Influence of chemical compositions and molecular weights of humic acids on Cr(VI) photo-reduction

Humic acids (HA) strongly affect the fate of trace metals in soils and aquatic environments. One of the remarkable properties of HA is its ability to reduce Cr(VI), an extremely toxic anion. However, it is unclear which HA components are involved in Cr(VI) reduction and possess the photo-induced properties. In this study, an ultrafiltration technique was used to fractionate HAs into four fractions of different nominal molecular weights (M(w)): >100, 50-100, 10-50 and <10 kDa. Each HA fraction was characterized by spectroscopic analyses followed by examining Cr(VI) removal on each fraction of HA at pH 1-5. Spectroscopic results indicated that low-M(w) HA was enriched with polar and aromatic domains. These polar, including polar C in aliphatic region, and aromatic groups were the major sites for Cr(VI) reduction because they disappeared rapidly upon interaction with Cr(VI). As a result, low M(w) of HA exhibited greater efficiency of Cr(VI) reduction. Light induced the rapid transfer of electrons between chromate-phenol/carboxyl ester, or the formation of peroxide radicals or H(2)O(2) through the ready decay of peroxy radicals associated with polar substituents, explained the rapid scavenging of Cr(VI) on polar and aromatic groups of HAs under illumination.

Elevated PI3K signaling drives multiple breast cancer subtypes

Most human breast tumors have mutations that elevate signaling through a key metabolic pathway that is induced by insulin and a number of growth factors. This pathway serves to activate an enzyme known as phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase (PI3K) as well as to regulate proteins that signal in response to lipid products of PI3K. The specific mutations that activate this pathway in breast cancer can occur in genes coding for tyrosine kinase receptors, adaptor proteins linked to PI3K, catalytic and regulatory subunits of PI3K, serine/threonine kinases that function downstream of PI3K, and also phosphatidylinositol 3' phosphatase tumor suppressors that function to antagonize this pathway. While each genetic change results in net elevation of PI3K pathway signaling, and all major breast cancer subtypes show pathway activation, the specific mutation(s) involved in any one tumor may play an important role in defining tumor subtype, prognosis and even sensitivity to therapy. Here, we describe mouse models of breast cancer with elevated PI3K signaling, and how they may be used to guide development of novel therapeutics.

RB1 and p53 at the crossroad of EMT and triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease that includes Basal-like and Claudin-low tumors. The Claudin-low tumors are enriched for features associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and possibly for tumor initiating cells. Primary TNBCs respond relatively well to conventional chemotherapy; however, metastatic disease is virtually incurable. Thus, there is a great interest in identifying specific therapeutic targets for TNBC. The tumor suppressor RB1 is frequently lost in Basal-like breast cancer. To test for a causative role of RB1 gene loss in BC and for its effect on specific subtypes, we deleted mouse Rb in mammary stem/bipotent progenitor cells. This led to diverse mammary tumors including TNBC, with a subset of the latter containing p53 mutations and exhibiting features of Basal-like BC or EMT. Combined mutation of Rb and p53 in mammary stem/bipotent progenitors induced EMT type tumors. Here, we review our findings and those of others, which connect Rb and p53 to EMT in TNBC. Furthermore, we discuss how by understanding this circuit and its vulnerabilities, we may identify novel therapy for TNBC.

