bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Incidence of Positional Plagiocephaly: A Cohort Study
Authors: Mawji Aliyah , Vollman Ardene Robinson , Hatfield Jennifer , McNeil Deborah A. , Sauvé Reginald
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of positional plagiocephaly in infants 7 to 12 weeks of age who attend the 2-month well-child clinic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

METHODS:

A prospective cohort design was used to recruit 440 healthy full-term infants (born at ≥37 weeks of gestation) who presented at 2-month well-child clinics for public health nursing services (eg, immunization) in the city of Calgary, Alberta. The study was completed in 4 community health centers (CHCs) from July to September 2010. The CHCs were selected based on their location, each CHC representing 1 quadrant of the city. Argenta's (2004) plagiocephaly assessment tool was used to identify the presence or absence of plagiocephaly.

RESULTS:

Of the 440 infants assessed, 205 were observed to have some form of plagiocephaly. The incidence of plagiocephaly in infants at 7 to 12 weeks of age was estimated to be 46.6%. Of all infants with plagiocephaly, 63.2% were affected on the right side and 78.3% had a mild form.

CONCLUSIONS:

To our knowledge, this is the first population-based study to investigate the incidence of positional plagiocephaly using 4 community-based data collection sites. Future studies are required to corroborate the findings of our study. Research is required to assess the incidence of plagiocephaly using Argenta's plagiocephaly assessment tool across more CHCs and to assess prevalence at different infant age groups. The utility of using Argenta's plagiocephaly assessment tool by public health nurses and/or family physicians needs to be established.
Community-Centered Education Improves Vaccination Rates in Children From Low-Income Households
Authors: Suryadevara Manika , Bonville Cynthia A. , Ferraioli Frank , Domachowske Joseph B.
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE:

We partnered with the Salvation Army to educate resource-poor families regarding childhood immunizations in an effort to improve vaccine coverage rates.

METHODS:

Eligibility for enrollment included children of families presenting at registration for our Salvation Army holiday gift program, available to families with an annual income <150% of federal poverty guidelines. Parents completed a questionnaire, were provided each child’s vaccination status as documented in the New York State Immunization Information System, and interacted with the study team to address immunization-related concerns. Missed vaccines were identified and parents were directed to their child’s medical home for necessary immunizations. Vaccine coverage was ascertained via the New York State Immunization Information System every 6 to 8 weeks with telephone follow-up for children who remained delayed. The McNemar test and standard 2-proportion comparison were used to determine confidence intervals when analyzing matched or independent data, respectively.

RESULTS:

A total of 1531 children were enrolled; 416 (28%) of the 1477 children with accurate immunization records were vaccine complete. When we excluded influenza vaccine, 1034 (70%) of children had received all other recommended vaccines. Nine months later, vaccine completion rates increased from 28% to 45%, largely because of improvements in influenza vaccination rates, which increased by 17% (confidence interval [CI] 15.5–19.5), a significant improvement over county (8%, 95% CI 7.4–8.1) and statewide (5%, 95% CI 4.7–4.8) rates during the same period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Immunization rates in poor children are suboptimal. Partnering with community-based organizations to address parental concerns, provide education, and perform follow-up was effective in improving immunization rates, particularly for influenza vaccine.
Functional Somatic Symptoms and Consultation Patterns in 5- to 7-Year-Olds
Authors: Rask Charlotte Ulrikka , Ørnbøl Eva , Fink Per Klausen , Skovgaard Anne Mette
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the frequency of and factors linked to medical consultation for functional somatic symptoms (FSS) among 5- to 7-year-old children.

METHODS:

We assessed 1327 children from the Copenhagen Child Cohort 2000 for FSS at ages 5 to 7 years. Register data on past health care use in general practice were compared between children with and those without parent-reported medical consultation for FSS at the age of 5 to 7 years: respective consulters (n = 96) and nonconsulters (n = 211) and children without FSS (n = 1019). Degree of parental worries about the child’s symptoms and parent-reported symptom characteristics and associated impacts were compared between consulters and nonconsulters.

RESULTS:

Among 308 children with FSS, 31.1% were consulters. Being a consulter was significantly associated with multisymptomatic presentation, parental worries about the symptoms, symptom impact, and a higher past health care use in general practice. Multiple logistic regression analysis controlled for gender, comorbid physical disease, and symptom severity revealed that the number of face-to-face contacts in general practice during the child’s first 4 years of life predicted being an consulter for FSS at 5 to 7 years (odds ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.06; odds ratio interpreted per unit change in number of contacts).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study adds to our understanding of health care use for FSS in childhood by highlighting the influence of parents’ early consultation patterns with their child and the influence of parental perceptions of their child’s health and FSS-related impact on pediatric health care use for FSS. Management of health care use in children with FSS should address these aspects.
Wegener’s granulomatosis
Authors: Gadó Klára , Z. Szabó László , Csákó László , Domján Gyula
Published: July 2013

