bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Currents in Contemporary Ethics
Authors: Marietta Cynthia , McGuire Amy L.
Published: June 2009

Understanding of the human genome and its functional significance has increased exponentially since the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP) in 2003. The HGP fueled the discovery of more than 1,800 disease genes and paved the way for researchers to identify and test for genes suspected of causing inherited diseases. Currently, there are more than 1000 genetic tests for human diseases and conditions on the market. These tests can play an integral role in the delivery of health care by providing information that could potentially form the basis for profound life decisions, such as whether to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy, whether to terminate a pregnancy, or whether to take a particular drug or medication dose.
National Summit on Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control
Authors: Benken Donald E. , Reynolds Meredith S. , Hunter Alicia S.
Published: June 2009

The National Summit on Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control was conceived by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a strategic conference to review the current status of legal preparedness for obesity prevention and control, identify potential gaps, and develop specific action options for improving the contribution law can make to reduce the health threat posed by obesity. Working with the collaborating partners and planning committe, the host committe planned and modeled after the Summit CDC’s 2007 conference on public health emergency legal preparedness that resulted in the National Action Agenda for Public Health Emergency Legal Preparedness. The summit was a working meeting that offered invited participants a structured opportunity to deliberate about the laws and legal issues that impact obesity prevention and control from a public health perspective.
Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control
Authors: Mensah George A.
Published: June 2009

Acommon theme throughout the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century is the importance of law. From the seminal successes in immunizations and motor vehicle safety to the recognition and control of tobacco as a health hazard, laws have been invaluable. More recently in this century, laws have been fundamental in public health preparedness to address environmental disasters and terrorist threats. In fact, the first National Summit on Legal Preparedness in 2007 focused on these “urgent threats.” It only seemed natural that the second summit would focus on the “urgent realities” posed by the continuing epidemic of obesity — an epidemic that directly attacks our children’s health and drains our nation’s wealth.

Recognized worldwide as an energy imbalance resulting from excess caloric intake and reduced energy expenditure, obesity contributes to diabetes, heart disease, other multiple chronic diseases, impaired quality of life, and premature mortality.
Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control: The Public Health Framework for Action
Authors: Dietz William H. , Hunter Alicia S.
Published: June 2009

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has focused its obesity prevention and control efforts on improving population-level health. A recent Institute of Medicine report identified systems that affect population health, to include health care delivery systems, schools, businesses and employers, communities, and governmental public health infrastructure. CDC uses the public health model to engage these systems, and this process coordinates multiple settings, sectors, and jurisdictions to develop an integrated approach to identify, prevent, and control obesity. The public health approach goes beyond medical care to prioritize policy and environmental strategies that can be implemented across jurisdictional levels, in collaboration with traditional and nontraditional partners. The process ultimately produces tools, guidelines, and interventions that can be used to prevent and control obesity. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of the public health perspective on obesity, outline the public health framework for addressing obesity, and discuss the rationale for leveraging law-based efforts as a tool to accomplish the public health mission.
Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control: A Framework for Action
Authors: Monroe Judith A. , Collins Janet L. , Maier Pamela S. , Merrill Thomas , Benjamin Georges C. , Moulton Anthony D.
Published: June 2009

The Proceedings of the National Summit on Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control is based on a two-part conceptual framework composed of public health and legal perspectives. The public health perspective comprises the six target areas and intervention settings that are the focus of the obesity prevention and control efforts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This paper presents the legal perspective. Legal preparedness in public health is the underpinning of the framework for the four “assessment” papers and the four “action” papers that are integral to the application of public health law to any particular health issue. In addition, this paper gives real-world grounding to the legal framework through examples that illustrate the four core elements of legal preparedness in public health that are at work in obesity prevention and control.
Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control: The Structural Framework and the Role of Government
Authors: Kouzoukas Demetrios L.
Published: June 2009

This paper discusses the relationship between obesity, law, and public health preparedness as well as the relevant roles of public health practitioners, policymakers, and lawyers. Each group believes they have a unique role in this relationship although there can be overlap and/or lack of clarity as to what that role may be.

The role of the lawyer in the public policy process is to identify relevant legal issues, to analyze them and give advice on the risks of taking a given action, and to communicate legal advice in a clear manner. Simply put, the lawyer’s role is to dive deep into the law surrounding the topic at hand and to offer advice regarding the permissible limits of policymakers’ options and the associated risks.
Assessing Coordination of Legal-Based Efforts across Jurisdictions and Sectors for Obesity Prevention and Control
Authors: Ashe Marice , Bennett Gary , Economos Christina , Goodman Elizabeth , Schilling Joe , Quintiliani Lisa , Rosenbaum Sara , Vincent Jeff , Must Aviva
Published: June 2009

