bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiinflammatory and Antiphotodamaging Effects of Ergostatrien-3β-ol, Isolated from Antrodia camphorata, on Hairless Mouse Skin
Authors: Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Lin Tzu-Yu , You Ya-Jhen , Wen Kuo-Ching , Sung Ping-Jyun , Chiang Hsiu-Mei
Published: September 2016

Ergostatrien-3β-ol (EK100), isolated from the submerged whole broth of Antrodia camphorata, has antidiabetic, hyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective activities. However, the antiphotodamage activity of EK100 has still not been revealed. Inflammation and collagen degradation contribute to skin photodamage and premature aging. In the present study, in vivo experiments were designed to investigate the antiinflammatory and antiphotodamaging activities of EK100 in hairless mice by physiological and histological analysis of the skin. Results indicated that topical application of EK100 (25 and 100 μM) for 10 weeks efficiently inhibited ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced wrinkle formation, erythema, and epidermal thickness in the mice skin. EK100 also restored UVB-induced collagen content reduction in hairless mice skin. In addition, the immunohistochemistry results indicated that EK100 significantly inhibited the UVB-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) in the mouse skin. The expression of these proteins was similar to the Normal group after 100 μM EK100 treatment. EK100 inhibited collagen degradation in the skin through MMP-1 inhibition and antiinflammation. EK100 significantly reduced the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), indicating that EK100 protected skin from UVB-induced damage. Our findings strongly suggest that EK100 has significant beneficial antiinflammatory and antiphotoaging activities and that EK100 can be developed as an antiphotodamaging agent.
Formation of Hydrogen Sulfide in Wine: Interactions between Copper and Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Bekker Marlize , Smith Mark , Smith Paul , Wilkes Eric
Published: September 2016

The combined synergistic effects of copper (Cu2+) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) on the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in Verdelho and Shiraz wine samples post-bottling was studied over a 12-month period. The combined treatment of Cu2+ and SO2 significantly increased H2S formation in Verdelho wines samples that were not previously treated with either Cu2+ or SO2. The formation of H2S produced through Cu2+ mediated reactions was likely either: (a) directly through the interaction of SO2 with either Cu2+ or H2S; or (b) indirectly through the interaction of SO2 with other wine matrix compounds. To gain better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the significant increases in H2S concentration in the Verdelho samples, the interaction between Cu2+ and SO2 was studied in a model wine matrix with and without the presence of a representative thiol quenching compound (4-methylbenzoquinone, 4MBQ). In these model studies, the importance of naturally occurring wine compounds and wine additives, such as quinones, SO2, and metal ions, in modulating the formation of H2S post-bottling was demonstrated. When present in equimolar concentrations a 1:1 ratio of H2S- and SO2-catechol adducts were produced. At wine relevant concentrations, however, only SO2-adducts were produced, reinforcing that the competition reactions of sulfur nucleophiles, such as H2S and SO2, with wine matrix compounds play a critical role in modulating final H2S concentrations in wines.
A Selective Cyclic Peptidic Human SIRT5 Inhibitor
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Huang Yajun , Zheng Weiping
Published: September 2016

In the current study, we discovered that a side chain-to-side chain cyclic pentapeptide harboring a central Nε-carboxyethyl-thiocarbamoyl-lysine residue behaved as a strong and selective (versus human SIRT1/2/3/6) inhibitor against human SIRT5-catalyzed deacylation reaction. This compound was also found to be proteolytically much more stable than its linear counterpart. This compound could be a valuable lead for developing stronger, selective, metabolically stable, and cell permeable human SIRT5 inhibitors.
Monitoring Damage Propagation in Glass Fiber Composites Using Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Al-Sabagh Ahmed , Taha Eman , Kandil Usama , Nasr Gamal-Abdelnaser , Reda Taha Mahmoud
Published: September 2016

In this work, we report the potential use of novel carbon nanofibers (CNFs), dispersed during fabrication of glass fiber composites to monitor damage propagation under static loading. The use of CNFs enables a transformation of the typically non-conductive glass fiber composites into new fiber composites with appreciable electrical conductivity. The percolation limit of CNFs/epoxy nanocomposites was first quantified. The electromechanical responses of glass fiber composites fabricated using CNFs/epoxy nanocomposite were examined under static tension loads. The experimental observations showed a nonlinear change of electrical conductivity of glass fiber composites incorporating CNFs versus the stress level under static load. Microstructural investigations proved the ability of CNFs to alter the polymer matrix and to produce a new polymer nanocomposite with a connected nanofiber network with improved electrical properties and different mechanical properties compared with the neat epoxy. It is concluded that incorporating CNFs during fabrication of glass fiber composites can provide an innovative means of self-sensing that will allow damage propagation to be monitored in glass fiber composites.
Supplemental Protein during Heavy Cycling Training and Recovery Impacts Skeletal Muscle and Heart Rate Responses but Not Performance
Authors: D’Lugos Andrew , Luden Nicholas , Faller Justin , Akers Jeremy , McKenzie Alec , Saunders Michael
Published: September 2016

