bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Mechanisms of Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Leopold Jane , Maron Bradley
Published: May 2016

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease that is precipitated by hypertrophic pulmonary vascular remodeling of distal arterioles to increase pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance in the absence of left heart, lung parenchymal, or thromboembolic disease. Despite available medical therapy, pulmonary artery remodeling and its attendant hemodynamic consequences result in right ventricular dysfunction, failure, and early death. To limit morbidity and mortality, attention has focused on identifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant pulmonary artery remodeling to identify pathways for intervention. While there is a well-recognized heritable genetic component to PAH, there is also evidence of other genetic perturbations, including pulmonary vascular cell DNA damage, activation of the DNA damage response, and variations in microRNA expression. These findings likely contribute, in part, to dysregulation of proliferation and apoptosis signaling pathways akin to what is observed in cancer; changes in cellular metabolism, metabolic flux, and mitochondrial function; and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition as key signaling pathways that promote pulmonary vascular remodeling. This review will highlight recent advances in the field with an emphasis on the aforementioned molecular mechanisms as contributors to the pulmonary vascular disease pathophenotype.
The Clinical Significance of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Receptor Polymorphism in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation
Authors: Liu Tu-Chen , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Liu Ming-Che , Chiang Whei-Ling , Tsao Thomas , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: May 2016

The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling pathway mediates multiple cancer cell biological processes. IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) expression has been used as a reporter of the clinical significance of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, the association between IGF1R genetic variants and the clinical utility of NSCLC positive for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation is not clear. The current study investigated the association between the IGF1R genetic variants, the occurrence of EGFR mutations, and clinicopathological characteristics in NSCLC patients. A total of 452 participants, including 362 adenocarcinoma lung cancer and 90 squamous cell carcinoma lung cancer patients, were selected for analysis of IGF1R genetic variants (rs7166348, rs2229765, and rs8038415) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)genotyping. The results indicated that GA + AA genotypes of IGF1R rs2229765 were significantly associated with EGFR mutation in female lung adenocarcinoma patients (odds ratio (OR) = 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.17–0.87). Moreover, The GA + AA genotype IGF1R rs2229765 was significantly associated with EGFR L858R mutation (p = 0.02) but not with the exon 19 in-frame deletion. Furthermore, among patients without EGFR mutation, those who have at least one polymorphic A allele of IGF1R rs7166348 have an increased incidence of lymph node metastasis when compared with those patients homozygous for GG (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.20–2.31). Our results showed that IGF1R genetic variants are related to EGFR mutation in female lung adenocarcinoma patients and may be a predictive factor for tumor lymph node metastasis in Taiwanese patients with NSCLC.
Low-Molecular Weight Polyethylenimine Modified with Pluronic 123 and RGD- or Chimeric RGD-NLS Peptide: Characteristics and Transfection Efficacy of Their Complexes with Plasmid DNA
Authors: Hu Jing , Zhao Wenfang , Liu Kehai , Yu Qian , Mao Yuan , Lu Zeyu , Zhang Yaguang , Zhu Manman
Published: May 2016

To solve the problem of transfection efficiency vs. cytotoxicity and tumor-targeting ability when polyethylenimine (PEI) was used as a nonviral gene delivery vector, new degradable PEI polymers were synthesized via cross-linking low-molecular-weight PEI with Pluronic P123 and then further coupled with a targeting peptide R4 (RGD) and a bifunctional R11 (RGD-NLS), which were termed as P123-PEI-R4 and P123-PEI-R11, respectively. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that both P123-PEI-R4 and P123-PEI-R11 efficaciously condense plasmid DNA at a polymer-to-pDNA w/w ratio of 3.0 and 0.4, respectively. The polyplexes were stable in the presence of serum and could protect plasmid DNA against DNaseI. They had uniform spherical nanoparticles with appropriate sizes around 100–280 nm and zeta-potentials about +40 mV. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that these polyplexes had lower cytotoxicity at any concentration compared with PEI 25 kDa, thus giving promise to high transfection efficiency as compared with another P123-PEI derivate conjugated with trifunctional peptide RGD-TAT-NLS (P123-PEI-R18). More importantly, compared with the other polymers, P123-PEI-R11 showed the highest transfection efficiency with relatively lower cytotoxicity at any concentration, indicating that the new synthetic polymer P123-PEI-R11 could be used as a safe and efficient gene deliver vector.
Cytotoxicity of Different Excipients on RPMI 2650 Human Nasal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Horváth Tamás , Bartos Csilla , Bocsik Alexandra , Kiss Lóránd , Veszelka Szilvia , Deli Mária , Újhelyi Gabriella , Szabó-Révész Piroska , Ambrus Rita
Published: May 2016

