bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Base Composition Characteristics of Mammalian miRNAs
Authors: Wang Bin
Published: February 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA sequences that repress protein synthesis by either inhibiting the translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) or increasing mRNA degradation. Endogenous miRNAs have been found in various organisms, including animals, plants, and viruses. Mammalian miRNAs are evolutionarily conserved, are scattered throughout chromosomes, and play an important role in the immune response and the onset of cancer. For this study, the author explored the base composition characteristics of miRNA genes from the six mammalian species that contain the largest number of known miRNAs. It was found that mammalian miRNAs are evolutionarily conserved and GU-rich. Interestingly, in the miRNA sequences investigated, A residues are clearly the most frequent occupants of positions 2 and 3 of the 5′ end of miRNAs. Unlike G and U residues that may pair with C/U and A/G, respectively, A residues can only pair with U residues of target mRNAs, which may augment the recognition specificity of the 5′ seed region.
Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition of Adult Premenopausal Women with Three Levels of Physical Activity
Authors: Saraví Fernando D. , Sayegh Fabiana
Published: February 2013

Weight-bearing and resistance physical activities are recommended for osteoporosis prevention, but it is unclear whether an intensity level above current recommendations has a positive effect on adult premenopausal women. Body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) by DXA were compared in three groups of women as follows: Sedentary, Maintenance exercise, and federated Sport Team (n=16for each group). Physical activity was estimated from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The groups did not differ in age, height, weight, or body mass index. Bone mineral content and non-fat soft tissue mass were higher and fat mass was lower in the Sport Team group than in the other groups. The same was true for BMD of total skeleton, lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip. A test for linear trend of body composition and BMD showed significant results when including all three groups. Simple and multiple regression analyses showed significant associations between physical activity level (or alternatively, years of participation in programmed physical activity) and bone mass measures at all sites except for the middle third of radius. It is concluded that a level of physical activity higher than that usually recommended benefits bone health in adult premenopausal women.
Urotensin-II Ligands: An Overview from Peptide to Nonpeptide Structures
Authors: Merlino Francesco , Di Maro Salvatore , Munaim Yousif Ali , Caraglia Michele , Grieco Paolo
Published: February 2013

Urotensin-II was originally isolated from the goby urophysis in the 1960s as a vasoactive peptide with a prominent role in cardiovascular homeostasis. The identification of human isoform of urotensin-II and its specific UT receptor by Ames et al. in 1999 led to investigating the putative role of the interaction U-II/UT receptor in multiple pathophysiological effects in humans. Since urotensin-II is widely expressed in several peripheral tissues including cardiovascular system, the design and development of novel urotensin-II analogues can improve knowledge about structure-activity relationships (SAR). In particular, since the modulation of the U-II system offers a great potential for therapeutic strategies related to the treatment of several diseases, like cardiovascular diseases, the research of selective and potent ligands at UT receptor is more fascinating. In this paper, we review the developments of peptide and nonpeptide U-II structures so far developed in order to contribute also to a more rational and detectable design and synthesis of new molecules with high affinity at the UT receptor.
What Can We Expect from On-Line Hemodiafiltration?
Authors: Kawanishi Hideki
Published: February 2013

On-line hemodiafiltration (ol-HDF) may improve clinical outcome in ESRD. The supposed mechanism is the improved clearance of uremic toxins by convective transport which is added to the diffusion transport. However, recent marked improvement in the performance of dialyzers has allowed higher removal rate of middle to large solutes by diffusion. It is inaccurate to define substances with a higher molecular weight such as uremic toxins. In addition, new methods should be developed for the removal of protein-bound substances. A technical fee for on-line HDF was newly established on the revision of the reimbursement for medical services Japan in 2012 and clearly separated from off-line HDF. As a facility requirement, the calculation of ‘addition for maintaining dialysis fluid water quality' was added. Evidence for the clinical effects of ol-HDF have been reported mainly in Europe but is still inaccurate. To confirm the effectiveness of ol-HDF, randomized comparative trials on hemodialysis using super high-flux dialyzers and ol-HDF with same performance hemodiafilter are necessary.
Biocompatibility of Predilution On-Line Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Masakane Ikuto , Esashi Shio , Igarashi Hiroyuki
Published: February 2013

In the previous papers, we reported that predilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) has more beneficial effects on dialysis patients than postdilution HDF. The mechanism behind this has not yet been clarified, but some factors could explain the advantage, such as a well-balanced solute removal pattern, reduction in the small nutrient loss and biocompatibility. Generally, the efficacy of small solute and low-molecular-weight protein removal is better in postdilution HDF or hemodialysis than in predilution; however, the more efficient removal does not always lead to the improvement of patients' symptoms and feelings. This issue suggests that the biocompatibility is an essential aspect for evaluating the quality of dialysis modality. There are three possible mechanisms for the advantages of predilution on-line HDF in biocompatibility. First, a large amount of filtrate at the filter could drain away chemical-eluting substances from the dialysis membrane and some reactive proteins. Second, blood dilution could reduce the chance of blood cells to be in close contact with the dialysis membrane surface, and then it could reduce the sequential inflammatory response. Third, blood dilution itself reduces the production of free radicals. We believe the biocompatibility of predilution online HDF is closely related to the improvement of dialysis-related various symptoms.
The Immunities of the International Monetary Fund’s Executive Head: The Quest for Legal Certainty in the “Strauss-Kahn Affair”
Authors: Gallo Daniele
Published: February 2013

By looking closely at the New York State (County of Bronx) Supreme Court’s decision on the “Strauss-Kahn affair”, I have discussed the nature and scope of the immunities of top international officials, in particular the executive heads of specialized agencies of the U.N., with specific reference to the I.M.F.’s Managing Director.

