bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Niche partitioning among frugivorous fishes in response to fluctuating resources in the Amazonian floodplain forest
Authors: Correa Sandra Bibiana , Winemiller Kirk O.
Published: July 2013

In response to temporal changes in the quality and availability of food resources, consumers should adjust their foraging behavior in a manner that maximizes energy and nutrient intake and, when resources are limiting, minimizes dietary overlap with other consumers. Floodplains of the Amazon and its lowland tributaries are characterized by strong, yet predictable, hydrological seasonality, seasonal availability of fruits, seeds, and other food resources of terrestrial origin, and diverse assemblages of frugivorous fishes, including morphologically similar species of several characiform families. Here, we investigated how diets of frugivorous fishes in the Amazon change in response to fluctuations in food availability, and how this influences patterns of interspecific dietary overlap. We tested predictions from classical theories of foraging and resource competition by estimating changes in diet breadth and overlap across seasons. We monitored fruiting phenology to assess food availability, and surveyed local fish populations during three hydrological seasons in an oligotrophic river and an adjacent oxbow lake in the Colombian Amazon. We analyzed stomach contents and stable isotope data to evaluate temporal and interspecific relationships for dietary composition, breadth, and overlap. Diets of six species of characiform fishes representing three genera changed according to seasonal fluctuations in food availability, and patterns of diet breadth and interspecific overlap during the peak flood pulse were consistent with predictions of optimal foraging theory. During times of high fruit abundance, fishes consumed items to which their functional morphological traits seemed best adapted, potentially enhancing net energy and nutritional gains. As the annual flood pulse subsided and availability of forest food resources in aquatic habitats changed, there was not a consistent pattern of diet breadth expansion or compression. Nonetheless, shifts in both diet composition and stable isotope ratios of consumer tissues during this period resulted in trophic niche segregation in a pattern consistent with competition theory.
Application of Plastic Wrap to Improve Temperatures in Infants Born Less Than 30 Weeks Gestation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Smith Jacqueline , Usher Kim , Alcock Gary , Buettner Petra
Published: July 2013

Purpose:The primary aim of the study was to evaluate whether the application of a plastic wrap immediately after birth is more effective than the standard care of temperature management for improving admission temperatures to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in infants <30 weeks gestation.

Design:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Infants in the intervention group were transferred to a prewarmed radiant heater immediately after birth and encased in NeoWrap from the neck down without being dried. The infant’s head was dried with a prewarmed towel and a hat added. The control group received usual care for the unit; the infant was transferred to the prewarmed radiant warmer and dried, and warm towels and a hat are then applied.

Sample:A total of 92 infants were analyzed: 49 in the control group and 43 in the intervention group; 48 (52.2 percent) were <27 weeks gestation, and 44 (47.8 percent) were <30 weeks gestation. The infants’ temperatures were assessed for two hours following admission.

Main Outcome Variable:The application of a plastic wrap and hat significantly increased NICU admission temperature in infants <30 weeks gestation.

Results:Of the 92 infants, 43 (51.2 percent <27 weeks and 48.8 percent <30 weeks) were randomized to the experimental group and 49 (53.1 percent <27 weeks and 46.9 percent <30 weeks) to the control group. The mean first temperature was 36.15°C (SD= 0.85) for intervention and 35.81°C (SD= 0.91) for control infants (p=.074); whereas the respective admission temperatures were 36.26°C (SD= 0.68;n= 42) and 35.79°C (SD= 0.77;n= 44;p=.004). The mean temperature of the infants rose steadily from the time of birth to two hours follow-up in both the intervention (36.15°–37.03°C;SD= 0.49;n= 40) and control groups (35.81°–36.75°C;SD= 0.70;n= 47;p<.001, respectively).
Study on cementitious properties of steel slag
Authors: Zhu G. , Hao Y. , Xia C. , Zhang Y. , Hu T. , Sun S.
Published: July 2013

The converter steel slag chemical and mineral components in China?s main
steel plants have been analysed in the present paper. The electronic
microscope, energy spectrum analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed
the main mineral compositions in the converter slag. Converter slag of
different components were grounded to obtain a powder with specific surface
area over 400m2/kg, making them to take place some part of the cement in the
concrete as the admixture and carry out the standard tests. The results
indicate that the converter slag can be used as cementitious materials for
construction. Furthermore, physical mechanic and durability tests on the
concrete that certain amount of cement be substituted by converter steel slag
powder from different steel plants are carried out, the results show that the
concrete with partial substitution of steel slag powder has the advantages of
higher later period strength, better frost resistance, good wear resistance
and lower hydration heat, etc. This study can be used as the technical basis
for ?Steel Slag Powder Used For Cement And Concrete?, ?Steel Slag Portland
Cement?, ?Low Heat Portland Steel Slag Cement?, ?Steel Slag Road Cement? in
China, as well as a driving force to the works of steel slag utilization with
high-value addition, circular economy, energy conservation and discharge
reduction in the iron and steel industry.
Physicochemical characterization of copper slag and alternatives of friendly environmental management
Authors: Sánchez M. , Sudbury M.
Published: July 2013

