bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of a Short Sprint on Postexercise Whole-Body Glucose Production and Utilization Rates in Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Fahey A. J. , Paramalingam N. , Davey R. J. , Davis E. A. , Jones T. W. , Fournier P. A.
Published: September 2012

Context:

Recently we showed that a 10-sec maximal sprint effort performed before or after moderate intensity exercise can prevent early hypoglycemia during recovery in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, the mechanisms underlying this protective effect of sprinting are still unknown.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that short duration sprinting increases blood glucose levels via a disproportionate increase in glucose rate of appearance (Ra) relative to glucose rate of disappearance (Rd).

Subjects and Experimental Design:

Eight T1DM participants were subjected to a euglycemic-euinsulinemic clamp and, together with nondiabetic participants, were infused with [6,6-2H]glucose before sprinting for 10 sec and allowed to recover for 2 h.

Results:

In response to sprinting, blood glucose levels increased by 1.2 ± 0.2 mmol/liter (P < 0.05) within 30 min of recovery in T1DM participants and remained stable afterward, whereas glycemia rose by only 0.40 ± 0.05 mmol/liter in the nondiabetic group. During recovery, glucose Ra did not change in both groups (P > 0.05), but glucose Rd in the nondiabetic and diabetic participants fell rapidly after exercise before returning within 30 min to preexercise levels. After sprinting, the levels of plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, and GH rose transiently in both experimental groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

A sprint as short as 10 sec can increase plasma glucose levels in nondiabetic and T1DM individuals, with this rise resulting from a transient decline in glucose Rd rather than from a disproportionate rise in glucose Ra relative to glucose Rd as reported with intense aerobic exercise.
Magnesium Supplementation Does Not Affect Blood Calcium Level in Treated Hypoparathyroid Patients
Authors: Lubi Maire , Tammiksaar Kaia , Matjus Svetlana , Vasar Eero , Volke Vallo
Published: September 2012

Context:

Magnesium is involved in the homeostasis of calcium metabolism, and magnesium deficiency may lead to clinically significant hypocalcemia. We have had two cases in our department in which treated hypoparathyroid patients with stable calcium levels developed hypercalcemia in conjunction with supplementary magnesium use. To our knowledge, there has been no prospective study looking at the effect of supplementary magnesium on calcium homeostasis in hypoparathyroid patients.

Objective:

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether magnesium treatment affects plasma calcium levels in hypoparathyroid patients.

Design and Setting:

We conducted a prospective, two-phase, uncontrolled treatment trial at a referral center of endocrine disorders.

Participants:

We enrolled treated (calcium + vitamin D analog) hypoparathyroid patients with normal plasma magnesium levels.

Intervention:

Three weeks of treatment with oral magnesium (350 mg/d) were followed by 2 wk off treatment.

Measures:

We compared the plasma ionized calcium level after 3 wk of treatment to the pretreatment value. Plasma calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and creatinine levels were measured before treatment, after 3 wk on magnesium, and 2 wk after stopping magnesium treatment.

Results:

Ten patients completed the trial. Supplementary treatment with magnesium for 3 wk did not change calcium levels in these patients. Magnesium supplementation induced a small but statistically significant increase in the plasma magnesium level, but levels of phosphate and creatinine remained stable.

Conclusions:

Magnesium supplementation did not influence plasma calcium levels in treated hypoparathyroid patients.
What Fortune Can Do to a Minim
Authors: Zayaruznaya Anna
Published: September 2012

Among the numerous references to music in the writings of poet, composer, and Burgundian chronicler Jean Molinet, none is more puzzling than a passage from his Roman de la rose moralisé (ca. 1500) that describes the misadventures of a note—a minim—fallen victim to Fortune. As it rides her wheel, it becomes a maxima and then a minim again, while its pitch is raised, then lowered. Another passage linking Fortune with transposition and mensural change occurs in Molinet's Petit traictié soubz obscure poetrie. Both stories are exempla divorced from their immediate contexts, raising the possibility that Molinet may have been influenced by specific musical compositions related to Fortune. Aspects of notational usage and cantus-firmus manipulation in the Fortuna desperata masses of Jacob Obrecht and Josquin des Prez make these works—especially the latter—likely influences for Molinet's strange digressions. And Molinet's exempla, insofar as they can help clarify previously misinterpreted aspects of both works, are an important early example of musical hermeneutics. The difficult relationship between Molinet's musical stories and the ostensibly sacred texts from which they digress also offers insight into the devotional functions of secular mass models.
Dancing the Future, Performing the Past: Isadora Duncan and Wagnerism in the American Imagination
Authors: Simonson Mary
Published: September 2012

