bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the spatial scale of land use that most strongly influences overall river ecosystem health score
Authors: Sheldon Fran , Peterson Erin E. , Boone Ed L. , Sippel Suzanne , Bunn Stuart E. , Harch Bronwyn D.
Published: May 2012

Catchment and riparian degradation has resulted in declining ecosystem health of streams worldwide. With restoration a priority in many regions, there is an increasing interest in the scale at which land use influences stream ecosystem health. Our goal was to use a substantial data set collected as part of a monitoring program (the Southeast Queensland, Australia, Ecological Health Monitoring Program data set, collected at 116 sites over six years) to identify the spatial scale of land use, or the combination of spatial scales, that most strongly influences overall ecosystem health. In addition, we aimed to determine whether the most influential scale differed for different aspects of ecosystem health. We used linear‐mixed models and a Bayesian model‐averaging approach to generate models for the overall aggregated ecosystem health score and for each of the five component indicators (fish, macroinvertebrates, water quality, nutrients, and ecosystem processes) that make up the score.

Dense forest close to the survey site, mid‐dense forest in the hydrologically active near‐stream areas of the catchment, urbanization in the riparian buffer, and tree cover at the reach scale were all significant in explaining ecosystem health, suggesting an overriding influence of forest cover, particularly close to the stream. Season and antecedent rainfall were also important explanatory variables, with some land‐use variables showing significant seasonal interactions. There were also differential influences of land use for each of the component indicators. Our approach is useful given that restoring general ecosystem health is the focus of many stream restoration projects; it allowed us to predict the scale and catchment position of restoration that would result in the greatest improvement of ecosystem health in the regions streams and rivers. The models we generated suggested that good ecosystem health can be maintained in catchments where 80% of hydrologically active areas in close proximity to the stream have mid‐dense forest cover and moderate health can be obtained with 60% cover.
Proteases as Anti-Cancer Targets - Molecular and Biological Basis for Development of Inhibitor-Like Drugs Against Cancer
Authors: Bialas A. , Kafarski P.
Published: May 2012

The systematic improvement of methods used for unraveling physiological and pathological role of proteases, as well as for elucidation of relevant hydrolase structures contributes to the progress in the area of new inhibitor-like drugs development. Many of protease inhibitors have entered clinics and are now successfully applied for the treatment of various systemic disorders caused by deregulation of physiological processes governed by proteolytic enzymes, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. A clinical approach based on targeting of proteases involved in pathomechanism of given diseases also stimulates the interest as anti-cancer strategy alternative, or supplementary, to surgical intervention and radiotherapy. In this survey we present some current achievements on the field of development of protease inhibitors designed as potential anti-cancer drugs and/or tools for studying molecular basis of processes associated with the cancer development and spread. Our intention is to show the results of this research in context of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, which explain inhibitor requirements of the target proteases. We also provide the examples of attempts being made to eliminate drawbacks of the earlier-developed inhibitors (e.g. such as low selectivity or poor pharmacological profile arising from their peptide-like character). Moreover, modern approach to protease targets recognition by means of socalled activity-based protein profiling as well as new ‘fail-off’ methodology of in vivo inhibitor screening, which provide structures potent both in vitro and under physiological conditions are also described. At last, an example proving usefulness of high throughput screening as method for selection of the non-peptidic leads for protease inhibitors can be found in this article.
ATP Non-Competitive Ser/Thr Kinase Inhibitors as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Cozza Giorgio , Bortolato Andrea , Menta Ernesto , Cavalletti Ennio , Spinelli Silvano , Moro Stefano
Published: May 2012

Protein kinases are one of the largest known families of enzyme characterized by having a well conserved ATP binding pocket. Most of the synthetic kinase inhibitors are ATP-competitive, but display some potential problems, like selectivity, discrepancy between the in vitro and in vivo inhibition assays and an high risk of developing mutation inside the ATP-binding pocket. Recently some new inhibitors with a non-competitive mechanism of action were reported, with intresting results both in vitro and in vivo.
WT1 Peptide Vaccine as a Paradigm for “Cancer Antigen-Derived Peptide”-Based Immunotherapy for Malignancies: Successful Induction of Anti-Cancer Effect by Vaccination with a Single Kind of WT1 Peptide
Authors: Oka Yoshihiro , Tsuboi Akihiro , Fujiki Fumihiro , Li Zheyu , Nakajima Hiroko , Hosen Naoki , Shirakata Toshiaki , Nishida Sumiyuki , Oji Yusuke , Kawase Ichiro , Sugiyama Haruo
Published: May 2012

