bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryopreservation of Mycobacterium bovis isolates
Authors: Ikuta Cássia Yumi , Ambrosio Simone Rodrigues , Souza Filho Antonio Francisco de , Grisi-Filho José Henrique de Hildebrand , Heinemann Marcos Bryan , Ferreira Neto José Soares , Amaku Marcos
Published: December 2016

Research, development of new biotechnological methods, diagnostic tests, confirmation of results, and reinvestigations are possible because of the availability of well-preserved living organisms maintained without any changes. Cryopreservation is a simpler, more reliable and long-term stable method for culture maintenance. Storage temperature and composition of the suspending vehicle are factors that affect the viability of mycobacterial strains. Three vehicles and three storage temperatures were evaluated to define a suitable cryoprotective medium for the preservation of Mycobacterium bovis strains. Colonies of sixteen M. bovis isolates were used to prepare the suspensions, which were then added to three vehicles: sterile 0.85% saline solution (SS), Middlebrook 7H9 broth (7H9), and Middlebrook 7H9 broth with sodium pyruvate (7H9p) replacing glycerol. Aliquots of these suspensions were frozen by three different methods, directly in the -20°C freezer, directly in the -80°C freezer, and at -196°C by immersion in liquid nitrogen (LN). The frozen aliquots were thawed at room temperature after 45, 90 and 120 days. Mycobacterial viability was assessed by counting the living cells on plates of Stonebrink medium before and after the freezing procedure. Storage at -20°C exhibited a lower recovery of M. bovis compared to storage at -80°C (Dunn’s test, p=0.0018) and LN (Dunn’s test, p=0.0352). There was no statistically significant difference between storage at -80°C and in LN (Dunn’s test, p=0.1403), yet -80°C showed better results than LN. All three suspending vehicles showed no statistically significant difference in terms of viability (Friedman’s test, p=0.7765). Given the low loss proportion of 5% during storage at -20°C and the high cost equipment required for storage at -80°C and LN, we recommend storage at -20°C or -80°C, when this is available, for preservation of M. bovis field strains.
Comparison of DNA extraction protocols to detect Mycobacterium bovis in bovine tissue by PCR
Authors: Ikuta Cássia Yumi , Oliveira Daniella Carvalho Ribeiro , Souza Gisele Oliveira de , Souza Filho Antonio Francisco de , Grisi-Filho José Henrique de Hildebrand , Heinemann Marcos Bryan , Ferreira Neto José Soares
Published: December 2016

The current scenario of international beef trading has increased the pressure for better and faster diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis. Although traditional culture remains the gold standard method to confirm Mycobacterium bovis infection, it is exceedingly time consuming, and demands viable mycobacteria. Molecular methods overcome the flaws of the bacteriological methods with faster detection and identification. However, mycobacterial features like a complex cell wall and pathogen–host interaction make the molecular detection a challenge. Three protocols for DNA extraction (A, B and C) from bovine tissues were tested to verify the most suitable technique for routine diagnostic assessment of their specificity and sensitivity. Thirty culture-positive and thirty culture-negative granulomatous lesions were included in the trial. From each sample, three tissue suspensions at different dilutions (10-1, 10-2 and 10-3) were prepared and submitted to DNA extraction. PCR procedures targeting IS6110 were performed, employing two volumes of DNA: 5 µL of all three dilutions, and 2.5 µL of the 10-1 dilution. Protocol A was able to detect members of the M. tuberculosis complex in most samples. The sensitivity of the test decreased with increase in tissue-suspension dilution. Although Protocol A presented the highest sensitivity followed by C and B, it showed the lowest specificity, which can be due to a failure in primary isolation caused by the lack of viable organisms or incubation time. Regardless classical bacteriological methods are still recommended by OIE, after evaluating the sensitivity of DNA extraction protocols and PCR procedures, we conclude that the best strategy for M. bovis detection is to follow Protocol A on concentrated tissue suspensions.
Genetic profiles of Mycobacterium bovis from a cattle herd in southernmost Brazil
Authors: Souza Filho Antonio Francisco de , Osório Ana Luiza Alves Rosa , Jorge Klaudia Dos Santos Gonçalves , Araújo Flábio Ribeiro , Vidal Carlos Eugênio Soto , Araújo Cristina Pires , Albertti Letícia Alves Gomes , Cazola Daniela De Oliveira , Ferreira Neto José Soares , Heinemann Marcos Bryan
Published: December 2016

Mycobacterium bovis is the agent of bovine tuberculosis, a disease endemic to all Brazilian states. Molecular typing techniques help to stratify and refine data, providing information that facilitates epidemiological research. In this study, MIRU-VNTR, targeting 24 loci, was employed to identify and characterize the genetic groups of M. bovis isolates obtained from an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis. Eighteen acid-fast bacilli isolates, obtained from bovine tissue samples, and reactive to the comparative cervical tuberculin test, were identified as species of the M. tuberculosis complex, and were genotyped by MIRU-VNTR with 24 primer pairs. Genotyping revealed three genetic profiles comprising one with 15 isolates (83.3%), one with two isolates (11.1%), and one profile with one unique isolate (5.6%). This distinction was achieved with the MIRU 31 primer, which resulted in clustering of two isolates into the same profile, and ETR A, B, and C, which discriminated the isolate with a unique profile. The occurrence of clustered isolates is indicative of recent transmission, whereas isolates with a unique profile suggest reactivation of latent infection. The presence of different M. bovis genotypes in the same herd suggests movement of infected animals or different sources of intra-herd infection. Use of the MIRU-VNTR molecular epidemiology technique in M. bovis isolates obtained from an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis in Rio Grande do Sul state demonstrated the genetic diversity of circulating strains, despite the presence of a predominant group.
Method for determining bovine brucellosis vaccination coverage
Authors: Kuroda Rosely Bianca dos Santos , Negreiros Risia Lopes , Ossada Raul , Ferreira Neto José Soares , Amaku Marcos , Dias Ricardo Augusto , Telles Evelise Oliveira , Grisi-Filho José Henrique Hildebrand , Heinemann Marcos Bryan , Ferreira Fernando
Published: December 2016