Copper slags are usually considered a waste and characterized only by the
final copper content. Large and increasing quantities are being produced and
disposed of by stockpiling near the metallurgical plants. This paper stresses
the importance of physico-chemical characterization when considering uses for
slags and the possibility of recovering the valuable metals still remaining
in this phase. The purpose of this work is to support and encourage a change
in the classical perception of slag from a ?waste? to a ?resource?; promote
the development of new technologies for treatment to recover residual values
and encourage a search for new uses; with the ultimate objective of
eliminating slag stockpiles thereby diminishing the environmental impact of
smelting operations. Some of the results of experimental laboratory work done
by the authors and examples of commercial applications will be shown. A
promising future for valorization and utilization of slags is expected and
will provide an example when considering the use of all the other large
quantities of wastes generated by the mining industry.
Preparation of polymeric aluminium ferric chloride from bauxite tailings
Authors: Ma D. , Guo M. , Zhang M.
Published: July 2013

Bauxite tailings are the main solid wastes in the ore dressing process. The
Al2O3 and Fe2O3 contents in bauxite tailings can reach 50% and 13%
respectively. The present study proposed a feasible method to use bauxite
tailings to prepare polymeric aluminium ferric chloride (PAFC), a new
composite inorganic polymer for water purification. Bauxite tailings roasted
reacting with hydrochloric acid under air, pickle liquor which mainly
contains Fe3+, Al3+ was generated, then calcium aluminate was used to adjust
pH value and the basicity of the pickle liquor, the PAFC was subsequently
prepared after the polymerization process. The optimal synthesizing
parameters for the preparation of PAFC obtained were as follows: the
concentration of hydrochloric acid of 24 wt%, ratio of hydrochloric acid to
bauxite tailings of 6:1, temperature of 90?C, leaching time of 2.5 hours,
ration of pickle liquor to calcium aluminate of 12:1, polymerization
temperature of 90?C and polymerization time of about 3 hours. The basicity
of PAFC was higher than 68%, the sum concentration of Al2O3 and Fe2O3 was
beyond 12.5%. The results of flocculation tests indicate that the PAFC has a
better performance of removing the turbidity of wastewater compared to PAC,
and PAFC prepared by bauxite tailings is a kind of high quality flocculants.
Direct chromium alloying by chromite ore with the presence of metallic iron
Authors: Hu X. , Wang H. , Teng L. , Seetharaman S.
Published: July 2013

Direct chromium alloying by chromite ore in EAF operation is a promising
process in stainless steel production, which has the advantage of
resource-saving, energy-saving, and environment-friendly. In the present
investigation, iron, carbon, and chromite ore mixture (Fe+C+FeCr2O4) were
chosen as the precursor for direct chromium alloying. Thermogravimetric
Analysis (TGA) experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of iron
content on the reduction kinetics, and the results show that the presence of
metallic iron in the precursor will increase the reduction rate of chromite.
Up-scaling experiments (100 g and 500 g scale) have been carried out in the
induction furnace to further test the effectiveness of using industrial
chromite ore for direct chromium alloying. The induction furnace tests
confirmed the necessity of adjusting composition of the slags to ensure high
yield of chromium in the final products; and chromium yield can reach 90%.
Reduction kinetics of lead-rich slag with carbon in the temperature range of 1073 to 1473K
Authors: Hou X. , Chou K.C. , Zhao B.
Published: July 2013

Extensive experiments have been carried out on the reduction of lead-rich
slag in graphite crucible at temperature range of 1073 to 1473K. The
reduction kinetics was also compared between industrial sinters and synthetic
slags. The extent of reduction was measured by the volume of CO-CO2 gas
produced at a given temperature and time. It was found that, at a given
temperature, the reaction rate between the slag and carbon was initially fast
and then slow as the extent of the reaction increases. Only limited reaction
between slag and carbon occurred at temperatures below 1173K. At temperatures
above 1173K, the reaction rate increased significantly with increasing
temperature. The reduction reaction was found to be mainly liquid-solid
reaction, which was chemically controlled at initial stage and diffusion
controlled at later stage. The apparent activation energy was calculated to
be 83.8 kJ/mol at chemically controlled stage and 224.9 kJ/mol at diffusion
controlled stage for reduction of industrial sinter. For the synthetic slag,
the reaction activation energy was 102.9 kJ/mol at chemically controlled
stage and 259.4 kJ/mol at diffusion controlled stage. The difference of the
activation energy between industrial sinter and synthetic slag can be
explained by the difference in their CaO/SiO2 ratios.
A study on phase equilibria in the CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-“Nb2O5”(5 mass pct) system in reducing atmosphere
Authors: Yan B. , Guo R. , Zhang J.
Published: July 2013

Phase equilibria in 5 mass% ?Nb2O5? plane of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-?Nb2O5? system at
1873 K in an oxygen partial pressure of 1.78?10-6 Pa have been investigated
through isothermal equilibration and quenching followed by EPMA examinations.
In order to characterize the effect of niobium oxide on the phase
relationship of the CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 system, Nb2O5-containing and Nb2O5-free
samples with the same CaO/Al2O3/SiO2 weight ratio were investigated
simultaneously. The ratios of CaO/Al2O3/SiO2 were selected from the
CaO?2Al2O3-liquid two-phase equilibrium region in the CaO-Al2O3- SiO2 system
at1873 K. It was found that the adding of 5 mass% Nb2O5 to the CaO-Al2O3-SiO2
system caused the original CaO?2Al2O3-liquid equilibrium to become three
different new equilibria. The three equilibria were single liquid phase,
CaO?6Al2O3-liquid and gehlenite-CaO?2Al2O3-liquid equilibrium respectively.
The gehlenite phase may be a new solid solution of 2CaO?Al2O3?SiO2 and NbOx
with melting point higher than 1873 K.
Structure and properties of nanosize NiFe2O4 prepared by template and precipitation methods
Authors: Cosovic A. , Cosovic V. , Zák T. , David B. , Talijan N.
Published: July 2013

