bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Sampling Designs for Red Sea Urchins Strongylocentrotus franciscanus in British Columbia
Authors: Skibo Karen M. , Schwarz Carl J. , Peterman Randall M.
Published: February 2008

Estimates of the total stock biomass of marine invertebrates that aggregate, such as red sea urchins Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, are often highly uncertain, partly because it is difficult to estimate their density. To improve estimates, we used 200 simulated red sea urchin populations with spatial and numerical properties based on field data to evaluate various simulated survey designs for a given number of transects in terms of the precision, bias, and efficiency (relative variance) of their estimates. We considered a random transect sampling method that is currently used in British Columbia for red sea urchins, which samples every other quadrat within each transect, as well as a complete version of that transect method, which samples every quadrat. We also evaluated more complex random transect sampling designs, including restricted adaptive cluster sampling and a design stratified by type of substrate within each transect. The complete transect method produced essentially unbiased estimates of red sea urchin density (as did the currently used sampling design) and had lower variance than the current method, but the complete method used twice as many quadrat samples per transect to do so (incurring higher costs of sampling by divers). In contrast, the design stratified by substrate required 33% fewer sampled quadrats per transect than the current sampling method to achieve the same variance as that method, but it had a median bias of 10%. Finally, the restricted adaptive cluster sampling design gave estimates that had lower variance than the current method and used 18% fewer sampled quadrats, but the median urchin density estimate was biased downward by 8%. Choosing among sampling designs thus involves making trade-offs among bias, precision, and sampling cost as well as considering practical constraints on scuba divers who attempt to implement complex designs in field situations.
Shrimp Loss Associated with Turtle Excluder Devices: Are the Historical Estimates Statistically Biased
Authors: Gallaway Benny J. , Cole John G. , Nance James M. , Hart Rick A. , Graham Gary L.
Published: February 2008

Estimates of penaeid shrimp losses associated with the use of turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in offshore waters of the southeastern USA are derived from a single study conducted from 1988 to 1990. The estimates were based on paired tows in which the inboard and outboard nets on one side of the vessel were equipped with TEDs while the nets on the other side were not. Comparison of the mean catch rates from the TED and control nets provided an estimate of shrimp loss. However, the net positions were not rotated by trip, the try net (i.e., a small shrimp trawl fished off one side of the vessel in front of the trailing inboard net) was fished in front of the inner standard net 70% of the time, and the data show that catches in the standard net trailing the try net were significantly reduced by operation of the try net. These findings warranted a new analysis excluding data from inner net pairs, as is done in the modern gear testing protocol. The reanalysis suggests that the shrimp loss rates for Georgia TEDs with and without accelerator funnels were 5.5% and 7.5%, respectively, and that the highest level of shrimp loss (15%) was associated with the “Super Shooter” TED with an accelerator funnel. The results of the historical study indicated that the shrimp loss rate associated with the Super Shooter design was only 1% and that the shrimp loss rates associated with the Georgia TED with and without accelerator funnels were 3.6% and 13.6%, respectively. Overall, we conclude that the historical estimates are biased. A reanalysis suggests that the shrimp loss rate associated with TED use in offshore waters of the southeastern USA is on the order of 6%. We also conclude that a new, well-designed National Marine Fisheries Service-approved study is needed.
Variation between Electrofishing and Otter Trawling for Sampling Black Crappies in Two Florida Lakes
Authors: Bonvechio Timothy F. , Pouder William F. , Hale Marty M.
Published: February 2008

We compared trawling with electrofishing for assessing populations of black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus in two shallow central Florida lakes. Lakes Jackson and Weohyakapka were sampled with both gears from November 2005 through March 2006. Size-selective biases were apparent, the trawl nets consistently collecting small individuals less than 100 mm in total length (TL), whereas electrofishing collected significantly larger, more adult fish exceeding 200 mm TL. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov two-sample test indicated that the size structure of the fish captured in the two types of gear differed significantly. The total annual mortality estimates were 28% and 72% for electrofishing on both lakes, 55% for otter trawls on Lake Jackson. The age ranges for catch curves derived from the two gears also displayed large differences in mortality estimates or gave no mortality estimate at all. Trawls tended to collect younger age-classes, whereas electrofishing tended to collect larger age-classes; thus, data collected with the two gears may represent different aspects of mortality in the population. When aquatic macrophyte cover is low so that both gears can be used, we recommend that otter trawl sampling be used to assess the recruitment of juvenile crappies and that simultaneous electrofishing be conducted to collect larger fish for the determination of age and growth. Fisheries biologists should be careful when using just one gear to evaluate crappie populations given that the size-selective biases associated with both trawling and electrofishing can influence basic mortality and length-frequency assessments.
Evaluation of a warm-mix asphalt additive
Authors: Kanitpong K. , Nam K. , Martono W. , Bahia H.
Published: February 2008

