bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capillary electrophoretic separation and characterizations of CdSe quantum dots
Authors: Oszwałdowski Sławomir , Zawistowska Katarzyna , Grigsby Laura , Roberts Kenneth
Published: June 2010

We have developed a capillary electrophoresis method to characterize the QD surface ligand interactions with various surfactant systems. The method was demonstrated with 2–5 nm CdSe nanoparticles surface-passivated with trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO). Water solubility was accomplished by surfactant-assisted phase transfer via an oil-in-water microemulsion using either cationic, anionic, or non-ionic surfactants. Interaction between the QD surface ligand (TOPO) and the alkyl chain of the surfactant molecule produces a complex and dynamic surface coating that can be characterized through manipulation of CE separation buffer composition and capillary surface modification. Additional characterization of the QD surface ligand interactions with surfactants was accomplished by UV-VIS spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and TEM. It is anticipated that studies such as these will elucidate the dynamics of QD surface ligand modifications for use in sensors.
One-pot, three-component condensation of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde derivatives, primary amines with alkyl isocyanides to N-alkyl-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-imino-acetamides
Authors: Ghandi Mehdi , Asgari Parham , Taheri Abuzar , Abbasi Alireza
Published: June 2010

One-pot, three-component condensation of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde derivatives, primary amines with alkyl isocyanides is reported. N-alkyl-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-iminoacetamide derivatives are generated presumably via the preliminary formation of N, N′-disubstituted benzo[b]furan-2,3-diamines and subsequent oxidation with molecular oxygen.
Complex formation reactions of palladium(II)-1,3-diaminopropane with various biologically relevant ligands. Kinetics of hydrolysis of glycine methyl ester through complex formation
Authors: El-Sherif Ahmed , Shoukry Mohamed , El-Bahnasawy Ramadan , Ahmed Dalia
Published: June 2010

The interaction of [Pd(DAP)(H2O)2]2+ (DAP = 1,3-diaminopropane) with some selected bio-relevant ligands, containing different functional groups, were investigated. The ligands used are dicarboxylic acids, amino acids, peptides and DNA constituents. Stoichiometry and stability constants of the complexes formed are reported at 25°C and 0.1 M ionic strength. The results show the formation of 1:1 complexes with amino acids and dicarboxylic acids. The effect of chelate ring size of the dicarboxylic acid complexes on their stability constants is examined. Peptides form both 1:1 complexes and the corresponding deprotonated amide species. DNA constituents form 1:1 and 1:2 complexes. The effect of dioxane on the acid dissociation constants of CBDCA and the formation constant of its complex with Pd(DAP)2+ was reported. The kinetics of hydrolysis of glycine methyl ester bound to [Pd(DAP)(H2O)2]2+ was studied at 25°C and 0.1M ionic strength.
An ab initio simulation of the UV/Visible spectra of substituted chalcones
Authors: Xue Yunsheng , Mou Jie , Liu Yi , Gong Xuedong , Yang Yihua , An Lin
Published: June 2010

The electronic absorption spectra of 29 phenyl-ring substituted chalcones have been investigated with the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and polarizable continuum TD-DFT (PCM-TD-DFT). It turns out that the hybrid PBE1PBE functional with the 6-31G basis set provide reliable λmax when the solvent effects are included in the model. Comparisons with experimental values lead to a mean absolute error of 12 nm (0.136 eV). Moreover, the observed substituent effects are reproduced by calculation qualitatively. The λmax of substituted chalcone in phenyl ring A is less sensitive to substitution than that in ring B. The linear correlation of Hammett’s substituent constants (σP) with LUMO energies is better with respect to HOMO energies. The calculation reveals that the maximum absorption band mainly results from the π→π* transition from HOMO to LUMO. The analysis of the electron density plots of frontier molecular orbitals show that most transitions should be of valence excitation nature.
Spectroscopic evaluation of chiral and achiral fluorescent ionic liquids
Authors: Marwani Hadi
Published: June 2010

In this study, spectroscopic investigation of chiral and achiral room temperature ionic liquids is achieved. New ionic liquids were prepared via metathesis, accomplished by the reaction of either L-phenylalanine ethyl ester hydrochloride, chlorpromazine hydrochloride or 1,10-Phenanthroline monohydrate hydrochloride with lithium bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonamide in water. The resulting ionic liquids were produced in high yield and purity. The results obtained by use of 1H NMR and IR experiments were in very good agreement with the chemical structures of the synthesized ionic liquids. In addition, the results of thermal gravimetric analysis suggested that these ionic liquids have good thermal stability. UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements indicated that these ionic liquids are strongly optically absorbent and fluorescent. Lastly, time-based fluorescence steady-state measurements demonstrated the high photostability of these ionic liquids.
Silica hybrid biomaterials containing gelatin synthesized by sol-gel method
Authors: Chernev Georgi , Borisova Borislava , Kabaivanova Lyudmila , Salvado Isabel
Published: June 2010

This work reports the sol-gel synthesis of silica hybrids. We determined the effect of the type and quantity of silica precursors and organic compounds on the resulting structure, surface area, nanostructure design and size, and potential applications. The structure of the synthesized hybrids was analyzed using FT-IR, XRD, BET-Analysis, SEM, and AFM. We demonstrate the immovilization of whole living thermophilic bacterial cells with cyanocompound degradation activity in the synthesized silica hybrid biomaterials by entrapment, chemical binding, and adsorption.
Crystal structures and spectral properties of new Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes of monensic acid with different coordination modes of the ligand
Authors: Ivanova Juliana , Pantcheva Ivayla , Mitewa Mariana , Simova Svetlana , Mayer-Figge Heike , Sheldrick William
Published: June 2010

