bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Interactions Between Regulators of Chlamydomonas Phosphorus and Sulfur Deprivation Responses
Authors: Moseley Jeffrey L , Gonzalez-Ballester David , Pootakham Wirulda , Bailey Shaun , Grossman Arthur R
Published: December 2008

The Chlamydomonas reinhardtii PSR1 gene is required for proper acclimation of the cells to phosphorus (P) deficiency. P-starved psr1 mutants show signs of secondary sulfur (S) starvation, exemplified by the synthesis of extracellular arylsulfatase and the accumulation of transcripts encoding proteins involved in S scavenging and assimilation. Epistasis analysis reveals that induction of the S-starvation responses in P-limited psr1 cells requires the regulatory protein kinase SNRK2.1, but bypasses the membrane-targeted activator, SAC1. The inhibitory kinase SNRK2.2 is necessary for repression of S-starvation responses during both nutrient-replete growth and P limitation; arylsulfatase activity and S deficiency-responsive genes are partially induced in the P-deficient snrk2.2 mutants and become fully activated in the P-deficient psr1snrk2.2 double mutant. During P starvation, the sac1snrk2.2 double mutants or the psr1sac1snrk2.2 triple mutants exhibit reduced arylsulfatase activity compared to snrk2.2 or psr1snrk2.2, respectively, but the sac1 mutation has little effect on the abundance of S deficiency-responsive transcripts in these strains, suggesting a post-transcriptional role for SAC1 in elicitation of S-starvation responses. Interestingly, P-starved psr1snrk2.2 cells bleach and die more rapidly than wild-type or psr1 strains, suggesting that activation of S-starvation responses during P deprivation is deleterious to the cell. From these results we infer that (i) P-deficient growth causes some internal S limitation, but the S-deficiency responses are normally inhibited during acclimation to P deprivation; (ii) the S-deficiency responses are not completely suppressed in P-deficient psr1 cells and consequently these cells synthesize some arylsulfatase and exhibit elevated levels of transcripts for S-deprivation genes; and (iii) this increased expression is controlled by regulators that modulate transcription of S-responsive genes during S-deprivation conditions. Overall, the work strongly suggests integration of the different circuits that control nutrient-deprivation responses in Chlamydomonas.
The Residency Review and Redesign in Pediatrics (R3P) Project: Roots and Branches
Authors: Jones M. Douglas , McGuinness Gail A. , Carraccio Carol L.
Published: December 2008

The Residency Review and Redesign in Pediatrics Project was fortunate to be able to take advantage of careful thinking by others. In addition to pediatricians, we sought advice from medical educators across the spectrum of medicine, especially in internal and family medicine. Participants in the project concluded early on that top-down “redesign” of pediatric resident education was neither realistic nor appropriate. A better and more durable alternative is a formal process by which residency education can learn and evolve over time. By committing to that model, pediatrics would finally carry out the mandate of the 1978 Task Force on Pediatric Education. Pediatrics 2009;123:S8-S11
Report of Colloquium III: Challenges for Pediatric Graduate Medical Education and How to Meet Them—A Quality Improvement Approach to Innovation in Pediatric Graduate Medical Education
Authors: Abbott Myles B. , First Lewis R.
Published: December 2008

Participants of the third colloquium of the Residency Review and Redesign in Pediatrics (R3P) Project concluded that pediatricians who practice ambulatory, hospital-based, a combination of ambulatory and hospital-based, and subspecialty pediatrics are sufficiently different to justify differences in general pediatric residency training. This conclusion along with others of previous colloquia led to the creation of a list of goals for innovative change in residency education and a draft of a quality improvement process by which they might be achieved.
General Pediatrics Resident Perspectives on Training Decisions and Career Choice
Authors: Freed Gary L. , Dunham Kelly M. , Jones M. Douglas , McGuinness Gail A. , Althouse Linda ,   and the Research Advisory Committee of the American Board of Pediatrics
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE. Little is known regarding at what point during the training period residents in pediatrics make decisions on their future career choices. As part of a dedicated process of reexamining the structure of residency training in pediatrics, the American Board of Pediatrics sought information to better understand the influences, process, and sequencing of both residency program selection and career decision-making among residents.

METHODS. All pediatrics resident physicians in all training programs in the United States and Canada (N = 8290) received the survey as part of the general pediatrics in-training examination. The survey focused on exploring how and when pediatrics residents make career choices and assessed perceived flexibility of their individual pediatrics residency program.

RESULTS. The response rate was 95%. Location was the most important factor in selecting a residency program for 42% of all residents. Almost half of the pediatrics residents planned to pursue fellowship training after residency, a proportion that changed little across the 3 training years (level 1: 47%; level 2: 49%; level 3: 47%). Those who planned to pursue a general pediatrics career (either with or without inpatient care) were more likely than those who intended to pursue fellowship training to report that lifestyle was the most important factor in their career choice (63% vs 21%).

