bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sympathetic support of energy expenditure and sympathetic nervous system activity after gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Curry Timothy B. , Somaraju Madhuri , Hines Casey N. , Groenewald Cornelius B. , Miles John M. , Joyner Michael J. , Charkoudian Nisha
Published: April 2013

Objective:

This study was designed to determine how gastric bypass affects the sympathetically‐mediated component of resting energy expenditure (REE) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA).

Design and Methods:

We measured REE before and after beta‐blockade in seventeen female subjects approximately three years post‐gastric bypass surgery and in nineteen female obese individuals for comparison. We also measured MSNA in a subset of these subjects.

Results:

The gastric bypass subjects had no change in REE after systemic beta‐blockade, reflecting a lack of sympathetic support of REE, in contrast to obese subjects where REE was reduced by beta‐blockade by approximately 5% (P < 0.05). The gastric bypass subjects, while still overweight (BMI = 29.3 vs 38.0 kg·m−2 for obese subjects, P < 0.05), also had significantly lower MSNA compared to obese subjects (10.9 ± 2.3 vs. 21.9 ± 4.1 bursts·min−1, P < 0.05). The reasons for low MSNA and a lack of sympathetically mediated support of REE after gastric bypass are likely multifactorial and may be related to changes in insulin sensitivity, body composition, and leptin, among other factors.

Conclusions:

These findings may have important consequences for the maintenance of weight loss after gastric bypass. Longitudinal studies are needed to further explore the changes in sympathetic support of REE and if changes in MSNA or tissue responsiveness are related to the sympathetic support of REE.
Neighborhood health‐promoting resources and obesity risk (the multi‐ethnic study of atherosclerosis)
Authors: Auchincloss Amy H. , Mujahid Mahasin S. , Shen Mingwu , Michos Erin D. , Whitt‐Glover Melicia C. , Diez Roux Ana V.
Published: April 2013

Objective:

While behavioral change is necessary to reverse the obesity epidemic, it can be difficult to achieve and sustain in unsupportive residential environments. This study hypothesized that environmental resources supporting walking and a healthy diet are associated with reduced obesity incidence.

Design and Methods:

Data came from 4,008 adults aged 45‐84 at baseline who participated in a neighborhood ancillary study of the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Participants were enrolled at six study sites at baseline (2000‐2002) and neighborhood scales were derived from a supplementary survey that asked community residents to rate availability of healthy foods and walking environments for a 1‐mile buffer area. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Associations between incident obesity and neighborhood exposure were examined using proportional hazards and generalized linear regression.

Results:

Among 4,008 nonobese participants, 406 new obesity cases occurred during 5 years of follow‐up. Neighborhood healthy food environment was associated with 10% lower obesity incidence per s.d. increase in neighborhood score. The association persisted after adjustment for baseline BMI and individual‐level covariates (hazard ratio (HR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79, 0.97), and for correlated features of the walking environment but CIs widened to include the null (HR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.77, 1.03). Associations between neighborhood walking environment and lower obesity were weaker and did not persist after adjustment for correlated neighborhood healthy eating amenities (HR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.84, 1.15).

Conclusions:

Altering the residential environment so that healthier behaviors and lifestyles can be easily chosen may be a precondition for sustaining existing healthy behaviors and for adopting new healthy behaviors.
Dietary patterns, abdominal visceral adipose tissue, and cardiometabolic risk factors in African Americans: The Jackson heart study
Authors: Liu Jiankang , Hickson DeMarc A. , Musani Solomon K. , Talegawkar Sameera A. , Carithers Teresa C. , Tucker Katherine L. , Fox Caroline S. , Taylor Herman A.
Published: April 2013

Objective:

To examine the relative association of abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) with cardiometabolic risk factors between African and European Americans.

Design and Methods:

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 2035 African Americans from Jackson Heart Study (JHS) and 3170 European Americans from Framingham Heart Study (FHS) who underwent computed tomography assessment of VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). The FHS participants were weighted to match the age distribution of the JHS participants and the metabolic risk factors were examined by study groups in relation to VAT.

Results:

JHS participants had higher rates of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and metabolic syndrome than FHS participants (all p = 0.001). The associations were weaker in JHS women for VAT with blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL‐C, and total cholesterol (pinteraction = 0.03 to 0.001) than FHS women. In contrast, JHS men had stronger associations for VAT with high triglycerides, low HDL, and metabolic syndrome (all pinteraction = 0.001) compared to FHS men. Similar associations and gender patterns existed for SAT with most metabolic risk factors.

Conclusions:

The relative association between VAT and cardiometabolic risk factors is weaker in JHS women compared to FHS women, whereas stronger association with triglycerides and HDL were observed in JHS men.
Utility‐based quality of life associated with overweight and obesity: The australian diabetes, obesity, and lifestyle study
Authors: Keating Catherine L. , Peeters Anna , Swinburn Boyd A. , Magliano Dianna J. , Moodie Marjory L.
Published: April 2013

Objective:

This study aimed to estimate utility‐based quality of life (UQoL) differences between healthy body weight and excess body weight categories.

