bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the bone marrow multipotent mesenchimal stromal cells to the neural tissue after ischemic injury in vitro
Authors: Rybachuk O. , Кyryk V. , Poberezhny P. , Butenko G. , Skibo G. , Pivneva T.
Published: November 2016

Stem cells application in neural system injuries is an actual and prospective scientific field of modern regenerative medicine. In recent years much attention has been paid for study of regenerative effects of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSCs) from different sources on injured tissues.The aim of our study was to determine the level of tissue damage in hippocampus after in vitro model of ischemia and to investigate the effect of bone marrow MMSСs in non-contact co-culture with ischemic neural tissue. The ischemic injury of neural tissue in vitro was modeling in organotypic hippocampal slice culture (OHCs) by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD).Immunohistochemical analysis after 24 hours of BM-MMSCs co-cultivation with OHCs after ischemia showed a significant reduction of caspase-3-positive dead neural cells, as compared to those in ischemic damage without BM-MMSCs co-cultivation, and reducing of glial cells activation. After co-cultivation of OHCs after OGD with BM-MMSCs there remained cytoarchitectonics of the neural tissue.Analyzing of our data, the neuroprotective effects of BM-MMSCs in non-contact co-cultivation with ischemic hippocampal organotypic slice culture is shown.
Transplantation of neural progenitor cells stimulates endogenous neurogenesis in mice after ischemic stroke
Authors: Tsupykov O. , Kyryk V. , Mamchur A. , Poberezhnyi P. , Butenko G. , Skibo G.
Published: November 2016

The researchers have currently been actively investigating the possibilities for transplantation of the stem cells of various sources for treatment of the ischemic and degenerative diseases of the nervous systemInfluence of transplantation of the hippocampal neural progenitor cells (NPCs) on endogenous neurogenesis in the mice after brain ischemia-reperfusion induced by 20 min occlusion of both carotid arteries has been studied. Following 24 hours after occlusion the NPCsisolated from the hippocampus of the FVB-Cg-Tg(GFPU)5Nagy/J mice transgenic by the GFP gene were transplanted stereotactically into hippocampal CA1 area of the experimental animals. For evaluating neurogenesis in the hippocampus of the ischemic animals we used immunohistochemical staining of the brain slices for BrdU and doublecortin (DCX). It has been found that transplantation of neural progenitor cells increased the number of BrdU- and DCX-positive cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus after short-term global ischemia.These data allow admit that NPC transplantation to the ischemic animals influences on endogenous adaptation processes in the brain and on the neurogenesis, in particular.
The latest trends in clinical transplantation on the results of the World Congress of Transplantation (26-31.07.2014, San Francisco, USA)
Authors: Denisov V. , Zakharov V.
Published: November 2016

The World Congress of Transplantation was held on 26.07-31.07.2014 in San Francisco (USA). There were presented 3090 reports, among them 2073 (70 %) were in clinical transplantation, including renal transplantation – 1,089 reports, liver transplantation – 495, heart transplantation – 71, lungs transplantation – 35, and pancreas transplantation – 11. An overall increase in transplant activity was observed, especially significant in a number of African countries (Tunisia, Sudan, and Nigeria), Thailand, Qatar, Iran, Brazil and a significant improvement in the results of transplantation, promoting longevity of transplant recipients with good quality of life. As one of many examples can be childbirth in women with a heart transplanted in early childhood.
Short-term migration of transplanted Lin–Sca-1+c-kit+ hematopoietic stem cells after hippocampal ischemic injury of mice
Authors: Kyryk V.
Published: November 2016

The study of migration and differentiation potential of different types of stem cells remains a problem for cell biology and regenerative medicine. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ability of transplanted hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) of murine fetal liver to migrate into a zone of hippocampal ischemic injury at suboccipital intraventricular injection; and to assess their neural differentiation possibility in the early period after transplantation.Materials and methods. We modeled an ischemic injury of the hippocampus of FVB-wt mice and after 24 hours transplanted suboccipitaly fetal liver HSC of FVB-Cg-Tg(GFPU)5Nagy/J fetuses (transgenic by GFP). Sorting of Lin–Sca-1+c-kit+ HSC fractions was performed by FACS. After 7 and 14 days we performed immunohistochemical staining of brain slices for GFP, NeuN and GFAP markers.Results. On the 7th day after transplantation injected cells penetrated up to 100 µm from the wall of the 3rd ventricle, and on the 14th day single transplanted cells localized in the ischemic hippocampal CA1 region. Donor’s cells were round shape and did not express NeuN and GFAP markers. Features of reactive astrogliosis and neuronal death were kept in the hippocampal CA1 region of experimental animals, similar to the control group.Conclusion. Transplanted Lin–Sca-1+c-kit+ mice fetal liver HSC are able to survive and migrate to the area of hippocampal ischemic injury, but the possibility of their neuronal or astrocyte differentiation in 14-day time was not confirmed.
Effect of thickness on structural, corrosion and mechanical properties of a thin ZrN film deposited by medium frequency (MF) reactive sputtering
Authors: Kavitha Ayyalu , Kannan Raman , Loganathan Subramani
Published: November 2016

