No / This paper undertakes a comparative study of intervention strategies and the resultant impact upon new enterprise creation in the UK and Hungary. Firstly, secondary data is used to compare and contrast the actions of and support provided by, major employer organisations faced with the need to downsize and restructure in the light of changing economic circumstances. Parallels are drawn between the need to support the local economy in specific regions of the UK, which faced extreme recession following the decline of major industries and the need to support local economies in Hungary, which face an uncertain future, but new opportunities, following the liberalisation of economic policy. Secondly, the paper reports the results of interviews with entrepreneurs and owner-managers in both countries who have received and who are receiving support and assistance to establish, grow and develop new enterprises. For many this marks a significant transition from employment to self-employment and requires the acquisition of new skills and competences together with the acceptance of high levels of risk and exposure not previously experienced. Thirdly, the paper assesses the impact of changing relationships within the local economy. This is especially significant where newly established SMEs operate as sub-contractors to the supporting organisation which takes the opportunity to outsource services and/or production which was previously undertaken in-house. The paper concludes with specific recommendations concerning the role of facilitators in influencing attitudes towards entrepreneurship and actions, which may be undertaken to encourage regeneration through the creation of new enterprises.

No / Significance: Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms are essential for epidermal homeostasis and contribute to the pathogenesis of many skin diseases, including skin cancer and psoriasis. However, while the epigenetic regulation of epidermal homeostasis is now becoming active area of research, the epigenetic mechanisms controlling the wound healing response remain relatively untouched. Recent Advances: Substantial progress achieved within the last two decades in understanding epigenetic mechanisms controlling gene expression allowed defining several levels, including covalent DNA and histone modifications, ATP-dependent and higher-order chromatin chromatin remodeling, as well as noncoding RNA- and microRNA-dependent regulation. Research pertained over the last few years suggests that epigenetic regulatory mechanisms play a pivotal role in the regulation of skin regeneration and control an execution of reparative gene expression programs in both skin epithelium and mesenchyme. Critical Issues: Epigenetic regulators appear to be inherently involved in the processes of skin repair, and are able to dynamically regulate keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, and migration, together with influencing dermal regeneration and neoangiogenesis. This is achieved through a series of complex regulatory mechanisms that are able to both stimulate and repress gene activation to transiently alter cellular phenotype and behavior, and interact with growth factor activity. Future Directions: Understanding the molecular basis of epigenetic regulation is a priority as it represents potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of both acute and chronic skin conditions. Future research is, therefore, imperative to help distinguish epigenetic modulating drugs that can be used to improve wound healing.

No / This volume highlights recent studies identifying epigenetic mechanisms as essential regulators of skin development, stem cell activity and regeneration. Chapters are contributed by leading experts and promote the skin as an accessible model system for studying mechanisms that control organ development and regeneration. The discussions contained throughout are of broad relevance to other areas of biology and medicine and can help inform the development of novel therapeutics for skin disorders as well as new approaches to skin regeneration that target the epigenome. Part of the highly successful Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine series, Epigenetic Regulation of Skin Development and Regeneration uncovers the fundamental significance of epigenetic mechanisms in skin development and regeneration, and emphasizes the development of new therapies for a number of skin disorders, such as pathological conditions of epidermal differentiation, pigmentation and carcinogenesis. At least six categories of researchers will find this book essential, including stem cell, developmental, hair follicle or molecular biologists, and gerontologists or clinical dermatologists.

