bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the effect of varying the workability in concrete pore structure by using X-ray microtomography
Authors: Bernardes E. E. , Magalhães A. G. de , Vasconcelos W. L. , Nunes E. H. M.
Published: August 2013

The useful life of concrete is associated with the penetrative ability of aggressive agents on their structures. Structural parameters such as porosity, pore distribution and connectivity have great influence on the properties of mass transport in porous solids. In the present study, the effect of varying the workability of concrete in fresh state, produced through the use of additives, on pore structure and on the mechanical compressive strength of hardened concrete was assessed. The pore structure was analyzed with the aid of X-ray microtomography, and the results obtained were compared to the total pore volume calculated from data derived from helium and mercury pycnometry tests. A good approximation between the porosity values obtained through the two techniques was observed, and it was found that, regardless of concrete consistency, the samples from the surface of the specimens showed a percentage of pores higher than those taken from the more inner layers.
Post-cracking behavior of blocks, prisms, and small concrete walls reinforced with plant fiber
Authors: Soto I. I. , Ramalho M. A. , Izquierdo O. S.
Published: August 2013

Structural masonry using concrete blocks promotes the rationalization of construction projects, lowering the final cost of a building through the elimination of forms and the reduction of the consumption of reinforcement bars. Moreover, production of a block containing a combination of concrete and vegetable fiber sisal results in a unit with properties such as mechanical strength, stiffness, flexibility, ability to absorb energy, and post-cracking behavior that are comparable to those of a block produced with plain concrete. Herein are reported the results of a study on the post-cracking behavior of blocks, prisms, and small walls reinforced with sisal fibers (lengths of 20 mm and 40 mm) added at volume fractions of 0.5% and 1%. Tests were performed to characterize the fibers and blocks and to determine the compressive strength of the units, prisms, and small walls. The deformation modulus of the elements was calculated and the stress-strain curves were plotted to gain a better understanding of the values obtained. The compression test results for the small walls reinforced with fibers were similar to those of the reference walls and better than the blocks and prisms with added fibers, which had resistances lower than those of the corresponding conventional materials. All elements prepared with the addition of sisal exhibited an increase in the deformation capacity (conferred by the fibers), which was observed in the stress-strain curves. The failure mode of the reference elements was characterized by an abrupt fracture, whereas the reinforced elements underwent ductile breakage. This result was because of the presence of the fibers, which remained attached to the faces of the cracks via adhesion to the cement matrix, thus preventing loss of continuity in the material. Therefore, the cement/plant fiber composites are advantageous in terms of their ductility and ability to resist further damage after cracking.
Numerical analysis of prestressed hollow core slabs under long term loading
Authors: Pereira S. R. , Calixto J. M. , Bortone T. P.
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a numerical analysis of prestressed hollow core slabs under long term loading. The model considers the time dependence of material and rheological properties in order to predict the actual stage of displacements, strains and stresses. It also takes into account load changes. For the analysis, each slab is divided in a finite number of bar elements, in which the cross section is described in concrete elements, parallel to the flexural axis, and prestressed steel elements. For the results evaluation, the effective concrete area is considered. The numerical results are compared with experimental tests performed on two series of prestressed hollow core slabs. Each series had a different geometry, rate and distribution of prestressing strands. Mid-span displacements were evaluated up to 127 days after initial loading. Good correlation was achieved with both series at and below the service load level.
Zoledronic Acid and Its Accentuating Effect on Tumor Radiosensitivity
Authors: Kapoor Shailendra
Published: August 2013

Recent data suggest that zoledronic acid may significantly augment the radiosensitivity of a number of systemic malignancies, including fibrosarcomas. Oncologists need to be aware of the radiosensitivity-enhancing properties of zoledronic acid.
Does a Diagnosis of Myelogenous Leukemia Require 20% Marrow Myeloblasts, and Does <5% Marrow Myeloblasts Represent a Remission? The History and Ambiguity of Arbitrary Diagnostic Boundaries in the Understanding of Myelodysplasia
Authors: Lichtman Marshall A.
Published: August 2013

This commentary discusses the current use of arbitrary boundaries to distinguish the continuum of incipient (clonal cytopenias), oligoblastic (subacute), and polyblastic (acute) myelogenous leukemia. The historical path that led to the application of these boundaries is discussed, and simplification of the current diagnostic classification is proposed.
IMPACT Study: Targeted Prostate Cancer Screening
Authors: Mikropoulos Christos , Eeles Rosalind A.
Published: August 2013

This letter to the editor clarifies the difference between two similarly named studies and expands on the progress of one—the Identification of Men with a Genetic Predisposition to Prostate Cancer study (IMPACT): Targeted screening in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and controls.
Reinforcement of surface-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes on cement-based composites
Authors: Wang Baomin , Han Yu , Zhang Tingting
Published: August 2013

