bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of tetravalent thorium by geomedia
Authors: Melson Nathan H. , Haliena Brian P. , Kaplan Daniel I. , Barnett Mark O.
Published: July 2012

We measured the pH-dependent adsorption of Th(IV), an analogue for Pu(IV) and other tetravalent actinides, to two geomedia: goethite (α-FeOOH(s)) and a heterogeneous Fe-containing sand from the southeastern USA. The goal was to examine whether or not the Th(IV)-goethite adsorption data could be used to predict the adsorption of Th(IV) by the heterogeneous sand. In the absence of either geomedia, after forty-eight hours the measured pH-dependent “adsorption” was consistent with the solubility of solid amorphous ThO2(am, aged), despite the fact that ThO2(am, aged) is generally not formed until approximately seventy days. We concluded that ThO2(am, aged) was stabilized by precipitating on the walls of the reaction vessels. Ignoring this phenomenon could lead to experimental artifacts in Th(IV) adsorption studies. Thorium adsorption by both goethite and the sand was strongly pH dependent, with adsorption increasing sharply from pH ∼ 2 to pH ∼ 4. Two methods were utilized to predict the pH-dependent adsorption of Th(IV) by the sand using the Th(IV)-goethite adsorption data. Using the Fe content of the sand and the Th(IV)-goethite adsorption data, we were able to predict the maximum amount of Th(IV) adsorption by the sand within 78% of the actual value (i.e., an error of 22%). In contrast, on a surface-area-normalized basis, we were only able to predict the maximum adsorption of Th(IV) by the sand within a factor of two. These results have important implications to scaling and extrapolating the results of batch-scale tetravalent actinide adsorption studies with pure minerals to predict their field-scale adsorption by and transport in heterogeneous subsurface media.
Modernism in the Borderlands: The Life and Art of Octavio Medellín
Authors: Lewthwaite Stephanie
Published: July 2012

This article examines the life and work of Octavio Medellín, a Mexican-born sculptor based in Texas during the 1930s and 1940s. It argues that Medellín was not simply a Mexican artist operating within the confines of an indigenist and nationalist art; neither was he a modernist primitivist artist committed to the search for pure form. As an emerging Mexican American subject located on the margins of both homeland and host society, Medellín synthesized the categories of Mexican art, regionalism, and modernist primitivism to produce an alternative modernism. Medellín's art reflects the bicultural complexities of becoming Mexican American in the United States—the appropriation and transformation of one's ancestral heritage while seeking cultural and political citizenship in a new land. Medellín's artistic journeying also underscores the multidirectional and transcultural origins of modernism during the 1930s and 1940s.
A Comparative Study on the Activation Behavior of Implanted Boron and Phosphorus for LTPS Using Solid-Phase Crystallization
Authors: Li Qinglong , Mudgal Tarun , Meller Patricia M. , Slavin Seth , Manley Robert G. , Hirschman Karl D.
Published: July 2012

This work presents a study on the activation behavior of high-dose (φ > 1015 cm-2) boron and phosphorus implants for low resistance source and drain regions for thin-film transistors (TFTs) fabricated using solid-phase crystallization (SPC) of amorphous silicon. Process variables include factors associated with ion implant and annealing conditions, as well as the SPC and implant process arrangement. Four-point probe sheet resistance (Rs) measurements were used as a comprehensive assessment of the electrical properties. Results have identified similarities and differences in activation behavior that can influence process integration strategies considering both the SPC approach and TFT fabrication.
Plasma Etching of Copper Thin Film over a Dielectric Step and Electromigration Failure Mechanism
Authors: Lin Chi-Chou , Kuo Yue
Published: July 2012

Process and electromigration issues of the copper line over a dielectric step etched with a new plasma-based process have been studied. The N2 and CF4 additive gas effects on the line profile, undercut, and “neck” formation at the cusp area were investigated with respect to changes of the plasma phase chemistry and ion bombardment energy. The sidewall passivation layer hindered the excessive attack of the cusp region. The undercut of the photoresist pattern caused the residue formation. The lifetime of the etched copper was related to the line shape and the film topography, which directly affected the local current density and stress. With the proper control the plasma phase chemistry and ion bombardment energy, the Cu film over a topographic surface can be etched into fine lines with a long electromigration lifetime.
RE dependence of superconductivity in parent T’-RE2CuO4 – implication on the nature of superconductivity
Authors: Naito Michio , Ikeda Ai , Yamamoto Hideki , Manabe Takaaki
Published: July 2012

We present the results of our systematic investigation of the RE dependency of superconductivity in the parent compounds T’-RE2CuO4 (RE = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, and Tb). Superconducting samples were prepared by metal organic decomposition (MOD). A stringent control of synthesis- and post-annealing-conditions is required to obtain superconducting samples. Superconductivity with a transition temperature (Tconset) ≥ 30 K is achieved for RE = Pr and Nd. By contrast, Tconset is at highest 20 K for RE = Gd. Our results indicate that the induction of superconductivity into T’-RE2CuO4 cuprates strongly depends on the RE3+ ionic size. This trend is discussed from the viewpoint of RE-dependent thermodynamic stability of T’-RE2CuO4. For smaller RE3+ ions, the thermodynamic boundary conditions become tighter.
Thermoelectric Power Measurement of Catalyst-free Si-doped GaAs Nanowires
Authors: Yamaguchi Masahito , Paek Jihyun , Amano Hiroshi
Published: July 2012

