bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Put a tiger in your tank: the polyclad flatworm Maritigrella crozieri as a proposed model for evo-devo
Authors: Lapraz François , Rawlinson Kate A , Girstmair Johannes , Tomiczek Bartłomiej , Berger Jürgen , Jékely Gáspár , Telford Maximilian J , Egger Bernhard
Published: October 2013

Polyclad flatworms are an early branching clade within the rhabditophoran Platyhelminthes. They provide an interesting system with which to explore the evolution of development within Platyhelminthes and amongst Spiralia (Lophotrochozoa). Unlike most other flatworms, polyclads undergo spiral cleavage (similar to that seen in some other spiralian taxa), they are the only free-living flatworms where development via a larval stage occurs, and they are the only flatworms in which embryos can be reared outside of their protective egg case, enabling embryonic manipulations. Past work has focused on comparing early cleavage patterns and larval anatomy between polyclads and other spiralians. We have selected Maritigrella crozieri, the tiger flatworm, as a suitable polyclad species for developmental studies, because it is abundant and large in size compared to other species. These characteristics have facilitated the generation of a transcriptome from embryonic and larval material and are enabling us to develop methods for gene expression analysis and immunofluorescence techniques. Here we give an overview of M. crozieri and its development, we highlight the advantages and current limitations of this animal as a potential evo-devo model and discuss current lines of research.
Seismic Risk Prioritization and Retrofit Cost Evaluation of Code-Deficient RC Public Buildings in Turkey
Authors: Sucuoğlu HalÛk , Yakut Ahmet , Özmen Aydan , Kubin Joseph
Published: October 2013

A risk prioritization procedure is developed for deficient concrete public buildings within the scope of a seismic risk reduction program. The main purpose is identifying public buildings with high damage risk in a region for efficient retrofit investments. Regularity of structural systems and repeatability of deficiencies in public buildings provide opportunities for developing simple and reliable assessment procedures. The proposed procedure is based on calculating a risk index from the comparison of lateral load demand to lateral load capacity at the critical story of a building, and then prioritize the buildings in accordance with their risk index. Final decision for retrofitting is made with reference to the ratio of retrofitting cost versus demolishing and rebuilding cost. It has been shown on a sample of 70 retrofitted public buildings that the retrofitting cost ratio of deficient buildings is independent of risk level, age, height, floor area and concrete quality.
Feasibility and Safety of High Dose Chemoradiation in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Preliminary Experience of Gynecologic Oncology Management Italian Team
Authors: Russo Donatella , Ronzino Graziana , Papaleo Antonella , Cavalera Elisa , Leone Angela , Giampaglia Marianna , Caretto Simona , Aprile Fabrizio Totaro , De Marzi Alex Cristiano , Santantonio Mario , Perrone Antonio , Tinelli Andrea
Published: October 2013

Locally advanced cervical cancer has a poor prognosis and is difficult to treat by surgery; authors’ evaluated feasibility and safety of the simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique for dose escalation in patients with cervical cancer using a rotational dynamic Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Technique (VMAT®).
Authors evaluated 10 patients affected by loco-regionally advanced, node negative, inoperable cervical cancer. All women received primary chemoradiation (CRT). Six pts received three cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) plus CRT. Three Programmed Temperature Vaporization (PTV) were delineated: PTV1 (primary, cervix and parametria with a 1cm-margin); PTV2 (body of uterus with a 1cm-margin); PTV3 (pelvic nodes). PTV1 was defined using image fusion between CT-scan and RM or PET/CT. Treatment plans, calculated using a rotational dynamic Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) system on Oncentra Masterplan® (VMAT®), and consisted in a simultaneous integrated boost. Total treatment time was 45 days. Concomitant CT consisted of weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2. Dose–volume histograms and acute gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and hematological toxicity were evaluated. Secondary endpoint was evaluation of short term disease free survival. Three months after CTRT, patients were revaluated with colposcopy and cytology and Pelvic imaging. After six and twelve months from CTRT, reevaluation included PET-CT or Chest CT scan and Abdominal and Pelvic RM. All patients concluded radiation without suspension. Cytology demonstrated complete response (CR) in 4 pts in the ERT fraction of brachytherapy (BRT) group and in 1 pts in ERT alone group. All other patients showed a partial response (PR) > 75%. After a median follow up of 20 month (range 16-22), 5 patients are free from disease (NED), 4 patients are alive with disease (AWD) and 1 patient died after three months (DOD). In 2 AWD patients, re-staging PET showed a RC of pelvic disease with evidence of disease in lomboaortic nodes. One of them received salvage radiation therapy on recurrence. After this preliminary experience, in patients with inaccessible cervical canal, authors could propose the dose escalation on PTV1, with the aim of delivering BED as near as possible to 85Gy.
Mechanistic-Based Treatment for Common Neuropathic Pain and the Treatment Dilemma of the Elderly
Authors: Yang Chun-Ming , Chen Tsang-Shan , Wu Shang-Te , Shen Hsiu-Chu , Chou Chi-Ho , Kuo Jinn-Rung , Yeh Poh-Shiow , Lin Huey-Juan , Chang Chia-Yu , Cheng Tain-Junn , Lin Kao-Chang
Published: October 2013

