bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Viscous Dissipation on the Slip MHD Flow and Heat Transfer past a Permeable Surface with Convective Boundary Conditions
Authors: Yazdi Mohammad H. , Abdullah Shahrir , Hashim Ishak , Sopian Kamaruzzaman
Published: December 2011

This paper presents an analysis of the energy exchange resulting from a 2D steady magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow past a permeable surface with partial slip in the presence of the viscous dissipation effect under convective heating boundary conditions. A magnetic field can effectively control the motion of an electrically conducting fluid in micro scale systems, which can be applied for fluid transportation. Local similarity solutions for the transformed governing equations are obtained, and the reduced ordinary differential equations solved numerically via an explicit Runge-Kutta (4, 5) formula, the Dormand-Prince pair and shooting method, which is valid for fixed positions along the surface. The effects of various physical parameters, such as the magnetic parameter, the slip coefficient, the suction/injection parameter, the Biot number, the Prandtl number and the Eckert number, on the flow and heat transfer characteristics are presented graphically and discussed. The results indicate that the heat transfer rate increases with the increase in Biot number, slip coefficient, suction and magnetic parameter, whereas it decreases with the increase in Eckert number and injection.
An Online Landscape Object Library to Support Interactive Landscape Planning
Authors: Sharma Subhash , Pettit Christopher , Bishop Ian , Chan Pang , Sheth Falak
Published: December 2011

Using landscape objects with geo-visualisation tools to create 3D virtual environments is becoming one of the most prominent communication techniques to understand landscape form, function and processes. Geo-visualisation tools can also provide useful participatory planning support systems to explore current and future environmental issues such as biodiversity loss, crop failure, competing pressures on water availability and land degradation. These issues can be addressed by understanding them in the context of their locality. In this paper we discuss some of the technologies which facilitate our work on the issues of sustainability and productivity, and ultimately support for planning and decision-making. We demonstrate an online Landscape Object Library application with a suite of geo-visualisation tools to support landscape planning. This suite includes: a GIS based Landscape Constructor tool, a modified version of a 3D game engine SIEVE (Spatial Information Exploration and Visualisation Environment) and an interactive touch table display. By integrating the Landscape Object Library with this suite of geo-visualisation tools, we believe we developed a tool that can support a diversity of landscape planning activities. This is illustrated by trial case studies in biolink design, whole farm planning and renewable energy planning. We conclude the paper with an evaluation of our Landscape Object Library and the suite of geographical tools, and outline some further research directions.
High Quality Geographic Services and Bandwidth Limitations
Authors: Coltekin Arzu , Reichenbacher Tumasch
Published: December 2011

In this paper we provide a critical overview of the state of the art in human-centric intelligent data management approaches for geographic visualizations when we are faced with bandwidth limitations. These limitations often force us to rethink how we design displays for geographic visualizations. We need ways to reduce the amount of data to be visualized and transmitted. This is partly because modern instruments effortlessly produce large volumes of data and Web 2.0 further allows bottom-up creation of rich and diverse content. Therefore, the amount of information we have today for creating useful and usable cartographic products is higher than ever before. However, how much of it can we really use online? To answer this question, we first calculate the bandwidth needs for geographic data sets in terms of waiting times. The calculations are based on various data volumes estimated by scholars for different scenarios. Documenting the waiting times clearly demonstrates the magnitude of the problem. Following this, we summarize the current hardware and software solutions, then the current human-centric design approaches trying to address the constraints such as various screen sizes and information overload. We also discuss a limited set of social issues touching upon the digital divide and its implications. We hope that our systematic documentation and critical review will help researchers and practitioners in the field to better understand the current state of the art.
Acknowledgment to Referees
Authors: Editorial Office Games
Published: December 2011

Games has received help from many individuals since its inaugural issue in 2009. We are especially grateful to the following 146 referees for their great support of Games during the past two years. [...]
Volatile Compounds in Honey: A Review on Their Involvement in Aroma, Botanical Origin Determination and Potential Biomedical Activities
Authors: Manyi-Loh Christy E. , Ndip Roland N. , Clarke Anna M.
Published: December 2011

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in honey are obtained from diverse biosynthetic pathways and extracted by using various methods associated with varying degrees of selectivity and effectiveness. These compounds are grouped into chemical categories such as aldehyde, ketone, acid, alcohol, hydrocarbon, norisoprenoids, terpenes and benzene compounds and their derivatives, furan and pyran derivatives. They represent a fingerprint of a specific honey and therefore could be used to differentiate between monofloral honeys from different floral sources, thus providing valuable information concerning the honey’s botanical and geographical origin. However, only plant derived compounds and their metabolites (terpenes, norisoprenoids and benzene compounds and their derivatives) must be employed to discriminate among floral origins of honey. Notwithstanding, many authors have reported different floral markers for honey of the same floral origin, consequently sensory analysis, in conjunction with analysis of VOCs could help to clear this ambiguity. Furthermore, VOCs influence honey’s aroma described as sweet, citrus, floral, almond, rancid, etc. Clearly, the contribution of a volatile compound to honey aroma is determined by its odor activity value. Elucidation of the aroma compounds along with floral origins of a particular honey can help to standardize its quality and avoid fraudulent labeling of the product. Although only present in low concentrations, VOCS could contribute to biomedical activities of honey, especially the antioxidant effect due to their natural radical scavenging potential.
Introducing Catastrophe-QSAR. Application on Modeling Molecular Mechanisms of Pyridinone Derivative-Type HIV Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Authors: Putz Mihai V. , Lazea Marius , Putz Ana-Maria , Duda-Seiman Corina
Published: December 2011