One of the major shortcomings of the decision is its superficial approach to the (international and U.S.) law applicable to the case. That approach prevents the Court from discerning the significant lacuna in the I.M.F. Articles of Agreement, that is to say the lack of a specific rule conferring immunity on the higher official of such organization.

Based on a systematic interpretation of that Agreement, as well as of all other relevant international and U.S. norms, I have shown how that lacuna cannot be filled and interpreted in the sense of either excluding or asserting, with certainty, the application of personal – in addition to functional – immunity to the Managing Director.

The Court has therefore lost an opportunity to reveal a gap in the law that I.M.F. Member States or the Fund itself should fill as soon as possible in order to provide legal certainty and strike a fine and clear balance between the victims of international organizations high officials’ conduct and the independence and autonomy of international organizations
Looking to the future:
Authors: Howard Helen
Published: February 2013

This paper looks at factors influencing the development of information literacy (IL) teaching within UK Higher Education (HE). It includes a review of recent literature on the current HE climate, curricula developments and the scope and breadth of IL. Using the experience at Leeds University Library as a case study, the paper outlines the development of a new strategy to deliver IL teaching and support to students. It describes the process of developing an academic skills strategy, which places IL within a broader range of academic skills, with the aim of contributing to the overall learning development of students. The case study describes the implementation of the strategy and the key stakeholders involved in this, including faculty team librarians , academic skills development officers and academic staff. The paper concludes that there were significant external and internal developments which had an impact on the direction taken by the strategy, specifically in embedding IL within an academic skills framework. In looking at the broad picture and by providing a case study from one of the few UK HE libraries to have progressed the academic skills agenda, it is hoped that the issues raised in the paper allow for reflection of the position of IL at the current time by all those involved in ensuring the acquisition of these skills by students.
Dialeurolonga re-defined (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): with a new genus and species from India, two new genera from Australia, and discussion of host-correlated puparial variation
Authors: DUBEY ANIL KUMAR , RAMAMURTHY V. V.
Published: February 2013

Aleuropositus Dubey gen. n., Australeurodes Dubey gen. n. and Septemaleurodes Dubey gen. n. are proposed with their respective type species as A. sinus Dubey sp. n. from India, D. operculobata Martin & Carver from Australia, and D. swainei Martin from Australia. A. sinus sp. n. is described from Kerala, India, illustrated with line drawings, microphotographs and SEM images. The puparia are asymmetric in taxonomic characters and shape, and variation in puparia associated with a single host is discussed. A generic diagnosis of Dialeurolonga is provided based on SEM study of the type species, D. elongata. Australian species placed in this genus have puparial characteristics that distinguish them from Afrotropical assemblages, and are here referred to two new genera.
The feather mites (Acari, Astigmata) of the Violet-capped Woodnymph, Thalurania glaucopis (Gmelin) (Aves, Trochilidae), with descriptions of three new species
Authors: HERNANDES FABIO AKASHI
Published: February 2013

Six feather mites of the Violet-capped Woodnymph, Thalurania glaucopis are herein reported: Allodectes sejugaspis sp. n., A. thaluraniae sp. n., Trochilodectes brevipenis sp. n., Toxerodectes biscutatus Park & Atyeo (Proctophyllodidae), and two unidentified species from the families Analgidae (Protalginae, genus Protalges) and Ptyssalgidae (genus Ptyssalges). These are the first feather mites to be reported from this host.
New species of Mesenopsis Godman & Salvin, 1886 (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae: Symmachiini) from southeastern Brazil, with an illustrated key to the genus
Authors: DIAS FERNANDO MAIA SILVA , DOLIBAINA DIEGO RODRIGO , MIELKE OLAF HERMANN HENDRIK , CASAGRANDE MIRNA MARTINS
Published: February 2013

A new species, Mesenopsis jordana sp. nov., from southeastern Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo is described and a taxonomic dichotomous key for species of the genus Mesenopsis is provided. Additionally, mimetic models for species of Mesenopsis are suggested and a new distribution record for M. albivitta is provided.
Review of the Blastobasinae of Costa Rica (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Blastobasidae)
Authors: ADAMSKI DAVID
Published: February 2013

