bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermally Identified Subgroups of Marginal Zone Neurons Project to Distinct Regions of the Ventral Posterior Lateral Nucleus in Rats
Authors: Zhang Xijing , Davidson Steve , Giesler Glenn J.
Published: May 2006

Spinal marginal zone (MZ) neurons play a crucial role in the transmission of nociceptive and thermoreceptive information to the brain. The precise areas to which physiologically characterized MZ neurons project in the ventral posterior lateral (VPL) nucleus of the thalamus have not been clearly established. Here, we examine this projection in rats using the method of antidromic activation to map the axon terminals of neurons recorded from the MZ. Thirty-three neurons were antidromically activated using pulses of ≤30 μA in the contralateral VPL. In every case, the most rostral point from which the MZ neuron could be antidromically activated was surrounded by stimulating tracks in which large-amplitude current pulses failed to activate the examined neuron, indicating the termination of the spinothalamic tract (STT) axon. Each of 30 examined neurons responded to noxious but not innocuous mechanical stimuli applied to their cutaneous receptive fields, which ranged in size from two digits to the entire limb. Of 17 thermally tested neurons, 16 responded to innocuous or noxious thermal stimuli. Among STT neurons that responded to thermal stimuli, 50% responded to innocuous cooling as well as noxious heat and cold, 31% responded to noxious heat and cold, and 19% responded only to noxious heat. Axons from cells responsive to innocuous cooling terminated in the core region of VPL, significantly dorsal and medial relative to other thermally responsive subgroups. In rats, thermally responsive subgroups of MZ neurons project directly to distinct regions of VPL.
Ventral Neural Progenitors Switch toward an Oligodendroglial Fate in Response to Increased Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) Activity: Involvement of Sulfatase 1 in Modulating Shh Signaling in the Ventral Spinal Cord
Authors: Danesin Cathy , Agius Eric , Escalas Nathalie , Ai Xingbin , Emerson Charles , Cochard Philippe , Soula Cathy
Published: May 2006

In the embryonic chick ventral spinal cord, the initial emergence of oligodendrocytes is a relatively late event that depends on prolonged Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. In this report, we show that specification of oligodendrocyte precursors (OLPs) from ventral Nkx2.2-expressing neural progenitors occurs precisely when these progenitors stop generating neurons, indicating that the mechanism of the neuronal/oligodendroglial switch is a common feature of ventral OLP specification. We further show that an experimental early increase in the concentration of Shh is sufficient to induce premature specification of OLPs at the expense of neuronal genesis indicating that the relative doses of Shh received by ventral progenitors determine whether they become neurons or glia. Accordingly, we observe that the Shh protein accumulates at the apical surface of Nkx2.2-expressing cells just before OLP specification, providing direct evidence that these cells are subjected to a higher concentration of the morphogen when they switch to an oligodendroglial fate. Finally, we show that this abrupt change in Shh distribution is most likely attributable to the timely activity of Sulfatase 1 (Sulf1), a secreted enzym that modulates the sulfation state of heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Sulf1 is expressed in the ventral neuroepithelium just before OLP specification, and we show that its experimental overexpression leads to apical concentration of Shh on neuroepithelial cells, a decisive event for the switch of ventral neural progenitors toward an oligodendroglial fate.
Differential Susceptibility to Synaptic Plasticity Reveals a Functional Specialization of Ascending Axon and Parallel Fiber Synapses to Cerebellar Purkinje Cells
Authors: Sims Robert E. , Hartell Nicholas A.
Published: May 2006

Granule cell axons, via their parallel fibers, form synapses with Purkinje cells across large areas of the cerebellar cortex. Evidence for uniform transmission along parallel fibers to Purkinje cells is controversial, however, leading to speculation that the ascending axonal segment plays a dominant role in cerebellar processing. We have compared the relative susceptibilities of ascending axon and parallel fiber synaptic inputs to several forms of synaptic plasticity. We demonstrate that ascending axon synapses have a limited capability to undergo forms of long-term depression and potentiation compared with parallel fiber synapses. These results demonstrate that these two segments of the same axon play fundamentally different roles in cerebellar signaling, and, as such, the synapses formed between granule cells and Purkinje cells should not be treated as a homogenous population.
D2Autoreceptors Chronically Enhance Dopamine Neuron Pacemaker Activity
Authors: Hahn Junghyun , Kullmann Paul H. M. , Horn John P. , Levitan Edwin S.
Published: May 2006

Activation of D2autoreceptors on midbrain dopamine neurons has been shown previously to acutely open K+channels to inhibit intrinsically generated pacemaker activity. Here we report that D2autoreceptors act chronically to produce an opposite action: to increase the speed and regularity of repetitive action potential firing. Voltage-, current-, and dynamic-clamp experiments, using conventional whole-cell and perforated patch-clamp recording, with cultured rat midbrain dopamine neurons show that a change in the number of functional A-type K+channels alters firing rate and susceptibility to irregularity produced by other channels. cAMP and protein kinase A mediate the long-term action of D2receptors in a manner that counters the short-term effect of this signaling pathway on K+channel gating. We conclude that D2autoreceptors, in addition to mediating acute negative feedback, are responsible for long-term enhancement of the rate and fidelity of dopamine neuron pacemaker activity.
`Austin's Positivism': Is it a Retrospective Investigation of Contractualist's Sovereign? Locating Hobbes' Theory in the History of "Sovereign's Debate"
Authors: Singh Prabhakar
Published: May 2006

