Agglomeration-influenced transformation of heavy metals in gas-solid phases during simulated sewage sludge co-incineration: Effects of phosphorus and operating temperature

Phosphorus and operating temperature not only affect the agglomeration behavior but also the transformation and migration of heavy metals. Accordingly, this study examined the effect of temperature and phosphorus in a fluidized bed combustion process to understand the emission and distribution of heavy metals by both experimental and thermodynamic calculations. The experimental results indicated that the sodium-phosphate reactions occur before the sodium-silicate reaction in the solid phase when the ratio of P/Na was 1/2. A low-melting-point sodium phosphate component, such as NaPO_3, leads to easier particle agglomeration than Na₂O-SiO₂. In terms of the emissions of heavy metals, Pb and Cd show a similar trend: both the amount of emission smaller than that without adding phosphorus and the amount of emission share an upward trend with the operating time increased during MSS fluidized bed combustion. However, with the presence of phosphorus, the emission of Cr shows slightly decreased, and then sharply dropped, after that, increasing with operating time increased. Generally speaking, the maximum amount of Pb and Cd emitted was at 900 °C, followed by 800 °C and 700 °C. The higher temperature would promote the volatilization of Pb and Cd to emit. On the other hand, Cr emitted at the beginning tended to increase but later decreases when the temperatures were 700 and 900 °C, which may be due to the emission of Cr being influenced by the different affinities of both Al and Cr, reacting with Na in a fluidized bed incinerator. As for the distribution of heavy metals in the solid phase, a higher concentration of heavy metals was found in both the coarsest and finest particles during the process of agglomeration/defluidization.

Influence of different fluidization and gasification parameters on syngas composition and heavy metal retention in a two-stage fluidized bed gasification process

Herein, we investigated the influence of gasification and fluidization parameters on the H2 content of syngas and the retention of heavy metals (Cu and Pb) in a bed material during a two-stage fluidized bed gasification process. The results indicated that a temperature of 900 °C in both stages resulted in the highest H2 content (32.4 mol%) in syngas. When different equivalence ratios (ERs) were investigated, it was found that the highest H2 content in syngas (25.4 mol%) was achieved at an ER of 0.3. A particle size of 0.46 mm in the fluidized bed led to an increase in the H2 content of syngas. Moreover, increasing the operating gas velocity led to an increase in the H2 content of syngas. The heavy metal concentration in the bed material was the highest at 500 °C. When the influences of different particle sizes and operating gas velocities were compared, it was observed that a particle size of 0.46 mm and gas velocity of 1.5 U/Umf resulted in increased heavy metal concentrations in the bed material, which indicates that the reduction in the particle size and the increase in the operating gas velocity enhanced gasification and improved the retention of heavy metals.

Sequential extraction for heavy metal distribution of bottom ash from fluidized bed co-combusted phosphorus-rich sludge under the agglomeration/defluidization process

Agglomeration that occurs during municipal sewage sludge (MSS) fluidized bed co-combustion might affect heavy metal distribution and the transformation of bottom ash. A study on the mobility and speciation of heavy metals that accompanies agglomeration behavior and phosphorus addition should be examined during MSS co-combustion. Meanwhile, the aim of this study was to evaluate the total content and speciation of heavy metals during the MSS fluidized bed co-combustion by the chemical sequential extraction procedure (SEP). The risk assessment code (RAC) and individual contamination factor (ICF) are calculated to evaluate the mobility of heavy metals and their environmental risks in agglomerates. Moreover, identification of agglomerates is established by both characterization (scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and thermodynamic simulation (HSC chemistry software). The experimental results indicated that P and Na would form the lower melting-point compounds such as NaPO₃ and Na₂O in the bottom ash, which promoted agglomeration during MSS fluidized bed co-combustion. According to the simulation, Na and P have a stronger affinity than Si and Cr, and this reaction is not only influenced by particle agglomeration, but also by heavy metal distribution during modified MSS co-combustion. Nevertheless, the results of ICFs and RACs obtained from the SEP indicated that for heavy metals trapped in agglomerates, a weaker binding such as physical covering by eutectics might be considered as the dominant reaction compared with chemical binding to form a metal complex.

Tunability of Acoustic and Mechanical Behaviors in Breast Tissue Mimicking Materials

In radiology practices, the ultrasound-guided breast biopsy is among the most commonly performed minimally invasive procedures. However, many radiology residents in their graduate residencies are found with little or no hands-on experience with ultrasound-guided breast procedures. To enhance safety, the problem can be solved by the use of anthropomorphic training phantoms which can provide the resident with realistic ultrasound imaging and needle insertion haptic feedback. Stiffness and acoustic properties of breast tissues vary between different people. The training breast phantom should be able to possess different acoustic and mechanical properties which conform the inconsistencies found in real tissues among people. Therefore, this paper investigates the tunability of acoustic and mechanical behaviors in breast tissue mimicking materials (TMMs). Experiments of central composite design (CCD) with a center point, four corner points, and an additional four axis points were used to fit the non-linear regression model of the speed of sound. The same design of experiment approach was then used to fit the second-order response surface of the attenuation coefficient. Suitable series of tissue mimicking materials for the glandular tissue and malignant lesion were suggested. Latin hypercube design method was conducted to evaluate the main factors that affected the mechanical property (Young's modulus) of tissue mimicking materials. The results showed that the recipe of tissue mimicking materials could be customized to possess different acoustic and mechanical properties which conform the inconsistencies found in real breast tissues.