CONCLUSIONS. Not surprisingly, different priorities motivate pediatricians to pursue specific programs for training and specific career options. The finding that those with the highest priority regarding lifestyle are more likely to pursue generalist training has implications for the generalist workforce, because those persons may also be more likely to seek part-time employment. Lifestyle concerns may need to be addressed in subspecialty training and subsequent subspecialty careers to ensure a continued flow of residents into fellowship training.
Recently Trained Pediatric Subspecialists: Perspectives on Training and Scope of Practice
Authors: Freed Gary L. , Dunham Kelly M. , Switalski Kara E. , Jones M. Douglas , McGuinness Gail A. ,   and the Research Advisory Committee of the American Board of Pediatrics
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES. Little is known regarding the factors influencing the decision to pursue pediatric subspecialty fellowship training and the timing of when such a decision is made. In addition, there is no information regarding whether the general pediatrics training received in residency is perceived as valuable by subspecialists. This study was conducted to characterize the strengths and weaknesses of residency and fellowship training from the perspective of recently trained pediatric subspecialists and to assess their current and future career goals and intended scope of practice.

METHODS. A random sample of 550 subspecialists whose initial application for pediatric subspecialty certification occurred between 2002 and 2003 (4–5 years out of training) and 550 subspecialists who applied for board certification between 2005 and 2006 (1–2 years out of training) received a structured questionnaire by mail. The survey focused on decision-making in selection of residency and fellowship programs, strength of residency training in preparation for clinical care provision, and scope of current practice.

RESULTS. The overall response rate was 77%. More than half (54%) of the recently trained subspecialists would have shortened either their pediatric residency or fellowship training if given the opportunity, and 7% were unsure. More than one third of the respondents made the decision to pursue subspecialty training before the start of residency (36% [n = 198]), whereas approximately half of them made this decision during the first (19% [n = 106]) or second (27% [n = 150]) year of residency.

CONCLUSIONS. Many subspecialists would have been interested in modifications to their pediatric residency and fellowship training programs, which may reflect changing patterns of professional activities or the preferences of a younger generation of subspecialists. Given that a substantial proportion of subspecialists decide to pursue subspecialty training before or early in residency, greater flexibility in configuring some residency experiences to meet their career goals would be feasible.
Looking to the Future
Authors: McGuinness Gail A. , Jones M. Douglas
Published: December 2008

Participants of the Residency Review and Redesign (R3P) Project have created a challenging strategic plan for pediatric residency education. In place of a list of prescriptions for immediate change, the R3P Committee recommends an ongoing project of goal-directed change, a quality improvement approach to resident education. It argues for changes based on evidence of important education outcomes that improve the health of children, adolescents, and young adults. Creation and maintenance of a process of ongoing, adaptive change will depend on the combined efforts of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors, the Association of Medical School Department Chairs, the American Board of Pediatrics, the Resident Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Review Committee for Pediatrics.
Linking Children's Health Information Systems: Clinical Care, Public Health, Emergency Medical Systems, and Schools
Authors: Hinman Alan R. , Davidson Arthur J.
Published: December 2008

This article describes health information systems used for children in a variety of settings (eg, clinical care, public health, emergency medicine systems, and schools) and their current ability to exchange information. The potential benefits from linking these systems are considered, as well as the barriers to linkage. In addition, an example of efforts linking information systems together is summarized, and conclusions are drawn from this example for future efforts. Pediatrics 2009;123:S67–S73
Data Standards and Improvement of Quality and Safety in Child Health Care
Authors: Spooner S. Andrew , Classen David C.
Published: December 2008

Progress in using information technology to achieve the goal of high-quality health care is hindered by the lack of coordinated data standards. To accelerate quality improvement in pediatrics, child health providers must participate actively in the creation of health care data standards. To do so will require far greater understanding on the part of pediatricians and other pediatric providers regarding the scope and role of data standards in advancing health information systems for children, as well as how data standards could improve quality in child health, what kinds of data standards hold the most promise for quality improvement in child health, and how child health professionals can engage in the work of creating data standards. Child health professionals in organized and academic medicine should participate in standards development organizations, to present the pediatric point of view as data standards emerge. They also should support efforts to certify electronic health record systems that include pediatric functionality. A major challenge to academic pediatrics is to prove that data standards can lead to improved health outcomes for children; this is only a compelling conjecture as of this writing.
Electronic Results Management in Pediatric Ambulatory Care: Qualitative Assessment
Authors: Ferris Timothy G. , Johnson Sarah A. , Co John Patrick T. , Backus Meghan , Perrin James , Bates David W. , Poon Eric G.
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND. Electronic results management may improve the reliability and efficiency of test results management, but few studies have investigated this topic in pediatrics.