Neuropathic pain is a complicated disorder. This complexity arises not because the characteristics of the pain differ from nociceptive inflammatory symptoms, but because of its complex mechanism. Peripheral transduction, ectopic impulse, central sensitization, low threshold A-beta fiber mediated pain, and loss of inhibitory control all play a role in the mechanism. Nevertheless, the outcomes are still unsatisfactory for physicians and patients with regards to treatment. For example, certain disorders such as central post-stroke pain are extremely difficult to treat, not only because of the intolerable side effects of the medications but also because of the unknown effectiveness of pain reduction, especially in the elderly. Under-treatment frequently occurs in the absence of attention to the pain characteristics, and because physicians are concerned of adverse effects or inappropriate up-titration of neuropathic drugs such as anti-epileptic medicines. Multidisciplinary approaches including non-pharmacological management, rehabilitation, biofeedback, acupuncture, education on stepwise pain reduction, and keeping a diary are somewhat helpful in clinical practice but not easily implemented without the cooperation of multidisciplinary teams. Physicians prescribe opioids to alleviate the symptoms, however this carries the risk of addiction. Therefore, it is important that clinicians are made aware of common neuropathic disorders in order to establish strategies to manage such types of pain.
Neurotologic Complications of Chronic Otitis Media with Cholesteatoma
Authors: Viswanatha B. , Naseeruddin Kaja
Published: October 2013

Chronic suppurative otitis media, infection of the middle ear, is a common disease in the developing countries and the complications associated with it still pose a major problem in the developing countries. The proximity of the middle ear cleft and mastoid air cells to the extracranial and intracranial compartments places structures located in these areas at increased risk of infectious complications. Complications are seen more in the rural population than in urban population. Despite the fact that incidence of chronic suppurative otitis media related complications has significantly decreased since the introduction of antibiotics this clinical problem has not been eliminated yet. The neurotologic complications of chronic suppurative otitis media remains a serious concern, particularly in developing countries and socioeconomically poor regions.
Chronic suppurative otitis media is broadly classified into tubotympanic (otitis media without cholesteatoma) and atticoantral (otitis media with cholesteatoma) types. The complications of chronic suppurative otitis media are divided into extracranial complications and intracranial complications. Neurotologic complications are more common in patients having otitis media with cholesteatoma than in patients with otitis media without cholesteatoma. Many researchers have shown that majority of subjects who had neurotologic complications due to chronic suppurative otitis media were found to have cholesteatoma.
This prospective study was undertaken to study the neurotologic complications of chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma.
The Burden of HIV-Associated Dementia in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Asekomeh God'spower Eshiofe , Onwuchekwa Arthur C. , Ogunrin Olubunmi A.
Published: October 2013

Objectives: The prevalence of HIV dementia in West Africa is poorly defined. Hence we sought to determine the frequency of HIV-associated dementia in advanced HIV-1 infection and assess the contributory role of HIV-2 co-infection and other risk factors in a Nigerian population. 
Subjects and Methods: A total of 130 HIV seropositive patients with CD4+ T lymphocytes count <200 cells/µl were compared with 130 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Detailed clinical evaluation and cognitive assessment for dementia using the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) were carried out on all participants. 
Results: The life-time prevalence of dementia in HIV- positive patients was 66.2%. The HIV-positive patients had lower scores in all cognitive domains of the IHDS (p<0.05). Reduced mean score of Karnofsky performance scale, reduced body mass index, reduced total lymphocyte count and CD4+ T-lymphocyte cell count increased risk of dementia but HIV-2 co-infection was not associated with development of dementia. 
Conclusion: There is a high burden of dementia among Nigerian adults with HIV/AIDS. This underscores the need for regular cognitive assessment for early detection and institution of appropriate intervention.
Hydatid Cyst of the Third Ventricle, Managed Successfully using Dowling's Technique
Authors: Habibi Zohreh , Tajik Farzad , Meybodi Ali Tayebi , Tabatabai Seyed Ali Fakhr
Published: October 2013

We report a 16-year-old female with a hydatid cyst within the third ventricle who was treated by surgically removing the cyst using Dowling's technique. Via a cortical incision in the left superior parietal lobule, the surgical corridor was made towards the trigone of the left lateral ventricle and the cyst was removed intact by taking advantage of the gravity force and using hydrostatic expulsion. Afterwards, the cyst cavity was irrigated with 3% saline solution. Early postoperative period was uneventful, and her communication and motor abilities improved steadily by rehabilitation program. It can be concluded that with precise planning and using accurate technique, it may be possible to deliver even deep-seated hydatid cysts using Dowling’s technique; however, this conclusion could not be generalized and each individual patients requires a tailored treatment strategy.
In vivo validation of the electronic depth control probes
Authors: Dombovári Balázs , Fiáth Richárd , Kerekes Bálint Péter , Tóth Emília , Wittner Lucia , Horváth Domonkos , Seidl Karsten , Herwik Stanislav , Torfs Tom , Paul Oliver , Ruther Patrick , Neves Herc , Ulbert István
Published: October 2013

