bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acceleration of GPU-based Krylov solvers via data transfer reduction
Authors: Anzt Hartwig , Tomov Stanimire , Luszczek Piotr , Sawyer William , Dongarra Jack
Published: April 2015

Krylov subspace iterative solvers are often the method of choice when solving large sparse linear systems. At the same time, hardware accelerators such as graphics processing units continue to offer significant floating point performance gains for matrix and vector computations through easy-to-use libraries of computational kernels. However, as these libraries are usually composed of a well optimized but limited set of linear algebra operations, applications that use them often fail to reduce certain data communications, and hence fail to leverage the full potential of the accelerator. In this paper, we target the acceleration of Krylov subspace iterative methods for graphics processing units, and in particular the Biconjugate Gradient Stabilized solver that significant improvement can be achieved by reformulating the method to reduce data-communications through application-specific kernels instead of using the generic BLAS kernels, e.g. as provided by NVIDIA’s cuBLAS library, and by designing a graphics processing unit specific sparse matrix-vector product kernel that is able to more efficiently use the graphics processing unit’s computing power. Furthermore, we derive a model estimating the performance improvement, and use experimental data to validate the expected runtime savings. Considering that the derived implementation achieves significantly higher performance, we assert that similar optimizations addressing algorithm structure, as well as sparse matrix-vector, are crucial for the subsequent development of high-performance graphics processing units accelerated Krylov subspace iterative methods.
Improving the parallel efficiency of large-scale structural dynamic analysis using a hierarchical approach
Authors: Miao Xinqiang , Jin Xianlong , Ding Junhong
Published: April 2015

In order to improve the parallel efficiency of large-scale structural dynamic analysis, a hierarchical approach adapted to the hardware topology of multi-core clusters is proposed. The hierarchical approach is constructed based on the strategies of two-level partitioning and two-level condensation. The data for parallel computing is first prepared through two-level partitioning to guarantee the load balancing within and across nodes. Then during the analysis of each time step, the convergence rate of interface problem is significantly improved by further reducing its size with two-level condensation. Furthermore, the communication overheads are considerably reduced by separating the intra-node and inter-node communications and minimizing the inter-node communication. Numerical experiments conducted on Dawning-5000A supercomputer indicate that the hierarchical approach was superior in performance compared with the conventional Newmark algorithm based on the domain decomposition method.
Confirmation of performance and reliability of direct lubricated tilting two pads bearing
Authors: Sano T , Magoshi R , Shinohara T , Yoshimine C , Nishioka T , Tochitani N , Sumi Y
Published: April 2015

Direct lubricated tilting two pads bearing with 890 mm diameter for large steam turbine was developed. Its performance, both static and dynamic characteristics, and reliability were tested with full scale test, after confirmation by thermo-hydrodynamic calculation coupled with finite element method deformation analysis, to evaluate deformations of the bearing pads. As a result of full scale test, it was confirmed that all of the target values were satisfied. In the same manner, robustness tests, changing the tilt angle of the shaft and supply oil condition were also conducted, and sufficient safety operations of the test bearing were also confirmed. Compared to the conventional bearings, the friction loss of the developed bearing was less than half of other types, such as flooded type, or direct lubricated four pads bearing.
The development and pilot randomised controlled trial of a group education programme for promoting walking in people with intermittent claudication
Authors: Tew Garry A , Humphreys Liam , Crank Helen , Hewitt Catherine , Nawaz Shah , Al-Jundi Wissam , Trender Hazel , Michaels Jonathan , Gorely Trish
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to develop and pilot a group education programme for promoting walking in people with intermittent claudication. Patient focus groups ( n=24) and literature reviews were conducted to inform the development of the education programme, which involves a three-hour group-based education workshop and follow-up telephone support. A pilot study was subsequently conducted in which 23 new patients (Rutherford category 1–3) were randomly assigned to usual care (control) or usual care plus the education programme. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and six weeks including daily steps (tri-axial accelerometer), walking capacity (six-minute walk test and Gardner treadmill test), and quality of life (Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire [ICQ]). Exit interviews were conducted to assess the acceptability and usefulness of the programme. Compared with controls, the intervention group had superior walking capacity and quality of life at six weeks. Mean differences in six-minute walk distance, treadmill maximum walking distance and ICQ score were 44.9 m (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9 to 82.9), 173 m (95% CI, 23 to 322), and −10.6 (95% CI, −18.9 to −2.3), respectively. The daily step count did not differ between groups. The exit interviews indicated that participants valued attending the programme, that it gave them a greater understanding of their condition, and that they had been walking more for exercise since attending. The results suggest that the education programme is feasible, acceptable, and potentially useful for improving walking capacity and quality of life. A fully-powered trial exploring clinical and cost effectiveness is needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN06733130 ( http://www.controlled-trials.com ).
Characteristics of the international educator and the strategic role of critical incidents
Authors: Savva Maria
Published: April 2015

