bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analytical Model to Estimate the Optimum Production Rate of Picking Processes in a Modular Warehouse Environment
Authors: Emiris Dimitrios M. , Skarlatos Athanasios
Published: May 2011

One of the most important, complicated and expensive processes in a warehouse is order-picking. The cost associated with order preparation and picking typically varies between 40% and 60% of the total cost of all the processes in a warehouse; therefore, improving the productivity in order picking would result directly in cost reduction. In any attempt to reduce costs in order picking, one has to take into account: (i) the design of the warehouse so that the pickers’ work may be controlled at all instances, (ii) the existence of standards on the pickers’ work so that performance measurements may be compared and contrasted reliably, and (iii) the analysis of the phases of the picking process so that the pickers’ productivity may be measured and maximized. Such a series of concerns and parameters leads to the necessity of developing a mathematical parametric model which may serve as a useful tool for the warehouse manager in his efforts to not only measure productivity but also to intervene in the process and proceed to improvements. The present work deals with the development of such an analytical parametric model for the order picking process in a modular warehouse. The research attempts to address and solve three distinct, yet relevant, areas of focus: (i) to produce a generic and analytical framework to model the order picking process, (ii) to define practical and easy to adopt performance measures for the order picking process, and (iii) to provide the tools for a warehouse manager to set goals, measure performance and identify areas of improvement in his areas of responsibility. In addition to these, the research sets the foundations to further expand on other warehouse processes, such as loading/unloading, products receipt, etc., that supersede the boundaries of order picking. The analysis is corroborated by a real case study, among the many monitored in a pragmatic setup, accompanied by ABC analysis of the warehouse operation and a presentation of a fair frame to measure workers’ performance.
Dynamic Travel Time Estimation Techniques for Urban Freight Transportation Networks Using Historical and Real-Time Data
Authors: Zeimpekis Vasileios
Published: May 2011

Effective travel time prediction is of great importance for efficient real-time management of freight deliveries, especially in urban networks. This is due to the need for dynamic handling of unexpected events, which is an important factor for successful completion of a delivery schedule in a predefined time period. This chapter discusses the prediction results generated by two travel time estimation methods that use historical and real-time data respectively. The first method follows the k-nn model, which relies on the non-parametric regression method, whereas the second one relies on an interpolation scheme which is employed during the transmission of real-time traffic data in fixed intervals. The study focuses on exploring the interaction of factors that affect prediction accuracy by modelling both prediction methods. The data employed are provided by real-life scenarios of a freight carrier and the experiments follow a 2-level full factorial design approach.
Museum or Mausoleum?
Authors: Thomas Maureen , Selsjord Marianne , Zimmer Robert
Published: May 2011

Web 2.0 offers exciting possibilities and challenges for extending the museum visit, engaging new visitors and attracting distant audiences. However, the digital media technologies that enable distributed, shared and user/novice-generated audiovisual content can be deployed by experts in other fruitful ways to augment and rejuvenate actual visits to interpretation centres. Going beyond the e-guide, integrated audiovisual media can offer original new visions of ancient cultures, bring intangible as well as physical heritage to the museum, and make exploring it a lively and vivid contemporary experience. Developing and exhibiting original digital art to make the museum visit more dynamic requires new ways of researching, funding, supporting and curating exhibitions. This chapter contextualizes and reviews two recent European case-studies which aim to enhance the museum visit, noting how they were funded and developed, commenting on these approaches and reviewing how improved infrastructures might support attractive, revitalising, dynamic vision in the future
Creating Digital Heritage Content
Authors: van der Elst Judith , Richards-Rissetto Heather , Garcia Jorge
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, the authors focus their attention on an often overlooked aspect of digital heritage content, namely by whom how, and with what purpose such content is created. The authors evaluate digital materials that are anthropological and archaeological in nature, both digitized archives and newly created materials. In their work and efforts to understand and represent different cultural perspectives, they have encountered differences in cultural knowledge systems that have shown the need for cross-cultural consultation and communication as an essential first step in the creation of digital content for new systems of representation and knowledge transfer. Their efforts focus on developing a new educational framework that allows for knowledge exchange at different levels and between different entities, challenging the perpetuating hierarchical relationships between community and experts.
Sociable Behaviors in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Grimaldo Francisco , Lozano Miguel , Barber Fernando , Orduña Juan M.
Published: May 2011

