bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Importance of Aerosol Composition for Estimating Incoming Solar Radiation: Focus on the Western African Stations of Dakar and Niamey during the Dry Season
Authors: Drame Mamadou , Ceamanos Xavier , Roujean Jean , Boone Aaron , Lafore Jean , Carrer Dominique , Geoffroy Olivier
Published: October 2015

The article investigates the impact of aerosol composition on the estimation of the downwelling surface shortwave flux (DSSF). This initiative forms part of the efforts to improve the DSSF distributed by the Land Surface Analysis Satellite Application Facility (LSA-SAF). This operational product assumes invariant aerosol properties under clear sky conditions, which can be inaccurate for some regions of the world. This is the case of West Africa, where aerosol activity is not only highly variable due to frequent dust storms but also rich because of the coexistence of different aerosol species. This study was carried out over the West African stations of Dakar and Niamey, which represent different aerosol scenarios. Several dates during the dry season of 2006 were selected and classified into four different day types according to aerosol activity: standard, clean, mixture and dusty days. The diurnal evolution of DSSF and its direct and diffuse components were estimated for the selected dates by the current LSA-SAF algorithm and two other approaches using aerosol measurements from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) as input. The first alternative approach took the diurnal evolution of the total aerosol optical depth (AOD) into account, assuming a default desert aerosol type. Experiments with this method showed a significant improvement in the estimated DSSF compared to the current LSA-SAF algorithm. For example, root mean square error (RMSE) improved from 170 W/m2 to 50 W/m2 for dusty days in Dakar and from 73 W/m2 to 21 W/m2 for mixture days in Niamey. This improvement resulted from the consideration of a time-varying AOD, which accounted for the rapidly changing aerosol load for these two day types. The second alternative approach tested included consideration of the diurnal variation of the aerosol load and composition. Again, this was done using AERONET data on the fine and coarse aerosol modes, which may be associated with different sized dust particles, sea salt, or soot from biomass burning (depending on the date). This enhanced consideration of the aerosol composition greatly improved the estimation of the diffuse component of the DSSF, further reducing the RMSE during mixture days from 50 W/m2 to less than 10 W/m2. This improvement mainly came from consideration of the right scattering properties of the aerosol particles, which may be significantly different for each aerosol type.
Charge-Storage Process of Stoichiometric and Nanostructured Ruthenium Nitride Thin Films
Authors: Rosestolato Davide , Battaglin Giancarlo , Ferro Sergio
Published: October 2015

Ti-supported RuN thin films, synthesized by rf-magnetron sputtering, have been electrochemically characterized, focusing in particular to their charge-storage capacity, and to the mechanisms that influence this important property, in view, e.g., of applications in supercapacitors. Based on cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data, a deconvolution of non-faradic and faradic contributions has been attempted, and a mechanism for the charging/discharging process has been proposed.
Intra-Annual Xylem Growth of Larix principis-rupprechtii at Its Upper and Lower Distribution Limits on the Luyashan Mountain in North-Central China
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Zhang Yiping , Guo Yuanyuan , Kang Muyi , Wang Mingchang , Wang Biao
Published: October 2015

Altitude-related climatic factors, especially temperature, are important factors that affect tree growth in mountain forest ecosystems. The aims of this study were to estimate the intra-annual radial growth differences of Larix principis-rupprechtii (L. principis-rupprechtii) between its upper and lower distribution limits, at 2740 and 2040 m a.s.l, respectively. Dynamics of xylem growth were observed by collecting microcore samples weekly during the 2011 growth season. The result indicated that different strategies were adopted at the two selected sites. Trees at the upper distribution limit adopted an “intensive strategy” with higher maximum growth rates (0.69 cell·day−1) within a shorter duration of 95 days, producing 21 new tracheids. By contrast, trees at the lower distribution limit exhibited an “extensive strategy” with lower maximum growth rates (0.53 cell·day−1) over a longer duration of 135 days, producing 50 tracheids. The soil temperature was probably the main factor limiting the onset of cambial activity for L. principis-rupprechtii, its daily mean thresholds for onset were 0 °C and 1.4 °C at the upper and lower distribution limits, respectively. These results indicate that L. principis-rupprechtii is able to adjust its xylem growth according to environmental conditions.
“Cancer 2015”: A Prospective, Population-Based Cancer Cohort—Phase 1: Feasibility of Genomics-Guided Precision Medicine in the Clinic
Authors: Parisot John , Thorne Heather , Fellowes Andrew , Doig Ken , Lucas Mark , McNeil John , Doble Brett , Dobrovic Alexander , John Thomas , James Paul , Lipton Lara , Ashley David , Hayes Theresa , McMurrick Paul , Richardson Gary , Lorgelly Paula , Fox Stephen , Thomas David
Published: October 2015

