bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centro recreativo en Esslingen, Alemania
Authors: Luz Werner
Published: May 2015

Al mismo tiempo de constituir un Centro de vida social de la ciudad, este edificio recreativo destinado a múltiples usos sirve para la celebración: de bailes, conferencias, reuniones políticas, tertulias, etc.
Dispone de un amplio salón de baile, y de uno de los más importantes restaurantes de Esslingen. El acierto logrado en la elección de los materiales empleados —preferentemente madera y hormigón— en la decoración, han contribuido poderosamente a que en su interior se disfrute de un ambiente agradable.
Residencia Heerde,en Münster-Alemania
Authors: Deilmann Harald
Published: May 2015

El conjunto ha sido ordenado en torno a un eje de simetría.
En su extremo N. se alza un bloque, de dos plantas, destinado a alojamiento de estudiantes de grado elemental.
Al E., y paralelo al referido eje, el volumen dedicado a los de grado medio, que tiene tres plantas.
Al O., el que aloja a los de grado superior, asimismo con tres plantas.
A los elementos descritos hay que sumar el bloque administrativo, que ocupa la parte S. del eje; el gimnasio y la capilla.
La separación de los alumnos por grupos de edades, partiendo de los tres grados pedagógicos tradicionales —elemental, medio y superior—, ha contribuido a que la vida en el internado sea agradable en grado sumo.
La construcción, en cuanto a sistema y materiales, es sencilla, funcional y de fácil entretenimiento.
Ponsilba, edificio de oficinas en Basilea (Suiza)
Authors: Suter and Suter Arquitectos , Gruner Ingenieros Hermanos
Published: May 2015

La tercera planta de sótanos alberga: las zonas de archivos; una nave-refugio antiaéreo, actualmente destinada a almacén; instalaciones generales del edificio; etcétera. Las plantas de sótanos 1.º y 2.º están ocupadas por un aparcamiento público. En la planta baja se ubica: la zona de ingreso; vestíbulo principal; dirección; salas de conferencias; centralita telefónica; etcétera. En las plantas 1.ª a 6.ª se distribuyen: las oficinas, organizadas en tomo a un núcleo central que agrupa las comunicaciones verticales. Finalmente, la planta de ático aloja: la cantina; la vivienda del conserje; etc.
Plaza central de Crown Colony, en Hong Kong
Authors: Szeto W. , Fitch Alan
Published: May 2015

Se ha construido para proporcionar un gran espacio abierto a la barriada y esparcimiento a los habitantes de los barrios próximos y densamente poblados de Hong-Kong, quienes pueden traer aquí a sus familiares durante el día y, especialmente, al anochecer para disfrutar, con deleite, los muchos atractivos que les ofrece esta plaza. En ella merecen especial mención las ocho marquesinas de tipo oriental y el conjunto de bellas fuentes que, además de ayudar a mitigar el rigor tropical de la ciudad, crean bellos efectos visuales.
Viviendas para ancianos en Londres
Authors: Moffet N.
Published: May 2015

Partiendo como «forma modular primaria» del hexágono, ha sido diseñado este conjunto de viviendas destinadas a alojamiento permanente para personas mayores.
Los estudios realizados sobre su orientación óptima, acondicionamiento y amueblamiento interior, etc., han influido notablemente a que sus usuarios, además de disfrutar del máximo confort, experimenten la sensación de que viven en su propio hogar y no en celdas de un bloque monótono de tipo cajón.
Grupo residencial en Valencia, Valencia, España
Authors: García Ordóñez Fernando M. , Dexeus Beatty Juan María
Published: May 2015

Se trata de dos hermosos bloques —con ocho plantas de viviendas, baja libre y sótano destinado a garaje— alejados del centro ciudadano. Las viviendas tienen unos 250 m2 de superficie construida y han sido concebidas partiendo de dos premisas fundamentales: máximo aprovechamiento del espacio vividero durante la jomada y creación de terrazas que amplían las zonas de estancia, protejan del soleamiento y prestan aire campestre, reposado y saludable.
Ampliación de la línea Victoria, en Londres, Inglaterra
Authors: Dunton Cedric E. , Kell Jasper , Morgan Horace D.
Published: May 2015

En este artículo se describe, someramente, el intercambio de esta ampliación con las líneas existentes, el sistema constructivo y las obras preliminares realizadas, a lo largo de las cuales ha sido preciso resolver problemas de ingeniería de complejidad extraordinaria.
Pavimentos flexibles (conferencia del Dr. Dipl. Kucera)
Authors: Llamazares O.
Published: May 2015

La Dirección General de Carreteras consciente de la necesidad de seguir la evolución tecnológica para información del personal facultativo de la Administración y la Contrata, convoca, con continuidad, cursos y conferencias que en los últimos diez años han permitido mantenerse al día a sus cuadros directivos para la aplicación de nuevos métodos de proyecto y procesos de construcción.
Ceflex. Vinilo - amianto (D.I.T. n. 23)
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: May 2015

No disponible
Vivienda-estudio en Stuttgart-Alemania
Authors: Beck-Erlang Wilfried
Published: May 2015

Este edificio es un fiel exponente del partido que puede sacar un proyectista de la combinación acertada de muy pocos materiales: hormigón, elementos metálicos en las ventanas, y puertas esmaltadas en azul.
El pronunciado declive que presentaba el terreno permitió obtener una máxima superficie construida en varios niveles; y establecer una perfecta separación entre las zonas dedicadas a oficinas y a vivienda de su usuario: un arquitecto.
Escuela secundaria femenina en Kuwait
Authors: Von Steinbüchel Rambald
Published: May 2015

