bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical mechanisms of spatially contagious seed dispersal in complex seed‐disperser networks
Authors: Fedriani José M. , Wiegand Thorsten
Published: July 2013

Intra‐ and interspecific spatially contagious seed dispersal has far‐reaching implications for plant recruitment, distribution, and community assemblage. However, logistical and analytical limitations have curtailed our understanding concerning the mechanisms and resulting spatial patterns of contagious seed dispersal in most systems and, especially, in complex seed‐disperser networks. We investigated mechanisms of seed aggregation using techniques of spatial point pattern analysis and extensive data sets on mutispecific endozoochorous seed rain generated by five frugivorous mammals in three Mediterranean shrublands over two seasons. Our novel analytical approach revealed three hierarchical and complementary mechanisms of seed aggregation acting at different levels (fecal samples, seeds, pairs of seed species) and spatial scales. First, the three local guilds of frugivores tended to deliver their feces highly aggregated at small and intermediate spatial scales, and the overall pattern of fecal delivery could be described well by a nested double‐cluster Thomas process. Second, once the strong observed fecal aggregation was accounted for, the distribution of mammal feces containing seeds was clustered within the pattern of all feces (i.e., with and without seeds), and the density of fecal samples containing seeds was higher than expected around other feces containing seeds in two out of the three studied seed‐disperser networks. Finally, at a finer level, mark correlation analyses revealed that for some plant species pairs, the number of dispersed seeds was positively associated either at small or large spatial scales. Despite the relatively invariant patterning of nested double‐clustering, some attributes of endozoochorous seed rain (e.g., intensity, scales of aggregation) were variable among study sites due to changes in the ecological context in which seeds and their dispersers interact. Our investigation disentangles for the first time the hierarchy of synergic mechanisms of spatially contagious seed dispersal at a range of spatial scales in complex seed‐disperser networks, thus providing a robust and widely applicable framework for future studies.
Efficacy of Preprocedural Mouth Rinsing in Reducing Aerosol Contamination Produced by Ultrasonic Scaler: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gupta Gunjan , Mitra Dipika , Ashok K.P. , Gupta Arun , Soni Sweta , Ahmed Sameer , Arya Ashtha
Published: July 2013

Background: The aerosol generated by an ultrasonic scaler contains microorganisms that can penetrate into the body through the respiratory system of dental surgeons and patients. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of commercially available preprocedural mouthrinses containing 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, an herbal mouthwash, and water in reducing the levels of viable bacteria in aerosols.

Methods: This single‐center, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled, randomized, three‐group parallel design was conducted over a period of 45 days. Twenty‐four patients with chronic periodontitis were divided randomly into three groups (A, B, and C) of eight patients each to receive 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, herbal mouthwash, and water, respectively, as a preprocedural rinse. The aerosol produced by the ultrasonic unit was collected at patient's chest area, doctor's chest area, and assistant's chest area on blood agar plates in all three groups. The blood agar plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours, and the total number of colony‐forming units (CFUs) was counted and statistically analyzed.

Results: The results showed that CFUs in groups A and B were significantly reduced compared with group C, P <0.001 (analysis of variance). Also, CFUs in group A were significantly reduced compared with group B, P <0.05 (independent t‐test). The numbers of CFUs were highest at the patient's chest area and lowest at the assistant's chest area.

Conclusion: This study suggests that a routine preprocedural mouthrinse could eliminate the majority of bacterial aerosols generated by the use of an ultrasonic unit, and that 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate is more effective than herbal mouthwash.
Examining the effectiveness of residential water demand-side management policies in Israel
Authors: Lavee D. , Danieli Y. , Beniad G. , Shvartzman T. , Ash T.
Published: July 2013

Increasing global water shortage is enhancing the need for water management policies, such as water demand policies. This study presents the main water demand-side management policies implemented in Israel, designed to reduce water demand in the urban sector, and subsequently examines their effectiveness by an econometric model, based on residential water consumption data. The main findings indicate that, among the economic policy tools, a smooth increase of water tariffs was not effective, while a drought surcharge led to a significant reduction in residential water demand. Educational policy tools also significantly reduced water demand, though the daily report on the Kinneret water level (a long-term educational tool) had a larger effect on residential water consumption than awareness campaigns (a short-term educational tool). These results may assist policymakers to make informed decisions regarding the implementation of such policy tools.
How effective are the new WASH security guidelines for India? An empirical case study of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Kurian Baby V. , Ratna Reddy V.
Published: July 2013

India has been making policies relating to the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector since independence. The 2010 policy guidelines for the water and sanitation sectors have embarked on a new path of water security by identifying and emphasizing the importance of hitherto nagging bottlenecks in sustainable service delivery. This paper attempts to assess these policy guidelines critically and suggest ways to make them effective from the point of view of putting them into operation. This paper argues the following. (i) WASH sector financing needs to be addressed directly with realistic assessment of unit costs and their composition. (ii) Within the WASH sector sanitation needs special focus in terms of planning and allocations. Treating sanitation as an add-on to water would not be enough to improve the sanitation and hygiene conditions. The approach to sanitation needs to be focused on creating demand at the household level, segregating private and public responsibilities in this regard. (iii) Although the new guidelines try to bring a much needed balance between the cost components of new capital investment, they are not clear about post-construction support, especially capital maintenance and ring fencing the allocations towards O&M (operations and maintenance), as well as emphasizing that capital maintenance is critical for sustainable service delivery.
Rise and fall of left wing terrorism
Authors: Jazic Aleksandar
Published: July 2013