Zirconium nitride (ZrN) thin films were prepared on stainless steel (SS) substrates by medium frequency (MF) reactive sputtering with gas ion source (GIS) by varying the deposition time and obtained thickness (tZrN) in the range of 1.25 to 3.24 μm. The effect of thickness on the structural and microstructural properties was studied using XRD and AFM. XRD characterization revealed that the texture of the ZrN thin films changes as a function of thickness. Both, the (111) and (200) peak, appear initially and (111) becomes more intense with increasing tZrN. AFM imaging revealed that the ZrN thin film coated with tZrN ≈ 3.24 μm shows larger grains that are uniformly distributed over the surface. An average hardness value of 19.79 GPa was observed for ZrN thin films having tZrN ≈ 3.24 μm. The ZrN thin films having tZrN ≈ 3.24 μm exhibits better adhesion strength up to 20 N. The electrochemical polarization studies indicated that the ZrN thin film having larger thickness shows improved corrosion resistance compared to SS in 3.5 % NaCl solution.
Causes of Admission and Outcomes of Long-eared Owl (Asio Otus) in Wildlife Rescue Centres in Italy from 2010 to 2014
Authors: Mariacher Alessia , Gherardi Riccardo , Mastrorilli Marco , Melini Davide
Published: November 2016

Data obtained from wildlife rescue centres are a useful means of understanding threats posed to wild animal populations. Aims of the present study were to investigate the causes of admission and outcomes of Long-eared Owls ( Asio otus) hospitalised in rescue centres in Italy. Data were collected from 13 centres form January 2010 to October 2014 using a web form. The following variables were considered: estimated age at admission; date of admission; habitat at finding location; main cause of admission; and outcome. Major causes of admissions were related to human activities, mainly consisting of collision trauma and collection of uninjured fledglings. Despite nocturnal habits of owls and their protection status, according to European Union Directive 2009/147/ CE and to national Italian laws, gunshot wounds were also represented as an admission cause in adult animals. Overall mortality rate was 47.3%. Considering age classes, the majority of adult animals died while the majority of pulli survived and were later released. Both collisions and gunshot wounds contributed to the higher mortality in adult animals. We suggest that anatomopathological and toxicological investigation of dead casualties, along with post release monitoring of rehabilitated owls, would contribute to a better understanding of mortality causes and to the implementation of more successful rehabilitation techniques.
An Engineering Approach to Sustainable Decision Making
Authors: Bryck Kelly , Ellis Naoko
Published: November 2016

Climate change is often tackled via a two-pronged approach of behaviour change and technological advancement. Policy studies and social sciences generally take ownership of influencing behaviours, while natural sciences and engineering tackle generating newer, more efficient technologies. Fusion of these methodologies is severely lacking. Engineers are uniquely situated to contribute to positive environmental action in both technological and behavioural realms. This article explores the psychological mindset of engineers as they make decisions to dissect factors that undermine sustainable behaviour. The Theory of Planned Behaviour, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and the Health Belief Model are applied to engineering decision making to develop a methodology for engineers to modify their behaviour to consistently make more sustainable choices, and in turn, assist others by making actions towards sustainability more convenient.
Environmental Injustice, Political Agency and the Challenge of Creating Healthier Communities
Authors: Gendreau Megs S.
Published: November 2016

I argue that our current understanding of the philosophical dimensions of environmental injustice neglects an important component of those injustices. Specifically, by focusing on distributive, participatory and recognitional injustice, we fail to respond to the ways that environmental exposures, even in the absence of physiological harms, can impact upon a person's experience of herself as a political agent. This has important implications for interventions in cases of environmental injustice, but also for how we understand what is required for full participation in a polity.
Evaluation of Optimized WRF Precipitation Forecast over a Complex Topography Region during Flood Season
Authors: Li Yuan , Lu Guihua , Wu Zhiyong , He Hai , Shi Jun , Ma Yuexiong , Weng Shichuang
Published: November 2016

In recent years, the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model has been utilized to generate quantitative precipitation forecasts with higher spatial and temporal resolutions. However, factors including horizontal resolution, domain size, and the physical parameterization scheme have a strong impact on the dynamic downscaling ability of the WRF model. In this study, the influence of these factors has been analyzed in precipitation forecasting for the Xijiang Basin, southern China—a region with complex topography. The results indicate that higher horizontal resolutions always result in higher Critical Success Indexes (CSI), but higher biases as well. Meanwhile, the precipitation forecast skills are also influenced by the combination of microphysics parameterization scheme and cumulus convective parameterization scheme. On the basis of these results, an optimized configuration of the WRF model is built in which the horizontal resolution is 10 km, the microphysics parameterization is the Lin scheme, and the cumulus convective parameterization is the Betts–Miller–Janjic scheme. This configuration is then evaluated by simulating the daily weather during the 2013–2014 flood season. The high Critical Success Index scores and low biases at various thresholds and lead times confirm the high accuracy of the optimized WRF model configuration for Xijiang Basin. However, the performance of the WRF model varies from different sub-basins due to the complexity of the mesoscale convective system (MCS) over this region.
Use of a Fluorescent Aptamer RNA as an Exonic Sequence to Analyze Self-Splicing Ability of a Group I Intron from Structured RNAs
Authors: Furukawa Airi , Tanaka Takahiro , Furuta Hiroyuki , Matsumura Shigeyoshi , Ikawa Yoshiya
Published: November 2016