America’s increasing obesity problem requires federal, state, and local lawyers, policymakers, and public health practitioners to consider legal strategies to encourage healthy eating and physical activity. The complexity of the legal landscape as it affects obesity requires an analysis of coordination across multiple sectors and disciplines. Government jurisdictions can be viewed “vertically,” including the local, state, tribal, and federal levels, or “horizontally” as agencies or branches of government at the same vertical level. Inspired by the successful tobacco control movement, obesity prevention advocates seek comprehensive strategies to “normalize” healthy behaviors by creating environmental and legal changes that ensure healthy choices are the default or easy choices. With many competing demands on diminishing municipal budgets, strategic coordination both vertically and horizontally is essential to foster the environmental and social changes needed to reverse the obesity epidemic.
Improving Legal Competencies for Obesity Prevention and Control
Authors: Fleischhacker Sheila , Ammerman Alice , Perdue Wendy Collins , Miles Joan , Roller Sarah , Silver Lynn , Soronen Lisa , Van de Putte Leticia
Published: June 2009

This paper is one of four interrelated papers resulting from the National Summit on Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control (Summit) convened in June 2008 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the American Society of Law, Medicine, Ethics. Each of the papers deals with one of the four core elements of legal preparedness: (1) laws and legal authorities for public health practitioners; (2) legal competencies public health practitioners and legal and policy decision makers need for use of these laws and authorities; (3) crossdisciplinary and cross-jurisdiction coordination of law-based public health actions; and (4) information on public health law best practices. Collectively, they are referenced as the “white papers.”

Our purpose is to offer action options that will help to improve the legal competencies of public health practitioners and policy decision makers with respect to drafting, interpreting.
Perceived investment in employee development, intrinsic motivation and work performance
Authors: Kuvaas Bård , Dysvik Anders
Published: June 2009

The purpose of this study was to explore alternative relationships between perceived investment in employee development, intrinsic motivation and different facets of work performance. Three cross‐sectional surveys of a total of 826 respondents from organisations located in Norway showed that the relationship between perceived investment in employee development and work effort was mediated by intrinsic motivation. In addition, intrinsic motivation was found to moderate the relationship between perceived investment in employee development and organisational citizenship behaviour. The form of the moderation revealed a positive relationship only for employees with high levels of intrinsic motivation.
Ducks: The “Trojan Horses” of H5N1 influenza
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Ki , Negovetich Nicholas J. , Forrest Heather L. , Webster Robert G.
Published: June 2009

Abstract Wild ducks are the main reservoir of influenza A viruses that can be transmitted to domestic poultry and mammals, including humans. Of the 16 hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes of influenza A viruses, only the H5 and H7 subtypes cause highly pathogenic (HP) influenza in the natural hosts. Several duck species are naturally resistant to HP Asian H5N1 influenza viruses. These duck species can shed and spread virus from both the respiratory and intestinal tracts while showing few or no disease signs. While the HP Asian H5N1 viruses are 100% lethal for chickens and other gallinaceous poultry, the absence of disease signs in some duck species has led to the concept that ducks are the “Trojan horses” of H5N1 in their surreptitious spread of virus. An important unresolved issue is whether the HP H5N1 viruses are maintained in the wild duck population of the world. Here, we review the ecology and pathobiology of ducks infected with influenza A viruses and ducks’ role in the maintenance and spread of HP H5N1 viruses. We also identify the key questions about the role of ducks that must be resolved in order to understand the emergence and control of pandemic influenza. It is generally accepted that wild duck species can spread HP H5N1 viruses, but there is insufficient evidence to show that ducks maintain these viruses and transfer them from one generation to the next.
Effects of Instant Coffee Consumption on Oxidative DNA Damage, DNA Repair, and Redox System in Mouse Liver
Authors: Morii H. , Kuboyama A. , Nakashima T. , Kawai K. , Kasai H. , Tamae K. , Hirano T.
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT:  To examine the effects of instant coffee consumption on cancer risk, we analyzed the oxidative DNA damage levels and the DNA repair and redox systems in the livers of coffee‐fed mice. Three‐week‐old male ICR mice were fed with/without 0.1% (w/v) instant coffee solution. At 2, 4, and 8 mo, the levels of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OH‐dG), a major form of oxidative DNA damage, and the expression of mouse 8‐OH‐dG repair‐associated genes and redox system‐associated genes, the SOD activity, and the LPO level were analyzed. Simultaneously, half of the mice were fed a low vitamin (LV) diet (autoclaved diet) to disturb the defense system against oxidative stresses. As a result, the 8‐OH‐dG level was increased in the livers of LV diet (+ water)‐fed mice for 8 mo, in comparison to those of the 0 M control mice and normal diet (+ water)‐fed mice. However, no significant differences between water drinking and coffee drinking were observed, in terms of the 8‐OH‐dG level. In addition, the 8‐OH‐dG repair‐associated gene expression, the SOD activity, and the LPO level also showed no significant differences between water drinking and coffee drinking in all mouse groups. On the other hand, among the redox system‐associated genes, only the expression of GPx1 was changed. These results suggest that instant coffee consumption has little, if any, effect on the risk of liver cancer due to oxidative stresses.
Gluten Gel and Film Properties in the Presence of Cysteine and Sodium Alginate
Authors: Yuno‐Ohta Naoko , Yamada Mariko , Inomata Masako , Konagai Hiromi , Kataoka Tomomi
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT:  Wheat flour has an ability of forming dough by mixing with water, which exhibits a rheological property required for making bread. The major protein is gluten, which is a valuable protein material for food industry. In this study, gluten protein gels and films were formed with cysteine and sodium alginate. Adding cysteine improved gel and film properties (stress relaxation behavior, bending strength). The gel containing 0.01 M cysteine had a longer relaxation time and was more rigid than the gel without cysteine. Although adding sodium alginate to the gluten suspension containing cysteine improved the water‐holding ability and homogeneity of the gel network, the film from this gel was more brittle than the gluten film with cysteine alone. Microstructural observations of the gels and films with scanning electron microscopy suggested that water evaporation was more heterogeneous from the gel containing sodium alginate than from the gel with cysteine alone. Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) analysis during film formation suggested that the presence of cysteine encourages interaction between gluten molecules and results in intermolecular β‐sheet formation in earlier stages than in the no additive condition. FT‐IR results also suggested that the combined effect of sodium alginate and cysteine on the protein secondary structure was remarkably different from that of cysteine alone. Our results suggest that addition of a suitable amount of cysteine (0.01 M) and heat treatment to 80 °C during gluten gel and film formation induces a homogenous network in the gel and film by regulating disulfide–sulfide interactions.
Determination of Selenium and Tellurium in Basalt Rock Reference Materials by Isotope Dilution Hydride Generation‐Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry (ID‐HG‐ICP‐MS)
Authors: Forrest Allison , Kingsley Richard , Schilling Jean‐Guy
Published: June 2009

