bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of norovirus removal performance in a coagulation–ceramic microfiltration process by using recombinant norovirus virus-like particles
Authors: Shirasaki N. , Matsushita T. , Matsui Y. , Urasaki T. , Oshiba A. , Ohno K.
Published: April 2010

Norovirus (NV) is a prototype strain of a group of human caliciviruses responsible for epidemic outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Because of the lack of a cell culture system or an animal model for this virus, studies on drinking water treatment such as separation and disinfection processes are still hampered. In the present study, we investigated NV removal performance as particles during a coagulation–ceramic microfiltration (MF) process by using recombinant NV virus-like particles (rNV-VLPs), which are morphologically and antigenically similar to native NV. We also experimentally investigated the behaviors of two widely accepted surrogates for pathogenic waterborne viruses, bacteriophages Qβ and MS2, for comparison with the behavior of rNV-VLPs. More than 4-log removal was observed for rNV-VLPs with a 1.08 mg-Al/L dose of polyaluminium chloride in the coagulation–ceramic MF process. This high removal ratio of rNV-VLPs satisfies the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirement of 4-log removal or inactivation. In addition, the removal ratios of Qβ and MS2 were approximately 2-log and 1-log, smaller than the ratio of rNV-VLPs. Accordingly, both bacteriophages have the potential to become appropriate surrogates for native NV in the coagulation–ceramic MF process, and, of the two, Qβ is the more conservative surrogate.
Using RuO2 anode for chlorine dioxide production in an un-divided electrochemical cell
Authors: Chandrasekara Pillai K. , Kwon Tae Ok , Park Bo Bae , Moon Il Shik
Published: April 2010

Chlorine dioxide is a well known powerful disinfectant. Although there are several chemical and electrochemical methods developed for on-line chlorine dioxide generation, the details are mostly confined as patents. We studied in this work the electrochemical generation of dissolved chlorine dioxide from an un-buffered solution of sodium chlorite and sodium chloride mixture in an un-divided electrochemical cell set-up with RuO2-coated-Ti anode and Pt-coated-Ti cathode under constant current mode. Various process parameters including feed flow rate (10 to 150 ml/min), feed solution pH (2.3 to 9.4), concentration of sodium chloride (0 to 170 mM), concentration of sodium chlorite (0 to 7.7 mM), and the applied current (100 to 1,200 mA) were optimized. Experiments were conducted by performing single pass experiments, with no circulation. The current efficiency and the power consumption were calculated for the optimized conditions, and compared with IrO2 electrode of our previous investigation.
Ammonium removal from aqueous solutions by zeolite adsorption together with chemical precipitation
Authors: Wen T. , Zhang X. , Zhang H. Q. , Liu J. D.
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study was to remove ammonium from aqueous solution and recycle ammonium. Ammonium removal from aqueous solution by natural and pretreated zeolites, breakthrough curve, chemical regeneration of pretreated zeolite, ammonium removal from regeneration solution by chemical precipitation and NH4+ adsorption isotherms were investigated by conducting a series of batch and continuous experiments in this study. Morphologies and structures of zeolites were analyzed by Surface Area and Pore Size analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The NH4+-N removal efficiencies by natural and NaCl-treated zeolite were 30.73% and 85.55% respectively at an initial concentration of 100 mg/L. Breakthrough and exhaustion capacities for adsorption of ammonium ions were 3.36 and 4.26 mg /g (NH4+-N/zeolite), respectively. After chemical regeneration, NH4+-N removal efficiency by NaCl-treated zeolite only reduced 9.95% than previously. NH4+-N concentration of the regeneration solution was reduced from 460 to 74.55 mg/L by chemical precipitation. The Freundlich isotherm provided a slightly more consistent fit to the experimental data of ammonium adsorption on NaCl-treated zeolite than Langmuir. Based on the results, it was concluded that the objective of this study had been well achieved.
Removal of acidic indigo carmine textile dye from aqueous solutions using radiation induced cationic hydrogels
Authors: Sari Müfrettin Murat
Published: April 2010

This study examined the removal of acidic indigo carmine dyes from aqueous solutions using cationic hydrogels. Irradiated hydrogels were investigated as a new sorbent for dye removal from aqueous solution. Poly(N,N-Diethylamino ethyl methacrylate) [poly(DEAEMA)] hydrogels were prepared by radiation polymerisation of N,N-diethylamino ethyl methacrylate [DEAEMA] monomer in the presence of cross-linking agent, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate [EGDMA], and used for the removal of acidic indigo carmine textile dye. The adsorption of dyes was examined using a batch sorption technique. The effects of pH, time and initial dye concentration on the adsorption capacity of hydrogels were investigated. Maximum gelation ratio was 98.2% at irradiation dose of 5.3 kGy. Maximum equilibrium volume swelling, V/V0, value was 21.3 at pH 2.8. Maximum amount of adsorbed indigo carmine onto hydrogels was 96.7 mg dye/g gel at pH 2.8, 21 h of adsorption time and 120 mg/L initial dye solution. Swelling and adsorption capacity increased with decreasing of pH. Compared with Congo red, amounts of adsorbed indigo carmine are much higher than those of Congo red. Langmuir isotherm model was the best fit for these poly(DEAEMA) hydrogels-indigo carmine systems.
Removal patterns of particulate and dissolved forms of pollutants in a stormwater wetland
Authors: Yi Qitao , Yu Jianghua , Kim Youngchul
Published: April 2010

