bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of weight loss among seniors on Medicare spending
Authors: Thorpe Kenneth E , Yang Zhou , Long Kathleen M , Garvey W Timothy
Published: March 2013

Objective

To examine the impact of temporary and permanent weight loss of 10% and 15% on 10-year and lifetime Medicare spending among adults with overweight and obesity aged 65 years and older. Weight loss of this magnitude is consistent with next generation anti-obesity medications recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Methods

We follow the approach of a longitudinal dynamic aging process model developed by our research team. This model considers the dynamic relationships between weight, chronic disease, acute medical events, functional status, mortality, health care utilization and spending among Medicare beneficiaries from age 65 until death. Using this model, we estimate baseline Medicare spending over the next decade and then over the lifetime of seniors with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (overweight), and seniors with obesity having a BMI ≥ 30 and ≥ 35. We then estimate Medicare spending for this population between ages 65 and 70 over the course of a year, assuming 10% and 15% weight loss under alternative scenarios: with and without weight regain. (Weight regain is assumed to be 90% over a 10-year period.) The difference in spending between baseline (no weight-loss intervention) and the alternative scenarios represent potential gross savings to the Medicare program.

Results

Permanent weight loss of 10 to 15% will yield $9,445 to $15,987 in gross per capita savings throughout their lifetime, and $8,070 to $13,474 over ten years. Similarly, initial weight loss of 10 to 15% followed by 90% weight regain will result in gross per capita savings of $7,556 to $11,109 over their lifetime, and $6,456 to $8,911 over ten years. Targeting weight loss medications to adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) produces greater savings to the Medicare program.

Conclusion

Medicare can realize significant cost savings through anti-obesity medications that produce substantial weight loss, and as a result, reduce the progression to type 2 diabetes, and improve blood pressure and glycemic indicators in hypertensive and diabetic patients, respectively. Medications are currently excluded from coverage in the Medicare program, however, in light of potential savings and health benefits, may warrant consideration.
Asymptotic Expected Number of Passages of a Random Walk Through an Interval
Authors: Kella Offer , Stadje Wolfgang
Published: March 2013

In this note we find a new result concerning the asymptotic expected number of passages of a finite or infinite interval (x,x+h) as x→∞ for a random walk with increments having a positive expected value. If the increments are distributed like X then the limit for 0<h<∞ turns out to have the form Emin(|X|,h)/EX, which unexpectedly is independent of h for the special case where |X|≤b<∞ almost surely and h>b. When h=∞, the limit is Emax(X,0)/EX. For the case of a simple random walk, a more pedestrian derivation of the limit is given.
A Duality Relation Between the Workload and Attained Waiting Time in FCFS G/G/s Queues
Authors: Yao Yi-Ching
Published: March 2013

Sengupta (1989) showed that, for the first-come–first-served (FCFS) G/G/1 queue, the workload and attained waiting time of a customer in service have the same stationary distribution. Sakasegawa and Wolff (1990) derived a sample path version of this result, showing that the empirical distribution of the workload values over a busy period of a given sample path is identical to that of the attained waiting time values over the same period. For a given sample path of an FCFS G/G/s queue, we construct a dual sample path of a dual queue which is FCFS G/G/s in reverse time. It is shown that the workload process on the original sample path is identical to the total attained waiting time process on the dual sample path. As an application of this duality relation, we show that, for a time-stationary FCFS M/M/s/k queue, the workload process is equal in distribution to the time-reversed total attained waiting time process.
Mechanisms that link the oncogenic epithelial–mesenchymal transition to suppression of anoikis
Authors: Frisch Steven M. , Schaller Michael , Cieply Benjamin
Published: March 2013

The oncogenic epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to tumor progression in various context-dependent ways, including increased metastatic potential, expansion of cancer stem cell subpopulations, chemo-resistance and disease recurrence. One of the hallmarks of EMT is resistance of tumor cells to anoikis. This resistance contributes to metastasis and is a defining property not only of EMT but also of cancer stem cells. Here, we review the mechanistic coupling between EMT and resistance to anoikis. The discussion focuses on several key aspects. First, we provide an update on new pathways that lead from the loss of E-cadherin to anoikis resistance. We then discuss the relevance of transcription factors that are crucial in wound healing in the context of oncogenic EMT. Next, we explore the consequences of the breakdown of cell-polarity complexes upon anoikis sensitivity, through the Hippo, Wnt and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathways, emphasizing points of crossregulation. Finally, we summarize the direct regulation of cell survival genes through EMT-inducing transcription factors, and the roles of the tyrosine kinases focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and TrkB neurotrophin receptor in EMT-related regulation of anoikis. Emerging from these studies are unifying principles that will lead to improvements in cancer therapy by reprogramming sensitivity of anoikis.
Effect of Carbonisate Particles on the Properties of Active Carbons
Authors: Buczek Bronislaw
Published: March 2013