Risk of osteoporosis and fracture in victims with burn injury

Osteoporosis is a well-known bone disorder affecting people worldwide. Patients with osteoporosis have an increased risk of bone fracture. This study provides new information on the risk of developing osteoporosis post burn injury and the risk of fracture among those with osteoporosis developed.

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between burn injury and hip fracture risk is unclear. Population-based evaluation on relationships between burn injury and osteoporosis development and subsequent fractures is limited. We conducted a retrospective cohort study as the investigation.

METHODS

From the insurance data of Taiwan, we established a cohort of 43,532 patients with a burn injury in 2000-2012 and a comparison cohort of 174,124 individuals without such an injury, frequency matched by sex, age, and diagnosis date. Both cohorts were followed up to the end of 2013 to evaluate the occurrence of osteoporosis and hip fracture.

RESULTS

The incidence of osteoporosis was greater in the burn cohort than in the comparison cohort (6.40 vs. 4.75 per 1,000 person-years) with an adjusted IRR of 1.35 (95% confidence interval = 1.32-1.39). The incidence rates in both cohorts were greater in women than in men, increased with age, income, and Charlson comorbidity index. Patients with burns involving 20%-49% of total body surface area and with burns confined to the lower/upper limbs had the greatest incidence rates, 8.32 and 8.58 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Osteoporosis incidence increased further to 22.7 per 1,000 person-years for burn victims with comorbid diabetes. The risk of fracture was over five-fold greater for burn victims with osteoporosis developed than for comparisons without osteoporosis.

CONCLUSION

Patients who have a burn injury deserve prevention intervention to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fracture.

Quantum Anomaly and Thermodynamics of One-Dimensional Fermions with Three-Body Interactions

We show that a system of three species of one-dimensional fermions, with an attractive three-body contact interaction, features a scale anomaly directly related to the anomaly of two-dimensional fermions with two-body contact forces. We show, furthermore, that those two cases (and their multispecies generalizations) are the only nonrelativistic systems with contact interactions that display a scale anomaly. While the two-dimensional case is well known and has been under study both experimentally and theoretically for years, the one-dimensional case presented here has remained unexplored. For the latter, we calculate the impact of the anomaly on the equation of state, which appears through the generalization of Tan's contact for three-body forces, and determine the pressure at finite temperature. In addition, we show that the third-order virial coefficient is proportional to the second-order coefficient of the two-dimensional two-body case.

Hip fracture risk in patients with burn injury: a retrospective cohort study in Taiwan

This work aimed to evaluate the hip fracture risk for patients with burn injury. A total of 16,430 patients with burn injury had an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.54 to encounter a hip fracture, compared with controls without the injury. These results encourage future studies focusing on mechanisms leading to fracture associated with burn injury.

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between burn injury and hip fracture risk is unclear. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate this relationship.

METHODS

From insurance data of Taiwan, we identified a cohort with 16,430 burn patients in 2000-2010 and a comparison cohort of 65,716 persons without the history of burn, frequency matched by sex, age, and diagnosis date. Both cohorts were followed up to the end of 2011 to evaluate the risk of hip fracture.

RESULTS

Patients with burn injury were 1.62-fold more likely than comparisons to encounter a hip fracture (6.95 vs. 4.28 per 1000 person-years), with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.54 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.40-1.68). The fracture incidence increased with age and is slightly greater for women than for men in both cohorts. The fracture risk was greater for patients with burn in the eyes, face, and head with an incidence of 7.14 per 1000 person-years, or an aHR of 2.09 (95% CI = 1.53, 2.86). Diabetes and osteoporosis were also associated with an increased hip fracture risk.

CONCLUSION

Burn injury is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. Diabetes and osteoporosis are associated with an enhanced risk.

Experimental investigation of synthetic gas composition in a two-stage fluidized bed gasification process: effect of activated carbon as bed material

In this study, a two-stage fluidized bed gasifier was used to investigate the effect of the equivalence ratio (ER) and steam/biomass ratio (S/B) on the synthetic gas distribution while activated carbon (AC) was added as the bed material in secondary gasifier (Stage II). The experimental results showed that when the empty bed (without the bed material) was used for the Stage II reaction, the hydrogen (H₂) content in the synthetic gas emitted from the Stage II reactor was 2-3 mol% higher than that from the first-stage gasifier (Stage I). It was supposed that using the Stage II reactor prolongs the reaction time and thereby increases the H₂ production. Besides, when the AC was added in the Stage II gasifier, the H₂ concentration, the total gas yield, and gas heating value reached their maximum (30 mol%) when ER and S/B were 0.3 and 1.5, respectively.

Waste-gasification efficiency of a two-stage fluidized-bed gasification system

This study employed a two-stage fluidized-bed gasifier as a gasification reactor and two additives (CaO and activated carbon) as the Stage-II bed material to investigate the effects of the operating temperature (700°C, 800°C, and 900°C) on the syngas composition, total gas yield, and gas-heating value during simulated waste gasification. The results showed that when the operating temperature increased from 700 to 900°C, the molar percentage of H2 in the syngas produced by the two-stage gasification process increased from 19.4 to 29.7mol% and that the total gas yield and gas-heating value also increased. When CaO was used as the additive, the molar percentage of CO2 in the syngas decreased, and the molar percentage of H2 increased. When activated carbon was used, the molar percentage of CH4 in the syngas increased, and the total gas yield and gas-heating value increased. Overall, CaO had better effects on the production of H2, whereas activated carbon clearly enhanced the total gas yield and gas-heating value.

