bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Sustainability through Combined Electric Power Production and Carbon-Dioxide Separation (CEPACS) Systems
Authors: Ghezel-Ayagh Hossein , Hunt Jennifer , Jolly Stephen , Patel Dilip , Sanderson Robert
Published: April 2012

Under a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contract, FuelCell Energy, Inc. has been developing CEPACS (Combined Electric Power and Carbon Dioxide Separation) technology based on a novel solution (US Patent 7,396,603 B2) for greenhouse gas emission reduction from industrial sites. CEPACS uses the Company's well-established internal reforming carbonate fuel cell, the unique chemistry of which offers an innovative approach for separation of CO2 from flue gases. The system concept works as two devices in one: it separates CO2 from the exhaust of other plants such as an existing coal-fired plant and simultaneously, using a supplementary fuel, produces environmentally benign electric power at high efficiencies.
Improvement of Microbial Fuel Cells Using a Mechanical Approach
Authors: Sugiura Kimihiko , Hayami Hajime , Yamauchi Makoto , Nishioka Motomu
Published: April 2012

There is increasing interest in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) because the manufacturing costs to produce them can be reduced more readily than other fuel cells through the use of a microbe as a catalyst and a familiar organism as fuel. Although MFCs are expected to be used in a range of applications, from large-scale sewage plants to portable power sources, the performance of these cells is worse than that of other fuel cells. Therefore, the aim of this study is to resolve some of the mechanical challenges associated with MFCs. During the fabrication of a prototype MFC, we determined that the poor performance of MFCs is partly due to substantial diffusion polarization across the anode, and we improved cell performance by stirring the anode tank. Moreover, we determined that the concentration of the mediator also influences cell performance. The findings of this study show that it is possible to improve the performance of MFCs using a mechanical approach.
The Effect of the Air Stoichiometry on Dynamic Behavior of Local Current Density in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Alaefour Ibrahim E. , Jiao Kui , Karimi G. , Li Xianguo
Published: April 2012

The dynamic performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is critically important, especially for automotive applications. In this study, the dynamic behavior of the local current density distribution inside PEMFC has been investigated experimentally by using the segmented flow field plate and printed circuit board (PCB) method. The effect of different values of air stoichiometry ratios on the dynamic characteristics of local current density has been tested. It has been found that the fluctuation of the local current density increases as the cell voltage is reduced, corresponding to the increase in the average cell current density or cell loading. Increasing the stoichiometry ratio of the cathode supply gas significantly reduces the fluctuations of the current density. The fluctuation is also lower near the flow inlet than near the flow exit. The phenomena observed are closely related to the water and reactant distributions and transports in the cell structure.
Modeling of a Range Extender Power Train for a City Bus
Authors: Dispenza Giorgio , Andaloro Laura , Sergi Francesco , Napoli Giuseppe , Ferraro Marco , Antonucci Vincenzo
Published: April 2012

The H-BUS is a joint project of National Research Council of Italy and two supplier companies to develop a range extender Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Electric city bus. Within the project, CNR ITAE Institute is involved in determining the optimal level of hybridization assessing all boundary conditions (mission, performances, hydrogen consuption, range, etc...). The paper reports the characterization results of the hybrid system which allowed the identification of the power and energy consumption. These data were the starting points to define the size of Batteries and Fuel Cell (FC) system and to optimize the batteries State of Charge (SoC). PEM (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) and ZEBRA® (Zero Emission Battery Research Activities) technologies have been selected for the fuel cell system and batteries, respectively.
Ferritin upregulates hepatic expression of bone morphogenetic protein 6 and hepcidin in mice
Authors: Feng Qi , Migas Mary C. , Waheed Abdul , Britton Robert S. , Fleming Robert E.
Published: April 2012

Hepcidin is a hepatocellular hormone that inhibits the release of iron from certain cell populations, including enterocytes and reticuloendothelial cells. The regulation of hepcidin ( HAMP) gene expression by iron status is mediated in part by the signaling molecule bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6). We took advantage of the low iron status of juvenile mice to characterize the regulation of Bmp6 and Hamp1 expression by iron administered in three forms: 1) ferri-transferrin (Fe-Tf), 2) ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), and 3) liver ferritin. Each of these forms of iron enters cells by distinct mechanisms and chemical forms. Iron was parenterally administered to 10-day-old mice, and hepatic expression of Bmp6 and Hamp1 mRNAs was measured 6 h later. We observed that hepatic Bmp6 expression increased in response to ferritin but was unchanged by Fe-Tf or FAC. Hepatic Hamp1 expression likewise increased in response to ferritin and Fe-Tf but was decreased by FAC. Exogenous ferritin increased Bmp6 and Hamp1 expression in older mice as well. Removing iron from ferritin markedly decreased its effect on Bmp6 expression. Exogenously administered ferritin and the derived iron localized in the liver primarily to sinusoidal lining cells. Moreover, expression of Bmp6 mRNA in isolated adult rodent liver cells was much higher in sinusoidal lining cells than hepatocytes (endothelial >> stellate > Kupffer). We conclude that exogenous iron-containing ferritin upregulates hepatic Bmp6 expression, and we speculate that liver ferritin contributes to regulation of Bmp6 and, thus, Hamp1 genes.
Ryanodine receptors contribute to bile acid-induced pathological calcium signaling and pancreatitis in mice
Authors: Husain Sohail Z. , Orabi Abrahim I. , Muili Kamaldeen A. , Luo Yuhuan , Sarwar Sheharyar , Mahmood Syeda Maham , Wang Dong , Choo-Wing Rayman , Singh Vijay P. , Parness Jerome , Ananthanaravanan Meena , Bhandari Vineet , Perides George
Published: April 2012

