bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Functional Consequences of Human Stem Cell Transplantation in the Irradiated Rat Brain
Authors: Acharya Munjal M. , Christie Lori-Ann , Lan Mary L. , Limoli Charles L.
Published: June 2012

Radiotherapy is a frontline treatment for the clinical management of CNS tumors. Although effective in eradicating tumor cells, radiotherapy also depletes neural stem and progenitor cells in the hippocampus that are important for neurogenesis and cognitive function. Consequently, the use of radiation to control primary and metastatic brain tumors often leads to debilitating and progressive cognitive decrements in surviving patients, representing a serious medical condition that, to date, has no satisfactory, long-term solutions. As a result, we have explored the use of stem cells as therapeutic agents to improve cognition after radiotherapy. Our past work has demonstrated the capability of cranially transplanted human embryonic (hESCs) and neural (hNSCs) stem cells to functionally restore cognition in rats 1 and 4 months after head-only irradiation. We have now expanded our cognitive analyses with hESCs and quantified both survival and differentiated fates of engrafted cells at 1 and 4 months after irradiation. Our findings indicate the capability of hESC transplantation to ameliorate radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction 1 month following cranial irradiation, using a hippocampal-dependent novel place recognition task. Irradiated animals not engrafted with stem cells experienced prolonged and significant cognitive dysfunction. Stereological estimates indicated that 35% and 17% of the transplanted hESCs survived at 1 and 4 months postgrafting, respectively. One month after irradiation and grafting, phenotypic analyses revealed that 26% and 31% of the hESCs differentiated into neurons and astrocytes, while at the 4-month time, neuronal and astrocytic differentiation was 7% and 46%, respectively. Comparison between present and past data with hESCs and hNSCs demonstrates equivalent cognitive restoration and a preference of hNSCs to commit to neuronal versus astrocytic lineages over extended engraftment times. Our data demonstrate the functional utility of human stem cell replacement strategies for ameliorating the adverse effects of cranial irradiation on cognition.
How Do Meeting Organizers Choose Convention Sites Based on Different Types of Meetings? An Empirical Analysis of the Italian Meetings Industry
Authors: Del Chiappa Giacomo
Published: June 2012

Understanding site selection criteria and decision-making processes used by meeting organizers is critical to explain and predict their purchasing behavior. There is substantial literature covering site selection, and while previous research has helped to identify many of the criteria
involved, very few studies have focused on the relative importance of each one. In particular, there has been no published paper differentiating the importance of each of the destination's attributes and the influence that different types of meeting organizer exerts over the executive site
choice, based on types of meetings. The present research aims to explore this somewhat neglected area of tourism research by focusing on six types of meetings, i.e., conferences, conventions, incentive travel meetings, kick-off meetings, seminars, and symposiums. The study is based on a web
survey of selected Italian meeting organizers. Data were coded and analyzed using SPSS (version 17.0), then applying the chi-square test and post hoc analysis (Bonferroni test), where appropriate, to indicate whether the influence that the different categories of meeting organizers exert over
the site selection process, and the way organizers assess the importance of each selection factors, can be differentiated by type of meeting. Findings support both these research propositions, and suggest ways in which a destination can enhance its competitiveness according to the type of
meeting it would like to attract.
Seed cone anatomy of Cheirolepidiaceae (Coniferales): Reinterpreting Pararaucaria patagonica Wieland
Authors: Escapa Ignacio H. , Rothwell Gar W. , Stockey Ruth A. , Cúneo N. Rubén
Published: June 2012

• Premise of the study: Seed cone morphology and anatomy reflect some of the most important changes in the phylogeny and evolutionary biology of conifers. Reexamination of the enigmatic Jurassic seed cone Pararaucaria patagonica reveals previously unknown systematically informative characters that demonstrate affinities with the Cheirolepidiaceae. This paper documents, for the first time, internal anatomy for seed cones of this important extinct Mesozoic conifer family, which may represent the ghost lineage leading to modern Pinaceae.

• Methods: Morphology and anatomy of cones from the Jurassic La Matilde Formation in Patagonia are described from a combination of polished wafers and thin section preparations. New photographic techniques are employed to reveal histological details of thin sections in which organic cell wall remains are not preserved. Specific terminology for conifer seed cones is proposed to help clarify hypotheses of homology for the various structures of the cones.

• Key results: Specimens are demonstrated to have trilobed ovuliferous scale tips along with a seed enclosing pocket of ovuliferous scale tissue. Originally thought to represent a seed wing in P. patagonica, this pocket‐forming tissue is comparable to the flap of tissue covering seeds of compressed cheirolepidiaceous cones and is probably the most diagnostic character for seed cones of the family.

