bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tobacco use in Bollywood movies, tobacco promotional activities and their association with tobacco use among Indian adolescents
Authors: Arora Monika , Mathur Neha , Gupta Vinay K , Nazar Gaurang P , Reddy K Srinath , Sargent James D
Published: July 2011

Background

Smoking in Hollywood movies is a known risk factor for teen smoking in the USA and Europe, but little is known about the association between exposure to tobacco use in Bollywood movies and teen tobacco use in India.

Methods

A cross-sectional sample of 3956 adolescents (eighth and ninth grades, ages 12–16 years) from 12 randomly selected New Delhi schools was surveyed in 2009, assessing tobacco use status, receptivity to tobacco promotions (based on owning or being willing to wear tobacco-branded merchandise) and exposure to tobacco use in movies. Quartiles of exposure to tobacco use in popular Bollywood movies released from 2006 to 2008 (n=59) were determined by content coding them for tobacco use and querying the adolescents whether they had seen each one. Logistic regression was used to control for covariates including age, gender, parent education, school performance, sensation-seeking propensity, family and peer tobacco use, and authoritative parenting.

Results

Altogether, the 59 movies contained 412 tobacco use occurrences. The prevalence ofever tobacco useamong adolescents was 5.3%. Compared with low-exposure adolescents (quartile 1), the adjusted odds of ever tobacco use among high-exposure adolescents (quartile 4) was 2.3 (95% CI 1.3 to 3.9). Being receptive to tobacco promotions was also associated with higher adjusted odds of ever tobacco use, 2.0 (95% CI 1.4 to 3.0).

Conclusion

Watching tobacco use in Bollywood movies and receptivity to tobacco promotional activities were both independently associated with ever tobacco use among adolescents in India, with ORs being similar to the studies of adolescents elsewhere.
Comparison of oestrus detection methods in dairy cattle
Authors: Holman A. , Thompson J. , Routly J. E. , Cameron J. , Jones D. N. , Grove‐White D. , Smith R. F. , Dobson H.
Published: July 2011

Sixty‐seven Holstein‐Friesian cows, from 20 days postpartum, were recruited into the study and fitted with both a pedometer (SAE Afikim) and a Heatime neck collar (SCR Engineers) and allocated a heat mount detector (either scratchcard [Dairymac] or KaMaR [KaMaR]) or left with none, relying only on farm staff observation. Common production stressors and other factors were assessed to determine their impact on the ability of each method to accurately detect oestrus and to investigate effects on the frequency of false‐positive detections. Only 74 per cent of all potential oestrus periods (episodes of low progesterone) were identified by combining information from all methods. There was no difference between the methods in terms of sensitivity for detecting ‘true oestrus events’ (approximately 60 per cent), with the exception of scratchcards, which were less efficient (36 per cent). Pedometers and KaMaRs had higher numbers of false‐positive identifications. No production stressors had any consequence on false‐positives. The positive predictive values for neck collars or observation by farm staff were higher than those of other methods, and combining these two methods yielded the best results. Neck collars did not detect any of the nine oestrus events occurring in three cows with a body condition score (BCS) of less than 2, and the efficiency of correctly identifying oestrus was also reduced by high milk yield (odds ratio [OR]=0.34). Pedometer efficiency was reduced by lameness, low BCS or high milk yield (OR=0.42, 0.15 or 0.30, respectively).
Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the structures and stabilities of [CnO2n+1]2– and [CnO2n+1]X2 polycarbonates containing chainlike (CO2)n units (n = 2–6; X = H or Li)
Authors: Bruna Pablo J. , Grein Friedrich , Passmore Jack
Published: July 2011

The structures and stabilities of chainlike (CO2)n (n = 2–6) polycarbonates, where adjacent C atoms are linked by C–O–C bonds, were investigated at the density functional theory (DFT) level (B3PW91/6–311G(2d,p)), including dicarboxylic dianions, [CnO2n+1]2–, and the corresponding acids, [CnO2n+1]H2, and Li salts, [CnO2n+1]Li2. At equilibrium, the most stable systems have Cs, C2, or C2v symmetries. In the gas phase, these dianions are generally metastable with respect to spontaneous ejection of one electron, yet in the presence of counterions they become stabilized, for example, as [CnO2n+1]2–(Li+)2 ion pairs. [CnO2n+1]2– linkages are also stabilized as dicarboxylic acids, [CnO2n+1]H2; we find the latter to have equilibrium conformations of higher symmetry than previously reported in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, none of the [CnO2n+1]X2 (X = Li or H) compounds with n ≥ 2 have been reported in the experimental literature (albeit, the alkyl esters C2O5R2 and C3O7R2 are commercially available). All CO bonds in C2O5X2 to C6O13X2 have single- to double-bond character (≈140–118 pm), indicating that the [CnO2n+1] moieties are held together by strong chemical forces (in contrast to the weakly bound complexes (CO2)n and (CO2)n–, n > 1). Vibrational frequencies were calculated to ensure all conformations were true minima. The IR and Raman intensities show that the high intensity C=O stretching modes (1750 ± 100 cm–1) will help in the spectral characterization of these compounds. Solvation calculations using the polarizable continuum model (PCM) find that C2O52– can be formed via CO32– + CO2 as well as CO3–[Formula: see text], each reaction having ΔG298 < 0 in practically all solvents. This result confirms the experimentally observed large solubility of CO2(g) in molten carbonates, CO3M2 (M = Li, Na, or K). In contrast, starting with n = 2, the reactions [CnO2n+1]2– + CO2 do not proceed spontaneously in any solvent (ΔG298 > 0).
One-pot synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthen-11-one derivatives catalyzed by ruthenium chloride hydrate as a homogeneous catalyst
Authors: Tabatabaeian Khalil , Khorshidi Alireza , Mamaghani Manouchehr , Dadashi Ali , Jalali Milad Khoshnood
Published: July 2011