A 0.23-ha pilot wetland was constructed to examine its effectiveness for the control of nonpoint source pollution (NPS) from a 7.42-ha agricultural watershed in Korea. This research emphasised the removal patterns of particulate and dissolved forms of pollutants on both dry (base flow) and wet days (storm flow). The hydraulic loading rates were high on rainy days, with an average value of 0.78 m/day, but around 0.08 m/day on dry days. Particulate forms of pollutants, such as TSS, COD and TP, were removed to a greater extent on wet days due to sedimentation. On wet days, the incoming concentrations of NH4-N and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) were higher than during dry days, and can be partly retained via filtration and adsorption as they go through the wetland. The retention of TP and TSS on dry days could be affected by short antecedent dry days (ADDs), which will cause frequent hydraulic fluctuations in the wetland. Nitrogen removal is not influenced by this condition, with an average retention of around 20% on dry days, higher than the 6% removal on wet days.
Assessing the abundance and activity of denitrifying polyphosphate accumulating organisms through molecular and chemical techniques
Authors: Oehmen Adrian , Carvalho Gilda , Freitas Filomena , Reis Maria AM
Published: April 2010

Biological nutrient removal (BNR) plants can reduce both carbon and oxygen requirements by increasing the fraction of phosphorus (P) removed by denitrifying polyphosphate accumulating organisms (DPAOs). Contrasting findings have been reported in literature concerning whether or not PAOs and DPAOs are different microorganisms. In this study, quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) measurements from different EBPR sludges support the hypothesis that PAOs and DPAOs are phyogenetically different. This experimental evidence is discussed within the context of literature findings and suggestions for future research concerning the identity of PAOs and DPAOs are proposed. Further, this paper discusses the different methodologies available for assessing the DPAO fraction through chemical analytical techniques, where the relative fraction estimated is highly dependent on the methodology employed. Thus, we recommend an alteration to previously proposed methods in order to calculate the DPAO fraction through anaerobic-anoxic and anaerobic-aerobic batch tests. This information is expected to be valuable in studies focussed on optimising the amount of phosphorus removal achieved with simultaneous denitrification.
Temporal variation in maximum cell-specific nitrification rate
Authors: Fujita M. , Tsuji K. , Akashi A.
Published: April 2010

The cell numbers of ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOBs), Nitrospira and Nitrobacter in activated sludge used to treat wastewater from a thermal power plant in Japan were examined for nine months using a real-time PCR quantification technique. AOB cell numbers ranged 2.8 × 1010–2.3 × 1011 cell/L. The amoA clone analysis showed that the only Nitrosomonas halophila was responsible for ammonia oxidation over the period. Nitrospira were in the range of 2.6 × 109–2.4 × 1010 cell/L and Nitrobacter were less than 1% as common as Nitrospira. Meanwhile, maximum nitrification rates, maximum ammonia- and nitrite-oxidation rates obtained from aerobic batch tests, ranged 0.5–1.3 mmol-N/L h and 1.0–2.5 mmol-N/L h, respectively. No clear correlations were observed between the cell numbers of AOBs or Nitrospira and their maximum rates, because the maximum cell-specific ammonia- and nitrite-oxidation rates varied remarkably over the ranges of 1.1–11.9 and 2.4–21.6 fmol-N/cell h, respectively. To explore the factors controlling maximum cell-specific nitrification rates, the relationship to influent nitrogen loads per AOB or Nitrospira cell numbers was investigated. Fairly good correlations were obtained. Considering the effluent ammonia and nitrite concentrations were zero and only Nitrosomonas halophila had a role in ammonia oxidation over the period, we conclude that the amount of nitrogen oxidised per AOB or Nitrospira cell numbers likely controls maximum cell-specific ammonia- or nitrite-oxidation rates, respectively.
Polysaccharide from Anacardium occidentale L. tree gum (Policaju) as a coating for Tommy Atkins mangoes
Authors: Souza Marthyna , Cerqueira Miguel , Souza Bartolomeu , Teixeira José , Porto Ana , Vicente António , Carneiro-da-Cunha Maria
Published: April 2010

Policaju-based coatings were applied on “Tommy Atkins” mangoes and the effects of four different treatments on mango shelf-life were evaluated under storage condition at 4°C and 82 % of relative humidity over 28 days. The surface tension of mangoes was found to be 29.04 mN m−1; the dispersive and polar components were 27.57 mN m−1 and 1.47 mN m−1, respectively, and the critical surface tension was 22.7 mN m−1. A significantly lower mass loss was observed in all mangoes treated with Policaju-based coatings. For all applied treatments, no significant variation in the total soluble solids and pH was detected over the experimental storage time. The results show that Policaju-based coatings have a positive effect on the shelf-life extension of mangoes at low storage temperatures (4°C).
Preparation and properties of surfactant-bacillolysin ion-pair in organic solvents
Authors: Zhang Ying , Gu Jiadong , Wang Shugen , Fan Xuerong
Published: April 2010