The effects of protein supplementation on cycling performance, skeletal muscle function, and heart rate responses to exercise were examined following intensified (ICT) and reduced-volume training (RVT). Seven cyclists performed consecutive periods of normal training (NT), ICT (10 days; average training duration 220% of NT), and RVT (10 days; training duration 66% of NT). In a crossover design, subjects consumed supplemental carbohydrate (CHO) or an equal amount of carbohydrate with added protein (CP) during and following each exercise session (CP = +0.94 g/kg/day protein during ICT; +0.39 g/kg/day during RVT). A 30-kilometer time trial performance (following 120 min at 50% Wmax) was modestly impaired following ICT (+2.4 ± 6.4% versus NT) and returned to baseline levels following RVT (−0.7 ± 4.5% versus NT), with similar responses between CHO and CP. Skeletal muscle torque at 120 deg/s benefited from CP, compared to CHO, following ICT. However, this effect was no longer present at RVT. Following ICT, muscle fiber cross-sectional area was increased with CP, while there were no clear changes with CHO. Reductions in constant-load heart rates (at 50% Wmax) following RVT were likely greater with CP than CHO (−9 ± 9 bpm). Overall it appears that CP supplementation impacted skeletal muscle and heart rate responses during a period of heavy training and recovery, but this did not result in meaningful changes in time trial performance.
Validity and Reproducibility of a Habitual Dietary Fibre Intake Short Food Frequency Questionnaire
Authors: Healey Genelle , Brough Louise , Murphy Rinki , Hedderley Duncan , Butts Chrissie , Coad Jane
Published: September 2016

Low dietary fibre intake has been associated with poorer health outcomes, therefore having the ability to be able to quickly assess an individual’s dietary fibre intake would prove useful in clinical practice and for research purposes. Current dietary assessment methods such as food records and food frequency questionnaires are time-consuming and burdensome, and there are presently no published short dietary fibre intake questionnaires that can quantify an individual’s total habitual dietary fibre intake and classify individuals as low, moderate or high habitual dietary fibre consumers. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a habitual dietary fibre intake short food frequency questionnaire (DFI-FFQ) which can quickly and accurately classify individuals based on their habitual dietary fibre intake. In this study the DFI-FFQ was validated against the Monash University comprehensive nutrition assessment questionnaire (CNAQ). Fifty-two healthy, normal weight male (n = 17) and female (n = 35) participants, aged between 21 and 61 years, completed the DFI-FFQ twice and the CNAQ once. All eligible participants completed the study, however the data from 46% of the participants were excluded from analysis secondary to misreporting. The DFI-FFQ cannot accurately quantify total habitual dietary fibre intakes, however, it is a quick, valid and reproducible tool in classifying individuals based on their habitual dietary fibre intakes.
Targeting TRPM2 in ROS-Coupled Diseases
Authors: Yamamoto Shinichiro , Shimizu Shunichi
Published: September 2016

Under pathological conditions such as inflammation and ischemia-reperfusion injury large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated which, in return, contribute to the development and exacerbation of disease. The second member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) melastatin subfamily, TRPM2, is a Ca2+-permeable non-selective cation channel, activated by ROS in an ADP-ribose mediated fashion. In other words, TRPM2 functions as a transducer that converts oxidative stress into Ca2+ signaling. There is good evidence that TRPM2 plays an important role in ROS-coupled diseases. For example, in monocytes the influx of Ca2+ through TRPM2 activated by ROS contributes to the aggravation of inflammation via chemokine production. In this review, the focus is on TRPM2 as a molecular linker between ROS and Ca2+ signaling in ROS-coupled diseases.
Origins and Evolution of Inorganic-Based and MOF-Based Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Gas Separations
Authors: Perez Edson , Karunaweera Chamaal , Musselman Inga , Balkus Kenneth , Ferraris John
Published: September 2016

Gas separation for industrial, energy, and environmental applications requires low energy consumption and small footprint technology to minimize operating and capital costs for the processing of large volumes of gases. Among the separation methods currently being used, like distillation, amine scrubbing, and pressure and temperature swing adsorption, membrane-based gas separation has the potential to meet these demands. The key component, the membrane, must then be engineered to allow for high gas flux, high selectivity, and chemical and mechanical stability at the operating conditions of feed composition, pressure, and temperature. Among the new type of membranes studied that show promising results are the inorganic-based and the metal-organic framework-based mixed-matrix membranes (MOF-MMMs). A MOF is a unique material that offers the possibility of tuning the porosity of a membrane by introducing diffusional channels and forming a compatible interface with the polymer. This review details the origins of these membranes and their evolution since the first inorganic/polymer and MOF/polymer MMMs were reported in the open literature. The most significant advancements made in terms of materials, properties, and testing conditions are described in a chronological fashion.
A New Temperature-Vegetation Triangle Algorithm with Variable Edges (TAVE) for Satellite-Based Actual Evapotranspiration Estimation
Authors: Zhang Hua , Gorelick Steven , Avisse Nicolas , Tilmant Amaury , Rajsekhar Deepthi , Yoon Jim
Published: September 2016

