bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the impacts of reindeer/caribou (Rangifer tarandus L.) on arctic and alpine vegetation? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Bernes Claes , Bråthen Kari Anne , Forbes Bruce C , Hofgaard Annika , Moen Jon , Speed James DM
Published: March 2013

Background

Reindeer and caribou (both belonging to the species Rangifer tarandus L.) are among the most important large herbivores in Eurasia’s and North America’s arctic, alpine and boreal zones. In Sweden, the impact of reindeer grazing on arctic and alpine vegetation has recently been re-evaluated. In the 1990s, records of grazing-related vegetation degradation helped to form a widespread perception that some mountain areas were overgrazed. However, later analyses have shown no evidence of large-scale overutilisation of reindeer ranges in the Swedish mountains.

The present-day consensus is that overgrazing has been temporary and local, and that it rarely has caused permanent damage, but it is imperative to examine the scientific support for these views. Moreover, the Swedish Parliament has adopted an environmental quality objective according to which it is essential to preserve ‘a mountain landscape characterised by grazing’. No details have been given on how this goal is to be interpreted, which is another reason why the significance of reindeer grazing for arctic/alpine vegetation needs to be assessed.

This protocol presents the methodology that will be used in a systematic review of the impact of reindeer herbivory in arctic and alpine ecosystems. The focus will be on Fennoscandia, but data from other parts of the range of R. tarandus will be used when deemed appropriate.

Methods

The review will be based on primary field studies that compare vegetation subject to different degrees of reindeer/caribou herbivory (including grazing and browsing as well as trampling). Such comparisons can be either temporal, spatial or both. The review will cover impacts of herbivory in arctic, subarctic, alpine and subalpine areas (including the forest-tundra ecotone) across the range of R. tarandus, but not in boreal forests. Relevant aspects of vegetation include cover (abundance), biomass, diversity (e.g. species richness), structure, composition (including functional groups) and productivity.
Strategies for prevention of postoperative delirium: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Zhang Hao , Lu Yan , Liu Meng , Zou Zui , Wang Long , Xu Feng-Ying , Shi Xue-Yin
Published: March 2013

Introduction

The ideal measures to prevent postoperative delirium remain unestablished. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the significance of potential interventions.

Methods

The PRISMA statement guidelines were followed. Two researchers searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library for articles published in English before August 2012. Additional sources included reference lists from reviews and related articles from 'Google Scholar'. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on interventions seeking to prevent postoperative delirium in adult patients were included. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were performed using predefined data fields and scoring system. Meta-analysis was accomplished for studies that used similar strategies. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of postoperative delirium. We further tested whether interventions effective in preventing postoperative delirium shortened the length of hospital stay.

Results

We identified 38 RCTs with interventions ranging from perioperative managements to pharmacological, psychological or multicomponent interventions. Meta-analysis showed dexmedetomidine sedation was associated with less delirium compared to sedation produced by other drugs (two RCTs with 415 patients, pooled risk ratio (RR) = 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.16 to 0.95). Both typical (three RCTs with 965 patients, RR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.93) and atypical antipsychotics (three RCTs with 627 patients, RR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.50) decreased delirium occurrence when compared to placebos. Multicomponent interventions (two RCTs with 325 patients, RR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.86) were effective in preventing delirium. No difference in the incidences of delirium was found between: neuraxial and general anesthesia (four RCTs with 511 patients, RR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.65 to 1.50); epidural and intravenous analgesia (three RCTs with 167 patients, RR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.61 to 1.43) or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and placebo (four RCTs with 242 patients, RR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.63 to 1.44). Effective prevention of postoperative delirium did not shorten the length of hospital stay (10 RCTs with 1,636 patients, pooled SMD (standard mean difference) = -0.06; 95% CI = -0.16 to 0.04).

Conclusions

The included studies showed great inconsistencies in definition, incidence, severity and duration of postoperative delirium. Meta-analysis supported dexmedetomidine sedation, multicomponent interventions and antipsychotics were useful in preventing postoperative delirium.
Pb–Pb Raman Modes in Amorphous Lead Nanostructures in Zeolite X
Authors: Cortez-Valadez M , Melgarejo F Rodríguez , Flores-Acosta M , Román-Zamorano J F , Vargas-Ortiz A , Ramírez-Bon R
Published: March 2013

Amorphous lead nanostructures have been obtained by ionic interchange and reduction in faujasite zeolite X (F9) matrix. The size and amorphous nature of the lead nanostructures was determined by transmission electron microscopy and the chemical composition by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements. The Raman spectrum of the lead species in the zeolite X displays a peak at 112 cm−1 which has been assigned to Pb–Pb vibration modes in the amorphous nanostructures. The structure and vibrational properties of Pbn clusters, for n = 2 to 20, were determined using Hartree–Fock and density functional theory. The optimized Pbn structures present a vibration mode at a frequency around that observed in the Raman spectrum of the amorphous lead nanostructures.
Needle-like NaNbO3 Synthesis via Nb6O198− Cluster Using Na3NbO4 Precursor by Dissolution–Precipitation Method
Authors: Yamazoe Seiji , Shibata Kengo , Kato Kazuo , Wada Takahiro
Published: March 2013

