Deoxyribonucleic acid replication time in Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37 Rv

The DNA increment method, designed for measuring the increment in the amount of DNA after inhibition of initiation of fresh rounds of replication initiation was employed to measure the rate of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) chain growth in Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv growing in Youman and Karlson's medium at 37°C with a generation time of 24 h and also in relatively fast growing species like Mycobacterium smegmatis and Escherichia coli. From the results obtained, the time required for a DNA replication fork to traverse the chromosome from origin to terminus (C period) was calculated. The chain elongation rates of DNA of the three organisms was determined from the C period and the known genome sizes assuming that all these genomes have a single replication origin and bidirectional replication fork. The rate for M. tuberculosis was 3,200 nucleotides per min about 11 times slower than that of M. smegmatis and about 13–18 times slower than that of E. coli.

New nondestructive method for three-dimensional photoelasticity

A new set of equations describing completely the optical phenomena in a model involving continuous rotation of secondary axes and secondary principal-stress differences are obtained. These are solved by Peano-Baker method using experimentally determined characteristic parameters for several wavelengths of light. Experimental verifications are obtained for a rectangular bar subjected to combined torsion and tension. Paper was presented at Third SESA International Congress on Experimental Mechanics held in Los Angeles, CA on May 13–18, 1973.

Potential Animal and Environmental Sources of Q Fever Infection for Humans in Queensland

Q fever is a vaccine-preventable disease; despite this, high annual notification numbers are still recorded in Australia. We have previously shown seroprevalence in Queensland metropolitan regions is approaching that of rural areas. This study investigated the presence of nucleic acid from Coxiella burnetii, the agent responsible for Q fever, in a number of animal and environmental samples collected throughout Queensland, to identify potential sources of human infection. Samples were collected from 129 geographical locations and included urine, faeces and whole blood from 22 different animal species; 45 ticks were removed from two species, canines and possums; 151 soil samples; 72 atmospheric dust samples collected from two locations and 50 dust swabs collected from domestic vacuum cleaners. PCR testing was performed targeting the IS1111 and COM1 genes for the specific detection of C.burnetii DNA. There were 85 detections from 1318 animal samples, giving a detection rate for each sample type ranging from 2.1 to 6.8%. Equine samples produced a detection rate of 11.9%, whilst feline and canine samples showed detection rates of 7.8% and 5.2%, respectively. Native animals had varying detection rates: pooled urines from flying foxes had 7.8%, whilst koalas had 5.1%, and 6.7% of ticks screened were positive. The soil and dust samples showed the presence of C.burnetii DNA ranging from 2.0 to 6.9%, respectively. These data show that specimens from a variety of animal species and the general environment provide a number of potential sources for C.burnetii infections of humans living in Queensland. These previously unrecognized sources may account for the high seroprevalence rates seen in putative low-risk communities, including Q fever patients with no direct animal contact and those subjects living in a low-risk urban environment.

Odour, dust and non-methane volatile organic-compound emissions from tunnel-ventilated layer-chicken sheds: a case study of two farms

An observational study was undertaken to measure odour and dust (PM10 and PM2.5) emission rates and identify non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) and odorants in the exhaust air from two tunnel-ventilated layer-chicken sheds that were configured with multi-tiered cages and manure belts. The study sites were located in south-eastern Queensland and the West Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. Samples were collected in summer and winter on sequential days across the manure-belt cleaning cycle. Odour emissions ranged from 58 to 512 ou/s per 1000 birds (0.03-0.27 ou/s.kg) and dust emission rates ranged 0.014-0.184 mg/s per 1000 birds for PM10 and 0.001-0.190 mg/s per 1000 birds for PM2.5. Twenty NMVOCs were identified, including three that were also identified as odorants using thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry analysis. Odour emission rates were observed to vary with the amount of manure accumulation on the manure belts, being lowest 2-4 days after removing manure. Odour emission rates were also observed to vary with diurnal and seasonal changes in ventilation rate. Dust emissions were observed to increase with ventilation rate but not with manure accumulation. Some NMVOCs were identified at both farms and in different seasons whereas others were observed only at one farm or in one season, indicating that odorant composition was influenced by farm-specific practices and season.