During the first two decades of the twentieth century, dancer Isadora Duncan (1877–1927) regularly appeared on concert hall and opera house stages in New York and other American cities. Audiences were taken with her striking persona and nontraditional conception of dance, and impressed by her success in Europe. Duncan's artistic, intellectual, and personal self-association with Richard Wagner—a mythological being in the contemporary American imagination—also captured the attention of many audience members. Duncan danced to excerpts from Tristan und Isolde, Parsifal, and other works while rejecting Wagner's conception of dance; she borrowed language and ideological formulations from his writings while dismissing his aesthetic theories. The American Wagner cult has long been associated with the Gilded Age and conductor Anton Seidl (1850–1898). Isadora Duncan's American performances demonstrate that American Wagnerism persisted well into the twentieth century, albeit in a different form. Conjuring herself as a rebellious disciple of Wagner, Duncan modeled a second generation of American Wagnerism that combined contemporary cultural debates and early modernist aesthetics with strains of Wagner's art and ideologies.
A Novel Approach for Choosing Summary Statistics in Approximate Bayesian Computation
Authors: Aeschbacher Simon , Beaumont Mark A , Futschik Andreas
Published: September 2012

The choice of summary statistics is a crucial step in approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). Since statistics are often not sufficient, this choice involves a trade-off between loss of information and reduction of dimensionality. The latter may increase the efficiency of ABC. Here, we propose an approach for choosing summary statistics based on boosting, a technique from the machine-learning literature. We consider different types of boosting and compare them to partial least-squares regression as an alternative. To mitigate the lack of sufficiency, we also propose an approach for choosing summary statistics locally, in the putative neighborhood of the true parameter value. We study a demographic model motivated by the reintroduction of Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) into the Swiss Alps. The parameters of interest are the mean and standard deviation across microsatellites of the scaled ancestral mutation rate (θanc = 4Neu) and the proportion of males obtaining access to matings per breeding season (ω). By simulation, we assess the properties of the posterior distribution obtained with the various methods. According to our criteria, ABC with summary statistics chosen locally via boosting with the L2-loss performs best. Applying that method to the ibex data, we estimate θ^anc≈1.288 and find that most of the variation across loci of the ancestral mutation rate u is between 7.7 × 10−4 and 3.5 × 10−3 per locus per generation. The proportion of males with access to matings is estimated as ω^≈0.21, which is in good agreement with recent independent estimates.
Limited Evidence for Classic Selective Sweeps in African Populations
Authors: Granka Julie M , Henn Brenna M , Gignoux Christopher R , Kidd Jeffrey M , Bustamante Carlos D , Feldman Marcus W
Published: September 2012

While hundreds of loci have been identified as reflecting strong-positive selection in human populations, connections between candidate loci and specific selective pressures often remain obscure. This study investigates broader patterns of selection in African populations, which are underrepresented despite their potential to offer key insights into human adaptation. We scan for hard selective sweeps using several haplotype and allele-frequency statistics with a data set of nearly 500,000 genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 12 highly diverged African populations that span a range of environments and subsistence strategies. We find that positive selection does not appear to be a strong determinant of allele-frequency differentiation among these African populations. Haplotype statistics do identify putatively selected regions that are shared across African populations. However, as assessed by extensive simulations, patterns of haplotype sharing between African populations follow neutral expectations and suggest that tails of the empirical distributions contain false-positive signals. After highlighting several genomic regions where positive selection can be inferred with higher confidence, we use a novel method to identify biological functions enriched among populations’ empirical tail genomic windows, such as immune response in agricultural groups. In general, however, it seems that current methods for selection scans are poorly suited to populations that, like the African populations in this study, are affected by ascertainment bias and have low levels of linkage disequilibrium, possibly old selective sweeps, and potentially reduced phasing accuracy. Additionally, population history can confound the interpretation of selection statistics, suggesting that greater care is needed in attributing broad genetic patterns to human adaptation.
Activity-Dependent Human Brain Coding/Noncoding Gene Regulatory Networks
Authors: Lipovich Leonard , Dachet Fabien , Cai Juan , Bagla Shruti , Balan Karina , Jia Hui , Loeb Jeffrey A
Published: September 2012

While most gene transcription yields RNA transcripts that code for proteins, a sizable proportion of the genome generates RNA transcripts that do not code for proteins, but may have important regulatory functions. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, a key regulator of neuronal activity, is overlapped by a primate-specific, antisense long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) called BDNFOS. We demonstrate reciprocal patterns of BDNF and BDNFOS transcription in highly active regions of human neocortex removed as a treatment for intractable seizures. A genome-wide analysis of activity-dependent coding and noncoding human transcription using a custom lncRNA microarray identified 1288 differentially expressed lncRNAs, of which 26 had expression profiles that matched activity-dependent coding genes and an additional 8 were adjacent to or overlapping with differentially expressed protein-coding genes. The functions of most of these protein-coding partner genes, such as ARC, include long-term potentiation, synaptic activity, and memory. The nuclear lncRNAs NEAT1, MALAT1, and RPPH1, composing an RNAse P-dependent lncRNA-maturation pathway, were also upregulated. As a means to replicate human neuronal activity, repeated depolarization of SY5Y cells resulted in sustained CREB activation and produced an inverse pattern of BDNF-BDNFOS co-expression that was not achieved with a single depolarization. RNAi-mediated knockdown of BDNFOS in human SY5Y cells increased BDNF expression, suggesting that BDNFOS directly downregulates BDNF. Temporal expression patterns of other lncRNA-messenger RNA pairs validated the effect of chronic neuronal activity on the transcriptome and implied various lncRNA regulatory mechanisms. lncRNAs, some of which are unique to primates, thus appear to have potentially important regulatory roles in activity-dependent human brain plasticity.
The Oncosurgery Approach to Managing Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer: A Multidisciplinary International Consensus
Authors: Adam René , De Gramont Aimery , Figueras Joan , Guthrie Ashley , Kokudo Norihiro , Kunstlinger Francis , Loyer Evelyne , Poston Graeme , Rougier Philippe , Rubbia-Brandt Laura , Sobrero Alberto , Tabernero Josep , Teh Catherine , Van Cutsem Eric ,   Jean-Nicolas Vauthey of the EGOSLIM (Expert Group on OncoSurgery management of LIver Metastases) group
Published: September 2012