Legal positivism is the Jurisprudential debate, which is primarily located with the writings of Austin, which gained ground after his death. This theory is all about keeping law separate from morals, with certain explanation to sovereign, laws, society, normativity et al. But long before Austin it was Thomas Hobbes who gave his explanations to the theory of sovereign, nature of law, morality and power. But he has been kept at bay; termed as a ``political Scientist", in the manufactured tradition of legal positivism. I have tried, in this paper, to locate the proper place of Hobbes in the lineage of positivist philosophy. Secondly, I have tried to capture the debate on Judge Made Law as inherently paradoxical by supplying examples two examples--one borrowed and one mine in the second half of the paper.
Do Lower Student to Counselor Ratios Reduce School Disciplinary Problems?
Authors: Carrell Scott E , Carrell Susan A
Published: May 2006

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends that there be no more than 250 students to each school counselor. Although numerous studies in the education literature show that school counselors play a positive role in educating children, to our knowledge, this is the first study answering the question of whether lower student to counselor ratios, all else equal, improve student outcomes. Using data provided to us by Florida's Alachua County School District and the University of Florida Counselor Education Department, we show that lower student to counselor ratios decrease both the recurrence of student disciplinary problems and the share of students involved in a disciplinary incident. These effects are greater for minority and low-income students. The fixed-effect models used, control for all unobserved heterogeneity across schools, isolating the effects on discipline from the within-school changes in the student-to-counselor ratio. The empirical methodologies employed produce unbiased estimates as long as the variation in the student to counselor ratio is not driven by unobserved factors that affect disciplinary outcomes.
The Role of Segregation and Pay Structure on the Gender Wage Gap: Evidence from Matched Employer-Employee Data for Spain
Authors: Amuedo-Dorantes Catalina , De la Rica Sara
Published: May 2006

This paper presents new evidence on the role of gender segregation and pay structure in explaining gender wage differentials of full-time salaried workers in Spain. Data from the 1995 and 2002 Wage Structure Surveys reveal that raw gender wage gaps decreased from 0.24 to 0.14 over the seven-year period. Average differences in the base wage and wage complements decreased from 0.09 to 0.05 and from 0.59 to 0.40, respectively. However, the gender wage gap is still large after accounting for workers human capital, job and pay structure characteristics, and female segregation into low-paying industries, occupations, establishments, and occupations within establishments.
The Disadvantages of Aggregate Deductibles
Authors: Cohen Alma
Published: May 2006

This paper analyzes the choice of deductible in insurance contracts that insure against a risk that, as is common, might materialize more than once during the life of the policy. As was established by Arrow (1963), from the perspective of risk-bearing costs, the optimal contract is one that uses an aggregate deductible that applies to the aggregate losses incurred over the life of the policy. Aggregate deductibles, however, are uncommon in practice. This paper identifies two disadvantages that aggregate deductibles have. Aggregate deductibles are shown to produce higher expected verification costs and moral hazard costs than contracts that apply a per-loss deductible to each loss that occurs. I further show that each of these disadvantages can make an aggregate deductible contact inferior to a contract with per loss deductibles. The results of the analysis can help explain the rare use of aggregate deductibles and, in addition, might explain why umbrella policies that cover all types of losses are rarely used.
What Did the "Illegitimacy Bonus" Reward?
Authors: Korenman Sanders , Joyce Ted , Kaestner Robert , Walper Jennifer
Published: May 2006

The Out-Of-Wedlock Birth Reduction Bonus (Illegitimacy Bonus), part of the 1996 welfare reform legislation, awarded up to $100 million in each of five years to the five states with the greatest reduction in the non-marital birth ratio. Alabama, Michigan, and Washington D.C. each won bonuses four or more times, claiming nearly 60% of award monies. However, for these bonus winners, changes in the racial composition of births accounted for between one-third and 100% of the decline in the non-marital birth ratio. The non-marital birth ratio fell most in D.C., averaging 1.5 percentage points per year over the award period. Declines in non-marital birth ratios in Michigan and Alabama were slight. But the non-marital birth ratio fell in D.C. in large part because the number of black children born there fell dramatically, and a decline in the black population alone accounted for one third of the decline in black births. Within-race changes in non-marital birth ratios raised the overall non-marital birth ratio 0.5 percentage points in Alabama, and lowered the non-marital ratio by one percentage point in Michigan, and by about three percentage points in Washington D.C. Because it was based on unadjusted changes in states aggregate non-martial birth ratios, the Illegitimacy Bonus rewarded racial/ethnic compositional changes at least as much as it rewarded declining non-marital birth ratios within major racial/ethnic groups.
Improved Rate Laws and Population Balance Simulation Methods; CRE Applications, Including the Combustion Synthesis of Valuable Nano-Particles
Authors: Rosner Daniel E.
Published: May 2006

