bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-interaction Free Relativistic Spin-density Functional Theory
Authors: Ködderitzsch D. , Ebert H. , Engel E. , Akai H.
Published: May 2010

We review the progress in the recent development of the relativistic optimized effective potential (ROEP) method within spin-density functional theory. The ROEP-equations for spin-polarized systems are derived and their application to open-shell atoms using the exact exchange approximation for the exchange correlation-functional is presented. Further, we expand the ROEP framework to treat extended systems within the KKR-multiple scattering formalism. We illustrate the application of the theory to open-shell free atoms and solids.
Discontinuities of the Chemical Potential in Reduced Density Matrix Functional Theory
Authors: Lathiotakis N. N. , Sharma S. , Helbig N. , Dewhurst J. K. , Marques M. A. L. , Eich F. , Baldsiefen T. , Zacarias A. , Gross E. K. U.
Published: May 2010

Using the discontinuity of the chemical potential as a function of excess charge, the fundamental gaps for finite systems and the band gaps of extended solids are determined within reduced density matrix functional theory. We also present the necessary and sufficient conditions for the one-body reduced density matrix of a system with fractional charge to be ensemble N-representable. The performance of most modern day reduced density matrix functionals is assessed for the gaps and the correlation energy of finite systems. Our results show that for finite systems the PNOF, BBC3, and power functionals yield very accurate correlation energies while for a correct description of the fundamental gap the removal of self-interaction terms is essential. For extended solids we find that the power functional captures the correct band gap behavior for conventional semiconductors as well as strongly correlated Mott insulators, where a gap is obtained in absence of any magnetic ordering.
Tensor Product Multiscale Many-Particle Spaces with Finite-Order Weights for the Electronic Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Griebel Michael , Hamaekers Jan
Published: May 2010

In this article we combine the favorable properties of efficient Gaussian type orbitals basis sets, which are applied with good success in conventional electronic structure methods, and tensor product multiscale bases, which provide guaranteed convergence rates and allow for adaptive resolution. To this end, we develop and study a new approach for the treatment of the electronic Schrödinger equation based on a modified adaptive sparse grid technique and a certain particle-wise decomposition with respect to one-particle functions obtained by a nonlinear rank-1 approximation. Here, we employ a multiscale Gaussian frame for the sparse grid spaces and we use Gaussian type orbitals to represent the rank-1 approximation. With this approach we are able to treat small atoms and molecules with up to six electrons.
Ab initio Electron Dynamics with the Multi-Configuration Time-Dependent Hartree-Fock Method
Authors: Nest Mathias , Klamroth Tillmann , Saalfrank Peter
Published: May 2010

This paper gives an overview of the theory and some selected applications of the Multi-Configuration Time-Dependent Hartree-Fock (MCTDHF) method. This method can be seen as an explicitly time-dependent version of the Complete Active Space Self-Consistent Field (CASSCF) method of standard quantum chemistry. Strengths and shortcomings are discussed, and some comparisons with other methods of correlated electron dynamics are given.
Local Time-Dependent Coupled Cluster Response for Properties of Excited States in Large Molecules
Authors: Kats Danylo , Schütz Martin
Published: May 2010

The new, Laplace transform based multi-state local CC2 response method is compared to the previous single-state approach. The new method employs adaptive state specific local approximations for the eigenvectors of the Jacobian. As a result, it is much less dependent on the initial un-truncated CCS wavefunction and able to locate the relevant eigenstates also in difficult cases where the initial CCS eigenvectors are qualitatively wrong and where the original single-state method failed. In this paper we compare excitation energies, transition strengths, and dipole moments of the individual local approaches and the canonical reference calculation, for a set of different molecules and excited states.
Exact Solutions for a Two-electron Quantum Dot Model in a Magnetic Field and Application to More Complex Sytems
Authors: Taut Manfred , Eschrig Helmut
Published: May 2010

We discussed exact solutions of the Schrödinger equation for a two-dimensional parabolic confinement potential in a homogeneous external magnetic field. It turns out that the two-electron system is exactly solvable in the sense, that the problem can be reduced to numerically solving one radial Schrödinger equation. For a denumerably infinite set of values of the effective oscillator frequency ω~ = √(ω
0
2+(ωc
/2)2) (where ω
0 is the frequency of the harmonic confinement potential and ωc
is the cyclotron frequency of the magnetic field) even analytical solutions can be given. Our solutions for three electrons are exact in the strong - and the weak correlation limit. For quantum dot lattices with Coulomb-correlations between the electrons exact solutions are given, provided the lattice constant is large compared with the dot diameters. We are investigating basic physical properties of these solutions like the formation and distortion of Wigner molecules, the dependence of the correlation strength from ω
0 and ωc
, and we show that in general there is no exact Kohn-Sham system for the semi-relativistic current density functional Theory.
Analytic Calculation of First-order Molecular Properties at the Explicitly-correlated Second-order Møller-Plesset Level
Authors: Höfener Sebastian , Hättig Christof , Klopper Wim
Published: May 2010

