bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimativa de biomassa e carbono em floresta com araucaria utilizando imagens do satélite Ikonos II.
Authors: Watzlawick Luciano Farinha , Kirchner Flávio Felipe , Sanquetta Carlos Roberto
Published: July 2015

A implicação da redução das florestas no ciclo do carbono vem criando uma demanda de desenvolvimento de métodos não destrutivos para a determinação de biomassa, elemento importante na modelagem dos ciclos biogeoquímicos. Apresenta-se resultados de teste de metodologia utilizando-se imagens do satélite IKONOS II para estimar biomassa e carbono orgânico em Floresta com Araucária. O desenvolvimento metodológico englobou análise estatística (matriz de correlação) das bandas e índices de vegetação com os dados de biomassa e carbono orgânico, o ajuste e seleção de equações para estimar a biomassa e o carbono orgânico (variáveis dependentes) em função de variáveis provenientes das imagens de satélite, sendo a reflectância das bandas MS-1, MS-2, MS-3, MS-4, Razão de Bandas (MS-4/MS-3), NDVI e SAVI (variáveis independentes), e a quantificação das variáveis dependentes para toda a área de estudo. A utilização de imagens provenientes do satélite IKONOS II apresentou resultados bastante satisfatório, necessitando, no entanto, que modelos matemáticos sejam ajustados de modo a obterem-se melhores resultados.
Resistência ao intemperismo artificial de quatro madeiras tropicais: o efeito dos extrativos.
Authors: Barreto Cynara Caroline Kern , Pastore Tereza Cristina Monteiro
Published: July 2015

As madeiras tropicais: garapeira (Apuleia leiocarpa), tauari (Couratari stellata), itaúba (Mezilaurus itauba) e marupá (Simarouba amara) foram selecionadas para examinar o efeito da presença dos extrativos na variação de cor e no processo de fotodecomposição das suas superfícies. Amostras com e sem extrativos foram submetidas a ciclos de radiação ultravioleta (350 nm) e água até totalizar 2.000 horas de irradiação e 400 horas de lixiviação. A mudança da cor natural das madeiras foi monitorada por espectrocolorimetria de reflexão difusa. Amostras de marupá e tauari com teores de extrativos menores que 2% exibiram variação de cor com o aumento do tempo de tratamento quase iguais às amostras sem extrativos. A resistência anormal do tauari à alteração de cor não pode ser atribuída aos seus extrativos. Para a garapeira e para a itaúba, a presença de 11,7 e 7,42% de extrativos respectivamente acelerou a velocidade de variação de cor. A análise dessas variações de cor indica que os extrativos, nesse caso, agiram acentuando a cor natural da madeira. Adicionalmente, verificou-se que o tauari foi a madeira mais resistente à variação de cor do grupo estudado, seguido pela garapeira, marupá e itaúba todas com extrativos.
Estabelecimento de mata ciliar às margens do reservatório da Usina Hidrelétrica de Camargos, MG.
Authors: Ferreira Wendy Carniello , Botelho Soraya Alvarenga , Davide Antonio Claudio , Faria José Márcio Rocha
Published: July 2015

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o crescimento e o vigor de espécies arbóreas e arbustivas plantadas na margem do reservatório da UHE Camargos, em Minas Gerais, e verificar o processo de sucessão secundária em função da distância do reservatório e ao longo da área de plantio. Decorridos 150 meses, foi realizado o inventário das espécies arbóreas, medindo-se todos os indivíduos plantados e os provenientes de regeneração natural com DAP ≥ 5cm. Foram atribuídas notas que variaram de 1,0 a 5,0 para avaliação do vigor das árvores. Para o levantamento da regeneração natural, foram demarcados quatro transecções e estabelecidas três parcelas de 1 x 15 m em cada transecção, orientadas no sentido do declive. Os resultados mostram que algumas espécies pioneiras demonstram sinais de senescência após 13 anos de plantio. Foram identificadas na regeneração natural 55 espécies de 27 famílias. Espécies da família Asteraceae predominaram nas áreas mais alteradas, pois são adaptadas a essas condições. Houve predominância da dispersão zoocórica para as espécies regenerantes. Próximo ao reservatório, foram encontradas as maiores densidades de regeneração, enquanto a maior diversidade e altura média foi encontrada do lado da pastagem.
Morphometric analysis on chromosomes of tropical Pinus species.
Authors: Ribeiro Lília Rosário , Davide Lisete Chamma , Pedrozo Cássia Ângela , Barbosa Sandro , Torres Giovana Augusta
Published: July 2015

Foram realizados estudos citogenéticos em Pinus oocarpa Schiede ex Schltdl., Pinus patula Schltdl. & Cham. e nas procedências Jócon Yoro, Las Camelias e San Rafael del Norte do Pinus tecunumanii Eguiluz & J. P. Perry, visando subsidiar a definição da categoria taxonômica do Pinus tecunumanii. A caracterização dos cromossomos mitóticos, utilizando coloração com Giemsa e com o fluorocromo 4', 6-diamidino-2-fenilindoldiidroclorídrico (DAPI), confirmou o padrão cariotípico descrito para a maioria das espécies do gênero, isto é, onze pares de cromossomos metacêntricos, muito semelhantes quanto ao comprimento e morfologia, e um par submetacêntrico, para todos os taxa estudados. A coloração com o fluorocromo forneceu definição clara das constrições secundárias, permitindo a diferenciação das espécies e procedências pelo número e posição das mesmas. As procedências de Pinus tecunumanii também se diferenciaram dos outros dois materiais em relação ao comprimento total do complemento haplóide. Os resultados obtidos suportam o "status" específico para o Pinus tecunumanii, bem como fornecem evidências de que além das mutações de ponto, alterações estruturais contribuíram para a diferenciação intra e interespecífica no gênero Pinus.
Incremento volumétrico de Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez em Floresta Ombrófila Mista
Authors: Souza Luis Henrique da Silva , Finger César Augusto Guimarães , Schneider Paulo Renato
Published: July 2015

