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Washing
Kinds of Washing Terms modified by Washing Selected AbstractsUse of episcopic differential interference contrast microscopy to identify bacterial biofilms on salad leaves and track colonization by Salmonella ThompsonENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008J. C. Warner Summary Zoonotic pathogens such as Salmonella can cause gastrointestinal illness if they are ingested with food. Foods such as salads pose a greater risk because they are consumed raw and have been the source of major outbreaks of disease from fresh produce. The novel light microscopy methods used in this study allow detailed, high resolution imaging of the leaf surface environment (the phyllosphere) and allow pathogen tracking. Episcopic differential interference contrast microscopy coupled with epifluorescence was used to view the natural microflora in situ on salad leaves and their topographical distribution. Fluorescent nucleic acid staining was used to differentiate between bacterial colonists and inorganic debris. Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson expressing green fluorescent protein was inoculated onto individual spinach leaves for 24 h at 22°C in order to observe spatial and temporal patterning of colonization on the two surfaces of each leaf under different osmotic conditions. The results obtained show that salad leaves are host to high numbers of bacteria, typically 105 per square millimetre. Cells are present in complex three-dimensional aggregations which often have a slimy appearance, suggesting the presence of biofilms. Washing of the leaves had little effect on the number of adherent pathogens, suggesting very strong attachment. Episcopic differential interference contrast microscopy is a rapid alternative to both scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy for visualizing leaf topography and biofilm formation in the natural state. [source] Increase in the fracture toughness and bond energy of clay by a root exudateEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008B. Zhang Summary Root exudates help drive the formation of the rhizosphere by binding soil particles, but the underlying physical mechanisms have not been quantified. This was addressed by measuring the impact of a major component of root exudates, polygalacturonic acid (PGA), on the interparticle bond energy and fracture toughness of clay. Pure kaolinite was mixed with 0, 1.2, 2.4, 4.9 or 12.2 g PGA kg,1 to form test specimens. Half of the specimens were washed repeatedly to remove unbound PGA and evaluate the persistence of the effects, similar to weathering in natural soils. Fracture toughness, KIC, increased exponentially with added PGA, with washing increasing this trend. In unwashed specimens KIC ranged from 54.3 ± 2.5 kPa m,1/2 for 0 g PGA kg,1 to 86.9 ± 4.7 kPa m,1/2 for 12.2 g PGA kg,1. Washing increased KIC to 61.3 ± 1.2 kPa m,1/2 for 0 g PGA kg,1 and 132.1 ± 4.9 kPa m,1/2 for 12.2 g PGA kg,1. The apparent bond energy, ,, of the fracture surface increased from 5.9 ± 0.6 J m,2 for 0 g kg,1 to 12.0 ± 1.1 J m,2 for 12.2 g kg,1 PGA in the unwashed specimens. The washed specimens had , of 13.0 ± 1.9 J m,2 for 0 g kg,1 and 21.3 ± 2.6 J m,2 for 12.2 g PGA kg,1. Thus PGA, a major component of root exudates, has a large impact on the fracture toughness and bond energy of clay, and is likely to be a major determinant in the formation of the rhizosphere. This quantification of the thermodynamics of fracture will be useful for modelling rhizosphere formation and stability. [source] Flammability studies of sodium thiosulphate or metabisulphite impregnated wood using cone calorimeterFIRE AND MATERIALS, Issue 2 2007imkovic Abstract Spruce wood boards impregnated with Na2S2O3 or Na2S2O5 were studied with the cone calorimeter. The presence of Na2S2O3 lowered the average heat release rate in comparison to untreated material. The total amounts of CO and CO2 production were reduced by the treatment and also the specific extinction area and mass loss rate decreased. Washing of the salt from the material with water caused partial loss of the properties. Addition of the second impregnation step using acids (HCOOH, H3BO3 or H3PO4) resulted in the fixation of the sulphur in wood, but gave not the results of single-step modification for thiosulphate. With Na2S2O5 and without acid, the CO and time-to-ignition values were higher and average heat release rate smaller in comparison to unmodified material. Combined one step Na2S2O5/H3BO3 treatment lowered the CO, CO2 and specific extinction area values in comparison to the modification with Na2S2O5, similarly like it was observed for Na2S2O3/H3BO3 two-step-treatment. According to time-to-ignition values, Na2S2O5 alone at 5% addition is a better flame retardant than Na2S2O3 at 7%, but the effect is diminished at 10% amount or presence of acids. The total smoke release curves showed decrease due to modification in both phases of the process. Introduction of water washing as well as the acid treatment further lowered the values. The best results were achieved with 15% Na2S2O3,2% H3PO4,H2O system. According to the total smoke release curve the specimen produced more than five times smaller amount of smoke than untreated material in the first phase of the process. It seams that the concentration of Na2S2O5 is less affecting the properties than the synergistic effect of the Na2S2O3 or Na2S2O5/H3BO3 system. Although the level of smoke is low, the presence of elemental sulphur causes smaller times-to-ignition than on starting material. