bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sertoli-secreted FGF-2 induces PFKFB4 isozyme expression in mouse spermatogenic cells by activation of the MEK/ERK/CREB pathway
Authors: Gómez Marta , Manzano Anna , Figueras Agnes , Viñals Francesc , Ventura Francesc , Rosa Jose Luis , Bartrons Ramon , Navarro-Sabaté Àurea
Published: July 2012

Sertoli cells play a central role in the control and maintenance of spermatogenesis by secreting growth factors, in response to hormonal stimulation, that participate in the paracrine regulation of this process. In this study, we investigated how the hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis modulates 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFKFB) isozyme expression in two mouse spermatogenic cell lines, GC-1 spg and GC-2 spd (ts). For this purpose, TM4 Sertoli cells were used to obtain conditioned medium that was treated or not with dihydrotestosterone for 2 days [dihydrotestosterone conditioned medium (TCM) and basal conditioned medium (BCM), respectively]. We observed an increase in the expression of PFKFB4 along with a decrease in PFKFB3 in spermatogenic cell lines treated with TCM. These effects were inhibited by the antiandrogen drug flutamide and by heat-inactivated TCM, indicating the protein nature of the TCM mediator and its dependence on Sertoli cell stimulation by dihydrotestosterone. In addition, adult rat testes treated with the GnRH antagonist Degarelix exhibited a reduction in the expression of PFKFB4 in germ cells. Addition of exogenous FGF-2 mimicked the changes in the Pfkfb gene expression, whereas neutralizing antibodies against FGF-2 abolished them. Interestingly, similar effects on Pfkfb gene expression were observed using different MAPK inhibitors (U-0126, PD-98059, and H-89). Luciferase analysis of Pfkfb4 promoter constructs demonstrated that a putative CRE-binding sequence located at −1,463 relative to the transcription start site is required to control Pfkfb4 gene expression after TCM treatment. Pulldown assays showed the binding of the CREB transcription factor to this site. Altogether, these results show how the paracrine regulation orchestrated by Sertoli cells in response to testosterone controls glycolysis in germ cells.
Depletion of endogenous kallistatin exacerbates renal and cardiovascular oxidative stress, inflammation, and organ remodeling
Authors: Liu Yuying , Bledsoe Grant , Hagiwara Makato , Shen Bo , Chao Lee , Chao Julie
Published: July 2012

Kallistatin (KS) levels are reduced in the kidney and blood vessels under oxidative stress conditions. To determine the function of endogenous KS in the renal and cardiovascular systems, KS levels were depleted by daily injection of anti-rat KS antibody into DOCA-salt hypertensive rats for 10 days. Administration of anti-KS antibody resulted in reduced KS levels in the circulation but increased levels of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (an indicator of lipid peroxidation) as well as superoxide formation in the aorta. Moreover, anti-KS antibody injection resulted in increased NADH oxidase activity and superoxide production but decreased nitric oxide levels in the kidney and heart. Endogenous KS blockade aggravated renal dysfunction, damage, hypertrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis as evidenced by decreased creatinine clearance and increased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and urinary protein levels, tubular dilation, protein cast formation, glomerulosclerosis, glomerular enlargement, inflammatory cell accumulation, and collagen deposition. In addition, rats receiving anti-KS antibody had enhanced cardiac injury as indicated by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, inflammation, myofibroblast accumulation, and fibrosis. Renal and cardiac injury caused by endogenous KS depletion was accompanied by increases in the expression of the proinflammatory genes tumor necrosis factor-α and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and the profibrotic genes collagen I and III, transforming growth factor-β, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. Taken together, these results implicate an important role for endogenous KS in protection against salt-induced renal and cardiovascular injury in rats by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, hypertrophy, and fibrosis.
Genetic control of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol in AcB/BcA recombinant congenic strains of mice
Authors: Wiltshire Sean A. , Diez Eduardo , Miao Qianqian , Dubé Marie-Pierre , Gagné Mireille , Paquette Olivier , Lafrenière Ronald G. , Ndao Momar , Castellani Lawrence W. , Skamene Emil , Vidal Silvia M. , Fortin Anny
Published: July 2012

Epidemiological studies show that high HDL-cholesterol (HDLc) decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease. To map genes controlling lipid metabolism, particularly HDLc levels, we screened the plasma lipids of 36 AcB/BcA RC mouse strains subjected to either a normal or a high-fat/cholesterol diet. Strains BcA68 and AcB65 showed deviant HDLc plasma levels compared with the parental A/J and C57BL/6J strains; they were thus selected to generate informative F2 crosses. Linkage analyses in the AcB65 strain identified a locus on chromosome 4 ( Hdlq78) responsible for high post-high fat diet HDLc levels. This locus has been previously associated at genome-wide significance to two regions in the human genome. A second linkage analysis in strain BcA68 identified linkage in the vicinity of a gene cluster known to control HDLc levels. Sequence analysis of these candidates identified a de novo, loss-of-function mutation in the ApoA1 gene of BcA68 that prematurely truncates the ApoA1 protein. The possibility of dissecting the specific effects of this new ApoA1 deficiency in the context of isogenic controls makes the BcA68 mouse a valuable new tool.
End-Plate Acetylcholine Receptor: Structure, Mechanism, Pharmacology, and Disease
Authors: Sine Steven M.
Published: July 2012

