bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontogenetic development of Heterocharax macrolepisEigenmann (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Characidae) with comments on the form of the yolk sac in the Heterocharacinae
Authors: Mattox George M. T. , Hoffmann Martin , Hoffmann Peter
Published: July 2014

Fishes in early developmental stages frequently have morphological features that differ from those of adult stages, and many characters found later in ontogeny are not available in initial stages. Hence, morphological descriptions of early stages are useful to provide information for the identification of eggs and larvae, a knowledge still restricted among Neotropical fishes. We studied the development of Heterocharax macrolepis, a heterocharacine whose adult specimens from the aquarium trade were kept and spawned at around 23-24ºC. A developmental series of 51 specimens was preserved, ranging from 3.2 mm notochord length to 18.6 mm standard length, covering approximately the first 73 days post-hatching. We described the development of main morphological features emphasizing those useful in the identification of H. macrolepislarvae (i.e., appearance of preopercle spine and development of the pseudotympanum). We also compared H. macrolepis with photographs taken of live larval specimens of Gnathocharax steindachneri, recently included in the Heterocharacinae. Both species have a yolk sac with a small rounded projection directed posteroventrally. Although this information is not yet available for all pertinent taxa, the different yolk sac shape in other representatives of the Characiformes may indicate that this peculiar yolk sac represents an additional synapomorphy of the Heterocharacini.
New species of Cyphocharax (Characiformes: Curimatidae) from the upper rio Negro, Amazon basin
Authors: Melo Bruno F. , Vari Richard P.
Published: July 2014

A new species of Cyphocharax, Curimatidae, apparently endemic to the blackwater upper rio Negro of the Amazon basin in northern Brazil, is described.The new species is readily distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a distinctly longitudinally elongate, posteriorly vertically expanding patch of dark pigmentation along the midlateral surface of the caudal peduncle, with the patch extending from the base of the middle caudal-fin rays anteriorly past the vertical through the posterior terminus of the adipose fin. The new species additionally differs from all congeners in details of body and fin pigmentation and meristic and morphometric ratios. Evidence for the assignment of the species to Cyphocharax and the occurrence of other species of the Curimatidae apparently endemic to the upper rio Negro catchment is discussed.
Taxonomic study of Hoplias microlepis (Günther, 1864), a trans-Andean species of trahiras (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Erythrinidae)
Authors: Mattox George M. T. , Bifi Alessandro G. , Oyakawa Osvaldo T.
Published: July 2014

The Hoplias malabaricus species group represents one of the most complexes taxonomical problems in the systematics of Neotropical fishes, including specimens widely distributed in most drainages of South America and part of Central America with great variation or overlap of putative diagnostic characters. The large number of nominal species, many of which without known type material, renders the problem more complicated. Currently, at least three nominal species can be included in the Hopliasmalabaricusspecies group based on the form of the medial margins of dentaries and presence of tooth plates on the tongue: Hoplias malabaricus, H. teres, and H. microlepis, the latter representing the only exclusively trans-Andean known species of the genus. We present herein a taxonomic study of Hoplias microlepis based on examination of syntypes and recently collected specimens, including a redescription of the species. Hoplias microlepisoccurs in the Pacific drainages of Panama and Southwestern Costa Rica, in addition to the río Guayas basin in Ecuador and the region near its mouth (río Tumbes, Northwestern Peru). Records of the species on the Atlantic coast of Panama are restricted to the Canal Zone, suggesting dispersal through the Panama Canal. We also designate lectotype and paralectotypes.
FUNGEMIA CAUSED BY Candida SPECIES IN A CHILDREN'S PUBLIC HOSPITAL IN THE CITY OF SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL: STUDY IN THE PERIOD 2007-2010
Authors: Oliveira Vanessa Kummer Perinazzo , Ruiz Luciana da Silva , Oliveira Nélio Alessandro Jesus , Moreira Débora , Hahn Rosane Christine , Melo Analy Salles de Azevedo , Nishikaku Angela Satie , Paula Claudete Rodrigues
Published: July 2014

