bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementary Low-Intensity Aerobic Training Improves Aerobic Capacity and Does Not Affect Psychomotor Performance in Professional Female Ballet Dancers
Authors: Smol Ewelina , Fredyk Artur
Published: April 2012

Supplementary Low-Intensity Aerobic Training Improves Aerobic Capacity and Does Not Affect Psychomotor Performance in Professional Female Ballet Dancers

We investigated whether 6-week low-intensity aerobic training program used as a supplement to regular dance practice might improve both the aerobic capacity and psychomotor performance in female ballet dancers. To assess their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and anaerobic threshold (AT), the dancers performed a standard graded bicycle ergometer exercise test until volitional exhaustion prior to and after the supplementary training. At both these occasions, the psychomotor performance (assessed as multiple choice reaction time) and number of correct responses to audio-visual stimuli was assessed at rest and immediately after cessation of maximal intensity exercise. The supplementary low-intensity exercise training increased VO2max and markedly shifted AT toward higher absolute workload. Immediately after completion of the graded exercise to volitional exhaustion, the ballerinas' psychomotor performance remained at the pre-exercise (resting) level. Neither the resting nor the maximal multiple choice reaction time and accuracy of responses were affected by the supplementary aerobic training. The results of this study indicate that addition of low-intensity aerobic training to regular dance practice increases aerobic capacity of ballerinas with no loss of speed and accuracy of their psychomotor reaction.
The Relationship Between Muscle Strength, Anaerobic Performance, Agility, Sprint Ability and Vertical Jump Performance in Professional Basketball Players
Authors: Alemdaroğlu Utku
Published: April 2012

The Relationship Between Muscle Strength, Anaerobic Performance, Agility, Sprint Ability and Vertical Jump Performance in Professional Basketball Players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between isokinetic knee strength, anaerobic performance, sprinting ability, agility and vertical jump performance in first division basketball players. Twelve male first division basketball players participated in this study. The mean age was 25.1 ± 1.7 yrs; mean body height 194.8 ± 5.7 cm; mean body mass 92.3± 9.8 kg; mean PBF 10.1± 5.1; and mean VO2max 50.55 ± 6.7 ml/kg/min. Quadriceps and hamstrings were measured at 60° and 180°/s, anaerobic performance was evaluated using the Wingate anaerobic power test, sprint ability was determined by single sprint performance (10-30 m), jump performance was evaluated by countermovement (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) tests and agility performance was measured using the T drill agility test. Quadriceps strength was significantly correlated with peak power at all contraction velocities. However, for mean power, significant correlation was only found between the 60° left and 180° right knee quadriceps measurements. No measure of strength was significantly related to the measurements from/results of field tests. Moreover, strong relations were found between the performance of athletes in different field tests (p< 0.05). The use of correlation analysis is the limitation of the this study.
Ostracoda (Crustacea) association and a new species (Dolerocypris anatolia nov. sp.) from the Pliocene-Pleistocene Afşin-Elbistan (Kahraman Maraş) Coal Basin of Turkey
Authors: Tunoğlu Cemal , Besbelli Berk , Ertekin İbrahim
Published: April 2012

Ostracoda (Crustacea) association and a new species (Dolerocypris anatolianov. sp.) from the Pliocene-Pleistocene Afşin-Elbistan (Kahraman Maraş) Coal Basin of Turkey

The Afşin-Elbistan Coal Basin, which is one of the largest and most important Pliocene-Pleistocene lignite basins of Turkey, is located in Eastern Anatolia. The basin was formed between two normal faults having NE-SW direction and these faults controlled both the sedimentation and the subsidence. The coal horizon of over 50 meters in thickness indicates the balance between the sedimentation and subsidence rates, and was preserved during peat deposition. Coals were generated in this extensive and shallow freshwater lake and evolved from the Pliocene to Pleistocene. Typical faunal and floral assemblages of this ancient Afşin-Elbistan freshwater lake are Ostracoda, Mollusca (Gastropoda and Pelecypoda), spore-pollen and Characeae (gyrogonites). Eleven Cypridoidea species were identified from the investigation area. Eight of them are already known (Candona neglectaSars,Candona iliensisMandelstam,Candonaaff.candida(Müller),Pseudocandona compressa(Koch),Cyclocypris ovum(Jurine),Ilyocypris gibba(Ramdohr),Cypris puberaMüller,Heterocypris salina(Brady)), whereas three belong to open nomenclature —Candonasp. andEucyprissp.;Dolerocypris anatolianov. sp. is proposed as a new species.DolerocyprisKaufmann is one of the largest genera among the freshwater Ostracoda. It has a very wide geographical distribution. Representatives of this genus are actively swimming species found in shallow zones of freshwater lakes and reported from small grassy water bodies with megascopic plants.Dolerocypris anatolianov. sp. is recorded from core samples of the Pliocene-Pleistocene Afşin-Elbistan Coal Basin for the first time.
Palaeogeographical reconstruction and management challenges of an archaeological site listed by UNESCO: the case of the Letoon shrine in the Xanthos Plain (Turkey)
Authors: Fouache Eric , Ecochard Emilie , Kuzucuoğlu Catherine , Carcaud Nathalie , Ekmekçi Mehmet , Ulusoy Inan , Çiner Attila , des Courtils Jacques
Published: April 2012