This study explored the characteristics of the international educator through a qualitative analysis of initial decisions to teach abroad. Using interview data from 30 Anglophone educators based across three international schools in China and the Netherlands, the investigation looked beyond surface motives to explore the deeper values which propelled educators overseas. Dominant characteristics included a high value ascribed to travel, as well as a high value ascribed to change and/or risk. How international educators came to ascribe these values was often explained through critical incidents during their formative or young adult years. Analysis of critical incidents suggested that early or repeated exposure to travel, including study abroad experiences, contributed significantly to the development of predispositions towards international employment.
Democratic encounters? Epistemic privilege, power, and community-based participatory action research
Authors: Janes Julia E
Published: April 2015

The literature suggests that community-based participatory research holds the potential to democratize and decolonize knowledge production by engaging communities and citizens in the research enterprise. Yet this approach, and its associated claims, remain under theorized, particularly as to how power circulates between and among academic and community knowledge work/ers. This paper puts forth a postcolonial analysis of participatory techniques that sustain academe’s epistemic privilege through producing, subordinating and assimilating difference; claiming authenticity and voice; and dislocating collaborative knowledge work from the historical, political, social and embodied conditions in which it unfolds. Postcolonial readings of community-based participatory action research offer a powerful theoretical framework for interrogating the divide between the discursive claims and material practices that undermine this democratic project. Drawing on critical reflections on two community-based participatory action research projects, this paper offers modest proposals toward (re)placing community-based knowledge work/ers in space, time and bodies. Although this paper presents a critique of community-based participatory action research, it is not in pursuit of revealing “bad” participatory praxis or recuperating a better practice, but rather seeks to open up dialogue on the circulation of power in the campus/community encounter.
Possible Selves, Possible Futures
Authors: Casey Ozaki C.
Published: April 2015

This qualitative study explored the external and internal reasons involved in students’ decisions to return to college after an extended absence. Specifically, it sought to explore the role of students’ concepts of who they might be (or want to avoid becoming) in the college and career domains of their lives, their possible selves. Analysis of participant interviews revealed two educational paths that were partially shaped by students’ college possible selves as they initially entered college. The different educational paths and influence of possible selves and other important factors came to light as students discussed critical decision-making points along their journeys.
Localized Health News Releases and Community Newspapers
Authors: Young Rachel , Willis Erin , Stemmle John , Rodgers Shelly
Published: April 2015

Newspaper health stories often originate with news releases from health organizations. Tailoring news releases to a particular mass media outlet increases the possibility that the release will result in a published story. This study describes a 2-year effort to promote coverage of health through dissemination of localized health news releases to newspapers. Each newspaper received stories tailored to that community. Localized elements of stories included local headlines and local data. Nearly half of newspapers in our study (48.2%) published at least one of our health news stories, and 541 health news stories were published as a result of the project. We also examined which types of newspapers were most likely to publish health news stories. Newspapers in rural versus suburban and urban areas were more likely to publish health news stories, as were midsized newspapers. In addition, rural newspapers were more likely than urban newspapers to publish stories about aging, specifically arthritis and heart disease. Our findings indicate that tailoring health news releases with local information and targeting releases to align with newspaper audience demographics could increase the quantity and quality of health-promoting information available to rural residents, who experience disparities in health care access and health outcomes.
System design and application for evaluation of blocking agility in volleyball
Authors: Ho Chin-Shan , Lin Kuo-Chuan , Chen Ke-Chou , Chiu Ping-Kun , Chen Hung-Jen
Published: April 2015

The agility T-test and countermovement jump test have long been used to examine the agility of athletes. However, for some sports, newer systems of evaluation are being designed for specific movements. The goal of this study was to design a blocking agility system and apply it to analyzing the efficiency of 6 weeks of plyometric training on volleyball players. A total of 26 male volleyball players in Taiwan participated in the study. The participants were divided into a plyometric training group and a control group. The agility T -test, countermovement jump test, and blocking agility test were used to examine the influence of plyometric training on the blocking agility of volleyball players. A single-factor analysis of covariance was applied to obtain the variables for the two groups. There was no significant difference between the groups on the agility T -test. On the countermovement jump test and blocking agility test, the plyometric training group performed significantly better than the control group. Also, the power values of blocking agility were higher than 90%, which demonstrated very good validity. The results of this study indicate that appropriate plyometric training can increase the rate of force development for vertical jumps and significantly enhance the combined agility of volleyball players in terms of lateral-movement speed and quickness, which enable players to rapidly perform blocking actions.
Immersed in Virtual Worlds and Minds
Authors: Bormann Daniel , Greitemeyer Tobias
Published: April 2015

