Improved blackwater disinfection using potentiodynamic methods with oxidized boron-doped diamond electrodes.

Electrochemical disinfection (ECD) has become an important blackwater disinfection technology. ECD is a promising solution for the 2 billion people without access to conventional sanitation practices and in areas deficient in basic utilities (e.g., sewers, electricity, waste treatment). Here, we report on the disinfection of blackwater using potential cycling compared to potentiostatic treatment methods in chloride-containing and chloride-free solutions of blackwater (i.e., untreated wastewater containing feces, urine, and flushwater from a toilet). Potentiodynamic treatment is demonstrated to improve disinfection energy efficiency of blackwater by 24% and 124% compared to static oxidation and reduction methods, respectively. The result is shown to be caused by electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOP) and regeneration of sp2-surface-bonded carbon functional groups that serve the dual purpose of catalysts and adsorption sites of oxidant intermediates. Following 24 h electrolysis in blackwater, electrode fouling is shown to be minimized by the potential cycling method when compared to equivalent potentiostatic methods. The potential cycling current density is 40% higher than both the static oxidative and reductive methods. This work enhances the understanding of oxygen reduction catalysts using functionalized carbon materials and electrochemical disinfection anodes, both of which have the potential to bring a cost-effective, energy efficient, and practical solution to the problem of disinfecting blackwater.

Selected Topics on the Synthesis, Properties and Applications of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes.

In summary, MWCNTs have been examined for a variety of electronic applications due to their unique structure and chemistry. Electrodes for field emission, energy and sensor applications hold particular interest. MWCNTs provide a very high surface area, relatively easy methods of surface modification, controllable and high concentration of reactive surface sites, and high specific capacitance. Combining MWCNTs with graphene structures, oxide and metal nanoparticles and certain polymers extends their performance and functionality. Such hybrid structures have been produced in situ during CNT growth and in two-step processes. Excellent progress on understanding the mechanisms of CNT growth has enabled numerous growth methods to all yield MWCNT structures in a variety of morphologies.

Intracranial hemorrhage associated with quinidine induced thrombocytopenia.

Quinidine is commonly used in the treatment of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Such patients are at increased risk for embolic strokes and may require concurrent anticoagulation therapy. We report here the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage as a complication of thrombocytopenia in two patients on quinidine.

Specificity of effect of osmolality on aldosterone secretion.

Small (3-7 mM) changes in [NaCl] have a marked inverse effect on angiotensin II- or K-stimulated aldosterone secretion by the isolated, perfused canine adrenal gland. The effect is due to the accompanying changes in osmolality rather than to the changes in [Na] or [Cl]. The present study was undertaken to determine whether osmolality is a specific and discrete signal that modulates the secretion of aldosterone only or is simply a nonspecific physical factor that alters the secretion of other adrenocortical hormones as well. The study also determined whether small changes in osmolality affect the conversion of corticosterone to aldosterone. The secretion of both cortisol and aldosterone by isolated canine adrenal glands responded in a dose-dependent fashion to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), but in contrast to the rapid and potent modulating action of osmolality reported previously for angiotensin II- or K-stimulated aldosterone secretion, changes in osmolality at the midpoint of ACTH infusion had no detectable effect on either cortisol secretion or, unexpectedly, aldosterone secretion. This indicates that osmolality is a highly specific signal that modulates responsiveness of the zona glomerulosa to the factors, angiotensin II and K, which are considered to be most important in the acute regulation of aldosterone secretion, but does not influence secretion of cortisol by inner zones of the adrenal cortex. In glands treated with agents that block aldosterone production from endogenous precursors, small changes in osmolality had no detectable effect on the conversion of exogenous corticosterone to aldosterone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

How to expedite rehabilitation without jeopardizing litigation.

Where litigation and rehabilitation become enmeshed, doctors may have to face problems both complex and stressful. When disabling injuries occur, law and medicine must work together in the best interests of the client/patient. This paper offers specific advice to doctors who are called upon to give evidence concerning the state of health or prognosis of patients involved in litigation arising from disabling injury.