Three-component cyclocondensation of β-naphthol, aldehydes, and 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione (dimedone) was catalyzed efficiently by ruthenium chloride hydrate under mild reaction conditions to afford 12-aryl or alkyl-8,9,10,12-tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthen-11-one derivatives in good to excellent yields.
Synthesis of phenylacetic acid regioisomers possessing an N-substituted 1,2-dihydropyrid-2-one pharmacophore — Evaluation as inhibitors of cyclooxygenases and 5-lipoxygenase
Authors: Yu Gang , Chowdhury Morshed A. , Huang Zhangjian , Abdellatif Khaled R. A. , Knaus Edward E.
Published: July 2011

The Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction provides a useful method for the synthesis of methyl 2-(2-chloropyridyl or 2-methoxypyridyl)phenylacetates. The 2-chloropyridyl or 2-methoxypyridyl ring system can be readily elaborated to N-substituted (OH, Me, CHF2, H) 1,2-dihydropyrid-2-one ring systems that are useful synthons for use in bioorganic and medicinal chemistry applications.
Silica-supported methanesulfonic acid — An efficient solid Brønsted acid catalyst for the Pechmann reaction in the presence of higher n-alkanes
Authors: Joshi J. , Mishra M.K. , Srinivasarao M.
Published: July 2011

A cost-effective and efficient solid Brønsted acid catalyst was synthesized by loading methanesulfonic acid (MSA) on silica and was used for the acid-catalyzed Pechmann reaction to test the catalytic activity and its reusability. Derivatives of 4-methylcoumarin were synthesized in good yields within short reaction times in the presence of environmentally friendly higher n-alkanes as solvents. The regeneration study of the spent catalyst showed satisfactory results.
Interaction of 5-aminosalicylic acid with nitrous acid: formation of the diazonium derivative and nitric oxide release
Authors: López-Alarcón C. , Lissi E. , Hoffmann P. , Mella J. , Pessoa-Mahana C.D. , Speisky H. , Möller M. , Ferrer-Sueta G. , Denicola A.
Published: July 2011

The reaction of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) with nitrous acid has been studied at low pH under conditions that simulate a gastric environment. The course of the reaction was followed by UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy and the products were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV–visible and mass spectroscopic detectors. In addition, the formation of nitric oxide (NO) was estimated electrochemically. 5-ASA was readily consumed in a process catalyzed by chloride and thiocyanate, whose rate is first order in 5-ASA and second order in nitrous acid. 2-Hydroxy-5-diazonium benzoic acid (diazonium derivative) and NO were detected as products of the reaction. From the NO formation profiles, it is concluded that NO is produced as a minor product in a process parallel to the path that leads to generation of the diazonium derivative. While the formation of NO could be beneficial for the protection of the stomach, the generation of the diazonium derivative could be considered a potentially toxic process.
Quasi-classical trajectory study of the O(1D) + HF reaction dynamics on 11A′ potential energy surface
Authors: Zhao Juan
Published: July 2011

The quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) calculations for the title reaction were carried out using the recently developed, accurate potential energy surface (PES) of the [Formula: see text] singlet state of the OHF system The integral cross section and the product rotational alignment factor [Formula: see text] were calculated as a function of collision energy. In addition, I discovered the effect of isotopic substitution on stereodynamics for the title reaction, and the influence of the rotation excitation of the reagent on stereodynamics is also presented. Both the scalar and vector properties of the reaction O(1D) + HF → OH + F(2P) are studied in this paper. It was found that the reaction is mainly controlled by an indirect reaction mechanism, and that the deep noncollinear insertion HOF well has a great impact on the dynamics of the reaction. The conclusions drawn in this paper will draw from references to similar reactions, and provide a theoretical foundation for related experiments.
Application of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide – graphene modified electrode for sensitive determination of caffeine
Authors: Sun Jun-Yong , Huang Ke-Jing , Wei Shuai-Yun , Wu Zhi-Wei
Published: July 2011

An electrochemical sensor based on a cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) – dispersed graphene (Gr) system for sensitive detection of caffeine is presented. The electrochemical behavior of caffeine on the modified glassy carbon electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The results showed that the modified electrode exhibited good electrocatalytic activity to the oxidation of caffeine. Under the optimized experimental conditions, caffeine was detected in the concentration range from 0.3 to 100 µmol L–1 with a detection limit of 91 nmol L–1 at a signal-to-noise ratio = 3. The biosensor exhibited some advantages over other electrochemical sensors, such as long-term stability, satisfactory recovery (98.1%−102.3%), and good reproducibility (RSD = 5.1%). The practical application of the developed method was verified in soft-drink sample analysis.
Fast computation of DFT nuclear gradient with multiresolution*This article is dedicated to Dr. Russell J. Boyd for his distinguished career in chemical research.
Authors: Russ Nicholas J. , Chang Chun-min , Kong Jing
Published: July 2011

