bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Potential for Re-Use of Preservative-Treated Utility Poles Removed From Service
Authors: Cooper Paul , Ung Tony , Aucoin Jean-Paul , Timusk Chris 
Published: July 2007

This study investigates the feasibility of re-using or recycling utility poles or parts of poles for solid wood products. Four hundred and fifty-six poles or pole sections, removed from service in Ontario and Quebec, Canada, were characterized by age, wood species, preservative type, residual preservative, dimensions and condition. Based on this characterization, the potential for re-use as round poles or posts, sawn posts, timber, lumber and cedar roof shingles was evaluated. About 8% of the poles can be re-used without reprocessing, 15% of the pole volume can be used for cedar shingles, and about 35% of the pole volume can be converted to sawn products based on the selected hierarchy of preferred uses. Most of the poles removed from service had been treated with pentachlorophenol. The average levels of treatment decreased with age of the poles and approached the toxic threshold retentions in 25-year-old (or older) poles. For older poles (>35 years), creosote was the predominant treatment. Creosote levels were about 50% of the assumed levels when fresh treated. Creosote extracted from these poles contained fewer polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon components than "new" creosote. The poles treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) retained high levels of preservative, even after many years in service. Used poles can be sawn into lumber of a good grade (#2 and better) using a small portable bandsaw. Special sawdust handling and disposal provisions must be made if this use is to be adopted. Treated poles with depleted reserves of creosote or pentachlorophenol could be re-treated with CCA or creosote preservatives to acceptable retentions. The quality of re-treatment was as good or better than that observed with new wood, and the re-treatment should ensure several decades of protection for guide-rail posts and other high decay hazard applications.
Use of Shredded Tires as Lightweight Backfill Material for Retaining Structures
Authors: Cecich Vanessa , Gonzales Linda , Hoisaeter Ase , Williams Joanne , Reddy Krishna 
Published: July 2007

Each year in the United States, approximately 242 million automobile, truck and specialty tires are discarded. Almost 78% of these scrap tires wind up in overcrowded landfills, and thousands more are strewn across the country's empty lots, highways and illegal tire dumps. Used tires pose both a serious public health and an environmental threat. Therefore, economically feasible alternatives for scrap tire disposal must be found. Some of the current uses of scrap tires are tire-derived fuel, barrier reefs, and crumb rubber as an asphalt additive. However, all of the recycling, re-use and recovery practices combined only consume about 22% of the discarded tires. Thus, a need still exists for the development of additional uses for scrap tires. This paper addresses one potential use of scrap tires within the civil engineering field. Specifically, the feasibility of using shredded tires as a lightweight backfill material for retaining walls has been investigated. In this study, laboratory tests were first performed to determine the engineering properties of shredded tires. Based on sieve analyses, the shredded tires used for this study can be classified as uniformly graded material. The unit weight of shredded tires was found to range from 35 to 38 lbs ft-3 (pcf), and the hydraulic conductivity was determined to be 0.03 cm s-1. The values of shear strength parameters, cohesion and angle of internal friction, were determined to be 147 lbs ft-2 (psf) and 27 degrees, respectively. Using these properties, retaining walls of various heights were then designed using shredded tires as the backfill material. Retaining walls were also designed using conventional sand as the backfill material for comparison purposes. When comparing the overall cost for the retaining wall using shredded tires with the retaining wall using sand, a substantial cost saving was realised by the use of shredded tires. An increase in the factor of safety was also a result of using shredded tires instead of sand as backfill. The results of this study indicate that shredded tires have a definite potential to be used as a backfill material for retaining structures.
Bio-Aerosol Exposure During Collection of Mixed Domestic Waste—an Intervention Study On Compactor Truck Design
Authors: Breum N.O. , Nielsen B.H. , Møller Nielsen E. , Poulsen O.M. 
Published: July 2007

