bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Quality Plasmonic Sensors Based on Fano Resonances Created through Cascading Double Asymmetric Cavities
Authors: Zhang Xiangao , Shao Mingzhen , Zeng Xiaoqi
Published: October 2016

In this paper, a type of compact nanosensor based on a metal-insulator-metal structure is proposed and investigated through cascading double asymmetric cavities, in which their metal cores shift along different axis directions. The cascaded asymmetric structure exhibits high transmission and sharp Fano resonance peaks via strengthening the mutual coupling of the cavities. The research results show that with the increase of the symmetry breaking in the structure, the number of Fano resonances increase accordingly. Furthermore, by modulating the geometrical parameters appropriately, Fano resonances with high sensitivities to the changes in refractive index can be realized. A maximum figure of merit (FoM) value of 74.3 is obtained. Considerable applications for this work can be found in bio/chemical sensors with excellent performance and other nanophotonic integrated circuit devices such as optical filters, switches and modulators.
In-Situ Measurement of High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stack Using Flexible Five-in-One Micro-Sensor
Authors: Lee Chi-Yuan , Weng Fang-Bor , Kuo Yzu-Wei , Tsai Chao-Hsuan , Cheng Yen-Ting , Cheng Chih-Kai , Lin Jyun-Ting
Published: October 2016

In the chemical reaction that proceeds in a high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack (HT-PEMFC stack), the internal local temperature, voltage, pressure, flow and current nonuniformity may cause poor membrane material durability and nonuniform fuel distribution, thus influencing the performance and lifetime of the fuel cell stack. In this paper micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) are utilized to develop a high-temperature electrochemical environment-resistant five-in-one micro-sensor embedded in the cathode channel plate of an HT-PEMFC stack, and materials and process parameters are appropriately selected to protect the micro-sensor against failure or destruction during long-term operation. In-situ measurement of the local temperature, voltage, pressure, flow and current distributions in the HT-PEMFC stack is carried out. This integrated micro-sensor has five functions, and is favorably characterized by small size, good acid resistance and temperature resistance, quick response, real-time measurement, and the goal is being able to be put in any place for measurement without affecting the performance of the battery.
Measuring the Socioeconomic and Environmental Effects of Energy Efficiency Investments for a More Sustainable Spanish Economy
Authors: Medina Ana , Cámara Ángeles , Monrobel José-Ramón
Published: October 2016

We present here an application of a multisector economic model to simulate the impact of investing in energy-efficiency-related sectors. Given the value chain of energy production shows several aspects to be improved, this paper intends to identify the economic sectors where investment should be allocated in order to reach the targeted energy efficiency levels in the overall economic system. We expect that an improvement in energy efficiency will bring a fall in electricity demand. Simulating these impacts will enable an assessment of the macroeconomic effects of such demand-side changes in Spain. For simulation purposes, we will use input–output methodology, based on data from a Spanish input–output table from the year 2012 that we have constructed. The scenario used for modeling has been obtained from the objectives proposed by the European Union for 2030, specifically the one promoting an increase to at least a 27% increase in energy efficiency compared with the business-as-usual scenario. This demand-side model enables us to measure the potential sector-by-sector growth of the Spanish economy and to calculate households’ expected savings in energy bills due to the implementation of energy efficiency measures. The impacts of employment and CO2 emissions are also quantified as a result of the investments aimed at improving energy efficiency.
Demand Side Management Performance Evaluation for Commercial Enterprises
Authors: Dong Jun , Huo Huijuan , Guo Sen
Published: October 2016

Demand Side Management in power systems plays an important role in ensuring a reliable power supply and protecting the environment. Demand Side Management in the commercial sector is vital for sustainable development during China’s industrial restructuring. A hybrid multi-criteria decision making framework for evaluating Demand Side Management performance of commercial enterprises is proposed from a sustainability perspective. A fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process is employed to determine the weights of the criteria and a fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution is applied to rank Demand Side Management performance. An evaluation index system is built, containing economic, social, environmental and technical criteria associated with 15 sub-criteria. Four groups of expert panels from government departments, research institutions, electricity utilities and commercial enterprises gave judgments on criteria weights and criteria performances for alternatives. The effectiveness of the proposed hybrid framework was demonstrated through a case study in Beijing, in which Demand Side Management performances of four alternatives were ranked. Sensitivity analysis results indicate that the hybrid framework is robust.
Critical Review of the Millennium Project in Nepal
Authors: Vaidya Ashma , Mayer Audrey
Published: October 2016

“Our Common Future” harmonized development policies around a new sustainable development (SD) paradigm, and experts also emphasize the importance of a democratic and equitable approach to define and achieve sustainable development. However, SD targets and indicators are often defined by a suite of experts or a few stakeholder groups, far removed from on-the-ground conditions. The most common expert-led development framework, the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), promoted one set of targets and indicators for all developing countries. While progress towards these targets was routinely reported at the national scale, these targets may not reflect context-specific sustainable development. We evaluated the relevance and comprehensiveness of MDG 7 (environmental sustainability) for Nepal. Although Nepal has met most of the MDG 7 (e.g., forest cover, protected areas coverage, water and sanitation), on closer inspection these indicators do not provide adequate context for ensuring that these targets provide the intended levels of development. Simple forest cover and protected area indicators belie the dearth of ecological conservation on the ground, and water and sanitation indicators do not reflect the inequality of access based on poverty and regions. While the Millennium Development Goals align with broad sustainability concerns in Nepal, these indicators do not reveal its true development conditions.
Assessing Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) as an Alternative Material for Mid-Rise Residential Buildings in Cold Regions in China—A Life-Cycle Assessment Approach
Authors: Liu Ying , Guo Haibo , Sun Cheng , Chang Wen-Shao
Published: October 2016

