bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unified correction method for Reynolds number, size, and roughness effects on the performance of compressors
Authors: Casey M V , Robinson C J
Published: August 2011

An equation is derived that relates the changes in turbomachinery efficiency with Reynolds number to the changes in the friction factor of an equivalent flat plate. This equation takes into account the different Reynolds number and roughness dependencies of the individual components, and can be used for whole stages and multistage machines. The new method is sufficiently general to correct for changes in Reynolds number due to changes in fluid properties or speed, changes in machine size, or changes in the surface roughness of components for all types of turbomachinery, but is calibrated here for use on axial and radial compressors. The method uses friction factor equations for a flat plate which include fully rough behaviour above an upper critical Reynolds number, a transition region depending on roughness and a region with laminar flow below the lower critical Reynolds number.

The correction equation for efficiency includes a single empirical factor. Based on a simple loss analysis and a calibration with over 30 sets of experimental test data covering a wide range of machine types, a suggestion for the variation of this factor with specific speed has been made. Additional correction equations are derived for the shift in flow and the change in pressure rise with Reynolds number and these are also calibrated against the same data.
Active Vibration Isolation Demonstration System Using the Piezoelectric Unimorph with Mechanically Pre-stressed Substrate
Authors: Lee Dae-Oen , Kang Lae-Hyong , Han Jae-Hung
Published: August 2011

In this article, a pre-stressed piezoelectric actuator made at room temperature using a mechanically pre-stressed substrate is applied as an actuator for an active vibration isolation system. The fabricated piezoelectric actuator, called PUMPS (piezoelectric unimorph with mechanically pre-stressed substrate), is a kind of unimorph actuators in which actuation stroke level is enhanced by displacement amplification mechanism that converts longitudinal piezoelectric in-plane deformation to large bending/pumping motion. Despite its much simpler fabrication process, PUMPS actuation performance is comparable to that of conventional pre-stressed piezoelectric unimorphs due to its special pre-stress level inside piezoelectric layer. In applying PUMPS as an actuator for active vibration control, multilayer stack configuration using three PUMPS actuators was adapted in order to obtain higher actuation force because unimorph actuators are displacement amplified actuators in which displacement amplification is attained with a sacrifice of the actuation force. Preliminary vibration tests were performed to check the performance of PUMPS as actuators for active vibration control in a lab environment. Two feedback control schemes, the positive position feedback and negative velocity feedback, were applied for active vibration control and about 10 dB vibration reduction was achieved near the resonant frequency region. With the promising results obtained in the preliminary vibration test, PUMPS actuators in multilayer stack configuration were used to develop an integrated active vibration isolation demonstration system. The purpose of the developed system is to demonstrate the need for vibration isolation system to remove degrading effects of jitter and improve the performance of optical payloads in satellites such as its observation and image acquisition abilities. The test results with the demonstration system show that severe blur observed in the image taken without the vibration control is reduced visibly in the image taken during the operation of the active vibration isolation system.
A Generic Morphing Wing Analysis and Design Framework
Authors: De Breuker Roeland , Abdalla Mostafa M. , Gürdal Zafer
Published: August 2011

A generic framework for morphing wing aeroelastic analysis and design is presented. The wing is discretised into an arbitrary number of wing segments. Two types of actuation mechanisms are identified: inter-rib mechanisms operating across a wing segment and intra-rib mechanisms acting between two adjacent wing segments. Virtually, any shape can be obtained by distributing four morphing modes over the entire morphing wing. Three are an intra-rib mechanism and one is an inter-rib mechanism. The intra-rib modes are wing shear, twist and extension, and the inter-rib mode is wing folding. The wing is modeled using a close coupling between a non-linear beam formulation and Weissinger aerodynamics. The framework is intended to aid quick preliminary design of morphing wings to trade-off contradictory requirements in a flight mission. The morphing wing can be optimized for discrete points in the flight mission, and for the entire flight mission. The framework can be used to predict aerodynamic performance, load distribution, aeroelastic deformations, and the required actuation forces and moments and corresponding actuation energy. Therefore, the performance gains of wing morphing can be weighed against the energy costs and weight penalties due to the presence of the actuators. The functionality of the framework is demonstrated by making use of a folding and sweeping wing test case.
A Cellular Kirigami Morphing Wingbox Concept
Authors: Saito Kazuya , Agnese Fabio , Scarpa Fabrizio
Published: August 2011

This study introduces the design and manufacturing of a wingbox based on a cellular hexagonal morphology and produced using kirigami techniques. The wingbox is manufactured in autoclave-cured woven Kevlar fabric using ply-cutting patterns designed around an airfoil profile. The cellular wingbox can be completely or partially folded, providing some shape-adapting capabilities for possible morphing applications. A numerical and analytical evaluation of the torsional stiffness of the wingbox with novel elastomeric face skins is also performed.
Immediate Effects of Reiki on Heart Rate Variability, Cortisol Levels, and Body Temperature in Health Care Professionals With Burnout
Authors: Díaz-Rodríguez Lourdes , Arroyo-Morales Manuel , Fernández-de-las-Peñas Cesar , García-Lafuente Francisca , García-Royo Carmen , Tomás-Rojas Inmaculada
Published: August 2011

