bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Processes in Architectural Design: A Case Study of Computers and Creativity
Authors: Hanna Raid , Barber Tony
Published: April 2010

This paper describes the results of a statistical-experimental investigation into the relationship between three variables: design cognition, the computer as a problem solving medium and ‘creativity’. The hypothesis put forward suggests a directional link between the use of ‘CAAD as a cognitive design medium’ and ‘levels’ of creativity in the design process. The hypothesis was tested statistically using first year architecture students as research design subjects.

In order to place the research within a context, develop a thesis and identify ‘operational’ measures for variables, a literature search with special emphasis on ‘creativity’ was conducted.

The statistical findings did confirm that levels of architectural ‘creativity’ in the design process and in the final product were somehow affected by the use of CAAD. Ideation fluency and originality, as ‘creativity’ indicators, correlated positively with CAAD as a cognitive medium with coefficients 3 0.5. The statistics from subjects- group design- revealed that computers' power of visualisation, slicing and Boolean operations has helped spatial ability and could eventually help novice designers to venture and create complex objects more than they would normally do with conventional media.
Innovative Techniques for the Acquisition and Processing of Multisource Data for the Geometric Documentation of Monuments
Authors: Ioannidis Charalabos , Georgopoulos Andreas
Published: April 2010

Documenting the past of mankind comprises, among other activities, the survey of monuments and cultural artefacts, for long provided by archaeologists and architects using traditional methods. However, due to the recent major technological advances in surveying, photogrammetric and laser scanning methods, surveyors are enabled to produce recording materials and end products, which surpass by far the traditional line drawings in terms of accuracy and completeness. These methodologies are able to offer products like orthophotos, raster developments, 3D representations and realistic visualizations as well as augmented reality tours. This paper investigates the principles and capabilities of contemporary and technologically advanced methods in: capturing huge amount of detailed, accurate and reliable 3D data; modeling of existing and virtual reality; management of 3D or image-based databases. Several examples covering a broad variety of cases, regarding the historical era, the size and the complexity of the monument and also the final products are presented.
Conservation of Architectural Heritage: The Role of Digital Documentation Tools: The Need for Appropriate Teaching Material
Authors: Quintero Mario Santana , Blake Bill , Eppich Rand
Published: April 2010

Currently, a wide range of digital sensors for capturing our architectural heritage are available. They offer the opportunity to acquire large sets of information in a relatively short time. These sensors include digital photography (photogrammetry–scaled rectified photography), total stations, laser scanners, high-resolution panoramic devices, etc. A lot of effort has been put in the application of these tools in the field of conservation, however a significant gap exists between the information needed by professionals working in the field of conservation and manufacturers claims of these new technologies. The realistic application of these tools for heritage documentation products needs to be addressed. Offering the architectural heritage community didactic material on how and when to use these tools appropriately can address this gap. This paper presents the teaching material being prepared under the CIPA/RecorDIM initiative to overcome these issues and begins to address the need for a common framework of standards in heritage documentation.
Simulating the Use of Ancient Technology Works Using Advanced Virtual Reality Technologies
Authors: Moustakas Konstantinos , Tzovaras Dimitrios , Nikolakis Georgios
Published: April 2010

This paper introduces a novel framework for the modeling and interactive simulation of ancient Greek technology works with the use of advanced virtual reality technologies. A novel algorithm is introduced for the realistic and efficient resolution of collisions that is based on an advanced collision detection approach that can also calculate in real-time the force that should be fed back to the user using a haptic device. Thus, the user is capable of manipulating the scene objects in the environment using haptic devices to simulate the sense of touch and stereoscopic imaging so as to be immersed in the virtual environment. Moreover, the virtual hand that simulates the user's hand is modeled using superquadrics so as to further increase the speed of the simulation and the fidelity of the force feedback. Extended evaluation of the system has been performed with visitors of the Science Center and Technology Museum of Thessaloniki.
From Three Possible Iron-Age World-Systems to a Single Afro-Eurasian World-System
Authors: Beaujard Philippe
Published: April 2010

Hypothesized Western and Eastern world-systems of the Late Bronze Age collapsed in the twelfth and eleventh centuries b.c. before a new phase of integrations occurred in these areas (western Asia, northern Africa, and southern Europe on the one hand; China on the other). This article argues that in the first millennium b.c ., these two world-systems experienced three long cycles marked by hegemonic transitions between competing regions. The recessions that we observe stemmed partly from climatic deteriorations on varying scales around 800, 400, and 200 b.c. The growth of networks and states was furthered by technological, institutional, and ideological innovations. A number of empires arose in western Asia, which aimed at controlling spaces and peoples between the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf. An Indian world-system developed, which partly merged with the western system from the fourth century b.c . From the third century b.c ., changes in western Asia, China, and India and the extension of exchange networks favored the opening of land routes across central Asia and maritime routes in the Indian Ocean and China Seas. The rise of new centers in the western Mediterranean region accompanied a growing integration of Europe into the Western system. The three world-systems identified probably fused into a single worldsystem in the first century a.d ., when the rise of exchange networks led to an interdependence of their various regions.
Do You Know the Way to San Jose? Medical Tourism in Costa Rica
Authors: Warf Barney
Published: April 2010

