bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The human cost of war: Beyond the statistics
Authors: Richonne Judy F.
Published: February 2014

All too often historians get caught up in the facts and details of an event or period. Lists and statistics and dates overwhelm the human story which lies underneath. The use of oral history can help to keep the human element vibrant and at the same time make the factual components more relevant and intriguing to the modern young student. While true oral history has pitfalls as one is utilizing imperfect, fallible human recollection, such stories remain powerful and meaningful for the very reason of being the recollections of people – complete with depth of personality each of us brings to our experiences. The use of historical tales can retell an old story by adding characterization to give the modern student someone to connect with and perhaps make the factual story easier to understand and thus make use of when synthesizing events of history and how they interact over time. Examples are given to provide emphasis on the importance of daily experiences of the everyday person to the entirety of the historical tale. We matter as we are the history we create.
Elections as a tool for political participation in Iraq
Authors: Al-tmimi Raad Sami , Grisham Kevin E.
Published: February 2014

Elections are considered the main tool for political participation, because they lead to the peaceful transfer of power and establish the pillars of a stable society – justice, equality and respect for human rights. Free and fair elections in Iraq represent a massive step towards building a state and institutions based on human rights and good citizenship. Further, free and fair elections in Iraq are an effort towards upholding the concepts of freedom, equality and fairness. This article examines whether or not elections are the principal tool for ensuring political participation in Iraq. It will analyse the country’s experience of elections and its impact on political participation. Among the questions this article will address are the following: What are elections? Why are they important? What is political participation? What is its importance? How is it achieved? What is the relation between elections and political participation in Iraq?
Assessment of covalent bond formation between coupling agents and wood by FTIR spectroscopy and pull strength tests
Authors: Rasmussen Jonas S. , Barsberg Søren , Venås Thomas Mark , Felby Claus
Published: February 2014

In the focus was the question whether metal alkoxide coupling agents – titanium, silane, and zirconium – form covalent bonds to wood and how they improve coating adhesion. In a previous work, a downshift of the lignin infrared (IR) band ∼1600 cm-1 was shown to be consistent with the formation of ether linkages between lignin and titanium coupling agent. In the present work, changes were found in the attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform IR (ATR-FTIR) spectra of lignin and wood mixed with silane, and titanium coupling agents, and to a lesser extent for a zirconium coupling agent. This was seen as evidence for covalent bonds between lignin phenolics and the coupling agents. No spectral changes were observed when the coupling agents were mixed with the wood constituents cellulose and hemicellulose. For verification of the results, a modified EN 311 wet adhesion pull strength test was performed with softwood panels painted with a solvent-borne alkyd/acrylic coating. The results revealed an improved adhesion for all tested coupling agents compared to the untreated reference. The spectroscopic and pull test results underline that the presence of the lignin moiety in wood is of central importance for improved wood coating adhesion.
Conversion of Glycerol into Value-Added Products Over Cu–Ni Catalyst Supported on γ-Al2O3 and Activated Carbon
Authors: Pudi Satyanarayana Murty , Mondal Tarak , Biswas Prakash , Biswas Shalini , Sinha Shishir
Published: February 2014

A series of Cu, Ni monometallic and bimetallic catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3and activated carbon were synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation method and examined for hydrogenolysis and esterification of glycerol. Hydrogenolysis reaction was carried out in a 250 ml Teflon-coated stainless steel batch reactor at 250°C and 10 bar H2pressure, whereas esterification of glycerol with acetic acid was carried out at 120°C at atmospheric pressure. The physiochemical properties of the catalysts were investigated by various techniques such as surface area, X-ray diffraction (XRD), NH3-temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). Characterization results dictated that the reduction behavior, acidic nature and the metal support interactions were varied with the support as well as Cu/Ni weight ratio. The XRD results confirmed the formation of mixed oxide Cu0.75Ni0.25Al2O4phase in Cu–Ni (3:1)/γ-Al2O3catalyst. Among the catalysts tested, Cu–Ni bimetallic catalysts showed superior performance as compared to monometallic catalysts in both the reactions. The glycerol hydrogenolysis activity of γ-Al2O3supported Cu–Ni catalysts was higher than the activated carbon-supported catalysts. 1,2-PDO was obtained as the main hydrogenolysis product independent of the support as well as Cu/Ni weight ratio and its selectivity was in the range of 92.8–98.5%. The acidic nature of γ-Al2O3and the mixed oxide (Cu0.75Ni0.25Al2O4) phase played an important role for hydrogenolysis activity. Cu–Ni (3:1)/γ-Al2O3catalyst showed the maximum 1,2-PDO selectivity to 97% with 27% glycerol conversion after a reaction time of 5 h. On the other hand, Cu–Ni(1:3)/C catalyst showed the highest glycerol conversion of 97.4% for esterification and obtained selectivity to monoacetin, diacetin and triacetin were 26.1%, 67.2% and 6.5%, respectively.
Porphysome nanoparticles: Tailoring treatments with nature’s pigments
Authors: MacDonald Thomas D. , Zheng Gang
Published: February 2014