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) play an important role in various kinds of composites. MWCNTs with different concentrations were incorporated into cement-based composites to improve the toughness and fracture resistance of the composites. The effect of different concentrations of MWCNTs on the mechanical properties of the cement-based composites was investigated. Results show that the flexural strength and compressive strength increase significantly. The microstructure of the MWCNTs in hardened cement was observed and analysed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The reinforcing mechanisms of cement-based composites by MWCNTs were also discussed, and the conclusion is that the improvement can be correlated to energy-dissipating processes owing to crack bridging, network filling and MWCNTs pull out at the crack tips. The porosity and pore size distribution of the composites were measured using mercury intrusion porosimetry, and the results indicate that cement-based composites containing MWCNTs have lower porosity and more concentrated pore size distribution.
Strength and microstructure analysis of concrete containing rice husk ash under seawater attack by wetting and drying cycles
Authors: Jaya Ramadhansyah Putra , Bakar Badorul Hisham Abu , Johari Megat Azmi Megat , Ibrahim Mohd Haziman Wan , Hainin Mohd Rosli , Jayanti Dewi Sri
Published: August 2013

Concrete containing rice husk ash (RHA), subjected to seawater under wetting and drying cycles, was studied through an investigation of the compressive strength and microstructure of various types of blended cement paste. Five levels of cement replacement (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% by weight) were studied. The total cementitious content used was 420 kg/m3. A water/binder ratio of 0·49 was used to produce concrete with a target strength of 40 MPa at age 28 days. The performance of blended cement concrete was evaluated based on compressive strength and chloride ion permeability. Microstructural changes in the specimens were determined by differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The addition of RHA was found to decrease calcium hydroxide formation by hydration and, consequently, gypsum and ettringite were reduced during seawater attack. RHA at 40% cement replacement improved resistance to seawater attack and effectively decreased ettringite and gypsum formations.
Northern Colorado Plateau piñon‐juniper woodland decline over the past century
Authors: Arendt Paul A. , Baker William L.
Published: August 2013

The vegetation of Dinosaur National Monument and surrounding lands (∼298,000 ha) was reconstructed using General Land Office (GLO) survey records. This historical dataset was compared to two modern digital datasets to determine how vegetation has changed over 90 years. Net declines of 3–7% occurred in piñon‐juniper woodland and 12–19% in montane shrubland, along with corresponding 16–26% increases in sagebrush shrublands. Shorter natural and human‐caused fire rotations of 188–216 years appear to be driving woodland contraction. Piñon‐juniper expansion was concentrated, but not strictly confined to areas near historical piñon‐juniper‐sagebrush ecotones, and was particularly favored at elevations of 2000–2400 m and on slopes of 10–30%. Shorter recent fire rotations in sagebrush appear linked to cheatgrass expansion. Fire exclusion has had no net effect on fire rotations in the study area, as these rotations are generally shorter, not longer than historical rotations. If trends continue, a landscape outside the historical range of variability with significantly more early seral sagebrush and grassland and less piñon‐juniper woodland will emerge. Declines of piñon‐juniper in the study area are similar to the recent loss of woodland in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, and suggest that historical woodlands on the Colorado Plateau may be declining due to an excess of fire since Euro‐American settlement. If the goal is to maintain and restore the integrity of the natural vegetation and landscape of the study area, managers could suspend further resource‐management burning, reduce unintentional human‐set fires, and seek direct control of cheatgrass. Spatially complex patterns of woodland stability, recovery, contraction, and expansion show that century‐scale data are needed across large landscapes to discern net trends in landscape change needed for ecological restoration, management, and understanding impending future change.
Parents’ Perceptions Regarding Readiness for Their Infant’s Discharge from the NICU
Authors: Burnham Natasha , Feeley Nancy , Sherrard Kathyrn
Published: August 2013

Purpose: To identify what parents need to feel ready for the discharge of their infant from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Design: Qualitative.

Sample: 20 parents of infants admitted to a Canadian Level III NICU were interviewed (2011–2012) and asked to identify what they require to feel ready for discharge. Interview transcripts underwent qualitative content analysis to produce a descriptive summary of parents’ perceptions of their needs.

Results: Parents indicated a need for information and hands-on experience to enhance their readiness for discharge. Observations of their infant and of the NICU environment impacted parents’ perceptions of their infant’s readiness for discharge, which influenced perceptions of their own readiness for discharge. Finally, parents require tailoring of information and experiences to meet the unique needs of their family.
A New Foam Model in Pipes for Drilling and Fracturing Applications
Authors: Edrisi A.R.. R. , Kam S.I.. I.
Published: August 2013

A series of recent experimental studies revealed that foam flow can be represented by two distinct flow regimes in general—low-quality regime, showing stable plug-flow pattern, and high-quality regime, showing unstable slug-flow pattern. This study, for the first time, presents how to develop a comprehensive foam model that can handle a variety of bubble-size distributions and both stable and unstable flow patterns with a two-flow-regime concept. Building an improved foam model on the basis of such a new concept can potentially help to better design and optimize many foam-associated processes including tight-gas and shale-gas foam fracturing, foam underbalanced drilling, foam liquid unloading, and cuttings transport.