A la vista del rápido aumento de los costos de atención de salud y una población sin o con seguro insuficiente, el número de turistas médicas de los EE.UU. que buscan asistencia médica en el extranjero ha crecido. Un recién llegado a este campo, Costa Rica ofrece una serie de ventajas únicas que la han posicionado ventajosamente para atender a los estadounidenses. Este trabajo explora el surgimiento del sector de turismo médico del país, las diferencias de costos entre los servicios prestados allá y en los EE.UU., y los factores que determinan la oferta de servicios médicos, incluidas la acreditación médica y los servicios de mantenimiento posterior. Al hacerlo, se ocupa de las repercusiones locales de la globalización de la atención de la salud, especialmente en lo que se refiere a la problemática de sistema de atención de salud de los EE.UU.
Live cell imaging of cytoskeletal dynamics in neurons using fluorescence photoactivation
Authors: Gauthier Anne , Brandt Roland
Published: April 2010

Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders share some common features at the cellular level, which are often associated with a change in cytoskeletal dynamics. Live cell imaging has been applied to study various aspects of cell physiology including cytoskeletal dynamics. Recently, fluorescence photoactivation (FPA) has been developed as a novel approach to analyze protein dynamics in living cells with high sensitivity. Here, we describe the application of FPA to determine interactions and mobility of the microtubule-associated protein tau in neurons as an example for a disease-related cytoskeletal protein and discuss further applications of FPA to study cytoskeletal dynamics in neurodegenerative diseases.
Activity-based selection of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase variants with decreased polymerization fidelity
Authors: Stumpp Sascha N. , Heyn Bianca , Brakmann Susanne
Published: April 2010

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT) copies the RNA genome of HIV-1 into DNA, thereby committing errors at an exceptionally high frequency. Viral offspring evolve rapidly and consequently are capable of evading the immune response as well as antiviral treatment. However, error-prone viral replication could drive HIV close to extinction owing to an intolerable load of deleterious mutations. We applied a genetic selection scheme to identify variants of HIV-1 RT with a further increased error rate to study the relationship between error rate and viral replication. Using this approach, we identified 16 mutator candidates, two of which were purified and further studiedin vitro. One of these variant enzymes showed a generally increased mutation frequency as compared with the reference enzyme. A single amino acid residue, R448, is probably responsible for the observed effect. Mutation of this residue, which is located within the RNase H domain of HIV-1 RT, seems to perturb the interaction with template RNA and consequently affects polymerase activity and fidelity.
Recent progress in the field of neoglycoconjugate chemistry
Authors: Jiménez-Castells Carmen , Defaus Sira , Andreu David , Gutiérrez-Gallego Ricardo
Published: April 2010

Glycosylation is probably the most complex secondary gene event that affects the vast majority of proteins in nature resulting in the occurrence of a heterogeneous mixture of glycoforms for a single protein. Many functions are exerted by single monosaccharides, well-defined oligosaccharides, or larger glycans present in these glycoproteins. To unravel these functions it is of the utmost importance to prepare well-defined single glycans conjugated to the underlying aglycon. In this review, the most recent developments are described to address the preparation of carbohydrate-amino acid (glyco-conjugates). Naturally occurring N- and O-linked glycosylation are described and the preparation of non-natural sugar-amino acid linkages are also included.
A Common Progenitor for Retinal Astrocytes and Oligodendrocytes
Authors: Rompani Santiago B. , Cepko Constance L.
Published: April 2010

Developing neural tissue undergoes a period of neurogenesis followed by a period of gliogenesis. The lineage relationships among glial cell types have not been defined for most areas of the nervous system. Here we use retroviruses to label clones of glial cells in the chick retina. We found that almost every clone had both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In addition, we discovered a novel glial cell type, with features intermediate between those of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, which we have named the diacyte. Diacytes also share a progenitor cell with both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.
Oxytocin Enhances Amygdala-Dependent, Socially Reinforced Learning and Emotional Empathy in Humans
Authors: Hurlemann René , Patin Alexandra , Onur Oezguer A. , Cohen Michael X. , Baumgartner Tobias , Metzler Sarah , Dziobek Isabel , Gallinat Juergen , Wagner Michael , Maier Wolfgang , Kendrick Keith M.
Published: April 2010