Design and Methods:

Cross‐sectional analysis of 10,959 adults, participating in baseline data collection of the nationally representative Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study was undertaken. Height and weight were measured by trained personnel. Body weight categories were assigned as healthy weight, overweight, and obesity subclasses I, II and III. UQoL was assessed using the SF‐6D, which captures physical functioning, role limitation, social functioning, pain, mental health, and vitality on a score of 0.00–1.00 (worst‐best). The relationship between body weight categories and UQoL was assessed using linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, education, and smoking.

Results:

Relative to the healthy weight group (mean UQoL score 0.77), mean adjusted UQoL differences (95% confidence intervals) were 0.001 (−0.008, 0.010) for overweight, −0.012 (−0.022, −0.001) for class‐I obese, −0.020 (−0.041, 0.001) for class‐II obese, and −0.069 (−0.099, −0.039) for class‐III obese groups. Adding metabolic syndrome markers to the covariates had little impact on these differences.

Conclusion:

Results confirmed an inverse dose–response relationship between body weight and UQoL in this study of Australian adults. This highlights the need to incorporate UQoL measures which are sensitive to the subclasses of obesity when evaluating obesity interventions.
Histone demethylase KDM1A represses inflammatory gene expression in preadipocytes
Authors: Hanzu Felicia A. , Musri Melina M. , Sánchez‐Herrero Alvaro , Claret Marc , Esteban Yaiza , Kaliman Perla , Gomis Ramon , Párrizas Marcelina
Published: April 2013

Objective

Persistent inflammation and impaired adipogenesis are frequent features of obesity and underlie the development of its complications. However, the factors behind adipose tissue dysfunction are not completely understood. Previously it was shown that histone demethylase KDM1A is required for adipogenesis.

Design and Methods

Kdm1a expression was knocked down in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes by siRNA transfection and whole‐genome expression profiling was performed by microarray hybridization. The role of NF‐κβ and C/EBPβ was analyzed by incubation with the inhibitor parthenolide and by cebpb knockdown, respectively.

Results

Knockdown of kdm1a or rcor2 in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes results in impaired differentiation and induction of inflammatory gene expression. Enhanced expression of il6 in kdm1a knocked down preadipocytes is associated with increased recruitment of C/EBPβ and the NF‐κβ subunit RelA to the il6 promoter. Cebpb knockdown attenuates the induction of il6 expression in kdm1a knocked down cells, whereas simultaneous cebpb knockdown and NF‐κβ inhibition abrogates it. Dietary‐induced and genetic mouse models of obesity display decreased KDM1A in adipose tissue, and this correlates with increased expression of proinflammatory genes and C/EBPβ.

Conclusion

KDM1A represses the expression of inflammatory genes in preadipocytes. Dysregulated kdm1a expression in preadipocytes may thus participate in the development of obesity‐associated inflammation.
Kidney function decline in metformin versus sulfonylurea initiators: assessment of time‐dependent contribution of weight, blood pressure, and glycemic control
Authors: Hung Adriana M. , Roumie Christianne L. , Greevy Robert A. , Liu Xulei , Grijalva Carlos G. , Murff Harvey J. , Griffin Marie R.
Published: April 2013

Background and objective

We recently reported that kidney function declined faster among initiators of sulfonylureas compared to metformin; however, sulfonylurea use compared to metformin use was also associated with increases in body mass index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). We sought to determine if differences between sulfonylureas and metformin on kidney function decline were mediated by differential effects on BMI, SBP, or glucose control.

Methods

We identified 13 238 veterans who initiated sulfonylurea or metformin treatment (2000–2007) with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 mL/minute, and followed them until a study event occurred, non‐persistence on treatment, loss of follow‐up, or end of the study. The composite outcome was a sustained decline from baseline eGFR of ≥25%, end‐stage renal disease, or death. We estimated the association of cumulative measurements of potential mediators including BMI, SBP, and glycated hemoglobin on the study outcome. We determined if controlling for these time‐varying covariates accounted for the differences in outcome between sulfonylurea and metformin initiators.

Results

Compared to sulfonylurea use, metformin use was associated with a lower risk for renal function decline or death [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.70, 0.97]. This protective association remained significant [aHR 0.83 (0.70–0.98)] when accounting for the cumulative time‐varying measurements of the three mediators of interest.

Conclusion

Metformin initiation was associated with a lower risk of kidney function decline or death compared to sulfonylureas, which appeared to be independent of changes in BMI, SBP, and glycated hemoglobin over time. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic generation of case‐detection algorithms to identify children with asthma from large electronic health record databases
Authors: Afzal Zubair , Engelkes Marjolein , Verhamme Katia M. C. , Janssens Hettie M. , Sturkenboom Miriam C. J. M. , Kors Jan A. , Schuemie Martijn J.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Most electronic health record databases contain unstructured free‐text narratives, which cannot be easily analyzed. Case‐detection algorithms are usually created manually and often rely only on using coded information such as International Classification of Diseases version 9 codes. We applied a machine‐learning approach to generate and evaluate an automated case‐detection algorithm that uses both free‐text and coded information to identify asthma cases.