“Cancer 2015” is a longitudinal and prospective cohort. It is a phased study whose aim was to pilot recruiting 1000 patients during phase 1 to establish the feasibility of providing a population-based genomics cohort. Newly diagnosed adult patients with solid cancers, with residual tumour material for molecular genomics testing, were recruited into the cohort for the collection of a dataset containing clinical, molecular pathology, health resource use and outcomes data. 1685 patients have been recruited over almost 3 years from five hospitals. Thirty-two percent are aged between 61–70 years old, with a median age of 63 years. Diagnostic tumour samples were obtained for 90% of these patients for multiple parallel sequencing. Patients identified with somatic mutations of potentially “actionable” variants represented almost 10% of those tumours sequenced, while 42% of the cohort had no mutations identified. These genomic data were annotated with information such as cancer site, stage, morphology, treatment and patient outcomes and health resource use and cost. This cohort has delivered its main objective of establishing an upscalable genomics cohort within a clinical setting and in phase 2 aims to develop a protocol for how genomics testing can be used in real-time clinical decision-making, providing evidence on the value of precision medicine to clinical practice.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Effect of Angle Variation on Water Permeability through Hourglass-Shaped Nanopores
Authors: Tang Dai , Li Longnan , Shahbabaei Majid , Yoo Yeong-Eun , Kim Daejoong
Published: October 2015

Water transport through aquaporin water channels occurs extensively in cell membranes. Hourglass-shaped (biconical) pores resemble the geometry of these aquaporin channels and therefore attract much research attention. We assumed that hourglass-shaped nanopores are capable of high water permeation like biological aquaporins. In order to prove the assumption, we investigated nanoscale water transport through a model hourglass-shaped pore using molecular dynamics simulations while varying the angle of the conical entrance and the total nanopore length. The results show that a minimal departure from optimized cone angle (e.g., 9° for 30 Å case) significantly increases the osmotic permeability and that there is a non-linear relationship between permeability and the cone angle. The analysis of hydrodynamic resistance proves that the conical entrance helps to reduce the hydrodynamic entrance hindrance. Our numerical and analytical results thus confirm our initial assumption and suggest that fast water transport can be achieved by adjusting the cone angle and length of an hourglass-shaped nanopore.
Optimization of Antifungal Extracts from Ficus hirta Fruits Using Response Surface Methodology and Antifungal Activity Tests
Authors: Chen Chuying , Wan Chunpeng , Peng Xuan , Chen Yuhuan , Chen Ming , Chen Jinyin
Published: October 2015

The fruits of Ficus hirta (FH) display strong antifungal activity against Penicillium italicum and Penicillium digitatum. In order to optimize the extraction conditions of antifungal extracts from FH fruit, various extraction parameters, such as ethanol concentration, extraction time, solvent to solid ratio and temperature, were chosen to identify their effects on the diameters of inhibition zones (DIZs) against these two Penicillium molds. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to obtain the optimal combination of these parameters. Results showed that the optimal extraction parameters for maximum antifungal activity were: 90% (v/v) ethanol concentration, 65 min extraction time, 31 mL/g solvent to solid ratio and 51 °C temperature. Under the abovementioned extraction conditions, the experimental DIZs values obtained experimentally were 57.17 ± 0.75 and 39.33 ± 0.82 mm, which were very close to the values of 57.26 and 39.29 mm predicted by the model. Further, nine kinds of phytopathogens were tested in vitro to explore the antifungal activity of the FH extracts. It was found for the first time that the FH extracts showed significant inhibition on the growth of P. italicum, A. citri, P. vexans, P. cytosporella and P. digitatum.
Should Computability Be Epistemic? a Logical and Physical Point of View
Authors: Franchette Florent
Published: October 2015

Although the formalizations of computability provided in the 1930s have proven to be equivalent, two different accounts of computability may be distinguished regarding computability as an epistemic concept. While computability, according to the epistemic account, should be based on epistemic constraints related to the capacities of human computers, the non-epistemic account considers computability as based on manipulations of symbols that require no human capacities other than the capacity of manipulating symbols according to a set of rules. In this paper, I shall evaluate, both from a logical and physical point of view, whether computability should be regarded as an epistemic concept, i.e., whether epistemic constraints should be added on (physical) computability for considering functions as (physically) computable. Specifically, I shall argue that the introduction of epistemic constraints have deep implications for the set of computable functions, for the logical and physical Church-Turing thesis—cornerstones of logical and physical computability respectively—might turn out to be false according to which epistemic constraints are accepted.
Non-Isothermal Cold-Crystallization Behavior and Kinetics of Poly(l-Lactic Acid)/WS2 Inorganic Nanotube Nanocomposites
Authors: Naffakh Mohammed , Marco Carlos , Ellis Gary
Published: October 2015