Candidemia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the health care environment. The epidemiology of Candida infection is changing, mainly in relation to the number of episodes caused by species C. non-albicans. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of yeasts of the genus Candida, in a four-year period, isolated from blood of pediatric patients hospitalized in a public hospital of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. In this period, yeasts from blood of 104 patients were isolated and, the identified species of Candida by phenotypic and genotypic methods were: C. albicans (39/104), C. tropicalis (25/104), C. parapsilosis (23/104), Pichia anomala (6/104), C. guilliermondii (5/104), C. krusei (3/104), C. glabrata (2/104) and C. pararugosa (1/104). During the period of the study, a higher frequency of isolates of C. non-albicans (63.55%) (p = 0.0286) was verified. In this study we verified the increase of the non-albicans species throughout the years (mainly in 2009 and 2010). Thus, considering the peculiarities presented by Candida species, a correct identification of species is recommended to lead to a faster diagnosis and an efficient treatment.
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ANTIBIOTICS IN URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN A SECONDARY CARE SETTING FROM 2005-2006 AND 2010-2011, IN SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL: DATA FROM 11,943 URINE CULTURES
Authors: Miranda Érique José Peixoto De , Oliveira Gerson Sobrinho Salvador De , Roque Felício Lopes , Santos Sílvia Regina Dos , Olmos Rodrigo Diaz , Lotufo Paulo Andrade
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) has a high incidence and recurrence, therefore, treatment is empirical in the majority of cases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the urine cultures performed at a secondary hospital, during two periods, 2005-2006 and 2010-2011, and to estimate the microbial resistance. Patients and methods: We analyzed 11,943 aerobic urine cultures according to basic demographic data and susceptibility to antibiotics in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) for Vitek 1 and 2. Results: Most of our cohort consisted of young adult females that were seen at the Emergency Department. E. coli was the most frequent (70.2%) among the 75 species isolated. Resistance of all isolates was ≥ 20% for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), norfloxacin, nitrofurantoin, cefazolin and nalidixic acid. Although E. coli was more susceptible (resistance ≥ 20% for TMP/SMX and nalidixic acid) among all of the isolates, when classified by the number and percentage of antibiotic resistance. Global resistance to fluoroquinolones was approximately 12%. Risk factors for E. coli were female gender and an age less than 65 years. Men and patients older than 65 years of age, presented more resistant isolates. Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) were identified in 173 out of 5,722 Gram-negative isolates (3.0%) between 2010 and 2011. Conclusion: E. coli was the most frequent microbe isolated in the urine cultures analyzed in this study. There was a significant evolution of bacterial resistance between the two periods studied. In particular, the rise of bacterial resistance to fluoroquinolones was concerning.
ANTIMICROBIAL DRUG RESISTANCE IN STRAINS OF Escherichia coli ISOLATED FROM FOOD SOURCES
Authors: Rasheed Mohammed Uddin , Thajuddin Nooruddin , Ahamed Parveez , Teklemariam Zelalem , Jamil Kaiser
Published: July 2014

A variety of foods and environmental sources harbor bacteria that are resistant to one or more antimicrobial drugs used in medicine and agriculture. Antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli is of particular concern because it is the most common Gram-negative pathogen in humans. Hence this study was conducted to determine the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of E. coli isolated from different types of food items collected randomly from twelve localities of Hyderabad, India. A total of 150 samples comprising; vegetable salad, raw egg-surface, raw chicken, unpasteurized milk, and raw meat were processed microbiologically to isolate E. coli and to study their antibiotic susceptibility pattern by the Kirby-Bauer method. The highest percentages of drug resistance in isolates of E. coli were detected from raw chicken (23.3%) followed by vegetable salad (20%), raw meat (13.3%), raw egg-surface (10%) and unpasteurized milk (6.7%). The overall incidence of drug resistant E. coli was 14.7%. A total of six (4%) Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) producers were detected, two each from vegetable salads and raw chicken, and one each from raw egg-surface and raw meat. Multidrug resistant strains of E. coli are a matter of concern as resistance genes are easily transferable to other strains. Pathogen cycling through food is very common and might pose a potential health risk to the consumer. Therefore, in order to avoid this, good hygienic practices are necessary in the abattoirs to prevent contamination of cattle and poultry products with intestinal content as well as forbidding the use of untreated sewage in irrigating vegetables.
BEHAVIORAL AND MEMORY CHANGES IN Mus musculus COINFECTED BY Toxocara canis AND Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Corrêa Flávia Motta , Chieffi Pedro Paulo , Lescano Susana A. Zevallos , Santos Sergio Vieira dos
Published: July 2014

Several researchers have stated that parasites can alter the behavior of their hosts, in order to increase the transmission rate, principally when prey-predator relationships are a reliable way of infection transmission. The aim of this study was to verify the occurrence of changes in anxiety and short-term memory patterns in experimentally infected Mus musculus by Toxocara canis and/or Toxoplasma gondii. Forty male Mus musculus (Balb/c) eight-week-old were divided into four groups of 10 mice each. One group was infected with 300 eggs of Toxocara canis; a second group was submitted to infection with 10 cysts of Toxoplasma gondii; a third group was concomitantly infected with both parasites with the same inoculums and the last group was maintained without infection. The anxiety levels were evaluated using an elevated plus maze and an actometer; the short-term memory was determined by a two-way active avoidance equipment. The determination of anxiety levels were conducted 40 and 70 days after infection and the short-term memory was evaluated 140 days after infection. Mice chronically infected by Toxoplasma gondii showed impaired learning and short-term memory, but no significant differences were found in mice infected by Toxocara canis or concomitantly infected by Toxocara canis and Toxoplasma gondii when compared to non infected mice.
Parto acidental não-hospitalar como indicador de risco para a mortalidade infantil
Authors: Silva Zilda Pereira da , Almeida Márcia Furquim de , Alencar Gizelton Pereira
Published: July 2014

