bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concordance of preclinical and clinical pharmacology and toxicology of monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins: soluble targets
Authors: Martin Pauline L , Bugelski Peter J
Published: December 2011

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and fusion proteins directed towards soluble targets make an important contribution to the treatment of disease. The purpose of this review was to correlate the clinical and preclinical data on the 14 currently approved mAbs and fusion proteins targeted to soluble targets. The principal sources used to gather data were: the peer reviewed Literature; European Medicines Agency ‘Scientific Discussions’ and United States Food and Drug Administration ‘Pharmacology/Toxicology Reviews’ and package inserts (United States Prescribing Information). Data on the following approved biopharmaceuticals were included: adalimumab, anakinra, bevacizumab, canakinumab, certolizumab pegol, denosumab, eculizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, omalizumab, ranibizumab, rilonacept and ustekinumab. Some related biopharmaceuticals in late‐stage development were also included for comparison. Good concordance with human pharmacodynamics was found for both non‐human primates (NHPs) receiving the human biopharmaceutical and mice receiving rodent homologues (surrogates). In contrast, there was limited concordance for human adverse effects in genetically deficient mice, mice receiving surrogates or NHPs receiving the human pharmaceutical. In summary, the results of this survey show that although both mice and NHPs have good predictive value for human pharmacodynamics, neither species have good predictive value for human adverse effects. No evidence that NHPs have superior predictive value was found.
Electrical conduction along endothelial cell tubes from mouse feed arteries: confounding actions of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives
Authors: Behringer Erik J , Socha Matthew J , Polo‐Parada Luis , Segal Steven S
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Electrical conduction along endothelium of resistance vessels has not been determined independently of the influence of smooth muscle, surrounding tissue or blood. Two interrelated hypotheses were tested: (i) Intercellular conduction of electrical signals is manifest in endothelial cell (EC) tubes; and (ii) Inhibitors of gap junction channels (GJCs) have confounding actions on EC electrical and Ca2+ signalling.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Intact EC tubes were isolated from abdominal muscle feed (superior epigastric) arteries of C57BL/6 mice. Hyperpolarization was initiated with indirect (ACh) and direct (NS309) stimulation of intermediate‐ and small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (IKCa/SKCa). Remote membrane potential (Vm) responses to intracellular current injection defined the length constant (λ) for electrical conduction. Dye coupling was evaluated following intracellular microinjection of propidium iodide. Intracellular Ca2+ dynamics were determined using Fura‐2 photometry. Carbenoxolone (CBX) or β‐glycyrrhetinic acid (βGA) was used to investigate the role of GJCs.

KEY RESULTS Steady‐state Vm of ECs was −25 mV. ACh and NS309 hyperpolarized ECs by −40 and −60 mV respectively. Electrical conduction decayed monoexponentially with distance (λ∼1.4 mm). Propidium iodide injected into one EC spread into surrounding ECs. CBX or βGA inhibited dye transfer, electrical conduction and EC hyperpolarization reversibly. Both agents elevated resting Ca2+ while βGA inhibited responses to ACh.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Individual cells were effectively coupled to each other within EC tubes. Inhibiting GJCs with glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives blocked hyperpolarization mediated by IKCa/SKCa channels, regardless of Ca2+ signalling, obviating use of these agents in distinguishing key determinants of electrical conduction along the endothelium.
Novel cholinergic peptides SLURP‐1 and ‐2 regulate epithelialization of cutaneous and oral wounds
Authors: Chernyavsky Alexander I. , Kalantari‐Dehaghi Mina , Phillips Courtney , Marchenko Steve , Grando Sergei A.
Published: December 2011

It is well established that auto/paracrine acetylcholine (ACh) is essential for wound epithelialization, and that the mechanisms include regulation of keratinocyte motility and adhesion via nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs). Keratinocyte nAChRs can be also activated by non‐canonical ligands, such as secreted mammalian Ly‐6/urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor‐related protein (SLURP)‐1 and ‐2. In this study, we determined effects of recombinant (r)SLURP‐1 and‐2 on migration of human epidermal and oral keratinocytes under agarose and epithelialization of cutaneous and oral mucosal excisional wounds in mice, and also identified nAChRs mediating SLURP signals. Both in vitro and in vivo, rSLURP‐1 decreased and SLURP‐2 increased epithelialization rate. The mixture of both peptides accelerated epithelialization even further, indicating that their simultaneous signaling renders an additive physiologic response. The specificity of rSLURP actions was illustrated by similar effects on cutaneous and oral wounds, which feature distinct responses to injury, and also by abrogation of rSLURP effects with neutralizing antibodies. rSLURP‐1 acted predominantly via the α7 nAChR‐coupled up‐regulation of the sedentary integrins α2 and α3, whereas SLURP‐2—through α3, and α9 nAChRs up‐regulating migratory integrins α5 and αV. The biologic effects of rSLURPs required the presence of endogenous ACh, indicating that auto/paracrine SLURPs provide for a fine tuning of the physiologic regulation of crawling locomotion via the keratinocyte ACh axis. Since nAChRs have been shown to regulate SLURP production, cholinergic regulation of keratinocyte migration appears to be mediated by a reciprocally arranged network. The cholinergic peptides, therefore, may become prototype drugs for the treatment of wounds that fail to heal.
Pioneers and Perches—Promising Restoration Methods for Degraded Renosterveld Habitats?
Authors: Heelemann Steffen , Krug Cornelia B. , Esler Karen J. , Reisch Christoph , Poschlod Peter
Published: December 2011

