bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Des-Acyl Ghrelin Has Specific Binding Sites and Different Metabolic Effects from Ghrelin in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Lear Pamela V. , Iglesias María J. , Feijóo-Bandín Sandra , Rodríguez-Penas Diego , Mosquera-Leal Ana , García-Rúa Vanessa , Gualillo Oreste , Ghè Corrado , Arnoletti Elisa , Muccioli Giampiero , Diéguez Carlos , González-Juanatey José R. , Lago Francisca
Published: April 2010

The current study aimed to compare the effects of the peptide hormone ghrelin and des-G, its unacylated isoform, on glucose and fatty acid uptake and to identify des-G-specific binding sites in cardiomyocytes. In the murine HL-1 adult cardiomyocyte line, ghrelin and des-G had opposing metabolic effects: des-G increased medium-chain fatty acid uptake (BODIPY fluorescence intensity), whereas neither ghrelin alone nor in combination with des-G did so. Ghrelin inhibited the increase in glucose uptake normally induced by insulin (rate of 2-[3H]deoxy-d-glucose incorporation), but des-G did not; des-G was also able to partially reverse the inhibitory effect of ghrelin. In HL-1 cells and primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, des-G but not ghrelin increased insulin-induced translocation of glucose transporter-4 from nuclear to cytoplasmic compartments (immunohistochemistry and quantitative confocal analysis). AKT was phosphorylated by insulin but not affected by ghrelin or des-G, whereas neither AMP-activated protein kinase nor phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 was phosphorylated by any treatments. HL-1 and primary-cultured mouse and rat cardiomyocytes each possessed two independent specific binding sites for des-G not recognized by ghrelin (radioreceptor assays). Neither ghrelin nor des-G affected viability (dimethylthiazol diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays), whereas both isoforms were equally protective against apoptosis. Therefore, in cardiomyocytes, des-G binds to specific receptors and has effects on glucose and medium-chain fatty acid uptake that are distinct from those of ghrelin. Real-time PCR indicated that expression levels of ghrelin O-acyltransferase RNA were comparable between HL-1 cells, human myocardial tissue, and human and murine stomach tissue, indicating the possibility of des-G conversion to ghrelin within our model.
Functional Differentiation of Uterine Stromal Cells Involves Cross-Regulation between Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 and Krüppel-Like Factor (KLF) Family Members KLF9 and KLF13
Authors: Pabona John Mark P. , Zeng Zhaoyang , Simmen Frank A. , Simmen Rosalia C. M.
Published: April 2010

The inability of the uterine epithelium to enter a state of receptivity for the embryo to implant is a significant underlying cause of early pregnancy loss. We previously showed that mice null for the progesterone receptor (PGR)-interacting protein Krüppel-like factor (KLF) 9 are subfertile and exhibit reduced uterine progesterone sensitivity. KLF9 expression is high in predecidual stroma, undetectable in decidua, and enhanced in uteri of mice with conditional ablation of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2). Given the individual importance of KLF9 and BMP2 for implantation success, we hypothesized that the establishment of uterine receptivity involves KLF9 and BMP2 functional cross-regulation. To address this, we used early pregnant wild-type and Klf9 null mice and KLF9 small interfering RNA-transfected human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) induced to differentiate under standard conditions. Loss of KLF9 in mice and HESCs enhanced BMP2 expression, whereas recombinant BMP2 treatment of HESCs attenuated KLF9 mRNA levels. IGFBP1 and KLF9-related KLF13 expression were positively associated with BMP2 and inversely associated with KLF9. Prolonged, but not short-term, knockdown of KLF9 in HESCs reduced IGFBP1 expression. Mouse uterine Igfbp1 expression was similarly reduced with Klf9 ablation. PGR-A and PGR-B expression were positively associated with KLF9 in predecidual HESCs but not decidualizing HESCs. KLF13 knockdown attenuated BMP2 and PGR-B and abrogated BMP2-mediated inhibition of KLF9 expression. Results support cross-regulation among BMP2, KLF9, and KLF13 to maintain progesterone sensitivity in stromal cells undergoing differentiation and suggest that loss of this regulatory network compromises establishment of uterine receptivity and implantation success.
Developmental Hypothyroidism Increases the Expression of Kainate Receptors in the Hippocampus and the Sensitivity to Kainic Acid-Induced Seizures in the Rat
Authors: Giné Elena , Morales-Garcia Jose Angel , Perez-Castillo Ana , Santos Angel
Published: April 2010

