bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examples of energy self-sufficient municipal nutrient removal plants
Authors: Nowak O. , Keil S. , Fimml C.
Published: July 2011

In Austria, two municipal WWTPs (the Strass TP and Wolfgangsee-Ischl TP) operated with nutrient removal and aerobic sludge digestion are now energy self-sufficient. This is the result of a long-standing and on-going optimisation process at both plants including optimal aeration control and control of the aerobic section of the aeration tank to optimise denitrification and prevent degradation of particulate organic matter that should be degraded in the digester. Both TPs are now equipped with energy-efficient CHP units. However, it is maybe more sustainable to use the biogas as bio-methane/bio-fuel than in conventional CHP at the WWTP. It is shown that energy self-sufficiency should be in reach at other municipal WWTPs, too.
Quantification of sewer leakage by a continuous tracer method
Authors: Prigiobbe V. , Giulianelli M.
Published: July 2011

Water authorities interested in the evaluation of the structural state of a sewer must quantify leakage to plan strategic intervention. However, the quantification of the exfiltration and the localisation of structural damage are challenging tasks that usually require expensive and time-consuming inspections. Herein, we report one of the first applications of the QUEST-C method to quantify the exfiltration in a continuously operating sewer by dosing two chemical tracers, sodium bromide (NaBr) and lithium chloride (LiCl). The method was applied at the catchment scale in a 14-year-old sewer in Rome, Italy. Preliminary laboratory tests, field measurements, and numerical simulations showed that reliable results require the QUEST-C method to be applied to sewers without lateral inflows, during periods of quasi-steady flow, and that the travel time of the NaBr tracer is minimised. Three sewer reaches were tested and the estimated exfiltration, as a fraction of the dry weather flow (DWF), increased from 0.128 in the agricultural area to 0.208 in the urban area. Although our estimates are at the lower end of the range given in the literature (0.01–0.56 DWF), the exfiltration was not negligible, and interventions should focus on the sewers in urban areas. This illustrates the capability of the QUEST-C method to guide strategic intervention at low cost and without an interruption of sewer operation. However, careful interpretation of the results is recommended for sewers with many lateral inflows, where leakage may be overestimated.
Treatment of slaughterhouse plant wastewater by using a membrane bioreactor
Authors: Gürel Levent , Büyükgüngör Hanife
Published: July 2011

The use of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) for removal of organic substances and nutrients from slaughterhouse plant wastewater was investigated. The chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations of slaughterhouse wastewater were found to be approximately 571 mg O2/L, 102.5 mg/L, and 16.25 mg PO4-P/L, respectively. A submerged type membrane was used in the bioreactor. The removal efficiencies for COD, total organic carbon (TOC), TP and TN were found to be 97, 96, 65, 44% respectively. The COD value of wastewater was decreased to 16 mg/L (COD discharge standard for slaughterhouse plant wastewaters is 160 mg/L). TOC was decreased to 9 mg/L (TOC discharge standard for slaughterhouse plant wastewaters is 20 mg/L). Ammonium, and nitrate nitrogen concentrations of treated effluent were 0.100 mg NH4-N/L, and 80.521 mg NO3-N/L, respectively. Slaughterhouse wastewater was successfully treated with the MBR process.
Candidate Obama and the Dilemmas of Political Time
Authors: Crockett David A.
Published: July 2011

Historical context affects the race for the White House as much as it does presidential leadership. Candidates from the opposition party require several elements to fall into place for them to achieve victory. Is Barack Obama a successful opposition candidatesomeone who won office in a fashion similar to Bill Clinton, Dwight Eisenhower, and Woodrow Wilson? Or did he run a campaign that set the stage for a new reconstruction of politics along the lines of Franklin Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan? This paper examines the 2008 presidential election through the lens of political time, evaluating the Obama campaign to determine whether it met the criteria for opposition party victory. The answer to that question helps us understand where President Obama may be placed in political timeand the nature of the opportunities and constraints he possesses as either a president of opposition or a president of reconstruction.
Going off the Rails on a Crazy Train: The Causes and Consequences of Congressional Infamy
Authors: Buchler Justin
Published: July 2011

Legislators like Michele Bachmann and Alan Grayson become nationally infamous for their provocative behavior, yet there is little scholarly attention to such infamy. This paper examines the predictors of congressional infamy, along with its electoral consequences. First, infamy is measured through the frequency with which internet users conduct searches of legislators names, paired with epithets attacking their intelligence or sanity. Then, ideological extremism and party leadership positions are shown to be the best statistical predictors. The electoral consequences of infamy follow: infamous legislators raise more money than their lower-profile colleagues, but their infamy also helps their challengers to raise money. In the case of House Republicans, there appears to be an additional and direct negative effect of infamy on vote shares. The fundraising effect is larger in Senate elections, but there is no evidence of direct electoral cost for infamous senatorial candidates.
Testing Obama's Withdrawal Timeline Hypothesis in Afghanistan
Authors: Koprowski Michael
Published: July 2011