Biliary pancreatitis is the most common etiology for acute pancreatitis, yet its pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear. Ca2+signals generated within the pancreatic acinar cell initiate the early phase of pancreatitis, and bile acids can elicit anomalous acinar cell intracellular Ca2+release. We previously demonstrated that Ca2+released via the intracellular Ca2+channel, the ryanodine receptor (RyR), contributes to the aberrant Ca2+signal. In this study, we examined whether RyR inhibition protects against pathological Ca2+signals, acinar cell injury, and pancreatitis from bile acid exposure. The bile acid tauro-lithocholic acid-3-sulfate (TLCS) induced intracellular Ca2+oscillations at 50 μM and a peak-plateau signal at 500 μM, and only the latter induced acinar cell injury, as determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage. Pretreatment with the RyR inhibitors dantrolene or ryanodine converted the peak-plateau signal to a mostly oscillatory pattern ( P < 0.05). They also reduced acinar cell LDH leakage, basolateral blebbing, and propidium iodide uptake ( P < 0.05). In vivo, a single dose of dantrolene (5 mg/kg), given either 1 h before or 2 h after intraductal TLCS infusion, reduced the severity of pancreatitis down to the level of the control ( P < 0.05). These results suggest that the severity of biliary pancreatitis may be ameliorated by the clinical use of RyR inhibitors.
Histone acetyl transferases CBP and p300 are necessary for maintenance of renin cell identity and transformation of smooth muscle cells to the renin phenotype
Authors: Pentz Ellen Steward , Cordaillat Magali , Carretero Oscar A. , Tucker Ana E. , Sequeira Lopez Maria Luisa S. , Gomez R. Ariel
Published: April 2012

In response to a homeostatic threat circulating renin increases by increasing the number of cells expressing renin by dedifferentiation and re-expression of renin in arteriolar smooth muscle cells (aSMCs) that descended from cells that expressed renin in early life. However, the mechanisms that govern the maintenance and reacquisition of the renin phenotype are not well understood. The cAMP pathway is important for renin synthesis and release: the transcriptional effects are mediated by binding of cAMP responsive element binding protein with its co-activators, CBP and p300, to the cAMP response element in the renin promoter. We have shown previously that mice with conditional deletion of CBP and p300 (cKO) in renin cells had severely reduced renin expression in adult life. In this study we investigated when the loss of renin-expressing cells in the cKO occurred and found that the loss of renin expression becomes evident after differentiation of the kidney is completed during postnatal life. To determine whether CBP/p300 is necessary for re-expression of renin we subjected cKO mice to low sodium diet + captopril to induce retransformation of aSMCs to the renin phenotype. The cKO mice did not increase circulating renin, their renin mRNA and protein expression were greatly diminished compared with controls, and only a few aSMCs re-expressed renin. These studies underline the crucial importance of the CREB/CBP/p300 complex for the ability of renin cells to retain their cellular memory and regain renin expression, a fundamental survival mechanism, in response to a threat to homeostasis.
Serotonylated fibronectin is elevated in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Wei Lin , Warburton Rod R. , Preston Ioana R. , Roberts Kari E. , Comhair Suzy A. A. , Erzurum Serpil C. , Hill Nicholas S. , Fanburg Barry L.
Published: April 2012

Serotonin (5-HT) and fibronectin (FN) have been associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH). We previously reported that FN is posttranslationally modified by tissue transglutaminase (TGase) to form serotonylated FN (s-FN) in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and that serotonylation stimulates their proliferation and migration, hallmarks of PH. We hypothesized that s-FN and its binding to TGase are elevated in human and experimental PH. To assess this hypothesis, FN isolation and electrophoretic, immunoblotting, and densitometric techniques were used. Mean ratio of serum s-FN to total FN level (s-FN/FN) was elevated in 19 consecutive pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients compared with 25 controls (0.3 ± 0.18 vs. 0.05 ± 0.07, P < 0.001). s-FN/FN also was increased in lungs of mice and rats with hypoxia-induced PH and in rats with monocrotaline-induced PH. In mice, the increase was detected at 1 wk of hypoxia, preceding the development of PH. Hypoxic rats had elevated serum s-FN/FN. Enhanced binding of TGase to its substrate FN occurred in serum from patients with PAH (mean 0.50 ± 0.51 vs. 0.063 ± 0.11, P = 0.002) and s-FN/FN and TGase-bound FN were highly correlated ( R2 = 0.77). TGase-bound FN also was increased in experimental PH. We conclude that increased serotonylation of FN occurs in human and experimental PH and may provide a biomarker for the disease.
Mechanisms of attenuation of abdominal sepsis induced acute lung injury by ascorbic acid
Authors: Fisher Bernard J. , Kraskauskas Donatas , Martin Erika J. , Farkas Daniela , Wegelin Jacob A. , Brophy Donald , Ward Kevin R. , Voelkel Norbert F. , Fowler Alpha A. , Natarajan Ramesh
Published: April 2012