When simulating three-dimensional environments populated by virtual humanoids, immersion requires the simulation of consistent social behaviors to keep the attention of the user/s while displaying realistic scenes. However, intelligent virtual actors still lack a kind of collective or social intelligence necessary to reinforce the roles they are playing in the simulated environment (e.g. a waiter, a guide, etc). Decision making for virtual agents has been traditionally modeled under self interested assumptions, which are not suitable for social multi-agent domains. Instead, artificial society models should be introduced to provide virtual actors with socially acceptable decisions, which are needed to cover the user expectations about the roles played in the simulated scenes. This chapter reviews the sociability models oriented to simulate the ability of the agents that are part of an artificial society and, thus, interact among its members. Furthemore, it also includes a full description of a social model for multi-agent systems that allows the actors to evaluate the social impact of their actions, and then to decide how to act in accordance with the simulated society. Finally, the authors show the social outcomes obtained from the simulation of a particular 3D social scenario.
X3D
Authors: Kloss Joerg H. , Schickel Peter
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the topic security in standard based virtual worlds with emphasis on X3D as the international ISO/IEC standard for Virtual Worlds. The general security challenges in persistent and economic virtual environments are addressed as well as the importance of standardization and security as the two key success factors for reliable, cost-effective and long-term attractive Virtual World (VW) platforms. Different actual standardization approaches are opposed to the established X3D format that follows a clear security standardization path. Based on the Internet standard XML the specific advantages of X3D are emphasized, like seamless integration into Web applications and deployment of generic XML tools. The generation of encrypted and signed X3D binary files is demonstrated according to the XML Security Recommendation of the W3C consortium. In a practical session the appliance of security approaches to concrete X3D implementation projects is described from the perspective of Bitmanagement (Bitmanagement, 2009), a market leader for interactive Web3D graphics software.
Social Networking and Trust
Authors: Benson Vladlena
Published: May 2011

Based on the literature review of the theory of trust, this chapter aims to provide an insight into trust formation on social networking sites (SNS). An overview of the current state of cybercrime and known ways of threat mitigation helps shed some light on the reasons why social networks became easy targets for Internet criminals. Increasingly, personalisation is seen as a method for counteracting attacks perpetrated via phishing messages. This chapter aims to look specifically at trust in online social networks and how it influences vulnerability of users towards cybercrime. The chapter poses a question whether personalisation is the silver bullet to combat cyber threats on social networks. Further research directions are discussed.
Using Quantum Agent-Based Simulation to Model Social Networks
Authors: Bisconti C. , Corallo A. , De Maggio M. , Grippa F. , Totaro S.
Published: May 2011

This research aims to apply models extracted from the many-body quantum mechanics to describe social dynamics. It is intended to draw macroscopic characteristics of organizational communities starting from the analysis of microscopic interactions with respect to the node model. In this chapter, the authors intend to give an answer to the following question: which models of the quantum physics are suitable to represent the behaviour and the evolution of business processes? The innovative aspects of the project are related to the application of models and methods of the quantum mechanics to social systems. In order to validate the proposed mathematical model, the authors intend to define an open-source platform able to model nodes and interactions within a network, to visualize the macroscopic results through a digital representation of the social networks.
Student Models Review and Distance Education
Authors: Tsinakos Avgoustos A.
Published: May 2011

The current chapter is a review of the variety of student models that have been reported in the literature. The chapter can virtually be divided in two parts: The first part outlines a number of typical examples of student models that have been developed in order to indicate why these models have been developed, what are their uses and the achievements of student models in education. The second part discusses how the student models can be useful in distance education, what are the criteria for testing the applicability of such models and finally reports student models that may apply in asynchronous distance education
Social, Personalized Lifelong Learning
Authors: Cristea Alexandra , Ghali Fawaz , Joy Mike
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses a challenging hot topic in the area of Web 2.0 technologies for Lifelong Learning: how to merge such technologies with research on personalizationand adaptive e-learning, in order to provide the best learning experience, customized for a specific learner or group of learners, in the context of communities of learning and authoring. The authors of this chapter discuss the most well-known frameworks and then show how an existing framework for personalized e-learning can be extended, in order to allow the specification of the complex new relationships that social aspects bring to e-learning platforms. This is not just about creating learning content, but also about developing new ways of learning. For instance, adaptation does not refer to an individual only, but also to groups, which can be groups of learners, designers or course authors. Their interests, objectives, capabilities, and backgrounds need to be catered to, as well as their group interaction. Furthermore, the boundaries between authors and learners become less distinct in the Web 2.0 context. This chapter presents the theoretical basis for this framework extension, as well as its implementation and evaluation, and concludes by discussing the results and drawing conclusions and interesting pointers for further research.
Adaptive Sequencing of Information for Lifelong Learners
Authors: Gutierrez-Santos Sergio
Published: May 2011