Oxytocin (OT) is becoming increasingly established as a prosocial neuropeptide in humans with therapeutic potential in treatment of social, cognitive, and mood disorders. However, the potential of OT as a general facilitator of human learning and empathy is unclear. The current double-blind experiments on healthy adult male volunteers investigated first whether treatment with intranasal OT enhanced learning performance on a feedback-guided item–category association task where either social (smiling and angry faces) or nonsocial (green and red lights) reinforcers were used, and second whether it increased either cognitive or emotional empathy measured by the Multifaceted Empathy Test. Further experiments investigated whether OT-sensitive behavioral components required a normal functional amygdala. Results in control groups showed that learning performance was improved when social rather than nonsocial reinforcement was used. Intranasal OT potentiated this social reinforcement advantage and greatly increased emotional, but not cognitive, empathy in response to both positive and negative valence stimuli. Interestingly, after OT treatment, emotional empathy responses in men were raised to levels similar to those found in untreated women. Two patients with selective bilateral damage to the amygdala (monozygotic twins with congenital Urbach–Wiethe disease) were impaired on both OT-sensitive aspects of these learning and empathy tasks, but performed normally on nonsocially reinforced learning and cognitive empathy. Overall these findings provide the first demonstration that OT can facilitate amygdala-dependent, socially reinforced learning and emotional empathy in men.
Structural Plasticity Underlies Experience-Dependent Functional Plasticity of Cortical Circuits
Authors: Wilbrecht Linda , Holtmaat Anthony , Wright Nick , Fox Kevin , Svoboda Karel
Published: April 2010

The stabilization of new spines in the barrel cortex is enhanced after whisker trimming, but its relationship to experience-dependent plasticity is unclear. Here we show that in wild-type mice, whisker potentiation and spine stabilization are most pronounced for layer 5 neurons at the border between spared and deprived barrel columns. In homozygote αCaMKII-T286A mice, which lack experience-dependent potentiation of responses to spared whiskers, there is no increase in new spine stabilization at the border between barrel columns after whisker trimming. Our data provide a causal link between new spine synapses and plasticity of adult cortical circuits and suggest that αCaMKII autophosphorylation plays a role in the stabilization but not formation of new spines.
American Neo-Hasids in the Land of Israel
Authors: Steinhardt Joanna
Published: April 2010

American Neo-Hasidism in Israel today is part of a sustained revival of traditional Judaism that began in the late 1960s among followers of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, who sought to restore meaning to Jewish practice and identity. This unique religious subculture blends elements of New Age spirituality and American countercultural values with Hasidism, a mystical movement within Judaism dating back to the eighteenth century. The result is a new syncretistic Jewish culture and practice. At two English-speaking yeshivas, one in Jerusalem and the other in Bat Ayin in the West Bank, this Neo-Hasidic subculture exhibits kinship with both the conservative religious culture of Israeli settlers and the countercultural spiritual values of young American Jewish immigrants.
Landmark in Israel: Recruitment and Maintenance of Clients in a Human Potential Organization
Authors: Melchior Sefi , Sharot Stephen
Published: April 2010

Studies examining factors in religious conversion have focused on religious movements that are stigmatized or regarded as deviant and that stress communal lifestyles and exclusive commitment. The relevance of these factors is examined in the processes of recruitment and retention of clients in Landmark, a human potential organization that is world-accepting and non-communal. Affective bonds in social networks were found to be of crucial importance both in the recruitment of clients to Landmark and the maintenance of those clients beyond their participation in The Forum, the organization's focal workshop. Human potential organizations such as Landmark are designated by sociologists as new religious movements, but the secular designation by the organization and its clients is relevant to its recruitment, especially in Israel where it attracts Israeli Jews who define themselves as secular.
Studies of association between LPIN1 variants and common metabolic phenotypes among 17 538 Danes
Authors: Burgdorf Kristoffer Sølvsten , Sandholt Camilla Helene , Sparsø Thomas , Andersen Gitte , Witte Daniel R , Jørgensen Torben , Sandbæk Anelli , Lauritzen Torsten , Sørensen Thorkild I A , Madsbad Sten , Hansen Torben , Pedersen Oluf
Published: April 2010

Objective

Lipin-1, encoded byLPIN1, is expressed in the major metabolically active tissues. Decreased expression of lipin-1 in adipose tissue correlates with increased insulin resistance, and tagging of theLPIN1locus has shown that rs33997857, rs6744682, and rs6708316 associate with metabolic phenotypes, specifically body mass index (BMI) and fasting serum lipid levels, both on the individual single-nucleotide polymorphism level and with a three-marker haplotype. Our aim was to validate the reported findings in the Danish population.

Design

In the present study, variants were analyzed inLPIN1using case–control studies, haplotype analyses, and quantitative trait analyses in a population of 17 538 Danes.

Methods

The threeLPIN1variants were genotyped in 17 538 Danes from four study populations of middle-aged people. This provided us with a statistical power >99% to replicate previous findings. Variants were analyzed individually and in haplotype combinations in studies of quantitative metabolic traits and in case–control studies.

Results

None of the three variants were associated with the examined quantitative traits including BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting serum lipid concentrations, or plasma glucose or serum insulin concentrations in the fasting state and following an oral glucose tolerance test. Haplotypes were tested for association with quantitative traits; however, only nominal association with blood pressure (P=0.04) and waist circumference (P=0.04) was observed. In case–control studies, no association was found for individual variants or the three-marker haplotype.