The Obama Administration argued that a publicly announced withdrawal timeline would help further U.S. counterinsurgency (COIN) objectives in Afghanistan by incentivizing better behavior from the Karzai government and the Afghan people. In this article, I test the Obama timeline hypothesis to determine whether it is likely to produce the positive change that the Administration claims. By utilizing a mix of consistent historical predictors, deductive logic based on contemporary COIN theory, and currently available evidence, I conclude that the withdrawal timeline has not produced, and likely will not produce, these results and that, on the whole, it has likely engendered perverse incentives that run contrary to Americas COIN objectives. More broadly, the Afghan case should make U.S. policymakers deeply skeptical of assertions that withdrawal timelines can serve as an effective policy tool for changing the behaviors of key regional actors.
Historical Analogies, Military Surges, (and Economic Crises): Who Should be Consulted?
Authors: Ray James Lee
Published: July 2011

The economics profession both sanctioned and rationalized a business model of society which supported a minimally supervised rule of markets. As a consequence, the failure of markets has marginalized economics itself. It is left on the sidelines as politicians try to salvage something from the breakdown of the market order. Robert Skidelsky, 2009When I was in college, I majored in political science. But if I were going through college today, Id major in economics. It possesses a rigor that other fields in the social sciences dontand often greater relevance as well. Thats why economists are shaping national debates about everything from health care to poverty, while political scientists often seem increasingly theoretical and irrelevant. Nicholas D. Kristof, 2011Foreign policy decision makers tend to rely on historical analogies. The surge in Afghanistan, for example, was inspired in part by the surge in Iraq. Processes for dealing with foreign policy issues involving the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were substantially different from those processes in the Bush and Obama administrations aimed at dealing with economic crises in 2008 and 2009. The latter processes were influenced extensively by economists, especially in the Obama administration. The decisions to send additional troops to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan involved relatively few political scientists. More substantial input from political scientists in the decision making process about the surge in Afghanistan might have produced more knowledgeable and informative analyses of relevant historical and political data in the form of structured focused comparisons of the wars and counterinsurgency campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as analyses and interpretations of data on larger numbers of cases pertaining to broader phenomena of which the US interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan are examples. Perhaps political scientists deserve a role within foreign policy making processes more similar to that reserved for economists in processes focusing on economic issues.
Spatial and Nonspatial Working Memory and Visual Search
Authors: Takahashi Junichi , Hatakeyama Takao
Published: July 2011

It has been indicated that visual search is interfered with in spatial working memory (WM), although not in nonspatial WM. In this study, the effects on visual search of individual differences in spatial and nonspatial WM were examined. Two visual search conditions were used: a conjunction search condition comprising two features (color and shape) and a disjunction condition comprising only one feature (color or shape). 96 participants (42 men, 54 women, M age = 20.9 yr., SD = 3.5) participated in this study. The participants were divided into high and low WM groups based on their spatial and nonspatial WM test scores. As a result, statistically significant group differences in the conjunction search rate were observed in spatial WM but not in nonspatial WM. These results suggest there is a relationship between visual search and the individual spatial WM ability, but this does not hold for nonspatial WM.
Facial Resemblances between Heterosexual, Gay, and Lesbian Couples
Authors: Abel Ernest L. , Kruger Michael L.
Published: July 2011

Researchers have noted a physical resemblance (homophily) between human sex partners. To date, these studies and their related interpretations have been based on heterosexual couples. The present study compared physical resemblances between gay, lesbian, and heterosexual couples, using 40 photographs of each from national newspapers, which were rated by 34 men and 56 women ( M age = 53 yr., SD = 12.1). Half the photographs were of actual couples and half were randomly mixed within each group. Actual couples were rated as significantly more similar in appearance than random pairings of people. Ratings of similarity were significantly higher (indicating greater perceived homophily) for gay couples than heterosexual couples, while there was no statistically significant difference in similarity ratings between lesbian couples versus gay and heterosexual couples. The results were interpreted in terms of evolutionary and parental imprinting hypotheses.
School children systolic and diastolic blood pressure values: YUSAD study
Authors: Milincic Zeljka , Nikolic Dejan , Simeunovic Slavko , Novakovic Ivana , Petronic Ivana , Risimic Dijana , Simeunovic Dejan
Published: July 2011

The aim of the study was to analyze changes of systolic and diastolic blood pressure values over five and ten years separately boys and girls and to estimate correlation between them. Three age groups from 8 centers in Serbia were evaluated: Group 1: 10 year old patients, Group 2: 15 year old and Group 3: 20 year old. Group with normal blood pressure values, prehypertensive and hypertensive group were analyzed. Regarding the period of follow-up we analyzed: 10/15 years period-children between 10 and 15 years, 15/20 years period-children between 15 and 20 years, and 10/20 years period-children between 10 and 20 years. Significant increase of diastolic blood pressure was noticed for both genders in 10/15 years period of prehypertensive population, while in hypertensive children, boys showed decline in frequency for systolic and diastolic blood pressure and girls only for diastolic. In 15/20 years period there was significant decrease of prehypertensive and significant increase of hypertensive diastolic blood pressure frequency. In 10/20 years period significant reduction in frequency of prehypertensive systolic blood pressure was noticed, while only hypertensive group of boys showed significant reduction regarding systolic blood pressure frequency. Prehypertensive diastolic and hypertensive systolic blood pressure fluctuations are more related to age.
“Being” Black and Strategizing for Excellence in a Racially Stratified Academic Hierarchy
Authors: O’Connor Carla , Mueller Jennifer , Lewis R. L’Heureux , Rivas-Drake Deborah , Rosenberg Seneca
Published: July 2011

