bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From vaccines and in vitro diagnosis reagents to similar biotherapeutics production in Brazil: A case study
Authors: de Pádua Risolia Barbosa Antonio , Homma Akira , Couto Artur Roberto , de Farias Teles Elaine Maria
Published: July 2015

This article describes the technological trajectory of the Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals (Bio-Manguinhos) of a public institution (Fiocruz) linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, showing how it affected the learning process and the technological capabilities accumulation. It also tackled the government policies to stimulate the local production of similar biotherapeutics through the productive development partnerships, and the regulatory framework involved in this process. Bio-Manguinhos was created in the second half of 1976 aiming to supply the Brazilian National Program of Immunizatio (NPI) created in 1973, by organizing an incipient vaccine production done in several different research laboratories of Fiocruz. Since then, through different types of technology agreements and maintaining the investments on intrinsic technological development, the Institute had an extraordinary growth. Today it is responsible for more than 60% of the vaccines distributed to the Brazilian population, supplies diagnostic kits for several public programs and became an innovative organization launching high-tech kits intrinsically developed. In 2006, Bio-Manguinhos entered the biopharmaceutical field and is becoming the vanguard production in the country for different types of treatment covered by the government. This paper also shows the public health policies that focus to induce the local biological production by stimulating partnerships between public and private companies, the impact of the local production and the changes in the regulatory environment to follow the new scenario. Through different types of technology agreements, Bio-Manguinhos today produces more than 100 million doses of vaccines, including technologically complex ones as streptococcus pneumonia 10 valent. The technological trajectory of the in vitro diagnosis tests was similar to the vaccines, whereas the institute began supplying to the ministry of health programs tests produced in old technological platforms and then became an innovative organization launching high-tech products. Through this case it is possible to realize the learning process as well as the technological capabilities accumulation of Bio-Manguinhos.
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in US Hospitals
Authors: Hughes Vergie
Published: July 2015

To combat the worldwide decline in breastfeeding rates, the World Health Organization and UNICEF launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in 1991. Using the Ten Steps to Breastfeeding Success, hospitals are improving their policies and procedures that will ensure a successful start to breastfeeding. Despite the overwhelming research evidence on the efficacy of breastmilk and breastfeeding, hospitals have difficulty implementing all of the steps to optimally support the initiation of breastfeeding. This article is an overview of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in the United States.
Direct and immune-mediated cytotoxicity of interleukin-21 contributes to antitumor effects in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Bhatt Shruti , Matthews Julie , Parvin Salma , Sarosiek Kristopher A. , Zhao Dekuang , Jiang Xiaoyu , Isik Elif , Letai Anthony , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: July 2015

Key Points

IL-21 activates IL-21R–dependent singling to mediate direct cytotoxicity of MCL cells. Indirect effects of IL-21 on immune effector cells also contribute to antitumor effects against MCL.
Quantitative detection of rare interphase chromosome breaks and translocations by high-throughput imaging
Authors: Burman Bharat , Misteli Tom , Pegoraro Gianluca
Published: July 2015

We report a method for the sensitive detection of rare chromosome breaks and translocations in interphase cells. HiBA-FISH (High-throughput break-apart FISH) combines high-throughput imaging with the measurement of the spatial separation of FISH probes flanking target genome regions of interest. As proof-of-principle, we apply hiBA-FISH to detect with high sensitivity and specificity rare chromosome breaks and translocations in the anaplastic large cell lymphoma breakpoint regions of NPM1 and ALK. This method complements existing approaches to detect translocations by overcoming the need for precise knowledge of translocation breakpoints and it extends traditional FISH by its quantitative nature.
Development of a novel imaging system for cell therapy in the brain
Authors: Micci Maria-Adelaide , Boone Debbie R. , Parsley Margaret A. , Wei Jingna , Patrikeev Igor , Motamedi Massoud , Hellmich Helen L.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Stem cells have been evaluated as a potential therapeutic approach for several neurological disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system as well as for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. Currently, the lack of a reliable and safe method to accurately and non-invasively locate the site of implantation and track the migration of stem cells in vivo hampers the development of stem cell therapy and its clinical application.

In this report, we present data that demonstrate the feasibility of using the human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) as a reporter gene for tracking neural stem cells (NSCs) after transplantation in the brain by using single-photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging.

Methods

NSCs were isolated from the hippocampus of adult rats (Hipp-NSCs) and transduced with a lentiviral vector containing the hNIS gene. Hipp-NSCs expressing the hNIS (NIS-Hipp-NSCs) were characterized in vitro and in vivo after transplantation in the rat brain and imaged by using technetium-99m (99mTc) and a small rodent SPECT/CT apparatus. Comparisons were made between Hipp-NSCs and NIS-Hipp-NSCs, and statistical analysis was performed by using two-tailed Student’s t test.