Conclusion

LPIN1rs33997857, rs6744682, and rs6708316 did not associate with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or related quantitative metabolic phenotypes in the Danish population examined.
Retrospective observational study on the effects and tolerability of flutamide in a large population of patients with various kinds of hirsutism over a 15-year period
Authors: Paradisi Roberto , Venturoli Stefano
Published: April 2010

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term effects and tolerability of flutamide (Flu) in hirsute women. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the largest report, concerning the population studied and the duration of treatment, to evaluate Flu use in hirsutism treatment.

Design, patients and methods

Over a 15-year period spanning from January 1991 to January 2006, a total of 414 premenopausal women with hirsutism of different aetiopathogeneses received yearly reducing doses (250, 125 and 62.5 mg/day) of Flu alone or in combination with oral contraceptives for a period varying from at least 3 to 8 years and more. Clinical and endocrine evaluations were assessed half-yearly and yearly respectively in the first 3 years of the study, and yearly in the following years. Liver function evaluations were assessed quarterly.

Results

Both the groups of patients under Flu therapy showed a marked decrease in hirsutism scores after 12 months compared with basal values. The maximum drug effect was observed after 2 years, and it was maintained during the following years of treatment. Androgens were strongly suppressed during treatment. During the first year of treatment, 6.0% of patients abandoned the study due to hepatic disorders related to the drug. During the following years with the lowest treatment regimen, none of the patients abandoned the study due to hepatic discomfort.

Conclusions

Flu is a satisfactory therapeutic regimen for any form of hirsutism in the long run. Moreover, the use of very low doses of Flu is associated with minimal side-effects and high compliance.
Distribuição espaço-temporal dos candidatos à doação de sangue da Fundação Hemominas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, nos anos de 1994 e 2004
Authors: Caram Camila , Monteiro-de-Castro Mônica Silva , Caiaffa Waleska Teixeira , Oliveira Claudia Di Lorenzo , Proietti Anna Bárbara de Freitas Carneiro , Almeida Maria Cristina de Mattos , Brener Stela , Proietti Fernando Augusto
Published: April 2010

Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a distribuição espacial e temporal dos candidatos à doação de sangue, do Município de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, que se apresentaram no hemocentro da Fundação Hemominas, nos anos de 1994 e 2004. Comparou no espaço e no espaço-tempo as características idade, sexo e aptidão clínica destes candidatos. As informações de 1994, obtidas de estudo transversal, e as de 2004, amostrados entre os candidatos à doação durante o ano. As amostras foram georreferenciadas através dos endereços de residência. As técnicas espaciais utilizadas foram: mapas Kernel, mapas temáticos de taxas Bayesianas empíricas e de taxas brutas e o índice de Moran global. Os resultados indicaram que a distribuição espacial de candidatos não foi aleatória. Os mapas Kernel auxiliaram na detecção de locais com maior ou menor concentração de candidatos. Os mapas temáticos descreveram a concentração de candidatos relativos à população para as diferentes categorias analisadas. Estes resultados ajudam na detecção de locais para ações direcionadas à captação de candidatos à doação bem como locais com necessidades de campanhas a públicos específicos.
Determinantes do estado de saúde de crianças ribeirinhas menores de dois anos de idade do Estado do Pará, Brasil: um estudo transversal
Authors: Silva Sara Araújo da , Moura Erly Catarina de
Published: April 2010

O objetivo foi identificar os determinantes da saúde ruim em populações ribeirinhas menores de dois anos, residentes no Pará, Brasil. Foram avaliadas 202 crianças, considerando-se saúde ruim como variável desfecho, sendo composta pela combinação do estado nutricional, desenvolvimento físico-motor e intercorrências no último mês. Utilizou-se modelo multinível de análise hierárquica, considerando-se como preditoras da saúde ruim variáveis com p < 0,05 após ajuste. A razão de chance bruta apontou que o estado de saúde ruim é maior para as crianças de famílias que têm casa própria, são de maior idade e têm probabilidade de aleitamento materno exclusivo aos dois, três, quatro e cinco meses. Após ajuste, observa-se que crianças provenientes de famílias com casa própria têm 2,76 vezes mais chance de ter saúde ruim; esta também aumenta com a idade, chegando a ser 5,04 vezes maior entre as crianças de 18 a 23 meses, comparativamente às menores de 7 meses. Ter casa própria e mais idade representam, nessas comunidades, mais tempo de exposição ao risco de saúde ruim.
Violência contra a criança: revelando o perfil dos atendimentos em serviços de emergência, Brasil, 2006 e 2007
Authors: Mascarenhas Márcio Dênis Medeiros , Malta Deborah Carvalho , Silva Marta Maria Alves da , Lima Cheila Marina , Carvalho Mércia Gomes Oliveira de , Oliveira Vera Lídia Alves de
Published: April 2010