A needle-like NaNbO3 polycrystal was synthesized successfully from Na3NbO4 at low temperatures by the dissolution–precipitation method. The Na3NbO4 precursor could be dissolved in an aqueous solution, and the Nb6O198− cluster was formed. When the pH of the solution was above 13, needle-like Na7(H3O)Nb6O19·14H2O crystals were precipitated, which were 0.25–0.55 µm in width and more than 2 µm in length. When heated at a low temperature of 500 °C, the needle-like Na7(H3O)Nb6O19·14H2O crystals transformed to the needle-like NaNbO3 polycrystal. The excess Na could be washed out with water.
Efficient Removal and Recovery of Perfluorinated Compounds from Water by Surface-tethered β-Cyclodextrins on Polystyrene Particles
Authors: Kawano Shintaro , Kida Toshiyuki , Takemine Shusuke , Matsumura Chisato , Nakano Takeshi , Kuramitsu Masaki , Adachi Kenji , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: March 2013

To efficiently remove and recover perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) from water, surface-tethered β-cyclodextrins (CDs) on the surface of polystyrene (PS) particles (PS-β-CDs) were prepared. The PS-β-CDs with a 36% β-CD content showed high adsorption capability against these PFCs from water via inclusion complex formation. The perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) adsorbed onto PS-β-CDs were easily and quantitatively recovered by washing with acetone.
Synthesis of Carboxymethyl Poly(1-vinylimidazole) as a Polyampholyte for Biocompatibility
Authors: Asayama Shoichiro , Seno Kozo , Kawakami Hiroyoshi
Published: March 2013

A carboxymethyl poly(1-vinylimidazole) (CM-PVIm) has been synthesized as a polyampholyte for biocompatibility. A solution turbidity measurement proved that no significant effect on rapid aggregate formation or phase separation of serum proteins is induced by the resulting polyampholyte CM-PVIm. Agarose gel retardation assay shows no significant interaction of the CM-PVIm with DNA. However, ζ-potential measurement proved that the CM-PVIm coated poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)/DNA binary complexes. The resulting CM-PVIm/PEI/DNA ternary complexes largely preserved the gene expression mediated by the PEI/DNA binary complexes with the cell viability increased. These results suggest that the CM-PVIm can be a polyampholyte for biocompatibility.
Synthesis and Properties of Disiloxane-bridged Cyclophanes Bearing Heteroaromatics
Authors: Kato Shin-ichiro , Yamazaki Nanae , Tajima Toshihiro , Nakamura Yosuke
Published: March 2013

Disiloxane-bridged cyclophanes 1–3 bearing heteroaromatics were successfully synthesized. Among them, 3 afforded pronounced excimer fluorescence as well as monomer fluorescence in contrast with 1 and 2. The excimer formation in 3 is accomplished by the flexibility of disiloxane linkages and the relatively long lifetime of the excited singlet state.
Effects of Carbon Nanotubes on Bacterial Growth and Biosynthesis of Polyesters
Authors: Sakakibara Takanori , Sano Masahito
Published: March 2013

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with various diameters and defect densities were added to a microbial reactor containing Cupriavidus necator, and the effects on bacterial growth and biosynthetic activity to produce poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s were investigated. Although growth was not affected by any of the CNTs, polymer biosynthesis was depressed by thinner and defect-rich CNTs. The Raman D-band was found to be insufficient for characterizing the CNTs for microbial toxicity.
Preparation of Highly Active Noble Metal Phosphide Catalysts: Effect of Precursors on the Formation of the Active Phase and Hydrodesulfurization Activity
Authors: Kanda Yasuharu , Ichiki Takuma , Kayaoka Shohei , Sawada Ayaka , Sugioka Masatoshi , Uemichi Yoshio
Published: March 2013

The effect of precursors on the active phase formation and hydrodesulfurization activities of noble metal phosphide catalysts was examined. The maximum activities of Pd–P and Rh–P catalysts prepared from acetylacetonato (acac) complex were observed at lower reduction temperatures than those for catalysts prepared from chlorides (Cl). The Pd–P catalyst prepared from acac also showed higher activity than that obtained from Cl. However, this trend was not observed in the Rh–P catalyst. The characterization results revealed that the higher activity of the Pd–P catalyst prepared from the acac is due to the highly dispersed Pd4.8P.
A Combination of Electroless Plating and Sol–Gel Methods as a Novel Technique for Preparing a Honeycomb-type-structured Catalyst
Authors: Fukuhara Choji , Makiyama Yudai , Yamamoto Kazumasa , Watanabe Ryo
Published: March 2013

A structured Ni/Al2O3 catalyst was prepared by combination of a sol–gel method for forming an oxide layer and electroless plating for depositing a metallic component on a stainless honeycomb fin. When using a sodium borohydride bath for the plating, the prepared catalyst indicated a high activity for methane-steam reforming, which was almost equal to the equilibrium, under severe conditions. The developed combination method is effective for preparing a structured catalyst and could be used to prepare other kinds of structured catalysts.
Novel All-inorganic Mononuclear Chloro Oxo Diperoxotungstate
Authors: Ishimoto Ryo , Kamata Keigo , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: March 2013