Si-doped GaAs nanowires (NWs) were grown on (111)Si substrate by MBE-VLS method. The electrical characteristics of the GaAs NWs were measured. A joule heater was arranged near the tip of NW for making the gradient of substrate temperature. The obtained Seebeck coefficient of the GaAs NW increases linearly with a rise in temperature. The thermoelectric power of the Si doped GaAs NW was determined by the hole diffusion. It was estimated that the hole density in the Si-doped GaAs NW at room temperature was 5.9×1018 cm-3 from the slope of the temperature dependence of the Seebeck coefficient in the Si-doped GaAs NW. At room temperature, the Seebeck coefficient, thermoelectric power factor, and thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) were 429 μV/K, 271μW/mK2, and 1.5×10-3, respectively.
Stress-induced Bimodal Ordering in POSS/PCL Biodegradable Shape Memory Nanocomposites
Authors: Alvarado-Tenorio Bonifacio , Romo-Uribe Angel , Mather Patrick T.
Published: July 2012

Simultaneous wide- and small- angle X-ray scattering (WAXS-SAXS) has revealed a stress-induced bimodal orientation of POSS crystals and PCL chains, both in a constrained POSS/PCL crosslinked network architecture with shape memory properties. POSS/PCL nanocomposites with molecular weight of 2,600 g/mol exhibiting shape memory behavior were synthesized and variation of crosslinker molar ratio was used to obtain POSS/PCL networks with different crosslink density (Alvarado-Tenorio et al., Macromolecules, 44, 5682, 2011). In that study it was shown that there are POSS crystals embedded in an amorphous PCL matrix, and the POSS crystals were ordered in a cubic nanostructure. In this work, it will be shown that elongation at room temperature of all the networks yielded a double-induced orientation (90º and 180º) of the POSS crystals, as indicated by the 101 reflection. Moreover, it was also detected stretched-induced crystallization of the otherwise amorphous PCL chains. Furthermore, SAXS data showed long periods in the meridional and equatorial orientations of 630 Å, 90 Å and 45 Å corresponding to a lamellar nanostructure of PCL chains. The induced bimodal orientation of the POSS-PCL molecular network will be correlated with its shape memory properties.
Synthesis of Three Dimensional Carbon Nanostructure Foams for Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Wei , Guo Shirui , Ruiz Isaac , Ozkan Mihrimah , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: July 2012

In this work, we demonstrated the growth of three dimensional graphene/carbon nanotubes hybrid carbon nanostructures on metal foam through a one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The as-grown three dimensional carbon nanostructure foams can be potentially used as the electrodes of energy storage devices such as supercapacitors and batteries. During the CVD process, the carbon nanostructures are grown on highly porous nickel foam to form a high surface area 3-D carbon nanostructure by introducing a mixture precursor gases (H2, C2H2). The surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the results demonstrated relatively homogeneous and densely packed 3-D carbon nanostructure. The quality was characterized by Raman spectroscopy. To further increase the capacitive capability the supercapacitors were fabricated based on the electrodes of carbon nanostructure foam and cyclic voltammetry, charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were conducted to determine their performance.
Role of Gas-phase Reactions and Thermal Gradient Control in Carbon Nanotube Synthesis
Authors: Youn Seul Ki , Gopi Baskar Pagadala , Teo Kenneth B. K. , Park Hyung Gyu
Published: July 2012

We investigate the role of precursor thermal rearrangement and surface catalytic reactions in the synthesis of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) by acetylene-based, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and demonstrate a millimeter-long growth of single-walled CNT (SWNT) without water assistance. A substrate heater was used to create an ascending temperature gradient from gas injection to catalyst substrate. Whereas temperature of catalyst substrates primarily determines their catalytic activity, it is a thermal condition of a gaseous mixture in the CVD chamber that also influence growth yield and structural features of as-grown CNTs. Employing Egloff’s characterization, [1] we discuss the importance of various gas thermal zones in producing high-quality nanotubes with augmented growth efficiency. We continue to report production of millimeter-long, VA-SWNT having a mean diameter of 1.7 ± 0.7 nm, catalyzed by iron on an alumina support. Important finding is that a million of aspect ratio of SWNT arrays can be produced, without water assistance, via combined action of an ascending temperature gradient toward catalyst substrate and low partial pressures of acetylene carbon feedstock. Our results do not only emphasize the role of precursor thermal rearrangement in CNT synthesis, but also offer a practical route to the modulation of such complex phenomena for an ultrahigh-yield growth of narrow VA-SWNT.
Large-area Metrology of CVD-grown Graphene Layers on Copper Foil Substrates
Authors: Pleskot Dennis L. , Kyle Jennifer R. , Ghazinejad Maziar , Guo Shirui , Ruiz Isaac , Ozkan Mihrimah , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: July 2012

Fluorescence Quenching Microscopy has been shown to be an effective means of characterizing graphene on the macroscale. Centimeter-scale CVD-grown pristine and doped graphene were manufactured in a high temperature (1000°C) furnace on pristine copper substrates. The copper was then etched away in a FeCl3solution and the graphene was coated with DCM-based fluorescent dye before being imaged in a fluorescence microscope. The fluorescence image was then image-processed using modified Matlab software. The resulting image showed clear contrast between the pristine graphene sheet and defects on the graphene surface, which revealed that fluorescence microscopy could determine the quality of a large region of graphene. Also, significant contrast was identified between single-layer and multi-layer regions, showing that this technique is also effective at determining the degree of uniformity within a graphene sample. Lastly, the fluorescence images showed contrast between doped and undoped regions of graphene.
Generation of hydrogen peroxide on a pyridine-like nitrogen-nickel doped graphene surface
Authors: Rangel E. , Magana L. F. , Sansores L. E. , Vázquez G.J.
Published: July 2012