Nanosize NiFe2O4 was prepared by template method and precipitation process
using same starting materials. The use of soluble starch in both synthesis
routes was investigated. The amount of the used precipitating agent (Na2CO3)
for the precipitation approach was selected according to two adopted
scenarios based on theoretical and average yield of possible side reaction
expressed by the degree of substitution (DS). The results of SEM
microstructural analysis of the prepared Niferrite powders demonstrate
evident influence of the applied preparation method whereas
high-magnification FE-SEM images show very similar fine-grained structures
characterized by different size of particles. According to the results of XRD
analysis, the obtained ferrite powders exhibit only slight differences in
phase composition with calculated crystallite size for template sample dXRD =
36 nm and for the both precipitation route samples dXRD = 21 nm. Additional
sample characterization using 57Fe M?ssbauer spectroscopy supports the
findings of the microstructural and XRD analysis. The ?clearest? spectrum was
obtained for the template sample while the strongest influence of
nanocrystalline component was observed for the sample prepared with maximal
amount of precipitation agent (DS=3). The room temperature magnetic
hysteresis loops, recorded using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), are
very similar and exhibit characteristic shape with values of magnetic
properties within expected range for this type of material.
Sirt3 Regulates Metabolic Flexibility of Skeletal Muscle Through Reversible Enzymatic Deacetylation
Authors: Jing Enxuan , O’Neill Brian T. , Rardin Matthew J. , Kleinridders André , Ilkeyeva Olga R. , Ussar Siegfried , Bain James R. , Lee Kevin Y. , Verdin Eric M. , Newgard Christopher B. , Gibson Bradford W. , Kahn C. Ronald
Published: July 2013

Sirt3 is an NAD+-dependent deacetylase that regulates mitochondrial function by targeting metabolic enzymes and proteins. In fasting mice, Sirt3 expression is decreased in skeletal muscle resulting in increased mitochondrial protein acetylation. Deletion of Sirt3 led to impaired glucose oxidation in muscle, which was associated with decreased pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, accumulation of pyruvate and lactate metabolites, and an inability of insulin to suppress fatty acid oxidation. Antibody-based acetyl-peptide enrichment and mass spectrometry of mitochondrial lysates from WT and Sirt3 KO skeletal muscle revealed that a major target of Sirt3 deacetylation is the E1α subunit of PDH (PDH E1α). Sirt3 knockout in vivo and Sirt3 knockdown in myoblasts in vitro induced hyperacetylation of the PDH E1α subunit, altering its phosphorylation leading to suppressed PDH enzymatic activity. The inhibition of PDH activity resulting from reduced levels of Sirt3 induces a switch of skeletal muscle substrate utilization from carbohydrate oxidation toward lactate production and fatty acid utilization even in the fed state, contributing to a loss of metabolic flexibility. Thus, Sirt3 plays an important role in skeletal muscle mitochondrial substrate choice and metabolic flexibility in part by regulating PDH function through deacetylation.
Severe Hypoglycemia–Induced Lethal Cardiac Arrhythmias Are Mediated by Sympathoadrenal Activation
Authors: Reno Candace M. , Daphna-Iken Dorit , Chen Y. Stefanie , VanderWeele Jennifer , Jethi Krishan , Fisher Simon J.
Published: July 2013

For people with insulin-treated diabetes, severe hypoglycemia can be lethal, though potential mechanisms involved are poorly understood. To investigate how severe hypoglycemia can be fatal, hyperinsulinemic, severe hypoglycemic (10–15 mg/dL) clamps were performed in Sprague-Dawley rats with simultaneous electrocardiogram monitoring. With goals of reducing hypoglycemia-induced mortality, the hypotheses tested were that: 1) antecedent glycemic control impacts mortality associated with severe hypoglycemia; 2) with limitation of hypokalemia, potassium supplementation could limit hypoglycemia-associated deaths; 3) with prevention of central neuroglycopenia, brain glucose infusion could prevent hypoglycemia-associated arrhythmias and deaths; and 4) with limitation of sympathoadrenal activation, adrenergic blockers could prevent hypoglycemia-induced arrhythmic deaths. Severe hypoglycemia–induced mortality was noted to be worsened by diabetes, but recurrent antecedent hypoglycemia markedly improved the ability to survive an episode of severe hypoglycemia. Potassium supplementation tended to reduce mortality. Severe hypoglycemia caused numerous cardiac arrhythmias including premature ventricular contractions, tachycardia, and high-degree heart block. Intracerebroventricular glucose infusion reduced severe hypoglycemia–induced arrhythmias and overall mortality. β-Adrenergic blockade markedly reduced cardiac arrhythmias and completely abrogated deaths due to severe hypoglycemia. Under conditions studied, sudden deaths caused by insulin-induced severe hypoglycemia were mediated by lethal cardiac arrhythmias triggered by brain neuroglycopenia and the marked sympathoadrenal response.
Insulin Receptor Phosphorylation by Endogenous Insulin or the Insulin Analog AspB10 Promotes Mammary Tumor Growth Independent of the IGF-I Receptor
Authors: Gallagher Emily Jane , Alikhani Nyosha , Tobin-Hess Aviva , Blank Jeffrey , Buffin Nicholas J. , Zelenko Zara , Tennagels Norbert , Werner Ulrich , LeRoith Derek
Published: July 2013