Burnout is a work-related mental health impairment comprising three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Reiki aims to help replenish and rebalance the body’s energetic system, thus stimulating the healing process. The objective of this placebo-controlled, repeated measures, crossover, single-blind, randomized trial was to analyze the immediate effects of Reiki on heart rate variability (HRV), body temperature, and salivary flow rate and cortisol level in health care professionals with burnout syndrome (BS). Participants included 21 health care professionals with BS, who were asked to complete two visits to the laboratory with a 1-week interval between sessions. They were randomly assigned the order in which they would receive a Reiki session applied by an experienced therapist and a placebo treatment applied by a therapist with no knowledge of Reiki, who mimicked the Reiki treatment. Temperature, Holter ECG recordings (standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval [SDNN], square root of mean squared differences of successive NN intervals [RMSSD], HRV index, low frequency component [LF], and high frequency component [HF]), salivary flow rate and cortisol levels were measured at baseline and postintervention by an assessor blinded to allocation group. SDNN and body temperature were significantly higher after the Reiki treatment than after the placebo. LF was significantly lower after the Reiki treatment. The decrease in the LF domain was associated with the increase in body temperature. These results suggest that Reiki has an effect on the parasympathetic nervous system when applied to health care professionals with BS.
Overcoming Distance and Space Through Technology
Authors: Caprotti Federico
Published: August 2011

This article analyzes modern, discursive attempts to overcome distance and space through analyses of discourses focused on record aviation attempts in 1930s’ fascist Italy. Two particular flights are analyzed, both linking Italy with South America. The first analyzed flight is a 1937 seaplane distance record attempt; the second was a 1939 endeavor to establish regular, scheduled airmail services between Italy and Brazil. The flights are analyzed using institutional importance criteria, based on the preservation of archival documents concerning the record attempts by the Ministry of Aeronautics. The argument presented here is that the examined flights were of importance to the regime for immediate propaganda purposes, as well as for the use of aviation as a metaphor for Italian fascism. In particular, the article uses a framework that frames Italian fascism as a modern phenomenon, rooted in the ideological and political utility of the separation between natural and social spheres. Aviation, when identified with fascism, became a technosocial discursive realm juxtaposed to the natural limits and boundaries to be overcome through aeronautical technology. The article resultantly analyzes the discursive construction and representation of aviation, and nature, in the case of the two record flights.
Politics as usual? Revolution, normalization and a new agenda for online deliberation
Authors: Wright Scott
Published: August 2011

The suggestion that new media might revolutionize politics persists as one of the most influential and popular discourses. There has been a burgeoning scholarly response, often framed through the polarising ‘revolution’ and ‘normalization’ ‘schools’ (Davis, 2009; Margolis and Resnick, 2000). This article argues that the schism between revolution and normalization has negatively influenced subsequent empirical analyses of political conversation online (and of e-democracy studies more generally). First, it will argue that many scholars have failed to consider the nature of revolutionary change in any detail, tending to frame and interpret their research findings with the very technologically determinist accounts of revolutionary change of which they are so critical. Second, it will argue that the revolution/normalization frame has led researchers to disproportionately analyse existing political institutions and practices, often using narrow definitions of politics and normative underpinnings that simply may not be relevant in the context of new media. Finally, the article argues that the revolution/normalization frame may have led researchers to interpret their empirical data in an unduly negative way. Combined together the revolution/normalization frame can shape the selection of cases, the choice of research questions and how subsequent results are interpreted – with the danger that researchers are being unduly pessimistic about the prevalence and nature of political debate online. The critique will lead to a series of suggestions about how scholars can take online deliberation research forward.
Prevalence and Correlates of Vitamin and Supplement Usage Among Men With a Family History of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bauer Christina M. , Ishak Miriam B. , Johnson Emilie K. , Beebe-Dimmer Jennifer L. , Cooney Kathleen A.
Published: August 2011

Hypotheses. Men who have a brother with prostate cancer have a 2-fold increased risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Strategies employed by these men to reduce prostate cancer risk are not well understood. Preliminary studies have shown that men with a family history of prostate cancer have a high rate of vitamin and supplement usage aimed at the prevention of prostate cancer. Study design. The authors analyzed data from a cross-sectional study of men with familial and hereditary prostate cancer and their unaffected brothers. A total of 542 unaffected men who had at least one brother who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer regarding their use of vitamins and supplements, as well as the motivation for use, were interviewed. Methods. The associations between subject characteristics and vitamin and supplement use were evaluated using an unconditional logistic regression modeling approach. Results. Overall, 59.2% and 36.5% of men reported ever using and currently using, respectively, one or more vitamins or supplements (including multivitamins). One third of men took a vitamin or supplement that has been targeted for prostate health or cancer prevention, including green tea, magnesium, male hormones, saw palmetto, selenium, soy, vitamins A, C, E, and zinc. Increasing age at time of survey was associated with vitamin/supplement use (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.05). After adjusting for age at time of survey, being younger than an affected brother was associated with vitamin and supplement use (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.01-2.25). A total of 25% of men reported obtaining information from books or articles as the most common source of information. Conclusions. The findings indicate that men at an increased risk for prostate cancer report a high rate of vitamin and supplement use, including supplements targeted for prostate cancer prevention. Men with a family history of prostate cancer represent a target population for future chemopreventative agents.
Thermal response of basement wall systems with low-emissivity material and furred airspace
Authors: Saber Hamed H , Maref Wahid , Swinton Michael C
Published: August 2011