Wilms tumor gene (WT1) possesses oncogenic functions and is expressed in various kinds of malignancies, which suggests that the genes product, the WT1 protein, should be one of the most promising cancer antigens. In fact, the WT1 protein was shown to be highly immunogenic in cancer patients. WT1 peptides that could induce WT1-specific CTLs (WT1 CTL peptides) were identified, and vaccination of cancer patients with these WT1 CTL peptides induced immunological responses, which were assessed by ex vivo immunomonitoring, such as the tetramer assay, and in vivo immuno-monitoring, such as the peptide-specific delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The induced immunological responses then led to clinical responses such as solid tumor shrinkage, a decrease in leukemia cells, and reduction of M-protein (multiple myeloma). Long-term stabilization of disease with good quality of life, which might be characteristic of cancer vaccine therapy, was also reported. It is noteworthy that injection of a “single” kind of WT1 peptide elicited an immunological response strong enough to induce a clinical response, indicating that the WT1 peptide vaccine has therapeutic potential. The number of reports of the successful treatment of cancer patients (not only adult but also childhood malignancies) with WT1 vaccination is increasing. Strategies for further improvement in the efficacy of therapy, including combined use of chemotherapy drugs, molecular-target-based drugs, or WT1 helper peptides, are being proposed. WT1 peptide vaccination in an “adjuvant setting” should be considered a promising treatment to protect against progression or relapse of malignancies in cases with minimal residual disease.
Azo-hydrazone tautomerism of aryl azo pyridone dyes
Authors: Mirkovic Jelena , Uscumlic Gordana , Marinkovic Aleksandar , Mijin Dusan
Published: May 2012

In the last three or four decades disperse dyes derived from pyridones (in
particular azo pyridone dyes) have gained in importance, and are widely used
in various fields. These compounds have excellent coloration properties, and
are suitable for the dyeing of polyester fabrics. Basic features of these
dyes are simplicity of their synthesis by diazotation and azo coupling. They
generally have high molar extinction coefficient with medium to high light
and wet fastness. The absorption maxima of these dyes show their visible
absorption wavelength ranging from yellow to orange, which can be attributed
to poorly delocalized electrons in the pyridone ring. However, there are
several dyes with deep colors such as red or violet. Pyridone dyes with alkyl
and aryl groups in ortho position to azo group show
2-pyridone/2-hydroxypyridine tautomerism, while those containing OH and NHR
groups conjugated with the azo group show azo-hydrazone tautomerism.
Determining azo-hydrazone tautomerism could be therefore interesting, since
the tautomers have different physico-chemical properties and most importantly
different coloration. The literature on azo-hydrazone tautomerism,
determination of equilibrium position, and investigation of substituent and
solvent influence on tautomerism has been summarized in the presented review.
The general conclusion is that the equilibrium between two tautomers is
influenced by the structure of the compounds and by the solvents used. The
tautomeric behavior patterns of the arylazo pyridone dyes in the reviewed
literature has been studied using various instrumental techniques, including
FT-IR, UV-vis, and NMR spectroscopy. The quantum chemical calculations
related to the azo-hydrazon tautomerism have also been included. A large
number of pyridone dyes exist in hydrazone form in solid state, while in
solvents there is a mixture of tautomers. In addition, the X-ray
single-crystal diffraction data analysis of some commercial pyridone dyes has
been discussed concluding that they all crystallize in the hydrazone form.
Comparative analysis of different methods for graphene nanoribbon synthesis
Authors: Tosic Dragana , Markovic Zoran , Jovanovic Svetlana , Milosavljevic Momir , Todorovic-Markovic Biljana
Published: May 2012

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are thin strips of graphene that have captured
the interest of scientists due to their unique structure and promising
applications in electronics. This paper presents the results of a comparative
analysis of morphological properties of graphene nanoribbons synthesized by
different methods. Various methods have been reported for graphene nanoribons
synthesis. Lithography methods usually include electron-beam (e-beam)
lithography, atomic force microscopy (AFM) lithography, and scanning
tunnelling microscopy (STM) lithography. Sonochemical and chemical methods
exist as well, namely chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and anisotropic
etching. Graphene nanoribbons can also be fabricated from unzipping carbon
nanotubes (CNTs). We propose a new highly efficient method for graphene
nanoribbons production by gamma irradiation of graphene dispersed in
cyclopentanone (CPO). Surface morphology of graphene nanoribbons was
visualized with atomic force and transmission electron microscopy. It was
determined that dimensions of graphene nanoribbons are inversely proportional
to applied gamma irradiation dose. It was established that the narrowest
nanoribbons were 10-20 nm wide and 1 nm high with regular and smooth edges.
In comparison to other synthesis methods, dimensions of graphene nanoribbons
synthesized by gamma irradiation are slightly larger, but the yield of
nanoribbons is much higher. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used
for structural analysis of graphene nanoribbons. Results of photoluminescence
spectroscopy revealed for the first time that synthesized nanoribbons showed
photoluminescence in the blue region of visible light in contrast to graphene
nanoribbons synthesized by other methods. Based on disclosed facts, we
believe that our synthesis method has good prospects for potential future
mass production of graphene nanoribbons with uniform size, as well as for
future investigations of carbon nanomaterials for applications in
optoelectronics and biological labeling.
Understanding Behaviour from the Ground Up: Constructing Robots to Reveal Simple Mechanisms Underlying Complex Behaviour
Authors: Motz Benjamin A. , Goldstein Michael H. , Smith Linda B.
Published: May 2012

