bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traitement d'une eau naturelle polluée par adsorption sur du charbon actif (CAK) préparé à partir de tourteaux de karité
Authors: Tchakala Ibrahim , Kodom Tomkouani , Alfa-Sika Mande Seyf-Laye , Bawa Moctar , Djaneye-Boundjou Gbandin
Published: November 2016

The study concerns organic and inorganic pollutants and its removal from natural water (Be Lagoon) using activated Shea cake (CAK). The activated carbon CAK has the following characteristics: BET surface area is equal to 1148 m2.g-1 and the pore volume is equal to 0.607 cm3.g-1. This activated carbon is essentially microporous with the volume of micropores representing over 70% of the total pore volume. The “batch method" was used for pollutant removal and it reveals that the contact time values are equal to 10 h for BOD and 15 h for COD. A systematic study was done to assess the influence of the mass of activated carbon on its adsorption capacity of BOD and COD. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models agreed with experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained using Langmuir isotherm model was 12.66 mg/g for all the organic and inorganic pollutants and 11.24 mg/g for organic pollutants only.

Le présent travail a pour but l'utilisation d’un charbon actif (CAK) préparé à partir de tourteaux de karité pour l'adsorption de polluants organiques et inorganiques d’une eau naturelle (lagune de Bè). Le charbon actif CAK présente une surface BET de 1148 m2.g-1 et un volume poreux de 0,607 cm3.g-1. Il est essentiellement microporeux avec un volume de micropores représentant plus de 70 % du volume total des pores. L’étude de laboratoire menée en batch a permis de déterminer des temps de contact optimaux de 10 h pour les polluants organiques seuls et 15 h pour l’ensemble des polluants organiques et inorganiques. L’influence du dosage en charbon actif sur les performances d’adsorption a également été étudiée. L’établissement des isothermes d’adsorption a montré que l’adsorption de l’ensemble des polluants organiques et/ou inorganiques est bien décrite par les modèles à l’équilibre de Langmuir et de Freundlich. Dans les conditions expérimentales utilisées, les capacités maximales d’adsorption des polluants par gramme de charbon actif ont été déterminées respectivement égales à 12,66 mg/g pour l’ensemble des polluants organiques et inorganiques et à 11,24 mg/g pour les polluants organiques.
"Villa urbaine", Beaumont, Lausana. Suiza
Authors: Varios Arquitectos
Published: November 2016

Este edifi cio residencial se sitúa en la cima del parque Campagne de Beaumont, una fi nca campestre construida en 1850. El volumen compacto, perforado por las ventanas, reinterpreta el carácter decimonónico de la edificación existente y propone una fachada mineral de hormigón visto que armoniza con la vegetación del entorno. Dado que en cada apartamento las superficies de hormigón muestran un tratamiento diferente, es posible leer en la fachada el entramado tipológico interior que compone el edificio.
Sobre la milagrosa permanencia de los cubos
Authors: Rodrigues los Santos Cecilia
Published: November 2016

En un principio fue el hombre. El hombre que se convirtió en nómada y curioso, se puso a abstraer y construir ecuaciones matemáticas generando ingenios y mitos. Y de entre tantas invenciones estaban cosas como refugios para sí mismo y para los dioses. Y porque “la geometría y los dioses están juntos”1, el hombre se dejó circunscribir y encuadrar volviéndose un homo ad circulum ad quadratum. La rotación del círculo en el espacio generó una esfera y el cuadrado dentro de ella se hizo cubo. El cubo a su vez se hizo “boîte a miracle”, cuando el homo vitruvianus en su interior se hizo moderno.
Hotel Las piedras Fasano. Punta este, Uruguay
Authors: Isay Weinfeld Arquitecto
Published: November 2016

Las Piedras Fasano es un complejo de recepción en Punta del Este, Uruguay. Combina casas privadas, bungalows de hotel y otras instalaciones, que se dispersan a lo largo de 480 hectáreas dominadas por un paisaje dramático y deslumbrante.

El paisaje inspiró al primer propietario para erigir, con las rocas halladas en la zona, su casa y su estudio. Con la primera visita de reconocimiento, fue evidente que esos edificios –rústicos y de artesanía única debían conservarse.
Chemical characterization of organic particulate matter from on-road traffic in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Oyama Beatriz Sayuri , Andrade Maria de Fátima , Herckes Pierre , Dusek Ulrike , Röckmann Thomas , Holzinger Rupert
Published: November 2016