Group I self-splicing intron constitutes an important class of functional RNA molecules that can promote chemical transformation. Although the fundamental mechanism of the auto-excision from its precursor RNA has been established, convenient assay systems for its splicing activity are still useful for a further understanding of its detailed mechanism and of its application. Because some host RNA sequences, to which group I introns inserted form stable three-dimensional (3D) structures, the effects of the 3D structures of exonic elements on the splicing efficiency of group I introns are important but not a fully investigated issue. We developed an assay system for group I intron self-splicing by employing a fluorescent aptamer RNA (spinach RNA) as a model exonic sequence inserted by the Tetrahymena group I intron. We investigated self-splicing of the intron from spinach RNA, serving as a model exonic sequence with a 3D structure.
Mathematical Model of a Lithium-Bromide/Water Absorption Refrigeration System Equipped with an Adiabatic Absorber
Authors: Osta-Omar Salem , Micallef Christopher
Published: November 2016

The objective of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for thermodynamic analysis of an absorption refrigeration system equipped with an adiabatic absorber using a lithium-bromide/water (LiBr/water) pair as the working fluid. The working temperature of the generator, adiabatic absorber, condenser, evaporator, the cooling capacity of the system, and the ratio of the solution mass flow rate at the circulation pump to that at the solution pump are used as input data. The model evaluates the thermodynamic properties of all state points, the heat transfer in each component, the various mass flow rates, and the coefficient of performance (COP) of the cycle. The results are used to investigate the effect of key parameters on the overall performance of the system. For instance, increasing the generator temperatures and decreasing the adiabatic absorber temperatures can increase the COP of the cycle. The results of this mathematical model can be used for designing and sizing new LiBr/water absorption refrigeration systems equipped with an adiabatic absorber or for optimizing existing aforementioned systems.
Feasibility of High-Resolution Soil Erosion Measurements by Means of Rainfall Simulations and SfM Photogrammetry
Authors: Hänsel Phoebe , Schindewolf Marcus , Eltner Anette , Kaiser Andreas , Schmidt Jürgen
Published: November 2016

The silty soils of the intensively used agricultural landscape of the Saxon loess province, eastern Germany, are very prone to soil erosion, mainly caused by water erosion. Rainfall simulations, and also increasingly structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry, are used as methods in soil erosion research not only to assess soil erosion by water, but also to quantify soil loss. This study aims to validate SfM photogrammetry determined soil loss estimations with rainfall simulations measurements. Rainfall simulations were performed at three agricultural sites in central Saxony. Besides the measured data runoff and soil loss by sampling (in mm), terrestrial images were taken from the plots with digital cameras before and after the rainfall simulation. Subsequently, SfM photogrammetry was used to reconstruct soil surface changes due to soil erosion in terms of high resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) for the pre- and post-event (resolution 1 × 1 mm). By multi-temporal change detection, the digital elevation model of difference (DoD) and an averaged soil loss (in mm) is received, which was compared to the soil loss by sampling. Soil loss by DoD was higher than soil loss by sampling. The method of SfM photogrammetry-determined soil loss estimations also include a comparison of three different ground control point (GCP) approaches, revealing that the most complex one delivers the most reliable soil loss by DoD. Additionally, soil bulk density changes and splash erosion beyond the plot were measured during the rainfall simulation experiments in order to separate these processes and associated surface changes from the soil loss by DoD. Furthermore, splash was negligibly small, whereas higher soil densities after the rainfall simulations indicated soil compaction. By means of calculated soil surface changes due to soil compaction, the soil loss by DoD achieved approximately the same value as the soil loss by rainfall simulation.
Towards a Protocol for the Collection of VGI Vector Data
Authors: Mooney Peter , Minghini Marco , Laakso Mari , Antoniou Vyron , Olteanu-Raimond Ana-Maria , Skopeliti Andriani
Published: November 2016

