bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light Weight Geopolymer Paste Made with Sidoarjo Mud (Lusi)
Authors: Ekaputri Januarti Jaya , Triwulan  , Junaedi S. , Fansuri  , Aji R.B.
Published: August 2014

This paper presents the efforts of how to use the solid form of Sidoarjo mud as a base material of lightweight-geopolymer paste. The mud, which is called Lusi was mixed with a class F fly ash. Some experimental results have shown that mixing mud with fly ash and alkali was potential to become a binder in concrete, instead of Portland cement. Alkaline solutions used in the mixture were NaOH of 12 M and 14 M and Na2SiO3combined in the ratio of 1:2.5 by weight. Aluminum powder was applied as a foaming agent. It showed that the strength of paste made with mixing Sidoarjo mud and fly ash was influenced by mud content. The effect of chemical admixture and curing temperature was observed as well. A steam curing method at 60°C was applied to the paste for three and six hours. Test results showed that the compressive strength of the paste varied with the concentration of alkaline solution, mud content, admixture and curing temperature. The maximum strength of the lightweight paste at 21 days was 2.8 MPa with the density of 722 kg/m3.
Microbe-Specific Unconventional T Cells Induce Human Neutrophil Differentiation into Antigen Cross-Presenting Cells
Authors: Davey Martin S. , Morgan Matt P. , Liuzzi Anna Rita , Tyler Christopher J. , Khan Mohd Wajid A. , Szakmany Tamas , Hall Judith E. , Moser Bernhard , Eberl Matthias
Published: August 2014

The early immune response to microbes is dominated by the recruitment of neutrophils whose primary function is to clear invading pathogens. However, there is emerging evidence that neutrophils play additional effector and regulatory roles. The present study demonstrates that human neutrophils assume Ag cross-presenting functions and suggests a plausible scenario for the local generation of APC-like neutrophils through the mobilization of unconventional T cells in response to microbial metabolites. Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells are abundant in blood, inflamed tissues, and mucosal barriers. In this study, both human cell types responded rapidly to neutrophils after phagocytosis of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria producing the corresponding ligands, and in turn mediated the differentiation of neutrophils into APCs for both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells through secretion of GM-CSF, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. In patients with acute sepsis, circulating neutrophils displayed a similar APC-like phenotype and readily processed soluble proteins for cross-presentation of antigenic peptides to CD8+ T cells, at a time when peripheral Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells were highly activated. Our findings indicate that unconventional T cells represent key controllers of neutrophil-driven innate and adaptive responses to a broad range of pathogens.
Paleocene-Pliocene deltaic to inner shelf palynostratigraphic zonation, depositional environments and paleoclimates in the Imperial Adgo F-28 well, Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin
Authors: Norris G
Published: August 2014

The Imperial Adgo F-28 well (lat. 69°30N, long. 135°45W) penetrates more than 10 000 ft (3200 m) of Cenozoic deltaic and delta-front clastic sediments representing transgressive-regressive cycles. Stratigraphic ranges of more than 200 species of
palynomorphs in the Pliocene through upper Paleocene interval are documented based on cuttings samples composited over 100-foot intervals. An interval zonation for the well is established based on last appearance datums (stratigraphic range tops) of selected terrestrial species supplemented by other
palynomorph assemblage information. The zonation is correlated with other sections in the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin and Arctic Archipelago and ages are determined by comparison with biostratigraphic data from Cenozoic sections within and outside the basin.

The Iperk Sequence (Late Pliocene) is characterized by the Laevigatosporites Zone and the upper part of the Chenopodipollis Zone. The subjacent Mackenzie Bay Sequence (Early-Middle Miocene) is characterized by the Tsugaepollenites Zone. At approximately 2800 ft, Miocene sediments rest on the late
Eocene Integricorpus Zone (Richards Sequence). Below this are more than 7000 ft (2130 m) of Taglu Sequence (latest Paleocene-Middle Eocene) and Aklak Sequence (Late Paleocene). These two sequences are divided into six interval zones (from top to bottom, the Pesavis tagluensis, Punctodiporites,
Paraalnipollenites, Fusiformisporites, Ctenosporites, and Multicellaesporites-Pluricellaesporites zones). The Paleocene-Eocene boundary occurs within the Ctenosporites Zone near the bottom of the Taglu Sequence.

Scattered intervals within the Taglu Sequence and lower part of the Richards Sequence (spanning collectively Lower through Upper Eocene) are characterized by dinoflagellate cyst assemblages of low diversity indicating sporadic marine to hyposaline incursions consistent with a fluctuating inner
shelf/prodelta/delta-front depositional environment. Some of the Eocene dinoflagellate flora appear to be endemic to the basin, but other species indicate connections with lower latitude assemblages.

Upper Paleocene spore-pollen floras are of low diversity and contrast with the rich Eocene palynofloras. The highly diverse Lower through Upper Eocene terrestrial palynofloras in general indicate warm temperate climates. Warm temperate climates may have recurred in the early Miocene. Cool temperate
climates are indicated for the late Miocene and Pliocene, possibly becoming boreal at the end of Pliocene times.