Objetivos: analisar diferenças na mortalidade infantil, segundo local do parto, no Estado de São Paulo (2009). Métodos: coorte de 252.201 nascidos vivos (NV) por parto vaginal, vinculados a 3289 óbitos infantis, por técnica determinística, divididos em: nascidos em hospitais (250.850) e em domicílio/outro local (1351). Foram calculadas probabilidades de morte e os riscos relativos (RR) e para avaliar o efeito de covariáveis sobre o óbito, utilizou-se modelo de regressão logística multinomial. Resultados: 0,5% NV ocorreram em domicílio/outro local e apresentaram maior probabilidade de morte (45,2 por mil NV) do que os nascidos em hospitais (12,9). A mortalidade foi maior para os nascimentos fora do hospital em todos os componentes da mortalidade infantil: neonatal precoce (RR=3,9), neonatal tardio (RR=2,6) e pós-neonatal (RR=3,4). A probabilidade de morte diminuiu conforme aumentou o peso ao nascer, porém o risco de morte dos NV ≥2500 g em domicílio/outro local foi duas vezes maior que nos partos hospitalares. Após ajuste, nascer fora do hospital permaneceu como risco apenas para a mortalidade pós-neonatal. Conclusões: embora reduzidos, os partos fora do hospital apresentam maior risco de morte, inclusive no período pós-neonatal, sugerindo que há barreiras de acesso não só durante o pré-natal e parto, mas que estas persistem na atenção à criança no primeiro ano de vida.
Effects of human activities on rivers located in protected areas of the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Kuhlmann Mônica Luisa , Imbimbo Hélio Rubens Victorino , Ogura Lucy Lina , Villani João Paulo , Starzynski Roberto , Robim Maria de Jesus
Published: July 2014

AIM: This study evaluated the impacts of anthropogenic activities upstream of conservation areas on the Paraibuna river and its implications for freshwater biodiversity. METHODS: The study was carried out in two units, Cunha and Santa Virginia, of the Serra do Mar State Park (SP), located in the Atlantic Rain Forest. Five sampling sites were defined, four along the Paraibuna river and one in the Ipiranga river, the latter fully inserted into the protected area. Physical, chemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological data were obtained from surface water as well as aquatic macroinvertebrates. RESULTS: The results showed that the waters of the Paraibuna river have low anthropogenic interference. However, conductivity, turbidity, coliforms, iron, total phosphorus and nitrate showed a gradient improving its water quality from upstream to downstream, indicating the existence of erosion and introduction of organic debris in the basin. The BMWP index, varying from 58 to 190, also showed the good condition of the river to aquatic biota, with predominant Excellent quality diagnosis. The values of this index and the richness index (S) outlined a similar gradient but with the lowest values recorded in P3. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the upstream activities alter the natural condition of the Paraibuna river and its biota and that the protected areas provides environmental services reducing these impacts. The ideal situation in order to ensure the conservation of the freshwater biota of the Paraibuna river would be the incorporation of parts of the upstream area into the protected area and convert occupied areas into Sustainable Use Area, that guarantee the adoption of sustainable techniques to the existing land uses and the application of aquatic life protection indicators for monitoring the water quality of the river.
Kinetics of aerobic decomposition in the leaching phase of allochthonous plant detritus
Authors: Fonseca André Luiz dos Santos , Bianchini Jr. Irineu , Pimenta Cristiane Marques Monteiro , Mangiavacchi Norberto , Soares Cássio Botelho Pereira
Published: July 2014

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate, through an experiment with short sampling intervals, (1) the effects of detritus quality on dissolved oxygen (DO) consumption, on dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) formation and on the stoichiometric ratio between the DO consumed and mineralized carbon (O/C ratio) during leaching of plant detritus in the early decomposition; (2) the temporal variation of the variables mentioned above according to changes in the quality of each detritus over time. METHODS: The detritus of leaves, branches and litter (3 g) previously dried were incubated in decomposition chambers containing 1 L of inoculum. The chambers were maintained at 24 ± 2 °C in aerobic condition. The DO concentrations dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and DIC were evaluated. The consumption of DO was adjusted to a first-order kinetic model. The hourly rates of DO consumption, DIC production and O/C ratios were determined. RESULTS: The DO consumption (2.62 mg.g-1) and DIC production (1.20 mg.g-1) were higher in leaves decomposition, and smaller in litter (1.50 and 0.42 mg.g-1, respectively). Inversely, the O/C ratio was higher in the decomposition of litter (3.56). The rates of DO consumption (0.50 mg.g-1.h-1) and DIC production (0.41 mg.g-1.h-1) were greatest in the early decomposition of leaves. CONCLUSIONS: Short sampling intervals are key to understanding the dynamics of decomposition in the leaching phase. Higher consumption of DO in leaves decomposition indicated a higher content of labile compounds in this detritus. The highest O/C ratios in the litter decomposition can be attributed to its higher content of refractory substances. Variations in DO consumption rates and in O/C ratios over time suggest that the leachate is heterogeneous, comprising labile and refractory fractions, analogous to the detritus as a whole. In terms of water quality alterations, leaves constituted the most critical resource and the litter presented less pronounced effects.
Phytoplankton functional and morphological groups as indicators of environmental variability in a lateral channel of the Upper Paraná River floodplain
Authors: Bortolini Jascieli Carla , Rodrigues Luzia Cleide , Jati Susicley , Train Sueli
Published: July 2014