En la construcción de este edificio fueron cuidadosamente estudiados los efectos producidos por las grandes oscilaciones de temperatura que tienen lugar en esta zona, así como los problemas que plantean las frecuentes tempestades de arena. En consecuencia, se ha dedicado especial atención al establecimiento, situación y orientación de los numerosos y bellos «brise-soleils».
Se puede apreciar en el conjunto total una clara división entre: el complejo escolar, con aulas especiales; zona deportiva, con piscinas y gimnasio; y el auditorio. La composición arquitectónica destaca por su diseño elegante, a base de líneas sencillas y modernas.
Nueva Iglesia en Klosters – Suiza
Authors: Schuchter Willy
Published: May 2015

Proyección de la obra arquitectónica hacia el futuro y fidelidad a la naturaleza y al concepto de la primitiva Iglesia de Cristo —sencilla en su forma, expresiva y clara en sus líneas y mensaje— han sido las premisas que guiaron al arquitecto en el diseño de esta iglesia.
Su interior, acorde con las conclusiones del Concilio, presenta netamente diferenciadas dos zonas: la nave principal, dedicada a asamblea de los fieles; y la capilla, destinada a zona de recogimiento de aquéllos. Su forma dinámica y airosa intenta convencernos de que la comunidad «va animada y alegre hacia el mañana».
Flexión esviada: estado actual del tema
Authors: Morán F. , Verde A.
Published: May 2015

Se presentan brevemente las diversas posibilidades existentes para el dimensionamiento práctico de secciones de hormigón armado solicitadas en flexocompresión esviada, en el marco del cálculo en rotura.
La información para, la industria de la construcción en España
Authors: Comyn A.
Published: May 2015

En este trabajo se pretende subrayar la actual importancia de una eficiente información y documentación para el mejor funcionamiento de las empresas vinculadas con la construcción y sus materiales, especialmente con el cemento.
Se analizan datos estadísticos de la industria en España, y asimismo se recogen cifras referentes a una encuesta sobre empresas de la construcción en Inglaterra. Se da un énfasis especial a la labor del I.E.T., en cuanto a sus servicios de información, documentación y publicaciones.
Laboratorio de Electrónica en la Facultad de Ciencias de Paris – Francia
Authors: Bruyère A.
Published: May 2015

Se ha diseñado escapando, en lo posible, del conocido repertorio de formas clásicas o funcionales, este laboratorio de investigación es:
— Un fiel exponente de cómo a las inquietas funciones que se desarrollan en su interior responde una expresión plástica adecuada en el campo de las «formas» y de las envolturas exteriores...
— Constituye, asimismo, un ensayo de ofrecer, al que lo contempla, algo más que el utilitarismo furioso e inmediato...
— Y demuestra que, aún hoy, es posible soñar y crear verdaderos laboratorios orgánicos, vivientes, que permitan una evolución interior y exterior.
La construcción del edificio para "La Unión y El Fénix Español", en Madrid – España
Authors: Gutiérrez Soto L. , Sáenz de Benito J. M. , Urquía V. , Gascón y Marín J. , Fernández Durán J. A.
Published: May 2015

Se explican en este artículo los detalles más interesantes de su construcción, los problemas que ha presentado la cimentación —dadas las características especiales del terreno— y las soluciones adoptadas; asimismo se describe la especial realización del núcleo central de ascensores, con su arranque metálico y el resto del fuste ejecutado con encofrado deslizante. El edificio tiene tres sótanos y 19 plantas útiles.
Aplicación en España del procedimiento Verán Costamagna - Muro 2L (Anejo al D.I.T. n. 20)
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: May 2015

No disponible
Clínica odontológica en California, USA
Authors: Neill Smith Arquitectos Asociados
Published: May 2015

La característica fundamental de este edificio consiste en sus grandes ventanales, que permiten amplias vistas hacia el exterior y están protegidos por pantallas antideslumbrantes de cristal coloreado para resguardar el muro-cortina de las elevadas temperaturas veraniegas y aislar visualmente las clínicas de la contemplación directa desde el exterior.
La planta baja contiene los aparcamientos.
La superior aloja las unidades de consulta médica, situadas en los cuatro cuadrantes que establecen netamente la disposición del atrio central y de los dos pasillos laterales que parten de él.
Colegio Mayor universitario Chino "Siao-Sin", en Madrid
Authors: De Haro Juan
Published: May 2015

El edificio está situado en la Ciudad Universitaria de Madrid y reúne características que le hacen destacable, tales como la adaptación perfecta y funcional al terreno disponible, con acusada pendiente, y su estructura de hormigón armado visto, de gran plasticidad y enérgico trazo, entre otras.
Assembly Hall de la Universidad de Illinois, USA
Authors: Harrison & Abramovitz Arquitectos
Published: May 2015

