bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Betulinic Acid Extraction from Tecomella undulata Bark Using a Box-Behnken Design and Its Densitometric Validation
Authors: Siddiqui Nahida , Aeri Vidhu
Published: April 2016

Betulinic acid (BA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid acid obtained from the stem bark of Tecomella undulata Seem. (Bignoniaceae). Development of an efficient extraction method for the isolation of BA is important as it has a wide range of pharmacological activity. A Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to investigate the effect of extraction variables such as temperature (30–60 °C), time (4–8 h) and solvent to drug ratio (300–500 mL/100 g) on the maximization of BA yield and its quantification using validated densitometric high performance thin layer chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection (HPTLC-VIS). A quadratic polynomial model was found to best fit the model with R2 = 0.99. The optimized Soxhlet extraction yielded 2.449% w/w of BA at a temperature 53.86 °C, time 6.38 h and solvent to drug ratio 371 mL/100 g. BA in Tecomella undulata bark was detected at Rf value of 0.65 at 510 nm using the solvent system toluene–ethyl acetate–glacial acetic acid (8.5:1.5:0.02 v/v/v). The analytical method was validated and the linear regression analysis reflects good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9902). Lower %RSD and SEM suggested that the developed HPTLC-VIS method was precise, accurate and robust. Therefore, these economical techniques are very efficient and promising for the extraction and quantification of pharmaceutically important BA.
Analysis of Potential Amino Acid Biomarkers in Brain Tissue and the Effect of Galangin on Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Yang Ruocong , Chen Kun , Zhao Yanyan , Tian Pengpeng , Duan Feipeng , Sun Wenli , Liu Yuxin , Yan Zhiyong , Li Shaojing
Published: April 2016

Galangin, a potent scavenger of free radicals, has been used as an herbal medicine for various ailments for centuries in Asia. With complex pathophysiology, ischemic stroke is one of the most frequent causes of death and disability worldwide. We have reported that galangin provides direct protection against ischemic injury as a potential neuroprotective agent and has potential therapeutic effects on the changes of serum amino acids in ischemic stroke; however, the mechanism of the changes of amino acids in the ischemic brain tissue has not yet been clarified. In this paper, we explored brain tissue amino acid biomarkers in the acute phase of cerebral ischemia and the effect of galangin on those potential biomarkers. Finally, we identified that glutamic acid, alanine and aspartic acid showed significant changes (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in galangin-treated groups compared with vehicle-treated rats and the four enzymes associated with these three AAs’ metabolic pathways; GLUD1, SLC16A10, SLC1A1 and GPT were identified by multiplex interactions with the three amino acids. By metabolite-protein network analysis and molecular docking, six of 28 proteins were identified and might become potential galangin biomarkers for acute ischemic stroke. The data in our study provides thoughts for exploring the mechanism of disease, discovering new targets for drug candidates and elucidating the related regulatory signal network.
Long Chain Fatty Acid Esters of Quercetin-3-O-glucoside Attenuate H2O2-induced Acute Cytotoxicity in Human Lung Fibroblasts and Primary Hepatocytes
Authors: Warnakulasuriya Sumudu , Ziaullah  , Rupasinghe H.
Published: April 2016

Cellular oxidative stress causes detrimental effects to macromolecules, such as lipids, nucleic acids and proteins, leading to many pathological conditions. Quercetin-3-O-glucoside (Q3G), a glycosylated derivative of quercetin (Q), is a natural polyphenolic compound known to possess antioxidant activity. The hydrophilic/lipophilic nature of an antioxidant molecule is considered as an important factor governing the accessibility to the active sites of oxidative damages in vivo. Six long chain fatty acid esters of Q3G were evaluated with comparison to Q and Q3G, for their cytoprotective activity under H2O2-induced oxidative stress using cell culture model systems through cell viability, lipid peroxidation and fluorescence microscopy studies. Pre-incubation of α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) esters of Q3G exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater cell viability in both human lung fibroblast (WI-38) and human primary hepatocytes upon exposure to H2O2 insult when compared to the control. Cytoprotection due to oleic acid and linoleic acid esters of Q3G was observed only in human primary hepatocytes. All the derivatives, Q3G and quercetin showed ability to significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower production of lipid hydroperoxides under induced oxidative stress, compared to the control. However, ALA and DHA esters of Q3G resulted in significantly lower lipid hydroperoxidation than Q and Q3G. Based on fluorescence microscopy study, H2O2-induced apoptosis was attenuated by the fatty acid derivatives of Q3G. The fatty acid derivatives of Q3G possess better cytoprotective effect than Q3G against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and the concentration should be selected to avoid cytotoxicity.
Anti-Obesity and Hypoglycemic Effects of Poncirus trifoliata L. Extracts in High-Fat Diet C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Jia Sheng , Gao Zhiwei , Yan Shuxia , Chen Yanhong , Sun Chongde , Li Xian , Chen Kunsong
Published: April 2016