Results

Our results show that the expression of the hNIS allows the repeated visualization of NSCs in vivo in the brain by using SPECT/CT imaging and does not affect the ability of Hipp-NSCs to generate neuronal and glial cells in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

These data support the use of the hNIS as a reporter gene for non-invasive imaging of NSCs in the brain. The repeated, non-invasive tracking of implanted cells will accelerate the development of effective stem cell therapies for traumatic brain injury and other types of central nervous system injury.
Some fixed point theorems in b-metric-like spaces
Authors: Chen Chunfang , Dong Jian , Zhu Chuanxi
Published: July 2015

In this work, some fixed point and common fixed point theorems are investigated in b-metric-like spaces. Some of our results generalize related results in the literature. Also, some examples and an application to integral equation are given to support our main results.
Contested Surrogacy and the Gender Order: An Israeli Case Study
Authors: Birenbaum-Carmeli Daphna
Published: July 2015

Though greatly routinized over the past two decades, assisted reproductive technologies still invoke an occasional public debate around a dilemma that is constituted as unprecedented. This paper examines one such case that took place in Israel—that of a legal dispute between estranged partners over the right to have their fertilized eggs implanted in a surrogate mother's womb. The paper probes the political repercussions of the case in terms of the impact on the pronatalist local order and gender relations. It shows that certain subjects, mostly those of a more “ female” domestic character, received exceptional public attention and indeed called into question prevailing ideas and power relations. At the same time, in other contexts of the debate, the status quo was reaffirmed within an updated framework. On the whole, the dilemma at hand and the innovative options enabled by technology were largely contained within the established gender order. Still, the case did contribute, if modestly, to women's rights and autonomy. The paper's conclusion suggests that public debates regarding reproductive disruptions may become a vehicle for both patriarchal gender relations and social transformation.
Law status of “unrecognized states” and international-law doctrine of international recognition
Authors: Матвеева Татьяна , Matveeva Tatyana
Published: July 2015

The article explores phenomenon so called “unrecognized states” that have achieved “de facto” in-dependence and real act in international relations, but not have the status of sovereign states. The author analyses the main conceptions of international recognition and the problems of their real implications, reveals UN procedures as effective mechanisms of widespread international recognition of new states as “real subjects” of the international law system.
Will a Fat Tax Work?
Authors: Khan Romana , Misra Kanishka , Singh Vishal
Published: July 2015

Of the many proposals to reverse the obesity epidemic, the most contentious is the use of price-based interventions such as the fat tax. Previous investigations of the efficacy of such initiatives in altering consumption behavior yielded contradictory findings. In this article, we use six years of point-of-sale scanner data for milk from a sample of over 1,700 supermarkets across the United States to investigate the potential of small price incentives for inducing substitution of healthier alternatives. We exploit a pricing pattern particular to milk in the United States, whereby prices in some geographical regions are flat across whole, 2%, 1%, and skim milk; whereas in other regions they are decreasing with the fat content level. The prevailing price structure is determined at a chain and regional level, and is independent of local demand conditions. This exogenous variation in price structure provides a quasi-experimental set-up to analyze the impact of small price differences on substitution across fat content. We use detailed demographics to evaluate price sensitivity and substitution patterns for different socioeconomic groups. Results show that small price differences are highly effective in inducing substitution to lower calorie options. The impact is highest for low-income households who are also most at risk for obesity. Our results suggest that a selective taxation mechanism that lowers the relative prices of healthier options, such that those price changes are reflected in shelf prices at the point-of-purchase, can serve as an effective health policy tool in the efforts to control obesity.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2015.0917 .

Press Release
Amazing ants
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: July 2015

This is the second article in a series about the insects that share our gardens, parks, playgrounds and sometimes our homes. In this issue Lynne Garner offers a range of activities inspired by ants.
Estudo comparativo de controladores de Mamdani e Sugeno para controle de tráfego em interseções isoladas
Authors: Andrade Michelle , Prudêncio Jaques Maria Alice
Published: July 2015

Na definição de um controlador

 

fuzzy que modele o conhecimento do especialista e promova o controle desejado de um determinado sistema, o projetista precisa selecionar, inicialmente, o tipo básico de controlador a ser projetado. Isto é, precisa definir se o controlador será do tipo proposto por Mamdani ou Sugeno. Na literatura são encontrados controladores semafóricos fuzzy dos dois tipos sem que, no entanto, referência seja feita às razões que levaram à adoção de um tipo em detrimento do outro. Visando cobrir essa lacuna, este trabalho analisa as principais características dos dois tipos de controladores, e compara as respostas e os efeitos dos mesmos no controle de diferentes volumes de tráfego em uma interseção isolada. Os resultados mostram que o controlador de Sugeno apresenta nítidas vantagens sobre o de Mamdani para a aplicação considerada.
Transportes no Brasil: que história contar?
Authors: Aragão Joaquim José Guilherme de , Lima Neto Oswaldo , Brasileiro Anísio , Santos Enilson Medeiros dos , Senna José Menezes , Orrico Filho Rômulo Dante
Published: July 2015