In basement wall systems, airspaces can contribute in obtaining a higher thermal resistance, if a low-emissivity material such as reflective foil is installed within a furred-airspace. In this study, numerical simulations were conducted using the hygrothermal model ‘hygIRC-C’ that was developed at the National Research Council of Canada’s Institute for Research in Construction to investigate the steady-state and transient thermal performance of basement wall systems. This model solves simultaneously the energy equation in the various material layers, surface-to-surface radiation equation in the furred-airspace assembly, Navier–Stokes equation for the airspace, and Darcy and Brinkman equations for the porous material layers. The wall systems used in the simulations incorporate a low-emissivity material (foil with emissivity = 0.04) bonded to a moulded/expanded polystyrene foam that is installed in a furred-airspace assembly. The furring is installed horizontally and covered with a gypsum board. The structural element of the wall (external layer) is a poured-in-place concrete. Walls with and without furred-airspace assembly were considered in this study. Also, consideration was given to investigate the effect of the above-grade and below-grade portions of the wall on the thermal performance when these walls are subjected to two different Canadian climates. Results showed that at steady-state condition, the effective thermal resistance ( R-value) of the wall with a furred-airspace assembly depends on the soil, outdoor, and indoor temperatures. Additionally, these wall configurations resulted in an energy savings of ~17% compared to walls without furred-airspace assembly when these walls are subjected to two different climate conditions.
Is Long-Term Love More Than A Rare Phenomenon? If So, What Are Its Correlates?
Authors: O’Leary K. Daniel , Acevedo Bianca P. , Aron Arthur , Huddy Leonie , Mashek Debra
Published: August 2011

Some individuals in long-term marriages report intensities of romantic love comparable to individuals newly in love. How common is this? Are correlates of long-term romantic love consistent with theoretical models of love? In a random sample of 274 U.S. married individuals, 40% of those married over 10 years reported being “Very intensely in love.” Importantly, correlates of long-term intense love, as predicted by theory, were thinking positively about the partner and thinking about the partner when apart, affectionate behaviors and sexual intercourse, shared novel and challenging activities, and general life happiness. Wanting to know where the partner is at all times correlated significantly with intense love for men but not women. For women, but not men, passion about nonrelationship factors significantly correlated with intense love. In a random New York (NY) sample of 322 individuals married over 10 years, 29% reported being very intensely in love and our predicted correlates cross validated.
Siglec-9 is a novel leukocyte ligand for vascular adhesion protein-1 and can be used in PET imaging of inflammation and cancer
Authors: Aalto Kristiina , Autio Anu , Kiss Elina A. , Elima Kati , Nymalm Yvonne , Veres Tibor Z. , Marttila-Ichihara Fumiko , Elovaara Heli , Saanijoki Tiina , Crocker Paul R. , Maksimow Mikael , Bligt Eva , Salminen Tiina A. , Salmi Marko , Roivainen Anne , Jalkanen Sirpa
Published: August 2011

Leukocyte migration to sites of inflammation is regulated by several endothelial adhesion molecules. Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is unique among the homing-associated molecules as it is both an enzyme that oxidizes primary amines and an adhesin. Although granulocytes can bind to endothelium via a VAP-1–dependent manner, the counter-receptor(s) on this leukocyte population is(are) not known. Here we used a phage display approach and identified Siglec-9 as a candidate ligand on granulocytes. The binding between Siglec-9 and VAP-1 was confirmed by in vitro and ex vivo adhesion assays. The interaction sites between VAP-1 and Siglec-9 were identified by molecular modeling and confirmed by further binding assays with mutated proteins. Although the binding takes place in the enzymatic groove of VAP-1, it is only partially dependent on the enzymatic activity of VAP-1. In positron emission tomography, the 68Gallium-labeled peptide of Siglec-9 specifically detected VAP-1 in vasculature at sites of inflammation and cancer. Thus, the peptide binding to the enzymatic groove of VAP-1 can be used for imaging conditions, such as inflammation and cancer.
An important role for Akt3 in platelet activation and thrombosis
Authors: O'Brien Kelly A. , Stojanovic-Terpo Aleksandra , Hay Nissim , Du Xiaoping
Published: August 2011