Formulae are derived and implemented for the analytic calculation of first-order molecular properties at the level of explicitly-correlated second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory. In this theory, which is denoted as MP2-F12 theory, Slater-type geminals are used to expand the first-order wave function. A second-order perturbation theory correction for single excitations into a complementary auxliary basis set is also included. At the MP2-F12 level, it seems sufficient to restrict the analytic calculation of energy derivatives to the level of standard approximation A of MP2-F12 theory and to assume the extended Brillouin condition to hold. Smooth and rapid convergence towards the basis-set limit is observed for the dipole moments of a selection of small closed- and open-shell molecules when calculated at the RI-MP2-F12/2A*[T+V] + CABS singles level in augmented correlation-consistent polarized valence double-, triple-, and quadruple-zeta basis sets that have been optimized especially for use in MP2-F12 theory.
Education's Missing Link: How Private School Teachers Approach Evolution
Authors: Schulteis Michael W.
Published: May 2010

Over 5 million students and 28,000 schools are consistently marginalized or left out of statistics that describe evolution and science education. Although they are relatively few in number compared with their public school counterparts, the millions of students and hundreds of thousands of teachers in private schools need to be counted in research about teaching and learning in the biology classroom. Assumptions have been made about how teachers in these often religious schools teach evolution, but do we have verifiable data? Could teachers in these schools be similar to those in public schools in their teaching of evolution, or is there a silent undercurrent that has not been detected? It is the purpose of this study to reveal more about this underrepresented segment of the population of science teachers.
Crayfish Behavior: Observing Arthropods to Learn about Science & Scientific Inquiry
Authors: Rop Charles J.
Published: May 2010

This is a set of animal behavior investigations in which students will practice scientific inquiry as they observe crayfish, ask questions, and discuss territoriality, social interactions, and other behaviors. In doing this, they hone their skills of observation, learn to record and analyze data, control for variables, write hypotheses, make tentative conclusions, and then design and carry out original experiments. This set of activities and experiments is designed for middle school through high school life science or biology classrooms.
Plants in Your Ants: Using Ant Mounds to Test Basic Ecological Principles
Authors: Zettler Jennifer A. , Collier Alexander , Leidersdorf Bil , Patrick Sanou Missa
Published: May 2010

Urban students often have limited access to field sites for ecological studies. Ubiquitous ants and their mounds can be used to study and test ecology-based questions. We describe how soil collected from ant mounds can be used to investigate how biotic factors (ants) can affect abiotic factors in the soil that can, in turn, influence plant growth.
Practices of Citizenship and Scales of Governance
Authors: Valverde Mariana
Published: May 2010

Theoretical developments in two fields not generally used by criminal law scholars—citizenship studies and legal geography—can be used to clarify concepts and elaborate fruitful research questions for those interested in the criminalization-citizenship nexus. Going well beyond the static notion of citizenship as either a legal status or a philosophical concept, current research in citizenship studies focuses on analyzing the interactive practices that constitute groups. This type of work is much more useful for sociolegal studies than the either legalistic or philosophical discussions of citizenship, as will be demonstrated in this article by analyzing how coercive legal mechanisms constitute different types of citizenship interactions. Secondly, along with other scholars interested in the governance of space, legal geographers have recently paid much attention to questions of scale. This is relevant to the study of criminalization because both the criminal law itself and criminal law scholarship tend to presuppose the scale of the nation-state. Research seeking to illuminate the networked policing of criminals, migrants, "strangers," and citizens could advance by asking questions about scale—and about the related but not coterminous legal mechanism of jurisdiction, which has been oddly neglected by legal geographers. Together, citizenship studies and interdisciplinary analyses of the scalar nature of governance can help to elaborate research questions shedding light on the temporally and spatially specific practices that connect citizenship and criminalization.
"Pro-Minority" Criminalization and the Transformation of Visions of Citizenship in Contemporary Liberal Democracies: A Critique
Authors: Aharonson Ely
Published: May 2010

In this article, I offer a critique of contemporary trends in "pro-minority" criminalization policy, defined as criminal offenses that are specifically designed to protect women and minorities. I show that, in the late 1970s, a new paradigm emerged for thinking about the role of criminalization in minimizing patterns of social inequality. I trace the historical processes that led to the emergence of this new paradigm and discuss its inherent limitations in meeting its stated aims. The discussion shows that these limitations are rooted in the embedding of contemporary "pro-minority" criminalization policy within the broader frameworks of neoliberal policymaking, and in the inherent flaws of the new vision of citizenship upon which these models rest. I argue that the potential contribution of criminalization to the alleviation of social inequalities can only be realized within a vision of citizenship that is radically different from the one endorsed by neoliberal governments over the last three decades.
Time and Space in Criminal Law
Authors: Farmer Lindsay
Published: May 2010