Fungal palynomorphs and embryophyte spores and pollen new to the area are illustrated and listed taxonomically. These include 8 new species, 16 species described in open nomenclature, 6 new combinations, and an additional 45 species new to the area but previously described from outside the
Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin.
Heavy-metal concentrations in soils surrounding Canadian base-metal smelters: a comparative study
Authors: Henderson P J , Knight R , McMartin I
Published: August 2014

Orientation studies in the vicinity of the Horne smelter (Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec) and the Trail smelter (Trail, British Columbia) have provided organic and mineral-soil geochemical analyses that are comparable with data collected previously near the smelter at
Flin Flon, Manitoba. Results from Rouyn-Noranda and Trail are similar to those at Flin Flon and indicate that humus is enriched in elements emitted from the smelter. Concentrations are elevated at sites near the smelter and decrease with distance from the source such that the log- distance is
inversely proportional to the log- concentration of the emitted element. Factors affecting the degree of enrichment include smelter type, emission characteristics, topography, and wind direction. Heavy- metal concentrations in mineral soils are related primarily to bedrock composition at all
locations. In the vicinity of the smelter, downward migration of some smelter-related metals in the soil profile is indicated by the relationship between concentrations in B- and C- horizon mineral soils.
Public transport policy implementation in South Africa: Quo vadis?
Authors: Walters Jackie
Published: August 2014

For many years the South African government has put forward policies and strategies to improve and promote public transport. Despite this, very little has changed over the last 30 years, although projects such as the Gautrain high-speed rail service and a few bus rapid transit routes have been introduced recently. These projects, however, are not integrated in a logical manner into the broader public transport system and are often referred to as stand alone interventions because of a lack of managing public transport in terms of integrated transport plans. The traditional commuter rail, bus and 16-seat taxi industries therefore operate in policy silos and, in the case of the bus and rail industries, are planned and funded independently of each other, leading to a further lack of integration. Policy interventions have been implemented partially or not at all, leaving the public transport sector in a state of flux. The methodology followed in researching this paper was to briefly trace the historical public transport policy developments, with a focus on the commuter bus industry, in order to identify possible impediments to policy implementation and to identify policy interventions for addressing the currently stalled policy implementation programme. The main finding of the paper is that it would be advisable to establish provincial transport authorities between local and provincial governments. That should speed up the development and implementation of integrated transport plans, which ought to lead to integrated public transport systems and a more optimal spend of the available governmental funds aimed at subsidising public transport.
Diffuse Hepatic Hemangiomatosis in the Adult without Extra-hepatic Involvement: An Extremely Rare Occurrence
Authors: Batista Alexandre , Matos António Pedro , Neta Jorge Oliveira e , Ramalho Miguel
Published: August 2014

We present a case of a pathologically proven multinodular diffuse hepatic hemangiomatosis (DHH) with no extra-hepatic involvement in a 68-year-old male. Cavernous hemangioma is the most common hepatic tumor. However, DHH, which is characterized by extensive replacement of liver parenchyma with hemangiomatous lesions, has been rarely reported in adults. The etiology and clinical course are not completely understood because of its rareness, although the diagnosis might be suggested by the magnetic resonance imaging findings.
Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome: An Approach through Imaging Perspective
Authors: Bhat Venkatraman
Published: August 2014

This pictorial illustration demonstrates various aspects of arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) obtained predominantly from a multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT) examination of a patient. In addition, a comprehensive review of typical multi-modality imaging observations in patients with ATS is presented along with a description of a few imaging signs. Non-invasively obtained, conclusive information is required in patients with ATS in view of the fragile vascular structures involved. An amazing wealth of information can be obtained by reviewing the volumetric data sets of MDCT examination. In the context of incomplete clinical information or remote reading of radiographic examination with inadequate clinical details, ability to “image data mine” the hidden, unexplored information may be vastly useful. The role of MDCT as a single modality of evaluation in ATS is highlighted.
Importance of Presurgical Breast MRI in Patients 60 Years of Age and Older
Authors: Destounis Stamatia V , Arieno Andrea L , Morgan Renee C
Published: August 2014

Objective:

To demonstrate the importance of presurgical bilateral breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in women 60 years of age and older.

Materials and Methods:

Institutional review board approval was obtained with waiver of informed consent for this retrospective review. From December 2003 to December 2011, all patients 60 years and older who had presurgical bilateral breast MRI were reviewed, revealing 1268 presurgical MRI examinations; 310 had a new lesion identified by MRI. Cases were excluded due to incomplete or missing data, resulting in 243 patients with 272 findings eligible for analysis. Data recorded included patient demographics, core biopsy method and pathology, type of surgery, and surgical pathology results.

Results:

Of 1268 exams performed in this population, 272 (21.5%) patients with suspicious MRI findings underwent needle biopsy. Malignancy was found in 114 (42%), benign findings in 127 (47%), and atypia in 31 (11%). Of the malignancies, 83 were in the ipsilateral breast and 31 in the contralateral breast to the original diagnosis. Of the ipsilateral findings, 47 were in the same quadrant as the primary diagnosis, 28 in a different quadrant, and 8 were metastatic lymph nodes. Of the 31 atypical findings, 14 were contralateral to the primary diagnosis and 17 were ipsilateral. Two hundred and thirty-three patients underwent surgical excision; 111 changed their surgical management as a lesion was seen on MRI and was diagnosed as cancer on needle biopsy.