Endogenous hyperinsulinemia and insulin receptor (IR)/IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) phosphorylation in tumors are associated with a worse prognosis in women with breast cancer. In vitro, insulin stimulation of the IR increases proliferation of breast cancer cells. However, in vivo studies demonstrating that IR activation increases tumor growth, independently of IGF-IR activation, are lacking. We hypothesized that endogenous hyperinsulinemia increases mammary tumor growth by directly activating the IR rather than the IGF-IR or hybrid receptors. We aimed to determine whether stimulating the IR with the insulin analog AspB10 could increase tumor growth independently of IGF-IR signaling. We induced orthotopic mammary tumors in control FVB/n and hyperinsulinemic MKR mice, and treated them with the insulin analog AspB10, recombinant human IGF-I, or vehicle. Tumors from mice with endogenous hyperinsulinemia were larger and had greater IR phosphorylation, but not IGF-IR phosphorylation, than those from control mice. Chronic AspB10 administration also increased tumor growth and IR (but not IGF-IR) phosphorylation in tumors. IGF-I led to activation of both the IGF-IR and IR and probably hybrid receptors. Our results demonstrate that IR phosphorylation increases tumor growth, independently of IGF-IR/hybrid receptor phosphorylation, and warrant consideration when developing therapeutics targeting the IGF-IR, but not the IR.
Long-Term Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Meal Disposal and β-Cell Function in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients
Authors: Camastra Stefania , Muscelli Elza , Gastaldelli Amalia , Holst Jens J. , Astiarraga Brenno , Baldi Simona , Nannipieri Monica , Ciociaro Demetrio , Anselmino Marco , Mari Andrea , Ferrannini Ele
Published: July 2013

Gastric bypass surgery leads to marked improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese type 2 diabetes (T2D); the impact on glucose fluxes in response to a physiological stimulus, such as a mixed meal test (MTT), has not been determined. We administered an MTT to 12 obese T2D patients and 15 obese nondiabetic (ND) subjects before and 1 year after surgery (10 T2D and 11 ND) using the double-tracer technique and modeling of β-cell function. In both groups postsurgery, tracer-derived appearance of oral glucose was biphasic, a rapid increase followed by a sharp drop, a pattern that was mirrored by postprandial glucose levels and insulin secretion. In diabetic patients, surgery lowered fasting and postprandial glucose levels, peripheral insulin sensitivity increased in proportion to weight loss (∼30%), and β-cell glucose sensitivity doubled but did not normalize (compared with 21 nonsurgical obese and lean controls). Endogenous glucose production, however, was less suppressed during the MMT as the combined result of a relative hyperglucagonemia and the rapid fall in plasma glucose and insulin levels. We conclude that in T2D, bypass surgery changes the postprandial response to a dumping-like pattern and improves glucose tolerance, β-cell function, and peripheral insulin sensitivity but worsens endogenous glucose output in response to a physiological stimulus.
Teplizumab (Anti-CD3 mAb) Treatment Preserves C-Peptide Responses in Patients With New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Herold Kevan C. , Gitelman Stephen E. , Ehlers Mario R. , Gottlieb Peter A. , Greenbaum Carla J. , Hagopian William , Boyle Karen D. , Keyes-Elstein Lynette , Aggarwal Sudeepta , Phippard Deborah , Sayre Peter H. , McNamara James , Bluestone Jeffrey A. ,   and the AbATE Study Team
Published: July 2013

Trials of immune therapies in new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) have shown success, but not all subjects respond, and the duration of response is limited. Our aim was to determine whether two courses of teplizumab, an Fc receptor–nonbinding anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, reduces the decline in C-peptide levels in patients with T1D 2 years after disease onset. We also set out to identify characteristics of responders. We treated 52 subjects with new-onset T1D with teplizumab for 2 weeks at diagnosis and after 1 year in an open-label, randomized, controlled trial. In the intent to treat analysis of the primary end point, patients treated with teplizumab had a reduced decline in C-peptide at 2 years (mean −0.28 nmol/L [95% CI −0.36 to −0.20]) versus control (mean −0.46 nmol/L [95% CI −0.57 to −0.35]; P = 0.002), a 75% improvement. The most common adverse events were rash, transient upper respiratory infections, headache, and nausea. In a post hoc analysis we characterized clinical responders and found that metabolic (HbA1c and insulin use) and immunologic features distinguished this group from those who did not respond to teplizumab. We conclude that teplizumab treatment preserves insulin production and reduces the use of exogenous insulin in some patients with new-onset T1D. Metabolic and immunologic features at baseline can identify a subgroup with robust responses to immune therapy.
Genetic Risk Score of 46 Type 2 Diabetes Risk Variants Associates With Changes in Plasma Glucose and Estimates of Pancreatic β-Cell Function Over 5 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Andersson Ehm A. , Allin Kristine H. , Sandholt Camilla H. , Borglykke Anders , Lau Cathrine J. , Ribel-Madsen Rasmus , Sparsø Thomas , Justesen Johanne M. , Harder Marie N. , Jørgensen Marit E. , Jørgensen Torben , Hansen Torben , Pedersen Oluf
Published: July 2013