Although several warm-mix asphalt projects have been explored in the USA, Europe, and some countries in Asia, there is a need for the research to evaluate the applicability of warm-mix asphalt in Thailand. In this study, the fundamental properties of bitumen modified with one of the commonly used additives (Sasobit, a long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbon (LCAH)) were evaluated. The properties evaluated included the viscosity, rheological properties, rutting, and fatigue resistance. In addition, the compactability of the mixtures was also investigated to determine whether they could reach the desired density at lower temperatures. It was found that the LCAH modification improved the workability and the fundamental properties of bitumen as shown in better rutting and fatigue resistance, and also in higher complex shear modulus. The measurement of the compactability showed that less energy was required to compact the LCAH-modified asphalt mixtures to the desired density even at 20–40°C below compaction temperature. The mixtures modified with the LCAH had greater resistance to densification under traffic or higher potential to resist permanent deformation. The LCAH had no effect, however, on the resistance of asphalt mixtures to moisture damage, but the reduction of mixing and compaction temperatures could have a detrimental effect on the moisture sensitivity.
Factors influencing the reactivity of quicklime
Authors: Gallala W. , Gaied M. E. , Tlili A. , Montacer M.
Published: February 2008

This paper describes the factors influencing the reactivity of quicklime; namely the chemical composition of the raw material, the calcination and decrepitation processes to manufacture calcium oxide (CaO) and the slaking rate of lime in water. The water composition was also investigated. It was found that the presence of impurities, the tendency to decrepitate and overburning of the lime during calcination dramatically decreased its reactivity. Furthermore, the water chemistry has an important influence on the slaking rate of lime: the presence of chloride in the slaking water increases the hydration rate whereas sulfate and magnesium ions decrease this rate and delay the slaking process.
Thermal cycling of wheat straw ash concrete
Authors: Al-Akhras N. M. , Al-Akhras K. M. , Attom M. F.
Published: February 2008

This study investigated the effect of wheat straw ash (WSA) on the performance of concrete in response to thermal cycling, which was evaluated by measuring the compressive strength and electrical resistivity and by visual inspection of cracks in the concrete specimens. Three levels of WSA replacement—5, 10 and 15% by weight of sand—were utilised. The other experimental parameters investigated in the study were: aggregate type (volcanic tuff and crushed basalt), water-to-cement ratio (w/c; 0·5 and 0·7) and air entrainment (non-air-entrained and air-entrained). After an initial moist curing period of 90 days, the concrete specimens were subjected to thermal cycling over the range 30–150°C for a period of 24 h using an electric furnace. The results of the study showed that thermal cycling of WSA concrete induced many cracks that were dispersed over the surface of the specimens. The WSA concrete was found to be more resistant to the effects of thermal cycling in comparison with plain concrete and furthermore, the performance of WSA concrete in response to thermal cycling improved with increasing WSA content. WSA concrete containing tuff aggregate showed more resistance to thermal cycling than that containing basalt aggregate. In response to thermal cycling the WSA concrete at a w/c ratio of 0·5 was observed to show better performance in comparison with WSA concrete at a w/c ratio of 0·7. The air-entrained WSA concrete showed a greater improvement in response to thermal cycling in comparison with non-air-entrained WSA concrete.
Solid waste management in Abadan and Khorramshahr, Iran
Authors: Alavi Moghaddam M. R. , Mokhtarani N. , Mokhtarani B.
Published: February 2008

Abadan and Khorramshahr are located in the south west of Iran. The aim of this study was to make an overall assessment of different functional elements of municipal solid waste management including generation, process and in-site storage, collection, transportation, treatment and recycling, and final disposal in these cities. The physical waste analysis showed that food wastes are the main component of municipal solid waste. The average proportions of food waste in the solid wastes of Abadan and Khorramshahr were 85% and 78%, respectively. Consumption of raw and unprocessed foods such as different types of vegetables and the high rate of fruit consumption are the main reasons for the high percentages of food wastes in the solid waste of these cities. At present, there is no systematic recycling and treatment of solid waste in these cities. Some people informally collect the valuable parts of municipal solid waste, such as papers, plastics and metals, in the cities and even at the disposal sites. Municipal solid wastes are collected every day and transferred to the disposal sites. The method of disposal is land treatment, which causes environmental pollution in the region. According to the results of the present study, the recycling of municipal solid waste components at source and converting the food wastes to compost are the best methods for municipal solid waste management in these cities. The construction of a composting plant with a capacity of 250 t of municipal solid waste per day is suggested for both cities. The final compost can be used as a soil conditioner for applications in agriculture or on local farms.
Developing durable paste backfill from sulphidic tailings
Authors: Tariq A. , Nehdi M.
Published: February 2008

