Although VEGFR-3 deficiency disrupts blood vascular development during early embryogenesis, the underlying mechanism was not clear. To characterize its function in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, we employed two g...Although VEGFR-3 deficiency disrupts blood vascular development during early embryogenesis, the underlying mechanism was not clear. To characterize its function in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, we employed two genetically modified mouse models in this study, targeting the coding region for the ligand-binding domain (Vegfr△LBD) or the tyrosine kinase domain with an inactivation point mutation (Vegfr3^TKmat). We show that lymphatic growth was disrupted in Vegfr3△LBD/△LBD and Vegfr3^TKmut3^TKmat mice, but blood vessels developed normally in both embryo and yolk sac. Interestingly, in Vegfr3△LBD/△LBD but not Vegfr3^TKmut3^TKmat mice, lymph sac was present but there was lack of iym- phangiogenic sprouting. We further demonstrate that both the wild-type and mutant forms of VEGFR-3 could form heterodimers with VEGFR-2, and decreased the level of phospho-VEGFR-2 and the downstream phospho-Erk1/2 in endothelial cells when they were treated with VEGF-A. These findings indicate that signaling mediated via VEGFR-3 activation by its cognate ligands (VEGF-C/-D) is not required for angiogenesis, and that VEGFR-3 may play a role in this process by modulating VEGFR-2-mediated signals.展开更多
Soil erosion by water is one of the most important land degradation processes in the sloping rainfed lands in Pakistan. A study was conducted in the Dhrabi watershed of Pakistan to evaluate sediment yield associated w...Soil erosion by water is one of the most important land degradation processes in the sloping rainfed lands in Pakistan. A study was conducted in the Dhrabi watershed of Pakistan to evaluate sediment yield associated with rainfall-runoff under various land-use practices. Five sub-catchments with sizes varying from 1.5 to 350 ha were selected for measurement of rainfall, runoff and sediment yield. Soil conservation techniques were also introduced to reduce the soil erosion. All runoff events occurred in the summer especially during monsoon season (July-September). Sediment yield of two small gully catchments ranged from 4.79 to 8.34 t/ha/yr in 2009, a relatively dry year. In 2010, the annual sediment yield was 8.15 to 12.31 t/ha. Terraced catchment with arable crops produced annual 4.1 t/ha of sediment as compared to 12.31 t/ha by the adjacent gully catchment showing high potential of terraces in reducing erosion. Runoff coefficients calculated for these catchments vary from 0.09 to 0.75. The macro and micro nutrients present in the sediment indicate that these nutrients are being depleted due to soil erosion.展开更多
A fast and facile method of fabricating fiber-optic localized surface plasmon resonance sensors baseff on spherical gold nanoparticles was introduced in this study. The gold nanoparticles with an average diameter of 5...A fast and facile method of fabricating fiber-optic localized surface plasmon resonance sensors baseff on spherical gold nanoparticles was introduced in this study. The gold nanoparticles with an average diameter of 55 nm were synthesized via the Turkevich method and were then immobilized onto the surface of an uncladded sensor probe using a polydopamine layer. To obtain a sensor probe with high sensitivity to changes in the refractive index, a set of key optimization parameters, including the sensing length, coating time of the potydopamine layer, and coating time of the gold nanoparticles, were investigated. The sensitivity of the optimized sensor probe was 522.80 nm per refractive index unit, and the probe showed distinctive wavelength shifts when the refractive index was changed from 1.328 6 to 1.398 7. When stored in deionized water at 4 ℃, the sensor probe proved to be stable over a period of two weeks. The sensor also exhibited advantages, such as low cost, fast fabrication, and simple optical setup, which indicated its potential application in remote sensing and real-time detection.展开更多
This article deals with the important experience of regional planning developed by the CESP (Companhia Energ6tica de Silo Paulo), Brazil, through the implantation of its hydroelectric projects. The company accumulat...This article deals with the important experience of regional planning developed by the CESP (Companhia Energ6tica de Silo Paulo), Brazil, through the implantation of its hydroelectric projects. The company accumulated a large experience in deploying and managing residential centers built to provide support to the works of their dams. The presence of urban planning was verified in all cases studied, with the participation of different professionals such as architects, planners, engineers and landscape designers, from inside or outside the company. This research shows that they used concepts derived from experiences as company towns of 19th century, the neighborhood unit, the garden city, the urbanistic assumptions from CIAM (Congr^s Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne) and the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority).展开更多
There are a number of factors that contribute to heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils including deficient management of solid waste, waste water discharge, irrigation with contaminated water, and use of fer...There are a number of factors that contribute to heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils including deficient management of solid waste, waste water discharge, irrigation with contaminated water, and use of fertilizers and pesticides. The aim of this study is to estimate the sources and the levels of metals in soils of the ULB (Upper Litani Basin) that receive all mentioned factors. Soil samples were collected during the dry season from 24 sites along the Litani River flow, and 12 sites irrigated by Canal 900 withdrawn from the Qaraoun Dam along river. Metals in soils were analyzed using EDXRF (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence) technique. Data revealed the following average levels of some heavy metals in soils with high percentage of samples exceeding the international guidelines: Mn (593 mg/kg)--67%, Ni (98 mg/kg)--96%, Cr (143 mg/kg)--92%, Hg (3.6 mg/kg)--38%, Cd (2.8 mg/kg)---25% and As (17.6 mg/kg)-84%. In canal soils: Mn (683 mg/kg)-86%, Ni (156 mg/kg)-100%, Cr (203 mg/kg) -100%, Hg (2.3 mg/kg)-25%, Cd (3.3 mg/kg)-25% and As (19.5 mg/kg)-92%. The prime source of toxic metals was due to the agricultural runoffs, beside sewage and domestic waste water discharge. Thus, the prominent findings of high levels of toxic metals (Cr, Cd, Hg and As) in soils and consequent probability in plants might induce a major health threat to consumers,展开更多
