text:
Although Forest Hill and Torridon Road libraries have clarity about who will run their services, Lewisham Council can offer little comfort to residents on the future of Manor House and its library. Peter and Pat Richardson from Friends of Manor House Library attended the meeting and report back:
Only one proposal was submitted for Manor House and its library, from Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL). It was agreed GLL had the necessary expertise to manage The Manor House and its library, but it lodged a request to convert the basement area into a Day Nursery as its primary income stream. It was thought by the Conservation and Planning officers at London Borough of Lewisham that this was feasible, even though the building is Grade II*-listed.
However, Ofsted regulations require that an outside play area must have suitable fencing around that area to avoid the children being overlooked. The suggestion of a high wooden fence fell foul of the Historic England grading requirements as it would obscure the vista of the rear of the House as seen from Manor House Gardens.
GLL was given the opportunity to re-assess their bid, taking in to account the problem of the fence/Day Nursery, but by 4.7.16 had not responded.
Thus the search continues and that means re-issuing requests for a bid. GLL will be included in the new invitational search. A head-hunter is to be appointed as soon as possible, with a view to seeking a suitable bidder(s) with an emphasis on social enterprise. However, it was thought that a suitable bidder was unlikely to be found before the next SSSC meeting in September.
Though there is no plan to 'Mothball' the Manor House, the library can and will (if necessary) continue to remain open post-mid September – albeit on reduced hours with intermittent visits by peripatetic staff. Without library staff to keep the building itself open the library will be dependent on Self-Issue-Self-Return machines, as long as they work. Cllr Mallory said that he was unhappy that the building would not be supported by staff. He asked that a competent expertise would be guaranteed within the renewed specification for prospective hosts regarding Manor House. It was stated that the building would be manned – but it was not clear by whom.
There was no clarity on the future of children's library sessions, school visits, the annual Summer Reading events or the three book clubs that occur on a monthly basis.
It was also revealed in the meeting that library staff are not subjected to police checks and Cllr Mallory, was so concerned about this factor he requested independent legal advice.


text:
Proud Member
Document Management
Technology with Integrity
By Tim Torian, Torian Group, Inc.
The paperless office is often mentioned as the goal of computerizing the office. Document imaging systems are getting less expensive and easier to use. Budget versions often come bundled with copier/printer/scanners. Many of these are still buggy and tricky to use and maintain. Good systems are still costly for a small office.
There are things you can do now to manage your documents that cost nothing and prepare the way for the future.
The goal of document imaging is store your documents in electronic form, and be able to find and view or print them as needed. Paper documents are scanned in, optionally ran through an OCR program, which creates a parallel document with the text in electronic form, and then indexed. Existing electronic documents are indexed as well.
The secret to finding them again is a good system of tagging. Each document can have one or more tags, such as customer, invoice number, date, etc. You can then search based on combinations of these indexes to find the documents you are looking for. In addition, you can use a full text index to look for words within all the documents. In higher end systems, all the documents, and their scanned images, are stored in a database which speeds the indexing and retrieval process.
You can duplicate a good part of this system using good naming conventions and a desktop search tool. Recently Microsoft came out with a desktop search engine, probably in response to Google desktop search. Both tools allow you to search documents stored on your computer and local network using both file names and full text indexing. They quickly return a list of documents sorted by relevance.
By using consistent, well thought out file names, you can duplicate the indexing system – put all the keys you would want to search on into the file name itself. For example, you can track Invoice number, client, and date by formatting the document name to include this information: "Jones Co. 1001 05-12-15 Invoice.doc".
Similarly, you can include a series of keywords within the document that would then allow you to find that document by the category it belongs in.
Both the new Microsoft Desktop search and Google search allow you to install plug-ins which enable indexing and searching additional document types. This includes .pdf and .zip files. Many Scanning programs include the option to scan to .pdf. Google desktop supports a version tracking plugin for word and excel.
The pieces are all there. It is just a matter of good organization and planning to get your digital documents working harder for you.
Google desktop: http://desktop.google.com/
Microsoft Desktop: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/desktopsearch/default.mspx
Tim Torian has taught computer networking at the College of Sequoias and Cal Poly Extension. He has a BS in Computer Science, and has been consulting on computer networks for the past 20 Years. His industry certifications include: Cisco CCNA and CCNI, Microsoft MCSE, and Novell CNE. He is president of Torian Group, Inc. which provides a full range of Technology Consulting services to local business, including computer services, networking, and custom software development. They can be reached at (559) 733-1940 or on the web at http://www.toriangroup.com
Torian Group, Inc. Phone: (559) 733-1940 Fax: (559) 532-0207 Contact us

subset: commoncrawl


text:
An expansive database of material hosted on the Wikipedia platform and growing all the time.
WikiMANNia is the brainchild of one Rainer Luka, a clever German chap who set up the WikiMANNia resource several years ago. It's available in English, German, Italian and Spanish, and is generally European based, but it's profile constantly expanding with material from all over the world.
A lot of the material is set forth from pre-existing studies and research which was missed by the mainstream outlets and presents data which, for numerous reasons, has been suppressed or ignored by social commentary. What is quite surprising is that many of our commonly held notions about sexual violence, domestic abuse, law and the history of gender politics are not quite as black and white as we tend to believe.
It's a huge tomb of material and work, and it's easy to get lost, but with a bit of tenacity and some clicking around, the structure and navigation should become clear. Obviously, if you're already familiar with Wikipedia, then it's easier.
But WHY have a dedicated platform set up for this material?
Well, unfortunately, it became necessary relatively soon after Wikipedia was set up as a resource. As you know, Wikipedia is an open resource and material can be updated by anyone really. It self-regulates by having interested people who correct inaccuracies and try to maintain up-to-date, relevant and scholarly material. However, there are quite a number of very sincere, ideologically-minded individuals out there who set about subverting this ideal by constantly inserting misleading information, harassing users, red-flagging material, etc.
Actually, difficult as it is to believe, this activity was rewarded in Universities by being included as point-enhancing extra-curricular activity which goes towards the postgraduate qualification.
So, that's why it's there.
For those not familiar with Wiki, the page looks like this,
... and on the left hand side is the navigation area (it continues down quite a bit with different groupings and functions like forums, etc), where you can link directly to particular content.
If you get lost, click the WikiMannia image (blue globe) at the top left and it always brings you back to the main page.
If you click on the "Topics A-Z", it brings you here with general groupings, articles and of course the a-z where you can look for a particular topic. Remember that the person who loaded the material might not think the same way as you do, so try a few headings/category names.
After that, you're on your own!


