bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Techno-economic evaluation of stillage treatment with anaerobic digestion in a softwood-to-ethanol process
Authors: Barta Zsolt , Reczey Kati , Zacchi Guido 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
Replacing the energy-intensive evaporation of stillage by anaerobic digestion is one way of decreasing the energy demand of the lignocellulosic biomass to the ethanol process. The biogas can be upgraded and sold as transportation fuel, injected directly into the gas grid or be incinerated on-site for combined heat and power generation. A techno-economic evaluation of the spruce-to-ethanol process, based on SO2-catalysed steam pretreatment followed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, has been performed using the commercial flow-sheeting program Aspen Plus™. Various process configurations of anaerobic digestion of the stillage, with different combinations of co-products, have been evaluated in terms of energy efficiency and ethanol production cost versus the reference case of evaporation.

Results
Anaerobic digestion of the stillage showed a significantly higher overall energy efficiency (87-92%), based on the lower heating values, than the reference case (81%). Although the amount of ethanol produced was the same in all scenarios, the production cost varied between 4.00 and 5.27 Swedish kronor per litre (0.38-0.50 euro/L), including the reference case.

Conclusions
Higher energy efficiency options did not necessarily result in lower ethanol production costs. Anaerobic digestion of the stillage with biogas upgrading was demonstrated to be a favourable option for both energy efficiency and ethanol production cost. The difference in the production cost of ethanol between using the whole stillage or only the liquid fraction in anaerobic digestion was negligible for the combination of co-products including upgraded biogas, electricity and district heat.
A comprehensive fate map by intracellular injection of identified blastomeres in the marine polychaete Capitella teleta
Authors: Meyer Néva P , Boyle Michael J , Martindale Mark Q , Seaver Elaine C 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
The polychaete annelid Capitella teleta (formerly Capitella sp. I) develops by spiral cleavage and has been the focus of several recent developmental studies aided by a fully sequenced genome. Fate mapping in polychaetes has lagged behind other spiralian taxa, because of technical limitations.

Results
To generate a modern fate map for C. teleta, we injected 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3'3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) into individual identified blastomeres through fourth-quartet micromere formation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy at single-cell resolution was used to characterize blastomere fates during larval stages. Our results corroborate previous observations from classic studies, and show a number of similarities with other spiralian fate maps, including unique and stereotypic fates for individual blastomeres, presence of four discrete body domains arising from the A, B, C and D cell quadrants, generation of anterior ectoderm from first quartet micromeres, and contributions to trunk ectoderm and ventral nerve cord by the 2d somatoblast. Of particular interest are several instances in which the C. teleta fate map deviates from other spiralian fate maps. For example, we identified four to seven distinct origins of mesoderm, all ectomesodermal. In addition, the left and right mesodermal bands arise from 3d and 3c, respectively, whereas 4d generates a small number of trunk muscle cells, the primordial germ cells and the anus. We identified a complex set of blastomere contributions to the posterior gut in C. teleta, which establishes the most complete map of posterior gut territories to date.