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effect of washing with citric acid and antioxidants on the colour and microbiological quality of whole mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus L.)INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2009Ana Simón Summary The effect of washing with citric acid followed by anti-browning treatment involving rinsing with sodium d -isoascorbate or sodium l -ascorbate on the colour, microbiological quality and bacterial blotch of whole mushrooms when stored at 5 °C for up to 13 days at 80% RH was evaluated. Washing with 1% citric acid reduced Pseudomonas counts avoiding bacterial blotch, but caused an important deterioration of colour. When washing with citric acid was followed by an anti-browning treatment, mushrooms colour was improved, at the same time as bacterial blotch was reduced, although the decrease of Pseudomonas counts was smaller than in mushrooms washed only with citric acid. The most effective treatment was washing with 1% citric acid followed by anti-browning treatment with 1.5% sodium l -ascorbate. [source] Dyeability improvement of polyester pretreated with some alkoxidesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008A. Bendak Abstract The influence of some alkoxides in alcoholic media, having various dielectric constants, on the physical and mechanical properties was thoroughly studied in a previous work to attain silk-like polyester fibers. In this investigation, the dyeability behavior of this silk-like polyester is tried. Both immersion and padding techniques are applied in the treatment. The dyeability of the pretreated polyester fabric with disperse dyes shows some progressive improvements with lowering the dyeing temperature and/or decreasing the time of dyeing attained. Ethoxide is found to be more effective in enhancing the dyeability of polyester fabric than either methoxide or propoxide. Dyeing of the pretreated polyester fabric at the boil without using carriers or conducting high temperature/high pressure dyeing is also possible. Washing and crocking fastness are relatively enhanced. Physicochemical investigations of the dyeing process and a mathematical analysis for evenness are given. A decrease in the half dyeing time and an increase in the rate of dyeing of the pretreated polyester as compared with the untreated one are noticed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] IODINE-FORTIFIED RICE AND ITS ABSORPTIONJOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2009VANNA TULYATHAN ABSTRACT Iodine deficiency remains a major health problem in many parts of Thailand with over 50% of the population lacking sufficient iodine in their diet. Since rice is the main staple for Thai people with rice consumed in one form or another in almost every meal, enrichment of rice with iodine offers an effective way to remedy this deficiency of iodine. The present paper investigates the enrichment of iodine in milled rice seeds using flour gel coating technique. Milled rice (Klong-laung 1 variety) was coated with iodine-enriched flour gel (rice : gel = 100:5 w/w) by mixing at 40 rpm and drying to less than 13% moisture. Washing or cooking of the iodine-enriched rice resulted in about 99% and 94% retention of original iodine, respectively. Sensory properties of the cooked rice were acceptable and almost comparable to non-iodine rice. When the iodine-fortified rice was fed to healthy male and female subjects, significant excretion of iodine in the urine was found. PRACTICAL APPLICATION A common form of rice consumed widely among Thai people (also popular in Laos and Cambodia) is a food known simply as "sticky rice." The reason for its popularity is the simple way it is prepared and, above all, its good taste. It is made from a short type of rice and when prepared, the resulting texture is quite sticky, thus its name. However, its nutritional value is quite low and is a good candidate for the introduction of iodine coating. It can be made by a quick steaming process and this simplicity in preparation makes it widely popular and can be a vehicle for the introduction of iodine to the local mass. [source] PYRENOID FORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE CELL CYCLE IN THE BROWN ALGA, SCYTOSIPHON LOMENTARIA (SCYTOSIPHONALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE),JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 6 2003Chikako Nagasato Vegetative cells of the brown alga Scytosiphon lomentaria (Lyngbye) Link characteristically have only one chloroplast with a prominent protruding pyrenoid, whereas zygotes have both paternal and maternal chloroplasts. In zygotes, before cell and chloroplast division, each chloroplast has an old and a new pyrenoid. In this study, we raised a polyclonal antibody to RUBISCO and examined the distribution of RUBISCO by immunofluorescence microscopy, focusing on new pyrenoid formation in vegetative cells of gametophytes and zygotes in Scytosiphon. In interphase, only one old pyrenoid was positively indicated by anti-RUBISCO antibody in vegetative cells of gametophytes. From mid-S phase, small fluorescence aggregates reflecting RUBISCO localization started to appear at stroma positions other than adjacent to the old protruding pyrenoid. The fluorescent spots eventually coalesced into a protrusion into the adjacent cytoplasm. We also used inhibitors to clarify the relationship between the cell cycle and new pyrenoid formation, using zygotes after fertilization. When DNA replication was blocked by aphidicolin, new pyrenoid formation was also inhibited. Washing out aphidicolin permitted new pyrenoid formation with the progression of the cell cycle. When mitosis was prolonged by nocodazole, which disrupted the spindle microtubules, the fluorescent masses indicating RUBISCO localization continued to increase when compared with pyrenoid formation in untreated zygotes. During treatment with chloramphenicol, mitosis and cytokinesis were completed. However, there was no occurrence of new RUBISCO localization within the chloroplast stroma beyond the old pyrenoid. From these observations, it seems clear that new pyrenoid formation in the brown alga Scytosiphon depends on the cell cycle. [source] Pesticide residues in field-sprayed and processed fruits and vegetablesJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 10 2004María Jesús Chavarri Abstract This study was initiated to determine what residues of six insecticides (organochlorine, organophosphorus and pyrethroids) and four dithiocarbamate fungicides remained on raw agricultural commodities after harvest and to study the effect of the subsequent commercial processing on the residues. Sprayed crops of tomatoes, red peppers, asparagus, spinach, artichokes and peaches harvested after controlled field trials contained residues well below the maximum residue levels, except for lindane in tomatoes and acephate in artichoke. Commercial processing procedures led to large reductions in residue levels in the finished products. Washing removed all residual lindane, chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin from tomatoes. Chlorpyrifos residues were reduced by 67% during wood-fire roasting of peppers, and subsequent peeling removed all the remains. Peeling and blanching of asparagus reduced chlorpyrifos concentrations to undetectable levels. Processing of artichokes eliminated acephate and chlorpyrifos after blanching. Acephate in peaches survived successive processing steps until the final heat process that destroyed remaining residues. The net results can contribute to assure the consumer of a safe wholesome food supply. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Comparison of three pyrethroid treatments of top-sheets for malaria control in emergencies: entomological and user acceptance studies in an Afghan refugee camp in PakistanMEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 2 2002K. Graham Abstract Insecticide-treated bedding materials (sheets and blankets) could be protective against vectors of malaria and leishmaniasis , especially in complex emergencies, epidemics and natural disasters where people are more likely to sleep in exposed situations. Comparison of cotton top-sheets impregnated with different pyrethroids (permethrin 500 mg/m2, deltamethrin 25 mg/m2 or alphacypermethrin 25 mg/m2) for effectiveness against mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) was undertaken in a refugee camp in Pakistan. Predominant species encountered were Anopheles stephensi Liston, An. pulcherrimus Theobald, An. nigerrimus Giles, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus Giles and other culicine mosquitoes. All three pyrethroid treatments performed significantly better than the untreated sheets in deterrence and killing of mosquitoes. No significant differences were found between the three insecticides tested in terms of entomological effect. Washing of the treated sheets greatly reduced their effectiveness. In a user acceptance study conducted among 88 families (divided into four groups), six families complained of irritation of the skin and mucous membranes. Of these reports, one was from the placebo group (using untreated sheets) and the other five (5/22 = 23%) from families using deltamethrin-treated sheets. All families allocated to permethrin and alphacypermethrin groups declared an appreciation for the intervention and reported no side-effects. Ten of the placebo group disliked the intervention, citing no prevention of mosquito biting as the reason. Side-effects associated with deltamethrin indicate that alphacypermethrin and permethrin are more appropriate first choice insecticides for treatment of sheets and blankets. [source] Washing away poverty: Water, democracy and gendered poverty eradication in South AfricaNATURAL RESOURCES FORUM, Issue 3 2004Barbara Schreiner Abstract This article discusses ways in which the South African Government and grassroots organizations envisage and implement democracy achieved since 1994 in the field of water resources management. The focus is on the democratic, political and economic freedom and equality in resource rights for poor black women, who are central to poverty eradication. While the new water policy and law provide an enabling framework for achieving these goals, implementation on the ground encounters both new opportunities and constraints. This is illustrated by several cases of establishing South Africa's new water management institutions: catchment management agencies and water user associations. The important nexus between state-led democratization of water resources management and bottom-up grassroots movements is also discussed. The article concludes that the Government's affirmative and targeted intervention is indispensable for redressing gender inequalities and eradicating poverty. [source] Antibiotic glass slide coated with silver nanoparticles and its antimicrobial capabilitiesPOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 11 2008Yaohui Lv Abstract Silver nanoparticles were covalently coated on a glass surface by overnight exposure of the glass substrate to nanoparticle solutions, using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as a coupling agent. Washing and air-drying yield a uniformly coated glass substrate, which can be used as a material capable of killing harmful microorganisms in food industry. Nanoparticles are stable on the glass surface and are not washed away by water; they even remain on the glass surface under short-term ultrasonic irradiation. The morphology of silver nanoparticles on the glass substrate was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The existence of Ag nanoparticles on the substrate was also confirmed by ultraviolet-visible (UV,Vis) spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurement shows that the connection is based on covalent bonds between silver nanoparticle surface/APTES molecules. Combining the effects of low cost and effectiveness in prohibiting the growth of Escherichia coli, such materials are expected to be used as antibacterial coatings, which may have large potential applications in food industry. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Waschverfahren partikulär-disperser Systeme , Verfahrensspektrum und Aspekte der VerfahrensauswahlCHEMIE-INGENIEUR-TECHNIK (CIT), Issue 9 2003B. Hoffner Dipl.-Ing. Abstract Die Waschung disperser Feststoffsysteme ist ein weit verbreiteter und komplexer Verfahrensschritt. Durch die Tatsache, dass er meist in andere Prozessoperationen eingebunden ist, unterliegt er vielfältigen Anforderungen, die deutlich über die primären Ansprüche eines hohen Abtrenngrades und niedrigen Waschflüssigkeitsbedarfs hinausgehen. Aufgrund der Wirkungsweise und Grenzen unterschiedlicher Waschverfahren ist die Auswahl eines geeigneten Waschverfahrens schwierig, da die dominierenden Wirkmechanismen z.,T. nicht ausreichend bekannt sind. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über bestehende Waschverfahren, deren zahlreiche Einflussgrößen und über Anforderungen, die an sie gestellt werden. Eine Kategorisierung von Waschprozessen, zusammen mit der Einordnung der Verfahren hinsichtlich makroskopischer Transporteigenschaften, führt zur Entwicklung eines Bewertungsschemas, das bestehende Waschprozesse bewertet, vergleicht und Grenzen der einzelnen Verfahren aufzeigt. Die Arbeit dient als grober Leitfaden für die Auswahl eines geeigneten Waschverfahrens. Washing of Disperse Solid Systems , Existing Washing Processes and Guidelines for Choosing the Appropriate Washing Procedure Washing of disperse solid systems is a widely used and complex operation. Since the washing-step is mostly integrated into other process operations, it is subject to numerous demands, which exceed the primary demands like a good separation result and a low specific wash liquid demand. Because of the phenomenology and limits of different washing procedures it is difficult to choose an appropriate washing process. Additionally, the acting transport mechanisms of some washing procedures are not yet sufficiently understood. This work shows a broad overview over the existing washing processes, the numerous parameters and the demands they have to fulfill. A categorization of washing procedures as well as a classification of the processes concerning their macroscopic transport phenomena are the base for a broad decision chart which compares and evaluates existing washing processes and shows their individual limits. The work can be seen as a rough guideline for choosing the appropriate washing procedure. [source] Resistance of apple trees to Cydia pomonella egg-laying due to leaf surface metabolitesENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 1 2008Nadia Lombarkia Abstract During host plant selection and particularly after alighting on a plant, chemical cues from the plant surface influence an insect's acceptance of the plant and, subsequently, its egg-laying behaviour. Primary metabolites in the phylloplane may be more important than hitherto known. We have shown that soluble carbohydrates, such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose, and sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, quebrachitol, and myo -inositol, can be detected by insects after contacting the plant and that they positively influence egg-laying of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), on apple trees. We addressed the question whether a lack of these substances could also explain apple tree resistance to C. pomonella in terms of reduced egg-laying. Leaf surface washings were collected in an apple orchard by spraying water on the resistant cultivar X65-11 and on the susceptible cultivar P5R50A4. The washings were tested on a nylon cloth on isolated females under no-choice conditions. The washings were analysed and synthetic blends, each consisting of the six metabolites in the proportions established in the leaf surface washings of both cultivars, were then tested for their effect on egg-laying of C. pomonella. Dose,response egg-laying tests were carried out on substrates impregnated with the X65-11 leaf surface blend at 1, 100, 1 000, and 10 000 times the natural dose. Egg-laying behaviour in the bioassays with leaf surface washings of both cultivars closely resembled egg-laying in the orchard. Washings of P5R50A4 stimulated egg-laying to a greater extent than those of X65-11 and the water control. Synthetic blends reduced substrate acceptance and egg-laying, compared to the washings of X65-11. Ratios between components within the blend are responsible for this resistance. In conclusion, quantities and ratios of the six primary metabolites found on the leaf surface may influence host preference of C. pomonella as well as their egg-laying behaviour, thus they may play a role in the trees' resistance to the codling moth. [source] Improved conditions for fluorescent staining of proteins with 4,4,-dianilino-1,1,-binaphthyl-5,5,-disulfonic acid in SDS-PAGEELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 22 2008Wei-Tao Cong Abstract A simple and sensitive fluorescent staining method for the detection of proteins in SDS-PAGE, namely IB (improved 4,4,-dianilino-1,1,-binaphthyl-5,5,-disulfonic acid) stain, is described. Non-covalent hydrophobic probe 4,4,-dianilino-1,1,-binaphthyl-5,5,-disulfonic acid was applied as a fluorescent dye, which can bind to hydrophobic sites in proteins non-specifically. As low as 1,ng of protein band can be detected briefly by 30,min washing followed by 15,min staining without the aiding of stop or destaining step. The sensitivity of the new presented protocol is similar to that of SYPRO Ruby, which has been widely accepted in proteomic research. Comparative analysis of the MS compatibility of IB stain and SYPRO Ruby stain allowed us to address that IB stain is compatible with the downstream of protein identification by PMF. [source] Atmospheric molding of ionic copolymer MALDI-TOF/MS arrays: A new tool for protein identification/profilingELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 24 2006Alexander Muck Abstract An atmospheric molding protocol has been used to prepare an ionic methacrylate-based copolymer sample support chips for MALDI (pMALDI)-MS by targeting selected groups of various monomers copolymerized during molding, namely, carboxy, sulfo, dimethylalkyamino, and trimethylalkylammonium groups. The new disposable array chips provide analyte-oriented enhancement of protein adsorption to the modified substrates without requiring complicated surface coating or derivatization. The MALDI-MS performance of the new ionic copolymer chips was evaluated for lysozyme, ,-lactoglobulin,A, trypsinogen and carbonic anhydrase,I using washing with solutions prepared in pH or ionic strength steps. On cationic chips, the proteins are washed out at pH lower than their pI values, and on anionic chips at pH higher than their pI values. The ability of the microfabricated pMALDI chip set to selectively adsorb different proteins from real samples and to significantly increase their MS-signal was documented for the transmembrane photosystem,I protein complex from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The proteins were almost exclusively adsorbed according to calculated pI values and grand average of hydropathy (GRAVY) indexes. The new disposable chips reduce manipulation times and increase measurement sensitivity for