text:
Tel: (011) 339-4911
Fax: (011) 339-5080/339-6940
Email: donald @ cosatu . org . za
For comments on the website email: email@example.com
COSATU Today | COSATU Speeches
Speech to the NEDLC Annual Summit Meeting by Bheki Ntshalintshali, representing the Labour Constituency
12 September 2009
The world economic crisis and its impact on growth and development.
This Nedlac summit comes at a time when the world faces multiple crises. It is an extraordinary and perhaps unprecedented period. Never before in recorded history has there been such a convergence of crises and forces that threatened our future.
The financial crisis has triggered a global economic crisis, with spiralling unemployment and poverty. This, in turn is occurring in the midst of global climate change the global warming crisis - that is heating the planet with unimaginable consequences. At the same time, the convergence of these crises is further compounded by the prospect of a worldwide food crisis and mass hunger and starvation. For us, in addition, is the energy or electricity crisis.
All these crises have their origins in a socially unjust and environmentally unsustainable model which endangers the capacity of our society to provide decent lives to the worlds people.
This model has translated wealth creation into environmental degradation and concentration of income into the hands of a few. It has prompted a system where citizens have been turned into unsustainable consumers, and where unsustainable production models are taken as necessary collateral damages for achieving growth and development.
In many ways, the driving forces behind these convergent multiple crises can be traced not only to the global economy and prevailing system of industrial capitalism, but also to its governing institutions and their neo-liberal model of economic globalisation.
These institutions and a few powerful industrial countries have managed and governed the global economy primary in the interest of economically powerful. Their agenda of maximising profits through uneven and unlimited economic growth has benefited the multinational corporations at the enormous expense of both the people and environment.
Eminent persons including Professor Stiglitz have noted that the current financial and economic crises, which are now commonly compared to the great depression, are however in many ways more complex. They point to the fact that decoupling theory was proving itself to be a myth, as different markets worldwide were being affected.
The economic crisis is neither a natural catastrophe nor a problem created by the rotten United States housing market. The crisis is a necessary effect of 30 years of neoliberal policies. It is a result of internal contradictions in the existing economic values. The deregulation of the economy, privatisation of public services, the redistribution of wealth from the bottom to the top and financialisation of the economy have all contributed to creating the current crisis.
The neo-liberal credo told us that deregulation and privatisation would vitalise the economy and make it more efficient. It would regain growth and create increased prosperity and welfare for all. This now has been exposed as an ideological smokescreen covering the interest of the rich and wealthy. Neo-liberalism has therefore been completely discredited. Any measures to correct the crisis must therefore not only address the symptoms but its root causes. What we need is a widespread re-regulation and democratisation of the economy.
This leads me to the question of food crisis. We all know that food security exists when all people at all times have physical or economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and health life. To achieve food security, all four of its components must be adequate. These are availability, stability, accessibility and utilisation. In our case our primary challenge lies on the accessibility or affordability among others affected by the high prices created by collusive behaviour by some in the food chain which the Competition Commission is probing.
At the heels of this, is the energy crisis, put simply the electricity or ESKOM crisis with which we are grappling to find a lasting solution. We know the origin of the problem and what is required. However we disagree with ESKOMs approach, especially on the tariff increases and its burden to the working class and the poor. Where on earth have you seen tariff increases of such magnitude at such a short intervals? Very soon access to electricity will be a thing of the past to the overwhelming majority.
Economic, food and electricity crises converge with the climate change crisis. South Africa, like the rest of the world, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. At the same time South Africa emits high quantities of greenhouse gasses. In fact we are rated the highest in Africa and 12th at the global level. This means are both a victim and polluter. This climate change crisis poses a notable threat to our countrys ideal for sustainable development growth path and poverty alleviation efforts.
In all the above-mentioned cases of crisis, the root causes are the same lack of commitment to regulation, a push towards free-market economics and an international system that has underperformed, sometimes very badly, in exercising governance of globalisation. All these crises punish the worse-off and most vulnerable, those that did nothing or very little to cause the problem.
You may be wondering why I am raising these issues that almost all of us know about and agree on, as the information is based on evidence. It is because we all know that these crises are the results of human behaviour mostly driven by greed. We know what needs to be done to address them, know the choices we have, are and already addressing some of them, and finally we know the costs or consequences of doing nothing or acting slowly on them.
World society has at its disposal eminent persons lecturing us on what we should not do. We are warned that in responding to economic crises, wage deflation in not an option. Professor Stiglitz said that it would create a lack of aggregate demand. It would lead to mounting inequalities, as result of implementing policies that favour a weakening of trade unions rights, greater flexibility of the labour market and stagnant or declining real wages.
He warned against measures that go against the Decent Work agenda. Lowering wages and shedding jobs would only make matters worse. Strengthening the Decent Work agenda is therefore at heart of a successful recovery.
There is media frenzy about wage strikes, as either a rejection of the call made in the Global economic framework response, or a demand by workers on the Zuma government for pay-back. The Minister of Labour was spot on when responding to this. This is a collective bargaining season. In the process of negotiations, at times agreements are reached without industrial action but at other times strike or lockout comes to fore. Nothing is new and nothing unusual about that. Many agreements have been reached without invoking a strike action. We are aware that some business people take Minister Manuels comments very seriously about being cowards and not standing up against unions.
What concerns us though, is the police brutality in dealing with strikes or protest action. This is not a new matter; COSATU had numerous discussions with former Minister of Police, Charles Nqakula, on the matter. The problem is the lack of skills in handling marches and strikes, the use of brutal force, and the lack appropriate gear to deal with strikes etc. Urgent discussion is needed so that we do not place or project the protectors of the society as enemies of the same people that they suppose to protect.
In our response to the economic crisis we should never compromise health and safety in our industries, especially the mining sector. It is a grave concern that there are so many fatalities in the mines. In fact one miner dies very second day.
We are confident that Nedlac has a bigger role to play in addressing these issues. We have the capacity and the political will, despite our different backgrounds. Government commitment to engage, and respect the Nedlac processes, is a huge encouragement to all.
In fact, the current global and investment system is at the centre of the storm of multiple crises converging upon the world today. No lasting solutions to these crises can be found without changing the neoliberal model.
Yet, instead of calling for fundamental change, most governments around the world are promoting false solutions. Liberalising and deregulating financial services will not secure people credit. Lowering tariffs further will not help feed the people who are hungry simply because it will destroy the livelihood of many farmers in the South. Lowering industrial tariffs and eliminating technical standards will not lead to job creation but instead it will enhance downwards spiral of social and labour conditions especially for women and poor communities.
In order to resolve these crises of our times, governments must have the policy space and flexibility needed to regulate, and in many instances re-regulate, the economy to serve the common good of the people and the environment.
In so doing we must avoid reinstating the same imperfect market system that has failed the working class and the poor. We must work hard towards a low-carbon economy. We must create decent green jobs. Let us engage the minister of Police to deal with police brutality when dealing with strikers or protesters. Jabu and Cynthia (remember them?) would find comfort to know that their plight at the hands of the labour brokers is being seriously addressed to ensure that they like many other vulnerable workers are part and parcel of the decent work agenda.
Patrick Craven (National Spokesperson)
Congress of South African Trade Unions
1-5 Leyds Cnr Biccard Streets
Braamfontein, 2017
P.O. Box 1019
Johannesburg, 2000
Tel: +27 11 339-4911/24
Fax: +27 11 339-5080/6940/ 086 603 9667
Cell: 0828217456
E-Mail: email@example.com


text:
We expect flood to occur. And true enough, Grandma couldn't control her tears as soon as seeing one of her most loved grandsons. And we still had another two hours more before his departure.
Photo session with the 'star' of the morning....
|Yee Mah posing for the camera while Grandma just couldn't hold her tears
|Snapping a picture with cousins
|This family picture was also taken using a Polaroid which KW took with him to the mission
|My nephew, having the 'last' McD meal with his family, an hour before departure
|While his Mom (on the left) was busy jotting down some last-minute reminder notes for him, here's KW, still so cheery for the camera
|Goodbye! We shall miss you!


text:
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text:
Hey Guys
I know, I took aday off… I'm sorry! Forgive me, please, because I have been doing this blog daily for, like, a week now. A day didn't hurt you guys, did it? If it did, I'm sorry, I truly am. But I hope it didn't hurt you, or else you clearly have emotional attachment problems regarding my blog, and need to find help quickly, as if you have emotional attachment issues with my blog, you clearly have those issues with rubbish. Just saying…
I wanted to talk about independence, and what it really means. A lot of people will define independence as something like the following:
The ability to perform tasks and live one's life without the need of others' assistance or guidance.
I disagree with this definition. You'll probably hear independence mainly mentioned in stories about:
[A] countries
[B] women.
I hear it a lot, as I'm always encouraged to be as independent as possible as a blind person, rather than relying wholly on sighted folk to help me. But as I said before, I don't agre with the typical definition of independence; I think that people who believe that either haven't thought it through, or don't understand completely the value of others.
Here's my definition of independence:
The ability to perform tasks without RELYING on help, but also knowing when to ask for help from others, and having the ability to ask.
I feel that this definition is much more accurate. Life is a multi-person experience; nonoe fo us can go through it alone. Yes, you should be able to be a strong, independent woman, man or child, but that doesn't mean living out your life alone. Independence is the capability to, well, independently ask for help when it is needed, and work with others if necessary to get a job done. Before you ask, this is defferent from dependency, as if you're dependent on someone, you rely on them to do things for you. Independence is working with them, but still having the ability to perform most tasks alone if necessary.
This is super important for some people; some are afraid to ask for help, because they think it makes them look helpless or needy. No, it doesn't. I'd respect ANYBODY who had the self-belief and confidence to ask me for help in anything, however small. Because I still find it scary sometimes.
I hope you've enjoyed this post, and maybe it's given you food for thought; let me know in the comments!
Love You All:


text:
A Fistula - Rare in the Developed World
In June 2009 Mrs
Tonino-Heiden was pregnant with her second child and decided to have a
home delivery. She had an experienced midwife with her but in
spite of all their efforts, it was one of those rare occasions when
things just didn't go well. The baby was stillborn and the mother
developed a fistula.
She went to several doctors in Austria but no one was
able to help her. They didn't have the necessary skills.
Finally, she found the website of our German partners through Google and
she telephoned them. She was worried that she would have to travel
to Ethiopia to be treated but the Trustees in Germany put her in touch
with Professor Wacker in Bruchsal, who has done more fistula surgery
than any other doctor in Germany.
He saw her in September 2009, operated and in a few
weeks, she was sent home fully cured. Coincidentally, she was
being treated at the time that Catherine was awarded the Right
Livelihood Award so the two stories caused a lot of media interest.
In the 1980s, Prof Wacker spent two years in Burkina
Faso working with fistula patients. Now based back in Germany, he
travels every year with a team of doctors to Burkina Faso to treat
fistula patients. He has also collaborated with doctors from the
Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.
To read the German newspaper article,
click here. The article and photo
are halfway down the page.
This site was last updated