O presente trabalho se propõe a desenvolver uma abordagem historiográfica com vistas a contribuir para o entendimento da história dos transportes no Brasil. Inicialmente, desenham-se considerações gerais sobre o ofício de historiar os transportes, de modo a que possam ser úteis para a compreensão das origens e do desenvolvimento do setor. Em seguida, tentamos demonstrar a complexidade dos transportes enquanto fenômeno histórico, e que pontes devem ser colocadas entre a história dos transportes e a história política, econômica e social mais abrangente, sobretudo no que concerne ao desenvolvimento espacial da sociedade. A partir dessa discussão metodológica, apresenta-se uma metodologia aplicada à historiografia dos transportes. Em seguida, aplica-se a metodologia através da definição de uma tipologia de fatos históricos relevantes, com vistas a dotar a análise historiográfica de uma maior consistência analítica.
Development of expectations about psychological counseling scale
Authors: Lüleci Burcu , Soylu Yağmur , Canbulat Nergis
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study is to develop a scale to determine university students' expectations about counseling. The sample of the study consists of 344 university students (231 women-113 men), who are studying at Ege University. During the scale development process, a draft form with 85 items has been formed based on the literature review. Explanatory factor analysis using varimax rotation has resulted in a four factor structure with 23 items.  The four factor structure of the scale has been tested by confirmatory factor analysis and the results have verified the factor structure of the scale. Item-total regression values and Cronbach Alpha coefficients have been calculated to examine the reliability of the scale. In conclusion, the results of this study have provided preliminary support for the psychometric properties of the Expectations about Counseling Scale and the scale can be used for measuring university students' expectations regarding psychological counseling support.
Dystrophin and the two related genetic diseases, Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies
Authors: Le Rumeur Elisabeth
Published: July 2015

Mutations of the dystrophin DMD gene, essentially deletions of one or several exons, are the cause of two devastating and to date incurable diseases, Duchenne (DMD) and Becker (BMD) muscular dystrophies. Depending upon the preservation or not of the reading frame, dystrophin is completely absent in DMD, or present in either a mutated or a truncated form in BMD. DMD is a severe disease which leads to a premature death of the patients. Therapy approaches are evolving with the aim to transform the severe DMD in the BMD form of the disease by restoring the expression of a mutated or truncated dystrophin. These therapies are based on the assumption that BMD is a mild disease. However, this is not completely true as BMD patients are more or less severely affected and no molecular basis of this heterogeneity of the BMD form of the disease is yet understood. The aim of this review is to report for the correlation between dystrophin structures in BMD deletions in view of this heterogeneity and to emphasize that examining BMD patients in details is highly relevant to anticipate for DMD therapy effects.
Capacitance Effects in Porous Media.
Authors: Jasti J. K. , Vaidya R. N. , Fogler H. S.
Published: July 2015

The velocity dependence of the parameters in the Coats-Smith model for tracer dispersion and tailing in porous media was investigated in this study. An axisymmetric pore with a step change in cross sectional area was used as a model system to determine whether the stagnant zone arising due to the variations in flow cross sections contribute to the observed capacitance (i.e. tailing) at the pore level. Numerical simulations show that eddies with recirculation flow are formed in the pockets due to flow separation. The tracer transport between the eddies in the dead zones and the main channel was found to be diffusion limited. The simulations reveal that in the Stokes' flow regime the mass transfer coefficient between the two regions is independent of interstitial velocity.

Core flood experiments were performed using radioactive tracers to verify the hypothesis that the capcitance effects are not due to a change in flowing fraction. The experimental results confirm that tracer tailing is a function of the ratio of the molecular diffusivity to the flow rate. In light of these findings, we investigated the validity of the Coats-Smith model to predict dispersion and tailing in porous medium. Our studies indicate that the Coats-Smith model may be used, however, certain restrictions apply to the procedure for estimation of parameters and are described in this paper.
Forest disturbance effects on snow and water yield in interior British Columbia
Authors: Winkler Rita , Spittlehouse Dave , Boon Sarah , Zimonick Barbara
Published: July 2015

Long-term studies at Mayson Lake (ML) and Upper Penticton Creek (UPC) in British Columbia's southern interior quantify snow-dominated hydrologic response to natural disturbances and logging. Following natural disturbance at ML, changes in snow accumulation related directly to mountain pine beetle attack were measurable by the fifth year following attack, when canopy transmittance had increased 24% due to needlefall. In year 1, April 1 snow water equivalent (SWE) was 48% higher in the clearcut than in the pine forest. This difference was reduced to 23% by year 8. A 3-year lag in snow response was also observed in a nearby burned stand where SWE was on average 27 and 59% higher in the clearcut than in the burn and forest, respectively. At UPC, April 1 SWE averaged 12% more and 12% less in a low and high elevation clearcut than forest, respectively, and snow disappeared ∼10 days earlier in both clearcuts. Partially as a result of snowmelt synchronization from higher with lower elevations after 50% of the treatment watersheds had been clearcut, April water yield increased and June to July yield decreased. Research results improve evaluation of hydrologic response to forest disturbance, including retention of beetle-killed stands versus salvage logging.
Spatial and temporal characterization of climate at regional scale using homogeneous monthly precipitation and air temperature data: an application in Calabria (southern Italy)
Authors: Caloiero T. , Buttafuoco G. , Coscarelli R. , Ferrari E.
Published: July 2015