O objetivo deste artigo foi descrever o perfil dos atendimentos de emergência por lesões relacionadas à violência em crianças (< 10 anos de idade) atendidas em serviços do Sistema de Vigilância de Violências e Acidentes (VIVA) do Ministério da Saúde, durante 30 dias consecutivos em cidades selecionadas no Brasil, 2006 e 2007. Das 518 crianças atendidas, predominaram as vítimas do sexo masculino (60,6%), idade de 5-9 anos (52,1%) e negros (71,2%). Sobressaíram-se as ocorrências no domicílio (55%), com lesão por corte/perfuração (34,2%) e evolução para alta (68,7%). A violência mais freqüente foi agressão física (67,4%), envolvendo espancamento, objetos perfurocortantes e arma de fogo. Os demais tipos de violência incluíram negligência (32%), abuso psicológico (9,5%) e violência sexual (3,5%). Em sua maioria, os agressores eram do sexo masculino (48,1%) e familiares da vítima (36,3%). Revela-se a vulnerabilidade da criança às situações de violência. É necessário desenvolver estratégias específicas de assistência intersetorial e mobilização social para a intervenção sobre esse problema.
Morbidade hospitalar indígena Guarani no Sul e Sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Cardoso Andrey Moreira , Coimbra Jr. Carlos E.A. , Tavares Felipe Guimarães
Published: April 2010

Estudos sobre morbidade hospitalar em povos indígenas no Brasil são relativamente recentes, restritos quanto à cobertura e carecem de fontes de dados capazes de gerar indicadores por etnia. Esse estudo descreve a morbidade hospitalar indígena na população residente em 83 aldeias Guarani no Sul e Sudeste do Brasil (N = 6.483), a partir de dados primários obtidos em um sistema de vigilância de hospitalizações implantado em 2007/2008, especificamente para um estudo caso-controle sobre infecção respiratória aguda (IRA) em crianças Guarani. No período, ocorreram 666 hospitalizações concentradas em 497 indivíduos, sendo a maioria em < 5 anos (71,9%). As doenças respiratórias foram as principais causas de hospitalização (64,6%), sobretudo em crianças (< 5 anos: 77,6%; < 1 ano: 83,4%), superando as magnitudes das proporções de hospitalização por essas causas em outros grupos indígenas. A taxa de hospitalização (por 100 pessoas-ano) global foi de 8,8, correspondendo a 71,4 em < 1 ano e a 21,0 entre 1 e 4 anos. A taxa de hospitalização por IRA (5,3) superou em 6,5 e 2,0 vezes àquelas por diarréia e por demais causas, enquanto em < 5 anos (IRA = 23,7), essas razões de taxas foram de 7,4 e 5,4, respectivamente. A taxa padronizada de hospitalização Guarani superou as taxas padronizadas das regiões Sul e Sudeste em 40% e 210%, respectivamente. As hospitalizações marcadas por condições sensíveis à atenção primária e a magnitude das IRA indicam que, além de estudos para compreender a epidemiologia das IRA, são necessários investimentos na qualificação da atenção primária à saúde Guarani.
Cyclic shear test of a geosynthetic clay liner for a secondary containment application
Authors: Athanassopoulos C. , Fox P.J. , Ross J.D.
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT: This note presents the results of a cyclic shear test of a secondary containment liner system composed of sand/GCL/sand. The GCL was a needle-punch-reinforced woven/nonwoven product with a thin geomembrane laminated to the nonwoven side. Under a normal stress of 100 kPa, shearing occurred at the sand/geomembrane interface and the GCL sustained no visible damage after 25 cycles of loading with a displacement amplitude of 20 mm and a frequency of 1 Hz. Material property tests performed on pre-cyclic and post-cyclic GCL samples provided additional evidence that the GCL specimen did not sustain damage due to cyclic loading. Analysis of the cyclic loading data indicates hysteretic stress-displacement behavior that is broadly similar to natural soils and displays strength and stiffness degradation as well as reduction in damping ratio with continued cycling.
Analysis of geosynthetic reinforcement in pile-supported embankments. Part III: Axisymmetric model
Authors: Plaut R.H. , Filz G.M.
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT: In the first part of this study, the geosynthetic reinforcement in a pile-supported embankment was modelled as a thin plate, and in the second part it was modelled as a cable net. Three-dimensional analyses were conducted. A notable feature of the results was the existence of spikes in strains and stresses near the edges of the pile caps, particularly near corners. The computational effort was significant. In this last part an axisymmetric model is analysed, which is simpler, and yields approximate results. It is most appropriate for circular pile caps, but can also be used to estimate displacements for square pile caps. The geosynthetic is modelled here as a membrane with linear stress–strain response, and the governing equations allow for large strains and slopes. The finite difference method is utilised, and the total energy is minimised to obtain equilibrium shapes. For two cases, the effects of Poisson's ratio, soil stiffness, stress concentration ratio, average embankment stress, area replacement ratio and membrane stiffness on the maximum vertical displacement, maximum strains and net stress reduction ratio are determined. A Rayleigh–Ritz procedure is also carried out. Finally, determination of the magnitude of the applied stress on the geosynthetic and the effect of its distribution are discussed.
Root‐Coverage Procedures for the Treatment of Localized Recession‐Type Defects: A Cochrane Systematic Review
Authors: Chambrone Leandro , Sukekava Flávia , Araújo Maurício G. , Pustiglioni Francisco E. , Chambrone Luiz Armando , Lima Luiz A.
Published: April 2010

Background: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of different root‐coverage procedures in the treatment of recession‐type defects.