The nasal route receives a great deal of attention as a non-invasive method for the systemic administration of drugs. For nasal delivery, specific formulations containing excipients are used. Because of the sensitive respiratory mucosa, not only the active ingredients, but also additives need to be tested in appropriate models for toxicity. The aim of the study was to measure the cytotoxicity of six pharmaceutical excipients, which could help to reach larger residence time, better permeability, and increased solubility dissolution rate. The following excipients were investigated on RPMI 2650 human nasal septum tumor epithelial cells: β-d-mannitol, sodium hyaluronate, α and β-cyclodextrin, polyvinyl alcohol and methylcellulose. 3-(4,5-dimethyltiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye conversion assay and real-time impedance analysis were used to investigate cytotoxicity. No excipient showed toxicity at 0.3% (w/v) concentration or below while 1% concentration a significantly reduced metabolic activity was measured by MTT assay for methylcellulose and cyclodextrins. Using impedance measurements, only β-cyclodextrin (1%) was toxic to cells. Mannitol at 1% concentration had a barrier opening effect on epithelial cells, but caused no cellular damage. Based on the results, all additives at 0.3%, sodium hyaluronate and polyvinyl alcohol at 1% concentrations can be safely used for nasal formulations.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of TiO2 Nanocomposites as Photocatalysts for Benzyl Alcohol Photo-Oxidation
Authors: Ouyang Weiyi , Kuna Ewelina , Yepez Alfonso , Balu Alina , Romero Antonio , Colmenares Juan , Luque Rafael
Published: May 2016

TiO2 (anatase phase) has excellent photocatalytic performance and different methods have been reported to overcome its main limitation of high band gap energy. In this work, TiO2-magnetically-separable nanocomposites (MAGSNC) photocatalysts with different TiO2 loading were synthesized using a simple one-pot mechanochemical method. Photocatalysts were characterized by a number of techniques and their photocatalytic activity was tested in the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. Extension of light absorption into the visible region was achieved upon titania incorporation. Results indicated that the photocatalytic activity increased with TiO2 loading on the catalysts, with moderate conversion (20%) at high benzaldehyde selectivity (84%) achieved for 5% TiO2-MAGSNC. These findings pointed out a potential strategy for the valorization of lignocellulosic-based biomass under visible light irradiation using designer photocatalytic nanomaterials.
Poly(Acrylic acid)–Based Hybrid Inorganic–Organic Electrolytes Membrane for Electrical Double Layer Capacitors Application
Authors: Liew Chiam-Wen , Ng H.M. , Numan Arshid , Ramesh S.
Published: May 2016

Nanocomposite polymer electrolyte membranes (NCPEMs) based on poly(acrylic acid)(PAA) and titania (TiO2) are prepared by a solution casting technique. The ionic conductivity of NCPEMs increases with the weight ratio of TiO2.The highest ionic conductivity of (8.36 ± 0.01) × 10−4 S·cm−1 is obtained with addition of 6 wt % of TiO2 at ambient temperature. The complexation between PAA, LiTFSI and TiO2 is discussed in Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) studies. Electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) are fabricated using the filler-free polymer electrolyte or the most conducting NCPEM and carbon-based electrodes. The electrochemical performances of fabricated EDLCs are studied through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge studies. EDLC comprising NCPEM shows the specific capacitance of 28.56 F·g−1 (or equivalent to 29.54 mF·cm−2) with excellent electrochemical stability.
PATMOS-x Cloud Climate Record Trend Sensitivity to Reanalysis Products
Authors: Foster Michael , Heidinger Andrew , Hiley Michael , Wanzong Steve , Walther Andi , Botambekov Denis
Published: May 2016

Continuous satellite-derived cloud records now extend over three decades, and are increasingly used for climate applications. Certain applications, such as trend detection, require a clear understanding of uncertainty as it relates to establishing statistical significance. The use of reanalysis products as sources of ancillary data could be construed as one such source of uncertainty, as there has been discussion regarding the suitability of reanalysis products for trend detection. Here we use three reanalysis products: Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) and European Center for Medium range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) ERA-Interim (ERA-I) as sources of ancillary data for the Pathfinder Atmospheres Extended/Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (PATMOS-x/AVHRR) Satellite Cloud Climate Data Record (CDR), and perform inter-comparisons to determine how sensitive the climatology is to choice of ancillary data source. We find differences among reanalysis fields required for PATMOS-x processing, which translate to small but not insignificant differences in retrievals of cloud fraction, cloud top height and cloud optical depth. The retrieval variability due to choice of reanalysis product is on the order of one third the size of the retrieval uncertainty, making it a potentially significant factor in trend detection. Cloud fraction trends were impacted the most by choice of reanalysis while cloud optical depth trends were impacted the least. Metrics used to determine the skill of the reanalysis products for use as ancillary data found no clear best choice for use in PATMOS-x. We conclude use of reanalysis products as ancillary data in the PATMOS-x/AVHRR Cloud CDR do not preclude its use for trend detection, but for that application uncertainty in reanalysis fields should be better represented in the PATMOS-x retrieval uncertainty.
Evaluation of MPEG-7-Based Audio Descriptors for Animal Voice Recognition over Wireless Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Luque Joaquín , Larios Diego , Personal Enrique , Barbancho Julio , León Carlos
Published: May 2016