In this article, we evaluated the electrophysiological performance of a novel, high-complexity silicon probe array. This brain-implantable probe implements a dynamically reconfigurable voltage-recording device, coordinating large numbers of electronically switchable recording sites, referred to as electronic depth control (EDC). Our results show the potential of the EDC devices to record good-quality local field potentials, and single- and multiple-unit activities in cortical regions during pharmacologically induced cortical slow wave activity in an animal model.
Measurement of amino terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) employing the ADVIA Centaur platform. Validation, reference interval and comparison to UniQ RIA
Authors: Knudsen Cindy Soendersoe , Heickendorff Lene , Nexo Ebba
Published: October 2013

Recently, measurement of amino terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) was introduced as a part of the hepatic cirrhotic marker enhanced liver fibrosis™ test on the automated ADVIA Centaur

We analyzed four control samples 20 times over a period of 5 days. Centaur PIIINP assay measurements were compared with the widely used UniQ PIIINP RIA assay (Orion Diagnostica, Espoo, Finland) using 55 patient samples (range=3.7–43.3 µg/L). Furthermore, we established a reference interval based on samples from 287 blood donors.

In the concentration range 2.5–11.9 µg/L, the total imprecision was below 8%. Comparison with the UniQ PIIINP RIA assay yielded: Centaur PIIINP µg/L=1.9×(UniQ PIIINP RIA)+0.6 µg/L, r

We conclude that the Centaur PIIINP assay is suitable for routine use with our newly defined reference interval. The results obtained by Centaur correlates well with those obtained by the previously employed RIA, though the absolute values are higher.
Influence of Allium sativum extract on the hypoglycemic activity of glibenclamide: an approach to possible herb-drug interaction
Authors: Poonam Tripathi , Prakash Gupta Prem , Kumar Lal Vijay
Published: October 2013

Background: The use of herbs with allopathic medicines increases the possibility of herb-drug interaction, which may either be beneficial or harmful. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the interaction of glibenclamide, a sulfonylurea, with the aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum), an herb used widely as an antidiabetic agent.

Methods: The interaction was evaluated by an acute study, chronic study, oral glucose tolerance test, and body weight estimation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Glibenclamide was given orally at two different doses of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg, and A. sativum extract (ASE) was administered at the dose of 500 mg/kg. Blood glucose level and body weight estimation were carried out at various intervals.

Results: The hypoglycemic effect observed with combinations of glibenclamide and ASE was greater than either of the drug given alone. Combined treatments of glibenclamide and ASE resulted in higher increase in body weight than alone treatments.

Conclusions: We conclude that ASE shows a synergistic effect with glibenclamide. This could be important in reducing the dose of glibenclamide to achieve an enhanced therapeutic effect with minimal side effects.
A population pharmacokinetic model of remifentanil in pediatric patients using body-weight-dependent allometric exponents
Authors: Staschen Carl-Michael , Mahmood Iftekhar
Published: October 2013

Background: Allometric exponents in population pharmacokinetic analysis are regularly used but the issue of fixing or estimating an allometric exponent remains controversial. The objective of the current analysis is to evaluate the performance of a body-weight-dependent allometric exponent (BDE) model of remifentanil.

Methods: The study was conducted in 34 patients (neonates to 17 years and 2.5 to 97 kg body weight) following a single intravenous (IV) infusion of remifentanil (5 μg/kg). A population pharmacokinetic approach was taken to describe drug clearance by the following BDE equation: CL=CLpop(BW/14.6 kg)
L

×
BW(
-

M

). Three allometric models were used to explore the impact of allometric exponents on the total clearance of remifentanil.

Results: All model-fitted structural, covariate, and statistical parameters were estimated with good to excellent precision (%RSE). However, on the basis of calculated Akaike weights (0.000 for model 1, 0.004 for model 2, and 0.996 for model 3), model 3 is the most robust model to describe individual clearance estimates.

Conclusions: The BDE model performed best for the estimation of remifentanil clearance and is realistic and of practical value. Further investigation should be conducted for such models.
Septin functions in organ system physiology and pathology
Authors: Dolat Lee , Hu Qicong , Spiliotis Elias T.
Published: October 2013

Human septins comprise a family of 13 genes that encode for >30 protein isoforms with ubiquitous and tissue-specific expressions. Septins are GTP-binding proteins that assemble into higher-order oligomers and filamentous polymers, which associate with cell membranes and the cytoskeleton. In the last decade, much progress has been made in understanding the biochemical properties and cell biological functions of septins. In parallel, a growing number of studies show that septins play important roles for the development and physiology of specific tissues and organs. Here, we review the expression and function of septins in the cardiovascular, immune, nervous, urinary, digestive, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, and integumentary organ systems. Furthermore, we discuss how the tissue-specific functions of septins relate to the pathology of human diseases that arise from aberrations in septin expression.
Awareness, acceptability, and use of female condoms among university students in Nigeria: implications for STI/HIV prevention
Authors: Tobin-West Charles I. , Maduka Omosivie , Onyekwere Victor N. , Tella Adedayo O.
Published: October 2013

Background:Most university students in Nigeria are sexually active and engage in high risk sexual behaviors. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and use of female condoms in the context of HIV prevention in order to provide basic information that can stimulate female condom programming to promote sexually transmitted infection and HIV prevention among youths in tertiary institutions.

Materials and methods:A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among 810 undergraduate students of the University of Port Harcourt from October to November 2011, using a stratified sampling method and self-administered questionnaires.

