bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the performance of beta diversity measures based on incidence data: the robustness to undersampling
Authors: Cardoso Pedro , Borges Paulo A. V. , Veech Joseph A.
Published: September 2009

Aim  Researchers measuring beta diversity have rarely concerned themselves with the problems of how complete the species lists of studied communities are, and of how the varying degrees of completeness can actually change estimates of beta diversity. No comprehensive assessment has been made regarding the behaviour of most beta diversity indices when applied to incomplete samples, a situation which is more common than usually recognized. Our objective was to assess the behaviour and robustness of a number of beta diversity measures for incidence data from undersampled communities.

Location  Mainland Portugal and the Azorean archipelago (North Atlantic).

Methods  Data from intensive sampling of spiders in mainland Portugal and arthropods in Azores were collected. We examined the properties of 15 beta diversity measures developed for incidence data. We simulated varying degrees of completeness, whereas computing beta diversity for selected pairs of samples. The robustness of these beta diversity accumulation curves was assessed for the purpose of finding the best measures for undersampled communities.

Results  The Harrison et al.β‐2 and the Williams β‐3 are particularly robust to undersampling. These measures are also insensitive to differences of alpha diversity (species richness) between communities, and therefore to nestedness. Colwell & Coddington βcc and the related Jaccard βj and Gaston et al.βg performed best of the measures sensitive to alpha diversity. They performed poorly, however, when compared communities exhibited very low values of beta diversity. In such cases, the Routledge βr performed the best.

Main conclusions  No index was found to perform without bias in all circumstances. Overall, β‐2, β‐3 and βcc (or related measures βj and βg) are recommended as they seem to be the most robust to undersampling.
Oxaloacetate supplementation increases lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans through an AMPK/FOXO‐dependent pathway
Authors: Williams David S. , Cash Alan , Hamadani Lara , Diemer Tanja
Published: September 2009

Reduced dietary intake increases lifespan in a wide variety of organisms. It also retards disease progression. We tested whether dietary supplementation of citric acid cycle metabolites could mimic this lifespan effect. We report that oxaloacetate supplementation increased lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. The increase was dependent on the transcription factor, FOXO/DAF‐16, and the energy sensor, AMP‐activated protein kinase, indicating involvement of a pathway that is also required for lifespan extension through dietary restriction. These results demonstrate that supplementation of the citric acid cycle metabolite, oxaloacetate, influences a longevity pathway, and suggest a tractable means of introducing the health‐related benefits of dietary restriction.
Alogliptin Use in Elderly People: A Pooled Analysis from Phase 2 and 3 Studies
Authors: Pratley Richard E. , McCall Thérèse , Fleck Penny R. , Wilson Craig A. , Mekki Qais
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of alogliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) enzyme inhibitor, in elderly (≥65) and younger (<65) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

DESIGN: Pooled analysis of six randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies of alogliptin.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 18 to 80 with type 2 diabetes mellitus and inadequate glycemic control.

INTERVENTIONS: Elderly (mean age 70.0; n=455) and younger (mean age 51.8; n=1,911) patients received alogliptin 12.5 mg (n=922), alogliptin 25 mg (n=910), or placebo (n=534) for 26 weeks (12 weeks in a Phase 2 study). The studies evaluated alogliptin as monotherapy and coadministered with pioglitazone, glyburide, metformin, or insulin.

MEASUREMENTS: Efficacy endpoints included change from baseline in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), weight, and lipid values. Safety variables included hypoglycemic events, adverse events, and blood pressure.

RESULTS: Least‐squares mean HbA1c decreased from baseline by 0.7% and 0.8% in elderly patients receiving alogliptin 12.5 and 25 mg, respectively, and 0.5% and 0.6%, respectively, in younger patients (P<.001 for both alogliptin doses vs placebo for both age groups P=.70 for 12.5 mg and .68 for 25 mg for differences between age groups). Results were similar for FPG. Incidence of hypoglycemia was 8.3% or less in all alogliptin groups (≤10.5% for placebo), with no apparent difference between elderly and younger patients. Changes in weight were negligible in all treatment groups in both age categories. The safety profiles of alogliptin were similar in the age and dose groups.

CONCLUSION: Alogliptin was effective and well tolerated in the elderly patients enrolled in these studies. Improvements in HbA1c were similar to those seen in younger patients, and no increase in the risk of hypoglycemia, weight gain, or other adverse events was apparent in elderly patients.
Effects of Rosuvastatin on Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels and Early Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence after Electrical Cardioversion
Authors: XIA WEI , YIN ZUOMIN , LI JINGJIE , SONG YING , QU XIUFEN
Published: September 2009

Background:

High levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are associated with an increased risk of early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after electrical cardioversion. We aimed to investigate the effects of rosuvastatin on serum ADMA levels and early recurrence of AF following successful electrical cardioversion.

Methods:

A total of 64 patients with persistent AF, but without known heart disease, who underwent elective electrical cardioversion were randomized to the rosuvastatin (group I, n = 32) and control (group II, n = 32) groups. The end point was the recurrence of AF during the 3 months of follow‐up.

