bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To what extent does variability of historical rainfall series influence extreme event statistics of sewer system surcharge and overflows?
Authors: Schaarup-Jensen K. , Rasmussen M. R. , Thorndahl S.
Published: July 2009

In urban drainage modelling long term extreme statistics has become an important basis for decision-making e.g. in connection with renovation projects. Therefore it is of great importance to minimize the uncertainties with regards to long term prediction of maximum water levels and combined sewer overflow (CSO) in drainage systems. These uncertainties originate from large uncertainties regarding rainfall inputs, parameters, and assessment of return periods. This paper investigates how the choice of rainfall time series influences the extreme events statistics of max water levels in manholes and CSO volumes. Traditionally, long term rainfall series, from a local rain gauge, are unavailable. In the present case study, however, long and local rain series are available. 2 rainfall gauges have recorded events for approximately 9 years at 2 locations within the catchment. Beside these 2 gauges another 7 gauges are located at a distance of max 20 kilometers from the catchment. All gauges are included in the Danish national rain gauge system which was launched in 1976. The paper describes to what extent the extreme events statistics based on these 9 series diverge from each other and how this diversity can be handled, e.g. by introducing an “averaging procedure” based on the variability within the set of statistics. All simulations are performed by means of the MOUSE LTS model.
In sewer processes: mathematical model development and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Calabrò P. S. , Mannina G. , Viviani G.
Published: July 2009

Until now the majority of sewer networks in Italy have been built and managed considering small as well as local wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, pushed by Italian and EU regulations, centralised and large WWTPs are becoming more common in Italy. One major technical aspect caused by the changing from local to centralised WWTPs is the development of significant in-sewer processes. These processes are also emphasized by the building of long interceptor sewers characterized by high hydraulic retention times and absence of tributary sewers. In this paper a model derived from the well known WATS model (Wastewater Aerobic/anaerobic Transformation in Sewers) has been set up and applied to an Italian case study located in Palermo. To assure a good degree of reliability the model needs a number of parameters that can be measured or calibrated by the combined use of field data and laboratory analyses. To support the planning of the experimental activity a sensitivity analysis to assess the influence of each model parameter has been carried out. Indeed, the sensitivity analysis allowed identifying the most significant model parameters. As a matter of the fact, by means of sensitivity analysis it was possible not only to pin down the most important model parameters but also to address the field survey towards the most sensitive model parameters in order to optimize the model application. The results are interesting and enabled to reduce the number of parameters to be calibrated from 24 to 14. More specifically, COD fractions, YHw and μH showed a strong influence on the model results addressing the field campaign to an accurate evaluation of their value.
Effectiveness of masking agents: outcome of a three-year study at pilot and full scales
Authors: Bruchet A. , Decottignies V. , Filippi G.
Published: July 2009

Commercial products used as masking or neutralizing agents against odour emissions from solid waste activities were investigated both at pilot scale and at three full scale sites. Twenty-six products were first characterized and classified as potential masking or neutralizing agents. Four of the products tested at pilot scale revealed a masking efficiency and a significant decrease of the discomfort index. No evidence of neutralization effect was observed during the field tests.
Ammonium removal from anaerobic digester effluent by ion exchange
Authors: Wirthensohn T. , Waeger F. , Jelinek L. , Fuchs W.
Published: July 2009

The effluent of a 500 kW biogas plant is treated with a solid separation, a micro filtration and a reverse osmosis to achieve nutrient recovery and an effluent quality which should meet disposal quality into public water bodies. After the reverse osmosis, the ammonium concentration is still high (NH4-N = 467 mg/l), amongst other cations (K+=85 mg/l; Na+=67 mg/l; Mg2 + =0.74 mg/l; Ca2 + =1.79 mg/l). The aim of this study was to remove this ammonium by ion exchange. Acidic gel cation exchange resins and clinoptilolite were tested in column experiments to evaluate their capacity, flow rates and pH. Amberjet 1,500 H was the most efficient resin, 57 BV of the substrate could be treated, 1.97 mol NH4-N/l resin were removed. The ammonium removal was more than 99% and the quality of the effluent was very satisfactory (NH4-N < 2 mg/l). The breakthrough of the observed parameters happened suddenly, the order was sodium—pH—ammonium—potassium. The sharp increase of the pH facilitates the online control, while the change in conductivity is less significant. A regeneration with 3 bed volumes of 2  M HCl recovered 91.7% of the original cation exchange capacity.
The effect of surface texture on evaporation, infiltration and storage properties of paved surfaces
Authors: Mansell M. , Rollet F.
Published: July 2009

This paper concerns an investigation of evaporation, infiltration and detention storage on paved surfaces and the effect of surface texture and microtopography on these processes. A numerical model has been developed which represents the evaporation and infiltration processes on a nominally impervious surface as well as the depression storage due to the surface microtopography. The model was applied to semi-randomly generated surfaces and the results show the relationship between surface microtopography and initial storage losses.
Reducing the natural color of membrane bioreactor permeate with activated carbon or ozone
Authors: Abegglen Christian , Joss Adriano , Boehler Marc , Buetzer Simone , Siegrist Hansruedi
Published: July 2009