O crescimento de árvores dominantes de Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez, amostradas em Floresta Ombrófila Mista, no município de Nova Prata,  RS foi reconstruído com base em dados obtidos com a técnica da dendrocronologia. O crescimento volumétrico expresso pelo incremento percentual foi modelado para cada árvore por iv% = (b+ b1.ln d)2, e a seguir comparadas por análise de covariância, permitindo classifica-las em 3 grupos distintos quanto a inclinação do modelo (b1) e intercepto (b) das linhas de regressão. Os coeficientes de inclinação e intercepto foram modelados como função da variável altura - diâmetro (h/d), incremento diamétrico medido sobre rolo de incremento nos últimos 5cm (id5) amostrado ao nível do diâmetro a altura  do peito(d), exposição do terreno (EXPOS), índice de competição BAL corrigido (BALcor), e comprimento da copa exposta a luz (Lc), pelas equações b1 = 0,41739+4,16179.id5-6,29332.h/d +0,37823.EXPOS-0,11519Ir+5,80419.BALcor-0,06858.Lc, com coeficiente de determinação ajustado igual a 0,9979 e erro padrão em percentagem da média de - 1,73%, e b= 2,62466-13,37024.id5+22,08329.h/d- 1,33161.EXPOS+0,34689.Ir-23,88899.BALcor+0,25692.Lc, com coeficiente de determinação ajustado de 0,9907 e erro-padrão em percentagem da média igual a 2,71%.
Concentração e retranslocação de nutrientes em acículas de Pinus taeda L.
Authors: Viera Márcio , Schumacher Mauro Valdir
Published: July 2015

Objetivou-se avaliar a concentração e retranslocação de nutrientes em acículas de Pinus taeda L.. O estudo foi realizado em dois povoamentos, um implantado em área de campo nativo e outro em área de segunda rotação, com mesma espécie e mesma idade (7,5 anos) no município de Cambará do Sul, RS. As acículas foram coletadas nas plantas nos quatro pontos ortogonais (sul, norte, leste e oeste), amostrando-se acículas jovens, maduras e senescentes. O material foi seco em estufa, moído e analisado quimicamente (macro e micronutrientes). As concentrações de N, P, K, B, Cu e Zn diminuíram, de Ca, Fe e Mn aumentaram e o Mg e S mantiveram-se constantes com o aumento da idade das acículas. A taxa de retranslocação (acícula senescente-nova) foi superior a 50% para a maioria dos nutrientes, com exceção ao Mn e Fe, que apresentaram efeito cumulativo e o Ca, usado como elemento referência pela sua baixa mobilidade.
L’économie de la nature — Maupertuis et Euler sur le principe de moindre action1
Authors: Lyssy Ansgar , Leduc Christian
Published: July 2015

Le principe de moindre action fut découvert dans le domaine de l’optique (Maupertuis) et dans celui de la mathématisation du corps en mouvement à l’intérieur d’une structure de forces (Euler). Aussi bien Euler que Maupertuis prennent appui sur une compréhension métaphysique de la nature pour justifier l’extension de ce principe à un principe général de physique. Dans le présent article, je soutiens que les deux croient que la nature elle-même ne saurait employer de moyens inutiles pour ses fins, et est donc économique. Le principe de moindre action peut être compris comme une tentative d’intégrer l’idée métaphysique d’une « économie de la nature » à l’intérieur du domaine de la science.
« L’oeil ne se voit pas voir »
Authors: Buchenau Stefanie
Published: July 2015

Johann Georg Sulzer participe d’une tradition allemande et wolffienne qui conjugue réflexion épistémologique et esthétique. L’originalité de Sulzer au sein de cette tradition consiste à développer un nouveau modèle de la connaissance comme contemplation (qewrei`n, speculatio). Selon ce modèle spéculatif qui emprunte des éléments à l’esthétique de Du Bos, la distance et l’extériorité du spectateur par rapport à son objet est loin d’être le réquisit d’une bonne vision. Celle-ci dépend tout au contraire de l’appartenance du spectateur au monde qu’il contemple, de sa réceptivité, de sa sensibilité et de son humanité. Car l’âme ne peut déployer son activité de pensée qu’à condition de s’attacher d’abord à son objet : un tel attachement est la condition de son détachement. La mise en place de ce nouveau modèle spéculatif répond à l’injonction de Mérian qui est de repenser la conscience ou l’aperception à partir d’un sentiment a posteriori. Car « l’oeil ne se voit pas voir » (Mérian), et l’aperception primitive, cet acte par lequel l’esprit se pense, lui échappe. Il éprouve néanmoins des sentiments — de plaisir et de déplaisir — qui le contraignent à faire retour sur lui-même et sur son état d’être affecté ; des sentiments dont Sulzer considère qu’ils ancrent sa connaissance dans la réalité et lui permettent de la rapporter à soi-même. C’est ainsi qu’au fil des mémoires académiques des années 1750 à 1770, Sulzer élabore une nouvelle conception tripartite des facultés (connaissance, sentiment et méditation), et une distinction entre domaines théorique et pratique qui marquera la philosophie de Kant. Ce débat au sein de l’Académie berlinoise au sujet de la connaissance de soi donne une nouvelle orientation anthropologique à la philosophie allemande de la seconde moitié du xviiie siècle.
Paying the costs of reproduction
Authors: Flatt Thomas
Published: July 2015