Porphysomes are an emerging class of photonic nanoparticles formed from the self-assembly of porphyrin-lipid conjugates. They retain the multifunctional properties of their porphyrin building-blocks but also have unique properties emerging from the nanostructure itself. Porphysomes are able to act in a number of photonic modalities, from diagnostic fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging, to photodynamic and photothermal therapies. This flexibility enables customizable interventions with potential in the burgeoning field of personalized medicine. Here, we profile early porphysome-like liposomes, true porphysomes, as well as newer porphysome derivatives. We discuss the current applications and future outlook for these multimodal theranostic nanoparticles.
Does Paul Call Adam a “Type” of Christ?
Authors: Schellenberg Ryan S.
Published: February 2014

Abstract: Die von einer Mehrheit der Ausleger vertretene Deutung von Röm 5,14c als Paulus’ deutlichste Aussage, dass Adam ein „Typos“ Christi sei, beachtet nicht die Funktion des Satzes im unmittelbaren Kontext, sondern macht diesen zu einer bloßen Nebenbemerkung. Eine Untersuchung der paulinischen Argumentation zum Verhältnis von Gesetz, Sünde, Gericht und Tod legt eine andere Interpretation des Verses nahe: Nicht Adam, sondern Adams Übertretung wird hier von Paulus als τύπος erachtet, und diese dient nicht für Christus als Modell, sondern für die Realität willentlicher Sünde nach der Gabe des Gesetzes. Eine solche Deutung fügt sich gut in den unmittelbaren Kontext ein und ist trotz des Genus des den Satz einleitenden Relativpronomens
syntaktisch nicht so unwahrscheinlich, wie in der Regel angenommen wird.
Human C-Tactile Afferents Are Tuned to the Temperature of a Skin-Stroking Caress
Authors: Ackerley Rochelle , Backlund Wasling Helena , Liljencrantz Jaquette , Olausson Håkan , Johnson Richard D. , Wessberg Johan
Published: February 2014

Human C-tactile (CT) afferents respond vigorously to gentle skin stroking and have gained attention for their importance in social touch. Pharmacogenetic activation of the mouse CT equivalent has positively reinforcing, anxiolytic effects, suggesting a role in grooming and affiliative behavior. We recorded from single CT axons in human participants, using the technique of microneurography, and stimulated a unit's receptive field using a novel, computer-controlled moving probe, which stroked the skin of the forearm over five velocities (0.3, 1, 3, 10, and 30 cm s−1) at three temperatures (cool, 18°C; neutral, 32°C; warm, 42°C). We show that CTs are unique among mechanoreceptive afferents: they discharged preferentially to slowly moving stimuli at a neutral (typical skin) temperature, rather than at the cooler or warmer stimulus temperatures. In contrast, myelinated hair mechanoreceptive afferents proportionally increased their firing frequency with stroking velocity and showed no temperature modulation. Furthermore, the CT firing frequency correlated with hedonic ratings to the same mechano-thermal stimulus only at the neutral stimulus temperature, where the stimuli were felt as pleasant at higher firing rates. We conclude that CT afferents are tuned to respond to tactile stimuli with the specific characteristics of a gentle caress delivered at typical skin temperature. This provides a peripheral mechanism for signaling pleasant skin-to-skin contact in humans, which promotes interpersonal touch and affiliative behavior.
Porfiria aguda intermitente: estudo anátomo-patológico de um caso
Authors: Levy José Antonio , Duchêne Gilles Henri , Faria José Lopes de , Saraiva Sylvio
Published: February 2014

Após considerações preliminares sôbre as moléstias decorrentes de alterações do metabolismo das porfirinas e que se traduzem clinicamente por alterações cutâneas, digestivas, neurológicas e psíquicas, é apresentado o caso de uma paciente portadora de forma aguda de porfiria. Trata-se de paciente com 29 anos de idade, com antecedentes de dores nos membros e cólicas abdominais, que apresentou bruscamente quadro de paralisia motora dos quatro membros e de alguns nervos cranianos. O teste de Watson e Schwartz revelou a presença de porfobilinogênio na urina, o que firmou o diagnóstico. Após um ano de internação, durante o qual a moléstia evoluiu por surtos, a paciente faleceu, tendo o exame anátomo-patológico do sistema nervoso revelado alterações degenerativas das células motoras das pontas anteriores da medula e de núcleos motores do tronco encefálico.
Análise comparativa da competividade do Brasil e EUA no mercado internacional da carne bovina
Authors: Dill Matheus Dhein , Corte Vitor Francisco Dalla , Barcellos Júlio Otávio Jardim , Canozzi Maria Eugênia Andrighetto , Oliveira Tamara Esteves de
Published: February 2014

O Brasil e os EUA estão entre os principais produtores mundiais de carne bovina. Entretanto, distorções no mercado alimentar decorrentes da presença de barreiras comerciais podem comprometer a competitividade desses países. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a competitividade da carne bovina brasileira e norte-americana, no mercado internacional, entre 1990 e 2008. Para isso, foi utilizado o Índice de Competitividade Revelada (CR) para inferir sobre os efeitos que subsídios, acordos comercias e barreiras sanitárias exercem sobre a competitividade da carne bovina dos respectivos países. Os resultados indicaram que o Brasil obteve vantagens competitivas no período de 1991 a 2008, enquanto que os EUA apresentaram vantagens entre 1993 e 2003. Os acordos comerciais elevaram a competitividade dos países envolvidos, contudo ocorreram diminuições dos índices quando problemas sanitários foram identificados. Em suma, os EUA, mesmo com os altos subsídios fornecidos aos produtores rurais, apresentou desempenho inferior em comparação ao Brasil no mercado mundial da carne bovina.
Conservação pós-colheita de fisális e desempenho produtivo em condições edafoclimáticas de Minas Gerais
Authors: Silva Daniel Fernandes da , Villa Fabíola , Barp Fabiane Karine , Rotili Maria Cristina Copello , Stumm Diego Ricardo
Published: February 2014