We present an efficient algorithm for evaluating the exchange-correlation contribution to the nuclear gradients of density-functional theory calculation within the local spin-density approximation. The algorithm is an extension of the multiresolution exchange-correlation (mrXC) method, which treats smooth and compact parts of the electron density separately. The nuclear gradient of the smooth density is calculated on the even-spaced grid while the compact part of the density is handled on the normal atom-centered grid (ACG). The overall formulism is still formally based on the ACG, and thus does not change the results of the existing ACG-based algorithms for all-electron density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. The variation of the positions and weights of ACG owing to the nuclear perturbation is also handled rigorously. Benchmark calculations with different basis sets and sizes of ACG show that mrXC reduces the computational cost by several times without loss of accuracy. It also lessens the impact on the CPU time when the size of the ACG is increased.
Chemoenzymatic total synthesis ofent-neopinone and formal total synthesis ofent-codeinone from β-bromoethylbenzene*
Authors: Duchek Jan , Piercy T. Graeme , Gilmet Jacqueline , Hudlicky Tomas
Published: July 2011

Formal total synthesis of ent-codeinone and ent-codeine was accomplished via the total synthesis of ent-neopinone attained in 14 steps from β-bromoethylbenzene. The key steps included (i) enzymatic dihydroxylation of β-bromoethylbenzene with E. coli JM109 (pDTG601a), an organism that overexpresses toluene dioxygenase, (ii) a Heck reaction to establish C-13 stereogenic center, (iii) aldol condensation, and (iv) 1,6-conjugate addition of the ethylamino side chain to C-9. Several other modes of construction of the C-9 and C-14 centers were also investigated: Mannich cyclization, and aza-Prins reaction. The synthesis of ent-codeinone was formalized by intersecting Fukuyama’s recently published approach. Experimental and spectral data are provided for all new compounds.
COMPOSITE NETWORK DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS MODEL
Authors: WEI QUANLING , YAN HONG , PANG LIYONG
Published: July 2011

This paper extends the DEA model to considering the decision-making unit (DMU) with the network structure. We define the network DMU and its network DEA efficiency based on the postulate system. On the series structure of the DMU, we further discuss a sequential optimization model originally proposed by Sexton and Lewis.1,2 Based on their work, we extend to the DMU with general network of k stages and propose a composite network DEA model which evaluate the network DEA efficiency by solving only one linear programming. We show that the network efficiency obtained from the composite model is equivalent to that obtained by the sequential optimization model. We show that a network DMU is network-efficient if and only if it is efficient at all stages. That is, the network-efficient DMU follows the "Bellman Optimal Principle." Our model shows that if a network DMU is not DEA-efficient, then it is not efficient at one stage at least. We also define the projection of the network DMU on the corresponding production possibility set of network DMUs. Finally, we discuss other basic structures of the network DMU and show that the overall network DEA model can be extended to the general network DMU.
PERSPECTIVES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SUPPLY CHAIN SYSTEMS: THE EFFECTS OF ATTITUDE AND ASSIMILATION
Authors: HO SHUN CHUAN , WANG WILLIAM YU CHUNG , PAULEEN DAVID J. , TING PING HO
Published: July 2011

The introduction of information systems into industry to enhance operational efficiency is a common business strategy. Introducing such information systems should be expected to enhance employee satisfaction if the systems work as expected. Based on previous studies of supply chain management (SCM) and using institution theory, and technology use and acceptance models, this study applies the lens of attitude and assimilation to explore employee behavior toward using SCM systems after implementation, as well as how employees' attitude and assimilation impact on the performance of the supply chain. Collecting data from employees in the relevant departments from selected companies through a survey and applying SEM in the analysis, the study finds that the employee's perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and the subjective norm (Theory of Reasoned Action) have a positive impact on their attitudes toward their use of the SCM systems. Furthermore, it was found that top management's positive beliefs and participation also have a positive impact on assimilation and SCM performance. Finally, it was found that attitudes toward the use of SCM systems impact upon information performance but not in other outcomes of SCM operations. Implications for research and practice are raised. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by adding to our understanding of the relationships among users' attitude, assimilation, and business performance at the post-adoption stage within the context of SCM systems.
THE PRIMITIVE COGNITIVE NETWORK PROCESS: COMPARISONS WITH THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS
Authors: YUEN KEVIN KAM FUNG
Published: July 2011

This research proposes primitive cognitive network process (P-CNP), which comprises five decision processes, as an alternative of analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Two published cases using AHP are revised by P-CNP, and the validity and applicability of P-CNP are demonstrated. The comparison results indicate that AHP produces questionable results due to the ill-defined axioms of the perception of the paired difference, and suggest that the proposed P-CNP performs better than AHP in multicriteria decision-making problems.
WEIGHTED PRIORITIZATION MODELS IN THE FUZZY ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS
Authors: MIKHAILOV LUDMIL , DIDEHKHANI HOSEIN , SADI-NEZHAD SOHEIL
Published: July 2011