The author analyses the key features of left-wing terrorism through the Red
Brigades, a terrorist organization formed in Italy in the late 1960s. The
complex situation in the country after World War II and the changes in
international relations had caused the formation of this terrorist
organization. The Red Brigades sought a complete transformation of the
Italian society in line with the ideology of Marxism-Leninism. This terrorist
organization was engaged in many terrorist activities and the most common
targets were big capital owners and political officials. After World War II,
West Germany had had the same problem as Italy, which prompted the formation
of another terrorist organization - the Red Army Faction based in this
country. The Red Army Faction acted in line with the same ideological
principles and pursued the same goals as the Red Brigades, which resulted in
close cooperation between the two. Both organizations established cooperation
with other terrorist organizations around the world. After the Cold War, the
activities of these organizations weakened and progressively disappeared.
Meanwhile, radical Islamic terrorist organizations emerged basing their
actions on religious grounds. However, there are some similarities and
differences between Islamic and left wing terrorist organizations.
Scanning electron microscopy analysis of adhesive bond of glass-ionomer cement restorations
Authors: Davidovic Lado , Stojanovic Nikola , Krunic Jelena , Zivkovic Slavoljub
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Lack of proper adhesion is one of the most common problems in
modern restorative dentistry and the main cause of the occurrence of
microcracks at the interface between materials and hard dental tissue. The
aim of this study was to assess the quality of bond between two types of
glass-ionomer cement (GIC) class V restorations and hard dental tissues by
SEM. Materials and Methods. This clinical study included 20 intact teeth
(premolars and molars) recently extracted for orthodontic reasons in patients
of both genders and different ages. Class V cavity with rounded walls was
prepared on vestibular and oral surfaces of all teeth (3x2x2 mm).
Conventional GIC Fuji II was applied on vestibular surface of teeth whereas
on oral surface resin-reinforced glass ionomer Fuji II LC was placed. The
bond between fillings and hard dental tissue was assessed by SEM. Results.
Both materials showed microcracks, however, microleakage was lower with Fuji
II LC than with Fuji II. Microcracks were observed in 65% of cases (13
restorations) restored with GIC Fuji II and 35% (7 fillings) restored with
GIC Fuji II LC. The size of microcracks for Fuji II LC was 9 ?m while this
value for Fuji II was 17 ?m. The difference was statistically significant.
Conclusion. Better bond between material and hard dental tissue was achieved
with the material of new generation, resin modified GIC.
The foundations of social epistemology
Authors: Corlett Angelo
Published: July 2013

There is no more prolific analytical philosopher than Alvin I. Goldman when
it comes to social epistemology. During the past two decades, he has done
more than any other analytical philosopher to set the tone for how social
epistemology ought to be conceptualized. However, while Goldman has provided
numerous contributions to our understanding of how applied epistemology can
assist not only philosophy, but other fields of learning such as the
sciences, law, and communication theory, there are concerns with the way he
conceptualizes the foundations of social epistemology. One is that he
somewhat problematically partitions off social epistemology from traditional
analytic epistemology in ways that make the latter, but not the former,
naturalistic and reliabilist (on his construal of naturalism and
reliabilism). Another difficulty is that he seems not to recognize that
social epistemology poses a rather embarrassingly potential problem for
traditional epistemology, namely, it exposes traditional epistemology?s
excessive individualism. That Goldman seems not to recognize this is
evidenced by the fact that in his conceptualization of the foundations of
epistemology he retains traditional epistemology as an area of philosophical
inquiry on its own terms, without arguing that elements of the social might
well have to be taken into account by traditional analyses of human
knowledge. Thus, to put it in the terms of another social epistemologist,
Steve Fuller, Goldman?s social epistemology is not revisionistic, though
Goldman himself insists that it is normative. This leads to a third problem
for Goldman?s social epistemology, namely, that it contains no justified true
belief analysis of the nature of social knowledge.
Dualism, mental explanations and explanatory exclusion
Authors: Nesic Janko
Published: July 2013

Kim?s principle of explanatory exclusion (EE) generates the problem of mental explanation for dualism. Gibb argues that Kim?s principle is metaphysically implausible, but shows that a weaker principle EE* generates a similar problem for interactive dualism. In this paper I examine a possible dualistic response to arguments from EE and EE*. It is shown that both arguments from EE and EE* rest on the premises of the argument from overdetermination - causal exclusion and causal closure. Problem of explanatory exclusion can be
reduced to the problem of causal overdetermination. I will show how an
interactive dualist can make a plausible response to the argument from EE by
rejecting the argument from causal overdetermination.
Zasto su nasi „svetovi opazanja“ razliciti? - Karen Gloy: Wahrnehmungswelten, Alber philosophie, München, 2011
Authors: Deretic Irina
Published: July 2013

nema
Comparison and Analysis of Macro Energy Scenarios in China and a Decomposition-Based Approach to Quantifying the Impacts of Economic and Social Development
Authors: Pan Lingying , Guo Zheng , Liu Pei , Ma Linwei , Li Zheng
Published: July 2013