• Conclusions: Pararaucaria patagonica is assigned to Cheirolepidiaceae, documenting anatomical features for seed cones of the family and providing evidence for the antiquity of pinoid conifers leading to the origin of Pinaceae. A list of key morphological and anatomical characters for seed cones of Cheirolepidiaceae is developed to facilitate assignment of a much broader range of fossil remains to the family. This confirms the presence of Cheirolepidiaceae in the Jurassic of the Southern Hemisphere, which was previously suspected from palynological records.
Quand le management se fait Dibbouk
Authors: Linhart Danièle
Published: June 2012

Résumé Aux côtés de la séduction et du contrôle, le management développe un processus de fragilisation des salariés, afin de désamorcer chez eux toute possibilité d’imposer leur point de vue moral et professionnel sur le travail et d’entretenir leurs propres valeurs, alors que les marges d’autonomie s’accroissent objectivement. La précarisation subjective, via le changement permanent, l’attaque des métiers et les mobilités systématiques, est un mode de gestion des salariés qui vise à les dépouiller de leur expérience collective et individuelle, afin de les mobiliser en tant que sujet sous influence.
Vers des organisations réflexives : pour un autre management
Authors: Herreros Gilles
Published: June 2012

Résumé Le mal-être dans les organisations contemporaines n’est pas qu’un phénomène structurel, historique ou systémique. Ainsi, on ne peut faire disparaître l’origine du pâtir ressenti par nombre de salariés en invoquant le travail invisible des « êtres sans corps » que sont les institutions. La violence qui est perpétrée dans le monde du travail a toujours un visage. Si chacun peut être le relais de celle-ci, le collègue de bureau, le chef, vous et moi..., les managers et autres cadres (tous niveaux confondus) ont une responsabilité toute particulière. Ils constituent les rouages essentiels par lesquels se diffuse, sur un mode ordinaire, une violence qui, parce que les pratiques professionnelles ne sont pas interrogées, se perpétue en toute tranquillité. Ainsi c’est avec la meilleure des bonnes consciences que des cadres peuvent « lyncher » un de leurs subordonnés. Pour en finir avec des pratiques violentes « innocentes » et cheminer vers des organisations réflexives, la posture clinico-critique, le travail de la négativité et le souci de la mise en intranquillité sont présentés comme des compétences qui devraient être mobilisées par les cadres et managers.
Le management hors du sujet
Authors: Thévenet Maurice
Published: June 2012

Résumé Parmi les différentes acceptions du « management hors-sujet », cet article défend l’idée que le management devrait prendre ses distances d’un sujet dont sa mission l’oblige à influencer les comportements. Même si tout pousse à mettre le sujet au centre de l’action managériale, il existe de sérieuses impasses à cette approche. Prendre ses distances vis-à-vis du sujet reviendrait à donner une place plus importante aux autres, au temps et à d’autres approches de la vie sociale qui en révèlent plus de nuances et de subtilité.
Nouveau management public et sujet critique : enjeux idéologiques, collectifs et subjectifs
Authors: Cultiaux John
Published: June 2012

Résumé Ce texte pose la question de la place et de la reconnaissance du sujet critique dans la modernisation des entreprises publiques. Il le fait en examinant les dimensions idéologiques et managériales de ce changement et en mettant en évidence les principales tensions et contradictions qui entravent la quête de sens, le désir de cohérence et, finalement, la transformation de la plainte des victimes en critique sociale et changement. Il montre, au final, la fragilisation du sujet et l’ambivalence de ses tentatives de résistance.
L'expérience brésilienne du Système unique de santé (sus) : gestion et subjectivité dans un contexte néolibéral
Authors: Leite Ferreira Neto João , Garcia de Araújo José Newton
Published: June 2012

Résumé Cet article discute l’implantation du Système unique de santé ( sus ) brésilien, conçu dans le cadre d’une gestion démocratique et participative, ainsi que de l’indissociabilité entre gestion et production de subjectivités actives et solidaires. Ce modèle s’oppose à l’hégémonie de la gestion néolibérale, qui cherche également à produire des subjectivités selon les paramètres du marché. Le texte analyse, en s’étayant sur des auteurs qui discutent le néolibéralisme comme étant le « gouvernement des hommes », les impasses et les avances dans la gestion du sus . Et il souligne l’importance, aux niveaux macro et micropolitiques, des luttes en faveur de ce nouveau modèle de politique publique dans le domaine de la santé.
Under new management
Authors: Gabriel Yiannis
Published: June 2012

Résumé Dans le discours managérial, depuis les tout premiers travaux de Taylor et Weber, le sujet a été envisagé comme une ressource à déployer, mesurer et contrôler. Une modernité plus récente a cependant accouché d’une approche sensiblement différente du sujet : un sujet émotionnel en quête de sens et d’identité. Cette nouvelle conception trouve son origine dans l’intérêt croissant porté au consumérisme, au libre choix, au service client et dans le passage d’une économie industrielle à une société de services dans laquelle l’émotion est devenue un aspect fondamental du travail. Dans la société de consommation, chaque choix est façonné par les choix des consommateurs, et chaque choix, aussi insignifiant soit-il, devient un choix existentiel et identitaire. L’auteur avance que l’idée du libre choix est aujourd’hui une des illusions dominantes du Sujet, une illusion au nom de laquelle il serait prêt à endurer un haut degré d’insécurité et de frustration. En conclusion, l’article suggère qu’un nouveau mécanisme de défense psychosociale – celui du singularisme – prend le pas sur des mécanismes de défense plus traditionnels. Alors que les mécanismes de défense précédents, enracinés dans la dynamique œdipienne, sacrifiaient la liberté pour la sécurité et trouvaient consolation dans la routine bureaucratique, cette nouvelle configuration défensive accepte l’incertitude et l’imprévisibilité, mais se dote d’un voile imaginaire censé protéger le Sujet des coups de griffe du destin.
Entretien avec Vincent de Gaulejac : Le sujet au cœur des paradoxes du management
Authors: Arnaud Gilles , Bouilloud Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2012