The single crystal X-ray structures and the spectroscopic properties of complexes of monensic acid (C36H62O11·H2O) with toxic metal ions of Cd(II) and Hg(II) are discussed. The cadmium(II) complex (1) is of composition [Cd(C36H61O11)2(H2O)2] and crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P2(1), Z = 2) with a = 12.4090(8), b = 24.7688(16), c = 14.4358(11) Å, β = 91.979(7)°. Two ligand monoanions are bound in a bidentate coordination mode to Cd(II) via the carboxylate and the primary hydroxyl oxygens occupying the equatorial plane of the complex. The axial positions of the inner coordination sphere of Cd(II) are filled by two water molecules additionally engaged in intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The Hg(II) complex (2), [Hg(C36H60O11)(H2O)], crystallizes in the orthorhombic system (space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), Z = 4) with a = 12.7316(2), b = 16.4379(3), c = 18.7184(4) Å. The monensic acid reacts with Hg(II) in a tetradentate coordination manner via both oxygen atoms of the carboxylate function and oxygens of two hydroxyl groups. The twofold negative charge of the ligand is achieved by deprotonation of carboxylic and secondary hydroxyl groups located at the opposite ends of the molecule. Hg(II) is surrounded by five oxygen atoms in a distorted square pyramidal molecular geometry.
A computational NPA and NMR study of Li-capped armchair GaN nanotubes
Authors: Seif Ahmad , Ahmadi Temer
Published: June 2010

The geometrical structure, the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters and natural population analysis (NPA) of the H-capped (raw) and Li-capped armchair single-walled gallium nitride nanotubes (GaNNTs) are computed and reported for the first time. Our results show that the variation of isotropic chemical shielding (ICS) parameters at the sites of 15N and 71Ga along the length of both models-raw and Li-capped- are reversed. The calculations were carried out with B3LYP-DFT method and 6–31G (d) standard basis sets using the Gaussian 03 suite of programs.
Victims and Vectors: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 and the Ecology of Wild Birds
Authors: Takekawa John Y. , Prosser Diann J. , Newman Scott H. , Muzaffar Sabir Bin , Hill Nichola J. , Yan Baoping , Xiao Xiangming , Lei Fumin , Li Tianxian , Schwarzbach Steven E. , Howell Judd A.
Published: June 2010

The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses has raised concerns about the role of wild birds in the spread and persistence of the disease. In 2005, an outbreak of the highly pathogenic subtype H5N1 killed more than 6,000 wild waterbirds at Qinghai Lake, China. Outbreaks have continued to periodically occur in wild birds at Qinghai Lake and elsewhere in Central China and Mongolia. This region has few poultry but is a major migration and breeding area for waterbirds in the Central Asian Flyway, although relatively little is known about migratory movements of different species and connectivity of their wetland habitats. The scientific debate has focused on the role of waterbirds in the epidemiology, maintenance and spread of HPAI H5N1: to what extent are they victims affected by the disease, or vectors that have a role in disease transmission? In this review, we summarise the current knowledge of wild bird involvement in the ecology of HPAI H5N1. Specifically, we present details on: (1) origin of HPAI H5N1; (2) waterbirds as LPAI reservoirs and evolution into HPAI; (3) the role of waterbirds in virus spread and persistence; (4) key biogeographic regions of outbreak; and (5) applying an ecological research perspective to studying AIVs in wild waterbirds and their ecosystems.
Effects of different feed items on the growth and survival of endangered riverine catfish Rita rita (Hamilton)
Authors: Amin MR , Mollah MFA , Ali MR , Nahiduzzaman M
Published: June 2010

The study was conducted to determine a suitable feed for the desirable growth ofriverine catfish Rita rita (Hamilton) from January 2006 to December 2006. The experiment hadthree treatments with three replicates. Nine chambers of the raceway each of size 1.83 × 1.12 sqmeter were used. Local prawn, chicken viscera and commercially available formulated feed (CP)were supplied in treatment T1, T2 and T3, respectively at the rate of 7% body weight. Feed wassupplied twice in a day in the early morning and in the evening as the fish is nocturnal. The initialaverage weight of fish was 24.93±0.05g, 24.99±0.04g and 24.95±0.04g in T1, T2 and T3,respectively. The final weight of the fish under three treatments was 425.05±1.04g, 425.68±1.05gand 177.61±1.45g respectively. The initial length was 8.48±0.02, 8.49±0.02 and 8.50±0.01 in T1, T2and T3, respectively. The final length was 25.22±0.06 cm, 25.21±0.14 cm and 14.87±0.13 cm in T1,T2 and T3, respectively. The mean final weight and length was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1and T2 compared with T3. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between T1 and T2in terms of final weight and length was concerned. Better growth performances, however, wereobserved in T2 and T1, where prawn and chicken viscera were supplied as feed respectively.Lowest growth performance was observed in T3 where formulated feed (CP feed) was supplied.Key Words: Riverine Catfish; Feed; Growth; SGR; Survival.DOI: 10.3329/ujzru.v28i0.5279Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 28, 2010 pp. 11-14
Effects of methionine and tryptophan on some quantitative traits of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera : Bombycidae)
Authors: Laz Rezina
Published: June 2010

The present experiment was carried out to determine the effects of methionine andtryptophan on some quantitative traits of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. Mulberry leaves were treatedwith 250,500,750 and 1000 ppm of amino acids and were provided to the worms as food.Compared to the controls amino acids (especially 500 and 750 ppm) significantly increased thefecundity, fertility, adult emergence, developmental periods and longevity of B. mori adults butdecreased the mortality.Key words: Amino acids; Bombyx mori; fecundity; mortality; longevity.DOI: 10.3329/ujzru.v28i0.5280Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 28, 2010 pp. 15-19
Prevalence of zoonotic parasitic diseases of domestic animals in different abattoir of Comilla and Brahman Baria region in Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Md Hazzaz Bin , Eliyas Mohammad , Hashem Md Abul , Mohiuddin M , Miazi Omar Faruk
Published: June 2010

