19 mRNA–positive CTCs before adjuvant chemotherapy predicts poor clinical outcome mainly in patients with ER-negative, triple-negative, and HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer.
A New Approach to Prepare VO2 (B) Nanoribbons
Authors: Liu Xinghai , Xie Guangyong , Huang Chi , Wu Hanzheng , Luo Yunbai
Published: October 2007

The VO2 nanoribbons have been successfully prepared via hydrothermal reaction of V2O5 and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solution. The products consist of a large number of ribbon-like nanostructures, and nanoribbons are 100–200 nm in width, 0.8–1.9 μm in length and about 20–30 nm in average thickness. The influence on the morphology of the as-obtained products was briefly discussed on the basis of the experimental results.
Zinc Sulfide Nanocrystals in Paraffin Liquid Open to Air: Preparation, Structure, and Mechanism
Authors: Ye Xinyu , Zhuang Weidong , Hu Yunsheng , Luo Xinyu , Zhao Chunlei , Huang Xiaowei
Published: October 2007

We describe a new, green, and cheap route to the preparation of zinc sulfide nanocrystals at moderate temperature open to air in noncoordinating solvent paraffin liquid. The as-prepared ZnS nanocrystals with average size 4.7 nm presented particular UV–vis absorption. Cubic crystal lattice structures with good crystallization are characterized. A mechanism of ZnS nanocrystals formed in paraffin liquid as well as other similar solvent is demonstrated.
Picosecond Time-resolved Infrared Imaging by a Nonscanning Two-color Infrared Super-resolution Microscope
Authors: Sakai Makoto , Ohmori Tsutomu , Kinjo Masataka , Ohta Nobuhiro , Fujii Masaaki
Published: October 2007

A nonscanning two-color infrared super-resolution microscope combining a laser fluorescence microscope and picosecond time-resolved transient fluorescence detected IR (TFD-IR) spectroscopy has been developed. Picosecond time-resolved infrared super-resolution images were obtained with 2 ps time resolutions and 1.4 μm spatial resolutions, without XY scanning of the sample or the excitation light of infrared and visible. A demonstration measurement on Arabidopsis thaliana roots labeled by Rhodamine 6G is presented.
Synthesis of Glaziovianin A: A Potent Antitumor Isoflavone
Authors: Hayakawa Ichiro , Ikedo Akiyuki , Kigoshi Hideo
Published: October 2007

Glaziovianin A (1) is a novel isoflavone derivative isolated from the leaves of the Brazilian tree Astelia glazioviana. Glaziovianin A (1) showed cytotoxic activity and was suggested to be an inhibitor of tubulin polymerization. We achieved the total synthesis of glaziovianin A (1) by using the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling as a key step.
Analysis of hTERT expression in exfoliated cells from patients with bladder transitional cell carcinomas using SYBR green real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR
Authors: Xie Xiao-Yan , Yang Xin , Zhang Jia-Hua , Liu Ze-Jun
Published: October 2007

Aims: To investigate whether hTERT mRNA expression could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of bladder transitional cell carcinoma.

Methods: SYBR green I real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method was used to quantify hTERT mRNA expression in exfoliated cells from patients with bladder transitional cell carcinomas.

Results: A significant correlation was observed between the level of hTERT mRNA expression in exfoliated cells collected in urine with pathological grade and clinical stage.

Conclusions: Our results show that SYBR green real-time fluorescence quantitative evaluation of hTERT mRNA could be a useful marker of tumor progression for the early diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancers.
Serum lysophospholipase D/autotaxin may be a new nutritional assessment marker: study on prostate cancer patients
Authors: Nakamura Kazuhiro , Takeuchi Takumi , Ohkawa Ryunosuke , Okubo Shigeo , Yokota Hiromitsu , Tozuka Minoru , Aoki Junken , Arai Hiroyuki , Ikeda Hitoshi , Ohshima Noriko , Kitamura Tadaichi , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: October 2007

Background: It is now established that the bioactive lipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) contributes to cancer initiation, progression and metastasis, including those of prostate cancer. LPA is produced in the serum and plasma mainly by conversion from lysophospholipids through the action of lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD), which is identical to the soluble form of autotaxin (ATX) originally isolated as a tumour cell motility-stimulating factor. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of lysoPLD/ATX activity as a diagnostic marker.

Methods: The serum lysoPLD activity, assessed by measuring choline liberation from the substrate lysophosphatidylcholine, was measured in patients with prostate cancer and compared with the concentrations of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and conventional nutritional assessment markers.

Results: The serum lysoPLD activity in prostate cancer patients was not statistically different from that in the controls. Consistent with this, there was no correlation between the serum lysoPLD activity and the serum PSA concentrations. However, the lysoPLD/ATX activity did decrease after operation in the prostate cancer patients and seemed to reflect the postoperative damage or the nutritional status.