Timber building has gained more and more attention worldwide due to it being a generic renewable material and having low environmental impact. It is widely accepted that the use of timber may be able to reduce the embodied energy of a building. However, the development of timber buildings in China is not as rapid as in some other countries. This may be because of the limitations of building regulations and technological development. Several new policies have been or are being implemented in China in order to encourage the use of timber in building construction and this could lead to a revolutionary change in the building industry in China. This paper is the first one to examine the feasibility of using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) as an alternative solution to concrete by means of a cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessment in China. A seven-storey reference concrete building in Xi’an was selected as a case study in comparison with a redesigned CLT building. Two cities in China, in cold and severe cold regions (Xi’an and Harbin), were selected for this research. The assessment includes three different stages of the life span of a building: materialisation, operation, and end-of-life. The inventory data used in the materialisation stage was mostly local, in order to ensure that the assessment appropriately reflects the situation in China. Energy consumption in the operation stage was obtained from simulation by commercialised software IESTM, and different scenarios for recycling of timber material in the end-of-life are discussed in this paper. The results from this paper show that using CLT to replace conventional carbon intensive material would reduce energy consumption by more than 30% and reduce CO2 emission by more than 40% in both cities. This paper supports, and has shown the potential of, CLT being used in cold regions with proper detailing to minimise environmental impact.
Higher Fusarium Toxin Accumulation in Grain of Winter Triticale Lines Inoculated with Fusarium culmorum as Compared with Wheat
Authors: Góral Tomasz , Wiśniewska Halina , Ochodzki Piotr , Walentyn-Góral Dorota
Published: October 2016

Resistance to Fusarium head blight in 32 winter triticale and 34 winter wheat accessions was evaluated. Triticale and wheat were sown in field experiments in two locations. At the time of flowering, heads were inoculated with three Fusarium culmorum isolates. Fusarium head blight index was scored and after the harvest percentage of Fusarium damaged kernels was assessed. Grain was analysed for type B trichothecenes (deoxynivalenol and derivatives, nivalenol) and zearalenone (ZEN) content. The average Fusarium head blight indexes were 28.0% for wheat and 19.2% for triticale accessions. The percentage of Fusarium damaged kernels was also higher for wheat and came to 55.6%, while for triticale this figure was 40.2%. The average content of deoxynivalenol (DON) for wheat amounted to 11.65 mg/kg and was lower than the result for triticale which was 14.12 mg/kg. The average contents of nivalenol were similar in both cereals: 4.13 mg/kg and 5.19 mg/kg for wheat and triticale respectively. Considerable amounts of DON derivatives in the cereals were also detected. The ZEN content in the grain was 0.60 mg/kg for wheat and 0.66 mg/kg for triticale. Relationships between Fusarium head blight index, Fusarium damaged kernels and mycotoxin contents were statistically significant for wheat and mostly insignificant for triticale. Triticale proved to have less infected heads and kernels than wheat. However, the content of type B trichothecenes was higher in triticale grain than in wheat grain.
Delineating Groundwater Vulnerability and Protection Zone Mapping in Fractured Rock Masses: Focus on the DISCO Index
Authors: Meerkhan Helen , Teixeira José , Espinha Marques Jorge , Afonso Maria , Chaminé Helder
Published: October 2016

Hard-rock catchments are considered to be source of valuable water resources for water supply to inhabitants and ecosystems. The present work aims to develop a groundwater vulnerability approach in the Caldas da Cavaca hydromineral system (Aguiar da Beira, Central Portugal) in order to improve the hydrogeological conceptual site model. Different types of information were overlaid, generating several thematic maps to achieve an integrated framework of key sectors in the study site. Thus, a multi-technical approach was used, encompassing field and laboratory techniques, whereby different types of data were collected from fields such as geology, hydrogeology, applied geomorphology and geophysics and hydrogeomechanics, with the fundamental aim of applying the so-called DISCO index method. All of these techniques were successfully performed and an intrinsic groundwater vulnerability to contamination assessment, based on the multicriteria methodology of GOD-S, DRASTIC-Fm, SINTACS, SI and DISCO indexes, was delineated. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provided the basis on which to organize and integrate the databases and to produce all the thematic maps. This multi-technical approach highlights the importance of groundwater vulnerability to contamination mapping as a tool to support hydrogeological conceptualization, contributing to improving the decision-making process regarding water resources management and sustainability.
Near Real-Time Flow Cytometry Monitoring of Bacterial and Viral Removal Efficiencies during Water Reclamation Processes
Authors: Huang Xiao , Zhao Zheng , Hernandez Dana , Jiang Sunny
Published: October 2016