Promising methods have been developed recently for the determination of selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te) in geological materials at ng g−1 and lower levels, using hydride generation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. Here we report on a new isotope dilution‐hydride generation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ID‐HG‐ICP‐MS) method for the simultaneous determination of Se and Te, which is applied to basalts, and modified compared to previous work. The basalts were attacked and dissolved with hydrofluoric and nitric acid, spiked with enriched isotopes, and passed through a cation exchange column (AG 50‐X8 100–200 mesh) to separate the major cations that interfere with Se and Te detection (e.g., Fe). The detection limits of this method were 0.010 ng g−1 for Se and 0.0030 ng g−1 for Te, well below the concentrations of Se and Te expected in basalts. The precision of the method for Se was 12.2 to 15.1% and for Te was 4.6 to 7.2% RSD from replicate analyses of basalt reference samples. The accuracy for Se determinations was 61 to 94% and for Te 28 to 100% of values previously reported in the literature for selected USGS reference materials.
Die „X‐Komponente“ in Schanghais Reformen der sozialen Sicherheit
Authors: Davies Gloria , Nielsen Ingrid , Nyland Chris , Smyth Russell , Zhu Cherrie , Zhu Judith
Published: June 2009

Auszug

Im Jahr 2003 startete das Amt für Arbeit und soziale Sicherheit von Schanghai das zhenbao (Stadtversicherungs‐)Programm, das nun unter dem Namen 25 plus X bekannt ist. Dieses System gilt als wichtiges Experiment in der Reform der sozialen Sicherheit und wird gelobt, weil es die soziale Sicherheit auf Bereiche ausweitet, in denen vorher nur gewisse Segmente der Bevölkerung obligatorischem Schutz unterstanden. Gestützt auf die Daten von 103 000 Personen, die in 25 plus X Mitglied sind, untersuchen wir, inwieweit das System eine Ausweitung der Deckung durch die soziale Sicherheit bedeutet. Unsere Analyse lässt vermuten, dass es zwar für einige zu einer Ausweitung der Leistungen, für viele aber eine erhebliche Verwässerung der Leistungen bedeutet.
Beweggründe, von einem Rentensystem mit individuellen Konten zu einem umlagefinanzierten Rentensystem zu wechseln: Belege aus Argentinien
Authors: D'Elia Vanesa Valeria
Published: June 2009

Auszug

Vor der kürzlich erfolgten Einführung des Argentinischen Integrierten Altersvorsorgesystems (Sistema Integrado Previsional Argentino, SIPA) stellte die Reform von 2007 die erste große Veränderung des argentinischen sozialen Altersvorsorgesystems seit 1994 dar. Zum ersten Mal konnten sich Arbeitnehmer frei entscheiden, vom privaten System mit festgelegten Beiträgen und individuellen Konten zum staatlichen umlagefinanzierten System zu wechseln. In dieser Studie sollen die speziellen Merkmale der Personen ermittelt werden, die den Wechsel zum staatlichen umlagefinanzierten System gewählt haben, und es soll untersucht werden, ob ihr Verhalten mit dem eines „simulierten Arbeitnehmers“übereinstimmt, der sich bemüht, sein Alterseinkommen zu optimieren. Die Analyse umfasst auch eine Schätzung der Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass Personen mit bestimmten Merkmalen den Wechsel vollziehen werden.
Geschlechterspezifische Wirkung der nationalen Rentenreformen in der Republik Korea
Authors: An Mi‐young
Published: June 2009