METHODS. We conducted semi-structured, key informant interviews before and after implementation of electronic results management at 8 pediatric ambulatory care practices. We also surveyed all pediatricians at 18 practices (10 additional practices). All practices were members of Partners Healthcare and had been using an electronic health record when they were offered electronic results management. We assessed baseline processes for results management, barriers to electronic results management adoption, and the perceived impact of electronic results management on quality, efficiency, and provider satisfaction.

RESULTS. From interviews, we found a range of processes in place to manage test results, but all practices reported losing some results and no practice tracked all test results from the time of ordering to parent/patient notification. Practices that fully adopted electronic results management reported gains in efficiency, reliability, timeliness, and provider satisfaction, whereas some partial adopters reported decreased efficiency and increased risk of lost test results. Barriers to electronic results management adoption included lack of inclusion of all ordered tests in the electronic results management system, user interface design issues, and lack of sufficient pediatric customization. Survey results (response rate: 62%) indicated that pediatricians thought electronic results management improved the quality and efficiency of care, with 72% of pediatricians reporting safer care and 63% reporting more-effective care.

CONCLUSIONS. We found that pediatric practices have room for improvement in the management of test results, and electronic results management may be an effective method for improving the efficiency and safety of test results management. However, partial adoption of electronic results management may decrease efficiency and pose a threat to patient safety.
Use of an Electronic Medical Record System to Support Primary Care Recommendations to Prevent, Identify, and Manage Childhood Obesity
Authors: Rattay Karyl Thomas , Ramakrishnan Meena , Atkinson Aguida , Gilson Megan , Drayton Vonna
Published: December 2008

Many primary care physicians are not providing care that is consistent with recommendations to prevent, to identify, and to manage childhood obesity. This report presents modifications made to the electronic medical record system of a large pediatric health care system, using a quality improvement approach, to support these recommendations and office system changes. Although it is possible to make practice changes secondary to electronic medical record system enhancements, challenges to development and implementation exist.
Mediastinal paragangliomas: association with mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase genes and aggressive behavior
Authors: Ghayee Hans K , Havekes Bas , Corssmit Eleonora P M , Eisenhofer Graeme , Hammes Stephen R , Ahmad Zahid , Tessnow Alexander , Lazúrová Ivica , Adams Karen T , Fojo Antonio T , Pacak Karel , Auchus Richard J
Published: December 2008

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas, otherwise known as paragangliomas (PGLs), account for about 20% of catecholamine-producing tumors. Catecholamine excess and mutations in the genes encoding succinate dehydrogenase subunits (SDHx) are frequently found in patients with PGLs. Only 2% of PGLs are found in the mediastinum, and little is known about genetic alterations in patients with mediastinal PGLs, catecholamine production by these tumors, or their clinical behavior. We hypothesized that most mediastinal PGLs are associated with germ line SDHx mutations, norepinephrine and/or dopamine excess, and aggressive behavior. The objective of this study was to characterize genetic, biochemical, and clinical data in a series of ten patients with mediastinal PGLs. All ten primary mediastinal PGL patients had germ line SDHx mutations, six in SDHB, and four in SDHD genes. Chest or back pain were the most common presenting symptoms (five patients), and catecholamines and/or their metabolites were elevated in seven patients. Additional tumors included head and neck PGLs in four patients, pheochromocytoma in one patient, and bladder PGL in another. Metastatic disease was documented in six patients (60%), and a concurrent abdominal mass was found in one patient. We conclude that mediastinal PGLs are strongly associated with SDHB and SDHD gene mutations, noradrenergic phenotype, and aggressive behavior. The present data suggest that all patients with mediastinal PGLs should be screened for SDHx gene mutations, regardless of age.
Iterative K-Line Meshing Non-Linear Least Squares Interpolation of Affectively Decorated Media Repositories
Authors: Toptsis Anestis A. , Dubitski Alexander
Published: December 2008

We present an algorithm that organizes a song repository upon recording a user’s memory experiences from
previous music listening activities. Our method forms an affectively annotated network of songs. The network’s connections
correspond to a person’s recorded memory experiences related to song preferences when the person is at different
states of affective bias. Upon formation of this network, an intelligent affect-sensitive network navigation algorithm synthesizes
playlists that conform to desired affective states. The method for the network formation is highly individualized,
in the sense that it takes in account an individual’s music preferences which are typically subjective and may differ from
user to user. Also, the method is content independent, in the sense that it does not rely or favor any particular music genre.
In fact, the method is applicable to any type of media, not only songs. We implement our method and present evaluation
results from the introspection of our algorithms’ execution and from feedback recorded during the evaluation by human
test subjects. The evaluation results clearly indicate that the proposed method significantly outperforms the most typical
paradigm of random song selection.
Oral and Perioral Piercing Complications
Authors: Escudero-Castaño N , Perea-García M.A , Campo-Trapero J , Sánchez Cano , Bascones-Martínez A
Published: December 2008

Background.

