bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclooxygenase‐2 over‐expression inhibits liver apoptosis induced by hyperglycemia
Authors: Francés Daniel E.A. , Ingaramo Paola I. , Mayoral Rafael , Través Paqui , Casado Marta , Valverde Ángela M. , Martín‐Sanz Paloma , Carnovale Cristina E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIncreased expression of COX‐2 has been linked to inflammation and carcinogenesis. Constitutive expression of COX‐2 protects hepatocytes from several pro‐apoptotic stimuli. Increased hepatic apoptosis has been observed in experimental models of diabetes. Our present aim was to analyze the role of COX‐2 as a regulator of apoptosis in diabetic mouse liver. Mice of C57BL/6 strain wild type (Wt) and transgenic in COX‐2 (hCOX‐2 Tg) were separated into Control (vehicle) and SID (streptozotocin induced diabetes, 200 mg/kg body weight, i.p.). Seven days post‐injection, Wt diabetic animals showed a decrease in PI3K activity and P‐Akt levels, an increase of P‐JNK, P‐p38, pro‐apoptotic Bad and Bax, release of cytochrome c and activities of caspases‐3 and ‐9, leading to an increased apoptotic index. This situation was improved in diabetic COX‐2 Tg. In addition, SID COX‐2 Tg showed increased expression of anti‐apoptotic Mcl‐1 and XIAP. Pro‐apoptotic state in the liver of diabetic animals was improved by over‐expression of COX‐2. We also analyzed the roles of high glucose‐induced apoptosis and hCOX‐2 in vitro. Non‐transfected and hCOX‐2‐transfected cells were cultured at 5 and 25 mM of glucose by 72 h. At 25 mM there was an increase in apoptosis in non‐transfected cells versus those exposed to 5 mM. This increase was partly prevented in transfected cells at 25 mM. Moreover, the protective effect observed in hCOX‐2‐transfected cells was suppressed by addition of DFU (COX‐2 selective inhibitor), and mimicked by addition of PGE2 in non‐transfected cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that hyperglycemia‐induced hepatic apoptosis is protected by hCOX‐2 expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 669–680, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Actin realignment and cofilin regulation are essential for barrier integrity during shear stress
Authors: Slee Joshua B. , Lowe‐Krentz Linda J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractVascular endothelial cells and their actin microfilaments align in the direction of fluid shear stress (FSS) in vitro and in vivo. To determine whether cofilin, an actin severing protein, is required in this process, the levels of phospho‐cofilin (serine‐3) were evaluated in cells exposed to FSS. Phospho‐cofilin levels decreased in the cytoplasm and increased in the nucleus during FSS exposure. This was accompanied by increased nuclear staining for activated LIMK, a cofilin kinase. Blocking stress kinases JNK and p38, known to play roles in actin realignment during FSS, decreased cofilin phosphorylation under static conditions, and JNK inhibition also resulted in decreased phospho‐cofilin during FSS exposure. Inhibition of dynamic changes in cofilin phosphorylation through cofilin mutants decreased correct actin realignment. The mutants also decreased barrier integrity as did inhibition of the stress kinases. These results identify the importance of cofilin in the process of actin alignment and the requirement for actin realignment in endothelial barrier integrity during FSS. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 782–795, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carotid doppler ultrasonography as a surrogate for coronary CT angiography to exclude subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients with a negative coronary calcium score
