bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct human‐caused mortality of birds: improving quantification of magnitude and assessment of population impact
Authors: Loss Scott R , Will Tom , Marra Peter P
Published: November 2012

Hundreds of millions to greater than one billion North American birds are directly killed each year by human stressors, including collisions with man‐made structures, predation by feral and pet cats, intentional and accidental poisoning, and pollution. Because these causes of mortality are increasingly abundant and because some result in large bird die‐offs, they have received both increased scientific attention and general media coverage. However, quantifying bird mortality remains imprecise and methods to assess whether these losses cause important biological impacts remain underdeveloped. If local mortality studies followed rigorous design and sampling schemes, allowing comparison of data and scaling up of mortality estimates to broad regions, this could lead to improved analyses. Several analytical techniques – including hierarchical and population models – show potential for improving quantification of anthropogenic mortality of birds and inference of population‐level effects. Results arising from improved study designs and analytical techniques will more effectively inform decision making about policies and regulations aimed at reducing avian mortality and minimizing population impacts.
Participatory science and education: bringing both views into focus
Authors: Zoellick Bill , Nelson Sarah J , Schauffler Molly
Published: November 2012

Aligning the goals of scientists and participants becomes more challenging when citizen science moves into middle‐ and high‐school classrooms. Here, we describe a logic model developed in association with the Acadia Learning Project, a collaboration among scientists, teachers, and students that successfully meets both research and educational needs. The logic model is intended to assist other classroom‐based citizen‐science initiatives with project design and evaluation.
The history of public participation in ecological research
Authors: Miller-Rushing Abraham , Primack Richard , Bonney Rick
Published: November 2012

Members of the public have for centuries recorded their observations of the natural world, including plant and animal distribution and phenology, water quality, weather data, and astronomical phenomena. Given the relatively recent growth of ecological research as a professional field of study, the historical contributions of amateurs to ecology can be easily overlooked. To better understand long‐term changes in ecosystems, researchers are now revisiting many of these historical datasets collected by non‐professionals. Over the past 100 years, scientific organizations have increasingly included volunteers in large‐scale monitoring projects to broaden the geographical extent and sample size of observations. We believe that a renewed interest in citizen science, enriched with the perspective and data provided by the long tradition of public participation in science, will broaden the engagement of the public in ecological research and lead to new scientific insights.
Key issues and new approaches for evaluating citizen‐science learning outcomes
Authors: Jordan Rebecca C , Ballard Heidi L , Phillips Tina B
Published: November 2012

Ecologically oriented citizen‐science experiences engage the public in learning while facilitating the achievement of robust scientific program goals. Evaluation of learning outcomes has become increasingly prioritized, requiring citizen‐science program managers to understand key issues in evaluation. We argue that citizen science can have other, more far‐reaching community‐level outcomes, which have received less attention but warrant consideration for continued programmatic improvement.
International citizen science: making the local global
Authors: Chandler Mark , Bebber Daniel P , Castro Sebastian , Lowman Margaret D , Muoria Paul , Oguge Nicholas , Rubenstein Daniel I
Published: November 2012

The Earthwatch Institute is an international non‐profit organization that works with scientists and scientific institutions to develop citizen‐science‐based research and environmental monitoring programs. Each year, Earthwatch supports close to 80 different projects in more than 30 countries and recruits over 3000 volunteers to aid scientists in collecting data. Participants recruited by Earthwatch seek to tap into their passion for learning about science by volunteering to act as assistants for authentic research projects.
Relaxing the closure assumption in occupancy models: staggered arrival and departure times
Authors: Kendall William L. , Hines James E. , Nichols James D. , Grant Evan H. Campbell
Published: November 2012

Occupancy statistical models that account for imperfect detection have proved very useful in several areas of ecology, including species distribution and spatial dynamics, disease ecology, and ecological responses to climate change. These models are based on the collection of multiple samples at each of a number of sites within a given season, during which it is assumed the species is either absent or present and available for detection while each sample is taken. However, for some species, individuals are only present or available for detection seasonally. We present a statistical model that relaxes the closure assumption within a season by permitting staggered entry and exit times for the species of interest at each site. Based on simulation, our open model eliminates bias in occupancy estimators and in some cases increases precision. The power to detect the violation of closure is high if detection probability is reasonably high. In addition to providing more robust estimation of occupancy, this model permits comparison of phenology across sites, species, or years, by modeling variation in arrival or departure probabilities. In a comparison of four species of amphibians in Maryland we found that two toad species arrived at breeding sites later in the season than a salamander and frog species, and departed from sites earlier.
Sustaining seafood for public health
Authors: Gerber Leah R , Karimi Roxanne , Fitzgerald Timothy P
Published: November 2012