The synapse is a localized neurohumoral contact between a neuron and an effector cell and may be considered the quantum of fast intercellular communication. Analogously, the postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptor may be considered the quantum of fast chemical to electrical transduction. Our understanding of postsynaptic receptors began to develop about a hundred years ago with the demonstration that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve released acetylcholine and slowed the heart beat. During the past 50 years, advances in understanding postsynaptic receptors increased at a rapid pace, owing largely to studies of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) at the motor endplate. The endplate AChR belongs to a large superfamily of neurotransmitter receptors, called Cys-loop receptors, and has served as an exemplar receptor for probing fundamental structures and mechanisms that underlie fast synaptic transmission in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recent studies provide an increasingly detailed picture of the structure of the AChR and the symphony of molecular motions that underpin its remarkably fast and efficient chemoelectrical transduction.
Sirtuin 1 and Sirtuin 3: Physiological Modulators of Metabolism
Authors: Nogueiras Ruben , Habegger Kirk M. , Chaudhary Nilika , Finan Brian , Banks Alexander S. , Dietrich Marcelo O. , Horvath Tamas L. , Sinclair David A. , Pfluger Paul T. , Tschöp Matthias H.
Published: July 2012

The sirtuins are a family of highly conserved NAD+-dependent deacetylases that act as cellular sensors to detect energy availability and modulate metabolic processes. Two sirtuins that are central to the control of metabolic processes are mammalian sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), which are localized to the nucleus and mitochondria, respectively. Both are activated by high NAD+levels, a condition caused by low cellular energy status. By deacetylating a variety of proteins that induce catabolic processes while inhibiting anabolic processes, SIRT1 and SIRT3 coordinately increase cellular energy stores and ultimately maintain cellular energy homeostasis. Defects in the pathways controlled by SIRT1 and SIRT3 are known to result in various metabolic disorders. Consequently, activation of sirtuins by genetic or pharmacological means can elicit multiple metabolic benefits that protect mice from diet-induced obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Interstitial Fluid and Lymph Formation and Transport: Physiological Regulation and Roles in Inflammation and Cancer
Authors: Wiig Helge , Swartz Melody A.
Published: July 2012

The interstitium describes the fluid, proteins, solutes, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) that comprise the cellular microenvironment in tissues. Its alterations are fundamental to changes in cell function in inflammation, pathogenesis, and cancer. Interstitial fluid (IF) is created by transcapillary filtration and cleared by lymphatic vessels. Herein we discuss the biophysical, biomechanical, and functional implications of IF in normal and pathological tissue states from both fluid balance and cell function perspectives. We also discuss analysis methods to access IF, which enables quantification of the cellular microenvironment; such methods have demonstrated, for example, that there can be dramatic gradients from tissue to plasma during inflammation and that tumor IF is hypoxic and acidic compared with subcutaneous IF and plasma. Accumulated recent data show that IF and its convection through the interstitium and delivery to the lymph nodes have many and diverse biological effects, including in ECM reorganization, cell migration, and capillary morphogenesis as well as in immunity and peripheral tolerance. This review integrates the biophysical, biomechanical, and biological aspects of interstitial and lymph fluid and its transport in tissue physiology, pathophysiology, and immune regulation.
Blow‐Up Analysis for a Quasilinear Degenerate Parabolic Equation with Strongly Nonlinear Source
Authors: Zheng Pan , Mu Chunlai , Liu Dengming , Yao Xianzhong , Zhou Shouming
Published: July 2012

We investigate the blow‐up properties of the positive solution of the Cauchy problem for a quasilinear degenerate parabolic equation with strongly nonlinear source ut = div(|∇um|p−2∇ul) + uq,   (x, t) ∈ RN × (0, T), where N ≥ 1, p > 2 , and m, l,  q > 1, and give a secondary critical exponent on the decay asymptotic behavior of an initial value at infinity for the existence and nonexistence of global solutions of the Cauchy problem. Moreover, under some suitable conditions we prove single‐point blow‐up for a large class of radial decreasing solutions.
A Knotless Technique for Kidney Transplantation in the Mouse
Authors: Rong Song , Lewis Alfor G. , Kunter Uta , Haller Hermann , Gueler Faikah
Published: July 2012

Mouse models of kidney transplantation are important to study molecular mechanisms of organ transplant rejection as well as to develop new therapeutic strategies aimed at improving allograft survival. However, the surgical technique necessary to result in a viable allograft has traditionally proven to be complex and very demanding. Here, we introduce a new, simple, and rapid knotless technique for vessel anastomosis wherein the last stitch of the anastomosis is not tied to the short end of the upper tie as in the classical approach but is left free. This is a critical difference in that it allows the size of the anastomosis to be increased or decreased after graft reperfusion in order to avoid stenosis or bleeding, respectively. We compared the outcome of this new knotless technique (n=175) with the classical approach (n=122) in terms of local thrombosis or bleeding, time for anastomosis, and survival rates. By this modification of the suture technique, local thrombosis was significantly reduced (1.1% versus 6.6%), anastomosis time was less, and highly reproducible kidney graft survival was achieved (95% versus 84% with the classical approach). We believe that this knotless technique is easy to learn and will improve the success rates in the technically demanding model of mouse kidney transplantation.
Hemifacial Spasm due to Compression of the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm Treated with Botulinum Toxin Type-A: A Case Report
Authors: Gürsoy Azize Esra , Babacan Yildiz Gülsen , Gülhan Adam Mehmet , Kolukisa Mehmet
Published: July 2012