Abstract. This study reports emission of organic particulate matter by light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, where vehicles run on three different fuel types: gasoline with 25 % ethanol (called gasohol, E25), hydrated ethanol (E100), and diesel (with 5 % biodiesel). The experiments were performed at two tunnels: Jânio Quadros (TJQ), where 99 % of the vehicles are LDVs, and RodoAnel Mário Covas (TRA), where up to 30 % of the fleet are HDVs. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were collected on quartz filters in May and July 2011 at TJQ and TRA, respectively. The samples were analyzed by thermal-desorption proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (TD-PTR-MS) and by thermal–optical transmittance (TOT). Emission factors (EFs) for organic aerosol (OA) and organic carbon (OC) were calculated for the HDV and the LDV fleet. We found that HDVs emitted more PM2.5 than LDVs, with OC EFs of 108 and 523 mg kg−1 burned fuel for LDVs and HDVs, respectively. More than 700 ions were identified by TD-PTR-MS and the EF profiles obtained from HDVs and LDVs exhibited distinct features. Unique organic tracers for gasoline, biodiesel, and tire wear have been tentatively identified. nitrogen-containing compounds contributed around 20 % to the EF values for both types of vehicles, possibly associated with incomplete fuel burning or fast secondary production. Additionally, 70 and 65 % of the emitted mass (i.e. the OA) originates from oxygenated compounds from LDVs and HDVs, respectively. This may be a consequence of the high oxygen content of the fuel. On the other hand, additional oxygenation may occur during fuel combustion. The high fractions of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing compounds show that chemical processing close to the engine / tailpipe region is an important factor influencing primary OA emission. The thermal-desorption analysis showed that HDVs emitted compounds with higher volatility, and with mainly oxygenated and longer chain hydrocarbons than LDVs.
Sources and transformations of anthropogenic nitrogen along an urban river–estuarine continuum
Authors: Pennino Michael J. , Kaushal Sujay S. , Murthy Sudhir N. , Blomquist Joel D. , Cornwell Jeff C. , Harris Lora A.
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Urbanization has altered the fate and transport of anthropogenic nitrogen (N) in rivers and estuaries globally. This study evaluates the capacity of an urbanizing river–estuarine continuum to transform N inputs from the world's largest advanced (e.g., phosphorus and biological N removal) wastewater treatment facility. Effluent samples and surface water were collected monthly along the Potomac River estuary from Washington D.C. to the Chesapeake Bay over a distance of 150 km. In conjunction with box model mass balances, nitrate stable isotopes and mixing models were used to trace the fate of urban wastewater nitrate. Nitrate concentrations and δ15N-NO3− values were higher down-estuary from the Blue Plains wastewater outfall in Washington D.C. (2.25 ± 0.62 mg L−1 and 25.7 ± 2.9 ‰, respectively) compared to upper-estuary concentrations (1.0 ± 0.2 mg L−1 and 9.3 ± 1.4 ‰, respectively). Nitrate concentration then decreased rapidly within 30 km down-estuary (to 0.8 ± 0.2 mg L−1), corresponding to an increase in organic nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon, suggesting biotic uptake and organic transformation. TN loads declined down-estuary (from an annual average of 48 000 ± 5000 kg day−1 at the sewage treatment plant outfall to 23 000 ± 13 000 kg day−1 at the estuary mouth), with the greatest percentage decrease during summer and fall. Annually, there was a 70 ± 31 % loss in wastewater NO3− along the estuary, and 28 ± 6 % of urban wastewater TN inputs were exported to the Chesapeake Bay, with the greatest contribution of wastewater TN loads during the spring. Our results suggest that biological transformations along the urban river–estuary continuum can significantly transform wastewater N inputs from major cities globally, and more work is necessary to evaluate the potential of organic nitrogen and carbon to contribute to eutrophication and hypoxia.
Linking canopy reflectance to crop structure and photosynthesis to capture and interpret spatiotemporal dimensions of per-field photosynthetic productivity
Authors: Xue Wei , Jeong Seungtaek , Ko Jonghan , Tenhunen John
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Nitrogen and water availability are two of staple environmental elements in agroecosystems that can substantially alter canopy structure and physiology then crop growth, yielding large impacts on ecosystem regulating/production provisions. However, to date, explicitly quantifying such impacts remains challenging partially due to lack of adequate methodology to capture spatial dimensions of ecosystem changes associated with nitrogen and water effects. A data assimilation, where close-range remote sensing measurements of vegetation indices derived from a hand-held instrument and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system are linked to leaf and canopy photosynthetic traits quantified at plot level by portable chamber systems, was applied to capture and interpret inter- and intra-field variations in gross primary productivity (GPP) in lowland rice grown under flooded condition (paddy rice, PD) subject to three available nutrient availability and under rainfed condition (RF) in East-Asian monsoon region, South Korea. Spatial variations (SVs) in both GPP and light use efficiency (LUEcabs) early in growing season were amplified by nitrogen addition, and such nutritional effects narrowed over time. Shift planting culture from flooded to rainfed conditions strengthened SVs in GPP and LUEcabs. Intervention of prolonged drought event at late growing season dramatically intensified their SVs that are supposed to seasonally decrease. Nevertheless, nitrogen addition effects on SV of LUEcabs at early growth stage made PD field exert greater SVs than RF field. SV of GPP across PD and RF rice were likely related to LAI development less to LUEcabs while, numerical analysis suggested that consider spatial variation and strength in LUEcabs for the same crop type tends to be vital for better evaluation in landscape/regional patterns of ecosystem photosynthetic productivity at critical phenology stages.
Making the drone strange: the politics, aesthetics and surrealism of levitation
Authors: Adey Peter
Published: November 2016