Methods

The Integrated Primary Care Information (IPCI) database was searched for potential asthma patients aged 5–18 years using a broad query on asthma‐related codes, drugs, and free text. A training set of 5032 patients was created by manually annotating the potential patients as definite, probable, or doubtful asthma cases or non‐asthma cases. The rule‐learning program RIPPER was then used to generate algorithms to distinguish cases from non‐cases. An over‐sampling method was used to balance the performance of the automated algorithm to meet our study requirements. Performance of the automated algorithm was evaluated against the manually annotated set.

Results

The selected algorithm yielded a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.66, sensitivity of 0.98, and specificity of 0.95 when identifying only definite asthma cases; a PPV of 0.82, sensitivity of 0.96, and specificity of 0.90 when identifying both definite and probable asthma cases; and a PPV of 0.57, sensitivity of 0.95, and specificity of 0.67 for the scenario identifying definite, probable, and doubtful asthma cases.

Conclusions

The automated algorithm shows good performance in detecting cases of asthma utilizing both free‐text and coded data. This algorithm will facilitate large‐scale studies of asthma in the IPCI database. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of a new family of photoactive liquid crystalline polyesters based on α‐methylstilbene
Authors: Tylkowski Bartosz , Bogdanowicz Krzysztof A , Ambrogi Veronica , Lederer Albena , Patroniak Violetta , Giamberini Marta
Published: April 2013

A liquid crystal polyester and two liquid crystal copolyesters containing α‐methylstilbene moieties and aliphatic or aromatic spacers in the backbone were synthesized in good yields, with the aim of using them for photosensitive microcapsule preparation. The synthesized polymers were fully characterized with respect to thermal stability, type of mesophase, molecular weight and E–Z photoisomerization. Combination of monomers with different structures allowed adjustment of the polymer characteristics such as degree of crystallinity and glass transition temperature, as verified using X‐ray diffraction, polarized optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Quantitative 1H NMR and UV‐visible experiments were performed in order to investigate E–Z photoisomerization after photoirradiation at 364 nm. Finally, a membrane based on one of these polymers was prepared and it was found that its wettability increased on photoirradiation. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characteristics of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid)/Fe3O4/poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid) two‐shell thermosensitive magnetic composite hollow latex particles
Authors: Lee Chia‐Fen , Wang Yu‐Cheng , Chiu Wen‐Yen
Published: April 2013

In this study, the poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐methylacrylate acid)/Fe3O4/poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐methylacrylate acid) (poly(NIPAAm‐MAA)/Fe3O4/poly(NIPAAm‐MAA)) two‐shell magnetic composite hollow latex particles were synthesized by four steps. The poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐methylacrylate acid) (poly(MMA‐MAA)) copolymer latex particles were synthesized first. Then, the second step was to polymerize NIPAAm, MAA, and crosslinking agent in the presence of poly(MMA‐MAA) latex particles to form the linear poly(MMA‐MAA)/crosslinking poly(NIPAAm‐MAA) core–shell latex particles. Then, the core–shell latex particles were heated in the presence of NH4OH to dissolve the linear poly(MMA‐MAA) core to form the poly(NIPAAm‐MAA) hollow latex particles. In the third step, the Fe3O4 nanoparticles were generated in the presence of poly(NIPAAm‐MAA) hollow polymer latex particles and formed the poly(NIPAAm‐MAA)/Fe3O4 magnetic composite hollow latex particles. The fourth step was to synthesize poly(NIPAAm‐MAA) in the presence of poly(NIPAAm‐MAA)/Fe3O4 latex particles to form the poly(NIPAAm‐MAA)/Fe3O4/poly(NIPAAm‐MAA) two‐shell magnetic composite hollow latex particles. The effect of various variables such as reactant concentration, monomer ratio, and pH value on the morphology and volume‐phase transition temperature of two‐shell magnetic composite hollow latex particles was studied. Moreover, the latex particles were used as carriers to load with caffeine, and the caffeine‐loading characteristics and caffeine release rate of latex particles were also studied. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2880–2891
Preparation of novel cyclic olefin copolymer with high glass transition temperature
Authors: Hong Miao , Yang Guo‐Fan , Long Ying‐Yun , Yu Shijun , Li Yue‐Sheng
Published: April 2013

A series of novel cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), including ethylene/tricyclo[4.3.0.12,5]deca‐3‐ene (TDE), ethylene/tricyclo[4.4.0.12,5]undec‐3‐ene (TUE), and ethylene/tricyclo[6.4.0.19,12]tridec‐10‐ene (TTE) copolymers, have been synthesized via effective copolymerizations of ethylene with bulk cyclic olefin comonomers using bis(β‐enaminoketonato) titanium catalysts (1a [PhNC(CH3)CHC(CF3)O]2TiCl2; 1b: [PhNC(CF3)CHC(Ph)O]2TiCl2). With modified methylaluminoxane as a cocatalyst, both catalysts exhibit high catalytic activities, producing high molecular weight copolymers with high comonomer incorporations and unimodal molecular weight distributions. The microstructures of obtained ethylene/COCs are established by combination of 1H, 13C NMR, 13C DEPT, HSQC 1H13C, and 1H1H COSY NMR spectra. DSC analyses indicate that the glass transition temperature (Tg) increases with the enhancement of comonomer volume (TDE < TUE < TTE). High Tg value up to 180 °C is easily attained in ethylene/TTE copolymer with the low content of 35.8 mol %. TGA analyses reveal that these copolymers all possess high thermal stability with degradation temperatures (Td) higher than 370 °C in N2 and air. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3144–3152
Surface Characterization of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma‐Deposited Allyl Methacrylate and Acrylic Acid Based Coatings
Authors: Nisol Bernard , Batan Abdelkrim , Dabeux François , Kakaroglou Alexandros , De Graeve Iris , Van Assche Guy , Van Mele Bruno , Terryn Herman , Reniers François
Published: April 2013