Using flame-synthesized nanoparticles (nps) as one prototypical application, we illustrate our recent progress in two broad areas of current CRE-interest, viz., the development of: 1. Improved rate laws/transport coefficients for next-generation Eulerian, multi-(state) variable population-balance formulations, and 2. Quadrature-based multi-variate moment methods (hereafter QMOM) suitable for articulation with evolving Eulerian CFD simulation methods Admittedly, in previous work much insight was obtained by introducing deliberately (over-) simplified rate laws (for nucleation, Brownian coagulation, vapor growth/evaporation, sintering, thermophoresis,) into the generally nonlinear integro-partial differential equation called the population balance equation (PBE). However, despite the complexity of this equation, and the need to satisfy it along with many other local PDE-balance principles in multi-dimensional CRE environments, in our view current requirements for reactor design, as well as the frequent need to infer meaningful physico-chemical parameters based on laboratory measurements on populations rather than individual particles, make the introduction of more accurate rate/transport laws essential for next-generation particle synthesis reactor models. Our present examples are motivated both by measurements/calculations of the structure of laminar counterflow flames synthesizing Al2O3 nps and/or the predicted performance of well-mixed steady-flow devices in which sintering or sublimation occurs. Corresponding illustrative results, which focus on the rate laws for sphere dissolution or aggregate Brownian coagulation support our contentions that: i) systematic introduction of more accurate rate laws (including nucleation, sintering, growth, )/transport coefficients will be essential to meet the quantitative demands of next-generation PBE-based CRE-simulation models for high-value particulate synthesis equipment, and, ii) QMOM is able to incorporate realistic rate laws and faithfully generate their effects on important moments characterizing the product joint distribution functions.
Should Governments Provide Catastrophe Insurance?
Authors: Jaffee Dwight M , Russell Thomas
Published: May 2006

Thomas Russell and Dwight Jaffee argue that private markets should be able to insure against catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina or 9/11, but if government must, then it should follow the same actuarially based pricing and reserving rules that would be followed by a competitive private market.
On the distribution of M-tuples of B-numbers
Authors: Nowak Georg
Published: May 2006

In the classical sense, the set B consists of all integers which can be written as a sum of two perfect squares. In other words, these are the values attained by norms of integral ideals over the Gaussian field Q(i). G. J. Rieger (1965) and T. Cochrane, R. E. Dressler (1987) established bounds for the number of pairs (n; n + h), resp., triples (n; n + 1; n + 2) of B-numbers up to a large real parameter x. The present article generalizes these investigations into two directions: The result obtained deals with arbitrary M-tuples of arithmetic progressions of positive integers excluding the trivial case that one of them is a constant multiple of one of the others. Furthermore, the estimate applies to the case of an arbitrary normal extension K of the rational field instead of Q(i).
Differential Transmission of Type 1 Diabetes from Diabetic Fathers and Mothers to Their Offspring
Authors: Harjutsalo Valma , Reunanen Antti , Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: May 2006

We studied the incidence of type 1 diabetes in the offspring of patients with childhood- and adolescent-onset type 1 diabetes and several risk factors predicting the risk. We defined the diabetes status in the offspring of all probands who were included in the nationwide register of Finnish type 1 diabetic patients diagnosed at the age of ≤17 years from 1965 to 1979. A total of 5,291 offspring at risk contributed 72,220 person-years of follow-up between 1970 and 2003. Of them, 259 offspring developed type 1 diabetes by the end of 2003, giving a cumulative incidence of 6.7% (95% CI 5.9–7.5) by the age of 20 years. The incidence of type 1 diabetes in the offspring between the years 1980 and 2003 was 35.3, 44.6, and 44.6 per 10,000 person-years for the age-groups 0–4, 5–9, and 10–14 years, respectively. Poisson regression analyses showed a marked increase in incidence of 5.3% per year from 1983 to 2003. The greatest increase occurred in the youngest offspring, aged 0–4 years. Of the offspring of male probands, 7.8% were affected by the age of 20 years compared with 5.3% of the offspring of female probands (relative risk 1.7 [95% CI 1.3–2.2]). The young age at onset of diabetes increased the risk of type 1 diabetes in the offspring of diabetic fathers but not in the offspring of diabetic mothers. In conclusion, our findings revealed that in the offspring of type 1 diabetic patients, the increase in the recurrence risk of type 1 diabetes was not more rapid compared with that in the background population. In the multivariate analyses, statistically significant predictors of type 1 diabetes in the offspring were male sex of the diabetic parent, young age at diagnosis in the male parent, and the more recent year of birth of the offspring.
Tamoxifen-Induced Anorexia Is Associated With Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibition in the Ventromedial Nucleus of the Hypothalamus and Accumulation of Malonyl-CoA
Authors: López Miguel , Lelliott Christopher J. , Tovar Sulay , Kimber Wendy , Gallego Rosalía , Virtue Sam , Blount Margaret , Vázquez Maria J. , Finer Nick , Powles Trevor J. , O’Rahilly Stephen , Saha Asish K. , Diéguez Carlos , Vidal-Puig Antonio J.
Published: May 2006