Methods: The Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched for entries up to October 2008. There were no restrictions regarding publication status or the language of publication. Only clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a duration ≥6 months that evaluated recession areas (Miller Class I or II ≥3 mm) that were treated by means of periodontal plastic surgery procedures were included.

Results: Twenty‐four RCTs provided data. Only one trial was considered to be at low risk of bias. The remaining trials were considered to be at high risk of bias. The results indicated a significantly greater reduction in gingival recession and gain in keratinized tissue for subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs) compared to guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with bioabsorbable membranes (GTR bms). A significantly greater gain in keratinized tissue was found for enamel matrix protein compared to a coronally advanced flap (0.40 mm) and for SCTGs compared to GTR bms plus bone substitutes. Limited data exist on the changes of esthetic conditions as related to the opinions and preferences of patients for specific procedures.

Conclusions: SCTGs, coronally advanced flaps alone or associated with other biomaterial, and GTR may be used as root‐coverage procedures for the treatment of localized recession‐type defects. In cases where root coverage and gain in keratinized tissue are expected, the use of SCTGs seems to be more adequate.
Designing robust water planning institutions in remote regions: a case of Georgina and Diamantina catchment in Australia
Authors: Larson Silva
Published: April 2010

Several catchment-based water planning processes are currently underway in Australia, with the Water Reform Agreement of 1994 providing the legislative umbrella. This paper presents the results of a case study conducted in the joint catchment of the Diamantina and Georgina rivers, located in the remote central-west part of the state of Queensland. The paper investigates the new water planning processes from the perspective of the design principles for the robust institutions, while taking into account the specifics of the social and ecological environment they will need to operate in. The analysis uses both the actual plans as well as stakeholders' perceptions of the planning process. The analysis found that four of the design principles for robust institutions: clearly defined boundaries, collective choice arrangements, gradual sanctioning and nested enterprises; were well covered in the planning process. However, the principles of: equivalence between costs and benefits; conflict resolution mechanisms; recognition of right to organise; and monitoring; were not clearly or sufficiently addressed in the Plans and have resulted in significant concerns by stakeholders interviewed. The paper discusses the implications of the findings for other water planning processes located in remote and desert regions in general.
Treatment of farm dairy effluent with hybrid upflow multilayer bioreactor and activated sludge module
Authors: Shams D. F. , Singhal N. , Elefsiniotis P. , Johnson A.
Published: April 2010

Biological removal of nitrogen and carbon from farm dairy effluent (FDE) was studied with two laboratory-scale systems following nitrification and denitrification processes. Each system consisted of an upflow multilayer bioreactor (UMBR) as a pre-denitrification unit, an aeration tank (AT) as nitrification unit and a secondary clarifier. The optimization of two operational variables, total hydraulic retention time (HRT) and internal recycle (IR) rate with both real-FDE and a synthetic-wastewater were investigated. First, HRTs of 2, 3, 4 and 5 days were tested with synthetic-wastewater at uniform IR rate. The HRT of 4 days proved optimum with high efficiencies for nitrification (>90%), denitrification (>90%) and total chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (∼90%). The lowest efficiency was recorded at 2 days HRT with 7% nitrification efficiency. This was followed by experimentation with IR rates of 200%, 300% and 400% on both real-FDE and synthetic-wastewater at optimized HRT. The increase in IR to 300% improved the denitrification potential and overall performance with continuous high nitrification efficiency and COD removal whereas IR of 400% retarded the process. The application of combined UMBR and activated sludge system showed good potential for biological removal of nitrogen from FDE.
Treatment of hospital wastewater effluent by nanofiltration and reverse osmosis
Authors: Beier S. , Köster S. , Veltmann K. , Schröder H. , Pinnekamp J.
Published: April 2010

Considerable concern exists regarding the appearance and effects of trace and ultra trace pollutants in the aquatic environment. In this context, it is necessary to identify relevant hot spot wastewater – such as hospital wastewater – and to implement specific wastewater treatment solutions. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology seems to be a suitable pre-treatment approach for the subsequent advanced treatment by high pressure membrane systems such as nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO). This paper is based upon investigations on the first full scale MBR for separate treatment of hospital wastewater in Germany. In this study an NF as well as an RO module for further treatment of the MBR filtrate were tested. The removal efficiencies were assessed using the following target compounds: bezafibrate, bisoprolol, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, metronidazole, moxifloxacin, telmisartan and tramadol. In summary, the results of this study confirmed that MBR technology followed by an advanced treatment for trace pollutant removal is an adequate approach for specific treatment of hot spot wastewater such as hospital wastewater. In particular, it was shown that – comparing the tested NF and RO – only (a two stage) RO is appropriate to remove pharmaceutical residues from hospital wastewater entirely. The recommended yield of the 2-stage RO is 70% which results in a retentate sidestream of 9%. Our investigations proved that RO is a very efficient treatment approach for elimination of trace pollutants.
Catalytic wet hydrogen peroxide oxidation of a petrochemical wastewater
Authors: Pariente M. I. , Melero J. A. , Martínez F. , Botas J. A. , Gallego A. I.
Published: April 2010

