bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating affinity: formal friendship and matrimonial alliances among the Jê people and the Apinaje case
Authors: Giraldin Odair
Published: May 2012

This article analyzes the link between formal friendship and a matrimonial system among the Apinaje people. Starting with an analysis of formal friendship among the Jê, it presents existing similarities and differences among various peoples in the same linguistic family. Then, after describing the Apinaje's formal friendship formed by Nimuendajú and DaMatta, a formal friendship transmission model among the Apinaje is proposed. Finally, the paper shows that formal friendship recreates a virtual system of moieties, and based on ethnographic data argues that formal friendship is used for creating affinity in social relationships, overlapping, in some cases, consanguinity.
Drawing the city: a proposal for an ethnographic study in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Kuschnir Karina
Published: May 2012

Drawing the city is a proposal for an ethnographic research project in Rio de Janeiro. I begin by mapping the production of an international group calling themselves ‘urban sketchers,' whose collective project extols drawing as a form of looking, knowing and registering the experience of living in cities. Next I show the connections between art and anthropology, as well as their relation to cities and to Rio de Janeiro in particular. The sources and bibliography on the themes of the social history of art, drawing, visual anthropology and urban anthropology are also discussed. Setting out from the latter area, I present the possibilities for undertaking an ethnography that contributes to our comprehension of the graphic and symbolic narratives of urban life.
Cancer Risk Associated with Use of Metformin and Sulfonylurea in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Soranna Davide , Scotti Lorenza , Zambon Antonella , Bosetti Cristina , Grassi Guido , Catapano Alberico , La Vecchia Carlo , Mancia Giuseppe , Corrao Giovanni
Published: May 2012

Objective.

Oral antidiabetic drugs (including metformin and sulfonylurea) may play a role in the relationship between type 2 diabetes and cancer. To quantify the association between metformin and sulfonylurea and the risk of cancer, we performed a meta-analysis of available studies on the issue.

Materials and Methods.

We performed a MEDLINE search for observational studies that investigated the risk of all cancers and specific cancer sites in relation to use of metformin and/or sulfonylurea among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Fixed- and random-effect models were fitted to estimate the summary relative risk (RR). Between-study heterogeneity was tested using χ2 statistics and measured with the I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plot and Egger's regression asymmetry test.

Results.

Seventeen studies satisfying inclusion criteria and including 37,632 cancers were evaluated after reviewing 401 citations. Use of metformin was associated with significantly decreased RR of all cancers (summary RR 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54–0.70), colorectal cancer (0.64, 95% CI 0.54–0.76), and pancreatic cancer (0.38, 95% CI 0.14–0.91). With the exception of colorectal cancer, significant between-study heterogeneity was observed. Evidence of publication bias for metformin-cancer association was also observed. There was no evidence that metformin affects the risk of breast and prostate cancers, nor that sulfonylurea affects the risk of cancer at any site.

Conclusions.

Metformin, but not sulfonylurea, appears to reduce subsequent cancer risk. This has relevant implications in light of the exploding global epidemic of diabetes.
The changing face of engineering down under
Authors: Griffiths Kerry , Browne Vanessa , Williams Vicki , Elliott Peter
Published: May 2012

The paper explores the engineer's view and practical experience of social sustainability in infrastructure projects through a series of interviews. The focus is on the planning, design and construction phases of development, rather than the initial feasibility phase. The research was undertaken by a small group of sustainability consultants with 13 of their senior engineering colleagues in Australia and New Zealand. The research explored the engineers' experience of various social sustainability dimensions on projects, the level of importance placed on these and the degree to which the focus on these dimensions had changed over time. The authors suspected that the focus on social dimensions had changed over recent years but wondered if their engineering colleagues agreed? What unfolded through the research was a wider discussion on the value of community involvement in infrastructure development and on the evolving development of technical professionals through their experience in working in the field. The paper does not purport to develop universal truths that can be applied to the engineering professional generally; however, it does reflect that, at least within the experience of those interviewed, social sustainability issues had risen up the agenda.
Predicting the distribution of out‐of‐reach biotopes with decision trees in a Swedish marine protected area
Authors: Gonzalez-Mirelis Genoveva , Lindegarth Mats
Published: May 2012

Through spatially explicit predictive models, knowledge of spatial patterns of biota can be generated for out‐of‐reach environments, where there is a paucity of survey data. This knowledge is invaluable for conservation decisions. We used distribution modeling to predict the occurrence of benthic biotopes, or megafaunal communities of the seabed, to support the spatial planning of a marine national park. Nine biotope classes were obtained prior to modeling from multivariate species data derived from point source, underwater imagery. Five map layers relating to depth and terrain were used as predictor variables. Biotope type was predicted on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis, where pixel size was 15 × 15 m and total modeled area was 455 km2.