Wegener’s granulomatosis is a necrotizing inflammation of small and medium size vessels with granuloma formation. It is a very heterogeneous disease in respect of severity and clinical manifestation. While it can be a rapidly progressive disease with fatal ending, there are forms limited only to one organ. Diagnosis is supported by the positivity of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody and the presence of the typical histological findings. Unfortunately, these examinations cannot confirm clinical suspicion relatively frequently. In addition, there may be only symptoms related to one single organ for a long time at the beginning of the disease and, therefore, one have to be aware of the clinical signs and symptoms of the different organ systems. This may allow us to make an early diagnosis and start treatment in time. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1083–1095.
Incidence of myocardial infarction in Hungary. Population study in five districts of Budapest and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county
Authors: Jánosi András , Ofner Péter , Branyickiné Géczy Gabriella , Polgár Péter
Published: July 2013

Introduction: In the last few decades data on the incidence of acute myocardial infarction are not available in Hungary. Aim: The aim of the authors was to define the incidence of myocardial infarction using the Hungarian Infarction Registry according to the number of in- and out-of-hospital cases in five districts of the capital (districts II, III, IX, X and XVII) and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county. Method: Besides using the Hungarian Infarction Registry, databases of the National Public Health and Medical Officer Service and that of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office were used in order to define the incidence of prehospital cases, according to the regulations presented in an earlier proposal of the Data Protection Ombudsman of Hungary. Results: For 10 000 residents the incidence of myocardial infarction in the capital was 28.63 in males and 16.21 in females, while in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county the mean incidence was 32.49 for males and 18.59 for females. The mean incidence of myocardial infarction in the five districts of the capital in males and females did not differ from the mean values of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county. When comparing the incidence values in different districts of the capital to the countryside, the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county had significantly higher values for both males and females compared to districts II and III of the capital, while in district X the incidence of myocardial infarction in males was significantly lower compared to the values in the countryside. Conclusions: Using the mean incidence results projected to the capital and countryside population according to age and gender, 20 000 new myocardial infarction cases might be expected per year in Hungary. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1106–1110.
Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 using Supported Cu2O Catalysts
Authors: Bugayong Joel , Griffin Gregory L.
Published: July 2013

We have studied the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to produce short chain hydrocarbons and alcohols using supported Cu2O electrocatalysts. The catalysts are prepared using Cu2O nanoparticles formed by chemical reduction of aqueous CuCl2 mixed with polyethylene glycol surfactant, followed by addition of NaOH and L-ascorbic acid (sodium). The nanoparticles are then added to a Nafion/ethanol solution and coated onto a carbon fiber support. When tested used for CO2 electroreduction at −1.5 V(NHE), the Cu2O particles are reduced to metallic Cu, but the hydrocarbon product distribution remains different from that reported for conventional metallic Cu electrodes. Ethylene is the major hydrocarbon produced, with a Faradaic efficiency around 25%, while the efficiency for CH4 formation is reduced to around 1%. The major alcohol product is ethanol, with a Faradaic efficiency around 6%. The relative formation rates of the individual products are discussed in terms of the relevant branch points in recent computational models for the overall reaction mechanism.
Attack Biology and Egg Maturation Strategy of Two Tachinid Parasitoids of Leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Pests in Tree Fruit
Authors: Wiman Nik G , Jones Vincent P
Published: July 2013

Reproductive biology, including mode of attack and egg maturation, has not been described for the leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) parasitoids Nemorilla pyste (Coquillett) and Nilea erecta (Walker) (Diptera: Tachinidae). Mode of host attack is an important character for understanding evolutionary relationships in Tachinidae, and is an important consideration for biological control. In parasitic Hymenoptera, egg maturation strategy is predictive of many life-history variables, but these predictions have not been tested in other parasitoid groups. In this article, observations on the mode of attack of N. erecta and N. pyste that were acquired through the rearing of these species in the laboratory are described. The study also used dissections to examine internal reproductive physiology and obtain fecundity data for flies of different ages. Fecundity data from the dissections and from cage experiments were used to estimate the ovigeny index of the two species. N. pyste was found to be a highly synovigenic oviparous species, whereas N. erecta was found to be moderately synovigenic and ovolarviparous. Life-history associations of hymenopteran parasitoids with egg maturation strategy appeared not to apply to these tachinids.
Evidence of Formosan Subterranean Termite Group Size and Associated Bacteria in the Suppression of Entomopathogenic Bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis and thuringiensis
Authors: Wang Cai , Henderson Gregg
Published: July 2013

The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, was studied for its ability to suppress two entomopathogenic bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti) and thuringiensis (Btt). Different group sizes (50, 25, 10, and no termites [control]) of C. formosanus were placed on well-grown Bti or Btt agar plates. On day 1, the diameters of Bti and Btt colonies in the three treatments containing termites were significantly smaller than in the controls. The diameters of Bti and Btt colonies in the 50-termite treatment were significantly smaller than in the 10-termite treatment. However, neither was significantly different from the 25-termite treatment. This group sized dependent suppression was even more distinct on day 2. On day 5, inhibitory zones were observed in all three treatments containing termites where Bti or Btt colonies originally grew. The Bti and Btt cells from these inhibitory zones regenerated on new plates after transfer from 25- and 10-termite treatments as did the controls, but no regeneration was observed after transfer from 50-termite treatment. Results show that the presence of C. formosanus can suppress the growth of Bti and Btt and the suppression effect enhanced with increased of group size. Moreover, antagonistic tests show that natural bacteria carried by termites play a role in the suppression of Bti and Btt.
Caribbean and Mexican Additions to theDasymutilla bioculataSpecies-Group (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae)
Authors: Williams Kevin A , Pitts James P
Published: July 2013