Determination of the Pb, Cr, and Cd distribution patterns with various chlorine additives in the bottom ashes of a low-temperature two-stage fluidized bed incinerator by chemical sequential extraction

A novel low-temperature two-stage fluidized bed (LTTSFB) incinerator has been successfully developed to control heavy-metal emissions during municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment. However, the characteristics of the residual metal patterns during this process are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the metal patterns in the different partitions of the LTTSFB bottom ash by chemical sequential extraction. Artificial waste was used to simulate the MSW. Different parameters including the first-stage temperature, chloride additives, and operating gas velocity were also considered. Results indicated that during the low-temperature treatment process, a high metal mobility phase exists in the first-stage sand bed. The main patterns of Cd, Pb, and Cr observed were the water-soluble, exchangeable, and residual forms, respectively. With the different Cl additives, the results showed that polyvinyl chloride addition increased metal mobility in the LTTSFB bottom ash, while, sodium chloride addition may have reduced metal mobility due to the formation of eutectic material. The second-stage sand bed was found to have a lower risk of metal leaching. The results also suggested that, the residual ashes produced by the LTTSFB system must be taken into consideration given their high metal mobility.

Influence of various chlorine additives on the partitioning of heavy metals during low-temperature two-stage fluidized bed incineration

In this study, a pilot-scale low-temperature two-stage fluidized bed incinerator was evaluated for the control of heavy metal emissions using various chlorine (Cl) additives. Artificial waste containing heavy metals was selected to simulate municipal solid waste (MSW). Operating parameters considered included the first-stage combustion temperature, gas velocity, and different kinds of Cl additives. Results showed that the low-temperature two-stage fluidized bed reactor can be an effective system for the treatment of MSW because of its low NO(x), CO, HCl, and heavy metal emissions. The NO(x) and HCl emissions could be decreased by 42% and 70%, respectively. Further, the results showed that heavy metal emissions were reduced by bed material adsorption and filtration in the second stage. Regarding the Cl addition, although the Cl addition would reduce the metal capture in the first-stage sand bed, but those emitted metals could be effectively captured by the filtration of second stage. No matter choose what kind of additive, metal emissions in the low-temperature two-stage system are still lower than in a traditional high-temperature one-stage system. The results also showed that metal emissions depend not only on the combustion temperature but also on the physicochemical properties of the different metal species.

Effect of biomass containing zinc metal at different operating parameters on gasification efficiency

This paper describes the effect of Zn on the gas production of a fluidized-bed gasifier to determine the relationship between Zn and the gasification process. Different concentrations of Zn were used in the preparation of artificial waste to elucidate the effect on gas product composition, gas product heat value, gas production rate, and H2 yield in the gasification process. Zn served to increase H2 generation during the gasification process. The molar percentage of H2 with more than 0.1 wt% additional Zn increased by 33.02% and the H2 yield was increased by 11.34% compared to that without Zn. However, the gas heat value decreased, and no significant change in the gas production rate was noted.

Factors affecting the use of anti-amoebiasis protective measures among Taiwan immigrants returning to amoebiasis-endemic regions

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the predictors of use of anti-amoebiasis protective measures (AAPMs) among Taiwan immigrants returning to their country of origin, using the Health Belief Model (HBM) to guide the investigation.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Between March and May 2011, all permanent immigrants originating from amoebiasis-endemic countries who received services at the immigrant service centres in Taipei or Tainan and who reported that they had returned to their country of origin within the past five years were enrolled in the study. A structured questionnaire containing questions on sociodemographic characteristics and items related to the constructs of the HBM was used as the data collection instrument.

RESULTS

Complete information was collected from 384 immigrants, with a response rate of 80% (384/480). The mean age of the subjects was 38.4 years (standard deviation 10.6 years). The majority (70%) of participants did not receive travel information through a pretravel consultation, and more than 17% reported that they did not use measures to prevent amoebiasis. Multiple regression analyses revealed that Chinese proficiency, pretravel consultation and lower barriers to using protective measures were significantly associated with the use of AAPMs during return trips to country of origin (R(2) = 0.45; F = 77.5; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The HBM significantly predicted the use of AAPMs in this study. A high proportion of immigrants did not use appropriate AAPMs when they returned to their country of origin. Educational approaches should be targeted at immigrants originating from amoebiasis-endemic regions who return to their country of origin.

Dental diagnostic X-ray exposure and risk of benign and malignant brain tumors

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the risk of benign brain tumors (BBTs) and malignant brain tumors (MBTs) associated with dental diagnostic X-ray, using a large population-based case-control study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified 4123 BBT cases and 16 492 controls without BBT (study 1) and 197 MBT cases and 788 controls without MBT (study 2) from Taiwan National Health Insurance claim data. The risks of both types of tumor were estimated in association with the frequency of received dental diagnostic X-ray.