Conclusions: We postulate that while the serum lysoPLD/ATX may not be a marker of prostate cancer, it promises to instead be a new marker of nutritional status.
SurveyorTM nuclease-based detection of p53 gene mutations in haematological malignancy
Authors: Mitani Noriaki , Niwa Yoshimasa , Okamoto Yasuyuki
Published: October 2007

Background: SurveyorTM nuclease is a new single-strand-specific endonuclease that cleaves heteroduplex DNA at a base-mismatch site in both DNA strands. We applied this enzyme to detection of p53 gene mutations in haematological malignancy.

Methods: DNA fragments including exons 5 and 6, and those including exons 7 and 8, of the p53 gene, were amplified by polymerase chain reaction using DNA samples extracted from bone marrow aspirates. Denaturation followed by gradual annealing of the amplified fragments formed a heteroduplex with a base-mismatch if a mutation existed because the DNA samples contained wild-type DNA derived from coexisting non-malignant cells. After cleavage by Surveyor nuclease, mutations were simply detected by gel electrophoresis as extra bands of shorter size.

Results: Somatic mutations were clearly detected by this method in three of 39 different samples and confirmed by sequencing. The limit of detection estimated by changing the proportion of heteroduplexes in hetero/homoduplexes was between 1/8 and 1/16.

Conclusion: We suggest that our method is not only simple, but also sensitive, compared with other complicated methods, and would therefore be useful in current clinical laboratory settings.
The Budget and Cycle of Earth's Natural Chlorine
Authors: Graedel Thomas E. , Keene W. C.
Published: October 2007

Earth's chlorine, retained when the planet was formed from the Solar nebula, is contained largely in three reservoirs: the mantle (99.6%), the crust (0.3%), and the oceans (0.1%). Only oceanic chlorine is readily mobile, cycling among the lower and middle atmosphere, the pedosphere, freshwaters, and the cryosphere. Inter-reservoir chlorine fluxes are estimated for all transitions of interest; by far the most important on a mass basis is the injection of seasalt from the oceans to the atmosphere, and its return to the planetary surface by wet and dry deposition.
The Diversity of Natural Organochlorines in Living Organisms
Authors: Gribble G. W.
Published: October 2007

Of the more than 2,600 known naturally occurring organohalogen compounds, more than 1,500 contain chlorine. These organochlorines, which range in structural intricacy from the ubiquitous fungal and plant metabolite chloromethane to the complex life-saving antibiotic vancomycin, are produced by marine and terrestrial plants, bacteria, fungi, lichens, insects, marine animals (sponges, sea hares, nudibranchs, gorgonians, tunicates), some higher animals, and a few mammals. New examples are continually being discovered and the total number of natural organohalogens may surpass 3,000 by the turn of the century.
Chlorine in the Bleaching of Pulp and Paper
Authors: Solomon K. R.
Published: October 2007

The pulp and paper industry in Canada contributes significant effluent discharges to surface and marine waters. Chlorine and chlorine compounds are used in the bleaching of pulp. A large number of organochlorine chemicals of widely differing properties are, or have been, produced from this bleaching. These range from the highly hydrophobic, persistent and bioaccumulative toxic substances, such as 2,3,7,8-TCDD, to the higher molecular weight, non-hydrophobic material usually characterized by absorbable organic halogen. Chlorine dioxide and chlorine react with lignin by different chemical processes and produce different organochlorine products. Use of molecular chlorine as a bleaching agent results in the formation and release of chlorinated organic compounds, sometimes at concentrations that present an unacceptable risk to the receiving environment and the food chain. Alternatives to the use of molecular chlorine, such as chlorine dioxide, result in reductions in the quantities of organochlorines produced, and the degree of chlorine substitution in the organochlorines formed. This, in turn, leads to reduced persistence, reduced potential for bioaccumulation and food chain transfer, reduced toxicity and reductions in adverse ecological effects. However, sufficient evidence exists from responses observed at non-bleached mills to show that other (probably non-halogenated) compounds are released or formed during the production of pulp and cause responses such as induction of MFOs, changes in hormone levels, and reproductive effects.
Chlorine in Water Disinfection
Authors: Galal-Gorchev Hend
Published: October 2007

Disinfection of drinking-water is one of the main achievements of our time in the protection of public health. The use of chlorine for the destruction of microbiological pathogens is essential to protect the public from outbreaks of waterborne disease. Chlorine, as well as other disinfectants, produces a variety of chemical by-products. The risk from the presence of microbial pathogens in drinking-water is estimated to be several orders of magnitude greater than the risk from chlorination by-products. Any efforts to control these by-products must not compromise the microbiological quality of drinking-water.
Environmental and Health Issues
Authors: Miyamoto J.
Published: October 2007