An international panel of multidisciplinary experts convened to develop recommendations for the management of patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim was to address the main issues facing the CRC hepatobiliary multidisciplinary team (MDT) when managing such patients and to standardize the treatment patients receive in different centers. Based on current evidence, the group agreed on a number of issues including the following: (a) the primary aim of treatment is achieving a long disease-free survival (DFS) interval following resection; (b) assessment of resectability should be performed with high-quality cross-sectional imaging, staging the liver with magnetic resonance imaging and/or abdominal computed tomography (CT), depending on local expertise, staging extrahepatic disease with thoracic and pelvic CT, and, in selected cases, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with ultrasound (preferably contrast-enhanced ultrasound) for intraoperative staging; (c) optimal first-line chemotherapy—doublet or triplet chemotherapy regimens combined with targeted therapy—is advisable in potentially resectable patients; (d) in this situation, at least four courses of first-line chemotherapy should be given, with assessment of tumor response every 2 months; (e) response assessed by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (conventional chemotherapy) or nonsize-based morphological changes (antiangiogenic agents) is clearly correlated with outcome; no imaging technique is currently able to accurately diagnose complete pathological response but high-quality imaging is crucial for patient management; (f) the duration of chemotherapy should be as short as possible and resection achieved as soon as technically possible in the absence of tumor progression; (g) the number of metastases or patient age should not be an absolute contraindication to surgery combined with chemotherapy; (h) for synchronous metastases, it is not advisable to undertake major hepatic surgery during surgery for removal of the primary CRC; the reverse surgical approach (liver first) produces as good an outcome as the conventional approach in selected cases; (i) for patients with resectable liver metastases from CRC, perioperative chemotherapy may be associated with a modestly better DFS outcome; and (j) whether initially resectable or unresectable, cure or at least a long survival duration is possible after complete resection of the metastases, and MDT treatment is essential for improving clinical and survival outcomes. The group proposed a new system to classify initial unresectability based on technical and oncological contraindications.
Is There an App for That?
Authors: Gainor Justin F.
Published: September 2012

The complexities that smartphones have introduced into the patient–doctor relationship are considered.
Salient factors controlling desiccation cracking of clay in laboratory experiments
Authors: COSTA S. , KODIKARA J. , SHANNON B.
Published: September 2012

This paper elucidates some of the controlling factors governing soil desiccation. The desiccation tests were conducted on three materials – clay, potato starch and milled quartz sand – all three featuring similar fracture energy. Two controlling factors were identified in desiccation cracking, regardless of the material. The first is the tensile stress and strain energy development within the material when the material is restrained against shrinkage. The distribution of the tensile stress will depend on the boundary conditions and material stiffness, and will dictate where cracks are likely to originate. The second factor is that the exact positions of crack initiations will be controlled by the flaws and/or pores within the material. For materials such as clay, with very fine particles, the cracking mechanism is governed by flaws, since the desaturation of fine pores would require very high suction stress, and this requirement leads to sequential cracking and orthogonal crack patterns. If the material has particles giving relatively large and uniform pore sizes with high moisture diffusivity leading to high shrinkage energy prior to cracking, then the fracture energy balance indicates that cracking can occur in near hexagonal patterns with 120° crack initiations, which occur predominantly simultaneously. However, even for materials with lower moisture diffusivity, such as for clay, high desiccation rates can give rise to an ‘effective layer' over which high suctions and strain energy develop, leading to almost simultaneous dense cracking.
The Impact of Pathological Levels of Internet-Related Anxiety on Internet Usage
Authors: Brosnan Mark , Joiner Richard , Gavin Jeff , Crook Charles , Maras Pam , Guiller Jane , Scott Adrian J.
Published: September 2012