To choose a suitable modeling technique we compared the performance of five common models based on recursive partitioning: two types of classification and regression trees ([1] pruned by 10‐fold cross‐validation and [2] pruned by minimizing complexity), random forests, conditional inference (CI) trees, and CI forests. The selected model was a CI forest (an ensemble of CI trees), a machine‐learning technique whose discriminatory power (class‐by‐class area under the curve [AUC] ranged from 0.75 to 0.86) and classification accuracy (72%) surpassed those of the other methods tested. Conditional inference trees are virtually new to the field of ecology. The final model's overall prediction error was 28%. Model predictions were also checked against a custom‐built measure of dubiousness, calculated at the polygon level. Key factors other than the choice of modeling technique include: the use of a multinomial response, accounting for the heterogeneity of observations, and spatial autocorrelation. To illustrate how the model results can be implemented in spatial planning, representation of biodiversity in the national park was described and quantified.

Given a goal of maximizing classification accuracy, we conclude that conditional inference trees are a promising tool to map biota. Species distribution modeling is presented as an ecological tool that can handle a wide variety of systems (e.g., the benthic system).
Avoiding unintentional eviction from integral projection models
Authors: Williams Jennifer L. , Miller Tom E. X. , Ellner Stephen P.
Published: May 2012

Integral projection models (IPMs) are increasingly being applied to study size‐structured populations. Here we call attention to a potential problem in their construction that can have important consequences for model results. IPMs are implemented using an approximating matrix and bounded size range. Individuals near the size limits can be unknowingly “evicted” from the model because their predicted future size is outside the range. We provide simple measures for the magnitude of eviction and the sensitivity of the population growth rate (λ) to eviction, allowing modelers to assess the severity of the problem in their IPM. For IPMs of three plant species, we found that eviction occurred in all cases and caused underestimation of the population growth rate (λ) relative to eviction‐free models; it is likely that other models are similarly affected. Models with frequent eviction should be modified because eviction is only possible when size transitions are badly mis‐specified. We offer several solutions to eviction problems, but we emphasize that the modeler must choose the most appropriate solution based on an understanding of why eviction occurs in the first place. We recommend testing IPMs for eviction problems and resolving them, so that population dynamics are modeled more accurately.
Desensitization of Triggers and Urge Reprocessing for an Adolescent With Internet Addiction Disorder
Authors: Bae Hwallip , Kim Daeho
Published: May 2012

This case study reports the successful treatment of Internet addiction in a 13- year-old male using four 45-minute sessions of the desensitization of triggers and urge reprocessing (DeTUR) protocol—an addiction protocol of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR; Popky, 2005). This protocol uses EMDR procedures to process current triggers and positive future templates, but it does not identify or directly address any past trauma. At baseline, the participant showed a moderate level of Internet addiction (scoring 75 on Young’s Internet Addiction Test [IAT]) and moderate depression (26 on the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]). During assessment, he identified 7 triggers for Internet gaming and rated the associated urge to engage in the activity with scores of 3–9 on the level of urge scale (0 = lowest, 10 = strongest). Using the DeTUR protocol, the level of urge for each trigger was reduced to 2, which the participants defined as “not being able to think about or crave for the game.” After treatment, his symptoms had declined to nonclinical levels (38 on IAT and 6 on BDI) and he was able to restrict his time on the Internet to an hour per day. These therapeutic gains were maintained at 6- and 12-month follow-up. The DeTUR may be a good treatment option for Internet addiction and further controlled studies are needed.
Dual Chelant Mechanism for the Deployment of Scale Inhibitors in Controlled Solubility/Precipitation Treatments
Authors: Todd M. J. , Savin A. J. , Sorbie K. S.
Published: May 2012

In scale inhibitor squeeze treatments, precipitation of the inhibitor within the formation can lead to extended squeeze lifetimes. However, such processes also have the potential to cause formation damage unless they are carefully designed and controlled. The formation of a partially soluble inhibitor/metal complex within a reservoir is the objective for almost all precipitation squeeze packages. However, historically there are numerous ways this is achieved almost all of which require a limited operational window to be deployed successfully. In this paper, we describe the development of a novel dual chelant system which provides a method for controlling both the "wanted" and "unwanted" precipitation of the scale inhibitor package within the formation. The highly tunable nature of the system allows for ease of pumping at more extreme conditions (higher and low temperatures, calcium levels etc.) than have previously been possible. By using the dual chelant mechanism described in this paper, a package can be tuned to precipitate within a certain time frame both at low and high temperatures in brines with varying degrees of salinity and hardness. The scale inhibitor (SI) itself is a chelant or ligand for divalent ions present (mainly Ca2+) and this is denoted L2 and the second chelant, L1, is added to the system at certain design concentrations, as explained in the paper.

In many situations, the high divalent metal ion content of a produced brine, or formation water can limit the successful pumping of a scale inhibitor due to high levels of calcium, for example. Under these conditions the dual chelant mechanism can also be deployed to prevent scale inhibitor phase separation.