The environmental behavior of a chemical is governed by its intrinsic physicochemical properties, including their metabolic activities, as well as by characteristic features of the environmental compartments. This inextricable network of interactions contribute to degradation and mineralization of organic compounds. Under the circumstances that the chemical is lipophilic and/or resistant against chemical and biological degradation, it tends to be transported to other environmental compartments and/or subject to bioaccumulation. The adverse effects of chemicals on humans and organisms in the environment are assessed by a variety of toxicological studies to establish ADI (acceptable daily intake in man) or PNEC (predicted no observed effect level in organisms), in comparison with the calculated exposure levels based on the environmental behavior of chemicals.
The Role of Chlorine in Stratospheric Chemistry
Authors: Molina M. J.
Published: October 2007

The chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are industrialchemicals used as solvents, refrigerants, plastic foam blowing agents,etc. These compounds are eventually released to the environment; theyslowly drift into the stratosphere, where they decompose, initiatinga catalytic process involving chlorine free radicals and leading toozone destruction. The stratospheric ozone layer is important for theearth's energy budget, and it shields the surface of the earth fromultraviolet radiation from the sun. Very significant depletion of theozone layer has been observed in the spring months over Antarctica duringthe last 10-15 years. Laboratory experiments, model calculations andfield measurements, which include several aircraft expeditions, haveyielded a wealth of information which clearly points to the CFCs asthe main cause of this depletion.
The Atmospheric Fate and Impact of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons and Chlorinated Solvents
Authors: Sidebottom Howard , Franklin James
Published: October 2007

A very considerable body of data pertaining to the atmospheric behaviour of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorinated solvents is now available and leads to the following conclusions: (a) these compounds, with the exception of 1,1,1-trichloroethane, make a small or insignificant contribution to stratospheric ozone depletion, global warming, "photo-chemical smog", "acid rain", or chloride and fluoride levels in precipitation; (b) it seems highly unlikely that the chlorinated solvents degrade in the atmosphere to give chloroacetic acids as major products, as has often been claimed in the literature.
Sources and Environmental Concentrations of Dioxins and Related Compounds
Authors: Rappe Christoffer
Published: October 2007

Polychlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans are two series of tricyclic aromatic compounds, which have been the focus of the interest in the last decades; in all there exist more than 200 congeners. They are formed in numerous ways, primarily in incineration processes and in industrial processes. It has also been found that they are formed by natural processes. They are ubiquitous and have been quantified in abiotic samples such as soil, sediments and air as well as in living organisms, primarily aquatic organisms. A dramatic decrease in most environmental concentrations including biological and human samples of PCDDs and PCDFs has been identified. There is a discrepancy between sources and environmental reservoirs which cannot be fully explained.
PVC Recycling Management
Authors: Menges G.
Published: October 2007

PVC is the second most important polymer worldwide. Thanks to its excellent cost/performance ratio and outstanding chemical and environmental resistance, it is today mainly used for long-life applications. In some countries, for example, France, PVC is used in large volume for the manufacture of bottles. Pure PVC scrap can be recycled without any problems. Although many applications for such products of recycled PVC have been developed, and pilot plants for recycling exist, only small volumes have been recycled up to now. Only bottles made from PVC for the large drinking water market in France are already collected separately, recycled in large quantities, and transformed into such articles as water pipes. Specialist organisations deal with this business. In such cases, for example, kitchen waste, where PVC is part of mixed plastics waste for example, sorting and separation of the PVC is necessary.
Snap, Crackle, Pop: Remediation of a Noisy Curtain Wall
Authors: Schmidt Mark K. , Hannen W. Robert
Published: October 2007

This case study presents an investigation of disturbing noises emanating from the curtain wall system of a multi-story office building located in the southeastern United States. Shortly after the initial construction of the building, building occupants complained of loud popping noises emanating from the exterior building facade. These noises were of a frequency and magnitude to negatively influence the work environment in adjacent office space. The cause of the noises was investigated by several groups with conflicting results. At the request of the building’s general contractor, an investigation was undertaken to determine the cause of the disturbing noises and to develop remedial recommendations. This investigation included a detailed review of the curtain wall shop drawings and on-site observations to identify questionable details possibly responsible for the noises. The most probable cause of the noises was identified as diurnal solar gain that produced unaccommodated movements in the curtain wall system. The orientation and curvature of the wall combined to allow a thermal expansion that progressed along the wall. The details of the curtain wall construction restrained the movement, leading to sudden release of confining stress. To confirm this hypothesis, affected areas of the curtain wall were instrumented with accelerometers and deflection gages strategically located to pinpoint the origin of the noises. To further confirm the point-of-origin identified by the accelerometers, a series of exploratory openings were made to review curtain wall details. After the source of the noise was positively identified, remedial recommendations to mitigate the disturbance were implemented by the building owner.
Retrofitting a Green Roof on an Existing Facility: A Case History
Authors: Lindow Edward S. , Michener Mark L.
Published: October 2007

