bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Maximum Possible Urbanization Influences on Land Temperature Data by Comparison of Land and Marine Data around Coasts
Authors: Efthymiadis Dimitrios A. , Jones Philip D.
Published: December 2010

Global surface temperature trends, based on land and marine data, show warming of about 0.8 °C over the last 100 years. This rate of warming is sometimes questioned because of the existence of Urban Heat Islands (UHIs). In this study we compare the rate of temperature change estimated from measurements of land and marine temperatures for the same grid squares using 5° by 5° latitude/longitude grid-box datasets. For 1951–2009 the ‘land’ average warmed by 0.02 °C decade−1 relative to the ‘sea surface temperature’ (SST) average. There were regional contrasts in the trends of land/sea temperature differences: the land warmed at a greater rate compared to the SST for regions north of 20°S, but the opposite occurred further south. Given strong forcing of the climate system, we would expect the land to change more rapidly than the ocean, so the differences represent an upper limit to the urbanization effect.
A Simple and Rapid Method for DNA Isolation from Xylophagous Insects
Authors: Calderón-Cortés Nancy , Quesada Mauricio , Cano-Camacho Horacio , Zavala-Páramo Guadalupe
Published: December 2010

Published methods to isolate DNA from insects are not always effective in xylophagous insects because they have high concentrations of phenolics and other secondary plant compounds in their digestive tracts. A simple, reliable and labor-effective cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-polyvinylpyrrolidone (CTAB-PVP) method for isolation of high quality DNA from xylophagous insects is described. This method was successfully applied to PCR and restriction analysis, indicating removal of common inhibitors. DNA isolated by the CTAB-PVP method could be used in most molecular analyses.
In vitro Evaluation of Acyclovir/Chitosan Floating Systems
Authors: Ruiz-Caro Roberto , Veiga María D.
Published: December 2010

Chitosan (CS) floating lyophilized formulations (L) for gastric drug delivery of acyclovir (ACV) have been developed. The freeze-dried formulations were obtained from acidic aqueous suspensions prepared with different ACV/CS ratios. No changes in ACV crystallinity were observed during X-ray diffraction powder studies as a consequence of the manufacturing process. Considering that fed and fasted states modified the intragastric pH, swelling and in vitro dissolution studies were carried out in different acidic media (0.1 M HCl and progressive pH medium) in order to understand the influence of these physiological states on ACV/CS formulations. Swelling behavior of the floating lyophilized formulations was dependent on CS and ACV proportions within L and on medium nature due to pH dependent CS solubility. Furthermore, no interactions between ACV and CS were detected in solid state according to the X-ray studies. In vitro dissolution of ACV from L was influenced by the swelling behavior. However, it is feasible to optimize the ACV/CS ratios to achieve a desired formulation that releases the total quantity of ACV at a specific time. Moreover, floatability was assessed by buoyancy tests. The results demonstrated that the freeze-drying process achieved effective floating systems capable of remaining within the stomach while the total amount of ACV is released from L.
Cladielloides A and B: New Eunicellin-Type Diterpenoids from an Indonesian Octocoral Cladiella sp.
Authors: Chen Yung-Husan , Tai Chia-Ying , Hwang Tsong-Long , Weng Ching-Feng , Li Jan-Jung , Fang Lee-Shing , Wang Wei-Hsien , Wu Yang-Chang , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: December 2010

Two new eunicellin-type diterpenoids, cladielloides A (1) and B (2), which were found to possess a 2-hydroxybutyroxy group in their structures, were isolated from an Indonesian octocoral identified as Cladiella sp. The structures of eunicellins 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Cladielloide B (2) exhibited moderate cytotoxicity toward CCRF-CEM tumor cells and this compound displayed significant inhibitory effects on superoxide anion generation and elastase release by human neutrophils.
Development of Designed Site-Directed Pseudopeptide-Peptido-Mimetic Immunogens as Novel Minimal Subunit-Vaccine Candidates for Malaria
Authors: Lozano José Manuel , Lesmes Liliana P. , Carreño Luisa F. , Gallego Gina M. , Patarroyo Manuel Elkin
Published: December 2010

Synthetic vaccines constitute the most promising tools for controlling and preventing infectious diseases. When synthetic immunogens are designed from the pathogen native sequences, these are normally poorly immunogenic and do not induce protection, as demonstrated in our research. After attempting many synthetic strategies for improving the immunogenicity properties of these sequences, the approach consisting of identifying high binding motifs present in those, and then performing specific changes on amino-acids belonging to such motifs, has proven to be a workable strategy. In addition, other strategies consisting of chemically introducing non-natural constraints to the backbone topology of the molecule and modifying the α-carbon asymmetry are becoming valuable tools to be considered in this pursuit. Non-natural structural constraints to the peptide backbone can be achieved by introducing peptide bond isosters such as reduced amides, partially retro or retro-inverso modifications or even including urea motifs. The second can be obtained by strategically replacing L-amino-acids with their enantiomeric forms for obtaining both structurally site-directed designed immunogens as potential vaccine candidates and their Ig structural molecular images, both having immuno-therapeutic effects for preventing and controlling malaria.
Thiol Signalling Network with an Eye to Diabetes
Authors: Matteucci Elena , Giampietro Ottavio
Published: December 2010

