bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxa de geração de resíduos da construção civil em edificações na cidade de João Pessoa
Authors: Costa Ricardo Vasconcelos Gomes da , Athayde Júnior Gilson Barbosa , Oliveira Mariana Moreira de
Published: April 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a quantidade de resíduos da construção civil (RCC) em função da área construída da edificação, para efetuar acompanhamento e fiscalização mais eficazes da geração e destinação final em dada obra. Foi escolhida uma amostra representativa das edificações em fase de construção na cidade de João Pessoa. Uma ficha para coleta das características e acompanhamento de volume de RCC descartado ao longo do cronograma de execução da construção foi fornecida aos gestores das edificações; a partir do volume descartado pelas construtoras, determinou-se a massa de RCC gerado em cada obra utilizando uma massa unitária de 1.025 kg m-3 Os resultados indicaram uma taxa média de geração de RCC classe A de 86,27 kg m-². Ainda para os RCC classe A, foram definidos os limites inferior e superior com 90% de confiança para a taxa de geração: 62,31 e 136,02 kg m-² respectivamente. A partir desses valores, o controle da geração e disposição de RCC pode ser realizado pelos órgãos competentes, dando o indicativo de quais obras podem estar infringindo a legislação vigente no tocante à destinação de tais resíduos.
Telhado verde: uma alternativa sustentável para a gestão das águas pluviais
Authors: Tassi Rutinéia , Tassinari Lucas Camargo da Silva , Piccilli Daniel Gustavo Allasia , Persch Cristiano Gabriel
Published: April 2014

O crescimento da população urbana tem gerado impactos negativos muito mais significativos sobre o meio ambiente, tais como as enchentes, que se mostram cada vez mais severas em decorrência da impermeabilização do solo com a falta de um plano de manejo das águas pluviais, e o emprego excessivo de canalizações. Diante da necessidade de uma mudança de paradigma na concepção das obras de drenagem pluvial, surgiu o conceito de Desenvolvimento de Baixo Impacto (DBI), cujo princípio é a gestão das águas pluviais próximo a sua origem, buscando a utilização de técnicas que permitam mimetizar funções naturais que são perdidas com a urbanização. Nesse contexto, os telhados verdes vêm sendo empregados, pois, além de outros benefícios, contribuem para o controle quali-quantitativo das águas pluviais. Neste trabalho são apresentados os resultados de um estudo de longo prazo sobre a eficiência de um telhado verde no controle quantitativo das águas pluviais. Foi possível reduzir, em média, 62% do escoamento superficial, promovendo um retardo no escoamento e reduzindo as vazões de pico, o que gerou o controle desejado. No entanto, sua eficiência é altamente influenciada pelas condições climáticas e de umidade do solo que antecedem cada evento chuvoso.
O impacto do Programa Minha Casa, Minha Vida na economia brasileira: uma análise de insumo-produto
Authors: Gonçalves Junior Carlos Alberto , Dutra Ricardo de Lemos , Lopes Ricardo Luis , Rodrigues Rossana Lott
Published: April 2014

O objetivo do presente artigo foi analisar o impacto do Programa Habitacional Minha Casa, Minha Vida na economia brasileira mediante a dinamização do setor da construção civil, utilizando a matriz de insumo-produto de 2008 para estimação dos geradores e multiplicadores de produção, renda, emprego e impostos. Os resultados mostraram que o setor da construção civil apresentou ligações para trás e para frente abaixo da média dos setores da economia. No entanto, considerando o valor de R$ 125,7 bilhões previstos para investimento no período em análise, constatou-se que haverá crescimento significativo na renda paga aos trabalhadores, serão criados cerca de 7 milhões de empregos diretos e indiretos, haverá aumento na produção de cerca de 6% do PIB em valores de 2010, e pelo menos 16% do valor dos subsídios dados nos contratos de financiamento do PMCMV voltarão aos cofres públicos.
Systematic revision of the Potamotrygon motoro (Müller & Henle, 1841) species complex in the Paraná-Paraguay basin, with description of two new ocellated species (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae)
Authors: Loboda Thiago Silva , Carvalho Marcelo Rodrigues de
Published: April 2014

A systematic revision of the Potamotrygon motoro (Müller & Henle, 1841) species complex in the Paraná-Paraguay basin based on morphological characters was undertaken. Morphological systems analyzed include external morphology, coloration, dermal denticles, and spines, canals of the ventral lateral-line system, and skeletal components. Potamotrygon motoro is widely distributed in the Paraná-Paraguay basin and some of its diagnostic characters are: ocelli present on dorsal disc tricolored, well-defined and evenly distributed, with diameter similar or greater than eye-length; ventral coloration with relatively large whitish central region, with gray or brown area predominant on outer ventral disc margins; dermal denticles well-developed and star-shaped over central disc; labial grooves absent; monognathic heterodonty present in upper and lower jaws of adults. Potamotrygon pauckei Castex, 1963 and Potamotrygon labradori Castex, Maciel & Achenbach, 1963, are synonymized with P. motoro; Potamotrygon alba Castex, 1963, is a nomen dubium in accordance with previous authors. Additionally, two new ocellated species of Potamotrygon from the Paraná-Paraguay basin are described: Potamotrygon pantanensis, sp. nov. and Potamotrygon amandae, sp. nov. These are described and compared with P. motoro and other congeners. Potamotrygon pantanensis, sp. nov. is described from the northern Pantanal region; Potamotrygon amandae, sp. nov. is widespread in the Paraná-Paraguay basin.
Fish assemblages along a morphodynamic continuum on three tropical beaches
Authors: Oliveira Ronnie E. M. C. C. , Pessanha André L. M.
Published: April 2014