Paraphrasing an old adage, anything worth doing, will be hard to accomplish. And so it is with retrofitting an existing building with a “green roof.” This paper presents a case history of funding, designing, and installing a vegetated green roof on the existing Public Service Building in Battle Creek, Michigan. Funding for the project included a grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as capital investment made by the City. The State grant was tied to an Environmental Science and Services Division Grant, for a Storm Water Runoff Control Project. The paper discusses latent conditions encountered in the existing facility and other challenges overcome in the construction process. The end result of the project is a sustainable roofing system that was certainly worth doing right. In fact, the project is a 2006 recipient of the American Public Works Association national award for projects under two million dollars.
Critical Evaluation of Existing Specifications for Polyisocyanurate (ISO) Foam Insulation Boards in Roofing Applications
Authors: Mukhopadhyaya Phalguni , Baskaran Bas , Normandin Nicole , Lackey John , Evoniak Sebastian
Published: October 2007

In North America, more than 50 % of low slope roofing applications uses faced rigid cellular polyisocyanurate (hereafter abbreviated as ISO) board as thermal insulation. Long-term performance of a roof assembly is critically dependent on the ISO characteristics during the service period in various environmental conditions. For this reason, the ASTM C 1289-02, “Standard Specification for Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board,” outlines the physical and thermal property requirements for the ISO boards. However, these requirements are based on the available knowledge, information, and consensus at the time of drafting and balloting of the ASTM standard. Nevertheless, the standard gets updated and revised when more credible data are available that solicits revisions of the current standard. This paper presents experimental results from an ongoing pilot research study that critically evaluates the ASTM C 1289-02 specification requirements for the ISO on three engineering properties: (1) dimensional stability, (2) thermal resistance, and (3) compressive strength. Preliminary results from this study reveal many unknown phenomena, particularly regarding the dimensional stability and compressive strength of ISO boards.
B Chromosome Polymorphism in Maize Landraces: Adaptivevs. Demographic Hypothesis of Clinal Variation
Authors: Lia Verónica V , Confalonieri Viviana A , Poggio Lidia
Published: October 2007

Cytogenetic analysis of maize landraces from northwestern Argentina has revealed an altitudinal cline in the mean number of B chromosomes (B's) per plant, with cultivars growing at higher altitudes exhibiting a higher number of B's. Altitudinal and longitudinal clines are frequently interpreted as evidence of selection, however, they can also be produced by the interplay between drift and spatially restricted gene flow or by admixture between previously isolated populations that have come into secondary contact. Here, we test the adaptive significance of the observed altitudinal gradient by comparing the levels of differentiation in the mean number of B's to those obtained from 18 selectively neutral loci [simple sequence repeats (SSRs)] among seven populations of the cline. The adequacy of alternative genetic-differentiation measures was determined, and associations between cytogenetic, genetic, and altitudinal distances were assessed by means of matrix- correspondence tests. No evidence for association between pairwise FST and altitudinal distance or B-chromosome differentiation was found. The contrasting pattern of altitudinal divergence between the mean number of B's per plant and the genetic differentiation at SSR loci indicates that demographic processes cannot account for the observed levels of divergence in the mean number of B's.
tint Maps to Mouse Chromosome 6 and May Interact With a Notochordal Enhancer of Brachyury
Authors: Wu Jiang I , Centilli M A , Vasquez Gabriela , Young Susan , Scolnick Jonathan , Durfee Larissa A , Spearow Jimmy L , Schwantz Staci D , Rennebeck Gabriela , Artzt Karen
Published: October 2007

At the proximal part of mouse chromosome 17 there are three well-defined genes affecting the axis of the embryo and consequently tail length: Brachyury, Brachyury the second, and the t-complex tail interaction (T1, T2, and tct). The existence of T1 and tct in fact defines the classical “t-complex” that occupies ∼40 cM of mouse chromosome 17. Their relationship to each other and various unlinked interacting genes has been enigmatic. The tint gene was the first of the latter to be identified. We report here its genetic mapping using a microsatellite scan together with outcrosses to Mus spretus and M. castaneous followed by a subsequent testcross to T, T1, and T2 mutants. Surprisingly, tint interacts with T2 but not with T1. The implications of our data suggest that T2 may be part of the T1 regulatory region through direct or indirect participation of tint.
Effects of High Levels of Antimycin A on Aquatic Invertebrates in a Warmwater Arizona Stream
Authors: Dinger Eric C. , Marks J. C.
Published: October 2007