Hardwood management has been discouraged because of long rotations, low stumpage values, expensive treatments, and an undependable market (Bechtold and Phillips 1983). Knowledge gaps on how various biological factors affect hardwood growth also exist. Stand improvement methods attempt to shift growth to desirable stems. Three different hardwood stand improvement treatments were evaluated. A pre-commercial chemical thin occurred in a twelve year old stand in 1990. In 1995, two of the treatments showed a significant increase in dbh over the control. However, the 2004 measurements of the stand did not find any significant differences between treatments. A case study examined paired plots throughout the state of Virginia where the crown touching crop tree release method was applied. In both the Piedmont and Ridge and Valley regions of the state an increase in dbh was observed. Finally, a timber stand improvement study examined different treatments in a 60-80 year old stand, but did not result in any significant increases in volume after three years. When oaks are harvested or a major disturbance occurs, the number of oaks that regenerates is less than there were previously (Smith 1992). Therefore, oak regeneration is a problem and methods are needed to facilitate oak regeneration (Smith 1992). One method of oak regeneration was examined. Burning five years after a deferment cut did not result in significantly more stems of oak regeneration. Various reductions in basal area also did not result in an increase in oak regeneration under our 60-80 year old timber stand improvement study. These studies attempt to close knowledge gaps in hardwood management and provide useful information for non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners. It is so important to target NIPF landowners because the 350 million acres of timberland they own will play a large part in the future of the United States timber supply (Haynes 2002). / Master of Science

A study was initiated to adapt the REGEN regeneration prediction model to the Appalachians of Virginia and West Virginia. REGEN generates predictions via expert created REGEN knowledge bases (RKBs) that contain competitive rankings and stochastic parameters for selected species and size classes of advance reproduction. We developed RKBs for four site productivity classes (xeric, subxeric, submesic, mesic), and tested two (subxeric and submesic) using field collected inventory data in this study. To test the model we collected data from 48 paired sites which contained a mature stand and an adjacent regenerating stand (clearcut) of similar site productivity harvested within the past 20 years. Across all 48 sites, model predictions were within 5% of measured values on average, and explained 32% (R2 = 0.32) of the variation in species composition in regenerating stands. The species compositions of 41 of the paired stands on the Appalachian Plateau in West Virginia were further analyzed to compare species composition. Species composition was compared between the mature and regenerating stands in the subxeric and submesic site classes. A comparison of the upper canopy (dominant and codominant) species composition in regenerating stands to that of all stems ≥ 1.5 in dbh in the mature stands was conducted as well. Our results suggest that the future species composition of stands regenerating following clearcut harvests will likely differ from previous rotations with mesophytic, shade intolerant species being more numerous. Oaks will likely assume a smaller role as the clearcuts mature, particularly on the submesic sites. / Master of Science

No / Advanced Dental Biomaterials is an invaluable reference for researchers and clinicians within the biomedical industry and academia. The book can be used by both an experienced researcher/clinician learning about other biomaterials or applications that may be applicable to their current research or as a guide for a new entrant into the field who needs to gain an understanding of the primary challenges, opportunities, most relevant biomaterials, and key applications in dentistry.

Kunskapen kring svensk torvmarksbeskogning är undermålig. En kunskapslucka som till stor del beror på att torvmark tidigare bedömts som ointressant mark i samband med skogsproduktion. Detta beror mycket på det svenska regelverkets restriktioner mot markavvattning och gödsling samt miljöaspekterna som berörs och den aktivare skötsel som krävs. Det ökade behovet av skogsråvara gör att skogsbruket söker nya marker där torvmarken har potential att etableras för skogsproduktion. Studien är en kunskapssammanställning som lyfter fram kunskap kring skogsbruk på svensk torvmark med fokus på föryngringsprocessen. Finland använder torvmarker i skogsbruket på ett sofistikerat sätt. I studien jämförs Sveriges förutsättningar för skogsproduktion på torvmark med Finlands skötselprogram, en jämförelse som går att använda som en fingervisning till vilka föryngringsmetoder som lämpar sig i Sverige. Studien rymmer även en mindre fältstudie på torvmark som visar på tydliga indikationer av näringsbrist i marken och vikten av en korrekt utförd gödslingsåtgärd. / The knowledge of forestry on Swedish peatland is insufficient. The knowledge gap is largely due to peatland previously being considered unsuitable land in connection with the forest. This is highly due to the Swedish regulatory restrictions on land drainage and fertilization, but also due to the environmental aspects involved and proactive maintenance required. The increased demand for forest products has allowed forestry to seek alternatives, where peat soil has the potential to be established for forest production. The study is a compilation of knowledge that emphasizes the knowledge of forestry on Swedish peatland with focus on the rejuvenation process. Finland uses peatland forestry in a sophisticated way. The study compares Sweden's prospects for forestry on peatland with Finland's maintenance program, a comparison that can be used as a pointer to which rejuvenation methods are suitable in Sweden. The study also contains a field study on peatland showing clear signs of nutrient deficiency in the soil and the importance of correct fertilization.