Areas of abandoned agricultural fields are globally increasing and are also common features in the Cape Lowlands of South Africa. Previous restoration attempts in degraded West Coast renosterveld, a Mediterranean‐climate shrubland, have attained limited success and therefore novel approaches are needed for this area. The study reports on two restoration experiments, designed to re‐introduce key plant functional types back into this critically endangered habitat. The first experiment concentrated on a common pioneer species in renosterveld vegetation, Otholobium hirtum. Although in vitro experiments showed a significantly elevated germination response after scarification, in vivo experiments failed to produce establishment in an abandoned field. The second restoration experiment focused on bush clumps, a sub‐type of renosterveld vegetation that is characterized by broad‐leaved shrubs with fleshy bird‐dispersed diaspores. The effect of artificial bird perches and their potential to enhance diaspore dispersal by frugivorous birds in two abandoned field communities was tested. Results showed a significant increase in seed dispersal at artificial perch sites. However, in the next fruiting season, and after perch removal, seed germination and establishment in abandoned fields was not successful. The experiments revealed that restoration using early‐succession species and natural dispersal vectors appear not to produce demonstrable benefits, despite their promising potential and pre‐testing of effectiveness. Before launching large‐scale restoration programs in abandoned fields of renosterveld, preliminary studies in‐field are strongly recommended.
N‐Terminal Pro‐B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide is Associated with Severity of the Coronary Lesions in Unstable Angina Patients with Preserved Left Ventricular Function
Authors: WEI GAO , NINGFU WANG , XIANHUA YE , LIANG ZHOU , JIANMIN YANG , GUOXIN TONG , PENG XU
Published: December 2011

Objectives:
 To evaluate the association between N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) values and the severity of coronary lesions at angiography in unstable angina patients with preserved left ventricular function.

Methods:
 A total of 133 patients with primary diagnosis of unstable angina were enrolled into this study. NT‐proBNP level was determined before the angiography and Gensini score, a measurement of extent of myocardial ischemia, was calculated after the angiography by experienced cardiologists. Patients with >50% stenosis of the left main or 75% stenosis of one or more coronary branches with diameter >2 mm were defined as “angiography positive” and turned to percutaneous coronary intervention.

Results:
 There was a significant difference of circulating NT‐proBNP level between the angiography positive and negative groups and the median NT‐proBNP values were 367.5 pg/mL and 112 pg/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). A significant correlation was observed between log NT‐proBNP and log Gensini score (P < 0.001). NT‐proBNP level was a predictor of angiography positive result and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.776 (95% CI 0.693–0.858).

Conclusions:
 NT‐proBNP level was found to be higher with the severity of myocardial ischemia. However, the ability of NT‐proBNP to identify clinically significant angiographic lesions was moderate. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:126–131)
Food Technological Applications for Optimal Nutrition: An Overview of Opportunities for the Food Industry
Authors: Nehir El Sedef , Simsek Sebnem
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  An increasingly important determinant in food choice is the growing consumer concern about nutrition and health. This focusing of consumer interest on the food supply, and also extensive research and technological developments in food science will provide further opportunities for new product development. The Food‐Based Dietary Guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU) legislation on health claims play an important role in regulating information to the public about a wholesome diet and for improving the availability and affordability of nutritious food choices to consumers. More specifically, the food industry can contribute by reducing the number of energy‐dense products; by improving the nutrient profile of processed food through the reduction of salt, added sugar, trans‐fatty acid, and saturated fat content. As a result, food science and technology are prompted to create a new framework for these food‐based dietary guidelines, principally in the areas of food physics, methods of food storage and preservation, nutrient restoration and fortification of foods, and the development of health‐focused designer foods and functional foods. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of some further opportunities for new product development and nutrition research. Some topics related to the energy reduction of foods include: dilution and structure design, carbohydrate and/or fat substitutes, and inhibition of enzymes in carbohydrate and/or fat digestion; additionally, regulation of some metabolic functions with food‐derived bioactive peptides and probiotics, and enrichment of foods with bioactive compounds are reviewed in this overview as the most promising issues.
Familial multiple pilomatrixomas as a presentation of attenuated adenomatosis polyposis coli
Authors: Trufant Joshua , Kurz Wayne , Frankel Amylynne , Muthusamy Viswanathan , McKinnon Wendy , Greenblatt Marc , Lazar Alex , Cook Deborah , Bosenberg Marcus
Published: December 2011

