bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulatory and Reimbursement Innovation
Authors: Lindor Rachel A. , Allocco Scott J. , Cheatham Lee , Cortese Denis A. , Hall Ralph F. , Mangold William J. , Pizziconi Vincent , Poste George , Quinn Bruce , Roth Mollie , Saks Michael J. , Wassman E. Robert , Woosley Raymond L. , Marchant Gary E.
Published: March 2013

Coverage with evidence development and parallel review for molecular diagnostics aid regulation and reimbursement.
Gut Reaction: Microbiome Provides a Clue to Gender Bias in Autoimmunity
Authors: Callahan Margaret K.
Published: March 2013

The gut microbiome may regulate hormone levels, thus contributing to gender bias in autoimmunity.
Lights of Hope in the Treatment of Epilepsy
Authors: Eid Tore
Published: March 2013

Optogenetic control of neuronal excitability in the thalamus can interrupt seizures in a rat model of epilepsy.
Heart Versus Lungs in Hypertension Tug-of-War
Authors: Tonelli Adriano R.
Published: March 2013

The beneficial effects of endothelin receptor antagonists on the lung are partially negated by its adverse effects on the heart in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Cooperative Plasminogen Recruitment to the Surface of Streptococcus canis via M Protein and Enolase Enhances Bacterial Survival
Authors: Fulde Marcus , Rohde Manfred , Polok Andy , Preissner Klaus T. , Chhatwal Gursharan Singh , Bergmann Simone
Published: March 2013

Streptococcus canisis a zoonotic pathogen capable of causing serious invasive diseases in domestic animals and humans. Surface-exposed M proteins and metabolic enzymes have been characterized as major virulence determinants in various streptococcal species. Recently, we have identified SCM, the M-like protein ofS. canis, as the major receptor for miniplasminogen localized on the bacterial surface. The present study now characterizes the glycolytic enzyme enolase as an additional surface-exposed plasminogen-binding protein. According to its zoonotic properties, purifiedS. canisenolase binds to both human and canine plasminogen and facilitates degradation of aggregated fibrin matrices after activation with host-derived urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Unlike SCM, which binds to the C terminus of human plasminogen, theS. canisenolase interacts N terminally with the first four kringle domains of plasminogen, representing angiostatin. Radioactive binding analyses confirmed cooperative plasminogen recruitment to both surface-exposed enolase and SCM. Furthermore, despite the lack of surface protease activity via SpeB inS. canis, SCM is released and reassociated homophilically to surface-anchored SCM and heterophilically to surface-bound plasminogen. In addition to plasminogen-mediated antiphagocytic activity, reassociation of SCM to the bacterial surface significantly enhanced bacterial survival in phagocytosis analyses using human neutrophils.

IMPORTANCEStreptococcal infections are a major issue in medical microbiology due to the increasing spread of antibiotic resistances and the limited availability of efficient vaccines. Surface-exposed glycolytic enzymes and M proteins have been characterized as major virulence factors mediating pathogen-host interaction. Since streptococcal infection mechanisms exert a subset of multicombinatorial processes, the investigation of synergistic activities mediated via different virulence factors has become a high priority. Our data clearly demonstrate that plasminogen recruitment to theStreptococcus canissurface via SCM and enolase in combination with SCM reassociation enhances bacterial survival by protecting against phagocytic killing. These data propose a new cooperative mechanism for prevention of phagocytic killing based on the synergistic activity of homophilic and heterophilic SCM binding in the presence of human plasminogen.
Rare but numerous serious complications of acute otitis media in a young child
Authors: Van Munster Mariëtte P E , Brus Frank , Mul Dick
Published: March 2013

Acute otitis media is a very common disease in children. Most children recover with symptomatic therapy like potent analgesics, but occasionally serious complications occur. We present a 3-year-old girl who suffered from acute otitis media for already 2 weeks and presented with fever, abducens nerve palsy of her left eye and vomiting. She was finally diagnosed with an acute otitis media complicated by a mastoiditis, sinus thrombosis, meningitis and cerebellar empyema. Fusobacterium necrophorum was cultured from cerebrospinal fluid. The girl recovered following appropriate antibiotic and anticoagulation treatment.
Assessing fracture risk in people with MS: a service development study comparing three fracture risk scoring systems
Authors: Dobson Ruth , Leddy Sara Geraldine , Gangadharan Sunay , Giovannoni Gavin
Published: March 2013

Objectives

Suboptimal bone health is increasingly recognised as an important cause of morbidity. Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been consistently associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Various fracture risk screening tools have been developed, two of which are in routine use and a further one is MS-specific. We set out to compare the results obtained by these in the MS clinic population.

Design

This was a service development study. The 10-year risk estimates of any fracture and hip fracture generated by each of the algorithms were compared.

Setting

The MS clinic at the Royal London Hospital.

Participants

88 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MS.

Outcome measures

Mean 10-year overall fracture risk and hip fracture risk were calculated using each of the three fracture risk calculators. The number of interventions that would be required as a result of using each of these tools was also compared.

Results

Mean 10-year fracture risk was 4.7%, 2.3% and 7.6% using FRAX, QFracture and the MS-specific calculator, respectively (p<0.0001 for difference). The agreement between risk scoring tools was poor at all levels of fracture risk.