Results:

The baseline ADMA levels were not different between the two groups. At the end of follow‐up, serum ADMA levels in group I decreased compared with the baseline levels, whereas no significant change occurred in group II. During the follow‐up, five patients in group I (15.6%) and 13 in group II (40.6%) had AF recurrence (P < 0.05, log‐rank test). With the Cox proportional model, the predictors of recurrence included age ≥65 years, left atrial diameter >45 mm, and baseline ADMA levels ≥2.0 μmol/l. Rosuvastatin was associated with a reduced risk of AF recurrence (relative risk 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.12–0.96, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Rosuvastatin decreased the early recurrence of AF following successful electrical cardioversion with reduced ADMA levels.
Evaluation of Cumulative Effects of MR Imaging on Pacemaker Systems at 1.5 Tesla
Authors: NAEHLE CLAAS P. , ZEIJLEMAKER VOLKERT , THOMAS DANIEL , MEYER CARSTEN , STRACH KATHARINA , FIMMERS ROLF , SCHILD HANS , SOMMER TORSTEN
Published: September 2009

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate possible cumulative effects of repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations on pacemaker systems in patients with cardiac pacemakers.

Methods and Results:

The records of pacemaker patients who underwent repetitive MRI examinations in our institution were reviewed to identify patients who underwent two or more MRI examinations at 1.5T of any anatomical region. Using these criteria, a total of 47 patients who underwent a total 171 MRI examinations were identified and included in this study. Institutional Review Board approval for all pacemaker investigations was obtained. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Pacemakers were interrogated immediately before and after MR imaging, and after 3 months, including measurement of pacing capture threshold (PCT), lead impedance (LI), and battery voltage (BV). PCT, LI, and BV were analyzed for changes dependant on the number of MRI exams performed. Mean changes over time and changes between first and last pacemaker interrogation of PCT, LI, and BV were calculated. A statistically significant (P < 0.05), but clinically irrelevant trend for decrease in PCT and BV was found. No significant or clinically relevant changes in LI were observed.

Conclusion:

In this first study, no clinically relevant, cumulative changes in PCT, LI, or BV could be detected in PM patients who underwent two or more MRI examinations. However, a careful benefit/risk evaluation, among other MRI‐ and pacemaker‐related safety precautions, remains mandatory, as clinically relevant alterations to the PM system cannot be excluded by all means.
Numerical Studies on Closed Chamber Fires
Authors: CHOW WAN‐KI , ZOU GAO‐WAN
Published: September 2009

With the rapid development of information technology, computer fire models are being used more widely than ever before. There are queries on whether those models are suitable for use, as many problems are encountered when using these models. Of the different approaches, fire field models or application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are used quite widely. The approach takes advantage of predicting the fire environment in a “microscopic” picture. Air flow pattern, pressure, and temperature contours can be predicted. However, it is not easy to judge the CFD‐predicted results. Most of the field models are only verified by some experiments not specially designed for such a purpose. In this paper, the CFD tool fire dynamics simulator (FDS) developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in United States will be applied to study closed chamber fires commonly encountered in the marine industry. Pressure rise inside the chamber induced by a fire is simulated. Part of the experimental data on closed chamber fires reported by the Defence Research Establishment in Sweden was used. By comparing the predicted results with the simulations, how well CFD can be applied for simulating fires in a closed chamber can be determined.
Visual Tracking and LIDAR Relative Positioning for Automated Launch and Recovery of an Unmanned Rotorcraft from Ships at Sea
Authors: GARRATT MATT , POTA HEMANSHU , LAMBERT ANDREW , ECKERSLEY‐MASLIN SEBASTIEN , FARABET CLEMENT
Published: September 2009

Sensors and systems for a fully autonomous unmanned helicopter have been developed with the aim of completely automating the landing and launch of a small‐unmanned helicopter from the deck of a ship. For our scheme, we have combined a laser rangefinder (LRF) system with a visual tracking sensor to construct a low‐cost guidance system. Our novel LRF system determines both the distance to and the orientation of the deck in one cycle. We have constructed an optical sensor to complement the laser system, comprising a digital camera interfaced to a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which enables the entire target tracking computation to be achieved in a very small self‐contained form factor. A narrowband light source on the deck is detected by the digital camera and tracked by an algorithm implemented on the FPGA to provide a relative bearing to the deck from the helicopter. By combining the optical sensor bearing with the information from the laser system, an accurate estimate of the helicopter position relative to the deck can be found.
Effects of red‐leaved transgenic tobacco expressing a MYB transcription factor on two herbivorous insects, Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Malone Louise A. , Barraclough Emma I. , Lin‐Wang Kui , Stevenson David E. , Allan Andrew C.
Published: September 2009