Analyzing the experimental data of surfactant foams and polymer-added foams shows that (i) in the low-quality regime, foam rheology is governed by bubble slippage at the wall with no significant change in its fine foam texture and (ii) in the high-quality regime, foam rheology is governed by the relative size of free-gas segment to fine-textured foam-slug segment. With these governing mechanisms, this improved foam model successfully reproduces foam-flow characteristics as observed in the experiments, including almost-horizontal pressure contours in the low-quality regime and inclined pressure contours in the high-quality regime. Although the model is built with a power-law fluid model, the same procedure can be applied for Bingham-plastic or yield-power-law fluids.
Antibiotic-resistance and virulence genes in Enterococcus isolated from tropical recreational waters
Authors: Santiago-Rodriguez Tasha M. , Rivera Jessica I. , Coradin Mariel , Toranzos Gary A.
Published: August 2013

The prevalence of enterococci harboring tetracycline- and vancomycin-resistance genes, as well as the enterococcal surface protein (esp) has mostly been determined in clinical settings, but their prevalence in tropical recreational waters remains largely unknown. The present study determined the prevalence of tetM (tetracycline-resistance), vanA and vanB (vancomycin-resistance) in the bacterial and viral fractions, enterococci and their induced phages isolated from tropical recreational marine and fresh waters, dry and wet sands. Since lysogenic phages can act as vectors for antibiotic-resistance and virulence factors, the prevalence of the mentioned genes, as well as that of an integrase-encoding gene (int) specific for Enterococcus faecalis phages was determined. Up to 60 and 54% of the bacterial fractions and enterococci, respectively, harbored at least one of the tested genes suggesting that bacteria in tropical environments may be reservoirs of antibiotic-resistance and virulence genes. int was detected in the viral fractions and in one Enterococcus isolate after induction. This study presents the opportunity to determine if the presence of bacteria harboring antibiotic-resistance and virulence genes in tropical recreational waters represents a threat to public health.
Distinguishing human and possum faeces using PCR markers
Authors: Devane M. , Robson B. , Nourozi F. , Wood D. , Gilpin B. J.
Published: August 2013

Specificity testing of two published polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers for the detection of human faecal pollution, revealed 100% false-positive rates to brush-tailed possum faeces (n = 10), but low false-positive rates against other potential pollution sources. Cross-reaction with possums could be a problem with other human-specific markers; therefore, a possum PCR marker was developed for use in conjunction with human PCR markers. The possum PCR marker was based on Bacteroidales 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequences, and was tested on 233 individual faecal samples from 11 other animal species. Sensitivity of the possum marker in possum faeces (n = 36) was high at 83.3%. Cross-reactivity of the possum marker was limited to black swan (7/20 samples), human (2/48 samples) and rabbit (1/10) faecal samples, all at marker concentrations at least four orders of magnitude lower than possum faeces. The possum marker was not detected in human sewage or the faeces of other animal species. Specificity of the possum PCR marker, therefore, was high at 95.7%. To exclude the possibility that only possum pollution is being detected, additional testing by other faecal source tracking methods is required where the water sample is positive for both human and possum markers.
Eliminating false positives in a qPCR assay for the detection of the uidA gene in Escherichia coli
Authors: Kibbee Richard , Linklater Natalie , Örmeci Banu
Published: August 2013

Due to contaminant Escherichia coli DNA present in recombinant Taq polymerase reagents, it is not possible to reliably detect low levels of E. coli in samples using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Native Taq polymerase was successfully used in this study to detect five uidA gene copies (5 fg of genomic DNA) of the uidA gene.
Perceptions of bottled water consumers in three Brazilian municipalities
Authors: de Queiroz Josiane T. Matos , Doria Miguel de França , Rosenberg Mark W. , Heller Léo , Zhouri Andréa
Published: August 2013

This study presents perceptions of consumers of bottled water in their households in three Brazilian municipalities. Data from interviews were analyzed using the Discourse Collective Subject method. Interviewees spent, on average, the equivalent of 40% of their water bill for the public water supply on the purchase of bottled water. The decision about water consumption in the household was predominantly made by women. Interviewees were particularly concerned with health risks and expressed a strong preference for the safety and organoleptic qualities of bottled water, particularly in cases where the tap water supply did not fully meet the regulated water quality standards. Interviewees were largely unaware of the origin, type, storage, and social and environmental impacts of bottled water. Results highlight the importance of water education efforts among the general population and the key role of women in the processes related to drinking water. The need for gender-specific interventions and the empowerment of women on water issues is noted. Results also strongly support the relevance of ensuring the provision of safe drinking water, from the source to the consumption point, with the trust of consumers.
Microbial quality and bacteria pathogens in private wells used for drinking water in northeastern Ohio
Authors: Won Gayeon , Gill Amy , LeJeune Jeffery T.
Published: August 2013

