bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CONTROLLING AND MONITORING ANAEROBIC DIGESTERS FED WITH THERMALLY HYDROLYSED SLUDGE
Authors: Potts L. G. A. , Jolly M. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTA sludge treatment centre has been constructed at Nigg sewage‐treatment works, Aberdeen to receive sewage sludge from a number of plants in the area. The sludge is treated to the USEPA Class A standard in a thermal‐hydrolysis plant in which it is heated to 165°C for 30 mins in batch reactors. The hydrolysed sludge, which contains 10–12% dry solids, is then pumped to an anaerobic digestion plant where the temperature is maintained at 39°C for a minimum of 15 days.The commissioning and testing of the anaerobic digesters was different to those which are fed with untreated sludge, and the approach is outlined. The paper discusses (a) the digestion parameters which were monitored during start‐up, (b) the performance of the digesters throughout the commissioning and testing period, and (c) the quality of the dewatered sludge.
DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE OF SEPARATORS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HIGHWAY DRAINAGE
Authors: Muhammad N. , Wheatley A. D. , Anderson A. R. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTLaboratory work to improve the performance of storm‐water separators, to meet new Environment Agency and European standards, is described in this paper. Residence‐time distribution testing, using particulate and dissolved tracers, was used to study the hydraulics of separation. Oil‐separation efficiency and head‐loss analysis was used to develop additional final coalescing filters to reduce oil concentrations in the discharge to less than 5 mg/l. Field tests found lower oil, but greater metal, concentrations in runoff compared with those previously reported. It is suggested that improved separators could provide part of a multi‐barrier design to improve the sustainability of removal of priority pollutants in highway runoff.
THE INCREASING EFFECTS OF ZEBRA MUSSELS ON WATER INSTALLATIONS IN ENGLAND
Authors: Elliott Paul , Aldridge David. C. , Moggridge Geoff D. , Chipps Michael 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, is a major biofouling pest of water treatment works, irrigation systems and power stations in Europe and North America. This paper documents current problems associated with zebra mussels in English waterworks. Questionnaires and manual surveys conducted between 2001 and 2003 have revealed that over 30 water treatment works in England suffer problems associated with zebra mussels. Hundreds of tonnes of mussels are being removed each year from raw water intakes, pipelines and reservoirs. Problems have increased in. the last five years, due to a spread in the range of zebra mussels around England and the cessation of chemical treatment at the intakes of many treatment facilities during the 1990s. The importance of taking control of zebra mussels into account in planning new water supply schemes is highlighted.
ASSESSMENT OF THE APPLICATION OF TREATED WASTEWATER AND SEWAGE SLUDGE IN PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURE: A CASE STUDY FROM NORTHERN JORDAN
Authors: Hussein I.A.J. , Abu‐Sharar T. M. , Mrayyan B. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTWith the rapid expansion of development in Jordan, more water resources are being consumed and, consequently, incremental quantities of wastewater and sewage sludge are being generated from wastewater treatment plants. These quantities will end up in streams, open ponds or one of the other environmental media, which can cause adverse impacts on human health and the environment. In the mean while, a country like Jordan faces a remarkable shortage of fresh water resources and poor soil. The best way to mitigate the adverse impacts and compensate the water budget and enrich the poor soil is through the proper utilization and management of treated wastewater and sewage sludge in the agricultural sector. One of the main obstacles to this is public rejection of this solution, largely due to lack of information.The purpose of this paper was to examine the acceptability to the Jordanian farmers of the utilization of reclaimed wastewater and treated sewage sludge in their irrigation activities. The scope of this study considered two potential areas at the northern part of the country, where a representative sample of local farmers were interviewed. The results were very encouraging and positive signs of acceptability were shown at all levels. These results were analyzed and documented and the recommendations are developed at the end of this paper.
A sensitive retroviral pseudotype assay for influenza H5N1‐neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Temperton Nigel J. , Hoschler Katja , Major Diane , Nicolson Carolyn , Manvell Ruth , Hien Vo Minh , Ha Do Quang , De Jong Menno , Zambon Maria , Takeuchi Yasuhiro , Weiss Robin A. 
