bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mangiferin Reduces the Inhibition of Chondrogenic Differentiation by IL-1β in Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Subchondral Bone and Targets Multiple Aspects of the Smad and SOX9 Pathways
Authors: Huh Jeong-Eun , Koh Pil-Seong , Seo Byung-Kwan , Park Yeon-Chul , Baek Yong-Hyun , Lee Jae-Dong , Park Dong-Suk
Published: September 2014

Mangiferin is a natural immunomodulator found in plants including mango trees. The effects of mangiferin on chondrogenesis and cartilage repair have not yet been reported. This study was designed to determine the effect of mangiferin on chondrogenic differentiation in IL-1β-stimulated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from subchondral bone and to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects. MSCs were isolated from the subchondral bone of rabbit and treated with mangiferin alone and/or interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Mangiferin induced chondrogenic differentiation in MSCs by upregulating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, and BMP-4 and several key markers of chondrogenesis, including sex-determining region Y–box (SRY-box) containing gene 9 (SOX9), type 2α1 collagen (Col2α1), cartilage link protein, and aggrecan. In IL-1β-stimulated MSCs, mangiferin significantly reversed the production of TGF-β, BMP-2, BMP-4, SOX9, Col2α1, cartilage link protein, and aggrecan, as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-13, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS5). Mangiferin upregulated the phosphorylation of Smad 2, Smad 3, Smad 1/5/8, and SOX9 in IL-1β-stimulated MSCs. In the presence of mangiferin, SOX9 siRNA suppressed the activation of Smad 2, Smad 3, Smad 1/5/8, aggrecan, and Col2α1 expression. In conclusion, mangiferin exhibits both chondrogenic and chondroprotective effects on damaged MSCs and mediates these effects by targeting multiple aspects of the Smad and SOX9 signaling pathways.
Environmental Factors, Toxicants and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Mak Anselm , Tay Sen
Published: September 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an immune-complex-mediated multi-systemic autoimmune condition of multifactorial etiology, which mainly affects young women. It is currently believed that the onset of SLE and lupus flares are triggered by various environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. Various environmental agents and toxicants, such as cigarette smoke, alcohol, occupationally- and non-occupationally-related chemicals, ultraviolet light, infections, sex hormones and certain medications and vaccines, have been implicated to induce SLE onset or flares in a number case series, case-control and population-based cohort studies and very few randomized controlled trials. Here, we will describe some of these recognized environmental lupus triggering and perpetuating factors and explain how these factors potentially bias the immune system towards autoimmunity through their interactions with genetic and epigenetic alterations. Further in-depth exploration of how potentially important environmental factors mechanistically interact with the immune system and the genome, which trigger the onset of SLE and lupus flares, will certainly be one of the plausible steps to prevent the onset and to decelerate the progress of the disease.
Abnormal Unsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism in Cystic Fibrosis: Biochemical Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
Authors: Seegmiller Adam
Published: September 2014

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited multi-organ disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. Patients with this disease exhibit characteristic abnormalities in the levels of unsaturated fatty acids in blood and tissue. Recent studies have uncovered an underlying biochemical mechanism for some of these changes, namely increased expression and activity of fatty acid desaturases. Among other effects, this drives metabolism of linoeate to arachidonate. Increased desaturase expression appears to be linked to cystic fibrosis mutations via stimulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase in the absence of functional CFTR protein. There is evidence that these abnormalities may contribute to disease pathophysiology by increasing production of eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, of which arachidonate is a key substrate. Understanding these underlying mechanisms provides key insights that could potentially impact the diagnosis, clinical monitoring, nutrition, and therapy of patients suffering from this deadly disease.
Prophylactic Protective Effects and Its Potential Mechanisms of IcarisideII on Streptozotocin Induced Spermatogenic Dysfunction
Authors: Xu Yongde , Lei Hongen , Guan Ruili , Gao Zhezhu , Li Huixi , Wang Lin , Hui Yu , Zhou Feng , Xin Zhongcheng
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of IcarisideII(ICAII) on the prevention of streptozotocin (STZ) induced spermatogenic dysfunction. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg) and were equally randomized to gavage feeding of vehicle (the vehicle group) or ICAII (0.5, 1.5 or 4.5 mg/kg/day, respectively). Ten normal rats received vehicle and served as control. Four weeks later, sperm parameters, histopathological changes, testicular lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, and apoptosis index (AI) were evaluated. Results showed that ICAII treatment resulted in a significant recovery of sperm parameters and histopathological changes relative to the vehicle group (p < 0.05). In the vehicle group, antioxidant enzyme activities and the expression of Sertoli cell Vimentin filaments obviously decreased, while lipid peroxidation and AI significantly increased as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Following ICAII treatment, corrective effects on these items towards normal levels were observed. The results suggested that ICAII has beneficial effect on the preservation of spermatogenic function in the STZ-induced diabetic rats. The mechanisms might be related to its improvement of antioxidant enzyme activities, preservation of the protein expression and apical extensions of Vimentin filaments, and anti-apoptosis capability.
Pragmatic Information as a Unifying Biological Concept
Authors: Maleeh Reza
Published: September 2014

