Pilot-scale cooling tower to evaluate corrosion, scaling, and biofouling control strategies for cooling system makeup water

Pilot-scale cooling towers can be used to evaluate corrosion, scaling, and biofouling control strategies when using particular cooling system makeup water and particular operating conditions. To study the potential for using a number of different impaired waters as makeup water, a pilot-scale system capable of generating 27,000 kJ∕h heat load and maintaining recirculating water flow with a Reynolds number of 1.92 × 10(4) was designed to study these critical processes under conditions that are similar to full-scale systems. The pilot-scale cooling tower was equipped with an automatic makeup water control system, automatic blowdown control system, semi-automatic biocide feeding system, and corrosion, scaling, and biofouling monitoring systems. Observed operational data revealed that the major operating parameters, including temperature change (6.6 °C), cycles of concentration (N = 4.6), water flow velocity (0.66 m∕s), and air mass velocity (3660 kg∕h m(2)), were controlled quite well for an extended period of time (up to 2 months). Overall, the performance of the pilot-scale cooling towers using treated municipal wastewater was shown to be suitable to study critical processes (corrosion, scaling, biofouling) and evaluate cooling water management strategies for makeup waters of complex quality.

Advances in methods and algorithms in a modern quantum chemistry program package

Advances in theory and algorithms for electronic structure calculations must be incorporated into program packages to enable them to become routinely used by the broader chemical community. This work reviews advances made over the past five years or so that constitute the major improvements contained in a new release of the Q-Chem quantum chemistry package, together with illustrative timings and applications. Specific developments discussed include fast methods for density functional theory calculations, linear scaling evaluation of energies, NMR chemical shifts and electric properties, fast auxiliary basis function methods for correlated energies and gradients, equation-of-motion coupled cluster methods for ground and excited states, geminal wavefunctions, embedding methods and techniques for exploring potential energy surfaces.

Cadmium availability from granulated and bulk-blended phosphate-potassium fertilizers

Recent field experiments have shown that high chloride (Cl) in irrigation waters can increase soil cadmium (Cd) uptake by crops because of the formation of soluble ion-pair complexes of Cd with Cl in soil solution. The present study was aimed at testing a hypothesis that KCl in granulated PK fertilizers may enhance Cd uptake by crops from Cd-containing P fertilizers because of close contact between Cd and Cl in the same granules. Less effect would be expected if the same granular PK fertilizers were bulk-blended because of separation of Cd and Cl in different granules. A single superphosphate (SSP) containing 32 mg Cd kg(-1) was granulated by the compaction process with KCl at a P to K ratio = 1:1. Granular KCl was also bulk-blended with granular SSP or Cd-free monocalcium phosphate (MCP) at the same P to K ratio. An acid Ultisol (pH 5.2) was treated with PK fertilizers at 400 mg kg(-1) each for P and K. Upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] were grown to maturity, and signalgrass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf.) was cut four times during the study. The results showed that the agronomic effectiveness in increasing crop yield was the same with SSP and MCP whether granulated or bulk-blended with KCl. Concentrations of Cd in plant tissue samples of all crops were much lower for MCP than for SSP. In all the plant tissue samples, except grain samples of upland rice, Cd concentrations obtained with granulated (SSP + KCl) were significantly higher than that with bulk-blended (SSP) + (KCl).

The transition from scotopic to photopic vision in 3-month-old infants and adults: an evaluation of the rod dominance hypothesis

The scotopic to photopic transition was tested in adults and 12-week-old infants using a large field motion nulling technique at a series of luminances between -3.57 and 2.70 log cd m(-2). The stimuli were composed of 0.25 cyc deg(-1), 5.6 Hz blue/black and yellow/black sinusoidal grating components, superimposed and moving in opposite directions. The contrasts of the two components were traded off to determine motion nulls at each luminance level. An eye movement based response measure was used for infant subjects, whereas self-report was used in adults. In both age groups, the motion null values approached a scotopic asymptote consistent with V'(lambda) at the lowest luminance levels, and a photopic asymptote consistent with V(10)(lambda) at the highest luminance levels. The scotopic to photopic transition was gradual and occurred over about 3 log units between about -2 and 1 log cd m(-2) in both groups. The null values for infants and adults were highly similar at each luminance level, and the shapes of the transition curves were virtually identical at the two ages. These data suggest that at each different luminance level, the balance between rod-initiated and cone-initiated signals in the extrafoveal luminance channel is similar or identical in 12-week-old infants and adults.