Conclusions

The agreement between these three fracture risk scoring tools is poor in the MS population. Further work is required to develop and validate an accurate fracture risk scoring system for use in MS.

Trial registration

This service development study was approved by the Clinical Effectiveness Department at Barts Health NHS Trust (project registration number 156/12).
Onyx embolization of anterior condylar confluence dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Takemoto Koichiro , Tateshima Satoshi , Rastogi Sachin , Gonzalez Nestor , Jahan Reza , Duckwiler Gary , Vinuela Fernando
Published: March 2013

The anterior condylar confluence (ACC) is a small complex venous structure located medial to the jugular vein and adjacent to the hypoglossal canal. To our knowledge, this is the first report of transvenous Onyx embolization for ACC dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). Three patients with ACC DAVF were treated using the Onyx liquid embolic agent with or without detachable coils. Complete angiographic obliteration of the fistulas was achieved in all cases without permanent lower cranial neuropathy. This report suggests that the controlled penetration of Onyx is advantageous in order to obliterate ACC DAVFs with a small amount of embolic material.
Pharmacodynamics of florfenicol for calf pneumonia pathogens
Authors: Illambas J. , Potter T. , Sidhu P. , Rycroft A. N. , Cheng Z. , Lees P.
Published: March 2013

The antimicrobial properties of florfenicol were investigated for the bovine respiratory tract pathogens, Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida. Three in vitro indices of efficacy and potency were determined; minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and in vitro time‐kill curves for six pathogenic strains of each organism. Each was monitored in two matrices, Mueller Hinton broth (MHB) and calf serum. MBC:MIC ratios were low, 1.8 : 1 for M haemolytica in both MHB and serum and 2.4 : 1 and 2.1 : 1 for P multocida in MHB and serum, respectively. The killing action of florfenicol had the characteristics of concentration dependency against M haemolytica and codependency (on time and concentration) against P multocida. Modelling of the time‐kill data after 24 hours exposure was undertaken to quantify three levels of activity for the ratio, area under concentration‐time curve over 24 hours (AUC24h)/MIC; bacteriostatic action (no change in bacterial count), 3log10 reduction and 4log10 reduction in bacterial count. Mean AUC24h /MIC values for P multocida in MHB (and serum) were 22.0 (23.3) hour, 34.5 (39.9) hour and 45.8 (50.4) hour, respectively. Similar numerical values were obtained for M haemolytica. For both bacterial species, interstrain variability was low; coefficients of variation ( per cent) in serum for 3log10 and 4log10 reductions in count were, respectively, 14.3 and 24.1 for P multocida and 7.8 and 11.4 for M haemolytica. These data form a rational basis for dosage selection for treatment of calf pneumonia caused by M haemolytica or P multocida.
ELASTIC, PLASTIC, CRACKING ASPECTS OF THE HARDNESS OF MATERIALS
Authors: ARMSTRONG R. W. , ELBAN W. L. , WALLEY S. M.
Published: March 2013

The hardness properties of materials are tracked from early history until the present time. Emphasis is placed on the hardness test being a useful probe for determining the local elastic, plastic and cracking properties of single crystal, polycrystalline, polyphase or amorphous materials. Beginning from connection made between individual hardness pressure measurements and the conventional stress–strain properties of polycrystalline materials, the newer consideration is described of directly specifying a hardness-type stress–strain relationship based on a continuous loading curve, particularly, as obtained with a spherical indenter. Such effort has received impetus from order-of-magnitude improvements in load and displacement measuring capabilities that are demonstrated for nanoindentation testing. Details of metrology assessments involved in various types of hardness tests are reviewed. A compilation of measurements is presented for the separate aspects of Hertzian elastic, dislocation-mechanics-based plasticity and indentation-fracture-mechanics-based cracking behaviors of materials, including elastic and plastic deformation rate effects. A number of test applications are reviewed, most notably involving the hardness of thin film materials and coatings.
ELECTRONIC AND ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF ZINC-BLENDE MgSe
Authors: ADETUNJI B. I. , ADEBAMBO P. O. , AKINLAMI J. O. , ADEBAYO G. A.
Published: March 2013

In the present study, ground state and elastic properties of semiconductor MgSe in zinc-blende phase are investigated using density functional theory (DFT). Exchange-correlation potentials are approximated with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). From the calculated bulk modulus, we determine the refractive index, plasmon energy, cohesive energy and micro-hardness of the MgSe semiconductor binary alloy. The density of state (DOS), projected density of state (PDOS), phonon dispersion frequencies, charged density, electronic band structure and dielectric functions are also reported. From the band structure, a direct band gap of 2.50 eV was observed in close agreement with other reported calculations, but lower than the experimental value of 3.60 eV. Along the high symmetries directions, we found a striking resemblance between MgSe and a III–V semiconductor, while the high cohesive energy in MgSe suggests filled bonding orbitals which might result in decrease in atomic volume with corresponding increased compression of the s-orbitals under any transition series.
FULL-SCALE SIMULATIONS OF IONOSPHERIC LANGMUIR TURBULENCE
Authors: ELIASSON BENGT
Published: March 2013