Fatty acid metabolism in the hypothalamus has recently been shown to regulate feeding. The selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen (TMX) exerts a potent anorectic effect. Here, we show that the anorectic effect of TMX is associated with the accumulation of malonyl-CoA in the hypothalamus and inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression specifically in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN). Furthermore, we demonstrate that FAS mRNA expression is physiologically regulated by fasting and refeeding in the VMN but not in other hypothalamic nuclei. Thus, the VMN appears to be the hypothalamic site where regulation of FAS and feeding converge. Supporting the potential clinical relevance of these observations, reanalysis of a primary breast cancer prevention study showed that obese women treated with TMX gained significantly less body weight over a 6-year period than obese women given placebo. The finding that TMX can modulate appetite through alterations in FAS expression and malonyl-CoA levels suggests a link between hypothalamic sex steroid receptors, fatty acid metabolism, and feeding behavior.
Diabetes-Induced Activation of Canonical and Noncanonical Nuclear Factor-κB Pathways in Renal Cortex
Authors: Starkey Jonathan M. , Haidacher Sigmund J. , LeJeune Wanda S. , Zhang Xiaoquan , Tieu Brian C. , Choudhary Sanjeev , Brasier Allan R. , Denner Larry A. , Tilton Ronald G.
Published: May 2006

Evidence of diabetes-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation has been provided with DNA binding assays or nuclear localization with immunohistochemistry, but few studies have explored mechanisms involved. We examined effects of diabetes on proteins comprising NF-κB canonical and noncanonical activation pathways in the renal cortex of diabetic mice. Plasma concentrations of NF-κB–regulated cytokines were increased after 1 month of hyperglycemia, but most returned to control levels or lower by 3 months, when the same cytokines were increased significantly in renal cortex. Cytosolic content of NF-κB canonical pathway proteins did not differ between experimental groups after 3 months of diabetes, while NF-κB noncanonical pathway proteins were affected, including increased phosphorylation of inhibitor of κB kinase-α and several fold increases in NF-κB–inducing kinase and RelB, which were predominantly located in tubular epithelial cells. Nuclear content of all NF-κB pathway proteins was decreased by diabetes, with the largest change in RelB and p50 (approximately twofold decrease). Despite this decrease, measurable increases in protein binding to DNA in diabetic versus control nuclear extracts were observed with electrophoretic mobility shift assay. These results provide evidence for chronic NF-κB activation in the renal cortex of db/db mice and suggest a novel, diabetes-linked mechanism involving both canonical and noncanonical NF-κB pathway proteins.
Increased Plasma Amylin in Type 1 Diabetic Patients After Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation
Authors: Stadler Marietta , Anderwald Christian , Karer Tina , Tura Andrea , Kästenbauer Thomas , Auinger Martin , Bieglmayer Christian , Wagner Oswald , Kronenberg Florian , Nowotny Peter , Pacini Giovanni , Prager Rudolf
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—In response to hyperglycemia, β-cells release insulin and C-peptide, as well as islet amyloid pancreatic polypeptide, which is involved in glucose homeostasis. After successful pancreas-kidney transplantation (PKT), type 1 diabetic patients may revert to a nondiabetic metabolism without exogenous insulin therapy and re-secrete all β-cell hormones.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Using mathematical models, we investigated hormone (amylin, insulin, C-peptide) and metabolite (glucose, free fatty acids) kinetics, β-cell sensitivity to glucose, and oral glucose insulin sensitivity index (OGIS) in 11 nondiabetic type 1 diabetic patients after PKT (BMI 25 ± 1 kg/m2, 47 ± 2 years of age, 4 women/7 men, glucocorticoid-free), 6 matching nondiabetic patients after kidney transplantation (25 ± 1 kg/m2, 50 ± 5 years, 3 women/3 men, on glucocorticoids), and 9 matching nondiabetic control subjects (24 ± 1 kg/m2, 47 ± 2 years, 4 women/5 men) during a 3-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

RESULTS—PKT patients had higher fasting amylin (19 ± 3 vs. control subjects: 7 ± 1 pmol/l) and insulin (20 ± 2 vs. control subjects: 10 ± 1 μU/ml; each P < 0.01) levels. Kidney transplant subjects showed increased OGTT plasma insulin at 90 min and C-peptide levels (each P < 0.05). In PKT patients, plasma glucose from 90 to 150 min was 9–31% higher (P < 0.05 vs. control subjects). Amylin clearance was comparable in all groups. Amylin’s plasma concentrations and area under the concentration curve were up to twofold higher in PKT patients during OGTT (P < 0.05). OGIS was not significantly different between groups. β-Cell sensitivity to glucose was reduced in PKT patients (−64%, P < 0.009). Fasting plasma amylin was inversely associated with β-cell sensitivity to glucose (r = −0.543, P < 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS—After successful PKT, type 1 diabetic patients with nondiabetic glycemia exhibit increased fasting and post–glucose load plasma amylin, which appears to be linked to impaired β-cell function. Thus, higher amylin release in proportion to insulin might also reflect impaired β-cell function in type 1 diabetic patients after PKT.
Mealtime Interactions Relate to Dietary Adherence and Glycemic Control in Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Patton Susana R. , Dolan Lawrence M. , Powers Scott W.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—This study examined the relationships between parent-child mealtime interactions and dietary adherence and glycemic control in young children with type 1 diabetes. It was hypothesized that young children who exhibited disruptive mealtime behaviors would have more dietary deviations (poorer dietary adherence) and poor glycemic control. It was also hypothesized that parents of young children who used ineffective/coercive parenting strategies at mealtimes would have children with more dietary deviations and poor glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 35 families of children (aged 2.2–7.9 years) with type 1 diabetes were recruited from a pediatric hospital. Families had at least three meals videotaped in their home, which were coded for parent, child, and eating behaviors, using the Dyadic Interaction Nomenclature for Eating. Children’s dietary adherence was assessed according to deviations from the prescribed number of carbohydrate units per meal. Children’s average glycemic excursion was assessed prospectively for 2 weeks, using a standardized home blood glucose meter.