AIM: Models of phytoplankton functional classification based on functional (FGs) and morphological (MBFGs) traits can be an important tool in aquatic monitoring. In this long-term study on phytoplankton, the goal was to use these two approaches to explain the changes in this community in an active channel of the Upper Paraná River floodplain, depending on the environmental conditions imposed by the hydrosedimentological regime. METHODS: Samples were taken between 2000 and 2013. RESULTS: 196 taxa were identified. Bacillariophyceae and Cyanobacteria showed higher contribution to biovolume. Were recorded 11 FGs (A, C, E, H1, J, Lo, M, MP, N, P and X1). The FGs C, Lo, M, MP, P and X1 were common to both periods. Already the FGs A, E, H1 and J occurred only in limnophase, while the FG N occurred only in potamophase. Were recorded seven MBFGs (I, II, III, IV, V, VI e VII). All seven MBFGs occurred in both hydrological periods, however the MBFGs III, VI and VII contributed with high biovolume values mainly in the limnophase. The FG P and MBFG VI were indicator of eutrophic status, while the FG M and MBFG VII were indicators of mesotrophic status. Only FGs reflected the environmental variability. CONCLUSION: The classification of phytoplankton in FGs and MBFGs represented an important tool for understanding of the behavior and dynamics of the species in relation to environmental conditions. However, the FGs appear to be more related to environmental variation this lotic channel than MBFGs. Probably this is related to the refinement of this classification, which reflected the changes in the community, in long-term scale, influenced by local and regional characteristics imposed by the hydrosedimentological regime of the Paraná River.
History Matching Heterogeneous Coreflood of CO2/Brine by Use of Compositional Reservoir Simulator and Geostatistical Approach
Authors: Kong Xianhui , Delshad Mojdeh , Wheeler Mary F.
Published: July 2014

Numerical modeling and simulation are essential tools for developing a better understanding of the geologic characteristics of aquifers and providing technical support for future carbon dioxide (CO2) storage projects. Modeling CO2 sequestration in underground aquifers requires the implementation of models of multiphase flow and CO2 and brine phase behavior. Capillary pressure and relative permeability need to be consistent with permeability/porosity variations of the rock. It is, therefore, crucial to gain confidence in the numerical models by validating the models and results by use of laboratory and field pilot results. A published CO2/brine laboratory coreflood was selected for our simulation study. The experimental results include subcore porosity and CO2-saturation distributions by means of a computed tomography (CT) scanner along with a CO2-saturation histogram. Data used in this paper are all based on those provided by Krause et al. (2011), with the exception of the CT porosity data. We generated a heterogeneous distribution for the porosity but honoring the mean value provided by Krause et al. (2011). We also generated the permeability distribution with the mean value for the whole core given by Krause et al. (2011). All the other data, such as the core dimensions, injection rate, outlet pressure, temperature, relative permeability, and capillary pressure, are the same as those in Krause et al. (2011). High-resolution coreflood simulations of brine displacement with supercritical CO2 are presented with the compositional reservoir simulator IPARS (Wheeler and Wheeler 1990). A 3D synthetic core model was constructed with permeability and porosity distributions generated by use of the geostatistical software FFTSIM [Jennings et al. (2000)], with cell sizes of 1.27×1.27×6.35 mm.

The core was initially saturated with brine. Fluid properties were calibrated with the equation-of-state (EOS) compositional model to match the measured data provided by Krause et al. (2011). We used their measured capillary pressure and relative permeability curves. However, we scaled capillary pressure on the basis of the Leverett J-function (Leverett 1941) for permeability, porosity, and interfacial tension (IFT) in every simulation grid cell.

Saturation images provide insight into the role of heterogeneity of CO2 distribution in which a slight variation in porosity gives rise to large variations in CO2-saturation distribution in the core. High-resolution numerical results indicated that accurate representation of capillary pressure at small scales was critical. Residual brine saturation and the subsequent shift in the relative permeability curves showed a significant impact on final CO2 distribution in the core.
Viscosity Measurement and Modeling for Mixtures of Athabasca Bitumen/n-Pentane at Temperatures Up to 200°C
Authors: Nourozieh Hossein , Kariznovi Mohammad , Abedi Jalal
Published: July 2014