During collection of domestic waste in compactor trucks the waste collectors may be exposed to bio-aerosols. The purpose of this study was to elucidate to what extent an air pollution control system, composed of an air exhaust system mounted behind a plastic lamella curtain covering the scoop of a compactor truck, can reduce the exposure. Personal sampling of airborne contaminants were obtained from two crews collecting mixed domestic waste in containers using either a standard compactor truck or a compactor truck with the air pollution control system. Exposures were reduced when the waste was collected in the compactor truck with air pollution control as compared with the standard compactor: total dust reduction approximately two-fold (α = 3%); endotoxin reduction approximately two-fold (α = 10%); total microorganisms reduction approximately six-fold (α = 9%); viable bacteria reduction approximately three-fold (α =15%); and viable fungi reduction approximately four-fold (α = 1%). It is concluded that exposure to bio-aerosols during waste collection in compactor trucks can be reduced by mounting an air exhaust equipment behind a plastic lamella curtain covering the scoop of the compactor. © 1996 ISWA
Management Strategies for Oil and Grease Residues
Authors: Stoll Uwe , Gupta Hani 
Published: July 2007

The fate of organic oil and fat (i.e. "grease", defined as plant oils/animal fats) from restaurants and other commercial kitchens, is probably one of the most forgotten, yet critical issues in waste management, especially in developing countries. Even in cosmopolitan areas like Bangkok (Thailand), oil and grease are either released into the sewer lines, or are collected manually after separation in grease traps and open dumped with solid waste. An investigation was made to assess the quantity and characteristics of oil and grease released from commercial kitchens in Bangkok. Based on the results obtained, a holistic management strategy for these residues was developed. The recommendations for oil and grease management were laid down into three options, depending upon the size of the catering establishment, which affects the collection system, and the treatment, re-use and disposal alternatives. The major steps involved in the management scheme are separation and concentration of grease residues in central receiving treatment containers (CRTCs) at a central wastewater treatment plant (CWTP), anaerobic treatment for by-product recovery, and re-use in industrial applications. For the final disposal of concentrated oil and grease residues and the remaining sludge from anaerobic treatment, priority is given to incineration, together with sewage sludge or solid waste. It is shown that the treatment and disposal of these residues can be integrated into sewage sludge disposal schemes including incineration and anaerobic digestion. Landfill disposal was identified as an intermediate solution, preferably after stabilization. © 1997 ISWA
Changes to the North East Regional - Local Dynamic: New Forms of Governance from Traditional Public Sector Structures?
Authors: Cockerill Tony , Liddle Joyce , Southern Alan 
Published: July 2007

Recent moves towards devolution and decentralisation in the UK have produced a mixture of outcomes. The independence achieved in Wales and Scotland combines two very different approaches while the regional issue in Northern Ireland is a central component of the peace process. In the English regions the workings of the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) now receive less attention although they are regarded as having a substantive role in supporting the social and economic wellbeing of the regions. Even at this macro-level there appear to be problems of fit' between good regional intentions enshrined in Regional Economic Strategies (RES) and more local implementation. By looking at the North East case, the authors argue that changes to the regional - local dynamic are necessary to the restructuring of the social and economic landscape of the region. This means that new competencies are needed to support the forms of regional governance that are taking shape; a process that is far from finally determined. The authors show that there is still much to be done in terms of setting up new sub-regional partnerships which will carry great responsibility for ensuring that the objectives of the RES are met. The authors point out that these competencies are based on existing and emergent social relations that are in part grounded in traditional public sector structures. As this regional-local dynamic unfolds the authors claim that here is a story at its beginning rather than near its finale.
Combined Research - Curriculum Development in Smart Structures
Authors: Koval Leslie R. , Rao Vittal S. , Kern Frank J. 
Published: July 2007