In order to accelerate the crystallization of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) biopolymer and enhance its crystallizability, biocompatible and environmentally friendly tungsten disulphide inorganic nanotubes (INT-WS2) were introduced into the polymer matrix. The non-isothermal cold-crystallization and subsequent melting behaviour of pure PLLA and PLLA/INT-WS2 nanocomposites were investigated in detail by varying both the heating rate and INT-WS2 loading. The kinetic parameters of the cold-crystallization process of PLLA chains under confined conditions, successfully described using Liu model, shows that the addition of INT-WS2 significantly increased the crystallization rate and reduced the total cold-crystallinity of PLLA, while the crystallization mechanism and crystal structure of PLLA remained unchanged in spite of the INT-WS2 loading. Similarly, the final crystallinity and melting behaviour of PLLA were controlled by both the incorporation INT-WS2 and variation of the heating rate. The differential isoconversional method of Friedman was applied to estimate the dependence of the effective activation energy on the relative crystallinity and temperature for PLLA and PLLA/INT-WS2. On the other hand, the double-melting peaks, mainly derived from melting-recrystallization-melting processes upon heating, and their dynamic behaviour is coherent with a remarkable nucleation-promoting effect of INT-WS2 involved in accelerating the cold-crystallization of PLLA. These observations have considerable practical significance for the future sustainable, economic and effective technological utilisation of PLLA, as it will enable the development of novel melt-processable biopolymer nanocomposite materials.
A Nanoparticle Based Sp17 Peptide Vaccine Exposes New Immuno-Dominant and Species Cross-reactive B Cell Epitopes
Authors: Xiang Sue , Gao Qian , Wilson Kirsty , Heyerick Arne , Plebanski Magdalena
Published: October 2015

Sperm protein antigen 17 (Sp17), expressed in primary as well as in metastatic lesions in >83% of patients with ovarian cancer, is a promising ovarian cancer vaccine candidate. Herein we describe the formulation of nanoparticle based vaccines based on human Sp17 (hSp17) sequence derived peptides, and map the immuno-dominant T cell and antibody epitopes induced using such formulations. The primary T and B cell immuno-dominant region within Sp17 was found to be the same when using biocompatible nanoparticle carriers or the conventional “mix-in” pro-inflammatory adjuvant CpG, both mapping to amino acids (aa) 111–142. However, delivery of hSp17111–142 as a nanoparticle conjugate promoted a number of new properties, changing the dominant antibody isotype induced from IgG2a to IgG1 and the fine specificity of the B cell epitopes within hSp17111–142, from an immuno-dominant region 134–142 aa for CpG, to region 121–138 aa for nanoparticles. Associated with this change in specificity was a substantial increase in antibody cross-reactivity between mouse and human Sp17. These results indicate conjugation of antigen to nanoparticles can have major effects on fine antigen specificity, which surprisingly could be beneficially used to increase the cross-reactivity of antibody responses.
Biomechanical comparison of pin and tension-band wire fixation with a prototype locking plate fixation in a transverse canine patellar fracture model
Authors: Gibert Sophie , Kowaleski Michael , Matthys Romano , Nützi Reto , Serck Boris , Boudrieau Randy
Published: October 2015

Objective: To compare a locking plate (LP) with pin and tension-band wire (pin/TBW) for fixation of mid-patellar transverse fractures.

Materials and methods: Cadaveric canine stifle joints from 10 adult mixed breed dogs (23–36 kg) were used. Mid-patellar transverse osteotomies were randomly stabilized (in pairs) with either pin/TBW or a prototype LP. Cyclic loads (1 Hz, 500 cycles) at 100% body weight (90°-135° stifle joint extension), were applied. Survival or failure of constructs was defined as <2 mm fracture gap distraction at 500 cycles, or ≥ 2 mm fracture gap distraction at the number of cycles sustained, respectively. Number of cycles at failure and distraction gap were compared with a paired Student’s t-test, and a survival analysis performed with a Mantel-Cox test. All constructs that survived cyclic testing were tested in single cycle load to failure (1.0 mm/sec; 110° stifle joint extension); yield strength was compared with a Wilcoxon rank sum test. Significance was set at p <0.05.

Results: All 10/10 LP and three out of 10 pin/ TBW fixations survived cyclic testing. Survival analysis, number of cycles at failure, and distraction gap all were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.0011, p = 0.0013, and p <0.0001, respectively). Construct yield strength was not significantly different (p = 0.1273).

Conclusions: The failure mode with pin/TBW was consistently similar to failures observed clinically. The LP demonstrated consistent, reliable and stable fixation.

This work was performed at the Biomechanics Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA.
A High-Efficiency Induction of Dopaminergic Cells from Human Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Hemiparkinsonian Rats
Authors: Ko Tsui-Ling , Fu Yu-Yi , Shin Yang-Hsin , Lin Yi-Hui , Ko Miau-Hwa , Fu Tz-Win , Lin Tzu-Yung , Hsiao Hsiao-Sheng , Chu Pei-Ming , Fu Yu-Show
Published: October 2015

