bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tank‐based bioremediation of petroleum waste sludges
Authors: Castaldi Frank J. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPetroleum waste sludges are treated in a continuous flow multistage slurry bioreactor system that operates at relatively short residence times with minimal loss of volatile constituents. The paper presents data for both pilot‐ and commercial‐scale versions of the process applied to the treatment of petroleum industry wastes of the classifications primary separation sludge (F037), API separator sludge (K051), dissolved gas flotation float (K048), and slop‐oil emulsion solids (K049). The process is shown to meet the EPA Universal Treatment Standards (UTS). The pilot‐scale system treated petrochemical‐based tarry wastes that contained volatile and semi‐volatile petroleum hydrocarbons in combination with a variety of chlorinated compounds, including polychlorinated biphenyls.The commercial‐scale system included centrifugation to recover recyclable oil and reduce sludge volume; slurry‐phase biotreatment to degrade hazardous organic constituents and convert these to carbon dioxide, water, and less toxic intermediates; and, finally, dewatering of the residual, biotreated sludge before off‐site disposal. These petroleum waste sludges are initially treated to recover oil and generate solid cake at approximately 50 wt % moisture. The solids are slurried with active cultures of facultative anaerobic bacteria, and treated in tank‐based slurry bioreactors before being disposed of in a hazardous waste landfill.The process is shown to meet UTS criteria for volatile organics (i.e., benzene through xylenes); polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including naphthalene through benzo(a)pyrene; and phenolics. The most challenging treatment targets were the PAHs, which were present at concentrations significantly above the regulatory criteria. The higher molecular weight PAHs, including the four‐ring compounds of pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, and chrysene, were effectively treated at destruction efficiencies greater than 90%.
Biofiltration of concentrated mixtures of hydrogen sulfide and methanol
Authors: Sologar V. S. , Lu Zijin , Allen D. Grant 
Published: April 2004

AbstractTo date, little research has addressed biofiltration of volatile organic compound (VOC) and reduced sulfur compound (RSC) mixtures at the relatively high concentrations (0 to 450 ppmv) of interest to the pulp and paper industry. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of cotreatment on the biofiltration of air emissions containing mixtures of RSCs and VOCs, and to develop models of the processes. Experiments were conducted at various concentrations (16 s EBRT) using hydrogen sulfide as a model RSC (0–450 ppmv) and methanol as a model VOC (0–400 ppmv). Reaction‐limited and biofilm models showed that hydrogen sulfide degradation followed Monod kinetics, while methanol removal was first order. The maximum hydrogen sulfide removal rate observed during the first three months of operation was 144 g H2S/m3 bed/h. However, this declined to 85–95 g H2S/m3 bed/h in subsequent months. The methanol removal rate was 70–80% of the applied load (maximum 480 g methanol/m3 bed/h) for single component and mixture treatment. The results indicate that methanol and hydrogen sulfide removal in biofilters are independent and that co‐treatment is an attractive option.
Automating hierarchical environmentally‐conscious design using integrated software: VOC recovery case study
Authors: Chen Hui , Rogers Tony N. , Barna Bruce A. , Shonnard David R. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractTraditionally, chemical process design and optimization has mainly been based on economic considerations. Currently, the scope is being extended to include environmentally‐conscious process design (ECD). ECD will be facilitated by the emergence of integrated design methodologies and tools. The objectives of this paper are to present a hierarchical design methodology for environmentally‐conscious process design, and an integrated assessment and optimization software. An application for the recycle of VOCs from a gaseous waste stream is presented using this design methodology and software. Revenue increased and environmental impacts were reduced. The net present value for the optimum design is approximately $900,000, which is much higher than the base case design, −$2,498,200. A composite environmental index decreases from 1.19 × 10−4 in the base case to about 1.30 × 10−5 in the optimum case.This automated tool along with the embedded design methodology provides an effective and efficient way to perform environmentally‐conscious chemical process design and optimization.