In the present study, an approach for a climate characterization based on a statistical analysis of monthly precipitation and temperature data is presented. First, the original database (1916–2010) was homogenized and a geostatistical analysis was carried out to characterize the monthly mean distribution of the two variables in the study area. Then, temporal change of precipitation and temperature were evaluated through the Mann–Kendall test. Finally, to better assess the climate patterns in Calabria, a climatic characterization was carried out by means of the Péguy climograph. Results have shown a decreasing trend for autumn–winter rainfall and an increasing trend in summer. With respect to the average temperature, the analyses revealed a positive trend in late spring and summer, mainly due to the increase in the minimum values, and a negative trend in the autumn–winter period, mainly due to a decrease in the maximum values. The analysis of the Péguy climographs allowed the dataset to be divided into three groups, depending on the different elevation of the gauges. Moreover, different temporal behaviours were detected by analysing the climographs in three sub-periods.
Reflecting on the status of precipitation data collection in Alaska: a case study
Authors: Kane Douglas L. , Stuefer Svetlana L.
Published: July 2015

Measuring precipitation, especially solid, at high latitudes is a challenge. In Alaska (USA), the extreme topography, large regional extent, and varying climate result in annual precipitation values ranging from 120 in. (3,050 mm) to 10 in. (254 mm). The state's precipitation network recently has expanded significantly, but there is still room for improvement. A recent intensity-duration-frequency (idf) exercise for the state showed that: (1) although density and spatial coverage of stations have increased, large areas in northern and western Alaska are still without gauge coverage; (2) the number of gauges at higher elevations is insufficient, although growing (e.g., the number of stations above 1,000 ft (305 m) increased from 26 gauges in 1963 to 134 gauges in 2012); (3) solid precipitation is difficult to quantify, and at unmanned sites, the phase of precipitation (liquid or solid) is hard to determine, as air temperature is often the only other measured variable; (4) corrections for gauge undercatch need to be made but too often information on the shielded status of gauges and wind speed is lacking; and (5) in the recent idf analysis only about one-third of the existing and historical stations were used because of data-quality issues. Obviously, overall improvements in precipitation data collection can and should be made.
Comparative evaluation of performances of different conceptualisations of distributed HBV runoff response routines for prediction of hourly streamflow in boreal mountainous catchments
Authors: Hailegeorgis Teklu T. , Alfredsen Knut
Published: July 2015

Unidentifiability and equifinality of parameters pose challenges to calibration and prediction by conceptual precipitation-runoff models. Evaluation of prediction performances of parametrical parsimonious and more complex conceptualisations is lacking for hourly simulation. We conducted a comparative evaluation of four configurations of the distributed (1 × 1 km2 grids) HBV (Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenballansavdelning) runoff response routines for hourly streamflow simulation for boreal mountainous catchments in mid-Norway. The routines include the standard Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute HBV or HBV-SMHI, HBV-non-linear (standard soil routine and non-linear reservoirs), HBV-Soil Parsim R (standard soil routine and linear reservoirs) and HBV-Parsim (parsimonious and linear soil routine and reservoirs). The routines provided simulated hydrographs, flow duration curves and quantile–quantile plots, which are marginally different from each other for the study catchments. However, the HBV-Parsim provided better parameter identifiability and uncertainty, and simulated baseflow that better matches the baseflow separated by filtering techniques. Performances of the HBV-Parsim indicated a potential for application of parametrical parsimonious routines, which would benefit model updating for forecasting purposes. The study revealed strong effects of the soil moisture (SM) parameters on the recharge, percolation and hence the baseflow, which substantiates the importance of evaluating the internal simulation (e.g., SM and baseflow) of the HBV routines against measurements or analytical computations.
Tetraoxanes as inhibitors of apicomplexan parasites Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii and anti-cancer molecules
Authors: Opsenica Dejan , Radivojevic Jelena , Matic Ivana , Stajner Tijana , Knezevic-Usaj Slavica , Djurkovic-Djakovic Olgica , Solaja Bogdan
Published: July 2015