Williams et al. (Syst. Entomol. 36: 180–191) discovered that all former members of the Dasymutilla bioculata species-group were synonymous. Here we present a study of Mexican and Caribbean species that closely resemble D. bioculata (Cresson). Dasymutilla bouveiri (André), Dasymutilla chionothrix Manley & Pitts, Dasymutilla concordia Manley & Pitts, Dasymutilla insulana Mickel, Dasymutilla latebalteata (Cameron), Dasymutilla nocticaro Manley & Pitts, Dasymutilla truxali Manley & Pitts, and Dasymutilla Veracruz Manley & Pitts are transferred to the D. bioculata species-group based on morphological similarities with D. bioculata. Placement in the D. bioculata species-group, coupled with overlapping disparate ranges, facilitate the following synonymies. D. truxali is a junior synonym of D. chionothrix. D. Veracruz is a junior synonym of D. latebalteata. D. concordia is a junior synonym of D. nocticaro. Genaro (Caribbean J. Sci. 33: 263–268) provided a key to the males of the Caribbean species, including Dasymutilla bouvieri and D. insulana, but these males were not satisfactorily described. Full descriptions are given for these males and diagnoses are provided for all members of the D. bioculata species-group.
Comparative Body Size and Shape Analyses of F1 HybridRhagoletis pomonellaandRhagoletis zephyria(Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Yee Wee L , Chapman Peter S , Sheets H David
Published: July 2013

Hybridization between apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), and Rhagoletis zephyria Snow (Diptera: Tephritidae) occurs in Washington State, complicating fly identifications. Here, experimentally generated F1 hybrids of R. pomonella and R. zephyria were classified using morphometric methods. Five of nine mean body size measurements of hybrids from crossing female R. pomonella × male R. zephyria were intermediate between those of nonhybrids. Aculeus lengths of hybrid females were intermediate or were more similar to those of R. pomonella than R. zephyria. Based on six or seven body size measures, 25.0% of female and 44.4% of male hybrids were correctly classified. Misclassified female and male hybrids resembled R. pomonella and one or the other parental species, respectively. Mean wing shapes of hybrid females based on landmark measurements were novel, whereas those of males were intermediate between those of nonhybrids. Based on wing shapes + natural log (In) centroid size, 90.9% of female and 66.7% of male hybrids were correctly classified. Hybrid females were misclassified as R. pomonella and more hybrid males as R. zephyria. Based on surstylus shape, 27.7% of male hybrids were correctly classified, with more being misclassified as R. pomonella. Results show wing shape + In centroid size is the most useful measure for identifying female and male hybrids and that R. pomonella traits for aculeus length and/or wing shape appear dominant to those of R. zephyria in hybrid females.
Contrasting the ecological and taxonomic consequences of extinction
Authors: Christie Max , Holland Steven M. , Bush Andrew M.
Published: July 2013

Extinction in the fossil record is most often measured by the percentage of taxa (species, genera, families, etc.) that go extinct in a certain time interval. This is a measure of taxonomic loss, but previous work has indicated that taxonomic loss may be decoupled from the ecological effects of an extinction. To understand the role extinction plays in ecological change, extinction should also be measured in terms of loss of functional diversity. This study tests whether ecological changes increase correspondingly with taxonomic changes during the Late Ordovician M4/M5 extinction, the Ordovician/Silurian mass extinction, and the Late Devonian mass extinction. All three extinctions are evaluated with regional data sets from the eastern United States. Ecological effects are measured by classifying organisms into ecological lifestyles, which are groups based on ecological function rather than evolutionary history. The taxonomic and ecological effects of each extinction are evaluated with additive diversity partitioning, detrended correspondence analysis, and relative abundance distributions. Although the largest taxonomic changes occur in the Ordovician/Silurian extinction, the largest ecological changes occur in the Late Devonian extinction. These results suggest that the ecological consequences of extinction need to be considered in addition to the taxonomic effects of extinction.
Mineral quantification of preheated cement raw mix
Authors: Galai Haykel , Hafdhallah Sarra Ben
Published: July 2013

A series of samples taken from different points of a cement preheater tower were the subject of a chemical and mineralogical study. In order to determine the amount of mineralogical components, especially that of calcite and aggressive phases (sulfates, sylvite, etc.), a quantitative analysis based on the Rietveld method was carried out and the results checked with the thermogravimetric analysis. The obtained results serve as a useful base to examine the evolution of undesirable phases and to control the efficiency of cyclones.
A seasonal nitrogen deposition budget for Rocky Mountain National Park
Authors: Benedict K. B. , Carrico C. M. , Kreidenweis S. M. , Schichtel B , Malm W. C. , Collett J. L.
Published: July 2013