The classical method of quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) is enriched using non-linear models, as Thom’s polynomials allow either uni- or bi-variate structural parameters. In this context, catastrophe QSAR algorithms are applied to the anti-HIV-1 activity of pyridinone derivatives. This requires calculation of the so-called relative statistical power and of its minimum principle in various QSAR models. A new index, known as a statistical relative power, is constructed as an Euclidian measure for the combined ratio of the Pearson correlation to algebraic correlation, with normalized t-Student and the Fisher tests. First and second order inter-model paths are considered for mono-variate catastrophes, whereas for bi-variate catastrophes the direct minimum path is provided, allowing the QSAR models to be tested for predictive purposes. At this stage, the max-to-min hierarchies of the tested models allow the interaction mechanism to be identified using structural parameter succession and the typical catastrophes involved. Minimized differences between these catastrophe models in the common structurally influential domains that span both the trial and tested compounds identify the “optimal molecular structural domains” and the molecules with the best output with respect to the modeled activity, which in this case is human immunodeficiency virus type 1 HIV-1 inhibition. The best molecules are characterized by hydrophobic interactions with the HIV-1 p66 subunit protein, and they concur with those identified in other 3D-QSAR analyses. Moreover, the importance of aromatic ring stacking interactions for increasing the binding affinity of the inhibitor-reverse transcriptase ligand-substrate complex is highlighted.
Synthesis and Insecticidal Activities of New Ester-Derivatives of Celangulin-V
Authors: Zhang Jiwen , Hu Zhan , Li Shenkun , Wu Wenjun
Published: December 2011

In order to develop new biorational pesticides, ten new 6-substituted ester derivatives of Celangulin-V were designed and synthesized. The structures of the new derivatives were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and ESI-MS spectral analysis. Insecticidal activities of these compounds were tested against the third-instar larvae of Mythimna separata. Two derivatives (1.1, 1.2) showed higher insecticidal activities than Celangulin-V, with mortality of 75.0% and 83.3%, respectively. While four compounds (1.3, 1.4, 1.7, 1.8) denoted lower insecticidal activities, the others (1.5, 1.6, 1.9, 1.10) revealed no activities at a concentration of 10 mg.mL−1. The results suggest that C-6 substitutions of Celangulin-V are very important in determining the insecticidal activities of its ester-derivatives. That the acetyl (1.1) and propionyl (1.2) derivatives possessed much higher insecticidal activities than Celangulin-V itself supported the view that Celangulin-V has the potential to be a lead structure of semi-synthetic green insecticides.
Inhibitory Effects of Ecklonia cava Extract on High Glucose-Induced Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation
Authors: Yokogawa Kumiko , Matsui-Yuasa Isao , Tamura Akiko , Terada Masaki , Kojima-Yuasa Akiko
Published: December 2011

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a disease closely associated with obesity and diabetes. A prevalence of type 2 diabetes and a high body mass index in cryptogenic cirrhosis may imply that obesity leads to cirrhosis. Here, we examined the effects of an extract of Ecklonia cava, a brown algae, on the activation of high glucose-induced hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), key players in hepatic fibrosis. Isolated HSCs were incubated with or without a high glucose concentration. Ecklonia cava extract (ECE) was added to the culture simultaneously with the high glucose. Treatment with high glucose stimulated expression of type I collagen and α-smooth muscle actin, which are markers of activation in HSCs, in a dose-dependent manner. The activation of high glucose-treated HSCs was suppressed by the ECE. An increase in the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decrease in intracellular glutathione levels were observed soon after treatment with high glucose, and these changes were suppressed by the simultaneous addition of ECE. High glucose levels stimulated the secretion of bioactive transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) from the cells, and the stimulation was also suppressed by treating the HSCs with ECE. These results suggest that the suppression of high glucose-induced HSC activation by ECE is mediated through the inhibition of ROS and/or GSH and the downregulation of TGF-β secretion. ECE is useful for preventing the development of diabetic liver fibrosis.
Aurantoside J: a New Tetramic Acid Glycoside from Theonella swinhoei. Insights into the Antifungal Potential of Aurantosides
Authors: Angawi Rihab F. , Bavestrello Giorgio , Calcinai Barbara , Dien Henny Adeleida , Donnarumma Giovanna , Tufano Maria Antonietta , Paoletti Iole , Grimaldi Elena , Chianese Giuseppina , Fattorusso Ernesto , Taglialatela-Scafati Orazio
Published: December 2011

