9,893 research outputs found
Hyperthermia mediated by dextran-coated La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 nanoparticles: in vivo studies
No full textReihaneh Haghniaz, Rinku D Umrani, Kishore M Paknikar Centre for Nanobioscience, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, India Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate radiofrequency-induced dextran-coated lanthanum strontium manganese oxide nanoparticles-mediated hyperthermia to be used for tumor regression in mice.Materials and methods: Nanoparticles were injected intra-tumorally in melanoma-bearing C57BL/6J mice and were subjected to radiofrequency treatment.Results: Hyperthermia treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth (~84%), increased survival (~50%), and reduced tumor proliferation in mice. Histopathological examination demonstrated immense cell death in treated tumors. DNA fragmentation, increased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-dUTP nick end labeling signal, and elevated levels of caspase-3 and caspase-6 suggested apoptotic cell death. Enhanced catalase activity suggested reactive oxygen species-mediated cell death. Enhanced expression of heat shock proteins 70 and 90 in treated tumors suggested the possible development of “antitumor immunity”.Conclusion: The dextran-coated lanthanum strontium manganese oxide-mediated hyperthermia can be used for the treatment of cancer. Keywords: lanthanum strontium manganese oxide nanoparticles, melanoma, tumor regression, survival, heat shock proteins, MR
Exploiting tacit knowledge through knowledge management technologies
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to examine the contributions and suitability of the available knowledge management (KM) technologies, including the Web 2.0 for exploiting tacit knowledge. It proposes an integrated framework for extracting tacit knowledge in organisations, which includes Web 2.0 technologies, KM tools, organisational learning (OL) and Community of Practice (CoP). It reviews a comprehensive literature covering overview of KM theories, KM technologies and OL and identifies the current state of knowledge relating to tacit knowledge exploitation. The outcomes of the paper indicate that Internet and Web 2.0 technologies have stunning prospects for creating learning communities where tacit knowledge can be extracted from people. The author recommends that organisations should design procedures and embed them in their Web 2.0 collaborative platforms persuading employees to record their ideas and share them with other members. It is also recommended that no idea should be taken for granted in a learning community where tacit knowledge exploitation is pursued. It is envisaged that future research should adopt empirical approach involving Complex Adaptive Model for Tacit Knowledge Exploitation (CAMTaKE) and the Theory of Deferred Action in examining the effectiveness of KM technologies including Web 2.0 tools for tacit knowledge exploitation
Temperature-dependent and time-dependent effects of hyperthermia mediated by dextran-coated La0.7Sr0.3MnO3: in vitro studies
No full textReihaneh Haghniaz, Rinku D Umrani, Kishore M Paknikar Centre for Nanobioscience, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of dextran-coated (Dex) La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) nanoparticles-mediated hyperthermia at different temperatures (43°C, 45°C, and 47°C) based on cell killing potential and induction of heat shock proteins in a murine melanoma cell (B16F1) line. Methods: LSMO nanoparticles were synthesized by a citrate-gel method and coated with dextran. B16F1 cells were exposed to the Dex-LSMO nanoparticles and heated using a radiofrequency generator. After heating, the morphology and topology of the cells were investigated by optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy. At 0 hours and 24 hours post heating, cells were harvested and viability was analyzed by the Trypan blue dye exclusion method. Apoptosis and DNA fragmentation were assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify heat shock protein levels. Results: Our data indicate that cell death and induction of heat shock proteins in melanoma cells increased in a time-dependent and temperature-dependent manner, particularly at temperatures higher than 43°C. The mode of cell death was found to be apoptotic, as evident by DNA fragmentation and TUNEL signal. A minimum temperature of 45°C was required to irreversibly alter cell morphology, significantly reduce cell viability, and result in 98% apoptosis. Repeated cycles of hyperthermia could induce higher levels of heat shock proteins (more favorable for antitumor activity) when compared with a single cycle. Conclusion: Our findings indicate a potential use for Dex-LSMO-mediated hyperthermia in the treatment of melanoma and other types of cancer. Keywords: hyperthermia, Dex-LSMO nanoparticles, heat shock proteins, melanoma, apoptosi