Mitigation of acid mine drainage (AMD) generated from the surface disposal of mine tailings (MT) containing sulphide minerals is one of the major challenges facing the mining industry today. AMD results in acidic effluents containing elevated concentrations of sulphates and metallic and metalloid elements. It can thus cause severe contamination of soils, surface and groundwater, along with devastating environmental damage. Paste backfill is a relatively new technology whereby MT are solidified/stabilised using binders and processed back into the mined space. The cogent reasons supporting this technique include lower operating costs, efficient ground support, reduction in the amount of waste to be disposed of on the surface and significant environmental benefits through better control of pollutants. An additional advantage is that industrial by-products such as cement kiln dust (CKD) and fly ash can be used alone or in combination with Portland cement to enhance the properties of paste backfill and reduce binder cost. The goal of the present research is to examine the strength development of paste backfill prepared using sulphidic MT and industrial by-products (e.g. CKD and fly ash) with or without Portland cement. Furthermore, the pH and sulphate content of paste backfill mixtures was monitored to provide information on both the tailings oxidation process and potential sulphate attack in paste backfill. The findings indicate that utilising industrial by-products in the preparation of paste backfill reduced the availability of calcium aluminate compounds susceptible to sulphate attack associated with cemented paste backfill containing ordinary Portland cement. It is also shown that developing an efficient technique for AMD control through making paste backfill from sulphidic MT can be both feasible and cost-effective.
A Fast Procedure for Transmission Loss Allocation of Power Systems by Using DC-OPF
Authors: Kabir MH
Published: February 2008

Deregulation of power industry has made us think over the transmission loss allocation to network users and to various interconnected transactions including bilateral one. It is an important issue to be solved exactly. Because of the non-linear nature of power flow and power loss, it is very difficult to segregate and to allocate losses among the participants properly. This paper presents an instantaneous loss allocation algorithm including DC-Optimal Power Flow. Using Incremental Transmission Loss (ITLs) factors and the power outputs of generators, we have calculated preliminary loss to each generator. Calculating loss allocation rates from the preliminary losses, the final loss allocation has been done (according to loss allocation rate) to meet the total loss calculated by DC-OPF. The effectiveness of this procedure has been studied for a small model power system and also for the IEEE-118-bus system.

Keywords: Transmission loss allocation, DC optimal power flow, Deregulated power market, Bilateral transactions.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 249-256, 2007
A New DC Model for Transmission Loss Allocations in Power Systems
Authors: Kabir MH
Published: February 2008

Under open access environment in the era of deregulated power industry, transmission loss allocation to various transactions is one of the important issues to be solved exactly. Because of the non-linear nature of power flow and power loss, it is very difficult to segregate and to allocate losses among the participants properly. This paper presents a New DC method (NDC) where an efficient loss allocation algorithm has been applied. Considering the impact of every line flow in a network, the loss allocations to the loads have been computed at first and finally the total loss has been allocated to the generators. The effectiveness of this procedure has been studied for the 6-bus and IEEE 118-bus model power systems. Several numerical analyses implicate that the proposed loss allocation procedure including the DC load flow model is reasonably acceptable.

Keywords: Transmission loss allocation DC load flow model, Deregulated power market

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 257-268, 2007
Some Nutritional Composition and Functional Properties of Prosopis Africana
Authors: Aremu MO , Olonisakin A , Atolaye BO , Ogbu CF
Published: February 2008

The nutritional composition and functional properties of Prosopis Africana were studied using standard analytical techniques. The results gave proximate composition as follows: moisture, total ash, ether extract, crude protein, crude fibre and carbohydrate were 1.9, 4.4, 12.8, 23.6, 3.3 and 54.0g % respectively. The predominant mineral was K (617.5mg/100g sample) followed in the highest rank by Mg (420.1mg/10g sample). Other minerals such as Na, Ca, P, Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe and Cr were 110.7, 362.5, 196.4, 36.2, 46.2, 22.4, 15.5 and 0.2mg/100g sample respectively while Cd and Pb were not detected. Amino acid analysis revealed that the sample contained nutritionally useful quantities of most of the essential amino acids. The first limiting amino acid was Thr and predicted isoelectric point was 5.4. Functional properties results were: foaming capacity, 3.9 %, foaming stability 96.2 %; water absorption capacity, 340.0; oil absorption capacity, 120.0 %; emulsion capacity 30.0 mLg-1; emulsion stability 38.4 mLg-1; least gelation capacity, 16.0 % and bulk density 0.5268 mLg-1. The protein solubility of the P. Africana was found to have minimum solubility at pH 4.5.

Key words: Nutritional composition, functional properties, Prosopis Africana

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 269-280, 2007
Extraction of Gasohol Grade Ethanol from Aqueous Solution using Gasoline as Solvent
Authors: Rahman MA , Asadullah M , Rahman MS , Nabi MN , Azad MAK
Published: February 2008

Liquid-liquid phase equilibria of ethanol - water - gasoline (iso-octane, octane petrol, kerosene and diesel) were experimentally determined and the ternary phase diagrams of the systems were studied with an end in view to develop methods of producing gasohol by a once through operation. Binodal curves of the different systems were, therefore, obtained to give quantitative ideas about the extent of extraction of alcohol from aqueous solution using gasoline. Phase equilibrium data, distribution coefficient and separation factor were obtained experimentally for ethanolwater- gasoline systems. The order of the heterogeneous region of the solvents is isooctane .octane .petrol < kerosene < diesel. The equilibriation and settling time for ethanol - water - solvent systems are about 10 and 20 min, respectively. The solubility of ethanol in the solvents is in the order of iso-octane .octane.petrol > kerosene> diesel. The distribution coefficient increases with increasing ethanol concentration in the feed; however, to the contrary the separation factor decreases. The distribution co-efficients are lower than 1 and the separation factors are greater than 10 for all of the solvents.