Résumé Cet entretien pose la question de ce que signifie « être sujet ». Être sujet, ce n’est pas seulement prendre conscience de son assujettissement, c’est aussi effectuer un vrai « travail » sur soi. Or l’entreprise et le management moderne (mais aussi des organisations publiques comme l’université) demandent au sujet d’incorporer des contraintes paradoxales, ce qui se traduit par l’émergence de personnalités clivées entre leur aspiration à « être sujet » et les paradoxes de l’entreprise. L’avenir peut être celui d’une « création destructrice », où les forces destructrices (financières, écologiques, risques psychosociaux...) feraient exploser les sociétés contemporaines, ou celui plus optimiste d’une résolution des problèmes par des ajustements successifs. Sans être uniquement coupables ou victimes, nous avons tous en nous-mêmes une part de responsabilité dans cette société, où il s’agit de trouver dans nos pratiques et nos théories les conditions d’une nouvelle dignité.
La philosophie du sujet dans l'organisation : les apports du care
Authors: Pesqueux Yvon
Published: June 2012

Résumé Après avoir positionné la validité de la référence au regard de l’actualité de la relation de service et de ce qu’elle implique quant à une philosophie du sujet, les notions associées (assistance, attention, sollicitude et vulnérabilité) seront brièvement présentées avant de mettre en perspective les apports de la philosophie du care, dans la mesure où « porter attention à » est inhérent à la relation de service puisqu’il s’agit à la fois de prendre soin ( to take care ), d’un processus (le caring ) et d’une conduite, la conduite prudente compte tenu des obstacles et des limites auxquels il faut porter attention (le careful ).
An Approach to Foster Engineering Skills at Graduation Level: Meeting the Industry Needs
Authors: Salvado Jose Antonio , Oliveira Joaquim José
Published: June 2012

This paper describes a Group Problem Solving approach used for Electrical and Telecommunication engineering graduation students, to foster technical and personal skills while overcoming the consequences on the reduction on courses duration, due to the Bologna agreement format. The approach is described; success experiences and results are discussed.
Development and Verification of Viscoelasticity Measurement System of MR Fluids in Magnetic Field
Authors: Enokizono Yuta , Todaka Takashi , Enokizono Masato
Published: June 2012

MR (Magnetic Rheological) fluid is a kind of functional fluid, which can be hardened by impressing magnetic flux. MR fluid has the high speed response to the external magnetic field and a big yield stress in comparison with the ferrofluid. In recent years, various devices utilizing MR fluid have been developed. Such developments are enabled with knowledge based on measured viscoelastic properties of MR fluid. However, precise measurement to obtain effect of the magnetic field on viscoelasticity is very difficult. The difficulty exists in generating a uniform magnetic field and evaluating the effective magnetic field. Accurate measurements become possible by solving these problems. In this paper, we propose a new magneto-viscoelasticity measurement system of MR fluid, which can generate a uniform magnetic field.
Improved Dynamic E&S Vector Hysteresis Model for Non-Elliptic Magnetic Flux Density Condition and its Implementation to Finite Element Method for Iron Loss Analysis of a Three-Phase Transformer
Authors: Yoon Hee Sung , Song Min Ho , Koh Chang Seop
Published: June 2012

This paper proposes an improved dynamic E&S vector hysteresis model to increase modeling accuracy especially for non-elliptic B-waveforms, and its implementation to finite element method. The major improvements of the suggested model are on the determination of the geometric parameters of a non-elliptic B-waveform, and the calculation of the magnetic reluctivity and hysteresis coefficients. The proposed model is combined with FEM and applied to the iron loss analysis of a three-phase transformer.
Impact of Increased RES Generation on Power Systems Dynamic Performance
Authors: Karapidakis Emmanuel S. , Tsikalakis Antonis G. , Katsigiannis Yiannis A. , Moschakis Marios
Published: June 2012

In this paper, the impact of high wind power and photovoltaics penetration on the dynamic behavior of an island power system like one operates in Crete is investigated. Several simulations were performed leading to the fact that it is possible to achieve higher level of renewable energy sources penetration without significant dynamic security problems, if power units spinning reserve exists and the corresponding control systems have a sufficiently fast response.
Consideration of Array Module Design for Energy Harvesting of Power-Line Magnetic Noise
Authors: Tashiro Kunihisa , Wakiwaka Hiroyuki , Uchiyama Yu
Published: June 2012

Energy harvesting is a key technology for small self-sufficient devices, which use environmental energy as a source. If these devices target a wireless sensor network, their required energy is only a few mW. In our previous report, we demonstrated the ability to harvest 6.32 mW from a magnetic field of 21.2 μT at 60 Hz. This paper considers an array module design for power line magnetic noise energy harvesting. The experimental results show that small distance in axial direction makes the harvesting energy small. In order to investigate this phenomenon, magnetic flux distributions around the modules are also measured. From the results, we concluded that the modules should be separated by one diameter distance of the coil.
Measurement of Local Vector Magnetic Properties in Three-Phase Induction Motor Model Core with a Small-Sized Vector Hysteresis Sensor
Authors: Kai Takayuki , Aihara Shigeru , Todaka Takashi , Enokizono Masato
Published: June 2012