The Blastobasinae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Blastobasidae) of Costa Ricaare reviewed. Five new genera, Barbaloba, Hallicis, Koleps, Pheos, and Pseudokoleps, and 101 new species are described. They include: Barbaloba jubae, B. meleagrisellae, Hallicis bisetosellus, H. calvicula, Koleps angulatus, Pheos aculeatus, Pseudokoleps akainae, Blastobasis abollae, B. achaea, B. aedes, B. babae, B. balucis, B. beo, B. caetrae, B. chanes, B. custodis, B. dapis, B. deae, B. deliciolarum, B. dicionis, B. echus, B. erae, B. fax, B. furtivus, B. iuanae, B. lex, B. litis, B. lygdi, B. manto, B. neniae, B. nivis, B. orithyia, B. paludis, B. phaedra, B. rotae, B. rotullae, B. tapetae, B. thyone, B. usurae, B. vesta, B. xiphiae, Hypatopa actes, H. acus, H. agnae, H. arxcis, H. bilobata, H. caedis, H. caepae, H. cladis, H. cotis, H. cotytto, H. crux, H. cyane, H. dicax, H. dolo, H. dux, H. edax, H. eos, H. erato, H. fio, H. gena, H. hecate, H. hera, H. hora, H. io, H. ira, H. leda, H. limae, H. lucina, H. joniella, H. juno, H. manus, H. mora, H. musa, H. nex, H. nox, H. phoebe, H. pica, H. plebis, H. rabio, H. rea, H. rego, H. rudis, H. sais, H. scobis, H. semela, H. solea, H. styga, H. texla, H. texo, H. umbra, H. verax, H. vitis, H. vox, Pigritia dido, P. faux, P. gruis, P. haha, P. sedis, P. stips, and P. ululae. Diagnoses, descriptions, and type data are provided for each species. Photographs of imagos, illustrations of wing venation for selected species, male and female genitalia, and distribution maps are furnished. Keys to all genera in Blastobasinae and keys to all species within each genus are provided to assist with identifications. In addition, scanning electron micrographs of the inner surface of the dilated first antennal flagellomere and associated sex scales for all Blastobasis are provided. Blastobasis coffeaella (Busck, 1925), B. graminea Adamski, 1999, Hypatopa tapadulcea Adamski, 1999, and Pigritia marjoriella Adamski, 1998 are redescribed.
The reptile type specimens preserved in the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC) of Madrid, Spain
Authors: GARCÍA-DÍEZ TERESA , GONZÁLEZ-FERNÁNDEZ JOSÉ E.
Published: February 2013

A first complete list of the reptile type specimens preserved in the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC) of Ma-drid (updated until 15 July 2012) is provided. The collection houses a total of 319 type specimens representing 24 taxa belonging to 6 families and 12 genera. There are 22 taxa represented by primary types (19 holotypes, 2 neotypes and 1 lectotype) and at least one paratype, and only two taxa are exclusively represented by one secondary type (paratype). The collection is specially rich in Spanish endemisms. Special attention is deserved by the type series of many subspecies of Podarcis lilfordi described by A. Salvador and V. Pérez-Mellado. All type specimens are housed in the Herpetological collection except Blanus mariae and Psammodromus occidentalis type series and Psammodromus hispanicus (neotype) which are preserved in the DNA/Tissues Collection.
Chrysomelid males with enlarged mandibles: three new species and a review of occurrence in the family (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: REID C. A.M. , BEATSON M.
Published: February 2013

Three new species of Chrysomelidae with extraordinary extensions of the male mandibles are described: Scaphodius drehu sp. nov. and S. ferox sp. nov. (Cryptocephalinae), from New Caledonia, and Chaloenus gajah sp. nov. (Galerucinae), from Borneo. Designation of the type species of Chaloenus Westwood, 1861, is clarified. Synonymy of Scaphodius Chapuis, 1874, with Nyetra Baly, 1877, is supported. Four species of Ditropidus Erichson, 1842, described from New Caledonia, but hitherto regarded as nomina nuda, are shown to be available and are placed in Scaphodius: S. aeneus (Fauvel, 1907), comb. nov., S. nitidus (Fauvel, 1907) comb. nov., S. striolatus (Fauvel, 1907) comb. nov., S. sulcatus (Fauvel, 1907) comb. nov. Ditropidus opacicollis Fauvel, 1907, is also transferred to Scaphodius, as S. opacicollis (Fauvel) comb. nov. The genus Ditropidus does not occur onNew Caledonia. Male mandible enlargment in the Chrysomelidae is reviewed: it is common in Cryptocephalinae, but otherwise restricted to a few species of Chrysomelinae, Eumolpinae and Galerucinae. Possible reasons for its distribution in the Chrysomelidae are discussed.
Genetic Transmission Effects and Intergenerational Contact with the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Miller Holly Ventura , Barnes J.C.
Published: February 2013

Parental incarceration has been linked to a wide range of negative intergenerational consequences, including involvement in the criminal justice system. Prior research indicates that those who experience episodes of parental incarceration during childhood are significantly more likely to report contact with the police, arrest, conviction, and incarceration. There remains, however, considerable debate as to whether these relationships are causal or merely correlational. Although many theoretical frameworks offer guidance in understanding these associations (e.g., social learning, strain, labeling), less work has focused on genetic risk factors. Using data from a nationally representative sample of American youth, we conduct a series of analyses to assess whether genetic risk factors, measured by three dopamine polymorphisms ( DAT1, DRD2, and DRD4) confound the association between paternal incarceration and child’s arrest and incarceration. Results suggest that genetic risk may confound the relationship between father’s incarceration and child’s arrest but not incarceration. These findings are discussed relative to theoretical development and existing empirical evidence. Directions for future research in this vein are also presented.
Mood and Processing of Proattitudinal and Counterattitudinal Messages
Authors: Ziegler Rene
Published: February 2013