In light of recent efforts in Brazil to increase B19 strain vaccine coverage of heifers, this study proposes a standardized methodology for the calculation of vaccination coverage among the Federal Units. To illustrate its use, the method was applied to data from the state of Mato Grosso to calculate vaccination coverage from 2006 to 2010. The results provide the best estimate based on data currently available in most states and can be easily adapted to situations in which the cattle registries use different age categories from those used in the state of Mato Grosso.
As TIC, geradoras da nova cultura informática: uso da “Aula Virtual”, Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica
Authors: Martinez Guisselle Alvarado
Published: December 2016

Os profissionais universitários encarregados dos processos educativos estão conscientes que o uso das tecnologias da informação e comunicação tem um impacto significativo no desenvolvimento do processo de ensino-aprendizagem dos estudantes, uma vez que colaboram no fortalecimento de suas competências para a vida e para o trabalho que pretendem realizar nas instituições nas quais se dedicarem ou nos empreendimentos que consigam desenvolver, porque inserir-se na sociedade do conhecimento deve ser uma constante independentemente do nível educativo, área ou disciplina de formação. Os aprendizes devem ser capacitados considerando os aspectos metodológicos e práticos das TIC como ferramenta informática dentro das estruturas curriculares, contempladas como uma nova cultura, razão pela qual é necessário compreender seus principais aspectos: seu conhecimento e seu uso, para conseguir entender como se gera, como se armazena, como se transforma, como se transmite e como se acessa a informação. Para alcançar esta tarefa nos cenários universitários de hoje em dia, os acadêmicos e estudantes da Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica contam com o uso de uma das ferramentas mais inovadoras que tem dado a esta experiência prática um valioso aporte aos processos de ensino-aprendizagem, tal é o caso da plataforma informática “Aula Virtual”, que tem como objetivo propiciar espaços interativos de comunicação tecnológica para o adequado aproveitamento do tempo, espaço e apoio à abordagem da temática proposta na grade curricular dos cursos que, em suas distintas carreiras, são oferecidos nesta casa de ensino.
Novos lugares para aprender: o google nos polos de apoio presencial do sistema Universidade Aberta do Brasil
Authors: Vicente Dilce Eclai de Vargas Gil , Eidelwein Monica Pagel
Published: December 2016

Este artigo apresenta a experiência do Polo Universitário Santo Antônio na formação continuada de professores e acadêmicos, que se apropriaram dos aplicativos Google para inovação e inclusão das tecnologias digitais na educação presencial e a distância. Esta ação se justifica para atender as demandas da sociedade, onde as informações, a cada dia, estão mais presentes nas nuvens. As demandas por espaços de aprendizagem, que ultrapassem as paredes da escola e que possibilitem aprender de forma colaborativa, são urgentes. A formação Google para Educação aconteceu no ano de 2015, sendo utilizada a metodologia da pesquisa-ação, que possibilitou contato com os cursistas durante quatro meses, com atividades planejadas e executadas semanalmente. Foram utilizados Moran (2015) e Behar (2013), entre outros, como preceito teórico. Encontramos resultados positivos evidenciados em vários aspectos. Primeiro pela criação de contas institucionais; segundo pelos depoimentos dos cursistas publicados na internet, indicando que a grande maioria dos participantes do curso qualificou sua prática docente, pois passou a utilizar os aplicativos do Google na sala de aula. Outro resultado positivo ficou evidenciado no acompanhamento de escola, em que todo o corpo docente realizou a formação sobre os aplicativos Google e, atualmente, adota o Classroom como ambiente de aprendizagem com os estudantes e também como instrumento de gestão, por meio de diferentes registros que mantém o grupo informado. Outra evidência de resultado positivo foi o número de concluintes do curso, em 2015, onde 90 cursistas completaram o curso e socializaram seu Classroom no Seminário de encerramento do curso. Os resultados positivos inspiraram outros professores, pois, em 2016, 80 novos cursistas iniciaram outra edição do curso.
Avaliação psicomotora de crianças do 2º ano do Ensino Fundamental I
Authors: Silvério Joyce Carvalho , Cunha Neide Brito
Published: December 2016