The estimation of spatially-variable actual evapotranspiration (AET) is a critical challenge to regional water resources management. We propose a new remote sensing method, the Triangle Algorithm with Variable Edges (TAVE), to generate daily AET estimates based on satellite-derived land surface temperature and the vegetation index NDVI. The TAVE captures heterogeneity in AET across elevation zones and permits variability in determining local values of wet and dry end-member classes (known as edges). Compared to traditional triangle methods, TAVE introduces three unique features: (i) the discretization of the domain as overlapping elevation zones; (ii) a variable wet edge that is a function of elevation zone; and (iii) variable values of a combined-effect parameter (that accounts for aerodynamic and surface resistance, vapor pressure gradient, and soil moisture availability) along both wet and dry edges. With these features, TAVE effectively addresses the combined influence of terrain and water stress on semi-arid environment AET estimates. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in one of the driest countries in the world—Jordan, and compare it to a traditional triangle method (TA) and a global AET product (MOD16) over different land use types. In irrigated agricultural lands, TAVE matched the results of the single crop coefficient model (−3%), in contrast to substantial overestimation by TA (+234%) and underestimation by MOD16 (−50%). In forested (non-irrigated, water consuming) regions, TA and MOD16 produced AET average deviations 15.5 times and −3.5 times of those based on TAVE. As TAVE has a simple structure and low data requirements, it provides an efficient means to satisfy the increasing need for evapotranspiration estimation in data-scarce semi-arid regions. This study constitutes a much needed step towards the satellite-based quantification of agricultural water consumption in Jordan.
Compact Polarimetric SAR Ship Detection with m-δ Decomposition Using Visual Attention Model
Authors: Xu Lu , Zhang Hong , Wang Chao , Zhang Bo , Tian Sirui
Published: September 2016

A few previous studies have illustrated the potentials of compact polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (CP SAR) in ship detection. In this paper, we design a ship detection algorithm of CP SAR from the perspective of computer vision. A ship detection algorithm using the pulsed cosine transform (PCT) visual attention model is proposed to suppress background clutter and highlight conspicuous ship targets. It is the first time that a visual attention model is introduced to CP SAR application. The proposed algorithm is a quick and complete framework for practical use. Polarimetric features—the relative phase δ and volume scattering component—are extracted from m-δ decomposition to eliminate false alarms and modify the PCT model. The constant false alarm rate (CFAR) algorithm based on lognormal distribution is adopted to detect ship targets, after a clutter distribution fitting procedure of the modified saliency map. The proposed method is then tested on three simulated circular-transmit-linear-receive (CTLR) mode images, which covering East Sea of China. Compared with the detection results of SPAN and the saliency map with only single-channel amplitude, the proposed method achieves the highest detection rates and the lowest misidentification rate and highest figure of merit, proving the effectiveness of polarimetric information of compact polarimetric SAR ship detection and the enhancement from the visual attention model.
A Network Coding Based Hybrid ARQ Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Shilian , Zhang Eryang , Zou Jianbin
Published: September 2016

Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks (UASNs) have attracted increasing interest in recent years due to their extensive commercial and military applications. However, the harsh underwater channel causes many challenges for the design of reliable underwater data transport protocol. In this paper, we propose an energy efficient data transport protocol based on network coding and hybrid automatic repeat request (NCHARQ) to ensure reliability, efficiency and availability in UASNs. Moreover, an adaptive window length estimation algorithm is designed to optimize the throughput and energy consumption tradeoff. The algorithm can adaptively change the code rate and can be insensitive to the environment change. Extensive simulations and analysis show that NCHARQ significantly reduces energy consumption with short end-to-end delay.
A Tagless Indoor Localization System Based on Capacitive Sensing Technology
Authors: Ramezani Akhmareh Alireza , Lazarescu Mihai , Bin Tariq Osama , Lavagno Luciano
Published: September 2016

Accurate indoor person localization is essential for several services, such as assisted living. We introduce a tagless indoor person localization system based on capacitive sensing and localization algorithms that can determine the location with less than 0.2 m average error in a 3 m × 3 m room and has recall and precision better than 70%. We also discuss the effects of various noise types on the measurements and ways to reduce them using filters suitable for on-sensor implementation to lower communication energy consumption. We also compare the performance of several standard localization algorithms in terms of localization error, recall, precision, and accuracy of detection of the movement trajectory.
Development and Application of a Planning Support System for Regional Spatial Functional Zoning Based on GIS
Authors: Zhang Xiaorui , Hua Qian , Zhang Linya
Published: September 2016

Regional spatial functional zoning in China is a large-scale strategic planning and requires very advanced planning decision support technology. With respect to spatial functional zoning, the planning support system (PSS) is introduced as one of the most popular computer aided planning systems at the present time in this paper, and is further explained with the example of the latest regional main functional area (RMFA) planning in China. On the Visual Studio.NET visualization development platform, the planning decision model, planning decision method, and GIS are organically integrated and customized by using the component-type secondary development technology of the ArcGIS Engine with the development language VB.NET. Hence, a highly efficient and flexible planning support system of regional main functional areas (RMFA-PSS) is established. It was adopted in the research of the Beijing–Tianjin area in China and accordingly two types of main functional area planning are acquired. The RMFA-PSS offers an efficient and flexible decision support with regard to RMFA planning. The research can provide a reference for further PSS development and applications related to other types of spatial functional zoning.
Sustainability for Shrinking Cities
Authors: Herrmann Dustin , Shuster William , Mayer Audrey , Garmestani Ahjond
Published: September 2016