This article reports the findings of an ethnographic study of Black identity and achievement in one predominantly White high school featuring a racially stratified academic hierarchy (RSAH). Foregrounding the experiences of three exceptionally achieving Black girls against those of other high-achieving but less stellar students, the study demonstrates how an RSAH amplifies and animates Black students’ constructions of Black identity to affect how Black youth strategize for academic excellence under second-generation segregation.
Uterine Inversion: Management Protocol with Literature Review
Authors: Gupta Pratiksha , Sehgal Alka , Prasbakar Sonil , Huria Anju , Sahu Ram-ji Lal
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5029 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 3-7
Correlation of Uterine Myoma to Menorrhagia
Authors: Sharma Poonam , Rana Ashma , Bista Kesang Diki
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5033 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 12-17
Annual Clinicopathological Analysis of Ovarian Tumours at TUTH
Authors: Amatya Sapana , Gurung Geeta , Rana Ashma
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5041 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 18-24
Cervical Cytology Screening at BPKIHS, Dharan
Authors: Pokharel Hanoon P , Singh Uma , Sinha Aravind
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5042 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 25-27
Qualitative Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Testing in Vaginal Fluid for Diagnosis of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membrane
Authors: Mehra Reeti , Huria Anju , Mahaur Beena
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5043 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 28-31
A Case of Giant Fibroid Uterus in an Adolescent Girl of 16
Authors: Karim Tanweer , Patil Kundan , Panchal Anuradha
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5047 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 49-50 ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
The Outcome of Medical Management of Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy: Two Case Reports
Authors: Dasari Papa , Patra Sharada
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5048 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 51-53
Cervical Myolipoma with Pregnancy: Report of a Case and Brief Review of Literature
Authors: Manila Kaushal , Laxmi Maru , Ranjana Patidar
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5049 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 54-55
Alcohol Consumption and Oxidative DNA Damage
Authors: Hirano Takeshi
Published: July 2011

To examine the effects of alcohol consumption on cancer risk, we measured oxidative DNA damage and its repair activity in the livers and esophagi of rats fed with ethanol. Using our previously designed protocol for feeding rats with a high concentration of ethanol, we examined the effects of ethanol consumption on 8-oxo-Gua generation and repair activity in the livers and esophagi of rats. We found that a high concentration of ethanol accompanied with a vitamin-depleted diet increased 8-oxo-Gua and its repair activity. 8-Oxo-Gua is known to induce point mutations, leading to carcinogenesis. Therefore, these results suggested that a high concentration of ethanol and an irregular diet increased liver and esophageal cancer risk. On the other hand, we showed that a low concentration of ethanol decreased 8-oxo-Gua and its repair activity in the livers of mice treated with a carcinogen. Taken together, the effects of ethanol consumption on cancer risk depend on the ethanol concentration and the diet pattern.
Assessment of the Interactions between Economic Growth and Industrial Wastewater Discharges Using Co-integration Analysis: A Case Study for China’s Hunan Province
Authors: Xiao Qiang , Gao Yang , Hu Dan , Tan Hong , Wang Tianxiang
Published: July 2011

We have investigated the interactions between economic growth and industrial wastewater discharge from 1978 to 2007 in China's Hunan Province using co-integration theory and an error-correction model. Two main economic growth indicators and four representative industrial wastewater pollutants were selected to demonstrate the interaction mechanism. We found a long-term equilibrium relationship between economic growth and the discharge of industrial pollutants in wastewater between 1978 and 2007 in Hunan Province. The error-correction mechanism prevented the variable expansion for long-term relationship at quantity and scale, and the size of the error-correction parameters reflected short-term adjustments that deviate from the long-term equilibrium. When economic growth changes within a short term, the discharge of pollutants will constrain growth because the values of the parameters in the short-term equation are smaller than those in the long-term co-integrated regression equation, indicating that a remarkable long-term influence of economic growth on the discharge of industrial wastewater pollutants and that increasing pollutant discharge constrained economic growth. Economic growth is the main driving factor that affects the discharge of industrial wastewater pollutants in Hunan Province. On the other hand, the discharge constrains economic growth by producing external pressure on growth, although this feedback mechanism has a lag effect. Economic growth plays an important role in explaining the predicted decomposition of the variance in the discharge of industrial wastewater pollutants, but this discharge contributes less to predictions of the variations in economic growth.
The Hardness and Strength Properties of WC-Co Composites
Authors: Armstrong Ronald W.
Published: July 2011

The industrially-important WC-Co composite materials provide a useful, albeit complicated materials system for understanding the combined influences on hardness and strength properties of the constituent WC particle strengths, the particle sizes, their contiguities, and of Co binder hardness and mean free paths, and in total, the volume fraction of constituents. A connection is made here between the composite material properties, especially including the material fracture toughness, and the several materials-type considerations of: (1) related hardness stress-strain behaviors; (2) dislocation (viscoplastic) thermal activation characterizations; (3) Hall-Petch type reciprocal square root of particle or grain size dependencies; and (4) indentation and conventional fracture mechanics results. Related behaviors of MgO and Al2O3 crystal and polycrystal materials are also described for the purpose of making comparisons.
Biocatalytic Resolution of Enantiomeric Mixtures of 1-Aminoethanephosphonic Acid
Authors: Brzezińska-Rodak Małgorzata , Klimek-Ochab Magdalena , Żymańczyk-Duda Ewa , Kafarski Paweł
Published: July 2011