Students often have difficulty getting past the use of folk-psychological terms (e.g., wants, loves, fears) when explaining behaviour. They assume that complex behaviours require similarly complex causal structures. For this study, the authors developed a two-week robotics project to demonstrate that complex behaviours can also emerge from simple mechanisms. The project combined lectures, demonstrations of simple robots, and hands-on robot building and observing. Evaluations showed that students enjoyed the project, and essays revealed that they learned from the experience. The project accomplished four goals: (1) engaged students in generating and testing hypotheses, (2) demonstrated the power of a mechanistic approach, (3) showed how social behaviour can arise from simple behaviours of individuals, and (4) illustrated how natural selection operates at the level of the whole organism.
Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride on Microtensile Bond Strength to Dentin
Authors: Quock RL , Barros JA , Yang SW , Patel SA
Published: May 2012

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of the cariostatic and preventive agent silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on the microtensile bond strength of resin composite to dentin. Forty-two caries-free, extracted molars were flattened occlusally and apically using a diamond saw, and the exposed occlusal dentin was polished with a series of silicon carbide papers, all under water irrigation. The teeth were then randomly divided into six groups of seven teeth each that were treated as follows: 1) Peak SE self-etch bonding agent; 2) 12% SDF + Peak SE; 3) 38% SDF + Peak SE; 4) Peak LC etch-and-rinse bonding agent; 5) 12% SDF + Peak LC; and 6) 38% SDF + Peak LC. Four-millimeter buildups of Amelogen Plus were incrementally placed on all teeth; after a 24-hour storage period in distilled water, the specimens were sectioned perpendicular to the adhesive interface to produce beams of cross-sectional surface area measuring approximately 1 mm2. The beams were placed on a microtensile testing machine, which utilized a single-speed pump motor and force gauge at 20 kgf × 0.01 second to record maximum tensile force before failure occurred. Two-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests were performed to compare the effects of the SDF on microtensile bond strength, with statistical significance set at α = 0.05. None of the experimental groups treated with different concentrations of SDF showed a significant difference in bond strength compared to the control groups, and there was no significant difference in bond strength between self-etch and etch-and-rinse groups. However, the effect of SDF on self-etch bonded teeth compared to etch-and-rinse bonded teeth was statistically significant (p=0.0363), specifically at the 12% concentration. SDF does not adversely affect the bond strength of resin composite to noncarious dentin.
Evaluation of a technique for measurement of flow-mediated vasodilation in healthy ponies
Authors: Finding Elizabeth J. T. , Jones Ian D. , Fuentes Virginia Luis , Menzies-Gow Nicola J.
Published: May 2012

Objective—To determine between-pony and within-pony variations and interobserver and intraobserver agreements of a technique for measurement of flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) in healthy ponies.

Animals—6 healthy pony mares (weight range, 236 to 406 kg; body condition score range, 3/9 to 7/9; age range, 14 to 25 years).

Procedures—In each pony, the left median artery was occluded with a blood pressure cuff (inflated to > 300 mm Hg for 5 minutes). Two-dimensional ultrasonographic images of the artery were recorded for 30 seconds before cuff inflation and for 2 minutes after cuff deflation. Maximum luminal diameters of arteries were compared with their baseline diameters to calculate FMD (relative percentage increase in luminal size). Images were obtained from 6 ponies 1 time and from 1 pony 6 times. Independent analysis of images was performed by 2 investigators, 1 of whom analyzed images on 2 occasions.

Results—Mean ± SD FMD in 6 ponies (1 time) was 12.57 ± 4.28% and in 1 pony (6 times) was 7.30 ± 2.11%. Between-pony and within-pony coefficients of variation were 34.09% and 28.84%, respectively. Interobserver agreement was fair (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.47); intraobserver agreement was poor (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.30).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—FMD was identified and measured in ponies. Measurement of FMD is used to assess endothelial function in humans and has been investigated in dogs. Measurement of FMD in ponies appeared to be feasible and could be used to assess endothelial function (to determine predisposition for development of laminitis or cardiovascular diseases).
Effects of serial harvest of plasma on total plasma protein and total immunoglobulin G concentrations in donor horses involved in a plasmapheresis program
Authors: Ziska Sara M. , Schumacher John , Duran Sue H. , Brock Kenny V.
Published: May 2012

Objective—To determine the effects of intensive serial plasmapheresis on total plasma protein and total IgG concentrations in donor horses involved in a plasmapheresis program.

Animals—18 horses (13 mares and 5 geldings; 13 Belgians, 3 Percherons, 1 Standardbred, and 1 warmblood) ranging from 7 to 14 years of age (mean ± SD, 10 ± 3 years) and weighing 822 ± 128 kg.

Procedures—Horses from which 22 mL of plasma/kg of donor body weight was harvested at 14-day intervals for a minimum of 8 consecutive plasmapheresis donations were retrospectively selected for use in the evaluation. Automated plasmapheresis procedures were performed by use of 2 modified plasmapheresis instruments/donor horse. Plasma samples were obtained at each donation and used for determination of total protein and total IgG concentrations. Total plasma protein concentrations were determined via refractometry. A commercially available ELISA was used to determine total equine IgG concentrations.