Conclusions:

Among the patients aged 60 years and above who had presurgical bilateral breast MRI, we found additional cancers in 9.0% (n = 114/1268) and atypia in 2.4% (n = 31/1268). A change in management as a result of the MRI-detected lesion occurred in 8.8% (n = 111/1268). These results demonstrate that performing presurgical bilateral breast MRI is of value in women 60 years of age and above.
Morbidity Pattern and Outcome of Patients Admitted into a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in India
Authors: Abhulimhen-Iyoha Blessing I. , Pooboni Suneel Kumar , Vuppali Nanda Kishore Kumar
Published: August 2014

Background

Intensive care has become very important in the management of critically ill children who require advanced airway, respiratory, and hemodynamic supports and are usually admitted into the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with the aim of achieving an outcome better than if the patients were admitted into other parts of the hospital. It becomes important to audit admissions and their outcome, which may help to modify practices if necessary following thorough introspection, leading to better patient outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate the morbidity pattern and outcome of admissions into the PICU of a tertiary care center in India.

Methods

A retrospective study in which records of admissions (from August 2012 to June 2013) were obtained from the PICU records. Information retrieved included age, sex, diagnosis, duration of stay in the unit, and outcome.

Results

Mean age of the studied 341 patients was 40.01 ± 45.79 months; 50.7% were infants and 59.8% were males. The three most common disease categories admitted were cardiovascular disease (41.1%), neurological disorders (12.0%), and respiratory disease (10.0%). The mean duration of stay in PICU was 3.2 ± 4.5 days. The overall mortality rate was 2.1%.

Conclusion

Mortality is low in our PICU. We conclude that a well-equipped intensive care unit with modern and innovative intensive care greatly facilitates the care of critically ill patients giving desirable outcome. An expansion of the pediatric wards is advocated to enhance cost–-effective management of patients and avoid unnecessary stretch of the PICU facilities.
Mango Supplementation Improves Blood Glucose in Obese Individuals
Authors: Evans Shirley F. , Meister Maureen , Mahmood Maryam , Eldoumi Heba , Peterson Sandra , Perkins-Veazie Penelope , Clarke Stephen L. , Payton Mark , smith Brenda J. , Lucas Edralin A.
Published: August 2014

This pilot study examined the effects of freeze-dried mango ( Mangifera indica L.) supplementation on anthropometrics, body composition, and biochemical parameters in obese individuals. Twenty obese adults (11 males and 9 females) ages 20- to 50-years old, received 10 g/day of ground freeze-dried mango pulp for 12 weeks. Anthropometrics, biochemical parameters, and body composition were assessed at baseline and final visits of the study. After 12 weeks, mango supplementation significantly reduced blood glucose in both male (-4.45 mg/dL, P = 0.018) and female (-3.56 mg/dL, P = 0.003) participants. In addition, hip circumference was reduced in male (-3.3 cm, P = 0.048) but not in female participants. However, there were no significant changes in body weight or composition in either gender. Our findings indicate that regular consumption of freeze-dried mango by obese individuals does not negatively impact body weight but provides a positive effect on fasting blood glucose.
Antibiotics and Bacterial Resistance in the 21st Century
Authors: Fair Richard J. , Tor Yitzhak
Published: August 2014