Results:Most of the students, 589 (72.7%) were sexually active; 352 (59.7%) reported having just one sexual partner, while 237 (40.3%) had multiple partners. The mean number of sexual partners in the past six months was 2.2±0. Consistent condom use was reported among 388 (79.2%) students, 102 (20.8%) reported occasional usage, while 99 (16.8%) did not use condoms at all. Only 384 (65.2%) of the students had ever been screened for HIV. Although 723 (89.3%) were aware of female condoms, only 64(8.9%) had ever used one due to unavailability, high cost, and difficulty with its insertion. Nevertheless, 389 (53.8%) of the students expressed willingness to use them if offered, while 502 (69.4%) would recommend it to friends/peers.

Conclusion:This study highlights significant challenges in the use of female condoms among university students. These include unavailability, high cost, and difficulty with insertion. Therefore, deliberate efforts using social marketing strategies, appropriate youth-friendly publicity, and peer education must be exerted to provide affordable female condoms and promote usage; such efforts should target vulnerable youths in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
An exploration of adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury and religious coping
Authors: Westers Nicholas J. , Rehfuss Mark , Olson Lynn , Wiemann Constance M.
Published: October 2013

Many adolescents who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) self-identify as religious, but the role of religion in their NSSI is not known. This exploratory study examined the relationship between religious coping and religiousness among adolescents who self-injure and the function of their NSSI. Thirty adolescents aged 12–19 years who had engaged in NSSI participated in an interview and completed questionnaires. Multiple regressions were used to examine the relationship between religious coping and NSSI, and Pearson correlations were used to assess the relationship between religiousness and function of NSSI. Greater use of positive religious coping was associated with lower likelihood of engaging in NSSI to rid oneself of unwanted emotions, whereas greater use of negative religious coping was associated with greater likelihood of engaging in NSSI for this reason as well as to avoid punishment or unwanted responsibility. Higher religiousness was associated with greater use of NSSI to communicate with or gain attention from others, whereas lower religiousness was associated with greater use of NSSI to relieve unwanted emotions. Having a greater understanding of how religious constructs are related to the various functions served by NSSI may inform treatment of this population, particularly among religious youth who self-injure.
A cost-benefit analysis of Tulsa’s IDA program
Authors: Greenberg David H.
Published: October 2013

This article presents findings from a cost-benefit analysis of the Tulsa Individual Development Account (IDA) program, a demonstration program that was initiated in the late 1990s and is being evaluated through random assignment. The program put particular emphasis on using savings subsidies to help participants accumulate housing assets. The key follow-up data used in the evaluation was collected around 10 years after random assignment, about 6 years after the program ended. The results imply that, during this 10-year observation period, program participants gained from the program and that the program resulted in net costs to the government and private donors, and that society as a whole was probably worse off as a consequence of the program. The article examines in some detail whether these findings are robust to a number of different considerations, including the assumptions upon which the results depend, uncertainly reflected by the standard errors of the impact estimates used to derive the benefits and costs, and omitted benefits and costs, and concludes that they are essentially robust. For example, a Monte Carlo analysis suggests that the probability that the societal net benefits of the Tulsa program were negative during the observation period is over 90% and that the probability that the loss to society exceeded $1000 is 80%. Further analysis considered benefits and costs that might occur beyond the observation period. Based on this analysis, it appeared plausible, although far from certain, that the societal net benefits of the Tulsa program could eventually become positive. This would occur if the program’s apparent positive net impact on educational attainment generates substantial positive effects on the earnings of program participants after the observation period ended. However, there was no evidence that the educational impacts had yet begun to produce positive effects on earnings by the end of the observation period.
Temporal expression of IL-1β and IL-10 in rat skin, muscle, small bowel, and colon wounds: a correlative study
Authors: Alzoghaibi Mohammed A. , Al-Oraini Abdullah I. , Al-Sagheir Ali I. , Zubaidi Ahmad M.
Published: October 2013

Background: Cytokines play a major role in coordinated wound healing events. We hypothesized that rapid intestinal healing is due to an early upregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β), followed by increases in the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

Methods: We characterized the time course of IL-1β and IL-10 release at four wounds (skin, muscle, small bowel, and colonic anastomosis) after surgery on 38 juvenile male Sprague-Dawley rats. The tissue samples of each site were harvested at 0 (control), 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days postoperatively (n=6–8 per group) and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits for IL-1β and IL-10.

Results: IL-1β expression peaked at days 5 and 7 in small bowel and colonic wounds when compared to skin or muscle. Similarly, IL-10 showed high expression in these time points in small bowel and colonic wounds. However, IL-10 showed the same expression in all time points in muscle and skin tissues except at day 1.

Conclusions: The high expression in IL-1β and IL-10 levels in small bowel and colon might explain the accelerated healing process in these wounds in comparison to skin and muscle tissues. Additional studies are required to determine whether IL-1β and IL-10 expression is the major factor defining site-specific differences in healing rates in different tissues. Understanding cytokine action in the wound healing process could lead to novel and effective therapeutic strategies.
Decreased metabolism of 13C-caffeine via hepatic CYP1A2 in marasmus and kwashiorkor based on breath test
Authors: Oshikoya Kazeem Adeola , Smith Kenneth , Sammons Helen , Choonara Imti
Published: October 2013

Background: Hepatic metabolism of drugs has been rarely studied in children with malnutrition. Caffeine breath test (CBT) has been used to determine the activity of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) enzymes in children. We used the CBT to assess how marasmus and kwashiorkor differentially affect 13C-caffeine metabolism.