The Akt family of serine/threonine kinases includes Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3 isoforms. Prior studies have reported that Akt1 and Akt2, but not Akt3, are expressed in platelets. Here, we show that Akt3 is expressed in substantial amounts in platelets. Akt3−/− mouse platelets selectively exhibit impaired platelet aggregation and secretion in response to low concentrations of thrombin receptor agonists and thromboxane A2 (TXA2), but not collagen or VWF. In contrast, platelets from Akt1−/− or Akt2−/− mice are defective in platelet activation induced by thrombin, TXA2, and VWF, but only Akt1−/− platelets show significant defects in response to collagen, indicating differences among Akt isoforms. Akt3−/− platelets exhibit a significant reduction in thrombin-induced phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) at Ser9, which is known to inhibit GSK-3β function. Thus, Akt3 is important in inhibiting GSK-3β. Accordingly, treatment of Akt3−/− platelets with a GSK-3β inhibitor rescued the defect of Akt3−/− platelets in thrombin-induced aggregation, suggesting that negatively regulating GSK-3β may be a mechanism by which Akt3 promotes platelet activation. Importantly, Akt3−/− mice showed retardation in FeCl3-induced carotid artery thrombosis in vivo. Thus, Akt3 plays an important and distinct role in platelet activation and in thrombosis.
Selective depletion of plasma prekallikrein or coagulation factor XII inhibits thrombosis in mice without increased risk of bleeding
Authors: Revenko Alexey S. , Gao Dacao , Crosby Jeff R. , Bhattacharjee Gourab , Zhao Chenguang , May Chris , Gailani David , Monia Brett P. , MacLeod A. Robert
Published: August 2011

Recent studies indicate that the plasma contact system plays an important role in thrombosis, despite being dispensable for hemostasis. For example, mice deficient in coagulation factor XII (fXII) are protected from arterial thrombosis and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. We demonstrate that selective reduction of prekallikrein (PKK), another member of the contact system, using antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology results in an antithrombotic phenotype in mice. The effects of PKK deficiency were compared with those of fXII deficiency produced by specific ASO-mediated reduction of fXII. Mice with reduced PKK had ∼ 3-fold higher plasma levels of fXII, and reduced levels of fXIIa-serpin complexes, consistent with fXII being a substrate for activated PKK in vivo. PKK or fXII deficiency reduced thrombus formation in both arterial and venous thrombosis models, without an apparent effect on hemostasis. The amount of reduction of PKK and fXII required to produce an antithrombotic effect differed between venous and arterial models, suggesting that these factors may regulate thrombus formation by distinct mechanisms. Our results support the concept that fXII and PKK play important and perhaps nonredundant roles in pathogenic thrombus propagation, and highlight a novel, specific and safe pharmaceutical approach to target these contact system proteases.
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α/platelet derived growth factor axis in HIV-associated pulmonary vascular remodeling
Authors: Mermis Joel , Gu Haihua , Xue Bing , Li Fang , Tawfik Ossama , Buch Shilpa , Bartolome Sonja , O'Brien-Ladner Amy , Dhillon Navneet K
Published: August 2011

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients are at increased risk for the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Recent reports have demonstrated that HIV associated viral proteins induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) with resultant endothelial cell dysfunction and related vascular injury. In this study, we explored the impact of HIV protein induced oxidative stress on production of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), critical mediators implicated in the pathogenesis of HIV-PAH.

Methods

The lungs from 4-5 months old HIV-1 transgenic (Tg) rats were assessed for the presence of pulmonary vascular remodeling and HIF-1α/PDGF-BB expression in comparison with wild type controls. Human primary pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAEC) were treated with HIV-associated proteins in the presence or absence of pretreatment with antioxidants, for 24 hrs followed by estimation of ROS levels and western blot analysis of HIF-1α or PDGF-BB.

Results

HIV-Tg rats, a model with marked viral protein induced vascular oxidative stress in the absence of active HIV-1 replication demonstrated significant medial thickening of pulmonary vessels and increased right ventricular mass compared to wild-type controls, with increased expression of HIF-1α and PDGF-BB in HIV-Tg rats. The up-regulation of both HIF-1α and PDGF-B chain mRNA in each HIV-Tg rat was directly correlated with an increase in right ventricular/left ventricular+septum ratio. Supporting ourin-vivo findings, HPAECs treated with HIV-proteins: Tat and gp120, demonstrated increased ROS and parallel increase of PDGF-BB expression with the maximum induction observed on treatment with R5 type gp-120CM. Pre-treatment of endothelial cells with antioxidants or transfection of cells with HIF-1α small interfering RNA resulted in abrogation of gp-120CMmediated induction of PDGF-BB, therefore, confirming that ROS generation and activation of HIF-1α plays critical role in gp120 mediated up-regulation of PDGF-BB.

Conclusion

In summary, these findings indicate that viral protein induced oxidative stress results in HIF-1α dependent up-regulation of PDGF-BB and suggests the possible involvement of this pathway in the development of HIV-PAH.
Self-reported health status and access to health services in a sample of prisoners in Italy
Authors: Nobile Carmelo GA , Flotta Domenico , Nicotera Gaetano , Pileggi Claudia , Angelillo Italo F
Published: August 2011

Background

Self-reported health status in underserved population of prisoners has not been extensively explored. The purposes of this cross-sectional study were to assess self-reported health, quality of life, and access to health services in a sample of male prisoners of Italy.