Dangerous, antibiotic resistant bacteria have been observed with increasing frequency over the past several decades. In this review the factors that have been linked to this phenomenon are addressed. Profiles of bacterial species that are deemed to be particularly concerning at the present time are illustrated. Factors including economic impact, intrinsic and acquired drug resistance, morbidity and mortality rates, and means of infection are taken into account. Synchronously with the waxing of bacterial resistance there has been waning antibiotic development. The approaches that scientists are employing in the pursuit of new antibacterial agents are briefly described. The standings of established antibiotic classes as well as potentially emerging classes are assessed with an emphasis on molecules that have been clinically approved or are in advanced stages of development. Historical perspectives, mechanisms of action and resistance, spectrum of activity, and preeminent members of each class are discussed.
Optimisation of glaciological parameters for ice core chronology by implementing counted layers between identified depth levels
Authors: Bazin L. , Lemieux-Dudon B. , Landais A. , Guillevic M. , Kindler P. , Parrenin F. , Martinerie P.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. A~recent coherent chronology has been built for 4 Antarctic ice cores and the NorthGRIP (NGRIP) Greenland ice core (Antarctic Ice Core Chronology 2012, AICC2012) using a bayesian approach for ice core dating (Datice). When building the AICC2012 chronology, and in order to prevent any confusion with official ice cores chronology, it has been imposed that the AICC2012 chronology for NGRIP should respect exactly the GICC05 chronology based on layer counting. However, such a strong tuning did not satisfy the hypothesis of independence of background parameters and observations for the NGRIP core as required by Datice. We present here the implementation in Datice of a new type of markers that is better suited to constraints deduced from layer counting: the markers of age-difference. Using this type of markers for NGRIP in a 5 cores dating exercise with Datice, we have performed several sensitivity tests and show that the new ice core chronologies obtained with these new markers do not differ by more than 400 years from AICC2012 for Antarctic ice cores and by more than 130 years from GICC05 for NGRIP over the last 60 000 years. With this new parameterization, the accumulation rate and lock-in depth associated with NGRIP are more coherent with independent estimates than those obtained in AICC2012. While these new chronologies should not be used yet as new ice core chronologies, the improved methodology presented here should be considered in the next coherent ice core dating exercise.
Trail formation by ice-shoved "sailing stones" observed at Racetrack Playa, Death Valley National Park
Authors: Lorenz R. D. , Norris J. M. , Jackson B. K. , Norris R. D. , Chadbourne J. W. , Ray J.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Trails in the usually-hard mud of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park attest to the seemingly-improbable movement of massive rocks on an exceptionally flat surface. The movement of these rocks, previously described as "sliding stones", "playa scrapers", "sailing stones" etc., has been the subject of speculation for almost a century but is an exceptionally rare phenomenon and until now has not been directly observed. Here we report documentation of multiple rock movement and trail formation events in the winter of 2013–2014 by in situ observation, video, timelapse cameras, a dedicated meteorological station and GPS tracking of instrumented rocks. Movement involved dozens of rocks, forming fresh trails typically of 10s of meters length at speeds of ~5 cm s−1 and were caused by wind stress on a transient thin layer of floating ice. Fracture and local thinning of the ice decouples some rocks from the ice movement, such that only a subset of rocks move in a given event.
Using groundwater age to understand sources and dynamics of nutrient contamination through the catchment into Lake Rotorua, New Zealand
Authors: Morgenstern U. , Daughney C. J. , Leonard G. , Gordon D. , Donath F. M. , Reeves R.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The water quality of Lake Rotorua has declined continuously over the past 50 yr despite mitigation efforts over recent decades. Delayed response of the groundwater discharges to historic land-use intensification 50 yr ago was the reason suggested by early tritium measurements, which indicated large transit times through the groundwater system. We use the isotopic and chemistry signature of the groundwater for detailed understanding of the origin, fate, flow pathways, lag times, and future loads of contaminants. A unique set of high-quality tritium data over more than four decades, encompassing the time when the tritium spike from nuclear weapons testing moved through the groundwater system, allows us to determine detailed age distribution parameters of the water discharging into Lake Rotorua. The Rotorua volcanic groundwater system is complicated due to the highly complex geology that has evolved through volcanic activity. Vertical and steeply-inclined geological contacts preclude a simple flow model. The extent of the Lake Rotorua groundwater catchment is difficult to establish due to the deep water table in large areas, combined with inhomogeneous groundwater flow patterns. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the water chemistry parameters provided evidence of the recharge source of the large springs near the lake shore, with discharge from the Mamaku ignimbrite through lake sediment layers. Groundwater chemistry and age data show clearly the source of nutrients that cause lake eutrophication, nitrate from agricultural activities and phosphate from geologic sources. With a naturally high phosphate load reaching the lake continuously via all streams, the only effective way to limit algae blooms and improve lake water quality in such environments is by limiting the nitrate load. The groundwater in the Rotorua catchment, once it has passed through the soil zone, shows no further decrease in dissolved oxygen, indicating absence of electron donors in the aquifer that could facilitate microbial denitrification reactions. Nitrate from land-use activities that leaches out of the root zone of agricultural land into the deeper part of the groundwater system must be expected to travel with the groundwater to the lake. The old age and the highly mixed nature of the water discharges imply a very slow and lagged response of the streams and the lake to anthropogenic contaminants in the catchment, such as nitrate. Using the age distribution as deduced from tritium time series data measured in the stream discharges into the lake allows prediction of future nutrient loads from historic land-use activities 50 yr ago. For Hamurana Stream, the largest stream to Lake Rotorua, it takes more than a hundred years for the groundwater-dominated stream discharge to adjust to changes in land-use activities. These time scales apply to activities that cause contamination, but also to remediation action.
Sensitivity of lake ice regimes to climate change in the Nordic region
Authors: Gebre S. , Boissy T. , Alfredsen K.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. A one-dimensional process-based multi-year lake ice model, MyLake, was used to simulate lake ice phenology and annual maximum lake ice thickness for the Nordic region comprising Fennoscandia and the Baltic countries. The model was first tested and validated using observational meteorological forcing on a candidate lake (Lake Atnsjøen) and using downscaled ERA-40 reanalysis data set. To simulate ice conditions for the contemporary period of 1961–2000, the model was driven by gridded meteorological forcings from ERA-40 global reanalysis data downscaled to a 25 km resolution using the Rossby Centre Regional Climate Model (RCA). The model was then forced with two future climate scenarios from the RCA driven by two different general circulation models (GCMs) based on the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A1B. The two climate scenarios correspond to two future time periods namely the 2050s (2041–2070) and the 2080s (2071–2100). To take into account the influence of lake morphometry, simulations were carried out for four different hypothetical lake depths (5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 40 m) placed at each of the 3708 grid cells. Based on a comparison of the mean predictions in the future 30-year periods with the control (1961–1990) period, ice cover durations in the region will be shortened by 1 to 11 weeks in 2041–2070, and 3 to 14 weeks in 2071–2100. Annual maximum lake ice thickness, on the other hand, will be reduced by a margin of up to 60 cm by 2041–2070 and up to 70 cm by 2071–2100. The simulated changes in lake ice characteristics revealed that the changes are less dependent on lake depths though there are slight differences. The results of this study provide a regional perspective of anticipated changes in lake ice regimes due to climate warming across the study area by the middle and end of this century.
Arctic sea ice thickness loss determined using subsurface, aircraft, and satellite observations
Authors: Lindsay R. , Schweiger A.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Sea ice thickness is a fundamental climate state variable that provides an integrated measure of changes in the high-latitude energy balance. However, observations of ice thickness have been sparse in time and space making the construction of observation-based time series difficult. Moreover, different groups use a variety of methods and processing procedures to measure ice thickness and each observational source likely has different and poorly characterized measurement and sampling biases. Observational sources include upward looking sonars mounted on submarines or moorings, electromagnetic sensors on helicopters or aircraft, and lidar or radar altimeters on airplanes or satellites. Here we use a curve-fitting approach to evaluate the systematic differences between eight different observation systems in the Arctic Basin. The approach determines the large-scale spatial and temporal variability of the ice thickness as well as the mean differences between the observation systems using over 3000 estimates of the ice thickness. The thickness estimates are measured over spatial scales of approximately 50 km or time scales of 1 month and the primary time period analyzed is 2000–2013 when the modern mix of observations is available. Good agreement is found between five of the systems, within 0.15 m, while systematic differences of up to 0.5 m are found for three others compared to the five. The trend in annual mean ice thickness over the Arctic Basin is −0.58 ± 0.07 m decade−1 over the period 2000–2013, while the annual mean ice thickness for the central Arctic Basin alone (the SCICEX Box) has decreased from 3.45 m in 1975 to 1.11 m in 2013, a 68% reduction. This is nearly double the 36% decline reported by an earlier study. These results provide additional direct observational confirmation of substantial sea ice losses found in model analyses.
Resistência do Consumidor: Diferentes Estágios Teóricos de um mesmo Conceito
Authors: Dalmoro Marlon , Peñaloza Lisa , Nique Walter Meucci
Published: August 2014