Nitrogen deposition is a concern in many protected ecosystems around the world, yet few studies have quantified a complete reactive nitrogen deposition budget including all dry and wet, inorganic and organic compounds. Critical loads that identify the level at which nitrogen deposition negatively affects an ecosystem are often defined using incomplete reactive nitrogen budgets. Frequently only wet deposition of ammonium and nitrate are considered, despite the importance of other nitrogen deposition pathways. Recently, dry deposition pathways including particulate ammonium and nitrate and gas phase nitric acid have been added to nitrogen deposition budgets. However, other nitrogen deposition pathways, including dry deposition of ammonia and wet deposition of organic nitrogen, still are rarely included. In this study, a more complete seasonal nitrogen deposition budget was constructed based on observations during a year‐long study period from November 2008 to November 2009 at a location on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Colorado, USA. Measurements included wet deposition of ammonium, nitrate, and organic nitrogen, PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm, nitrate, and ammonium) concentrations of ammonium, nitrate, and organic nitrogen, and atmospheric gas phase concentrations of ammonia, nitric acid, and NO2. Dry deposition fluxes were determined from measured ambient concentrations and modeled deposition velocities. Total reactive nitrogen deposition by all included pathways was found to be 3.65 kg N·ha−1yr−1. Monthly deposition fluxes ranged from 0.06 to 0.54 kg N·ha−1yr−1, with peak deposition in the month of July and the least deposition in December. Wet deposition of ammonium and nitrate were the two largest deposition pathways, together contributing 1.97 kg N·ha−1yr−1 or 54% of the total nitrogen deposition budget for this region. The next two largest deposition pathways were wet deposition of organic nitrogen and dry deposition of ammonia; combined they contributed 1.37 kg N·ha−1yr−1 or 37% of the total nitrogen deposition budget. To better understand the nitrogen cycle and key interactions between the atmosphere and biosphere we need to include as many sources and types of nitrogen as possible and understand their variability throughout the year. Here we examine the components of the nitrogen deposition budget to better understand the factors that influence the different deposition pathways and their seasonal variations.
When the Usual Symptoms Become an Unusual Diagnosis: A Case Report of Trifunctional Protein Complex
Authors: Anderson Sharon , Brooks Susan Sklower
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Disorders of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation should be considered in any infant who presents with unexplained hypoglycemia and/or myopathy. Although disorders of trifunctional protein (TFP) complex including long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) and mitochondrial TFP deficiencies are extremely rare, the combined incidence of mitochondrial fatty acid disorders is quite frequent. With the expansion of newborn screening, what were once considered uncommon disorders are being identified with increasing frequency in asymptomatic infants. The following case scenario presents an infant who developed symptoms prior to the completion of newborn screening. This fairly routine course for a late-preterm infant reveals an extremely rare inborn error of metabolism, LCHAD deficiency. An overview of TFP complex, the differential diagnoses as the case unfolds, diagnostic test results, acute care management, and short-term patient follow-up is presented.

With experience, health care providers often become accustomed to and expect to see common things regularly. This case presents a scenario which, as it unfolds, appears to be quite common. It turns out, however, to be very uncommon.
A study on transformation of some transition metal oxides in molten steelmaking slag to magnetically susceptible compounds
Authors: Shatokha V. , Semykina A. , Nakano J. , Sridhar S. , Seetharaman S.
Published: July 2013

Sustainable development of steelmaking requires solving a number of
environmental problems. Economically feasible and environmentally friendly
recycling of slag wastes is of special concern. Research of the team
representing National Metallurgical Academy of Ukraine, Royal Institute of
Technology, Carnegie Mellon University and URS Corp revealed a possibility of
the controlled phase transformations in the liquid silicate melts followed by
formation of the magnetically susceptible compounds. This approach enables
selective recovery of metal values from slag. In this paper, the results
obtained and further research directions are discussed. A possibility to
exploit physical properties of the transition metals, typical for the
metallurgical slags (such as Fe, Mn, V and others), and corresponding
specific properties of their compounds, such as non-stoichiometry, mixed
valency, pseudomorphosis, thermodynamic stability etc, in production of
value-added materials from slag wastes is discussed. The results of the
studies of thermodynamics and kinetics of oxidation in slags followed by
phase transformation with binary, ternary and complex oxides under various
physicochemical conditions are discussed in the view of their application for
production of the materials with predefined physical properties.
Peculiarities of precipitation in slags with various basicities are analysed
and demonstrate capacity of the proposed approach in the production of the
material with a given structure and size - for example, nano-sized crystals
with structure of spinel. The approaches towards industrial realization of
the developed method are also discussed.
Boron removal from metallurgical grade silicon using a FeCl2 molten salt refining technique
Authors: Jia B.J. , Wu J.J. , Ma W.H. , Yang B. , Liu D.C. , Dai Y.N.
Published: July 2013