The field of smart structures is one of several areas of engineering where knowledge, which has been heretofore compartmentalized in several different engineering disciplines, must be integrated into a functional unit because the application crosses disciplinary boundaries. A successful understanding of the concept of a smart structure depends on an in-depth appreciation of how the fields of mechanics of materials, mechanical vibrations, structural analysis, and system modeling and control interact when applied to the analysis and design of a structural system that will contain built-in sensors, control and diagnostic components. At the University of Missouri-Rolla, an interdisciplinary curriculum is being developed under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation. The primary objective of the present effort is to integrate research results with curriculum development in the cross-disciplinary area of smart structures for the benefit of students in Electrical, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Engineering Mechanics. We are in the process of developing a two-course sequence integrated with a multidisciplinary laboratory in smart structures. Both courses are team taught with one instructor from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and one from Electrical Engineering. We wish to share the experience in teaching multidisciplinary courses in smart structures.
Dynamic Power and Energy Capabilities of Commercially-Available Electro-Active Induced-Strain Actuators
Authors: Giurgiutiu Victor , Rogers Craig A. 
Published: July 2007

A method has been developed to predict the apparent material constants, the input and output power and energy, and the electro-mechanical energy conversion efficiency of electro-active induced-strain actuators under full-stroke, quasi-linear dynamic operation. The effect of the piezo-electric counter electro-motive force on the apparent input admittance is included. The non-symmetric expansion-retraction behavior of the electro-active material under full-stroke dynamic operation is symmetrized using a bias-voltage component and a superposed dynamic voltage amplitude that produce, in the actuator, a static position and a dynamic stroke amplitude, respectively. It is shown that the presence of the bias-voltage operation increases significantly the reactive power amplitude, and a simple formula for estimating this increase is provided. Reaction power values up to three times larger than those for unbiased operation were found. The secant linearization method and vendor data were used to evaluate the full-stroke piezoelectric strain coefficient, d, elastic compliance, s, electrical permittivity, ∈, and electro-mechanical coupling coefficient, x, of the electro-active actuator. Consistency with the basic active-material values was checked, and correction of the actuator full-stroke electro-mechanical coupling coefficient was applied, when required. Maximum power and energy delivery under optimal dynamic conditions (dynamic stiffness match) was studied, and the dynamic energy output capability of several commercially-available actuators were computed. Output energy densities per unit volume, mass, and cost were also calculated. The best electro-mechanical conversion efficiency, which was shown to take place at stiffness ratios slightly different from the dynamic stiffness match, was also computed.
Characterization and expression patterns of let-7 microRNA in the silkworm (Bombyx mori)
Authors: Liu Shiping , Xia Qingyou , Zhao Ping , Cheng Tingcai , Hong Kaili , Xiang Zhonghuai 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background

lin-4 and let-7, the two founding members of heterochronic microRNA genes, are firstly confirmed in Caenorhabditis elegans to control the proper timing of developmental programs in a heterochronic pathway. let-7 has been thought to trigger the onset of adulthood across animal phyla. Ecdysone and Broad-Complex are required for the temporal expression of let-7 in Drosophila melanogaster. For a better understanding of the conservation and functions of let-7, we seek to explore how it is expressed in the silkworm (Bombyx mori).

Results
One member of let-7 family has been identified in silkworm computationally and experimentally. All known members of this family share the same nucleotides at ten positions within the mature sequences. Sequence logo and phylogenetic tree show that they are not only conserved but diversify to some extent among some species. The bmo-let-7 was very lowly expressed in ova harvested from newborn unmated female adult and in individuals from the first molt to the early third instar, highly expressed after the third molt, and the most abundant expression was observed after mounting, particularly after pupation. The expression levels were higher at the end of each instar and at the beginning of each molt than at other periods, coinciding with the pulse of ecdysone and BR-C as a whole. Using cultured ovary cell line, BmN-SWU1, we examined the effect of altered ecdysone levels on bmo-let-7 expression. The expression was also detected in various tissues of day 3 of the fifth instar and of from day 7 of the fifth to pupa, suggesting a wide distributing pattern with various signal intensities.

