bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell Therapy for Diabetes Using Piscine Islet Tissue
Authors: Wright James R. , Pohajdak Bill
Published: September 2018

The islet tissue, called Brockmann bodies, in certain teleost fish is anatomically distinct from the pancreatic exocrine tissue and can be easily identified macroscopically. Expensive islet isolation procedures, such as required when procuring islet tissue from mammalian pancreases, are unnecessary. Tilapia islets transplanted into diabetic athymic nude mice will produce long-term normoglycemia and mammalian-like glucose tolerance profiles. Encapsulated tilapia islets function well after transplantation into euthymic recipients. Additionally, tilapia are potentially ideal xenogeneic donors because of markedly lower donor production costs, minimal islet procurement costs, and possibly decreased xenozoonotic potential relative to mammalian donors. Tilapia islets appear to be appropriately glucose responsive with high insulin output, can be cryopreserved, and are much more resistant to hypoxia than mammalian islets. Because tilapia and human insulin differ by 17 amino acids, we have cloned, sequenced, and modified the tilapia insulin gene by site-directed mutagenesis resulting in a tilapia insulin gene that codes for “humanized” insulin while still maintaining all of the tilapia regulatory (noncoding) sequences. We have now produced small numbers of founder transgenic tilapia with incorporation of our humanized tilapia insulin gene construct, and we have shown transmission and expression of the transgene in the beta cells and serum of their F1 offspring. Our ultimate goal is to achieve homologous recombination and to breed for homozygosity for the hybrid insulin gene. Subsequent generations of transgenic tilapia will undergo a program of genomic optimization selecting for growth, survival, and fecundity as well as stability of the transgene. Islets from the resulting transgenic fish, after extensive characterization, could be harvested, encapsulated, and then transplanted into diabetic patients.
Characteristics of Cartilage Biopsies Used for Autologous Chondrocytes Transplantation
Authors: Robinson Dror , Ash Hana , Nevo Zvi , Aviezer David
Published: September 2018

Biopsies removed from 57 patients considered for cartilage transplantation were grown at CTI Ltd. (47 biopsies) and at Tel Aviv University (10 biopsies). Tissue processing took place in dedicated laboratories. Explant cultures allowed cell number expansion. Fifty-four out of 57 biopsies grew cells. Fanning out of the cells began after 5 – 15 days in culture. Two passages later, cell numbers in the 107 range were achieved. Cells from all cultures expressed mRNA of aggrecan and link protein but not of alkaline phosphatase. Histochemical stains such as alcian blue pH 1 were negative in sparse monolayer cultures, but positive in pellet cultures. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated expression of collagen type I in monolayer cultures, switching to collagen type II in micromass cultures. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3, a recently described characteristic receptor of precartilaginous cells, was expressed in monolayers and disappeared in micromass cultures. In conclusion, explants of articular chondrocytes cultured in vitro consistently yield monolayer cultures. The cells appear to revert to dedifferentiated chondrocytes, expressing a mesenchymal stem cell protein profile. Simultaneously, these cells regained their capacity to proliferate. Cultures held as micromass allowed reexpression of the differentiated phenotype traits.
Protection of Xenografts by a Combination of Immunoisolation and a Single Dose of Anti-CD4 Antibody
Authors: McKenzie Andrew W. , Georgiou Harry M. , Zhan Yifan , Brady Jamie L. , Lew Andrew M.
Published: September 2018

Immunoisolation is the separation of transplanted cells from cells of the immune system using a semipermeable membrane. Using one such immunoisolation capsule – -the TheraCyte® device – -we have assessed the survival of encapsulated xenogeneic tissue in vivo as well as the contribution of CD4+ve T cells to encapsulated xenograft rejection. he foreign body reaction to the TheraCyte® capsule in vivo was assessed by transplanting empty capsules into normal mice. These capsules elicit a foreign body response by the host animal. Encapsulated CHO, NIT-1, and PK-15 cells were placed in culture and in immunodeficient mice to investigate their growth characteristics in the TheraCyte® device. These cell lines survive both in culture and in immunodeficient SCID mice. Xenogeneic PK cells were also transplanted into normal C57BL/6 mice. These cells do not survive in normal mice despite the absence of direct contact between infiltrating and encapsulated cells. In addition, the survival of encapsulated cells in mice treated with a single dose of anti-CD4 antibody was examined. This was assessed using two systems: 1) histological analysis of capsule sections; 2) a quantitative luciferase reporter system using PK cells transfected to express luciferase. In both cases, anti-CD4 antibody contributed to prolonged encapsulated xenogeneic cell survival. Encapsulated xenogeneic cells survive in immunodeficient mice but not normal mice. Treatment of normal mice with anti-CD4 antibody results in prolonged survival of xenogeneic cells that can be measured using a luciferase reporter system. These results highlight the contribution of CD4+ve T cells to encapsulated xenograft rejection.
C-Peptide Determinations in Islet Xenotransplantation: A Study in the Pig-to-Mouse Model
Authors: Wennberg L. , Sundberg B. , Ekdahl-Nilsson K. , Korsgren O.
Published: September 2018