Shrinking cities are widespread throughout the world despite the rapidly increasing global urban population. These cities are attempting to transition to sustainable trajectories to improve the health and well-being of urban residents, to build their capacity to adapt to changing conditions and to cope with major events. The dynamics of shrinking cities are different than the dynamics of growing cities, and therefore intentional research and planning around creating sustainable cities is needed for shrinking cities. We propose research that can be applied to shrinking cities by identifying parallel challenges in growing cities and translating urban research and planning that is specific to each city’s dynamics. In addition, we offer applications of panarchy concepts to this problem. The contributions to this Special Issue take on this forward-looking planning task through drawing lessons for urban sustainability from shrinking cities, or translating general lessons from urban research to the context of shrinking cities.
Mechanical Strength Properties of RCA Concrete Made by a Modified EMV Method
Authors: Kim Namho , Kim Jeonghyeon , Yang Sungchul
Published: September 2016

This study used two types of Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCAs) with the same original virgin aggregate, but with different amounts of residual mortars. To verify that the mechanical properties of the concrete were affected by changing the unit volume of residual mortar, fresh mortar, and total mortar of the concrete, a series of paving concrete mixes were made using a modified equivalent mortar volume (EMV) mix design, along with a conventional American Concrete Institute (ACI) mix design. The test results showed that the RCA concrete with the conventional mix design, which led to a prominent decrease in compressive strength and elastic modulus at each age, had 10% greater total mortar volume than that with the modified EMV mix design. As for the conventional ACI mix, it appears that the replacement ratio of RCA and the volume of the residual mortar in RCA directly affect the modulus of elasticity as well as the compressive strength of concrete. However, for the modified EMV mix, the modulus of elasticity of the concrete may be increased to be equivalent to the companion concrete with natural aggregate by controlling the new mortar volume so that the total mortar volume remains the same regardless of the RCA replacement ratio. It was observed that the smaller new volume requirement makes the RCA paving concrete more environmentally friendly and economically profitable.
A New Design of High-Performance Large-Scale GIS Computing at a Finer Spatial Granularity: A Case Study of Spatial Join with Spark for Sustainability
Authors: Zhang Feng , Zhou Jingwei , Liu Renyi , Du Zhenhong , Ye Xinyue
Published: September 2016

Sustainability research faces many challenges as respective environmental, urban and regional contexts are experiencing rapid changes at an unprecedented spatial granularity level, which involves growing massive data and the need for spatial relationship detection at a faster pace. Spatial join is a fundamental method for making data more informative with respect to spatial relations. The dramatic growth of data volumes has led to increased focus on high-performance large-scale spatial join. In this paper, we present Spatial Join with Spark (SJS), a proposed high-performance algorithm, that uses a simple, but efficient, uniform spatial grid to partition datasets and joins the partitions with the built-in join transformation of Spark. SJS utilizes the distributed in-memory iterative computation of Spark, then introduces a calculation-evaluating model and in-memory spatial repartition technology, which optimize the initial partition by evaluating the calculation amount of local join algorithms without any disk access. We compare four in-memory spatial join algorithms in SJS for further performance improvement. Based on extensive experiments with real-world data, we conclude that SJS outperforms the Spark and MapReduce implementations of earlier spatial join approaches. This study demonstrates that it is promising to leverage high-performance computing for large-scale spatial join analysis. The availability of large-sized geo-referenced datasets along with the high-performance computing technology can raise great opportunities for sustainability research on whether and how these new trends in data and technology can be utilized to help detect the associated trends and patterns in the human-environment dynamics.
China’s Input-Output Efficiency of Water-Energy-Food Nexus Based on the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Model
Authors: Li Guijun , Huang Daohan , Li Yulong
Published: September 2016

An explanation and quantification of the water-energy-food nexus (WEF-Nexus) is important to advance our understanding of regional resource management, which is presently in its infant stage. Evaluation of the current states, interconnections, and trends of WEF-Nexus, in cities, has largely been ignored due to quantification hurdles and the lack of available data. Based on the interaction of WEF-Nexus with population system, economic system, and environmental system, this paper builds the input output index system at the city level. Using the input output index system, we evaluate the WEF-Nexus input-output efficiency with the data envelopment analysis (DEA) model. We regard the decision making unit as a “black box”, to explore the states and trends of WEF-Nexus. In the empirical study based on data from China, we compare the input-output efficiency of WEF-Nexus in 30 provinces across China, from 2005 to 2014, to better understand their statues and trends of the input-output efficiency holistically. Together with the Malmquist index, factors leading to regional differences in the fluctuation of input-output efficiency are explored. Finally, we conclude that the DEA model indicates the regional consumption of WEF resources in the horizontal dimension and the trends in vertical dimension, together with the Malmquist index, to explain the variations for proposing specific implications.
Progressive Time-Weighted Dynamic Energy Efficiency, Energy Decoupling Rate, and Decarbonization: An Empirical Study on G7 and BRICS
Authors: Tu Chia-Jung , Chang Ming-Chung , Chen Chiang-Ping
Published: September 2016