The chemical investigation of an Indonesian specimen of Theonella swinhoei afforded four aurantosides, one of which, aurantoside J (5), is a new compound. The structure of this metabolite, exhibiting the unprecedented N-α-glycosidic linkage between the pentose and the tetramate units, has been determined through detailed spectroscopic analysis. The four obtained aurantosides have been tested against five fungal strains (four Candida and one Fusarium) responsible of invasive infections in immuno-compromised patients. The non-cytotoxic aurantoside I (4) was the single compound to show an excellent potency against all the tested strains, thus providing valuable insights about the antifungal potential of this class of compounds and the structure-activity relationships.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of New N1,N4-Substituted Thiosemicarbazones
Authors: Reis Camilla Moretto dos , Pereira Danilo Sousa , Paiva Rojane de Oliveira , Kneipp Lucimar Ferreira , Echevarria Aurea
Published: December 2011

We present an efficient procedure for the synthesis of thirty-six N1,N4-substituted thiosemicarbazones, including twenty-five ones that are reported for the first time, using a microwave-assisted methodology for the reaction of thiosemicarbazide intermediates with aldehydes in the presence of glacial acetic acid in ethanol and under solvent free conditions. Overall reaction times (20–40 min when ethanol as solvent, and 3 min under solvent free conditions) were much shorter than with the traditional procedure (480 min); satisfactory yields and high-purity compounds were obtained. The thiosemicarbazide intermediates were obtained from alkyl or aryl isothiocyanates and hydrazine hydrate or phenyl hydrazine by stirring at room temperature for 60 min or by microwave irradiation for 30 min, with lower yields for the latter. The preliminary in vitro antifungal activity of thiosemicarbazones was evaluated against Aspergillus parasiticus and Candida albicans.
Novel Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine Derivatives as Potential Antitumor Agents: Exploratory Synthesis, Preliminary Structure-Activity Relationships, and in Vitro Biological Evaluation
Authors: He Hai-Yun , Zhao Jin-Ni , Jia Ruo , Zhao Ying-Lan , Yang Sheng-Yong , Yu Luo-Ting , Yang Li
Published: December 2011

In a cell-based screen of novel anticancer agents, the hit compound 1a which bears a pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine scaffold exhibited high inhibitory activity against a panel of four different types of tumor cell lines. In particular, the IC50 for A549 cells was 2.24 µM, compared with an IC50 of 9.20 µM for doxorubicin, the positive control. Four synthetic routes of the key intermediate 3 of 1a were explored and 1a was prepared via route D on the gram scale for further research. Two analogs of 1a were synthesized and their preliminary structure-activity relationships were studied. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that compound 1a could significantly induce apoptosis in A549 cells in vitro at low micromolar concentrations. These results suggest that the target compound 1a and its analogs with the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine scaffold might potentially constitute a novel class of anticancer agents, which requires further studies.
Cleavage of Oligonucleotides Containing a P3’→N5’ Phosphoramidate Linkage Mediated by Single-Stranded Oligonucleotide Templates
Authors: Ito Kosuke Ramon , Kodama Tetsuya , Makimura Futaba , Hosoki Noritsugu , Osaki Tomohisa , Orita Ayako , Imanishi Takeshi , Obika Satoshi
Published: December 2011

Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) templates can hybridize to and accelerate cleavage of oligonucleotides containing a P3’→N5’ phosphoramidate (P-N) linkage. This dsDNA-templated cleavage of P-N linkages could be due to conformational strain placed on the linkage upon triplex formation. To determine whether duplex formation also induced conformational strain, we examined the reactivity of the oligonucleotides with a P-N linkage in the presence of single-stranded templates, and compared these reactions to those with dsDNA templates. P-N oligonucleotides that are cleaved upon duplex formation could be used as probes to detect single-stranded nucleic acids.
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Assay for High-Throughput Screening of ADAMTS1 Inhibitors
Authors: Peng Jianhao , Gong Lili , Si Kun , Bai Xiaoyu , Du Guanhua
Published: December 2011

A disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type I motifs-1 (ADAMTS1) plays a crucial role in inflammatory joint diseases and its inhibitors are potential candidates for anti-arthritis drugs. For the purposes of drug discovery, we reported the development and validation of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay for high-throughput screening (HTS) of the ADAMTS1 inhibitors. A FRET substrate was designed for a quantitative assay of ADAMTS1 activity and enzyme kinetics studies. The assay was developed into a 50-µL, 384-well assay format for high throughput screening of ADAMTS1 inhibitors with an overall Z’ factor of 0.89. ADAMTS1 inhibitors were screened against a diverse library of 40,960 total compounds with the established HTS system. Four structurally related hits, naturally occurring compounds, kuwanon P, kuwanon X, albafuran C and mulberrofuran J, extracted from the Chinese herb Morus alba L., were identified for further investigation. The results suggest that this FRET assay is an excellent tool, not only for measurement of ADAMTS1 activity but also for discovery of novel ADAMTS1 inhibitors with HTS.
Inter-religious Cooperation for HIV Prevention in Uganda: A Study among Muslim and Christian Youth in Wakiso District
Authors: Kagimu Magid , Guwatudde David , Rwabukwali Charles , Kaye Sarah , Walakira Yusuf , Ainomugisha Dick
Published: December 2011