This work deals with the plasma‐deposition of allyl methacrylate (AMA) and acrylic acid (AA) on metallic substrates. The plasma setup used is an atmospheric pressure radio frequency (RF) torch. Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are used as characterization tools. In addition, spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) has been used to control the thickness and calculate the corresponding deposition rates. Whereas the surface chemistry of plasma deposited AMA does not seem to be influenced by the plasma power, acrylic acid based coatings are strongly degraded with the increasing power. AMA seems to allow an efficient polymerization, while at the same time is particularly resistant to plasma induced fragmentation in the range of power used.

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Improving a convection‐permitting model simulation of a cold air outbreak
Authors: Field P. R. , Cotton R. J. , McBeath K. , Lock A. P. , Webster S. , Allan R. P.
Published: April 2013

A convection‐permitting local‐area model was used to simulate a cold air outbreak crossing from the Norwegian Sea into the Atlantic Ocean near Scotland. A control model run based on an operational configuration of the Met Office UKV high‐resolution (1.5 km grid spacing) NWP model was compared to satellite, aircraft and radar data. While the control model captured the large‐scale features of the synoptic situation, it was not able to reproduce the shallow (<1.5 km) stratiform layer to the north of the open cellular convection. Liquid water paths were found to be too low in both the stratiform and convective cloud regions. Sensitivity analyses including a modified boundary‐layer diagnosis to generate a more well‐mixed boundary layer and inhibition of ice formation to lower temperatures improved cloud morphology and comparisons with observational data.
Determination of fucoxanthin isomers in microalgae (Isochrysis sp.) by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode‐array detector multistage mass spectrometry coupled with positive electrospray ionization
Authors: Crupi Pasquale , Toci Aline Theodore , Mangini Silvio , Wrubl Federico , Rodolfi Liliana , Tredici Mario R. , Coletta Antonio , Antonacci Donato
Published: April 2013

RATIONALE

Due to their health benefits, there is growing interest in the production and use of carotenoids from natural sources, e.g. microalgae. To date, only Haematococcus pluvialis and Dunaliella, that accumulate, respectively, astaxanthin and β‐carotene in large quantities, are grown commercially. However, interest is also being focused on other xanthophylls, such as (all‐E)‐fucoxanthin characterized by anti‐obesity and anti‐carcinogenic effects. In this regard, rigorous chemical and analytical techniques following preparative isolation of components are needed to unequivocally identify individual carotenoids in microalgae.

METHODS

The carotenoid profile of Isochrysis sp. biomass, produced in closed photobioreactors, was determined by reversed‐phase C30 (RP‐30) high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode‐array detector mass spectrometry using positive electrospray ionization (HPLC/DAD‐MS/ESI+) analysis. Additionally, multistage mass spectrometry (MSn) analyses, together with fine structures of the UV–vis spectra, were used to differentiate structural and geometrical isomers.

RESULTS

This technique allowed the simultaneous determination of geometrical, isomers of fucoxanthin (all‐E‐fucoxanthin, 13Z‐, 13'Z‐ and 9'Z‐fucoxanthin), diatoxanthin and 5,8‐epoxydiadinoxanthin diasteroisomers (R/S). The analyzed extracts contained fucoxanthin isomers as the major carotenoids and, in particular, (all‐E)‐fucoxanthin was the main geometrical isomer (~̴ 85%) found at a concentration of 17 mg/g of the lyophilized biomass.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the high content of fucoxanthin in Isochrysis sp. biomass, the microalga could be proposed as a source of this compound for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
δ15N natural abundance may directly disclose perturbed soil when related to C:N ratio
Authors: Conen Franz , Yakutin Mikhail V. , Carle Nina , Alewell Christine
Published: April 2013

RATIONALE

Natural abundance δ15N values in soil samples analysed by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) are often used to confirm a perturbation after it has been indicated by other parameters. We propose a concept of how δ15N values may a priori indicate a perturbation.

METHODS

We analysed the δ15N values and C:N ratios of 102 soil samples from five regions in northern Eurasia by using an elemental analyser coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

Unperturbed samples ranged in δ15N values from –4.8 to 9.7 ‰ and in C:N ratio from 6.4 to 48.1. The δ15N values were linearly proportional to the inverse of the square root of the C:N ratio (R2 = 0.79). At any particular C:N ratio, 94 % of the δ15N values of the unperturbed samples were within ±2.4 ‰, but 72 % of perturbed samples had values outside this range.