Redox regulatory system controls normal cellular functions. Controlled changes in redox couples potential serve as components for signal transduction, similarly to the phosphorylation cascade. Cellular redox biology requires both compartimentalisation and communication of redox systems: the thermodynamic disequilibrium of the major redox switches allows rapid and sensitive responses to perturbations in redox environments. The many oxidation states of sulphur are found in numerous sulphur species with distinct functional groups (thiols, disulphides, polysulphides, sulphenic, sulphinic and sulphonic acids, etc.), which participate in a complicated network of sulphur-based redox events. Human diseases such as diabetes mellitus and its cardiovascular complications have been associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species and perturbations of thiol redox homeostasis. The review surveys literature related to some etiopathogenic aspects and therapeutic perspectives. The dual toxic-protective property of sulphydryl-donor molecules in experimental settings proposes the general problem of designing antioxidants for therapeutic use.
Phenolics and Plant Allelopathy
Authors: Li Zhao-Hui , Wang Qiang , Ruan Xiao , Pan Cun-De , Jiang De-An
Published: December 2010

Phenolic compounds arise from the shikimic and acetic acid (polyketide) metabolic pathways in plants. They are but one category of the many secondary metabolites implicated in plant allelopathy. Phenolic allelochemicals have been observed in both natural and managed ecosystems, where they cause a number of ecological and economic problems, such as declines in crop yield due to soil sickness, regeneration failure of natural forests, and replanting problems in orchards. Phenolic allelochemical structures and modes of action are diverse and may offer potential lead compounds for the development of future herbicides or pesticides. This article reviews allelopathic effects, analysis methods, and allelopathic mechanisms underlying the activity of plant phenolic compounds. Additionally, the currently debated topic in plant allelopathy of whether catechin and 8-hydroxyquinoline play an important role in Centaurea maculata and Centaurea diffusa invasion success is discussed. Overall, the main purpose of this review is to highlight the allelopacthic potential of phenolic compounds to provide us with methods to solve various ecology problems, especially in regard to the sustainable development of agriculture, forestry, nature resources and environment conservation.
Acanmontanoside, a New Phenylethanoid Diglycoside from Acanthus montanus
Authors: Noiarsa Pawadee , Ruchirawat Somsak , Kanchanapoom Tripetch
Published: December 2010

A new phenylethanoid glycoside acylated with syringic acid, namely acanmontanoside, was isolated from the aerial portions of Acanthus montanus (Nees). T. Anderson, along with decaffeoylverbascoside, verbascoside, isoverbascoside, leucosceptoside A, (2R)-2-O-b-D-glucopyranosyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (HBOA-Glc), (2R)-2-O-b-D-glucopyranosyl-4-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIBOA-Glc), (3R)-1-octen-3-ol-3-O-b-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-b-D-glucopyranoside and ebracteatoside B. The structure elucidations were based on physical data and spectroscopic analyses including 1D- and 2D-NMR.
Tailoring Mechanical Properties of Collagen-Based Scaffolds for Vascular Tissue Engineering: The Effects of pH, Temperature and Ionic Strength on Gelation
Authors: Achilli Matteo , Mantovani Diego
Published: December 2010

Collagen gels have been widely studied for applications in tissue engineering because of their biological implications. Considering their use as scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering, the main limitation has always been related to their low mechanical properties. During the process of in vitro self-assembly, which leads to collagen gelation, the size of the fibrils, their chemical interactions, as well as the resulting microstructure are regulated by three main experimental conditions: pH, ionic strength and temperature. In this work, these three parameters were modulated in order to increase the mechanical properties of collagen gels. The effects on the gelation process were assessed by turbidimetric and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Turbidity measurements showed that gelation was affected by all three factors and scanning electron images confirmed that major changes occurred at the microstructural level. Mechanical tests showed that the compressive and tensile moduli increased by four- and three-fold, respectively, compared to the control. Finally, viability tests confirmed that these gels are suitable as scaffolds for cellular adhesion and proliferation.
Optimal Waveforms Design for Ultra-Wideband Impulse Radio Sensors
Authors: Li Bin , Zhou Zheng , Zou Weixia , Li Dejian , Zhao Chong
Published: December 2010

Ultra-wideband impulse radio (UWB-IR) sensors should comply entirely with the regulatory spectral limits for elegant coexistence. Under this premise, it is desirable for UWB pulses to improve frequency utilization to guarantee the transmission reliability. Meanwhile, orthogonal waveform division multiple-access (WDMA) is significant to mitigate mutual interferences in UWB sensor networks. Motivated by the considerations, we suggest in this paper a low complexity pulse forming technique, and its efficient implementation on DSP is investigated. The UWB pulse is derived preliminarily with the objective of minimizing the mean square error (MSE) between designed power spectrum density (PSD) and the emission mask. Subsequently, this pulse is iteratively modified until its PSD completely conforms to spectral constraints. The orthogonal restriction is then analyzed and different algorithms have been presented. Simulation demonstrates that our technique can produce UWB waveforms with frequency utilization far surpassing the other existing signals under arbitrary spectral mask conditions. Compared to other orthogonality design schemes, the designed pulses can maintain mutual orthogonality without any penalty on frequency utilization, and hence, are much superior in a WDMA network, especially with synchronization deviations.
Colorimetric Assay for Determination of Lead (II) Based on Its Incorporation into Gold Nanoparticles during Their Synthesis
Authors: Ding Nan , Cao Qian , Zhao Hong , Yang Yimin , Zeng Lixi , He Yujian , Xiang Kaixiang , Wang Guangwei
Published: December 2010