Assays of C-peptide are used to monitor allogeneic islet graft function. However, it is not known whether xenogeneic C-peptide is metabolized and excreted in a fashion similar to endogenous and allogeneic C-peptide. In this study, injection of 10 times the physiological amount of porcine C-peptide into mice did not result in the excretion of the C-peptide in the urine. In contrast, when a physiological amount of porcine C-peptide was injected into athymic mice, urinary excretion of porcine C-peptide was readily detected. After injection of radioactively labeled porcine C-peptide into mice, the radioactive uptake in tissues belonging to the mononuclear phagocytic system was significantly increased in mice immunized towards the xenogeneic C-peptide. These results may reflect an immunological reactivity towards the C-peptide. Antibodies against porcine C-peptide could not be detected in the serum of any of the mice. However, porcine C-peptide was found to be glycosylated. Thus, a possible explanation to the lack of porcine C-peptide in the urine is that xenoreactive antibodies had bound to carbohydrate structures on the peptide and that the antibody – C-peptide complex had been cleared from the circulation by the mononuclear phagocytic system. Thus, the urinary excretion of xenogeneic C-peptide seems to be different from that of endogenous and allogeneic C-peptide. Consequently, determinations of donor-specific C-peptide may not properly reflect islet xenograft function. In fact, islet xenograft function may be underestimated.
Update on Immunoisolation Cell Therapy for CNS Diseases
Authors: Emerich Dwaine F. , Salzberg Heather C.
Published: September 2018

Delivery of potentially therapeutic drugs to the brain is hindered by the blood – brain barrier (BBB), which restricts the diffusion of drugs from the vasculature to the brain parenchyma. One means of overcoming the BBB is with cellular implants that produce and deliver therapeutic molecules. Polymer encapsulation, or immunoisolation, provides a means of overcoming the BBB to deliver therapeutic molecules directly into the CNS region of interest. Immunoisolation is based on the observation that xenogeneic cells can be protected from host rejection by encapsulating, or surrounding, them within an immunoisolatory, semipermeable membrane. Cells can be enclosed within a selective, semipermeable membrane barrier that admits oxygen and required nutrients and releases bioactive cell secretions, but restricts passage of larger cytotoxic agents from the host immune defense system. The selective membrane eliminates the need for chronic immunosuppression of the host and allows the implanted cells to be obtained from nonhuman sources. In this review, cell immunoisolation for treating CNS diseases is updated from considerations of device configurations, membrane manufacturing and characterization in preclinical models of Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease.
Apoptosis Occurs in Isolated and Banked Primary Mouse Hepatocytes
Authors: Fu Tao , Guo Danqing , Huang Xuemei , O'gorman Maurice R. G. , Huang Lijun , Crawford Susan E. , Soriano Humberto E.
Published: September 2018

Isolation and cryopreservation of freshly isolated hepatocytes is considered a standard procedure for the long-term storage of liver cells. However, most existing methods for banking hepatocytes do not allow sufficient recovery of viable cells to meet the needs of basic research or clinical trials of hepatocyte transplantation. The mechanisms underlying this poor rate of hepatocyte recovery are unknown. Although much of the cellular damage in freezing is caused by formation of ice crystals within the cells, this is largely prevented by the use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and controlled rate freezing. As we demonstrated recently, necrosis does occur in primary hepatocytes following isolation and cryopreservation. In the present study, we explored the contribution of apoptosis, another form of cell death, in primary hepatocytes banked for transplantation. We evaluated apoptosis of C57BL/6J mouse primary hepatocytes using several different methods. Annexin binding and the TUNEL assay, in conjunction with flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy, revealed that the percentage of apoptotic cells was dramatically elevated in cryopreserved cells compared with that in the control group of unfrozen cells. DNA laddering detected by DNA electrophoresis in agarose gel also supported the presence of apoptosis in isolated and banked liver cells. Moreover, we found that the addition of glucose (from 10 to 20 mM) into the freezing solution (University of Wisconsin Solution) decreased the rate of apoptosis by 84% and improved the cell attachment at least fourfold in cryopreserved cells. These results suggest that apoptosis might contribute to cell death in isolated and banked primary hepatocytes.
Transplantation of Amniotic Epithelial Cells into Fetal Rat Liver by In Utero Manipulation
Authors: Takahashi Nanae , Enosawa Shin , Mitani Tasuku , Lu Hua , Suzuki Seiichi , Amemiya Hiroshi , Amano Takashi , Sakuragawa Norio
Published: September 2018

It has been hoped that amniotic epithelial cells would be a gene carrier to neural and hepatic tissue, because of 1) the presence of neural and hepatic stem-like cells, 2) the ability to cryopreserve them, 3) long-term survival in the transplanted site, and 4) few ethical problems concerning procurement. But transplantation of a sufficient number of cells to adult tissue needs large-scale cell supply and may lead to vascular embolism. We attempted transplantation of amniotic epithelial cells into fetal liver, because 1) the fetal liver is at the proliferative stage, 2) the number of cells required is small, and 3) the fetal stage is advantageous for the induction of immunological tolerance. Amniotic epithelial cells from day 18.5–20.5 fetuses were transfected with adenoviral AdlacZ and harvested to inject into fetal rat liver of the syngeneic strain (day 18.5–20.5). The efficacy of cell transplantation into the liver increased in the order: intraplacental < intraumbilical vein < intrahepatic route. LacZ-transfected amniotic cells (1–8 × 105 cells), hepatocytes (5 × 105 cells), or AdlacZ vector solution (1.7 × 107 pfu) were injected through the uterine membrane into the liver. Transplanted cells formed a cellular mass and survived for up to 14 days after birth, whereas lacZ-transfected cells were rapidly decreased after the injection of AdlacZ vector or rat hepatocytes as a gene carrier so that the use of amniotic epithelial cells as a gene carrier will result in long-term expression of exogenous genes in the liver.
Three-Dimensional Seeding of Chondrocytes Encapsulated in Collagen Gel into PLLA Scaffolds
Authors: Ushida Takashi , Furukawa Katsuko , Toita Kenshi , Tateishi Tetsuya
Published: September 2018