RESULTS—Findings demonstrated significant positive relationships between children’s mealtime behavior, dietary deviations, and glycemic control. An examination of parent behaviors revealed significant positive correlations between parents’ use of ineffective/coercive parenting strategies and children’s dietary deviations and glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS—This was the first study to examine the relationship between parent-child mealtime interactions and health outcomes in young children with type 1 diabetes. The mealtime problems examined can be improved through specific behavioral interventions. Future research is needed to examine how parent-child interactions at mealtimes relate to children’s health outcomes to inform clinical care.
Serum Lipids and the Progression of Nephropathy in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Thomas Merlin C. , Rosengård-Bärlund Milla , Mills Vashti , Rönnback Mats , Thomas Stephen , Forsblom Carol , Cooper Mark E. , Taskinen Marja-Riitta , Viberti Giancarlo , Groop Per-Henrik
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—Dyslipidemia contributes to the progression of microvascular disease in diabetes. However, different lipid variables may be important at different stages of nephropathy. This study examines the pattern of dyslipidemia associated with the progression of nephropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 152 patients with type 1 diabetes were recruited in order to represent various phases of nephropathy. Patients were followed for 8–9 years, during which time they received standard care. Renal progression was defined a priori as a doubling in albumin excretion (in patients with normo- or microalbuminuria) or a decline in creatinine clearance (in those with macroalbuminuria). A panel of lipid variables was determined and correlated with indexes of progression.

RESULTS—In patients with normoalbuminuria (n = 66), progression was associated with male sex (P < 0.05), borderline albuminuria (P = 0.02), and LDL-free cholesterol (P = 0.02). In patients with microalbuminuria (n = 51), progression was independently associated with triglyceride content of VLDL and intermediate-density lipoprotein (both P < 0.05). In patients with macroalbuminuria (n = 36), a significant decline in the renal function (>3 ml · min−1 · year−1) was independently associated with poor glycemic control, hypertension, and LDL size (P < 0.05). When all patients with progressive nephropathy were analyzed together, only LDL cholesterol was predictive on multivariate analysis (P < 0.05), which masked the importance of triglyceride enrichment in microalbuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS—Lipid variables are associated with progression of diabetic kidney disease, but the relationship is not the same at all stages. This finding has implications for the design of renoprotective strategies and the interpretation of clinical trials in type 1 diabetes.
Multicentric, Randomized, Controlled Trial to Evaluate Blood Glucose Control by the Model Predictive Control Algorithm Versus Routine Glucose Management Protocols in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Plank Johannes , Blaha Jan , Cordingley Jeremy , Wilinska Malgorzata E. , Chassin Ludovic J. , Morgan Cliff , Squire Stephen , Haluzik Martin , Kremen Jaromir , Svacina Stepan , Toller Wolfgang , Plasnik Andreas , Ellmerer Martin , Hovorka Roman , Pieber Thomas R.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—To evaluate a fully automated algorithm for the establishment of tight glycemic control in critically ill patients and to compare the results with different routine glucose management protocols of three intensive care units (ICUs) across Europe (Graz, Prague, and London).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Sixty patients undergoing cardiac surgery (age 67 ± 9 years, BMI 27.7 ± 4.9 kg/m2, 17 women) with postsurgery blood glucose levels >120 mg/dl (6.7 mmol/l) were investigated in three different ICUs (20 per center). Patients were randomized to either blood glucose management (target range 80–110 mg/dl [4.4–6.1 mmol/l]) by the fully automated model predictive control (MPC) algorithm (n = 30, 10 per center) or implemented routine glucose management protocols (n = 30, 10 per center). In all patients, arterial glucose was measured hourly to describe the glucose profile until the end of the ICU stay but for a maximum period of 48 h.

RESULTS—Compared with routine protocols, MPC treatment resulted in a significantly higher percentage of time within the target glycemic range (% median [min–max]: 52 [17–92] vs. 19 [0–71]) over 0–24 h (P < 0.01). Improved glycemic control with MPC treatment was confirmed in patients remaining in the ICU for 48 h (0–24 h: 50 [17–71] vs. 21 [4–67], P < 0.05, and 24–48 h: 65 [38–96] vs. 25 [8–79], P < 0.05, for MPC [n = 16] vs. routine protocol [n = 13], respectively). Two hypoglycemic events (<54 mg/dl [3.0 mmol/l]) were observed with routine protocol treatment. No hypoglycemic event occurred with MPC.