The oral an perioral piercing has a long history as part of religious, tribal,cultural or sexual symbolism and nowdays there is a high incidence of oral and perioral piercing in the adolescent population. This practice has a long history as part of religious, tribal, cultural or sexual symbolism. This article reviews current knowledge on injuries or diseases that might be produced by piercing in the oral cavity. We propose a classification to diagnosed the pathologies related to oral an perioral piercing

Methods.

A search was conducted of articles in PubMed, Scielo published between 1997 and 2007, using the key words ``oral and perioral, piercing ´´, ``oral, piercing and disease”, ``recessions and oral piercing´´. It has reviewed about twentythree articles 17 were narrative reviews and 6 case series

Results.

A review was carried out on the origins of oral and perioral body piercing and its local implications, classifying the different alterations like recessions, systemic implications that it can produce in the oral and perioral cavity.

Conclusion.

Patients with oral and perioral piercing should be regularly followed up because of the possible development of different types of adverse effects.

Clinical implications.

Adverse effects of oral and perioral piercing can be systemic, with transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis B or C, or can be local, with alteration of oral mucosae or even of dental structures.
The Effect of n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid on Blood Levels of Malondialdehyde-Deoxyguanosine Adducts in Human Subjects
Authors: Moore S.A. , Humphreys E. , Friesen M.D. , Shuker D.E.G. , Bingham S.A.
Published: December 2008

The role of n-6 polyunsaturated fats upon the formation of the mutagenic DNA adduct malondialdehydedeoxyguanosine
(M1dG) in blood was investigated in male volunteers (n = 13) who consumed diets high in saturated and
polyunsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fat plus a-tocopherol supplemention (400 IU per day). On day 14 there was a
significant difference in adduct levels between diets with saturated fats giving higher levels than polyunsaturated fats but
this effect had disappeared by day 20 indicating that there is a relatively rapid adjustment to the effects on DNA damage
of changes in dietary fat. a-Tocopherol showed a small benefit by day 20. Five females participated in the PUFA study
and had higher mean adduct levels than men but there was no correlation with hormonal status. Overall, PUFA had a limited
beneficial effect on M1dG levels that warrants further investigation.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Prevalence and Evidence
Authors: Ferro Mark Anthony , Speechley Kathy Nixon
Published: December 2008

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic condition that affects children. Healthcare for JIA is aimed at symptom management and as a result, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is readily sought. The objective of this manuscript is to provide healthcare professionals and researchers with a comprehensive review of the prevalence of CAM use in JIA, determinants of use, and outcomes associated with various therapies. The implications for future clinical practice and promising areas of investigation will be discussed. An in-depth search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, and Cochrane Library. Programs from relevant conferences were also searched. Thirty-eight articles were retrieved and 12 were included in the analysis. Eight articles assessed the prevalence of CAM use in JIA, three investigated specific interventions (Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, relaxation, massage), and one examined reasons for using CAM. Results showed that CAM use is relatively high among JIA patients, but prevalence rates vary due to differences in methodology and definitions of CAM. Most patients use CAM for pain relief. Results from intervention studies are preliminary and should be followed with methodologically rigorous studies. Healthcare professionals should become familiar with CAM so as to provide optimal support and care for children with JIA.
Process Modeling and Optimization Strategies Integrating Support Vector Regression and Differential Evolution: A Study of Industrial Ethylene Oxide Reactor
Authors: Lahiri Sandip Kumar , Khalfe Nadeem
Published: December 2008

This paper presents artificial intelligence-based process modeling and optimization strategies, namely, support vector regression  differential evolution (SVR-DE) for modeling and optimization of catalytic industrial ethylene oxide (EO) reactor. In the SVR-DE approach, a support vector regression model is constructed for correlating process data comprising values of operating and performance variables. Next, model inputs describing process operating variables are optimized using Differential Evolution (DE) with a view to maximize the process performance. DE possesses certain unique advantages over the commonly used gradient-based deterministic optimization algorithms. The SVR-DE is a new strategy for chemical process modeling and optimization. The major advantage of the strategy is that modeling and optimization can be conducted exclusively from the historic process data wherein the detailed knowledge of process phenomenology (reaction mechanism, kinetics, etc.) is not required. Using SVR-DE strategy, a number of sets of optimized operating conditions leading to maximized EO production and catalyst selectivity were obtained. The optimized solutions, when verified in an actual plant, resulted in a significant improvement in the EO production rate and catalyst selectivity.
Comparative Education: An Inner Treasure
Authors: Pampanini Giovanni
Published: December 2008