Energy is a critical factor of economic growth, but the overuse of it results in global warming and climate change. Hence, energy efficiency improvement can help mitigate climate change and prevent economic losses or even ecological extinction. The data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach has been extensively applied for energy efficiency estimation, but past studies of this estimation employ a static mode that does not consider consecutive periods and the carry-over effect. This study estimates energy efficiency under a weight-restricted dynamic DEA (WrD-DEA) model, creates a weight-restricted dynamic energy efficiency (WrD-EE) indicator, and discusses issues concerning the energy decoupling rate and decarbonization. We utilize members in the Group of Seven (G7) and BRICS (Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa) for our experimental observations. The main results herein are: (1) BRICS has larger room for improvement to achieve the standard ratio of the energy decoupling rate than the G7; (2) the G7 and BRICS do not converge to decarbonization; and (3) BRICS exhibits more rapid improvement on energy efficiency than the G7.
Research by Design: Proposition for a Methodological Approach
Authors: Roggema Rob
Published: September 2016

In this article, the many definitions of research by design are used to build a coherent model for a research by design process. Three phases are identified, each with their own characteristics and types of activities: the pre-design, the design and the post-design phase. In combination with several practical examples of design-led research projects and design studios, these phases are adhered to practical activities and outcomes. Using all this information, the article concludes with proposing a renewed definition of research by design.
On the Selective Packaging of Genomic RNA by HIV-1
Authors: Comas-Garcia Mauricio , Davis Sean , Rein Alan
Published: September 2016

Like other retroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) selectively packages genomic RNA (gRNA) during virus assembly. However, in the absence of the gRNA, cellular messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are packaged. While the gRNA is selected because of its cis-acting packaging signal, the mechanism of this selection is not understood. The affinity of Gag (the viral structural protein) for cellular RNAs at physiological ionic strength is not much higher than that for the gRNA. However, binding to the gRNA is more salt-resistant, implying that it has a higher non-electrostatic component. We have previously studied the spacer 1 (SP1) region of Gag and showed that it can undergo a concentration-dependent conformational transition. We proposed that this transition represents the first step in assembly, i.e., the conversion of Gag to an assembly-ready state. To explain selective packaging of gRNA, we suggest here that binding of Gag to gRNA, with its high non-electrostatic component, triggers this conversion more readily than binding to other RNAs; thus we predict that a Gag–gRNA complex will nucleate particle assembly more efficiently than other Gag–RNA complexes. New data shows that among cellular mRNAs, those with long 3′-untranslated regions (UTR) are selectively packaged. It seems plausible that the 3′-UTR, a stretch of RNA not occupied by ribosomes, offers a favorable binding site for Gag.
Influenza A Virus Hemagglutinin is Required for the Assembly of Viral Components Including Bundled vRNPs at the Lipid Raft
Authors: Takizawa Naoki , Momose Fumitaka , Morikawa Yuko , Nomoto Akio
Published: September 2016

The influenza glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), which are associated with the lipid raft, have the potential to initiate virion budding. However, the role of these viral proteins in infectious virion assembly is still unclear. In addition, it is not known how the viral ribonucleoprotein complex (vRNP) is tethered to the budding site. Here, we show that HA is necessary for the efficient progeny virion production and vRNP packaging in the virion. We also found that the level of HA does not affect the bundling of the eight vRNP segments, despite reduced virion production. Detergent solubilization and a subsequent membrane flotation analysis indicated that the accumulation of nucleoprotein, viral polymerases, NA, and matrix protein 1 (M1) in the lipid raft fraction was delayed without HA. Based on our results, we inferred that HA plays a role in the accumulation of viral components, including bundled vRNPs, at the lipid raft.
Genomic Tools and Animal Health
Authors: Zanella Ricardo
Published: September 2016

Animals have been selected to improve their productivity in order to increase the profitability to the producer. In this scenario, not much attention was given to health traits. As a consequence of that, selection was made for animals with higher production and a shortened productive life. In addition to that, the intense production system used in livestock has forced animals to be exposed to higher pathogen loads, therefore predisposing them to infections. Infectious diseases are known to be caused by micro-organisms that are able to infect and colonize the host, affecting their physiological functions and causing problems in their production and on animal welfare. Even with the best management practices, diseases are still the most important cause of economic losses in the animal industry. In this review article we have addressed the new tools that could be used to select animals to better cope with diseases and pathogens.
IS THERE A MAXIMUM MASS FOR BLACK HOLES IN GALACTIC NUCLEI?
Authors: Inayoshi Kohei , Haiman Zoltán
Published: September 2016

The largest observed supermassive black holes (SMBHs) have a mass of

, nearly independent of redshift, from the local (

) to the early (

) universe. We suggest that the growth of SMBHs above a few

is prevented by small-scale accretion physics, independent of the properties of their host galaxies or of cosmology. Growing more massive BHs requires a gas supply rate from galactic scales onto a nuclear region as high as

. At such a high accretion rate, most of the gas converts to stars at large radii (∼10–100 pc), well before reaching the BH. We adopt a simple model for a star-forming accretion disk and find that the accretion rate in the subparsec nuclear region is reduced to the smaller value of at most a few

