bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of the Conjugate Bridge in Electronic Structures and Related Properties of Tetrahydroquinoline for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Cai-Rong , Liu Li , Zhe Jian-Wu , Jin Neng-Zhi , Ma Yao , Yuan Li-Hua , Zhang Mei-Lin , Wu You-Zhi , Liu Zi-Jiang , Chen Hong-Shan
Published: March 2013

To understand the role of the conjugate bridge in modifying the properties of organic dye sensitizers in solar cells, the computations of the geometries and electronic structures for 10 kinds of tetrahydroquinoline dyes were performed using density functional theory (DFT), and the electronic absorption and fluorescence properties were investigated via time dependent DFT. The population analysis, molecular orbital energies, radiative lifetimes, exciton binding energies (EBE), and light harvesting efficiencies (LHE), as well as the free energy changes of electron injection ( ) and dye regeneration ( ) were also addressed. The correlation of charge populations and experimental open-circuit voltage (Voc) indicates that more charges populated in acceptor groups correspond to larger Voc. The elongating of conjugate bridge by thiophene units generates the larger oscillator strength, higher LHE, larger absolute value of , and longer relative radiative lifetime, but it induces the decreasing of EBE and . So the extending of conjugate bridge with thiopene units in organic dye is an effective way to increase the harvest of solar light, and it is also favorable for electron injection due to their larger . While the inversely correlated relationship between EBE and LHE implies that the dyes with lower EBE produce more efficient light harvesting.
Understanding Resolvin Signaling Pathways to Improve Oral Health
Authors: Keinan David , Leigh Noel , Nelson Joel , De Oleo Laura , Baker Olga
Published: March 2013

The discovery of resolvins has been a major breakthrough for understanding the processes involved in resolution of inflammation. Resolvins belong to a family of novel lipid mediators that possess dual anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution actions. Specifically, they protect healthy tissue during immune-inflammatory responses to infection or injury, thereby aiding inflammation resolution and promoting tissue healing. One of the major concerns in modern medicine is the management and treatment of oral diseases, as they are related to systemic outcomes impacting the quality of life of many patients. This review summarizes known signaling pathways utilized by resolvins to regulate inflammatory responses associated with the oral cavity.
MicroRNAs in Human Placental Development and Pregnancy Complications
Authors: Fu Guodong , Brkić Jelena , Hayder Heyam , Peng Chun
Published: March 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, which function as critical posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression by promoting mRNA degradation and translational inhibition. Placenta expresses many ubiquitous as well as specific miRNAs. These miRNAs regulate trophoblast cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion/migration, and angiogenesis, suggesting that miRNAs play important roles during placental development. Aberrant miRNAs expression has been linked to pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia. Recent research of placental miRNAs focuses on identifying placental miRNA species, examining differential expression of miRNAs between placentas from normal and compromised pregnancies, and uncovering the function of miRNAs in the placenta. More studies are required to further understand the functional significance of miRNAs in placental development and to explore the possibility of using miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for pregnancy-related disorders. In this paper, we reviewed the current knowledge about the expression and function of miRNAs in placental development, and propose future directions for miRNA studies.
MUSTN1 mRNA Abundance and Protein Localization is Greatest in Muscle Tissues of Chinese Meat-Quality Chickens
Authors: Li Juan , Chen Yang , Wang Ya-Gang , Zhao Xiao-Ling , Gilbert Elizabeth , Liu Yi-Ping , Wang Yan , Hu Yao-Dong , Zhu Qing
Published: March 2013

The Mustang, Musculoskeletal Temporally Activated Novel-1 Gene (MUSTN1) plays an important role in regulating musculoskeletal development in mammals. We evaluated the developmental and tissue-specific regulation of MUSTN1 mRNA and protein abundance in Erlang Mountainous (EM) chickens. Results indicated that MUSTN1 mRNA/protein was expressed in most tissues with especially high expression in heart and skeletal muscle. The MUSTN1 protein localized to the nucleus in myocardium and skeletal muscle fibers. There were significant differences in mRNA and protein abundance among tissues, ages and between males and females. In conclusion, MUSTN1 was expressed the greatest in skeletal muscle where it localized to the nucleus. Thus, in chickens MUSTN1 may play a vital role in muscle development.
A Special Material or a New State of Matter: A Review and Reconsideration of the Aerogel
Authors: Du Ai , Zhou Bin , Zhang Zhihua , Shen Jun
Published: March 2013

The ultrahighly nanoporous aerogel is recognized as a state of matter rather than as a functional material, because of its qualitative differences in bulk properties, transitional density and enthalpy between liquid and gas, and diverse chemical compositions. In this review, the characteristics, classification, history and preparation of the aerogel were introduced. More attention was paid to the sol-gel method for preparing different kinds of aerogels, given its important role on bridging the synthetic parameters with the properties. At last, preparation of a novel single-component aerogel, design of a composite aerogel and industrial application of the aerogel were regarded as the research tendency of the aerogel state in the near future.
CO Responses of Sensors Based on Cerium Oxide Thick Films Prepared from Clustered Spherical Nanoparticles
Authors: Izu Noriya , Matsubara Ichiro , Itoh Toshio , Akamatsu Takafumi , Shin Woosuck
Published: March 2013