A comparative study involving three mesotidal beaches from reflective to estuarine states was conducted between October 2010 and September 2011 in the estuary of Mamanguape River, northeastern Brazil. The aim was to test for differences in fish assemblages along a morphodynamic continuum, particularly the effects of wave action. In total, 3,732 fish from 71 species were examined; Rhinosardinia bahiensisand Atherinella brasiliensisdominated the estuarine beach, whereas Trachinotus carolinus dominated the reflective beach. Fish assemblages were structured by spatial differences among the sites, and overall abundance, richness and biomass demonstrated a clear increasing trend from the reflective to the estuarine beaches, indicating a primary influence of wave exposure in the measured parameters. The Mamanguape River estuary plays a crucial ecological role as a nursery for several species that depend on its resources and have adapted to the high variability of its physical and chemical factors and the diversity of its habitats.
Análise newtoniana de um sistema mecânico com uma força dependente da velocidade e a existência de condições para a conservação de energia
Authors: Sampaio R.V. , Fracalossi R. , Oliveira A.M.
Published: April 2014

Um sistema mecânico com forças dependentes da velocidade é estudado. Mostra-se que, sob escolhas muito particulares para os termos da força resultante em cada direção, é possível obter o resultado de que a energia total do sistema se conserva, podendo ainda ser dividida em três parcelas, associadas a cada direção, e que também se comportam como uma lei de conservação para a energia individualmente.
Montagem e teste de detector Geiger Muller usando tubo SBM19
Authors: Kakuno Edson Massayuki
Published: April 2014

Este trabalho descreve a montagem de um detector Geiger Muller (GM) a partir de um tubo comercial, SBM19, e com flexibilidade nos componentes eletrônicos agregados. Muitas referências citadas são de domínio público e disponíveis na internet, permitido ao leitor uma maior facilidade ao acesso às informações e a outras possibilidades de montagem de um detector GM. O detector proposto é uma ferramenta em potencial para o ensino de física moderna no Ensino Médio e uma proposta de demonstração em feiras de ciências. São apresentados resultados de medidas em camisas de lampião, Am de um detector de fumaça e de um cinzeiro enriquecido com urânio.
A descoberta do efeito Compton: De uma abordagem semiclássica a uma abordagem quântica
Authors: Silva Indianara , Freire Jr Olival
Published: April 2014

Apresentamos a evolução histórica do programa de pesquisa de Arthur H. Compton (1892-1962) dedicado ao estudo do espalhamento dos raios X pela matéria, programa que levaria ao estabelecimento do efeito Compton e à atribuição do Prêmio Nobel de Física de 1927 ao físico norte-americano. Especial atenção será prestada às abordagens semiclássicas inicialmente utilizadas e ao contexto das suas influências sobre Compton quando da transição desse cientista para uma abordagem quântica.
Movements vary according to dispersal stage, group size, and rainfall: the case of the African lion
Authors: Elliot Nicholas B. , Cushman Samuel A. , Loveridge Andrew J. , Mtare Godfrey , Macdonald David W.
Published: April 2014

Dispersal is one of the most important life‐history traits affecting species persistence and evolution and is increasingly relevant for conservation biology as ecosystems become more fragmented. However, movement during different dispersal stages has been difficult to study and remains poorly understood. We analyzed movement metrics and patterns of autocorrelation from GPS data for 20 lions (Panthera leo) over a five‐year period. We compared movement among different stages of natal dispersal (departure, transience, and settlement), in addition to that of territorial adults of both sexes. The movement of lions differed according to dispersal stage, sex, group size, and rainfall. As expected, during dispersal lions moved faster and further and in a more directional manner than pre‐ or post‐dispersal. Transient movement was more directional than adult movement, but somewhat surprisingly, was slower with less net displacement than that of territorial males. Interestingly, the effect of group size on movement differed between transient males and territorial males; solitary dispersers moved faster and further than individuals in bigger groups, while territorial males had the opposite trend. Although our sample size is limited, our results suggest a transition from directional movement during transience to random or periodic use of a fixed territory after settlement. In addition, group size may affect the search and settlement strategies of dispersers while seeking a territory in which to settle.
Controls on fallen leaf chemistry and forest floor element masses in native and novel forests across a tropical island
Authors: Erickson Heather E. , Helmer E. H. , Brandeis Thomas J. , Lugo Ariel E.
Published: April 2014