Bacterial infections of the lungs and abdomen are among the most common causes of sepsis. Abdominal peritonitis often results in acute lung injury (ALI). Recent reports demonstrate a potential benefit of parenteral vitamin C [ascorbic acid (AscA)] in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Therefore we examined the mechanisms of vitamin C supplementation in the setting of abdominal peritonitis-mediated ALI. We hypothesized that vitamin C supplementation would protect lungs by restoring alveolar epithelial barrier integrity and preventing sepsis-associated coagulopathy. Male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with a fecal stem solution to induce abdominal peritonitis (FIP) 30 min prior to receiving either AscA (200 mg/kg) or dehydroascorbic acid (200 mg/kg). Variables examined included survival, extent of ALI, pulmonary inflammatory markers (myeloperoxidase, chemokines), bronchoalveolar epithelial permeability, alveolar fluid clearance, epithelial ion channel, and pump expression (aquaporin 5, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, epithelial sodium channel, and Na+-K+-ATPase), tight junction protein expression (claudins, occludins, zona occludens), cytoskeletal rearrangements (F-actin polymerization), and coagulation parameters (thromboelastography, pro- and anticoagulants, fibrinolysis mediators) of septic blood. FIP-mediated ALI was characterized by compromised lung epithelial permeability, reduced alveolar fluid clearance, pulmonary inflammation and neutrophil sequestration, coagulation abnormalities, and increased mortality. Parenteral vitamin C infusion protected mice from the deleterious consequences of sepsis by multiple mechanisms, including attenuation of the proinflammatory response, enhancement of epithelial barrier function, increasing alveolar fluid clearance, and prevention of sepsis-associated coagulation abnormalities. Parenteral vitamin C may potentially have a role in the management of sepsis and ALI associated with sepsis.
Absence of inspiratory laryngeal constrictor muscle activity during nasal neurally adjusted ventilatory assist in newborn lambs
Authors: Hadj-Ahmed Mohamed Amine , Samson Nathalie , Bussières Marie , Beck Jennifer , Praud Jean-Paul
Published: April 2012

In nonsedated newborn lambs, nasal pressure support ventilation (nPSV) can lead to an active glottal closure in early inspiration, which can limit lung ventilation and divert air into the digestive system, with potentially deleterious consequences. During volume control ventilation (nVC), glottal closure is delayed to the end of inspiration, suggesting that it is reflexly linked to the maximum value of inspiratory pressure. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to test whether inspiratory glottal closure develops at the end of inspiration during nasal neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (nNAVA), an increasingly used ventilatory mode where maximal pressure is also reached at the end of inspiration. Polysomnographic recordings were performed in eight nonsedated, chronically instrumented lambs, which were ventilated with progressively increasing levels of nPSV and nNAVA in random order. States of alertness, diaphragm, and glottal muscle electrical activity, tracheal pressure, Spo2, tracheal PetCO2, and respiratory inductive plethysmography were continuously recorded. Although phasic inspiratory glottal constrictor electrical activity appeared during nPSV in 5 of 8 lambs, it was never observed at any nNAVA level in any lamb, even at maximal achievable nNAVA levels. In addition, a decrease in Pco2 was neither necessary nor sufficient for the development of inspiratory glottal constrictor activity. In conclusion, nNAVA does not induce active inspiratory glottal closure, in contrast to nPSV and nVC. We hypothesize that this absence of inspiratory activity is related to the more physiological airway pressurization during nNAVA, which tightly follows diaphragm electrical activity throughout inspiration.
Novel TOPK Inhibitor HI-TOPK-032 Effectively Suppresses Colon Cancer Growth
Authors: Kim Dong Joon , Li Yan , Reddy Kanamata , Lee Mee-Hyun , Kim Myoung Ok , Cho Yong-Yeon , Lee Sung-Young , Kim Jong-Eun , Bode Ann M. , Dong Zigang
Published: April 2012

The serine-threonine mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase family member T-LAK cell–originated protein kinase (TOPK/PBK) is heavily involved in tumor development, cancer growth, apoptosis, and inflammation. Despite the identification of TOPK as a promising novel therapeutic target, no inhibitor of TOPK has yet been reported. In this study, we screened 36 drug candidates using an in vitro kinase assay and identified the novel TOPK inhibitor HI-TOPK-032. In vitro, HI-TOPK-032 strongly suppressed TOPK kinase activity but had little effect on extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1 (ERK1), c-jun—NH2—kinase 1, or p38 kinase activities. HI-TOPK-032 also inhibited anchorage-dependent and -independent colon cancer cell growth by reducing ERK-RSK phosphorylation as well as increasing colon cancer cell apoptosis through regulation of the abundance of p53, cleaved caspase-7, and cleaved PARP. In vivo, administration of HI-TOPK-032 suppressed tumor growth in a colon cancer xenograft model. Our findings therefore show that HI-TOPK-032 is a specific inhibitor of TOPK both in vitro and in vivo that may be further developed as a potential therapeutic against colorectal cancer. Cancer Res; 72(12); 3060–8. ©2012 AACR.
STEAP Proteins: From Structure to Applications in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Gomes Inês M. , Maia Cláudio J. , Santos Cecília R.
Published: April 2012