Educational technologies have experienced an impressive change in recent years. This, in turn, is having a clear impact on educational practices and processes. Two important consequences for lifelong learning experts are the new possibilities of reusing learning material from different sources, and the need of adapting learning resources to different learners instead of using one-size-fits-all approaches. This chapter deals with the problem of sequencing learning material from both points of view: how to create adaptive sequencings of learning units, and how to share them with other systems by using the semantics of a well-known standard like IMS-LD. The complexity of the process puts the spotlight on the limitations of this widespread IMS specification.
Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning
Authors: Dunlap Joanna C. , Lowenthal Patrick R.
Published: May 2011

Given ever-changing societal and professional demands, lifelong learning is recognized as a critical educational goal. With postsecondary students’ increased demand for online learning opportunities and programs, postsecondary educators face the challenge of preparing students to be lifelong contributing members of professional communities of practice online and at a distance. The emergence of powerful Web 2.0 technologies and tools have the potential to support educators’ instructional goals and objectives associated with students’ professional preparation and the development of lifelong learning skills and dispositions. In this chapter, the authors explain how postsecondary educators can use the Web 2.0 technologies associated with blogging, social networking, document co-creation, and resource sharing to create intrinsically motivating learning opportunities that have the potential to help students develop the skills and dispositions needed to be effective lifelong learners.
Technological Aids to the Efficient Assessment of Prior Learning
Authors: Brinke Desirée Joosten-ten , van der Klink Marcel , Kicken Wendy , Sloep Peter
Published: May 2011

It is generally acknowledged that learning and education play a prominent part throughout employees’ careers across their entire lifespan. In the era of lifelong learning, Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) is a powerful means for enhancing employees’ further professional development and learning, formally and informally. Though there is a growing attention for APL, the procedures, design, development and maintenance of APL remain a quite costly and time-consuming experience. After a description of the background and features of APL, this chapter examines the possibilities for re-using and interoperability by means of e-technologies. The chapter discusses the major components of the APL procedure, including the current possibilities for exchange and operability (e.g. specifications of QTI, IMS). The chapter concludes with a description and validation of an educational model of assessment for APL.
Designing Culturally Appropriate E-Learning for Learners from an Arabic Background
Authors: Hall Andrea
Published: May 2011

Case studies on adult online learners in professional development courses in an Omani context found that cultural preferences had a significant impact on learning success. It was found that their preferences in the development of learning communities, for face-to-face needs, in online course flexibility, and interdependent learning were not accounted for in the learning design. Therefore, the problem identified was: how can learning be designed that accounts for culture in the design of learning for those from an Arabic cultural background, as in Oman? The research provided a solution in the form of design guidelines. These can be used as a practical and useful means for teachers and educators in designing online courses that are culturally compatible with the learning preferences in this context in the Sultanate of Oman.
Collabor8
Authors: McArthur Ian
Published: May 2011

The rapid advancement of online communication technologies is reconfiguring the creative industries through globally networked and interdisciplinary modalities of practice. These inescapable shifts are challenging most of our assumptions about the nature of creative processes. Consequently art and design educators are impelled to teach students in ways that mirror contemporary creative processes. This inevitably includes collaboration in online environments. Instigated in 2003, The Collabor8 Project (C8) responds to these conditions by challenging design students from universities and colleges in Australia and China to collaborate online. Recently, C8 has evolved to integrate blended pedagogical strategies that enable stronger collaborative relationships to develop. This chapter provides a comparative analysis of two project iterations conducted during 2008 and 2009. Using data collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, discussions, and specific research tasks within creative briefs, it identifies, discusses, and offers insights relating to a range of issues encountered in collaborative interactions between very different groups of undergraduate and postgraduate art and design students.
Cultural Adaptation of E-Learning Courseware
Authors: Stieghorst Randall , Edmundson Andrea L.
Published: May 2011

Web-based and self-paced learning modules have become a common-and sometimes primary-tool used by the Ethics & Compliance departments of global organizations to educate employees worldwide. These e-learning modules provide guidance around such topics as the company’s Code of Conduct, specific policies or laws, globally applicable corporate standards, and how best to manage ethical dilemmas in a corporate environment. In this case, the authors describe the instructional design process that were used on various ethics and compliance courses to achieve a more global, regional, or country-specific applicability, including an overview of changes made to content and methodology that was originally perceived as “very American.”
Discovering Semantics from Visual Information
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Feng Dagan
Published: May 2011