Tissue engineering approaches have been clinically tried to repair damaged articular cartilages. It is an essential step to uniformly seed chondrocytes into 3D scaffolds in order to reconstruct tissue-engineered cartilages in vitro, but the tissue engineering could not have been provided with efficient cell seeding methods. Type I collagen is clinically used and known as a cytocompatible material, having recognition sites for integrins. Collagen gel encapsulating chondrocytes has been tried for making regenerated cartilages, but it is found difficult to have the gel keep its original shape after long-term culture, because of shrinking. On the other hand, 3D scaffolds, either of a nonwoven structure or a sponge-like structure, involve difficulty in that chondrocytes could not be uniformly seeded, although they have adequate initial mechanical properties. In this study, by combining collagen gelation with a nonwoven PLLA scaffold, we achieved uniform cell seeding into the 3D scaffold. Bovine articular chondrocytes were mixed with type I collagen solution, and the solution was poured into the nonwoven PLLA scaffold (1.5 mm thick, f 15 mm). The collagen–chondrocyte mixture was made into gel at 37°C for 1 h. The 0.39% collagen mixture was viscous enough to prevent cells from precipitating during gelation. Almost all chondrocytes were able to be incorporated into the PLLA scaffolds by mixing with collagen solution and subsequently making into gel, while 30–40% of the chondrocytes seeded as a cell suspension were not trapped into the PLLA scaffolds. The method presented, where chondrocytes were mixed with collagen solution, and the mixture was incorporated into a 3D scaffold, then made into gel in the scaffold, could serve as an alternative for in vitro cartilage regeneration, also simultaneously having the advantages of both materials.
Cell Transplantation to the Brain with Microglia Labeled by Neuropathogenic Retroviral Vector System
Authors: Watanabe Rihito , Takase-Yoden Sayaka , Fukumitsu Hidefumi , Nakajima Kazuyuki
Published: September 2018

A8 virus (A8-V) is a molecular clone of the neuropathogenic FrC6 virus derived from the Friend murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV). The A8-V infects endothelia and microglia in the brain. We constructed a gene transfer system with the A8-V gene. Pseudotyped virus carrying the surface protein of A8-V (A8-SU) transduced the β-glactosidase gene incorporated in the retroviral vector efficiently to cultured microglial cells derived from newborn rats. Ex vivo gene transferred microglial cells were then injected into the right hemi-sphere of 3-day-old and 3-week-old rat brains. All of the rats examined at 4 weeks after the injection contained the labeled microglial cells in the brain (7/7 and 5/5 of the rats injected at 3 days and 3 weeks, respectively). None of the rats showed pathological changes in the whole body investigated, including the central nervous system, 4 weeks after transplantation of the labeled microglial cells.
Islet Transplantation under the Kidney Capsule Corrects the Defects in Glycogen Metabolism in Both Liver and Muscle of Streptozocin-Diabetic Rats
Authors: Matarazzo Margherita , Giardina Maria Grazia , Guardasole Vincenzo , Davalli Alberto M. , Horton Edward S. , Weir Gordon C. , Saccà Luigi , Napoli Raffaele
Published: September 2018

Insulin-deficient rats are characterized by multiple defects in the pathway of glycogen synthesis and breakdown in both liver and skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to clarify whether islet transplantation under the kidney capsule, which is associated with delivery of insulin into the peripheral circulation, is able to normalize glycogen metabolism in liver and muscle of streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Three groups of male Lewis rats were studied under fasting condition: controls, untreated diabetics, and islet transplanted diabetics. Glycogen content, glucose-6-phosphate concentration, and glycogen synthase activity were measured in both liver and skeletal muscle. Untreated diabetic rats were characterized by an increase in glycogen content of 178% and a reduction of glucose-6-phosphate level of 50%. Both glycogen and glucose-6-phosphate contents were restored to normal in transplanted diabetic rats. Active glycogen synthase (0.35 ± 0.1 nmol/min/mg) and activity ratio (0.22 ± 0.04) were significantly impaired compared with controls (0.99 ± 0.2 nmol/min/mg and 0.43 ± 0.06, respectively) and were normalized by islet transplantation. In the skeletal muscle, glycogen content was similar in the three groups of animals, whereas muscle glucose-6-phosphate level was reduced by 28% and glycogen synthase was in a less active state in the untreated diabetic rats. Both the glucose-6-phosphate concentration and the kinetic profile of glycogen synthase were normalized by islet transplantation. In conclusion, islet transplantation under the kidney capsule corrects the diabetes-induced abnormalities in glycogen and glucose-6-phosphate content and glycogen synthase activity in both liver and skeletal muscle.
Induction of Ectopic Bone Formation by Using Human Periosteal Cells in Combination with a Novel Scaffold Technology
Authors: Schantz Jan-Thorsten , Hutmacher Dietmar Werner , Chim Harvey , Ng Kee Woei , Lim Thiam Chye , Teoh Swee Hin
Published: September 2018