Key words: Gasohol, solvent, solvent extraction, gasoline and liquid-liquid equilibria.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 287-298, 2007
Studies on the Fatty Acid Composition of Edible Oil
Authors: Chowdhury K , Banu LA , Khan S , Latif A
Published: February 2008

Fatty acid analysis of the five types of locally consumed edible oils (n = 22) was carried out using a Gas Chromatograph (G.C) equipped with a Flame Ionization Detector (FID) and stainless steel packed column. The results showed that sunflower oil contained the highest percentage of long chain mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids (91.49 ± 1.91 %) compared to soybean oil (81.14 ± 1.49 %), mustard oil (86.80 ± 3.07 %), palm oil (53.30 ± 0.36 %) and coconut oil (7.12 ± 0.51 %). Two varieties of mustard oil, low erucic (= 5 %, n=3) and high erucic acid ( >14 %, n=2) and two varieties of sunflower oil, high linoleic-low oleic (61-66 % & 22-27 %, n=2) and low linoleic- high oleic (29-38 % and 53-63 %, n =3) were found. Sunflower oil with the highest percentage of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids especially the high linoleic- low oleic variety appeared to be superior and most suitable edible oil for mass consumption.

Key words: Fatty acid, Gas chomatograph, Sunflower oil, Soybean oil, Mustard oil, Palm oil, Coconut oil.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 311-316, 2007
Studies on the Preservation of Raw Cows Milk by Chemical Method
Authors: Rokhsana F , Das UK , Yeasmin R , Nahar A , Parveen S
Published: February 2008

Studies carried out to develop a technique for the preservation of cow's milk in raw condition using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a preservative. Fresh cows milk was collected and experiments were conducted by four treatments in order to achieve the optimum condition of storage. The treatments were with various concentration of H2O2 starting from 0.05 %, 0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.3 %, 0.4 %, & 0.5 %. Treated milk with 0.05 % concentration of H2O2 had storage period of 20 days compared to that of the control one (5 days only) in refrigerated temperature (±8°C). On the other hand hydrogen peroxide treated milk (0.05 %) had a storage period of 8 hours at room temperature (±28°C). Results also showed that the higher concentration of H2O2 had no effect on storage period than that of control. Milk products like kheer and halawa prepared by treated milk and stored for 20 days showed almost nil growth of total coliform and E. coli which means that food products prepared from hydrogen peroxide treated milk is safe for human consumption.

Key words: Raw, Storage, Hydrogen peroxide, Preservative, keeping quality, Pasteurization, deteriorated, MPN.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 317-326, 2007
Effect of Sowing Dates on the Incidence of Stemphylium Blight of Lentil During 1998-2001
Authors: Huq M Ihsanul , Khan AZM Nowsher Ali
Published: February 2008

Lentils could escape the infection of Stemphylium blight by changing sowing dates. During the periods of studies the trends of disease development were similar. The lowest and the highest severity were noted on November 01 and December 30, respectively. The severity increased progressively with the advancement of sowing date from November 01 to December 30. In case of yield/ha November 01 gave the highest yield followed by November 10. In the sowing of November 01, 10 and 20, lentil could escape the infection of Stemphylium blight. The yield was maximum in the early sown seeds of lentil.

Key words: Stemphylium blight, Sowing dates, Disease incidence, Lentil and Yield

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 341-346, 2007
Chemical Constituents of Essential Oil of the Leaves of Eryngium foetidum from Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Jasim Uddin , Nandi Nemi Chandra , Yusuf Mohammed
Published: February 2008

The essential oil of leaves of Eryngium foetidum from Bangladesh was analyzed by GC-MS. Sixty three compounds have been identified with (E)-2-dodecenal (37.4 %), dodecanoic acid (10.7 %), trans-2-dodecanoic acid (9.7 %), (E)-2-tridecenal, (6.7 %), duraldehyde (5.1 %) and tetradecanal (4.4 %) as the major constituents.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 347-352, 2007
Development of Mechanical Device for the Addition of Dyes and Auxiliaries in Textile Wet Processing
Authors: Alam MM , Jubayer M MU , Kaysar MA
Published: February 2008

In the exhaust dyeing of knit woven, jute/cotton fabrics a progressive addition process is developed and found most effective method in respect of cost and quality. It was done by an electronic device. In this paper we have developed it mechanically .It thought that it may be suitable for Bangladesh export oriented knit woven and blended fabrics dyeing units for its very low price.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 357-360, 2007
Auto‐Tandem Catalysis: Synthesis of Substituted 11H‐Indolo[3,2‐c]quinolines via Palladium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular CN and Intramolecular CC Bond Formation
Authors: Meyers Caroline , Rombouts Geert , Loones Kristof T. J. , Coelho Alberto , Maes Bert U. W.
Published: February 2008