Existing research has established the effects of mood on processing of clearly mood-elevating proattitudinal messages and clearly mood-threatening counterattitudinal messages (i.e., mood-relevant messages). Little is known, however, about mood effects on processing of less mood-elevating proattitudinal messages and less mood-threatening counterattitudinal messages (i.e., mood-irrelevant messages). The present research tested hypotheses regarding processing of mood-irrelevant messages based on a mood-congruent expectancies approach. Specifically, two studies were conducted in which prior attitudes were measured (Study 1) or manipulated (Study 2). As predicted, results showed higher scrutiny in negative mood given a proattitudinal message and in positive mood given a counterattitudinal message than in negative mood given a counterattitudinal message and in positive mood given a proattitudinal message. Discussion focuses on implications regarding the accumulated literature, different accounts proposed to understand mood effects on processing effort, and further research.
Childhood family environment, social competence, and health across the lifespan
Authors: Luecken Linda J. , Roubinov Danielle S. , Tanaka Rika
Published: February 2013

Childhood family adversity increases the risk of a wide range of psychological and physical health problems later in life, prompting research into developmental pathways linking childhood experiences to adult health. The current paper discusses a social-biological pathway by which childhood family relationships influence the development of the social and emotional skills necessary for adaptive behavioral and biological responses to stress. Failures in the development of social and emotional competence during childhood may lead to dysregulated responses to stress and difficulties in social relationships across the lifespan. Over time, the cumulative impact of dysregulated stress responses and low social support may increase the risk of mental and physical health problems later in life.
Efficacy of low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide in systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with Guillain-Barré syndrome-like acute axonal neuropathies: report of two cases
Authors: Santiago-Casas Y , Peredo RA , Vilá LM
Published: February 2013

There are few cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), particularly of atypical variants, occurring in association with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). Reports addressing a specific therapy thus remain almost anecdotal. It is therefore challenging to determine the treatment that is best suited for this subset of patients, especially if initial conventional therapy for GBS fails. We present two cases of GBS-like acute axonal neuropathies, one with acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), and another with acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), presenting early in the course of SLE. The first case failed to respond to therapy with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and plasmapheresis, but achieved a favorable outcome when high-dose glucocorticoids along with low-dose intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide pulses were given. The second case responded favorably to high-dose glucocorticoids, IVIG, and low-dose IV cyclophosphamide pulses. Both patients have remained in clinical remission and without neurologic sequelae after 10 and three years of follow-up, respectively.
Newer developments in the immunotherapy of malignant melanoma
Authors: Maslin Benjamin , Alexandrescu Doru T , Ichim Thomas E , Dasanu Constantin A
Published: February 2013

Individuals with malignant melanoma present a variety of immune abnormalities including but not limited to cellular immune dysfunction, antigen presentation deficits, and cytokine production defects. Therefore, enhancing the immune system potential represents an appealing avenue for melanoma therapy. The authors review the immune therapies currently in clinical use as well as the most promising immunotherapy candidates. Ipilimumab, a monoclonal antibody against the CTLA-4, was approved for the therapy of advanced melanoma in 2011. In addition, sizeable anti-melanoma activity has recently been shown with the use of other agents including anti-PD-1/anti-PD-1 ligand antibodies. Consequently, these experimental immunotherapy agents may soon become important items in the anti-melanoma armamentarium.
The Role of Mobility as a Protective Factor of Cognitive Functioning in Aging Adults
Authors: Zhao Emily , Tranovich Michael J. , Wright Vonda J.
Published: February 2013

Context:

Over 33 chronic disease states and health disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, are grouped into what is known as sedentary death syndrome. All these conditions are positively affected by 30 minutes of brisk exercise daily. In addition, only 30% of aging is based on genetics, with 70% on lifestyle. Therefore, a large majority of aging is controlled by individual health behaviors. Exercise is a powerful tool for healthy aging of the body and the mind. Courses of short- and long-term exercise provide benefits to musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health and can prevent age-related brain structural and functional losses. This review examines the evidence in support of mobility as an inexpensive and effective protective factor in maintaining brain health and preventing cognitive decline in aging adults.

Evidence Acquisition:

A PubMed search was performed for articles in English from 1990 to 2012. Reference lists were also reviewed and relevant articles obtained.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

Evidence suggests that maintaining a high level of cardiopulmonary fitness and mobility exhibits protective effects on structural changes that occur with aging in areas of the brain associated with memory, attention, and task completion. Chronic exercise is also associated with preservation of overall cognitive functioning and prevention of dementia.

Conclusion:

In combination with other preventative measures, physical mobility can assist in preventing or slowing cognitive decline in aging adults.
H-RN, a peptide derived from hepatocyte growth factor, inhibits corneal neovascularization by inducing endothelial apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle
Authors: Sun Ye , Su Li , Wang Zhongxiao , Xu Yi , Xu Xun
Published: February 2013

Background

The goal of this study was to investigate the anti-angiogenic activity of a novel peptide H-RN, derived from the hepatocyte growth factor kringle 1 domain (HGF K1), in a mouse model of corneal neovascularization. The anti-angiogenic effect of H-RN on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-stimulated cell proliferation, cell migration and endothelial cell tube formation was assessed in vitro using Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and in vivo using a mouse cornea micropocket assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were assessed by flow cytometry. A scrambled peptide was used as a negative control.