Photodissociation of ethylene sulfide at 193 nm: a photofragment translational spectroscopy study with VUV synchrotron radiation and ab initio calculations

Photodissociation of ethylene sulfide at 193 nm has been studied using photofragment translational spectroscopy and ab initio theoretical calculations. Tunable synchrotron radiation was used as a universal but selective probe of the reaction products to reveal new aspects of the photodissociation dynamics. The channel giving S + C2H4 was found to be dominated by production of ground-state sulfur atoms (S(3P):S(1D) = 1.44:1), mostly through a spin-forbidden process. The results also suggest the presence of a channel giving S(3P) in conjunction with triplet ethylene C2H4 (3B(1u)) and allow insight into the energy of the latter species near its equilibrium geometry, in which the two methylene groups occupy perpendicular planes. In addition, a channel leading to the production of H2S with C2H2 also has been observed. Our experimental results are supported and elaborated by theoretical calculations.

Evaluation of echinacea for treatment of the common cold

Considered to have immunostimulating activity, echinacea is a widely used phytomedicinal for treatment of the common cold and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). We reviewed the literature from the MEDLINE database (January 1966-July 1999), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA) online database, Cambridge Scientific Abstracts Biological Sciences online database, Alt-Health Watch online database, EMBase CD-ROM database, and references from published articles, reviews, and letters to evaluate evidence from clinical trials of echinacea's purported efficacy for treating or preventing URTIs. Twelve clinical studies published from 1961-1997 concluded that echinacea was efficacious for treating the common cold, but the results are unclear due to inherent flaws in study design. Five trials were published since 1997; two showed that echinacea lacked efficacy for treating and preventing URTI symptoms, and three concluded that it was effective in reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of common cold symptoms. Again, these results are unclear because of methodologic uncertainties, such as small populations and use of noncommercially available, nonstandardized dosage forms. Although evidence for echinacea's efficacy is inconclusive, it appears to be safe. Patients without contraindications to it may not be dissuaded from using an appropriate preparation to treat the common cold.

Mechanical properties of heel pads reconstructed with flaps

We compared the mechanical properties of normal and reconstructed heel pads in seven patients. Four had latissimus dorsi flaps and one each an anterior thigh flap, a local dorsalis pedis flap and a sural arterial flap. The thickness of the heel pad was measured under serial incremental loads of 0.5 kg to a maximum of 3 kg and then relaxed sequentially. The load-displacement curve of the heel pad during a loading-unloading cycle was plotted and from this the unloaded heel-pad thickness (UHPT), compressibility index (CI), elastic modulus (Ep), and energy dissipation ratio (EDR) were calculated. The EDR was significantly increased in the reconstructed heels (53.7 +/- 18% v 23.4 +/- 6.5%, p = 0.003) indicating that in them more energy is dissipated as heat. Insufficient functional capacity in the reconstructed heel pad can lead to the development of shock-induced discomfort and ulceration.

Surgical treatment of pathologic fracture of the femur

A retrospective study of the surgical treatment of 32 metastatic lesions of the femur in 30 patients at the Kaohsiung Medical College Hospital was performed from 1987 to 1994. There were 16 women and 14 men with an average age of 61 years. A surgical technique combining internal fixation or prosthesis and methylmethacrylate cement was used in all cases. Adequate pain relief was achieved in thirty-one cases (97 %). Of the entire group, 20 cases (62%) remained ambulatory, 10 cases (31%) were confined to a wheelchair, only two cases had implant failure and one suffered from infection.

[Diagnosis of Yersinia pestis]

There is no plaque case report in Taiwan since 1952. However, it is necessary to set up a laboratory system to investigate the distribution of Yersinia pestis in the natural environment to implement the public policy for preventing plague. Besides the traditional methods; e.g. culture, microscopic observation, biochemical characteristics, anti-F1 antigen detection by slide agglutination, immunofluorescence, and phage lytic assay, PCR was used as rapid screening test in our study. These laboratory methods were used to examine whether the flea samples harvested in King-Men island carry Y. pestis. The results showed that the flea index per mouse was high but no Y. pestis was detected in the fleas.