When a female fly mates it produces a hormone that increases the size of its midgut and enhances fat metabolism in order to provide the energy needed for reproduction.
Flat‐slab subduction, topography, and mantle dynamics in southwestern Mexico
Authors: Gérault Mélanie , Husson Laurent , Miller Meghan S. , Humphreys Eugene D.
Published: July 2015

Topography above subduction zones arises from the isostatic contribution of crustal and lithospheric buoyancy, as well as the dynamic contribution from slab‐driven mantle flow. We evaluate those effects in southwestern Mexico, where a segment of the Cocos slab subducts horizontally. The eastern part of the volcanic arc—the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt—stands at an average elevation of 2.3 km, nearly 1.3 km above the fore‐arc. Lateral changes in bulk crustal density are relatively small, and seismic imaging shows that there is little variation in crustal thickness between these two regions. Thus, the elevation difference between the arc and the fore‐arc should arise from differences in mantle properties. We present finite element models of flat‐slab subduction that provide a simultaneous match to topography, plate velocities, and stress state in the overriding plate. We find that the dynamic effects are primarily controlled by the amount of coupling at the subduction interface and in the mantle wedge, the lack of slab anchoring into the lower mantle, and the absence of continental mantle lithosphere. With a mantle wedge and a subduction interface that are, respectively, 2 and 4 orders of magnitude weaker than the asthenosphere, the flat slab exerts a downward pull that can explain most of the elevation difference between the fore‐arc and the arc. We infer that lateral viscosity variations play a significant role in shaping dynamic topography in complex tectonic settings and that sublithospheric dynamics can influence the topography at wavelengths that are significantly shorter than previously recognized.
Cerebral venous thrombosis in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoblastic lymphoma during induction chemotherapy with l‐asparaginase: The GRAALL experience
Authors: Couturier Marie‐Anne , Huguet Françoise , Chevallier Patrice , Suarez Felipe , Thomas Xavier , Escoffre‐Barbe Martine , Cacheux Victoria , Pignon Jean‐Michel , Bonmati Caroline , Sanhes Laurence , Bories Pierre , Daguindau Etienne , Dorvaux Véronique , Reman Oumedaly , Frayfer Jamile , Orvain Corentin , Lhéritier Véronique , Ifrah Norbert , Dombret Hervé , Hunault‐Berger Mathilde , Tanguy‐Schmidt Aline
Published: July 2015

Central nervous system (CNS) thrombotic events are a well‐known complication of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) induction therapy, especially with treatments including l‐asparaginase (l‐ASP). Data on risk factors and clinical evolution is still lacking in adult patients. We report on the clinical evolution of 22 CNS venous thrombosis cases occurring in 708 adults treated for ALL or lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) with the Group for Research on Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (GRAALL)‐induction protocol, which included eight L‐ASP (6,000 IU/m2) infusions. The prevalence of CNS thrombosis was 3.1%. CNS thrombosis occurred after a median of 18 days (range: 11–31) when patients had received a median of three l‐ASP injections (range: 2–7). Patients with CNS thrombosis exhibited a median antithrombin (AT) nadir of 47.5% (range: 36–67%) at Day 17 (range: D3–D28), and 95% of them exhibited AT levels lower than 60%. There were no evident increase in hereditary thrombotic risk factors prevalence, and thrombosis occurred despite heparin prophylaxis which was performed in 90% of patients. Acquired AT deficiency was frequently detected in patients with l‐ASP‐based therapy, and patients with CNS thrombosis received AT prophylaxis (45%) less frequently than patients without CNS thrombosis (83%), P = 0.0002). CNS thrombosis was lethal in 5% of patients, while 20% had persistent sequelae. One patient received all planned l‐ASP infusions without recurrence of CNS thrombotic whereas l‐ASP injections were discontinued in 20 patients during the management of thrombosis without a significant impact on overall survival (P = 0.4). Am. J. Hematol. 90:986–991, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Antiplasmodial Activity of Novel Chloroquine Analogues with Bulky Basic Side Chains
Authors: Tasso Bruno , Novelli Federica , Tonelli Michele , Barteselli Anna , Basilico Nicoletta , Parapini Silvia , Taramelli Donatella , Sparatore Anna , Sparatore Fabio
Published: July 2015

Chloroquine is commonly used in the treatment and prevention of malaria, butPlasmodium falciparum, the main species responsible for malaria‐related deaths, has developed resistance against this drug. Twenty‐seven novel chloroquine (CQ) analogues characterized by a side chain terminated with a bulky basic head group, i.e., octahydro‐2H‐quinolizine and 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexahydro‐1,5‐methano‐8H‐pyrido[1,2‐a][1,5]diazocin‐8‐one, were synthesized and tested for activity against D‐10 (CQ‐susceptible) and W‐2 (CQ‐resistant) strains ofP. falciparum. Most compounds were found to be active against both strains with nanomolar or sub‐micromolar IC50values. Eleven compounds were found to be 2.7‐ to 13.4‐fold more potent than CQ against the W‐2 strain; among them, four cytisine derivatives appear to be of particular interest, as they combine high potency with low cytotoxicity against two human cell lines (HMEC‐1 and HepG2) along with easier synthetic accessibility. Replacement of the 4‐NH group with a sulfur bridge maintained antiplasmodial activity at a lower level, but produced an improvement in the resistance factor. These compounds warrant further investigation as potential drugs for use in the fight against malaria.
The outcomes of “atypical” and “suspicious” bile duct brushings in the identification of pancreaticobiliary tumors: Follow‐up analysis of surgical resection specimens
Authors: Choi Won‐Tak , Swanson Paul E. , Grieco Verena S. , Wang Dongliang , Westerhoff Maria
Published: July 2015