Results

H-RN effectively inhibited VEGF-stimulated HUVEC proliferation, migration and tube formation on Matrigel, while a scrambled peptide exerted no effect. In the mouse model of corneal angiogenesis, VEGF-stimulated angiogenesis was significantly inhibited by H-RN compared to a scrambled peptide that had no such activity. VEGF protected HUVECs from apoptosis, while H-RN inhibited this protective effect of VEGF. VEGF significantly increased the proportion of cells in the S phase compared to control treated cells (p<0.05). Treatment with H-RN (1.5 mM) induced the accumulation of cells in G0/G1 phase, while the proportion of cells in the S phase and G2/M phase decreased significantly compared to control group (p<0.05).

Conclusions

H-RN has anti-angiogenic activity in HUVECs and in a mouse model of VEGF-induced corneal neovascularization. The anti-angiogenic activity of H-RN was related to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, indicating a potential strategy for anti-angiogenic treatment in the cornea.
Comparative transcriptomics of early dipteran development
Authors: Jiménez-Guri Eva , Huerta-Cepas Jaime , Cozzuto Luca , Wotton Karl R , Kang Hui , Himmelbauer Heinz , Roma Guglielmo , Gabaldón Toni , Jaeger Johannes
Published: February 2013

Background

Modern sequencing technologies have massively increased the amount of data available for comparative genomics. Whole-transcriptome shotgun sequencing (RNA-seq) provides a powerful basis for comparative studies. In particular, this approach holds great promise for emerging model species in fields such as evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo).

Results

We have sequenced early embryonic transcriptomes of two non-drosophilid dipteran species: the moth midge Clogmia albipunctata, and the scuttle fly Megaselia abdita. Our analysis includes a third, published, transcriptome for the hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus. These emerging models for comparative developmental studies close an important phylogenetic gap between Drosophila melanogaster and other insect model systems. In this paper, we provide a comparative analysis of early embryonic transcriptomes across species, and use our data for a phylogenomic re-evaluation of dipteran phylogenetic relationships.

Conclusions

We show how comparative transcriptomics can be used to create useful resources for evo-devo, and to investigate phylogenetic relationships. Our results demonstrate that de novo assembly of short (Illumina) reads yields high-quality, high-coverage transcriptomic data sets. We use these data to investigate deep dipteran phylogenetic relationships. Our results, based on a concatenation of 160 orthologous genes, provide support for the traditional view of Clogmia being the sister group of Brachycera (Megaselia, Episyrphus, Drosophila), rather than that of Culicomorpha (which includes mosquitoes and blackflies).
MiR-29c is downregulated in gastric carcinomas and regulates cell proliferation by targeting RCC2
Authors: Matsuo Mitsuhiro , Nakada Chisato , Tsukamoto Yoshiyuki , Noguchi Tsuyoshi , Uchida Tomohisa , Hijiya Naoki , Matsuura Keiko , Moriyama Masatsugu
Published: February 2013

Background

Previously, using miRNA microarray, we have found that miR-29c is significantly downregulated in advanced gastric carcinoma. In the present study, we investigated whether miR-29c functions as a tumor-suppressor miRNA in gastric carcinoma cells. For this purpose, we verified the downregulation of miR-29c in gastric carcinoma tissues, and assessed the biological effect of miR-29c on gastric carcinoma cells.

Results

In miR-29c-transfected cells, both proliferation and colony formation ability on soft agar were significantly decreased. Although apoptosis was not induced, BrdU incorporation and the proportion of cells positive for phospho-histone H3 (S10) were significantly decreased in miR-29c-transfected cells, indicating that miR-29c may be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation. To explain the mechanism of growth suppression by miR-29c, we explored differentially expressed genes (>2-fold) in miR-29c-transfected cells in comparison with negative control transfected cells using microarray. RCC2, PPIC and CDK6 were commonly downregulated in miR-29c-transfected MKN45, MKN7 and MKN74 cells, and all of the genes harbored miR-29c target sequences in the 3’-UTR of their mRNA. RCC2 and PPIC were actually upregulated in gastric carcinoma tissues, and therefore both were identified as possible targets of miR-29c in gastric carcinoma. To ascertain whether downregulation of RCC2 and/or PPIC is involved in the growth suppression by miR-29c, we transfected siRNAs against RCC2 and PPIC into MKN45 and determined cell viability, the rate of BrdU incorporation, and caspase activity. We found that RCC2-knockdown decreased both cell viability and BrdU incorporation without any increase of caspase activity, while PPIC-knockdown did not, indicating that downregulation of RCC2 may be at least partly responsible for the growth suppression by miR-29c.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that miR-29c may have tumor-suppressive functions in gastric carcinoma cells, and that its decreased expression may confer a growth advantage on tumor cells via aberrant expression of RCC2.
Evaluation of airway management associated hands-off time during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomised manikin follow-up study
Authors: Gruber Christina , Nabecker Sabine , Wohlfarth Philipp , Ruetzler Anita , Roth Dominik , Kimberger Oliver , Fischer Henrik , Frass Michael , Ruetzler Kurt
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Airway management is an important component of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Recent guidelines recommend keeping any interruptions of chest compressions as short as possible and not lasting more than 10 seconds. Endotracheal intubation seems to be the ideal method for establishing a secure airway by experienced providers, but emergency medical technicians (EMT) often lack training and practice. For the EMTs supraglottic devices might serve as alternatives.