Visual information has been immensely used in various domains such as web, education, health, and digital libraries, due to the advancements of computing technologies. Meanwhile, users realize that it has been more and more difficult to find desired visual content such as images. Though traditional content-based retrieval (CBR) systems allow users to access visual information through query-by-example with low level visual features (e.g. color, shape, and texture), the semantic gap is widely recognized as a hurdle for practical adoption of CBR systems. Wealthy visual information (e.g. user generated visual content) enables us to derive new knowledge at a large scale, which will significantly facilitate visual information management. Besides semantic concept detection, semantic relationship among concepts can also be explored in visual domain, other than traditional textual domain. Therefore, this chapter aims to provide an overview of the state-of-the-arts on discovering semantics in visual domain from two aspects, semantic concept detection and knowledge discovery from visual information at semantic level. For the first aspect, various aspects of visual information annotation are discussed, including content representation, machine learning based annotation methodologies, and widely used datasets. For the second aspect, a novel data driven based approach is introduced to discover semantic relevance among concepts in visual domain. Future research topics are also outlined.
Domain-Driven Reuse of Software Design Models
Authors: Kalnins Audris , Smialek Michal , Kalnina Elina , Celms Edgars , Nowakowski Wiktor , Straszak Tomasz
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents an approach to software development where model driven development and software reuse facilities are combined in a natural way. The basis for all of this is a semiformal requirements language RSL. The requirements in RSL consist of use cases refined by scenarios in a simple controlled natural language and the domain vocabulary containing the domain concepts. The chapter shows how model transformations building a platform independent model (PIM) can be applied directly to the requirements specified in RSL by domain experts. Further development of the software case (PSM, code) is also supported by transformations, which in addition ensure a rich traceability within the software case. The reuse support relies on a similarity based comparison of requirements for software cases. If a similar part is found in an existing software case, a traceability link based slice of the solution can be merged into the new case. The implementation of the approach is briefly sketched.
Reducing Enterprise Product Line Architecture Deployment and Testing Costs via Model Driven Deployment, Configuration, and Testing
Authors: White Jules , Dougherty Brian
Published: May 2011

Product-line architectures (PLAs) are a paradigm for developing software families by customizing and composing reusable artifacts, rather than handcrafting software from scratch. Extensive testing is required to develop reliable PLAs, which may have scores of valid variants that can be constructed from the architecture’s components. It is crucial that each variant be tested thoroughly to assure the quality of these applications on multiple platforms and hardware configurations. It is tedious and error-prone, however, to setup numerous distributed test environments manually and ensure they are deployed and configured correctly. To simplify and automate this process, the authors present a model-driven architecture (MDA) technique that can be used to (1) model a PLA’s configuration space, (2) automatically derive configurations to test, and (3) automate the packaging, deployment, and testing of con-figurations. To validate this MDA process, the authors use a distributed constraint optimization system case study to quantify the cost savings of using an MDA approach for the deployment and testing of PLAs.
Domain Modeling Approaches in IS Engineering
Authors: Kirikova Marite
Published: May 2011

In information systems engineering there is a long history of development and application of different domain modeling approaches, methods and techniques. The chapter surveys and analyzes enterprise models, systems development artifacts, enterprise architectures, enterprise modeling tools, and information systems change management issues from the point of view of information systems engineering. The purpose of this work is to share experience from information systems engineering with model driven architecture community and to reveal strong and weak sides of domain modeling approaches and tools used in information systems engineering which, in turn, would help to see where further research and development efforts are needed in order to achieve maximum value from systems development efforts in the area of information systems engineering and model driven architecture. The chapter focuses on methods used in information systems engineering and, according to its purpose, does not consider in detail domain modeling approaches that are well known to model driven development/engineering/architecture community.
Using Theoretical Frameworks from the Social Sciences to Understand and Explain Behaviour in Social Computing
Authors: Taylor Jacqui
Published: May 2011

Research over the past 15 years has examined how the Internet is being used to support communication and social interaction across a variety of groups and communities. However, much of this research has been exploratory, rather than explanatory. It is argued here that approaches from the social sciences offer established methods and frameworks within which the psychological and social impacts of computing can be addressed. In discussing various theories, the chapter highlights one problem—that individual theories have tended to be used to explain a single aspect of human behaviour. There is a need to think more holistically and search for a theoretical approach that can explain intrapersonal processes (e.g. cognition and emotion) as well as interpersonal behaviour within social computing. A number of theoretical frameworks from the social sciences (e.g. social identity theory and social capital theory) will be discussed as potentially being able to explain psychological processes at all levels for users of social computing applications. In summary, the objectives of this chapter are to discuss current approaches used to explain the way people interact in social computing contexts, identify shortcomings with these and to highlight approaches that can address these shortcomings.
Enhancing Productivity through Social Computing
Authors: Sánchez J. Alfredo , Valdiviezo Omar
Published: May 2011