The transesterification-active enzyme bacillolysin was extracted into organic solvents such as isooctane by enzyme-AOT (bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate) ion-pairing preserving its natural second structure and catalytic activity. Extraction efficiency was affected by the interaction mode of the two phases, ionic strength, and pH of aqueous phase, surfactant and enzyme concentration. Magnetic stirring with phase mixing was favorable for the enzyme extraction. Optimal ionic strength and pH were 8 mM CaCl2 and 5.0, respectively. Critical number of AOT molecule for an enzyme molecule to be extracted into isooctane was 89. Optimal initial enzyme concentration in the aqueous phase was 7 mg mL−1 while the initial AOT concentration in isooctane was 3 mM. Within CMC (critical micellar concentration) of AOT in isooctane, the increase of initial AOT concentration enhanced the extraction efficiency.
A novel, stereoselective and practical protocol for the synthesis of 4β-aminopodophyllotoxins
Authors: Liu Ying-Qian , Li Lin-Hai , Yang Liu , Li Hong-Yu
Published: April 2010

Ritter reaction of podophyllotoxins with chloroacetonitrile and subsequent cleavage of the chloroacetyl group in the resulting chloroacetamide with thiourea under both classical heating and ultrasonic conditions is an efficient procedure for the synthesis of 4β-aminopodophyllotoxins. In general, significant improvements in the rates of reaction and yields of the sonochemical reactions relative to the classical heating reactions were observed.
Multi-elemental analysis of marine sediment reference material MESS-3: one-step microwave digestion and determination by high resolution inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS)
Authors: Roje Vibor
Published: April 2010

Single-step microwave digestion methods using four different acidic dissolving reagents were investigated with the main objective to obtain a simple, rapid method for multi-elemental analysis of marine sediment samples by high resolution inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HRICP-MS), especially for environmental studies. Closed-vessels microwave digestion procedures were carried out using the reagents as follows: HNO3, mixture of HNO3-HCl (φ r = 9: 1), aqua regia, and mixture of HNO3-HCl-HF (φ r = 8: 1: 1). The elements analyzed were: Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, and Zn. Good recoveries were established for many of the metals analyzed even when only nitric acid was employed. However, for a good recovery of Sb and Tl, aqua regia should be employed.
Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and tyrosinase inhibition activities of acetone extract of Ascophyllum nodosum
Authors: Jiménez Jakeline , O’Connell Shane , Lyons Henry , Bradley Benjamin , Hall Michael
Published: April 2010

The search for new antioxidants of natural origin derived from plants and seaweeds is still very important at present. In our study, the acetone extract of A. nodosum was investigated for its potential use as a natural antioxidant, natural feed additive with antibacterial activity and as a tyrosinase inhibitor. This study could be useful in the context of improved utilization of the A. nodosum extract in the food and cosmetics industry, being not only economically advantageous but also environmentally friendly. Extracts showed antioxidant activity with application of different methodologies: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydracil DPPH· radicals scavenging (39 %, 4 mg of freeze-dried sample), β-carotene-linoleic acid antioxidant assay (11 %, 4 mg of freeze-dried sample), O2· radicals scavenging activity (IC50 0.43 mg mL−1), OH· radicals scavenging activity (IC50 1.55 mg mL−1), and iron chelation ability (IC50 0.56 mg mL−1). The extract showed considerable antibacterial activity being more effective against gram-positive bacteria (Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus) than against gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus aerogenes). Results of tyrosinase assay for the acetone extract of Ascophyllum nodosum presented 65.6 % inhibition of tyrosinase activity at the IC50 value of 0.1 mg mL−1. The outcomes of our study support potential utilization of this brown seaweed as a source of natural antioxidants. Antioxidant activity of the studied seaweed can be apparently explained by the free radicals scavenging activity, particularly related to the mechanisms of O2−· radicals scavenging activity, OH· radicals inactivation, and iron chelation ability.
Theoretical binding affinities and spectra of complexes formed by a cyclic β-peptoid with amino acids
Authors: Sun Yu , Du Jinpei , Wang Ying , Wu Shi
Published: April 2010

Binding affinities of a cyclic β-peptoid to amino acids were studied using the density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level after the basis set superior error (BSSE). The host molecule possesses binding ability to amino acids since the binding energies of the complexes formed are negative. The complexes were stabilized via hydrogen bonds between the host and the guest molecules. Based on the B3LYP/6-31G(d) optimized geometries, electronic spectra of the complexes were calculated using the INDO/CIS method. 13C NMR spectra and nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) values of the complexes were computed at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. Carbon atoms in the carboxyl groups of the complexes are shifted downfield relative to those of the host. Some complexes exhibit aromaticity although the host shows anti-aromaticity. Formation of hydrogen bonds leads to cyclic current formation in these complexes.
Shaping RNA Structures with Metal Ions and Metal Ion Complexes
Authors: Sigel Roland K. O. , Gallo Sofia
Published: April 2010

The research in our laboratory focuses on the role of metal ions and their complexes in structure formation and folding of nucleic acids. Large catalytic RNAs, like group II introns and some riboswitches, as well as shorter RNAs and DNAs containing modified nucleotides for the assembly
of nanodevices are examined. Abundant metal ions like Mg2+ or natural metabolites like coenzyme B12 are in the center of interest, but also other metal ions, complexes thereof and B12 derivatives are applied with the aim to understand the largely unknown and
manifold non-covalent interactions with nucleic acids. We apply a multitude of techniques, including potentiometric pH titrations, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, gel electrophoresis and single molecule FRET experiments. Here we briefly summarize each of our research topics emphasizing
the interaction of coenzyme B12 and its derivatives with the btuB riboswitch of E. coli. This highly conserved sequence, found in the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the btuB mRNA, is involved in the regulation of the btuB protein expression. After a summary
on the historical discovery of such riboswitches and their mechanism of action, we shortly focus on our own contributions to understand the structural equilibrium, high affinity and selectivity of the interaction between this specific RNA sequence and the largest and most complex cellular
metabolite, coenzyme B12.
From Relative to Absolute Quantification of Tryptic Peptides with Tandem Mass Tags: Application to Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Dayon Loïc , Turck Natacha , Scherl Alexander , Hochstrasser Denis F. , Burkhard Pierre R. , Sanchez Jean-Charles
Published: April 2010