The effect of dehydration history on PVA/PVP hydrogels for nucleus pulposus replacement
Authors: Thomas Jonathan , Gomes Kate , Lowman Anthony , Marcolongo Michele 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe feasibility of the use of a copolymer gel prepared from blends of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) for endoscopic replacement of the nucleus pulposus of a lumbar intervertebral disc was examined in this study. Hydrogels were processed with the use of three freeze/thaw cycles to induce crystallinity. As‐prepared samples were dehydrated to various levels: 70.4, 46.3, 25.1, and 10.3% of their as‐prepared masses and subsequently rehydrated. The dehydration history controlled the dimensions upon swelling and caused distortion of the material, with major distortion occurring when the hydrogel reached around 25% of the initial hydrated mass. The dehydration history affected the mechanical behavior of the rehydrated gels. Increased dehydration resulted in increased compressive modulus for the reswollen gels. Experiments were performed to investigate the formation of a skin layer that was found on the hydrogels during the dehydration process. The skin was found to dehydrate quickly and form a barrier to further dehydration from the core. Rubber elasticity theory was used to describe the differences in the network characteristics between the skin and the core of a drying hydrogel. The dehydration/rehydration process used in this study and an implantation of a cadaver model demonstrate the feasibility of endoscopic nucleus replacement. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 69B: 135–140, 2004
Bcl‐2 overexpression inhibits tetrachlorohydroquinone‐induced apoptosis in NIH3T3 cells: A possible mechanism for tumor promotion
Authors: Lin Yu‐Ping , Zhu Ben‐Zhan , Yang Ming‐Chen , Frei Balz , Pan Ming‐Hsiung , Lin Jen‐Kun , Wang Ying‐Jan 
Published: April 2004

AbstractTCHQ is a major carcinogenic metabolite of the widely used wood preservative PCP. Recently, we found that TCHQ was a promoter in a mouse skin carcinogenesis model. However, the mechanism is still not clear. In this study, we showed that overexpression of Bcl‐2 effectively suppressed TCHQ‐induced apoptosis in NIH3T3 cells, as evidenced by morphological changes and DNA fragmentation. Although production of ROS contributes to TCHQ‐induced apoptosis, Bcl‐2 failed to attenuate TCHQ‐elicited increase of intracellular ROS level. In addition, overexpressed Bcl‐2 provides only partial protection against TCHQ‐induced cellular DNA damage. We also found that TCHQ induced a change in mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and that caspase‐9 and subsequent caspase‐3 can be activated during TCHQ‐induced acute apoptosis. Interestingly, TCHQ induced a significant upregulation of Bcl‐2 expression, and over‐expressed Bcl‐2 can dramatically inhibit the change of mitochondria membrane potential and activation of both caspase‐9 and ‐3. Thus, our results suggest TCHQ‐induced tumor promotion may be through a mechanism of upregulation of Bcl‐2 protein and subsequent apoptosis inhibition. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional protein nanoarrays for biomarker profiling
Authors: Lynch Michael , Mosher Curtis , Huff Janice , Nettikadan Saju , Johnson James , Henderson Eric 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe use of microarrays for parallel screening of nucleic acid profiles has become an industry standard. Similar efforts for screening protein‐protein interactions are gaining momentum, however, they remain limited by the requirement for relatively large sample volumes. One strategy for overcoming this problem is to significantly decrease the size and consequently the sample volume of the protein interaction assay. We report here on our progress over the last two years in the construction of ultraminiaturized, functional protein capture assays. Each one micron spot in these array‐based assays covers less than 1/1000th of the surface area of a conventional microarray spot while still maintaining enough antibodies to provide a useful dynamic range. These nanoarray assays can be read by conventional optical fluorescence microscopy as well as by novel label‐free methods such as atomic force microscopy. The size reduction realized by functional protein nanoarrays also creates opportunities for novel applications including highly multiplexed single cell analysis and integration with microfluidics and other “lab‐on‐a‐chip” technologies.