Cooperation between Pik3ca and p53 mutations in mouse mammary tumor formation

PIK3CA, which codes for the p110α catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, is one of the most frequently mutated genes in human breast cancer. Here, we describe a mouse model for PIK3CA-induced breast cancer by using the ROSA26 (R26) knock-in system, in which targeted Pik3ca alleles can be activated through transgenic expression of Cre recombinase. We mated Pik3ca(H1047R) and Pik3ca(wt) knock-in lines with MMTV-Cre transgenics, which express Cre in mammary epithelium. Starting at approximately 5 months of age, female R26-Pik3ca(H1047R);MMTV-Cre mice, but not control R26-Pik3ca(wt);MMTV-Cre mice, developed mammary tumors, as well as lymphoid and skin malignancies. R26-Pik3ca(H1047R);MMTV-Cre mammary tumors were typically either adenosquamous carcinoma or adenomyoepithelioma. As p53 is the most commonly mutated gene in breast cancer, we tested for genetic interaction between Pik3ca(H1047R) and p53 loss-of-function mutations in R26-Pik3ca(H1047R);p53(loxP/+);MMTV-Cre mice. This led to decreased survival of double-mutant animals, which developed lymphoma and mammary tumors with rapid kinetics. Mammary tumors that formed in p53(loxP/+);MMTV-Cre conditional mutants were either poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma or spindle cell/EMT, whereas R26-Pik3ca(H1047R);p53(loxP/+);MMTV-Cre mammary tumors were mostly adenosquamous carcinoma or spindle cell/EMT indicating that double-mutant mice develop a distinct spectrum of mammary tumors. Thus, an oncogenic variant of PIK3CA implicated in multiple human breast cancer subtypes can induce a very diverse spectrum of mammary tumors in mice. Furthermore, Pik3ca(H1047R) shows cooperation with p53, which altered the specific tumors that formed. Thus, the two most frequently mutated genes in human breast cancer show cooperation in mammary tumor formation.

Association between coronary artery calcification using low-dose MDCT coronary angiography and bone mineral density in middle-aged men and women

Six hundred sixty-one participants who had at least one cardiac risk factor but were without known coronary heart disease underwent low-dose multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography (MDCT-CA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The association between presence of subclinical coronary calcified plaque and low bone mineral density for the middle-aged individual was not significant after multivariate adjustment.

INTRODUCTION

Results of previous clinical studies assessing the relationship between osteoporosis and coronary calcification are inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association between subclinical coronary calcification and osteoporosis in middle-aged men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women by using low-dose MDCT-CA and bone mineral density (BMD).

METHODS

This study enrolled 661 participants with at least one cardiac risk factor but without known coronary artery disease (CAD). All subjects underwent low-dose MDCT-CA and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry on the same day.

RESULTS

The mean age was 52.2 years for men, 44.8 years for premenopausal women, and 59.1 years for postmenopausal women. The prevalence of calcified plaques between men with normal BMD and low BMD at lumbar spine were significantly different (P=0.042). The prevalence of mixed plaque and calcified plaque between pre- and postmenopausal women with normal BMD and low BMD at lumbar spine and femoral neck were not significantly different (P>0.05). Possible association between lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total proximal femur BMD and the presence of CAP was evaluated for men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women using multivariate logistic regression analysis: results were not significant (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that the association between the presence of subclinical coronary calcification and low BMD among middle-aged men and women was not significant after controlling for age and other risk factors for CAD and osteoporosis.

Cr(VI) removal on fungal biomass of Neurospora crassa: the importance of dissolved organic carbons derived from the biomass to Cr(VI) reduction

Interactions of toxic Cr(VI) with renewable biomaterials are considered an important pathway for Cr(VI) removal in ecosystems. Biomaterials are susceptible to dissolution, and their dissolved derivatives may provide an alternative to surface-involved pathway for scavenging of Cr(VI). In this study, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) derived from Neurospora crassa biomass was investigated. The proportion of Cr(VI) reduction by DOC to that on biomass was determined to evaluate the importance of DOC to Cr(VI) reduction. A rapid increase in DOC concentration from 145.6 to 193.7 mg L(-1) was observed when N. crassa-biomass was immersed in 0.01 M KCl solution at pH of 1-5, and polysaccharides, peptides, and glycoproteins with carboxyl, amide, and -NH functional groups, are the major compositions of DOC. On reaction of 96.2 microM Cr(VI) with N. crassa-biomass or DOC, it was estimated that DOC contributed approximately 53.8-59.5% of the total Cr(VI) reduction on biomass in the dark. Illumination enhanced Cr(VI) reduction via photo-oxidation of biomass/DOC under aeration conditions, which formed superoxide for Cr(VI) reduction. At pH 1, photoinduced Cr(VI) reduction by DOC proceeded more rapidly than reduction on the biomass surface. However, at pH >3, with a decrease in Cr(VI) reduction by DOC, photon-excited biomass may become an important electron source for Cr(VI) photoreduction.