Abstract. In this paper I decentre the drone from a different kind of vertical figure that has its own prehistory and parallel history of being aloft and particular sets of aesthetic geographies we might productively deploy to reorder what we think about drones, and especially the human's place in or outside of them. The paper explores in what ways we might examine the drone from other points of view that are technical and political, but also theological, magical, artistic and aesthetic. The prehistoric or parallel aerial figure to be considered is the levitator, the subject or thing that floats without any attributable mechanical force, visible or physical energy source. The paper draws on notions of aesthetics and politics in order for the levitator not to be compared with the drone, but to enable its very different visual and aesthetic regimes to begin to redistribute quite a different set of drone geographies that are ambiguous, mystical, gendered and sexed.
Surface energy balance sensitivity to meteorological variability on Haig Glacier, Canadian Rocky Mountains
Authors: Ebrahimi Samaneh , Marshall Shawn J.
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Energy exchanges between the atmosphere and the glacier surface control the net energy available for snow and ice melt. This paper explores the response of a midlatitude glacier in the Canadian Rocky Mountains to daily and interannual variations in the meteorological parameters that govern the surface energy balance. We use an energy balance model to run sensitivity tests to perturbations in temperature, specific humidity, wind speed, incoming shortwave radiation, glacier surface albedo, and winter snowpack depth. Variables are perturbed (i) in isolation, (ii) including internal feedbacks, and (iii) with co-evolution of meteorological perturbations, derived from the North American regional climate reanalysis (NARR) over the period 1979–2014. Summer melt at this site has the strongest sensitivity to interannual variations in temperature, albedo, and specific humidity, while fluctuations in cloud cover, wind speed, and winter snowpack depth have less influence. Feedbacks to temperature forcing, in particular summer albedo evolution, double the melt sensitivity to a temperature change. When meteorological perturbations covary through the NARR forcing, summer temperature anomalies remain important in driving interannual summer energy balance and melt variability, but they are reduced in importance relative to an isolated temperature forcing. Covariation of other variables (e.g., clear skies, giving reduced incoming longwave radiation) may be partially compensating for the increase in temperature. The methods introduced in this paper provide a framework that can be extended to compare the sensitivity of glaciers in different climate regimes, e.g., polar, maritime, or tropical environments, and to assess the importance of different meteorological parameters in different regions.
Capital Structure Effect on the Practices of Earnings Management Phenomenon? The Evidence of Listed Firms in Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
Authors: Obeidat Mohammed Ibrahim Sultan
Published: November 2016

The study objects for determining whether the listed firms in Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange exercise the phenomenon of earnings management in its financial reporting, and whether these practices are affected or driven by the capital structure of firms. To achieve the objectives of the study, a sample consisting of 29 listed firms at Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) out of total 83 listed firms, had been selected using the simple random sampling method. Data covering 4-years was collected from the included firms in the sample, starting from 2012 till the end of 2015. The binomial distribution test is used to determine whether listed firms at ADX exercise the phenomenon of earnings management using the modified Jones 1995 model, whereas, the simple linear regression method is used to test whether the proportion of financial leverage in the capital structure of firms drives the practices of earnings management. The study shows that the firms exercise the phenomenon of earnings management, and the regression outputs show a significant positive effect of financial leverage on the practices of earnings management phenomenon. 
Space-time Modeling of Electricity Spot Prices
Authors: Abate Girum Dagnachew , Haldrup Niels
Published: November 2016

Using data for the Nord Pool power grid, we derive a space-time Durbin model for electricity spot prices with both temporal and spatial lags. Joint modeling of temporal and spatial adjustment effects is necessarily important when prices and loads are determined in a network grid. By using different spatial weight matrices, statistical tests show significant spatial dependence in the spot price dynamics across areas. In fact, estimation of the model shows that the spatial dependence is as important as the temporal dependence in describing the spot price dynamics. We decompose price impacts into direct and indirect effects and demonstrate how price effects transmit to neighboring markets and decline with distance. A forecasting comparison with a non-spatial model shows that the space-time model improves forecasting performance for 7 and 30 days ahead forecasts. A model with time-varying parameters is estimated for an expanded sample period and it is found that the spatial correlation within the power grid has increased over time. We interpret this to indicate an increasing degree of market integration within the sample period.
Nota critico-testuale a Niceta di Remesiana
Authors: de Gianni Donato ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: November 2016

In lines 9, 5-6 Turner [=9, 9-10 Burn]) of Nicetas of Remesiana’s De uigiliis seruorum Dei the Author suggests reading, in accordance with the majority of relevant manuscripts and with the passage as a whole, ne cruditatem ructantes et crapulam, against the text established by the pamphlet’s most recent editor on the sole basis of codex R (nec foeditate ructantes et crapula). The re-use in the passage of a locus of Cyprian (laps. 30 [ed. M. Bévenot, CCSL 3, 237-238]) supports the restitutio textus and is a significant example of the imitational method employed by Nicetas.
La data di Leonzio presbitero di Costantinopoli
Authors: Voicu Sever J. ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: November 2016

According to Cornelis Datema, the still mysterious Leontius of Con-stantinople preached sometime around 557, whereas Michel Asmus places him between the end of the 4th century and the mid-5th century. This paper contends that the memory of a deceased bishop that closes the homily Nat. refers to Theodore I, patriarch of Constantinople, who died on 28 December 687. The article also shows that Leontius cannot possibly have lived earlier than the mid-6th century.
La risurrezione di Gesù
Authors: Gaytán Luna Juan Antonio ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: November 2016