Various types of CO sensors based on cerium oxide (ceria) have been reported recently. It has also been reported that the response speed of CO sensors fabricated from porous ceria thick films comprising nanoparticles is extremely high. However, the response value of such sensors is not suitably high. In this study, we investigated methods of improving the response values of CO sensors based on ceria and prepared gas sensors from core-shell ceria polymer hybrid nanoparticles. These hybrid nanoparticles have been reported to have a unique structure: The core consists of a cluster of ceria crystallites several nanometers in size. We compared the characteristics of the sensors based on thick films prepared from core-shell nanoparticles with those of sensors based on thick films prepared from conventionally used precipitated nanoparticles. The sensors prepared from the core-shell nanoparticles exhibited a resistance that was ten times greater than that of the sensors prepared from the precipitated nanoparticles. The response values of the gas sensors based on the core-shell nanoparticles also was higher than that of the sensors based on the precipitated nanoparticles. Finally, improvements in sensor response were also noticed after the addition of Au nanoparticles to the thick films used to fabricate the two types of sensors.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells for Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Cho Der-Yang , Lin Shinn-Zong , Yang Wen-Kuang , Lee Han-Chung , Hsu Den-Mei , Lin Hung-Lin , Chen Chun-Chung , Liu Chun-Lin , Lee Wen-Yuan , Ho Li-Hui
Published: March 2013

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are radioresistant and chemoresistant, which eventually results in tumor recurrence. Targeting CSCs for treatment is the most crucial issue. There are five methods for targeting the CSCs of GBM. One is to develop a new chemotherapeutic agent specific to CSCs. A second is to use a radiosensitizer to enhance the radiotherapy effect on CSCs. A third is to use immune cells to attack the CSCs. In a fourth method, an agent is used to promote CSCs to differentiate into normal cells. Finally, ongoing gene therapy may be helpful. New therapeutic agents for targeting a signal pathway, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular epidermal growth factor (VEGF) or protein kinase inhibitors, have been used for GBM but for CSCs the effects still require further evaluation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) inhibitors have proven to be effective for increasing radiation sensitivity of CSCs in culture. Autologous dendritic cells (DCs) are one of the promising immunotherapeutic agents in clinical trials and may provide another innovative method for eradication of CSCs. Bone-morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is an agent used to induce CSCs to differentiate into normal glial cells. Research on gene therapy by viral vector is also being carried out in clinical trials. Targeting CSCs by eliminating the GBM tumor may provide an innovative way to reduce tumor recurrence by providing a synergistic effect with conventional treatment. The combination of conventional surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy with stem cell-orientated therapy may provide a new promising treatment for reducing GBM recurrence and improving the survival rate.
Transplantation of Human Umbilical Cord Blood or Amniotic Epithelial Stem Cells Alleviates Mechanical Allodynia after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Roh Dae-Hyun , Seo Min-Soo , Choi Hoon-Seong , Park Sang-Bum , Han Ho-Jae , Beitz Alvin J. , Kang Kyung-Sun , Lee Jang-Hern
Published: March 2013

Stem cell therapy is a potential treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI), and a variety of different stem cell types have been grafted into humans suffering from spinal cord trauma or into animal models of spinal injury. Although several studies have reported functional motor improvement after transplantation of stem cells into injured spinal cord, the benefit of these cells for treating SCI-induced neuropathic pain is not clear. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of transplanting human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) or amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) on SCI-induced mechanical allodynia (MA) and thermal hyperalgesia (TH) in T13 spinal cord hemisected rats. Two weeks after SCI, hUCB-MSCs or hAESCs were transplanted around the spinal cord lesion site, and behavioral tests were performed to evaluate changes in SCI-induced MA and TH. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses were also performed to evaluate possible therapeutic effects on SCI-induced inflammation and the nociceptive-related phosphorylation of the NMDA NR1 receptor subunit. While transplantation of hUCB-MSCs showed a tendency to reduce MA, transplantation of hAESCs significantly reduced MA. Neither hUCB-MSC nor hAESC transplantation had any effect on SCI-induced TH. Transplantation of hAESCs also significantly reduced the SCI-induced increase in NMDA receptor NR1 subunit phosphorylation (pNR1) expression in the spinal cord. Both hUCB-MSCs and hAESCs reduced the SCI-induced increase in spinal cord expression of the microglial marker, F4/80, but not the increased expression of GFAP or iNOS. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the transplantation of hAESCs into the injured spinal cord can suppress mechanical allodynia, and this effect seems to be closely associated with the modulation of spinal cord microglia activity and NR1 phosphorylation.
Improvement in Poor Graft Function after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation upon Administration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Third-Party Donors: A Pilot Prospective Study
Authors: Liu Xiaodan , Wu Meiqing , Peng Yanwen , Chen Xiaoyong , Sun Jing , Huang Fen , Fan Zhiping , Zhou Hongsheng , Wu Xiuli , Yu Guopan , Zhang Xian , Li Yonghua , Xiao Yang , Song Chaoyang , Xiang Andy Peng , Liu Qifa
Published: March 2013