This paper aims to introduce a developed reading of Roederer’s interpretation of pragmatic information as a good candidate for a Unifying Information Concept required for an as-yet-unavailable Science of Information. According to pragmatic information, information and information processing are exclusive attributes of biological systems related to the very definition of life. I will apply the notion to give new accounts in the following areas: (1) quantum interpretation: based on a modified version of David Bohm’s interpretation of quantum mechanics, I propose an ontological, information-based interpretation of quantum mechanics which, unlike Roederer’s interpretation, satisfies all conditions of pragmatic information; (2) artificial intelligence: the notion successfully distinguishes natural living systems from artifacts and natural non-living systems, providing a context to pose an information-based argument against the thesis of Strong Artificial Intelligence; (3) phenomenal consciousness: I will use pragmatic information to modify and update Chalmers’s Double-aspect Theory of Information to be explanatorily more powerful regarding the physical aspect of his theory; (4) causation: based on pragmatic information, I pose a new account of causation which differentiates causation in biology from causation in natural abiotic world.
Landscape Fire, Biodiversity Decline and a Rapidly Changing Milieu: A Microcosm of Global Issues in an Australian Biodiversity Hotspot
Authors: Gill A. , McKenna David , Wouters Michael
Published: September 2014

The Adelaide-Mt Lofty Region of South Australia is an exemplar, in microcosm, of the issues confronting biodiversity conservation in a world of increasing population and a drying, fire-prone environment. At just 0.1% of Australia’s terrestrial land mass, this area is largely peninsular and oriented along a spine of ranges to 730-m elevation. Annual average rainfall varies from over 1100 mm in the hills to less than 500 mm on the plains in the north. The original vegetation varied from grasslands to shrublands to grassy and shrubby woodlands to forests, but now includes a major capital city and a mixed farming hinterland. Biodiversity in the region is in decline, and many species’ extinctions have been recorded. With increasing population and a drying climate, fire antecedents, like ignition and fire danger, are predicted to increase the area burned in the wetter regions, but such predictions may be offset by increasing the fire protection of the expanding population and their economic and social assets. While the existing system of many small reserves will remain the backbone of biodiversity conservation in the region, wider recognition of the all-tenure, whole-of-landscape, whole-of-community approach to biodiversity conservation and fire management is needed if the probability of further extinctions is to be reduced.
Space Radiation: The Number One Risk to Astronaut Health beyond Low Earth Orbit
Authors: Chancellor Jeffery , Scott Graham , Sutton Jeffrey
Published: September 2014

Projecting a vision for space radiobiological research necessitates understanding the nature of the space radiation environment and how radiation risks influence mission planning, timelines and operational decisions. Exposure to space radiation increases the risks of astronauts developing cancer, experiencing central nervous system (CNS) decrements, exhibiting degenerative tissue effects or developing acute radiation syndrome. One or more of these deleterious health effects could develop during future multi-year space exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). Shielding is an effective countermeasure against solar particle events (SPEs), but is ineffective in protecting crew members from the biological impacts of fast moving, highly-charged galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) nuclei. Astronauts traveling on a protracted voyage to Mars may be exposed to SPE radiation events, overlaid on a more predictable flux of GCR. Therefore, ground-based research studies employing model organisms seeking to accurately mimic the biological effects of the space radiation environment must concatenate exposures to both proton and heavy ion sources. New techniques in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and other “omics” areas should also be intelligently employed and correlated with phenotypic observations. This approach will more precisely elucidate the effects of space radiation on human physiology and aid in developing personalized radiological countermeasures for astronauts.
A Comparative Analysis of the Corrosive Effect of Artificial Saliva of Variable pH on DMLS and Cast Co-Cr-Mo Dental Alloy
Authors: Puskar Tatjana , Jevremovic Danimir , Williams Robert , Eggbeer Dominic , Vukelic Djordje , Budak Igor
Published: September 2014

Dental alloys for direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) are available on the market today, but there is little scientific evidence reported on their characteristics. One of them is the release of ions, as an indicator of the corrosion characteristics of a dental alloy. Within this research, the difference in the elution of metals from DMLS and cast (CM) samples of Co-Cr-Mo dental alloy in saliva-like medium of three different pH was examined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The obtained results show that the metal elution in artificial saliva from the DMLS alloy was lower than the elution from the CM alloy. The release of all investigated metal ions was influenced by the acidity, both from the DMLS and CM alloy, throughout the investigated period of 30 days. The change in acidity from a pH of 6.8 to a pH of 2.3 for the cast alloy led to a higher increase of the elution of Co, Cr and Mo from CM than from the DMLS alloy. The greatest release out of Co, Cr and Mo was for Co for both tested alloys. Further, the greatest release of all ions was measured at pH 2.3. In saliva of pH 2.3 and pH 4.5, the longer the investigated period, the higher the difference between the total metal ion release from the CM and DMLS alloys. Both alloys showed a safe level of elution according to the ISO definition in all investigated acidic environments.
RP-HPLC Characterization of Lupenone and β-Sitosterol in Rhizoma Musae and Evaluation of the Anti-Diabetic Activity of Lupenone in Diabetic Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Xu Feng , Wu Hongmei , Wang Xiangpei , Yang Ye , Wang Yuanmin , Qian Haibing , Zhang Yanyan
Published: September 2014