Environmental audio monitoring is a huge area of interest for biologists all over the world. This is why some audio monitoring system have been proposed in the literature, which can be classified into two different approaches: acquirement and compression of all audio patterns in order to send them as raw data to a main server; or specific recognition systems based on audio patterns. The first approach presents the drawback of a high amount of information to be stored in a main server. Moreover, this information requires a considerable amount of effort to be analyzed. The second approach has the drawback of its lack of scalability when new patterns need to be detected. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes an environmental Wireless Acoustic Sensor Network architecture focused on use of generic descriptors based on an MPEG-7 standard. These descriptors demonstrate it to be suitable to be used in the recognition of different patterns, allowing a high scalability. The proposed parameters have been tested to recognize different behaviors of two anuran species that live in Spanish natural parks; the Epidalea calamita and the Alytes obstetricans toads, demonstrating to have a high classification performance.
Color Restoration of RGBN Multispectral Filter Array Sensor Images Based on Spectral Decomposition
Authors: Park Chulhee , Kang Moon
Published: May 2016

A multispectral filter array (MSFA) image sensor with red, green, blue and near-infrared (NIR) filters is useful for various imaging applications with the advantages that it obtains color information and NIR information simultaneously. Because the MSFA image sensor needs to acquire invisible band information, it is necessary to remove the IR cut-offfilter (IRCF). However, without the IRCF, the color of the image is desaturated by the interference of the additional NIR component of each RGB color channel. To overcome color degradation, a signal processing approach is required to restore natural color by removing the unwanted NIR contribution to the RGB color channels while the additional NIR information remains in the N channel. Thus, in this paper, we propose a color restoration method for an imaging system based on the MSFA image sensor with RGBN filters. To remove the unnecessary NIR component in each RGB color channel, spectral estimation and spectral decomposition are performed based on the spectral characteristics of the MSFA sensor. The proposed color restoration method estimates the spectral intensity in NIR band and recovers hue and color saturation by decomposing the visible band component and the NIR band component in each RGB color channel. The experimental results show that the proposed method effectively restores natural color and minimizes angular errors.
A Novel Two-Wire Fast Readout Approach for Suppressing Cable Crosstalk in a Tactile Resistive Sensor Array
Authors: Wu Jianfeng , Wang Yu , Li Jianqing , Song Aiguo
Published: May 2016

For suppressing the crosstalk problem due to wire resistances and contacted resistances of the long flexible cables in tactile sensing systems, we present a novel two-wire fast readout approach for the two-dimensional resistive sensor array in shared row-column fashion. In the approach, two wires are used for every driving electrode and every sampling electrode in the resistive sensor array. The approach with a high readout rate, though it requires a large number of wires and many sampling channels, solves the cable crosstalk problem. We also verified the approach’s performance with Multisim simulations and actual experiments.
On Modeling Eavesdropping Attacks in Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Qiu , Dai Hong-Ning , Li Xuran , Wang Hao , Xiao Hong
Published: May 2016

The security and privacy of underwater acoustic sensor networks has received extensive attention recently due to the proliferation of underwater activities. This paper proposes an analytical model to investigate the eavesdropping attacks in underwater acoustic sensor networks. Our analytical framework considers the impacts of various underwater acoustic channel conditions (such as the acoustic signal frequency, spreading factor and wind speed) and different hydrophones (isotropic hydrophones and array hydrophones) in terms of network nodes and eavesdroppers. We also conduct extensive simulations to evaluate the effectiveness and the accuracy of our proposed model. Empirical results show that our proposed model is quite accurate. In addition, our results also imply that the eavesdropping probability heavily depends on both the underwater acoustic channel conditions and the features of hydrophones.
Veiled Politics: Muslim Women’s Visibility and Their Use in European Countries’ Political Life
Authors: Vanzan Anna
Published: May 2016

One of the many disastrous consequences of the tragic events of 9/11 is the war waged by the neocolonialists in order to “liberate” Muslim women. This gender-based war stands on a series of pillars, such as the presumption that Western civilization offers women a great deal of privileges, while Muslim culture gives none. Therefore, it would be logical to suppose that, because of the many opportunities the West grants to Muslim women who reside there, the latter may have an active role in the local political process. However, Muslim women have scarce visibility in European political life, and their presence is sometimes merely instrumental to some party: in most cases, women are coopted because they are a good sample of “secular Muslims” (i.e., they do not wear the hijab, i.e., the veil and a modest attire); in others, they are appointed because they are veiled and can therefore become a good vehicle in order to win the support both of the Muslim community and of its sympathizers. In this paper, I will analyze some crucial aspects of Muslim women’s formal political participation in some European countries; in addition, I will focus on the Italian case with the help of a series of interviews with Muslim women who play an active role in local political councils. The study shows how in European politics, Muslim women can become a commodity even when they stand out as rising political individuals; but also how they fight to gain visibility and public recognition, in spite of the tense situation and of the rampant Islamophobia.
A Non-Parametric Delphi Approach to Foster Innovation Policy Debate in Spain
Authors: Salazar-Elena Juan , Sánchez M. , Otamendi F.
Published: May 2016

The aim of this paper is to identify some changes needed in Spain’s innovation policy to fill the gap between its innovation results and those of other European countries in lieu of sustainable leadership. To do this we apply the Delphi methodology to experts from academia, business, and government. To overcome the shortcomings of traditional descriptive methods, we develop an inferential analysis by following a non-parametric bootstrap method which enables us to identify important changes that should be implemented. Particularly interesting is the support found for improving the interconnections among the relevant agents of the innovation system (instead of focusing exclusively in the provision of knowledge and technological inputs through R and D activities), or the support found for “soft” policy instruments aimed at providing a homogeneous framework to assess the innovation capabilities of firms (e.g., for funding purposes). Attention to potential innovators among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and traditional industries is particularly encouraged by experts.
Comparison of Droplet Digital PCR and qPCR for the Quantification of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Bovine Feces
Authors: Verhaegen Bavo , De Reu Koen , De Zutter Lieven , Verstraete Karen , Heyndrickx Marc , Van Coillie Els
Published: May 2016