Rb deletion in mouse mammary progenitors induces luminal-B or basal-like/EMT tumor subtypes depending on p53 status

Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, with several different subtypes being characterized by distinct histology, gene expression patterns, and genetic alterations. The tumor suppressor gene retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) is frequently lost in both luminal-B and triple-negative tumor (TNT; i.e., estrogen receptor-, progesterone receptor-, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative) breast cancer subtypes. However, a causal role for RB1 loss in different subtypes remains undefined. Here we report that deletion of Rb alone or together with its relative p107 in mouse mammary stem/bipotent progenitor cells induced focal acinar hyperplasia with squamous metaplasia. These lesions progressed into histologically diverse, transplantable mammary tumors with features of either luminal-B or TNT subtypes. The TNTs included basal-like tumors as well as tumors that exhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The EMT-type tumors and a subset of the basal-like tumors, but not luminal-B-like tumors, expressed mutant forms of the tumor suppressor p53. Accordingly, targeted deletion of both Rb and p53 in stem/bipotent progenitors led to histologically uniform, aggressive, EMT-type tumors. Reintroduction of Rb into these tumor cells suppressed growth in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. These results establish a causal role for Rb loss in breast cancer in mice and demonstrate that cooperating oncogenic events, such as mutations in p53, dictate tumor subtype after Rb inactivation.

Chromate reduction by zero-valent Al metal as catalyzed by polyoxometalate

In spite of a high reduction potential of zero-valent Al (ZVAl), its ability to reduce Cr(VI), a widespread pollutant, to less toxic Cr(III) remains to be uncovered. In the present study, Cr(VI) reduction by ZVAl was conducted to evaluate the potential application of Al as a reductant for Cr(VI). Polyoxometalate (POM, HNa(2)PW(12)O(40)), a catalyst, was used to accelerate Cr(VI) reduction by Al. The reaction of 0.192mM Cr(VI) on ZVAl was investigated in the presence of N(2) or O(2) at pH 1. A slight decrease in Cr(VI) concentration was observed on as-received (uncleaned) ZVAl due to the presence of oxide layer with a low surface area (ca. 3.4x10(-3)m(2)/g) of ZVAl. On addition of 0.1mM POM, Cr(VI) reduction on uncleaned ZVAl increased significantly. This is attributed to the unique properties of POM, which has a Brphinsted acidity higher than usual inorganic acids such as H(2)SO(4) and HCl. Thus, POM could remove rapidly the oxidize layer on ZVAl, followed by acting as a shuttle for electron transfer from ZVAl to Cr(VI). Under a N(2) atmosphere, one- or two-electron reduction of POM by ZVAl was responsible for Cr(VI) reduction in the early stage of the reaction. However, during reaction with ZVAl over 120min, three-electron reduction of POM predominated over Cr(VI) reduction. On interaction of O(2) with reduced POM, the formation of H(2)O(2) was responsible for subsequent Cr(VI) reduction. The results suggest that POM is an efficient catalyst for Cr(VI) reduction by Al due to the extremely rapid consumption of reduced POM or H(2)O(2) by Cr(VI).

Operational radiation protection in synchrotron light and free electron laser facilities

The third-generation synchrotron radiation (SR) facilities are storage ring-based facilities with many insertion devices and photon beamlines, and have low injection beam power, but extremely high stored beam power. The fourth-generation X-ray free electron laser (FEL) facilities are based on an electron Linac with a long undulator and have high injection beam power. Due to its electron and photon beam characteristics and modes of operation, storage ring and photon beamlines have unique safety aspects, which are the main subjects of this paper. The shielding design limits, operational modes and beam losses are reviewed. Shielding analysis (source terms and methodologies) and interlocked safety systems for storage ring and photon beamlines (including SR and gas bremsstrahlung) are described. Specific safety issues for storage ring top-off injection and FEL facilities are discussed. Operational safety programme elements, e.g. operation authorisation, commissioning, training and radiation measurements, for SR facilities are also presented.