A 79-year-old female presented with five months history of progressive involuntary twitching movement on left face. Brain MR imaging revealed a heterogeneous T2 hyperintense lesion at left cerebellopontine angle. CT angiography showed a partially thrombosed saccular aneurysm of left PICA (posterior inferior cerebellar artery). The patient was treated with Botulinum toxin type A and almost total relief of symptoms was noticed during one month followup. Botulinium toxin injection is an effective symptomatic treatment option in nonsurgical secondary hemifacial spasm (HFS) cases.
Effect of Antioxidant Mineral Elements Supplementation in the Treatment of Hypertension in Albino Rats
Authors: Muhammad S. A. , Bilbis L. S. , Saidu Y. , Adamu Y.
Published: July 2012

Oxidative stress has been implicated in various pathologies, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and chronic renal disease. The current work was designed with the aim of investigating the potentials of antioxidants copper, manganese, and zinc in the treatment of hypertension in Wistar rats. The rats were fed 8% NaCl diet for 5 weeks and treatment with supplements in the presence of the challenging agent for additional 4 weeks. The supplementation significantly decreased the blood pressure as compared with hypertensive control. The result also indicated significant decreased in the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, malondialdehyde, insulin and increase in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total antioxidant activities, and nitric oxide of the supplemented groups relative to the hypertensive control. The average percentage protection against atherogenesis indicated 47.13 ± 9.60% for all the supplemented groups. The mean arterial blood pressure showed significant positive correlation with glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic index, insulin resistance and malondialdehyde while high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and total antioxidant activities showed negative correlation. The result therefore indicated strong relationship between oxidative stress and hypertension and underscores the role of antioxidant minerals in reducing oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance associated with hypertension.
Empirical Design Considerations for Industrial Centrifugal Compressors
Authors: Xu Cheng , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: July 2012

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been extensively used in centrifugal compressor design. CFD provides further optimisation opportunities for the compressor design rather than designing the centrifugal compressor. The experience-based design process still plays an important role for new compressor developments. The wide variety of design subjects represents a very complex design world for centrifugal compressor designers. Therefore, some basic information for centrifugal design is still very important. The impeller is the key part of the centrifugal stage. Designing a highly efficiency impeller with a wide operation range can ensure overall stage design success. This paper provides some empirical information for designing industrial centrifugal compressors with a focus on the impeller. A ported shroud compressor basic design guideline is also discussed for improving the compressor range.
Granulocytic Sarcoma of the Male Breast in Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia with Concurrent Deletion of 5q and Trisomy 8
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Islam Md. Monirul , Rehman Zia ur
Published: July 2012

We describe a unique case of Granulocytic Sarcoma (GS) in a male, who presented to us with a painless right breast mass without any prior history of Leukemia. GS is an extramedullary tumor of myeloproliferative precursors and may involve multiple sites of the body, but involvement of male breast is extremely rare. In the absence of clinical history or hematological abnormality, GS may be misdiagnosed, depending on the degree of myeloid differentiation present within the tumor. Often it is misdiagnosed as lymphoma. Diagnosis is made by finding eosinophilic myelocytes, myeloperoxidase, chloroacetate esterase staining, and lysozyme immunostain. Chemotherapy regimens similar to acute myeloid leukemia are recommended to treat GS. Recognition of this rare entity is important because early, aggressive chemotherapy can induce regression of the tumor and improve patient longevity.
Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia as the Diagnosis Best Supported by the Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers: Difference in Cut-Off Levels from Thai Experience
Authors: Senanarong V. , Siwasariyanon N. , Washirutmangkur L. , Poungvarin N. , Ratanabunakit C. , Aoonkaew N. , Udomphanthurak S.
Published: July 2012