Results—The 18 donor horses were used in 8 to 19 serial donations (mean ± SD, 13 ± 3 donations) during the study. Donor horses had significant decreases in both plasma protein and IgG concentrations over the study period.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Serial plasmapheresis procedures caused significant decreases in both plasma protein and IgG concentrations in donor horses; however, decreases were not physiologically relevant. Performing plasmapheresis in horses in accordance with the evaluated automated plasmapheresis procedures did not result in a critical decrease in total plasma protein or total IgG concentrations.
Cardiac adaptive mechanisms of Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) at high altitudes
Authors: Rong Chang , Yan Ma , Zhen-Zhong Bai , Ying-Zhong Yang , Dian-Xiang Lu , Qi-sheng Ma , Qing Ga , Yin Liu , Ge Ri-Li
Published: May 2012

Objective—To identify cardiac mechanisms that contribute to adaptation to high altitudes in Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii).

Animals—9 male Tibetan antelope and 10 male Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries).

Procedures—Tibetan antelope and Tibetan sheep inhabiting a region with an altitude of 4,300 m were captured, and several cardiac variables were measured. Expression of genes for atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and calcium-calmodulin–dependent protein kinase II δ was measured via real-time PCR assay.

Results—Ratios of heart weight to body weight for Tibetan antelope were significantly greater than those of Tibetan sheep, but ratios of right-left ventricular weights were similar. Mean ± SD baseline heart rate (26.33 ± 6.15 beats/min) and systolic arterial blood pressure (97.75 ± 9.56 mm Hg) of antelope were significantly lower than those of sheep (34.20 ± 6.57 beats/min and 130.06 ± 17.79 mm Hg, respectively). The maximum rate of rise in ventricular pressure in antelope was similar to that in Tibetan sheep, but after exposure to air providing a fraction of inspired oxygen of 14.6% or 12.5% (ie, hypoxic conditions), the maximum rate of rise in ventricular pressure of the antelope increased significantly to 145.1% or 148.1%, respectively, whereas that of the sheep decreased to 68.4% or 70.5%, respectively. Gene expression of calcium-calmodulin–dependent protein kinase II δ and atrial natriuretic peptide, but not brain natriuretic peptide, in the left ventricle of the heart was significantly higher in antelope than in sheep.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Hearts of the Tibetan antelope in this study were well adapted to high-altitude hypoxia as shown by higher heart weight ratios, cardiac contractility in hypoxic conditions, and expression of key genes regulating cardiac contractility and cardiac hypertrophy, compared with values for Tibetan sheep.
Housing- and exercise-related risk factors associated with the development of hip dysplasia as determined by radiographic evaluation in a prospective cohort of Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, and Irish Wolfhounds in Norway
Authors: Krontveit Randi I. , Nødtvedt Ane , Sævik Bente K. , Ropstad Erik , Trangerud Cathrine
Published: May 2012

Objective—To identify housing- and exercise-related risk factors associated with the development of hip dysplasia (HD) as determined by radiographic evaluation in Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, and Irish Wolfhounds in Norway.

Animals—501 client-owned dogs from 103 litters.

Procedures—Dogs were assessed from birth until official radiographic screening for HD at 12 (Labrador Retriever [n = 133] and Irish Wolfhound [63]) or 18 (Newfoundland [125] and Leonberger [180]) months of age. Information regarding housing and exercise conditions during the preweaning and postweaning periods was obtained with questionnaires. Multivariable random effects logistic regression models were used to identify housing- and exercise-related risk factors associated with the development of radiographically detectable HD.

Results—Puppies walking on stairs from birth to 3 months of age had an increased risk of developing HD. Factors associated with a decreased risk of developing HD included off-leash exercise from birth to 3 months of age, birth during the spring and summer, and birth on a farm. Significant clustering of dogs with HD was detected within litters.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that puppies ≤ 3 months old should not be allowed access to stairs, but should be allowed outdoor exercise on soft ground in moderately rough terrain to decrease the risk for developing radiographically detectable HD. These findings could be used as practical recommendations for the prevention of HD in Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, and Irish Wolfhounds.
Detection of interferon-γ response to tuberculosis in blood collected at commencement of exsanguination at slaughter from cattle sensitized with Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: Okafor Chika C. , Grooms Daniel L. , Bolin Steven R. , Kaneene John B.
Published: May 2012

Objective—To determine whether an interferon (IFN)-γ response sufficient to categorize cattle as positive for tuberculosis can be detected in blood collected at commencement of exsanguination at slaughter.

Animals—15 Holstein cows.

Procedures—12 cows were experimentally sensitized by SC injection with inactivated Mycobacterium bovis in mineral oil, which induced an immune response that mimicked natural infection with M bovis. Three nonsensitized control cows were injected SC with mineral oil alone. By 5 weeks after injection, only the 12 sensitized cows had positive results for tuberculosis with whole blood IFN-γ assay. At that time, all 15 cows were sent to slaughter and samples of blood were collected from each cow immediately before stunning and at commencement of exsanguination (within 90 seconds after stunning). A whole blood IFN-γ assay was performed on the samples. Conditional probability and paired t tests were used to analyze changes in the categorical test interpretation and qualitative IFN-γ production, respectively.