Concern about the collapse of overexploited fish populations and the safety of consuming seafood can complicate determining what types of fish are best to eat. In recent years, public attention has become increasingly focused on oceanic environmental contaminants, which may be toxic to seafood consumers in sufficient doses. Laudable education campaigns have been established to inform consumers about seafood choices that are sustainable, and to provide information on which fish are deemed safe for human consumption. We found that unsustainable seafood items also present higher health risks (as indexed by mercury concentrations) and do not necessarily provide greater health benefits (as indexed by omega‐3 fatty acid concentrations) as compared with sustainable seafood items. Our results have broad implications for identifying effective approaches for informing consumers about the health risks and benefits of different seafood choices, while simultaneously addressing the ecological consequences of fishing and fish farming.
Kinetics for ammonium ion removal using a three-dimensional electrode system
Authors: Qiao Qicheng , Zhao Yuemin , Wang Lizhang
Published: November 2012

Electrochemical oxidation of ammonium ions (NH4+) by using a three-dimensional electrode (TDE) composed of IrO2–Ta2O5/Ti anode and bamboo carbon was carried out in this paper. Experimental results reveal that the NH4+ oxidation follows first-order kinetics at lower NH4+ concentration and the rate constant is highly dependent on the applied current density, dosage of chlorine ions and initial NH4+ concentration. In addition, increasing current density, more Cl− dosage and higher initial NH4+ concentration are beneficial for NH4+ removal. By inspecting the relation between rate constant and those operating factors, an overall empirical equation for estimation of the rate constant of NH4+ oxidation is presented. The estimated model is in good agreement with the experimental results and it could also be used for accurate design of the TDE system.
Risk and monitoring based indicators of receiving water status: alternative or complementary elements in IWRM?
Authors: Völker J. , Richter S. , Borchardt D. , Mohaupt V.
Published: November 2012

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) was enacted in the year 2000 with a stepwise approach. After legal implementation in the various member states large efforts were undertaken for the initial characterization of water bodies, risk assessment, to implement extensive monitoring schemes and to develop management plans at different aggregation levels by the year 2010. The initial characterization process and risk assessment had to be finalized by 2004 and delineated water bodies including a typological classification and identified the significant pressures and impacts in a screening procedure. In parallel, monitoring programmes and new biological indicator systems were developed in order to proof and refine the results of the risk assessment with an ecological indicator based assessment in a subsequent step which was finalized in 2009. Although the risk assessment for Germany was based on existing data that were originally collected for other purposes and came from a large variety of environmental or economical sectors, the results differ only slightly from the monitoring and indicator based information with respect to classifications of the ‘ecological status’ and ‘chemical status’. From this result we conclude that a risk assessment based on a careful application and intelligent combination of existing data sources with proven quality allows the recognition of trends and the identification of priorities for action of measures already at an early stage of a management process. However, monitoring schemes and advanced sets of ecological indicators are essential in later management steps both for narrowing uncertainties remaining from the risk assessment and to allow for effect controls of implemented measures. Moreover, these monitoring indicators should differentiate the effects of multiple stressors more factor specific and with respect to ecosystem states and functions. In conclusion, we see risk and indicator based assessments as complementary elements in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), which have to be linked in systematic and phased procedures.
Sizing mitigation wetlands in agricultural watersheds
Authors: Stringfellow William T. , Karpuzcu M. Ekrem , Spier Chelsea , Hanlon Jeremy S. , Graham Justin
Published: November 2012

In this study, we investigated use of microcosms to supplement field studies for establishing the size of wetlands required to mitigate nitrate pollution in agricultural watersheds. Wetlands investigated in this study were located in San Joaquin Valley (California, USA) and demonstrated mean nitrate-nitrogen mass removal efficiencies ranging between 10 and 34%. Mean areal nitrate removal rates (J) ranged from 142 to 380 mg-N m−2 d−1. First-order rate constants determined from field data had a high variance, with confidence intervals greater than 57% of mean values. Sediments and rooted plants from one site were placed in a flow-through microcosm and measurements of nitrate removal kinetics were made and compared with field results. The apparent half-saturation constant (Km) and maximum removal rate (Jmax) for nitrate-nitrogen were 43.8 mg/L and 4.11 g m−2 d−1 in the microcosm. The first-order rate constant from the microcosm (10.4 cm d−1) was in close agreement with the value for the field site (11.9 cm d−1) and had a confidence interval of less than 16%. Using this improved first-order rate constant, it was determined that between 1.3 and 3.6% of the land in the watershed should be managed as mitigation wetland, with the area required dependent on the level of nitrate reduction desired and how closely the wetland design approximates plug-flow.
Improved calcium sulfate recovery from a reverse osmosis retentate using eutectic freeze crystallization
Authors: Randall D. G. , Mohamed R. , Nathoo J. , Rossenrode H. , Lewis A. E.
Published: November 2012