A study was conducted to investigate about the prevalence of parasitic diseases indifferent abattoirs in selective area of Bangladesh such as Comilla and Brahmon Baria districts.Animals were examined for post-mortem defects in different abattoirs of those districts. The studystarted from February, 2008 to August, 2008. The total examined animals were 3510, among them1460 cattle, 620 buffaloes, 970 goats and 460 sheep. Age, sex and breed of the examined animalswere recorded as far as practicable. The overall prevalence of hydatidosis was highest (26.01%)followed by fascioliasis (20.74%), amphistomiasis (19.62%). The prevalence of above mentioneddiseases was higher in older animals. The prevalence of hydatidosis, fascioliasis andamphistomiasis was higher in male in case of cattle and goats. But the prevalence of thosediseases was distinctly higher in female animals in case of buffaloes and sheep. The proportionalprevalence of different disease conditions in cattle was much higher in Hariana breed than those oflocal and crossbred cattle.Key Words: Abattoirs; zoonotic diseases; parasites; domestic animal.DOI: 10.3329/ujzru.v28i0.5281Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 28, 2010 pp. 21-25
Fisheries eco-biology of beel Koshba in Naogaon District
Authors: Islam Md Nur , Rahman Md Safinur , Rahman Md Redwanur
Published: June 2010

The physical conditions of Beel Koshba consisting of water temperature(25.36±5.12°C/day), water depth (204.96±110.36cm/month) and water transparency (30.91±6.78cm/day) were recorded. The chemical parameters of total hardness, alkalinity, pH, DO, CO2 andammonia were 146.60±13.36 mg/l, 143.30±9.33 mg/l, 7.05±0.75, 6.03±1.08 mg/l, 8.64±0.88 mg/land 0.73±0.31 mg/l respectively. A total of 54 species of different vegetations 123 species ofphytoplankton and 73 species of zooplankton were recorded from the beel. A total of 104 speciesof fish and Annelids (8), arthropods (12), molluscs (15), amphibian (8), reptiles (21), avis (40) andmammals (12) were identified. Pesticidal toxic effluents contexts were also observed in the beelecosystem.Key words: Fisheries; Eco-Biology; Beel KoshbaDOI: 10.3329/ujzru.v28i0.5283Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 28, 2010 pp. 33-39
Intestinal Parasitic Infestation among the Outdoor Patients of Dhaka University Medical Centre, Bangladesh
Authors: Khanum Hamida , Rahman Md Mizanur , Uddin Md Hafiz , Alam Shahela , Rahman Fatema , Farhana Rimi
Published: June 2010

In the present study, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation was investigatedamong the outdoor patients including teacher, student and staff of the Dhaka University treated atDhaka University Medical Centre. A total of 380 stool samples were examined. Four species ofintestinal parasites were identified, two protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis)and two nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura). The prevalence of parasiticinfestation was 24.73%. The prevalence of E. histolytica was 3.95%, G. intestinalis 6.31%,A. lumbricoides 11.84% and T. trichiura 2.63%. The prevalence was higher in case of staff(32.31%) and lower in case of teacher (13.16%). Highest prevalence observed during the rainyseason (29.3%) and lowest in winter (19.4%). Female patient showed higher prevalence (31.25%)compared to male (24.14%). The rate of infection was higher (28.3%) among the patients, whoused to drink unboiled water. The present study revealed that parasitic infection among the outdoorpatients of Dhaka University Medical Centre is alarmingly high.Key words: Dhaka University Medical Centre; intestinal parasites; outdoor patientsDOI: 10.3329/ujzru.v28i0.5285Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 28, 2010 pp. 45-49
Prevalence of Parasites in the Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton) in Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Authors: Farhaduzzaman AM , Alam M Manjurul , Hossain Mosharrof , Hussain M Afzal , Rahman Md Habibur
Published: June 2010

Key words: Labeo rohita; parasite; prevalence; abundance; mean density; infestation.DOI: 10.3329/ujzru.v28i0.5290Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 28, 2010 pp. 65-68
Length-Weight Relationship and Growth Condition of Mystus gulio (Ham.) in Different Months and Sexes
Authors: Begum M , Pal HK , Islam MA , Alam MJ
Published: June 2010

Key words: Length-weight relationship; growth condition; Mystus gulioDOI: 10.3329/ujzru.v28i0.5292Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 28, 2010 pp. 73-75
Program Evaluation in Medical Education: An Overview of the Utilization-focused Approach
Authors: Vassar Matt , Wheeler Denna L. , Davison Machelle , Franklin Johnathan
Published: June 2010

Medical school administrators, educators, and other key personnel must often make difficult choices regarding the creation, retention, modification, or termination of the various programs that take place at their institutions. Program evaluation is a data-driven strategy to aide decision-makers in determining the most appropriate outcome for programs within their purview. The purpose of this brief article is to describe one program evaluation model, the utilization-focused approach. In particular, we address the focus of this model, the personal factor, the role of the evaluator, and the evaluation process. Based on the flexibility of this model as well as its focus on stakeholder involvement, we encourage readers to consider the utilization-focused approach when evaluating programs.
Two Concepts of Epistemic Injustice
Authors: Coady David
Published: June 2010

I describe two concepts of epistemic injustice. The first of these concepts is explained through a critique of Alvin Goldman's veritistic social epistemology. The second is closely based on Miranda Fricker's concept of epistemic injustice. I argue that there is a tension between these two forms of epistemic injustice and tentatively suggest some ways of resolving the tension.
Epistemic Identities
Authors: Alcoff Linda Martín
Published: June 2010