Results—All 12 sensitized cows had positive results for tuberculosis in samples obtained immediately before stunning, and 9 retained positive results for samples obtained at commencement of exsanguination. There was a significant decrease in the mean background-corrected IFN-γ ELISA optical density values for samples obtained at commencement of exsanguination.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—IFN-γ response sufficient to classify cattle as positive for tuberculosis could be detected in blood collected at commencement of exsanguination. These findings support further development and use of the IFN-γ assay on blood samples collected at exsanguination as part of a bovine tuberculosis surveillance program.
Effects of clenbuterol administration on serum biochemical, histologic, and echocardiographic measurements of muscle injury in exercising horses
Authors: Thompson Jessica A. , Eades Susan C. , Chapman Ann M. , Paulsen Daniel B. , Barker Steven A. , McConnico Rebecca S.
Published: May 2012

Objective—To determine the effects of clenbuterol, at a dosage of up to 3.2 μg/kg for 14 days, PO, on skeletal and cardiac muscle in healthy horses undergoing treadmill exercise.

Animals—12 healthy horses from 3 to 10 years old.

Procedures—Horses were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 6) or clenbuterol group (6) and received either saline (0.9% NaCl) solution or clenbuterol, PO, every 12 hours for 14 days. Horses were subjected to submaximal treadmill exercise daily during treatment. Muscle biopsy specimens were collected before and after treatment for determination of apoptosis. Echocardiographic measurements, serum clenbuterol and cardiac troponin I concentrations, and serum activities of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were measured before, during, and after treatment. Jugular venous blood samples were collected every 3 days during treatment. Echocardiography was repeated every 7 days after beginning treatment. Response variables were compared between treatment groups and across time periods.

Results—No significant effect of clenbuterol or exercise on response variables was found between treatment and control groups at any time point or within groups over time.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results did not reveal any adverse effects of treatment with an approved dose of clenbuterol on equine cardiac or skeletal muscle in the small number of horses tested.
Mannan Oligosaccharides in Nursery Pig Nutrition and Their Potential Mode of Action
Authors: Halas Veronika , Nochta Imre
Published: May 2012

Mannan oligosaccharides (MOSs) are often referred to as one of the potential alternatives for antimicrobial growth promoters. The aim of the paper is to provide a review of mannan oligosaccharide products in relation to their growth promoting effect and mode of action based on the latest publications. We discuss the dietary impact of MOSs on (1) microbial changes, (2) morphological changes of gut tissue and digestibility of nutrients, and (3) immune response of pigs after weaning. Dietary MOSs maintain the intestinal integrity and the digestive and absorptive function of the gut in the post-weaning period. Recent results suggest that MOS enhances the disease resistance in swine by promoting antigen presentation facilitating thereby the shift from an innate to an adaptive immune response. Accordingly, dietary MOS supplementation has a potential growth promoting effect in pigs kept in a poor hygienic environment, while the positive effect of MOS is not observed in healthy pig herds with high hygienic standards that are able to maintain a high growth rate after weaning.
Cup Anemometers’ Loss of Performance Due to Ageing Processes, and Its Effect on Annual Energy Production (AEP) Estimates
Authors: Pindado Santiago , Barrero-Gil Antonio , Sanz Alfredo
Published: May 2012

The deviation of calibration coefficients from five cup anemometer models over time was analyzed. The analysis was based on a series of laboratory calibrations between January 2001 and August 2010. The analysis was performed on two different groups of anemometers: (1) anemometers not used for any industrial purpose (that is, just stored); and (2) anemometers used in different industrial applications (mainly in the field—or outside—applications like wind farms). Results indicate a loss of performance of the studied anemometers over time. In the case of the unused anemometers the degradation shows a clear pattern. In the case of the anemometers used in the field, the data analyzed also suggest a loss of performance, yet the degradation does not show a clear trend. A recalibration schedule is proposed based on the observed performances variations.
Revealing the Anti-Tumor Effect of Artificial miRNA p-27-5p on Human Breast Carcinoma Cell Line T-47D
Authors: Tseng Chien-Wei , Huang Hsuan-Cheng , Shih Arthur Chun-Chieh , Chang Ya-Ya , Hsu Chung-Cheng , Chang Jen-Yun , Li Wen-Hsiung , Juan Hsueh-Fen
Published: May 2012

microRNAs (miRNAs) cause mRNA degradation or translation suppression of their target genes. Previous studies have found direct involvement of miRNAs in cancer initiation and progression. Artificial miRNAs, designed to target single or multiple genes of interest, provide a new therapeutic strategy for cancer. This study investigates the anti-tumor effect of a novel artificial miRNA, miR P-27-5p, on breast cancer. In this study, we reveal that miR P-27-5p downregulates the differential gene expressions associated with the protein modification process and regulation of cell cycle in T-47D cells. Introduction of this novel artificial miRNA, miR P-27-5p, into breast cell lines inhibits cell proliferation and induces the first “gap” phase (G1) cell cycle arrest in cancer cell lines but does not affect normal breast cells. We further show that miR P-27-5p targets the 3′-untranslated mRNA region (3′-UTR) of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and reduces both the mRNA and protein level of CDK4, which in turn, interferes with phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (RB1). Overall, our data suggest that the effects of miR p-27-5p on cell proliferation and G1 cell cycle arrest are through the downregulation of CDK4 and the suppression of RB1 phosphorylation. This study opens avenues for future therapies targeting breast cancer.
Enrichment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls from Aqueous Solutions Using Fe3O4 Grafted Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes with Poly Dimethyl Diallyl Ammonium Chloride
Authors: Zeng Shaolin , Cao Yuting , Sang Weiguo , Li Tianhua , Gan Ning , Zheng Lei
Published: May 2012

