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Javier Martínez-Casanova,1 Nuria Carballo,1 Sonia Luque,1 Luisa Sorli,2 Santiago Grau1 1Pharmacy Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; 2Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain Abstract: Azole antifungals have frequently been linked to the presence of hepatotoxicity, but there is scarce information on cross-toxicity between these drugs or on the possibility of using some of them when this type of toxicity occurs. We report the case of a 64-year-old man with invasive aspergillosis (IA) leading to spondylodiscitis with neurological involvement. Early management included intravenous (iv) voriconazole, which had to be interrupted after 1 week due to liver damage. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of voriconazole showed that the plasma concentration was within the therapeutic range. However, it was replaced by a combination therapy of oral posaconazole plus iv caspofungin. Posaconazole allowed normalization of liver enzymes. After finishing posaconazole monotherapy on an outpatient basis, the patient made a full recovery. This case report provides further evidence that oral posaconazole is safe and effective as rescue therapy after the appearance of voriconazole-induced liver toxicity. Keywords: case report, antifungal agents, hepatotoxicity, therapeutic drug monitoring

Olatz Urbina,1 Olivia Ferrández,1 Sònia Luque,1 Santiago Grau,1,2 Sergi Mojal,3 Rosa Pellicer,1 Marta Riu,4 Esther Salas,1 Josep Comin-Colet5 1Pharmacy Department, Hospital Universitari del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; 2Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; 3Department of Statistics, Institut Hospital del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain; 4Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Evaluation, CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Hospital Universitari del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; 5Heart Failure Unit, Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitari del Mar, Barcelona, Spain Background: Because of the high incidence of drug-related problems (DRPs) among hospitalized patients with cardiovascular diseases and their potential impact on morbidity and mortality, it is important to identify the most susceptible patients, who therefore require closer monitoring of drug therapy.Purpose: To identify the profile of patients at higher risk of developing at least one DRP during hospitalization in a cardiology ward.Method: We consecutively included all patients hospitalized in the cardiology ward of a teaching hospital in 2009. DRPs were identified through a computerized warning system designed by the pharmacy department and integrated into the electronic medical record.Results: A total of 964 admissions were included, and at least one DRP was detected in 29.8%. The variables associated with a higher risk of these events were polypharmacy (odds ratio [OR]=1.228; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.153–1.308), female sex (OR=1.496; 95% CI=1.026–2.180), and first admission (OR=1.494; 95% CI=1.005–2.221).Conclusion: Monitoring patients through a computerized warning system allowed the detection of at least one DRP in one-third of the patients. Knowledge of the risk factors for developing these problems in patients admitted to hospital for cardiovascular problems helps in identifying the most susceptible patients. Keywords: cardiovascular diseases, patient safety, drug therapy monitoring, computerized provider order entry, clinical pharmacist, pharmacy warning system

Background Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of β-lactams in critically ill patients has been correlated with better clinical outcomes. Evidence on TDM of newer β-lactams such as ceftazidime/avibactam administered by continuous infusion (CI) is very limited. Objectives To describe our experience with TDM of ceftazidime/avibactam and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target attainment in patients with MDR bacterial infections. Clinical outcomes of ceftazidime/avibactam administered by CI were also assessed. Methods Patients treated with ceftazidime/avibactam administered by CI and undergoing TDM of ceftazidime plasma concentrations were included. Blood samples were obtained as part of the TDM program. The PK/PD therapeutic target of ceftazidime/avibactam was defined as 100% f T > 4 × MIC of the causative pathogen, and 100% f T > 10 × MIC was considered overexposure. Dose changes were made according to the TDM results. Results Thirty-one patients were included. Ceftazidime/avibactam total daily doses ranged from 1 g/0.25 g to 6 g/1.5 g. Twenty-six patients (83.9%) achieved a 100% f T > 4 × MIC, 15 (48.4%) of which were overexposed (100% f T > 10 × MIC). Dose reduction was suggested in 16/28 (57.1%) patients and dose maintenance in 12/28 (42.9%). Overall clinical cure was observed in 21 (67.7%) patients, and 18 of these (85.7%) achieved a 100% f T > 4 × MIC. Conclusions Administering ceftazidime/avibactam by CI enabled the desired PK/PD target to be achieved in a large proportion of patients, even at lower doses than those recommended for a 2 h extended infusion. We suggest that the use of CI with TDM may be a useful tool for reducing initial doses, which could help to reduce antimicrobial-related adverse effects and treatment costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Drug-related problems (DRP) are events or circumstances in which drug therapy does or could interfere with desired health outcomes. In