The suitability of two membrane bioreactors for on-site wastewater treatment and reuse in Switzerland was investigated. The treated wastewater was used for toilet flushing and gardening, with water recycling rates of 30% (single family house) and almost 100% (toilets in a cable car station) respectively. Due to the recycling, an increase in a natural yellowish-brown color was observed, leading to double flushing of the toilets, higher cleaning requirements and increased permeate production. Color removal with ozone, powdered (PAC) and granulated (GAC) activated carbon was assessed in laboratory and field experiments. PAC was added directly into the MBR, whereas ozonation and GAC were applied to the permeate. The dosage of ozone or activated carbon depended on the recycling rate and color intensity. If color removal is necessary, PAC is the option best suited to small treatment plants, with a requirement of 30–50 g m−3 for 30% and 100 g m−3 for 100% water recycling.
Nitrogen enriched dissolved organic matter (DOM) isolates and their affinity to form emerging disinfection by-products
Authors: Dotson A. , Westerhoff P. , Krasner S. W.
Published: July 2009

Increased contributions from wastewater discharges and algal activity in drinking water supplies can lead to elevated levels of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), which can increase the likelihood for the formation of emerging nitrogenous disinfection by-products (N-DBPs) of health concern. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) isolated from five waters, using a newly developed DOM isolation method specific to DON fractionation, produced thirty-four isolates of suitable mass. Each isolate was treated with free chlorine or chloramines under formation potential conditions. The DBP yields were determined for three halogenated DBPs (trichloromethane, dichloroacetonitrile, and trichloronitromethane) and one non-halogenated DBP (N-nitrosodimethylamine [NDMA]). Halogenated DBP yields were greater during the application of free chlorine, however chloramination produced significant levels of halogenated N-DBPs for some isolates. NDMA was only observed to form from selected nitrogen-enriched isolates (DOC/DON ratio < 20 mg/mg), especially those isolated from treated wastewater. Other results indicated that nitrogen-enriched DOM resulted in increased yields of the other N-DBPs studied.
Including public perception data in the evaluation of the consequences of sewerage derived urban flooding
Authors: Arthur Scott , Crow Helen , Karikas Naoum
Published: July 2009

This text reports research which was undertaken to assess the failure consequences associated with sewerage systems. In an effort to move away from considering only flood volume, depth or extent, the text will focus on how a survey of public opinion was used to inform the development of a consequence scoring methodology. The failure consequences considered range from internal flooding of properties, to road closure, environmental damage and odour problems. The text reports the extent to which experience of flooding influences perceptions of failure consequence and sewerage system management. It is also outlined how this data was used, along with other data sources, to construct an objective scoring process that can be used to evaluate failure consequence and readily prioritise sewerage maintenance.
Evaluation of the anaerobic degradation of black liquor from a Kraft pulp plant with addition of organic co-substrates
Authors: Buzzini A. P. , Sakamoto I. K. , Varesche M. B. , Pires E. C.
Published: July 2009

The purpose of this study was to assess the anaerobic degradation of black liquor with and without additional carbon sources. Batch experiments were conducted using black liquor, from an integrated pulp and paper mill adding ethanol, methanol and nutrients. The PCR/DGGE technique was used to characterize the structure of the microbial community. The addition of extra sources of carbon did not significantly influence the degradation of black liquor under the conditions evaluated and the microbial community was similar in all experiments. It was observed an increase in some members of the archaeal in reactors that had the best efficiencies for removal of black liquor (around 7.5%). Either ethanol or methanol can be used as co-substrates because the produce the same quantitative and qualitative effect.
Evaluation of different pre-hydrolysis times and enzyme pool concentrations on the biodegradability of poultry slaughterhouse wastewater with a high fat content
Authors: Valladão A. B. G. , Sartore P. E. , Freire D. M. G. , Cammarota M. C.
Published: July 2009

The effect of different hydrolysis times (4, 8 and 24 h) of a lipase-rich enzymatic preparation (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0% w/v) produced by fungus Penicillium sp. in solid-state fermentation was evaluated on the anaerobic biodegradability of a poultry slaughterhouse wastewater with 800 mg oil and grease [O&G]/L in three sequential batches. The enzymatic pre-treatment of O&G in the experiments with no acclimated sludge had no discernible effect because regardless of the conditions adopted COD removal efficiencies of 95.3% to 98.7% were obtained. However, when the sludge was reused (once or twice) the COD removal efficiencies in the control experiments (69.8% and 53.4%) were considerably lower than in the experiments with hydrolyzed effluent (of 93.8% to 98.4%). Higher values of specific methane production were obtained with 0.1% SEP and 4 h of hydrolysis. After acclimation of the sludge, 19.9% fat was still adhered to the sludge in the control experiment, while the sludge in the experiment with enzymatically pre-treated effluent contained only 8.6% fat, confirming the accumulation of fat when the enzyme pool was not used.
The European Universities, Citizenship and its Limits: What Won't Solve the Problems of Our Time
Authors: Lock Grahame , Martins Hermínio
Published: July 2009