O Physalis sp., popularmente conhecido como fisális, é um gênero com mais de 100 espécies, pertencente à família Solanaceae, caracterizado pelo cálice concrescido, que envolve e protege o fruto contra herbívoros e intempéries. Os frutos, de sabor agridoce, são muito utilizados na culinária, podendo também ser processados em geleias, doces e licores, consumidos in natura, por seu alto teor de vitamina C e antioxidantes, além de apresentarem inúmeras propriedades medicinais. Este trabalho objetivou analisar a produtividade de fisális na região sul do Estado de Minas Gerais e observar aspectos de sua conservação pós-colheita. Os experimentos relacionados com a produtividade foram instalados na Fazenda Experimental da EPAMIG, em Maria da Fé, MG, e os demais experimentos, relacionados com a conservação pós-colheita, instalados no Laboratório de Tecnologia de Alimentos da UNIOESTE. Para avaliação da produtividade, instalou-se experimento contendo três blocos, com quatro plantas, e, para avaliação pós-colheita, foram utilizadas três repetições de cinco frutos, armazenados em câmara controlada tipo B.O.D, sem atmosfera modificada, por 28 dias, à temperatura de 5ºC, e avaliados no momento da instalação, aos 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias. Foram avaliados diâmetros longitudinal e transversal (mm), peso médio do fruto (g), com e sem cálice, peso total da colheita (g) e teor de sólidos solúveis totais. Em laboratório, avaliaram-se perda de peso, acidez (ATT), pH, sólidos solúveis totais (SST) e teor de vitamina C. Os frutos cultivados em Minas Gerais apresentaram características semelhantes às de frutos produzidos em regiões tradicionais de cultivo e podem facilmente ser armazenados por um período de 28 dias.
Efeito residual da aplicação de fosfato monoamônio revestido por diferentes polímeros na cultura de milho
Authors: Gazola Rodolfo de Niro , Buzetti Salatiér , Dinalli Raíssa Pereira , Teixeira Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto , Celestrino Thiago de Souza
Published: February 2014

O uso de fertilizantes fosfatados, revestidos por polímeros, pode permitir a redução de perdas que ocorrem no processo de fixação do fósforo no solo, disponibilizando, assim, esse elemento por um maior período de tempo. Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, estudar o efeito residual de doses de fósforo e de formas de fosfato monoamônio revestido por polímeros, no que se refere aos componentes de produção e produtividade do milho, em primeira e segunda safra. O experimento foi conduzido em campo, num Latossolo Vermelho distrófico, textura argilosa. O delineamento estatístico foi o de blocos ao acaso, dispostos em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, sendo: quatro doses de P2O5: 0, 50, 100 e 150 kg ha-1, aplicadas na semeadura, em quatro formas: fosfato monoamônio (MAP) convencional e MAP revestido por três diferentes polímeros, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram aplicados no milho safra e safrinha, e, posteriormente, avaliou-se o efeito residual desses tratamentos nos cultivos sucessores do milho, que foram semeados nas mesmas linhas de semeadura dos cultivos anteriores. O teor de fósforo residual no solo aumentou linearmente até a dose de 150 kg ha-1 de P2O5. As formas de MAP revestido por polímeros apresentaram o mesmo efeito residual que MAP convencional, pois proporcionaram resultados semelhantes para as avaliações do milho irrigado. O incremento das doses de fósforo na cultura anterior proporcionou efeito residual, alterando o teor de P foliar e a altura de plantas do milho safrinha irrigado e aumentando a produtividade de grãos de milho, na primeira safra, até a dose de 118 kg ha-1 de P2O5, independentemente da forma de MAP.
Demanda energética por semeadora-adubadora em função da haste sulcadora na semeadura do milho
Authors: Furlani Carlos Eduardo Angeli , Canova Ricardo , Cavichioli Fabio Alexandre , Bertonha Rafael Scabello , Silva Rouverson Pereira da
Published: February 2014

O uso de hastes sulcadoras nas semeadoras-adubadoras de plantio direto tem-se generalizado, principalmente, em áreas de solos argilosos, como alternativa para romper a camada superficial mais compactada. Entretanto, em determinadas condições, a eficiência da haste sulcadora não se mantém, por causa das características relacionadas com o solo, com a semeadura e, até mesmo, com o próprio sistema de preparo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho de hastes sulcadoras, quanto à demanda de energia, em cinco modelos de hastes sulcadoras para semeadora-adubadora no sistema plantio direto. O experimento foi conduzido no campo experimental da empresa Jumil, na cidade de Batatais - SP. Foi utilizada uma semeadora-adubadora da marca Jumil, modelo Guerra JM 7090 EX, com cinco unidades de semeadura. A semeadura do milho foi realizada sobre palhada de braquiária (Urochloa) e foram avaliadas a força e potência na barra de tração, a velocidade de deslocamento, a capacidade de campo operacional e a produtividade da cultura. A produtividade da cultura do milho, a capacidade de campo operacional e a velocidade de deslocamento não apresentaram diferenças para as cinco hastes estudadas e a haste 4, com formato parabólico, apresentou a menor demanda de força de tração e de potência, na barra.
Emergência e desenvolvimento de mudas de tomate IPA 6 em substratos, contendo esterco ovino
Authors: Souza Enio Gomes Flôr , Barros Júnior Aurélio Paes , Silveira Lindomar Maria da , Santos Manoel Galdino dos , Silva Edson Fábio da
Published: February 2014