This paper discloses the theory of how the dual chelant mechanism works using computer modeling and the subsequent confirmation of the simulations by laboratory testing. The importance of the pKa of the SI (L2) and the added chelant, L1, and the relative metal binding constant interactions between L1/ L2 and Ca2+ are explained and investigated. The comparison of the dual chelant mechanism versus conventional packages is demonstrated by core flood experiments. The dual chelant mechanism gives a clear improvement in squeeze lifetime and controllability and provides a platform for the development of many types of controlled solubility scale inhibitor treatment.
Scale Inhibitors for Geothermal Applications
Authors: Guan Hua
Published: May 2012

Siliceous scaling deposition from geothermal brine is recognized as detrimental to the smooth operation of steam generation and injection facilities; the control of such deposition is costy and less well understood. Scales normally encountered in geothermal wells are often different from the conventional cases. Silica (amorphous and colloidal) and poor crystallized metal silicates are the most common scale types in geothermal applications.

There are a number of ways to control this type of scaling, including both engineering (e.g. maintain pressure and temperature) and chemical means (e.g. controlled precipitation and inhibition). This paper will focus on preventative techniques by the use of chemical inhibitors.

Currently there are no standard or generally accepted laboratory test methods to study these types of fouling problems. However, using a low-pressure test method and testing apparatus, we are able to rank the scaling inhibition performance of several generic chemicals. Furthermore, the chemical was successfully packaged into formulations that are suitable to a specific geothermal well condition where large amount of iron are present, complicated with the codeposition of barium sulphate scale. The mechanisms of silica/metal silicate scale formation and inhibition, including the verification test using a HPHT apparatus for this geothermal application, are discussed in this paper.
Modeling the Thermodynamic Properties of Common Minerals at High Temperature, Pressure and Salinity with Complex Ions
Authors: Shi Wei , Lu Haiping , Zhang Nan , Fan Chunfang , Kan Amy T. , Tomson Mason B.
Published: May 2012

The ultra-high temperature (150–250°C), pressure (1,000–2,000 bar, 15,000 to 30,000 psi) and TDS (>300,000 mg/L) in deepwater oil and gas production pose significant challenges to scaling control due to limited knowledge of mineral solubility, kinetics and inhibitor efficiency at these extreme conditions. Prediction of thermodynamic properties of common minerals is currently limited by lack of experimental data and inadequate understanding of modeling parameters. In this study, a new apparatus was built to test scale formation and inhibition at high temperatures and pressures. Solubilities of two common minerals, barite and calcite, were tested at temperature up to 250°C, pressure up to 1,500 bar (22,000 psi) and ionic strength up to 6m in solutions with elevated concentrations of mixed electrolytes (e.g., calcium, magnesium, sulfate and carbonate) representing the maximum range of interferences expected (95%CI) in oil and gas wells. As an attempt towards experimentally determining mineral solubility at high temperature, pressure and salinity, not only does this study contribute to the extremely limited data base, but it also provides a reliable approach for evaluating and adjusting model predictions at extreme conditions. Predictions by a thermodynamic model based on Pitzer's ion interaction theory were evaluated using experimental data. The dependence of Pitzer's coefficients for ion activity coefficients on temperature and pressure was examined and incorporated into the scale prediction model, whose prediction is consistent with both experimental and literature data at all conditions tested.
Coupled Adsorption/Precipitation Experiments: 1. Static Results
Authors: Ibrahim J. , Sorbie K. S. , Boak L. S.
Published: May 2012

The mechanism of retention of scale inhibitors (SI) within the reservoir formation is central to a squeeze treatment having a long lifetime. Scale inhibitors are retained within porous media by the two main mechanisms of adsorption (Γ) and precipitation (∏). There is not complete agreement in the literature about when we should use one mechanistic description or another, and indeed both can occur together as coupled adsorption/precipitation (Γ/∏). Previously a general model of coupled (equilibrium) adsorption/precipitation has been derived and the agreement between the model and experiment was very good (Kahrwad et al., 2008). This model was subsequently extended to derive a consistent dynamic coupled Γ/∏ flow model for simulating non-equilibrium (kinetic) coupled processes of any type (Sorbie, 2010). This latter model has not yet been fully validated, but the work in this paper and its companion paper (Paper 2: Ibrahim et al, 2010) provides the type of data required in order to do this.

In this paper (Paper 1), new static experimental adsorption/precipitation measurements are presented for two phosphonate inhibitors, DETPMP (a penta-phosphonate) and OMTHP (a hexa-phosphonate) using sand, kaolinite and siderite as the mineral phases. These experiments were carried out at a range of adsorbent mass (m)/ fluid volume (V)/ ratios and it is the "apparent adsorption", Γapp vs. the final scale inhibitor concentration, cf, which is measured and plotted. By observing how the Γapp vs. Cf, curves vary for different values of the (m/V) ratio, this indicates whether we are in the purely adsorbing (Γ) or in the coupled adsorption/precipitation (Γ/∏) regime (Kahrwad et al., 2008). For these static apparent adsorption tests, m = 10g, 20g and 30g samples of each mineral were used (with a fixed volume of SI solution, V = 80ml) to analyse the apparent adsorption behaviour. In addition, related pure precipitation/compatibility tests were carried out in the absence of any minerals in the bulk solutions. The experimental results for both phosphonate scale inhibitors show good agreement with the theory in different regions of pure adsorption and coupled adsorption/precipitation. These results show clearly how such laboratory measurements should be carried out to determine both the levels of SI retention and the precise retention mechanism. This paper characterizes the systems used in subsequent dynamic adsorption/ precipitation sand pack floods which are reported in a related paper (Ibrahim et al., 2012) and which will be used in future to validate fully dynamic coupled Γ/∏ flow models (Sorbie, 2010).
A New Correlation to Predict the Stoichiometry of Mixed Scale: Iron-Calcium Carbonate
Authors: Alsaiari H. A , Zhang N. , Work S. , Kan A. , Tomson M. B.
Published: May 2012