text:
Give us your dreams the man had said, such innocent words at first but now he realised the cost of what those dark lips promised. The things he had seen within, the tricks of the mind, the dance of the shadows that were his thoughts. They had promised to show him wonders beyond his imagining, but within there was only a reflection of the things he didn't want to see.
Give us your dreams and we shall show you your nightmares echoed the voice of the man, a truth that echoed through his mind as the darkness surrounded him.
* * *
Blackwillow twirled his dark moustache as he watched the wooden caravan moving slowly across the dew covered field, pulled by two big horses that looked like they were dragging the weight of the world behind them, and in truth they were.
It was early morning in the Carnivale of Delirium, and the usual collection of freaks and artistes were already milling about the tents and side-shows, preparing for the night ahead. But none of them paid the slightest attention to the caravan that was approaching. Not a peek from the stilt-men or a glance from the bearded lady, and not even the jugglers missed a beat in their juggling as it drew near. They had seen many a sight arriving here in the Carnivale over the years, but if they had known what was in that caravan on this cold, frosty morning then they might have taken a moment to pause, and reflect on what was to come.
Once more he looked at the letter in his hand, reading the stylish script. The message had been delivered just over a week ago, and he still couldn't believe that the object was being brought to his Carnivale, even though the caravan containing it was now actually being pulled across the field in front of him. Blackwillow was still a disbeliever of the truth of what was contained in that caravan. He had heard numerous legends about it from the Four Corners of the Earth, many a tale of the wonders and dangers of what lay within. But until he saw it with his own eyes, and got to finally touch it, he would not believe that it was here, and that it was going to become a part of his Carnivale of Delirium.
The caravan came to a halt a few feet in front of him, the skinny, dark man who was controlling the horses not moving from his perch up front, as the door at the back of the caravan opened. After a brief delay the Arabian gentleman, who Blackwillow had been expecting, emerged. A tall slim man dressed in a fine, dark green suit that the Carnivale owner found very stylish, but not how he expected this man to be dressed.
The letter had been an elegant introduction to this gentleman and what he had to offer, and of course had been more than complementary to the Carnivale itself. And now here he was in the flesh, a fellow master of the incredible and exotic; a man whose journey had taken him to many a strange land, and not all of them apparently of this world, if the tales were to be believed.
"Ah, Mr Wuzralam," said Blackwillow, smiling at the Arabian as he walked towards the Carnivale owner. "It is so good to finally see you here."
"It is a pleasure to be here, sir," said Wuzralam, bowing slightly and giving Blackwillow a pleasant grin as he regarded him with those dark eyes, eyes that had witnessed the fall of many a great civilisation; most from what he had offered them, and a few from what they had denied.
"Do you need some of my chaps to help you unload it?" said Blackwillow, looking expectantly towards the caravan.
"That will not be necessary, sir," said Wuzralam, snapping his fingers in the air. "I have all the help I need, but thank you for the offer, of course."
"No problem," said Blackwillow, watching the two huge, ochre skinned men that now emerged from the caravan. "I expect they are used to carrying it around."
"Indeed they are," said Wuzralam, as the two men removed their burden from the caravan. "It is a weight that we have grown accustomed to over the years."
"I'm sure it is," said Blackwillow, unable to now draw his eyes away from the thing the men carried. "I have set that tent over there aside for you; I trust it is of a suitable size?"
"Indeed," said Wuzralam, looking over towards the large tent, and then signalling for his two men to proceed.
The box was made from what looked like a very dark wood, or even a black stone. It was hard to tell exactly, and Blackwillow believed it might have actually been changing its appearance slightly as he watched it being carried towards the tent. As the two hulking men moved past him he cast an appraising eye over the item, and it did seem to be the genuine article, this box of legends. He was so intrigued by it, as despite all his knowledge he had never seen markings like the ones carved into the box's surface. They looked like runes or some other ancient symbols, but were unlike anything he had witnessed before.
"So my offer to you was acceptable, sir?" asked Wuzralam, as the box was carried into the tent; his words a seductive charm that had tempted many a great man into his grasp over the centuries.
"If it does what you say, then it is most acceptable," answered Blackwillow, grinning. "It will be most acceptable indeed."
"Would you like to look in the box, sir?" said Wuzralam, gesturing to the tent; obviously making an offer that was no doubt of second nature to this dealer by now.
"Look around you, my dear chap," said Blackwillow. "These are my dreams you see before you, and I don't think even your box can handle all of this."
Wuzralam looked across the Carnivale of Delirium, at all the strange attractions and sights laid out before them, and a sly smile spread across his face. "I think you are right about that, sir."
"But I always like to check out the attractions first, you understand?" said Blackwillow, moving across the grass towards the tent. "So I think it only fair that we get someone, on my behalf, to see what your box of wonders has to offer."
"Of course," said Wuzralam, looking a bit cautiously at the owner of the Carnivale. Had he ever had to deal with someone of the likes of Blackwillow? Could any of those he had promised so much to before have a chance of measuring up to the man he was dealing with today? Blackwillow doubted that very much.
"Ah, Dumpken," said Blackwillow, grabbing a sad looking clown who had had the misfortune of passing by at that moment. "You will do perfectly for this little matter."
"What?" said the clown, looking shocked and surprised, which for most clowns in the Carnivale was their normal expression; but for Dumpken a rare thing. "I didn't do it, boss. No not me, not little old Dumpken. It was the other ones, you know how they like their silly pranks, and well it just got out of hand, and before you know it… well they said they would clean the mess up, but knowing them, I doubt it."
"Yes, I'm sure that is what happened, but enough of all that," said Blackwillow. "I have a little job for you."
"Really," said Dumpken, still looking very surprised. "A job for little old Dumpken, are you sure?"
"Yes, yes. Now this gentleman would like you to go and have a look in his nice box, which is in that tent over there. Do you understand?"
"You want me to go and look in a box?" said Dumpken, looking over at the tent with trepidation creeping into his eyes. "It doesn't have one of them jackamaboobs in it? Does it? As they scare the willies out of me, boss."
"No, no, no. It will be fine," said Blackwillow, patting the clown on the shoulder. "It is a box full of wonderful things, and I would just like you to check it out for me."
"I see," said Dumpken. "Well if you are sure, then alright I will have a look for you. Have I got to fill out a questionnaire after, as I am not very good with all those difficult questions, and I am sure they leave the correct answers off the multiple choice ones when I do them."
"Don't worry," said Blackwillow, looking at the sad clown, and wondering if this was the right person to try the box on, "there won't be any questions."
"So what do I have to do then, mister?" said the clown, as he was led over to the tent by Wuzralam.
"It is very simple, sir," said Wuzralam, giving the little clown a dark smile. "Just look in the box, and give us your dreams."
"My dreams?" said the clown, pausing in front of the tent. "Oh my dreams are so boring, nothing interesting there."
"I am sure that is not the case, sir," said Wuzralam, leading the clown inside. "I would think there are many wonders inside your mind."
Blackwillow watched the two disappear from view and he did really wonder now if it had been fair choosing Dumpken for this test. He knew that if the box did what the whispers had told him it did then that clown would never be the same again.
* * *
A crow landed on one of the posts holding a tent rope, and expressed a screeching protest at the Carnivale owner, as was its daily routine. Blackwillow ignored the cursed complaints of the black bird and wondered what was going on inside the tent, with his clown and the box. An hour had passed since the strange Arabian man called Wuzralam had taken Dumpken inside, and there hadn't been a sound heard since.
He wondered if this was indeed the right attraction for his Carnivale of Delirium. Did it have the qualities he was always looking for, or was it all just a case of smoke and mirrors? He had seen too many acts like that before, but once they had arrived at the Carnivale he was quick to destroy any hopes they had of joining his quality establishment. Everything here was real, and he had no time for fakes, a fact that many had been painfully made aware of over the years.
The Carnivale owner began to now get impatient, and was tempted to go and see what was going on inside, but as the urge began to take over he could hear a sound.
Laughter could now be heard coming from the tent, and then Dumpken emerged from within, with the biggest grin you have ever seen a clown wear, plastered across his face.
"Oh my, that was funny," said the clown, laughing in a maniacal way. "Most hilarious that was, we enjoyed that."
"Well that seems to have gone down well," said Blackwillow, walking over towards the two men. "So the box was entertaining then?"
"Oh my, oh yes, indeed. Oh the things he has in there," said Dumpken, still laughing in an uncontrollable way, "Very, very, funny."
"Then it looks like we have a deal then," said Blackwillow to Wuzralam, as the clown walked away while continuing to laugh hysterically to himself.
"Thank you, sir," said Wuzralam, watching the clown with what looked like a puzzled expression.
"So, you can start tonight," said Blackwillow, "and we can sign the agreement, that is acceptable?"
"Indeed, sir," said Wuzralam, and Blackwillow noticed what looked like a glimmer of concern creeping into the Arabian's eyes. "But there is one thing I would like to stipulate, if I may?"
"Oh, and what is that?" said Blackwillow, frowning.
"No more clowns, sir," said Wuzralam, shaking his head. "Please, the box wants no more clowns."
"Of course, my dear man," said Blackwillow, chuckling, "There will be no more clowns looking into your lovely box."
"Thank you," said Wuzralam, relief now returning to his eyes.
The Carnivale of Delirium had added another fine attraction to its collection on this day, and in a small way this mysterious box had helped one clown see the funny side of life again. Blackwillow was also very happy today, and when Blackwillow was very happy the world had to be very afraid.
Copyright (c) 2011 Stephen Winterflood


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As the dismal economy forces nonprofits and funders alike to search for cost savings that don't threaten their missions, two groups have published a guide for foundations on sharing nonprofit workspaces.
The free guide from the NonprofitCenters Network and Tides Shared Spaces lists benefits of sharing space and services, and provides tips for foundations looking to fund such "mission-focused facilities."
The publication is designed as a tool for funders that want to convert their headquarters into areas that can be shared with nonprofits, or that are considering investing in building efforts that incorporate shared space.
In addition to creating long-term savings, such shared spaces create jobs for local residents and provide support for area businesses, the guide says.
Shared space, which can house community conference centers or serve as incubate social ventures, often is based in green spaces and aims to be energy-efficient.
The guide also includes profiles of projects across the U.S. that are considered best-practice efforts in sharing nonprofit space.
The Knight Nonprofit Center, for example, was built in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and when completed in 2009 will house 22 groups that are working to rebuild the area.