In this paper, Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) grafted carboxyl groups of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with cationic polyelectrolyte poly (dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDDA) (MWCNTs-COO−/PDDA@Fe3O4), are successfully synthesized and used for the extraction of six kinds of major toxic polychorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a large volume of water solution. The hydrophilicity of the PDDA cage can enhance the dispersibility of sorbents in water samples, and the superparamagnetism of the Fe3O4 NPs facilitate magnetic separation which directly led to the simplification of the extraction procedure. With the magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) technique based on the MWCNTs-COO−/PDDA@Fe3O4 sorbents, it requires only 30 min to extract trace levels of PCBs from 500 mL water samples. When the eluate condensed to 1.0 mL, concentration factors for PCBs became over 500. The spiked recoveries of several real water samples for PCBs were in the range of 73.3–98.9% with relative standard deviations varying from 3.8% to 9.4%, reflecting good accuracy of the method. Therefore, preconcentration of trace level of PCBs by using this MWCNTs-COO−/PDDA@Fe3O4 sorbent, which are stable for multiple reuses, from water solution can be performed.
CD146 Expression Correlates with Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Markers and a Poor Prognosis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Wen-Fang , Ji Shu-Rong , Sun Jian-Jun , Zhang Yi , Liu Zhong-Yan , Liang Ai-Bin , Zeng Hua-Zong
Published: May 2012

CD146 has been regarded as a novel potential therapeutic target for multiple cancers. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of CD146 in gastric cancer and evaluate its clinical-pathological and prognostic significance. The expression of CD146 and three epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (E-cadherin, β-catenin and vimentin) was examined in 144 gastric cancers by immunohistochemistry. Fifty-nine cases (41.0%) were defined as positive for CD146 expression. We found that CD146 expression correlated positively with lymph node involvement and a poor prognosis, and retained an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients. Furthermore, positive expression of CD146 was strongly associated with loss of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and acquisition of the expression of the mesenchymal markers nuclear β-catenin and vimentin. These findings suggest that CD146 might promote EMT and progression in gastric cancer, and thus may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with gastric cancers.
Surface Fractal Analysis for Estimating the Fracture Energy Absorption of Nanoparticle Reinforced Composites
Authors: Pramanik Brahmananda , Tadepalli Tezeswi , Mantena P. Raju
Published: May 2012

In this study, the fractal dimensions of failure surfaces of vinyl ester based nanocomposites are estimated using two classical methods, Vertical Section Method (VSM) and Slit Island Method (SIM), based on the processing of 3D digital microscopic images. Self-affine fractal geometry has been observed in the experimentally obtained failure surfaces of graphite platelet reinforced nanocomposites subjected to quasi-static uniaxial tensile and low velocity punch-shear loading. Fracture energy and fracture toughness are estimated analytically from the surface fractal dimensionality. Sensitivity studies show an exponential dependency of fracture energy and fracture toughness on the fractal dimensionality. Contribution of fracture energy to the total energy absorption of these nanoparticle reinforced composites is demonstrated. For the graphite platelet reinforced nanocomposites investigated, surface fractal analysis has depicted the probable ductile or brittle fracture propagation mechanism, depending upon the rate of loading.
A Novel Method for Culturing of Leptothrix sp. Strain OUMS1 in Natural Conditions
Authors: Suzuki Tomoko , Ishihara Hiromichi , Furutani Mitsuaki , Shiraishi Tomonori , Kunoh Hitoshi , Takada Jun
Published: May 2012

Although some strains of Leptothrix spp. isolated from aquatic environments have been characterized by culturing them in laboratory conditions, they often show morphological and chemical features distinct from those found in natural environments. To resolve this discrepancy, a novel cultivation method was devised for culturing such strains in natural groundwater. Leptothrix sp. strain OUMS1 was pre-cultured in a medium lacking Fe for 2 days, and then injected into a small dialysis tube bag and immersed in a container with continuously flowing groundwater for 1–3 and 14 days. Microscopic analysis of the initial phase of sheath formation and arbitrary comparisons with medium cultures revealed that in groundwater the surface coat of the sheath comprised much thinner fibrils, and an inner sheath wall that was much thinner and more indistinct compared with medium cultures. These differences were probably attributable to poorer secretion from the cell surface in groundwater conditions. A nutrient-rich medium likely activates cell metabolism and promotes secretion, resulting in a thicker inner sheath wall and thicker outer coat fibrils. Aqueous-phase Fe was deposited on immature sheaths in a similar manner in both cultures. These results indicate that laboratory culture of isolated microbes does not always reflect their characteristics in natural environments.
Triterpenoid saponins from the roots ofAcanthophyllum gypsophiloidesRegel
Authors: Khatuntseva Elena A , Men’shov Vladimir M , Shashkov Alexander S , Tsvetkov Yury E , Stepanenko Rodion N , Vlasenko Raymonda Ya , Shults Elvira E , Tolstikov Genrikh A , Tolstikova Tatjana G , Baev Dimitri S , Kaledin Vasiliy A , Popova Nelli A , Nikolin Valeriy P , Laktionov Pavel P , Cherepanova Anna V , Kulakovskaya Tatiana V , Kulakovskaya Ekaterina V , Nifantiev Nikolay E
Published: May 2012