Farmer-managed irrigation systems(FMIS) in the high altitude valleys of the Karakorum,Pakistan, continue to be managed effectively despite increased pressure on the social arrangements that sustain them. Colonial era ...Farmer-managed irrigation systems(FMIS) in the high altitude valleys of the Karakorum,Pakistan, continue to be managed effectively despite increased pressure on the social arrangements that sustain them. Colonial era records shows that over a century ago government agencies undertook irrigation support projects. In the past three decades,government agencies and the non-government agency Aga Khan Rural Support Programme(AKRSP), which channels foreign funds into the region, have actively engaged in the provision of irrigation support. This article seeks to explore whether such projects support or undermine farmer-managed irrigation systems and the complex institutional arrangements that underpin them. Field research using ethnographic and participatory methods was conducted in spring 2013 in the upper Shigar valley, Skardu district, GilgitBaltistan. The findings show that irrigation development is a political activity that involves village-based actors, religious leaders, local politicians,and government and non-government agencies.Government agencies operate in a largely top-down,engineering mode, their larger projects limited to villages suffering water scarcity. The local government provides small funds for renovation work of FMIS,though allocation of funds is highly politicized. Nongovernment agencies, for a variety of reasons including donor-funding cycles, apply a one-size-fitsall ‘participatory' model in an attempt to socially engineer rules and institutions. In communities divided by factionalism the use of such external models that stress formation of committees are unlikely to yield positive results, and could instead contribute to undermining the very systems they seek to support. This research argues that irrigation interventions should take care to build upon the rich and complex social arrangements that have sustained FMIS through the centuries.展开更多
Lebanese marine water is exposed to multi-point source contaminants. Risk assessment associated with deteriorative water quality profile is not only affected by the disposed quantities of specific contaminant, but als...Lebanese marine water is exposed to multi-point source contaminants. Risk assessment associated with deteriorative water quality profile is not only affected by the disposed quantities of specific contaminant, but also its chemical speciated forms. The objective of this study is to quantify the Lebanese chemical marine water profile. Sea water samples were collected based on GIS map. The chemical water quality was assessed by measuring the macro water parameters and potential existing metals. The microbiological profile of water was evaluated by fecal coliform. Results showed contamination by fecal coliform and high levels of toxic metals. However, the actual projected impact of the detected metals on human health were assessed using geochemical models "FREEQCE" and "Mineq+" that predict the metal species forms, mainly, the free aqua-metal ion, most toxic form. Thus, these results necessitate the proposal of integrated intervention plans for the protection of this marine source and consistent with international treaties.展开更多
Morphotaxonomy and seasonal abundance of dinoflagellates of the genera Prorocentrum and Mesoporos (Prorocentrales) were studied from nutrient-rich waters, Karachi Harbor and the mouth of the Manora Channel, Pakistan...Morphotaxonomy and seasonal abundance of dinoflagellates of the genera Prorocentrum and Mesoporos (Prorocentrales) were studied from nutrient-rich waters, Karachi Harbor and the mouth of the Manora Channel, Pakistan during May 2002-July 2003. Using both light and scanning electron microscopy, 13 species of Prorocentrales were identified according to cell shape, size, ornamentation of thecal plates, and architecture of apical platelets, apical pore area, marginal pores, and intercalary bands. P. sigmoides, P. arcuatum, P. scutellum, P. donghaiense, P. balticum, P. minimum, P. emarginatum, P. lima, P. faustiae, and Mesoporos perforatus constitute new records for sindh coast of Pakistan. The most abundant species were P. minimum/P, balticum (4.5x103 cells/L), P. micans (1.1~103 cells/L), P. gracile/P, sigmoides (2.5 x 102 cells/L) and P. donghaiense (6.6 x 103 cells/L) at temperatures of 29-31 ~C and salinities of 35-40. Maximum abundance was observed in winter and lower abundance in summer. There was no significant change in the distribution of species between stations except for the benthic species which occurred close to Karachi Harbor waters. Significant positive correlations were observed between Prorocentrum spp. and temperature (R2=0.27) and negative correlations with salinity (R2=-0.32) except for P. minimum and P. emarginatum which has negative correlation with temperature (R2=-0.24) and positive with salinity (R2=0.08, 0.19). The finding of potential okadaic-acid producing species of benthic Prorocentrum call for monitoring for possible human health problems in this region.展开更多
Monitoring water quality is important for maintaining a healthy watershed, but it is mostly ignored in watershed planning and management. In the Dhrabi watershed of Pakistan, the quality of surface water was monitored...Monitoring water quality is important for maintaining a healthy watershed, but it is mostly ignored in watershed planning and management. In the Dhrabi watershed of Pakistan, the quality of surface water was monitored at 16 locations to assess suitability for irrigation over regular intervals during the period 2007-2010. Similarly, groundwater quality was monitored at 10 locations for drinking and irrigation purposes. There was high spatial and temporal variability in surface water quality. Electrical conductivity (EC) and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) either exceeded or fluctuated around permissible limits at most of the locations throughout the monitoring period. Therefore, the use of such water for irrigation needs special care, otherwise its prolonged use may pose soil salinity and sodicity problems. The trend of EC and RSC for groundwater was similar to that for surface water. Exchangeable Mg2+ exceeded permissible limits for most of the surface water and groundwater samples. In addition, microbial analysis of groundwater revealed that only two out of eight monitoring points during August 2009, none out of eight points during February 2010, and one out of nine points during June 2010 provided water fit for drinking. Soil samples were collected from the catchment areas of the major contributing streams and from the beds of the Kallar Kahar Lake and the Dhrabi Reservoir. The soil samples from the catchments showed high salinity and sodicity that may be the cause of high salinity and sodicity in the streams. The highest EC, sodium adsorption ratio (SAP,) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) in the bed samples from the Kallar Kahar Lake were about 43 dS/m, 56, and 45, respectively. These high values were due to the saline water brought into the lake with the runoff.展开更多