Litter chemistry varies across landscapes according to factors rarely examined simultaneously. We analyzed 11 elements in forest floor (fallen) leaves and additional litter components from 143 forest inventory plots systematically located across Puerto Rico, a tropical island recovering from large‐scale forest clearing. We assessed whether three existing, independently‐derived, landscape classifications (Holdridge life zone, remotely sensed forest type (leaf longevity combined with geology generalized to karst vs. non‐karst), and plot‐based measures of forest assemblage) would separate observed gradients. With principal component and regression analyses, we also tested whether climate‐, landscape‐ (geology, elevation, aspect, percent slope, slope position, distance from coast), and stand‐scale (tree species composition, basal area, density, stand age) variables explained variation in fallen leaf chemistry and stoichiometry. For fallen leaves, C, Ca, Mg, Na, and Mn concentrations differed by Holdridge life zone and C, P, Ca, Mn, Al, and Fe concentrations differed by forest type, where leaf longevity distinguished C and Ca concentrations and geology distinguished C, P, Ca, Mn, Al, and Fe concentrations. Fallen leaf C, P, Ca, and Mn concentrations also differed, and N concentrations only differed, by forest assemblage. Across several scales, fallen leaf N concentration was positively related to the basal area of putatively N2‐fixing tree legumes, which were concentrated in lower topographic positions, providing for the first time a biological explanation for the high N concentrations of fallen leaves in these locations. Phosphorus concentrations in fallen leaves by forest assemblages also correlated with the basal area of N2‐fixing legumes, and P and N concentrations decreased with mean age of assemblage. Fallen leaves from younger (<50 yr, 86% of the plots) and often novel forests had higher P, Fe, and Al and lower C concentrations and lower C/P and N/P ratios than fallen leaves from older forests, the latter due to a decrease in P rather than changes in N. These findings suggest that both N and P availability may currently be greater on the island than pre‐deforestation, and substantiate the unique roles that state factors play in contributing to the spatial heterogeneity of fallen leaf chemistry.
The frequency of chromosomal aberrations in sheep from the area contaminated by depleted uranium during NATO air strikes in 1999
Authors: Fister Svetlana , Jovic Slavoljub
Published: May 2014

This paper presents the results of cytogenetic studies in sheep from the
region of Bujanovac that was contaminated by depleted uranium during the NATO
air strikes in 1999. The study was conducted on sheep blood lymphocytes, in
order to determine the frequency of chromosomal aberrations and to assess the
presence of genetic risk as a result of the possible impact of depleted
uranium. Blood samples for lymphocyte cultures were taken at random from the
20 animals of the households in the village of Borovac, near Bujanovac. The
animals were chosen because they were pastured, fed, and watered in the NATO
bombing area. With the purpose of comparing the results two control groups
were cytogenetically analyzed, each consisted of 20 sheep from Zemun and
Ovca, two northern localities that were not contaminated with depleted
uranium. The established structural chromosomal changes were of breaks and
gap types, and their frequencies in sheep of all surveyed localities were
within the range of basic level values that are commonly found in the sheep
lymphocyte cultures analyses. Significant differences are apparent between
the values defined in the sheep from Bujanovac compared to those obtained in
the sheep from the northern locality (Zemun), probably as a result of
breeding of animals in the farm conditions and their being less exposed to
the impact of environmental agents. There were neither elevated values of
polyploid and aneuploid cells nor significant differences between the sites.
According to earlier known data, depleted uranium was below the detection
limit of the method applied both in the soil and feed given to
cytogenetically analyzed animals. Based on the low-level changes that are in
the range of the basic level changes, commonly observed in sheep lymphocytes
control cultures, it cannot be said with certainty that it was depleted
uranium that caused the changes, or that it is wide-spread in the region of
Bujanovac.
Contribution to the development of the simulation model for the rotary cap burner in the marine steam boiler
Authors: Dvornik Josko , Dvornik Srdjan
Published: April 2014

This paper presents the simulation model for determining the intervals of
preventive replacement of the system's components. The application of the
Weibull distribution has been proved to be efficient in the approximation of
many forms of delay, while numerical integration supported by Simpson formula
and Fortran software has been applied to simulate optimum values of the
preventive replacement of the components of the rotary cap burner SAACKE,
type SKV 60 in the marine steam boiler, on the basis of the available data
gathered through the system's exploitation and through empirical assumptions.
Morphology and thermal stability of bacterial cellulose/collagen composites
Authors: Albu Mădălina , Vuluga Zina , Panaitescu Denis , Vuluga Dumitru , Căşărică Angela , Ghiurea Marius
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper was to prepare composites of bacterial cellulose (BC) and collagen to evaluate both the effect of collagen on the morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of BC and the effect of BC on the thermal stability of collagen for designing composites with increased potential biomedical applications. Two series of composites were prepared, the first series by immersing BC pellicle in solutions of collagen obtained in three forms, collagen gel (CG), collagen solution (CS) and hydrolysed collagen (HC), followed by freeze drying; and the second series of composites by mixing BC powder in solutions of collagen (CG, CS and HC), also followed by freeze drying. The properties of obtained composites were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results revealed that BC acts as a thermal stabilizer for CS matrix, while with CG matrix it interacts synergistically leading to composites with improved properties. On the other hand, the BC sheet impregnated with collagen has a significantly improved thermal stability. Collagen (as HC, CS or CG) has also a positive influence on the mechanical properties of lyophilized BC sheet. A four times increase of modulus was observed in BC/HC and BC/CG composites. and an increase of 60 times for BC/CS. The spectacular increase of elastic modulus and tensile strength in the case of BC/CS composite was explained by the easier penetration of collagen solution in the BC network and impregnation of BC fibrils as revealed by SEM and AFM analyzes.
Thyroid function tests and its interpretation
Authors: Raj KC Shiva
Published: April 2014