Background

Bile duct brushing cytology is frequently used to investigate suspected pancreaticobiliary tumors, but it is associated with low diagnostic sensitivity. As recently proposed by the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology in its new classification scheme for pancreaticobiliary cytology, the use of “atypical” and “suspicious (for malignancy)” categories may give a better prediction of malignancy and improve patient management.

Methods

A series of 65 “atypical” and “suspicious” results initially diagnosed at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Centers between 2005 and 2012 were analyzed to determine outcomes based on the review of subsequent surgical resection specimens.

Results

Seven of 15 (47%) “atypical” cases demonstrated malignant outcomes, whereas 49 of 50 (98%) “suspicious” cases showed documented malignancy within a mean follow‐up of 4 months (P < 0.0001 from Pearson's chi‐squared test). The analysis of surgical resection specimens demonstrates that 59% of “atypical” and “suspicious” bile duct brushings with malignant outcomes were pancreatic adenocarcinoma (95% confidence interval (CI): 46–71%), 97% of pancreatic adenocarcinomas caused strictures in the head of the pancreas (95% CI: 86–100%), and that 86% of pancreatic adenocarcinomas were moderate to poorly differentiated (95% CI: 73–99%). Fifty‐three of the 60 (88%) patients in the presence of prior stenting had a histologically confirmed malignancy.

Conclusion

The use of “atypical” and “suspicious” categories may allow more accurate surveillance and/or more rapid surgical exploration of pancreaticobiliary tumors. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:885–891. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ecological connectivity assessment in a strongly structured fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) population
Authors: Bani Luciano , Pisa Giulia , Luppi Massimiliano , Spilotros Giulia , Fabbri Elena , Randi Ettore , Orioli Valerio
Published: July 2015

Small populations are more prone to extinction if the dispersal among them is not adequately maintained by ecological connections. The degree of isolation between populations could be evaluated measuring their genetic distance, which depends on the respective geographic (isolation by distance, IBD) and/or ecological (isolation by resistance, IBR) distances. The aim of this study was to assess the ecological connectivity of fire salamander Salamandra salamandra populations by means of a landscape genetic approach. The species lives in broad‐leaved forest ecosystems and is particularly affected by fragmentation due to its habitat selectivity and low dispersal capability. We analyzed 477 biological samples collected in 47 sampling locations (SLs) in the mainly continuous populations of the Prealpine and Eastern foothill lowland (PEF) and 10 SLs in the fragmented populations of the Western foothill (WF) lowland of Lombardy (northern Italy). Pairwise genetic distances (Chord distance, DC) were estimated from allele frequencies of 16 microsatellites loci. Ecological distances were calculated using one of the most promising methodology in landscape genetics studies, the circuit theory, applied to habitat suitability maps. We realized two habitat suitability models: one without barriers (EcoD) and a second one accounting for the possible barrier effect of main roads (EcoDb). Mantel tests between distance matrices highlighted how the Log‐DC in PEF populations was related to log‐transformed geographic distance (confirming a prevalence of IBD), while it was explained by the Log‐EcoD, and particularly by the Log‐EcoDb, in WF populations, even when accounting for the confounding effect of geographic distance (highlighting a prevalence of IBR). Moreover, we also demonstrated how considering the overall population, the effect of Euclidean or ecological distances on genetic distances acting at the level of a single group (PEF or WF populations) could not be detected, when population are strongly structured.
Efficiency Limits and Color of Semitransparent Organic Solar Cells for Application in Building‐Integrated Photovoltaics
Authors: Forberich Karen , Guo Fei , Bronnbauer Carina , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: July 2015

We have modified the well‐known Scharber model for the efficiency limits of organic solar cells for the case of semitransparent devices, which are considered as one of the most promising applications for this photovoltaic (PV) technology. We introduce a modified external quantum efficiency (EQE) relation and derive the transparency from the convolution of the calculated transmittance spectrum with the human eye sensitivity. We find that the design guidelines for the optimum band gap of the absorber material have to be carefully adapted for the desired transparency, especially for transparency values exceeding 40 %. In addition, we examine the relationship between efficiency, transmitted color, and band gap and conclude that high efficiencies can be achieved for a wide range of colors. Our model shows good agreement with experimental values from the literature and can be easily adapted to different applications (e.g., greenhouses) by using the appropriate spectrum.
Interference‐aware resource sharing in D2D underlaying LTE‐A networks
Authors: Xu Shaoyi , Kwak Kyung Sup , Rao Ramesh
Published: July 2015