More than 40 genetic risk variants for type 2 diabetes have been validated. We aimed to test whether a genetic risk score associates with the incidence of type 2 diabetes and with 5-year changes in glycemic traits and whether the effects were modulated by changes in BMI and lifestyle. The Inter99 study population was genotyped for 46 variants, and a genetic risk score was constructed. During a median follow-up of 11 years, 327 of 5,850 individuals developed diabetes. Physical examinations and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at baseline and after 5 years (n = 3,727). The risk of incident type 2 diabetes was increased with a hazard ratio of 1.06 (95% CI 1.03–1.08) per risk allele. While the population in general had improved glucose regulation during the 5-year follow-up period, each additional allele in the genetic risk score was associated with a relative increase in fasting, 30-min, and 120-min plasma glucose values and a relative decrease in measures of β-cell function over the 5-year period, whereas indices of insulin sensitivity were unaffected. The effect of the genetic risk score on 5-year changes in fasting plasma glucose was stronger in individuals who increased their BMI. In conclusion, a genetic risk score based on 46 variants associated strongly with incident type 2 diabetes and 5-year changes in plasma glucose and β-cell function. Individuals who gain weight may be more susceptible to the cumulative impact of type 2 diabetes risk variants on fasting plasma glucose.
Skeletal Muscle Triacylglycerol Hydrolysis Does Not Influence Metabolic Complications of Obesity
Authors: Sitnick Mitch T. , Basantani Mahesh K. , Cai Lingzhi , Schoiswohl Gabriele , Yazbeck Cynthia F. , Distefano Giovanna , Ritov Vladimir , DeLany James P. , Schreiber Renate , Stolz Donna B. , Gardner Noah P. , Kienesberger Petra C. , Pulinilkunnil Thomas , Zechner Rudolf , Goodpaster Bret H. , Coen Paul , Kershaw Erin E.
Published: July 2013

Intramyocellular triacylglycerol (IMTG) accumulation is highly associated with insulin resistance and metabolic complications of obesity (lipotoxicity), whereas comparable IMTG accumulation in endurance-trained athletes is associated with insulin sensitivity (the athlete’s paradox). Despite these findings, it remains unclear whether changes in IMTG accumulation and metabolism per se influence muscle-specific and systemic metabolic homeostasis and insulin responsiveness. By mediating the rate-limiting step in triacylglycerol hydrolysis, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) has been proposed to influence the storage/production of deleterious as well as essential lipid metabolites. However, the physiological relevance of ATGL-mediated triacylglycerol hydrolysis in skeletal muscle remains unknown. To determine the contribution of IMTG hydrolysis to tissue-specific and systemic metabolic phenotypes in the context of obesity, we generated mice with targeted deletion or transgenic overexpression of ATGL exclusively in skeletal muscle. Despite dramatic changes in IMTG content on both chow and high-fat diets, modulation of ATGL-mediated IMTG hydrolysis did not significantly influence systemic energy, lipid, or glucose homeostasis, nor did it influence insulin responsiveness or mitochondrial function. These data argue against a role for altered IMTG accumulation and lipolysis in muscle insulin resistance and metabolic complications of obesity.
Oxytocin Reduces Reward-Driven Food Intake in Humans
Authors: Ott Volker , Finlayson Graham , Lehnert Hendrik , Heitmann Birte , Heinrichs Markus , Born Jan , Hallschmid Manfred
Published: July 2013

Experiments in animals suggest that the neuropeptide oxytocin acts as an anorexigenic signal in the central nervous control of food intake. In humans, however, research has almost exclusively focused on the involvement of oxytocin in the regulation of social behavior. We investigated the effect of intranasal oxytocin on ingestion and metabolic function in healthy men. Food intake in the fasted state was examined 45 min after neuropeptide administration, followed by the assessment of olfaction and reward-driven snack intake in the absence of hunger. Energy expenditure was registered by indirect calorimetry, and blood was repeatedly sampled to determine concentrations of blood glucose and hormones. Oxytocin markedly reduced snack consumption, restraining, in particular, the intake of chocolate cookies by 25%. Oxytocin, moreover, attenuated basal and postprandial levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol and curbed the meal-related rise in plasma glucose. Energy expenditure and hunger-driven food intake as well as olfactory function were not affected. Our results indicate that oxytocin, beyond its role in social bonding, regulates nonhomeostatic, reward-related energy intake, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, and the glucoregulatory response to food intake in humans. These effects can be assumed to converge with the psychosocial function of oxytocin and imply possible applications in the treatment of metabolic disorders.
Impaired Renal Function Further Increases Odds of 6-Year Coronary Artery Calcification Progression in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Maahs David M. , Jalal Diana , Chonchol Michel , Johnson Richard J. , Rewers Marian , Snell-Bergeon Janet K.
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) independently predict coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression, and to determine how eGFR changes over 6 years in adults with type 1 diabetes compared with nondiabetic adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes study participants (n = 1,066) with complete data for eGFR assessment at baseline and 6 years were included. Three Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations (serum creatinine, cystatin C, and both) were used to estimate eGFR. The association of baseline ACR and eGFR with CAC progression was analyzed using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Increasing categorical baseline ACR (<10, 10–30, and >30 µg/mg) predicted CAC progression in participants with type 1 diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 2.15; 95% CI, 1.50–3.09; 7.19 [3.90–13.26]; and 18.09 [8.48–38.62]), respectively, compared with nondiabetic subjects. Baseline eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 also predicted CAC progression (OR, 5–7, compared with nondiabetic participants). ORs for CAC progression were higher in women than in men when using the cystatin C–based Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations. Participants with type 1 diabetes had greater eGFR decreases over 6 years than nondiabetic participants using cystatin C–based equations.