By expressing specific MYB transcription factors in plants, levels of anthocyanins can be raised and new varieties of crops with attractive red or purple foliage, fruits, and flowers can be produced. Insects might respond differently to these plants, and potentially the large‐scale use of such crops could have non‐target impacts on agricultural ecosystems. In this study, larvae of Spodoptera litura (F.) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (both Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were fed with red‐pigmented leaves from transgenic tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum L. (Solanaceae) cv. Samsun, plants expressing the AtMYB75/PAP1 transcription factor from Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. (Brassicaceae). All of the transgenic plants had elevated concentrations of several anthocyanins and other polyphenolics, including chlorogenic and other caffeic acids, and rutin. Spodoptera litura pupation was significantly delayed and H. armigera larval mortality significantly increased by feeding on the transgenic foliage, compared with controls fed with green non‐transgenic tobacco leaves. When given a choice, H. armigera larvae ate significantly more of the green control leaves than of the red transgenic leaves. The expression of MYB transcription factors to produce novel colours in transgenic crop plants may alter the levels of anthocyanins and other polyphenolic compounds and this could cause species‐specific changes in the feeding behaviour, development, and survival of insects feeding on the plants. Results to date suggest that these impacts will be neutral or negative.
Acute effects of passive stretching vs vibration on the neuromuscular function of the plantar flexors
Authors: Herda T. J. , Ryan E. D. , Smith A. E. , Walter A. A. , Bemben M. G. , Stout J. R. , Cramer J. T.
Published: September 2009

This study examined the acute effects of passive stretching (PS) vs prolonged vibration (VIB) on voluntary peak torque (PT), percent voluntary activation (%VA), peak twitch torque (PTT), passive range of motion (PROM), musculotendinous stiffness (MTS), and surface electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (SOL) muscles during isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of the plantar flexors. Fifteen healthy men performed the isometric MVCs and PROM assessments before and after 20 min of PS, VIB, and a control (CON) conditions. There were 10% and 5% decreases in voluntary PT, non‐significant 3% and 2% decreases in %VA, 9–23% decreases in EMG amplitude of the MG and SOL after the PS and VIB, respectively, with no changes after the CON. PROM increased by 19% and MTS decreased by 38% after the PS, but neither changed after the VIB or CON conditions. Both PS and VIB elicited similar neural deficits (i.e., γ loop impairment) that may have been responsible for the strength losses. However, mechanical factors related to PROM and MTS cannot be ruled out as contributors to the stretching‐induced force deficit.
Effect of acute hypoxia on central fatigue during repeated isometric leg contractions
Authors: Millet G.Y. , Aubert D. , Favier F.B. , Busso T. , Benoît H.
Published: September 2009

To determine whether hypoxia has a direct influence on the central command independently of the working muscles, 16 subjects performed intermittent isometric unilateral knee extensions until exhaustion either in normobaric hypoxia (inspired O2 fraction=0.11, arterial oxygen saturation ∼84%) or in normoxia while the knee extensor muscles were exposed to circulatory occlusion with a 250 mmHg cuff. Among the subjects, 11 also performed the tests in hypoxia and normoxia without occlusion. Single electrical stimulations were regularly delivered to the femoral nerve to measure the changes in the knee extensor peak twitch force. With the cuff, the average slope of decrease in peak twitch did not depend on the inspired oxygen fraction. Performance was slightly but significantly lower during hypoxia than in normoxia (8.2±2.6 vs 9.4±3.1 repetitions, P<0.05) with the cuff on. The number of repetitions was much higher during hypoxia with maintaining leg blood flow (15.6±4.5 repetitions) than with circulatory occlusion in normoxia. In conclusion, this study showed that a direct effect of hypoxia in reducing the motor drive to the working muscles exists but this effect is moderate.
Influences of competition level, gender, player nationality, career stage and playing position on relative age effects
Authors: Schorer J. , Cobley S. , Büsch D. , Bräutigam H. , Baker J.
Published: September 2009

Relative age, referring to the chronological age differences between individuals within annually age‐grouped cohorts, is regarded as influential to an athlete's development, constraining athletic skill acquisition. While many studies have suggested different mechanisms for this effect, they have typically examined varying sports, precluding an examination of the possible inter‐play between factors. Our three studies try to bridge this gap by investigating several moderators for relative age effects (RAEs) in one sport. Handball is a sport with position‐specific demands, high cultural relevance and a performance context with established developmental structures and levels of representation for males and females. In Study 1, we investigated the influence of competition level and gender on RAEs before adulthood. In Study 2, elite participation, player nationality and stage of career are considered during adulthood. In Study 3, playing position and laterality (i.e., right vs left handedness) are investigated as moderators. Collectively, the results emphasize the complex inter‐play of direct and indirect influences on RAEs in sports, providing evidence toward explaining how RAEs influence the development and maintenance of expertise.
A manual therapy technique for chronic adductor‐related groin pain in athletes: a case series
Authors: Weir A. , Veger S. A. S. , Van de Sande H. B. A. , Bakker E. W. P. , De Jonge S. , Tol J. L.
Published: September 2009