In a device‐to‐device (D2D) underlaying cellular system, intra‐cell interference is no longer negligible, and such interference exists for sharing both uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) resources. This work presents a power and Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) allocation algorithm to coordinate UL and DL interference in the D2D underlaying Long‐Term Evolution‐Advanced (LTE‐A) network. The objective is to find an effective and efficient mechanism to mitigate the interference between the two subsystems while maximising the weighted sum throughput. This optimisation problem is formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming, which is further decomposed into PRBs assignment and transmission power allocation. Analysis reveals that the proposed PRBs allocation strategy is energy‐efficient, and it suppresses the interference not only suffered by the LTE‐A system but also to the D2D users. In another side, the optimal power allocation is resolved by using a low‐complexity technique, and results show the optimal power resides in one of at most four feasible power vectors. Specifically, the scenario of applying partial channel state information (CSI) is also taken into account in our study. Simulations prove that the optimal power allocation combined with the proposed PRBs assignment achieves higher weighted sum throughput as compared with traditional algorithms, even when partial CSI is utilised. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sustained Inhibition of Proliferative Response After Transient FGF Stimulation Is Mediated by Interleukin 1 Signaling
Authors: Poole Ashleigh , Kacer Doreen , Cooper Emily , Tarantini Francesca , Prudovsky Igor
Published: July 2015

Transient FGF stimulation of various cell types results in FGF memory—a sustained blockage of efficient proliferative response to FGF and other growth factors. FGF memory establishment requires HDAC activity, indicating its epigenetic character. FGF treatment stimulates proinflammatory NFκB signaling, which is also critical for FGF memory formation. The search for FGF‐induced mediators of FGF memory revealed that FGF stimulates HDAC‐dependent expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL1α. Similarly to FGF, transient cell treatment with recombinant IL1α inhibits the proliferative response to further FGF and EGF stimulation, but does not prevent FGF receptor‐mediated signaling. Interestingly, like cells pretreated with FGF1, cells pretreated with IL1α exhibit enhanced restructuring of actin cytoskeleton and increased migration in response to FGF stimulation. IRAP, a specific inhibitor of IL 1 receptor, and a neutralizing anti‐IL1α antibody prevent the formation of FGF memory and rescue an efficient proliferative response to FGF restimulation. A similar effect results following treatment with the anti‐inflammatory agents aspirin and dexamethasone. Thus, FGF memory is mediated by proinflammatory IL1 signaling. It may play a role in the limitation of proliferative response to tissue damage and prevention of wound‐induced hyperplasia. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 650–658, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrazononitriles as Precursors for 4‐aminotriazoles and 3‐aminoisoxazoles: One Pot Synthesis of triazolo[1,5‐a]quinazoline Derivatives
Authors: Abdelhamid Ismail A. , Abdelmoniem Amr M. , Ghozlan Said A. S. , Butenschön Holger
Published: July 2015

The reaction of various hydrazononitriles with hydroxylamine hydrochloride yielded various products, namely, 3‐aminoisoxazolone, 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole and 4‐amino‐1,2,3‐triazole derivatives depending on the nature of substituents.
Radiation Processing of Polymers for Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Darwis Darmawan , Erizal  , Abbas B. , Nurlidar Farah , Putra D. Pribadi
Published: July 2015

The use of ionizing radiation for the preparation of polymeric biomaterials is one of the examples of the application of atomic energy for the benefit of humanity. Radiation processing is based on the use of high energy ionizing radiation to induce chemical and biological changes in irradiated systems. High energy electron (EB) under 10 keV and gamma irradiation are the most frequently used of ionizing radiation for synthesis, modification of polymers, and sterilization of medical devices. Potential biomedical and pharmaceutical applications of these polymers are implants, topical dressings, injectable formulations, drug delivery devices, diagnostic assays, and immobilized enzyme. Through radiation crosslinking or degradation processes, polymers with specific characteristics can be prepared. The advantages of radiation processing include the absent of any chemical residues (since no chemical additives are requires to initiate the reactions), can be used at all temperatures, can be limited to the surface only and in certain cases, the synthesis/modification of materials can be combined with sterilization.
The Influence of Succinyl Groups and Lithium Perchlorate on Chitosan Membranes as Electrolyte Polymers
Authors: Fauzi Iqbal , Wahyuningrum Deana , Arcana I Made
Published: July 2015

The needs of secondary batteries are increasing every year. Secondary batteries using a liquid electrolyte have weaknesses, such as prone to leakage and difficulty in its packing. A solid polymer electrolyte is one solution to resolve this problem. This study was conducted to determine the effect of succinyl group and lithium perchlorate on chitosan membranes as the polymer electrolyte. The succinyl chitosan was obtained by reacting chitosan with succinic anhydride in various compositions. Polymer electrolyte membranes were derived from succinyl chitosan with different ratios of lithium perchlorate. The deacetylation degree of chitosan was determined by 1H‐NMR spectrum is 80.26%. Synthesis of succinyl chitosan has been successfully carried out, which is indicated by the characteristic peaks of 1H‐NMR spectrum at chemical shift value of 2.7 ppm – 2.9 that correspond to the signal proton from methilen of succinyl groups of the succinyl chitosan. The substitution degree of N‐succinyl chitosan that was determined by NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) was 13.75% for Chi‐SC 1:1 and 70.84% for Chi‐SC 1:3. The presence of succinyl groups on chitosan can increase ionic conductivity values of the membrane, but the tensile strength of membrane decreases. The N‐Succinyl chitosan membrane with degree substitution of 70.84% and lithium perchlorate ratio of 5% (w/w) showed the ionic conductivity of 8.04 × 10−2 S.cm−1. Therefore, the membrane of succinyl chitosan‐lithium with 5% (w/w) lithium perchlorate could be potentially used as a polymer electrolyte for lithium‐ion battery applications.
Isolation of Natural Polymer from the By‐Product of Hydrolysis of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Budiman Harry , Hanafi Achmad
Published: July 2015