This paper explores the significant strengths of Fricker's account, and then develops the following questions. Can volitional epistemic practice correct for non-volitional prejudices? How can we address the structural causes of credibility-deflation? Are the motivations behind identity prejudice mostly other-directed or self-directed? And does Fricker aim for neutrality vis-à-vis identity, in which case her account conflicts with standpoint theory?
Comments on Miranda Fricker's Epistemic Injustice
Authors: Goldberg Sanford
Published: June 2010

Miranda Fricker's Epistemic Injustice is a wide-ranging and important book on a much-neglected topic: the injustice involved in cases in which distrust arises out of prejudice. Fricker has some important things to say about this sort of injustice: its nature, how it arises, what sustains it, and the unhappy outcomes associated with it for the victim and the society in which it takes place. In the course of developing this account, Fricker also develops an account of the epistemology of testimony. Focusing my attention on that account, my central claims are two. First, at least some of Fricker's arguments against existing (inferentialist and non-inferentialist) views in the epistemology of testimony are less than fully persuasive, and the (non-inferentialist) view she ends up endorsing is not all that different from the views she criticizes. Second, her reasons for harboring doubts regarding the role of a principle of default entitlement within a non-inferentialist account are not persuasive. Neither of these claims affects the overall argument Fricker is trying to run. Rather, they suggest that Fricker may have picked more fights than she needed to in the epistemology of testimony. If so, we have reason to detach Fricker's important work on epistemic injustice from some of the details of the story she tells regarding the epistemology of testimony.
Continuous Delivery of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 from Alginate Scaffolds Accelerates Wound Healing
Authors: Rabbany Sina Y. , Pastore Joseph , Yamamoto Masaya , Miller Tim , Rafii Shahin , Aras Rahul , Penn Marc
Published: June 2010

Proper wound diagnosis and management is an increasingly important clinical challenge and is a large and growing unmet need. Pressure ulcers, hard-to-heal wounds, and problematic surgical incisions are emerging at increasing frequencies. At present, the wound-healing industry is experiencing a paradigm shift towards innovative treatments that exploit nanotechnology, biomaterials, and biologics. Our study utilized an alginate hydrogel patch to deliver stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), a naturally occurring chemokine that is rapidly overexpressed in response to tissue injury, to assess the potential effects SDF-1 therapy on wound closure rates and scar formation. Alginate patches were loaded with either purified recombinant human SDF-1 protein or plasmid expressing SDF-1 and the kinetics of SDF-1 release were measured both in vitro and in vivo in mice. Our studies demonstrate that although SDF-1 plasmid- and protein-loaded patches were able to release therapeutic product over hours to days, SDF-1 protein was released faster (in vivo Kd0.55 days) than SDF-1 plasmid (in vivo Kd3.67 days). We hypothesized that chronic SDF-1 delivery would be more effective in accelerating the rate of dermal wound closure in Yorkshire pigs with acute surgical wounds, a model that closely mimics human wound healing. Wounds treated with SDF-1 protein ( n = 10) and plasmid ( n = 6) loaded patches healed faster than sham ( n = 4) or control ( n = 4). At day 9, SDF-1-treated wounds significantly accelerated wound closure (55.0 ± 14.3% healed) compared to nontreated controls (8.2 ± 6.0%, p < 0.05). Furthermore, 38% of SDF-1-treated wounds were fully healed at day 9 (vs. none in controls) with very little evidence of scarring. These data suggest that patch-mediated SDF-1 delivery may ultimately provide a novel therapy for accelerating healing and reducing scarring in clinical wounds.
Transplantation of Long-term Cultured Porcine Islets in the Rat: Prolonged Graft Survival and Recipient Growth on Reduced Immunosuppression
Authors: Rijkelijkhuizen Josephine K. R. A. , Töns Annemiek , Terpstra Onno T. , Bouwman Eelco
Published: June 2010

To evaluate whether further improvement in porcine islet xenotransplantation is feasible, a number of questions were addressed. Earlier we showed significant improvement in the nude mouse of the porcine islets by selection through long-term culture. Now these islets were tested in the stringent pig-to-rat model. Islets were isolated from adult pigs, cultured for 1.5–3 weeks and transplanted to rats. Possible rejection mechanisms were assessed by interference of the cellular response with cyclosporine A (CsA), blocking macrophages with gadolinium chloride (GdCl), and suppressing the humoral response with cyclophosphamide. Modifications in graft size and condition were analyzed. Untreated control recipients showed primary nonfunction (PNF). CsA treatment could fully overcome PNF and resulted in graft survival from 10 to over 134 days. Rejection was the main cause of function loss. Although rejection could not be prevented by intensifying the induction therapy, increased maintenance immunosuppression effectively blocked rejection, albeit at the expense of toxicity. Blocking the humoral response was ineffective; all grafts showed PNF. In contrast, depletion of macrophages fully prevented PNF. Combination of GdCl and CsA gave no additional effect, and grafts were rejected between 57 and 162 days. Generally, graft survivals were similar to those reported in the literature; however, long-term cultured islets required much less maintenance immunosuppression. Cessation of graft function was not always due to rejection; in some cases “islet exhaustion” was found, possibly caused by discrepancy between the graft size and the rapidly growing recipient. Neither the presence of damaged islet tissue in the graft nor the size of the graft exerted any influence on graft survival. On rejection, no real infiltration of the graft was seen; destruction gradually processed from the outside. The good functional capability of the cultured islets was illustrated by disappearance of the clinical symptoms and increase in body weight, which almost doubled in the long-term survivors.
Monocyte Derivatives Promote Angiogenesis and Myocyte Survival in a Model of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Bouchentouf M. , Paradis P. , Forner K. A. , Cuerquis J. , Boivin M. N. , Zheng J. , Boulassel M. R. , Routy J. P. , Schiffrin E. L. , Galipeau J.
Published: June 2010