The objective was to retrospectively examine whether a manual therapy technique is effective in the treatment of chronic adductor‐related groin pain in athletes. Thirty‐three athletes with chronic adductor‐related groin pain were approached. Thirty patients gave their consent to participate in the study. Patient satisfaction, return to activity and numeric pain score were recorded. Patients were treated after prewarming of the muscles; one hand is used to control the tension in the adductor muscles and the other hand is used to move the hip into abduction and external rotation. This flowing, circular motion stretches the adductor muscle group. The movement is repeated three times in one treatment session. Twenty‐five out of 30 (83%) athletes reported a good or excellent satisfaction. Twenty‐seven out of 30 (90%) athletes had resumed sport at (15/30) or below (12/30) their previous level of activity. The pain score for during or after activity decreased significantly from 8.7 to 2.2 after the treatment (P<0.01). This study shows that the manual therapy treatment might be a promising treatment for chronic adductor‐related groin pain in athletes.
Objectively measured daily physical activity related to cardiac size in young children
Authors: Dencker M. , Thorsson O. , Karlsson M. K. , Lindén C. , Wollmer P. , Andersen L. B.
Published: September 2009

Training studies in children have suggested that endurance training can give enlargement of cardiac dimensions. This relationship has not been studied on a population‐based level in young children with objective methods. A cross‐sectional study was made of 248 children (140 boys and 108 girls), aged 8–11 years, from a population‐based cohort. Left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVDD) and left atrial end‐systolic diameter (LA) were measured with echocardiography and indexed for body surface area (BSA). Physical activity was assessed by accelerometry, and the duration of vigorous physical activity per day (VPA) was calculated. Acceptable accelerometer and echocardiography measurements were obtained in 228 children (boys=127, girls=101). Univariate correlations between VPA and LVDD were indexed for BSA in boys (r=0.27, P<0.05) and in girls (r=0.10, NS). Multiple regression analysis showed that independent factors for LVDD, indexed for BSA for boys, were age and VPA. LA indexed for BSA was not related to physical activity variables in either gender. No clear relationship exists between cardiac size and daily physical activity in children aged 8–11 years. This suggests that significant cardiac remodelling due to volume exposure secondary to a high amount of physical activity begins later in life.
Importance of enjoyment when promoting physical exercise
Authors: Hagberg L. A. , Lindahl B. , Nyberg L. , Hellénius M.‐L.
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of enjoyment of exercise in a health care‐based intervention aimed at promoting physical exercise in primary health care patients. In a controlled study design, the intervention group was offered a wide range of group exercises over 3 months, followed by support in designing their own exercise program. The control group received usual care. Enjoyment of exercise and exercise level were measured. Associations between enjoyment and exercise level were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Changes in enjoyment between and within study groups were analyzed by the independent and paired t‐test. Associations were found between enjoyment and exercise level (r=0.36, P<0.01), as well as between changes in enjoyment and changes in exercise level (r=0.34, P<0.01). At the 12‐month follow‐up, enjoyment of exercise was 25% higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P<0.01). In this group of primary health care patients, enjoyment of exercise was associated with exercise level. Enjoyment of exercise seems to be a mediator of exercise level. Furthermore, health care‐based interventions seem to be able to affect enjoyment of exercise. Enjoyment of exercise may be important for the long‐term effectiveness, of health care‐based interventions.
The relationship among physical activity, motor competence and health‐related fitness in 14‐year‐old adolescents
Authors: Hands B. , Larkin D. , Parker H. , Straker L. , Perry M.
Published: September 2009

Physical activity, physical fitness and motor competence are important health‐related constructs. However, the relationship among them, particularly for children and adolescents, is still unclear. In this study, motor competence (measured by the McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development), pedometer‐determined physical activity and physical fitness (aerobic fitness, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility and body composition) were examined in a cohort of 1585 adolescents (771 girls, 814 boys) of mean age 14.06 years. Significant gender differences were observed for all measures except motor competence. Apart from hip and shoulder flexibility, males outperformed females. For both males and females, motor competence was associated with all fitness measures, physical activity was associated only with aerobic fitness and aerobic fitness was associated with physical activity, motor competence, BMI and chest pass. Among males, aerobic fitness was also associated with all other fitness tests. The correlations were, in general, moderate to weak. The results challenge the current focus on physical activity rather than physical fitness as the preferred intervention.
Organized youth sport as a predictor of physical activity in adulthood
Authors: Kjønniksen L. , Anderssen N. , Wold B.
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to examine whether early and sustained organized youth sport during childhood and adolescence predicts the frequency of leisure‐time physical activity (PA) at age 23 years. A 10‐year longitudinal study of 630 adolescents was conducted. Data were collected from these participants eight times from the ages of 13 to 23 years and were analyzed by analysis of variance and regression. There was a high degree of consistency in participation in organized youth sport in terms of reporting to be a member of a sports club, especially from age 13 to 16 years. The correlation coefficients tended to be higher among males and decreased over time both in females and males. The age at becoming a member in organized sport and duration of participation in organized youth sports during adolescence predicted 9% of the variance of young adult PA. The correlations were higher in males than in females, but these differences were not significant. Organized youth sports during childhood and adolescence was positively related to frequency of leisure‐time PA in young adulthood. Joining organized youth sports at an early age and continuing through adolescence appear to increase the likelihood for a physically active lifestyle in young adulthood.
Corticosteroid administration alters the mechanical properties of isolated collagen fascicles in rat‐tail tendon
Authors: Haraldsson B. T. , Aagaard P. , Crafoord‐Larsen D. , Kjaer M. , Magnusson S. P.
Published: September 2009