Methods

A total of 908 prisoners received a self-administered anonymous questionnaire pertaining on demographic and detention characteristics, self-reported health status and quality of life, access to health services, lifestyles, and participation to preventive, social, and rehabilitation programs. A total of 650 prisoners agreed to participate in the study and returned the questionnaire.

Results

Respectively, 31.6% and 43.5% of prisoners reported a poor perceived health status and a poor quality of life, and 60% admitted that their health was worsened or greatly worsened during the prison stay. Older age, lower education, psychiatric disorders, self-reported health problems on prison entry, and suicide attempts within prison were significantly associated with a perceived worse health status. At the time of the questionnaire delivery, 30% of the prisoners self-reported a health problem present on prison entry and 82% present at the time of the survey. Most frequently reported health problems included dental health problems, arthritis or joint pain, eye problems, gastrointestinal diseases, emotional problems, and high blood pressure. On average, prisoners encountered general practitioners six times during the previous year, and the frequency of medical encounters was significantly associated with older age, sentenced prisoners, psychiatric disorders, and self-reported health problems on prison entry.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that prisoners have a perceived poor health status, specific care needs and health promotion programs are seldom offered. Programs for correction of risk behaviour and prevention of long-term effects of incarceration on prisoners' health are strongly needed.
Association between physical activity and metabolic syndrome in middle-aged Japanese: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Junghoon , Tanabe Kai , Yokoyama Noriko , Zempo Hirofumi , Kuno Shinya
Published: August 2011

Background

Although many studies have reported an association between self-reported physical activity and metabolic syndrome (MetS), there is limited information on the optimal level of physical activity required to prevent MetS. This study aimed to determine the association between objectively measured physical activity and MetS in middle-aged Japanese individuals. We also determined the optimal cutoff value for physical activity required to decrease the risk of developing MetS.

Methods

A total of 179 men and 304 women, aged between 30 and 64 years, participated in this study. Participants were divided into two groups using the Japanese criteria for MetS as those with MetS or pre-MetS, and those without MetS. Participants were considered to be physically active if they achieved a physical activity level of 23 metabolic equivalents (METs) h/week, measured using a triaxial accelerometer. The association between physical activity and MetS was analyzed using logistic regression with the following covariates: sex, age, sedentary time, low intensity activity, calorie intake, smoking, menopause and body mass index. We also evaluated the factors that determined the association between the prevalence of MetS and pre-MetS and the physical activity cutoff value using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis.

Results

The odds ratio for MetS and pre-MetS was 2.20 for physically inactive participants (< 23 METs h/week), compared with physically active participants (≥ 23 METs h/week). The corresponding odds ratios for men and women were 2.27 (P < 0.01) and 1.95 (not significant), respectively. CART analyses revealed that moderate-vigorous physical activity of > 26.5 METs h/week was sufficient to decrease the prevalence of MetS and pre-MetS in middle-aged Japanese men and women.

Conclusions

The results of this cross-sectional study indicate that the Exercise and Physical Activity Reference for Health Promotion 2006 is inversely associated with the prevalence of MetS in men. Our results also suggest that moderate physical activity of > 26.5 METs h/week may decrease the risk of developing MetS and pre-MetS in middle-aged Japanese individuals.
Characterization of the age-dependent intervertebral disc changes in rabbit by correlation between MRI, histology and gene expression
Authors: Clouet Johann , Pot-Vaucel Marianne , Grimandi Gaël , Masson Martial , Lesoeur Julie , Fellah Borhane H , Gauthier Olivier , Fusellier Marion , Cherel Yan , Maugars Yves , Guicheux Jérôme , Vinatier Claire
Published: August 2011

Background

The present study was conducted to address whether the intervertebral disc of rabbit could be considered (i) as a valuable model to provide new insights into the tissue and cellular changes of Nucleus pulposus aging and (ii) as an appropriate tool to investigate the efficacy of Nucleus pulposus cell-based biotherapies.

Methods

Lumbar intervertebral disc from rabbits with increasing ages (1, 6 and 30 month-old) were compared by MRI and histological observation using Pfirrmann's grading and Boos' scoring respectively. The expression of transcripts (COL2A1, AGC1, COL1A1, MMP13, BMP2, MGP and p21) in Nucleus pulposus cells were analysed by quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

MRI analysis indicated an early age-dependent increase in the Pfirrmann's grading. Histological Boos' scoring was also increased. The analysis of transcript expression levels showed that COL2A1 and AGC1 were down-regulated as a function of age. Conversely, COL1A1, MMP-13, BMP-2, MGP and p21 were significantly up-regulated in the Nucleus pulposus cells of aged rabbit intervertebral disc.