This article attempts to weave together in an original manner a number of themes regarding citizenship and higher education in Europe. Thus, the authors look critically at the notion of citizenship itself; its role in Aristotle and in Hegel's state-versus-civil-society contrast; its relation to the world of work or labour; its connection with the concept of Bildung (‘general edification’); the originally divergent strands of the twentieth-century American assault on Bildung in higher education, an assault now extended to Europe, especially in European Union policy and (in a more complex and contradictory manner) in the Bologna process; the marketized university as a psychotic organization; and — a twist in the story — the reaction to some of these developments in the ideology of citizenism, which the authors problematize.
European Higher Education Policy and the Formation of Entrepreneurial Students as Future European Citizens
Authors: Papatsiba Vassiliki
Published: July 2009

In this article, the author argues that European education policies and rhetoric are imbued with orthodoxy of agency and models of empowered, entrepreneurial actors, striving to surpass the limits of national boundaries. Free circulation of citizens has progressively underpinned a new construction of ‘the European’, who is entrepreneurial, flexible and mobile. Ideals and practices of mobility have been premised on two competing agendas: one that focuses on economic imperatives, and the other that relates to a tradition of forming the citizenry. European Union higher education policy via student mobility programmes has been an effective vehicle for conveying images and models of the European citizen, untied from national bounds and with a thirst for new ventures and learning opportunities apt to convert into skills and capital. Arguably these policies, as rationalities with governing ends, aim to form identities and subjectivities. Although it can be argued that new facets of agency are made available to those who are willing to embrace entrepreneurial models, the question is whether and how these ‘talk back’ to a society and a polity in search of common good.
The Public and its University: Beyond Learning for Civic Employability?
Authors: Simons Maarten , Masschelein Jan
Published: July 2009

Instead of asking how universities can contribute to active citizenship and democratic participation (and seeking for ways to improve their contribution), this article asks what it is that universities, due to their specific mission, have to offer. After describing the transition of the historical university (and its focus on modernisation) to the entrepreneurial university (focused on innovation), the authors discuss the current framing of the university's public role in terms of civic employability. The notion ‘strategies of immunisation’ is introduced to point to the implications of the current focus on citizenship. Finally, an alternative conception of the public role of the university is introduced: the university can be regarded as a space and time to constitute a public by gathering people around matters of concern, and to make something a public concern for people.
The Changing Attractiveness of European Higher Education in the Next Decade: Current Developments, Future Challenges and Major Policy Issues
Authors: Kwiek Marek
Published: July 2009

This article focuses on the different senses of the attractiveness of European systems and institutions for students, academics, the labour market and the economy, drawing attention to emergent tensions between different university stakeholders. Universities not only need to be attractive to increasingly differentiated student populations, but they also need to be attractive workplaces and provide attractive career opportunities for academics. Both public and private institutions are under multifaceted pressures to change today. At a time of imminent reformulation of current welfare state systems in most parts of Europe, attractive systems will be able to balance the negative financial impact of the gradual restructuring of the most generous types of welfare state regimes in Europe on public funding for higher education. Ironically, the more successful public entrepreneurial universities are today, the greater the chances are of them following this entrepreneurial direction in the future. The promotion across Europe of a more substantial inflow of both private research funds and student fees can be expected. The possible redefinition of higher education from a public good to a private good is a tendency which may further undermine the idea of heavy public subsidization of higher education, as the economic rationale for higher education is changing. The expected developments may fundamentally alter relationships between university stakeholders, with the decreasing role of the state (especially in funding) and the increasing role of students and the labour market. The expected differentiation-related developments may alter the academic profession in general, and have a strong impact on the traditional relationships between teaching and research in European universities.
Migration Background and Participation in Continuing Education in Germany: An Empirical Analysis Based on Data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP)
Authors: Öztürk Halit , Kaufmann Katrin
Published: July 2009

Europe as an ‘immigration continent’ is going to become an ‘integration continent’. Within this context continuing education has acquired an increasing meaning. Based on the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) study data from 2001–04 the authors examine a broad spectrum of possible factors which may influence participation in continuing vocational education. They focus on the heterogeneity of migrants in Germany and analyse their participation in continuing education in contrast to Germans without a migration background. First, some information on the concept and definition of continuing education in Germany is given. Then, the current status of research regarding participation in continuing education in Germany with a focus on migration background is presented. Human capital theory constitutes the theoretical framework for the analysis. The majority of the hypotheses derived from human capital theory are confirmed by the empirical results. Especially formal qualifications, job position and age turned out to be the parameters that showed the most explanatory results. By estimating the influence of migration background on participation in continuing education the results show that migration background does not generally negatively affect the probability of taking part in continuing vocational education.
The Value of Post-Colonial Literature for Education Processes: Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children
Authors: Schröttner Barbara Theresia
Published: July 2009