The phase-behavior and thermophysical properties of bitumen/solvent systems are of crucial importance for heavy-oil and bitumen in-situ recovery methods. The viscosity reduction as a result of solvent dissolution and/or steam heating is the main recovery mechanism in the solvent-based bitumen-recovery processes. In this paper, the viscosity of bitumen, pentane, and their mixtures at different pentane weight fractions (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) are accurately measured. The measurements are conducted under conditions applicable for both in-situ recovery methods and the pipeline transportation of heavy oil. The experiments are taken with Athabasca bitumen at temperatures varying from ambient up to 200°C and at pressures up to 10 MPa. The data for the mixtures are evaluated with predictive schemes as well as with correlation models representing certain mixing rules proposed in the literature. The influences of pressure, temperature, and solvent weight fraction on the viscosity of mixtures are considered in the models and evaluated from the experimental data. The results indicated that the power-law model and the Cragoe model (Cragoe 1933) represent the data better than other models that use a volume-fraction basis.
Thermal Recovery of Bitumen From the Grosmont Carbonate Formation - Part 1: The Saleski Pilot
Authors: Hosseininejad Mohebati Moslem , Yang Daniel , MacDonald Jeff
Published: July 2014

The Grosmont formation, a carbonate reservoir in Alberta, Canada, has 400 billion bbl of bitumen resource, which is currently not commercially exploited. The carbonate reservoir is karstified by groundwater and tectonically fractured, resulting in three classes of porosity: matrix, vugs, and fractures. The viscosity of bitumen is lowered by four to six orders of magnitude when heated by steam. Since December 2010, the Saleski pilot project evaluated steam-injection-recovery processes by use of four well pairs, two each in the Grosmont C and Grosmont D units. For the first year of the pilot, two well pairs were operated with continuous injection and production similar to successful steam-assisted-gravity drainage(SAGD) projects in Alberta oil sands. Reservoir observations of steam/oil ratio (SOR) and calendar-day oil rate (CDOR) indicate recovery by gravity drainage is viable, although operating practices from conventional SAGD must be modified for the Grosmont formation. The decision to evaluate cyclic injection and production from single wells was made in early 2012, although it was recognized that cyclic operations created new challenges for the facility (which was built for SAGD operations) and artificial lift. The pilot data indicate that the drilling conditions (balanced vs. overbalanced), completions (openhole vs. slotted liner), and acid treatments of the wells have a significant impact on the individual-well performance. Injectivity into the Grosmont reservoir is high, even into a cold reservoir, because of the existing fracture system. Injection pressures stayed less than 40% of the estimated pore pressure required to lift the overburden. 4D-seismic results indicate that the injection conformance along the well axis is close to 100% and that the heated area is laterally contained around the well. Productivity is comparable to oil-sands project performance. The decline of oil rate is not only dependent on pressure but also on temperature. For cyclic operations, a CDOR of 43 m3/d (for a 450-m-long well) and an SOR of 3.4 were achieved, demonstrating that with sufficient scale, a commercial project can be established successfully. The pilot has satisfactorily derisked the Grosmont reservoir at Saleski. While cyclic operations have demonstrated economic performance, continuous injection and production similar to SAGD remains an alternative recovery strategy beyond startup in the later depletion stage. Successful future developments will advance the optimization of drilling, completion, artificial-lift, and plant capacity issues, while the reservoir itself has demonstrated its production capacity.
Revising the position of a city block within the morphological frame of a traditional city: Contemporary perspectives
Authors: Nikovic Ana , Djokic Vladan , Maric Igor
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates the basic theoretical concepts of urban morphology
related to the phenomena of a traditional city and its constitutive elements,
including the city block. The traditional city is not considered an absolute
model, but a subject of morphological analysis, by which its characteristics
are detected, classified and described, becoming a base for new synthetic
models in the context of contemporary designing and planning. The paper
provides theoretical support to further studies dealing with the practical
application of theoretical knowledge and concepts of urban morphology in
designing and planning. It points out that the key characteristics of a
traditional city identified by morphological analysis are contained within
the architectural and urban entity of a city block, which can, therefore, be
considered a generative element of its urban structure. Given that the scale
of a city block allows for morphological analysis, as well as providing
recommendations for future urban development, these research results can be
applied to the contemporary context of designing and planning. The paper fits
into contemporary studies that link the fields of urban morphology and urban
design.
Population dynamics and land cover changes of urban areas
Authors: Krunic Nikola , Maksin Marija , Milijic Sasa , Bakic Olgica , Djurdjevic Jasmina
Published: July 2014

In order to enable efficient management of spatial development of cities, it
is essential to analyse changes in land cover, in the ?consumption? of the
land surrounding cities and the attained rationality with respect to the use
of already urban land (reflected in the urban population density). This paper
provides an overview of the land cover changes in the period between 1990 and
2006, and the potential correlation between the dynamics of the total
population change on the one hand, and the land cover change on the other.
The initial hypotheses of this paper are: (1) occupation and sealing of
productive soil in peri-urban zones is not proportional to the population
dynamics of cities and their metropolitan areas; and (2) expansion of soil
sealing in peri-urban zones is not significantly affected by the differences
with regard to the natural surroundings and historical development of cities,
nor by these cities being developed cities or cities in transition,
capitalistic or post-socialist cities, etc. These hypotheses are tested and
confirmed in the cases of three capital cities in South and Southeast Europe.
Regarding the changes in population density, it can be concluded that
central/inner-city municipalities became less populated, with sometimes very
significant decrease in population density, but without any land cover
change, which indicates ?depopulation?. At the same time, outer-city and
peripheral municipalities also suffered a decline in population density,
while their urban zones extended.
Evaluation of the capacity development of actors within participatory planning process
Authors: Colic Ratka
Published: July 2014