Wastewater reuse has become an important part of the urban water supply portfolio in water stressed regions. Effective wastewater treatment processes are critical to protect public health during water reuse practices. However, the microbial removal efficiencies in wastewater reclamation plants are not routinely monitored due to the lack of a simple quantification method. This study applied a near real-time flow cytometry (FCM) technique to quantify the removal of total bacteria and viruses at three wastewater reclamation plants in Southern California. The results showed that the activated sludge process removed 1–2 log10 of bacteria but was not efficient at removing viruses. The membrane bioreactor process was capable of removing both bacteria and viruses with high efficiency. At the plant using chloramines as the main disinfectant, even though culturable total coliform bacteria were effectively reduced to the level meeting the California Title 22 Water Recycling Criteria (7-day median of 2.2 most probable number (MPN)/100 mL, and no more than one sample exceeds 23 MPN/100 mL), the disinfected final effluent still contained greater than 106 bacterial and 108 viral particles per mL in. In contrast, more than 4 log10 removal of both bacteria and viruses were observed at the plant using free chlorine as the main disinfectant. The results indicate that additional microbial indicators are needed and suggest the potential use of FCM as a rapid monitoring tool for evaluation of microbial removal.
Potential of Constructed Wetlands for Removal of Antibiotics from Saline Aquaculture Effluents
Authors: Bôto Maria , Almeida C. , Mucha Ana
Published: October 2016

This work aimed to evaluate the potential of constructed wetlands (CWs) for removal of antibiotics (enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline) and antibiotic resistant bacteria from saline aquaculture wastewaters. Removal of other contaminants (nutrients, organic matter and metals) and toxicity reduction and the influence of antibiotics with these processes were evaluated. Thus, nine CWs microcosms, divided into three treatments, were assembled and used to treat wastewater (doped or not with the selected antibiotics) between October and December of 2015. Each week treated wastewater was removed and new wastewater (doped or not) was introduced in CWs. Results showed >99% of each antibiotic was removed in CWs. After three weeks of adaptation, removal percentages >95% were also obtained for total bacteria and for antibiotic resistant bacteria. Nutrients, organic matter and metal removal percentages in CWs treated wastewater were identical in the absence and in the presence of each antibiotic. Toxicity in treated wastewaters was significantly lower than in initial wastewaters, independently of antibiotics presence. Results showed CWs have a high efficiency for removing enrofloxacin or oxytetracycline as well as antibiotic resistant bacteria from saline aquaculture wastewaters. CWs can also remove other contaminants independently of drug presence, making the aquaculture wastewater possible to be reutilized and/or recirculated.
Water Banks: What Have We Learnt from the International Experience?
Authors: Montilla-López Nazaret , Gutiérrez-Martín Carlos , Gómez-Limón José
Published: October 2016

In recent decades, the use of economic instruments has been promoted as a way to improve water demand management, required due to the difficulty of further supply increases. Against this backdrop, this paper analyses the potential of water banks as a type of water market that can provide institutional flexibility in the allocation of water resources among different users. Research has involved an extensive review of the literature, which has allowed us to identify different types of water banks that operate around the world, as well as an analysis of the experiences of water banks implemented to date, in order to assess the performance of this economic instrument in improving water management. This has provided evidence that water banks, if properly implemented, can be a useful tool for improving governance of water resources. Finally, the analysis has enabled us to propose a number of guidelines on how to improve the implementation of water banks in different countries around the world.
Transcriptomic resources and marker validation for diploid and polyploid Veronica (Plantaginaceae) from New Zealand and Europe
Authors: Mayland‐Quellhorst Eike , Meudt Heidi M. , Albach Dirk C.
Published: October 2016

Premise of the study:

Polyploidy may generate novel variation, leading to adaptation and species diversification. An excellent natural system to study polyploid evolution in a comparative framework is Veronica (Plantaginaceae), which comprises several parallel, recently evolved polyploid series.

Methods:

Over 105 million Illumina paired‐end sequence reads were generated from cDNA libraries of leaf tissue from eight individuals representing three European and four New Zealand species. Forty‐eight simple sequence repeat (SSR) and 48 low‐copy nuclear (LCN) markers were developed and validated with Fluidigm microfluidic PCR and Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing on 48 different individuals each.

Results:

Individual Trinity assemblies were similar regarding annotated transcripts (13,009–14,271), mean contig length (635–742 bp), N50 value (916–1133 bp), E90N50 value (1099–1308 bp), contigs with positive BLAST hits (42–63%), and gene ontology terms. Analyses of 29,738 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (8746 phylogenetically informative) mined from these transcriptomes plus two outgroups (Picrorhiza kurrooa and Plantago ovata) showed moderate to high bootstrap support for all branches and reticulation among sampled European Veronica.