Pilomatrixomas are benign follicular tumors that occur most commonly in children. Rare multiple or familial pilomatrixomas have been associated with myotonic dystrophy and other disorders. Although sporadic pilomatrixomas and hybrid cutaneous cysts with pilomatrixoma‐like features have been observed in some kindreds with Gardner syndrome, an autosomal dominant form of familial adenomatous polyposis, no definitive association has been made with multiple or familial pilomatrixomas. Here we describe two siblings with multiple pilomatrixomas who were also found to have a family history of colonic adenocarcinoma. Genetic testing revealed a mutation in the 5′ portion of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, in a region associated with an attenuated APC phenotype. These findings show that multiple pilomatrixomas may be the presenting symptom of patients with APC gene mutations.

Trufant J, Kurz W, Frankel A, Muthusamy V, McKinnon W, Greenblatt M, Lazar A, Cook D, Bosenberg M. Familial multiple pilomatrixomas as a presentation of attenuated adenomatosis polyposis coli.
Performance analysis in sport: Contributions from a joint analysis of athletes’ experience and biomechanical indicators
Authors: Sève C. , Nordez A. , Poizat G. , Saury J.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to test the usefulness of combining two types of analysis to investigate sports performance with the aim of optimizing it. These two types of analysis correspond to two levels of athletes’ activity: (a) their experiences during performance and (b) the biomechanical characteristics of their movements. Rowing served as an illustration, and the activity of one female crew member was studied during a race. Three types of data were collected: (a) audiovisual data recorded during the race; (b) verbalization data obtained in interviews conducted afterward; and (c) biomechanical data. The courses of experience of the two rowers during the race were reconstructed on the basis of the audiovisual and verbalization data. This paper presents a detailed analysis of a single phenomenon of the race experienced by one of the rowers. According to the coaches, it reflected a dysfunction in crew coordination. The aim of this analysis was to identify the biomechanical characteristics of the rowers’ movements that might explain it. The results showed that the phenomenon could be explained principally by an amplitude differential between the two rowers’ strokes. On this basis, the coaches defined new training objectives to remedy the dysfunction in crew coordination.
Contribution of physical education to overall physical activity
Authors: Meyer U. , Roth R. , Zahner L. , Gerber M. , Puder J. J. , Hebestreit H. , Kriemler S.
Published: December 2011

For many children, physical activity (PA) during physical education (PE) lessons provides an important opportunity for being physically active. Although PA during PE has been shown to be low, little is known about the contribution of PA during PE to overall PA. The aim was therefore to assess children's PA during PE and to determine the contribution of PE to overall PA with special focus on overweight children. Accelerometer measurements were done in 676 children (9.3 ± 2.1 years) over 4–7 days in 59 randomly selected classes. Moderate‐and‐vigorous PA (MVPA; ≥ 2000 counts/min) during PE (MVPAPE), overall MVPA per day (MVPADAY), and a comparison of days with and without PE were calculated by a regression model with gender, grade, and weight status (normal vs overweight) as fixed factors and class as a random factor. Children spent 32.8 ± 15.1% of PE time in MVPA. Weight status was not associated to MVPAPE. MVPAPE accounted for 16.8 ± 8.5% of MVPADAY, and 17.5 ± 8.2% in overweight children. All children were more active on days with PE than on days without PE (differences: 16.1 ± 29.0 min of MVPADAY; P ≤ 0.001; 13.7 ± 28.0 min for overweight children). Although MVPAPE was low, PE played a considerable role in providing PA and was not compensated by reducing extracurricular MVPA.
Influence of oral conditions on colonization by highly toxigenic Staphylococcus aureus strains
Authors: Passariello C , Puttini M , Iebba V , Pera P , Gigola P
Published: December 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 402–409

Objectives:  As the oral cavity is regarded as a relevant site for Staphylococcus aureus colonization and interhuman transmission, this study aimed to investigate whether different oral conditions influence the rates of S. aureus oral carriage and genetic characters of S. aureus isolates.

Subjects and methods:  Staphylococcus aureus was searched in samples collected from cheek, gingival margin, and anterior nares of 45 healthy subjects, 27 periodontitis affected subjects, and 29 subjects with fixed prosthetic restorations. Isolates were screened for 17 genetic determinants, and Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis was performed to evaluate whether specific characters correlated with oral condition or site of isolation.

Results:  The three subject groups showed comparable nasal carriage rates but, both the periodontitis and prosthetic restoration groups showed significantly higher oral carriage rates, as compared to healthy subjects (P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Moreover, periodontitis affected subjects hosted strains possessing a distinct genotypic and phenotypic background, characterized by the presence of a larger number of exotoxins encoding genes.