Quantification is a major task in proteomics. Among the different analytical strategies to enable peptide and protein quantification, tagging with isotopic labels has emerged as a practical, versatile, and efficient alternative. In particular, isobaric labels, such as TMT or iTRAQ,
are now widely employed to make relative comparison of the protein amounts in separate biological samples with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). We used herein a shotgun proteomic approach based on labelling with tandem mass tags (TMTs) for the relative quantification of proteins, and the
absolute quantification of their tryptic peptides in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). First, the comparison of ante- and post-mortem CSF samples was carried out for the discovery of protein marker candidates of brain-damage disorders. Second, tryptic peptides representative of
these candidates were measured in CSF using reporter-ion calibration curves. These works highlighted the advantages and limitations of such strategies for quantification purposes in proteomics.
Stereoselective Block of hERG Channel by Bupivacaine Scrutinized at Molecular Level
Authors: Grilo Liliana Sintra , Carrupt Pierre-Alain , Daina Antoine
Published: April 2010

In the heart, the hERG voltage-gated potassium channel mediates the IKr current, which is crucial for the duration of cardiac action potential. Undesired block of the channel may prolong the QT interval with increased risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmia called torsades
de pointes. Although the molecular determinants of hERG block are intensively studied, stereoselectivity has been poorly investigated. Levo-(S)-bupivacaine was the first drug reported to have higher affinity for hERG than its enantiomer. This study aims at understanding the principles
underlying the stereoselectivity of bupivacaine block with the help of molecular modeling. Putative binding modes of levo-(S)- and dextro-(R)-bupivacaine inside an open form model of hERG channel were predicted by docking simulations, allowing a clear depiction of ligand-protein
interactions. Estimated binding energies for both enantiomers to wild-type channel are in line with previously published electrophysiology measurements. These results may be considered as a confirmation at the molecular level of bupivacaine stereoselective binding towards hERG. Moreover this
information lays the foundations for a structural guideline to filter out potentially cardiotoxic drug candidates in silico.
Microwave-Assisted Nonaqueous Sol–Gel Deposition of Different Spinel Ferrites and Barium Titanate Perovskite Thin Films
Authors: Kubli Martin , Luo Li , Bilecka Idalia , Niederberger Markus
Published: April 2010

Rapid and selective heating of solvents by microwave irradiation coupled to nonaqueous sol–gel chemistry makes it possible to simultaneously synthesize metal oxide nanoparticles within minutes and deposit them on substrates. The simple immersion of substrates, such as glass slides,
in the reaction solution results after microwave heating in the deposition of homogeneous porous thin films whose thickness can be adjusted through the precursor concentration. Here we use such a microwave-assisted nonaqueous sol–gel process for the formation of various spinel ferrite
MFe2O4 (M = Fe, Co, Mn, Ni) and BaTiO3 nanoparticles and their deposition as thin films. The approach offers high flexibility with respect to controlling the crystal size by adjusting the reaction time and/or temperature. Based on the example of CoFe2O4
nanoparticles, we show how the crystal size can carefully be tuned from 4 to 8 nm, resulting in a continuous change of the magnetic properties.
An Efficient Entry to Planar Chiral Organometallic Complexes via Pd-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenolysis
Authors: Mercier Audrey , Yeo Wee Chuan , Urbaneja Xavier , Kündig E. Peter
Published: April 2010

Planar chiral chromium- and ruthenium-based arene complexes were prepared with high levels of enantioselectivity via a Pd-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenolysis reaction using a bulky chiral phosphoramidite ligand. Key elements for the efficiency of the process are the use of DABCO
as borane-trapping reagent as well as substantial kinetic resolution, which was found to enhance the stereochemical outcome of the reaction.
Oligoazobenzenes – Switching in a New Dimension
Authors: Reuter Raphael , Hostettler Nik , Neuburger Markus , Wegner Hermann A.
Published: April 2010

A new synthesis of cyclotrisazobenzene with different substituents was developed with yields of up to 30%. Solid-state structures of cyclotrisazobenzene as well as the tert-butyl derivative were obtained. Also, the photochromic properties and the complexation behaviour with alkali
metal ions of this class of molecules were investigated.
The Potential of N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes as Components for Electronically Active Materials
Authors: Schuster Oliver , Mercs Laszlo , Albrecht Martin
Published: April 2010

