bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR‐106b is overexpressed in medulloblastomas and interacts directly with PTEN
Authors: Li Kay Ka‐Wai , Xia Tian , Ma Fanny Man Ting , Zhang Rong , Mao Ying , Wang Yin , Zhou Liangfu , Lau Kin‐Mang , Ng Ho‐Keung 
Published: July 2014

AimsMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant group of small non‐coding RNAs that have been implicated in tumorigenesis. They regulate expression of target genes by complementary base pairing. The purposes of this study were to delineate miR‐106b expression in medulloblastoma (MB) and to explore its functional contributions to MB pathogenesis.MethodsWe analysed expression of miR‐106b in 32 MB samples by quantitative RT‐PCR. We applied gain‐ and loss‐of‐function strategies to delineate the functional roles of miR‐106b in MB. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm target gene of miR‐106b.ResultsExpression of miR‐106b was overexpressed in MB, and was significantly associated with its host gene MCM7 (P = 0.020). Transfection of miR‐106b inhibitor in MB cell lines markedly reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion potential, and tumour sphere formation. Cell cycle analysis indicated that miR‐106b inhibition induced G1 arrest and apoptosis. The cell cycle regulators, p21 and cyclin D1, and apoptotic marker cleaved PARP were differentially expressed in miR‐106b inhibitor‐transfected cells. PTEN was identified as a direct target gene of miR‐106b. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed miR‐106b directly interacted with the 3′ UTR of PTEN. We found miR‐106b directly targeted PTEN at transcriptional and translational levels. Immunohistochemistry revealed a trend between PTEN and miR‐106b in MB tumours (P = 0.07).ConclusionsThese data suggested the upregulation of miR‐106b in MB and the involvement of miR‐106b in MB biology.
Mycenaean Burnt Animal Sacrifice atEleusis
Authors: Cosmopoulos Michael B. , Ruscillo Deborah 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBurnt animal sacrifice is well attested inGreek historical times, but whether it was practised in theMycenaean period is debated. Until now, the lack of architectural structures suitable for the ritual burning of animals and the ambiguity surrounding the interpretation of burnt faunal assemblages have been used as arguments against the occurrence of such sacrifices in theLateBronzeAge. In this paper, it is proposed that the platform in front of theMycenaeanMegaronBatEleusis was an altar used for burnt animal sacrifices and that a group of burnt pig bones found in a drain in front of this platform was burnt ritually on the platform and then swept into the drain.
The Early Iron Age at Troy Reconsidered
Authors: Aslan Carolyn , Kealhofer Lisa , Grave Peter 
Published: July 2014

SummaryNeutron Activation Analysis (NAA) of Protogeometric ceramics at Troy supports a revision of our understanding of the site in the Protogeometric period. Previous interpretations of this period at Troy emphasized the importance of either Greek migration or Greek trade networks. A category of amphoras previously thought to be imports appears to have been made locally. NAA also indicates local production of a new class of handmade cooking pots, as well as more traditional Gray ware vessels. Analysis reveals a high degree of cultural continuity at Iron Age Troy, with inhabitants adopting and adapting a wider vocabulary of Protogeometric vessel types in the Aegean while integrating them with established local pottery traditions and resource use. The combinations of local and non‐local components seen at Troy are more consistent with long‐term dynamic Aegean interaction spheres than with more tenuous models of Aeolian migration or Euboian expansion.
Arts and Crafts inIronAgeBritain: Reconsidering the Aesthetic Effects of Weaving Combs
Authors: Chittock Helen 
Published: July 2014

SummaryRecent years have witnessed the formal acknowledgement of the privileged position from which decorative media inIronAgeBritain have traditionally been studied. Tension remains, however, between the study of the decorated metals that formed the basis for models ofCeltic expansion, and decorated non‐metals. Despite the general paucity of decoration inIronAgeBritain, decorated non‐metals are still not viewed in the same light of social significance as metals. This paper will examine weaving combs fromGlastonburyLakeVillage, highly decorated objects of antler and bone. By concentrating on the fabrication and display of weaving combs, I aim to highlight the potential significance of the aesthetic effects of these objects.
