Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Lung Lamellar Bodies and Lysosome-Related Organelles

Pulmonary surfactant is a complex mixture of lipids and proteins that is essential for postnatal function. Surfactant is synthesized in alveolar type II cells and stored as multi-bilayer membranes in a specialized secretory lysosome-related organelle (LRO), known as the lamellar body (LB), prior to secretion into the alveolar airspaces. Few LB proteins have been identified and the mechanisms regulating formation and trafficking of this organelle are poorly understood. Lamellar bodies were isolated from rat lungs, separated into limiting membrane and core populations, fractionated by SDS-PAGE and proteins identified by nanoLC-tandem mass spectrometry. In total 562 proteins were identified, significantly extending a previous study that identified 44 proteins in rat lung LB. The lung LB proteome reflects the dynamic interaction of this organelle with the biosynthetic, secretory and endocytic pathways of the type II epithelial cell. Comparison with other LRO proteomes indicated that 60% of LB proteins were detected in one or more of 8 other proteomes, confirming classification of the LB as a LRO. Remarkably the LB shared 37.8% of its proteins with the melanosome but only 9.9% with lamellar bodies from the skin. Of the 229 proteins not detected in other LRO proteomes, a subset of 34 proteins was enriched in lung relative to other tissues. Proteins with lipid-related functions comprised a significant proportion of the LB unique subset, consistent with the major function of this organelle in the organization, storage and secretion of surfactant lipid. The lung LB proteome will facilitate identification of molecular pathways involved in LB biogenesis, surfactant homeostasis and disease pathogenesis

Surgery for scapula process fractures: Good outcome in 26 patients

Background Generally, scapula process fractures (coracoid and acromion) have been treated nonoperatively with favorable outcome, with the exception of widely displaced fractures. Very little has been published, however, regarding the operative management of such fractures and the literature that is available involves very few patients. Our hypothesis was that operative treatment of displaced acromion and coracoid fractures is a safe and effective treatment that yields favorable surgical results

The sensory dimension of tourist experiences: capturing meaningful sensory-based themes in Southwest Portugal

aspects of destinations have recently been in focus as an important dimension in the process of facilitating positive tourist experiences. The countryside embraces local resources rich in multi-sensory stimuli that could be utilized in the planning and marketing of appealing tourist experiences addressed to segments of tourists, while fitting sustainable local development. This study follows a holistic approach to the five external human senses, aiming to capture meaningful sensory-informed themes adequate for segmenting rural tourists. A self-administered survey in four languages was collected from 181 tourists in Southwest Portugal. A multiple correspondence analysis suggests four sensory-informed themes, tentatively named generic beach-related experience, nature-based experience, balanced experience, and rural experience. The proposed themes correspond to a four-solution cluster of tourists presenting different profiles. The largest segment (73 tourists) corresponds to the rural experience, regarding which tourists mainly refer to the taste of local food and the smell of fresh air

Functional, Hedonic or Social? Exploring Antecedents and Consequences of Virtual Reality Rollercoaster Usage

During the last years, various media technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have gained increased attention in consumer markets and tourism. For theme parks, especially those with rollercoasters, wearable VR devices are expected to be associated with various benefits for tourists’ experience. Therefore, adventure park managers with VR rollercoasters have a keen interest in understanding the drivers and psychological mechanisms of their visitors, especially those associated with economic benefits. Against this background, this study provides a conceptual model grounded in the VR and AR literature. The model is then tested in a Finnish amusement park with a VR switchback, and analysed using structural equation modelling. Result show that entertainment value and service quality drive satisfaction and subsequently word of mouth, but results do not confirm the importance on visitors’ willingness to pay an extra fee for a VR experience. However, this economically crucial variable is determined by social presence of other people, indicating that visitors are willing to pay for experiencing an immersive experience with other people. Theoretical and managerial implications are derived, and avenues for further research discussed

Airbnb Revenue Generation in the Urban Context: An Analysis of Renting Patterns Dynamics

Cities are multifunctional entities that attract a large variety of differently motivated travelers, and new approaches allowing to evaluate the economic impacts generated by tourists in the age of ICT and sharing economy are now definitely needed. More particularly, the spread of a digitally-enabled peer-to-peer accommodation system such as Airbnb is transforming the hospitality domain: if its economic consequences may affect cities and territories at large, the first stakeholders involved in this new economic dynamic are hosts renting their under-used properties to guests. In this framework, this article aims at providing an overview on Airbnb revenue generation patterns, focusing on Turin (Italy) as a case study. Firstly, the article provides insights about the performance of different types of accommodations (i.e. entire homes/apartments and private rooms), suggesting that hosts may adopt different strategies not only to get the most from their properties and appeal different targets of potential guests, but also depending on the physical attributes of their properties. Then, the article advocates for the implementation of methodological approaches combining quantitative and qualitative perspectives, as to better contextualize data-analysis and deepen the interpretation of this innovative economic phenomeno

Terrestrial Laser Scanning for 3D Cave Reconstruction: Support for Geomorphological Analyses and Geoheritage Enjoyment and Use

Recent developments in laser scanning techniques and digital modelling provide powerful tools for the knowledge, management and preservation of the underground. A Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) survey was performed to create a 3D virtual model of the Santa Croce cave (Apulia, Southern Italy); this is well known for its Palaeolithic and Neolithic finds (a Neanderthal thigh-bone among all) and used as a showcave both for its natural and historic heritage. The survey included chimneys, passages and also the surface over the cave to acquire a model of the entire system. Data were acquired by processing the resulting points cloud to pursue three main purposes: karst hazard management, education and geoheritage preservation. Thanks to the virtual model, the opportunity to visit the site through a virtual tour, also showing hardly accessible details, is an exciting way to discover the underground environment. Therefore, interactive virtual image can be utilised to promote the site as an important tool to disseminate knowledge and to increase interest in the Earth sciences in society at large