bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of epidermal growth factor-like peptides on pig cumulus cell expansion, oocyte maturation, and acquisition of developmental competence in vitro: comparison with gonadotropins
Authors: Procházka Radek , Petlach Michal , Nagyová Eva , Němcová Lucie
Published: January 2011

The aim of this work was to assess the FSH-stimulated expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like peptides in cultured cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) and to find out the effect of the peptides on cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation, and acquisition of developmental competencein vitro. FSH promptly stimulated expression of amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG), but not betacellulin (BTC) in the cultured COCs. Expression ofAREGandEREGreached maximum at 2 or 4 h after FSH addition respectively. FSH also significantly stimulated expression of expansion-related genes (PTGS2,TNFAIP6, andHAS2) in the COCs at 4 and 8 h of culture, with a significant decrease at 20 h of culture. Both AREG and EREG also increased expression of the expansion-related genes; however, the relative abundance of mRNA for each gene was much lower than in the FSH-stimulated COCs. In contrast to FSH, AREG and EREG neither stimulated expression ofCYP11A1in the COCs nor an increase in progesterone production by cumulus cells. AREG and EREG stimulated maturation of oocytes and expansion of cumulus cells, although the percentage of oocytes that had reached metaphase II was significantly lower when compared to FSH-induced maturation. Nevertheless, significantly more oocytes stimulated with AREG and/or EREG developed to blastocyst stage after parthenogenetic activation when compared to oocytes stimulated with FSH alone or combinations of FSH/LH or pregnant mares serum gonadotrophin/human chorionic gonadotrophin. We conclude that EGF-like peptides do not mimic all effects of FSH on the cultured COCs; nevertheless, they yield oocytes with superior developmental competence.
Expression and effect of resistin on bovine and rat granulosa cell steroidogenesis and proliferation
Authors: Maillard Virginie , Froment Pascal , Ramé Christelle , Uzbekova Svetlana , Elis Sébastien , Dupont Joëlle
Published: January 2011

Resistin, initially identified in adipose tissue and macrophages, was implicated in insulin resistance. Recently, its mRNA was found in hypothalamo–pituitary axis and rat testis, leading us to hypothesize that resistin may be expressed in ovary. In this study, we determined in rats and cows 1) the characterization of resistin in ovary by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry and 2) the effects of recombinant resistin (10, 100, 333, and 667 ng/ml)±IGF1 (76 ng/ml) on steroidogenesis, proliferation, and signaling pathways of granulosa cells (GC) measured by enzyme immunoassay, [3H]thymidine incorporation, and immunoblotting respectively. We observed that resistin mRNA and protein were present in several bovine and rat ovarian cells. Nevertheless, only bovine GC abundantly expressed resistin mRNA and protein. Resistin treatment decreased basal but not IGF1-induced progesterone (P<0.05; whatever the dose) and estradiol (P<0.005; for 10 and 333 ng/ml) production by bovine GC. In rats, resistin (10 ng/ml) increased basal and IGF1-induced progesterone secretion (P<0.0001), without effect on estradiol release. We found no effect of resistin on rat GC proliferation. Conversely, in cows, resistin increased basal proliferation (P<0.0001; for 100–667 ng/ml) and decreased IGF1-induced proliferation of GC (P<0.0001; for 10–333 ng/ml) associated with a decrease in cyclin D2 protein level (P<0.0001). Finally, resistin stimulated AKT and p38-MAPK phosphorylation in both species, ERK1/2-MAPK phosphorylation in rats and had the opposite effect on the AMPK pathway (P<0.05). In conclusion, our results show that resistin is expressed in rat and bovine ovaries. Furthermore, it can modulate GC functions in basal state or in response to IGF1in vitro.
Flexural capacity predictions of self-compacting concrete beams using stress–strain relationship in axial compression
Authors: Kumar R. , Singh B. , Bhargava P.
Published: January 2011

Due to its unique composition, self-compacting concrete (SCC) may have stress–strain characteristics that are significantly different from those of conventionally vibrated concrete (CVC). An experimental investigation was carried out to generate complete stress–strain curves for SCC in axial compression by testing 162 standard cylindrical specimens of strength 35–70 MPa. The accuracy of analytical models for CVC selected from the literature in predicting the stress–strain behaviour of the SCC mixtures is discussed and their inadequacies are highlighted. A new constitutive model covering a wide range of concrete strengths is proposed for SCC. The equivalent rectangular stress block specified in current design codes for flexural capacity predictions was developed on the basis of tests on CVC; given the observed differences in the stress–strain behaviour of CVC and SCC, its applicability to structural design of SCC members becomes questionable. On the basis of the proposed constitutive model for SCC, a new equivalent rectangular stress block valid for concrete strengths of up to 70 MPa is presented for analysis of flexural capacity. The flexural capacity predictions of the proposed stress block are compared with experimental data from the present work and other investigations reported in the literature, and good agreement was obtained. A simple analytical approach is presented for predictive assessment of the load–deflection behaviour of SCC beams with a reasonable degree of accuracy.
Static and dynamic tensile behaviour of PE-fibrous ferrocement
Authors: Lin Vincent Wen Jun , Quek Ser Tong , Maalej Mohamed
Published: January 2011