In agricultural intensive areas, drinking contaminated water from private wells is considered an important cause of acute gastroenteric illnesses (AGI), particularly among high-risk populations. In the summer of 2009, the microbial water quality of 180 randomly selected private wells in two northeastern Ohio counties, a region with a high concentration of dairy farms, was assessed. Forty-five percent (82/180) of water samples were contaminated with total coliforms. Generic Escherichia coli were present in 9% (16/180) of samples. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, E. coli O157:H7 was identified in 4% (7/180) of specimens. Campylobacter spp. DNA could not be amplified from 70 of the samples tested for this organism. The frequency of generic E. coli contamination varied among townships (P < 0.001). Well structure (i.e. age and depth) or other common measures of pollution potential (depth of water, hydrology, topography, net recharge soil media) was not correlated with coliforms and E. coli contamination. Importantly, the presence of the pathogen E. coli O157:H7 was not associated with the presence of fecal indicators in the water samples: Only one of the seven E. coli O157-positive samples was also positive for generic E. coli. Appropriate risk management and communication processes are needed to reduce the potential waterborne disease outbreaks in agricultural intensive areas.
Longitudinal Residual Stress Analysis in AA2024-T3 Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Carlone Pierpaolo , Palazzo Gaetano S.
Published: August 2013

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is an innovative solid-state joining process, which is gaining a great deal of
attention in several applicative sectors. The opportune definition of process parameters, i.e. minimizing residual stresses,
is crucial to improve joint reliability in terms of static and dynamic performance. Longitudinal residual stresses, induced
by FSW in AA2024-T3 butt joints, have been inferred by means of a recently developed technique, namely the contour
method. Two approaches to stress measurement have been adopted; the former is based on the assumption of uniform
material properties, the latter takes into account microstructural effects and material properties variations in the welding
zones. The influence of process parameters, namely rotating and welding speeds, on stress distribution is also discussed.
A Simplified Procedure for the Seismic Design of Hybrid Connections in Precast Concrete Structures
Authors: Porco F. , Raffaele D. , Uva G.
Published: August 2013

The correct use of non-adherent prestressing techniques in beam-column connections can significantly increase
the seismic performance of precast concrete frames, making them a competitive alternative to the traditional cast-in-place
concrete structures. In this sense, a fundamental factor of the nodes' design is represented by the correct calibration of the
ratio between the amount of mild steel and that of post-tensioned reinforcements, in order to provide the prescribed flexional
and rotational capacity to the beam-column interface, and to guarantee at the same time the required dissipative and
re-centering capacity. In this paper, a simple algorithm for the optimal and quick pre-dimensioning of the above mentioned
parameters is proposed. It is based on the knowledge of the materials' mechanical parameters and of the target
stresses and deformations corresponding to the required performance level, which can be computed either through a Force
Based Design approach or by a Displacement Based Design approach.

In the case of centered post-tension and in the presence of symmetrical mild steel, the procedure can also be effectively
represented in a graphical form, making it is easily possible to determine the post-tensioning stress that should be applied
to the cables in order to guarantee that they remain in the elastic field after the seismic event, and to obtain the recentering
of the system.
Simultaneous Analysis of P53 Protein Expression and Cell Proliferation in Irradiated Human Lymphocytes by Flow Cytometry
Authors: de Freitas e Silva Rafael , dos Santos Neyliane Frassinetti Gonçalves , Pereira Valéria Rêgo Alves , Amaral Ademir
Published: August 2013

P53 protein has an intrinsic role in modulating the cellular response against DNA radioinduced damages and has been pointed out as an indirect indicator of individual radiosensitivity. The rate of cell proliferation is also a parameter that has been related to tissue sensitivity to radiation. However, this feature is yet understudied. In this context, the aim of this work was to employ Flow Cytometry (FC) for simultaneously assessing of p53 protein expression levels together with cellular proliferation rate of irradiated human lymphocytes. From in vitro irradiated human blood samples, mononuclear cells were isolated and labeled with Carboxylfluorescein Diacetate Succinimidyl Ester (CFSE) prior to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation in culture for 96 hours. Cells were also labeled with anti-p53 monoclonal antibody PE-conjugated in order to analyze either proliferation rate or p53 expression levels by FC. It was verified a reduction in the proliferation rate of irradiated lymphocytes and, in parallel, a rise in the p53 expression levels, similar for quiescent and proliferating lymphocytes. The results emphasize the importance of the use of CFSE-stained lymphocytes in assays associated to proliferation rate and the use of this methodology in several studies, such as for evaluating individual radiosensitivity.
Follow-up study of prevalence and control of ascariasis in swine populations in Serbia
Authors: Ilić Tamara , Becskei Zsolt , Tasić Aleksandar , Dimitrijević Sanda
Published: August 2013

The cause of the most significant helminth diseases in swine — Ascaris suum, can also causes infections in humans. The use of swine manure in agriculture renders the eggs of this ascaridida an accessible source of infection, thus posing a significant risk factor for human health. With the objective of proving the prevalence of infection with A. suum nematodes in the territory of Serbia, investigations were carried out in the period between 2007–2011 in the territories of five districts: North Bačka, South Banat, Braničevo, Zlatibor and Nišava. The investigations covered coprological examinations of 1031 feces samples of swine originating from farms owned by individual breeders. The samples were examined using the standard flotation method with a saturated water solution of NaCl. The established prevalence of ascariasis infection amounted to 47.62% (1031/491). The biggest prevalence of infection was determined in the territory of the Braničevo District, 65.78% (301/198), and the smallest in the territory of the Nišava District, 32.24% (183/59). In spite of its prevalence and vast economic importance, there is still insufficient information about the key aspects of the biology and epidemiology of A. suum. Viewed from the aspect of epizootiology, it is very important to know the prevalence of swine infections with Ascaris because of the possible infection of humans by its migrating larvae.
Egg ultrastructure of the amabiliid cestode Tatria biremis Kowalewski, 1904 (Cyclophyllidea, Amabiliidae), with an emphasis on the oncospheral envelopes
Authors: Tkach Vasyl , Świderski Zdzisław , Młocicki Daniel
Published: August 2013