New cyclohexylidene 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes with polar guanidine and urea based
groups were synthesized and evaluated for antimalarial activity against
chloroquine resistant and susceptible Plasmodium falciparum strains.
Derivatives showed moderate nM range antimalarial activities and low
cytotoxicity. N-phenyl-urea derivative 24 exhibited best resistant indices
(RIW2 = 0.44, RITM91C235 = 0.80), and was not toxic against human normal
peripheral blood mononuclear cells (IC50 > 200 ?M). Seven derivatives were
tested in vitro against four human cancer cell lines and they demonstrated
high selectivity toward leukemia K562 cells. One compound, derivative 21 with
a primary amino-group, was the first tetraoxane tested in vivo against
Toxoplasma gondii as another Apicomplexan parasite. Subcutaneous
administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 8 days allowed survival of 20 %
of infected mice, thus demonstrating the high potential of tetraoxanes for
the treatment of Apicomplexan parasites.
Three-dimensional analysis of molar compensation in patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular prognathism
Authors: Tyan Svetlana , Park Hong-Sik , Janchivdorj Munkhshur , Han Sun-Ho , Kim Su-Jung , Ahn Hyo-Won
Published: July 2015

Objective: 

To evaluate the characteristic transverse dental compensations in patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular prognathism and to compare features of dental compensations between two types of mandibular asymmetry using 3-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods: 

Seventy-eight adult patients with skeletal Class I (control group; n  =  33; 19 men and 14 women) or skeletal Class III with facial asymmetry (experimental group; n  =  45; 23 men and 22 women) were included. The experimental group was subdivided into two groups according to the type of mandibular asymmetry: translation type (T-type; n  =  20) and roll type (R-type; n  =  19). CBCT images were acquired before orthodontic treatment and 3D analyses were performed.

Results: 

The transverse dental distance was significantly different between the two groups only at the palatal root apex of the maxillary first molar (P < .05). In the experimental group, the first molar axes were compensated significantly on both arches except the maxillary nondeviated side. The vertical molar heights were different between the two groups only on the maxillary arch (P < .001). The R-type showed greater mandibular ramal length difference and menton deviation than the T-type (P < .001). In the R-type, transverse compensation of the maxillary first molars was more obvious than with the T-type, which resulted in canting in the maxillary occlusal plane.

Conclusions: 

Mandibular asymmetry with prognathism showed a characteristic transverse dental compensation pattern. The mandibular asymmetry type influenced the amount and direction of molar compensation on the maxillary arch.
Correlation of burnout syndrome with specific coping strategies, behaviors, and spiritual attitudes among interns at Yale University, New Haven, USA
Authors: Doolittle Benjamin R. , Windish Donna M.
Published: July 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the correlation of burnout syndrome with specific coping strategies, behaviors, and spiritual attitudes among interns in internal medicine, primary care, and internal medicine/pediatrics residency programs at two institutions. Methods: Intern physicians completed anonymous voluntary surveys prior to starting the internship in June 2009 and in the middle of the internship in February 2010. Three validated survey instruments were used to explore burnout, coping, and spiritual attitudes: the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the COPE Inventory, and the Hatch Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale. The interns were in programs at the Yale University School of Medicine and a Yale-affiliated community hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Results: The prevalence of self-identified burnout prior to starting the internship was 1/66 (1.5%) in June 2009, increasing to 10/53 (18.9%) in February 2010 (P<0.0001). From June 2009 to February 2010, the prevalence of high emotional exhaustion increased from 30/66 (45.5%) to 45/53 (84.9%) (P<0.0001), and that of high depersonalization increased from 42/66 (63.6%) to 45/53 (84.9%) (P=0.01). Interns who employed the strategies of acceptance and active coping were less likely to experience emotional exhaustion and depersonalization (P<0.05). Perceptions of high personal accomplishment was 75.5% and was positively correlated with total scores on the Hatch Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale, as well as the internal/fluid and existential/meditative domains of that instrument. Specific behaviors did not impact burnout. Conclusion: Burnout increased during the intern year. Acceptance, active coping, and spirituality were correlated with less burnout. Specific behaviors were not correlated with burnout domains.
Non-Invasive Nanoparticle Imaging Technologies for Cosmetic and Skin Care Products
Authors: Lin Lynlee , Nufer Kaitlin , Tomihara Shoko , Prow Tarl
Published: July 2015

The nanotechnology field is growing at an unprecedented rate. This is resulting in significant benefits in skin care products and formulations. Likewise, imaging technology is also advancing. The convergence of these fields offers a unique opportunity to observe and quantify the interactions of nanoparticles within cosmetic and skin care formulations. More importantly, imaging technology holds tremendous promise for understanding how formulated nanoparticles interact with our skin. Imaging technologies can be broken into two major groups that include those that require invasive sample collection and processing (e.g., electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and super-resolution structured illumination microscopy) and those that can be used in non-invasive data collection settings. Fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography fall into the latter category and are the focus of this review in the context of skin care product and cosmetics testing. Cosmetic and skin care product testing is most informative when carried out in volunteers. This makes invasive or disruptive analysis techniques unfeasible and supports the use of non-invasive imaging technologies. The combination of non-invasive imaging and minimally invasive microbiopsy sampling for combined imaging and molecular data is the future of skin care product testing.
Smart Home Communication Technologies and Applications: Wireless Protocol Assessment for Home Area Network Resources
Authors: Mendes Tiago , Godina Radu , Rodrigues Eduardo , Matias João , Catalão João
Published: July 2015