The human 6-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate (STEAP) family comprises STEAP1, STEAP2, STEAP3, and STEAP4. All of these proteins are unique to mammals and share an innate activity as metalloreductases, indicating their importance in metal metabolism. Overall, they participate in a wide range of biologic processes, such as molecular trafficking in the endocytic and exocytic pathways and control of cell proliferation and apoptosis. STEAP1 and STEAP2 are overexpressed in several types of human cancers, namely prostate, bladder, colon, pancreas, ovary, testis, breast, cervix, and Ewing sarcoma, but their clinical significance and role in cancer cells are not clear. Still, their localization in the cell membrane and differential expression in normal and cancer tissues make STEAP proteins potential candidates as biomarkers of several cancers, as well as potential targets for new immunotherapeutic strategies for disease attenuation or treatment. This review brings together the current knowledge about each STEAP protein, giving an overview of the roles of this family of proteins in human physiology and disease, and analyzes their potential as immunotherapeutic agents in cancer research. Mol Cancer Res; 10(5); 573–87. ©2012 AACR.
The Synaptic Proteins β-Neurexin and Neuroligin Synergize With Extracellular Matrix-Binding Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A During Zebrafish Vascular Development
Authors: Rissone Alberto , Foglia Efrem , Sangiorgio Lorenzo , Cermenati Solei , Nicoli Stefania , Cimbro Simona , Beltrame Monica , Bussolino Federico , Cotelli Franco , Arese Marco
Published: April 2012

Objective—

The goal of this study was to determine the in vivo functions of the synaptic proteins neurexins and neuroligins in embryonic vascular system development using zebrafish as animal model.

Methods and Results—

In the present study, we show that the knockdown of the α-form of neurexin 1a induces balance defects and reduced locomotory activity, whereas β-neurexin 1a and neuroligin 1 morphants present defects in sprouting angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, in particular in the caudal plexus and subintestinal vessels. Coinjection of low doses of morpholinos for β-neurexin 1a and neuroligin 1 together or in combination with morpholinos targeting the ­heparin-­binding isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor A (encoded by the
VEGFAb
gene) recapitulates the observed abnormalities, suggesting synergistic activity of these molecules. Similar coinjection experiments with morpholinos, targeting the enzyme heparan sulfate 6-­O-­sulfotransferase 2, confirm the presence of a functional correlation between extracellular matrix maturation and β-neurexin 1a or neuroligin 1.

Conclusion—

Our data represent the first in vivo evidence of the role of neurexin and neuroligin in embryonic blood vessel formation and provide insights into their mechanism of action
Intense Physiological Light Upregulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Enhances Choroidal Neovascularization via Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Coactivator-1α in Mice
Authors: Ueta Takashi , Inoue Tatsuya , Yuda Kentaro , Furukawa Takahisa , Yanagi Yasuo , Tamaki Yasuhiro
Published: April 2012

Objectives—

Toxicity of intense light to facilitate the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration has been a health concern although the mechanism remains unclear.

Methods and Results—

Effects of intense, but within physiological range, light on retinal pigment epithelium, a major pathogenic origin of age-related macular degeneration were studied in mice. Intense physiological light upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in retinal pigment epithelium, independent of circadian rhythm, which resulted in enhancement of choroidal neovascularization. In
rd1/rd1
mice or
Crx
−/−
mice that do not possess outer segment structure, light exposure did not induce VEGF, indicating that VEGF upregulation by light depended on increased outer segment phagocytosis by retinal pigment epithelium. In retinal pigment epithelium cells phagocytosing increased amount of outer segment, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) not hypoxia-inducible factor-1α was induced, leading to VEGF upregulation. The VEGF upregulation and choroidal neovascularization enhancement were abrogated in
PGC-1α
−/−
mice and estrogen-related receptor-α
−/−
mice, indicating the involvement of PGC-1α/estrogen-related receptor-α pathway.

Conclusions—

Intense physiological light is involved in choroidal neovascularization through excess outer segment phagocy-tosis and VEGF upregulation mediated by PGC-1α in vivo.
Role of Src Tyrosine Kinases in Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Pullamsetti Soni Savai , Berghausen Eva Maria , Dabral Swati , Tretyn Aleksandra , Butrous Elsa , Savai Rajkumar , Butrous Ghazwan , Dahal Bhola Kumar , Brandes Ralf P. , Ghofrani Hossein Ardeschir , Weissmann Norbert , Grimminger Friedrich , Seeger Werner , Rosenkranz Stephan , Schermuly Ralph Theo
Published: April 2012

Objective—

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive pulmonary vascular disorder with high morbidity and mortality. Compelling evidence suggests that receptor tyrosine kinases, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are closely involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension. We investigated the effects of 2 novel PDGF inhibitors, nilotinib/AMN107 (Abl kinases/PDGF receptor inhibitor) and dasatinib/BMS-354825 (Abl kinases/PDGF receptor/Src inhibitor), on the proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and on the hemodynamics and pulmonary vascular remodeling in experimental pulmonary hypertension, and determined the expression and regulation of Src family kinases.