Addition of TPA·Cl (TPA: tetra-n-propylammonium) to a reaction mixture of H2WO4, H2O2, and HCl gave a novel all-inorganic mononuclear chloro oxo diperoxotungstate, TPA[WOCl(O2)2(H2O)] (I), which was characterized by X-ray crystallography, elemental analysis, and IR, Raman, UV–vis, 17O and 183W NMR spectroscopies, and CSI-MS. Compound I acted as a good precursor for the high-yield synthesis of an active protonated tetranuclear peroxotungstate, TPA3[H{W2O2(O2)4(µ-O)}2].
Novel Interactions between [Co(NH3)6](ClO4)3 and Inclusion Compounds of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and Cyclodextrins
Authors: Vanthoeun Keo , Shimasaki Kie , Ono Yasuhiko , Suzuki Takayoshi , Kita Masakazu
Published: March 2013

The surface tension of aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) stayed constant by an addition of α-, β-, or γ-cyclodextrin (CD) since the 1:2 inclusion compound, SDS–2CDs, is formed. On the other hand, the addition of [Co(NH3)6](ClO4)3 into an aqueous solution of the above inclusion compound shows the characteristic drawing of SDS from CDs. The easiness of the drawing is shown as γ-CD > β-CD > α-CD due to the cavity size of CDs.
A Mosaic Genetic Screen for Genes Involved in the Early Steps of Drosophila Oogenesis
Authors: Jagut Marlène , Mihaila-Bodart Ludivine , Molla-Herman Anahi , Alin Marie-Françoise , Lepesant Jean-Antoine , Huynh Jean-René
Published: March 2013

The first hours of Drosophila embryogenesis rely exclusively on maternal information stored within the egg during oogenesis. The formation of the egg chamber is thus a crucial step for the development of the future adult. It has emerged that many key developmental decisions are made during the very first stages of oogenesis. We performed a clonal genetic screen on the left arm of chromosome 2 for mutations affecting early oogenesis. During the first round of screening, we scored for defects in egg chambers morphology as an easy read-out of early abnormalities. In a second round of screening, we analyzed the localization of centrosomes and Orb protein within the oocyte, the position of the oocyte within the egg chamber, and the progression through meiosis. We have generated a collection of 71 EMS-induced mutants that affect oocyte determination, polarization, or localization. We also recovered mutants affecting the number of germline cyst divisions or the differentiation of follicle cells. Here, we describe the analysis of nine complementation groups and eight single alleles. We mapped several mutations and identified alleles of Bicaudal-D, lethal(2) giant larvae, kuzbanian, GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase, tho2, and eiF4A. We further report the molecular identification of two alleles of the Drosophila homolog of Che-1/AATF and demonstrate its antiapoptotic activity in vivo. This collection of mutants will be useful to investigate further the early steps of Drosophila oogenesis at a genetic level.
Genetic Interactions of Arabidopsis thaliana Damaged DNA Binding Protein 1B (DDB1B) With DDB1A, DET1, and COP1
Authors: Ganpudi Ashwin L , Schroeder Dana F
Published: March 2013

Damaged DNA Binding protein 1 (DDB1)–CULLIN4 E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes have been implicated in diverse biological processes in a range of organisms. Arabidopsis thaliana encodes two homologs of DDB1, DDB1A, and DDB1B. In this study we use a viable partial loss of function allele of DDB1B, ddb1b-2, to examine genetic interactions with DDB1A, DET1 and COP1. Although the ddb1b-2 ddb1a double mutant is lethal, ddb1a ddb1b-2/+ and ddb1b-2 ddb1a/+ heterozygotes exhibit few developmental phenotypes but do exhibit decreased tolerance of ultraviolet light. In addition, germination in ddb1a and ddb1a ddb1b-2/+ was found to be sensitive to salt and mannitol, and both DDB1 single mutants as well as the heterozygotes exhibited heat sensitivity. DE-ETIOLATED1 (DET1) and CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) are negative regulators of light development which interact with DDB1-CUL4 complexes. Although ddb1a strongly enhances det1 phenotypes in both dark- and light-grown seedlings, ddb1b-2 weakly enhanced the det1 short hypocotyl phenotype in the dark, as well as enhancing anthocyanin levels and suppressing the det1 low chlorophyll phenotype in light-grown seedlings. In adults, ddb1a suppresses det1 early flowering and enhances the det1 dwarf phenotype. A similar trend was observed in ddb1b-2 det1 double mutants, although the effects were smaller in magnitude. In cop1 mutants, ddb1b-2 enhanced the cop1-4 short hypocotyl phenotype in dark and light, enhanced anthocyanin levels in cop1-1 in the light, but had no effect in adults. Thus the requirement for DDB1B varies in the course of development, from COP1-specific effects in hypocotyls to DET1-specific in adults.
The Genetic Architecture of Degenerin/Epithelial Sodium Channels inDrosophila
Authors: Zelle Kathleen M , Lu Beika , Pyfrom Sarah C , Ben-Shahar Yehuda
Published: March 2013