The present study investigated the possible anti-obesity and hypoglycemic effects of Poncirus trifoliata L. extracts. Mature fruit were divided into flavedo (PF) and juice sacs (PJ), and extracts from them were tested on C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for thirteen weeks. Both fruit extracts (40 mg/kg body weight, respectively) showed anti-obesity and hypoglycemic effects. Consumption of PF and PJ extracts reduced body weight by 9.21% and 20.27%, respectively. Liver and adipose weights, fasting glucose, serum triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels decreased significantly, while serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and oral glucose tolerance levels increased significantly in response to two fruit extracts. These effects were due in part to the modulation of serum insulin, leptin, and adiponectin. Furthermore, transcript levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) were reduced while those of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α (CPT1α) and insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) were increased in the liver of C57BL/6 mice, which might be an important mechanism affecting lipid and glucose metabolism. Taken together, P. trifoliata fruit can be potentially used to prevent or treat obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Wild Bitter Melon Leaf Extract Inhibits Porphyromonas gingivalis-Induced Inflammation: Identification of Active Compounds through Bioassay-Guided Isolation
Authors: Tsai Tzung-Hsun , Huang Wen-Cheng , Ying How-Ting , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Shen Chien-Chang , Lin Yin-Ku , Tsai Po-Jung
Published: April 2016

Porphyromonas gingivalis has been identified as one of the major periodontal pathogens. Activity-directed fractionation and purification processes were employed to identify the anti-inflammatory active compounds using heat-killed P. gingivalis-stimulated human monocytic THP-1 cells in vitro. Five major fractions were collected from the ethanol/ethyl acetate extract of wild bitter melon (Momordica charantia Linn. var. abbreviata Ser.) leaves and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity against P. gingivalis. Among the test fractions, Fraction 5 effectively decreased heat-killed P. gingivalis-induced interleukin (IL)-8 and was subjected to separation and purification by using chromatographic techniques. Two cucurbitane triterpenoids were isolated from the active fraction and identified as 5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3β,19,25-triol (1) and 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23-dien-19-al (2) by comparing spectral data. Treatments of both compounds in vitro potently suppressed P. gingivalis-induced IL-8, IL-6, and IL-1β levels and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in THP-1 cells. Both compounds effectively inhibited the mRNA levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in P. gingivalis-stimulated gingival tissue of mice. These findings imply that 5β,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3β,19,25-triol and 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23-dien-19-al could be used for the development of novel therapeutic approaches against P. gingivalis infections.
Letter to the Editor Re: Teoh SL et al., Nutrients 2016, 8, 57
Authors: Stewart Morgan
Published: April 2016

Dear Editor, We read with interest the recently published meta-analysis report titled “Chicken Essence for Cognitive Function Improvement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” by Teoh et al. [1] in Nutrients.[...]
Water Intake and Hydration Indices in Healthy European Adults: The European Hydration Research Study (EHRS)
Authors: Malisova Olga , Athanasatou Adelais , Pepa Alex , Husemann Marlien , Domnik Kirsten , Braun Hans , Mora-Rodriguez Ricardo , Ortega Juan , Fernandez-Elias Valentin , Kapsokefalou Maria
Published: April 2016

Hydration status is linked with health, wellness, and performance. We evaluated hydration status, water intake, and urine output for seven consecutive days in healthy adults. Volunteers living in Spain, Germany, or Greece (n = 573, 39 ± 12 years (51.1% males), 25.0 ± 4.6 kg/m2 BMI) participated in an eight-day study protocol. Total water intake was estimated from seven-day food and drink diaries. Hydration status was measured in urine samples collected over 24 h for seven days and in blood samples collected in fasting state on the mornings of days 1 and 8. Total daily water intake was 2.75 ± 1.01 L, water from beverages 2.10 ± 0.91 L, water from foods 0.66 ± 0.29 L. Urine parameters were: 24 h volume 1.65 ± 0.70 L, 24 h osmolality 631 ± 221 mOsmol/kg Η2Ο, 24 h specific gravity 1.017 ± 0.005, 24 h excretion of sodium 166.9 ± 54.7 mEq, 24 h excretion of potassium 72.4 ± 24.6 mEq, color chart 4.2 ± 1.4. Predictors for urine osmolality were age, country, gender, and BMI. Blood indices were: haemoglobin concentration 14.7 ± 1.7 g/dL, hematocrit 43% ± 4% and serum osmolality 294 ± 9 mOsmol/kg Η2Ο. Daily water intake was higher in summer (2.8 ± 1.02 L) than in winter (2.6 ± 0.98 L) (p = 0.019). Water intake was associated negatively with urine specific gravity, urine color, and urine sodium and potassium concentrations (p < 0.01). Applying urine osmolality cut-offs, approximately 60% of participants were euhydrated and 20% hyperhydrated or dehydrated. Most participants were euhydrated, but a substantial number of people (40%) deviated from a normal hydration level.
Combining L- and X-Band SAR Interferometry to Assess Ground Displacements in Heterogeneous Coastal Environments: The Po River Delta and Venice Lagoon, Italy
Authors: Tosi Luigi , Da Lio Cristina , Strozzi Tazio , Teatini Pietro
Published: April 2016