Poor graft function (PGF) is a refractory complication that occurs after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). In the present study, we prospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expanded from the bone marrow of a third-party donor to patients with PGF after allo-HSCT. Twenty patients with PGF (7 with primary and 13 with secondary PGF) received MSCs (1 × 106/kg) one to three times at 28-day intervals. Seventeen patients were responsive to MSCs, whereas three were not. Within the first 100 days after MSC treatment, 13 patients developed 20 episodes of infection. Moreover, five patients experienced cytomegalovirus-DNA viremia, and seven experienced Epstein—Barr virus (EBV)—DNA viremia within the first 100 days after MSC treatment; three of the latter developed EBV-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) within the follow-up period. Grade II acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurred in one patient, and local chronic GVHD occurred in two patients after receiving MSC treatment, including one acute GVHD and one chronic GVHD, respectively, after accepting donor lymphocyte infusions due to PTLD. After a follow-up period of an average of 508 days (range 166-904 days) posttransplantation, 11 patients died. No short-term toxic side effects were observed after MSC treatment. Two patients experienced leukemic relapse. With the exception of three patients with PTLD, no secondary tumors occurred. These results indicate that MSCs derived from the bone marrow of a third-party donor are beneficial in the treatment of both primary and secondary PGF that develops after allo-HSCT. However, additional studies will be needed to determine whether such treatment might increase the risk of EBV infection and reactivation or the development of EBV-associated PTLD.
Rapid Dendritic Cell Activation and Resistance to Allotolerance Induction in Anti-CD154-Treated Mice Receiving CD47-Deficient Donor-Specific Transfusion
Authors: Wang Yuantao , Wang Hui , Bronson Roderick , Fu Yaowen , Yang Yong-Guang
Published: March 2013

CD47–SIRPα signaling plays an important role in regulating macrophage and dendritic cell (DC) activation. Here we investigated the role of CD47 expression on donor cells in tolerance induction by combined treatment with donor-specific transfusion (DST) plus anti-CD154 mAb in a mouse model of fully MHC-mismatched heart allotransplantation. The majority of BALB/c recipient mice that received anti-CD154 and CD47+/+B6 splenocytes (DST) showed indefinite donor heart survival (median survival time, MST > 150 days). Donor heart survival was improved in anti-CD154-treated BALB/c mice that received CD47+/-(MST = 90 days) or CD47-/-B6 DST (MST = 42 days) when compared to the nontreated (MST = 7 days) and anti-CD154 alone-treated (MST = 15 days) controls, but significantly reduced when compared to mice receiving anti-CD154 plus CD47+/+B6 DST. Recipient mice treated with anti-CD154 plus CD47-/-or CD47+/-DST also showed significantly increased antidonor, but not anti-third-party, MLR responses compared to those receiving anti-CD154 and CD47+/+DST. Furthermore, CD47-/-DST induced rapid activation of CD11chiSIRPαhiCD8α-DCs via a mechanism independent of donor alloantigens. These results demonstrated that CD47 expression on donor cells is essential to the success of tolerance induction by combined therapy with DST and CD40/CD154 blockade.
The Potential of Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells to Improve Early Graft Loss after Intraportal Islet Transplantation
Authors: Jung Hye Seung , Kim Min Joo , Hong Shin Hee , Lee Ye Jin , Kang Shiane , Lee Hakmo , Chung Sung Soo , Park Joong Shin , Park Kyong Soo
Published: March 2013

Early graft loss in islet transplantation means that a large amount of donor islets is required. Endothelial cells and endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) have been reported to improve instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) in vitro. In this study, we examined if ECFC-coated porcine islets would prevent early graft loss in vivo. Human ECFCs were prepared from cord blood and cocultured with islets to make composite grafts. Diabetic nude mice underwent intraportal transplantation. Blood glucose levels were monitored, and morphological examination of the grafts along with analysis of the components of IBMIR and inflammatory reaction were performed with the liver tissues. The ECFC-coated islets significantly decreased blood glucose levels immediately after transplantation compared to the uncoated islets. Composite ECFC islet grafts were observed in the liver sections, associated with a more insulin+ area compared to that of the uncoated group within 48 h after transplantation. Deposition of CD41a, C5b-9, and CD11b+ cells was also decreased in the ECFC-coated group. Expression of porcine HMGB1 and mouse TNF-α was increased in the transplantated groups compared to the sham operation group, with a trend of a decreasing trend across the uncoated group, the ECFC-coated group, and the sham group. We demonstrated that the composite ECFC porcine islets transplanted into the portal vein of nude mice improved early graft loss and IBMIR in vivo.
Functionalizable Silica-Based Micron-Sized Iron Oxide Particles for Cellular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Raschzok Nathanael , Langer Carolin M. , Schmidt Christian , Lerche Karl H. , Billecke Nils , Nehls Kerstin , Schlüter Natalie B. , Leder Annekatrin , Rohn Susanne , Mogl Martina T. , Lüdemann Lutz , Stelter Lars , Teichgräber Ulf K. , Neuhaus Peter , Sauer Igor M.
Published: March 2013