Discussion:

The transcriptome sequences themselves, as well as the validated SSR (40/48) and LCN (11/48) markers derived from them, show inter‐ and intraspecific genetic variation. These resources will be invaluable for future population genetic, phylogenetic, and functional genetic investigations in polyploid Veronica.
Surface roughness rather than surface chemistry essentially affects insect adhesion
Authors: England Matt W , Sato Tomoya , Yagihashi Makoto , Hozumi Atsushi , Gorb Stanislav N , Gorb Elena V
Published: October 2016

The attachment ability of ladybird beetles Coccinella septempunctata was systematically investigated on eight types of surface, each with different chemical and topographical properties. The results of traction force tests clearly demonstrated that chemical surface properties, such as static/dynamic de-wettability of water and oil caused by specific chemical compositions, had no significant effect on the attachment of the beetles. Surface roughness was found to be the dominant factor, strongly affecting the attachment ability of the beetles.
Social portrayal of nourishment and repercussions in nutritional habits of pregnant adolescents
Authors: Rodrigues de Castro Juliana Braga , Rocha Francisca Alanny Araújo , Albuquerque de Sousa Rosalice Araújo , Rodrigues Júnior Antônio Ferreira , Silva Maria Adelane Monteiro da
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of social repercussions in nutritional habits of pregnant adolescents conducted by a Primary Health Care Unit in the county of Sobral, Ceará. Using a qualitative approach, exploratory and descriptive, the data was collected through semi-structured interviews at the homes of 15 pregnant adolescents in 2014. Using the material obtained from the thematic perspective, the core issues were analyzed: the nutritional habits during pregnancy; myths/taboos, and intrinsic changes of pregnancy. Changes were observed in nutritional habits related to regularity in meal times and the consumption of fruits and vegetables. During the speeches there was the valorization about proper nourishment, however, the consumption of high-calorie foods coexists. Regarding the myths/taboos, they indicated the existence of ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ foods and the need to ‘eat for two’. It can be determined that the intrinsic change can interfere with nutrition. It was evident that their beliefs permeated during pregnancy, bringing repercussions in eating behavior, and that health professionals should understand the context experienced by pregnant adolescents, in order to provide adequate care.
Myeloid Cell–Derived HIF-1α Promotes Control of Leishmania major
Authors: Schatz Valentin , Strüssmann Yannic , Mahnke Alexander , Schley Gunnar , Waldner Maximilian , Ritter Uwe , Wild Jens , Willam Carsten , Dehne Nathalie , Brüne Bernhard , McNiff Jennifer M. , Colegio Oscar R. , Bogdan Christian , Jantsch Jonathan
Published: October 2016

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which accumulates in mammalian host organisms during infection, supports the defense against microbial pathogens. However, whether and to what extent HIF-1α expressed by myeloid cells contributes to the innate immune response against Leishmania major parasites is unknown. We observed that Leishmania-infected humans and L. major–infected C57BL/6 mice exhibited substantial amounts of HIF-1α in acute cutaneous lesions. In vitro, HIF-1α was required for leishmanicidal activity and high-level NO production by IFN-γ/LPS-activated macrophages. Mice deficient for HIF-1α in their myeloid cell compartment had a more severe clinical course of infection and increased parasite burden in the skin lesions compared with wild-type controls. These findings were paralleled by reduced expression of type 2 NO synthase by lesional CD11b+ cells. Together, these data illustrate that HIF-1α is required for optimal innate leishmanicidal immune responses and, thereby, contributes to the cure of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Programmed Death Ligand 1 Plays a Neuroprotective Role in Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis by Controlling Peripheral Nervous System Inflammation of Rats
Authors: Ding Yanan , Han Ranran , Jiang Wei , Xiao Jinting , Liu Haijie , Chen Xiuju , Li Xiaowen , Hao Junwei
Published: October 2016

Programmed death 1 (PD-1; CD279), a member of the CD28 family, is an inhibitory receptor on T cells and is responsible for T cell dysfunction in infectious diseases and cancers. The ligand for PD-1, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1; also known as B7-H1, CD274), is a member of the B7 family. The engagement of PD-1 with programmed death ligand can downregulate autoreactive T cells that participate in multiple autoimmune diseases. Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is an animal model of Guillain–Barré syndrome, and the pathogenesis of EAN is mediated principally through T cells and macrophages. In this study, we investigated the effects of PD-L1 in EAN rats. For preventative and therapeutic management, we administered PD-L1, which successfully decreased the severity of EAN; it alleviated the neurologic course of EAN, as well as inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells and demyelination of sciatic nerves. Our data revealed that PD-L1 treatment inhibited lymphocyte proliferation and altered T cell differentiation by inducing decreases in IFN-γ+CD4+ Th1 cells and IL-17+CD4+ Th17 cells and increases in IL-4+CD4+ Th2 cells and Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T cells. The expression levels of p-STAT3 and Foxp3 were significantly different in PD-L1–treated groups compared with the control group. Additionally, PD-L1 regulated the expression of Foxp3 and p-STAT3 in EAN, probably by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling expression. In summary, PD-L1 is a potentially useful agent for the treatment of EAN because of its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
INFECTIOUS COMPLICATIONS AFTER UMBILICAL CORD-BLOOD TRANSPLANTATION FROM UNRELATED DONORS
Authors: Montoro Juan , Sanz Jaime
Published: October 2016