This paper presents the results of a study on the quasi-static and dynamic uni-axial tensile behaviours of polyethylene-fibrous ferrocement. The study first focused on the quasi-static tensile responses of fibrous-ferrocement reinforced with different volume fractions of short polyethylene fibres. The dynamic tensile behaviour was next investigated by subjecting the tensile specimens to different strain rates varying from 2 × 10−6/s to 2 × 10−1/s. The quasi-static tests revealed superior tensile strength and strain capacities as well as cracking behaviour of polyethylene-fibrous ferrocement compared with conventional ferrocement specimens. In the dynamic tests, higher energy absorption capacities were observed in the specimens that were subjected to higher strain rates, and the dynamic increase factors of both polyethylene-fibre reinforced cementitious composite and polyethylene-fibrous ferrocement were estimated and observed to be higher than those of conventional concrete. Therefore, better performance can be expected from such fibrous cementitious composites when they are subjected to dynamic loadings of short duration.
Data mining approach for friction factor in mobile bed channel
Authors: Kumar Bimlesh
Published: January 2011

Resistance to flow in mobile bed channels varies between wide limits because the form of the boundary roughness, as well as resistance to flow and sediment transport, is a function of the fluid, flow, bed material and channel characteristics. A system can be evaluated analytically if the relationships in the model are simple enough to be represented in a mathematical form. Complex systems such as mobile bed friction factor can be investigated through the data mining technique. Data mining is currently utilised in almost all branches of science as an alternative and complementary model to traditional physically based modelling systems. This paper proposes a genetic algorithm optimised back-propagation neural network to model the friction factor. Based on the weights of the neural network an attempt is made to quantify the contributions of the different parameters in the friction factor prediction.
Modelling phytoplankton dynamics in a complex estuarine system
Authors: Nash Stephen , Hartnett Michael , Dabrowski Tomasz
Published: January 2011

The primary objective of this research was to develop a generic methodology for numerical modelling of the water quality within estuarine systems; in particular, this research focused on modelling nutrient dynamics and phytoplankton growth. This paper presents details of the developed modelling methodology and its application to Cork Harbour, an Irish waterbody that regularly experiences algal blooms. Input data requirements and, in particular, an innovative method for the determination of spatially varying initial conditions are presented. Phytoplankton dynamics are highly dependent on light intensity; a novel formulation for the light intensity component of the phytoplankton growth module was therefore developed and implemented in the model. The formula, which relates light intensity to turbidity and chlorophyll-a concentrations based on field data, is shown to achieve good results. Phytoplankton predictions were validated in an unusual but very effective manner using remote sensing techniques. A flushing module was included in the model to provide insights into transport processes. The paper demonstrates how simple flushing models may be used as a more cost-effective alternative to full water quality models for identification of potential eutrophic waters. Results from the Cork Harbour model are used throughout to demonstrate the effectiveness of the modelling methodology.
Optimal reservoir rule curves using simulated annealing
Authors: Kangrang Anongrit , Compliew Sudarat , Hormwichian Rattana
Published: January 2011

Reservoir rule curves are basic guides for the long-term operation of reservoir systems. This paper presents a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm connected with a simulation model to determine optimal reservoir rule curves. The proposed model was applied to the Bhumibol and Sirikit reservoirs in Thailand. The pattern of the obtained rule curves was similar to existing rule curves and the rule curves obtained using genetic algorithms (GAs). The obtained rule curves were used to simulate the Bhumibol and Sirikit reservoir systems with synthetic inflows and these results were compared with the GA-obtained rule curves. The results from the two techniques, in considering both water shortage and excess release of water, were analogous. This indicates that the proposed SA algorithm is effective in determining optimal rule curves for reservoirs.
Modelling of urban flooding due to Yangtze River dike break
Authors: Wang Xin , Cao Zhixian , Pender Gareth , Tan Guangming
Published: January 2011

A computational case study is presented of the flooding in urban Jiujiang due to the Yangtze River dike break in August 1998. A shallow water hydrodynamic model was deployed based on the weighted average flux – total variation diminishing (WAF-TVD) finite volume algorithm. A series of numerical modelling was conducted to identify the influences of the mesh resolution and model parameterisation on the flood propagation. Three mesh resolutions (2, 5 and 10 m) were used, and spatially distributed roughness was specified based on land-use classification. Due to the highly irregular topography and densely distributed buildings, the flood propagation is largely hindered. The numerical results show that an area of merely 6 km2 was inundated at 6 h following the dike break with a discharge of 400 m3/s. Mesh resolution and roughness parameterisation have considerable effects on the flood propagation, whereas the impact of turbulent eddy viscosity is negligible. A coarser mesh could result in a larger inundation area (10%), and a lumped roughness may produce an appreciable overestimation of the inundation area in the initial period of the flood propagation. This observation highlights the significance of mesh resolution and also physically meaningful estimation of the roughness for urban flood modelling.
On the Importance of the Tax System in Marginal Cost of Funds Calculations
Authors: Beaud Mickael
Published: January 2011