RESULTS

The mean ages were ~44.2 years in study 1 and 40.6 years in study 2. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of BBT increases as the frequency of received dental diagnostic X-ray increases. The BBT odds ratio increased from 1.33 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-1.44] for those with annual mean X-ray examination of less than one to 1.65 (95% CI 1.37-1.98) for those with three or more X-ray examinations, after controlling for comorbidities. No significant association was found between MBTs and dental diagnostic X-ray exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to dental diagnostic X-rays in oral and maxillofacial care increases the risk of BBTs, but not MBTs.

Effect of incinerator bottom-ash composition on the mechanical behavior of backfill material

This study explores the influence of the chemical composition (SiO(2), CaO, Fe(2)O(3), and Al(2)O(3)) of incinerator bottom ash on its friction angle. Direct shear tests were performed to measure the strength of bottom ash with two distinctly different compositions. Then, an empirical equation was regressed to determine the correlation between each composition and the friction angle. The experimental results showed that the main constituent material of the incinerator bottom ash from general municipal wastes is SiO(2), and the friction angle is 48.04°-52.66°. The bottom ash from incineration plants treating both municipal wastes and general industrial wastes has a high content of iron-aluminum oxides, and its friction angle is 44.60°-52.52°. According to the multivariate regression analysis result, the friction angle of bottom ash of any composition is influenced mainly by the Fe(2)O(3) and Al(2)O(3) contents. This study used the friction angle of the bottom ash from four different incineration plants to validate the empirical equation, and found that the error between actual friction angles and the predicted values was -1.36% to 5.34%. Therefore, the regressed empirical equation in this study can be employed in engineering applications to preliminarily identify the backfill quality of incinerator bottom ash.

Discovery of HLA-DRB1*03:20 allele in a Taiwanese volunteer hematopoietic stem cell donor and the probable HLA-A, -B, -C and -DRB1 haplotype in association with DRB1*03:20

The allele HLA-DRB1*03:20, a variant of DRB1*03, was first reported to the IMGT HLA database in April 2001 without indication on the ethnicity of the blood donor (Cell ID: HC 125775). We found a Taiwanese volunteer hematopoietic stem cell donor carries DRB1*03:20 by a sequence-based typing (SBT) method. The DNA sequence of DRB1*03:20 is identical to the sequence of DRB1*03:01:01 in exon 2, except a nucleotide substitution at position 341(T→C) (GTT→GCT at codon 85). The nucleotide replacement produced an amino acid variation at residue 85 (V→A). We hypothesize that DRB1*03:20 was probably derived from DRB1*03:01:01 via a nucleotide point mutation event. The probable HLA haplotype in association with DRB1*03:20 was deduced as A*11:02-B*58:01-C*07:02-DRB1*03:20. We here report the Taiwanese/Chinese ethnicity of DRB1*03:20.

Recognition of a Caucasoid HLA-B locus allele, B*44:55, in a Taiwanese/Chinese bone marrow stem cell donor

We detected a Caucasoid HLA-B allele, HLA-B*44:55, in a potential Taiwanese/Chinese bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell donor during our routine HLA SBT (sequence-based typing) practice. The sequence of B*44:55 varies with B*44:02:01:01 with one nucleotide in exon 2 at position 97 (T->C), while it differs from B*44:03:01 with one nucleotide in exon 2 at position 97 (T->C) and three nucleotides in exon 3 at residues 538-540 (CTG->GAC). The nucleotide replacements caused one amino acid variation with B*44:02:01:01 at residue 9 (Y->H) and two amino acid variations with B*44:03:01 at residue 9 (Y->H) and residue 156 (L->D). The formation of B*44:55 is probably the result of a nucleotide substitution involving B*44:02:01:01 at position 97 (T->C). The Taiwanese/Chinese donor with B*44:55 claims having no kinship with Caucasian. Our speculations on the origin of the Taiwanese/Chinese B*44:55 will be presented.

Detection of the rare HLA-B*40:97 allele in an unrelated Taiwanese bone marrow donor

We detected a rare HLA-B locus allele, B*40:97, in a Taiwanese unrelated donor in our routine HLA SBT (sequence-based typing) exercise for a possible hematopoietic stem cell donation. In exons 2, 3 and 4, the sequence of B*40:97 is identical to the sequence of B*40:02:01 except one nucleotide at nucleotide position 760 (C->T) in exon 4. The nucleotide variation caused one amino acid alteration at residue 230 (L->F). B*40:97 was probably derived from a nucleotide substitution event where C was replaced by T at nucleotide 760 involving B*40:02:01. The HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 haplotype in association with B*40:97 may be deduced as A*26:01-B*40:97-C*03:03-DRB1*11:01-DQB1*03:03. Our recognition of B*40:97 in Taiwanese helps to fill the void of ethnic information for the allele B*40:97 reported to the IMGT/HLA Database.

Recognition of HLA-A*24:137 allele in a Taiwanese unrelated bone marrow stem cell donor and the plausible HLA haplotype associated with A*24:137

We detected a rare HLA-A*24:137 allele in an unrelated Taiwanese haematopoietic stem cell donor during a routine SBT (sequence-based typing) HLA typing exercise. The DNA sequence of A*24:137 is identical to the sequence of A*24:02:01:01 in exons 2 and 3 except at codon 21 where CGC was replaced with CAA. The DNA variation caused an amino acid alteration at amino acid residue 21 (R->Q). The HLA haplotype in association with A*24:137 may be deduced as A*24:137-B*15-DRB1*14. The formation of A*24:137 was probably the result of a nucleotide point mutation involving A*24:02:01:01. It remains to be determined whether A*24:137 is restricted to Taiwanese/Chinese ethnicity.