Two new triterpenoid saponins1and2were isolated from the methanol extract of the roots ofAcanthophyllum gypsophiloidesRegel.These saponins have quillaic acid or gypsogenin moieties as an aglycon, and both bear similar sets of two oligosaccharide chains, which are 3-O-linked to the triterpenoid part trisaccharide α-L-Arap-(1→3)-[α-D-Galp-(1→2)]-β-D-GlcpA and pentasaccharide β-D-Xylp-(1→3)-β-D-Xylp-(1→3)-α-L-Rhap-(1→2)-[β-D-Quip-(1→4)]-β-D-Fucpconnected through an ester linkage to C-28. The structures of the obtained saponins were elucidated by a combination of mass spectrometry and 2D NMR spectroscopy. A study of acute toxicity, hemolytic, anti-inflammatory, immunoadjuvant and antifungal activity was carried out. Both saponins1and2were shown to exhibit immunoadjuvant properties within the vaccine composition with keyhole limpet hemocyanin-based immunogen. The availability of saponins1and2as individual pure compounds from the extract of the roots ofA. gypsophiloidesmakes it a prospective source of immunoactive agents.
Digital Technology Integration in American Public Schools
Authors: Schnellert Gary , Keengwe Jared
Published: May 2012

This paper explores the literature review on 1:1 laptop initiatives in America’s digital schools and school district efforts to integrate technology into classroom instruction to maximize student learning. The findings indicate that the much needed instructional integration has not kept pace with the increase in available instructional technology tools. Therefore, there is need for school districts to focus on appropriate technology development activities that could help teachers and students to overcome the barriers in technology integration. Further, school leaders must make sure that the technology integration practices translate to proactive laptop implementation to enhance effective student-centered learning in the digital age.
Modern Concepts in the Curriculum and the Teaching of Nanotechnology
Authors: Ahmed Gamal S.
Published: May 2012

Nanotechnology is regarded as the technology of the 21st century. Due to the revolution of nanotechnology, its presence divides the world into advanced countries and developing. Nanotechnology education is now a domestic and international challenge to solve the problems facing society, while simultaneously making life and the future better. This study creates concepts in nanotechnology education, discovering modern concepts in the curriculum and teaching of nanotechnology, enabling educators to design an effective nanotechnology curriculum in addition to planning suitable learning environments, at the same time, helping academics to study and develop nanotechnology science effectively. Although the present study has adopted the descriptive approach to organize modern concepts in nanotechnology education, some researchers have pointed to the importance of integrating disparate nanotechnology concepts into curricula matrices and teaching activities through all educational stages to face the educational lack in this area internationally (e.g., Drane, Swarat, Light, Hersam, & Mason, 2009; Hersam, Luna, & Light, 2004; Meyyappan, 2004). This affirms that nanotechnology education must be treated academically to attain contemporary educational objectives.
Learning in Ubiquitous Computing Environments
Authors: Barbosa Jorge Luis Victória , Barbosa Débora Nice Ferrari , Wagner André
Published: May 2012

The application of ubiquitous technologies in the improvement of education strategies is called Ubiquitous Learning. GlobalEdu is a model created to support ubiquitous learning. The model has the necessary support to implement learning-related functionalities in ubiquitous environments. The basic ubiquitous computing support must be supplied by a middleware where GlobalEdu lays atop. This article proposes the GlobalEdu model and its integration with two ubiquitous middlewares: ISAM and LOCAL. ISAM supports the creation of large-scale ubiquitous systems. As such, its integration with GlobalEdu results in large-scale ubiquitous learning environments. LOCAL is dedicated to create small-scale ubiquitous learning environments. The integration GlobalEdu/LOCAL results in a local ubiquitous learning environment. Based on this small-scale environment, the authors’ created a system and applied it in a practical scenario involving the community of a Computer Engineering undergraduate course. The system was positively evaluated by 20 individuals and the initial results attest the system’s usefulness.
Fahr's Disease Presenting with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Al-Jehani Hosam , Ajlan Abdulrazag , Sinclair David
Published: May 2012

Fahr's disease is a rare disorder of slowly progressive cognitive, psychiatric, and motor decline associated with idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (IBGC) and widespread calcification in the brain and cerebellum. Acute presentation of IBGC is most often as a seizure disorder; however, we present a case of an acute IBCG presentation in which the cause of the deterioration was an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Surgical Management of Aggressive Central Giant Cell Granuloma of Maxilla through Le Fort I Access Osteotomy
Authors: Reddy G. V. , Reddy G. Siva Prasad , Reddy N. V. S. Sekhar , Kumar Aswin
Published: May 2012

