bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fgfr-Ras-MAPK signaling is required for apical constriction via apical positioning of Rho-associated kinase during mechanosensory organ formation
Authors: Harding Molly J. , Nechiporuk Alex V.
Published: July 2012

Many morphogenetic movements during development require the formation of transient intermediates called rosettes. Within rosettes, cells are polarized with apical ends constricted towards the rosette center and nuclei basally displaced. Whereas the polarity and cytoskeletal machinery establishing these structures has been extensively studied, the extracellular cues and intracellular signaling cascades that promote their formation are not well understood. We examined how extracellular Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signals regulate rosette formation in the zebrafish posterior lateral line primordium (pLLp), a group of ∼100 cells that migrates along the trunk during embryonic development to form the lateral line mechanosensory system. During migration, the pLLp deposits rosettes from the trailing edge, while cells are polarized and incorporated into nascent rosettes in the leading region. Fgf signaling was previously shown to be crucial for rosette formation in the pLLp. We demonstrate that activation of Fgf receptor (Fgfr) induces intracellular Ras-MAPK, which is required for apical constriction and rosette formation in the pLLp. Inhibiting Fgfr-Ras-MAPK leads to loss of apically localized Rho-associated kinase (Rock) 2a, which results in failed actomyosin cytoskeleton activation. Using mosaic analyses, we show that a cell-autonomous Ras-MAPK signal is required for apical constriction and Rock2a localization. We propose a model whereby activated Fgfr signals through Ras-MAPK to induce apical localization of Rock2a in a cell-autonomous manner, activating the actomyosin network to promote apical constriction and rosette formation in the pLLp. This mechanism presents a novel cellular strategy for driving cell shape changes.
Efficient cardiomyogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells by combination of Wnt11 and bone morphogenetic protein 2
Authors: Zhang Zhifeng , Li Huixian , Ma Zhifeng , Feng Junqing , Gao Pan , Dong Hongyan , Zhang Zhongming
Published: July 2012

Wnt11 and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) are key signaling factors for stem cell differentiation into functional cardiomyocytes (CMs). In this study, we elucidate the biological effect of BMP-2 and Wnt11 on bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) that differentiate into myocardial-like cells in a simulated myocardial microenvironment in vitro. A cell co-culture system was established with recombinant Wnt11 treatment of NIH/3T3 cells and CMs. BMP-2 was added in a diverse schedule to induce cardiomyogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs co-cultured under various conditions. The levels of cardiac-specific markers Nkx2.5, α-myosin heavy chain ( α-MHC), β-myosin heavy chain ( β-MHC) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry to evaluate cardiomyogenic differentiation. Wnt11 or BMP-2 used on their own to differentiate BM-MSCs resulted in no expression of α-MHC and cTnI. Wnt11 alone in a myocardial microenvironment enhanced cardiomyogenic differentiation. BMP-2 demonstrated a dose-dependent effect on BM-MSC differentiation into myocardial-like cells. Addition of BMP to BM-MSCs at various time points resulted in varying effects on cardiomyogenic differentiation. The combination of Wnt11 and BMP-2 treatment in a temporal manner significantly enhanced cardiomyogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs, with high expressions of α-MHC, β-MHC, Nkx2.5 and cTnI upon co-culture with CMs. Our study demonstrates that the combination of Wnt11 and BMP-2 effectively promotes cardiomyogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs in vitro. The synergistic effect of Wnt11 and BMP-2 on the cardiomyogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs is further enhanced in a myocardial microenvironment.
Acidic pH conditions mimicking degenerative intervertebral discs impair the survival and biological behavior of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Li Hao , Liang Chengzhen , Tao Yiqing , Zhou Xiaopeng , Li Fangcai , Chen Gang , Chen Qi-xin
Published: July 2012

This study was designed to examine the survival and biological behavior of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) under an intervertebral disc (IVD)-like acidic environment. Human ADMSCs isolated from two age groups were cultured under four different pH levels (pH 7.4, 7.1, 6.8 and 6.5) which mimicked the standard condition and the normal, mildly degenerated and severely degenerated IVD. Cell viability was measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate-Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining, and cell proliferation was measured by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The expression of aggrecan, collagen-I, collagen-II, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3), p53 and caspase-3 at the mRNA level was examined by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of aggrecan, collagen-I, collagen-II, MMP-2 and TIMP-3 at the protein level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Acidic pH inhibited the viability and proliferation, and the expression of aggrecan, collagen-I and collagen-II of ADMSCs from both age groups. ADMSCs harvested from young and mature donors exhibited similar responses to the acidic pH, although cells from young donors appeared less sensitive to the low pH levels. The results demonstrated that acidic pH in IVD may be an important deleterious factor for ADMSC-based IVD regeneration. ADMSCs harvested from young donors may be more suitable to be utilized for the implantation into degenerated IVD, and the implantations may be more effective at an early stage of IVD degeneration when the pH of matrix acidity is higher than 6.8.
Quercetin protects macrophages from oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis by inhibiting the endoplasmic reticulum stress-C/EBP homologous protein pathway
Authors: Yao Shutong , Sang Hui , Song Guohua , Yang Nana , Liu Qinghua , Zhang Ying , Jiao Peng , Zong Chuanlong , Qin Shucun
Published: July 2012