This is the first report on the ultrastructure of eggs in the cestode family Amabiliidae Braun, 1900. The gravid proglottides of Tatria biremis easily detach from the strobila. Their thick-walled saccate uterus contains numerous rounded or oval eggs measuring about 30-32 μm in diameter. In the early preoncospheral phase, three primary embryonic envelopes are formed around the developing and differentiating embryos, namely: (1) vitelline capsule originating from vitellocyte material; (2) outer envelope formed by two macromeres, and (3) inner envelope originating from a fusion of three mesomeres. Thus, both the outer and inner envelopes of T. biremis eggs are cellular in origin and syncytial in nature. During egg maturation, the three primary embryonic envelopes undergo differentiation into fully formed oncospheral or egg envelopes. Most significant changes were observed in the inner envelope which becomes progressively subdivided into 3 sub-layers: the extra-embryophoral sub-layer, the embryophore, and the intra-embryophoral sub-layer, containing mesomere nuclei. The mature hexacanth is covered by a thin layer of the oncospheral tegument. Within the infective hexacanth larva, five cell types were distinguished: (1) a binucleated subtegumental cell; (2) U-shaped penetration gland; (3) nerve cells; (4) somatic cells representing the myocytons of both somatic and hook musculature, and (5) large germinative cells. Ultrastructural characteristics of T. biremis eggs are compared with those described in representatives of other cestode taxa. Since the functional ultrastructure of cestode egg envelopes is defined by multiple factors such as the type of life cycles, habitats and behaviour of the intermediate hosts, mode of the intermediate host infection, etc., ultrastructural studies of the greater diversity of cestodes are needed to obtain comparative data for fruitful analysis of cyclophyllidean cestode adaptations to their diverse life cycles.
Redescriptions and comments on the validity of Acuaria subula and A. skrjabini (Nematoda, Spirurida, Acuariidae), parasites of passerine birds
Authors: Mutafchiev Yasen , Kontrimavichus Vytautas , Georgiev Boyko
Published: August 2013

Acuaria subula (Dujardin, 1845) is redescribed by light microcopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on the basis of specimens from its type host, Erithacus rubecula (Passeriformes, Muscicapidae), from Curonian Spit (Kaliningradskaya Oblast’, Russia) and Bulgaria. Acuaria skrjabini (Ozerskaya, 1926) is redescribed by LM and SEM on the basis of specimens from Passer domesticus (type host) and P. hispaniolensis (Passeriformes, Passeridae) from Bulgaria. Contrary to previous opinions recognizing A. skrjabini as a junior synonym of A. subula, the present study confirms that they are distinct species. They can be distinguished on the basis of the ratio between the length of cordons and the body length, the ratio between the length of muscular oesophagus and glandular oesophagus, and the ratio between the total length of oesophagus and the body length. In addition, the plates forming the cordons in these two species exhibit different morphological characters. Another difference between these two species is associated with the particular irregular mosaic ornamentation of the cuticle on the ventral and lateral sides of body around the region of vulva of A. subula and its absence in A. skrjabini. Data on their host and geographical ranges are surveyed. The type series of Acuaria buttnerae Chabaud et Petter, 1961, described as a parasite of Calandrella brachydactyla (Passeriformes, Alaudidae) in France, is re-examined; the latter species is recognized as a junior synonym of A. skrjabini (new synonymy).
The mutual influence of proteins from Varroa destructor extracts and from honeybee haemolymph on their proteolytic activity — in vitro study
Authors: Frączek Regina , Żółtowska Krystyna , Lipiński Zbigniew , Dmitryjuk Małgorzata
Published: August 2013

The influence of extracts from Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite of the honeybee Apis mellifera, on the proteinase activity of worker bee haemolymph was analysed in vitro, along with the influence of bee haemolymph on the proteolytic activity of V. destructor extract. The study was conducted in three different environments: pH 7.5 (high activity of bee enzymes and very low activity of parasite enzymes), pH 5 (moderate activity of enzymes from both sources) and pH 3.5 (limited activity of bee proteinases and high activity of mite proteinases). Based on electrophoretic studies, the inhibition of the activity of bee haemolymph proteinases by V. destructor extracts was observed at each pH. The study at pH 7.5 with commercial inhibitors of the 4 main classes of proteinases (pepstatin A, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), E-64 (trans-epoxysuccinyl-L-leucylamido-(4-guanidino)-butane), soybean trypsin inhibitor and Kunitz inhibitor) suggested that parasite extracts mainly inhibited serine proteinases and, to a lower degree, cysteine and aspartyl proteinases. At pH 3.5 and pH 5, a decrease of approximately 40% in parasite proteinase activity was also observed in the presence of bee haemolymph. The result points to the presence of aspartyl proteinase inhibitors in bee haemolymph, which may be an important defence element for bees during food intake by a mite. It was demonstrated that trypsin and trypsin inhibitors are active in the excretion/secretion products of V. destructor, the proteinases of which may assist the parasite in food suckling by preventing haemolymph coagulation, among other things.
Urinary creatinine to serum creatinine ratio and renal failure index in dogs infected with Babesia canis
Authors: Zygner Wojciech , Gójska-Zygner Olga , Wesołowska Agnieszka , Wędrychowicz Halina
Published: August 2013