With the aim of characterizing the active ingredients lupenone and β-sitosterol in Rhizoma Musae samples a reversed-phase HPLC method for the separation of these two compounds in Rhizoma Musae samples was developed (regression coefficient > 0.9996). The method was further applied to quantify lupenone and β-sitosterol content in Rhizoma Musae samples cultured in different growth environments. Different variables such as geographical location, growth stage, and harvest time, demonstrated differential effects on lupenone and β-sitosterol levels. Moreover, we determined the optimum conditions for cultivation and harvesting of Rhizoma Musae herbs. Lupenone administration caused a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in diabetic rats at doses of 1.78, 5.33, and 16.00 mg·kg−1·day−1 for 14 days, the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of diabetic rats also significantly reduced at doses of 5.33, and 16.00 mg·kg−1·day−1, indicating a robust antidiabetic activity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an optimized HPLC method successfully applied to quantify lupenone and β-sitosterol, and its applicability in optimizing Rhizoma Musae growth. Animal experiments also showed for the first time that lupenone from Rhizoma Musae has anti-diabetic activity.
Encapsulation of Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs within Mesoporous Silica and Intracellular Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Xia Xin , Pethe Kevin , Kim Ryangyeo , Ballell Lluis , Barros David , Cechetto Jonathan , Jeon HeeKyoung , Kim Kideok , Garcia-Bennett Alfonso
Published: September 2014

Tuberculosis is a major problem in public health. While new effective treatments to combat the disease are currently under development, they tend suffer from poor solubility often resulting in low and/or inconsistent oral bioavailability. Mesoporous materials are here investigated in an in vitro intracellular assay, for the effective delivery of compound PA-824; a poorly soluble bactericidal agent being developed against Tuberculosis (TB). Mesoporous materials enhance the solubility of PA-824; however, this is not translated into a higher antibacterial activity in TB-infected macrophages after 5 days of incubation, where similar values are obtained. The lack of improved activity may be due to insufficient release of the drug from the mesopores in the context of the cellular environment. However, these results show promising data for the use of mesoporous particles in the context of oral delivery with expected improvements in bioavailability.
Evaluation of Satellite Retrievals of Ocean Chlorophyll-a in the California Current
Authors: Kahru Mati , Kudela Raphael , Anderson Clarissa , Manzano-Sarabia Marlenne , Mitchell B.
Published: September 2014

Retrievals of ocean surface chlorophyll-a concentration (Chla) by multiple ocean color satellite sensors (SeaWiFS, MODIS-Terra, MODIS-Aqua, MERIS, VIIRS) using standard algorithms were evaluated in the California Current using a large archive of in situ measurements. Over the full range of in situ Chla, all sensors produced a coefficient of determination (R2) between 0.79 and 0.88 and a median absolute percent error (MdAPE) between 21% and 27%. However, at in situ Chla > 1 mg m−3, only products from MERIS (both the ESA produced algal_1 and NASA produced chlor_a) maintained reasonable accuracy (R2 from 0.74 to 0.52 and MdAPE from 23% to 31%, respectively), while the other sensors had R2 below 0.5 and MdAPE higher than 36%. We show that the low accuracy at medium and high Chla is caused by the poor retrieval of remote sensing reflectance.
Development of an Immunochromatographic Strip Test for Rapid Detection of Ciprofloxacin in Milk Samples
Authors: Liu Liqiang , Luo Liju , Suryoprabowo Steven , Peng Juan , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: September 2014

A rapid, simple, and sensitive immunochromatographic test strip has been developed for testing residues of ciprofloxacin (CIP). A specific and sensitive monoclonal antibody (mAb) for CIP was generated by immunizing BALB/c mice with well-characterized CIP-Keyhole limpet haemocyanin. Under the optimized conditions, the cut-off limits of test strips for CIP were found to be 5 ng/mL in phosphate-buffered saline and 2.5 ng/mL in milk samples. Each test can be evaluated within 3 min. The cross-reactivities of the CIP test strip to enrofloxacin (ENR), norfloxacin (NOR), nadifloxacin (NDF), danofloxacin (DANO), pefloxacin (PEX), lomefloxacin (LOME), enoxacin (ENO), and sarafloxacin (SAR) were 71.4%, 71.4%, 66%, 50%, 33%, 20%, 12.5%, and 6.25%, respectively. The data indicate that the method is sensitive, specific, and has the advantages of simplicity and speed, therefore, this test strip is a useful screening method for the detection of CIP residues in milk samples.
Chemically Driven Printed Textile Sensors Based on Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Skrzetuska Ewa , Puchalski Michał , Krucińska Izabella
Published: September 2014