Quercetin (QUE), a member of the bioflavonoid family, has been proposed to have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive properties. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of QUE on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 macrophages and specifically the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) pathway-mediated apoptosis. Our results showed that treatment with QUE (20, 40 and 80 μmol/L) significantly attenuated ox-LDL-induced cholesterol accumulation in macrophages and foam cell formation in a dose-dependent manner. Similar to tunicamycin (TM), a classical ER stress inducer, ox-LDL reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in RAW264.7 macrophages. The cytotoxic effects of ox-LDL and TM were signiﬁcantly inhibited by QUE treatment. Interestingly, we found that QUE also signiﬁcantly suppressed the ox-LDL- and TM-induced activation of ER stress signaling events, including the phosphorylation of inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), translocation of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and upregulation of X-box-binding protein 1. In addition, exposure of RAW264.7 macrophages to ox-LDL or TM resulted in a significant increase in the expression of CHOP, a transcription factor regulated by IRE1 and ATF6 under conditions of ER stress, as well as a decrease in Bcl-2 transcript and protein concentrations. QUE blocked these effects in a dose-dependent manner. These data indicate that QUE can protect RAW264.7 cells from ox-LDL-induced apoptosis and that the mechanism at least partially involves its ability to inhibit the ER stress-CHOP signaling pathway.
Immunohistochemical detection of differentially localized up-regulation of lysyl oxidase and down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in rhesus monkey model of chronic myocardial infarction
Authors: Xie Yuping , Chen Jianmin , Han Pengfei , Yang Pingliang , Hou Jianglong , Kang Y James
Published: July 2012

Myocardial remodeling after ischemic infarction is characterized by collagen accumulation leading to replacement and interstitial fibrosis. Type I and III collagens are predominant components in cardiac fibrosis. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) facilitates the cross-linking of type I and III fibrils, resulting in the formation of stiff fibers and their subsequent tissue deposition. However, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of zinc-dependent enzymes, function in the degradation of the collagen components of extracellular matrix. Tissue inhibitors for MMPs (TIMPs) manipulate the action of MMPs. To understand the contribution of these molecules to cardiac fibrosis, we developed a rhesus monkey model to determine the changes in LOX, MMP1 and TIMP1 in relation to collagen deposition after myocardial ischemic infarction. Male rhesus monkeys were subjected to left anterior descending artery ligation along with sham-operated controls. Histological examination and immunochemistry were performed eight weeks after the ischemic injury. The results showed that both type I and III collagens were increased in the scar area and in the interstitium, and the ratio of type I/III collagens also increased in the scar area but not in the interstitium. The expression of LOX was up-regulated, but the expression of MMP1 was down-regulated in residual myocytes of the scar area and the border zone. The expression of TIMP1 was not changed. The data thus demonstrated that the collagen deposition in infarcted myocardium is correlated with an enhanced cross-linking capacity and a decreased degradation process.
Efficient synthesis and self-assembly of hetero-grafted amphiphilic polypepide bottlebrushes
Authors: Luo Chunhui , Chen Chongyi , Li Zhibo
Published: July 2012

A new type of hetero-grafted molecular bottlebrush with polypeptide as backbone was synthesized using graft-onto strategy. Poly(γ-propargyl-L-glutamate) (PPLG) as backbone was firstly synthesized via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of γ-propargyl-L-glutamate (PLG) N-carboxyanhydride (NCA). Next, polystyrene-N3 (PS-N3) and monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-N3 (mPEG-N3) as side chains were grafted onto the PPLG backbone using copper-catalyzed click reaction, which afforded good grafting density and efficiency. Two polypeptide bottlebrushes with PS-to-mPEG molar ratio at 70/30 and 30/70 were prepared. The self-assembly behaviors of these two polypeptide bottlebrushes were investigated using the cosolvent method, and their supramolecular structures were characterized using light scattering (LS) and electron microscopy.
'Violence makes victims of us all': Pathos, vengeance and the politics of Clint Eastwood's Mystic River
Authors: Coulthard Lisa
Published: July 2012

Starting with Jacques Ranciere's analysis of 'The Ethical Turn of Aesthetics and Politics', this article analyses the role of ethics, vengeance and victimhood in Clint Eastwood's Mystic River. In his brief commentary on the film, Ranciere uses Mystic River as an illustration
of what he sees as a problematic moralistic turn in contemporary American politics and culture that conflates victims and violators and advocates for vigilante justice. Arguing that the film does indeed offer such an ethical turn, this article extends and complicates Ranciere's analysis with
theories of nostalgia, pathos and film melodrama in order to show that Eastwood's film is more ambiguous and contradictory than Ranciere allows, but that this ambivalence works to intensify rather than defuse its dubious portrait of victimhood and vengeance.
‘Incredibly strange’: Unlimiting RE/Search
Authors: Sears John
Published: July 2012