Umbilical cord-blood (UCB) is a well-recognized alternative source of stem cells for unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). As compared with other stem cell sources from adult donors, it has the advantages of immediate availability of cells, absence of risk to the donor and reduced risk of graft-versus-host disease despite donor-recipient HLA disparity. However, the use of UCB is limited by the delayed post-transplant hematologic recovery due, at least in part, to the reduced number of hematopoietic cells in the graft and the delayed or incomplete immune reconstitution. As a result, severe infectious complications continue to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following UCB transplantation (UCBT). We will address the complex differences in the immune properties of UCB and review the incidence, characteristics, risk factors, and severity of bacterial, fungal and viral infectious complications in patients undergoing UCBT.
Plasmodium falciparum Resistance to Artemisinin Derivatives and Piperaquine: A Major Challenge for Malaria Elimination in Cambodia
Authors: Duru Valentine , Witkowski Benoit , Ménard Didier
Published: October 2016

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the cornerstone of current strategies for fighting malaria. Over the last decade, ACTs have played a major role in decreasing malaria burden. However, this progress is being jeopardized by the emergence of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Artemisinin resistance was first detected in western Cambodia in 2008 and has since been observed in neighboring countries in southeast Asia. The problem of antimalarial drug resistance has recently worsened in Cambodia, with reports of parasites resistant to piperaquine, the latest generation of partner drug used in combination with dihydroartemisinin, leading to worrying rates of clinical treatment failure. The monitoring and the comprehension of both types of resistance are crucial to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant parasites outside southeast Asia, and particularly to Africa, where the public health consequences would be catastrophic. To this end, new tools are required for studying the biological and molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to antimalarial drugs and for monitoring the geographic distribution of the resistant parasites. In this review, we detail the major advances in our understanding of resistance to artemisinin and piperaquine and define the challenges that the malaria community will have to face in the coming years.
Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome During an Outbreak in South Korea, 2013–2015
Authors: Park Sun-Whan , Ryou Jungsang , Choi Woo-Young , Han Myung-Guk , Lee Won-Ja
Published: October 2016

Since the first reported case of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in South Korea in 2013, between 2013 and 2015, we collected 1,697 serum samples from suspected patients who experienced symptoms of SFTS. We performed reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction using total RNA extracted from the patients' sera. When viral RNA was detected in the sera, SFTS was diagnosed. Among the 1,697 samples, 170 were positive for SFTS virus. We then analyzed the epidemiologic features of these 170 cases. As a result, we found that the annual number of cases increased steadily. However, the annual case fatality rate exhibited a downward trend. The majority of patients were aged ≥ 60 years, and most cases occurred during May–October in the eastern and southern parts of the country. These results may be useful for effective SFTS control by describing the clinical and epidemiologic features of the disease in South Korea.
Comparison of Babesia microti Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays for Confirmatory Diagnosis of Babesiosis
Authors: Souza Samaly S. , Bishop Henry S. , Sprinkle Patrick , Qvarnstrom Yvonne
Published: October 2016

Babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by apicomplexan parasites of the genus Babesia. Most human infections in the United States are caused by Babesia microti, but other infection-causing Babesia parasites have been documented as well. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based methods can be used to identify this parasite to the species level. In this study, published real-time PCR assays for the specific detection of B. microti were evaluated against conventional PCR for their analytical performance. All evaluated real-time PCR assays had comparable dynamic range and amplification efficiency, but the sensitivity and specificity varied. The best performing test, a TaqMan assay targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene, was further evaluated for diagnostic performance using blood specimens submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for parasite detection and was found to have 100% sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, the 18S TaqMan real-time PCR assay is a sensitive, specific, and rapid method for identification of B. microti among cases of babesiosis in the United States.
Family Cluster Analysis of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Infection in Korea
Authors: Yoo Jeong Rae , Heo Sang Taek , Park Dahee , Kim Hyemin , Fukuma Aiko , Fukushi Shuetsu , Shimojima Masayuki , Lee Keun Hwa
Published: October 2016

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is tick-borne viral disease that was first suspected in China in 2009. The causative virus (SFTSV) was isolated in 2009 and reported in 2011, and SFTSV expanded its geographic distribution in 2012–2013, from China to South Korea and Japan. Most SFTSV infections occur through Haemaphysalis longicornis. However, SFTSV infection can also occur between family members, and nosocomial transmission of SFTSV is also possible through close contact with a patient. In this study, we first analyzed clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory data for SFTS patients and family members of an index patient in Korea. The S segment of SFTSV was amplified from the sera of three patients, and the S segment of SFTSV and IgG specific to SFTSV were detected in the serum from one family member; although this individual had no history of exposure to H. longicornis, she frequently had close contact with the index patient. In Korea, SFTSV infection among family members does not have to be reported, and we suggest that person-to-person transmission of SFTSV among family members is possible in Korea.
The Lack of Association of Eosinophilia and Neurocysticercosis at Clinical Presentation: A Retrospective Analysis of Cases Seen at the National Institutes of Health, 1985–2015
Authors: Ware JeanAnne M. , Nash Theodore E.
Published: October 2016

Eosinophilia is a common laboratory finding in helminth infections but whether it is suggestive of neurocysticercosis (NCC) is controversial and inadequately studied. We determined the presence of eosinophilia (≥ 500 eosinophils/mm3) at clinical presentation in 72 patients with a proven or probable diagnosis of NCC and who had not received corticosteroids within 2 weeks of evaluation and complete blood count. Only two persons whose last possible endemic exposures to NCC were 7 and 6 years earlier had eosinophilia of 500 eosinophils/mm3 and both had a positive antibody serology to strongyloidiasis. In the one subject where a follow-up assessment was possible, the eosinophilia resolved. The likely cause for eosinophilia in both was strongyloidiasis. Therefore, none of the subjects with newly diagnosed NCC had significant eosinophilia. Eosinophilia in newly diagnosed symptomatic NCC subjects who had remote exposure is unusual and should prompt a search for another process or infection.
Nutrição e enraizamento adventício de plantas lenhosas
Authors: Pereira Fernanda Bortolanza , Bandeira Peres Fabiana Schmidt
Published: October 2016