Several papers have attempted to derive computable analytical formulas for the Marginal Cost of Funds (MCF). However, this literature is often cast in the pure labor supply general equilibrium model, which is not completely consistent with real tax systems where Labor Income Taxation (LIT) is not the only instrument used by governments. Hence, we explicitly introduce Value-Added Taxation (VAT) on consumption goods in the conventional model, and we derive an analytical formula for the MCF which does incorporate general equilibrium interactions between the different tax bases. Then, we illustrate how much this matter for empirical estimates of MCF using French data. Our numerical example suggests that, when computing MCF for a LIT reform, taking account of the impact of LIT reform on tax revenue from VAT can make a great deal of difference, typically increasing MCF and accounting for around 0.2 to 0.8 of estimates. In addition, MCF is then really less likely to be less than one than in the conventional framework.
Job Search, Conditional Treatment and Recidivism: The Employment Services for Ex-Offenders Program Reconsidered
Authors: Bierens Herman J , Carvalho Jose R
Published: January 2011

The objective of this paper is to re-evaluate the effect of the 1985 “Employment Services for Ex-Offenders” (ESEO) program on recidivism in San Diego, Chicago and Boston. The initial group of program participants was split randomly in a control group and a treatment group. The actual treatment (mainly being job related counseling) only takes place conditional on finding a job and not having been arrested for those selected in the treatment group. We use interval-censored proportional hazard models for job search and recidivism time, where the latter model incorporates the conditional treatment effect, depending on covariates. We find that the effect of the program depends on location and age. The ESEO program reduces the risk of recidivism only for ex-inmates over the age of 27 in San Diego and Chicago and over the age of 36 in Boston, but increases the risk of recidivism for the other ex-inmates in the treatment group.
Do Rising Top Incomes Lift All Boats?
Authors: Andrews Dan , Jencks Christopher , Leigh Andrew
Published: January 2011

Pooling data for 1905 to 2000, we find no systematic relationship between top income shares and economic growth in a panel of 12 developed nations observed between 22 and 85 years. After 1960, however, a one percentage point rise in the top decile’s income share is associated with a statistically significant 0.12 point rise in GDP growth during the following year. This relationship is not driven by changes in either educational attainment or top tax rates. If the increase in inequality is permanent, the increase in growth appears to be permanent. However, our estimates imply that it would take 13 years for the cumulative positive effect of faster growth on the mean income of the bottom nine deciles to offset the negative effect of reducing their share of total income.
Strategic Responses to Parallel Trade
Authors: Kyle Margaret
Published: January 2011

High prices for patented pharmaceuticals have prompted many governments to consider allowing competition from parallel imports, or products first sold at lower prices in other countries. This paper examines how pharmaceutical firms have responded to changes in intellectual property rights and trade barriers that legalized parallel imports within the European Union (EU). The threat of arbitrage by parallel traders reduces the ability of firms to price discriminate across countries. Due to regulations on price and antitrust law on rationing supply, pharmaceutical firms may rely on non-price responses. Such responses include differentiation of products across countries and selective culling of product lines to reduce arbitrage opportunities, as well as raising arbitrageurs costs through choice of packaging. Using a dataset of drug prices and sales from 1993-2004 covering 30 countries, I find evidence that the behavior of pharmaceutical firms in the EU with respect to their product portfolios is consistent with attempts to reduce parallel trade. This may at least partially explain why parallel trade has not yet resulted in significant price convergence across EU countries. Accounting for non-price strategic responses may therefore be important in assessing the welfare effects of competition from parallel imports.
Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Incentives in Prescription Pharmaceuticals: The Case of Statins
Authors: Limbrock Frank
Published: January 2011

Health insurance companies seek to influence the type of care patients receive in order to increase value in relation to cost. Traditional health insurance relies primarily on price mechanisms to affect patients' and doctors' choices, whereas managed care plans such as HMOs, as the name implies, affect choices directly thorough various forms of managed care. I investigate the effect of pecuniary and non-pecuniary incentives used by health insurance companies to influence prescription decisions in an important class of pharmaceuticals, cholesterol-lowering drugs called Statins, using a discrete-choice demand model on patient-level data. My results suggest that HMOs are significantly more successful at influencing drug choice than traditional indemnity insurers. In conjunction with volume-contingent discounts given by drug producers, this could explain part of the cost-effectiveness differential between HMOs and traditional indemnity insurers.
Will Border Carbon Adjustments Work?
Authors: Winchester Niven , Paltsev Sergey , Reilly John M
Published: January 2011

The potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) restrictions in some nations to increased emissions in other nations, or leakage, is a contentious issue in climate change negotiations. We evaluate the impact of border carbon adjustments (BCAs) outlined in the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2454), using an economy-wide model. For 2025, we find that BCAs reduce leakage by up to two-thirds, but result in only modest reductions in global emissions and significantly reduce welfare. In contrast, BCA-equivalent leakage reductions can be achieved by very small emission charges or efficiency improvements in nations targeted by BCAs, which have negligible welfare effects. We conclude that BCAs are a costly method to reduce leakage, but may be an effective coercion strategy.
Antimicrobial activity screening of isolated flavonoids from azadirachta indica leaves
Authors: Kanwal Qudsia , Hussain Ishtiaq , Siddiqui Latif , Javaid Arshad
Published: January 2011