D‐Ring substituted 11H‐indolo[3,2‐c]quinolines (4) have been prepared via auto‐tandem consecutive intermolecular Buchwald‐Hartwig reaction and intramolecular palladium‐catalyzed arylation on 4‐chloroquinoline (1) with N‐unsubstituted 2‐chloroanilines (2). The reported 11H‐indolo[3,2‐c]quinolines (4) represent the first examples in which tandem catalysis has been used to construct N‐unsubstituted carbolines.
Preparation the Key Intermediate of Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: High Enantioselective Production of Ethyl (R)‐2‐Hydroxy‐4‐Phenylbutyrate with Candida boidinii CIOC21
Authors: Chen Yongzheng , Lin Hui , Xu Xiaoying , Xia Shiwen , Wang Lixin
Published: February 2008

Forty microorganisms belonging to different taxonomical groups were used to catalyze the enantioselective reduction of ethyl 2‐oxophenylbutyrate to afford the corresponding ethyl 2‐hydroxy‐4‐phenylbutyrate. Several microorganisms led to over 99% ee of ethyl (S)‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐phenylbutyrate. Especially, we firstly found that the Candida boidinii CIOC21 could be effectively used for the enantioselective preparation the ethyl (R)‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐phenylbutyrate in pure aqueous medium with 99% ee, a key intermediate in the production of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
A simple model for power consumption in gassed and boiling stirred vessels
Authors: Paglianti Alessandro , Fujasova Maria , Montante Giuseppina
Published: February 2008

The aim of this work is to investigate the influence of the main geometrical and hydrodynamic characteristics of gas–liquid stirred tanks on the ventilated cavities forming at the rear of impeller blades and the effect of their size on power consumption. The experimental part of the work was carried in a standard baffled vessel, mechanically stirred with a Rushton turbine. The influence of the sparger diameter on the cavity dimensions and the power consumption was evaluated first, using two different gas spargers. The experimental data confirm that the gas distributor plays an important role on the interactions between the gas–liquid mixture and the impeller. On the modeling side, a simplified correlation to predict the cavity size is developed, that is based on the analogy with the phenomenon of ventilated cavity formation at the rear of vehicles traveling through water. After testing its consistency by adopting available literature data, the correlation is implemented in a mechanistic model for evaluating the power consumption for aerated modern turbines as well as stirred boiling systems, and acceptable predictions are obtained. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Synthesis of anion exchange polystyrene membranes for the electrolysis of sodium chloride
Authors: Sachdeva Sonny , Ram Ram P. , Singh Jayant K. , Kumar Anil
Published: February 2008

We have prepared a cross‐linked polystyrene anion exchange composite membrane for the electrolysis of sodium chloride to produce sodium hydroxide by selective removal of chloride ions. The composite membrane is homogeneously modified by gas phase nitration, followed by amination using hydrazine hydrate, and further reaction with dichloroethane and triethylamine to introduce quaternary ammonium charges on it. We showed that the membrane is specific to the transport of chloride ions through its pores. The performance of the membrane has been evaluated in terms of current efficiency and power consumption, and the effect of various parameters like current density, initial salt concentration, and circulation rate is studied. The maximum current efficiency obtained is 96.5% and the corresponding power consumption is 0.1216 kWh/mol at 5.2 N initial salt concentration and current density of 254 A/m2. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
The presence of JAK2V617F in primary myelofibrosis or its allele burden in polycythemia vera predicts chemosensitivity to hydroxyurea
Authors: Sirhan Shireen , Lasho Terra L. , Hanson Curtis A. , Mesa Ruben A. , Pardanani Animesh , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: February 2008

JAK2V617F‐positive patients with essential thrombocythemia, as opposed to their mutation‐negative counterparts, require lower doses of hydroxyurea (HU) for control of their platelet count. In the current study, we looked for predictors of HU response in 69 patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and 56 with polycythemia vera (PV). JAK2V617F analysis was performed on bone marrow‐derived DNA obtained at or near the time of diagnosis. HU response in PMF was associated with a shorter disease duration (P = 0.008), absence of previous therapy (P = 0.01), older age at diagnosis (P = 0.009), and presence of JAK2V617F (P = 0.02). On multivariable analysis, only the latter retained its significance (48% vs. 8% response in mutation positive vs. negative cases). In PV, JAK2V617F allele burden correlated directly with HU response (P = 0.05) and inversely with daily HU dose in responding patients (P = 0.02). The current study suggests that JAK2V617F presence identifies PMF patients who are likely to respond to HU therapy, and information on its allele burden helps in assigning the optimal starting dose in individual patients with PV. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term ultra‐low‐dose acyclovir against varicella‐zoster virus reactivation after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Asano‐Mori Yuki , Kanda Yoshinobu , Oshima Kumi , Kako Shinichi , Shinohara Akihito , Nakasone Hideki , Sato Hiroyuki , Watanabe Takuro , Hosoya Noriko , Izutsu Koji , Asai Takashi , Hangaishi Akira , Motokura Toru , Chiba Shigeru , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: February 2008