Methods

40 EMTs were trained in a 1-hour standardised audio-visual lesson to handle six different airway devices including endotracheal intubation, Combitube, EasyTube, I-Gel, Laryngeal Mask Airway and Laryngeal tube. EMTs performances were evaluated immediately after a brief practical demonstration, as well as after 1 and 3 months without any practice in between, in a randomised order. Hands-off time was pair-wise compared between airway devices using a repeated-measures mixed-effects model.

Results

Overall mean hands-off time was significantly (p<0.01) lower for Laryngeal tube (6.1s; confidence interval 5.2-6.9s), Combitube (7.9s; 95% CI 6.9-9.0s), EasyTube (8.8s; CI 7.3-10.3s), LMA (10.2s; CI 8.6-11.7s), and I-Gel (11.9s; CI 10.2-13.7s) compared to endotracheal intubation (39.4s; CI 34.0-44.9s). Hands-off time was within the recommended limit of 10s for Combitube, EasyTube and Laryngeal tube after 1 month and for all supraglottic devices after 3 months without any training, but far beyond recommended limits in all three evaluations for endotracheal intubation.

Conclusion

Using supraglottic airway devices, EMTs achieved a hands-off time within the recommended time limit of 10s, even after three months without any training or practice. Supraglottic airway devices are recommended tools for EMTs with lack of experience in advanced airway management.
Enzyme-modified indium tin oxide microelectrode array-based electrochemical uric acid biosensor
Authors: Puri Nidhi , Sharma Vikash , Tanwar Vinod K , Singh Nahar , Biradar Ashok M , Rajesh
Published: February 2013

We fabricated a miniaturized electrochemical uric acid biosensor with a 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) microelectrode array (μEA). The ITO-μEA on a glass plate was immobilized with the enzyme uricase, through a cross-linker, bis[sulfosuccinimidyl]suberate (BS3). The enzyme-immobilized electrode (uricase/BS3/APTES/ITO-μEA/glass) was characterized by atomic force microscopy and electrochemical techniques. The cyclic voltammetry and impedance studies show an effective binding of uricase at the μEA surface. The amperometric response of the modified electrode was measured towards uric acid concentration in aqueous solution (pH 7.4), under microfluidic channel made of polydimethylsiloxane. The μEA biosensor shows a linear response over a concentration range of 0.058 to 0.71 mM with a sensitivity of 46.26 μA mM−1 cm−2. A response time of 40 s reaching a 95% steady-state current value was obtained. The biosensor retains about 85% of enzyme activity for about 6 weeks. The biosensor using μEA instead of a large single band of electrode allows the entire core of the channel to be probed though keeping an improved sensitivity with a small volume of sample and reagents.
Rule out of acute aortic dissection with plasma matrix metalloproteinase 8 in the emergency department
Authors: Giachino Francesca , Loiacono Marilena , Lucchiari Manuela , Manzo Maria , Battista Stefania , Saglio Elisa , Lupia Enrico , Moiraghi Corrado , Hirsch Emilio , Mengozzi Giulio , Morello Fulvio
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in aortic pathophysiology. Preliminary studies have detected increased plasma levels of MMP8 and MMP9 in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). However, the performance of plasma MMP8 and MMP9 for the diagnosis of AAD in the emergency department is at present unknown.

Methods

The levels of MMP8 and MMP9 were measured by ELISA on plasma samples obtained from 126 consecutive patients evaluated in the emergency department for suspected AAD. All patients were subjected to urgent computed tomography (CT) scan for final diagnosis.

Results

In the study cohort (N = 126), AAD was diagnosed in 52 patients and ruled out in 74 patients. Median plasma MMP8 levels were 36.4 (interquartile range 24.8 to 69.3) ng/ml in patients with AAD and 13.2 (8.1 to 31.8) ng/ml in patients receiving an alternative final diagnosis (P <0.0001). Median plasma MMP9 levels were 169.2 (93.0 to 261.8) ng/ml in patients with AAD and 80.5 (41.8 to 140.6) ng/ml in patients receiving an alternative final diagnosis (P = 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) on receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of MMP8 and MMP9 for the diagnosis of AAD was respectively 0.75 and 0.70, as compared to 0.87 of D-dimer. At the cutoff of 3.6 ng/ml, plasma MMP8 had a sensitivity of 100.0% (95% CI, 93.2% to 100.0%) and a specificity of 9.5% (95% CI, 3.9% to 18.5%) and ruled out AAD in 5.6% of patients. Combination of plasma MMP8 with D-dimer increased the AUC on ROC analysis to 0.89. Presence of MMP8 <11.0 ng/ml and D-dimer <1.0 or <2.0 µg/ml provided a negative predictive value of 100% and ruled out AAD in 13.6% and 21.4% of patients respectively.