Conclusions:  These data confirm that the oral cavity is an important site of S. aureus colonization and demonstrate that conditions modifying the oral environment, as the presence of periodontitis and of fixed prosthetic restorations, promote S. aureus carriage and may favor the spread of more pathogenic strains.
Son Preference in Rural China: Patrilineal Families and Socioeconomic Change
Authors: Murphy Rachel , Tao Ran , Lu Xi
Published: December 2011

This article draws on a survey conducted in six provinces in summer 2008 to investigate the determinants of son preference in rural china. The analysis confirms the conventional wisdom that son preference is embedded within patrilineal family structures and practices. We extend our analysis by exploring specific aspects of variation within patrilineal family culture. We find that the patrilineal group (clan) composition of villages and family participation in practices such as building ancestral halls and updating genealogies significantly influence son preference. Yet even though son preference is embedded within patrilineal family culture, our analysis suggests that over time the attenuation of son preference is likely. This is because determinants associated with socioeconomic change—for instance, higher levels of education, direct exposure to official policy education materials, higher income (a proxy for rural industrialization), and agricultural mechanization—all attenuate son preference. Being younger and female are also associated with weaker son preference, and both characteristics are likely to interact with education and industrialization to further dilute son preference in the longer term. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that concerted efforts are needed to ameliorate institutional discrimination against rural people in welfare provisioning and in labor markets, and to promote multiple dimensions of gender equality, including in land rights, wage rates, and education.
Self‐Management Abilities of Diabetes in People With an Intellectual Disability Living in New Zealand
Authors: Hale Leigh A. , Trip Henrietta T. , Whitehead Lisa , Conder Jenny
Published: December 2011

Self‐management of diabetes is encouraged; however, it is not an easy task and requires a good understanding of the disease. To determine how to improve the self‐management abilities of diabetes in people with an intellectual disability (ID), this study explored the knowledge and understanding of diabetes held by a select group of adults with diabetes. The group was made up of 14 adult New Zealanders (eight males and six females; age range 23–69 years) with type 1 diabetes (n = 6) and type 2 diabetes (n = 8). They and their nominated key informants were interviewed. Blood sugar levels (gained from using hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) tests) were obtained on all participants. HbA1c levels ranged from 5.4% to 12.3%. The participants fell into three categories of understanding diabetes: (1) those who had a good understanding of the disease; (2) those who had some knowledge but their actual understanding was limited; and (3) those who demonstrated only a very basic knowledge. It was found that all of the adults were actively engaged in the self‐management process, and all appeared to have some understanding of the role of diet, blood sugar levels, and exercise in the management of their disease. Support from others was important in this process, even for those adults who had a good understanding of the disease. Diabetes significantly impacted the adults' lives, and in some cases, prevented them from living independently. When interviewed, the adults suggested strategies to assist with self‐management such as the use of a “buddy” system to encourage exercise. Authors concluded that adults with ID can be engaged in self‐management of their diabetes. However, it is important that they continue to receive education and support throughout their lives and that time be spent with each individual to identify how to provide the best education and support. Peer‐led education and user‐friendly resources are recommended to achieve lifelong education and support.
Qualitative Study of Malnutrition in People With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Franssen Janine J. L. , Maaskant Marian A. , van Schrojenstein Lantman‐de Valk Henny M. J.
Published: December 2011

The prevalence of underweight status is relatively high in persons with intellectual disabilities. However, it is not clear whether this is due to malnourishment. The authors sought to examine the awareness and knowledge of physicians, dieticians, and direct care staff regarding malnutrition in people with intellectual disabilities. They also sought to obtain information about their experience with problems and possible solutions. Semi‐structured interviews were held with a cross‐section of physicians, dieticians, and direct care staff working with people with intellectual disabilities at six different service providers in the Netherlands. Dieticians and physicians noted that malnutrition is prevalent in persons with intellectual disabilities that they see, but they were uncertain about why this is the case. On the contrary, direct care staff were convinced that malnutrition was not present. Screening of high‐risk persons for the presence of malnutrition is advised. In addition, the authors recommended education of direct care staff about healthy nutrition and weight and the development of a screening instrument for malnutrition specifically for people with intellectual disabilities.
Topical morphine gel in the treatment of painful leg ulcers, a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial: a pilot study
Authors: Bastami Salumeh , Frödin Thomas , Ahlner Johan , Uppugunduri Srinivas
Published: December 2011

Chronic painful wounds, a major health problem, have a detrimental impact on the quality of life due to associated pain. Some clinical reports have suggested that local administration of morphine could be beneficial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of topically applied morphine on chronic painful leg ulcers. Twenty‐one patients were randomly assigned to receive either morphine or placebo in a randomised, placebo‐controlled, crossover pilot study. Each patient was treated four times in total. Pain was measured by the visual analogue score (VAS) before application of gel, directly after and after 2, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Although an overall, clinically relevant, reduction of pain was observed upon treatment with morphine, the difference was not statistically significant. Morphine reduced pain scores more than placebo on treatment occasions 1 and 2. The difference was statistically significant only 2 hours after dressing on the first treatment occasion. Thus, our study did not demonstrate a consistent and globally significant difference in nociception in patients treated with morphine. However, the relatively small number of patients included in our study and other methodological limitations makes it difficult for us to draw general conclusions regarding efficacy of topically applied morphine as an effective treatment for some painful ulcers. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the value of topically applied morphine in the treatment of patients with chronic painful leg ulcers.
FLAVOR OF COOKED CATFISH (PANGASIUS HYPOPHTHALMUS) FILLETS AS PREDICTION FROM RAW FRESH AND FROZEN‐TO‐THAWED
Authors: PHAN UYEN T.X. , NGUYEN DZUNG H.
Published: December 2011