The paper deals with the group prioritization problem in the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. We extend the fuzzy preference programming method to fuzzy group prioritization by introducing important weights of decision-makers (DMs). The modified prioritization problem is represented as a weighted fuzzy goal programming model. Additionally, we represent the uncertain DMs' importance weights as fuzzy numbers and modify the goal programming model by a possibilistic approach. Both proposed models transform the initial prioritization problems with fuzzy or crisp important weights into equivalent crisp linear programs. Unlike the known fuzzy prioritization methods, the proposed approach does not require an additional defuzzification procedure for final ranking of alternatives and can deal with incomplete set of comparison judgments.
A HYBRID FUZZY APPROACH TO FUZZY MULTI-ATTRIBUTE GROUP DECISION-MAKING
Authors: SU ZHI-XIN
Published: July 2011

The paper investigates fuzzy multi-attribute group decision-making (FMAGDM) problems. The important weights of the attributes and the ratings of the alternatives with respect to each attribute provided by multiple decision-makers are described by the linguistic variables expressed in triangular fuzzy numbers or trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. A hybrid fuzzy approach is proposed, which assesses each alternative in terms of distance measure calculated by a modified VIKOR method as well as similarity measure calculated by a modified gray relational analysis (GRA) method, to the positive ideal alternative and the negative ideal alternative. A new relative closeness coefficient is established to rank alternatives by aggregating the distance and the similarity measures. Two numerical examples for reverse logistics applications are presented to illustrate the proposed method.
ONLINE COMMUNITIES IN MATURE MARKETS: WHY JOIN, WHY INNOVATE, WHY SHARE?
Authors: JANZIK LARS , RAASCH CHRISTINA
Published: July 2011

Online communities (OCs), especially those related to particular products or brands, have become a potent means of identifying user needs and solution ideas, thereby supporting companies to innovate. Despite their growing relevance, user innovation activities within consumer OCs still are underexplored. Members' motivations to innovate and contribute to OCs, in particular, belong to a young line of research requiring further investigation. This study contributes to this line of research by providing an in-depth netnographic analysis of innovative, privately operated OCs dedicated to tangible consumer products. Most fundamentally, we differentiate: (1) motives to join OCs, (2) motives to innovate, and (3) motives to publish innovations in OCs. It is the first study that categorizes the motives of innovative OC members depending on membership lifecycle and situational factors. Our results support companies in understanding members' motives in privately operated OCs relating to the company's brand or products. Thus, it provides a foundation for the development of specific incentives and tools that stimulate user activity.
INNOVATIVE PRODUCT DESIGN APPROACHES FOR IMPLEMENTING MARKETING STRATEGY: THE LINKAGE
Authors: HSU YEN
Published: July 2011

Taiwanese consumer electronic products are favored by consumers globally, owing to the producing industry's ability to rapidly generate innovations. This study examined local consumer electronics industry enterprises for their product marketing strategies adopted to establish market advantage to deal with global competition. For assessing their product innovation approaches to marketing strategy, a questionnaire survey was conducted, and through factor analysis and cluster analysis these companies were classified into four different marketing strategic groups (Market Leader, Market Focus, Market Challenge, and Market Niche). In-depth case study was then conducted on selected companies in each of these groups.

These enterprises in different marketing strategic groups each adopted a different approach in design innovation. More importantly, there exist tight relationships between enterprises in each group and their corresponding characteristics in innovation type, market goals, appeals, and features. This model of marketing strategic group and its matching characteristics may serve as a reference list. For example, a company may choose characteristics according to its current group; or, if a company is interested in moving into another group, it will know which characteristics to adopt.
ON BI-INVARIANT WORD METRICS
Authors: GAL ŚWIATOSŁAW R. , KEDRA JAREK
Published: July 2011

We prove that bi-invariant word metrics are bounded on certain Chevalley groups. As an application we provide restrictions on Hamiltonian actions of such groups.
Seasonal regulation of the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-I axis in the American black bear (Ursus americanus)
Authors: Blumenthal Stanley , Morgan-Boyd Rebecca , Nelson Ralph , Garshelis David L. , Turyk Mary E. , Unterman Terry
Published: July 2011

The American black bear maintains lean body mass for months without food during winter denning. We asked whether changes in the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I (GH-IGF-I) axis may contribute to this remarkable adaptation to starvation. Serum IGF-I levels were measured by radioimmunoassay, and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) were analyzed by ligand blotting. Initial studies in bears living in the wild showed that IGF-I levels are highest in summer and lowest in early winter denning. Detailed studies in captive bears showed that IGF-I levels decline in autumn when bears are hyperphagic, continue to decline in early denning, and later rise above predenning levels despite continued starvation in the den. IGFBP-2 increased and IGFBP-3 decreased in early denning, and these changes were also reversed in later denning. Treatment with GH (0.1 mg·kg−1·day−1 × 6 days) during early denning increased serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 and lowered levels of IGFBP-2, indicating that denning bears remain responsive to GH. GH treatment lowered blood urea nitrogen levels, reflecting effects on protein metabolism. GH also accelerated weight loss and markedly increased serum levels of free fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate, resulting in a ketoacidosis (bicarbonate decreased to 15 meq/l), which was reversed when GH was withdrawn. These results demonstrate seasonal regulation of GH/IGF-I axis activity in black bears. Diminished GH activity may promote fat storage in autumn in preparation for denning and prevent excessive mobilization and premature exhaustion of fat stores in early denning, whereas restoration of GH/IGF activity in later denning may prepare the bear for normal activity outside the den.
Insulin administration abrogates perturbation of methyl group and homocysteine metabolism in streptozotocin-treated type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Nieman Kristin M. , Schalinske Kevin L.
Published: July 2011