The author Salman Rushdie's post-colonial essay, Midnight's Children, highlights a different perspective on the problems created by the colonial power where place and displacement are central themes and migration is a painful but emancipating process; both are expressed through the life of the writer, Salman Rushdie. The primary aim of this discourse is to show that post-colonial narratives have a huge impact on educational settings and conceptions, and, thus, on identity formation processes. This study concentrates on the spaces where formerly colonized people have regained power, or where they have attributed value to their own discourse by displacing the standpoint of normative social behaviour, and thus recovering their own voices. One of the major purposes of this piece of writing is to look at the ways in which the discourse of Otherness privileges direct and indirect (structural and cultural) violence towards the Other, concentrating especially on processes of exclusion from educational settings.
On the Consequences of the Marketisation of Public Education in Sweden: For-Profit Charter Schools and the Emergence of the ‘market-oriented Teacher’
Authors: Fredriksson Anders
Published: July 2009

The entrance of for-profit charter schools into the public educational system is one of the most recent manifestations of market-based reforms in public education. Previous studies raise concerns over the marketisation of education and suggest that market reforms clearly change teacher attitudes and behaviour. Taking a public administration theoretical approach, this article discusses how for-profit schools influence the behaviour of teachers. This article develops an index (the Market Orientation Index) for measuring market orientation among teachers. Analyses of differences in scores on the Market Orientation Index among a sample of Swedish teachers working in public schools and for-profit charter schools also shows that charter school teachers are more market oriented. The result indicates that for-profit school ownership led to the emergence of the ‘market-oriented teacher’.
Coexpression of the Type 2 Diabetes Susceptibility Gene Variants KCNJ11 E23K and ABCC8 S1369A Alter the ATP and Sulfonylurea Sensitivities of the ATP-Sensitive K+ Channel
Authors: Hamming Kevin S.C. , Soliman Daniel , Matemisz Laura C. , Niazi Omid , Lang Yiqiao , Gloyn Anna L. , Light Peter E.
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

In the pancreatic β-cell, ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels couple metabolism with excitability and consist of Kir6.2 and SUR1 subunits encoded by KCNJ11 and ABCC8, respectively. Sulfonylureas, which inhibit the KATP channel, are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Rare activating mutations cause neonatal diabetes, whereas the common variants, E23K in KCNJ11 and S1369A in ABCC8, are in strong linkage disequilibrium, constituting a haplotype that predisposes to type 2 diabetes. To date it has not been possible to establish which of these represents the etiological variant, and functional studies are inconsistent. Furthermore, there have been no studies of the S1369A variant or the combined effect of the two on KATP channel function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The patch-clamp technique was used to study the nucleotide sensitivity and sulfonylurea inhibition of recombinant human KATP channels containing either the K23/A1369 or E23/S1369 variants.

RESULTS

ATP sensitivity of the KATP channel was decreased in the K23/A1369 variant (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 8.0 vs. 2.5 μmol/l for the E23/S1369 variant), although there was no difference in ADP sensitivity. The K23/A1369 variant also displayed increased inhibition by gliclazide, an A-site sulfonylurea drug (IC50 = 52.7 vs. 188.7 nmol/l for the E23/S1369 variant), but not by glibenclamide (AB site) or repaglinide (B site).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the common K23/A1369 variant KATP channel displays decreased ATP inhibition that may contribute to the observed increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the increased sensitivity of the K23/A1369 variant to the A-site sulfonylurea drug gliclazide may provide a pharmacogenomic therapeutic approach for patients with type 2 diabetes who are homozygous for both risk alleles.
Heavy Metal Hazards of Pediatric Syrup Administration in Nigeria: A Look at Chromium, Nickel and Manganese
Authors: Nduka John Kanayochukwu , Orisakwe Orish Ebere
Published: July 2009

Fifty different pediatric syrups were randomly sampled from patent medicine stores and pharmaceutical shops within Awka (Anambra State, Nigeria) between November 2007 and May 2008. Syrups were ashed before digestion using conc. aqua regia, HCl: HNO3 (3:1). Chromium, nickel and manganese were assayed with AAS 205A. The highest levels of nickel were seen in Magcid suspension (4.13 mg/L) and Gaviron (0.79 mg/L) whereas lowest levels were found in Asco–J vitamin and Jawaron Syrup (0.01 mg/L). About 44.1, 73.6 and 20.6% of the sampled syrups made in Nigeria had non detectable levels of nickel, chromium and manganese respectively. Chromium levels ranged from 0.01 mg/L in Magcid suspension to 0.58 mg/L in emvite. Ferobin and Jawaron Syrup plus had 28.23 and 4.37 mg/L manganese, respectively. With the exception of Cephalexin Syrup, all the imported syrups had non detectable levels of chromium. The level of chromium in Cephalexin Syrup was 0.01 mg/L. About 68.8 and 43.7% of these imported syrups had non-detectable levels of nickel and manganese respectively. Nickel levels ranged from 0.01-0.09 mg/L in the imported syrups. Haemoglobin Syrup showed highest level of manganese of 0.36 mg/L whereas the lowest concentration was 0.02 mg/L in Cadiphen. Taken together the Nigerian made syrup samples had higher concentrations of the studied heavy metals. It is feared that ingestion of these syrups may constitute a significant source of heavy metal exposure to the children and should therefore be considered a public health problem. The public health hazards from ingestion of these syrups should be identified and disclosed by in-depth risk assessment studies.
Why Nutrients?
Authors: Howe Peter
Published: July 2009