This brief review is devoted to full-scale numerical modeling of the nonlinear interactions between electromagnetic (EM) waves and the ionosphere, giving rise to ionospheric Langmuir turbulence. A numerical challenge in the full-scale modeling is that it involves very different length- and time-scales. While the EM waves have wavelengths of the order 100 meters, the ionospheric Langmuir turbulence involving electrostatic waves and nonlinear structures can have wavelengths below one meter. A full-scale numerical scheme must resolve these different length- and time-scales, as well as the ionospheric profile extending vertically hundreds of kilometers. To overcome severe limitations on the timestep and computational load, a non-uniform nested grid method has been devised, in which the EM wave is represented in space on a relatively coarse grid with a spacing of a few meters, while the electrostatic wave turbulence is locally resolved on a much denser grid in space at the critical layer where the turbulence occurs. Interpolation and averaging schemes are used to communicate values of the EM fields and current sources between the coarse and dense grids. In this manner, the computational load can be drastically decreased, making it possible to perform full-scale simulations that cover the different time- and space-scales. We discuss the simulation methods and how they are used to study turbulence, stimulated EM emissions, particle acceleration and heating, and the formation of artificial ionospheric plasma layers by ionospheric Langmuir turbulence.
SPECIAL CIRCULAR HOLE ELEMENTS FOR THERMAL ANALYSIS IN CELLULAR SOLIDS WITH MULTIPLE CIRCULAR HOLES
Authors: QIN QING HUA , WANG HUI
Published: March 2013

This paper presents a new hybrid finite element approach with fundamental solutions (HFS-FEM) as a trial function for modeling thermal behavior in perforated or cellular solids containing multiple randomly distributed circular holes with arbitrary sizes and locations, using special elements to reduce mesh effort. Based on the independent intra-element field in the element consisting of fundamental solutions and the frame field defined on the element boundary, the approach has characteristic features of elementary boundary integrals and versatile element construction by virtue of combining the new hybrid functional. Special purpose hole elements and regular elements are constructed using the special fundamental solution satisfying the specified hole boundary conditions and the conventional fundamental solution, respectively, such that the circular hole region can be modeled with a much smaller number of elements. Numerical examples including problems with single, double and randomly distributed multiple holes are considered and the results demonstrate the versatility, accuracy, and efficiency of the approach presented.
AN EFFICIENT NUMERICAL METHOD FOR SOLVING AN INVERSE WAVE PROBLEM
Authors: POURGHOLI REZA , ESFAHANI AMIN
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we will first study the existence and uniqueness of the solution of a one-dimensional inverse problem for an inhomogeneous linear wave equation with initial and boundary conditions via an auxiliary problem. Then a stable numerical method consisting of zeroth-, first-, and second-order Tikhonov regularization to the matrix form of Duhamel's principle for solving this inverse problem is presented. The stability and accuracy of the scheme presented is evaluated by comparison with the Singular Value Decomposition method. Some numerical experiments confirm the utility of this algorithm as the results are in good agreement with the exact data.
THE MESHLESS GALERKIN BOUNDARY NODE METHOD FOR TWO-DIMENSIONAL SOLIDS
Authors: LI XIAOLIN
Published: March 2013

The Galerkin boundary node method (GBNM) is developed for two-dimensional solid mechanics problems. The GBNM is a boundary only meshless method that combines an equivalent variational form of boundary integral formulations for governing equations with the moving least-squares (MLS) approximations for construction of the trial and test functions. In this method, boundary conditions can be implemented directly and easily despite the MLS shape functions lack the delta function property, and the resulting formulation inherits the symmetry and positive definiteness of the variational problems. The optimal asymptotic error estimates of this approach for displacements and stresses are derived in detail in Sobolev spaces. Numerical tests are also given to demonstrate the developed algorithms.
COMPUTATIONAL SIMULATION OF FLUID FLOW OVER A TRIANGULAR STEP USING IMMERSED BOUNDARY METHOD
Authors: SALEEL C. A. , SHAIJA A. , JAYARAJ S.
Published: March 2013

Handling of complex geometries with fluid–solid interaction has been one of the exigent issues in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) because most engineering problems have complex geometries with fluid–solid interaction for the purpose. Two different approaches have been developed for the same hitherto: (i) The unstructured grid method and (ii) the immersed boundary method (IBM). This paper details the IBM for the numerical investigation of two-dimensional laminar flow over a backward facing step and various geometrically configured triangular steps in hydro-dynamically developing regions (entrance region) as well in the hydro-dynamically developed regions through a channel at different Reynolds numbers. The present numerical method is rooted in a finite volume approach on a staggered grid in concert with a fractional step method. Geometrical obstructions are treated as an immersed boundary (IB), both momentum forcing and mass source terms are applied on the obstruction to satisfy the no-slip boundary condition and also to satisfy the continuity for the mesh containing the immersed boundary. Initially, numerically obtained velocity profiles and stream line plots for fluid flow over backward facing step is depicted to show its excellent agreement with the published results in various literatures. There after profiles and plots in the channel with triangular steps are also being unveiled with in depth elucidation. Results are presented for different Reynolds numbers.
PRODUCT SERVICE SYSTEMS AS A DRIVER FOR BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
Authors: VELAMURI VIVEK K. , BANSEMIR BASTIAN , NEYER ANNE-KATRIN , MÖSLEIN KATHRIN M.
Published: March 2013