This paper focuses on measuring the capacity development within the
participatory planning process of formulation of development strategy. It
starts with the discussion of how individual, collaborative and governance
capacities became a part of collaborative and consensus planning, and
continues with proposing the mixed method approach. Quantitative methods have
been used to measure the level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction that
participatory approach had on the actors. Evaluation has shown significant
increase in actors? capacities during the planning process. Qualitative
methods aim to reach understanding of the actors? perception of the results
of the participatory planning process they were engaged in. Local actors
recognized results as the following: opportunity for gaining a new knowledge,
understanding of problems, importance of information and cooperation
exchange, recognition of ?others?, capability for evaluation of plans,
understanding of different roles and responsibilities, importance of team
work and bundling of knowledge from different sources in problem solving, and
collective action and interaction. Thus, the participatory planning holds
potential as a continual process of developing the capacities of actors.
Berlin Mitte: Alexanderplatz and Friedrichstaße: Urban and historical images
Authors: Arandjelovic Biljana
Published: July 2014

Berlin Mitte is one of the most interesting parts of the city, located in the
core of Berlin where every corner and stone can tell a story. Mitte, the
cultural center of Berlin is also known as the political and economic hub of
Berlin. This paper explores the urban and historical image of two important
parts of Berlin Mitte district: Alexanderplatz and Friedrichsta?e.
Friedrichstra?e, as the main shopping and business street in this area, was
planned with great attention by Prussian authorities, while the area around
Alexanderplatz grew up randomly and its streets did not follow any special
urban patterns. All potential international investors wanted to come to
Friedrichstra?e after the fall of the Wall, while Alexanderplatz was not so
attractive to them. Many famous architects took part in numerous competitions
regarding urban planning reconstructions of the famous Alex throughout the
20th century. These two areas of the Mitte district, Alexanderplatz and
Friedrichsta?e, are very important for contemporary Berlin and both areas
have different problems.
Teaching method: ‘Integrative urban design game’ for soft urban regeneration
Authors: Mrdjenovic Tatjana
Published: July 2014

Urban regeneration is challenged by contradictory process of globalization.
This double-sided process can enrich local communities or leave them at
margins of global society. Regarding globalization, most authorities claim
that urban planning and design are in paradigm crisis. The crisis is an
announcement for paradigm shift that is in contemporary theoretical and
conceptual frameworks. They give hope for the ?light at the end of the
tunnel?. Their common groundings are: ?soft and hard infrastructure?;
?agencies and structures?; ?power to?; ?new rationality?, ?common sense?;
?communicative action?; and ?integrative development?. The purpose of the
research is to discuss possibilities of teaching method ?Integrative urban
design game? for soft urban regeneration, elaborating it with respect to the
crisis in specific context of building bridges among academia and local
communities regarding various teaching approaches. The method was innovated
at the Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade and tested in Bac community. The
hypothesis is that the method provides soft infrastructure for urban
regeneration in local communities. The research will result in a form of
principles the game should be grounded on, using participative mimicry model
of present and future place for overcoming paradigm crisis. Methodological
approach is based on theoretical comparison, case study, and questionnaires
among stakeholders.
Random curds as mathematical models of fractal rhythm in architecture
Authors: Cirovic Ivana
Published: July 2014

The author Carl Bovill has suggested and described a method for generating
rhythm in architecture with the help of random curds, as they are the
mathematical models of unpredictable and uneven groupings which he recognizes
in natural shapes and in natural processes. He specified the rhythm generated
in this way as the fractal rhythm. Random curds can be generated by a simple
process of curdling, as suggested by B. Mandelbrot. This paper examines the
way in which the choice of probability for every stage or level of the
curdling process, and the number of stages in the procedure of curdling,
affect the characteristics of the obtained fractal object as a potential
mathematical model of rhythm in the design process. At the same time, this
paper examines the characteristics of rhythm in architecture which determine
whether the obtained fractal object will be accepted as an appropriate
mathematical model of the observed rhythm.
Classification Shifting Using the “Corporate/Other” Segment
Authors: Lail Bradley E. , Thomas Wayne B. , Winterbotham Glyn J.
Published: July 2014

SYNOPSIS

In this paper, we examine management's use of the “corporate/other” segment to mask the true performance of operating (or core) segments. The corporate/other segment represents firm-wide expenses not allocated to core segments. We find that managers take advantage of vague cost allocation requirements to shift expenses between the corporate/other segment and core segments. Specifically, in the presence of agency problems (i.e., transfer of resources to underperforming segments), our evidence is consistent with expenses being shifted from core segments to the corporate/other segment. This shifting increases the reported performance of underperforming core segments. In addition, when proprietary concerns are high (i.e., operations in less competitive industries), we find evidence consistent with corporate/other expenses being shifted to core segments. By shifting expenses to core segments, core profits are concealed when proprietary motives are present. Our research contributes to a growing literature on earnings manipulation through expense shifting (rather than accrual manipulation or real activities management).