Degenerin/epithelial sodium channels (DEG/ENaC) represent a large family of animal-specific membrane proteins. Although the physiological functions of most family members are not known, some have been shown to act as nonvoltage gated, amiloride-sensitive sodium channels. The DEG/ENaC family is exceptionally large in genomes of Drosophila species relative to vertebrates and other insects. To elucidate the evolutionary history of the DEG/ENaC family in Drosophila, we took advantage of the genomic and genetic information available for 12 Drosophila species that represent all the major species groups in the Drosophila clade. We have identified 31 family members (termed pickpocket genes) in Drosophila melanogaster, which can be divided into six subfamilies, which are represented in all 12 species. Structure prediction analyses suggested that some subunits evolved unique structural features in the large extracellular domain, possibly supporting mechanosensory functions. This finding is further supported by experimental data that show that both ppk1 and ppk26 are expressed in multidendritic neurons, which can sense mechanical nociceptive stimuli in larvae. We also identified representative genes from five of the six DEG/ENaC subfamilies in a mosquito genome, suggesting that the core DEG/ENaC subfamilies were already present early in the dipteran radiation. Spatial and temporal analyses of expression patterns of the various pickpocket genes indicated that paralogous genes often show very different expression patterns, possibly indicating that gene duplication events have led to new physiological or cellular functions rather than redundancy. In summary, our analyses support a rapid early diversification of the DEG/ENaC family in Diptera followed by physiological and/or cellular specialization. Some members of the family may have diversified to support the physiological functions of a yet unknown class of ligands.
Actin Dosage Lethality Screening in Yeast Mediated by Selective Ploidy Ablation Reveals Links to Urmylation/Wobble Codon Recognition and Chromosome Stability
Authors: Haarer Brian , Mi-Mi Lei , Cho Jessica , Cortese Matthew , Viggiano Susan , Burke Daniel , Amberg David
Published: March 2013

The actin cytoskeleton exists in a dynamic equilibrium with monomeric and filamentous states of its subunit protein actin. The spatial and temporal regulation of actin dynamics is critical to the many functions of actin. Actin levels are remarkably constant, suggesting that cells have evolved to function within a narrow range of actin concentrations. Here we report the results of screens in which we have increased actin levels in strains deleted for the ~4800 nonessential yeast genes using a technical advance called selective ploidy ablation. We detected 83 synthetic dosage interactions with actin, 78 resulted in reduced growth, whereas in 5 cases overexpression of actin suppressed the growth defects caused by the deleted genes. The genes were highly enriched in several classes, including transfer RNA wobble uridine modification, chromosome stability and segregation, cell growth, and cell division. We show that actin overexpression sequesters a limited pool of eEF1A, a bifunctional protein involved in aminoacyl-transfer RNA recruitment to the ribosome and actin filament cross-linking. Surprisingly, the largest class of genes is involved in chromosome stability and segregation. We show that actin mutants have chromosome segregation defects, suggesting a possible role in chromosome structure and function. Monomeric actin is a core component of the INO80 and SWR chromatin remodeling complexes and the NuA4 histone modification complex, and our results suggest these complexes may be sensitive to actin stoichiometry. We propose that the resulting effects on chromatin structure can lead to synergistic effects on chromosome stability in strains lacking genes important for chromosome maintenance.
Simultaneous estimation of occupancy and detection probabilities: an illustration using Cincinnatian brachiopods
Authors: Liow Lee Hsiang
Published: March 2013

Preservation in the fossil record is never perfect in the sense that we cannot sample all individuals of a given population in time and space. Incomplete detection (i.e., preservation and modern-day sampling of fossils) often affects estimates of other paleobiological parameters of interest, such as occupancy and turnover. Here, I simultaneously model the occupancy and detection probability of taxa, teasing apart the zeros in data that reflect true absences and those that imply non-detection of taxa that were actually present in the space and time of interest. Occupancy modeling, an approach first developed in population ecology, can easily incorporate covariates of interest, such as sampling effort and habitat variables. I use a data set of brachiopod taxa from the Paleozoic to illustrate the utility of this approach for paleontological questions. I demonstrate a range of models, including those that allow colonization between time intervals and those that incorporate facies as site covariates. I also suggest how future data collection can be improved so that process- and sampling-oriented approaches such as occupancy modeling can be applied with ease to paleobiological settings to answer important paleoecological and evolutionary questions.
Spatio-temporal variation analysis of hydrochemical characteristics in the Luanhe River Basin, China
Authors: Xie Ying , Li Xuyong , Wang Huiliang , Li Wenzan
Published: March 2013

The analysis of river pollution and assessment of spatial and temporal variation in hydrochemistry are essential to river water pollution control in the context of rapid economic growth and growing pollution threats in China. In this study, we focused on hydrochemical characteristics of the Luanhe River Basin (China) and evaluation of 12 hydrochemical variables obtained from 32 monitoring stations during 2001–2010. In each study year, the streams were monitored in the three hydrological periods (April, August, and October) to observe differences in the impacts of agricultural activity and rainfall pattern. Multivariate statistical methods were applied to the data set, and the river water hydrochemical characteristics were assessed using the water quality identification index (WQIIM). The results showed that parameters had variable contribution to water quality status in different months except for ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) and total nitrogen (TN), which were the most important parameters in contributing to water quality variations for all three periods. Results of WQIIM revealed that 18 sites were classified as 'meeting standard' while the other 14 sites were classified as 'not meeting standard', with most of the seriously polluted sites located in urban area, mainly due to discharge of wastewater from domestic and industrial sources. Sites with low pollution level were located primarily in smaller tributaries, whereas sites of medium and high pollution levels were in the main river channel and the larger tributaries. Our findings provide valuable information and guidance for water pollution control and water resource management in the Luanhe River Basin.
Treatment of a chocolate industry wastewater in a pilot-scale low-temperature UASB reactor operated at short hydraulic and sludge retention time
Authors: Esparza-Soto M. , Arzate-Archundia O. , Solís-Morelos C. , Fall C.
Published: March 2013