Auszug

Der vorliegende Artikel untersucht die geschlechterspezifische Wirkung der Reform des nationalen Rentensystems (NR) in der Republik Korea. Im Jahr 2007 führte die koreanische Regierung ein einkommensabhängiges Altersgrundrentensystem mit pauschalen Grundrenten ein. Zugleich wurde die Anrechnung von Zeiten der Kinderbetreuung für Rentenansprüche eingeführt und die Anspruchsvoraussetzungen für Geschiedene und Witwen und Witwer geändert. Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht die Auswirkungen dieser neuen Politik auf Personen mit kürzeren Erwerbsbiografien und niedrigeren Löhnen, auf Hinterbliebene und auf die in Korea traditionelle Rolle der Familie im Sozialschutz. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Reformen einige positive Aspekte haben. Aber auch nach den Reformen erhalten Personen mit höherem Verdienst und einer ununterbrochenen Erwerbsbiografie mehr — beides Kriterien, die häufiger auf männliche Arbeitnehmer zutreffen. Ferner ist die wichtige Rolle der Familie für die Einkommenssicherung weiterhin stark in den Bestimmungen verankert, und der Schutz für Hinterbliebene bleibt schwach.
Identifying and reducing inadequacies in flood warning processes: an Australian perspective
Authors: Keys C. , Cawood M.
Published: June 2009

Floods are a serious threat to life, property and infrastructure in Australia, and accordingly there has been a strong focus on the development of flood warning services. These are provided by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology in conjunction with emergency management agencies and councils of local government. Often there are performance shortfalls in the provision of warnings of impending floods, and community criticism is common. This paper argues that most of the weaknesses in Australian flood warning practice are ‘cultural’ (that is, pertaining to the ways in which agencies operate) rather than ‘technical’ (resulting from deficiencies in data management or analysis). The paper makes a number of suggestions designed to overcome these deficiencies.
Floral organogenesis of Delavaya toxocarpa (Sapindaceae; Sapindales)
Authors: CAO Li‐Min , XIA Nian‐He
Published: June 2009

Abstract  The floral organogenesis and development of Delavaya toxocarpa Franch. (Sapindaceae) were studied under scanning electron microscope and light microscope to determine its systematic position within Sapindaceae. Flowers arise in terminal thyrses. The sepal primordia initiate in a spiral (2/5) sequence, which are not synchronous. The five petal primordia initiate almost synchronously and alternate with sepal primordia. Eight stamens initiate almost simultaneously and their differentiation precedes that of the petals. The last formed petal and one stamen initiate from a common primordium. Mature stamens curve inwards and cover the ovary in bud. The gynoecium begins as a hemispheric primordium on which two carpellary lobes arise simultaneously. Later in development a single gynocium is formed with two locules and two ovules per locule. Floral morphology suggests a closer affinity with Sapindaceae, although certain features of floral ontogenesis are similar to those observed in certain members of the former Hippocastanaceae, such as Handeliodendron.
Effect of Thyroxine Supplementation on Glomerular Filtration Rate in Hypothyroid Dogs
Authors: Gommeren K. , Van Hoek I. , Lefebvre H.P. , Benchekroun G. , Smets P. , Daminet S.
Published: June 2009

Background: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is decreased in humans with hypothyroidism, but information about kidney function in dogs with hypothyroidism is lacking.

Hypothesis: Hypothyroidism influences GFR in dogs. The objective of this study was to assess GFR in hypothyroid dogs before implementation of thyroxine supplementation and after re‐establishing euthyroidism.

Animals: Fourteen hypothyroid dogs without abnormalities on renal ultrasound examination or urinalysis.

Methods: Blood pressure and GFR (measured by exogenous creatinine clearance) were measured before treatment (T0, n = 14) and at 1 month (T1, n = 14) and at 6 months (T6, n = 11) after beginning levothyroxine supplementation therapy (20 μg/kg/d, PO). The response to therapy was monitored at T1 by measuring serum total thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations. If needed, levothyroxine dosage was adjusted and reassessed after 1 month. Statistical analysis was performed using a general linear model. Results are expressed as mean ± standard deviation.

Results: At T0, the average age of dogs in the study group was 6.3 ± 1.4 years. Their average body weight decreased from 35 ± 18 kg at T0 to 27 ± 14 kg at T6 (P < .05). All dogs remained normotensive throughout the study. GFR increased significantly with levothyroxine supplementation; the corresponding results were 1.6 ± 0.4 mL/min/kg at T0, 2.1 ± 0.4 at T1, and 2.0 ± 0.4 at T6 (P < .01).

Conclusion: GFR was <2 mL/min/kg in untreated hypothyroid dogs. Re‐establishment of a euthyroid state increased GFR significantly.
Abdominal expiratory activity in the rat brainstem–spinal cord in situ: patterns, origins and implications for respiratory rhythm generation
Authors: Abdala A. P. L. , Rybak I. A. , Smith J. C. , Paton J. F. R.
Published: June 2009