Calcium carbonate and iron carbonate scales are widely observed in oil and gas production. Scale formation can be useful for corrosion control; however, excessive scale buildup can lead to severe production loss. What is called calcite scale in the field is almost always a solid solution of iron in calcite. Yet little attention has been paid to the precipitation of these mixed calcium-iron carbonate scales. As a result, knowledge of the formation and inhibition of mixed calcium/iron scales is very limited.

Normally, calcite scale formation is readily inhibited, whereas siderite inhibition is notoriously difficult. The solid-solution transition from predominantly calcite to predominantly siderite properties is unknown. Besides, although the solubility of mixed scale can differ by several orders of magnitudes from the solubility of its pure salts, scale prediction models are normally developed based on the data from pure solids. Finally, the incorporation of iron into calcite solid dramatically alters the kinetics of scale growth, as will be illustrated.

A series of experiments were performed to precipitate mixed iron-calcium carbonate (FexCa1−XCO3), ranging from calcium-rich to iron-rich. The experiments were conducted at 7.3±0.2 pH in 0.5 M NaCl at 55 °C. The work was performed with a new constant composition method, modified to handle oxygen sensitive ferrous carbonate scale and solid solutions.

Based upon the experimental results and a flux-based theoretical derivation, a new correlation in a form of a logistic function has been developed to predict the composition of FexCa1−xCO3 as a function of the aqueous composition. The model is an excellent representation for all of the experimental results, with R2 greater than 0.97. The correlation and methods developed in this work can readily be adapted to other mixed scale systems. Laboratory results will be compared with field observations and the consequences discussed.
Impact of Reservoir Reactions on Thermodynamic Scale Predictions
Authors: Gomes R. M. , Mackay E. J. , Deucher R. H. , Bezerra M. C. , Rosário F. F. , Jordan M. M.
Published: May 2012

Evaluation of the scaling risk at production wells is generally carried out using thermodynamic prediction models. These models are generally very accurate in terms of predicting the type of scale that may form, the degree of supersaturation, and the mass of scale that will deposit by the time the system reaches equilibrium – provided the brine composition or compositions involved are well known, and the pressure and temperatures conditions are accurately specified. However, in performing these calculations, engineers and chemists often fail to take account of reactions occurring in the reservoir, and assume that brines reaching the production wells have not reacted in any way prior to entering the wellbore. This often leads to a significant overestimate of the scaling risk.

The work presented in this paper addresses this issue by studying data from various fields to identify what can be learnt from the produced brine compositions. A new technique to estimate the range of scaling tendencies that takes account of reservoir precipitation is developed, and the results are displayed in a 3D response surface. This is illustrated for barium sulphate scaling tendency, accounting for different levels of ion stripping.

In order to calibrate some simulation parameters, and to identify the more important equations that should be inserted in the reservoir simulation, studies were performed based on the observed data. Different reservoir simulations were used and compared, with a focus on scale management to identify positive and negative aspects of each one.

This work has identified that in fields with reservoir temperatures above 120°C and calcium concentrations above 7000 mg/l, significant sulphate stripping occurs due to anhydrite precipitation. This effect is increased where ion exchange leads to a reduction in magnesium and an increase in calcium concentration as the injected brine is displaced through the reservoir.
Innovative Integrated Procedure for Scale Removal in Khuff Gas Wells in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bolarinwa Simeon , Jauregui Jairo Leal , Buali Mustafa , Aramco Saudi , Kharrat Wassim , Kovalenko Kirill
Published: May 2012

Many Khuff gas wells have been experiencing inorganic scale deposits: iron sulfide, iron oxides and calcium carbonate, which are causing weak production and poor wellbore accessibility. The scale problem requires a prompt solution to meet Saudi Aramco gas production objectives.

The history of scale removal trials in Khuff gas wells in Saudi Arabia included the mechanical removal with Coiled Tubing (CT), and the chemical dissolution with acid and/or other scale dissolvers pumped through CT or bullheaded. All these methods failed to provide the expected outcome and some jobs resulted in major operational failures like stuck pipe, pinholes, H2S release at surface, and formation damage. As a result of these failures the descaling jobs were put on hold by Saudi Aramco many times between 2007 and 2010 with no significant progress made until the 2nd half of 2010.