In this report, we present a new method for visual detection of Pb2+. Gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) were synthesized in one step at room temperature, using gallic acid (GA) as reducer and stabilizer. Pb2+ is added during the gold nanoparticle formation. Analysis of Pb2+ is conducted by a dual strategy, namely, colorimetry and spectrometry. During Au-NPs synthesis, addition of Pb2+ would lead to formation of Pb-GA complex, which can induce the aggregation of newly-formed small unstable gold nanoclusters. Consequently, colorimetric detection of trace Pb2+ can be realized. As the Pb2+ concentration increases, the color turns from red-wine to purple, and finally blue. This method offers a sensitive linear correlation between the shift of the absorption band (Δλ) and logarithm of Pb2+ concentration ranging from 5.0 × 10−8 to 1.0 × 10−6 M with a linear fit coefficient of 0.998, and a high selectivity for Pb2+ detection with a low detection limit down to 2.5 × 10−8 M.
Sociologie visuelle
Authors: Terrenoire Jean-Paul
Published: December 2010

Sont présentés ici différents exemples concrets du traitement visuel et sonore de la réalité sociale tirés de la production télévisuelle courante et dont la réception a été soumise à expérimentation auprès de jeunes scolaires. Sont identifiés quelques-uns des pièges ou des effets pervers que doivent éviter les films à visée scientifique. Plus généralement, ces études de cas autorisent quelques développements dans les domaines de la théorie et de la méthode en anthropologie ou en sociologie visuelles.
La robotique en chirurgie cardiaque
Authors: Pouchelle Marie-Christine
Published: December 2010

Les «robots» chirurgicaux peuvent-ils servir d’emblèmes prestigieux aux professionnels du bistouri ou bien leur font-ils dangereusement concurrence? Désenchantent-ils la chirurgie en éloignant le chirurgien du corps du patient? Sont en cause l’efficacité symbolique des dispositifs techniques les plus avancés, ainsi que l’image de ces derniers chez des patients trop et pas assez informés.
Le corps greffé
Authors: Vaysse Jocelyne
Published: December 2010

This paper focused on the Medical reality of a puzzle-body with organs as “things”, juridiction framing science which deprives organs of filiation, are confronted with subjective, imaginary patients’ feelings for their body from mourning about the native organ to integration of the new graft. Psychological positions as Body-Image evolution, identity linked to organs, are discussed through transplant surgery and evocation of artificial organs.
Electronic Health Record Interoperability as Realized in the Turkish Health Information System
Authors: Yuksel M. , Avcl A. , Ceyhan B. , Hülür Ü. , Eryllmaz Z. , Mollahaliloğlu S. , Atbakan E. , Akdağ R. , Dogac A.
Published: December 2010

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to describe the techniques used in developing the National Health Information System of Turkey (NHIS-T), a nation-wide infrastructure for sharing electronic health records (EHRs).

Methods: The UN/CEFACT Core Components Technical Specification (CCTS) methodology was applied to design the logical EHR structure and to increase the reuse of common information blocks in EHRs.

Results: The NHIS-T became operational on January 15, 2009. By June 2010, 99% of the public hospitals and 71% of the private and university hospitals were connected to NHIS-T with daily feeds of their patients’ EHRs. Out of the 72 million citizens of Turkey, electronic healthcare records of 43 million citizens have already been created in NHIS-T. Currently, only the general practitioners can access the EHRs of their patients. In the second phase of the implementation and once the legal framework is completed, the proper patient consent mechanisms will be available through the personal health record system that is under development. At this time authorized health-care professionals in secondary and tertiary healthcare systems can access the patients’ EHRs.

Conclusions: A number of factors affected the successful implementation of NHIS-T. First, all stakeholders have to adopt the specified standards. Second, the UN /CEFACT CCTS approach was applied which facilitated the development and understanding of rather complex EHR schemas. Finally, the comprehensive testing of vendor-based hospital information systems for their conformance to and interoperability with NHIS-T through an automated testing platform enhanced substantially the fast integration of vendor-based solutions with the NHIS-T.
Adipocyte Transplantation and Stem Cells: Plastic Surgery Meets Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Tremolada Carlo , Palmieri Giancarlo , Ricordi Camillo
Published: December 2010

The technologies for adipose tissue harvesting, processing, and transplantation have substantially evolved in the past two decades. Clinically driven advancements have paralleled a significant improvement in the understanding of cellular, molecular, and immunobiological events surrounding cell and tissue transplantation. These new mechanistic insights could be of assistance to better understand the mechanisms underlying some of the observed clinical improvements. In addition to plastic and reconstructive surgical applications, adipose tissue has become central to an increasing number of translational efforts involving adipose tissue-derived progenitor cells. The growing interest in this area of research has resulted in the exploration of many novel research and clinical applications that utilize adipose tissue grafting and/or progenitor/stem cell-derived cell products obtained from this tissue source. Progenitor, endothelial, and mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue could therefore not only be central to plastic and reconstructive surgery applications, but also become the focus of an array of therapeutic solutions for many disease conditions, such as those affecting bone, cartilage, muscle, liver, kidney, cardiac, neural, and the pancreas, expanding the possible indications and translational potential of tissue, cell-based, and regenerative medicine strategies.
Choice of Immunosuppression Influences Cytomegalovirus DNAemia in Cynomolgus Monkey (Macaca fascicularis) Islet Allograft Recipients
Authors: Han Dongmei , Berman Dora M. , Willman Melissa , Buchwald Peter , Rothen Daniel , Kenyon Norman M. , Kenyon Norma S.
Published: December 2010