Focal cartilage defects (FCD) of the knee joint remain a difficult area of treatment for orthopaedic surgeons, as they often progress to generalized osteoarthritis (OA). Osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT) to the damaged cartilage area has shown promise, but this has been associated with pain and bleeding at the site of graft harvest. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a matrix to regenerate articular cartilage has been proposed. This work describes a prospective case-control series comparing OAT with a novel, MSC-seeded scaffold graft in the stifle joints of healthy merino sheep. The triphasic grafts were composed of a beta-tricalcium phosphate osseous phase, an intermediate activated plasma phase and a collagen I hydrogel cartilage phase. The osseous and cartilage phases were seeded with autologous MSCs. All sheep underwent creation of a full-thickness, 4.0 mm diameter FCD (n=20) followed by six weeks of unrestricted activity, allowing the defects to degenerate naturally. At six weeks, half of the lesions were treated with OAT and half with the triphasic engineered grafts. At 6-month and 12-month follow-up, no significant differences were noted between groups with regard to overall histological scores. Macroscopic and biomechanical analysis at 12 months showed no significant differences between groups. In summary, autologous MSC-seeded implants showed comparable repair quality to OAT without the associated donor site morbidity.

促红细胞生成素（EPO）和EPO受体（EPOR）是调节红细胞生成所必需的细胞因子。越来越多证据表明，EPO/EPOR在非造血器官包括心脏、大脑和骨骼的发育和再生中发挥重要作用。但目前人们对EPO/EPOR在骨骼发育和再生中的机制知之甚少。最近一些研究表明，系统性或局部注射EPO可促进骨形成。但是EPO/EPOR在骨骼发育和再生中的作用机制尚不明确。 / 实验发现EPO/EPOR在生长板的前肥大软骨和肥大软骨区富集，且可促进软骨细胞增殖。但利用siRNA技术将软骨细胞EPOR沉默后，软骨细胞增殖会受抑制。随后，我们用阿利新蓝对软骨细胞外基质中的的蛋白聚糖进行染色，发现EPO可促进软骨细胞分化。此外软骨细胞标志基因包括SOX9、SOX5、SOX6、2型胶原蛋白和蛋白聚糖表达上调。实验还发现EPO可促进MSCs增殖。同时EPO可促进上述软骨细胞标志基因的表达增加。当基因沉默EPOR或使用EPO封闭肽后，软骨细胞标志基因的表达降低。以上数据表明， EPO促进软骨细胞增殖和分化的功能至少部分通过其同源受体EPOR介导。 / 我们还探讨了在低氧环境下，EPO对软骨细胞的作用。在低氧环境中， EPO/EPOR和HIF-1α mRNA和蛋白质表达水平均上调，且EPO促进软骨祖细胞集落形成。此结果提示EPO在低氧条件下介导软骨细胞增殖。同时在软骨细胞中标，EPO可激活JAK2和STAT3磷酸化，该结果表明JAK/STAT信号介导软骨细胞的生物学功能。 / 体外内皮细胞出芽实验发现EPO明显促进跖骨表面内皮细胞出芽。在小鼠骨折处局部注射EPO 14天后μCT血管成像发现，EPO可促进骨折处血管生成。体外与体内试验结果同时证实EPO可促进血管生成。 / 在骨折术后第7天和14天，藏红O染色发现EPO促进软骨骨痂形成。在术后第28天，X光和μCT扫描发现，三维重建和定量分析显示EPO促进骨形成，且伴随着骨量和骨面积的增加，以及骨生物力学特性的改善。以上结果表明， EPO可有效促进骨折修复。 / 综上所述， EPO/ EPOR信号调控软骨细胞和MSCs增殖及其软骨细胞分化。EPO还调控软骨细胞在低氧环境下的生物学特性。EPO/ EPOR信号分子有助于骨愈合过程中血管生成和骨形成。因此，EPO/EPOR可作为一个新的治疗靶点促进骨骼修复与再生。 / Erythropoietin (EPO) and EPO receptor (EPOR) are essential cytokine signals regulating erythropoiesis. Growing evidences suggest that EPO/EPOR signaling involves in the development and regeneration of non-hematopoietic organs including heart, brain and bone, et al. Several recent studies indicate that administration of EPO locally or systemically promotes bone formation. However, the underlying mechanisms of EPO/EPOR in skeletal development and regeneration remain unknown. / Our results show that EPO and EPOR are abundantly expressed in the pre-hypertrophic and hypertrophic zone of the growth plates. The proliferation rate of chondro-progenitors is increased following EPO treatment Alcian blue staining for extracellular matrix proteoglycan indicates that EPO promotes