Cellular therapies require methods for noninvasive visualization of transplanted cells. Micron-sized iron oxide particles (MPIOs) generate a strong contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and are therefore ideally suited as an intracellular contrast agent to image cells under clinical conditions. However, MPIOs were previously not applicable for clinical use. Here, we present the development and evaluation of silica-based micron-sized iron oxide particles (sMPIOs) with a functionalizable particle surface. Particles with magnetite content of >40% were composed using the sol-gel process. The particle surfaces were covered with COOH groups. Fluorescein, poly-l-lysine (PLL), and streptavidin (SA) were covalently attached. Monodisperse sMPIOs had an average size of 1.18 μm and an iron content of about 1.0 pg Fe/particle. Particle uptake, toxicity, and imaging studies were performed using HuH7 cells and human and rat hepatocytes. sMPIOs enabled rapid cellular labeling within 4 h of incubation; PLL-modified particles had the highest uptake. In T2*-weighted 3.0 T MRI, the detection threshold in agarose was 1,000 labeled cells, whereas in T1-weighted LAVA sequences, at least 10,000 cells were necessary to induce sufficient contrast. Labeling was stable and had no adverse effects on labeled cells. Silica is a biocompatible material that has been approved for clinical use. sMPIOs could therefore be suitable for future clinical applications in cellular MRI, especially in settings that require strong cellular contrast. Moreover, the particle surface provides the opportunity to create multifunctional particles for targeted delivery and diagnostics.
Isolation and Characterization of Antler-Derived Multipotent Stem Cells
Authors: Seo Min-Soo , Park Sang-Bum , Choi Soon-Won , Kim Jae-Jun , Kim Hyung-Sik , Kang Kyung-Sun
Published: March 2013

Recent studies have reported that stem cells can be isolated from various tissues such as bone marrow, fatty tissue, umbilical cord blood, Wharton's jelly, and placenta. These types of stem cell studies have also arisen in veterinary medicine. Deer antlers show a seasonal regrowth of tissue, an unusual feature in mammals. Antler tissue therefore might offer a source of stem cells. To explore the possibility of stem cell populations within deer antlers, we isolated and successfully cultured antler-derived multipotent stem cells (MSCs). Antler MSCs were maintained in a growth medium, and the proliferation potential was measured via an assay called the cumulative population doubling level. Immunophenotyping and immunostaining revealed the intrinsic characteristic stem cell markers of antler MSCs. To confirm the ability to differentiate, we conducted osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic induction under the respective differentiation conditions. We discovered that antler MSCs have the ability to differentiate into multiple lineages. In conclusion, our results show that deer antler tissue may contain MSCs and therefore may be a potential source for veterinary regenerative therapeutics.
Rejuvenation of Aged Pig Facial Skin by Transplanting Allogeneic Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor-Induced Peripheral Blood Stem Cells from a Young Pig
Authors: Harn Horng-Jyh , Huang Mao-Hsuan , Huang Chi-Ting , Lin Po-Cheng , Yen Ssu-Yin , Chou Yi-Wen , Ho Tsung-Jung , Chu Hen-Yi , Chiou Tzyy-Wen , Lin Shinn-Zong
Published: March 2013

Following a stroke, the administration of stem cells that have been treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) can ameliorate functional deficits in both rats and humans. It is not known, however, whether the application of GCSF-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) to human skin can function as an antiaging treatment. We used a Lanyu pig ( Sus scrofa) model, since compared with rodents, the structure of a pig's skin is very similar to human skin, to provide preliminary data on whether these cells can exert antiaging effects over a short time frame. GCSF-mobilized PBSCs from a young male Lanyu pig (5 months) were injected intradermally into the cheek skin of aged female Lanyu pigs, and tissues before and after the cell injections were compared to determine whether this treatment caused skin rejuvenation. Increased levels of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and the hyaluronic acid receptor CD44 were observed in both dermal and subcutaneous layers following the injection of PBSCs. In addition, the treated skin tissue was tighter and more elastic than adjacent control regions of aged skin tissue. In the epidermal layer, PBSC injection altered the levels of both involucrin and integrin, indicating an increased rate of epidermal cell renewal as evidenced by reductions in both cornified cells and cells of the spinous layers and increases in the number of dividing cells within the basal layer. We found that the exogenous PBSCs, visualized using fluorescence in situ hybridization, were located primarily in hair follicles and adjacent tissues. In summary, PBSC injection restored young skin properties in the skin of aged (90 months) pigs. On the basis of our preliminary data, we conclude that intra dermal injection of GCSF-mobilized PBSCs from a young pig can rejuvenate the skin in aged pigs.
Enhanced Bone-Forming Activity of Side Population Cells in the Periodontal Ligament
Authors: Ninomiya Tadashi , Hiraga Toru , Hosoya Akihiro , Ohnuma Kiyoshi , Ito Yuzuru , Takahashi Masafumi , Ito Susumu , Asashima Makoto , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: March 2013