Density functional theory and molecular dynamics were used to study the generation of hydrogen peroxide around a nickel atom anchored on a pyridine-like nitrogen-doped graphene (PNG) layer. First, we found that two hydrogen molecules are adsorbed around the nickel atom, with adsorption energy 0.95 eV/molecule. Then we studied the interaction of oxygen molecules with this system at atmospheric pressure and 300 K. It is found that two hydrogen peroxide molecules are formed. However, at 700 K, one hydrogen peroxide molecule, and one water molecule are desorbed. One oxygen atom stays bound to the nickel atom.
Growth of Carbon Nanotube Forests on Carbon Fibers with a SiO2 Interlayer
Authors: Antunes Erica F. , da Silva Viviane Q. , Marques Vagner E. C. , Siqueira Lilian , Corat Evaldo J.
Published: July 2012

Ceramic barriers avoid catalyst diffusion to produce better multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT) on carbon fiber fabrics (CF). We developed a simple method to produce efficiently a silica layer from TEOS pyrolysis at similar conditions of CNT growth from camphor and ferrocene mixtures. This protective layer prevents iron diffusion and allows the vertical alignment of CNTs.
Pore Seal Property of Ultra-thin Layer for Porous Low-k Films revealed by Ellipsometric Porosimetry
Authors: Ono Shoko Sugiyama , Kayaba Yasuhisa , Suzuki Tsuneji , Tanaka Hirofumi , Kohmura Kazuo
Published: July 2012

It was found for the first time that the control of the size of pore sealant is important to prevent diffusions of pore sealant into pores of porous low-k films and to achieve a good toluene seal property. Two pore sealants (PS-A, B) were prepared and the seal property and porous structure were studied using toluene based ellipsometric porosimetry (EP) measurements. It was revealed that small pore sealant (PS-B) diffuses into pores of porous low-k (PLK) films and did not show any seal property, while large pore sealant (PS-A) does not diffuse into pores of porous low-k films and shows a good toluene seal property. Ellipsometry shows that PS-A forms conformal layer only on the vicinity of surface of porous low-k films, but porous structure of porous low-k films at the bottom part is kept, according the fact that the refractive index did not increase.

Furthermore, we developed a new pore seal material (PS-C) to form ultra-thin conformal layer by a single pass, which shows a good toluene seal property. The dielectric constant increased from 2.10 to 2.25 by covering with PS-C. The obtained layer also shows the effect as the protect layer of porous low-k films from plasma damages.
Quantitative Determination of the Mechanical Stresses in BEoL Films and Structures on Si Wafers with Sub-micron Spatial Resolution by fibDAC
Authors: Rzepka Sven , Vogel Dietmar , Auerswald Ellen , Michel Bernd
Published: July 2012

The fibDAC stress analysis method, a new tool for local stress measurement, has been applied to patterned BEoL structures after being validated at complete films by established industrial methods like wafer bow measurement. The new tool uses focused ion beam (FIB) to mill a narrow trench of down to 30 nm width into the surface of the structure under investigation to trigger stress relief in its vicinity. Capturing the corresponding deformation by high resolution SEM micrographs and local digital image correlation, the original stress can be determined by simulating the stress relief process by automated finite element analyses. Simultaneously, the extraction of key material parameters of the film like Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio is possible.

The spatial resolution of the fibDAC stress analysis method is 1 μm and better. It has been demonstrated at arrays of BEoL interconnects. The magnitude of the local stresses inside the metal traces has been shown to be substantially different to those occurring in the dielectrics between the lines. Such a spatial resolution clearly outperforms all established industrial methods.
Tendência da mortalidade por suicídio na população brasileira e idosa, 1980-2006
Authors: Minayo Maria Cecília de Souza , Pinto Liana Wernersbach , Assis Simone Gonçalves de , Cavalcante Fátima Gonçalves , Mangas Raimunda Matilde do Nascimento
Published: July 2012

OBJETIVO: Descrever a mortalidade por suicídio no Brasil, com destaque para a população idosa. MÉTODOS: Análise temporal e estudo de tendência por regressão polinomial de suicídios na população acima de dez anos no Brasil e no Estado do Rio de Janeiro de 1980 a 2006. Os dados foram extraídos do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade e as taxas, calculadas segundo sexo e faixa etária, considerando-se a população residente fornecida pelo Datasus por 100 mil habitantes. Para os anos de 1980 a 1995, utilizou-se a nona revisão da Classificação Internacional de Doenças e Problemas Relacionados à Saúde, e para 1996 a 2006, a décima revisão. RESULTADOS: Crescimento significativo foi observado nas taxas de suicídio na população brasileira e no Rio de Janeiro (5,7 e 3,1 para cada 100 mil habitantes, respectivamente) em 2006. Esse incremento ocorreu pelo aumento dos suicídios na população masculina em todas as idades. A curva crescente aconteceu principalmente entre homens maiores de 60 anos. O incremento não foi estatisticamente significativo entre homens e houve decréscimo entre mulheres no Rio de Janeiro. Os principais meios de suicídio utilizados pelos homens foram enforcamento, sufocação, estrangulamento e armas de fogo. Para as mulheres, o enforcamento também ocupou a primeira posição, seguido pela ingestão de substâncias, atiramento ao fogo e precipitação de altura. A elevada taxa de indefinição dos meios ressaltou problemas na qualidade dos dados. CONCLUSÕES: Suicídios são eventos significantes na população masculina, sobretudo entre homens idosos, ao longo do tempo. No Rio de Janeiro, as taxas entre homens idosos também são maiores, mas não estatisticamente significantes. Segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde e o Ministério da Saúde, o suicídio é passível de prevenção e existem cuidados preconizados para cada grupo etário.
The spatial signature of biotic interactions of a clonal and a non‐clonal palmetto in a subtropical plant community
Authors: Takahashi Mizuki K. , Kubota Toshiro , Horner Liana M. , Keller Nathan A. , Abrahamson Warren G.
Published: July 2012