Con una original estructura realizada a base de hormigón armado y pretensado ha sido construido el «Assembly Hall», de la Universidad de Illinois, con capacidad para 15.565 espectadores sentados —además de los espacios reservados a los representantes de la prensa, radio y T.V., artistas y espectadores inválidos que acudan en carritos de ruedas—. Puede ser ampliada colocando unas 1.500 sillas portátiles.
El edificio está destinado a múltiples usos y dispone de los equipos e instalaciones adecuadas para todo tipo de celebraciones: asambleas, representaciones teatrales y musicales; espectáculos de: circo, patinaje sobre hielo, competiciones deportivas, etc., y ha permitido organizar, en el seno de la Universidad de Illinois, una serie de actividades que antes resultaban imposibles.
Taller de SGS, en Wasserburg, Alemania
Authors: Von Seidlein P. C.
Published: May 2015

En el programa que sirvió de base para la redacción de este proyecto figuraba que la nueva construcción debía disponer de:
1.000 m2 destinados a zona de producción;
500 m2 a oficinas;
un bar-cantina inmediato a la zona de producción;
una serie de locales en los que se pudieran desarrollar actividades técnicas y sociales.
Además, se sentaba también la premisa de que los diferentes espacios debían permitir la posibilidad de futuras ampliaciones.
La edificación erigida, cumplimentando todos estos requisitos, ha sido desarrollada «horizontalmente», a base de una planta, con lo que se ha conseguido un menor costo y una mayor facilidad en las comunicaciones, y contactos entre las diversas zonas.
Ambulatorio de Torrejón – España
Authors: Marcide J. M.
Published: May 2015

Trata este artículo de la construcción de un ambulatorio de una planta, prefabricado en casi todos sus elementos y estudiado cuidadosamente con el fin de obtener todas las ventajas propias del sistema: rapidez, economía, independencia de la escasez de mano de obra, etc. El edificio está debidamente acondicionado y se ha cuidado de igual forma el aspecto estético, en la medida de lo posible.
Con ligeras variaciones, se aprecia y expone la posibilidad de construir el edificio en doble altura.
Tanto las plantas como los alzados se han compuesto a base de módulos de 1,20 m de longitud.
Algunas consideraciones sobre la investigación de desarrollo
Authors: Nadal J.
Published: May 2015

Ante el auditorio más calificado de España, me invitan a desarrollar esta ponencia que trata de un tema al que habéis dedicado todos muchas horas de meditación. Un tema sobre el que cada uno de vosotros ha procurado acumular cuanta información le ha sido posible y, en definitiva, una materia de la que sois verdaderos maestros.
Aislamiento acústico
Authors: Tobío J. M.
Published: May 2015

Se trata un tema muy concreto de la Acústica Arquitectónica, el aislamiento, haciendo hincapié en los fundamentos teóricos del fenómeno y estableciendo las fórmulas más sencillas que permiten calcular fácilmente las pérdidas de transmisión de un material o disposición constructiva aislante.
Varias gráficas y abacos permiten abordar, sin ningún tratamiento matemático, el problema práctico del aislamiento, aprovechando los materiales comunes y sin ocasionar gastos que graven sustancialmente el importe del proyecto.
Por último, se hace un estudio crítico de las normas y su incidencia en los problemas del aislamiento de viviendas, incluyendo datos referentes a la nueva Ordenanza del Ayuntamiento de Madrid.
Aeropuerto intercontinental de Houston USA
Authors: Goleman & Rolfe Arquitectos , Pierce & Pierce Arquitectos
Published: May 2015

Disponer de una red de aparcamientos cercanos a las estaciones de vuelo; acercamiento máximo de los aviones a los pasajeros; existencia de un tren subterráneo para el transporte de los viajeros y equipajes fuera del campo de aterrizaje; dotación, a cada uno de los dos edificios tei-minales, de salidas en seis direcciones; disfrute de amplias comunicaciones con las vías de accesos y las autopistas que irradian de la ciudad; y la posibilidad de efectuar una futura ampliación sin realizar gastos excesivos. Estos son los factores que contribuyen a diferenciar este Aeropuerto Intercontinental de otros Centros de Aviación Comercial.
Este ultramoderno Aeropuerto está preparado para recibir toda clase de reactores y transportes supersónicos intercontinentales, ofreciendo toda clase de comodidades a sus usuarios.
Colegio e internado, en Bruchsal – Alemania
Authors: Haindl Friedrich F.
Published: May 2015

Este edificio consta de un bloque de tres plantas y dos sótanos destinado a albergar diferentes aulas, piscina de enseñanza, apartamentos de profesores, dormitorios de internos instalaciones varias y dependencias auxiliares con las que se amplia y complementa el antiguo colegio edificado hace 40 años.
Aeropuerto Heathrow - Londres (Inglaterra): Nuevo edificio de aduanas
Authors: Manning y Clamp Arquitectos
Published: May 2015

Diseñado según un módulo cuadrado de 1,524 m de lado, mide 60,96 m de longitud por 36,58 m de anchura. La planta baja alberga: el vestíbulo principal de entrada al público, el «almacén de la reina», el archivo central de documentos y oficinas anejas, cuartos de la calefacción, etc.
La dependencia principal de la primera planta es la «Long Room», que está rodeada por las oficinas del recaudador y del personal administrativo, aseos, cocinas, etc., una cantina —autoservicio para 50 personas— y un salón.
Por estar situado a poca distancia de la pista principal de despegue y para reducir el ruido de los reactores, se ha dotado de ventilación mecánica con doble acristalamiento en los cerramientos.
Colegio femenino San Luis de los Franceses, en Pozuelo de Alarcón – Madrid
Authors: Aymerich Manuel
Published: May 2015