Recent years have seen developments that challenge how we think about the scale, scope and operation of the criminal law and of the conceptions of citizenship that are implicit in the doctrines and theory of criminal law. These challenge us to examine the conceptions of space and time that are fundamental to the categories and concepts of the modern criminal law. This paper analyzes different conceptions of space and time in the contemporary criminal law and how these are linked to different forms of criminalization. It then goes on to map the trajectories of development of two crimes, theft and assault, to look at how the ideas of time and space that are presupposed by existing categories of criminal law are linked to, and shaped by, social and technological change. Finally it looks at how these concepts are being challenged by contemporary social developments in practices of criminalization and theories of citizenship.
Punishment and the Revocation of Citizenship in the United Kingdom, United States, and Israel
Authors: Lavi Shai
Published: May 2010

The article examines the ways in which three common law countries—the United Kingdom, the United States, and Israel—have introduced new rules for the revocation of citizenship that diverge from the traditional common law model. The main thrust of the article is to demonstrate how these new regulations are based on three distinct models of citizenship: citizenship as security, citizenship as a social contract, and citizenship as an ethnonational bond. Instead of critically evaluating each model, the article offers a fourth model for revocation based on the civic notion of citizenship. This model offers a new formulation of the traditional common law duty of allegiance, of its breach, and of the revocation of citizenship as punishment. The article will conclude with the suggestion that this model may be able simultaneously to guarantee the protection of political rights and to safeguard the political community.
Citizenship V. Territory: Explaining the Scope of the Criminal Law
Authors: Chehtman Alejandro
Published: May 2010

Antony Duff and his coauthors have influentially argued that citizenship plays a central role in accounting both for the way in which the state makes individuals criminally responsible for certain wrongs and for calling them to answer for their wrongs. This paper takes issue with this citizenship-based understanding of the scope of the criminal law. It argues that Duff's model of civic criminal liability faces difficulties in explaining states' right to punish foreigners for crimes committed on their territory, and sits very uncomfortably with states claiming universal jurisdiction over international crimes. In contrast, it advocates a territorial conception of the criminal law. It suggests that to account for the allocation and scope of the right to punish, we need to look at the (collective) interest of those individuals who actually are in the territory of a particular state, not merely its citizens. Finally, it examines whether the notion of citizenship plays any meaningful role in a convincing account of the authority of the state to try an offender. Contra Duff and others, it argues that this authority rests exclusively on defendants receiving a fair trial and a verdict based on reliable evidence.
Distribution and possible origin of neuropeptide-containing nerve elements in the mammalian liver
Authors: Pongor Éva , Ledó Nóra , Altdorfer Károly , Lengyel Gabriella , Fehér Erzsébet
Published: May 2010

The intrahepatic distribution of nerve fibres is highly species dependent, therefore we searched for a species where the innervation pattern is similar to that of the human liver. Livers of rats, cats, guinea pigs and humans were used. The different nerve elements were identified by ABC immunohistochemistry and analysed semiquantitatively. Large numbers of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and dopamine-β-hydroxylase immunoreactive (IR) nerve fibres were observed in the human and guinea pig liver, and they were in close contact with portal triads, central veins and ran parallel with liver sinuses. A few substance P, somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide IR nerve fibres were also detected intralobularly, while galanin nerve fibres were only observed around portal triads. In the rat liver only a few NPY-positive nerve fibres were found, exclusively in portal tracts. Some nerve cell bodies (IR for NPY and somatostatin) were also found in the liver of guinea pigs, young cats and humans, therefore some of the nerve terminals might originate from these intrinsic ganglia. It can be concluded that the innervation pattern of the guinea pig liver shows the highest similarity to that of the human liver.
Distribution pattern and chemical coding of neurons of the sympathetic chain ganglia supplying the descending colon in the pig
Authors: Skobowiat Cezary , Calka Jarosław , Wasowicz Krzysztof , Majewski Mariusz
Published: May 2010

Sympathetic chain ganglia (SChG) neurons projecting to the descending colon of the pig were studied by means of retrograde tracing (Fast Blue, FB) and double-labelling immunofluorescence methods. FB was injected into the gut wall and after three weeks survival time the animals were transcardially perfused with paraformaldehyde and the bilateral sympathetic trunks were collected. The FBpositive neurons were localised only in the lumbar (L
1
–L
5
) ganglia of the sympathetic trunk and appeared either as small (30–50 μm in diameter) round-shaped perikarya forming clusters localised in caudal-ventral area or, rarely, as bigger (50–80 μm) and dispersed solitary irregular perikarya. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the catecholaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase-/dopamine β-hydroxylase-immunoreactive) character of the great majority of FB-positive neurons which preferentially co-expressed neuropeptide Y. In addition, none of the FB-positive perikarya was immunopositive to galanin, somatostatin, choline acetyltransferase, vasoactive intestinal peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, leu
5
-enkephalin, nitric oxide synthase, substance P and calcitonin-generelated peptide.
Morpho-anatomical and micromorphometrical evaluations in soybean genotypes during water stress
Authors: Stolf Renata , Medri Moacyr Eurípedes , Pimenta José Antônio , Boeger Maria Regina Torres , Dias Jaqueline , Lemos Noélle Giacomini , Oliveira Maria Cristina Neves de , Brogin Rodrigo Luís , Yamanaka Naoki , Neumaier Norman , Farias José Renato Bouça , Nepomuceno Alexandre Lima
Published: May 2010