real-world proteomic samples. The simple atmospheric molding procedure enables additional proteomic operations to be incorporated on disposable MALDI-MS integrated platforms. [source] Comparison of automated in-gel digest methods for femtomole level samplesELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 19-20 2003Erin J. Finehout Abstract A comparison of automated in-gel digestion methods for low picomolar to femtomolar levels of protein is presented. Gel spots with 4 pmol to 120 fmol of protein were stained with either Coomassie colloidal blue or SYPRO Ruby and digested using an automated platform. The sequence coverages and average peak intensities obtained from a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) analysis are compared. Results show that methods using an acetonitrile extraction or digest times greater than the standard 4 h give no significant increase in peptide sequence coverage for automated digestion of low protein level samples. It is also shown that digests from SYPRO Ruby-stained gels show a greater improvement upon ZipTip cleanup than digests from Coomassie colloidal blue-stained gels. The digests from SYPRO Ruby-stained gels are also shown to give a higher average peptide intensity if a method with minimal gel plug washing is used. [source] Remediation of sites contaminated by oil refinery operationsENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, Issue 1 2006S. Khaitan The oil industry contributes to contamination of groundwater and aquifers beneath refineries and oil terminals. The successful remediation of a contaminated site requires understanding both the hydrogeology and the nature and extent of contamination. The physical,chemical and biological mechanisms that govern contaminant release, transport and fate in soils, sediments, and associated fluid phases must be understood and quantified. In addition, understanding the flow and entrapment of nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) including lighter-than-water nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) in contaminated aquifers is important for the effective design of the recovery and remediation schemes. Current remedial technologies and risk assessment techniques to remediate former oil refinery sites contaminated by NAPLs are described in this paper. Emphasis is given to the most promising remediation techniques such as pump-and-treat, on-site bioremediation, phytoremediation, in situ soil washing, and thermal-based technologies, such as steam-enhanced extraction. Some enhancements to pump-and-treat techniques such as solvent flushing, polymer enhanced flushing, and air stripping are also discussed. Finally, important risk-based cleanup criteria associated with contaminated soil at refineries are presented. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2005 [source] Industrial wastewater treatment in a membrane bioreactor: A reviewENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, Issue 1 2004B. Marrot Abstract This paper provides a detailed literature review of wastewater treatment in a membrane bioreactor process (MBR) with special focus on industrial wastewater treatment. MBR systems are compared with conventional wastewater treatment systems. The characteristics of the bioreactor treatment process (biomass concentration and floc size, organic and mass loading rates, etc.) are examined. The membrane separation of microorganisms from the treated wastewater is discussed in detail. Problems of membrane fouling and membrane washing and regeneration, linked to activated sludge characteristics, are examined. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 23: 59,68, 2004 [source] Flux enhancement in TFC RO membranesENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, Issue 1 2001Mark A. Kuehne The effects of varying processing conditions during fabrication of TFC RO membranes were systematically investigated. It was found that the membrane flux is greatly dependent on the processing steps that follow the synthesis of the thin film coating, such as washing, treatment with glycerol, and drying of the membrane. Glycerol is not simply a passive flux - p reserving agent, preventing loss of porosity during oven drying. In combination with a second oven drying step, glycerol actively enhances flux. Membrane flux can be similarly enhanced by treatment with solutions of organic salts, followed by oven drying. The effect of these treatments is quite large, increasing the flux by 30,70%, with no loss of salt rejection. Flux-enhancing additives were also used in the aqueous polyamine solution used to prepare the thin film coating. [source] Localization of deposited polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in leaves of PlantagoENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2001Martine I. Bakker Abstract After deposition to foliage, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may remain on the leaf surface, accumulate in the cuticular wax, or diffuse into the remaining interior of the plant. In a field study, the location of deposited PAHs in the leaves of two Plantago species was determined. To this aim, leaves of Plantago major and Plantago media were divided into three fractions. First, the leaves were washed (wash-off fraction), then cuticular wax was extracted (wax fraction). Finally, the remaining leaf material was extracted (interior fraction). The presence of PAHs could be demonstrated in all three fractions. For both plants, the distribution of PAHs over the three fractions changed with molecular weight (mol wt) of the PAHs. The wash-off fraction increased with increasing molecular weight, likely because high molecular-weight PAHs occur predominantly bound to particles, which can be readily washed off from the leaves. In contrast, the amount of PAHs detected in the interior of the leaves decreased with increasing molecular weight. This can be explained by a slow desorption of the PAHs from the particles and a low diffusion rate of the larger molecules. This study shows that washing reduces the amount of high molecular-weight PAHs on plant surfaces. Therefore, washing of leafy vegetables is important to minimize human dietary intake of PAHs. [source] Surface Activation of a Ferrimagnetic Glass,Ceramic for Antineoplastic Drugs GraftingADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 7 2010Enrica Vernè A ferrimagnetic glass,ceramic, belonging to the system SiO2,Na2O,CaO,P2O5,FeO,Fe2O3, has been studied as potential carrier for antineoplastic agents, in order to exploit the combination of hyperthermia and chemotherapy. Different material pre-treatments, such as ultrasonic washing, water, or simulated body fluid dipping, were evaluated to promote the surface activation of the glass,ceramic, i.e., the hydroxyl groups formation on it. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectrometry, and wettability measurements were performed to observe the samples surface modification. The best results in terms of free hydroxyl groups exposition were obtained by dipping the samples in distilled water for 7 days at 37,°C. Two different anticancer drugs were selected in order to test the reactivity of the activated surface: cisplatinum and doxorubicin. The uptake and release of doxorubicin and cisplatinum were evaluated on glass,ceramic powders, by using UV,Visible spectrometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy, respectively. After 1 day of uptake at 37,°C, the quantity of doxorubicin incorporated into the glass,ceramic is 77,±,7 wt%, while only 42,±,9.6 wt% of cisplatinum is grafted onto the material surface. For both antitumoral agents, the maximum drug release after soaking in aqueous solutions at 37,°C was obtained in few hours, with a randomly distributed kinetics trend. [source] Ultrastructural preservation of rat embryonic dental tissues after rapid fixation and dehydration under microwave irradiationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2000Luciana F. Massa Adequate preservation of the cells and matrix of mineralising tissues remains difficult, as organic components and initial mineral deposits may be lost during conventional processing for electron microscopy. In this study, we have reduced significantly the processing time using microwave irradiation. Rat molar tooth germs were fixed in 4% glutaraldehyde+4% formaldehyde with 0.1 M sodium cacodylate in a laboratory microwave oven for two periods of 20 s with a maximal temperature of 37°C. After conventional washing and post-fixation, specimens were dehydrated in graded ethanols under microwave irradiation for a total of 7 min 20 s. For comparison, some specimens were processed by conventional methods. After embedding, ultrathin sections were examined by electron microscopy. In differentiating ameloblasts and odontoblasts, plasma membranes, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi complex, together with all other cytoplasmic organelles exhibited excellent preservation. Microtubules, microfilaments and coated vesicles were particularly evident. Crystal-like mineral deposits were conspicuously present in relation to dentine matrix vesicles and collagen fibrils as well as in enamel matrix. The matrix of forming enamel had a globular electron-lucent appearance. It is concluded that this is a rapid method which provides a preserved or even improved morphology. [source] Increase in the fracture toughness and bond energy of clay by a root exudateEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008B. Zhang Summary Root exudates help drive the formation of the rhizosphere by binding soil particles, but the underlying physical mechanisms have not been quantified. This was addressed by measuring the impact of a major component of root exudates, polygalacturonic acid (PGA), on the interparticle bond energy and fracture toughness of clay. Pure kaolinite was mixed with 0, 1.2, 2.4, 4.9 or 12.2 g PGA kg,1 to form test specimens. Half of the specimens were washed repeatedly to remove unbound PGA and evaluate the persistence of the effects, similar to weathering in natural soils. Fracture toughness, KIC, increased exponentially with added PGA, with washing increasing this trend. In unwashed specimens KIC ranged from 54.3 ± 2.5 kPa m,1/2 for 0 g PGA kg,1 to 86.9 ± 4.7 kPa m,1/2 for 12.2 g PGA kg,1. Washing increased KIC to 61.3 ± 1.2 kPa m,1/2 for 0 g PGA kg,1 and 132.1 ± 4.9 kPa m,1/2 for 12.2 g PGA kg,1. The apparent bond energy, ,, of the fracture surface increased from 5.9 ± 0.6 J m,2 for 0 g kg,1 to 12.0 ± 1.1 J m,2 for 12.2 g kg,1 PGA in the unwashed specimens. The washed specimens had , of 13.0 ± 1.9 J m,2 for 0 g kg,1 and 21.3 ± 2.6 J m,2 for 12.2 g PGA kg,1. Thus PGA, a major component of root exudates, has a large impact on the fracture toughness and bond energy of clay, and is likely to be a major determinant in the formation of the rhizosphere. This quantification of the thermodynamics of fracture will be useful for modelling rhizosphere formation and stability. [source] Monitoring of the internalization of neuropeptide Y on neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MCFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 17 2000Marlies Fabry Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an important neuromodulator in the central and peripheral nervous system. The peptide acts through different NPY receptor subtypes (Y1,Y5, y6) that belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors. In general, cellular responses to prolonged exposure to agonists of G protein-coupled receptors are attenuated, often through internalization of the receptors and their bound ligands. In this study, a fluorescent labeled NPY derivative was synthesized and characterized to investigate the internalization of NPY in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC. Internalization was proven by binding experiments and subsequent acidic washing as well as by direct visualization by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy. Approximately 20,30% of the fluorescent labeled NPY and a tritium-marked NPY were resistant to acid removal of cell surface-bound ligands indicating internalization. Extracellular fluorescent labeled NPY was found to be distributed heterogeneously in a clustered pattern, which suggests that the ligand-receptor complex is collected in pits and caveolae followed by endocytosis. [source] Stereoselective biosynthesis of chloroarylpropane diols by the basidiomycete Bjerkandera adusta: exploring the roles of amino acids, pyruvate, glycerol