Abstract: Thyroid diseases are among the most prevalent of medical conditions. In the patients with obvious features of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism thyroid function tests only confirm the diagnosis. Though TSH is widely used as a screening test in suspicion with thyroid disorder, many times TSH alone may be misleading. In this situation TSH along with T4 and T3 should be performed which will resolve the problem. However, thyroid function tests may not concord with each other. Discordant results between TSH, T4 and T3 may be because of various conditions like subclinical hypo- or hyperthyroidism, non-thyroidal illness, drugs etc. Beside that antibody interference and special condition like pregnancy may alter the thyroid hormone concentration. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v4i7.10318 Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2014) Vol. 4, 584-590
Handling the “difficult” biopsy specimen
Authors: Thapa JB
Published: April 2014

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v4i7.10323   Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2014) Vol. 4, I
Antimicrobial Stewardship and Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Abbo Lilian , Hooton Thomas
Published: May 2014

Urinary tract infections are the most common bacterial infections encountered in ambulatory and long-term care settings in the United States. Urine samples are the largest single category of specimens received by most microbiology laboratories and many such cultures are collected from patients who have no or questionable urinary symptoms. Unfortunately, antimicrobials are often prescribed inappropriately in such patients. Antimicrobial use, whether appropriate or inappropriate, is associated with the selection for antimicrobial-resistant organisms colonizing or infecting the urinary tract. Infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant organisms are associated with higher rates of treatment failures, prolonged hospitalizations, increased costs and mortality. Antimicrobial stewardship consists of avoidance of antimicrobials when appropriate and, when antimicrobials are indicated, use of strategies to optimize the selection, dosing, route of administration, duration and timing of antimicrobial therapy to maximize clinical cure while limiting the unintended consequences of antimicrobial use, including toxicity and selection of resistant microorganisms. This article reviews successful antimicrobial stewardship strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections.
The Effects of Great Plains Irrigation on the Surface Energy Balance, Regional Circulation, and Precipitation
Authors: Huber David , Mechem David , Brunsell Nathaniel
Published: May 2014

Irrigation provides a needed source of water in regions of low precipitation. Adding water to a region that would otherwise see little natural precipitation alters the partitioning of surface energy fluxes, the evolution of the planetary boundary layer, and the atmospheric transport of water vapor. The effects of irrigation are investigated in this paper through the employment of the Advanced Research (ARW) Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) using a pair of simulations representing the extremes of an irrigated and non-irrigated U.S. Great Plains region. In common with previous studies, irrigation in the Great Plains alters the radiation budget by increasing latent heat flux and cooling the surface temperatures. These effects increase the net radiation at the surface, channeling that energy into additional latent heat flux, which increases convective available potential energy and provides downstream convective systems with additional energy and moisture. Most noteworthy in this study is the substantial influence of irrigation on the structure of the Great Plains Low-level Jet (GPLLJ). The simulation employing irrigation is characterized by a positive 850-mb geopotential height anomaly, a result interpreted by quasi-geostrophic theory to be a response to low-level irrigation-induced cooling. The modulation of the regional-scale height pattern associated with the GPLLJ results in weaker flow southeast of the 850-mb anomaly and stronger flow to the northwest. Increased latent heat flux in the irrigated simulation is greater than the decrease in regional transport, resulting in a net increase in atmospheric moisture and a nearly 50% increase in July precipitation downstream of irrigated regions without any change to the number of precipitation events.
General H-theorem and Entropies that Violate the Second Law
Authors: Gorban Alexander
Published: April 2014

H-theorem states that the entropy production is nonnegative and, therefore, the entropy of a closed system should monotonically change in time. In information processing, the entropy production is positive for random transformation of signals (the information processing lemma). Originally, the H-theorem and the information processing lemma were proved for the classical Boltzmann-Gibbs-Shannon entropy and for the correspondent divergence (the relative entropy). Many new entropies and divergences have been proposed during last decades and for all of them the H-theorem is needed. This note proposes a simple and general criterion to check whether the H-theorem is valid for a convex divergence H and demonstrates that some of the popular divergences obey no H-theorem. We consider systems with n states Ai that obey first order kinetics (master equation). A convex function H is a Lyapunov function for all master equations with given equilibrium if and only if its conditional minima properly describe the equilibria of pair transitions Ai ⇌ Aj . This theorem does not depend on the principle of detailed balance and is valid for general Markov kinetics. Elementary analysis of pair equilibria demonstrate that the popular Bregman divergences like Euclidian distance or Itakura-Saito distance in the space of distribution cannot be the universal Lyapunov functions for the first-order kinetics and can increase in Markov processes. Therefore, they violate the second law and the information processing lemma. In particular, for these measures of information (divergences) random manipulation with data may add information to data. The main results are extended to nonlinear generalized mass action law kinetic equations.
Microorganisms with Claimed Probiotic Properties: An Overview of Recent Literature
Authors: Fijan Sabina
Published: May 2014

Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Health benefits have mainly been demonstrated for specific probiotic strains of the following genera: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, Bacillus, Escherichia coli. The human microbiota is getting a lot of attention today and research has already demonstrated that alteration of this microbiota may have far-reaching consequences. One of the possible routes for correcting dysbiosis is by consuming probiotics. The credibility of specific health claims of probiotics and their safety must be established through science-based clinical studies. This overview summarizes the most commonly used probiotic microorganisms and their demonstrated health claims. As probiotic properties have been shown to be strain specific, accurate identification of particular strains is also very important. On the other hand, it is also demonstrated that the use of various probiotics for immunocompromised patients or patients with a leaky gut has also yielded infections, sepsis, fungemia, bacteraemia. Although the vast majority of probiotics that are used today are generally regarded as safe and beneficial for healthy individuals, caution in selecting and monitoring of probiotics for patients is needed and complete consideration of risk-benefit ratio before prescribing is recommended.
The Oligomycin-Sensitivity Conferring Protein of Mitochondrial ATP Synthase: Emerging New Roles in Mitochondrial Pathophysiology
Authors: Antoniel Manuela , Giorgio Valentina , Fogolari Federico , Glick Gary , Bernardi Paolo , Lippe Giovanna
Published: April 2014

The oligomycin-sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP) of the mitochondrial FOF1 ATP synthase has long been recognized to be essential for the coupling of proton transport to ATP synthesis. Located on top of the catalytic F1 sector, it makes stable contacts with both F1 and the peripheral stalk, ensuring the structural and functional coupling between FO and F1, which is disrupted by the antibiotic, oligomycin. Recent data have established that OSCP is the binding target of cyclophilin (CyP) D, a well-characterized inducer of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), whose opening can precipitate cell death. CyPD binding affects ATP synthase activity, and most importantly, it decreases the threshold matrix Ca2+ required for PTP opening, in striking analogy with benzodiazepine 423, an apoptosis-inducing agent that also binds OSCP. These findings are consistent with the demonstration that dimers of ATP synthase generate Ca2+-dependent currents with features indistinguishable from those of the PTP and suggest that ATP synthase is directly involved in PTP formation, although the underlying mechanism remains to be established. In this scenario, OSCP appears to play a fundamental role, sensing the signal(s) that switches the enzyme of life in a channel able to precipitate cell death.
Delivering of Proteins to the Plant Vacuole—An Update
Authors: Pereira Cláudia , Pereira Susana , Pissarra José
Published: May 2014

Trafficking of soluble cargo to the vacuole is far from being a closed issue as it can occur by different routes and involve different intermediates. The textbook view of proteins being sorted at the post-Golgi level to the lytic vacuole via the pre-vacuole or to the protein storage vacuole mediated by dense vesicles is now challenged as novel routes are being disclosed and vacuoles with intermediate characteristics described. The identification of Vacuolar Sorting Determinants is a key signature to understand protein trafficking to the vacuole. Despite the long established vacuolar signals, some others have been described in the last few years, with different properties that can be specific for some cells or some types of vacuoles. There are also reports of proteins having two different vacuolar signals and their significance is questionable: a way to increase the efficiency of the sorting or different sorting depending on the protein roles in a specific context? Along came the idea of differential vacuolar sorting, suggesting a possible specialization of the trafficking pathways according to the type of cell and specific needs. In this review, we show the recent advances in the field and focus on different aspects of protein trafficking to the vacuoles.
Optimization of Cell Adhesion on Mg Based Implant Materials by Pre-Incubation under Cell Culture Conditions
Authors: Willumeit Regine , Möhring Anneke , Feyerabend Frank
Published: May 2014

Magnesium based implants could revolutionize applications where orthopedic implants such as nails, screws or bone plates are used because they are load bearing and degrade over time. This prevents a second surgery to remove conventional implants. To improve the biocompatibility we studied here if and for how long a pre-incubation of the material under cell culture conditions is favorable for cell attachment and proliferation. For two materials, Mg and Mg10Gd1Nd, we could show that 6 h pre-incubation are already enough to form a natural protective layer suitable for cell culture.
Development of Drug Delivery Systems Based on Layered Hydroxides for Nanomedicine
Authors: Barahuie Farahnaz , Hussein Mohd , Fakurazi Sharida , Zainal Zulkarnain
Published: May 2014