A participatory systems approach to understanding climate adaptation needs

Emerging literature on climate adaptation suggests the need for effective ways of engaging or activating communities and supporting community roles, coupled with whole-of-system approaches to understanding climate change and adaptation needs. We have developed and evaluated a participatory approach to elicit community and stakeholder understanding of climate change adaptation needs, and connect diverse community members and local office bearers towards potential action. The approach was trialed in a series of connected social-ecological systems along a transect from a rural area to the coast and islands of ecologically sensitive Moreton Bay in Queensland, Australia. We conducted ‘climate roundtables’ in each of three areas along the transect, then a fourth roundtable reviewed and extended the results to the region as a whole. Influence diagrams produced through the process show how each climate variable forecast to affect this region (heat, storm, flood, sea-level rise, fire, drought) affects the natural environment, infrastructure, economic and social behaviour patterns, and psychosocial responses, and how sets of people, species and ecosystems are affected, and act, differentially. The participatory process proved effective as a way of building local empathy, a local knowledge base and empowering participants to join towards future climate adaptation action. Key principles are highlighted to assist in adapting the process for use elsewhere.

Marked increase in proton pump inhibitors use in Australia

Objectives: To examine the trends in the prescribing of subsidised proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine receptor antagonists (H2RAs), in the Australian population from 1995 to 2006 to encourage discussion regarding appropriate clinical use. PPIs and H2RAs are the second highest drug cost to the publicly subsidised Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Design: Government data on numbers of subsidised scripts, quantity and doses for PPIs and H2RAs were analysed by gender and age, dose and indication. Main outcome measure: Drug utilisation as DDD [defined daily dose]/1000 population/day. Results: The use of combined PPIs increased by 1318%. Utilisation increased substantially after the relaxation of the subsidised indications for PPIs in 2001. Omeprazole had the largest market share but was substituted by its S-enantiomer esomeprazole after its introduction in 2002. There was considerable use in the elderly with the peak use being in those aged 80 years and over. The utilisation of H2RAs declined 72% over 12 years. Conclusions: PPI use has increased substantially, not only due to substitution of H2RAs but to expansion in the overall market. Utilisation does not appear to be commensurate with prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) nor with prescribing guidelines for PPIs, with significant financial costs to patients and PBS. This study encourages clinical discussion regarding quality use of these medicines. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Analysis of reflection characteristics of a normal incidence plane wave on resonant sound absorbers: A finite element approach

Resonant sound absorbers are used widely as anechoic coatings in underwater applications. In this paper a finite element scheme based on the Galerkin technique is used to analyze the reflection characteristics of the resonant absorber when insonified by a normal incidence plane wave. A waveguide theory coupled with an impedance matching condition in the fluid is used to model the problem. It is shown in this paper that the fluid medium encompassing the absorber can be modeled as an elastic medium with equivalent Lamé constants. Quarter symmetry conditions within the periodic unit cell are exploited. The finite element results are compared with analytical results, and with results published elsewhere in the literature. It is shown in the process that meshing of the fluid domain can be obviated if the transmission coefficients or reflection coefficients only are desired as is often the case. Finally, some design curves for thin resonant absorbers with water closure are presented in this paper.

Insight into the Evaporation Dynamics of a Pair of Sessile Droplets on a Hydrophobic Substrate

In this work, we have demonstrated three unique regimes in the evaporation lifecycle of a pair of sessile droplets placed in variable proximity on a hydrophobic substrate. For small separation distance, the droplets undergo asymmetric spatiotemporal,evaporation leading to contact angle hysteresis and suppressed vaporization. The reduced evaporation has been attributed quantitatively to the existence of a constrained vapor-rich dome between the two droplets. However, a dynamic decrease in the droplet radius due to solvent removal marks a return to symmetry in terms of evaporation and contact angle. We have described the variation in evaporation flux using a universal correction factor. We have also demonstrated the existence of a critical separation distance beyond which the droplets in the, droplet pair do not affect each other. The results are crucial to a plethora of applications ranging from surface patterning to lab-on-a-chip devices.