Due to their osteogenic germination potential, periosteum-derived osteoprogenitor cells are a potential source for tissue engineering a bone graft that could be used to regenerate skeletal defects. In this study we evaluated if ectopic bone formation could be induced by a construct made of human periosteal cells and a novel scaffold architecture whose mechanical properties are in the range of cancellous bone. Biopsies from human calvarial periosteum were harvested and cells were isolated from the inner cambial layer. Fifty thousand periosteal cells were seeded into the scaffolds measuring 6 × 6 × 2 mm. The cell–scaffold constructs were cultured for a period of 3 weeks prior to implantation into balb C nude mice. Mice were sacrificed and implants were analyzed 6 and 17 weeks postoperatively. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the osteoblastic phenotype of the seeded cells. Formation of focal adhesions and stress fibers could be observed in both scaffold architectures. Three-dimensional cell proliferation was observed after 2 weeks of culturing with centripetal growth pattern inside the pore network. The deposition of calcified extracellular matrix was observed after 3 weeks of culturing. In vivo, endochondral bone formation with osteoid production was detectable via von Kossa and Osteocalcin staining after 6 and 17 weeks. Histology and SEM revealed that the entire scaffold/bone grafts were penetrated by a vascular network. This study showed the potential of bone tissue engineering by using human periosteal cells in combination with a novel scaffold technology.
Intradermal Cell Transplantation in Soluble Collagen
Authors: Zhang Hao , Hornsby Peter J.
Published: September 2018

Intradermal, as opposed to subcutaneous, cell transplantation was previously shown to be advantageous for tumor cell growth, but this site has not been used for transplantation of normal nonneoplastic cells. In preliminary experiments we found that it was difficult to control the size and shape of transplants when we injected dissociated cells intradermally. This problem was solved by placing cells in nongelled, pepsin-solubilized collagen prior to injection. This technique permitted the successful transplantation of normal bovine adrenocortical cells and of neoplastic cells (3T3 cells secreting FGF) in scid mice. Primary bovine adrenocortical cells formed functional vascularized tissue and the transplants rescued the animals from the lethal effects of adrenalectomy. The histological structure of transplant tissues resembled that previously observed when cells were transplanted in the subrenal capsule space. We also used a line of 3T3 cells that has been genetically modified to secrete a form of acidic FGF. When transplanted intradermally in collagen, they formed rapidly enlarging masses of cells that could easily be palpated beneath the skin of the animal. Intradermal injection of cells in pepsin-solubilized collagen is a simple and reliable technique for transplanting normal primary cells and preneoplastic cells. The ability to grow both types of cells in an easily accessible site allows less invasive monitoring of growth, angiogenesis, and other features of the transplant.
Engraftment and Function of Intrasplenically Transplanted Cold Stored Rat Hepatocytes
Authors: Spinelli Silvana V. , Rodríguez Joaquín V. , Quintana Alejandra B. , Mediavilla María G. , Guibert Edgardo E.
Published: September 2018

Hepatocellular transplant may potentially be efficacious for the treatment of selected liver metabolic disorders and acute hepatic failure. On the other hand, the use of hepatocyte cold preservation techniques in these transplantation protocols would allow to have available cells at the right time and place and, consequently, make an optimal use of scarce human hepatocytes. In our experiments we evaluated the biodistribution and functionality of cold preserved hepatocytes transplanted in the spleen of syngeneic rats. Isolated hepatocytes were labeled with the fluorescent dye 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl-ester, cold-preserved in modified University of Wisconsin (UW) solution for 48 or 96 h, and then transplanted into the spleen. Recipient animals were euthanized at 0 and 3 h, and at 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 14 days after transplantation for tissue analysis. Labeled hepatocytes were clearly identifiable in the recipient tissues up to 14 days later. Fluorescence microscopy also showed no significant differences in biodistribution when either cold stored or freshly isolated hepatocytes were transplanted. In addition, functional activity of transplanted cells was demonstrated by immunohistochemical detection of albumin at levels comparable to those found in normal hepatocytes. Our findings establish that cold preserved hepatocytes appear morphologically and biochemically normal after intrasplenic transplantation. Consequently, it indicates that modified UW solution makes it possible to safety preserve hepatocytes for up to 96 h before transplantation, perhaps providing sufficient time for hepatocyte allocation and potential recipient preparation, if applicable clinically.
Changes in Mass and Performance in Rabbit Muscles after Muscle Damage with or without Transplantation of Primary Satellite Cells
Authors: Andalousi Ramzi Boubaker El , Daussin Paul-André , Micallef Jean-Paul , Roux Colette , Nougues Jean , Chammas Michel , Reyne Yves , Bacou Francis
Published: September 2018