We studied respiratory neural activity generated during expiration. Motoneuronal activity was recorded simultaneously from abdominal (AbN), phrenic (PN), hypoglossal (HN) and central vagus nerves from neonatal and juvenile rats in situ. During eupnoeic activity, low‐amplitude post‐inspiratory (post‐I) discharge was only present in AbN motor outflow. Expression of AbN late‐expiratory (late‐E) activity, preceding PN bursts, occurred during hypercapnia. Biphasic expiratory (biphasic‐E) activity with pre‐inspiratory (pre‐I) and post‐I discharges occurred only during eucapnic anoxia or hypercapnic anoxia. Late‐E activity generated during hypercapnia (7–10% CO2) was abolished with pontine transections or chemical suppression of retrotrapezoid nucleus/ventrolateral parafacial (RTN/vlPF). AbN late‐E activity during hypercapnia is coupled with augmented pre‐I discharge in HN, truncated PN burst, and was quiescent during inspiration. Our data suggest that the pons provides a necessary excitatory drive to an additional neural oscillatory mechanism that is only activated under conditions of high respiratory drive to generate late‐E activity destined for AbN motoneurones. This mechanism may arise from neurons located in the RTN/vlPF or the latter may relay late‐E activity generated elsewhere. We hypothesize that this oscillatory mechanism is not a necessary component of the respiratory central pattern generator but constitutes a defensive mechanism activated under critical metabolic conditions to provide forced expiration and reduced upper airway resistance simultaneously. Possible interactions of this oscillator with components of the brainstem respiratory network are discussed.
Motoneuron survival is promoted by specific exercise in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Deforges Séverine , Branchu Julien , Biondi Olivier , Grondard Clément , Pariset Claude , Lécolle Sylvie , Lopes Philippe , Vidal Pierre‐Paul , Chanoine Christophe , Charbonnier Frédéric
Published: June 2009

Several studies using transgenic mouse models of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have reported a life span increase in exercised animals, as long as animals are submitted to a moderate‐intensity training protocol. However, the neuroprotective potential of exercise is still questionable. To gain further insight into the cellular basis of the exercise‐induced effects in neuroprotection, we compared the efficiency of a swimming‐based training, a high‐frequency and ‐amplitude exercise that preferentially recruits the fast motor units, and of a moderate running‐based training, that preferentially triggers the slow motor units, in an ALS mouse model. Surprisingly, we found that the swimming‐induced benefits sustained the motor function and increased the ALS mouse life span by about 25 days. The magnitude of this beneficial effect is one of the highest among those induced by any therapeutic strategy in this disease. We have shown that, unlike running, swimming significantly delays spinal motoneuron death and, more specifically, the motoneurons of large soma area. Analysis of the muscular phenotype revealed a swimming‐induced relative maintenance of the fast phenotype in fast‐twitch muscles. Furthermore, the swimming programme preserved astrocyte and oligodendrocyte populations in ALS spinal cord. As a whole, these data are highly suggestive of a causal relationship not only linking motoneuron activation and protection, but also motoneuron protection and the maintenance of the motoneuron surrounding environment. Basically, exercise‐induced neuroprotective mechanisms provide an example of the molecular adaptation of activated motoneurons.
Changes in visceral adipose tissue mitochondrial content with type 2 diabetes and daily voluntary wheel running in OLETF rats
Authors: Laye Matthew J. , Rector R. Scott , Warner Shana O. , Naples Scott P. , Perretta Aspen L. , Uptergrove Grace M. , Laughlin M. Harold , Thyfault John P. , Booth Frank W. , Ibdah Jamal A.
Published: June 2009

Using the hyperphagic, obese, Otsuka Long–Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat, we sought to determine if progression to type 2 diabetes alters visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) mitochondrial content and if these changes are modified through prevention of type 2 diabetes with daily exercise. At 4 weeks of age, OLETF rats began voluntary wheel running (OLETF‐EX) while additional OLETF rats (OLETF‐SED) and Long–Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO‐SED) rats served as obese and lean sedentary controls, respectively, for 13, 20 and 40 weeks of age (n= 6–8 for each group at each age). OLETF‐SED animals displayed insulin resistance at 13 and 20 weeks and type 2 diabetes by 40 weeks. OLETF‐SED animals gained significantly (P < 0.001) more weight and omental fat mass compared with OLETF‐EX and LETO‐SED. Markers of WAT mitochondrial protein content (cytochrome c, COXIV‐subunit I, and citrate synthase activity) significantly increased (P < 0.05) from 13 to 40 weeks in the LETO‐SED, but were significantly attenuated in the OLETF‐SED rats. Daily exercise normalized WAT cytochrome c and COXIV‐subunit I protein content in the OLETF‐EX to the healthy LETO‐SED animals. In conclusion, increases in omental WAT mitochondrial content between 20 and 40 weeks of age in LETO control animals are attenuated in the hyperphagic, obese OLETF rat. These alterations occurred in conjunction with the progression from insulin resistance to type 2 diabetes and were prevented with daily exercise. Reduced ability to increase WAT mitochondrial content does not appear to be a primary cause of insulin resistance, but may play a key role in the worsening of the disease condition.
The role of the intestinal microbiota in enteric infection
Authors: Sekirov Inna , Finlay B. Brett
Published: June 2009