In this study, we have investigated the hypothesis that previously reported beneficial effect of peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured under angiogenic conditions on cardiovascular function following ischemia is not limited to EPCs but also to monocytes contained therein. We first purified and analyzed the phenotype and secretome of human and murine blood monocytes cultured under angiogenic conditions (named MDs for monocyte derivatives) and tested their effect in a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI). FACS analysis of MDs shows that these cells express mature endothelial cell markers and that their proliferative capacity is virtually absent, consistent with their end-differentiated monocytic ontogeny. MDs secreted significant levels of HGF, IGF-1, MCP-1, and sTNFR-1 relative to their monocyte precursors. MDs were unable to form vascular networks in vitro when cultured on matrix coated flasks. Treatment of murine HL-1 cardiomyocyte cell line with MD-conditioned medium reduced their death induced by TNF-α, staurosporine, and oxidative stress, and this effect was dependent upon MD-derived sTNFR-1, HGF, and IGF-1. We further demonstrate that MD secretome promoted endothelial cell proliferation and capacity to form vessels in vitro and this was dependent upon MD-derived MCP-1, HGF, and IGF-1. Echocardiography analysis showed that MD myocardial implantation improved left ventricle fractional shortening of mouse hearts following MI and was associated with reduced myocardial fibrosis and enhancement of angiogenesis. Transplanted MDs and their secretome participate in preserving functional myocardium after ischemic insult and attenuate pathological remodeling.
In Vivo MRI Stem Cell Tracking Requires Balancing of Detection Limit and Cell Viability
Authors: Nohroudi K. , Arnhold S. , Berhorn T. , Addicks K. , Hoehn M. , Himmelreich U.
Published: June 2010

Cell-based therapy using adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has already been the subject of clinical trials, but for further development and optimization the distribution and integration of the engrafted cells into host tissues have to be monitored. Today, for this purpose magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most suitable technique, and micron-sized iron oxide particles (MPIOs) used for labeling are favorable due to their low detection limit. However, constitutional data concerning labeling efficiency, cell viability, and function are lacking. We demonstrate that cell viability and migratory potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) are negatively correlated with incorporated MPIOs, presumably due to interference with the actin cytoskeleton. Nevertheless, labeling of BMSCs with low amounts of MPIOs results in maintained cellular function and sufficient contrast for in vivo observation of single cells by MRI in a rat glioma model. Conclusively, though careful titration is indicated, MPIOs are a promising tool for in vivo cell tracking and evaluation of cell-based therapies.
Humanized Culture Medium for Clinical Expansion of Human Erythroblasts
Authors: Migliaccio Giovanni , Sanchez Massimo , Masiello Francesca , Tirelli Valentina , Varricchio Lilian , Whitsett Carolyn , Migliaccio Anna Rita
Published: June 2010

Ex vivo-generated erythroblasts represent alternative transfusion products. However, inclusion of bovine components in media used for their growth precludes clinical use, highlighting the importance of developing culture media based on pharmaceutical grade reagents. In addition, because adult blood generates ex vivo lower numbers of erythroblasts than cord blood, cord blood has been proposed as the source of choice for ex vivo erythroblast production. To clarify the potential of adult blood to generate erythroblasts ex vivo, experiments were designed to identify growth factors [stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), erythropoietin (EPO), and/or thrombopoietin (TPO)] and the optimal concentration and addition schedule of hormones (dexamethasone and estradiol) sustaining maximal erythroid amplification from adult blood mononuclear cells (MNC) using media with serum previously defined as human erythroid massive amplification culture (HEMAser). Adult MNC stimulated with SCF and IL-3 in combination with EPO generated a 6–12-fold increase in erythroid cells while TPO was ineffective. Dexamethasone and estradiol (both at 10−6 M) exerted partially overlapping but nonredundant functions. Dexamethasone was indispensable in the first 10 days of culture while estradiol was required from day 10 on. The growth factor and hormone combinations identified in HEMAser were then used to formulate a media composed of dialyzed pharmaceutical grade human albumin, human albumin-lipid liposomes, and iron-saturated recombinant human tranferrin (HEMAdef). HEMAdef sustained erythroid amplification as efficiently as HEMAser for cord blood MNC and 10-fold higher than HEMAser for adult blood MNC. In fact, the numbers of erythroblasts generated in HEMAdef by adult MNC were similar to those generated by cord blood MNC. In conclusion, this study identifies growth factors, hormone combinations, and human protein-based media that allow similar levels of ex vivo erythroid expansion from adult and cord blood MNC, paving the way to evaluate adult blood as a source of ex vivo-expanded erythroblasts for transfusion.
Targeted Disruption of Outer Limiting Membrane Junctional Proteins (Crb1 and ZO-1) Increases Integration of Transplanted Photoreceptor Precursors into the Adult Wild-Type and Degenerating Retina
Authors: Pearson R. A. , Barber A. C. , West E. L. , Maclaren R. E. , Duran Y. , Bainbridge J. W. , Sowden J. C. , Ali R. R.
Published: June 2010