In this article, the effect of particle geometry on the properties of active carbons, which are obtained by treating steam with hard coal-tar carbonisate, is reported. Different shapes of carbonisates were activated by superheated steam at 1123 K in a monolayer reactor with burn-off rates between 45.3% and 72.0%. Steam activation leads to a faster development of ring-shaped particles, and the kinetics of the process influence surface area Brunauer–Emmet–Teller, surface mesoporosity and the micropore volume. The micropore and mesopore structures of active carbons are evaluated using nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and the corresponding parameters of the Dubinin–Radushkevich equation are presented. Micropore-size distribution is calculated using the Horvath–Kawazoe method. The results of these textural investigations showed that a more uniform micropore structure and better mechanical properties are present in ring-shaped active carbon particles than that were reported earlier.
Comparison of the Sorption of Trifluoromethane (R-23) on Zeolites and in an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Shiflett Mark B. , Corbin David R. , Yokozeki A.
Published: March 2013

In this study, trifluoromethane (R-23) has been adsorbed on three zeolites, namely 5A, LSX and 13X, and their adsorption isotherms have been measured at approximately 298 and 323 K using a gravimetric microbalance. All cases belong to the adsorption Type II (one of the six IUPAC classifications), and the adsorption (and desorption) processes are reversible. Three different adsorption models [original Langmuir, multi-site Langmuir and BET equations] have been adopted to analyze the data, with a particular interest in calculating the heat of adsorption (–ΔH), which was found to be about 10, 30 and 40 kJ·mol−1 for zeolite 5A, LSX and 13X, respectively. These values are within the range of typical physical adsorptions. Solubility of R-23 in ionic liquid 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate ([omim][TFES]) has been measured at approximately 298 and 323 K using the same gravimetric microbalance and the value was compared with the adsorption results. The solubility capacity of R-23 in ionic liquid reaches about 3 mol kg−1 around 2.5 MPa at 298 K, while the adsorption capacity on zeolites becomes around 3 mol kg−1 at around 0.25 MPa (ten times smaller). The adsorption on zeolites took more time than the absorption in the ionic liquid to reach thermodynamic equilibrium.
Single Polymer Chain Surface Area as a Descriptor for Rapid Screening of Microporous Polymers for Gas Adsorption
Authors: Leay Laura , Siperstein Flor R.
Published: March 2013

The presented work shows that a qualitative assessment of the trends in surface area in a given microporous polymer family can be obtained by analyzing the properties of a single polymer chain. We analyzed the properties of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) that contain imide groups (known as PIM-PIs) and obtained the surface area of available PIM-PIs and proposed some hypothetical structures that can result in higher surface areas and potentially more favourable properties for adsorption. The advantage of the proposed method is that it allows for a rapid screening of potential monomers avoiding the need to perform computationally expensive calculations.
Vertical Wind Speed Extrapolation Using the k—ε Turbulence Model
Authors: Mohamed M.A. , Wood D.H.
Published: March 2013

Vertical wind speed extrapolation is an important component of wind resource assessment where measured wind data at a reference height is extrapolated to hub height using the logarithmic or power law. Both models depend on roughness length but disregard information pertinent to topography. The log law results from the balance between turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) production and dissipation rate for fully developed flow over a horizontally homogeneous surface and is not generally valid. In search of a better extrapolation methodology, the k – ε turbulence model is used to simulate measurements of boundary layer flows over hills accurately. By vertically integrating terms of the modeled TKE equation, a generalization of the log law was developed. The improved model includes a radius of curvature term and height for hills. It outperforms the log law for the cases tested.
Statistically-Based Tolerances of Steel Frame Columns Out-Of-Plumbs
Authors: Machowski Andrzej , Żwirek Pawel
Published: March 2013

Statistically based mathematical model of post-erectional columns out-of-plumb was taken as the basis for the formulation of rational criteria for control of skeletons of steel halls. The results of statistical analysis of a set of post-erectional measurements of out-of-plumb columns of 33 halls steel skeletons – with different: geometry, structure and destination were used.

Current and selected previous recommendations by standards of out-of-plumb tolerance of columns halls were subjected to critical analysis. The results obtained were compared with the results of the earlier analysis of the standard recommendations of the steel columns of multistory building frames.
How Phases of Cluster Development are Associated with Innovation - the Case of China
Authors: Fri William , Pehrsson Tobias , Søilen Klaus
Published: March 2013

Both Volvo and SAAB are now Chinese owned car companies. This means that a substantial amount of Swedish innovation takes place in China. In order to understand this phenomenon better and what it means to innovation strategy we look at how industrial clusters in the automobile industry in different phases of development differ. The Diamond Model is used to explain and measure the competitive situation in three cluster regions in China. The new automobile manufacturing clusters of Chongqing and Chengdu (2C) is compared with two well-developed clusters in Shanghai and Jiangsu, and Beijing and Hebei. Although Shanghai is the most attractive automobile cluster, automobile manufacturing firms choose to locate their production in other regions. The move is also related to the level of innovation in different regions.
Innovation Management: Part 2 A Breakthrough Approach to Organizational Excellence: Profiles of Successful Innovators
Authors: Harrington James , Voehl Frank
Published: March 2013