This article compares the use of the Internet during the first year of university education of students who have pathological levels of Internet anxiety with those who do not. Two hundred and sixteen first year psychology students (females 184, males 32) were surveyed for their levels of Internet-related anxiety, from which 12 (5.6%) were identified as having pathological levels (termed “technophobic”). At the beginning of the year, there were no differences in Internet usage between the two groups. However, at the end of the academic year, the non-technophobic group had increased their Internet usage, while the technophobic group had decreased their Internet usage. For the technophobic group, changes in Internet-related anxiety over the academic year correlated with changes in Internet usage. The technophobic group perceived a greater need for informal (home-based) support and formal (university-based) support than the non-technophobic group, though largely did not receive support. For the non-technophobic group, informal support was related to increased Internet usage. The decrease in usage in the technophobic group was particularly marked in those who did not receive support. Support did not impact upon changes in Internet-related anxiety. As study at university requires an increase in the use of Information Communication Technology, identification of Internet-related anxieties is crucial. Left unaddressed, this study suggests that a student experiencing pathological levels of Internet-related anxiety could become increasingly disadvantaged through their academic studies when Internet-based resources are required for study. These findings are discussed in terms of supporting technophobic students at university.
Facebook Use and the Tendency to Ruminate among College Students: Testing Mediational Hypotheses
Authors: Locatelli Sara M. , Kluwe Katharina , Bryant Fred B.
Published: September 2012

Studies have found that general use of Facebook influences subjective well-being. However, fewer studies have explored the impact of specific use behaviors, such as information posted in status updates. The current study uses data collected from 251 Facebook-using undergraduate students through an online survey, and examines the valence and frequency of Facebook status updates as predictors of three measures of subjective well-being: life satisfaction, physical health, and depression. Valence and frequency of status updates strongly predict the tendency to ruminate, and rumination mediates the effects of positive and negative status update frequency on subjective well-being. Results support the conclusion that rumination mediates the impact of Facebook status updates on subjective well-being more strongly than Facebook status updates mediate the impact of rumination on subjective well-being.
Middle School Students' Perceptions of and Responses to Cyber Bullying
Authors: Holfeld Brett , Grabe Mark
Published: September 2012

This study explored the nature and extent of middle school students' ( n = 665) experiences with cyber bullying. Approximately one in five students reported being cyber bullied in the past year, with 55% of those students being repeatedly victimized within the past 30 days. Female students were more likely to be involved in cyber bullying (victim, bully, and witness) compared to male students. One aspect of this study involved an examination of student disclosure and the consequences to victims and witnesses when informing others when they were affected by cyber bullying. Approximately 64% of youth reported the incident when they were cyber bullied and 60% reported when they witnessed cyber bullying. Peers and parents were told most frequently, while teachers were rarely informed. The likelihood of the cyber bullying behavior terminating was not influenced by the group informed of the incident. Overall, neither peers nor adults were very effective in assisting youth to reduce the cyber bullying behavior. These results suggest that peers, parents, and school personnel need to be prepared to offer more helpful strategies to youth who are involved in cyber bullying as victims, perpetrators, and witnesses. The common suggestion that youth report bullying behavior loses some of its credibility when those who do report do not receive helpful advice.
“Making Kind Cool”: Parents' Suggestions for Preventing Cyber Bullying and Fostering Cyber Kindness
Authors: Cassidy Wanda , Brown Karen , Jackson Margaret
Published: September 2012

Cyber bullying among youth is rapidly becoming a global phenomenon, as educators, parents and policymakers grapple with trying to curtail this negative and sometimes devastating behavior. Since most cyber bullying emanates from the home computer, parents can play an important role in preventing cyber bullying and in fostering a kinder online world, or what might be termed “cyber kindness.” In this study, we examine parents' knowledge of social networking technology, their level of concern with cyber bullying, their experiences with cyber bullying, and their ideas for preventing cyber bullying and promoting cyber kindness. Three hundred and fifteen parents from three schools in British Columbia, Canada completed a questionnaire, primarily involving open-ended, written responses. We found that parents are not very familiar with the newer forms of online social networking, such as Facebook, blogs, and chat rooms. Further, they are not overly concerned about the problem of cyber bullying, nor are they aware of the extent of cyber bullying among their children. Although a minority of parents looked to stricter controls over technology and more stringent punishment as the solution, most parents thought a more effective way, in the long-term, was for adults in the home and school to model the right behavior, provide opportunities to dialogue with youth, and develop school curricula on this theme. The results demonstrate the need for collaboration among students, parents, and educators.
Energetic Aspects of Reproduction by the Cliff Swallow
Authors: Withers Philip C.
Published: September 2012

Energy budgets were constructed for the Cliff Swallow during the nest building, incubation, and nestling periods using time budgets and aerodynamic theory. Mean daily energy expenditures during these periods were 1.55, 1.23, and 1.28 watts respectively, with required food harvest rates of at least 3.95, 4.42, and 4.07 watts. The cost of constructing an average size nest (600 g) was approximately 122 kilojoules expended over about 7 days, but the multiple use of the nest makes the cost per brood considerably less than this. The ecological advantages accruing from the nest apparently are related primarily to physical protection from predators and reduction of intraspecific aggression, rather than microclimatic conditions established within the nest.
Factors Affecting Nest and Site Fidelity in Adirondack Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica)
Authors: Shields William M.
Published: September 2012