This study aimed to develop a lexicon of sensory descriptors for Vietnamese catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) fillet products, and to investigate the use of sensory characteristics of raw and frozen fillets to predict the flavor of cooked catfish fillets. Descriptive Analysis (DA) was applied by a panel of 11 trained panelists to samples of raw fresh fillets and frozen fillets at three stages: frozen, thawing and thawed. Samples were also cooked at 200C for 25 min to evaluate their flavor. A lexicon of sensory attributes was generated for three types of samples: raw fresh, frozen‐to‐thawed and cooked. The validity of this lexicon has been discussed. Raw fresh and frozen‐to‐thawed samples were shown to be predictors for sensory characteristics of cooked samples. Sensory quality of catfish fillets was indicated by textural properties and flavors more than appearances and colors.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study provides Pangasius processors with sensory lexicons of Pangasius fillets to support the development of their quality control plans. The study also provides producers and purchasers with methodological guidelines for making prediction of flavor of Pangasius products at different phases of the processing: raw fresh, frozen, thawed and cooked.
3D‐QSAR and Molecular Docking Studies on 3‐Anilino‐4‐Arylmaleimide Derivatives as Glycogen Synthase Kinase‐3β Inhibitors
Authors: Akhtar Mymoona , Bharatam Prasad V.
Published: December 2011

Glycogen synthase kinase‐3, a serine/threonine kinase, is a fascinating enzyme with diverse biological actions in intracellular signaling systems, making it an emerging target for diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, chronic inflammation, bipolar disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to inhibit glycogen synthase kinase‐3 selectively, and the net effect of the glycogen synthase kinase‐3 inhibitors thus should be target specific, over other phylogenetically related kinases such as CDK‐2. In the present work, we have carried out three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship studies on novel class of 3‐anilino‐4‐arylmaleimide derivatives to have improved cellular activity. Docked conformation of the most active molecule in the series, which shows desirable interactions in the receptor, was taken as template for the alignment of the molecules. Statistically significant CoMSIA (  = 0.614,  = 0.948) and comparative molecular field analysis (  = 0.652,  = 0.958) models were generated using 57 molecules in training set. The predictive ability of CoMSIA and comparative molecular field analysis models was determined using a test set of 17 molecules, which gave predictive correlation coefficients () of 0.87 and 0.82, respectively, indicating good predictive power. Based on the information derived from CoMSIA and comparative molecular field analysis contour maps, we have identified some key features that explain the observed variance in the activity and have been used to design new anilinoarylmaleimide derivatives. The designed molecules showed better binding affinity in terms of estimated docking scores with respect to the already reported systems, hence suggesting that newly designed molecules can be more potent and selective toward glycogen synthase kinase‐3β inhibition.
Le changement climatique et les pratiques en matière d'investissement
Authors: Sørensen Ole Beier , Pfeifer Stephanie
Published: December 2011

La prise en compte des questions environnementales, sociales et de gouvernance (ESG) dans les pratiques des investisseurs institutionnels a beaucoup évolué. Pour les investisseurs publics et privés, ces questions font désormais partie intégrante des pratiques d'investissement classiques. On note donc une plus grande prise de conscience puisque ces pratiques représentent des risques et des opportunités majeurs qui doivent être gérés dans le cadre de la responsabilité fiduciaire. Certaines de ces questions exigent d'ailleurs des méthodes beaucoup plus sophistiquées que les approches traditionnelles fondées sur le filtrage auxquelles les investisseurs de niche avaient autrefois recours. Cette réalité est illustrée à travers une réflexion approfondie sur les pratiques des investisseurs dans le domaine du changement climatique, lesquelles doivent comporter une évaluation des risques et des opportunités à long terme et des stratégies mises en place pour les gérer. L'article constate également que les politiques et réglementations sont déterminantes pour que les mécanismes de l'économie deviennent favorables aux investissements à faible émission de carbone. Partant de là, il affirme la nécessité d'un dialogue structuré entre les investisseurs et les décideurs afin de garantir la mobilisation d'un capital institutionnel suffisant pour réaliser l'objectif de politique publique qu'est la limitation du changement climatique. Ce dialogue doit cependant permettre aux investisseurs d'agir dans le respect de leur responsabilité fiduciaire.
Recouvrement des cotisations et respect des obligations: améliorer la gouvernance pour élargir la couverture sociale
Authors: Enoff Louis D. , McKinnon Roddy
Published: December 2011