The application of N-heterocyclic carbene complexes as active sites in materials other than catalysis has been remarkably scarce. Inspired by the – often misleading – 'carbene' label, which implies a substantial degree of M=C ? bonding, we have been interested in evaluating
the potential of N-heterocyclic carbene complexes as building blocks for constructing electronically active materials. Electron mobility via the metal–carbon bond has been investigated in monometallic imidazol-2-ylidene complexes and subsequently expanded to polymetallic systems.
In particular, ditopic benzobisimidazolium-derived ligands have been explored for the fabrication of bimetallic molecular switches and main-chain conjugated organometallic polymers. Electrochemical analyses have allowed the degree of electronic coupling between the metal sites to be quantified
and the key parameters that govern the intermetallic communication to be identified.
Olefin Cyclopropanations via Sequential Atom Transfer Radical Addition-Dechlorination Reactions
Authors: Thommes Katrin , Severin Kay
Published: April 2010

In organic synthesis, cyclopropanation reactions are often performed with Simmons–Smith-type reagents or by transition metal catalyzed reactions of olefins with diazo compounds. A novel method for the synthesis of substituted cyclopropanes is described that is based on a two-step
reaction sequence. Olefins are reacted with 1,1'-dichlorides in a Ru-catalyzed atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) process and the resulting 1,3-dichlorides are directly converted into cyclopropanes by reductive coupling with magnesium. This one-pot procedure is applicable to a variety of
substrates and can be performed in an inter- or intramolecular fashion.
Feasibility of Methyl Mercaptane as Probe Molecule for Supported Gold Nanoparticle Surface Area Determination
Authors: Van Vegten Niels , Haider Peter , Maciejewski Marek , Krumeich Frank , Baiker Alfons
Published: April 2010

Gold nanoparticles supported on TiO2 were probed by adsorption of methyl mercaptane (MM), and the process was quantified gravimetrically. This method allowed discrimination between weakly adsorbed (physisorbed) and strongly bound (chemisorbed) methyl mercaptane. Strong adsorption
of MM occured on exposed Au faces, while low-temperature pre-treatment (30 °C) completely suppressed adsorption of MM on the TiO2 support. The thus obtained high selectivity of MM adsorption on Au enabled characterization of the gold surface area and the resulting values are
comparable with other noble metal systems of similar average particle size. The estimated adsorption stoichiometry indicates that the entire Au surface is probed.
Thermal Cleavage of the Fmoc Protection Group
Authors: Höck Stefan , Marti Roger , Riedl Rainer , Simeunovic Marina
Published: April 2010

The Fmoc protection group is among the most commonly used protection groups for the amino function. A fast method for the thermal deavage of this protection group under base-free conditions without the need for dibenzofulvene scavengers is presented. The advantages of this method include
straightforward testability by means of a simple high-temperature NMR experiment, usually high yields, and good selectivity towards the BOC protection group and t-butyl ethers.
Young Women as Activists in Contemporary Egypt
Authors: Daly Sunny
Published: April 2010

Uncertainties and ambiguities are evident in discourses of contemporary women’s activisms in Egypt, as are anxieties about young women’s roles in them. In spite of a tendency to take the NGO for granted as the site of activism in Egypt, this article highlights the activities of young women outside the usual structures. I describe a “leadership industry” that seeks to reproduce established models of activism, raising questions about the replicability of activist “pipelines” and calling attention to their use as a prop for unjust and inadequate social and political structures. Concurrently, young women’s Islamically inspired volunteerism presents an alternative notion of activism that turns away from liberal prescriptions. Drawing on key scholarship as well as my own experiences with prominent women’s NGOs and the 2008 Women as Global Leaders Conference, I seek to show how these trajectories help inform ambiguities and assumptions about contemporary women’s activism.
Three-Dimensional Landscape Visualizations: New Technique towards Wildfire and Forest Bark Beetle Management
Authors: Chou Chiao-Ying , Song Bo , Hedden Roy L. , Williams Thomas M. , Culin Joseph D. , Post Christopher J.
Published: April 2010

After a century of fire exclusion, western US forests are vulnerable to wildfire and bark beetles. Although integrated fire and pest management programs (e.g., prescribed burning and thinning) are being implemented efficiently, damage to forests continues. Management challenges come in the forms of diverse land ownership, dynamic forest landscapes, the uncertainty effect of management strategies, and social interaction of the increasing wildland-urban interface. Three-dimensional (3-D) landscape visualization is comprised of multi-spatial, multi-temporal, and multi-expression elements. Supplemented with GIS database, remote sensing images, and simulation models, this technique can provide a comprehensive communication medium for decision makers, scientists, stakeholders, and the public with diverse backgrounds on the wildfire and forest bark beetle management. The technique we describe here can be used to organize complicated temporal and spatial information, evaluate alternative management operations, and improve decision-making processes. The application and limitations of our technique are also discussed.
The Heart Failure Epidemic
Authors: Roger Véronique L.
Published: April 2010

Heart failure has been singled out as an emerging epidemic, which could be the result of increased incidence and/or increased survival leading to increased prevalence. Knowledge of the responsibility of each factor in the genesis of the epidemic is crucial for prevention. Population-based studies have shown that, over time, the incidence of heart failure remained overall stable, while survival improved. Therefore, the heart failure epidemic is chiefly one of hospitalizations. Data on temporal trends in the incidence and prevalence of heart failure according to ejection fraction and how it may have changed over time are needed while interventions should focus on reducing the burden of hospitalizations in hear failure.
(E)-2-((4R,5R)-5-((Benzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)but-2-ene-1,4-diol
Authors: Carreras Carlos R. , García Celina E. , Martín Víctor S. , Tonn Carlos E. , Díaz David Díaz , Ceñal Juan Pedro
Published: April 2010