December 2019, a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, appeared. Little knowledge about this type of infection resulted in the administration of various drugs with limited use in other pathologies. Evidence about DRP in patients with COVID-19 is lacking. Objective: The aim of the present study is to describe identified cases of DRP and those drugs involved in the first wave of patients with COVID-19, and evaluate associated risk factors. Material and methods: Observational, retrospective study performed in a tertiary university hospital between 14th March 2020 and 31 May 2020 (corresponding to the first COVID-19 wave). We recruited patients admitted during the study period. Exclusion criteria included age < 18 years; admission to critically ill units; and care received either in the emergency room, at-home hospitalization or a healthcare center. Results: A total of 817 patients were included. The mean age was 62.5 years (SD 16.4) (range 18-97), and 453 (55.4%) were male. A total of 516 DRP were detected. Among the patients, 271 (33.2%) presented at least one DRP. The mean DRP per patient with an identified case was 1.9. The prevailing DRPs among those observed were: incorrect dosage (over or underdosage) in 145 patients (28.2%); wrong drug combination in 131 (25.5%); prescriptions not in adherence to the then COVID-19 treatment protocol in 73 (14.1%); prescription errors due to the wrong use of the computerized physician order entry in 47 (9.2%); and incorrect dosage due to renal function in 36 (7%). The logistic regression analysis showed that patients who received only prescriptions of antibacterials for systemic use (J01 ATC group) faced a higher likelihood of experiencing a DRP (OR 2.408 (1.071-5.411), p = 0.033). Conclusion: We identified several factors associated with an increased risk of DRPs, similar to those reported in other pre-pandemic studies, including a prolonged length of stay, higher number of prescribed drugs and antimicrobial administration. The relevance of pharmacists and tools like pharmacy warning systems can help prevent, identify and resolve DRP efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Chilean women and worldwide. It is a heterogeneous disease and four different subtypes have been identified based on clinical, histological and molecular features, which correlate with different treatment tumor sensitivity. Triple negative breast cancer is characterized by its aggressiveness, early relapse, and a greater tendency to present in advanced stages. It frequently affects young women, with cancer family history, especially breast or ovarian cancer. The approved systemic therapy for triple negative breast cancer is chemotherapy; however, recently, targeted therapies with checkpoint inhibitors and polyadenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase inhibitors have been shown to be effective in selected patients and have been added to the therapeutic arsenal for triple negative breast cancer. Given the appearance of these new strategies, it seems relevant to understand the heterogeneity of this disease, the mechanisms of action behind new therapies, clinical results, and the criteria to select patients for molecular therapies. We present a review of the current systemic therapy of this breast cancer subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the hydrological dynamics of the Congo River Basin (CRB) have been analyzed. This is achieved using multiangular and dual‐polarization passive L‐band microwave signal from the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite to estimate water surface extent dynamics from 2010 to 2017. The results provide new insights into the poorly characterized wetlands, peatlands, and floodplains dynamics of the CRB. We found that the mean flooded area for the entire CRB is equal to 89,408 ± 20,623 km2 corresponding to 2.39% of the entire basin. The results were compared with three land cover maps (European Space Agency‐Climate Change Initiative [ESA‐CCI], International Geosphere‐Biosphere Programme [IGBP], and Global Surface Water Occurrence [GSWO]) and the SWAMPS global dynamic water surfaces product. More inland waters were detected than the four previous products, except along the rivers. Floods and droughts during the last 10 years were also depicted. The knowledge about the CRB hydrological behavior was improved by analyzing the date of maximum floods, the time lag in days between precipitation, water surface extent, and river water height at the outlet of the nine major Congo subbasin. A lag of 67 ± 3 days between rainfall and inundated areas was found in the Upper Congo (r = 0.89). In the Kasai subbasin, no time lag between rainfall and inundation was found (r = 0.86). The contribution of each floodplain to the Congo discharge was also evaluated. In the future, the fusion of the current surface waters with water heights from the SWOT mission can provide further information to the water volumes of the CRB floodplains. Plain Language Summary: The Congo River Basin (CRB) has a vast flooded area, that is poorly characterized. We developed new flood extent maps for the CRB based on satellite data in the L‐band spectral band. This enabled an unprecedented insight into water dynamics of the wetlands, peatlands, and floodplains of the CRB through the detection of the dates of maximum floods, the lag with the rainfall peaks, and the duration of floods even in vegetated areas. Key Points: New knowledge of the Congo River Basin hydrology for the last decade through a new temporal and spatial dynamic