. This prevents SMBHs from growing above

in the age of the universe. Furthermore, once an SMBH reaches a sufficiently high mass, this rate falls below the critical value at which the accretion flow becomes advection dominated. Once this transition occurs, BH feeding can be suppressed by strong outflows and jets from hot gas near the BH. We find that the maximum SMBH mass, given by this transition, is between

, depending primarily on the efficiency of angular momentum transfer inside the galactic disk, and not on other properties of the host galaxy.
UNSUPERVISED CLUSTERING OF TYPE II SUPERNOVA LIGHT CURVES
Authors: Rubin Adam , Gal-Yam Avishay
Published: September 2016

As new facilities come online, the astronomical community will be provided with extremely large data sets of well-sampled light curves (LCs) of transients. This motivates systematic studies of the LCs of supernovae (SNe) of all types, including the early rising phase. We performed unsupervised k-means clustering on a sample of 59 R-band SN II LCs and find that the rise to peak plays an important role in classifying LCs. Our sample can be divided into three classes: slowly rising (II-S), fast rise/slow decline (II-FS), and fast rise/fast decline (II-FF). We also identify three outliers based on the algorithm. The II-FF and II-FS classes are disjoint in their decline rates, while the II-S class is intermediate and “bridges the gap.” This may explain recent conflicting results regarding II-P/II-L populations. The II-FS class is also significantly less luminous than the other two classes. Performing clustering on the first two principal component analysis components gives equivalent results to using the full LC morphologies. This indicates that Type II LCs could possibly be reduced to two parameters. We present several important caveats to the technique, and find that the division into these classes is not fully robust. Moreover, these classes have some overlap, and are defined in the R band only. It is currently unclear if they represent distinct physical classes, and more data is needed to study these issues. However, we show that the outliers are actually composed of slowly evolving SN IIb, demonstrating the potential of such methods. The slowly evolving SNe IIb may arise from single massive progenitors.
Duration of First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Infected Treatment-Naive Patients in Routine Practice
Authors: Tesson Thomas , Blot Mathieu , Fillion Aurélie , Djerad Hama , Cagnon-Chapalain Joséphine , Creuwels Aline , Waldner Anne , Duong Michel , Buisson Marielle , Mahy Sophie , Chavanet Pascal , Piroth Lionel
Published: September 2016

Background

First-line antiretroviral therapy (1st ART) is an important step in a patient's management and often considered a long-term therapy at treatment initiation.

Methods

To describe the duration of 1st ART and the factors associated with treatment modification in a recent real-life setting, antiretroviral-naive patients who began their 1st ART in six French hospitals in 2009– 2012 were included in a cohort. Clinical, immunological, virological and therapeutic data, as well as the reasons for therapeutic changes, if any, were retrospectively collected.

Results

A total of 206 patients started 1st ART, mainly a protease inhibitor-based triple therapy (73%), with a tenofovir-including backbone (87%). Of these, 89 (43%) had their 1st ART modified after a median of 16.5 months (IQR 8.0–32.8). Having a CD4+ T-cell count <200 cells/mm3, being pregnant, or 1st ART including zidovudine + lamivudine or lopinavir/r were significantly associated with a higher risk for treatment modification in multivariate analysis. In 47 patients (53%), 1st ART was modified for safety reasons, with no significant association with a given anti-retroviral drug or class. No significant difference in virological, immunological and clinical outcomes was observed between the patients who had their 1st ART modified and those who did not.

Conclusions

The proportion of modifications of the 1st ART during the first 2 years remains high. These modifications are frequently because of safety issues and the willingness to simplify treatment, and less often driven by virological failure, thus emphasizing that 1st ART is not – or is no longer – a lifelong treatment.
Queixas e diagnósticos relacionados ao trabalho em agroindústrias do oeste de Santa Catarina - Brasil
Authors: Dal Magro Márcia Luíza Pit , Coutinho Maria Chalfin , Trzcinski Clarete , Tonezer Cristiane
Published: September 2016

As indústrias de abate e processamento de carnes da região oeste de Santa Catarina são importantes para o setor econômico brasileiro, especialmente na produção e exportação de carne de aves. O município de Chapecó ocupa lugar de destaque nesse contexto, tendo em vista que é considerado um dos maiores centros agroindustriais do país, tendo aproximadamente 18% da força de trabalho ocupada neste setor. Porém, destaca-se as difíceis condições de trabalho nessas indústrias que são amplamente associadas à agravos em saúde, como as Lesões por Esforços Repetitivos (LER). Este artigo traçou como objetivo geral compreender as principais queixas e diagnósticos em saúde dos trabalhadores das indústrias de abate e processamento de carnes do oeste do estado de Santa Catarina - Brasil. O processo investigativo se deu a partir da pesquisa qualitativa e utilizou diferentes instrumentos: observação participante; entrevistas semiestruturadas e pesquisa documental. A análise das informações foi realizada com base na Grounded Theory. Como resultados encontraram-se queixas relacionadas ao trabalho de ordem física, psicológica e social. Quanto aos diagnósticos recebidos, estes são prioritariamente do grupo F, no qual se descrevem os transtornos mentais e comportamentais, do grupo M, que diz respeito às doenças do sistema osteomuscular e do tecido conjuntivo e do grupo G, que representa as doenças do sistema nervoso.
Adelphi College-Garden City, Nueva York
Authors: Neutra Richard J. , Alexander Robert E.
Published: September 2016