The field of nutrition continues to attract increasing interest from health professionals, including dietitians, sports nutritionists and medical practitioners, from biomedical, agricultural, nutritional and food scientists and from health conscious consumers alike. [...]
An Automated Artificial Neural Network System for Land Use/Land Cover Classification from Landsat TM Imagery
Authors: Yuan Hui , Van Der Wiele Cynthia F. , Khorram Siamak
Published: July 2009

This paper focuses on an automated ANN classification system consisting of two modules: an unsupervised Kohonen’s Self-Organizing Mapping (SOM) neural network module, and a supervised Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network module using the Backpropagation (BP) training algorithm. Two training algorithms were provided for the SOM network module: the standard SOM, and a refined SOM learning algorithm which incorporated Simulated Annealing (SA). The ability of our automated ANN system to perform Land-Use/Land-Cover (LU/LC) classifications of a Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) image was tested using a supervised MLP network, an unsupervised SOM network, and a combination of SOM with SA network. Our case study demonstrated that the ANN classification system fulfilled the tasks of network training pattern creation, network training, and network generalization. The results from the three networks were assessed via a comparison with reference data derived from the high spatial resolution Digital Colour Infrared (CIR) Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quad (DOQQ) data. The supervised MLP network obtained the most accurate classification accuracy as compared to the two unsupervised SOM networks. Additionally, the classification performance of the refined SOM network was found to be significantly better than that of the standard SOM network essentially due to the incorporation of SA. This is mainly due to the SA-assisted classification utilizing the scheduling cooling scheme. It is concluded that our automated ANN classification system can be utilized for LU/LC applications and will be particularly useful when traditional statistical classification methods are not suitable due to a statistically abnormal distribution of the input data.
Translocation Biosensors – Cellular System Integrators to Dissect CRM1-Dependent Nuclear Export by Chemicogenomics
Authors: Fetz Verena , Knauer Shirley  K. , Bier Carolin , Von Kries Jens Peter , Stauber Roland  H.
Published: July 2009

Fluorescent protein biosensors are powerful cellular systems biology tools for dissecting the complexity of cellular processes with high spatial and temporal resolution. As regulated nucleo-cytoplasmic transport is crucial for the modulation of numerous (patho)physiological cellular responses, a detailed understanding of its molecular mechanism would open up novel options for a rational manipulation of the cell. In contrast to genetic approaches, we here established and employed high-content cellular translocation biosensors applicable for dissecting nuclear export by chemicogenomics. A431 cell lines, stably expressing a translocation biosensor composed of glutathione S-transferase, GFP and a rational combination of nuclear import and export signals, were engineered by antibiotic selection and flow cytometry sorting. Using an optimized nuclear translocation algorithm, the translocation response could be robustly quantified on the Cellomics Arrayscan® VTI platform. Subsequent to assay optimization, the assay was developed into a higher density 384-well format high-content assay and employed for the screening of the 17K ChemBioNet compound collection. This library was selected on the basis of a genetic algorithm used to identify maximum common chemical substructures in a database of annotated bioactive molecules and hence, is well-placed in the chemical space covered by bioactive compounds. Automated multiparameter data analysis combined with visual inspection allowed us to identify and to rationally discriminate true export inhibitors from false positives, which included fluorescent compounds or cytotoxic substances that dramatically affected the cellular morphology. A total of 120 potential hit compounds were selected for Cellomics Arrayscan® VTI based rescreening. The export inhibitory activity of 20 compounds effective at concentrations < 25 μM were confirmed by fluorescence microscopy in several cell lines. Interestingly, kinetic analysis allowed the identification of inhibitors capable to interfere with the export receptor CRM1-mediated nuclear export not only in an irreversible, but also in a reversible fashion. In sum, exploitation of biosensor based screening allows the identification of chemicogenomic tools applicable for dissecting nucleo-cytoplasmic transport in living cells.
Using Geographic Information Systems to Define and Map Commuting Patterns as Inputs to Agent-Based Models
Authors: Chrest David , Wheaton William
Published: July 2009