Published: July 2007

Background  The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended the development of simple, safe, sensitive and specific neutralization assays for avian influenza antibodies. We have used retroviral pseudotypes bearing influenza H5 hemagglutinin (HA) as safe, surrogate viruses for influenza neutralization assays which can be carried out at Biosafety Level 2.Results  Using our assay, sera from patients who had recovered from infection with influenza H5N1, and sera from animals experimentally immunized or infected with H5 tested positive for the presence of neutralizing antibodies to H5N1. Pseudotype neutralizing antibody titers were compared with titers obtained by hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assays and microneutralization (MN) assays using live virus, and showed a high degree of correlation, sensitivity and specificity.Conclusions  The pseudotype neutralization assay is as sensitive as horse erythrocyte HI and MN for the detection of antibodies to H5N1. It is safer, and can be applied in a high‐throughput format for human and animal surveillance and for the evaluation of vaccines.
Influence of Hepatitis B Virus X and Core Promoter Mutations on Hepatocellular Carcinoma among Patients Infected with Subgenotype C2
Authors: Shinkai Noboru , Tanaka Yasuhito , Ito Kiyoaki , Mukaide Motokazu , Hasegawa Izumi , Asahina Yasuhiro , Izumi Namiki , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Orito Etsuro , Joh Takashi , Mizokami Masashi 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes/subgenotypes and their related mutations in the HBV genome have been reported to be associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To determine the HCC-associated mutations of the HBV genome in the entire X, core promoter, and precore/core regions, a cross-sectional control study was conducted comparing 80 Japanese patients infected with HBV C2 and suffering from HCC with 80 age-, sex-, and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status-matched patients without HCC (non-HCC group). Each HBeAg-positive group (31 with HCC; 29 without HCC) and HBeAg-negative group (49 with HCC; 51 without HCC) was also matched with respect to age and sex. The C1479, T1485, H1499, A1613, T1653, V1753, T1762/A1764, and A1896 mutations were frequent in this population. The prevalences of the T1653 mutation in the box α region and the V1753 and T1762/A1764 mutations in the basal core promoter region were significantly higher in the HCC group than in the non-HCC group (56% versus 30%, 50% versus 24%, and 91% versus 73% [
P
= 0.0013,
P
= 0.0010, and
P
= 0.0035, respectively]). The platelet count was significantly lower for the HCC group than for the non-HCC group (10.7 × 10
4
± 5.1 × 10
4
versus 17.3 × 10
4
± 5.1 × 10
4
platelets/mm
3
[
P
< 0.0001]). Regardless of HBeAg status, the prevalence of the T1653 mutation was higher in the HCC group (52% versus 24% [
P
= 0.036] for HBeAg-positive patients and 59% versus 33% [
P
= 0.029] for HBeAg-negative patients). In the multivariate analysis, the presence of T1653, the presence of V1753, and a platelet count of ≤10 × 10
4
/mm
3
were independent predictive factors for HCC (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals], 4.37 [1.53 to 12.48], 7.98 [2.54 to 25.10], and 24.39 [8.11 to 73.33], respectively). Regardless of HBeAg status, the T1653 mutation increases the risk of HCC in Japanese patients with HBV/C2.