The success rate in previous attempts at transforming human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) isolated from Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord into dopaminergic cells was a mere 12.7%. The present study was therefore initiated to establish a more effective procedure for better yield of dopaminergic cells in such transformation for more effective HUMSC-based therapy for parkinsonism. To examine, in vitro, the effects of enhanced Nurr1 expression in HUMSCs on their differentiation, cells were processed through the three-stage differentiation protocol. The capacity of such cells to synthesize and release dopamine was measured by HPLC. The therapeutic effects of Nurr1-overexppressed HUMSCs were examined in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats by quantification of rotations in response to amphetamine. Enhanced Nurr1 expression in HUMSCs promoted the transformation into dopaminergic cells in vitro through stepwise culturing in sonic hedgehog, fibroblast growth factor-8, and neuron-conditioned medium. The success rate was about 71%, as determined by immunostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase and around 94 nM dopamine synthesis (intracellular and released into the culture medium), as measured by HPLC. Additionally, transplantation of such cells into the striatum of hemiparkinsonian rats resulted in improvement of their behavioral deficits, as indicated by amphetamine-evoked rotation scores. Viability of the transplanted cells lasted for at least 3 months as verified by positive staining for tyrosine hydroxylase. Nurr1, FGF8, Shh, and NCM can synergistically enhance the differentiation of HUMSCs into dopaminergic cells and may pave the way for HUMSC-based treatments for Parkinson's disease.
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell and Nanotechnology-Based Therapeutics
Authors: Liu Wei-Hsiu , Chang Yuh-Lih , Lo Wen-Liang , Li Hsin-Yang , Hsiao Chia-Wei , Peng Chi-Hsien , Chiou Shih-Hwa , Ma Hsin-I , Chen Shih-Jen
Published: October 2015

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state and can provide promising medical applications, such as diagnosis, prognosis, drug screening for therapeutical development, and monitoring disease progression. Despite myriad advances, traditional viral-based reprogramming for generating hiPSCs has safety risks that hinder further practical applications of hiPSCs. In the past decade, nonviral-based reprogramming has been used as an alternative to produce hiPSCs and enhance their differentiation. In addition, the efficiency of nonviral-based reprogramming is generally poor, compared to that of viral-based reprogramming. Recent studies in nanoscale-structured particles have made progress in addressing many applications of hiPSCs for clinical practice. The combination of hiPSCs and nanotechnology will actually act as the therapeutic platform for personalized medicine and can be the remedies against various diseases in the future. In this article, we review recent advances in cellular reprogramming and hiPSC-related research, such as cell source, delivery system, and direct reprogramming, as well as some of its potential clinical applications, including mitochondrial and retinal disease. We also briefly summarize the current incorporation of nanotechnology in patient-specific hiPSCs for future treatments.
Regional Implantation of Autologous Adipose Tissue-Derived Cells Induces a Prompt Healing of Long-Lasting Indolent Digital Ulcers in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Del Papa Nicoletta , Di Luca Gabriele , Sambataro Domenico , Zaccara Eleonora , Maglione Wanda , Gabrielli Armando , Fraticelli Paolo , Moroncini Gianluca , Beretta Lorenzo , Santaniello Alessandro , Sambataro Gianluca , Ferraresi Roberto , Vitali Claudio
Published: October 2015

Digital ulcers (DUs) are a rather frequent and invalidating complication in systemic sclerosis (SSc), often showing a very slow or null tendency to heal, in spite of the commonly used systemic and local therapeutic procedures. Recently, stem cell therapy has emerged as a new approach to accelerate wound healing. In the present study, we have tentatively treated long-lasting and poorly responsive to traditional therapy SSc-related DUs by implantation of autologous adipose tissue-derived cell (ATDC) fractions. Fifteen patients with SSc having a long-lasting DU in only one fingertip who were unresponsive to intensive systemic and local treatment were enrolled in the study. The grafting procedure consisted of the injection, at the basis of the corresponding finger, of 0.5-1 ml of autologous ATDC fractions, separated by centrifugation of adipose tissue collected through liposuction from subcutaneous abdominal fat. Time to heal after the procedure was the primary end point of the study, while reduction of pain intensity and of analgesic consumption represented a secondary end point. Furthermore, the posttherapy variation of the number of capillaries, observed in the nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC) exam and of the resistivity in the digit arteries, measured by high-resolution echocolor-Doppler, were also taken into account. A rather fast healing of the DUs was reached in all of the enrolled patients (mean time to healing 4.23 weeks; range 2-7 weeks). A significant reduction of pain intensity was observed after a few weeks ( p < 0.001), while the number of capillaries was significantly increased at 3- and 6-month NVC assessment ( p < 0.0001 in both cases). Finally, a significant after-treatment reduction of digit artery resistivity was also recorded ( p < 0.0001). Even with the limitations related to the small number of patients included and to the open-label design of the study, the observed strongly favorable outcome suggests that local grafting with ATDCs could represent a promising option for the treatment of SSc-related DUs unresponsive to more consolidated therapies.
Cardiosphere Conditioned Media Influence the Plasticity of Human Mediastinal Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Siciliano Camilla , Chimenti Isotta , Ibrahim Mohsen , Napoletano Chiara , Mangino Giorgio , Scaletta Gaia , Zoccai Giuseppe Biondi , Rendina Erino Angelo , Calogero Antonella , Frati Giacomo , De Falco Elena
Published: October 2015