Regeneration of alveolar bone is critical for the successful treatment of periodontal diseases. The periodontal ligament (PDL) has been widely investigated as a source of cells for the regeneration of periodontal tissues. In the present study where we attempted to develop an effective strategy for alveolar bone regeneration, we examined the osteogenic potential of side population (SP) cells, a stem cell-containing population that has been shown to be highly abundant in several kinds of tissues, in PDL cells. Isolated SP cells from the rat PDL exhibited a superior ability to differentiate into osteoblastic cells compared with non-SP (NSP) and unsorted PDL cells in vitro. The mRNA expressions of osteoblast markers and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2 were significantly upregulated in SP cells and were further increased by osteogenic induction. To examine the bone-forming activity of SP cells in vivo, PDL SP cells isolated from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transgenic rats were transplanted with hydroxyapatite (HA) disks into wild-type animals. SP cells exhibited a high ability to induce the mineralized matrix compared with NSP and unsorted PDL cells. At 12 weeks after the implantation, some of the pores in the HA disks with SP cells were filled with mineralized matrices, which were positive for bone matrix proteins, such as osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin. Furthermore, osteoblast- and osteocyte-like cells on and in the bone-like mineralized matrices were GFP positive, suggesting that the matrices were directly formed by the transplanted cells. These results suggest that PDL SP cells possess enhanced osteogenic potential and could be a potential source for cell-based regenerative therapy for alveolar bone.
Combination Cell Therapy Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Regulatory T-Cells Provides a Synergistic Immunomodulatory Effect Associated with Reciprocal Regulation of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg Cells in a Murine Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease Model
Authors: Lim Jung-Yeon , Park Min-Jung , Im Keon-Il , Kim Nayoun , Jeon Eun-Joo , Kim Eun-Jung , Cho Mi-La , Cho Seok-Goo
Published: March 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been considered to be an ideal cellular source for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) treatment due to their unique properties, including tissue repair and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unmatched immunosuppression. However, preclinical and clinical data have suggested that the immunomodulatory activity of MSCs is not as effective as previously expected. This study was performed to investigate whether the immunomodulatory capacity of MSCs could be enhanced by combination infusion of regulatory T (Treg) cells to prevent acute GVHD (aGVHD) following MHC-mismatched bone marrow transplantation (BMT). For GVHD induction, lethally irradiated BALB/c (H-2d) mice were transplanted with bone marrow cells (BMCs) and spleen cells of C57BL/6 (H-2b) mice. Recipients were injected with cultured recipient-derived MSCs, Treg cells, or MSCs plus Treg cells (BMT + day 0, 4). Systemic infusion of MSCs plus Treg cells improved clinicopathological manifestations and survival in the aGVHD model. Culture of MSCs plus Treg cells increased the population of Foxp3+ Treg cells and suppressed alloreactive T-cell proliferation in vitro. These therapeutic effects were associated with more rapid expansion of donor-type CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells and CD4+IL-4+ type 2 T-helper (Th2) cells in the early posttransplant period. Furthermore, MSCs plus Treg cells regulated CD4+IL-17+ Th17 cells, as well as CD4+IFN-γ + Th1 cells. These data suggest that the combination therapy with MSCs plus Treg cells may have cooperative effects in enhancing the immunomodulatory activity of MSCs and Treg cells in aGVHD. This may lead to development of new therapeutic approaches to clinical allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Facile synthesis of benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxides, a precursor of RSV inhibitors, by tandem amidation/intramolecular aza-Wittig reaction
Authors: Majumdar Krishna C , Ganai Sintu
Published: March 2013

Reaction of o-azidobenzenesulfonamides with ethyl carbonochloridate afforded the corresponding amide derivatives, which gave 3-ethoxy-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxides through an intramolecular aza-Wittig reaction. The reaction was found to be general through the synthesis of a number of benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxides. Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of 3-ethoxy-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxides furnished the 2-substituted benzothiadiazine-3-one 1,1-dioxides in good yields and high purity, which is the core moiety of RSV inhibitors.
Maize Metabolic Network Construction and Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Monaco Marcela K. , Sen Taner Z. , Dharmawardhana Palitha D. , Ren Liya , Schaeffer Mary , Naithani Sushma , Amarasinghe Vindhya , Thomason Jim , Harper Lisa , Gardiner Jack , Cannon Ethalinda K.S. , Lawrence Carolyn J. , Ware Doreen , Jaiswal Pankaj
Published: March 2013

A framework for understanding the synthesis and catalysis of metabolites and other biochemicals by proteins is crucial for unraveling the physiology of cells. To create such a framework for Zea mays L. subsp. mays (maize), we developed MaizeCyc, a metabolic network of enzyme catalysts, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, secondary plant products, and other metabolites by annotating the genes identified in the maize reference genome sequenced from the B73 variety. MaizeCyc version 2.0.2 is a collection of 391 maize pathways involving 8889 enzyme mapped to 2110 reactions and 1468 metabolites. We used MaizeCyc to describe the development and function of maize organs including leaf, root, anther, embryo, and endosperm by exploring the recently published microarray‐based maize gene expression atlas. We found that 1062 differentially expressed metabolic genes mapped to 524 unique enzymatic reactions associated with 310 pathways. The MaizeCyc pathway database was created by running a library of evidences collected from the maize genome annotation, gene‐based phylogeny trees, and comparison to known genes and pathways from rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. against the PathoLogic module of Pathway Tools. The network and the database that were also developed as a community resource are freely accessible online at http://maizecyc.maizegdb.org to facilitate analysis and promote studies on metabolic genes in maize.
Accuracy of Genomewide Selection for Different Traits with Constant Population Size, Heritability, and Number of Markers
Authors: Combs Emily , Bernardo Rex
Published: March 2013