This article explores the construction by RE/Search of the category of the ‘incredibly strange’. Focusing mainly on the discussion and definitions in The RE/Search Guide to Incredibly Strange Music Volume 1 (Juno and Vale 1993), it outlines and scrutinizes the category and
the processes of definition employed. Comparing this to uses of similar concepts in avant-garde aesthetic practice (specifically that of surrealism) and in recent American art theory (notably Hal Foster’s The Return of the Real [1996]), the article seeks to situate the RE/Search conception
of the ‘incredibly strange’, and explore the resonances of the term (and particularly the notion of the ‘strange’), in relation to those elements of contemporary cultural practice – the collecting and ‘rediscovery’ of obscure popular musical recordings
– on which this issue of RE/Search focuses. It argues that RE/Search deploys the category of the ‘incredibly strange’ in ways that can be understood, when read in relation to avant-garde histories, as conventional, thus rendering the category itself both problematic and productively
dynamic.
Fashionable 'fags' and stylish 'sissies': The representation of Stanford in Sex and the City and Nigel in The Devil Wears Prada
Authors: RICHARDSON NIALL
Published: July 2012

This paper considers the representation of Stanford in Sex and the City and Nigel in The Devil Wears Prada and analyses whether or not they differ from the early stereotypes of homosexuality portrayed in Hollywood narrative cinema. The paper will argue that these stereotypes play an
important role as defining others for the female leads, especially in relation to fashion. Both Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada can be described as 'fashion films' in that they are pro-fashion texts, proclaiming the joy and pleasure that fashion and consumption can offer the post-feminist,
metropolitan woman. However, while both the leading female characters and the gay men demonstrate a love of fashion, the women's consumption of designer clothes is represented in the film texts as making them more 'attractive' while the gay men's adoration of fashion has the very opposite
effect.
Book Reviews
Authors: Kramer Gary M. , Murray-White James , Hedling Olof , Conterio Martyn
Published: July 2012

New Trends in Argentine and Brazilian Cinema, Cacilda Rêgo and Carolina Rocha (eds), (2011) Bristol: Intellect, 274pp., ISBN 1841503754 (pbk), $35.00

Dancing Ledge, Derek Jarman, (2010) Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 256pp., ISBN 9780816674497 (pbk), $18.95

Kicking
the Pricks, Derek Jarman, (2010) Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 256pp., ISBN 9780816674503 (pbk), $18.95

Contemporary World Cinema: Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, and South Asia, Shohini Chauduri, (2006) Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 200pp., ISBN 074861799X
(pbk), $34.00

Von Sternberg, John Baxter, (2010) Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 304pp., ISBN 9780813126012 (hbk), $40
Changes in Swallowing-Related Quality of Life after Parathyroidectomy for Hyperparathyroidism: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pinchot Scott N. , Youngwirth Linda , Rajamanickam Victoria , Schaefer Sarah , Sippel Rebecca , Chen Herbert
Published: July 2012

Objective.

To prospectively evaluate the impact of parathyroidectomy on swallowing-related quality of life using the Swallowing Quality Of Life (SWAL-QOL) validated outcomes assessment tool.

Background.

Many patients with primary hyperparathyroidism report nonspecific symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and dysphagia. To date, there have been no prospective studies evaluating swallowing function before and after parathyroid surgery.

Methods.

Patients undergoing parathyroidectomy from September 2007 to January 2009 completed the SWAL-QOL questionnaire before and one year after surgery. Data were collected on demographic and clinicopathologic variables. Comparisons were made to determine the effect of surgery on patients' perceptions of swallowing function.

Results.

Of 151 eligible patients, 102 (68%) completed the study. The mean patient age was 60 years, and 79% were female. A total of 73 patients (67%) had minimally invasive parathyroidectomies, whereas the remainder had bilateral explorations. In all, 83 patients (81%) had a parathyroid adenoma, 16 patients (16%) had hyperplasia, and 3 patients (3%) had a double adenoma on final pathologic interpretation. Mean preoperative SWAL-QOL scores were <90 for 4 of the 11 domains, indicating the perception of oropharyngeal dysphagia and diminished quality of life. Following parathyroidectomy, significant improvements were demonstrated in eight SWAL-QOL domains.

Conclusions.

Many patients with parathyroid disease have the perception of abnormal swallowing function. In these patients with symptoms of dysphagia, parathyroid surgery leads to significant improvements in many aspects of swallowing-related quality of life measured by the SWAL-QOL instrument. This study represents the first use of a condition-specific instrument to assess swallowing-related quality of life for patients with parathyroid disease before and after parathyroid surgery.
The relation between strength and free water content of aerated concretes
Authors: Bessey G. E. , Dilnot S.
Published: July 2012

Summary:

The effect of progressive small increments of moisture upon the strength of completely dry aerated concretes has been examined. The decrease in strength due to the first 2-3 per cent. of moisture has been found to be considerable, and to constitute a high proportion of the total drop in strength from the dry to the completely wet condition. When expressed as a percentage of the dry strength, the drop in strength of aerated concrete pom the completely dry to the completely soaked condition does not differ markedly from that of ordinary dense concrete.