Data Availability: The authors are willing to share the data upon request.
Can One Person Belong to Two Faiths? The Experience of Three Catholic Monks
Authors: Beltramini Enrico
Published: July 2014

In the last decade, the question of multireligious identity has begun to receive academic attention. In particular, scholars are beginning to explore examples of people who have experienced two religious traditions equally seriously – that is, the experience of ‘double religious belonging’. This paper reframes, in the light of the notion of double belonging, the lives and experiences of three Roman Catholic priests and monks who moved from Europe to India in the twentieth century and are regarded as ‘founders’ of the Saccidananda Ashram in South India, while providing insights on how we understand double religious identity and the process of religious identity formation.
Relaxor-PT Single Crystal Piezoelectric Sensors
Authors: Jiang Xiaoning , Kim Jinwook , Kim Kyugrim
Published: July 2014

Relaxor-PbTiO3 piezoelectric single crystals have been widely used in a broad range of electromechanical devices, including piezoelectric sensors, actuators, and transducers. This paper reviews the unique properties of these single crystals for piezoelectric sensors. Design, fabrication and characterization of various relaxor-PT single crystal piezoelectric sensors and their applications are presented and compared with their piezoelectric ceramic counterparts. Newly applicable fields and future trends of relaxor-PT sensors are also suggested in this review paper.
Thermoeconomic Evaluation of Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Systems (ISCCS)
Authors: Martín Javier , Rodríguez Eva , Paniagua Ignacio , Fernández Celina
Published: July 2014

Three alternatives for integrating a solar field with the bottoming cycle of a combined cycle plant are modeled: parabolic troughs with oil at intermediate and low cycle pressures and Fresnel linear collectors at low cycle pressure. It is assumed that the plant will always operate at nominal conditions, using post-combustion during the hours of no solar resource. A thermoeconomic study of the operation of the plant throughout a year has been carried out. The energy and exergy efficiencies of the plant working in fuel only and hybrid modes are compared. The energy efficiencies obtained are very similar; slightly better for the fuel only mode. The exergy efficiencies are slightly better for hybrid operation than for fuel-only mode, due to the high exergy destruction associated with post-combustion. The values for solar electric efficiency are in line with those of similar studies. The economic study shows that the Fresnel hybridization alternative offers similar performance to the others at a significantly lower cost.
Effects of Antidepressants on IP-10 Production in LPS-Activated THP-1 Human Monocytes
Authors: Tsai Jui-Hsiu , Kuo Chang-Hung , Yang Pinchen , Cheng Kuang-Hung , Wang Peng-Wei , Chen Cheng-Chung , Hung Chih-Hsing
Published: July 2014

Major depressive disorder and cardiovascular disease are common serious illnesses worldwide. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors may reduce the mortality of cardiovascular disease patients with comorbid depression. Interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), a type 1 T helper cell (Th1)-related chemokine, contributes to manifestations of atherosclerosis during cardiovascular inflammations; however, the pathophysiological mechanisms linking cardiovascular disease and effective antidepressants have remained elusive. We investigated the in vitro effects of six different classes of antidepressants on the IP-10 chemokine expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes, and their detailed intracellular mechanisms. The human monocytes were pretreated with antidepressants (10−8–10−5 M) before LPS-stimulation. IP-10 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and then intracellular signaling was investigated using Western blotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Fluoxetine and bupropion suppressed LPS-induced IP-10 expression in monocytes, and they had no cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, fluoxetine inhibited LPS-induced IP-10 expression via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-p38 pathway. Fluoxetine and bupropion could not only treat depression but also reduce Th1-related chemokine IP-10 production in human monocytes. Our results may indicate a possible mechanism related to how particular antidepressants reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Triterpenoids from Gymnema sylvestre and Their Pharmacological Activities
Authors: Fabio Giovanni , Romanucci Valeria , De Marco Anna , Zarrelli Armando
Published: July 2014

Because plants are estimated to produce over 200,000 metabolites, research into new natural substances that can be used in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and agro-industrial production of drugs, biopesticides and food additives has grown in recent years. The global market for plant-derived drugs over the last decade has been estimated to be approximately 30.69 billion USD. A relevant specific example of a plant that is very interesting for its numerous pharmacological properties, which include antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, and neuroprotective effects is Gymnema sylvestre, used as a medicinal plant in Asia for thousands of years. Its properties are attributed to triterpenoidic saponins. In light of the considerable interest generated in the chemistry and pharmacological properties of G. sylvestre triterpenes and their analogues, we have undertaken this review in an effort to summarise the available literature on these promising bioactive natural products. The review will detail studies on the isolation, chemistry and bioactivity of the triterpenoids, which are presented in the tables. In particular the triterpenoids oxidised at C-23; their isolation, distribution in different parts of the plant, and their NMR spectral data; their names and physico-chemical characterisation; and the biological properties associated with these compounds, with a focus on their potential chemotherapeutic applications.
Work-Family Conflict: The Effects of Religious Context on Married Women’s Participation in the Labor Force
Authors: Rogers Jenna , Franzen Aaron
Published: July 2014