This article describes and analyzes the book by L. Novakovic, Resurrection, (London – New York 2016) which studies the complex topic of the resurrection of Jesus and its consequences, including, primarily, the faith of Christians in their own resurrection. The Author presents the contents of the book, and indicates the merits and limits of the research and the value of its conclusions.
Gli epistolari cristiani dei primi cinque secoli e il trasformarsi delle lettere
Authors: Burini de Lorenzi Clara ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: November 2016

The immense wealth of Greek and Latin Christian epistolography shows that in the first five centuries, the type of the letter reflects particularly the numerous topics in which theological and doctrinal issues, ecclesial and liturgical matters, and moral and social developmental questions are addressed. The epistolary genre increasingly becomes richer and more diversified as each letter bears witness to the faith and culture of its author. The pedagogical purpose remains dominant while the contents reflect the many issues and problems that concern both the sender and receiver in matters of doctrine, the Church, and the reality of social life. The line of argument and style indicate at the same time the author’s culture and heritage as received from the classical tradition.
La recente edizione di una traduzione trecentesca del de Civitate Dei
Authors: Fiorentino Francesco ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: November 2016

This article presents the recent edition which the research team, direct-ed by Olivier Bertrand, undertook in order to give back to the schol-arly community concerned with Augustine of Hippo the translation, in Middle French, by Raoul de Presles (1371-1375) of De civitate Dei commissioned by Charles V, the Good, King of France, while he was involved in the recapture of Brittany after the Treaty of Bretigny dur-ing the Hundred Years’ War. This translation, which originally enjoyed an enormous market success, has finally appeared in a critical edition consisting of five volumes. Until now, only the first two volumes have been available, containing, respectively, books I-III and IV-V.
Not Just Another Day at Work: The Case for US Water Agency Involvement in International Operator Partnerships
Authors: Brown Jerry
Published: November 2016

Greater US water agency involvement with developing countries' utilities can increase global access to clean drinking water and improve business practices.
Tap Crawl From Down Under
Authors: Goetz Melanie K. , Prevos Peter
Published: November 2016

Employees of a water utility in Australia took time to stand in their customers' shoes by participating in a taste test; the results revealed more than different aspects of the utility's 19 tap waters.
The City of Saginaw: A Historical Water Treatment Facility and System Perspective
Authors: Reinsch Paul D.
Published: November 2016

In the wake of Michigan's 1871 and 1881 fires, the City of Saginaw built a water system for protection that has evolved to become a large, modern system.
Long-term intravital imaging of the multicolor-coded tumor microenvironment during combination immunotherapy
Authors: Qi Shuhong , Li Hui , Lu Lisen , Qi Zhongyang , Liu Lei , Chen Lu , Shen Guanxin , Fu Ling , Luo Qingming , Zhang Zhihong
Published: November 2016

The combined-immunotherapy of adoptive cell therapy (ACT) and cyclophosphamide (CTX) is one of the most efficient treatments for melanoma patients. However, no synergistic effects of CTX and ACT on the spatio-temporal dynamics of immunocytes in vivo have been described. Here, we visualized key cell events in immunotherapy-elicited immunoreactions in a multicolor-coded tumor microenvironment, and then established an optimal strategy of metronomic combined-immunotherapy to enhance anti-tumor efficacy. Intravital imaging data indicated that regulatory T cells formed an 'immunosuppressive ring' around a solid tumor. The CTX-ACT combined-treatment elicited synergistic immunoreactions in tumor areas, which included relieving the immune suppression, triggering the transient activation of endogenous tumor-infiltrating immunocytes, increasing the accumulation of adoptive cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and accelerating the infiltration of dendritic cells. These insights into the spatio-temporal dynamics of immunocytes are beneficial for optimizing immunotherapy and provide new approaches for elucidating the mechanisms underlying the involvement of immunocytes in cancer immunotherapy.
Inhibition in the auditory brainstem enhances signal representation and regulates gain in complex acoustic environments
Authors: Keine Christian , Rübsamen Rudolf , Englitz Bernhard
Published: November 2016

Inhibition plays a crucial role in neural signal processing, shaping and limiting responses. In the auditory system, inhibition already modulates second order neurons in the cochlear nucleus, e.g. spherical bushy cells (SBCs). While the physiological basis of inhibition and excitation is well described, their functional interaction in signal processing remains elusive. Using a combination of in vivo loose-patch recordings, iontophoretic drug application, and detailed signal analysis in the Mongolian Gerbil, we demonstrate that inhibition is widely co-tuned with excitation, and leads only to minor sharpening of the spectral response properties. Combinations of complex stimuli and neuronal input-output analysis based on spectrotemporal receptive fields revealed inhibition to render the neuronal output temporally sparser and more reproducible than the input. Overall, inhibition plays a central role in improving the temporal response fidelity of SBCs across a wide range of input intensities and thereby provides the basis for high-fidelity signal processing.
Actin is an evolutionarily-conserved damage-associated molecular pattern that signals tissue injury in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Srinivasan Naren , Gordon Oliver , Ahrens Susan , Franz Anna , Deddouche Safia , Chakravarty Probir , Phillips David , Yunus Ali A , Rosen Michael K , Valente Rita S , Teixeira Luis , Thompson Barry , Dionne Marc S , Wood Will , Reis e Sousa Caetano
Published: November 2016