The consortia of microorganisms inhabiting the length of the gastrointestinal tract, the gastrointestinal microbiota, are vital to many aspects of normal host physiology. In addition, they are an active participant in the progression of many diseases, among them enteric infections. Healthy intestinal microbiota contribute to host resistance to infection through their involvement in the development of the host immune system and provision of colonization resistance. It is not surprising then that disruptions of the microbial community translate into alterations of host susceptibility to infection. Additionally, the process of the infection itself results in a disturbance to the microbiota. This disturbance is often mediated by the host inflammatory response, allowing the pathogen to benefit from the inflammation at the intestinal mucosa. Uncovering the mechanisms underlying the host–pathogen‐microbiota interactions will facilitate our understanding of the infection process and promote design of more effective and focused prophylactic and therapeutic strategies.
Long‐term effect of neuronal nitric oxide synthase over‐expression on cardiac neurotransmission mediated by a lentiviral vector
Authors: Wang Lijun , Li Dan , Dawson Tom A. , Paterson David J.
Published: June 2009

Short‐term over‐expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) with adenoviral gene transfer into peripheral cardiac autonomic neurons can facilitate cholinergic neurotransmission, and inhibit sympathetic transmission, by regulating cyclic nucleotide‐dependent pathways coupled to neuronal calcium entry. We tested the idea whether cardiac neuromodulation by nNOS could be sustained by long‐term over‐expression of the enzyme following lentiviral gene transfer. We developed a lentiviral vector with an elongation factor 1 (EF1α) promoter to drive nNOS or enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression. Lenti.EF1α‐nNOS or Lenti.EF1α‐eGFP was transferred to the right atrium of Spague–Dawley (SD) rats and acetylcholine (ACh) or noradrenaline (NA) release to field stimulation was measured 4 months after gene transfer. Atria transduced with Lenti.EF1α‐nNOS had higher nNOS expression compared to the atria treated with Lenti.EF1α‐eGFP (P < 0.05). We also detected significant increases (P < 0.05) in atrial cGMP and cAMP levels in the same tissue. Immunohistochemistry revealed co‐localisation of eGFP in intrinsic cholinergic neurons (choline acetyltransferase positive) and intrinsic adrenergic neurons (tyrosine hydroxylase positive) following gene transfer. nNOS‐transduced animals displayed enhanced ACh release (P < 0.05) and reduced NA release (P < 0.05) compared to the eGFP‐treated group. nNOS‐specific inhibition reversed the enhanced ACh release. Persistent nNOS over‐expression mediated by a lentiviral vector can modulate sympatho‐vagal control of cardiac excitability. This approach may provide a new tool to target impaired cardiac autonomic phenotypes that are disrupted by several cardiovascular pathologies.
KCNQ1 is the luminal K+ recycling channel during stimulation of gastric acid secretion
Authors: Song Penghong , Groos Stephanie , Riederer Brigitte , Feng Zhe , Krabbenhöft Anja , Smolka Adam , Seidler Ursula
Published: June 2009

Parietal cell (PC) proton secretion via H+/K+‐ATPase requires apical K+ recycling. A variety of K+ channels and transporters are expressed in the PC and the molecular nature of the apical K+ recycling channel is under debate. This study was undertaken to delineate the exact function of KCNQ1 channels in gastric acid secretion. Acid secretory rates and electrophysiological parameters were determined in gastric mucosae of 7‐ to 8‐day‐old KCNQ1+/+, +/– and −/− mice. Parietal cell ultrastructure, abundance and gene expression levels were quantified. Glandular structure and PC abundance, and housekeeping gene expression did not differ between the KCNQ1−/− and +/+ mucosae. Microvillar secretory membranes were intact, but basal acid secretion was absent and forskolin‐stimulated acid output reduced by ∼90% in KCNQ1−/− gastric mucosa. Application of a high K+ concentration to the luminal membrane restored normal acid secretory rates in the KCNQ1−/− mucosa. The study demonstrates that the KCNQ1 channel provides K+ to the extracellular K+ binding site of the H+/K+‐ATPase during acid secretion, and no other gastric K+ channel can substitute for this function.
The core gut microbiome, energy balance and obesity
Authors: Turnbaugh Peter J. , Gordon Jeffrey I.
Published: June 2009

Metagenomics is an emerging field focused on characterizing the structures, functions and dynamic operations of microbial communities sampled in their native habitats without the need for culture. Here, we present findings from a 16S rRNA gene sequence‐ and whole community DNA shotgun sequencing‐based analysis of the adult human gut microbiomes of lean and obese mono‐ and dizygotic twins. Our findings indicate that a core microbiome can be found at the gene level, despite large variation in community membership, and that variations from the core are associated with obesity. These findings have implications for ongoing Human Microbiome Project(s), and highlight important challenges to the field of metagenomics.
Effect of Bottom Boundary on VIV for Energy Harnessing at 8×103<Re<1.5×105
Authors: Raghavan K. , Bernitsas Michael M. , Maroulis D. E.
Published: June 2009