Layered hydroxides (LHs) have recently fascinated researchers due to their wide application in various fields. These inorganic nanoparticles, with excellent features as nanocarriers in drug delivery systems, have the potential to play an important role in healthcare. Owing to their outstanding ion-exchange capacity, many organic pharmaceutical drugs have been intercalated into the interlayer galleries of LHs and, consequently, novel nanodrugs or smart drugs may revolutionize in the treatment of diseases. Layered hydroxides, as green nanoreservoirs with sustained drug release and cell targeting properties hold great promise of improving health and prolonging life.
Glycolytic Activities in the Larval Digestive Tract of Trypoxylus dichotomus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Wada Noriko , Sunairi Michio , Anzai Hirosi , Iwata Ryûtarô , Yamane Akiomi , Nakajima Mutsuyasu
Published: May 2014

The larvae of the Japanese horned beetle, Trypoxylus dichotomus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae), are an example of a saprophage insect. Generally, Scarabaeid larvae, such as T. dichotomus, eat dead plant matter that has been broken down by fungi, such as Basidiomycota. It is thought that β-1,3-glucan, a constituent polysaccharide in microbes, is abundant in decayed plant matter. Studies of the degradation mechanism of β-1,3-glucan under these circumstances are lacking. In the current study, we sought to clarify the relationship between the capacity to degrade polysaccharides and the food habits of the larvae. The total activities and optimum pH levels of several polysaccharide-degrading enzymes from the larvae were investigated. The foregut, midgut and hindgut of final instar larvae were used. Enzymatic activities were detected against five polysaccharides (soluble starch, β-1,4-xylan, β-1,3-glucan, pectin and carboxymethyl cellulose) and four glycosides (p-nitrophenyl (PNP)-β-N-acetylglucosaminide, PNP-β-mannoside, PNP-β-glucoside and PNP-β-xyloside). Our results indicate that the digestive tract of the larvae is equipped with a full enzymatic system for degrading β-1,3-glucan and β-1,4-xylan to monomers. This finding elucidates the role of the polysaccharide-digesting enzymes in the larvae, and it is suggested that the larvae use these enzymes to enact their decomposition ability in the forest environment.
Effects of the Extraterrestrial Environment on Plants: Recommendations for Future Space Experiments for the MELiSSA Higher Plant Compartment
Authors: Wolff Silje , Coelho Liz , Karoliussen Irene , Jost Ann-Iren
Published: May 2014

Due to logistical challenges, long-term human space exploration missions require a life support system capable of regenerating all the essentials for survival. Higher plants can be utilized to provide a continuous supply of fresh food, atmosphere revitalization, and clean water for humans. Plants can adapt to extreme environments on Earth, and model plants have been shown to grow and develop through a full life cycle in microgravity. However, more knowledge about the long term effects of the extraterrestrial environment on plant growth and development is necessary. The European Space Agency (ESA) has developed the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) program to develop a closed regenerative life support system, based on micro-organisms and higher plant processes, with continuous recycling of resources. In this context, a literature review to analyze the impact of the space environments on higher plants, with focus on gravity levels, magnetic fields and radiation, has been performed. This communication presents a roadmap giving directions for future scientific activities within space plant cultivation. The roadmap aims to identify the research activities required before higher plants can be included in regenerative life support systems in space.
Marinopyrrole Derivatives as Potential Antibiotic Agents against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (III)
Authors: Liu Yan , Haste Nina , Thienphrapa Wdee , Li Jerry , Nizet Victor , Hensler Mary , Li Rongshi
Published: April 2014

The marine natural product, marinopyrrole A (1), was previously shown to have significant antibiotic activity against Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Although compound (1) exhibits a significant reduction in MRSA activity in the presence of human serum, we have identified key modifications that partially restore activity. We previously reported our discovery of a chloro-derivative of marinopyrrole A (1a) featuring a 2–4 fold improved minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against MRSA, significantly less susceptibility to serum inhibition and rapid and concentration-dependent killing of MRSA. Here, we report a novel fluoro-derivative of marinopyrrole A (1e) showing an improved profile of potency, less susceptibility to serum inhibition, as well as rapid and concentration-dependent killing of MRSA.
Gram-Negative Marine Bacteria: Structural Features of Lipopolysaccharides and Their Relevance for Economically Important Diseases
Authors: Anwar Muhammad , Choi Sangdun
Published: April 2014

Gram-negative marine bacteria can thrive in harsh oceanic conditions, partly because of the structural diversity of the cell wall and its components, particularly lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS is composed of three main parts, an O-antigen, lipid A, and a core region, all of which display immense structural variations among different bacterial species. These components not only provide cell integrity but also elicit an immune response in the host, which ranges from other marine organisms to humans. Toll-like receptor 4 and its homologs are the dedicated receptors that detect LPS and trigger the immune system to respond, often causing a wide variety of inflammatory diseases and even death. This review describes the structural organization of selected LPSes and their association with economically important diseases in marine organisms. In addition, the potential therapeutic use of LPS as an immune adjuvant in different diseases is highlighted.
Four New Jacaranone Analogs from the Fruits of a Beibu Gulf Mangrove Avicennia marina
Authors: Yi Xiang-Xi , Chen Yong , Xie Wen-Pei , Xu Ming-Ben , Chen Yin-Ning , Gao Cheng-Hai , Huang Ri-Ming
Published: April 2014