Operational radiation protection in high-energy physics accelerators

An overview of operational radiation protection (RP) policies and practices at high-energy electron and proton accelerators used for physics research is presented. The different radiation fields and hazards typical of these facilities are described, as well as access control and radiation control systems. The implementation of an operational RP programme is illustrated, covering area and personnel classification and monitoring, radiation surveys, radiological environmental protection, management of induced radioactivity, radiological work planning and control, management of radioactive materials and wastes, facility dismantling and decommissioning, instrumentation and training.

Selective separation of phosphate and fluoride from semiconductor wastewater

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) and phosphoric acid (H(3)PO(4)) are widely used in semiconductor industry for etching and rinsing purposes. Consequently, significant amount of wastewater containing phosphate and fluoride is generated. Selective separation of phosphate and fluoride from the semiconductor wastewater, containing 936 mg/L of fluoride, 118 mg/L of phosphate, 640 mg/L of sulfate, and 26.7 mg/L of ammonia, was studied. Chemical precipitation and flotation reactions were utilized in the two-stage treatment processes. The first-stage reaction involved the addition of magnesium chloride (MgCl(2)) to induce selective precipitation of magnesium phosphate. The optimal condition was pH 10 and molar ratio, [Mg(2 + )]/[(PO(4) (3-))], of 3:1, and 66.2% of phosphate was removed and recovered as bobierrite (Mg(3)(PO(4))(2).8H(2)O). No reaction was found between MgCl(2) and fluoride. Calcium chloride (CaCl(2)) was used in the second-stage reaction to induce precipitation of calcium fluoride and calcium phosphate. The optimum molar ratio, [Ca(2 + )]/[F(-)], was 0.7 at pH 10, and residual fluoride concentration of 10.7 mg/L and phosphate concentration of lower than 0.5 mg/L was obtained. Thermodynamic equilibrium was modeled with PHREEQC and compared with experimental results. Sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) was an effective collector for subsequent solid-liquid removal via dispersed air flotation (DiAF). The study demonstrated that phosphate can be selectively recovered from the wastewater. Potential benefits include recovery of phosphate for reuse, lower required dosage of calcium for fluoride removal, and less amount of CaF(2) sludge.

A low molecular weight polysaccharide isolated from Agaricus blazei suppresses tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo

Previous studies indicated that the low molecular weight polysaccharide extracts from Agaricus blazei are potential antitumor agents or adjuvant in tumor treatment. In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of LMPAB, a low molecular weight polysaccharide isolated from Agaricus blazei, and the molecular mechanisms of its antitumor activity. The antitumor effect of LMPAB was examined using mouse sarcoma 180 (S180) xenograft models. Antiangiogenic effect of LMPAB was determined by chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) angiogenesis and Matrigel-induced neovascularization in vivo models. The mRNA and protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assessed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Tumor inhibitory rates in the S180 xenograft models were 9.7, 23.9, and 33.0%, respectively, after administration of LMPAB at dose of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks. LMPAB also inhibited angiogenesis in the CAM model and Matrigel-induced neovascularization in C57BL/6 mice. The mRNA and protein levels of VEGF in tumor tissues were significantly down-regulated in the BALB/c mice received LMPAB treatment. Furthermore, significant down-regulation of serum VEGF levels was also observed in the mice. Our data suggest that LMPAB might be a promising agent for tumor therapy, and the antitumor and antiangiogenic effects of LMPAB may be related with down-regulation of VEGF.