Several fungal strains, namely Bauveria bassiana, Cuninghamella echinulata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium crustosum and Cladosporium herbarum, were used as biocatalysts to resolve racemic mixtures of 1-aminoethanephosphonic acid using L/D amino acid oxidase activity. The course of reaction was analyzed by 31P-NMR in the presence of cyclodextrin used as chiral discriminating agent. The best result (42% e.e of R-isomer) was obtained with a strain of Cuninghamella echinulata.
Industrial Aplication of Catalytic Systems for n-Heptane Isomerization
Authors: Alemán-Vázquez Laura Olivia , Cano-Domínguez José Luis , Torres-García Enelio , Villagómez-Ibarra José Roberto
Published: July 2011

The ideal gasoline must have a high pump octane number, in the 86 to 94 range, and a low environmental impact. Alkanes, as a family, have much lower photochemical reactivities than aromatics or olefins, but only the highly branched alkanes have adequate octane numbers. The purpose of this work is to examine the possibilities of extending the technological alternative of paraffin isomerization to heavier feedstocks (i.e., n-heptane) using non-conventional catalytic systems which have been previously proposed in the literature: a Pt/sulfated zirconia catalyst and a molybdenum sub-oxide catalyst. Under the experimental conditions at which these catalysts have been evaluated, the molybdenum sub-oxide catalyst maintains a good activity and selectivity to isomerization after 24 h, while the Pt/sulfated zirconia catalyst shows a higher dimethylpentanes/methylhexanes ratio, probably due to a lower operating temperature, but also a high formation of cracking products, and presents signs of deactivation after 8 h. Though much remains to be done, the performance of these catalysts indicates that there are good perspectives for their industrial application in the isomerization of n-heptane and heavier alkanes.
Data Collection Method for Mobile Sensor Networks Based on the Theory of Thermal Fields
Authors: Macuha Martin , Tariq Muhammad , Sato Takuro
Published: July 2011

Many sensor applications are aimed for mobile objects, where conventional routing approaches of data delivery might fail. Such applications are habitat monitoring, human probes or vehicular sensing systems. This paper targets such applications and proposes lightweight proactive distributed data collection scheme for Mobile Sensor Networks (MSN) based on the theory of thermal fields. By proper mapping, we create distribution function which allows considering characteristics of a sensor node. We show the functionality of our proposed forwarding method when adapted to the energy of sensor node. We also propose enhancement in order to maximize lifetime of the sensor nodes. We thoroughly evaluate proposed solution and discuss the tradeoffs.
Research on the Filtering Algorithm in Speed and Position Detection of Maglev Trains
Authors: Dai Chunhui , Long Zhiqiang , Xie Yunde , Xue Song
Published: July 2011

This paper introduces in brief the traction system of a permanent magnet electrodynamic suspension (EDS) train. The synchronous traction mode based on long stators and track cable is described. A speed and position detection system is recommended. It is installed on board and is used as the feedback end. Restricted by the maglev train’s structure, the permanent magnet electrodynamic suspension (EDS) train uses the non-contact method to detect its position. Because of the shake and the track joints, the position signal sent by the position sensor is always aberrant and noisy. To solve this problem, a linear discrete track-differentiator filtering algorithm is proposed. The filtering characters of the track-differentiator (TD) and track-differentiator group are analyzed. The four series of TD are used in the signal processing unit. The result shows that the track-differentiator could have a good effect and make the traction system run normally.
Environmental Innovation and Sustainability in Small Handicraft Businesses in Mexico
Authors: Sánchez-Medina Patricia S. , Corbett Jack , Toledo-López Arcelia
Published: July 2011

In this study, the relationship between environmental innovation and sustainability is analyzed in 168 handicraft businesses in the Mexican states of Oaxaca, Puebla, and Tlaxcala. The results show a direct, positive relationship between environmental innovation and sustainability in three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. In terms of determination, the variables that best explain sustainability are: organization type, product innovation, and process innovation. The age of the handicraft businesses was not a significant factor in explaining sustainability. This study concludes that handicraft businesses make sustainable choices more as a result of a desire for profit maximization than as a result of environmental consciousness, as can be explained by neoclassical view of economics.
Innate Antiviral Response: Role in HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Pitha Paula M.
Published: July 2011

As an early response to infection, cells induce a profile of the early inflammatory proteins including antiviral cytokines and chemokines. Two families of transcriptional factors play a major role in the transcriptional activation of the early inflammatory genes: The well-characterized family of NFkB factors and the family of interferon regulatory factors (IRF). The IRFs play a critical role in the induction of type I interferon (IFN) and chemokine genes, as well as genes mediating antiviral, antibacterial, and inflammatory responses. Type I IFNs represent critical components of innate antiviral immunity. These proteins not only exert direct antiviral effects, but also induce maturation of dendritic cells (DC), and enhance functions of NK, T and B cells, and macrophages. This review will summarize the current knowledge of the mechanisms leading to the innate antiviral response with a focus on its role in the regulation of HIV-1 infection and pathogenicity. We would like this review to be both historical and a future perspective.
Differences in the rheological properties of calcitic and dolomitic lime slurries: influence of particle characteristics and practical implications in lime-based mortar manufacturing
Authors: Arizzi A. , Hendrickx R. , Cultrone G. , Van Balen K.
Published: July 2011