Nowadays, cardiac regenerative medicine is facing many limitations because of the complexity to find the most suitable stem cell source and to understand the regenerative mechanisms involved. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown great regenerative potential due to their intrinsic properties and ability to restore cardiac functionality, directly by transdifferentiation and indirectly by paracrine effects. Yet, how MSCs could respond to definite cardiac-committing microenvironments, such as that created by resident cardiac progenitor cells in the form of cardiospheres (CSs), has never been addressed. Recently, a putative MSC pool has been described in the mediastinal fat (hmADMSCs), but both its biology and function remain hitherto unexplored. Accordingly, we investigated the potential of hmADMSCs to be committed toward a cardiovascular lineage after preconditioning with CS-conditioned media (CCM). Results indicated that CCM affects cell proliferation. Gene expression levels of multiple cardiovascular and stemness markers (MHC, KDR, Nkx2.5, Thy-1, c-kit, SMA) are significantly modulated, and the percentage of hmADMSCs preconditioned with CCM and positive for Nkx2.5, MHC, and KDR is significantly higher relative to FBS and explant-derived cell conditioned media (EDCM, the unselected stage before CS formation). Growth factor-specific and survival signaling pathways (i.e., Erk1/2, Akt, p38, mTOR, p53) present in CCM are all equally regulated. Nonetheless, earlier BAD phosphorylation (Ser112) occurs associated with the CS microenvironment (and to a lesser extent to EDCM), whereas faster phosphorylation of PRAS40 in FBS, and of Akt (Ser473) in EDCM and 5-azacytidine occurs compared to CCM. For the first time, we demonstrated that the MSC pool held in the mediastinal fat is adequately plastic to partially differentiate in vitro toward a cardiac-like lineage. Besides, we have provided novel evidence of the potent inductive niche-like microenvironment that the CS structure can reproduce in vitro. hmADMSCs can represent an interesting tool in order to exploit their possible role in cardiovascular diseases and treatment.
Surface Coating of Pancreatic Islets with Neural Crest Stem Cells Improves Engraftment and Function after Intraportal Transplantation
Authors: Lau Joey , Vasylovska Svitlana , Kozlova Elena N. , Carlsson Per-Ola
Published: October 2015

The present study aimed to develop techniques for surface coating of islets with neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) in order to enable cotransplantation to the clinically used liver site and then investigate engraftment and function intraportally of such bioengineered islets. Mouse islets were coated during incubation with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-expressing mouse NCSCs and transplanted into the portal vein to cure diabetic mice. An intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed at 1 month posttransplantation. Islet grafts were retrieved and evaluated for vascular density, nerves, and glial cells. NCSCs expressed a vast number of key angiogenic and neurotrophic factors. Mice transplanted with NCSC-bioengineered islets responded better to the glucose load than recipient mice with control islets. NCSCs remained present in the vicinity or had often migrated into the NCSC-coated islets, and an improved islet graft reinnervation and revascularization was observed. Transplanted NCSCs differentiated into both glial and neural cells in the islet grafts. We conclude that bioengineering of islets with NCSCs for intraportal transplantation provides a possibility to improve islet engraftment and function. Pending successful establishment of protocols for expansion of NCSCs from, for example, human skin or bone marrow, this strategy may be applied to clinical islet transplantation.
Biological Approaches to Treating Intervertebral Disk Degeneration: Devising Stem Cell Therapies
Authors: Han Inbo , Ropper Alexander E. , Konya Deniz , Kabatas Serdar , Toktas Zafer , Aljuboori Zaid , Zeng Xiang , Chi John H. , Zafonte Ross , Teng Yang D.
Published: October 2015

Intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration is a common, chronic, and complex degeneration process that frequently leads to back pain and disability, resulting in a major public health issue. In this review we describe biological therapies under preclinical or clinical development with an emphasis on stem cell-based multimodal approaches that target prevention and treatment of IVD degeneration. Systematical review of the basic science and clinical literature was performed to summarize the current status of devising biological approaches to treating IVD degeneration. Since the exact mechanisms underlying IVD degeneration have not yet been fully elucidated and conservative managements appear to be mostly ineffective, current surgical treatment focuses on removal of the pathological disk tissues combined with spinal fusion. The treatment options, however, often produce insufficient efficacy and even serious complications. Therefore, there have been growing demands and endeavors for developing novel regenerative biology-guided strategies for repairing the IVD via delivery of exogenous growth factors, introduction of therapeutic genes, and transplantation of stem cells, or combinatorial therapies. Overall, the data suggest that when applied under a recovery neurobiology principle, multimodal regimens comprising ex vivo engineered stem cell-based disks hold a high potential promise for efficacious clinical translations.
Are Travel Purchases More Satisfactory Than Nontravel Experiential Purchases and Material Purchases? An Exploratory Study
Authors: Fuchs Galia , Chen Po-Ju , Pizam Abraham
Published: October 2015

Satisfaction derived from purchases can affect one's happiness and quality of life. Previous studies illustrated that this effect is not equal across purchase categories. Specifically, experiential purchases were found to bring more satisfaction and happiness to consumers than material
purchases. However, these comparison studies treated a variety of experiential purchases as one homogeneous category regardless of their nature of consumption. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to bridge this gap and to assess the difference in the level of satisfaction among the three
purchase categories: material, travel (composite event experiential purchases), and nontravel experiential purchases (single event experiential purchases). Moreover, this study attempted to ascertain the consistency of these differences across several purchases of each category. By analyzing
the satisfaction derived from past actual purchases of 282 participants it was found that respondents were more satisfied with past travel purchases than both past nontravel experiential purchases, and past material purchases. In addition, this study found differences between US and Israeli
samples regarding purchase satisfaction derived from the three categories. Lastly, this study also discovered that the price paid for purchases in each of the three categories did not have an effect on the derived satisfaction.
The Benefits of Short Stay Caravan Travel Based on the Lived Experiences of Grey Caravanners in Australia
Authors: Patterson Ian , Pegg Shane , Mahadevan Renuka
Published: October 2015