A busca por substratos alternativos, que possam substituir produtos comerciais na produção de mudas de tomate, é de fundamental importância para a redução dos custos nessa fase inicial da cultura. Objetivou-se, com esta pesquisa, avaliar a qualidade de mudas de tomate industrial IPA 6, produzidas com substratos à base de esterco ovino. O experimento foi conduzido em viveiro da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Unidade Acadêmica de Serra Talhada, de 16 de fevereiro a 30 de março de 2012. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: T1 - [substrato comercial]; T2 - [esterco ovino + areia (1:1)]; T3 - [esterco ovino + areia (2:1)]; T4 - [esterco ovino + areia (3:1)]; T5 - [esterco ovino + solo (1:1)]; T6 - [esterco ovino + solo (2:1)]; T7 - [esterco ovino + solo (3:1)]; T8 - [esterco ovino + areia + solo (1:1:1)];T9 - [esterco ovino + areia + solo (2:1:1)]; T10 - [esterco ovino + areia + solo (3:1:1)]. Os indicadores de emergência avaliados foram: percentagem, índice de velocidade e tempo médio de emergência. Analisaram-se as seguintes características de desenvolvimento: número de folhas, altura de plântula, diâmetro de caule, comprimento de raízes, massa da matéria seca da parte aérea e das raízes. O substrato comercial proporcionou melhor vigor de mudas de tomate IPA 6. Por outro lado, o uso do esterco ovino mais solo (2:1), para compor substratos alternativos constituiu-se opção viável para a produção de mudas desse cultivar.
Development and application of polymerase chain reaction test for detection of Conidiobolus lamprauges
Authors: Silveira Marcelo M. , Paula Daphine A.J. , Silva Maria C. , Pitchenin Leticia C. , Cruz Raquel A.S. , Colodel Edson M. , Dutra Valéria , Nakazato Luciano
Published: February 2014

Conidiobolomycosis is a granulomatous disease caused by the fungus Conidiobolus spp. in humans and animals. Traditional technique for diagnosis of the disease is isolation of the agent associated with the presence of typical clinical signs and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to describe the development of a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Conidiobolus lamprauges to detect the fungus in clinical samples. Samples from suspected animals were collected and submitted to isolation, histopathological analysis and amplification by PCR. DNA from tissues was subjected to PCR with fungi universal primers 18S rDNA gene, and specific primers were designed based on the same gene in C. lamprauges that generated products of about 540 bp and 222 bp respectively. The culture was positive in 26.6% of clinical samples. The PCR technique for C. lamprauges showed amplification of DNA from fresh tissues (80%) and paraffin sections (44.4%). In conclusion, the PCR technique described here demonstrated a high sensitivity and specificity for detection of fungal DNA in tissue samples, providing a tool for the rapid diagnosis of C. lamprauges.
The normal electrocardiogram in the clinically healthy Saanen goats
Authors: Pogliani Fabio C. , Birgel Junior Eduardo H. , Monteiro Bruno M. , Grisi Filho José H.H. , Raimondo Raquel F.S.
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was to establish normal reference electrocardiographic (ECG) values for standard limb lead II in Saanen goats. For this, were used 19 healthy adult female Saanen goats. And for reference values for the ECG parameters, were used 95% confidence level. The overall P, Q, R, S and T durations (seconds) were 0.03±0.01, 0.02±0.005, 0.03±0.014, 0.03±0.011, 0.06±0.014 respectively, and the reference values were 0.01-0.04, 0.01-0.02, 0.01-0.06, 0.02-0.04 and 0.04-0.08 respectively. The amplitudes (milivolts) of these waveforms were 0.1±0.031, 0.06±0.023, 0.44±0.312, 0.39±0.434, 0.26±0.164 (T negative) and 0.15±0.071 (T positive), respectively. The reference values were 0.05-0.15, 0.05-0.1, 0.05-1.2, 0.05-1.1 and -0.2-0.7 respectively. The PR and QT interval, the QRS complex and the ST segment durations (seconds) were 0.08±0.018, 0.26±0.03, 0.05±0.008, 0.15±0.041 respectively. The reference values were 0.06-0.12, 0.2-0.32, 0.04-0.07 and 0.11-0.26, respectively. It was possible to observe differences in ECG of Saanen goats regarding the amplitude and duration of the constituents when compared to the results of other breeds. Therefore it is necessary to conduct further studies to allow comparisons, detect and diagnose cardiac arrhythmias and help the development of therapies.
Sacrificio y ciudad: notas sobre la formación humana en las urbes
Authors: Valle Vázquez Ana Ma.
Published: February 2014