By understanding the movement patterns of people, mathematical modelers can develop models that can better analyze and predict the spread of infectious diseases. People can come into close contact in their workplaces. This report describes methods to develop georeferenced commuting patterns that can be used to characterize the work-related movement of US populations and help agent-based modelers predict workplace contacts that result in disease transmission. We used a census data product called "Census Spatial Tabulation: Census Track of Work by Census Tract of Residence (STP64)" as the data source to develop commuting pattern data for agent-based synthesized populations databases and to develop map products to visualize commuting patterns in the United States. The three primary maps we developed show inbound, outbound, and net change levels of inbound versus outbound commuters by census tract for the year 2000. Net change counts of commuters are visualized as elevations. The results can be used to quantify and assign commuting patterns of synthesized populations among different census tracts.
Processing of Two Latent Membrane Protein 1 MHC Class I Epitopes Requires Tripeptidyl Peptidase II Involvement
Authors: Diekmann Jan , Adamopoulou Eleni , Beck Olaf , Rauser Georg , Lurati Sarah , Tenzer Stefan , Einsele Hermann , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Schild Hansjörg , Topp Max S.
Published: July 2009

The EBV Ag latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) has been described as a potential target for T cell immunotherapy in EBV-related malignancies. However, only a few CD8+ T cell epitopes are known, and the benefit of LMP1-specific T cell immunotherapy has not yet been proven. In this work, we studied the processing of the two LMP1 HLA-A02-restricted epitopes, YLLEMLRWL and YLQQNWWTL. We found that target cells endogenously expressing the native LMP1 are not recognized by CTLs specific for these epitopes because the N-terminal part of LMP1 limits the efficiency of epitope generation. We further observed that the proteasome is not required for the generation of both epitopes and that the YLLEMLRWL epitope seems to be destroyed by the proteasome, because blocking of proteasomal activities enhanced specific CTL activation. Activation of LMP1-specific CTLs could be significantly reduced after inhibition of the tripeptidyl peptidase II, suggesting a role for this peptidase in the processing of both epitopes. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the MHC class I-restricted LMP1 epitopes studied in this work are two of very few epitopes known to date to be processed proteasome independently by tripeptidyl peptidase II.
The Lytic Potential of Human Liver NK Cells Is Restricted by Their Limited Expression of Inhibitory Killer Ig-Like Receptors
Authors: Burt Bryan M. , Plitas George , Zhao Zeguo , Bamboat Zubin M. , Nguyen Hoang M. , Dupont Bo , DeMatteo Ronald P.
Published: July 2009

The human liver is enriched in NK cells which are potent effectors of the innate immune system. We have determined that liver NK cells freshly isolated from surgical specimens from patients with hepatic malignancy have less cytolytic activity than autologous blood NK cells. This difference was due to a higher proportion of CD16− NK cells in the liver and reduced cytotoxicity by CD16+ liver NK cells compared with their blood counterparts. CD16+ liver NK cells had similar expression of activating NK receptors and had similar intracellular granzyme B and perforin content compared with CD16+ blood NK cells. CD16+ liver NK cells contained a reduced fraction of cells with inhibitory killer Ig-like receptors specific for self-MHC class I (self-killer Ig-related receptor (KIR)) and an increased fraction of self-KIRnegNKG2Apos and self-KIRnegNKG2Aneg cells. Using single-cell analysis of intracellular IFN-γ production and cytotoxicity assays, we determined that CD16+ liver NK cells expressing self-KIR were more responsive to target cells than those cells that did not express self-KIR molecules. CD16+ liver NK cells gained cytolytic function when stimulated with IL-2 or cultured with LPS or poly(I:C)-activated autologous liver Kupffer cells. Thus, the human liver contains NK cell subsets which have reduced effector function, but under appropriate inflammatory conditions become potent killers.
Skin and Peripheral Lymph Node Invariant NKT Cells Are Mainly Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor γt+ and Respond Preferentially under Inflammatory Conditions
Authors: Doisne Jean-Marc , Becourt Chantal , Amniai Latiffa , Duarte Nadia , Le Luduec Jean-Benoît , Eberl Gérard , Benlagha Kamel
Published: July 2009

Lymph nodes (LNs) have been long considered as comprising few invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, and these cells have not been studied extensively. In this study, we unravel the existence of stable rather than transitional LN-resident NK1.1− iNKT cell populations. We found the one resident in peripheral LNs (PLNs) to comprise a major IL-17-producing population and to express the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt). These cells respond to their ligand α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) in vivo by expanding dramatically in the presence of LPS, providing insight into how this rare population could have an impact in immune responses to infection. PLN-resident RORγt+ NK1.1− iNKT cells express concomitantly CCR6, the integrin α-chain αE (CD103), and IL-1R type I (CD121a), indicating that they might play a role in inflamed epithelia. Accordingly, skin epithelia comprise a major RORγt+ CCR6+CD103+CD121a+ NK1.1− cell population, reflecting iNKT cell composition in PLNs. Importantly, both skin and draining PLN RORγt+ iNKT cells respond preferentially to inflammatory signals and independently of IL-6, indicating that they could play a nonredundant role during inflammation. Overall, our study indicates that RORγt+ iNKT cells could play a major role in the skin during immune responses to infection and autoimmunity.
Synthesis and characterization of epoxy resin modified with γ‐thiopropyl triethoxy silane
Authors: Wang Zhenchang , Suo Jinping , Li Juan
Published: July 2009