Urinary creatinine to serum creatinine (UCr/SCr) ratio and renal failure index (RFI) are useful indices of renal damage. Both UCr/SCr ratio and RFI are used in differentiation between prerenal azotaemia and acute tubular necrosis. In this work the authors calculated the UCr/SCr ratio and RFI in dogs infected with Babesia canis and the values of these indices in azotaemic dogs infected with the parasite. The results of this study showed significantly lower UCr/SCr ratio in dogs infected with B. canis than in healthy dogs. Moreover, in azotaemic dogs infected with B. canis the UCr/SCr ratio was significantly lower and the RFI was significantly higher than in non-azotaemic dogs infected with B. canis. The calculated correlation between RFI and duration of the disease before diagnosis and treatment was high, positive and statistically significant (r = 0.89, p < 0.001). The results of this study showed that during the course of canine babesiosis caused by B. canis in Poland acute tubular necrosis may develop.
The occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in certain ectoparasites (Mesostigmata, Siphonaptera) of Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus in chosen localities in the Czech Republic
Authors: Netušil Jakub , Žákovská Alena , Vostal Karel , Norek Adam , Stanko Michal
Published: August 2013

Ticks represent the primary vectors of several serious diseases, including the Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl). In this study two dominant ectoparasitic groups of arthropods (Mesostigmata, Siphonaptera) were investigated for the presence of borrelian DNA in order to determine their potential role of vectors (or carriers) of this bacterium. All individuals (235) were collected from wild-living rodents obtained in three localities in the Czech Republic (Bažantula, Baba and Křižovice). The majority of parasites were members of the families Parasitidae and Dermanyssidae (Mesostigmata) and families Hystrichopsyllidae and Ceratophyllidae (Siphonaptera). The rodent host species was almost exclusively the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis). Bbsl was detected by the PCR method in the following ectoparasite species: Euryparasitus emarginatus (1), Eulaelaps stabularis (1), Haemogamassus nidi (1), Laelaps agilis (5), Myonyssus gigas (1) (Mesostigmata) and Ctenophthalmus agyrtes (1), C. solutus (3) (Siphonaptera).
Occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in water buffaloes and meat cattle in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil
Authors: F. Santos Laura , Damé Maria , Cademartori Beatris , Cunha Filho Nilton , R. Farias Nara , Ruas Jerônimo
Published: August 2013

Serum samples from 169 water buffaloes and 121 beef cattle were analyzed for antibodies to T. gondii by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Positive results were obtained in 27.2% of water buffaloes and 17.4% of cattle. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences between the prevalence in cattle and buffalo (p ≤ 0.05). The highest titres found in positive animals were 1:256 (buffaloes) and 1:64 (cattle). In both bovine species, toxoplasmosis frequency in young animals (less than 2 years old) was lower compared to older individuals, although the differences seen in cattle were not statistically significant.
Onchocerca lupi infection in Turkey: A unique case of a rare human parasite
Authors: Ilhan Hatice , Yaman Aylin , Morishima Yasuyuki , Sugiyama Hiromu , Muto Maki , Yamasaki Hiroshi , Hasegawa Hideo , Lebe Banu , Bajin Meltem
Published: August 2013

Onchocerpa lupi was first isolated from a wolf in Russia. Since then, canine ocular onchocercosis has been increasingly reported, particularly in Europe and the United States. It is thought that blackflies and midges are the vectors of transmission, and it is possible that these vectors could transmit the parasite to humans. The first human case of O. lupi in Turkey was reported in 2011. In this report we present the third human case of O. lupi infection in Turkey. Our patient was a 28-year-old male who displayed a painless, immobile mass under the conjunctiva. The mass measured 10 × 12 mm in size. Pathological examination of the surgically excised tissue was suggestive of infection by a filarial nematode. Subsequently, the parasite was identified as O. lupi through molecular analysis. All of the previously reported cases of O. lupi in both humans and dogs were more symptomatic than in our patient, Onchocerca infection should not be ruled out during the differential diagnosis of the subconjunctival and orbital cystic mass in instances where there is little to no inflammation. It is important to consider biopsy and carry out molecular analysis to identify the parasite.
A new genus and species of pterodectine feather mite (Acari: Proctophyllodidae) from Tod-Tyrants in Brazil (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae)
Authors: Hernandes Fabio
Published: August 2013