the differentiation of chondrocytes. This is accompanied by up-regulated chondrogenic marker genes including SOX9, SOX5, SOX6, type 2 collagen and aggrecan. In a parallel study, the proliferation rate of MSCs is increased following EPO treatment. The mRNA expression of above chondrogenic marker genes is also up-regulated. These effects are eliminated following knockdown of EPOR in chondrocytes by siRNA or treatment with EPO block peptide. These findings indicate that EPO promotes the proliferation and differentiation of primary chondrocytes at least partially mediated by its cognate receptor EPOR. / We next examined the role of EPO in chondrocytes under hypoxia. The mRNA and protein levels of EPO/EPOR and HIF-1α are up-regulated under hypoxia. EPO also enhances the colony forming efficiency of chondro-progenitors under hypoxia. This result suggests that EPO may serve as a mediator to regulate proliferation of chondro-progenitors under hypoxic condition. In addition, we show that EPO up-regulates the phosphorylation states of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in chondrocytes, suggesting that the function of EPO in chondrocytes is mediated through JAK/STAT signaling. / To address the function of EPO in angiogenesis, we performed metatarsal endothelial sprouting assay. The endothelial sprouting is significantly enhanced in metatarsals treated with EPO. This coincide with our in vivo data that local delivery of EPO increases vascularity of the healing bone at day 14 post-fracture in mice as indicated by micro-CT angiography analysis. / Interestingly, in the mouse fracture model, EPO promotes cartilaginous callus formation at days 7 and 14 post-surgery. This results in accelerated osteogenesis at day 28 post-surgery indexed by the radiographical scoring and micro-CT analysis characterized by increased bone volume and bone surface. This is accompanied by improved biomechanical properties of the healing bone. These results indicate that administration of EPO may serve as an efficient therapy to facilitate bone regenerartion. / In conclusion, EPO/EPOR signal regulates of the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes and MSCs to promote chondrogenesis. EPO may also function as a positive mediator in chondrocytes in response to low oxygen tension during chondrogenesis. EPO/EPOR signaling also contributes to angiogenesis and osteogenesis during bone healing. Therefore, EPO/EPOR may serve as a novel therapeutic target to promote skeletal regeneration. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Wan, Lin. / Thesis (Ph.D.) Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2014. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 130-152). / Abstracts also in Chinese. / Wan, Lin.

Ling Eva. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 175-202). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / 論文摘要 --- p.iv / Acknowledgement --- p.vi / Abbreviations Frequently Used --- p.vii / Table of Contents --- p.viii / Chapter Chapter One --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter Two --- Materials and Methods --- p.35 / Chapter Chapter Three --- Results --- p.64 / Chapter Chapter Four --- Discussion --- p.148 / References --- p.175 / Tables --- p.203