water surface extent dataThe water extent in the Congo River Basin ranges from 78,602 to 99,225 km2 between 2011 and 2017The lags between rainfall and flood in the nine Congo subbasins has a high variability ranging from 0 to 67 days [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Differentiated thyroid cancer (CDT) presents an increase in global levels. The selective use of radioiodine therapy (RAI) is a pillar of its treatment. Its therapeutic effect is due to beta radiation, while gamma makes hospitalization necessary to limit exposure. Aim: To describe the safety treated with RAI inpatients and the functioning of the radioactive isolation rooms of our center. Materials and Method: Retrospective descriptive study. All patients diagnosed with CDT who required RAI therapy under a hospital regimen at the Regional Hospital of Talca (HRT) between August-December 2018 were included. Results: During the period described, 10 patients were treated. The median dose of RAI administered was 100 mCi (range: 50-150 mCi). The average of hospitalization was 28 hours, being discharged when reporting an absorbed dose rate < 70 µSv/h at 1 meter, giving the patient instructions, so that they follow to minimize the risk of irradiation or contamination of people in their environment. Conclusions: Our RAI administration protocol allows patients with CDT to be treated safely. The radioactive isolation rooms could cover 100% of the demand for RAI therapy in CDT at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Total laryngectomy is the treatment of choice for advanced laryngeal cancer and after radiotherapy failure. In patients with pharyngeal invasion, it is associated with total or partial pharyngectomy, wich defect can be repaired with free or pedicle flaps. Aim: To present a brief series of pedicle flap reconstruction approach after pharyngolaryngectomy in laryngeal carcinoma patients and functional outcomes Materials and Method: We looked at laryngeal cancer patient records who were treated with total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy and pharyngeal reconstruction with pedicle flap at "Hospital Regional de Talca" between the years 2009 and 2017, finding 6 cases, 4 of which were alive at the beginning of the study. We analized videoflourocopy swallow studies to assess mechanisms of deglutition, and presence of stenosis or fistulas. We also performed a nutritional state assessment and a quality of life questionnaire. Results: During videodeglutition study, the 4 patients showed minimal contrast swallow delay at hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. All the patients were found eutrophic in their nutritional assessment and with no significant evidence of quality of life disturbances secondary to deglutition state. Conclusions: Partial pharyngeal reconstruction using pedicle flaps in patients who underwent total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy allows to maintain an adequate deglutition without dysphagia, as well as a good nutritional state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel transient method for calibrating heat transfer gauges for convective wall heat flux measurements in high enthalpy flows. The new method relies on the transient heating of sensor substrates under rapid exposure to a hot flow in order to obtain the necessary reference heat flux. Compared to previous calibration facilities, the new facility is simple, inexpensive, easy to adapt for different flow configurations and sensor geometries, and quick to run across a wide range of conditions. In this paper, the design of the new calibration facility is described and the transient calibration method explained. The method is demonstrated by calibrating a Gardon gauge at convective heat transfer coefficients between 300 and 600 W/m² K. Typical facility data and calibration results are presented in terms of voltage-heat flux sensitivity and calibration correction ratio. These results are shown to agree with theoretical estimates within the estimated calibration uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the effects of coolant-to-mainstream density ratio and specific heat capacity flux ratio (the product of blowing ratio and specific heat capacity ratio) on the overall cooling effectiveness of high pressure (HP) turbine vanes. Experimental measurements have been conducted at correct engine-matched conditions of Mach number, Reynolds number, turbulence intensity, and coolant-to-mainstream momentum flux ratio. Vanes tested were fully cooled production parts from an engine currently in service. A foreign gas mixture of SF6 and Ar was selected for injection as coolant in the facility so that density and blowing ratios were also matched to the engine situation. The isentropic exponent of the foreign gas mixture coincides with that of air. Full-coverage surface maps of overall cooling effectiveness were acquired by an infrared (IR) thermography technique at a range of mainstream-to-coolant temperature ratios. Measurements were subsequently scaled to engine conditions by employing a new theory based on the principle of superposition and a recovery and redistribution temperature demonstrated in previous papers. It is shown that the two aerodynamically matched situations of air- and foreign-gas-cooled experiments give virtually the same effectiveness trends and patterns. Actual levels differ, however, on account of specific heat capacity flux ratio differences. The effect is described and quantified by a one-dimensional analytical model of the vane wall. Differences in