A psicomotricidade é uma ciência multidisciplinar que incorpora aspectos motores, afetivos e cognitivos. Este estudo teve como objetivo medir as habilidades psicomotoras para verificar se os resultados estão dentro do esperado para a faixa etária examinada e investigar se há diferenças entre o desempenho de meninos e meninas. Participaram 91 crianças, das quais 59,3% eram meninos, (M = 7,16 anos, DP = 0,37) do 2º ano do Ensino Fundamental I de uma escola pública do interior do Estado de Minas Gerais. Os resultados das provas psicomotoras de Oliveira (2014) indicaram que o perfil das crianças estava dentro do esperado, de acordo com as fases da evolução das habilidades psicomotoras. A única diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os sexos apareceu na habilidade psicomotora “Esquema corporal”, com média superior dos meninos. Sugere-se que mais estudos sejam elaborados com crianças de diferentes tipos de instituições para confrontar esses achados.
Psicodiagnóstico infantil: uma visão além do brincar
Authors: Rocco Thais Zamperline , Santos Gilcineia Rose
Published: December 2016

Este artigo nos convida a transitar por algumas reflexões acerca do Psicodiagnóstico, uma vez que muitas modificações ocorreram em relação a como abordar o sujeito em avaliação psicológica. O psicodiagnóstico interventivo psicanalítico aparece como recurso para integrar processo avaliativo e terapêutico. Porém, verifica-se que muitos são os desafios principalmente quando se pensa nesta prática com crianças, já que diversas psiques precisam ser identificadas e a brincadeira há de ser valorizada como possibilidade de expressão e cura. Concluiu-se então, que o brincar, no Psicodiagnóstico Interventivo Infantil, deve ser compreendido na sua singularidade e na sua personificação, uma vez que ultrapassa o simples brincar e torna-se meio essencial para o tratamento psicanalítico com crianças. Pautado em uma pesquisa bibliográfica, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo promover a reflexão e incentivar o avanço da prática e teorização nessa área. Para tanto, foram realizados estudos por meio de bases de dados eletrônicos: Scielo, LILACS, bem como a partir de bibliotecas universitárias.
O Programa Bolsa Família: uma breve análise à luz da teoria dos direitos fundamentais
Authors: Araújo Silveira Whenry Hawlysson , Bruno da Silva Alexandre Antônio
Published: December 2016

A caracterização da pobreza e da extrema pobreza não deve estar relacionada apenas a carência econômica. Vincula-se a um feixe de direitos mínimos que devem ser garantidos em respeito à dignidade da pessoa humana. O mínimo existencial deve ser sempre garantido. A Constituição Brasileira elenca dentre os objetivos fundamentais da República a erradicação da pobreza. O Programa Bolsa Família surge como a principal política pública que persegue esse objetivo. São apresentados dados que mostram o resultado parcial do programa, especialmente em termos de renda, educação e saúde para garantia do mínimo existencial das camadas mais pobres.
A negociação coletiva no âmbito da administração pública à luz da supralegalidade e do controle de convencionalidade
Authors: Araújo e Mendonça Maria Lírida Calou de , Lima Alexandre Augusto Batista de
Published: December 2016

O trabalho debate a negociação coletiva de trabalho como garantia constitucional do direito humano fundamental ao labor dos servidores públicos, sob perspectiva da supralegalidade e do controle de convencionalidade. A problemática reside em examinar se o instrumento da Negociação Coletiva pode ser aplicável ao setor público, analisando, também, se o instituto é compatível com a Constituição Brasileira. Aborda-se o debate doutrinário e jurisprudencial sobre a hierarquia dos tratados internacionais, em especial, daqueles que garantem a realização da Negociação Coletiva no âmbito do serviço público, no Brasil. A pesquisa objetiva evidenciar que os tratados internacionais de direitos humanos incorporados ao direito nacional possuem aplicabilidade interna, o que garante a viabilidade da Negociação Coletiva Pública. Investiga, ainda, a possibilidade de implementação de um controle de Convencionalidade que busque dar fundamento à Negociação Coletiva no ambiente interno, bem como aborda de forma crítica a ADI n.º 492 do STF que declarou a inconstitucionalidade do artigo 240, alíneas “d” e “e” da Lei n.º 8.112/90. Com metodologia bibliográfica, análise doutrinária e jurisprudencial, considera os tratados internacionais diante do advento da Emenda à Constituição do Brasil de n.º 45/2004, e sua implicação no controle de convencionalidade, e nas convenções de nº. 151 e 154 da Organização Internacional do Trabalho. Conclui que as negociações coletivas no âmbito da Administração Pública não afrontam a Constituição, e possibilitam sua máxima efetivação, pois garantem a realização dos objetivos fundamentais previstos.
O equilíbrio contratual nas locações em shopping center: controle de cláusulas abusivas e a promessa de loja âncora
Authors: Konder Carlos Nelson , Pereira Pinto dos Santos Deborah
Published: December 2016

O presente artigo objetiva tratar do princípio do equilíbrio contratual nas relações civis e empresariais, quando exista assimetria de poder negocial entre os contratantes fora do âmbito das relações de consumo. Para tanto, apresenta-se o exemplo do contrato de locação firmado entre o lojista e o dono do shopping center para debater a relevância da diferença de força entre as partes e, em especial, como a cláusula de promessa de loja âncora se insere dentro do equilíbrio firmado contratualmente.
Jurisdição democrática e a reparação de danos extrapatrimoniais ambientais
Authors: Leal Augusto Antônio Fontanive , Bioen Grayce Kelly , Lunelli Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2016