A protocol for the collection of vector data in Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) projects is proposed. VGI is a source of crowdsourced geographic data and information which is comparable, and in some cases better, than equivalent data from National Mapping Agencies (NMAs) and Commercial Surveying Companies (CSC). However, there are many differences in how NMAs and CSC collect, analyse, manage and distribute geographic information to that of VGI projects. NMAs and CSC make use of robust and standardised data collection protocols whilst VGI projects often provide guidelines rather than rigorous data collection specifications. The proposed protocol addresses formalising the collection and creation of vector data in VGI projects in three principal ways: by manual vectorisation; field survey; and reuse of existing data sources. This protocol is intended to be generic rather than being linked to any specific VGI project. We believe that this is the first protocol for VGI vector data collection that has been formally described in the literature. Consequently, this paper shall serve as a starting point for on-going development and refinement of the protocol.
A Simple Method to Overcome the “Floating Disc Problem” Using the GALT-Assay on the PerkinElmer GSP—Remeasurement on a Stand Alone Plate Fluorimeter
Authors: Fingerhut Ralph , Sluka Susanna
Published: November 2016

The Perkin Elmer Genetic Screening Processor (GSP)™ is a fully automated system for the processing of immunoassays for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), immuno reactive trypsin (IRT), biotinidase, and total T4, as well as enzymatic assays for total galactose and galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) from dried blood spots (DBS). The system however, has one drawback: it cannot transfer samples from one microtiter plate to another. While this is not a problem for immunoassays, it makes enzymatic assays more problematic. The remaining DBS can either cause significant signal quenching, or they can increase fluorescence intensity, when the DBS are floating on the surface. The latter can cause false negative results, when GALT is measured for galactosaemia screening. To overcome this problem, an additional measurement step to check for floating disks is incorporated, leading to prevention of the affected measurements. However, this causes a secondary problem in this totally closed system. We detected floating disk signals in approx. 0.7% of all screening samples as well as quality control samples, which had to be repeated. We describe a simple method, which is just a re-measurement on a victor fluorescence reader, or any other plate fluorimeter, with filters for excitation wavelength 340 nm, and emission wavelength 405 nm. The introduction of this second-tier measurement made all repeat measurements unnecessary.
A Shared Decision-Making Approach to Telemedicine: Engaging Rural Patients in Glycemic Management
Authors: Griffith Michelle , Siminerio Linda , Payne Tammie , Krall Jodi
Published: November 2016

Telemedicine can connect specialist health care providers with patients in remote and underserved areas. It is especially relevant in diabetes care, where a proliferation of treatment options has added further complexity to the care of an already complex, highly prevalent disease. Recent developments in health reform encourage delivery systems to use team-based models and engage patients in shared decision-making (SDM), where patients and providers together make health care decisions that are tailored to the specific characteristics and values of the patient. The goal of this project was to design, integrate, and evaluate a team-based, SDM approach delivered to patients with diabetes in a rural community, building upon the previously established telemedicine for reach, education, access, and treatment (TREAT) model. Patients in this feasibility study demonstrated improvement in hemoglobin A1c values, and reported better understanding of diabetes. Providers reported the SDM aids increased cohesion among team members (including patients) and facilitated patient education and behavioral goal setting. This project demonstrated that SDM could be integrated into the workflow of a telemedicine team visit with good provider and patient satisfaction.
Model Development and Hindcast Simulations of NOAA’s Gulf of Maine Operational Forecast System
Authors: Yang Zizang , Richardson Philip , Chen Yi , Kelley John , Myers Edward , Aikman Frank , Peng Machuan , Zhang Aijun
Published: November 2016

The National Ocean Service (NOS) of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is developing an operational nowcast/forecast system for the Gulf of Maine (GoMOFS). The system aims to produce real-time nowcasts and short-range forecast guidance for water levels, 3-dimensional currents, water temperature, and salinity over the broad GoM region. GoMOFS will be implemented using the Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS). This paper describes the system setup and results from a one-year (2012) hindcast simulation. The hindcast performance was evaluated using the NOS standard skill assessment software. The results indicate favorable agreement between observations and model forecasts. The root-mean-squared errors are about 0.12 m for water level, less than 1.5 °C for temperature, less than 1.5 psu for salinity, and less than 0.2 m/s for currents. It is anticipated to complete the system development and the transition into operations in fiscal year 2017.
Induction of Laccase, Lignin Peroxidase and Manganese Peroxidase Activities in White-Rot Fungi Using Copper Complexes
Authors: Vrsanska Martina , Voberkova Stanislava , Langer Vratislav , Palovcikova Dagmar , Moulick Amitava , Adam Vojtech , Kopel Pavel
Published: November 2016