The slag refining for boron removal from metallurgical grade silicon is a
promising metallurgical process for producing solar grade silicon. In this
paper, FeCl2 molten salt has been used as a new refining agent to remove
boron from MG-Si. The effects of refining time and mass ratio of MG-Si to
FeCl2 molten salt on boron removal have been investigated in detail. The
results showed that boron can be efficiently removed in form of BCl3 and
boron concentration in MG-Si was successfully reduced from 22?10-6 to 4?10-6
at 1823K for 2 h with the mass ratio of FeCl2 molten salt to MG-Si for 1.0.
The rate equation of boron removal using FeCl2 molten salt was proposed and
established in kinetic, which showed a large difference in removal limitation
of boron compared with thermodynamics.
Liquidus and phase equilibria in CaO-Al2O3-FeOx-SiO2 system under intermediate oxygen partial pressure
Authors: Wang N. , Chen M. , Zou Z. , Zhang Z. , Xiao Y. , Yang Y.
Published: July 2013

Phase equilibria of silicate slags relevant to the copper smelting/converting
operations have been experimentally studied over a wide range of slag
compositions, temperatures and atmospheric conditions. Selected systems are
of industrial interest and fill the gaps in fundamental information required
to systematically characterise and describe copper slag chemistry. The
experimental procedures include equilibration of synthetic slag at high
temperatures, rapid quenching of resulting phases, and accurate measurement
of phase compositions using electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA). The
effects of CaO, Al2O3 and MgO on the phase equilibria of this slag system
have been experimentally investigated in the temperature range 1200 to 1300
oC and oxygen partial pressures between 10-5 and 10-9 atm. It was found that
spinel and silica are major primary phases in the composition range related
to copper smelting/converting slags. In addition, olivine, diopside and
pyroxene also appear at certain conditions. The presence of CaO, MgO and
Al2O3 in the slag increases the spinel liquidus and decreases the silica
liquidus. Liquidus temperatures in silica primary phase field are not
sensitive to Po2; Liquidus temperatures in spinel primary phase field
increase with increasing Po2. At 1300?C and low Po2, the spinel
(Fe2+,Mg2+)O.(Al3+,Fe3+) primary phase field can be replaced by wustite
(Fe2+,Mg2+)O.
Progress in the kinetics of slag-metal-gas reactions, past present and future
Authors: Coley K.S.
Published: July 2013

From the early days of slag metal reaction studies in the 1950?s to the mid
1980s, a generation of metallurgists contributed much to the theory of slags
and their reactions. These workers showed us the importance of charge
transfer in slags. They demonstrated that the reaction interface could change
dramatically under the influence of reaction and many questions were asked
about the specific reaction mechanisms. This paper will review work in slag
metal reactions since the mid 1980s and examine our progress in answering
some of the questions raised by the early pioneers. The author will focus on
recent work from his own laboratory as well as labs from around the World.
Finally the author will make some suggestions regarding future directions in
this field.
Derivation of some new distributions in statistical mechanics using maximum entropy approach
Authors: Ray Amritansu , Majumder S.K.
Published: July 2013

The maximum entropy principle has been earlier used to derive the Bose
Einstein(B.E.), Fermi Dirac(F.D.) & Intermediate Statistics(I.S.)
distribution of statistical mechanics. The central idea of these
distributions is to predict the distribution of the microstates, which are
the particle of the system, on the basis of the knowledge of some macroscopic
data. The latter information is specified in the form of some simple moment
constraints. One distribution differs from the other in the way in which the
constraints are specified. In the present paper, we have derived some new
distributions similar to B.E., F.D. distributions of statistical mechanics by
using maximum entropy principle. Some proofs of B.E. & F.D. distributions are
shown, and at the end some new results are discussed.
Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 Regulates Obesity-Induced Inflammation Through Regulation of Adipose Tissue Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Eguchi Jun , Kong Xingxing , Tenta Masafumi , Wang Xun , Kang Sona , Rosen Evan D.
Published: July 2013

Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) play functionally diverse roles in the transcriptional regulation of the immune system. We have previously shown that several IRFs are regulators of adipogenesis and that IRF4 is a critical transcriptional regulator of adipocyte lipid handling. However, the functional role of IRF4 in adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) remains unclear, despite high expression there. Here we show that IRF4 expression is regulated in primary macrophages and in ATMs of high-fat diet–induced obese mice. Irf4−/− macrophages produce higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, in response to fatty acids. In coculture experiments, IRF4 deletion in macrophages leads to reduced insulin signaling and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. To determine the macrophage-specific function of IRF4 in the context of obesity, we generated myeloid cell–specific IRF4 knockout mice, which develop significant insulin resistance on a high-fat diet, despite no difference in adiposity. This phenotype is associated with increased expression of inflammatory genes and decreased insulin signaling in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver. Furthermore, Irf4−/− ATMs express markers suggestive of enhanced M1 polarization. These findings indicate that IRF4 is a negative regulator of inflammation in diet-induced obesity, in part through regulation of macrophage polarization.
Inhibition of VEGFR-2 Reverses Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice by Abrogating Insulitis and Restoring Islet Function
Authors: Villalta S. Armando , Lang Jiena , Kubeck Samantha , Kabre Beniwende , Szot Gregory L. , Calderon Boris , Wasserfall Clive , Atkinson Mark A. , Brekken Rolf A. , Pullen Nick , Arch Robert H. , Bluestone Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2013

The dysregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in multiple cell types during chronic inflammation is indicative of their pathogenic role in autoimmune diseases. Among the many RTKs, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) stands out for its multiple effects on immunity, vascularization, and cell migration. Herein, we examined whether VEGFR participated in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. We found that RTK inhibitors (RTKIs) and VEGF or VEGFR-2 antibodies reversed diabetes when administered at the onset of hyperglycemia. Increased VEGF expression promoted islet vascular remodeling in NOD mice, and inhibition of VEGFR activity with RTKIs abrogated the increase in islet vascularity, impairing T-cell migration into the islet and improving glucose control. Metabolic studies confirmed that RTKIs worked by preserving islet function, as treated mice had improved glucose tolerance without affecting insulin sensitivity. Finally, examination of human pancreata from patients with T1D revealed that VEGFR-2 was confined to the islet vascularity, which was increased in inflamed islets. Collectively, this work reveals a previously unappreciated role for VEGFR-2 signaling in the pathogenesis of T1D by controlling T-cell accessibility to the pancreatic islets and highlights a novel application of VEGFR-2 antagonists for the therapeutic treatment of T1D.
Patterns of β-Cell Autoantibody Appearance and Genetic Associations During the First Years of Life
Authors: Ilonen Jorma , Hammais Anna , Laine Antti-Pekka , Lempainen Johanna , Vaarala Outi , Veijola Riitta , Simell Olli , Knip Mikael
Published: July 2013

We analyzed demographic and genetic differences between children with various diabetes-associated autoantibodies reflecting the autoimmune process. In a prospective birth cohort comprising children with HLA-conferred susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (T1D), the pattern of autoantibody appearance was analyzed in 520 children with advanced β-cell autoimmunity associated with high risk for disease. In 315 cases, a single biochemical autoantibody could be identified in the first positive sample as insulin (insulin autoantibody [IAA]) in 180, as GAD (GAD antibody [GADA]) in 107, and as IA-2 antigen (IA-2 antibody [IA-2A]) in 28. The age at seroconversion differed significantly between the three groups (P = 0.003). IAA as the first autoantibody showed a peak time of appearance during the second year of life, whereas GADA as the first autoantibody peaked later, between 3 and 5 years of age. The risk-associated insulin gene rs689 A/A genotypes were more frequent in children with IAA as the first autoantibody compared with the other children (P = 0.002). The primary autoantigen in the development of β-cell autoimmunity and T1D seems to strongly correlate with age and genetic factors, indicating heterogeneity in the initiation of the disease process.
Mouse Muscle As an Ectopic Permissive Site for Human Pancreatic Development
Authors: Capito Carmen , Simon Marie-Thérèse , Aiello Virginie , Clark Anne , Aigrain Yves , Ravassard Philippe , Scharfmann Raphael
Published: July 2013

While sporadic human genetic studies have permitted some comparisons between rodent and human pancreatic development, the lack of a robust experimental system has not permitted detailed examination of human pancreatic development. We previously developed a xenograft model of immature human fetal pancreas grafted under the kidney capsule of immune-incompetent mice, which allowed the development of human pancreatic β-cells. Here, we compared the development of human and murine fetal pancreatic grafts either under skeletal muscle epimysium or under the renal capsule. We demonstrated that human pancreatic β-cell development occurs more slowly (weeks) than murine pancreas (days) both by differentiation of pancreatic progenitors and by proliferation of developing β-cells. The superficial location of the skeletal muscle graft and its easier access permitted in vivo lentivirus-mediated gene transfer with a green fluorescent protein-labeled construct under control of the insulin or elastase gene promoter, which targeted β-cells and nonendocrine cells, respectively. This model of engraftment under the skeletal muscle epimysium is a new approach for longitudinal studies, which allows localized manipulation to determine the regulation of human pancreatic development.
Glycemic Control and Blood Glucose Monitoring Over Time in a Sample of Young Australians With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Waller Daniel , Johnston Christine , Molyneaux Lynda , Brown-Singh Lin , Hatherly Kristy , Smith Lorraine , Overland Jane
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether personality traits (conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional regulation, extraversion, and openness to experience) are associated with glycemic control and blood glucose monitoring behavior, and change or stability of these outcomes over time, in young people with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A 3-year longitudinal study was conducted using data from 142 individuals with type 1 diabetes, 8–19 years of age. Personality was assessed at baseline using the Five-Factor Personality Inventory for Children. Data relating to glycemic control (HbA1c) and frequency of blood glucose monitoring (based on meter memory) were collected annually. Relationships between personality traits and HbA1c and monitoring frequency were examined using regression models and mixed-design ANOVA.