Modifications in methyl group and homocysteine metabolism are associated with a number of pathologies, including vascular disease, cancer, and neural tube defects. A diabetic state is known to alter both methyl group and homocysteine metabolism, and glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) is a major regulatory protein that controls the supply and utilization of methyl groups. We have shown previously that diabetes induces GNMT expression and reduces plasma homocysteine pools by stimulating both its catabolism and folate-independent remethylation. This study was conducted to determine whether insulin plays a role in the control of homocysteine concentrations and GNMT as well as other key regulatory proteins. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic (60 mg/kg body wt), and insulin-treated diabetic (1.0 U bid). After 5 days, rats were anesthetized (ketamine-xylazine) for procurement of blood and tissues. A 1.5-fold elevation in hepatic GNMT activity and hypohomocysteinemia in diabetic rats was completely prevented by insulin treatment. Additionally, diabetes-mediated alterations in methionine synthase, phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, and DNA methylation were also prevented by insulin. We hypothesize that the concentration of blood glucose may represent a regulatory signal to modify GNMT and homocysteine. In support of this, blood glucose concentrations were negatively correlated with total plasma homocysteine ( r = −0.75, P < 0.001) and positively correlated with GNMT activity ( r = 0.77, P < 0.001). Future research will focus on further elucidating the role of glucose or insulin as a signal for regulating homocysteine and methyl group metabolism.
Face categorization in visual scenes may start in a higher order area of the right fusiform gyrus: evidence from dynamic visual stimulation in neuroimaging
Authors: Jiang Fang , Dricot Laurence , Weber Jochen , Righi Giulia , Tarr Michael J. , Goebel Rainer , Rossion Bruno
Published: July 2011

How a visual stimulus is initially categorized as a face by the cortical face-processing network remains largely unclear. In this study we used functional MRI to study the dynamics of face detection in visual scenes by using a paradigm in which scenes containing faces or cars are revealed progressively as they emerge from visual noise. Participants were asked to respond as soon as they detected a face or car during the noise sequence. Among the face-sensitive regions identified based on a standard localizer, a high-level face-sensitive area, the right fusiform face area (FFA), showed the earliest difference between face and car activation. Critically, differential activation in FFA was observed before differential activation in the more posteriorly located occipital face area (OFA). A whole brain analysis confirmed these findings, with a face-sensitive cluster in the right fusiform gyrus being the only cluster showing face preference before successful behavioral detection. Overall, these findings indicate that following generic low-level visual analysis, a face stimulus presented in a gradually revealed visual scene is first detected in the right middle fusiform gyrus, only after which further processing spreads to a network of cortical and subcortical face-sensitive areas (including the posteriorly located OFA). These results provide further evidence for a nonhierarchical organization of the cortical face-processing network.
Transcriptome and translational signaling following endurance exercise in trained skeletal muscle: impact of dietary protein
Authors: Rowlands David S. , Thomson Jasmine S. , Timmons Brian W. , Raymond Frédéric , Fuerholz Andreas , Mansourian Robert , Zwahlen Marie-Camille , Métairon Sylviane , Glover Elisa , Stellingwerff Trent , Kussmann Martin , Tarnopolsky Mark A.
Published: July 2011

Postexercise protein feeding regulates the skeletal muscle adaptive response to endurance exercise, but the transcriptome guiding these adaptations in well-trained human skeletal muscle is uncharacterized. In a crossover design, eight cyclists ingested beverages containing protein, carbohydrate and fat (PTN: 0.4, 1.2, 0.2 g/kg, respectively) or isocaloric carbohydrate and fat (CON: 1.6, 0.2 g/kg) at 0 and 1 h following 100 min of cycling. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis were collected at 3 and 48 h following to determine the early and late transcriptome and regulatory signaling responses via microarray and immunoblot. The top gene ontology enriched by PTN were: muscle contraction, extracellular matrix - signaling and structure, and nucleoside, nucleotide, and nucleic acid metabolism (3 and 48 h); developmental processes, immunity, and defense (3 h); glycolysis, lipid and fatty acid metabolism (48 h). The transcriptome was also enriched within axonal guidance, actin cytoskeletal, Ca2+, cAMP, MAPK, and PPAR canonical pathways linking protein nutrition to exercise-stimulated signaling regulating extracellular matrix, slow-myofibril, and metabolic gene expression. At 3 h, PTN attenuated AMPKα1Thr172 phosphorylation but increased mTORC1Ser2448, rps6Ser240/244, and 4E-BP1-γ phosphorylation, suggesting increased translation initiation, while at 48 h AMPKα1Thr172 phosphorylation and PPARG and PPARGC1A expression increased, supporting the late metabolic transcriptome, relative to CON. To conclude, protein feeding following endurance exercise affects signaling associated with cell energy status and translation initiation and the transcriptome involved in skeletal muscle development, slow-myofibril remodeling, immunity and defense, and energy metabolism. Further research should determine the time course and posttranscriptional regulation of this transcriptome and the phenotype responding to chronic postexercise protein feeding.
Four out of eight genes in a mouse chromosome 7 congenic donor region are candidate obesity genes
Authors: Sarahan Kari A. , Fisler Janis S. , Warden Craig H.
Published: July 2011