China has been experiencing a rapid urbanization and industrialization progress with continuous increase in primary energy consumption. Meanwhile, China’s changing economic and society structure also introduces huge uncertainty to its future energy demand. Many energy research institutes periodically publish projections of macro energy scenarios of China up to 2030 and 2050, but these projections differ from one another in terms of total amount of energy consumption and energy flows amongst sectors. In this work, we firstly illustrate major differences between existing scenarios based on a literature survey. We then compare and analyze the different projection methods, key policy assumptions, and other boundary conditions adopted in obtaining these scenarios. Then an index decomposition method is introduced with the purpose of decoupling the impacts of economic growth and population growth on the projection to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Our results illustrate that projections from domestic research institutes tend to be more optimistic regarding clean and sustainable utilization of coal in the future. Also, projections on energy consumption in China are exclusively linearly dependent on projections of economic and population growth in most scenarios, whilst in some other scenarios the impacts of oil price, international trade, and other drivers are also rather significant.
Enhanced Development of Azoxymethane-Induced Colonic Preneoplastic Lesions in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Kochi Takahiro , Shimizu Masahito , Ohno Tomohiko , Baba Atsushi , Sumi Takafumi , Kubota Masaya , Shirakami Yohei , Tsurumi Hisashi , Tanaka Takuji , Moriwaki Hisataka
Published: July 2013

Metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. This study investigated the impact of hypertension, a component of metabolic syndrome, on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colorectal carcinogenesis using SHRSP/Izm (SHRSP) non-diabetic/hypertensive rats and SHRSP.Z-Leprfa/IzmDmcr (SHRSP-ZF) diabetic/hypertensive rats. Male 6-week-old SHRSP, SHRSP-ZF, and control non-diabetic/normotensive Wister Kyoto/Izm (WKY) rats were given 2 weekly intraperitoneal injections of AOM (20 mg/kg body weight). Two weeks after the last injection of AOM, the SHRSP and SHRSP-ZF rats became hypertensive compared to the control WKY rats. Serum levels of angiotensin-II, the active product of the renin-angiotensin system, were elevated in both SHRSP and SHRSP-ZF rats, but only the SHRSP-ZF rats developed insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hyperleptinemia and exhibited an increase in adipose tissue. The development of AOM-induced colonic preneoplastic lesions and aberrant crypts foci, was significantly accelerated in both SHRSP and SHRSP-ZF hypertensive rats, compared to WKY normotensive rats. Furthermore, induction of oxidative stress and exacerbation of inflammation were observed in the colonic mucosa and systemically in SHRSP and SHRSP-ZF rats. Our findings suggest that hypertension plays a role in the early stage of colorectal carcinogenesis by inducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which might be associated with activation of the renin-angiotensin system.
Effect of Amphipathic HIV Fusion Inhibitor Peptides on POPC and POPC/Cholesterol Membrane Properties: A Molecular Simulation Study
Authors: Martins do Canto António , Carvalho Alfredo , Ramalho João , Loura Luís
Published: July 2013

T-20 and T-1249 fusion inhibitor peptides were shown to interact with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) (liquid disordered, ld) and POPC/cholesterol (1:1) (POPC/Chol) (liquid ordered, lo) bilayers, and they do so to different extents. Although they both possess a tryptophan-rich domain (TRD), T-20 lacks a pocket binding domain (PBD), which is present in T-1249. It has been postulated that the PBD domain enhances FI interaction with HIV gp41 protein and with model membranes. Interaction of these fusion inhibitor peptides with both the cell membrane and the viral envelope membrane is important for function, i.e., inhibition of the fusion process. We address this problem with a molecular dynamics approach focusing on lipid properties, trying to ascertain the consequences and the differences in the interaction of T-20 and T-1249 with ld and lo model membranes. T-20 and T-1249 interactions with model membranes are shown to have measurable and different effects on bilayer structural and dynamical parameters. T-1249’s adsorption to the membrane surface has generally a stronger influence in the measured parameters. The presence of both binding domains in T-1249 appears to be paramount to its stronger interaction, and is shown to have a definite importance in membrane properties upon peptide adsorption.
Sub-Threshold Standard Cell Sizing Methodology and Library Comparison
Authors: Liu Bo , De Gyvez Jose , Ashouei Maryam
Published: July 2013

Scaling the voltage to the sub-threshold region is a convincing technique to achieve low power in digital circuits. The problem is that process variability severely impacts the performance of circuits operating in the sub-threshold domain. In this paper, we evaluate the sub-threshold sizing methodology of [1,2] on 40 nm and 90 nm standard cell libraries. The concept of the proposed sizing methodology consists of balancing the mean of the sub-threshold current of the equivalent N and P networks. In this paper, the equivalent N and P networks are derived based on the best and worst case transition times. The slack available in the best-case timing arc is reduced by using smaller transistors on that path, while the timing of the worst-case timing arc is improved by using bigger transistors. The optimization is done such that the overall area remains constant with regard to the area before optimization. Two sizing styles are applied, one is based on both transistor width and length tuning, and the other one is based on width tuning only. Compared to super-threshold libraries, at 0.3 V, the proposed libraries achieve 49% and 89% average cell timing improvement and 55% and 31% power delay product improvement at 40 nm and 90 nm respectively. From ITC (International Test Conference 99) benchmark circuit synthesis results, at 0.3 V the proposed library achieves up to 52% timing improvement and 53% power savings in the 40 nm technology node.
Measurement of Diurnal Body Tilt Angle Distributions of Threeline Grunt Parapristipoma trilineatum Using Micro-Acceleration Data Loggers
Authors: Tanoue Hideaki , Komatsu Teruhisa , Natheer Alabsi , Mitani Isamu , Watanabe Shinichi , Watanabe Yuuki , Hamano Akira , Miyazaki Nobuyuki
Published: July 2013