Authors: Rim Jee Hyun , Lee Hwa Yeon , Yoo Seung Min , Jung Hye Young , White Charles S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPurpose:To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of carotid Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) to predict the presence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic subjects with a zero coronary calcium score.Methods:Retrospective study of CDU and coronary CT angiography (CTA) findings in 118 asymptomatic subjects with a zero calcium score. CDU was considered abnormal when carotid intima‐media thickness was >75 percentile or was ≥ 1 mm, or in presence of carotid plaque(s). We analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of CDU to predict the presence of non‐calcified coronary plaque in comparison with coronary CTA.Results:The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of abnormal CDU to identify the presence of non‐calcified coronary plaque on coronary CTA were 82.4% [(14/17); 95% confidence interval (CI), 56.6%‐96.2%], 53.5% [(54/101); 95% CI, 43.3%‐63.5%], 23.0% [(14/61); 95% CI, 13.1%‐35.6%], and 94.7% [(54/57); 95% CI, 85.4%‐98.9%], respectively.Conclusions:Although CDU has a low PPV for identifying the presence of non‐calcified plaque on coronary CTA, its NPV is high to exclude subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic subjects with a zero calcium score. © Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013
Radiofluorination and reductive amination using a microfluidic device
Authors: Dahl Kenneth , Schou Magnus , Halldin Christer 
Published: October 2012

A commercial microfluidic device (NanoTek, Advion) was used as a synthesis platform for the preparation of fluorine‐18 labelled tertiary amines in two consecutive steps. Firstly, the nucleophilic radiofluorination of an aromatic aldehyde and secondly, the reductive amination to produce the corresponding amine. Fluorine‐18 labelled [18F]fluorobenzaldehyde ([18F]2) was obtained in an analytical radiochemical yield (rcy) of 93% and a preparative yield of 60% (decay corrected). The produced [18F]2 was applied in two model reactions yielding [18F]5 and [18F]6 in analytical rcy 70 and 75%, respectively. To further test the utility of this methodology, a delta opioid agonist, [18F]8, was also radiolabelled using the same setup in an analytical rcy of 29%.In a preparative run, 1050 MBq (28.4 mCi) isolated product ([18F]6) was obtained in a 37.5% decay corrected overall rcy calculated from [18F]fluoride. The radiochemical purity of [18F]6 was greater than 99% and the specific radioactivity 298 GBq/µmol (8052 Ci/mmol) at end of synthesis.
Regional values of diffusional kurtosis estimates in the healthy brain
Authors: Lätt Jimmy , Nilsson Markus , Wirestam Ronnie , Ståhlberg Freddy , Karlsson Nils , Johansson Mikael , Sundgren Pia C. , van Westen Danielle 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPurpose:To provide estimates of the diffusional kurtosis in the healthy brain in anatomically defined areas and list these along previously reported values in pathologies.Materials and Methods:Thirty‐six volunteers (mean age = 33.1 years; range, 19–64 years) underwent diffusional kurtosis imaging. Mean kurtosis (MK), radial kurtosis (RK), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were determined in 26 anatomical structures. Parameter estimates were assessed regarding age dependence.Results:MK varied from 1.38 in the splenium of the corpus callosum to 0.66 in the caudate head, MD varied from 0.68 to 0.62 μm2/ms and FA from 0.87 to 0.29. MK, and FA showed a strong positive correlation, RK and RD a strong negative correlation. Parameter estimates showed age correlation in some regions; also the average MK and RK for all WM and all GM areas, respectively, were negatively correlated with age.Conclusion:DKI parameter estimates MK and RK varied depending on the anatomical region and varied with age in pooled WM and GM data. MK estimates in the internal capsule, corpus callosum, and thalamus were consistent with previous studies. The range of values of MK and RK in healthy brain overlapped with that in pathologies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:610–618. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute Stress and Cardiovascular Health: Is There an ACE Gene Connection?