Thyroid hormones are essential for normal brain development, and multiple alterations at behavioral, cognitive, cellular, and molecular levels have been described in animals made hypothyroid during development. Here we analyzed the effect of developmental hypothyroidism in the rat on the sensitivity to kainic acid-induced limbic seizures and the expression of kainate receptors in the hippocampus. Our results show that hypothyroid rats are extremely sensitive to the proconvulsant and neurotoxic effects of kainic acid (KA). Hypothyroid rats entered in status epilepticus at a dose of KA three times lower than that required to reach status epilepticus in control animals. In accordance with this, high levels of glial activation and neuronal loss after low KA dose injections were observed only in the hippocampus of hypothyroid rats. These effects correlated with an increased expression of kainate receptor subunits, excluding GluR5, in the hippocampus of hypothyroid animals. The concentrations of GluR6, GluR7, KAR1, and KAR2 (ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits of the kainic acid subtype) mRNAs were increased between 50 and 250% in hypothyroid animals relative to the values in controls. In agreement with these results, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis showed a clear increase in the hippocampal content of GluR6/7 proteins in hypothyroid animals.
Frailty, Serum Androgens, and the CAG Repeat Polymorphism: Results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study
Authors: Travison Thomas G. , Shackelton Rebecca , Araujo Andre B. , Morley John E. , Williams Rachel E. , Clark Richard V. , McKinlay John B.
Published: April 2010

Context: The CAG repeat polymorphism in the androgen receptor, denoted (CAG)n, is thought to (inversely) index androgen sensitivity. We hypothesized that (CAG)n would exhibit a modifying influence on the association between circulating total and calculated free testosterone (TT and FT) and physical frailty in aging men.

Objective: The objective of the study was to establish the influence of (CAG)n on the relation between circulating TT, FT, LH, SHBG, and frailty.

Design: This was a prospective cohort study of health and endocrine functioning in randomly selected men, with a baseline (T1: 1987–89) and two follow-up (T2: 1995–1997; T3: 2002–2004) visits.

Setting: This was an observational study of men residing in greater Boston, MA.

Participants: A total of 624 subjects aged 50–86 yr were retained.

Main Outcome Measures: The frailty phenotype was measured at T3. Components included weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, weakness, and slowness. Subjects exhibiting two of these five components were considered to be in an intermediate state, and those exhibiting three or more were considered frail.

Results: (CAG)n was positively associated with TT and FT. Multivariable regression analyses revealed no influence of CAG on longitudinal within-subject changes in hormone levels or cross-sectional (T3) associations between hormone concentrations and the prevalence of intermediate frailty or frailty. Models incorporating subjects’ history of hormone decline produced similar negative results.

Conclusions: This population-based study does not support the hypothesis that interindividual differences in (CAG)n can account for a lack of association between circulating androgens and the frailty phenotype. Longitudinal analyses are needed to confirm these conclusions.
Evaluation of international recruitment of health professionals in England
Authors: Young Ruth , Noble Jenny , Mahon Ann , Maxted Mairead , Grant Janet , Sibbald Bonnie
Published: April 2010

Objectives:

To explore whether a period of intensive international recruitment by the English National Health Service (NHS) achieved its objectives of boosting workforce numbers and to set this against the wider costs, longer-term challenges and questions arising.

Methods:

A postal survey of all pre-2006 NHS providers, Strategic Health Authorities and Deans of Postgraduate Medical Education obtained information on 284 (45%) organizations (142 completed questionnaires). Eight subsequent case studies (74 interviews) covered medical consultant, general practitioner, nurse, midwife and allied health professional recruitment.

Results:

Most respondents had undertaken or facilitated international recruitment between 2001 and 2006 and believed that it had enabled them to address immediate staff shortages. Views on longer-term implications, such as recruit retention, were more equivocal. Most organizations had made only a limited value-for-money assessment, balancing direct expenditure on overseas recruitment against savings on temporary staff. Other short and long-term transaction and opportunity costs arose from pressures on existing staff, time spent on induction/pastoral support, and human resource management and workforce planning challenges. Though recognized, these extensive ‘hidden costs’ for NHS organizations were harder to assess as were the implications for source countries and migrant staff.

Conclusions:

The main achievement of the intensive international recruitment period from a UK viewpoint was that such a major undertaking was seen through without major disruption to NHS services. The wider costs and challenges meant, however, that large-scale international recruitment was not sustainable as a solution to workforce shortages. Should such approaches be attempted in future, a clearer upfront appraisal of all the potential costs and implications will be vital.
An antisense microwalk reveals critical role of an intronic position linked to a unique long-distance interaction in pre-mRNA splicing
Authors: Singh Natalia N. , Hollinger Katrin , Bhattacharya Dhruva , Singh Ravindra N.
Published: April 2010

Here we report a novel finding of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) microwalk in which we examined the position-specific role of intronic residues downstream from the 5′ splice site (5′ ss) of SMN2 exon 7, skipping of which is associated with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant mortality. Our results revealed the inhibitory role of a cytosine residue at the 10th intronic position (10C), which is neither conserved nor associated with any known splicing motif. Significance of 10C emerged from the splicing pattern of SMN2 exon 7 in presence of a 14-mer ASO (L14) that sequestered two adjacent hnRNP A1 motifs downstream from 10C and yet promoted SMN2 exon 7 skipping. Another 14-mer ASO (F14) that sequestered both, 10C and adjacent hnRNP A1 motifs, led to a strong stimulation of SMN2 exon 7 inclusion. The inhibitory role of 10C was found to be tightly linked to its unpaired status and specific positioning immediately upstream of a RNA:RNA helix formed between the targeting ASO and its intronic target. Employing a heterologous context as well as changed contexts of SMN2 intron 7, we show that the inhibitory effect of unpaired 10C is dependent upon a long-distance interaction involving downstream intronic sequences. Our report furnishes one of the rare examples in which an ASO-based approach could be applied to unravel the critical role of an intronic position that may not belong to a linear motif and yet play significant role through long-distance interactions.
Circle configurations in strictly convex normed planes
Authors: Spirova Margarita
Published: April 2010