O fenmeno de resistncia do consumidor tem sido alvo recorrente de estudos desde o incio da dcada de 1990, visando identificar o modo como indivduos e grupos aplicam uma estratgia de apropriao em resposta s estruturas de dominao (Pealoza Price, 1993). Num panorama geral, observa-se que os estudos das formas de resistncia do consumidor tm passado por diferentes fases de entendimento. Desta forma, este ensaio terico teve como objetivo analisar os diferentes estgios do entendimento de resistncia nos estudos do consumo, e elaborar um esquema analtico de carter evolutivo. Com base em uma ampla reviso terica, os estudos acerca da resistncia do consumidor foram agrupados em cinco estgios de carter evolutivo: pr-estgio: suporte dos clssicos, resistncia iluminada, resistncia contestada, tentativas de resistncia e agentes de resistncia. O estgio atual no entendimento da resistncia no busca aes de resistncia fora do mercado, pois o mercado seria o campo de batalha onde a resistncia ocorre, envolvendo agentes que assumem diferentes papis num processo de assimilao e resistncia ao longo do tempo. Contrapondo os diferentes estgios com as publicaes brasileiras do tema observou-se que os poucos estudos no esto alinhados com a evoluo do conceito internacionalmente. De maneira complementar, sugestes de estudos a partir deste entendimento so proporcionadas no final deste ensaio. Nesta linha, prope-se que a anlise da resistncia do consumidor passa pela busca da compreenso de como as pessoas se posicionam como sujeitos dentro do mercado.DOI: 10.5585/remark.v13i1.2531
Keratinolytic and keratinophilic fungi of mangrove's soil and air in the city of Qena and their response to garlic extract and onion oil treatments
Authors: Gherbawy Youssuf A.
Published: August 2014

Forty-eight species and l variety belonging to 25 genera were collected from 50 soil samples (41 species and l variety and 21 genera) and the atmosphere (27 species and l variety and 14 genera) of mangrove in the city Qena using hair baiting technique at 28"C. Twenty of these species was dermatophytes and closely related fungi. The most common and frequent species of the latter fungi were Aphanoascus fulvescens (telemorph of Chrysosporium keratinophilum), A. terreus (C. indicum). Aphanoascus sp. (C. tropicum) and Chrysosporium xerophilum. Sixty-eight isolates were tested for the abilites for growth on hair - sand medium. Most (73.5 %) had moderate growth rate. All keratinophilie fungi recovered in the present investigation were sensitive to garlic extract and onion oil.
Ultrastructure of conidia and hyphal cells of Ophiostoma querci isolates with respect to their ageing
Authors: Przybył Krystyna , Idzikowska Krystyna
Published: August 2014