Palaeogeographical reconstruction and management challenges of an archaeological site listed by UNESCO: the case of the Letoon shrine in the Xanthos Plain (Turkey)

During the Hellenistic period, Xanthos and Letoon were respectively a large city and an important shrine in Lycia. Questions still remain about the geography of the Eşen Çayı delta during the first millennium BC: what were the features of the landscape surrounding the Letoon shrine? Where did the riverbed lie? Our analysis is based on a reconstruction of the geomorphological dynamics at work during the Holocene. These are then compared with historical, archaeological and literary sources. Sedimentary sampling shows that a marine bay was gradually closed during the formation of a coastline spit, which led to the development of a lagoon system. Lagoons and marshes remained predominant characteristics of the plain over a long period. A branch or a former channel of the Eşen Çayı was discovered close to the Letoon shrine. In recent decades, authorities, as well as UNESCO, are now making an effort to manage palaeoenvironmental reconstructions in their promotion of the tourist potential of archaeological sites. We propose a management project for the Letoon site.
A geomorphological approach to geodiversity - its applications to geoconservation and geotourism
Authors: Thomas Michael
Published: April 2012

A geomorphological approach to geodiversity - its applications to geoconservation and geotourism

Geodiversity is becoming widely considered alongside biodiversity by conservation agencies and has importance for geotourism. Geomorphology has a central role in understanding geodiversity, particularly at regional and local scales. By focusing on the processes that interact at the earth's surface and how they respond to external forcing, geomorphology analyses both landscape evolution and real-time changes over different timescales. Diversity reflects the complexity of process systems and history. Connectivity and sensitivity amongst landscape elements are highly varied over space and time, leading to divergence and increasing diversity over time. By using these principles within constrained chronologies of landscape change, studies of geodiversity can become a valuable tool in ecosystem management and the delivery of ecosystem services, including sustainable geotourism.
Ecomorphological evaluation of the Łyna River along the Kotowo-Ardapy section
Authors: Grzybowski Mirosław , Endler Zbigniew
Published: April 2012

Ecomorphological evaluation of the Łyna River along the Kotowo-Ardapy section

The Water Framework Directive of the European Parliament and the European Union Council No 2000/60/EC, of 23rd October 2000, on the common water policy, modifies provisional rules of river monitoring. Being an EU country, Poland has been obliged to introduce the new regulations and, additionally, to elaborate and implement regional methods for hydromorphological assessment of quality of river water no later than 2006. In the present study, hydromorphological evaluation of the Łyna River along a 7-km-long section between Kortowo and Adrapy has been completed. Along this section, the Łyna is a lowland, gravel and highly natural river. Two methods of evaluation, based on different assumptions, were applied. One is a British method, called River Habitat Survey (RHS), whereas the other one is based on German methods, known as ecomorphological river evaluation, and has been developed by Ilnicki (University of Agriculture in Poznań). A comparative analysis of the usefulness of both methods was performed, based on the results obtained with each method. The scope of our study has been to include a survey of the flora, phytosociological relationships and fauna of the river and its environs. Both methods implied that the river was more natural upstream and the results are shown on maps. The ecomorphological river evaluation, according to Ilnicki, assesses the river along its entire course, which is in accord with the Directive's assumptions. In contrast, the RHS method, which analyses selected, 500-meter-long sections, results in a non-continuous river evaluation. I our study, the assessment by RHS led to the omission of the most valuable section of the river. However, RHS (owing to the HQA index) more accurately indicates anthropogenic influences on the river, unlike the ecomorphological evaluation by Ilnicki, which lacks such an index. Consequently, the estimation of the degree of naturalness or extent of man-made pressure is not free from some subjectivity, which means that the surveyor needs certain experience. The RHS method is objective and unambiguous but still needs adaptation to the Polish conditions. Both methods can be statistically elaborated. At present, it is difficult to compare the reliability of the results obtained by both methods. The RHS method requires an application of a reference group of rivers, which has not been prepared for Poland yet. Assuming that the RHS database on the examined rivers (the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, August Cieszkowski Agricultural University in Poznań) could correspond to that missing reference group for Polish rivers, the results obtained by both methods were comparable.
Geoheritage: from geoarchaeology to geotourism
Authors: Asrat Asfawossen , Zwoliński Zbigniew
Published: April 2012

Geoheritage: from geoarchaeology to geotourism
Synthesis of FSMs Based on Architectural Decomposition with Joined Multiple Encoding
Authors: Bukowiec Arkadiusz
Published: April 2012

Synthesis of FSMs Based on Architectural Decomposition with Joined Multiple Encoding

The method of synthesis of the logic circuit of finite state machine (FSM) with Mealy's outputs is proposed in this paper. Proposed method is based on the innovate encoding of microinstructions split into subsets. Code of microinstruction is represented as a part of current state code and code of microinstruction inside of current subset. It leads to realization of FSM as s double-level structure. It leads to diminishing of number of variables required for encoding of microinstructions. Such approach permits to decrease the number of required outputs of combinational part of FSM.
Morphology of second instar nymphs of Kermes quercus (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Kermesidae)
Authors: Podsiadło Elżbieta
Published: April 2012

Morphology of second instar nymphs of Kermes quercus (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Kermesidae)