The antimicrobial activities of two flavonoids, namely Genisteina A
7-O-glucoside (1) and (-)-Epi-catechin (2), isolated from Azadirachta indica
A. Juss (neem) leaves, were evaluated against five fungal species, viz:
Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius,
Aspergillus niger van Tieghem, Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. and
Penicillium citrii, and four bacterial species, viz: Lactobacillus sp.,
Escherichia coli, Azospirillium lipoferum and Bacillus sp. Six
concentrations, viz. 100, 300, 500, 700, 900 and 1000 ppm of each of the two
flavonoids were employed using malt extract agar medium. All the
concentrations of both the test compounds significantly suppressed fungal as
well as bacterial growth. The highest concentration (1000 ppm) of both
fractions 1 and 2 reduced the growth of the different test fungal species by
83-99 % and 82-95 %, respectively. Compound 1 was highly effective against
Lactobacillus sp., against which its various concentrations reduced the
bacterial growth by 52-99.8 %. Compound 2 was highly effective against A.
lipoferm and Bacillus sp., resulting in 94- 100 % and 73-99% reduction in
bacterial growth, respectively.
Using Amazon Mechanical Turk for linguistic research
Authors: Schnoebelen Tyler , Kuperman Victor
Published: January 2011

Amazon?s Mechanical Turk service makes linguistic experimentation quick,
easy, and inexpensive. However, researchers have not been certain about its
reliability. In a series of experiments, this paper compares data collected
via Mechanical Turk to those obtained using more traditional methods One set
of experiments measured the predictability of words in sentences using the
Cloze sentence completion task (Taylor, 1953). The correlation between
traditional and Turk Cloze scores is high (rho=0.823) and both data sets
perform similarly against alternative measures of contextual predictability.
Five other experiments on the semantic relatedness of verbs and phrasal
verbs (how much is ?lift? part of ?lift up?) manipulate the presence of the
sentence context and the composition of the experimental list. The results
indicate that Turk data correlate well between experiments and with data
from traditional methods (rho up to 0.9), and they show high inter-rater
consistency and agreement. We conclude that Mechanical Turk is a reliable
source of data for complex linguistic tasks in heavy use by psycholinguists.
The paper provides suggestions for best practices in data collection and
scrubbing.
Cortisol and aldosterone response to various doses of cosyntropin in healthy cats
Authors: DeClue Amy E. , Martin Linda G. , Behrend Ellen N. , Cohn Leah A. , Dismukes David I. , Lee Hollie P.
Published: January 2011

Objective—To determine the lowest dose of cosyntropin on a per body weight basis that would produce maximal cortisol and aldosterone secretion and the ideal timing of blood sample collection after ACTH stimulation in healthy cats.

Design—Randomized crossover trial.

Animals—7 adult sexually intact male purpose-bred cats.

Procedures—Each cat received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control) and 5 doses (125 μg/cat and 10, 5, 2.5, and 1 μg/kg [4.54, 2.27, 1.14, and 0.45 μg/lb]) of cosyntropin IV with a 2-week washout period between treatments. Blood samples were obtained before (baseline) and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes after administration of saline solution or cosyntropin.

Results—Serum cortisol and aldosterone concentration increased significantly, compared with baseline values, after administration of all cosyntropin doses. Lower doses of cosyntropin resulted in an adrenocortical response equivalent to the traditional dose of 125 μg/cat. The lowest doses of cosyntropin that stimulated a maximal cortisol and aldosterone response were 5 and 2.5 μg/kg, respectively. Lower doses of cosyntropin resulted in a shorter interval between IV administration of cosyntropin and peak serum cortisol and aldosterone concentrations.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Low-dose ACTH stimulation testing with IV administration of cosyntropin at 5 μg/kg followed by blood sample collection at 60 to 75 minutes resulted in concurrent peak serum cortisol and aldosterone concentrations that were equivalent to those achieved following administration of cosyntropin at 125 μg/cat, the standard dose currently used.
Assessment of exposure to Leptospira serovars in veterinary staff and dog owners in contact with infected dogs
Authors: Barmettler Reto , Schweighauser Ariane , Bigler Susanne , Grooters Amy M. , Francey Thierry
Published: January 2011

Objective—To assess patterns of seroreactivity to Leptospira serovars in veterinary professional staff and dog owners exposed to dogs with acute leptospirosis and to contrast these patterns in people with those observed in dogs.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Sample Population—Human subjects consisted of 91 people (50 veterinarians, 19 technical staff, 9 administrative personnel, and 13 dog owners) exposed to dogs with leptospirosis. Canine subjects consisted of 52 dogs with naturally occurring leptospirosis admitted to the University of Bern Vetsuisse Faculty Small Animal Clinic in 2007 and 2008.

Procedures—People were tested for seroreactivity to regionally prevalent Leptospira serovars by use of a complement fixation test. A questionnaire designed to identify risk factors associated with seropositivity was used to collect demographic information from each study participant. Dogs were tested for seroreactivity to Leptospira serovars by use of a microscopic agglutination test.