The concept of extracting energy from ocean/river currents using vortex induced vibration was introduced at the OMAE2006 Conference. The vortex induced vibration aquatic clean energy (VIVACE) converter, implementing this concept, was designed and model tested; VIV amplitudes of two diameters were achieved for Reynolds numbers around 105 even for currents as slow as 1.6 kn. To harness energy using VIV, high damping was added. VIV amplitude of 1.3 diameters was maintained while extracting energy at a rate of PVIVACE=0.22×0.5×pU3DL at 1.6 kn. Strong dependence of VIV on Reynolds number was proven for the first time due to the range of Reynolds numbers achieved at the Low-Turbulence Free Surface Water (LTFSW) Channel of the University of Michigan. In this paper, proximity of VIVACE cylinders in VIV to a bottom boundary is studied in consideration of its impact on VIV, potential loss of harnessable energy, and effect on soft sediments. VIV tests are performed in the LTFSW Channel spanning the following ranges of parameters: Re∊[8×103–1.5×105], m∗∊[1.0–3.14], U∊[0.35–1.15 m/s], L/D∊[6–36], closest distance to bottom boundary (G/D)∊[4−0.1], and m∗ζ∊[0.14–0.26]. Test results show strong impact for gap to diameter ratio of G/D<3 on VIV, amplitude of VIV, range of synchronization, onset of synchronization, frequency of oscillation, hysteresis at the onset of synchronization, and hysteresis at the end of synchronization.
Simulation of Sloshing in LNG-Tanks
Authors: Peric Milovan , Zorn Tobias , el Moctar Ould , Schellin Thomas E. , Kim Yong-Soo
Published: June 2009

The purpose of this paper was to demonstrate the application of a procedure to predict internal sloshing loads on partially filled tank walls of liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers that are subject to the action of sea waves. The method is numerical. We used a moving grid approach and a finite-volume solution method designed to allow for arbitrary ship motions. An interface-capturing scheme that accounts for overturning and breaking waves computed the motion of liquid inside the tanks. The method suppressed numerical mixing. Mixing effects close to the interface were buried in the numerical treatment of the interface. This interface, which was at least one cell wide, amounted to about 20–50 cm at full scale. Droplets and bubbles smaller than mesh size were not resolved. Tank walls were considered rigid. The results are first presented for an LNG tank whose motion was prescribed in accordance with planned laboratory experiments. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional simulations were performed. The aim was to demonstrate that (1) realistic loads can be predicted using grids of moderate fineness, (2) the numerical method accurately resolves the free surface even when severe fragmentation occurs, and (3) long-term simulations over many oscillation periods are possible without numerical mixing of liquid and gas. The coupled simulation of a sea-going full-sized LNG tanker with partially filled tanks demonstrated the plausibility of this approach. Comparative experimental data were unavailable for validation; however, results were plausible and encouraged further validation.
Time Domain Simulation of the 3D Bending Hysteresis Behavior of an Unbonded Flexible Riser
Authors: Tan Zhimin , Quiggin Peter , Sheldrake Terry
Published: June 2009

This paper presents a “state-of-the-art” development in time domain dynamic simulation of 3D bending hysteresis behavior of a flexible riser under offshore environment loading. The main technical challenge is to understand and model the riser tensile armor behavior under continuous changes in both the magnitude and direction of bending, and its subsequent impact on the riser’s bending hysteresis characteristics. On account of this technical obstacle, the current industry practice is to model the riser as a linear structure, with certain conservatism enforced, and then to extract the global dynamic loads to a detailed local model for stress and life assessment. Two 3D flexible riser bending hysteresis models developed by Wellstream and Orcina are introduced in this paper, with their calibrations against the bending hysteresis loops measured in full scale tests. Both models are implemented using the analysis program ORCAFLEX. The Wellstream model is a detailed model that calculates both the total bending moment and the stresses in the tensile armor, whereas the Orcina model is a simpler model that only calculates the total bending moment. The study presented illustrates the difference in riser dynamic responses with and without consideration of the bending hysteresis behavior and assesses the difference in dynamic responses between the Wellstream and Orcina 3D bending hysteresis models. This development permits the modeling of more realistic riser structural properties in the dynamic simulation and reports detailed time history stress or strain results for strength components of the riser, and so expands the current practice of riser fatigue analysis, which uses the regular wave approach only, to using an irregular wave approach employing the rainflow counting method.
Coupled Multifield Finite Element Analysis Model of Upsetting Under an Applied Direct Current
Authors: Kronenberger Thomas J. , Johnson David H. , Roth John T.
Published: June 2009

Recent research studying the deformation of various metals in compression, while running an electric current through the material, has been quite promising. A problem occurs when trying to identify the specific mechanisms that cause the changes in the mechanical properties, however, since the flow of electricity produces resistive heating, which also affects the mechanical properties of metals. However, previous research has proven that not all of the effects on the properties can be explained through resistive heating, implying that the electron flow through the metal also causes changes to the mechanical properties. Therefore, this work develops a model capable of differentiating between the effects of resistive heating and the effects of the electron flow when deforming 6061-T6511 aluminum in compression. To accomplish this, a detailed finite element simulation has been developed using ANSYS® with two models in symbiosis. The first model predicts the temperature of the specimen and compression fixtures due to the applied electrical current. The resulting thermal data are then input into a deformation model to observe how the temperature change affects the deformation characteristics of the material. From this model, temperature profiles for the specimen are developed along with true stress versus strain plots. These theoretical data are then compared with experimentally determined data collected for 6061-T6511 aluminum in compression. By knowing the exact effects of resistive heating, as obtained through the finite element analysis (FEA) model, the effects of the electron flow are isolated by subtracting out the effects of resistive heating from the data obtained experimentally. Future work will use these results to develop a new material behavior model that will incorporate both the resistive and flow effects from the electricity.
The Effect of Laser Pulse Duration and Feed Rate on Pulsed Laser Polishing of Microfabricated Nickel Samples
Authors: Perry Tyler L. , Werschmoeller Dirk , Li Xiaochun , Pfefferkorn Frank E. , Duffie Neil A.
Published: June 2009