O presente artigo tem por intuito demonstrar em um primeiro momento, a relevância da participação popular para a construção de um Estado de direitos do meio ambiente e a forma com que vem sendo assimilado no ordenamento brasileiro, tendo por base a democratização da jurisdição que objetiva a tutela do bem ambiental. Ao deflagrar limitações no tocante ao envolvimento da coletividade nas questões relacionadas ao meio ambiente, como a participação indireta na ação civil pública, pretende-se, em um segundo momento, demonstrar o reconhecimento de um direito à personalidade do meio ambiente em virtude de um dano moral (ou extrapatrimonial) da própria coletividade, que passa a ser incluída, ainda que de forma reflexa, para a concretização do princípio da reparação integral do dano. Para tanto, a necessidade de abordar a possibilidade de indenização por danos extrapatrimoniais ambientais tendo por base uma jurisdição democrática e a reparação integral de danos causados ao meio ambiente.
Meio ambiente e responsabilidade civil do proprietário: análise do nexo causal
Authors: Braga e Silva Larissa Gabrielle
Published: December 2016

Resenha sobre a obra: LEMOS, Patrícia Faga Iglecias. Meio ambiente e responsabilidade civil do proprietário: análise do nexo causal. 2. ed. rev. atual. e ampl. São Paulo: Editora Revista dos Tribunais, 2012.
“Holy Mountains”: o sussurro histórico na busca por reconhecimento
Authors: Damasceno Mayron Morais , Lourenço Cláudia Luiz
Published: December 2016

O presente artigo tem como temática a abordagem dos Direitos Humanos, de modo a demonstrar como a visibilidade histórica dos atos deflagrados pelas gerações passadas serve como intermédio na construção de uma sociedade mais humana e igualitária. Seu principal intuito não é trazer à baila o desespero, a amargura ou desejo de vingança, é, contudo, tratar sobre os perigos em que o ser humano pode incorrer ante sua busca desmesurada por poder. Nesse intuito é que se tratará sobre o genocídio Armênio que foi um dos primeiros atos que quase exterminou grande parcela de um povo, genocídio executado pelos atos de imposição do antigo exército Turco-Otomano; essa importância advém do fato de que esse acontecimento é pouco ou quase nada conhecido na sociedade, logo, sua existência e reconhecimento não servem para manchar a histórica da atual Turquia, mas para expor os erros passados e modificar o presente.
What Postoperative Outcome Measures Link Joint Stability to Patient Satisfaction?
Authors: Banks Scott A.
Published: December 2016

Total knee arthroplasty is a common, effective treatment for disabling arthritis of the knee. However, not all patients receiving total knee arthroplasty achieve what is considered an optimal outcome, and not all patients report high satisfaction with their results. Because the focus of attention increasingly turns to optimizing outcomes and utilization of healthcare resources, it is worthwhile to review the array of available tools and techniques for quantifying postoperative outcomes after knee arthroplasty and identify how these might be used to guide refinement of the treatment to achieve even better and more predictable outcomes. This review summarizes current methods for assessing postoperative outcomes on a biomechanical basis, organizes them into three complementary domains, and suggests how these domains must be linked to address the titular question.
Quality of Life and Satisfaction among Patients Who Use Hearing Aids
Authors: Kateifidis Nick , Sarafis Pavlos , Malliarou Maria , Tsounis Andreas , Bamidis Panagiotis , Niakas Dimitris
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND: Hearing loss is a very common condition, especially among the elderly. A large number of people that have disabling hearing loss may benefit from hearing aids.AIM: The purpose of this study was to measure quality of life and satisfaction among patients who use hearing aids.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which 100 patients who came in contact with an audiology center in Athens took part. Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile (GHABP) and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were used. Alongside with the questionnaires, demographic and relevant to their hearing aid information were collected. Student's t-test, Pearson correlation and Linear regression analysis with the sequential process of integration/abstraction to find independent factors associated with the various scales that generated dependency coefficients (b) and their standard errors (SE), were used.RESULTS: Patient's perception of disability affects use of hearing aid and patients' satisfaction. More specifically patients who used hearing aid more and perceived its benefits showed higher scores in the physical health of SF-12. Age was found to correlate statistically with patients' satisfaction from the hearing aid and decreases as age increases. Also greater subjective perception of disability caused by hearing loss means increased usage of a hearing aid and life satisfaction.CONCLUSION: Using a hearing aid improves physical aspects of quality of life of patients with hearing loss. The total duration of wearing a hearing aid and the degree of hearing loss play an important role in the use made by the patient.
Information and Communication Technologies Influence on Family Relationship
Authors: Bran Piedrahita Lemy , Romero Ruíz Karin , Echeverri Sánchez Laura , Peña Plata Juan , Vásquez Giraldo Stephanía , Aguilera Cardona Milady , Herazo Avendaño Carolina , Valencia Arias Alejandro
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have affected various dimensions of modern societies, modifying even economic, politic, social and cultural structures. Therefore, it cannot be ignored the positive impacts according to social knowledge appropriation, but even in proper dimensions of social and family relationship, where ICTs usage has been compared with narcotic additions.OBJECTIVE: Explore how the use of ICTs have impacted the family interaction in Medellin city, 2016.METHODOLOGY: The study was carried out through an exploratory qualitative and a convenience sampling research. A self-administered instrument supported by a Likert scale was used, applied to a group of residents of Medellin city.RESULTS: It is observed that although ICTs have enabled a large flow of information that reinforces the nuclear family, particularly children, also have caused a detriment in communication processes and family life, generating sensations that lead to family members perceive a “distant relationship”, which goes against the current family concept.CONCLUSION: It is pertinent to encourage further researches to evaluate the impact of ICTs on the relationship processes from a qualitative vision and through longitudinal studies, and explore how new technologies have redefined the concepts of family life in modern societies.
An Experimental Study of the Effects of Psychological Interventions on Adult Patients with Dental Anxiety
Authors: Gan Shou Wan , Saravanan Coumaravelou , Musawi Ammar , Wong Choon Yoong
Published: December 2016