Past research on video game effects was often limited to explaining effects of game content and mode, leaving structural and contextual game elements scarcely investigated. The present research examined the yet unclear role of narration in video games, by adapting concepts and methodology from video game research based on self-determination theory as well as past research on the effects of literary fiction. Results provided evidence for the facilitation of immersion and an immersion-mediated enhancement of autonomy and relatedness need satisfaction through in-game storytelling, suggesting a mutual enhancement of immersion and need satisfaction. Moreover, in-game storytelling enhanced affective theory of mind. Perspectives on future research, connecting in-game storytelling and game content to complement current knowledge of video game effects on various real-world outcomes, are discussed.
Management of Crohn's disease – are guidelines transferred to clinical practice?
Authors: Klag Thomas , Stange Eduard F. , Wehkamp Jan
Published: April 2015

Background

Management of Crohn's disease (CD) is a clinical challenge. In terms of an evidence‐based approach, clinical guidelines help to deal with this challenge. However, little is known about guideline adherence concerning the management of CD in Germany.

Objective

To survey German gastroenterologists with regards to their guideline adherence in daily clinical care.

Method

A web‐based national survey was conducted among German gastroenterologists.

Results

A total of 175 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) practitioners responded to the survey. Overall, in the different clinical situations covered in the questionnaire guideline adherence is good. However, the 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) prescribing habits represent a striking exception. About 10–36% use 5‐ASA as mono‐therapy in CD, depending on the clinical scenario. Predominantly it is used in mild CD and in colonic involvement. To maintain a surgically achieved remission, therapeutic decisions broadly rely on individual approaches with azathioprine and 5‐ASA being used by about 30% of the respondents. Cessation of smoking as a “therapeutic” strategy of maintenance therapy is used by only half of the surveyed physicians.

Conclusion

Amongst German IBD practitioners, the guideline adherence is good overall. Reflecting ongoing uncertainty about the efficacy of mesalazine, its use in Crohn's disease is still heterogeneous.
Visceral pain perception in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and healthy volunteers is affected by the MRI scanner environment
Authors: Wong Reuben K , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Li Xinhua , Cao Yang , Ho Khek Yu , Wilder‐Smith Clive H
Published: April 2015

Background

The MRI scanner environment induces marked psychological effects, but specific effects on pain perception and processing are unknown and relevant to all brain imaging studies.

Objectives and methods

We performed visceral and somatic quantitative sensory and pain testing and studied endogenous pain modulation by heterotopic stimulation outside and inside the functional MRI scanner in 11 healthy controls and 13 patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Results

Rectal pain intensity (VAS 0–100) during identical distension pressures increased from 39 (95% confidence interval: 35–42) outside the scanner to 53 (43–63) inside the scanner in irritable bowel syndrome, and from 42 (31–52) to 49 (39–58), respectively, in controls (ANOVA for scanner effect: p  = 0.006, group effect: p  = 0.92). The difference in rectal pain outside versus inside correlated significantly with stress (r  = −0.76, p  = 0.006), anxiety (r  = −0.68, p  = 0.02) and depression scores (r  = −0.67, p  = 0.02) in controls, but not in irritable bowel syndrome patients, who a priori had significantly higher stress and anxiety scores. ANOVA analysis showed trends for effect of the scanner environment and subject group on endogenous pain modulation (p  = 0.09 and p  = 0.1, respectively), but not on somatic pain (p  > 0.3).

Conclusion

The scanner environment significantly increased visceral, but not somatic, pain perception in irritable bowel syndrome patients and healthy controls in a protocol specifically aimed at investigating visceral pain. Psychological factors, including anxiety and stress, are the likely underlying causes, whereas classic endogenous pain modulation pathways activated by heterotopic stimulation play a lesser role. These results are highly relevant to a wide range of imaging applications and need to be taken into account in future pain research. Further controlled studies are indicated to clarify these findings.
The association between Helicobacter pylori infection and inflammatory bowel disease based on meta‐analysis
Authors: Rokkas T , Gisbert JP , Niv Y , O’Morain C
Published: April 2015

Background

In humans there are epidemiological data suggesting a protective effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection against the development of autoimmune diseases and in addition, there are laboratory data illustrating H. pylori 's ability to induce immune tolerance and limit inflammatory responses. Thus, numerous observational studies have examined the association between H. pylori infection and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with various results.

Objective

We performed a meta‐analysis of available studies to better define the association of H. pylori infection and IBD.

Methods

Medical literature searches for human studies were performed through September 2014, using suitable keywords. In each study the risk ratio (RR) of H. pylor i infection in IBD patients vs controls was calculated and pooled estimates were obtained using fixed‐ or random‐effects models as appropriate. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using Cochran Q test and I2 statistics, whereas the likelihood of publication bias was assessed by constructing funnel plots.