Giant cell granuloma (GCG) is an uncommon bony lesion in the head and neck region, most commonly affecting the maxilla and mandible and has a female predilection. The clinical behavior of central GCG ranges from a slowly growing asymptomatic swelling to an aggressive lesion. The clinical, radiological, histological features and management of an aggressive GCG of maxilla in an 18-year-old female patient are described and discussed. It is emphasized that surgery is the traditional and still the most accepted treatment for GCG. Le Fort I osteotomy has been advocated as one of the access osteotomy for the surgical management of aggressive and extensive GCG involving the maxilla. The postoperative morbidity and recurrence have been discussed.
Echo Planar Diffusion-Weighted Imaging: Possibilities and Considerations with 12- and 32-Channel Head Coils
Authors: Morelli John N , Saettele Megan R , Rangaswamy Rajesh A , Vu Lan , Gerdes Clint M , Zhang Wei , Ai Fei
Published: May 2012

Interest in clinical brain magnetic resonance imaging using 32-channel head coils for signal reception continues to increase. The present investigation assesses possibilities for improving diffusion-weighted image quality using a 32-channel in comparison to a conventional 12-channel coil. The utility of single-shot (ss) and an approach to readout-segmented (rs) echo planar imaging (EPI) are examined using both head coils. Substantial image quality improvements are found with rs-EPI. Imaging with a 32-channel head coil allows for implementation of greater parallel imaging acceleration factors or acquisition of scans at a higher resolution. Specifically, higher resolution imaging with rs-EPI can be achieved by increasing the number of readout segments without increasing echo-spacing or echo time to the degree necessary with ss-EPI — a factor resulting in increased susceptibility artifact and reduced signal-to-noise with the latter.
Adaptación de los hogares a la televisión digital terrestre en su primera fase de implantación en España
Authors: Sarabia-Andúgar Isabel , Sánchez-Martínez Josefina
Published: May 2012

La Unión Europea entiende que los actores principales en la transición digital son el ciudadano, el mercado y los poderes públicos. La complejidad de este proceso impide que exista un patrón único para la conversión y, en muchos casos, la migración digital está limitada por condicionamientos locales. Partiendo de esta hipótesis, este artículo pretende identificar las políticas nacionales, regionales y locales que favorecen la transición digital; conocer las condiciones tanto del mercado de la televisión, como del mercado de receptores de TDT e instaladores de infraestructura; y describir el proceso de migración digital en el hogar en una zona en la que se ha completado ya la primera fase de implantación de TDT. Para la consecución de estos objetivos, se han utilizado tres metodologías diferentes: se ha realizado un vaciado sistemático de fuentes oficiales; se han llevado a cabo entrevistas cerradas a una muestra de establecimientos no probabilística con carácter estratégico; y se ha ejecutado un sondeo de opinión por muestreo probabilístico a los habitantes de la zona del Proyecto de Transición de Ricote.
Parallel Tempering Simulation on Generalized Canonical Ensemble
Authors: Xu Shun , Zhou Xin , Ou-Yang Zhong-Can
Published: May 2012

Parallel tempering simulation is widely used in enhanced sampling of systems with complex energy surfaces. We hereby introduce generalized canonical ensemble (GCE) instead of the usual canonical ensemble into the parallel tempering to further improve abilities of the simulation technique. GCE utilizes an adapted weight function to obtain a unimodal energy distribution even in phase-coexisting region and then the parallel tempering on GCE yields the steady swap acceptance rates (SARs) instead of the fluctuated SARs in that on canonical ensemble. With the steady SARs, we can facilitate assign the parameters of the parallel tempering simulation to more efficiently reach equilibrium among different phases. We illustrate the parallel tempering simulation on GCE in the phase-coexisting region of 2-dimensional Potts model, a benchmark system for new simulation method developing. The result indicates that the new parallel tempering method is more efficient to estimate statistical quantities (i.e., to sample the conformational space) than the normal parallel tempering, specially in phase-coexisting regions of larger systems.
Numerical Solutions of Coupled Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations by Orthogonal Spline Collocation Method
Authors: Meng Qing-Jiang , Yin Li-Ping , Jin Xiao-Qing , Qiao Fang-Li
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we present the use of the orthogonal spline collocation method for the semi-discretization scheme of the one-dimensional coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations. This method uses the Hermite basis functions, by which physical quantities are approximated with their values and derivatives associated with Gaussian points. The convergence rate with order and the stability of the scheme are proved. Conservation properties are shown in both theory and practice. Extensive numerical experiments are presented to validate the numerical study under consideration.
A Finite Volume Upwind-Biased Centred Scheme for Hyperbolic Systems of Conservation Laws: Application to Shallow Water Equations
Authors: Stecca Guglielmo , Siviglia Annunziato , Toro Eleuterio F.
Published: May 2012

We construct a new first-order central-upwind numerical method for solving systems of hyperbolic equations in conservative form. It applies in multidimensional structured and unstructured meshes. The proposed method is an extension of the UFORCE method developed by Stecca, Siviglia and Toro, in which the upwind bias for the modification of the staggered mesh is evaluated taking into account the smallest and largest wave of the entire Riemann fan. The proposed first-order method is shown to be identical to the Godunov upwind method in applications to a 2 x 2 linear hyperbolic system. The method is then extended to non-linear systems and its performance is assessed by solving the two-dimensional inviscid shallow water equations. Extension to second-order accuracy is carried out using an ADER-WENO approach in the finite volume framework on unstructured meshes. Finally, numerical comparison with current competing numerical methods enables us to identify the salient features of the proposed method.