Conclusions
Our detailed cellular descriptions reveal previously underappreciated complexity in the ontogenetic contributions to several spiralian larval tissues, including the mesoderm, nervous system and gut. The formation of the mesodermal bands by 3c and 3d is in stark contrast to other spiralians, in which 4d generates the mesodermal bands. The results of this study provide a framework for future phylogenetic comparisons and functional analyses of cell-fate specification.
A New Technique for Driven Piles Instrumentation
Authors: Ali Faisal H. , Lee S. K. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Currently, strain gauges are normally used to monitor the strain development in the pile during static pile load test. For concrete spun pile, the technique used either by incorporating high temperature-resistant strain gauges into the heat-cured production process of the spun piles or by installing an instrumented steel pipe into the hollow core of the spun piles followed by cement grout infilling. The former is extremely unpopular due to high cost of these gauges and the uncertainty over their ability to survive the pile production and driving processes. The shortcoming of the other technique is the infilling of cement grout substantially alters the structural properties of the piles, thus, rendering their load-response behaviour significantly different from that of the actual working piles. This paper highlights the application of a method, recently developed by the authors, which uses retrieval sensors instead of strain gauges which have to be sacrificed in every test. The method is particularly useful to monitor loads and displacements at various levels along the pile shaft and toe of instrumented piles. Results of field tests show high quality, reliable, and consistent data, clearly far exceeding the capability of both conventional methods of using strain gauges.
Application of New Solid Polymeric Dispersant, Easy-Sperse® P-20 (Spray-Dried Polymer Composites) in Suspension Concentrates and Water Dispersible Granule Formulations—Improvement in Suspensibility and Rain-fastnesss
Authors: Zhang W. , Qu X. , Jon D. , Patel J. , Narayanan K. S. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Easy-Sperse® P-20 [ES P-20] is a synergistic, spray-dried composite of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and partially neutralized methyl vinyl ether maleic acid butyl/ethyl half ester polymer. In this work, ES P-20 was used as an additive in water-based suspension concentrate (SC) and water dispersible granule (WDG) for improving the suspensibility and rain-fastness performance of those samples. SC samples with 40 % Diuron, 30 % Isoproturon, and 40 % Imidacloprid were prepared. The suspensibility, rain-fastness, viscosity, pH, heat-aged stability, and particle size distribution were measured and compared. Our data showed that the use of ES P-20 could improve the SC suspensibility. The majority of the samples tested reached&gt;70 % suspensibility at 0.2 %, 0.5 %, and 1 % active ingredients after dilution with water and after 4 h standing at room temperature. For some samples, the suspensibility was found to be&gt;90 %, while the formulations without ES P-20 showed a suspensibility of &lt;50 % in most cases. After adding ES P-20, the SC sample with 40 % Diuron also demonstrated better rain-fastness. This indicates that ES P-20 can enhance water resistance during water rinsing. WDG samples with 90 % Atrazine, 80 % Diuron, and 75 % Nicosulfuron were also made successfully using ES P-20 as one of the polymeric dispersants via a laboratory basket extruder. Performance data including friability/hardness, disintegration, wetting time, and suspensibility were evaluated. The data provided illustrate the advantage of using ES P-20 for improving the suspensibility in water. In conclusion, ES P-20 shows synergy with anionic dispersants in dispersing AIs. It also improves heat-aged stability and reduces settling of the AI with time. The formulations with ES P-20 showed increased resistance to water wash in our laboratory tests. The results demonstrated that ES P-20 can be used effectively in formulating zero volatile organic compound compositions like SC and WDG.
Advanced Zirconium Alloy for PWR Application
Authors: Garde A. M. , Comstock R. J. , Pan G. , Baranwal R. , Hallstadius L. , Cook T. , Carrera F. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Westinghouse is evaluating several advanced zirconium-based alloys, designated collectively as AXIOM™, to achieve improved performance for more demanding fuel management schemes. There are five candidate AXIOM alloys currently being evaluated by Westinghouse. The in–pressurized water reactor (PWR) performance of one candidate alloy, X5A, is reviewed in this paper. The irradiation performance of X5A (previously identified as Alloy A) cladding that was fabricated using high-temperature processing (HTP) was published in 2002. Since then, the fabrication process of X5A was optimized by the use of a low-temperature process (LTP). Cladding tubes with the improved processing have been irradiated in two commercial PWRs (PWR A and PWR B) and in two test reactors (Test Reactor C and Test Reactor D). The irradiation performance of both versions (HTP X5A and LTP X5A) is reviewed in this paper with a primary emphasis on the current LTP cladding. After achieving an intermediate burnup in the range of 48–54 GWd/Metric Ton of Uranium (MTU) in PWR A, the average maximum oxide layer thickness for LTP X5A was about 23 μm or about 27 % lower than the oxide thickness on ZIRLO® clad fuel rods. In addition, the fuel rod axial growth strain for LTP X5A was about 50 % of ZIRLO rod growth. Lead fuel rod irradiation of LTP X5A in PWR B with burnup in the range of 47–53 GWd/MTU showed about 30 % lower corrosion relative to ZIRLO rods and a 7 % lower axial rod growth strain than ZIRLO. An irradiation experiment in Test Reactor C was designed to study breakaway irradiation growth (in the absence of waterside oxidation) of several alloys. LTP X5A cladding showed a growth strain of about 20 % that of ZIRLO cladding at a fluence of 16×1025n/m2. In Test Reactor D, at a burnup of about 44 GWd/MTU, HTP X5A had the same oxide thickness as ZIRLO. However, the post-irradiation hydrogen pick-up was 35 % lower for HTP X5A compared to ZIRLO. In addition to the irradiation experience, the supplemental out-reactor autoclave evaluation of X5A welds indicates adequate weld corrosion resistance. While additional in-PWR exposures are required along with post-irradiation examination, the results to date demonstrate that X5A is a promising alloy for future PWR application.
Correlation between leptin level and hypertension in normal and obese pre- and postmenopausal women
Authors: Khokhar Kawaljit Kaur , Sidhu Sharda , Kaur Gurcharan 
Published: September 2010