Inspired by his meeting with Nigel Grant at the beginning of the Nineties the author explains how this influenced and accompanied his career as a Comparative Education researcher and a teacher of Special Needs in Education, with a close, personal examination of the cultural themes of personal identity. Using an anecdotal, colloquial style, he demonstrates the importance, if not the necessity, for all Comparative Education and Intercultural researchers, in parallel to their research regarding the external and exterior aspects of their subject (comparison of different school systems, of educational reforms, of philosophies of education, etc.), to carry out a study into their own interior, personal aspects that will help them to define their own cultural identity and possible, inner ‘diversities’. In the author's opinion, understanding and practising such a ‘interior route to Comparative Education’ can only lead to a more precise, aware use of those terms employed when describing the objects of external research.
Review of the Review: Constructing the Identity of Comparative Education
Authors: Wolhuter C.C.
Published: December 2008

The aim of this article is the explication of the identity of Comparative Education and a critical reflection thereon, by means of a journal analysis of articles published in the Comparative Education Review during the first 50 years of its existence. The 1157 articles were analyzed under the following rubrics: levels of analysis of articles; number of units covered by articles; geographical area which articles deal with authors: numbers, countries and institutional affiliation; research methods; paradigmatic affiliations; phase of education articles cover; mode of education articles deal with; and themes/topics focused on. The analysis revealed two equally strong trends – a remarkable resilience/constancy amidst a broadening. For example, the hermeneutic paradigm continues to be the most frequent paradigm, although there has been a significant diversification of paradigms recently. Comparative Education still has the ‘black box’ character, whereby things outside educational institutions (i.e. shaping forces of education and societal effects of education) are studied more than that which takes place inside educational institutions. The study suggests that there is much scope for the expansion of Comparative Education along new lines. Some of these are pointed out.
Collapse of Monopoly Privilege: From College to University
Authors: Davidovitch Nitza , Soen Dan , Iram Yaacov
Published: December 2008

This article focuses on the erosion of the monopoly by universities of the higher education system in Israel. The hegemony of the universities, the major player in the academic field, has been shattered by the development of the regional colleges that unsettled the preconceptions concerning the higher education system in Israel, including the goals, student profiles, curricula and organizational structure of the various types of academic institutions. This article examines how colleges and universities, the two major types of higher education institutions in Israel, were affected by enhanced access to higher education in the past decade.
Functional Characterization of Promoter Variants of the Adiponectin Gene Complemented by Epidemiological Data
Authors: Laumen Helmut , Saningong Akuma D. , Heid Iris M. , Hess Jochen , Herder Christian , Claussnitzer Melina , Baumert Jens , Lamina Claudia , Rathmann Wolfgang , Sedlmeier Eva-Maria , Klopp Norman , Thorand Barbara , Wichmann H.-Erich , Illig Thomas , Hauner Hans
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

Adiponectin (APM1, ACDC) is an adipocyte-derived protein with downregulated expression in obesity and insulin-resistant states. Several potentially regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the APM1 gene promoter region have been associated with circulating adiponectin levels. None of them have been functionally characterized in adiponectin-expressing cells. Hence, we investigated three SNPs (rs16861194, rs17300539, and rs266729) for their influence on adiponectin promoter activity and their association with circulating adiponectin levels.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Basal and rosiglitazone-induced promoter activity of different SNP combinations (haplotypes) was analyzed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes using luciferase reporter gene assays and DNA binding studies comparing all possible APM1 haplotypes. This functional approach was complemented with analysis of epidemiological population-based data of 1,692 participants of the MONICA/KORA S123 cohort and 696 participants from the KORA S4 cohort for SNP and haplotype association with circulating adiponectin levels.

RESULTS

Major to minor allele replacements of the three SNPs revealed significant effects on promoter activity in luciferase assays. Particularly, a minor variant in rs16861194 resulted in reduced basal and rosiglitazone-induced promoter activity and hypoadiponectinemia in the epidemiological datasets. The haplotype with the minor allele in all three SNPs showed a complete loss of promoter activity, and no subject carried this haplotype in either of the epidemiological samples (combined P value for statistically significant difference from a random sample was 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results clearly demonstrate that promoter variants associated with hypoadiponectinemia in humans substantially affect adiponectin promoter activity in adipocytes. Our combination of functional experiments with epidemiological data overcomes the drawback of each approach alone.
Liver-Specific Deletion of Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) Improves Metabolic Syndrome and Attenuates Diet-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Delibegovic Mirela , Zimmer Derek , Kauffman Caitlin , Rak Kimberly , Hong Eun-Gyoung , Cho You-Ree , Kim Jason K. , Kahn Barbara B. , Neel Benjamin G. , Bence Kendra K.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—The protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B is a negative regulator of insulin signaling; consequently, mice deficient in PTP1B are hypersensitive to insulin. Because PTP1B−/− mice have diminished fat stores, the extent to which PTP1B directly regulates glucose homeostasis is unclear. Previously, we showed that brain-specific PTP1B−/− mice are protected against high-fat diet–induced obesity and glucose intolerance, whereas muscle-specific PTP1B−/− mice have increased insulin sensitivity independent of changes in adiposity. Here we studied the role of liver PTP1B in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We analyzed body mass/adiposity, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and lipid metabolism in liver-specific PTP1B−/− and PTP1Bfl/fl control mice, fed a chow or high-fat diet.