A novel low temperature crystallization process called eutectic freeze crystallization (EFC) can produce both salt(s) and ice from a reverse osmosis (RO) stream by operating at the eutectic temperature of a solution. The EFC reject stream, which is de-supersaturated with respect to the scaling component, can subsequently be recycled back to the RO process for increased water recovery. This paper looks at the feasibility of using EFC to remove calcium sulfate from an RO retentate stream and compares the results to recovery rates at 0 and 20 °C. The results showed that there was a greater yield of calcium sulfate obtained at 0 °C as compared with 20 °C. Operation under eutectic conditions, with only a 20% ice recovery, resulted in an even greater yield of calcium sulfate (48%) when compared with yields obtained at operating temperatures of 0 and 20 °C (15% at 0 °C and 13% at 20 °C). The theoretical calcium recoveries were found to be 75 and 70% at 0 and 20 °C respectively which was higher than the experimentally determined values. The EFC process has the added advantage of producing water along with a salt.
Generalization and formalization of the USEPA procedure for design of treated wastewater aquifer recharge basins: I. Theoretical development
Authors: Kallali Hamadi , Yoshida Mitsuo , Tarhouni Jamila , Jedidi Naceur
Published: November 2012

Groundwater is vulnerable to overdraft and depletion, especially in relatively dry regions where natural recharge rates are very low and groundwater is the main source of water. Artificial recharge of groundwater with treated wastewater has been widely adopted as a technique to replenish the overdraft aquifers. Indeed, in the USA, the technique has been practised for a long time. In 1981, a design procedure manual was developed for practitioners by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). It was updated in 1984 and lastly in 2006. However, the design procedure has not been fully generalized for the different situations and has not been fully formalized in order to allow its automated implementation on calculation software (i.e. spreadsheet). Therefore, in this paper we formalized and generalized the USEPA design procedure to achieve an automated iterative method of calculation which can be easily implemented in a spreadsheet.
Influence of water treatment residuals on dewaterability of wastewater biosolids
Authors: Taylor Malcolm , Elliott Herschel A.
Published: November 2012

Co-dewatering of water treatment residuals (WTR) and wastewater biosolids can potentially benefit municipalities by reducing processing equipment and costs. This study investigated dewaterability (using capillary suction time, CST) of combined alum residuals (Al-WTR) and anaerobically digested biosolids at various blending ratios (BR), defined as the mass ratio of WTR to biosolids on a dry solids basis. Without polymer addition, the CST was 160 s for a BR of 0.75 compared with 355 s for the biosolids alone. The optimum polymer dose (OPD), defined as the polymer dose yielding CST of 20 s, was reduced from 20.6 g kg−1 dry solids for the biosolids alone to 16.3 and 12.6 g kg−1 when BR was 0.75 and 1.5, respectively. Precipitated Al hydrous oxides in the WTR likely caused flocculation of the biosolids particles through heterocoagulation or charge neutralization. The solids contents of the blended materials and biosolids at their respective OPDs were not statistically different (α = 0.05) following dewatering by a belt-filter press. We conclude addition of Al-WTR improved biosolids dewaterability and reduced polymer dosage. In practice, the extent of these benefits may be limited by the quantity of WTR produced relative to the amount of wastewater solids generated by a municipality.
Adsorption of leather dye onto activated carbon prepared from bottle gourd: equilibrium, kinetic and mechanism studies
Authors: Foletto Edson Luiz , Weber Caroline Trevisan , Paz Diego Silva , Mazutti Marcio Antonio , Meili Lucas , Bassaco Mariana Moro , Collazzo Gabriela Carvalho
Published: November 2012

Activated carbon prepared from bottle gourd has been used as adsorbent for removal of leather dye (Direct Black 38) from aqueous solution. The activated carbon obtained showed a mesoporous texture, with surface area of 556.16 m2 g−1, and a surface free of organic functional groups. The initial dye concentration, contact time and pH significantly influenced the adsorption capacity. In the acid region (pH 2.5) the adsorption of dye was more favorable. The adsorption equilibrium was attained after 60 min. Equilibrium data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich and Temkin isotherm models. The equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir isotherm, with maximum adsorption capacity of 94.9 mg g−1. Adsorption kinetic data were fitted using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models. The adsorption kinetic was best described by the second-order kinetic equation. The adsorption process was controlled by both external mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion. Activated carbon prepared from bottle gourd was shown to be a promising material for adsorption of Direct Black 38 from aqueous solution.
Occurrence, removal and accumulation in sludge of protozoan cysts and helminth eggs in a full-scale anaerobic pond in Burkina Faso
Authors: Konaté Yacouba , Maiga Amadou Hama , Basset Didier , Picot Bernadette , Casellas Claude
Published: November 2012

The present paper investigates the occurrence, removal, and accumulation of protozoan cysts and helminth eggs in a large anaerobic pond treating municipal wastewater of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). With a hydraulic retention time of 6.5 days, the anaerobic pond achieved 100% removal of helminth eggs and protozoan cysts most of the time, except during the hot period. The average residual concentrations of helminth eggs and protozoan cysts in the effluent were respectively 0.45 eggs/L (minimum 0 and maximum 3), and 5.4 cysts/L (minimum 0 and maximum 26). Protozoan cysts accumulation in sludge averaged 1,613 cysts/g total solids. Ancylostoma duodenale, Ascaris lumbricoides and Hymenolepis nana were the main helminth species found in the sludge. After 7 years of operation, the sludge in the pond still contained a high level of viable helminth eggs evaluated at 42%.
WWTP design in warm climates – guideline comparison and parameter adaptation for a full-scale activated sludge plant using mass balancing
Authors: Walder C. , Lindtner S. , Proesl A. , Klegraf F. , Weissenbacher N.
Published: November 2012