Recently there has been an abundance of research on “grey nomad” travel in Australia and this subset of drive tourism is regarded as an expanding travel market segment. Grey nomads are older people, 55 years and older, who travel independently for extended periods of time.
However, little attention has been given to short-stay travel by older adults who are members of a caravan club. Such membership involves attendance at monthly rallies over a weekend at a selected destination that is usually approximately 200 km from the club's base location. A total of 30
interviews were conducted to explore the benefits of short-stay caravanning to older people's lives. A number of motivations emerged from the interviews, such as friendship with like-minded travelers; discovering new places; and experiencing feelings of enjoyment. Overall, short-stay travel
was strongly linked to the importance of making new friends and being part of a social group, as well as the enjoyment received from discovering new and exciting places to visit.
Examining the Korean Inbound Tourism Market Cycle: A Markov Regime-Switching Model
Authors: Chen Ming-Hsiang , Lin Chien-Pang , Cheng Ming-Chang , Yuan Jo-Hsin
Published: October 2015

This study analyzes the Korean inbound tourism market (KITM) cycle and the driving forces of the KITM cycle. Based on data of tourism receipts from 1976 Q1 to 2012 Q2, the Markov regime-switching model identifies two distinct regimes of the KITM cycle: a high-growth regime and a low-growth
regime, each with its own mean, variance, and duration. Moreover, in addition to the growth rate of tourist arrivals, the growth rate of international trade is found to be significant in keeping the KITM cycle in the high-growth regime. Empirical findings can offer essential information and
policy implications for Korean government tourism policymakers and business managers.
Investigation on the reactivity of α-azidochalcones with carboxylic acids: Formation of α-amido-1,3-diketones and highly substituted 2-(trifluoromethyl)oxazoles
Authors: Rajaguru Kandasamy , Mariappan Arumugam , Suresh Rajendran , Manivannan Periasamy , Muthusubramanian Shanmugam
Published: October 2015

The reaction of α-azidochalcones with carboxylic acids has been investigated resulting in the formation of α-amido-1,3-diketones under microwave irradiation via in situ formation of 2H-azirine intermediates. An interesting reaction is described wherein, with trifluoroacetic acid at lower temperature, it affords highly substituted 2-(trifluoromethyl)oxazoles. These flexible transformations proceed under solvent free conditions in good to excellent yields without any catalyst.
USE OF RESTORATION PLANTINGS TO ENHANCE BIRD SEED DISPERSAL AT THE ROADSIDE: FAILURES AND PROSPECTS
Authors: TORRE Rocío de , JIMÉNEZ María Dolores , RAMÍREZ Álvaro , MOLA Ignacio , CASADO Miguel A. , BALAGUER Luis
Published: October 2015

Plantings are commonly used in roadside reclamation for ornamental purposes and for increasing slope stability and road safety. However, the role of these plantings in restoring ecological processes, such as seed dispersal, has received little attention. We carried out a study to assess the potential role of plantings on roadside embankments to attract frugivorous birds and to enhance seed dispersal mediated by birds from the surrounding landscape. We examined: (1) bird species richness and abundance; (2) patterns of avian spatial distribution within embankments and (3) seed dispersal mediated by birds. Bird richness and abundance did not differ between embankments with and without plantings. However, birds were not distributed randomly within embankments, with levels of species richness and abundance for facultative frugivorous between 4.8–8 times higher in areas closer to plantings. An analysis of bird droppings showed that birds only dispersed seeds of the planted species since no seeds of woody plants from matrices were detected. These results suggest that plantings acted as selective bird attractors, providing food and perches for frugivorous species. Nevertheless, the scarcity of seed-dispersing birds in the surrounding agricultural landscape prevented plantings from enhancing seed dispersal and connectivity to adjacent habitat.
Characterization of Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona isolated from swine in Brazil
Authors: Miraglia Fabiana , Moreno Luisa Z , Morais Zenaide M , Langoni Helio , Shimabukuro Fabio H , Dellagostin Odir A , Hartskeerl Rudy , Vasconcellos Silvio A , Moreno Andrea Micke
Published: October 2015