Biot number with respect to engine conditions are discussed as they also influence the scaling of turbine metal temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental measurements of overall cooling effectiveness conducted on a high-pressure turbine vane in a warm rig flow are scaled to engine conditions in this paper. A new theory for the scaling of turbine metal temperatures in cooled compressible flows has been applied, based on the principle of superposition, and demonstrated analytically and numerically in a previous paper. The analysis employs a definition of overall cooling effectiveness based on a new recovery and redistribution temperature, which makes it independent of the temperature boundary conditions of the hot and cold flow streams. This enables the vane external wall temperatures to be scaled to engine conditions by varying, in a fixed aerodynamic field, the mainstream-to-coolant temperature ratio. Experimental validation of the theory is provided in this article. Measurements were conducted in the Annular Sector Heat Transfer Facility, which employs fully cooled nozzle guide vanes, production parts of a civil aviation engine currently in service. Mainstream Mach and Reynolds numbers, inlet turbulence intensity, and coolant-to-mainstream total pressure ratio (and thus momentum flux ratio) are all matched to engine conditions. Full-coverage overall cooling effectiveness distributions, acquired by infrared thermography, are presented for a range of mainstream-to-coolant temperature ratios between 1.05 and 1.22 and subsequently scaled to engine conditions by an iterative procedure. In reducing to practice the principles of the new scaling theory, it is demonstrated that direct validation of turbine cooling system performance is possible in experiments at lower than engine temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Limited information about the pharmacokinetics of micafungin in the peritoneal cavity is available. The aim of this study was to explore the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of micafungin in plasma and peritoneal fluid in post-surgical critically ill patients with proven or suspected intra-abdominal fungal infection.Methods: Patients were administered 100 mg/day micafungin. Serial blood and peritoneal fluid samples were collected on day 1 and day 3 (steady-state) of treatment. Concentrations were determined by validated chromatography and were subject to a population pharmacokinetic analysis with Pmetrics(®). Monte Carlo simulations were performed for AUC0-24/MIC ratios in plasma. The PTA was calculated using AUC0-24/MIC cut-offs: 285 for Candida parapsilosis and 3000 for non-parapsilosis Candida spp.Results: Ten patients were included; six were male. The median (range) age, APACHE II score and Mannheim peritonitis index were 72 (43-85) years, 15 (11-36) and 26 (8-37), respectively. On day 1, median (SD) penetration of micafungin into the peritoneal cavity was 30% (30%-40%). A three-compartment model adequately described the data. The mean (SD) estimates for clearance and volume of distribution of the central compartment were 1.27 (0.75) L/h and 9.26 (1.11) L, respectively. In most patients, the PTA in plasma was ≥ 90% for MICs of 0.008-0.016 mg/L for Candida spp. and 0.125-0.25 mg/L for C. parapsilosis.Conclusions: After the first dose, micafungin at 100 mg/day achieves pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets in plasma for Candida spp. and C. parapsilosis MICs of 0.008-0.016 and 0.125-0.25 mg/L, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS: To compare the pharmacokinetics, distribution and efficacy (pharmacodynamic response) of intraruminal ivermectin (IVM) and moxidectin (MXD) administered at 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg to naturally nematode-infected lambs, and to determine theex vivoaccumulation of these anthelmintics byHaemonchus contortus. METHODS: Romney Marsh lambs, naturally infected with IVM-resistantH. contortus, were allocated to treatment groups based on faecal nematode egg counts. They received 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg IVM or MXD (n=10 per group), or no treatment (Control; n=6), on Day 0. Samples from four animals from each treatment group, including abomasal parasites, were obtained on Day 1. Plasma samples were also collected from Day 0 to 14, and a faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) and a controlled efficacy trial were carried out on Day 14. Concentrations of IVM and MXD in plasma, in abomasal and intestinal tissues and inH. contortuswere evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, theex vivodrug accumulation of IVM and MXD byH. contortuswas determined. RESULTS: Peak plasma concentrations and the area under the concentrationvs.time curve for both IVM and MXD were higher for 0.4 than 0.2 mg/kg treatments (p<0.05), but there were no differences for other parameters. Concentrations of IVM and MXD in the gastrointestinal target tissues and inH. contortuswere higher compared to those measured in plasma. Concentrations of both drugs inH. contortuswere correlated with those observed in the abomasal content (r=0.86; p<0.0001). The exposure ofH. contortusto IVM and MXD was related to the administered dose. Mean FECRT and efficacy for removal of adultH. contortuswas 0% for IVM at 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg. For MXD, FECRT were >95% for both treatments, and efficacy againstH. contortuswas 85.1% and 98.1% for 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg, respectively. Theex