Results

Thirty‐three studies were eligible for meta‐analysis, including 4400 IBD patients and 4763 controls. Overall 26.5% of IBD patients were positive for H. pylori infection, compared to 44.7% of individuals in the control group. There was significant heterogeneity in the included studies (Q  = 137.2, df (Q) =32, I2   = 77%, p  < 0.001) and therefore the random‐effects model of meta‐analysis was used. The obtained pool RR estimation was 0.62 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55–0.71, test for overall effect Z  = –7.04, p  < 0.001). There was no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion

The results of this meta‐analysis showed a significant negative association between H. pylori infection and IBD that supports a possible protective benefit of H. pylori infection against the development of IBD.
Inflammatory bowel disease‐specific pregnancy knowledge of gastroenterologists against general practitioners and obstetricians
Authors: Kashkooli Soleiman B , Andrews Jane M , Roberts Matthew B , Selinger Christian P , Leong Rupert W
Published: April 2015

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) tend to have smaller family sizes. Health care professionals (HCPs) may inadvertently provide inaccurate advice to patients resulting in voluntary childlessness or unfavourable pregnancy outcomes.

Objective

The study aims to objectively measure IBD‐specific pregnancy‐related knowledge of general practitioners (GPs) and obstetricians/gynaecologists (OB/GYNs) in comparison with gastroenterologists (GEs) using the validated Crohn's and Colitis Pregnancy Knowledge (CCPKnow) questionnaire.

Methods

GPs, OB/GYNs and GEs in two Australian states completed the CCPKnow (range 0–17) and demographic questionnaires. The CCPKnow addresses issues pertaining to conception, IBD inheritance, risk of congenital abnormalities, medication use in the peri‐conceptual period, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and mode of delivery.

Results

In total, 337 HCPs responded. GPs (n  = 188/2086) and OB/GYNs (n  = 94/228) had significantly lower knowledge than GEs (n  = 55/165) for the composite CCPKnow (medians 11, 13 and 17, respectively, p  < 0.001), and almost all domains. GEs were the only group to attain a median CCPKnow score in the top category (14–17). More than 70% of GPs and OB/GYNs expressed discomfort with initiation of IBD medications around conception/pregnancy. GPs (43.6%) and OB/GYNs (45.7%) perceived thiopurine use to be unsafe during pregnancy and to cause serious harm to the baby.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that GPs and OB/GYNs have inadequate and variable IBD‐specific pregnancy‐related knowledge including use of IBD medications. These results support the need for GEs’ prime role in a team‐based management for IBD patients who are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Health-care climate, perceived self-care competence, and glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care
Authors: Koponen Anne M , Simonsen Nina , Laamanen Ritva , Suominen Sakari
Published: April 2015

This study showed, in line with self-determination theory, that glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes ( n = 2866) was strongly associated with perceived self-care competence, which in turn was associated with autonomous motivation and autonomy-supportive health-care climate. These associations remained after adjusting for the effect of important life-context factors. Autonomous motivation partially mediated the effect of health-care climate on perceived competence, which fully mediated the effect of autonomous motivation on glycemic control. The results of the study emphasize health-care personnel’s important role in supporting patients’ autonomous motivation and perceived self-care competence.
Using the Risk and Resilience Approach to Predict Psychopathy in an Emerging Adult Sample
Authors: Barlett Christopher P. , Barlett Natalie D.
Published: April 2015

Psychopathy has been shown to be a risk factor for antisocial behavior, aggression, violence, and criminal offending. Elucidating the variables that predict the likelihood of psychopathy, therefore, is important. The current study used the risk and resiliency approach to test the possible risk and protective factors of primary psychopathy using a noninstitutionalized college-aged sample. Of particular interest, we tested the individual and cumulative risk of several defining features of emerging adulthood (assessed using the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood measure), sex of participant, and trait mindfulness. Participants ( N = 822) from various colleges and universities in the United States completed questionnaires used to assess the pertinent variables using a correlational design. Results showed that sex (i.e., male), low mindfulness, low identity exploration, and low other-focused orientation were risk factors for primary psychopathy. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of emerging adulthood development.
Influence of activation on performance of nickel–phosphorous coating
Authors: Pan Y. , Yu G. , Hu B. , Xie Z. , Tran T. , Zhang X.
Published: April 2015

In order to optimise the activation process, the effect of three activation processes on the direct electroless nickel–phosphorous plating on AZ91D was studied. The properties of the activation coating and Ni–P coating were characterised with electrochemical tests, SEM and EDX. The results showed that an optimum activation coating for nickel deposition was developed via twice activations of K4P2O7 and NH4HF2 respectively. The first activation in the K4P2O7 solution could clean the surface and remove Mg3(PO4)2 dust produced by pickling. The coating with proper 1·12–1·49 F/ O ratio (at-%) composed of MgF2 and MgO or Mg(OH)2 was produced via second activation in NH4HF2 solution. Excess hydrogen produced by Mg with H+ in the plating bath could lead to high porosity and low adhesion of Ni–P coating. A compact Ni–P coating with better adhesion and corrosion resistance was explored in this research.
Hereditary systemic immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis
Authors: Benson Merrill D. , Liepnieks Juris J. , Kluve-Beckerman Barbara
Published: April 2015