CONCLUSIONS

The δ15N natural abundance values, when related to the C:N ratios, may readily indicate perturbation of soil N cycling prior to other, more demanding investigations into related processes and extend the current use of IRMS in ecosystem research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Religion and Sustainable Development: Analysing the Connections
Authors: Narayanan Yamini
Published: April 2013

Religion's role in development has generally been viewed with suspicion, if not indifference, in scholarly and institutional concerns with development planning and policy. The last two decades, however, mark a departure, with a burgeoning interest in religion as a category of analysis in development studies. In this paper, I address the religion–sustainable development nexus specifically, and argue that religion – for both its constructive and destructive potential – must be considered in the sustainable development agenda. Specifically, I identify three ways in which religion may play an important role in enabling sustainable development – through its values, through its potential for social and ecological activism and in the realm of self‐development. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Pick Simply the Best: Sustainable Development is About Radical Analysis and Selective Synthesis, not About Old Wine in New Bottles
Authors: Spangenberg Joachim H.
Published: April 2013

For sustainable development, accepting limits is one of the two guiding principles identified by the Brundtland Commission (the other one being satisfying human needs). This can be achieved by slimming an economy, limiting the total amount of resources it consumes. While stabilizing resource consumption at the present levels seems to be a minor challenge, dematerializing the economy sufficiently to allow for equitable consumption of all the Earth's citizens, while reducing environmental pressures significantly, is a major challenge.

A means to implement this could be a cap to resource use, combined with access allocation mechanisms not specified in this paper. With a depreciation of the input volumes, the result would be a change in the economic dynamics, and in the very functioning of the respective society and economy. Distribution issues would gain prominence, social security would be a key concern, private property would need to be complemented by a more efficient method of product use such as product sharing, and corporate ownership structures might change significantly.

It has been questioned whether such a resource‐limited economy could still be a market‐driven one. By identifying some of the objections as based not on reality but on methodological flaws of economic theory, it can be shown that a market economy can survive such transformations, albeit with the need to complement it by other allocation mechanisms.

The resulting society might still be called a capitalist one; it would significantly differ from current capitalism, but not resemble past socialist economies. Rather than categorizing it as one or the other, or than deriving new ‘‐isms’, the discussion should focus on the practical means to pursue the sustainable transformation of our societies and economies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Advanced Solute Conservation Equations for Dendritic Solidification Processes Part I: Experiments and Theory
Authors: El‐Bealy Mostafa Omar
Published: April 2013

The macrosegregation formed in dendritic equiaxed structure during early stages of solidification of Al‐4.5%Cu alloy has been studied by experimental work and by metallurgical study of cast samples taken from the experimental work. An experimental work was conducted to study the coupled effect of natural convection streams, interdendritic strain and mushy permeability of Al‐4.5%Cu aluminum alloy solidified in horizontal rectangular parallelepiped cavity at different superheats. The metallurgical study includes macro‐microstructure evaluation, measurements of grain size of equiaxed crystals and macrosegregation analysis. This study shows that the level of surface segregation exhibiting as positive segregation varies with superheat whereas the rest of inner ingot areas show the light fluctuation in segregation values. In addition to experimental work, there is a mathematical study which contains a complete derivation of local solute redistribution equations based on Fleming's approach under different solute diffusion mechanisms in the dendritic solid. This derivation includes also the effects of interdendritic strain and mushy permeability on the local solute redistribution distribution. Owing to the length of the study, it is presented in two parts. The first part describes the experimental work and its results as well as a detail derivation of solute conservation equations. This part also involves comparison and discussion between existing and proposed solute conservation equations. The second part contains the mathematical analyses of a two dimensional mathematical model of fluid flow, heat flow, solidification, interdendritic strain and macrosegregation. Also, this part also contains the numerical simulations by using finite difference technique “FDT” to create convection patterns, heat transfer, interdendritic strain, and macrosegregation distributions. This part also includes comparisons between the available measurements and model predications as well as full discussion of different model simulations. The mechanism of interdendritic strain generation and macrosegregation formation during solidification of dendritic equiaxed structure under different diffusion mechanisms in dendritic solid has also been explained and discussed.
Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Hepatic Regeneration in CCl4-Injured Rat Liver Model via Increased Autophagic Mechanism
Authors: Jung Jieun , Choi Jong Ho , Lee Youjin , Park Jong-Wan , Oh Il-Hoan , Hwang Seong-Gyu , Kim Kwang-Soo , Kim Gi Jin
Published: April 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for cell therapy in regenerative medicine, including liver disease. Even though ongoing research is dedicated to the goal of bringing MSCs to clinical applications, further understanding of the complex underlying mechanisms is required. Autophagy, a type II programmed cell death, controls cellular recycling through the lysosomal system in damaged cells or tissues. However, it is still unknown whether MSCs can trigger autophagy to enhance regeneration and/or to provide a therapeutic effect as cellular survival promoters. We therefore investigated autophagy's activation in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-injured rat liver following transplantation with chorionic plate-derived MSCs (CP-MSCs) isolated from placenta. The expression markers for apoptosis, autophagy, cell survival, and liver regeneration were analyzed. Whereas caspase 3/7 activities were reduced (p < .05), the expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and factors for autophagy, survival, and regeneration were significantly increased by CP-MSCs transplantation. Decreased necrotic cells (p < .05) and increased autophagic signals (p < .005) were observed in CCl4-treated primary rat hepatocytes during in vitro coculture with CP-MSCs. Furthermore, the upregulation of HIF-1α promotes the regeneration of damaged hepatic cells through an autophagic mechanism marked by increased levels of light chain 3 II (LC 3II). These results suggest that the administration of CP-MSCs promotes repair by systemically concomitant mechanisms involving HIF-1α and autophagy. These findings provide further understanding of the mechanisms involved in these processes and will help develop new cell-based therapeutic strategies for regenerative medicine in liver disease.
Entinostat Prevents Leukemia Maintenance in a Collaborating Oncogene-Dependent Model of Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Ramsey Joanne M. , Kettyle Laura M.J. , Sharpe Daniel J. , Mulgrew Nuala M. , Dickson Glenda J. , Bijl Janet J. , Austin Pamela , Mayotte Nadine , Cellot Sonia , Lappin Terence R.J. , Zhang Shu-Dong , Mills Ken I. , Krosl Jana , Sauvageau Guy , Thompson Alexander
Published: April 2013