Conclusions

Our study describes the consistency of the rabbit as a model of intervertebral disc changes as a function of age by correlating tissue alteration with cellular modification measured.
A comprehensive evaluation of the impact of telemonitoring in patients with long-term conditions and social care needs: protocol for the whole systems demonstrator cluster randomised trial
Authors: Bower Peter , Cartwright Martin , Hirani Shashivadan P , Barlow James , Hendy Jane , Knapp Martin , Henderson Catherine , Rogers Anne , Sanders Caroline , Bardsley Martin , Steventon Adam , Fitzpatrick Raymond , Doll Helen , Newman Stanton
Published: August 2011

Background

It is expected that increased demands on services will result from expanding numbers of older people with long-term conditions and social care needs. There is significant interest in the potential for technology to reduce utilisation of health services in these patient populations, including telecare (the remote, automatic and passive monitoring of changes in an individual's condition or lifestyle) and telehealth (the remote exchange of data between a patient and health care professional). The potential of telehealth and telecare technology to improve care and reduce costs is limited by a lack of rigorous evidence of actual impact.

Methods/Design

We are conducting a large scale, multi-site study of the implementation, impact and acceptability of these new technologies. A major part of the evaluation is a cluster-randomised controlled trial of telehealth and telecare versus usual care in patients with long-term conditions or social care needs. The trial involves a number of outcomes, including health care utilisation and quality of life. We describe the broad evaluation and the methods of the cluster randomised trial

Discussion

If telehealth and telecare technology proves effective, it will provide additional options for health services worldwide to deliver care for populations with high levels of need.

Trial Registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN43002091
High glucose-induced apoptosis in human coronary artery endothelial cells involves up-regulation of death receptors
Authors: Kageyama Shun-ichiro , Yokoo Hiroki , Tomita Kengo , Kageyama-Yahara Natsuko , Uchimido Ryo , Matsuda Naoyuki , Yamamoto Seiji , Hattori Yuichi
Published: August 2011

Background

High glucose can induce apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells, which may contribute to the development of vascular complications in diabetes. We evaluated the role of the death receptor pathway of apoptotic signaling in high glucose-induced apoptosis in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs).

Methods

HCAECs were treated with media containing 5.6, 11.1, and 16.7 mM of glucose for 24 h in the presence or absence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. For detection of apoptosis, DNA fragmentation assay was used. HCAEC expression of death receptors were analyzed by the PCR and flow cytometry methods. Also, using immunohistochemical techniques, coronary expression of death receptors was assessed in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic mice.

Results

Exposure of HCAECs to high glucose resulted in a significant increase in TNF-R1 and Fas expression, compared with normal glucose. High glucose increased TNF-α production by HCAECs and exogenous TNF-α up-regulated TNF-R1 and Fas expression in HCAECs. High glucose-induced up-regulation of TNF-R1 and Fas expression was undetectable in the presence of TNF-α. Treatment with TNF-R1 neutralizing peptides significantly inhibited high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Type 2 diabetic mice displayed appreciable expression of TNF-R1 and Fas in coronary vessels.

Conclusions

In association with increased TNF-α levels, the death receptors, TNF-R1 and Fas, are up-regulated in HCAECs under high glucose conditions, which could in turn play a role in high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.
Selective intraarterial radionuclide therapy with Yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres for unresectable primary and metastatic liver tumors
Authors: Kucuk Ozlem N , Soydal Cigdem , Lacin Seda , Ozkan Elgin , Bilgic Sadik
Published: August 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the success of selective intraarterial radionuclide therapy (SIRT) with Yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres in liver metastases of different tumors. We also interpreted the contribution of SIRT to survival times according to responder- non responder and hepatic- extra hepatic disease.

Methods

The clinical and follow-up data of 124 patients who were referred to our department for SIRT between June 2006 and October 2010 were evaluated retrospectively. SIRT has been applied to 78 patients who were suitable for treatment. All the patients had primary liver tumor or unresectable liver metastasis of different malignancies. The treatment was repeated at least one more time in 5 patients to the same or other lobes. Metabolic treatment response evaluated by fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F18-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the 6th week after treatment. F18-FDG PET/CT was repeated in per six weeks periods. The response criterion had been described as at least 20% decrease of SUV value. Also in patients with neuroendocrine tumor serial Gallium-68 (Ga-68) PET/CT was used for evaluation of response. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their treatment response.

Results

68 patients received treatment for the right lobe, seven patients received treatment for the left lobe and 3 patients for both lobes. The mean treatment dose was estimated at 1.62 GBq. In the evaluation of treatment response; 43(55%) patients were responder (R) and 35 (45%) patients were non-responder (NR) in the sixth week F18-FDG PET/CT. Mean pretreatment SUVmax value of R group was 11.6 and NR group was 10.7. While only 11 (31%) out of 35 NR patients had H disease, 30 (69%) out of 43 R patients had H disease (p < 0.05). The mean overall survival time of R group was calculated as 25.63 ± 1.52 months and NR group's 20.45 ± 2.11 (p = 0.04). The mean overall survival time of H group was computed as 25.66 ± 1.52 months and EH group's 20.76 ± 1.97 (p = 0.09).

