Fabrication and characterization of alginate-keratin based composite microspheres containing bioactive glass for tissue engineering applications

3D cell encapsulation within hydrogels has attracted more and more attention in tissue engineering applications because hydrogels provide a hydrated environment closely mimicking the in vivo environment for cell and tissue growth1. This present study considers the fabrication of alginate-keratin based composite microspheres containing bioactive glass (BG) of 45S5 composition for cell encapsulation. We propose the use of alginate di-aldehyde (ADA) synthesized via periodate oxidation of alginate to enhance the biodegradability of alginate, and the incorporation of keratin into the alginate based hydrogel to improve cellular interaction of the hydrogel. Keratins extracted from wool contain cell adhesive peptide sequences including RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid), and LDV (leucine-aspartic acid-valine)2. BG particles, well known for promoting calcium phosphate deposition, were incorporated into the microspheres to enhance osseointegration3. The microspheres were prepared via a pressure-driven extrusion technique. Weight loss, protein release measurements, and FTIR spectroscopy of the fabricated microspheres were carried out. The morphology and microstructure of the microspheres were investigated by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The results demonstrated that the composition of the hydrogels had a significant effect on their physical properties. Biological properties of ADA-keratin based microspheres were evaluated by encapsulating MG-63 osteosarcoma cells into the microspheres. Cell viability of MG-63 cells in ADA-keratin-1%BG hydrogels was found to be comparable to that of alginate-keratin and ADA-keratin after culturing for 21 days. The results proved that such novel composite hydrogel might be a promising material for biofabrication in bone healing approaches. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

CSCW über internationale ATM-Netzwerke - Spock

SPOCK (Schnelle Produktentwicklung durch Optimierte Computerbasierte Kommunikation) ist eines von 19 Projekten im Rahmen der G7-GIBN Initiative. Das Ziel des Projektes ist die Einführung von CSCW (Computer Supported Collaborative Working) bei den Partnern von Airbus Industries. Im Airbus Industries-Konsortium arbeiten Ingenieure aus verschiedenen europäischen Ländern zusammen an einem Produkt. Dabei besteht ein großer Bedarf an Kommunikation und Datenaustausch, der bisher noch weitgehend ohne CSCW gehandhabt wird. Am Beispiel des aerodynamischen Tragflächen-Entwurfs, der aus den Teildisziplinen Strömungssimulation, Windkanal-Experiment und Flugversuch besteht, soll das Potential von CSCW-Technologien demonstriert werden. Die Deutsche Telekom und andere europäische Telekommunikationsgesellschaften haben mit einem auf ATM-Technologie basierendem Hochgeschwindigkeitsnetz die Grundlage für weltweit verteiltes kooperatives Arbeiten zur Verfügung gestellt

Chemical Chaperones Improve Protein Secretion and Rescue Mutant Factor VIII in Mice with Hemophilia A.

nefficient intracellular protein trafficking is a critical issue in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases and in recombinant protein production. Here we investigated the trafficking of factor VIII (FVIII), which is affected in the coagulation disorder hemophilia A. We hypothesized that chemical chaperones may be useful to enhance folding and processing of FVIII in recombinant protein production, and as a therapeutic approach in patients with impaired FVIII secretion. A tagged B-domain-deleted version of human FVIII was expressed in cultured Chinese Hamster Ovary cells to mimic the industrial production of this important protein. Of several chemical chaperones tested, the addition of betaine resulted in increased secretion of FVIII, by increasing solubility of intracellular FVIII aggregates and improving transport from endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi. Similar results were obtained in experiments monitoring recombinant full-length FVIII. Oral betaine administration also increased FVIII and factor IX (FIX) plasma levels in FVIII or FIX knockout mice following gene transfer. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo applications of betaine were also able to rescue a trafficking-defective FVIII mutant (FVIIIQ305P). We conclude that chemical chaperones such as betaine might represent a useful treatment concept for hemophilia and other diseases caused by deficient intracellular protein trafficking

Evaluating the severity of transverse cracks in beam-like structures by using an energy loss method

Over functioning time, structures can be affected by multiple types of damages caused by fatigue, improper production methods, or exceeding loads. The current paper describes a method for evaluating the severity of transverse cracks that are present in beam-like structures based on changes in the natural frequencies. Because the presence of damage has a negative impact on the energy that a beam can store in the affected section, it is possible to find the influence of the crack on any other position along the beam, considering the stored normalized energy in that location. The technique is based on a mathematical relationship that provides the exact solution to the frequency changes of the bending vibration modes, considering two terms. The first term is related to the tensile energy stored in the beam, and the second term considers the increase of flexibility due to cracks, for this reason, damage assessment is performed in two stages; first, the location of the crack is found and then an assessment of its severity is performed. In this study, the aim is to test the developed method for estimating the severity of transverse cracks for different sections and lengths of beams

