Novel anaerobic digestion process with sludge ozonation for economically feasible power production from biogas

A novel process scheme was developed to achieve economically feasible energy recovery from anaerobic digestion. The new process scheme employs a hybrid configuration of mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion with sludge ozonation: the ozonated sludge is first degraded in a thermophilic digester and then further degraded in a mesophilic digester. In small-scale pilot experiments of the new process scheme, degradation of VSS improved by 3.5% over the control (mesophilic-only configuration) with 20% less ozone consumption. Moreover, biogas conversion also improved by 7.1% over the control. Selective enrichment of inorganic compounds during centrifugation produced a dewatered sludge cake with very low water content (59.4%). This low water content in the sludge cake improved its auto-thermal combustion potential during incineration and added to the overall energy savings. We conducted a case study to evaluate power generation from biogas for a municipal wastewater treatment plant with an average dry weather flow of 43,000 m3/d. Electricity production cost was 5.2 ¢/kWh for the advanced process with power generation, which is lower than the current market price of 7.2 ¢/kWh. The new anaerobic digestion scheme with power generation may reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 1,000 t-CO(2)/year compared with the conventional process without power generation.

Local anesthetic toxicity in interscalene block: clinical series

We experienced two cases of local anesthetic toxicity by interscalene block. A 62-year-old man received interscalene block with lidocaine 1% 30 mL and bupivacaine 0.25% 20 mL under light sedation followed by general anesthesia. He was not awake at one hour after surgery with his pupils dilated. Three hours after interscalene block, he became awake with no complication. A 73-year-old female received interscalene block with lidocaine 1% 15 mL and ropivacaine 0.75% 15 mL under light sedation. After the injection, a catheter was inserted 5 cm. About 7-8 min after catheter insertion, generalized tonic seizure occurred. Seizure stopped in two min after anesthesia induction. She had no complication after surgery. These two cases showed neurological toxicity by interscalene block with lidocaine and bupivacaine or with ropivacaine without hemodynamic complication.

Acquired radioresistance of human tumor cells by DNA-PK/AKT/GSK3beta-mediated cyclin D1 overexpression

Recurrence is frequently associated with the acquisition of radioresistance by tumors and resulting failures in radiotherapy. We report, in this study, that long-term fractionated radiation (FR) exposures conferred radioresistance to the human tumor cells, HepG2 and HeLa with cyclin D1 overexpression. A positive feedback loop was responsible for the cyclin D1 overexpression in which constitutively active AKT was involved. AKT is known to inactivate glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta), which is essential for the proteasomal degradation of cyclin D1. The resulting cyclin D1 overexpression led to the forced progression of S-phase with the induction of DNA double strand breaks. Cyclin D1-dependent DNA damage activated DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), which in turn activated AKT and inactivated GSK3beta, thus completing a positive feedback loop of cyclin D1 overproduction. Cyclin D1 overexpression led to the activation of DNA damage response (DDR) consisted of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)- and Chk1-dependent DNA damage checkpoint and homologous recombination repair (HRR). Long-term FR cells repaired radiation-induced DNA damage faster than non-FR cells. Thus, acquired radioresistance of long-term FR cells was the result of alterations in DDR mediated by cyclin D1 overexpression. Inhibition of the AKT/GSK3beta/cyclin D1/Cdk4 pathway by the AKT inhibitor, Cdk4 inhibitor or cyclin D1 targeting small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed the radioresistance. Present observations give a mechanistic insight for acquired radioresistance of tumor cells by cyclin D1 overexpression, and provide novel therapeutic targets for recurrent radioresistant tumors.

A cubic-anvil high-pressure device for pulsed neutron powder diffraction

A compact cubic-anvil high-pressure device was developed for in situ neutron powder diffraction studies. In this device, a cubic shaped pressure medium is compressed by six anvils, and neutron beams pass through gaps between the anvils. The first high-pressure experiment using this device was conducted at J-PARC and clearly showed the neutron diffraction patterns of Pb. Combining the cubic-anvil high-pressure device with a pulsed neutron source will prove to be a useful tool for neutron diffraction experiments.

Quantum translator-rotator: inelastic neutron scattering of dihydrogen molecules trapped inside anisotropic fullerene cages

We report an inelastic neutron scattering investigation of the quantum dynamics of hydrogen molecules trapped inside anisotropic fullerene cages. Transitions among the manifold of quantized rotational and translational states are directly observed. The spectra recorded as a function of energy and momentum transfer are interpreted in terms of the rotational potential and the cage dimensions. The thermodynamics of orthohydrogen and parahydrogen are investigated through temperature dependence measurements.

