Integrated hydrochemical and ERT approach for seawater intrusion study in a coastal aquifer: a case study from Jafrabad Town, Gujarat State, India

Hydrochemical and geophysical approach has been adopted to evaluate the seawater intrusion (SWI) in coastal aquifers of Jafrabad Town, Gujarat State, India. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (no. 9) was carried out with spread length of 160-400 m which provided penetration depth of about 23 to 76 m. Very low resistivity zone (0-3 Ω-m range) has been observed in the ERT profiles conducted in the study area. Parameters, namely, TDS, Na, and Cl, have been considered to examine the signature of SWI. The results obtained from ionic ratios, Piper plot, and Chaddha's diagram also confirm the influence of saline water within aquifer. The very low resistivity signature is correlated with the high TDS values in the nearby wells. SWI has been observed up to 9 km from the coast, and it is observed at a depth of 20-22 m in the existing limestone mines near the coast.

Single temperature liquefaction process at different operating pHs to improve ethanol production from Indian rice and corn feedstock

Conventional grain ethanol manufacturing is a high-temperature energy-intensive process comprising of multiple-unit operations when combined with lower ethanol recovery results in higher production cost. In liquefaction, jet cooking accounts for significant energy cost, while strong acid or base used for pH adjustment presents a safety hazard. A need is felt for sustainable ethanol manufacturing process that is less hazardous, consumes lower energy, and operates in a low pH range of 4.50-5.50. A single temperature liquefaction (STL) process that could efficiently operate at lower liquefaction temperature over a pH range of 4.50-5.50 was developed using rice and corn feedstock. Ethanol recovery witnessed at pH 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5 are 481.2 ± 1.5, 492.4 ± 1.5, and 493.6 ± 1.5 L MT^-1 rice, respectively. Similarly, ethanol recovery witnessed at pH 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5 are 404.6 ± 1.3, 413.9 ± 0.8, and 412.4 ± 1.8 L MT^-1 corn, respectively. The improvement in ethanol recovery is attributed to higher starch conversion by alpha-amylase even at pH as low as 4.50. Thus, the STL process operated at pH lower than 5.20 is poised to enhance sustainability by offering dual advantage of energy as well as chemical saving.

Conventional process for ethanol production from Indian broken rice and pearl millet

A conventional process for ethanol production involving liquefaction followed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) under the yeast fermentation conditions, was investigated at 30 and 35% dry solid (DS) of Indian broken rice and pearl millet feedstocks. The study followed the typical conventional process currently in use by the Indian Ethanol Industry. Liquefaction was carried out using a thermostable alpha amylase, and whereas SSF with a glucoamylase with additional side activities of pullulanase and protease under the yeast fermentation conditions. To measure the enzyme efficacy in the liquefaction process, fermentable sugar and liquefact solubility (brix) were monitored at the end of the liquefaction process. The liquefact was subjected to SSF with yeast. Addition of an acid fungal protease at a concentration of 0.1 kg per metric ton of grain during SSF was observed to accelerate yeast growth and ultimately, ethanol yield with both feedstocks. With both concentrations of feedstocks, the fermentation efficiency and ethanol recovery were determined. This study assesses the potential of these enzymes for ethanol production with higher dry solid concentration (≥30% w/w DS) of both these feedstocks in the conventional process to achieve higher plant throughput without compromising fermentation efficiency and ethanol recovery.

Improved results of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with the Dornier MPL 9000 for single gallstones

Our aim was to compare the results of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with the Dornier MPL 9000 for patients with single radiolucent gallstones less than or equal to 20-mm diameter using higher power (kV) and more shock waves during lithotripsy with our results during the Dornier National Biliary Lithotripsy Study using lower power and fewer shock waves. Nineteen patients were treated at higher power (mean +/- SE, 21.0 +/- 0.4 kV) vs 11 patients at lower power (18.8 +/- 0.5 kV). In the higher power group, the actuarial rate for complete clearance of gallstone fragments was 39 +/- 9%, 63 +/- 9% and 78 +/- 9% after 6 weeks, 3- and 6-months follow-up, respectively, versus only 19 +/- 12% after 6 months in the lower power group. We conclude that the use of higher power and more shock waves during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with the MPL 9000 results in fragment clearance rates over 6 months for patients with single gallstones that are significantly higher than those previously achieved in the Dornier National Biliary Lithotripsy Study.

Autopsy study correlating degree of osteoarthritis, synovitis and evidence of articular calcification

Inflammation has been suggested as a component in the osteoarthritic process. We have examined 150 knees at autopsy to correlate the degree of osteoarthritis (OA) with synovial inflammation, and with radiographic or pathologic evidence of calcification as a possible source of crystal induced inflammation. Roentgenographic evidence of calcification and histologic finding of synovial reaction (proliferation or inflammation) were seen more frequently (p less than .05) in the knees of patients with more advanced OA. Perichondrocytic staining for calcium and phosphorus was seen in 93% of patients with severe OA and in only 24% of those with normal or minimal OA. Calcium hydroxyapatite crystals were identified by electron microscopy in perichondrocytic and other areas in 8 of 15 cartilage samples with moderate to severe OA and in none with normal appearing cartilage. In advanced OA, there were bone fragments embedded in cartilage and synovium. Although the pathogenetic sequences are uncertain, we speculate that calcium hydroxyapatite (and pyrophosphate) crystals and/or bone shards can contribute to both synovitis and cartilage degeneration.

Spontaneous pneumothorax: an uncommon manifestation of Wegener granulomatosis

Pneumothorax is an unusual manifestation of Wegener granulomatosis. Two cases are presented which illustrate a definite association between the entities. Pneumothorax may be the initial and only pulmonary manifestation, or it may occur in combination with other evidence of the disease.

CT evaluation of mediastinal pseudocyst

Rarely do pancreatic pseudocysts extend into the mediastinum. We recently evaluated a case exemplifying this phenomenon. Although ultrasonography demonstrated the nature of the mass, computed tomography (CT) allowed better definition of various anatomic relationships and afforded improved definition of the superior aspect of the pancreatic pseudocyst. The role of CT and its advantages over ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic pseudocyst are discussed.