The body tilt angle of a fish has a large effect on the acoustic target strength. For an accurate estimation of fish abundance using acoustic methods, it is necessary to measure body tilt angles in free-ranging fish. We measured diurnal body tilt angle distributions of threeline grunt (Parapristipoma trilineatum) while swimming in schools in a fish cage. Micro-acceleration data loggers were used to record (for 3 days) swaying and surging accelerations (at 16 Hz intervals) of 10 individuals among 20 forming a school in a fish cage. Time series analysis of 1-h mean body tilt angles revealed significant differences in body tilt angles between day (−7.9 ± 3.28°) and night (0.8 ± 5.89°), which must be taken into account when conducting acoustic surveys. These results will be useful for calculating the average dorsal aspect target strength (TS) of threeline grunt for accurate estimations of fish abundance.
Effect of Grazing-Mediated Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) Production on the Swimming Behavior of the Copepod Calanus helgolandicus
Authors: Breckels Mark , Bode Nikolai , Codling Edward , Steinke Michael
Published: July 2013

Chemical interactions play a fundamental role in the ecology of marine foodwebs. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a ubiquitous marine trace gas that acts as a bioactive compound by eliciting foraging behavior in a range of marine taxa including the copepod Temora longicornis. Production of DMS can rapidly increase following microzooplankton grazing on phytoplankton. Here, we investigated whether grazing-induced DMS elicits an increase in foraging behavior in the copepod Calanus helgolandicus. We developed a semi-automated method to quantify the effect of grazing-mediated DMS on the proportion of the time budget tethered females allocate towards slow swimming, typically associated with feeding. The pooled data showed no differences in the proportion of the 25 min time budget allocated towards slow swimming between high (23.6 ± 9.74%) and low (29.1 ± 18.33%) DMS treatments. However, there was a high degree of variability between behavioral responses of individual copepods. We discuss the need for more detailed species-specific studies of individual level responses of copepods to chemical signals at different spatial scales to improve our understanding of chemical interactions between copepods and their prey.
Intelligent Membranes: Dream or Reality?
Authors: Gugliuzza Annarosa
Published: July 2013

Intelligent materials are claimed to overcome current drawbacks associated with the attainment of high standards of life, health, security and defense. Membrane-based sensors represent a category of smart systems capable of providing a large number of benefits to different markets of textiles, biomedicine, environment, chemistry, agriculture, architecture, transport and energy. Intelligent membranes can be characterized by superior sensitivity, broader dynamic range and highly sophisticated mechanisms of autorecovery. These prerogatives are regarded as the result of multi-compartment arrays, where complementary functions can be accommodated and well-integrated. Based on the mechanism of “sense to act”, stimuli-responsive membranes adapt themselves to surrounding environments, producing desired effects such as smart regulation of transport, wetting, transcription, hydrodynamics, separation, and chemical or energy conversion. Hopefully, the design of new smart devices easier to manufacture and assemble can be realized through the integration of sensing membranes with wireless networks, looking at the ambitious challenge to establish long-distance communications. Thus, the transfer of signals to collecting systems could allow continuous and real-time monitoring of data, events and/or processes.
Design Strategies for Functionalized Poly(2-oxazoline)s and Derived Materials
Authors: Rossegger Elisabeth , Schenk Verena , Wiesbrock Frank
Published: July 2013

The polymer class of poly(2-oxazoline)s currently is under intensive investigation due to the versatile properties that can be tailor-made by the variation and manipulation of the functional groups they bear. In particular their utilization in the biomedic(in)al field is the subject of numerous studies. Given the mechanism of the cationic ring-opening polymerization, a plethora of synthetic strategies exists for the preparation of poly(2-oxazoline)s with dedicated functionality patterns, comprising among others the functionalization by telechelic end-groups, the incorporation of substituted monomers into (co)poly(2-oxazoline)s, and polymeranalogous reactions. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-art of poly(2-oxazoline) preparation and showcases prominent examples of poly(2-oxazoline)-based materials, which are retraced to the desktop-planned synthetic strategy and the variability of their properties for dedicated applications.
Fluoxetine Induced Suicidal Erythrocyte Death
Authors: Jilani Kashif , Enkel Sigrid , Bissinger Rosi , Almilaji Ahmad , Abed Majed , Lang Florian
Published: July 2013

The antidepressant fluoxetine inhibits ceramide producing acid sphingomyelinase. Ceramide is in turn known to trigger eryptosis the suicidal death of erythrocytes characterized by cell shrinkage and exposure of phosphatidylserine at the erythrocyte surface. Ceramide is effective through sensitizing the erythrocytes to the pro-eryptotic effect of increased cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i). In nucleated cells, fluoxetine could either inhibit or stimulate suicidal death or apoptosis. The present study tested whether fluoxetine influences eryptosis. To this end cell volume was estimated from forward scatter, phosphatidylserine exposure from annexin V binding, hemolysis from hemoglobin release and [Ca2+]i from Fluo-3 fluorescence intensity. As a result, a 48 h exposure of erythrocytes to fluoxetine (≥25 µM) significantly decreased forward scatter, increased annexin V binding and enhanced [Ca2+]i. The effect on annexin V binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished, in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. In conclusion, fluoxetine stimulates eryptosis, an effect at least in part due to increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity.
Mini-Review: Novel Therapeutic Strategies to Blunt Actions of Pneumolysin in the Lungs
Authors: Lucas Rudolf , Czikora Istvan , Sridhar Supriya , Zemskov Evgeny , Gorshkov Boris , Siddaramappa Umapathy , Oseghale Aluya , Lawson Jonathan , Verin Alexander , Rick Ferenc , Block Norman , Pillich Helena , Romero Maritza , Leustik Martin , Schally Andrew , Chakraborty Trinad
Published: July 2013