In genomewide selection, the expected correlation between predicted performance and true genotypic value is a function of the training population size (N), heritability on an entry‐mean basis (h2), and effective number of chromosome segments underlying the trait (Me). Our objectives were to (i) determine how the prediction accuracy of different traits responds to changes in N, h2, and number of markers (NM) and (ii) determine if prediction accuracy is equal across traits if N, h2, and NM are kept constant. In a simulated population and four empirical populations in maize (Zea mays L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), we added random nongenetic effects to the phenotypic data to reduce h2 to 0.50, 0.30 and 0.20. As expected, increasing N, h2, and NM increased prediction accuracy. For the same trait within the same population, prediction accuracy was constant for different combinations of N and h2 that led to the same Nh2. Different traits, however, varied in their prediction accuracy even when N, h2, and NM were constant. Yield traits had lower prediction accuracy than other traits despite the constant N, h2, and NM. Empirical evidence and experience on the predictability of different traits are needed in designing training populations.
A Fast High Order Iterative Solver for the Electromagnetic Scattering by Open Cavities Filled with the Inhomogeneous Media
Authors: Zhao Meiling
Published: March 2013

The scattering of the open cavity filled with the inhomogeneous media is studied. The problem is discretized with a fourth order finite difference scheme and the immersed interface method, resulting in a linear system of equations with the high order accurate solutions in the whole computational domain. To solve the system of equations, we design an efficient iterative solver, which is based on the fast Fourier transformation, and provides an ideal preconditioner for Krylov subspace method. Numerical experiments demonstrate the capability of the proposed fast high order iterative solver.
Sensitivity of cloud condensation nuclei to regional changes in dimethyl-sulphide emissions
Authors: Woodhouse M. T. , Mann G. W. , Carslaw K. S. , Boucher O.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The atmospheric oxidation of dimethyl-sulphide (DMS) derived from marine phytoplankton is a significant source of marine sulphate aerosol. DMS has been proposed to regulate climate via changes in cloud properties, though recent studies have shown that present-day global cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations have only a weak dependence on the total emission flux of DMS. Here, we use a global aerosol microphysics model to examine how efficiently CCN are produced when DMS emissions are changed in different marine regions. We find that global CCN production per unit mass of sulphur emitted varies by more than a factor of 20 depending on where the change in oceanic DMS emission flux is applied. The variation in CCN production efficiency depends upon where CCN production processes (DMS oxidation, SO2 oxidation, nucleation and growth) are most efficient and removal processes (deposition) least efficient. The analysis shows that the production of aerosol sulphate through aqueous-phase oxidation of SO2 limits the amount of H2SO4 available for nucleation and condensational growth and therefore suppresses CCN formation, leading to the weak response of CCN to changes in DMS emission. Our results show that past and future changes in the spatial distribution of DMS emissions (through changes in the phytoplankton population or wind speed patterns) could exert a stronger control on climate than net increases in biological productivity.
Carbon dioxide and climate impulse response functions for the computation of greenhouse gas metrics: a multi-model analysis
Authors: Joos F. , Roth R. , Fuglestvedt J. S. , Peters G. P. , Enting I. G. , von Bloh W. , Brovkin V. , Burke E. J. , Eby M. , Edwards N. R. , Friedrich T. , Frölicher T. L. , Halloran P. R. , Holden P. B. , Jones C. , Kleinen T. , Mackenzie F. T. , Matsumoto K. , Meinshausen M. , Plattner G.-K. , Reisinger A. , Segschneider J. , Shaffer G. , Steinacher M. , Strassmann K. , Tanaka K. , Timmermann A. , Weaver A. J.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The responses of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other climate variables to an emission pulse of CO2 into the atmosphere are often used to compute the Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Global Temperature change Potential (GTP), to characterize the response timescales of Earth System models, and to build reduced-form models. In this carbon cycle-climate model intercomparison project, which spans the full model hierarchy, we quantify responses to emission pulses of different magnitudes injected under different conditions. The CO2 response shows the known rapid decline in the first few decades followed by a millennium-scale tail. For a 100 Gt-C emission pulse added to a constant CO2 concentration of 389 ppm, 25 ± 9% is still found in the atmosphere after 1000 yr; the ocean has absorbed 59 ± 12% and the land the remainder (16 ± 14%). The response in global mean surface air temperature is an increase by 0.20 ± 0.12 °C within the first twenty years; thereafter and until year 1000, temperature decreases only slightly, whereas ocean heat content and sea level continue to rise. Our best estimate for the Absolute Global Warming Potential, given by the time-integrated response in CO2 at year 100 multiplied by its radiative efficiency, is 92.5 × 10−15 yr W m−2 per kg-CO2. This value very likely (5 to 95% confidence) lies within the range of (68 to 117) × 10−15 yr W m−2 per kg-CO2. Estimates for time-integrated response in CO2 published in the IPCC First, Second, and Fourth Assessment and our multi-model best estimate all agree within 15% during the first 100 yr. The integrated CO2 response, normalized by the pulse size, is lower for pre-industrial conditions, compared to present day, and lower for smaller pulses than larger pulses. In contrast, the response in temperature, sea level and ocean heat content is less sensitive to these choices. Although, choices in pulse size, background concentration, and model lead to uncertainties, the most important and subjective choice to determine AGWP of CO2 and GWP is the time horizon.
On the origin of multidecadal to centennial Greenland temperature anomalies over the past 800 yr
Authors: Kobashi T. , Shindell D. T. , Kodera K. , Box J. E. , Nakaegawa T. , Kawamura K.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The surface temperature of the Greenland ice sheet is among the most important climate variables for assessing how climate change may impact human societies due to its association with sea level rise. However, the causes of multidecadal-to-centennial temperature changes in Greenland temperatures are not well understood, largely owing to short observational records. To examine these, we calculated the Greenland temperature anomalies (GTA[G-NH]) over the past 800 yr by subtracting the standardized northern hemispheric (NH) temperature from the standardized Greenland temperature. This decomposes the Greenland temperature variation into background climate (NH); polar amplification; and regional variability (GTA[G-NH]). The central Greenland polar amplification factor as expressed by the variance ratio Greenland/NH is 2.6 over the past 161 yr, and 3.3–4.2 over the past 800 yr. The GTA[G-NH] explains 31–35% of the variation of Greenland temperature in the multidecadal-to-centennial time scale over the past 800 yr. We found that the GTA[G-NH] has been influenced by solar-induced changes in atmospheric circulation patterns such as those produced by the North Atlantic Oscillation/Arctic Oscillation (NAO/AO). Climate modeling and proxy temperature records indicate that the anomaly is also likely linked to solar-paced changes in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and associated changes in northward oceanic heat transport.