Methods: A total of 45 children composed of 15 children per group of malnutrition (marasmus, marasmic-kwashiorkor, and kwashiorkor) were studied during malnutrition and after nutritional recovery. After an overnight fast, patients ingested 3 mg/kg 13C-caffeine at 0900 h. Duplicate breath samples were collected into an Exetainer bottle at –20, –10, and –1 min and at 15-min intervals for 2 h. The mean cumulative percent dose recovered (CPDR) of 13C-caffeine in the expired 13CO2 was determined over the study period.

Results: The CPDR in the expired 13CO2 in 2 h significantly increased after nutritional recovery in children with marasmus (from 6.80%±3.00% to 7.67%±2.81%; Student’s t-test, p=0.001), marasmic-kwashiorkor (from 6.61%±2.26% to 7.56%±2.46%, p=0.041), and kwashiorkor (from 6.29%±1.06% to 7.20%±1.80%, p=0.002). When the three groups of malnutrition were compared, there was no significant difference in their mean CPDR in 2 h during malnutrition [p=0.820, analysis of variance (ANOVA)] and after nutritional recovery (p=0.810, ANOVA).

Conclusions: Hepatic metabolism of caffeine significantly decreased in children with marasmus, marasmic-kwashiorkor, and kwashiorkor compared to after they had recovered nutritionally. This suggests a decreased CYP1A2 activity in all categories of malnutrition.
Inequality-growth nexus along the development process
Authors: Lin Yi-Chen , Huang Ho-Chuan (River) , Yeh Chih-Chuan
Published: October 2013

The paper examines whether the effect of inequality on growth varies with the level of economic development. Using a comprehensive panel of annual data for the 48 contiguous US states over the period 1945–2004, we find overwhelming evidence in support of threshold effects in the relationship between inequality and growth. Our analysis shows that while the effect of inequality on growth is significantly negative at lower levels of development, this effect diminishes along the growth process and then turns significantly positive at higher levels of development. Quantitatively, the coefficient estimates imply that when real income per capita is below the threshold of $12,140 (2004 US dollar), a one standard deviation increase in the share of income held by the top 1% of the population
The dual role of filamin A in cancer: can't live with (too much of) it, can't live without it
Authors: Savoy Rosalinda M , Ghosh Paramita M
Published: October 2013

Filamin A (FlnA) has been associated with actin as cytoskeleton regulator. Recently its role in the cell has come under scrutiny for FlnA's involvement in cancer development. FlnA was originally revealed as a cancer-promoting protein, involved in invasion and metastasis. However, recent studies have also found that under certain conditions, it prevented tumor formation or progression, confusing the precise function of FlnA in cancer development. Here, we try to decipher the role of FlnA in cancer and the implications for its dual role. We propose that differences in subcellular localization of FlnA dictate its role in cancer development. In the cytoplasm, FlnA functions in various growth signaling pathways, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, in addition to being involved in cell migration and adhesion pathways, such as R-Ras and integrin signaling. Involvement in these pathways and various others has shown a correlation between high cytoplasmic FlnA levels and invasive cancers. However, an active cleaved form of FlnA can localize to the nucleus rather than the cytoplasm and its interaction with transcription factors has been linked to a decrease in invasiveness of cancers. Therefore, overexpression of FlnA has a tumor-promoting effect, only when it is localized to the cytoplasm, whereas if FlnA undergoes proteolysis and the resulting C-terminal fragment localizes to the nucleus, it acts to suppress tumor growth and inhibit metastasis. Development of drugs to target FlnA and cause cleavage and subsequent localization to the nucleus could be a new and potent field of research in treating cancer.
Estrogens downregulate urocortin 2 expression in rat uterus
Authors: Watanabe Kenichiro , Nemoto Takahiro , Akira Shigeo , Takeshita Toshiyuki , Shibasaki Tamotsu
Published: October 2013

Urocortin 2 (Ucn2) is a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor peptide family and is expressed by various tissues, including reproductive tissues such as the uterus, ovary, and placenta. However, the regulatory mechanisms of Ucn2 expression and the physiological significance of Ucn2 in these tissues remain unclear. We previously showed that passive immunization of immature female rats by i.p. injection of anti-Ucn2 IgG induces earlier onset of puberty. Therefore, this study was designed to clarify the site and regulatory mechanisms ofUcn2expression in the uterus. Expression levels ofUcn2mRNA in the uterus were higher in immature (2- and 4-week-old) and aged (17-month-old) rats than in mature (9-week-old) rats in the proestrus phase. In 9-week-old rats, mRNA expression levels and contents in the uterus were lower in the proestrus phase than in the diestrus phase, while plasma Ucn2 concentrations did not differ between the two phases. Ucn2-like immunoreactivitiy was detected in the endometrial gland epithelial cells of the uterus. S.c. injection of estradiol benzoate or an estrogen receptor α (ERα) agonist significantly reduced mRNA expression levels and contents of Ucn2 in the uterus when compared with vehicle-injected ovariectomized rats. By contrast, estradiol benzoate increasedUcn2mRNA expression levels in the lung. Thus, estrogens downregulate Ucn2 expression in the uterus in a tissue-specific manner, and Ucn2 may play a role in the regulatory mechanisms of maturation of the uterus through ERα and estrous cycle.
Distyrylbenzene oligoelectrolyte (DSBN+) for human cervical carcinoma cells imaging
Authors: Pawlowska Roza , Gwozdzinska Paulina , Garner Logan , Chworos Arkadiusz
Published: October 2013