The ATV-A-131 guideline and the design approach published in ‘Wastewater Engineering, Treatment and Reuse (WE)’ are widely used for the design of activated sludge plants. They are both based on simplified steady-state assumptions tailored to the boundary conditions of temperate climates. Using design guidelines beyond the designated temperature range may lead to inappropriate results. The objectives of this paper are (1) to summarise temperature relevant differences between ATV-A-131 and WE; (2) to show the related design components; and (3) to demonstrate a procedure for design parameter adaptation for a full-scale activated sludge plant located in a warm climate region. To gain steady-state data required for wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) design according to ATV-A-131 and WE, full-scale plant data were acquired for a period of 6 months as a basis for analyses and adaptation. Mass balances were calculated for the verification of the measurements and for analysing excess sludge production. The two approaches showed relevant temperature related differences. WE default application resulted in lower deviation in the mass balance results for excess sludge production. However, with the adaptation of the heterotrophic decay rates for both approaches and the inert organic and mineral solids fraction additionally for ATV-A-131, a good fit to the observed excess sludge production could be achieved.
AquaCrop model simulation under different irrigation water and nitrogen strategies
Authors: Khoshravesh Mojtaba , Mostafazadeh-Fard Behrouz , Heidarpour Manouchehr , Kiani Ali-Reza
Published: November 2012

On a global scale, irrigated agriculture consumes about 72% of available freshwater resources. Deficit irrigation can be applied in the field to save irrigation water and still lead to acceptable crop production. The AquaCrop model is a simulation model for management of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer. This model is a new model that is accurate, robust and requires fewer data inputs compared with the other models. The purpose of this study was to simulate canopy cover, grain yield and water use efficiency (WUE) for soybean using the AquaCrop model. A field line source sprinkler irrigation system was conducted under full and deficit irrigation using different nitrogen fertilizer applications during two cropping seasons for soybean at Gorgan province in Iran. The simulation results showed a reasonably accurate prediction of yield, canopy cover and WUE in all cases (error less than 23%). The simulated pattern of canopy progression over time was close to measured values, with Willmott's index of agreement for all the cases being ≥0.95 for different parameters. The AquaCrop model has the ability to simulate the WUE of soybean under different irrigation water and nitrogen applications. This model is a useful tool for managing the crop water productivity.
Genomic Targets in Inflammation and in Allergic Reactions: A Patientoriented Approach
Authors: Saito H.
Published: November 2012

Along with advances in the genome sequencing and microarray technologies, many attempts have been made to understand the human diseases systemically. Here, literatures regarding genomic studies on allergic diseases are reviewed, especially by focusing on microarray-based transcriptome studies. In earlier patient-oriented transcriptome studies related to allergy and inflammation, only a few projects seem to be successful considering the amounts of time, labor and research grants. Most frequently observed among the problems in such studies are contamination by a different cell type having a certain highly expressed transcript that may cause a virtual increase in the transcript number in the whole population even where the major cell type lacks it. The successful transcriptome studies are therefore commonly obtained by using cell lines, highly purified cells or gene-targeting cell lines for microarray analysis as the first screening. A cell-type specific transcriptome database is also useful for determining whether an increase of a certain transcript in inflammatory tissues reflects an increase in its expression level or an increase in the number of inflammatory cells. Nevertheless, high quality RNA samples are necessary for obtaining reproducible results in the present transcriptome assays using clinical samples. In this context, analysis for genome-wide chromatin structure will be useful to understand the transcriptome more precisely. Considering the rapid development of microarray and data mining technologies, it is well expected.
Development and Chemistry of Histamine H4 Receptor Ligands as Potential Modulators of Inflammatory and Allergic Responses
Authors: Venable J. D. , Thurmond R. L.
Published: November 2012

Histamine, which is known to play a role in most inflammatory conditions including allergy, asthma and autoimmune diseases, is a ubiquitous chemical messenger that has numerous functions. The inflammatory responses of histamine have long been believed to be mainly mediated by the histamine H1 receptor. Indeed the importance of histamine in the pathology of many diseases, like asthma, has been defined by whether traditional antihistamines, which are H1 receptor antagonists, are efficacious. The discovery of a fourth histamine receptor (H4) has prompted the questioning of these assumptions. The H4 receptor is expressed on mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, dendritic cells and T cells suggesting that it may play an important role in inflammatory responses. The discovery of selective ligands for this receptor has been crucial in uncovering its function. These tools have been used to show that the receptor plays a role in mast cell and eosinophil chemotaxis, as well as cytokine production in dendritic cells and T cells. In addition H4 receptor antagonists have efficacy in a variety of inflammatory animal models including peritonitis, colitis and airway inflammation models. These data suggest that the H4 receptor is an attractive medicinal chemistry target for possible treatment of inflammation, allergy and asthma. Herein we describe the recent advances regarding the biology of the histamine H4 receptor, as well as detail the progress in developing imidazole and non-imidazole based modulators of this receptor as anti-inflammatory therapies.
Genomic Strategies in Pharmacology of Asthma and Autoimmunity
Authors: Szalai C. , Buzas E. I. , Fulop A. K. , Kohidai L. , Falus A.
Published: November 2012