Objectives. To determine how beta-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42), total tau (tTau), and phosphorylated tau (pTau) levels in CSF behave in a cohort of Thai patients from the Memory Clinic in Bangkok, Thailand.Methods. During 2009–2011, twenty eight subjects from the memory clinic at Siriraj Hospital had CSF analysis for AD biomarkers. Aβ1-42, tTau, and pTau (at amino acid 181) were measured in CSF by ELISA technique.Results. Mean of Thai mental state examination (TMSE) of 28 Thai cohort was 16.48 (6.63). Fourteen had AD, ten had non-AD dementia, and four non-cases were those with subjective memory complaint (SMC) without dementia. Mean CSF Aβ1-42, tTau, ptau (181), and pTau/Aβ1-42 in the AD group were 241.36 (60.14) pg/mL, 222.79 (212.24) pg/mL, 40.79 (27.84) pg/mL, and 0.18 (0.12) accordingly. Mean CSF Aβ1-42, tTau, pTau (181), and pTau/Aβ1-42 in the non-AD dementia group were 430.40 (125.18) pg/mL, 349.30 (692.16) pg/mL, 36.80 (14.90) pg/mL, and 0.09 (0.04) accordingly. Mean CSF Aβ1-42, tTau, pTau (181), and pTau/Aβ1-42 in the non-cases with SMC without dementia were 499.75 (93.44) pg/mL, 137.25 (62.74) pg/mL, 31.75 (17.48) pg/mL, and 0.06 (0.02). There is significant difference (P<0.05) among the 3 groups in CSF Aβ1-42 and pTau/Aβ1-42. We propose mean + 1.5 SD of CSF Aβ1-42 in AD group (331.57 pg/mL) to be the cut-off point in Thai subjects.Conclusion. There are significant different in CSF Aβ1-42 and CSF p-tau/Aβ1-42 among those with AD, non-AD dementia and non cases with SMC without dementia in Thai cohort. Cut-off point of CSF Aβ1-42 of 331.57 pg/mL is suggested in Thai study.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis in Adults: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tzouvelekis Argyris , Ntolios Paschalis , Oikonomou Anastasia , Koutsopoulos Anastasios , Sivridis Efthimios , Zacharis George , Kaltsas Kostantinos , Boglou Panagiotis , Mikroulis Dimitrios , Bouros Demosthenes
Published: July 2012

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis is a very rare condition rarely affecting adults and causing recurrent episodes of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage that may lead to lung fibrosis. Due to lack of pathognomonic findings, IPH diagnosis is established upon exclusion of all other possible causes of DAH in combination with specific pathologic findings revealing bland alveolar haemorrhage with absence of vasculitis and/or accumulation of immune complexes within lung parenchyma. Here we describe a rare case of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis in an otherwise healthy 27-year-old Greek male patient with relapsing episodes of fever accompanied by general fatigue and discomfort. He was at this time point a light smoker and had been hospitalised once in the past for similar symptoms. His iron deficiency anemia coupled with chest high-resolution computed tomography and bronchoalveolar lavage revealed findings compatible with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. After excluding all other sources of bleeding through extensive gastrointestinal workup and thorough immunologic profile, video-assisted thoracic lung biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis was established. Patient was treated with high doses of oral corticosteroids, leading to clinical response. We highlight the need for vigilance by the respiratory physician for the presence of DAH, a challenging, acute condition requiring early recognition along with identification of the underlying syndrome and appropriate treatment to achieve optimal results.
A Note on Eulerian Polynomials
Authors: Kim D. S. , Kim T. , Kim W. J. , Dolgy D. V.
Published: July 2012

We study Genocchi, Euler, and tangent numbers. From those numbers we derive some identities on Eulerian polynomials in connection with Genocchi and tangent numbers.
Moral Foundation of the Kindergarten Teacher’s Educational Approach: Self-Reflection Facilitated Educator Response to Pluralism in Educational Context
Authors: Kuusisto Arniika , Lamminmäki-Vartia Silja
Published: July 2012

This paper investigates the moral foundation of Kindergarten teachers’ educational approach from the perspective of sensitivity towards religions and other worldviews. As a context for the examination, the paper presents the current situation of the Finnish multi-faith kindergartens through the empirical mixed method data gathered from five day care centres in the capital Helsinki area. The findings illustrate that at present, the multitude of religions and other worldviews in the increasingly diverse Kindergarten context causes continuous negotiations among the staff on both the educational practices and in the teachers’ educational partnership with families. In particular, there is a lot of uncertainty of how—if at all—education on religions and worldviews should be implemented in the multicultural, multi-faith kindergarten. Some of the staff members have difficulties in encountering religious diversity in a positive or neutral light, as religions are often seen through limitations to everyday practicalities and educational contents. It is argued that in order to develop a constructive, worldview sensitive educator response to pluralism, and thus to encourage the development in the moral foundation of the teachers’ work, the teachers would need supported opportunities for dialoguous self-reflection. To support this, working models for intercultural and inter-faith sensitivity are suggested.
Simulation of the Lower Head Boiling Water Reactor Vessel in a Severe Accident
Authors: Nuñez-Carrera Alejandro , Camargo-Camargo Raúl , Espinosa-Paredes Gilberto , López-García Adrián
Published: July 2012

The objective of this paper is the simulation and analysis of the BoilingWater Reactor (BWR) lower head during a severe accident. The COUPLE computer code was used in this work to model the heatup of the reactor core material that slumps in the lower head of the reactor pressure vessel. The prediction of the lower head failure is an important issue in the severe accidents field, due to the accident progression and the radiological consequences that are completely different with or without the failure of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV). The release of molten material to the primary containment and the possibility of steam explosion may produce the failure of the primary containment with high radiological consequences. Then, it is important to have a detailed model in order to predict the behavior of the reactor vessel lower head in a severe accident. In this paper, a hypothetical simulation of a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) with simultaneous loss of off-site power and without injection of cooling water is presented with the proposal to evaluate the temperature distribution and heatup of the lower part of the RPV. The SCDAPSIM/RELAP5 3.2 code was used to build the BWR model and conduct the numerical simulation.
Role of Adjuvant Radiosurgery after Thoracoscopic Microsurgical Resection of a Spinal Schwannoma
Authors: Niazi Toba N. , Bowers Christian A. , Schmidt Meic H.
Published: July 2012

