Cometabolism of 1,4-Dioxane and Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons by Pure Cultures of Rhodococcus rhodochrous 21198 and Mycobacterium ELW1 and in Groundwater Microcosms Fed Isobutane and Isobutene as Growth Substrates

1,4-dioxane and chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE) are hazardous compounds commonly found in soil and groundwater. Bioremediation through aerobic cometabolism is a potential option for the remediation of these contaminated sites. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of different primary substrates to stimulate bacteria that can potentially perform concurrent aerobic cometabolism of 1,4-dioxane and chlorinated solvents. Batch pure-culture rate tests were conducted utilizing isobutane, ethane, and propane-grown Rhodococcus rhodochrous ATCC® 21198™ and isobutene-grown Mycobacterium sp. ELW1. In support of a field demonstration, microcosms containing a groundwater and sediment slurry from the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, were also performed using isobutane and isobutene as cometabolic growth substrates. This site is contaminated with CAHs (predominately TCE and 1,1-DCE) and 1,4-dioxane due to historical improper storage of chemical waste. The effectiveness of the cometabolic transformation of CAHs and 1,4-dioxane was evaluated through the determination of zero order degradation rates of TCE, 1,1-DCE, cis-1,2-dicholoroethylene (c-DCE), 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), and 1,4-dioxane and transformation capacities of c-DCE and 1,1-DCE by microorganisms grown on different substrates. The general trend in rates indicated isobutane-grown 21198 > ethane-grown 21198 > propane-grown 21198. The rates for TCE were comparable among all growth substrates with 21198. The TCE degradation rate of isobutene-grown ELW1 was double the rates observed for 21198 grown on all substrates. 1,4-dioxane, 1,2-DCA, and 1,1,1-TCA were not readily transformed by ELW1. Transformation of mixtures of CAHs and 1,4-dioxane were consistent with the single compound tests. Isobutane and isobutene were selected as primary growth substrates to promote cometabolism in microcosm studies. After 52 days of isobutene exposure, isobutene uptake was observed in a native microcosm system in the presence of TCE, 1,1-DCE, and 1,4-dioxane. Once nearly complete uptake of isobutene was achieved, rapid 1,1-DCE transformation and slow TCE degradation were observed. After 130 days of isobutane exposure, no primary substrate uptake and minimal TCE and 1,1-DCE degradation were observed. It is hypothesized that the presence and transformation of 1,1-DCE is inhibitory to the stimulation of native microbes. This is due to the formation of a toxic epoxide resulting from the activation of a monooxygenase by the primary substrate and the observation that 1,1-DCE was transformed prior to isobutane utilization. In order to circumvent the toxic effects of 1,1-DCE, a variety of strategies were implemented, including sparging to remove the chlorinated compounds through air stripping, bioaugmentation with isobutane and isobutene-utilizing cultures, and isobutanol addition to cultivate an active isobutane-utilizing population without the activation of the monooxygenase enzyme responsible for 1,1-DCE transformation. Sparging and bioaugmentation were effective strategies in the stimulation of the microcosms to transform 1,4-dioxane, 1,1-DCE, and TCE

Acute periodontal lesions

This is a review and update on acute conditions affecting the gingival tissues, including abscesses in the periodontium, necrotizing periodontal diseases, and other acute conditions that cause gingival lesions with acute presentation, such as infectious process not associated with oral bacterial biofilms, muco-cutanenous disorders, and traumatic and allergic lesions. A periodontal abscess is clinically important since it is a relatively frequent dental emergency, it can compromise the periodontal prognosis of the affected tooth, and because bacteria within the abscess have been identified, mainly by the type of etiology, and there are clear diffrences between those affecting a previously existing periodontal pocket ahd those affecting healthy sites. Therapy for this acute condition consists of drainage and tissue debridement, with individual evaluation of the need for systemic antimicrobial therapy. the definitive treatment of the pre-existing condition should be accomplished after the acute phase is controlled. Necrotizing periodontal disease (NPD) present three typical clinical features : papilla necrosis, gingival bleeding, and pain. Although the prevalence of these diseases is not high, their importance is clear, since they represent the most severe conditions associated with dental biofilm, with very rapid tissue destruction. In adittion to bacteria, the etiology of NPD includes numerous factors that alter the host response and predispose to these diseases, including HIV infection, malnutrition, stress, and tobacco smoking. The treatment consists of superficial debridement, careful mechanical oral hygiene, rinsing with chlorhexidine, and daily re-evaluation. Systemic antimicrobials may be used adjunctively in severe cases or in non-responding conditions and the best option is metronidazole.Once the acute disease is under control, definitive treatment should be provided, including the adequate therapy for the pre-existing gingivitis or periodontitis. Among other acute conditions affecting the periodontal tissues, but not caused by the microorganisms present in oral biofilms , are infectious diseases, muco-cutaneous diseases and traumatic or allergic lesions. In most cases, the gingival envolvement is not severe, though they are common and may prompt a dental emergency visit. These conditions may the direct result of a trauma or the consequence of the breaking of vesicles and bullae. A proper differential diagnosis is important for an adequate management of the case