Results—On the basis of microscopic agglutination test results, infected dogs were seropositive for antibodies against Leptospira serovars as follows (in descending order): Bratislava (43/52 [83%]), Australis (43/52 [83%]), Grippotyphosa (18/52 [35%]), Pomona (12/52 [23%]), Autumnalis (6/52 [12%]), Icterohemorrhagiae (4/52 [8%]), Tarassovi (2/52 [4%]), and Canicola (1/52 [2%]). All 91 people were seronegative for antibodies against Leptospira serovars. Therefore, statistical evaluation of risk factors and comparison of patterns of seroreactivity to Leptospira serovars between human and canine subjects were limited to theoretical risks.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Seroreactivity to Leptospira serovars among veterinary staff adhering to standard hygiene protocols and pet owners exposed to dogs with acute leptospirosis was uncommon.
Predictors of outcome in dogs treated with adjuvant carboplatin for appendicular osteosarcoma: 65 cases (1996–2006)
Authors: Saam Dianna E. , Liptak Julius M. , Stalker Margaret J. , Chun Ruthanne
Published: January 2011

Objective—To determine outcomes and prognostic factors for those outcomes in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma treated with curative-intent surgery and adjuvant carboplatin.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—65 client-owned dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma and no evidence of gross metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs that underwent limb amputation or distal ulnectomy and adjuvant carboplatin treatment for appendicular osteosarcoma were reviewed. Adverse effects of chemotherapy and findings regarding preoperative biopsy specimens and postoperative diagnostic imaging were recorded. Signalment, clinical history, and chemotherapy variables were evaluated for associations with outcome. Histologic grade and other variables were evaluated for association with outcome for 38 tumors that were retrospectively graded.

Results—The median disease-free interval was 137 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 112 to 177 days). Median survival time was 277 days (95% CI, 203 to 355 days). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 36%, 22%, and 19%, respectively. None of the chemotherapy variables were associated with outcome. Preoperative proteinuria was the only clinical variable associated with poor outcome. Histologic features of tumors associated with a poor outcome were intravascular invasion, mitotic index > 5 in 3 microscopic hpfs, and grade III classification.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Carboplatin administration was well tolerated and resulted in a disease-free interval and median survival time similar to those of other published protocols.
Evaluation of the analgesic effects of oral and subcutaneous tramadol administration in red-eared slider turtles
Authors: Baker Bridget B. , Sladky Kurt K. , Johnson Stephen M.
Published: January 2011

Objective—To determine the dose- and time-dependent changes in analgesia and respiration caused by tramadol administration in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta).

Design—Crossover study.

Animals—30 adult male and female red-eared slider turtles.

Procedures—11 turtles received tramadol at various doses (1, 5, 10, or 25 mg/kg [0.45, 2.27, 4.54, or 11.36 mg/lb], PO; 10 or 25 mg/kg, SC) or a control treatment administered similarly. Degree of analgesia was assessed through measurement of hind limb thermal withdrawal latencies (TWDLs) at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after tramadol administration. Nineteen other freely swimming turtles received tramadol PO (5, 10, or 25 mg/kg), and ventilation (VE), breath frequency, tidal volume (VT), and expiratory breath duration were measured.

Results—The highest tramadol doses (10 and 25 mg/kg, PO) yielded greater mean TWDLs 6 to 96 hours after administration than the control treatment did, whereas tramadol administered at 5 mg/kg, PO, yielded greater mean TWDLs at 12 and 24 hours. The lowest tramadol dose (1 mg/kg, PO) failed to result in analgesia. Tramadol administered SC resulted in lower TWDLs, slower onset, and shorter duration of action, compared with PO administration. Tramadol at 10 and 25 mg/kg, PO, reduced the VE at 12 hours by 51% and 67%, respectively, and at 24 through 72 hours by 55% to 62% and 61 % to 70%, respectively. However, tramadol at 5 mg/kg, PO, had no effect on the VE.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Tramadol administered PO at 5 to 10 mg/kg provided thermal analgesia with less respiratory depression than that reported for morphine in red-eared slider turtles.
The Influence of Pregnancy on the Location of the Center of Gravity in Standing Position
Authors: Opala-Berdzik Agnieszka , Bacik Bogdan , Cieślińska-Świder Joanna , Plewa Michał , Gajewska Monika
Published: January 2011

The Influence of Pregnancy on the Location of the Center of Gravity in Standing Position

The purpose of the study was to compare the average location of the center of gravity vertical projection in sagittal plane in women at the beginning of and in advanced pregnancy as well as after delivery. The experiment was performed with the use of a force platform during four test sessions. A group of 44 women (8-16 weeks of pregnancy) participated in the initial test session. In the following sessions the number of the subjects reduced mainly due to medical and childcare problems: 33 women were tested in late pregnancy (2-3 weeks before delivery), and 39 women were tested two and six months after delivery.

The results showed the statisticaly significant (p<0,05) posterior displacement of the projection of the center of gravity of the lenth of approximately 4 mm in late pregnancy comparing to the beginning of pregnancy. The displacement may be the result of the body's adaptation to the increased mass in the anterior trunk area in late pregnancy. No discrepancy was found when comparing the average center of gravity location in the early pregnancy and after delivery.