A project was launched to establish an innovative descaling procedure aimed at a safe and effective scale removal. The integrated solution starts with the temporary isolation of the reservoir to eliminate gas and H2S returns at surface, enable a "closed system" cleanout with safe solid handling at low choke pressure, and minimum surface testing equipment. The second step is based on mechanical removal that eliminates long soaking time and/or H2S generation during chemical dissolution. For that, a high pressure jetting tool designed and proved to remove hard scale is deployed on CT. The critical step of scale cleanout to surface is optimized with the use of large outside diameter CT string and special high temperature gel to ensure efficient lift and eliminate the risk of stuck pipes. The major enhancement to this project is the ability to monitor in real-time bottom-hole pressure and temperature, annular solid concentration, and the high pressure jetting tool efficiency with a fiber optic enabled coiled tubing string. The whole process resulted in a controlled and optimized scale removal treatment.

Multiple case histories are presented in this paper to demonstrate the successful implementation of the integrated solution, which is then selected as the only approved method for scale removal in Khuff gas wells.
Modelling Squeeze Treatments of Fractured Reservoir Zones
Authors: Stalker Robert , Wright Rob , Fitzpatrick Rob , Graham Gordon
Published: May 2012

The presence of fractured reservoir zones presents significant challenges for the modelling and optimisation of squeeze treatments. Fluid flow in fractured systems is relatively well understood, and the effect of fractures on the placement of chemical can be modelled. However, to model the quantitative effects of fractures on scale inhibitor returning from squeezed zones, it is necessary to also model the retention and release of inhibitor from a fractured zone. This involves modelling the flow of inhibitor between fracture and matrix, while modelling the retention and release of inhibitor by the rock matrix.

Using conventional near wellbore squeeze simulators (Place iT v5), artificially induced fractures have been simulated using a near wellbore dual permeability approach more commonly used to model wells with a skin factor. The method has been extended from single fractured intervals to dual intervals/zones and the competitive placement of chemical between the fractured zones has been modeled.

The work shows how the predicted chemical placement and the resulting inhibitor return lifetimes can be simulated in fractured wells and how the sizing of the overflush can be more significant than simply accounting for the fracture volume. The mathematical concepts and assumptions used in the model development are presented.

Naturally fractured reservoirs present a special challenge both from the practical scale-management and theoretical (predictive modelling) points of view. Whereas useful conclusions can be drawn using simplified models, more physically meaningful modeling of fracture/matrix interaction is required for the more challenging wells. Rock matrix – fracture interaction can be accounted for using analytical methods including important processes such as molecular diffusion i.e. to account for rock / chemical / fluid imbibition and diffusion. The development of modeling capabilities for such systems is outlined and results from simulations compared with those conducted using more conventional though less rigorous approaches.
Researching International Processes of Education Policy Formation: Conceptual and Methodological Considerations
Authors: Edwards D. Brent
Published: May 2012

This article elaborates one approach to conceptualizing and investigating international processes of education policy formation (IPEPF), which are dynamic, multi-level and processual in nature. This contribution is important because, although research is increasingly conducted on phenomena with such characteristics, extended discussions of how these processes are either conceptualized or researched are rare. This article engages with both issues. With regard to the latter, the article adapts and tailors to the phenomena of IPEPF a range of qualitative methodological strategies suggested by Miles and Huberman, and by Yin.
Has the Widespread Adoption of IFRS Reduced U.S. Firms' Attractiveness to Foreign Investors?
Authors: DeFond Mark L. , Hu Xuesong , Hung Mingyi Y. , Li Siqi
Published: May 2012

Widespread adoption of IFRS has fueled debate about whether its dominance puts U.S. firms at a competitive disadvantage in attracting global investors. We examine this issue by looking at the change in foreign mutual fund investment in U.S. companies after 2005, the year in which IFRS surpassed U.S. GAAP as the world's most commonly used accounting standard. We find that while foreign investment in U.S. companies is essentially flat over our sample period, it declines relative to foreign investment in EU IFRS adopters. Foreign investment also declines in U.S. companies that experience large increases in IFRS industry peers relative to U.S. companies that experience small increases. In addition, the relative decline is concentrated among mutual funds that do not specialize in U.S. stocks, and is greater for smaller U.S. firms. Overall, our results suggest that the worldwide adoption of IFRS reduces U.S. firms' relative attractiveness to foreign investors.

Data Availability: All data are publicly available from sources indicated in the text.
A Partial Synthesis of 23-Hydroxybetulonic Acid and 23-Hydroxybetulinic Acid Starting from Betulinic Acid
Authors: Sun Fei , Zhu Peiqing , Yao Hequan , Wu Xiaoming , Xu Jinyi
Published: May 2012

A partial syntheses of the biologically active 23-hydroxybetulonic acid and 23-hydroxybetulinic acid starting from the naturally abundant betulinic acid has been developed in which the key step was the Baldwin's cyclopalladation of the 23-methyl group from a 3-one oxime of betulinic acid, an important drug in Chinese medicine.
A Convenient and Efficient Synthesis of 2-Acetyl-5,8-Dimethoxy-1,4-Naphthoquinone
Authors: Cui Jia-hua , Zhou Wen , Li Shao-shun
Published: May 2012