Data related to the presence of cetaceans and especially the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in Lebanese marine waters (eastern Mediterranean) are almost non-existent. This article aims to delimit, for the...Data related to the presence of cetaceans and especially the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in Lebanese marine waters (eastern Mediterranean) are almost non-existent. This article aims to delimit, for the first time, the areas of distribution and the relative abundance of T. truncatus along the Lebanese coasts in order to develop a strategy for the conservation of this species. Nine campaigns at sea, each lasting between 1 to 3 days, were conducted aboard the vessel "CANA" between September 2009 and August 2012 in Lebanese marine waters. A total of 1576 km in prospecting effort was covered along the Lebanese coast (220 km). Dolphins were mainly sighted in the central region of Lebanon (120 km) and 32 sightings and 91 individuals were recorded. The size of the groups were ranged from a minimum of one individual and a maximum of 7 individuals. Relative abundance of T. truncatus for the whole studied region is 0.06 individuals'km1 in prospecting effort while it is 0.11 individuals·km^-1 in Beirut area that offers habitats sought by this species. The bathymetric distribution of this species is spread over a wide range from a depth of 35 m to 1300 m. More than half of the individuals have been observed in areas where bathymetry ranges between 300 m and 600 m depths.展开更多
This study proposes a survey of environmental information by applying techniques of modeling, image segmentation and OOA (object-oriented analysis) in the definition of landscape units based on morphoclimatic atribu...This study proposes a survey of environmental information by applying techniques of modeling, image segmentation and OOA (object-oriented analysis) in the definition of landscape units based on morphoclimatic atributes. Landscape attributes such as climate and relief (morphoclimatic) were selected to start the characterization of the Silo Joio--MG river basin, located in southeastern region Brazil. The semiautomated mapping was produced from data extracted, respectively, of the DEM Aster and Topodata, and grid Worldclim. This database was processed and scaled to l:100,000 scale, generating a geomorphological classification, according to criteria of IPT (Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnologicas), two climatic classifications, the one by the methodology of Koppen and the other one by methodology Thornthwaite & Mather and a classification of land use. The thematic maps were associated in GIS with a geological base, soil vector, defining landscape units.展开更多
Recently based in the performance of tunnels under seismic movements a good progress is made in the seismic design of tunnels. The majority of problems in the tunnel structures take place in near fault conditions and ...Recently based in the performance of tunnels under seismic movements a good progress is made in the seismic design of tunnels. The majority of problems in the tunnel structures take place in near fault conditions and in the case of great variation of rock properties. Not having a previous experience in the seismic design of the tunnels that pass through tectonic zones with very large heterogeneity (strong rock-soil or very poor rock that behaves like soil) this article presents the general aspects of seismic calculation of tunnels and application in a specific example. The article presents the methods of seismic input modeling, design and particularities of numerical calculations. The geological conditions in which the case study tunnel will be constructed are very common in Albanian territory and represent one of the most difficult cases for the construction of road tunnels. The applied approach for using the longitudinal models for generating time histories of acceleration that can be used as input for transversal models is very simple and will help the designers for the seismic analysis of other tunnels that will be constructed in Albania.展开更多
Selection of suitable seed in agriculture has great importance in terms of scarce resources and efficient use of facilities. Efficient use of inputs has been one of the key objectives of agricultural policies in all o...Selection of suitable seed in agriculture has great importance in terms of scarce resources and efficient use of facilities. Efficient use of inputs has been one of the key objectives of agricultural policies in all over the world. Therefore, studies continue about production of new seeds with high yield and resist to diseases. The 66.7% of the total seed production in Turkey are met by the private sector (hybrid sunflower, corn, potato, soybean, cotton and vegetable seed). And 53.4% of the total sunflowers in Turkey are grown in Thrace region. It is therefore appropriate to be selected as the research area. In this regard, the aim of this study was to examine the dynamics in seed sector and particularly investigate the sunflower seed purchasing behavior of farmers with special attention to Thrace region. As a methodology, 198 questionnaires which pursued sunflower farm activities in the region were utilized. As a result of the descriptive statistics, it could be concluded that almost 20% of seed supply in Turkey is imported and that 70%-80% of it is directly used as an “input” for growing vegetative products and the remaining is used as “intermediate goods” for growing “certified seeds” for domestic or international markets.展开更多