Conclusions

Low levels of plasma MMP8 can rule out AAD in a minority of patients. Combination of plasma MMP8 and D-dimer at individually suboptimal cutoffs could safely rule out AAD in a substantial proportion of patients evaluated in the emergency department.
Wave‐driven porewater and solute circulation through rippled elastic sediment under highly transient forcing
Authors: Cardenas M. Bayani , Jiang Houshuo
Published: February 2013

Lay Abstract

Waves over permeable and porous sediment induce movement of water through the pores of the sediment. This leads to circulation of seawater infiltrating into the sediment and then eventually exfiltrated back into the sea. This porewater circulation is caused by pressure variations along the surface of the seabed due to the passing of waves. However, previous studies have considered pressure along the seabed as steadily varying. This is not the case when flow associated with waves is turbulent, which is practically all the time. Using advanced computational modeling tools that more explicitly represent pressure variations occurring at short time intervals and the physical response of sediment to these pressure fluctuations, this study shows that pressure variations occurring at short timescales not considered before enhances the circulation and exchange of water between the seabed and the ocean. This also leads to larger exchange fluxes of dissolved material in the water circulating through the sediment. Since the seabed host many chemical and ecological processes that depend on the delivery of fluids and their dissolved content, accurate estimation of the importance and the rate at which these chemical and ecological processes occur would require a closer inspection of the effects of short time pressure fluctuations induced by turbulence and waves.
Hydrodynamic effects of spines: A different spin
Authors: Nguyen Hoa , Karp‐Boss Lee , Jumars Peter A. , Fauci Lisa
Published: February 2013

Lay Abstract

When placed in a simple linear gradient of velocity, elongate objects, including many phytoplankton, spend the most time with their longest axis aligned with the flow vectors, but they tumble with a frequency that depends on their ratio of length to width. This tumbling is important because it causes relative motion of phytoplankton cells and nearby fluid, thinning chemical boundary layers and thereby speeding diffusive supply of nutrients to the cells, and it also influences phytoplankton encounter rates with grazers. For both oblate and prolate spheroids, shapes resembling a smoothed discus and football, respectively, tumbling frequency can be predicted accurately from simple theory. Many planktonic organisms, however, have complex shapes produced by spines that extend in varying numbers, at varying angles, and to varying distances from the body or cell. We used numerical models to examine how rigid, spiny phytoplankton cells tumble in a simple linear gradient of velocity. We found that their tumbling was in general well approximated by that of the smallest oblate or prolate spheroid that could contain both the cell and its spines. Investigations that examine the tumbling of cells with flexible spines remain to be done.
Microdistribution of a torrential stream invertebrate: Are bottom‐up, top‐down, or hydrodynamic controls most important?
Authors: Hoover Trent M. , Ackerman Josef Daniel
Published: February 2013

Lay Abstract

In general, stream food webs consist of algae (periphyton; primary producers growing on rocks) that are consumed by grazing invertebrates, which are in turn preyed upon by a variety of predators. Many invertebrate grazers avoid predators by hiding under rocks during the daytime when visual predators like fish are active, or by seeking high‐velocity microhabitats where invertebrate predators cannot access them. We examined the food web in a mountain stream in the Rocky Mountains by placing marked rocks in the streambed and measuring the distributions of local bed shear stress (force per unit area across the bottom; τw), periphyton, and herbivorous invertebrates. Grazing mayfly larvae (Epeorus longimanus (Eaton)) were the only invertebrates (grazer or predator) found in large numbers on the upper surface of stones. τw increased from the upstream to the downstream portion of stones, and large numbers of Epeorus larvae (up to 1500 larvae per square meter) migrated to these areas nightly. More periphyton was found on rougher and higher areas of the stones. Larval density was positively related to stone surface roughness and topography and to a lesser extent with periphyton and τw. Reversing the stones in the streambed revealed that Epeorus larvae responded to near‐bed flows, rather than to periphyton or predators. Hydrodynamics can have important effects on stream ecosystems and their food webs.
Energetics of swimming to shore in the puerulus stage of a spiny lobster: Can a postlarval lobster afford the cost of crossing the continental shelf?
Authors: Wilkin John L. , Jeffs Andrew G.
Published: February 2013

Lay Abstract

In their nonfeeding postlarval stage, known as puerulus, spiny lobsters migrate tens of kilometers across the continental shelf to settle in coastal waters. A mathematical model is described that analyzes hydrodynamic forces during swimming in the puerulus of the New Zealand spiny lobster, and this model is used to estimate the metabolic cost of this migration. The cost of sustained swimming is compared with observed internal metabolic energy reserves (principally in the form of lipid) for pueruli collected 20 km off the east coast of New Zealand. Sustained swimming at speeds exceeding 15 cm s− 1 will likely exhaust energy reserves before an animal can reach the coast, whereas swimming at less than 5–7 cm s− 1 is inefficient because of the overhead of nonswimming, inactive metabolism. Even at the model‐predicted optimal swimming speed near 8 cm s− 1, pueruli are likely at the limit of their endurance upon completion of migration. Reduced energy reserves at the outset due to prior poor feeding, or delays encountered en route due to unfavorable currents, could lead to exceeding the stored reserves of the pueruli, and death. Potentially, relatively small shifts in coastal ocean climate conditions could generate marked changes in recruitment to important spiny lobster fisheries.
From elementary reactions to chemical relevance in the photodynamic
therapy of cancer
Authors: Arnaut Luis G. , Formosinho Sebastião J.
Published: February 2013