Key Points

Protein and DNA analyses reveal that mutation in the immunoglobulin κ light-chain constant region gene may cause hereditary amyloidosis. Sequencing of immunoglobulin light-chain constant region genes is indicated for patients with AL amyloidosis and no evidence of a plasma cell dyscrasia.
Development of a simple procedure for the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis with intra-osseous injection of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells: study of their biodistribution in the early time points after injection
Authors: Lebouvier Angélique , Poignard Alexandre , Cavet Madeleine , Amiaud Jérôme , Leotot Julie , Hernigou Philippe , Rahmouni Alain , Bierling Philippe , Layrolle Pierre , Rouard Hélène , Chevallier Nathalie
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a degenerative disease progressing to a femoral head (FH) collapse. Injection of osteoprogenitor cells like bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) into the FH appears to be a good therapeutic treatment. However, safety and efficacy of BMSCs to treat bone defect are the main preclinical data required for clinical application. Efficacy and the lack of risk of cell transformation after amplification of BMSCs have been extensively described. The main objectives of this study were to develop a simple and usable procedure for clinicians and control its feasibility by evaluating the biodistribution of BMSCs after injection into the FH in a large animal model. The impact of this approach was evaluated on one natural pig ONFH.

Methods

BMSCs were directly injected in the pig FH, and then the biodistribution of grafted cells was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, cytometry, or a combination of classic histology analysis and in situ hybridization (ISH). BMSC efficacy on bone regeneration was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology.

Results

After 30-minute and 24-hour follow-up, grafted cells were detected at the injection site and no BMSCs were detected in filter organs or body fluids. The combination of classic histology analysis and ISH showed a good homogeneity of cell distribution in FH. Local delivery of BMSCs onto a bone scaffold associated with bone formation in vivo confirmed the preferential tropism of BMSCs to the bone tissue as well as their efficacy to form bone. Treatment of a natural pig ONFH by autologous BMSCs indicated a beginning of bone healing as early as 2 weeks with a complete healing after 9 weeks. At this stage, MRI and histological analysis were similar to those of a normal FH.

Conclusions

Intra-osseous injection of BMSCs in FH seems to be a good strategy for ONFH treatment as the safety concerning the biodistribution of BMSCs is ensured. Moreover, the efficacy of BMSCs in natural ONFH seems to indicate that this is a promising approach. Altogether, these results constitute the preclinical data necessary for the setup of a clinical application with expanded BMSCs in the context of advanced therapy medicinal products.
Microencapsulated equine mesenchymal stromal cells promote cutaneous wound healing in vitro
Authors: Bussche Leen , Harman Rebecca M , Syracuse Bethany A , Plante Eric L , Lu Yen-Chun , Curtis Theresa M , Ma Minglin , Van de Walle Gerlinde R
Published: April 2015

Introduction

The prevalence of impaired cutaneous wound healing is high and treatment is difficult and often ineffective, leading to negative social and economic impacts for our society. Innovative treatments to improve cutaneous wound healing by promoting complete tissue regeneration are therefore urgently needed. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been reported to provide paracrine signals that promote wound healing, but (i) how they exert their effects on target cells is unclear and (ii) a suitable delivery system to supply these MSC-derived secreted factors in a controlled and safe way is unavailable. The present study was designed to provide answers to these questions by using the horse as a translational model. Specifically, we aimed to (i) evaluate the in vitro effects of equine MSC-derived conditioned medium (CM), containing all factors secreted by MSCs, on equine dermal fibroblasts, a cell type critical for successful wound healing, and (ii) explore the potential of microencapsulated equine MSCs to deliver CM to wounded cells in vitro.

Methods

MSCs were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy horses. Equine dermal fibroblasts from the NBL-6 (horse dermal fibroblast cell) line were wounded in vitro, and cell migration and expression levels of genes involved in wound healing were evaluated after treatment with MSC-CM or NBL-6-CM. These assays were repeated by using the CM collected from MSCs encapsulated in core-shell hydrogel microcapsules.