The pufferfish Lagocephalus sceleratus is an invasive Lessepsian species of Indo-Pacific origin that has established an increasing population over the past decade in the Levantine basin of the Mediterranean. Besides i...The pufferfish Lagocephalus sceleratus is an invasive Lessepsian species of Indo-Pacific origin that has established an increasing population over the past decade in the Levantine basin of the Mediterranean. Besides its toxicity due to the accumulation of tetrodotoxin in its body, it is causing damage to fishing gears and fishermen's catches. This study aims to provide data on the population structure and sexual maturity of this species in the eastern basin of the Mediterranean. A total of 214 individuals were collected in the coastal marine waters of Lebanon and Syria, between January 2012 and June 2013 by means of different types of nets and lines, on soft bottoms, at depths ranging from 10 m to 170 m. The TL (total length) of the samples varies between 10.8 cm and 71 cm. The most common size classes, represented by 125 individuals, are the ones between 30 cm and 50 cm TL, with a bulge at 40 cm, represented by 44 individuals. The average TL is 43.99 cm (standard deviation: SD = 17.65) for both males and females. The TW (total weight) of the specimens ranges between 14 g and 4,603 g with an average value of 1,458.52 g (SD = 1,329.49). The sex ratio (M/F) is 1:1.35 with a total number of 87 males, 118 females and nine unidentified individuals. The weight-length relationship (TW = aTLb) shows a negative allometric growth with b = 2.9481 and R2 = 0.9806. The condition factor (K) is close to one for all samples. The average value of the GSI (gonadosomatic index) shows a substantial increase from winter to spring. The spawning takes place between April and June.展开更多
Soil erosion represents one of the most important destructive phenomenon of the soil, through surface and depth erosion. The activity of water erosion in Albania is favoured from some factors like relief, geological s...Soil erosion represents one of the most important destructive phenomenon of the soil, through surface and depth erosion. The activity of water erosion in Albania is favoured from some factors like relief, geological structure, slope, soil, etc. Erosion depth growth is closely related with the vegetal cover ravage high rate and in the first instance that of woodland flora in sloping ground. The degradation of the flora or total destruction of it is defined from many factors, but in notably from social-economical system of every country. It can be also seen some special areas in our country were the results of the human negative impacts in natural environment. The erosion phenomenon is more problematic, especially during intensive raining time.展开更多
In this paper we propose to discuss the issue of subjectivity versus objectivity teaching practice of foreign language, especially English, in Brazil. Starting from the short story "The Parrot and Descartes" by Paul...In this paper we propose to discuss the issue of subjectivity versus objectivity teaching practice of foreign language, especially English, in Brazil. Starting from the short story "The Parrot and Descartes" by Pauline Melville, we argue that Cartesianism has influenced a view on education which tends to consider good and valuable what is "scientific", "objective" and "universal". The subjective and the local seem to be considered undesirable and unreliable. Brazilian scholars on the education field, such as Coracini and Souza are important support for our argument.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To investigate which of the two immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains, the immunoglobulin variable region homologous domain IgV (hB7.2 IgV) and the immunoglobulin constant region homologous domain IgC (hB7.2 IgC...OBJECTIVE: To investigate which of the two immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains, the immunoglobulin variable region homologous domain IgV (hB7.2 IgV) and the immunoglobulin constant region homologous domain IgC (hB7.2 IgC) on the human B7.2 molecule contains receptor binding sites, and to evaluate whether the B7.2 protein expressed in bacteria has biological activity in vitro. METHODS: Three fragments of hB7.2 IgV,hB7.2 IgC and the complete extracellular region of human B7.2 containing both the IgV and IgC domains,hB7.2 Ig (V+C), were amplified by PCR and subcloned into pGEM-Teasy. Three recombinants,pGEX-4T-3-hB7.2 IgV,pGEX-4T-3-hB7.2 IgC and pGEX-4T-3-hB7.2 Ig (V+C), were generated by cloning the fragments into a prokaryote expression plasmid (pGEX-4T-3) and transformed into the host strain E. coli DH5alpha. The relevant target fusion proteins consisting of GST and hB7.2 IgV,hB7.2 IgC and hB7.2 Ig (V+C), were identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. With the presence of the first signal imitated by anti-CD3 antibody, T cell activation was observed by exposing purified T lymphocytes to each soluble form of the three bacterially-produced human B7.2 fusion proteins by [(3)H]-TdR incorporation. RESULTS: Three recombinant fusion proteins of human B7.2, GST-hB7.2 IgV, GST-hB7.2 IgC and GST-hB7.2 Ig (V+C) were produced and detected in inclusion body form from engineered bacteria. With the first signal present,T lymphocytes proliferated when co-stimulated by bacterially-produced either GST-hB7.2 Ig (V+C) or GST-hB7.2 IgV fusion proteins, but not by GST-hB7.2 IgC. CONCLUSIONS: Functional human B7.2 fusion protein can be produced in bacteria. The IgV-like domain of human B7.2 is sufficient for B7.2 to interact with its counter-receptors and co-stimulate T lymphocytes.展开更多
Urban growth is a key indicator of economic development.At the same time,haphazard urban growth creates serious socioeconomic,environmental and urban land management problems.In this context,understanding the process ...Urban growth is a key indicator of economic development.At the same time,haphazard urban growth creates serious socioeconomic,environmental and urban land management problems.In this context,understanding the process of urban landscape change is important for guiding the sustainable growth of urban areas.This study analyzes the urban land changes during 1990–2018 in two metropolitan cities of Gandaki basin:Pokhara and Bharatpur.Landsat satellite images were analyzed using supervised classification methods.The results revealed that the built-up area has increased significantly by 300%in Pokhara and by nearly 500%in the Bharatpur during the past 28 years.Population growth,migration from surrounding areas due to urban facilities and the easy lifestyle in cities were found to be major determinants of urban growth within the study area.In addition,the changing urban definition and expansion of municipal boundaries are key factors for rapid urban growth.Both cities are likely to grow in the future as they are both located in areas that encompass the high levels of commercial activity and modern service facilities.The haphazard urban growth should be minimized through planning and policies for sustainable urban development.展开更多
基金Acknowledgments We thank Dr Lena Claesson-Welsh (Uppsala University), and PIs of Model Animal Research Center (MARC, Nanjing University) for the helpful discussion about the work, and Yanlan Cao, Wenting Shi and all the staff in the MARC Animal facility of Nanjing University for excellent technical assistance. This work wasfinancially supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30771069, 30671038, and 30930028), the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2006CB943500), and the Ministry of Education of China (NCET: Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University).