Se ha emplazado en las proximidades de Madrid y cumple todos los requisitos exigidos por el Reglamento Oficial para construcciones escolares. Se han cuidado extraordinariamente el proyecto y la realización, en lo que se refiere a su: distribución, tratamiento exterior e interior, adecuación al solar, amplitud de programa, orientaciones y circulaciones. Por todo lo expuesto, el complejo construido ha resultado de un notable funcionalismo y de una gran sencillez constructiva y estética.
Puente de Paschberg
Authors: Dyckerhoff & Widmann Building Company
Published: May 2015

Este puente, construido por el sistema de voladizos sucesivos y situado en la zona de autopista entre Innsbruck y el Brenner, destaca por su simplicidad estructural y por su adecuada integración en el paisaje existente.
Chalet en Somosaguas, Madrid – España
Authors: Aymerich M.
Published: May 2015

Esta vivienda responde a una distribución especial, consecuencia de las necesidades impuestas por la entidad propietaria —Cié. de Saint Gobain—, ya que tenía que cumplir una función determinada y muy concreta: albergar a los altos cargos de la Empresa en sus visitas a Madrid.
Tanto la organización de espacios abiertos y cerrados como la decoración interior y exterior (estilo castellano), se han cuidado en extremo en una interpretación acertada del programa previsto.
Interesantes aplicaciones de las resinas sintéticas en obras de ingeniería civil
Authors: Vié G.
Published: May 2015

El autor describe la importancia creciente que han adquirido las resinas epoxi en la construcción y, particularmente, en las obras públicas.
Hace una exposición sucinta de sus propiedades físicas y químicas más destacadas: resistencia química prácticamente total, poder anticorrosivo elevado, mejores características mecánicas que el hormigón, insensibilidad a los ciclos hielo-deshielo y a las variaciones térmicas, poder adhesivo notable para todos los materiales, ninguna modificación por envejecimiento, gran resistencia al desgaste y a la abrasión, efecto decorativo, y gran resistividad eléctrica; así como de las utilizaciones más usuales: recrecidos, inyecciones, empotramientos, suelos industriales, revestimientos en túneles, impermeabilización de fisuras, etc. Se añaden algunos ejemplos recientes de su empleo en Francia.
De Novo–Developed Antibodies to Donor MHC Antigens Lead to Dysregulation of MicroRNAs and Induction of MHC Class II
Authors: Xu Zhongping , Nayak Deepak K. , Benshoff Nicholas , Hachem Ramsey , Gelman Andrew E. , Mohanakumar Thalachallour
Published: May 2015

Immune responses to HLA and development of anti-donor HLA (DSA) were shown to play a role in chronic rejection following transplantation. We hypothesized that Abs to MHC change microRNAs (miRNAs), leading to chronic lung allograft rejection. Microarray analysis was performed in a murine model of anti-MHC–induced obliterative airway disease (OAD), a correlate of obliterative bronchiolitis. A unique profile of dysregulated miRNAs was detected in OAD mice on days 7 and 15 after Ab administration compared with control. Sixty-seven miRNAs were increased and 42 miRNAs were decreased in OAD mice on day 7. In addition, 15 miRNAs were overexpressed and 16 miRNAs were underexpressed in OAD mice on day 15. The expression of miR-16 and miR-195 was significantly decreased in lungs of OAD mice, as assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridization, with increases in H-2 Aa and H-2 Dma mRNA levels. Significant reductions in miR-16 and miR-195 levels were also noted in lung transplant (LTx) patients with DSA compared with LTx patients without DSA. Bioinformatic TargetScan and reporter assays identified the binding of miR-16 and miR-195 to the 3′-untranslated region of regulatory factor X 5. Quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry indicated posttranscriptional increases in regulatory factor X 5 mRNA and protein expression in OAD mice, as well as in LTx recipients with DSA, which was associated with increased expression of HLA-DPA1, HLA-DQA1, and HLA-DRA mRNA. Therefore, our results demonstrated that miRNAs induced by alloimmunity may play important roles in chronic rejection after LTx.
Histological and histochemical analysis of the gastrointestinal tract of the common pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
Authors: Strobel S. , EncarnaÃ§Ã£o J.A. , Becker N.I. , Trenczek T.E.
Published: May 2015