Discovery of the novel HLA-DRB1*03:77 allele in a Taiwanese unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donor by a sequence-based typing method and identification of the probable HLA haplotype in association with DRB1*03:77

Here, we report a novel human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 allele, DRB1*03:77, discovered in a Taiwanese unrelated volunteer hematopoietic stem cell donor by a sequence-based typing (SBT) method. The DNA sequence of DRB1*03:77 is identical to the DNA sequence of DRB1*03:01:01 in exon 2 except one nucleotide at position 223 (G→C). The nucleotide substitution caused an amino acid replacement at residue 46 (E→Q). The formation of DRB1*03:77 was thought as the result of a nucleotide point mutation. The probable HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 haplotype in association with DRB1*03:77 may be deduced as A*33-B*58-DRB1*03:77. The donor was a Minna Taiwanese whose ancestors came from mainland China.

Discovery of the novel HLA-DRB1*16:16 allele in a Taiwanese unrelated bone marrow stem cell donor by a sequence-based typing method and the probable haplotype associated with DRB1*16:16

We report here a de novo HLA-DRB1 allele, DRB1*16:16, discovered in a Taiwanese unrelated volunteer bone marrow stem cell donor by a sequence-based typing (SBT) method. In exon 2, the DNA sequence of DRB1*16:16 is identical to the sequence of DRB1*16:02:01 except the nucleotides at positions 258 (C→T), 260 (C→A) and 261 (T→G). The nucleotide substitution produced an amino acid replacement at residue 58 (A→E). The formation of DRB1*16:16 was probably generated by a DNA sequence recombination event involving DRB1*11:01:01 and DRB1*16:02:01. The probable HLA-A, -B and -DRB1 haplotype in association with DRB1*16:16 may be deduced as A*02-B*38-DRB1*16:16.

Effects of bed material size distribution, operating conditions and agglomeration phenomenon on heavy metal emission in fluidized bed combustion process

This study investigates the effects of the bed material size distribution, the operating conditions and the agglomeration/defluidization phenomenon on the heavy metal pollutant emissions in the combustion process. After defluidization, the emission concentration of heavy metals increased, because Na may form a low melting eutectic material that enhances bed material adherence. The emission of Cd increased when the feed simulated urban residues contained sodium; however, the presence of Na had no significant effect on the emission of Cr. Furthermore, the Cd emission concentration was low when the material had a Gaussian distribution; however, the decreases in the Cd emission when the bed material had narrow, binary or flat distributions were not significant. The heavy metal Cr showed the same trend. In addition to the operating parameters, the bed material size distribution may influence the heavy metal emissions during combustion processes.

Identification of two novel HLA-A*02 variants, A*02:319 and A*02:01:64, in two Taiwanese marrow stem cell donors by sequence-based typing

We report here two novel variants of HLA-A*02 allele, A*02:319 and A*02:01:64, discovered in two Taiwanese unrelated volunteer bone marrow donors by sequence-based typing (SBT) method. The DNA sequence of A*02:319 is identical to A*02:07 in exons 2 and 3 but varies with one nucleotide at codon 9 (TTC->TCC). The variation caused one amino acid substitution at residue 9 (F->S). On the other hand, the DNA sequence of A*02:01:64 is identical to the sequence of A*02:01:01:01 in exons 2 and 3 except a silent mutation at codon 114 (CAC->CAT). The probable HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 haplotypes in association with A*02:319 and A*02:01:64 were deduced as A*02:319-B*46:01-DRB1*04 and A*02:01:64-B*38:02-DRB1*16:02, respectively.

Copper emission during thermal treatment of simulated copper sludge

This study evaluates Cu emissions in air-particulate and gas phases during thermal treatment of simulated copper sludge by a rotary kiln. Influences of operating parameters, including treatment temperature (400-700 degrees C), rotary speed (0.89-2.00 rpm) and copper content in sludge (1% to 5% by weight) on copper emissions were investigated. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also conducted to evaluate copper leaching and the surface structure of thermally treated sludge, respectively. The results indicated that (1) low Cu emissions in air-particulate and gas phases were associated with the two operating conditions of 400-500 degrees C at 0.89-1.39 rpm and 600-700 degrees C at 2.00 rpm; (2) temperatures and rotary speeds did not affect gaseous copper emission, except for the operating condition of 400 degrees C at 2.00 rpm; (3) rising copper content of sludge at 600 degrees C and 2.00 rpm increased the particulate copper emission, but not the gaseous copper emission; (5) the TCLP copper leaching concentrations of sludge treated at 400 degrees C were obviously higher than those treated at 500-700 degrees C; however, all of the thermally treated products agreed with the Taiwan EPA TCLP regulations.