Restoration of native fish to freshwater habitats often requires nonnative fish removal via chemicals such as antimycin A. Despite widespread use, there are limited field studies quantifying the effects of antimycin A on aquatic macroinvertebrates. We studied the immediate and short-term effects of antimycin A on macroinvertebrates during a fish renovation project in Fossil Creek, Arizona. We employed before–after control–impact (BACI) designs to measure the effects of antimycin A (at extraordinarily high levels of >54 and >100 μg/L) on macroinvertebrate drift, density, and species composition. We used the Hilsenhoff biotic index, a measure of invertebrate pollution tolerance, to study changes in species composition. At the highest dose (>100 μg/L), drift was five times the pretreatment drift level and invertebrate standing stocks in pools and riffles decreased immediately. Densities rebounded in riffles within 5 months but remained depressed in pools. At the lower concentration (>54 μg/L), macroinvertebrate mortality, measured as increased drift, was 24 times the pretreatment level. At this lower concentration, however, macroinvertebrate densities in the benthos were not reduced. Under both concentrations, species composition shifted toward more tolerant species. Although antimycin A effects were mostly short term, several species were locally extirpated. We found no explanation for the loss of some species over others. These results indicate that there is a high end concentration at which antimycin A can have deleterious effects on aquatic invertebrates. We caution managers contemplating the use of antimycin A in fish restoration to consider the risks to macroinvertebrates. We suggest the use of pretreatment surveys and bioassays at anticipated treatment levels to predict the effects upon macroinvertebrates, especially sensitive species. Where there are sensitive species, steps should be taken to mitigate effects.
Scaling Acoustic Telemetry of Bluefish in an Estuarine Observatory: Detection and Habitat Use Patterns
Authors: Grothues Thomas M. , Able Kenneth W.
Published: October 2007

We telemetered adult bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix via a fixed estuarine hydrophone array to assess estuarine habitat use and determine the feasibility of using this approach coastwide. Eighteen bluefish (286‐622 mm fork length) were surgically implanted with ultrasonic tags transmitting at either 2‐s or 5‐s intervals. The fish were monitored during their stay within a temperate estuary by hydrophones and associated environmental data loggers at major bottlenecks. They moved quickly through the hydrophone detection ranges, with 3‐100 acoustic contacts being recorded within 15‐min intervals. Contacts per 15‐min interval with fixed hydrophones were similar for fish with 2‐s and 5‐s transmission interval tags, but mobile tracking proved ineffectual. Bluefish preferred the shallow polyhaline portion of the estuary, but several moved upriver to a salinity as low as 12‰. The latter occurred near the minimum (14°C) of the temperature range utilized (11‐27°C). Residence times (0‐55 d; mean = 15 d) indicated the importance of estuaries to bluefish during spring and fall. Residence time was unrelated to fish size. The success of a coastwide effort monitoring multiple estuaries for bluefish could be high and would be enhanced by proper configuration of the tags and hydrophone arrays, as outlined here.
Continuous measurement and control of fouling active compounds in membrane bioreactor systems
Authors: Ernst M. , Mehrez R. , Drews A. , Iversen V. , Kraume M. , Jekel M.
Published: October 2007

For a more effective fouling reduction in membrane bioreactors (MBR) the approach of continuous measurement and control of protein and polysaccharide concentrations is followed. So called extra-cellular polymer substances (EPS) can be partially measured by a newly developed protein sensor based on sequential injection analysis. The sensor is validated by real MBR pilot data, stating the feasibility of the technique for continuous monitoring. Parallel to EPS, other fouling active compounds such as organic bio-polymer were determined in two parallel MBR pilot lines by size exclusion chromatography, proving desired comparable conditions in both lines for later parallel testing. The daily variation of EPS in MBR operation are moderate, where protein changes tend to react more pronounced to operational changes than polysaccharides. This was also the case for the organic bio-polymer fraction, especially in manipulated bench experiments at abruptly changing redox conditions.
Application of biochemical products as a bioremediation technique for domestic sewage treatment plants
Authors: Salmiati  , Salim M.R. , Hassan R.Md. , Tan K.Y.
Published: October 2007

Biochemical products have been widely used for treatment of various types of wastewater. The treatment processes with the addition of biochemical products are quite attractive because of their simplicity, minimal use of equipment, they are environmentally friendly and are suitable for the removal of organic pollutants. The purpose of these products is to enhance the activities of beneficial microbes in order to improve treatment performance. This study was carried out to determine the potential of applying biochemical products in assisting and improving the performance of sewage treatment plants. In this study, four biochemical products, namely: Zeolite, Bio-C, Eco-B and Was-D, were applied to the sewage treatment plant. Analyses were carried out on several water quality parameters such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), suspended solids (SS), oil & grease (O&G), phosphorus (P), ammoniacal nitrogen (AN) and sludge thickness (ST). From the results obtained, it can be seen that the overall performance of the treatment plant improved with most of the parameters studied were found to fulfill the DOE Standard B requirements. The performance of Bio-C was found to give better results than other products.
Bench-scale study using PVA gel as a biocarrier in a UASB reactor treating corn steep liquor wastewater
Authors: Zhang W. , Furukawa K. , Rouse J.D.
Published: October 2007