Cattle are considered to be the main reservoir for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and are often the direct or indirect source of STEC outbreaks in humans. Accurate measurement of the concentration of shed STEC in cattle feces could be a key answer to questions concerning transmission of STEC, contamination sources and efficiency of treatments at farm level. Infected animals can be identified and the contamination level quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), which has its specific limitations. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has been proposed as a method to overcome many of the drawbacks of qPCR. This end-point amplification PCR is capable of absolute quantification independent from any reference material and is less prone to PCR inhibition than qPCR. In this study, the qPCR-based protocol described by Verstraete et al. (2014) for Shiga toxin genes stx1 and stx2 and the intimin gene eae quantification was optimized for ddPCR analysis. The properties of ddPCR and qPCR using two different mastermixes (EMM: TaqMan® Environmental Master Mix 2.0; UMM: TaqMan® Universal PCR Master Mix) were evaluated, using standard curves and both artificial and natural contaminated cattle fecal samples. In addition, the susceptibility of these assays to PCR-inhibitors was investigated. Evaluation of the standard curves and both artificial and natural contaminated cattle fecal samples suggested a very good agreement between qPCR using EMM and ddPCR. Furthermore, similar sensitivities and no PCR inhibition were recorded for both assays. On the other hand, qPCR using UMM was clearly prone to PCR inhibition. In conclusion, the ddPCR technique shows potential for the accurate absolute quantification of STEC on the farms, without relying on standardized reference material.
Correction: Reynard, O.; et al. Identification of a New Ribonucleoside Inhibitor of Ebola Virus Replication. Viruses 2015, 7, 6233‒6240
Authors:   Editorial Office
Published: May 2016

The Viruses Editorial Ofﬁce wishes to notify its readers of corrections in [1].[...]
Metallosis with pseudotumour formation: Long-term complication following cementless total hip replacement in a dog
Authors: Volstad Nicola , Schaefer Susan , Snyder Laura , Meinen Jeffrey , Sample Susannah
Published: May 2016

Case description: A 10-year-old female Belgian Teruven dog was presented to our clinic for total hip revision following a diagnosis of implant (cup) failure with metallosis and abdominal pseudotumour formation. The patient had a cementless metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement performed nine years prior to presentation.

Clinical findings: The clinical findings, including pseudotumour formation locally and at sites distant from the implant and pain associated with the joint replacement, were similar to those described in human patients with this condition. Histopathological, surgical, and radiographic findings additionally supported the diagnosis of metallosis and pseudotumour formation.

Treatment and outcome: Distant site pseudo -tumours were surgically removed and the total hip replacement was explanted due to poor bone quality. The patient recovered uneventfully and has since resumed normal activity.

Conclusion: In veterinary patients with metal-on-polyethylene total hip implants, cup failure leading to metallosis and pseudo-tumour formation should be considered as a potential cause of ipsilateral hindlimb lameness, intra-pelvic abdominal tumours, or a combination of both. These clinical findings may occur years after total hip replacement surgery.
CONVERSION FACTORS OF THE TEMPERATURE EFFECT ON THE SHEAR STRENGTH OF ADHESIVELY-BONDED STEEL JOINTS
Authors: PASTERNAK Hartmut , SAHELLIE Samer
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the investigations on lap shear galvanized steel joints bonded by two structural adhesives (acrylic and epoxy) with two thicknesses of the bondline. The effect of the temperature on the shear strength of the ad­hesives when the joints are short-term-loaded is the main objective of the investigations. The partial factors of the limit states as well as the conversion factors that cover the use conditions and circumstances and particularly the temperature influence, within a temperature range from –20 °C to +40 °C, are proposed. These factors are proposed by two methods commonly used in the respective standards; the direct evaluation method and prediction model-based method. A com­parison between the results obtained by these methods is presented.
INFLUENCE OF THE PILE STIFFNESS ON THE GROUND SLAB BEHAVIOUR
Authors: URBONAS Kęstutis , SLIŽYTĖ Danutė , MACKEVIČIUS Rimantas
Published: May 2016

Just as other structural elements, ground slabs are an important unit of a building. It is especially true in the case of buildings, such as logistic centres, for which the primary purpose is storage of various goods. In this kind of buildings, floor slabs usually have high loads. For buildings where truck lifts are used, there are special requirements for flatness tolerance across and along the driving track of truck lifts. Therefore, the floor settlement differences in selected distances are limited. In localities where the soils under the floor slab are weak, they should be replaced or compacted. If these solutions are not possible or economically inappropriate, the slabs have to be supported on piles that must be based on strong deep soils. During the design process, it is very important to assign a proper value of rigidity of the piles. Pile stiffness has an enormous influence on the settlement of the slab as well as on the reinforcement intensity of the slab or even on the slab thickness. This paper presents the methodology for the evaluation of pile stiffness. In addition, it provides recommendations for the calculation of the floor slab on the piles. Calculations and obtained results confirmed the importance of certain design stages.
MCG+08-22-082: A DOUBLE CORE AND BOXY APPEARANCE DWARF LENTICULAR GALAXY SUSPECTED TO BE A MERGER REMNANT
Authors: Pak Mina , Paudel Sanjaya , Lee Youngdae , Kim Sang Chul
Published: May 2016