En se fondant sur les données rassemblées auprès des organisations de sécurité sociale et des agences de recouvrement des cotisations, le présent article vise essentiellement à contribuer à la diffusion des connaissances et des bonnes pratiques sur le recouvrement des cotisations et des moyens de faire respecter les obligations. Si le recouvrement des cotisations et le respect des obligations ont des implications non négligeables dans les domaines de la protection sociale, politique et budgétaire, ils sont abordés ici sous l'aspect de la bonne gouvernance administrative. D'après les données étudiées, sept facteurs fondamentaux doivent généralement se conjuguer pour que le recouvrement des cotisations et le respect des obligations fonctionnent correctement. Outre le fait de renforcer l'adéquation des prestations et la santé financière ainsi que la réputation auprès du public des programmes, ce bon fonctionnement peut également encourager les efforts nationaux et internationaux entrepris pour étendre la couverture sociale. Enfin, le degré de réussite de ces activités peut être déterminé et défini par les conditions politiques nationales au sens large, sur lesquelles les organisations de sécurité sociale n'ont peu ou pas d'influence.
Design of Extended Warranties in Supply Chains under Additive Demand
Authors: Li Kunpeng , Mallik Suman , Chhajed Dilip
Published: December 2011

We study the design of extended warranties in a supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and an independent retailer. The manufacturer produces a single product and sells it exclusively through the retailer. The extended warranty can be offered either by the manufacturer or by the retailer. The party offering the extended warranty decides on the terms of the policy in its best interest and incurs the repair costs of product failures. We use game theoretic models to answer the following questions. Which scenario leads to a higher supply‐chain profit, the retailer offering the extended warranty or the manufacturer? How do the optimum price and extended warranty length vary under different scenarios? We find that, depending on the parameters, either party may provide better extended warranty policies and generate more system profit. We also compare these two decentralized models with a centralized system where a single party manufactures the product, sells it to the consumer, and offers the extended warranty. We also consider an extension of our basic model where either the manufacturer or the retailer resells the extended warranty policies of a third party (e.g., an independent insurance company), instead of offering its own policy.
Breakfast consumption and meal frequency interaction with childhood obesity
Authors: Antonogeorgos G. , Panagiotakos D. B. , Papadimitriou A. , Priftis K. N. , Anthracopoulos M. , Nicolaidou P.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Increased meal frequency and daily breakfast consumption have been inversely associated with childhood obesity. The purpose of the study was to examine the possible interaction effect between meal frequency and breakfast consumption on childhood obesity.

Methods

Seven hundred children (323 boys) aged 10–12 years were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Several lifestyle, dietary and physical activity characteristics were recorded with food frequency and physical activity questionnaires. Body height and weight were measured and body mass index was calculated in order to classify children as overweight or obese (International Obesity Task Force classification). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used in order to evaluate the interaction between daily breakfast intake and more than three meals per day consumption with overweight or obesity.

Reuslts

Of the children, 27.6% and 9.0% were overweight and obese, respectively. Moreover, 60.2% consumed three or more meals per day and 62.7% consumed breakfast in a regular daily basis. Children who consumed more than three meals per day and also consumed breakfast daily, were two times less likely to be overweight or obese (adjusted odds ratio: 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.27–0.88).

Conclusion

A combined higher meal frequency and daily breakfast consumption dietary pattern may prevent overweight and obesity in children.
Longitudinal and transversal propagation of excitation along the tubular system of rat fast‐twitch muscle fibres studied by high speed confocal microscopy
Authors: Edwards Joshua N. , Cully Tanya R. , Shannon Thomas R. , Stephenson D. George , Launikonis Bradley S.
Published: December 2011

Non‐technical summary  Contraction of the vertebrate skeletal muscle is dependent on the excitation of the highly specialized plasma membrane of individual muscle fibres. Most of the plasma membrane covers an extensive, structured network of narrow invaginating tubules, but little is known about how excitation propagates along the tubular network of mammalian skeletal muscle fibres in the radial and longitudinal directions with respect to the fibre axis. Here we show that excitation can take multiple pathways through the internal network of tubules in fast‐twitch muscle fibres of the rat and determine the rates that excitation can spread within the internalized membrane tubules and show how this can change during muscle fatigue. Our results increase our understanding of mammalian skeletal muscle function in health, fatigue and some disease states.
Prenatal stress alters hippocampal synaptic plasticity in young rat offspring through preventing the proteolytic conversion of pro‐brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to mature BDNF
Authors: Yeh Che‐Ming , Huang Chiung‐Chun , Hsu Kuei‐Sen
Published: December 2011