We present extensions of results of P. J. Kelly [Amer. Math. Monthly 57: 677–678, 1950] on the so-called re-entrant property of circles in strictly convex normed (or Minkowski) planes, and also further properties of circles, well known for the Euclidean plane, are generalized for all strictly convex Minkowski planes. More precisely, we present “Minkowskian analogues” of the philosophical symbol Yin-Yang, of the Arbelos, a special case of the famous Apollonius problem on circles touching each other, and one of the Sangaku-circles problems (coming from the Japanese Temple Geometry). The latter is remarkable since the consideration of this type of problems in the Euclidean plane requires the use of inversion or of the Pythagorean Theorem (i.e., of tools having no analogues in normed planes). Finally we observe that a strictly convex normed plane which, in addition, is smooth can be considered as a flat Möbius plane where, for example, Apollonius' problem is solved.
Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure in non-valvular atrial fibrillation – review of literature and own experiences
Authors: Fontos Géza , Andréka Péter , Temesvári András , Wéber Dóra , Szatmári András
Published: April 2010

Nonvalvularis pitvarfibrillációban szenvedő betegek esetén az orális antikoaguláns kezelés stroke-prevenciós hatékonysága egyértelműen bizonyított. Ezen betegek nem elhanyagolható hányada számára azonban a magas thromboemboliás kockázat ellenére sem kivitelezhető a hosszú távú antikoaguláns kezelés. Elsősorban ennek köszönhető, hogy napjainkban egyre inkább az alternatív kezelési stratégiák kerülnek az érdeklődés homlokterébe. Nonvalvularis pitvarfibrillációban a thrombusképződés leggyakoribb helye a bal pitvari fülcse. Az európai piacon jelenleg két perkután fülcsezáró eszköz érhető el: Watchman LAA System (Atritech Inc.) és az Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (AGA Medical Corporation). Bár a közelmúltban zárult klinikai vizsgálatok (PLAATO, PROTECT AF) szerint a perkután bal pitvari fülcsezárás elfogadható biztonságossági profil mellett csökkenti a hosszú távú stroke-kockázatot, a rendelkezésünkre álló adatok még korlátozottak. Jelenleg ezek a beavatkozások a nonvalvularis pitvarfibrillációban szenvedő magas stroke-kockázatú betegek azon csoportja számára jelenthetnek elfogadható megoldást, akiknél az orális antikoaguláns terápia nem alkalmazható vagy az optimális hatékonyság nem elérhető. A Gottsegen György Országos Kardiológiai Intézetben 2010. január 28-án, Magyarországon elsőként, három, nonvalvularis pitvarfibrillációban szenvedő betegünknél végeztünk sikeres perkután bal pitvari fülcsezárást.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Effects of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate versus Conjugated Equine Estrogen After Premenopausal Hysterectomy with Bilateral Ovariectomy
Authors: Kalyan Shirin , Hitchcock Christine L. , Sirrs Sandra , Pudek Morris , Prior Jerilynn C.
Published: April 2010

Study Objective. To compare the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) with those of conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) as single‐hormone therapies in women who underwent hysterectomy with bilateral ovariectomy.

Design. Secondary analysis of a 12–month, double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐therapy trial.

Setting. Four teaching hospitals and one community hospital in Vancouver, Canada.

Participants. Thirty‐three healthy women who underwent premenopausal hysterectomy with bilateral ovariectomy.

Intervention. Subjects received either MPA 10 mg/day (18 women) or CEE 0.6 mg/day (15 women) for 12 months, started immediately after hysterectomy with bilateral ovariectomy.

Measurements and Main Results. Lipid profiles (high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL], total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglyceride levels), homeostatic measures (hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose level), hormone levels (free and bioavailable testosterone, cortisol, sex hormone‐binding globulin [SHBG], and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein [CRP] and serum albumin levels), and anthropometric measures (body mass index [BMI], truncal fat, and total body fat) were assessed over the 12–month period. After 12 months, the women assigned to MPA had lesser increases in BMI (p=0.04), triglyceride (p=0.003), HDL (p<0.0005), SHBG (p<0.0005), total testosterone (p=0.003), and CRP values (p=0.01) and higher serum albumin levels (p<0.0005) compared with the women receiving CEE.