Stereotactic radiosurgery to benign tumors of the spine has not been advocated as a primary treatment modality because of the favorable prognosis for these lesions after gross-total resection. There is even less evidence regarding its use as an adjuvant to neurosurgical resection of benign recurrent spinal disease. We describe the case of a 30-year-old man with a thoracic spinal schwannoma who had an interval increase of his lesion five months after thoracoscopic microsurgical resection. The patient opted for noninvasive stereotactic radiosurgery in lieu of additional surgical excision and has had stable disease 15 months after radiosurgical treatment with the linear accelerator (LINAC) system. In this setting, stereotactic radiosurgery provided a useful adjunct to thoracoscopic microsurgical resection. Future Class I and II evidence should be sought to evaluate the utility of stereotactic radiosurgery as a primary treatment modality or as an adjuvant for microneurosurgical resection of benign spinal lesions in patients who want noninvasive treatment after disease recurrence or who harbor medical comorbidities that would preclude them from being safe surgical candidates.
Depression and Anxiety Disorders among Patients with Psoriasis: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Golpour Masoud , Hosseini Seyed Hamzeh , Khademloo Mohammad , Ghasemi Maryam , Ebadi Aghdas , Koohkan Fatemeh , Shahmohammadi Soheila
Published: July 2012

Background. Psoriasis is a common, genetically determined inflammatory and proliferative disease of the skin. Psychological stress can exacerbate the disease. This study sought to investigate the depression and anxiety disorders among patients with psoriasis and control group.Method. In this hospital-based case-control study, One hundred patients with psoriasis (case) referred to the dermatology department and 100 patients with otolaryngology problems and dermatological healthy volunteers (control) who referred to the Otolaryngology Department of Bouali Sina Hospital in Sari, Iran, in 2007 were studied. Demographic characteristics were recorded. Beck Depression Inventory and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale I-II were administered to the patients in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software and descriptive statistical tests.Results. From One-hundred patients in each group, 44 (45%) were men. Depression score was 67% and 12% in psoriatic patients and control, respectively. The Beck depression scores of patients with psoriasis were significantly higher than scores of the control group (P<0.05). Based on Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale, anxiety was found in 45% of patients in case group and 18% of controls.Conclusion. The results revealed that psoriatic patients reported significantly higher degrees of depression and anxiety than controls. In addition, psoriatic women were more depressed than psoriatic men.
The Cultural Dependence of the Ethical Sensitivity Scale Questionnaire: The Case of Iranian Kurdish Teachers
Authors: Gholami Khalil , Tirri Kirsi
Published: July 2012

A good theory-based tool for measuring ethical sensitivity, which is usable in different contexts, is scarce. In this study, we examined the Ethical Sensitivity Scale Questionnaire (ESSQ) in line with its seven-dimension structure. The scale was presented to a sample of 556 Iranian Kurdish teachers in primary, middle, and high schools. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to scrutinize the original factor structure of the ESSQ. The results confirmed that the ESSQ supports a reasonable model fit to study the seven dimensions of ethical sensitivity as it was developed in the original study. However, some modifications were conducted to free high error covariance between four pairs of items in the scale. This modification increased the fit indices and thus resulted in a good model fit. In addition to examining the satiability of the ESSQ, a further analysis showed that the level of ethical sensitivity in the targeted sample was high.
Control of Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Altering the Geometry of Nanofibers
Authors: Fujita Satoshi , Shimizu Harue , Suye Shin-ichiro
Published: July 2012

Effective differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is required for clinical applications. To control MSC differentiation, induction media containing different types of soluble factors have been used to date; however, it remains challenging to obtain a uniformly differentiated population of an appropriate quality for clinical application by this approach. We attempted to develop nanofiber scaffolds for effective MSC differentiation by mimicking anisotropy of the extracellular matrix structure, to assess whether differentiation of these cells can be controlled by using geometrically different scaffolds. We evaluated MSC differentiation on aligned and random nanofibers, fabricated by electrospinning. We found that induction of MSCs into adipocytes was markedly more inhibited on random nanofibers than on aligned nanofibers. In addition, adipoinduction on aligned nanofibers was also inhibited in the presence of mixed adipoinduction and osteoinduction medium, although osteoinduction was not affected by a change in scaffold geometry. Thus, we have achieved localized control over the direction of differentiation through changes in the alignment of the scaffold even in the presence of a mixed medium. These findings indicate that precise control of MSC differentiation can be attained by using scaffolds with different geometry, rather than by the conventional use of soluble factors in the medium.
Effectiveness of GNSS Spoofing Countermeasure Based on Receiver CNR Measurements
Authors: Nielsen J. , Dehghanian V. , Lachapelle G.
Published: July 2012