Organic/inorganic hybrids with 1 to 7% silica contents were synthesized from bisphenol‐A and epichlorohydrin by utilizing γ‐thiopropyl triethoxy silane (KH580). The reactive coupling agent KH580 was introduced to epoxy resin to obtain high adhesive strength material for engineering industry. It was hypothesized that the multiple reactive functional silanol group SiOH of KH580 after hydrolyzing reacted with epoxy resin to increase the shear strength and toughness of epoxy resin. IR spectra indicated that bonded stationary phase was formed. Shear strength of epoxy resin–based composite increased and then decreased after SiO2 content reached 5 wt %; the optimal value was 24.78 MPa. SEM analysis showed that toughness of SiO2/epoxy resin–based composite also increased and then decreased when the content of SiO2 is more than 5 wt %. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Structure and isothermal crystallization behavior of polypropylene prepared at high polymerization temperature
Authors: Zhong Chifeng , Mao Bingquan
Published: July 2009

The structure, morphology, and isothermal crystallization behaviors of polypropylene (PP) prepared with heterogeneous Ziegler‐Natta catalyst at high temperature (100°C) were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, temperature‐rising elution fractionation, gel permeation chromatography, and 13C NMR. The results reveal that the crystalline structure changes with variation of the composition of the PP. The isotactic PP (iPP)1 prepared with Et3Al and “TMA‐depleted” methylaluminoxane crystallizes from the melt in the mixtures of the α and β forms, whereas each fraction obtained from pure PP1 does not show β‐PP crystal at the same crystallization condition. In addition, the γ‐PP crystal is appeared for the fractions of low mmmm%‐[mmmm] (mmmm pentad content) values and molecular weight. Moreover, it was found that the iPP2 or iPP3 prepared with Hex3Al crystallizes from the melt in mixtures of the α and γ forms, even at atmospheric pressure and for high molecular weight. The microstructure showed in the PP samples obtained at high temperature could be well explained with the shift in the alkylaluminium‐donor equilibrium reactions at high polymerization temperature. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Surface functionalization of polypropylene by entrapment of polypropylene‐grafted‐poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Chen Hanjia , Shi Xuhua , Zhu Yafei , Zhang Yi , Xu Jiarui
Published: July 2009

A surface functionalization polypropylene was prepared by entrapment a copolymer of polypropylene‐grafted‐poly(ethylene glycol) into polypropylene. The effects of structure of copolymer, contact dies, and content of modifiers were studied. The results of attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy(ATR‐FTIR) and contact angle measurements indicated that PP‐g‐PEG could preferably diffuse onto the surface and effectively increase the hydrophilicity of PP. PPw‐g‐PEG with lower PEG contents, lower molecular weight of PPw and PEG had better selective enrichment on the surface of PP blend film. By grafting of PEG‐OH onto the MPP, PP macromolecular surface modifier with better solvent‐resistance than that of PEG can be achieved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Plant cell calcium‐rich environment enhances thermostability of recombinantly produced α‐amylase from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritime
Authors: Santa‐Maria Monica C. , Chou Chung‐Jung , Yencho G. Craig , Haigler Candace H. , Thompson William F. , Kelly Robert M. , Sosinski Bryon
Published: July 2009

In the industrial processing of starch for sugar syrup and ethanol production, a liquefaction step is involved where starch is initially solubilized at high temperature and partially hydrolyzed with a thermostable and thermoactive α‐amylase. Most amylases require calcium as a cofactor for their activity and stability, therefore calcium, along with the thermostable enzyme, are typically added to the starch mixture during enzymatic liquefaction, thereby increasing process costs. An attractive alternative would be to produce the enzyme directly in the tissue to be treated. In a proof of concept study, tobacco cell cultures were used as model system to test in planta production of a hyperthermophilic α‐amylase from Thermotoga maritima. While comparable biochemical properties to recombinant production in Escherichia coli were observed, thermostability of the plant‐produced α‐amylase benefited significantly from high intrinsic calcium levels in the tobacco cells. The plant‐made enzyme retained 85% of its initial activity after 3 h incubation at 100°C, whereas the E. coli‐produced enzyme was completely inactivated after 30 min under the same conditions. The addition of Ca2+ or plant cell extracts from tobacco and sweetpotato to the E. coli‐produced enzyme resulted in a similar stabilization, demonstrating the importance of a calcium‐rich environment for thermostability, as well as the advantage of producing this enzyme directly in plant cells where calcium is readily available. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 947–956. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impedance spectroscopy as a tool for non‐intrusive detection of extracellular mediators in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Ramasamy Ramaraja P. , Gadhamshetty Venkataramana , Nadeau Lloyd J. , Johnson Glenn R.
Published: July 2009