Conclusion. Therapy with CEE, but not MPA, after surgical menopause appears to predispose healthy women to low‐grade inflammation, as evidenced by its independent associations with elevated CRP and reduced albumin levels. In women treated with MPA, the favorable levels of inflammatory markers, BMI, and triglyceride levels need to be confirmed in larger controlled trials, as progesterone therapy may provide a safe and effective alternative to estrogen for vasomotor symptoms in women with surgical menopause.
The Road Not Taken and Choices in Radiation Oncology
Authors: Coleman C. Norman , Glatstein Eli
Published: April 2010

Accomplishments and contributions in a career in radiation oncology, and in medicine in general, involve individual choices that impact the direction of a specialty, decisions in patient care, consequences of treatment outcome, and personal satisfaction. Issues in radiation oncology include: the development and implementation of new radiation treatment technology; the use of multimodality and biologically based therapies; the role of nonradiation “energy” technologies, often by other medical specialties, including the need for quality assurance in treatment and data reporting; and the type of evidence, including appropriate study design, analysis, and rigorous long-term follow-up, that is sought before widespread implementation of a new treatment. Personal choices must weigh: the pressure from institutions—practices, departments, universities, and hospitals; the need to serve society and the underserved; the balance between individual reward and a greater mission; and the critical role of personal values and integrity, often requiring difficult and “life-defining” decisions. The impact that each of us makes in a career is perhaps more a result of character than of the specific details enumerated on one's curriculum vitae. The individual tapestry weaved by choosing the more or less traveled paths during a career results in many pathways that would be called success; however, the one path for which there is no good alternative is that of living and acting with integrity.
Reminiscences
Authors: Glatstein Eli
Published: April 2010

The author reminisces about his training and career as a radiation oncologist.
The combined usage of ground waste glass with an industrial by-product in manufacturing Portland cement mortar
Authors: Yilmaz A. , Degirmenci N.
Published: April 2010

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possibility of using a combination of ground waste glass and fly ash as a replacement for Portland cement in the manufacture of mortar. Ground waste glass with an average particle size of 100 μm was used as cement replacement with a class C fly ash. The influence of waste glass and fly ash combination on the physical properties of cement paste such as the initial and final setting time, volume expansion and water requirement for normal consistency were investigated. The compressive and flexural strength measurements were conducted on the mortar samples at ages of 2, 7, 28 and 56 days. The effect of high temperature at 300, 600 and 900°C on the mortar samples was also investigated. Results indicate that cement paste containing the combination of waste glass and fly ash showed longer setting times than the reference Portland cement. The mortars demanded slightly more water mainly due to the high fineness of the fly ash. It was found that the replacement of Portland cement by a combination of waste glass and fly ash had no remarkable effect on the volume expansion. The mortars containing 5% waste glass + 5% fly ash and 5% waste glass + 10% fly ash satisfy the requirement of strength class 42·5 of the related standard.
Pelletisation of fly ashes as a lightweight aggregate
Authors: Derun E.M. , Tugrul N. , Lkhagva T. , Piskin S.
Published: April 2010

This study investigated the use of solid waste fly ash in the production of lightweight concrete. Fly ash is an industrial waste obtained from the coal-fired thermal generating power plant and it is used in the production of additive construction materials. In Turkey more than 15 million tonnes of fly ash is produced each year, but only a small amount is utilised. The industrial waste fly ashes used in this study came from the power plant at Iskenderun Sugozu, Cayirhan, Tuncbilek and Seyitomer. Lightweight aggregate manufactured from the fly ash and Na-bentonite was used in a pelletisation process. The lightweight concrete manufactured from fly ash aggregate was analysed in terms of the slump and density of fresh concrete and the density, compressive strength and tensile splitting strength of hardened concrete. In the present study, the effects of fly ash aggregates from different power plant when used for lightweight concrete production purposes were investigated and the results obtained were quite satisfactory for the related design requirements.
Briefing: EPS – alternative to traditional fill materials
Authors: Walker A.
Published: April 2010

The complex and varied regional ground structure within the UK often poses a challenge to the construction industry. Settlement is an issue on many projects, particularly in areas with alluvial deposits and on land that has weak underlying subsoils. For many engineers, expanded polystyrene is providing an alternative to traditional fill materials, reducing vertical and horizontal stresses in the underlying soil structure and leading to more stable foundations
Sustainable masonry mortar for brick joint and plaster in the UK
Authors: Oti Jonathan E , Kinuthia J. K. , Bai J.
Published: April 2010

Blended mixtures of ground granulated blastfurnace slag and Portland cement were used in making sustainable masonry mortars suitable for brick joints and for plastering, with Portland cement mortar as control. The testing programme included the determination of a relationship between the mortar flow value and mortar water demand for a wide range of mix compositions. The mortar tensile strength is not a very critical property due to the fact that brickwork mortar is not usually under tension when in service; however, this parameter was determined in the laboratory using a standard briquet towing/testing machine. Chemical durability of the control and blended mortar in aggressive sulfate-bearing exposure conditions was investigated. The relationship between compressive strength of the mortar cured in water and in sodium sulfate solution at room temperature (20 ± 2°C) for from 3 to 120 days was established. The results demonstrated that after a prolonged period of exposure, significant strength and weight loss in the control mortar was observed. This phenomenon is explained, due to calcium hydroxide production as a consequence of Portland cement hydration, change in mortar morphology, inhibition of reaction species and the final disruption of the mortar matrix, resulting in loss of strength and weight at late age. The results obtained suggest that ground granulated blastfurnace slag can be incorporated into Portland cement for the development of sustainable and durable mortars in the UK.
Childhood Predictors of Teen Dating Violence Victimization
Authors: Maas Carl D. , Fleming Charles B. , Herrenkohl Todd I. , Catalano Richard F.
Published: April 2010