Ligninolytic enzymes, such as laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase, are biotechnologically-important enzymes. The ability of five white-rot fungal strains Daedaleopsis confragosa, Fomes fomentarius, Trametes gibbosa, Trametes suaveolens and Trametes versicolor to produce these enzymes has been studied. Three different copper(II) complexes have been prepared ((Him)[Cu(im)4(H2O)2](btc)·3H2O, where im = imidazole, H3btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, [Cu3(pmdien)3(btc)](ClO4)3·6H2O) and [Cu3(mdpta)3(btc)](ClO4)3·4H2O, where pmdien = N,N,N′,N′′,N′′-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine and mdpta = N,N-bis-(3-aminopropyl)methyl- amine), and their potential application for laccase and peroxidases induction have been tested. The enzyme-inducing activities of the complexes were compared with that of copper sulfate, and it has been found that all of the complexes are suitable for the induction of laccase and peroxidase activities in white-rot fungi; however, the newly-synthesized complex M1 showed the greatest potential for the induction. With respect to the different copper inducers, this parameter seems to be important for enzyme activity, which depends also on the fungal strains.
Gut Bacteria and Hydrogen Sulfide: The New Old Players in Circulatory System Homeostasis
Authors: Tomasova Lenka , Konopelski Piotr , Ufnal Marcin
Published: November 2016

Accumulating evidence suggests that gut bacteria play a role in homeostasis of the circulatory system in mammals. First, gut bacteria may affect the nervous control of the circulatory system via the sensory fibres of the enteric nervous system. Second, gut bacteria-derived metabolites may cross the gut-blood barrier and target blood vessels, the heart and other organs involved in the regulation of the circulatory system. A number of studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important biological mediator in the circulatory system. Thus far, research has focused on the effects of H2S enzymatically produced by cardiovascular tissues. However, some recent evidence indicates that H2S released in the colon may also contribute to the control of arterial blood pressure. Incidentally, sulfate-reducing bacteria are ubiquitous in mammalian colon, and H2S is just one among a number of molecules produced by the gut flora. Other gut bacteria-derived compounds that may affect the circulatory system include methane, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, trimethylamine or indole. In this paper, we review studies that imply a role of gut microbiota and their metabolites, such as H2S, in circulatory system homeostasis.
Electrostatic Self-Assembly of Diamond Nanoparticles onto Al- and N-Polar Sputtered Aluminum Nitride Surfaces
Authors: Yoshikawa Taro , Reusch Markus , Zuerbig Verena , Cimalla Volker , Lee Kee-Han , Kurzyp Magdalena , Arnault Jean-Charles , Nebel Christoph , Ambacher Oliver , Lebedev Vadim
Published: November 2016

Electrostatic self-assembly of diamond nanoparticles (DNPs) onto substrate surfaces (so-called nanodiamond seeding) is a notable technique, enabling chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of nanocrystalline diamond thin films on non-diamond substrates. In this study, we examine this technique onto differently polarized (either Al- or N-polar) c-axis oriented sputtered aluminum nitride (AlN) film surfaces. This investigation shows that Al-polar films, as compared to N-polar ones, obtain DNPs with higher density and more homogeneously on their surfaces. The origin of these differences in density and homogeneity is discussed based on the hydrolysis behavior of AlN surfaces in aqueous suspensions.
Studies in a Murine Model Confirm the Safety of Griffithsin and Advocate Its Further Development as a Microbicide Targeting HIV-1 and Other Enveloped Viruses
Authors: Kouokam Joseph , Lasnik Amanda , Palmer Kenneth
Published: November 2016

Griffithsin (GRFT), a lectin from Griffithsia species, inhibits human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) replication at sub-nanomolar concentrations, with limited cellular toxicity. However, in vivo safety of GRFT is not fully understood, especially following parenteral administration. We first assessed GRFT’s effects in vitro, on mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cell (mPBMC) viability, mitogenicity, and activation using flow-cytometry, as well as cytokine secretion through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Toxicological properties of GRFT were determined after a single subcutaneous administration of 50 mg/kg or 14 daily doses of 10 mg/kg in BALB/c mice. In the context of microbicide development, toxicity of GRFT at 2 mg/kg was determined after subcutaneous, intravaginal, and intraperitoneal administrations, respectively. Interestingly, GRFT caused no significant cell death, mitogenicity, activation, or cytokine release in mPBMCs, validating the usefulness of a mouse model. An excellent safety profile for GRFT was obtained in vivo: no overt changes were observed in animal fitness, blood chemistry or CBC parameters. Following GRFT treatment, reversible splenomegaly was observed with activation of certain spleen B and T cells. However, spleen tissues were not pathologically altered by GRFT (either with a single high dose or chronic doses). Finally, no detectable toxicity was found after mucosal or systemic treatment with 2 mg/kg GRFT, which should be further developed as a microbicide for HIV prevention.
Homologous Prime-Boost Vaccination with OVA Entrapped in Self-Adjuvanting Archaeosomes Induces High Numbers of OVA-Specific CD8+ T Cells that Protect Against Subcutaneous B16-OVA Melanoma
Authors: Stark Felicity , McCluskie Michael , Krishnan Lakshmi
Published: November 2016