Firms increasingly rely on business model innovation as a means to face challenges of a world in transition. We identify the conscious integration of products and services, i.e., product service systems, as a valuable strategy to radically innovate product-focused business models. Applying an exploratory multiple case study approach, we uncover five distinct kinds of services that specifically help firms to innovate their business model. These are (1) business consulting, (2) comprehensive services, (3) educational services, (4) financing services, and (5) information management services. The influence of these services on three components of business model innovation (value propositions, value chain architectures, and revenue streams) is discussed. In total, our study emphasizes that integrating specific services with products is an important driver for business model innovations.
Channelling versus inversion: origin of condensed Upper Cretaceous chalks, eastern Isle of Wight, UK
Authors: Gale A. S. , Surlyk F. , Anderskouv K.
Published: March 2013

Evidence from regional stratigraphical patterns in Santonian−Campanian chalk is used to infer the presence of a very broad channel system (5 km across) with a depth of at least 50 m, running NNW−SSE across the eastern Isle of Wight; only the western part of the channel wall and fill is exposed. Within this channel were smaller erosional structures (<10 m deep) that truncate originally horizontal bedding, are floored by hardgrounds, and locally have a basal fill of granular phosphorite. The entire channel system was progressively infilled by chalk, as demonstrated by the expanded succession of the lower Campanian Culver Chalk Formation. The beds of the channel fill are cut by small step faults, resulting from gravitational collapse. Complete burial had taken place by the base of the upper Campanian Portsdown Chalk Formation, which is of even thickness across the region. The structures are interpreted with reference to high-resolution seismic profiles through chalk channel systems described from the German sector of the North Sea, and the Santonian−Campanian of the eastern Paris Basin, and were formed by persistent bottom currents. Previous interpretations of the condensed Santonian−Campanian chalks in the eastern Isle of Wight, involving penecontemporaneous tectonic inversion of the underlying basement structure, are rejected.
Palaeoenvironmental and climatic changes during the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) at the Wadi Nukhul Section, Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Khozyem Hassan , Adatte Thierry , Spangenberg Jorge E. , Tantawy Abdel Aziz , Keller Gerta
Published: March 2013

The Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) interval at the Wadi Nukhul section (Sinai, Egypt) is represented by a 10 cm thick condensed clay-rich layer corresponding to the NP9a–NP9b nannofossil subzone boundary. The Wadi Nukhul Palaeocene–Eocene boundary (PEB) is characterized by (1) an abrupt negative excursion in carbonate and organic carbon isotope ratios (−6‰ in δ
13
C
carb
and −2‰ δ
13
C
org
), (2) an abrupt persistent negative shift in organic nitrogen isotope values (δ
15
N
org
), (3) a significant increase in phosphorus concentrations just above the carbon isotope excursion, (4) a decrease in carbonate content and significant increase in kaolinite and (5) high vanadium and low manganese contents coincident with the occurrence of framboidal pyrite. The abrupt correlative isotopic excursions of δ
13
C
carb
, δ
13
C
org
and δ
15
N suggest that the lowermost part of the PETM is missing. The decrease in carbonate content indicates dilution by high detrital input triggered by acid weathering and carbonate dissolution in response to increased atmospheric CO
2
resulting from the oxidation of methane. The sudden increase in kaolinite content reflects a short-lived change to humid conditions. The δ
15
N values close to 0‰ above the PEB suggest a bloom of N
2
-fixing cyanobacteria. Increased bacterial activity may be either the cause or the result of the anoxia locally associated with the PETM.
Field and petrographic evidence for partial melting of TTG gneisses from the central region of the mainland Lewisian complex, NW Scotland
Authors: Johnson T. E. , Fischer S. , White R.W.
Published: March 2013

The central region of the mainland Lewisian complex is dominated by granulite-facies tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) gneisses that are highly depleted in some mobile trace elements (Cs, Rb, Th and U) relative to amphibolite-facies TTG gneisses elsewhere in the Lewisian complex and to the average composition of TTG gneisses worldwide. Over almost half a century of research there has been vigorous debate as to the origin of this depletion, in particular with respect to the role of partial melting and melt loss. Here we provide field and petrographic evidence that TTG gneisses across the central region partially melted during granulite-facies (Badcallian) metamorphism. Partial melting occurred largely by fluid-absent incongruent reactions consuming plagioclase, quartz, hornblende and biotite to produce melt and peritectic clino- and orthopyroxene. The preservation of dry, granulite-facies assemblages requires loss of melt, consistent with the presence of an interconnected network of leucosomes and larger felsic sheets that probably record segregation and transfer of melt to higher crustal levels. Regardless of whether or not partial melting and melt loss can explain fully the unusual geochemical signature of the central region TTG gneisses, these fundamental processes did occur.