Ultrastructural ohservations of isolates presented in this paper revealed that conidia and hyphaae taken from 6-day old end 30-day-old cultures differed in morphology of membranous bodies and occurrence of electron opaque bodies (EOB). Signle Sporothrix conidia of 30-day-old cultures exhibited a shrinkage of cytoplasm and endospores. It is possible that formation of endospores might result in producing extra cell walls to protect the shrinking or fragmenting cytoplasm.
Studies on the decomposition of keratin wastes by saprotrophic microfungi. I. Criteria for evaluating keratinolytic activity
Authors: Korniłłowicz-Kowalska Teresa
Published: August 2014

The abilities and keratinolytic activity of saprotrophic microfungi (37 strains) have been investigated. Uniform criteria for the evaluation of this activity have been established.
A new locality of Geastrum melanocephalum in the vicinity of Poznań
Authors: Lisiecka Maria
Published: August 2014

Geastrum melanocephalum recognized as a species in danger of extinction in Poland has been recently found in the old garden in Puszczykowo near Poznań. The paper gives a description of this fungus. The map of its distribution in Poland shows the concentration of localities in the central-western part of the country.
Yeast-like fungi possessing bio-indicator properties isolated from the Łyna river
Authors: Dynowska Maria
Published: August 2014

Yeast-like fungi isolated in the Łyna river are constant components of microflora of inland waters. Every increase in their number indicates progress in the process of eutrophication and accumulation of organic and inorganic pollutans. The fungi Candida aibicans, Pichia guilliermondii, P. anomala, Rhodotorula glutinis i Trichosporon beigelii, potentially pathogenic apperred in water with high content of municipal sewage, but T. aquatile - in the clean waters only. The tested fungi can be also considered as bio-indicators.
Antagonistic effect of fungi from Scots pine stump roots against Heterobasidion annosum and Armillaria ostoyae
Authors: Kwaśny Hanna
Published: August 2014

The study presents quantitative and qualitative aspects of fungal colonization of the 2-year-old stump roots of the 30- and 49-year-old Scots pines, and biotic relations between fungi inhabiting the stump roots and major agent s of butt and root rot in Poland, i.e.: H. annosum and A. ostoyae. Compared to the live roots, the increase in density of fungi communities as well as the frequency of the fungi antagonistic towards H. annosum and A. ostoyae, particularly of Trichoderma species. in pine stump roots resulted in the increase of the suppressive effect of these communities towards both pathogens, studied in vitro. This finding may suggest a stronger resistance of pine stump roots to H. annosum and A. ostoyae what under forest conditions may be the example of natural control of both pathogens.
Dynamic Analysis of Rotor Speed and Electrical Torque of Brushless Doubly Fed Induction Generator (BDFIG) Under Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Faults
Authors: Mahmoudi Javad , Moussavi Seyed Zeinolabedin , Mahmoodi Esmail
Published: August 2014

The brushless doubly fed induction generator (BDFIG) has the potential to be employed as a variable speed wind turbine generator. Owing to brushless configuration of this generator, its reliability is higher than DFIG. Most of the grid faults are unsymmetrical. Hence, this paper analyzes dynamic behavior of BDFIG under symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults and presents dynamic models for both fault types. In order to validate the results of analysis, simulations have been carried out using MATLAB/Simulink software. Then, the control winding (CW) current is compared under symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults.
Molecularly Imprinted Nanofiber Membranes: Localization of Molecular Recognition Sites on the Surface of Nanofiber
Authors: Isezaki Jun , Yoshikawa Masakazu
Published: August 2014

Two types of molecularly imprinted nanofiber membrane were fabricated from chitosan, adopting D-phenylalanine (D-Phe) or L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) as a print molecule. Molecularly imprinted nanofiber membranes were fabricated by applying a co-axial, two capillary spinneret so that molecular recognition sites could be localized on the surface of formed nanofiber. Though the effect was not so prominent, the amount of molecular recognition site for nanofibers with localized molecular recognition site (core-shell molecularly imprinted nanofiber membranes) was higher than that with delocalized one (usual molecularly imprinted nanofiber membranes). Those membranes showed permselectivity. The enantiomer preferentially incorporated into membrane was selectively transported.
Investigation of the Acid Strength Effects on Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis
Authors: Erkmen Jülide , Yapici Sinan
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this paper is to investigate acid strength effects on the same system for production of two different acids. Production of two different acids from their salts was carried out by electro dialysis (ED) using bipolar membranes (BPM). An virulent acid hydrofluoric acid and an weak acid boric acid were produced, all data were recorded and compared. Result of the study, in electro dialysis of acids and base, acid strength play an important role in terms of the efficiency of the process. Current efficiency was calculated very high at all processes for this electro dialysis (EDBM) system. This results in a growing demand for alternative process solutions such as Electro dialysis with Bipolar Membranes (EDBM).
Heparin-Mimicking Polymer Modified Polyethersulfone Membranes - A Mini Review
Authors: Xiang Tao , Cheng Chong , Zhao Changsheng
Published: August 2014