Crusted scabies is associated with increased IL‐17 secretion by skin T cells
Authors: Liu X. , Walton S. F. , Murray H. C. , King M. , Kelly A. , Holt D. C. , Currie B. J. , McCarthy J. S. , Mounsey K. E. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryScabies is an ectoparasitic infestation by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Although commonly self‐limiting, a fraction of patients develop severely debilitating crusted scabies. The immune mechanisms underlying the development of crusted scabies are unclear, and undertaking longitudinal infection studies in humans is difficult. We utilized a porcine model to compare cellular immune responses in peripheral blood and skin of pigs with different clinical manifestations of scabies (n = 12), and in uninfected controls (n = 6). Although clinical symptoms were not evident until at least 4 weeks post‐infestation, the numbers of peripheral IFNγ‐secreting CD4+ T cells and γδ T cells increased in infected pigs from week 1 post‐infestation. γδ T cells remained increased in the blood at week 15 post‐infestation. At week 15, skin cell infiltrates from pigs with crusted scabies had significantly higher CD8+ T cell, γδ T cell and IL‐17+ cell numbers than those with ordinary scabies. Peripheral IL‐17 levels were not increased, suggesting that localized skin IL‐17‐secreting T cells may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of crusted scabies development. Given the potential of anti‐IL‐17 immunotherapy demonstrated for other inflammatory skin diseases, this study may provide a novel therapeutic avenue for patients with recurrent crusted scabies.
Development of tear production and intraocular pressure in healthy canine neonates
Authors: Verboven Chantal A. P. M. , Djajadiningrat‐Laanen Sylvia C. , Teske Erik , Boevé Michael H. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the development of aqueous tear production and intraocular pressure in healthy canine neonates between 2 and 12 weeks of age.AnimalsOne litter, consisting of 8 healthy Beagle dogs—four males and four females—was used.ProceduresBetween the age of 2 and 12 weeks, tear production and intraocular pressure were measured weekly in both eyes. Tear production was measured by Schirmer tear test, before (STT1) and after (STT2) topical anesthesia and drying of the conjunctival sac. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using a rebound tonometer. As no significant differences existed between left and right eye measurements (STT1, STT2, and IOP) at all time points, only right eye measurements were further analyzed.ResultsSTT1, STT2, and IOP values increased significantly until the age of 9 weeks for STT1, until the age of 10 weeks for STT2, and until the age of 6 weeks and again between 10 and 11 weeks of age for IOP. IOP decreased significantly between 11 and 12 weeks of age. There were no significant differences in STT1, STT2, and IOP between males and females, except for IOP at 10 and 12 weeks of age. No significant correlation was demonstrated between body weight and STT1 or STT2.ConclusionsSTT1, STT2, and IOP values increased significantly in the first weeks after birth. The results of this study indicate that separate reference values for tear production and intraocular pressure need to be established for neonatal dogs.
Developing Creative and Critical Thinking Skills in an Authentic Learning Environment
Authors: Yeen-Ju Heidi Tan , Mai Neo , Tse Kian Neo , Wai Jing Kwok , Kai Wen Lee , Chen Haw Lai 
Published: July 2014

The Malaysian Ministry of Education has called for a need to produce skilled graduates that are highly employable. In this study, Herrington and Kervin’s Authentic Learning principles were adapted into the design of an Authentic Learning environment that is driven by a problem-based group project. The impact of this learning environment on engaging students’ creative and critical thinking as well as the students’ perception towards the Authentic Learning environment was studied. The learning environment was designed to center on an authentic problem-based group project and was supported by multimedia and web technologies. Results indicate that Authentic Learning principles, when adapted into a learning environment engaged the use of higher-order thinking skills, encouraged the cultivation of crucial skills, made learning an active process, and enhanced understanding. Students responded positively towards the Authentic Learning environment as learning became more relevant. The positive results of this study provide support for the development of more Authentic Learning environments to engage students’ creative and critical thinking skills, thereby answering the call of the national agenda to produce industry-ready graduates with skills that make them highly employable.