The incidence of refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is on the increase due in part to an aging population that fails to respond to traditional therapies. High throughput genomic analysis promises better diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic intervention based on improved patient stratification. Relevant preclinical models are urgently required to advance drug development in this area. The collaborating oncogenes, HOXA9 and MEIS1, are frequently co-overexpressed in cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML), and a conditional transplantation mouse model was developed that demonstrated oncogene dependency and expression levels comparable to CN-AML patients. Integration of gene signatures obtained from the mouse model and a cohort of CN-AML patients using statistically significant connectivity map analysis identified Entinostat as a drug with the potential to alter the leukemic condition toward the normal state. Ex vivo treatment of leukemic cells, but not age-matched normal bone marrow controls, with Entinostat validated the gene signature and resulted in reduced viability in liquid culture, impaired colony formation, and loss of the leukemia initiating cell. Furthermore, in vivo treatment with Entinostat resulted in prolonged survival of leukemic mice. This study demonstrates that the HDAC inhibitor Entinostat inhibits disease maintenance and prolongs survival in a clinically relevant murine model of cytogenetically normal AML.
p38α MAPK Regulates Adult Muscle Stem Cell Fate by Restricting Progenitor Proliferation During Postnatal Growth and Repair
Authors: Brien Patrick , Pugazhendhi Dhamayanthi , Woodhouse Samuel , Oxley David , Pell Jennifer M.
Published: April 2013

Stem cell function is essential for the maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. Controlling the balance between self-renewal and differentiation is crucial to maintain a receptive satellite cell pool capable of responding to growth and regeneration cues. The mitogen-activated protein kinase p38α has been implicated in the regulation of these processes but its influence in adult muscle remains unknown. Using conditional satellite cell p38α knockout mice we have demonstrated that p38α restricts excess proliferation in the postnatal growth phase while promoting timely myoblast differentiation. Differentiation was still able to occur in the p38α-null satellite cells, however, but was delayed. An absence of p38α resulted in a postnatal growth defect along with the persistence of an increased reservoir of satellite cells into adulthood. This population was still capable of responding to cardiotoxin-induced injury, resulting in complete, albeit delayed, regeneration, with further enhancement of the satellite cell population. Increased p38γ phosphorylation accompanied the absence of p38α, and inhibition of p38γ ex vivo substantially decreased the myogenic defect. We have used genome-wide transcriptome analysis to characterize the changes in expression that occur between resting and regenerating muscle, and the influence p38α has on these expression profiles. This study provides novel evidence for the fundamental role of p38α in adult muscle homeostasis in vivo.
Quaternary deformation along the Meeman‐Shelby Fault near Memphis, Tennessee, imaged by high‐resolution marine and land seismic reflection profiles
Authors: Hao Yanjun , Magnani Maria Beatrice , McIntosh Kirk , Waldron Brian , Guo Lei
Published: April 2013

A series of high‐resolution seismic reflection surveys was carried out in 2008, 2010, and 2011, providing a total of five new seismic profiles constraining the location and character of the Meeman‐Shelby Fault (MSF), about 9 km west of Memphis, Tennessee, in the Central U.S. The MSF is the best documented fault closest to Memphis yet discovered and shows a recurrent fault history. The fault, as imaged by the reflection profiles, is ~45 km long, strikes N25°E, and dips west‐northwest ~83°, exhibiting an up‐to‐the‐west sense of motion with a possible right‐lateral strike‐slip component. The data show that on average, the MSF offsets the Paleozoic unit ~77 m and folds the top of the Cretaceous unit and the Paleocene‐Eocene Wilcox Group ~44 and ~25 m, respectively. One seismic profile acquired along the Mississippi River images the bottom of the Quaternary alluvium warped up ~28 m, indicating recent activity of the MSF. Calculated vertical slip rates of the MSF during the deposition of the Upper Cretaceous, Paleocene, Eocene, and Quaternary sediments are 0.0022, 0.0010, 0.0004, and 0.2154 mm/yr, respectively, suggesting an increase in fault activity during the Quaternary. Consistent with the present stress field and the deformation of the New Madrid seismic zone fault system, we interpret the MSF as aPshear fault in the context of a left‐stepping, right‐lateral constraining strike‐slip fault system under a nearly east‐west oriented compressional stress field. Source scaling estimates indicate that the MSF is capable of generating aM6.9 earthquake if rupturing in one event.
Constructing the Longmen Shan eastern Tibetan Plateau margin: Insights from low‐temperature thermochronology
Authors: Tian Yuntao , Kohn Barry P. , Gleadow Andrew J. W. , Hu Shengbiao
Published: April 2013