Diseases culminating in photoreceptor loss are a major cause of untreatable blindness. Transplantation of rod photoreceptors is feasible, provided donor cells are at an appropriate stage of development when transplanted. Nevertheless, the proportion of cells that integrate into the recipient outer nuclear layer (ONL) is low. The outer limiting membrane (OLM), formed by adherens junctions between Müller glia and photoreceptors, may impede transplanted cells from migrating into the recipient ONL. Adaptor proteins such as Crumbs homologue 1 (Crb1) and zona occludins (ZO-1) are essential for localization of the OLM adherens junctions. We investigated whether targeted disruption of these proteins enhances donor cell integration. Transplantation of rod precursors in wild-type mice achieved 949 ± 141 integrated cells. By contrast, integration is significantly higher when rod precursors are transplanted into Crb1rd8/rd8 mice, a model of retinitis pigmentosa and Lebers congenital amaurosis that lacks functional CRB1 protein and displays disruption of the OLM (7,819 ± 1,297; maximum 15,721 cells). We next used small interfering (si)RNA to transiently reduce the expression of ZO-1 and generate a reversible disruption of the OLM. ZO-1 knockdown resulted in similar, significantly improved, integration of transplanted cells in wild-type mice (7,037 ± 1,293; maximum 11,965 cells). Finally, as the OLM remains largely intact in many retinal disorders, we tested whether transient ZO-1 knockdown increased integration in a model of retinitis pigmentosa, the rho-/- mouse; donor cell integration was significantly increased from 313 ± 58 cells without treatment to 919 ± 198 cells after ZO-1 knockdown. This study shows that targeted disruption of OLM junctional proteins enhances integration in the wild-type and degenerating retina and may be a useful approach for developing photoreceptor transplantation strategies.
A NEW ADDITIVE RATIO ASSESSMENT (ARAS) METHOD IN MULTICRITERIA DECISION‐MAKING / NAUJAS ADITYVINIS KRITERIJŲ SANTYKIŲ ĮVERTINIMO METODAS (ARAS) DAUGIAKRITERINIAMS UŽDAVINIAMS SPRĘSTI
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Turskis Zenonas
Published: June 2010

Multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM) methods are used in many areas of human activities. Each alternative in a multicriteria decision‐making problem can be described by a set of criteria. Criteria can be qualitative and quantitative. They usually have different units of measurement and a different optimization direction. The normalization aims at obtaining comparable scales of criteria values. The paper introduces a new Additive Ratio ASsessment (ARAS) method. In order to illustrate the described ARAS method a real case study of evaluation of microclimate in office rooms is presented. The case study aims to determine the inside climate of the premises, where people work, and to define measures to be taken to improve their environment. Based on the analysis, the following criteria for inside climate evaluation are suggested: air turnover inside the premises, air humidity, air temperature, illumination intensity, air flow rate, and dew point. The criteria weights were determined by the method of pairwise comparison based on the estimates of experts. Santrauka Daugiakriteriniai sprendimų metodai taikomi daugelyje žmogaus veiklos sričių. Kiekviena alternatyva, sprendžiant daugiakriterinius uždavinius, gali būti apibūdinta kriteriju aibe. Kriterijai gali būti kokybiniai ir kiekybiniai. Jie paprastai turi skirtingus matavimo vienetus ir įvairią optimizavimo kryptį. Kriterijų vertės yra normalizuojamos lyginamos skalės vertėms gauti. Straipsnyje pateikiamas naujas adityvinis kriterijų santykių įvertinimo metodas (ARAS) daugiakriteriniams uždaviniams spręsti. ARAS metodo taikymui pavaizduoti pateiktas realus mikroklimato biuro patalpose vertinimo tyrimas. Tyrimo tikslas ‐ įvertinti patalpų, kurioje žmonės dirba, mikroklimata ir nustatyti priemones, kurių reikia imtis aplinkai pagerinti. Remiantis uždavinio tikslų analize, siūlomi šie kriterijai vidaus klimatui įvertinti: oro pasikeitimas, patalpų oro santykinė dregmė, oro temperatūra, apšvietimo intensyvumas, oro srautas ir rasos taškas. Kriterijų svoriai nustatomi porinio lyginimo metodu, remiantis ekspertų vertinimais. Kriterijų reikšmės nustatytos sertifikuotu prietaisu.
IS CHINA INTEGRATED WITH HER MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS: EVIDENCE ON FINANCIAL AND REAL INTEGRATION / AR KINIJA INTEGRUOTA SU SAVO PAGRINDINIAIS PREKYBOS PARTNERIAIS: ĮRODYMŲ APIE FINANSINĘ IR REALIĄJĄ INTEGRACIJĄ PAIEŠKOS
Authors: Bilgin Mehmet Huseyin , Lau Chi Keung Marco , Tvaronavičienė Manuela
Published: June 2010

Applying the new panel unit root test developed in this paper, we can overcome the pitfalls of old‐fashioned panel unit root tests making it possible for researchers testing individual series for a unit root while taking contemporaneous cross‐sectional dependence and structural break into account. The proposed test was used to investigate the status of financial and real integration of China, Japan, UK, the European Union, and the United States based on the empirical validity of real interest parity, uncovered interest parity, and relative purchasing power parity. We found strong evidence in favor of those parity conditions and hence concluded that financial and real integration between China and the other four countries was well established using the new developed panel unit root test while the traditional tests (either univariate or panel) fail to do so. Santrauka Straipsnyje ieškoma rodymų apie finansinę ir realiąją integraciją tarp Kinijos bei jos tarptautinės prekybos partnerių. Autorių patobulinta ekonometrikos metodo (panel unit root test) versija leidžia ekonomistams atsižvelgti į nagrinėjamų šalių tarp šakinių ryšių bei ekonomikos struktūrų specifika. Finansinei bei realiai integracijai tarp Kinijos ir pagrindiniu jos prekybos partneriu, t. y. Japonijos, Jungtines Karalystes, Europos Sąjungos bei Jungtiniu Amerikos Valstijų, vertinti buvo naudoti tokie kintamieji, kaip nepadengtu palūkanų paritetas, palūkanų normų paritetas bei santykinis perkamosios galios paritetas. Tyrimo rezultatai patvirtino prielaida apie gana didelę minėtų paritetų svarba ir leido konstatuoti, kad Kinija yra gana stipriai finansiškai bei realiai integruota su savo pagrindinėmis prekybos partnerėmis.
NEW MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AS AN INSTRUMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT AT ORGANIZATIONAL LEVEL / NAUJOS VALDYMO SISTEMOS KAIP INSTRUMENTAI ĮGYVENDINANT DARNIOS PLĖTROS KONCEPCIJĄ ORGANIZACINIU LYGMENIU
Authors: Ejdys Joanna , Matuszak-Flejszman Alina
Published: June 2010