Overload tendon injuries are frequent in recreational and elite sports. The optimal treatment strategy remains unknown, but local administration of corticosteroids is one common treatment option. The direct effects of the corticosteroid administration on the tissue are not fully understood. The present study examined the biomechanical effects of intratendinous corticosteroid injections on healthy rat‐tail tendon collagen fascicles. A total of 24 Wistar male rats were divided into (A) a corticosteroid group where the animals were injected in the tail tendon with methylprednisolone acetate, 1.0 mL of 40 mg/mL mixed with 1.0 mL 9% saline (n=12), and (B) a control group that was injected with 9% saline (n=12). Three days after the injections, the animals were sacrificed and single individual collagen fascicles were collected and underwent displacement to failure. Corticosteroid administration significantly reduced tensile fascicle yield strength by 16% and Young's modulus by 14% compared with sham treatment (10.5±0.8 vs 12.4±0.5 MPa, P≤0.05, and 537±27 vs 641±30 MPa, P<0.05, respectively), while the strain properties were unaffected. Peak stress was similar between the two groups. There was no difference in fascicle diameter between the two groups.
Melancholic symptoms as assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and outcomes with and without electroconvulsive therapy on an in-patient mood disorders unit
Authors: Rasmussen Keith G. , Stevens Susanna R. , Kung Simon , Mohan Amit
Published: September 2009

Rasmussen KG, Stevens SR, Kung S, Mohan A. Melancholic symptoms as assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and outcomes with and without electroconvulsive therapy on an in-patient mood disorders unit.

Background:

We investigated whether 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HamD24)-based melancholia ratings correlated with treatment outcome, with special focus on whether electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was used in depressed patients treated on an in-patient mood disorders unit.

Methods:

We analysed the data on ECT- versus non-ECT-treated patients' outcomes relative to melancholia subscale scores. Two HamD24-based melancholia rating scale scores were computed for 201 depressed in-patients at admission and discharge. Baseline melancholia ratings were analysed to see if they correlated with improvement in total HamD24 scores. We also tested to see if the melancholia subscales followed unimodal or bimodal distributions.

Results:

Melancholic symptoms as assessed by one of the HamD24-based subscales directly correlated with overall improvement. Although ECT treatment was associated with greater improvement than was noted in non-ECT-treated patients, severity of melancholia ratings did not affect this relationship. Finally, both melancholia subscale scores followed approximately unimodal distributions.

Conclusions:

HamD24-based methods to assess severity of melancholic symptoms have limited clinical utility on an in-patient mood disorders unit in general, and for predicting ECT response in particular. Furthermore, these methods do not seem to identify bimodal populations of depressed patients (i.e. melancholic vs. non-melancholic).
Arthropod nuclear receptors and their role in molting
Authors: Nakagawa Yoshiaki , Henrich Vincent C.
Published: September 2009

The molting process in arthropods is regulated by steroid hormones acting via nuclear receptor proteins. The most common molting hormone is the ecdysteroid, 20‐hydroxyecdysone. The receptors of 20‐hydroxyecdysone have also been identified in many arthropod species, and the amino acid sequences determined. The functional molting hormone receptors consist of two members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, namely the ecdysone receptor and the ultraspiracle, although the ecdysone receptor may be functional, in some instances, without the ultraspiracle. Generally, the ecdysone receptor/ultraspiracle heterodimer binds to a number of ecdysone response elements, sequence motifs that reside in the promoter of various ecdysteroid‐responsive genes. In the ensuing transcriptional induction, the ecdysone receptor/ultraspiracle complex binds to 20‐hydroxyecdysone or to a cognate ligand that, in turn, leads to the release of a corepressor and the recruitment of coactivators. 3D structures of the ligand‐binding domains of the ecdysone receptor and the ultraspiracle have been solved for a few insect species. Ecdysone agonists bind to ecdysone receptors specifically, and ligand–ecdysone receptor binding is enhanced in the presence of the ultraspiracle in insects. The basic mode of ecdysteroid receptor action is highly conserved, but substantial functional differences exist among the receptors of individual species. Even though the transcriptional effects are apparently similar for ecdysteroids and nonsteroidal compounds such as diacylhydrazines, the binding shapes are different between them. The compounds having the strongest binding affinity to receptors ordinarily have strong molting hormone activity. The ability of the ecdysone receptor/ultraspiracle complex to manifest the effects of small lipophilic agonists has led to their use as gene switches for medical and agricultural applications.
Rossicaside B Protects against Carbon Tetrachloride‐induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Quan Jishu , Piao Long , Wang Xia , Li Tian , Yin Xuezhe
Published: September 2009