CONCLUSIONS—The data suggest that the MPC algorithm is safe and effective in controlling glycemia in critically ill postsurgery patients.
Low–Saturated Fat Dietary Counseling Starting in Infancy Improves Insulin Sensitivity in 9-Year-Old Healthy Children
Authors: Kaitosaari Tuuli , Rönnemaa Tapani , Viikari Jorma , Raitakari Olli , Arffman Martti , Marniemi Jukka , Kallio Katariina , Pahkala Katja , Jokinen Eero , Simell Olli
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—Insulin resistance is promoted already in childhood by obesity and possibly by high–saturated fat intake. We examined the effect of infancy onset biannually given dietary counseling on markers of insulin resistance in healthy 9-year-old children.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Healthy 7-month-old infants (n = 1,062) were randomized to the intervention (n = 540) and control (n = 522) groups. Each year, two individualized counseling sessions were organized to each intervention family. The purpose of counseling was to minimize children’s exposure to known environmental atherosclerosis risk factors. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, serum lipids, blood pressure, and weight for height were determined in a random subgroup of 78 intervention children and 89 control children at the age of 9 years.

RESULTS—Intervention children consumed less total and saturated fat than the control children (P = 0.002 and < 0.0001, respectively). The HOMA-IR index was lower in intervention children than in control children (P = 0.020). There was a significant association between saturated fat intake and HOMA-IR. In multivariate analyses including saturated fat intake, study group, and other determinants of HOMA-IR (serum triglyceride concentration, weight for height, and systolic blood pressure), study group was, whereas saturated fat intake was not, significantly associated with HOMA-IR. This suggests that the beneficial effect of intervention on insulin sensitivity was largely, but not fully, explained by the decrease in saturated fat intake.

CONCLUSIONS—The long-term biannual dietary intervention decreases the intake of total and saturated fat and has a positive effect on insulin resistance index in 9-year-old children.
Diabetes and 30-Day Mortality From Peptic Ulcer Bleeding and Perforation
Authors: Thomsen Reimar W. , Riis Anders , Christensen Steffen , Nørgaard Mette , Sørensen Henrik T.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE— Diabetes may influence the outcome of complicated peptic ulcer disease, due to angiopathy, blurring of symptoms, and increased risk of sepsis. We examined whether diabetes increased 30-day mortality among Danish patients hospitalized with bleeding or perforated peptic ulcers.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— This population-based cohort study took place in the three Danish counties of North Jutland, Viborg, and Aarhus between 1991 and 2003. Patients hospitalized with a first-time diagnosis of peptic ulcer bleeding or perforation were identified using the counties’ hospital discharge registries. Data on diabetes, other comorbidities, and use of ulcer-associated drugs were obtained from discharge registries and prescription databases. The Danish Civil Registry System allowed complete follow-up for mortality. The outcome under study was 30-day mortality in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients, adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS— We identified 7,232 patients hospitalized for bleeding ulcers, of whom 731 (10.1%) had diabetes. The 30-day mortality among diabetic patients was 16.6 vs. 10.1% for other patients with bleeding ulcers. The adjusted 30-day mortality rate ratio (MRR) for diabetic patients was 1.40 (95% CI 1.15–1.70). We also identified 2,061 patients with perforated ulcers, of whom 140 (6.8%) had diabetes. The 30-day mortality among diabetic patients was 42.9 vs. 24.0% in other patients with perforated ulcers, corresponding to an adjusted 30-day MRR of 1.51 (1.15–1.98).

CONCLUSIONS— Among patients with peptic ulcer bleeding and perforation, diabetes appears to be associated with substantially increased short-term mortality.
Disorders of Glucose Metabolism in Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Matz Karl , Keresztes Katharina , Tatschl Claudia , Nowotny Monika , Dachenhausen Alexandra , Brainin Michael , Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—To determine the prevalence of disturbances in glucose metabolism in patients with acute stroke.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Consecutively admitted acute stroke patients (n = 286) were screened for glucose tolerance according to the standardized World Health Organization protocol in the 1st and 2nd week after the stroke event. In addition, we repeatedly measured fasting capillary blood glucose during the first 10 days.