Non‐technical summary  Prenatal stress (PS) has been associated with a higher risk for the development of various neurological and psychiatric disorders later in life, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Our results support an action mode in which PS downregulates tissue plasminogen activator levels within the hippocampus, inhibiting the proteolytic conversion of pro‐brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (pro‐BDNF) to the mature form of BDNF, thereby leading to long‐lasting alterations of the properties of synaptic plasticity. Our findings bolster the idea that stressful experience during gestation or early in life may lead to long‐lasting malfunction of the hippocampus and our PS model may be useful for the development of more effective intervention and prevention strategies.
Pivotal role of mitochondrial Na+–Ca2+ exchange in antigen receptor mediated Ca2+ signalling in DT40 and A20 B lymphocytes
Authors: Kim Bongju , Takeuchi Ayako , Koga Orie , Hikida Masaki , Matsuoka Satoshi
Published: December 2011

Non‐technical summary  Elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ is one of the early responses of lymphocytes upon the antigen recognition by the surface receptor. We show here that the Ca2+ response is maintained by Ca2+ transfer from mitochondria to endoplasmic reticulum through mitochondrial Na+–Ca2+ exchange. The result helps us understanding how lymphocyte responses to antigen are organized at organelle level.
Shell Solution for Reinforced Cylinder to Sphere Intersection
Authors: Brooks G. N.
Published: December 2011

To reduce the stress level at nozzle to spherical pressure vessel intersections, reinforcement is generally added to the sphere, the nozzle or both. This paper describes the development of a computer code using closed-form solutions to analyze this problem. Up to seven components can be considered in the model: inner and outer nozzles each connected to pipes; an insert plate; spherical shell; and cylindrical vessel connected to the sphere. All three forces and moments on each nozzle as well as internal pressure and simple thermal loading are considered. Thin shell theory is used for each component. Due to the complexity of the exact solution for the sphere, asymptotic solutions valid for both the shallow and steep regions are used. This solution allows parameter studies to be performed efficiently for various reinforcement geometries.
Instability Mechanisms and Stability Criteria of a Group of Circular Cylinders Subjected to Cross-Flow. Part I: Theory
Authors: Chen S. S.
Published: December 2011

A mathematical model is presented for a group of circular cylinders subject to cross-flow. It is found that there are two basic dynamic instability mechanisms: instability controlled by fluid damping and instability controlled by fluidelastic force. Approximate closed form solutions of the critical flow velocity for the two mechanisms are obtained based on constrained-mode analyses. The model has identified the key parameters in the stability criteria and their functional forms and resolved the controversy associated with the empirical stability criteria.
Flow-Induced Vibrations of Heat Exchanger U-Tubes: A Simulation to Study the Effects of Asymmetric Stiffness
Authors: Weaver D. S. , Koroyannakis D.
Published: December 2011

A water tunnel study was conducted to study the effect of asymmetric stiffness on a parallel triangular array of tubes with a pitch ratio of 1.375. The tubes were cantilevered from rectangular support rods so that the stiffness, and hence natural frequencies, were different in directions parallel and transverse to the flow. This arrangement was designed to simulate the difference in in-plane and out-of-plane natural frequencies of curved tubes. A test was conducted with symmetric stiffness for datum purposes and then eight tests were run with differences between streamwise and transverse frequencies ranging from 6.3 to 57 percent. It was found that the critical reduced velocity based on the lower frequency was increased only slightly over the symmetric case. This effect is essentially independent of the difference in frequency and the direction of the lower frequency relative to the flow.
A Computational Technique for Optimizing Correction Weights and Axial Location of Balance Planes of Rotating Shafts
Authors: Pilkey W. D. , Bailey J. , Smith P. D.
Published: December 2011

An iterative procedure is presented for the balancing of a flexible rotor. In addition to determining optimal correction weights, the number and axial positions of the balance planes are optimized. A linear programming solution is employed using a linearized approximation of the axial variation of the influence coefficients. First the correction weights are found and then the axial locations of the balance planes are adjusted. These computations are repeated until the optimal values that lead to minimum rotor runout are determined. Numerical results are discussed.
Reliability of Aircraft Splines With or Without a Wear Induction Period
Authors: Kececioglu D. , Koharcheck A.
Published: December 2011

Mathematical models are developed for the wear-life distributions of aircraft splines which provide equations for predicting their reliability when spline-tooth wear is the failure mode under consideration. The procedure for determining the distributions of wear for specified operating times and of time for specified amounts of spline-tooth wear is presented. Five examples on the use of these distributional data to predict the reliability of aircraft splines and their maintenance schedules are given.
Nearest Neighbor-Time Series Analysis Classification of Faults in Rotating Machinery
Authors: Gersch W. , Brotherton T. , Braun S.
Published: December 2011

A unified nearest neighbor-time series analysis approach to the problem of the classification of faults in rotating machinery is developed. The procedure has an optimum minimum probability of misclassification property for normally distributed time series and near optimum misclassification properties otherwise. Examples of the classification of acceleration, pressure, and torque sensor data from stationary, locally stationary, and covariance stationary time series with mean value time functions are considered. Estimates of the probability of misclassification are computed for each situation. The underlying assumptions and properties of the nearest neighbor time series classification procedure and signature analysis procedures are compared.
Forming Limits
Authors: Shaw M. C. , Avery J. P.
Published: December 2011