Spatial analyses of plant‐distribution patterns can provide inferences about intra‐ and interspecific biotic interactions. Yet, such analyses are rare for clonal plants because effective tools (i.e., molecular markers) needed to map naturally occurring clonal individuals have only become available recently. Clonal plants are unique in that a single genotype has a potential to spatially place new individuals (i.e., ramets) in response to intra‐ and interspecific biotic interactions. Laboratory and greenhouse studies suggest that some clonal plants can avoid intra‐genet, inter‐genet, and inter‐specific competition via root‐placement patterns. An intriguing and yet to be explored question is whether a spatial signature of such multi‐level biotic interactions can be detected in natural plant communities. The facultatively clonal Serenoa repens and non‐clonal Sabal etonia are ecologically similar and co‐dominant palmettos that sympatrically occur in the Florida peninsula. We used amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) to identify Serenoa genets and also to assign field‐unidentifiable small individuals as Sabal seedlings, Serenoa seedlings, or Serenoa vegetative sprouts. Then, we conducted univariate and bivariate multi‐distance spatial analyses to examine the spatial interactions of Serenoa (n = 271) and Sabal (n = 137) within a 20 × 20 m grid at three levels, intragenet, intergenet and interspecific. We found that spatial interactions were not random at all three levels of biotic interactions. Serenoa genets appear to spatially avoid self‐competition as well as inter‐genet competition. Furthermore, Serenoa and Sabal were spatially negatively associated with each other. However, this negative association pattern was also evident in a spatial comparison between non‐clonal Serenoa and Sabal, suggesting that Serenoa genets' spatial avoidance of Sabal through placement of new ramets is not the explanation of the interspecific‐level negative spatial pattern. Our results emphasize the importance of investigating spatial signatures of biotic as well as abiotic interactions at multiple levels in understanding spatial distribution patterns of clonal plants in natural plant communities.
Retraction Notice: Zebrafish Caspase-3: Molecular Cloning, Characterization, Crystallization and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Chakraborty Chiranjib , S. Nandi Shyam , Sinha Surajit , K. Gera V.
Published: July 2012

As per Bentham Science’s policy, the following article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief and its Authors published in ‘Protein & Peptide Letters“ due to their use of text obtained from another paper published in the Biochemical Journal:

Title:

“Zebrafish Caspase-3: Molecular Cloning, Characterization, Crystallization and Phylogenetic Analysis; Protein & Peptide Letters, vol.13, no. 6; Pp.633-640”

Authors:

Chiranjib Chakraborty, Shyam S. Nandi, Surajit Sinha and V. K. Gera

The above article is a plagiarized version of another article entitled “Characterization of zebrafish caspase-3 and induction of apoptosis through ceramide generation in fish fathead minnow tailbud cells and zebrafish embryo by Takeshi YABU, Shuji KISHI, Toshiro OKAZAKI and Michiaki YAMASHITA, 360, 39±47 (Printed in Great Britain)” published in the Biochemical Journal in 2001. ON behalf f all co-authors, Dr. Chakraborty seeks apology to Bentham Science as well as throughout the scientific community as a whole for breach of ethics in scientific publishing. Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for not detecting this during the publishing process. We thank the Chair of the Editorial Board of the Biochemical Journal for bringing this breach of conduct to our attention.
Modeling External Carbon Addition in Biological Nutrient Removal Processes with an Extension of the International Water Association Activated Sludge Model
Authors: Swinarski M. , Makinia J. , Stensel H.D. , Czerwionka K. , Drewnowski J.
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to expand the International Water Association Activated Sludge Model No. 2d (ASM2d) to account for a newly defined readily biodegradable substrate that can be consumed by polyphosphate‐accumulating organisms (PAOs) under anoxic and aerobic conditions, but not under anaerobic conditions. The model change was to add a new substrate component and process terms for its use by PAOs and other heterotrophic bacteria under anoxic and aerobic conditions. The Gdansk (Poland) wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), which has a modified University of Cape Town (MUCT) process for nutrient removal, provided field data and mixed liquor for batch tests for model evaluation. The original ASM2d was first calibrated under dynamic conditions with the results of batch tests with settled wastewater and mixed liquor, in which nitrate‐uptake rates, phosphorus‐release rates, and anoxic phosphorus uptake rates were followed. Model validation was conducted with data from a 96‐hour measurement campaign in the full‐scale WWTP. The results of similar batch tests with ethanol and fusel oil as the external carbon sources were used to adjust kinetic and stoichiometric coefficients in the expanded ASM2d. Both models were compared based on their predictions of the effect of adding supplemental carbon to the anoxic zone of an MUCT process. In comparison with the ASM2d, the new model better predicted the anoxic behaviors of carbonaceous oxygen demand, nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N), and phosphorous (PO4‐P) in batch experiments with ethanol and fusel oil. However, when simulating ethanol addition to the anoxic zone of a full‐scale biological nutrient removal facility, both models predicted similar effluent NO3‐N concentrations (6.6 to 6.9 g N/m3). For the particular application, effective enhanced biological phosphorus removal was predicted by both models with external carbon addition but, for the new model, the effluent PO4‐P concentration was approximately one‐half of that found from ASM2d. On a PO4‐P removal percentage basis, the difference was small, that is, 94.1 vs 97.1%, respectively, for the ASM2d and expanded ASM2d.
Removal of Low Concentrations of Ammonium and Humic Acid from Simulated Groundwater by Vermiculite/Palygorskite Mixture
Authors: Zhang Xiuli , Lv Guocheng , Liao Libing , He Maoqian , Li Zhaohui , Wang Mingshan
Published: July 2012