Inter-religious cooperation has been recommended to address various issues for the common good. Muslims and Christians in Uganda are working together on HIV prevention in this spirit. A study was done to compare HIV prevalence and HIV-risk behaviors between Muslims and Christians. A total of 2,933 Christian and 1,224 Muslim youth between 15–24 years were interviewed and tested for HIV. The HIV prevalence was significantly lower among Muslims (2%) compared to Christians (4%). Muslims were more likely to be circumcised, avoid drinking alcohol and avoid having first sex before 18 years. These behaviors which may have led to lower HIV infections among Muslims are derived from Islamic teachings. Muslim religious leaders need to continue to emphasize these teachings. Christian religious leaders may need to consider strengthening similar teachings from their faith tradition to reduce new HIV infections among their communities. Muslims and Christians working together as good neighbors, in the spirit of inter-religious cooperation, can generate evidence-based data that may assist them to improve their HIV prevention interventions. By sharing these data each community is likely to benefit from their cooperation by strengthening within each religious tradition those behaviors and practices that appear helpful in reducing new HIV infections.
A Query Result Merging Scheme for Providing Energy Efficiency in Underwater Sensor Networks
Authors: Kim Yunsung , Park Soo-Hyun
Published: December 2011

Underwater sensor networks are emerging as a promising distributed data management system for various applications in underwater environments, despite their limited accessibility and restricted energy capacity. With the aid of recent developments in ubiquitous data computing, an increasing number of users are expected to overcome low accessibility by applying queries to underwater sensor networks. However, when multiple users send queries to an underwater sensor network in a disorganized manner, it may incur lethal energy waste and problematic network traffic. The current query management mechanisms cannot effectively deal with this matter due to their limited applicability and unrealistic assumptions. In this paper, a novel query management scheme involving query result merging is proposed for underwater sensor networks. The mechanism is based on a relational database model and is adjusted to the practical restrictions affecting underwater communication environments. Network simulations will prove that the scheme becomes more efficient with a greater number of queries and a smaller period range.
Characterization of a Low-Cost Optical Flow Sensor When Using an External Laser as a Direct Illumination Source
Authors: Font Davinia , Tresanchez Marcel , Pallejà Tomàs , Teixidó Mercè , Palacín Jordi
Published: December 2011

In this paper, a low cost optical flow sensor is combined with an external laser device to measure surface displacements and mechanical oscillations. The measurement system is based on applying coherent light to a diffuser surface and using an optical flow sensor to analyze the reflected and transferred light to estimate the displacement of the surface or the laser spot. This work is focused on the characterization of this measurement system, which can have the optical flow sensor placed at different angles and distances from the diffuser surface. The results have shown that the displacement of the diffuser surface is badly estimated when the optical mouse sensor is placed in front of the diffuser surface (angular orientation >150°) while the highest sensitivity is obtained when the sensor is located behind the diffuser surface and on the axis of the laser source (angular orientation 0°). In this case, the coefficient of determination of the measured displacement, R2, was very high (>0.99) with a relative error of less than 1.29%. Increasing the distance between the surface and the sensor also increased the sensitivity which increases linearly, R2 = 0.99. Finally, this measurement setup was proposed to measure very low frequency mechanical oscillations applied to the laser device, up to 0.01 Hz in this work. The results have shown that increasing the distance between the surface and the optical flow sensor also increases the sensitivity and the measurement range.
Advances in SAW Gas Sensors Based on the Condensate-Adsorption Effect
Authors: Liu Jiuling , Wang Wen , Li Shunzhou , Liu Minghua , He Shitang
Published: December 2011

A surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) gas sensor with a low detection limit and fast response for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) based on the condensate-adsorption effect detection is developed. In this sensor a gas chromatography (GC) column acts as the separator element and a dual-resonator oscillator acts as the detector element. Regarding the surface effective permittivity method, the response mechanism analysis, which relates the condensate-adsorption effect, is performed, leading to the sensor performance prediction prior to fabrication. New designs of SAW resonators, which act as feedback of the oscillator, are devised in order to decrease the insertion loss and to achieve single-mode control, resulting in superior frequency stability of the oscillator. Based on the new phase modulation approach, excellent short-term frequency stability (±3 Hz/s) is achieved with the SAW oscillator by using the 500 MHz dual-port resonator as feedback element. In a sensor experiment investigating formaldehyde detection, the implemented SAW gas sensor exhibits an excellent threshold detection limit as low as 0.38 pg.
Robust and Cooperative Image-Based Visual Servoing System Using a Redundant Architecture
Authors: Garcia-Aracil Nicolas , Perez-Vidal Carlos , Sabater Jose Maria , Morales Ricardo , Badesa Francisco J.
Published: December 2011

The reliability and robustness of image-based visual servoing systems is still unsolved by the moment. In order to address this issue, a redundant and cooperative 2D visual servoing system based on the information provided by two cameras in eye-in-hand/eye-to-hand configurations is proposed. Its control law has been defined to assure that the whole system is stable if each subsystem is stable and to allow avoiding typical problems of image-based visual servoing systems like task singularities, features extraction errors, disappearance of image features, local minima, etc. Experimental results with an industrial robot manipulator based on Schunk modular motors to demonstrate the stability, performance and robustness of the proposed system are presented.
Contamination of Runoff Water at Gdańsk Airport (Poland) by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Authors: Sulej Anna Maria , Polkowska Żaneta , Namieśnik Jacek
Published: December 2011