The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of a 244-L pilot-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor during the treatment of chocolate-processing industry wastewater under low-temperature conditions (18 ± 0.6 °C) for approximately 250 d. The applied organic loading rate (OLR) was varied between 4 and 7 kg/m3/d by varying the influent soluble chemical oxygen demand (CODsol), while keeping the hydraulic retention time constant (6.4 ± 0.3 h). The CODsol removal efficiency was low (59–78%). The measured biogas production increased from 240 ± 54 to 431 ± 61 L/d during the experiments. A significant linear correlation between the measured biogas production and removed OLR indicated that 81.69 L of biogas were produced per kg/m3 of CODsol removed. Low average reactor volatile suspended solids (VSS) (2,700–4,800 mg/L) and high effluent VSS (177–313 mg/L) were derived in a short sludge retention time (SRT) (4.9 d). The calculated SRT was shorter than those reported in the literature, but did not affect the reactor's performance. Average sludge yield was 0.20 kg-VSS/kg-CODsol. The low-temperature anaerobic treatment was a good option for the pre-treatment of chocolate-processing industry wastewater.
Wastewater reclamation using discarded reverse osmosis membranes for reuse in irrigation in Djibouti, an arid country
Authors: Awaleh Mohamed Osman , Ahmed Moussa Mahdi , Soubaneh Youssouf Djibril , Hoch Farhan Bouraleh , Bouh Samatar Mohamed , Dirieh Elias Said
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this paper is to establish the feasibility of recovering discarded reverse osmosis (RO) membranes in order to reduce the salinity of domestic treated wastewater. This study shows that the reuse of RO membranes is of particular interest for arid countries having naturally high mineralized water such as Djibouti. The pilot desalination unit reduces the electrical conductivity, the turbidity and the total dissolved salt respectively at 75–85, 96.7 and 95.4%. The water produced with this desalination unit contains an average of 254 cfu/100 mL total coliforms and 87 cfu/100 mL fecal coliforms. This effluent meets the World Health Organization standards for treated wastewater reuse for agricultural purposes. The annual cost of the desalination unit was evaluated as US $/m3 0.82, indicating the relatively high cost of this process. Nevertheless, such processes are required to produce an effluent, with a high reuse potential.
Sewage pre-concentration for maximum recovery and reuse at decentralized level
Authors: Diamantis V. , Verstraete W. , Eftaxias A. , Bundervoet B. , Siegfried V. , Melidis P. , Aivasidis A.
Published: March 2013

Pre-concentration of municipal wastewater by chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) was studied under controlled laboratory conditions. Both iron and aluminium-based coagulants were examined at gradually increasing concentrations (0.23, 0.35, 0.70 and 1.05 mmol/L). The CEPT sludge generated from different coagulation experiments was digested in batch anaerobic reactors, while the supernatant was tested in a dead-end microfiltration setup. The results of the study show that biogas yield was dramatically decreased (from 0.40 to 0.10 m3/kg chemical oxygen demand of influent) with increasing coagulant dose. In contrast, supernatant filterability was improved. Based on the laboratory results, a conceptual design was produced for a community of 2000 inhabitant equivalents (IE), using CEPT technology (at low coagulant dose) with anaerobic digestion of the concentrates. According to this, the capital and operational costs were 0.11 and 0.09 €/m3, respectively. The biogas generated is used for digester heating and the overall process is energy self-sufficient. At a small-scale and in private applications, CEPT technology is preferably operated at higher coagulant dose, followed by membrane filtration for water reuse. Accordingly, sewage purification and reuse is possible without implementing aerobic biological processes.
Removal of metal ions from aqueous effluents involving new thermosensitive polymeric sorbent
Authors: Graillot A. , Djenadi S. , Faur C. , Bouyer D. , Monge S. , Robin J. J.
Published: March 2013

In this work, new thermosensitive copolymers bearing phosphonated groups were synthesized and used to remove metal pollution. Sorption properties are brought by hydrolyzed (dimethoxyphosphoryl)methyl 2-methylacrylate (hMAPC1) monomer. N-n-propylacrylamide (NnPAAm) led to the thermoresponsive properties of the copolymers. Low lower critical solution temperature (LCST) values were observed, ranging between 20 and 25 °C depending on the molar ratio of each monomer in the copolymer. Sorption properties of these copolymers towards nickel ions were evaluated for increasing temperatures (10–40 °C), Ni ion concentrations of 20 mg L−1 and pH values between 3 and 7. Best results were observed for temperatures just lower than the LCST (20 °C), when the copolymer was fully soluble in water solution. For temperature higher than the LCST, phosphonic diacid groups accessibility was considerably reduced by the precipitation of the thermosensitive part of the copolymer leading to lower sorption properties. In these conditions, the highest Ni removal by the copolymer was observed for pH = 7, when there was almost no competition between the sorption of H+ and Ni2+ ions on the phosphonic acid groups. These optimal conditions enabled removal of about 70% of the nickel in the synthetic effluent.
Pathogenic Escherichia coli in rural household container waters
Authors: Jagals P. , Barnard T. G. , Mokoena M. M. , Ashbolt N. , Roser D. J.
Published: March 2013