O sucesso da propagação vegetativa de genótipos comerciais via técnicas de estaquia está relacionado a diversos fatores, dentre os quais o estado nutricional das plantas matrizes doadoras de propágulos e dos propágulos. O status nutricional determina a quantidade de carboidratos, auxinas e outros compostos do metabolismo essencial da planta para a iniciação e desenvolvimento da rizogênese. Cada nutriente possui na planta funções específicas essenciais, podendo atuar estruturalmente ou fisiologicamente. Contudo, apesar de se reconhecer a importância da nutrição mineral para o sucesso da propagação vegetativa de espécies lenhosas e sua relação com o enraizamento adventício, o papel de alguns elementos são ainda desconhecidos. Pela complexidade bioquímica e fisiológica do processo de enraizamento adventício, há escassez de trabalhos buscando determinar o papel nos nutrientes no desenvolvimento adventício de raízes. A presente revisão bibliográfica pretende explorar o estado da arte no que se refere aos conhecimentos sobre o efeito da nutrição mineral no enraizamento adventício de espécies lenhosas, bem como apresentar ao final uma breve revisão sobre outros compostos de origem orgânica que podem ser empregados com o intuito de melhorar o processo rizogênico.
Lugares de la arquitectura sacra contemporánea. Luz mediática versus tiempo de meditación
Authors: Martínez Medina Andrés
Published: October 2016

En el siglo XX –más de ciencias que de letras– se constata que aún no tenemos todas las respuestas y que, quizás, por ello, se sigue construyendo arquitectura religiosa, de aquí este recorrido sintético por su arquitectura sacra. Este se realiza siguiendo un triple nivel de análisis de estos lugares siempre simbólicos. Uno: relativo al espacio de la arquitectura que renueva el imaginario mediante sus elementos esenciales. Dos: relativo a la capacidad de la luz y la imagen para transformar la liturgia en espectáculo de masas. Tres: relativo a la dimensión táctil que muestra el paso del tiempo. Porque ¿cuál es la arquitectura de lo trascendente? Quizás la que vuelve a los elementos: tierra (materia), aire (espacio), agua (tiempo) y fuego (luz), permitiendo al hombre mirar a su interior.
Tecnología industrial y espacio sacro. Iglesia de Baranzate 1957
Authors: Mocholí Ferrándiz Guillermo , Serra Soriano Bartolomé , Verdejo Gimeno Pedro
Published: October 2016

En Baranzate se levanta una iglesia concebida con cuatro pilastras de hormigón, abujardado a mano para otorgarle el aspecto rugoso necesario por el contraste a la fi nura del tablero que soportan; una cubierta de secciones prefabricadas y pos-tesadas. Un sistema que libera al cerramiento del trabajo estructural defi niéndose como elemento fi no de doble vidrio transparente. Un diálogo entre la ligera y fi na caja de luz y una estructura con textura y volumen en hormigón. Un encuentro entre dos materiales abordados por A. Mangiarotti y B. Morassutti con las técnicas más avanzadas del momento.
4 vigas o la anti-arquitectura
Authors: Álvarez Isidro Eva M.
Published: October 2016

Benítez, mediante sus ingenios, habla con un nuevo discurso en el que combina los aspectos centrales de la disciplina con los periféricos: habla sobre procesos constructivos básicos y sofi sticados a la vez; sobre soluciones imaginativas, sobre el reciclaje, sobre las personas, sobre el guaraní, sobre la literatura, sobre el compromiso. La tumba en Piribebuy, ‘4 vigas’ – al igual que la casa ‘Abu&Font’- acaso sea un prototipo embrionario de la anti-arquitectura.
Capilla de Quebratoes. Vila Nova de Gaia. Portugal
Authors: José Fernando Gonçalves Arquitecto
Published: October 2016

La forma del solar resulta de la unión entre dos elementos, el ferrocarril y la avenida con una calle. La morfología del terreno había sido alterada a causa de los vertidos producidos por la construcción de los dos caminos. Como consecuencia, la altitud media del terreno está ahora aproximadamente 4 metros por encima de la calle existente. El necesario distanciamiento al ferrocarril y la avenida impone una disposición de las piezas entre los límites Norte/Oriente. Al mismo tiempo, el relleno de vertidos obliga al edifi cio a situarse lejos de la carretera de acceso, ganando un espacio público exterior.
Iglesia de San Paolo Foligno, Perugia. Italia
Authors: Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas Arquitectos
Published: October 2016