Recent studies on the modification of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes using heparin-mimicking polymers are reviewed. The general conception of heparin-mimicking polymersis defined as the syntheticpolymers (including the biopolymer derivates and synthetic sulfated artificial polymers) with similar biologically functionalities as heparin, such as the anticoagulant, growth factor binding, and also disease mediation. In the review, heparin-mimicking polymers is briefly reviewed; then heparin-mimicking polymer modified PES membranes, including blended, coated, and grafted membranes are discussed respectively.
La carte mentale pour favoriser l’apprentissage du Business Model et susciter la créativité des apprenants
Authors: Krémer Florence , Verstraete Thierry
Published: August 2014

Le Business Model est devenu un objet d’étude consacré par des publications dans les revues scientifiques. Cette expression est apparue dans un contexte entrepreneurial où les porteurs de projet devaient être particulièrement créatifs pour imaginer des façons de faire des affaires dans un univers nouveau (Internet). Les chercheurs tendent toutefois à oublier cette dimension créative du Business Model. Lorsqu’elle est évoquée, le propos est anecdotique et les recherches empiriques liant Business Model et créativité en contexte entrepreneurial sont rares. Alors que le Business Model devient un outil à enseigner pour aider les porteurs de projet à mettre au point leur affaire, il semble raisonnable d’imaginer des formes d’apprentissage intégrant la dimension créative du Business Model. Autrement dit, il ne s’agit pas seulement de faire apprendre le Business Model, il convient également que les apprenants (étudiants, porteurs de projet, entrepreneurs, etc.) fassent preuve de créativité lorsqu’ils l’utilisent. Les auteurs de cet article ont mobilisé, à cet effet, la carte mentale pour à la fois favoriser l’apprentissage du Business Model selon le modèle GRP (génération de la valeur, rémunération de la valeur et partage de la valeur) et stimuler la créativité qui lui est inhérente. Une recherche-action pédagogique a été déployée où les apprenants ont manipulé différents outils pour imaginer un Business Model à partir d’une idée. Les résultats montrent la réflexivité entre le Business Model et la créativité, puisque le Business Model est source de créativité alors que celle-ci stimule la conception de Business Models. Le cadre opératoire a favorisé l’apprentissage créatif du Business Model. Ces résultats ouvrent des perspectives aux pédagogues pour illustrer concrètement une notion dont on parle finalement beaucoup sans, trop souvent, faire voir des Business Models.
An ambulance for retinol
Authors: Ganal Stephanie C , MacPherson Andrew J
Published: August 2014

During inflammation, serum amyloid A proteins transport retinol to infected tissues.
The use of environmental DNA for biodiversity monitoring in lentic and lotic ecosystems
Authors: James Joanna , Moore Emily M. , Naden Rachel , Aston Ben , Bradbeer Stephanie J. , Stebbing Paul D.
Published: August 2024

Global biodiversity is facing an extinction crisis leading to increasing pressure on industries to monitor their potential environmental impact. Relatedly, there is demand for more efficient biodiversity monitoring methods, resulting in growing interest in the use of environmental DNA (eDNA). Many questions, however, regarding the reliability of this relatively novel method remain, particularly for non‐specialist end‐users of the technology.

Here, the use of commercially available (in the UK) eDNA assays for monitoring freshwater fish and invertebrate biodiversity was compared to conventional surveillance techniques. Samples were collected from different habitats, on varying spatial scales and using multiple sampling regimes to assess how eDNA results were affected.

For aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish, more taxa were detected by eDNA than conventional surveys conducted in parallel, and for fish, all taxa detected by conventional monitoring were confirmed by eDNA.

For aquatic macroinvertebrates, several species were only detected through conventional methods, and the number of families detected by eDNA was lower than for conventional monitoring at all sites.

eDNA results varied significantly between sampling locations within lentic sites and, for lotic sites, with the number of subsamples collected.

Practical implication. This study demonstrates the need for bespoke sampling protocols when collecting eDNA samples. It also improves understanding of using eDNA for detecting aquatic taxa that could inform species surveillance protocols. These are essential if eDNA is to be used by practitioners as a regulatory monitoring tool.
Mitochondrial DNA disorders in neuromuscular diseases in diverse populations
Authors: Gao Fei , Schon Katherine R. , Vandrovcova Jana , Wilson Lindsay , Hanna Michael G. , Çavdarlı Büşranur , Heckmann Jeannine , Chinnery Patrick F. , Horvath Rita ,   for the ICGNMD Consortium
Published: August 2024

Neuromuscular features are common in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disorders. The genetic architecture of mtDNA disorders in diverse populations is poorly understood. We analysed mtDNA variants from whole‐exome sequencing data in neuromuscular patients from South Africa, Brazil, India, Turkey and Zambia. In 998 individuals, there were two definite diagnoses, two possible diagnoses and eight secondary findings. Surprisingly, common pathogenic mtDNA variants found in people of European ancestry were very rare. Whole‐exome or ‐genome sequencing from undiagnosed patients with neuromuscular symptoms should be re‐analysed for mtDNA variants, but the landscape of pathogenic mtDNA variants differs around the world.
Energy Absorption of a Novel Lattice Structure‐Filled Multicell Thin‐Walled Tubes Under Axial and Oblique Loadings
Authors: Kocabas Gazi Basar , Yalcinkaya Senai , Cetin Erhan , Sahin Yusuf
Published: August 2024