In a greenhouse experiment, morpho-anatomical and micromorphometrical analyses of two soybean cultivars, MG/BR46 (Conquista) and BR16-tolerant and sensitive to drought, respectively-were used to study their water-deficit-tolerance strategies. Drought treatments were applied at reproductive stages from R2 to R7, where evaluations were conducted at 30 days and 45 days after stress started, respectively. The total length of Conquista plants (shoot + root) was greater than of BR16 plants. Pod dry weight was adversely affected due to the lack of moisture, decreasing productivity even of Conquista plants. Both the cultivars had normal development of root hairs; however, it was observed a decrease in the cortex:central cylinder ratio in BR16 stressed for 30 days, and they also showed similar leaflet thickness and stomata distribution. Differences in drought tolerance observed between the two cultivars seemed to be related to factors other than morphological traits since this species has a short lifecycle.
Area Disadvantage and Intimate Partner Homicide: An Ecological Analysis of North Carolina Counties, 2004–2006
Authors: Madkour Aubrey Spriggs , Martin Sandra L. , Halpern Carolyn Tucker , Schoenbach Victor J.
Published: May 2010

Using data from the North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System and other sources, we examined ecologic relationships between county (n = 100) disadvantage and intimate partner homicide (IPH), variability by victim gender and county urbanicity, and potential mediators. County disadvantage was related to female-victim homicide only in metropolitan counties (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.25); however, disadvantage was associated with male-victim IPH regardless of county urbanicity (IRR 1.17). None of the potential intervening variables examined (shelter availability, intimate partner violence services’ funding) was supported as a mediator. Results suggest disparities across North Carolina counties in IPH according to county disadvantage. Future research should explore other potential mediators (i.e., service accessibility and law enforcement responses), as well as test the robustness of findings using additional years of data.
A University–Agency Mental Health Research Collaboration: A Case Example
Authors: Biegel David E. , Kola Lenore A. , Meeks David , Stevenson Lauren , Beimers David
Published: May 2010

There is significant documentation in the literature of barriers that may prevent research results from being utilized by agencies to inform and impact practice and policy. Such barriers pertain to several factors as follows: (a) those related to the nature of the research enterprise itself, (b) those related to differences between the producers and consumers of research, and (c) barriers arising from the differences in organizational contexts of researchers and case management and supported employment agency staff. This article discusses a collaborative relationship between university researchers and agency practitioners in the context of a research project studying the implementation of supported employment, an evidence-based practice. As a case example, it provides an exemplar of the problems and issues of conducting mental health research with community-based agencies and offers strategies and case examples that address these issues.
Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts Sustain Destructive Immune Modulators of Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: El‐Awady Ahmed R. , Messer Regina L.W. , Gamal Ahmed Y. , Sharawy Mohamed M. , Wenger Karl H. , Lapp Carol A.
Published: May 2010

Background: In healthy periodontal tissue, innate immune responses effectively confine and suppress a bacterial insult. However, a disruption of the host–bacterial equilibrium may produce an overexpression of cytokines and lead to permanent, host‐mediated tissue damage. Although such periodontal destruction primarily results from activated immune mechanisms, the site‐specific damage suggests that local tissues participate in these pathologic changes. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) are prominent in the periodontium and are critical in homeostasis and regeneration because they have the ability to produce multiple cytokines in response to a bacterial insult. These cells could play a role in the local pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Methods: We studied alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, interleukin (IL)‐6 production, and morphologic characteristics of cultured PDLFs that were isolated from periodontally healthy sites (H‐PDLFs) and diseased sites (D‐PDLFs) in humans. Quantitative analyses of 84 genes that are related to inflammation were performed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction arrays.

Results: A mineralizing medium induced a significant increase of ALP in H‐PDLFs, but no significant enzymatic changes were detected in D‐PDLFs after such treatment. The protein and gene expression of IL6 showed a significant upregulation in D‐PDLFs, which also demonstrated a significant upregulation of 54% of genes in the inflammatory gene arrays.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, these results represent the first biologic evidence that D‐PDLFs retain uniquely inflammatory phenotypes that could maintain localized destructive signals in periodontitis. The overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines by PDLFs could amplify local inflammation by the continuous triggering of immune responses. In addition, the location of these cells could be critical in the progression of the inflammatory front into the deeper tissues.
Association of Interleukin‐1 Receptor Antagonist Gene Polymorphisms With Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis in an Iranian Population
Authors: Baradaran‐Rahimi Hesam , Radvar Mehrdad , Arab Hamid R. , Tavakol‐Afshari Jalil , Ebadian Ahmad R.
Published: May 2010

Background: Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease that occurs in the presence of bacteria, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions. It is suggested that polymorphisms in the interleukin‐1 (IL1) receptor antagonist gene have an important role in the susceptibility of the host to periodontitis. This study investigates the association of a variable number of tandem repeat polymorphism in the IL1RN gene with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).