Changes in morphology, metabolism, myosin heavy chain gene expression, and functional performances in damaged rabbit muscles with or without transplantation of primary satellite cells were investigated. For this purpose, we damaged bilaterally the fast muscle tibialis anterior (TA) with either 1.5 or 2.6 ml cardiotoxin 10–5 M injections. Primary cultures of satellite cells were autotransplanted unilaterally 5 days after muscle degeneration. Two months postoperation, the masses of damaged TAs, with or without transplantation, were significantly larger than those of the controls. Furthermore, damaged transplanted muscles weighed significantly more than damaged muscles only. The increase in muscle mass was essentially due to increased fiber size. These results were independent of the quantity of cardiotoxin injected into the muscles. Maximal forces were similar in control and 2.6 ml damaged TAs with or without satellite cell transfer. In contrast, 1.5 ml damaged TAs showed a significant decrease in maximal forces that reached the level of controls after transplantation of satellite cells. Fatigue resistance was similar in control and 1.5 ml damaged TAs independently of satellite cell transfer. Fatigue index was significantly higher in 2.6 ml damaged muscles with or without cell transplantation. These changes could be explained in part by muscle metabolism, which shifted towards oxidative activities, and by gene expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms, which presented an increase in type IIa and a decrease in type I and IIb in all damaged muscles with or without cell transfer. Under our experimental conditions, these results show that muscle damage rather than satellite cell transplantation changes muscle metabolism, myosin heavy chain isoform gene expression, and, to a lesser extent, muscle contractile properties. In contrast, muscle weight and fiber size are increased both by muscle damage and by satellite cell transfer.
Intravenous Administration of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Reduces Neurological Deficit in the Rat after Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Lu Dunyue , Sanberg Paul R. , Mahmood Asim , Li Yi , Wang Lei , Sanchez-Ramos Juan , Chopp Michael
Published: September 2018

We measured the effect of treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the rat with human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) administered IV. HUCB cells were injected into the tail vein 24 h after TBI and the rats were sacrificed at day 28 after the treatment. The Rotarod test and the neurological severity score (NSS) were used to evaluate neurological function. The distribution of the donor cells in the brain, heart, lung, kidney, liver, spleen, bone marrow, and muscle were analyzed in recipient rats using immunohistochemical staining and laser confocal microscopy. HUCB cells injected IV significantly reduced motor and neurological deficits compared with control groups by day 28 after the treatment. The cells preferentially entered the brain and migrated into the parenchyma of the injured brain and expressed the neuronal markers, NeuN and MAP-2, and the astrocytic marker, GFAP. Some HUCB cells integrated into the vascular walls within the boundary zone of the injured area. Our data suggest that IV administration of HUCB may be useful in the treatment of TBI.
Fibronectin Promotes Survival and Migration of Primary Neural Stem Cells Transplanted into the Traumatically Injured Mouse Brain
Authors: Tate Matthew C. , Shear Deborah A. , Hoffman Stuart W. , Stein Donald G. , Archer David R. , Laplaca Michelle C.
Published: September 2018

Multipotential stem cells are an attractive choice for cell therapy after traumatic brain injury (TBI), as replacement of multiple cell types may be required for functional recovery. In the present study, neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from the germinal zone of E14.5 GFP-expressing mouse brains were cultured as neurospheres in FGF2-enhanced medium. When FGF2 was removed in vitro, NSCs expressed phenotypic markers for neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes and exhibited migratory behavior in the presence of adsorbed fibronectin (FN). NSCs (105 cells) were transplanted into mouse brains 1 week after a unilateral, controlled, cortical contusion (depth = 1 mm, velocity = 6 m/s, duration = 150 ms) (n = 19). NSCs were injected either directly into the injury cavity with or without an injectable FN-based scaffold [collagen I (CnI)/ FN gel; n = 14] or into the striatum below the injury cavity (n = 5). At all time points examined (1 week to 3 months posttransplant), GFP+ cells were confined to the ipsilateral host brain tissue. At 1 week, cells injected into the injury cavity lined the injury penumbra while cells inserted directly into the striatum remained in or around the needle track. Striatal transplants had a lower number of surviving GFP+ cells relative to cavity injections at the 1 week time point (p < 0.01). At the longer survival times (3 weeks–3 months), 63–76% of transplanted cells migrated into the fimbria hippocampus regardless of injection site, perhaps due to cues from the degenerating hippocampus. Furthermore, cells injected into the cavity within a FN-containing matrix showed increased survival and migration at 3 weeks (p < 0.05 for both) relative to injections of cells alone. These results suggest that FGF2-responsive NSCs present a promising approach for cellular therapy following trauma and that the transplant location and environment may play an important role in graft survival and integration.
Developing Capability: Transforming Massage Therapy Education through Inquiry-based Learning
Authors: Baskwill, PhD(c), MSc, BEd, RMT Amanda
Published: September 2018

Massage therapy education programs are responsible for preparing graduates for complex professional environments, while also ensuring graduates can access the profession by passing the regulatory body’s standardized certification or licensing examination. Massage therapists are regulated health care professionals in four Canadian provinces. They are autonomous practitioners and an integral part of the health care regime for patients with complicated health presentations. As such, they must think critically about patients’ presentations and determine the most appropriate care. This article describes the process undertaken by the faculty team of Humber College’s Massage Therapy Program in an effort to transform the existingteaching and learning strategies by incorporating principles of inquiry-based learning (IBL).
TO COOPERATE OR TO COMPETE: A GAME THEORETIC ANALYSIS ON PORTS IN MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE
Authors: Ignatius Joshua , Siang Tan Tian , Dhamotharan Lalitha , Goh Mark
Published: September 2018