A perceived emerging threat to GNSS receivers is posed by a spoofing transmitter that emulates authentic signals but with randomized code phase and Doppler over a small range. Such spoofing signals can result in large navigational solution errors that are passed onto the unsuspecting user with potentially dire consequences. In this paper, a simple and readily implementable processing rule based on CNR estimates of the correlation peaks of the despread GNSS signals is developed expressly for reducing the effectiveness of such a spoofer threat. Consequently, a comprehensive statistical analysis is given to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed technique in various LOS and NLOS environments. It is demonstrated that the proposed receiver processing is highly effective in both line-of-sight and multipath propagation conditions.
Weak Solutions for Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations in Banach Spaces
Authors: Zhou Wen-Xue , Chang Ying-Xiang , Liu Hai-Zhong
Published: July 2012

We discuss the existence of weak solutions for a nonlinear boundary value problem of fractional differential equations in Banach space. Our analysis relies on the Mönch′s fixed point theorem combined with the technique of measures of weak noncompactness.
Angiogenic Signalling Pathways Altered in Gliomas: Selection Mechanisms for More Aggressive Neoplastic Subpopulations with Invasive Phenotype
Authors: Bulnes Susana , Bengoetxea Harkaitz , Ortuzar Naiara , Argandoña Enrike G. , Garcia-Blanco Álvaro , Rico-Barrio Irantzu , Lafuente José V.
Published: July 2012

The angiogenesis process is a key event for glioma survival, malignancy and growth. The start of angiogenesis is mediated by a cascade of intratumoural events: alteration of the microvasculature network; a hypoxic microenvironment; adaptation of neoplastic cells and synthesis of pro-angiogenic factors. Due to a chaotic blood flow, a consequence of an aberrant microvasculature, tissue hypoxia phenomena are induced. Hypoxia inducible factor 1 is a major regulator in glioma invasiveness and angiogenesis. Clones of neoplastic cells with stem cell characteristics are selected by HIF-1. These cells, called “glioma stem cells” induce the synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor. This factor is a pivotal mediator of angiogenesis. To elucidate the role of these angiogenic mediators during glioma growth, we have used a rat endogenous glioma model. Gliomas induced by prenatal ENU administration allowed us to study angiogenic events from early to advanced tumour stages. Events such as microvascular aberrations, hypoxia, GSC selection and VEGF synthesis may be studied in depth. Our data showed that for the treatment of gliomas, developing anti-angiogenic therapies could be aimed at GSCs, HIF-1 or VEGF. The ENU-glioma model can be considered to be a useful option to check novel designs of these treatment strategies.
Lessons Learned from the Transgenic Huntington's Disease Rats
Authors: Vlamings Rinske , Zeef Dagmar H. , Janssen Marcus L. F. , Oosterloo Mayke , Schaper Frederic , Jahanshahi Ali , Temel Yasin
Published: July 2012

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal inherited disorder leading to selective neurodegeneration and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Currently, there is no treatment to slow down or to stop the disease. There is also no therapy to effectively reduce the symptoms. In the investigation of novel therapies, different animal models of Huntington's disease, varying from insects to nonhuman primates, have been created and used. Few years ago, the first transgenic rat model of HD, carrying a truncated huntingtin cDNA fragment with 51 CAG repeats under control of the native rathuntingtinpromoter, was introduced. We have been using this animal model in our research and review here our experience with the behavioural, neurophysiological, and histopathological phenotype of the transgenic Huntington's disease rats with relevant literature.
Microbial Translocation in Chronic Liver Diseases
Authors: Pinzone Marilia Rita , Celesia Benedetto Maurizio , Di Rosa Michele , Cacopardo Bruno , Nunnari Giuseppe
Published: July 2012

The intestinal microflora is not only involved in the digestion of nutrients, but also in local immunity, forming a barrier against pathogenic microorganisms. The derangement of the gut microflora may lead to microbial translocation, defined as the passage of viable microorganisms or bacterial products (i.e., LPS, lipopeptides) from the intestinal lumen to the mesenteric lymph nodes and other extraintestinal sites. The most recent evidence suggests that microbial translocation (MT) may occur not only in cirrhosis, but also in the early stage of several liver diseases, including alcoholic hepatopathy and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Different mechanisms, such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, increased permeability of intestinal mucosa, and impaired immunity, may favor MT. Furthermore, MT has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the complications of cirrhosis, which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic subjects. Therapeutic strategies aiming at modulating the gut microflora and reducing MT have focused on antibiotic-based options, such as selective intestinal decontamination, and nonantibiotic-based options, such as prokinetics and probiotics. In particular, probiotics may represent an attractive strategy, even though the promising results of experimental models and limited clinical studies need to be confirmed in larger randomized trials.
Air Turbines for Wave Energy Conversion
Authors: Takao Manabu , Setoguchi Toshiaki
Published: July 2012

This paper describes the present status of the art on air turbines, which could be used for wave energy conversion. The air turbines included in the paper are as follows: Wells type turbines, impulse turbines, radial turbines, cross-flow turbine, and Savonius turbine. The overall performances of the turbines under irregular wave conditions, which typically occur in the sea, have been compared by numerical simulation and sea trial. As a result, under irregular wave conditions it is found that the running and starting characteristics of the impulse type turbines could be superior to those of the Wells turbine. Moreover, as the current challenge on turbine technology, the authors explain a twin-impulse turbine topology for wave energy conversion.
On Kalman Smoothing for Wireless Sensor Networks Systems with Multiplicative Noises
Authors: Lu Xiao , Wang Haixia , Wang Xi
Published: July 2012