The paper discusses Home Area Networks (HAN) communication technologies for smart home and domestic application integration. The work is initiated by identifying the application areas that can benefit from this integration. A broad and inclusive home communication interface is analysed utilizing as a key piece a Gateway based on machine-to-machine (M2M) communications that interacts with the surrounding environment. Then, the main wireless networks are thoroughly assessed, and later, their suitability to the requirements of HAN considering the application area is analysed. Finally, a qualitative analysis is portrayed.
Drivers of CO2 Emission Rates from Dead Wood Logs of 13 Tree Species in the Initial Decomposition Phase
Authors: Kahl Tiemo , Baber Kristin , Otto Peter , Wirth Christian , Bauhus Jürgen
Published: July 2015

Large dead wood is an important structural component of forest ecosystems and a main component of forest carbon cycles. CO2 emissions from dead wood can be used as a proxy for actual decomposition rates. The main drivers of CO2 emission rates for dead wood of temperate European tree species are largely unknown. We applied a novel, closed chamber measurement technique to 360 dead wood logs of 13 important tree species in three regions in Germany. We found that tree species identity was with 71% independent contribution to the model (R2 = 0.62) the most important driver of volume-based CO2 emission rates, with angiosperms having on average higher rates than conifers. Wood temperature and fungal species richness had a positive effect on CO2 emission rates, whereas wood density had a negative effect. This is the first time that positive fungal species richness—wood decomposition relationship in temperate forests was shown. Certain fungal species were associated with high or low CO2 emission rates. In addition, as indicated by separate models for each tree species, forest management intensity, study region, and the water content as well as C and N concentration of dead wood influenced CO2 emission rates.
Alemtuzumab in Multiple Sclerosis: Mechanism of Action and Beyond
Authors: Ruck Tobias , Bittner Stefan , Wiendl Heinz , Meuth Sven
Published: July 2015

Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against CD52 (cluster of differentiation 52) and is approved for the therapy of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The application of alemtuzumab leads to a rapid, but long-lasting depletion predominantly of CD52-bearing B and T cells with reprogramming effects on immune cell composition resulting in the restoration of tolerogenic networks. Alemtuzumab has proven high efficacy in clinical phase II and III trials, where interferon β-1a was used as active comparator. However, alemtuzumab is associated with frequent and considerable risks. Most importantly secondary autoimmune disease affects 30%–40% of patients, predominantly impairing thyroid function. Extensive monitoring and early intervention allow for an appropriate risk management. However, new and reliable biomarkers for individual risk stratification and treatment response to improve patient selection and therapy guidance are a significant unmet need. Only a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action (MOA) will reveal such markers, maximizing the best potential risk-benefit ratio for the individual patient. This review provides and analyses the current knowledge on the MOA of alemtuzumab. Most recent data on efficacy and safety of alemtuzumab are presented and future research opportunities are discussed.
Inhibition of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) Downregulates ELOVL1 Gene Expression and Fatty Acid Synthesis in Goat Fetal Fibroblasts
Authors: Wang Weipeng , He Qiburi , Guo Zhixin , Yang Limin , Bao Lili , Bao Wenlei , Zheng Xu , Wang Yanfeng , Wang Zhigang
Published: July 2015

Elongation of very-long-chain fatty acids 1 (ELOVL1) is a ubiquitously expressed gene that belongs to the ELOVL family and regulates the synthesis of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and sphingolipids, from yeast to mammals. Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a central regulator of cell metabolism and is associated with fatty acids synthesis. In this study, we cloned the cDNA that encodes Cashmere goat (Capra hircus) ELOVL1 (GenBank Accession number KF549985) and investigated its expression in 10 tissues. ELOVL1 cDNA was 840 bp, encoding a deduced protein of 279 amino acids, and ELOVL1 mRNA was expressed in a wide range of tissues. Inhibition of mTORC1 by rapamycin decreased ELOVL1 expression and fatty acids synthesis in Cashmere goat fetal fibroblasts. These data show that ELOVL1 expression is regulated by mTORC1 and that mTORC1 has significant function in fatty acids synthesis in Cashmere goat.
Sinulariolide Suppresses Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Migration and Invasion by Inhibiting Matrix Metalloproteinase-2/-9 through MAPKs and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wu Yu-Jen , Neoh Choo-Aun , Tsao Chia-Yu , Su Jui-Hsin , Li Hsing-Hui
Published: July 2015