Severe pneumonia is the main single cause of death worldwide in children under five years of age. The main etiological agent of pneumonia is the G+ bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which accounts for up to 45% of all cases. Intriguingly, patients can still die days after commencing antibiotic treatment due to the development of permeability edema, although the pathogen was successfully cleared from their lungs. This condition is characterized by a dramatically impaired alveolar epithelial-capillary barrier function and a dysfunction of the sodium transporters required for edema reabsorption, including the apically expressed epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and the basolaterally expressed sodium potassium pump (Na+-K+-ATPase). The main agent inducing this edema formation is the virulence factor pneumolysin, a cholesterol-binding pore-forming toxin, released in the alveolar compartment of the lungs when pneumococci are being lysed by antibiotic treatment or upon autolysis. Sub-lytic concentrations of pneumolysin can cause endothelial barrier dysfunction and can impair ENaC-mediated sodium uptake in type II alveolar epithelial cells. These events significantly contribute to the formation of permeability edema, for which currently no standard therapy is available. This review focuses on discussing some recent developments in the search for the novel therapeutic agents able to improve lung function despite the presence of pore-forming toxins. Such treatments could reduce the potentially lethal complications occurring after antibiotic treatment of patients with severe pneumonia.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in Beilschmiedia roxburghiana (Lauraceae)
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Zheng‐Feng , Li Qiao‐Ming , Ye Wan‐Hui , Cao Hong‐Lin , Wang Zhang‐Ming
Published: July 2013

• Premise of the study: Although there are as many as 250 species in the genus Beilschmiedia, their genetic diversity has been poorly investigated. Our objective was to develop microsatellite markers for B. roxburghiana to study its genetic diversity for the sustainable management of this species.

• Methods and Results: Using the microsatellite‐enriched library and PCR‐based screening method, 22 microsatellite markers were developed and 10 showed high polymorphism in a population. The number of alleles per locus for these 10 microsatellites ranged from five to 19. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.298 to 1.000 and from 0.314 to 0.878, respectively.

• Conclusions: Our results from the 10 highly polymorphic microsatellites indicate that the principal reproductive mode of B. roxburghiana is clonal in the studied population. These microsatellites will facilitate further studies on genetic diversity and structure in B. roxburghiana.
Targeting of putative fimbrial gene for detection of S. Typhi in typhoid fever and chronic typhoid carriers by nested PCR
Authors: Pratap Chandra Bhan , Kumar Gopal , Patel Saurabh Kumar , Verma Ajay Kumar , Shukla Vijay K , Kumar Kailash , Nath Gopal
Published: July 2013

Introduction: It is important to identify Salmonella Typhi infection quickly to treat acute fever patients and to prevent transmission by chronic typhoid carriers; therefore, a very specific and sensitive diagnostic technique is highly desirable, especially in endemic areas. The objective of this study was to develop a PCR protocol targeting the putative fimbrial staA gene of S. Typhi. This is a preferred target gene that is specifically amplified in the S. Typhi serotype compared to the commonly targeted fliC gene which may also be amplified from the non-typhoidal Salmonella Munchen serotype. Methodology: A new nested PCR primer methodology was designed to target the staA gene, which is a member of the fimbrial gene family specific to Salmonella Typhi only. Results: The primers were found to be very specific as the desired amplicon (377 bp) could be generated exclusively from S. Typhi strains including the reference strain (MTCC 3216) and 78 clinical isolates . Restriction digestion with HinfI confirmed the identity of the amplified DNA fragment in clinical specimens of S. Typhi origin.  Furthermore, these primers were able to detect a minimum of three colony forming units per ml (1fg) in spiked blood samples. The detection sensitivity of the described primers is comparable to that of previously published primers targeting fliC gene sequences. Conclusions: This study indicates that the primers targeting the putative fimbrial staA gene are very specific to the Typhi serotype and may be a better alternative to fliC targeted amplification based diagnosis.
Intestinal parasitic infection among the HIV-infected patients in Nepal
Authors: Tiwari Bishnu Raj , Ghimire Prakash , Malla Sarala , Sharma Bimala , Karki Surendra
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infection has been a significant problem in HIV patients, worldwide. In this study, we aimed to measure the prevalence and identify the factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection in people infected with HIV and attending National Public Health Laboratory in Kathmandu, Nepal, for CD4 T-cell count. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study in 745 HIV-infected people attending for CD4 T-cell count was conducted. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 22.4% (95% CI 19.5 to 25.5). In univariate analysis, age, sex, longer time since diagnosis of HIV, CD4 T-cell count of <200/µL, diarrhoea, marital status, and being under tuberculosis (TB) treatment were significantly associated with increased odds of intestinal parasite infection. However, in the logistic regression model, only the CD4 T-cell count of <200/µL (adjusted OR=4.2, 95% CI 2.5 to 7.0), diarrhoea (adjusted OR=2.8, 95% CI 1.8 to 4.3) and being under TB treatment (adjusted OR=2.9, 95% CI 1.8 to 4.6) remained as significant predictors. On stratification, CD4 T-cell count of <200/ µL was independently associated with higher odds of protozoal as well as helminthes infection. The parasites Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora were observed only in participants with CD4 T-cell counts <200/µL. Conclusions: Both protozoal and helminthic intestinal parasitic infections are common in HIV-infected people seeking care in healthcare facilities. The poor immune status as indicated by low CD4 T-cell count and TB may account for such a high risk of parasitic infection.
Edificio de oficinas en la Rambla de Cataluña – Barcelona
Authors: Francés Marqueta Manuel , Miró Llort Benito
Published: July 2013