Contaminants in water are classified into different types based on their physical and chemical properties. Thus, more than one type of sorbents may be needed for their removal. In this article, a combination of vermiculite with palygorskite was studied for their simultaneous removal of ammonium and humic acid from simulated groundwater. Batch results showed that the Langmuir model described ammonium adsorption well with an adsorption capacity of 22 mg/g while the humic acid adsorption data fitted to the linear adsorption better, suggesting different removal mechanisms of these two types of contaminants. Kinetic studies showed an instantaneous removal of ammonium and humic acid. A column packed with mixture of equal volumes of vermiculite and palygorskite could treat 100 pore volumes for ammonium removal at an initial concentration of 10 mg/L and 500 pore volumes for humic acid removal at an initial concentration of 20 mg/L before the effluent concentrations exceeded the standard.
The Influence of Temperature on the Effectiveness of Filamentous Bacteria Removal from Activated Sludge by Rotifers
Authors: Pajdak‐Stós Agnieszka , Fiałkowska Edyta
Published: July 2012

We investigated the feeding of the rotifer Lecane inermis on filamentous bacteria to determine if the ability of rotifers to remove filaments depends on temperature. The bacteria originated from two treatment plants, one of which was dominated by Microthrix parvicella and the other by Nostocoida limicola‐like organisms. The experiments showed that the number of rotifers increased with temperature, and thus the ability of rotifers to reduce the number of filaments also increased with temperature. At 8°C, their removal effectiveness was low, but the rotifers were able to survive at this temperature. When presented with sludge containing N. limicola‐like microorganisms at 20°C, the rotifers reduced the number of bacteria by 95%. In the case of M. parvicella, the reduction reached 50%. The results confirmed that Lecane are capable of controlling the growth of bacteria responsible for sludge bulking. This is the first report indicating that the seasonality of bulking may be the result of the activity of filamentous bacteria grazers, which is temperature dependent.
Biodegradation of Phenol by Ralstonia eutropha in a Kissiris‐Immobilized Cell Bioreactor
Authors: Nickzad Arvin , Mogharei Azadeh , Monazzami Alireza , Jamshidian Hajar , Vahabzadeh Farzaneh
Published: July 2012

This study examined the biodegradation of phenol by Ralstonia eutropha in a Kissiris‐ immobilized cell bioreactor (ICB), operated in a repeated batch recycling mode.. The steady biodegradation rate of 23.7 mg/g/h, over a wide range of the initial phenol concentrations up to 1400 mg/L in the ICB, indicated an increased tolerance limit of the Kissiris‐immobilized cells towards phenol. Both Haldane and Luong substrate inhibition models were used to describe biodegradation kinetic of free cells system. The Haldane equation gave the following values for the biokinetic parameters: μmax = 0.36 h−1, KS = 40.48 mg/L, and Ki = 181.9 mg/L. However, according to the Luong model, these parameters were μmax = 0.23 h−1, KS = 24.8 mg/L, Sm = 1018 mg/L, and n = 1.3. By following appropriate operational conditions and use of the ICB, it was found to be possible to extend the efficiency of the highly porous structure of the siliceous mineral Kissiris in cell immobilization. This holds significant promise for pollutant biodegradation issues.
Second‐Order Chlorine Decay and Trihalomethanes Formation in a Pilot‐Scale Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Cong Li , Yang Y. Jeffrey , Jieze Yu , Tu‐qiao Zhang , Xinwei Mao , Weiyun Shao
Published: July 2012

It is well known that model‐building of chlorine decay in real water distribution systems is difficult because chlorine decay is influenced by many factors (e.g., bulk water demand, pipe‐wall demand, piping material, flow velocity, and residence time). In this paper, experiments were run to investigate the kinetic model of chlorine decay and the formation model of trihalomethanes (THMs) in pilot‐scale water distribution systems. Experimental results show that the rate constants of chlorine decay, including wall decay and bulk decay, increasing with temperature. Moreover, the kinetic model of chlorine decay and the formation model of THMs describe experiment data of pilot‐scale water distribution systems. The effect of different piping material on chlorine decay and THMs formation were also investigated. The rate constants of chlorine decay are ranked in order: stainless steel pipe, ductile iron pipe, and last, polyethelene pipe because wall decay is the largest in stainless steel pipe than that in other piping material. Correspondingly, the rate of THMs formation follows the order of stainless steel pipe, ductile iron pipe, and last, polyethelene pipe because of less chlorine in bulk water reacting with the trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP).
Environmental Monitoring Model for a Drainage Basin Obtained through Spectral Analysis of Time Series
Authors: Faht Guilherme , da Silva Marcos Rivail , Pinheiro Adilson , Kaufmann Vander , de Águida Leandro Mazzuco
Published: July 2012