Conclusions

SIRT is a useful treatment method which can contribute to the lengthening of survival times in patients with primary or metastatic unresectable liver malignancies. Also F18-FDG PET/CT is seen to be a successful imaging method in evaluating treatment response for predicting survival times in this patient group.
Feasibility of using a World Health Organization-standard methodology for Sample Vital Registration with Verbal Autopsy (SAVVY) to report leading causes of death in Zambia: results of a pilot in four provinces, 2010
Authors: Mudenda Sheila S , Kamocha Stanley , Mswia Robert , Conkling Martha , Sikanyiti Palver , Potter Dara , Mayaka William C , Marx Melissa A
Published: August 2011

Background

Verbal autopsy (VA) can be used to describe leading causes of death in countries like Zambia where vital events registration does not produce usable data. The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility of using verbal autopsy to determine age-, sex-, and cause-specific mortality in a community-based setting in Zambia and to estimate overall age-, sex-, and cause-specific mortality in the four provinces sampled.

Methods

A dedicated census was conducted in regions of four provinces chosen by cluster-sampling methods in January 2010. Deaths in the 12-month period prior to the census were identified during the census. Subsequently, trained field staff conducted verbal autopsy interviews with caregivers or close relatives of the deceased using structured and unstructured questionnaires. Additional deaths were identified and respondents were interviewed during 12 months of fieldwork. After the interviews, two physicians independently reviewed each VA questionnaire to determine a probable cause of death.

Results

Among the four provinces (1,056 total deaths) assessed, all-cause mortality rate was 17.2 per 1,000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.4, 22). The seven leading causes of death were HIV/AIDS (287, 27%), malaria (111, 10%), injuries and accidents (81, 8%), diseases of the circulatory system (75, 7%), malnutrition (58, 6%), pneumonia (56, 5%), and tuberculosis (50, 5%). Those who died were more likely to be male, have less than or equal to a primary education, and be unmarried, widowed, or divorced compared to the baseline population. Nearly half (49%) of all reported deaths occurred at home.

Conclusions

The 17.2 per 1,000 all-cause mortality rate is somewhat similar to modeled country estimates. The leading causes of death -- HIV/AIDS, malaria, injuries, circulatory diseases, and malnutrition -- reflected causes similar to those reported for the African region and by other countries in the region. Results can enable the targeting of interventions by region, disease, and population to reduce preventable death. Collecting vital statistics using standardized Sample Vital Registration with Verbal Autopsy (SAVVY) methods appears feasible in Zambia. If conducted regularly, these data can be used to evaluate trends in estimated causes of death over time.
A novel synthetic quantification standard including virus and internal report targets: application for the detection and quantification of emerging begomoviruses on tomato
Authors: Péréfarres Frédéric , Hoareau Murielle , Chiroleu Frédéric , Reynaud Bernard , Dintinger Jacques , Lett Jean-Michel
Published: August 2011

Background

Begomovirus is a genus of phytopathogenic single-stranded DNA viruses, transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. This genus includes emerging and economically significant viruses such as those associated with Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Disease, for which diagnostic tools are needed to prevent dispersion and new introductions. Five real-time PCRs with an internal tomato reporter gene were developed for accurate detection and quantification of monopartite begomoviruses, including two strains of the Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV; Mld and IL strains), the Tomato leaf curl Comoros virus-like viruses (ToLCKMV-like viruses) and the two molecules of the bipartite Potato yellow mosaic virus. These diagnostic tools have a unique standard quantification, comprising the targeted viral and internal report amplicons. These duplex real-time PCRs were applied to artificially inoculated plants to monitor and compare their viral development.

Results

Real-time PCRs were optimized for accurate detection and quantification over a range of 2 × 109 to 2 × 103 copies of genomic viral DNA/μL for TYLCV-Mld, TYLCV-IL and PYMV-B and 2 × 108 to 2 × 103 copies of genomic viral DNA/μL for PYMV-A and ToLCKMV-like viruses. These real-time PCRs were applied to artificially inoculated plants and viral loads were compared at 10, 20 and 30 days post-inoculation. Different patterns of viral accumulation were observed between the bipartite and the monopartite begomoviruses. Interestingly, PYMV accumulated more viral DNA at each date for both genomic components compared to all the monopartite viruses. Also, PYMV reached its highest viral load at 10 dpi contrary to the other viruses (20 dpi). The accumulation kinetics of the two strains of emergent TYLCV differed from the ToLCKMV-like viruses in the higher quantities of viral DNA produced in the early phase of the infection and in the shorter time to reach this peak viral load.

Conclusions

To detect and quantify a wide range of begomoviruses, five duplex real-time PCRs were developed in association with a novel strategy for the quantification standard. These assays should be of a great interest for breeding programs and epidemiological surveys to monitor viral populations.
Multi-equilibrium property of metabolic networks: SSI module
Authors: Lei Hong-Bo , Zhang Ji-Feng , Chen Luonan
Published: August 2011

Background

Revealing the multi-equilibrium property of a metabolic network is a fundamental and important topic in systems biology. Due to the complexity of the metabolic network, it is generally a difficult task to study the problem as a whole from both analytical and numerical viewpoint. On the other hand, the structure-oriented modularization idea is a good choice to overcome such a difficulty, i.e. decomposing the network into several basic building blocks and then studying the whole network through investigating the dynamical characteristics of the basic building blocks and their interactions. Single substrate and single product with inhibition (SSI) metabolic module is one type of the basic building blocks of metabolic networks, and its multi-equilibrium property has important influence on that of the whole metabolic networks.