The study of the rheological properties of lime suspensions is a useful means to evaluate the workability of lime mortars. In this work, we studied the flow behaviour of two industrial hydrated limes, one of calcitic and the other of dolomitic composition, by means of two types of rheometer with different geometry and setup mode. The obtained results were interpreted taking into account the differences in microstructure and surface properties of the suspended particles. Calcitic lime dry particles are formed by angular and polydisperse clusters and, once dispersed in water, they behave like thixotropic materials. On the other hand, the dolomitic lime is formed by nanoparticles and small round cluster and it shows a pronounced plastic behaviour in suspension. This fundamental difference between the two materials explains the traditional preference for dolomitic lime mortars for plastering and rendering applications.
The influence of water repellent products on the chromatic modifications of the ceramic brick
Authors: Coronado Martin J. A. , Garcia Santos A.
Published: July 2011

Chromatic variation, colour and luminosity, undergone by the ceramic support protected by the incorporation of a treatment with water repellent products, is analysed.
A new methodology is suggested, based on RGB model where quantifiable values from each ceramic sample are obtained through digital measurement of the colour (image histograms), taking as a base the same type of ceramics with no water repellents.
Chromatic variation is determined by the type of water repellent and the base material, obtaining the following results:
- All the water repellent studied cause variations in the shade and luminosity of the piece.
- English red brick (R) is the one presenting less variation of luminosity and shade since it’s been treated with water repellents.
- The water repellent of siliconates component is the one which causes less chromatic variation in two of the three bricks studied, the dark brown (T) and the English red (R) one.
Efecto de las hozaduras de jabalí sobre el valor ecológico y pastoral de pastos supraforestales pirenaicos
Authors: Bueno C. G. , Barrio I. C. , García-González R. , Alados C. L. , Gómez-García D.
Published: July 2011

Las hozaduras de jabalí son una de las mayores perturbaciones actuales de los pastos supraforestales pirenaicos. Sus consecuencias para el ecosistema no están todavía perfectamente descritas, a pesar de ser uno de los hábitats de mayor interés de conservación y que juegan un importante papel en las economías locales. Los bienes y servicios que provee dicho hábitat están claramente relacionados tanto con su valor ecológico como pastoral, los cuales parecen estar afectados por las citadas perturbaciones. En este trabajo se midieron dichos valores dentro y fuera de perturbaciones a diferentes escalas espaciales para incrementar el conocimiento de la repercusión de las hozaduras de jabalí en el ecosistema de los pastos alpinos, particularmente sensibles a la remoción del suelo. A escala de paisaje y de comunidad, comparamos las áreas perturbadas y no perturbadas por el jabalí, en mapas del valor pastoral, valor ecológico y de comunidades pascícolas de la zona de estudio, por medio de un sistema de información geográfica. A escala local comparamos los valores ecológico y pastoral de los grupos de plantas (sobre la base de la abundancia de especies), dentro y fuera de las hozaduras de jabalí. A escala de paisaje se encontró una preferencia por zonas de alto valor pastoral y valores ecológicos intermedios. Sin embargo, a escala de comunidad las perturbaciones redujeron notablemente el valor pastoral y ecológico en todas las comunidades. A escala local, se encontró un aumento del valor ecológico de los bulbos y del valor pastoral de las dicotiledóneas anuales dentro de las perturbaciones, lo que sugiere que éstas pueden favorecer la diversidad de grupos funcionales. Las hozaduras de jabalí afectan moderadamente a los pastos alpinos pirenaicos, con mayor afección sobre los valores pastorales que sobre los ecológicos en todas las escalas estudiadas, lo que debiera tenerse en cuenta para el manejo y preservación de estos hábitats, ya que dichas perturbaciones se están, muy probablemente, incrementando.
Gestión del corzo en Zaragoza: de conservación a control poblacional
Authors: Ferreres J. , Escudero M. A. , Ferrer E. , Marco J.
Published: July 2011