The unique properties of graphene, such as the high elasticity, mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, very high electrical conductivity and transparency, make them it an interesting material for stretchable electronic applications. In the work presented herein, the authors used graphene and carbon nanotubes to introduce chemical sensing properties into textile materials by means of a screen printing method. Carbon nanotubes and graphene pellets were dispersed in water and used as a printing paste in the screen printing process. Three printing paste compositions were prepared—0%, 1% and 3% graphene pellet content with a constant 3% carbon nanotube mass content. Commercially available materials were used in this process. As a substrate, a twill woven cotton fabric was utilized. It has been found that the addition of graphene to printing paste that contains carbon nanotubes significantly enhances the electrical conductivity and sensing properties of the final product.
A Laboratory Test Setup for in Situ Measurements of the Dielectric Properties of Catalyst Powder Samples under Reaction Conditions by Microwave Cavity Perturbation: Set up and Initial Tests
Authors: Dietrich Markus , Rauch Dieter , Porch Adrian , Moos Ralf
Published: September 2014

The catalytic behavior of zeolite catalysts for the ammonia-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides (NOX) depends strongly on the type of zeolite material. An essential precondition for SCR is a previous ammonia gas adsorption that occurs on acidic sites of the zeolite. In order to understand and develop SCR active materials, it is crucial to know the amount of sorbed ammonia under reaction conditions. To support classical temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) experiments, a correlation of the dielectric properties with the catalytic properties and the ammonia sorption under reaction conditions appears promising. In this work, a laboratory test setup, which enables direct measurements of the dielectric properties of catalytic powder samples under a defined gas atmosphere and temperature by microwave cavity perturbation, has been developed. Based on previous investigations and computational simulations, a resonator cavity and a heating system were designed, installed and characterized. The resonator cavity is designed to operate in its TM010 mode at 1.2 GHz. The first measurement of the ammonia loading of an H-ZSM-5 zeolite confirmed the operating performance of the test setup at constant temperatures of up to 300 °C. It showed how both real and imaginary parts of the relative complex permittivity are strongly correlated with the mass of stored ammonia.
A Comparative Study of the Gas Sensing Behavior in P3HT- and PBTTT-Based OTFTs: The Influence of Film Morphology and Contact Electrode Position
Authors: Manoli Kyriaki , Dumitru Liviu , Mulla Mohammad , Magliulo Maria , Franco Cinzia , Santacroce Maria , Scamarcio Gaetano , Torsi Luisa
Published: September 2014

Bottom- and top-contact organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) were fabricated, using poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and poly[2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene] (PBTTT-C16) as p-type channel semiconductors. Four different types of OTFTs were fabricated and investigated as gas sensors against three volatile organic compounds, with different associated dipole moments. The OTFT-based sensor responses were evaluated with static and transient current measurements. A comparison between the different architectures and the relative organic semiconductor was made.
Effects of Fraxinellone on the Midgut Enzyme Activities of the 5th Instar Larvae of Oriental Armyworm, Mythimna separata Walker
Authors: Lv Min , Wu Wenjun , Liu Huixia
Published: September 2014

Isolated from Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz., fraxinellone exhibited multiple bioactivities against insects. In the present paper, the changes of digestive enzymes and detoxification enzymes of Mythimna separata Walker (5th instar larvae), treated with fraxinellone, were investigated. Compared with those of the control, the α-amylase activity of the fraxinellone-treated 5th instar larvae was inhibited, whereas the level of their protease activity was increased. Based upon further studies on the specific proteases, the levels of the active alkaline trypsin-like enzyme (BApNA as the substrate) and the chymotrypsin-like enzyme (BTEE as the substrate) activities of the treated larvae were declined; however, the level of activity of the weak alkaline trypsin-like enzyme (TAME as the substrate) of the treated ones was increased. Meanwhile, the activities of two detoxification enzymes, such as carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), of the treated larvae were increased to some extent, but the activities of NADPH-P450 reductase and O-demethylase of the treated ones declined. Therefore, protease (especially the weak alkaline trypsin-like enzyme), CarE and GST played important roles in the metabolism of fraxinellone in the midgut of Mythimna separata (M. separata).
Synthesis of hydrophobic photoluminescent carbon nanodots by using L-tyrosine and citric acid through a thermal oxidation route
Authors: Gude Venkatesh
Published: September 2014

Hydrophobic photoluminescent carbon nanodots (CNDs) were fabricated by using citric acid and L-tyrosine precursor molecules through a simple, facile thermal oxidation process in air. These CNDs (less than 4 nm in size) exhibited a characteristic excitation wavelength dependent emission and upconversion emission properties and are insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents. FTIR and 1H NMR analyses showed a selective participation of L-tyrosine molecule during the carbonization process at 220 °C without a disturbance of its benzylic protons and aromatic phenyl ring bearing hydroxy group. TEM and XRD studies revealed a quasi-spherical morphology and poor-crystalline nature of CNDs. Because the presence of the hydroxy group of L-tyrosine is dominating at the surface, these CNDs are also soluble in water under basic conditions. The effects of base and silver nanoparticles on the luminescence properties of CNDs were studied and a quenching of fluorescence was observed. These tyrosine-passivated CNDs are applicable for both biologically and commercially.
Le clic de Châlus
Authors: Fourtané Pierre-Hervé
Published: September 2014