In part one of this article on innovation management we address the theory and practices related to managing innovation within an organization. Probably the best way to demonstrate the effectiveness and application of innovation management is through the use of real case studies. Theoretical concepts often create new thought patterns that sometimes work and more often result in failure. It's only when we apply these concepts to real applications that the proof of the pudding is realized. In part two of this article we will provide a series of case studies that document real applications and results of applying innovation management within organizations. It is our belief that through the review of the surreal life experiences you'll gain a deep insight into the practical application of innovation management and be more able to provide examples of innovation. The following organizations are used as examples to demonstrate innovation principles: Tyson Food, Hughes Aircraft, DirecTV, Thomas Edison GE, Bristol-Myers Squibb, BMW, KB home builders, GE, Callaway Golf, Phillips Electronics, Eureka Ranches, Motel 6, Southwest Airlines, Men's Wearhouse, Virgin Atlantic, Home Depot, Amway, Mary Kay, Tupperware Avon, Dell, J.D. Power & Associates, among others.
Lattice-Boltzmann Method with Dynamic Grid Refinement for Simulating Particle Deposition on a Single Fibre
Authors: Schomburg Helmut , Dietzel Mathias , Sommerfeld Martin , Michaelis Burkhard , Teike Gerd
Published: March 2013

In this work a numerical approach to predict the deposition behaviour of nano-scale particles on the surface of a single fibre by resolving the resulting dendrite-like particle structures in detail is presented. The gas flow simulation is carried out by a two-dimensional Lattice-Boltzmann method, which is coupled with a Lagrangian approach for the particle motion. To decrease calculation time and system requirements the Lattice-Boltzmann model is extended to allow for local grid refinement. Because of the a priori unknown location of deposition, the simulation procedure starts on a coarse mesh which is then locally refined in a fully adaptive way in regions of accumulated particles. After each deposition the fluid flow is recalculated in order to resolve the coupling of the flow with the growing particle structures correctly. For the purpose of avoiding unphysical blocking of flow by growing particle dendrites the Lattice-Boltzmann method is extended to permeable cells in these regions using the Brinkmann equation. This extended deposition model is compared to simpler approaches, where the deposit has no retroaction on the flow or is treated as a solid structure. It is clear that the permeable model is most realistic and allows considering the particle deposition on a fibre as two-dimensional problem. Comprehensive simulations were conducted for analysing the importance of different parameters, i.e. free-stream velocity and particle diameter on the deposit structure. The results of this sensitivity analysis agree qualitatively well with former published numerical and experimental results. Finally the structure of the particle deposit was quantitatively characterised by using a modified fractal dimension.
Numerical Study of Atmospheric Icing on Non Rotating Circular Cylinders in Tandem Arrangement
Authors: Virk Muhammad S.
Published: March 2013

Numerical study of atmospheric ice accretion on two non-rotating circular cylinders in tandem arrangement was carried out at different operating and geometric conditions. To validate the numerical model, initially the results of ice accretion on single circular cylinder were compared with the experimental data obtained from CIGELE atmospheric icing research wind tunnel (CAIRWT) [1, 2]. A good agreement was found between experimental and numerical results. Numerical analyses of ice accretion on two circular cylinders in tandem arrangement showed that accreted ice loads decreases with the increase in distance between the cylinders and also affects the rate and shape of ice accretion. Parametric study at different droplet sizes and temperatures showed a significant change in ice accretion. This research work provides a useful base for better understanding and further investigation of atmospheric ice accretion on circular overhead power network cables in tandem arrangement, installed in the cold regions.
Alternate Path Method Analysis of RC Structures Using Applied Element Method
Authors: Hafez Islam , Khalil Ahmed , Mourad Sherif
Published: March 2013

Recent research using the Applied Element Method (AEM) shows that the method is efficient in modeling progressive collapse analysis of structures. Recent research on progressive collapse design of structures based on the UFC code shows it can be used in optimizing the design for structures for which the alternate path method is required. This paper demonstrates the efficiency of the use of AEM in progressive collapse analysis of reinforced concrete structures by comparison to results of published experimental tests. A case study based on a typical seven-story reinforced concrete frame commercial building is used to demonstrate the advantages of using the alternate path method in progressive collapse design of concrete structures even for the cases where the code permits the use of the tie force method. The contribution of infill walls in resisting progressive collapse is also studied.
Numerical Simulation of Barge Impact on a Continuous Girder Bridge and Bridge Damage Detection
Authors: Sha Yanyan , Hao Hong
Published: March 2013