Metal catalysts supported on activated carbon fibers for removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from incineration flue gas

The aim of this research was to use metal catalysts supported on activated carbon fibers (ACFs) to remove 16 species of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from incineration flue gas. We tested three different metal loadings (0.11 wt%, 0.29 wt%, and 0.34 wt%) and metals (Pt, Pd, and Cu), and two different pretreatment solutions (HNO(3) and NaOH). The results demonstrated that the ACF-supported metal catalysts removed the PAHs through adsorption and catalysis. Among the three metals, Pt was most easily adsorbed on the ACFs and was the most active in oxidation of PAHs. The mesopore volumes and density of new functional groups increased significantly after the ACFs were pretreated with either solutions, and this increased the measured metal loading in HNO(3)-0.48% Pd/ACFs and NaOH-0.52% Pd/ACFs. These data confirm that improved PAH removal can be achieved with HNO(3)-0.48% Pd/ACFs and NaOH-0.52% Pd/ACFs.

Discovery of two novel HLA-B alleles, B*46:13:03 and B*15:189, in two Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donors by sequence-based typing

We report here two novel HLA-B alleles, B*46:13:03 and B*15:189, discovered in two Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donors. The sequence of B*15:189 has a nucleotide sequence possibly derived from a recombination event between HLA-B*39:01:01 and B*15:01:01:01, while the origin of the sequence B*46:13:03 was less obvious to postulate, considering the low frequency of B*46:13 in the general population and the silent mutations involved. Our report here adds further HLA polymorphism to the growing lists of HLA-B*46 and HLA-B*15 and provides an additional HLA information for donor search programme for patients undergoing transplant.

Oriental HLA-A*11:90 detected in a Taiwanese cord blood sample and the haplotype in association with A*11:90 allele

We report here an HLA-A allele, A*11:90, found in a Taiwanese cord blood sample using DNA sequence-based typing (SBT) protocol after observing an anomalous reaction pattern in a sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) typing exercise. The sequence of A*11:90 is identical to A*11:01:01, the most predominant A*11 variant in Taiwanese, in exon 2 but differs from A*11:01:01 in exon 3 by two nucleotide substitutions at codon 163 (c.487C>G and c.488G>A), resulting R163E. In comparison with the sequence of A*11:02:01, the second most predominant subtype of A*11 in Taiwanese A*11:90 has one nucleotide difference at codon 19 (c.55A>G) in exon 2 resulting K19E and two nucleotides variations at codon 163 (c.487C>G and c.488G>A) in exon 3 resulting R163E. HLA-A*11:90-B*40:02-DRB1*11:01 is the deduced probable HLA haplotype in association with A*11:90. The generation of A*11:90 is thought to involve a DNA recombination event between alleles A*11:01:01 and A*80:01 where A*80:01 donated a fragment of the DNA sequence (from n.t. 487 to n.t. 497) to the recipient sequence of A*11:01:01.

Detection of two HLA-A alleles, A*31:30 and A*26:20, in two Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donors by sequence-based typing

We here report detection of a novel sequence of HLA-A*31:30 and a confirmatory sequence of HLA*26:20 from two Taiwanese individuals. The sequence of A*31:30 is identical to that of A*31:01:02 in exons 2 and 3, except one nucleotide (n.t.) substitution c.539T > G resulting in p.Leu180Trp. The sequence of A*26:20 is identical to A*26:01:01 in exons 2 and 3, except a segment of the sequence from n.t. 78 to n.t.102. The mismatched sequence segment is identical to a sequence segment of A*02:03:01, suggesting that the formation of A*26:20 was resulted from a DNA recombination event between A*26:01:01 and A*02:03:01 sequences. A*26:20 differs from A*26:01:01 with c.98A > T resulting in p.Tyr33Phe.

Identification of a novel HLA-DQB1 allele, DQB1*0326, in a College of American Pathologists 2009 survey specimen

We identified a novel DQB1*0326 allele from a proficiency test sample provided by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) medical society. This novel DQB1 allele was unexpectedly discovered by sequence-based typing method in an attempt to resolve a discrepant typing result between the CAP survey report and our laboratory report. This novel DQB1 allele is most similar to DQB1*030302 and DQB1*0311. DQB1*0326 has a nucleotide substitution resulting an amino acid change when compared with DQB1*030302 (M to L) and it differs from DQB1*0311 by one nucleotide variation causing an amino acid replacement (A to D).

Preparative chromatography of flavonoids and saponins in Gynostemma pentaphyllum and their antiproliferation effect on hepatoma cell

A preparative column chromatographic method was developed to isolate flavonoids and saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, a Chinese Medicinal herb, and evaluate their antiproliferation effect on hepatoma cell Hep3B, with the standards rutin and ginsenoside Rb(3) being used for comparison. Initially the powdered G. pentaphyllum was extracted with ethanol, followed by eluting flavonoids and saponins with ethanol-water (30:70, v/v) and 100% ethanol, respectively, in an open-column containing 5 g of Cosmosil 75C(18)-OPN, and then subjected to HPLC-MS analysis. The flavonoid fraction was mainly composed of quercetin- and kaempferol-glycosides, while in saponin fraction, both ginsenoside Rb(3) and ginsenoside Rd dominated. Both fractions were more effective against Hep3B cells than the standards rutin and ginsenoside Rb(3), with the cell cycle being arrested at G0/G1 phase for all the treatments. Additionally, the inhibition effect followed a dose-dependent increase for all the sample treatments. The result of this study may be used as a basis for possible phytopreparations in the future with G. pentaphyllum as raw material.