RESULTS—Compared with normal littermates, liver-specific PTP1B−/− mice exhibit improved glucose homeostasis and lipid profiles, independent of changes in adiposity. Liver-specific PTP1B−/− mice have increased hepatic insulin signaling, decreased expression of gluconeogenic genes PEPCK and G-6-Pase, enhanced insulin-induced suppression of hepatic glucose production, and improved glucose tolerance. Liver-specific PTP1B−/− mice exhibit decreased triglyceride and cholesterol levels and diminished expression of lipogenic genes SREBPs, FAS, and ACC. Liver-specific PTP1B deletion also protects against high-fat diet–induced endoplasmic reticulum stress response in vivo, as evidenced by decreased phosphorylation of p38MAPK, JNK, PERK, and eIF2α and lower expression of the transcription factors C/EBP homologous protein and spliced X box-binding protein 1.

CONCLUSIONS—Liver PTP1B plays an important role in glucose and lipid metabolism, independent of alterations in adiposity. Inhibition of PTP1B in peripheral tissues may be useful for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and reduction of cardiovascular risk in addition to diabetes.
Patterns of Abdominal Fat Distribution
Authors: Pou Karla M. , Massaro Joseph M. , Hoffmann Udo , Lieb Kathrin , Vasan Ramachandran S. , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Fox Caroline S.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—The prevalence of abdominal obesity exceeds that of general obesity. We sought to determine the prevalence of abdominal subcutaneous and visceral obesity and to characterize the different patterns of fat distribution in a community-based sample.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Participants from the Framingham Heart Study (n = 3,348, 48% women, mean age 52 years) underwent multidetector computed tomography; subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volumes were assessed. Sex-specific high SAT and VAT definitions were based on 90th percentile cut points from a healthy referent sample. Metabolic risk factors were examined in subgroups with elevated SAT and VAT.

RESULTS—The prevalence of high SAT was 30% (women) and 31% (men) and that for high VAT was 44% (women) and 42% (men). Overall, 27.8% of the sample was discordant for high SAT and high VAT: 19.9% had SAT less than but VAT equal to or greater than the 90th percentile, and 7.9% had SAT greater than but VAT less than the 90th percentile. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher among women and men with SAT less than the 90th percentile and high VAT than in those with high SAT but VAT less than the 90th percentile, despite lower BMI and waist circumference. Findings were similar for hypertension, elevated triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol.

CONCLUSIONS—Nearly one-third of our sample has abdominal subcutaneous obesity, and >40% have visceral obesity. Clinical measures of BMI and waist circumference may misclassify individuals in terms of VAT and metabolic risk.
Association of Lifestyle Factors With Abdominal Subcutaneous and Visceral Adiposity
Authors: Molenaar Esther A. , Massaro Joseph M. , Jacques Paul F. , Pou Karla M. , Ellison R. Curtis , Hoffmann Udo , Pencina Karol , Shadwick Steven D. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Fox Caroline S.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE— The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between lifestyle factors and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in a community-based setting.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Cross-sectional associations between lifestyle factors (dietary quality, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) and SAT and VAT volumes were examined in 2,926 Framingham Heart Study participants (48.6% women, aged 50 ± 10 years).

RESULTS— Diets consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Adherence Index and greater physical activity were inversely associated with SAT and VAT (P < 0.0001–0.002). In men, former smoking was associated with higher SAT (2,743 ± 56 cm3) compared with current smokers (2,629 ± 88 cm3) or those who never smoked (2,538 ± 44 cm3; P = 0.02). Both former and current smoking was associated with higher VAT (P = 0.03 [women]; P = 0.005 [men]). Women with high amounts of alcohol intake (>7 drinks/week) had lower SAT (2,869 ± 106 cm3) than those who consumed less alcohol (3,184 ± 44 cm3, P = 0.006); significant differences in VAT were not observed (P = 0.18). In men, high amounts of alcohol intake (>14 drinks/week) were associated with higher VAT (2,272 ± 59 cm3) compared with intake of ≤14 drinks/week (2,139 ± 25 cm3, P = 0.04), whereas SAT did not differ (P = 0.91). An increasing number of healthy lifestyle factors were associated with lower SAT and VAT volumes (all P < 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS— Adherence to recommended dietary guidelines and physical activity are associated with lower SAT and VAT volumes. However, both smoking and high alcohol intake are differentially associated with VAT volumes. Further research to uncover the putative mechanisms is warranted.
Novel Noninvasive Breath Test Method for Screening Individuals at Risk for Diabetes
Authors: Dillon E. Lichar , Janghorbani Morteza , Angel James A. , Casperson Shanon L. , Grady James J. , Urban Randall J. , Volpi Elena , Sheffield-Moore Melinda
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—Diagnosis of pre-diabetes and early-stage diabetes occurs primarily by means of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which requires invasive blood sampling. The aim of this study was to determine whether differences exist in breath 13CO2 excretion during a 13C-labeled OGTT between individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and individuals with pre-diabetes and early-stage diabetes (PDED) and whether these differences correlated with blood glucose kinetics.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Blood and breath samples were collected at baseline and every 30 min for a 10-h period after ingestion of 75 g glucose isotopically labeled with 150 mg [U-13C6]d-glucose.