We previously identified a region of mouse chromosome 7 that influences body fat mass in F2 littermates of congenic × background intercrosses. Current analyses revealed that alleles in the donor region of the subcongenic B6.C- D7Mit318 (318) promoted a twofold increase in adiposity in homozygous lines of 318 compared with background C57BL/6ByJ (B6By) mice. Parent-of-origin effects were discounted through cross-fostering studies and an F1 reciprocal cross. Mapping of the donor region revealed that it has a maximal size of 2.8 Mb (minimum 1.8 Mb) and contains a maximum of eight protein coding genes. Quantitative PCR in whole brain, liver, and gonadal white adipose tissue (GWAT) revealed differential expression between genotypes for three genes in females and two genes in males. Alpha-2,8-sialyltransferase 8B ( St8sia2) showed reduced 318 mRNA levels in brain for females and males and in GWAT for females only. Both sexes of 318 mice had reduced Repulsive guidance molecule-a ( Rgma) expression in GWAT. In brain, Family with sequence similarity 174 member b ( Fam174b) had increased expression in 318 females, whereas Chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 2 ( Chd2-2) had reduced expression in 318 males. No donor region genes were differentially expressed in liver. Sequence analysis of coding exons for all genes in the 318 donor region revealed only one single nucleotide polymorphism that produced a nonsynonymous missense mutation, Gln7Pro, in Fam174b. Our findings highlight the difficulty of using expression and sequence to identify quantitative trait genes underlying obesity even in small genomic regions.
Homotopy Analysis Method for Solving Foam Drainage Equation with Space‐ and Time‐Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Hosseini Fadravi Hadi , Saberi Nik Hassan , Buzhabadi Reza
Published: July 2011

The analytical solution of the foam drainage equation with time‐ and space‐fractional derivatives was derived by means of the homotopy
analysis method (HAM). The fractional derivatives are described in the Caputo sense. Some examples are given and comparisons are made; the comparisons
show that the homotopy analysis method is very effective and convenient. By choosing different values of the parameters α, β in general formal numerical solutions, as a result, a very rapidly convergent series solution is obtained.
Localization between Curved Shell Plate and Its Unfolded Shape in Different Coordinate Systems for Ship‐Hull Plate Forming
Authors: Hwang Se Yun , Ryu Cheol Ho , Lee Jang Hyun
Published: July 2011

This paper describes a mathematical formulation for the efficient localization of 3D surfaces including free‐form surfaces and flat surfaces. An important application of this paper is to register flat surface calculated from unfolding process with a curved surface extracted from ship CAD prior to the multipoint press forming works. The mathematical formulation handles the registration and comparison of two free surfaces represented by sparse points based on the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm and localization that can be applicable to ship‐hull plate forming. The ICP algorithm gives an adequate set of initial translation and rotation for surface objects with little correspondence through the minimization of mean square distance metric. Comparison of surfaces is explained in order to determine a corresponding set which gives the optimized press stroke between unfold surface and referential object surface. It thereby allows the optimized press works in ship‐hull forming. The combination of registration and comparison is applied to decide the shape equivalence of correspondent surfaces as well as to estimate the transform matrix between point sets where similarity is low. Experimental results show the capabilities of the registration on unfolding surface and curved surface.
Comparison of Oral Zinc Sulfate with Systemic Meglumine Antimoniate in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Yazdanpanah Mohamad Javad , Banihashemi Mahnaz , Pezeshkpoor Fakhrozaman , Khajedaluee Mohammad , Famili Sororozaman , Tavakoli Rodi Iman , Yousefzadeh Hadis
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate comparison between oral zinc sulfate and meglumine antimoniate in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). So 100 patients with CL were included and randomly divided into two groups. The first group was treated with oral zinc sulfate (10 mg/kg/day during 45 days period), and the second group was treated with systemic meglumine antimoniate (20 mg/kg/day intramuscularly for 20 days). Acceptable cure after completing 45 days of followup occurred in 30.2% of lesions in first group, while this was 35.5% for the second group. There is not any significant difference between the two treatment groups (P=0.42). Serious side effects resulting in treatment discounting occurred in only meglumine antimoniate group. Although cure rate of systemic meglumine antimoniate group was better the treatment with zinc sulfate is much easier, cheaper, more convenient in consumption, safer, and nearly close cure percentage to systemic meglumine antimoniate injections without serious side effect.
The Influence of Prior Obstetrical History on Current 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Use
Authors: Ransom Carla E. , Chin Jeanette R. , Roeder Hilary A. , Sinclair Tammy R. , Heine R. Phillips , Murtha Amy P.
Published: July 2011