The second instar male and female of Kermes quercus Linnaeus are redescribed and illustrated. Sexual dimorphism is demonstrated. The second instar male is distinguished by 7-segmented antennae, well-developed legs, thin and long body setae, quinquelocular pores on both surfaces, bilocular pores only on the venter near the sub- and marginal setae, and by the lack of simple pores. The second instar female has shortened antennae, annular segments reduced to 5-6, very much reduced legs, short and stout body setae, quinquelocular pores only on the venter, bilocular pores on both surfaces, but those on the dorsum distributed throughout the derm, while those on the venter are located as in the male, and by having a few simple pores in the posterior and marginal areas of the dorsum. The presence of tubular ducts is the most noticeable morphological feature of second instar nymphs distinguishing them from first instar nymphs.
Three new species of the genus Chimarra Stephens, 1829 (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) from the Indian Himalayas
Authors: Pandher Manpreet , Saini Malkiat
Published: April 2012

Three new species of the genus Chimarra Stephens, 1829 (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) from the Indian Himalayas

Three new species are described in the genus Chimarra Stephens. They are Chimarra icar, C. pupi (both from Sikkim) and C. maneriensis from Uttarakhand. These species are distinguishable from each other and from previously known species by the structure of the male genitalia.
Freeze-Drying Preservation of Yeast Adjunct Cultures for Cheese Production
Authors: Połomska Xymena , Wojtatowicz Maria , Zarowska Barbara , Szołtysik Marek , Chrzanowska Józefa
Published: April 2012

Freeze-Drying Preservation of Yeast Adjunct Cultures for Cheese Production

Four yeast strains: Yarrowia lipolytica PII6a, Candida famata MI1a, C. kefyr PII1b, C. sphaerica FII7a, adjunct cultures for cheese production were preserved by freeze-drying. The effect of process parameters and cryoprotective agents on cell survival and stability of growth characteristics was evaluated. Among three lyophilisation protocols, the process with three-step drying at temperatures of -38°C, -20°C and -10°C assured the highest cell viability. The survival of yeast strains in the presence of multicomponent cryoprotective agents containing skimmed milk, trehalose and sodium glutamate in three combinations (MT, MG, MTG) was significantly higher than in the presence of those agents used alone. The best agent for Y. lipolytica, C. kefyr and C. sphaerica appeared to be MT, while for C. famata - MG. Cell viability of yeast strains directly after freeze-drying was in the range of 74-80% and was relatively stable during one-year storage except C. famata. Initial yeast growth patterns were very well preserved in most of the preparations during 6 months of storage.
The Effect of Soil Pollution by Selected PAHs on the Fractional Composition of Organic Matter
Authors: Dębska Bożena , Banach-Szott Magdalena , Rosa Ewa , Pakuła Jarosław
Published: April 2012

Wpływ Zanieczyszczenia Gleb Wybranymi WWA Na Skład Frakcyjny Materii Organicznej
The Effect of Brown Coal on the Microbial Activity in Soils Contaminated by Heavy Metals
Authors: Kwiatkowska-Malina Jolanta , Maciejewska Alina
Published: April 2012

Wpływ Węgla Brunatnego na Aktywność Mikroorganizmów w Glebach Zanieczyszczonych Metalami Ciężkimi
Photochemistry and gas exchange in cold conditions in Zn-deficient red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata f. rubra) plants
Authors: Hajiboland Roghieh , Amirazad Fahimeh
Published: April 2012

The responses of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata f. rubra) plants to a low Zn supply and cold conditions (10°/7°C day/night temperature) were investigated in a hydroponic growing medium. A low Zn supply caused a significant reduction of shoot and root dry weight - up to 55% and 45% for the control and 62% and 52% for cold-treated plants, respectively. The total soluble carbohydrates and starch declined in Zn-deficient plants. Exposure to low temperatures, however, led to a decline in starch but an increase in soluble sugars. In Zn-sufficient plants, low temperatures increased the excitation capture efficiency of open photosystem II (PS II) reaction centres (RCs) (F'v
/F'm
), the quantum yield of PS II (ΦPSII), the electron transport rate (ETR) and the proportion of active chlorophyll associated with the RCs of PS II (Fv
/F0
). Low temperatures did not affect net CO2 uptake in Zn-sufficient plants, though a reduction of stomatal conductance occurred. The results demonstrated that although cold-treated plants were slightly more susceptible to Zn deficiency, cold treatment caused greater shoot biomass (up to 32%) in plants supplied with adequate Zn. The adaptation of red cabbage plants to cold conditions is attributable to improved photochemical events in the leaves, a maintenance of the net CO2 assimilation rate, lower water loss and the accumulation of anthocyanins as antioxidants.
Computationally Efficient Methods of Approximations of the S-Shape Functions for Image Processing and Computer Graphics Tasks
Authors: Cyganek Bogusław , Socha Katarzyna
Published: April 2012

Computationally Efficient Methods of Approximations of the S-Shape Functions for Image Processing and Computer Graphics Tasks

The paper describes a number of methods for approximation of the S-shape functions, frequently used in computer graphics or image processing. The main focus is on efficient software and hardware implementations. We present original code for the high and low level languages which implement different approximations of the S-shape functions. Additionally we introduce the FixedFor<> template class which fills the gap of efficient representation of different length fixed-point data formats in C++.
A Comparative Study in Wavelets, Curvelets and Contourlets as Denoising biomedical Images
Authors: Hamdi Med
Published: April 2012

A Comparative Study in Wavelets, Curvelets and Contourlets as Denoising biomedical Images