This chapter posits that social computing applications, when appropriately combined, provide opportunities to facilitate organizational communication and collaboration, and ultimately, to enhance productivity. The authors illustrate this view by discussing ongoing work and initial experiences with the development and deployment of a number of social computing concepts and platforms. They particularly focus on the confluence of social bookmarking and social networks to enhance productivity in academic settings, as well as on the use of social networks for coordinating and managing group projects. They also discuss how social networks in immersive environments can result in opportunities for learning and training that may have a positive impact on productivity. They developed social computing prototypical applications for each of the areas they are exploring. Based upon observation of users and feedback obtained from them, they conclude that it is possible and desirable to take advantage of the collaborative nature of social computing applications so that participants engage in productive activities for the benefit of their organizations.
A Social Relational Network-Based Architecture for Maintaining the Media Integrity and Optimizing the Quality of Experience
Authors: Koumaras Harilaos G. , Fajardo Jose Oscar , Liberal Fidel , Sun Lingfen , Koumaras Vaios , Troulos Costas , Kourtis Anastasios
Published: May 2011

This chapter proposes a Content-aware and Network-aware Management System (CNMS) over a converged user-environment of social networking and mobile multimedia. The proposed CNMS will focus on applying dynamic personalized multi-layer adaptation for the optimization of the Quality of Experience (QoE) level in a requested media service according to the users’ preferences, favourites provided in their social network profile, and prior experiences rated by users themselves. By user’s preference extraction, a service/content classification will be performed according to an estimation of the user’s favourites, which will be used to provide optimized media delivery across the delivery chain. Therefore, the end-user will always receive her/his favourite service, like Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), interactive application/on-line gaming, web browsing, at requested QoE. The system will ensure optimal allocation of network resources and optimal selection of streaming scheme according to different services/content types and user preferences, and therefore enhance the ratio of price-for-value for the specific subscription and achieve an end-to-end, holistic QoE optimisation. Although QoE is perceived as subjective, it is the only measure that counts for customers of a service. Being able to estimate the user preferences in a controlled manner through the end-user’s social networks profiles, helps operators understand what may be wrong with their services and their respective QoE. The proposed multimodal management system is user-centric and applies advanced machine learning techniques in order to extract user preferences from the social network profile of the user and build up a ranking scale of the services/contents. This ranking scale will be translated to adaptation actions per service type at several instances such as before the provision of the service takes place (i.e. Time Zero), during the delivering of the service (i.e. Time T), across all the network layers and delivery-chain nodes, while ensuring throughout the process that the main focus on the QoS-adaptation of the mobile access network is maintained.
Coordinate Regulation of GATA-3 and Th2 Cytokine Gene Expression by the RNA-Binding Protein HuR
Authors: Stellato Cristiana , Gubin Matthew M. , Magee Joseph D. , Fang Xi , Fan Jinshui , Tartar Danielle M. , Chen Jing , Dahm Garrett M. , Calaluce Robert , Mori Francesca , Jackson Glenn A. , Casolaro Vincenzo , Franklin Craig L. , Atasoy Ulus
Published: May 2011

The posttranscriptional mechanisms whereby RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate T cell differentiation remain unclear. RBPs can coordinately regulate the expression of functionally related genes via binding to shared regulatory sequences, such as the adenylate-uridylate–rich elements (AREs) present in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of mRNA. The RBP HuR posttranscriptionally regulates IL-4, IL-13, and other Th2 cell-restricted transcripts. We hypothesized that the ARE-bearing GATA-3 gene, a critical regulator of Th2 polarization, is under HuR control as part of its coordinate posttranscriptional regulation of the Th2 program. We report that in parallel with stimulus-induced increase in GATA-3 mRNA and protein levels, GATA-3 mRNA half-life is increased after restimulation in the human T cell line Jurkat, in human memory and Th2 cells, and in murine Th2-skewed cells. We demonstrate by immunoprecipitation of ribonucleoprotein complexes that HuR associates with the GATA-3 endogenous transcript in human T cells and found, using biotin pulldown assay, that HuR specifically interacts with its 3′UTR. Using both loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches in vitro and in animal models, we show that HuR is a critical mediator of stimulus-induced increase in GATA-3 mRNA and protein expression and that it positively influences GATA-3 mRNA turnover, in parallel with selective promotion of Th2 cytokine overexpression. These results suggest that HuR-driven posttranscriptional control plays a significant role in T cell development and effector function in both murine and human systems. A better understanding of HuR-mediated control of Th2 polarization may have utility in altering allergic airway inflammation in human asthmatic patients.
ISCOMATRIX Adjuvant Combines Immune Activation with Antigen Delivery to Dendritic Cells In Vivo Leading to Effective Cross-Priming of CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Duewell Peter , Kisser Ulrich , Heckelsmiller Klaus , Hoves Sabine , Stoitzner Patrizia , Koernig Sandra , Morelli Adriana B. , Clausen Björn E. , Dauer Marc , Eigler Andreas , Anz David , Bourquin Carole , Maraskovsky Eugene , Endres Stefan , Schnurr Max
Published: May 2011