and phenyl acetyl carbinolFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2003Peter James Silk Abstract Bjerkandera adusta produces many chlorometabolites including chlorinated anisyl metabolites (CAMs) and 1-arylpropane-1,2-diols (1, 2, 3, 4) as idiophasic metabolic products of l -phenylalanine. These diols are stereoselectively biosynthesized from a C7 -unit (benzylic, from l -phenylalanine) and a C2 -unit, of unknown origin, as predominantly erythro (1R,2S) enantiomers. Of the labeled amino acids tested as possible C2 -units, at the 4,10 mM level, none were found to efficiently label the 2,3-propane carbons of the diols. However, glycine (2- 13C), l -serine (2,3,3-d3) and l -methionine (methyl-d3) entered the biomethylation pathway. Neither pyruvate (2,3- 13C2), acetate (1,2- 13C2), acetaldehyde (d4) nor ethanol (ethyl-d5) labeled the 2,3-propane carbons of the diols at the 4,10 mM level. Pyruvate (2,3- 13C2) and l -serine (2,3,3-d3) (which also entered the biomethylation pathway) did, however, effectively label the 2,3-propane carbons of the ,-ketols and diols at the 40 mM level as evidenced by mass spectrometry. Glycerol (1,1,2,3,3-d5) also appeared to label one of the 2,3-propane carbons (ca. 5% as 2H2 in the C3 side chain) as suggested by mass spectrometric data and also entered the biomethylation pathway, likely via amino acid synthesis. Glycerol (through pyruvate), therefore, likely supplies C2 and C3 of the propane side chain with arylpropane diol biosynthesis. Incubation of B. adusta with synthetic [2- 2H1,2- 18O]-glycerol showed that neither 2H nor 18O were incorporated in the ,-ketols or diols. The oxygen atom on the C2 of the ketols/diols, therefore, does not appear to come from the oxygen atom on the C2 of glycerol. Glycerol, however, can readily form l -serine (which can then form pyruvate via PLP/serine dehydratase and involve transamination washing out the 18O label and providing the oxygen from water), and can then go on to label the C2 -unit. Labeled ,-ketol, phenyl acetyl carbinol (5) (PAC; ring-d5, 2,3- 13C2 propane) cultured with B. adusta leads to stereospecific reduction to the (1R,2S)-diol (6) (ring-d5 and 2,3- 13C2); in all other metabolites produced, the 2,3- 13C2 label is washed out. Incubation of the fungus with 4-fluorobenzaldehyde (13) produces a pooling of predominantly erythro (1R,2S) 1-(4,-fluorophenyl)-1,2-propane diol (18 as diacetate) (through the corresponding ,-ketols 16, 17). Blocking the para-position with fluorine thus appears to prevent ring oxygenation and also chlorination, forcing the conclusion that para-ring oxygenation precedes meta-chlorination. [source] Flammability studies of sodium thiosulphate or metabisulphite impregnated wood using cone calorimeterFIRE AND MATERIALS, Issue 2 2007imkovic Abstract Spruce wood boards impregnated with Na2S2O3 or Na2S2O5 were studied with the cone calorimeter. The presence of Na2S2O3 lowered the average heat release rate in comparison to untreated material. The total amounts of CO and CO2 production were reduced by the treatment and also the specific extinction area and mass loss rate decreased. Washing of the salt from the material with water caused partial loss of the properties. Addition of the second impregnation step using acids (HCOOH, H3BO3 or H3PO4) resulted in the fixation of the sulphur in wood, but gave not the results of single-step modification for thiosulphate. With Na2S2O5 and without acid, the CO and time-to-ignition values were higher and average heat release rate smaller in comparison to unmodified material. Combined one step Na2S2O5/H3BO3 treatment lowered the CO, CO2 and specific extinction area values in comparison to the modification with Na2S2O5, similarly like it was observed for Na2S2O3/H3BO3 two-step-treatment. According to time-to-ignition values, Na2S2O5 alone at 5% addition is a better flame retardant than Na2S2O3 at 7%, but the effect is diminished at 10% amount or presence of acids. The total smoke release curves showed decrease due to modification in both phases of the process. Introduction of water washing as well as the acid treatment further lowered the values. The best results were achieved with 15% Na2S2O3,2% H3PO4,H2O system. According to the total smoke release curve the specimen produced more than five times smaller amount of smoke than untreated material in the first phase of the process. It seams that the concentration of Na2S2O5 is less affecting the properties than the synergistic effect of the Na2S2O3 or Na2S2O5/H3BO3 system. Although the level of smoke is low, the presence of elemental sulphur causes smaller times-to-ignition than on starting material. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Hydrologic and geochemical controls on soluble benzene migration in sedimentary basinsGEOFLUIDS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2005Y. ZHANG Abstract The effects of groundwater flow and biodegradation on the long-distance migration of petroleum-derived benzene in oil-bearing sedimentary basins are evaluated. Using an idealized basin representation, a coupled groundwater flow and heat transfer model computes the hydraulic head, stream function, and temperature in the basin. A coupled mass transport model simulates water washing of benzene from an oil reservoir and its miscible, advective/dispersive transport by groundwater. Benzene mass transfer at the oil,water contact is computed assuming equilibrium partitioning. A first-order rate constant is used to represent aqueous benzene biodegradation. A sensitivity study is used to evaluate the effect of the variation in aquifer/geochemical parameters and oil reservoir location on benzene transport. Our results indicate that in a basin with active hydrodynamics, miscible benzene transport is dominated by advection. Diffusion may dominate within the cap rock when its permeability is less than 10,19 m2. Miscible benzene transport can form surface anomalies, sometimes adjacent to oil fields. Biodegradation controls the distance of transport down-gradient from a reservoir. We conclude that benzene detected in exploration wells may indicate an oil reservoir that lies hydraulically up-gradient. Geochemical sampling of hydrocarbons from springs and exploration wells can