PVA-gel beads were used as a biocarrier for treatment of corn steep liquor wastewater containing high levels of volatile fatty acids (VFA), where retention of biomass could be either solely in the porous microstructure of the gel or by granule formation using a gel bead as a nucleus. With stable COD removal efficiencies of 90% or greater, continuous treatment was demonstrated over a four month period, with organic loading rates being increased stepwise from 2.5 to 22.5 kg COD/m3 d. In addition, VFA in the effluent were, with few exceptions maintained close to zero. Gas production increased over the course of the study and reached a level of 0.38 m3/kg COD consisting of 65% methane with the remainder being mostly carbon dioxide. Biomass granules containing methane producing bacteria progressively formed around the PVA-gel beads during the study. In contrast, very few small natural granules developed apart from PVA-gel nuclei indicating that PVA gel may serve well as a seeding material to enhance granulation when natural occurrence is lacking.
Heavy metals removal from contaminated sewage sludge by naturally fermented raw liquid from pineapple wastes
Authors: Dacera Dominica Del Mundo , Babel Sandhya
Published: October 2007

The large amount of unutilised pineapple wastes produced every year in tropical countries, particularly in Thailand, adds to the existing environmental pollution problems of the country. This study investigated the utilisation of pineapple wastes to treat another form of waste (sludge) from wastewater treatment facilities in Thailand. Laboratory scale studies were carried out to determine the potential of using naturally fermented raw liquid from pineapple wastes as a source of citric acid in the extraction of Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn from anaerobically digested sewage sludge. Results of the leaching study revealed its effectiveness in extracting Zn (at 92%) at pH 3.67 and a short leaching time of only 2 h, and Ni at almost 60% removal at the same leaching time. Chromium removal was also high at almost 75% at a longer leaching time of 11 days. Variation in metal removal efficiencies may also be attributed to the forms of metals in sludge, with metals predominantly in the exchangeable and oxidisable phases showing ease of leachability (such as Zn). Compared to citric acid, at pH approaching 4.0, naturally fermented raw liquid seemed to be more effective in the removal of Zn and Cu at the same leaching time of 2 h, and Cr at a longer leaching time of 11 days. The pineapple pulp, which is a by-product of the process, can still be used as animal feed because of its high protein content.
Photosynthetic bacteria pond system with infra-red transmitting filter for the treatment and recovery of organic carbon from industrial wastewater
Authors: Chiemchaisri C. , Jaitrong L. , Honda R. , Fukushi K. , Yamamoto K.
Published: October 2007

A photosynthetic bacteria pond system was applied to the treatment of food industrial wastewater and recovery of carbon in the form of purple non-sulphur bacterial (PnSB) cell. The effect of infra-red transmitting filter on the selection of microbial groups in the system was investigated. It was found that more than 90% of organic removal could be achieved when the system was operated at HRT of 3 to 10 days, even though some fluctuations were observed at lower HRT. Infra-red transmitting filter could suppress the growth of microalgae in the system and allow the purple non-sulphur to grow in the system. Nevertheless, they could be outgrown by sulphate-reducing bacteria at higher organic loading rates. The growth of purple sulphur bacteria associated with sulphate reducing bacteria was also observed. ORP is a crucial operating factor to control the system under micro-anaerobic conditions which is preferred to the growth of purple non-sulphur bacteria.
The effects of starvation on physical characteristics of flocs in SBR for treating saline wastewater
Authors: Kim Sang-Soo , Moon Byung-Hyun , Seo Gyu-Tae , Yoon Cho-Hee
Published: October 2007

This study focused on the effects of starvation on physical characteristics of flocs in SBR for treating saline wastewater. Feeding was stopped for 5 and 15 days. A time response of the floc to these starvation periods was monitored as well as the removal efficiencies of pollutants. Correlation between the physical characteristics of flocs and settling of sludge was conducted. As the starvation periods were increased, there was a shift in the floc size distribution from a high proportion of large flocs to the development of small size flocs. The fractal dimension of flocs also decreased, as starvation periods were increased. From the results, the effect of starvation on SBR treating saline wastewater can be ordered as follows: CODMn removal < floc size and fractal dimension < T-N removal < T-P removal.
Application of immobilized cells to the treatment of cyanide wastewater
Authors: Chen C.Y. , Kao C.M. , Chen S.C. , Chien H.Y. , Lin C.E.
Published: October 2007