CONCLUSIONS

Although increasing ACR or decreasing eGFR predicts CAC progression, coronary atherosclerosis progresses faster in people with type 1 diabetes even in the absence of diabetic kidney disease. These findings emphasize the interaction between kidney disease and cardiovascular disease in type 1 diabetes and highlight the public health importance of lowering cardiorenal risk in people with type 1 diabetes.
Sex Disparities in the Quality of Diabetes Care: Biological and Cultural Factors May Play a Different Role for Different Outcomes
Authors: Rossi Maria Chiara , Cristofaro Maria Rosaria , Gentile Sandro , Lucisano Giuseppe , Manicardi Valeria , Mulas Maria Franca , Napoli Angela , Nicolucci Antonio , Pellegrini Fabio , Suraci Concetta , Giorda Carlo ,   on behalf of the AMD Annals Study Group
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the quality of type 2 diabetes care according to sex.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Clinical data collected during the year 2009 were extracted from electronic medical records; quality-of-care indicators were evaluated. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the likelihood of women versus men to be monitored for selected parameters, to reach clinical outcomes, and to be treated with specific classes of drugs. The intercenter variability in the proportion of men and women achieving the targets was also investigated.

RESULTS

Overall, 415,294 patients from 236 diabetes outpatient centers were evaluated, of whom 188,125 (45.3%) were women and 227,169 (54.7%) were men. Women were 14% more likely than men to have HbA1c >9.0% in spite of insulin treatment (odds ratio 1.14 [95% CI 1.10–1.17]), 42% more likely to have LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥130 mg/dL (1.42 [1.38–1.46]) in spite of lipid-lowering treatment, and 50% more likely to have BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (1.50 [1.50–1.54]). Women were less likely to be monitored for foot and eye complications. In 99% of centers, the percentage of men reaching the LDL-C target was higher than in women, the proportion of patients reaching the HbA1c target was in favor of men in 80% of the centers, and no differences emerged for blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Women show a poorer quality of diabetes care than men. The attainment of the LDL-C target seems to be mainly related to pathophysiological factors, whereas patient and physician attitudes can play an important role in other process measures and outcomes.
Mortality by Race Among Low-Income Adults With Early-Onset Insulin-Treated Diabetes
Authors: Conway Baqiyyah Nilija , Elasy Thomas Anais , May Michael E. , Blot William James
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE

To determine if long-term mortality rates in early-onset insulin-treated diabetes differ by race among adults of similar socioeconomic status.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 391 (299 African Americans, 92 whites) mostly low-income adults 40–79 years of age with insulin-treated diabetes diagnosed before 30 years of age were recruited from community health centers in the southeast U.S. Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of all-cause mortality among African Americans compared with whites. Additionally, standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were used to compare the mortality experience of the individuals with diabetes with both national and general community health center sex- and race-specific population norms.

RESULTS

Mean age at diabetes diagnosis and cohort entry, respectively, was 21 and 50 years in African Americans and 19 and 51 years in whites. During an average of 6.7 years of follow-up, 29% of African Americans and 35% of whites died. In multivariable analysis, no significant mortality difference was observed among African Americans compared with whites (HR 0.83 [95% CI 0.53–1.30]; P = 0.51). Compared with the race-specific U.S. general population, SMRs for those with diabetes were 5.7 in African Americans and 11.7 in whites. However, when compared with the same source population (i.e., the community health center population), SMRs were 3.5 and 3.7 in African Americans and whites, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated mortality persists in men and women with long duration of early-onset insulin-treated diabetes, but given survival to 40 years of age and similarly low economic status and access to health care, our data do not suggest a racial disparity in mortality.
Type A Behavior and Risk of All-Cause Mortality, CAD, and CAD-Related Mortality in a Type 1 Diabetic Population: 22 Years of Follow-up in the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study
Authors: Fickley Catherine E. , Lloyd Cathy E. , Costacou Tina , Miller Rachel G. , Orchard Trevor J.
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether type A behavior predicts all-cause mortality and incident coronary artery disease (CAD) in a type 1 diabetic population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Follow-up data (22 years) from the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) study of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes were analyzed for the 506 participants who completed the Bortner Rating Scale (measuring type A behavior) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline (1986–1988). CAD comprised myocardial infarction as determined by hospital records/Q waves on electrocardiogram (ECG), CAD death (determined by a mortality classification committee), angiographic stenosis, ischemic ECG, and angina.