NBS1 prevents chromatid-type aberrations through ATM-dependent interactions with SMC1

Nijmegen breakage syndrome shares several common cellular features with ataxia telangiectasia, including chromosomal instability and aberrant S- and G2-phase checkpoint regulation. We show here that after irradiation, NBS1 interacts physically with both BRCA1 and SMC1, a component of the cohesin complex, and that their interactions are completely abolished in AT cells. It is noted that BRCA1 is required for the interaction of NBS1 with SMC1, whereas the reverse is not the case, since BRCA1 is able to bind to NBS1 in the absence of an NBS1/SMC1 interaction as observed in MRE11- or RAD50-deficient cells. This indicates that ATM and BRCA1 are upstream of the NBS1/SMC1 interaction. Furthermore, the interaction of NBS1 with SMC1 requires both conserved domains of NBS in the N-terminus and the C-terminus, since they are indispensable for binding of NBS1 to BRCA1 and to MRE11/ATM, respectively. The interaction of NBS1 with SMC1 and the resulting phosphorylation are compromised in the clones lacking either the N- or C-terminus of NBS1, and as a consequence, chromatid-type aberrations are enhanced after irradiation. Our results reveal that ATM plays a fundamental role in promoting the radiation-induced interaction of NBS1 with SMC1 in the presence of BRCA1, leading to the maintenance of chromosomal integrity.

Long-term effects of local pretreatment with alendronate on healing of replanted rat teeth

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Our previous study showed that topical alendronate, an inhibitor of bone resorption, reduces root resorption and ankylosis for 21 d after replantation of rat teeth. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term inhibitory effects of topical alendronate in the replanted teeth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The rat maxillary first molars were extracted, placed in saline containing 1 mm alendronate (alendronate group) or saline (saline group) for 5 min and then replanted. The maxillae were dissected at 60 and 120 d. Microcomputed tomography horizontal sections at three root levels were analyzed for root and bone resorption, ankylosis and pulp mineralization.

RESULTS

In the alendronate group at 60 and 120 d, the frequencies of resorption of roots and bone were lower than those in the saline group. The p values show statistical significances of lower frequencies in the alendronate group than in the saline group by chi-square test (see Table 1). Ankylosis and pulp mineralization occurred in the alendronate and saline groups. Bone marrow spaces were narrowed in conjunction with bone tissue expansion around the replanted teeth in the alendronate group.

CONCLUSION

The inhibitory effects of topical alendronate were retained on root and bone resorption, but not on ankylosis and pulp mineralization, in the replanted teeth for 4 mo. Alendronate might also stimulate bone formation around the rat replanted teeth.

Degradation of noncollagenous components by neutrophil elastase reduces the mechanical strength of rat periodontal ligament

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

We have previously shown that increases in neutrophil elastase in periodontal ligament with chronic periodontitis results in degradation of the noncollagenous components. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the destruction of noncollagenous components by treatment with elastase in vitro causes changes in the mechanical properties of the periodontal ligament.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The transverse sections of mandibular first molars, prepared from male Wistar rats at 6 wk of age, were digested with 0-50 microg/mL of neutrophil elastase at 37 degrees C for 4 h. Then, their mechanical properties and morphological features were examined.

RESULTS

Digestion with elastase dose-dependently decreased the maximum shear stress and failure strain energy density of the periodontal ligament (p < 0.05-0.01). The histological observations after digestion revealed marked degradation of oxytalan fibers, but no marked changes of the collagen fibers, which was confirmed by the detection of very low quantities of hydroxyproline in the digest. The light and scanning electron micrographs showed that the elastase degraded the interfibrillar substances in the periodontal ligament and exposed individual collagen fibrils.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the increased neutrophil elastase observed in periodontal disease degrades the oxytalan fibers and interfibrillar substances in the periodontal ligament to decrease its mechanical strength.