Al igual que ha ocurrido con otros ungulados en el resto de Europa, durante las dos últimas décadas la población de corzo (Capreolus capreolus) ha experimentado una considerable expansión en Aragón. En el Sistema Ibérico zaragozano (SIZ) este proceso se ha visto acompañado por un incremento del interés cinegético hacia la especie y por una creciente conflictividad asociada a los daños en cultivos de leñosas.
En Aragón es la Administración la responsable de planificar el aprovechamiento cinegético de la caza, asignando los cupos de captura a los cotos de caza. Durante la elaboración de los planes de caza se debe atender a posiciones e intereses muchas veces contrapuestos, por lo que para gestionar estas poblaciones es imprescindible contar con datos objetivos sobre su estado. Para ello se ha desarrollado un plan de seguimiento del corzo en Aragón basado en la realización periódica de transectos de recuento de grupos fecales sobre recorridos fijos. Esta información se complementa con las observaciones de corzo registradas en una red de fareos nocturnos diseñada originalmente para el seguimiento de lagomorfos y zorro. Los datos obtenidos en el SIZ indican que entre 2005 y 2009 la abundancia media de corzo se ha duplicado y que su densidad media alcanza 5,4 ± 0,33 corzos/km2.
Inicialmente los planes de caza seguían criterios conservadores que permitiesen mantener la población en crecimiento, con una tasa de extracción moderada, un cupo equilibrado entre machos y hembras y una caza selectiva a rececho. Ante la evolución positiva de la especie y la necesidad de atenuar las protestas por daños en cultivos, fundamentalmente frutales, se ha cambiado a una estrategia de control poblacional con un notable incremento de la presión cinegética: se amplía el periodo hábil de caza, se autoriza la caza en batidas y se aumenta la tasa de extracción, aunque se ha mantenido la sex-ratio equilibrada en los cupos. A pesar de que el cumplimiento del cupo se sitúa en torno al 80%, y se ha pasado de 193 capturas en 2005 a 1.084 en 2009, hasta ahora no se ha conseguido frenar el crecimiento poblacional.
Veinte años de seguimiento poblacional de ungulados silvestres de Aragón
Authors: Marco J. , Herrero J. , Escudero M. A. , Fernández-Arberas O. , Ferreres J. , García-Serrano A. , Giménez-Anaya A. , Labarta J. L. , Monrabal L. , Prada C.
Published: July 2011

La importante expansión de las poblaciones de ungulados silvestres en Aragón desde los años 50 del siglo XX hasta la actualidad, tanto en superficie ocupada como en abundancia de ejemplares, ha hecho necesario el seguimiento de las mismas para su adecuada gestión. Su incremento en las dos últimas décadas, junto con el importante aumento de daños agrícolas y colisiones con vehículos, ha motivado un importante cambio en los criterios gestores; pasando de la conservación y fomento al control e incluso reducción de efectivos. Los métodos utilizados para el seguimiento de las poblaciones fueron: encuestas quincenales de distribución, batidas, muestreos de distancia, captura – recaptura, fareos nocturnos y muestreos indirectos basados en el conteo de grupos de excrementos en transectos y parcelas fijas. Los seguimientos se comenzaron a realizar en 1985 en el caso del ciervo, 1990 en el jabalí y cabra montesa, 1995 en el sarrio y 2002 en el corzo, habiéndose convertido paulatinamente en una verdadera monitorización poblacional. Los seguimientos son realizados por Agentes de Protección de la Naturaleza del Gobierno de Aragón y asistencias técnicas externas, bajo la supervisión y coordinación de los responsables administrativos. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que, algunas poblaciones continúan su expansión e incremento (jabalí, ciervo, corzo, cabra montesa), otras se encuentran relativamente estabilizadas (gamo, cabra doméstica asilvestrada), y unas pocas fluctúan debido a enfermedades (sarrio) o muestran presencias testimoniales prácticamente reducidas a cercados (arruí, muflón). Las capturas declaradas han pasado de 1.100 a 36.000 en 11 años (1999-2009): 303 sarrios, 1.173 cabras montesas, 2.141 corzos, 2.424 ciervos y 29.595 jabalíes, con una tendencia al incremento que aún no ha finalizado. El instrumento fundamental por lo tanto son los cupos de caza y su verificación se realiza a partir de las declaraciones de capturas, los daños a la agricultura y accidentes automovilísticos y la tendencia y abundancia poblacional.
Primera Reunión sobre el rebeco cantábrico y el sarrio pirenaico. Benasque (Huesca, España), 20-22 de mayo de 2011
Authors: Alarcón J. L. , Fernández de Luco D. , García-González R. , García-Serrano A. , Herrero J.
Published: July 2011

No disponible
Immune Modulation by Zoledronic Acid in Human Myeloma: An Advantageous Cross-Talk between Vγ9Vδ2 T Cells, αβ CD8+ T Cells, Regulatory T Cells, and Dendritic Cells
Authors: Castella Barbara , Riganti Chiara , Fiore Francesca , Pantaleoni Francesca , Canepari Maria Elisa , Peola Silvia , Foglietta Myriam , Palumbo Antonio , Bosia Amalia , Coscia Marta , Boccadoro Mario , Massaia Massimo
Published: July 2011

Vγ9Vδ2 T cells play a major role as effector cells of innate immune responses against microbes, stressed cells, and tumor cells. They constitute <5% of PBLs but can be expanded by zoledronic acid (ZA)-treated monocytes or dendritic cells (DC). Much less is known about their ability to act as cellular adjuvants bridging innate and adaptive immunity, especially in patients with cancer. We have addressed this issue in multiple myeloma (MM), a prototypic disease with several immune dysfunctions that also affect γδ T cells and DC. ZA-treated MM DC were highly effective in activating autologous γδ T cells, even in patients refractory to stimulation with ZA-treated monocytes. ZA inhibited the mevalonate pathway of MM DC and induced the intracellular accumulation and release into the supernatant of isopentenyl pyrophosphate, a selective γδ T cell activator, in sufficient amounts to induce the proliferation of γδ T cells. Immune responses against the tumor-associated Ag survivin (SRV) by MHC-restricted, SRV-specific CD8+ αβ T cells were amplified by the concurrent activation of γδ T cells driven by autologous DC copulsed with ZA and SRV-derived peptides. Ancillary to the isopentenyl pyrophosphate-induced γδ T cell proliferation was the mevalonate-independent ZA ability to directly antagonize regulatory T cells and downregulate PD-L2 expression on the DC cell surface. In conclusion, ZA has multiple immune modulatory activities that allow MM DC to effectively handle the concurrent activation of γδ T cells and MHC-restricted CD8+ αβ antitumor effector T cells.
Requirement of UNC93B1 Reveals a Critical Role for TLR7 in Host Resistance to Primary Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Caetano Braulia C. , Carmo Bianca B. , Melo Mariane B. , Cerny Anna , dos Santos Sara L. , Bartholomeu Daniella C. , Golenbock Douglas T. , Gazzinelli Ricardo T.
Published: July 2011