A novel AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction‐based Hall sensor designed for low magnetic field measurements
Authors: Sghaier H. , Bouzaïene L. , Sfaxi L. , Maaref H. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA self‐consistent theoretical analysis, using both Schrödinger and Poisson equations, is made to investigate and propose novel Hall devices based on AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures. The novel heterostructures are designed and optimized with respect to the measurements of low magnetic field du to their high sensitivity. In this study we attempt to show that the electron mobility of the studied heterostructure may be enhanced without loss in interface electron concentration by both increasing the spacer thickness and by inserting a δ‐doping in a narrow quantum well within the AlGaAs barrier where the Al concentration in the well is less than in the barrier. Therefore, we predict a significant enhancement of device sensitivity to low magnetic field without compromise in noise performance. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Is immune‐mediated complete fetal atrioventricular block reversible by transplacental dexamethasone therapy?
Authors: Jaeggi E. T. , Silverman E. D. , Yoo S.‐J. , Kingdom J. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe report for the first time a fetal case with sustained regression from isolated complete to first‐degree heart block on transplacental treatment with high‐dose dexamethasone. Doppler echocardiography is an excellent diagnostic tool in the non‐invasive assessment of fetal atrioventricular conduction and its anomalies. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of free‐hand three‐dimensional echocardiography in the evaluation of fetal cardiac ejection fraction: a preliminary study
Authors: Esh‐Broder E. , Ushakov F. B. , Imbar T. , Yagel S. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of using free‐hand three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography to evaluate fetal cardiac function.Methods3D cardiac data were collected during screening examinations for 37 normal fetuses with gestational ages of between 16 and 26 weeks. Processing of the 3D volumes included separation of the end‐diastolic and end‐systolic slices, segmentation of right and left ventricles, measurement of end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes, and calculation of the ejection fraction (EF) for each ventricle. In 21 fetuses at 21–24 weeks, right and left ventricle volumes and EF were compared.ResultsTwenty‐five cases were appropriate for final statistical analysis. The volume of the ventricles increased with gestational age and estimated fetal weight. There was no significant trend in the difference between the volumes and EF of the right and left ventricles in the 21–24‐week subgroup. The mean right and left ventricular EF were 54 ± 11.2% and 57.5 ± 14.6%, respectively. The mean combined EF of ventricles during gestation was 55.1 ± 10.7% and seemed to remain constant during the gestational ages studied.Conclusions3D echocardiography can provide estimates of ventricular volume and function and may in future be used for evaluation of fetuses with congenital heart disease and cardiac dysfunction. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Di‐ and Trimercury Chlorogallates
Authors: Rosdahl Jan , Gorlov Mikhail , Fischer Andreas , Kloo Lars 
Published: April 2004

AbstractMercury(I) chloride reacts with gallium(III) chloride in benzene/1, 2‐dichlorobenzene solution to give the binuclear compound Hg2(GaCl4)2 (1). Reduction of mercury(I) chloride with mercury in gallium(III) chloride‐benzene mixture leads to the trinuclear compound Hg3(GaCl4)2 (2). The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction {Hg2(GaCl4)2: triclinic, P1¯, a = 645.21(3), b = 654.44(3), c = 927.17(7) pm, α = 83.526(2)°, β = 74.915(2)°, γ = 61.863(3)°; Hg3(GaCl4)2: monoclinic, P21/c, a = 715.79(1), b = 1501.59(4), c = 1421.43(4) pm, β = 98.9798(9)°}.
Sequence optimization as an alternative to de novo analysis of tandem mass spectrometry data
Authors: Heredia-Langner Alejandro , Cannon William R. , Jarman Kenneth D. , Jarman Kristin H. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Motivation: Peptide identification following tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is usually achieved by searching for the best match between the mass spectrum of an unidentified peptide and model spectra generated from peptides in a sequence database. This methodology will be successful only if the peptide under investigation belongs to an available database. Our objective is to develop and test the performance of a heuristic optimization algorithm capable of dealing with some features commonly found in actual MS/MS spectra that tend to stop simpler deterministic solution approaches.