This paper presents distributions of the local vector magnetic properties in a three-phase induction motor model core measured with a new vector hysteresis sensor (V-H sensor). The exciting conditions used in the measurements were common sinusoidal and PWM excitation. The influence of the modulation frequency on vector magnetic properties is made clear.
Analysis and Experiment of Cylindrical Magnetic Gear
Authors: Ando Yoshinori , Nor Aziz Muhammad Awis Qurni , Murakami Iwanori , Yamada Kou
Published: June 2012

The magnetic gears can transmit torque without contact by applying magnetic force. So in comparison to normal mechanical gears, it may offer a lot of advantages such as low noise, low vibration, wear less, dustless and no lubricant oil at all. Besides, when a very large of input torque entered, magnetic force that pull each other exceeds it limit and the gear spin empty, resulting these magnetic gears limited the torque transmission and can function as torque limiter. However, as disadvantage, it is lack in transmitting torque. In the previous research, we designed cylindrical magnetic gear prototype to increase torque transmission and measured slip torque only. As a torque transmitter, the measurement of driving torque itself is more important. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to measure and study the driving torque due to implication of revolution speed, distance between the magnetic gears and rotational load.
Study of the Spinning Mechanism Resulting from Permanent Magnet Linear Actuation
Authors: Oka Koichi , Sun Feng , Tsurumi Akira , Nakamura Gota
Published: June 2012

This paper describes an analysis of torque characteristics of a noncontact spinning system using linearly actuated magnets. This noncontact spinning system spins the suspended object (here is an iron ball) without contact by the remanent magnetization and the linear movement of four permanent magnets. In this paper, the remanent magnetization point is modeled, and the rotational torque of this mechanism is calculated by IEM (Integral Element Method) analysis. The rotational torque is also measured using a measurement device with strain gauges. According to the IEM analysis results and the experimental results, the rotational torque characteristics of the noncontact spinning system are discussed.
Wind Turbine Control Strategy Enabling Mechanical Stress Reduction Based on Dynamic Model Including Blade Oscillation Effects
Authors: Pournaras C. , Riziotis V. , Kladas Antonios
Published: June 2012

The paper presents a coupled electrical aerodynamic model for a three blade wind-turbine dynamic analysis. The model is based on a blade element representation of the aerodynamic load part combined with an aeroelastic beam element for the dynamic analysis of a real rotor blade, including top tower acceleration. The model involves reduced computation time enabling to be applied in control system hardware. Such an analysis is very promising for obtaining controllers involving compromises among contradictory targets such as energy capture maximization and mechanical stresses reduction in the aerodynamic part.
A Periodical Loaded Dynamical System
Authors: Ivanyi Amalia , Ivanyi Peter , Ivanyi Miklos M. , Ivanyi Miklos
Published: June 2012

In the paper a Preisach hysteresis model is applied to determine the dynamic behavior of a steel column with a mass on the top and loaded by periodically alternating force. The column is considered as a completely rigid element, while the fixed end of the column is modeled with a rotational spring with hysteresis characteristic. In the solution of the non-linear dynamical equation of the motion the fix-point technique is inserted to the time marching iteration. The cycling time of the force is changing. The results are plotted in figures.
High Efficiency Permanent Magnet Wheel Motor Design for Light Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Laskaris Konstantinos , Theodorou Effrosyni , Papanikolaou Vasilios , Kladas Antonios
Published: June 2012

Permanent magnet synchronous machines with non-overlapping concentrated fractional-slot windings present certain improved electrical characteristics compared to full pitch windings configurations. This paper describes the design process and construction of two 10-pole permanent magnet synchronous motors, featuring full-pitch and fractional-pitch windings. The paper compares these two configurations in terms of performance and efficiency. Both motors have been designed for direct-drive applications with low speed and high efficiency capability and are intended to be used as a traction drive in an electric prototype vehicle. The proposed motors have external rotor configuration with surface mounted NdFeB magnets. The electromagnetic characteristics and performance are computed and analyzed by means of finite elements analysis. These results are finally compared with the experimental measurements on respective prototypes.
Construction of the Pulsed High Magnetic Field Generator up to 33T and the Enhancements of the Magnetic Coercivity in High Fields
Authors: Nakahata Yasushi , Yamada Koji , Luo Jiao Lian , Shimoji Hiroyasu , Borkowski Bartosz E. , Todaka Takashi , Enokizono Masato
Published: June 2012

M-Heff full curves up to 19T for the permanent magnets composed of Nd-Fe-B were very precisely observed by using specially designed magnetizer. The pulsed magnetic field directions were safely reversed with the same coil-end to ground side of coil positive and negative field directions. The coercivity enhancements were observed by 15% in high pulsed field applications.
Metamaterial Based High Impedance Surface with Band-Pass Frequency Response
Authors: de Sabata Aldo , Matekovits Ladislau , Peter Ildiko , Rohde Ulrich L. , Silaghi Alexandru M.
Published: June 2012

We introduce a metamaterial based parallel-plate waveguide, devised in microstrip technology that features two electromagnetic band-gaps. Since one of the band-gaps extends from zero frequency, the structure can be used as a band-pass filter. We perform a parametric study in view of facilitating design and optimisation.
Some Size and Quantum Effects in Molecular Nanostructures
Authors: Kervalishvili Paata J. , Khachidze Manana G.
Published: June 2012

Quantum effects in nanostructured magnetic solid state materials open the new ways for preparing the novel electromagnetic devices with unique characteristics. At the same the electron spin based quantum effects are fully determined of formation and growing properties of molecular clusters of these solid state materials which are united in plane and volume structures also according their quantum (elementary particle interactions) properties.
Temperature Distribution Sensors Based on the Magnetostrictive Delay Line Principle
Authors: Hristoforou Evangelos , Mamalis Athanasios G.
Published: June 2012