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An accumulator or Koomey unit is a unit used to hydraulically operate Rams BOP, Annular BOP, HCR and some hydraulic equipment. There are several of high pressure cylinders that store gas (in bladders) and hydraulic fluid or water under pressure for hydraulic activated systems. The primary purpose of this unit is to supply hydraulic power to the BOP stack in order to close/open BOP stack for both normal operational and emergency situation. Stored hydraulic in the system can provide hydraulic power to close BOP's in well control operation, therefore, kick volume will be minimized. The accumulator should have sufficient volume to close/open all preventers and accumulator pressure must be maintained all time. According to API RP53, your reservoir tank should have a total volume at least 2 times of usable volume to close all BOP equipment.
Pressure based on 3,000 psi surface stack system that you should check on BOP remote panel and koomey unit is listed below:
• Manifold pressure at +/- 1,500 psi
• Accumulator pressure at +/- 3,000 psi
• Annular preventer at +/- 500 – 1,500 psi
• Rig Air at +/- 100 – 130 psi
There are 4 main components of the Koomey unit as follows:
• Accumulators
• Pumping system (electric and pneumatic pumps)
• Manifold system
• Reservoir tank
According to API RP 53, there must be 2 or 3 independent sources of power that will be available for each closing unit. Typically, you will these following sources:
• Hydraulic with pressure charged in the bottles.
• Pneumatic
• Electric
The diagram below demonstrates how the accumulator is lined up for the surface stack.
Please remember that the diagram is for learning purpose. It may or may not match with your rig configuration. However, the concept of it is the same.
A: Pressure regulator is used to maintain pressure at annular side at 500-1500 psi
B: Pressure regulator is used to maintain the manifold pressure at 1,500 psi
Blue line for opening equipment as VBR's, Blind/Shear Rams, Annular, HCR.
Red line for closing equipment as VBR's, Blind/Shear Rams, Annular, HCR.
Reference book: Well Control Books


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The Father's Love
August 31, 2009
This song is theologically rich and the lyrics are amazing!
How has the sinner been forgiven
How has the rebel been made clean
Or blinded eyes been made to see
How have the orphans been adopted
Who hated Your love and ran from grace
Despised and rejected all Your ways
How wonderful the Father's love
The Father's love for us
That He would send His only Son
To come and rescue us
He has saved us, called us blameless
Guides us now and will sustain us
Oh how wonderful the Father's love
Your mercy floods our lives with kindness
Your grace has colored all we see
And You have promised not to leave
You freely give Your Spirit to us
So we can be sure we're sons of God
And rest in the hope of what's to come
Though sufferings may fill our lives
We're confident we're heirs with Christ
And so we cry, "Abba, Father"
By Joel Sczebel. As recorded on Sons & Daughters. © 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved.
3 Responses to "The Father's Love"
November 18, 2009 at 9:48 pm
do you mind telling me who that song is by? thanks!!
November 18, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Thanks for visiting and asking an important question. I apologize for not giving the name of the writer, so without any further adu, the author is….
By Joel Sczebel. As recorded on Sons & Daughters. © 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved.
May you be encouraged and blessed by this incredible Christ-honouring song!
January 2, 2011 at 3:18 pm
[…] The Father's Love August 20092 comments 3 […]


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Sunday, October 30, 2005
Fall has arrived!
Today is a most perfect example of why we live here in Texas! What a glorious autumn day. Perfect temps with a light breeze and sunny.
We headed to our local park for a bit of the fall festival. The kids really loved it! It brings back so many sweet memories of when the older two were of the age to enjoy these things, of course I had time to sew beautiful costumes back then. I hope to do that again someday. Perhaps for my grandchildren???
Here are a couple of shots of the day.
Posted by K at 4:26 PM No comments: Links to this post
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Baby B is Here!
Oct 17 our littlest troop member entered the world. At 10:43 am, we welcomed 9 lb 21.25" Brendan into the family!
He is gorgeous, as you can see. I will try to post some more soon, but right now, just wanting to get this up and running.
Posted by K at 3:35 PM 2 comments: Links to this post
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Software To Grow Your Business
RADAN is acknowledged as one of the world's leading PC based CAD CAM software solutions for the Sheet Metal Cutting industry. It offers a unique combination of applications for Punching, Profiling, Bending, Design and Production Management for Sheet Metal Fabrication.
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Strolling along a sandy beach or through a sun-dappled forest are two of life's simple pleasures that many of us take for granted. Action Manufacturing uses Radan and Radbend to manufacture its custom line of Action Trackchairs.
World Class Training & Support
In addition to market leading sheet metal software, we offer unmatched support, training and consulting services. Led by a team of experienced industry professionals, we can ensure that your production is running efficiently as possible.


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Fully experience my multimedia Structural Dialectics
Paradigm Site on MarkFoster.net or
MarkFoster.org. It includes the site index. This option is
recommended. A minimum 800 x 600
pixel desktop area and a 4.0 or higher browser are suggested.
Or click here to see only the index
to the site's pages.
Finally, click here for my virtual
Library, and connect with my other sites and mirrors.


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Cancer Council Queensland has been announced as the beneficiary for the first ever Clifford Park Winter Wonderland Ball.
The event scheduled for Saturday, July 21, will be held inside Toowoomba's new, Clive Berghofer Grande Atrium.
In South Queensland, more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and every dollar raised through events like the Clifford Park Winter Wonderland Ball, gives them much-needed hope.
Toowoomba Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Blair Odgers said he is excited to form a new partnership.
"Clifford Park is delighted to support Cancer Council Queensland and aid Cancer research."
Working in conjunction with local charities is part of Clifford Park's Community strategy.
"Being able to host an event in winter will really enable Clifford Park to showcase our newest asset - the Clive Berghofer Grande Atrium, with climate control heating. It will also provide supporters, with the opportunity to enjoy a night at the races whilst raising needed funds," Mr Odgers said.
Tickets are just $80 per person, with proceeds being donated to Cancer Council Queensland. The package includes a four - hour gourmet canapé package with chocolate fountain, a glass of Moet or Stella Artois on arrival, live entertainment, funny money bookmaker promotion, whiskey tasting, party games and of course, local horse racing.
There will also be the opportunity to further help raise funds for Cancer Council on the night.
Tickets can be purchased at www.cliffordpark.com.au
More about Cancer Council Queensland is available via www.cancerqld.org.au or 13 11 20.
Missed today's show? Catch up here!


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The Measure of a Woman repost
The Measure of a Woman
How does one measure a gift from god,
or count the grains of sand.
who hasn't stood in quiet awe,
of mountains as they stand.
This will not be simple,
or easy to provide.
but a woman must be measured
by the person deep inside.
The measure of a man is based,
on the actions that he takes.
like providing for his family,
and learning from past mistakes.
for a woman you must go deeper
than what can be seen by eye.
In the quiet, and always giving heart
is where the measure lie.
A heart that's all forgiving
in wrong choices that we make.
a heart that feels our pain
from wrong courses that we take.
A heart that's always there
whenever our needs arise.
although we are to self-consumed
to even realize.
A heart so full of compassion,
and a love that is so still
and soothes us like a child
when we're only slightly ill.
If you want to measure a woman
your chances are very slim
the measure of a man should be
the woman who takes care of him.


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Category Archives: influences
Making Zines is Important
On twitter today it seemed like everyone I follow was talking about making zines (or 'zines short for fanzine or magazine depending how you feel about it). I really like reading and buying zines. I love writing for The Atomic … Continue reading
Maps to Adventure: You Are Swept Into Eternity
If you were a kid in a Western country in the 1980s who was at all interested in reading, chances are your parents and teachers tried to encourage you with Choose Your Own Adventure paperbacks. Atlas Obscura has a great article … Continue reading
What Makes Nighthawks Important
It is unimportant that Nighthawks is based on a real place. What is special about it, is that we know how what those people are feeling.
David Malki, creator of WONDERMARK, contributed a page to issue 9 (V2) of The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl (if you're not reading it, you really should be). In the post linked below, he details the process he used in creating the … Continue reading
The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
I'm not a Tarzan fan by any stretch (though I do love a lot of old pulp characters) and I haven't seen the new film, but I have been curious how it'd be received by die hard fans, and invested … Continue reading
Influences, Part 2: Bob Elliott, Magical Realism & Hiding Your Hand
Following up on my post about David Bowie In 1946 radio broadcaster Bob Elliott teamed up with Ray Goulding, and for the next five decades the duo crafted exceptionally wonderful and silly radio comedy. Bob & Ray were heard on … Continue reading
Influences Part 1: David Bowie, Cut-up Writing
No matter what genre of music, film, or art you like, the number artists and creative celebrities passing since the start of 2016 has been staggering. Putting the best face on these losses, the outpouring of tributes speaking to the … Continue reading


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Typically true to size, some room for layering
Down or synthetic insulation for consistently cold temps
Can block heavy, wet snow and rain from entering
Dry and comfy in almost any condition.
Conquer anything in the KJUS Downforce Ski Jacket. This cutting-edge jacket comes equipped with the award-winning KJUS AC-Vent ventilation system, stretchable insulation, and exclusive Swiss 3D foam application. The Downforce is the jacket to turn to when you want uncompromising performance, boasting 4-way stretch fabric and top-tier breathability and water protection. The lining's phase change material actively equalizes extreme temperatures and provides a perfectly balanced inner climate at every temperature. A classic sporty design on the membrane will inspire you to push your limits on the slopes.