Identification of tumorsphere- and tumor-initiating cells in HER2/Neu-induced mammary tumors

A variety of human malignancies, including breast cancer, are thought to be organized in a hierarchy, whereby a relatively minor population of tumor initiating cells (TIC) is responsible for tumor growth and the vast majority of remaining cells is nontumorigenic. Analysis of TICs in model systems of breast cancer would offer uniform and accessible source of tumor cells and the power of mouse genetics to dissect these rare cells. The HER2/Neu proto-oncogene is overexpressed in an aggressive form of human breast cancer. Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-Neu transgenic mice develop mammary tumors that mimic human HER2 subtype breast cancer. Here, we report on the functional identification of mouse HER2/Neu TICs that can induce tumors after transplantation into the mammary gland of recipient mice. Secondary tumors formed after injecting MMTV-Neu TICs resemble primary tumors in the original transgenic mice and are organized in a hierarchy containing TICs as well as their nontumorigenic descendants. To study MMTV-Neu TICs in vitro, we grew tumorspheres under nonadherent culture conditions. Tumorsphere forming units (TFU) capable of producing tumorspheres retained tumorigenic potential and were indistinguishable by several criteria from TICs. Interestingly, MMTV-Neu TICs and TFUs were committed to the luminal cell fate when induced to differentiate in vitro. Our data define reproducible characteristics of the MMTV-Neu TIC and TFU, which help to explain marker expression profiles of HER2-positive breast cancer. In addition, the similarity between TICs and TFUs in this system provides a rationale for TFU-based screens to target tumor-initiating cells in HER2(+) breast cancer.

Administration of donor-derived mesenchymal stem cells can prolong the survival of rat cardiac allograft

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult elements that have recently been shown to have profound immunomodulatory effects both in vitro and in vivo. Herein we have examined the impact of intravenous infusion of donor MSCs on the survival of transplanted hearts in a rat allograft model.

METHODS

Recipient Fisher344 rats were transplanted with hearts from inbred Wistar rats. Wistar rat MSCs were infused via the tail vein at designated intervals. In vitro mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) assays were performed to assess whether MSCs downregulated T-cell responses in vivo. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to analyze the Th1/Th2 balance in MSC-treated and control groups.

RESULTS

The MSCs cultured in vitro exhibited multipotential for differentiation. Survival of the allografts was markedly prolonged by administration of MSCs compared with the controls, namely mean survivals of 12.4 vs 6.4 days, respectively. Real-time PCR showed a shift in the Th1/Th2 balance toward Th2. By MLR and CML assays, untreated control rats showed greater alloreactivity than did MSC-treated rats.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that MSCs suppressed allogeneic T-cell responses both in vitro and in vivo. Intravenous administration of MSCs prolonged the survival of transplanted hearts, possibly by induction of allograft tolerance through changing the Th1/Th2 balance.

Sludge conditioning by using alumina nanoparticles and polyelectrolyte

The combined use of nanoparticle and polyelectrolyte as retention aids in pulp and paper industry tend to give better flocculation (retention) and drainage (dewatering) than conventional polyelectrolyte flocculation. The combined use of alumina nanoparticle and polyelectrolyte in conditioning waste activated sludge was investigated in the current study. Alumina with three different sizes (139.5, 241.7, and 326.4 nm) was utilized in combination with a cationic polyelectrolyte (T3052) of molecular weight of 1.1 x 10(7) and charge density of 2.1 meq/g. It was found from capillary suction time (CST) and specific resistance to filtration (SRF) measurement that sludge conditioned with alumina/polyelectrolyte showed a better dewaterability than polyelectrolyte alone. In addition, it was found that the better dewaterability was obtained as alumina became smaller. Floc size and fractal dimension of flocs were examined as well. The mechanism of enhanced dewaterability was proposed that alumina nanoparticles became adsorbed onto sludge and positive patches were formed. The electrostatic repulsion made the polyelectrolyte more stretched, and resulted in more effective flocculation and bridging as polyelectrolyte was added. Dosing sequence also affected the conditioning effectiveness. However, the combined use of silica nanoparticles and a cationic polelectrolyte, KP-201C, or alumina nanoparticles and an anionic polyelectrolyte, AP410, did not result in improved dewaterability of waste activated sludge. Possible explanation was discussed. Preliminary results show that some in-depth work is needed regarding the introduction of nanoparticles in sludge conditioning.