Edificio muy característico y muy adecuado, en su uso, al solar de gran comercialidad que ocupa: Rambla de Cataluña, en el centro del ensanche barcelonés.
Por su vecindad con la iglesia de San Raimundo de Peñafort, sólo tres plantas ocupan todo el solar. Las otras doce se levantan en torre, de gran esbeltez y diafanidad, con cerramientos de muro-cortina, destacando netamente de las dos inmediatamente inferiores, que resaltan su solidez y horizontalidad, gracias a las franjas esculturadas de hormigón, obra de Subirachs.
Edificio en La Plaza Lesseps de Fernando Lesseps – Barcelona
Authors: Danés Albert
Published: July 2013

Esta interesante muestra de la arquitectura urbana está emplazada en Barcelona, con fachadas a dos calles de anchura diferente, por lo que el número de plantas es también distinto.
Sótanos destinados a estacionamiento de vehículos. Plantas bajas comerciales, con galerías de paso muy atractivas. Entresuelo, también comercial, y plantas altas de viviendas variadas.
Tratamiento exterior atrayente, a base de colores sólidos y sistema esgrafiado, contando con la valiosa colaboración de Lluciá Navarro i Rodón.
Pabellón de exposiciones del lNI Barcelona
Authors: Paradinas Juan , García-Germán Luis , Casanova Fernández José Ignacio
Published: July 2013

Destinado a exponer las actividades del Organismo, está emplazado en el recinto de la Feria Oficial e Internacional de Muestras de Barcelona.
Ocupa un solar de 3.000 m2. Consta de dos plantas, con una superficie construida total de 3.416 m2, entre las dos, y los criterios seguidos han sido: proyectar y construir un edificio claro en su funcionamiento; flexible en su adaptabilidad; trascendente en su aspecto estético, y económico en su construcción y en su conservación.
Dispone de ámbitos diferentes para exposiciones permanentes y monográficas; oficinas, sala de proyección, servicios, bar, aseos, información, ordenadores, teléfonos y sótano-almacén, con entrada directa para vehículos pesados.
Es característica la estructura de hormigón postesado visto, compuesta por siete pórticos de sección circular, de 1,60 m de diámetro, en vigas y pilares, con luz de 40 m y unos 7 m de altura, situados a 6 m entre ejes.
Viaducto de ferrocarril, en Gerona
Authors: Fernández Casado C. , Manterola J. , Fernández Troyano L.
Published: July 2013

Se describe la construcción de un viaducto de unos 5 km de vía elevada, con vanos de 20 m de luz media, destinado a facilitar la expansión hacia el NE. de la ciudad, cortada hasta ahora por la línea del ferrocarril Barcelona-Port Bou.
Dadas las condiciones particulares de la obra y el imperativo de mantener el tráfico en todo momento, se eligió el sistema de dos cimbras autoportantes.
Transversalmente el dintel se resuelve a base de sección trapecial con voladizos, aligerado interiormente con alvéolos circulares. Longitudinalmente se adoptó la solución de viga continua, por las ventajas que representa en cuanto a supresión de juntas y de anclajes. Cimentación sobre zapatas directas.
La construcción se ha realizado con hormigón pretensado y puede dividirse en tres partes fundamentales: Acceso lado Barcelona; Estación de viajeros; Estación de viajeros-río Ter.
Cruz azul y escudo azul, centro de servicio - Carolina del Norte – (EE. UU.)
Authors: Odell asociados inc. Arquitectos e ingenieros
Published: July 2013

Este edificio está situado junto a la carretera Ciiapel Hill-Durliam y alberga las instalaciones de dos importantes compañías de seguros fusionadas.
Su forma no es caprichosa, sino que obedece a motivaciones de tipo estructural, como protección de los rayos solares y de los vientos dominantes, sin olvidar la misión de reclamo publicitario que suele ser característica de este tipo de construcciones, así como lograr un cierto aislamiento del ruido que produce el tráfico rodado de la carretera próxima.
Estructura metálica, cerramientos de muros - cortina, toda suerte de modernas instalaciones y máximo respeto del entorno natural y arbóreo existente.
Edificio administrativo de Francfort del Main - Alemania Federal
Authors: Hentrich-Petschnigg & Partner Arquitectos
Published: July 2013

El edificio está incluido en la segunda fase del programa constructivo de esta importante firma industrial, y está destinado a albergar el centro administrativo y contable de la empresa.
Consta de sótano, planta baja y ocho plantas superiores, con tres núcleos de comunicación vertical, localizados en escaleras y ascensores, y grupos sanitarios.
La estructura es de hormigón armado; los cerramientos, de piezas especiales de hostalit, y las ventanas, de vidrio termopane.
Nuevo edificio Consejo Municipal de Colonia - Alemania Federal
Authors: Schürmann Joachim , Schürmann Margot
Published: July 2013