Airport runoff can contain high concentrations of various pollutants, in particular polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the environmental levels of which have to be monitored. Airport runoff water samples, collected at the Gdańsk-Rębiechowo Airport from 2008 to 2009, were analysed for PAHs and PCBs by gas chromatography. The aromatic fractions were separated by liquid-liquid extraction and analysed by GC/MS. Total PAH concentrations were 295–6,758 ng/L in 2008 and 180–1,924 ng/L in 2009, while total PCB levels in 2008 ranged from 0.14 to 0.44 µg/L and in 2009 from 0.06 to 0.23 µg/L. The PAH and PCB compositions in airport runoff waters were examined over a range of spatial and temporal scales to determine distributions, trends and possible sources. This pollution is mainly pyrolytic and related to anthropogenic activity. There were significant differences between the samples collected in the two seasons. An understanding of the magnitude of contamination due to airport runoff water is important for the effective management of airport infrastructure.
Determination of the Therapeutic Time Window for Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cell Transplantation following Experimental Stroke in Rats
Authors: Boltze Johannes , Schmidt Uwe R. , Reich Doreen M. , Kranz Alexander , Reymann Klaus G. , Strassburger Maria , Lobsien Donald , Wagner Daniel-Christoph , Förschler Annette , Schäbitz Wolf-Rüdiger
Published: December 2011

Experimental treatment strategies using human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (hUCB MNCs) represent a promising option for alternative stroke therapies. An important point for clinical translation of such treatment approaches is knowledge on the therapeutic time window. Although expected to be wider than for thrombolysis, the exact time window for hUCB MNC therapy is not known. Our study aimed to determine the time window of intravenous hUCB MNC administration after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Male spontaneously hypertensive rats underwent MCAO and were randomly assigned to hUCB MNC administration at 4, 24, 72, and 120 or 14 days. Influence of cell treatment was observed by magnetic resonance imaging on days 1, 8, and 29 following MCAO and by assessment of functional neurological recovery. On day 30, brains were screened for glial scar development and presence of hUCB MNCs. Further, influence of hUCB MNCs on necrosis and apoptosis in postischemic neural tissue was investigated in hippocampal slices cultures. Transplantation within a 72-h time window resulted in an early improvement of functional recovery, paralleled by a reduction of brain atrophy and diminished glial scarring. Cell transplantation 120 h post-MCAO only induced minor functional recovery without changes in the brain atrophy rate and glial reactivity. Later transplantation (14 days) did not show any benefit. No evidence for intracerebrally localized hUCB MNCs was found in any treatment group. In vitro hUCB MNCs were able to significantly reduce postischemic neural necrosis and apoptosis. Our results for the first time indicate a time window of therapeutic hUCB MNC application of at least 72 h. The time window is limited, but wider than compared to conventional pharmacological approaches. The data furthermore confirms that differentiation and integration of administered cells is not a prerequisite for poststroke functional improvement and lesion size reduction.
Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells Transplanted to the Hypoglossal Nucleus Integrates with the Host CNS in Adult Rats and Promotes Motor Neuron Survival
Authors: Fagerlund Michael , Estrada Cynthia Pérez , Jaff Nasren , Svensson Mikael , Brundin Lou
Published: December 2011

Transplantation of neural stem cells and the mobilization of endogenous neuronal precursors in the adult brain have been proposed as therapeutic strategies for central nervous system disorders and injuries. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible survival and integration of grafted neural progenitor cells (NPCs) from the subventricular zone (SVZ) in a hypoglossal nerve avulsion model with substantial neuronal loss. Adult neural progenitor cells (NPCs) from the subventricular zone (SVZ) were cultured from inbred transgenic eGFP Lewis rats and transplanted to the hypoglossal nucleus of inbred Lewis rat from the same family but that were not carrying the eGFP strain after avulsion of the hypoglossal nerve. Grafted cells survived in the host more than 3 months and differentiated into neurons [βIII tubulin (Tuj-1 staining)] with fine axon- and dendrite-like processes as well as astrocytes (GFAP) and oligodendrocytes (O4) with typical morphology. Staining for synaptic structures (synaptophysin and bassoon) indicated integration of differentiated cells from the graft with the host CNS. Furthermore, transplantation of NPCs increased the number of surviving motoneurons in the hypoglossal nucleus after nerve avulsion that, if untreated, result in substantial neuronal death. The NPCs used in this study expressed VEGF in vitro as well as in vivo following transplantation that may mediate the rescue effect of the axotomized motoneurons.
An Effective and Safe Supplement for Stem Cells Expansion Ex Vivo: Cord Blood Serum
Authors: Ma Hai-Ying , Yao Li , Yu Yan-Qiu , Li Li , Ma Ling , Wei Wen-Juan , Lu Xiao-Mei , Du Li-Li , Jin Yu-Nan
Published: December 2011