Since it is possible that the strength of dense concrete is Similarly affected by small contents of free moisture, it seems that comparison of dry strength test results can have little value wiihout a precise definition of the degree of dryness.
Pumping concrete—friction between concrete and pipe-line.
Authors: Dawson O.
Published: July 2012

Summary:

The load on an electric motor driving a concrete pump is taken as a measure of the friction of the concrete in the pipe-line leading from the pump. By using a recording ammeter, continuous records were taken of pumping concrete having different slumps, through different lengths of pipe. This article is in the nature of an interim report in which it is suggested that further useful work could be carried out.
A review of hydrothermal reactions in the system CaO - SiO2 - H2O
Authors: Taylor H. F. W. , Bessey G. E.
Published: July 2012

Summary:

Hydrothermal studies in the lime-silica-water system contribute to the understanding of the chemistry of Portland cement. The investigations which have been made are reriewed. The properties of the naturally occurring and artificial compounds are described, tables of optical data and diagrams of X-ray powder data being given. The conditions of formation of each compound are discussed and the general outlines of the phase diagram are suggested.
An elastic theory for the torsional strength of rectangular reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Cowan Henry J.
Published: July 2012

Summary:

The theories of Rausch and Andersen for the design of torsional shear reinforcement are examined and a more accurate formula is derived, using the strain energy principle. This formula, like that of Rausch, is based on the customary assumptions of the elastic working stress theory. The compound hyperbolic series resulting from the integration of the square of St. Venant's rectangular torsion function is evaluated and reduced to a single constant. This constant is intermediate between those obtained from the approximate theories of Rausch and Andersen.
Shear test on joints between precast post-tensioned units
Authors: Jones L. L.
Published: July 2012

Summary

Shear tests on three types of joint between precast post-tensioned units have given data from which the minimum shear strength of these joints may be calculated. The minimum value of the coefficient of friction of the surfaces at a plain butt joint was found to be 0 391 and that of the surfaces at a mortar joint 0 645.

The results obtained when testing rejoined cracked members are discussed, and an analysis is made which is consistent with the mode of failure.
Barriers to Completion of Advance Care Directives among African Americans Ages 25–84: A Cross-Generational Study
Authors: West Sharon Kelly , Hollis Marianne
Published: July 2012

Prior studies conducted in the area of Advance Care Directive document completion in African Americans have primarily targeted the elderly who are either institutionalized in skilled nursing facilities or are members of faith communities. Few studies have been done concerning barriers to Advance Care Directive document completion that include non-elderly African Americans. The purpose of this study was to identify the common barriers to advance care directive document completion across generations of African Americans ages 25–84. Using convenience sampling among various Baptist denominations of the African-American faith community of Buncombe County, North Carolina, 40 individuals ranging in age from 25–84 participated in multiple focus group sessions. Findings revealed participants shared three common barriers: 1) surrogate decision-making, 2) lack of education concerning advance care directive discussions and completion and 3) fear and denial. Also revealed were barriers that varied across generations: 1) fatalism, 2) mistrust of the health care system, 3) spirituality, and 4) economics.
Efficacy of Writing for Recovery on Traumatic Grief Symptoms of Afghani Refugee Bereaved Adolescents: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Kalantari Mehrdad , Yule William , Dyregrov Atle , Neshatdoost Hamidtaher , Ahmadi S. J.
Published: July 2012

Effective evidence-based intervention for traumatic bereavement is one of the current major research issues in the field of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. The “Writing for Recovery” group intervention is a new treatment approach developed by the Children and War Foundation for traumatized and bereaved children and adolescents after disasters. The purpose of this project was an empirical examination of this intervention with 12- to 18-year-old war bereaved Afghani refugees. Eighty-eight war bereaved Afghani refugees were screened using the Traumatic Grief Inventory for Children (TGIC). From those with the highest total score, 61 were randomly assigned to either an experimental ( n = 29) or control group ( n = 32). The experimental group received six sessions of group training on 3 consecutive days in their school. The difference of TGIC scores between the experimental group in pretest and posttest was significant ( p = 0.001). Results of analysis of covariance also showed a significant effect of Writing for Recovery on the experimental group ( p < 0.001). It is concluded that “Writing for Recovery” is an effective group intervention for bereaved children and adolescents after disasters.
Conceptual and Design Issues in Instrument Development for Research with Bereaved Parents
Authors: Briller Sherylyn H. , Schim Stephanie Myers , Thurston Celia S. , Meert Kathleen L.
Published: July 2012

Many childhood deaths in the United States occur in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and parents have special needs in this death context. As an interdisciplinary research team, we discuss conceptual and design issues encountered in creating a new instrument, the Bereaved Parent Needs Assessment—PICU, for assessing parents' needs in this setting. Using a qualitative approach, our team previously explored how the culture and related ways of providing care in one urban Midwestern children's hospital PICU affected parents' bereavement needs and experiences. We describe using this qualitative foundation in the development of a new quantitative instrument to more widely validate and measure bereaved parents' needs around the time of a child's death across multiple PICUs. We highlight a series of issues that warrant consideration in designing a research instrument for this vulnerable population including setting and context, format and content, temporality, recruitment, and content expertise.
Hormesis, Cell Death, and Regenerative Medicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Wang Guanghu
Published: July 2012