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are molecules released by dead cells that trigger sterile inflammation and, in vertebrates, adaptive immunity. Actin is a DAMP detected in mammals by the receptor, DNGR-1, expressed by dendritic cells (DCs). DNGR-1 is phosphorylated by Src-family kinases and recruits the tyrosine kinase Syk to promote DC cross-presentation of dead cell-associated antigens. Here we report that actin is also a DAMP in invertebrates that lack DCs and adaptive immunity. Administration of actin to Drosophila melanogaster triggers a response characterised by selective induction of STAT target genes in the fat body through the cytokine Upd3 and its JAK/STAT-coupled receptor, Domeless. Notably, this response requires signalling via Shark, the Drosophila orthologue of Syk, and Src42A, a Drosophila Src-family kinase, and is dependent on Nox activity. Thus, extracellular actin detection via a Src-family kinase-dependent cascade is an ancient means of detecting cell injury that precedes the evolution of adaptive immunity.
Local chromosome context is a major determinant of crossover pathway biochemistry during budding yeast meiosis
Authors: Medhi Darpan , Goldman Alastair SH , Lichten Michael
Published: November 2016

The budding yeast genome contains regions where meiotic recombination initiates more frequently than in others. This pattern parallels enrichment for the meiotic chromosome axis proteins Hop1 and Red1. These proteins are important for Spo11-catalyzed double strand break formation; their contribution to crossover recombination remains undefined. Using the sequence-specific VMA1-derived endonuclease (VDE) to initiate recombination in meiosis, we show that chromosome structure influences the choice of proteins that resolve recombination intermediates to form crossovers. At a Hop1-enriched locus, most VDE-initiated crossovers, like most Spo11-initiated crossovers, required the meiosis-specific MutLγ resolvase. In contrast, at a locus with lower Hop1 occupancy, most VDE-initiated crossovers were MutLγ-independent. In pch2 mutants, the two loci displayed similar Hop1 occupancy levels, and VDE-induced crossovers were similarly MutLγ-dependent. We suggest that meiotic and mitotic recombination pathways coexist within meiotic cells, and that features of meiotic chromosome structure determine whether one or the other predominates in different regions.
Structure and dynamics underlying elementary ligand binding events in human pacemaking channels
Authors: Goldschen-Ohm Marcel P , Klenchin Vadim A , White David S , Cowgill John B , Cui Qiang , Goldsmith Randall H , Chanda Baron
Published: November 2016

Although molecular recognition is crucial for cellular signaling, mechanistic studies have relied primarily on ensemble measures that average over and thereby obscure underlying steps. Single-molecule observations that resolve these steps are lacking due to diffraction-limited resolution of single fluorophores at relevant concentrations. Here, we combined zero-mode waveguides with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to directly observe binding at individual cyclic nucleotide-binding domains (CNBDs) from human pacemaker ion channels critical for heart and brain function. Our observations resolve the dynamics of multiple distinct steps underlying cyclic nucleotide regulation: a slow initial binding step that must select a 'receptive' conformation followed by a ligand-induced isomerization of the CNBD. X-ray structure of the apo CNBD and atomistic simulations reveal that the isomerization involves both local and global transitions. Our approach reveals fundamental mechanisms underpinning ligand regulation of pacemaker channels, and is generally applicable to weak-binding interactions governing a broad spectrum of signaling processes.
A dynamic mode of mitotic bookmarking by transcription factors
Authors: Teves Sheila S , An Luye , Hansen Anders S , Xie Liangqi , Darzacq Xavier , Tjian Robert
Published: November 2016

During mitosis, transcription is shut off, chromatin condenses, and most transcription factors (TFs) are reported to be excluded from chromosomes. How do daughter cells re-establish the original transcription program? Recent discoveries that a select set of TFs remain bound on mitotic chromosomes suggest a potential mechanism for maintaining transcriptional programs through the cell cycle termed mitotic bookmarking. Here we report instead that many TFs remain associated with chromosomes in mouse embryonic stem cells, and that the exclusion previously described is largely a fixation artifact. In particular, most TFs we tested are significantly enriched on mitotic chromosomes. Studies with Sox2 reveal that this mitotic interaction is more dynamic than in interphase and is facilitated by both DNA binding and nuclear import. Furthermore, this dynamic mode results from lack of transcriptional activation rather than decreased accessibility of underlying DNA sequences in mitosis. The nature of the cross-linking artifact prompts careful re-examination of the role of TFs in mitotic bookmarking.
A Review on the Ecology and Biodiversity of Lake Lanao (Mindanao Is., The Philippines)
Authors: Metillo Ephrime B. , Garcia-Hansel Carmelita O.
Published: November 2016