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potential and optimal stem cells in clinical cell therapy, and fetal bovine serum (FBS) is widely used for expansion of MSCs, despite the risks of infectious disease transmission and immunological reaction of the xenogenic origin. This study was designed to compare human four blood group cord blood serum (CBS) with FBS in culturing human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPDMSCs), which were derived from four blood group donors. The expansion medium included: 10% FBS, 10% A-CBS, 10% B-CBS, 10% O-CBS, and 10% AB-CBS. Cumulative population doubling, generation time, fold expansion rates and differentiation capacity, cell cycle, and immunophenotype were also assessed. The results showed that fold expansion rate and cumulative population doubling of hPDMSCs significantly increased during long-term MSC expansion in CBS medium, but the generation time decreased compared with FBS. CBS might be an effective supplement for stem cells expand rapidly ex vivo. Cell cycle and differentiation assays showed that most of the hPDMSCs expanding in the presence of CBS were in stationary phase, which was the characteristic of stem cells, and they retained their ability to differentiate into chondrogenic and endothelial cells. By comparing these four blood groups of CBS, we found that there was no significant difference among different blood groups in culturing hPDMSCs, which were isolated from different blood group donors. So CBS may be an optimal replacement to avoid the risks of FBS application in expansion of stem cell for clinical cell therapy and tissue engineering.
Resident Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Human Placenta have Greater Vasculogenic Potential than Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Umbilical Cord Blood
Authors: Rapp Brian M. , Saadatzedeh M. Reza , Ofstein Richard H. , Bhavsar Janak R. , Tempel Zachary S. , Moreno Oscar , Morone Peter , Booth Dana A. , Traktuev Dmitry O. , Dalsing Michael C. , Ingram David A. , Yoder Mervin C. , March Keith L. , Murphy Michael P.
Published: December 2011

Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) isolated from umbilical cord blood (CBECFCs) are highly proliferative and form blood vessels in vivo. The purpose of this investigation was to isolate and characterize a population of resident ECFCs from the chorionic villi of term human placenta and provide a comparative analysis of their proliferative and vasculogenic potential with CBECFCs. ECFCs were isolated from umbilical cord blood and chorionic villi from placentas obtained by caesarean deliveries. Placental ECFCs (PECFCs) expressed CD144, CD31, CD105, and KDR and were negative for CD45 and CD34, consistent with other ECFC phenotypes. PECFCs were capable of 28.6 ± 6.0 population doublings before reaching senescence (vs. 47.4 ± 3.2 for CBECFCs, p < 0.05, n = 4). In single cell assays, 46.5 ± 1.2% underwent at least one division (vs. 51.0 ± 1.8% of CBECFCs, p = 0.07, n = 6), and of those dividing PECFCs, 71.8 ± 0.9% gave rise to colonies of >500 cells (highly proliferative potential clones) over 14 days (vs. 69.4 ± 0.7% of CBECFCs, p = 0.07, n = 9). PECFCs formed 5.2 ± 0.8 vessels/mm2 in collagen/fibronectin plugs implanted into non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice, whereas CBECFCs formed only 1.7 ± 1.0 vessels/mm2 ( p < 0.05, n = 4). This study demonstrates that circulating CBECFCs and resident PECFCs are identical phenotypically and contain equivalent quantities of high proliferative potential clones. However, PECFCs formed significantly more blood vessels in vivo than CBECFCs, indicating that differences in vasculogenic potential between circulating and resident ECFCs exist.
Hypothermic Perfusion Preservation of Pancreas for Islet Grafts: Validation Using a Split Lobe Porcine Model
Authors: Weegman B. P. , Taylor M. J. , Baicu S. C. , Scott W. E. , Mueller K. R. , Kitzmann J. D. , Rizzari M. D. , Papas K. K.
Published: December 2011

The demand for high-quality islets for transplantation in type I diabetics will increase as the current clinical trials transition into standard of care. The mode of preservation of donor pancreata is critical to this mission since islets are very sensitive to ischemic injury. Hypothermic perfusion preservation (HPP) is being investigated for extended pancreas preservation in light of the beneficial effects reported for other organs. The present pilot study aimed to establish the potency of porcine islets isolated from pancreata after 24 h of HPP at 4–8°C. The study design included a split-lobe pancreas model that permitted paired comparisons of islets isolated from 24-h HPP splenic lobes with nonperfused, fresh control duodenal/connecting lobes stored at 4°C for <3 h. Prior to transplantation, islet viability was assessed in vitro using the ratio of oxygen consumption rate to DNA (OCR/DNA) assay and correlated with subsequent in vivo function by transplantation in diabetic immunodeficient mice. The OCR/DNA (mean ± SD) measured after 7 days of culture and immediately prior to transplantation for islets from the 24-h HPP group was 269 ±19 nmol/min/mg DNA, which was higher but not statistically different to the mean of 236 ± 43 for the counterpart control group. All four nude mice transplanted with islets from the 24-h HPP group showed diabetes reversal, compared with five of six transplants from the control group. In conclusion, islets isolated from adult porcine pancreata after 24-h HPP exhibited high viability as measured by OCR/DNA and were able to consistently reverse diabetes in a nude mouse bioassay.
Hybrid Threats and the Development of NATO´s New Operational Concept
Authors: Kubesa Milan , Spisak Jan
Published: December 2011