Desde un punto de vista estructural, el edifi cio de la Iglesia también se concibe como una caja que contiene otra caja. El piso terminado, a 1,5 m del nivel del suelo está construido con una losa bidireccional de hormigón armado. La losa es de 40 cm de canto en la zona central y está construida con hormigón Rck clase 350, clase de exposición XC3-XF1, tipo SCC para mejorar la planeidad y el orifi cio de llenado durante la fase de vaciado. A lo largo del perímetro el canto de la losa se eleva a 60 cm con hormigón Rck clase 500, tipo SCC, en este ámbito, la losa recibe la carga de las columnas y las ménsulas. La losa en voladizo se ve reforzada con barras y perfi les FeB44K Fe510B de acero para apoyar los esfuerzos estructurales elevados transmitidos por la estructura.
Iglesia y centro parroquial San Jorge. Pamplona, España
Authors: Tabuenca & Leache Arquitectos Arquitectos
Published: October 2016

El programa contemplaba la construcción de una iglesia para 400 personas, dentro de la cual, una capilla pudiera permitir el uso diario para 100 personas. El centro parroquial se completó con despachos, salas para usos diversos, aulas de catequesis, dos viviendas para sacerdotes y una habitación para invitados.

El planeamiento urbanístico preveía la implantación del edificio en el centro de un espacio rodeado por edificios de viviendas que alcanzan alturas de hasta ocho plantas: Una situación anodina difícil de lidiar. Dicho emplazamiento desaloja dos subplazas a ambos lados del solar. La relación con estas plazas y su conexión fueron el punto de apoyo a la hora de proyectar el edificio.
Parroquia Iesu. San Sebastián. España
Authors: José Rafael Moneo Arquitecto
Published: October 2016

Tras la Catedral de Los Ángeles, la Parroquia de Riberas de Loiola que el Obispado de San Sebastián proyecta levantar en el nuevo barrio que se construye en el meandro del río Urumea, es para el arquitecto una nueva experiencia en el proceloso territorio de la arquitectura religiosa. Y así, si en Los Ángeles el arquitecto se sentía intimidado por el contenido simbólico que la Catedral reclamaba y por su escala, en la Parroquia de Riberas de Loyola se siente un tanto liberado de tales cargas, siendo consciente, sin embargo, que en esta ocasión se le pide a la arquitectura, en primer lugar, ayuda para configurar un ámbito capaz de contribuir a la vida de una comunidad que se siente cristiana en medio de una sociedad plural y diversa.
Measuring FeO variation using astronomical spectroscopic observations
Authors: Unterguggenberger Stefanie , Noll Stefan , Feng Wuhu , Plane John M. C. , Kausch Wolfgang , Kimeswenger Stefan , Jones Amy , Moehler Sabine
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Airglow emission lines of OH, O2, O and Na are commonly used to probe the MLT (mesosphere/lower thermosphere) region of the atmosphere. Furthermore, molecules like electronically excited NO, NiO and FeO emit a (pseudo-) continuum. These continua are harder to investigate than atomic emission lines. So far, limb-sounding from space and a small number of ground-based low-to-medium resolution spectra have been used to measure FeO emission in the MLT. In this study the medium-to-high resolution echelle spectrograph X-shooter at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in the Chilean Atacama desert (24°37' S, 70°24' W, 2635 m) is used to study the FeO pseudo-continuum in the range from 0.5 to 0.72 μm based on 3662 spectra. Variations of the FeO spectrum itself, as well as the diurnal and seasonal behaviour of the FeO and Na emission intensities are reported. These airglow emissions are linked by their common origin, meteoric ablation, and share O3 as a common reactant. Major differences are found in the main emission peak of the FeO airglow spectrum between 0.58 and 0.61 μm, compared with a theoretical spectrum. The FeO and Na airglow intensities exhibit a similar nocturnal variation, and a semi-annual seasonal variation with equinoctial maxima. This is satisfactorily reproduced by a whole atmosphere chemistry climate model, if the quantum yields for the reactions of Fe and Na with O3 are 13 ± 3 % and 11 ± 2 %, respectively. However, a comparison between the modelled O3 in the upper mesosphere and measurements of O3 made with the SABER satellite instrument suggests that these quantum yields may be a factor of ∼ 2 smaller.
Technical note: Harmonization of the multi-scale multi-model activities HTAP, AQMEII and MICS-Asia: simulations, emission inventories, boundary conditions and output formats
Authors: Galmarini Stefano , Koffi Brigitte , Solazzo Efisio , Keating Terry , Hogrefe Christian , Schulz Michael , Benedictow Anna , Griesfeller Jan J. , Janssens-Maenhout Greet , Carmichael Greg , Fu Joshua , Dentener Frank
Published: October 2016