Dental anxiety is a common problem and is considered an obstacle to providing quality dental care to patients. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of dental anxiety among patients under going restorative procedures in a university dental clinic, to determine the effect of a combination of psychological interventions (psychoeducation, relaxation therapy, and modeling technique) in reducing dental anxiety within and between experimental and control groups, and to identify differences in concern or anxiety towards dental procedures between pre-assessment, post-assessment, and follow-up assessment of experimental and control groups. Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale, Revised (DAS-R) measured dental anxiety prevalence, and the Dental Concerns Assessment (DCA) identified factors causing dental anxiety. Patients experiencing dental anxiety were randomly assigned into an experimental or control group. Experimental group patients (n=15) received a 45-minute session of a combination of psychological interventions to reduce dental anxiety, whereas control group patients (n=15) received dental treatment as usual from general dental practitioners. A t-test and One-way analysis of variance were used for analyses. Results show that out of 65 patients, 41 had dental anxiety (prevalence 63.1%). Experimental group patients showed significant reduction in the post-assessment and follow-up DAS-R scores (F=18.85, P=<0.01) compared with pre-assessment scores. Significant reductions in post-assessment DCA scores were found for extraction, injection, and sound or vibration of the drill for the experimental group compared with pre-assessment scores (P<0.03). Over all, the combination of psychoeducation, relaxation therapy and modeling technique was effective at reducing dental concern and anxiety of dental procedures.
Nystatin Modulates Genes in Immunity and Wingless Signaling Pathways in Cow Blood
Authors: Asiamah Emmanuel K , Adjei-Fremah Sarah , Ekwemalor Kingsley , Worku Mulumebet
Published: December 2016

Nystatin is an antifungal agent isolated from bacteria found in the dairy cow environment. It disrupts small platforms in the cell membrane, composed of sphingolipids and cholesterol known as lipid rafts. Pathogen recognition receptors (PRR) may be embedded in these lipid rafts. This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro effects of the lipid raft inhibitor Nystatin, on the expression of genes in the innate and adaptive immunity and wnt signaling pathway in cow peripheral blood. Blood collected from four adult female Holstein-Friesian cows (n=4) was treated with 100ng/mL of Nystatin in vitro. Samples treated with Phosphate Buffer Saline served as control. Total protein concentration and prostaglandin E2in plasma were determined. Total RNA was isolated from cells and was used for cDNA synthesis. The effect of Nystatin on the expression of 84 genes on the cow Wingless signaling pathway and human innate and adaptive immunity arrays were assessed in cow blood using real-time PCR. Fold change in transcript abundance was calculated using Livak’s method. Nystatin was found to modulate transcription and translation of genes involved in homeostasis and immunity in cow blood. It also increased the concentration of total plasma protein and PGE2in cow blood and may thus have had a pro-inflammatory effect. This study provides evidence for the association between lipid raft inhibition and alterations in the wingless signaling pathway in ruminant blood. Furthermore, the results presented may inform antifungal drug design and use in cows.
Adsorption Dyes in Aqueous Solutions by Activated Carbon-Based White Wood
Authors: Elmerzouki K. , Bimaghra I. , Khalidi A.
Published: December 2016

Among the dyes, the blue disperse and reactive orange have well recognized toxicities and dissemination facilities in the different compartments of the environment. Various regulations set maximum permissible levels of these dyes in both drinking water and industrial discharges. In order to comply with these various standards, many depollution techniques have been developed in recent years. Our choice is to carry out the adsorption of activated carbon based wood because this adsorption has main advantages of being more effective and easy to implement. Furthermore, the use of less expensive non-conventional adsorbents guarantees its economic feasibility. However, this elimination is affected by several parameters related to the carbon atom, to the solution and the active suspension. The adsorption results for Disperse Blue and orange reactive with activated charcoal showed adsorption capacity up to 4.8 mg / g and 12.4 mg / g. The study showed that the adsorption of activated carbon prepared from wood is more effective for the removal of these two wastewater dyes.
Parametric Modeling of Survival Data Based on Human Immune Virus (HIV) Infected Adult Patients under Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART): A Case of Zewditu Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa (AA), Ethiopia
Authors: Legesse Haftu , Sharma M.K.
Published: December 2016