Nasal
Staphylococcus aureus
Carriage Is Not a Risk Factor for Lower-Airway Infection in Young Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Ridder-Schaphorn Sabine , Ratjen Felix , Dübbers Angelika , Häberle Johannes , Falk Sabine , Küster Peter , Schuster Antje , Mellies Uwe , Löwe Brigitte , Reintjes Ralf , Peters Georg , Kahl Barbara C. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is one of the first pathogens which often persistently infect the airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Nasal
S. aureus
carriage is a risk factor for
S. aureus
infections in non-CF patients. Topical treatment strategies successfully eradicate nasal
S. aureus
carriage, thereby decreasing
S. aureus
infection. A prospective longitudinal multicenter study was conducted to assess whether nasal carriage represents a risk factor for
S. aureus
colonization of the oropharynx in young CF patients. Cross-sectional analysis revealed a significantly higher prevalence of
S. aureus
-positive nasal (28/80 [35%] versus 20/109 [18%];
P
< 0.01) and oropharyngeal (35/80 [44%] versus 20/109 [18%];
P
< 0.001) cultures in children with CF compared to a control group. The first site of
S. aureus
detection was the nose in 6 patients and the oropharynx in 14 patients, respectively. Longitudinal analysis demonstrated a significantly higher
S. aureus
prevalence (61/62 [98%] versus 47/62 [76%];
P
< 0.001) and persistence (46/62 [74%] versus 31/62 [50%];
P
< 0.01) in the oropharynx than in the nose. In CF patients, the oropharynx, and not the nose, was the predominant site of
S. aureus
infection and persistence. Hence, it is unlikely that CF patients will benefit from topical treatment strategies to eradicate nasal carriage.
Prion Protein Expression Differences in Microglia and Astroglia Influence Scrapie-Induced Neurodegeneration in the Retina and Brain of Transgenic Mice
Authors: Kercher Lisa , Favara Cynthia , Striebel James F. , LaCasse Rachel , Chesebro Bruce 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTActivated microglia and astroglia are known to be involved in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including prion diseases. In the present experiments, we studied activation of astroglia and microglia after intraocular scrapie infection in transgenic mice expressing prion protein (PrP) in multiple cell types (tg7 mice) or in neurons only (tgNSE mice). In this model, scrapie infection and protease-resistant PrP deposition occurs in the retinas of both strains of mice, but retinal degeneration is observed only in tg7 mice. Our results showed that the retinas of tg7 and tgNSE mice both had astroglial activation with increased chemokine expression during the course of infection. However, only tg7 retinas exhibited strong microglial activation compared to tgNSE retinas, which showed little microglial activation by biochemical or morphological criteria. Therefore, microglial PrP expression might be required for scrapie-induced retinal microglial activation and damage. Furthermore, microglial activation preceded retinal neurodegeneration in tg7 mice, suggesting that activated microglia might contribute to the degenerative process, rather than being a response to the damage. Surprisingly, brain differed from retina in that an altered profile of microglial activation markers was upregulated, and the profiles in the two mouse strains were indistinguishable. Microglial activation in the brain was associated with severe brain vacuolation and neurodegeneration, leading to death. Thus, retinal and brain microglia appeared to differ in their requirements for activation, suggesting that different activation pathways occur in the two tissues.
Mechanistic Insights into the Cure of Prion Disease by Novel Antiprion Compounds
Authors: Webb Sarah , Lekishvili Tamuna , Loeschner Corinna , Sellarajah Shane , Prelli Frances , Wisniewski Thomas , Gilbert Ian H. , Brown David R. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTPrion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders. Identification of possible therapeutic tools is important in the search for a potential treatment for these diseases. Congo red is an azo dye that has been used for many years to detect abnormal prion protein in the brains of diseased patients or animals. Congo red has little therapeutic potential for the treatment of these diseases due to toxicity and poor permeation of the blood-brain barrier. We have prepared two Congo red derivatives, designed without these liabilities, with potent activity in cellular models of prion disease. One of these compounds cured cells of the transmissible agent. The mechanism of action of these compounds is possibly multifactorial. The high affinity of Congo red derivatives, including compounds that are ineffective and are effective at the cure of prion disease, for abnormally folded prion protein suggests that the amyloidophylic property of these derivatives is not as critical to the mechanism of action as other effects. Congo red derivatives that are effective at the cure of prion disease increased the degradation of abnormal PrP by the proteasome. Therefore, the principal mechanism of action of the Congo red analogues was to prevent inhibition of proteasomal activity by PrPSc.