RESULTS

Three of the Five-Factor domains were independently associated with glycemic control. Individuals high in conscientiousness and agreeableness had a lower and more stable HbA1c across the 3-year study period. In contrast, the HbA1c of individuals scoring low on these traits was either consistently worse or deteriorated over time. Low or high emotional regulation scores were also associated with worse glycemic control. By the third year, these domains, together with initial HbA1c, accounted for 39% of HbA1c variance. Conscientiousness was the only personality factor associated with blood glucose monitoring behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study underline the importance of personality in contributing to diabetes outcomes. Attention to a young person’s personality, and appropriate tailoring of diabetes management to ensure an individualized approach, may help to optimize diabetes outcomes.
Inpatient Diabetes Education Is Associated With Less Frequent Hospital Readmission Among Patients With Poor Glycemic Control
Authors: Healy Sara J. , Black Dawn , Harris Cara , Lorenz Andrew , Dungan Kathleen M.
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between inpatient diabetes education (IDE) and hospital readmissions in patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients with a discharge diagnosis of diabetes (ICD-9 code 250.x) and HbA1c >9% who were hospitalized between 2008 and 2010 were retrospectively identified. All-cause first readmissions were determined within 30 days and 180 days after discharge. IDE was conducted by a certified diabetes educator or trainee. Relationships between IDE and hospital readmission were analyzed with stepwise backward logistic regression models.

RESULTS

In all, 2,265 patients were included in the 30-day analysis and 2,069 patients were included in the 180-day analysis. Patients who received IDE had a lower frequency of readmission within 30 days than did those who did not (11 vs. 16%; P = 0.0001). This relationship persisted after adjustment for sociodemographic and illness-related factors (odds ratio 0.66 [95% CI 0.51–0.85]; P = 0.001). Medicaid insurance and longer stay were also independent predictors in this model. IDE was also associated with reduced readmissions within 180 days, although the relationship was attenuated. In the final 180-day model, no IDE, African American race, Medicaid or Medicare insurance, longer stay, and lower HbA1c were independently associated with increased hospital readmission. Further analysis determined that higher HbA1c was associated with lower frequency of readmission only among patients who received a diabetes education consult.

CONCLUSIONS

Formal IDE was independently associated with a lower frequency of all-cause hospital readmission within 30 days; this relationship was attenuated by 180 days. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this association.
Rural areas in Poland from a demographic perspective
Authors: Biegańska Jadwiga
Published: July 2013

The article presents an analysis and a critical assessment of rural areas in Poland in the years 1999-2011 from a demographic perspective. The analysis is based on indicators characterising population density, population structure by gender and age, migrations of population, and vital statistics. In order to classify and compare rural areas, the k-means method is employed. The sample of rural areas used in the study contains all 2,173 rural and urban-rural gminas (excluding urban parts) in Poland.
Macromycetes and myxomycetes of Asveja Regional park (Lithuania)
Authors: Iršėnaitė Reda , Adamonytė Gražina , Daniele Inita , Kasparavičius Jonas , Kutorga Ernestas , Stončius Darius
Published: July 2013

The paper provides data on macromycete and myxomycete species diversity and distribution in Asveja Regional Park located in eastern Lithuania. A total of 326 species of macromycetes and 33 species and intraspecific taxa of myxomycetes were recorded. Five species, Eocronartium muscicola, Mycena megaspora, Neobulgaria pura, Pachyella violaceonigra and Skeletocutis papyracea, were reported for the first time in Lithuania. Twenty species listed in the Red Data Book of Lithuania were recorded during this study. Distribution and habitats of rare and endangered fungus and myxomycete species are discussed
Characterization of Two Distinct Pepino Mosaic Virus Isolates from Tomato in Lithuania
Authors: Žižytė Marija , Šneideris Donatas , Zitikaitė Irena , Urbanavičienė Laima , Staniulis Juozas
Published: July 2013

Two isolates of Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) from tomato plants grown in different commercial greenhouses in Lithuania were characterized by coat protein (CP) gene sequence analysis. Comparison with other PepMV isolates from the GenBank database showed that both Lithuanian PepMV isolates share 78.3% nucleotide identity and belong to two distinct EU and CH2 genotypes of PepMV. This is the first report on characterization of two PepMV genotypes detected in Lithuania.
Contribution to the Bryophyte Flora of the Viešvilė State Strict Nature Reserve
Authors: Jukonienė Ilona , Uselienė Asta , Uselis Vytautas
Published: July 2013

Based on the results of new investigations on the bryophyte flora of the Viešvilė State Strict Nature Reserve, 28 moss and 12 hepatic species are reported as new to the bryophyte flora of the territory. Of these, 12 species are included into the Red Data Book of Lithuania. The scheme of distribution of the red-listed species in the reserve is presented
Succisella Inflexa – A Neglected Species in Meadows of Lithuania
Authors: Sinkevičienė Zofija
Published: July 2013