From leveling to SAR-based interferometry, the monitoring of land subsidence in coastal transitional environments significantly improved. However, the simultaneous assessment of the ground movements in these peculiar environments is still challenging. This is due to the presence of relatively small built-up zones and infrastructures, e.g., coastal infrastructures, bridges, and river embankments, within large natural or rural lands, e.g., river deltas, lagoons, and farmland. In this paper we present a multi-band SAR methodology to integrate COSMO-SkyMed and ALOS-PALSAR images. The method consists of a proper combination of the very high-resolution X-band Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI), which achieves high-density and precise measurements on single structures and constructed areas, with L-band Short-Baseline SAR Interferometry (SBAS), properly implemented to raise its effectiveness in retrieving information in vegetated and wet zones. The combined methodology is applied on the Po River Delta and Venice coastland, Northern Italy, using 16 ALOS-PALSAR and 31 COSMO-SkyMed images covering the period between 2007 and 2011. After a proper calibration of the single PSI and SBAS solution using available GPS records, the datasets have been combined at both the regional and local scales. The measured displacements range from ~0 mm/yr down to −35 mm/yr. The results reveal the variable pattern of the subsidence characterizing the more natural and rural environments without losing the accuracy in quantifying the sinking of urban areas and infrastructures. Moreover, they allow improving the interpretation of the natural and anthropogenic processes responsible for the ongoing subsidence.
VANET Clustering Based Routing Protocol Suitable for Deserts
Authors: Mohammed Nasr Mohammed , Abdelgader Abdeldime , Wang Zhi-Gong , Shen Lian-Feng
Published: April 2016

In recent years, there has emerged applications of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) towards security, safety, rescue, exploration, military and communication redundancy systems in non-populated areas, besides its ordinary use in urban environments as an essential part of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). This paper proposes a novel algorithm for the process of organizing a cluster structure and cluster head election (CHE) suitable for VANETs. Moreover, it presents a robust clustering-based routing protocol, which is appropriate for deserts and can achieve high communication efficiency, ensuring reliable information delivery and optimal exploitation of the equipment on each vehicle. A comprehensive simulation is conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed CHE and routing algorithms.
Cutting State Diagnosis for Shearer through the Vibration of Rocker Transmission Part with an Improved Probabilistic Neural Network
Authors: Si Lei , Wang Zhongbin , Liu Xinhua , Tan Chao , Zhang Lin
Published: April 2016

In order to achieve more accurate and reliable identification of shearer cutting state, this paper employs the vibration of rocker transmission part and proposes a diagnosis method based on a probabilistic neural network (PNN) and fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA). The original FOA is modified with a multi-swarm strategy to enhance the search performance and the modified FOA is utilized to optimize the smoothing parameters of the PNN. The vibration signals of rocker transmission part are decomposed by the ensemble empirical mode decomposition and the Kullback-Leibler divergence is used to choose several appropriate components. Forty-five features are extracted to estimate the decomposed components and original signal, and the distance-based evaluation approach is employed to select a subset of state-sensitive features by removing the irrelevant features. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated via the simulation studies of shearer cutting state diagnosis and the comparison results indicate that the proposed method outperforms the competing methods in terms of diagnosis accuracy.
Investigation of Atmospheric Effects on Retrieval of Sun-Induced Fluorescence Using Hyperspectral Imagery
Authors: Ni Zhuoya , Liu Zhigang , Li Zhao-Liang , Nerry Françoise , Huo Hongyuan , Sun Rui , Yang Peiqi , Zhang Weiwei
Published: April 2016

Significant research progress has recently been made in estimating fluorescence in the oxygen absorption bands, however, quantitative retrieval of fluorescence data is still affected by factors such as atmospheric effects. In this paper, top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance is generated by the MODTRAN 4 and SCOPE models. Based on simulated data, sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the sensitivities of four indicators—depth_absorption_band, depth_nofs-depth_withfs, radiance and Fs/radiance—to atmospheric parameters (sun zenith angle (SZA), sensor height, elevation, visibility (VIS) and water content) in the oxygen absorption bands. The results indicate that the SZA and sensor height are the most sensitive parameters and that variations in these two parameters result in large variations calculated as the variation value/the base value in the oxygen absorption depth in the O2-A and O2-B bands (111.4% and 77.1% in the O2-A band; and 27.5% and 32.6% in the O2-B band, respectively). A comparison of fluorescence retrieval using three methods (Damm method, Braun method and DOAS) and SCOPE Fs indicates that the Damm method yields good results and that atmospheric correction can improve the accuracy of fluorescence retrieval. Damm method is the improved 3FLD method but considering atmospheric effects. Finally, hyperspectral airborne images combined with other parameters (SZA, VIS and water content) are exploited to estimate fluorescence using the Damm method and 3FLD method. The retrieval fluorescence is compared with the field measured fluorescence, yielding good results (R2 = 0.91 for Damm vs. SCOPE SIF; R2 = 0.65 for 3FLD vs. SCOPE SIF). Five types of vegetation, including ailanthus, elm, mountain peach, willow and Chinese ash, exhibit consistent associations between the retrieved fluorescence and field measured fluorescence.
Data Collection for Mobile Group Consumption: An Asynchronous Distributed Approach
Authors: Zhu Weiping , Chen Weiran , Hu Zhejie , Li Zuoyou , Liang Yue , Chen Jiaojiao
Published: April 2016