Past work shows religion’s effect on women’s career decisions, particularly when these decisions involve work-family conflict. This study argues that the religious context of a geographic area also influences women’s solutions to work-family conflict through more or less pervasive normative expectations within the community regarding women’s roles and responsibilities to the family. We use the American Community Survey linked with community-level religious proportions to test the relationship between religious contexts and women’s participation in the labor force in the contiguous United States–2054 census geographic areas. Using spatial analysis, we find that community religious concentration is related to the proportion of women who choose not to work. Communities with a higher proportion of the population belonging to conservative religious traditions also have a greater proportion of married women choosing not to work outside the home.
A Selective Ultrahigh Responding High Temperature Ethanol Sensor Using TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Arafat M. , Haseeb A. , Akbar Sheikh
Published: July 2014

In this research work, the sensitivity of TiO2 nanoparticles towards C2H5OH, H2 and CH4 gases was investigated. The morphology and phase content of the particles was preserved during sensing tests by prior heat treatment of the samples at temperatures as high as 750 °C and 1000 °C. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were employed to characterize the size, morphology and phase content of the particles. For sensor fabrication, a film of TiO2 was printed on a Au interdigitated alumina substrate. The sensing temperature was varied from 450 °C to 650 °C with varying concentrations of target gases. Results show that the sensor has ultrahigh response towards ethanol (C2H5OH) compared to hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4). The optimum sensing temperature was found to be 600 °C. The response and recovery times of the sensor are 3 min and 15 min, respectively, for 20 ppm C2H5OH at the optimum operating temperature of 600 °C. It is proposed that the catalytic action of TiO2 with C2H5OH is the reason for the ultrahigh response of the sensor.
Humidity Sensors Printed on Recycled Paper and Cardboard
Authors: Mraović Matija , Muck Tadeja , Pivar Matej , Trontelj Janez , Pleteršek Anton
Published: July 2014

Research, design, fabrication and results of various screen printed capacitive humidity sensors is presented in this paper. Two types of capacitive humidity sensors have been designed and fabricated via screen printing on recycled paper and cardboard, obtained from the regional paper and cardboard industry. As printing ink, commercially available silver nanoparticle-based conductive ink was used. A considerable amount of work has been devoted to the humidity measurement methods using paper as a dielectric material. Performances of different structures have been tested in a humidity chamber. Relative humidity in the chamber was varied in the range of 35%–80% relative humidity (RH) at a constant temperature of 23 °C. Parameters of interest were capacitance and conductance of each sensor material, as well as long term behaviour. Process reversibility has also been considered. The results obtained show a mainly logarithmic response of the paper sensors, with the only exception being cardboard-based sensors. Recycled paper-based sensors exhibit a change in value of three orders of magnitude, whereas cardboard-based sensors have a change in value of few 10s over the entire scope of relative humidity range (RH 35%–90%). Two different types of capacitor sensors have been investigated: lateral (comb) type sensors and modified, perforated flat plate type sensors. The objective of the present work was to identify the most important factors affecting the material performances with humidity, and to contribute to the development of a sensor system supported with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip directly on the material, for use in smart packaging applications. Therefore, the authors built a passive and a battery-supported wireless module based on SL900A smart sensory tag’s IC to achieve UHF-RFID functionality with data logging capability.
Aryl substitution of pentacenes
Authors: Waterloo Andreas R , Sale Anna-Chiara , Lehnherr Dan , Hampel Frank , Tykwinski Rik R
Published: July 2014

A series of 11 new pentacene derivatives has been synthesized, with unsymmetrical substitution based on a trialkylsilylethynyl group at the 6-position and various aryl groups appended to the 13-position. The electronic and physical properties of the new pentacene chromophores have been analyzed by UV–vis spectroscopy (solution and thin films), thermoanalytical methods (DSC and TGA), cyclic voltammetry, as well as X-ray crystallography (for 8 derivatives). X-ray crystallography has been specifically used to study the influence of unsymmetrical substitution on the solid-state packing of the pentacene derivatives. The obtained results add to our ability to better predict substitution patterns that might be helpful for designing new semiconductors for use in solid-state devices.
Coûts de défrichement, rente foncière et valeur de la terre agricole
Authors: Amigues Jean-Pierre , Ayong Le Kama Alain , Chakravorty Ujjayant , Moreaux Michel
Published: July 2014

Résumé On se propose de montrer, dans cet article, que la non-prise en compte des coûts de défrichement ne permet pas de construire une dynamique de l’extension des terres cultivées lorsque la pression de la demande des produits de l’agriculture voudrait qu’il faille consacrer aux activités agricoles une part croissante des terres disponibles. Nous montrons aussi que la pertinence des prédictions d’un modèle statique, quant à l’extension maximale de cette partie du territoire qu’il convient de mettre en culture, dépend fortement des caractéristiques de cette fonction de coûts de défrichement.