Le réseau gérontologique de Châlus compte parmi les plus anciens. Intégré dans un CLIC à un ensemble d’activités complémentaires (information, prévention, valorisation des aînés, aides à domicile...), il s’appuie sur une réflexion approfondie menée localement depuis vingt ans par des élus, des professionnels de la santé, des bénévoles, qui alimente un programme d’actions novatrices expérimenté sur le canton (recherche-action). Le réseau médico-social de proximité, multidisciplinaire, fonctionne selon une méthode et des procédures validées par plusieurs évaluations. Il est relié par convention au département de gérontologie du CHRU de Limoges pour un fonctionnement en réseau «ville-hôpital». Châlus a servi d’exemple de coordination gérontologique à de nombreux sites expérimentaux. Il devrait dans un avenir proche être à la base d’un enseignement spécifique destiné aux collectivités, services, professionnels, désireux de créer des CLIC.
The Advent of Western-Style Shopping Centres and Changes in Saudi Women's Purchasing Behaviour
Authors: Alsubaie Haya , Valenzuela Fredy-Roberto , Adapa Sujana
Published: September 2014

This chapter sets out to investigate: (a) the extent to which Western-style shopping centres affected women's culture and (b) the reasons for family members to imitate relatives and subsequently purchase unaffordable apparel in Riyadh. In order to address these research questions, in-depth interviews were conducted with Saudi women shoppers at Western-style shopping centres. Results show that the main reasons for visiting Western-style shopping centres were the expensive brand images, improving social position within the society, liberalisation of women's culture, and to portray themselves as open-minded individuals. Moreover, the study also shows that Saudi women are highly influenced by the new Western-style shopping environment as evidenced by their desire to imitate relatives who shop at Western-style shopping centres and their desire to improve their perceived social position. Notably, they also depict a “must have” attitude toward current fashion and keeping on top of the latest fashion trends.
Antecedents to Willingness to Boycotts among Malaysian Muslims
Authors: Abdul-Talib Asmat-Nizam , Abdul-Latif Samshul-Amry
Published: September 2014

This chapter examines the motivations and willingness to boycott of Malaysian Muslim consumers. Based on an ongoing boycott incited by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the Middle East, the boycott movement targets American-originated firms operating in Malaysia. To examine the factors, two firms were selected based on their market presence, consumer familiarity, and product affordability. In total, 577 questionnaires were distributed to Muslim university students, and the results were validated through Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. Three factors were found to be significant in predicting the willingness to boycott; they were self-enhancement, perceived egregious behavior, and country image. This chapter addresses boycott motivations from the context of Malaysian Muslims quantitatively, based on an international issue strongly related to Muslims. The results may have some implications on multinational firms, non-government organizations, policymakers, and consumers.
A Rhetoric on Diversity and Marketing Theory
Authors: El-Bassiouny Noha
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this chapter is to present a highlight of how Islam, and thereby Islamic marketing as an emerging research domain, fits within mainstream marketing thought given the marginalization of some ethnic groups and the calls for diversity therein. The chapter argues that the Islamic paradigm can integrate within marketing theory in light of the critical marketing discourse, whilst creating a “theistic science” that links to Islamic civilization and builds a bridge to the future of this science.
The Challenges and Opportunities in Addressing the Needs of Middle Eastern Tourists
Authors: Sarhan Nael M. , McMurray Adela , Kopanidis Foula
Published: September 2014

This chapter identifies and discusses the specific needs of Middle Eastern tourists visiting the Gold Coast, Queensland Australia. Based on empirical data collected through a qualitative study, self-administered questionnaires (N = 500) were distributed to Middle Eastern tourists who visited the Gold Coast and stayed at Gold Coast accommodation for at least one night. The 305 responses (61 percent response rate), generated a total number of 461 multiple responses. Content Analysis identified key themes and sub-themes associated with Islamic religious beliefs. The findings showed that the management of the Gold Coast accommodation sector had a distinct lack of information and understanding of Middle Eastern tourists' needs. This chapter provides useful managerial and marketing recommendations, including suggested best practices, to hoteliers who provide accommodation services to international tourists, such as Middle Eastern tourists, and contributes to the limited knowledge on Islamic marketing. This in turn potentially contributes to the increased success of the tourism industry in developed countries such as Australia.
Halal Branding for Medical Tourism
Authors: Medhekar Anita , Haq Farooq
Published: September 2014

This chapter explores the emergence and development of Halal branded hospitals and medical facilities as a product of Medical Tourism for Muslim patients around the world and in India. Halal tourism is a sub-category of spiritual tourism, where one has to abide by the Sharia law to satisfy Muslim customers. The main objective of the chapter is to focus on a niche category of halal medical tourism, where Sharia rules are followed to attract the medical tourist mainly from Islamic countries. This chapter also proposes a typology of Muslim medical tourist's cultural sensitivities and recommends branding and certifying Halal Medical Tourism hospitals, healthcare facilities, pharmaceuticals, products, and services to attract Muslim patients, and provides challenges and opportunities with future research directions. The case studied in this chapter is of the Global Health City, the first Halal Certified Medical Hospital facility in Chennai, India. It presents a model for halal branding of Indian Medical Tourism based on the halal decision-making paradigm for Muslim customers designed by Wilson and Liu (2010). The model presented here indicates attitudes of being rational or emotional and elements reflecting affective and cognitive feelings for Muslim patients seeking halal treatment in halal hospitals.
Islamic Tourism in India and Pakistan
Authors: Haq Farooq , Medhekar Anita
Published: September 2014