Endogenously produced, diffusible redox mediators can act as electron shuttles for bacterial respiration. Accordingly, the mediators also serve a critical role in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), as they assist extracellular electron transfer from the bacteria to the anode serving as the intermediate electron sink. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) may be a valuable tool for evaluating the role of mediators in an operating MFC. EIS offers distinct advantages over some conventional analytical methods for the investigation of MFC systems because EIS can elucidate the electrochemical properties of various charge transfer processes in the bio‐energetic pathway. Preliminary investigations of Shewanella oneidensis DSP10‐based MFCs revealved that even low quantities of extracellular mediators significantly influence the impedance behavior of MFCs. EIS results also suggested that for the model MFC studied, electron transfer from the mediator to the anode may be up to 15 times faster than the electron transfer from bacteria to the mediator. When a simple carbonate membrane separated the anode and cathode chambers, the extracellular mediators were also detected at the cathode, indicating diffusion from the anode under open circuit conditions. The findings demonstrated that EIS can be used as a tool to indicate presence of extracellular redox mediators produced by microorganisms and their participation in extracellular electron shuttling. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 882–891. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thinking about flagellar oscillation
Authors: Brokaw Charles J.
Published: July 2009

Bending of cilia and flagella results from sliding between the microtubular outer doublets, driven by dynein motor enzymes. This review reminds us that many questions remain to be answered before we can understand how dynein‐driven sliding causes the oscillatory bending of cilia and flagella. Does oscillation require switching between two distinct, persistent modes of dynein activity? Only one mode, an active forward mode, has been characterized, but an alternative mode, either inactive or reverse, appears to be required. Does switching between modes use information from curvature, sliding direction, or both? Is there a mechanism for reciprocal inhibition? Can a localized capability for oscillatory sliding become self‐organized to produce the metachronal phase differences required for bend propagation? Are interactions between adjacent dyneins important for regulation of oscillation and bend propagation? Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Singlet Oxygen Production upon Two‐Photon Excitation of TiO2 in Chloroform
Authors: Li Wenbing , Gandra Naveen , Courtney Shavelle N. , Gao Ruomei
Published: July 2009

Singlet oxygen (1O2) signals observed upon illumination at 532 nm are a consequence of TiO2 excitation in a two‐photon process, and at 355 nm in a one‐photon pathway. After corrections for light reflectance, the relative quantum yields of 1O2 production are 0.23±0.01 and 0.22±0.02 for 532 and 355 nm excitation, respectively. Total quenching rate constants of 1O2 removal by TiO2 particles are near the diffusion‐controlled rate limit. By employing 1O2 as a probe, we have established an efficient and simple method to elucidate the nature of TiO2 photoexcitation.
Progressive collapse analysis through strength degradation and fracture in the Mixed Lagrangian Formulation
Authors: Lavan O. , Sivaselvan M. V. , Reinhorn A. M. , Dargush G. F.
Published: July 2009

The dynamic analysis of progressive collapse faces a great number of obstacles that often lead to the collapse of the analysis prior to the actual analysis of collapse. Hence, the Mixed Lagrangian Formulation that has been shown to be very robust was adopted as a framework to accommodate such analysis. By modifying the loading function and the numerical scheme, the capabilities of this framework were extended to account for strength degradation and fracture, while some insight to its behavior is introduced as well. The examples presented show a very robust and stable behavior of the numerical scheme in terms of the time step size required, even in cases where a sudden fracture takes place. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavior of combined fly ash/slag‐based geopolymers when exposed to high temperatures
Authors: Guerrieri Maurice , Sanjayan Jay G.
Published: July 2009

The high temperature performance up to 800∘C of combined fly ash (FA) and slag geopolymers at the ratio of 100, 65/35, 50/50, 35/65 and 100% (wt‐%) is presented in this paper. Geopolymers are alternative novel binders to conventional Portland cement and are generally believed to provide superior fire resistant properties due to their ceramic‐like characteristics. This paper presents new data on the behavior of geopolymers made with combined FA/slag mentioned previously, which were mixed with alkaline materials with molecular silicate modulus (Ms=SiO2/Na2O) of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 with sodium (Na) dosages of 4 and 8 (wt‐%). Altogether 60 mixes were made yielding compressive strengths between 3 and 83 MPa. Behavior of the material to high temperatures was investigated by exposing the specimens to 800∘C and testing for compressive strengths. It was found that as the initial strength increases, the residual strength exponentially decreased. The compressive stress versus strain relationships showed that the ductility of the specimens decreased as the initial strength increased. The ability of the materials with high ductility (i.e. less brittleness) to accommodate thermal incompatibilities arising from uneven temperatures arising during heating is concluded to be the major factor contributing to the reduced strength losses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.