Results

Our salient findings were that equine MSC-derived CM stimulated the migration of equine dermal fibroblasts and increased their expression level of genes that positively contribute to wound healing. In addition, we found that equine MSCs packaged in core-shell hydrogel microcapsules had similar effects on equine dermal fibroblast migration and gene expression, indicating that microencapsulation of MSCs does not interfere with the release of bioactive factors.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the use of CM from MSCs might be a promising new therapy for impaired cutaneous wounds and that encapsulation may be a suitable way to effectively deliver CM to wounded cells in vivo.
Altered protein secretions during interactions between adipose tissue- or bone marrow-derived stromal cells and inflammatory cells
Authors: Hattori Hidemi , Ishihara Masayuki
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Paracrine effects can be exploited in cell-based therapies that secrete factors, such as chemokines and cytokines, and can recruit inflammatory cells to transplants. In this study, mouse adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs) and bone marrow-derived stromal cells (ST2 cells) were used to examine changes in paracrine interactions with inflammation cells.

Methods

Green fluorescent protein positive (GFP+) bone marrow cells (BMCs) were injected into an irradiated mouse via the femoral vein, and ASCs and ST2 cells were transplanted intradermally. Subsequently, an in vivo imaging system was used to observe behaviors of GFP+ BMCs. To detect bone marrow-derived inflammatory cells which migrated to the ASC and ST2 cell transplantation area, the sections were immunostained using antibodies against Gr1, CD11c, and F4/80, and secretory proteins were detected in culture medium using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Many bone marrow-derived inflammatory cells migrated to ASC and ST2 cell transplantation sites. Among these, neutrophils were detected during the early period and macrophages were predominantly detected at a later point in time. Many chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) were secreted in abundance from ASCs, and the secretion increased by co-culturing with inflammatory cells, except for secretions of insulin-like growth factor-1, MMP-9 and MMP-13. Although secretions from ST2 cells were less than those from ASCs, co-culture with inflammatory cells increased these secretions to levels similar to those of ASCs. However, unlike ASCs, the ST2 cells did not secrete angiostatin, MMP-2, or MMP-3. Finally, ASCs secreted not only proinflammatory cytokines, angiogenic factors and MMPs but also anti-inflammatory cytokines, anti-angiogenesis factors, and TIMPs.

Conclusions

The effects of cell-based therapies using ASCs and ST2 cells are depended on paracrine effects that are mediated by chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, MMPs, and TIMPs, which comprise responses to interactions between transplanted cells and inflammatory cells. Moreover, paracrine effects of transplanted cells are influenced by inflammatory cells, and are moderated by a balance of secreted inhibitors.
Ascorbic acid improves pluripotency of human parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells through modifying imprinted gene expression in the Dlk1-Dio3 region
Authors: Yu Yang , Gao Qian , Zhao Hong-cui , Li Rong , Gao Jiang-man , Ding Ting , Bao Si-yu , Zhao Yue , Sun Xiao-fang , Fan Yong , Qiao Jie
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Human parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (hpESCs) are generated from artificially activated oocytes, however, the issue of whether hpESCs have equivalent differentiation ability to human fertilized embryonic stem cells remains controversial.

Methods

hpESCs were injected into male severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice and the efficiency of teratoma formation was calculated. Then the gene expression and methylation modification were detected by real time-PCR and bisulfate methods.

Results

Comparison of five hpESCs with different differentiation abilities revealed that levels of paternal genes in the Dlk1-Dio3 region on chromosome 14 in the hpESCs with high differentiation potential are enhanced, but strictly methylated and silenced in the hpESCs with lower differentiation potential. Treatment with ascorbic acid, rescued their ability to support teratoma formation and altered the expression profiles of paternally expressed genes in hpESCs that could not form teratoma easily. No differences in the expression of other imprinting genes were evident between hpESCs with higher and lower differentiation potential, except for those in the Dlk1-Dio3 region.

Conclusions

The Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting gene cluster distinguishes the differentiation ability of hpESCs. Moreover, modification by ascorbic acid may facilitate application of hpESCs to clinical settings in the future by enhancing their pluripotency.
Ex vivo exposure of bone marrow from chronic kidney disease donor rats to pravastatin limits renal damage in recipient rats with chronic kidney disease
Authors: van Koppen Arianne , Papazova Diana A , Oosterhuis Nynke R , Gremmels Hendrik , Giles Rachel H , Fledderus Joost O , Joles Jaap A , Verhaar Marianne C
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Healthy bone marrow cell (BMC) infusion improves renal function and limits renal injury in a model of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in rats. However, BMCs derived from rats with CKD fail to retain beneficial effects, demonstrating limited therapeutic efficacy. Statins have been reported to improve cellular repair mechanisms.

Methods

We studied whether exposing CKD rat BMCs ex vivo to pravastatin improved their in vivo therapeutic efficacy in CKD and compared this to systemic in vivo treatment. Six weeks after CKD induction, healthy BMCs, healthy pravastatin-pretreated BMCs, CKD BMCs or CKD pravastatin-pretreated BMCs were injected into the renal artery of CKD rats.