Pharmacogenomics, a fascinating, emerging area of biomedical research is strongly influenced by growing availability of genomic databases, high-through-put genomic technologies, bioinformatic tools and artificial computational modeling approaches. Multinational clusters, such as the regional and internet-driven pharmaco-grids generated an entirely new environment for research and development in pharmacology. Although the field of pharmacogenomics is in its infancy, the promise of pharmacogenomics lies in its potential to predict genomic sources of interindividual variability in drug response (both efficacy and toxicity), thus allowing individualization of therapy to maximize effectiveness and minimize risk. Thus, pharmacogenomics holds the promise for individualized medicine adapted to each persons own genetic makeup. Environmental factors including diet, age, and lifestyle as well as infection can influence a persons response to medicines, but understanding an individuals genetic background is thought to be the key to creating personalized drugs with greater efficacy and safety. Similar to other biomedical fields, in allergic and autoimmune diseases pharmacogenomics combines traditional pharmaceutical sciences such as biochemistry with annotated knowledge of genes, proteins, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). One of the major challenges now are developing and applying the statistical and computational capacity to store, manage, analyze and interpret the wealth of data being generated. This review summarizes the recent pharmacogenomic trends in inflammatory diseases with particular attention to autoimmune conditions and asthma.
Evaluation of the Risk/Benefit Ratio of Old and New Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Mannaioni P. F. , Fabbroni V. , Mastroianni R. , Masini E.
Published: November 2012

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a structurally diverse group of similarly acting compounds that are widely prescribed and used for the management of pain associated with inflammatory conditions. Our present aim is to choose a leading drug for each class of NSAIDs, and to discuss the debated issues still pending about that drug, in order to weigh the risk/benefit ratio according to the current hypotheses on its mode of action. The leading compounds of the past and present which we have selected within this framework are aspirin, acetaminophen, celecoxib and rofecoxib. The discovery of nitric oxide (NO) in the last decade has resulted in proposing new NO-donors. Particularly interesting in this area has been the synthesis of NO-releasing anti-inflammatory drugs. The addition of NO to aspirin and to other NSAIDs has resulted in molecules that maintain their inhibitory effects on the cyclooxygenases (COX) but are devoid of cardiovascular, renal and gastrointestinal toxicity. The purpose of this review is also to update the “state-of-theart” of new classes of anti-inflammatory drugs such as COX-inhibiting nitric oxide donors (CINODs) and carbon monoxide (CO) releasing molecules (CO-RMs) as future tools in the therapy of inflammation and cellular proliferation.
Health Effects Associated with Wastewater Treatment, Reuse, and Disposal
Authors: Wang Ling , Ferons Daniel P. , Ma Wenbin , Nessl Michael B. , Peterson Jacob D. , Jin Yao , Ikehata Keisuke
Published: November 2012

A review of the literature published in 2011 on topics relating to the public and environmental health risks associated with wastewater treatment, reuse, and disposal is presented. This review is divided into the following sections: water and wastewater management, microbial hazards, chemical hazards, industrial wastewater, wastewater reuse, wastewater treatment plants, wastewater disposal, and sludge and biosolids.
New complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) with Schiff base N,N’-bis-(3-methoxy-saliciliden)-3,3’-dimethylbenzidine
Authors: Alan Ionela , Kriza Angela , Dracea Olguta , Stanica Nicolae
Published: November 2012

The new N,N?-bis-(3-methoxy-saliciliden)-3,3?-dimetilbenzidine (H2L) Schiff
base and complexes with Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) of type [M(HL)Cl(H2O)]
(M=Co(II), Cu(II)) [M2L(H2O)4]X2 (M=Co(II), X=ClO4 and M=Cu(II), X=NO3) and
[M2L(CH3COO)2] (M=Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II)) were synthesised. The ligand and
complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, conductibility
measurements, magnetic moments at room temperature, IR, NMR, UV-VIS-NIR, EPR
spectra and thermogravimetric analysis. A molar ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 between
ligand and metal was determined from the elemental analysis. Except for
perchlorate complex that behave as electrolyte, the rest of complexes are
non-electrolytes. The spectral data suggest a tetrahedral, pseudo-tetrahedral
or square-planar stereochemistry respectively, data confirmed by magnetic
behaviour of complexes. The antimicrobial tests indicate a fungicide effect
both for ligand and complexes.
Solvent effects on the absorption spectra of potentially pharmacologically active 5-alkyl-5-arylhydantoins: A structure-property relationship study
Authors: Hmuda Sleem , Banjac Nebojsa , Trisovic Nemanja , Bozic Bojan , Valentic Natasa , Uscumlic Gordana
Published: November 2012