The sparse body of information on the ecology and biodiversity of one of the world’sancient lakes, Lake Lanao, was reviewed to arrive at objective insights that may be useful for an ecosystem-based management of the Lake Lanao Watershed. The terrestrial portion of the watershed is relatively rich in flora and fauna that mostly inhabit the remaining intact forests which provides 60% cover, but a thorough species inventory is wanting. Nearly 90% of the alienable and disposable lands including most of the lake shoreline and the adjacent lowland forest areas have now yielded to agriculture (87%), but only 0.4% to urban and rural settlements. Major rivers and numerous intermittent tributaries that sustain lake water are unstudied. Within a span of 30 years since a rich indigenous community of fish species was first described, the lake’s fisheries ecosystem has undergone a regime shift featuring the dominance of invasive fish species and the catastrophic disappearance of 16 endemic cyprinid species. Analysis of nutrient levels when the lake was at its relatively pristine state indicated a high sensitivity to levels of dissolved nitrogen with a pelagic ecosystem that is bottom-up or resource controlled. Most recent water quality analyses indicate a eutrophic, coliform-contaminated, and invasive species-colonized state with anthropogenic input as the possible main driver. Hence, apart from biodiversity conservation in the lake watershed, the flux of nutrients and pollutants should be a top priority of an ecosystem-based management that needs to employ innovative socio-environmental approaches involving participatory, multisectoral, multidisciplinary, integrated and co-management efforts. The looming climate change, which may undoubtedly lead to further loss of biodiversity services, needs to be incorporated in the watershed modelling and management framework.
Serological Detection of Q–Fever in the Sera of Humans and Ruminants in Selected Areas in the Philippines
Authors: Cardona Fernando C.
Published: November 2016

Q fever is an emerging worldwide zoonotic disease caused by a bacterium Coxiella burnetii.  Detection of Q fever antibodies among humans and animals was conducted using sera from human donors and sera from three different species of animals obtained from Catarman, Northern Samar, Los Baños, Laguna, and General Santos City, South Cotabato, Philippines.  The Complement Fixation Test (CFT) was used to detect antibodies in sera samples.  The result of the study showed that Q fever antibodies in humans were found to be 37% (22/60) while the sampled animals have 43 % (77/180).  Among the animals, the highest occurrence of antibodies was observed in goats with 70% (42/60), followed by 40% among cattle (24/60) and the least 18% were from carabaos (11/60). According to sampling sites, 20% (12/60) of antibody-positive humans were from Los Baños, Laguna, some 17% (10/60) came from General Santos City and none from Catarman, Northern Samar.  Among the goats examined, a higher percentage of Q fever antibodies were obtained from those in Los Baños with 30% (18/60) occurrence, and from General Santos City with 25% (15/60) occurrence. Likewise, an equal occurrence rates of Q fever antibodies among cattle came from Los Baños, Laguna and General Santos City each with 20% (12/60) seropositivity, respectively. Among the carabaos, 18% (11/60) was in General Santos City and 8% (5/60) in Catarman. Based on these findings, it could be inferred that Q fever infection exists among humans, goats, cattle, and carabaos in the Philippines.
Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan for an Island Resort
Authors: Mendez Sheilane S. , Etcuban Jonathan O. , Dalagan Dunedene J. , Mañego Hearty Sol R. , Bajao Grayfield T. , Llaguno Venus C.
Published: November 2016

Disasters are inevitable.  The island resorts in Malapascua Island, Daan Bantayan, Cebu, Philippines are vulnerable to natural risks such as typhoons and earthquake. In increasing disaster resilience, a model should be based on risk assessment results and be integrated with the strategic planning of the government and communities. It should consider risks and risk treatments across the social, built, economic and natural environments (Councils for Australian Governments, 2009). The study aimed to propose a disaster resiliency model for Malapascua Island, Daan Bantayan, Cebu, Philippines. The output of this study is a guide for the local community in case of natural disasters.  The descriptive survey method was utilized using a two survey questionnaires. The data regarding disaster preparedness in hotel resorts are gathered from the 80 respondents consists of the staff and managers of resorts in Malapascua Island, emergency rescue personnel, as well as the village officials of village Logon and municipal officials of Daan Bantayan, Cebu, Philippines.  Simple percentage and rank were used in the treatment of the data.  Results showed that island is vulnerable to risk and that devised plans for emergency disasters, hazard mitigation, and contingency are needed. The researchers recommended the use of the model. However, further research on its effectiveness should be conducted to confirm the preliminary findings.
PROSPECÇÃO TECNOLOGICA SOBRE O TEOR DE ENXOFRE EM DIESEL COM ÊNFASE EM FLUORESCÊNCIA
Authors: Tanajura Alessandra , Luna Saionara , Quintella Cristina
Published: November 2016

Os óxidos de enxofre liberados pelos motores dos automóveis são prejudiciais a saúde humana, havendo grande mobilização de utilização de diesel limpo, ou seja, com baixa concentração de enxofre. Este combustível é essencial para o funcionamento de máquinas industriais e de motores em geral, causando contaminação para o meio ambiente. Diante da necessidade de uso deste combustível, se faz necessário a determinação do teor de enxofre utilizando técnicas analíticas para obter esses resultados e caracterizá-los. A determinação do teor de enxofre e a caracterização do diesel ou biodiesel podem ser realizadas por espectroscopia de infravermelho (FTIR), espectrofluorimetria, FIL e fluorescência de raios-X. Desta forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo fazer um levantamento de patentes que abordam os métodos na determinação de enxofre nos biocombustíveis.
ATIVIDADE ANSIOLÍTICA E SEDATIVA DE ESPÉCIES DO GÊNERO PASSIFLORA – UM MAPEAMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO
Authors: Leal Ana Edileia Barbosa Pereira , Oliveira-Junior Raimundo Gonçalves de , De Oliveira Ana Paula , Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva , Lima Julianeli Tolentino de
Published: November 2016