The paper deals with Kalman (or H2) smoothing problem for wireless sensor networks
(WSNs) with multiplicative noises. Packet loss occurs in the observation equations,
and multiplicative noises occur both in the system state equation and the observation equations.
The Kalman smoothers which include Kalman fixed‐interval smoother, Kalman fixedlag
smoother, and Kalman fixed‐point smoother are given by solving Riccati equations and
Lyapunov equations based on the projection theorem and innovation analysis. An example
is also presented to ensure the efficiency of the approach. Furthermore, the proposed three
Kalman smoothers are compared.
The Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in Environmental Adaptation of Oral Microbial Communities
Authors: Zhu Lin , Kreth Jens
Published: July 2012

Oral streptococci are able to produce growth-inhibiting amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as byproduct of aerobic metabolism. Several recent studies showed that the produced H2O2is not a simple byproduct of metabolism but functions in several aspects of oral bacterial biofilm ecology. First, the release of DNA from cells is closely associated to the production of H2O2inStreptococcus sanguinisandStreptococcus gordonii. Extracellular DNA is crucial for biofilm development and stabilization and can also serve as source for horizontal gene transfer between oral streptococci. Second, due to the growth inhibiting nature of H2O2, H2O2compatible species associate with the producers. H2O2production therefore might help in structuring the initial biofilm development. On the other hand, the oral environment harbors salivary peroxidases that are potent in H2O2scavenging. Therefore, the effects of biofilm intrinsic H2O2production might be locally confined. However, taking into account that 80% of initial oral biofilm constituents are streptococci, the influence of H2O2on biofilm development and environmental adaptation might be under appreciated in current research.
Mechanistic Roles of Noncoding RNAs in Lung Cancer Biology and Their Clinical Implications
Authors: Enfield Katey S. S. , Pikor Larissa A. , Martinez Victor D. , Lam Wan L.
Published: July 2012

Lung cancer biology has traditionally focused on genomic and epigenomic deregulation of protein-coding genes to identify oncogenes and tumor suppressors diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Another important layer of cancer biology has emerged in the form of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), which are major regulators of key cellular processes such as proliferation, RNA splicing, gene regulation, and apoptosis. In the past decade, microRNAs (miRNAs) have moved to the forefront of ncRNA cancer research, while the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is emerging. Here we review the mechanisms by which miRNAs and lncRNAs are deregulated in lung cancer, the technologies that can be applied to detect such alterations, and the clinical potential of these RNA species. An improved comprehension of lung cancer biology will come through the understanding of the interplay between deregulation of non-coding RNAs, the protein-coding genes they regulate, and how these interactions influence cellular networks and signalling pathways.
Fixed Point Theorems of Single‐Valued Mapping for c‐Distance in Cone Metric Spaces
Authors: Fadail Zaid Mohammed , Ahmad Abd Ghafur Bin , Golubović Zoran
Published: July 2012

A new concept of the c‐distance in cone metric space has been introduced recently in 2011. The aim of this paper is to extend and generalize some fixed point theorems on c‐distance in cone metric space.
Tuberculosis in Goats and Sheep in Afar Pastoral Region of Ethiopia and Isolation ofMycobacterium tuberculosisfrom Goat
Authors: Kassa Gezahegne Mamo , Abebe Fekadu , Worku Yalelet , Legesse Mengistu , Medhin Girmay , Bjune Gunnar , Ameni Gobena
Published: July 2012

A cross sectional study was conducted on 2231 small ruminants in four districts of the Afar Pastoral Region of Ethiopia to investigate the epidemiology of tuberculosis in goats and sheep using comparative intradermal tuberculin skin test, postmortem examination, mycobacteriological culture and molecular typing methods. The overall animal prevalence of TB in small ruminants was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2%–0.7%) at ≥4 mm and 3.8% (95% CI: 3%–4.7%) at cutoff ≥2 mm. The herd prevalence was 20% (95% CI: 12–28%) and 47% (95% CI: 37–56%) at ≥4 mm and ≥2 mm cut-off points, respectively. The overall animal prevalence of Mycobacterium avium complex infection was 2.8% (95% CI: 2.1–3.5%) and 6.8% (95% CI: 5.8–7.9%) at ≥4 mm and ≥2 mm cut-off points, respectively. Mycobacteriological culture and molecular characterization of isolates from tissue lesions of tuberculin reactor goats resulted in isolation ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(SIT149) and non-tuberculosis mycobacteria as causative agents of tuberculosis and tuberculosis-like diseases in goats, respectively. The isolation ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin goat suggests a potential transmission of the causative agent from human and warrants further investigation in the role of small ruminants in epidemiology of human tuberculosis in the region.
Parabolic John-Nirenberg Spaces
Authors: Berkovits Lauri
Published: July 2012