This retrospective study reviews the results of our experience with the occurrence of CMV DNAemia in islet cell transplanted cynomolgus monkeys subjected to different immunosuppressive protocols, including induction treatment with thymoglobulin (TMG), with a combination of thymoglobulin and fludarabine (FLUD), with cyclophosphamide, or with daclizumab. CMV DNA in the peripheral blood (CMV DNAemia) of 47 monkeys was quantified by real-time PCR on a weekly to biweekly basis. As compared to other immunosuppressive regimens, and in association with greater decreases in WBC, lymphocyte, CD3+CD4+, and CD3+CD8+lymphocyte counts, frequent CMV DNAemia occurred earlier (within the first month posttransplant), and was of greater severity and duration in recipients of TMG ± FLUD. Treatment of recipients with alternative induction agents that resulted in less dramatic reductions in WBC and lymphocyte counts, however, resulted in occurrence of CMV DNAemia after postoperative day 60. The frequency, average intensity, duration, and area under the curve (AUC) for CMV DNAemia in animals receiving TMG ± FLUD were 75–100%, 4.02 ± 1.75 copies/ng DNA, 23.0 ± 5.3 days, and 367.0 ± 121.1 days x copies/ng DNA, respectively; corresponding values in animals receiving other treatments (0–44%, 0.19 ± 0.10 copies/ng DNA, 0.5 ± 0.3 days, and 75.4 ± 40.2 days x copies/ng DNA, respectively) were significantly different. The value of WBC, T and B cells at the nadir of cell depletion greatly affects the occurrence of CMV DNAemia. No animals developed CMV DNAemia within the next 3 weeks when the lowest value of WBC, lymphocyte, CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, or CD20+cells was above 4500, 1800, 300, 200, 150, or 300 cells/μl, respectively. Oral valganciclovir prophylaxis did not completely prevent the appearance of CMV DNAemia.
Impact of Escaped Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Extracardiac Organs after Intramyocardial Implantation in a Rat Myocardial Infarction Model
Authors: Wang Wei , Jin Peifeng , Wang Lei , Yang Zhikai , Hu Shengshou , Gao Bingren , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2010

Cell escape occurs after intramyocardial injection for treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) and then the migrated cells might be entrapped by extracardiac organs. We investigated the fate of migrated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their impact on lung, liver, and spleen. MI model was created by coronary artery ligation in female Lewis rats. Three weeks after the ligation, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled male MSCs were directly injected into the infarcted area in the cell transplantation group ( n = 22). The same volume of phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) was injected in the control group ( n = 21). In the sham group ( n = 10) intramyocardial injection of the same volume of PBS was performed in healthy rats. Four weeks later, echocardiography was performed and the cell retention was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry study was performed to identify the migrated cells. Heart function was improved after the cell injection. qRT-PCR results showed the percentage of retained cells in heart, spleen, liver, and lung ranked 3.63 ± 0.48%, 0.77 ± 0.13%, 0.68 ± 0.10%, 0.62 ± 0.11%, respectively, after cell transplantation. The implanted MSCs that escaped to liver, spleen, and lung did not differentiate into fibroblast, myofibroblast, or alveolar epithelial cells. However, the migrated MSCs in liver expressed functional hepatocyte marker. In conclusion, cell migration after intramyocardial injection did not result in deterioration of lung, liver, and spleen function. Our study might pave the way for new safety investigation of emerging cell resources and their impact on target and untargeted organs.
Intraoperative Intracerebral MRI-Guided Navigation for Accurate Targeting in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Emborg Marina E. , Joers Valerie , Fisher Ronald , Brunner Kevin , Carter Victoria , Ross Chris , Raghavan Raghu , Brady Martin , Raschke James , Kubota Ken , Alexander Andrew
Published: December 2010