Carbon nanospheres mediated delivery of nuclear matrix protein SMAR1 to direct experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice
No full textSijo V Chemmannur,1,* Prasad Bhagat,2,* Bhalchandra Mirlekar,1 Kishore M Paknikar,2 Samit Chattopadhyay1,3 1Disease and Chromatin Biology Laboratory, National Center for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, India; 2Center for Nanobioscience, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India; 3Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India *These authors have contributed equally to this work Abstract: Owing to the suppression of immune responses and associated side effects, steroid based treatments for inflammatory encephalitis disease can be detrimental. Here, we demonstrate a novel carbon nanosphere (CNP) based treatment regime for encephalomyelitis in mice by exploiting the functional property of the nuclear matrix binding protein SMAR1. A truncated part of SMAR1 ie, the DNA binding domain was conjugated with hydrothermally synthesized CNPs. When administered intravenously, the conjugate suppressed experimental animal encephalomyelitis in T cell specific conditional SMAR1 knockout mice (SMAR-/-). Further, CNP-SMAR1 conjugate delayed the onset of the disease and reduced the demyelination significantly. There was a significant decrease in the production of IL-17 after re-stimulation with MOG. Altogether, our findings suggest a potential carbon nanomaterial based therapeutic intervention to combat Th17 mediated autoimmune diseases including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Keywords: carbon nanospheres, EAE, IL-17, SMAR1, Th1
Distance and mean citation for first-last author relationship in three resolutions (100 m, 1 km, and 1000 km).
No full text<p>Distance and mean citation for first-last author relationship in three resolutions (100 m, 1 km, and 1000 km).</p
In vitro and in vivo studies of a novel bacterial cellulose-based acellular bilayer nanocomposite scaffold for the repair of osteochondral defects
No full textJyoti V Kumbhar,1 Sachin H Jadhav,2 Dhananjay S Bodas,1 Amruta Barhanpurkar-Naik,3 Mohan R Wani,3 Kishore M Paknikar,1 Jyutika M Rajwade1 1Nanobioscience, 2Animal Sciences Division, Agharkar Research Institute, 3National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India Abstract: Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a naturally occurring nanofibrous biomaterial which exhibits unique physical properties and is amenable to chemical modifications. To explore whether this versatile material can be used in the treatment of osteochondral defects (OCD), we developed and characterized novel BC-based nanocomposite scaffolds, for example, BC-hydroxyapatite (BC-HA) and BC-glycosaminoglycans (BC-GAG) that mimic bone and cartilage, respectively. In vitro biocompatibility of BC-HA and BC-GAG scaffolds was established using osteosarcoma cells, human articular chondrocytes, and human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. On subcutaneous implantation, the scaffolds allowed tissue ingrowth and induced no adverse immunological reactions suggesting excellent in vivo biocompatibility. Implantation of acellular bilayered scaffolds in OCD created in rat knees induced progressive regeneration of cartilage tissue, deposition of extracellular matrix, and regeneration of subchondral bone by the host cells. The results of micro-CT revealed that bone mineral density and ratio of bone volume to tissue volume were significantly higher in animals receiving bilayered scaffold as compared to the control animals. To the best of our knowledge, this study proves for the first time, the functional performance of acellular BC-based bilayered scaffolds. Thus, this strategy has great potential for clinical translation and can be used in repair of OCD. Keywords: bacterial cellulose-hydroxyapatite, bacterial cellulose-glycosaminoglycan, osteochondral defect, stem cell differentiation, acellular bilayer scaffold 
Onderzoek naar oorzaak schade dijkvak Westhoek - Zwarte Haan (km 13,000 - km 19,800) te Friesland
No full textIn 2004 is er schade geconstateerd aan de asfaltbekleding op de dijk tussen Westhoek en Zwarte Haan. Deze schade heeft zich in het afgelopen jaar progressief voortgezet. De asfaltdijkbekleding op de dijk tussen Westhoek en Zwarte Haan is aangelegd in 1972 - 1973. De lengte van het tracé bedraagt 6,8 km. De ligging van het onderzochte dijktraject (km 13,000 - 19,800) is in bijlage 1 weergegeven. De bekleding sluit aan de onderzijde aan op een bekleding van los gestorte klinkers die gepenetreerd zijn met asfaltmastiek. De bekleding heeft een dikte van circa 0,25 m en loopt in de onderste 2 m in een scheg naar een dikte van circa 0,50 m. Het asfaltbeton is aangelegd op een onderlaag van zand. Onder het zand bevindt zich de oorspronkelijke dijkkern van slecht doorlatende grond.Asfaltbekledinge