Sinulariolide is an active compound isolated from the cultured soft coral Sinularia flexibilis. In this study, we investigate the migration and invasion effects of sinulariolide in hepatocellular carcinoma cell HA22T. Sinulariolide inhibited the migration and invasion effects of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of zymography assay showed that sinulariolide suppressed the activities of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. Moreover, protein levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) were reduced by sinulariolide in a concentration-dependent manner. Sinulariolide also exerted an inhibitory effect on phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2). Taken together, these results demonstrated that sinulariolide could inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and invasion and alter HA22T cell metastasis by reduction of MMP-2, MMP-9, and uPA expression through the suppression of MAPKs, PI3K/Akt, and the FAK/GRB2 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that sinulariolide merits further evaluation as a chemotherapeutic agent for human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Developments in PDT Sensitizers for Increased Selectivity and Singlet Oxygen Production
Authors: Mehraban Nahid , Freeman Harold
Published: July 2015

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally-invasive procedure that has been clinically approved for treating certain types of cancers. This procedure takes advantage of the cytotoxic activity of singlet oxygen (1O2) and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by visible and NIR light irradiation of dye sensitizers following their accumulation in malignant cells. The main two concerns associated with certain clinically-used PDT sensitizers that have been influencing research in this arena are low selectivity toward malignant cells and low levels of 1O2 production in aqueous media. Solving the selectivity issue would compensate for photosensitizer concerns such as dark toxicity and aggregation in aqueous media. One main approach to enhancing dye selectivity involves taking advantage of key methods used in pharmaceutical drug delivery. This approach lies at the heart of the recent developments in PDT research and is a point of emphasis in the present review. Of particular interest has been the development of polymeric micelles as nanoparticles for delivering hydrophobic (lipophilic) and amphiphilic photosensitizers to the target cells. This review also covers methods employed to increase 1O2 production efficiency, including the design of two-photon absorbing sensitizers and triplet forming cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes.
Experimental Study on Thermal Conductivity of Self-Compacting Concrete with Recycled Aggregate
Authors: Fenollera María , Míguez José , Goicoechea Itziar , Lorenzo Jaime
Published: July 2015

The research focuses on the use of recycled aggregate (RA), from waste pieces generated during production in precast plants for self-compacting concrete (SCC) manufactured with a double sustainable goal: recycle manufacturing waste (consumption) and improvement of the thermal properties of the manufactured product (energy efficiency). For this purpose, a mechanical study to ensure technical feasibility of the concrete obtained has been conducted, as well as a thermal analysis of recycled SCC specimens of 50 N/mm2 resistance, with different RA doses (0%, 20%, 50% and 100%). The main parameters that characterize a SCC in both states, fresh (slump-flow) and hard (compressive strength), have been tested; also, a qualitative analysis of the thermal conductivity using infrared thermography (IRT) and quantitative analysis with heat flow meter at three temperatures 20 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C have been performed. The results suggest the existence of two different thermal behaviors: concretes with 0% and 20% of RA, and on the other hand concretes with 50% and 100% of RA. It has also demonstrated the validity of the IRT as sampling technique in estimating the thermal behavior of materials having reduced range of variation in parameters.
Human Dental Pulp Cells Responses to Apatite Precipitation from Dicalcium Silicates
Authors: Lai Wei-Yun , Chen Yi-Wen , Kao Chia-Tze , Hsu Tuan-Ti , Huang Tsui-Hsien , Shie Ming-You
Published: July 2015

Unraveling the mechanisms behind the processes of cell attachment and the enhanced proliferation that occurs as a response to the presence of calcium silicate-based materials needs to be better understood so as to expand the applications of silicate-based materials. Ions in the environment may influence apatite precipitation and affect silicate ion release from silicate-based materials. Thus, the involvement of apatite precipitate in the regulation of cell behavior of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) is also investigated in the present study, along with an investigation of the specific role of cell morphology and osteocalcin protein expression cultured on calcium silicate (CS) with different Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM). The microstructure and component of CS cement immersion in DMEM and P-free DMEM are analyzed. In addition, when hDPCs are cultured on CS with two DMEMs, we evaluate fibronectin (FN) and collagen type I (COL) secretion during the cell attachment stage. The facilitation of cell adhesion on CS has been confirmed and observed both by scanning with an electron microscope and using immunofluorescence imaging. The results indicate that CS is completely covered by an apatite layer with tiny spherical shapes on the surface in the DMEM, but not in the P-free DMEM. Compared to the P-free DMEM, the lower Ca ion in the DMEM may be attributed to the formation of the apatite on the surfaces of specimens as a result of consumption of the Ca ion from the DMEM. Similarly, the lower Si ion in the CS-soaked DMEM is attributed to the shielding effect of the apatite layer. The P-free DMEM group releases more Si ion increased COL and FN secretion, which promotes cell attachment more effectively than DMEM. This study provides new and important clues regarding the major effects of Si-induced cell behavior as well as the precipitated apatite-inhibited hDPC behavior on these materials.
Molecular Mechanisms by Which a Fucus vesiculosus Extract Mediates Cell Cycle Inhibition and Cell Death in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Geisen Ulf , Zenthoefer Marion , Peipp Matthias , Kerber Jannik , Plenge Johannes , Managò Antonella , Fuhrmann Markus , Geyer Roland , Hennig Steffen , Adam Dieter , Piker Levent , Rimbach Gerald , Kalthoff Holger
Published: July 2015