Mobile group consumption refers to consumption by a group of people, such as a couple, a family, colleagues and friends, based on mobile communications. It differs from consumption only involving individuals, because of the complex relations among group members. Existing data collection systems for mobile group consumption are centralized, which has the disadvantages of being a performance bottleneck, having single-point failure and increasing business and security risks. Moreover, these data collection systems are based on a synchronized clock, which is often unrealistic because of hardware constraints, privacy concerns or synchronization cost. In this paper, we propose the first asynchronous distributed approach to collecting data generated by mobile group consumption. We formally built a system model thereof based on asynchronous distributed communication. We then designed a simulation system for the model for which we propose a three-layer solution framework. After that, we describe how to detect the causality relation of two/three gathering events that happened in the system based on the collected data. Various definitions of causality relations based on asynchronous distributed communication are supported. Extensive simulation results show that the proposed approach is effective for data collection relating to mobile group consumption.
Building-Related Symptoms, Energy, and Thermal Control in the Workplace: Personal and Open Plan Offices
Authors: Shahzad Sally , Brennan John , Theodossopoulos Dimitris , Hughes Ben , Calautit John
Published: April 2016

This study compared building-related symptoms in personal and open plan offices, where high and low levels of control over the thermal environment were provided, respectively. The individualized approach in Norway provided every user with a personal office, where they had control over an openable window, door, blinds, and thermostat. In contrast, the open plan case studies in the United Kingdom provided control over openable windows and blinds only for limited occupants seated around the perimeter of the building, with users seated away from the windows having no means of environmental control. Air conditioning was deployed in the Norwegian case study buildings, while displacement ventilation and natural ventilation were utilized in the British examples. Field studies of thermal comfort were applied with questionnaires, environmental measurements, and interviews. Users’ health was better in the Norwegian model (28%), while the British model was much more energy efficient (up to 10 times). The follow-up interviews confirmed the effect of lack of thermal control on users’ health. A balanced appraisal was made of energy performance and users’ health between the two buildings.
The Deployment of Product-Related Environmental Legislation into Product Requirements
Authors: Pigosso Daniela , Ferraz Mariana , Teixeira Cláudia , Rozenfeld Henrique
Published: April 2016

Environmental legislation is increasingly changing its focus from manufacturing-oriented to product-oriented instruments. Compliance with product-related environmental legislation is achieved by the incorporation of environmental requirements into the early phases of the product development process (PDP). Nevertheless, the deployment of product-related environmental legislation into product requirements is still a challenge. This study followed an inductive approach to propose a guideline to support the identification, analysis and deployment of product requirements based on product-related environmental legislation. The guideline is composed of nine steps, clustered into three groups according to their main objective: (A) identification of environmental product-related legislation; (B) identification of legislative topics to be considered for the deployment of requirements; and (C) creation and validation of product requirements. The product requirements deployed are to be considered during the PDP. The guideline was evaluated in an expert consultation in a large manufacturing company, suggesting that it can be used to support the systematization and deployment of product-related environmental requirements.
Economic Sustainability of Organic Aloe Vera Farming in Greece under Risk and Uncertainty
Authors: Liontakis Angelos , Tzouramani Irene
Published: April 2016

During the last decade, an encouraging environment for the restructuring and modernization of the agricultural sector has formed in Greece. The diversification into higher-value crops can be a promising option for small and average-sized farms, particularly during the current economic crisis. One of the most promising alternative crops that have been recently established in Greece is the organic Aloe vera crop. The main advantage of this crop is that it can utilize poor farmlands and, therefore, can facilitate rural development in marginal areas. This study explores the economic sustainability of the Aloe vera crop, considering the embedded risk and uncertainty. The results indicate that organic aloe farming is a promising alternative to “traditional” crops in Greece, particularly for family farms in rural areas. In contrast, this activity is not advisable to the most entrepreneurial type of farmers, unless their crop size allows economies of scales. Finally, the Stochastic Efficiency with Respect to a Function (SERF) analysis associates farmers’ risk attitude with their willingness to be involved in organic Aloe vera farming. SERF analysis highlights the crucial role of farmers’ risk aversion and concludes that, above a certain level of risk aversion, farmers have no incentive to adopt this economic activity.
Wet Grasslands as a Green Infrastructure for Ecological Sustainability: Wader Conservation in Southern Sweden as a Case Study
Authors: Manton Michael , Angelstam Per , Milberg Per , Elbakidze Marine
Published: April 2016

Biosphere Reserves aim at being role models for biodiversity conservation. This study focuses on the unsuccessful conservation of waders (Charadrii) on wet grasslands in the Kristianstad Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve (KVBR) in southern Sweden. Predation on nests and young has been proposed as one reason contributing to the decline of waders. We explored this hypothesis by comparing two landscapes, one with declining (KVBR) and one with stable (Östergötland) wader populations on managed wet grasslands in southern Sweden. Specifically, we tested three predictions linked to predation on wader nests and young, namely that (1) the relative abundance of avian predators and waders; (2) the avian predator abundance; and (3) the predation rate on artificial wader nests, should all be higher in declining versus stable populations. All predictions were clearly supported. Nevertheless, predation may not be the ultimate factor causing wader population declines. We discuss the cumulative effects of landscape change linked to increased food resources for predators, reduced wet grassland patch size and quality. Holistic analyses of multiple wet grassland landscapes as social-ecological systems as case studies, including processes such as predation and other factors affecting waders, is a promising avenue towards collaborative learning for wet grasslands as a functional green infrastructure. However, if governance and management approaches can be improved is questionable without considerable investment in both ecological and social systems.
Effects of the Post-Spinal Cord Injury Microenvironment on the Differentiation Capacity of Human Neural Stem Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: López-Serrano Clara , Torres-Espín Abel , Hernández Joaquim , Alvarez-Palomo Ana B. , Requena Jordi , Gasull Xavier , Edel Michael J. , Navarro Xavier
Published: April 2016