vivoaccumulation of IVM and MXD inH. contortuswas directly related to the drug concentration present in the environment and was influenced by the duration of exposure. CONCLUSION:Administration of IVM and MXD at 0.4 compared with 0.2 mg/kg accounted for enhanced drug exposure in the target tissues, as well as higher drug concentrations within resistant nematodes. The current work is a further contribution to the evaluation of the relationship between drug efficacy and basic pharmacological issues in the presence of resistant parasite populations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper describes a new modular experimental facility that was purpose-built to investigate flow interactions between the combustor and first stage nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) of heavy duty power generation gas turbines with multiple can combustors. The first stage turbine NGV is subjected to the highest thermal loads of all turbine components and therefore consumes a proportionally large amount of cooling air that contributes detrimentally to the stage and cycle efficiency. It has become necessary to devise novel cooling concepts that can substantially reduce the coolant air requirement but still allow the turbine to maintain its aerothermal performance. The present work aims to aid this objective by the design and commissioning of a high-speed linear cascade, which consists of two can combustor transition ducts and four first stage NGVs. This is a modular nonreactive air test platform with engine realistic geometries (gas path and near gas path), cooling system, and boundaiy conditions (inlet swirl, turbulence level, and boundary layer). The paper presents the various design aspects of the high pressure (HP) blow down type facility, and the initial results from a wide range of aerodynamic and heat transfer measurements under highly engine realistic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A full thermal experimental assessment of a novel dendritic cooling scheme for highpressure turbine vanes has been conducted and is presented in this paper, including a comparison to the current state-of-the-art cooling arrangement for these components. The dendritic cooling system consists of cooling holes with multiple interna! branches that enhance internal heat transfer and reduce the blowing ratio at hole exit. Three sets of measurements are presented, which describe, first, the local internaI heat transfer coefficient of these structures and, secondly, the cooling flow capacity requirements and overall cooling effectiveness of a highly engine-representative dendritic geometiy. Fullcoverage surface maps of overall cooling effectiveness were acquired for both dendritic and baseline vanes in the Annular Sector Heat Transfer Facility, where scaled nearengine conditions of Mach number, Reynolds number, inlet turbulence intensity, and coolant-to-mainstream pressure ratio (or momentum flux ratio) are achieved. Engine hardware was used, with laser-sintered metal counterparts for the novel cooling geometry (their detailed configuration, design, and manufacture are discussed). The dendritic system will be shown to offer improved overall cooling effectiveness at a reduced cooling mass flow rate due to a more uniform film cooling effectiveness, a decreased tendency for films to lift off in regions of low externa! cross flow, improved through-wall heat transfer and internal cooling efficiency, increased internal wetted surface area of the cooling holes, and the enhanced turbulence induced in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new experimental technique for the accurate measurement of steady-state metal temperature surface distributions of modern heavily film-cooled turbine vanes has been developed and is described in this paper. The technique is analogous to the thermal paint test but has been designed for fundamental research. The experimental facility consists of an annular sector cascade of high pressure (HP) turbine vanes from a current production engine. Flow conditioning is achieved by using an annular sector of deswirl vanes downstream of the test section, being both connected by a three-dimensionally contoured duct. As a result, a transonic and periodic flow, highly representative of the engine aerodynamic field, is established: Inlet turbulence levels, mainstream Mach and Reynolds numbers, and coolant-to-mainstream total pressure ratio are matched. Since the fully three-dimensional nozzle guide vane (NGV) geometry is used, the correct radial pressure gradient and secondary flow development are simulated and the cooling flow redistribution is engine-realistic. To allow heat transfer measurements to be performed, a mainstream-to-coolant temperature difference (up to 33.5°C) is generated by using two steel-wire mesh heaters, operated in series. NGV surface metal temperatures are measured (between 20°C and 40°C) by wide-band thermochromic liquid crystals. These are calibrated in situ and on a per-pixel basis against vane surface thermocouples, in a heating process that spans the entire color play and during which the turbine vanes can be assumed to slowly follow a succession of isothermal states. Experimental surface distributions of overall cooling effectiveness are presented in this paper. By employing resin vanes of the same geometry and cooling configuration (to implement adiabatic wall thermal boundary conditions) and the transient liquid crystal technique, surface distributions of external heat transfer coefficient and film cooling effectiveness can be acquired. By