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancer entities, with an extremely poor 5-year survival rate. Therefore, novel therapeutic agents with specific modes of action are urgently needed. Marine organisms represent a promising source to identify new pharmacologically active substances. Secondary metabolites derived from marine algae are of particular interest. The present work describes cellular and molecular mechanisms induced by an HPLC-fractionated, hydrophilic extract derived from the Baltic brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus (Fv1). Treatment with Fv1 resulted in a strong inhibition of viability in various pancreatic cancer cell lines. This extract inhibited the cell cycle of proliferating cells due to the up-regulation of cell cycle inhibitors, shown on the mRNA (microarray data) and protein level. As a result, cells were dying in a caspase-independent manner. Experiments with non-dividing cells showed that proliferation is a prerequisite for the effectiveness of Fv1. Importantly, Fv1 showed low cytotoxic activity against non-malignant resting T cells and terminally differentiated cells like erythrocytes. Interestingly, accelerated killing effects were observed in combination with inhibitors of autophagy. Our in vitro data suggest that Fv1 may represent a promising new agent that deserves further development towards clinical application.
Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Licorice Extract and Its Active Compounds, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Liquiritin and Liquiritigenin, in BV2 Cells and Mice Liver
Authors: Yu Ji-Yeon , Ha Jae , Kim Kyung-Mi , Jung Young-Suk , Jung Jae-Chul , Oh Seikwan
Published: July 2015

This study provides the scientific basis for the anti-inflammatory effects of licorice extract in a t-BHP (tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide)-induced liver damage model and the effects of its ingredients, glycyrrhizic acid (GA), liquiritin (LQ) and liquiritigenin (LG), in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglial cell model. The GA, LQ and LG inhibited the LPS-stimulated elevation of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta and interleukin (IL)-6 in BV2 (mouse brain microglia) cells. Furthermore, licorice extract inhibited the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in the livers of t-BHP-treated mice models. This result suggested that mechanistic-based evidence substantiating the traditional claims of licorice extract and its three bioactive components can be applied for the treatment of inflammation-related disorders, such as oxidative liver damage and inflammation diseases.
A Geospatial Semantic Enrichment and Query Service for Geotagged Photographs
Authors: Ennis Andrew , Nugent Chris , Morrow Philip , Chen Liming , Ioannidis George , Stan Alexandru , Rachev Preslav
Published: July 2015

With the increasing abundance of technologies and smart devices, equipped with a multitude of sensors for sensing the environment around them, information creation and consumption has now become effortless. This, in particular, is the case for photographs with vast amounts being created and shared every day. For example, at the time of this writing, Instagram users upload 70 million photographs a day. Nevertheless, it still remains a challenge to discover the “right” information for the appropriate purpose. This paper describes an approach to create semantic geospatial metadata for photographs, which can facilitate photograph search and discovery. To achieve this we have developed and implemented a semantic geospatial data model by which a photograph can be enrich with geospatial metadata extracted from several geospatial data sources based on the raw low-level geo-metadata from a smartphone photograph. We present the details of our method and implementation for searching and querying the semantic geospatial metadata repository to enable a user or third party system to find the information they are looking for.
Low Power Resistive Oxygen Sensor Based on Sonochemical SrTi0.6Fe0.4O2.8 (STFO40)
Authors: Stratulat Alisa , Serban Bogdan-Catalin , De Luca Andrea , Avramescu Viorel , Cobianu Cornel , Brezeanu Mihai , Buiu Octavian , Diamandescu Lucian , Feder Marcel , Ali Syed , Udrea Florin
Published: July 2015

The current paper reports on a sonochemical synthesis method for manufacturing nanostructured (typical grain size of 50 nm) SrTi0.6Fe0.4O2.8 (Sono-STFO40) powder. This powder is characterized using X ray-diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and results are compared with commercially available SrTi0.4Fe0.6O2.8 (STFO60) powder. In order to manufacture resistive oxygen sensors, both Sono-STFO40 and STFO60 are deposited, by dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) method, on an SOI (Silicon-on-Insulator) micro-hotplate, employing a tungsten heater embedded within a dielectric membrane. Oxygen detection tests are performed in both dry (RH = 0%) and humid (RH = 60%) nitrogen atmosphere, varying oxygen concentrations between 1% and 16% (v/v), at a constant heater temperature of 650 °C. The oxygen sensor, based on the Sono-STFO40 sensing layer, shows good sensitivity, low power consumption (80 mW), and short response time (25 s). These performance are comparable to those exhibited by state-of-the-art O2 sensors based on STFO60, thus proving Sono-STFO40 to be a material suitable for oxygen detection in harsh environments.