The natural polymer was isolated from black liquor as the product of bioethanol pretreatment process by means of precipitated method. The natural polymer was precipitated by addition of sulfuric acid to obtain various pH conditions (10 to 1) of the mixtures at room temperature. In addition, variation of temperatures agitation was also conducted in the precipitation of natural polymer from black liquor at different initial of pH. The results showed that percentage of yield of precipitated natural polymer is increasing from 5.5 to 30.1% with the decreasing of the pH of black liquor from 10 to 1. In addition, the increasing temperature of precipitation from 50 °C to 90 °C results in increasing the yield of precipitated natural polymer. Furthermore, the distribution of particles of natural polymer recovered from precipitation process at different pH was then analyzed by Particle Size Analysis and the non‐volatile residue of precipitate was determined by furnace temperature program. The average of particle size of natural polymer is decreasing from 262 to 64 μm with the increasing of the precipitation pH from 1 to 10. The non‐volatile residue of natural polymer isolated by precipitation at higher pH was larger than at lower pH.
Quasi‐geostrophic dynamics in the presence of moisture gradients
Authors: Monteiro Joy M. , Sukhatme Jai
Published: July 2015

The derivation of a quasi‐geostrophic system from the rotating shallow‐water equations on a midlatitude β‐plane coupled with moisture is presented. Condensation is prescribed to occur whenever the moisture at a point exceeds a prescribed saturation value. It is seen that a slow condensation time‐scale is required to obtain a consistent set of equations at leading order. Further, since the advecting wind fields are geostrophic, changes in moisture (and hence precipitation) occur only via non‐divergent mechanisms. Following observations, a saturation profile with gradients in the zonal and meridional directions is prescribed. A purely meridional gradient has the effect of slowing down the dry Rossby waves, through a reduction in the ‘equivalent gradient’ of the background potential vorticity. A large‐scale unstable moist mode results on the inclusion of a zonal gradient by itself, or in conjunction with a meridional moisture gradient. For gradients that are are representative of the atmosphere, the most unstable moist mode propagates zonally in the direction of increasing moisture, matures over an intraseasonal time‐scale and has small phase speed.
Common Types of Reading Problems and How to Help Children Who Have Them
Authors: Spear‐Swerling Louise
Published: July 2015

Patterns of reading difficulty provide an educationally useful way to think about different kinds of reading problems, whether those problems are mainly experiential in nature (e.g., those common among English learners) or associated with disabilities (e.g., those typical of children with dyslexia). This article reviews research on three common patterns of poor reading: specific word‐reading difficulties, specific reading‐comprehension difficulties, and mixed reading difficulties. The purpose of the article is to explain how teachers can use assessments to identify individual struggling readers’ patterns of reading difficulties, and how this information is valuable in differentiating classroom instruction and planning interventions.
Computational close up on protein–protein interactions: how to unravel the invisible using molecular dynamics simulations?
Authors: Rakers Christin , Bermudez Marcel , Keller Bettina G. , Mortier Jérémie , Wolber Gerhard
Published: July 2015

As an essential part of many biological processes, protein–protein interactions (PPIs) offer exciting and promising opportunities for drug discovery by extension of the druggable target space. Over the last decade, studies on protein networks have significantly increased the number of identified PPIs. However, despite steadily growing data on PPIs, detailed understanding of the interaction surfaces and their dynamics remains limited. Furthermore, the development of small‐molecule inhibitors of PPIs faces technological challenges, leaving the question about the ‘druggability’ of PPIs open. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations may facilitate the prediction of druggable binding sites on protein–protein interfaces by detecting binding hot spots and transient pockets. MD allows for a detailed analysis of structural and functional aspects of PPIs and thus provides valuable insights into PPI mechanisms and supports the design of PPI modulators. We provide an overview on the main areas of MD applications to PPIs including structural investigations and the design of PPI disruptors. Emphasizing the beneficial synergies between computational and experimental techniques, MD techniques are also frequently applied to low‐resolution structural data and have been used to elucidate structure and movements of complex macromolecular structures relevant for biological processes. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2015, 5:345–359. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1222

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Interactions
LIFESTYLE und erblicher Brustkrebs
Authors: Kast Karin , Ditsch Nina , Kiechle Marion
Published: July 2015

Nicht für alle Trägerinnen einer Mutation in den Genen BRCA1 und BRCA2 liegt das lebenslange Erkrankungsrisiko für Brust- oder Eierstockkrebs gleich hoch. Bislang werden jedoch bei der Indikationsstellung zur Teilnahme am intensivierten Früherkennungs- und Nachsorgeprogramm oder zur Durchführung einer prophylaktischen Operation keine risikomodifizierenden Faktoren berücksichtigt. Für das sporadische Mammakarzinom sind zahlreiche direkt und indirekt veränderbare nicht-genetische Einflussfaktoren bekannt. Studien lassen vermuten, dass Lebensstilfaktoren auch das Risiko der BRCA-assoziierten Tumoren modulieren. Die Erforschung der genetischen und nicht-genetischen Faktoren und ihrer Interaktion untereinander führt zur Erstellung eines umfassenden Vorhersagemodells. Dieses hat zum einen die Vermeidung von Übertherapie im Hinblick auf präventive Maßnahmen zum Ziel. Zum anderen bereitet die Kenntnis der individuellen Trigger einer potenziellen Brust- oder Eierstockkrebserkrankung den Weg für eine gezieltere Prävention von der medikamentösen Therapie bis hin zur Lebensstilintervention.
One-step synthesized calcium phosphate-based
material for the removal of alizarin S dye from aqueous solutions: isothermal, kinetics,
and thermodynamics studies
Authors: Adeogun Abideen Idowu , Babu Ramesh Balakrishnan
Published: July 2015