Supplementary material:

Figure S1, showing additional field photographs of boulders from Poll Eòrna, is available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18580
.
Acupuncture for ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Johansson Julia , Redman Leanne , Veldhuis Paula P. , Sazonova Antonina , Labrie Fernand , Holm Göran , Johannsson Gudmundur , Stener-Victorin Elisabet
Published: March 2013

Acupuncture has been demonstrated to improve menstrual frequency and to decrease circulating testosterone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Our aim was to investigate whether acupuncture affects ovulation frequency and to understand the underlying mechanisms of any such effect by analyzing LH and sex steroid secretion in women with PCOS. This prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted between June 2009 and September 2010. Thirty-two women with PCOS were randomized to receive either acupuncture with manual and low-frequency electrical stimulation or to meetings with a physical therapist twice a week for 10–13 wk. Main outcome measures were changes in LH secretion patterns from baseline to after 10–13 wk of treatment and ovulation frequency during the treatment period. Secondary outcomes were changes in the secretion of sex steroids, anti-Müllerian hormone, inhibin B, and serum cortisol. Ovulation frequency during treatment was higher in the acupuncture group than in the control group. After 10–13 wk of intervention, circulating levels of estrone, estrone sulfate, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, testosterone, free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androsterone glucuronide, androstane-3α,17β-diol-3-glucuronide, and androstane-3α,17β-diol-17-glucuronide decreased within the acupuncture group and were significantly lower than in the control group for all of these except androstenedione. We conclude that repeated acupuncture treatments resulted in higher ovulation frequency in lean/overweight women with PCOS and were more effective than just meeting with the therapist. Ovarian and adrenal sex steroid serum levels were reduced with no effect on LH secretion.
Metabolic and immunomodulatory effects of n-3 fatty acids are different in mesenteric and epididymal adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Ludwig Tobias , Worsch Stefanie , Heikenwalder Mathias , Daniel Hannelore , Hauner Hans , Bader Bernhard L.
Published: March 2013

In studies emphasizing antiobesogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-n-3 PUFA), diets with very high fat content, not well-defined fat quality, and extreme n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios have been applied frequently. Additionally, comparative analyses of visceral adipose tissues (VAT) were neglected. Considering the link of visceral obesity to insulin resistance or inflammatory bowel diseases, we hypothesized that VAT, especially mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT), may exhibit differential responsiveness to diets through modulation of metabolic and inflammatory processes. Here, we aimed to assess dietary LC-n-3 PUFA effects on MAT and epididymal adipose tissue (EAT) and on MAT-adjacent liver and intestine in diet-induced obese mice fed defined soybean/palm oil-based diets. High-fat (HF) and LC-n-3 PUFA-enriched high-fat diet (HF/n-3) contained moderately high fat with unbalanced and balanced n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios, respectively. Body composition/organ analyses, glucose tolerance test, measurements of insulin, lipids, mRNA and protein expression, and immunohistochemistry were applied. Compared with HF, HF/n-3 mice showed reduced fat mass, smaller adipocytes in MAT than EAT, improved insulin level, and lower hepatic triacylglycerol and plasma NEFA levels, consistent with liver and brown fat gene expression. Gene expression arrays pointed to immune cell activation in MAT and alleviation of intestinal endothelial cell activation. Validations demonstrated simultaneously upregulated pro- (TNFα, MCP-1) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines and M1/M2-macrophage markers in VAT and reduced CD4/CD8α expression in MAT and spleen. Our data revealed differential responsiveness to diets for VAT through preferentially metabolic alterations in MAT and inflammatory processes in EAT. LC-n-3 PUFA effects were pro- and anti-inflammatory and disclose T cell-immunosuppressive potential.
Short-term weight loss attenuates local tissue inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity without affecting adipose inflammation in obese mice
Authors: Jung Dae Young , Ko Hwi Jin , Lichtman Eben I. , Lee Eunjung , Lawton Elizabeth , Ong Helena , Yu Kristine , Azuma Yoshihiro , Friedline Randall H. , Lee Ki Won , Kim Jason K.
Published: March 2013

Obesity is a major cause of insulin resistance, and weight loss is shown to improve glucose homeostasis. But the underlying mechanism and the role of inflammation remain unclear. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 wk. After HFD, weight loss was induced by changing to a low-fat diet (LFD) or exercise with continuous HFD. The weight loss effects on energy balance and insulin sensitivity were determined using metabolic cages and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps in awake mice. Diet and exercise intervention for 3 wk caused a modest weight loss and improved glucose homeostasis. Weight loss dramatically reduced local inflammation in skeletal muscle, liver, and heart but not in adipose tissue. Exercise-mediated weight loss increased muscle glucose metabolism without affecting Akt phosphorylation or lipid levels. LFD-mediated weight loss reduced lipid levels and improved insulin sensitivity selectively in liver. Both weight loss interventions improved cardiac glucose metabolism. These results demonstrate that a short-term weight loss with exercise or diet intervention attenuates obesity-induced local inflammation and selectively improves insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle and liver. Our findings suggest that local factors, not adipose tissue inflammation, are involved in the beneficial effects of weight loss on glucose homeostasis.
Temporal changes in tissue 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, vitamin D receptor target genes, and calcium and PTH levels after 1,25(OH)2D3treatment in mice
Authors: Chow Edwin C. Y. , Quach Holly P. , Vieth Reinhold , Pang K. Sandy
Published: March 2013