Methods: Sixty‐six subjects with GAgP and 56 periodontally healthy subjects took part in the study. All subjects were of Iranian Khorasanian (north‐east province of Iran) descent. Subjects were identified through clinical examinations and radiographs at the Mashad Dental School and Dental Research Center. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells, and different genotypes were detected using polymerase chain reaction amplification and fragment‐size analysis. Data were analyzed using the χ2 test.

Results: The frequencies of the IL1RN genotype A1A2 (χ2 test; P = 0.001) and allele A2 (χ2 test; P = 0.006) were found to be significantly increased in patients with GAgP compared to normal subjects.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the polymorphic IL1RN gene is a risk determinant for generalized aggressive periodontitis in the Iranian Khorasanian population.
Management of hospital wastewaters: the case of the effluent of a large hospital situated in a small town
Authors: Verlicchi Paola , Galletti Alessio , Masotti Luigi
Published: May 2010

Hospitals are the main source of pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs) released into the environment. Generally, their discharges are co-treated with domestic wastewaters, resulting in a decrement of the recalcitrant compound concentrations in the final effluent due to water dilution. However, as many PhCs resist normal treatments, pollutant load does not change. This paper compares the chemical characteristics of hospital and domestic wastewaters on the basis of an experimental investigation for macro-pollutants and literature data for PhCs. A membrane biological reactor pilot plant fed by a hospital effluent is tested in order to evaluate the feasibility of treating these kinds of wastewaters with membrane systems. The paper then presents the possible scenarios in the management of the effluent of a large hospital situated in a small town. In particular, it reports on a case study of designing a (new) treatment plant for the effluent of the 900 bed hospital in Ferrara, Northern Italy, located on the outskirts of the town. Finally, costs for the intervention are given.
The influence of reaction conditions in the oxidation of organic compounds of nuclear laundry water by ozone
Authors: Vilve M. K. , Sillanpää M. E. T.
Published: May 2010

This paper presents a summary of degrading organic compounds of nuclear laundry water by ozonation in different conditions of pH, hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet radiation. The degradation of organic compounds was analysed by chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The optimal degradation conditions were at pH 7 with ozone, UV radiation and hydrogen peroxide addition. The transfer of ozone increased significantly, thus resulting in decreased treatment time compared to ozone treatment alone. The reductions of COD, TOC and BOD were 46%, 32% and 70%, respectively.
MTBE degradation by hydrodynamic induced cavitation
Authors: Schmid A.
Published: May 2010

Hydrodynamic induced cavitation generates imploding cavitation bubbles which can lead to degradation or even mineralisation of water constituents without addition of any chemicals. This technology overcomes the problems of ultrasound irradiation by the local production of a cavitation cloud close to the sonotrodes. Hydrodynamic cavitation can be stabilised downstream of the nozzle depending on the ambient pressure conditions. If the pressure is kept low, the imploding cavitation bubbles generate new cavities, analogous to a chain reaction, and elevate the radical synthesis inside the apparatus. During the pilot tests MTBE and ETBE were degraded and complete mineralisation started at a time delay of app. 30 min. The specific energy demand for MTBE degradation lies in the range of app. 200 Wh/ppm in the investigated concentration range of about 30 ppm.
TiO2-assisted photocatalytic degradation of humic acids: effect of copper ions
Authors: Uyguner C. S. , Bekbolet M.
Published: May 2010

The present study investigated the removal efficiency of aqueous humic acid solutions by TiO2 photocatalytic degradation in the presence of Cu(II) species. The pseudo-first-order kinetics revealed rate constants as 9.87 × 10−3, 7.19 × 10−3, 3.81 × 10−3 min−1 for Color436, UV254 and TOC, respectively. Comparatively, lower rate constants were attained with respect to photocatalytic degradation of humic acid. Considering the source-dependent diverse chemical and spectral characteristics of NOM, a particular interaction would be expected for humic acid with Cu(II) species (0.1 mg L−1). The presence of copper ions significantly altered the photocatalytic degradation kinetics of humic acids in relation to the concentration effects of humic acid as expressed by spectroscopic parameters and TOC. Batch equilibrium adsorption experiments revealed a distinct Langmuirian-type adsorptive behavior of humic acid onto TiO2 both in terms of UV254 and Color436 and a C-type adsorption isotherm was attained for TOC. KF values displayed an inconsistent effect of Cu(II) species, while adsorption intensity factor 1/n<1 denoted a prevailing favorable type of adsorption for Color436 and UV254. Because of the role of intra- and intermolecular interactions between copper ions and humic molecular size fractions, spectroscopic techniques were also employed for the assessment of the adsorption as well as photocatalytic degradation efficiencies.
Using a constructed wetland for non-point source pollution control and river water quality purification: a case study in Taiwan
Authors: Wu C. Y. , Kao C. M. , Lin C. E. , Chen C. W. , Lai Y. C.
Published: May 2010