Multicell design and lattice structure as filling material are two effective methods for enhancing the energy absorption performance of thin‐walled tubes. This study combines these two approaches to present a multicell tube with a novel lattice structure and investigates the energy absorption performances of these hybrid multicell tubes under axial (0°) and oblique (10°, 20°, and 30°) impact loading conditions. As filling structure, β‐Ti3Au lattice geometry with varying lattice strut diameters and the number of lattice unit cells are used, while the single and multicell thin‐walled tubes with different tube thicknesses are employed as main absorbing element. In this context, the effects of numbers of lattice unit cells, lattice strut diameter, cell numbers of the tube, and tube thickness on energy absorption performance of hybrid tubes are examined using validated nonlinear finite element models. This investigation unveils that the synergistic interplay between the multicell tubes and lattice structure during deformation significantly elevates the energy absorption performance of the hybrid structure. Notably, the findings demonstrate that multicell hybrid tubes exhibit a remarkable capacity to absorb up to 30.36% more impact energy compared to the aggregate absorption of individual components in hybrid tubes.
Novel Chemical Treatment of Porous Titanium Structures for Nanotextured Surface and Bioactive Behavior
Authors: Ferraris Sara , Alidoost Dario , Spriano Silvia , Torres Yadir , Beltran AnaMaria
Published: August 2024

Macroporous titanium structures are of interest in bone reconstruction because of their reduced modulus of elasticity (compared to bulk titanium), possibility of being colonized by cells, and biocompatibility. However, they are not bioactive and are not able to actively facilitate bone ingrowth or reduce bacterial adhesion. In the present research, work porous titanium scaffolds with different features (porosity 30–60 vol% and pore size 100–200 or 355–500 μm) are obtained by the space holder technique. Samples are characterized using optical microscopy, computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction. Moreover, the theoretical elastic modulus and yield strength are calculated. A patented chemical treatment, able to produce a bioactive nanotextured oxide layer, has been optimized and successfully applied, for the first time, to structures with 50 vol% porosity and 100–200 μm pore size (as the most promising for bone substitution due to the biomechanical and biofunctional balance). Bare and modified samples are characterized using field emission SEM, zeta potential measurements, and in vitro bioactivity tests (soaking in simulated body solution) to evaluate the effectiveness of the surface chemical treatment.
Experiment and Optimization of Stepwise Graded Foam for Enhanced High Overload Shedding Property
Authors: Chen Dong , Guo Hongxu , Yang Guang , Zhu Jiansheng , Zhang Xiaolong , Tian Zonghao , Wang Xin , Zhao Dan , Wang Jianjun
Published: August 2024

Herein, to achieve the large deformation of metallic foams at high strain rate, an improved split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) technique is developed. Using this improved SHPB technique, the dynamic properties of three kinds of single metallic foams and a stepwise graded foam are measured. Their energy absorption capacities are analyzed. Finite element simulation of SHPB test on the stepwise graded foam is carried out, and excellent agreement between the simulated result and experimental result is obtained. Then, the high overload shedding properties of the single foams and stepwise graded foam are analyzed via finite element simulations of SHPB tests. The results present that the stepwise graded foam possesses superior high overload shedding property than the single metallic foams, and the decreased percentage of the maximum acceleration for the stepwise graded foam is about 77.9%. To further improve the high overload shedding properties of the stepwise graded foam, multiobjective structural optimization is conducted. The decreased percentage of the maximum acceleration for the optimized stepwise graded foam is about 90.8%, indicating the remarkable high overload shedding property. These results of this study suggest the promising prospects of the stepwise graded foam for high overload shedding.
An Easy Nanopatch Promotes Peripheral Nerve Repair through Wireless Ultrasound‐Electrical Stimulation in a Band‐Aid‐Like Way
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Zhifa , Zhao Ziteng , Xu Yongde , Duan Xiaofeng , Zhao Yantao , Ma Wenjing , Yang Yong , Yang Yafeng , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2024

Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and electrical stimulation (ES) are effective methods that promote neural repair. However, ES usually requires electrode implantation and a power supply, which are an inconvenience to future applications. Meanwhile, it is difficult to combine ultrasound and ES through traditional methods. Herein, a nanopatch consisting of an oriented barium titanate (BTO)‐incorporated polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber membrane for electricity generation and a layer of graphene oxide (GO)‐doped gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) for neural interaction is developed. This band‐aid‐like BTO@PCL/GO@GelMA nanopatch has an excellent piezoelectric performance. In vitro, the nanopatches significantly promote axonal growth under LIPUS treatment. In a rat model of erectile dysfunction caused by peripheral nerve injury, the nanopatch is easily attached to a damaged nerve similar to a band‐aid. With the assistance of ultrasound, some mechanical energy is converted into electricity by the nanopatch, and synergistic neural stimulation of ultrasound and electricity is achieved. In this way, the nanopatch significantly promoted corpus cavernosum nerve repair, resulting in the improvement of tissue structure and erectile function as well as increased conception rate in female rats. In conclusion, the nanopatch offers a synergistic ultrasound‐ES for nerve repair easily and represents a novel strategy for peripheral nerve repair.