Co-axial horizontal stretching within extending orogens: the exhumation of HP rocks on Syros (Cyclades) revisited
Authors: Bond Clare E. , Butler Robert W. H. , Dixon John E. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Although the role of extensional tectonics in the exhumation of high-pressure metamorphic terranes is widely established, the kinematics of such deformation remains ambiguous. This paper outlines new field data from the Attic-Cycladic blueschist belt that suggest that distributed ductile strain plays a significant role in the extension and that, consequently, the role of major detachment faults may have been over-emphasized in previous studies. The high-pressure blueschist terrane (Ermoupolis Unit) of Syros shows abundant evidence of subhorizontal extension, manifest as layer boudinage and ductile thinning without the development of significant internal detachments. The deformation approximates to pure shear stretching that was heterogeneously distributed in space and time. Minor zones of asymmetric shear are interpreted not as through-going extensional shear zones but as structures that maintain compatibility between zones of differential stretching. The progression of deformation is charted through the systematic development of increasingly lower-pressure metamorphic assemblages. However, most of the decompression (potentially from 20 kbar to 6 kbar) occurred within the blueschist stability field, as the rocks were actively extending. Heterogeneous retrogression and concomitant deformation are believed to relate to the local chemistry and availability of hydrous fluids.
Strike-slip deformation within the Colombian Andes
Authors: Acosta Jorge , Velandia Francisco , Osorio Jairo , Lonergan Lidia , Mora Héctor 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe Colombian Andes are characterized by a dominant NE structural trend, which is offset by ENE-trending right-lateral and NW-trending left-lateral structures. NE-trending faults are either dip-slip or oblique thrusts, generated as a result of a trans-pressive regime active since at least Palaeogene times. NW-trending faults are considered to be reactivated pre-Cretaceous extensional structures. Right-lateral shear on ENE-trending faults has resulted from oblique convergence between the Nazca Plate and the Northern Andes. Major changes in the geometry of the oblique-plate convergence between the Nazca and South American plates have generated the northward ‘escape’ of the Northern Andes and stress-strain partitioning within the mountain belt. These strike-slip structures have exerted important controls on sedimentation, source-rock distribution, fluid flow and ore mineralization during Cenozoic times. The interpretation of the Northern Andes as a mountain belt affected by strike-slip deformation provides a structural context in which to reassess the exploration plays.
The role of major fault zones in controlling the geometry and spatial organization of structures in the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt
Authors: Sepehr M. , Cosgrove J. W. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The present-day morphology of the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt is dominated by magnificent exposures of NW-SE-trending folds. This mountain belt is also characterized by a series of belt-parallel and belt-oblique (transfer) fault zones. Not all the fault zones have a clear exposure at the surface because of the presence of thick incompetent overlying sedimentary successions, but they can be identified from a study of the present-day seismicity of the belt and by the spatial organization of the overlying folds. The folds are not often cross-cut by the faults but plunge towards, or are deflected and end against, these blind transfer fault zones. As a result, shortening is accommodated by different fold trains on either side of the fault. This decoupling in turn causes the step-like offset of the major, belt-parallel thrust zones and the related topographic elements. These offsets occur on all scales, from regional (e.g. across the Kazerun and Izeh fault zones) to local. These transfer faults-lateral ramps may be influenced by pre-existing structures or by facies boundaries, which in particular influenced the Zagros Basin in the Cretaceous. In addition to controlling sedimentation and the compartmentalization of deformation, these fault zones also act as paths of fluid migration, as indicated by the present-day concentration of oil seepages and thermal or sulphur springs.
Prisoners' Right to Vote in Hong Kong: A Human Rights Perspective
Authors: Chui Wing Hong 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAccording to Article 26 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, permanent residents shall have the right to vote and the right to stand for election in accordance with the law. In the eyes of the public, voting is a fundamental right of democracy and promotes citizen participation in choosing the people to represent them in the political system. It is true to say that, 'an inclusive democracy values all of its citizens' (Right to Vote, 2005). However, does every citizen who is above 18 years old have the right to vote in Hong Kong? While prisoners are deprived the right to vote in Hong Kong, other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Europe, and Canada currently practise criminal disenfranchisement in more limited ways. To fill the gap, this paper aims to examine whether laws should be reviewed and amended to remove the barrier to voting faced by the prisoner in Hong Kong. It argues that Hong Kong should grant the right of prisoners to vote through examining relevant laws and several landmark court cases.