文摘Although VEGFR-3 deficiency disrupts blood vascular development during early embryogenesis, the underlying mechanism was not clear. To characterize its function in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, we employed two genetically modified mouse models in this study, targeting the coding region for the ligand-binding domain (Vegfr△LBD) or the tyrosine kinase domain with an inactivation point mutation (Vegfr3^TKmat). We show that lymphatic growth was disrupted in Vegfr3△LBD/△LBD and Vegfr3^TKmut3^TKmat mice, but blood vessels developed normally in both embryo and yolk sac. Interestingly, in Vegfr3△LBD/△LBD but not Vegfr3^TKmut3^TKmat mice, lymph sac was present but there was lack of iym- phangiogenic sprouting. We further demonstrate that both the wild-type and mutant forms of VEGFR-3 could form heterodimers with VEGFR-2, and decreased the level of phospho-VEGFR-2 and the downstream phospho-Erk1/2 in endothelial cells when they were treated with VEGF-A. These findings indicate that signaling mediated via VEGFR-3 activation by its cognate ligands (VEGF-C/-D) is not required for angiogenesis, and that VEGFR-3 may play a role in this process by modulating VEGFR-2-mediated signals.
文摘Soil erosion by water is one of the most important land degradation processes in the sloping rainfed lands in Pakistan. A study was conducted in the Dhrabi watershed of Pakistan to evaluate sediment yield associated with rainfall-runoff under various land-use practices. Five sub-catchments with sizes varying from 1.5 to 350 ha were selected for measurement of rainfall, runoff and sediment yield. Soil conservation techniques were also introduced to reduce the soil erosion. All runoff events occurred in the summer especially during monsoon season (July-September). Sediment yield of two small gully catchments ranged from 4.79 to 8.34 t/ha/yr in 2009, a relatively dry year. In 2010, the annual sediment yield was 8.15 to 12.31 t/ha. Terraced catchment with arable crops produced annual 4.1 t/ha of sediment as compared to 12.31 t/ha by the adjacent gully catchment showing high potential of terraces in reducing erosion. Runoff coefficients calculated for these catchments vary from 0.09 to 0.75. The macro and micro nutrients present in the sediment indicate that these nutrients are being depleted due to soil erosion.
基金Supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(No.2012YQ090194)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51473115)
文摘A fast and facile method of fabricating fiber-optic localized surface plasmon resonance sensors baseff on spherical gold nanoparticles was introduced in this study. The gold nanoparticles with an average diameter of 55 nm were synthesized via the Turkevich method and were then immobilized onto the surface of an uncladded sensor probe using a polydopamine layer. To obtain a sensor probe with high sensitivity to changes in the refractive index, a set of key optimization parameters, including the sensing length, coating time of the potydopamine layer, and coating time of the gold nanoparticles, were investigated. The sensitivity of the optimized sensor probe was 522.80 nm per refractive index unit, and the probe showed distinctive wavelength shifts when the refractive index was changed from 1.328 6 to 1.398 7. When stored in deionized water at 4 ℃, the sensor probe proved to be stable over a period of two weeks. The sensor also exhibited advantages, such as low cost, fast fabrication, and simple optical setup, which indicated its potential application in remote sensing and real-time detection.
文摘This article deals with the important experience of regional planning developed by the CESP (Companhia Energ6tica de Silo Paulo), Brazil, through the implantation of its hydroelectric projects. The company accumulated a large experience in deploying and managing residential centers built to provide support to the works of their dams. The presence of urban planning was verified in all cases studied, with the participation of different professionals such as architects, planners, engineers and landscape designers, from inside or outside the company. This research shows that they used concepts derived from experiences as company towns of 19th century, the neighborhood unit, the garden city, the urbanistic assumptions from CIAM (Congr^s Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne) and the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority).