Most research on predictors of teen dating violence (TDV) has used cross-sectional data, which weakens predictive modeling and hypothesis testing analyses. This study uses prospective and retrospective longitudinal data on a community sample to examine previously identified predictors of TDV victimization and pathways from childhood risk and protection to TDV victimization. Data are from 941 participants in the Raising Healthy Children project. For girls, a multivariate path model indicated that higher levels of bonding to parents and social skills protected against TDV victimizations, partly by reducing early adolescent alcohol use. For boys, there was an indirect path from childhood bonding to parents to TDV victimization through early adolescent externalizing behavior.
Seasonal Responses of Extracellular Enzyme Activity and Microbial Biomass to Warming and Nitrogen Addition
Authors: Bell Terrence H. , Klironomos John N. , Henry Hugh A. L.
Published: April 2010

Soil microbial responses to climate warming in temperate regions may interact with the effects of increased atmospheric N deposition. In addition, the combined effects of these factors on microbial activity during the plant growing season may differ from the effects over winter, when reduced plant soil C inputs and soil freezing can alter microbial nutrient availability and demand. We examined seasonal changes in soil extracellular enzyme activity (EEA), microbial biomass C and N, and soil fungal and bacterial content in a warming and N addition experiment in a temperate old field. For EEA, we examined both hydrolases (organic C degrading enzymes, a chitinase and phosphatase) and ligninases (phenol oxidase and peroxidase). While both hydrolase and ligninase activities exhibited significant seasonal variation, EEA was unresponsive to the experimental treatments. Microbial biomass C increased with warming year round, however, and microbial biomass N increased with N addition but only over summer. Despite increased microbial biomass in response to warming, phosphatase was the only enzyme that exhibited a significant change in specific activity (enzyme activity per unit of microbial biomass) in response to warming. Likewise, soil fungal and bacterial biomass varied seasonally, but treatment effects on these variables were minimal. Overall, while the effects of N addition on microbial N varied seasonally, microbial responses were relatively insensitive to the warming and N addition treatments in our experiment. This insensitivity was unexpected given the large treatment effects on plant productivity and soil N dynamics documented during the same time frame in the field experiment.
The Role of Subsurface Flow in Hillslope and Stream Bank Erosion: A Review
Authors: Fox Garey A. , Wilson G. V.
Published: April 2010

Sediment is one of the most common causes of stream impairment. Great progress has been made in understanding the processes of soil erosion due to surface runoff and incorporating these in prediction technologies. In many landscapes, however, the dominant source of sediment is derived from mass wasting of hillslopes and stream banks, potentially driven by subsurface flow. We highlight the mechanisms and importance of subsurface flow processes in erosion associated with hillslopes and stream banks. Subsurface flow affects erosion directly by seepage and pipe flow processes and indirectly by the relationship of soil properties with soil water pressure. Seepage contributes to erosion through interrelated mechanisms: hydraulic gradient forces that reduce the resistance of the particle to dislodging from the soil matrix and particle mobilization when soil particles become entrained in exfiltrating water. Preferential flow through soil pipes results in internal erosion of the pipe, which may produce gullies by tunnel collapse. The eroded material can clog soil pipes, causing pore water pressure buildup inside the pipes that can result in landslides, debris flows, embankment failures, or reestablishment of ephemeral gullies. Research in the past decades has advanced our understanding of these processes, leading to mathematical relationships that can be incorporated into mechanistic, process‐based models. Further research advances are necessary, however, especially on the complexity of the interactive effects of surface flow, seepage, pipe flow, and vegetation on soil erosion properties. More information is needed on the extent that subsurface flow contributes to hillslope and stream bank erosion. We believe that multidisciplinary efforts between soil scientists, geotechnical engineers, hydraulic engineers, and hydrologists are necessary to fully understand and integrate subsurface flow and soil erosion processes in simulation tools.
PMU's Main Requirements
Authors: Hernandez Blanca V. , Ramirez Juan M , Morales Eric , Cortes Raul A
Published: April 2010

This paper details the main requirements that must be taken into account to assemble a phasor unit measurement (PMU) for research and educational purposes. The device's main elements are described showing their interrelationship. Likewise, details about the most important functions are exposed. Results exhibit the suitability of the proposition according to the standard.
The Transcription Factor Rfx3 Regulates β-Cell Differentiation, Function, and Glucokinase Expression
Authors: Ait-Lounis Aouatef , Bonal Claire , Seguín-Estévez Queralt , Schmid Christoph D. , Bucher Philipp , Herrera Pedro L. , Durand Bénédicte , Meda Paolo , Reith Walter
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE

Pancreatic islets of perinatal mice lacking the transcription factor Rfx3 exhibit a marked reduction in insulin-producing β-cells. The objective of this work was to unravel the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this deficiency.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Immunofluorescence studies and quantitative RT-PCR experiments were used to study the emergence of insulin-positive cells, the expression of transcription factors implicated in the differentiation of β-cells from endocrine progenitors, and the expression of mature β-cell markers during development in Rfx3−/− and pancreas-specific Rfx3-knockout mice. RNA interference experiments were performed to document the consequences of downregulating Rfx3 expression in Min6 β-cells. Quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), ChIP sequencing, and bandshift experiments were used to identify Rfx3 target genes.