Continuous Catalytic Wet Hydrogen Peroxide Oxidation (CWHPO) for the treatment of a petrochemical industry wastewater has been studied on a pilot plant scale process. The installation, based on a catalytic fixed bed reactor (FBR) coupled with a stirred tank reactor (STR), shows an interesting alternative for the intensification of a continuous CWHPO treatment. Agglomerated SBA-15 silica-supported iron oxide (Fe2O3/SBA-15) was used as Fenton-like catalyst. Several variables such as the temperature and hydrogen peroxide concentration, as well as the capacity of the pilot plant for the treatment of inlet polluted streams with different dilution degrees were studied. Remarkable results in terms of TOC reduction and increased biodegradability were achieved using 160°C and moderate hydrogen peroxide initial concentration. Additionally, a good stability of the catalyst was evidenced for 8 hours of treatment with low iron leaching (less than 1 mg/L) under the best operating conditions.
Uncertainty and variability in enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) stoichiometry: consequences for process modelling and optimization
Authors: Houweling Dwight , Comeau Yves , Takács Imre , Dold Peter
Published: April 2010

The overall potential for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) in the activated sludge process is constrained by the availability of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The efficiency with which polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) use these VFAs for P-removal, however, is determined by the stoichiometric ratios governing their anaerobic and aerobic metabolism. While changes in anaerobic stoichiometry due to environmental conditions do affect EBPR performance to a certain degree, model-based analyses indicate that variability in aerobic stoichiometry has the greatest impact. Long-term deterioration in EBPR performance in an experimental SBR system undergoing P-limitation can be predicted as the consequence of competition between PAOs and GAOs. However, the observed rapid decrease in P-release after the change in feed composition is not consistent with a gradual shift in population.
On The Dominance of 28-Month Harmonic in the Equatorial- Stratospheric-Wind Quasi Biennial Oscillation
Authors: Mazzarella Adriano , Giuliacci Andrea
Published: April 2010

The Quasi Biennial Oscillation, the downward propagating easterly and westerly wind regimes in the equatorial stratosphere, has been investigated according to robust statistics that utilizes the amplitude/vector probable error ratio to provide the confidence level of the investigated harmonic. The amplitude-to-noise ratio is found to be the highest in correspondence of the 28- month harmonic for each examined height; the relative amplitude and phase values are found,
respectively, to decrease and increase with the height and to take about a year to descend from 15 to 70 hPa with a progressive lag of about 1 month/km. At the top of the stratosphere, easterlies dominate, while at the bottom, westerlies are more likely to be found.
Overview of Biorefineries based on Co-Production of Furfural, Existing Concepts and Novel Developments
Authors: De Jong Wiebren , Marcotullio Gianluca
Published: April 2010

At Delft University of Technology theoretical and experimental research is carried out towards selective production of furfural from renewable biomass. Furfural is an interesting molecule that has been identified as a platform chemical for a multitude of chemical products and fuel (additives).Acidic biomass hydrolysis and subsequent dehydration of the obtained C5 sugar xylose leads to furfural. The reaction selectivity is a point of concern for reactor design, as furfural can further react to loss products. The residue of this process mainly consists of the remaining main biomass constituents, cellulose and lignin. Mineral matter is to a large extent extracted to the acid in the primary hydrolysis. This implies that the residue has the potential to be a better feedstock for thermo-chemical conversion, as e.g. alkali and chlorine speciesnow extractedpotentially cause different types of problems (slagging, fouling, agglomeration etc.).An interesting option for example might be to convert this improved feedstock into synthesis gas via a gasification process, which then needs to be conditioned and upgraded for the production of green transportation fuels. In this line, a new biorefinery generation is created, which selectively uses the hemi-cellulose part of biomass. An analysis is presented towards current (integrated) concepts for novel, improved furfural production process. This paper presents some current process concepts and a novel continuous process design.
Lipases as biocatalysts for biodiesel production
Authors: Ognjanovic Nevena , Petrovic Slobodan , Bezbradica Dejan , Knezevic-Jugovic Zorica
Published: April 2010