Results

In this paper, we describe what the SSI metabolic module is, characterize the rates of the metabolic reactions by Hill kinetics and give a unified model for SSI modules by using a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations with multi-variables. Specifically, a sufficient and necessary condition is first given to describe the injectivity of a class of nonlinear systems, and then, the sufficient condition is used to study the multi-equilibrium property of SSI modules. As a main theoretical result, for the SSI modules in which each reaction has no more than one inhibitor, a sufficient condition is derived to rule out multiple equilibria, i.e. the Jacobian matrix of its rate function is nonsingular everywhere.

Conclusions

In summary, we describe SSI modules and give a general modeling framework based on Hill kinetics, and provide a sufficient condition for ruling out multiple equilibria of a key type of SSI module.
Improvement of pain and regional osteoporotic changes in the foot and ankle by low-dose bisphosphonate therapy for complex regional pain syndrome type I: a case series
Authors: Abe Yasuhisa , Iba Kousuke , Takada Junichi , Wada Takuro , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Complex regional pain syndrome is characterized by pain, allodynia, hyperalgesia, edema, signs of vasomotor instability, movement disorders, joint stiffness, and regional osteopenia. It is recognized to be difficult to treat, despite various methods of treatment, including physiotherapy, calcitonin, corticosteroids, sympathetic blockade, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pathophysiologically, complex regional pain syndrome reveals enhanced regional bone resorption and high bone turnover, and so bisphosphonates, which have a potent inhibitory effect on bone resorption, were proposed for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old Japanese man with complex regional pain syndrome type I had severe right ankle pain with a visual analog scale score of 59 out of 100 regardless of treatment with physiotherapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for five months. Radiographs showed marked regional osteoporotic changes and bone scintigraphy revealed a marked increase in radioactivity in his ankle. One month after the start of oral administration of risedronate (2.5 mg per day), his bone pain had fallen from a VAS score of 59 out of 100 to 18 out of 100. Bone scintigraphy at 12 months showed a marked reduction in radioactivity to a level comparable to that in his normal, left ankle. On the basis of these results, the treatment was discontinued at 15 months. At 32 months, our patient had almost no pain and radiographic findings revealed that the regional osteoporotic change had returned to normal.

A second 48-year-old Japanese man with complex regional pain syndrome type I had severe right foot pain with a visual analog scale score of 83 out of 100 regardless of treatment with physiotherapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for nine months. Radiographs showed regional osteoporotic change in his phalanges, metatarsals, and tarsals, and bone scintigraphy revealed a marked increase in radioactivity in his foot. One month after the start of oral administration of alendronate (35 mg per week), his bone pain had fallen from a visual analog scale score of 83 out of 100 to 30 out of 100 and, at nine months, was further reduced to 3 out of 100. The treatment was discontinued at 15 months because of successful pain reduction. At 30 months, our patient had no pain and the radiographic findings revealed marked improvement in regional osteoporotic changes.

Conclusions

We believe low-dose oral administration of bisphosphonate is worth considering for the treatment of idiopathic complex regional pain syndrome type I accompanied by regional osteoporotic change.
Differentiation and fiber type-specific activity of a muscle creatine kinase intronic enhancer
Authors: Tai Phillip WL , Fisher-Aylor Katherine I , Himeda Charis L , Smith Catherine L , MacKenzie Alexandra P , Helterline Deri L , Angello John C , Welikson Robert E , Wold Barbara J , Hauschka Stephen D
Published: August 2011

Background

Hundreds of genes, including muscle creatine kinase (MCK), are differentially expressed in fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers, but the fiber type-specific regulatory mechanisms are not well understood.

Results

Modulatory region 1 (MR1) is a 1-kb regulatory region withinMCKintron 1 that is highly active in terminally differentiating skeletal myocytesin vitro. AMCKsmall intronic enhancer (MCK-SIE) containing a paired E-box/myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) regulatory motif resides within MR1. The SIE's transcriptional activity equals that of the extensively characterized 206-bpMCK5'-enhancer, but theMCK-SIE is flanked by regions that can repress its activity via the individual and combined effects of about 15 different but highly conserved 9- to 24-bp sequences. ChIP and ChIP-Seq analyses indicate that the SIE and theMCK5'-enhancer are occupied by MyoD, myogenin and MEF2. Many other E-boxes located within or immediately adjacent to intron 1 are not occupied by MyoD or myogenin. Transgenic analysis of a 6.5-kbMCKgenomic fragment containing the 5'-enhancer and proximal promoter plus the 3.2-kb intron 1, with and without MR1, indicates that MR1 is critical forMCKexpression in slow- and intermediate-twitch muscle fibers (types I and IIa, respectively), but is not required for expression in fast-twitch muscle fibers (types IIb and IId).

Conclusions

In this study, we discovered that MR1 is critical forMCKexpression in slow- and intermediate-twitch muscle fibers and that MR1's positive transcriptional activity depends on a paired E-box MEF2 site motif within a SIE. This is the first study to delineate the DNA controls forMCKexpression in different skeletal muscle fiber types.