Bats have a very high mass-specific energy demand due to small size and active flight. European bat species are mostly insectivorous and the morphology of the gastrointestinal tract should be adapted accordingly. This study investigated the general anatomy by histology and the function by analysing carbohydrate distribution in particular of the mucus of the GI tract of the insectivorous bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus.Â The GI tracts of three individuals were dissected, fixed in formaldehyde, and embedded in paraffin wax. The tissues and cells of the GI tract of P. pipistrellus were analysed by classical (Acid Alizarin Blue, Haematoxylin-Eosin, and Masson Goldner Trichrome), histochemical (periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian blue at pH 2.5) and lectin histochemical (lectins WGA and HPA) staining procedures. The GI tract of P.Â pipistrellus was organised into the typical mammalian layers. The short, narrow, and thin-walled esophagus was simple with a folded stratified squamous epithelium without glands but mucous surface cells secreting neutral mucus. The stomach was globular shaped without specialisation. Mucous surface cells produced neutral mucus whereas neck and parietal cells secreted a mixture of neutral and acid mucus. Chief cell surface was positive for N-acetylglucosamine and the cytoplasm for N-acetylgalactosamine residues. The intestine lacked a caecum and appendix. The small intestine was divided into duodenum, jejunumâ€‘ileum and ileumâ€‘colon. The epithelium consisted of columnar enterocytes and goblet cells. The large intestine was short, only represented by the descending colon-rectum. It lacked villi and the mucosa had only crypts of LieberkÃ¼hn. Towards the colon-rectum, goblet cells produced mucus with N-acetylglucosamine residues increasing in acidity except in colon-rectum where acidity was highest in the base of crypts. Along the tube the surface of enterocytes was positive for N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine. All over the mucus filling the lumen of the GI tract was positive for N-acetylglucosamine and increased in acidity in all parts except of the stomach. In conclusion, the simple GI tract showed an anatomical reduction of tissue enabling for a short retention time and a reduction of the load carried during flight: short GI tract, lack of lymphoid tissue, missing of glands in certain regions, and a distinct pattern of mucus distribution, indicating different physiological functions of these areas. The GI tract of P. pipistrellus was typical for an insectivorous species probably representing the ancestral condition.
Receptor-mediated endocytosis of lysozyme in renal proximal tubules of the frog Rana temporaria
Authors: Seliverstova E.V. , Prutskova N.P.
Published: May 2015

The mechanism of protein reabsorption in the kidney of lower vertebrates remains insufficiently investigated in spite of raising interest to the amphibian and fish kidneys as a useful model for physiological and pathophysiological examinations. In the present study, we examined the renal tubular uptake and the internalization rote of lysozyme after its intravenous injection in the wintering frog Rana temporaria using immunohisto- and immunocytochemistry and specific markers for some endocytic compartments. The distinct expression of megalin and cubilin in the proximal tubule cells of lysozyme-injected frogs was revealed whereas kidney tissue of control animals showed no positive immunoreactivity. Lysozyme was detected in the apical endocytic compartment of the tubular cells and colocalized with clathrin 10 min after injection. After 20 min, lysozyme was located in the subapical compartment negative to clathrin (endosomes), and intracellular trafficking of lysozyme was coincided with the distribution of megalin and cubilin. However, internalized protein was retained in the endosomes and did not reach lysosomes within 30 min after treatment that may indicate the inhibition of intracellular trafficking in hibernating frogs. For the first time, we provided the evidence that lysozyme is filtered through the glomeruli and absorbed by receptor-mediated clathrin-dependent endocytosis in the frog proximal tubule cells. Thus, the protein uptake in the amphibian mesonephros is mediated by megalin and cubilin that confirms a critical role of endocytic receptors in the renal reabsorption of proteins in amphibians as in mammals.
Carotenoids co-localize with hydroxyapatite, cholesterol, and other lipids in calcified stenotic aortic valves. Ex vivo Raman maps compared to histological patterns
Authors: Bonetti A. , Bonifacio A. , Della Mora A. , Livi U. , Marchini M. , Ortolani F.
Published: May 2015

Unlike its application for atherosclerotic plaque analysis, Raman microspectroscopy was sporadically used to check the sole nature of bioapatite deposits in stenotic aortic valves, neglecting the involvement of accumulated lipids/lipoproteins in the calcific process. Here, Raman microspectroscopy was employed for examination of stenotic aortic valve leaflets to add information on nature and distribution of accumulated lipids and their correlation with mineralization in the light of its potential precocious diagnostic use. Cryosections from surgically explanted stenotic aortic valves (n=4) were studied matching Raman maps against specific histological patterns. Raman maps revealed the presence of phospholipids/triglycerides and cholesterol, which showed spatial overlapping with one another and Raman-identified hydroxyapatite. Moreover, the Raman patterns correlated with those displayed by both von-Kossa-calcium- and Nile-blue-stained serial cryosections. Raman analysis also provided the first identification of carotenoids, which co-localized with the identified lipid moieties. Additional fit concerned the distribution of collagen and elastin. The good correlation of Raman maps with high-affinity staining patterns proved that Raman microspectroscopy is a reliable tool in evaluating calcification degree, alteration/displacement of extracellular matrix components, and accumulation rate of different lipid forms in calcified heart valves. In addition, the novel identification of carotenoids supports the concept that valve stenosis is an atherosclerosis-like valve lesion, consistently with their previous Raman microspectroscopical identification inside atherosclerotic plaques.
Low ozone concentrations stimulate cytoskeletal organization, mitochondrial activity and nuclear transcription
Authors: Costanzo M. , Cisterna B. , Vella A. , Cestari T. , Covi V. , Tabaracci G. , Malatesta M.
Published: May 2015

Ozone therapy is a modestly invasive procedure based on the regeneration capabilities of low ozone concentrations and used in medicine as an alternative/adjuvant treatment for different diseases. However, the cellular mechanisms accounting for the positive effects of mild ozonization are still largely unexplored. To this aim, in the present study the effects of low ozone concentrations (1 to 20 Âµg O3/mL O2) on structural and functional cell features have been investigated in vitro by using morphological, morphometrical, cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques at bright field, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Cells exposed to pure O2 or air served as controls. The results demonstrated that the effects of ozoneadministration are dependent on gas concentration, and the cytoskeletal organization, mitochondrial activity and nuclear transcription may be differently affected. This suggests that, to ensure effective and permanent metabolic cell activation, ozone treatments should take into account the cytological and cytokinetic features of the different tissues.Â
Kuyper’s razor? Rethinking science and religion, trinitarian scholarship and God’s eternity
Authors: Coletto Renato
Published: May 2015