The implementation of magnetostrictive delay lines in distribution measurement of temperature is presented in this paper. The sensing method and measurements as well as the proper selection and treatment of the amorphous sensing core are discussed.
Experimental Study on the Iron Loss Curve at High Field Strength of Non-Oriented Electrical Steel Sheet
Authors: Kanada Tsugunori , Kutsukake Akifumi , Kido Yukihito , Ikeda Tetsu , Enokizono Masato
Published: June 2012

At high AC field strength, BH loop tends to twist slightly near the tip point. It results in apparent decrease of iron loss because the overturned parts introduce negative iron loss value. In order to correct this error the phase difference between flux density and magnetic field strength needs to be eliminated. We studied on the problem and got satisfactory results.
High Speed Propulsion System for UAQ4 Magnetic Levitating Train
Authors: D'Ovidio Gino , Crisi Francesco
Published: June 2012

This paper presents the design of a novel high speed propulsion system for UAQ4 magnetic levitating train, the feasibility of which has been successfully tested and confirmed in laboratory. A direct-current linear stepper motor that uses permanent magnets distributed on the central beam of track as the stator and the direct current power supplied coils on-board the vehicle as the rotor is proposed and analyzed. The motor performances are evaluated by varying the system parameters by carrying out a finite element numerical model refined with experimental data. The main components of a real scale motor with speed up to 580 km/h for the UAQ4 train application is measured and discussed.
Tumor-Associated Microglia/Macrophages Enhance the Invasion of Glioma Stem-like Cells via TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ye Xian-zong , Xu Sen-lin , Xin Yan-hong , Yu Shi-cang , Ping Yi-fang , Chen Lu , Xiao Hua-liang , Wang Bin , Yi Liang , Wang Qing-liang , Jiang Xue-feng , Yang Lang , Zhang Peng , Qian Cheng , Cui You-hong , Zhang Xia , Bian Xiu-wu
Published: June 2012

The invasion of malignant glioma cells into the surrounding normal brain tissues is crucial for causing the poor outcome of this tumor type. Recent studies suggest that glioma stem-like cells (GSLCs) mediate tumor invasion. However, it is not clear whether microenvironment factors, such as tumor-associated microglia/macrophages (TAM/Ms), also play important roles in promoting GSLC invasion. In this study, we found that in primary human gliomas and orthotopical transplanted syngeneic glioma, the number of TAM/Ms at the invasive front was correlated with the presence of CD133+ GSLCs, and these TAM/Ms produced high levels of TGF-β1. CD133+ GSLCs isolated from murine transplanted gliomas exhibited higher invasive potential after being cocultured with TAM/Ms, and the invasiveness was inhibited by neutralization of TGF-β1. We also found that human glioma-derived CD133+ GSLCs became more invasive upon treatment with TGF-β1. In addition, compared with CD133− committed tumor cells, CD133+ GSLCs expressed higher levels of type II TGF-β receptor (TGFBR2) mRNA and protein, and downregulation of TGFBR2 with short hairpin RNA inhibited the invasiveness of GSLCs. Mechanism studies revealed that TGF-β1 released by TAM/Ms promoted the expression of MMP-9 by GSLCs, and TGFBR2 knockdown reduced the invasiveness of these cells in vivo. These results demonstrate that TAM/Ms enhance the invasiveness of CD133+ GSLCs via the release of TGF-β1, which increases the production of MMP-9 by GSLCs. Therefore, the TGF-β1 signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic target for limiting the invasiveness of GSLCs.
Crystal Structure of Human RANKL Complexed with Its Decoy Receptor Osteoprotegerin
Authors: Luan Xudong , Lu Qingyu , Jiang Yinan , Zhang Senyan , Wang Qing , Yuan Huihui , Zhao Wenming , Wang Jiawei , Wang Xinquan
Published: June 2012

Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), its signaling receptor RANK, and its decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) constitute a molecular triad that is critical in regulating bone remodeling, and also plays multiple roles in the immune system. OPG binds RANKL directly to block its interaction with RANK. In this article, we report the 2.7-Å crystal structure of human RANKL trimer in complex with the N-terminal fragment of human OPG containing four cysteine-rich TNFR homologous domains (OPG-CRD). The structure shows that RANKL trimer uses three equivalent grooves between two neighboring monomers to interact with three OPG-CRD monomers symmetrically. A loop from the CRD3 domain of OPG-CRD inserts into the shallow groove of RANKL, providing the major binding determinant that is further confirmed by affinity measurement and osteoclast differentiation assay. These results, together with a previously reported mouse RANKL/RANK complex structure, reveal that OPG exerts its decoy receptor function by directly blocking the accessibilities of important interacting residues of RANKL for RANK recognition. Structural comparison with TRAIL/death receptor 5 complex also reveals structural basis for the cross-reactivity of OPG to TRAIL.
The Indispensable Role of CCR5 for In Vivo Suppressor Function of Tumor-Derived CD103+ Effector/Memory Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Chang Li-Yuan , Lin Yung-Chang , Kang Chiao-Wen , Hsu Chen-Yu , Chu Yu-Yi , Huang Ching-Tai , Day Yuan-Ji , Chen Tse-Ching , Yeh Chau-Ting , Lin Chun-Yen
Published: June 2012