Authors: Holman E. Alison 
Published: October 2012

Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) are associated with acute and posttraumatic stress responses, yet biological processes underlying this association are poorly understood. This study examined whether renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system activity, as indicated by a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene, is associated with both CVD and acute stress related to the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks. European‐American respondents (N = 527) from a nationally representative longitudinal study of coping following 9/11 provided saliva for genotyping. Respondents had completed health surveys before 9/11 and annually for 3 years after, and acute stress assessments 9 to 23 days after 9/11. Respondents with rs4291 AA or TT genotypes reported high acute stress twice as often as those with the AT genotype. Individuals with the TT genotype were 43% more likely to report increased physician‐diagnosed CVD over 3 years following 9/11, when the following variables were included in the model: (a) pre‐9/11 CVD, mental health, and non‐CVD ailments; (b) cardiac risk factors; (c) ongoing endocrine disorders; and (d) significant demographics. The ACE rs4291 TT genotype, which has been associated with HPA axis hyperactivity and higher levels of serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), predicted acute stress response and reports of physician‐diagnosed CVD in a national sample following collective stress. ACE gene function may be associated with both mental and physical health disorders following collective stress.
Collagen‐Reinforced Electrospun Silk Fibroin Tubular Construct as Small Calibre Vascular Graft
Authors: Marelli Benedetto , Achilli Matteo , Alessandrino Antonio , Freddi Giuliano , Tanzi Maria Cristina , Farè Silvia , Mantovani Diego 
Published: October 2012

AbstractNone of the replacements proposed in the literature for small‐calibre blood vessels (SCBV) fully satisfies the stringent requirements that these grafts have to fulfil. Here, an electrospun silk fibroin tubular construct is hybridized with type I collagen gel to produce a biomimetic SCBV graft with physiologically relevant compliance and burst pressure and optimal cytocompatibility. The hybridization of the two polymers results in the formation of a nanofibrillar hydrated matrix, where the collagen gel enhances the mechanical properties of the SF tubular construct and improves the early response of the material to in vitro cell adhesion and proliferation. magnified image
An Investigation of Children's Ability to Identify Sponsors and Understand Sponsorship Intentions
Authors: Grohs Reinhard , Wagner Udo , Steiner Regina 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTSponsorship has become an important tool for companies that target children with their market offerings. Despite growing firm interest in assessing sponsorship effectiveness and public concern about the effects on children, research to date has not investigated how sponsorship functions for children. This article addresses both issues by examining children's perceptions of sponsors (i.e., ability to identify sponsors in different conditions) and their perceptions of sponsorship (i.e., ability to understand sponsorship intentions). Because prior research on these issues is scarce, the conceptual reasoning relies on findings from advertising literature pertaining to children and sponsorship literature. An empirical study features sponsorships in a theme park for children. The results reveal implications for managers and public policymakers, as well as avenues for further research.
Synthesis and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotube/polyurethane composites via surface modification multiwalled carbon nanotubes using silane coupling agent
Authors: Zhou Liming , Fang Shaoming , Tang Jiayou , Gao Lijun , Yang Junya 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWell‐dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyurethane (MWCNTs/PU) composites were synthesized in situ polymerization based on treating MWCNTs with nitric acid and silane coupling agent. The morphology and degree of dispersion of the MWCNTs were studied using a high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). The result showed that MWCNTs could be dispersed still in the PU matrix well with the addition of 2 wt% MWCNTs. The thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were characterized by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile, and impact testing. The result suggested that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of composites increased greatly with increasing MWCNTs content slightly, and the MWCNTs is also helpful to improve mechanical properties of composites. Furthermore, the composites have an excellent mechanical property with the addition of 0.5 wt% MWCNTs. The electrical property testing indicates that the MWCNTs can improve evidently the electrical properties of composites when adding 1 wt% MWCNTs to the PU matrix. The volume resistivity of composites reaches to an equilibrium value. POLYM. COMPOS., 33:1866–1873, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of montmorillonite on the electron beam irradiated alumina trihydrate added polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposite
Authors: Bee Soo‐Tueen , Hassan Azman , Ratnam Chantara T. , Tee Tiam‐Ting , Sin Lee Tin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis study aims at investigating the effects of montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite on the electron beam irradiated alumina trihydrate flame retardant added polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate blends (FRLE). The addition of MMT into FRLE blends has increased the limiting oxygen index (LOI%), which corresponds the improvement of flame resistivity, whereas increasing amount of MMT and irradiation dosage were found moderately influenced LOI% of the blends. However, incorporation of MMT has shown reinforcing effect to the FRLE, where the tensile strength for the samples subjected to 150 and 250 kGy irradiation have increased for 10.7 and 27%, respectively. In addition, increasing loading level of MMT and irradiation dosage caused inferior effects to the surface and volume resistivity of FRLE as high as four folds. This is due to the enhancement of transportability of MMT ionic in polymer matrix that caused the reduction of resistivity of FRLE. POLYM. COMPOS., 33:1883–1892, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Poly(ester‐amine) hyperbranched polymer as toughening and co‐curing agent for epoxy/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Eissa Mohamed M. , Youssef Moshera S.A. , Ramadan A.M. , Amin Amal 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe marriage between hardness and flexibility of epoxy resins (improved toughness) is a desired feature, which broads their application in various industrial fields, especially for high impact resistance purposes. Accordingly, this work aims to improve toughness properties of epoxy resin (Epon‐828)/Ancamine (curing agent) system using amino‐terminated hyperbranched poly(ester‐amine) [Poly(PEODA‐NPA)] (HP) as toughening and/or co‐curing agent, in presence of organo‐modified Montmorillonite clay (OMMT) as a reinforcing filler. HP was synthesized via Michael addition reaction of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEODA) to N‐methyl‐1,3‐propanediamine (NPA). Chemical structure and molecular weight of HP were elucidated using infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) techniques, respectively. Epoxy/OMMT nanocomposites toughened with HP (at different concentrations) showed remarkable improvement in their toughness without any adverse effect on the other physico‐mechanical properties. The optimum concentration of HP and OMMT was found to be 20 wt % and 1–3 wt% of the epoxy resin, respectively. The extent of exfoliation and dispersion of OMMT platelets within the epoxy cured films was assessed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. In addition, thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA‐DTA) of epoxy/OMMT nanocomposites toughened with HP showed a slight increase in their decomposition temperature, particularly at low OMMT loading. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Upregulation of miR‐153 promotes cell proliferation via downregulation of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene in human prostate cancer
Authors: Wu Ziqing , He Benfu , He Jincan , Mao Xiangming 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDAccumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs play a pivotal role in the development and progression of prostate cancer. The present study was aimed at clarifying the biological functions of miR‐153, one of the upregulated microRNAs in prostate cancers, and the signaling transduction induced by miR‐153.METHODSmiR‐153 was identified to be overexpressed in prostate cancers. The probable biological function of miR‐153 in cellular proliferation was then examined by diverse assays, such as MTT, colony formation and BrdUrd incorporation assay. Moreover, real‐time PCR and western blotting analysis were applied to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism induced by miR‐153. Luciferase assays were used to determined the FOXO1 transactivity and the direct regulation of PTEN‐3′‐UTR by miR‐153.RESULTSHigh‐throughput method identified miR‐153 to be upregulated in prostate cancers, which is further confirmed by the upregulated expression in four paired prostate tumor/adjacent non‐cancerous tissues from the same patients. Further studies revealed that overexpression of miR‐153 promoted cell cycle transition and cell proliferation, while inhibition of miR‐153 reduced this effect. Moreover, miR‐153 overexpression in prostate cancer cells increased the G1/S transitional promoter, cyclin D1 expression, and decreased cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, p21Cip1expression. In addition, we demonstrated that miR‐153 directly targeted the PTEN tumor suppressor gene, activated the AKT signaling and downregulated FOXO1 transcriptional activity.CONCLUSIONSTaken together, our results suggest that miR‐153 play an important role in promoting proliferation of human prostate cancer cells and present a novel mechanism of microRNA‐mediated direct suppression of PTEN expression in prostate cancer cells. Prostate 73: 596–604, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multi‐Fuel Driven Janus Micromotors
Authors: Gao Wei , D'Agostino Mattia , Garcia‐Gradilla Victor , Orozco Jahir , Wang Joseph 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHere the first example of a chemically powered micromotor that harvests its energy from the reactions of three different fuels is presented. The new Al/Pd Janus microspheres—prepared by depositing a Pd layer on one side of Al microparticles—are propelled efficiently by the thrust of hydrogen bubbles generated from different reactions of Al in strong acidic and alkaline environments, and by an oxygen bubble thrust produced at their partial Pd coating in hydrogen peroxide media. High speeds and long lifetimes of 200 μm s−1 and 8 min are achieved in strong alkaline media and acidic media, respectively. The ability to autonomously adapt to the presence of a new fuel (surrounding environment), without compromising the propulsion behavior is illustrated. These data also represent the first example of a chemically powered micromotor that propels autonomously and efficiently in alkaline environments (pH > 11) without additional fuels. The ability to use multiple fuel sources to power the same micromotor offers a broader scope of operation and considerable promise for diverse applications of micromotors in different chemical environments.