Vessel collisions on bridge piers have been frequently reported. As many bridges are vital in transportation networks and serve as lifelines, bridge damage might leads to catastrophic consequences to life and economy. Therefore it is of great importance to protect bridge structures, especially bridge piers, against vessel impacts. Many researches have been conducted to predict vessel impact loads on bridge piers, and to design bridge piers or additional protective structures to resist such impact loads. Studies on assessing the bridge conditions after a vessel impact are, however, very limited. Current practice basically uses visual inspections, which not only requires very experienced engineers to perform the inspection in order to obtain creditable assessment, but also is often very difficult to inspect the underwater pier conditions. Therefore it is necessary to develop methods to give efficient, quantitative and reliable assessment of bridge conditions under ambient conditions after a vessel impact. This study explores the feasibility of using vibration measurements to quickly detect bridge conditions after a vessel impact. The study consists of three parts. First, a detailed numerical model of an example bridge structure is developed to calculate the vibrations under ambient hydrodynamic force. Then the model is used to simulate vessel impact on bridge pier and predict the pier damage. The vibration response analysis of the damaged bridge model is performed again in the third step to simulate vibration responses of the damaged bridge under ambient conditions. Using the vibration data obtained before and after vessel impact, the bridge vibration parameters such as vibration frequencies and mode shapes are extracted by using the frequency domain decomposition method. The bridge condition will then be identified through the changes in bridge vibration parameters and compared with the damage observed in the impact simulation. It is found that this method is capable of estimating bridge damage condition after barge impact accident.
Afterburning Aspects in an Internal TNT Explosion
Authors: Edri I. , Feldgun V.R. , Karinski Y.S. , Yankelevsky D.Z.
Published: March 2013

The afterburning is a complex chemical process which stems from the reaction of the detonation products with the oxygen in the air when appropriate conditions exist. TNT is a very fuel-rich explosive as indicated by the large negative oxygen balance value of −74%. It means that there is not enough oxygen in its initial chemical compound and extra oxygen is needed to make the afterburning energy release possible. This article describes in details the calculation process for evaluating the amount of energy release in a confined TNT explosion. Moreover, partial afterburning energy release is also calculated for cases of oxygen deficiency. Commonly, numerical simulations take into account only the detonation energy in blast pressure analysis and it is responsible for under prediction of blast pressures in a confined explosion. Accounting for the afterburning energy as well considerably improves the predictions and yields pressures that are in good correspondence with measured data. The calculation time however increases by an order of magnitude. An afterburning coefficient was defined as the relation between the total energy released and the detonation energy. This coefficient was found useful for correcting numerical simulation results of TNT confined explosion which take into account only the detonation energy. This correction can be achieved by multiplying the pressure-time history with the afterburning coefficient. In addition, an analytic method, based on thermodynamic rules, was developed for calculating the gas pressure resulted by TNT confined explosion. This unique method takes into account the variation of the total energy released and the heat capacity ratio depending on the ratio between the charge weight divided by the confined air volume. The gas pressure obtained using this method was shown to be in good agreement with experimental results that are published in the literature.
Balance Optimization Subset Selection (BOSS): An Alternative Approach for Causal Inference with Observational Data
Authors: Nikolaev Alexander G. , Jacobson Sheldon H. , Cho Wendy K. Tam , Sauppe Jason J. , Sewell Edward C.
Published: March 2013

Scientists in all disciplines attempt to identify and document causal relationships. Those not fortunate enough to be able to design and implement randomized control trials must resort to observational studies. To make causal inferences outside the experimental realm, researchers attempt to control for bias sources by postprocessing observational data. Finding the subset of data most conducive to unbiased or least biased treatment effect estimation is a challenging, complex problem. However, the rise in computational power and algorithmic sophistication leads to an operations research solution that circumvents many of the challenges presented by methods employed over the past 30 years.
OR Forum—Blotto Politics
Authors: Washburn Alan
Published: March 2013

This paper considers abstract election games motivated by the United States Electoral College. There are two political parties, and the electoral votes in each state go to the party that spends the most money there, with an adjustment for a “head start” that one party or the other may have in that state. The states have unequal numbers of electoral votes, and elections are decided by majority rules. Each party has a known budget, and much depends on the information that informs how that budget is spent. Three situations are considered: (1) one party's spending plan is known to the other, (2) spending is gradually revealed as the parties spend continuously in time, and (3) neither side knows anything about the other's spending. The last situation resembles a Blotto game, hence the title.
Gender medicine: a task for the third millennium
Authors: Baggio Giovannella , Corsini Alberto , Floreani Annarosa , Giannini Sandro , Zagonel Vittorina
Published: March 2013

Gender-specific medicine is the study of how diseases differ between men and women in terms of prevention, clinical signs, therapeutic approach, prognosis, psychological and social impact. It is a neglected dimension of medicine. In this review we like to point out some major issues in five enormous fields of medicine: cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), pharmacology, oncology, liver diseases and osteoporosis.