The synthesis of (E)-2-((4R,5R)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)but-2-ene-1,4-diol by a one-step reduction of the appropriate 2-substituted butenolide is reported. Product characterization was carried out by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, elemental analysis and optical rotation.
Bioprocessing Data for the Production of Marine Enzymes
Authors: Sarkar Sreyashi , Pramanik Arnab , Mitra Anindita , Mukherjee Joydeep
Published: April 2010

This review is a synopsis of different bioprocess engineering approaches adopted for the production of marine enzymes. Three major modes of operation: batch, fed-batch and continuous have been used for production of enzymes (such as protease, chitinase, agarase, peroxidase) mainly from marine bacteria and fungi on a laboratory bioreactor and pilot plant scales. Submerged, immobilized and solid-state processes in batch mode were widely employed. The fed-batch process was also applied in several bioprocesses. Continuous processes with suspended cells as well as with immobilized cells have been used. Investigations in shake flasks were conducted with the prospect of large-scale processing in reactors.
Symmetry versus Asymmetry in the Molecules of Life: Homomeric Protein Assemblies
Authors: Kojić-Prodić Biserka , Štefanić Zoran
Published: April 2010

The essay is dedicated to the relation of symmetry and asymmetry-chirality in Nature. The Introduction defines symmetry and its impact on basic definitions in science and human activities. The following section Chirality of molecules reveals breifly development of notion of chirality and its significance in living organisms and science. Homochirality is a characteristic hallmark of life and its significance is presented in the section Homochirality of Life. Proteins, important constituents of living cells performing versatile functions are chiral macromolecules composed of L-amino acids. In particular, the protein assemblies are of a great importance in functions of a cell. Therefore, they have attracted researches to examine them from different points of view. Among proteins of known three-dimensional structures about 50–80% of them exist as homomeric protein complexes. Protein monomers lack any intrinsic, underlying symmetry, i.e. enantiomorphic protein molecules involve left-handed amino acids but their asymmetry does not appear to extend to the level of quaternary structures (homomeric complexes) as observed by Chothia in 1991. In the section Homomeric assemblies we performed our analysis of very special cases of homomers revealing non-crystallographic symmetry in crystals. Homochiral proteins can crystallize only in enantiomorphic space groups. Among 230 existing space groups 65 are enantiomorphic containing limited symmetry elements that are rotation and screw-rotation axes. Any axis of rotation symmetry of a crystal lattice must be two-fold, three-fold, four-fold, or six-fold. Five-fold, seven-fold, and higher-fold rotation symmetry axes are incompatible with the symmetry under spatial displacement of the three-dimensional crystal lattice.
Study of Dynamical Chiral Symmetry Breaking in (2 + 1) Dimensional Abelian Higgs Model
Authors: Li Jian-Feng , Huang Shi-Song , Feng Hong-Tao , Sun Wei-Min , Zong Hong-Shi
Published: April 2010

In this paper, we study the dynamical mass generation in the Abelian Higgs model in 2 + 1 dimensions. Instead of adopting the approximations in [Jiang H et al., J. Phys. A 41 2008 255402.], we numerically solve the coupled Dyson–Schwinger Equations (DSEs) for the fermion and gauge boson propagators using a specific truncation for the fermion-photon vertex ansatz and compare our results with the corresponding ones in the above mentioned paper. It is found that the results quoted in the above paper remain qualitatively unaffected by refining the truncation scheme of the DSEs, although there exist large quantitative differences between the results presented in the above paper and ours. In addition, our numerical results show that the critical number of fermion flavor Nc decreases steeply with the the gauge boson mass ma (or the ratio of the Higgs mass mh to the gauge boson mass ma, r = mh/ma) increasing. It is thus easier to generate a finite fermion mass by the mechanism of DCSB for a small ratio r for a given ma.
Miscellania about Entropy, Energy, and Available Free Energy
Authors: Müller Ingo
Published: April 2010

While the main concepts of thermodynamics are universal, the application to specific systems is not. Thus, the universal concepts combined with specific constitutive relations permit the derivation of important results in such fields as diverse as physics, chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical engineering and rheology. In all of these fields equilibrium is characterized either by a maximum of entropy or by a minimum of available free energies, depending on boundary data. In the latter case there is a compromise between the entropic tendency to grow and the energetic tendency to decrease. After some historical considerations the situation is illustrated for several specific cases: planetary atmospheres, osmosis and elastic rubber molecules, pertaining to physics, chemistry and rheology respectively. Afterwards, in the later parts of the article, thermodynamics considerations are extrapolated to remote fields, to wit evolutionary genetics and sociology.
Antigenotoxic Studies of Different Substances to Reduce the DNA Damage Induced by Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A
Authors: Madrigal-Santillán Eduardo , Morales-González José A. , Vargas-Mendoza Nancy , Reyes-Ramírez Patricia , Cruz-Jaime Sandra , Sumaya-Martínez Teresa , Pérez-Pastén Ricardo , Madrigal-Bujaidar Eduardo
Published: April 2010