In the presented study, a new application for distyrylbenzene oligoelectrolyte, named DSBN+, as a marker for bioimaging is presented. DSBN+ is a water-soluble, conjugated oligoelectrolyte (COE) with novel photophysical and solvatochromatic properties. Previous studies have shown that this compound spontaneously inserts into bilayer membranes in both synthetic and microbial living systems and can facilitate visualization of cell membranes through fluorescence imaging. In the presented research, we seek to further study and exploit the multifunctional nature of DSBN+ in terms of membrane interactions and photophysical properties for visualization of membranous structures of more complex mammalian cells, namely a human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cell line. Obtained results confirm the possibility of applying DSBN+ as a fluorescent dye for bioimaging of membranes in human cell cultures systems, both in live-cell imaging and in the studies required formaldehyde fixation. Due to the defined structure of this conjugated oligoelectrolyte we suspect that it will display organelle membrane selectivity, but this has to be further investigated.
Electrically Conducting PEDOT:PSS – Gellan Gum Hydrogels
Authors: Warren Holly , Panhuis Marc in het
Published: October 2013

Hydrogels consisting of the conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS and the biopolymer gellan gum (GG) were characterized using electrical, mechanical and rheological methods. Compression testing and rheological analysis showed that the gels weakened with increasing PEDOT:PSS content. In contrast, the increasing PEDOT:PSS content resulted in an increasing electrical conductivity.
Estudos curriculares: desafios teóricos e metodológicos
Authors: Pacheco José Augusto
Published: October 2013

Com fronteiras disciplinares muito permeáveis, os estudos curriculares têm enfrentado alguns desafios teóricos e metodológicos. Argumento, neste artigo, que a construção complexa da identidade e a análise de diversas abordagens, por vezes, contraditórias, dos estudos curriculares são desafios que necessitam de ser debatidos criticamente. Inclui-se, ainda, uma breve referência às tradições curriculares e aos desafios metodológicos centrados na pesquisa curricular, em Portugal. A leitura deste artigo torna-se, assim, fundamental para alunos de cursos de graduação e pós-graduação, bem como para professores e educadores ligados quer às questões da educação e formação, em geral, quer às questões do currículo, que inclui também uma referência à didática e à pedagogia.
A questão linguística na inclusão escolar de alunos surdos: ambiente regular inclusivo versus ambiente exclusivamente ouvinte
Authors: Aspilicueta Patricia , Leite Carla Delani , Rosa Emileine Cristine Mathias , Cruz Gilmar de Carvalho
Published: October 2013

Ao direcionarmos o olhar para as questões e implicações que a surdez suscita, um ponto que emerge imediatamente refere-se à linguagem. A pesquisa visa à descrição da linguagem utilizada por e com alunos surdos em contexto inclusivo, focalizando ambientes escolares distintos: um exclusivamente ouvinte, com presença de apenas uma aluna surda em toda a escola; e outro em que há concentração de alunos surdos na mesma escola. Os sujeitos focais da pesquisa são três meninas surdas que cursam o ensino fundamental em duas escolas municipais, assim como os professores e colegas que interagiram com elas ao longo da observação. Os sujeitos focais foram observados e filmados em sala de aula e durante situação de interação livre. O estudo permitiu observarmos comparativamente o que ocorreu em cada uma das escolas. Naquela em que há presença de vários surdos na escola, a proximidade com os professores do Centro de Atendimento Especializado, fluentes em LIBRAS, e os investimentos realizados na formação dos professores em língua de sinais, ainda que insuficientes, promoveram a presença da LIBRAS na escola. Embora utilizada de modo parcial, já que geralmente combinada a gestos e linguagem oral, a língua de sinais foi usada pelos surdos e ouvintes em suas interações. Em contrapartida, na escola em que não houve investimento na inclusão da LIBRAS e a escolarização segue princípios basicamente oralistas, a única aluna surda matriculada não fez uso nem de língua de sinais nem de linguagem oral de modo significativo.
Clássicos do cinema nas aulas de ciências - A física em 2001: uma odisseia no espaço
Authors: Piassi Luís Paulo
Published: October 2013

Quando se fala em usar ficção científica em aulas de física, o filme 2001: uma odisseia no espaço, dirigido por Stanley Kubrick, aparece como referência mais ou menos obrigatória. Nosso objetivo é argumentar que o interesse da comunidade de educadores em física por esse filme é consequência de uma escolha narrativa de Kubrick e de Arthur Clarke, o prestigiado escritor de ficção científica que, junto com o diretor, elaborou o roteiro. Mostramos, empregando instrumentos teóricos derivados da semiótica greimasiana, que, nesse particular segmento da obra, a opção foi expressar uma determinada visão sobre o ser humano e sua relação com o mundo físico por meio da ciência. Concluímos que uma obra como a de Kubrick vai muito além de um recurso didático atraente, sendo uma referência cultural importante, uma narrativa sobre a ciência e os desejos humanos, expressos na ideologia de uma sociedade que se sustenta no conhecimento científico.
Concepções de tecnologia de graduandos do estado de São Paulo e suas implicações educacionais: breve análise a partir de modelagem de equações estruturais
Authors: Veraszto Estéfano Vizconde , Silva Dirceu da , Camargo Eder Pires de , Barros Filho Jomar
Published: October 2013