Autoantibody against beta1-adrenergic receptor and left ventricular remodeling changes in response to metoprolol treatment

Autoantibodies specific for the beta(1)-adrenoceptor (beta(1)-AR) have been implicated in the pathology of congestive heart failure (CHF). We hypothesized that the presence of autoantibodies against beta(1)-AR (anti-beta(1)-AR) is associated with left ventricular (LV) remodelling in response to metoprolol. Synthetic beta(1)-AR peptides served as the target antigen in an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were used to screen the sera of 106 CHF patients. Patients were separated into positive (+) anti-beta(1)-AR or negative (-) anti-beta(1)-AR groups according to their anti-beta(1)-AR reactivity. Echocardiography (ECG) was performed at baseline and after one year of metoprolol therapy in combination with standard treatment regime for CHF, that is, digoxin, diuretics and an ACEI (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor). The dose of metoprolol was doubled on a biweekly basis up to 50 mg x 2 daily (b.i.d./day) or attainment of maximum tolerated dose. Ninety-six patients completed final data analysis. Fifty-four patients with (+) anti-beta(1)-AR had greater improvements than 42 patients with (-) anti-beta(1)-AR in LVEDD (left ventricular end-diastolic dimension) (P < 0.01, from 69 +/- 0.8 to 58.0 +/- 0.5 mm vs. 69.0 +/- 0.8-63.6 +/- 0.9 mm) and LVESD (left ventricular end-systolic dimension) (P < 0.01, from 57.1 +/- 1.4 to 43.9 +/- 0.8 mm vs. 56.2 +/- 0.9-48.6 +/- 1.0 mm), and LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction) (P < 0.01, from 35.4 +/- 1.3 to 49.8 +/- 0.6% vs. 34.4 +/- 1.0-44.3 +/- 1.1%) by metoprolol therapy in combination with standard treatment regime for one year. Of the CHF patients with (+) anti-beta(1)-AR, 65.4% responded to target metoprolol dose as compared to 21.4% of CHF patients without anti-beta(1)-AR (P < 0.01). Response to target metoprolol dose occurred more rapidly in (+) anti-beta(1)-AR than (-) anti-beta(1)-AR of CHF patients (67.5 +/- 2.4 vs. 100.8 +/- 3.0 days, P < 0.01). These results demonstrated that CHF patients with (+) anti-beta(1)-AR had greater improvements in LV remodelling and heart function by metoprolol as compared to (-) anti-beta(1)-AR patients. Moreover, patients with (+) anti-beta(1)-AR have better tolerance to metoprolol therapy than patients without anti-beta(1)-AR.

Microfiltration for separation of green algae from water

Cross-flow microfiltration was used for separation of green algae, Chlorella sp., from freshwater. The transmembrane pressure (TMP) was adjusted at 40, 50 and 60 kPa, respectively. The cross-flow velocity was set at 0.43 m/s for laminar flow and 0.84 m/s for turbulent flow, respectively. The results showed that flux increased as TMP increased from 40 to 50 kPa. But drastic flux decline was observed when operating at TMP of 60 kPa. Raising cross-flow velocity increased the initial flux of MF under TMP of 60 kPa. Nevertheless, implementing turbulent cross-flow did not improve the drastic flux decline under the highest TMP. Preozonation increased the dissolved organic carbon, decreased algal viability and made the size of algal cells smaller. It also increased dissolved polysaccharide that derived from extracellular organic matter (EOM). Different effects of preozonation on flux behavior of MF were observed when utilizing hydrophobic and hydrophilic membrane. Generally speaking, preozonation improved performance of microfiltration by reducing cake compressibility and the biomass loading when both membranes were used. However, dissolved polysaccharide released during preozonation was adsorbed onto the hydrophobic membrane. Consequently, fouling resistance of the hydrophobic membrane became higher. These arguments were verified by classification of hydrodynamic resistances.