Although the adult human brain has a small number of neural stem cells, they are insufficient to repair the damaged brain to achieve significant functional recovery for neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. Stem cell therapy, by either enhancing endogenous neurogenesis, or transplanting stem cells, has been regarded as a promising solution. However, the harsh environment of the diseased brain posts a severe threat to the survival and correct differentiation of those new stem cells. Hormesis (or preconditioning, stress adaptation) is an adaptation mechanism by which cells or organisms are potentiated to survive an otherwise lethal condition, such as the harsh oxidative stress in the stroke brain. Stem cells treated by low levels of chemical, physical, or pharmacological stimuli have been shown to survive better in the neurodegenerative brain. Thus combining hormesis and stem cell therapy might improve the outcome for treatment of these diseases. In addition, since the cell death patterns and their underlying molecular mechanism may vary in different neurodegenerative diseases, even in different progression stages of the same disease, it is essential to design a suitable and optimum hormetic strategy that is tailored to the individual patient.
Equivalent circuit improvement method for induction motor efficiency
Authors: Kostic Miloje
Published: July 2012

The parameters of the equivalent ?-circuit, which is proposed for this
improvement method, may be derived by data from the no-load test and
locked-rotor test at reduced frequency, but direct calculations, i.e. simpler
than parameters of the conventional T - circuit. And as for the simpler
?-circuit, the operating characteristics (losses, output power, efficiency
and power factor) are calculated with no loss of accuracy. The accuracy of
the proposed procedure was verified on the basis of results of comparative
calculations for motor given in the literature.
Reliable architecture for heterogeneous home-networks: The OMEGA I-MAC approach
Authors: Kraemer Rolf , Brzozowski Marcin , Nowak Stefan
Published: July 2012

Home networks are becoming more and more popular. Today's state of the art is
that several different technologies, like Wireless LAN (WLAN), Power Line
Communication (PLC), or Ethernet, are being used concurrently to connect home
devices. If any connection fault happens, the communication stops and new
connectivity has to be established. Since the fault detection can last
several seconds, it reduces the "Quality of Experience" dramatically, and
ongoing transmissions can be disturbed. Therefore, reliability of
transmission is a necessary precondition to fulfil customers' expectations.
In our approach, we suggest an additional protocol layer, dubbed layer 2.5,
which manages any available connectivity and automatically chooses a new
connection with the correct properties, for instance HDTV stream. It balances
load situations and can also be used to intelligently distribute traffic
between nodes. The system has been proven to work in standard LINUX kernel
implementation with a speed up to 1 Gb/s and with an extreme low latency. The
topology control and signalling components have been implemented in LINUX
user space and work on best effort bases. Within this paper, we outline the
architectural considerations and show the initial results. The work has been
used as the starting point for a new IEEE standardization, i.e., IEEE1905.1.
This group started with the OMEGA I-MAC architecture, introduced here. The
work described here has received funding from the European Commission's
Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007-2013 under grant agreement no. 213311,
also referred to as OMEGA.
Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of Peptidomimetics: How and Why
Authors: Wipf Peter
Published: July 2012

Based on oligopeptide sequences, structural diversity elements from side chain substitutions and backbone amide modifications are used for the preparation of bioactive peptide mimetics, including δ-amino-b,γ-alkenyl, δ-amino-b,γ-cyclopropyl, and γ-amino-a,b-cyclopropyl dipeptide isosteres. The hybrid molecule XJB-5-131 is composed of an alkene dipeptide isostere, a regular tripeptide sequence extracted from the cyclodecapeptide antibiotic gramicidin S (GS), and the free radical scavenger 4-AT. This agent is highly enriched in mitochondria, and, among other positive functions in cells and animal models, it has demonstrated efficacy in improving neurocognitive outcome after traumatic brain injury in rats. It slows down the aging phenotype in Ercc1 progeria models and reduces oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA, enhancing neuronal survival and improving mitochondrial function in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease. The shortened alkene dipeptide isostere JP4-039 also folds into a b-turn secondary structure in the solid state and mediates several desired physiological and cell-protective effects, including radiation damage prevention and mitigation.
Numerical Analysis of Hub Effect on Hydrodynamic Performance of Propellers with Inclusion of PBCF to Equalize the Induced Velocity
Authors: Ghassemi Hassan , Mardan Amin , Ardeshir Abdollah
Published: July 2012

Numerical Analysis of Hub Effect on Hydrodynamic Performance of Propellers with Inclusion of PBCF to Equalize the Induced Velocity

In this article the boundary element method (BEM) is applied to analyze the propeller hub as a non-lifting body and the blades in its vicinity as lifting bodies. In solver, the geometrical modeling of hub, blades are PBCF (Propeller Boss Cap Fin) constructed by quadrilateral elements. The velocity potential is determined on each element by discretized boundary integral equation. Iterative procedure is used to consider the adjacent body effect. In each step the body was independently analyzed with the influence of near body considered in inflow velocity. The induced velocity of propeller was calculated with and without PBCF in downstream. PBCF, an energy-saving device, reduces and uniforms the induced velocity of propeller in downstream. Numerical results of propeller hydrodynamic characteristics including hub effect, induced velocities, PBCF influence are presented.
p38 MAPK regulates the expression of ether à go-go potassium channel in human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Wu Xinyu , Zhong Daixing , Lin Bin , Zhai Wenliang , Ding Zhenqi , Wu Jin
Published: July 2012

Background. The ether à go-go (Eag) channel has been shown to be overexpressed in a variety of cancers. However, the expression and function of Eag in osteosarcoma are poorly understood. In addition, the molecular mechanisms responsible for Eag overexpression in cancer cells remain unclear.