A special member of the emerging family of multi scale geometric transforms is the contourlet transform which was developed in the last few years in an attempt to overcome inherent limitations of traditional multistage representations such as curvelets and wavelets. The biomedical images were denoised using firstly wavelet than curvelets and finally contourlets transform and results are presented in this paper. It has been found that the contourlets transform outperforms the curvelets and wavelet transform in terms of signal noise ratio
Experimental study and design of pre-stressed concrete composite box-girders with corrugated steel webs
Authors: Shui Wan
Published: April 2012

The pre-stressed concrete composite box-girder with corrugated webs is a new type of steel-concrete structure. This type of structure can reduce the weight of girders, and correspondingly relieve the quantity of the substructure. It is of great significance for bridge engineers to investigate mechanical behavior of the box-girder, and to develop the method of design and construction. Valuable results and experience were obtained from model tests. The test results indicated that the corrugated steel webs offered a negligible contribution to the moment carrying capacity of the girder. Corrugated steel webs were prevented from buckling effectively for appropriate setting of diaphragms in the lengthwise direction. The box-girder characterized by a typical flexural failure. Some design suggestions are presented in this paper, especially about the importance of shear connections.
Flexural Calculation Mode For Composite Box Girder with Corrugated Webs
Authors: Wu Wenqing , Ye Jian-shu , Wang Shui
Published: April 2012

A dummy flat section assumption is adopted as calculation mode of flexural capacity for steel-concrete box girder with corrugated steel webs, that was based on model test results and calculation data of finite element analysis on this type of composite beam , and the validity of this theoretical hypothesis is proved by the principle of minimum potential energy. Under the above theoretical hypothesis, the calculation of normal stress and flexural movement in mid-span also tallies with that of model test and 3-D finite element analysis perfectly.
Oxidative Degradation of Polyvinyl Alcohol by the Photochemically Enhanced Fenton Reaction. Evidence for the Formation of Super-Macromolecules
Authors: Bossmann Stefan H. , Oliveros Esther , Göb Sabine , Kantor Mark , Göppert Alexander , Braun André M. , Lei Lecheng , Yue Po Lock
Published: April 2012

The reaction mechanism of the oxidative degradation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by the photochemically enhanced Fenton reaction has been studied. Fast and efficient degradation was observed in a batch reactor, using a medium pressure mercury arc in a Pyrex envelope and employing 80% of the stoichiometric amount of H2O2 required for the total oxidation of PVA and a concentration ratio as low as 1 mole of iron(II) sulfate per 20 moles of PVA sub-units (C2H4O) Model PVA polymers of three different molecular weights (15,000, 49,000 and 100,000 g mol−1) were found to follow identical degradation patterns. Strong experimental evidence supports the formation of super-macromolecules (MW: 1–5 × 106 g mol−1) consisting of oxidized PVA and trapped iron(III) at an early reaction stage. Low molecular weight intermediates, such as oxalic acid, formic acid or formaldehyde were not found during the PVA degradation, and we may deduce that the manifold of degradation reactions is mainly taking place within the super-macromolecules from which CO2 is directly released.
Photophysical Properties of Supported Dyes. Quantum Yield Calculations in Scattering Media
Authors: Amore Sandra , Lagorio M. Gabriela , Dicelio Lelia E. , Román Enrique San
Published: April 2012

Aluminum tricarboximonoamidephthalocyanine and Rose Bengal were immobilized by adsorption and covalent linkage to different solid supports: silica, silanized silica, silanized silica modified with polylysine chains and NovaSyn® TG amino resin (low cross-linked polystyrene with polyethyleneglycol chains). Specially designed tools were used to evaluate absolute quantum yields in scattering media. A previously developed model was used to calculate fluorescence quantum yields in the solid state and a method is presented for the evaluation of singlet molecular oxygen quantum yields in suspensions. The method yields reliable results for dilute suspensions of particles with diameters much greater than the irradiation wavelength. Diffuse reflectance and, in the case of suspensions, total transmittance spectra are the basic inputs required. In this way the efficiencies of suspended solid photosensitizers were obtained for all samples and correlated with the dye concentration and the way of linking to the surface.
Effect of Hcl Addition and Temperature on the Heterogeneous Chemistryand Photochemistry of Clono2 Adsorbed on ice Crystals
Authors: Faraudo Gustavo , Weibel Daniel E.
Published: April 2012

The heterogeneous chemistry and photochemistry of chlorine nitrate adsorbed on HCl-doped crystals was studied mainly at 181 K and at 190 K. Under our experimental conditions the main gaseous products found at 181 K were Cl2O and Cl2, while at 190 K, Cl2O was mainly observed. At both temperatures a net enhancement in the rate of gaseous product formation was observed when light of wavelength longer than 350 nm entered the reactor. The obtained results in conditions where the ClONO2 concentration is higher than HCl concentration, and both are high enough to maintain saturation of the surface, showed that the rate of gaseous products formation at 181 K depends on the reactive species adsorbed while at 190 K, it is independence of them. The implications of these findings to the polar stratospheric chemistry are briefly discussed.
Photosensitivity of Aqueous Sodium Nitroprusside Solutions: Nitric Oxide Release versus Cyanide Toxicity
Authors: Shishido Silvia Mika , de Oliveira Marcelo Ganzarolli
Published: April 2012