be useful only when the oil reservoir is located within about 20 km. Benzene soil gas anomalies may form due to regional hydrodynamics rather than separate phase migration. Diffusion alone cannot explain the elevated benzene concentration observed in carrier beds several km away from oil fields. [source] Evaluation of soluble benzene migration in the Uinta BasinGEOFLUIDS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2005Y. ZHANG Abstract Field sampling and mathematical modeling are used to study the long-distance transport and attenuation of petroleum-derived benzene in the Uinta Basin, Utah. Benzene concentration was measured from oil and oil field formation waters of the Altamont-Bluebell and Pariette Bench oil fields in the basin. It was also measured from springs located in the regional groundwater discharge areas, hydraulically down-gradient from the oil fields sampled. The average benzene concentration in oils and co-produced waters is 1946 and 4.9 ppm at the Altamont-Bluebell field and 1533 and 0.6 ppm at the Pariette Bench field, respectively. Benzene concentration is below the detection limit in all springs sampled. Mathematical models are constructed along a north,south trending transect across the basin through both fields. The models represent groundwater flow, heat transfer and advective/dispersive benzene transport in the basin, as well as benzene diffusion within the oil reservoirs. The coupled groundwater flow and heat transfer model is calibrated using available thermal and hydrologic data. We were able to reproduce the observed excess fluid pressure within the lower Green River Formation and the observed convective temperature anomalies across the northern basin. Using the computed best-fit flow and temperature, the coupled transport model simulates water washing of benzene from the oil reservoirs. Without the effect of benzene attenuation, dissolved benzene reaches the regional groundwater discharge areas in measurable concentration (>0.01 ppm); with attenuation, benzene concentration diminishes to below the detection limit within 1,4 km from the reservoirs. Attenuation also controls the amount of water washing over time. In general, models that represent benzene attenuation in the basin produce results more consistent with field observations. [source] Reformulated BeneFix®: efficacy and safety in previously treated patients with moderately severe to severe haemophilia BHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 3 2007T. LAMBERT Summary. BeneFix®, the only recombinant factor IX (FIX), has been reformulated. The reformulation involves a change in diluent and allows for more concentrated infusions of recombinant FIX. A double-blind, randomized, pharmacokinetic (PK) crossover study demonstrated that reformulated BeneFix was bioequivalent to original BeneFix and follow-up PK evaluation after 6 months of treatment demonstrated the PK stability of reformulated BeneFix after multiple exposures. Favourable efficacy and safety profiles, consistent with those already well-established for original BeneFix, were observed: 81.1% of haemorrhages resolved with only a single infusion; 85.3% of initial treatment response ratings were Excellent or Good; more than half of the subjects using reformulated BeneFix for routine prophylaxis (11 of 17, 64.7%) had no spontaneous haemorrhages during their 6,12 month course of prophylactic treatment, with an overall spontaneous bleeding rate of 0.72 year,1; and for the single surgical procedure (knee washing), treatment was rated Useful. In addition, there was no FIX inhibitor development, allergic-type manifestations, or thrombogenic complications with more than 1100 infusions (nearly 5.2 million IUs) administered in this trial. All efficacy and safety outcomes from this study were achieved with more concentrated recombinant protein infusions than that possible with original BeneFix, and utilization of the 2000 IU per vial dosage strength, newly introduced with the reformulated product, was high (>62%). The reformulation of BeneFix allows smaller delivery volumes and an increased choice of dosage strengths without altering the PK properties (including incremental recovery and half-life) or the established efficacy and safety profile of recombinant FIX. [source] Inorganic Macroporous Films from Preformed Nanoparticles and Membrane Templates: Synthesis and Investigation of Photocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical Properties,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 10 2003D.G. Shchukin Abstract Colloidal dispersions of titania, zirconia, tin oxide, indium oxide, and ceria have been successfully used to impregnate membrane templates and form the respective metal oxide (MO) porous films. The use of alumina and iron oxide sols in the same procedure, however, resulted in compact structures. By mixing different nanoparticle solutions before impregnation, final inorganic films containing two metal oxides, of variable metal oxide ratios, were obtained. The porous inorganic materials were analyzed in terms of surface area, pore size, film thickness, and crystallinity. The mechanism of nanoparticle infiltration and particle adsorption to the template walls is proposed based on the stability of the inorganic film and a study of the influence of either the sol concentration or washing times on the amount of inorganic substance incorporated in the hybrid material. The photocatalytic decomposition of an organic pollutant, 2-chlorophenol, was demonstrated for the porous titania material along with the structures containing mixtures of titania with zirconia, indium oxide, and tin oxide. A ratio of 9:1 TiO2/MO gave the highest photocatalytic activity, which was higher than the activity of Degussa P25 for the TiO2/In2O3 and TiO2/SnO2 systems under the same conditions. The titania films have also been attached to substrates,glass or indium tin oxide (ITO) surfaces,and the photoelectrochemical properties of the porous film attained. A comparison with a spin-coated titania film (prepared from the same colloidal dispersion) showed that the structured porous inorganic film has two times the photoelectrochemical efficiency as the spin-coated film. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||