The busiest container ports in the world are mostly situated in the Asian region, thus intensifying inter-port competition. Particularly unique in this region, is the shared history between Malaysia and Singapore, which was once ruled-under the British empire, has since become economic rivals for the Far East – Europe trade route. This provides a suitable context to investigate whether competition or a strategic alliance should be adopted for ports in terms of its benefit to the industry in the region as a whole. Specifically, this paper analyses the ocean freight traffic demand for the Far East-Europe route among three main transshipment ports located in Malaysia and Singapore: Port of Singapore (PSA), Port Klang (PKL), and Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP). The paper provides a scenario analysis of the 3-way interaction through a game theoretic model. The results suggest that a strategic alliance between PSA and PTP generates greater profitability to the current hub and spoke network, while PKL should not commit to any cooperative strategy with either PSA or PTP.
MEASURING POVERTY CYCLES IN THE U.S. 1959–2013
Authors: Škare Marinko , Pržiklas Družeta Romina , Škare Damian
Published: September 2018

This paper aims to shed light on the nature of poverty as a dynamic process by examining poverty cycles, their magnitudes, and their asymmetry. The designated benchmark country is the USA due to the availability of time series data making comprehensive analyses possible. We use Harding and Pagan (2002) and the Cardinale and Taylor (2009) model to isolate poverty cycles in the U.S. during 1959–2013. Once isolated, we test the poverty cycles for duration dependency, and their synchronization with the U.S. business cycles observed over the same period. We find that poverty dynamics measured through poverty cycles differ for alternative poverty rate indicators. Another critical point is the magnitude of change in the poverty cycles. Prolonged and more volatile poverty cycles have a significant adverse impact on people and families facing them. That is particularly important for policymakers who should rethink poverty policy guidelines aimed at helping people with more volatile poverty cycles first. Our is the first study, to our knowledge, to isolate poverty cycles and focus on their nature. Poverty cycles should attract more attention from policymakers since they more accurately assess nations’ economic well-being than output (GDP).
FUZZY CLASSIFICATION OF DICHOTOMOUS TEST ITEMS AND SOCIAL INDICATORS DIFFERENTIATION PROPERTY
Authors: Krylovas Aleksandras , Kosareva Natalja , Karaliūnaitė Julija
Published: September 2018

In many fields of human activities such as economics, sustainable development, construction, human resources management etc., dichotomous tests are employed to measure some observed property, for example knowledge level in a specific field or applicant’s eligibility for a job position. Fuzzy classification method for dichotomous test items is proposed in this paper. Depending on the observed property, each test item may well differentiate all testees or only the testees who are strong or weak at that property. Also, the test item may badly differentiate all testees and be inappropriate for that purpose. The method presented in the paper may be applied for small groups of testees with known estimates of the investigated property, for example raw test scores. The proposed method for dichotomous test item classification is based on the fuzzy set theory. Though the tests were originally constructed for knowledge measurement, their mathematical models can be applied for social indicators and wide range of other areas.
Black Holes and Neutron Stars in Nearby Galaxies: Insights from NuSTAR
Authors: Vulic N. , Hornschemeier A. E. , Wik D. R. , Yukita M. , Zezas A. , Ptak A. F. , Lehmer B. D. , Antoniou V. , Maccarone T. J. , Williams B. F. , Fornasini F. M.
Published: September 2018

Nearby galaxy surveys have long classified X-ray binaries (XRBs) by the mass category of their donor stars (high-mass and low-mass). The NuSTAR observatory, which provides imaging data at E > 10 keV, has enabled the classification of extragalactic XRBs by their compact object type: neutron star (NS) or black hole (BH). We analyzed NuSTAR/Chandra/XMM-Newton observations from a NuSTAR-selected sample of 12 galaxies within 5 Mpc having stellar masses (M
⋆) 107–11
M
⊙ and star formation rates (SFRs) ≈ 0.01–15 M
⊙ yr−1. We detected 128 NuSTAR sources to a sensitivity of ≈1038 erg s−1. Using NuSTAR color-intensity and color–color diagrams we classified 43 of these sources as candidate NSs and 47 as candidate BHs. We further subdivide BHs by accretion states (soft, intermediate, and hard) and NSs by weak (Z/Atoll) and strong (accreting pulsar) magnetic field. Using eight normal (Milky Way-type) galaxies in the sample, we confirm the relation between the SFR and galaxy X-ray point source luminosity in the 4–25 and 12–25 keV energy bands. We also constrained galaxy X-ray point source luminosity using the relation L
X = α
M
⋆ + βSFR, finding agreement with previous work. The X-ray luminosity function (XLF) of all sources in the 4–25 and 12–25 keV energy bands matches the α = 1.6 slope for high-mass XRBs. We find that NS XLFs suggest a decline beginning at the Eddington limit for a 1.4 M
⊙ NS, whereas the BH fraction shows an approximate monotonic increase in the 4–25 and 12–25 keV energy bands. We calculate the overall ratio of BH to NS to be ≈1 for 4–25 keV and ≈2 for 12–25 keV.
Energetic Gamma-Ray Emission from Solar Flares
Authors: Kafexhiu Ervin , Romoli Carlo , Taylor Andrew M. , Aharonian Felix
Published: September 2018