The objective of this work was to improve our understanding of pulsed laser micropolishing (PLμP) by studying the effects of laser pulse length and feed rate (pulses per millimeter) on surface roughness. PLμP experiments were conducted with a multimode neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (1064 nm wavelength) that was focused down to approximately 50 μm diameter and scanned over the stationary workpiece surface. Simulation results presented here and previous work suggest that longer laser pulses result in smoother surfaces. Results on microfabricated nickel samples using laser pulse durations of 300 ns and 650 ns test this hypothesis. Polishing with 300 ns and 650 ns pulse durations results in an average surface roughness of 66 nm and 47 nm, respectively; reductions of 30% and 50% compared with the original surface. Furthermore, PLμP is shown to introduce a minor artifact on the sample surface whose spatial frequency (1/mm) is directly related to the laser feed rate (pulses/mm).
Modeling of Flow Rate, Pore Size, and Porosity for the Dispensing-Based Tissue Scaffolds Fabrication
Authors: Li M. G. , Tian X. Y. , Chen X. B.
Published: June 2009

Dispensing technique is one of the promising solid freeform (SFF) methods to fabricate scaffolds with controllable pore sizes and porosities. In this paper, a model to represent the dispensing-based SFF fabrication process is developed. Specifically, the mechanical properties of the scaffold material and its influence on the fabrication process are examined; the flow rate of the scaffold material dispensed and the pore size and porosity of the scaffold fabricated in the process are represented. In order to generate scaffold strands without either tensile or compressive stress, the optimal moving speed of the dispensing head is determined from the flow rate of the scaffold material dispensed. Experiments were also carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the model developed.
Electromagnetic Impact Welding of Al-to-Al–Li Sheets
Authors: Kore S. D. , Date P. P. , Kulkarni S. V. , Kumar S. , Kulkarni M. R. , Desai S. V. , Rajawat R. K. , Nagesh K. V. , Chakravarty D. P.
Published: June 2009

The potential for weight savings resulting from the low density and high stiffness of aluminum-lithium (Al–Li) alloys and the difficulty in fusion welding of these alloys led to this study of solid state welding of Al–Li alloys for its potential application in the aerospace and automobile industries. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of electromagnetic (EM) welding of Al-to-Al–Li sheets by using Al drivers to drive the electrically poor conductive Al–Li sheets. A study has been carried out to characterize the electromagnetic impact welding of Al-to-Al–Li sheets of 1 mm thickness. Specific heat treatment cycle need to be followed prior to EM welding of Al–Li sheets. The results of the microstructure and tensile shear strength tests are reported.
Condition-Based Maintenance Decision-Making for Multiple Machine Systems
Authors: Ambani Saumil , Li Lin , Ni Jun
Published: June 2009

Maintenance decision-making has emerged as an important area of industrial research. Over the past two decades, maintenance policies have evolved from simple reactive maintenance to complex versions of condition-based maintenance (CBM). A quantitative description of a machine’s health, as found in CBM, is essential to plan maintenance effectively as it helps avoid excessive or insufficient maintenance. In spite of several advancements in the degradation monitoring techniques, most CBM decision-making methods still focus on a single machine system. Maintenance analysis of a single machine provides good insights, but lacks practical applications. In this paper, we develop a continuous time Markov chain degradation model and a cost model to quantify the effects of maintenance on a multiple machine system. An optimal maintenance policy for a multiple machine system in the absence of resource constraints is obtained. In the presence of resource constraints, two prioritization methods are proposed to obtain effective maintenance policies for a multiple machine system. A case study focusing on a section of an automotive assembly line is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Reliability-Based Dynamic Maintenance Threshold for Failure Prevention of Continuously Monitored Degrading Systems
Authors: Li Lin , You Mingyi , Ni Jun
Published: June 2009

Machine failures in manufacturing systems interrupt production operations and cause production loss. The conventional methods for failure prevention are to perform preventive maintenance before failure occurs. In these methods, a fixed maintenance threshold (FMT) is obtained using the lifetime distribution of each machine. This threshold can then be used to trigger maintenance work-orders. A problem with the conventional technique is that it does not consider the updated state of the system, which continues to change before and after maintenance. Therefore, unnecessarily high costs can be incurred due to unexpected equipment failure (lack of maintenance) or excessive maintenance. In this paper, a reliability-based dynamic maintenance threshold (DMT) is calculated based on the updated equipment status. The benefits of the DMT are demonstrated in a numerical case study on a drilling process. The results illustrate that the maintenance policy using the DMT can reduce unscheduled downtime, increase equipment availability, and utilize the equipment remaining useful life more effectively than a conventional FMT-based maintenance policy.