A new genus and species of feather mite, Hemitriccodectes furcatus gen. nov., sp. nov., is described from passerines of the genus Hemitriccus from Brazil: Hemitriccus furcatus, H. margaritaceiventer and H. striaticollis (Tyrannidae). The new genus belongs to the Pterodectes generic complex and most clearly differs from previously established genera of this complex by the following combination of features: trochanteral setae sRIII are present, and solenidia σ are absent from genua III. The new genus also lacks dorsal hysteroromal setae c1.
Global status of fish-borne zoonotic trematodiasis in humans
Authors: Hung Nguyen , Madsen Henry , Fried Bernard
Published: August 2013

Fishborne zoonotic trematodes (FZT), infecting humans and mammals worldwide, are reviewed and options for control discussed. Fifty nine species belonging to 4 families, i.e. Opisthorchiidae (12 species), Echinostomatidae (10 species), Heterophyidae (36 species) and Nanophyetidae (1 species) are listed. Some trematodes, which are highly pathogenic for humans such as Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini, O. felineus are discussed in detail, i.e. infection status in humans in endemic areas, clinical aspects, symptoms and pathology of disease caused by these flukes. Other liver fluke species of the Opisthorchiidae are briefly mentioned with information about their infection rate and geographical distribution. Intestinal flukes are reviewed at the family level. We also present information on the first and second intermediate hosts as well as on reservoir hosts and on habits of human eating raw or undercooked fish.
Morphometrical and genetic comparison of two nematode species: H. spumosa and H. dahomensis (Nematoda, Heterakidae)
Authors: Ribas Alexis , Bellocq Jöelle , Ros Albert , Ndiaye Papa , Miquel Jordi
Published: August 2013

Heterakis is a genus of parasitic nematodes, the majority of which are found in ground-feeding birds and only rarely in mammals. The best-known species is Heterakis spumosa, a parasite associated with the cosmopolitan invasive rodent Rattus rattus of Asiatic origin. Heterakis dahomensis was described in 1911 as a parasite of the Gambian giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus) from Benin (Africa), subsequently synonymized to H. spumosa by Hall (1916). The study of helminths in African rodents is scarce and patchy. Since the original description of H. dahomensis, there have been only a few reports from Africa of species belonging to the genus Heterakis and the validity of this species has never in fact been confirmed or rejected. In the present study individual Heterakis spp. were collected from C. gambianus from Senegal. The morphological data taken point to differences between Heterakis dahomensis and H. spumosa, specifically in the number of tail papillae in males and in the vulva cuticular processes of females. In addition, molecular data revealed differences between these taxa and so H. dahomensis should be considered as a valid species. Moreover, recent changes in the systematics of the genus Cricetomys mean that it is now necessary to study the morphology and genetics of the Heterakis specimens collected from Cricetomys spp. (previously assigned to C. gambianus) in order to determine their taxonomic status as either H. dahomensis o H. spumosa.
Firn profile changes in response to extreme 21st-century melting at Devon Ice Cap, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Bezeau Peter , Sharp Martin , Burgess David , Gascon Gabrielle
Published: August 2013

Estimating regional-scale rates of glacier mass change from repeat airborne and satellite altimetry requires assumptions about the density of the material being added to, or removed from, the glacier surface. This may vary in both space and time, especially in a period of warming climate such as has occurred in Arctic Canada since 2005. Here we compare firn properties measured on 20 shallow cores recovered from elevations of 1400–1900 m a.s.l. on Devon Ice Cap in 2012 with equivalent measurements from 34 cores recovered from the same locations between 2004 and 2011. The average density of the top 2.5 m of the firn column has increased by 13–80%. As a result, measured rates of density increase in the top 1.25 mw.e. of the firn layer have likely thinned this layer at rates of 0.021–0.168 m a−1 over the period 2004–12. These thinning rates are significant relative to local rates of surface height change measured by repeat airborne laser altimetry between 2004 and 2012 (−0.077 to −0.252 m a−1) and indicate that, during periods of climate warming or cooling, firn densification rate changes must be taken into account when estimating mass change rates from measured height changes.
The Fall of the Catholic Cosmopolitan: Charles O'Conor and the Catholic Debate on the Act of Union
Authors: Livesey James
Published: August 2013

This article addresses the writing and politics of Charles O'Conor, grandson of the noted antiquarian and founder of the Catholic Committee, Charles O'Conor of Belangare, who as librarian to George Nugent-Temple-Grenville, Marquis of Buckinghamshire, at Stowe played a crucial role in articulating Irish Catholic responses to the 1801 Act of Union. The paper argues O'Conor represented a Catholic perspective that felt an historic compromise between the political authority of the British constitution and the religious authority of the Catholic Church was possible.
A ‘Whispered Disfazione’: Maurice Blanchot, Leonardo da Vinci and Three Dialogues with Georges Duthuit
Authors: Winstanley Adam
Published: August 2013