This article explores three research fields in contemporary Christian scholarship and argues that the way they are approached is often questionable due to the basic assumptions, the methods or the implications. The following allegations are proposed. Research on the relationship between religion and science is based on a framework of assumptions which does not reflect the biblical standpoint properly. Trinitarian scholarship expects too much from the presumed correspondence between Trinity and created reality, whilst it tends to neglect other resources available to Christian scholarship. Scientific reflection on God’s eternity is speculative in as much as it tries to transcend the modal horizon of knowledge. In these three cases (other cases are also briefly mentioned) it is argued that ‘Kuyper’s razor’ (an approach promoted in the Kuyperian reformational tradition) would help rethinking research in these areas.Kuyper se skalpel? ’n Heroorweging van wetenskap-en-religie, trinitariese navorsing en God se ewigheid. Hierdie artikel verken drie navorsingsterreine in die kontemporêre Christelike wetenskap en voer aan dat die manier waarop hulle benader word dikwels bedenklik is weens basiese aannames, die metodes of die implikasies daarvan. Die volgende kritiek word voorgestel. Navorsing oor die verhouding tussen religie en wetenskap is op ’n raamwerk van aannames gebaseer wat nie ’n behoorlike weerspieëling van die skriftuurlike standpunt is nie. Trinitariese navorsing verwag te veel van die veronderstelde ooreenkoms tussen die Drie-eenheid en die geskape werklikheid, terwyl dit neig om ander hulpbronne wat vir die Christelike wetenskap beskikbaar is, te verwaarloos. Wetenskaplike besinning oor God se ewigheid is spekulatief vir sover dit poog om die modale horison van kennis te transendeer. Dit word aangevoer dat ‘Kuyper se skalpel’ (’n benadering wat in die Kuyperiaans-reformatoriese tradisie bevorder word) sal help om navorsing in hierdie drie gevalle (ander gevalle word ook kortliks genoem) te heroorweeg.
Metagenomics: Tools and Insights for Analyzing Next-Generation Sequencing Data Derived from Biodiversity Studies
Authors: Oulas Anastasis , Pavloudi Christina , Polymenakou Paraskevi , Pavlopoulos Georgios A. , Papanikolaou Nikolas , Kotoulas Georgios , Arvanitidis Christos , Iliopoulos loannis
Published: May 2015

Advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) have allowed significant breakthroughs in microbial ecology studies. This has led to the rapid expansion of research in the field and the establishment of “metagenomics”, often defined as the analysis of DNA from microbial communities in environmental samples without prior need for culturing. Many metagenomics statistical/computational tools and databases have been developed in order to allow the exploitation of the huge influx of data. In this review article, we provide an overview of the sequencing technologies and how they are uniquely suited to various types of metagenomic studies. We focus on the currently available bioinformatics techniques, tools, and methodologies for performing each individual step of a typical metagenomic dataset analysis. We also provide future trends in the field with respect to tools and technologies currently under development. Moreover, we discuss data management, distribution, and integration tools that are capable of performing comparative metagenomic analyses of multiple datasets using well-established databases, as well as commonly used annotation standards.
Polymorphism in Variable Number of Tandem Repeats of Dopamine D4 Gene is a Genetic Risk Factor in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Egyptian Children: Pilot Study
Authors: Shahin Ola , Meguid Nagwa A. , Raafat Omnia , Dawood Reham M. , Doss Malak , Din Noha G. Bader El , Awady Mostafa K. El
Published: May 2015

Introduction

The variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene among humans may elucidate individual differences in susceptibility to neuropsychiatric diseases. Dopamine dysfunction may be involved with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. In this study, we report the association between the phenotype of ADHD, a condition characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness, and a 48–base pair VNTR in exon 3 of the DRD4 polymorphism.

Subjects and Methods

We used a case control approach conducted on 29 ADHD and 31 ethnically matched control Egyptian children (ages 6–12 years). Cases were assessed by a psychiatric semi–structured interview and the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale. VNTR polymorphisms of the DRD4 gene were done by touchdown PCR program using exon 3–specific primers followed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

Results

We observed a significant association between the existence of D4.4 allele of DRD4 and ADHD (P < 0.002); 6.9% of cases showed a single D4.4 and 10.3% showed a double D4.4 as compared to controls in whom D4.4 has never been detected.

Conclusion

Children with smaller number of repeat alleles (two to four repeats) of the DRD4 gene have higher possibility to develop ADHD in Egyptian children.
Is ESR Important for Predicting Post-ERCP Pancreatitis?
Authors: Alizadeh Amir Houshang Mohammad , Afzali Esmaeil Shamsi , Behzad Catherine , Mousavi Mirhadi , Mirsattari Dariush , Doagoo Siavash Zafar , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2015

Background

Pancreatitis remains the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), resulting in substantial morbidity and occasional mortality. There are notable controversies and conflicting reports about risk factors of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP).

Aim

To evaluate the potential risk factors for PEP at a referral tertiary center, as a sample of the Iranian population.

Materials and Methods

Baseline characteristics and clinical as well as paraclinical information of 780 patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP at Taleghani hospital in Tehran between 2008 and 2012 were reviewed. Data were collected prior to the ERCP, at the time of the procedure, and 24-72 hours after discharge. PEP was diagnosed according to consensus criteria.