No disponible
Puentes. Puente de Mackinac
Authors: Steinman David B.
Published: September 2016

En el número 82 de nuestra revista se publicó un trabajo que se refería únicamente a la infraestructura de esta importante obra. En esta segunda parte damos a conocer las características más sobresalientes de la propia superestructura, estabilidad, métodos constructivos empleados en el montaje y el procedimiento que se ha seguido para lograr colocar los cables, de 12.500 toneladas de peso total, sobre las dos torres del tramo central, de 1.158 m de luz, método que ha consistido en formar los cables, partiendo de las bobinas de alambre, en la propia obra.
Bruselas – Expo, 1958. Pabellón de España
Authors: Vázquez Monlezún Ramón , Corrales José Antonio
Published: September 2016

La Exposición Internacional y Universal 1958, celebrada en Bruselas, se ha caracterizado por el alarde estructural de sus pabellones. En el Parque Heisel, los arquitectos se han visto dominados por la técnica, y la arquitectura ha sido concebida exclusivamente como expresión plástica de su estructura, olvidando que hacer arquitectura es ordenar el espacio y al hombre mismo.
Nueva planta siderúrgica en Vitoria. Forjas Alavesas S.A.
Authors: Monzón Indave Martín
Published: September 2016

Forjas Alavesas, S. A., ha convertido su antigua planta siderúrgica de fundición, forja y laminación de aceros finos al carbono, en una gran factoría de aceros especiales aleados, en la que producen, asesorados técnicamente por la casa Rochling, aceros de tan elevada calidad por lo menos, como los que esta entidad produce en Alemania.
Estación depuradora del agua de abastecimiento a la zona gaditana
Authors: Barrón Egusquiza Pablo
Published: September 2016

La Estación Depuradora del Agua de Abastecimiento a la Zona Gaditana se halla emplazada en Jerez, en las proximidades del kilómetro 12 de la carretera a Cortes. Proyectada para una capacidad total de 1.500 l/s, se han construido en una primera fase los elementos necesarios para el tratamiento de 500 l/s. Las obras fueron ejecutadas, previo concurso, por la Confederación Hidrográfica del Guadalquivir, siendo el ingeniero del Estado encargado del proyecto, D. Juan Delgado Morales, Ingeniero de Caminos, Canales y Puertos.
Edificio Pirelli – Barcelona
Authors: Bona Eusebio
Published: September 2016

El edificio tiene un frente principal de 39,53 m y una profundidad de 25 m, o sea, una superficie de 966 m2 la cual, levantada hasta la altura permitida, da un desarrollo total de superficies construidas de 12.341,89 m2 incluida la edificada en el patio interior de manzana, y un volumen de 39.765 m2 aproximadamente. El edificio consta de dos plantas de sótanos, a un nivel de 8,55 m por debajo de la rasante de la calle; planta baja; siete plantas de igual superficie, y la octava y novena plantas retranqueadas. Sobre la planta de cubierta, construida en techo plano, se manifiestan tres volúmenes unidos entre sí, que contienen un depósito de agua y las máquinas de los elevadores.
Pabellón Ida Cason Gardens. Harris – County, Georgia
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: September 2016

En Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain (Georgia), se ha construido, bajo la dirección de los arquitectos asociados AECK, el «Ida Cason Callaway Dining Pavilion», restaurante bar al aire libre, situado en la playa a orillas del lago Robin.
Shizioka – Auditorium Municipal
Authors: Tange Kenzo , Tsuboi Yoshikatsu
Published: September 2016

La ciudad japonesa de Shizuoka ha construido su auditórium municipal, cubierto con una lámina parabólico-hiperbólica de 50 m de luz, que es la primera de este tipo construida en el Japón.
Tonoyama. Osaka, Japón
Authors: Maruyama Jiro
Published: September 2016

El salto de Tonoyama ha sido proyectado y construido por la Kansai Electric Power Co., de Osaka, Japón. La presa se ha construido en el tramo central del río Hiki —cuyo cauce se extiende en la zona sureste de la isla Japón— y a unos 96 km de Osaka.
Wadi Tharthar. Samarra, Irak
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: September 2016

De tiempo inmemorial son conocidas las devastadoras inundaciones y ruina que las grandes avenidas del río Tigris causan periódicamente en las partes llanas que atraviesa este río entre Samarra y Baghdad, asolando grandes extensiones de terrenos fértiles explotados agrícolamente. La Administración nacional iraquí no podía permitir una continuación prolongada de este proceso cíclico de inundaciones y accidentes.
Edificio de viviendas. Torre de cristal, Madrid
Authors: García de Castro Rafael , Javier Carvajal F.
Published: September 2016

La Arquitectura, como arte mayor, está hoy en uno de los momentos claves de su existencia. Se puede afirmar que está en un momento tan fundamental como el de los menhires o el románico, máximas épocas de arquitectura pura, en su concepto más primario y verdadero.
Edificio de viviendas. Ca´Granda, Milán
Authors: Gandolfi Vittorio
Published: September 2016