Four new jacaranone analogs, marinoids F–I (1–4), were isolated from the fruits of a Beibu Gulf mangrove Avicennia marina. The structures were elucidated based on analysis of spectroscopic data. Marinoids F and G are shown to be diastereoisomers of chlorocornoside, a new halogen containing marine secondary metabolite. The antioxidant activity of the isolates was evaluated using a cellular antioxidant assay, and 4 showed good antioxidant activity (EC50 = 26 μM).
Leishmanicidal Evaluation of Tetrahydroprotoberberine and Spirocyclic Erythrina-Alkaloids
Authors: Callejon Daniel , Riul Thalita , Feitosa Luis , Guaratini Thais , Silva Denise , Adhikari Achyut , Shrestha Ram , Marques Lucas , Baruffi Marcelo , Lopes João , Lopes Norberto
Published: May 2014

Leishmaniasis is one of the World’s most problematic diseases in developing countries. Traditional medicines to treat leishmaniasis have serious side effects, as well as significant parasite resistance problems. In this work, two alkaloids 1 and 2 were obtained from Corydalis govaniana Wall and seven alkaloids 3–9, were obtained from Erythrina verna. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by mass spectrometry and 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. The leishmanicidal activity of compounds 1–9 against Leishmania amazonensis was tested on promastigote forms and cytotoxicity against J774 (macrophage cell line) was assessed in vitro. Compound 1 showed potent activity (IC50 = 0.18 µg/mL), compared with the standard amphotericin B (IC50 = 0.20 µg/mL). The spirocyclic erythrina-alkaloids showed lower leishmanicidal activity than dibenzoquinolizine type alkaloids.
Water Feature Extraction and Change Detection Using Multitemporal Landsat Imagery
Authors: Rokni Komeil , Ahmad Anuar , Selamat Ali , Hazini Sharifeh
Published: May 2014

Lake Urmia is the 20th largest lake and the second largest hyper saline lake (before September 2010) in the world. It is also the largest inland body of salt water in the Middle East. Nevertheless, the lake has been in a critical situation in recent years due to decreasing surface water and increasing salinity. This study modeled the spatiotemporal changes of Lake Urmia in the period 2000–2013 using the multi-temporal Landsat 5-TM, 7-ETM+ and 8-OLI images. In doing so, the applicability of different satellite-derived indexes including Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified NDWI (MNDWI), Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), Water Ratio Index (WRI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEI) were investigated for the extraction of surface water from Landsat data. Overall, the NDWI was found superior to other indexes and hence it was used to model the spatiotemporal changes of the lake. In addition, a new approach based on Principal Components of multi-temporal NDWI (NDWI-PCs) was proposed and evaluated for surface water change detection. The results indicate an intense decreasing trend in Lake Urmia surface area in the period 2000–2013, especially between 2010 and 2013 when the lake lost about one third of its surface area compared to the year 2000. The results illustrate the effectiveness of the NDWI-PCs approach for surface water change detection, especially in detecting the changes between two and three different times, simultaneously.
Seamless Tracing of Human Behavior Using Complementary Wearable and House-Embedded Sensors
Authors: Augustyniak Piotr , Smoleń Magdalena , Mikrut Zbigniew , Kańtoch Eliasz
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a multimodal system for seamless surveillance of elderly people in their living environment. The system uses simultaneously a wearable sensor network for each individual and premise-embedded sensors specific for each environment. The paper demonstrates the benefits of using complementary information from two types of mobility sensors: visual flow-based image analysis and an accelerometer-based wearable network. The paper provides results for indoor recognition of several elementary poses and outdoor recognition of complex movements. Instead of complete system description, particular attention was drawn to a polar histogram-based method of visual pose recognition, complementary use and synchronization of the data from wearable and premise-embedded networks and an automatic danger detection algorithm driven by two premise- and subject-related databases. The novelty of our approach also consists in feeding the databases with real-life recordings from the subject, and in using the dynamic time-warping algorithm for measurements of distance between actions represented as elementary poses in behavioral records. The main results of testing our method include: 95.5% accuracy of elementary pose recognition by the video system, 96.7% accuracy of elementary pose recognition by the accelerometer-based system, 98.9% accuracy of elementary pose recognition by the combined accelerometer and video-based system, and 80% accuracy of complex outdoor activity recognition by the accelerometer-based wearable system.
Simultaneous Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Consolidation Measurement of Articular Cartilage
Authors: Wellard Robert , Ravasio Jean-Philippe , Guesne Samuel , Bell Christopher , Oloyede Adekunle , Tevelen Greg , Pope James , Momot Konstantin
Published: May 2014