Dissolved air flotation of polishing wastewater from semiconductor manufacturer

The feasibility of the dissolved air flotation (DAF) process in treating chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) wastewater was evaluated in this study. Wastewater from a local semiconductor manufacturer was sampled and characterised. Nano-sized silica (77.6 nm) with turbidity of 130 +/- 3 NTU was found in the slightly alkaline wastewater with traces of other pollutants. Experimental results indicated removal efficiency of particles, measured as suspended particle or turbidity, increased with increasing concentration of cationic collector cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). When CTAB concentration was 30 mg/L, pH of 6.5 +/- 0.1 and recycle ratio of 30%, very effective removal of particles (> 98%) was observed in saturation pressure range of 4 to 6 kg/cm2, and the reaction proceeded faster under higher pressure. Similarly, the reaction was faster under the higher recycle ratio, while final removal efficiency improved slightly as the recycle ratio increased from 20 to 40%. An insignificant effect of pH on treatment efficiency was found as pH varied from 4.5 to 8.5. The presence of activator, Al3+ and Fe3+, enhanced the system performance. It is proposed that CTAB adsorbs on silica particles in polishing wastewater through electrostatic interaction and makes particles more hydrophobic. The increase in hydrophobicity results in more effective bubble-particle collisions. In addition, flocculation of silica particles through bridging effect of collector was found; it is believed that flocculation of particles also contributed to flotation. Better attachment between gas bubble and solid, higher buoyancy and higher air to solid ratio all lead to effective flotation.

Calculations of neutron and photon source terms and attenuation profiles for the generic design of the SPEAR3 storage ring shield

The FLUKA Monte Carlo particle generation and transport code was used to calculate shielding requirements for the 3 GeV, 500 mA SPEAR3 storage ring at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory. The photon and neutron dose equivalent source term data were simulated for a 3 GeV electron beam interacting with two typical target/shielding geometries in the ring. The targets simulated are a rectangular block of 0.7 cm thick copper and a 5 cm thick iron block, both tilted at 1 degree relative to the beam direction. Attenuation profiles for neutrons and photons in concrete and lead as a function of angle at different shield thicknesses were calculated. The first, second and equilibrium attenuation lengths of photons and neutrons in the shield materials are derived from the attenuation profiles. The source term data and the attenuation lengths were then used to evaluate the shielding requirements for the ratchet walls of all front-ends of the SPEAR3 storage ring.

Comparison of synchrotron radiation calculations between analytical codes (STAC8, photon) and Monte Carlo codes (FLUKA, EGS4)

STAC8 is a significant improvement upon its predecessor PHOTON and is a valuable analytical code for quick and conservative beamline shielding designs for synchrotron radiation (SR) facilities. In order to check the applicability, accuracy and limitations of STAC8, studies were conducted to compare the results of STAC8 with those of PHOTON with calculations using the FLUKA and EGS4 Monte Carlo codes. Doses and spectra for scattered SR in a few beam-target-shield geometries were calculated, with and without photon linear polarisation effects. Areas for expanding the STAC8 capabilities, for example, features of the mirror-reflected lights and double-Compton light calculations and the use of monochromatic light have been identified. Some of these features have been implemented and benchmarked against Monte Carlo calculations. Reasonable agreements were found between the STAC8 and Monte Carlo calculations.