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) maintains a balance of plasma calcium and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3], its natural active ligand, by directly regulating the calcium ion channel (TRPV6) and degradation enzyme (CYP24A1), and indirectly regulating the parathyroid hormone (PTH) for feedback regulation of the synthetic enzyme CYP27B1. Studies that examined the intricate relationships between plasma and tissue 1,25(OH)2D3levels and changes in VDR target genes and plasma calcium and PTH are virtually nonexistent. In this study, we investigated temporal correlations between tissue 1,25(OH)2D3concentrations and VDR target genes in ileum and kidney and plasma calcium and PTH concentrations in response to 1,25(OH)2D3treatment in mice (2.5 μg/kg ip, singly or q2d × 4). After a single ip dose, plasma 1,25(OH)2D3peaked at ∼0.5 h and then decayed biexponentially, falling below basal levels after 24 h and then returning to baseline after 8 days. Upon repetitive ip dosing, plasma, ileal, renal, and bone 1,25(OH)2D3concentrations rose and decayed in unison. Temporal profiles showed increased expressions of ileal Cyp24a1 and renal Cyp24a1, Mdr1/P-gp, and VDR but decreased renal Cyp27b1 mRNA after a time delay in VDR activation. Increased plasma calcium and attenuated PTH levels and increased ileal and renal Trpv6 expression paralleled the changes in tissue 1,25(OH)2D3concentrations. Gene changes in the kidney were more sustained than those in intestine, but the magnitudes of change for Cyp24a1 and Trpv6 were lower than those in intestine. The data revealed that 1,25(OH)2D3equilibrates with tissues rapidly, and VDR target genes respond quickly to exogenously administered 1,25(OH)2D3.
CD40 deficiency in mice exacerbates obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance
Authors: Guo Chang-An , Kogan Sophia , Amano Shinya U. , Wang Mengxi , Dagdeviren Sezin , Friedline Randall H. , Aouadi Myriam , Kim Jason K. , Czech Michael P.
Published: March 2013

The pathophysiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes in rodents and humans is characterized by low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue and liver. The CD40 receptor and its ligand CD40L initiate immune cell signaling promoting inflammation, but conflicting data on CD40L-null mice confound its role in obesity-associated insulin resistance. Here, we demonstrate that CD40 receptor-deficient mice on a high-fat diet display the expected decrease in hepatic cytokine levels but paradoxically exhibit liver steatosis, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance compared with their age-matched wild-type controls. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies also demonstrated insulin resistance in glucose utilization by the CD40-null mice compared with wild-type mice. In contrast to liver, adipose tissue in CD40-deficient animals harbors elevated cytokine levels and infiltration of inflammatory cells, particularly macrophages and CD8+effector T cells. In addition, ex vivo explants of epididymal adipose tissue from CD40−/−mice display elevated basal and isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis, suggesting a potential increase of lipid efflux from visceral fat to the liver. These findings reveal that 1) CD40-null mice represent an unusual model of hepatic steatosis with reduced hepatic inflammation, and 2) CD40 unexpectedly functions in adipose tissue to attenuate its inflammation in obesity, thereby protecting against hepatic steatosis.
BRS-Based Robust Secure Localization Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yu Ning , Zhang Lirui , Ren Yongji
Published: March 2013

Localization is the key supporting technology for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Security and accuracy are the premise of the localization application. Real-world applications of wireless sensor networks are often subject to a variety of adverse circumstances interference, and the localization performance is seriously affected. In this paper, we propose a BRS-based robust secure localization (BRSL) algorithm in order to reduce the impact of the malicious attackers in WSNs. The BRSL method includes two phases. In the first stage, the trust evaluation framework is established on the basis of beta reputation system. In the second phase, we employ the weighted Taylor-series least squares method to estimate the coordinates of sensor nodes. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is robust and effective.
Short-Term Exercise Training Improves Insulin Sensitivity but Does Not Inhibit Inflammatory Pathways in Immune Cells from Insulin-Resistant Subjects
Authors: Reyna Sara M. , Tantiwong Puntip , Cersosimo Eugenio , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Sriwijitkamol Apiradee , Musi Nicolas
Published: March 2013

Background. Exercise has an anti-inflammatory effect against, and immune cells play critical roles in the development, of insulin resistance and atherosclerotic vascular disease (AVD). Thus, the goal of this study was to determine whether exercise improves insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant subjects by downregulating proinflammatory signaling in immune cells.Methods. Seventeen lean, 8 obese nondiabetic, and 11 obese type 2 diabetic individuals underwent an aerobic exercise program for 15 days and an insulin clamp before and after exercise. Peripheral mononuclear cells (PMNC) were obtained for determination of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and 4 protein content and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation.Results. Compared with that in lean individuals, TLR4 protein content was increased by 4.2-fold in diabetic subjects. This increase in TLR4 content was accompanied by a 3.0-fold increase in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Exercise improved insulin sensitivity in the lean, obese, and type 2 diabetes groups. However, exercise did not affect TLR content or ERK phosphorylation.Conclusions. TLR4 content and ERK phosphorylation are increased in PMNC of type 2 diabetic individuals. While exercise improves insulin sensitivity, this effect is not related to changes in TLR2/TLR4 content or ERK phosphorylation in PMNC of type 2 diabetic individuals.
A Multidisciplinary Approach in the Treatment of Tempromandibular Joint Pain Associated with Qat Chewing
Authors: Shariff Mansoor , Al-Moaleem Mohammed M. , Al-Ahmari Nasser M.
Published: March 2013