ObjectiveThe present study was aimed at evaluating the correlation between leptin and hypertension in normal and obese hypertensive pre- (Pre-M) and postmenopausal (Post-M) women of Jalandhar city (Punjab, India).DesignFor the present study, 78 Pre-M and Post-M women were recruited in four categories as follows: i) normal normotensive, ii) obese normotensive, iii) normal hypertensive, and iv) obese hypertensive. Body mass index was considered as the index of obesity. Guidelines given by JNC-VII were followed for the assessment of hypertension. Leptin was assayed by sandwich ELISA, and estradiol (E2) was assayed by competitive ELISA.ResultsLeptin level was found to be significantly higher in normal Pre-M women (P<0.02) than that of normal Post-M women. Obese subjects had significantly higher leptin level (P<0.001) than the normal women. In the case of hypertensive subjects, leptin level was significantly higher than that of normotensive counterparts. E2level was found significantly lower in Post-M women (P<0.001) than that of Pre-M women as well as in hypertensive women than that of normotensive subjects. A positive correlation was observed between blood pressure (BP) and leptin, but significant association was observed in hypertensive normal and obese Pre-M and Post-M women only.ConclusionIt is concluded from the present findings that leptin contributes to the regulation of BP in hypertensive normal as well as in the obese Pre-M and Post-M women. So, leptin may be a regulator of BP in hypertensive women independent of the degree of obesity and the menopausal status.
Weight gain by hyperalimentation elevates C-reactive protein levels but does not affect circulating levels of adiponectin or resistin in healthy subjects
Authors: Åstrand Olov , Carlsson Martin , Nilsson Ingela , Lindström Torbjörn , Borga Magnus , Nystrom Fredrik H , _ _ 
Published: September 2010