Succisella inflexa (Kluk) Beck. is one of the rarest red-listed species in Lithuania, occurring at the northern border of its range. Based on herbarium specimens, only five localities were known in SE Lithuania (Trakai, Varėna and Šalčininkai districts) in the period of 1956-1983. In 2007 and 2009, new localities in the Šalčia River valley near Žygmantiškės village (Šalčininkai distr.) and in the Merkys River valley near Moliai village (Varėna distr.) were recorded. The populations survived in wet meadows of Calthion, Caricion communities, in the intensively grazed floodplain. They were composed of flowering and vegetative plants and seemed to be in good condition. The limited occurrence of S. inflexa in Lithuania is related to the species distribution on the edge of its range. The late blooming time in August-September was the main reason why this species was neglected during the former investigations on these meadows usually studied before mowing in June or July. After the discovery of new populations, S. inflexa is expected to be more distributed in the natural valleys of the Merkys River catchment area.
Response of Algal Communities to Anthropogenic Changes in Mineralization
Authors: Komulaynen Sergey , Chekryzheva Tatiana
Published: July 2013

A relatively new type of impact of human activities on lake-river system has resulted from mining operations in the Kostomuksha iron deposit, Karelia, NW Russia. Lake Kostumus was isolated by a dam and has since acted as a waste accumulator for ore-dressing production. The total mineral content of the water has reached 400 mg l-1. Comparative analysis of the structural organization and functioning of phytoperiphyton and phytoplankton in the Kenti lake-river system and subject to anthropogenic load resulting from urbanization is presented. The algal communities influenced by mineralized mining mill wastes were analysed in terms of species richness, species diversity, species ecology values, biomass and chlorophyll a concentration. When the anthropogenic load is minimized, the natural structure of algal assemblages quickly restores. This is most typical of lake-river systems with alternations of lakes and rivers, rapids and pools, playing the role of natural water treatment facilities. The possibility of using algal assemblages as an indicator of the ecological state of lake-river ecosystems is analysed.
Polymerization shrinkage by investigation of uv curable dental restorative composites containing multifunctional methacrylates
Authors: Świderska Jolanta , Czech Zbigniew , Kowalczyk Agnieszka
Published: July 2013

Typical commercial restorative dental compositions in the form of medical resins contain in-organic fillers, multifunctional methacrylates and photoinitiators. The currently used resins for direct composite restoratives have been mainly based on acrylic chemistry to this day. The main problem with the application and radiation curing process is the shrinkage of photoreactive dental materials during and after UV curing. Shrinkage of restorative radiation curable dental composites is a phenomenon of polymerization shrinkage, typical behavior of multifunctional methacrylates during the polymerization process. The important factors in curing of dental composites are: the kind and concentration of the used methacrylate, its functionality, double bond concentration, the kind and concentration of the added photoinitiator and UV dose emitted by the UV-lamp. They are investigated multifunctional 1,3-butanediol dimethacrylate (1,3-BDDMA), diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DEGDMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA), 2,2-bis-[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryxloyloxypropyl) phenyl]propane (Bis-GMA), ethoxylated Bis-GMA (EBPDMA) and dodecandiol dimethacrylate (DDDMA). Reduction of polymerization shrinkage of restorative dental compositions is at the moment a major problem of dental technology. This problem can be solved through an application of photoreactive non-tacky multifunctional methacrylates in the investigated dental adhesive fillings.
Kinetics and mechanism of meso-tetraphenylporphyriniron(III) chloride (TPP) catalysed oxidation of indole by sodium perborate
Authors: Kungumathilagam D. , Karunakaran K.
Published: July 2013

Developing catalyst is very significant for biologically important reactions which yield products, used as drugs. Mechanistic study on meso-tetraphenylporphyriniron(III) chloride (TPP) catalysed oxidation of indole by sodium perborate in aqueous acetic acid medium have been carried out. The reaction follows a fractional order with respect to substrate and catalyst. The order with respect to oxidant was found to be one. Increase in the percentage of acetic acid and increase in the concentration of [H+] decreased the rate. The reaction fails to initiate polymerization, and a radical mechanism is ruled out. Activation and thermodynamic parameters have been computed. A suitable kinetic scheme based on these observations has been proposed. Significant catalytic activity is observed for the reaction system in the presence of TPP.
Emulsifiers from renewable materials: an eco-friendly synthesis and properties
Authors: Szeląg Halina , Sadecka Elwira , Pawłowicz Roman , Kuziemska Agnieszka
Published: July 2013

The focus of this study was the preparation of novel bio based polyglycerol emulsifiers characterized by a one pot synthesis, thus by modified properties with respect to interfacial activity and effectiveness as emulsion stabilizers. The final products of the esterification process, carried out in the presence of carboxylates were used directly as emulsifiers (without purification or fractionation). Polyglycerol emulsifiers obtained in proposed conditions can be tailored to stabilize the defined emulsion system. The modification of the surface activity of emulsifiers may be obtained by programming the fatty acid acyl group in the polyglycerol ester as well as the hydrocarbon chain length in sodium soap and concentration of this compound in the reaction mixture.