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Cell Transplantation 21(11) Abstracts
Return to Cell Transplantation main page>
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2325-2337, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X654957
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
G-CSF Stimulation and Coronary Reinfusion of Mobilized Circulating Mononuclear Proangiogenic Cells in Patients With Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease: Five-Year Results of the TOPCARE-G-CSF Trial
Joerg Honold,* Ulrich Fischer-Rasokat,* Ralf Lehmann,* David M. Leistner,* Florian H. Seeger,* Volker Schachinger,† Hans Martin,‡ Stefanie Dimmeler,§ Andreas M. Zeiher,* and Birgit Assmus*
*Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine III, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
†Department of Medicine I, Klinikum Fulda, Germany
‡Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine II, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
§Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
Prognosis of patients with heart failure remains poor despite improved conventional and interventional treatment regimens. The improvement of neovascularization and repair processes by administration of bone marrow-derived cells modestly improved the recovery after acute myocardial infarction. However, circulating patient-derived cells are reduced in number and function particularly in chronic heart failure. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis whether the mobilization of circulating mononuclear proangiogenic cells (CPCs) by G-CSF may overcome some of these limitations. In the present pilot study, 32 patients with at least 3-month-old myocardial infarction were randomized to G-CSF alone (G-CSF group) or intracoronary infusion of G-CSFmobilized and cultured CPCs into the infarct-related artery (G-CSF/CPC group). Primary endpoint of the study was safety. Efficacy parameters included serial assessment of LV function, NT-proBNP levels, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. G-CSF effectively mobilized circulating CD34+CD45+ cells after 5 days in all patients (408 ± 64%) without serious adverse events. At 3 months, NYHA class and global LV function did not show significant improvements in both treatment groups (G-CSF: DLVEF 1.6 ± 2.4%; p = 0.10; G-CSF/CPC: DLVEF 1.4 ± 4.1%; p = 0.16). In contrast, target area contractility improved significantly in the G-CSF/CPC group. During 5-year follow-up, one patient died after rehospitalization for worsening heart failure. Eleven patients underwent further revascularization procedures. NT-proBNP levels, cardiopulmonary exercise capacity, and NYHA class remained stable in both treatment groups. The results from our pilot trial indicate that administration of G-CSF alone or G-CSF-mobilized and cultured CPCs can be performed safely in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease. However, only minor effects on LV function, NT-proBNP levels, and NYHA classification were observed during follow-up, suggesting that the enhancement of CPCs by G-CSF alone does not substantially improve intracoronary cell therapy effects in patients with chronic ischemic heart failure.
Key words: Heart failure; Ischemic heart disease; Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF); Cell therapy; Mononuclear cells
Received February 28, 2011; final acceptance February 7, 2012. Online prepub date: September 7, 2012.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2339-2350, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X655000
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Posttransplant Cellular Immune Reactivity Against Donor Antigen Correlates With Clinical Islet Transplantation Outcome: Towards a Better Posttransplant Monitoring
Stéphanie Lacotte,* Sophie Borot,* Sylvie Ferrari-Lacraz,† Jean Villard,† Sandrine Demuylder-Mischler,* Graziano Oldani,* Philippe Morel,* Gilles Mentha,* Thierry Berney,* and Christian Toso*
*Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
†Transplant Immunology Unit, Geneva University Hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
The aim of the present study was to assess the efficiency of cell-based immune assays in the detection of alloreactivity after islet transplantation and to correlate these results with clinical outcome. Mixed lymphocyte cultures were performed with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from recipients (n = 14), donors, or third party. The immune reactivity was assessed by the release of IFN-g (ELISpot), cell proliferation (FACS analysis for Ki67), and cytokine quantification (Bioplex). Islet function correlated with the number of IFN-γ-secreting cells following incubation with donor cells (p = 0.007, r = –0.50), but not with third party cells (p = 0.61). Similarly, a high number of donor-specific proliferating cells was associated with a low islet function (p = 0.006, r = −0.51). Proliferating cells were mainly CD3+CD4+ lymphocytes and CD3−CD56+ natural killer cells (with low levels of CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes). Patients with low islet function had increased levels of CD4+Ki67+ cells (p ≤ 0.0001), while no difference was observed in CD8+Ki67+ and CD56+Ki67+ cells. IFN-γ, IL-5, and IL-17 levels were increased in patients with low islet function, but IL-10 levels tended to be lower. IFN- γ-ELISpot, proliferation, and cytokines were similarly accurate in predicting clinical outcome (AUC = 0.77 ± 0.088, 0.85 ± 0.084, and 0.88 ± 0.074, respectively). Cellular immune reactivity against donor cells correlates with posttransplant islet function. The tested assays have the potential to be of substantial help in the management of islet graft recipients and deserve prospective validation.
Key words: Monitoring; Diabetes; Islet; Transplantation; Cytokine; ELISpot
Received August 5, 2011; final acceptance February 5, 2012. Online prepub date: September 7, 2012.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2351-2362, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X636957
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Comparative Study of Transplantation of Hepatocytes at Various Differentiation Stages Into Mice With Lethal Liver Damage
Ryo Kamimura,* Takamichi Ishii,* Naoya Sasaki,* Masatoshi Kajiwara,* Takafumi Machimoto,* Michiko Saito,† Kenji Kohno,† Hirofumi Suemori,‡ Norio Nakatsuji,§ Iwao Ikai,*¶ Kentaro Yasuchika,* and Shinji Uemoto*
*Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
†Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
‡Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Research Center, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
§Institute for Integrated Cell Material Sciences and Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
¶Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Hepatocyte transplantation utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or embryonic stem cells (ESCs) has been expected to provide an alternative to liver transplantation. However, it remains uncertain precisely which cell type is the best suited for cell transplantation. In particular, it is unclear whether mature hepatocytes, which have sufficient liver function, or immature hepatic progenitor cells, which have a higher proliferative capacity, will provide a better outcome. The main objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the transplantation of hepatocytes at various differentiation stages. We utilized transgenic mice that expressed diphtheria toxin (DT) receptors under the control of an albumin enhancer/promoter. ESC-derived endodermal cells, fetal hepatocytes, and adult hepatocytes were transplanted into these mice with experimentally induced lethal acute liver injury caused by DT administration. The transplanted cells were marked by enhanced green fluorescent protein. We evaluated their effects on survival. At 35 days after transplantation, the survival rate of the adult hepatocyte-transplanted group (8/20, 40%) was significantly improved in comparison to that of the sham-operated group (2/25, 8%), the fetal hepatocyte-transplanted group (1/20, 5%), and the ESC-derived endodermal cell-transplanted group (0/21, 0%). The adult hepatocytes proliferated in the recipient livers and replaced a large part of their parenchyma. The transplantation of adult hepatocytes for acute liver failure significantly improved the survival rate in comparison to that of transplantation of immature cells, thus suggesting that ESCs and iPSCs should be differentiated into mature hepatocytes before cell transplantation for acute liver failure.
Key words: Cell transplantation; Embryonic stem cell; Hepatocyte differentiation; Toxin receptor-mediated conditional cell knockout (TRECK)
Received March 23, 2011; final acceptance November 8, 2011. Online prepub date: April 2, 2011.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2363-2375, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X638856
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor and Interleukin-1β Are Important Cytokines in Repair of the Cirrhotic Liver After Bone Marrow Cell Infusion: Comparison of Humans and Model Mice
Yuko Mizunaga,* Shuji Terai,* Naoki Yamamoto,* Koichi Uchida,* Takahiro Yamasaki,* Hiroshi Nishina,† Yusuke Fujita,‡ Koh Shinoda,§ Yoshihiko Hamamoto,‡ and Isao Sakaida*
*Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
†Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
‡Department of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
§Department of Neuroanatomy and Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
We previously described the effectiveness of autologous bone marrow cell infusion (ABMi) therapy for patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). We analyzed chronological changes in 19 serum cytokines as well as levels of specific cytokines in patients after ABMi therapy and in a mouse model of cirrhosis generated using green fluorescent protein (GFP)/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). We measured expression profiles of cytokines in serum samples collected from 13 patients before and at 1 day and 1 week after ABMi. Child–Pugh scores significantly improved in all of these patients. To analyze the meaning of early cytokine change, we infused GFP-positive bone marrow cells (BMCs) into mice with CCl4-induced LC and obtained serum and tissue samples at 1 day and as well as at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks later. We compared chronological changes in serum cytokine expression in humans and in the model mice at 1 day and 1 week after BMC infusion. Among 19 cytokine, both granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum was found to show the same chronological change pattern between human and mice model. Next, we examined changes in cytokine expression in cirrhosis liver before and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after BMC infusion. Both G-CSF and IL-1β were undetectable in the liver tissues before and at 1 week after BMC infusion but increased at 2 weeks and continued until 4 weeks after infusion. The infused BMCs induced an early decrease of both G-CSF and IL-1β in serum and an increase in the model mice with LC. These dynamic cytokine changes might be important to repair liver cirrhosis after BMC infusion.
Key words: Autologous bone marrow infusion (ABMi); Cytokine; Liver regeneration; Cell therapy; Chronological change
Received August 23, 2010; final acceptance January 15, 2012. Online prepub date: April 10, 2012.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2377-2395, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X638892
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Achilles Tendon Regeneration Can Be Improved by Amniotic Epithelial Cell Allotransplantation
B. Barboni,*1 V. Russo,*1 V. Curini,*1 A. Mauro,*1 A. Martelli,* A. Muttini,*1 N. Bernabò,* L. Valbonetti,*1 M. Marchisio,†‡1 O. Di Giacinto,* P. Berardinelli,* and M. Mattioli*1
*Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
†Department of Medicine and Aging Science (D.M.S.I.), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
‡Center for Ageing Sciences (Ce.S.I.), "Università G. d'Annunzio" Foundation, Chieti, Italy
Amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) are ideal seed cells for tissue regeneration, but no research has yet been reported on their tendon regeneration potential. This study investigated the efficiency of AEC allotransplantation for tendon healing, as well as the mechanism involved. To this aim ovine AECs, characterized by specific surface and stemness markers (CD14−, CD31−, CD45−, CD49f, CD29, CD166, OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, TERT), were allotransplanted into experimentally induced tissue defects in sheep Achilles tendon. In situ tissue repair revealed that AEC-treated tendons had much better structural and mechanical recoveries than control ones during the early phase of healing. Immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses indicated that extracellular matrix remodeling was more rapid and that immature collagen fibers were completely replaced by mature ones in 28 days. Moreover, spatial–temporal analysis of cellularity, proliferation index, vascular area, and leukocyte infiltration revealed that AECs induced a specific centripetal healing process that first started in the tissue closer to the healthy portion of the tendons, where AECs rapidly migrated to then progress through the core of the lesion. This peculiar healing evolution could have been induced by the growth factor stimulatory influence (TGF-β1 and VEGF) and/or by the host progenitor cells recruitment, but also as the consequence of a direct tenogenic AEC differentiation resulting in the regeneration of new tendon matrix. These findings demonstrate that AECs can support tendon regeneration, and their effects may be used to develop future strategies to treat tendon disease characterized by a poor clinical outcome in veterinary medicine.
Key words: Achilles tendon; Amniotic epithelial cells (AECs); Tissue regeneration; Cellular therapy
Received August 4, 2011; final acceptance February 1, 2012. Online prepub date: April 10, 2012.
1StemTeCh Group, Italy.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2397-2405, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X638865
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Chondrogenesis of Adipose Stem Cells in a Porous Polymer Scaffold: Influence of the Pore Size
Gun-II Im,* Ji-Yun Ko,* and Jin Ho Lee†
*Department of Orthopaedics, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, South Korea
†Department of Advanced Materials, Hannam University, Daejeon, South Korea
This study examined how the difference in pore size of porous scaffolds affected the in vitro chondrogenic differentiation of seeded adipose stem cells (ASCs) and the in vivo cartilage repair of ASC/scaffold construct. ASCs were isolated from 18 rabbits and seeded in a porous poly (e-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold with different pore sizes (100, 200, 400 mm). The ASCs underwent in vitro chondrogenic induction under TGF-β2 and BMP-7 for 21 days before analysis. The ASC/scaffold construct was also implanted on the osteochondral defect created on the distal femur of the same rabbits, and the quality of cartilage regeneration was analyzed after 8 weeks. At day 21, the ASCs proliferated and spread on the surface of the scaffolds with a pore size 100 and 200 mm, whereas there were many lumps of conglomerated ASCs on those with a pore size of 400 μm. The DNA content was significantly lower in the scaffold with a pore size of 400 μm than in that with a pore size of 100 or 200 μm. Proteoglycan production was significantly greater in the scaffold with a pore size of 400 and 200 μm than in that with a pore size of 100 μm. The chondrogenic marker gene expression including SOX9 and COL2A1 was greatest in the scaffold with a pore size of 400 μm followed by 200 μm. Immunofluorescent imaging showed that, while SOX9 was localized to nucleus, type II collagen was observed on the cytoplasm and secreted matrix around the cells most abundantly in the scaffold with a pore size of 400 μm followed by 200 μm. The gross and histological findings from the osteochondral defects showed that the cartilage repair was better in the scaffold with a pore size of 400 and 200 μm than in that with a pore size of 100 μm.
Key words: Adipose stem cells (ASCs); Chondrogenesis; Cartilage regeneration; Pore size; Porous scaffold
Received August 30, 2011; final acceptance January 15, 2012. Online prepub date: April 10, 2012.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2407-2424, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X637055
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Losartan Improves Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cell Niche by Inhibiting Transforming Growth Factor-β and Fibrosis in Skeletal Muscle Injury
Jin-Kyu Park,*1 Mi-Ran Ki,*1 Eun-Mi Lee,*† Ah-Young Kim,*† Sang-Young You,*† Seon-Young Han,*† Eun-Joo Lee,*† Il-Hwa Hong,* Soon-Hak Kwon,‡ Seong-Jin Kim,§ Thomas A. Rando,¶ and Kyu-Shik Jeong*†
*College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
†Stem Cell Therapeutic Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
‡Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
§CHA Cancer Institute, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
¶Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
Recently, adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) were emerged as an alternative, abundant, and easily accessible source of stem cell therapy. Previous studies revealed losartan (an angiotensin II type I receptor blocker) treatment promoted the healing of skeletal muscle by attenuation of the TGF-β signaling pathway, which inhibits muscle differentiation. Therefore, we hypothesized that a combined therapy using ASCs and losartan might dramatically improve the muscle remodeling after muscle injury. To determine the combined effect of losartan with ASC transplantation, we created a muscle laceration mouse model. EGFP-labeled ASCs were locally transplanted to the injured gastrocnemius muscle after muscle laceration. The dramatic muscle regeneration and the remarkably inhibited muscular fibrosis were observed by combined treatment. Transplanted ASCs fused with the injured or differentiating myofibers. Myotube formation was also enhanced by ASC+ satellite coculture and losartan treatment. Thus, the present study indicated that ASC transplantation effect for skeletal muscle injury can be dramatically improved by losartan treatment inducing better niche.
Key words: Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs); Angiotensin II; Fibrosis; Losartan; Muscle laceration; Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)
Received August 26, 2011; final acceptance January 8, 2012. Online prepub date: April 10, 2012.
1These authors provided equal contribution to this work.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2425-2439, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X639008
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Improve Renal Function in a Mouse Model of IgA Nephropathy
Young Youl Hyun,*1 In Ok Kim,†‡1 Mi Hyung Kim,† Deok Hwa Nam,* Mi Hwa Lee,* Jung Eun Kim,* Hye Kyoung Song,* Jin Joo Cha,* Young Sun Kang,* Ji Eun Lee,§ Hyun Wook Kim,§ Jee Young Han,¶ and Dae Ryong Cha*
*Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, South Korea
†Anterogen Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
‡Department of Bioinspired Science, Division of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Woman's University, Seoul, South Korea
§Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University, Gunpo, South Korea
¶Department of Pathology, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
T-cell dysregulation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been reported to be able to prevent tissue damage through immunemodulating effects. To evaluate the effects of ASCs in high IgA ddY (HIGA) mice, ASCs were isolated from HIGA mice with different stages of IgAN before and after disease onset. ASCs were injected at a dose of 5 × 106 cells/kg body weight through the tail vein every 2 weeks for 3 months. Although the administered ASCs were rarely detected in the glomeruli, 24-h proteinuria was markedly decreased in all ASC-treated groups. Although glomerular deposition of IgA was not significantly different among groups, mesangial proliferation and glomerulosclerosis were dramatically decreased in most ASC treatment groups. In addition, levels of fibrotic and inflammatory molecules were markedly decreased by ASC treatment. Interestingly, ASC therapy significantly decreased Th1 cytokine activity in the kidney and caused a shift to Th2 responses in spleen T-cells as determined by FACS analysis. Furthermore, conditioned media from ASCs abrogated aggregated IgA-induced Th1 cytokine production in cultured HIGA mesangial cells. These results suggest that the beneficial effects of ASC treatment in IgAN occur via paracrine mechanisms that modulate the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. ASCs are therefore a promising new therapeutic agent for the treatment of IgAN.