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes loss of neural functions below the level of the lesion due to interruption of spinal pathways and secondary neurodegenerative processes. The transplant of neural stem cells (NSCs) is a promising approach for the repair of SCI. Reprogramming of adult somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is expected to provide an autologous source of iPSC-derived NSCs, avoiding the immune response as well as ethical issues. However, there is still limited information on the behavior and differentiation pattern of transplanted iPSC-derived NSCs within the damaged spinal cord. We transplanted iPSC-derived NSCs, obtained from adult human somatic cells, into rats at 0 or 7 days after SCI, and evaluated motor-evoked potentials and locomotion of the animals. We histologically analyzed engraftment, proliferation, and differentiation of the iPSC-derived NSCs and the spared tissue in the spinal cords at 7, 21, and 63 days posttransplant. Both transplanted groups showed a late decline in functional recovery compared to vehicle-injected groups. Histological analysis showed proliferation of transplanted cells within the tissue and that cells formed a mass. At the final time point, most grafted cells differentiated to neural and astroglial lineages, but not into oligodendrocytes, while some grafted cells remained undifferentiated and proliferative. The proinflammatory tissue microenviroment of the injured spinal cord induced proliferation of the grafted cells and, therefore, there are possible risks associated with iPSC-derived NSC transplantation. New approaches are needed to promote and guide cell differentiation, as well as reduce their tumorigenicity once the cells are transplanted at the lesion site.
Phase I–II Clinical Trial Assessing Safety and Efficacy of Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cell Transplant Therapy of Chronic Complete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhu Hui , Poon Waisang , Liu Yansheng , Leung Gilberto Ka-Kit , Wong Yatwa , Feng Yaping , Ng Stephanie C. P. , Tsang Kam Sze , Sun David T. F. , Yeung David K. , Shen Caihong , Niu Fang , Xu Zhexi , Tan Pengju , Tang Shaofeng , Gao Hongkun , Cha Yun , So Kwok-Fai , Fleischaker Robert , Sun Dongming , Chen John , Lai Jan , Cheng Wendy , Young Wise
Published: April 2016

Umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cell (UCB-MNC) transplants improve recovery in animal spinal cord injury (SCI) models. We transplanted UCB-MNCs into 28 patients with chronic complete SCI in Hong Kong (HK) and Kunming (KM). Stemcyte Inc. donated UCB-MNCs isolated from human leukocyte antigen (HLA ≥4:6)-matched UCB units. In HK, four patients received four 4-μl injections (1.6 million cells) into dorsal entry zones above and below the injury site, and another four received 8-μl injections (3.2 million cells). The eight patients were an average of 13 years after C5-T10 SCI. Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging of five patients showed white matter gaps at the injury site before treatment. Two patients had fiber bundles growing across the injury site by 12 months, and the rest had narrower white matter gaps. Motor, walking index of SCI (WISCI), and spinal cord independence measure (SCIM) scores did not change. In KM, five groups of four patients received four 4-μl (1.6 million cells), 8-μl (3.2 million cells), 16-μl injections (6.4 million cells), 6.4 million cells plus 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone (MP), or 6.4 million cells plus MP and a 6-week course of oral lithium carbonate (750 mg/day). KM patients averaged 7 years after C3-T11 SCI and received 3–6 months of intensive locomotor training. Before surgery, only two patients walked 10 m with assistance and did not need assistance for bladder or bowel management before surgery. The rest could not walk or do their bladder and bowel management without assistance. At about a year (41–87 weeks), WISCI and SCIM scores improved: 15/20 patients walked 10 m ( p = 0.001) and 12/20 did not need assistance for bladder management ( p = 0.001) or bowel management ( p = 0.002). Five patients converted from complete to incomplete (two sensory, three motor; p = 0.038) SCI. We conclude that UCB-MNC transplants and locomotor training improved WISCI and SCIM scores. We propose further clinical trials.
PDGF Facilitates Direct Lineage Reprogramming of Hepatocytes to Functional β-Like Cells Induced by Pdx1 and Ngn3
Authors: Chang Fang-Pei , Cho Candy Hsin-Hua , Shen Chia-Rui , Chien Chiao-Yun , Ting Ling-Wen , Lee Hsuan-Shu , Shen Chia-Ning
Published: April 2016

Islet transplantation has been proven to be an effective treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes, but a lack of islet donors limits the use of transplantation therapies. It has been previously demonstrated that hepatocytes can be converted into insulin-producing β-like cells by introducing pancreatic transcription factors, indicating that direct hepatocyte reprogramming holds potential as a treatment for diabetes. However, the efficiency at which functional β-cells can be derived from hepatocyte reprogramming remains low. Here we demonstrated that the combination of Pdx1 and Ngn3 can trigger reprogramming of mouse and human liver cells to insulin-producing cells that exhibit the characteristics of pancreatic β-cells. Treatment with PDGF-AA was found to facilitate Pdx1 and Ngn3-induced reprogramming of hepatocytes to β-like cells with the ability to secrete insulin in response to glucose stimulus. Importantly, this reprogramming strategy could be applied to adult mouse primary hepatocytes, and the transplantation of β-like cells derived from primary hepatocyte reprogramming could ameliorate hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. These findings support the possibility of developing transplantation therapies for type 1 diabetes through the use of β-like cells derived from autologous hepatocyte reprogramming.
The Augmented Convention Offering: The Impact of Destination and Product Images on Attendees' Perceived Benefits
Authors: Mody Makarand , Gordon Susan , Lehto Xinran , So Siu-Ian(Amy) , Li Mimi
Published: April 2016