RESULTS

Reduced development of insulin-positive cells in Rfx3−/− mice was not due to deficiencies in endocrine progenitors or β-lineage specification, but reflected the accumulation of insulin-positive β-cell precursors and defective β-cells exhibiting reduced insulin, Glut-2, and Gck expression. Similar incompletely differentiated β-cells developed in pancreas-specific Rfx3-deficient embryos. Defective β-cells lacking Glut-2 and Gck expression dominate in Rfx3-deficent adults, leading to glucose intolerance. Attenuated Glut-2 and glucokinase expression, and impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, were also induced by RNA interference–mediated inhibition of Rfx3 expression in Min6 cells. Finally, Rfx3 was found to bind in Min6 cells and human islets to two well-known regulatory sequences, Pal-1 and Pal-2, in the neuroendocrine promoter of the glucokinase gene.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that Rfx3 is required for the differentiation and function of mature β-cells and regulates the β-cell promoter of the glucokinase gene.
Reliability of Shoulder Internal Rotation Passive Range of Motion Measurements in the Supine Versus Sidelying Position
Authors: Lunden Jason B. , Muffenbier Mike , Giveans M. Russell , Cieminski Cort J.
Published: April 2010

Study Design

Clinical measurement, reliability.

Objective

To compare intrarater and interrater reliability of shoulder internal rotation (IR) passive range of motion measurements utilizing a standard supine position and a sidelying position.

Background

Glenohumeral IR range of motion deficits are often noted in patients with shoulder pathology. Excellent intrarater reliability has been found when measuring this motion. However, interrater reliability has been reported as poor to fair. Some clinicians currently use a sidelying position for IR stretching with patients who have shoulder pathology. However, no objective data exist for IR passive range of motion measured in this sidelying position, either in terms of reliability or normative values.

Methods

Seventy subjects (mean age, 36.8 years), with (n = 19) and without (n = 51) shoulder pathology, were included in this study. Shoulder IR passive range of motion of the dominant shoulder or involved shoulder was measured by 2 investigators in 2 positions: (1) a standard supine position, with the shoulder at 90° of abduction, and (2) in sidelying on the tested side, with the shoulder flexed to 90°.

Results

Intrarater reliability for supine measurements was good to excellent (ICC3,1 = 0.70–0.93) and for sidelying measurements was excellent (ICC3,1 = 0.94–0.98). Interrater reliability was fair to good for the supine measurement (ICC2,2 = 0.74–0.81) and good to excellent for the sidelying measurement (ICC2,2 = 0.88–0.96). The mean (range) value of the dominant shoulder sidelying IR passive range of motion was 40° (11° to 69°) for healthy subjects and 25° (−16° to 49°) for subjects with shoulder pathology.

Conclusions

For subjects with shoulder pathology, measurements of shoulder IR made in the sidelying position had superior intrarater and interrater reliability compared to those in the standard supine position. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(9):589–594. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3197
Differential Diagnosis and Physical Therapy Management of a Patient With Radial Wrist Pain of 6 Months' Duration: A Case Report
Authors: González-Iglesias Javier , Huijbregts Peter , Fernández-De-Las-Peñas César , Cleland Joshua A.
Published: April 2010

Study Design

Case report.

Background

Differential diagnosis for patients with radial wrist pain requires consideration of systemic disease, referred pain to the radial aspect of the wrist, and local dysfunction. The list of possible local dysfunctions should include De Quervain syndrome, as well as entrapment neuropathy of the superficial radial nerve.

Case Description

The patient was a 57-year-old man with right radial wrist pain of 6 months' duration. The referral diagnosis was De Quervain syndrome, but a previous course of electrophysical agents-based physical therapy management had been unsuccessful. The physical examination ruled out the cervical, shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints as possible sources of pain. In this case, the diagnosis of entrapment neuropathy of the superficial radial nerve, rather than De Quervain syndrome, was primarily based on the symptom provocation resulting from a modified radial bias upper limb nerve tension test. Based on this diagnosis, treatment consisted of active and passive exercises using neurodynamic techniques.

Outcomes

After 1 treatment session, the patient noted changes with regard to current pain intensity and function that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference and the minimal detectable change, respectively. After only 2 treatment sessions, the patient reported a complete resolution of symptoms and a full return to work.

Discussion

This case report critically evaluates the diagnostic process for patients with radial wrist pain and suggests neuropathy of the superficial sensory branch of the radial nerve as a differential diagnostic option.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(6):361–368. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3210
In Vivo Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Following Tendon Injury Promotes Repair During Granulation but Suppresses Decorin and Biglycan Expression During Remodeling
Authors: Fu Sai-Chuen , Hung Leung-Kim , Shum Wai-Ting , Lee Yuk-Wa , Chan Lai-Shan , Ho Grace , Chan Kai-Ming
Published: April 2010

Study Design

Bench research, cross-sectional.

Objectives

To determine if the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on matrix synthesis change at different stages of tendon healing.