Photolysis of the pentacyanonitrosylferrate (II) ion in sodium nitroprusside (SNP) solutions involves a competition between photosubstitution and photo-oxidation reactions, where the nitrosyl and cyanide ligands can be released as free nitric oxide (NO) or NO+ and free CN- or CN radical. We have irradiated aqueous SNP solutions at several narrow wavelength ranges in the UV/Vis region (314–576 nm), with the aim of investigating the photolability of the CN and NO ligands. Kinetics of photolysis were used to characterize the photosensitivity of SNP solutions in the range 314–576 nm. Spectral changes in the UV/Vis and IR regions upon irradiation and assays for the detection of free CN- and NO, provided additional evidences for the absence of photoprocesses leading to the release of CN- with λirr > 480 nm. In this condition, the main photoproducts were found to be the [FeIII(CN)5(H2O)]2- ion and NO, formed in a intramolecular photo-oxidative process. Irradiation with unfiltered UV/Vis light and with λirr < 480 nm, lead to the release of both CN- and NO and to a mixture of ferrocyanide and ferricyanide products. These results confirm that the exposure of SNP solutions to UV/Vis light below λirr = 480 nm can lead to cyanide poisoning and further support that above this wavelength limit, a selective NO release from SNP can be achieved, with possible implications for its biochemical action.
Post Irradiation Temporal Profiles as a Toolto Investigate the Mechanism of Lipid Peroxidation in Compartmentalized Systems
Authors: Cubillos María A. , Lissi Eduardo A. , Abuin Elsa B.
Published: April 2012

A methodology is proposed to investigate the origin of the autoacceleration frequently observed when the oxidation of lipids takes place in compartmentalized systems. The method is based on the evaluation of post-irradiation effects and time profiles of oxygen consumption when the irradiation is re-initiated after a dark period. The proposal is experimentally tested in the oxidation of egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles initiated by decomposition of a water soluble free radical source.

Three sceneries and the expected time profiles of oxygen consumption are proposed to explain the origin of the autoacceleration effect: (i) initial inhibiton by remainig low levels of (unknown) antioxidants; (ii) autoacceleration due to contribution of peroxidized products to the initiation rate; and (iii) a lag time due to the long reactions times required to reach the steady-state condition when the oxidation takes place in compartmentalized systems.

The results obtained are consistent with case (i). The conclusion reached is considered to be relevant in the context that it allows differentiation between spurious effects [case (i)] and intrinsic effects [cases (ii) and (iii)]. This can contribute to a better understanding of the factors involved in the interpretation of the kinetic and mechanistic aspects of lipid peroxidation in compartmentalized systems.
Kinetics of Trace Gas Uptake by Liquid Surfaces
Authors: Kolb C.E. , Davidovits P. , Jayne J.T. , Shi Q. , Worsnop D.R.
Published: April 2012

The kinetic and thermochemical processes controlling the heterogeneous interaction of gaseous species with liquid surfaces are not nearly as well understood as homogeneous processes governing chemical and physical transformations in either the gaseous or liquid states. The relatively recent realization that heterogeneous processes involving aerosols and cloud droplets play an important role in many atmospheric chemistry and physics issues has spurred the development of new experimental techniques to investigate, and improve phenomenological descriptions to describe, gas–liquid interactions. This review presents the current phenomenological framework available to address the uptake of gaseous species by liquid surfaces. It also describes two novel experimental techniques developed in our laboratories to explore trace gas–liquid surface interactions and presents key experimental results obtained using these techniques.
Kinetic and Mechanistic Aspects of Redox Reactions of Tellurium(Iv) and Tellurium(Vi)
Authors: Sudarsan K.G. , Dindi S.N.
Published: April 2012

Many kinetic and mechanistic studies are reported on the direct and transition metal ion catalysed oxidation of tellurium(IV) with oxidants like persulphate, periodate, chromium(VI), hexacyanoferrate(III), cerium(IV), manganese(III), cobalt(III) etc. Similar studies on the reduction of tellurium(VI) by different reductants are much fewer. An attempt has been made to discuss in brief up-to-date information available on the nature of tellurium(IV) and tellurium(VI) species as well as kinetic and mechanistic studies on the direct and catalysed oxidation and reduction reactions of tellurium(IV) and tellurium(VI) respectively. The majority of reactions concerned with the oxidation of tellurium(IV) to tellurium(VI) seems to prefer a complementary path to a non-complementary one, in accordance with Schaffer's principle of equivalent change.
Mechanism and Phenomenology of an Oscillating Chemical Reaction
Authors: Taylor Annette F.
Published: April 2012

Chemical reactions, which are far from equilibrium, are capable of displaying oscillations in species concentrations and hence in colour, electrode potential, pH and/or temperature. The oscillations arise from the interplay between positive and negative kinetic feedback. Mechanisms for such reactions are presented, along with the rich phenomenology that these systems exhibit, from complex oscillations and chemical waves, to stationary concentration patterns. This review will focus on the Belousov-Zhabotinksy reaction but reference to other reactions will be made where appropriate.
The Aryl Cation – the Trapping and Characterisation of a Hyper-Reactive Species
Authors: Kemp Terence J.
Published: April 2012