RESULTS—Measurements were not performed or cancelled if patients were not fully conscious or had severe dysphagia or early complications that made transfers to other hospitals necessary (n = 48). Of the remaining 238 patients, 20.2% had previously known diabetes; 16.4% were classified as having newly diagnosed diabetes, 23.1% as having impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and 0.8% as having impaired fasting glucose; and only 19.7% showed normal glucose levels. Another 47 patients (19.7%) had hyperglycemic values only in the 1st week (transient hyperglycemia) or could not be fully classified due to missing data in the oral glucose tolerance test. Patients with diabetes compared with nondiabetic subjects had more severe strokes (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] on admission: 7.2 ± 6.6 vs. 4.6 ± 3.1, 4.2 ± 4.4, and 3.7 ± 3.6 for IGT, transient hyperglycemia, and normoglycemia, respectively; P < 0.001), a worse outcome (modified Rankin scale 0–1 at discharge: 40.2 vs. 54.4, 63.8, and 72.3% for IGT, transient hyperglycemia, and normoglycemia, respectively; P < 0.001), and a higher rate of infectious complications (35.6 vs. 12.3, 21.2, and 4.2% for IGT, transient hyperglycemia, and normoglycemia, respectively; P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, NIHSS on admission, female sex, and the occurrence of urinary tract infection were independently associated with newly diagnosed diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS—The majority of acute stroke patients have disorders of glucose metabolism, and in most cases this fact has been unrecognized. Diabetes worsens the outcome of acute stroke. Therefore, in the post–acute phase, an oral glucose tolerance test should be recommended in all stroke patients with no prior history of diabetes.
Cereal Fiber Improves Whole-Body Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight and Obese Women
Authors: Weickert Martin O. , Möhlig Matthias , Schöfl Christof , Arafat Ayman M. , Otto Bärbel , Viehoff Hannah , Koebnick Corinna , Kohl Angela , Spranger Joachim , Pfeiffer Andreas F.H.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—Cereal fiber intake is linked to reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in epidemiological observations. The pathogenic background of this phenomenon is unknown. Based on recent findings, we hypothesized that intake of purified insoluble oat fiber may improve whole-body insulin sensitivity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A randomized, controlled, single-blind, cross-over study was performed, and 17 overweight or obese subjects with normal glucose metabolism were analyzed. After consumption of nine macronutrient-matched portions of fiber-enriched bread (white bread enriched with 31.2 g insoluble fiber/day) or control (white bread) over a time period of 72 h, whole-body insulin sensitivity was assessed by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Energy intake was individually adjusted by providing standardized liquid meals. Hydrogen breath tests were performed to control for dietary adherence.

RESULTS—When analyzing the entire cohort, whole-body glucose disposal was improved after fiber consumption (M value 6.56 ± 0.32 vs. 6.07 ± 0.27 mg · min−1 · kg−1; P = 0.043). Thirteen subjects had increased hydrogen breath test concentrations after fiber consumption, indicating probable dietary adherence. Restricting analysis to these subjects, improvements in M value (6.85 ± 0.34 vs. 6.06 ± 0.32 mg · min−1 · kg−1; P = 0.003) and insulin sensitivity, expressed as M/I ratio (M value divided by mean serum insulin at steady state: 3.73 ± 0.23 vs. 3.21 ± 0.27; P = 0.02), after fiber consumption were more pronounced. Plasma lipids, serum magnesium, ghrelin, and adiponectin concentrations, as well as substrate utilization and body weight, were not significantly changed by fiber intake (P > 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS—Increased insoluble dietary fiber intake for 3 days significantly improved whole-body insulin sensitivity. These data suggest a potential mechanism linking cereal fiber intake and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Electrochemical Behavior of Dopamine at a Penicillamine Self‐Assembled Gold Electrode and its Analytical Application
Authors: Niu Ling Mei , Luo Hong Qun , Li Nian Bing
Published: May 2006

The fabrication and electrochemical characteristics of penicillamine (PCA) self‐assembled monolayer modified gold electrode were investigated. The self‐assembled electrode shows an obvious electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of dopamine (DA). In phosphate buffer (pH 7.0), the peak current is proportional to the concentration of DA in the range of 8.0×10–6 ˜ 1.0×10–3 M by the cyclic voltammetry methods with the detection limits of 4.5×10–7 M. The PCA self‐assembled monolayer modified gold electrode can be applied to the determination of DA in practical injection samples with simplicity, rapidness, and accurate results.
Aggregation Behavior of Giant Amphiphiles Prepared by Cofactor Reconstitution
Authors: Boerakker Mark J. , Botterhuis Nicole E. , Bomans Paul H. H. , Frederik Peter M. , Meijer Emmo M. , Nolte Roeland J. M. , Sommerdijk Nico A. J. M.
Published: May 2006