Premisas fundamentales: capacidad para 150 puestos de trabajo, servicios centrales comunes (comedor, sesiones, biblioteca, vivienda del portero, garaje) y posibilidad de ampliación en planta baja, además de procurar una acertada y homogénea inserción en el entorno, constituido por viviendas de poca altura rodeadas de jardín.
Consta de seis plantas sobre el nivel del suelo, en las que se distribuyen: los vestíbulos, recepción, archivo, salas de conferencias y de exposiciones, gerencia, biblioteca e instalaciones de refrigeración y calefacción en la más alta. El sótano contiene: el garaje, almacenes, archivos, bar, etc.
Construcción modulada, con forjados aislados y ventanas con lámina doble de cristal. Se ha procurado conservar la mayor parte de los árboles existentes.
Construcción arquitectónica mediante módulos tridimensionales
Authors: GO. DB. Arquitectos Asociados
Published: July 2013

1. ARQUITECTURA MODULAR TRIDIMENSIONAL (Modul-Arch).
Es un sistema de construcción que permite producir íntegramente en factoría cualquier modelo de Habitat a partir del
Modulo Tridimensional MA 3.
El MA 3 es la Unidad Básica Arquitectónica que admite múltiples modos de agrupación en una o varias plantas.
La producción en factoría aplica a los espacios habitables todas las Técnicas Industriales: repetición mecánica de procesos, control máximo de calidad y montaje en cadena.
En términos de ocupación laboral puede estimarse un ahorro del 50% en mano de obra. Esta precisa muy escasa especialización, por cuanto la factoría utiliza moldes (para producción de los esqueletos modulares de hormigón armado) y los montajes sobre dichos esqueletos («Containers») se refieren a componentes suministrados totalmente acabados por la Industria Auxiliar.
El esqueleto modular del MA 3 es un verdadero «Container» que permite expedir al terreno espacios habitables totalmente terminados.
Los módulos se envían al terreno sobre camión a razón de tres módulos por vehículo. En el terreno unos pocos operarios realizan el montaje, con auxilio de una grúa, a razón de un MA 3 cada 15 minutos.
2. FACTORÍA La Factoría Tipo, con capacidad para 240 m2 diarios (24 MA 3), precisa un terreno con dimensiones mínimas de 80 X 180 m (14.600 m2).
Su entrada en producción puede realizarse en dos etapas sucesivas, con objeto de adiestrar progresivamente al personal. Por la misma razón las instalaciones e inversiones también se pueden realizar escalonadamente. 80 m2 diarios jornada de 8 h. 30 millones de pesetas.
1. Etapa: Producción: Inversión.
2. Etapa: Producción: 240 m2 diarios en jornada de 8 h.
Inversión: 50 millones de pesetas. En estos costos se comprende el equipo mecánico y edificaciones, pero no el solar de los terrenos.
La producción del esqueleto modular de cada MA 3 precisa 31 horas de mano de obra directa, que equivale a 3,03 h/m2 y 0,30 h/m2 de personal indirecto (Dirección y Administración).
Los tiempos de montajes varían de acuerdo con el modelo de habitat en producción.
Puente sobre del Danubio en Linz – Austria
Authors: Krapfenbauer Robert
Published: July 2013

Este puente, que atraviesa el Danubio y su zona de inundación, tiene 35 m de anchura y 407 m de longitud. Se ha subdividido en cuatro tramos: dos de 60 m, uno de 72, y otro de 215 metros.
Está formado por una gran pila central, de 65 m de altura, un tablero y tres haces de cables que, partiendo de la citada pila, sustentan al tablero.
Dicho tablero está constituido por: cuatro vigas principales en sentido longitudinal, una serie de vigas transversales, y una capa de rodadura, tratada como placa ortotrópica y formada por una chapa de acero reforzada con nervaduras.
El puente, realizado totalmente en acero, se ha construido tramo a tramo, por el sistema de voladizos sucesivos.
Pasarela en Le Havre Francia
Authors: Gillet Guillaume , Du Pasquier Gerard , Lefranc Henry
Published: July 2013

El perfil longitudinal de esta pasarela es el de una parábola cúbica con 6 m de flecha y 105 m de longitud.
Esencialmente está constituida por una pila metálica —que soporta dos tramos desiguales— situada a 3/10 de la longitud con el fin de reutilizar, para su cimentación, la pila de un antiguo puente; tiene la forma de una gran A, cuyos montantes son pirámides de sección triangular formados por palastros soldados entre sí.
Los tramos, a su vez, están formados por: dos vigas laterales metálicas, soldadas; una serie de traviesas, también metálicas, distanciadas 2,50 m y unidas a las vigas mediante bulones; y, apoyando sobre estas últimas, una losa de hormigón armado de 10 cm de espesor, protegida por un revestimiento de gran adherencia motivado por la fuerte pendiente de los accesos.
La solución suspendida ha permitido dar un espesor muy pequeño a la pasarela, con lo que apenas se obstaculizan las perspectivas de la dársena.
Su forma asimétrica, unida a la gran esbeltez de la pila, la hacen muy adecuada a su emplazamiento en pleno centro de la ciudad.
Instituto de economía en St. Pölten – Austria
Authors: Schwanzer K.
Published: July 2013