The article traces the development of the epr and optical spectroscopic characterisation and progressive theoretical understanding of the aryl cation, starting from the initial cryogenic epr study of 2,5-dialkoxyl-4-morpholinophenyl cation, which defined unambiguously its triplet state character, through simple MO, ab initio and DFT calculations on substituted aryl cations, to picosecond laser photolysis studies in fluorinated solvents, noting especially the early and vital contribution of Martyn Symons.
Epr Studies on Radiation-Damaged Dna –the Contribution of Martyn Symons
Authors: Ambroz Hanna B. , Przybytniak Grazyna K.
Published: April 2012

This review presents a summary of Professor Martyn Symons’ role in radiation studies on the key biopolymer DNA, a contribution that cannot be overestimated. Some of his achievements are revealed, along with his influence on other research performed all over the world, illustrated by our own work on the effects of transition metal ions (iron and copper) and of thiols on radiation-induced damage to DNA.
An Electron Spin Resonance Investigation of the Radiolysis of Hexamethylbenzene and Hexamethyl(Dewar)Benzene
Authors: Rhodes Christopher J.
Published: April 2012

Exposure of hexamethyl(Dewar)benzene (HMD) to γ-rays in a solid CFC13 matrix at 77K generated the corresponding radical cation (HMD+•) as shown by the observation of hyperfine coupling (A = 9·5 G) to the protons of four equivalent methyl groups: thus the 2B2 state (I) of the ion is established. On annealing to 140 K, ring-opening occurred to give the hexamethylbenzene cation (HMB+•). When CF2ClCFCl2 was used as the matrix material, a completely different spectrum was produced, consisting of seven lines with a common spacing of 14 G. Results obtained using different batches of the freon, and from careful annealing and concentration studies, establish that the low-field line is not part of the remaining six-line spectrum which can be assigned to the allylic radical (III), formed by deprotonation of the parent cation. γ-Irradiation of HMD in 2- methyltetrahydro-furan (MeTHF) followed by annealing gave the ψs* Jahn-Teller distorted form of the (ring-opened) HMB-• radical anion [A(6H) = 9 G] and so the parent anion is unstable, as is the cation. This was confirmed by an identical spectrum being obtained after the irradiation of an authentic sample of HMB in MeTHF. γ-Irradiation of pure HMD gave rise to a spectrum that can be analysed in terms of (III) and the endo H-atom adduct of HMD (IV). Hexamethylbenzene (HMB) on γ-irradiation in solid CFC13 gave the parent radical cation (HMB+•) At 130 K, this has a 6·7 G splitting and correct binomial intensities for 18 equivalent protons; on cooling to 77 K, the cation distorts so that a ψA type SOMO is adopted with four strongly coupled (A = 11·5G) and two weakly coupled (A = −2·8G) methyl groups. γ-Irradiation of pure HMB gave only broad features which we ascribe to a mixture of pentamethylbenzyl (VIII) and hexamethylcyclohexadienyl (IX) radicals, in which proton hyperfine structure is unresolved due to a range of restricted conformations being adopted by various methyl groups because of steric hindrance between them.
Radical Formation and Migration in Myoglobins
Authors: Svistunenko Dimitri A. , Reeder Brandon J. , Wilson Michael T. , Cooper Chris E.
Published: April 2012

Three EPR signals from individual free radical species have been identified in the EPR spectra of horse heart metmyoglobin (HH metMb) mixed with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The peroxyl radical EPR signal was assigned to the Trp14-OO• radical, the seven component signal – to the Tyr103• radical and the singlet EPR signal was assigned to the Tyr146• radical. Apo-Mb (haem free HH Mb) added in various concentrations to the native metMb prior to H2O2 addition affected the yields of the three types of radicals. As the concentrations of metMb and H2O2 were kept constant, the yield of the primary radical formed is the same in all experiments, H2O2 being unable to produce any radical in the reaction with a haem free protein. Nevertheless, the addition of apo-Mb resulted in an increase of the Tyr146• radical concentration and in a quantitatively similar decrease of the Tyr103• radical concentration. These changes were dependent on the concentration of the added apo-Mb. Thus we show that a radical transfer Tyr103• → Tyr146• occurs and that this reaction is protein concentration dependent. The question whether this radical transfer is inter- or intra-molecular is discussed. A similarity is drawn between the system studied and the sperm whale metMb/H2O2 system, for which the radical transfer Tyr103• → Tyr151• has been previously suggested.
Thermodynamic self-Organization as a Mechanism of Hierarchical Structure formation of Biological Matter
Authors: Gladyshev Georgi P.
Published: April 2012

In the past few years, it has proved possible to build a noncontradictory thermodynamic theory of biological evolution, the origin of life, and the aging of living beings resting on a firm foundation of classical thermodynamics. The law of temporal hierarchies makes it possible to identify quasi-closed systems in open biological systems and to use the approaches of hierarchical quasi-equilibrium thermodynamics to establish the direction of ontogenesis and the evolutionary processes. A short review of the achievements of thermodynamics of biological evolution and aging is now presented. The application of the principle of stability of matter to the structures of adjacent hierarchies constitutes additional proof that quasi-equilibrium thermodynamics can be applied to the biological systems in the real world. This theory is corroborated by known fact and experimental outcomes obtained during the study of living and synthetic systems using the methods of macrothermodynamics and macrokinetics.
Kinetic Pathways in the Atmospheric Chemistry of Titan – a Generalized Analysis
Authors: Dimitrov Vasili , Bar-Nun Akiva
Published: April 2012

Titan, the sixth Saturnine moon, is a unique celestial body in many respects, including the existence of a high-density atmosphere over a relatively small astro-physical object, chemical activity in the low-potential reducing medium, the presence of an extensive aerosol domain, etc. Despite many observations, simulation experiments and theoretical models, the general picture of Titan's atmospheric photochemistry is still imprecise.