Objective. To determine if gestational age of prior preterm delivery influences a woman's receipt of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHP-C).Methods. Retrospective cohort of women eligible for 17-OHP-C at Duke Obstetrics Clinic were identified by medical record review. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were abstracted.Results. Of 104 eligible subjects, 82 (78.8%) were offered 17-OHP-C. Of these, thirty-four (41.5%) declined. The median gestational age of the most recent preterm delivery was significantly lower among subjects who accepted 17-OHP-C as compared to those who declined (28.7 vs. 34.0 weeks,P=.02) and in subjects offered 17-OHP-C compared to those not offered 17-OHP-C (30.2 vs. 36.0 weeks,P=.03). Subjects not offered 17-OHP-C were more likely to have had an interval term delivery (31.8% vs. 9.7%,P=.009)Conclusion. Women with earlier preterm deliveries were more likely to be offered and accept 17-OHP-C. Prior obstetric history may influence both providers' and patients' willingness to discuss and/or accept 17-OHP-C.
Transmigration of Mandibular Canine: Report of Four Cases and Review of Literature
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Nagpal Archna
Published: July 2011

Transmigration of canine is a rare phenomenon. The prevalence of transmigration of mandibular canine has been found to be only 0.14%–0.31%. The treatment of impacted transmigrated canine is very complicated if it is diagnosed at a later stage. We report 4 cases of transmigration of mandibular canine and review the literature regarding the etiology and treatment. Panoramic radiograph should be taken during the mixed dentition period if the mandibular canine has not erupted from more than one year from its normal chronological age of eruption as intraoral periapical radiograph examination will not always detect an impacted or transmigrated canine.
Evidence for the Immunosuppressive Potential of Calcineurin Inhibitor-Sparing Regimens in Liver Transplant Recipients with Impaired Renal Function
Authors: Ide Kentaro , Tanaka Yuka , Onoe Takashi , Banshodani Masataka , Tazawa Hirofumi , Igarashi Yuka , Basnet Nabin Bahadur , Doskali Marlen , Tashiro Hirotaka , Ohdan Hideki
Published: July 2011

Patients requiring liver transplantation (LT) frequently experience renal insufficiency (RI), which affects their survival. Although calcineurin inhibitor-sparing immunosuppressive regimens (CSRs) are well known to prevent RI, the immune state in recipients receiving CSR remains to be intensively investigated. Among 60 cases of living-donor LT at our institute, 68% of the patients had none to mild RI (non-RI group) and 32% of the patients had moderate to severe RI (RI group). The RI group received a CSR comprising reduced dose of tacrolimus, methylprednisolone, and mycophenolate mofetil, while the non-RI group received a regimen comprising conventional dose of tacrolimus and methylprednisolone. One year after LT, the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the RI group had significantly improved, although it was still lower than that of the non-RI group. Serial mixed lymphocyte reaction assays revealed that antidonor T-cell responses were adequately suppressed in both groups. Thus, we provide evidence that CSR leads to improvement of eGFR after LT in patients with RI, while maintaining an appropriate immunosuppressive state.
Help Seeking and Access to Primary Care for People from “Hard-to-Reach” Groups with Common Mental Health Problems
Authors: Bristow K. , Edwards S. , Funnel E. , Fisher L. , Gask L. , Dowrick C. , Chew Graham C.
Published: July 2011

Background. In the UK, most people with mental health problems are managed in primary care. However, many individuals in need of help are not able to access care, either because it is not available, or because the individual's interaction with care-givers deters or diverts help-seeking. Aims. To understand the experience of seeking care for distress from the perspective of potential patients from “hard-to-reach” groups. Methods. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, analysed using a thematic framework. Results. Access to primary care is problematic in four main areas: how distress is conceptualised by individuals, the decision to seek help, barriers to help-seeking, and navigating and negotiating services. Conclusion. There are complex reasons why people from “hard-to-reach” groups may not conceptualise their distress as a biomedical problem. In addition, there are particular barriers to accessing primary care when distress is recognised by the person and help-seeking is attempted. We suggest how primary care could be more accessible to people from “hard-to-reach” groups including the need to offer a flexible, non-biomedical response to distress.
Obesity and Its Relationship with Occupational Injury in the Canadian Workforce
Authors: Janssen Ian , Bacon Eric , Pickett William
Published: July 2011

Objectives.To examine associations between obesity and occupational injury.Methods.Participants consisted of a representative sample of 7,678 adult Canadian workers. Participants were placed into normal weight, overweight, and obese categories based on their body mass index. Different injury types, location, and external causes were measured. Logistic regression was used to estimate relationships.Results.By comparison to normal weight workers, obese workers were more likely to report any occupational injuries (odds ratio (OR) 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98–1.99) and serious occupational injuries (1.49, 0.99–2.26). These relationships were more pronounced for sprains and strains (1.80, 1.04–3.11), injuries to the lower limbs (2.14, 1.12–4.11) or torso (2.36, 1.13–4.93), and injuries due to falls (2.10, 0.86–5.10) or overexertion (2.08, 0.96–4.50). Female workers, workers ≥40 years, and workers employed in sedentary occupations were particularly vulnerable. Increased risks were not identified for overweight workers.Conclusions.Obese workers experienced 40–49% higher risks for occupational injury.
Rapid Progression of a Urinary Bladder Leiomyosarcoma: Report of a Case
Authors: Yamada Toru , Nagai Shingo , Kanimoto Yusuke
Published: July 2011