Abstract. We present an overview of the coordinated global numerical modelling experiments performed during 2012–2016 by the Task Force on Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution (TF HTAP), the regional experiments by the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII) over Europe and North America, and the Modelling Intercomparison Study- Asia (MICS-Asia). To improve model estimates of the impacts of intercontinental transport of air pollution on climate, ecosystems and human health and to answer a set of policy relevant questions, these three initiatives performed emission perturbation modelling experiments consistent across the global, hemispheric and continental/regional scales. In all three initiatives, model results are extensively compared against monitoring data for a range of variables (meteorological, trace gas concentrations, and aerosol mass and composition) from different measurement platforms (ground measurements, vertical profiles, airborne measurements) collected from a number of sources. Approximately 10 to 20 modelling groups have contributed to each initiative, and model results have been managed centrally through three data hubs maintained by each initiative. Given the organizational complexity of bringing together these three initiatives to address a common set of policy relevant questions, this publication provides the motivation for the modelling activity, the rationale for specific choices made in the model experiments, and an overview of the organizational structures for both the modelling and the measurements used and analysed in a number of modelling studies in this special issue.
Observations of aerosol optical properties at a coastal site in Hong Kong, South China
Authors: Wang Jiaping , Virkkula Aki , Gao Yuan , Lee Shuncheng , Shen Yicheng , Chi Xuguang , Nie Wei , Liu Qiang , Xu Zheng , Huang Xin , Wang Tao , Cui Long , Ding Aijun
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Temporal variations of aerosol optical properties were investigated at a coastal station in Hong Kong based on the field observation from February 2012 to February 2015. At 550 nm, the average light scattering (150.6 Mm−1) and absorption coefficient (8.3 Mm−1) were lower than most of other rural sites in eastern China while the single scattering albedo (SSA = 0.93 ± 0.05) was relatively higher compared with other rural sites in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region. Correlation analysis showed that the darkest aerosols were smaller in particle size but showed strong scattering wavelength dependencies, indicating possible sources from fresh emissions close to the measurement site. Particles with Dp of 200–800 nm were less in number, yet contributed the most to the light scattering coefficients among submicron particles. In summer, both ΔBC/ΔCO and SO2/BC peaked, indicating the impact of nearby combustion sources on this site. Multi-year backward LPDM and PSC analysis revealed that these particles were mainly from the air masses moved southward over Shenzhen and urban Hong Kong and the polluted marine air containing ship exhausts. These fresh emission sources led to low SSA during summer. For winter and autumn months, contrarily, ΔBC/ΔCO and SO2/BC were relatively low, showing that the site was more under influence of well-mixed air masses from long-range transport including South China, East China coastal regions, and aged aerosol transported over Pacific Ocean and Taiwan Island, causing stronger abilities of light extinction and larger variability of aerosol optical properties. Our results showed that ship emissions in the vicinity of Hong Kong could have visible impact on the light scattering and absorption abilities as well as SSA at Hok Tsui.
Application of the full spectrum inversion algorithm to simulated airborne GPS radio occultation signals
Authors: Adhikari Loknath , Xie Feiqin , Haase Jennifer S.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. With a GPS receiver on board an airplane, the airborne radio occultation (ARO) technique provides dense lower-tropospheric soundings over target regions. Large variations in water vapor in the troposphere cause strong signal multipath, which could lead to systematic errors in RO retrievals with the geometric optics (GO) method. The spaceborne GPS RO community has successfully developed the full-spectrum inversion (FSI) technique to solve the multipath problem. This paper is the first to adapt the FSI technique to retrieve atmospheric properties (bending and refractivity) from ARO signals, where it is necessary to compensate for the receiver traveling on a non-circular trajectory inside the atmosphere, and its use is demonstrated using an end-to-end simulation system. The forward-simulated GPS L1 (1575.42 MHz) signal amplitude and phase are used to test the modified FSI algorithm. The ARO FSI method is capable of reconstructing the fine vertical structure of the moist lower troposphere in the presence of severe multipath, which otherwise leads to large retrieval errors in the GO retrieval. The sensitivity of the modified FSI-retrieved bending angle and refractivity to errors in signal amplitude and errors in the measured refractivity at the receiver is presented. Accurate bending angle retrievals can be obtained from the surface up to ∼ 250 m below the receiver at typical flight altitudes above the tropopause, above which the retrieved bending angle becomes highly sensitive to the phase measurement noise. Abrupt changes in the signal amplitude that are a challenge for receiver tracking and geometric optics bending angle retrieval techniques do not produce any systematic bias in the FSI retrievals when the SNR is high. For very low SNR, the FSI performs as expected from theoretical considerations. The 1 % in situ refractivity measurement errors at the receiver height can introduce a maximum refractivity retrieval error of 0.5 % (1 K) near the receiver, but the error decreases gradually to ∼ 0.05 % (0.1 K) near the surface. In summary, the ARO FSI successfully retrieves the fine vertical structure of the atmosphere in the presence of multipath in the lower troposphere.
A five-channel cavity ring-down spectrometer for the detection of NO2,
NO3, N2O5, total peroxy nitrates and total alkyl nitrates
Authors: Sobanski Nicolas , Schuladen Jan , Schuster Gerhard , Lelieveld Jos , Crowley John N.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. We report the characteristics and performance of a newly developed five-channel cavity ring-down spectrometer to detect NO3, N2O5, NO2, total peroxy nitrates (ΣPNs) and total alkyl nitrates (ΣANs). NO3 and NO2 are detected directly at 662 and 405 nm, respectively. N2O5 is measured as NO3 after thermal decomposition at 383 K. PNs and ANs are detected as NO2 after thermal decomposition at 448 and 648 K. We describe details of the instrument construction and operation as well as the results of extensive laboratory experiments that quantify the chemical and optical interferences that lead to biases in the measured mixing ratios, in particular involving the reactions of organic radical fragments following thermal dissociation of PNs and ANs. Finally, we present data obtained during the first field deployment of the instrument in July 2015.