UNC93B1 associates with TLR3, 7, and 9, mediating their translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum to the endolysosome, thus allowing proper activation by microbial nucleic acids. We found that the triple-deficient 3d mice, which lack functional UNC93B1 as well as functional endosomal TLRs, are highly susceptible to infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. The enhanced parasitemia and mortality in 3d animals were associated with impaired proinflammatory response, including reduced levels of IL-12p40 and IFN-γ. Importantly, the phenotype of 3d mice was intermediary between MyD88−/− (highly susceptible) and TLR9−/− (moderately susceptible), indicating the involvement of an additional UN93B1-dependent TLR(s) on host resistance to T. cruzi. Hence, our experiments also revealed that TLR7 is a critical innate immune receptor involved in recognition of parasite RNA, induction of IL-12p40 by dendritic cells, and consequent IFN-γ by T lymphocytes. Furthermore, we show that upon T. cruzi infection, triple TLR3/7/9−/− mice had similar phenotype than 3d mice. These data imply that the nucleic acid-sensing TLRs are critical determinants of host resistance to primary infection with T. cruzi.
TCR-Independent Killing of B Cell Malignancies by Anti–Third-Party CTLs: The Critical Role of MHC–CD8 Engagement
Authors: Lask Assaf , Goichberg Polina , Cohen Adva , Goren-Arbel Rinat , Milstein Oren , Aviner Shraga , Feine Ilan , Ophir Eran , Reich-Zeliger Shlomit , Hagin David , Klein Tirza , Nagler Arnon , Berrebi Alain , Reisner Yair
Published: July 2011

We previously demonstrated that anti–third-party CTLs (stimulated under IL-2 deprivation against cells with an MHC class I [MHC-I] background different from that of the host and the donor) are depleted of graft-versus-host reactivity and can eradicate B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in vitro or in an HU/SCID mouse model. We demonstrated in the current study that human allogeneic or autologous anti–third-party CTLs can also efficiently eradicate primary non-Hodgkin B cell lymphoma by inducing slow apoptosis of the pathological cells. Using MHC-I mutant cell line as target cells, which are unrecognizable by the CTL TCR, we demonstrated directly that this killing is TCR independent. Strikingly, this unique TCR-independent killing is induced through lymphoma MHC-I engagement. We further showed that this killing mechanism begins with durable conjugate formation between the CTLs and the tumor cells, through rapid binding of tumor ICAM-1 to the CTL LFA-1 molecule. This conjugation is followed by a slower second step of MHC-I–dependent apoptosis, requiring the binding of the MHC-I α2/3 C region on tumor cells to the CTL CD8 molecule for killing to ensue. By comparing CTL-mediated killing of Daudi lymphoma cells (lacking surface MHC-I expression) to Daudi cells with reconstituted surface MHC-I, we demonstrated directly for the first time to our knowledge, in vitro and in vivo, a novel role for MHC-I in the induction of lymphoma cell apoptosis by CTLs. Additionally, by using different knockout and transgenic strains, we further showed that mouse anti–third-party CTLs also kill lymphoma cells using similar unique TCR-independence mechanism as human CTLs, while sparing normal naive B cells.
IL-7 Dysregulation and Loss of CD8+ T Cell Homeostasis in the Monogenic Human Disease Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy–Candidiasis–Ectodermal Dystrophy
Authors: Laakso Sini M. , Kekäläinen Eliisa , Rossi Laura H. , Laurinolli Tuisku-Tuulia , Mannerström Helga , Heikkilä Nelli , Lehtoviita Anni , Perheentupa Jaakko , Jarva Hanna , Arstila T. Petteri
Published: July 2011

Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is a monogenic autoimmune disease that is caused by mutations in the AIRE gene. Murine studies have linked AIRE to thymocyte selection and peripheral deletional tolerance, but the pathogenesis of the human disease remains unclear. In this study, we show that APECED patients have elevated IL-7 levels and a drastically decreased expression of IL-7R on CD8+ T cells. This is associated with increased proliferation and a decreased expression of the negative TCR regulator CD5 in the CD45RO− subset. The CD45RO− cells also display oligoclonal expansions, decreased expression of the lymph node homing factors CCR7 and CD62L, and increased expression of perforin, consistent with the accumulation of highly differentiated effector cells. The CD45RO−CCR7+CD8+ population of cells with markers characteristic of naive phenotype is also skewed, as shown by decreased expression of CD5 and increased expression of perforin. The putative CD31+ recent thymic emigrant population is likewise affected. These data are consistent with IL-7 dysregulation inducing a decreased threshold of TCR signaling and self-antigen–driven proliferation, probably in synergy with the failed thymic selection. The resultant loss of CD8+ T cell homeostasis is likely to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of APECED. Our findings may also hold lessons for other diseases in which the IL-7–IL-7R pathway has emerged as a risk factor.
Poorly differentiated oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Western Kenya: A case report
Authors: Chege Masemiano P.
Published: July 2011