In order to benefit from the significant dual spending of meetings, incentives, conventions/conferences, exhibitions/events (MICE) attendees, destination marketers have attempted to identify key success criteria that enable increased convention and exhibition participation. Given the significant growth of the MICE industry in Asia, this study examines the role of destination and product images on Chinese attendees' perceptions of the benefits acquired through convention and exhibition participation in the regions of Macau and Hong Kong. Data were collected using an intercept survey and a systematic random sampling procedure. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test a model that integrates two strands of literature from the fields of marketing and international business: Product–Country Image (PCI) and the Augmented Service Offering (ASO). Results show that a favorable overall destination image positively impacts the image of the MICE product of the destination, which, in turn, leads to a greater perception of personal and professional benefit acquisition. Based on these findings, the authors propose the Augmented MICE Offering as a theoretical framework that can serve as a foundation for more comprehensive inquiry into the decision-making process of the MICE attendee and postattendance behavioral impacts. The study also provides important positioning and communication implications for MICE destinations.
Mobilities for Tourism Studies and "beyond": A Polemic
Authors: Doering Adam , Duncan Tara
Published: April 2016

This article offers a polemic directed against the largely unchallenged incorporation of mobilities within tourism studies. The mobilities paradigm may offer many constructive insights for the field of tourism; however, this article argues that the concept has been received rather uncritically
by tourism scholarship and needs further critical appraisal. As a polemic, the article is designed to invite reaction as well as offer a counterpoint for those who may also feel uncomfortable with the seemingly "natural" progression from tourism studies to tourism mobilities. The aim of the
article is twofold: first to open up a more nuanced debate of the philosophical stakes of mobilities for tourism studies, and second to renew the question and explore different possibilities of what constitutes a mobile philosophy today. By critically examining the paradox underpinning mobilities'
ambition to "stabilize a world on the move" and closely interrogating the literature suggesting the paradigm shift signals "the end of tourism," the article explores how a nuanced rereading of the philosophical stakes of mobilities ultimately signals a return to tourism studies rather than
moving "beyond" it. The article concludes by opening up a creative, destabilizing, and pluralizing mobile philosophy for tourism and mobility scholarship to consider.
Competitive Determinance–performance Analysis: An Illustration on Turkish Winter Tourism Destinations
Authors: Erbas Emre
Published: April 2016

Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) is accepted as a simple and substantial technique that enables decision makers in prioritizing the competitiveness needs of tourism destinations over and above enhancing products and services in general. Unfortunately, the prioritization based
on only importance could be misleading when the competitiveness analysis included in IPA. To resolve this issue, a revised IPA, namely Competitive Determinance–Performance Analysis (CDPA), which is a combination of Attribute–Determinance Analysis (ADA), Analytic Hierarchy Process
(AHP), and IPA is presented. A Turkish winter sports destination case is presented to illustrate the implementation of the proposed CDPA. The results of this case study illustrate reliable and precise action directions using CDPA, which empowers destination decision makers to gain a competitive
advantage compared to their competitors. CDPA is appropriate not only for tourism but also for other areas of management or marketing of a product or service.
A practical way to synthesize chiral fluoro-containing polyhydro-2H-chromenes from monoterpenoids
Authors: Mikhalchenko Oksana S , Korchagina Dina V , Volcho Konstantin P , Salakhutdinov Nariman F
Published: April 2016

Conditions enabling the single-step preparative synthesis of chiral 4-fluoropolyhydro-2H-chromenes in good yields through a reaction between monoterpenoid alcohols with para-menthane skeleton and aldehydes were developed for the first time. The BF3·Et2O/H2O system is used both as a catalyst and as a fluorine source. The reaction can involve aliphatic aldehydes as well as aromatic aldehydes containing various acceptor and donor substituents. 4-Hydroxyhexahydro-2H-chromenes were demonstrated to be capable of converting to 4-fluorohexahydro-2H-chromenes under the developed conditions, the reaction occurs with inversion of configuration.
DETECTION OF LINEARLY POLARIZED 6.9 mm CONTINUUM EMISSION FROM THE CLASS 0 YOUNG STELLAR OBJECT NGC 1333 IRAS4A
Authors: Liu Hauyu Baobab , Lai Shih-Ping , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Hirano Naomi , Rao Ramprasad , Li I-Hsiu , Fukagawa Misato , Girart Josep M. , Carrasco-González Carlos , Rodríguez Luis F.
Published: April 2016

We report new Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA),

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angular resolution observations of linearly polarized continuum emission at 6.9 mm, toward the class 0 young stellar object NGC 1333 IRAS4A. This target source is a collapsing dense molecular core that  was resolved at short wavelengths to have an hourglass shaped B-field configuration. We compare these 6.9 mm observations with previous polarization Submillimeter Array observations at 0.88 mm, which have a comparable angular resolution (∼