A convenient and efficient synthesis of the important naphthazarin derivative 2-acetyl-5,8-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone is introduced in this paper. The key steps of the synthetic strategy involve the selective demethylation of 2-acetyl-1,4,5,8-tetramethoxynaphthalene with anhydrous aluminum chloride and subsequent oxidation of the demethylated product by cerium ammonium (IV) nitrate. Compared with the reported routes, the overall yield is much higher and the work-up of each step is simpler. Moreover, the reaction conditions are milder and all the reactions involved in the method are more suitable for large-scale preparations.
The Influence of Western Qur'anic Scholarship in Turkey
Authors: Koç Mehmet Akif
Published: May 2012

After first surveying the development of academic studies of Islam within the modern Turkish higher education system, this essay provides an inventory of material that has been translated from Western languages into Turkish. It is inevitable that orientalist studies will have a place of tremendous importance in this analysis. However, approaches to the Qur'an and its exegesis which have been developed under the influence of the Western scientific and cultural world encompass a larger range of literature that includes not only the orientalist studies themselves but also the criticisms directed against these studies. Particular attention is paid to the work of Fazlur Rahman and Arab scholars influenced by Western methods, and an assessment of the various issues related to the critique of orientalist works is provided.
The Reception of Toshihiko Izutsu's Qur'anic Studies in the Muslim World: With Special Reference to Turkish Qur'anic Scholarship
Authors: Albayrak İsmail
Published: May 2012

The works of Toshihiko Izutsu have enjoyed academic and popular supremacy ever since their publication, especially in Turkey. Up until the 1990's, his works were not subjected to any serious criticism by Muslim scholars. Instead, there was a tendency to accept a view of Izutsu as an exceptional scholar who was extremely sympathetic to Muslim traditions and the Qur'an, which he read sensitively, and who sought to give a complete, unprejudiced picture of Islam on the basis of his semantic analysis of the Qur'anic text, which he (in contrast to many orientalists) always allowed the Qur'an to speak for itself. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, however, although many continued to admire Izutsu's achievements, criticisms began to be directed at his works, concentrating on different aspects of Izutsu's methodology and findings, and questions were raised about the authenticity and suitability of his analysis. This article explores the reactions to Izutsu's works in Turkish Qur'anic scholarship, but also questions why it is that Muslim scholars have tended to accept his works uncritically.
From Phosphorous to Arsenic: Changing the Classic Paradigm for the Structure of Biomolecules
Authors: Knodle Ryan , Agarwal Pratima , Brown Mark
Published: May 2012

Biomolecules are composed primarily of the elements carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. The structured assembly of these elements forms the basis for proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. However, the recent discovery of a new bacterium, strain GFAJ-1 of the Halomonadaceae, has shaken the classic paradigms for the architecture of life. Mounting evidence supports the claim that these bacteria substitute arsenic for phosphorus in macromolecules. Herein, we provide a brief commentary and fuel the debate related to what may be a most unusual organism.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyethylene Glycol Mediated Silver Nanoparticles by the Green Method
Authors: Shameli Kamyar , Bin Ahmad Mansor , Jazayeri Seyed Davoud , Sedaghat Sajjad , Shabanzadeh Parvaneh , Jahangirian Hossein , Mahdavi Mahnaz , Abdollahi Yadollah
Published: May 2012

The roles of green chemistry in nanotechnology and nanoscience fields are very significant in the synthesis of diverse nanomaterials. Herein, we report a green chemistry method for synthesized colloidal silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in polymeric media. The colloidal Ag NPs were synthesized in an aqueous solution using silver nitrate, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and β-d-glucose as a silver precursor, stabilizer, and reducing agent, respectively. The properties of synthesized colloidal Ag NPs were studied at different reaction times. The ultraviolet-visible spectra were in excellent agreement with the obtained nanostructure studies performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and their size distributions. The Ag NPs were characterized by utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential measurements and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The use of green chemistry reagents, such as glucose, provides green and economic features to this work.
Proximate Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Leaves from Three Varieties of Mulberry (Morus sp.): A Comparative Study
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Younas Umer , Sirajuddin  , Chan Kim Wei , Sarfraz Raja Adil , Uddin Md. Kamal
Published: May 2012

In this study, leaves of three indigenous varieties of Mulberry namely, Morus alba L., Morus nigra L. and Morus rubra L. were investigated for their antioxidant potential and their proximate composition was determined. The yields of 80% methanolic extracts ranged between 8.28–13.89%. The contents of total phenolics (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC) and ascorbic acid (AA) ranged between 16.21–24.37 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, 26.41–31.28 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g and 0.97–1.49 mg/g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of leaf extracts was evaluated by measuring 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging actity, 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS•+) radical cation scavenging capacity and ferric ion reducing power and values ranged between 1.89–2.12, 6.12–9.89 and 0.56–0.97 mM Trolox equivalent/g of dried leaves, respectively. The investigated features reveal good nutritive and antioxidant attributes of all the varieties with mutually significant differences.
Variation in Minerals, Phenolics and Antioxidant Activity of Peel and Pulp of Different Varieties of Peach (Prunus persica L.) Fruit from Pakistan
Authors: Manzoor Maleeha , Anwar Farooq , Mahmood Zahed , Rashid Umer , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: May 2012