Introduction: Leptospira interrogans swine infection is a cause of serious economic loss and a potential human health hazard. In Brazil, the most common serovars associated with swine infections are Pomona, Icterohaemorrhagie and Tarassovi. Cross-reactions among serovars and the failure of infected animals to seroconvert may complicate the interpretation of serological tests. Molecular methods with better discriminatory powers are useful tools for swine leptospirosis characterization and diagnosis. Methodology: This study evaluated nine L. interrogans isolates from the States of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais during different time periods. Isolates from diseased and apparently healthy swine were characterized by microscopic agglutination tests with polyclonal antibodies and were genotyped by VNTR, PFGE and MLST techniques. Broth microdilution was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration of the antimicrobials of veterinary interest. Results: The strains were identified as L. interrogans serogroup Pomona serovar Pomona Genotype A, while MLST grouped all of the isolates in sequence type 37. The PFGE analysis resulted in two pulsotypes with more than 70% similarity, distinguishing serovar Pomona isolates from the serovar Kennewicki reference strain. All of the isolates presented low MIC values to penicillin, ampicillin, ceftiofur and tulathromycin. High MIC values for fluoroquinolones, tiamulin, gentamicin, tetracyclines, neomycin, tilmicosin and sulfas were also observed. Conclusions: All molecular techniques were concordant in L. interrogans serovar Pomona identification. This serovar may have a different antibiotic susceptibility profile than previously reported for Leptospira isolates.
Clonal relatedness and resistance patterns of Salmonella Corvallis from poultry carcasses in a Brazilian slaughterhouse
Authors: Yamatogi Ricardo S. , Oliveira Heverton C. , Camargo Carlos H. , Fernandes Sueli A. , Hernandes Rodrigo T. , Pinto José PAN , Rall Vera LM , Araújo João P.
Published: October 2015

Introduction: Salmonella is a major cause of foodborne disease, and poultry products are important contributors to the transmission of this zoonotic pathogen. Although considered to be rare in most countries, Salmonella Corvallis has been reported in specific geographic areas isolated from both human and non-human sources. The aim of this study was to report the occurrence, the antimicrobial resistance profiles including the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production, and the clonal relatedness of S. Corvallis strains. Methodology: A total of 132 fragments of poultry carcasses from a slaughterhouse in São Paulo State, Brazil, were collected at different stages of the manufacturing process (post-bleeding, post-plucking, and post-chilling) and analyzed for the presence of Salmonella. Antimicrobial resistance was determined by disc diffusion method and Etest. Clonal relatedness was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results: Among the 272 Salmonella strains recovered, fourteen were S. Corvallis. Ten (71.4%) showed ESBL production and resistance to at least three antimicrobial agents. Nalidixic acid resistance and reduced ciprofloxacin susceptibility was verified in four (28.6%) strains. PFGE analyses showed that all the S. Corvallis strains belonged to the same pulsotype. Conclusion: This study identified genetically related S. Corvallis strains exhibiting ESBL production and reduced susceptibility to quinolone. The results suggest the need to improve the sanitary conditions in the slaughterhouse. Moreover, from a public health perspective, continuous surveillance on Salmonella is needed to control the dissemination of this important zoonotic pathogen and its resistance determinants.
Are healthcare workers’ mobile phones a potential source of nosocomial infections? Review of the literature
Authors: Ulger Fatma , Dilek Ahmet , Esen Saban , Sunbul Mustafa , Leblebicioglu Hakan
Published: October 2015

Mobile communication devices help accelerate in-hospital flow of medical information, information sharing and querying, and contribute to communications in the event of emergencies through their application and access to wireless media technology. Healthcare-associated infections remain a leading and high-cost problem of global health systems despite improvements in modern therapies. The objective of this article was to review different studies on the relationship between mobile phones (MPs) and bacterial cross-contamination and report common findings. Thirty-nine studies published between 2005 and 2013 were reviewed. Of these, 19 (48.7%) identified coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), and 26 (66.7%) identified Staphylococcus aureus; frequency of growth varied. The use of MPs by healthcare workers increases the risk of repetitive cyclic contamination between the hands and face (e.g., nose, ears, and lips), and differences in personal hygiene and behaviors can further contribute to the risks. MPs are rarely cleaned after handling. They may transmit microorganisms, including multiple resistant strains, after contact with patients, and can be a source of bacterial cross-contamination. To prevent bacterial contamination of MPs, hand-washing guidelines must be followed and technical standards for prevention strategies should be developed.
Ceftaroline activity on certain respiratory tract and wound infection agents at the minimum inhibitory concentration level
Authors: Yanik Keramettin , Guluzade Emin , Bilgin Kemal , Karadag Adil , Eroglu Cafer , Birinci Asuman , Gunaydin Murat
Published: October 2015

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ceftaroline against agents frequently isolated from respiratory tract and wound infections. Methodology: The study included a total of 250 strains isolated from various clinical specimens, among which were Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysagalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catharralis. The bacteria were identified using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight method and conventional methods. The bacteria’s antibiotic susceptibility was tested using appropriate broth microdilution. Mueller-Hinton broth with 4% lysed horse blood, Haemophilus test medium broth, and Mueller-Hinton broth were used. Ceftaroline fosamil results at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were evaluated using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria. For quality assurance, E. coli ATCC 35218, S. aureus ATCC 29213, S. aureus ATCC 43300, S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619, H. influenzae ATCC 49766, H. influenzae ATCC 10211, and H. influenzae ATCC 49247 standard strains were used. Results: According to CLSI criteria, resistance was not detected in any strains. Due to the absence of CLSI criteria for M. catharralis, the susceptibility state for this bacterium was not evaluated. The various strains’ MIC50–MIC90 values were as follows: for S. pyogenes, 0.015–0.06; for S. agalactiae, 0.03–0.125; for S. dysagalactiae, 0.03–0.06; for S. pneumoniae, 0.06–0.125; for H. influenzae, 0.015–0.125; and for M. catharralis, 0.5–1. Conclusions: The results indicate that ceftaroline is quite effective against bacteria that are frequently isolated from respiratory tract and wound infections.
Clinical report of serious complications associated with measles pneumonia in children hospitalized at Shengjing hospital, China
Authors: Li Jiujun , Zhao Ying , Liu Zhe , Zhang Tao , Liu Chunfeng , Liu Xin
Published: October 2015