Evaluation of state variable interface between the Activated Sludge Models and Anaerobic Digestion Model no 1

For plant wide modelling of wastewater treatment, it is necessary to develop a suitable state variables interface for integrating state of the art models of ASM and ADM1. ADM1 currently describes such an interface, however, its suitability needs to be experimentally evaluated. In this study, we characterised activated sludge under aerobic and anaerobic conditions to obtain representative state variables for both models. ASM state variables of X(S), X(H) and X(I) (as obtained from aerobic tests) and ADM1 state variables of X(C) and X(I) (as obtained from anaerobic tests) were then correlated to assess the suitability of current interface. Based on the seven datasets of this study and seven datasets from literatures, it was found that in general ASM state variables were well correlated to the state variables of ADM1. The ADM1 state variable of X(C) could be correlated to the sum of state variables of X(S) and X(H), while X(I) in both the models showed direct correspondence. It was also observed that the degradation kinetics of X(C) under anaerobic condition could be better described by individual degradation kinetics of X(S) and X(H). Therefore, to establish a one to one correspondence between ASM and ADM1 state variables and better description of degradation kinetics in ADM1, replacing the composite variable of X(C) by the state variables of X(S) and X(H) is recommended.

Nucleotide sequence analysis of seven Japanese isolates of Plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV): a unique potexvirus with significantly high genomic and biological variability within the species

The genomic sequences of Plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV), six lily isolates and one primrose isolate from Japan, were determined. The genomic size of all isolates was 6102 nucleotides, containing the five open reading frames typical of members of the genus Potexvirus. Pairwise comparison analyses confirmed the close relationship between PlAMV and tulip virus X. However, quite low identities were observed between different PlAMV isolates, including foreign isolates; nucleotide sequence identities of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene between a Russian isolate (PlAMV-Ru), a Nandina isolate (PlAMV-Na) and Japanese isolates were 75-77%. These values were the lowest amongst different isolates of the same species of any potexviruses.

Haemostatic Fleece (TachoComb®) to Prevent Intrapleural Adhesions after Thoracotomy: A Rat Model

BACKGROUND

Postoperative adhesion is a complication common to all surgical subspecialties. TachoComb is a collagen fleece with properties well suited to the prevention of adhesion. This preclinical study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of action of TachoComb in the prevention of adhesion following pleural injury during thoracic surgery.

METHODS

Rats (n = 72) were randomised to receive saline or TachoComb following pleural injury. The macroscopic severity of adhesion formation and histological changes were assessed following euthanasia at time points up to 28 weeks post-operation. Levels of the biochemical markers t-PA, PAI-1 and bFGF were measured in intrapleural lavage fluid.

RESULTS

The severity of adhesion was lower in TachoComb-treated animals compared with control animals at all time points (mean adhesion score: 1.4 vs. 4 at week 28 post-operation; P < 0.01). Regeneration of the mesothelial cell stratum occurred faster in TachoComb-treated animals, and a significantly lower PAI-1 activity was observed (14.32 vs. 23.28 U/ml; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

TachoComb is effective in the prevention of adhesion following thoracic surgery, both by acting as a physical barrier and by inhibiting PAI-1 activity.

Cryogenic NMR spectroscopy of endohedral hydrogen-fullerene complexes

We have observed 1H NMR spectra of hydrogen molecules trapped inside modified fullerene cages under cryogenic conditions. Experiments on static samples were performed at sample temperatures down to 4.3 K, while magic-angle-spinning (MAS) experiments were performed at temperatures down to 20 K at spinning frequencies of 15 kHz. Both types of NMR spectra show a large increase in the intramolecular 1H-1H dipolar coupling at temperatures below 50 K, revealing thermal selection of a small number of spatial rotational states. The static and MAS spectra were compared to estimate the degree of sample heating in high-speed cryogenic MAS-NMR experiments. The cryogenic MAS-NMR data show that the site resolution of magic-angle-spinning NMR may be combined with the high signal strength of cryogenic operation and that cryogenic phenomena may be studied with chemical site selectivity.

Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in Parkinson's disease: diffusion tensor imaging

INTRODUCTION

It is generally assumed that executive dysfunctions in Parkinson's disease (PD) are caused by degeneration of the basal ganglia or frontal cortex or both. However, there have been few studies investigating the relationship between executive dysfunctions and cerebral pathological change. The objective of this study was to evaluate various cognitive functions in non-demented patients with PD, and to compare the fractional anisotropy (FA) values of PD patients with and without executive dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one consecutive non-demented patients with PD were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of their Wisconsin Card Sorting Test score.

RESULTS

There was significant FA reduction in the left parietal white matter in the group in which the number of categories achieved was <or=2 relative to the group that achieved >2.