We present a study on the dwarf lenticular galaxy MCG+08-22-082 (U141), located in the Ursa Major cluster, blue-centered, double-cored, and having a boxy appearance. Using publicly available data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), we perform an analysis of the structural and stellar population properties of the galaxy and the cores. We find that the light profile of U141 follows an exponential law. U141 has a brightness of

M

r

=
−
16.01

mag, and an effective radius of

R

e

=
1.7

kpc

. The boxiness parameter

a

4

/

a

is mostly between 0 and −0.05 in the inner parts, reaching an extreme of about −0.1. Double cores are seen at the center of U141; each of these cores has a stellar mass of ∼106
M
☉ and the separation between them is ∼300 pc. Optical spectroscopy of these cores shows prominent emission in Hα, suggesting ongoing star-forming activities. We interpret these morphological properties and speculate that U141 is a merger remnant of two disk galaxies. Thus, we might have discovered an intermediate stage of merging, providing possible evidence of double cores in the center of the galaxy.
REACTIVITY OF OH AND CH3OH BETWEEN 22 AND 64 K: MODELING THE GAS PHASE PRODUCTION OF CH3O IN BARNARD 1b
Authors: Antiñolo M. , Agúndez M. , Jiménez E. , Ballesteros B. , Canosa A. , Dib G. El , Albaladejo J. , Cernicharo J.
Published: May 2016

In recent years, ultra-low temperature chemical kinetic experiments have demonstrated that some gas-phase reactions are much faster than was previously thought. One example is the reaction between OH and CH3OH, which has recently been found to be accelerated at low temperatures yielding CH3O as its main product. This finding raised the question of whether or not the CH3O observed in the dense core Barnard 1b could be formed by the gas-phase reaction of CH3OH and OH. Several chemical models including this reaction and grain-surface processes have been developed to explain the observed abundance of CH3O, but they have met with little success. Here, we report for the first time the rate coefficients for the gas-phase reaction of OH and CH3OH down to a temperature of 22 K, which is very close to the temperature in cold interstellar clouds. Two independent experimental set-ups based on the supersonic gas expansion technique coupled to the pulsed laser photolysis laser-induced fluorescence technique were used to determine the rate coefficients in the temperature range 22–64 K. The temperature dependence obtained in this work can be expressed as k(22–64 K) =

(
3.6
±
0.1
)
×

10

−
12

(
T

/

300

K
)

−
(
1.0
±
0.2
)

cm3 molecule−1 s−1. Implementing this expression in a chemical model of a cold, dense cloud results in CH3O/CH3OH abundance ratios similar to or slightly lower than the value of ∼3 × 10−3 observed in Barnard 1b. This finding confirms that the gas-phase reaction between OH and CH3OH is an important contributor to the formation of interstellar CH3O. The role of grain-surface processes in the formation of CH3O, although it cannot be fully neglected, remains controversial.
Modos nuevos, patrón antiguo. La migración estacional desde Polonia a Alemania
Authors: Fiałkowska Kamila , Piechowska Maria
Published: May 2016

Este artículo se detiene en la migración estacional polaca hacia Alemania a partir del análisis del funcionamiento del acuerdo polaco-alemán sobre trabajo estacional. Su título destaca dos elementos principales. El alcance numérico del nuevo acuerdo en comparación con otros acuerdos firmados por Estados de la Unión Europea y terceros países y la corriente migratoria derivada de este acuerdo. El artículo sugiere que la actual migración estacional tiene sus raíces en la historia migratoria polaco-alemana y concluye que el formato y desarrollo de este sistema de regulación migratoria puede ser considerado resultado de las desiguales relaciones de poder existentes entre Estados, que se reproducen en la esfera de los actores.
Asegurar el futuro en circunstancias inciertas. La seguridad social de los trabajadores inmigrantes temporales en Finlandia
Authors: Helander Mika , Holley Peter , Uuttana Heidi
Published: May 2016

Este artículo se centra en las experiencias en materia de seguridad social de los trabajadores migrantes temporales en Finlandia y analiza la influencia de su estatuto temporal en las motivaciones para obtener información sobre sus derechos, así como los problemas específicos derivados de su condición temporal. Esta motivación está determinada por diversos factores como son la duración de su estancia, el sector productivo, el género y el país de origen. Por último, el artículo muestra que las motivaciones están muy influidas por las posibilidades objetivas de acceso a los beneficios sociales del país y sostiene que la presencia de trabajadores inmigrantes temporales, especialmente los insertos en el sector agrario, se restringe al ámbito laboral, encontrado limitaciones de acceso a otras esferas de la vida social. El conocimiento de los trabajadores temporales sobre el sistema finés de seguridad social se adquiere a través de la experiencia, por lo que este está condicionado por las condiciones de la incorporación inicial al mercado de trabajo. Los migrantes adaptan sus expectativas subjetivas a sus condiciones objetivas; un ajuste marcado por la frustración debido a sus dificultades de acceso a beneficios sociales, a pesar de las contribuciones que realizan al sistema a través del pago de impuestos.
Circularidad inducida de trabajadores seleccionados. El caso de los planes de movilidad laboral estacional en la agricultura española
Authors: López-Sala Ana
Published: May 2016