Results

At 6 weeks after BMC injection renal injury was reduced in pravastatin-pretreated CKD BMC recipients vs. CKD BMC recipients. Effective renal plasma flow was lower and filtration fraction was higher in CKD BMC recipients compared to all groups whereas there was no difference between pravastatin-pretreated CKD BMC and healthy BMC recipients. Mean arterial pressure was higher in CKD BMC recipients compared to all other groups. In contrast, 6 weeks of systemic in vivo pravastatin treatment had no effect. In vitro results showed improved migration, decreased apoptosis and lower excretion of pro-inflammatory Chemokine (C-X-C Motif) Ligand 5 in pravastatin-pretreated CKD BMCs.

Conclusions

Short ex vivo exposure of CKD BMC to pravastatin improves CKD BMC function and their subsequent therapeutic efficacy in a CKD setting, whereas systemic statin treatment did not provide renal protection.
Comparative analysis of human mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow and adipose tissue under xeno-free conditions for cell therapy
Authors: Li Chun-yu , Wu Xiao-yun , Tong Jia-bei , Yang Xin-xin , Zhao Jing-li , Zheng Quan-fu , Zhao Guo-bin , Ma Zhi-jie
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for cell-based therapies. Human platelet lysate represents an efficient alternative to fetal bovine serum for clinical-scale expansion of MSCs. Different media used in culture processes should maintain the biological characteristics of MSCs during multiple passages. However, bone marrow-derived MSCs and adipose tissue-derived MSCs have not yet been directly compared with each other under human platelet lysate conditions. This study aims to conduct a direct head-to-head comparison of the biological characteristics of the two types of MSCs under human platelet lysate-supplemented culture conditions for their ability to be used in regenerative medicine applications.

Methods

The bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived MSCs were cultured under human platelet lysate conditions and their biological characteristics evaluated for cell therapy (morphology, immunophenotype, colony-forming unit-fibroblast efficiency, proliferation capacity, potential for mesodermal differentiation, secreted proteins, and immunomodulatory effects).

Results

Under human platelet lysate-supplemented culture conditions, bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived MSCs exhibited similar fibroblast-like morphology and expression patterns of surface markers. Adipose tissue-derived MSCs had greater proliferative potential than bone marrow-derived MSCs, while no significantly difference in colony efficiency were observed between the two types of cells. However, bone marrow-derived MSCs possessed higher capacity toward osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation compared with adipose tissue-derived MSCs, while similar adipogenic differentiation potential wase observed between the two types of cells. There were some differences between bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived MSCs for several secreted proteins, such as cytokine (interferon-γ), growth factors (basic fibroblast growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1), and chemokine (stem cell-derived factor-1). Adipose tissue-derived MSCs had more potent immunomodulatory effects than bone marrow-derived MSCs.

Conclusions

Adipose tissue-derived MSCs have biological advantages in the proliferative capacity, secreted proteins (basic fibroblast growth factor, interferon-γ, and insulin-like growth factor-1), and immunomodulatory effects, but bone marrow-derived MSCs have advantages in osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential and secreted proteins (stem cell-derived factor-1 and hepatocyte growth factor); these biological advantages should be considered systematically when choosing the MSC source for specific clinical application.
Adipose tissue-derived stem cell therapy in rat cryopreserved ovarian grafts
Authors: Damous Luciana Lamarão , Nakamuta Juliana Sanajotti , de Carvalho Ana Elisa Teófilo Saturi , Soares-Jr José Maria , de Jesus Simões Manuel , Krieger José Eduardo , Baracat Edmund C
Published: April 2015

The preliminary results of ovarian transplantation in clinical practice are encouraging. However, the follicular depletion caused by ischemic injury is a main concern and is directly related to short-term graft survival. Cell therapy with adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) could be an alternative to induce early angiogenesis in the graft. This study aimed to evaluate ASCs therapy in rat cryopreserved ovarian grafts. A single dose of rat ASC (rASCs) or vehicle was injected into the bilateral cryopreserved ovaries of twelve adult female rats immediately after an autologous transplant. Daily vaginal smears were performed for estrous cycle evaluation until euthanasia on postoperative day 30. Follicle viability, graft morphology and apoptosis were assessed. No differences were found with respect to estrous cycle resumption and follicle viability (P > 0.05). However, compared with the vehicle-treated grafts, the morphology of the ASCs-treated grafts was impaired, with diffuse atrophy and increased apoptosis (P < 0.05). ASCs direct injected in the stroma of rat cryopreserved ovarian grafts impaired its morphology although may not interfere with the functional resumption on short-term. Further investigations are necessary to evaluated whether it could compromise their viability in the long-term.
Recognizing and Disrupting Immappancy in Scholarship and Pedagogy
Authors: Arnold Lisa , NeCamp Samantha , Sohan Vanessa Kraemer
Published: April 2015