During in vivo intracerebral infusions, the ability to perform accurate targeting towards a 3D-specific point allows control of the anatomical variable and identification of the effects of variations in other factors. Intraoperative MRI navigation systems are currently being used in the clinic, yet their use in nonhuman primates and MRI monitoring of intracerebral infusions has not been reported. In this study rhesus monkeys were placed in a MRI-compatible stereotaxic frame. T1 MRIs in the three planes were obtained in a 3.0T GE scanner to identify the target and plan the trajectory to ventral postcommisural putamen. A craniotomy was performed under sterile surgical conditions at the trajectory entry point. A modified MRI-compatible trajectory guide base (Medtronic Inc.) was secured above the cranial opening and the alignment stem applied. Scans were taken to define the position of the alignment stem. When the projection of the catheter in the three planes matched the desired trajectory to the target, the base was locked in position. A catheter replaced the alignment stem and was slowly introduced to the final target structure. Additional scans were performed to confirm trajectory and during the infusion of a solution of gadoteridol (ProHance, Bracco Diagnostics; 2 mM/L) and bromophenol blue (0.16 mg/ml) in saline. Monitoring of the pressure in the infusion lines was performed using pressure monitoring and infusion pump controller system (Engineering Resources Group Inc.) in combination with a MRI-compatible infusion pump (Harvard). MRI during infusion confirmed successful targeting and matched postmortem visualization of bromophenol blue. Assessment of the accuracy of the targeting revealed an overall 3D mean ± SD distance error of 1.2 ± 0.6 mm and angular distance error of 0.9 ± 0.5 mm. Our results in nonhuman primates confirm the accuracy of intraoperative MRI intracerebral navigation combined with an adaptable, pivot point-based targeting system and validates its use for preclinical intracerebral procedures.
Locally Administered Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Accelerate Wound Healing through Differentiation and Vasculogenesis
Authors: Nie Chunlei , Yang Daping , Xu Jin , Si Zhenxing , Jin Xiaoming , Zhang Jiewu
Published: December 2010

Despite advances in wound closure techniques and devices, there is still a critical need for new methods of enhancing the healing process to achieve optimal outcomes. Recently, stem cell therapy has emerged as a new approach to accelerate wound healing. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) hold great promise for wound healing, because they are multipotential stem cells capable of differentiation into various cell lineages and secretion of angiogenic growth factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of ASCs on wound healing and then investigate the probable mechanisms. ASCs characterized by flow cytometry were successfully isolated and cultured. An excisional wound healing model in rat was used to determine the effects of locally administered ASCs. The gross and histological results showed that ASCs significantly accelerated wound closure in normal and diabetic rat, including increased epithelialization and granulation tissue deposition. Furthermore, we applied GFP-labeled ASCs on wounds to determine whether ASCs could differentiate along multiple lineages of tissue regeneration in the specific microenvironment. Immunofluorescent analysis indicated that GFP-expressing ASCs were costained with pan-cytokeratin and CD31, respectively, indicating spontaneous site-specific differentiation into epithelial and endothelial lineages. These data suggest that ASCs not only contribute to cutaneous regeneration, but also participate in new vessels formation. Moreover, ASCs were found to secret angiogenic cytokines in vitro and in vivo, including VEGF, HGF, and FGF2, which increase neovascularization and enhance wound healing in injured tissues. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that ASC therapy could accelerate wound healing through differentiation and vasculogenesis and might represent a novel therapeutic approach in cutaneous wounds.
Functional Cells Cultured on Microcarriers for Use in Regenerative Medicine Research
Authors: Sun Li-Yi , Lin Shinn-Zong , Li Yuan-Sheng , Harn Horng-Jyh , Chiou Tzyy-Wen
Published: December 2010

Microcarriers have been successfully used for many years for growing anchorage-dependent cells and as a means of delivering cells for tissue repair. When cultured on microcarriers, the number of anchorage-dependent cells, including primary cells, can easily be scaled up and controlled to generate the quantities of cells necessary for therapeutic applications. Recently, stem cell technology has been recognized as a powerful tool in regenerative medicine, but adequate numbers of stem cells that retain their differentiation potential are still difficult to obtain. For anchorage-dependent stem cells, however, microcarrier-based suspension culture using various types of microcarriers has proven to be a good alternative for effective ex vivo expansion. In this article, we review studies reporting the expansion, differentiation, or transplantation of functional anchorage-dependent cells that were expanded with the microcarrier culture system. Thus, the implementation of technological advances in biodegradable microcarriers, the bead-to-bead transfer process, and appropriate stem cell media may soon foster the ability to produce the numbers of stem cells necessary for cell-based therapies and/or tissue engineering.
Labeling Stem Cells with a Near-Infrared Fluorescent Heptamethine Dye for Noninvasive Optical Tracking
Authors: Zhang Chao , Tan Xu , Tan Li , Liu Tao , Liu Dengqun , Zhang Lilong , Fan Song , Su Yongping , Cheng Tianmin , Zhou Yue , Shi Chunmeng
Published: December 2010

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent agents hold great promise for noninvasive in vivo imaging. We have recently reported that a NIR fluorescent heptamethine dye, IR-780 iodide, exhibits unique optical properties for biomedical imaging. On the basis of this foregoing work, we further describe here the potential application of IR-780 iodide as a novel NIR agent for stem cell labeling and tracking. The labeling efficiency, subcellular localization, and the effects on cell viability and differentiation of IR-780 iodide were investigated. The in vivo distribution of stem cells after intravenous transplantation was traced by whole-body animal NIR imaging. Our results showed that IR-780 iodide exhibited superior labeling efficiency and biocompatibility with unique optical properties. Following whole-body NIR imaging, the pulmonary passage of stem cells was noninvasively visualized in rats after systemic transplantation of IR-780 iodide-labeled stem cells through intravenous delivery. With this NIR imaging method, we further confirmed that pretreatment with sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a vasodilator agent, significantly reduced the cell trapping in the lung and increased the cell passage through the lung capillaries. Our study suggests that IR-780 iodide may represent an effective NIR fluorophore for stem cell labeling and tracking.
Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells and Skin Fibroblasts Inhibit Natural Killer Cell Proliferation and Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Pradier Amandine , Passweg Jakob , Villard Jean , Kindler Vincent
Published: December 2010