Enhancing Secured Data Hiding Using Dynamic Digital Signature for Authentication Purpose
Authors: Noroozi Erfaneh , Mohd Daud Salwani , Sabouhi Ali 
Published: July 2014

As a significant verification method, digital signature algorithm introduces a technique to endorse what the contents of the message. This message has not been altered throughout the communication process. Due to this, it increases the receiver confidence that the message was unchanged. However, two issues that required to be addressed are large size of the ciphered data in digital signature and making it closer to the original file. The objective of this paper is to present the adoption of digital signature as a stegano-image into the main image and the LSB steganographic method is capable to increase the security. The benefits of this encryption algorithm are computational efficiency, digital signature with the size as small as 8 bytes and minimize bandwidth in comparison with other digital signature methods. In messages with the sizes smaller than 1600 bytes, the hashed file reduces the original file up to 8.51%.
Wideband Aperture-Coupled Dielectric Resonator Antenna at 5.8 GHz
Authors: Jamaluddin Mohd Haizal , Chai Eu Guan , Abdul Rahim Sharul Kamal , Dzulkipli Nur Izyani 
Published: July 2014

In this paper, a wideband aperture coupled dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is presented using a rectangular dielectric resonator to increase operational bandwidth. By choosing a suitable combination of the DRA shape and slot, the resonance frequency from the aperture and DRA can be merged to achieve wideband frequency response without comprising antenna radiation efficiency and polarization. Effects of varying parameter in DRA size, slot dimension and feedline length on return-loss bandwidth are analysed. The proposed technique yields 43% bandwidth in simulation and 21% bandwidth in measurement.
Reservoirs of Listeria Species in Three Environmental Ecosystems
Authors: Linke Kristina , Rückerl Irene , Brugger Katharina , Karpiskova Renata , Walland Julia , Muri-Klinger Sonja , Tichy Alexander , Wagner Martin , Stessl Beatrix 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Soil and water are suggested to represent pivotal niches for the transmission of
Listeria monocytogenes
to plant material, animals, and the food chain. In the present study, 467 soil and 68 water samples were collected in 12 distinct geological and ecological sites in Austria from 2007 to 2009.
Listeria
was present in 30% and 26% of the investigated soil and water samples, respectively. Generally, the most dominant species in soil and water samples were
Listeria seeligeri
,
L. innocua
, and
L. ivanovii
. The human- and animal-pathogenic
L. monocytogenes
was isolated exclusively from 6% soil samples in regions A (mountainous region) and B (meadow). Distinct ecological preferences were observed for
L. seeligeri
and
L. ivanovii
, which were more often isolated from wildlife reserve region C (Lake Neusiedl) and from sites in proximity to wild and domestic ruminants (region A). The higher
L. monocytogenes
detection and antibiotic resistance rates in regions A and B could be explained by the proximity to agricultural land and urban environment.
L. monocytogenes
multilocus sequence typing corroborated this evidence since sequence type 37 (ST37), ST91, ST101, and ST517 were repeatedly isolated from regions A and B over several months. A higher
L. monocytogenes
detection and strain variability was observed during flooding of the river Schwarza (region A) and Danube (region B) in September 2007, indicating dispersion via watercourses.
A mineral system approach to iron ore in Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic BIF of Western Australia
Authors: Angerer Thomas , Duuring Paul , Hagemann Steffen G. , Thorne Warren , McCuaig T. Campbell 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
This review paper examines banded iron formation-hosted higher-grade (>58 wt% Fe) iron ore types present in the two main metallogenic districts of Western Australia, the Yilgarn Craton and the Hamersley Province. The principal iron ore deposits from both districts exhibit variation in ore properties and genesis within and across districts, but also striking similarities. There are five critical elements involved in iron ore formation and preservation: (a) BIF iron fertility defined by stratigraphic and geodynamic setting; (b) Si-dissolving fluid flow; (c) high permeability at a range of scales; (d) exhumation and supergene modification; and (e) preservation of BIF-hosted iron ore bodies by surficial modification, cover or structures (downdrop, overthrust). Several subsidiary or constituent processes are important for the formation of distinct iron ore types and have expressions as (mappable) targeting elements. Deposits in the Hamersley Province record the presence of basinal brines and meteoric fluids, whereas deposits in the Yilgarn Craton, while less well constrained, suggest the influence of metamorphic/magmatic and meteoric fluids. A scheme for BIF alteration related to ore formation in a crustal depth continuum is presented, which integrates pressure-/temperature-dependency of assemblages, fluid–rock ratios and Si-dissolution capability and is a conceptual guide to prospective zones for iron ore.