To obtain an insight into the interactions of potential anticonvulsant drugs
with their surrounding, two series of 5-methyl-5-aryl- and
5-ethyl-5-arylhydantoins were synthesized and their absorption spectra were
recorded in the region from 200 to 400 nm in a set of selected solvents. The
effects of solvent dipolarity/polarizability and solvent-solute hydrogen
bonding interactions on the absorption maxima shifts were analyzed by means
of the linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) concept of Kamlet and
Taft. The ratio of the contributions of specific and nonspecific
solvent-solute interactions were correlated with the corresponding ADME
properties of the studied compounds. The correlation equations were combined
with different physicochemical parameters to generate new equations, which
demonstrate the reasonable relationships between solvent-solute interactions
and the structure-activity parameters.
Cyclization of 2′-hydroxychalcones to flavones using ammonium iodide as an iodine source: An eco-friendly approach
Authors: Kulkarni Pramod , Kondhare Dasharath , Varala Ravi , Zubaidha Pudukulathan
Published: November 2012

Ammonium iodide in open air decomposes to ammonia and iodine. The in situ
generated iodine has been used for cyclization of 2?-hydroxychalcones to
corresponding flavones under solvent free conditions with good to excellent
yields. This method would serve as an attractive alternative to the existing
methods for synthesis of flavones and use of toxic molecular iodine is
avoided.
Investigations of 1-(4-propylamino)-3-ethyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid capturing CO2
Authors: Yang Lijuan , Zhao Yi , Sun Wei
Published: November 2012

1-(4-propylamino)-3-ethyl imidazolium ([Paeim]+) Tetrafluoroborate([BF4]-) Ionic liquid (IL), capturing CO2, was explored systematically at B3LYP/6-311++G** and mp2/6-311++G** level. The stable geometries of ILs and
capture products were optimized, the energies of these geometries were
obtained and corrected by Zero-point-vibration-energy and basis set
superposition error correction. The results show that the interactions
between [Paeim]+and [BF4]-are mainly displayed as hydrogen bonds, but the
interaction energies exceeds -328 kJ/mol. Further analysis found that the
interactions are reinforced by charge dispersion and charge redistribution of
ion-pair, and that electrostatic attraction contributes much to the
interaction energies. This IL system capturing CO2belongs to the class of physical sorption with 1:1 molar absorption ratio, the absorption energy is nearly -18kJ/moland thus this IL may have low energy consumption when regenerated from IL-CO2.
Pretreatment, Psychological, and Behavioral Predictors of Weight Outcomes Among Lifestyle Intervention Participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)
Authors: Delahanty Linda M. , Peyrot Mark , Shrader Peter J. , Williamson Donald A. , Meigs James B. , Nathan David M. ,   for the DPP Research Group
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

To identify the most important pretreatment characteristics and changes in psychological and behavioral factors that predict weight outcomes in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Approximately 25% of DPP lifestyle intervention participants (n = 274) completed questionnaires to assess weight history and psychological and behavioral factors at baseline and 6 months after completion of the 16-session core curriculum. The change in variables from baseline to 6 months was assessed with t tests. Multivariate models using hierarchical logistic regression assessed the association of weight outcomes at end of study with each demographic, weight loss history, psychological, and behavioral factor.

RESULTS

At end of study, 40.5% had achieved the DPP 7% weight loss goal. Several baseline measures (older age, race, older age when first overweight, fewer self-implemented weight loss attempts, greater exercise self-efficacy, greater dietary restraint, fewer fat-related dietary behaviors, more sedentary activity level) were independent predictors of successful end-of-study weight loss with the DPP lifestyle program. The DPP core curriculum resulted in significant improvements in many psychological and behavioral targets. Changes in low-fat diet self-efficacy and dietary restraint skills predicted better long-term weight loss, and the association of low-fat diet self-efficacy with weight outcomes was explained by dietary behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care providers who translate the DPP lifestyle intervention should be aware of pretreatment characteristics that may hamper or enhance weight loss, consider prioritizing strategies to improve low-fat diet self-efficacy and dietary restraint skills, and examine whether taking these actions improves weight loss outcomes.
Linear discrete systems with memory: a generalization of the Langmuir model
Authors: Băleanu Dumitru , Nigmatullin Raoul
Published: November 2012

In this manuscript we analyzed a general solution of the linear nonlocal Langmuir model within time scale calculus. Several generalizations of the Langmuir model are presented together with their exact corresponding solutions.