RESULTS

There were 128 deaths (25.3%) during follow-up. Univariate analysis showed an inverse relationship between Bortner scores and all-cause mortality (P = 0.01), which remained significant after allowing for age, sex, duration, HbA1c, education, smoking, BMI, and physical activity (P = 0.03). However, the addition of BDI scores attenuated the relationship (P = 0.11) with a significant interaction (P = 0.03) such that any protective effect against mortality was limited among individuals with lower BDI scores (bottom three quintiles) (P = 0.07), whereas no effect was seen in those with higher BDI scores (P = 0.97). Bortner scores showed only a borderline association with incident CAD (P = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Those with higher type A behavior have lower all-cause mortality in our type 1 diabetic population, an effect that interacts with depressive symptomatology such that it is only operative in those with low BDI scores. Further research should focus on understanding this interaction.
Benefits of Liraglutide Treatment in Overweight and Obese Older Individuals With Prediabetes
Authors: Kim Sun H. , Abbasi Fahim , Lamendola Cindy , Liu Alice , Ariel Danit , Schaaf Patricia , Grove Kaylene , Tomasso Vanessa , Ochoa Hector , Liu Yeheng V. , Chen Yii-Der Ida , Reaven Gerald
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to evaluate the ability of liraglutide to augment weight loss and improve insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and inflammation in a high-risk population for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and CVD.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We randomized 68 older individuals (mean age, 58 ± 8 years) with overweight/obesity and prediabetes to this double-blind study of liraglutide 1.8 mg versus placebo for 14 weeks. All subjects were advised to decrease calorie intake by 500 kcal/day. Peripheral insulin resistance was quantified by measuring the steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during the insulin suppression test. Traditional CVD risk factors and inflammatory markers also were assessed.

RESULTS

Eleven out of 35 individuals (31%) assigned to liraglutide discontinued the study compared with 6 out of 33 (18%) assigned to placebo (P = 0.26). Subjects who continued to use liraglutide (n = 24) lost twice as much weight as those using placebo (n = 27; 6.8 vs. 3.3 kg; P < 0.001). Liraglutide-treated subjects also had a significant improvement in SSPG concentration (−3.2 vs. 0.2 mmol/L; P < 0.001) and significantly (P ≤ 0.04) greater lowering of systolic blood pressure (−8.1 vs. −2.6 mmHg), fasting glucose (−0.5 vs. 0 mmol/L), and triglyceride (−0.4 vs. −0.1 mmol/L) concentration. Inflammatory markers did not differ between the two groups, but pulse increased after liraglutide treatment (6.4 vs. −0.9 bpm; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of liraglutide to calorie restriction significantly augmented weight loss and improved insulin resistance, systolic blood pressure, glucose, and triglyceride concentration in this population at high risk for development of T2DM and CVD.
Features of a migration region – an analysis using the example of the Opolskie Voivodship
Authors: Heffner Krystian , Solga Brygida
Published: July 2013

The authors of the article develop the concept of a migration region. The experiences of the Opolskie Voivodship in the sphere of external migration function as a field of reference. The issues connected with the factors preconditioning the formation of such a region are of utmost interest to the authors.
Geographical aspects of the changes of Hungary’s deconcentrated state administration system between 1990 and 2012
Authors: Kozma Gábor , Barta Attila
Published: July 2013

One of the most important segments of the post-1990 transformation of territory-based administration in Hungary was the changing of the geographical structure of deconcentrated state administrative organisations. The study, on the one hand, provides a brief overview of the history of deconcentrated state administrative organisations in Hungary, and discusses the regional characteristics of the organisational transformations after the political changes, taking six moments in time (the middle of 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2012 respectively) as the basis. On the other hand, using the same six snapshots in time, it examines which settlements experienced favourable or unfavourable changes, and what factors influenced the selection of the seats for these institutions.

The results of the survey indicated that the alignment of territorial structure of deconcentrated state administrative organizations to the planning-statistical, NUTS 2 regions has already begun at the end of the 1990s. The government formed in 2006 took significant steps in the area of aligning the spatial structure of the organizations with the planning-statistical regions; however, in the period after 2010 the significance of the county level increased again. In the period examined, no significant changes took place at the top and at the bottom of the list according to the number of seats: the largest settlements of the individual regions reinforced their leading positions.
The accuracy of the heat index to explain the excess of mortality and morbidity during heat waves – a case study in a mediterranean climate
Authors: Monteiro Ana , Carvalho Vânia , Velho Sara , Sousa Carlos
Published: July 2013