This study of the most general features of chemical activity in Titan's atmosphere by means of Generalized Kinetic Analysis (GKA) is based on the point that both the probability and efficiency of kinetic trends are estimated solely on the basis of energy/material restrictions and general kinetic laws. Only the quantity (intensity) and quality (spectrum) of the external driving force are considered closely, while both the particular kinetic demands and low internal energy resources of Titan's background are discounted. What this means is that the main inferences of GKA should be valid for any given kinetic model.

Only a small part Lch of the total external energy flux Labs∼12·6 W m−2 is photochemically active Lch = (L1ion + L2ion + L1dis) + L2ch = (1·5 X 10−3 + 0·22 X 10−3 + 10·6 X 10−3) + 0·69 W m−2. The secondary energy L2ch (1440<λ<3500Å) meets the common energy requirements, while the primary energies L1ion, L2ion and L1dis define kinetic pathways of the chemical process, i.e. L1ion (790<λ<980Å) and L2ion (λ<790Å) initiate ionic photochemistry via ionization of CH4 and N2, respectively, while L1dis (980<λ<1440Å) provides photodissociation of CH4 to neutral species. Because of severe energy/material restrictions, the general chemical process proceeds in the form of a self-sustaining Diels-Alder diene low-temperature synthesis to give telomerization and polymerization.

GKA proves that the main kinetic pathways (photodissociation to neutrals and charged photoionization) play different roles with respect to the quantitative and qualitative formation of the final stable products of Titan's atmospheric photochemistry. The neutral pathway governs the bulk (overall yield) of the final products while ionic chemistry is responsible for its wide chemical composition (variety of chemical species).

Species identification in terms of hydrocarbon type content results in the following weight ratio composition of the final products: dienes (0·60–0·65) + saturated/unsaturated acyclic pure hydrocarbons (0·16–0·19) + tholins (0·07–0·08) + isocyclics (0·03–0·05) + miscellaneous (0·05). The elemental composition of this bulk material is (C/H/N)∼1·00/ 1·12/ 0·08.
Mechanism and Kinetics of Hydrolysis of Carboxylic Esters Catalysed by Metallomicelles Comprising a Macrocyclic Metal Complex and a Surfactant
Authors: Xie Jia-qing , Chen Yong , Yan Hu , Chen Guo-xu , Ou Zhong-wen , Xie Bin
Published: April 2012

Two nickel(II) and copper(II) macrocyclic complexes were synthesised and characterised, and metallomicelles comprising the complex and a surfactant, as a mimic hydrolytic metalloenzyme, were used in the catalytic hydrolysis of a carboxylic ester, p-nitrophenyl picolinate (PNPP). Analysis of absorption spectra of the hydrolytic reaction systems indicates that a key intermediate, comprising PNPP and the nickel(II) or copper(II) complexes, is formed in the reaction. Based on these spectral observations, a mechanism of PNPP catalytic hydrolysis has been proposed; a kinetic mathematical model, applied to calculation of the associated kinetic parameters has been established. The effects of acidity, the structure effect of the complexes and of the presence of micelles on the rate of the hydrolysis are also discussed.
Kinetic Studies on Hydrolysis of P-Nitrophenol Picolinate Mediated by Mono-Schiff Base Mn(III) Complexes as Synthetic Hydrolase
Authors: Weidong Jiang , Bin Xu , Jianzhang Li , Qi Lin , Xiancheng Zeng , Hua Chen
Published: April 2012

Three novel mono-Schiff base manganese(III) complexes (metal: ligand = 1 : 2) with benzoaza-15-crown-5 or morpholine pendant groups, were shown to promote the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenol picolinate (PNPP) under a series of experimental conditions. A mechanism for these catalysts is proposed in which the H2O molecule that hydrolyses the PNPP is deprotonated by the synergistic effect which results from central Mn(III) ion and oxygen atom located in the benzoaza-15-crown-5 or morpholine ring. The related kinetic model has been set up. The effects of structural differences of the listed complexes on the hydrolysis of PNPP have been discussed. The experimental results imply that the steric hindrance of side pendant groups is a primary factor for PNPP hydrolysis.
The Tris(2,2'-Bipyridyl)Ruthenium-Catalysed Belousov–Zhabotinsky Reaction
Authors: Toth Rita , Taylor Annette F.
Published: April 2012

The Belousov – Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction is the prototypical oscillating chemical reaction. The tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium-catalysed BZ reaction (often simply referred to as the ruthenium-catalysed BZ reaction) displays photosensitivity and has been widely exploited for examination of the effects of illumination on nonlinear reaction kinetics. In this review, we investigate the behaviour of the ruthenium-catalysed BZ reaction. The mechanism of the reaction is analysed and we examine how light sensitivity is incorporated into kinetic models of the reaction. The temporal dynamics of the photosensitive reaction is presented and, finally, we discuss the extraordinary wealth of behaviour that has been observed in the spatially-distributed system when perturbed by visible light.
Solvent Parameters Effects on the Second-Order Rate Constants of the Reaction of 2-Chloro-3,5-Dinitropyridine with Aniline in Aqueous Solutions of Alcohols
Authors: Harifi-Mood Ali Reza , Masumpour Marzieh Sadat , Gholami Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2012

Aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction kinetics of 2-chloro-3,5-dinitropyridine with aniline was studied in aqueous solutions of methanol, ethanol, and 2-propanol at room temperature. The obtained results for aqueous solutions indicate that the second-order rate constants are in order of 2-propano > ethano > methanol with a maximum at water mole fraction of 0.9. The influence of solvent parameters including normalized polarity (ETN), dipolarity/polarisability (π*), and hydrogen bond donor acidity (α) on the second-order rate constants were investigated and multiple regressions gave much better results with regard to single parameter regressions. Dipolarity/polarisability and hydrogen bond donor acidity of media demonstrate opposite effects on the reaction rate. The dipolarity/polarisability of media has a positive effect regarding to zwitterionic character of the reaction intermediate and the hydrogen bond donor acidity shows a negative effect because of hydrogen-bonding interactions between aniline and solvent molecules.
Charles Elton: Pioneer Conservation Biologist
Authors: Simberloff Daniel
Published: April 2012

Charles Elton is widely regarded as a key figure in the development of ecology as a science in the first half of the twentieth century, having contributed greatly to the concepts of the food web, the ecological niche and the pyramid of numbers, as well as to the study of population cycles, biological invasions and the notion that biological diversity confers ecological stability. To the extent that his contributions to conservation and conservation biology are recognised at all outside Great Britain, they are often seen as influenced by his long friendships with Aldo Leopold and Arthur Tansley. In fact, Elton's interest in conservation developed apace with his devotion to the scientific study of biological populations and communities and his contributions to conservation biology arose directly from his ecological research. In particular, he repeatedly stressed that ecological research demonstrated that nature reserves could not simply be established and protected but had to be managed in light of various dynamic processes that invariably arise within them. Conversely, he frequently adduced as one reason for nature reserves their usefulness for the study of ecological dynamics and interactions. Elton became so engaged in conservation activities that, despite a congenital impatience with committee work and administration, he heavily influenced the development of a British national policy on conservation, advised on the structures that would aid implementing this policy and served for seven years on a key committee established by this policy.
Registration of the High‐Yielding Soybean Germplasm Line LG04‐6000
Authors: Nelson R. L. , Johnson E.O.C.
Published: April 2012

The soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm line LG04‐6000 (Reg. No. GP‐379, PI 664025) was developed and released by the USDA‐ARS and the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station at Urbana. LG04‐6000 was derived from an F5 plant from the cross of HS93‐4118 × LG97‐9912. LG97‐9912 was derived from LG90‐4181 × A3322. LG90‐4181 is from PI 436682 × ‘Lawrence’ (PI 518673). PI 436682 is the Chinese cultivar ‘Jilin 15’, and LG04‐6000 is the first germplasm released in the United States that has Jilin 15 as a progenitor. LG04‐6000 is classified in early maturity group IV. In tests at 8 locations in 2006 conducted cooperatively with commercial soybean breeding companies, LG04‐6000 yielded 127 kg ha−1 more than LD00‐3309. In tests at 22 locations in the Uniform Test IV in 2007 and 2008, LG04‐6000 was the highest‐yielding entry in the test in both years, exceeding the yield of LD00‐3309, the highest‐yielding check cultivar in both years, by an average of 8%. LG04‐6000 is known to be susceptible to race 4 and resistant to race 7 of Phytophthora sojae Kaufmann & Gerdemann. LG04‐6000 is the first example of germplasm derived from exotic parents adapted to the northern United States that has demonstrated a yield potential significantly higher than that of the best cultivars from public institutions. The combination of high yield and unique pedigree makes this line an exceptional new source of genetic diversity to improve the yield of U.S. cultivars.
Registration of Sugarbeet Germplasm Lines CN12‐446, CN12‐770, and CN72‐652 with Resistance to Sugarbeet Cyst Nematode
Authors: Richardson Kelley L.
Published: April 2012

Fields infested with sugarbeet cyst nematode (SBCN; Heterodera schachtii Schmidt) are common throughout the western United States and most of the world where sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) is grown. Sugarbeet cyst nematode is potentially very devastating to sugarbeet production. The sugarbeet germplasms CN12‐446 (Reg. No. GP‐280, PI 657939), CN12‐770 (Reg. No. GP‐281, PI 657940), and CN72‐652 (Reg. No. GP‐279, PI 657938) have high levels of SBCN resistance and were developed and released by the USDA‐ARS at Salinas, CA in cooperation with the Beet Sugar Development Foundation in Denver, CO. CN12‐446, CN12‐770, and CN72‐652 are multigerm (MM), green hypocotyl (rr), and self‐fertile (Sf) lines that segregate for genetic male sterility (A‐: aa). They are S3 lines selected from two male‐sterile‐facilitated, random‐mated populations: CN12 and CN72. CN12‐446 and CN12‐770 are sister S2 lines and are more than 75% identical. Each is resistant to SBCN and powdery mildew (PM; caused by Erysiphe polygoni DC [syn. E. betae (Vanha) Weltzien]) and contains the Rz1 gene for resistance to Beet necrotic yellow vein virus, the causal agent of rhizomania. CN72‐652 is susceptible to rhizomania and PM. It is unknown if CN72‐652 has the same gene for SBCN resistance as CN12‐446 and CN12‐770.