Mineralogical controls on the distribution of trace elements in metasomatized peridotite enclaves from Planany, Czech Republic
Authors: Owen J. V. , Dostal J. , Fisera M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSmall (m-scale) peridotite enclaves at Planany (central Czech Republic) are separated from their gneissic host rocks by a narrow (cm-scale) reaction rim comprising an inner, tremolite + phlogopite zone and an outer, essentially monomineralic phlogopite zone. Both retain an Mg# very similar to that of the peridotite (Mg# = 81), but relative to this reference frame, show large increases in LILE (K, Rb, Ba) and radionuclides (U, Th). On a smaller scale, however, there has been a mineralogically-controlled decoupling of various components, particularly among the HFSE and REE, the former favouring the phlogopite-rich outer layer of the reaction rim, the latter the amphibole-rich inner zone. Taken together, however, the reaction zones preserve key compositional features of their inferred protolith.
Somatic hypermutation of SOCS1 in lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma is accompanied by high JAK2 expression and activation of STAT6
Authors: Mottok Anja , Renné Christoph , Willenbrock Klaus , Hansmann Martin-Leo , Bräuninger Andreas 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Aberrant activities of JAK/STAT signaling pathways have been observed in several hematologic malignancies. Here, we show high expression of JAK2 in the tumor cells of lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma in 85% of cases and activation of JAK2 in 39% of cases. STAT6, which is a target of JAK2, was activated in 50% of the cases. SOCS1 controls JAK2 activity and degradation. Mutations in SOCS1 of either somatic or germ-line origin were observed in micromanipulated tumor cells of 50% of cases. Most mutations truncated SOCS1 or caused replacement of amino acids in functional important regions. Activating mutations in exon 12 of JAK2, which are frequent in myeloproliferative diseases, were not observed. In lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma SOCS1 function may thus be frequently impaired by mutations, and this may contribute to high JAK2 expression and activation of the JAK2/STAT6 pathway.
Experience with inhaled iloprost and bosentan in portopulmonary hypertension
Authors: Hoeper M. M. , Seyfarth H. J. , Hoeffken G. , Wirtz H. , Spiekerkoetter E. , Pletz M. W. , Welte T. , Halank M. 
Published: July 2007

Novel treatments, such as prostanoids or endothelin receptor antagonists, have been introduced for various forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, but the long-term effects of these treatments on portopulmonary hypertension (PPHT) are unknown.In a retrospective analysis, the present authors assessed the safety and efficacy of inhaled iloprost, a prostacyclin analogue, and bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, in patients with PPHT. In total, 31 consecutive patients with Child class A or B cirrhosis and severe PPHT were treated for up to 3 yrs with either inhaled iloprost (n = 13) or bosentan (n = 18), and the effects on exercise capacity, haemodynamics and survival were evaluated.In the iloprost group, the survival rates at 1, 2 and 3 yrs were 77, 62 and 46%, respectively. In the bosentan group, the respective survival rates were 94, 89 and 89%. Event-free survival rates,i.e.survival without transplantation, right heart failure or clinical worsening requiring the introduction of a new treatment for pulmonary hypertension, was also significantly better in the bosentan group. Bosentan had significantly better effects than inhaled iloprost on exercise capacity, as determined by the 6-min walk test, as well as on haemodynamics. Both treatments proved to be safe, especially in regards of liver function.In the present series of patients with well-preserved liver function and severe portopulmonary hypertension, treatment with both inhaled iloprost and bosentan appeared to be safe. Patients treated with bosentan had higher survival rates, but prospective controlled studies are required to confirm these findings.