Diversity of contemporary management concepts, short life duration of some of them, fashion of implementing popular solutions, indiscriminate adoption of management systems in companies simultaneously with a long period of waiting for positive effects of implemented changes and decreasing involvement of employees lead to the situation in which many companies still face unresolved dilemma of choosing the right strategy of acting that ensures sustainable development of a unit. Therefore, new solutions should be treated as one of the elements of organization improvement, not as an objective as such, and as the way of solving the existing problems. One of the ways of realizing sustainable development principles at the level of an organizational unit is implementation of normalized systems elaborated by International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The article presents a proposal of the way of implementing sustainable development concept at organizational level using three systems: quality, environmental, occupational health and safety management.

Santrauka

Šiuolaikinių valdymo koncepcijų įvairovė ir jų trumpalaikiškumas (kai kurių), polinkis įgyvendinti populiarius sprendimus, beatodairiškas valdymo sistemų diegimas ilgai laukiant teigiamų pokyčių, taip pat darbuotoju dalyvavimo, priimant sprendimus, mažinimas sukuria situaciją, kai daugelis bendrovių vis dar susiduria su neišspręsta dilema - pasirinkti tinkama strategiją darniam organizacijos vystymuisi užtikrinti. Todėl nauji sprendimai turėtų būti traktuojami kaip organizacijos tobulinimo elementai, o ne kaip panacėja esamoms problemoms išspręsti. Vienas darnaus vystymosi principų įgyvendinimo būdų ‐ diegti standartizuotas sistemas, parengtas Tarptautines standartizacijos organizacijos (ISO) įmonėse. Straipsnyje siūloma darnaus vystymosi koncepcija organizacijos lygmeniu įgyvendinti naudojant tris valdymo sistemas: kokybės, aplinkos apsaugos, darbuotojų saugos ir sveikatos valdymo.
TEXT AND DATA MINING TECHNIQUES IN ASPECT OF KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION FOR DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY / DUOMENŲ RINKIMO METODAI STATYBOS SPRENDIMŲ PARAMOS SISTEMAI
Authors: Gajzler Marcin
Published: June 2010

This article presents the possibilities of using mining techniques in building Decision Support Systems. One of the biggest problems is the issue of gaining data and knowledge, their mutual representation and reciprocal usage. Data and knowledge make up the resources of the system and are its key link. It has been estimated that 70% to 80% of the sources available for general use are text documents. The text mining technique is defined as a process aiming to extract previously unknown information from text resources (e.g. technological cards). The fundamental feature of text mining is the ability to converse text documents in formal form, which opens up great possibilities of conducting further analysis. This article presents chosen IT tools using text mining technique, along with the elements of the text mining analysis. The main objectives are the simplification of the process of knowledge acquisition, its automation and shortening as well as the creation of ready‐made models containing knowledge. Previous tests with knowledge acquisition (surveys, questionnaires) were time‐consuming and exacting for experts. Santrauka Straipsnyje pateikiamos informacijos rinkimo metodu pritaikymo galimybės sprendimų paramos sistemoms statyboje. Daugiausia problemų sukelia informacijos gavimas, tinkamas jos atvaizdavimas ir naudojimas. Duomenys yra pagrindinis sistemos išteklius. Nustatyta, kad nuo 70 iki 80 % visu turimų bendrojo naudojimo informacijos šaltinių yra tekstiniai dokumentai. Tekstines informacijos rinkimo technika yra suprantama kaip procesas, kuriuo siekiama išgauti anksčiau nežinoma informacija iš tekstiniu dokumentu (pavyzdžiui, technologiniu kortelių). Pagrindine šios technikos savybė ‐ galimybė tekstinių dokumentų informacija pateikti formalizuota forma, tai atveria plačiu galimybių tolesnei analizei. Šiame straipsnyje pateikiamos pasirinktos IT priemonės, naudojamos tekstinei informacijai rinkti. Autoriaus tikslas ‐ su paprastinti informacijos rinkimą, ji automatizuoti ir sutrumpinti, sukurti informacija apimančius modelius. Ankstesni informacijos kaupimo metodai (apklausos, anketos) reikalavo daug ekspertų darbo ir laiko.
ONTOLOGY‐BASED MULTI‐AGENT SYSTEM TO SUPPORT BUSINESS USERS AND MANAGEMENT / DAUGIAAGENTINE SISTEMA GRINDŽIAMA ONTOLOGIJA VERSLO VARTOTOJAMS IR VADYBININKAMS PAREMTI
Authors: Lavbič Dejan , Vasilecas Olegas , Rupnik Rok
Published: June 2010