Calcium phosphate hydroxyapatite (Ca-Hap) synthesized from
CaCO3 and
H3PO5, it was characterized by
scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction. The
Ca-Hap was used for the removal of Alizarin Red S dye from its aqueous solution. The
kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamic of the adsorption of the dye onto the
Ca-Hap were investigated. The effects of contact time, initial dye concentration, pH
as well as temperature on adsorption capacity of Ca-Hap were studied. Experimental
data were analyzed using six model equations: Langmuir, Freudlinch,
Redlich–Peterson, Temkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Sips isotherms and it was found
that the data fitted well with Sips and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models.
Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovic, and Avrami kinetic models were used
to test the experimental data in order to elucidate the kinetic adsorption process
and it was found that pseudo-second-order model best fit the data. The calculated
thermodynamics parameters (∆G°, ∆H° and ∆S°)
indicated that the process is spontaneous and endothermic in nature.
Simple Pneumonia or Something More?: A Case Report and Discussion of Unexpected Empyema Identified by Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Authors: Romano Michael , Jelic Tomislav , Chenkin Jordan
Published: July 2015

There is evidence to suggest that point-of-care ultrasound assessment of the lungs has a higher sensitivity and specificity than chest radiography for the diagnosis of pneumonia. It is unknown if the same is true for pneumonia complications. We present and discuss the case of a 61-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with confusion, decreased level of consciousness, and signs of sepsis. A chest x-ray revealed a right sided infiltrate. An ultrasound of the patient’s lungs was performed, and revealed a complex loculated fluid collection consistent with an empyema. A chest CT confirmed the diagnosis, and immediate percutaneous drainage was performed.
Giant Somatosensory Evoked Potentials Coincident With Epileptiform Discharges in Acutely Comatose Patients
Authors: Houlden David A. , Boulos Mark I. , Murray Brian J. , Norton Loretta , Young G. Bryan
Published: July 2015

Background

The amplitude of the cortically generated somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) is used to predict outcome in comatose patients. The relationship between epileptiform discharges and SSEP amplitude has not been elucidated in those patients.

Methods

Bilateral median nerve SSEP and electroencephalograph (EEG) studies were performed in a comatose patient (patient 1) 1 day after cardiac surgery and repeated 4 days later. He had tranexamic acid administered before and during surgery. Another comatose patient (patient 2) had the same studies performed 1 day after sustaining 10 minutes of pulseless electrical cardiac activity.

Results

Both comatose patients had epileptiform discharges (on EEG) that were coincident with giant cortically generated SSEPs. In patient 1, the EEG and SSEP studies repeated 5 days postoperatively showed no epileptiform discharges, and the cortically generated SSEP amplitude was decreased (normalized) compared with that obtained one day postoperatively. He emerged from coma and had a good recovery. Patient 2 died shortly after EEG and SSEP testing.

Conclusions

Epileptiform discharges were associated with giant cortically generated median nerve SSEP amplitude (tranexamic acid was implicated in patient 1 and anoxic brain injury in patient 2). Accordingly, those who use the amplitude of cortically generated SSEPs for predicting outcome in comatose patients should consider the presence of epileptiform discharges (detected by EEG) as a potential confounding factor.
A Choreographer's Score: Fase, Rosas Danst Rosas, Elena's Aria, Bartók
Authors: Protopapa Efrosini
Published: July 2015

In the past decade, a growing discourse has developed among choreographers, dance artists, and their collaborators, who are eager to articulate their processes, practices, and working methods through different types of writing and publication. Artists’ books, objects, and online platforms—from Thomas Lehmen's Schreibstück (2002) and FUNKTIONEN tool box (2004), to BADco's Whatever Dance Toolbox (2011) in collaboration with Daniel Turing, and the Forsythe Company's project Motionbank (2010–2013)—have contributed to what we may describe today as the “publishing of choreographic ideas,” as proposed by Scott deLahunta (2015). Jeroen Peeters, editor of Are We Here Yet? (2010), which focuses on the work of Meg Stuart, emphasizes the discourse intrinsic to dance making, while Mårten Spångberg invites artists to “write their own history,” with projects such as The Swedish Dance History (2009–today), to give but one example. Alongside these developments, practice-as-research, which involves dance making and writing, is becoming more established within university settings; and presentations of/on artistic research are now common in conferences, symposia, and other sites of knowledge exchange. We could argue then that the development of an artist's theory of knowledge, which scholars such as Susan Melrose (2007) have been encouraging since the early 2000s, is now well under way both within and without the academy.
Histological and morphometric study of the epididymus ofChinchilla lanigeraGrey under controlled conditions in captivity
Authors: Gramajo-Bühler M.C. , Pucci F.J. , Sanchez-Toranzo G.
Published: July 2015