Peach (Prunus persica L.), being a potential source of bioactive compounds, has been demonstrated to have medicinal benefits. In this study variation of minerals and antioxidant characteristics (total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, reducing power, inhibition of peroxidation using linoleic acid system and DPPH free radical scavenging activity) between peel and pulp parts of different peach varieties, namely Golden, Shireen, and Shahpasand were investigated. The peel and pulp extracts, derived from the varieties analyzed, exhibited an appreciable amount of total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF), ranging from 1,209.3–1,354.5, 711.7–881.3 mg GAE/100 g and 599.7–785.5, 301.3–499.7 mg CE/100 g on a dry weight basis, respectively. Reducing power of peel and pulp extracts (12.5 mg/mL concentration) ranged from 2.57–2.77 and 1.54–1.99.The inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation and DPPH scavenging activity of the extracts varied from 70.8–80.9% and 66.8–76.5% in peels, and 51.9–60.1% and 43.4–49.1% in pulps. The mineral analysis revealed that the content of K was highest in both parts of the peach fruit followed by Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn and Zn. The results of our present study indicate that peach peel had significantly higher levels of minerals, antioxidant capacity and phenolics than those of the pulp, suggesting the intake of unpeeled peach as a potential source of high-value components. The peach peel can be a useful as a viable source of natural antioxidants for functional foods and nutraceutical applications.
Maturation of Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells Induced by Radix Glycyrrhizae Polysaccharide
Authors: Li Xiaobing , He Xiaojuan , Liu Biao , Xu Li , Lu Cheng , Zhao Hongyan , Niu Xuyan , Chen Shilin , Lu Aiping
Published: May 2012

Radix Glycyrrhizae polysaccharide (GP), the most important component of Radix Glycyrrhizae, has been reported to have many immunopharmacological activities. However, the mechanism by which GP affects dendritic cells (DCs) has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of GP on murine bone marrow-derived DCs and the potential pathway through which GP exerts this effect. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from murine bone marrow and induced to become DCs by culturing with GM-CSF and IL-4. Six days later, DCs were divided into three groups: control group, GP group and LPS group. After 48 h of treatment, phenotypic figures and antigen uptake ability were determined by FACS analysis. The proliferation of DC-stimulated allogenic CD3+ T cells was detected by WST-1. IL-12 p70 and IFN-γ, which are secreted by DCs and CD3+ T cells respectively, were quantified by ELISA. Additionally, IL-12 p40 mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR. Alterations in TLR4-related signaling pathways were examined by performing an antibody neutralization experiment. Treatment of DCs with GP resulted in the enhanced expression of the cell surface molecules CD80, CD86 and MHC I-A/I-E. GP also increased the production of IL-12 p70 by DCs in a time-dependent manner. The endocytosis of FITC-dextran by DCs was suppressed by GP administration. Furthermore, GP-treated DCs enhanced both the proliferation and IFN-γ secretion of allogenic CD3+ T cells. Finally, the effects of GP on DCs were partially reduced by using inhibitors of TLR4, NF-κB, p38 MAPK or JNK. In conclusion, GP can induce the maturation of DCs, and does so, in part, by regulating a TLR4-related signaling pathway.
Single Molecule Electronics and Devices
Authors: Tsutsui Makusu , Taniguchi Masateru
Published: May 2012

The manufacture of integrated circuits with single-molecule building blocks is a goal of molecular electronics. While research in the past has been limited to bulk experiments on self-assembled monolayers, advances in technology have now enabled us to fabricate single-molecule junctions. This has led to significant progress in understanding electron transport in molecular systems at the single-molecule level and the concomitant emergence of new device concepts. Here, we review recent developments in this field. We summarize the methods currently used to form metal-molecule-metal structures and some single-molecule techniques essential for characterizing molecular junctions such as inelastic electron tunnelling spectroscopy. We then highlight several important achievements, including demonstration of single-molecule diodes, transistors, and switches that make use of electrical, photo, and mechanical stimulation to control the electron transport. We also discuss intriguing issues to be addressed further in the future such as heat and thermoelectric transport in an individual molecule.
Using Sustainability Engineering to Gain Universal Sustainability Efficiency
Authors: Rutkauskas Aleksandras Vytautas
Published: May 2012