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). We find that at the same resolution, the observed polarization position angles at 6.9 mm are slightly deviated from those observed at 0.88 mm. Due to the lower optical depth of the emission at 6.9 mm, and the potential effect of dust grain growth, the new JVLA observations are likely probing B-field alignments in regions interior to those sampled by the previous polarization observations at higher frequencies. Our understanding can be improved with more sensitive observations, and with observations for the more extended spatial scales.
THE ROLE OF THE DIFFUSIVE PROTONS IN THE GAMMA-RAY EMISSION OF SUPERNOVA REMNANT RX J1713.7–3946—A TWO-ZONE MODEL
Authors: Zhang(張瀟) Xiao , Chen(陳陽) Yang
Published: April 2016

RX J1713.7−3946 is a prototype in the γ-ray-bright supernova remnants (SNRs) and is in continuing debates on its hadronic versus leptonic origin of the γ-ray emission. We explore the role played by the diffusive relativistic protons that escape from the SNR shock wave in the γ-ray emission, apart from the high-energy particles’ emission from the inside of the SNR. In the scenario that the SNR shock propagates in a clumpy molecular cavity, we consider that the γ-ray emission from the inside of the SNR may arise either from the inverse Compton scattering or from the interaction between the trapped energetic protons and the shocked clumps. The dominant origin between them depends on the electron-to-proton number ratio. The diffusive protons that escaped from the shock wave during the expansion history can provide an outer hadronic γ-ray component by bombarding the surrounding dense matter. The broadband spectrum can be well explained by this two-zone model, in which the γ-ray emission from the inside governs the TeV band, while the outer emission component substantially contributes to the GeV γ-rays. The two-zone model can also explain the TeV γ-ray radial brightness profile that significantly stretches beyond the nonthermal X-ray-emitting region. In the calculation, we present a simplified algorithm for Li & Chen's “accumulative diffusion” model for escaping protons and apply the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method to constrain the physical parameters.
THE NEW HORIZONS SOLAR WIND AROUND PLUTO (SWAP) OBSERVATIONS OF THE SOLAR WIND FROM 11–33 au
Authors: Elliott H. A. , McComas D. J. , Valek P. , Nicolaou G. , Weidner S. , Livadiotis G.
Published: April 2016

The Solar Wind Around Pluto (SWAP) instrument on National Aeronautics and Space Administration's New Horizons Pluto mission has collected solar wind observations en route from Earth to Pluto, and these observations continue beyond Pluto. Few missions have explored the solar wind in the outer heliosphere making this dataset a critical addition to the field. We created a forward model of SWAP count rates, which includes a comprehensive instrument response function based on laboratory and flight calibrations. By fitting the count rates with this model, the proton density (n), speed (V), and temperature (T) parameters are determined. Comparisons between SWAP parameters and both propagated 1 au observations and prior Voyager 2 observations indicate consistency in both the range and mean wind values. These comparisons as well as our additional findings confirm that small and midsized solar wind structures are worn down with increasing distance due to dynamic interaction of parcels of wind with different speed. For instance, the T–V relationship steepens, as the range in V is limited more than the range in T with distance. At times the T–V correlation clearly breaks down beyond 20 au, which may indicate wind currently expanding and cooling may have an elevated T reflecting prior heating and compression in the inner heliosphere. The power of wind parameters at shorter periodicities decreases with distance as the longer periodicities strengthen. The solar rotation periodicity is present in temperature beyond 20 au indicating the observed parcel temperature may reflect not only current heating or cooling, but also heating occurring closer to the Sun.
A COMPUTER-GENERATED VISUAL MORPHOLOGY CATALOG OF ∼3,000,000 SDSS GALAXIES
Authors: Kuminski Evan , Shamir Lior
Published: April 2016

We have applied computer analysis to classify the broad morphological types of ∼3 · 106 Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) galaxies. For each galaxy, the catalog provides the DR8 object ID, the R.A., the decl., and the certainty for the automatic classification as either spiral or elliptical. The certainty of the classification allows us to control the accuracy of a subset of galaxies by sacrificing some of the least certain classifications. The accuracy of the catalog was tested using galaxies that were classified by the manually annotated Galaxy Zoo catalog. The results show that the catalog contains ∼900,000 spiral galaxies and ∼600,000 elliptical galaxies with classification certainty that has a statistical agreement rate of ∼98% with the Galaxy Zoo debiased “superclean” data set. The catalog also shows that objects assigned by the SDSS pipeline with a relatively high redshift (z > 0.4) can have clear visual spiral morphology. The catalog can be downloaded at http://vfacstaff.ltu.edu/lshamir/data/morph_catalog. The image analysis software that was used to create the catalog is also publicly available.
L’innovation frugale : une nouvelle opportunité pour les économies en développement ?
Authors: Haudeville Bernard , Le Bas Christian
Published: April 2016

L’apparition de nouveaux types d’innovations originaires des pays émergents ou des pays en développement, plus économes en ressources et plus abordables pour les populations situées au bas de l’échelle des revenus pose la question de savoir s’il s’agit d’évènements individuels ou d’un nouveau modèle d’innovation qui aurait vocation à se répandre, y compris dans les pays avancés. Nous examinons, ensuite, les conséquences de la diffusion de ce modèle sur l’avantage compétitif des firmes des pays les plus avancés reposant sur l’importance du stock de connaissances accumulées et en tirons les enseignements concernant les opportunités nouvelles qui en découlent pour les pays émergents ou les pays en développement.
L’innovation inverse : clarification conceptuelle et essai d’évaluation quantitative
Authors: Laurens Patricia , Le Bas Christian
Published: April 2016