Fracture and localized instability are two important modes of failure in the cold working of metals. In cold forging operations, axial surface cracks result at a critical value of circumferential tensile strain (ε2) that is dependent on the magnitude of the corresponding axial strain (ε1). In the stretching and drawing of sheet metal, initial failure involves visible localized necking instead of fracture, and forming limit diagrams give combinations of biaxial strain that do not lead to failure. Since strains are involved in both of these situations, it is convenient to adopt a fracture criterion based on strain instead of stress. A maximum active tensile strain (MATS) criterion is such a criterion used in this paper to explain forming limits in cold forging and sheet forming operations.
Instability Mechanisms and Stability Criteria of a Group of Circular Cylinders Subjected to Cross-Flow—Part 2: Numerical Results and Discussions
Authors: Chen S. S.
Published: December 2011

The fluid-force coefficients for a row of cylinders and a square array are determined from available experimental data and critical flow velocities are calculated as a function of system parameters. Experimental data for critical flow velocities are found to be in good agreement with the analytical results. It is concluded that different stability criteria have to be utilized in different parameter ranges because of different instability mechanisms.
Instability of Rotors in Fluid Film Bearings
Authors: Rao J. S.
Published: December 2011

This paper is concerned with instability of a rotor that arises due to fluid film forces of a journal bearing. The half frequency whirl and the resulting oil whip phenomena is explained by a consideration of flow balance in a bearing which looses the load carrying capacity. The threshold instability criterion for a rigid rotor in plain cylindrical bearings is given in the form of a chart by obtaining the solution of equations of motion with the corresponding spring and damping coefficients. Both translatory and conical whirls are considered. The analysis is then presented for a flexible rotor and a simple procedure is given to obtain the instability threshold speed based on the rigid rotor criterion. The procedure does not involve any trial and error iteration calculations and is illustrated by a case study.
Potential for Regenerative Braking Systems as Applied to Automobiles
Authors: Metz D.
Published: December 2011

Regenerative braking (RB) systems have existed in conceptual form for several years. The present work develops calculations which demonstrate the practicality of such systems. It is shown that fuel savings of from 4.3 to 8.5 percent are achievable, leading to a reduction in transportation petroleum consumption of about 8.1 × 109 l/yr in the U.S. alone.
Determination of Optimum Profile of One-Dimensional Cooling Fins
Authors: Hati S. K. , Rao S. S.
Published: December 2011

The optimum design of an one-dimensional cooling fin is considered by including all modes of heat transfer in the problem formulation. The minimum principle of Pontryagin is applied to determine the optimum profile. A new technique is used to solve the reduced differential equations with split boundary conditions. The optimum profile found is compared with the one obtained by considering only conduction and convection.
Turbulent Pressure-Velocity Measurements in a Fully Developed Concentric Annular Air Flow
Authors: Wilson R. J. , Jones B. G.
Published: December 2011

An experimental study of the fluctuating velocity field and the fluctuating static wall pressure in an annular turbulent air flow system with a radius ratio of 4.314 has been conducted. The study included direct measurements of the mean velocity profile, turbulent velocity field and fluctuating static wall pressure from which the statistical values of the turbulent intensity levels, power spectral densities of the turbulent quantities, and the cross-correlation between the fluctuating static wall pressure and the fluctuating velocity field in the core region of the flow were obtained. The effect of the turbulent core region of the flow on the wall pressure fluctuations was studied by cross-correlating the axial and radial velocity components with the wall pressure fluctuations. A three-sensor, signal subtraction data analysis method using coherence techniques was developed to separate the superimposed local pressure fluctuations and acoustically transmitted noise. This analysis method is shown to adequately isolate the local pressure fluctuation information at each wall of the flow channel. The results of the experimental measurements are compared with existing experimental and numerical information on turbulent annular flow fields and wall pressure statistics. The pressure-velocity correlation indicates that a substantial contribution to the pressure field on the wall of the flow channel is from the turbulent core region outside of the boundary layer. The wall pressure field is shown to be significantly different on the two dissimilar walls. The pressure-velocity correlations show that this difference is due to the geometric difference between the dissimilar volumetric sources which contribute to the wall pressure field. The results of this study show that vibration modeling must incorporate the effects of the flow geometry on the wall pressure statistics, which are used as the driving force for flow-induced vibrations.
Flow Instability Due to a Diameter Reduction of Limited Length in a Long Annular Passage
Authors: Parkin M. W. , France E. R. , Boley W. E.
Published: December 2011

Flow in an annular passage is a common feature in the fuel channels of the UK Advanced Gas Cooled Reactors, and in some cases has required investigation to avoid or reduce flow-induced vibration of reactor components. A number of studies have been made of vibration induced by annular flow, and these are briefly reviewed in the first part of this paper to provide some background to the topic. The second part of the paper goes on to describe the investigation of the most recently recognized problem of this type, which is a flow instability caused by a diameter reduction of limited length in a long annulus. A method of eliminating the mechanism is also described.