Recent advances in the γ-ray observations of solar flares by the Fermi satellite demand revisions in the hadronic γ-ray flux computation below 1 GeV. In this work, we utilize recently updated pion production cross sections, along with an accurate description of low-energy nuclear interactions. Applying these new interaction descriptions to model the Fermi Large Area Telescope solar flare data, we infer primary particle spectral parameters. Application of this new cross section description leads to significantly different spectral parameters compared to those obtained previously. Furthermore, the inclusion of nuclei in these calculations leads to a primary spectrum that is generally harder than that required from proton-only considerations. Finally, the flare data at lower MeV energies, detected by the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor, are shown to provide additional low-energy spectral information.
On climate change and subterranean spiders
Authors: Mammola Stefano , Piano Elena , Jones Alexandra , Dejanaz Andrea , Isaia Marco
Published: September 2018

Subterranean ecosystems offer intriguing opportunities to study mechanisms underlying responses to changes in climate because species within them are often adapted to largely constant temperatures. However, responses of specialized subterranean species to anthropogenic climate warming are still largely undiscussed. We combined physiological tests, species distribution models and genetic data to investigate the potential effect of raising temperatures on subterranean coenosis. We used spiders of the genus Troglohyphantes Joseph, 1881 (Araneae: Linyphiidae) as model organisms, focusing on a coherent biogeographic area of the Western Alps in which the distribution of these spiders has been well documented. Thermal tolerance experiments in climatic chambers pointed at a reduced physiological tolerance to temperature fluctuations at increasing levels of troglomorphism. This result suggests that, during their subterranean evolution, spiders have progressively fine-tuned thermal tolerance to the constant and narrow temperature ranges of their habitats. Further evidence of the sensitivity of our model species to temperature increase derives from species distribution models projected onto different climate change scenarios. Model projections point toward a future decline in habitat suitability for subterranean spiders. Moreover, genetic data at the population/species interface are suggestive of limited gene flow between subterranean populations, testifying reduced dispersal capacity and habitat connectivity. In light of these results, we predict the potential extinction of the most restricted endemic species. Our findings therefore emphasize the importance of considering subterranean organisms as model species for ecological studies dealing with climatic changes, and to extend such investigations to other subterranean systems worldwide.
The remarkable remipedes
Authors: Yager Jill
Published: September 2018

This presentation will be a very general look at the exciting history of the crustacean class Remipedia, from discovering them in a water-filled cave in the Bahamas in 1979 to today. I will begin with an introduction to the beautiful remipede cave habitat. We will explore where these fascinating animals live and what other cave crustaceans inhabit their community.

I will review remipede research since publishing their description in the first volume of the Journal of Crustacean Biology in 1981 through 37 years of research. Several interesting remipede species will be highlighted for their unusual morphology. In closing I will propose questions to encourage future research with these interesting crustaceans.
Taxonomic study of the Pinelema bailongensis species group with descriptions of six new species from China (Araneae, Telemidae)
Authors: Zhao Huifeng , Yao Zhiyuan , Song Yang , Li Shuqiang
Published: September 2018

ThePinelemabailongensisWang & Li, 2012 species group of the spider family Telemidae Fage, 1913 from Guangxi and Guizhou, China is revised. Previously, this species group contained two species:P.bailongensisandP.xiushuiensisWang & Li, 2016. In this study, four species are transferred fromTelemaSimon, 1882 toPinelemaWang & Li, 2012, and treated as members of theP.bailongensisspecies group. They areP.cordata(Wang & Li, 2010)comb. n.,P.liangxi(Zhu & Chen, 2002)comb. n.,P.strentarsi(Lin & Li, 2010)comb. n.andP.zhewang(Chen & Zhu, 2009)comb. n.Additionally, six new species belonging to the species group are described:P.cheniZhao & Li,sp. n.(♂♀),P.huoyanZhao & Li,sp. n.(♂♀),P.lizhuangZhao & Li,sp. n.(♂♀),P.wangshangZhao & Li,sp. n.(♂♀),P.wenyangZhao & Li,sp. n.(♂♀) andP.yunchuniZhao & Li,sp. n.(♂♀). A key to males is provided.
Neuroéducation et pédagogie
Authors: Connac Sylvain
Published: September 2018

Les recherches en neuroéducation sont nombreuses et s’attachent directement à l’activité des enseignants parce qu’elles tendent à une compréhension fine des mécanismes cérébraux en matière de cognition. Les recherches en pédagogie participent au défi éducatif consistant à favoriser les progrès de tous les élèves. Cet article propose une formalisation schématisante de l’acte d’apprendre, au plus près des travaux actuels en neuroéducation, pour tenter de participer à l’amélioration des liens entre enseigner et apprendre. Il distingue d’une part les activités cognitives relatives au processus de l’acte d’apprendre (l’attention, la compréhension, la mémorisation et le transfert) et, d’autre part, les familles de conditions qui faciliteraient le développement de ce processus (en matière de sécurités, de disponibilités et d’investissement).
Neurosciences cognitives et sciences de l’éducation : vers un changement de paradigme ?
Authors: ARBOIX-CALAS France
Published: September 2018