Background

LIPUS is effective in promoting tendon healing by stimulation of matrix synthesis. The timing of initiation and duration of LIPUS treatment have been shown to affect its effectiveness to promote tendon healing, suggesting a change of tissue responses to LIPUS stimulation. Understanding how the cellular responses to LIPUS stimulation change during tendon healing is thus important.

Methods

In a rat model of patellar tendon donor site injury, a single sonication of LIPUS or mock sonication was delivered to the injured knee of the rats on the fourth, 14th or 28th day postinjury. Tendon samples were harvested at 4 hours and 24 hours after sonication and the mRNA expression of COL1A1, COL3A1, decorin, biglycan, and TGF-beta 1 was analyzed.

Results

The results showed that a single sonication of LIPUS increased COL1A1 and COL3A1 mRNA in healing patellar tendons when administered on the fourth or 14th day postinjury, but not when administered on the 28th day postinjury. Both decorin and biglycan mRNA were decreased by treatment with LIPUS on the 28th day postinjury. Our results showed that LIPUS enhanced collagen synthesis in vivo only during the granulation phase. Matrix remodeling may be affected by LIPUS with the suppressed expression of decorin and biglycan.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that LIPUS should be applied during the granulation phase but not during the remodeling phase, to promote tendon healing. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010:40(7):422‱429. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3254
A Comparison of Cervical Spine Mobilization Forces Applied by Experienced and Novice Physiotherapists
Authors: Snodgrass Suzanne J. , Rivett Darren A. , Robertson Val J. , Stojanovski Elizabeth
Published: April 2010

Study Design

Clinical measurement, cross-sectional.

Objectives

To compare cervical mobilization forces applied by physiotherapists and students, and the factors associated with forces for each group.

Background

Cervical spine joint mobilization is a common manual technique for treating patients with mechanical neck pain. But little is known about the forces applied during this technique. Potential variability between therapists may result from clinical experience or may be due to factors present in individuals prior to clinical practice exposure.

Methods

One hundred sixteen practicing physiotherapists and 120 physiotherapy students without clinical experience applied grades I through IV posteroanterior mobilization to the premarked C2 and C7 spinous and articular processes of 1 of 67 asymptomatic subjects. An instrumented table recorded applied forces (N), force amplitudes (N), and oscillation frequencies (Hz), and a custom device measured subjects' spinal stiffness (N/mm). Independent t tests were used to compare the forces applied by therapists and students, intraclass correlation coefficients were used to determine variability, and linear regression was used to establish factors associated with applied forces.

Results

Students' forces were generally lower (mean difference, 15.7 N for grades III and IV; P<.001) and applied with slower oscillation frequencies (0.12 Hz; P<.001) than therapists' forces. Similar factors were associated with applied forces for both groups: male gender and greater subject body weight were associated with higher applied forces, and greater C2 stiffness with lower forces. Having thumb pain was associated with lower applied forces for therapists but higher ones for students.

Conclusions

Students apply lower forces than therapists. Similar factors appear to affect applied forces regardless of clinical experience. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(7):392–401. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3274
Constrained Physical Therapist Practice: An Ethical Case Analysis of Recommending Discharge Placement From the Acute Care Setting
Authors: Nalette Ernest
Published: April 2010

Background and Purpose

Constrained practice is routinely encountered by physical therapists and may limit the physical therapist's primary moral responsibility—which is to help the patient to become well again. Ethical practice under such conditions requires a certain moral character of the practitioner. The purposes of this article are: (1) to provide an ethical analysis of a typical patient case of constrained clinical practice, (2) to discuss the moral implications of constrained clinical practice, and (3) to identify key moral principles and virtues fostering ethical physical therapist practice.

Case

The case represents a common scenario of discharge planning in acute care health facilities in the northeastern United States.

Methods

An applied ethics approach was used for case analysis.

Results

The decision following analysis of the dilemma was to provide the needed care to the patient as required by compassion, professional ethical standards, and organizational mission.

Discussion and Conclusions

Constrained clinical practice creates a moral dilemma for physical therapists. Being responsive to the patient's needs moves the physical therapist's practice toward the professional ideal of helping vulnerable patients become well again. Meeting the patient's needs is a professional requirement of the physical therapist as moral agent. Acting otherwise requires an alternative position be ethically justified based on systematic analysis of a particular case. Skepticism of status quo practices is required to modify conventional individual, organizational, and societal practices toward meeting the patient's best interest.
Numerical study on the evolution of stress distribution in cellular microstructures
Authors: Uehara Takuya
Published: April 2010

Stress generation and evolution in a cellular microstructure observed in the directional solidification process of a binary alloy system were simulated using a phase field model. The Ni–Cu system was chosen as a typical alloy, and two-dimensional simulations were carried out. The elastic stress induced by the volumetric contraction due to solidification was considered, and stress distribution in the solidified region was calculated. Results showed that a complex stress state is generated in the interfacial region, while it is homogeneous in the bulk solid. Under a condition causing the growing cells to coalesce, remarkably large stress was observed at the tip of the decayed cell, leading to a stress concentration around the liquid droplets and grooves subsequently generated. In order to show the effect of binary composition on the stress distribution, the dependence of Cu concentration on the elastic coefficient was considered, and simulations were carried out. Consequently, stress distribution in the bulk solid was observed along the cell boundaries, while no stress distribution was generated when this dependence was not taken into consideration.
Efficient and reliable finite element techniques for phase field models
Authors: Stiemer Marcus , Große-Wöhrmann André , Gladkov Slawa , Svendsen Bob , Spatschek Robert , Steinbach Ingo
Published: April 2010