The Kaoping River Rail Bridge Constructed Wetland, which was commissioned in 2004, is one of the largest constructed wetlands in Taiwan. This multi-function wetland has been designed for the purposes of non-point source (NPS) pollutant removal, wastewater treatment, wildlife habitat, recreation, and education. The major influents of this wetland came from the local drainage trench containing domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastewaters, and effluents from the wastewater treatment plant of a paper mill. Based on the quarterly investigation results from 2007 to 2009, more than 96% of total coliforms (TC), 48% of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and 40% of nutrients (e.g. total nitrogen, total phosphorus) were removed via the constructed wetland system. Thus, the wetland system has a significant effect on water quality improvement and is capable of removing most of the pollutants from the local drainage system before they are discharged into the downgradient water body. Other accomplishments of this constructed wetland system include the following: providing more green areas along the riversides, offering more water assessable eco-ponds and eco-gardens for the public, and rehabilitating the natural ecosystem. The Kaoping River Rail Bridge Constructed Wetland has become one of the most successful multi-function constructed wetlands in Taiwan. The experience obtained from this study will be helpful in designing similar natural treatment systems for river water quality improvement and wastewater treatment.
Sensitivity analysis of surface runoff generation in urban flood forecasting
Authors: Simões N. E. , Leitão J. P. , Maksimović Č. , Sá Marques A. , Pina R.
Published: May 2010

Reliable flood forecasting requires hydraulic models capable to estimate pluvial flooding fast enough in order to enable successful operational responses. Increased computational speed can be achieved by using a 1D/1D model, since 2D models are too computationally demanding. Further changes can be made by simplifying 1D network models, removing and by changing some secondary elements. The Urban Water Research Group (UWRG) of Imperial College London developed a tool that automatically analyses, quantifies and generates 1D overland flow network. The overland flow network features (ponds and flow pathways) generated by this methodology are dependent on the number of sewer network manholes and sewer inlets, as some of the overland flow pathways start at manholes (or sewer inlets) locations. Thus, if a simplified version of the sewer network has less manholes (or sewer inlets) than the original one, the overland flow network will be consequently different. This paper compares different overland flow networks generated with different levels of sewer network skeletonisation. Sensitivity analysis is carried out in one catchment area in Coimbra, Portugal, in order to evaluate overland flow network characteristics.
Enhanced membrane bioreactor process without chemical cleaning
Authors: Krause S. , Zimmermann B. , Meyer-Blumenroth U. , Lamparter W. , Siembida B. , Cornel P.
Published: May 2010

In membrane bioreactors (MBR) for wastewater treatment, the separation of activated sludge and treated water takes place by membrane filtration. Due to the small footprint and superior effluent quality, the number of membrane bioreactors used in wastewater treatment is rapidly increasing. A major challenge in this process is the fouling of the membranes which results in permeability decrease and the demand of chemical cleaning procedures. With the objective of a chemical-free process, the removal of the fouling layer by continuous physical abrasion was investigated. Therefore, particles (granules) were added to the activated sludge in order to realise a continuous abrasion of the fouling layer. During operation for more than 8 months, the membranes showed no decrease in permeability. Fluxes up to 40 L/(m2 h) were achieved. An online turbidity measurement was installed for the effluent control and showed no change during this test period. For comparison, a reference (standard MBR process without granules) was operated which demonstrated permeability loss at lower fluxes and required chemical cleaning. Altogether with this process an operation at higher fluxes and no use of cleaning chemicals will increase the cost efficiency of the MBR-process.
Constructed wetlands for wastewater and activated sludge treatment in north Greece: a review
Authors: Tsihrintzis V. A. , Gikas G. D.
Published: May 2010

Constructed wetlands used for the treatment of urban, industrial and agricultural wastewater have become very popular treatment systems all over the world. In Greece, these systems are not very common, although the climate is favourable for their use. During recent years, there have been several attempts for the implementation of these systems in Greece, which include, among others, pilot-scale systems used for research, and full-scale systems designed and/or constructed to serve settlements or families. The purpose of this paper is the presentation of systems operating in Northern Greece, which have been studied by the Laboratory of Ecological Engineering and Technology of Democritus University of Thrace and others. A comparison is made of different system types, and the effect of various design and operational parameters is presented. Current research shows the good and continuous performance of these systems.
Winery and distillery wastewater treatment by constructed wetland with shorter retention time
Authors: Mulidzi A. R.
Published: May 2010