La característica principal de este Instituto es su configuración a base de un cuerpo de construcción plano, destinado a aulas y talleres, combinado con una torre de 17 plantas en las que se distribuyen las habitaciones de los residentes.
El cuerpo plano lo forman bloques de una sola planta baja, dispuestos entre otros que poseen, además, una planta superior. La relación entre ellos consigue que la cubierta de los primeros sirva de terrazas para la primera planta de los segundos.
El conjunto se caracteriza por su construcción totalmente en hormigón visto y por el empleo de grandes jácenas —que alojan alféizares— sin apoyos, de hasta 17,15 m de longitud.
El edificio para los residentes se ha subdividido en unidades de internado, de las cuales cada una comprende tres semiplantas. En la central se hallan los dormitorios en forma de celdas, mientras que en las otras dos se han colocado las zonas de estar que completan cada unidad.
La capacidad del Instituto es de 1.600 personas, para las cuales se han previsto 150 plazas de aparcamiento.
Sobre el funcionamiento de la viga-carril metálica y las tensiones locales y secundarias
Authors: Rivacoba José
Published: July 2013

En la segunda parte del artículo se completa la información sobre la viga-carril de sección en doble te, presentada en la primera parte, y se comentan los métodos analíticos de cálculo de la viga-carril de sección en cajón.
Responsabilidad y marcas de calidad. Conferencia pronunciada en Barcelona, el 11 de diciembre de 1974 en el II Congreso Nacional de la Calidad
Authors: Vila Miguel
Published: July 2013

Se reproduce aquí la conferencia pronunciada por el autor en el II Congreso Nacional de la Calidad, en Barcelona (España), en la que se exponen conceptos, proyectos, realizaciones y planes para el futuro, representando las inquietudes del sector, y se transmiten las obras concretas y la filosofía de un grupo de trabajo CIETSID, con la participación del Instituto Eduardo Torreja, CENIM, A.E.C.C., de los organismos oficiales, colegios profesionales, UNESID y fabricantes.
Construcción de viviendas de módulos hexagonales
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: July 2013

Se describe en el artículo el origen creacional de este sistema de prefabricación con piezas de hormigón armado, basado en la adecuada combinación de proporciones matemáticas; con definición de todas y cada una de las piezas que intervienen en la construcción de un bloque en altura de viviendas; montaje del edificio, fabricación de las diferentes piezas y número de ellas que interviene en cada vivienda. La idea de este tipo de viviendas, su forma constructiva y conjunto de piezas para la prefabricación es del Doctor Ingeniero Industrial Emilio González Espinosa de los Monteros, y en la actualidad se está aplicando a la construcción de un bloque de 88 viviendas en 11 plantas, cuyo proyecto es de los arquitectos Eduardo Ramos Guerbós y Antonio García Garrido.
Lo que se debe a las cimentaciones
Authors: Oroviogoicoechea Alberto , Escola Rafael
Published: July 2013

En el artículo se describen: los problemas que surgen cuando la cimentación ha de actuar sobre terrenos poco consistentes o cuando se quieren cumplir tolerancias muy estrechas; de dónde provienen dichos problemas; las exigencias que no son realmente necesarias, con ejemplos apropiados; las magnitudes absolutas y relativas admisibles de asientos diferenciales, en estructuras de hormigón, muros, tabiques y estructuras metálicas; las tolerancias para instalaciones mecánicas; recomendaciones para proyecto, y una tabla que recoge las tolerancias propuestas para asientos relativos.
Dique de Eider - Alemania Federal
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: July 2013

Se describen en este artículo los diferentes y minuciosos trabajos de investigación, proyecto y construcción de esta compleja obra que enlaza Hundeknoll y Vollerwiek.
Las cuatro grandes partes más importantes de que se compone son:
a) la creación de una isla artificial;
b) construcción de la presa Eider;
c) el dique Eider, propiamente dicho, y
d) la presa auxiliar, que llega hasta Tonning, separando la marisma de Katinger y el Eider.
Dada la violencia del mar en determinadas épocas del año, los movimientos de bloques de hielo en invierno y el transporte anual de grandes masas de arena, se han llevado a cabo ensayos en modelo reducido para realizar un proyecto casi perfecto destinado a conseguir una mejora notable para esta zona de gran porvenir turístico.
La obra ha sido promovida por el Departamento Fluvial y de Navegación del Estado, interviniendo, tanto en la construcción de la Presa como en la del Dique, las siguientes empresas: Philipp Holzmann, S. A.; Dyckerhoff & Widmann KG; Siemens-Bauunion GmbH y Max Giese-Stahlbetonbau GmbH.
Hotel Rantasipi en Hyvinkää – Finlandia
Authors: Jaatinen Martti I.
Published: July 2013

Este edificio hotelero pertenece a una cadena nacional, con características y construcción similares; todos ellos disponen de un ambiente lujoso y acogedor, modernísimas instalaciones, entornos de interior o de costa cuidadosamente elegidos.
El que se describe en el artículo está situado junto a una zona boscosa, casi siempre nevada, y en la proximidades unas completísimas instalaciones deportivas. Dispone de dos plantas, 190 habitaciones, 3 restaurantes, 2 salas de fiestas, piscina cubierta, salón de conferencias, etc.
Estructura de hormigón y tratamiento exterior acorde con la naturaleza circundante.
Procedimiento de estructura hiperestática ensamblada por bulonaje de gran luz (hasta 22 m), en hormigón pretensado
Authors: Gómez Zanón Santiago
Published: July 2013

Se describe en el artículo un sistema original y revolucionario, patentado por la Sociedad Guiraudie & Auffève, para fabricación y montaje de estructuras de hormigón pretensado de grandes naves.
Con este sistema se consigue aligerar considerablemente el peso de la estructura y disminuir al máximo la mano de obra de montaje, con las obvias ventajas que ello representa.