combining these measurements with those from the metal vanes, the results can be scaled to engine conditions with a good level of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Six cases of patients diagnosed with urinary tract infection (UTI) successfully treated with micafungin are reported. Four were infected with fluconazole-resistant Candida spp. and two (with hepatic injury) were infected with fluconazole-sensitive Candida spp. Traditionally, echinocandins have not been considered for the treatment of UTIs. However, despite its low urinary excretion rate, therapeutic drug monitoring of micafungin urinary levels could be helpful in order to achieve optimal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indices for treating UTIs caused by Candida spp. resistant to fluconazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work a predictive mathematical model has been developed to simulate the membrane-based solvent extraction of phenylglycine (PhgH) from alkaline solutions by trioctylmethylammonium chloride (TOMAC) (10%, v/v) in 1-decanol and the simultaneous membrane-based solvent stripping by chloride solutions using hollow fiber contactors. The model allows to predict the time-dependent concentration profiles of the three phases involved in the process, as a function of operating parameters (volumes, concentrations and volumetric flow rates), extraction mechanism parameters (distribution coefficients and equilibrium constants) and mass transfer coefficients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The period of maternal dependence is a time during which mammalian infants must optimize both their growth and the development of behavioural skills in order to successfully meet the demands of independent living. The rate and duration of maternal provisioning, post weaning food availability and climatic conditions are all factors likely to influence the growth strategies of infants. While numerous studies have documented differences in growth strategies at high taxonomic levels, few have investigated those of closely related species inhabiting similar environments. The present study examined the body composition, metabolism and indices of physiological development in pups of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) and subantarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis), congeneric species with different weaning ages (4 months and 10 months, respectively), during their overlap in lactation at a sympatric breeding site in the Iles Crozet. Body lipid reserves in pre-moult pups were significantly greater (t[SUB28]=2.73, P<0.01) in subantarctic (26%) than Antarctic fur seals (22%). Antarctic fur seal pups, however, had significantly higher (t[SUB26]=3.82, P<0.001) in-air resting metabolic rates (RMR; 17.1 ± 0.6 mi O[SUB2] kg[SUP-1] min[SUP-1] than subantarctic fur seal pups (14.1 ± 0.5 mi O[SUB2] kg[SUP-1] min[SUP-1]). While in-water standard metabolic rate (SMR; 22.9±2.5 ml O[SUB2] kg[SUP-1] min[SUP-1) was greater than in-air RMR for Antarctic fur seal pups (t[SUB9] = 2.59, P<0.03), there were no significant differences between in-air RMR and in-water SMR for subantarctic fur seal pups (t[SUB12] = 0.82, P > 0.4), although this is unlikely to reflect a greater ability for pre-moult pups of the latter species to thermoregulate in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to characterise recovery of phenol from an aqueous solution using a hydrophobic polypropylene membrane contactor. The effects of temperature and hydrodynamics on the overall mass transfer coefficient were determined. Integration of the extraction and stripping stages was also carried out thereby allowing removal of more than 99% of the original phenol, while the organic phase is simultaneously regenerated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work adapts some generalized linear models in order to study the spatial pattern of an important tree species. The classical multivariate Ising model, which incorporates the dependence on neighbour individuals in a regular lattice, was adapted by setting a Poisson regression with an extra variation parameter to fit over-dispersion. Because the spatial pattern is only evident to a special reference scale, plots were sampled at two different scales. Two individual presence-absence matrices were analysed for each case through over-dispersion Poisson regression and log-linear models, including binary indicators for a neighbour in the four directions in the linear predictor. The results showed that the species, in the adult stage, has a spatial distribution in patches having no more than two adult individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The New Jersey Pinelands Biosphere Reserve serves as an international model for regional land use planning within the framework of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB-UNESCO) Programme. To provide baseline information for future planning and management this study investigated the changes in landscape patterns in the Pinelands Reserve and its causes from 1972 to 1991. The general approach focuses on the role of land use as a factor causing change in the Pinelands landscape. The Pinelands has experienced a change in land cover and its structure due in part to fire suppression and anthropogenic disturbances. The methodology developed in this research can be applied to other regions of the world where it is necessary to evaluate the impact of human activities on natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural disturbance suppression and anthropogenic