Pain of the tempro-mandibular joint (TMJ) has a direct bearing to missing teeth and excessive physical activity. Consumption of qat requires chewing on the leaves to extract their juice for long hours. A 65-year-old male Yemeni patient, a Qat chewer, reported to the university dental hospital at King Khalid University complaining of pain in left temporomandibular joint with missing mandibular anterior teeth. A multidisciplinary approach for the overall treatment of the patient was decided. Initial treatment was the relief of patient’s pain with the help of a night guard. This was followed by a fabrication of anterior FPD. The case was under maintenance and follow-up protocol for a period of 8 months with no complaint of pain discomfort.
Locally Resonant Band Gaps in Flexural Vibrations of a Timoshenko Beam with Periodically Attached Multioscillators
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Zhang Pei , Zhang Yongqiang
Published: March 2013

A new beam structure with periodically attached multioscillators is proposed based on the idea of locally resonant (LR) phononic crystals (PCs) to reduce flexural vibrations in the frequency-multiplication ranges. Wave band structures of the new beam are derived by using the transfer matrix method. The multiple band gaps in the beam are then verified by the frequency response function (FRF), which is calculated through the finite element method. In addition, simplified models are proposed, which contribute to the calculation of the edge frequencies of the band gaps and enhance the understanding of the LR mechanism of PCs. The accuracy of the simplified models is proven by comparing them with the results derived from the analytical model under different beam structure parameters. The results suggest that lower frequencies and ranges of frequency multiplications can be achieved in the band gaps which are obtained from the new beam structure with multioscillators in a unit cell. Therefore, the ideas presented in this paper have the potential to be used in developing new devices with frequency-multiplication characteristics for vibration isolation or noise control in aerospace and civil structures.
The Role of Vitamin D Deficiency in the Incidence, Progression, and Complications of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Chakhtoura Marlene , Azar Sami T.
Published: March 2013

The “nonclassic” role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) has been recently widely recognized. In type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), it plays an immunomodulatory role through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) present on pancreatic and immune cells. Specific VDR allelic variants have been associated with T1D in many countries. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency has been prevalent in T1D, and the seasonal and latitude variability in the incidence of T1D can be partly explained by the related variability in vitamin D level. In fact, retrospective studies of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy or infancy showed a lower incidence of T1D. We will review the different mechanisms of the vitamin D protective effect against insulitis and present the available data on the role of vitamin D deficiency in the control, progression, and complications of T1D.
Effects of Long-Term Treatment with Ranirestat, a Potent Aldose Reductase Inhibitor, on Diabetic Cataract and Neuropathy in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Rats
Authors: Ota Ayumi , Kakehashi Akihiro , Toyoda Fumihiko , Kinoshita Nozomi , Shinmura Machiko , Takano Hiroko , Obata Hiroto , Matsumoto Takafumi , Tsuji Junichi , Dobashi Yoh , Fujimoto Wilfred Y. , Kawakami Masanobu , Kanazawa Yasunori
Published: March 2013

We evaluated ranirestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor, in diabetic cataract and neuropathy (DN) in spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rats compared with epalrestat, the positive control. Animals were divided into groups and treated once daily with oral ranirestat (0.1, 1.0, 10 mg/kg) or epalrestat (100 mg/kg) for 40 weeks, normal Sprague-Dawley rats, and untreated SDT rats. Lens opacification was scored from 0 (normal) to 3 (mature cataract). The combined scores (0–6) from both lenses represented the total for each animal. DN was assessed by measuring the motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) in the sciatic nerve. Sorbitol and fructose levels were measured in the lens and sciatic nerve 40 weeks after diabetes onset. Cataracts developed more in untreated rats than normal rats (P<0.01). Ranirestat significantly (P<0.01) inhibited rapid cataract development; epalrestat did not. Ranirestat significantly reversed the MNCV decrease (40.7 ± 0.6 m/s) in SDT rats dose-dependently (P<0.01). Epalrestat also reversed the prevented MNCV decrease (P<0.05). Sorbitol levels in the sciatic nerve increased significantly in SDT rats (2.05 ± 0.10 nmol/g), which ranirestat significantly suppressed dose-dependently, (P<0.05, <0.01, and <0.01); epalrestat did not. Ranirestat prevents DN and cataract; epalrestat prevents DN only.
Sizing and Simulation of PV-Wind Hybrid Power System
Authors: Engin Mustafa
Published: March 2013