Contrasting models of upper crustal shortening versus lower crustal flow have been proposed to explain the formation of thickened crust in the Longmen Shan (LMS), eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) margin. These models require different structural kinematics along the LMS, whose structural geometry is defined by three parallel NW‐dipping fault zones. From foreland (southeast) to hinterland (northwest), they are the Guanxian‐Anxian Fault, Yingxiu‐Beichuan Fault (YBF), and Wenchuan‐Maowen Fault (WMF). Newly derived and previously published low‐temperature thermochronology data from the LMS were synthesized to constrain the spatial exhumation and test previous models. The results show that (1) exhumation increases abruptly across the range‐bounding YBF, suggesting the fault being the main thrust boundary between the LMS and the Sichuan Basin to the east; (2) Younger Late Cenozoic cooling ages are found on the hinterland WMF, where a dichotomy of ages on the hanging wall versus footwall suggests Late Cenozoic thrust activity; and (3) toward the hinterland to the west, exhumation rates decrease twofold over a distance of ~30–40 km. This exhumation pattern indicates a westward decrease of tectonic uplift, providing the regional topography approached a steady state, whereby exhumation is in balance with tectonic uplift. The observed exhumation estimates support an upper crustal configuration where thrusts in the LMS merge gradually into a gentle detachment seated at a depth of ~20–30 km. Results of this study support a revised upper crustal thrusting model.
WLAV state estimation for power system containing multitype FACTS devices
Authors: Rakpenthai Chawasak , Uatrongjit Sermsak , Ngamroo Issarachai
Published: April 2013

This paper presents the state estimation of power system in which not only the bus voltages but also the states of the flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) are considered as the state variables. By using the rectangular form of state variables and equivalent measurement techniques, a linear measurement model with constraints of FACTS device is obtained. The predictor–corrector interior point method based on the weighted least absolute value criterion is developed for solving the optimization problem. Simulation results on the modified IEEE 14‐bus and 118‐bus test systems are provided. The numerical results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Robust intelligent PCA‐based face recognition framework using GNP‐fuzzy data mining
Authors: Zhang Deng , Mabu Shingo , Hirasawa Kotaro
Published: April 2013

Traditional principal component analysis (PCA) based face recognition algorithms have a low recognition accuracy due to the influence of noise and illumination changes. This paper proposes a robust, intelligent PCA‐based face recognition framework in the complicated illumination database when using multiple training images per person (MTIP‐CID). There are mainly two improvements in the proposed method. One is that a face‐recognition‐oriented genetic‐based clustering algorithm is introduced to reduce the influence of a large number of classes on the classification accuracy in the MTIP‐CID. The other is that a classifier based on fuzzy class association rules (FCARs) is applied to mine the inherent relationships between eigenfaces and to improve the robustness of PCA‐based face recognition in noisy environments. Experimental results on the extended Yale‐B database demonstrate that the proposed framework performs better and is more robust against noise compared with other traditional face recognition algorithms, i.e. linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and local binary patterns (LBPs). © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of climate change on stream temperature, dissolved oxygen, and sediment concentration in the Sierra Nevada in California
Authors: Ficklin Darren L. , Stewart Iris T. , Maurer Edwin P.
Published: April 2013

Key Points

Stream temperature is expected to increase by 1 to 5.5 oC

Dissolved oxygen concentrations are expected to decrease

Sediment concentrations are projected to decrease by about 50%
Quantification of the upstream‐to‐downstream influence in the Muskingum method and implications for speedup in parallel computations of river flow
Authors: David Cédric H. , Yang Zong‐Liang , Famiglietti James S.
Published: April 2013

Key Points

The influence between two river reaches in a Muskingum update is quantified.

This influence decreases with distance and becomes null in computer addition.