ObjectiveIncrease of resistin and/or reduction of adiponectin have been implicated in the development of insulin resistance following weight gain. We aimed to study this prospectively in humans.DesignProspective and interventional with parallel control group.MethodsTwelve healthy men and six healthy women (age 26±6.6 years) and an age-matched control group were recruited. Subjects in the intervention group aimed for a bodyweight increase of 5–15% by doubling the baseline caloric intake by eating at least two fast food-based meals a day in combination with adoption of a sedentary lifestyle for 4 weeks.ResultsBodyweight increased from 67.6±9.1 to 74.0±11 kg,P<0.001, by the intervention. Insulin levels increased (before: 27.4±12 pmol/l, after: 53.0±22 pmol/l,P=0.004), while plasma levels of adiponectin (before: 5038±3736 ng/ml, after: 6739±7949 ng/ml,P=0.18) and resistin (before: 21.8±19 ng/ml, after: 14.4±6.8 ng/ml,P=0.074) remained unchanged by the weight gain and were similar as in controls. On the other hand, leptin levels increased about threefold following the intervention (before: 5.7±7.4, after: 16±20 ng/ml,P=0.008), and also the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) increased from 0.34±0.44 to 0.71±0.87 mg/l,P=0.03, when two outliers >10 mg/l were disregarded.ConclusionsHyperalimentation reduces insulin sensitivity when weight gain of 9% was combined with reduction of exercise. However, the levels of resistin and adiponectin were unaffected by the intervention, while CRP levels increased within this short time period suggesting that low-grade inflammation can occur early in the process of developing a metabolic syndrome.
Evolution of the Drosophila Feminizing Switch Gene Sex-lethal
Authors: Cline Thomas W , Dorsett Maia , Sun Sha , Harrison Melissa M , Dines Jessica , Sefton Louise , Megna Lisa 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
In Drosophila melanogaster, the gene Sex-lethal (Sxl) controls all aspects of female development. Since melanogaster males lacking Sxl appear wild type, Sxl would seem to be functionally female specific. Nevertheless, in insects as diverse as honeybees and houseflies, Sxl seems not to determine sex or to be functionally female specific. Here we describe three lines of work that address the questions of how, when, and even whether the ancestor of melanogaster Sxl ever shed its non-female-specific functions. First, to test the hypothesis that the birth of Sxl's closest paralog allowed Sxl to lose essential ancestral non-female-specific functions, we determined the CG3056 null phenotype. That phenotype failed to support this hypothesis. Second, to define when Sxl might have lost ancestral non-female-specific functions, we isolated and characterized Sxl mutations in D. virilis, a species distant from melanogaster and notable for the large amount of Sxl protein expression in males. We found no change in Sxl regulation or functioning in the 40+ MY since these two species diverged. Finally, we discovered conserved non-sex-specific Sxl mRNAs containing a previously unknown, potentially translation-initiating exon, and we identified a conserved open reading frame starting in Sxl male-specific exon 3. We conclude that Drosophila Sxl may appear functionally female specific not because it lost non-female-specific functions, but because those functions are nonessential in the laboratory. The potential evolutionary relevance of these nonessential functions is discussed.
Efficacy and Safety of Adjunctive Local Moxifloxacin Delivery in the Treatment of Periodontitis
Authors: Flemmig Thomas F. , Petersilka Gregor , Völp Andreas , Gravemeier Martina , Zilly Martin , Mross Daniela , Prior Karola , Yamamoto Julie , Beikler Thomas 
Published: September 2010

Background: Moxifloxacin exerts excellent antibacterial activity against most putative periodontal pathogens and has been shown to kill bacteria in biofilm and host cells.Methods: Patients with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned to receive a single subgingival application of a 0.125%, 0.4%, or 1.25% moxifloxacin gel or placebo gel immediately after full‐mouth scaling and root planing (SRP). Clinical efficacy measurements were assessed in sites with baseline probing depth (PD) of ≥5.4 mm at 6 weeks and 3 months and any adverse events were determined. In addition, putative periodontal pathogens and resistance of subgingival bacteria against moxifloxacin were assessed.Results: Data of 57 patients were included in the statistical analysis. In all treatment groups, the PD decreased from baseline to 3 months, with the greatest reduction seen in patients treated with moxifloxacin 0.4% (1.5 ± 0.6 mm; P = 0.023 compared to placebo), followed by patients receiving moxifloxacin 1.25% (1.2 ± 0.4), moxifloxacin 0.125% (1.1 ± 1.1), and placebo (1.0 ± 0.6). No linear trend for PD reduction with increasing moxifloxacin concentrations was found. Porphyromonas gingivalis showed the greatest reduction in prevalence among the assessed pathogens, without any significant intergroup differences. No correlation or systematic relationship between adverse events, including bacterial resistance against moxifloxacin, and the investigational gels was found.Conclusions: In periodontal pockets with PD of ≥5.4 mm, a single subgingival administration of a 0.4% moxifloxacin gel as an adjunct to SRP may result in additional PD reduction compared to SRP alone. In addition, the investigated moxifloxacin gels seem to be safe.
Differential Cytokine Patterns in Mouse Macrophages and Gingival Fibroblasts After Stimulation With Porphyromonas gingivalis or Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Jones Katy J. , Ekhlassi Sanaz , Montufar‐Solis Dina , Klein John R. , Schaefer Jeremy S. 
Published: September 2010