Methods and Results—

Human PASMCs were stimulated by PDGF alone or multiple growth factors to induce proliferation and migration in vitro. Dasatinib (0.03 μmol/L), nilotinib (0.3 μmol/L), and imatinib (1 μmol/L) potently inhibited PDGF-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and Akt phosphorylation. All 3 inhibitors decreased PDGF-induced proliferation, cell cycle gene regulation, and migration. In contrast, only dasatinib inhibited multiple growth factor–induced PASMC proliferation, and this was associated with the inhibition of Src phosphorylation. Combination of specific Src inhibitors (phosphoprotein phosphatase 1, phosphoprotein phosphatase 2) with either imatinib or nilotinib reduced multiple growth factor–induced proliferation to a similar extent as dasatinib. Importantly, Src phosphorylation increased in pulmonary arterial hypertension PASMCs compared with control PASMCs. Finally, in vivo dasatinib (15 mg/kg per body weight) treatment caused a complete reversal of pulmonary vascular remodeling and achieved similar effectiveness as imatinib (100 mg/kg per body weight) in both monocrotaline- and hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension models.

Conclusion—

We suggest that dual inhibition of PDGF receptor and Src kinases potently inhibits mitogenic and motogenic responses to growth factors in PASMCs and pulmonary vascular remodeling in vivo so that dual inhibition may represent an alternative therapeutic approach for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Genetic Modifiers Predisposing to Congenital Heart Disease in the Sensitized Down Syndrome Population
Authors: Li Huiqing , Cherry Sheila , Klinedinst Donna , DeLeon Valerie , Redig Jennifer , Reshey Benjamin , Chin Michael T. , Sherman Stephanie L. , Maslen Cheryl L. , Reeves Roger H.
Published: April 2012

Background—

About half of people with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit some form of congenital heart disease (CHD); however, trisomy for human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) alone is insufficient to cause CHD, as half of all people with DS have a normal heart, suggesting that genetic modifiers interact with dosage-sensitive gene(s) on Hsa21 to result in CHD. We hypothesize that a threshold exists in both DS and euploid populations for the number of genetic perturbations that can be tolerated before CHD results.

Methods and Results—

We ascertained a group of individuals with DS and complete atrioventricular septal defect and sequenced 2 candidate genes for CHD:
CRELD1
, which is associated with atrioventricular septal defect in people with or without DS, and
HEY2
, whose mouse ortholog (
Hey2
) produces septal defects when mutated. Several deleterious variants were identified, but the frequency of these potential modifiers was low. We crossed mice with mutant forms of these potential modifiers to the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS. Crossing loss-of-function alleles of either
Creld1
or
Hey2
onto the trisomic background caused a significant increase in the frequency of CHD, demonstrating an interaction between the modifiers and trisomic genes. We showed further that, although each of these mutant modifiers is benign by itself, they interact to affect heart development when inherited together.

Conclusions—

Using mouse models of Down syndrome and of genes associated with congenital heart disease, we demonstrate a biological basis for an interaction that supports a threshold hypothesis for additive effects of genetic modifiers in the sensitized trisomic population.
Dairy Consumption and Risk of Stroke in Swedish Women and Men
Authors: Larsson Susanna C. , Virtamo Jarmo , Wolk Alicja
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose

Epidemiological studies of the associations of low-fat dairy and specific dairy food consumption with risk of stroke are sparse. Our aim was to examine the association between consumption of total, low-fat, full-fat, and specific dairy foods and risk of stroke in a prospective cohort study.

Methods

We followed 74 961 Swedish women and men who were free from cardiovascular disease and cancer and who completed a 96-item food frequency questionnaire in 1997. Incident cases of stroke were ascertained from the Swedish Hospital Discharge Registry.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 10.2 years, we ascertained 4089 cases of stroke, including 3159 cerebral infarctions, 583 hemorrhagic strokes, and 347 unspecified strokes. Consumption of low-fat dairy foods was inversely associated with risk of total stroke (
P
for trend=0.03) and cerebral infarction (
P
for trend=0.03). The multivariable relative risks for the highest compared with the lowest quintile of low-fat dairy consumption were 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80–0.97) for total stroke and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.78–0.98) for cerebral infarction. Consumption of total dairy, full-fat dairy, milk, sour milk/yogurt, cheese, and cream/crème fraiche was not associated with stroke risk.

Conclusions

These results suggest that low-fat dairy consumption is inversely associated with the risk of stroke.
Joint Effect of Modifiable Risk Factors on the Risk of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Lindekleiv Haakon , Sandvei Marie S. , Romundstad Pål R. , Wilsgaard Tom , Njølstad Inger , Ingebrigtsen Tor , Vik Anne , Mathiesen Ellisiv B.
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—

The joint effect of risk factors on the risk of aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) has been studied sparsely.

Methods—

We examined the potential synergism between cigarette smoking, hypertension, and regular alcohol consumption and the risk of aSAH in a prospective, population-based cohort of participants from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study and the Tromsø Study in Norway. Interaction was assessed on additive and multiplicative scales.