The present article is an attempt to perceive the universal sustainability observable in an individual country or region, where the religious, political, social-demographic, economic, environmental, creative, technological and investment subsystems are revealed not only through the vitality of spiritual and material existence media, but rather through the signs of the development of these subsystems as self-assembled units through the erosion of their interaction. The problem of optimal allocation of investment resources among the separate sustainability’s subsystems was addressed by means of expert methods and techniques of portfolio methodology which will enable the achievement of the enshrined universal sustainability standards. A country-specific index composition of sustainability subsystems’ indices was chosen as the universal sustainability index for the specific country. The index in its dynamics is perceived as a random process. While projecting its state and evaluating its power, i.e., the impact of the subsystem efficiency in a particular moment, this power is measured by the level of the index and the reliability or guarantee of an appropriate level. To solve the problem of investment resources allocation, the idea of Markowitz Random Field was invoked in order to reach the maximum power of sustainability index while applying the technical solution—the so-called “GoldSim” system. Engineering is a methodology that aspires to reveal the core attributes of complex systems and instruments in order to manage the possibility to influence these properties for the systems. Experimental expert evaluation and case study is performed on Lithuanian data.
Evaluation of Different Antiretroviral Drug Protocols on Naturally Infected Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Cats in the late Phase of the Asymptomatic Stage of Infection
Authors: Gómez Nélida V. , Fontanals Adriana , Castillo Víctor , Gisbert María A. , Suraniti Adriana , Mira Graciela , Pisano Paola B.
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the antiretrovirals: Zidovudine (ZDV) alone; ZDV + Recombinant Human Interferon-α (rHuIFN-α); ZDV + Lamivudine (3TC) and ZDV + valproic acid (Valp) on naturally feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats, in the late phase of the asymptomatic stage of infection. The follow-up was performed over one year, through clinical evaluation and the determination of viral loads and CD4+/CD8+ ratios. Neurological signs were studied by visual and auditory evoked potentials (VEP, AEP) and the responses were abnormal in 80% of the FIV-infected cats. After one year, an improvement in VEP and AEP was observed in the ZDV + Valp group and a worsening in the group receiving ZDV + rHuIFN-α. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio showed a significant increase (both intra and inter-groups) only in ZDV and ZDV + 3TC, between their pre-treatment and one year values, as well as among the other groups. Viral load only showed a significant decrease in ZDV and ZDV + 3TC groups, when comparing the values at one year of treatment vs. pre-treatment values and when the different groups were compared. In addition, the viral load decrease was significantly more pronounced in the ZDV + 3TC vs. ZDV group. We conclude that ZDV and ZDV + 3TC produce significant reductions in viral load and stimulate a recovery of the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, compared with the other protocols. It is clear that the addition of 3TC resulted in a greater reduction in viral load than use of ZDV as a single drug. Therefore, the combination ZDV + 3TC could be more effective than the sole use of ZDV.
The effects of domestication on the scaling of below‐ vs. aboveground biomass in four selected wheat (Triticum; Poaceae) genotypes
Authors: Qin XiaoLiang , Niklas Karl J. , Qi Lin , Xiong YouCai , Li FengMin
Published: May 2012

• Premise of the study: Theory and empirical studies have shown that, on average, belowground biomass (MB) scales one‐to‐one (isometrically) with aboveground biomass (MA) within and across plant species both at the individual and population level, i.e., MB ∝ MAα=1, where α is the scaling exponent. However, little is known about how domestication affects this relationship.

• Methods: To examine the effects of domestication, we investigated the root vs. shoot biomass relationship during the first 30 d of growth of four wheat genotypes: two older genotypes, MO4 (T. monococcum, a diploid) and DM31 (T. dicoccum, a tetraploid) and two more recent genotypes, DX24 and L8275 (T. aestivum, both hexaploids).

• Results: Biomass allocation to roots scaled more or less isometrically with respect to shoot biomass allocation during the first 30 d of growth for both of the older genotypes, whereas shoot biomass allocation exceeded root allocation for the two more recent genotypes. This difference was attributable to the first 15 d of growth. Although root biomass allocation exceeded shoot biomass allocation during the first 15 d of growth for the two older genotypes, shoot biomass exceeded root biomass allocation during this critical phase of development for the two more recent genotypes.

• Conclusions: Based on a very limited sample of wheat genotypes, these results indicate that domestication has resulted in an increased biomass allocation to shoots compared to root biomass allocation. This shift possibly reflects artificial selection under agricultural conditions (for which water and nutrients are not limiting) favoring higher crop yields.
Synthetic glycopeptides and glycoproteins with applications in biological research
Authors: Westerlind Ulrika
Published: May 2012

Over the past few years, synthetic methods for the preparation of complex glycopeptides have been drastically improved. The need for homogenous glycopeptides and glycoproteins with defined chemical structures to study diverse biological phenomena further enhances the development of methodologies. Selected recent advances in synthesis and applications, in which glycopeptides or glycoproteins serve as tools for biological studies, are reviewed. The importance of specific antibodies directed to the glycan part, as well as the peptide backbone has been realized during the development of synthetic glycopeptide-based anti-tumor vaccines. The fine-tuning of native chemical ligation (NCL), expressed protein ligation (EPL), and chemoenzymatic glycosylation techniques have all together enabled the synthesis of functional glycoproteins. The synthesis of structurally defined, complex glycopeptides or glyco-clusters presented on natural peptide backbones, or mimics thereof, offer further possibilities to study protein-binding events.