Homologous prime-boost vaccinations with live vectors typically fail to induce repeated strong CD8+ T cell responses due to the induction of anti-vector immunity, highlighting the need for alternative delivery vehicles. The unique ether lipids of archaea may be constituted into liposomes, archaeosomes, which do not induce anti-carrier responses, making them an ideal candidate for use in repeat vaccination systems. Herein, we evaluated in mice the maximum threshold of antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses that may be induced by multiple homologous immunizations with ovalbumin (OVA) entrapped in archaeosomes derived from the ether glycerolipids of the archaeon Methanobrevibacter smithii (MS-OVA). Up to three immunizations with MS-OVA administered in optimized intervals (to allow for sufficient resting of the primed cells prior to boosting), induced a potent anti-OVA CD8+ T cell response of up to 45% of all circulating CD8+ T cells. Additional MS-OVA injections did not add any further benefit in increasing the memory of CD8+ T cell frequency. In contrast, OVA expressed by Listeria monocytogenes (LM-OVA), an intracellular bacterial vector failed to evoke a boosting effect after the second injection, resulting in significantly reduced antigen-specific CD8+ T cell frequencies. Furthermore, repeated vaccination with MS-OVA skewed the response increasingly towards an effector memory (CD62low) phenotype. Vaccinated animals were challenged with B16-OVA at late time points after vaccination (+7 months) and were afforded protection compared to control. Therefore, archaeosomes constituted a robust particulate delivery system to unravel the kinetics of CD8+ T cell response induction and memory maintenance and constitute an efficient vaccination regimen optimized for tumor protection.
An Integrated Approach for Site Selection of Snow Measurement Stations
Authors: Saghafian Bahram , Davtalab Rahman , Rafieeinasab Arezoo , Ghanbarpour M.
Published: November 2016

Snowmelt provides a reliable water resource for meeting domestic, agricultural, industrial and hydropower demands. Consequently, estimating the available snow water equivalent is essential for water resource management of snowy regions. Due to the spatiotemporal variability of the snowfall pattern in mountainous areas and difficult access to high altitudes areas, snow measurement is one of the most challenging hydro-meteorological data collection efforts. Development of an optimum snow measurement network is a complex task that requires integration of meteorological, hydrological, physiographical and economic studies. In this study, site selection of snow measurement stations is carried out through an integrated process using observed snow course data and analysis of historical snow cover images from National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (NOAA-AVHRR) at both regional and local scales. Several important meteorological and hydrological factors, such as monthly and annual rainfall distribution, spatial distribution of average frequency of snow observation (FSO) for two periods of snow falling and melting season, as well as priority contribution of sub-basins to annual snowmelt runoff are considered for selecting optimum station network. The FSO maps representing accumulation of snowfall during falling months and snowpack persistence during melting months are prepared in the GIS based on NOAA-AVHRR historical snow cover images. Basins are partitioned into 250 m elevation intervals such that within each interval, establishment of new stations or relocation/removing of the existing stations were proposed. The decision is made on the basis of the combination of meteorological, hydrological and satellite information. Economic aspects and road access constraints are also considered in determining the station type. Eventually, for the study area encompassing a number of large basins in southwest of Iran, several new stations and relocation of some existing stations are proposed.
Imprecision is pragmatic: Evidence from referential processing
Authors: Leffel Timothy , Xiang Ming , Kennedy Christopher
Published: November 2016

Gradable adjectives (GAs) provide an ideal domain for evaluating theories of the interface betwen semantic interpretation and context: relative and absolute GAs are both context dependent, but absolute adjectives can have precise meanings in a way that relative adjectives cannot. We provide processing evidence for the hypothesis that imprecision in absolute adjectives is a pragmatic phenomenon: absolute thresholds are semantically scalar endpoints, and imprecise uses are derived by a global pragmatic threshold, which specifies how much deviation from literal meaning is pragmatically ignorable in a context (see e.g. Lasersohn 1999). The evidence comes from a set of visual world eye-tracking experiments adapted from the design of Sedivy, Tanenhaus, Chambers & Carlson (1999) and Aparicio, Xiang & Kennedy (2015). We measured the time-course of reference resolution in phrases of the form the Adj Noun while varying whether Adj is relative or absolute, as well as the degree to which the intended referent (target) and a competing object exemplified Adj. We found a contrast-based processing advantage for absolute GAs when the target exemplified Adj imprecisely but the competitor exemplified Adj precisely. However, this advantage was found to be sensitive to the relative/absolute distinction, as well as to the degree to which objects in the display exemplified the relevant scalar property. Collectively, our results provide evidence for a difference in the mental processes underlying relative versus absolute threshold fixing, which we argue is best modeled by a pragmatic theory of imprecision.
A JOINT ELLIOTT TYPE THEOREM FOR TWISTS OF L-FUNCTIONS OF ELLIPTIC CURVES
Authors: Garbaliauskienė Virginija , Laurinčikas Antanas
Published: November 2016

We consider a collection of L-functions of elliptic curves twisted by a Dirichlet character modulo q (q is a prime number), and prove for this collection a joint limit theorem for weakly convergent probability measures in the space of analytic functions as q → ∞. The limit measure is given explicitly.
How Do We Promote Health?: From the Words of African American Older Adults With Dementia and Their Family Members
Authors: Epps Fayron , Skemp Lisa , Specht Janet K.
Published: November 2016