Cancer vaccines aim to induce CTL responses against tumors. Challenges for vaccine design are targeting Ag to dendritic cells (DCs) in vivo, facilitating cross-presentation, and conditioning the microenvironment for Th1 type immune responses. In this study, we report that ISCOM vaccines, which consist of ISCOMATRIX adjuvant and protein Ag, meet these challenges. Subcutaneous injection of an ISCOM vaccine in mice led to a substantial influx and activation of innate and adaptive immune effector cells in vaccine site-draining lymph nodes (VDLNs) as well as IFN-γ production by NK and NKT cells. Moreover, an ISCOM vaccine containing the model Ag OVA (OVA/ISCOM vaccine) was efficiently taken up by CD8α+ DCs in VDLNs and induced their maturation and IL-12 production. Adoptive transfer of transgenic OT-I T cells revealed highly efficient cross-presentation of the OVA/ISCOM vaccine in vivo, whereas cross-presentation of soluble OVA was poor even at a 100-fold higher concentration. Cross-presenting activity was restricted to CD8α+ DCs in VDLNs, whereas Langerin+ DCs and CD8α− DCs were dispensable. Remarkably, compared with other adjuvant systems, the OVA/ISCOM vaccine induced a high frequency of OVA-specific CTLs capable of tumor cell killing in different tumor models. Thus, ISCOM vaccines combine potent immune activation with Ag delivery to CD8α+ DCs in vivo for efficient induction of CTL responses.
MHC Class II Epitope Nesting Modulates Dendritic Cell Function and Improves Generation of Antigen-Specific CD4 Helper T Cells
Authors: Erskine Courtney L. , Krco Christopher J. , Hedin Karen E. , Borson Nancy D. , Kalli Kimberly R. , Behrens Marshall D. , Heman-Ackah Sabrina M. , von Hofe Eric , Wettstein Peter J. , Mohamadzadeh Mansour , Knutson Keith L.
Published: May 2011

CD4 Th cells are critical to the development of coordinated immune responses to infections and tumors. Th cells are activated through interactions of the TCR with MHC class II complexed with peptide. T cell activation is dependent on the density of MHC peptide complexes as well as the duration of interaction of the TCR with APCs. In this study, we sought to determine whether MHC class II peptides could be modified with amino acid sequences that facilitated uptake and presentation with the goal of improving Th cell activation in vitro and in vivo. A model epitope derived from the murine folate receptor α, a self- and tumor Ag, was modified at its carboxyl terminus with the invariant chain-derived Ii-Key peptide and at its N terminus with a peptide that enhances uptake of Ag by APC. Modification of a peptide resulted in enhanced generation of high-avidity murine folate receptor α T cells that persisted in vivo and homed to sites of Ag deposition. The nesting approach was epitope and species independent and specifically excluded expansion of CD4 regulatory T cells. The resulting Th cells were therapeutic, enhanced in vivo helper activity and had an increased ability to resist tolerizing immune microenvironments. In addition to improved immunoadjuvants, this epitope modification strategy may be useful for enhancing ex vivo and in vivo generation of Th cells for preventing and treating diseases.
Schizophrenia: A Pathogenetic Autoimmune Disease Caused by Viruses and Pathogens and Dependent on Genes
Authors: Carter C. J.
Published: May 2011

Many genes have been implicated in schizophrenia as have viral prenatal or adult infections and toxoplasmosis or Lyme disease. Several autoantigens also target key pathology-related proteins. These factors are interrelated. Susceptibility genes encode for proteins homologous to those of the pathogens while the autoantigens are homologous to pathogens' proteins, suggesting that the risk-promoting effects of genes and risk factors are conditional upon each other, and dependent upon protein matching between pathogen and susceptibility gene products. Pathogens' proteins may act as dummy ligands, decoy receptors, or via interactome interference. Many such proteins are immunogenic suggesting that antibody mediated knockdown of multiple schizophrenia gene products could contribute to the disease, explaining the immune activation in the brain and lymphocytes in schizophrenia, and the preponderance of immune-related gene variants in the schizophrenia genome. Schizophrenia may thus be a “pathogenetic” autoimmune disorder, caused by pathogens, genes, and the immune system acting together, and perhaps preventable by pathogen elimination, or curable by the removal of culpable antibodies and antigens.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Diagnosis of Pure Neuritic Leprosy
Authors: Kumar Bipin , Pradhan Anju
Published: May 2011