Results: We present the implementation of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) in the reconstruction of amino acid sequences using only spectral features, discuss some of the problems associated with this approach and compare its performance to a de novo sequencing method. The GA can potentially overcome some of the most problematic aspects associated with de novo analysis of real MS/MS data such as missing or unclearly defined peaks and may prove to be a valuable tool in the proteomics field. We assess the performance of our algorithm under conditions of perfect spectral information, in situations where key spectral features are missing, and using real MS/MS spectral data.
Solution structures of the C‐terminal headpiece subdomains of human villin and advillin, evaluation of headpiece F‐actin‐binding requirements
Authors: Vermeulen Wim , Vanhaesebrouck Peter , Van Troys Marleen , Verschueren Mieke , Fant Franky , Goethals Marc , Ampe Christophe , Martins José C. , Borremans Frans A.M. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractHeadpiece (HP) is a 76‐residue F‐actin‐binding module at the C terminus of many cytoskeletal proteins. Its 35‐residue C‐terminal subdomain is one of the smallest known motifs capable of autonomously adopting a stable, folded structure in the absence of any disulfide bridges, metal ligands, or unnatural amino acids. We report the three‐dimensional solution structures of the C‐terminal headpiece subdomains of human villin (HVcHP) and human advillin (HAcHP), determined by two‐dimensional 1H‐NMR. They represent the second and third structures of such C‐terminal headpiece subdomains to be elucidated so far. A comparison with the structure of the chicken villin C‐terminal subdomain reveals a high structural conservation. Both C‐terminal subdomains bind specifically to F‐actin. Mutagenesis is used to demonstrate the involvement of Trp 64 in the F‐actin‐binding surface. The latter residue is part of a conserved structural feature, in which the surface‐exposed indole ring is stacked on the proline and lysine side chain embedded in a PXWK sequence motif. On the basis of the structural and mutational data concerning Trp 64 reported here, the results of a cysteine‐scanning mutagenesis study of full headpiece, and a phage display mutational study of the 69–74 fragment, we propose a modification of the model, elaborated by Vardar and coworkers, for the binding of headpiece to F‐actin.
Effectiveness of Exercise versus Normal Activity on Acute Low Back Pain: An Integrative Synthesis and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: McLain Kathy , Powers Catherine , Thayer Penny , Seymour Rosalee J. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract(1) There are a variety of protocols used to treat acute low back pain in adults. Therapies currently prescribed include bed rest, normal activity, and exercise therapy. The effectiveness of each of these treatments is controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of exercise therapy with normal activity in the treatment of employed adults with acute low back pain through an integrative synthesis and meta‐analysis of published research. The integrative synthesis and meta‐ analytical results support the hypothesis that employed adults diagnosed with acute low back pain will have fewer number of days absent from work after exercise therapy when compared to number of days absent from work after normal activity. This study's weighted P is 0.0000003109. The weighted effect size D is 0.4785 and this is a strong effect of exercise on number of days absent from work. This study concluded that exercise therapy should be prescribed for the treatment of adults with acute low back pain to expedite recovery. The results of this study allow the health care provider to confidently prescribe exercise therapy for acute low back pain. This study can be used to support exercise therapy as an evidence based care protocol for health care providers.
Smoking Relapse During Postpartum
Authors: Zimmer Barbara A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPurpose(1) While many women quit smoking when learning of their pregnancy, the majority relapses within one year of giving birth (Fingerhut, Kleinman, & Kendrick, 1990 [6]). This paper provides an integrative review of studies that assess the contributing factors to maternal smoking relapse within the first year of giving birth. The framework for this review is the relapse prevention model, which seeks to uncover the contributing factors, or high‐risk situations, that lead to relapse (Marlatt, 1985 [13]). Additionally, this paper examines existing practice interventions aimed at reducing postpartum relapse and provides recommendations for best practice.Conclusions(2) Research evidence to date shows that two main factors are associated with smoking relapse among postpartum women: (1) their association with other smokers and (2) their choosing not to breastfeed.(3) Since maternal smoking results in poor health outcomes for both mothers and children, relapse prevention is a health issue worthy of examination. Nurses can use this information in planning, implementing, and evaluating smoking prevention and cessation programs for pregnant and postpartum women.