A finales de los años noventa España comenzó a diseñar programas dirigidos al reclutamiento de trabajadores estacionales para el sector agrícola. En la década pasada, y coincidiendo con un período de intenso crecimiento económico, estos programas fueron aplicados en determinadas provincias españolas con el objetivo de promover formas de migración temporal y circular. La implantación de estos programas, en los que participan un amplio número de actores públicos y privados, supuso una excepcionalidad en la tradicionalmente reactiva política española de inmigración laboral. Estos programas dotaron, adicionalmente, de un estatuto legal anómalo a este tipo de trabajadores a través de la contención del acceso a permisos permanentes y la limitación del establecimiento. En este artículo se analiza el diseño y la implantación de este tipo de programas en el caso español, la implicación de diversos actores, así como su gestión concreta en el caso de las dos provincias donde estos programas han tenido mayor volumen y continuidad, Huelva en la región de Andalucía y Lérida, en Cataluña.
El Programa para trabajadores temporeros de baja cualificación inmigrantes en Corea: Plan de permisos de trabajo
Authors: Park Young-bum
Published: May 2016

El volumen de trabajadores inmigrantes de baja cualificación se incrementó drásticamente en Corea en los años noventa. El Employment Permit Scheme (EPS), se introdujo en este país en 2003 como un mecanismo legal para canalizar trabajadores de baja cualificación y asegurar su protección. En 2007 se incorpora a este programa el denominado “Training Working Scheme”, para trabajadores en prácticas. También se han adoptado diversos programas para coreanos residentes en el exterior. A través de la implantación del EPS el gobierno coreano ha pretendido prevenir la potencial corrupción en el proceso de admisión de trabajadores migrantes y reducir la inmigración irregular y el empleo informal. La implantación del EPS ha constituido un mecanismo destacable en términos de lucha contra la corrupción y mejora de la transparencia. El número de trabajadores indocumentados alcanzó su máximo en Corea en 2002, y su volumen ha disminuido desde entonces. A pesar de que el número de trabajadores irregulares ha disminuido significativamente desde la implantación del EPS existe todavía en Corea un importante segmento de trabajadores extranjeros en situación irregular que ven vulnerados sus derechos humanos y laborales. La implantación de este programa no se ha producido sin la crítica de un buen número de actores que consideran que se trata de una mera política de suministro de trabajadores de baja cualificación, sin capacidad para abordar de una forma integral la gestión de la migración laboral y los retos del cambio demográfico.
La designación terminológica de las potencias de la incógnita: algunas cuestiones sobre el tránsito del álgebra retórica al álgebra sincopada en el Renacimiento hispano
Authors: Molina Sangüesa Itziar
Published: May 2016

El objetivo de este trabajo es doble: por un lado, estudiar la terminología algebraica referida a las distintas designaciones de las potencias de la incógnita y, por otro, destacar el empleo de ciertas abreviaturas referidas a las mismas, no solo como un mecanismo lingüístico para economizar el discurso, sino por lo que supuso en el desarrollo del álgebra —marcada, desde sus albores, por un estilo puramente retórico— hacia la ciencia eminentemente simbólica en la que se ha erigido. En este proceso evolutivo que va de la palabra al símbolo, la etapa del Renacimiento, caracterizada por la alternancia de los vocablos acuñados por los algebristas italianos frente a los alemanes y por la proliferación de abreviaturas en la notación algebraica (como, por ejemplo, para la expresión de las potencias de la incógnita), es fundamental; motivo por el que revisaremos, analizaremos y estudiaremos estas cuestiones en tres de los tratados matemáticos más relevantes del Quinientos hispano: Libro primero de Arithmética algebrática (1552) de Marco Aurel, Arithmética práctica y speculativa (1562) de Juan Pérez de Moya y Libro de Álgebra en Arithmética y Geometría (1567) de Pedro Núñez Salaciense.
Expect the unexpected: the vital need for wild plants in a Bronze Age farmer’s diet
Authors: Van Amerongen Yvonne
Published: May 2016

Wild plant gathering and consumption has previously been described as being unimportant during the Bronze Age in the western Netherlands. It was believed that the people were full-time farmers and that the food produced on the settlement was enough for people to be self-sufficient. However, the analysis performed here to re-evaluate this statement has shown that wild plants were also essential to life in the Bronze Age. The combined information obtained from ethnography, ethnobotany, archaeology, ecology, nutritional studies, and physical anthropology has indeed indicated that wild plants, and especially their vegetative parts, would have had to have been gathered yearround in order for people to remain healthy.
Psychosocial stressors and support needs of survivors of Ebola virus disease, Bombali District, Sierra Leone, 2015
Authors: Bakare Waheed Ariyo , Ilesanmi Olayinka Stephen , Nabena Edmund Presiror , Famuyide Temitope
Published: May 2016

Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors are increasing. There is a need to document their psychosocial stressors and support needs to enable appropriate interventions. The aim of this study was to document psychosocial stressors and support needs of EVD survivors in Bombali District, Sierra Leone, in 2015. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used. A cross-sectional study design (questionnaire) was used for quantitative data collection from 299 survivors, while in-depth interview was done for 6 survivors. Parental losses, poor economic situation, joblessness, lack of food were among the problems reported. The median age of survivors was 24 years (range 1- 89 years). Orphans were 66 (22.1%), widows were 59 (19.7%), while widowers were 19 (6.4%). Food was needed by 291 (97.3%) of the survivors, 196 (65.6%) reported they needed clothing. Shelter was the need of 20 (6.7%) survivors, while 246 (82.3%) wanted financial support. In all, 4 (1.4%) survivors were rejected by their families’ members, while community members rejected another 4 (1.3%). Ebola survivors are champions and they should be projected in that light within their family and community. Governments need to establish strategic partnership with non-governmental bodies to ensure the needs of the survivors are met.
Autoimmune Syndromes Presenting as a Paraneoplastic Manifestation of Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Clinical Features, Course, Treatment and Outcome
Authors: Williamson Bradley , Foltz Lynda , Leitch Heather
Published: May 2016

Autoimmune manifestations (AIM) are reported in up to 10-30% of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients; this association is not well defined. We present herein a retrospective chart review of single center MDS patients for AIM, a case discussion and a literature review. Of 252 MDS patients examined, 11 (4.4%) had AIM around MDS diagnosis. International Prognostic Scoring System scores were: low or intermediate (int)-1 (n = 7); int-2 or high (n = 4). AIM were: culture negative sepsis (n = 7); inflammatory arthritis (n = 3); vasculitis (n = 4); sweats; pericarditis; polymyalgia rheumatica (n = 2 each); mouth ulcers; pulmonary infiltrates; suspicion for Behcet’s; polychondritis and undifferentiated (n = 1 each). AIM treatment and outcome were: prednisone +/- steroid sparing agents, n = 8, ongoing symptoms in 5; azacitidine (n = 3), 2 resolved; and observation, n = 1, ongoing symptoms. At a median follow up of 13 months, seven patients are alive. In summary, 4.4% of MDS patients presented with concomitant AIM. MDS should remain on the differential diagnosis of patients with inflammatory symptoms.
Study on potential Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin production in Parma ham
Authors: Merialdi Giuseppe , Ramini Mattia , Parolari Giovanni , Barbuti Silvana , Frustoli Maria Angela , Taddei Roberta , Pongolini Stefano , Ardigò Paolo , Cozzolino Paolo
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin production in the industrially manufactured Italian Parma ham. The study focuses on the Parma ham production phase identified as maximum risk to C. botulinum proliferation, i.e. the transition from cold phase (salting and resting) to a phase carried out at temperature between 15 and 23°C (drying). A preliminary in vitro test was carried out in order to verify the capability of 6 C. botulinum strains (1 type A, 4 type B, and 1 type E strains) to grow in conditions of temperature, pH and NaCl concentration comparable to those of the beginning stage of ham drying. Five C. botulinum strains grew at 20°C and pH 6, four strains produced toxin when inoculated at a concentration equal to 103 cfu/mL at NaCl concentration of 4%, while when the inoculum concentration was 10 cfu/mL, NaCl concentration of 3% resulted the toxin-genesis limiting factor. An experimental contamination with a mixture of the 5 C. botulinum strains selected by the preliminary in vitro test was performed on 9 thighs inoculated at the end of the resting phase. The study was designed to evaluate the potential growth and toxin production in extremely favourable conditions for the bacterium. Type B proteolytic C. botulinum toxin was produced after 14 days of incubation at 20°C in 2 thighs characterised by high weight, low number of days of resting and anomalous physiochemical characteristics [one for very low NaCl concentration (1.59%), the other for elevated pH (6.27) and both for high water activity values (>0.970)]. The results of this research confirm that the cold resting step is a critical phase in the production process of Parma ham for the investigated hazard. Based on the present study, the long resting phase adopted in the manufacturing of Parma ham is proven effective to prevent the growth of C. botulinum, an event which could not otherwise be excluded if the hams were processed under less stringent technological conditions.
American lobsters (Homarus americanus) not surviving during air transport: evaluation of microbial spoilage
Authors: Tirloni Erica , Stella Simone , Gennari Mario , Colombo Fabio , Bernardi Cristian
Published: May 2016

Eighteen American lobsters (Homarus americanus), dead during air transport, were analysed in order to evaluate the microbial population of meat, gills and gut: no specific studies have ever been conducted so far on the microbiological quality of American lobsters’ meats in terms of spoilage microbiota. The meat samples showed very limited total viable counts, in almost all the cases below the level of 6 Log CFU/g, while higher loads were found, as expected, in gut and gills, the most probable source of contamination. These data could justify the possibility to commercialise these notsurviving subjects, without quality concerns for the consumers. Most of the isolates resulted to be clustered with type strains of Pseudoalteromonas spp. (43.1%) and Photobacterium spp. (24.1%), and in particular to species related to the natural marine environment. The distribution of the genera showed a marked inhomogeneity among the samples. The majority of the isolates identified resulted to possess proteolytic (69.3%) and lipolytic ability (75.5%), suggesting their potential spoilage ability. The maintanance of good hygienical practices, especially during the production of ready-to-eat lobsters-based products, and a proper storage could limit the possible replication of these microorganisms.
Dissemination and persistence of Pseudomonas spp. in small-scale dairy farms
Authors: Nucera Daniele Michele , Lomonaco Sara , Morra Patrizia , Ortoffi Marco Francesco , Giaccone Daniele , Grassi Maria Ausilia
Published: May 2016