We concluded that the change of the center of gravity location in late pregnancy is temporary and two months after delivery the vertical projection of the center of gravity is located as it was at the beginning of pregnancy.
Effect of Additional Load on Power Output during Drop Jump Training
Authors: Makaruk Hubert , Sacewicz Tomasz , Czaplicki Adam , Sadowski Jerzy
Published: January 2011

Effect of Additional Load on Power Output during Drop Jump Training

Plyometrics can be an effective way of improving power performance in many sports. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of additional loading on power during drop jump training. Forty-two untrained physical education students with plyometric training background participated in a six-week training 3 times a week. Subjects were randomized to one of three training groups: without (FREE) and with a weight vest (VEST; 5% body weight), and a control group (CON). Pretraining and post-training measures of concentric peak power (PP), force (Fpp) and velocity (υPP) at peak power and, in addition, time between eccentric and concentric peak power (tPPEC) were analyzed in a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a drop jump (DJ) from a height of 0.3 m. The FREE and VEST groups considerably improved PP in CMJ (p < 0.05), but υPP significantly increased (p < 0.05) and tPPEC significantly decreased (p < 0.05) only in the FREE group. The enhancement of PP and υPP was only demonstrated by the FREE group in DJ. The FREE group significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and the VEST group significantly increased (p < 0.05) tPPEC in DJ. It can be concluded that using additional load during drop jump training does not produce superior gains in power output when compared to a traditional drop jump training program.
Which Factors Affect Hand Selection in Adults? Combined Effects of Ocular Dominance, Task Demand and Object Location
Authors: Rezaee Meysam , Shojaee Masomeh , Ghasemi Abdullah , Moghaddam Amir , Momeni Maryam
Published: January 2011

Which Factors Affect Hand Selection in Adults? Combined Effects of Ocular Dominance, Task Demand and Object Location

Eighty-five right-handed subjects (39 female and 46 male, 47 being right-eye dominant and 38 being left-eye dominant) were tested on three tasks of different levels of difficulty, performed in five locations. In the current study, participants were required to pick up the tool, pick up and pantomime how to use it and pick up and actual use on the materials provided. Our goal was to evaluate how the effect of object location interacts with task difficulty on adult hand selection. We also tried to evaluate the effect of eye dominance as a biological factor on hand selection. The result showed that the frequency of preferred hand reaches was greater for pantomime and real use than the pick up condition. This effect was mediated by the position of the object in hemispace, with more right hand reaches occurring for the use and pantomime task than the pick up task. The result also revealed that there is no difference between frequency of preferred hand reaches in left- and right-eye dominant. Based on results of this study, it can be suggested that limb selection depends on task and environmental constraints, rather than a biological factor like eye dominance.
Changes in Plasma Potassium During Graded Aerobic Exercise and Two Hours of Recovery
Authors: Tenan Matthew , McMurray Robert , Hosick Peter , Hackney Anthony
Published: January 2011

Changes in Plasma Potassium During Graded Aerobic Exercise and Two Hours of Recovery

Plasma potassium increases with exercise intensity. Subjects (n=8) were monitored for changes in plasma potassium while exercising at progressively increasing steady-state intensities and for two hours of recovery. Plasma potassium was significantly increased at 100% of VO2peak compared to 20% and 40% (p<0.01). Plasma potassium at 60 and 120 minutes of recovery from exercise was significantly higher than 6 minutes post exercise (p<0.015). These results support the supposition that high-intensity exercise may lead to hyperkalemia, and also indicates that increases in [K+] occur up to two hours after the cessation of exercise, a newly reported phenomenon. Although, high levels of plasma potassium are known to cause cardiac abnormalities and related events, exercise induced changes in normal healthy adults are not currently believed to have clinical implications
Thermal Bridge Impact on the Heating Demand in a Low-Energy House
Authors: Pelss Martins , Blumberga Andra , Kamenders Agris
Published: January 2011

Thermal Bridge Impact on the Heating Demand in a Low-Energy House

Thermal bridges typically occur at the junction of different building components where it is difficult to achieve continuity in the thermal insulation layer. In this paper thermal bridges are investigated in the first one-family low-energy house in Latvia. The proportion of the overall heat loss due to thermal bridging is determined based on the results from a numerical calculation method described in the standard LVS EN ISO 10211 and from the simplified calculation method given in the standard LVS EN ISO 14683. In this paper the software tool THERM is used for two-dimensional thermal bridge model simulations. The results suggest that 7.7 % of the total heat transmission losses occur due to thermal bridges.
Analysis of Long-Term Plan for Energy Supply System for Latvia that is 100% Based on the Use of Local Energy Resources
Authors: Porubova Jekaterina , Bazbauers Gatis
Published: January 2011

Analysis of Long-Term Plan for Energy Supply System for Latvia that is 100% Based on the Use of Local Energy Resources

The prices of fossil energy resources are expected to rise substantially in the future, therefore fossil energy resources might not be a feasible energy source for Latvia in the long term. The establishment of a fully self-sufficient energy supply system will require a significant transformation of the existing energy supply and transport infrastructure. Early planning of such a system makes it possible to shape development of the existing energy system in order to achieve that goal of a fully self-sufficient energy supply system. The paper shows a potential solution to establish an energy and transport system solely based on the domestic primary resources by the year 2050.
Observation of stacking faults in a scanning electron microscope by electron channelling contrast imaging
Authors: Weidner Anja , Glage Alexander , Sperling Lutz , Biermann Horst
Published: January 2011