In this work auto-adaptive finite-element techniques are presented that allow for quantitatively reliable numerical computation of phase field models. These techniques are based on goal oriented error estimation for finite elements with dual weighted residuals and algorithms for auto-adaptive mesh adaptation in space and in time. It is discussed for which kind of problems the computational overhead of such methods is expected to be justified by a sufficient reduction of the problem size.
Phase-field modelling of gas porosity formation during the solidification of aluminium
Authors: Carré A. , Böttger B. , Apel M.
Published: April 2010

The mechanical properties of aluminum cast products depend to a large extend on their specific material microstructure, but can be impaired by defects which appear at the solidification stage, e. g. hydrogen pores. In the present work, we focus on specific issues for the phase-field modelling of microporosity defect formation in aluminium casting connected to hydrogen bubbles. Because of the large differences in the specific volumes of the melt and gas phase, large volume changes have to be handled by the model. In order to take into account different molar volumes, a modification of a multicomponent/multiphase-field model is proposed. It is based upon volume fraction considerations including additional mass transport that allow for the pressure dependent volume expansion of hydrogen bubbles growing in the melt. Furthermore, it also considers the pressure dependency of the hydrogen solubility. A simulation of the microstructure formation for an Al7 % Si0.30 % Mg alloy using the standard phase-field model is shown to be in agreement with experiment. The modified phase-field formulation has been applied to pure aluminium containing hydrogen. The equilibrium state for a gas bubble in liquid aluminium and bubble formation during solidification have been simulated for different pressures.
Simulation of reaction-diffusion phenomena occurring between Ir coating and Ni–Al alloy substrate using phase-field model
Authors: Ode Machiko , Abe Taichi , Murakami Hideyuki , Yamabe-Mitarai Yoko , Onodera Hidehiro
Published: April 2010

It is very important to understand the development of the microstructure in the interdiffusion zone between coatings and superalloy substrates for designing bond coat materials. In this study, the reaction-diffusion phenomena in the Ir-coating/Ni – Al binary substrate system are simulated using the phase-field model. The thermodynamic database developed based on the CALPHAD method is directly incorporated in the simulation. The effect of coating thickness on the growth of the secondary precipitated -phase is discussed. In the case of a semi-infinite system, the thickness of the -phase increases proportionally with the square root of time. In the case of a thin (1 thick) coating, inconstant -phase growth is observed. It is suggested that the phase growth is related to the change in the -phase fraction, which is derived from a thermodynamic line calculation from the substrate composition to pure Ir.
Dual-scale phase-field simulation of grain growth upon reheating of a microalloyed line pipe steel
Authors: Schaffnit Philippe , Stallybrass Charles , Konrad Joachim , Kulgemeyer Axel , Meuser Heike
Published: April 2010

The austenite grain growth of a microalloyed steel was investigated via annealing experiments and phase-field simulations using the phase-field code Micress. The technique described in a previous work was enhanced and applied to an Nb, Ti microalloyed linepipe steel for the case of isothermal heat treatment between 1 050 and 1 200 °C. The input parameters for the phase-field simulations were deduced from physical models based on the results of isothermal holding experiments. A further improvement was the use of the software package MatCalc to simulate at a lower scale the coarsening of the pinning particles. The results of these simulations showed good agreement with the experimental results.
The Logic of Legislative Leadership: Preferences, Challenges, and the Speaker's Powers
Authors: RICHMAN JESSE
Published: April 2010

Principal agent theory implies that legislators will delegate power to a leader only when they need the leader's help and the leader can be expected to provide satisfactory help if granted power. This study is the first to evaluate the implied interaction between legislators' need for help and the degree to which legislators and leaders have similar preferences. By analyzing the Speaker's powers in the U.S. states, I arrived at three key conclusions. First, institutional leadership power responds to the interaction between preference alignment and policymaking challenges. Traditionally expected effects only appear when both alignment and challenges are relatively high. Second, professionalization causes weaker leadership powers. Finally, electoral competition correlates with stronger appointment, committee, and resource powers, but weaker procedural powers.
Biomass Pyrolysis: Comments on Some Sources of Confusions in the Definitions of Temperatures and Heating Rates
Authors: Lédé Jacques
Published: April 2010

Biomass pyrolysis is usually characterized on the basis of temperature and heating rate. Unfortunately, these parameters are badly defined in processing reactors as well as in laboratory devices. From the results of simplified models, the present paper points out the significant mistakes that can be made when assuming that the actual temperature and heating rate of reacting biomass particles are the same as those of the external heating medium. The difficulties in defining these two parameters are underlined in both cases of a heat source temperature supposed to be constant or to increase with time.