Introduction: Despite tremendous progress made toward elimination, measles continues to pose a great threat to the health of children in developing countries. The objective of this study was to summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment experience of serious complications of measles pneumonia in children. Methodology: The study group comprised 58 infants with severe measles pneumonia who were admitted to the Second Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, from December 2013 through May 2014. The clinical characteristics of complications such as hypoxemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, pneumothorax, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and intracranial infection were retrospectively analyzed; in addition, the death cases were summarized and analyzed. Results: The 58 infants experienced the following: hypoxemia, 100%; ARDS, 21%; sepsis, 34%; pneumothorax, 14%; MODS, 16%; and intracranial infection, 9%. A total of 7 infants developed a secondary bacterial infection, and 12 infants received mechanical ventilation (5 with high-frequency mechanical ventilation and 3 with mechanical ventilation and NO inhalation); the average duration of mechanical ventilation was 10.08 days, and 3 infants expired. Conclusions: Children with measles pneumonia may experience multiple serious complications, among which ARDS and pneumothorax are particularly serious. If a patient’s condition changes abruptly, it is crucial to promptly respond to the change and to administer mechanical ventilation and appropriate antibiotics. For patients with a severe pneumothorax, and especially those with severe mediastinal emphysema, timely, continuous, retrosternal, closed thoracic drainage can effectively relieve compression.
Expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 in the livers of mice infected by Clonorchis sinensis
Authors: Yan Chao , Li Xiang-Yang , Li Bo , Zhang Bei-Bei , Xu Jiang-Tao , Hua Hui , Yu Qian , Liu Zhuan-Zhuan , Fu Lin-Lin , Tang Ren-Xian , Zheng Kui-Yang
Published: October 2015

Introduction: Clonorchis sinensis is one of the most important foodborne pathogens in humans, and can cause biliary diseases such as gallstones, cholecystitis, cholangitis, and cholangiocarcinoma. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as sensors are crucial to initiating both innate and adaptive immune defenses against pathogens. However, little is known about the hepatic expression of TLRs of hosts induced by C. sinensis infection. Methodology: In the present study, the expression and distribution of TLR2 and TLR4 were investigated in a mouse model of clonorchiasis on days 28, 56, 84, and 112 post-infection (PI) using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemically staining, respectively. The levels of cytokines that are mediated by TLR2 and TLR4 were also evaluated using a cytometric bead array. Results: Results showed that the transcripts of TLR2 and TLR4 were upregulated on day 28 PI in C. sinensis-infected mice compared with non-infected ones (p < 0.01). In addition, their proteins were strongly immunohistochemically positive in the cytoplasm and membrane of endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and biliary epithelium cells of C. sinensis-infected mice. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were increased with activation of TLR2 and TLR4. Conclusions: The expression of TLR2 and TLR4 is upregulated against C. sinensis infection, which suggests that TLR2 and TLR4 might be involved in immune responses during C. sinensis infection.
Wireless Sensor Network Route Optimization Based on Improved Ant Colony-Genetic
Authors: Liu Wei , Cui Yongfeng , Zhao Zhongyuan
Published: October 2015

The objective of this paper is focuses on route optimization, for a given wireless sensor network. We detail the significance of route optimization problem and the corresponding mathematical model. After analyzing the complex multi-objective optimization problem, Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm was introduced to search the best route. Inspired by Genetic Algorithm (GA), we embed two operations into ACO to refine it. First, every ant after achieving sink will be regarded as an individual such as that in GA. The crossover operation will be applied and then, the generated new ants will replace the weaker parents. Second, we designed a mutation operation for ants selecting next nodes to visit. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed combination algorithm has significant enhancements than both GA and ACO. The lifetime of WSN can be extended and the coverage speed can be accelerated.
A Remote Testbed System for Mobile Ad-hoc/Sensor Networks
Authors: Yin Jun , Yang Yuwang , Hu Xiayun , Yin Yanxiang
Published: October 2015

Nodes in a mobile ad-hoc/sensor networks (MANET) can move at any speed and direction independently. Thus, it's difficult to design a testbed system for network working under such circumstance. Different with traditional software simulation or vehicle-loaded methods, a remote network performance testbed system is proposed in this paper. The main idea of our proposed system is using the rotary motion to create such velocity-changing context. We designed and realized two high speed rotary turntable platforms. Nodes can be deployed on the rotary platform during test, thus it can movement at a speed upto 168 km/h in our testbed system. The operator can remotely monitor the test and receive the testing results simultaneously. Shown by the experiments, the approach is simple, efficient and reliable. In addition, the reason of network packet loss in our testbed is also analysed and tested in this research.