El escrito tiene como principal propósito reflexionar en torno a las relaciones que pudiese haber entre sacrificio y ciudad. Para ello nos centramos en lo más elemental de lo que uno y otra pueden significar. La principal pregunta que guía esta reflexión es ¿qué elementos del sacrificio pueden encontrarse en lo que llamamos ciudad? No se pretende hacer un análisis exhaustivo de estas nociones tan profundas y complejas, sino que partiremos de los significados más primarios, desde Durkheim, Mauss y Simmel, para centrar nuestra atención en sus vínculos. Al final nos preguntamos ¿es posible el espíritu del Don en el espacio urbano donde impera la economía monetaria? Asumimos que la profanación del vínculo y del espíritu del Don de nada es inevitable en las urbes, sin embargo, en el dar, recibir y devolver habita la nada como el espíritu del Don, y esta es la sangre que no se está dispuesto a pagar aunque simulemos que se otorga en las cosas que intercambiamos.
"Nações", marcadores identitários e complexidades da representação étnica nas escritas portuguesas de viagem: Guiné do Cabo Verde (séculos XVI e XVII)
Authors: Horta José Da Silva
Published: February 2014

Nas escritas portuguesas de viagem dos séculos XVI e XVII, os habitantes da Guiné do Cabo Verde, ou Grande Senegâmbia, foram claramente diferenciados por "nações". Esta diferenciação organizou o discurso dos autores e baseou-se no registro de marcadores identitários entre os quais o vestuário, o armamento e a guerra, a religião, a língua e costumes particulares. Estes e outros marcadores cruzavam questionários de origem europeia com formas oeste-africanas da percepção da identidade, a começar pela apropriação de nomes de origem local como signos identificativos das "nações". São discutidas as implicações historiográficas da interpretação da categoria de "nação", no que respeita à validade dos conceitos de grupo étnico ou identidade étnica.
Considerações sobre o despotismo colonial, e a gestão centralizada da violência no Império colonial francês
Authors: Mabeko-Tali Jean-Michel
Published: February 2014

O estudo da questão do trabalho forçado na era colonial implica, inequivocamente, a análise do sistema de violência colonial em si, como um todo sistêmico e estrutural. Com efeito, estes sistemas coloniais, na sua implementação, e apesar das reformas laborais que marcaram a evolução dos impérios coloniais a seguir à II Guerra Mundial, assentavam em filosofias que, embora aparentemente diferenciadas, tinham como objetivo primordial rentabilizar ao máximo as colônias e torná-las lucrativas em beneficio exclusivo da economia metropolitana. Nas páginas que se seguem, pretende-se examinar como o sistema colonial francês quando comparado com seu homólogo britânico, e ainda o belga, estruturou o sistema de violência que serviu de base funcional para que o trabalho forçado pudesse render e articular-se de modo eficiente com os objetivos econômicos coloniais. Neste âmbito, procuraremos analisar comparativamente a economia política da violência que caracterizou o sistema laboral nas colônias de modo geral.
Optimum confining effect in steel composite hollow RC column with inner tube under compressive load
Authors: Won Deok Hee , Han Taek Hee , Kim Seungjun , Jang In Sung , Kang Young Jong
Published: February 2014

An internally confined hollow reinforced concrete (ICH RC) column offers strong and durable confinement by the reinforcement of the inner tube. When the concrete in an ICH RC column experiences axial pressure, an inward radial pressure is produced by the arching action. This radial pressure is resisted by the concrete and the inner tube. Previous research considered the outer pressure and inner pressure to be equal. However, the inner pressure acting on the inner tube is lower because it is partially resisted by the concrete. Therefore, to determine the optimum confining effect on the concrete by the confining condition, it was necessary to determine reasonable values for the inward and outward confining stress in ICH RC columns. In the current study, the confining effects of concrete in an ICH RC column were investigated and evaluated using finite-element (FE) analysis. Parametric studies were performed to determine the factors affecting the confinement of the core concrete in an ICH RC column. The hollow ratio was found to be the main factor affecting the internal confining stress in an ICH RC column. Using the results of FE analysis, estimation equations for the internal confining stress and a new modified equation for the failure condition were developed.
A new perspective on trait differences between native and invasive exotic plants
Authors: Leffler A. Joshua , James Jeremy J. , Monaco Thomas A. , Sheley Roger L.
Published: February 2014

Functional differences between native and exotic species potentially constitute one factor responsible for plant invasion. Differences in trait values between native and exotic invasive species, however, should not be considered fixed and may depend on the context of the comparison. Furthermore, the magnitude of difference between native and exotic species necessary to trigger invasion is unknown. We propose a criterion that differences in trait values between a native and exotic invasive species must be greater than differences between co‐occurring natives for this difference to be ecologically meaningful and a contributing factor to plant invasion. We used a meta‐analysis to quantify the difference between native and exotic invasive species for various traits examined in previous studies and compared this value to differences among native species reported in the same studies. The effect size between native and exotic invasive species was similar to the effect size between co‐occurring natives except for studies conducted in the field; in most instances, our criterion was not met although overall differences between native and exotic invasive species were slightly larger than differences between natives. Consequently, trait differences may be important in certain contexts, but other mechanisms of invasion are likely more important in most cases. We suggest that using trait values as predictors of invasion will be challenging.
A protected area influences genotype‐specific survival and the structure of a Canis hybrid zone
Authors: Benson John F. , Patterson Brent R. , Mahoney Peter J.
Published: February 2014