Abstract: The protective effect of rossicaside B, the major phenylpropanoid glycoside fromBoschniakia rossica, on CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity and the mechanisms underlying its protective effect were investigated. The mice were administered orally with rossicaside B (100 or 200 mg/kg of body weight) 48, 24 and 1 hr before CCl4(0.5 ml/kg of body weight) administration. The CCl4challenge caused a marked increase in the levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and of tumour necrosis factor‐α, and propagated lipid peroxidation with a concomitant reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidative enzyme activities in the liver. The administration of rossicaside B to CCl4‐treated mice not only decreased the serum toxicity marker enzymes and TNF‐α but also reduced hepatic oxidative stress, as demonstrated by decreased lipid hydroperoxide and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance concentrations, combined with elevated GSH content and antioxidative enzyme activities in the liver tissues. Furthermore, the contents of hepatic nitrite, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) were elevated after CCl4treatment while the cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1)‐specific monooxygenase activity was suppressed. Rossicaside B treatment inhibited the formation of liver nitrite, reduced the over‐expression of iNOS and COX‐2 proteins, but increased the CYP2E1 function compared with the CCl4‐treated mice. However, the protein expression of HO‐1 was further elevated by rossicaside B treatment. The results demonstrate that rossicaside B provides a protective action on CCl4‐induced acute hepatic injury, which may be related to its antioxidative activity, suppressed inflammatory responses, induced HO‐1 expression and improved CYP2E1 function in the liver.
Effects of new adhesive resin root canal filling materials on vertical root fractures
Authors: Hanada Takahiro , Quevedo Carlos Gabriel Adorno , Okitsu Motoko , Yoshioka Takatomo , Iwasaki Naohiko , Takahashi Hidekazu , Suda Hideaki
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to compare the fracture resistance of roots following root canal therapy using the RC Sealer system, the Epiphany system and the conventional system of gutta‐percha and Sealapex. Fifty‐six maxillary central incisors were divided into eight groups of seven teeth each, according to master apical file size and obturation systems. Obturation materials in the root canal were vertically loaded using a universal testing machine. Fracture loads were analysed by anova and Tukey comparison, and fracture patterns were analysed with ordinal logistic regression. Master apical file size 80 had a significantly lower fracture load than size 40 (P < 0.05). The groups obturated using the Resilon Cone and the Epiphany Sealer had significantly lower fracture loads than the other groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant improvement in resistance to vertical root fractures using the examined adhesive resin root canal filling systems, compared with conventional gutta‐percha and sealer.
Purple Sweet Potato Color Alleviates D‐galactose‐induced Brain Aging in Old Mice by Promoting Survival of Neurons via PI3K Pathway and Inhibiting Cytochrome C‐mediated Apoptosis
Authors: Lu Jun , Wu Dong‐mei , Zheng Yuan‐lin , Hu Bin , Zhang Zi‐feng
Published: September 2009