Background: A major cause of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease is Porphyromonas gingivalis, a non‐motile, Gram‐negative, rod‐shaped, anaerobic bacterium. Within gingival tissue, both macrophages and fibroblasts participate in the immune response to foreign entities by releasing cytokines and expressing molecules to recruit and activate lymphocytes. However, the contribution of gingival macrophages and fibroblasts to the immune response to P. gingivalis infection is not fully known.Methods: The AMJ2‐C8 cell line (AM cells), a mouse alveolar macrophage cell line, and ESK‐1 cells, a mouse gingival fibroblast cell line made in our laboratory, were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from either P. gingivalis or Escherichia coli. The expression of immune response molecules was quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunoassay.Results: AM and ESK‐1 cells responded differently to P. gingivalis and E. coli LPS stimulation. The ESK‐1 gingival fibroblast cell line was more responsive to E. coli LPS stimulation as seen by elevated levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, inducible nitric oxide, and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 expression relative to stimulation by P. gingivalis LPS. Conversely, the AM macrophage cell line was more responsive to P. gingivalis LPS stimulation, particularly for interleukin IL‐1β, IL‐6, and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, relative to stimulation by E. coli LPS.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that E. coli LPS induces a stronger cytokine and chemokine response in gingival fibroblasts, whereas P. gingivalis LPS induces a stronger response in macrophages.
Mobile and Fixed-Bearing (All-Polyethylene Tibial Component) Total Knee Arthroplasty Designs
Authors: Luna Jeffrey T. , Sembrano Jonathan N. , Gioe Terence J. 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND:
Proponents of mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty believe that it has potential advantages over a fixed-bearing design in terms of diminished wear and improved motion and/or function, but these advantages have not been demonstrated in a randomized clinical comparison to our knowledge. We conducted a patient-blinded, prospective, randomized clinical trial to compare mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing cruciate-substituting total knee arthroplasties of the same design.

METHODS:
Patients between the ages of sixty and eighty-five years were prospectively randomized to receive a cruciate-substituting rotating-platform design or a fixed-bearing design with an all-polyethylene tibial component. There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics (mean age, 72.2 years; mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score, 2.7; mean body mass index, 31.8 kg/m2) or preoperative clinical or radiographic measures between the groups. Routine clinical and radiographic follow-up measures included the Knee Society score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) outcome measures.

RESULTS:
The results of 312 arthroplasties (136 with an all-polyethylene tibial component and 176 rotating-platform designs) in 273 patients were analyzed at a minimum of two years (mean, forty-two months) postoperatively. Although there was significant improvement in both groups, there was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the mean postoperative range of motion (110.9° and 109.1°, respectively; p = 0.21), the mean KSS clinical score (90.4 and 88.2 points; p = 0.168), or the mean KSS pain score (44.9 and 43.1 points; p = 0.108) at this follow-up point. There were ten revisions: seven because of infection, one because of patellar fracture, one because of instability, and one because of aseptic loosening.

CONCLUSIONS:
The two designs functioned equivalently at the time of early follow-up in this low-to-moderate-demand patient group. The rotating-platform design had no significant clinical advantage over the design with the all-polyethylene tibial component.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

ORIGINAL ABSTRACT CITATION:
“Mobile and Fixed-Bearing (All Polyethylene Tibial Component) Total Knee Arthroplasty Designs. A Prospective Randomized Trial” (2009;91:2104-12).