A sizing procedure is developed for hybrid system with the aid of mathematical models for photovoltaic cell, wind turbine, and battery that are readily present in the literature. This sizing procedure can simulate the annual performance of different kinds of photovoltaic-wind hybrid power system structures for an identified set of renewable resources, which fulfills technical limitations with the lowest energy cost. The output of the program will display the performance of the system during the year, the total cost of the system, and the best size for the PV-generator, wind generator, and battery capacity. Security lightning application is selected, whereas system performance data and environmental operating conditions are measured and stored. This hybrid system, which includes a PV, wind turbine, inverter, and a battery, was installed to supply energy to 24 W lamps, considering that the renewable energy resources of this site where the system was installed were 1700 Wh/m2/day solar radiation and 3.43 m/s yearly average wind speed. Using the measured variables, the inverter and charge regulator efficiencies were calculated as 90% and 98%, respectively, and the overall system’s electrical efficiency is calculated as 72%. Life cycle costs per kWh are found to be $0.89 and LLP = 0.0428.
Determinants of Oral Health: Does Oral Health Literacy Matter?
Authors: Naghibi Sistani Mohammad Mehdi , Yazdani Reza , Virtanen Jorma , Pakdaman Afsaneh , Murtomaa Heikki
Published: March 2013

Objective. To evaluate oral health literacy, independent of other oral health determinants, as a risk indicator for self-reported oral health. Methods. A cross-sectional population-based survey conducted in Tehran, Iran. Multiple logistic regression analysis served to estimate the predictive effect of oral health literacy on self-reported oral health status (good versus poor) controlling for socioeconomic and demographic factors and tooth-brushing behavior. Results. In all, among 1031 participants (mean age 36.3 (SD 12.9); 51% female), women reported brushing their teeth more frequently (P<0.001) and scored higher for oral health literacy (mean 10.9 versus 10.2, P<0.001). In the adjusted model, high age (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.003–1.034), low education (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.23–2.87), small living area in square meters per person (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.003–3.423), poor tooth brushing behavior (OR = 3.35, 95% CI 2.02–5.57), and low oral health literacy scores (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.02–2.45) were significant risk indicators for poor self-reported oral health. Conclusions. Low oral health literacy level, independent of education and other socioeconomic determinants, was a predictor for poor self-reported oral health and should be considered a vital determinant of oral health in countries with developing health care systems.
Spatiotemporal Changes of Rainfall Erosivity in Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Abd Elbasit Mohamed A. M. , Huang Jinbai , Ojha CSP , Yasuda Hiroshi , Adam Eltayeb O.
Published: March 2013

The reason for the severity of soil erosion in Loess Plateau can be attributed to three nonanthropogenic factors: rainfall erosivity, slope gradient, and loess soil. The rainfall erosivity is controlled by the rainfall characteristics. Generally, rainfall characteristics change drastically in space and time. The rainfall erosivity has been investigated using the modified Fournier index (MFI), annual rainfall, and precipitation concentration index (PCI). The study showed a decrease in average MFI by 10%. However, the difference between the MFI in 1960s and 1990s was found to decrease in a large area in Loess Plateau, whereas there was an increase in MFI at the high latitude. The maximum decrease in the rainfall erosivity was higher in the southeast than that in the north and west. The Py was found to have a trend similar to the MFI, which further indicates that the MFI follows, to a high extent, the annual rainfall trend. The PCI was found to have trend opposite to MFI and Py. The PCI increased in the north and west and decreased toward the southeast. The average temporal difference in the PCI between the 1960s, and 1990s was two percent.
Assessment of Ethical Ideals and Ethical Manners in Care of Older People
Authors: Frilund Marianne , Fagerström Lisbeth , Eriksson Katie , Eklund Patrik
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study is to establish structured clusters and well-defined ontological entities (nodes) describing ethical values as both ideal and opportunity for ethical manner as perceived by the caregiver. In this study, we use Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) to analyse ethical values (ethos) and ethical manners in daily work with older people. Material is based on questionnaire data collected by the instrument for the self-assessment of individual ethos in the care of older people (ISAEC) in spring 2007 in a municipality in Western Finland. This study is unique in its kind, both concerning the selected approach and methodological questions. BBNs have not been used significantly in nursing research, nor are there any studies that examine the ethical possibilities with focus on the probable effects upon changing conditions.
A Grazing‐Incidence Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering View of Vertically Aligned ZnO Nanowires
Authors: Lučić Lavčević M. , Dubček P. , Bernstorff S. , Pavlović M. , Šilović L.
Published: March 2013

We report a grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering study of ZnO films with vertically aligned and randomly distributed nanowires, grown through a hydrothermal growth process on nanostructured ZnO seeding coatings and deposited by electron beam evaporation on silicon and glass, respectively. The comparison of the scattering patterns of seeding coatings and nanowires showed that the scattering of vertically aligned nanowires exhibited a specific feature: the dominant characteristic of their scattering patterns is the appearance of fine structure effects around the specular peak. These effects were clarified by the combined reflection and scattering phenomena, suggested for the aligned nanowires‐substrate system. Furthermore, they enabled the calculation of the average gyration radius of nanowires in horizontal direction. The calculated value was in good agreement with the radii of nanowires estimated by surface electron microscopy. Therefore, the observed feature in the scattering pattern can serve as evidence of the aligned growth of nanowires.