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are potent immunomodulators that have successfully been used to circumvent various types of inflammations, including steroid-resistant graft-versus-host disease. Although initially believed to be restricted to multipotent MSCs, this immunoregulatory function is shared with differentiated cells from the mesenchymal lineage such as skin fibroblasts (SFs). Mesenchymal cell-induced immunoregulation is so potent that it may allow the reactivation of dormant malignancies, a fact that would preclude using such cells as therapeutic agents. Because NK cells are pivotal effectors controlling tumor cell containment we investigated the effect of allogenic MSCs and SFs on NK cell function in vitro. When NK cells were incubated with IL-15 and MSCs or SFs for 6 days, their proliferation and cytotoxic activity were significantly decreased compared to NK cells cultured with IL-15 alone or with human venous endothelial cells. Cytotoxic activity inhibition reached 86% when assayed on MHC-I+ allogenic primary hematopoietic blasts, and was associated with a significant decrease in cytolytic granule exocytosis and in perforin release. Stromal cell-mediated inhibition was effective only if cell–cell proximity was long lasting: when NK cells were activated with IL-15 in the absence of MSCs and assayed for cytotoxicity in their presence no inhibition occurred. MSC inhibition was ultimately mediated by a soluble factor generated upon incubation with NK cells activated by IL-15 or IL-2. The indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase was activated in MSCs and SFs because L-kynurenine was detected in inhibitory supernatants, but its blockade did not restore NK cell functions. The profound inhibition of cytotoxic activity directed against allogenic hematopoietic blasts exerted by MSCs and SFs on NK cells may be a concern. Should this occur in vivo it may induce the inability of NK cells to control residual or dormant malignant diseases after infusion of therapeutic MSCs.
Platelet Lysate Consisting of a Natural Repair Proteome Supports Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation and Chromosomal Stability
Authors: Crespo-Diaz Ruben , Behfar Atta , Butler Greg W. , Padley Douglas J. , Sarr Michael G. , Bartunek Jozef , Dietz Allan B. , Terzic Andre
Published: December 2010

With favorable regenerative and immunotolerant profiles, patient-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are increasingly considered in cell therapy. Derived from bone marrow (BM) and standardized with culture in fetal bovine serum (FBS), translation of hMSC-based approaches is impeded by protracted expansion times, risk of xenogenic response, and exposure to zoonoses. Here, human platelet lysate adherent to good manufacturing practices (GMP-hPL) provided a nonzoonotic adjuvant that enhanced the capacity of BM-hMSC to proliferate. The nurturing benefit of GMP-hPL was generalized to hMSC from adipose tissue evaluated as an alternative to bone marrow. Long-term culture in GMP-hPL maintained the multipotency of hMSC, while protecting against clonal chromosomal instability detected in the FBS milieu. Proteomic dissection identified TGF-β, VEGF, PDGF, FGF, and EGF as highly ranked effectors of hPL activity, revealing a paradigm of healing that underlies platelet lysate adjuvancy. Thus, GMP-adherent human platelet lysate accelerates hMSC proliferation with no chromosomal aberrancy, through an innate repair paradigm.
Precursor concentration and temperature controlled formation of polyvinyl alcohol-capped CdSe-quantum dots
Authors: Shah Chetan P , Rath Madhabchandra , Kumar Manmohan , Bajaj Parma N
Published: December 2010

Polyvinyl alcohol-capped CdSe quantum dots, with a size within their quantum confinement limit, were prepared in aqueous solution at room temperature, by a simple and environmentally friendly chemical method. The size of the CdSe quantum dots was found to be dependent on the concentrations of the precursors of cadmium and selenium ions, as well as on the aging time and the reaction temperature; all of which could be used conveniently for tuning the size of the particles, as well as their optical properties. The synthesized quantum dots were characterized by optical absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The samples were fluorescent at room temperature; the green fluorescence was assigned to band edge emission, and the near-infrared fluorescence peaks at about 665 and 865 nm were assigned to shallow and deep trap states emissions, respectively. The quantum dots were fairly stable up to several days.
New library of aminosulfonyl-tagged Hoveyda–Grubbs type complexes: Synthesis, kinetic studies and activity in olefin metathesis transformations
Authors: Borré Etienne , Caijo Frederic , Crévisy Christophe , Mauduit Marc
Published: December 2010

Seven novel Hoveyda–Grubbs precatalysts bearing an aminosulfonyl function are reported. Kinetic studies indicate an activity enhancement compared to Hoveyda’s precatalyst. A selection of these catalysts was investigated with various substrates in ring-closing metathesis of dienes or enynes and cross metathesis. The results demonstrate that these catalysts show a good tolerance to various chemical functions.
Ecoturismo e “hotspots” de biodiversidade aviária no Mato Grosso, que relações espaciais?
Authors: Regnauld Hervé , Hérault Lucille , Chouaieb Sonia , Gouabault Kevin , Wismes Aurelia Sorribes de , Paulo Carla Moura de , Catanzaro Marina , Nédélec Vincent
Published: December 2010