Key words: Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs); HIGA mice; Th1 cytokine; Glomerulosclerosis; Proteinuria
Received August 26, 2011; final acceptance January 19, 2012. Online prepub date: April 17, 2012.
1These authors provided equal contribution to this work.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2441-2454, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X637064
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Cells Support Skin Reepithelialization Through Secretion of KGF-1 and PDGF-BB: Comparison With Dermal Fibroblasts
Vassilia-Ismini Alexaki,* Despoina Simantiraki,* Marianna Panayiotopoulou,* Olga Rasouli,† Maria Venihaki,† Ourania Castana,‡ Dimitrios Alexakis,‡ Marilena Kampa,* Efstathios N. Stathopoulos,§ and Elias Castanas*
*Department of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
†Department of Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
‡Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Evaggelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
§Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
Epidermal organization and homeostasis are regulated by mesenchymal influences through paracrine actions. Until today, dermal fibroblasts (DFs) are used in the "dermal" layer to support keratinocyte growth in vitro in dermal and skin substitutes. In the present work, we used human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal cells (ADMCs) as a support of keratinocyte growth in vitro (in monolayer culture and in 3D skin cell culture models) and in vivo (mouse wound healing models) and compared our findings with those obtained using dermal fibroblasts. ADMCs induce reepithelialization during wound healing more efficiently than DFs, by enhancing keratinocyte proliferation through cell cycle progression, and migration. This effect is mediated (at least partially) by a paracrine action of KGF-1 and PDGF-BB, which are more prominently expressed in ADMCs than in DFs. Furthermore, replacement of DFs by ADMCs in the dermal compartment of organotypic skin cultures leads to an artificial epidermis resembling to that of normal skin, concerning the general histology, although with a higher expression of cytokeratins 5 and 19. In Rag1 knockout mice, ADMCs induced a more rapid reepithelialization and a more effective wound healing, compared to dermal fibroblasts. In conclusion, we provide evidence that ADMCs can serve as supportive cells for primary keratinocyte cultures. In addition, because of their abundance and the great cell yield achieved during ADMC isolation, they represent an interesting cell source, with potential aspects for clinical use.
Key words: Adipose-derived mesenchymal cells (ADMCs); Dermal fibroblasts (DFs); Primary keratinocytes; Organotypic skin cultures; Wound healing
Received April 6, 2011; final acceptance November 1, 2011. Online prepub date: April 10, 2012.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2455-2469, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X637037
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Environmental Biomechanics Substantiated by Defined Pillar Micropatterns Govern Behavior of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
S. Proksch,* T. Steinberg,† S. Schulz,† S. Sauerbier,‡ E. Hellwig,* and P. Tomakidi†
*Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Dental School and Hospital, University Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
†Department of Oral Biotechnology, Dental School and Hospital, University Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
‡Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental School and Hospital, University Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
While evidence on the impact of the biomechanical environment elasticity on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) behavior is growing, the aspect of micropatterning is still poorly understood. Thus, the present study aimed at investigating the influence of defined environmental micropatterning on hMSC behavior. Following characterization, hMSCs were grown on defined pillar micropatterns of 5, 7, 9, and 11 μm. With respect to cell behavior, primary hMSC adhesion was detected by indirect immunofluorescence (iIF) for paxillin, vinculin, integrin αV, and actin, while proliferation was visualized by histone H3. Morphogenesis was monitored by scanning electron microscopy and the expression of stem cell-specific biomarkers by real-time PCR. Favoritism of primary adhesion of hMSCs on pillar tops occurred at smaller pillar micropatterns, concomitant with cell flattening. While vinculin, integrin αV, and paxillin appeared initially more cytoplasmic, high pillar micropatterns favored a progressive redistribution with polarization to cell tension sites and at cell borders. Accomplishment of morphogenesis at day 3 revealed establishment of fully rotund cell somata at 5 μm, while hMSCs appeared progressively elongated at rising micropatterns. The hMSC proliferation capacity was influenced by pillar micropatterns and gene expression analysis of stem cell- and differentiation-associated biomarkers disclosed clear modulation by distinct pillar micropatterns. In response to environmental biomechanics, our results show that hMSC behavior is governed by pillar micropatterning. In turn, these findings may form the basis to prospectively direct lineage specificity of hMSCs in a customized fashion.
Key words: Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs); Environmental micropattern; Biomechanics; Pillar array
Received September 22, 2011; final acceptance January 26, 2012. Online prepub date: April 2, 2012.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2471-2486, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X638874
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Differentiation of Chromaffin Progenitor Cells to Dopaminergic Neurons
Vladimir Vukicevic,*1 Janine Schmid,*1 Andreas Hermann,†‡ Sven Lange,* Nan Qin,§ Linda Gebauer,* Kuei-Fang Chung,* Ursula Ravens,¶ Graeme Eisenhofer,§ Alexander Storch,†‡# Marius Ader,‡ Stefan R. Bornstein,*‡ and Monika Ehrhart-Bornstein*‡
*Molecular Endocrinology, Medical Clinic III, University Clinic Dresden, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
†Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
‡Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
§Departments of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University of Dresden, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
¶Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Dresden, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
#DZNE, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Research Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
The differentiation of dopamine-producing neurons from chromaffin progenitors might represent a new valuable source for replacement therapies in Parkinson's disease. However, characterization of their differentiation potential is an important prerequisite for efficient engraftment. Based on our previous studies on isolation and characterization of chromaffin progenitors from adult adrenals, this study investigates their potential to produce dopaminergic neurons and means to enhance their dopaminergic differentiation. Chromaffin progenitors grown in sphere culture showed an increased expression of nestin and Mash1, indicating an increase of the progenitor subset. Proneurogenic culture conditions induced the differentiation into neurons positive for neural markers β-III-tubulin, MAP2, and TH accompanied by a decrease of Mash1 and nestin. Furthermore, Notch2 expression decreased concomitantly with a downregulation of downstream effectors Hes1 and Hes5 responsible for self-renewal and proliferation maintenance of progenitor cells. Chromaffin progenitor-derived neurons secreted dopamine upon stimulation by potassium. Strikingly, treatment of differentiating cells with retinoic and ascorbic acid resulted in a twofold increase of dopamine secretion while norepinephrine and epinephrine were decreased. Initiation of dopamine synthesis and neural maturation is controlled by Pitx3 and Nurr1. Both Pitx3 and Nurr1 were identified in differentiating chromaffin progenitors. Along with the gained dopaminergic function, electrophysiology revealed features of mature neurons, such as sodium channels and the capability to fire multiple action potentials. In summary, this study elucidates the capacity of chromaffin progenitor cells to generate functional dopaminergic neurons, indicating their potential use in cell replacement therapies.
Key words: Chromaffin progenitors; Neural differentiation; Parkinson's disease; Ascorbic acid; Retinoic acid; Transplantation
Received July 5, 2011; final acceptance January 25, 2012. Online prepub date: April 10, 2012.
1These authors provided equal contribution to this work.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2487-2496, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X638964
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Human Neural Stem Cells Genetically Modified to Express Human Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Gene Restore Cognition in the Mouse With Ibotenic Acid-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction
Hong J. Lee,*† In J. Lim,‡ Seung W. Park,§ Yun B. Kim,¶ Yong Ko,# and Seung U. Kim*†
*Medical Research Institute, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
†Division of Neurology, UBC Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
‡Department of Physiology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
§Department of Neurosurgery, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
¶Chungbuk National University School of Veterinary Medicine, Cheongju, South Korea
#Korea University College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Seoul, South Korea
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by degeneration and loss of neurons and synapses throughout the brain, causing the progressive decline in cognitive function leading to dementia. No effective treatment is currently available. Nerve growth factor (NGF) therapy has been proposed as a potential treatment of preventing degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in AD. In a previous study, AD patient's own fibroblasts genetically modified to produce NGF were transplanted directly into the brain and protected cholinergic neurons from degeneration and improved cognitive function in AD patients. In the present study, human neural stem cells (NSCs) are used in place of fibroblasts to deliver NGF in ibotenic acid-induced learning-deficit rats. Intrahippocampal injection of ibotenic acid caused severe neuronal loss, resulting in learning and memory deficit. NGF protein released by F3.NGF human NSCs in culture medium is 10-fold over the control F3 naive NSCs at 1.2 μg/106 cells/day. Overexpression of NGF in F3.NGF cells induced improved survival of NSCs from cytotoxic agents H2O2, Aβ, or ibotenic acid in vitro. Intrahippocampal transplantation of F3.NGF cells was found to express NGF and fully improved the learning and memory function of ibotenic acid-challenged animals. Transplanted F3.NGF cells were found all over the brain and differentiated into neurons and astrocytes. The present study demonstrates that human NSCs overexpressing NGF improve cognitive function of learning-deficit model mice.
Key words: Learning and memory; Alzheimer's disease (AD); Ibotenic acid; Human neural stem cell (NSC); Nerve growth factor (NGF); Gene therapy; Hippocampus
Received June 22, 2011; final acceptance February 23, 2012. Online prepub date: April 20, 2012.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2497-2515, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X640457
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Long-Lasting Paracrine Effects of Human Cord Blood Cells on Damaged Neocortex in an Animal Model of Cerebral Palsy
Sang-Hun Bae,*† Tae-Ho Kong,*† Hyun-Seob Lee,*† Kyung-Sul Kim, *† Kwan Soo Hong,‡ Michael Chopp,§¶ Myung-Seo Kang,# and Jisook Moon*†
*College of Life Science, Department of Applied Bioscience, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
†General Research Institute, Gangnam CHA General Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
‡Division of MR Research Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongwon, South Korea
§Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
¶Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
#Department of Diagnostic Tests, Kangnam CHA Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
Neonatal asphyxia is an important contributor to cerebral palsy (CP), for which there is no effective treatment to date. The administration of human cord blood cells (hUCBCs) is emerging as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neurological disorders. However, there are few studies on the application of hUCBCs to the treatment of neonatal ischemia as a model of CP. Experiments and behavioral tests (mainly motor tests) performed on neonatal hypoxia/ischemia have been limited to short-term effects of hUCBCs, but mechanisms of action have not been investigated. We performed a study on the use of hUCBCs in a rat model of neonatal hypoxia/ischemia and investigated the underlying mechanism for therapeutic benefits of hUCBC treatment. hUCBCs were intravenously transplanted into a rat model of neonatal hypoxia ischemia. hUCBCs increased microglia temporarily in the periventricular striatum in the early phase of disease, protected mature neurons in the neocortex from injury, paved the way for the near-normalization of brain damage in the subventricular zone (SVZ), and, in consequence, significantly improved performance in a battery of behavioral tests compared to the vehicle-treated group. Although the transplanted cells were rarely observed in the brain 3 weeks after transplantation, the effects of the improved behavioral functions persisted. Our preclinical findings suggest that the long-lasting positive influence of hUCBCs is derived from paracrine effects of hUCBCs that stimulate recovery in the injured brain and protect against further brain damage.
Key words: Cerebral palsy (CP); Human umbilical cord blood stem cells (hUCBCs); Inflammatory cytokine; Paracrine factors; Chemokines
Received June 27, 2011; final acceptance December 20, 2011. Online prepub date: April 17, 2012.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp.2517-2521, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368911X637425
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Brief Communication
Definitive Setup of Clinical Scale Procedure for Ex Vivo Expansion of Cord Blood Hematopoietic Cells for Transplantation
Pascale Duchez,*† Jean Chevaleyre,*† Marija Vlaski,*† Bernard Dazey,* Noel Milpied,‡ Jean-Michel Boiron,*† and Zoran Ivanovic*†
*Etablissement Français du Sang Aquitaine-Limousin, Bordeaux, France
†CNRS/Université Segalen UMR 5164, Bordeaux, France
‡CHU de Bordeaux/Université Segalen, Bordeaux, France
We recently developed a clinical grade ex vivo cord blood expansion procedure enabling a massive amplification of hematopoietic progenitors without any loss of stem cell potential. This procedure, based on day 14 liquid cultures of cord blood CD34+ cells, in medium Macopharma HP01 and in the presence of stem cell factor (SCF; 100 ng/ml), fms-related tyrosine kinase 3-ligand (Flt-3L; 100 ng/ml), megakaryocyte growth and developmental factor (MGDF; 100 ng/ml), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF; 10 ng/ml) had to be modified due to the commercially unavailability of clinical grade MGDF molecule. So MGDF was replaced by thrombopoietin (TPO) in fivefold lower dose (20 ng/ml), and culture time was reduced to 12 days. That way, a mean expansion fold of 400, 80, and 150 was obtained for total cells, CD34+ cells, and colony-forming cells (CFCs), respectively. This amplification was associated with a slight enhancing effect on stem cells [Scid repopulating cells (SRCs)]. These are the ultimate preclinical modifications of a clinical grade expansion protocol, which is already employed in an ongoing clinical trial.
Key words: Ex vivo; Hematopoietic; Progenitors; Expansion; Cord blood (CB)
Received June 15, 2011; final acceptance January 5, 2012. Online prepub date: March 28, 2012.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2523-2530, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X653165
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Brief Communication
Comparison of Cardiomyogenic Potential Among Human ESC and iPSC Lines
Ana Sepac,* Karim Si-Tayeb,† Filip Sedlic,* Sara Barrett,* Scott Canfield,* Stephen A. Duncan,† Zeljko J. Bosnjak,* and John W. Lough†
*Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
†Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
We recently reported that, following induction of clumps of pluripotent H1 human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with activin-A and Bmp4 in defined medium for 5 days, widespread differentiation of rhythmically contracting cardiomyocytes occurs within 3–4 weeks. In this study, the same approach was used to assess whether human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which may theoretically provide an unlimited source of patientmatched cells for transplantation therapy, can similarly undergo cardiomyocyte differentiation. Differentiation of four pluripotent cell lines (H1 and H9 hESCs and C2a and C6a hiPSCs) was compared in parallel by monitoring rhythmic contraction, morphologic differentiation, and expression of cardiomyogenic genes. Based on expression of the cardiomyogenic lineage markers MESP1, ISL1, and NKX2-5, all four cell lines were induced into the cardiomyogenic lineage. However, in contrast to the widespread appearance of striations and rhythmic contractility seen in H9 and especially in H1 hESCs, both hiPSC lines exhibited poor terminal differentiation. These findings suggest that refined modes of generating hiPSCs, as well as of inducing cardiomyogenesis in them, may be required to fulfill their potential as agents of cardiac regeneration.
Key words: Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs); Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs); Directed cardiac differentiation; qPCR
Received August 4, 2011; final acceptance January 10, 2012. Online prepub date August 2, 2012.
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 21, pp. 2531-2535, 2012
0963-6897/12 $90.00 + .00
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096368912X636975
Copyright © 2012 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved
Brief Communication
Collagenase Does Not Persist in Human Islets Following Isolation
Sarah E. Cross,* Stephen J. Hughes,* Anne Clark,† Derek W. R. Gray,* and Paul R. V. Johnson*
*Islet Transplant Research Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
†Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
Optimal human islet isolation requires the delivery of bacterial collagenase to the pancreatic islet–exocrine interface. However, we have previously demonstrated the presence of collagenase within human islets immediately following intraductal collagenase administration. This potentially has significant implications for patient safety. The present study aimed to determine if collagenase becomes internalized into islets during the isolation procedure and if it remains within the islet postisolation. Islet samples were taken at various stages throughout 14 clinical human islet isolations: during digest collection, following University of Wisconsin solution incubation, immediately postisolation, and after 24 h of culture. Samples were embedded in agar, cryosectioned, and then assessed by immunolabeling for collagenase and insulin. Immunoreactivity for collagenase was not observed in isolated islets in any preparation. Collagenase labeling was detected in one sample taken at the digest collection phase in one islet preparation only. No collagenase-specific labeling was seen in islets sampled at any of the other time points in any of the 14 islet preparations. Collagenase that enters islets during intraductal administration is washed out of the islets during the collection phase of the isolation process and thus does not remain in islets after isolation. This observation alleviates some of the important safety concerns that collagenase remains within islet grafts.
Key words: Islet isolation; Islet transplantation; Collagenase
Received August 10, 2011; final acceptance January 10, 2012. Online prepub date April 2, 2012.