During 1979-1983, I documented the natal and breeding dispersal of the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) in the Cranberry Lake, New York, region of the Adirondacks by following the lifetime movements and breeding histories of individually marked birds. During the study, 847 birds were marked, and the movements of most were followed during the season they were marked. About 40% of the adults and 2% of the nestlings and juveniles were resighted or recaptured in two or more years. All recovered nestlings had dispersed from their natal colonies (median distance = 6.37 km). Most breeding adults remained faithful to previously used colonies, as well as to clusters within colonies, nests, and mates, when the latter were alive and available. Some individuals, however, did disperse. More females than males dispersed and usually moved farther both within and between breeding seasons. Males and, especially, females that had nested unsuccessfully with a particular mate in a particular location had a higher probability of deserting and dispersing than did successful breeders, both within and between breeding seasons. Old nests were reused at high frequencies for consecutive breeding attempts across breeding seasons. After successful first nests, breeders tended to move to secondary nests within 25 m of their first nests.
Going Concern Designations and GAAP versus Non-GAAP Earnings Metrics
Authors: Bierstaker James L. , Monahan Thomas F. , Peters Michael F.
Published: September 2012

Many students have not spent much time studying or contemplating the importance of non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings to the “Street.” Based on the facts of an actual company and utilizing the financial information drawn from this company's 10-K and Earnings Release, this case introduces students to the strengths and weaknesses of GAAP and non-GAAP earnings measures, and why the Street might be more interested in cash and recurring earnings in attempting to predict movements in stock price. It also provides the instructor with an opportunity to discuss the dangers of allowing firms to emphasize earnings in their press releases that are not defined by an external authoritative body (such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board [FASB]), and how this can hurt the consistency and reliability of reporting. This is an important discussion, since regulators have recently formally proposed to include non-GAAP measures in their overhaul of the auditor reporting model (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board [PCAOB] 2011). The case also familiarizes students with current auditing guidelines dealing with the going concern decision and the potential role that non-GAAP earnings can play in this decision. Thus, the three primary learning objectives are to teach students: (1) to apply going concern audit standards, (2) about the potential role of non-GAAP earnings in this decision—especially as a predictor of future cash flows, and (3) other issues associated with non-GAAP earnings. This topic is important, as auditors are frequently auditing companies that release non-GAAP earnings and/or have going concern issues. This case can be used in Intermediate and Auditing classes, as well as master's-level courses.
Public Health Implications of Recommendations to Individualize Glycemic Targets in Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Laiteerapong Neda , John Priya M. , Nathan Aviva G. , Huang Elbert S.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

To estimate how many U.S. adults with diabetes would be eligible for individualized A1C targets based on 1) the 2012 American Diabetes Association (ADA) guideline and 2) a published approach for individualized target ranges.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied adults with diabetes ≥20 years of age from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2008 (n = 757). We assigned A1C targets based on duration, age, diabetes-related complications, and comorbid conditions according to 1) the ADA guideline and 2) a strategy by Ismail-Beigi focused on setting target ranges. We estimated the number and proportion of adults with each A1C target and compared individualized targets to measured levels.

RESULTS

Using ADA guideline recommendations, 31% (95% CI 27–34%) of the U.S. adult diabetes population would have recommended A1C targets of <7.0%, and 69% (95% CI 66–73%) would have A1C targets less stringent than <7.0%. Using the Ismail-Beigi strategy, 56% (51–61%) would have an A1C target of ≤7.0%, and 44% (39–49%) would have A1C targets less stringent than <7.0%. If a universal A1C <7.0% target were applied, 47% (41–54%) of adults with diabetes would have inadequate glycemic control; this proportion declined to 30% (26–36%) with the ADA guideline and 31% (27–36%) with the Ismail-Beigi strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

Using individualized glycemic targets, about half of U.S. adults with diabetes would have recommended A1C targets of ≥7.0% but one-third would still be considered inadequately controlled. Diabetes research and performance measurement goals will need to be revised in order to encourage the individualization of glycemic targets.
Estimation of the Glycation Gap in Diabetic Patients With Stable Glycemic Control
Authors: Rodríguez-Segade Santiago , Rodríguez Javier , García Lopez José M. , Casanueva Felipe F. , Camiña Félix
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

The glycation gap (the difference between measured A1C and the value predicted by regression on fructosamine) is stable and is associated with microvascular complications of diabetes but has not hitherto been estimated within a clinically useful time frame. We investigated whether two determinations 30 days apart suffice for a reasonably reliable estimate if both A1C and fructosamine exhibit stability.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 311 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for whom simultaneous measurements of A1C and serum fructosamine had been made on at least two occasions separated by 1 month (t0 and t1). Glycemia was deemed stable if A1C(t1) – A1C(t0) and fructosamine(t1) − fructosamine(t0) were both less than their reference change values (RCVs). Instantaneous glycation gaps [gg(t0) and gg(t1)] and their mean (GG), were calculated using the data from all stable patients for the required regression.