Evaluating the severity of transverse cracks in beam-like structures by using an energy loss method

Over functioning time, structures can be affected by multiple types of damages caused by fatigue, improper production methods, or exceeding loads. The current paper describes a method for evaluating the severity of transverse cracks that are present in beam-like structures based on changes in the natural frequencies. Because the presence of damage has a negative impact on the energy that a beam can store in the affected section, it is possible to find the influence of the crack on any other position along the beam, considering the stored normalized energy in that location. The technique is based on a mathematical relationship that provides the exact solution to the frequency changes of the bending vibration modes, considering two terms. The first term is related to the tensile energy stored in the beam, and the second term considers the increase of flexibility due to cracks, for this reason, damage assessment is performed in two stages; first, the location of the crack is found and then an assessment of its severity is performed. In this study, the aim is to test the developed method for estimating the severity of transverse cracks for different sections and lengths of beams

Training of counseling behavior in minigroups with tutors — an evaluation report treating a multiplicative training design

Anstelle von Direktausbildung wurden intensivtrainierte Tutoren in einem Kompaktkurs „Beratungspraxis I“ eingesetzt. Aus Teilnehmern dieses Kompaktkurses wurde eine neue Tutorenausbildungsgruppe zusammengesetzt, deren Mitglieder ein Semester später selbständig eine Trainingsgruppe im Folgekurs „Beratungspraxis I“ leiteten. Die hier dargestellten Ergebnisse legen die Beibehaltung und den Ausbau dieses Ausbildungsdesigns nahe. (DIPF/Orig.)Instead of direct training, intensively trained tutors operated in a compact training “Counseling Practice I”. Some participants of this compact training were chosen for a new tutorial training group in order to lead a training group by their own in the succeeding compact training “Counseling Practice I”. Regarding below mentioned results, this article suggests the use of this training concept for future teachings of counseling behavior

Virtual Reality am RUS

Im Laufe der letzten Monate wurde am RUS das neue Visualisierungslabor aufgebaut und kürzlich in Betrieb genommen. Teil des Labors ist eine rückprojektionsbasierte Virtual Reality-Umgebung, die mehreren Benutzern interaktive Visualisierung von technisch-wissenschaftlichen Daten ermöglicht

The main features of issue and circulation of exchange bonds in the Russian Federation

The main features of stock exchange bonds were considered in the article, as well as the difference between stock exchange bonds and classical bonds. Two new types which appeared in the Russian federation in 2015-2016, such as single-day stock exchange bonds, and bonds issued within programs of exchange bonds. As the result, a conclusion was drawn on the future development of stock exchange bonds in Russian financial markets

Future Potentials and Strategies of non-research-intensive Industries in Germany – Impacts on Competitiveness and Employment. Summary

Non-research-intensive industries and businesses have played a comparatively minor role in the economic and innovation policy debate so far. Due to the strong focus of the political discussion on research-intensive sectors, the potential of non-research-intensive industries and businesses for Germany as a business location was usually not attributed any particular significance in the past. Based on growth theory considerations, intensive research and development (R&D) was usually associated with higher economic growth and greater international competitiveness. This report focuses on non-research-intensive sectors and companies and addresses the question of what direct and, above all, indirect contributions these sectors make to Germany\u27s international competitiveness and what future potential results from this. It examines the competitive and innovation strategies pursued by research-intensive companies and the extent to which current economic developments create pressure for change that could affect the market position and survival of research-intensive companies in the future. Furthermore, the question is addressed as to which developments are foreseeable with regard to competitiveness and thus with regard to employment opportunities in non-research-intensive industries. Finally, it is clarified which effects on the qualification requirements of these employees are foreseeable due to current developments. The analysis of the macroeconomic importance of non-research-intensive industries is based on official statistical data at the national and international level. The analyses at the company level are based on a telephone survey of more than 200 non-research-intensive companies and 88 particularly research-intensive companies in the German manufacturing sector. Supplementary evaluations are carried out using data from the survey "Modernisation of Production 2009" by the Fraunhofer ISI. The data includes information on topics such as the market environment, the competitive strategy, the specific innovation patterns, the competence equipment, the ability to absorb and implement external information, the protection and importance of different forms of knowledge or the future opportunities and risks of these enterprises