The physical meaning of the proposed models are investigated and their corresponding geometries are reported.
Exploring High-resolution Magic Angle Spinning (HR-MAS) NMR Spectroscopy for Metabonomic Analysis of Apples
Authors: Vermathen Martina , Marzorati Mattia , Vermathen Peter
Published: November 2012

Classical liquid-state high-resolution (HR) NMR spectroscopy has proved a powerful tool in the metabonomic analysis of liquid food samples like fruit juices. In this paper the application of 1H high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR spectroscopy to apple tissue
is presented probing its potential for metabonomic studies. The 1H HR-MAS NMR spectra are discussed in terms of the chemical composition of apple tissue and compared to liquid-state NMR spectra of apple juice. Differences indicate that specific metabolic changes are induced by juice
preparation. The feasibility of HR-MAS NMR-based multivariate analysis is demonstrated by a study distinguishing three different apple cultivars by principal component analysis (PCA). Preliminary results are shown from subsequent studies comparing three different cultivation methods by means
of PCA and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) of the HR-MAS NMR data. The compounds responsible for discriminating organically grown apples are discussed. Finally, an outlook of our ongoing work is given including a longitudinal study on apples.
Solid-state NMR: An EYE Opener in Surface Chemistry
Authors: Conley Matthew P. , Copéret Christophe
Published: November 2012

Solid-state NMR plays a critical role in establishing the atomic structure of surface species, obtained by the controlled grafting of organometallic complexes onto amorphous oxide supports, a promising strategy towards molecularly defined heterogeneous catalysts. Using one-dimensional
or multi-dimensional NMR analysis allows us to map the structure of organometallic residues on surfaces, in a similar fashion that the structure of homogeneous catalysts can be determined using solution NMR techniques. In addition, chemical shift anisotropy analysis can be used as a tool to
obtain detail structures and to determine the dynamics of surface species. In combination with DFT calculations we have also shown that the structure of aluminum species can be determined using high-field and ultrafast 27Al NMR. Finally, we discussed the latest development in Dynamic
Nuclear Polarization, which allows the selective enhancements of the NMR signals of surface species, thus reducing the NMR acquisition time by factors up to 10,000. This makes solid-state NMR an indispensible tool in determining structure-property relationship and in the development of advanced
materials including catalysts through more rational approach.
Combination of Homonuclear Decoupling and Spectral Aliasing to Increase the Resolution in the 1H Dimension of 2D NMR Experiments
Authors: Cotte Axelle , Foroozandeh Mohammadali , Jeannerat Damien
Published: November 2012

Broadband homonuclear decoupling (BBHD) in the indirect 1H dimension of 2D experiments can be obtained using a modified Zangger and Sterk combination of a selective pulse with a pulsed-field gradient. The coupling structure of signals is reduced to a singlet along the F1
dimension at the cost of a sensitivity loss. With the classical sampling in F1, the full resolving power of BBHD-experiments requires very long acquisition times. Spectral aliasing can reduce the number of time increments accessing the top resolution of homodecoupled spectra of small molecules
by two orders of magnitude. The TOCSY spectra of androst-4-ene-3,17-dione are shown as an example.
Insights into the Mechanism of Action and Cellular Targets of Ruthenium Complexes from NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Giannini Federico , Paul Lydia E. H. , Furrer Julien
Published: November 2012

NMR spectroscopy has proved extremely beneficial in the investigation of inorganic drugs from the time that cisplatin was first introduced into the clinic more than 30 years ago. Both 195Pt and 15N NMR were used in early studies and made a major contribution in
the understanding of the molecular mechanism of action from model studies involving reactions with amino acids and nucleotides. Over the past decade, ruthenium drugs have proved to be a valuable alternative to platinum drugs, and NMR has also provided unique insights into their molecular mechanism
of action including investigations of simple aquation reactions, protein binding and the kinetics and sequence selectivity of DNA binding interactions. In this article, emphasis is given to define the cellular targets and elucidate some of the mechanistic profiles of recent ruthenium-based
organometallic compounds offering efficacy toward cancer cells, by various NMR techniques.
Discrete Three-dimensional Representation of Macromolecular Motion from eNOE-based Ensemble Calculation
Authors: Vögeli Beat , Orts Julien , Strotz Dean , Güntert Peter , Riek Roland
Published: November 2012

Three-dimensional structural data and description of dynamics are fundamental to infer and understand protein function. Structure determination by NMR follows well-established protocols while NMR relaxation phenomena provide insights into local molecular dynamics. However, methods to
detect concerted motion were not pursued until very recently. Here, we present an ensemble-based structure determination protocol using ensemble-averaged distance restraints obtained from exact NOE (eNOE) rate constants. An application of our protocol to the model protein GB3 established an
ensemble of structures that reveals correlated motion across the ?-sheet and concerted motion between the backbone and side chains localized in the core. Furthermore, the data repudiate concerted conformational exchange between the ?-sheet and the ?-helix.
Opera as News: Nixon in China and the Contemporary Operatic Subject
Authors: Germano William
Published: November 2012