Practical dissonance: Bridging the gap between academia and agencies
Authors: Rupp Susan P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTraditional natural resource programs in higher education tend to target biota, habitat, and human users and/or values as interacting components of a system. In the 2007 Journal of Wildlife Management article “Dinosaur Ramblings,” Scalet (2007) described a shifting continuum between applied or management‐oriented research and basic ecological research that continues to challenge how programs in higher education approach the training of young professionals. In a 2008 issue of the same journal, a seminar on this topic resulted in students publishing “Dinosaur Evolution: Student Response to Dinosaur Ramblings,” (Parker et al. ) in which they concurred that this continuum exists, but argued that change has been more an integration of applied and basic research as opposed to a shift away from management. The multiple‐use mission of many organizations today requires a more holistic approach to management. However, professionals often report that students lack the basic skills needed for applied management. I propose an alternative model, based on modern psychological principles, that redirects our focus toward the area of greatest concern—the apparent and increasing disconnect between what is taught to students in academic settings and what agencies expect from employees in practice, as both make the shift to more holistic management at different rates. The magnitude of this “practical dissonance” can be reduced by changing practices, adding consonant activities, or altering the perceived importance of those discrepancies to bring the trajectories more in line with each other. Change is inevitable in society, higher education, and natural resource management; our responsibility is to ensure that the link between agencies and higher education is maintained and strengthened. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Artificial roosts for tree‐roosting bats in northern Arizona
Authors: Mering Elisabeth D. , Chambers Carol L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBats use large (69 cm mean diameter) ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) snags for maternity roosts in northern Arizona. Anthropogenic causes have altered forest structure, decreasing density of large snags. To examine use of artificial roosts for bats in these forests, we selected 26 sites and 2 treatments (clustered, single) using 1 type of roost (resin or wood) per site. At each site, we installed 4 roosts on ponderosa pine trees with a cluster of 3 roosts (south‐, east‐, or west‐facing; <20 m apart) and a single roost (south‐facing) 250–350 m away. We checked roosts every 2 weeks for use (guano or bats) and monitored internal temperatures every 2 hours from May through September in 2009 and 2010. Bats used 52% of roosts (19 roosts in 2009, 49 in 2010) at least once and colonized resin roosts sooner than wood roosts. Sites with clustered resin roosts were used more than single roosts. Bats used south‐ and east‐facing resin roosts more and these had warmer average temperatures than west‐facing roosts. We captured 47 bats of 5 species using artificial roosts. We only captured male bats from roosts in 2009, juveniles and females were also captured in 2010 but no maternity roosts were documented. We recommend that resin roosts placed in clusters on live trees be used to supplement natural roosts in ponderosa pine forests. Because use increased with time we suspect artificial roosts may be used for several years before establishment of maternity colonies. Artificial roosts require annual maintenance (e.g., waterproofing) to maintain function and can be expensive to install and maintain. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.