Cyanide is highly toxic to living organisms, particularly in inactivating the respiration system by tightly binding to terminal oxidase. To protect the environment and water bodies, wastewater containing cyanide must be treated before discharging into the environment. Biological treatment is a cost-effective and environmentally acceptable method for cyanide removal compared with the other techniques currently in use. Klebsiella oxytoca (K. oxytoca), isolated from cyanide-containing industrial wastewater, has been shown to be able to biodegrade cyanide to non-toxic end products. The technology of immobilized cells can be applied in biological treatment to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of biodegradation. In this study, potassium cyanide (KCN) was used as the target compound and both alginate (AL) and cellulose triacetate (CTA) techniques were applied for the preparation of immobilized cells. Results from this study show that KCN can be utilized as the sole nitrogen source by K. oxytoca. The free suspension systems reveal that the cell viability was highly affected by initial KCN concentration, pH, and temperature. Results show that immobilized cell systems could tolerate a higher level of KCN concentration and wider ranges of pH and temperature, especially in the system with CTA gel beads. Results show that a longer incubation period was required for KCN degradation using immobilized cells compared to the free suspended systems. This might be due to internal mass transfer limitations. Results also indicate that immobilized systems can support a higher biomass concentration. Complete KCN degradation was observed after the operation of four consecutive degradation experiments with the same batch of immobilized cells. This suggests that the activity of the immobilized cells can be maintained and KCN can be used as the nitrogen source throughout KCN degradation experiments. Results reveal that the application of immobilized cells of K. oxytoca is advantageous to the maintenance of KCN degradation efficiency. Thus, it is conceivable that the immobilized cells of K. oxytoca would be applicable to the treatment of cyanide-containing wastewaters.
Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry – Joint German-Swiss Meeting on Medicinal Chemistry: Berlin, Germany, March 18–21, 2007
Authors: Neidhart Werner , Mohr Peter , Märki Hans Peter
Published: October 2007

The 2007 congress Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry was organized as a joint German–Swiss meeting on medicinal chemistry and was held at the Freie Universität Berlin. It focused on the areas of antiinfectives and tropical diseases, CNS disorders and neurodegeneration, and
on oncology. Two additional sessions on new technologies and metabolism and on 'highlights' completed the program. The lectures covered a broad range of interdisciplinary topics, defining disease state, applying technologies to screen for pathological targets, molecular design and lead optimization
programs, and challenges and aspects of industrial syntheses and process research.
Beyond National Networking: International Research and Teaching Activities in Biotechnology at the University of Applied Sciences Wädenswil
Authors: Kovar Karin , Strnadová Radka , Bell Maggi Lussi , Merseburger Tobias
Published: October 2007

The Institute of Biotechnology (formerly the Department of Biotechnology) at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Wädenswil has established itself internationally. Building-up expertise in complementary research fields as well as an orientation to German-speaking and/or
small European countries have proved to be successful strategies to continually increase the amount of external funding for R&D projects (up to CHF 1.5 million expected in 2007). A bottom-up approach facilitated by lecturers' and students' individual initiatives has taken advantage of
European and/or Swiss programmes (e.g. ERASMUS, IAESTE, Eureka, CTI and SVC). The international activities described have improved the quality of teaching and promoted the development of communication skills, enabling students to be better prepared for careers in international interdisciplinary
teams. These activities have also assisted in the ongoing transformation of the study programmes to meet the requirements of the Bologna Declaration aiming at creating convergence in the European higher education sector.
Victim-Shooter Relationships in Mass Shootings Involving Child Victims
Authors: Emengo Pamela , Strope Jonathan D. , Sabapaty Akanksha , Martin Nolan R. , Rafeeqi Talha , Stevenson Ashley , Fawzy Yousof , Chao Stephanie D.
Published: February 2025

This cross-sectional study characterizes the relationships between perpetrators and victims in mass shootings that involved child victims in the US.
Evaluating Corporate Environmental Performance in the Context of Artificial Intelligence Implementation: The Contingent Roles of Ownership Type and External Monitoring
Authors: Wang Shaohui , Yong Yanlan , Hussain Murtaza , Maqsood Umer Sahil , Zahid R. M. Ammar
Published: February 2025

Corporate environmental performance (CEP) has emerged as a matter of topmost importance within the business domain, as organizations increasingly acknowledge the exigency of integrating sustainable practices into their core operational frameworks. Drawing from the natural resource‐based view, institutional, stakeholder, and legitimacy theories, this study hypothesizes a positive relationship for the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on Chinese listed firms' CEP, moderated by the roles of state ownership (SOWN) and external stakeholders, i.e., external auditor (BIG4), financial analysts (FA), and media coverage (MC). The study analyzes a comprehensive dataset of 9033 firm‐year observations from Chinese A‐share listed firms on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges over the period 2010–2019. AI is measured through computer‐assisted textual analysis of annual reports, while CEP is quantified using environmental responsibility scores from an independent rating agency (HEXUN‐RKS). Employing fixed effects panel regression models, empirical findings reveal a positive and significant relationship between AI and CEP. The results for moderation effects demonstrate that BIG4 and FA significantly strengthen the positive AI–CEP relationship, but MC does not. Moreover, the study's heterogeneity analyses indicate that the positive impact of AI on CEP is more pronounced in decision‐effective firms and highly competitive industries. Importantly, the main findings of the study were validated through instrumental variables, lag and lead models, two‐step system generalized method of moments, and an alternate proxy for CEP. The study contributes new insights on AI's environmental impacts in emerging economies like China undergoing digital transformation. It highlights how ownership structure and heightened external oversight compel firms to leverage AI for enhancing CEP.
Approximate integrity constraints in incomplete databases with limited domains
Authors: Al-atar Munqath , Sali Attila
Published: February 2025