Con el nombre de "Ca'Granda" se ha querido designar el distrito, capaz de 6.000 habitantes, que el Ayuntamiento de Milán está construyendo, y en parte ha construido ya, en la zona detrás de las calles Fulvio Testi y Ospedale Maggiore; es decir, en el sector norte de la ciudad correspondiente a la dirección de mayor impulso del desarrollo urbanístico de lo habitado.
Pasarela Glen Canyon
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: September 2016

Para la preparación de los datos complementarios del proyecto de ejecución de la presa del Glen Canyon, se necesitaba una pasarela sobre el río Colorado (Estados Unidos), con objeto de facilitar toda clase de operaciones en el lugar de ubicación de la presa.
Puente Petaluma, California
Authors: Jacobs M. H. , Zenoni Bill
Published: September 2016

Otros cuatro tramos están formados de vigas prefabricadas de hormigón armado, de 7,60 m de longitud, que junto con sus soportes de cuatro columnas constituyen una especie de torre. El tramo sobre el canal tiene 49 m de luz; y sus vigas son metálicas, formadas con chapa y perfiles.
Library Buildings on New Campuses
Authors: Gu Jianxin
Published: September 2016

In the 21st century, with increasing enrollment in higher education, the government invests more in education. However, discordance between population growth and land use has become more intense during city development, and land for campuses has become limited. Thus, in order to seek for better natural environment and larger space, university campuses are compelled to shift to suburbs. Suburbanization is the main trend of universities; most colleges and universities nationwide start building their new campuses in the outskirts of cities. To meet faculty and student needs for teaching, learning, research, and literature on new campuses, and to perform better in assessments of educational administrative departments, a new round of library construction boomed. Of course, economic growth and technological development provide strong material foundation and technical support for the construction of academic libraries.
Technology Innovations in Academic Libraries in China
Authors: Chen Wu , Yao Fei , Jiang Airong
Published: September 2016

This chapter summarizes the application of new technologies to promote development and innovation in academic libraries in China. It is composed of four parts: 1) an introduction to the system platforms used to realize the new services; 2) an introduction to the progress made in constructing digital library (D-Lib) systems in recent years; 3) a summary showing how library space management and self-service burgeoned in recent years, such as with entrance guard and access systems, self-help circulation systems, RFID application, self-help printing and payment services, and library space and facility management; and 4) an example of the application of mobile technologies, including SMS (short message service), mobile library websites, etc., in libraries. Through analyzing the wide range of the application of information technology in library resources management, user services, and the library business process, the authors reveal that libraries have been advancing and how they keep pursuing innovative development to meet user demands in the new information environment.
The Trends of Chinese-American Library Relations
Authors: Ruan Lian , Fu Li
Published: September 2016

This chapter reviews the historical development of information exchange and sharing between two countries in the field of library and information science. It first identifies key examples of programs and activities created by and for Chinese and American librarians drawn from literature reviews, grey literature, the Internet, and individual experiences and practices. In doing this, the chapter presents an overview of these examples to pinpoint trends of Chinese-American library relations at institutional, governmental, association, and individual levels, including a case study analysis of the Chinese Librarians Scholarly Exchange Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Finally, it outlines the trends that have been shaped by librarians who are pioneers, innovators, and leaders in the profession in both countries, and makes recommendations for future developments and further study.
Resource Sharing and Mutually Beneficial Cooperation
Authors: Yin Qi , Yingying Wu , Yan Zhou , Xiaojia Meng
Published: September 2016

Beilun Library is a joint-use college/public library in Ningbo of Zhejiang Province. Beginning with the location background and functional layout of Beilun Library, the author elaborates upon its management mode of “a balance of centralization and decentralization,” as well as its achievements. Meanwhile, the article presents the development vision of Beilun Library and further explores the mutual management mechanism on team development, digital resource sharing, co-construction of special collection, and management innovation.
Biogenesis of Conjugated Linoleic Acids
Authors: Benjamin Sailas , Unni Kizhakepowathil Nair , Priji Prakasan , Wright Andre-Denis Girard
Published: September 2016

One of the key areas in animal husbandry is to improve the quality (nutritional value) of dairy and meat products by enriching them with Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLAs) like (cis-9, trans-11)- and (trans-10, cis-12)-octadecadienicacids; the former (rumenic acid) predominates all the CLAs. Though Vaccenic Acid (VA) is the immediate precursor of rumenic acid, dietary unsaturated fatty acids like Oleic Acid (OA), Linoleic Acid (LA) and a-Linolenic Acid (ALA) are the distant precursors of CLAs; and that CLA and VA are formed as intermediates during the biohydrogenation of the dietary OA, LA and ALA into fully saturated stearic acid. The mutual inter-relationship of rumen microbiota encompassing bacteria, protozoa and fungi facilitates the biohydrogenation process. Thus, this chapter critically evaluates the knowledge accumulated during the past four decades on the precursor of CLAs, micro-organisms involved in the production of CLA, the mechanism of biohydrogenation, and chemical synthesis of CLA, coupled with the rationale for biohydrogenation and factors affecting the production of CLA.