This chapter is based on a study of tourism in India and Pakistan and is associated with Islamic faith and practices in both countries. Islam-oriented destinations in both countries have been marketed as products of heritage, cultural, historical, or archaeological tourism. The aim of this chapter is to present the argument that all tourism destinations linked with Islam in India and Pakistan need to be marketed as Islamic tourism products. This chapter makes a contribution to the theory and practice of tourism, marketing, and Islamic marketing. The discussion in this chapter covers the historical perspective of Islamic tourism in literature review and provides an understanding of halal branding of Islamic tourism in the context of India and Pakistan. Recommendations are provided to governments at local, regional, and national levels, private sector, and the local population to reap benefits from opportunities arising from Islamic tourism. The findings and conclusion of this chapter also attempt to make a social and political contribution by promoting peace, mutual social harmony, and universal spiritual understanding between the people of India and Pakistan for economic prosperity.
Dias en Da Gama, Van Wyk Louw en Camões (her)besoek
Authors: Coetser Johan L.
Published: September 2014

Dias and Da Gama, Van Wyk Louw and Camões (re)visited. Although he was the first Portuguese explorer who rounded the southernmost cape of Africa, world history does not herald Bartholomew Dias as an important figure. His compatriot Vasco da Gama was the first mariner who reached the Orient by navigating around the Cape. Despite Dias’s relative historical unimportance, N.P. van Wyk Louw preferred to write a radio play about him and his journey around the South African coast. Luís Vaz de Camões, on the other hand, wrote an epic poem about da Gama’s journey, which he titled Os Lusíadas (1572), or The sons of Portugal. The question I set out to answer, relates to the position and importance that the playwright of Dias (1952) attaches to themes in Canto 5 of Os Lusíadas (1572). I assume that the two can be compared due to the presence of the mythical character Adamastor in both. As in Os Lusíadas (1572), Adamastor takes the form of a storm in Dias (1952). I conclude that, in spite of different origins, both texts are allegorical and national in character. The differences in origin inspired a revised reading of Dias (1952).
The knot Floer complex and the smooth concordance group
Authors: Hom Jennifer
Published: September 2014

We define a new smooth concordance homomorphism based on the knot Floer complex and an associated concordance invariant

\varepsilon

. As an application, we show that an infinite family of topologically slice knots are independent in the smooth concordance group.
Homology torsion growth and Mahler measure
Authors: Lê Thang T. Q.
Published: September 2014

We prove a conjecture of K. Schmidt in algebraic dynamical system theory on the growth of the number of components of fixed point sets. We also generalize a result of Silver and Williams on the growth of homology torsions of finite abelian covering of link complements. In both cases, the growth is expressed by the Mahler measure of the first non-zero Alexander polynomial of the corresponding modules. We use the notion of pseudo-isomorphism, and also tools from commutative algebra and algebraic geometry, to reduce the conjectures to the case of torsion modules. We also describe concrete sequences which give the expected values of the limits in both cases. For this part we utilize a result of Bombieri and Zannier (conjectured before by A. Schinzel) and a result of Lawton (conjectured before by D. Boyd).
Lateral Flow Test Using Echinococcus granulosus Native Antigen B and Comparison of IgG and IgG4 Dipsticks for Detection of Human Cystic Echinococcosis
Authors: Khalilpour Akbar , Sadjjadi Seyed Mahmoud , Moghadam Zohreh Kazemi , Yunus Muhammad Hafiznur , Zakaria Nor Dyana , Osman Sabariah , Noordin Rahmah
Published: September 2014

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by infection with Echinococcus granulosus is of major concern for humans in many parts of the world. Antigen B was prepared from E. granulosus hydatid fluid, and Western blots confirmed eight batches showing a band corresponding to the 8-/12-kDa subunit with positive serum and no low-molecular mass band (< 15 kDa) with negative serum. The batches were pooled and used to prepare lateral flow immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) and IgG dipsticks. Diagnostic sensitivity was determined using serum samples from 21 hydatidosis patients, and diagnostic specificity was established using sera from 17 individuals infected with other parasites and 15 healthy people. IgG4 dipstick had a diagnostic sensitivity of 95% (20 of 21) and a specificity of 100% (32 of 32). The IgG dipstick had a sensitivity of 100% (21 of 21) and a specificity of 87.5% (28 of 32). Thus, both IgG and IgG4 dipsticks had high sensitivities, but IgG4 had greater specificity for the diagnosis of human CE.
Brain MRI of Children with Retinopathy-Negative Cerebral Malaria
Authors: Postels Douglas G. , Li Chenxi , Birbeck Gretchen L. , Taylor Terrie E. , Seydel Karl B. , Kampondeni Sam D. , Glover Simon J. , Potchen Michael J.
Published: September 2014