The quality of results of an environmental monitoring plan is limited to the weakest component, which could be the analytical approach or sampling method. Considering both the possibilities and the fragility that sampling methods offer, this environmental monitoring study focused on the uncertainties caused by the time component. Four time series of nutrient concentration at two sampling points (PB1 and PB2) in the Ribeirão Garcia basin in Blumenau, Brazil, which were significantly correlated to the spatial component, were considered with a 2‐hour resolution to develop efficient sampling models. These models were based on the time at which there was the highest tendency toward adverse environmental effects. Fourier spectral analysis was used to evaluated the time series and resulted in two sampling models: (1) the SMCP (Sampling Model for Critical Period) that operated with 100% efficiency for registering the highest concentration of nutrients and was valid for 83% of the studied parameters; and (2) the SMGCP (Sampling Model for Global Critical Period) that operated with 83 and 50% efficiency for PB1 and PB2, respectively.
Seasonal variations of microbiological parameters of water quality of the Velika Morava river Serbia
Authors: Kolarevic S. , Knezevic-Vukcevic Jelena , Paunovic M. , Vasiljevic Bozica , Kracun Margareta , Gacic Z. , Vukovic-Gacic Branka
Published: July 2012

In this study, we investigated the level of sanitary pollution and organic
contamination of the Velika Morava River, the largest river in central
Serbia. Samples of water for microbiological analysis were collected at 5
sites, monthly, from April 2010 to February 2011. Sanitary analysis, i.e.
enumeration of total and fecal coliforms and intestinal enterococci,
indicated moderate to critical fecal contamination, while organic load
assessment (oligotroph to heterotroph ratio, index of phosphatase activity)
revealed the category of moderately polluted water. We also investigated
seasonal variations of these groups of bacteria and the factors that could
contribute to these differences. Our results showed that the micro-
biological quality of the water in the Velika Morava River during different
seasons is affected by numerous factors such as unequal loading of
wastewaters, solar irradiation, and relations of flow/dilution and
rainfall/runoff.
Ecological and zoogeographical significance of terrestrial isopods from the Carei Plain natural reserve (Romania)
Authors: Ferenţi Sára , Cupsa Diana , Covaciu-Marcov S.D.
Published: July 2012

In the Carei Plain natural reserve we identified 15 terrestrial isopod
species: Haplophthalmus mengii, Haplophthalmus danicus, Hyloniscus riparius,
Hyloniscus transsylvanicus, Plathyarthrus hoffmannseggii, Cylisticus
convexus, Porcellionides pruinosus, Protracheoniscus politus, Trachelipus
arcuatus, Trachelipus nodulosus, Trachelipus rathkii, Porcellium collicola,
Porcellio scaber, Armadillidium vulgare and Armadillidium versicolor. The
highest species diversity is found in wetlands, while the lowest is in
plantations and forests. On the Carei Plain, there are some terrestrial
isopods that are normally connected with higher altitudes. Moreover, some
sylvan species are present in the open wetlands. Unlike marshes, sand dunes
present anthropophilic and invasive species. The diversity of the terrestrial
isopods from the Carei Plain protected area is high due to the habitats?
diversity and the history of this area. Thus, the composition of the
terrestrial isopod communities from the area underlines its distinct
particularities, emphasizing the necessity of preserving the natural
habitats.
Preliminary checklists for applying SERCON (System for Evaluating Rivers for Conservation) to rivers in Serbia
Authors: Radulovic Snezana , Boon P.J. , Laketic Dusanka , Simonovic P. , Puzovic S. , Zivkovic Milica , Jurca Tamara , Ovuka M. , Malaguti S. , Teodorovic Ivana
Published: July 2012

This paper describes the first steps in gathering biological data to assess
the conservation value of rivers in Serbia, using SERCON (System for
Evaluating Rivers for Conservation). SERCON was developed in the UK to
improve consistency in assessments of river ?quality? by using a scoring
system to evaluate habitat features and species groups, catchment
characteristics, and the potential impacts to which river systems may be
subjected. This paper provides checklists for aquatic, semiaquatic and
marginal plants, macroinvertebrates, fish and birds associated with rivers in
Serbia, collated from a wide range of published and unpublished sources.
These lists should be regarded as provisional because few wide-ranging
biological surveys have been carried out specifically on Serbian rivers;
further revisions are likely as more information becomes available in future.
Ultimately, the work will benefit regulators and decision-makers with
responsibility for river management under the new Water Law, and contribute
to river protection and conservation in Serbia.
Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Libyan medicinal plants in experimental animals
Authors: Elmezogi Jamal , Zetrini Abdulmottaleb , Ben-Hussein Ghazala , Anwair Masoud , Gbaj Abdul , El-Ashheb Mabrouka , Nahar Lutfun , Sarker Satyajit
Published: July 2012