Conclusion

bmo-let-7 is stage- and tissue-specifically expressed in the silkworm. Although no signals were detected during embryonic development and first larval instar stages, the expression of bmo-let-7 was observed from the first molt, suggesting that it might also function at early larval stage of the silkworm. The detailed expression profiles in the whole life cycle and cultured cell line of silkworm showed a clear association with ecdysone pulse and a variety of biological processes.
TrED: the Trichophyton rubrum Expression Database
Authors: Yang Jian , Chen Lihong , Wang Lingling , Zhang Wenliang , Liu Tao , Jin Qi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundTrichophyton rubrumis the most common dermatophyte species and the most frequent cause of fungal skin infections in humans worldwide. It's a major concern because feet and nail infections caused by this organism is extremely difficult to cure. A large set of expression data including expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and transcriptional profiles of this important fungal pathogen are now available. Careful analysis of these data can give valuable information about potential virulence factors, antigens and novel metabolic pathways. We intend to create an integrated database TrED to facilitate the study of dermatophytes, and enhance the development of effective diagnostic and treatment strategies.DescriptionAll publicly available ESTs and expression profiles ofT. rubrumduring conidial germination in time-course experiments and challenged with antifungal agents are deposited in the database. In addition, comparative genomics hybridization results of 22 dermatophytic fungi strains from three genera,Trichophyton,MicrosporumandEpidermophyton, are also included. ESTs are clustered and assembled to elongate the sequence length and abate redundancy. TrED provides functional analysis based on GenBank, Pfam, and KOG databases, along with KEGG pathway and GO vocabulary. It is integrated with a suite of custom web-based tools that facilitate querying and retrieving various EST properties, visualization and comparison of transcriptional profiles, and sequence-similarity searching by BLAST.ConclusionTrED is built upon a relational database, with a web interface offering analytic functions, to provide integrated access to various expression data ofT. rubrumand comparative results of dermatophytes. It is devoted to be a comprehensive resource and platform to assist functional genomic studies in dermatophytes. TrED is available from URL:http://www.mgc.ac.cn/TrED/.
Genomic organization of duplicated major histocompatibility complex class I regions in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Lukacs Morten F , Harstad Håvard , Grimholt Unni , Beetz-Sargent Marianne , Cooper Glenn A , Reid Linda , Bakke Hege G , Phillips Ruth B , Miller Kristina M , Davidson William S , Koop Ben F 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundWe have previously identified associations between major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and resistance towards bacterial and viral pathogens in Atlantic salmon. To evaluate if only MHC or also closely linked genes contributed to the observed resistance we ventured into sequencing of the duplicated MHC class I regions of Atlantic salmon.ResultsNine BACs covering more than 500 kb of the two duplicated MHC class I regions of Atlantic salmon were sequenced and the gene organizations characterized. Both regions contained the proteasome components PSMB8, PSMB9, PSMB9-like and PSMB10 in addition to the transporter for antigen processing TAP2, as well as genes for KIFC1, ZBTB22, DAXX, TAPBP, BRD2, COL11A2, RXRB and SLC39A7. The IA region contained the recently reported MHC class ISasa-ULAlocus residing approximately 50 kb upstream of the majorSasa-UBAlocus. The duplicated class IB region contained an MHC class I locus resembling the rainbow troutUCAlocus, but although transcribed it was a pseudogene. No other MHC class I-like genes were detected in the two duplicated regions. Two allelic BACs spanning theUBAlocus had 99.2% identity over 125 kb, while the IA region showed 82.5% identity over 136 kb to the IB region. The Atlantic salmon IB region had an insert of 220 kb in comparison to the IA region containing three chitin synthase genes.ConclusionWe have characterized the gene organization of more than 500 kb of the two duplicated MHC class I regions in Atlantic salmon. Although Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout are closely related, the gene organization of their IB region has undergone extensive gene rearrangements. The Atlantic salmon has only one class IUCApseudogene in the IB region while trout contains the four MHCUCA,UDA,UEAandUFAclass I loci. The large differences in gene content and most likely function of the salmon and trout class IB region clearly argues that sequencing of salmon will not necessarily provide information relevant for trout and vice versa.
Favorable prognostic value of SOCS2 and IGF-I in breast cancer
Authors: Haffner Michael C , Petridou Barbara , Peyrat Jean Phillipe , Révillion Françoise , Müller-Holzner Elisabeth , Daxenbichler Günter , Marth Christian , Doppler Wolfgang 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background
Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins comprise a protein family, which has initially been described as STAT induced inhibitors of the Jak/Stat pathway. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that SOCS proteins are also implicated in cancer. The STAT5 induced IGF-I acts as an endocrine and para/autocrine growth and differentiation factor in mammary gland development. Whereas high levels of circulating IGF-I have been associated with increased cancer risk, the role of autocrine acting IGF-I is less clear. The present study is aimed to elucidate the clinicopathological features associated with SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, CIS and IGF-I expression in breast cancer.