Since the eighteenth century, ‘historical’ operas have puzzled and delighted audiences. But what counts as ‘history’ in opera? This essay argues that one answer lies in opera’s complex relation not only to facticity but to temporality; whereas all operas move forward theatrically within a complex understanding of time, operas on historical subjects raise that temporal complexity to a higher pitch. Drawing on the history of opera since the reforms of the eighteenth century, this essay examines John Adams’s 1987 Nixon in China. That work presents – and mythologizes – one of the most arresting diplomatic events of the post–World War II era, Richard Nixon’s 1972 Beijing meeting with China’s political leaders. Alice Goodman’s libretto, at once lyric and formal, and Adams’s propulsive writing together demonstrate that in opera, history is one clock among many. In doing so, Nixon in China allows us to rethink the terms on which history becomes opera’s subject.
The Political Resonance of Nixon in China
Authors: Pauly Louis W.
Published: November 2012

Contemporary hopes for China’s peaceful rise, the continuing global reverberations of the end of the Cold War, and, most importantly for an opera crafted in a distinctly American musical idiom, profound questions concerning the systemic power and role of the United States – all help Nixon in China draw an expanding audience. That the opera has entered the canon is partly because the complexity of Nixon’s character suggests the insecurity of global political leadership in our own day. Understanding the context within which it was first created may be useful, but the opera’s broader themes resonate more deeply with the human experience in a rapidly changing world.
Love and Faith in Othello and Otello
Authors: Leggatt Alexander
Published: November 2012

Boito’s libretto for Verdi’s Otello is not just an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello but a radical transformation, particularly in its treatment of love and religion. In the opera, religious language is used to exalt love. In the play the link is ironic, as Othello’s jealousy becomes a perverted religion. Boito gives Otello and Desdemona a closer, more harmonious relationship than Shakespeare does, turning Othello’s public speech about the birth of their love into a private duet for the lovers. While Shakespeare’s religious references are mostly scattered and ad hoc, Boito creates a formal public celebration of Desdemona using Catholic imagery. Elsewhere Catholic forms are turned to personal ends, in Iago’s parody of the Credo and Desdemona’s transformation of the Ave Maria. In general the opera is more personal and intimate than the play.
The Flying Dutchman, the Wandering Jew, and Wagner’s Anti-Semitism
Authors: McClatchie Stephen
Published: November 2012

An historical and cultural examination of the figure of the Wandering Jew provides a springboard for a reassessment of the impact of Richard Wagner’s anti-Semitism on his music dramas. In the case of Der fliegende Holländer, an easy equation of the title character with the anti-Semitic legend of the Wandering Jew is problematic, given a Wagnerian counter discourse of self-identification and empathy with the figure. In the end, it is reductive to reduce any Wagnerian work to a single interpretation.
Cinematic Operatics: Barbara Willis Sweete Directs Metropolitan Opera HD Transmissions
Authors: Armatage Kay
Published: November 2012

This paper addresses a new cultural mode, the live high-definition transmission via satellite of theatre, performance, and opera. It details the technology and the process of production leading to the live transmission, examines cinematic and narratological exigencies, and outlines the contribution of Barbara Willis Sweete, one of the principal directors of the Metropolitan Opera transmissions, to the development of the form.
The Role of Context in Teaching English to the Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Authors: Kabir Md Humayun
Published: November 2012

In this article, we have tried to develop a clear concept of approach i.e.-language theory and learning theory and also presented the idea of method i.e. - a way of teaching a language which is based on systematic principles and procedures. Subsequently, we have tried to clarify the notion of context. In the discussion, I have attempted to explain why the consideration of contextual factors is vitally important in applying an approach or method by a language teacher while she/he teaches. I have also examined and given references to the context of my teaching experience in Bangladesh which are relevant to the thesis of this article. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v7i0.12256 IIUC Studies Vol.7 2011: 25-36
Mobile Commerce and Mobile Payment: A Study on Islamic Perspective
Authors: Islam Md Monirul , Masum Abdul Kadar Muhammad
Published: November 2012

Electronic commerce, very important part of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), is one of the most common business terms in use in 21st century. Developed countries are more popular because of their rapid growth of ICT, e-commerce and online transaction. But in developing or under develop countries the scenario is different. Technical laggings, dearth of infrastructure, infeasibility of the existing frameworks and people apathy are the main reasons behind this. There are several alternative ways of e-commerce and online transaction. Mobile payment, a way of online transaction, may be beneficial way of payment for developing countries because of its mobile network infrastructure. In this paper, a model of electronic payment system for M-Commerce has been proposed and analyzed the security for the system. This proposal may be suitable for developing countries where mobile phones are available but other e-payment tools like debit and credit cards are not much available. It also identifies what Islam has to say about our current use of M-Commerce and the way Islam can offer guidance for its use in the future. The paper also touches on the conditions and criteria that must be met in order to make an M-Commerce transaction acceptable under Islamic perspective. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v7i0.12257 IIUC Studies Vol.7 2011: 37-48