CD103 is a marker for identification of effector/memory regulatory T cells (Tregs). CD103+ Tregs are potent suppressors of tissue inflammation in several infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms for this potent suppression ability remain unclear. The current study was designed to clarify this issue. Unexpectedly, we found both CD103+ and CD103− Tregs had similar suppression capacity in vitro. We then chose a murine tumor model for investigation of the in vivo behavior of these Tregs. The suppression ability in vivo against the anti-tumor ability of CD8+ T cells was restricted to CD103+ Tregs although both Tregs had equal in vitro suppression ability. In addition, CD103+ Tregs expressed significantly higher levels of CCR5 than those of CD103− Tregs and accumulated more in tumors than did CD103− Tregs. Furthermore, blockade of CCR5 signaling, either by CCR5−/−CD103+ Tregs or by CCL5 knockdown tumor, could reduce the migration of CD103+ Tregs into tumors and impair their in vivo suppression ability. In conclusion, these results indicate that the potent in vivo suppression ability of CD103+ Tregs is due to the tissue-migration ability through CCR5 expression.
Thai Medical Students’ Self Assessment of Palliative Care Competencies
Authors: Srisawat Sukanya , Phungrassami Temsak
Published: June 2012

Objective

To evaluate the final-year medical students’ perception of their competencies related to palliative care.

Materials and Methods

Two consecutive anonymous surveys at 6 and 12 months among 6th-year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University.

Results

One hundred and ten (66%) and 103 (62%) students completed the questionnaires at 6 and 12 months, respectively. With the criteria that at least 80% of them should be confident to manage the cases independently or under supervision, they perceived themselves to be good at holistic care and communication skills, but lacking in common symptoms management and ethical aspects. The common promoting factors and barriers for their learning experiences were reported.

Conclusion

This study identified many aspects necessary to improve the students’ learning experience in our compulsory longitudinal integrated palliative care curriculum.
Highly time-resolved chemical characterization of atmospheric fine particles during 2010 Shanghai World Expo
Authors: Huang X.-F. , He L.-Y. , Xue L. , Sun T.-L. , Zeng L.-W. , Gong Z.-H. , Hu M. , Zhu T.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Shanghai, with a population of over 20 million, is the largest mega-city in China. Rapidly increasing industrial and metropolitan emissions have deteriorated its air quality in the past decades, with fine particle pollution as one of the major issues. However, systematic characterization of atmospheric fine particles with advanced measurement techniques has been very scarce in Shanghai. During 2010 Shanghai World Expo, we deployed a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) and a single particle soot photometer (SP2) in urban Shanghai between 15 May and 10 June 2010 to measure fine particles with a high time resolution. The 4-min resolution PM1 mass concentration ranged from 5.5 to 155 μg m−3, with an average of 29.2 μg m−3. On average, sulfate and organic matter (OM) were the most abundant PM1 components, accounting for 33.3 and 28.7% of the total mass, respectively, while the fraction of nitrate showed an increasing trend with the increasing PM1 loading, indicating the photochemical nature of high fine particle pollution in Shanghai. Taking advantage of HR-ToF-AMS and SP2, OM was found to have an average OM/OC ratio (organic matter mass/organic carbon mass) of 1.55 and black carbon (BC) had an average number fraction of internally mixed BC of 41.2%. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis on the high resolution organic mass spectral dataset identified a hydrocarbon-like (HOA), a semi-volatile oxygenated (SV-OOA), and a low-volatility oxygenated (LV-OOA) organic aerosol component, which on average accounted for 24.0, 46.8, and 29.2% of the total organic mass, respectively. The diurnal patterns of them with interesting time delay possibly implied a photochemical oxidizing process from HOA (and/or its concurrently emitted gaseous organic pollutants) to SV-OOA to LV-OOA. Back trajectory analysis indicated that the northwesterly continental air mass represented the most severe pollutant regional transport condition with the highest nitrate and SV-OOA fractions. In addition, the results in Shanghai were compared with similar measurements performed recently in other mega-cities in the world.
Aerosol indirect effect on warm clouds over South-East Atlantic, from co-located MODIS and CALIPSO observations
Authors: Costantino L. , Bréon F.-M.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. In this study, we provide a comprehensive analysis of aerosol interaction with warm boundary layer clouds, over South-East Atlantic. We use MODIS retrievals to derive statistical relationships between aerosol concentration and cloud properties, together with co-located CALIPSO estimates of cloud and aerosol layer altitudes. The latter are used to differentiate between cases of mixed and interacting cloud-aerosol layers from cases where the aerosol is located well-above the cloud top. This strategy allows, to a certain extent, to isolate real aerosol-induced effect from meteorology. Similar to previous studies, statistics clearly show that aerosol affects cloud microphysics, decreasing the Cloud Droplet Radius (CDR). The same data indicate a concomitant strong decrease in cloud Liquid Water Path (LWP), in evident contrast with the hypothesis of aerosol inhibition of precipitation (Albrecht, 1989). Because of this water loss, probably due to the entrainment of dry air at cloud top, Cloud Optical Thickness (COT) is found to be almost insensitive to changes in aerosol concentration. The analysis of MODIS-CALIPSO coincidences also evidenced an aerosol enhancement of low cloud cover. Surprising, the Cloud Fraction (CLF) response to aerosol invigoration is much stronger when (absorbing) particles are located above cloud top, than in cases of physical interaction, This result suggests a relevant aerosol radiative effect on low cloud occurrence. Heating the atmosphere above the inversion, absorbing particles above cloud top may decrease the vertical temperature gradient, increase the low tropospheric stability and provide favorable conditions for low cloud formation. We also focus on the impact of anthropogenic aerosols on precipitation, through the statistical analysis of CDR-COT co-variations. A COT value of 10 is found to be the threshold beyond which precipitation mostly forms, in both clean and polluted environments. For larger COT, polluted clouds showed evidence of precipitation suppression. Results suggest the presence of two competing mechanisms governing LWP response to aerosol invigoration: a drying effect due to aerosol enhanced entrainment of dry air at cloud top (predominant for optically thin clouds) and a moistening effect due to aerosol inhibition of precipitation (predominant for optically thick clouds).
Quantification of protein biomass of individual foraminifers using nano-spectrophotometry
Authors: Movellan A. , Schiebel R. , Zubkov M. V. , Smyth A. , Howa H.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The ecological role of foraminifers has been largely unknown partly owing to difficulties in determining their individual biomass, although foraminifers are abundant in surface marine sediments. The present study provides a reliable and inexpensive method for the quantification of the protein content of hard-shelled foraminifers as a measure of biomass while preserving the tests for later analyses (e.g., morphometry, stable isotopes) using nano-spectrophotometry. The protein biomass, size, and shell weight of Ammonia tepida are significantly correlated (n = 102, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.5739, and n = 181, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.8288, respectively). Variability in relation between test size and weight, and cell biomass may result from natural variability in horizontal and vertical microenvironments encompassing metabolic state, as well as variability in test morphometry and calcite mass (i.e., test weight). In turn, knowing the size- and species-specific biomass of foraminifers adds valuable information on the trophic and ecologic conditions of modern and ancient marine environments, in particular on the reconstruction of the regional paleoproductivity and flux of organic matter.
Origin of Motion in the Human Ureter: Mechanics, Energetics and Kinetics of the Myosin Molecular Motors
Authors: Vargiu Romina , Perinu Anna , De Lisa Antonello , Tintrup Frank , Manca Francesco , Mancinelli Rino
Published: June 2012