CVDshave been studied in the last decades mainly in men, but they are the first cause of mortality and disability in women. Risk factors for CVD have different impacts in men and women; clinical manifestations of CVD and the influence of drugs on CVD have lot of gender differences. Sex-related differences inpharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamicsare also emerging. These differences have obvious relevance to the efficacy and side effect profiles of various medications in the two sexes. This evidence should be considered for drug development as well as before starting any therapy. Gender disparity incancerincidence, aggressiveness and prognosis has been observed for a variety of cancers and, even if partially known, is underestimated in clinical practice for the treatment of the major types of cancer. It is necessary to systematize and encode all the known data for each type of tumor on gender differences, to identify where this variable has to be considered for the purposes of the prognosis, the choice of treatment and possible toxicity. Clinical data suggest that men and women exhibit differences regarding the epidemiology and the progression of certainliver diseases, i.e., autoimmune conditions, genetic hemochromatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and chronic hepatitis C. Numerous hypotheses have been formulated to justify this sex imbalance including sex hormones, reproductive and genetic factors. Nevertheless, none of these hypothesis has thus far gathered enough convincing evidence and in most cases the evidence is conflicting.Osteoporosisis an important public health problem both in women and men. On the whole, far more epidemiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic studies have been carried out in women than in men. In clinical practice, if this disease remains underestimated in women, patients’ and physicians’ awareness is even lower for male osteoporosis, for which diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are at present less defined.

In conclusion this review emphasizes the urgency of basic science and clinical research to increase our understanding of the gender differences of diseases.
A fixed point theorem for Lie groups acting on buildings and applications to Kac–Moody theory
Authors: Marquis Timothée
Published: March 2013

We establish a fixed point property for a certain class of locally compact groups, including almost connected Lie groups and compact groups of finite abelian width, which act by simplicial isometries on finite rank buildings with measurable stabilisers of points. As an application, we deduce amongst other things that all topological one-parameter subgroups of a real or complex Kac–Moody group are obtained by exponentiating ad-locally finite elements of the corresponding Lie algebra.
Biorefinery in a pulp mill: simultaneous production of cellulosic fibers from Eucalyptus globulus by soda-anthraquinone cooking and surface-active agents
Authors: Sanglard Marion , Chirat Christine , Jarman Bevan , Lachenal Dominique
Published: March 2013

Industrial Eucalyptus globulus wood chips were submitted to different autohydrolysis conditions followed by kraft cooking and soda-anthraquinone cooking. The autohydrolyzed wood chips were much easier to delignify than the control wood chips. Soda-anthraquinone cooking could be performed at a cooking temperature that was 20°C lower than that for the kraft cooking on control wood chips. Furthermore, the active alkali could be reduced. The resulting unbleached pulps reacted as well to oxygen delignification as the control pulps and could be further bleached to 90% ISO brightness with a D(EP)D sequence. The autohydrolysis liquors were investigated for their suitability as a source for the synthesis of alkylpolyxylosides (APX). These surface-active agents are synthesized through the reaction between the saccharides of the autohydrolysates and a fatty alcohol, with the former being the hydrophilic and the latter being the hydrophobic part of the molecule. The impact of the substances detected in autohydrolysates on the APX synthesis was studied. It was demonstrated that lignin dissolved during autohydrolysis should at least partially be removed before the production of APX.
Kant on Formal Modality
Authors: Blecher Ian S.
Published: March 2013

Abstract: I propose to explain Kant’s novel claim, in the Critique of Pure Reason, that all judgments have a formal modality. I begin by distinguishing the modality of a judgment’s form from the modality of its content, and I suggest that the former is peculiar in merely affecting the subject’s understanding of his own act of judging. I then contrast the modal account of such an understanding (in terms of the possibility and actuality of a judgment) with the traditional, non-modal understanding of it (in terms of the giving and withholding of assent). I conclude by suggesting that Kant prefers the former because he conceives of knowledge on Aristotle’s model: as a progress in the mind from capacity to act.
The Concept of Urbild in Kant’s Philosophy of Religion
Authors: DiCenso James J.
Published: March 2013

Abstract: The term Urbild (translated variously as archetype, prototype, or original image) is used throughout Kant’s critical writings to designate particular representations that convey universal ideas. I explain how this term plays a crucial role in Kant’s endeavors to mediate between the abstract ideas of practical reason and phenomenal reality as historically and culturally informed. Focusing on the role of Urbilder allows us to deepen our understanding of the role of historical representations in Kant’s ethics and philosophy of religion, and to show the consistency of the critical project in addressing these cultural representations. The manner in which Kant draws upon specific cultural representations for pedagogical purposes, and critically assesses them in light of ideals, is explained and clarified.
Postmicrosaccadic Enhancement of Slow Eye Movements
Authors: Chen Chih-Yang , Hafed Ziad M.
Published: March 2013