Calcium modulates dopamine potentiation of N-methyl-D-aspartate Responses: Electrophysiological and imaging evidence

In the striatum, dopamine (DA) exerts a major modulatory influence on voltage- and ligand-gated currents. Previously we have shown that DA modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission and that the direction of this modulation depends on, among other factors, the glutamate and DA receptor subtypes activated. These effects also involve DA-induced alterations in voltage-gated Ca(2+) currents. In the present experiments, the effects of Ca(2+) channel blockers on DA and D1 receptor-dependent potentiation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) responses were examined in vitro in striatal slices using current clamp recording techniques. DA or D1 receptor agonists consistently enhanced NMDA responses. Cadmium and the more selective L-type Ca(2+) channel antagonists nifedipine and methoxyverapamil reduced the potentiation of NMDA responses by DA or D1 receptor activation. Furthermore, studies using Ca(2+) imaging with Fluo-3 in cultured cortical or dissociated striatal neurons demonstrated that DA and D1 agonists increased intracellular Ca(2+) transients induced by NMDA. These as well as previous findings indicate that in striatal neurons at least two mechanisms contribute to the enhancement of NMDA responses by DA receptor activation, facilitation of voltage-gated Ca(2+) currents and D1 receptor activation of the cAMP-protein kinase A cascade. The existence of multiple mechanisms leading to a similar outcome allows a certain degree of redundancy in the consequences of DA modulation.

Route to synthesize the sludge management processes

A route for the synthesis of the treatment train of sewage sludge is proposed, and the conceptual design stage is demonstrated, using local sludge as an example.

Co-conditioning and dewatering of alum sludge and waste activated sludge

Co-conditioning and dewatering behaviors of alum sludge and waste activated sludge were investigated. Two different sludges were mixed at various ratios (2:1; 1:1; 1:2; 1:4) for study. Capillary suction time (CST) and specific resistance to filtration (SRF) were utilized to assess sludge dewaterability. Relatively speaking, waste activated sludge, though of higher solid content, was more difficult to be dewatered than alum sludge. It was found that sludge dewaterability and settlability became better with increasing fraction of alum sludge in the mixed sludge. Dosage required of the cationic polyelectrolyte (KP-201C) for dewatering was reduced as well. It is proposed that alum sludge acts as skeleton builder in the mixed sludge, and renders the mixed sludge more incompressible which is beneficial for sludge dewatering. Implications of the results of the study to the sludge management plan for Taipei City that generates both alum sludge and waste activated sludge at significant amount are also discussed. The current sludge treatment and disposal plan in Metropolitan Taipei could be made more cost-effective.

Measurements of accelerator-produced leakage neutron and photon transmission through concrete

Optimum shielding of the radiation from particle accelerators requires knowledge of the attenuation characteristics of the shielding material. The most common material for shielding this radiation is concrete, which can be made using various materials of different densities as aggregates. These different concrete mixes can have very different attenuation characteristics. Information about the attenuation of leakage photons and neutrons in ordinary and heavy concrete is, however, very limited. To increase our knowledge and understanding of the radiation attenuation in concrete of various compositions, we have performed measurements of the transmission of leakage radiation, photons and neutrons, from a Varian Clinac 2100C medical linear accelerator operating at maximum electron energies of 6 and 18 MeV. We have also calculated, using Monte Carlo techniques, the leakage neutron spectra and its transmission through concrete. The results of these measurements and calculations extend the information currently available for designing shielding for medical electron accelerators. Photon transmission characteristics depend more on the manufacturer of the concrete than on the atomic composition. A possible cause for this effect is a non-uniform distribution of the high-density aggregate, typically iron, in the concrete matrix. Errors in estimated transmission of photons can exceed a factor of three, depending on barrier thickness, if attenuation in high-density concrete is simply scaled from that of normal density concrete. We found that neutron transmission through the high-density concretes can be estimated most reasonably and conservatively by using the linear tenth-value layer of normal concrete if specific values of the tenth-value layer of the high-density concrete are not known. The reason for this is that the neutron transmission depends primarily on the hydrogen content of the concrete, which does not significantly depend on concrete density. Errors of factors of two to more than ten, depending on barrier thickness, in the estimated transmission of neutrons through high-density concrete can be made if the attenuation is scaled by density from normal concrete.