Background

Ureteral peristalsis is the result of coordinated mechanical motor performance of longitudinal and circular smooth muscle layer of the ureter wall. The main aim of this study was to characterize in smooth muscle of proximal segments of human ureter, the mechanical properties at level of muscle tissue and at level of myosin molecular motors.

Methods

Ureteral samples were collected from 15 patients, who underwent nephrectomy for renal cancer. Smooth muscle strips longitudinally and circularly oriented from proximal segments of human ureter were used for the in vitro experiments. Mechanical indices including the maximum unloaded shortening velocity (Vmax), and the maximum isometric tension (P0) normalized per cross-sectional area, were determined in vitro determined in electrically evoked contractions of longitudinal and circular smooth muscle strips. Myosin cross-bridge (CB) number per mm2 (Ψ) the elementary force per single CB (Ψ) and kinetic parameters were calculated in muscle strips, using Huxley's equations adapted to nonsarcomeric muscles.

Results

Longitudinal smooth muscle strips exhibited a significantly (p<0.05) faster Vmax (63%) and a higher P0 (40%), if compared to circular strips. Moreover, longitudinal muscle strips showed a significantly higher unitary force (Ψ) per CB. However, no significant differences were observed in CB number, the attachment (f1) and the detachment (g2) rate constants between longitudinal and circular muscle strips.

Conclusions

The main result obtained in the present work documents that the mechanical, energetic and unitary forces per CB of longitudinal layer of proximal ureter are better compared to the circular one; these preliminary findings suggested, unlike intestinal smooth muscle, a major role of longitudinal smooth muscle layer in the ureter peristalsis.
Luminescence Properties of Eu- and Mg-Codoped Sol-Gel SiO2 Glasses
Authors: Onani Martin O. , Mushonga Paul , Koao Lehlohonolo F. , Dejene Francis B.
Published: June 2012

A series of SiO2 nanostructures codoped with Eu3+; Mg2+ ions were obtained by a sol-gel method. The gels synthesized by the hydrolysis of Si(OC2H5)4, Eu(NO3)3·6H2O, and Mg(NO3)2 were heated in air at 600°C for 2 hours. Firstly, the total amount of Eu3+ ions was varied from 0 to 2.0 mol% to investigate the effect of self-damping, while in the second case, the Eu3+ ions were kept constant in the experiment at 0.5 mol% total doping and Mg2+ ions varied. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, TEM, EDS, and UV lamp-excited luminescence spectroscopy. The Eu3+ ions were homogeneously dispersed in the silica and interacting with the small (1–5 nm) amorphous silica matrix. Strong red emissions located at 614 nm and 590 nm for doped and codoped SiO2 were observed from the UV light excitation at room temperature. The composition of around 1.25 mol% Eu3+ gave highest emission intensity. SiO2; Mg2+ ions portray strongly enhanced emissions due to energy transfer from Mg2+ to Eu3+, which is due to radiative recombination. An increase in luminescence intensity was observed as the Mg2+-to-Eu3+ ratio increased for the range investigated. The results show Eu3+ ion is located inside or at the surface of disordered SiO2 nanoparticles.
Web-Based Geoprocessing and Workflow Creation for Generating and Providing Remote Sensing Products
Authors: Eberle J. , Strobl C.
Published: June 2012