Methods. The expression of Eag in human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The effect of Eag inhibition on MG-63 cell proliferation was assessed in vitro. The effect of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) mediated knockdown of Eag on osteosarcoma growth was evaluated in xenograft model in vivo. The activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and p53 in MG-63 cells was detected by Western blot analysis.

Results. Eag was overexpressed in MG-63 cells. Imipramine or Eag shRNA significantly suppressed the proliferation of MG-63 cells in vitro and in vivo. MG-63 cell proliferation was specifically inhibited by p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or small interference RNA (siRNA). The inhibition of p38 MAPK activation by SB203580 or siRNA reduced Eag protein level but increased p53 protein level. Moreover, the activation of p53 by nutlin-3 induced cell growth arrest in MG-63 cells and reduced Eag protein level, while the inactivation of p53 by pifithrin-alpha (PFT-α) promoted MG-63 cell growth and increased Eag protein expression.

Conclusions. Eag channel functions as an oncogene to promote the proliferation of human osteosarocma cells. Furthermore, the high expression of Eag in osteosarcoma cells is regulated by p38 MAPK/p53 pathway.
Rapid Detection of Fetal Aneuploidies by Quantitative Fluorescent-Polymerase Chain Reaction for Prenatal Diagnosis in the Turkish Population
Authors: Guzel A , Yilmaz M , Demirhan O , Pazarbasi A , Kocaturk-Sel S , Erkoc M , Inandiklioglu N , Ozgunen F , Sariturk C
Published: July 2012

Rapid Detection of Fetal Aneuploidies by Quantitative Fluorescent-Polymerase Chain Reaction for Prenatal Diagnosis in the Turkish Population

Prenatal diagnosis is testing for diseases or conditions in a fetus or embryo before it is born. It employs a variety of techniques to determine the health and condition of an unborn fetus. The main goal of this process is to perform prenatal diagnosis at the earliest possible stage of gestation. In this regard, quantitative fluorescent-polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR), a novel technique that is fast and reliable, was employed to detect aneuploidies (13, 18, 21, X and Y) without the need of the time-consuming culturing process. The QF-PCR method can detect five different chromosome aneuploidies with 98.6% accuracy. In this study, 1874 amniotic fluid samples of pregnant subjects, who were referred to the Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Adana, Turkey (molecular biology section), were analyzed with the QF-PCR technique by employing 27 short tandem repeat (STR) markers to detect chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y aneuploidies. We detected 31 subjects (1.7%) with aneuploidies or euploidies out of the 1874 subjects. The average age of the pregnant subjects was 32 (range: 14-49). Abnormal karyotypes detected were as follows: 47, XX,+21 (19.4%, 6/31), 47, XY,+21 (48.4%, 15/31), 48, XXX,+21 (3.2%, 1/31), 69, XXX (3.2%, 1/31), 47, XY,+13 (3.2%, 1/31), 47, XXY (9.6%, 3/31), 47, XXX (9.6%, 3/31) and 45, X (3.2%, 1/31). Moreover, some STR markers were found to be more specific to the Turkish population. In conclusion, QF-PCR can be regarded as an alternative method of conventional cytogenetic analysis as it is a rapid and reliable method; however, in most cases it is required to be supported or validated with conventional cytogenetic karyotyping and some STR markers employed for QF-PCR can be more informative for a given population.
Influence of the SCN1A IVS5N + 5 G>A Polymorphism on Therapy with Carbamazepine for Epilepsy
Authors: Sterjev Z , Kiteva G , Cvetkovska E , Petrov I , Kuzmanovski I , Ribarska T , Nestorovska K , Matevska N , Trajkovik-Jolevska S , Dimovski A , Suturkova Lj
Published: July 2012

Influence of the SCN1A IVS5N + 5 G>A Polymorphism on Therapy with Carbamazepine for Epilepsy