It is widely recognized that protected areas can strongly influence ecological systems and that hybridization is an important conservation issue. However, previous studies have not explicitly considered the influence of protected areas on hybridization dynamics. Eastern wolves are a species of special concern and their distribution is largely restricted to a protected population in Algonquin Provincial Park (APP), Ontario, Canada, where they are the numerically dominant canid. We studied intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing survival and cause‐specific mortality of hybrid and parental canids in the three‐species hybrid zone between eastern wolves, eastern coyotes, and gray wolves in and adjacent to APP. Mortality risk for eastern wolves in areas adjacent to APP was significantly higher than for other sympatric Canis types outside of APP, and for eastern wolves and other canids within APP. Outside of APP, the annual mortality rate of all canids by harvest (24%) was higher than for other causes of death (4–7%). Furthermore, eastern wolves (hazard ratio = 3.5) and nonresidents (transients and dispersing animals, hazard ratio = 2.7) were more likely to die from harvest relative to other Canis types and residents, respectively. Thus, eastern wolves dispersing from APP were especially vulnerable to harvest mortality. For residents, eastern wolf survival was more negatively influenced by increased road density than for other Canis types, further highlighting the sensitivity of eastern wolves to human disturbance. A cycle of dispersal from APP followed by high rates of mortality and hybridization appears to maintain eastern wolves at low density adjacent to APP, limiting the potential for expansion beyond the protected area. However, high survival and numerical dominance of eastern wolves within APP suggest that protected areas can allow rare hybridizing species to persist even if their demographic performance is compromised and barriers to hybridization are largely absent in the adjacent matrix.
Long‐term individual‐level population dynamics of a native desert chamaephyte
Authors: Salguero-Gómez Roberto , Kempenich Helen , Forseth Irwin N. , Casper Brenda B.
Published: February 2014

Long‐term data sets of population dynamics of plants are scarce, yet provide valuable information for addressing critical ecological and evolutionary questions. Such data can be used to determine how climate change affects demographic viability and evolutionary stable demographic strategies. Here we provide a long‐term data set with longitudinal (1997–2012) individual records for 3835 plants of the chamaephyte Cryptantha flava L. (A. Nelson) Payson (Boraginaceae) near Redfleet State Park in Uintah County, Utah, USA (40°35′42.63″ N, 109°25′55.92″ W, 1790 m a.s.l.). We used permanent plots to track the individual responses (survival, changes in size, reproduction, and recruitment) to artificial manipulations of precipitation via rainout shelters in 1998 and 1999 in subsets of those plots. These data provide unique opportunities to examine the effect of ambient climatic variation and interpret longer‐term climate change effects on native plant species' population dynamics in interaction with the surrounding plant communities. We provide the following data and data formats: (1) monthly background precipitation and temperature at the closest permanent weather station, (2) individual‐level population dynamics from 1997 to 2012 with point location (x, y coordinates) of the individuals of C. flava within the permanent plots as well as microhabitat conditions, and (3) geo‐referenced location of each permanent plot.
Les coulees spilitiques du pic Vert (massif de l'Oisans)
Authors: Tane Jean Louis , Vatin-Perignon Nicole
Published: February 2014

Three levels (1, 5 and 10m thick) intercalated in Triassic beds, mineral and chemical composition, France
Presence de structures a affinites stromatolitiques dans l'Urgonien des iles du Frioul (rade de Marseille, B. -du-Rh.)
Authors: Masse Jean Pierre
Published: February 2014

Stromatolite structures on coarse bioclastic substratum, middle littoral zone environment, associated micritic sediments and calcarenite, Barremian (lower Cretaceous), France
L'age des molasses de Pau a Peyrehorade
Authors: Schoeffler Jacques
Published: February 2014

Oligocene age for the base of the formation (Palassou boudinage), Miocene age for the top of the formation, isopath maps, France
Contribution a l'etude des extrusions jurassiques de la Tunisie septentrionale; etude geologique et miniere du secteur minier d'Hammam Djedidi
Authors: Floridia Sauveur , Massin Jean Marie
Published: February 2014

Lithostratigraphy, faults, mineralization, paragenesis
Successful startup of a full-scale acrylonitrile wastewater biological treatment plant (ACN-WWTP) by eliminating the inhibitory effects of toxic compounds on nitrification
Authors: Han Yuanyuan , Jin Xibiao , Wang Feng , Liu Yongdi , Chen Xiurong
Published: February 2014

During the startup of a full-scale anoxic/aerobic (A/O) biological treatment plant for acrylonitrile wastewater, the removal efficiencies of NH3-N and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) were 1.29 and 0.83% on day 30, respectively. The nitrification process was almost totally inhibited, which was mainly caused by the inhibitory effects of toxic compounds. To eliminate the inhibition, cultivating the bacteria that degrade toxic compounds with patience was applied into the second startup of the biological treatment plant. After 75 days of startup, the inhibitory effects of the toxic compounds on nitrification were eliminated. The treatment plant has been operated stably for more than 3 years. During the last 100 days, the influent concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH3-N, TKN and total cyanide (TCN) were 831–2,164, 188–516, 306–542 and 1.17–9.57 mg L−1 respectively, and the effluent concentrations were 257 ± 30.9, 3.30 ± 1.10, 31.6 ± 4.49 and 0.40 ± 0.10 mg L−1 (n = 100), respectively. Four strains of cyanide-degrading bacteria which were able to grow with cyanide as the sole carbon and nitrogen source were isolated from the full-scale biological treatment plant. They were short and rod-shaped under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and were identified as Brevundimonas sp., Rhizobium sp., Dietzianatronolimnaea and Microbacterium sp., respectively.
Comparison in growth, lipid accumulation, and nutrient removal capacities of Chlorella sp. in secondary effluents under sterile and non-sterile conditions
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Hong Yu
Published: February 2014