To evaluate the efficacy of long‐term prophylaxis with ultra‐low‐dose acyclovir against varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) reactivation, we analyzed the records of 242 Japanese adult patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the first time from 1995 to 2006 at our hospital. We started long‐term oral acyclovir at 200 mg/day in July 2001. Acyclovir was continued until the end of immunosuppressive therapy and at least 1 year after transplantation. Sixty‐six patients developed VZV reactivation at a median of 248 days after HSCT, with a cumulative incidence of 34.7%. Only one breakthrough reactivation occurred during long‐term acyclovir, which responded well to therapeutic dose of valacyclovir. The use of long‐term acyclovir was the only independent determinant that significantly decreased the overall incidence of VZV reactivation (20% vs. 50%, P < 0.0001). With this prophylaxis, visceral dissemination and serious complications other than post‐herpetic neuralgia was completely eliminated, and thereby need for hospitalization was significantly reduced (21% vs. 71%, P = 0.0034). Fifteen of the 57 patients who discontinued acyclovir developed VZV reactivation, with a cumulative incidence of 32.1%. VZV reactivation following discontinuation tended to occur in patients who were receiving immunosuppressive therapy at the cessation of acyclovir. These findings suggested that long‐term prophylaxis of ultra‐low‐dose acyclovir resulted in a successful prevention of severe VZV‐related symptoms and death, with a significantly decreased overall incidence of VZV reactivation. Prolongation of prophylactic acyclovir on profound immunosuppression might be important for thorough suppression of VZV reactivation. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conventional allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for lymphoma may overcome the poor prognosis associated with a positive FDG‐PET scan before transplantation
Authors: Yoshimi Akihide , Izutsu Koji , Takahashi Miwako , Kako Shinichi , Oshima Kumi , Kanda Yoshinobu , Motokura Toru , Chiba Shigeru , Momose Toshimitsu , Ohtomo Kuni , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: February 2008

A positive scan in pretransplantation fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) has been shown to be associated with a poor prognosis in patients with lymphoma undergoing high‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). For those with a positive FDG‐PET scan, treatment that includes allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) may be an alternative. However, it is uncertain whether allo‐SCT can overcome a poor prognosis. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 14 patients with lymphoma who had undergone FDG‐PET scan within one month before allo‐SCT at our institution. Eleven patients were FDG‐PET‐positive and three were negative. With a median follow‐up of 17 months (range: 6–44) after allo‐SCT, the cumulative incidence of progression was 29.3% in FDG‐PET‐positive patients and 0% in the FDG‐PET‐negative patients. Four of the 11 patients who had post‐transplantation FDG‐PET showed FDG‐avid lesions on the first post‐transplantation scan. In two of the four, regression of the lesions was observed during the scheduled reduction of immunosuppressant without donor lymphocyte infusion and remained without progression at the last follow‐up (34 and 8 months). Durable responses after allo‐SCT, at least with conventional conditioning regimens, can be expected in patients with FDG‐PET‐positive lesions before transplantation. Thus, conventional allo‐SCT could be an attractive modality compared to ASCT for patients with positive FDG‐PET after the completion of conventional salvage chemotherapy, and particularly for patients with T and NK‐cell lymphomas. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Germline mosaicism in achondroplasia detected in sperm DNA of the father of three affected sibs
Authors: Natacci Federica , Baffico Maria , Cavallari Ugo , Bedeschi Maria Francesca , Mura Isabella , Paffoni Alessio , Levi Setti Paolo , Baldi Maurizia , Lalatta Faustina
Published: February 2008

We describe a sib recurrence for achondroplasia with parents of average stature. The three sibs shared the paternal allele and all carried the same causal mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3): G > A nt1138 (Gly380Arg). We were able to identify this mutation on sperm DNA confirming paternal germinal mosaicism. Our family shows that a more precise definition of the recurrence risk is feasible using this approach, based on a single DNA test, which could be offered in selected cases. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cognitive and motor development during childhood in boys with Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Ross Judith L. , Roeltgen David P. , Stefanatos Gerry , Benecke Rebecca , Zeger Martha P.D. , Kushner Harvey , Ramos Purita , Elder Frederick F. , Zinn Andrew R.
Published: February 2008

The goal of this study was to expand the description of the cognitive development phenotype in boys with Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY). We tested neuropsychological measures of memory, attention, visual‐spatial abilities, visual‐motor skills, and language. We examined the influence of age, handedness, genetic aspects (parental origin of the extra X chromosome, CAGn repeat length, and pattern of X inactivation), and previous testosterone treatment on cognition. We studied 50 boys with KS (4.1–17.8 years). There was a significant increase in left‐handedness (P = 0.002). Specific language, academic, attentional, and motor abilities tended to be impaired. In the language domain, there was relative sparing of vocabulary and meaningful language understanding abilities but impairment of higher level linguistic competence. KS boys demonstrated an array of motor difficulties, especially in strength and running speed. Deficits in the ability to sustain attention without impulsivity were present in the younger boys. Neither genetic factors examined nor previous testosterone treatment accounted for variation in the cognitive phenotype in KS. The cognitive results from this large KS cohort may be related to atypical brain lateralization and have important diagnostic and psychoeducational implications. The difficulty in complex language processing, impaired attention and motor function in boys with KS may be missed. It is critical that boys with KS are provided with appropriate educational support that targets their learning challenges in school in addition to modifications that address their particular learning style. These findings would also be an important component of counseling clinicians and families about this disorder. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Congenital heart defects in spinal muscular atrophy type I: A clinical report of two siblings and a review of the literature
Authors: Menke Leonie A. , Poll‐The Bwee Tien , Clur Sally‐Ann , Bilardo Catia M. , van der Wal Allard C. , Lemmink Henny H. , Cobben Jan Maarten
Published: February 2008