Our goals were to understand the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in children with retinopathy-negative cerebral malaria (CM) and investigate whether any findings on acute MRI were associated with adverse outcomes. We performed MRI scans on children admitted to the hospital in Blantyre, Malawi with clinically defined CM. Two hundred and seventeen children were imaged during the study period; 44 patients were malarial retinopathy-negative; and 173 patients were retinopathy-positive. We compared MRI findings in children with retinopathy-negative and retinopathy-positive CM. In children who were retinopathy-negative, we identified MRI variables that were associated with death and adverse neurologic outcomes. On multivariate analysis, cortical diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) abnormality and increased brain volume were strongly associated with neurologic morbidity in survivors. Investigations to explore the underlying pathophysiologic processes responsible for these MRI changes are warranted.
Remote sensing of the Io torus plasma ribbon using natural radio occultation of the Jovian radio emissions
Authors: Boudjada M. Y. , Galopeau P. H. M. , Sawas S. , Lammer H.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. We study the Jovian hectometric (HOM) emissions recorded by the RPWS (Radio and Plasma Wave Science) experiment onboard the Cassini spacecraft during its Jupiter flyby. We analyze the attenuation band associated with the intensity extinction of HOM radiation. This phenomenon is interpreted as a refraction effect of the Jovian hectometric emission inside the Io plasma torus. This attenuation band was regularly observed during periods of more than 5 months, from the beginning of October 2000 to the end of March 2001. We estimate for this period the variation of the electron density versus the central meridian longitude (CML). We find a clear local time dependence. Hence the electron density was not higher than 5.0 × 104 cm−3 during 2 months, when the spacecraft approached the planet on the dayside. In the late afternoon and evening sectors, the electron density increases to 1.5 × 105 cm−3 and reach a higher value at some specific occasions. Additionally, we show that ultraviolet and hectometric wavelength observations have common features related to the morphology of the Io plasma torus. The maxima of enhancements/attenuations of UV/HOM observations occur close to the longitudes of the tip of the magnetic dipole in the southern hemisphere (20° CML) and in the northern hemisphere (200° CML), respectively. This is a significant indication about the importance of the Jovian magnetic field as a physical parameter in the coupling process between Jupiter and the Io satellite.
Organic carbon production, mineralization and preservation on the Peruvian margin
Authors: Dale A. W. , Sommer S. , Lomnitz U. , Montes I. , Treude T. , Gier J. , Hensen C. , Dengler M. , Stolpovsky K. , Bryant L. D. , Wallmann K.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Carbon cycling in Peruvian margin sediments (11° S and 12° S) was examined at 16 stations from 74 m on the inner shelf down to 1024 m water depth by means of in situ flux measurements, sedimentary geochemistry and modeling. Bottom water oxygen was below detection limit down to ca. 400 m and increased to 53 μM at the deepest station. Sediment accumulation rates and benthic dissolved inorganic carbon fluxes decreased rapidly with water depth. Particulate organic carbon (POC) content was lowest on the inner shelf and at the deep oxygenated stations (< 5%) and highest between 200 and 400 m in the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ, 15–20%). The organic carbon burial efficiency (CBE) was unexpectedly low on the inner shelf (< 20%) when compared to a global database, for reasons which may be linked to the frequent ventilation of the shelf by oceanographic anomalies. CBE at the deeper oxygenated sites was much higher than expected (max. 81%). Elsewhere, CBEs were mostly above the range expected for sediments underlying normal oxic bottom waters, with an average of 51 and 58% for the 11° S and 12° S transects, respectively. Organic carbon rain rates calculated from the benthic fluxes alluded to a very efficient mineralization of organic matter in the water column, with a Martin curve exponent typical of normal oxic waters (0.88 ± 0.09). Yet, mean POC burial rates were 2–5 times higher than the global average for continental margins. The observations at the Peruvian margin suggest that a lack of oxygen does not affect the degradation of organic matter in the water column but promotes the preservation of organic matter in marine sediments.
Properties of b-compact spaces and b-closed spaces
Authors: Rajesh N. , Vijayabharathi V.
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we give some new characterizations of b-compact sets and b-closed sets by means of nets and filterbases.
Null parallel p-equidistant b-scrolls
Authors: Azak Ayşe Zeynep , Tosun Murat , Masal Melek
Published: September 2014

In this paper, null parallel p-equidistant B-scrolls are defined in 3-dimensional Minkowski space  R_1^3 . We prove necessary and sufficient conditions for these B-scrolls to be equivalent of their Cartan frames. The relations between matrices of the shape operators and the algebraic invariants (Gauss, mean curvatures, principal curvatures) of these B-scrolls are shown. Besides we give the relations between second Gauss curvatures, mean curvatures and the distribution parameters of non-developable null parallel p-equidistant B-scrolls. Finally, an example is given related to the null parallel p-equidistant B-scrolls in  R_1^3.
Global relative controllability of fractional stochastic dynamical systems with distributed delays in control
Authors: Guendouzi Toufik , Hamada Iqbal
Published: September 2014