RESULTS—Age (56 ± 5 vs. 47 ± 3 years) and BMI (31 ± 2 vs. 31 ± 2 kg/m2) were not different between individuals with NGT (n = 10) and PDED (n = 7), respectively. Blood glucose concentrations were significantly higher in those with PDED compared with those with NGT from baseline to 4.5 h after glucose ingestion (P ≤ 0.05). Glucose-derived breath 13CO2 was significantly lower in individuals with PDED compared with those with NGT from 1 to 3.5 h after glucose (P ≤ 0.05). Peak breath 13CO2 abundance occurred at 4.5 and 3.5 h in individuals with PDED and NGT, respectively (36.87 ± 3.15 vs. 41.36 ± 1.56‰ delta over baseline).

CONCLUSIONS—These results suggest that this novel breath test method may assist in recognition of pre-diabetes or early-stage diabetes in at-risk persons without the need for invasive blood sampling, thus making it an attractive option for large-scale testing of at-risk populations, such as children.
Benefit of nicorandil using an immunologic murine model of experimental colitis
Authors: Hosseini-Tabatabaei Azadeh , Esmaily Hadi , Rahimian Reza , Khorasani Reza , Baeeri Maryam , Barazesh-Morgani Ahmadreza , Sari-Aslani Fatemeh , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: December 2008

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition with an unknown etiology. Nicorandil, a potassium channel opener, has been used for many years for the treatment of angina. Recently, it has been shown that nicorandil possesses some novel traits such as anti-apoptotic, gastroprotective, free radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we set out to examine the possible beneficial effect of nicorandil in a rat model of IBD. Colitis was induced by rectal administration of 2,4,6-trintrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) into rats. Groups of animals used in this study were sham, control, and exposure to dexamethasone, nicorandil, glibenclamid (a pure adenosine triphosphate sensitive potassium channel (KATP) blocker), or nicorandil plus glibenclamid. Drugs were administered by gavage and animals were sacrificed after 7 days. Biochemical markers, including TNF-α and IL-1β, ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and thiobarbitoric acid-reactive substance (TBARS), were measured in the homogenate of colonic tissue. Results indicate that nicorandil significantly reduces macroscopic and histological damage induced by TNBS. Nicorandil diminishes MPO activity and levels of TBARS, TNF-∢, and IL-1β in damaged colonic tissue with a concomitant increase in FRAP value (P<0.01). These effects were not reversed by coadministration of glibenclamide. In conclusion, nicorandil is able to ameliorate experimental IBD with a dose in which it does not show any anti-hypertensive effect, and the mechanism of which is partially or totally independent from KATP channels. It is hypothesized that nitric oxide donation and free-radical scavenging properties of nicorandil upregulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase may be responsible for this phenomenon. These findings suggest that nicorandil can be useful in treatment of IBD, although further investigations are needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved.
Catechol 1,2-dioxygenase from α-naphthol degrading thermophilic Geobacillus sp. strain: purification and properties
Authors: Giedraityte Gražina , Kalėdienė Lilija
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was purification and characterization of catechol 1,2-dioxygenase from Geobacillus sp. G27 strain, which degrades α-naphthol by the β-ketoadipate pathway. The catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (C1,2O) was purified using four steps of ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-celullose, Sephadex G-150 and hydroxylapatite chromatographies. The enzyme was purified about 18-fold with a specific activity of 7.42 U mg of protein−1. The relative molecular mass of the native enzyme estimated on gel chromatography of Sephadex G-150 was 96 kDa. The pH and temperature optima for enzyme activity were 7 and 60°C, respectively. A half-life of the catechol 1,2-dioxygenase at the optimum temperature was 40 min. The kinetic parameters of the Geobacillus sp. G27 strain catechol 1,2-dioxygenase were determined. The enzyme had apparent Km of 29 µM for catechol and the cleavage activities for methylcatechols were much less than for catechol and no activity with gentisate or protocatechuate was detected.
Anticandidal effect of berry juices and extracts from Ribes species
Authors: Krisch Judit , Ördögh Lilla , Galgóczy László , Papp Tamás , Vágvölgyi Csaba
Published: December 2008