Os transtornos de ansiedade, atualmente, são altamente prevalentes na população. Estas perturbações do sistema nervoso central tendem a seguir um curso crônico e interferem significativamente no desempenho diário do indivíduo. Folhas de diversas espécies de Passiflora são amplamente empregadas na medicina popular brasileira como ansiolítico e sedativo. Diante disso, o objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar uma prospecção científica e tecnológica sobre o uso de espécies de Passiflora com essas propriedades terapêuticas, através do mapeamento da produção científica, bem como registro de patentes. Para a realização da pesquisa científica e registro de patentes, foram utilizadas diversas bases de dados, onde o Brasil foi o maior detentor de pesquisas científicas na área, enquanto que o Japão demonstrou ser o país que mais investiu em termos de inovação e desenvolvimento tecnológico, agregado a essas propriedades terapêuticas, mesmo não sendo observada nenhuma publicação científica do país com o termo pesquisado.
PROSPECÇÃO CIENTÍFICA E TECNOLÓGICA DA DENGUE NO BRASIL E NO MARANHÃO NO PERÍODO DE 1994 A 2014
Authors: Araújo Keilla Dos Santos , Sousa Sandro Ferreira de , Sousa Arguilis André Alvarenga , Silva Joelma Soares da , Rocha Jefferson Almeida
Published: November 2016

O presente estudo objetiva apresentar uma visão geral do desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico relacionado à dengue.Para tanto a prospecção tecnológica foi realizada nas bases INPI, EPO, USPTO e Web of Science,e a prospecção científica nas bases SciELO, PubMed, Bireme, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct e Google Acadêmico, referente ao período de 1994 a 2014. Foram utilizadas as palavras chave: “Dengue”, AND "Brazil" AND "Maranhão", sendo que estas deveriam estar no título. A Web of Science foi a base que apresentou mais documentos de patentes. Já o Google Acadêmico apresentou o maior número de trabalhos científicos. Nas buscas por trabalhos sobre Dengue no Brasil e no Maranhão encontrou-se 1682 e 26 resultados, respectivamente. Desta forma, faz-se necessário o incentivo para o aumento de pesquisas nesta área, estimulando assim o setor científico e tecnológico do país, tendo em vista que no Brasil a dengue é uma doença endêmica em ascendência.
Hydrophobic Interface Engineering for Highly Reversible and Stable Zn Anodes
Authors: Tian Han , Yang Jia‐Ning , Li Shang‐Qi , Wang Kai‐Xue , Chen Jie‐Sheng
Published: September 2024

Rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries (AZIBs) with merits of high safety and high theoretical capacity are regarded as next‐generation energy storage devices. However, their practical application is hindered by the instable Zn anodes associated with the dendrite growth, parasite corrosion and side reactions. Developing a stable solid electrolyte interface is crucial for improving the cycling stability of Zn anodes. Herein, a hydrophobic interface is constructed on Zn anode through a simple heptafluorobutyrate acid etching route. The hydrophobic interface containing organic C─F, O─C═O and inorganic Zn─F bonds effectively address the issues of dendrites growth and parasitic reactions. Consequently, symmetric cells with acid‐treated Zn‐HA anodes achieve a prolonged lifespan of over 2000 h at 4.0 mA cm−2 and 1100 h at 10.0 mA cm−2. When paired with MnO2 cathode, the full cells deliver lower overpotential and outstanding cycling stability. This strategy provides a simple and feasible method to construct stable Zn anode for achieving high performance AZIBs.
Injectable Glucose‐Releasing Microgels Enhance the Survival and Therapeutic Potential of Transplanted MSCs Under Ischemic Conditions
Authors: Huang Chieh‐Cheng , Chang Chun‐Kai , Yang Pei‐Ching , Chiu Han , Chen Shih‐Heng , Hsu Li‐Wen
Published: September 2024

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based therapies show potential to treat ischemic diseases owing to their versatile functions. However, sustaining MSC viability and therapeutic efficacy in ischemic tissues postengraftment remains a significant challenge. This is because, although MSCs are metabolically flexible, they fail to adapt to hypoxic conditions in the absence of glucose, leading to cell death. To overcome these issues, it is aimed to establish an injectable glucose delivery system using starch and amyloglucosidase embedded in alginate microgels. Here, starch/amyloglucosidase (S/A) microgels are engineered to continuously release glucose for seven days via enzymatic hydrolysis, thereby supporting MSC functions under ischemic conditions. In vitro tests under oxygen/glucose‐deprived conditions revealed that the S/A microgels not only maintained the viability and intracellular energy but also enhanced the pro‐angiogenic and immunomodulatory functions of MSCs. In vivo data further confirmed the pro‐survival and pro‐angiogenic effects of S/A microgels on MSCs following subcutaneous engraftment in mice. Overall, the developed S/A microgel significantly enhanced the survival and therapeutic potential of MSCs via sustained glucose delivery, highlighting its potential use in advancing MSC‐based therapies for ischemic conditions.
Recent Progress in Computational Materials Science Boosting Development of Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Tian Miao , Wang Zhitao , Yang Hui Ying , Chen Song
Published: September 2024