文摘There are a number of factors that contribute to heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils including deficient management of solid waste, waste water discharge, irrigation with contaminated water, and use of fertilizers and pesticides. The aim of this study is to estimate the sources and the levels of metals in soils of the ULB (Upper Litani Basin) that receive all mentioned factors. Soil samples were collected during the dry season from 24 sites along the Litani River flow, and 12 sites irrigated by Canal 900 withdrawn from the Qaraoun Dam along river. Metals in soils were analyzed using EDXRF (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence) technique. Data revealed the following average levels of some heavy metals in soils with high percentage of samples exceeding the international guidelines: Mn (593 mg/kg)--67%, Ni (98 mg/kg)--96%, Cr (143 mg/kg)--92%, Hg (3.6 mg/kg)--38%, Cd (2.8 mg/kg)---25% and As (17.6 mg/kg)-84%. In canal soils: Mn (683 mg/kg)-86%, Ni (156 mg/kg)-100%, Cr (203 mg/kg) -100%, Hg (2.3 mg/kg)-25%, Cd (3.3 mg/kg)-25% and As (19.5 mg/kg)-92%. The prime source of toxic metals was due to the agricultural runoffs, beside sewage and domestic waste water discharge. Thus, the prominent findings of high levels of toxic metals (Cr, Cd, Hg and As) in soils and consequent probability in plants might induce a major health threat to consumers,
基金funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany
文摘Farmer-managed irrigation systems(FMIS) in the high altitude valleys of the Karakorum,Pakistan, continue to be managed effectively despite increased pressure on the social arrangements that sustain them. Colonial era records shows that over a century ago government agencies undertook irrigation support projects. In the past three decades,government agencies and the non-government agency Aga Khan Rural Support Programme(AKRSP), which channels foreign funds into the region, have actively engaged in the provision of irrigation support. This article seeks to explore whether such projects support or undermine farmer-managed irrigation systems and the complex institutional arrangements that underpin them. Field research using ethnographic and participatory methods was conducted in spring 2013 in the upper Shigar valley, Skardu district, GilgitBaltistan. The findings show that irrigation development is a political activity that involves village-based actors, religious leaders, local politicians,and government and non-government agencies.Government agencies operate in a largely top-down,engineering mode, their larger projects limited to villages suffering water scarcity. The local government provides small funds for renovation work of FMIS,though allocation of funds is highly politicized. Nongovernment agencies, for a variety of reasons including donor-funding cycles, apply a one-size-fitsall ‘participatory' model in an attempt to socially engineer rules and institutions. In communities divided by factionalism the use of such external models that stress formation of committees are unlikely to yield positive results, and could instead contribute to undermining the very systems they seek to support. This research argues that irrigation interventions should take care to build upon the rich and complex social arrangements that have sustained FMIS through the centuries.
文摘Lebanese marine water is exposed to multi-point source contaminants. Risk assessment associated with deteriorative water quality profile is not only affected by the disposed quantities of specific contaminant, but also its chemical speciated forms. The objective of this study is to quantify the Lebanese chemical marine water profile. Sea water samples were collected based on GIS map. The chemical water quality was assessed by measuring the macro water parameters and potential existing metals. The microbiological profile of water was evaluated by fecal coliform. Results showed contamination by fecal coliform and high levels of toxic metals. However, the actual projected impact of the detected metals on human health were assessed using geochemical models "FREEQCE" and "Mineq+" that predict the metal species forms, mainly, the free aqua-metal ion, most toxic form. Thus, these results necessitate the proposal of integrated intervention plans for the protection of this marine source and consistent with international treaties.
基金Supported by Scholarship (IRSIP) of Higher Education Commission,Islamabad,Pakistan for Doctoral student Miss.Sonia Munir
文摘Morphotaxonomy and seasonal abundance of dinoflagellates of the genera Prorocentrum and Mesoporos (Prorocentrales) were studied from nutrient-rich waters, Karachi Harbor and the mouth of the Manora Channel, Pakistan during May 2002-July 2003. Using both light and scanning electron microscopy, 13 species of Prorocentrales were identified according to cell shape, size, ornamentation of thecal plates, and architecture of apical platelets, apical pore area, marginal pores, and intercalary bands. P. sigmoides, P. arcuatum, P. scutellum, P. donghaiense, P. balticum, P. minimum, P. emarginatum, P. lima, P. faustiae, and Mesoporos perforatus constitute new records for sindh coast of Pakistan. The most abundant species were P. minimum/P, balticum (4.5x103 cells/L), P. micans (1.1~103 cells/L), P. gracile/P, sigmoides (2.5 x 102 cells/L) and P. donghaiense (6.6 x 103 cells/L) at temperatures of 29-31 ~C and salinities of 35-40. Maximum abundance was observed in winter and lower abundance in summer. There was no significant change in the distribution of species between stations except for the benthic species which occurred close to Karachi Harbor waters. Significant positive correlations were observed between Prorocentrum spp. and temperature (R2=0.27) and negative correlations with salinity (R2=-0.32) except for P. minimum and P. emarginatum which has negative correlation with temperature (R2=-0.24) and positive with salinity (R2=0.08, 0.19). The finding of potential okadaic-acid producing species of benthic Prorocentrum call for monitoring for possible human health problems in this region.