Ballota pseudodictamnus (L.) Benth. (Lamiaceae), Salvia fruticosa Mill.
(Lamiaceae) and Thapsia garganica L. (Apiaceae) are three well-known
medicinal plants from the Libyan flora, which have long been used for the
treatment of inflammations. The aim of the present study was to investigate,
for the first time, the anti-inflammatory property of the methanol (MeOH)
extracts of the aerial parts of these plants. Shade-dried and ground aerial
parts of B. pseudodictamnus, S. fruticosa) and T. garganica were
Soxhlet-extracted with MeOH. The extracts were concentrated by evaporation
under reduced pressure at 40?C. The anti-inflammatory activity of the
extracts was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced mice paw edema model.
The administration of the extracts at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight
produced statistically significant inhibition (p < 0.05) of edema within 3 h
of carrageenan administration. The results demonstrated significant
anti-inflammatory properties of the test extracts. Among the extracts, the S.
fruticosa extract exhibited the most significant inhibition of inflammation
after 3 h (62.1%). Thus, S. fruticosa could be a potential source for the
discovery and development of newer anti-inflammatory ?leads? for drug
development. The anti-inflammatory activity of B. pseudodictamnus and S.
fruticosa could be assumed to be related to high levels of phenolic
compounds, e.g., flavonoids, present in these plants.
Alkaloid profile, antibacterial and allelopathic activities of Lupinus jaimehintoniana B.L. Turner (Fabaceae)
Authors: Villa-Ruano Nemesio , Pacheco-Hernández Yesenia , Rubio-Rosas Efraín , Ruiz-González Nancy , Cruz-Duran Ramiro , Lozoya-Gloria Edmundo , Zurita-Vásquez Guilibaldo , Franco-Monsreal José
Published: July 2012

Herein we describe some aspects of the ethnobotanical use and the first
alkaloid profile of Lupinus jaimehintoniana, the 5 to 8 m high arboreous
lupine. Five quinolizidine alkaloids identified as sparteine,
5,6-dehydrolupanine, lupanine, nuttalline, and d-thermopsine, were
characterized by the respective elution order according to their electronic
impact spectra, lupanine being the most abundant in the four different
tissues analyzed. Simultaneously, an antibacterial assessment of the four
corresponding crude methanolic extracts, as well as the four semi-purified
alkaloids was performed on specific Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium
tumefaciens strains. These experiments resulted in MIC ranges of 37-61 ?g
mL-1 and 130-146 ?g mL-1, respectively. for both bacterial species. Finally,
the allelopathic activity of these extracts on the germination of Lactuca
sativa seeds was demonstrated to be in the range of 50-300 ?g mL-1 for both
semi-purified alkaloid and methanolic extracts.
Activity of gypsy moth dorsolateral neurosecretory neurons under increased rearing density
Authors: Ilijin Larisa , Vlahovic Milena , Mrdakovic Marija , Lazarevic Jelica , Matic Dragana , Nenadovic Vera , Peric-Mataruga Vesna
Published: July 2012

Lymantria dispar caterpillars were reared under two different rearing
densities for the first three days of the 4th larval instar: 5 larvae that
were kept in a Petri dish (V = 80 ml) belonged to the intense stress (D1
group); 5 larvae that were kept in a plastic cup (V = 300ml) belonged to the
group exposed to less intense stress (D2 group). In the control group, single
larvae were reared in a Petri dish. Morphometric changes in L1, L2 and L2?
dorsolateral neurosecretory neurons (nsn) were analyzed. After keeping 5
larvae in a Petri dish, the size of L2 neurosecretory neurons (nsn)
significantly increased. Rearing 5 larvae in a plastic cup significantly
increased the size of L1 nsn nuclei and the number of L2?nsn. A decrease in
relative band densities in the region of molecular masses (11-15 kD) that
correspond to prothoracicotropic hormones in the gypsy moth was observed in
the electrophoretic profiles that were obtained after both treatments in
comparison to the control group.
A new Epigean pseudoscorpion from east Serbia: Chthonius (Ephippiochthonius) timacensis n. sp. (Chthoniidae, Pseudoscorpiones)
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Dimitrijevic R.N. , Stojanovic D.Z.
Published: July 2012

Only five species of Chthonius C. L. Koch (subgenus Ephippiochthonius Beier,
1930) (Chthoniidae) are presently known from Serbia. Among these, one should
mention Chthonius (Ephippiochthonius) bidentatus Beier, 1939 (endemic to the
Petnicka Pecina Cave in Western Serbia), C. (E.) kemza Curcic, Lee & Makarov,
1993 (from a cave in Eastern Serbia), C. (E.) microtuberculatus Hadzi, 1937
(distributed in southern Serbia, FYROM, and Bulgaria), C. (E.) tetrachelatus
(Preyssler), 1970 (widely distributed all over the world), C. (E.) metohicus
Curcic, 2011 (from the UN Administered Province of Kosovo), and C. (E.)
civitatisveti Curcic & Radja, 2011 (from southern Croatia), respectively.
However, a new epigean species belonging to the genus Chthonius - Chthonius
(Ephippiochthonius) timacensis Curcic & Stojanovic n. sp. is described from
eastern Serbia and is endemic to the area studied. Its taxonomic
relationships with the phenetically close congeners C. (E.) metohicus Curcic
and C. (E.) tetrachelatus (Preyssler), as well as its comparative
morphological traits, are described.
Life quality of the elderly with immediate total dentures
Authors: Dzambas Lj. , Gnjato Sanja , Vukic Z.
Published: July 2012

The quality of life for patients treated with immediate total dentures can be
greatly improved, regardless of age. Modern achievements within the fields of
medicine and stomatology do not cover the numerous contraindications when it
comes to prosthetic recovery as a result of total immediate dentures.
Electrical characteristics of female and male human skin
Authors: Simic-Krstic Jovana , Kalauzi A. , Ribar S. , Lazovic G. , Radojicic R.
Published: July 2012

Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is a popular method for characterizing the
electrical properties of biological tissues. In this study, BIS measurement
data of female and male human skin were analyzed and compared. The electrical
characteristics of tissue were followed according to four-parameters of the
Cole-Cole model: low frequency resistance R0; high frequency resistance R?;
relaxation time t and parameter a. Individual electrical characteristics of
human skin were determined for 30 women and 30 men. The distribution and
one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) of the Cole-Cole parameters R0,
R?, t, a within the human population indicated their different dependence on
gender. Parameter a, which is higher in the female subjects (a =0.83?0.03)
than in the male subjects (a=0.7?0.05), is strongly dependent on gender
(p=0). Parameter R? also significantly depends on gender (p=0.002), while t
and R0 seem to be slightly related to gender (p>0.05).
Inflammation, nutritional status, PUFA profile and outcome in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Perunicic-Pekovic Gordana , Rasic-Milutinovic Zorica , Gluvic Z. , Lackovic Milena , Ristic-Medic Danijela , Glibetic Marija
Published: July 2012

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) include a significant percentage
of malnourished patients with other risk factors: dyslipoproteinemia, insulin
resistance, increased oxidative stress and inflammation that together impair
endothelial function. Abnormal polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) patterns
are reported in patients with ESRD. The basic mechanisms of these disorders
are connected with changes in cell functions at the membrane level. Vascular
smooth muscle cell proliferation plays an important role in the pathogenesis
of atherosclerosis. We have examined the association between atherosclerotic
risk factors and nutritional status in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Mortality
was followed for up to 18 month. Forty-three HD patients were examined (20
males, 23 females, ages 55?12 years). Nutritional and inflammatory markers,
including serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis
factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), were measured. There was
significant positive correlation between the plasma albumin level and CRP.
Significant correlation was found between plasma the cholesterol level and
some PUFA. Increasing inflammation and endothelial dysfunction predict the
development of vascular disease. We report on the relationship between
inflammatory markers and nutritional parameter, indices of atherosclerosis
and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients on hemodialysis.
Gaseous neurotransmitter nitric oxide: Its role in experimental models of epilepsy
Authors: Hrncic D. , Rasic-Markovic Aleksandra , Bjekic-Macut Jelica , Susic Veselinka , Mladenovic D. , Djuric D. , Stanojlovic† Olivera
Published: July 2012

Epilepsy is one of the leading neurological disorders and affects 1-2% of the
world?s population. Generally, it is a result of an imbalance between
excitatory and inhibitory phenomena in the central nervous system (CNS), but
the mechanisms of its initiation and propagation still require further
investigations. Experimental models represent one of the most powerful tools
to better understand the mechanisms of epileptogenesis. Nitric oxide (NO) is
gaseous molecule with pleiotropic physiological and pathological effects in
almost all organ systems and intriguing biological relevance, especially in
the CNS where it acts as a gaseous neurotransmitter. The role of NO in the
generation of epilepsy is highly contradictory, since there is evidence of
its anticonvulsive, as well as proconvulsive properties. Therefore, we will
discuss in this review the involvement of NO-mediated signaling pathways in
the mechanisms of epileptogenesis, taking into account the findings revealed
in experimental studies on animal models of epilepsy.
Behavioral and electroencephalographic manifestations of thioacetamide-induced encephalopathy: Possible mechanisms of neurotoxic effects
Authors: Mladenovic D. , Hrncic D. , Rasic-Markovic A. , Stanojlovic Olivera
Published: July 2012

Although there is still no ideal experimental model of hepatic
encephalopathy, thioacetamide is widely used for the induction of acute and
chronic liver failure. Thioacetamide exerts hepatotoxic effects through the
formation of toxic metabolites in hepatocytes, oxidative stress and calcium
mobilization. An ideal experimental model of hepatic encephalopathy should
have similar behavioral and electroencephalographic manifestations as human
encephalopathy. Thioacetamide induces motor manifestations in a
dose-dependent manner. Milder forms of thioacetamide-induced encephalopathy
are associated with an increase in relative alpha power, while more severe
forms are followed by a flattening of the electroencephalogram. liver
failure-induced hyperammonemia has a pivotal role in the neurotoxic effects
of thioacetamide. Hyperammonemia induces brain edema, alterations in
neurotransmission, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal
death. The aim of this article is to review the behavioral and
electroencephalographic manifestations of thioacetamide-induced
encephalopathy, as well as to summarize potential mechanisms involved in
thioacetamide neurotoxicity.
Direct PCR amplification of the HVSI region in mitochondrial DNA from buccal cell swabs
Authors: Kovacevic-Grujicic Natasa , Davidovic S. , Takic Dijana , Mojsin Marija , Stevanovic Milena
Published: July 2012

Amplification of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been widely used in
population genetics, human evolutionary and molecular anthropology studies.
mtDNA hypervariable segments I and II (HVSI and HVSII) were shown to be a
suitable tool in genetic analyses due to the unique properties of mtDNA, such
as the lack of recombination, maternal mode of inheritance, rapid
evolutionary rate and high population-specific polymorphisms. Here we present
a rapid and low-cost method for direct PCR amplification of a 330 bp fragment
of HVSI from buccal cell samples. Avoiding the DNA isolation step makes this
method appropriate for the analysis of a large number of samples in a short
period of time. Since the transportation of samples and fieldwork conditions
can affect the quality of samples and subsequent DNA analysis, we tested the
effects of long-term storage of buccal cell swabs on the suitability of such
samples for direct PCR amplification. We efficiently amplified a 330 bp
fragment of HVSI even after the long-term storage of buccal cells at room
temperature, +4?C or at -20?C, for up to eight months. All examined PCR
products were successfully sequenced, regardless of sample storage time and
conditions. Our results suggest that the direct PCR amplification of the HVSI
region from buccal cells is a method well suited for large-scale mtDNA
population studies.