In the present article our aim is to model the HIV infected adult patients’ dataset. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Zewditu Referral Hospital located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Records of patients enrolled between September 2010 and August 2014 were reviewed continuously using patients’Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) unique identification numbers as reference. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Log-Rank test were used to compare the survival experience of different category of patients. Then we attempted to model the above data with the help of four parametric models namely; Exponential, Weibull, Gompertz, and Log-logistic. All fitted models were compared separately by using AIC and log likelihood. The log-logistic model gave a better description of the time-to-death of HIV infected adult patients than the other models. Based on log-logistic model, age, weight, and functional status, TB screen, World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage and educational level were found to be the most prognostic factors of time-to-death. Furthermore a high risk of death of patients was found to be associated with lower initial weight, WHO clinical stage IV, lower CD4 count, being ambulatory, bedridden, and TB screened and illiterate.
Proposing a Revised Pedestrian Walkway Level of Service Based on Characteristics of Pedestrian Interactive Behaviours in China
Authors: Shan Xiaonian , Ye Jianhong , Chen Xiaohong
Published: December 2016

The objective of this study is to analyse characteristics of Pedestrian Interactive Behaviours (PIBs) in order to propose a revised pedestrian walkway Level of Service (LOS) in China. Field data on overtaking and evasive behaviours were collected at a metro station walkway in Shanghai, China to calculate macro and micro indicators. Occurrence intensities of these two PIBs initially increased with moderate density and later decreased with high density that reduced available space. PIBs were also analysed in terms of sideways behaviours to account for the varying difficulties of PIBs at different densities. It was found that available space for PIBs was the main factor contributing to the intensity features. Moreover, the different space demands of the two PIBs resulted in different features between them. Finally, a revised pedestrian walkway LOS was proposed based on the macro and micro characteristics of PIBs in China.
Outsourcing Logistics Activities: Evidence from Slovenia
Authors: Kavčič Klemen , Suklan Jana , Milost Franko
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this research is to investigate how logistics outsourcing performs activities that have been traditionally carried out within the outsourcer’s company. The study examines the characteristics of logistics and transport services, which are important in cooperation with service providers. Two groups were formed according to the average values of the characteristics of logistics activities. ‘Cost, quality and response’ are important for the first group, while ‘logistics, environment and the ability to adapt to client processes’ are important for the second group. The results of the survey carried out in Slovenian enterprises show that both groups are primarily interested in express freight and shipment services, the difference lying in the understanding of logistics, mutual trust and brand recognition. The findings will be useful both in business practice and for managers, providing them with a better understanding of the performance of logistics outsourcing.
Increased frequencies of CD8+CD57+ T cells are associated with antibody neutralization breadth against HIV in viraemic controllers
Authors: Palmer Christine D , Romero‐Tejeda Marisol , Scully Eileen P , Lockhart Ainsley , Seaman Michael S , Goldenthal Ariel , Piechocka‐Trocha Alicja , Walker Bruce D , Chibnik Lori B , Jost Stephanie , Porichis Filippos
Published: December 2016

Introduction

An effective prophylactic vaccine against HIV will need to elicit antibody responses capable of recognizing and neutralizing rapidly evolving antigenic regions. The immunologic milieu associated with development of neutralizing antibody breadth remains to be fully defined. In this study, we sought to identify immunological signatures associated with neutralization breadth in HIV controllers. We applied an immune monitoring approach to analyze markers of T cell and myeloid cell activation by flow cytometry, comparing broad neutralizers with low‐ and non‐neutralizers using multivariate and univariate analyses.

Methods

Antibody neutralization breadth was determined, and cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stained for T cell and myeloid cell activation markers. Subjects were grouped according to neutralization breadth, and T cell and myeloid cell activation was analyzed by partial least squares discriminant analysis to determine immune signatures associated with high neutralization breadth.

Results

We show that neutralization breadth in HIV viraemic controllers (VC) was strongly associated with increased frequencies of CD8+CD57+ T cells and that this association was independent of viral load, CD4 count and time since HIV diagnosis.

Conclusions

Our data show elevated frequencies of CD8+CD57+ T cells in VC who develop neutralization breadth against HIV. This immune signature could serve as a potential biomarker of neutralization breadth and should be further investigated in other HIV‐positive cohorts and in HIV vaccine trials.
Optimal compensation for neuron loss
Authors: Barrett David GT , Denève Sophie , Machens Christian K
Published: December 2016

The brain has an impressive ability to withstand neural damage. Diseases that kill neurons can go unnoticed for years, and incomplete brain lesions or silencing of neurons often fail to produce any behavioral effect. How does the brain compensate for such damage, and what are the limits of this compensation? We propose that neural circuits instantly compensate for neuron loss, thereby preserving their function as much as possible. We show that this compensation can explain changes in tuning curves induced by neuron silencing across a variety of systems, including the primary visual cortex. We find that compensatory mechanisms can be implemented through the dynamics of networks with a tight balance of excitation and inhibition, without requiring synaptic plasticity. The limits of this compensatory mechanism are reached when excitation and inhibition become unbalanced, thereby demarcating a recovery boundary, where signal representation fails and where diseases may become symptomatic.
Genome-wide identification of neuronal activity-regulated genes in Drosophila
Authors: Chen Xiao , Rahman Reazur , Guo Fang , Rosbash Michael
Published: December 2016