Improving social functioning and reducing social isolation and loneliness among people with enduring mental illness: Report of a randomised controlled trial of supported socialisation
Authors: Sheridan Ann J , Drennan Jonathan , Coughlan Barbara , O’Keeffe Donal , Frazer Kate , Kemple Mary , Alexander Denise , Howlin Frances , Fahy Anne , Kow Veronica , O’Callaghan Eadbhard 
Published: July 2014

Background: This randomised controlled trial examined if for people with enduring mental illness, being supported to socialise leads to improved social functioning, increased self-esteem and extended social networks; a reduction in social isolation, social, emotional and family loneliness and a reduction in illness symptoms, namely depression. Methods: A prospective randomised controlled trial was undertaken from November 2007 to September 2011. Service users with a diagnosis of enduring mental illness (>18 years) were invited to participate. Participants were randomly allocated to intervention or control group conditions in a 1:1 ratio. Intervention group participants were matched with a volunteer partner, asked to engage in social/leisure activities for 2 hours weekly over a 9-month period, and received a €20 stipend monthly. Control group participants received a €20 monthly stipend and were asked to engage in a weekly social/leisure activity. Social functioning, the primary outcome, was measured using the Social Functioning Scale (SFS) at three time points (baseline, midpoint and endpoint). Findings: In all, 107 people completed this study. There were no significant differences between control and intervention groups at the commencement of the intervention on demographic characteristics or the main outcome measures of interest. Overall social functioning positively changed throughout the three time points from a mean of 99·7 (standard deviation ( SD) = 15.1) at baseline, to a mean of 106.0 ( SD = 27.0) at the endpoint for the control group, and from a mean of 100·4 ( SD = 15.0) at Time 1 for the intervention group, to a mean of 104.1 ( SD = 23.4) at the endpoint for the intervention group. Conclusions: The intervention showed no statistical differences between the control and intervention groups on primary or secondary outcome measures. The stipend and the stipend plus volunteer partner led to an increase in recreational social functioning; a decrease in levels of social loneliness, in depression and in the proportion living within a vulnerable social network.
Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on erythropoiesis in patients on haemodialysis
Authors: Kiss Zoltán , Ambrus Csaba , Kulcsár Imre , Szegedi János , Kiss István ,   on behalf of the ACEGENE-BB_HU workgroup, Benke Attila , Borbás Béla , Ferenczi Sándor , Hengsperger Mária , Kazup Szilvia , Nagy Lajos , Németh József , Rozinka Antal , Szabó Tamás , Szelestei Tamás , Tóth Eszter , Varga Gábor , Wágner Gyula , Zakar Gábor 
Published: July 2014

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) improve survival; however, their effect on erythropoiesis remains a matter of debate in this population. Since insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene largely influences serum ACE activity, its effect on erythropoiesis is also anticipated. Method: In this multicentre, cross-sectional study of 660 patients on maintenance haemodialysis, we analysed the effect of ACEi use and ACE gene I/D polymorphism on haemoglobin levels and erythropoietin resistance. Patients were allocated in groups based on genotype and ACEi therapy. We identified 128 matched pairs with I/I and D/D genotypes. Result: There was no difference in haemoglobin levels between genotype groups. Haemoglobin levels were lower in patients on ACEi therapy in the entire cohort (95.5±12.1 g/l vs 97.4±13.4 g/l, p=0.02) and patients with I/D (95.2±11 g/l vs 98.2±11.9 g/l, p=0.04) and D/D (93.3±13.2 g/l vs 97.4±14.2 g/l, p=0.02) genotypes. In patient pairs treated with ACEi therapy, subjects with D/D genotype had lower Haemoglobin level (93.0±12.8 g/l vs 98.2±11.9 g/l, p=0.006) and higher erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) (199.1 vs 175.0, p=0.046) than individuals with I/I genotype. Conclusion: These results indicate that ACEi therapy may increase erythropoietin resistance and worsen erythropoiesis in haemodialysis patients with the D allele.