Carbamazepine (CBZ) blocks neuronal sodium channels in a voltage- and frequency-dependent manner, delaying the recovery of the channels from the inactivated state, reducing the number of action potentials within a burst, and decreasing burst duration. The α-subunit of the first neuronal sodium channel (SCN1A) is a major gene in different epilepsies. A synonymous polymorphism (SCN1A IVS5N + 5 G>A or rs3812718) is common in exon 5 of this gene. Mutations in the α-unit of this gene are associated with CBZ-resistant epilepsy and a higher maintenance dose of CBZ. We have investigated the association of this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and epilepsy, efficacy and dose-dependence of CBZ therapy in 147 adult Macedonian patients and 137 non epileptic controls. No significant differences in allelic frequencies and genotype distribution were found between patients and controls (p = 0.94278), or between CBZ-responsive and unresponsive patients (p = 0.55449). An association between the A allele and a higher maintenance dose in CBZ-responsive patients was detected. No statistical difference was found between the plasma levels of CBZ and genotype of patients receiving the same dose, indicating that the variant exerts its effect at the level of receptor responsiveness. The predictive value of pretreatment testing showed a minor insignificant difference between patients with different genotypes, primarily due to a small number of patients.
Clouston Syndrome: First Case in Russia
Authors: Marakhonov A , Skoblov M , Galkina V , Zinchenko R
Published: July 2012

Clouston Syndrome: First Case in Russia

Hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia type 2 (HED2) or Clouston syndrome (OMIM #129500) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder which affects skin and its derivatives, characterized by the major triad of features: nail dystrophy, generalized hypotrichosis, and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. Here we describe the first case of Clouston syndrome in Russia and the molecular genetic analysis of this case.
Ring Chromosome 22: A Review of the Literature and First Report from India
Authors: Mahajan S , Kaur A , Singh J
Published: July 2012

Ring Chromosome 22: A Review of the Literature and First Report from India

Ring chromosome 22 [r(22)], a rare cytogenetic finding, has been described in nearly 70 cases to date. Cytogenetic investigations were carried out on a 5-year-old male child with microcephaly and intellectual disability. Cytogenetic investigations revealed his karyotype to be 46, XY, r(22). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an r(22) anomaly from India.
Mosaic Intrachromosomal Triplication of (12)(p11.2p13) in a Patient with Pallister-Killian Syndrome
Authors: Yakut S , Mıhcı E , Altiok Clark , Cetin Z , Keser I , Berker S , Luleci G
Published: July 2012

Mosaic Intrachromosomal Triplication of (12)(p11.2p13) in a Patient with Pallister-Killian Syndrome

Pallister-Killian syndrome (PKS) is a rare genetic disorder usually characterized by mosaic tetrasomy of isochromosome 12p detected in cultured fibroblast cells. We describe here a patient with PKS and intrachromosomal triplication of the short arm of chromosome 12. Her karyo-type was mos 46, XX, inv trp(12)(p11.2p13)[34]/46, XX[16] de novo by conventional cytogenetics and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. However, this chromosomal abnormality was not detected from the patient's cultured blood lymphocytes. We report here the third patient with intrachromosomal triplication on the short arm of chromosome 12, presenting a PKS phenotype.
Methods for Processing and Interpretation of AIS Signals Corrupted by Noise and Packet Collisions
Authors: Poļevskis J. , Krastiņš M. , Korāts G. , Skorodumovs A. , Trokšs J.
Published: July 2012

Methods for Processing and Interpretation of AIS Signals Corrupted by Noise and Packet Collisions

The authors deal with the operation of Automatic Identification System (AIS) used in the marine traffic monitoring to broadcast messages containing information about the vessel: id, payload, size, speed, destination etc., meant primarily for avoidance of ship collisions. To extend the radius of AIS operation, it is envisaged to dispose its receivers on satellites. However, in space, due to a large coverage area, interfering factors are especially pronounced - such as packet collision, Doppler's shift and noise impact on AIS message receiving, pre-processing and decoding. To assess the quality of an AIS receiver's operation, a test was carried out in which, varying automatically frequency, amplitude, noise, and other parameters, the data on the ability of the receiver's ability to decode AIS signals are collected. In the work, both hardware- and software-based AIS decoders were tested. As a result, quite satisfactory statistics has been gathered - both on the common and the differing features of such decoders when operating in space. To obtain reliable data on the software-defined radio AIS receivers, further research is envisaged.
Physical performance, body composition, and quality of life in elderly women from clubs for the retired and living in twilight homes
Authors: Barthalos István , Bognár József , Fügedi Balázs , Plachy Judit , Ihász Ferenc
Published: July 2012

Physical performance, body composition, and quality of life in elderly women from clubs for the retired and living in twilight homes

Study aim: To explore how elderly people with different living conditions are characterized by their fitness, body composition, and quality of life.

Material and methods: Women aged 60 years and over (n = 60; age = 76.2 ± 7.6 years) were examined in cross-sectional study from a medium-sized city in western Hungary. Participants were chosen from a twilight home (n=27, age = 79.4 ± 7.7years) and clubs for retired people (n = 33, age = 73.7 ± 6.6 years). Physical fitness status was assessed by Fullerton Functional Fitness Test - Senior Fitness Test (FFFT); body composition (BC) with Inbody-720 bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy; and quality of life with WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire. Data were analysed with the use of t-test for independent samples and stepwise discriminant analysis.