As population diversity increases, understanding what health promotion means to ethnically diverse older adults and their family members aids in the design of health programming. This understanding is particularly relevant for the African American population who experience a high prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The purpose of the current study was to describe family members' definition of health, health promotion activities (HPAs), barriers to HPAs, and the perceived effectiveness of HPAs for African American older adults with ADRD. A qualitative descriptive design was used to collect data from African American family caregivers (
n
= 26) and care recipients (
n
= 18). Transcripts, journals, and field notes were reviewed using inductive content analysis. Common health promotion activities included taking care of self, positive attitude on life, social engagement, spiritual and religious activity, stimulation and active movement, and financial stability. This research informs person-centered care strategies for African American families caring for older adults with ADRD.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2016; 9(6):278–287.]
Cyber Security and Business Growth
Authors: Sharma Akanksha , Tandekar Prashant
Published: November 2016

Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), particular the Internet, have been an increasingly important aspect of global social, political and economic life, and are the backbone of the global information society today. Their evolution and development has brought many benefits along with the threat of serious cyber-attacks that had been demonstrated over the past few years. Due to cybercrime business world drains huge money each year and incurs a large amount in resolving a single attack. It also damages organization's reputation and brand image, loss of intellectual property and sensitive data, loss of customer trust etc. Addressing major threats and challenges begins with setting up information security policy to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability of company information and communication. Since telecom Sector is on its boom, a technological solution can solve the immediate challenges of identifying, investigating, and prosecuting computer- related crimes and changes required for long-term problem solving.
Germany's External Trade Development
Authors: Schülke Alexander , Haddad Pierre , Jang Saerom , Renneckendorf Melissa
Published: November 2016

The automobile industry is the single largest industry in Germany. Demand for German car brands in foreign countries, including China, is strong as German car manufacturers enjoy reputation of high quality products. In recent years, several factors showed an effect on Germany's external trade development through a shift in the automobile sector. Globalization had an effect on external trade as developing countries try to push many exporting countries, including Germany, to manufacture locally. This is an ongoing trend that is supported by lower labor costs in developing countries. Boosting other sectors is one strategy to be less dependent on these developments and the focus on electric vehicles could ensure further exports. Economic growth in foreign countries remains one of the big opportunities for Germany's external trade development. However, it is important to take potential challenges and barriers into consideration, including environmentalism, strong competition, and new trends and business models that lead to less car ownership.
Moderating Role of Demographics on Attitude towards Organic Food Purchase Behavior
Authors: Khare Arpita
Published: November 2016

The purpose of the current research is to examine moderating role of demographics on attitude towards organic food purchase behavior. Environmental attitude components were classified as actual, verbal, and affect commitment. Data was collected through survey technique in six cities across India. The findings revealed that consumers' attitude towards organic food purchase was influenced by attitude components of Actual and Verbal commitment and moderated by demographic factors of income, gender and age. The findings can be of use to firms marketing organic food brands in India. Environmental attitude factors and demographic factors like income, age, and gender can be used for profiling consumers. With increased growth of organic food market in the country, green marketing and organic food products are upcoming research areas. There is limited research on Indian consumers' attitude towards organic food products. The findings can provide valuable insights to companies marketing these products in the country.
Neutrosophic Sets and Logic
Authors: Ali Mumtaz , Smarandache Florentin , Vladareanu Luige
Published: November 2016

Neutrosophic sets and Logic plays a significant role in approximation theory. It is a generalization of fuzzy sets and intuitionistic fuzzy set. Neutrosophic set is based on the neutrosophic philosophy in which every idea Z, has opposite denoted as anti(Z) and its neutral which is denoted as neut(Z). This is the main feature of neutrosophic sets and logic. This chapter is about the basic concepts of neutrosophic sets as well as some of their hybrid structures. This chapter starts with the introduction of fuzzy sets and intuitionistic fuzzy sets respectively. The notions of neutrosophic set are defined and studied their basic properties in this chapter. Then we studied neutrosophic crisp sets and their associated properties and notions. Moreover, interval valued neutrosophic sets are studied with some of their properties. Finally, we presented some applications of neutrosophic sets in the real world problems.
Semiring of Generalized Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Matrices
Authors: Manna Debashree
Published: November 2016

In this paper, the concept of semiring of generalized interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy matrices are introduced and have shown that the set of GIVIFMs forms a distributive lattice. Also, prove that the GIVIFMs form an generalized interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy algebra and vector space over [0, 1]. Some properties of GIVIFMs are studied using the definition of comparability of GIVIFMs.
On Bipolar Fuzzy B-Subalgebras of B-Algebras
Authors: Senapati Tapan
Published: November 2016