Active sensation poses unique challenges to sensory systems because moving the sensor necessarily alters the input sensory stream. Sensory input quality is additionally compromised if the sensor moves rapidly, as during rapid eye movements, making the period immediately after the movement critical for recovering reliable sensation. Here, we studied this immediate postmovement interval for the case of microsaccades during fixation, which rapidly jitter the “sensor” exactly when it is being voluntarily stabilized to maintain clear vision. We characterized retinal-image slip in monkeys immediately after microsaccades by analyzing postmovement ocular drifts. We observed enhanced ocular drifts by up to ∼28% relative to premicrosaccade levels, and for up to ∼50 ms after movement end. Moreover, we used a technique to trigger full-field image motion contingent on real-time microsaccade detection, and we used the initial ocular following response to this motion as a proxy for changes in early visual motion processing caused by microsaccades. When the full-field image motion started during microsaccades, ocular following was strongly suppressed, consistent with detrimental retinal effects of the movements. However, when the motion started after microsaccades, there was up to ∼73% increase in ocular following speed, suggesting an enhanced motion sensitivity. These results suggest that the interface between even the smallest possible saccades and “fixation” includes a period of faster than usual image slip, as well as an enhanced responsiveness to image motion, and that both of these phenomena need to be considered when interpreting the pervasive neural and perceptual modulations frequently observed around the time of microsaccades.
Target-Derived Neurotrophins Coordinate Transcription and Transport of Bclw to Prevent Axonal Degeneration
Authors: Cosker Katharina E. , Pazyra-Murphy Maria F. , Fenstermacher Sara J. , Segal Rosalind A.
Published: March 2013

Establishment of neuronal circuitry depends on both formation and refinement of neural connections. During this process, target-derived neurotrophins regulate both transcription and translation to enable selective axon survival or elimination. However, it is not known whether retrograde signaling pathways that control transcription are coordinated with neurotrophin-regulated actions that transpire in the axon. Here we report that target-derived neurotrophins coordinate transcription of the antiapoptotic genebclwwith transport ofbclwmRNA to the axon, and thereby prevent axonal degeneration in rat and mouse sensory neurons. We show that neurotrophin stimulation of nerve terminals elicits newbclwtranscripts that are immediately transported to the axons and translated into protein. Bclw interacts with Bax and suppresses the caspase6 apoptotic cascade that fosters axonal degeneration. The scope ofbclwregulation at the levels of transcription, transport, and translation provides a mechanism whereby sustained neurotrophin stimulation can be integrated over time, so that axonal survival is restricted to neurons connected within a stable circuit.
Scratch2 Prevents Cell Cycle Re-Entry by Repressing miR-25 in Postmitotic Primary Neurons
Authors: Rodríguez-Aznar Eva , Barrallo-Gimeno Alejandro , Nieto M. Angela
Published: March 2013

During the development of the nervous system the regulation of cell cycle, differentiation, and survival is tightly interlinked. Newly generated neurons must keep cell cycle components under strict control, as cell cycle re-entry leads to neuronal degeneration and death. However, despite their relevance, the mechanisms controlling this process remain largely unexplored. Here we show that Scratch2 is involved in the control of the cell cycle in neurons in the developing spinal cord of the zebrafish embryo.scratch2knockdown induces postmitotic neurons to re-enter mitosis. Scratch2 prevents cell cycle re-entry by maintaining high levels of the cycle inhibitor p57 through the downregulation of miR-25. Thus, Scratch2 appears to safeguard the homeostasis of postmitotic primary neurons by preventing cell cycle re-entry.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type O Inhibits Trigeminal Axon Growth and Branching by Repressing TrkB and Ret Signaling
Authors: Gatto Graziana , Dudanova Irina , Suetterlin Philipp , Davies Alun M. , Drescher Uwe , Bixby John L. , Klein Rüdiger
Published: March 2013

Axonal branches of the trigeminal ganglion (TG) display characteristic growth and arborization patterns during development. Subsets of TG neurons express different receptors for growth factors, but these are unlikely to explain the unique patterns of axonal arborizations. Intrinsic modulators may restrict or enhance cellular responses to specific ligands and thereby contribute to the development of axon growth patterns. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type O (PTPRO), which is required for Eph receptor-dependent retinotectal development in chick and for development of subsets of trunk sensory neurons in mouse, may be such an intrinsic modulator of TG neuron development. PTPRO is expressed mainly in TrkB-expressing (TrkB+) and Ret+mechanoreceptors within the TG during embryogenesis. InPTPROmutant mice, subsets of TG neurons grow longer and more elaborate axonal branches. CulturedPTPRO−/−TG neurons display enhanced axonal outgrowth and branching in response to BDNF and GDNF compared with control neurons, indicating that PTPRO negatively controls the activity of BDNF/TrkB and GDNF/Ret signaling. Mouse PTPRO fails to regulate Eph signaling in retinocollicular development and in hindlimb motor axon guidance, suggesting that chick and mouse PTPRO have different substrate specificities. PTPRO has evolved to fine tune growth factor signaling in a cell-type-specific manner and to thereby increase the diversity of signaling output of a limited number of receptor tyrosine kinases to control the branch morphology of developing sensory neurons. The regulation of Eph receptor-mediated developmental processes by protein tyrosine phosphatases has diverged between chick and mouse.
Betweeners Speak Up
Authors: Moreira Claudio , Diversi Marcelo
Published: March 2013