Investigation of Dempster Highway Sinkholes: km 82 and Two Moose Lake
No full textThis report presents the results of a project that aims to understand and, if possible, recommend actions to remediate the issues caused by the formation of sinkholes at km 82 and km 102-103 of the Dempster Highway. At km 82, this has resulted in sudden collapse of the
right-hand side driving surface of the highway. Major sinkholes have been repaired at this location on at least two occasions (June 2014 and Aug 2014) and the culvert at the site was replaced in October 2014. Undated photos suggest earlier sinkholes have formed at this location (SRK Consulting, 2014). Subsidence was also repaired in August 2015. At km 102-103, there has been general subsidence and sinkhole formation along the left-hand side of the road. Subsidence between km 102 and 103 has been regularly repaired as part of routine highway
maintenance and is therefore not documented. At this site, Two-Moose Lake is now encroaching on the road embankment.Repor
Experimental validation of nonlinear Fourier transform-based Kerr-nonlinearity identification over a 1600km SSMF link
No full textRecently, a nonlinear Fourier transform-based Kerr-nonlinearity identification algorithm was demonstrated for a 1000 km NZDSF link with accuracy of 75%. Here, we demonstrate an accuracy of 99% over 1600 km SSMF. Reasons for improved accuracy are discussed.Accepted Author ManuscriptTeam Sander Wahl
Potential for leverage between the quality management and knowledge management professional communities : an intellectual capital mapping
No full textThis research describes the problems facing two important professional communities,
Quality Management (QM) and Knowledge Management (KM), which face multiple
challenges in their efforts to impact the organisations in which they operate and
contribute significantly to their performance and financial results. The two
communities are positioned at very different points in their maturity life cycle. While
QM is an aging community that is trying to regain its relevancy, the KM community is
still in its infancy, and is struggling to mature. Many practitioners and academics
consider both to be "over promising and under delivering".
The aim of this research is to explore how the two communities can enhance their
effectiveness. As a theoretical framework the author used the concept of Intellectual
Capital, which is usually used in the context of formal organisations, and applied it to
the case of professional communities. The hypothesis states that the two
communities have complementary Intellectual Capitals, i. e. that the intangible assets
of each can be shared and exchanged through different patterns of interaction. An
investigation was conducted into whether the flows of such intangible assets between
Quality Management (QM) and Knowledge Management (KM) can increase their
organisational effectiveness.
The research surveyed the scientific as well as professional literature and classified
the evidence on QM/KM interactions into twelve patterns that cover the spectrum,
from complete ignorance of each other to full co-operation.
Two case studies are explored, where explicit efforts to encourage flows of
Intellectual Capital were demonstrated, one at a company level and the other at a
national level.
A unique methodology and visual tool, to map the Intellectual Capital of professional
communities, was developed and used to draw a generic map of the complementary
ICs of QM and KM and the potential flows between them, as perceived by a diverse
body of experts from both communities.
Finally, a series of (computer aided) focus groups were held with professionals.
Based on triangulation of the data between the 14 expert interviews, 2 in-depth case
studies, 68 focus group attendees and the literature, the following contributions to
knowledge were identified:
0 Creation of a new scheme to classify interactions between professional
communities.
O The application of the Intellectual Capital concept to professional
communities.
Q New insights into the situation of QM and KM communities using the
framework of Intellectual Capital, and the complementary nature of their
intangible assets.
Q New perspective on flows of Intellectual Capital between different entities
(in this case professional communities) as a way to increase the
effectiveness of both.
QA new methodology to self-assess and map Intellectual Capital
- …