Insight into the Evaporation Dynamics of a Pair of Sessile Droplets on a Hydrophobic Substrate

In this work, we have demonstrated three unique regimes in the evaporation lifecycle of a pair of sessile droplets placed in variable proximity on a hydrophobic substrate. For small separation distance, the droplets undergo asymmetric spatiotemporal,evaporation leading to contact angle hysteresis and suppressed vaporization. The reduced evaporation has been attributed quantitatively to the existence of a constrained vapor-rich dome between the two droplets. However, a dynamic decrease in the droplet radius due to solvent removal marks a return to symmetry in terms of evaporation and contact angle. We have described the variation in evaporation flux using a universal correction factor. We have also demonstrated the existence of a critical separation distance beyond which the droplets in the, droplet pair do not affect each other. The results are crucial to a plethora of applications ranging from surface patterning to lab-on-a-chip devices.

自适应光学对大气扰动波前的补偿效果研究：I.理论推导

在采用冻结湍流假设和几何光学近似的条件下，得到了经自适应光学系统校正后的剩余波前相位扰动的结构函数，进而根据剩余相位结构函数与系统Ｓｔｒｅｈｌ比的关系，求出自适应光学系统的补偿效果受系统的时空传递函数，大气湍流，光波传播路径上的横向风，观察目标的旋转角速度以及系统时间延迟影响情况的解析表达式。

Estudio preliminar sobre el comportamiento reproductivo de vacas de doble propósito durante período parto-concepción en el municipio de Matiguás, departamento de Matagalpa

El presente estudio se realizó con el objetivo de estudiar el comportamiento reproductivo de vacas de doble propósito durante el período parto–concepción en el municipio de Matiguás, departamento de Matagalpa considerando factores como, raza, número de parto, condición corporal y localidad, Sobre el comportamiento reproductivo en ganado con encaste Pardo Suizo, Holstein y Cebú; bajo condiciones del trópico húmedo en fincas ubicadas en 7 localidades del municipio de Matiguás departamento de Matagalpa. Además se utilizó una base de registros para analizar y clasificar a las vacas en cuanto a su condición corporal posparto, número de parto y localidad. Se analizaron 33 registros reproductivos correspondientes a vacas preñadas de las 106 vacas consideradas en estudio. Las variables bajo estudio fueron intervalo parto concepción (IPC), intervalo entre parto (IEP) y distocia. En los análisis se utilizó el procedimiento de mínimos cuadrados y separación de medias por el método Duncan para evaluar el efecto de la raza, número de parto, condición corporal posparto y localidad, sobre las varia bles IPC e IEP. En cuanto a la variable distocia no se evaluó en los análisis debido a que no presento la suficiente prevalencia para ser considerada estadísticamente. Este análisis mostró un efecto no significativo (P> 0.05) de los factores considerados sobre las variables IPC e IEP. Las medias de mínimos cuadrados obtenidas fueron 87.54 +/- 18.57 días de IPC, 367.91 +/- 18.99 días de IEP y 2% de distocia. En lo que respecta a la prevalencia de patologías del tracto reproductivo se encontraron: 7% de re tención placentaria, 3% deprolapsos vaginales, 3% de folículos persistentes y 1% de atresia ovárica.

Incorporación de abonos verdes y biofertilizante foliar en el cultivo orgánico de fresa (Fragaria spp.) variedad Britget en Las Sabanas, Madriz