Plastic containers in the range of 5–20 L are widely used – especially in rural African settings – to collect, transport and store water for domestic use, including drinking, bathing and hygiene. The pathogen content of the waters in these containers has not been adequately characterized as yet. This paper presents the primary findings of a synoptic survey of drinking water quality samples from these containers and involved collection of bacterial indicator and pathogenicity gene data. In total, 571 samples of a variety of waters were taken in rural communities in South Africa and the Escherichia coli numbers measured. Of the E. coli positive samples, 46% (n = 148) were screened for the presence of E. coli pathogen gene markers. Though synoptic, the survey provided many insights into the issues that drove the study. Container use markedly degraded water quality as judged by indicator counts, even where improved water supply services were in place. Household container use also appeared to promote regrowth or contamination of containers with pathogenic E. coli strains. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis also showed that the diversity of potential pathogenic E. coli carrying virulence genes was great. All seven genes screened for (Ial, Stx1, Stx2, EaeA, Eagg, ST, LT) were found in the waters, alone or as mixtures (number of different combinations = 31) including those characteristic of the more dangerous invasive and haemorrhagic E. coli strains. Given the central role of containers in the management of water supply to rural communities, it is clear the microbiology of these waters requires much further characterization.
Typing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from Greek water samples by three typing methods: serotyping, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE)
Authors: Pappa O. , Mandilara G. , Vatopoulos A. , Mavridou A.
Published: March 2013

The study of various types of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from water environments is of paramount importance from a public health point of view, due to their ubiquity and pathogenicity. Molecular (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis) and phenotypical (serotyping) typing methods were applied to environmental P. aeruginosa strains. The typeability and discriminatory power of the methods were studied and compared. The two molecular methods managed to type a number of P. aeruginosa strains which were non-serotypeable due to their rough phenotypes. According to our results, the combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods increased the reliability of the results, yielding several different clones that seem to circulate in Greek water environments.
Study on river regulation measures of dried-up rivers of Haihe River basin, China
Authors: Peng Jing , Li Shaoming , Qi Lan
Published: March 2013

In recent years, the ecological environment of plain rivers within Haihe River basin is questionable because of severe water shortages. Most of the rivers dry up regularly and it is therefore necessary to take measures to improve the river ecological environment. Meanwhile, flood control is the principal function for most of the dried-up rivers, so river regulation works for flood control also should be undertaken. In this paper, some measures of river regulation were selected applied to the Haihe River basin, taking these measures not only ensure the river security but also realize its ecological benefit. Examples of the application of selected measures for the representative rivers, Yongding River and Hutuo River, both located within the Haihe River basin, are also assessed. These measures provide practical solutions to ecological and flood control problems of dried-up rivers, are generic in nature, and could therefore be applied to other same type rivers.
Control of dangerous substances in discharges and microbiological abatement: European framework and a case study of an ozone disinfection system
Authors: Ostoich M. , Serena F. , Falletti L. , Fantoni A.
Published: March 2013

Directive 2000/60/EC requires the achievement of a ‘good chemical status’ for surface water within pre-established dates. Disinfection is needed to achieve compulsory final microbial limit values (in Italy for wastewater discharges the parameter Escherichia coli – EC – is imposed by law with a maximum limit value of 5,000 cfu/100 mL). Liquid waste and disinfection by-products must be considered when designing appropriate monitoring of dangerous substances; the specific classes of substances must be investigated according to the typology of received wastewaters and liquid wastes (where applicable) and specific analytical techniques, with Limit of Detection (LOD) lower than the limit values, must be applied; the difficulties faced by national and regional environmental control Agencies is that these techniques have to be applied during ordinary activity and not only for research purposes. The study aims to present the control of dangerous substances, as a screening view, in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges in the province of Venice (Northern Italy) for the period 2007–2010 based on available data from institutional controls. In addition, the wastewater disinfection process with ozone applied to a medium size WWTP (45,000 Population Equivalents) is presented as a case study, with a view to assessing the microbiological abatement efficacy and the presence of dangerous substances. Discharge quality of the WWTPs in the province of Venice presented mean values that were higher than the LOD, but only for certain metals. For the Paese plant, zinc and chloroform were the only micro-pollutants detected with a higher level than the LOD. From microbiological data in the period 2006–2011 the disinfection abatement efficiency for Paese was, in most cases above 99% for EC, faecal coliform (FC), faecal streptococci (FS) while efficiency was slightly lower for total coliform (TC); however, the proposed criterion aimed at respecting 99.99% abatement was not completely satisfied. Therefore, despite the high organic and industrial load of the considered plant and the need to find an alternative system for chlorine, as chlorine disinfection has been banned in the Veneto region since December 2012, ozone efficiency is not completely satisfactory and other systems such as peracetic or performic acids and UV systems must be considered.
Reliability of on-site greywater treatment systems in Mediterranean and arid environments – a case study
Authors: Alfiya Y. , Gross A. , Sklarz M. , Friedler E.
Published: March 2013