The growth, lipid accumulation and nutrient removal characteristics of an oleaginous microalga Chlorella sp. HQ in two types of secondary effluents (named as X and Q) before/after sterilization were evaluated. The results show that the algal growth rates under sterilization were higher than those under non-sterilization. However, sterilization caused a significant decrease in algal lipid and triacylglycerol (TAG) contents in both X and Q. And the lipid and TAG yields in non-sterile X were as much as 2.7 and 7.7 times higher than those in sterile X, reaching up to 51.3 and 16.1 mg L−1, respectively. However, the sterilization caused algal biomass increase in sample Q. Sterilization or not had almost no effect on the total phosphorus (TP) removal ability of Chlorella sp. HQ and it was found to have similar abilities to remove almost 100.0% TP from samples X and Q. While the total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiencies were promoted slightly under non-sterilization, increasing from 88.5 to 89.7% in X and from 13.3 to 17.2% in Q. Hence, non-sterile circumstances are basically beneficial for Chlorella sp. HQ to accumulate its lipid (TAGs) and remove nutrients from wastewater.
Use of talc as low-cost clarifier for wastewater
Authors: Grafia Ana L. , Castillo Luciana A. , Barbosa Silvia E.
Published: February 2014

Talc is proposed as a low-cost mineral for wastewater clarification. In this sense, adsorption of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions was studied comparatively by using sepiolite (qualified as very good adsorbent) and two talc samples with different particle size and purity degree. The MB adsorption was assessed by determining remnant dye in the supernatant using UV–vis spectroscopy and by detecting dye adsorbed on mineral samples through thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Both isothermal curves and kinetic studies demonstrate that talc is a good dye adsorbent. Particularly, with dye concentrations similar to those of textile wastewater, talc was demonstrated to adsorb the same dye content of sepiolite at similar times. Natural talc could be employed as a low-cost alternative in wastewater treatment for the removal of cationic dyes.
Preparation of a fouling-resistant sustainable cathode for a single-chambered microbial fuel cell
Authors: Chatterjee Pritha , Ghangrekar M. M.
Published: February 2014

Two different binder materials of varying water affinity, viz. poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly-tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and biocide vanillin were tested for cathode fouling in a single chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC) constructed with a low-cost baked clayware cylinder and operated under fed-batch mode. PVA and PTFE loadings of 0.5 mg/cm2 were used for MFC-1 and MFC-2, respectively as a binder; and a 1:1 mixture of PVA + PTFE was used as binder in MFC-3 with same binder loading. Vanillin was mixed with PVA and also applied at a loading of 0.5 mg/cm2 for MFC-4. Results showed organic matter removal efficiencies around 90% for all MFCs both before and after fouling. Coulombic efficiency was, however, found to decrease 50% after fouling in the MFC-3 coated with both PVA and PTFE. After 5 weeks of operation, due to fouling 56, 40 and 69% reduction in power densities were observed in MFC-1, MFC-2 and MFC-3, respectively. In the MFC-4 having PVA and vanillin, the least fouling was observed. A consistent volumetric power of 233 mW/m3 was observed for MFC-4, thus potentially offering a suitable solution to alleviate the problem of fouling in the making of single-chamber air-cathode MFCs.
Erosion resistance and behaviour of highly organic in-sewer sediment
Authors: Seco I. , Gómez Valentín M. , Schellart A. , Tait S.
Published: February 2014

Reliable prediction of time-varying pollutant loads in combined sewer systems during storm periods can aid better management of the release of pollution into natural environments as well as enhancing storage tank design. Better understanding of the behaviour of sewer sediments is crucial for the development of models that adequately describe the transport of in-sewer solids and accurately predict the changes in pollutant concentration within combined sewers during storm events. This paper reports on the results of a test programme to examine the erosion of highly organic sewer sediment under the application of time-varying shear stress. The tests were carried out with and without supplying oxygen, and varying simulated dry-weather periods. The aim was to investigate the behaviour of real in-sewer sediment with a high organic content (around 80%) in an attempt to improve prediction of the transport rates under the particular Mediterranean conditions of long dry-period/build-up and intense rainfall/wash-off, and understand how this environment affects the erosional resistance and subsequent sediment release. Results have been compared with previous work on lower organic content sewer sediments and artificial organic sediment.
Novel catalytic and mechanistic studies on wastewater denitrification with hydrogen
Authors: Theologides C. P. , Olympiou G. G. , Savva P. G. , Pantelidou N. A. , Constantinou B. K. , Chatziiona V. K. , Valanidou L. Y. , Piskopianou C. T. , Costa C. N.
Published: February 2014