RESULTS

Stable glycemia was shown by 144 patients. In 90% of unstable case subjects, a change in medication was identified as the cause of instability. Among 129 stable patients with an average of eight gg determinations prior to t0, GG correlated closely with the mean of these prior determinations (r2 = 0.902, slope 1.025, intercept −0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

The glycation gap can be calculated reliably from pairs of A1C and fructosamine measurements taken 1 month apart if these measurements satisfy the RCV criteria for glycemic control.
Sagittal Abdominal Diameter as a New Predictor for Incident Diabetes
Authors: Pajunen Pia , Rissanen Harri , Laaksonen Maarit A. , Heliövaara Markku , Reunanen Antti , Knekt Paul
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

Obesity, particularly visceral adiposity, is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The commonly used obesity indicators, BMI, waist girth, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), have limited ability to measure the visceral adipose tissue. Sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) has been shown to predict the amount of visceral fat. So far no study has been published on its ability to predict diabetes occurrence.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We assessed and compared the prediction of the four obesity indicators for diabetes incidence in a prospective study based on 5,168 participants from the nationally representative Health 2000 study.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up lasting 8.1 years, 222 incident diabetes cases occurred. In multivariate models adjusted for lifestyle factors, BMI, waist girth, WHR, and SAD were significant predictors of diabetes incidence. The relative risks (95% CI) between high and low levels were 15.0 (6.94–32.6), 11.4 (5.39–23.8), 12.5 (6.47–24.2), and 14.7 (6.89–31.2), respectively. Pairwise interaction analysis showed that the co-occurrence of high BMI and high SAD was associated with the highest diabetes incidence, with a relative risk of 37.0 (11.2–122). After adjustment for waist girth and the components of the metabolic syndrome, the relative risk was 9.88 (2.81–34.7). The corresponding population-attributable fraction estimate was 84% (49–95).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of SAD and BMI measurements yields a new predictor of diabetes incidence.
Efficacy of Metabolic and Psychological Screening for Mood Disorders Among Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Butwicka Agnieszka , Fendler Wojciech , Zalepa Adam , Szadkowska Agnieszka , Mianowska Beata , Gmitrowicz Agnieszka , Młynarski Wojciech
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

To compare the diagnostic accuracy and time expenditure of screening models based on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and psychometric measures for mood disorder (MD) among children with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

With semistructured clinical interviews (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for Children–Present and Lifetime version, 120 min/patient) as a reference for diagnosing MD, including major depressive disorder (MDD), we tested 163 subjects, aged 8 to 18 years, with type 1 diabetes. We evaluated four screening approaches: 1) Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) at 30 min/patient, 2) HbA1c level, 3) HbA1c level plus CDI, and 4) HbA1c level plus Children's Depression Rating Scale (CDRS) at 40 min/patient. These tests were conducted with all participants, and the total time expenditure for all four approaches was calculated as the total time needed to implement successfully the screening for MD or MDD in the center.

RESULTS

HbA1c performed on par with individual psychometric tests in diagnosing MD or MDD. The HbA1c plus CDRS model was the best screening procedure for both MD and MDD, with diagnostic thresholds for HbA1c established at 8.7% and 9.0%, respectively. Cutoff points for CDRS assessed after filtering by HbA1c were 26 (MD) and 30 (MDD) points. Center-wide application of this procedure would result in an 83% reduction of the examination time necessary for the psychiatrist for MD screening and a 91% reduction for MDD screening, as compared with standard screening with CDI.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of HbA1c level followed by CDRS is a time-efficient procedure to screen for MD in children with type 1 diabetes.
Microstructural White Matter Abnormalities and Cognitive Functioning in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Reijmer Yael D. , Brundel Manon , de Bresser Jeroen , Kappelle L. Jaap , Leemans Alexander , Biessels Geert Jan ,   on behalf of the Utrecht Vascular Cognitive Impairment Study Group
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether type 2 diabetes is associated with microstructural abnormalities in specific cerebral white matter tracts and to relate these microstructural abnormalities to cognitive functioning.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty-five nondemented older individuals with type 2 diabetes (mean age 71 ± 5 years) and 35 age-, sex-, and education-matched control subjects underwent a 3 Tesla diffusion-weighted MRI scan and a detailed cognitive assessment. Tractography was performed to reconstruct several white matter tracts. Diffusion tensor imaging measures, including fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), were compared between groups and related to cognitive performance.

RESULTS

MD was significantly increased in all tracts in both hemispheres in patients compared with control subjects (P < 0.05), reflecting microstructural white matter abnormalities in the diabetes group. Increased MD was associated with slowing of information-processing speed and worse memory performance in the diabetes but not in the control group after adjustment for age, sex, and estimated IQ (group × MD interaction, all P < 0.05). These associations were independent of total white matter hyperintensity load and presence of cerebral infarcts.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with type 2 diabetes showed microstructural abnormalities in various white matter pathways. These abnormalities were related to worse cognitive functioning.
Iron Metabolism Is Associated With Adipocyte Insulin Resistance and Plasma Adiponectin
Authors: Wlazlo Nick , van Greevenbroek Marleen M.J. , Ferreira Isabel , Jansen Eugene H.J.M. , Feskens Edith J.M. , van der Kallen Carla J.H. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Bravenboer Bert , Stehouwer Coen D.A.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

Adipocyte insulin resistance (IR) is a key feature early in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and although scarce, data in the literature suggest a direct role for iron and iron metabolism–related factors in adipose tissue function and metabolism. Serum ferritin and transferrin were shown to be associated with muscle insulin resistance (IR) and T2DM, but little is known about the role of iron metabolism on adipose tissue. We therefore investigated whether markers of iron metabolism were associated with adipocyte IR and plasma adiponectin.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Serum ferritin, transferrin, total iron, non–transferrin-bound iron (NTBI), transferrin saturation, and plasma adiponectin were determined in 492 individuals. Adipocyte IR was defined by the product of fasting insulin and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs). Using linear regression analyses, we investigated the difference in adipocyte IR or adiponectin (in %) according to differences in iron metabolism markers.