Purple sweet potato color (PSPC), a class of naturally occurring anthocyanins, protects brain function against oxidative stress induced by D‐galactose (D‐gal) (Sigma‐Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA). Our data showed that PSPC enhanced open‐field activity, decreased step‐through latency, and improved spatial learning and memory ability in D‐gal‐treated old mice by decreasing advanced glycation end‐products' (AGEs) formation and the AGE receptor (RAGE) expression, and by elevating Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn‐SOD) (Sigma‐Aldrich) and catalase (CAT) expression and activity. Cleavage of caspase‐3 and increased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick‐end‐labeling (TUNEL)‐positive cells in D‐gal‐treated old mice were inhibited by PSPC, which might be attributed to its antioxidant property. PSPC also suppressed the activation of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) and the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria that counteracted the onset of neuronal apoptosis in D‐gal‐treated old mice. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) activation was required for PSPC to promote the neuronal survival accompanied with phosphorylation and activation of Akt and p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) by using PI3K inhibitor LY294002 (Cell Signaling Technology, Inc., Beverly, MA, USA), implicating a neuronal survival mechanism. The present results suggest that neuronal survival promoted by PSPC may be a potentially effective method to enhance resistance of neurons to age‐related disease.
Effects of Various Fiber Additions on Lipid Digestion during In Vitro Digestion of Beef Patties
Authors: Hur S.J. , Lim B.O. , Park G.B. , Joo S.T.
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of various fiber additions on lipid digestion during the in vitro digestion of beef patties. The control patties were prepared with 90.5% lean meat and 9.5% tallow. Treatments consisted of 90% lean meat with 9.5% tallow and either 0.5% cellulose, 0.5% chitosan, or 0.5% pectin. The beef patties were then passed through an in vitro digestion model that simulated the composition of the mouth, stomach, and small intestine juices. The change in structure and properties of the lipid droplets was monitored by laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy. In general, there was a decrease in lipid droplet diameter as the droplets moved from mouth to stomach to small intestine. The amount of free fatty acid dramatically increased after in vitro digestion in all beef patties. The amount of free fatty acid was, however, lower in beef patties containing chitosan and pectin than other beef patties after in vitro digestion. Beef patties containing various fibers had lower thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) values than samples with no fibers. Among the samples to which fibers were added, chitosan and pectin had lower TBARS than beef patties with cellulose. The cholesterol content decreased after in vitro digestion in all beef patties but was not different among the beef patties before and after in vitro digestion. These results enhance our understanding of the physicochemical and structural changes that occur to ground beef within the gastrointestinal tract.
Glycemic Responses and Sensory Characteristics of Whole Yellow Pea Flour Added to Novel Functional Foods
Authors: Marinangeli Christopher P.F. , Kassis Amira N. , Jones Peter J.H.
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  A fundamental understanding regarding postprandial glycemic responses to foods containing whole yellow‐pea flour (WYPF) remains unknown. This, alongside concerns that WYPF possesses unfavorable sensory characteristics has limited the incorporation of WYPF into new functional food products as a healthy novel ingredient. The objective of this study was to evaluate how WYPF modulates postprandial glycemic responses as well as sensory characteristics in novel foods. In a single‐blind crossover trial, the present study assessed postprandial glycemic responses of banana bread, biscotti, and spaghetti containing either WYPF or whole wheat flour (WWF). Boiled yellow peas (BYP) and white bread (WB) were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. On day 1, subjects evaluated appearance, taste, texture, smell as well as overall acceptance of each WYPF and WWF food on a 5‐point hedonic scale. WYPF banana bread (97.9 ± 17.8 mmol·min/L) and biscotti (83 ± 13 mmol·min/L), as well as BYP (112.3 ± 19.9 mmol·min/L), reduced (P < 0.05) glycemic responses compared to WB (218.1 ± 29.5 mmol·min/L). The glycemic response of WYPF pasta (160.7 ± 19.4 mmol·min/L) was comparable to WB. WYPF biscotti produced a lower (P = 0.019) postprandial glycemic response compared to WWF biscotti (117.2 ± 13.1 mmol·min/L). Hedonic responses between corresponding foods were similar except for the WYPF pasta (2.9 ± 0.9) which possessed a lower sensory score (P = 0.02) for smell compared to WWF pasta (3.6 ± 1). WYPF can be used to produce low‐glycemic functional foods possessing sensory attributes that are comparable to identical food products containing WWF.
Multiobjective Optimization Approach: Thermal Food Processing
Authors: Abakarov A. , Sushkov Y. , Almonacid S. , Simpson R.
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to utilize a multiobjective optimization technique for the thermal sterilization of packaged foods. The multiobjective optimization approach used in this study is based on the optimization of well‐known aggregating functions by an adaptive random search algorithm. The applicability of the proposed approach was illustrated by solving widely used multiobjective test problems taken from the literature. The numerical results obtained for the multiobjective test problems and for the thermal processing problem show that the proposed approach can be effectively used for solving multiobjective optimization problems arising in the food engineering field.
Effects of Acylation on the Functional Properties and In Vitro Trypsin Digestibility of Red Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Protein Isolate
Authors: Yin Shou‐Wei , Tang Chuan‐He , Wen Qi‐Biao , Yang Xiao‐Quan
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  The effects of succinylation and acetylation on some functional properties and the in vitro trypsin digestibility of kidney bean protein isolate (KPI) were investigated. The extent of succinylation or acetylation progressively increased from 0% to 96% to 97%, as the anhydride‐to‐protein ratio increased from 0 to 1 g/g. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and zeta potential analyses indicated that acylation, especially succinylation, considerably increased the net charge and hydrodynamic radius of the proteins in KPI, especially vicilin. Acylation treatment at various anhydride‐to‐protein ratios (0.05 to 1 g/g) remarkably improved the protein solubility (PS) and emulsifying activity index (EAI) at neutral pH, but the improvement by succinylation was much better than that by acetylation. Succinylation resulted in a marked decrease in mechanical moduli of heat‐induced gels of KPI, while the mechanical moduli were, on the contrary, increased by acetylation. Additionally, in vitro trypsin digestibility was improved by the acylation in an anhydride‐type and level‐dependent manner. The results suggest that the functional properties of KPI could be modulated by the chemical acylation treatment, using succinic or acetic anhydride at appropriate anhydride‐to‐protein ratios.
Integrating Sex and Attachment in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy
Authors: Johnson Susan , Zuccarini Dino
Published: September 2009

In this article, sexual functioning is placed in the context of love as an attachment bond. Attachment theory offers the most coherent and empirically validated theory of adult love and is summarized together with the implications of this theory for the practice of couple therapy in which sexual issues are often addressed. Recent research on attachment and sexuality is outlined and a model of healthy sexuality where attachment and sexuality are integrated is offered. The principles of an attachment‐oriented approach to sex issues are set out and illustrated with reference to the process of emotionally focused couple therapy. Case descriptions and brief in‐session transcripts are included.
Collaboration: Family and therapist perspectives of helpful therapy
Authors: Sundet Rolf
Published: September 2009