Leprosy is a chronic infection affecting mainly the skin and peripheral nerve. Pure neuritic form of this disease manifests by involvement of the nerve in the absence of skin lesions. Therefore, it can sometimes create a diagnostic problem. It often requires a nerve biopsy for diagnosis, which is an invasive procedure and may lead to neural deficit. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of an affected nerve can be a valuable and less invasive procedure for the diagnosis of such cases. We report five suspected cases of pure neuritic Hansen's disease involving the common and superficial peroneal, ulnar, and median nerve, who underwent FNAC. Smears revealed nerve fibers infiltrated by chronic inflammatory cells in all cases, presence of epithelioid cells granulomas, and Langhans giant cells in three cases, and acid fast bacilli in two cases. In conclusion, FNAC is a safe, less invasive, and time saving procedure for the diagnosis of pure neuritic leprosy.
Increased Cerebrospinal Fluid Production as a Possible Mechanism Underlying Caffeine′s Protective Effect against Alzheimer′s Disease
Authors: Wostyn Peter , Van Dam Debby , Audenaert Kurt , De Deyn Peter Paul
Published: May 2011

Alzheimer′s disease (AD), the most common type of dementia among older people, is characterized by the accumulation of β‐amyloid (Aβ) senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain. Despite major advances in understanding the molecular etiology of the disease, progress in the clinical treatment of AD patients has been extremely limited. Therefore, new and more effective therapeutic approaches are needed. Accumulating evidence from human and animal studies suggests that the long‐term consumption of caffeine, the most commonly used psychoactive drug in the world, may be protective against AD. The mechanisms underlying the suggested beneficial effect of caffeine against AD remain to be elucidated. In recent studies, several potential neuroprotective effects of caffeine have been proposed. Interestingly, a recent study in rats showed that the long‐term consumption of caffeine increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production, associated with the increased expression of Na+‐K+ ATPase and increased cerebral blood flow. Compromised function of the choroid plexus and defective CSF production and turnover, with diminished clearance of Aβ, may be one mechanism implicated in the pathogenesis of late‐onset AD. If reduced CSF turnover is a risk factor for AD, then therapeutic strategies to improve CSF flow are reasonable. In this paper, we hypothesize that long‐term caffeine consumption could exert protective effects against AD at least in part by facilitating CSF production, turnover, and clearance. Further, we propose a preclinical experimental design allowing evaluation of this hypothesis.
Enzymatic Biodiesel Synthesis Using a Byproduct Obtained from Palm Oil Refining
Authors: Corrêa Igor Nascentes dos Santos , Lorena de Souza Susana , Catran Marly , Bernardes Otávio Luiz , Portilho Márcio Figueiredo , Langone Marta Antunes Pereira
Published: May 2011

An alternative route to produce biodiesel is based on esterification of free fatty acids present in byproducts obtained from vegetable oil refining, such as palm oil fatty acid distillate (PFAD). PFAD is a byproduct of the production of edible palm oil, which contains 96 wt.% of free fatty acids. The purpose of this work was to study biodiesel synthesis via esterification of PFAD with methanol and ethanol, catalyzed by commercial immobilized lipases (Novozym 435, Lipozyme RM-IM, and Lipozyme TL-IM), in a solvent-free system. The effects of reaction parameters such as type of lipase, enzyme amount, type of alcohol, alcohol amount, and enzyme reuse were studied. Fatty acid conversion of 93% was obtained after 2.5 h of esterification reaction between PFAD and ethanol using 1.0 wt.% of Novozym 435 at 60°C.
Redes sociais em linguagens documentais: uma análise de coautoria a partir da realidade brasileira
Authors: Sales Rodrigo de , Guimarães José Augusto Chaves , Oliveira Ely Francina Tannuri , Bufrem Leilah Santiago
Published: May 2011

As redes sociais medem a colaboração científica entre pesquisadores, instituições e países, tornando visível o comportamento investigativo de dado campo. Linguagem documental é uma temática abordada fundamentalmente no campo da organização e representação da informação. Este trabalho apresenta a formação de redes sociais relacionadas ao tema linguagem documental a partir dos currículos disponibilizados na Plataforma Lattes. Foram realizadas análises de coautoria entre os pesquisadores e as instituições, além do levantamento dos periódicos que são mais utilizados para comunicação das pesquisas, bem como das áreas de conhecimento que abarcam investigações de linguagens documentais. Constatou-se que o índice de coautoria é alto, mas que as redes sociais do respectivo tema são concebidas de maneira localizada.
Ciência da Informação, Biblioteconomia, Arquivologia e Museologia: relações teóricas e institucionais
Authors: Araújo Carlos Alberto Ávila
Published: May 2011

