Learning from insects? Toward supporting reflective exploration of unfamiliar areas of interest

First experiences with a mobile information system aimed\ud at supporting reflective exploration suggest that the device's visualization of past activities and, in particular, the routes taken helps participants orientate themselves and plan the next steps of their explorative activity. Drawing from insect navigation research we provide a preliminary explanation of some intriguing behavioral observations made during deploying mExplore as a technology probe. We also speculate about using mobile information systems to help visitors conduct "learning flights" and thus help them better understand the environment they are exploring by helping them recognize the varying visual impressions of landmarks from different perspectives. This work thus links in a unique way work on mobile information systems in tourism and other information-oriented areas to insect navigation research and (human-oriented) research into landmark salience and its use in ego-centric navigation

Histamine H(4) receptor mediates eosinophil chemotaxis with cell shape change and adhesion molecule upregulation

1. During mast cell degranulation, histamine is released in large quantities. Human eosinophils were found to express histamine H(4) but not H(3) receptors. The possible effects of histamine on eosinophils and the receptor mediating these effects were investigated in our studies. 2. Histamine (0.01–30 μM) induced a rapid and transient cell shape change in human eosinophils, but had no effects on neutrophils. The maximal shape change was at 0.3 μM histamine with EC(50) at 19 nM. After 60 min incubation with 1 μM histamine, eosinophils were desensitized and were refractory to shape change response upon histamine restimulation. Histamine (0.01–1 μM) also enhanced the eosinophil shape change induced by other chemokines. 3. Histamine-induced eosinophil shape change was mediated by the H(4) receptor. This effect was completely inhibited by H(4) receptor-specific antagonist JNJ 7777120 (IC(50) 0.3 μM) and H(3)/H(4) receptor antagonist thioperamide (IC(50) 1.4 μM), but not by selective H(1), H(2) or H(3) receptor antagonists. H(4) receptor agonists imetit (EC(50) 25 nM) and clobenpropit (EC(50) 72 nM) could mimic histamine effect in inducing eosinophil shape change. 4. Histamine (0.01–100 μM) induced upregulation of adhesion molecules CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) and CD54 (ICAM-1) on eosinophils. This effect was mediated by the H(4) receptor and could be blocked by H(4) receptor antagonists JNJ 7777120 and thioperamide. 5. Histamine (0.01–10 μM) induced eosinophil chemotaxis with an EC(50) of 83 nM. This effect was mediated by the H(4) receptor and could be blocked by H(4) receptor antagonists JNJ 7777120 (IC(50) 86 nM) and thioperamide (IC(50) 519 nM). Histamine (0.5 μM) also enhanced the eosinophil shape change induced by other chemokines. 6. In conclusion, we have demonstrated a new mechanism of eosinophil recruitment driven by mast cells via the release of histamine. Using specific histamine receptor ligands, we have provided a definitive proof that the H(4) receptor mediates eosinophil chemotaxis, cell shape change and upregulation of adhesion molecules. The effect of H(4) receptor antagonists in blocking eosinophil infiltration could be valuable for the treatment of allergic diseases. The histamine-induced shape change and upregulation of adhesion molecules on eosinophils can serve as biomarkers for clinical studies of H(4) receptor antagonists

Democracy, deliberation and design:The case of online discussion forums

Within democratic theory, the deliberative variant has assumed pre-eminence. It represents for many the ideal of democracy, and in pursuit of this ideal, online discussion forums have been proposed as solutions to the practical limits to mass deliberation. Critics have pointed to evidence which suggests that online discussion has tended to undermine deliberation. This article argues that this claim, which generates a stand-off between the two camps, misses a key issue: the role played by design in facilitating or thwarting deliberation. It argues that political choices are made both about the format and operation of the online discussion, and that this affects the possibility of deliberation. Evidence for the impact of design (and the choices behind it) is drawn from analysis of European Union and UK discussion forums. This evidence suggests that we should view deliberation as dependent on design and choice, rather than a predetermined product of the technology

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid and high oleic acid safflower oil in the treatment of children with HPV-induced laryngeal papillomatosis: a randomized, double-blinded and crossover preliminary study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Surgery is the mainstay therapy for HPV-induced laryngeal papillomatosis (LP) and adjuvant therapies are palliative at best. Research revealed that conjugated-linoleic acid (CLA) may improve the outcome of virally-induced diseases. The effects of Clarinol™ G-80 (CLA) and high oleic safflower oil (HOSF) on children with LP (concomitant with surgery) were evaluated.</p> <p>Design</p> <p>A randomized, double-blinded, crossover and reference-oil controlled trial was conducted at a South African medical university. Study components included clinical, HPV type/load and lymphocyte/cytokine analyses, according to routine laboratory methods.</p> <p>Participants</p> <p>Overall: ten children enrolled; eight completed the trial; five remained randomized; seven received CLA first; all treatments remained double-blinded.</p> <p>Intervention</p> <p>Children (4 to 12 years) received 2.5 ml p/d CLA (8 weeks) and 2.5 ml p/d HOSF (8 weeks) with a washout period (6 weeks) in-between. The one-year trial included a post-treatment period (30 weeks) and afterwards was a one-year follow-up period.</p> <p>Main outcome measures</p> <p>Changes in numbers of surgical procedures for improved disease outcome, total/anatomical scores (staging system) for papillomatosis prevention/viral inhibition, and lymphocyte/cytokine counts for immune responses between baselines and each treatment/end of trial were measured.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>After each treatment all the children were in remission (no surgical procedures); after the trial two had recurrence (surgical procedures in post-treatment period); after the follow-up period three had recurrence (several surgical procedures) and five recovered (four had no surgical procedures). Effects of CLA (and HOSF to a lesser extent) were restricted to mildly/moderately aggressive papillomatosis. Children with low total scores (seven/less) and reduced infections (three/less laryngeal sub-sites) recovered after the trial. No harmful effects were observed. The number of surgical procedures during the trial (n6/available records) was significantly lower [(p 0.03) (95% CI 1.1; 0)]. Changes in scores between baselines and CLA treatments (n8) were significantly lower: total scores [(p 0.02) (95% CI −30.00; 0.00)]; anatomical scores [(p 0.008) (95% CI −33.00: -2.00)]. Immune enhancement could not be demonstrated.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These preliminary case and group findings pave the way for further research on the therapeutic potential of adjuvant CLA in the treatment of HPV-induced LP.</p