On-site greywater (GW) treatment and reuse is gaining popularity. However, a main point of concern is that inadequate treatment of such water may lead to negative environmental and health effects. Maintenance of single-family home GW systems is usually performed by home owners with limited professional support. Therefore, unless GW systems are reliable, environmental and public health might be compromised. This study is aimed at investigating the reliability of on-site recirculated vertical flow constructed wetlands (RVFCW) in 20 single-family homes. In order to ensure reliability, the failure-tree approach was adopted during the design and construction of the systems. The performance of the systems was monitored for 1.5 years, by evaluating treated GW flow and quality, and by recording all malfunctions and maintenance work. Only 39 failures occurred during this period, of which four caused irrigation with impaired quality GW, while the rest led to no irrigation. The mean time between failures (MTBF) was 305 days; two out of the 20 systems suffered from seven malfunctions (each), while nine systems did not fail at all. Thus, it can be postulated that if on-site GW treatment systems are designed with the right controls, and if scheduled (basic and relatively infrequent) maintenance is performed, GW reuse can be safe to the environment and human health.
Superiority of solar Fenton oxidation over TiO2 photocatalysis for the degradation of trimethoprim in secondary treated effluents
Authors: Michael I. , Hapeshi E. , Michael C. , Fatta-Kassinos D.
Published: March 2013

The overall aim of this work was to examine the degradation of trimethoprim (TMP), which is an antibacterial agent, during the application of two advanced oxidation process (AOP) systems in secondary treated domestic effluents. The homogeneous solar Fenton process (hv/Fe2+/H2O2) and heterogeneous photocatalysis with titanium dioxide (TiO2) suspensions were tested. It was found that the degradation of TMP depends on several parameters such as the amount of iron salt and H2O2, concentration of TiO2, pH of solution, solar irradiation, temperature and initial substrate concentration. The optimum dosages of Fe2+ and H2O2 for homogeneous ([Fe2+] = 5 mg L−1, [H2O2] = 3.062 mmol L−1) and TiO2 ([TiO2] = 3 g L−1) for heterogeneous photocatalysis were established. The study indicated that the degradation of TMP during the solar Fenton process is described by a pseudo-first-order reaction and the substrate degradation during the heterogeneous photocatalysis by the Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetics. The toxicity of the treated samples was evaluated using a Daphnia magna bioassay and was finally decreased by both processes. The results indicated that solar Fenton is more effective than the solar TiO2 process, yielding complete degradation of the examined substrate within 30 min of illumination and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) reduction of about 44% whereas the respective values for the TiO2 process were ∼70% degradation of TMP within 120 min of treatment and 13% DOC removal.
Biofilm regeneration on carriers in MBBR used for vitamin C wastewater treatment
Authors: Hu X. B. , Wang Zh. , Xu K. , Ren H. Q.
Published: March 2013

Methods were investigated for biofilm regeneration on carriers in a moving bed biofilm reactor used for vitamin C production wastewater treatment. Three ordinary chemical cleaning agents (hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and sodium hypochlorite) and physical drying were chosen for evaluation as methods for biofilm detachment. The results showed that these methods all had some degree of biofilm removal effectiveness. Treatment with 3% hydrochloric acid (w/w) achieved the maximum degree of biofilm detachment, at 75.2%. Biofilm biomass re-formed on carriers, from the maximum degree of biofilm detachment, quickly by an increase of 76.17 g m−2 month−1. It was concluded that treatment with 3% acid was the best choice for biofilm removal and regeneration.
New criteria for generalized weighted composition operators from mixed norm spaces into Zygmund-type spaces
Authors: Ren Yong
Published: March 2013

New criteria for the boundedness and the compactness of the generalized
weighted composition operators from mixed norm spaces into Zygmund-type
spaces are given in this paper.
Some results on the neutrix composition of the delta function
Authors: Fisher Brian , Özçag Emin
Published: March 2013

In this paper we prove that the neutrix composition ?(s) {[exp+ (x) ?
H(x)]1/r } exists for r = 1, 2,... and s = 0, 1, 2,... and in
particular ?(mr?1) {[exp+(x)? H(x)]1/r}= ?m-1,k=0 (?1)mr+k-1 r(mr-1)!
Cmr-1,k /2k! ?(k)(x), for m, r = 1, 2,....
The population conundrums and some implications for urban development in Serbia
Authors: Petric Jasna , Maricic Tamara , Basaric Jelena
Published: March 2013