The article deals with aspects of the new emerging security challenges that military experts define as "hybrid threats". They have arised from methods of insurgency and asymmetric warfare, and as a step-child of the 4th generation warfare constitute significant challenge for the Alliance and its global interests. Experience from current operations has demonstrated that these enemies can conduct hostile actions through broad array of conventional or non-conventional means, methods and procedures, having a favorable outcome even against the NATO force that is superior technologically and militarily. Cognition of the scale and complexity of these threats lead Alliance representatives to the development of an overarching operational concept for the NATO Military Contribution to Countering Hybrid Threats (MCCHT). This concept, still in draft, illustrates the unique challenges posed by current and future hybrid threats, and explains why these challenges may require NATO to adapt its strategy, structure and capabilities for the next twenty years.
Afghanistan Ten Years After...
Authors: Horak Slavomir
Published: December 2011

The article focuses on the analysis of the internal politics of Afghanistan after 2001 and evaluates the results of state- and nation-building. The emphasis on internal politics is the only possible way to understand the processes in the country and work out the strategy for the country after the planned withdrawal (or limitation) of foreign troops from the country. In this context, the fragmentation and deepening cleavages among various social strata in the country (ethnic, sub-ethnic) is considered to be a crucial determinant of the development in the country. Several power groups define diverse attitudes towards the character of the future Afghan state. These circumstances could lead to the new round of the military conflict after the removal of foreign troops which are considered as a negative factor by a large part of the Afghan elite, albeit they serve as one of the stabilization factors in the country. However, the international community has (and will have) limited tools and influence to prevent any prospective conflict in the country.
U.S. Missile Defense Site in Europe as an Aliance Security Dilemma
Authors: Kantor Lukas
Published: December 2011

The main aim of this article is to provide a more solid theoretical anchor for numerous past and present debates about the various versions of American missile defence in Europe. The author claims that the neo-realism's concept of alliance security dilemma is the most appropriate framework for Czech, Polish, Romanian, and EU-wide experts'reflections and political decisions regarding the possible accepting of elements of American or NATO missile defence. Under appreciated explanatory power of the concept of the alliance's security dilemma is illustrated in the text on the case of the original Bush's plan of the so-called third pillar in Poland and the Czech Republic.
"Nous voulons sortir de la dépendance pétrolière"
Authors: Zurita Jeannette Sánchez , Merckaert Jean
Published: December 2011

Résumé Entretien – La ministre du Développement social de l’Équateur, Jeannette Sánchez Zurita, explique les tentatives pionnières de son gouvernement pour concilier économie, écologie et justice sociale.
La France et l'abolition de l'esclavage (1802-1848)
Authors: Lechevalier Geoffroy
Published: December 2011

Resumé Lawrence C. Jennings, La France et l’abolition de l’esclavage (1802-1848) , André Versaille éditeur, 2010, 352 p., 24,90 €
Bilateral Benign Reactive Lymphoid Hyperplasia of the Conjunctiva in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Lam Kay , Brownstein Seymour , Jastrzebski Andre , Jordan David R. , Burns Bruce F.
Published: December 2011

A 13-year-old boy presented with asymptomatic, bilateral, nasal bulbar conjunctival lesions. Excisional biopsy of the larger lesion showed a mature, mixed lymphocytic infiltrate with germinal centers, consistent with a diagnosis of benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, a rare condition in children.
Correlation of Visual Performance With Quality of Life and Intraocular Aberrometric Profile in Patients Implanted With Rotationally Asymmetric Multifocal IOLs
Authors: Ramón María L. , Piñero David P. , Pérez-Cambrodí Rafael J.
Published: December 2011

PURPOSE:

To examine the visual performance of a rotationally asymmetric multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) by correlating the defocus curve of the IOL-implanted eye with the intraocular aberrometric profile and impact on the quality of life.

METHODS:

A prospective, consecutive, case series study including 26 eyes from 13 patients aged between 50 and 83 years (mean: 65.54±7.59 years) was conducted. All patients underwent bilateral cataract surgery with implantation of a rotationally asymmetric multifocal IOL (Lentis Mplus LS-312 MF30, Oculentis GmbH). Distance and near visual acuity outcomes, intraocular aberrations, defocus curve, and quality of life (assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25) were evaluated postoperatively (mean follow-up: 6.42±2.24 months).

RESULTS:

A significant improvement in distance visual acuity was found postoperatively (
P
<.01). Mean postoperative logMAR distance-corrected near visual acuity was 0.19±0.12 (∼20/30). Corrected distance visual acuity and near visual acuity of 20/20 or better were achieved by 30.8% and 7.7% of eyes, respectively. Of all eyes, 96.2% had a postoperative addition between 0 and 1.00 diopter (D). The defocus curve showed two peaks of maximum visual acuity (0 and 3.00 D of defocus), with an acceptable range of intermediate vision. LogMAR visual acuity corresponding to near defocus was directly correlated with some higher order intraocular aberrations (r⩾0.44,
P
⩽.04). Some difficulties evaluated with the quality of life test correlated directly with near and intermediate visual acuity (r⩾0.50,
P
⩽.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