The electron channelling contrast imaging technique was applied in a scanning electron microscope equipped with a field emission gun and high beam current mode for imaging stacking faults, in particular in two different variants of cast TRIP steel after tensile and cyclic deformation. Besides well developed deformation bands, individual stacking faults with low dissipation width were observed in the metastable austenitic matrix.
Specific Radioactivity of Neutron Induced Radioisotopes: Assessment Methods and Application for Medically Useful 177Lu Production as a Case
Authors: Le Van So
Published: January 2011

The conventional reaction yield evaluation for radioisotope production is not sufficient to set up the optimal conditions for producing radionuclide products of the desired radiochemical quality. Alternatively, the specific radioactivity (SA) assessment, dealing with the relationship between the affecting factors and the inherent properties of the target and impurities, offers a way to optimally perform the irradiation for production of the best quality radioisotopes for various applications, especially for targeting radiopharmaceutical preparation. Neutron-capture characteristics, target impurity, side nuclear reactions, target burn-up and post-irradiation processing/cooling time are the main parameters affecting the SA of the radioisotope product. These parameters have been incorporated into the format of mathematical equations for the reaction yield and SA assessment. As a method demonstration, the SA assessment of 177Lu produced based on two different reactions, 176Lu (n,γ)177Lu and 176Yb (n,γ) 177Yb (β- decay) 177Lu, were performed. The irradiation time required for achieving a maximum yield and maximum SA value was evaluated for production based on the 176Lu (n,γ)177Lu reaction. The effect of several factors (such as elemental Lu and isotopic impurities) on the 177Lu SA degradation was evaluated for production based on the 176Yb (n,γ) 177Yb (β- decay) 177Lu reaction. The method of SA assessment of a mixture of several radioactive sources was developed for the radioisotope produced in a reactor from different targets.
Identify Biomarkers of Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus by Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Combined with Weak Cation Magnetic Beads
Authors: SUN LING , CHEN HUA , HU CHAOJUN , WANG PENG , LI YONGZHE , XIE JING , TANG FULIN , BA DENIAN , ZHANG XUAN , HE WEI
Published: January 2011

Objective.

To identify proteomic biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and develop a diagnostic proteomic model for neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE).

Methods.

CSF proteomic spectra were generated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) combined with weak cation exchange (WCX) magnetic beads. The spectra were taken from 27 patients with NPSLE before and after treatment, and 27 controls including 17 patients with scoliosis and 10 patients with SLE but without neuropsychiatric manifestation. Discriminating peaks were processed by Biomarker Patterns Software to build a decision tree model for NPSLE classification. In addition, CSF samples of 12 patients with NPSLE, 12 patients with lumbar disc herniation, and 9 patients with other neurological conditions were used as a blind test group to verify the accuracy of the model.

Results.

Twelve discriminating mass-to-charge (m/z) peaks were identified between NPSLE and controls: m/z peaks 7740, 11962, 8065, 7661, 6637, 5978, 11384, 11744, 8595, 10848, 7170, and 5806. The diagnostic decision tree model, built with a panel of m/z peaks 8595, 7170, 7661, 7740, and 5806, recognized NPSLE with both sensitivity and specificity of 92.6%, based on training group samples, and sensitivity and specificity of 91.7% and 85.7%, respectively, based on the blind test group. In addition, the root node m/z peak 8595 protein, which was downregulated in the CSF of patients with NPSLE after treatment, was identified and confirmed as ubiquitin by immunoprecipitation and ELISA.

Conclusion.

Potential CSF biomarkers for NPSLE are identified by MALDI-TOF-MS combined with WCX magnetic beads. The novel diagnostic proteomic model with m/z peaks 8595, 7170, 7661, 7740, and 5806 is highly sensitive and relatively specific for NPSLE diagnosis. The level of ubiquitin in CSF is a promising biomarker for active NPSLE.
Use of Serum Clara Cell 16-kDa (CC16) Levels as a Potential Indicator of Active Pulmonary Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: HASEGAWA MINORU , FUJIMOTO MANABU , HAMAGUCHI YASUHITO , MATSUSHITA TAKASHI , INOUE KATSUMI , SATO SHINICHI , TAKEHARA KAZUHIKO
Published: January 2011

Objective.

To clarify the clinical significance of concentrations of serum Clara cell 16-kDa protein (CC16; previously denoted CC10) in the diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc); and to compare CC16 levels with levels of the current most reliable serum markers for PF, such as Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) antigen and surfactant protein-D (SP-D).

Methods.

Serum levels of CC16, KL-6, and SP-D were determined by ELISA in 92 patients with SSc, 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 20 healthy controls. In a retrospective longitudinal study, correlation of serum CC16 levels with the activity of PF was assessed in 16 SSc patients with PF.

Results.

Although CC16 levels were higher in patients with SSc than in SLE patients or healthy controls, the difference was not significant. Increased serum CC16 levels were associated with involvement of PF, especially active PF, as well as KL-6 and SP-D. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the utility of CC16 is slightly inferior to KL-6, but was comparable with that of SP-D for detecting PF in patients with SSc. In the longitudinal study, serum levels of CC16, KL-6, and SP-D were significantly decreased in the inactive disease phase compared to the active disease phase.

Conclusion.