Population development may reveal either a potential or constraint on
functional labour markets and spatial development of the territory in
concern. The first results of the 2011 Census in Serbia depict a rather bleak
demographic situation, which is only the continuation of population trends
from the late 20th and beginning of the 21st century, substantially fuelled
by dynamic political and socioeconomic processes featuring Serbia in the past
few decades. The focus is on demographic changes in relation to three
correlated aspects: 1) intensive ageing process; 2) depopulation and negative
natural growth; and 3) migratory movements - population exodus. This paper
addresses in particular the spatial consequences and institutional aspects of
recent demographic changes and their reflection on urban areas in Serbia. In
the past, population movements from rural to urban areas used to colour much
of the migratory balance map of the country, however this situation changed
due to exhaustion of the ?traditional? demographic reservoirs. Still, urban
primacy of the capital city Belgrade has been even intensified with the
recent demographic movements, or more precisely, a tissue of the two largest
cities in relative proximity - Belgrade and Novi Sad is hypertrophied in a
demographic sense. Other urban settlements in Serbia, especially the smaller
towns, which are numerous but demographically shrinking, have not been
empowered enough to substantiate better links with smaller and larger
settlements within urban-rural interface, and their role has been challenged
in that respect. Demographic changes, which affect urban growth or decline,
are largely to do with border effects, economic and social gaps, educational
opportunities, and search of certain ?urban lifestyles?. The latter is
particularly stressed regarding the process of ?second demographic
transition? which encompassed Serbia and is manifested by changes in the
family domain, viz. partnership and parenthood, as well as by plurality of
lifestyles, namely for the younger and middle-age generations (20-34 years -
dominantly the people in reproductive age) who are able to exercise their
residential choices towards bigger urban centres. Finally, this paper
addresses the demographic determinants of languishing population growth in
Serbia coupled with highly uneven territorial distributions of population and
level of development, which in the last decade marks the ratio of 10:1
(measured by GDP/inh.) between the most developed and the least developed
regions in Serbia.
Housing development in the 1950s in Serbia-typical examples of residential blocks built in Belgrade
Authors: Milasinovic-Maric Dijana
Published: March 2013

To date, the Serbian architecture of the nineteen-fifties has not yet been
more comprehensively studied albeit the fact that there are sufficient
sources, data, literature, and structures built at that time. The reason for
the lack of interest in architecture of that period may be found in the
relationship between the non-understanding and insufficient valuation of
architectural results of the modern architecture of the time, but also in the
general opinion that the immediate postwar years were the time of a poor
social housing development, which is also characterized by the lack of
distinct architectural values. Furthermore, there has been an obvious
unreadiness to analyze in more detail and in time distance the subject of the
sociorealistic construction, which was also partially present in this period.
After a short period of the so-called Socio-Realism 1945-1950, characterized
by reconstruction of the war devastated country with extensive participation
of youth brigades, the housing construction in particular got a big boost,
considering the changes in population structure, as well as the fact that a
significant portion of population moved from rural areas to towns. The
subject decade of the newly established socialist society was, in every
respect, marked with upward path of economic, political and social
development, which was an important base for overall architectural and
cultural construction. This was the time when Serbian architects of different
generations created a great number of works, which were diverse in they
contents. The architects of older generation often created their most
important works, while young architects, looking into future, but also into
own architectural heritage and accomplishments, achieved their first
significant results, thus generating autochthonous architectural trend and
expression which would soon be recognized as the Belgrade School of
Architecture. In the conditions in which the Serbian architecture developed,
it actually meant fitting within the world development trends along with
preservation of own and regional specificities.
Sustainable heritage utilization in rural tourism development in Serbia
Authors: Maksin Marija
Published: March 2013

Research on natural and cultural heritage as one of the key levers of
sustainable tourism development in Serbia has been conducted 2010, for the
elaboration of the Master plan for Sustainable Rural Tourism Development in
Serbia. To evaluate achieved and potential attractiveness of natural and
cultural heritage at rural Serbia the FAS methodology was implemented, and
the results of this evaluation are discussed. Based on achieved and potential
attractiveness and accessibility of natural and cultural heritage, and other
criteria, the rural tourism clusters have been established. Methodology for
rural tourism clusters identification and prioritization is presented, and
the results of prioritization discussed. Elaboration of the Master plan for
Sustainable Rural Tourism Development in Serbia has been based on the
holistic approach. Therefore the aim of rural tourism development is to
protect, revitalize and use the natural and cultural assets in sustainable
way to benefit the rural communities. Challenges and possibilities for
sustainable heritage utilization, sustainable rural tourism development, and
management arrangements are discussed for two cases - Viminacium
archaeological park and Mountain Stara planina Nature Park. Based on analyzed
cases the evaluation criteria for management of sustainable heritage
utilization and rural tourism development are proposed.
Web-based support of spatial planning in Serbia
Authors: Bazik Dragana , Dzelebdzic Omiljena
Published: March 2013

High-speed access to the Internet and mobile broadband create a new web-based
support of spatial planning in Serbia. Perhaps most importantly, this support
provides unprecedented opportunities to empower individuals across all social
and economic strata. The authors present this view within the framework of
two fundamental focal points: (i) relational approach to spatial planning
that recognizes the multiple dimensions of diverse people who interact with
place and space in complex and unpredictable ways; and (ii) democratic
achievement in spatial planning model and governance framework to share
information and collaborate across a municipalities? hyperconnected
ecosystem.
Basic and Clinical Pharmacology of Glucocorticosteroids
Authors: Becker Daniel E.
Published: March 2013

Glucocorticosteroids are a product of the adrenal cortex and perform a staggering number of physiological effects essential for life. Their clinical use is largely predicated on their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, but they also have notable efficacy in the prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting. This article reviews the basic functions of glucocorticoids and their clinical use in dental practice.