Cet article présente une revue de littérature traitant de l’innovation inverse. Il met l’accent sur sa définition, ses implications pour l’internationalisation de la recherche-développement et ses enjeux stratégiques pour le management de l’innovation globale. Le poids de la faible croissance comme déterminant non négligeable est aussi envisagé. On propose une méthodologie basée sur le recours aux citations de brevets pour apprécier l’échelle et la variété des innovations inverses. En prenant le cas des brevets de l’Inde, on montre l’existence de deux schémas de l’innovation inverse : 1) celui initié par une firme du Sud (des entreprises de pharmacie en Inde) ; 2) celui porté par des firmes multinationales présentes dans le Sud (les leaders des technologies électronique et informatique implantés en Inde).
Protagonisme et crises politiques
Authors: Deluermoz Quentin , Gobille Boris
Published: April 2016

Conçu comme une introduction au dossier thématique, cet article revient sur la notion de « protagonisme » forgée par l’historien Haim Burstin à propos de la Révolution française. Il en présente les spécificités, ainsi que la manière dont elle condense des déplacements significatifs dans l’analyse des crises politiques et des révolutions. Tester cette proposition historienne sur des terrains et des disciplines variés permet de se livrer à un exercice original d’interdisciplinarité et de mesurer la fécondité du regard que la notion invite à porter sur un enjeu central des conjonctures critiques : leur capacité à transformer les individus en acteurs de l’Histoire, et la contribution de ceux-ci à la dynamique des événements. La présentation des contributions est l’occasion de dresser un premier bilan. Il apparaît que la notion permet de revisiter des dimensions nodales des moments critiques, qui tiennent aux temporalités qui sont en jeu, aux fabriques instables et processuelles de la légitimité, au rôle des affects dans les conduites, au travail de signification opéré par des collectifs organisés. Des compléments semblent toutefois nécessaires pour la rendre plus opératoire encore, tels que la prise en compte des régimes politiques, des cultures temporelles, des précédents historiques, des cycles de répertoires protestataires et des formes d’invisibilisation collective. Au-delà, cette expérience rappelle certains des enjeux toujours vifs qui se posent à l’analyse, comme celui de la comparaison, et en suggère d’autres, comme celui des frontières parfois brouillées entre l’ordinaire et l’extraordinaire.
Les acteurs des guerres de Religion furent-ils des protagonistes ?
Authors: Foa Jérémie
Published: April 2016

Cet article interroge les principaux éléments de la notion de « protagonisme » à la lumière des guerres de Religion françaises : s’il n’y eut pas, durant la période (1562-1598), de révolutions à proprement parler, on peut enquêter sur les nombreuses situations critiques, les prises de villes, les massacres ainsi que sur l’inflation des témoignages pour interroger la participation des acteurs ordinaires à une situation extraordinaire. L’article se demande ce qui empêche – car tel est le problème – les personnes de la fin du XVI e  siècle de pleinement revendiquer une action sur l’histoire et d’assumer une participation active et fière à la myriade d’événements qui traversent les guerres de Religion.
L’exercice collectif du pouvoir discrétionnaire
Authors: Weill Pierre-Edouard
Published: April 2016

Cet article analyse l’exercice collectif du pouvoir discrétionnaire, à travers le cas des commissions de médiation départementales Droit au logement opposable (DALO). Ces instances collégiales rassemblent différents acteurs des politiques locales de l’habitat pour sélectionner les situations « prioritaires et urgentes » parmi celles des individus qui engagent une procédure de recours à la justice administrative afin d’accéder à un logement adapté. L’interprétation collégiale de la Loi DALO, qui offre explicitement une marge de manœuvre, s’inscrit dans des rapports de force sectoriels et localisés qu’elle affecte en retour. Étudier l’ancrage social et les ressources inégales des membres des commissions DALO selon les organisations qu’ils représentent permet de mieux saisir leurs logiques de fonctionnement. La qualification de la situation des demandeurs de logement apparaît alors comme le résultat d’un processus sans cesse renouvelé d’ajustement d’intérêts opposés et inégalement représentés vers des critères en partie extra-juridiques. Orienté par des considérations morales ou économiques en contradiction avec l’« esprit de la Loi », le tri des ayants droit n’en revêt pas moins un caractère légal, qui légitime un ciblage croissant de l’attribution de logements sociaux.
Pour un corps imaginant
Authors: Lesage Benoît
Published: April 2016

Considérer le statut du corps dans une perspective d’étayage, repositionne la question de la somatisation, qui ne se tient plus exclusivement du côté de l’organique. Le niveau locomoteur n’est plus alors limité à une fonction effectrice. La tonicité, la construction posturale, le geste, sont la substance même de notre identification, de notre maillage relationnel et expressif. Le corps s’impose comme matrice, support poïétique. Sa banalisation dans une instrumentation – dé- subjectivée –, avec ses corrélats tonico-posturaux et gestuels, peut être comprise comme un premier niveau de somatisation, une première barrière avant que ne s’enclenchent des processus organiques.