Results: FFFT shows significant differences in each variable: lower and upper body strength, aerobic endurance, upper and lower body flexibility, and dynamic balance. These variables were significantly higher in the clubs for retired people. The BC of twilight home residents was significantly lower in height and fat-free mass. Regarding quality of life, there were significant differences in perception, autonomy, and sociability for the favour of elderly in clubs; however, there were no differences in activities of past, present and future, or differences in attitudes towards death or intimacy.

Conclusions: A sedentary and institutionalized lifestyle with little variety in daily activity and programing has a negative effect on physical fitness status, body composition, and quality of life. Self-motivation, active lifestyle, and regular and varied programs seem to have leading roles in the quality of life in elder population.
Measurement of cognitive ability and thinking level of 10- and 13- year-old football players with football-specific tasks
Authors: Kun István , Toth Laszlo
Published: July 2012

Measurement of cognitive ability and thinking level of 10- and 13- year-old football players with football-specific tasks

Study aim: To assess whether in a special area, such as football, formal thinking may appear as early as at the age of 10 years.

Material and methods: In total 50 children divided into three groups took part in the study: 10-year-old football players from the Premier League Team - level 1 (Group 1; n = 22), 10-year-old football players from the Football League Team - level 3 (Group 2; n = 13) and 13-year-old football players from the Premier League Team - level 1 (Group 3; n = 15). With the help of specific motor tests, the kinetic memory, level of thinking and technical level were assessed.

Results: The 10-year-old children representing lower levels of football proficiency (Group 2) were significantly (p<0.05) inferior to their mates from the Premier League in both the level of thinking as well as in kinetic memory. No significant differences were found between members of Group 1 and Group 3 in any of the studied variables.

Conclusions: The results support the thesis that 10-year-old children are able to use formal thinking in a particular area, such as football. To be aware of this would be of great importance to those experts who deal with selection and talent identification.
Generational differences in the motivational factors that drive Cypriots to participate in sporting activities
Authors: Christodoulides Efstathios
Published: July 2012

Generational differences in the motivational factors that drive Cypriots to participate in sporting activities

Study aim: To examine the factors that motivate Cypriots to participate in sport, particularly examining the differences between the last 3 generations regarding their motivations for sport involvement at the present and at the ages of 12-18 years.

Material and methods: The study was completed by survey method among 3 generational groups in Cyprus comprised of secondary school students, their parents, and their grandparents (N=1067). Data were collected via questionnaires that contained 3 open-ended, 16 multiple-choice, and 12 semantic differential scale questions. The response rate was 100% for the students, 77.4% for the parents, and 65.5% for the grandparents. The data were analyzed by the SPSS program for Microsoft Windows; factor analysis and one-way analysis of variance were used.

Results: The examined motivations were clustered into two factors: Joy Factor and Health Factor. Significant differences were found among the 3 generations in their sporting activities at present and the ages of 12-18 years. The students' participation motivations for sport are closely related to fun and enjoyment. Their parents have similar motives at present, but in their childhood they considered health enhancement as the most important reason for sport involvement. The oldest generation regarded the improvement of their health as a stimulating factor for sport in their childhood and youth; they did not change this during their whole life cycle.

Conclusions: Generational differences in the motivation for participation in sport are probably universal, but their elements are dissimilar depending on the value system in general and in sport in societies. The historical and cultural circumstances in Cyprus allow for the generalization of the conclusions only at the national level.
The Germination of Perennial Wall Rocket (Diplotaxis Tenuifolia (L.) DC.) and Annual Garden Rocket (Eruca Sativa Mill.) Under Controlled Temperatures
Authors: Hall Matthew , Jobling Jenny , Rogers Gordon
Published: July 2012

The germination characteristics of three cultivars of perennial wall rocket and annual garden rocket were assessed at constant and diurnal temperatures for ten days. The seeds were exposed to constant temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C or diurnal temperatures of 24/10, 28/16 and 18/5°C, with a 12/12 h exposure of each regime. The diurnal temperatures were chosen to reflect the minimum and maximum ambient temperatures experienced in Ellis Lane, Australia; during the spring, summer and winter. The total germination percentage (TGP) of perennial wall rocket was the highest at 20 to 30°C, whereas the highest TGP occurred at 10 to 30°C for annual garden rocket. The daily germination speed (DGS) and germination value (GV) are two useful formulas used to express the germination characteristics of seeds that under certain conditions do not achieve ≥50% germination. For both species, there was a significant interaction between the cultivar and temperature for the DGS and GV at both constant and diurnal temperatures; illustrating that the commercial cultivars of these species germinate at different rates in response to different ambient temperatures. This has important implications for the commercial production of these species, as cultivars with high germination rates need to be chosen for different seasonal conditions. At diurnal temperatures, there was an interaction between the cultivar and temperature for perennial wall rocket, with the cvs. DT1 and DT2 having similar TGPs across all of the temperature regimes, whereas the cv. DT3 had lower TGPs across all of the regimes. There was no interaction between the cultivar and diurnal temperature for annual garden rocket; however, temperature did influence the TGP, with higher values at 24/10 and 18/5°C. The germination of the smaller seeds from the perennial species was found to be more dependent on temperature than the larger seeds from the annual species. This is likely due to differences in stored reserves and the influence of secondary dormancy in the respective species.