Such allows new parallel computing methods that are unprecedentedly fast.
Polyols and Polyurethanes from Crude Algal Oil
Authors: Petrović Zoran S. , Wan Xianmei , Bilić Olivera , Zlatanić Alisa , Hong Jian , Javni Ivan , Ionescu Mihail , Milić Jelena , Degruson Darin
Published: April 2013

The composition of crude algal oil was analyzed and determined by several methods. Oil was converted to polyols by ozonolysis, epoxidation, and hydroformylation. Ozonolysis gave a polyol with lighter color but a low OH number and was unsuitable for polyurethane applications. Epoxidation also improved the color and gave a polyol with an OH number around 150 mg KOH/g, which with diphenylmethane diisocyanate gave a homogeneous, rubbery, transparent sheet. Desirable rigid foams were prepared with the addition of water to the formulation. Hydroformylation was carried out successfully giving an OH number of about 150 mg KOH/g, but the polyol was black. Casting the polyurethane sheet was difficult due to the very high reactivity of the polyol. Polyurethane foam of lower quality than from epoxidation polyol was obtained. More work on optimization of the foaming system would improve the foam. Crude algal oil is a viable starting material for the production of polyols. Better results would be obtained from refined algal oils.
Does proximal femoral varus osteotomy in Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease predispose to angular mal-alignment of the knee? A clinical and radiographic study at skeletal maturity
Authors: Tercier Stéphane , Shah Hitesh , Siddesh N. D. , Joseph Benjamin
Published: April 2013

Background

Though there is an impression that proximal femoral varus osteotomy (FVO) can result in a valgus deformity at the knee there is no agreement on this issue. This study was undertaken to ascertain whether a FVO predisposes to the development of genu valgum in children with Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCPD).

Methods

One hundred and one children with unilateral LCPD who underwent a FVO during the active stage of the disease and 32 children who were treated non-operatively were followed till skeletal maturity. The FVO was performed with a 20° varus angulation in all the patients and weight-bearing was not permitted till the stage of reconstitution. The alignment of the knee was assessed clinically at skeletal maturity. A subset of 33 operated children also had full length standing radiographs of the limbs. The mechanical axis deviation, femur-tibial angle, lateral distal femoral angle and the medial proximal tibial angle of both limbs were measured on these radiographs.

Results

The frequency of clinically appreciable mal-alignment of the knee was not greater on the affected side in patients who had undergone FVO when compared to the unaffected limb and also when compared to the affected limb in non-operated patients. The mechanical axis of the lower limb of operated children was relatively in more valgus than that of normal limbs but they fell within the normal range.

Conclusion

This study does not support the impression that a proximal femoral osteotomy for LCPD predisposes to clinically discernable degrees of genu valgum in children who have had 20° of varus angulation at the osteotomy site and who have avoided weight-bearing for a prolonged period following surgery. Further studies are needed to clarify if genu valgum would develop if early post-operative weight-bearing is permitted.

Level of evidence

III.
Big and beautiful? Evidence of racial differences in the perceived attractiveness of obese females
Authors: Ali Mir M. , Rizzo John A. , Heiland Frank W.
Published: April 2013

This paper investigates the relationships between body weight, race, and attractiveness in appearance and personality among adolescents. We study a sample of 5947 (non‐Hispanic) white and black girls age 12 to 18 who were interviewed by a group of 338 interviewers. We find that overweight and obese white female adolescents are, respectively, 23% and 40% less likely, on average, to be perceived as physically attractive compared to normal‐weight white girls. The physical appearance penalties are significantly smaller for overweight and obese black girls compared to white girls. These findings suggest that being overweight or obese is costly due to its negative impact on inner and outer perceived beauty, providing an explanation for the observed stigmatization of overweight and obesity among women in labor and relationship markets. The smaller beauty penalties for black girls above the normal‐weight range suggest that the range of body sizes considered attractive may be wider for black females.
Sodium tungstate modulates ATM function upon DNA damage
Authors: Rodriguez-Hernandez C.J. , Llorens-Agost M. , Calbó J. , Murguia J.R. , Guinovart J.J.
Published: April 2013

Both radiotherapy and most effective chemotherapeutic agents induce different types of DNA damage. Here we show that tungstate modulates cell response to DNA damaging agents. Cells treated with tungstate were more sensitive to etoposide, phleomycin and ionizing radiation (IR), all of which induce DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs). Tungstate also modulated the activation of the central DSB signalling kinase, ATM, in response to these agents. These effects required the functionality of the Mre11–Nbs1–Rad50 (MRN) complex and were mimicked by the inhibition of PP2A phosphatase. Therefore, tungstate may have adjuvant activity when combined with DNA‐damaging agents in the treatment of several malignancies.
Effects of chronic and acute lead treatments on the biophysical properties of erythrocyte membranes, and a comparison with model membranes
Authors: Ahyayauch Hasna , Sansar Wafae , Rendón-Ramírez Adela , Goñi Félix M. , Bennouna Mohammed , Gamrani Halima
Published: April 2013

Rat erythrocytes, or erythrocyte membrane ghosts, have been subjected to either chronic (drinking water containing 15 mM lead acetate for 3 months) or acute (10−9–10−2 M lead acetate for 1 h) Pb2+ treatments and subsequent changes in membrane properties have been measured. Pb2+ concentration in chronically treated rat plasma was 1.8 μM, which is one order of magnitude above normal values. Membrane permeability, or hemolysis, was increased in both cases. A comparative study using liposomes, in the form of large unilamellar vesicles, also indicated an increase in membrane permeability. Membrane microviscosity, or acyl chain molecular order, measured as DPH fluorescence polarization, showed an increased order in the acute treatments, at least below 700 μM Pb2+, and a similar increase in chronically treated rats. The correlation between acute and chronic treatments, and between cell and model membranes, suggests that the present observations may be relevant in the pathogenesis of lead intoxication in humans.