Theories of radiationless conversions and of chemical processes were employed to
design better photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). In addition to
photostability and intense absorption in the near infrared, these
photosensitizers were required to generate high yields of long-lived triplet
states that could efficiently transfer their energy, or an electron, to
molecular oxygen. The guidance provided by the theories was combined with the
ability to synthesize large quantities of pure photosensitizers and with the
biological screening of graded hydrophilicities/lipophilicities. The theoretical
prediction that halogenated sulfonamide tetraphenylbacteriochlorins could
satisfy all the criteria for ideal PDT photosensitizers was verified
experimentally.
Reading and Revolution on the Horizon of Myth and History: Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars Trilogy
Authors: Knoespel Kenneth
Published: February 2013

Through a reciprocal writing of Terran and Martian histories, Robinson dismantles ideological frames that shaped the Earth’s failed revolutions of the twentieth century. Rather than succumbing to cynicism, Robinson’s pragmatic work carries an optimism that depends on sharing faith that human evolution will learn from an epic history of the Earth’s ruination. The act of reading Robinson’s trilogy requires continuous engagement in figuring and refiguring scenarios of the future. Through an array of topoi , Robinson shapes motifs that fuse personal histories with historiography. What we may learn from the spoil of the Earth becomes rendered ever more precisely through a history of Mars that we participate in imagining.
Archaeologies of the “Amodern”: Science and Society in Galileo’s Dream
Authors: Vint Sherryl
Published: February 2013

This essay argues that Kim Stanley Robinson’s Galileo’s Dream is an example of science fiction as science studies. By retelling the story of Galileo’s conflicts with the church embedded within the context of his personal life, Robinson portrays Galileo as First Scientist: not of an abstract and disembodied Enlightenment science, but rather of the material, contextual, and worldly science evident in the work of scholars likw Bruno Latour, Donna Haraway, and Sandra Harding. Further, Robinson presents this materialist science as a utopian project of world remaking, consistent with Fredric Jameson’s reframing of utopianism as impulse rather than blueprint. Robinson’s utopian science conceptualizes the natural world as agent instead of object, and science as part of, rather than separate from, the social world. This “amodern” science, the novel suggests, can help us to see nature as simultaneously scientific and sacred and offers the best tool for confronting the environmental crisis of capitalist science.
Greener on the Other Side: Science Fiction and the Problem of Green Nanotechnology
Authors: Milburn Colin
Published: February 2013

Green nanotechnology promises high-tech solutions to global ecological challenges. Focused on environmental risks and economic growth in the here and now, the promotional discourse of green nanotechnology firmly rejects science fiction. However, the extent to which green nanotechnology forecloses science fiction actually impedes its own green aspirations. Drawing on the novels of Kim Stanley Robinson—particularly the Mars trilogy and the Science in the Capital trilogy—this essay proposes that the successful confluence of environmental politics with molecular science (green nanopolitics) depends on practicing science fiction in the real world, cultivating a green futurity already in the present.
Imam ‘Ali’s Theory of Justice Revisited
Authors: Paya Ali
Published: February 2013

Justice is a topic which many thinkers in the East as well as the West have expressed diverse opinions about since antiquity. The differences between these views, as far as their belonging to the old or modern worlds are concerned, are such that subjecting them to even a cursory examination would suffice to reveal whether their authors are among the inhabitants of the modern world or the old world. The central thesis of this paper is that Imam ‘Ali’s views on justice have interesting conceptual capacities which liken them to modern doctrines of justice despite the fact that the author of those views was living in a pre-modern world and therefore his views should, of necessity, reflect his own time and place. The paper tries to show that the essence of Imam ‘Ali’s views on justice resembles the core of the ideas of some modern realist and rationalist philosophers. The importance of this point lies in the fact that it would provide, among other things, a strong argument for the objectivity of justice and against the views of those who regard it as a social construct and relative to differing social norms. In order to substantiate the main claim of the paper, the views of four prominent philosophers from antiquity and modern times are compared with each other and with Imam ‘Ali’s views. The four philosophers in question are Plato, Aristotle, Popper, and Rawls. It will be argued, without falling into the trap of anachronism, that the views of Imam ‘Ali on justice are closer to the two modern thinkers than the two philosophers of antiquity whose ideas were dominant in ancient era.
Leveraging and Activation: Critical Elements of a Successful Sport Sponsorship at the Collegiate Level
Authors: Alvarado Glenda
Published: February 2013

Leveraging sponsorship partnerships with additional advertising and promotional activities and connecting with event participants on a personal level (activation) are found to be key requirements in making the most of a sponsorship agreement. A survey of 204 collegiate athletic program sponsors showed that spending over and above the initial sponsorship fee resulted in satisfaction of association and generated a recognizable return on investment.