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By Dana Fleitman, Program Coordinator
Did you know that personal care attendants, transportation providers and family members are the most common perpetrators of violence against persons with disabilities? Last week, three expert presenters – Paul Feuerstein (Barrier Free Living), Shirley Paceley (Blue Tower Training) and Nancy Smith (Vera Institute of Justice) – spoke to JWI's National Alliance to End Domestic Abuse on best practices for working with domestic violence survivors who have developmental disabilities. Covering barriers to services, how to create accessible environments, tips for communication and more, these three experts provided a thought-provoking introduction to this essential topic. For continued learning, they recommend the following resources:
- Breaking Barriers in Domestic Violence Monthly Newsletter- E-mail email@example.com to sign up
- International Association of Forensic Nurses: "On the Edge" article
- llinois Imagines: A collaboration to address sexual violence against women with disabilities
- Online Training for Law Enforcement "Effective Response to Victims with Disabilities" for Sexual Assault investigators—to be released soon at www.evawintl.org.
- WE CAN Stop Abuse curriculum
Next month's webinar will take place Thursday, February 14th from 12-1:30pm Eastern. Register here for "Let's Talk About Sex: Teens and Sexual Violence," presented by Mitru Ciarlante (ACT for Change, LLC) and Rachel Dart (Sex Discussed Here). As February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, this webinar will focus specifically on adolescents and explore the unique needs, challenges and barriers facing teenagers as they navigate their relationships and sexual experiences. The presentation will offer best practices in discussing sex and sexuality with teens as well as working with teen victims of sexual violence.