O ecoturismo é uma pratica destinada à promover a descoberta do meio “natural” aos turistas, minimizando os impactos ecológicos das visitas e permitindo um desenvolvimento econômico local. A riqueza da biodiversidade é, normalmente, um dos argumentos utilizados para propor a implantação de um sistema de ecoturismo. Este estudo mostra que os centro de ecoturismo no Mato Grosso são extremamente diversos e inegavelmente preocupados com os seus impactos ecológicos. Os “hot spots” da biodiversidade não estão associados aos locais ecoturísticos os mais respeitosos do meio ambiente, mas aos lugares não turísticos e muito antropizados, os parques e jardins dos estabelecimentos agrícolas.
Towing Resistance Calculation of the Cylindrical Drilling Platform
Authors: Wang Yun , Yang Chao Jun , Guan Chun Song , Tu Yan , Wang Zhen Gang
Published: December 2010

Towing the large-scale drilling platform without self-propulsion is difficult. Towing resistance calculation is necessary for safe pilotage. The tug power decision and the fleet arrangement should be confirmed according to the features and performance of towed vessel, water flow, air flow and other meteorological factors in towing route. The resistance calculations of towed vessel and tugboats are carried out. Whether it is suitable to be towed by the fleet will be verified in accordance with the calculations of the hauling power of tugboats. In this paper, the towing resistance of the cylindrical ultra-deep drilling platform without self-propulsion capability is studied, which could provide reference for other cylindrical structures on the implementation of towing plans.
Modeling and Simulation of Direct Torque Controlled PMSM for PHEV
Authors: Zhou Jian Hao , Yuan Yin Nan , Zhang Deng Pan , Du Jia Yi
Published: December 2010

Direct torque control (DTC) method for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) used as Integrated Starter/Generator (ISG) in PHEV was analyzed. The DTC PMSM model, with PI produced a voltage space vector based on torque PI regulator and flux linkage PI regulator, was built up based on Matlab /Simulink and all simulation blocks were discussed. The results showed that this scheme was simple and effective, also had a good robustness. It is easy to realize in PHEV application, while to keep the fast torque response and little flux linkage and torque fluctuation.
Experimental Study on Measurement Method of Flow Electrification
Authors: Zhu Shou Xin , Hu Wen Jun , Zheng Hui Meng , Takahashi Satoshi
Published: December 2010

When a relative motion occurring between liquid and solid, electric charges with opposite signs come out separately on each side by friction which phenomena is called flow electrification. As the amount of charge generated by flow electrification is small, and part of which neutralize each other at the same time, the test method of flow electrification becomes one of discussion topics for scientists of all countries. This paper introduces an experimental measurement method of flow electrification, which is a comparative method by inserting electrodes in pipelines, and acquisition amplifier circuit, with high resolution and strong anti-jamming ability. Experiments show that the measurement method could be applied to system testing for flow electrification.
Research on an ECG Wireless Monitoring System Based on GSM
Authors: Wang Hong Jin , Hu Zhen Guang , Wu Zha Nao
Published: December 2010

In order to monitor the heart rate changes of patients with cardiovascular disease, a wireless ECG system based on the GSM network is developed in this paper. The data captured by cardiotachometer will be transmitted to mobile phones via short-range data transmission, to HR data monitoring center via short message of GSM. In which, the expert diagnostic system analyzes those data and put the results back to the user, especially those cases such as instantaneous tachycardia and cardiac arrest. This may be avoid some life-threatening events occurrence.
Parameters Optimization of Laser Shot Peening Based on Multi-Island Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang W. , Zhou Jian Zhong , Huang Shu , Fan Yu Jie , Wang C.D. , Fan J.R.
Published: December 2010

Laser shot peening (LSP) has recently received more and more attention as a viable laser processing technology, since it can obtain the desirable residual compressive stress to improve fatigue life of the material by precisely controlling laser parameters. The purpose of this paper is mainly to explore the optimal residual compressive stress in the surface layer during LSP by statistical optimization algorithm. Based on the finite element analysis software ANSYS, Multi-island Genetic Algorithm (MIGA) is adopted to find the best solution of design requirements, the control parameters are laser pulse energy and spot diameter, while the aim parameters are residual compressive stress and deformation values, respectively. The results indicate that the optimal residual compressive stress obtained by integrated optimization technique can significantly improve the mechanical properties of the target after LSP. It provides a guiding importance for parameters optimization in future experimental research and practical application.
Contact Model of Double Circular Arc Gear Based on Fractal Theory
Authors: Huang Kang , Han Song Bo , Yang Rong De , Xu Shun
Published: December 2010

Aiming at the problem that it is difficult to solve contact strength calculation of double circular arc gear with the method of traditional the Hertz contact theory and FEM, methods of fractal theory had been used to establish the contact model of double arc gear based on fractal theory, and an example of calculation was given away. This article results that it is feasible to calculate contact strength with fractal theory in the driving of concave convex meshing gear and this contact model of double circular arc gear based on fractal theory would provide a new way of the research of contact strength calculation of double circular arc gear.
The Development of the on Board Diagnostics System on the Keyword Protocol
Authors: Wang Feng Yuan , Qiu Rui , Zou Xu Dong
Published: December 2010

Configuration of on board diagnostics system and diagnostic communication module ELM327 were introduced. According to elements of ELM327 and Keyword 2000 protocols, an OBDII diagnostic procedure was developed based on LabVIEW program. It was conducted on a certain type of K-Line communication engine. These procedures laid a foundation for engine testing to read real-time data and fault codes.
Type Synthesis and Workspace Analysis of a Novel Series Chinese Medical Massage Arm
Authors: Xie Jun , Kuang Li Hui
Published: December 2010