The case we report shows rapid progression and a very poor prognosis only for a month that differs from the clinical course reported in the literature. An 83-year-old man was referred to our hospital for macroscopic hematuria. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a large bladder tumor measuring 4 cm × 3 cm and magnetic resonance imaging revealed extravesical invasion and pelvic wall invasion of the tumors. Chest CT and bone scintigraphy revealed no evidence of distant visceral metastases, and a clinical diagnosis of T4N0M0 was made. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TUR-BT) was performed for histopathological diagnosis 18 days after admission, and no further adjuvant treatment was given. At 15 days after TUR-BT, the patient's clinical status worsened with symptoms of exertional dyspnea. CT showed multiple metastatic lesions in the lung, liver, and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. The patient died 2 days later and underwent autopsy. A final histopathological diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was made based on immunohistochemical staining.
AToMS: A Ubiquitous Teleconsultation System for Supporting AMI Patients with Prehospital Thrombolysis
Authors: Correa Bruno S. P. M. , Gonçalves Bernardo , Teixeira Iuri M. , Gomes Antônio T. A. , Ziviani Artur
Published: July 2011

The latest population-based studies in the medical literature worldwide indicate that acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients still experience prolonged delay to be rescued, which often results in morbidity and mortality. This paper reports from a technological standpoint a teleconsultation and monitoring system named AToMS. This system addresses the problem of prehospital delivery of thrombolysis to AMI patients by enabling the remote interaction of the paramedics and a cardiologist available at a Coronary Care Unit (CCU). Such interaction allows the diagnosis of the patient eligibility to the immediate application of thrombolysis, which is meant to reduce the delay between the onset of symptoms and the eventual application of proper treatment. Such delay reduction is meant to increase the AMI patient's chances of survival and decrease the risks of postinfarction sequels. The teleconsultation is held with the support of wireless and mobile technologies, which also allows the cardiologist to monitor the patient while he/she is being taken to the nearest CCU. All exchanged messages among paramedics and cardiologists are recorded to render an auditable system. AToMS has been deployed in a first stage in the city of Rio de Janeiro, where the medical team involved in the project has conducted commissioned tests.
Randomised Double-Blind Trial of Combination Antibiotic Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Smith Angela , Doré Caroline , Charles Peter , Vallance Alena , Potier Tara , Mackworth-Young Charles
Published: July 2011

Objective. A combination of intravenous clindamycin and oral tetracycline has been used for many years as a treatment for active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), despite the absence of good evidence for its efficacy. A single-blind pilot study of this therapy suggested that a double-blind placebo-controlled trial was warranted.Methods. Patients with active RA were randomised in a 2 : 1 ratio to receive active treatment or placebo for 25 weeks. The active treatment consisted of intravenous clindamycin in a reducing regime, and oral tetracycline twice daily three times a week. 50 patients were to be recruited. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients achieving an ACR20 response.Results. An interim statistical analysis was performed after 20 patients had completed the study. Two patients in the active group achieved an ACR20 response, with none in the placebo group (NS). There was a better ESR20 response in the placebo group (P=.02). There were no other significant differences between the groups. The results indicated that it was unlikely that a significant difference in ACR20 response would emerge if the remaining 30 patients were recruited. The trial was therefore halted.Conclusion. This antibiotic regime is unlikely to be a valuable therapy for active rheumatoid arthritis.
Reproductive Traits of Some Amphipods (Crustacea: Peracarida) in Different Habitats of Iran and Southern Caspian Sea
Authors: Mirzajani Alireza , Sayadrahim Mostafa , Sari Alireza
Published: July 2011

Reproductive traits of seven amphipods from northern parts of Iran at 11 localities were studied in order to find feasible species for usage in aquaculture industries. The results revealed that the breeding season forGammarus lacustrisandG. paricrenatusfrom high latitudes was limited to a few months from May to June. Breeding activity ofG. komarekifrom some springs was observed throughout the year, whileObesogammarus acuminatusandG. aequicaudafrom southern wetlands of the Caspian sea andPontogammarus maeoticusandP. borceaefrom southern Caspian sea shore showed various patterns. The mean egg number ofO. acuminatusandG. aequicaudaspecies was the highest with 49.8 and 37.7, respectively, while this value forG. komarekiandP. maeoticuswas the lowest with an average of 8.8 eggs. Reproductive strategy was found to be related to habitat characteristics such as chemical factors, substrate status, and the epifaunal living.
Arteriovenous Malformation of the Pancreas
Authors: Charalabopoulos Alexandros , Macheras Nikolas , Krivan Sylvia , Petropoulos Konstantinos , Misiakos Evangelos , Macheras Anastasios
Published: July 2011

Pancreatic arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is a very rare and mostly congenital lesion, with less than 80 cases described in the English-published literature. It is defined as a tumorous vascular abnormality that is constructed between an anomalous bypass anastomosis of the arterial and venous networks within the pancreas. It represents about 5% of all arteriovenous malformations found in the gastrointestinal tract. Herein, we present a 64-year-old patient with symptomatic PAVM involving the body and tail of the organ, which was successfully treated by transcatheter arterial embolization. The disease spectrum and review of the literature are also presented.