Three Dimensional Mammalian Skull Morphology

This thesis deals with archiving morphological data utilizing a three dimensional coordinate system. Morphological reference points are archived via rectangular position coordinates, rectangular position vectors, and spherical position vectors. The concepts of translation trajectories, translation vectors, and relative position vectors are developed. Analysis of three dimensional coordinate data utilizing translation trajectories and translation vectors is described. In order to test the methodology developed, the method is applied to an analysis of harbor porpoise, Phocoena phocoena L., skull morphology. (Key words: morphology, ontogenetic trajectories, allometry, position coordinates, position vectors, translation trajectories, translation vectors, relative position vectors, and harbor porpoise)

SURVEY RESULTS.xls

As time continues, the issue of full European Union membership for Norway becomes a more pertinent issue. The EU has long awaited the membership of Norway, but unfortunately the Nordic country has decided to remain independent. Norway’s historical past has led many Norwegians to believe their country is not ready for full integration. Another union would be too soon considering Norway was under foreign domination for 500 years and just gained its independence only a century ago. Norway rejected full EU membership in 1972 and 1994. The objective of this research was to formulate a hypothesis of how Norway would vote if a “2006 Referendum” on full EU membership were to occur, as well as understand and explain Norwegians’ current concerns and benefits relative to full EU membership. Norwegians have voiced strong concern to protect its wealth generated from the extensive petroleum resources, the historical fishing sector, exclusivity of its waters, and the agricultural subsidies. Other Norwegians see full EU membership as a way to access a larger market, achieve a vote and voice in EU policies, and develop a long term future for Norway. As a result of this Norwegian opinion survey, it can be concluded that, even though Norwegians currently voiced an in favor stance, Norway will not accept full EU membership for another ten to fifteen years.Keywords: Norway, European Unio

A Hobson’s Choice For Norway : Maintain National Sovereignty or Accept Full EU Membership

As time continues, the issue of full European Union membership for Norway becomes a more pertinent issue. The EU has long awaited the membership of Norway, but unfortunately the Nordic country has decided to remain independent. Norway’s historical past has led many Norwegians to believe their country is not ready for full integration. Another union would be too soon considering Norway was under foreign domination for 500 years and just gained its independence only a century ago. Norway rejected full EU membership in 1972 and 1994. The objective of this research was to formulate a hypothesis of how Norway would vote if a “2006 Referendum” on full EU membership were to occur, as well as understand and explain Norwegians’ current concerns and benefits relative to full EU membership. Norwegians have voiced strong concern to protect its wealth generated from the extensive petroleum resources, the historical fishing sector, exclusivity of its waters, and the agricultural subsidies. Other Norwegians see full EU membership as a way to access a larger market, achieve a vote and voice in EU policies, and develop a long term future for Norway. As a result of this Norwegian opinion survey, it can be concluded that, even though Norwegians currently voiced an in favor stance, Norway will not accept full EU membership for another ten to fifteen years

Abstract-Beginning docs.doc

As time continues, the issue of full European Union membership for Norway becomes a more pertinent issue. The EU has long awaited the membership of Norway, but unfortunately the Nordic country has decided to remain independent. Norway’s historical past has led many Norwegians to believe their country is not ready for full integration. Another union would be too soon considering Norway was under foreign domination for 500 years and just gained its independence only a century ago. Norway rejected full EU membership in 1972 and 1994. The objective of this research was to formulate a hypothesis of how Norway would vote if a “2006 Referendum” on full EU membership were to occur, as well as understand and explain Norwegians’ current concerns and benefits relative to full EU membership. Norwegians have voiced strong concern to protect its wealth generated from the extensive petroleum resources, the historical fishing sector, exclusivity of its waters, and the agricultural subsidies. Other Norwegians see full EU membership as a way to access a larger market, achieve a vote and voice in EU policies, and develop a long term future for Norway. As a result of this Norwegian opinion survey, it can be concluded that, even though Norwegians currently voiced an in favor stance, Norway will not accept full EU membership for another ten to fifteen years