Este trabalho apresenta parte dos resultados de uma pesquisa desenvolvida com alunos de graduação de diferentes regiões do Estado de São Paulo, que buscou entender melhor as relações entre a sociedade e as concepções e atitudes frente ao desenvolvimento tecnológico. Constatando que mídia, academia e documentos oficiais que regulamentam a educação entendem e apresentam a tecnologia de forma distinta e, muitas vezes, contraditórias, este trabalho busca fazer uma revisão bibliográfica sobre as diferentes formas de conceituar este termo, para, a partir de então, desenvolver uma escala de Likert para o mapeamento das concepções de estudantes. Utilizando a análise confirmatória da Modelagem de Equações Estruturais, este trabalho conclui que a amostra pesquisada apresenta uma visão clássica, mas ultrapassada, do que venha a ser a tecnologia, associando ciência e técnica sem distinções ou pontos de vistas críticos.
Should a Patients BMI Status be Used to Restrict Access to Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty? Functional Outcomes of Arthroplasty Relative to BMI - Single Centre Retrospective Review
Authors: Lash H. , Hooper G. , Hooper N. , Frampton C.
Published: October 2013

We reviewed the experience of a dedicated orthopaedic elective service to determine whether we could establish a BMI group where arthroplasty was no longer effective as assessed by the patient’s functional outcome. This was a prospective observational study with retrospective analysis of data collected on 1439 total hip arthroplasty, 934 total knee arthroplasty and 326 unicompartment knee arthroplasty patients. Functional scores (WOMAC, Oxford hip and knee scores and HAAS) were obtained preoperatively and at 12 months post op. Patients had their BMI recorded at the preoperative assessment and were divided into BMI groups (BMI<25, BMI 25-30, BMI 30-35 and BMI > 35).

Patients with a BMI of ≤ 30 had significantly better functional scores at 12 months post op compared to those with a BMI of > 35. The absolute gain in functional scores from pre op to 12 months post op did not differ significantly between BMI groups, the only significant difference we found for absolute gain showed patients with a BMI of > 35 have a greater increase in HAAS scores following total hip arthroplasty compared to patients with a BMI of 30 or less (p = 0.0435).

Our patients with higher BMI’s had worse preoperative and post operative functional scores but their benefit from surgery measured by the change in functional scores showed no difference compared to patients with lower BMI. We could find no reason on the basis of the 12-month results to limit surgery to obese patients because of an expected poorer functional outcome.
Accuracy of Ceramic Restorations Made Using an In-office Optical Scanning Technique: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Tidehag P , Ottosson K , Sjögren G
Published: October 2013

The present in vitro study concerns determination of the pre-cementation gap width of all-ceramic crowns made using an in-office digital-impression technique and subsequent computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) production. Two chairside video camera systems were used: the Lava Oral scanner and Cadent's iTero scanner. Digital scans were made of a first molar typodont tooth that was suitably prepared for an all-ceramic crown. The digital impressions were sent via the Internet to commercial dental laboratories, where the crowns were made. Also, an impression of the typodont tooth was made, poured, and scanned in order to evaluate the pre-cementation gap of crowns produced from scanning stone dies. These methods and systems were evaluated by creating replicas of the intermediate space using an addition-cured silicone, and the gap widths were determined using a measuring microscope. Hot-pressed leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic crowns were selected as a reference. The mean value for the marginal measuring points of the control was 170 μm, and the values for all the evaluated crowns ranged from 107 to 128 μm. Corresponding figures for the internal measuring points were 141-210 μm and 115-237 μm, respectively. Based on the findings in the present study, an in-office digital-impression technique can be used to fabricate CAD/CAM ceramic single crowns with a marginal and internal accuracy that is on the same level as that of a conventional hot-pressed glass-ceramic crown. In the present study, however, slight differences could be seen between the two types of ceramic crowns studied with respect to the internal fit obtained.
Comparative In Vitro Effect of TiF4 to NaF and Potassium Oxalate on Reduction of Dentin Hydraulic Conductance
Authors: Calabria M , Porfirio R , Fernandes S , Wang L , Buzalaf M , Pereira JC , Magalhães AC
Published: October 2013