Dans le contexte actuel de l’émergence de la « neuroéducation », plusieurs auteurs s’interrogent sur les intérêts et les limites de passer du contexte d’un laboratoire à celui, plus « écologique », d’une salle de classe. Les problématiques soulevées dans ces recherches interrogent la possibilité d’un rapprochement épistémologique entre neurosciences cognitives d’une part et éducation d’autre part. Si le mariage entre neurosciences cognitives et enseignement « ordinaire » apparait encore difficile et pionnier, il n’en est pas de même de la liaison de ces neurosciences avec l’enseignement spécialisé. Nous avons exploré ce lien historiquement plus ancien pour montrer comment les recherches en neurosciences ont pu contribuer à nourrir les pratiques de l’enseignement spécialisé. Ces résultats nous ont conduits à chercher des fondements épistémologiques communs aux neurosciences cognitives et aux sciences de l’éducation, en nous appuyant sur le modèle du triangle pédagogique (Houssaye, 1988). Notre analyse suggère que ces deux disciplines ont chacune opéré une réduction qui obère les possibilités d’échanges fructueux entre elles. Toutefois, le dépassement de cette réduction pourrait ouvrir des pistes de dialogue fécond dans un nouveau paradigme de recherche entre ces deux champs disciplinaires.
Œuvrer en neurodidactique de la production d’écrits
Authors: REULIER Jocelyn
Published: September 2018

Confrontés à un nombre croissant de nos élèves éprouvant des difficultés en production d’écrits, avec trois enseignants de primaire, nous avons conduit une recherche-action-collaborative qui a permis de créer un module en « neurodidactique de l’écrit ». Dans une dynamique collaborative et métacognitive, nos cent élèves agissant comme « co-chercheurs » ont réfléchi à des thématiques comme la plasticité cérébrale et l’intelligence ainsi qu’au rôle de l’attention de la mémoire dans le cadre de la production d’écrits. Ils ont ainsi effectué un voyage dans leur cerveau et se sont constitués des outils métacognitifs pour s’inter et s’autoréguler dans le cadre de la production d’écrits. Les effets de ce module sur la production d’écrits ont été mesurés quantitativement et qualitativement et témoignent de l’importance d’apprendre à s’autoréguler d’un point de vue affectif comme cognitif. Les élèves ont ainsi appris à se connaître et ont gagné en maturité, en autonomie et en humanité, en se faisant « co-chercheurs » du cerveau, dans le cadre de la rédaction de récits imaginaires. Cet article vise donc à présenter l’étude effectuée tout en questionnant les enjeux, les défis et les précautions à prendre en compte dans un tel type de recherche. Il conclut sur l’importance de ne pas envisager l’accompagnement seulement d’un point de vue cérébral mais en prenant également en compte les dimensions sociales, relationnelles et affectives.
Étudier les phénomènes émotionnels en classe : au carrefour des neurosciences et des recherches en éducation
Authors: PROKOFIEVA Victoria , VELAY Jean-Luc
Published: September 2018

Pour faire progresser les recherches en éducation centrées tout particulièrement sur les thématiques complexes telles que l’influence des émotions sur les apprentissages en classe, la collaboration entre les Sciences de l’Éducation et les Neurosciences se révèle la démarche la plus pertinente. Cependant de telles recherches interdisciplinaires sont semées d’embûches et d’obstacles divers. Cela est dû en partie aux interactions des approches théoriques et méthodologiques des deux disciplines, mais également au caractère multidimensionnel de la situation expérimentale en milieu scolaire ainsi qu’au phénomène complexe qu’est l’émotion elle-même. Nous revenons ici sur les difficultés d’une étude expérimentale en milieu scolaire et proposons des réflexions pour surmonter ces obstacles afin de faire progresser les connaissances sur l’apprentissage scolaire, et par conséquent les pratiques éducatives.
A Method of Identifying User Identity Based on Username Features
Authors: Khapre Shailesh Pancham , Chauhan Vishakha , Tomar Vinam , Mahapatra R P , Bansal Nidhi
Published: September 2018

Users typically register to use multiple web applications; there are many duplicate user identities in the Internet. The identification and integration of duplicate user identities are of great importance in the commercial field and network security field. As a result of privacy considerations, the personal information provided on the internet is usually incomplete or partially false. Considering that the username can reflect the user's personality or habit, is easy to obtain and does not involve the privacy problem, this article proposes a method to determine the identity of the user only by the username. First, the problem of user identity is described formally, and then the username features are divided into two categories: intuitive feature and contrastive feature, and the username probability distribution is analysed quantitatively. This article proposes a method of identity whether a given username belongs to the same user. Finally, a method is proposed to retrieve other usernames that may belong to the user in the username candidate set when a single user name is given.
A Review on Edge Connectivity Framework for Handheld Computing
Authors: Rajaguru D.  , Puviyarasi T.  , Vengattaraman T.
Published: September 2018

The Internet of Things(IoT) such as the use of robots, sensors, actuators, electronic signalization and a variety of other internet-enabled physical devices may provide for new advanced smart applications to be used in construction in the very near future. Such applications require real-time responses and are therefore time-critical. Therefore, in order to support collaboration, control, monitoring, supply management, safety and other construction processes, they have to meet dependability requirements, including requirements for high Quality of Service (QoS). Dependability and high QoS can be achieved by using adequate number and quality of computing resources, such as processing, memory and networking elements, geographically close to the smart environments for handheld device computing (HDC).