MEDSLIK-II, a Lagrangian marine oil spill model for short-term forecasting – Part 1: Theory
Authors: De Dominicis M. , Pinardi N. , Zodiatis G.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The processes of transport, diffusion and transformation of surface oil in seawater can be simulated using a Lagrangian model formalism coupled with Eulerian circulation models. This paper describes the formalism and the conceptual assumptions of a Lagrangian marine oil slick numerical model and re-writes the constitutive equations in a modern mathematical framework. The Lagrangian numerical representation of the oil slick requires three different state variables: the slick, the particle and the structural state variables. Transformation processes (evaporation, spreading, dispersion and coastal adhesion) act on the slick state variables, while particles variables are used to model the transport and diffusion processes. The slick and particle variables are recombined together to compute the oil concentration in water, a structural state variable. The mathematical and numerical formulation of oil transport, diffusion and transformation processes described in this paper, together with the many simplifying hypothesis and parameterizations, form the basis of a new, open source Lagrangian surface oil spill model, so-called MEDSLIK-II. Part 2 of this paper describes the applications of MEDSLIK-II to oil spill simulations that allow the validation of the model results and the study of the sensitivity of the simulated oil slick to different model numerical parameterizations.
Inundation risk for embanked rivers
Authors: Strupczewski W. G. , Kochanek K. , Bogdanowicz E. , Markiewicz I.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The Flood Frequency Analysis (FFA) concentrates on probability distribution of peak flows of flood hydrographs. However, examination of floods that haunted and devastated the large parts of Poland lead us to revision of the views on the assessment of flood risk of Polish rivers. It turned out that flooding is caused not only by overflow of the levees' crest but mostly due to the prolonged exposure to high water on levees structure causing dangerous leaks and breaches that threaten their total destruction. This is because, the levees are weakened by long-lasting water pressure and as a matter of fact their damage usually occurs after the culmination has passed the affected location. The probability of inundation is the total of probabilities of exceeding embankment crest by flood peak and the probability of washout of levees. Therefore, in addition to the maximum flow one should consider also the duration of high waters in a river channel. In the paper the new two-component model of flood dynamics: "Duration of high waters–Discharge Threshold–Probability of non-exceedance" (DqF), with the methodology of its parameters estimation was proposed as a completion to the classical FFA methods. Such model can estimate the duration of stages (flows) of an assumed magnitude with a given probability of exceedance. The model combined with the technical evaluation of probability of levees breach due to the d-days duration of flow above alarm stage gives the annual probability of inundation caused by the embankment breaking. The results of theoretical investigation were illustrated by a practical example of the model implementation to the series of daily flow of the Vistula River at Szczucin. Regardless promising results, the method of risk assessment due to prolonged exposure of levees to high water is still in its infancy despite its great cognitive potential and practical importance. Therefore, we would like to point out the need for and usefulness of the DqF model as complementary to the analysis of the flood peak flows, as in classical FFA. The presented two-component model combined with the routine flood frequency model constitutes a new direction in FFA for embanked rivers.
Sea level trend and variability in the Singapore Strait
Authors: Tkalich P. , Vethamony P. , Luu Q.-H. , Babu M. T.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Sea level in the Singapore Strait (SS) exhibits response to various scale phenomena, from local to global. Longest tide gauge records in SS are analysed to derive local sea level trend and annual, inter-annual and multi-decadal sea level variability, which then are attributed to regional and global phenomena. Annual data gaps are reconstructed using functions correlating sea level variability with ENSO. At annual scale, sea level anomalies in SS are (quasi-periodic) monsoon-driven, of the order of ±20 cm, the highest during northeast monsoon and the lowest during southwest monsoon. Interannual regional sea level drops are associated with El Niño events, while the rises are correlated with La Niña episodes; both variations are in the range of ±5 cm. At multi-decadal scale, annual measured sea levels in SS are varying with global mean sea level, rising at the rate 1.2–1.7 mm yr−1 for 1975–2009, 1.8–2.3 mm yr−1 for 1984–2009 and 1.9–4.6 mm yr−1 for 1993–2009. When SS rates are compared with the global trends (2.0, 2.4 and 2.8 mm yr−1, respectively) derived from tide gauge measurements for the same periods, they are smaller in the earlier era and considerably larger in the recent one. Taking into account the first estimate of land subsidence rate, 1–1.5 mm yr−1 in Singapore, the recent trend of absolute sea level rise in SS follows regional tendency.
Intercomparison of the Charnock and CORE bulk wind stress formulations for coastal ocean modelling
Authors: Brown J. M. , Amoudry L. O. , Mercier F. M. , Souza A. J.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The accurate parameterisation of momentum and heat transfer across the air-sea interface is vital for realistic simulation of the atmosphere-ocean system. In many modelling applications accurate representation of the wind stress is required to numerically reproduce surge, coastal ocean circulation, surface waves, turbulence and mixing. Different formulations can be implemented and impact the accuracy of: the instantaneous and long-term residual circulation; the surface mixed layer; and the generation of wave-surge conditions. This, in turn, affects predictions of storm impact, sediment pathways, and coastal resilience to climate change. The specific numerical formulation needs careful selection to ensure the accuracy of the simulation. Two wind stress formulae widely used in respectively the ocean circulation and the storm surge communities are studied with focus on an application to the NW region of the UK. Model-observation validation is performed at two nearshore and one estuarine ADCP stations in Liverpool Bay, a hypertidal region of freshwater influence with vast intertidal areas. The period of study covers both calm and extreme conditions to fully test the robustness of the 10 m wind stress component of the Common Ocean Reference Experiment (CORE) bulk formulae and the Charnock relation. In this coastal application a realistic barotropic-baroclinic simulation of the circulation and surge elevation is setup, demonstrating greater accuracy occurs when using the Charnock relation for surface wind stress.
Revision Hip Replacement in Patients 55 Years of Age and Younger
Authors: Konan Sujith , Soler Agustine , Haddad Fares S.
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and complications associated with revision hip arthroplasty undertaken in patients under 55 years of age.