This paper is concerned with the global relative controllability of linear and nonlinear fractional stochastic dynamical systems with distributed delays in control for finite dimensional spaces. Sufficient conditions for controllability results are obtained using the Banach fixed point theorem and the controllability Grammian matrix which is dened by the Mittag-Leffler matrix function. An example is provided to illustrate the theory.
A fixed point theorem in a generalized fuzzy metric space
Authors: Tripathy Binod Chandra , Paul Sudipta , Das Nanda Ram
Published: September 2014

We prove a fixed point theorem for uniformly locally contractive fuzzy mapping in a generalized fuzzy metric space.
Maxila - Forames alveolares: números, situação e disposição anatômica
Authors: Ferreira Setembrino Soares , Reis Leonase Ribeiro dos , Gomes Julio Cezar , Pinho Luiz Carlos Vernalha de , Zawadzki Izabel
Published: September 2014

Maxila - Forames alveolares: números, situação e disposição anatômica
Ciclo evolutivo da Cylindrotaenia americana Jewell, 1916 (Cyclophyllidea: Nematotaeniidae) em Bufo ictericus Spix, 1824
Authors: Stumpf Ilona Vivian Kleemann
Published: September 2014

Ciclo evolutivo da Cylindrotaenia americana Jewell, 1916 (Cyclophyllidea: Nematotaeniidae) em Bufo ictericus Spix, 1824
Contribuição à técnica de dissecação em Harpacticoidea (Copepoda, Crustacea)
Authors: Jakobi Hans , Fonseca Veronica Gomes da
Published: September 2014

Contribuição à técnica de dissecação em Harpacticoidea (Copepoda, Crustacea)
Contribuição ao estudo das Bacillariophyceae (Diatomáceas) de Caiobá, Estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Moreira Ita Moema Valente , Filho Hermes Moreira
Published: September 2014

Contribuição ao estudo das Bacillariophyceae (Diatomáceas) de Caiobá, Estado do Paraná, Brasil
Espécies de Penaeus Fabricius, 1798 (Crustacea, Penaeidae) do litoral do Estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Silva Jayme de Loyola e , Nakamura Isabel Taeko
Published: September 2014

Espécies de Penaeus Fabricius, 1798 (Crustacea, Penaeidae) do litoral do Estado do Paraná, Brasil
Estudo do metabolismo oxidativo de homogenados de hepatopâncreas de Ucides cordatus (L., 1763), Crustacea - Brachyura, da Baía e Paranaguá, Paraná
Authors: Damiani Carlos Estevam Nolf
Published: September 2014

Estudo do metabolismo oxidativo de homogenados de hepatopâncreas de Ucides cordatus (L., 1763), Crustacea - Brachyura, da Baía e Paranaguá, Paraná
Anatomia comparada de três espécies de Mirinaba Morretes, 1952 (Gastropoda, Strophocheilidae) do Estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Indrusiak L. F. , Leme J. L. M.
Published: September 2014

Anatomia comparada de três espécies de Mirinaba Morretes, 1952 (Gastropoda, Strophocheilidae) do Estado do Paraná, Brasil
Aspectos morfológicos da ação de reguladores do crescimento em estacas de Araucaria angustifolia (Bert) O. Ktze.
Authors: Iritani Cecília , Soares Ronaldo Viana , Gomes Aracely V.
Published: September 2014

Aspectos morfológicos da ação de reguladores do crescimento em estacas de Araucaria angustifolia (Bert) O. Ktze.
Biologia de Ateuchus apicatus Harold,1867
Authors: Stumpf Ilona Vivian Kleemann , Luz Ennio , Tonin Valdir Roberto
Published: September 2014

Biologia de Ateuchus apicatus Harold,1867
Contribuição ao conhecimento das pteridófitas de uma mata de araucária, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Cervi Armando Carlos , Acra Luiz Antônio , Rodrigues Liliana , Train Sueli , Ivanchechen Sandra L. , Moreira Ana Lúcia O. R.
Published: September 2014

Contribuição ao conhecimento das pteridófitas de uma mata de araucária, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
Análise do Foramen palatinum majus e Canalis palatinus major no esplancnocrânio humano, para acesso ao bloqueio do Nervus maxilaris
Authors: Ferreira Setembrino Soares , Reis Leonase Ribeiro dos , Gomes Julio Cezar , Junior Setembrino Soares Ferreira
Published: September 2014

Análise do Foramen palatinum majus e Canalis palatinus major no esplancnocrânio humano, para acesso ao bloqueio do Nervus maxilaris
Diatomáceas (Chrysophyta, Bacillariophyceae) marinhas e estuarinas no canal de Galheta, Baía de Paranaguá, Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Moreira Ita Moema Valente , Filho Hermes Moreira , Cunha José Augusto
Published: September 2014

Diatomáceas (Chrysophyta, Bacillariophyceae) marinhas e estuarinas no canal de Galheta, Baía de Paranaguá, Paraná, Brasil
Distribuição espacial de insetos: Um dispositivo para um modelo de laboratório
Authors: Laroca Sebastião , Ortolan Sueli Maria de Lourdes S. , Almeida Maria Christina de
Published: September 2014

Distribuição espacial de insetos: Um dispositivo para um modelo de laboratório