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This is heaven on earth and you are one of God's angels1 Thank you for taking such good care of me!
I love you bunches- Margo
The best hour of the month!
Kathy W.
The very best I've felt in a long time! Heaven!
Beverly P.
You are the best and thanks for helping to look younger and better!
Lou Ann is awesome and makes me feel like a million bucks!
Rosie R.
Best facial ever!
Lee L.
Not only do you lift my face but also my spirits!
Love, Suzy
Another grand hour!


text: i changed permission to watch folder (Adobe File watcher service) to give the service the access to the network. I added a folder to the watch folder with NOTIFY option and then OK. I quit to Organizer, and restart it and nothing happends, I let time to do things, but nothing new appear. Then i Enter again to watch folders to see whats new, and after no news in the 5 times tried this I see that the watched folder dissapeared from the list. and this error happends all the time that i want to give a new opportunity to the watch folders service. :(


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received an interesting eMail from Christina who is exploring the RV
lifestyle. She needed advice on that first RV purchase. Spending a
large amount of money is unnerving enough without the nagging
feeling of loss if you make
the wrong choice.
? ? ? ?
am thrilled to have stumbled upon your Ezine. I am just beginning to
explore the RV lifestyle and I so very much appreciate all of the
information that your Ezine provides. You all do such an incredible job
of sharing valuable insights in an entertaining and informative manner.
Thank you for enlightening my discovery of all things RV.
Find out if the RV lifestyle is right for you. If you have questions, The RV Lifestyle: A Dream Come True; an ebook that contains the answers.
– Buying That Dream RV - Things to Consider
– Equipping an RV and Tips on Maintenance
– Managing Power, AC and DC
– Emergency Road Service
– Towing Your Auto
– Planning Trips - How To Get The Most For Your Money
– Boondocking (Primitive Parking)
– Earning an Income on the Road
– Staying In Touch with Family and Friends
Margo's eBook, "Conquer the Road: RV Maintenance for Travelers"
is available at all major eBookstores. It covers all the basic systems:
air conditioning, awning, generator, hot water heater, hydraulic
levelers, inverter/converter, roof, sewer, tires, and much more. Driving
and weight balance tips are included.
Join Margo for life enhancing information at MovingOnWithMargo.com, a weekly blog.
VOTE AT OUR POLL: Will you see family this holiday? Check the results so far and vote at RVLifestyleExperts.com.
Lifestyles Ezine is published twice a month. Part I comes out on or
about the 10th of the month. Part II comes out around the 25th.
Contact information:
Contact Margo
Moving On With Margo website
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Retire to an RV website
RV Lifestyle Experts website
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Publishers: Margo Armstrong and Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
Editor: Sue Bizek
Pine Country Publishing
127 Rainbow Dr., #2780
Livingston, TX 77399-1027
The information presented in this ezine is for use at your own risk. RV
Lifestyle Newsletter makes no warranty to completeness, accuracy, or
fitness for any purpose. Use common sense and take normal precautions in
how you use this information.


text:
Cedar Ridge Trees
Welcome to Cedar Ridge Christmas Trees
We have sold many kinds of trees over the years; currently we are selling several choice varieties of white fir. They make gorgeous Christmas trees, and you can choose from many shapes and sizes, with a minimum of 4 feet.
We are a choose-and-cut operation
- Just take a walk around our five acres on beautiful Cedar Ridge – an ideal climate for these trees to grow and thrive.
- Once you have found your tree, you simply cut it with a sharpened saw we can supply (we can help if necessary, but please call ahead).
Come take a look!
Starting Thanksgiving weekend, we are open from
10:00am to 5:00pm
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday


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A hypnotic support group for those forced to make major lifestyle changes
Sometimes a person makes a decision to change a habit simply because they think it's a good idea. And usually it is. We quit smoking before we develop heart or lung disease. We lose weight before the stress on our bodies causes us to develop high blood pressure or diabetes. We begin to exercise, give up drugs or alcohol, and adopt a healthy lifestyle, just because we know the long term benefits are going to be worth it.
Sometimes, however, we are forced into those changes. An illness, an accident, an unexpected diagnosis… and we are told that NOW is the time to make those changes. Our minds will just have to catch up to the swirling mass of emotions and information that is being thrown at us, and accept that we MUST change the way we live our lives.
It's not easy. Even knowing the potential consequences of failing to make those changes, we struggle with the implementation. We simply can't seem to find the inner strength, determination, and some days even the desire to change.
If this sounds familiar, Trance-itions is for you. A 6 week support group, integrating support and hypnosis to help you make the changes that you must make NOW. This group is not for people who think it might be a good idea to change their lifestyle, it is a group for those who struggle to make changes that could mean the difference between life and death. Designed to motivate and inspire, meeting with people who share your struggles, and are determined to emerge victorious. Interested? Call Linda at 616-550-3231 for information on dates, times, and cost.