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is related to an increase in dentin permeability. This study tested the effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) compared with sodium fluoride (NaF) and potassium oxalate gel on reducing hydraulic conductance (Lp) from the perspective of diminishing dentin permeability. The Lp of the dentin disks (1.0 ± 0.2 mm) was evaluated using Flodec. The maximum Lp values of each disk were taken after phosphoric acid etching (15 seconds) and randomly allocated to seven groups (n=8) according to the treatments. The minimum (smear layer) and the maximum (after acid etching) Lp values were recorded. Treatments were performed for 4 minutes as follows: 1) NaF varnish 2) and solution (2.45% F, pH 5.0), 3) TiF4 varnish and 4) solution (2.45% F, pH 1.0), 5) 3% potassium oxalate gel, 6) free fluoride varnish (placebo, pH 5.0), 7) and no treatment (control). The Lp after each treatment was assessed. Samples were exposed to an erosive challenge (6% citric acid, pH 2.1, 1 minute), and the final Lp was recorded. The data were statistically analyzed using repeated measures two-way analysis of variance (p<0.05). All treatments were effective in reducing dentin Lp compared with the control immediately after the application. However, only potassium oxalate and NaF varnish significantly differed from placebo varnish (p<0.0001). The same results were found after the erosive challenge. Therefore, the TiF4 was less effective than the NaF varnish and potassium oxalate gel in reducing dentin permeability. Using this experimental model, both NaF varnish and potassium oxalate gel reduced the Lp similarly to the presence of smear layer.
Asymptotic behavior of a sixth-order Cahn-Hilliard system
Authors: Miranville Alain
Published: October 2013

Our aim in this paper is to study the asymptotic behavior, in terms of finite-dimensional attractors, of a sixth-order Cahn-Hilliard system. This system is based on a modification of the Ginzburg-Landau free energy proposed in [Torabi S., Lowengrub J., Voigt A., Wise S., A new phase-field model for strongly anisotropic systems, Proc. R. Soc. Lond. Ser. A Math. Phys. Eng. Sci., 2009, 465(2105), 1337–1359], assuming isotropy.
Quantifying the sorting efficiency of self-propelled run-and-tumble swimmers by geometrical ratchets
Authors: Berdakin Iván , Silhanek Alejandro , Moyano Cortéz Hernán , Marconi Verónica , Condat Carlos
Published: October 2013

Suitable asymmetric microstructures can be used to control the direction of motion in microorganism populations. This rectification process makes it possible to accumulate swimmers in a region of space or to sort different swimmers. Here we study numerically how the separation process depends on the specific motility strategies of the microorganisms involved. Crucial properties such as the separation efficiency and the separation time for two bacterial strains are precisely defined and evaluated. In particular, the sorting of two bacterial populations inoculated in a box consisting of a series of chambers separated by columns of asymmetric obstacles is investigated. We show how the sorting efficiency is enhanced by these obstacles and conclude that this kind of sorting can be efficiently used even when the involved populations differ only in one aspect of their swimming strategy.
Oak decline in a southern Finnish forest as affected by a drought sequence
Authors: Sohar Kristina , Helama Samuli , Läänelaid Alar , Raisio Juha , Tuomenvirta Heikki
Published: October 2013

We investigated the decline of a pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) forest growing on shallow soil at the northern distributional limit of the species in southern Finland, using the dendroclimatic approach. About 200-year-old trees in three vigour classes — healthy, declining and dead — were sampled in 2008. Annual tree-ring, earlywood and latewood widths were measured and chronologies were established. The tree-ring data were correlated with monthly and seasonal climate data. Radial increment of oaks was positively related to the June and July precipitations. This was expressed especially in total ring width and latewood width, whereas the earlywood was more influenced by the warmer winter and spring. Furthermore, the correlation between the current year earlywood width and the preceding year latewood width was higher than between the earlywood and latewood of the same year. The analyses showed that the dead oaks and part of the declining oaks had ceased growing during 2005–2007 after a decadelong summer drought series. This indicates a time lag in the oak dieback. The radial growth of the declining and the dead oaks had dropped already since the 1990s, while the healthy oaks had better longterm growth and higher adaptive capacity to climate variation.
The influence of debris cover and glacial lakes on the recession of glaciers in Sikkim Himalaya, India
Authors: Basnett Smriti , Kulkarni Anil V. , Bolch Tobias
Published: October 2013

We investigated area changes in glaciers covering an area of ∼200 km2 in the Tista basin, Sikkim, Eastern Indian Himalaya, between ∼1990 and 2010 using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Indian Remote-sensing Satellite (IRS) images and related the changes to debris cover, supraglacial lakes and moraine-dam lakes. The glaciers lost an area of 3.3 ± 0.8% between 1989/90 and 2010. More detailed analysis revealed an area loss of 2.00 ± 0.82, 2.56 ± 0.61 and 2.28 ± 2.01 km2 for the periods 1989–97, 1997–2004/05 and 2004–2009/10, respectively. This indicates an accelerated retreat of glaciers after 1997. On further analysis, we observed (1) the formation and expansion of supraglacial lakes on many debris-covered glaciers and (2) the merging of these lakes over time, leading to the development of large moraine-dam lakes. We also observed that debris-covered glaciers with lakes lose a greater area than debris-covered glaciers without lakes and debris-free glaciers. The climatic data for 24 years (1987–2011), measured at the Gangtok meteorological station (1812 m a.s.l.), showed that the region experienced a 1.0°C rise in the summer minimum temperature and a 2.0°C rise in the winter minimum temperature, indicating hotter summers and warmer winters. There was no significant trend in the total annual precipitation. We find that glacier retreat is caused mainly by a temperature increase and that debris-covered glaciers can retreat at a faster rate than debris-free glaciers, if associated with lakes.