RESULTS

Serum ferritin (β = 1.00% increase in adipocyte IR per 10 μg/L [95% CI 0.66–1.34]), transferrin (4.18% per 0.1 g/L [2.88–5.50]), total iron (1.36% per μmol/L [0.61–2.12]), and NTBI (5.14% per μmol/L [1.88–8.52]) were associated with adipocyte IR after adjustment for several covariates, including inflammatory markers. All markers of iron metabolism were also associated with NEFAs (all P < 0.01). In addition, ferritin and transferrin were inversely associated with adiponectin (both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The observed associations of several markers of iron metabolism with adipocyte IR and adiponectin suggest that factors related to iron and iron metabolism may contribute to adipocyte IR early in the pathogenesis of T2DM.
Diabetes-Related Behaviors in Latinas and Non-Latinas in California
Authors: O’Brien Matthew J. , Davey Adam , Alos Victor A. , Whitaker Robert C.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

Certain dietary and physical activity behaviors have been associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, yet little is known about the prevalence of these behaviors among Latinas (Latino women). The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare the prevalence of diabetes-related behaviors in Latinas and non-Latinas.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using data from the 2009 California Health Interview Survey, we compared self-reported diabetes-related behaviors of Latinas (n = 4,321) to non-Latinas (n = 21,112) after excluding women who were pregnant or had diabetes. For six behaviors, we determined the cut point for the least healthy tertile: walking, doing moderate to vigorous physical activity, and consuming fried potatoes, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), desserts, and fast food. We used logistic regression to examine the association between Latina ethnicity and being in the least healthy tertile compared with the other two tertiles for each of these behaviors.

RESULTS

In multivariate models adjusted for age, income, education, marital status, health status, smoking, and acculturation, Latinas had a higher risk (odds ratio [95% CI]) of being in the least healthy tertile for the consumption of fast food (1.94 [1.63–2.31]), SSBs (1.53 [1.29–1.82]), and fried potatoes (1.32 [1.18–1.67]), and lower risk for desserts (0.82 [0.70–0.95]). Latinas and non-Latinas had similar physical activity levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary differences between Latinas and non-Latinas (particularly in the consumption of fast food and SSBs) may be the focus of interventions to prevent diabetes in Latinas. Further research among Latinas is needed to understand and modify these dietary behaviors.
LOGIC-Insulin Algorithm–Guided Versus Nurse-Directed Blood Glucose Control During Critical Illness
Authors: Van Herpe Tom , Mesotten Dieter , Wouters Pieter J. , Herbots Jeroen , Voets Evy , Buyens Jo , De Moor Bart , Van den Berghe Greet
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

Tight blood glucose control (TGC) in critically ill patients is difficult and labor intensive, resulting in poor efficacy of glycemic control and increased hypoglycemia rate. The LOGIC-Insulin computerized algorithm has been developed to assist nurses in titrating insulin to maintain blood glucose levels at 80–110 mg/dL (normoglycemia) and to avoid severe hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dL). The objective was to validate clinically LOGIC-Insulin relative to TGC by experienced nurses.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The investigator-initiated LOGIC-1 study was a prospective, parallel-group, randomized, controlled clinical trial in a single tertiary referral center. A heterogeneous mix of 300 critically ill patients were randomized, by concealed computer allocation, to either nurse-directed glycemic control (Nurse-C) or algorithm-guided glycemic control (LOGIC-C). Glycemic penalty index (GPI), a measure that penalizes both hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic deviations from normoglycemia, was the efficacy outcome measure, and incidence of severe hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dL) was the safety outcome measure.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics of 151 Nurse-C patients and 149 LOGIC-C patients and study times did not differ. The GPI decreased from 12.4 (interquartile range 8.2–18.5) in Nurse-C to 9.8 (6.0–14.5) in LOGIC-C (P < 0.0001). The proportion of study time in target range was 68.6 ± 16.7% for LOGIC-C patients versus 60.1 ± 18.8% for Nurse-C patients (P = 0.00016). The proportion of severe hypoglycemic events was decreased in the LOGIC-C group (Nurse-C 0.13%, LOGIC-C 0%; P = 0.015) but not when considered as a proportion of patients (Nurse-C 3.3%, LOGIC-C 0%; P = 0.060). Sampling interval was 2.2 ± 0.4 h in the LOGIC-C group versus 2.5 ± 0.5 h in the Nurse-C group (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with expert nurses, LOGIC-Insulin improved efficacy of TGC without increasing rate of hypoglycemia.
Randomized Controlled Phase Ib Study of Ghrelin Agonist, RM-131, in Type 2 Diabetic Women With Delayed Gastric Emptying
Authors: Shin Andrea , Camilleri Michael , Busciglio Irene , Burton Duane , Stoner Elizabeth , Noonan Patrick , Gottesdiener Keith , Smith Steven A. , Vella Adrian , Zinsmeister Alan R.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics, and safety of single-dose RM-131 in type 2 diabetic patients with gastrointestinal cardinal symptoms (GCSI) and previously documented delayed gastric emptying (DGE).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a randomized crossover study, 10 female patients received RM-131 (100 μg s.c.) or placebo and underwent scintigraphic gastric emptying (GE) and colonic filling at 6 h (CF6) of a solid-liquid meal administered 30 min postdosing. Adverse events, plasma glucose, and hormonal levels were assessed. GCSI daily diary (GCSI-DD) was completed during treatments. PK was assessed in this cohort and healthy volunteers (HVs).