Lipases can be used for a variety of biotechnological applications: synthesis of fine chemicals, therapeutics, agrochemicals, cosmetics, flavors, biopolymers and biodiesel. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for diesel engines that is environmentally acceptable. Conventionally, biodiesel is produced by transesterification of triglycerides and short chain alcohols in the presence of an acid or an alkaline catalyst. There are several problems associated with this kind of production that can be resolved by using lipase as the biocatalyst. The usage of lipases has several advantages over the conventional chemical methods. It is considered as less energy intensive and environmentally friendly. However, there are two main obstacles associated with the effective utilization of lipases in the production of biodiesel. The main one is the cost of the enzyme and its poor stability in the presence of excess alcohol. Several strategies are proposed to overcome these drawbacks: immobilization of lipases, stepwise addition of alcohol, and the usage of novel acyl acceptors and the usage of whole cell biocatalysts.
Spectroscopic characterization of bioactive Cu(II) complexes with polysaccharides by modern FTIR microspectroscopy
Authors: Mitic Zarko , Cakic Milorad , Nikolic Goran , Ilic Ljubomir , Stankovic Mihajlo
Published: April 2010

Investigations of bioactive copper complexes are of great interest for the pharmaceutical industry from the aspect of therapy of hypochromic microcitary anemia and hypocupremia. The structure of bioactive copper complexes with oligosaccharides has not yet been explained in details despite a number of studies. This work represents further development in the research of the complex structure and pharmacobiological activity of the copper complexes. Different copper complexes with dextran and pullulan oligosaccharides, as well as reduced derivatives, have been analyzed by IR spectroscopy. Characterization of the complexes has been performed by using modern spectroscopic techniques: RT-FTIR, LNT-FTIR, D2O-FTIR, ATR-FTIR and FTIR microspectroscopy. Results of FTIR microspectroscopic investigations show that the structural form of complexes and copper content depend considerably on constitution and ligands conformation, degree of crystallinity, polymerization, polydispersity, and linearity of macromolecules. Also, stability of the synthesized complexes, as well as their pharmacological effect, depend on these parameters. Based on IR testing results, structures of the synthesized Cu(II) complexes with polysaccharides were confirmed.
Investigation of electrochemical synthesis of ferrate - Part II: Optimization of the process parameters of ferrate(VI) electrochemical synthesis
Authors: Cekerevac Milan , Nikolic-Bujanovic Ljiljana , Jokic Anja , Simicic Milos
Published: April 2010

In part I [1] of the investigation the behavior of iron and selected low carbon steels in concentrated (10M - 15 M) water solution of NaOH and KOH in wide range of electrode potentials, between hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, is investigated and discussed. On the base of experimental data obtained by LSV and galvanostatic pulse methods, it is concluded [1] that efficient synthesis of ferrate (VI) can be expected in the region of anodic potentials between + 0,55 V and + 0,75 V against Hg|HgO reference electrode. In this paper optimization of electrolysis parameters of the electrochemical synthesis of ferrate(VI) is elaborated. The most important parameters chosen for optimization process were: anode material, alkaline electrolyte concentration, regime of electrical potential control, current density and electrolyte temperature. The best current efficiency and yield of ferrate(VI) synthesis of the explored anode materials (electrical steel, low carbon cold rolled steel plate, and structural steel) is obtained when electrical steel with 3 wt% of silicon is applied. The worst current efficiency is obtained with anodes made of structural steel with higher concentration of manganese, chromium and nickel. The influence of alloying elements on the process of electrochemical synthesis of ferrate(VI) is discussed in terms of their influence on formation and stability of anodic passive layer and oxygen evolution reaction. The increase of electrolyte concentration from 10M to 15M NaOH and KOH provided the increase of current efficiency with maximum obtained for 14M NaOH. The yield of ferrate(VI) synthesis increases with temperature raise, having maximal value at about +50?C, and after that, at higher temperatures, instability of ferrate(VI) increases and the yield of synthesis lessens. Considering the influence of electrical regime control it is concluded that the biggest yield of ferrate(VI) can be expected with constant anodic potential of about +0,65 V against Hg|HgO reference electrode and with pulsating potential with ratio Emax : Emin = +0,8 V : +0,5 V against Hg|HgO electrode and pulse duration of tmax : tmin = 2s : 1s, figure 1. Circulation of electrolyte has shown relatively small, but positive, effect on the synthesis efficiency, particularly in cases when potassium hydroxide is present in the electrolyte.
Synthesis of some 16,17-secoandrost-5-ene derivatives
Authors: Gakovic Andrea , Djurendic-Brenesel Maja , Djurendic Evgenija , Penov-Gasi Katarina , Sakac Marija
Published: April 2010

Starting from 3?-acetoxy-17-oxo-16,17-secoandrost-5-ene-16-nitrile (1), 3?-acetoxy-16,17-secoandrost-5-ene-16-nitrile (4) was synthesized by a three-stage procedure. First, the formyl group of compound 1 was reduced, to yield the alcohol 2. Compound 2 was further transformed to the mesyloxy derivative 3, whose reduction with NaBH3CN gave compound 4. Apart from compound 4 as the main reaction product, two additional products were obtained, for which the GC/MS analysis suggested that they are 8(14) and 14 derivatives of compound 4. Compound 4 was transformed into 3?-hydroxy-16,17-sesoandrost-5-ene-16-nitrile (7), the Oppenauer oxidation of which afforded 3-oxo-16,17-secoandrost-4-ene-16-nitrile (8).