While writing together, we have found a dialogical voice that has made our individual work more meaningful, grounded, and fulfilling. Together, we have found a voice that we did not have in our work alone as individuals, a voice that seems, to both of us, more vibrant, truer to our experiences as betweeners and decolonizing scholars. This writing joint-venture exemplifies the very connectedness and co-construction of meaning we advocate in any type of social science preoccupied with empowering praxis. It is also an act of resistance to the academic ranking system and the idea that better work comes from isolated individuals. We have been friends since our late teens, long before each knew what career to pursue, and we have been closely connected from that time. Writing together seems, to us at least, like another important completion of the many intersecting experiences in our lives: friendship, global migration, profession, scholarship, knowledge production, and a keen attraction to a vision of inclusiveness.
Back to Futures
Authors: Gale Ken , Wyatt Jonathan
Published: March 2013

In making a contribution to this collection of writings, and in writing to and with them, this paper is not conceived, designed or presented as summative, conclusive or as a synthetical representation of the other writings in this edition. This paper appears at the end of the collection simply and only because of the proclivities and necessities of the linearity and organisational requirements of journal production. It is written and presented with the hope that it will diffract from the (im)possibilities of rigid classification and of creating a category of difference with which to capture or unitise collaborative writing. Further, this paper, in resisting closure and conclusion, also wishes to write with and for becoming collaborative writing, sensing the opportunities, the potential and the creative anticipations that writing collaboratively always seems to afford. Any sense gained from reading the paper that it offers celebratory hints, suggestions of gratitude and an indication of pleasure gained in sharing the esteemed company of friends and colleagues is entirely intentional.
Associations between thyroid hormone levels and regional fat accumulation in euthyroid men
Authors: Moon Min Kyong , Hong Eun Shil , Lim Jung Ah , Cho Sun Wook , Soo Lim , Choi Sung Hee , Yi Ka Hee , Park Do Joon , Park Young Joo , Jang Hak Chul
Published: March 2013

Objective

Body adiposity, especially ectopic fat accumulation, has a range of metabolic and cardiovascular effects. This study aimed to investigate whether thyroid function is associated with various regional fat quantities in euthyroid subjects.

Methods

A total of 100 euthyroid men (free triiodothyronine (fT3), 4.77±1.21 pg/ml; free thyroxine (fT4), 1.38±0.21 ng/dl; and TSH, 2.09±0.91 μIU/ml) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. We measured accumulated regional fat using 64-slice multi-detector computed tomography. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine whether accumulated fat in each region was associated with clinical parameters after adjusting for age.

Results

FT3 was inversely correlated with BMI (r=−0.232, P=0.029) and LDL cholesterol level (r=−0.277, P=0.019). FT4 was inversely correlated with waist circumference (r=−0.350, P=0.008) and BMI (r=−0.355, P<0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, fT3 and fT4 levels were significantly associated with pericardial fat volume (fT3: B=−0.079, 95% CI −0.142 to −0.017, P=0.013; fT4: B=−0.411, 95% CI −0.780 to −0.042, P=0.030) in euthyroid men, independent of age. FT3 level was inversely associated with intramuscular fat area (B=−0.059, 95% CI −0.106 to −0.011, P=0.016) and hepatic fat quantity (B=−0.237, 95% CI −0.441 to −0.033, P=0.024) in euthyroid men, independent of age.

Conclusions

In euthyroid men, low levels of fT3 and fT4 were significantly associated with increased pericardial fat volume and BMI.
Obesity is a risk factor for thyroid cancer in a large, ultrasonographically screened population
Authors: Han Ji Min , Kim Tae Yong , Jeon Min Ji , Yim Ji Hye , Kim Won Gu , Song Dong Eun , Hong Suck Joon , Bae Sung Jin , Kim Hong-Kyu , Shin Myung-Hee , Shong Young Kee , Kim Won Bae
Published: March 2013

Objective

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for many cancers, including those of the esophagus, colon, kidney, breast, and skin. However, there are few reports on the relationship between obesity and thyroid cancer. We conducted this study to determine whether obesity is a risk factor for thyroid cancer by systematically screening a selected population by ultrasonography.