Results—

We identified 122 cases of aSAH over 977 895 person-years of follow-up. Interaction was observed between current smoking and hypertension on the additive scale, (relative excess risk because of interaction, 6.40; 95% CI, 0.88–11.92, adjusted for sex and age). We found no significant interaction between hypertension and regular alcohol consumption or current cigarette smoking and regular alcohol consumption on the additive scale. No significant interaction was detected on the multiplicative scale.

Conclusions—

The joint effect of current smoking and hypertension on the risk of aSAH was stronger than was the sum of the independent effects of each factor. Persons at risk of aSAH should be advised of a markedly stronger risk for aSAH with the combination of current smoking and hypertension. In addition, the finding suggests that combining smoking cessation and blood pressure lowering may have an extra risk reduction effect on preventing aSAH.
Risk Factors for Medically Serious Suicide Attempts
Authors: Fowler J. Christopher , Hilsenroth Mark J. , Groat Michael , Biel Spencer , Biedermann Christina , Ackerman Steven
Published: April 2012

This study explored a psychodynamic model for suicide risk by examining risk factors for medically serious suicide attempts, including assessments of affect flooding, negative self-schema / fragmentation, and impaired reality testing, closely approximating Maltsberger’s psycho-dynamic formulation of suicide crisis. Baseline risk factors including age, gender, psychiatric symptoms, high-risk behaviors, and the Implicit Risk for Suicide Index (IRSI) were used to detect medically serious suicide attempts monitored for up to a year after the assessment. Twenty-five psychiatric inpatients who made life-threatening suicide attempts after assessment were compared to 25 inpatients and 25 psychotherapy outpatients who made no suicide attempts during follow-up. Statistical analysis revealed that a history of at least one suicide attempt and elevated IRSI scores accounted for 60 percent of the variance in detecting medically serious suicide attempts. Elevated IRSI accurately identified suicide attempt status above and beyond past suicide attempts and other empirically validated risk factors. Results are discussed in light of psychodynamic formulations of suicide risk.
Recovery of Endothelial Function After Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation
Authors: Kitahara Hideki , Fujimoto Yoshihide , Ishikawa Keishi , Aoki Yasuhiro , Iwata Yo , Kadohira Tadayuki , Morino Tomoki , Ohkubo Kenji , Sugimoto Kazumasa , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: April 2012

Whether endothelial dysfunction after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation is persistent has not been fully evaluated. Endothelial function was evaluated in 152 lesions that underwent follow-up coronary angiography after SES implantation. Lesions were classified into 2 groups according to the duration between SES implantation and follow-up: ≤12 months (n = 95) and >12 months (n = 57). Changes in coronary diameter in response to 10−8 mol/L (−2.4% ± 6.3% vs −4.9% ± 3.8%, P < .01) and 10−7 mol/L acetylcholine (Ach; −4.6% ± 7.6% vs −10.7% ± 9.1%, P < .001) in segment proximal to SES were significantly attenuated in the >12-month group than in the ≤12-month group. There were less changes in coronary diameter in response to 10−8 mol/L (−2.3% ± 4.6% vs −6.9% ± 5.0%, P < .001) and 10−7 mol/L Ach (−6.5% ± 11.4% vs −16.8% ± 10.5%, P < .001) in segment distal to SES in the >12-month group. Endothelial dysfunction may diminish long after SES implantation.
Factors Associated With Low Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Levels in Pediatric Patients With Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Banks Laura , Lin Yahui Tammy , Chahal Nita , Manlhiot Cedric , Yeung Rae S. M. , McCrindle Brian W.
Published: April 2012

Background/Methods

We sought to determine functional health status and physical activity determinants in 27 patients with Kawasaki disease (KD; 20 males, 11 ± 3 years old). Patient physical activity data were compared with a population-based study of healthy children (Canadian Health Measures Survey).

Results

KD patients performed less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than healthy children (males, 27 vs 61 min/d, P < .001; females, 10 vs 47 min/d, P < .001). Male KD patients performed more MVPA than female KD patients (median = 27; quartiles [Q1 15, Q3 26] min/d vs 10 [Q1 7, Q3 11] min/day, P = .009). Lower MVPA in KD patients was significantly associated with female gender; lower child self-efficacy score; lower Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ-PF50) scores for role functioning behavioral issues, physical functioning, and family cohesion; and higher CHQ-PF50 scores for self-esteem and family activity limitations.