Effects of dissolved oxygen on dye removal by zero-valent iron

Effects of dissolved oxygen concentrations on dye removal by zero-valent iron (Fe(0)) were investigated. The Vibrio fischeri light inhibition test was employed to evaluate toxicity of decolorized solution. Three dyes, Acid Orange 7 (AO7, monoazo), Reactive Red 120 (RR120, diazo), and Acid Blue 9 (AB9, triphenylmethane), were selected as model dyes. The dye concentration and Fe(0) dose used were 100 mg L(-1) and 30 g L(-1), respectively. Under anoxic condition, the order for dye decolorization was AO7>RR120>AB9. An increase in the dissolved oxygen concentrations enhanced decolorization and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of the three dyes. An increase in gas flow rates also improved dye and COD removals by Fe(0). At dissolved oxygen of 6 mg L(-1), more than 99% of each dye was decolorized within 12 min and high COD removals were obtained (97% for AO7, 87% for RR120, and 93% for AB9). The toxicity of decolorized dye solutions was low (I(5)<40%). An increase in DO concentrations obviously reduced the toxicity. When DO above 2 mg L(-1) was applied, low iron ion concentration (13.6 mg L(-1)) was obtained in the decolorized AO7 solution.

Effect of Cu species on leaching behavior of simulated copper sludge after thermal treatment: ESCA analysis

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of thermal treatment on residual copper sludge after separation treatment. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) concentration, pattern distribution and possible Cu species of simulated copper sludge were analyzed. Parameters such as different reaction time and temperature are also discussed in this study. The TCLP leaching results showed that the TCLP concentration of Cu in thermally treated simulated copper sludge decreased (T=900 degrees C) as the reaction time increased to 4 h. The sequential extraction results showed that the main fraction of raw simulated copper sludge was carbonate. When temperatures were 500 and 700 degrees C, the main fraction of thermally treated simulated copper sludge was also carbonate. The percentage of Fe-Mn oxides and residue increased when T=900 degrees C. Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) showed that the possible Cu species of raw simulated copper sludge was Cu(OH)(2). The main possible Cu species of thermally treated simulated copper sludge were CuO and Cu(2)O when T was 500 and 700 degrees C, respectively. CuO, Cu(2)O, and Cu(3)O(2) were the possible Cu species in thermally treated simulated copper sludge when T=900 degrees C.

Mechanical properties of incineration bottom ash: the influence of composite species

The mechanical properties, including strength, deformational behavior, and wetting softening phenomena of municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) bottom ash are one of the major concerns for reuse applications. However, owing to the complex constituents of municipal solid waste, the properties of MSWI bottom ash are often highly variable. A series of artificial specimens with controlled chemical components were tested in this study. The test results show that the artificial bottom ash possesses the following mechanical characteristics: (1) for the strength, the frictional angles of the bottom ash under dry and saturated conditions vary from 34.8 degrees to 51.1 degrees and 26.0 degrees to 37.2 degrees, respectively; (2) for the deformation, the shear stiffness increases with the normal stress arises and degrades upon increased shearing; (3) significant wetting degradation of the strength and stiffness were observed. The multi-variable regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the associated influence of the chemical components on the strength. Among the evaluated components, Fe(2)O(3) and Al(2)O(3) are key factors; an increase in either results in higher strength at both dry and saturated conditions. The results were used to propose empirical relationships for phi(dry) and phi(sat), expressed in terms of Fe(2)O(3) and Al(2)O(3). Accordingly, a strength classification chart is proposed for engineering purposes.

A neural network for linear matrix inequality problems

Gradient-type Hopfield networks have been widely used in optimization problems solving. This paper presents a novel application by developing a matrix oriented gradient approach to solve a class of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which are commonly encountered in the robust control system analysis and design. The solution process is parallel and distributed in neural computation. The proposed networks are proven to be stable in the large. Representative LMIs such as generalized Lyapunov matrix inequalities, simultaneous Lyapunov matrix inequalities, and algebraic Riccati matrix inequalities are considered. Several examples are provided to demonstrate the proposed results. To verify the proposed control scheme in real-time applications, a high-speed digital signal processor is used to emulate the neural-net-based control scheme.

An optofluidic volume refractometer using Fabry-Pérot resonator with tunable liquid microlenses

This letter reports the development of an optofluidic Fabry-Pérot (FP) resonator, which consists of a microcavity and a pair of liquid microlenses. The microcavity forms part of the microchannel to facilitate sample injection. The liquid microlenses are used for efficient light coupling from the optical fiber to the microcavity. The liquid microlens collimates the diverging light from the optical fiber into the FP cavity, which provides real-time tuning to obtain the highest possible finesse up to 18.79. In volume refractive index measurement, a sensitivity of 960 nm per refractive index unit (RIU) and a detection range of 0.043 RIU are achieved.

A reconfigurable optofluidic Michelson interferometer using tunable droplet grating

This paper presents a novel optofluidic Michelson interferometer based on droplet microfluidics used to create a droplet grating. The droplet grating is formed by a stream of plugs in the microchannel with constant refractive index variation. It has a real-time tunability in the grating period through varying the flow rates of the liquids and index variation via different combinations of liquids. The optofluidic Michelson interferometer is highly sensitive and is suitable for the measurement of biomedical and biochemical buffer solutions. The experimental results show that it has a sensitivity of 66.7 nm per refractive index unit (RIU) and a detection range of 0.086 RIU.