With the implementation specification of the Web Processing Service (WPS), a standard to process spatial data on the web is available from the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). This new possibility in web-based information systems allow an interoperable processing of different data based on service-oriented architectures. This paper describes requirements and an implementation for web-based processing and workflow creation to generate and provide remote sensing products like fire hotspot points and land surface temperatures based on NASA MODIS data. Therefore, a WPS as well as service chains to process these remote sensing products are implemented. PyWPS is used as WPS and tested with focus on processing remote sensing data. To chain the developed processes, software like 52° North Orchestration Engine, Apache ODE and internal software for executing processing chains and providing a workflow as WPS process are tested. A Web-GIS with open-source software was developed to manage started and finished processes, to search for available satellite data and to create processing chains interactively. An interface to retrieve and process archived data was integrated; the user of this system can search interactively for archived satellite data and process it with the developed processing services and workflows. The Web-GIS also acts as a WPS client, client for visualizing processed data and creator as well as security layer for processing chains. These developments and research work show that there is additional work to improve the WPS specification for example by adding domain-specific profiles for working with large raster data to define standardised rules for data-exchange between the processes. In the field of process orchestration, no standardised data format describing processing chains exists yet.
Concise Review: Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Haraguchi Yuji , Shimizu Tatsuya , Yamato Masayuki , Okano Teruo
Published: June 2012

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in developed countries. Various therapies for cardiovascular disease are investigated actively and are performed clinically. Recently, cell-based regenerative medicine using several cell sources has appeared as an alternative therapy for curing cardiovascular diseases. Scaffold-based or cell sheet-based tissue engineering is focused as a new generational cell-based regenerative therapy, and the clinical trials have also been started. Cell-based regenerative therapies have an enormous potential for treating cardiovascular disease. This review summarizes the recent research of cell sources and cell-based-regenerative therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
Perceptions de groupes, profils identitaires collectifs et bien-être psychologique : la perspective des jeunes Acadiens du sud-est du Nouveau-Brunswick1
Authors: Noël Julie , Beaton Ann M.
Published: June 2012

Les Acadiens du sud-est du Nouveau-Brunswick sont confrontés aux forces assimilatrices des anglophones et aux exigences d’un français standard. Les modèles de rejet-identification (Branscombe, Schmitt et Harvey, 1999) et du concept de soi (Taylor, 1997; 2002) sont mis à l’épreuve dans le but d’examiner les réponses au désavantage social des adolescents d’origine acadienne. En tout, 36 adolescents acadiens du sud-est du Nouveau-Brunswick ont participé à une entrevue semi-dirigée. Selon les résultats, les participants portent un fardeau d’infériorité par rapport aux francophones du Québec. Différents discours sont entretenus concernant les anglophones et engendrent six profils identitaires différents. Les résultats confirment la diversité de l’influence des exogroupes majoritaires sur le cheminement identitaire collectif des jeunes Acadiens. De plus, l’analyse révèle que les jeunes issus du profil nommébilingue à orientation anglophoneéprouvent des difficultés quant à leur bien-être psychologique.
Gouvernance et diplomatie culturelles
Authors: Warren Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2012

Jugée par maints démocrates à la fois vaine et vénale, l’attribution d’honneurs par les États occidentaux n’a que depuis peu attiré l’attention des chercheurs universitaires. Pourtant, loin de correspondre à un legs anachronique, la remise de médailles par les États modernes doit être interprétée comme une véritable « technique de gouvernement ». L’exemple de l’attribution de la Légion d’honneur à des Québécois est particulièrement intéressant puisqu’il permet de comprendre comment la « science de l’honneur » a été mise au service des intérêts diplomatiques de la France dans cette partie de l’Amérique du Nord. L’histoire de l’attribution de la Légion d’honneur à des Québécois jette une lumière différente sur les aléas des relations entre les deux nations, et ce, sur une longue période. À étudier les pedigrees des décorés et les fréquences des décorations, on obtient non seulement un portrait des relations internationales entre les deux régions, mais un indicateur des facteurs ayant présidé à ces échanges.
L’émergence d’un loisir : les particularités de la promenade en carrosse au Canada au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Turcot1 Laurent
Published: June 2012

La promenade, qu’elle se pratique à cheval, à pied ou en carrosse, constitue le loisir par excellence de l’élite européenne. Parce qu’elle implique une dimension publique du « voir et être vu », elle sert la distinction sociale. Le Canada du XVIIIe siècle est lui aussi le théâtre de pratiques de loisir qui fondent des rapports sociaux. La question que le présent article cherchent à répondre est le suivante : y a-t-il des divertissements spécifiquement canadiens au XVIIIe siècle ? La promenade devient ici une porte d’entrée dans le domaine de l’histoire culturelle, et plus spécifiquement dans l’histoire des loisirs, souvent confiné au XIXe siècle. Si le modèle européen est repris, il est cependant adapté et transformé pour permettre l’émergence d’une pratique typiquement canadienne : la promenade hivernale. Les conditions de la promenade, avec ses voitures, ses lieux fréquentés et ses normes sociales sont quelques unes de ces formes de transformations. Le but de cet article est de montrer les transferts culturels entre la France, l’Angleterre et le Canada, mais également de montrer comment se mettent en place les conditions de loisirs dans la colonie.