Methods
We determined the mRNA expression levels of SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, CIS and IGF-I in 89 primary breast cancers by reverse transcriptase PCR. SOCS2 protein expression was further evaluated by immuno-blot and immunohistochemistry.

Results
SOCS2 expression inversely correlated with histopathological grade and ER positive tumors exhibited higher SOCS2 levels. Patients with high SOCS2 expression lived significantly longer (108.7 vs. 77.7 months; P = 0.015) and high SOCS2 expression proved to be an independent predictor for good prognosis (HR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.23 – 0.91, P = 0.026). In analogy to SOCS2, high IGF-I expression was an independent predictor for good prognosis in the entire patient cohort. In the subgroup of patients with lymph-node negative disease, high IGF-I was a strong predictor for favorable outcome in terms of overall survival and relapse free survival (HR = 0.075, 95% CI 0.014 – 0.388, P = 0.002).

Conclusion
This is the first report on the favorable prognostic value of high SOCS2 expression in primary mammary carcinomas. Furthermore a strong association of high IGF-I expression levels with good prognosis was observed especially in lymph-node negative patients. Our results suggest that high expression of the STAT5 target genes SOCS2 and IGF-I is a feature of differentiated and less malignant tumors.
PI3K activation is associated with intracellular sodium/iodide symporter protein expression in breast cancer
Authors: Knostman Katherine AB , McCubrey James A , Morrison Carl D , Zhang Zhaoxia , Capen Charles C , Jhiang Sissy M 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background
The sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) is a membrane glycoprotein mediating active iodide uptake in the thyroid gland and is the molecular basis for radioiodide imaging and therapeutic ablation of thyroid carcinomas. NIS is expressed in the lactating mammary gland and in many human breast tumors, raising interest in similar use for diagnosis and treatment. However, few human breast tumors have clinically evident iodide uptake ability. We previously identified PI3K signaling as important in NIS upregulation in transgenic mouse models of breast cancer, and the PI3K pathway is commonly activated in human breast cancer.

Methods
NIS expression, subcellular localization, and function were analyzed in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and MCF-7 cells stably or transiently expressing PI3K p110alpha subunit using Western blot of whole cell lysate, cell surface biotinylation Western blot and immunofluorescence, and radioiodide uptake assay, respectively. NIS localization was determined in a human breast cancer tissue microarray using immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and was correlated with pre-existing pAkt IHC data. Statistical analysis consisted of Student's t-test (in vitro studies) or Fisher's Exact Test (in vivo correlational studies).

Results
In this study, we demonstrate that PI3K activation in MCF-7 human mammary carcinoma cells leads to expression of underglycosylated NIS lacking cell surface trafficking necessary for iodide uptake ability. PI3K activation also appears to interfere with cell surface trafficking of exogenous NIS as well as all-trans retinoic acid-induced endogenous NIS. A correlation between NIS expression and upregulation of PI3K signaling was found in a human breast cancer tissue microarray.

Conclusion
Thus, the PI3K pathway likely plays a major role in the discordance between NIS expression and iodide uptake in breast cancer patients. Further study is warranted to realize the application of NIS-mediated radioiodide ablation in breast cancer.