This qualitative study examined how a group of families and their therapists described helpful therapy. The qualitative analysis generated family and therapist perspectives. As a double description, the therapist and family perspectives highlighted conversation, participation, and relationship as three core areas of helpful therapy. These are specified by categories and subcategories that center upon activities of sharing experiences, contributing own knowledge and personal involvement, posing questions, reformulating and giving feedback, and specifying the therapeutic relationship as a relationship of collaboration. Discussion of similarities and differences between the perspectives provides a description of what constitutes good therapy for the families and therapists and points to expansion of the models that have guided the therapists.
Pathology and pathogenesis of portal venopathy in idiopathic portal hypertension: Hints from systemic sclerosis
Authors: Nakanuma Yasuni , Sato Yasunori , Kiktao Azusa
Published: September 2009

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) is a non‐cirrhotic presinuosidal portal hypertension of unknown etiology. Stenosis of smaller portal veins with portal fibrosis is a pathologic hallmark of IPH. Association of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with IPH is recognized, and similar pathologic features are reported in small portal tracts and skin of IPH and SSc, respectively. In addition, levels of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and connective tissue growth factor are elevated in serum and in affected skin and portal tracts of these two diseases, suggesting that IPH share fibrogenetic mechanisms with SSc. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) of microvasculatures of skin could be responsible for dermal fibrosis in SSc. In IPH, EndMT of portal vein endothelium via TGF‐β/Smad activation may also be involved in small portal venpathy. In IPH, enhanced expression of pSmad2 in venous endothelium of smaller portal veins was associated with reduced CD34 expression. CD34 and S100A4, and CD34 and type I collagen were colocalized to portal vein endothelium in IPH. Such myofibroblastic phenotypes may be responsible for periportal‐venous deposition of collagen and compressive portal venous obliteration. These small portal venous lesions may in turn lead to portal venous insufficiency followed by subcapsular atrophy in IPH.
Overexpression of antioxidant enzymes in diaphragm muscle does not alter contraction‐induced fatigue or recovery
Authors: McClung Joseph M. , DeRuisseau Keith C. , Whidden Melissa A. , Van Remmen Holly , Richardson Arlan , Song Wook , Vrabas Ioannis S. , Powers Scott K.
Published: September 2009

Low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production are necessary to optimize muscle force production in unfatigued muscle. In contrast, sustained high levels of ROS production have been linked to impaired muscle force production and contraction‐induced skeletal muscle fatigue. Using genetically engineered mice, we tested the hypothesis that the independent transgenic overexpression of catalase (CAT), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD; SOD1) or manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD; SOD2) antioxidant enzymes would negatively affect force production in unfatigued diaphragm muscle but would delay the development of muscle fatigue and enhance force recovery after fatiguing contractions. Diaphragm muscle from wild‐type littermates (WT) and from CAT, SOD1 and SOD2 overexpressing mice were subjected to an in vitro contractile protocol to investigate the force–frequency characteristics, the fatigue properties and the time course of recovery from fatigue. The CAT, SOD1 and SOD2 overexpressors produced less specific force (in N cm−2) at stimulation frequencies of 20–300 Hz and produced lower maximal tetanic force than WT littermates. The relative development of muscle fatigue and recovery from fatigue were not influenced by transgenic overexpression of any antioxidant enzyme. Morphologically, the mean cross‐sectional area (in μm2) of diaphragm myofibres expressing myosin heavy chain type IIA was decreased in both CAT and SOD2 transgenic animals, and the percentage of non‐contractile tissue increased in diaphragms from all transgenic mice. In conclusion, our results do not support the hypothesis that overexpression of independent antioxidant enzymes protects diaphragm muscle from contraction‐induced fatigue or improves recovery from fatigue. Moreover, our data are consistent with the concept that a basal level of ROS is important to optimize muscle force production, since transgenic overexpression of major cellular antioxidants is associated with contractile dysfunction. Finally, the transgenic overexpression of independent endogenous antioxidants alters diaphragm skeletal muscle morphology, and these changes may also contribute to the diminished specific force production observed in these animals.
Application of a Volume Averaged k-ε Model to Particle-Laden Turbulent Channel Flow
Authors: Schwarzkopf J. D. , Crowe C. T. , Dutta P.
Published: September 2009

A closed set of volume averaged equations for modeling turbulence in the carrier phase of particle-laden flows is presented. The equations incorporate a recently developed dissipation transport equation that contains an additional production of dissipation term due to particle surfaces. In the development, it was assumed that each coefficient was the sum of the coefficient for single phase flow and a coefficient quantifying the contribution of the particulate phase. To assess the effects of this additional production term, a numerical model was developed and applied to particles falling in a channel of downward turbulent air flow. Boundary conditions were developed to ensure that the production of turbulent kinetic energy due to mean velocity gradients and particle surfaces balanced with the turbulent dissipation near the wall. The coefficients associated with the production of dissipation due to mean velocity gradients and particle surfaces were varied to assess the effects of the dispersed phase on the carrier phase turbulent kinetic energy across the channel. The results show that the model predicts a decrease in turbulent kinetic energy near the wall with increased particle loading, and that the dissipation coefficients play a critical role in predicting the turbulent kinetic energy in particle-laden turbulent flows.