Association of insertion/deletion polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene among Malay male hypertensive subjects in response to ACE inhibitors
Authors: Heidari Farzad , Vasudevan Ramachandran , Mohd Ali Siti Zubaidah , Ismail Patimah , Etemad Ali , Pishva Seyyed Reza , Othman Fauziah , Bakar Suhaili Abu 
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Several studies show that the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been associated with hypertension in various populations. The present study sought to determine the association of the I/D gene polymorphism among Malay male essential hypertensive subjects in response to ACE inhibitors (enalapril and lisinopril). Materials and methods: A total of 72 patients with newly diagnosed hypertension and 72 healthy subjects were recruited in this study. Blood pressure was recorded from 0 to 24 weeks of treatment with enalapril or lisinopril. Genotyping of the I/D polymorphism was carried out using a standard PCR method. Results: Statistically significant association of the D allele of the ACE gene was observed between the case and control subjects ( p < 0.01). There was a decrease in blood pressure in the patients carrying the DD genotype (SBP=18.5±8.1 mmHg, DBP=15.29±7.1 mmHg) rather than the ID (SBP=4.1±3.3 mmHg, DBP=9.1±3.5 mmHg) and II genotypes (SBP= 3.0±0.2 mmHg, DBP 0.11±6.1 mmHg) of the ACE gene. Conclusion: Patients carrying the DD genotype had higher blood pressure-lowering response when treated with ACE inhibitors enalapril or lisinopril than those carrying ID and II genotypes, suggesting that the D allele may be a possible genetic marker for essential hypertension among Malay male subjects.
Southwest Oncology Group S0802: A Randomized, Phase II Trial of Weekly Topotecan With and Without Ziv-Aflibercept in Patients With Platinum-Treated Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Allen Jeffrey W. , Moon James , Redman Mary , Gadgeel Shirish M. , Kelly Karen , Mack Philip C. , Saba Hanna M. , Mohamed Mohamed K. , Jahanzeb Mohammad , Gandara David R. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose Development of new therapies for previously treated small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a major unmet need. Here, we describe a randomized, phase II trial of weekly topotecan with or without ziv-aflibercept (VEGF-trap) in this clinical setting. Patients and Methods Patients with previously treated SCLC (one line of platinum-based chemotherapy), performance status of 0 to 1, adequate organ function, treated brain metastases, and no recent vascular events or bleeding diatheses were eligible. Eligible patients were stratified as platinum-sensitive or platinum-refractory and randomly assigned to receive weekly topotecan 4 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) with or without ziv-aflibercept 6 mg/kg IV every 21 days. Progression-free survival (PFS) at 3 months was the primary end point. Results In 189 randomly assigned patients, treatment arms were well balanced with regard to clinical characteristics. The 3-month PFS was significantly improved with the addition of ziv-aflibercept in patients who had platinum-refractory disease (27% v 10%; P = .02) but not in patients with platinum-sensitive disease (24% v 15%; P = .22). Although response rate was low, disease control rate was higher with combination therapy than with topotecan alone in patients who had platinum-sensitive disease (37% v 18%; P = .05) and in those who had platinum-refractory disease (25% v 15%; P = .14). Overall survival (OS) was not significantly improved in either strata. Grades 3 to 5 toxicities were more common with the addition of ziv-aflibercept. Conclusion Ziv-aflibercept improved the 3-month PFS in patients who had platinum-refractory SCLC, but its addition increased toxicity. OS was similar with combined ziv-aflibercept and topotecan compared with topotecan in both strata.
Quadratic Chabauty:p-adic heights and integral points on hyperelliptic curves
Authors: Balakrishnan Jennifer S. , Besser Amnon , Müller J. Steffen 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe give a formula for the component atpof thep-adic height pairing of a divisor of degree 0 on a hyperelliptic curve. We use this to give a Chabauty-like method for findingp-adic approximations top-integral points on such curves when the Mordell–Weil rank of the Jacobian equals the genus. In this case we get an explicit bound for the number of suchp-integral points, and we are able to use the method in explicit computation. An important aspect of the method is that it only requires a basis of the Mordell–Weil group tensored withℚ$\mathbb{Q}$.