A newborn girl presented with asphyxia, joint contractures and diminished spontaneous movements. Echocardiography showed hypoplastic left heart. Spinal muscular atrophy type I (SMA I) was diagnosed by detecting a homozygous deletion in the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1). In the first trimester of a subsequent pregnancy, SMA I, hypoplastic left heart, and contractures were identified again. Congenital heart defects (CHD) have now been reported in 20 patients with SMA I, including three previously reported siblings and our two siblings, leading us to hypothesize that SMA I/CHD represents a unique phenotype of SMA I rather than a coincidental association. The homozygous SMN1 deletion may play a role in the development of CHD when it occurs in the presence of mutations or polymorphisms in other genes important for cardiac development. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Butler Merlin G. , Fischer William , Kibiryeva Nataliya , Bittel Douglas C.
Published: February 2008

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is due to loss of paternally expressed genes in the 15q11–q13 region generally from a paternal 15q11–q13 deletion. The proximal deletion breakpoint in the 15q11–q13 region occurs at one of two sites located within either of two large duplicons allowing for identification of two typical deletion subgroups. The larger type I (TI) deletion involving breakpoint 1 (BP1) is nearer to the centromere and located proximal to the microsatellite marker D15S1035, while the smaller type II (TII) deletion involves breakpoint 2 (BP2) and distal to D15S1035. Breakpoint 3 (BP3) is located at the distal end of the 15q11–q13 region and common to both typical deletion subgroups. Using high resolution aCGH, BP1 spanned a region from 18.683 to 20.220 Mb, BP2 from 20.812 to 21.357 Mb and BP3 from 25.941 to 27.286 Mb. The TI deletion ranged in size from 5.721 to 8.147 Mb (mean 6.583) and the type II deletion from 4.770 to 6.435 Mb (mean 5.330). A subset of the TI subjects showed larger deletions including the loss of at least three genes/transcripts (i.e., LOC283755, POTE5, OR4N4) in addition to the four genes between BP1 and BP2 (i.e., GCP5, CYFIP1, NIPA1, NIPA2). Interestingly, four PWS subjects had duplications of the 15q11 region in addition to the typical deletion. Furthermore, most PWS subjects had copy number variation (CNV) of 50 kb or larger in other chromosome regions; most common were deletions and duplications of 8p and 3q, previously recognized sites of CNV in the human genome. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Probes
Authors: Kiyose Kazuki , Kojima Hirotatsu , Nagano Tetsuo
Published: February 2008

Near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes have attracted much attention, but despite the availability of various NIR fluorophores, only a few functional NIR probes, that is, probes whose absorption and/or fluorescence spectra change upon specific reaction with biomolecules, have been developed. However, functional probes operating in the NIR range that can be targeted to protons, metal ions, nitric oxide, β‐galactosidase, and cellular stress markers are expected to be effective for fluorescence imaging in vivo. This Focus Review concentrates on these functional NIR probes themselves, not their applications.
Impact of clarification strategy on chromatographic separations: Pre‐processing of cell homogenates
Authors: Bracewell D.G. , Boychyn M. , Baldascini H. , Storey S.A. , Bulmer M. , More J. , Hoare M.
Published: February 2008

This research focused on how the extent and type of primary solid–liquid separation can affect the performance of guard filtration and chromatography, in this instance hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The system used in the study was yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with the target molecule being an intracellular protein; alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). As expected, loading more poorly clarified suspensions (both centrates and primary filtrates) required proportionally larger guard filtration areas. In addition for feed suspensions prepared by centrifugation, increased clarification led to greater column capacity. However, where filtration was used to achieve similar clarification considerably lower column capacity was achieved. These results were attributed to centrifugation leading to the aggregation of lipids and their subsequent removal in this form before application to the column. Clarification by filtration leaves such lipids in their original “soluble” state and hence they are not removed. The importance of the need to examine such interactive effects in bioprocess studies is discussed. This observation was confirmed with further analytical work into the nature of the aggregated material formed in the supernatant under centrifugation conditions. This material was only soluble in an organic solvent, and identified as phophatidylcholine and ergosterol as among the components removed by centrifugation and guard filtration as opposed to filtration and guard filtration. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 941–949. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fungal removal of gaseous hexane in biofilters packed with poly(ethylene carbonate) pine sawdust or peat composites
Authors: Hernández‐Meléndez Oscar , Bárzana Eduardo , Arriaga Sonia , Hernández‐Luna Martín , Revah Sergio
Published: February 2008