We introduce a parabolic version of John-Nirenberg space with exponentpand show that it is contained in local weak-Lpspaces.
DNA Methylation, Histone Modifications, and Signal Transduction Pathways: A Close Relationship in Malignant Gliomas Pathophysiology
Authors: Alelú-Paz Raúl , Ashour Nadia , González-Corpas Ana , Ropero Santiago
Published: July 2012

Gliomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor. Although tremendous progress has been achieved in the recent years in the diagnosis and treatment, its molecular etiology remains unknown. In this regard, epigenetics represents a new approach to study the mechanisms that control gene expression and function without changing the sequence of the genome. In the present paper we describe the main findings about the alterations of cell signaling pathways in the most aggressive glioma in the adult population, namely, glioblastoma, in which epigenetic mechanisms and the emerging role of cancer stem cell play a crucial function in the development of new biomarkers for its detection and prognosis and the corresponding development of new pharmacological strategies.
Determining the Needs, Priorities, and Desired Rehabilitation Outcomes of Young Adults Who Have Had a Stroke
Authors: Lawrence Maggie , Kinn Sue
Published: July 2012

Background. Guidelines state that young adults' (aged 18–55 years) rehabilitation needs and priorities following stroke are different from older adults'. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding young adults' perspectives of their needs and priorities.Aim. To gain an understanding of young adults' experience of stroke and associated rehabilitation needs, priorities, and desired outcomes.Methods. A qualitative approach was adopted, based on the phenomenology of Merleau-Ponty. Longitudinal data were gathered using unstructured interviews and analysed using phenomenological reduction.Results. Ten young adults took part in up to four interviews over two years. An overarching theme, Embodied Disorientation, and three subthemes: Mortal Body, Situated Body, and Embodied Perception of Difference, described the young adults' experience. A subsequent iterative process enabled tabulation of patient-centred rehabilitation needs, priorities, and outcomes.Conclusion. Rehabilitation professionals can use the evidence-based outcomes table to work with young adults to develop meaningful patient-centred goals and select appropriate interventions which align with identified needs and outcomes throughout the stroke recovery trajectory.
Rapid Synthesis of Dittmarite by Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Method
Authors: zhenyu Lai , Jueshi Qian , Zhongyuan Lu , Qian Li , Qiulin Zou
Published: July 2012

Dittmarite was obtained using MgO and (NH4)2HPO4as raw materials via microwave-assisted hydrothermal method for 3 min at 120°C. The resulting samples were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis. The results indicate that dittmarite can be rapidly synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. With higher temperature and longer reaction time, highly crystallized dittmarite can be obtained. Pure dittmarite can be synthesized for 3 min at 120°C, which is faster than with the use of any other reported methods.
Wnt-Pathway Activation in Two Molecular Classes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Experimental Modulation by Sorafenib
Authors: Lachenmayer Anja , Alsinet Clara , Savic Radoslav , Cabellos Laia , Toffanin Sara , Hoshida Yujin , Villanueva Augusto , Minguez Beatriz , Newell Philippa , Tsai Hung-Wen , Barretina Jordi , Thung Swan , Ward Stephen C. , Bruix Jordi , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Schwartz Myron , Friedman Scott L. , Llovet Josep M.
Published: July 2012

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous cancer with active Wnt signaling. Underlying biologic mechanisms remain unclear and no drug targeting this pathway has been approved to date. We aimed to characterize Wnt-pathway aberrations in HCC patients, and to investigate sorafenib as a potential Wnt modulator in experimental models of liver cancer.

Experimental Design: The Wnt-pathway was assessed using mRNA (642 HCCs and 21 liver cancer cell lines) and miRNA expression data (89 HCCs), immunohistochemistry (108 HCCs), and CTNNB1-mutation data (91 HCCs). Effects of sorafenib on Wnt signaling were evaluated in four liver cancer cell lines with active Wnt signaling and a tumor xenograft model.

Results: Evidence for Wnt activation was observed for 315 (49.1%) cases, and was further classified as CTNNB1 class (138 cases [21.5%]) or Wnt-TGFβ class (177 cases [27.6%]). CTNNB1 class was characterized by upregulation of liver-specific Wnt-targets, nuclear β-catenin and glutamine-synthetase immunostaining, and enrichment of CTNNB1-mutation-signature, whereas Wnt-TGFβ class was characterized by dysregulation of classical Wnt-targets and the absence of nuclear β-catenin. Sorafenib decreased Wnt signaling and β-catenin protein in HepG2 (CTNNB1 class), SNU387 (Wnt-TGFβ class), SNU398 (CTNNB1-mutation), and Huh7 (lithium-chloride-pathway activation) cell lines. In addition, sorafenib attenuated expression of liver-related Wnt-targets GLUL, LGR5, and TBX3. The suppressive effect on CTNNB1 class–specific Wnt-pathway activation was validated in vivo using HepG2 xenografts in nude mice, accompanied by decreased tumor volume and increased survival of treated animals.

Conclusions: Distinct dysregulation of Wnt-pathway constituents characterize two different Wnt-related molecular classes (CTNNB1 and Wnt-TGFβ), accounting for half of all HCC patients. Sorafenib modulates β-catenin/Wnt signaling in experimental models that harbor the CTNNB1 class signature. Clin Cancer Res; 18(18); 4997–5007. ©2012 AACR.