Los pequeños productores de fresa del Municipio Las Sabanas, han venido desarrollando en conjunto con la Universidad Nacional Agraria, algunos trabajos que les han permitido incrementar la producción orgánica del cultivo de fresa ( Fragaria spp.); sin embargo, las principales limitantes se centran sobre el manejo de plagas y enfermedades, fertilidad de los suelos, evaluación de nuevos genotipos, entre otros. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron evaluar momentos de incorporación de abonos verdes y biofertilizante en el cultivar de fresa Britget. El estudio fue conducido en la finca del Sr. José Méndez, en la Comunidad El Castillito, Municipio de Las Sabanas, Departamento de Madriz durante el período de agosto del 2006 a mayo del 2007. Para esto se empleó un diseño de parcelas e franjas en el que se estudiaron especies de leguminosas: gandul ( Vigna unguilata L.) y mungo ( Vigna radiata L.), y su incorporación en el suelo (12, 24 y 36 dds), y niveles de biofertilizante foliar (200 y 400 l ha -1 ). Los tratamientos resultaron del arreglo factorial 2x3x2 con tres réplicas. Las variables de fruto y rendimiento fueron sujeto a un análisis de varianza (ANDEVA) y categorización estadística mediante LSD (∞=0.05). Las variables de fruto fueron afectadas por las leguminosas incorporada al suelo. De igual manera, los resultados obtenidos indicaron que los tratamientos conformados tuvieron efecto significativo sobre el rendimiento total, no así en las interacciones. Los mayores valores promedios en los efectos principales se presentaron en caupí (1490 kg ha -1 ) a los 12 dds de incorporados al suelo (1410 kg ha -1 ) y 400 l ha -1 de biofertilizante (1318 kg ha -1 ). Los mejores tratamientos fueron el caupí incorporado al suelo a los 12 y 24 dds con 400 lts ha -1 de biofertilizante, con totales de 2000 y 2100 kg ha -1 de fruta fresca, respectivamente.

Letras, Nº 72, 2015

Contenido: Ponencias. Escrituras del viaje en la Edad Media hispánica: Viajeros de tierras extrañas : esposos sobrenaturales en la leyenda del Caballero del Cisne en La gran conquista de Ultramar / María Eugenia Alcatena -- Utopía : relato de un viaje desde el medioevo al renacimiento / Pablo A. Blanco González -- El Libro de Alexandre : un repositorio de saber geográfico / Penélope Marcela Fernández Izaguirre -- Peregrinación a la cibdat de gygantes : configuración del imaginario geográfico bíblico en La fazienda de Ultramar / Melisa Laura Marti -- Estudios de literatura española medieval: La configuración heroica del personaje de Enalviello en la Crónica de la población de Ávila / Manuel Abeledo -- "Et avié una viña rica, de mejor non nos cala" : la representación del palacio de Poro y la viña áurea en el Libro de Alexandre, diálogos intertextuales y funciones literarias / Gerardo Altamirano Meza -- Algunas cuestiones textuales en torno al Liber Mariae de Juan Gil de Zamora (ca. 1241-1318) / Olga Soledad Bohdziewicz -- Literatura hispanorromance primigenia : la glosa conoajutorio del Codex Aemilianensis 60 / María Gimena del Río Riande -- Más sobre Ayala narrador en la crónica de Enrique III / Jorge N. Ferro -- La construcción de Alfonso XI como héroe épico en el Poema de Alfonso Onceno : el caso del asesinato de don Juan el tuerto / Erica Janin -- "Y vino a consentir, aunque no por su voluntad, que tuviese sus ayuntamientos libidinosos con ella" : sobre los raptos femeninos ejecutados por animales en la literatura española / Lucía Orsanic -- Acerca del Troço de la corónica del rey don Enrique el doliente del manuscrito BNM 1530 / Pablo Enrique Saracino -- Los nombres de la ley : identidad y autoridad en lafazaña castellana / Maximiliano A. Soler Bistué -- Teología mística de Gonzalo de Berceo / Aquilino Suárez Pallasá -- El Viejo, el Amor y la Hermosa como texto espectacular / Lillian vonder Walde Moheno -- Reescritura de refranes sobre la apariencia y realidad el El Criticón de Baltasar Gracián / Verónica Marcela Zalba -- Reseñas

A compensação financeira pela exploração mineral no Brasil e no mundo

Consultoria Legislativa - Área XII - Recursos Minerais, Hídricos e Energéticos.