Mycotoxins are produced mainly by the mycelial structure of filamentous fungi, or more specifically, molds. These secondary metabolites are synthesized during the end of the exponential growth phase and appear to have no biochemical significance in fungal growth and development. The contamination of foods and feeds with mycotoxins is a significant problem for the adverse effects on humans, animals, and crops that result in illnesses and economic losses. The toxic effect of the ingestion of mycotoxins in humans and animals depends on a number of factors including intake levels, duration of exposure, toxin species, mechanisms of action, metabolism, and defense mechanisms. In general, the consumption of contaminated food and feed with mycotoxin induces to neurotoxic, immunosuppressive, teratogenic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effect in humans and/or animals. The most significant mycotoxins in terms of public health and agronomic perspective include the aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), trichothecenes, fumonisins, patulin, and the ergot alkaloids. Due to the detrimental effects of these mycotoxins, several strategies have been developed in order to reduce the risk of exposure. These include the degradation, destruction, inactivation or removal of mycotoxins through chemical, physical and biological methods. However, the results obtained with these methods have not been optimal, because they may change the organoleptic characteristics and nutritional values of food. Another alternative strategy to prevent or reduce the toxic effects of mycotoxins is by applying antimutagenic agents. These substances act according to several extra- or intracellular mechanisms, their main goal being to avoid the interaction of mycotoxins with DNA; as a consequence of their action, these agents would inhibit mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. This article reviews the main strategies used to control AFB1 and ochratoxin A and contains an analysis of some antigenotoxic substances that reduce the DNA damage caused by these mycotoxins.
DESIGN AND EQUIPMENT OF VUT 001 MARABU UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE FOR OPERATION IN NON‐SEGREGATED AIRSPACE
Authors: Šplíchal Miroslav , Finda Jidřich
Published: April 2010

The paper describes the design process and the summary of expected requirements for unmanned aerial vehicle operation in non‐segregated airspace and on‐board equipment of the VUT 001 Marabu airplane for experimental operation as a civil unmanned aerial vehicle (CUAV).

The VUT 001 Marabu airplane is being developed at the Institute of Aerospace Engineering of Brno University of Technology as a platform for testing of variety CUAV equipment. The testing of CUAV equipment in real conditions is currently impossible, because there does not exist any regulatory requirement for this particular airplane category. The Institute of Aerospace Engineering proposed UAV‐equipment‐testing methodology based on a piloted version of the future UAV aircraft. The pilot has priority in control during flight, which eliminates potential accidents after system failures. Our goal is to ensure technological progress in this area and to develop technology before applicable regulations are introduced.

The demonstration of the potential capabilities of the UAV VUT 001 Marabu can motivate other involved institutions and producers to quicken progress in this field.

Santrauka

Šiame darbe aprašomas projektavimo procesas ir pateikiama santrauka apie numatomus reikalavimus, skirtus bepiločiu orlaiviu (BO) eksploatavimui nekontroliuojamoje oro erdveje bei VUT 001 Marabu orlaivio borto aparatūros, pritaikytos civiliniam bepiločiam orlaiviui, eksperimentiniam panaudojimui.

VUT 001 Marabu orlaivis yra tobulinamas Brno technologijos universiteto Aeronautikos inžinerijos institute (Čekijos Respublika) kaip testavimo platforma, skirta ivairios CBO aparatūros tobulinimui. Tačiau šiuo metu CBO aparatūros testavimas realiomis salygomis yra neimanomas, kadangi vis dar nera šiai orlaiviu kategorijai pritaikytu kontroles reikalavimu. Aeronautikos inžinerijos institutas yra pasiūles BO testavimo aparatūros metodologija, pritaikyta būsimo BO pilotuojamai versijai. Sugedus sistemai, pilotas turi pirmenybe skrydžio valdymui, o tai sumažina galimo incidento tikimybe. Tyrimo tikslas yra užtikrinti šios srities technologiju progresa ir pletojima, kol dar nera ivestos atitinkamos nuostatos. Bepiločio orlaivio VUT 001 Marabu galimu pajegumu pristatymas gali motyvuoti institucijas ir gamintojus pagreitinti progresa šioje srityje.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINANCIAL CRISIS AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES USING SEMIPARAMETRIC REGRESSION APPROACH
Authors: Ucal Meltem , Bilgin Mehmet Huseyin , Özcan Kivilcim Metin , Mungo Julius
Published: April 2010

This paper analyzes whether and to what extent the inflow of FDI is affected before and after the occurence of a financial crisis in developing countries. The paper uses a semiparametric Generalized Partial Linear Models (GPLM) regression approach to check the appropriateness and effectiveness of financial crisis in the FDI regression model. The results indicate that FDI inflows decrease in the years after a financial crisis and an upturn in FDI inflows the year before a financial crisis hit the country. Santrauka Straipsnyje keliamas klausimas - kokia kryptimi ir kokiu stiprumu tiesioginiu užsienio investiciju (TUI) iplaukas i besivystančios šalies šeimininkes ūki veikia finansu. krize kapitala priimančioje šaly‐je. Autoriu formuluojamoms hipotezems patvirtinti ar paneigti naudojamas semiparametres regresijos modelis. Gauti rezultatai rodo, kad TUI turi tendencija mažeti ne tik finansu. krizes metais. Būdamos inertiškos, TUI mažeja net finansu. krizei besivystančioje šalyje pasibaigus.
CONTRACTOR SELECTION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS BY APPLYING SAW‐G AND TOPSIS GREY TECHNIQUES
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Vilutienė Tatjana , Turskis Zenonas , Tamosaitienė Jolanta
Published: April 2010