Chinchilla lanigera, native to the Andean Mountains of Perú, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina, is a specimen of great economic importance because of its fur. In mammals, spermatozoa originate in testes and are transported to the epididymis, where they undergo morphological and biochemical modifications known as sperm maturation, a basic step in the acquisition of their fertilizing ability. The aim of this work is the macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the epididymis ofChinchilla lanigeraGrey and its sectorization based on a histomorphological study. The epididymis presents a clear segmentation into four regions: initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda. The epithelium lining the seminiferous tubules is pseudostratified, with principal cells with stereocilia and basal, clear, apical, narrow and halo cells. The histological analysis showed that principal and basal cells are the prevailing populations in all regions, also revealing narrow cells and the absence of clear cells in the initial segment. Each segment presents its different histological and morphometric characteristics, which supports the idea of the specific behaviour of each region, giving a segment-specific character to the process of sperm maturation in this species. No significant differences were found in the morphometric measurements or in the histological evaluation of the epididymis of samples collected in April and October. The fact that no differences were found between the samples collected during the two periods when the reproductive ability in nature is different suggests the importance of external factors in the control of the reproductive cycle ofChinchilla lanigera.
Localization and quantitative analysis of Cx43 in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation
Authors: Lee Seunghoon , Hiradate Yuuki , Hoshino Yumi , Ko Yeoung-gyu , Tanemura Kentaro , Sato Eimei
Published: July 2015

Many studies of the main gap junction protein, Cx43, have been conducted in porcine oocyte research, but they have been limited to investigations of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). In this study, we verified Cx43 not in COCs, but in porcine oocytes during maturation, and conducted a quantitative time course analysis. The location and dynamics of Cx43 were examined by immunocytochemistry and western blotting, respectively. COCs were cultured in NCSU23 medium and processed for immunocytochemistry and western blotting at 0, 14, 28, and 42 h after denuding. A Cx43 signal was detected on oolemmas, transzonal projections and the surface of zona pellucidae. Western blotting showed that Cx43 band density increased from 0 to 14 h, and gradually decreased thereafter. Our results clarified that Cx43 is localized in the ooplasmic membrane through zona pellucidae and its level changes over time during culture in porcine oocytes.
Who Else Is in the Room? The Good Mother Myth in the Social Worker‒Mother Client Encounter
Authors: Sinai-Glazer Hagit
Published: July 2015

A fundamental dyad in public social services is woman to woman. In Israeli public social services, it is often mother to mother. This multi-faceted encounter is complex and in this theoretical article I wish to deconstruct and situate the social worker–mother encounter in a broader context, a social–cultural–national one. Taking a feminist perspective, I will explore how the personal and private social worker–mother encounter is a political and public one. Analysing western ideologies of the ‘Good Mother’ together with those of the Israeli-Jewish mother, this article aims to develop a theoretical understanding of macro mechanisms that shape the social worker–mother encounter. Being conscious about what influences that encounter might benefit social work clients, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.
Tight junction CLDN2 gene is a direct target of the vitamin D receptor
Authors: Zhang Yong-guo , Wu Shaoping , Lu Rong , Zhou David , Zhou Jingsong , Carmeliet Geert , Petrof Elaine , Claud Erika C. , Sun Jun
Published: July 2015

The breakdown of the intestinal barrier is a common manifestation of many diseases. Recent evidence suggests that vitamin D and its receptor VDR may regulate intestinal barrier function. Claudin-2 is a tight junction protein that mediates paracellular water transport in intestinal epithelia, rendering them “leaky”. Using whole body VDR-/- mice, intestinal epithelial VDR conditional knockout (VDRΔIEC) mice and cultured human intestinal epithelial cells, we demonstrate here that the CLDN2 gene is a direct target of the transcription factor VDR. The Caudal-Related Homeobox (Cdx) protein family is a group of the transcription factor proteins which bind to DNA to regulate the expression of genes. Our data showed that VDR-enhances Claudin-2 promoter activity in a Cdx1 binding site-dependent manner. We further identify a functional vitamin D response element (VDRE) 5΄-AGATAACAAAGGTCA-3΄ in the Cdx1 site of the Claudin-2 promoter. It is a VDRE required for the regulation of Claudin-2 by vitamin D. Absence of VDR decreased Claudin-2 expression by abolishing VDR/promoter binding. In vivo, VDR deletion in intestinal epithelial cells led to significant decreased Claudin-2 in VDR-/- and VDRΔIEC mice. The current study reveals an important and novel mechanism for VDR by regulation of epithelial barriers.
Blockade of dual-specificity phosphatase 28 decreases chemo-resistance and migration in human pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Lee Jungwhoi , Hun Yun Jeong , Lee Jungsul , Choi Chulhee , Hoon Kim Jae
Published: July 2015

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most deadly cancers, with a grave prognosis. Despite numerous endeavors to improve treatment of the neoplasm, limited progress has been made. In the present study, we investigated the role of dual specificity phosphatase 28 (DUSP28) in relation to anti-cancer drug sensitivity and migratory activity in human pancreatic cancer cells for the first time. Analysis using Universal exPress Codes (UPCs) with the GEO database showed significantly higher DUSP28 mRNA expression in pancreatic cancers. We found that DUSP28 was highly expressed in several human pancreatic cancer cell lines that showed resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Overexpression of DUSP28 decreased anti-cancer drug-sensitivity and enhanced cellular migration via the ERK1/2 pathway in DUSP28-negative cell lines. Knockdown of DUSP28 re-sensitized cells to anti-cancer drugs even at sublethal doses by inducing an apoptotic pathway and significantly reduced migration in DUSP28-positive human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Furthermore, DUSP28-positive cell line (Panc-1) xenograft models were more resistant to gemcitabine treatment than DUSP28-negative cell line (SNU-213) xenograft models. Collectively, these results indicate that DUSP28 plays a key role in drug resistance and migratory activity in human pancreatic cells and suggest that targeting DUSP28 might have clinical relevance in eradicating malignant pancreatic cancers.