English studies must confront and develop strategies to account for scholars’ and students’ unfamiliarity with geography and its precepts, or “immappancy.” This article explores the problems presented by immappancy, traces its consequences for scholarly rhetoric, and proposes two pedagogical models that can help us develop our students’ geographical knowledge.
Learning through Letters
Authors: Compaore Jacqueline Jones
Published: April 2015

The article shows how Harold Jackman’s personal correspondence and his status as an insider can be used to gain a deeper understanding of key events and figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Furthermore, Compaore’s essay identifies Jackman’s correspondence and his archive as important resources in preserving the history of the Harlem Renaissance.
From Toasts to Raps
Authors: Lassiter Fran L.
Published: April 2015

The article outlines the use of contemporary hip-hop lyrics to access the literature of the Harlem Renaissance. Lassiter’s essay outlines a strategy for tracing the progression and evolution of African American political and social resistance in literature and music. Furthermore, it offers instructors an opportunity to introduce students to forgotten or overlooked texts of the Harlem Renaissance by exploring the connection between political/social protest and artistic expression.
Accessing the Harlem Renaissance Through The Crisis
Authors: Ortega Kirsten Bartholomew
Published: April 2015

This article explores The Crisis magazine as a framework for students to gain a better understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the works produced during the Harlem Renaissance. Ortega’s essay details the benefits of archival research for undergraduate students and specific ways in which to use The Crisis as a teaching tool in an interdisciplinary curriculum. Finally, her essay examines the ways in which The Crisis helps facilitate an understanding of canon formation during the Harlem Renaissance.
Transcription factor AP-2γ induces early Cdx2 expression and represses HIPPO signaling to specify the trophectoderm lineage
Authors: Cao Zubing , Carey Timothy S. , Ganguly Avishek , Wilson Catherine A. , Paul Soumen , Knott Jason G.
Published: April 2015

Cell fate decisions are fundamental to the development of multicellular organisms. In mammals the first cell fate decision involves segregation of the pluripotent inner cell mass and the trophectoderm, a process regulated by cell polarity proteins, HIPPO signaling and lineage-specific transcription factors such as CDX2. However, the regulatory mechanisms that operate upstream to specify the trophectoderm lineage have not been established. Here we report that transcription factor AP-2γ (TFAP2C) functions as a novel upstream regulator of Cdx2 expression and position-dependent HIPPO signaling in mice. Loss- and gain-of-function studies and promoter analysis revealed that TFAP2C binding to an intronic enhancer is required for activation of Cdx2 expression during early development. During the 8-cell to morula transition TFAP2C potentiates cell polarity to suppress HIPPO signaling in the outside blastomeres. TFAP2C depletion triggered downregulation of PARD6B, loss of apical cell polarity, disorganization of F-actin, and activation of HIPPO signaling in the outside blastomeres. Rescue experiments using Pard6b mRNA restored cell polarity but only partially corrected position-dependent HIPPO signaling, suggesting that TFAP2C negatively regulates HIPPO signaling via multiple pathways. Several genes involved in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton (including Rock1, Rock2) were downregulated in TFAP2C-depleted embryos. Inhibition of ROCK1 and ROCK2 activity during the 8-cell to morula transition phenocopied TFAP2C knockdown, triggering a loss of position-dependent HIPPO signaling and decrease in Cdx2 expression. Altogether, these results demonstrate that TFAP2C facilitates trophectoderm lineage specification by functioning as a key regulator of Cdx2 transcription, cell polarity and position-dependent HIPPO signaling.
Ant-App-DB: a smart solution for monitoring arthropods activities, experimental data management and solar calculations without GPS in behavioral field studies
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Zeeshan Saman , Fleischmann Pauline , Rössler Wolfgang , Dandekar Thomas
Published: April 2015

Field studies on arthropod ecology and behaviour require simple and robust monitoring tools, preferably with direct access to an integrated database. We have developed and here present a database tool allowing smart-phone based monitoring of arthropods. This smart phone application provides an easy solution to collect, manage and process the data in the field which has been a very difficult task for field biologists using traditional methods. To monitor our example species, the desert ant Cataglyphis fortis, we considered behavior, nest search runs, feeding habits and path segmentations including detailed information on solar position and Azimuth calculation, ant orientation and time of day. For this we established a user friendly database system integrating the Ant-App-DB with a smart phone and tablet application, combining experimental data manipulation with data management and providing solar position and timing estimations without any GPS or GIS system. Moreover, the new desktop application Dataplus allows efficient data extraction and conversion from smart phone application to personal computers, for further ecological data analysis and sharing. All features, software code and database as well as Dataplus application are made available completely free of charge and sufficiently generic to be easily adapted to other field monitoring studies on arthropods or other migratory organisms. The software applications Ant-App-DB and Dataplus described here are developed using the Android SDK, Java, XML, C# and SQLite Database.