Results

Of the 780 patients who underwent diagnostic ERCP, pancreatitis developed in 26 patients (3.3%). In the multivariable risk model, significant risk factors with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were age <65 years (OR = 10.647, P = 0.023) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) >30 (OR = 6.414, P < 0.001). Female gender, history of recurrent pancreatitis, pre-ERCP hyperamylasemia, and difficult or failed cannulation could not predict PEP. There was no significant difference in the rate of PEP in wire-guided cannulation versus biliary cannulation using a sphincterotome and contrast injection as the conventional method.

Conclusions

Performing ERCP may be safer in the elderly. Patients with high ESR may be at greater risk of PEP, which warrants close observation of these patients for signs of pancreatitis after ERCP.
Optimizing Insecticide Allocation Strategies Based on Houses and Livestock Shelters for Visceral Leishmaniasis Control in Bihar, India
Authors: Gorahava Kaushik K. , Rosenberger Jay M. , Mubayi Anuj
Published: May 2015

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most deadly form of the leishmaniasis family of diseases, which affects numerous developing countries. The Indian state of Bihar has the highest prevalence and mortality rate of VL in the world. Insecticide spraying is believed to be an effective vector control program for controlling the spread of VL in Bihar; however, it is expensive and less effective if not implemented systematically. This study develops and analyzes a novel optimization model for VL control in Bihar that identifies an optimal (best possible) allocation of chosen insecticide (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane [DDT] or deltamethrin) based on the sizes of human and cattle populations in the region. The model maximizes the insecticide-induced sandfly death rate in human and cattle dwellings while staying within the current state budget for VL vector control efforts. The model results suggest that deltamethrin might not be a good replacement for DDT because the insecticide-induced sandfly deaths are 3.72 times more in case of DDT even after 90 days post spray. Different insecticide allocation strategies between the two types of sites (houses and cattle sheds) are suggested based on the state VL-control budget and have a direct implication on VL elimination efforts in a resource-limited region.
Homossexualidade e religião: Sentimentos e representações sociais
Authors: Coimbra dos Santos Juliano
Published: May 2015