Conclusion

Physical activity counseling should be a focus of management for children with a history of KD.
Obesity Prevalence in Low-Income Preschool Children in Oklahoma
Authors: Weedn Ashley E. , Ang Siew C. , Zeman Carrie L. , Darden Paul M.
Published: April 2012

Objective. To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in low-income preschool children in Oklahoma and to identify potential race/ethnic disparities. Methods. Subjects included 39 151 children aged 2 to 4 years who participated in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in 2009. Body mass index percentiles were calculated from the child’s height, weight, sex, and age. Results. In 2009, 30.7% of Oklahoma’s children in WIC were overweight, including 13.7% obese. Disparities by race/ethnicity were greatest for obese children: prevalence was 18.8% for American Indians (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8, confidence interval [CI] = 1.54-2.03) and 17.2% for Hispanics (OR = 1.6, CI = 1.52-1.73) compared with 11.8% for non-Hispanic whites, whereas African Americans were less obese (OR = 0.9, CI = 0.79-0.98). Conclusion. Obesity rates in low-income Oklahoma children are highest among American Indians and Hispanic children. Interventions aimed at these high-risk groups need to be explored.
Muscle Organization in Individuals with and without Pain and Joint Dysfunction
Authors: Nickel J.C. , Gonzalez Y.M. , McCall W.D. , Ohrbach R. , Marx D.B. , Liu H. , Iwasaki L.R.
Published: April 2012

Central nervous system organization of masticatory muscles determines the magnitude of joint and muscle forces. Validated computer-assisted models of neuromuscular organization during biting were used to determine organization in individuals with and without temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Ninety-one individuals (47 women, 44 men) were assigned to one of four diagnostic groups based on the presence (+) or absence (-) of pain (P) and bilateral temporomandibular joint disc displacement (DD). Electromyography and bite-forces were measured during right and left incisor and molar biting. Two three-dimensional models employing neuromuscular objectives of minimization of joint loads (MJL) or muscle effort (MME) simulated biting tasks. Evaluations of diagnostic group and gender effects on choice of best-fit model were by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests, evaluations of right-left symmetry were by Chi-square and Fisher’s exact statistics, and evaluations of model accuracy were by within-subject linear regressions. MME was the best-fit during left molar biting in +DD individuals and incisor biting in men (all p < 0.03). Incisor biting symmetry in muscle organization was significantly higher (p < 0.03) in healthy individuals compared with those with TMD. Within-subject regressions showed that best-fit model errors were similar among groups: 8 to 15% (0.68 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.74). These computer-assisted models predicted muscle organization during static biting in humans with and without TMDs.
Islands in the Stream: Revisiting Methodological Nationalism under Conditions of Globalization
Authors: Bailey Nicholas , Winchester Nik
Published: April 2012

Reference to the sovereign nation-state has traditionally been held to lie at the heart of the conceptualization of inter-state relations in social scientific discourse. Recent debates have sought to problematize the centrality of this concept, particularly under the banner of globalization. Specifically, it has been argued that contemporary practices have weakened national boundaries thereby undermining the effectiveness of state actors and the relevance and explanatory value of the national. In this article we examine the maritime industry as a ‘critical case’, and demonstrate how in an extensively globalized context the national understood as legitimate authority, grounded in territory, is still necessary to understand certain key processes. We present a series of cases in which the normal, smooth operation of shipping is disturbed, in order to reveal operative practice. Our claim is that methodological nationalism continues to be a legitimate perspective even in an extensively globalized context.
Ethical Boundary-work in the Animal Research Laboratory
Authors: Hobson-West Pru
Published: April 2012

The use of animals in scientific experiments continues to attract significant controversy, particularly in the UK. This article draws on in-depth interviews with senior laboratory scientists who use animals in their research. A key claim is that animal research is necessary for medical advance. However, this promissory discourse relies on the construction of three boundaries. The first is between humans and non-human animals. The second is between the positive and less positive impacts of Home Office regulation. The third is between the use of animals in medicine versus other domains such as farming. The article analyses these discourses and evaluates the applicability of ‘ethical boundary-work’ (Wainwright et al., 2006a). I conclude that the concept is a potentially useful device for foregrounding ethics but argue that it carries several dangers for sociologists interested in claim-making in areas of controversy.
Being ‘Good at Sport’: Talent, Ability and Young Women’s Sporting Participation
Authors: Clark Sheryl
Published: April 2012

This article looks at the construction of active young femininities within the context of girls’ participation in sport. It draws on findings from longitudinal, qualitative research carried out in the UK. The research revealed the importance of ‘ability’ discourses as particularly salient for girls’ ongoing sports participation at secondary school. This was exemplified in the idea of ‘being good at sport’. Throughout the article I consider some of the difficulties for girls in holding onto notions of themselves as ‘good at sport’ and look at the ways in which this identity was both shifting and relational in the context of their peer and schooling interactions. The findings suggest that processes of team selection, emphases on performance outputs and ongoing expectations of fixed athletic development were all particularly relevant to girls’ sporting identities and participation both in and out of school.
Identification of twill grey fabric defects using DC suppressed Fourier power spectrum sum features
Authors: Jayashree V , Subbaraman Shaila
Published: April 2012