The aim of this contribution was to evaluate the accuracy of a well known human comfort index, the heat index, to anticipate the effects of the July 2006 heat wave in mortality (all causes) and morbidity (all causes, respiratory and circulatory disease). Our assessment was done to all citizens, to people of the 75+ cohort and to each gender, in Porto. For further statistical analysis, we calculated an expected number of admissions by averaging the admissions recorded during the comparison period. The 95% confidence interval was calculated, using a standard method based on the t-distribution, for differences between independent means with different population variances, using the Leveane test to evaluate the variance’s homogeneity. During the 2006 heat wave, a 52% mortality excess was registered relatively to the expected mortality (p < 0.001), for all cohorts of the population. The admissions excess for all ages included the admissions due to respiratory diseases (p < 0.029), pneumonia (p < 0.001) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p < 0.001). For the 75+ cohort, the admissions due to respiratory diseases (p < 0.017), pneumonia (p < 0.001) and heart failure (p < 0.610) were also statistically high. The obtained results confirm that the heat index is a truthful method to anticipate the negative impacts of heat waves in human health even in climate contexts adapted to hot summers like at Porto - a Mediterranean tempered climate. The impacts of July 2006’s heat wave in the increase of mortality (all causes) and in respiratory morbidity (all population and 75+cohort) was evident.
The concentration of the creative sector firms as a potential basis for the formation of creative clusters in Poland
Authors: Środa-Murawska Stefania , Szymańska Daniela
Published: July 2013

The study aims to present the structure and analyse the distribution of economic activities comprising the creative sector (covering 10 sections of PKD 2007 - the Polish Classification of Activities based on NACE rev. 2 - the Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community) of the Polish economy in the context of the potential basis for the formation of creative clusters in Poland. The study concentrates on the numbers of creative firms based in all 3,076 Polish gminas (306 urban gminas, 1,576 rural gminas and 597 urban-rural gminas; in the latter, 597 urban areas and 597 rural areas are considered separately). As found, most of the firms are involved in architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis (M 71) and other professional, scientific and technical activities (M 74). It has also been established that some local incubators of the potential clusters of creative industries form eight distinct centres, the most prominent of which is the Warszawa centre. The identification of areas with higher concentrations of creative firms has demonstrated that in Poland, like in western countries, creative firms tend to locate in large cities (Warszawa, Kraków, Poznań, Wrocław and Tri-City) and in the regions around them.
Findings of Water Net Hydrodictyon Reticulatum (Hydrodictyaceae, Chlorophyta) in the Curonian Lagoon
Authors: Volodina Alexandra , Gerb Marika
Published: July 2013

Green alga Hydrodictyon reticulatum was found for the first time in the Curonian Lagoon in 1936, however, it was still absent in the species lists of the algal flora of the Russian part of the Curonian Lagoon up to date. H. reticulatum was found in shallow waters (0.6 m depth) of small bays in the southern (near village Kaširskoe) and south-western (Curonian spit, 1 km to the north of the Tëplyj Bay) coasts of the Curonian Lagoon in June- July 2011. Species was found on the petioles and twigs of submerged aquatic plants Nuphar lutea, Nymphaea candida and Ceratophyllum demersum.
Non-Invasive Evaluation of Wavy Liquid Film
Authors: Czernek Krystian , Witczak Stanisław
Published: July 2013

The study presents the possible use of optoelectronic system for the measurement of values specific for hydrodynamics of two-phase gas very-high-viscosity liquid flow in vertical pipes. An experimental method was provided, and the findings were presented and analysed for selected values which characterise the two-phase flow.
Effect of Some Design Parameters on the Flow Fields and Power Consumption in a Vessel Stirred by a Rushton Turbine
Authors: Youcefi Sarra , Bouzit Mohamed , Ameur Houari , Kamla Youcef , Youcefi Abdelkader
Published: July 2013

Knowledge of the fluid dynamic characteristics in a stirred vessel is essential for reliable design and scale-up of a mixing system. In this paper, 3D hydrodynamics in a vessel agitated by a Rushton turbine were numerically studied (with the help of a CFD computer program (CFX 13.0)). The study was carried out covering a wide Reynolds number range: 104 - 105. Computations, based on control volume method, were made using the k-ε model. Our main purpose was to investigate the effect of vessel configuration and agitation rates on the flow structure and power consumption. Three types of vessels were used: unbaffled, baffled and a vessel with slots placed at the external perimeter of its vertical wall. The effect of slot length has been investigated. The comparison of our predicted results with available experimental data shows a satisfactory agreement.
Does Higher Tax Morale Imply Higher Optimal Labor Income Tax Rate?
Authors: Simonovits András
Published: July 2013

We analyze the impact of tax morale on optimal progressive labor income taxation. Only universal basic income is financed from a linear tax and the financing of public goods is neglected. Each individual supplies labor and (un)declares earning, depending on his labor disutility and tax morale. Limiting the utilitarianism to the poorer parts of the population (defined by the inclusion share), the optimal tax rate is an increasing function of the tax morale and a decreasing function of the inclusion share, provided that the average wage of those included is higher than 0.54 times the average wage.
Determinants of the Spatial Distribution of Foreign Employees on Different Skill Job Positions: The Case of the Czech Republic
Authors: Schovánková Soňa
Published: July 2013

The aim of the paper is to discuss the spatial distribution of foreign employees in highlyskilled, skilled and unskilled job positions by using correlation and regression analyses. On the one hand, our results indicate that foreign employees, no matter what job position they work in, usually concentrate in districts where regional centers or eventually large industrial factories are located. The outcomes also indicate that these foreign employees are usually employed in areas where foreigners were also employed in previous years. On the other hand, there seem to be determinants of the spatial distribution of foreigners that differ by job positions. The spatial distribution of foreign employees in highly-skilled job positions seems to be primarily influenced by characteristics of the economic area, whereas the spatial pattern of foreign employees in skilled and unskilled job positions seem to be more determined by the characteristics of the labour market area.