Activity-regulated genes (ARGs) are important for neuronal functions like long-term memory and are well-characterized in mammals but poorly studied in other model organisms like Drosophila. Here we stimulated fly neurons with different paradigms and identified ARGs using high-throughput sequencing from brains as well as from sorted neurons: they included a narrow set of circadian neurons as well as dopaminergic neurons. Surprisingly, many ARGs are specific to the stimulation paradigm and very specific to neuron type. In addition and unlike mammalian immediate early genes (IEGs), fly ARGs do not have short gene lengths and are less enriched for transcription factor function. Chromatin assays using ATAC-sequencing show that the transcription start sites (TSS) of ARGs do not change with neural firing but are already accessible prior to stimulation. Lastly based on binding site enrichment in ARGs, we identified transcription factor mediators of firing and created neuronal activity reporters.
Assessing the mechanism and therapeutic potential of modulators of the human Mediator complex-associated protein kinases
Authors: Clarke Paul A , Ortiz-Ruiz Maria-Jesus , TePoele Robert , Adeniji-Popoola Olajumoke , Box Gary , Court Will , Czasch Stephanie , El Bawab Samer , Esdar Christina , Ewan Ken , Gowan Sharon , De Haven Brandon Alexis , Hewitt Phillip , Hobbs Stephen M , Kaufmann Wolfgang , Mallinger Aurélie , Raynaud Florence , Roe Toby , Rohdich Felix , Schiemann Kai , Simon Stephanie , Schneider Richard , Valenti Melanie , Weigt Stefan , Blagg Julian , Blaukat Andree , Dale Trevor C , Eccles Suzanne A , Hecht Stefan , Urbahns Klaus , Workman Paul , Wienke Dirk
Published: December 2016

Mediator-associated kinases CDK8/19 are context-dependent drivers or suppressors of tumorigenesis. Their inhibition is predicted to have pleiotropic effects, but it is unclear whether this will impact on the clinical utility of CDK8/19 inhibitors. We discovered two series of potent chemical probes with high selectivity for CDK8/19. Despite pharmacodynamic evidence for robust on-target activity, the compounds exhibited modest, though significant, efficacy against human tumor lines and patient-derived xenografts. Altered gene expression was consistent with CDK8/19 inhibition, including profiles associated with super-enhancers, immune and inflammatory responses and stem cell function. In a mouse model expressing oncogenic beta-catenin, treatment shifted cells within hyperplastic intestinal crypts from a stem cell to a transit amplifying phenotype. In two species, neither probe was tolerated at therapeutically-relevant exposures. The complex nature of the toxicity observed with two structurally-differentiated chemical series is consistent with on-target effects posing significant challenges to the clinical development of CDK8/19 inhibitors.
Structure of the transporter associated with antigen processing trapped by herpes simplex virus
Authors: Oldham Michael L , Grigorieff Nikolaus , Chen Jue
Published: December 2016

The transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter essential to cellular immunity against viral infection. Some persistent viruses have evolved strategies to inhibit TAP so that they may go undetected by the immune system. The herpes simplex virus for example evades immune surveillance by blocking peptide transport with a small viral protein ICP47. In this study, we determined the structure of human TAP bound to ICP47 by electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) to 4.0 Å. The structure shows that ICP47 traps TAP in an inactive conformation distinct from the normal transport cycle. The specificity and potency of ICP47 inhibition result from contacts between the tip of the helical hairpin and the apex of the transmembrane cavity. This work provides a clear molecular description of immune evasion by a persistent virus. It also establishes the molecular structure of TAP to facilitate mechanistic studies of the antigen presentation process.
Climate risk and food security in Mali: A historical perspective on adaptation
Authors: Giannini Alessandra , Krishnamurthy P. Krishna , Cousin Rémi , Labidi Naouar , Choularton Richard J.
Published: December 2016

We combine socioeconomic data from a large‐scale household survey with historical climate data to map the climate sensitivity of availability and access dimensions of food security in Mali, and infer the ways in which at‐risk communities may have been impacted by persistent climatic shift. Thirty years after 1982–1984, the period of most intense drought during the protracted late 20th century drying of the Sahel, the impact of drought on livelihoods and food security is still recognizable in the Sahelian center of Mali. This impact is expressed in the larger fraction of households in this Sahelian center of the country—the agro‐ecological transition between pastoralism in the north, and sedentary agriculture in the south—who practice agriculture but not livestock raising, despite environmental conditions that are suitable to their combination. These households have lower food security and rely more frequently on detrimental nutrition‐based coping strategies, such as reducing the quantity or quality of meals. In contrast, the more food secure households show a clear tendency toward livelihood diversification away from subsistence agriculture. These households produce less of what they consume, yet spend less on food in proportion. The analysis points to the value of interdisciplinary research—in this case bridging climate science and vulnerability analysis—to gain a dynamical understanding of complex systems, understanding which may be exploited to address real‐world challenges, offering lessons about food security and local adaptation strategies in places among the most vulnerable to climate.
Mass wasting triggered by seasonal CO2 sublimation under Martian atmospheric conditions: Laboratory experiments
Authors: Sylvest Matthew E. , Conway Susan J. , Patel Manish R. , Dixon John C. , Barnes Adam
Published: December 2016