For some decision processes a significant added value is achieved when enterprises’ internal Data Warehouse (DW) can be integrated and combined with external data gained from web sites of competitors and other relevant Web sources. In this paper we discuss the agent‐based integration approach using ontologies (DSS‐MAS). In this approach data from internal DW and external sources are scanned by coordinated group of agents, while semantically integrated and relevant data is reported to business users according to business rules. After data from internal DW, Web sources and business rules are acquired, agents using these data and rules can infer new knowledge and therefore facilitate decision making process. Knowledge represented in enterprises’ ontologies is acquired from business users without extensive technical knowledge using user friendly user interface based on constraints and predefined templates. The approach presented in the paper was verified using the case study from the domain of mobile communications with the emphasis on supply and demand of mobile phones. Santrauka Priimant kai kuriuos sprendimus reikšminga pridetinė vertė pasiekiama, kai įmones duomenų saugykla gali būti integruojama ir sujungiama su išoriniu konkurentų bei kitais svarbiais duomenimis, gaunamais iš interneto šaltiniu. Straipsnyje nagrinejamas tokio uždavinio sprendimas taikant ontologiją ir daugia‐agenčių integracijos metodų grindžiama būdą, naudotą daugiaagentėje sistemoje sprendimams rengti (DSS‐MAS). Taikant ši būdą duomenys iš vidinių duomenų saugyklų ir išorinių šaltiniu nagrinėjami bei renkami koordinuojamų agentų grupių. Veliau semantiškai integruoti bei atrinkti reikšmingi duomenys pateikiami verslo vartotojams pagal galiojančias verslo taisykles. Kai verslo taisykles, duomenys iš vidiniu duomenų saugyklų ir interneto šaltinių yra gauti, agentai naudodami šiuos duomenis, gali išvesti naujas žinias ir palengvinti sprendimu rengimo procesą. Žinios, vaizduojamos įmonės ontologijoje, gaunamos iš verslo vartotoju nekeliant jiems aukštu išsilavinimo reikalavimu, nes naudojama nežalinga sąsaja, kuri grindžiama prasmingais ribojimais ir iš anksto apibrėžtais šablonais. Straipsnyje pateiktas būdas buvo patikrintas nagrinėjant atvejį iš mobiliujų komunikacijų dalykinės srities ir pabrežiant mobiliųjų telefonų tiekimą bei paklausa.
GAME THEORY APPLICATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT / LOŠIMŲ TEORIJOS TAIKYMAS STATYBOS INŽINERIJOS IR VALDYMO SRITYSE
Authors: Kapliński Oleg , Tamošaitienė Jolanta
Published: June 2010

Game theory usually analyses decision‐making processes in various fields. There are different methods of solving decision related problems. Game theory focuses on problem solution from one player s point of view, while game theory emphasizes its analysis in the interaction among many players. Much of game theory is concerned with finite, discrete games, which have a finite number of players, moves, events, outcomes, etc. Many researchers in different research fields’ work applied the game theory in: construction engineering, management area. The article presents review of 42 years of scientific work of Professor Friedel Peldschus in the fields of game theory application in construction engineering and management. A review of scientific achievements and activity of Professor Friedel Peldschus, focusing on his research. Santrauka Taikant lošimų teoriją analizuojami sprendimu priemimo procesai įvairiose srityse. Yra įvairiu būdų spręsti problemas. Lošimu teorija gali būti orientuota į problemą vieno lošejo požiūriu ir gali analizuoti daugelio lošeju tarpusavio sąveiką. Daugiausiai lošimu teorija susijusi su galutiniais atskirais lošimais, kurių ribotas dalyvių skaičius, judėjimas, įvykiai, rezultatai ir t. t. Daugelis įvairių mokslinių sričių tyreju taiko lošimo teoriją statybos inžinerijos, valdymo srityse. Straipsnyje pateikiama prof. Friedel Peldschus 42 metų mokslinių tyrimų apžvalga apie lošimų teorijos taikymą statybos inžinerijos ir vadybos srityse, nagrinejami moksliniai pasiekimai ir veikla, atkreipiamas dėmesys į pasiektus mokslinių tyrimų rezultatus.
A Novelin VivoSkin Extensibility Test for Joint Hypermobility
Authors: FARMER ADAM D. , DOUTHWAITE HATTY , GARDINER SAM , AZIZ QASIM , GRAHAME RODNEY
Published: June 2010

Objective.

The stress/strain curve derived from stretching skin is not linear, but follows a J-shaped curve. An initial generous yield is followed by a steep linear phase where considerable additional force is required to achieve modest increases in deformation. The former represents the taking up of slack resulting from the alignment of dermal collagen bundles in the line of force, while the gradient of the latter represents Young’s modulus for skin. Skin hyperextensibility in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is limited to the initial phase of taking up slack. Skin hyperextensibility and joint hypermobility (JHM) form part of the Revised 1998 Brighton diagnostic criteria for the benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS), considered by many to be akin to EDS-hypermobility type. JHM may be screened for using the Beighton Score or a 5-point questionnaire. Our aim was to validate a novel method of measuring skin extensibility based on these observations in addition to revalidating the 5-point questionnaire.

Methods.

250 volunteers (131 female), median age 39 years (range 18–89 yrs), without BJHS, had their joint mobility evaluated using the Beighton Score, compared to the 5-point questionnaire. A Beighton score ≥ 4/9 was considered to represent JHM. Skin extensibility was determined by placing 2 dots on the dorsum of the right hand between the second and third metacarpals, approximately 10 mm apart, and was measured using an electronic caliper. Perpendicular to the metacarpals, a force was applied until the skin was fully taut and the increment was measured. Skin-fold thickness was measured using a Harpenden caliper. A corrected skin extensibility score (CSES) was calculated by dividing the percentage increment by skin thickness. Interobserver variability was measured in a further 50 healthy volunteers.

Results.

The prevalence of JHM was 17.6%. Revalidation of the 5-point questionnaire returned a sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 0.85. The mean CSES was 23.84%/mm in the hypermobile group versus 13.55%/mm in the normal mobility group (p < 0.0001). CSES sensitivity was 0.72, specificity 0.75. The κ value for interobserver variability was 0.83.

Conclusion.

The CSES is a useful and reproducible measure of skin extensibility in health. Further work is warranted to validate this test in patients with BJHS.