A strongly possible constraint is an intermediate concept between possible and certain constraints, based on the strongly possible world approach (a strongly possible world is obtained by replacing ’s by a value from the ones appearing in the corresponding attribute of the table). In the present paper, we introduce strongly possible versions of multivalued dependencies and cross joins, and we analyse the complexity of checking the validity of a given strongly possible cross joins. We also study two approximation measures,

$$g_3$$

g
3

and

$$g_5$$

g
5

, of strongly possible keys (spKeys), functional dependencies (spFDs), multivalued dependencies (spMVDs) and cross joins (spCJs). For spKeys and spFDs, we show that the

$$g_3$$

g
3

value is always an upper bound of the

$$g_5$$

g
5

value for a given constraint in a table. However, there are tables of arbitrarily large number of tuples and a constant number of attributes that satisfy

$$g_3-g_5=\frac{p}{q}$$

g
3

-

g
5

=

p
q

for any rational number

$$0\le \frac{p}{q}<1$$

0
≤

p
q

<
1

. On the other hand, we show that the values of measures

$$g_3$$

g
3

and

$$g_5$$

g
5

are independent of each other in the case of spMVDs and spCJs. We prove that checking whether a given strongly possible cross join holds in an incomplete table is NP-complete, in sharp contrast to the fact that checking a given cross join in a complete table is easily seen to be polynomially solvable. We also treat complexity questions of determination of the approximation values, namely we show that both, determining

$$g_3$$

g
3

and

$$g_5$$

g
5

for spCJs are NP-complete.
A randomized phase II trial of nab-paclitaxel with or without mifepristone for advanced triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Chen Nan , Matossian Margarite , Saha Poornima , Rampurwala Murtuza , Kamaraju Salaija , Hahn Olwen , Howard Frederick M. , Fleming Gini F. , Freeman Jincong Q. , Karrison Theodore , Conzen Suzanne , Nanda Rita , Stringer-Reasor Erica M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activity may mediate chemoresistance in advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Preclinical studies demonstrate that GR antagonism can augment the effect of taxanes in TNBC models. We hypothesized that pretreatment with mifepristone, a potent GR antagonist, would enhance nab-paclitaxel efficacy in advanced TNBC.

Methods

This trial was terminated early due to poor accrual. 29 of 64 planned patients were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive nab-paclitaxel with or without mifepristone; oral mifepristone 300 mg was administered the day prior and day of each dose of nab-paclitaxel. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary/exploratory endpoints included response rate and correlation of response with GR expression.

Results

The addition of mifepristone to nab-paclitaxel did not improve PFS (3.0 m vs 3.0 m, p = 0.687) or overall response rate (23% vs 31.5%) compared to nab-paclitaxel alone. There was a trend towards improved overall survival in the combination group, primarily driven by one long-term responder. Increased rates of grade 3 neutropenia (46% vs 7%) and febrile neutropenia were observed in the combination arm, while other toxicities were similar in both groups. Increased GR expression was not correlated with clinical response in the combination arm.

Conclusions

While there were responders to the combination, the study was underpowered to meet the primary endpoint. Higher rates of neutropenia were observed in the combination, but overall it was well tolerated. Preclinical data in TNBC and clinical data in other malignancies support further investigation of GR modulators. Future studies should incorporate biomarkers to select patients who benefit from GR inhibition.
Mechanistic and reactional activation study of carbons destined for emerging pharmaceutical pollutant adsorption
Authors: Samghouli Nora , Bencheikh Imane , Azoulay Karima , Jansson Stina , El Hajjaji Souad
Published: February 2025

In this review, several factors have been collected from previous studies on emerging pharmaceutical pollutant adsorption to explain and describe the mechanisms and determine the reactions involved: X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and the Boehm titration are the most used characterization techniques to determine activated carbons’ surface functional groups. Some studies have confirmed that the specific surface area and the pore structure are not more important than the functional groups present in the adsorbent surface to explain the amount of adsorption obtained and to describe correctly the interaction between the adsorbent-adsorbate. After the analysis of several studies, we concluded that to have good adsorption, it is necessary to choose the right treatment with the right activating agent to obtain the appropriate functions that will enhance the adsorption process. In addition, the functions that can react with the pharmaceutical pollutants are the oxygenated functions such as hydroxyl function, carboxylic function, and carbonyl function.