Poorly differentiated oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Western Kenya: A case report
Multiple Literacies Theory: how it functions, what it produces
Authors: Masny Diana
Published: July 2011

At the moment, there are two literacy theories that seem to dominate the research on literacies. They are known as the New Literacy Studies (NLS) (BARTON; HAMILTON; IVANIČ; 2002; STREET, 2003) and Multiliteracies (COPE; KALANTZIS, 2009). This article is about a different theory, Multiple Literacies Theory (MLT) that demarcates itself from them ontologically and epistemologically. It will also highlight aspects of NLS and Multiliteracies in order to point out the differences with MLT. This article aims to put forward the major concepts that underlie this theory and present vignettes from a study examining how perceptions of writing systems in multilingual children contribute to reading, reading the world and self as texts.
Discursos sobre a leitura: entre a unidade e a pluralidade
Authors: Vóvio Cláudia Lemos
Published: July 2011

Este artigo discorre sobre enfoques acerca da leitura que atravessam e constituem discursos correntes sobre essa prática social e seus significados, portanto influentes nos modos como se focalizam objetos e nas análises tecidas em pesquisas sobre letramentos (STREET, 1984; KLEIMAN, 1995; BARTON; HAMILTON; IVANIC 2000; GEE, 2000, 2004). A matriz epistemológica assumida compreende a leitura como prática cultural produzida nas/pelas relações entre grupos humanos, em tempos e espaços sociais específicos, sendo, portanto, variável. Como tal, é perpassada por fenômenos que trazem em seu bojo a necessidade da leitura como prática cultural desejável: o da legitimidade (de crenças coletivas que edificaram a leitura como prática necessária) e o da desigualdade, que diz respeito à distribuição de oportunidades de acesso, à difusão de práticas, competências e objetos (LAHIRE, 2002, 2006). Abordar tais discursos correntes e os enfoques a eles correspondentes permite, por um lado, compreender em que bases os discursos da tradição e do cânone foram produzidos e converteram-se em divisores de águascapazes de distinguir grupos e pessoas, de definir o que conta, o que tem valor, de escalonar e classificar leitores e leituras e, de outro, organizar planos a partir dos quais se pode examinar as práticas de leitura, os sentidos e significados atribuídos a esse fazer e os artefatos culturais acessados pelos sujeitos envolvidos.
Alfabetização e letramento no cenário escolar: compreensões de gestores educacionais
Authors: Heinig Otilia de Oliveira Martins
Published: July 2011

A pesquisa “A compreensão do letramento nas novas gestões educacionais” foi realizada com gestores educacionais responsáveis pelos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental de seis municípios de Santa Catarina. O objetivo deste artigo é compreender a concepção de linguagem que fundamenta a implantação do Ensino Fundamental de nove anos. O instrumento de coleta de dados foi a entrevista narrativa. Dos enunciados, depreende-se que letramento e alfabetização são compreendidos dicotomicamente, o que implica o fazer pedagógico e nele o papel do professor e a organização curricular. Há também uma inquietude quanto ao ensino da leitura e da escrita no primeiro ano.
Dimensões “escondidas” na escrita de artigos acadêmicos
Authors: Street Brian
Published: July 2011

Este artigo tem por objetivo descrever o desenvolvimento de um conjunto de conceitos funcionais que permitam a professores e alunos abordar questões relativas à escrita de artigos acadêmicos. Para tanto, baseia-se  nas recentes contribuições teóricas das áreas denominadas Escrita no âmbito das Disciplinas (Writing in the Disciplines, WiD), Estudos dos Gêneros (Genre Studies) e Letramentos Acadêmicos (Academic Literacies), e considera se e como tal teoria pode ser adaptada à prática. Enquanto os  modelos dominantes de ensino de produção textual (ESP; ESL) tendem a enfatizar o uso de listas padronizadas de itens a serem seguidos,  geralmente em relação à estrutura do texto acadêmico (por exemplo, introdução; referencial teórico; métodos; dados), a abordagem aqui proposta concentra-se nas dimensões escondidas que são observadas nas avaliações da escrita acadêmica, embora muitas vezes permaneçam implícitas. O artigo descreve a criação, durante uma disciplina sobre letramento na Faculdade de Educação (Graduate School of Education, GSE) da Universidade da Pensilvânia, de uma tabela com termos para explicar claramente os critérios de avaliação e revisão de artigos acadêmicos. O primeiro passo foi aplicar essa tabela aos capítulos de um livro editado,  especificamente nas introduções, em que foi utilizada a seguinte tipologia: “vinheta1, depoimentos pessoais, declarações universais”. Em seguida, os  termos presentes na tabela relativa a dimensões escondidas serviram de base para analisar as versões preliminares das tarefas dos alunos da disciplina. Ao final, o artigo apresenta algumas respostas dadas pelos alunos e as implicações do uso de aplicações mais amplas no apoio à escrita acadêmica.