Discute-se as relações entre a Ciência da Informação e os campos da Biblioteconomia, Arquivologia e Museologia, a partir de dois critérios: as relações teórico-científicas e as questões de legitimação institucionais. Aponta-se para a característica interdisciplinar da Ciência da Informação como um dos elementos a potencializar a integração destes três campos em seu escopo.
O Prêmio Jovem Cientista e o comportamento informacional do pesquisador
Authors: Fialho Janaina Ferreira
Published: May 2011

O artigo apresenta os principais resultados alcançados em estudo que buscou investigar o comportamento informacional do jovem pesquisador brasileiro na prática da pesquisa científica. Utilizou-se uma amostra de 14 estudantes vencedores do Prêmio Jovem Cientista na categoria estudante de ensino médio, promovido pelo Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico. Através da aplicação da técnica de análise de conteúdo, o estudo orientou para a construção da rede semântica de representação do discurso científico, elaborada a partir do vocabulário utilizado pelos jovens pesquisadores nos textos de suas pesquisas. O Prêmio Jovem Cientista caracterizou-se como um momento importante na vida dos estudantes: em relação ao reconhecimento social, ao desenvolvimento da carreira profissional e ao aprendizado de pesquisa. Concluiu-se que um dos pontos frágeis do concurso é a divulgação junto à sociedade, principalmente o acesso limitado aos textos das pesquisas premiadas.
Modeling chemistry in and above snow at Summit, Greenland – Part 1: Model description and results
Authors: Thomas J. L. , Stutz J. , Lefer B. , Huey L. G. , Toyota K. , Dibb J. E. , von Glasow R.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Sun-lit snow is increasingly recognized as a chemical reactor that plays an active role in uptake, transformation, and release of atmospheric trace gases. Snow is known to influence boundary layer air on a local scale, and given the large global surface coverage of snow may also be significant on regional and global scales. We present a new detailed one-dimensional snow chemistry module that has been coupled to the 1-D atmospheric boundary layer model MISTRA. The new 1-D snow module, which is dynamically coupled to the overlaying atmospheric model, includes heat transport in the snowpack, molecular diffusion, and wind pumping of gases in the interstitial air. The model includes gas phase chemical reactions both in the interstitial air and the atmosphere. Heterogeneous and multiphase chemistry on atmospheric aerosol is considered explicitly. The chemical interaction of interstitial air with snow grains is simulated assuming chemistry in a liquid-like layer (LLL) on the grain surface. The coupled model, referred to as MISTRA-SNOW, was used to investigate snow as the source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and gas phase reactive bromine in the atmospheric boundary layer in the remote snow covered Arctic (over the Greenland ice sheet) as well as to investigate the link between halogen cycling and ozone depletion that has been observed in interstitial air. The model is validated using data taken 10 June–13 June, 2008 as part of the Greenland Summit Halogen-HOx experiment (GSHOX). The model predicts that reactions involving bromide and nitrate impurities in the surface snow can sustain atmospheric NO and BrO mixing ratios measured at Summit, Greenland during this period.
The influence of the stratosphere on the tropospheric zonal wind response to CO2 doubling
Authors: Hinssen Y. B. L. , Bell C. J. , Siegmund P. C.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. The influence of a CO2 doubling on the stratospheric potential vorticity (PV) is examined in two climate models. Subsequently, the influence of changes in the stratosphere on the tropospheric zonal wind response is investigated, by inverting the stratospheric PV. Radiative effects seem to dominate the stratospheric response to CO2 doubling in the Southern Hemisphere. These lead to a stratospheric PV increase at the edge of the polar vortex, resulting in an increased westerly influence of the stratosphere on the troposphere, increasing the midlatitude tropospheric westerlies in late winter. In the Northern Hemisphere, dynamical effects are also important. Both models show a reduced polar PV and an enhanced midlatitude PV in the Northern Hemisphere winter stratosphere. These PV changes are likely related to an enhanced wave forcing of the winter stratosphere, as measured by an increase in the 100 hPa eddy heat flux, and result in a reduced westerly influence of the stratosphere on the high latitude tropospheric winds. In one model, the high latitude PV decreases are, however, restricted to higher altitudes, and the tropospheric response due to the stratospheric changes is dominated by an increased westerly influence in the midlatitudes, related to the increase in midlatitude PV in the lower stratosphere. The tropospheric response in zonal wind due to the stratospheric PV changes is of the order of 0.5 to 1 m s−1. The total tropospheric response has a somewhat different spatial structure, but is of similar magnitude. This indicates that the stratospheric influence is of importance in modifying the tropospheric zonal wind response to CO2 doubling.