perturbations have altered the composition and structure of the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve (NJPNR). The combination of satellite remote sensing imagery and GIS provided the means to map and monitor land cover change at landscape level scales in the NJPNR. The Pinelands has experienced a change in landcover, with the mixed deciduous forest replacing the pine forest community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel method of producing methanol from coke oven gas (COG), involving the CO2 reforming of COG to obtain an appropriate syngas for the synthesis of methanol is proposed. This method is compared with a conventional process of methanol synthesis from natural gas, in terms of energy consumption, CO2 emissions, raw material exploitation and methanol purity. Whereas this new process requires the consumption of less energy, the conventional process allows a higher energy recovery. CO2 emissions are considerably lower with the new process, but the geographic situation of the plant plays a determinant role. From the point of view of raw material exploitation and methanol purity, the process proposed yields better results. These results suggest that methanol production from coke oven gas would be a more attractive alternative to conventional processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The liquid–liquid extraction of three carboxylic acids (valeric acid, malic acid and lactic acid) from aqueous solutions using a tubular UF ceramic membrane as phase separator (extractive ultrafiltration) has been investigated. The extraction mechanisms for the more effective extracting systems among those tested for each organic acid are explained. Extraction results show the contribution of the physical extraction by the diluent and the reactive extraction by the extractant, with the formation of different acid–extractant complexes, whose stoichiometries can be related to the physico-chemical characteristics of each acid. Equilibrium constants were obtained for all the partition and complex formation reactions involved in the extraction mechanisms. The extractive ultrafiltration – a separation technique, which combines an extraction step with a membrane filtration step – of the aforementioned acids was carried out using three operating modes (total recycle, concentration and continuous modes). A different behavior depending on the nature of each acid (and the complexes they form during the extraction process) was found, showing that solute–membrane interactions play an important role. The effect of transmembrane pressure on permeate flux during the experiments carried out at total recycle show linear trends for all conditions tested. Concentration experiments allowed obtaining the maximum organic to aqueous phase ratio achievable for the three case studies (with the best extraction systems). From an initial 0.1 ratio, values of 0.88, 0.62 and 0.75 could be obtained for valeric, malic and lactic acids, respectively. Finally, a continuous operation showed the evolution of flux and acid concentration in both the aqueous permeate and the rejected emulsion as the organic phase becomes saturated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of genotypes with improved performance for nitrogen (N) capture and use would be of great benefit through reducing production costs and pollution risks in maize cropping. The identification of morpho-physiological traits responsible for a better behavior in a target N environment is useful for cultivar selection, and become crucial for maize breeding improvement. This study analyzed, in a set of Argentinean commercial hybrids of maize, the grain yield (GY) variability in response to soil N availability at several locations representative of the main maize production region of Argentina during 2003–2004 growing season. The objectives of this work were to: (i) detect environmental groups for GY responses, (ii) identify morpho-physiological traits that were associated to winner genotypes in each detected environmental group, and (iii) assess genetic correlations between those traits. To generate more variation in soil N availability two N-fertilizer rates were applied in each experimental site (0 and 250kgNha−1, except for Balcarce where only 250kgNha−1 was tested). Morpho-physiological traits included in the analysis were related to N and radiation capture, use and partitioning, plant architecture, and leaf senescence. Grain yield components were also included. As expected, environment (E) effect explained the higher portion of GY variation (i.e., 82%), but genotype (G) and G×E interaction (GE) also significantly contributed (i.e., 9% each). Three environmental groups for GY were identified according to N availability. Morpho-physiological traits related to resource capture, use, and partitioning during the post-silking period are proposed as desirables for broad adaptation. In turn, a high N partitioning to grains after silking was associated with good hybrid behavior under high N availability and warm climate. On the other hand, a better grain yield performance when N became more limited appeared strongly related to an efficient canopy to sustain resource capture up to maturity. More studies are required in a wide range of environments to confirm identified traits and underlying physiological mechanisms. Nevertheless, our findings highlight the existence of differences in ideal plant-type for environments differing in N availability to be considered in maize breeding programs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]