CC16 levels can be used as a potential serum biomarker for PF in addition to KL-6 and SP-D in patients with SSc.
Antinuclear Antibodies and Clinical Associations in a British Cohort with Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: GLIDDON ANGELA E. , DORÉ CAROLINE J. , DUNPHY JULIET , BETTERIDGE ZOË , McHUGH NEIL J. , MADDISON PETER J. ,   the QUINS Trial Study Group
Published: January 2011

Objective.

To assess the prevalence of disease-specific autoantibodies in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc).

Methods.

Sera from 180 patients with lcSSc were analyzed for antinuclear antibody (ANA). Clinical characteristics were compared in the presence or absence of specific autoantibodies.

Results.

SSc-specific antibodies were detected in 135 patients (75%). Associations were found between anticentromere antibody and age at lcSSc diagnosis, telangiectasia, reduced creatinine clearance, and selective reduction in DLCO, and between antitopoisomerase-I and pulmonary fibrosis.

Conclusion.

The majority of patients with lcSSc belong to distinctive serologic subsets, potentially with prognostic significance.
Plasma Platelet-derived Microparticles in Patients with Connective Tissue Diseases
Authors: OYABU CHINAMI , MORINOBU AKIO , SUGIYAMA DAISUKE , SAEGUSA JUN , TANAKA SHINO , MORINOBU SAHOKO , TSUJI GOH , KASAGI SHIMPEI , KAWANO SEIJI , KUMAGAI SHUNICHI
Published: January 2011

Objective.

To clarify the role of platelet-derived microparticles (PDMP), which are small vesicles with thrombotic and immunological properties, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), dermatomyositis/polymyositis (PM/DM), and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD).

Methods.

Plasma levels of PDMP were measured by ELISA, and compared among patients with one of the 4 diseases. Association of PDMP levels with clinical characteristics and medication of the patients was also examined.

Results.

PDMP levels were higher in patients with MCTD and SSc than in controls. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) showed higher PDMP levels than those without. PDMP levels in individual patients did not fluctuate significantly over several months.

Conclusion.

PDMP level is associated with MCTD, SSc, and RP, and could be a novel marker for RP.
Validation of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale in Patients with Moderately to Severely Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Participating in a Clinical Trial
Authors: LAI JIN-SHEI , BEAUMONT JENNIFER L. , OGALE SARIKA , BRUNETTA PAUL , CELLA DAVID
Published: January 2011

Objective.

Fatigue is a common symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our objective was to validate the 13-item Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue scale in patients with SLE.

Methods.

The FACIT-Fatigue, Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and Patient Global Assessment Visual Analog Scale (Patient-GA) were completed at baseline and at Weeks 12, 24, and 52 by patients with moderately to severely active extrarenal SLE. The patients were participating in a rituximab clinical trial. The British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) disease activity index and the Physician Global Assessment Visual Analog Scale (Physician-GA) were completed by physicians at the same visits.

Results.

At baseline, 254 patients completed the FACIT-Fatigue scale. Cronbach’s α was > 0.95 at all visits. In cross-sectional analyses, FACIT-Fatigue scores differentiated between groups defined by BILAG General domain ratings. FACIT-Fatigue had moderate-high correlations (r = 0.5–0.8) with SF-36, BPI, and Patient-GA, but poor correlations with BILAG total score and Physician-GA (r = 0.1–0.3). At Weeks 12, 24, and 52, mean FACIT-Fatigue scale improvement was higher in patients who improved versus those who remained unchanged on the BILAG General domain. FACIT-Fatigue scale scores remained stable for patients with worsened BILAG General domain ratings compared to baseline. Distribution and anchor-based estimates suggested a minimally important difference (MID) range of 3–6 points.

Conclusion.

The FACIT-Fatigue scale is a valid and responsive measure of fatigue in patients with SLE. MID in this SLE sample is similar to that derived previously in other populations. Since few patients experienced worsening BILAG General and Musculoskeletal domains in this study, further research is warranted to evaluate the responsiveness of FACIT-Fatigue to worsening of these domains.
L'expansion des murs : le reflet d'un monde fragmenté ?
Authors: Neisse Frank , Novosseloff Alexandra
Published: January 2011

Les murs élevés dans le monde depuis la fin de la guerre froide veulent répondre à la déterritorialisation, à la fragmentation, engendrées par la mondialisation, et à l’émergence de menaces nouvelles. Ces murs physiques peuvent revêtir des aspects virtuels, à l’aide des nouvelles technologies. Mais leur efficacité est toujours limitée à l’immédiat : elle est une réponse de court terme à des problèmes de long terme. Les murs isolent les problèmes mais ne les résolvent pas. politique étrangère
D'un mur à l'autre: la séparation vue par les Israéliens (2002-2010)
Authors: Parizot Cédric
Published: January 2011

Le mur construit par Israël autour de la Cisjordanie n’a pas instauré de séparation territoriale entre Israéliens et Palestiniens. Inachevé, son tracé est aussi brouillé par le déploiement d’autres dispositifs de contrôle ( check points , routes de contournement, colonies israéliennes, etc.). À partir d’une étude ethnographique, cet article étudie les conditions qui, dans ce contexte, ont pourtant conduit une grande partie des Israéliens à intérioriser l’idée d’une séparation achevée avec les Palestiniens. politique étrangère