A Success Story: President of Four-Generation Family Business Talks About Strategy, “Giving Back,” and Gubernatorial Aspirations
Authors: Karofsky Paul I. 
Published: April 2004

Steve Grossman, Democratic candidate for governor of Massachusetts in 2002, is president of MassEnvelopePlus in Somerville, MA, a full-service printing and graphic design firm started by his grandfather in 1910 and now a fourth-generation family business. He is also founder and president of Givenation.com, which helps nonprofit organizations raise funds online. Steve has played a prominent role in both national and state politics, most recently as national chairman of the Democratic National Committee, which he helped revitalize from 1997 to 1999, president and chairman of the Board of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee from 1992 to 1996, and chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party from 1991 to 1992. A strong believer in grassroots politics, he remains an active member of the Ward 7 Newton Democratic City Committee. He was also a leader of many philanthropic, civic, and cultural organizations over the years.
Attenuated poxviruses generate clinically relevant frequencies of CMV-specific T cells
Authors: Wang Zhongde , La Rosa Corinna , Mekhoubad Shahram , Lacey Simon F. , Villacres Maria C. , Markel Susan , Longmate Jeff , Ellenhorn Joshua D. I. , Siliciano Robert F. , Buck Christopher , Britt William J. , Diamond Don J. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractImmunotherapeutic approaches to limit cytomegalovirus (CMV) morbidity and mortality after hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTs) are currently under investigation as alternatives to antiviral drugs. In this context, we have inserted full-length and ubiquitin-modified CMV phosphoprotein 65 (pp65), phosphoprotein 150 (pp150), and immediate early protein 1 (IE1) immunodominant antigens into the virulent Western Reserve strain of vaccinia virus (VV) and the highly attenuated strain, modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA). Recombinant (r) VV or rMVA stimulated vigorous expansion of CMV-specific CD8+ T cells in CMV-positive donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which showed minimal alloreactivity and high levels of HLA tetramer binding, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity. Ubiquitinated antigens had a profound effect when expressed in VV. Single antigen rMVA expressing pp65 or IE1, either ubiquitin-modified or native, stimulated both cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) populations to be expanded up to 500-fold in a 60-mL blood draw from the same donor. This result demonstrates the clinical feasibility of simultaneously amplifying multiple CMV-CTL populations. Transgenic HLA A2.1 (HHD II) mice, immunized with the same rMVA as used with human PBMCs, produced a robust cytotoxic response to both CMV pp65 and IE1. The specificity of the vigorous immunologic response to rMVA, both in vitro and in vivo, makes them candidates for clinical evaluation in the context of adoptive immunotherapy for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients or donor vaccination.
Novel follicular dendritic cell molecule, 8D6, collaborates with CD44 in supporting lymphomagenesis by a Burkitt lymphoma cell line, L3055
Authors: Li Li , Yoon Sun-Ok , Fu Dan-Dan , Zhang Xin , Choi Yong Sung 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe lymphoid follicle is a specialized microenvironment for the differentiation of antigen (Ag)–activated B cells; the major stromal cell components in lymphoid follicle are the follicular dendritic cells (FDCs). At the same time, most of the B-cell lymphomas originate from the germinal center, and the generation and blast transformation of B-cell lymphoma occurs in close association with FDCs in the early stage of tumorigenesis. To study the functional roles of FDCs in lymphomagenesis, we established an inducible tumor model. The human B-cell lymphoma cell line, L3055, formed solid tumors only when inoculated with an FDC line, HK. In addition, 2 FDC-signaling molecules (FDC-SMs), a novel protein 8D6 and 4G10/CD44, are required for tumor formation in vivo, because monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to these 2 proteins inhibited lymphomagenesis completely when they were inoculated with L3055 and HK cells. However, these 2 FDC-SMs have distinct functional roles in tumor formation. FDC-SM-8D6 enhances L3055 cell proliferation, whereas FDC-SM-4G10/CD44 inhibits its apoptosis. Identification of the functional roles of these critical FDC-SMs may lead to the discovery of therapeutic drugs that suppress the survival and growth of lymphoma cells.