This piece examines the audacious dismissal of Leonardo da Vinci in Samuel Beckett's Three Dialogues with George Dialogue alongside the Parisian re-evaluation of Leonardo's work in the 1940s; a re-evaluation partly prompted by Gallimard's publication of Les carnets de Léonard de Vinci (1942). It argues that B's critique of Leonardo and the Italian masters is imbricated in contemporary debates on the relationship between painting and the impossible that emerged between the Flemish painter and writer, Jean de Boschère, and the French literary critic, Maurice Blanchot; a debate which Beckett himself appears to have encountered in Blanchot's Faux Pas (1943).
Beckett, Biomechanics and Eisenstein's Reading of Kleist's Marionettes
Authors: Paraskeva Anthony
Published: August 2013

This article explores Beckett's relation to anti-naturalist performance style by delineating an overlooked tradition of theatre which is predominantly defined not only by Kleist's essay on marionette theatre, but also by Meyerhold's biomechanics as filtered through Eisenstein. By drawing on previously neglected aspects of Eisenstein's influence on Beckett, and the use of anti-naturalist theatrical technique in the recorded medium of TV, my account suggests alternative cross-links between Beckett's work for stage and screen, despite his often cited inflexibility on the matter of intermedial adaptations.
A Short Statement and an Innocent Game: James Joyce and Stephen Dedalus in Samuel Beckett's Watt
Authors: Bennett Andrew
Published: August 2013

This article takes P.J. Murphy's Beckett's Dedalus: Dialogical Engagement with Joyce in Beckett's Fiction (2009) as a useful if incomplete platform from which to mark the intertextual points of contact between Samuel Beckett's novel Watt (1953) and the aesthetics of epiphany articulated by Stephen Dedalus in James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1917). By expanding the passages under analysis beyond those proposed by Murphy, Watt emerges as a tipping-point in Beckett's transition from an aesthetics inflected by Joyce's transcendental verbosity to one that accepts language as suspect, and marks gesture as beautiful.
Common Sense Rhetorical Theory, Pluralism, and Protestant Natural Law
Authors: Keefe Rosaleen
Published: August 2013

This paper offers re-assessment of Scottish Common Sense rhetoric and its relationship to pluralist practice and philosophical method. It argues that the rhetorical texts of George Campbell, Hugh Blair, and Alexander Bain can be read as a practical application of Scottish Common Sense philosophy. This offers a novel means of examining the relationship that Scottish rhetoric has to the philosophy of David Hume and also its own innovative philosophy of language. Finally, I argue that Scottish rhetoric makes a unique contribution to rhetorical methodology's key place in the creation of social and moral consensus.
The Role of Helicobacter pylori Outer Membrane Proteins in Adherence and Pathogenesis
Authors: Oleastro Mónica , Ménard Armelle
Published: August 2013

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most successful human pathogens, which colonizes the mucus layer of the gastric epithelium of more than 50% of the world’s population. This curved, microaerophilic, Gram-negative bacterium induces a chronic active gastritis, often asymptomatic, in all infected individuals. In some cases, this gastritis evolves to more severe diseases such as peptic ulcer disease, gastric adenocarcinoma, and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. H. pylori has developed a unique set of factors, actively supporting its successful survival and persistence in its natural hostile ecological niche, the human stomach, throughout the individual’s life, unless treated. In the human stomach, the vast majority of H. pylori cells are motile in the mucus layer lining, but a small percentage adheres to the epithelial cell surfaces. Adherence to the gastric epithelium is important for the ability of H. pylori to cause disease because this intimate attachment facilitates: (1) colonization and persistence, by preventing the bacteria from being eliminated from the stomach, by mucus turnover and gastric peristalsis; (2) evasion from the human immune system and (3) efficient delivery of proteins into the gastric cell, such as the CagA oncoprotein. Therefore, bacteria with better adherence properties colonize the host at higher densities. H. pylori is one of the most genetically diverse bacterial species known and is equipped with an extraordinarily large set of outer membrane proteins, whose role in the infection and persistence process will be discussed in this review, as well as the different receptor structures that have been so far described for mucosal adherence.
Analysis of Peak-to-Peak Current Ripple Amplitude in Seven-Phase PWM Voltage Source Inverters
Authors: Grandi Gabriele , Loncarski Jelena
Published: August 2013

Multiphase systems are nowadays considered for various industrial applications. Numerous pulse width modulation (PWM) schemes for multiphase voltage source inverters with sinusoidal outputs have been developed, but no detailed analysis of the impact of these modulation schemes on the output peak-to-peak current ripple amplitude has been reported. Determination of current ripple in multiphase PWM voltage source inverters is important for both design and control purposes. This paper gives the complete analysis of the peak-to-peak current ripple distribution over a fundamental period for multiphase inverters, with particular reference to seven-phase VSIs. In particular, peak-to-peak current ripple amplitude is analytically determined as a function of the modulation index, and a simplified expression to get its maximum value is carried out. Although reference is made to the centered symmetrical PWM, being the most simple and effective solution to maximize the DC bus utilization, leading to a nearly-optimal modulation to minimize the RMS of the current ripple, the analysis can be readily extended to either discontinuous or asymmetrical modulations, both carrier-based and space vector PWM. A similar approach can be usefully applied to any phase number. The analytical developments for all different sub-cases are verified by numerical simulations.