The present work reports up-to-date information regarding the reaction mechanism of the catalytic hydrogenation of nitrates in water media. In the present mechanistic study, an attempt is made, for the first time, to elucidate the crucial role of several catalysts and reaction parameters in the mechanism of the NO3−/H2 reaction. Steady-state isotopic transient kinetic analysis (SSITKA) experiments coupled with ex situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) were performed on supported Pd-Cu catalysts for the NO3−/H2 and NO3−/H2/O2 reactions. The latter experiments revealed that the formation and surface coverage of various adsorbed active intermediate N-species on the support or Pd/Cu metal surface is significantly favored in the presence of TiO2 in the support mixture and in the presence of oxygen in the reaction's gaseous feed stream. The differences in the reactivity of these adsorbed N-species, found in the present work, adequately explain the large effect of the chemical composition of the support and the gas feed composition on catalyst behaviour (activity and selectivity). The present study leads to solid mechanistic evidence concerning the presence of a hydrogen spillover process from the metal to the support. Moreover, this study shows that Cu clusters are active sites for the reduction of nitrates to nitrites.
The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Interaction Plays a Role in the Maintenance of the Stem Cell Niche of Mouse Incisors via Fgf10 and Fgf9 Signaling
Authors: Yokohama-Tamaki Tamaki , Fujiwara Naoki , Shibata Shunichi , Wakisaka Satoshi , Harada Hidemitsu
Published: February 2014

The continuous eruption of mouse incisors throughout life is maintained by adult stem cells in the apical end.
In these teeth, the continuous expression of Fgf10 in the mesenchyme plays a role in the maintenance of the epithelial
stem cell compartment, referred to as the "apical bud." However, little is known about the epithelial signaling that induces
and maintains Fgf10 expression. Focusing on the epithelial-mesenchymal interaction during tooth development, we thoroughly
investigated candidates expressed in the apical bud. In situ hybridization and immunostaining showed that Fgf9
mRNA and protein were detected in the basal epithelium, stellate reticulum, and inner enamel epithelium of the apical
bud. Recombinant Fgf9 protein stimulated cell proliferation in cultures of apical end mesenchyme. Furthermore, Fgf9-
releasing beads inhibited apoptosis in mesenchymal tissue cultures and maintained the expression of Fgf10. On the other
hand, Fgf10-releasing beads induced Fgf9 expression in cultures of apical buds. Taken together, these results suggest that
the stem cell niche in growing incisors is maintained by an epithelial mesenchymal interaction via Fgf9 and Fgf10 signaling.
The Effect of Serum on the PEG-Based Crosslinker-Induced Spheroid Formation of Pancreatic β-Cell
Authors: Ito Michiko , Taguchi Tetsushi
Published: February 2014

A polymeric crosslinker poly(ethylene glycol) derivative with dioleyl groups as hydrophobic group at both
ends was developed for promoting cellular spheroid formation. Our approach to bridge cells was based on the crosslinking
of cell membrane using a crosslinker via the hydrophobic interaction. Using the crosslinker, spheroid formation of pancreatic
β-cell line RIN in a round bottom 96-well plate was evaluated, especially in effect of serum on spheroid formation.
In the presence or absence of serum, the size of prepared spheroid was found to decrease with increasing culture time and
with increasing crosslinker concentration. However, the medium without serum proved to be a favorable condition for
promoting cell aggregation because in this case spheroid with smaller size could be obtained. It was clarified that spheroid
formation and insulin secretion of the spheroid prepared by the crosslinker were enhanced, especially in the medium
without serum.
Preparation of Cationic Gold Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery
Authors: Chen Guoping , Takezawa Michiaki , Kawazoe Naoki , Tateishi Tetsuya
Published: February 2014

Cationic gold nanoparticles modified with 2-aminoethanethiol, 8-amino-1-octanethiol, and 11-amino-1-
undecanethiol were prepared by NaBH4 reduction of HAuCl4 in the presence of thiols in water or a water/ethanol mixture
solvent. The formation of gold nanoparticles depended on the kind of solvent, and the concentration of NaBH4, HAuCl4,
and thiols. A low concentration of HAuCl4 and a high concentration of NaBH4 facilitated the formation of gold nanoparticles.
A high concentration of HAuCl4 solution resulted in aggregation and a low concentration of NaBH4 did not induce
the formation of gold nanoparticles. The size of the gold nanoparticles increased with an increase of the concentration of
the HAuCl4 solution, while it decreased with an increase of the concentration of the NaBH4 solution. When thiols were
present, the HAuCl4/thiol ratio must be in the range of 1:1 to 1:2 for the formation of gold nanoparticles in both the water
and water/ethanol mixture solvents. Modification with thiol molecules changed surface charge of the gold nanoparticles
from negative to positive, and stabilized the gold nanoparticles. The cationic gold nanoparticles promoted gene transfection.
A high ratio of gold nanoparticles to DNA increased transfection efficiency. However, the length of the alkyl groups
had no evident effect.
Influence of external disturbances to dynamic balance of the semi-anthropomimetic robot
Authors: Petrovic Vladimir , Jovanovic Kosta , Potkonjak Veljko
Published: February 2014

The idea of building an artificial man extends through the entire history of
mankind. In this paper we present a semi-anthropomimetic robot, as a
structure that consists of an upper human-like body mounted on a cart (mobile
platform). Semi-anthropomimetic robot uses the three-wheeled mobile platform
(two driving wheels and one passive wheel). Upper body configuration is
represented as an anthropomimetic structure with antagonistically coupled
drives. The aim of this paper is analysis of the robot behaviour under
disturbances. Two types of disturbances are examined: disturbances following
from the cart motion, and external disturbances. External disturbances
(external impulse and long term external force) emulate interaction of the
robot with its environment. Numerous simulations were performed, in order to
analyze the balance of the robot. Accordingly, appropriate dimensions of the
mobile platform are estimated, relying on the ZMP concept. [Projekat
Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR-35003 i br. III-44008]

 This article has been retracted. Link to the retraction 10.2298/SJEE1603435E