This study was aimed at collecting data on presence, dissemination and persistence of Pseudomonas in small-scale dairy farms. Six farms (located in Piedmont) were visited three times over 2014: 116 waters (wells and different faucets/pipes) and 117 environmental samples (milking equipments and drains) were collected. Enumeration of Pseudomonadaceae was performed, 3-5 colonies/samples were selected for identification via 16SrDNA/oprI polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and typed by enterobacterial-repetitive- intergenic-consensus (ERIC)-PCR. Pseudomonadaceae were detected in 77% of samples. No statistical differences were found among proportions of positives across farms, sample typologies and seasons. Most isolates were Pseudomonas fluorescens (45%), and ERIC-PCR showed 32 persistent types diffused across farms. All in all, Pseudomonas spp. represents a challenge, considering its presence over time in water as well as in teat cups, indicating a continuous source of contamination. Moreover, persistency of strains may indicate biofilm-formation and/or sanitisers resistance, therefore emphasising the role of primary production for preventing milk contamination by Pseudomonas spp.
Influence of pigskin on Salmonella contamination of pig carcasses and cutting lines in an Italian slaughterhouse
Authors: Bonardi Silvia , Bruini Ilaria , Alpigiani Irene , Vismarra Alice , Barilli Elena , Brindani Franco , Morganti Marina , Bellotti Paola , Bolzoni Luca , Pongolini Stefano
Published: May 2016

Ninety pig carcasses and twenty one food contact surfaces (FCSs) were tested for Salmonella in a slaughterhouse processing ca. 380 pigs/h between 2014-2015. Sampling was performed during seven sessions. Four carcass sites of 100 cm2 each (back, belly, jowl externally, and the diaphragmatic area internally) were swabbed after evisceration. Meat conveyors and dressing tables were tested swabbing areas of 200 to 400 cm2. After pre-enrichment in buffered peptone water, samples were tested by Salmonella MDS® assay and the presumptive positives were confirmed by the ISO 6579 method. Salmonella isolates were serotyped following the Kauffman- White-Le Minor scheme and genotyped by XbaI pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Salmonella was isolated from 16/90 [17.8%; confidence interval (CI) 95%=11.2-26.9] carcasses and 4/21 (19.0%; CI 95%=7.7-40.0) FCSs. Four serovars were identified on carcasses. S. enterica 4,[5],12:i:- was the most prevalent (43.75%), followed by S. Rissen (31.25%), S. Derby (12.5%) and S. Bovismorbificans (12.5%). Two serovars were found on FCSs, namely S. Derby (75%) and S. Livingstone (25%). During one sampling session, a failure in carcass dehairing occurred and caused significantly higher prevalence of carcass contamination (60%) than in the remaining sessions. Moreover, in the same session, Salmonella prevalence was marginally significantly higher on FCSs than in the remaining sampling days, suggesting that dehairing affects contamination not only on carcasses, but also on the working surfaces.
Antimicrobial activity of olive mill wastewater extract against Pseudomonas fluorescens isolated from mozzarella cheese
Authors: Roila Rossana , Branciari Raffaella , Ranucci David , Ortenzi Roberta , Urbani Stefania , Servili Maurizio , Valiani Andrea
Published: May 2016

Olive mill wastewater polyphenol extract was tested for antimicrobial activity against 64 strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens responsible for mozzarella discolouration. The extract showed a MIC50 value of 5 mg/mL and a MIC90 value of 7 mg/mL. The MBC50 and the MBC90 values corresponded to 6 mg/mL and 8 mg/mL, respectively. The MIC concentration (7 mg/mL) was demonstrated to have a bacteriostatic effect while maintaining the bacterial concentration on the levels of the inoculum for 48 hours. The 3/2 MIC concentration was responsible for four logs CFU/mL depletion in colony count after 24 h. As the extract concentration decrease from MIC value no inhibitory effects was recorded.
Report on the 3rd International Conference on Flood Recovery, Innovation and Response (FRIAR) 2012
Authors: De Wrachien Daniele , Proverbs David
Published: May 2016

The terms flood or flooding are often used in different ways. According to the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), flooding is defined as the overflowing or failing of the normal confines of a river, stream, lake, canal, sea or accumulation of water as a result of heavy precipitation where drains are lacking or their discharge capacity is exceeded. The occurrence of floods is the most frequent amongst all natural disasters. Although flooding is a serious hazard in humid regions, it can also be devastating in semiarid areas, where high rates of runoff following storms produce widespread flood damage down valley. These hazards involve tragic loss of life, damage to buildings and natural environments, and massive short-term disruption to the lives of the affected population. One-third of the annual natural disasters and economic losses, and more than half of the respective victims are flood-related.