Lack of association between TaqI A1 allele of dopamine D2 receptor gene and alcohol-use disorders in atayal natives of Taiwan

Association studies between the A1 allele of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene TaqI A polymorphism and alcoholism remain controversial. A recent study from Japan demonstrated that the A1 allele is associated with severe alcoholism in the Japanese population. We were interested in knowing if this association also exists in the Atayals of Taiwan, who were found to have a higher prevalence of alcohol-use disorders than the Han Chinese in Taiwan. Genotype and allele frequencies were determined in alcohol-abusing, alcohol-dependent, and nonalcoholic control Atayal natives in Taiwan. A1 allele frequencies in alcohol-dependent, alcohol-abusing, and normal control Atayals were 0.39, 0.42, and 0.39, respectively. No difference in A1 allele frequency was found among these three groups. Our data do not support the hypothesis that the A1 allele of the TaqI A polymorphism of the DRD2 gene increases susceptibility to alcohol-use disorders in the Atayals of Taiwan.

No association of dopamine D2 receptor molecular variant Cys311 and schizophrenia in Chinese patients

A serine-to-cysteine mutation of dopamine D2 receptor at codon 311 (Cys311) was found to have higher frequency in schizophrenic patients than in normal controls in Japanese by Arinami et al. [1994: Lancet 343: 703-704]. The Cys311 allele was found to be associated with patients with younger age-of-onset, positive family history, and more positive symptoms. To investigate the possible involvement of Cys311 in schizophrenia in the Chinese population, 114 unrelated Taiwanese Chinese schizophrenic patients with positive family history and 88 normal controls were genotyped for Cys311. Four patients and 5 normal controls were heterozygotes of Ser311/Cys311; no homozygotes of Cys311 were identified in either group. The allele frequencies of Cys311 in Chinese schizophrenic patients and normal controls were 2% and 3%, respectively. No significant difference was detected between the two groups. Our results do not support the argument that the Cys311 allele of DRD2 poses a genetic risk for certain types of schizophrenia in Chinese populations.

A fixational method of tendon transfer in foot surgery

Tendon transfer has been used for correcting foot deformities and improving foot function in paralytic and spastic foot problems. The traditional fixational method by Cole's pull-out button often induces pressure sores which make the button sink and loosens the transferred tendon, leading to poor surgical results. By using a metal eye cover and pull-out wire instead of button and suture material, the transferred tendon can be firmly fixed. Moreover, the concavity of the metal eye cover is suitable for the arch of the foot that provides a large contact surface & even pressure distribution to prevent the most common complications of the pull-out button method, the pressure sore.

[Repair method and healing of skeletal muscle injury]

This study used m.anterior tibialis of rabbits to document recovery after laceration and repair after a healing period of 12 weeks. Postoperation care were divided into three groups: cast immobilization one or four weeks, and free activity. There were three different methods used to repair muscles including simple suture with Dexon 2-0, modified Kessler with 1/4 width of mersiline 5-0 and simple suture with tendon graft. Physiologic recovery including tension force and muscle contracture length had been tested. Histologic recovery including H & E and ATPase stains had been examined. The recovery of tension force was influenced by immobilization time, not by suture method. The best recovery of tension force was resulted from postoperation care with free activity. The result of shortening length of muscle was according to different suture methods and had no relation with immobilization time. Modified Kessler suture resulted in the best muscle contracture length. The method of modified Kessler suture without immobilization was recommended for management of lacerated muscle.

Immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements in acute lymphoblastic leukemia--a higher incidence of double rearrangements in patients with myeloid antigen expression

Among 160 patients who were diagnosed as having acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by French American British (FAB) criteria, 32 patients (20%) expressed myeloid-associated antigens on leukemic blasts (My+ALL). Correlation of immunophenotype with rearrangement of immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain and T-cell receptor (TCR) beta chain genes was performed on 73 of these patients (21 were My+ALL). Rearrangements of both Ig and TCR genes (double rearrangements) were detected in 24 patients, including three (19%) of 16 T-lineage ALL. 17 (33%) of 52 B-lineage ALL, and four of five ALL expressing both B and T-cell surface markers. Also a higher incidence of double rearrangements in My+ALL was found as compared with My-ALL (43% vs 29%). This difference was more evident when only B-lineage ALL was considered (50% in My+ patients vs 24% in My- patients). However the difference is not statistically significant yet possibly due to the small number of patients in the study. Further studies on more patients are needed to confirm this. In My-B-lineage ALL, rearrangements of TCR beta chain gene were restricted to certain subgroups (Groups III & IV) of patients who expressed CD10 surface antigens but lacked cytoplasmic Ig. In My+ B-lineage ALL, rearrangements of TCR beta chain gene could be found in various subgroups studied (Groups II through V). Cross-lineage gene rearrangement in My+ALL may involve mechanisms different from those in My-ALL.

Correction osteotomy of flexion deformity of cervical spine in ankylosing spondylitis--a case report

It is well known that severe flexion deformities of the spine may occur in patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis. The prevention of these deformities by early recognition of the disease process should be the main aim of the medical profession in handling patients with specific spinal involvements. Yet, we still see all too often patients with advanced kyphotic deformities of the trunk who are very grossly disabled and thus present a major problem to definitive surgical correction of their deformities. Correction of rigid kyphosis by establishing a compensatory lordosis can be carried out in the lumbar or cervical area. Surgical intervention in the cervical region enables the chin to be lifted off the sternum, but great care has to be taken of the relatively bulky spinal cord, which practically fills the spinal canal. Excessive correction runs the risks of fatally damaging the nerves and vertebral vessels. Therefore, most centers perform correction osteotomies of the cervical spine progressively, with day-by-day adjustment of the external fixators. We present a case of cervical osteotomy in which, under local anesthesia and with the aid of S.S.E.P., cervical kyphosis was corrected by a one-stage procedure. The results and difficulties are described here-in.

[Treatment of elbow contracture]

The most common sequela of the elbow joint after injury is decreased range of motion, i.e. elbow contracture. From January 1986 to July 1987, the Orthopaedic department of Kaohsiung Medical College collected data of 10 elbow contracture on 9 cases. Treatment included capsulotomy and joint debridement with immediate postoperative rehabilitation. This paper reports the clinical follow up results with an average time of 7 months after the operation. Range of motion increased 50 degrees on the average. No residual pain was complained. Activity of daily living was improved and the results were satisfied.

Chromosomal characteristics of Ph-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia in transformation. A study of 23 Chinese patients in Taiwan

Cytogenetic study was performed in the past 3 years on 23 Chinese patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in transformation; seven were in accelerated phase and 16 in acute blast crisis. Chromosomal abnormalities in addition to Ph were found in three (43%) of the patients at accelerated phase and 14 (88%) of the patients at blast crisis. The common nonrandom chromosomal aberrations were double Ph, trisomy 8, trisomy 19, and trisomy 21, which occurred in 47%, 41%, 35%, and 29%, respectively, of the total patients with extra chromosomal abnormalities. Isochromosome for the long arm of chromosome 17 was found in only one patient. In patients with blast crisis, the type of blast cell was characterized through morphologic, cytochemical, and immunocytochemical studies. Eleven cases were classified as myeloid and five as lymphoid transformation. Trisomy 8, 19, and 21 were detected only in patients with myeloid blast crisis. This study also revealed a high incidence of trisomy 21 and a low incidence of i(17q) in Chinese patients with transformation of CML.

Light-scattering spectrum due to wiggling motions of bacteria

Simple models are used to calculate the inelastic light scattering spectrum of motile bacteria when wiggling motions are included in addition to translational displacement. Computations of spectra lead to the conclusion that nontranslational motions can be neglected when swimming speeds are deduced from light-scattering data for normal vigorously motile strains. On the other hand, for slowly translating bacteria, or for strains exhibiting noticeable wiggling motion when viewed in a microscope, additional spectral components may be significant. Such components are best distinguished when measurements are made at small and intermediate scattering angles; at large angles the spectra have approximately the same scaling properties (functionals of Qt, Q being the Bragg wave vector) as those associated with simple translational motility.