Detection of a rare Caucasoid HLA-DRB1*0337 in a Taiwanese bone marrow donor using sequence-based typing method

We here describe the identification of HLA-DRB1*0337, using sequence-based typing (SBT) method, in a Taiwanese bone marrow donor intrigued by a casual curiosity on the donor's racial background. On high-resolution sequence-specific primer (SSP) typing we observed misleading reaction patterns due to similarity of DNA sequences in the exon 2 of DRB1*0301, *0317, *0337 and *1139. When encountering rare alleles in HLA typing, it is important to pay extra attentions to avoid pitfalls and shortcomings of SSP typing kits routinely used and bear in mind that constant up-dating of high-resolution SSP typing kits to be able to distinguish newly reported alleles. SBT may be considered as a back-up HLA typing method to confirm rare alleles.

A novel HLA-B allele, B*5214, detected in a Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donor using a sequence-based typing method

HLA-B*5214, a novel rare allele of HLA-B*52 variant, was found in a Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donor by sequence-based typing method. The sequence of B*5214 is identical to that of B*520101 in exon 2 but differs from B*520101 in exon 3 at nucleotide positions 419 A-->T and 435 A-->G. Alteration of these two nucleotides resulted an amino acid substitution at amino acid residue 116 Y-->F ( TAC-->TTC) and a silent exchange at residue 121 K-->K (AAA-->AAG).

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia associated with intra-tumour haemorrhage in cavernous sinus after cardiac myxoma surgery

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life-threatening disorder that is associated with heparin exposure. The incidence of HIT in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is relatively rare. We present a case of intratumor haemorrhage in the cavernous sinus 1 week after cardiac surgery. The pathogenesis may be venous thrombosis and haemorrhagic infarct caused by HIT following cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. This is a rare case and has not been reported previously.

Detection of a novel HLA-B27 allele, B*2740, in Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donors by sequence-based typing: curiosity rewarded

We report here a novel HLA-B allele, B*2740, discovered in Taiwanese volunteer marrow donors. The new sequence has nucleotide variation at position 527 (T-->A) as compared to B*2708. The nucleotide change caused an amino acid substitution from valine (V) to glutamic acid (E) at codon 152. Since B*2740 carries sequence confers to HLA-Bw6 public epitope we believe that this novel B*27 allele might have been generated from a gene conversion involving a Bw4-specific allele (probably B*2704) and a Bw6-specific allele.

Phase contribution of image potential on empty quantum well States in pb islands on the cu(111) surface

We use scanning tunneling spectroscopy to explore the quantum well states in the Pb islands grown on a Cu(111) surface. Our observation demonstrates that the empty quantum well states, whose energy levels lie beyond 1.2 eV above the Fermi level, are significantly affected by the image potential. As the quantum number increases, the energy separation between adjacent states is shrinking rather than widening, contrary to the prediction for a square potential well. By simply introducing a phase factor to reckon the effect of the image potential, the shrinking behavior of the energy separation can be reasonably explained with the phase accumulation model. The model also reveals that there exists a quantum regime above the Pb surface in which the image potential is vanished. Moreover, the quasi-image-potential state in the tunneling gap is quenched because of the existence of the quantum well states.

Role of polymorphisms of the inflammatory response genes and DC-SIGNR in genetic susceptibility to SARS and other infections

1. A genetic risk-association study involving more than 1200 subjects showed individuals homozygous for L-SIGN tandem repeats are less susceptible to SARS infection. 2. This was supported by in vitro binding studies that demonstrated homozygous L-SIGN, compared to heterozygous, had higher binding capacity for SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV), with higher proteasome-dependent viral degradation. In contrast, homozygous L-SIGN demonstrated lower binding capacity for HIV1-gp120.3. Genetic-association studies for single nucleotide polymorphisms of the inflammatory response genes, namely TNF-alpha, INF-alpha, INF-beta, INF-gamma, IL1-alpha, IL1-beta, IL-4, IL-6 and iNOS, failed to show a significant association with SARS clinical outcomes or susceptibility.

Determination of carotenoids and their esters in fruits of Lycium barbarum Linnaeus by HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS

The fruit of Lycium barbarum Linnaeus, a traditional Chinese herb containing functional components such as carotenoids, flavonoids and polysaccharides, has been widely used in the health food industry because of its possible role in the prevention of chronic disease like age-related macular degeneration. The objectives of this study were to develop a high performance liquid chromatography-photo diode array detection-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) method with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mode for qualitative and quantitative analyses of carotenoids in fruits of L. barbarum. Dried samples of L. barbarum were subjected to extraction without saponification or extraction followed by saponification. A C30 column with a gradient mobile phase of methylene chloride (100%) and methanol-acetonitrile-water (81:14:5, v/v/v) was used to separate carotenoids, with a total of 11 free carotenoids and 7 carotenoid esters being resolved from unsaponified and saponified L. barbarum extracts within 51 and 41 min, respectively. The fatty acid composition of carotenoid esters was confirmed by gas chromatography. Zeaxanthin dipalmitate (1143.7 microg/g) was present in the largest amount, followed by beta-cryptoxanthin monopalmitate and its two isomers (32.9-68.5 microg/g), zeaxanthin monopalmitate and its two isomers (11.3-62.8 microg/g), all-trans-beta-carotene (23.7 microg/g) and all-trans-zeaxanthin (1.4 microg/g).