The accuracy of performance measures in common multicriteria methods is usually assumed to be accurate. Grey theory is a new technique for performing prediction, relational analysis and decision‐making in many areas. This paper presents applicability of grey theory techniques for defining the utility of an alternative. Proposed assessment model covers well known method of TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), method with attributes values determined at intervals (TOPSIS‐grey) and a new method of Simple Additive Weighting with Grey relations (SAW‐G). A case study of the assessment of contractors’ competitive ability was used to demonstrate the applicability and the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The results show that the methods of grey relations methodology can be implemented as an effective decision aid for tasks with uncertain data. Santrauka Taikant daugiatikslius metodus iprastai rodikliu reikšmes imamos kaip tikslios. Pilkuju skaičiu teorija yra naujas metodas, kuri galima taikyti daugelyje sričiu: tinkamumui numatyti, nagrineti santykius ir priimti sprendimus. Šiame straipsnyje pateiktas pilkuju skaičiu teorijos taikymo pavyzdys alternaty‐vu tikslingumui nustatyti. Pasiūlytas metodas apima gerai žinoma TOPSIS (pirmumo eiles nustatymo būdas pagal našuma ir idealu sprendini) metoda su rodikliu reikšmemis, apibrežtomis intervaluose (TOPSIS‐grey) ir paprastojo suminio sverimo su pilkaisiais santykiais (SAW‐G) metoda. Rangovu kompetencijos vertinimo pavyzdys pateiktas naujo metodo efektyvumui parodyti. Uždavinio sprendi‐mas parodo, kad uždaviniu modeliai, aprašyti pilkaisiais santykiais, gali būti efektyviai taikomi užda‐viniams su neapibrežtais duomenimis spresti.
TRADE AND GROWTH IN A NON‐RECOGNIZED SMALL ISLAND STATE: EVIDENCE FROM THE TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS
Authors: Katircioglu Salih
Published: April 2010

This paper empirically investigates long‐run equilibrium relationship and causality between international trade and economic growth in North Cyprus, which has a non‐recognized state and suffers from the Cyprus problem for more than 40 years. Results reveal that long‐run equilibrium relationship exists between international trade variables (exports and imports of goods and services) and economic growth in this small island state. The present study also validates the existence of export‐led growth hypothesis in Northern Cyprus while it rejects the validity of import‐led growth hypothesis. Finally, this study has shown that Turkish Cypriots should improve not only services exports but also merchandise exports in to contribute to its economy further. Santrauka Straipsnyje, remiantis empiriniais duomenimis, tyrinejama ilgalaike pusiausvyra bei priežastinis ryšys tarp tarptautines prekybos ir ekonominio augimo Šiaures Kipre, kuris yra nepripažintas ir kenčia del šios politines problemos daugiau negu 40 metu. Empirinio tyrimo rezultatai leidžia teigti, kad tarp tarptautines prekybos rodikliu (prekiu ir paslaugu eksporto bei importo) bei ekonominio augimo šioje mažoje saloje vyrauja ilgalaike pusiausvyra. Tyrimas patvirtina hipoteze apie eksporto kaip ekonominio augimo veiksnio svarba, bet paneigia importo itaka nagrinejamos mažos šalies pletrai. Autorius ragina skatinti ne tik paslaugu, bet ir produkcijos eksporta norint pasiekti spartesni ekonomikos augimo masta Šiaures Kipre.
Influence of the wind direction on the chloride profiles of structures close to the Caribbean Sea. The case of the Turiguanó- Coco Key Viaduct in Cuba
Authors: Pérez García E. J. , Castro-Borges P. , O'Reilly D. V. A. , Seiglíe G. I. , Fernández E. I.
Published: April 2010

Interpretation of chlorides profiles is important to predict concrete structures service life, among other factors. However, reported results are, in general, from small specimens exposed to specific atmospheres instead of real structures. The objective of this work was the obtention and interpretation of the chlorides profiles forms from several bridges of the Turiguanó-Coco Key viaduct in Cuba. The results verified data from other authors but on different structural elements and similar atmospheres. The form of the chloride profile for structures similar to those in the viaduct bridges, exposed to tropical marine atmosphere, is consistent and changes in intensity with the winds direction and the blocking to them by parts of the structure. The possible effect of the wet and drying process is also discussed.
Revised guidance on structural use of high-alumina cement
Authors: Neville A.
Published: April 2010

See the Spanish version of this abstract.
Effectiveness of shrinkage-reducing admixtures on Portland pozzolan cement concrete
Authors: Videla C. , Aguilar C.
Published: April 2010

Drying shrinkage causes tensile stress in restrained concrete members. Since all structural elements are subject to some degree of restraint, drying shrinkage is regarded to be one of the main causes of concrete cracking. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of SRA in reducing drying shrinkage strain in Portland pozzolan cement concrete. The major variables examined included slump, admixture type and dose, and specimen size. The measured results indicate that any of the admixtures used in the study significantly reduced shrinkage. Concrete manufactured with shrinkage reducing admixtures shrank an average of 43% less than concrete without admixtures. As a rule, the higher the dose of admixture, the higher was its shrinkage reduction performance. The experimental results were compared to the shrinkage strain estimated with the ACI 209, CEB MC 90, B3, GL 2000, Sakata 1993 and Sakata 2001 models. Although none of these models was observed to accurately describe the behaviour of Portland pozzolan cement concrete with shrinkage reducing admixtures, the Sakata 2001 model, with a weighted coefficient of variation of under 30%, may be regarded to be roughly adequate.