文摘Monitoring water quality is important for maintaining a healthy watershed, but it is mostly ignored in watershed planning and management. In the Dhrabi watershed of Pakistan, the quality of surface water was monitored at 16 locations to assess suitability for irrigation over regular intervals during the period 2007-2010. Similarly, groundwater quality was monitored at 10 locations for drinking and irrigation purposes. There was high spatial and temporal variability in surface water quality. Electrical conductivity (EC) and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) either exceeded or fluctuated around permissible limits at most of the locations throughout the monitoring period. Therefore, the use of such water for irrigation needs special care, otherwise its prolonged use may pose soil salinity and sodicity problems. The trend of EC and RSC for groundwater was similar to that for surface water. Exchangeable Mg2+ exceeded permissible limits for most of the surface water and groundwater samples. In addition, microbial analysis of groundwater revealed that only two out of eight monitoring points during August 2009, none out of eight points during February 2010, and one out of nine points during June 2010 provided water fit for drinking. Soil samples were collected from the catchment areas of the major contributing streams and from the beds of the Kallar Kahar Lake and the Dhrabi Reservoir. The soil samples from the catchments showed high salinity and sodicity that may be the cause of high salinity and sodicity in the streams. The highest EC, sodium adsorption ratio (SAP,) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) in the bed samples from the Kallar Kahar Lake were about 43 dS/m, 56, and 45, respectively. These high values were due to the saline water brought into the lake with the runoff.
文摘Data related to the presence of cetaceans and especially the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in Lebanese marine waters (eastern Mediterranean) are almost non-existent. This article aims to delimit, for the first time, the areas of distribution and the relative abundance of T. truncatus along the Lebanese coasts in order to develop a strategy for the conservation of this species. Nine campaigns at sea, each lasting between 1 to 3 days, were conducted aboard the vessel "CANA" between September 2009 and August 2012 in Lebanese marine waters. A total of 1576 km in prospecting effort was covered along the Lebanese coast (220 km). Dolphins were mainly sighted in the central region of Lebanon (120 km) and 32 sightings and 91 individuals were recorded. The size of the groups were ranged from a minimum of one individual and a maximum of 7 individuals. Relative abundance of T. truncatus for the whole studied region is 0.06 individuals'km1 in prospecting effort while it is 0.11 individuals·km^-1 in Beirut area that offers habitats sought by this species. The bathymetric distribution of this species is spread over a wide range from a depth of 35 m to 1300 m. More than half of the individuals have been observed in areas where bathymetry ranges between 300 m and 600 m depths.
文摘This study proposes a survey of environmental information by applying techniques of modeling, image segmentation and OOA (object-oriented analysis) in the definition of landscape units based on morphoclimatic atributes. Landscape attributes such as climate and relief (morphoclimatic) were selected to start the characterization of the Silo Joio--MG river basin, located in southeastern region Brazil. The semiautomated mapping was produced from data extracted, respectively, of the DEM Aster and Topodata, and grid Worldclim. This database was processed and scaled to l:100,000 scale, generating a geomorphological classification, according to criteria of IPT (Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnologicas), two climatic classifications, the one by the methodology of Koppen and the other one by methodology Thornthwaite & Mather and a classification of land use. The thematic maps were associated in GIS with a geological base, soil vector, defining landscape units.
文摘Recently based in the performance of tunnels under seismic movements a good progress is made in the seismic design of tunnels. The majority of problems in the tunnel structures take place in near fault conditions and in the case of great variation of rock properties. Not having a previous experience in the seismic design of the tunnels that pass through tectonic zones with very large heterogeneity (strong rock-soil or very poor rock that behaves like soil) this article presents the general aspects of seismic calculation of tunnels and application in a specific example. The article presents the methods of seismic input modeling, design and particularities of numerical calculations. The geological conditions in which the case study tunnel will be constructed are very common in Albanian territory and represent one of the most difficult cases for the construction of road tunnels. The applied approach for using the longitudinal models for generating time histories of acceleration that can be used as input for transversal models is very simple and will help the designers for the seismic analysis of other tunnels that will be constructed in Albania.
文摘Selection of suitable seed in agriculture has great importance in terms of scarce resources and efficient use of facilities. Efficient use of inputs has been one of the key objectives of agricultural policies in all over the world. Therefore, studies continue about production of new seeds with high yield and resist to diseases. The 66.7% of the total seed production in Turkey are met by the private sector (hybrid sunflower, corn, potato, soybean, cotton and vegetable seed). And 53.4% of the total sunflowers in Turkey are grown in Thrace region. It is therefore appropriate to be selected as the research area. In this regard, the aim of this study was to examine the dynamics in seed sector and particularly investigate the sunflower seed purchasing behavior of farmers with special attention to Thrace region. As a methodology, 198 questionnaires which pursued sunflower farm activities in the region were utilized. As a result of the descriptive statistics, it could be concluded that almost 20% of seed supply in Turkey is imported and that 70%-80% of it is directly used as an “input” for growing vegetative products and the remaining is used as “intermediate goods” for growing “certified seeds” for domestic or international markets.