Sublimation is a recognized process by which planetary landscapes can be modified. However, interpretation of whether sublimation is involved in downslope movements on Mars and other bodies is restricted by a lack of empirical data to constrain this mechanism of sediment transport and its influence on landform morphology. Here we present the first set of laboratory experiments under Martian atmospheric conditions which demonstrate that the sublimation of CO2 ice from within the sediment body can trigger failure of unconsolidated, regolith slopes and can measurably alter the landscape. Previous theoretical studies required CO2 slab ice for movements, but we find that only frost is required. Hence, sediment transport by CO2 sublimation could be more widely applicable (in space and time) on Mars than previously thought. This supports recent work suggesting CO2 sublimation could be responsible for recent modification in Martian gullies.
Transitional behavior of different energy protons based on Van Allen Probes observations
Authors: Yue Chao , Bortnik Jacob , Chen Lunjin , Ma Qianli , Thorne Richard M. , Reeves Geoffrey D. , Spence Harlan E.
Published: December 2016

Understanding the dynamical behavior of ~1 eV to 50 keV ions and identifying the energies at which the morphologies transit are important in that they involve the relative intensities and distributions of the large‐scale electric and magnetic fields, the outflow, and recombination rates. However, there have been only few direct observational investigations of the transition in drift behaviors of different energy ions before the Van Allen Probes era. Here we statistically analyze ~1 eV to 50 keV hydrogen (H+) differential flux distributions near geomagnetic equator by using Van Allen Probes observations to investigate the H+ dynamics under the regulation of large‐scale electric and magnetic fields. Our survey clearly indicates three types of H+ behaviors within different energy ranges, which is consistent with previous theory predictions. Using simple electric and magnetic field models in UBK coordinates, we have further constrained the source regions of different energy ions and their drift directions.
Importance of vegetation processes for model spread in the fast precipitation response to CO2 forcing
Authors: DeAngelis Anthony M. , Qu Xin , Hall Alex
Published: December 2016

In the current generation of climate models, the projected increase in global precipitation over the 21st century ranges from 2% to 10% under a high‐emission scenario. Some of this uncertainty can be traced to the rapid response to carbon dioxide (CO2) forcing. We analyze an ensemble of simulations to better understand model spread in this rapid response. A substantial amount is linked to how the land surface partitions a change in latent versus sensible heat flux in response to the CO2‐induced radiative perturbation; a larger increase in sensible heat results in a larger decrease in global precipitation. Model differences in the land surface response appear to be strongly related to the vegetation response to increased CO2, specifically, the closure of leaf stomata. Future research should thus focus on evaluation of the vegetation physiological response, including stomatal conductance parameterizations, for the purpose of constraining the fast response of Earth's hydrologic cycle to CO2 forcing.
Extensive winter subglacial water storage beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Chu Winnie , Schroeder Dustin M. , Seroussi Helene , Creyts Timothy T. , Palmer Steven J. , Bell Robin E.
Published: December 2016

Surface meltwater that reaches the base of the Greenland Ice Sheet exerts a fundamental impact on ice flow, but observations of catchment‐wide movement and distribution of subglacial water remain limited. Using radar‐sounding data from two seasons, we identify the seasonal distribution of subglacial water in western Greenland. Our analysis provides evidence of widespread subglacial water storage beneath Greenland in the wintertime. The winter storage is located primarily on bedrock ridges with higher bed elevations in excess of 200 m. During the melt season water moves to the subglacial troughs. This inverse relationship with topography indicates that the material properties of the glacier bed strongly influence subglacial drainage development. Both the spatial variations in bed properties and the initial state of the subglacial hydrology system at the start of the melt season lead to differing glacier dynamical responses to surface melting across the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Slip history of the 2016 Mw 7.0 Kumamoto earthquake: Intraplate rupture in complex tectonic environment
Authors: Hao Jinlai , Ji Chen , Yao Zhenxin
Published: December 2016

Rupture history of the 2016 Mw 7.0 Kumamoto earthquake is constrained by using the waveforms of strong motion observations, teleseismic broadband body waves, and long‐period surface waves. Its fault geometry is modeled with Hinagu (orienting 205° and dipping 73°) and Futagawa (orienting 235° and dipping 60°), two segments. The result reconciles the difference between moment tensor solutions and the surface fault trace. It reveals a complex rupture process that initiated on the Hinagu segment in dextral motion, propagated northeastward unilaterally, and after 15 s ceased near Aso volcano with normal fault motion. The average slip, rise time, and slip rate are 1.8 m, 2.0 s, and 1.2 m/s, respectively. The rupture broke through an ~30° fault intersection without notable delay, which can be a result of dynamic “unclamping.” The northeast boundary of the largest asperity might mark the bottom of the seismogenic zone, which becomes shallower gradually near Aso volcano.
Mass wasting on Phobos triggered by an evolving tidal environment
Authors: Shi X. , Oberst J. , Willner K.
Published: December 2016

The Martian moon Phobos is experiencing orbital decay, increasing tidal forces, and possible disruption in the near future. We suggest that this changing dynamic tidal environment has contributed to resurfacing of the odd‐shaped small moon. We investigated mass wasting features in craters using high‐resolution images acquired by the Mars Express on board High‐Resolution Stereo Camera. We model the evolving dynamical environment of Phobos by reconstructing dynamic slopes on its surface with Phobos at different distances to Mars. We note that the increase in slope by tidal effect correlates with most of the observed landslides, which is particularly obvious for craters near the sub‐Mars and anti‐Mars points. We suggest that the effect has triggered mass displacements that are responsible for observed asymmetries of some craters. The most recent landslides are likely to be geologically young and occurred within the past few hundred million years.