RESULTS

At screening, HbA1c was 7.2 ± 0.4% (SEM) and total GCSI-DD score was 1.32 ± 0.21. RM-131 accelerated GE t1/2 of solids (P = 0.011); mean difference (Δ) in solid GE t1/2 was 68.3 min (95% CI 20–117) or 66.1%. There were numerical differences in GE lag time, CF6 solids, and GE t1/2 liquids (all P < 0.14). With a significant (P < 0.014) order effect, further analysis of the first treatment period (n = 5 per group) confirmed significant RM-131 effects on GE t1/2 (solids, P = 0.016; liquids, P = 0.024; CF6, P = 0.013). PK was similar in DGE patients and HVs. There were increases in 120-min blood glucose (P = 0.07) as well as 30–90-min area under the curve (AUC) levels of growth hormone, cortisol, and prolactin (all P < 0.02) with single-dose RM-131. Only light-headedness was reported more on RM-131.

CONCLUSIONS

RM-131 greatly accelerates the GE of solids in patients with type 2 diabetes and documented DGE. PK is similar in diabetic patients and HVs.
Selected polymers on CW and pulsed THz investigations
Authors: Jarzab P. , Nowak K. , Walczakowski M. , Augustyn L. , Mikulics M. , Wilk R. , Witkowski J. , Plinski E.
Published: September 2012

The paper gives the results of refractive indexes for three plastic materials: polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate and polyvinyl chloride, which are measured and compared in two arrangements - a CW THz photomixer and a pulsed THz spectrometer.
Three-phase voltage outages compensator with cascaded multilevel converter
Authors: Iwaszkiewicz Jan , Bogusławski Piotr , Krahel Antoni , Łowiec Eugeniusz
Published: September 2012

Three-phase voltage outages compensator with cascaded multilevel converter

The paper presents a laboratory prototype of the three-phase transformerless voltage outages compensator with an energy storage based on high voltage supercapacitors. The system described is able to protect an isolated grid e.g. in industry against short voltage interruptions, dips and sags. An idea of a control method as well as a digital controller has been presented, too.
Research of selected electric and magnetic properties of railway rail
Authors: Kiraga Kamil , Szychta Elżbieta
Published: September 2012

Research of selected electric and magnetic properties of railway rail

The article presents measurement methods serving to determine electric and magnetic properties of rails (60E1) used to construct railroad turnouts. Knowledge of a rail's electric and magnetic properties is necessary to analyse the phenomena in the rail's internal structure when under impact of a powerful electromagnetic field. The electric and magnetic properties will also help to develop a simulation model of turnout induction heating in 2D and 3D space.
Analysis of three-phases matrix reactance frequency converter with two pulsations of control signal
Authors: Korotyeye Igor , Zięba Beata
Published: September 2012

Analysis of three-phases matrix reactance frequency converter with two pulsations of control signal

This paper presents a method of calculation of steady-state processes in three-phases matrix-reactance frequency converters (MRFC's), in which voltages and currents are transformed by control signals with two pulsations. A solution of nonstationary differential equations with periodic coefficients that describe this system is obtained by using Galerkin's method and an extension of equations of one variable of time to equations of two variables of time. The results of calculations are presented in an example of three-phases MRFC with buck-boost topology and compared with a numerical method embedded in the program Mathematica.
Modified algorithms of direct power control of AC/DC converter co-operating with the grid
Authors: Kulikowski Krzysztof
Published: September 2012

Modified algorithms of direct power control of AC/DC converter co-operating with the grid

This paper briefly describes direct power control methods for two- and three-level AC/DC converters and their modified DPC 3 × 2-δ and the DPC 5 × 2-δ algorithms. It also presents two new control methods DPC-3Am (direct power control 3 areas with modification) and the DPC-3L-3Am (direct power control 3 levels 3 areas with modification). The research results were used to compare the described methods. The comparison was based on an average value of switching frequency and current distortion coefficient. Experimental investigations into the methods have shown that the use of the modified DPC methods reduces the number of switchings by more than 70% compared with the standard DPC method.