The removal of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in biofilters packed with organic filter beds, such as peat moss (PM) and pine sawdust (PS), frequently presents drawbacks associated to the collapse of internal structures affecting the long‐term operation. Poly(ethylene ether carbonate) (PEEC) groups grafted to these organic carriers cross linked with 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) (MDI) permitted fiber aggregation into specific shapes and with excellent hexane sorption performance. Modified peat moss (IPM) showed very favorable characteristics for rapid microbial development. Water‐holding capacity in addition to hexane adsorption almost equal to the dry samples was obtained. Pilot scale hexane biofiltration experiments were performed with the composites after inoculation with the filamentous fungus Fusarium solani. During the operation of the biofilter under non‐aseptic conditions, the addition of bacterial antibiotics did not have a relevant effect on hexane removal, confirming the role of fungi in the uptake of hexane and that bacterial growth was intrinsically limited by an adequate performance of the composites. IPM biofilter had a start‐up period of 8–13 days with concurrent CO2 production of ∼90 g m−3 h−1 at day 11. The final pressure drop after 70 days of operation was 5.3 mmH2O m−1 reactor. For modified pine sawdust (IPS) packed biofilter, 5 days were required to develop an EC of about 100 g m−3 h−1 with an inlet hexane load of ∼190 g m−3 h−1. Under similar conditions, 12–17 days were required to observe a significant start‐up in the reference perlite biofilter to reach gradually an EC of ∼100 g m−3 h−1 at day 32. Under typical biofiltration conditions, the physical–chemical properties of the modified supports maintained a minimum water activity (aw) of 0.925 and a pH between 4 and 5.5, which allowed the preferential fungal development and limited bacterial growth. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 864–871. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimal conditions for freezing CHO‐S and HEK293‐EBNA cell lines: Influence of Me2SO, freeze density, and PEI‐mediated transfection on revitalization and growth of cells, and expression of recombinant protein
Authors: Kleman Marika I. , Oellers Kerstin , Lullau Elke
Published: February 2008

To avoid the time consuming, labor intensive seed‐train expansion and to improve production reliability and consistency, portions of bulk cryopreserved cells from the same cultivation can be utilized as inocula or alternatively may be used to undertake transient transfections for large‐scale bioreactor production. In this study, the conditions for large‐scale freezing in cryobags were optimized utilizing a design of experiment approach. We showed that relatively high density of 30–40 × 106 cells/mL and relatively low Me2SO concentrations of 5–6% in the freezing media are optimal to freeze HEK293‐EBNA and CHO‐S cells in a controlled manner in order to achieve high viable cell recovery and growth post‐thawing. The immediate transfer of freshly thawed cells into culture medium resulted in better cell growth compared to cells that were centrifuged in order to remove Me2SO. This was the case as long as the residual Me2SO did not exceed 0.2–0.3%. The best time to perform transient 25 kDa polyethylenimine‐mediated transfection of pCEP4‐EGFP plasmid into freshly thawed, one‐step inoculated cells is after 72–96 h in culture. At this time point, the numbers of EGFP‐positive cells in the freshly thawed culture mimic perfectly that of cells grown continuously. Finally, our data showed that it is possible to freeze transiently polyethyleneimine‐transfected HEK293‐EBNA cells and maintain growth rate and expression of recombinant protein following thawing. The optimal time point for freezing cells was 4 h after transfection. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 911–922. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of pH and hydraulic retention time on hydrogen production versus methanogenesis during anaerobic fermentation of organic household solid waste under extreme‐thermophilic temperature (70°C)
Authors: Liu Dawei , Zeng Raymond J. , Angelidaki Irini
Published: February 2008

Two continuously stirred tank reactors were operated with household solid waste at 70°C, for hydrogen and methane production. The individual effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 days) at pH 7 or pH (5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7) at 3‐day HRT was investigated on the hydrogen production versus methanogenesis. It was found that at pH 7, the maximum hydrogen yield was 107 mL‐H2/g VSadded (volatile solid added) but no stable hydrogen production was obtained as after some time methanogenesis was initiated at all tested HRTs. This demonstrated that sludge retention time alone was not enough for washing out the methanogens at pH 7 under extreme‐thermophilic conditions. Oppositely, we showed that keeping the pH level at 5.5 was enough to inhibit methane and produce hydrogen stably at 3‐day HRT. However, the maximum stable hydrogen yield was low at 21 mL‐H2/g VSadded. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 1108–1114. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Medical biofilms
Authors: Bryers James D.
Published: February 2008

For more than two decades, Biotechnology and Bioengineering has documented research focused on natural and engineered microbial biofilms within aquatic and subterranean ecosystems, wastewater and waste‐gas treatment systems, marine vessels and structures, and industrial bioprocesses. Compared to suspended culture systems, intentionally engineered biofilms are heterogeneous reaction systems that can increase reactor productivity, system stability, and provide inherent cell:product separation. Unwanted biofilms can create enormous increases in fluid frictional resistances, unacceptable reductions in heat transfer efficiency, product contamination, enhanced material deterioration, and accelerated corrosion. Missing from B&B has been an equivalent research dialogue regarding the basic molecular microbiology, immunology, and biotechnological aspects of medical biofilms. Presented here are the current problems related to medical biofilms; current concepts of biofilm formation, persistence, and interactions with the host immune system; and emerging technologies for controlling medical biofilms. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 1–18. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation of 4‐(Azol‐1‐yl)butyric Acids by the Interaction of Azoles with γ‐Butyrolactone.
Authors: Alekseenko A. L. , Popkov S. V.
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.