This study investigated what the representation of homosexuality for men declared homo-sexuals from the influence of religious vision. For both, we investigate what are the feel-ings awakened to discover that homosexuals, which feelings experienced from the inter-personal relations in the context of the church and as represent homosexuality after this experience. The study included seven homosexual men with age between 18 and 35 years who responded to a semi-structured interview. Among the main results, we find a discovery about homosexuality permeated by negative feelings that were reinforced by feelings awaken in interpersonal relationships in the context of the church. However, cur-rently the participants show a representation of homosexuality anchored in biological na-ture, such as a possibility of the Human Being, and that overcomes the negative view ini-tially presented.
Effect of tropical cyclones on the tropical tropopause parameters observed using COSMIC GPS RO data
Authors: Ravindra Babu S. , Venkat Ratnam M. , Basha Ghouse , Krishnamurthy B. V. , Venkateswara Rao B.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Tropical cyclones (TCs) are deep convective synoptic scale systems and play an important role in modifying the thermal structure, tropical tropopause parameters and hence stratosphere–troposphere exchange (STE) processes. In the present study, high vertical resolution and high accuracy measurements from COSMIC Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation (RO) measurements are used to investigate and quantify the effect of tropical cyclones that occurred over Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea in last decade on the tropical tropopause parameters. The tropopause parameters include cold point tropopause altitude (CPH) and temperature (CPT), lapse rate tropopause altitude (LRH) and temperature (LRT) and the thickness of the tropical tropopause layer (TTL), that is defined as the layer between convective outflow level (COH) and CPH, obtained from GPS RO data. From all the TCs events, we generate the mean cyclone-centered composite structure for the tropopause parameters and removed from climatological mean obtained from averaging the GPS RO data from 2002–2013. Since the TCs include eye, eye walls and deep convective bands, we obtained the tropopause parameters based on radial distance from cyclone eye. In general, decrease in the CPH in the eye is noticed as expected. However, as the distance from cyclone eye increases by 3, 4, and 5° an enhancement in CPH (CPT), LRH (LRT) are observed. Lowering of CPH (0.6 km) and LRH (0.4 km) values with coldest CPT and LRT (2–3 K) within the 500 km radius from the TC centre is noticed. Higher (2 km) COH leading to the lowering of TTL thickness (2–3 km) is clearly observed. There exists multiple tropopause structures in the profiles of temperature obtained within 1° from centre of TC. These changes in the tropopause parameters are expected to influence the water vapour transport from troposphere to lower stratosphere and ozone from lower stratosphere to the upper troposphere and hence STE processes.
Modelling coral calcification accounting for the impacts of coral bleaching and ocean acidification
Authors: Evenhuis C. , Lenton A. , Cantin N. E. , Lough J. M.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Coral reefs are diverse ecosystems that are threatened by rising CO2 levels through increases in sea surface temperature and ocean acidification. Here we present a new unified model that links changes in temperature and carbonate chemistry to coral health. Changes in coral health and population are explicitly modelled by linking rates of growth, recovery and calcification to rates of bleaching and temperature-stress-induced mortality. The model is underpinned by four key principles: the Arrhenius equation, thermal specialisation, correlated up- and down-regulation of traits that are consistent with resource allocation trade-offs, and adaption to local environments. These general relationships allow this model to be constructed from a range of experimental and observational data. The performance of the model is assessed against independent data to demonstrate how it can capture the observed response of corals to stress. We also provide new insights into the factors that determine calcification rates and provide a framework based on well-known biological principles to help understand the observed global distribution of calcification rates. Our results suggest that, despite the implicit complexity of the coral reef environment, a simple model based on temperature, carbonate chemistry and different species can give insights into how corals respond to changes in temperature and ocean acidification.
Effects of low-pH stress on shell traits of the dove snail, Anachis misera, inhabiting shallow-vent environments off Kueishan Islet, Taiwan
Authors: Chen Y. J. , Wu J. Y. , Chen C. T. A. , Liu L. L.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. The effects of naturally acidified seawater on shell traits were quantified through the comparison of dove snails (Family: Columbellidae) Anachis misera from vent environments with Euplica sp. from non-vent sites in northeastern Taiwan. Samples of A. misera were collected around a shallow vent (24.8341° N, 121.96191° E), which included the east, south, southwest, and northwest sites. An absence of Anachis snails was found in the most acidic north site (pH 7.19–7.25). Based on the similarities of protein expression profiles, the Anachis snails were classified into two groups, i.e., V-South (pH 7.78–7.82) and V-Rest (pH 7.31–7.83). Comparing their shell traits to the non-vent Euplica sp. from Da-xi (DX) and Geng-fang (GF) (pH 8.1–8.2), a difference in shell shape (shell width : shell length) was found, with the populations having more globular shells than the non-vent ones. The means of shell width were significantly different among sites (p < 0.01), with a descending order of GF > DX > V-South and V-Rest. The relationships of shell length to total weight were curvilinear for both Anachis and Euplica snails. The logarithmically transformed slopes differed significantly among sites, and the mean body weight of the GF population was greater than that of the others (p < 0.01). Positive correlations between shell length and shell thickness of body whorl (T1) and penultimate whorl (T2) were only observed in non-vent GF and DX populations. Anachis snails from vent sites were thinner in T1 and T2 compared to the Euplica snails from non-vent sites (p < 0.05). Within each vent group, shell thickness between T1 and T2 was insignificantly different. Between vent groups, T1 and T2 from V-Rest showed a decrease of 10.6 and 10.2%, respectively, compared to V-South ones. The decrease of T1 and T2 between vent Anachis snails and non-vent Euplica snails was as great as 55.6 and 29.0%, respectively. This was the first study to compare snail's morphological traits under varying shallow-vent stresses with populations previously classified by biochemical responses. Overall, the shallow-vent-based findings provide additional information from subtropics on the effects of acidified seawater on gastropod snails in natural environments.
Structure of forecast error covariance in coupled atmosphere–chemistry data assimilation
Authors: Park S. K. , Lim S. , Zupanski M.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. In this study, we examined the structure of an ensemble-based coupled atmosphere–chemistry forecast error covariance. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem), a coupled atmosphere–chemistry model, was used to create an ensemble error covariance. The control variable includes both the dynamical and chemistry model variables. A synthetic single observation experiment was designed in order to evaluate the cross-variable components of a coupled error covariance. The results indicate that the coupled error covariance has important cross-variable components that allow a physically meaningful adjustment of all control variables. The additional benefit of the coupled error covariance is that a cross-component impact is allowed; e.g., atmospheric observations can exert an impact on chemistry analysis, and vice versa. Given the realistic structure of ensemble forecast error covariance produced by the WRF-Chem, we anticipate that the ensemble-based coupled atmosphere–chemistry data assimilation will respond similarly to assimilation of real observations.
PLUME-MoM 1.0: a new 1-D model of volcanic plumes based on the method of moments
Authors: de' Michieli Vitturi M. , Neri A. , Barsotti S.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. In this paper a new mathematical model for volcanic plumes, named PlumeMoM, is presented. The model describes the steady-state 1-D dynamics of the plume in a 3-D coordinate system, accounting for continuous variability in particle distribution of the pyroclastic mixture ejected at the vent. Volcanic plumes are composed of pyroclastic particles of many different sizes ranging from a few microns up to several centimeters and more. Proper description of such a multiparticle nature is crucial when quantifying changes in grain-size distribution along the plume and, therefore, for better characterization of source conditions of ash dispersal models. The new model is based on the method of moments, which allows description of the pyroclastic mixture dynamics not only in the spatial domain but also in the space of properties of the continuous size-distribution of the particles. This is achieved by formulation of fundamental transport equations for the multiparticle mixture with respect to the different moments of the grain-size distribution. Different formulations, in terms of the distribution of the particle number, as well as of the mass distribution expressed in terms of the Krumbein log scale, are also derived. Comparison between the new moments-based formulation and the classical approach, based on the discretization of the mixture in N discrete phases, shows that the new model allows the same results to be obtained with a significantly lower computational cost (particularly when a large number of discrete phases is adopted). Application of the new model, coupled with uncertainty quantification and global sensitivity analyses, enables investigation of the response of four key output variables (mean and standard deviation (SD) of the grain-size distribution at the top of the plume, plume height and amount of mass lost by the plume during the ascent) to changes in the main input parameters (mean and SD) characterizing the pyroclastic mixture at the base of the plume. Results show that, for the range of parameters investigated, the grain-size distribution at the top of the plume is remarkably similar to that at the base and that the plume height is only weakly affected by the parameters of the grain distribution.