The Lentis Mplus multifocal IOL provides good distance, intermediate, and near visual outcomes; however, the induced intraocular aberrometric profile may limit the potential visual benefit.
Peripheral Retinal Vascular Abnormalities in Primary Infantile Glaucoma
Authors: Shane Thomas S. , Berrocal Audina M. , Hodapp Elizabeth A. , Grajewski Alana L. , Hess Ditte J.
Published: December 2011

Two patients with primary infantile glaucoma were imaged with fluorescein angiography during an examination under anesthesia. Both patients were found to have abnormal peripheral retinal vasculature and non-perfusion. These findings may represent a previously unrecognized retinal vascular component of primary infantile glaucoma.
AD2D: Herramienta para el dibujo automático de distribuciones en planta adimensionales 2D
Authors: Álvarez M. , Río O. , Recuero A. , Romero M. S.
Published: December 2011

En este trabajo se presenta una herramienta integrada y modular, formada por tres módulos, para el dibujo automático de plantas arquitectónicas. El trabajo se centra en el algoritmo en dos pasos que forma parte del método heurístico que permite resolver el problema.
El primer paso consiste en el dibujo de los espacios exteriores y se basa en la equi-distribución de los lados de la planta. El segundo consistente en el dibujo de los espacios interiores se basa en un algoritmo de búsqueda en profundidad con evaluación de nodos intermedios y retroceso, lo que permite evitar procesos aleatorios a la vez que optimizar el proceso a partir de la determinación de las adyacencias entre locales del grafo inicial y tomando como punto de partida las soluciones topológicamente correctas previamente determinadas.
Increased Expression of SLAM Receptors SLAMF3 and SLAMF6 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus T Lymphocytes Promotes Th17 Differentiation
Authors: Chatterjee Madhumouli , Rauen Thomas , Kis-Toth Katalin , Kyttaris Vasileios C. , Hedrich Christian M. , Terhorst Cox , Tsokos George C.
Published: December 2011

Altered T cell function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is determined by various molecular and cellular abnormalities, including increased IL-17 production. Recent evidence suggests a crucial role for signaling lymphocyte activation molecules (SLAMs) in the expression of autoimmunity. In this study, we demonstrate that SLAMF3 and SLAMF6 expression is increased on the surface of SLE T cells compared with normal cells. SLAM coengagement with CD3 under Th17 polarizing conditions results in increased IL-17 production. SLAMF3 and SLAMF6 T cell surface expression and IL-17 levels significantly correlate with disease activity in SLE patients. Both naive and memory CD4+ T cells produce more IL-17 in response to SLAM costimulation as compared with CD28 costimulation. In naive CD4+ cells, IL-17 production after CD28 costimulation peaks on day 3, whereas costimulation with anti-SLAMF3 and anti-SLAMF6 Abs results in a prolonged and yet increasing production during 6 d. Unlike costimulation with anti-CD28, SLAM costimulation requires the presence of the adaptor molecule SLAM-associated protein. Thus, engagement of SLAMF3 and SLAMF6 along with Ag-mediated CD3/TCR stimulation represents an important source of IL-17 production, and disruption of this interaction with decoy receptors or blocking Abs should mitigate disease expression in SLE and other autoimmune conditions.
Factors Affecting Intention among Students to Be Vaccinated against A/H1N1 Influenza: A Health Belief Model Approach
Authors: Teitler-Regev Sharon , Shahrabani Shosh , Benzion Uri
Published: December 2011

The outbreak of A/H1N1 influenza (henceforth, swine flu) in 2009 was characterized mainly by morbidity rates among young people. This study examined the factors affecting the intention to be vaccinated against the swine flu among students in Israel. Questionnaires were distributed in December 2009 among 387 students at higher-education institutions. The research questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics and Health Belief Model principles. The results show that the factors positively affecting the intention to take the swine flu vaccine were past experience with seasonal flu shot and three HBM categories: higher levels of perceived susceptibility for catching the illness, perceived seriousness of illness, and lower levels of barriers. We conclude that offering the vaccine at workplaces may raise the intention to take the vaccine among young people in Israel.
How Does the Canadian General Public Rate Moderate Alzheimer's Disease?
Authors: Tarride Jean-Eric , Oremus Mark , Pullenayegum Eleanor , Clayton Natasha , Raina Parminder
Published: December 2011

Objectives. The objectives of this study were to elicit health utility scores for moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) using members of the general public.Methods. Five-hundred Canadians were chosen randomly to participate in a telephone interview. The EQ-5D was administered to estimate the health utility score for respondents' current health status (i.e., no AD) and for a hypothetical moderate AD health state. Regression analyses were conducted to explain the perceived utility decrement associated with AD.Results. The mean age of the respondents was 51 years, 60% were female, and 42% knew someone with AD. Respondents' mean EQ-5D scores for their current health status and a hypothetical moderate AD were 0.873 (SD: 0.138) and 0.638 (SD: 0.194), respectively (P<0.001). Age, gender, and education were significant factors explaining this decrement in utility.Conclusion. Members of the general public may serve as an alternative to patients and caregivers in the elicitation of health-related quality of life in AD.