Design and methods

We obtained data from 15 068 subjects that underwent a routine health checkup from 2007 to 2008 at the Health Screening and Promotion Center of Asan Medical Center. Thyroid ultrasonography was included in the checkup, and suspicious nodules were examined by ultrasonography-guided aspiration. Those with a history of thyroid disease or family history of thyroid cancer were excluded from this study.

Results

In total, 15 068 subjects, 8491 men and 6577 women, were screened by thyroid ultrasonography. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed in 1427 of these patients based on the predefined criteria and thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 267 patients. The prevalence of thyroid cancer in women was associated with a high BMI (per 5 kg/m2 increase) (odds ratios (OR)=1.63, 95% CI 1.24–2.10, P<0.001), after adjustment for age, smoking status, and TSH levels. There was no positive correlation between the prevalence of thyroid cancer in men and a high BMI (OR=1.16, 95% CI 0.85–1.57, P=0.336). There was no association between age, fasting serum insulin, or basal TSH levels and thyroid cancer in either gender.

Conclusions

Obesity was associated with a higher prevalence of thyroid cancer in women when evaluated in a routine health checkup setting. This association between risk factor and disease was unrelated to serum insulin and TSH levels. Additional studies are needed to understand the mechanism(s) behind the association of obesity with thyroid cancer risk.
The role and importance of gene polymorphisms in the development of atherosclerosis
Authors: Szabó Gábor Viktor
Published: March 2013

The development of atherosclerosis is a multifactorial process. The purpose of the study was to examine three genetic polymorphisms playing a role in the metabolic processes underlying the disease. We compared the data of 348 atherosclerotic non-diabetic patients with 260 atherosclerotic diabetic patients and 384 healthy controls. We analyzed the prevalence of myocardial infarction and stroke in three different groups of patients carrying different polymorphisms. It was proved that if the mutant TT eNOS Glu298ASP variant is present, a significantly higher number of myocardial infarctions can be observed than in patients carrying heterozygote GT or normal GG genotype. We proved that in the case of MTHFR 677CT heterozygote variants, the occurrence of myocardial infarction is significantly higher and the difference is also significant in case of the 677TT homozygote variant. It was verified that among patients with the mutant TNF-α AA genotype the occurrence of cardiovascular events was significantly higher. Screening the genetically high risk groups on the long run should be considered as an early detection opportunity that may give better chances for prevention and treatment. Understanding the inflammatory mechanisms of the atherosclerosis may give new therapeutical targets to pharmacologists.
A comparative study of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies
Authors: Farzadnia Mehdi , Ayatollahi Hossein , Hasan-Zade Maliheh , Rahimi Hamid Reza
Published: March 2013

Background

Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to determine the level of serum level of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in preeclampsia and to compare normal pregnant, mild preeclamptic, and severe preeclamptic women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the plasma concentrations of sVCAM-1 and hsCRP in peripheral blood obtained from normal pregnant (n=40), mild preeclamptic (n=37), and severe preeclamptic women (n=38). A concentration of soluble adhesion molecule was determined with enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. hsCRP was measured with immunoturbidometric.

Results

There was significant difference in the means serum hsCRP between normal pregnant women and mild preeclamptic women (P<0.05). Serum concentration of hsCRP and sVCAM-1 (ng/mL) were significantly higher in severe preeclampsia (P<0.05) than normal pregnancy. There were also significant differences in hsCRP and sVCAM-1 levels between mild and severe (P<0.05). There was no difference in the mean sVCAM-1 between normal pregnant and mild preeclamptic women.

Conclusion

We have determined the serum concentration of VCAM-1 and hsCRP in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. sVCAM-1 is elevated in severe preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy, and hsCRP is elevated in severe preeclampsia compared with mild preeclampsia and normal pregnancy.
Stability, Electronic Properties, and Structural Isomerism in Small Copper Clusters
Authors: Montejano-Carrizales Juan M. , Aguilera-Granja Faustino , Guirado-López Ricardo A.
Published: March 2013

We present extensive pseudopotential density functional theory calculations dedicated to analyze the stability, electronic properties, and structural isomerism in Cu6 clusters. We consider structures of different symmetries and charge states. Our total energy calculations reveal a strong competition between two- and three-dimensional atomic arrays, the later being mostly energetically preferred for the anionic structures. The bond lengths and electronic spectra strongly depend on the local atomic environment, a result that is expected to strongly influence the catalytic activity of our clusters. Using the nudged elastic band method we analyze the interconversion processes between different Cu6 isomers. Complex atomic relaxations are obtained when we study the transition between different cluster structures; however relatively small energy barriers of approximately 0.3 eV accompany the atomic displacements. Interestingly, we obtain that by considering positively charged Cu6+ systems we reduce further the energy barriers opposing the interconversion process. The previous results could imply that, under a range of experimental conditions, it should be possible to observe different Cu6cluster structures in varying proportions.