CONCLUSION

Accumulating evidence suggests that conventional 'frontal' tasks correlate with both frontal lobe and parietal lobe function, and we suggest that pathological changes in the left parietal lobe may cause, in part, disturbances in executive tasks in PD.

Genome sequence of a Japanese isolate of Radish mosaic virus: the first complete nucleotide sequence of a crucifer-infecting comovirus

The complete nucleotide sequences of RNA1 and RNA2 of a Japanese isolate of Radish mosaic virus (RaMV-J), a crucifer-infecting comovirus, were determined. RNA1 is 6064 nucleotides long and encodes a 210-kDa polyprotein containing conserved motifs that are required for replication. RNA2 is 4020 nucleotides long and encodes a 123-kDa polyprotein containing the putative movement protein and two coat proteins. Comparisons of the encoded proteins confirmed that RaMV-J and a Czech RaMV isolate are isolates of the same species in the genus Comovirus. A phylogenetic analysis of RaMV-J and other comoviruses revealed that legume-infecting comoviruses constitute a single branch to which RaMV is distantly related.

Homologous recombination repair is regulated by domains at the N- and C-terminus of NBS1 and is dissociated with ATM functions

The proteins responsible for radiation sensitive disorders, NBS1, kinase ataxia-telangiectasia-(A-T)-mutated (ATM) and MRE11, interact through the C-terminus of NBS1 in response to the generation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and are all implicated in checkpoint regulation and DSB repair, such as homologous recombination (HR). We measured the ability of several NBS1 mutant clones and A-T cells to regulate HR repair using the DR-GFP or SCneo systems. ATM deficiency did not reduce the HR repair frequency of an induced DSB, and it was confirmed by findings that HR frequencies are only slightly affected by deletion of ATM-binding site at the extreme C-terminus of NBS1. In contrast, The HR-regulating ability is dramatically reduced by deletion of the MRE11-binding domain at the C-terminus of NBS1 and markedly inhibited by mutations in the FHA/BRCT domains at the N-terminus. This impaired capability in HR is consistent with a failure to observe MRE11 foci formation. Furthermore, normal HR using sister chromatid was completely inhibited by the absence of FHA/BRCT domains. These results suggested that the N- and C-terminal domains of NBS1 are the major regulatory domains for HR pathways, very likely through the recruitment and retention of the MRE11 nuclease to DSB sites in an ATM-independent fashion.

Solid-state NMR of endohedral hydrogen–fullerene complexes

We present an overview of solid-state NMR studies of endohedral H(2)-fullerene complexes, including (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra, (1)H and (13)C spin relaxation studies, and the results of (1)H dipole-dipole recoupling experiments. The available data involves three different endohedral H(2)-fullerene complexes, studied over a wide range of temperatures and applied magnetic fields. The symmetry of the cage influences strongly the motionally-averaged nuclear spin interactions of the endohedral H(2) species, as well as its spin relaxation behaviour. In addition, the non-bonding interactions between fullerene cages are influenced by the presence of endohedral hydrogen molecules. The review also presents several pieces of experimental data which are not yet understood, one example being the structured (1)H NMR lineshapes of endohedral H(2) molecules trapped in highly symmetric cages at cryogenic temperatures. This review demonstrates the richness of NMR phenomena displayed by H(2)-fullerene complexes, especially in the cryogenic regime.

Coexpression of an unusual form of the EWS-WT1 fusion transcript and interleukin 2/15 receptor betamRNA in a desmoplastic small round cell tumour

BACKGROUND

The beta chain of the interleukin 2/15 receptor (IL-2/15Rbeta) is induced by the expression of the EWS-WT1. A case of desmoplastic small round cell tumour (DSRCT) expressing only an unusual EWS-WT1 treated by us is reported here.

AIM

To characterise an unusual form of EWS-WT1.

METHODS

Frozen tissue sections of the axillary tumour were examined using a laser-assisted microdissection technique and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The novel fusion of exon 8 of EWS and the defective exon 10 of WT1 (-KTS) was detected. Although it was an unusual form, the coexpression of the present EWS-WT1, IL-2/15Rbeta and Janus kinase (JAK1) mRNA was detected in the tumour cells. IL-2 and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT5) mRNA were detected in both tumour and stromal cells.

CONCLUSION

The induction of the IL-2/15 receptor signalling pathway may contribute to tumorigenesis in DSRCT through a paracrine or an autocrine system, even though the EWS-WT1 was an unusual form.