Rechargeable batteries have been regarded as a truly transformative technology, providing energy storage for portable electronics, power tools, and even electric vehicles. Unfortunately, the practical applications of new battery systems are postponed by some inevitable technical bottlenecks. Sometimes the technical know‐how gained from the current state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐based batteries is untransferable. Therefore, with the continuous development of chemistry, materials and physics, computational materials science has gradually become crucial in supporting the field of rechargeable batteries technically. In this review, brief overviews of computational methods are first presented for the research of battery materials. The study then summarizes the recent advances of computational techniques in assisting experimental analyses, elucidating reaction mechanisms, and exploring new materials. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for future computational research are prospected. This review is anticipated to stimulate design inspiration of novel materials and structures with the assistance of theoretical simulations toward advanced energy storage systems.
A Size‐Matched Composite (CTA)3PW4@UiO‐67 for the Ultra‐Deep Desulfurization of Simulated Diesel: Design, Performance, and Reusability
Authors: Gao Yan , Zhao Shumin , Huang Jingwen , Han Tao , Zhao Jianshe
Published: September 2024

Venturello‐structured polyoxometalates (POMs) are effective homogeneous catalysts and confining POMs to size‐matched metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as heterogeneous catalyst is an effective way to improve their practical application. The appropriate pore and narrow window of pristine UiO‐67 can not only enclose POMs in single molecule but also limit their leaching and can provide a suitable platform for the oxidation of most sulfur‐containing organic compound. The composite (CTA)3PW4@UiO‐67 was prepared by a facile in situ synthesis method, characterized by a variety of means and tested for desulfurization of multicomponent simulated diesel. The results prove that the active component (CTA)3PW4 is effectively encapsulated, and the composite (CTA)3PW4@UiO‐67 show remarkable desulfurization activity and excellent reusability. In addition, the kinetics and possible mechanism of the reaction were investigated. This work opens up a new idea for the design of “host‐guest adapted” catalyst suitable for fuel desulfurization technology.
Protein‐Based Polymeric Metal–Nanocomposite Derived From Egg Albumin: A Highly Effective Antimicrobial Agent Against Bacteria
Authors: Alahe A. T. M. Mahbub , Liza Sharmin Akter , Raha Rajan Kumar , Abdulla‐Al‐Mamun Md.
Published: September 2024

The synthesis of four distinct protein‐based metal nanocomposites has been fabricated by employing egg albumin and zinc metal through a simple, straightforward two‐step method. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of zinc nanoparticles into the protein matrix and revealed an irregular microporous structure with average crystallite sizes of less than 100 nm. Thermal stability was assessed via thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermal gravimetry (DTG) analysis, revealing a notable increase in thermal stability in a high‐temperature range (300°C°C–700°C), suggesting remarkable stability at elevated temperatures. Antimicrobial efficacy against both gram‐positive (B. cereus and Lactobacillus spp.) and gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli and K. pneumoniae) was evaluated using paper disk diffusion, pour plate, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. All samples exhibited antibacterial efficacy, with zone of inhibition (ZOI) diameters ranging from 12 to 35 mm, and demonstrated a bactericidal effect by eliminating 93 to 98% of bacteria within 8 to 20 h at their MICs. Notably, protein–ZnO–PANI exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all four bacterial strains and among all the samples, demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity than the unpolymerized nanocomposites. The disk diffusion study confirmed that a concentration of 25 μg/mL of protein–ZnO–PANI resulted in ZOI measurements of 25 mm and 35 mm, whereas MIC values of 300 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL were observed against Bacillus cereus and E. coli, respectively, and killed 95% of B. cereus and 98% of E. coli within 24 h. Based on the obtained results, a plausible mechanism was also proposed.
Novel black TiO2‐MIP cartridge for the selective and enhanced removal of NSAIDs under LED light irradiation
Authors: Aliyari Asma , Rafiee Mohammad , Heidari Bahareh , Sedghi Roya , Eslami Akbar , Sarafraz Mansour
Published: September 2024

A multi‐template molecularly imprinted photocatalyst based on Black TiO2 was used for selective and simultaneous adsorption and degradation of Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) under LED irradiation from aqueous solutions. diclofenac (DCF) and ibuprofen (IBP) were chosen as the target chemicals and the performance of the Black TiO2‐MIP nanocomposite in removing these pollutants was investigated. The imprinting procedure was confirmed by characterization tests of the nanocomposite. The synthesized mesoporous nanocomposite exhibited excellent fit with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model (R2 ≥ 0.99). Moreover the experimental data demonstrated a good fit with the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.99). The findings imply that the binding sites are homogeneous and indicate monolayer chemical adsorption on the adsorbent. Toxicity assessment of targeted chemicals and their by‐products, worked out using the Ecological Structure–Activity Relationships (ECOSAR) program, revealed a significant decrease in the toxicity of the target compounds during photocatalytic degradation. In addition, the use of Black TiO2‐MIP nanocomposite in the cartridge structure led to notable removal efficiencies, 98.7% and 97.6% for DCF and IBP, respectively. The findings also provided evidence that the use of Black TiO2‐MIP in the cartridge structure not only facilitated the removal of target pollutants but also addressed challenges related to the collection and separation of the nanocomposite from the aqueous solution. The results implied that the integration of molecular imprinting and photocatalysis processes exhibits high effectiveness in the simultaneous and selective removal of contaminants. This approach holds promise as an effective solution for addressing the challenge of drug residues in aqueous samples.