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the opportunity to study biological tissues and processes in a non-disruptive manner. The technique shows promise for the study of the load-bearing performance (consolidation) of articular cartilage and changes in articular cartilage accompanying osteoarthritis. Consolidation of articular cartilage involves the recording of two transient characteristics: the change over time of strain and the hydrostatic excess pore pressure (HEPP). MRI study of cartilage consolidation under mechanical load is limited by difficulties in measuring the HEPP in the presence of the strong magnetic fields associated with the MRI technique. Here we describe the use of MRI to image and characterize bovine articular cartilage deforming under load in an MRI compatible consolidometer while monitoring pressure with a Fabry-Perot interferometer-based fiber-optic pressure transducer.
Human Movement Detection and Identification Using Pyroelectric Infrared Sensors
Authors: Yun Jaeseok , Lee Sang-Shin
Published: May 2014

Pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensors are widely used as a presence trigger, but the analog output of PIR sensors depends on several other aspects, including the distance of the body from the PIR sensor, the direction and speed of movement, the body shape and gait. In this paper, we present an empirical study of human movement detection and identification using a set of PIR sensors. We have developed a data collection module having two pairs of PIR sensors orthogonally aligned and modified Fresnel lenses. We have placed three PIR-based modules in a hallway for monitoring people; one module on the ceiling; two modules on opposite walls facing each other. We have collected a data set from eight subjects when walking in three different conditions: two directions (back and forth), three distance intervals (close to one wall sensor, in the middle, close to the other wall sensor) and three speed levels (slow, moderate, fast). We have used two types of feature sets: a raw data set and a reduced feature set composed of amplitude and time to peaks; and passage duration extracted from each PIR sensor. We have performed classification analysis with well-known machine learning algorithms, including instance-based learning and support vector machine. Our findings show that with the raw data set captured from a single PIR sensor of each of the three modules, we could achieve more than 92% accuracy in classifying the direction and speed of movement, the distance interval and identifying subjects. We could also achieve more than 94% accuracy in classifying the direction, speed and distance and identifying subjects using the reduced feature set extracted from two pairs of PIR sensors of each of the three modules.
Integration of Wind Energy, Hydrogen and Natural Gas Pipeline Systems to Meet Community and Transportation Energy Needs: A Parametric Study
Authors: Garmsiri Shahryar , Rosen Marc , Smith Gordon
Published: April 2014

The potential benefits are examined of the “Power-to-Gas” (P2G) scheme to utilize excess wind power capacity by generating hydrogen (or potentially methane) for use in the natural gas distribution grid. A parametric analysis is used to determine the feasibility and size of systems producing hydrogen that would be injected into the natural gas grid. Specifically, wind farms located in southwestern Ontario, Canada are considered. Infrastructure requirements, wind farm size, pipeline capacity, geographical dispersion, hydrogen production rate, capital and operating costs are used as performance measures. The model takes into account the potential production rate of hydrogen and the rate that it can be injected into the local gas grid. “Straw man” systems are examined, centered on a wind farm size of 100 MW integrating a 16-MW capacity electrolysis system typically producing 4700 kg of hydrogen per day.
Universal Influenza Vaccines, a Dream to Be Realized Soon
Authors: Zhang Han , Wang Li , Compans Richard , Wang Bao-Zhong
Published: April 2014

Due to frequent viral antigenic change, current influenza vaccines need to be re-formulated annually to match the circulating strains for battling seasonal influenza epidemics. These vaccines are also ineffective in preventing occasional outbreaks of new influenza pandemic viruses. All these challenges call for the development of universal influenza vaccines capable of conferring broad cross-protection against multiple subtypes of influenza A viruses. Facilitated by the advancement in modern molecular biology, delicate antigen design becomes one of the most effective factors for fulfilling such goals. Conserved epitopes residing in virus surface proteins including influenza matrix protein 2 and the stalk domain of the hemagglutinin draw general interest for improved antigen design. The present review summarizes the recent progress in such endeavors and also covers the encouraging progress in integrated antigen/adjuvant delivery and controlled release technology that facilitate the development of an affordable universal influenza vaccine.
Retention and Curve Number Variability in a Small Agricultural Catchment: The Probabilistic Approach
Authors: Banasik Kazimierz , Rutkowska Agnieszka , Kohnová Silvia
Published: April 2014

The variability of the curve number (CN) and the retention parameter (S) of the Soil Conservation Service (SCS)-CN method in a small agricultural, lowland watershed (23.4 km2 to the gauging station) in central Poland has been assessed using the probabilistic approach: distribution fitting and confidence intervals (CIs). Empirical CNs and Ss were computed directly from recorded rainfall depths and direct runoff volumes. Two measures of the goodness of fit were used as selection criteria in the identification of the parent distribution function. The measures specified the generalized extreme value (GEV), normal and general logistic (GLO) distributions for 100-CN and GLO, lognormal and GEV distributions for S. The characteristics estimated from theoretical distribution (median, quantiles) were compared to the tabulated CN and to the antecedent runoff conditions of Hawkins and Hjelmfelt. The distribution fitting for the whole sample revealed a good agreement between the tabulated CN and the median and between the antecedent runoff conditions (ARCs) of Hawkins and Hjelmfelt, which certified a good calibration of the model. However, the division of the CN sample due to heavy and moderate rainfall depths revealed a serious inconsistency between the parameters mentioned. This analysis proves that the application of the SCS-CN method should rely on deep insight into the probabilistic properties of CN and S.