Based on the Chinese medical massage manipulation of rolling, pressing, kneading and pushing, the serial mechanical arm with six rotational joints and the end actuator with 3-DOF parallel mechanism are selected, and a new type of hybrid massage robot is proposed. The type synthesis of this massage arm is designed from two aspects, the arm and the wrist. 6R serial joint massage arm is adopted. Using Denavit-Hartenberg coordinate system, the kinematics model of this massage robot is established and the direct kinematic problem is solved by homogeneous coordinate transformation. The workspace of this Chinese medical massage arm is analyzed by the graphical approach. It shows that the length of upper arm and forearm of this kind of Chinese medical massage arm should be equal to make the work section largest. The workspace of this Chinese medical massage arm is also portrayed based on the Monte Carlo principle through programming on MATLAB. It indicates that the working points in the workspace of the manipulator are distributed compactly and uniformly, which can satisfy the Chinese medical massage requirements with high efficiency.
Dynamical Formulation and Analysis of Double Crank Ring-Plate-Type Pin-Cycloidal Gear Planetary Drive
Authors: Zhang Ying Hui , He Wei Dong , Yang Xiu Shuang
Published: December 2010

On the assumption that the ring-plate and gear case as rigid body, taken into account the influence of arm bearing and support bearing’s stiffness, and the distortion of gear at meshing, paper built a dynamical model for double crank ring-plate-type pin-cycloidal gear planetary drive, calculated the meshing stiffness for the involute gear and the pin-cycloid gear by program, based on Newton second law, a 33-DOF dynamical model include input and output shaft, ring-plate, involute gear and gear box was formulated by lumped-parameter method， obtained the natural frequency and vibration character for the system with bending and torsion coupling working condition, calculate results show that between 600-800Hz and some other frequency bands the system my easily cause resonance when input shaft turning at 1500r/min, which was approximately match with the prototype vibration test. For the problem that the first prototype has obvious oscillation and noise, improvement method about reinforce the gear case stiffness, increase the first transmission ratio and enlarge the output shaft stiffness was applied, theory analysis show that this measures may better decrease the vibration and noise for this kind of new drive.
Sliding Mode Variable Structure Control for Electric Power Steering System
Authors: Shi Pei Lin , Xu Guan Lin , Tang Shao Feng , Tang Jun Jie
Published: December 2010

There are many uncertain factors because of the nonlinearity of system and the road surface interference in the electric power steering system (EPS), and a PID controller is only used suitably when the system is a linear system and the system parameters are certain. A sliding mode variable structure controller which is based on the exponential approach law is proposed for EPS for the nonlinear system and the road surface disturbance. Simulation shows that the proposed controller has the steady performance and the dynamic performance, and its sliding mode is absolutely self-adaptive, so the sliding mode controller can be used to robust control for electric power steering system.
EDM with USM Combination Process of Sintered NdFeB Permanent Magnet
Authors: Li Li , Qi Li Ling , Niu Zong Wei
Published: December 2010

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the machining characteristics of sintered NdFeB permanent magnet using a combination process of electro-discharge machining (EDM) with ultrasonic machining (USM). Concentration of abrasive in the dielectric fluid is changed to explore its effect on the material removal rate (MRR). MRR of EDM /USM, conventional EDM are compared, machined surface characteristics are also compared between them. It is concluded that the combination EDM/USM process can increase the MRR and decrease the thickness of the recast layer. In the combination process, an appropriate abrasive concentration can improve its machining efficiency.
PMSM Servo System Control Based on Disturbance Observer
Authors: Chai Hua Wei , Zhou Jin Yu , Zhang Wei Ping , Li Zhi Gang
Published: December 2010

In order to realize high speed control of some ac servo system, aimed at all kinds of uncertain factors such as greatly changing moment and torque, and strong impact torque. Therefore, for gaining good speed tracking characteristics, adaptive disturbance observer is adopted to observe load torque disturbance and speed variation. Stability of closed loop system is guaranteed by design of control tractics to satisfy track control requests of rocket launcher servo system. Simulation results indicate that this method can ideally observe disturbance and reduce output of controller, thus control performance of the system is improved and is greatly meaningful.
Design of Guide Rail in a Multi-Functional Open-Air Hydraulic Drill
Authors: Luo You Xin , Wen Hui Jun , Li Heng Shu
Published: December 2010

As one of the main parts of a multi-functional open-air hydraulic drill, a guide rail is the benchmark of the power head movement. From the design experience, this paper discussed the performance requirements of the guide rail in a multi-functional open-air hydraulic drill, and studied its structural features, applications and force analysis. It has practical application value.
Numerical Investigations on the Mechanical Properties of Dry End Milling
Authors: Zhang Chun Mei , Li Wen Xing , Li Yong Feng
Published: December 2010

The stress and deformation of end mill in dry milling process have been simulated by using the FEM (Finite Element Method). Meanwhile, the influence of normal-rake-angle variation to strength and deformation of end mill has been analyzed by developing stress nephogram. The obtained results provide crucial foundation for study on optimal structural design, cutting property and tool life of end mill.