The biological activities of fruit juices and pomace (skin, seeds) extracts from blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) and their hybrid plant (jostaberry, Ribes × nidigrolaria) were evaluated against the most frequently isolated twelve human pathogenic Candida species by broth dilution tests. The phenolic content of juice, water and methanol extracts were measured and the relationship with antifungal activity was assessed. Growth of the most Candida species was inhibited, with the exception of C. albicans, C. krusei, C. lusitaniae and C. pulcherrima. R. nigrum, with the highest phenol content, was observed to have the highest anticandidal activity, indicating a positive correlation between phenol content and antifungal activity.
Implementation of Internal Curing in Transportation Concrete
Authors: Cleary John , Delatte Norbert
Published: December 2008

Internal curing is one method used to improve the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. Internal curing provides additional water to the hydrating cement particles that is not part of the original mixing water. The Ohio Department of Transportation (Ohio DOT) observed significant differences in early-age cracking of high-performance bridge decks in northeast Ohio and attributed it to differences in the absorption of the coarse aggregate. Ohio DOT sponsored a study to investigate the properties and cracking tendencies of several of its classes of concrete, including high-performance concrete, paving concrete, structural concrete, and bonded overlays. A large number of studies have been published documenting the benefits of internal curing; however, work is necessary to implement it. The focus of this study is on the benefits of internal curing for pavement and overlay mixtures and the use of internal curing in the field. Evaluation was done of the fresh and hardened concrete properties of the different Ohio DOT concrete classes, made with different coarse aggregates and with lightweight aggregate replacements. Restrained shrinkage ring tests were used to predict which concrete mixtures were most likely to crack. Field tests were also conducted, and shrinkage ring data from field samples showed a possible improvement in the cracking potential of mixtures that utilized internal curing. The lightweight aggregate substitution improved both early and ultimate strength, and reduced cracking tendency. Since these are key performance measures for concrete pavements and overlays, internal curing offers strong promise for the development of long-life concrete pavements and structures.
Development of Autoluminescent Surfacings for Concrete Pavements
Authors: van der Merwe Steyn Wynand Jacobus
Published: December 2008

“Nanotechnology” is the term used to cover the design, construction, and use of functional structures with at least one characteristic dimension measured in nanometers. Although the technology initially developed in the fields of electronics, physics, and chemistry, more recent developments emerged in the engineering field. The focus is on a specific potential application of nanotechnology in pavement engineering where the properties of nanophosphors are used to develop an autoluminescent pavement or structure. A brief background is provided on potential applications of nanotechnology in pavement engineering, followed by a discussion on the specific research conducted. Data obtained from scanning electron microscope images and luminescence measurements of typical infrastructure materials with nanophosphors embedded are shown and discussed. An example is demonstrated in which the application of nanotechnology in pavement engineering may potentially lead to the provision of a safer and more economical transportation experience to the traveling public. Some remaining challenges for the current project are discussed and conclusions are made, showing that nanotechnology can play a role in improving the understanding and service delivery in pavement engineering.
Pavement Integrity Scanner to Characterize Modulus Contrast between Near-Surface and Deeper Material in Concrete Pavements
Authors: Joh Sung-Ho , Cho Mi-Ra , Kang Tae-Ho , Kwon Soo Ahn , Nam Jeong Hee
Published: December 2008

A major distress problem in rigid concrete pavements is early deterioration of near-surface layers. The quality of near-surface material governs the long-term performance of concrete pavement. If the near-surface material of the concrete layer is cured sufficiently well at an appropriate moisture and temperature, the concrete pavement system can be expected to endure fatigue loading of traffic throughout its design life span. A field measurement device, referred to as a pavement integrity scanner (PiScanner), was developed for use in quality control and quality assurance programs for concrete layers of pavement systems. PiScanner is based on the enhanced resonance search (ERS) technique, which evaluates the vertical variation of elastic modulus or compressive strength of the concrete layer in pavement systems. This information can be used in the construction period of a concrete pavement to evaluate the curing process of near-surface materials. In the implementation of the PiScanner, two design schemes were incorporated: a dedicated hardware device to perform measurements and an automated analysis algorithm to minimize user expertise required for analysis. The resulting PiScanner allows ERS measurements to be performed in about 2 min with complete analysis of the measurements in about 3 min. Two field investigations were performed on a concrete test slab and at an express highway to prove the reliability and feasibility of PiScanner. Vertical variations of elastic modulus of concrete layer were successfully obtained by PiScanner.