The rationale for using constructed wetlands for treating wastewater is that wetlands are naturally among the most biological active ecosystem on earth. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of shorter retention time on the performance of constructed wetland in terms of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and other elements removal. The application of wastewater with retention time of seven days as well as the evaluation of water quality after treatment at Goudini experimental wetland was carried out throughout the year. The results had shown an overall average COD removal of 60% throughout the year. Results also showed reasonable removal of other elements namely; potassium, pH, nitrogen, electrical conductivity, calcium, sodium, magnesium and boron from the wastewater by constructed wetlands. The results showed low COD removal during July until September after which it improved tremendously. The reason for low COD removal during first three months could be attributed to the fact that there was no gradual increase of wastewater application to the wetlands i.e. from 4,050 litres per day to 8,100 litres per day. The results had showed that constructed wetland as a secondary treatment system is effective in terms of COD and other elements removal from winery and distillery wastewater. COD removal throughout the year was 60% with seven days retention time. When compared with previous studies that showed 80% COD removal within 14 days retention time, therefore the 60% removal is very critical to wine industries as more wastewater will be applied to the system.
Full-scale control of Mycolata foam by FEX-120 addition
Authors: Kragelund C. , Nilsson B. , Eskilsson K. , Bøgh A. M. , Nielsen P. H.
Published: May 2010

Foaming incidents in activated sludge treatment plants are a worldwide problem and occur on a regular basis in both municipal and industrial activated sludge treatment plants. Foaming is most often caused by excessive growth of filamentous bacteria, especially the gram-positive ones affiliated within the Actinobacteria, e.g. the branched Mycolata or CandidatusMicrothrix parvicella. Previous studies have shown that populations of Microthrix can be controlled by addition of certain polyaluminium compounds, but until now no effective chemicals have been identified to control other important foam formers such as the Mycolata. A new chemical (FilamentEx, FEX-120) was tested in full-scale in a Swedish wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) with immense foaming problems. In total, three different dosing events were carried out for more than 1 year. After only 8–17 weeks in each period, all foam had disappeared, and dosing of FEX-120 was stopped. Another 11 full-scale WWTPs in different countries were treated with FEX-120 because of severe Mycolata foaming on process tanks. In nine out of 11 plants, where the causative organisms were Gordonia or Skermania, a significant reduction of foam up to 100% was observed after treatment for approx. 10 weeks. In two WWTPs with unknown Mycolata organisms, no reduction was observed.
Treatment of unpleasant odors in municipal wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Karageorgos Petros , Latos Manolis , Kotsifaki Christina , Lazaridis Mihalis , Kalogerakis Nicolas
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this paper to present a case study on how to address the odor problem from secondary sources within a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) by first identifying the locations of the problem and second by evaluating alternative treatment technologies. The WWTP of Chania is a typical 100,000 equivalent inhabitants-facility in a warm semi-arid environment which is located close to residential areas. The installation of a chemical scrubber to control major odor sources within the plant did not succeed in eliminating complaints by nearby residents, and additional measures were required. In this case study we identify all major secondary sources of odor within the plant and evaluate the effectiveness of the different technologies that were employed to address this problem (cover installation, gas and liquid phase oxidation, activated carbon/permanganate absorption, FeCl3 addition). In particular, we found that installation of covers and reduction of turbulence at two key locations within the WWTP was the best strategy to combat unpleasant odors. Furthermore, when the central chemical scrubber was near capacity the installation of an auxiliary system of activated carbon absorption coupled to permanganate oxidation was deemed to be a safe approach. However, despite the very high removal efficiency (>99.5%) of the unit, the addition of FeCl3 in the liquid phase was required in order to achieve complete deodorization (below the human odor threshold level).
The influence of lagoon on neighboring rivers by water and sediment quality
Authors: Lai W. L. , Chen J. J. , Chung C. Y. , Lee C. G. , Liao S. W.
Published: May 2010

Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) was applied in order to distinguish the water-quality and the sediment-quality parameters from neighboring rivers, and to recognize similarities of water and sediment properties between a lagoon and neighboring rivers. Two set of constructed discriminant functions showed a marked contribution to most of the discriminant variables. In water, the significant parameters – the total nitrogen, algae, dissolved oxygen and total phosphate – were combined as the nutrient effect factor. The recognition capacities of the two discriminant functions were 95.6 and 4.4%, respectively; the Kaoping River showed the most similarities with the water quality in Dapeng Bay; in sediment, the significant parameters porosity, Cd, Cr, Al, and Pb were combined as the heavy metal effect factor. The recognition capacities were 82.6 and 17.4%, respectively, but the sediment properties in these three rivers had no significant similarity with the Dapeng Bay.
Quality Assurance in Higher Education: Recent Developments in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jackson Stephen , Bohrer Janet
Published: May 2010

Since coverage in the press, in the summer of 2008, of concerns about quality and standards in English higher education, there has been a continuing debate about the nature and extent of the issues and about who is responsible for assuring quality. This article charts the background to these discussions and highlights the characteristics of the English system based on autonomous institutions and self-regulation. It also identifies the role played by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), and its predecessor organisations, in shaping the debate and determining the systems and processes that are used to demonstrate the security of academic standards.
The SNARE Protein SNAP23 and the SNARE-Interacting Protein Munc18c in Human Skeletal Muscle Are Implicated in Insulin Resistance/Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Boström Pontus , Andersson Linda , Vind Birgitte , Håversen Liliana , Rutberg Mikael , Wickström Ylva , Larsson Erik , Jansson Per-Anders , Svensson Maria K. , Brånemark Richard , Ling Charlotte , Beck-Nielsen Henning , Borén Jan , Højlund Kurt , Olofsson Sven-Olof
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE

Our previous studies suggest that the SNARE protein synaptosomal-associated protein of 23 kDa (SNAP23) is involved in the link between increased lipid levels and insulin resistance in cardiomyocytes. The objective was to determine whether SNAP23 may also be involved in the known association between lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle and insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes in humans, as well as to identify a potential regulator of SNAP23.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed skeletal muscle biopsies from patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy, insulin-sensitive control subjects for expression (mRNA and protein) and intracellular localization (subcellular fractionation and immunohistochemistry) of SNAP23, and for expression of proteins known to interact with SNARE proteins. Insulin resistance was determined by a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Potential mechanisms for regulation of SNAP23 were also investigated in the skeletal muscle cell line L6.

RESULTS

We showed increased SNAP23 levels in skeletal muscle from patients with type 2 diabetes compared with that from lean control subjects. Moreover, SNAP23 was redistributed from the plasma membrane to the microsomal/cytosolic compartment in the patients with the type 2 diabetes. Expression of the SNARE-interacting protein Munc18c was higher in skeletal muscle from patients with type 2 diabetes. Studies in L6 cells showed that Munc18c promoted the expression of SNAP23.

CONCLUSIONS

We have translated our previous in vitro results into humans by showing that there is a change in the distribution of SNAP23 to the interior of the cell in skeletal muscle from patients with type 2 diabetes. We also showed that Munc18c is a potential regulator of SNAP23.
The Relationship between Nomadic and Sedentary People in Sudan in the Context of State Policies and Internationalization
Authors: Assal Munzoul
Published: May 2010

The literature on nomadism shows that nomadic and sedentary modes of production complement each other. The interaction between them is characterized by both complementarity and conflict, depending on the prevalent circumstances that vary according to the ecological conditions of the environment that supports their subsistence base. The movement of people between these two modes of production has also been documented, particularly in Western Sudan where circumstances are favourable. Using examples from Western Sudan, this article argues that external factors such as state policies and internationalization are the cause of conflicts between nomads and sedentary people that we see today. Due to external factors, the complementary linkage has become one of conflict. We need to shift our anthropological work to a more expeditious analysis in which the forms and outcomes of the interaction between farmers and nomads at any point in time are seen as the product of the total social system in which they live, rather than a particular aspect of it.
Binge Drinking Effects on EEG in Young Adult Humans
Authors: Courtney Kelly E. , Polich John
Published: May 2010

Young adult (N = 96) university students who varied in their binge drinking history were assessed by electroencephalography (EEG) recording during passive viewing. Groups consisted of male and female non-binge drinkers (>1 to 5/4 drinks/ounces in under two hours), low-binge drinkers (5/4–7/6 drinks/ounces in under two hours), and high-binge drinkers (≥ 10 drinks/ounces in under two hours), who had been drinking alcohol at their respective levels for an average of 3 years. The non- and low-binge drinkers exhibited less spectral power than the high-binge drinkers in the delta (0–4 Hz) and fast-beta (20–35 Hz) bands. Binge drinking appears to be associated with a specific pattern of brain electrical activity in young adults that may reflect the future development of alcoholism.
Medical Applications and Toxicities of Gallium Compounds
Authors: Chitambar Christopher R.
Published: May 2010

Over the past two to three decades, gallium compounds have gained importance in the fields of medicine and electronics. In clinical medicine, radioactive gallium and stable gallium nitrate are used as diagnostic and therapeutic agents in cancer and disorders of calcium and bone metabolism. In addition, gallium compounds have displayed anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity in animal models of human disease while more recent studies have shown that gallium compounds may function as antimicrobial agents against certain pathogens. In a totally different realm, the chemical properties of gallium arsenide have led to its use in the semiconductor industry. Gallium compounds, whether used medically or in the electronics field, have toxicities. Patients receiving gallium nitrate for the treatment of various diseases may benefit from such therapy, but knowledge of the therapeutic index of this drug is necessary to avoid clinical toxicities. Animals exposed to gallium arsenide display toxicities in certain organ systems suggesting that environmental risks may exist for individuals exposed to this compound in the workplace. Although the arsenic moiety of gallium arsenide appears to be mainly responsible for its pulmonary toxicity, gallium may contribute to some of the detrimental effects in other organs. The use of older and newer gallium compounds in clinical medicine may be advanced by a better understanding of their mechanisms of action, drug resistance, pharmacology, and side-effects. This review will discuss the medical applications of gallium and its mechanisms of action, the newer gallium compounds and future directions for development, and the toxicities of gallium compounds in current use.