Based on the concept of bipolar fuzzy set, a theoretical approach of B-subalgebras of B-algebras are established. Some characterizations of bipolar fuzzy B-subalgebras of B-algebras are given. We have shown that the intersection of two bipolar fuzzy B-subalgebras is also a bipolar fuzzy B-subalgebra, but for the union it is not always true. We have also shown that if every bipolar fuzzy B-subalgebras has the finite image, then every descending chain of B-subalgebras terminates at finite step.
Expatriation in the Age of Austerity
Authors: Nawaz Tasawar
Published: November 2016

Drawing on Bourdieu's concept of capital this study deploys a relational perspective to examine capital mobilization strategies of skilled migrants from recession ravaged Western- and impoverished Eastern-European member states when navigating their way through structural constraints that affect their career choices. It is a multilevel approach that allows overcoming the individual (micro) emphasis in the self-initiated expatriation literature, organizational (meso) and contextual (macro) focus in the skilled migration studies. Based on qualitative research involving self-initiated expatriates from the European Union (EU) in Edinburgh the study extends our understanding beyond the narrow discourse of human capital and offers a more holistic picture of skilled migration in the age of austerity. The study also exposes that EU citizenship is not enough to undertake successful career mobility. Finally, it highlights the need of proactive and purposeful policies to retain the brain while not imposing any draconian on free movement of human capital.
Collective Learning
Authors: Lo Lusa
Published: November 2016

As the demographics of U.S. student population continue to be diverse, teachers need to be equipped to teach and support students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Besides addressing this issue through the use of coursework and fieldwork experiences, research suggested that providing teacher candidates with international experiences could have an impact on their intercultural sensitivity and openness to cultural diversity. The purpose of this chapter was to share a unique, short-term, faculty-led study abroad program, which was a part of a graduate summer online course. Six special education teacher candidates participated in the program. During the study abroad, they had the opportunity to observe inclusive schools, interview special education policy makers, and learn strategies to support students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms and collaborate with their parents. Cultural activities and free explorations were also included. Upon their return, student participants utilized information and strategies they learned in their practice.
ICT in Chinese Higher Education
Authors: Li Xiaobin
Published: November 2016

A recent report from China Internet Network Information Center indicates that by the end of June 2015, 668 million Chinese have used the internet, which places China as the country with the most internet users in the world. As more Chinese get online, the internet has been integrated into providing education in China, where the age group using the internet the most often is between the ages of 20 and 29. Many of these youth are higher education students. With 34.6 million students the Chinese higher education system is the largest in the world, in which a significant proportion of the students' learning has been impacted by information and communication technology (ICT). The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of how the development of ICT in China has influenced higher education, what opportunities ICT offers for higher education, and what challenges Chinese face in further developing higher education with ICT.
Transformative Learning and Technology in Adult and Vocational Education
Authors: Wang Victor X. , Cranton Patricia
Published: November 2016

Adult learners often fear that they will be unable to find work if they are lacking in technological skills. The media, including newspapers, magazines, and advertisements for positions usually emphasize the importance of the use of technology in the workplace. Without adequate skills in the use of appropriate technologies, adult workers may face challenges in finding employment. But what technologies can do is to provide powerful teaching and learning strategies. This article addresses technological applications in vocational and adult education advancement from different perspectives. Technology has the potential to support transformative learning. Technology, along with the vital role of adult educators, helps learners grow, change, and develop. Through the discussion of these, and related issues, a model titled Learners' Seeking Transformation via Web 2.0 Technologies, has emerged.
Development of a Scale to Measure Attitudes toward Information Technology
Authors: Gokhale Anu A. , Machina Kenton F.
Published: November 2016

Educators, and business, and political leaders are increasingly recognizing that computing is a new basic skill necessary for economic opportunity and social mobility U.S. President Obama has announced a new initiative, “Computer Science For All” to empower a generation of American students with the computer science skills they need to thrive in a digital economy (2016). Employers seek technical computer specialists who can write software and invent new applications, but American universities are only training enough students to fill about 40% of the projected 1.1 million technology and computing jobs expected by 2024 (National Center for Women and Information Technology, 2016). Moreover, a lack of gender parity within the U.S. technology industry has long been viewed as a critical problem, detracting from innovation and prosperity. Pursuit of information technology (IT) majors depends, to a great extent, on students' attitudes toward IT. This study developed an Attitude toward IT Scale with a gender subtext to measure certain attitudes toward IT, held by college students. The norm group consisted of mostly freshmen enrolled in 2011 (N = 373), at a large four-year public university in Illinois. Reliability and validity of the 30-item Scale were examined by using Cronbach's alpha and a principal components factor analysis with orthogonal rotation using varimax with Kaiser normalization; the rotation converged in seven iterations. Results of data analyses showed that overall reliability is high (0.85), and factor analyses revealed five orthogonal factors with high coefficient alphas—factors that represented relevant attitude constructs. This Scale may be used by educators at the senior high school and college levels to evaluate the effectiveness of different teaching/learning strategies in promoting positive student attitudes toward IT, and in improving learning among students. The Scale is unique in that it includes attitudes toward gender equality of opportunity in IT.