A review of our revision hip database showed that 430 revision hip arthroplasties undertaken over the past 9 years had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Of these, 84 (46 female, 38 male) patients were under 55 years of age. The index procedures were preformed at an average age of 46 years (range 15 years to 54 years). The etiology of failure was aseptic loosening (74%), followed by infection (8%) and recurrent dislocation (7%). In the majority of cases, uncemented implants were used at revision surgery (91% uncemented femoral stem, 100% uncemented acetabular cup). A form of bone graft was necessary in 39% of cases.

At final follow-up satisfactory progress was noted in all cases with a statistically significant improvement in Harris hip score (p<0.05).

Revision of hip arthroplasty in patients below 55 years of age is associated with significant improvement in function and patient satisfaction.
Design and Analysis of a Fibre-Shaped Micro-Actuator for Robotic Gripping
Authors: Borboni Alberto , Aggogeri Francesco , Faglia Rodolfo
Published: March 2013

A prototype of an automatic micropositioning system was developed. This prototype uses a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, a dedicated PI controller and a piece of software to command a desired motion profile for the actuator. The proposed micropositioning system is characterized by a 4 mm stroke, a 1 μm resolution and a 70 g nominal force and can be commanded directly from a personal computer and without human retroaction. The closed loop positioning resolution (1 μm) is obtained in spite of inaccurate system behaviour during its movement.
Adaptive Four-Channel Neuro-Fuzzy Control of a Master-Slave Robot
Authors: Po-Ngaen Watcharin
Published: March 2013

In bilateral control of tele-manipulation based on a conventional approach, there are deficiencies in stability robustness and manoeuvrability against variations in the dynamics of the master input device and the task environment. In this study, an adaptive four-channel neuro-fuzzy bilateral control scheme is proposed. To evaluate whether the proposed algorithm is a suitable technique for improving the robustness and manoeuvrability of tele-robot implementation, four-channel neuro-fuzzy and classical bilateral control frameworks have been investigated in a simulation experiment. Distinct bilateral control schemes in the form of four-channel intelligent control and the classic form of position–force and position -position have been implemented and compared using a one degree of freedom (DOF) master-slave system. The experimental results show that the application of a four-channel neuro-fuzzy control strategy effectively improves the overall performance.
Cultural-cognitive Dimension and Entrepreneurial Activity: A Cross-country Study
Authors: Alvarez Claudia , Urbano David
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between independence, risk taking, creativity, and entrepreneurial activity at the country level, in the light of institutional economics, concretely using the cultural-cognitive dimension. The main findings demonstrate through a regression model that risk taking and creativity have a positive and significant influence on entrepreneurship. Data were obtained from the World Values Survey, for the period 2005–2008, from a sample size of 42 countries. The study advances the literature by providing new information on the effect of environmental factors on entrepreneurial activity. Also, the research contributes to the definition of educational policies that promote favorable attitudes to risk taking and creativity, thereby increasing the number of potential entrepreneurs.