文摘The pufferfish Lagocephalus sceleratus is an invasive Lessepsian species of Indo-Pacific origin that has established an increasing population over the past decade in the Levantine basin of the Mediterranean. Besides its toxicity due to the accumulation of tetrodotoxin in its body, it is causing damage to fishing gears and fishermen's catches. This study aims to provide data on the population structure and sexual maturity of this species in the eastern basin of the Mediterranean. A total of 214 individuals were collected in the coastal marine waters of Lebanon and Syria, between January 2012 and June 2013 by means of different types of nets and lines, on soft bottoms, at depths ranging from 10 m to 170 m. The TL (total length) of the samples varies between 10.8 cm and 71 cm. The most common size classes, represented by 125 individuals, are the ones between 30 cm and 50 cm TL, with a bulge at 40 cm, represented by 44 individuals. The average TL is 43.99 cm (standard deviation: SD = 17.65) for both males and females. The TW (total weight) of the specimens ranges between 14 g and 4,603 g with an average value of 1,458.52 g (SD = 1,329.49). The sex ratio (M/F) is 1:1.35 with a total number of 87 males, 118 females and nine unidentified individuals. The weight-length relationship (TW = aTLb) shows a negative allometric growth with b = 2.9481 and R2 = 0.9806. The condition factor (K) is close to one for all samples. The average value of the GSI (gonadosomatic index) shows a substantial increase from winter to spring. The spawning takes place between April and June.
文摘Soil erosion represents one of the most important destructive phenomenon of the soil, through surface and depth erosion. The activity of water erosion in Albania is favoured from some factors like relief, geological structure, slope, soil, etc. Erosion depth growth is closely related with the vegetal cover ravage high rate and in the first instance that of woodland flora in sloping ground. The degradation of the flora or total destruction of it is defined from many factors, but in notably from social-economical system of every country. It can be also seen some special areas in our country were the results of the human negative impacts in natural environment. The erosion phenomenon is more problematic, especially during intensive raining time.
文摘In this paper we propose to discuss the issue of subjectivity versus objectivity teaching practice of foreign language, especially English, in Brazil. Starting from the short story "The Parrot and Descartes" by Pauline Melville, we argue that Cartesianism has influenced a view on education which tends to consider good and valuable what is "scientific", "objective" and "universal". The subjective and the local seem to be considered undesirable and unreliable. Brazilian scholars on the education field, such as Coracini and Souza are important support for our argument.
基金ThisworkwassupportedbyagrantfromtheNationalNaturalScienceFoundationofChina (No 3 9470 2 93 )
文摘OBJECTIVE: To investigate which of the two immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains, the immunoglobulin variable region homologous domain IgV (hB7.2 IgV) and the immunoglobulin constant region homologous domain IgC (hB7.2 IgC) on the human B7.2 molecule contains receptor binding sites, and to evaluate whether the B7.2 protein expressed in bacteria has biological activity in vitro. METHODS: Three fragments of hB7.2 IgV,hB7.2 IgC and the complete extracellular region of human B7.2 containing both the IgV and IgC domains,hB7.2 Ig (V+C), were amplified by PCR and subcloned into pGEM-Teasy. Three recombinants,pGEX-4T-3-hB7.2 IgV,pGEX-4T-3-hB7.2 IgC and pGEX-4T-3-hB7.2 Ig (V+C), were generated by cloning the fragments into a prokaryote expression plasmid (pGEX-4T-3) and transformed into the host strain E. coli DH5alpha. The relevant target fusion proteins consisting of GST and hB7.2 IgV,hB7.2 IgC and hB7.2 Ig (V+C), were identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. With the presence of the first signal imitated by anti-CD3 antibody, T cell activation was observed by exposing purified T lymphocytes to each soluble form of the three bacterially-produced human B7.2 fusion proteins by [(3)H]-TdR incorporation. RESULTS: Three recombinant fusion proteins of human B7.2, GST-hB7.2 IgV, GST-hB7.2 IgC and GST-hB7.2 Ig (V+C) were produced and detected in inclusion body form from engineered bacteria. With the first signal present,T lymphocytes proliferated when co-stimulated by bacterially-produced either GST-hB7.2 Ig (V+C) or GST-hB7.2 IgV fusion proteins, but not by GST-hB7.2 IgC. CONCLUSIONS: Functional human B7.2 fusion protein can be produced in bacteria. The IgV-like domain of human B7.2 is sufficient for B7.2 to interact with its counter-receptors and co-stimulate T lymphocytes.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(41761144081)The Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research(2019QZKK2203)+1 种基金The International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(131C11KYSB20160061)The Chinese Academy of Sciences-The World Academy of Sciences(CAS-TWAS)President’s Fellowship Program for Ph D Study
文摘Urban growth is a key indicator of economic development.At the same time,haphazard urban growth creates serious socioeconomic,environmental and urban land management problems.In this context,understanding the process of urban landscape change is important for guiding the sustainable growth of urban areas.This study analyzes the urban land changes during 1990–2018 in two metropolitan cities of Gandaki basin:Pokhara and Bharatpur.Landsat satellite images were analyzed using supervised classification methods.The results revealed that the built-up area has increased significantly by 300%in Pokhara and by nearly 500%in the Bharatpur during the past 28 years.Population growth,migration from surrounding areas due to urban facilities and the easy lifestyle in cities were found to be major determinants of urban growth within the study area.In addition,the changing urban definition and expansion of municipal boundaries are key factors for rapid urban growth.Both cities are likely to grow in the future as they are both located in areas that encompass the high levels of commercial activity and modern service facilities.The haphazard urban growth should be minimized through planning and policies for sustainable urban development.