Defect identification and classification has been a focal point in fabric inspection research, and remains challenging because of new microstructure defects occurring in twill grey panting fabrics weaved on modern looms such as Air jet looms and Rapier looms. The twill fabric defects that occur commonly on these auto looms are mostly localized microstructure defects such as looseweft and stitches. This paper focusses on the application of DC suppressed Fourier power spectrum obtained from Fourier Transform for the analysis of fabric images in terms of significant frequency contents, which depict the periodicity of fabric along with their magnitudes, magnitude sums between peaks and the fabric cover factor of the woven fabric, in order to identify the fabric faults. The analysis was carried out on real twill weave grey fabric of different fabric specifications by collecting as many as 27 statistical features along with fabric cover factor obtained from the marginals of DC suppressed Fourier power spectrum which were used as inputs to the neural network implementing Levenberg-Marquardt Back-propagation algorithm. The results of the neural network, optimized with 27(40) neurons in the input, a hidden layer and 3(2) neurons in the output layer respectively for the two fabric classes namely S1(S2), for identification of grey fabric defects are encouraging. The neural network converged in less than 35 iterations and gave a classification accuracy of almost 100% when compared to the NN classification rate of 89.28% without considering fabric cover factor. The details of the experimentation and the results thereof are presented in this paper.
Automatic control of the roller carding machine part II: a study on the application of a sliding mode controller on the roller carding machine
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Chou Yu-Chung , Lin Tsung-Yi
Published: April 2012

The current roller carding machine control methods lack in the theoretical basis of using an auto-leveler, and are limited to the control of the cotton web layer thickness or the input amount of fibers. When the input amount changes, the output response is relatively slow, thus resulting in considerable impact on fiber web quality. Therefore, this study first established the theoretical modeling, and validated the dynamic mathematical model of the roller carding machine. This study used the sliding mode control in the design of the controller to control uniformity of the output fiber web of the roller carding machine. The sliding mode control used in this study was to allow the system to move in the dynamic process according to the pre-determined sliding mode trajectory, and then use the preset approximation conditions and switching conditions as the control law to navigate the system, in order to achieve the control objectives. Under the sliding mode control, with robust performance to suppress external disturbances and appropriate design of the sliding surface and boundary layer, dynamic model analysis and control adjustment for the system can be implemented to achieve the control objectives and uniform fiber web output. The experimental results confirmed that sliding mode control can effectively control fiber web uniformity of the roller carding machine.
Managing Diversity in Context
Authors: Lomsky-Feder Edna , Ben-Ari Eyal
Published: April 2012

This article is an exploratory study of the factors influencing the management of diversity at the unit level. This management is carried out through ongoing negotiations between troops and commanders and is heavily influenced by the character of the unit within which bargaining takes place and involves the active role of both sides. The most important factors are the unit’s structural characteristic (dominant military roles or social composition) and ethos of action (a combat or service orientation). Diversity is thus simultaneously managed as formal policy (intentionally organized) and is self-organized as phenomena emerging at the local level through agreements between the military and individuals and groups serving within it. The analysis is based on qualitative research carried out within the Israel Defense Forces within combat, white-collar, and service units.
Intestinal Adaptation Is Stimulated by Partial Enteral Nutrition Supplemented With the Prebiotic Short‐Chain Fructooligosaccharide in a Neonatal Intestinal Failure Piglet Model
Authors: Barnes Jennifer L. , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens J. , Tappenden Kelly A.
Published: April 2012

Background:

Butyrate has been shown to stimulate intestinal adaptation when added to parenteral nutrition (PN) following small bowel resection but is not available in current PN formulations. The authors hypothesized that pre‐ and probiotic administration may be a clinically feasible method to administer butyrate and stimulate intestinal adaptation.

Methods and Materials:

Neonatal piglets (48 hours old, n = 87) underwent placement of a jugular catheter and an 80% jejunoileal resection and were randomized to one of the following treatment groups: control (20% standard enteral nutrition/80% standard PN), control plus prebiotic (10 g/L short‐chain fructooligosaccharides [scFOS]), control plus probiotic (1 × 109 CFU Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG [LGG]), or control plus synbiotic (scFOS + LGG). Animals received infusions for 24 hours, 3 days, or 7 days, and markers of intestinal adaptation were assessed.

Results:

Prebiotic treatment increased ileal mucosa weight compared with all other treatments (P = .017) and ileal protein compared with control (P = .049), regardless of day. Ileal villus length increased in the prebiotic and synbiotic group (P = .011), regardless of day, specifically due to an increase in epithelial proliferation (P = .003). In the 7‐day prebiotic group, peptide transport was upregulated in the jejunum (P = .026), whereas glutamine transport was increased in both the jejunum and colon (P = .001 and .003, respectively).

Conclusions:

Prebiotic and/or synbiotic supplementation resulted in enhanced structure and function throughout the residual intestine. Identification of a synergistic prebiotic and probiotic combination may enhance the promising results obtained with prebiotic treatment alone.
A review of quality evaluation of digital libraries based on users’ perceptions
Authors: Heradio Rubén , Fernández-Amorós David , Cabrerizo Francisco Javier , Herrera-Viedma Enrique
Published: April 2012

In the past two decades, the use of digital libraries (DLs) has grown significantly. Accordingly, questions about the utility, usability and cost of DLs have started to arise, and greater attention is being paid to the quality evaluation of this type of information system. Since DLs are destined to serve user communities, one of the main aspects to be considered in DL evaluation is the user’s opinion. The literature on this topic has produced a set of varied criteria to judge DLs from the user’s perspective, measuring instruments to elicit users’ opinions, and approaches to analyse the elicited data to conclude an evaluation. This paper provides a literature review of the quality evaluation of DLs based on users’ perceptions. Its main contribution is to bring together previously disparate streams of work to help shed light on this thriving area. In addition, the various studies are discussed, and some challenges to be faced in the future are proposed.