We report on biohybrid surfactants, termed “giant amphiphiles”, in which a protein or an enzyme acts as the polar head group and a synthetic polymer as the apolar tail. It is demonstrated that the modification of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and myoglobin (Mb) with an apolar polymer chain through the cofactor reconstitution method yields giant amphiphiles that form spherical aggregates (vesicles) in aqueous solution. Both HRP and Mb retain their original functionality when modified with a single polystyrene chain, but reconstitution has an effect on their activities. In the case of HRP the enzymatic activity decreases and for Mb the stability of the dioxygen myoglobin (oxy‐Mb) complex is reduced, which is probably the result of a disturbed binding of the heme in the apo‐protein or a reduced access of the substrate to the active site of the enzyme or protein.
Ce2[SeO3]3 and Pr2[SeO3]3: Non‐Isostructural Oxoselenates(IV) of the Light Lanthanoids.
Authors: Wontcheu Joseph , Schleid Thomas
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Chloro(trifluorophosphane)gold(I): [Au(PF3)Cl].
Authors: Schoedel Frauke , Bolte Michael , Wagner Matthias , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of Ca2MnAlO5.5, an n = 3 Brownmillerite Phase.
Authors: Palmer Helen M. , Snedden Alan , Wright Adrian J. , Greaves Colin
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Substitution of Au or Hg into BaTl2 and BaIn2. New Ternary Examples of Smaller CeCu2‐Type Intermetallic Phases.
Authors: Dai Jing‐Cao , Corbett John D.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Crystal Structure of a New Compound Er2MnW0.8O6.4 Phase.
Authors: Chen G. , Imagawa Y. , Satoh H. , Nakano H. , Kamegashira N.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Rb6(InCo)2(Si9O26): A Mixed‐Metal Silicate Containing 20‐Membered‐Ring Silicate Single Layers with a Very Low Si:O Ratio.
Authors: Hung Ling‐I. , Wang Sue‐Lein , Chen Yen‐Hung , Lii Kwang‐Hwa
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Asymmetric Allylic Oxidation Reactions Catalyzed by a Chiral Nonracemic and C2‐Symmetric 2,2′‐Bipyridyl Copper(I) Complex.
Authors: Lyle Michael P. A. , Wilson Peter D.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
[HP(HNCH2CH2)3N]NO3: An Efficient Homogeneous and Solid‐Supported Promoter for aza and thia‐Michael Reactions and for Strecker Reactions.
Authors: Fetterly Brandon M. , Jana Nirmal K. , Verkade John G.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Isomerization of Propargylic Alcohols into α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds Catalyzed by the Sixteen‐Electron Allyl‐Ruthenium(II) Complex [Ru(η3‐2‐C3H4Me)(CO)(dppf)] [SbF6].
Authors: Cadierno Victorio , Garcia‐Garrido Sergio E. , Gimeno Jose
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Highly Efficient Methods for the One‐Pot Synthesis of β‐Substituted Enones.
Authors: Kerr William J. , Pearson Colin M. , Thurston Graeme J.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Reduction of 1‐Nitrospiro[2.2]pentanecarboxylates: Convenient Synthesis of Novel Polyspirocylic Cyclopropane Amino Acids.
Authors: Yashin Nikolai V. , Averina Elena B. , Grishin Yuri K. , Kuznetsova Tamara S. , Zefirov Nikolai S.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of Aryl‐Substituted 1,4‐Benzoquinone via Water‐Promoted and In(OTf)3‐Catalyzed in situ Conjugate Addition‐Dehydration of Aromatic Compounds to 1,4‐Benzoquinone in Water.
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Bo , Liu Li , Chen Yong‐Jun , Wang Dong , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Formation of Conjugated Dienes by the Reaction of Titanocene Alkenylidene Complexes with Alkynes.
Authors: Shono Tomohiro , Hayata Yuki , Tsubouchi Akira , Takeda Takeshi
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Tetrahydrofuran by Diastereoselective [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction of Chiral Allylsilane with α‐Keto Ester.
Authors: Akiyama Takahiko , Funaki Shinya , Fuchibe Kohei
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Selective endo and exo Iodocyclizations in the Synthesis of Quinolines and Indoles.
Authors: Hessian Karl O. , Flynn Bernard L.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Regiocontrolled Synthesis of 1,2‐Diaryl‐1H‐imidazoles by Palladium‐ and Copper‐Mediated Direct Coupling of 1‐Aryl‐1H‐imidazoles with Aryl Halides under Ligandless Conditions.
Authors: Bellina Fabio , Cauteruccio Silvia , Mannina Luisa , Rossi Renzo , Viel Stephane
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
General Microwave‐Assisted Protocols for the Expedient Synthesis of Furo[3,2‐c]chromen‐4‐ones.
Authors: Wu Jie
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Baylis—Hillman Adducts Between Pyridine Carboxaldehyde Derivatives and Cyclic Enones.
Authors: Narender P. , Gangadasu B. , Ravinder M. , Srinivas U. , Swamy G. Y. S. K. , Ravikumar K. , Rao V. Jayathirtha
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydroimidazo[1,2‐b]isoquinoline‐5(1H)‐one and Derivatives.
Authors: Bollini Mariela , Asis Silvia E. , Bruno Ana Maria
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Facile Route for the Synthesis of Pyridazine Derivatives: Unexpected Pathway to Benzothiazole, Benzimidazole, and Triazole Derivatives.
Authors: El Rady Eman A.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Cycloalkano[1′′,2′′,4,5;4′′,3′′:4′,5′]bis(pyrrolo[2,3‐c]pyrimido [5,4‐e]pyridazines): Synthesis, Structure and Mechanism of Their Formation.
Authors: Serduke Olga V. , Gulevskaya Anna V. , Pozharskii Alexander F. , Starikova Zoya A. , Profatilova Irina A.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Facile One‐Pot Synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐4‐[2H‐2‐oxo‐[1]benzopyran‐3‐yl]‐2,3‐dihydro and 2,5‐Dihydro‐1,5‐benzothiazepines.
Authors: Rao V. Rajeswar , Reddy M. Madan Mohan
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.